1. the German name for the Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris). See also Tiger.
2. the short name for the Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf. B Königstiger (King Tiger, Pzkw VI-B, Royal Tiger, SdKfz 182, Sonderkraftfahrzeug 182, Tiger II), a German tank, of World War II, which was derived from the Pzkw VI Tiger I. This combat vehicle weighed 68 tons, was protected by 185mm of frontal armor, and was armed with the 88mm KwK 43 L71.
Mechanical Maladies
The Königstigers were sent directly from factories into combat. As a result of the abandonment of post-production testing and preliminary trials; these tanks had numerous technical issues. Notably, the steering control would break down under the stress of the vehicle's weight. In addition, not only were the engines prone to overheating and failure, but they were also considered to be extremely fuel inefficient. Explained Henschel & Son's chief designer Erwin Adlers, "The breakdowns can be attributed to the fact that the Tiger II had to go straight into series production without the benefit of test results."