8.8 cm Pak 43 (Panzerabwehrkanone 43)

The Pak 43, also known as the Panzerabwehrkanone 43 and Panzerjägerkanone 43, was an 88 mm anti-tank gun developed by Germany's Krupp in a contest with the Rheinmetall 8.8 cm Flak 41 anti-aircraft gun, used throughout World War II. It stood as the Wehrmacht's most formidable anti-tank weapon deployed in considerable quantities and was adapted to serve as the primary armament of the Tiger II tank, as well as the Nashorn, Elefant, and Jagdpanther tank destroyers, in varied configurations.

This enhanced 8.8 cm cannon featured a semi-automatic vertical breech mechanism that significantly mitigated recoil and allowed for electrical firing while mounted. Its trajectory remained remarkably steady up to 914 meters (1,000 yards), aiding gunners in targeting over longer distances with minimal need for adjustment. With outstanding penetration capabilities, the gun could penetrate the front armour of any Allied tank that participated in the conflict, including the Soviet IS-2 tanks and tank destroyers built on the IS chassis, at extensive ranges. The maximum range of the gun surpassed 15 kilometres (9.3 miles).