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When the Germans first encountered the Russian T-34 and KV-1, it had practically rendered the entire German panzer forces obsolete. Only the limited numbers of enemy tanks and the unconcentrated use of them by the Red Army prevented a total disaster for the Germans.
However German tank manufacturers were quick to respond to the threat. The experience led to the development of a new heavy tank, the Tiger I. But Germany could not wait for the heavy tank to complete. The Panther was introduced as an interim measure to counter the Soviet advantage and was largely copied from a captured T-34.
The initial versions of the Panther had many teething problems and suffered from mechanical unreliability. Improvements were made as suggested by battle hardened crews, which led to the D version and substantially improved G version. These variants had among other things upgraded armor, improved transmission, larger road wheels as well as a swivelling hatch for the commander. The main gun of the Panther was the technically advanced 75mm L71 cannon, which served as a basis for international gun advancements after the war ended.
Because of its many advanced and innovative features, the Panther is considered by many ordnance experts as the best combat vehicle during world war 2. More than 3640 units were produced up to the end of the war and a few units remained to defend Berlin during the last days.
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