Five completed Tiger II turrets, ready to be mounted on Tiger II chassis, were still at Henschel when occupied by American forces in late March 1945.

Tiger II turrets at Henschel Factory

Tiger II of Panzer Ersatz und Ausbildungs Abt. 500 (Replacement and Training Battalion 500) on the firing range. These Tigers are part of the first 47 units produced, which had the early-style turret.

Tiger II of Panzer Ersatz und Ausbildungs Abt. 500

This prototype vehicle is the Ardelt-Rheinmetall 8.8cm PaK 43 Waffenträger. The idea behind this weapon system was a self-propelled mount for the powerful but heavy 8.8cm antitank gun, as towed versions of this gun were too cumbersome for crews to move readily. The idea was that the gun could be dismounted if need be or used directly from this mobile plaform. Ardelt and Rheinmetall build the first prototype and tests were conducted in April, 1945 but it never saw operational service. 