The "Tiger" I was introduced in 1942 as the considered answer to the T-34 and KW type battle tanks and used for the first time on the Leningrad Front. Due to its stronger armour, which was up to 100mm thick in the nose area, and its long-range penetrating 8.8 cm 36 L/56 cannon it quickly gained a legendary reputation. From the end of 1942 the "Tiger" I was also used in Africa where it inflicted heavy losses on the Allies.