The Pz.V Vk50.3 is the most famous and the only mass-produced model of the Pz.V series. In 1956, the first prototype of Vk50. 3 was produced, and in 1957, it was modified and put into mass production. As of 1976, a total of 1,101 Pz.V vehicles had been produced, of which approximately 870 were Vk50. The Vk50.3 was equipped with a 128mm gun that could fire the new type of armor-piercing shell, with a maximum penetration of 287mm. After testing, the new-designed turret has good protection performance. The overall performance of the Vk50.3 A2 (1958) is slightly better than that of the M103 heavy tank.