Lions Led By Donkeys Podcast Episode 9 - German Armor Fails of WWII Ft. Tom
Aug 14, 2018
In a captivating discussion, a U.S. Army officer reveals the truth behind German WWII armor. Explore the shift from revolutionary designs to impractical giants like the Panzer VIII Maus and Sturmtiger. Discover how myths of German tank superiority crumble against the reality of mechanical complexity and poor logistics. The T-34 emerges as a game-changer, highlighting the Allies' strategic edge. Plus, humorous anecdotes from #natsec Twitter add a light touch to this deep dive into military history.
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Escalation From Practical To Absurd
- German tank design went from pragmatic to increasingly oversized and impractical during WWII.
- Tom argues Hitler and armaments ministry encouraged ever-larger, less-sustainable vehicles.
T-34: Design Over Glamour
- The Soviet T-34 outclassed early German Panzer III/IV with sloped armor, bigger gun, and simpler mass production.
- Tom highlights T-34's design tradeoffs of effectiveness and manufacturability as decisive.
Power Vs. Practicality
- German heavy tanks like Panther and Tiger were powerful but over-engineered and unreliable in harsh terrain.
- Tom points out heavy weight and complex mechanics reduced operational effectiveness.
