Leopard Leopard 2 German tank of the Bundeswehr of Germany

The Leopard 2 is a German main battle tank that replaced the outdated Leopard 1. Its basic version was created in the late 1970s, but since then the tank has been modified and improved many times, and its latest version is, according to many experts, the best tank in the world. Its various modifications are actively sold to other countries, although the tank is extremely expensive.

Story

In 1970, German engineers decided to start creating a purely German MBT, since the MVT-70 project jointly with the Americans had failed, and the Leopard 1 was already outdated. At the same time, two vehicles were being developed - Leopard-2K with traditional weapons and Leopard-2FK with anti-tank missiles. Additionally, various suspensions, guns, chassis components and fire control systems were tested.

In 1971 the project was approved, and in 1973 the first Leopard-2K was produced. At the same time, Germany and the United States entered into a standardization agreement that unified weapons and many other systems. That is why a new vehicle with multi-layer armor was developed almost immediately. In 1976, it was ahead of the American XM1 in terms of maintainability and power reserve, but in comparative tests it fired much less accurately.

In 1977, mass production of the second Leopard was ordered, and in October 1979 the first car was released. Almost immediately she ended up in the Danish army - the M1 Abrams turned out to be too expensive for her. In 1983, Switzerland began to buy the tank, and then other countries.

Leopard 2A0

In 1987, production of the Leopard 2 tank was completed, but already in 1988 its modification, Leopard-2A4, was ordered. Now the tank is still being actively modernized and modified, and its latest model, Leopard-2A7+, is considered one of the best MBTs in the world.

Leopard 2A4

The engine is started by an electric starter. To facilitate starting in winter, glow plugs installed in the pre-chambers are used, and at temperatures below -20° C, the engine is preheated using a heater.

Fuel tanks with a total capacity of 500 liters are located in the MTO, two more tanks with a capacity of 700 liters are on the fenders.

The Renck HSWL-354/3 transmission is hydromechanical with a lockable complex torque converter, a 4-speed planetary gearbox and a differential double-flow rotation mechanism with hydrostatic transmission. The torque converter is switched off using the lock-up clutch.

Leopard 2A4

The transmission control system is mechanical-electrohydraulic and provides automatic gear shifting. Control of the turning mechanism is hydraulic, from the steering wheel; The stopping brake control drive is mechanical. The engine and transmission control system allows the commander to control the tank, if necessary.

The chassis of the tank is made according to a seven-wheel design with rear-mounted drive wheels. The custom torsion bar suspension was selected by Porsche specialists after a lengthy analysis of various options that could provide good mobility; The decisive factor in favor of torsion bars was financial restrictions. The hydropneumatic suspension promised better performance, but its development required significant investment; nevertheless, two prototypes had such a suspension similar to the suspension of the MVT-70 tank. The main attention was focused on the torsion bar suspension. Monotorsion bars with a diameter of 62 mm and a length of 2100 mm have increased strength and are mounted across the entire width of the body. The suspensions of the three front and two rear road wheels of each side are equipped with double-acting friction shock absorbers, and the roller stops of these suspensions are equipped with hydraulic stops. The designers took a certain risk by using such shock absorbers, since their effectiveness greatly depends on the air temperature, the degree of wear, and the actual coefficient of friction of the shock absorber installed on the tank is difficult to verify. However, the developers decided to develop shock absorbers of a new design specifically for the Leopard-2 tank. The dynamic stroke of the support roller is 320 mm, the full stroke of the roller is 526 mm.

The track rollers are gable with rubber tires and removable disks made of aluminum alloy, the hubs are steel. The diameter of the rollers, compared to the Leopard-1 tank, has been increased from 660 mm to 700 mm. The support rollers are single-pitch, rubber-coated, installed in a checkerboard pattern, four per side. The design of the idler wheels is similar to the support rollers, but their diameter is less than 600 mm. The drive wheels have steel removable gear rims.

Tracks with rubber-metal hinges and rubber-coated running track, track pitch 184 mm. To reduce ground pressure, Diehl has developed new tracks with a width of 635 mm; In the track grooves, two asphalt pads are fastened with spring latches. To increase traction when driving on snow, ice or slippery ground, some of the pads (up to 10 per track) can be replaced with removable X-shaped steel lugs. In the tides at the edges of the tracks there are two conical holes into which pointed spur rods are driven to overcome short sections of heavy soil. In addition, to reduce the average specific ground pressure when driving on loose soil, extenders can be installed on every 8th or 9th track.

