The Royal Tiger Tank of the German army was known by several names including: The Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf. B, Sonderkraftfahrzeug 182, Tiger II, Königstiger, and among the Western Allies, "King Tiger", and "Royal Tiger". It truly was huge even compared to today's standards.

It weighed an impressive 69 tonnes*. The Abrams M1A1 weighs 63 tonnes. In comparison, an M-36 weighed in at 28.6 tonnes and an M4 Sherman weighed 30.48 tonnes. The Royal King was more the twice the weight of either the M-36 or the M4!

The length of the Royal Tiger was 7.62M compared to the Abrams length of 7.92M.
The width of both tanks is comparable with the height advantage going to the King Royal.

It had a crew of five (5) with three (3) of the crew in the turret.

The armament of the Royal King included: an 88 mm KwK 43 L/71 and 1 coaxial 7.92 mm MG, 1 hull MG 7.92 mm, 1 commander's hatch MG 7.92 mm, although, it was not always installed.

The ammunition it carried included: 88 mm - 80 rounds (Porsche turret), 86 rounds (Henschel turret), 7.92mm - up to 5,850 rounds.

I have been unable to confirm any reports or photographic evidence that the frontal armor of the Royal Tiger was ever penetrated in combat. Damage and kills were generally accomplished from the rear or the side.

Sitting in an M4 or M36 TD and starring at a King Royal would have been the equivalent of starring at an Abrams M1A1 in size!




*1 tonne = 1000 kg (a metric measurement)