The legendary Tiger tank was arguably Nazi Germany's most feared weapon on the battlefields of Europe & North Africa during WWII. With its heavy armor and powerful cannon, the massive Tiger easily dominated most confrontations against its opponents. The mere sight of a Tiger often terrorized Allied troops without firing a shot. Nevertheless, the mighty Tiger suffered its own share of shortcomings, and Allied forces eventually learned how to defeat it in combat.

In the years leading up to WWiI, the Germans began studying heavier tank designs to defeat the heavy French Char 2C and B1 tanks. These studies ultimately led to the development of the VK 36.01 prototype (built by Henschel) and the VK 45.01 prototype (built by Porsche). By this time, the Germans had been humiliated on the Eastern Front by the Soviet T-34 & KV-1 tanks, which proved the necessity for a heavier tank. After much competition and many changes along the way, the winner of the contract for a production vehicle was awarded to Henschel, whereas the Porsche prototypes were used to make the Sd.Kfz.182 Elefant/Ferdinand tank destroyers. Production of the Sd.Kfz.181 Tiger I began in May 1942 and lasted until August 1944, with continuous modifications & improvements being made throughout the entire production of 1347 units.