Krupp developed the PaK43 in an attempt to produce an effective anti-tank gun, based on the hugely successful 88mm Flak 37 anti-aircraft gun. Their initial design used a purpose made cruciform mount that offered 360 degree rotation and was designated the PaK43. However manufacture was slow, so in an attempt to speed production, the gun was further developed to utilise existing artillery split trail carriages. The trailing arms were taken from the 105mm LeFH 18, while the wheels and brake assemblies were from the 150mm sFH 18. This new gun was designated Pak 43/41, with over 800 produced. The effectiveness of the 88mm weapon was beyond question, however with its weight of nearly 4.5 metric tons; the piece was challenging to handle in field conditions. The crews sarcastically used the unofficial title of "Barn Door" (Scheunentor in German) when referring to the gun. The problem of mobility was improved when the gun was mounted in the Nashorn/Hornise self-propelled tank hunter. Further development saw the Pak 43 also mounted in the Elephant and Jagdpanther.
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