The Jagdpanther originated from a tried-and-true German war time formula that saw the existing tank chassis of a combat tank developed for the dedicated tank-killing role. This provided for something of make-shift combinations of main guns and hulls (as in the Panzer III, Panzer IV and Tiger II tanks before it). However, what made this new German creation unique was that the Jagdpanther was a purpose-built tank-killer so specifications for such a system were fully met from the outset of design. The vehicle was put on display for German leader Hitler himself in 1943 and its appearance and promised specifications impressed the dictator so much that the initial name of "Panzerjager Panther" was soon revised to the more recognizable "Jagdpanther". The vehicle would appear on frontlines in early 1944 with Hitler managing a personal stake in its development.
On the battlefield, the Jagdpanther certainly earned its keep - appearing in limited quantities but changing the tide of engagements nonetheless. Adequate armor protection across the various types of Allied tanks was already an issue in the fielded M4 Shermans, Matildas, Valentines and Cromwells and the major punch of the 88mm main gun of the Jagdpanther only exacerbated the issue. Along the East Front with the Soviet Union, the Soviets could at least counter the Jagdpanther with their new IS-2 heavy tanks and their 122mm main guns. Jagdpanthers themselves could engage armored targets some 500 yards away and penetrate these with lethal efficiency - an amazing quality to say the least.
However, as the war moved into 1945, only 382 Jagdpanthers were produced - well below expectations and so few in number that their imprint in the war was limited. As the Allies progressed along all fronts, closing in more and more on the vital German production facilities, the terror of the Jagdpanther on the battlefield became less and less. Those that were in service were certainly a force to be reckoned with and - had it met its production goals - the mobile weapons platform would have continued to give Allied commanders something more to think about.
By the end of the war, a proposed Jagdpanther variant mounting a 128mm main gun was developed into a mockup but no further.
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