Panzer II variants the Pz.Kpfw. IIJ, it was redesigned after the Panzer V Panther, most noticeably with the introduction of fully sloped frontal armor. Two versions were initially planned, a lighter, faster 18-ton variant and a slower, 26-ton vehicle; the former was abandoned at an early stage. Subsequently, work on the first prototype was abandoned when it was determined that the vehicle was underarmed for its weight, and versions of the Panzer IV and V could serve just as well in the reconnaissance role while being more capable of defending themselves. This vehicle never received an official Panzerkampfwagen title, but it would have
11th SS Panzer Army 11th SS Panzer Army The 11th SS Panzer Army ("SS-Panzer-Armeeoberkommando 11") was not much more than a paper army formed in February 1945 by Heinrich Himmler while he was commander of Army Group Vistula. The military historian Antony Beevor wrote that when the 11th SS Panzer Army was created the available units at best could constitute a corps, "'But panzer army' observed Hans-Georg Eismann 'has a better ring to it'". It also allowed Himmler to promote SS officers to senior staff and field commands within the formation. "Obergruppenführer" Felix Steiner was named its commander. The Army was officially listed as