What is this VK 36 01 H?
First of all, we should mention that this VK 36 01 H is a prototype. Which means it was an experimental tank.
Origin
This VK 36 01 H was developed during the period of the second world war. This has been recognized as a heavy tank and this was developed through the previously produced tank, VK 30 01 H. So, the two tanks are somewhat similar to each other.
Evolution
As mentioned above, this was the next step from the German medium tank, VK 30 01 H. And then this tank led to another version named the VK 45.01 H.
Description
There was only one complete tank built. Some say that there were eight of these tanks. But as in the reports, they were just the chassis. Not the complete tanks.
Manufacturer
Somehow all of these chassis and the one complete tank were built by the manufacturing company, Henschel. This means the prototype of the VK 36 01 H was built by the Henschels. Not only the production and manufacture. But also, the design for the tank.
Why did they stop producing VK 36 01 H?
There were several reasons. But the main reason was the issue with the turret ring of the tank. It was too small to fit in with the rest of the armor.
Were not there any solutions?
There was. But they did not try them out. Because the company was too busy producing a war machine against the Soviet Union. And they could not find either time or resources for this tank. So, they terminated the project VK 36 01 H.
Built
As an average war tank, this VK 36 01 H tank did not have an exclusive point or a strong point. So, it is very likely that you could get killed if you use this tank as it is. So, there are some things we can do to ensure our safety when we are in this tank.
What are the safety methods?
First and the main thing is to angle the armor. It is a must if you want to survive. Because the armor of this tank is not inclined at all. So, you have to angle this armor from 300 to gain maximum protection.
Development of VK 36 01 H
So far it is not the best tank. But at a point, they changed that reputation to a good one. With patch 8.8, they managed to take out the best of this tank. This is where this medium tank turned into a heavy one. Not just a heavy tank. To a heavy war machine.
Cool fact about VK 36 01 H
This is the first step of building the great tank, Tiger l. They developed that legend from this VK 36 01 H.
Modules
Let us take a look at the available equipment and the modules of this tank.
Guns
There were four guns in this tank. Let us take a look.
7,5 cm Kw.K. 42 L/70
This gun had a penetration of 150 mm / 194 mm / 38 mm. And it could cause a damage of 135 p / 135 hp / 175 hp. The rate of fire was 13.64 and the dispersion was about 0.35 mm. This weighed 1740 kg and it took an aiming period of 2.3 seconds.
10,5 cm Kw.K. L/28
This gun had a penetration of 64 mm / 104 mm / 53 mm. And it could cause a damage of 350 p / 350 hp / 410 hp. The rate of fire was 7.5 and the dispersion was about 0.55 mm. This weighed 2100 kg and it took an aiming period of 2.3 seconds.
8,8 cm Kw.K. 36 L/56
This gun had a penetration of 145 mm / 194 mm / 44 mm. And it could cause a damage of 220 hp / 220 hp / 270 hp. The rate of fire was 8.7 and the dispersion was about 0.36 mm. This weighed 2050 kg and it took an aiming period of 2.3 seconds.
7,5/5,5 cm Waffe 0725
This gun had a penetration of 157 mm / 221 mm / 53 mm. And it could cause a damage of 135 p / 135 hp / 410 hp. The rate of fire was 14.29 and the dispersion was about 0.34 mm. This weighed 1740 kg and it took an aiming period of 2.3 seconds.
Engines
There were two engines in this tank. They were the Maybach HL 174 and the Maybach HL 150.
Classification of engines
| Engine | Engine power | Chance of fire on impact | Weight |
| Maybach HL 150 | 400 hp | 20 % | 850 kg |
| Maybach HL 174 | 500 hp | 20 % | 850 kg |
Radios
There were three radio units in this tank. They were FuG 5, FuG 7, and FuG 12. Let us take a thorough look at them.
Classification of radios
| Radio | Signal range | Weight |
| FuG 5 | 310 m | 50 kg |
| FuG 7 | 415 m | 70 kg |
| FuG 12 | 710 m | 150 kg |
Overall performance
This VK 36 01 H tank has gone under so many changes. And yet it did not prove to be one of the best tanks. It could. But it did not. Lack of attention from the specialists was the main reason behind this.
Transformation to a heavy tank
Originally the VK 36 01 H was a medium tank. At a point, they decided to transform this into a heavy tank. And all they expected was the best. But it was a failure.
Why was it a failure?
The armor could not get any better with the new update. It remained worthless. And when it comes to the gun choices, the 8,8 cm gun was a very poor choice they made. It reduced so much quality of the weaponry of the VK 36 01 H. and it had some serious storage issues too.
So, finally, we can say that the VK 36 01 H was a shameful waste.
