Can World War II Anti-Tank Weapons Destroy Modern Tanks?

The effectiveness of World War II (WWII) anti-tank weapons against modern-era tanks largely depends on various factors, including the specific weapon and the tank's vulnerabilities. While some WWII anti-tank weapons, such as the Panzerfaust or Panzerschreck, might still be capable of causing significant damage, others may struggle to penetrate the advanced armor of contemporary tanks.

Generality of the Question

The question is somewhat generic, as there were numerous types of WWII anti-tank weapons. Whether or not a WWII anti-tank weapon can destroy a modern tank depends on the specific circumstance and the target's weakness. For example, HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) warheads from WWII weapons, if delivered accurately, can cause considerable damage to modern tanks. However, hitting the exact right spot is crucial, and the effectiveness varies widely.

Modern Vulnerabilities

Many post-Soviet era tanks remain vulnerable to HEAT warheads, particularly from higher angles. The use of modern variants such as the Panzerfaust and Panzerschrek could potentially disable or cause a mobility kill, where a tank is made inoperable due to damage to critical components like the engine or tracks. Similarly, AT (Anti-Tank) mines could render a tank immobile, as they are designed to knock off parts of the tank or destroy track systems.

Comparison of WWII to Modern Anti-Tank Weapons

WWII anti-tank weapons varied widely in design and effectiveness. These included everything from simple mines to rocket launchers and even small cannons.

Mines

Mines were among the earliest types of anti-tank weapons and could cause significant damage. The WW1 Flachmine 17 with its 1.6 kg of high explosive still had the ability to knock out a tank, causing a mobility kill.

Cannons and Rocket Launchers

Large cannons from WWII, such as the 88mm KWK 43 L/71 on the Tiger B II, were highly effective at destroying tanks at close range. However, their range and accuracy made it unlikely that they would be able to target a modern tank's vulnerable rear. Modern tanks have much more advanced armor, with frontal slopes ranging from 500 to 750 RHA (Rolled Homogenous Armor) equivalent, and even 1000mm RHAe on the turret face.

Conclusion: Limited Effectiveness

While some World War II anti-tank weapons could still be effective, their limited penetration capability and accuracy make it unlikely that they could reliably destroy modern tanks. Advanced technologies and design improvements have significantly increased the survivability and lethality of modern tanks, ensuring that WWII weapons are often insufficient for eliminating the latest in tank technology.

The best WWII armor, such as the Panther's 80mm FHA angled at 55 degrees from vertical, could only be penetrated by 90mm HVAP (High Velocity Armor Piercing) rounds or similar from modern systems. The 88mm KWK 43 L/71, while highly effective for its time, could only penetrate about 233mm of RHA at 100m range, which is essentially point-blank. Modern tanks with complex armor designs make it extremely challenging for WWII weapons to achieve a 'catastrophic kill,' effecting structural damage that renders the tank inoperable.