5 Most Useless Heavy Tanks of World War II

World War II pushed the boundaries of military technology, leading to the creation of some of the biggest tanks the world had ever seen. These behemoths were heavily armored and looked like indestructible forces on paper. However, their performance in battle often fell short of expectations due to a mix of engine problems and the fast-changing nature of warfare tactics. Here, we explore five heavy tanks that missed the mark during the war.

1. Jagdtiger

The Jagdtiger, also known as the Hunting Tiger, was a German tank destroyer that entered the battlefield with high expectations. Armed with a powerful 128mm gun, it was one of the most heavily armored combat vehicles designed, weighing a colossal 71 metric tons. However, it was plagued by the same engine issues as the Tiger II tank, making it slow and unreliable. The underpowered engine struggled with the tank’s massive weight, leading to frequent breakdowns. More of these behemoths were lost to mechanical failure than to enemy action. Despite plans to build 150 units, only about half were completed, highlighting its issues.

2. GW Tiger P

The GW Tiger P was another German creation, a self-propelled howitzer that tipped the scales at 58 metric tons. It boasted a modular design capable of carrying a 170mm cannon or a 210mm mortar, making it a flexible weapon on paper. There were even plans to equip it with an even larger 305mm mortar. However, its size and weight made it an easy target, and it suffered from reliability issues that limited its effectiveness. The GW Tiger P’s ambitious design could not compensate for the practical limitations of transporting and maneuvering such a massive vehicle on the battlefield.

3. 44M Tas

Hungary’s 44M Tas was an attempt to create a formidable heavy tank inspired by German technology. It packed thick armor and was equipped with a main gun of 75mm or larger, classifying it as a heavy tank under Hungarian military standards. However, it weighed less at 38 metric tons compared to other heavy tanks of its time, which led to it being classified incorrectly. Its design aimed to combine mobility with firepower and protection, but it was caught in the transition, ultimately not excelling in any specific area. It proved that even a well-armored tank could fall short if the overall design was not well-balanced.

4. TOG 2

The British TOG 2 was a throwback to an earlier era of war. Designed with World War I trench warfare in mind, its creators envisioned a super heavy tank capable of crossing difficult terrain and trenches. However, by World War II, the nature of combat had changed drastically, making the TOG 2’s concept outdated. Weighing 81 metric tons and equipped with strong armor, its size and slow speed made it impractical. The evolving warfare landscape demanded speed and maneuverability, which the TOG 2 could not provide, essentially making it a giant target rather than an asset.

5. A39 Tortoise

Lastly, the A39 Tortoise was a British attempt at building an assault tank designed to breach enemy fortifications. With a weight of 79 metric tons and armor nearly 9 inches thick, it was built to withstand heavy fire. However, its gargantuan size compromised its mobility and made it difficult to transport. These issues limited its practicality on the battlefield, where fast-moving and flexible tactics had become essential. The A39 Tortoise embodied the challenges of designing a tank that was both heavily protected and versatile, a balance that was hard to achieve with technology of the time.