In World War II, tank armor cracking and penetration primarily affected various tanks across all sides, but Soviet tanks were notably vulnerable due to design and armor quality compared to their German counterparts.
Soviet Tanks:
T-34: Although the T-34 was one of the most iconic and effective tanks of the war, its armor, while sloped and relatively thick for the time, wasn’t immune to cracking and penetration. Against German high-velocity 75mm and 88mm shells (such as from the Panther and Tiger), the T-34’s armor could be penetrated, particularly in vulnerable areas like the turret ring and the lower glacis plate. The T-34’s armor was strong, but as German technology advanced, its armor became less effective against larger-caliber shells.
KV-1: The KV-1, a Soviet heavy tank, had thick armor, often up to 75mm on the front. However, against powerful German 75mm and 88mm guns, its armor could still be cracked or penetrated. The KV-1 was often vulnerable to mechanical breakdowns, and its sheer weight made it slower and less maneuverable.
IS-2 (Joseph Stalin): The IS-2 was an improvement over earlier Soviet designs, with thicker armor (up to 120mm on the front of the hull). Despite this, it wasn’t immune to cracking from high-velocity rounds, though it was more resilient than earlier Soviet models. The IS-2 was more successful at withstanding German fire, but there were still instances of armor cracking or penetration, especially against German 88mm and later 128mm anti-tank guns.
German Tanks:
Panther: The Panther had very sloped and well-armored frontal armor, making it a difficult target at long ranges. However, it was still vulnerable to high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) and armor-piercing rounds, and localized cracking occurred, especially around weaker points like the turret ring.
Tiger I & Tiger II: The Tiger I and Tiger II (King Tiger) had some of the most formidable armor in the war, especially the King Tiger, with frontal armor up to 120mm thick. However, their massive weight and mechanical issues made them prone to breakdowns. While the armor often resisted damage from smaller-caliber rounds, it was still possible for high-velocity 75mm or 88mm shells, especially when aimed at vulnerable spots like the turret or side, to cause cracking or penetration.
Other Tanks:
Panzer IV: The German Panzer IV was not as heavily armored as the Tiger or Panther, but with the later models (like the Panzer IV F2 and G), it was upgraded with better armor and a stronger 75mm gun. It was still vulnerable to Soviet 76.2mm shells and other anti-tank rounds but could hold its own at medium ranges.