The requirements for armor protection of the tank, formulated by the German Ministry of Defense, were very high and it was not possible to meet them by simply increasing the thickness of the armor without exceeding the specified tank weight of 50 tons. An increase in the level of crew protection from anti-tank weapons was achieved through the use of welded hull and turret structures using multi-layer rolled armor and a set of design and layout measures. Increased differentiation of armor thickness along the perimeter of the tank; Due to the weakening of the armor in secondary areas (the thickness of the armor of the sides and roof of the hull and turret is 20-70 mm), the thickness of the armor of the frontal fragments has sharply increased.

The upper frontal plate of the hull has a large angle of inclination (81°), and the turret is wedge-shaped in plan. A number of structural elements are used as additional protection, for example, fuel tanks located in the front part of the fenders reduce the likelihood of the driver being hit when fired from the sides. Rubber screens reinforced with armor plates are installed on the sides of the hull. In order to increase mine resistance, the bottom of the hull and its connection to the sides have been strengthened. The most important optical instruments can be covered with armored doors. In general, the Leopard-2K tank is approximately 1.4 times superior to its predecessor in terms of armor protection. With the advent of modern Soviet tanks, such as the T-64 B, T-80 V, equipped with a high-performance 125-mm smoothbore gun capable of firing guided missiles, the need for a radical modernization of the Leopard 2 has become urgent.

Work on a major modernization of the Leopard-2 tank began by Krauss-Maffei in the mid-80s. The concept for the improved Leopard 2 was significantly influenced by the competition for a tank for the British Armed Forces; The British considered armor protection to be the most important factor among security, mobility and firepower. The improvement of Leopard-2 was carried out, first of all, in terms of enhancing its security. Work on modernizing Leopard 2 was completed in 1989. The turret armor of the Leopard-2A5 tank has been significantly strengthened by installing padded armor modules in the frontal and front parts of the turret sides, with built-in dynamic protection; it is possible to replace padded armor blocks in the field. Due to this armor, the turret took on a characteristic wedge-shaped shape, by which the Leoprad-2A5 can be easily distinguished from any other tank.

This dynamic protection design performs the following functions:

— protects the upper frontal part of the tower;

— serves as an active screen above the upper frontal part (above the driver), the thickness of which is 80 mm;

- plays the role, like the cut of the body (formed from the joining of the upper and lower frontal parts), of the surface, from the interaction with which pre-contact fuses cause the tandem warheads of the ATGM to fire at a distance greater than the focal length, which reduces the armor-piercing effect of the warhead.

Due to the installation of additional frontal armor that overlaps the line of sight of the gunner's rangefinder sight, on the Leopard-2A5 tank the rangefinder sight is located in an armored dome rising above the roof of the turret. This design solution made it possible to avoid weakening of the frontal armor due to the cutout for the sight window and make it monolithic. The commander's panoramic sight is installed not in front of the commander's hatch, but at the rear-left of the hatch. A thermal imager was integrated into the sight (first installed on the TVM-2 prototype in 1993), as a result of which the commander was able to independently view the area at night; The IR channel image is displayed on a special indicator. The optical head of the gunner's auxiliary sight is installed along the axis of the turret above the gun mantlet. The laser rangefinder processor has been upgraded to eliminate secondary, false echoes, which is especially important when determining the distance to objects moving at high speed, such as helicopters.

Prototype in Leopard 2 with 140 mm cannon.

Along with a sharp increase in armor protection, the firepower of the tank increased somewhat due to the installation of an improved 120-mm smoothbore gun with a length of 55 calibers. A longer barrel made it possible to increase the initial velocity of projectiles by 5%. The ammunition load was replenished with armor-piercing shells LKE-1 (Leistun-gsgesteigerte Kinetische Energie) with a uranium core.

Strengthening the armor led to an increase in the tank's weight to 62 tons, with most of the additional weight falling on the turret. The power of the electro-hydraulic drives of the turrets of the Leopard-2 tanks was not enough and they were replaced with completely electric ones. Electric drives, in addition to increased power, are more reliable. A number of Western observers note that a weight of 62 tons is the maximum for modern tanks, since the problems of transportation, maintenance (the need for powerful crane equipment) and cross-country ability (a significant number of bridges are not designed for such loads) become more complicated. At the same time, the Leopard-A5 is considered the most advanced Western tank in terms of its range of combat properties; only the French tank of the post-war generation, the next to the Leopard-2, the Leclerc, can compete with it.

