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 Panther PzKpfw V | |||
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 Panzerkampfwagen V "Panther" Ausf. A Sd.Kfz. 171 | |||
| Army |
Wehrmacht Ostheer Oberkommando West | ||
| Role | Heavy Anti-Armor Medium Tank | ||
| Unit Cost |
 490 185 18 | ||
| Upkeep per Minute |
−27 | ||
| Produced By | Heavy Panzer Korps | ||
| Build Time | 60 seconds | ||
| Primary armament | 7.5 cm KwK 42 L/70 | ||
| Secondary armament | 2x 7.92mm MG 34 | ||
| Primary armament damage | 160 | ||
| Primary armament penetration |
260 (near) 220 (far) | ||
| Firing Range | 50 | ||
| Sight Range | 35 | ||
| Health |
 960 | ||
| Armor |
Front: 260 Rear: 90 | ||
| Max. Speed | 6.6m p/s | ||
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Amazing frontal protection and a high velocity 75mm gun make the Panther deadly versus enemy armor.
Effective against all armored vehicles. Weak to infantry anti-tank.
History[]
The Panzerkampfwagen V "Panther", was a German medium tank used during the Second World War. First used in 1943 at the Battle of Kursk, it was designed as a direct counter to the Soviet T-34. Equipped with a 7.5cm Kwk 42 (L/70) gun and sloped armor, a first for German tank, making it a formidable foe on the battlefield. The Panther seen in game for the Wehrmacht is the Panther A variant.
Obtaining and Threats[]
The Panther wields similar mobility to that of the Panzer IV, but with increased armor and a more powerful gun with better armor penetration but less effectiveness against infantry, it serves as a hard counter to even the heaviest enemy armor. Whilst the tank has stronger armor, the sides and rear are still vulnerable. Meaning T-34's and other Allied medium tanks can still damage you if they successfully flank your Panther.
Despite it's greater armor, Soviet vehicles such as the SU-85 and T-34/85 remain a large threat on the battlefield. As they can penetrate your frontal armour with relative ease. The same applies for the IS-2 and ISU-152. But they will nearly almost always penetrate the armor and do even more damage. If you see an IS-2 or ISU-152 equipped Soviet commander, be wary of your Panthers, as they will often be targeted.
Most other vehicles will easily fall victim to your Panthers, but some should still be watched for. The American M36 and M10 tank destroyers have good range and relatively good penetration, making them threats to your Panther. A pack of M10's will quickly overwhelm a lone panther and you will most likely lose the tank. The M26 Pershing poses a great threat too, as its 90mm gun will slice into your tank like hot knife through butter. Not to mention the Pershings strong armour preventing much damage being returned, despite it having less health than most heavy tanks. Even M4A3E8 Shermans with their 76mm cannon and low accuracy penalties while moving can be a problem. Some British tanks pose an immediate threat to Panthers: The Sherman Firefly and the Comet. the Firefly is equipped with a 17 pounder gun and the Comet having a high-velocity 77mm gun, they both can penetrate the frontal armour most of the time. The Churchill Mk. VII also has a formidable 75mm gun that performs somewhat worse than the other to mentioned British tanks but still has a good chance to penetrate frontal armour.
Tactics, Strategies and Upgrades[]
The Panther is an excellent tank on its own, being able to handle medium and light tanks with relative ease, but heavier or more advanced tanks pose a greater challenge. Placing Panthers in groups of 2 or 3 are vicious, and can force retreats and kill tanks quickly. The downside to this is that Panthers are expensive, and losing your pack will hurt. If your team has a Tiger on the field, supporting it with Panthers works well, preventing the Tiger from being rushed. If you are short of fuel, but still have relatively good munitions, use infantry to bolster your attacks. Panzer Grenadiers armed with Panzerschreck's are a good choice, as they provide good AT whilst still holding a good infantry role. Better still is you have them pre made and vetted before you roll out your armour. With the right doctrine, the panther is arguably one of the best vehicles to hull down, granting it increased durability and excellent cannon range, rivaling most assault guns and tank destroyers; very deadly when it comes to defending chokepoints.
If you find you cannot support your Panther with infantry, upgrading to have a Pintle mounted MG42 is an effective means of dealing with infantry. However don't expect miracles, blobs will overwhelm a lone MG42 armed Panther and if armed with AT, will likely destroy it.
Overall, the Panther possesses strong armor, firepower and mobility. It can deal with all armored threats if micro managed properly. However, compared to the cheaper Panzer IV medium tank, the Panther is generally more specialized in its anti-armor role and will struggle with Infantry and AT guns. Generally in multiplayer, the Panzer IV is more cost effective in the primary medium tank role so the Panther is often only worth making if the enemy relies mainly on vehicles. Losing your Panther will come at a price too, as it isn't cheap. If you have the proper doctrine, use smoke canisters if necessary; they can often allow the expensive Panther to flee to fight another day.
When taking on heavy tanks and heavy assault guns, multiple panthers or a panther with proper support are recommended.
Abilities[]
Blitzkrieg Tactics[]
- Cost 30 to activate
- Requires Veteran 1.
- Cooldown 30 seconds
Tanks employ well-practiced Blitzkrieg tactics, fully utilizing the capacities of their vehicle to execute rapid maneuvers and thereby avoid enemy fire.
Prioritize Vehicles[]
- Activation: toggle ability
Attacks vehicles freely, but holds fire against infantry and structures unless given an explicit order to fire.
Panzer Tactician[]
- Requires Blitzkrieg Doctrine, Mobile Defense Doctrine, Elite Troops Doctrine, Festung Armor Doctrine, Fortified Armor Doctrine, Spearhead Doctrine
- Cost 30 to activate
- Activation: Direct
- Active for 8 seconds
- Cooldown: 30 seconds
The Panzer V is formidable but not invincible. If it is in trouble, popping smoke can often save it from destruction and a setback in resources. Or the Panzer V can use it to cover a retreat for friendly units.
Upgrades[]
Pintle-mounted MG 42[]
- Cost 50 to upgrade
- Requires friendly and connected territory
- Upgrade time: 45 seconds
Assault Gun crew uses the pintle-mounted MG 42 for additional defenses against infantry and aircraft. The pintle machine offers some 1200 rounds per minute of extra protection.
Spotting Scopes[]
- Requires German Mechanized Doctrine, Jaeger Armor Doctrine
- Cost 30 to upgrade
- Requires friendly and connected territory
- Upgrade time: 20 seconds
Vehicle commanders apply spotting scopes to improve their targeting capabilities by increasing line of sight. The scopes only work when the vehicle is not moving.
Veterancy []
Only the Oberkommando West, have veterancy 4 and 5 available.
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Level 1 Veterancy:
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Level 2 Veterancy:
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Level 3 Veterancy:
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Level 4 Veterancy:
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Level 5 Veterancy:
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