Crane of the "Bergetiger"

This view of the "Bergetiger" turret shows the crane that was added to its roof. We believe this crane was intended for placing explosive charges, but it's difficult to deduce the function of a device that, like this one, was built from parts of other devices. Adding to the confusion, this crane is lacking some of its parts. But we can see that the short hinged arm under it is a detachable travel lock.

Behind the crane, we can see that the loader's hatch and its seating frame have been unbolted and removed from this turret. The loader's periscope is also missing, including its welded cover. Behind the cupola, an arm extends up and to the right; this is actually a crane on a passing American truck.

The hull roof has its own points of interest. There is a large open hole, partially covered by the air intake screen; this is the holder for the ceramic insulator of an FuG 8 radio. This, plus some small items ahead of it, proves that this tank was constructed as a Befehlstiger. It must have been converted to a Borgward controller when 18 surplus Befehlstigers were converted at the end of 1943. The example in Kubinka museum retains the same parts.