>>8807967That’s the logical answer. What I’ve found are these dumb bastards approving programs in the mid 30s for “big panzer IV” and specifically denoting that both should and will be in production at the same time and share the same gun.
The projects effectively starts in 35 and run until the end of 42 when they where presented and a resounding “why the fuck?” was given
“In 6 on 9 September 1938 authorized the Herres Waffenamt to continue with the development of a Panzer in the 30 ton class. As discussed in a meeting with Krupp on 19 January 1939, Wa Pruef 6 stipulated that Panzers designed in the 30 metric ton weight class were to be developed only with the 7.5 CK2 Kw.k. L/24 and with the space space as in the Pz.Kpfw.IV. Heavier armor was not to be considered. Dr. Olbrich held the opinion that sufficient armor protection couldn’t be achieved if larger caliber guns where mounted.”
Pic related is the final result of over half a decade of work. It took so long to make the tiger tank started to show up when it did