The initial plans of the Bundeswehr command provided for the modernization of all 2,125 Leopard-2 tanks into the A5 version, then this figure decreased to 669, and the final contract was signed in January 1994 for the conversion of only 225 vehicles intended for the rapid deployment forces of the Federal Republic of Germany. The first Leopard-2A5 was delivered to the Bundeswehr in August 1995, the last was planned for delivery in 1998.

The Armed Forces of the Netherlands, after testing the TVM-2 prototype in 1994, decided to upgrade 180 Leopard-2 tanks to the A5 variant; the modified tanks began to arrive in the army in 1996. In total, the ground forces, after their reduction, will remain 330 Leopard-2 tanks; The remaining 150 tanks will also be upgraded to the “A5” version.

Leopard 2A5 with L44 and L55 guns

In December 1997, the first Leopard-2A5 tank was delivered to the Swedish armed forces. This event was preceded by lengthy comparative tests, in which the German tank competed with the American M1A2 Abrams tank (how could we live without it!) and the French Leclerc. The decision in favor of the Leopard-2A5 was made in mid-1994. In total, the Swedes plan to receive 120 newly built Leopard 2A5 tanks. Licensed production of tanks has been established in Sweden, the main contractor is Hagglunds Vikl. The first 29 tanks were planned to be built in Germany, the remaining 91 in Sweden. The Leopard 2A5 was designated Strv-122 by the Swedish Armed Forces.

In 1998-2003 The Spanish Armed Forces intend to receive 240 newly built Leopard-2A5 tanks.

TTX

General information:

• Classification – main battle tank;
• Combat weight - from 50.5 to 63 tons in the latest modifications;
• The layout is classic;
• Crew – 4 people;
• Manufacturer: Krauss-Maffei;
• Years of production and operation – since 1979;
• More than 3 thousand pieces were produced.

Dimensions

• Case length – 7700 mm;
• Length with gun forward – 9670 mm;
• Width – 3700 mm;
• Height – 2790 mm;
• Ground clearance – 490 mm.

Booking

• Type of armor - combined projectile-proof, mounted on 2A5 and later models.

Armament

• Caliber and brand of gun - 120 mm Rheinmetall Rh-120;
• Gun type – smoothbore;
• Barrel length - 55 calibers;
• Ammunition - 42;
• BH angles: -8…+18 degrees;
• Sights – laser sight EMES-15 with thermal imaging channel, periscopic PERI-R17, auxiliary FERO-Z18;
• Machine guns - two 2 × 7.62 mm MG3.

Mobility

• Engine type - MB 873 Ka-501;
• Engine power – 1500 horsepower;
• Highway speed – from 68 to 72 kilometers per hour;
• Cruising range on the highway - from 550 to 500 kilometers per hour;
• Specific power – 24.2 horsepower per ton;
• Suspension – individual torsion bar;
• Climbability – 30 degrees;
• The wall to be overcome is 1.1 meters;
• The ditch to be overcome is 3 meters;
• The fordability is 4 meters with OPVT, without preparation 1 meter.

Leopard 2 engine

Armament

The tank's armament includes a primary weapon system with fire control and aiming controls and secondary weapons.

The main weapon of the Leopard 2 tank is the 120 mm Rh 120 smoothbore gun from Rheinmetall. The gun is equipped with an ejector for purging the barrel bore. The gun allows you to fire ammunition stabilized in flight using fins. The gun is mounted on a bushing and has an elevation angle ranging from -9° to + 20° and a 360° rotation.

Cannon ejector

Secondary weapons include a coaxial machine gun and an anti-aircraft machine gun next to the loader's hatch, as well as a universal launcher (Mehrfachwurfanlage, MWA) on the turret with 2x8 throwing cups. The installation is used for shooting smoke grenades for self-defense. Since May 2005, the Bundeswehr has basically a new universal installation (Mehrzweckwurfanlage, MZWA) with a 6/2 arrangement (top row of six cups, bottom row of two) on each side. The new installation is capable of producing detonating or non-lethal ammunition.

