VK3001(H) / VK3601(H)(Medium Tank / Heavy Tank)

On September 9 of 1938, Henschel received the permission to continue their work on new medium tank in continuation with DW development. Work on VK3001(H), which was further development of DW II, started. Two similar designs were created, lighter (32 tons) VK3001(H) and later on heavier (40 tons) VK3601(H). Both resembled Panzerkampfwagen IV in their hull design but their running gear was of a new design that consisted of overlapping road wheels. Medium VK3001(H) tank and heavy VK3601(H) tank had many common parts what would make their production and service much more easier.

VK3001(H) with concrete rings to simulate the weight of the turret.

Only four VK3001(H) prototypes were produced, two in March of 1941 and other two in October of 1941. All were completed in 1942 by Henschel. In the early 1942, one prototype VK3601(H) was build along with 5 prototype chassis. Originally, it was intended to mount VK3001(H) with a turret armed 75mm L/24 or 105mm L/28 gunm but none of the prototypes were actually fitted with turrets. VK3601(H) was to be armed with 75mm KwK 42 L/70 (Gerat 725), 88mm KwK 36 L/56 (mounted in VK4501(P) turret) or 105mm L/20 or L/28 gun, but just as VK3001(H), it was never armed with any weapons.

VK 3601(H) during tests.

Both designs were completed as prototypes but their further development was cancelled in 1942 in favour of the development of VK4501(H) - Tiger I. Turrets produced for both designs were never mounted and instead in 1944, 6 VK3001(H) turrets were used in permanent fortifications - Panzerstellung/Turmstellung of the Atlantic and West Wall. Their running gear which was later on modified and used a base for Tiger and Panther's running gear.

In March of 1941, two VK3001(H) were ready and from August of 1941 to March of 1942, were converted into 128mm Pak 40 L/61 gun carriers - Selbstfahrlafette 12.8cm. Other two prototypes that were completed in October of 1941, remained in Henschel's factory in Haustenbek and were used as recovery, training and test vehicles. VK3601(H) prototypes were used as recovery and towing vehicles.VK3001(H) and VK3601(H)'s design led to the subsequent development of Henschel's Tiger I.

Specifications