The Jagdpanther (Sd.Kfz. 173) was a German World War II tank destroyer, combining the powerful 8.8 cm Pak 43 gun—also used on the Tiger II—with the chassis of the Panther tank. Designed for long-range anti-tank combat, it featured thick sloped armor and strong mobility. Development began in late 1942, with a prototype shown to Hitler in October 1943. Production started in early 1944, and the vehicle entered service that same year on both Eastern and Western Fronts. However, limited wartime resources resulted in low production numbers, spare parts shortages, and rushed crew training. The Jagdpanther had a fixed casemate housing the long-barreled 8.8 cm gun, with 12° of horizontal traverse on either side. Armor included 80 mm on the upper front plate and 50 mm on the sides. A 7.92 mm MG 34 was mounted on the glacis for defense. Its five-man crew included a driver, radio operator/machine gunner, commander, gunner, and loader. With high firepower, strong armor, and Panther-based reliability, the Jagdpanther was among the most effective German tank destroyers of the war.