Comparing: Panther mit 8,8 cm L/71 vs. T-54 first prototype

Development of a modification of the Panther started in the spring of 1944. The new variant was to incorporate a newly designed Schmalturm turret. The new vehicle was designated the Panther Ausf. F. On January 23, 1945, it was reported that the 88-mm gun of the Tiger was mounted on the upgraded version of the new turret. A large number of hulls for the vehicle were manufactured, but the turret never saw production and existed only as a wooden model.

Developed at Factory No. 183 in 1944. It was based on the T-44, with many components modified to enhance the armor and armament of the new vehicle. According to one source, the first prototype was built at the end of 1944. However, some other sources mention another date—January 1945. The tank underwent trials in March and April 1945, but never entered mass production.