Comparing: VK 36.01 (H) vs. VK 30.01 (P) vs. VK 30.01 (H)

An experimental German WWII heavy tank developed by Henschel. The vehicle was a further development of the VK 30.01 (H) project and a stage in the design process for the Tiger. A total of eight chassis and one prototype were built in 1942. During the development, various technical solutions were trialed. Some of them later served as a basis for German heavy tank designs during the WWII. The chassis was also used in armored recovery vehicles.

The Porsche company developed the concept of a new vehicle in 1939. On March 5, 1941, after numerous approvals, the company prepared blueprints and, in July 1941, produced the hull from mild steel. The hull and chassis (with detachable equipment for trenching) passed performance trials. One wooden prototype of the turret and one wooden prototype of the hull were manufactured. In 1942, the project was discontinued in favor of new heavy tanks.

An order for developing the vehicle was placed on September 9, 1939. Over the course of its development, Henschel engineers actively used elements of the D.W. II project. The first two prototypes were ready in March 1942; another two were built by October the same year. Hulls of the prototypes underwent trials at the plant proving ground. After the trials, two prototypes were converted into heavy tank destoyers. Six turrets manufactured by the Krupp company were placed at the Atlantic Wall.