The key feature of the weapon was its high muzzle velocity which enabled high accuracy and good penetration capabilities. When the 7.5 cm KwK 42 entered service with the Panther in 1943 it could penetrate more armor than any Soviet, American or British tank gun then in service. In this respect it was even more powerful than the Tiger's famous 8.8 cm KwK 36 L/56. The KwK 42 however fired a weaker HE shell.