Tank "Leopard 2A5" with a new universal propellant

In the interests of realistic combat training of troops, a dueling simulator training device (Duelsimulator) can be installed on the tank. In addition, the Leopard has the ability to record a “battle” through a KADAG (Kanonen-Abschuss-DArstellungs-Gerät) cannon shot simulator, most often known by the abbreviation DARKAS (DARstellung-Kanonen-AbSchuss). Up to the Leopard 2A4 tank, the device was installed in the gun, and from the A5 version on the front left on the wedge armor of the turret.

Combat recording device in the gun barrel

In addition to onboard weapons, the crew has personal weapons. In the Bundeswehr, these are two NK MP7 submachine guns, two P8 pistols, an HK P2A1 signal pistol, four hand grenades and both 7.62 mm MG3 machine guns of a tank with a total ammunition load of 4,750 rounds. The machine guns' ammunition includes a tracer cartridge with a soft core in a ratio of three to two.

Gun stabilization

The turret and gun of the tank, starting with the Leopard 2A4 version, have a hydraulic weapon guidance system (Waffennachführanlage, WNA-H22). Since the A5 modification, the tank has been equipped with an electrical guidance system (EWNA). In combination with central logic equipment (Zentrallogik/Hauptverteilung), sighting devices, fire control computer, operating devices and internal control equipment RPP 1-8 they form the fire control system of a battle tank.

The stabilization system operates in three modes: “STAB EIN”, “TURM AUS” and “BEOBACHTEN”.

When the “STAB EIN” stabilization mode is turned on, surface unevenness and machine speed are automatically compensated. The weapon remains aimed at the target under any external conditions.

The gun and turret are stabilized by a weapon guidance system in height and direction using gyroscopes and motorized rectifier drives. The gunner or commander only needs to point the gun at the target using the leading optics. Additionally, tracking of moving targets is possible. When you press the dynamic lead button, the target's movement is taken into account automatically.

In “TURM AUS” mode, the power supply to the tower is turned off. Power is supplied only to the radio, lighting and fan of the machine gun. Aiming and firing are done manually, the weapon is not stabilized.

In operating mode "BEOBACHTEN" ("Observation"), the power supply operates in a limited mode. Rough guidance is possible for the gunner. It is possible to use all sighting devices, but shooting on the move is not possible. Against moving targets, lead must be entered manually. It takes about 25 seconds to transfer the tower from the “Observation” mode to the “STAB EIN” mode.

Aiming and observation devices

The main sight of the Leopard 2 tank is an EMES 15 device with an electro-optical laser rangefinder CE628 from (Zeiss-Eltro Optronic).

Main sight of the EMES 15 tank

The solid-state laser (Nd:YAG) measures distances up to 9990 m with an accuracy of 10 m. In this case, only distances from 200 to 4000 m are taken into account. For measurements closer than 200 m, the fire control computer calculates with a reticle value for 1000 m , values ​​above 4000 m must be entered manually.

View through the main sight

In combination with the 12x main optical sight (Hauptzielfernrohr, HZF), it is the main sighting optic for the gunner. In STAB EIN mode, the EMES 15 is the lead optic for the turret and gun. As a second sighting device, the gunner has a turret sight FERO Z18 (Turmzielfernrohr, TZF). In the event of a fire control system failure, it serves as emergency optics.

The commander has a periscope R17 (PERI R17) as an observation and guidance device. The periscope does not have a distance measurement function. Stabilized optics with 2x and 8x magnification ensure independent operation from the gunner. The commander can independently observe targets, assign targets to the gunner and control him. Depending on the operating mode of the periscope, the tank commander can take on the functions of targeting and hitting the target.

Periscope lens PERI R17

The adjusting reflector (mirror) of the barrel bending control device at the gun muzzle allows the gunner to turn on the system for adjusting the sighting device of the main weapon. The system provides compensation for deviation of the barrel axis caused by thermal and mechanical stress. When the adjustment device is turned on, the main optical sight and the gun are located at a structurally fixed angle, which is measured by the beam reflected from the mirror and makes it possible to determine the deviation of the gun from the alignment sign.

Adjustable reflector at the muzzle

Night-vision devices

Since 1983, the EMES 15 sight has been equipped with a WBG-X thermal imaging device from (Zeiss). Magnification of four and twelve times allows you to observe and fight both day and night. The device is equipped with a mercury-cadmium-tilluride detector, which requires pre-cooling for 15 minutes.

