Panther Ausf. D. - Walkaround - Breda.

The Panther was developed in 1938 out of a project to replace the Panzer III and IV called the VK 20 series and design proposals were sent in by Krupp, Daimler Benz and MAN. The VK20 design was abandoned as the requirements increased to a vehicle weighing 30 tonnes after the German army encountered the Soviet T-34 and KV-1 tanks. This would lead to the VK (DB) design, which would resemble the T-34 in hull and turret and it would also be powered by a diesel engine. The two designs were reviewed from January to March 1942. The MAN design embodied a more conventional configuration, with the transmission and drive sprocket in the front and a centrally mounted turret. The driver could open this hinged port when not in a combat zone. This was perceived as a weak spot and was also a feature that took time to fabricate. Late D tanks would also have Zimmerit anti-magnetic mine paste applied in the factories. The early Panther tanks were