The Most Produced German Tank in World War II

During World War II, the German military produced numerous tanks, each with specific designs and purposes. Among them, the Maus and E100 were some of the most extravagant and ambitious projects. However, the question of which German tank was the most produced is a fascinating subject worth exploring.

Maus: The Gigantic Armor Project

Germany's Maus tank, known for its monstrous size, was one of the largest tank designs of World War II. Weighing in at 200 tons, the Maus was intended to be a super-heavy tank that would have dominated the battlefield. Only two hulls were produced, and only one turret was built for these hulls. One hull was used for weapon testing, while the other was used as a weight simulant for automotive testing.

During the advance of the Soviet forces, one of the Maus hulls was destroyed. Luckily, the turret was not seriously damaged and fell into Soviet hands. The Soviets mounted the turret on the remaining hull and sent both back to Russia, where they became museum exhibits.

End of the E100 Project

Close on the heels of the Maus development, the Germans started the E100, a slightly lighter variant at 140 tons. Only partially completed when the war ended, the E100 was shipped to Britain for further testing. After the testing, the vehicle was dismantled, never to be seen again on the battlefield.

The Panzer Legacy

When it comes to the Panzer tanks, Germany developed five versions during World War II. However, the most effective and widely used were the Pzkw III and Pzkw IV. In their numerous roles, the Pzkw tanks played a critical part in the war, embodying the technical prowess and tactical ingenuity of the Nazi war machine.

The T-34: The Champion of Production

Differentiating itself from the armor races, the T-34 tank stands out as the most-produced tank in history during World War II. With a count of 57,000 units, the T-34 surpassed all other tanks in sheer production numbers. Its design was so successful and its production so constant that it accounted for nearly 60,000 units built during the war.

Pzkw IV and Pzkw III: Bread and Butter Vehicles

Another contender for the title of most-produced German tank is the Pzkw IV. This tank, with its longevity and adaptability, saw over 10,000 units produced. However, the most numerous chassis in Nazi Germany's arsenal was that of the Pzkw III. By keeping the chassis in production even after the tank version was discontinued in 1942, over 15,000 vehicles (including other models on the same chassis) were produced. This adaptation turned the Pzkw III into an assault gun, known as the STG III, and even lighter variants such as the Sturmhaubitze 105.

In conclusion, while the Maus and E100 represented the pinnacle of German tank design ambitions, the historical records highlight the T-34 as the true champion of production. The Pzkw III and Pzkw IV tanks, despite their impressive numbers, fell short in comparison to the sheer production volume of the T-34. It is a testament to Soviet engineering and production efficiency that the T-34 remains the most produced tank in history.