The Panzerkampfwagen V Panther is widely recognised as one of the best tanks that was produced during World War 11. It was deployed as a direct response to the Soviet T-34 and KV-1 tanks on the Eastern Front, which were superior to both the Panzer III and Panzer IV in terms of performance and armaments. Powered by a 700 horsepower V-12 Maybach engine, it was armed with the 75 mm KwK 42 high speed gun which was a very effective anti-tank weapon. The Panther was designed with optimal armor protection, including inclined front armor. Its overall mobility, speed and armaments made the Panther one of the leading tanks of the period, and ensured its deployment on all of the main operational fronts, from the East through Italy and France.