The Panther F ‘s turret was very similar to Tiger II ‘s turret, especially the frontal plate. This was increased to 120mm, sides and rear to 60mm and the hull roof reached 40mm in thickness. The weight did not increase due to reduction in the overall dimensions. The turret was prepared for installation of a stereoscopic rangefinder, for which two small protuberances were enabled, one on each side of the turret.Finally, the gun installed was the KwK-42/1 L/70, similar to the original one. A 7.92mm MG-42 coaxial machine gun and a 7.92mm MP-44 assault rifle were installed in the glacis plate. Panther F had to be delivered to units ready for an easy conversion in command tank (Panzerbefehlswagen) variant. The conversion would have consisted of installing long-range antennas and radios in the turret. In addition to being equipped with the necessary accessories to install the FG-1250 infra red night vision device.Some other minor modifications were the installation of new hatches for the driver and the hull gunner, and the increase in thickness of the hull roof up to 25mm. In addition, a commander’s cuppola equipped with 7 periscopes and a hinged hatch with an opening to take out a TSF-1 spotting periscope without opening the hatch. If this tank had entered into service in sufficient quantity with infra-red night vision equipment, it would have been a formidable opponent for the Allied armour units. Unfortunately for Germany, its development could not be completed in time to see them on the battlefield.
