Comparing: VK 30.02 (M) vs. A-43

A medium tank, developed by the MAN company and designed as a 30-ton tank. Simultaneously, the Daimler-Benz company developed a competing project. On May 13, 1942, the two projects were submitted to the Ministry of Armaments and War Production. The MAN design was preferred, and the tank eventually entered service as the Pz.Kpfw. V Panther.

Developed at Factory No. 183 in 1941 under the designation A-43. The vehicle was to replace the T-34. The A-43 was conceived to feature a torsion bar suspension, a V-5 engine, a new transmission, a commander’s cupola, and front armor enhanced to 60 mm.