Development of this tank began in April 1942, with two variants (Ausf. A and Ausf. B) combining different features. The Krupp Company received an order for the manufacture of 50 merian domes. However, the prototype hull never made it into production. The turret that had been produced was finally placed on the hull of the first Tiger II that was successfully produced. This turret will later be armed with a KwK L/71 cannon, like the turret design variant made by Henschel.[2]After the VK 4501 (P) failed to win the "competition", Ferdinand Porsche began improving the tank's design for future versions. Based on the latest Allied tank designs, it was clear that simply improving the armor on the VK 4501(P) would not be enough to keep the tank competitive. This tank would have to have more maneuverability, and as a consequence this would increase the tank's weight. That's why this tank has a heavy tank class.This project was later named "Type 180". This project started as a one vehicle project, eventually evolving into five different vehicle versions. This project culminated in the development of two hull configurations:Hinten with a rear-mounted gun turret (as shown in the image above), andVorne with gun turret on the front.The two also developed electric and hydraulic drive systems, as well as four different types of engines. It was this entire project that became known as "VK 45.02 (P)".