Designed in 1942 by MAN AG, the Pz.Kpfw. V Panther was intended to counter the Soviet T-34 and KV-1 on the Eastern Front, and to replace the Pz.Kpfw. III and Pz.Kpfw. IV. Nevertheless, it continued to serve alongside the Pz.Kpfw. IV and heavier Pz.Kpfw. VI Tiger until the end of the war. As well as having greater firepower than previous German tanks, the Panther also benefited from more-effective sloped armour.