7 of the Best Tank Destroyers of WII

During World War II, tanks often took center stage as the ultimate armored vehicles, but the rise of tank destroyers introduced a new dimension to battlefield tactics. These specialized vehicles were designed to counter the growing threat of heavily armored enemy tanks. While often overlooked, tank destroyers played critical roles in many battles. Here are seven of the most effective tank destroyers of WWII, each with unique designs and purposes.

Achilles (Great Britain)

The Achilles was the British version of the American M10 tank destroyer, modified to meet the demands of the European theater. It was equipped with the powerful 17-pounder anti-tank gun, a weapon capable of penetrating the thick armor of German Panther and Tiger tanks. To enhance its survivability, additional armor was added to the front and sides of the vehicle.

The Achilles was not designed for offensive operations but rather as a mobile anti-tank weapon, supporting infantry and halting enemy counterattacks. It proved its value during Operation Charnwood, part of the Normandy campaign, where British forces used it to destroy thirteen German tanks in one engagement. The combination of mobility, firepower, and strategic use made the Achilles a reliable asset for British forces.

Hetzer (Germany)

The Hetzer was a compact and cost-effective tank destroyer built on the chassis of the Czechoslovakian Panzer 38(t) light tank. Introduced in 1944, it featured sloped armor, which improved its ability to deflect incoming fire, and a 75 mm Pak 39 gun capable of destroying most Allied tanks of the time.

The Hetzer’s small size and low profile made it an excellent ambush vehicle. It was often deployed in defensive positions, where it could lie in wait for advancing enemy tanks. Despite its effectiveness, the Hetzer faced challenges when engaging heavier tanks like the Soviet IS-2, requiring precise positioning and careful tactics. It was widely used on the Eastern Front and remained in service until the war’s end.

M36 Jackson (United States)

As German heavy tanks like the Panther and Tiger became more prevalent, the United States developed the M36 Jackson to counter these threats. Armed with a powerful 90 mm gun, the M36 could engage and destroy German tanks from a distance. Its turret design allowed for greater flexibility in combat, although its armor remained relatively light compared to its adversaries.

The M36 was introduced in 1944 and quickly became a favorite among American crews. While its gun could not penetrate the frontal armor of the Tiger II, it was effective against the sides and rear of most German tanks. The M36 also saw significant use after the war, particularly in the Korean War, where it performed well against Soviet-designed tanks.

SU-152 (Soviet Union)

The Soviet SU-152 was initially developed as a self-propelled heavy artillery piece, but it proved to be an effective tank destroyer. Built on the chassis of the KV-1 heavy tank, it was armed with a massive 152 mm howitzer. While not specifically designed for anti-tank roles, its high-explosive shells could destroy even the heaviest German tanks by sheer blast force.

The SU-152 gained fame during the Battle of Kursk, where it successfully engaged Tiger and Panther tanks. Its simplicity and ease of production allowed the Soviet Union to deploy it in large numbers, making it a key component of their armored forces. However, its slow speed and large size made it vulnerable in certain situations, requiring careful tactical deployment.

Jagdpanther (Germany)

The Jagdpanther was one of Germany’s most formidable tank destroyers, combining the mobility of the Panther chassis with the powerful 88 mm Pak 43 gun. Introduced in 1944, it featured thick frontal armor and a well-sloped design, providing excellent protection against Allied fire.

The Jagdpanther excelled in long-range engagements, where its gun’s accuracy and power gave it a significant advantage. It was particularly effective in defensive operations, where it could dominate open fields and prevent Allied advances. However, its high production cost and mechanical complexity limited the number that could be fielded, reducing its overall impact on the war.

M18 Hellcat (United States)

The M18 Hellcat was the fastest tank destroyer of WWII, capable of reaching speeds up to 55 mph. It was designed to exploit its speed to outmaneuver enemy tanks and quickly reposition during battle. Armed with a 76 mm gun, the Hellcat could penetrate the armor of most German tanks from favorable angles.

Unlike other tank destroyers, the Hellcat relied on its mobility rather than heavy armor for survival. This made it highly effective in hit-and-run tactics, where it could strike quickly and retreat before the enemy could respond. Its speed and versatility made it a valuable asset in the European theater, particularly during the Battle of the Bulge.

Ferdinand/Elefant (Germany)

The Ferdinand, later renamed the Elefant, was a heavily armored tank destroyer built on the chassis of the Porsche Tiger tank prototype. Armed with the powerful 88 mm Pak 43 gun, it was capable of destroying enemy tanks at long ranges. Its thick armor made it nearly invulnerable to frontal attacks, but its lack of mobility and absence of a machine gun for infantry defense were significant drawbacks.

The Ferdinand saw its first action at the Battle of Kursk, where it achieved notable successes in tank-on-tank combat. However, its vulnerabilities were exposed during close-quarters engagements and against well-coordinated infantry attacks. Despite these shortcomings, the Ferdinand’s firepower made it a feared opponent on the battlefield.