KING TIGER TANK

 

 

 

 

is the 88mm used by flak in ww2 by german the same 88mm turret in king tiger tank?

ChatGPT said:

Great question! The 88mm guns used by the Germans during World War II—specifically in Flak (anti-aircraft) roles and in tanks like the Tiger II (King Tiger)—are related but not the same weapon.

Here's the breakdown:

1. 8.8 cm Flak 18 / 36 / 37 / 41 (Anti-Aircraft / Anti-Tank Guns)

• These were the famous anti-aircraft guns (Flak = Flugabwehrkanone).

• Originally designed for high-altitude air defense, but famously effective against tanks due to their high velocity.

• Caliber: 88mm (8.8 cm)

• The Flak 18/36/37 had a barrel length of L/56 (i.e., 56 times the caliber).

• The Flak 41 had a longer barrel (L/74), more powerful than earlier versions.

2. 8.8 cm KwK 36 L/56 (Tiger I Tank Gun)

• Derived from the Flak 36, adapted for tank use in the Tiger I.

• Very similar to the anti-aircraft version in terms of ballistics and power.

• Barrel length: L/56

3. 8.8 cm KwK 43 L/71 (Tiger II / King Tiger Gun)

• This is the gun used in the Tiger II (King Tiger).

• Not the same as the Flak 36/37 or the KwK 36.

• Much more powerful: longer barrel (L/71), higher muzzle velocity, better armor penetration.

• Derived from the PaK 43 (an anti-tank version), not the earlier Flak guns.

---

Summary:

• Same caliber (88mm)? ✅ Yes

• Same gun? ❌ No

• The King Tiger’s 88mm (KwK 43 L/71) was a newer, much more powerful gun compared to the earlier Flak 36/37 or Tiger I’s KwK 36.

Let me know if you'd like a comparison of their armor penetration or battlefield performance.