The German tank industry was spared from major strategic bomber attacks through 1943, and none of the Panther tank plants were significantly bombed until summer 1944. This aided in Panther production although the goal of 600 per month was never reached. However, the Allies realised that Panthers and Tigers were powered by Maybach engines, the Maybach plant was struck by the RAF on the night of April 27 and 28, 1944. This halted Maybach engine production for five months. Thankfully, a second source of engines from the Auto-Union (now Audi) plant at Siegmar was secured. To aid in production the Panther design was simplified. Such as a simplified side armour plate design, which also increased side armour protection from 40 to 50mm. Many small changes were also introduced, including redesigned hull crew hatches, a new traversable driver’s periscope mounting, and an improved power train cooling system. The Panther was one of the best tanks of WWII and its design helped post-war American, British and Russian tank designs. Its delicate transmission and the lack of certain alloys due to war shortages was the main reason its impact in battle was not as big as it could have been.
General Heinz Guderian sent in the following preliminary assessment of the Panthers in July 1943:
Due to enemy action and mechanical breakdowns, the combat strength sank rapidly during the first few days. By the evening of 10 July there were only 10 operational Panthers in the front line. 25 Panthers had been lost as total writeoffs (23 were hit and burnt and two had caught fire during the approach march). 100 Panthers were in need of repair (56 were damaged by hits and mines and 44 by mechanical breakdown). 60 percent of the mechanical breakdowns could be easily repaired. Approximately 40 Panthers had already been repaired and were on the way to the front. About 25 still had not been recovered by the repair service… On the evening of July 11, 38 Panthers were operational, 31 were total write-offs and 131 were in need of repair. A slow increase in the combat strength is observable. The large number of losses by hits (81 Panthers up to July 10) attests to the heavy fighting.
June 1943