The green monochrome display has black or white polarity (selectable), so heat sources appear either bright or dark. If there is a sufficient temperature difference between individual objects, they are clearly visible in the observed area. Heavy rain, snow, and dense fog with a high water content will reduce the range of the thermal imager.

Green monochrome display of the WBG-X thermal imager

Thanks to the PERI R17A2 and the built-in TIM thermal imager (Thermal Imaging Module), starting with the Leopard 2A5, night control is simplified. For better visibility of the surroundings, the device was moved to the left side of the commander's hatch. The PERI lens is mounted on a raised platform. OPHELIOS-P is mounted as a thermal imaging module, the image of which is displayed on the monitor directly under the periscope. Additionally, the monitor allows you to display a “picture” from EMES.

WBG has 4x, 12x and 24x magnification. Two fixed positions at 6 and 12 o'clock allow you to align the PERI line of sight relative to the longitudinal axis of the tank hull, regardless of the position of the turret. Installation of the improved Attica thermal module, which reappeared on Canadian, Danish and some German tanks, increased the commander's and gunner's ability to acquire targets. The result is achieved through higher thermal resolution, which more clearly reveals limited temperature differences between the object and the environment.

KMW is installing a third generation thermal imager on the Leopard 2A7+ tank. A similar device is used in the Puma infantry fighting vehicle and the Luna reconnaissance UAV.

Ammunition

Ammunition for the gun is located both in the turret and in the tank's hull. The first-stage combat kit is located behind a sealed partition in the turret. It includes 15 shots of different types and is always available to the loader. Another 27 rounds (from the A6M version the number is reduced to 22 rounds) are stored in the tank body, in the direction of travel to the left of the driver. For safety reasons, this part of the ammunition is stowed in a stowed manner and is accessible only when the turret is in a certain position (at 3 o’clock).

First stage combat kit in the tower

Initially, Leopard 2 had two types of ammunition. The so-called kinetic shot intended against enemy tanks (Bundeswehr designation - KE, NATO designation - APFSDS-T, Armor Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot-Tracer). It is an armor-piercing sub-caliber and has a tracer projectile with a discardable sabot. Against other targets, including infantry, a multi-purpose cumulative projectile with a tracer (German designation - MZ, NATO designation - HEAT-MP-T) was used.

Armor-piercing sub-caliber projectile

Both types of projectiles are stabilized by fins. All types of ammunition consist of partially combustible cartridges made of cellulose, nitrocellulose, resin, and stabilizing additives. After firing, they leave only the steel bottom of the cartridge case.

In the case of sub-caliber ammunition, a arrow-shaped core (damaging element, or “penetrator”) with a caliber of 38 mm made of sintered tungsten carbide flies out of a 120 mm smoothbore gun. Depending on the type of ammunition and gun (DM 33 + L/44), the projectile has a muzzle velocity of 1640 m/s (about five times the speed of sound). The damaging effect of a sub-caliber projectile is due to its kinetic impact energy, and therefore it does not contain explosives.

Arrow-shaped core - penetrator

After hitting the target and penetrating the armor, the striking element displaces the armor material due to its high kinetic energy. If a shell penetrates the fighting compartment, it causes a "rain of shrapnel". Due to air resistance, as the range increases, the speed of the penetrator and, consequently, its kinetic energy and penetration ability decrease.

The cumulative projectile (MZ) has a muzzle velocity of 1140 m/s. Speed ​​does not have a noticeable effect on penetration. The damaging effect is associated with the use of a cumulative charge of the projectile. As a result, the distance to the target also does not affect the effect of its destruction. The extreme heat of the cumulative jet in most cases leads to secondary explosions in the affected tank. Pressure and fragments of molten material act against the crew.

The penetration efficiency of projectiles through homogeneous (homogeneous) armor is about 600 mm for cumulative and more than 800 mm for armor-piercing sub-caliber projectiles.

Due to improvements in shaped charge protection technology, Rheinmetall developed the High Explosive (HE) projectile. In the Bundeswehr it replaces the old and no longer produced MZ ammunition. The projectile increases the effectiveness of hitting area targets, positions behind cover, in shelters and buildings, infantry, infantry fighting vehicles and lightly armored vehicles. The muzzle velocity of a 19-kilogram projectile reaches 1100 m/s when fired from a L/55 cannon and allows firing at a range of up to 5000 m.

