The Pak 43 (Panzerabwehrkanone 43 and Panzerjägerkanone 43[2][3][4]) was a German 8.8 cm anti-tank gun developed by Krupp in competition with the Rheinmetall 8.8 cm Flak 41 anti-aircraft gun and used during World War II.

The 8.8 cm Flak 18/36/37/41 is a German 88 mm anti-aircraft and anti-tank artillery gun, developed in the 1930s. It was widely used by Germany throughout World War II and is one of the most recognized German weapons of the conflict. The gun was universally known as the Acht-acht ("eight-eight") by the Germans and the "eighty-eight" by the Allies.

The 8.8 cm KwK 43 (Kampfwagenkanone —"fighting vehicle cannon") was an 88 mm 71-calibre-length tank gun designed by Krupp and used by the German Wehrmacht during the Second World War. It was mounted as the primary armament on the Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf.

88-mm Pak 43/41 L/71 caliber length 6.36 meters (20.9ft, the ‘barn gate’) on spreader carriage, also with large range and penetration power, but high weight and only 56° degree horizontal traverse field of fire. Both guns fired armor-piercing ammunition and high-explosive shells.

To stay ahead of the evolving threat, Krupp engineers designed a new longer-barreled 88 with a higher muzzle velocity and a lower silhouette. The weapon was designated PaK 43 ( Panzerabwehrkanone , or “anti-tank gun”).

Dec 10, 2024 · As the “88” grew in fame, the weapon was redesigned as a specific anti-tank gun, the advanced (but expensive) Pak 43, and later the powerful but cumbersome Pak 43/41. The 88mm was mounted on several armored vehicles, including the greatly feared Tiger tank.

Jan 1, 2021 · The 88 earned its reputation as the best overall gun of the war. It was justifiably feared by Allied airmen, tankers, and foot soldiers because of its accuracy, lethality, and versatility. The weapon was deployed on German tanks, as an antitank gun, an assault gun, and for antiaircraft purposes.

88mm Pak 43/41, Made by Krupp 1943-1945. Two wheeled carriage was common for Russian Front assaults, also used in France and Italy. This 88mm German anti-tank gun is an 8,8 cm (“ Acht-Acht ”) Panzerabwehrkanone (Pak) 43/41 on the 2-wheeled carriage.

Often known simply as the “88,” the German 88 mm Flak series did more than offer protection against air attack. The “88” demonstrated substantial usefulness against ground targets as well, and inspired some of the deadliest guns used on German armored units and in anti-tank units.

The Pak 43, also known as the Panzerabwehrkanone 43 and Panzerjägerkanone 43, was an 88 mm anti-tank gun developed by Germany's Krupp in a contest with the Rheinmetall 8.8 cm Flak 41 anti-aircraft gun, used throughout World War II.