Is there a Real Tiger Tank in Fury?
The 2014 film Fury, directed by David Ayer, brought the brutal and intense war experiences of World War II to the big screen. One of the most notable features of the film was the inclusion of a real Tiger tank, a symbol of German military might during the war. But did you know that the tank used in the film was actually an authentic, functioning Tiger 131, housed at The Tank Museum in Bovington, England?
The Tiger Tank: A Beast of a Machine
The Tiger tank was a formidable opponent on the battlefield, weighing over 56 tons and measuring over 24 feet long. It was equipped with an 8.8 cm KwK 36 gun, a powerful cannon that could knock out even the toughest targets. The Tiger was the result of the German efforts to create a heavily armored and well-armed tank that could take on any opponent on the battlefield. Its thick armor and powerful gun made it nearly unbeatable, earning it a reputation as one of the most feared tanks of the war.
The Fury Tank: A Piece of History
The Tiger 131, used in the film Fury, is the only working Tiger tank left in the world. Built in 1943, it was used in North Africa and later in Poland during the war. The tank was captured by British forces in 1943 and has been on display at The Tank Museum since 1985. This tank is one of only a few dozen surviving Tiger tanks, making it a rare and valuable piece of history.
How was the Tiger Used in Fury?
The Tiger 131 was used in the film Fury in a scene where the crew of a US Army tank, led by Don "Wardaddy" Collier (Brad Pitt), comes across a Tiger tank in a German bunker. The scene shows the Tiger’s impressive firepower and speed, as it easily outmaneuvers the American tank. The use of the real Tiger tank added to the authenticity and tension of the scene, giving audiences a glimpse into what it would have been like to face such a powerful and intimidating opponent on the battlefield.
What Were the Challenges of Using the Tiger in the Film?
Using a real, functioning Tiger tank in a film comes with its challenges. The tank required extensive maintenance and repair before filming, as it has been in storage for over 70 years. Additionally, the tank’s sheer size and weight made it difficult to transport and position on set. Despite these challenges, the production team was able to achieve an impressive and realistic representation of the Tiger tank on screen.
Can a Sherman Destroy a Tiger?
One of the most pressing questions for any fan of World War II tank battles is whether a Sherman tank, like the ones used by the Allies, could take out a Tiger tank. According to historians, the Sherman would have had a difficult time destroying a Tiger tank. The Tiger’s thick armor and powerful gun would have made it nearly immune to the Sherman’s armor-piercing rounds. However, with a lucky shot or a strategically placed attack, it would have been possible for the Sherman to inflict significant damage on the Tiger.
The Weaknesses of the Tiger Tank
Despite its impressive firepower and armor, the Tiger tank had its weaknesses. Its Maybach engine was underpowered, making it prone to overheating and breakdowns. Additionally, the tank’s wide tracks and Torsion bar suspension made it difficult to maintain and repair. These weaknesses, combined with its massive size and weight, made the Tiger tank a challenging and demanding machine to operate.
Conclusion
The inclusion of a real Tiger tank in the film Fury added a level of authenticity and realism to the scene. The Tiger 131, used in the film, is a rare and valuable piece of history, and its use in the film was a testament to the dedication of the production team. While the Tiger tank was an impressive and formidable opponent on the battlefield, its weaknesses and maintenance challenges made it a complex and demanding machine to operate.