Along with a time fuse, the HE shell also has an impact fuse with and without a delay. In this case, the detonator is installed either manually through a separate installer, or automatically through the fire control system. With the help of a temporary fuse, it is possible to detonate a projectile in the air at a given distance from the target. The ammunition was put into service in 2014 under the designation DM11. The price per shot is about 9 thousand euros.

DM11 projectile. General form

In addition to conventional ammunition, the Leopard 2 tank received from Rheinmetall a modified kit under the designation LAHAT, which significantly increases its combat performance.

LAHAT is a laser-guided missile (Israel Aerospace Industries) with an effective range of more than 6000 m. The missile can be launched either from a tank gun or from an independent launcher. It is reported that it is insensitive to all known jamming methods and can be used against tanks, helicopters, and targets outside the field of view of the crew. In addition to the missile, the kit includes a laser guidance and fire control system.

LAHAT missile

Modifications

Leopard-2 had many modifications:

• A0, A1, A2 and A3 - these models gradually improved the thermal imager, ammunition rack, surveillance devices and electronics;
• 2A4 is the most popular version of the tank, with a digital fire control system, a fire extinguishing system, new shells and a turret. All old modifications, including those in other countries, have been improved to this level;
• 2A5 - modification of 1993 with modular wedge-shaped armor and more advanced GPS and surveillance devices, anti-fragmentation lining and a modified braking system. Due to the wedge-shaped armor, it acquired its characteristic, recognizable appearance;
• 2A6 - a vehicle with a new longer cannon, an electric turret drive and reinforced armor, and also acquired an armor plate that protects the tank from below from mines;
• Leopard-2A7+ - modification of 2010, the most modern version with enhanced protection, an improved fire control system, a “digital turret”, a commander’s brake, an auxiliary power unit and an additional weapons module. Many core systems have been digitalized and linked together.

Equipment

It is difficult to overestimate the combat equipment of a modern tank with information about the tactical situation, navigation, communications and firing. Today, electronic and optical equipment constitutes the main direction of progress in military technology. This is reflected in the fact that the characteristics of the Leopard 2A7 tank differ significantly from the level of the first models. An advanced gun stabilization system has significantly improved the accuracy and accuracy of fire, making it possible to hit the target with the first shot. Crew members are equipped with more advanced optical instruments. The tank is equipped with several thermal imagers with a high-resolution matrix, which strengthened its position in low visibility conditions. The tank commander's and gunner's sights are included in a single combat control system. It also controls the weapon, equipped with a laser rangefinder and an electronic ballistic computer that takes into account factors of wear, barrel deformation and external conditions. The crew has at its disposal a navigation and communication system that allows the tank to be included in the tactics of a network-centric battle.

Vehicles based on Leopard 2

• Panzerschnellbrucke Leguan and Panzerschnellbrucke 2 – bridge laying machines;
• Pionerpanzer 3 Kodiak - engineering vehicle;
• Bergepanzer 3 Buffel - ARV;
• Bergepanzer 3A1 - updated ARV, suitable for use in Afghanistan;
• Wisent 2 - ARV of modular design;
• Panzerhaubitze 2000 - self-propelled guns;
• Leopard 2L – bridge laying machine for Finland;
• Leopard 2R is an engineering vehicle for Finland.

BREM Wisent 2

Armor and protection

According to publications, the Leopard 2 tank is protected by third-generation composite (multilayer) armor (C-technology). The exact structure and durability remain secret.

The armor consists of several bulkheads in which the gaps are filled with elastic rubber. Various grades of steel with varying degrees of hardness, as well as composite materials (ceramics, plastic or Kevlar), are used as armor materials. The structure corresponds to the so-called Chobham principle, but is not actually Chobham armor. During the design, special emphasis was placed on the strength of the frontal armor.

The hull and turret structures are made in the form of a casing with built-in armor. That is, the outer and inner armor plates take on protection functions, as well as body functions. Within this support structure, the actual armor is used in the form of blocks inserted into provided cavities, giving the tank its angular shape.

Installed at the front of the turret, starting with the Leopard 2A5 model, the wedge armor plate is designed as a bulkhead. It is designed to increase the depth of armor, destroy the penetrators of sub-caliber projectiles and ignite cumulative projectiles in front of the main armor.

