![]() ![]() Though the design called for a maximum speed of 20 kilometres per hour (12 mph), no engine was found that could power the prototype to more than 13 kilometres per hour (8.1 mph) under ideal conditions. The principal problem in development of the Maus was finding a powerful enough engine for its weight that could be carried in the tank. The 128 mm gun was powerful enough to destroy all enemy armored fighting vehicles at close or medium ranges, and even some at ranges exceeding 3,500 metres (3,800 yd). Weighing 200 metric tons, the Maus's main armament was a 128 mm KwK 44 L/55 gun (55 calibers long barrel), based on the 12.8 cm Pak 44 anti-tank artillery piece also used in the casemate-type Jagdtiger tank destroyer, with an added coaxial 75 mm gun. The complete vehicle was 10.2 metres (33 ft 6 in) long, 3.71 metres (12 ft 2 in) wide and 3.63 metres (11.9 ft) tall. These two prototypes – one with, one without turret – underwent trials in late 1944. An incomplete tank was captured by British forces. Only two hulls and one turret were completed before the testing grounds were captured by the advancing Soviet forces. It is the heaviest fully enclosed armoured fighting vehicle ever built. Panzerkampfwagen VIII Maus (Mouse) was a German World War II super-heavy tank completed in late 1944.
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