After closely examining captured T-34 tanks, the Heereswaffenamt (German Army Ordnance Department) requested both MAN and Daimler Benz to design a tank weighing no heavier than 35 tons, with sloped armour, a powerful main gun, and with large wheels carrying wide tracks to provide a stable and manoeuvrable vehicle. In short, they were requesting an improved version of the T-34. In fact, two other companies, Henschel and Porsche, had been investigating the matter as early as 1937 and. even though no significant advances had been made, some of the experiences gained were applied to the MAN and Daimler Benz projects. By the spring of 1942. two prototypes were ready. Testing of these resulted in the MAN version being chosen for immediate production with the addition of a Rheinmettal-designed turret, allowing Daimler to participate in the manufacturing process. The new battle tank was officially titled Panzerkampfwagen V Panther (Sd.Kfz. 171), having a classic configuration with the driving compartment in the front, a central fighting compartment and a rear-mounted engine.
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