Open sources, starting with the version of the Leopard 2A4 tank and higher, provide the following data on its armor protection (equivalent to homogeneous armor): the thickness of the frontal projection of the hull is from 600 to 920 mm, the thickness of the frontal projection of the turret is from 590 to 1960 mm.

Tank "Leopard 2" general design and performance characteristics. Infographics

For safety reasons, the ammunition bunker in the turret at the top is equipped with anti-blast panels. The panels ensure that the explosion energy of the shots stored there is discharged to the outside. The interior of the tank is covered with fabric mats with an anti-fragmentation liner made of high-strength fibers (aramid or Kevlar). The mats are designed to reduce or completely prevent the formation of fragments when penetrating armor.

In addition to these protective elements, the Leopard 2 tank, depending on the operating country, can be equipped with other elements that increase its security. These include: protection against damage from the upper plane, lattice anti-cumulative screens, additional armor against mines or additional composite armor from third-party manufacturers.

Based on materials from www.wikiwand.com/de/Bundesweh

Combat use

Leopard 2 had some time to fight in Afghanistan in November 2007. Some vehicles were blown up by explosive devices, but the crews mostly survived - that’s when additional underbody protection was installed on the tank.

But the war in Syria, in which Leopards 2A4 took part, really tested the German machine. In general, the tanks performed well there, although numerous photos of blown up tanks made many experts doubt the invincibility of the Leopard 2. However, at that time the A4 was already outdated, and more modern models never took part in battles.

Destroyed Leopard 2

Firepower

Leopard 2E - from the Spanish Army - fires the new 120mm L/55 cannon. A new smoothbore gun, the 120 mm L55, was developed by Rheinmetall GmbH of Ratingen, Germany as a replacement for the shorter 120 mm L44 smoothbore tank gun specifically for the Leopard 2.

The 120 mm L44 cannon has a barrel length of 530 cm and weighs 1190 kg. When assembled, the entire gun weighs 3780 kg. For comparison, the 120 mm L55 has a 660 cm long barrel weighing 1374 kg. All L55 guns assembled 4160 kg. Lengthening the barrel from 44 caliber to 55 caliber (by 130 cm) made it possible to convert most of the energy of the powder gases into an increase in the initial velocity of the projectile. This made it possible to achieve an initial projectile speed of over 1750 m/sec.

An important feature of the new L55 gun is its compatibility with the old weapon system, meaning that it can be integrated without significant changes. The external geometry of the implement has been designed to minimize the phenomenon of static sag, as well as to ensure optimal constant curvature

This is a necessary condition for dramatically increasing the probability of a hit after the first shot. Another advantage of this weapon is that the L55 cannon can fire any standard 120 mm ammunition, of which there are quite a lot of them in NATO warehouses.

The L55 gun is equipped with a heat shield and a cartridge extractor compatible with old and new 120 mm ammunition.

For the new gun, a new and improved ammunition known as LKE II was developed in November 1987.

The Leopard 2 A6 combines lethality and efficiency, thanks to the development of a smoothbore gun. Based on military demands for increased firepower, Rheinmetall has seriously increased the effectiveness of these weapons. Thanks to an increase in barrel length by 130 cm, as well as other changes (the combustion chamber can withstand higher pressure of powder gases), it led to a higher projectile speed. The 120 mm L55 gun is compatible with all ammunition used by NATO.

New 120 mm L55 gun

Photo and video

In winter camouflage

In desert camouflage

Leopard 2A7+ cross-section

BREM Bergepanzer 3A1 Engineering vehicle Pionerpanzer 3 Kodiak

BREM Bergepanzer 3 Buffel

Bridgelayer Panzerschnellbrucke Leguan

Self-propelled gun Panzerhaubitze 2000 More material on the topic

• M4 Sherman
• New deadly tank T90MS

MBT comparison table

Comparative performance characteristics of modern main tanks

Engine and chassis

The Leopard 2 tank has a spring-loaded chassis with support rollers and shock absorbers, hydraulic and mechanical stops on the rotating arms of the wheel pairs. It has a "living" looped track with replaceable track pads type 570 F (later FT) manufactured by (Diehl).

