I'm wondering how good is the T-55 tank.
In a one-on-one battle between a Russian T-55 and German Tiger II (King Tiger), how would both tanks fare?
Will the German Tiger II's 88mm main gun be able to penetrate the Russian T-55's front armor?
88mm L71 could penetrate certain sides of the T-55.
http://www.wwiivehicles.com/germany/guns/88-mm.asp
Depends on the crew and battle conditions as always.
The M26 Pershing, a WWII American tank and the first American tank designated as "heavy" saw combat in Germany in the closing days of the war. One was lost when it was taken from the side by a Tiger I. Other Pershings easily demolished Panthers and Tiger I's from ranges at which the Panthers and Tiger I's could not successfully engage. The Pershing carried a high velocity, 90 mm rifled main gun, comparable to the 100 mm on the T-55.
Therefore, I suspect that a T-55 would have a distinct advantage over a Panther, Tiger I, and probably even a Tiger II. Though there is seldom a guarantee. Of course, one does need to consider that no M1 Abrams has ever been destroyed by an enemy tank. The British Challenger 2 is also undefeated in combat. I think that either one of them would pose a serious threat to any other tank on any battlefield.
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