“Leopard 2” is equipped with a V-shaped 12-cylinder four-stroke diesel engine MTUMB 873-Ka 501 with liquid cooling. It produces 1,100 kW (1,500 hp) at 2,600 rpm and propels the tank to an official top speed of 68 km/h. Actual speed varies depending on the terrain and can reach 30 km/h.

The air required for engine operation passes through two round air intakes on the engine cover and two combination air filters mounted on the sides of the engine. In them, the air is purified and freed up to 95% of coarse dust. Two additional round fine filter inserts bind remaining dust particles. Waste heat is dissipated through two temperature-controlled ring coolers with an integrated fan on the gearbox.

Power transmission to the track is provided by a hydromechanical gearbox, reverse and steering gear of the Renk-HSWL-354 type. It combines the drive, steering, auxiliary drive and brake system in one housing and is connected to the engine via quick-acting devices in the so-called engine block.

Engine block of the tank "Leopard 2"

The drive system of the Leopard 2 tank is made in the form of a solid engine block, which allows you to replace the transmission kit with the support of a repair and recovery vehicle within 15 minutes. At the same time, many activities, such as separating the side transmission mechanism or releasing the rear panel, are carried out in advance. In accordance with the terms of the technical regulations, four hours are given for replacement.

According to German experts, the relatively low fuel consumption of Leopard 2 is noteworthy. Compared to the American M1 Abrams tank with its Avco Lycoming AGT-1500 gas turbine, the consumption is about half. The biggest advantage of a diesel engine is at idle and part load.

To operate electrical systems without the main engine running, an auxiliary power unit (APU) is installed in the rear right side of the machine. Depending on the operating country, the diesel generator produces from 7.5 to 17 kW. In Auto and Load operating modes, batteries are charged and monitored. In Continuous mode the unit is in continuous operation. It takes over the entire energy supply and discharges the batteries.

Literature

• M. V. Nikolsky, M. M. Rastopshin.
  Leopard tanks (Germany). - Moscow: Victoria, 1998. - 48 p. — 2000 copies.
• M. Jerchel, U. Schnellbacher.
  Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank 1979-1998. - Oxford: Osprey Publishing, 1998. - 48 p. — (New Vanguard #24). — ISBN 1-85532-691-4.
• M. Scheibert, W. Schneider.
  Leopard 2 (2. Band). Ein Spitzenprodukt deutscher Waffentechnik. - Friedberg: Podzun-Pallas-Verlag, 1986. - 48 p. - (Waffen-Arsenal No. 98). — ISBN 3-79090-265-9.
• H. Roßler, H. Kohler.
  Kampfpanzer Leopard 2. Der Beste der Welt. - Friedberg: Podzun-Pallas-Verlag, 1981. - 48 p. - (Waffen-Arsenal No. 69). — ISBN 3-79090-155-5.
• N. L. Volkovsky “Modern military equipment. Ground Forces” Publishing house “Polygon” 2006 p. 10.
• Sergey Shumilin.
  Foreign “Leopards” (Russian) // Science and technology. - Kh., 2022. - No. 5. - P. 38-45.

The history of the creation of the German tank "Leopard I"

In 1956, Germany (western, Federal Republic of Germany) and France began developing a single tank - weighing no more than 30 tons and armed with a 90-mm gun. The armor requirements were also very modest (guaranteed protection against 20-mm shells) and in general, with the exception of the use of a multi-fuel engine and a system of protection against weapons of mass destruction, the new tank was rather obsolete even before its birth than it represented a new word in the development of technology .

Already in 1957, the views of the Germans and the French on this project differed and “joint” work did not work out - it was decided that each side would design its own model. Things went slowly and in 1963, Germany completely refused to cooperate and “finished” its model on its own. In the same 1963, the tank was put into service under the name Leopard I. It must be said that little remained of the initial concept and the vehicle turned out to be quite modern, although frankly weak in armor (especially in comparison with Soviet tanks).

The Leopard I began arriving in parts in 1966, and its production continued until 1979. During this time, the tank units of the Bundeswehr received 2,437 tanks of this model, and counting the export versions - 4,024 units. Plus, the tank was produced under license in Italy - from 1974 (i.e. from the moment it stopped entering service with the Bundeswehr) to 1983, during which time 720 Leopards were manufactured.

“Leopard I” was distinguished by good mobility and a low silhouette; the armor situation was somewhat corrected in the late 70s after modernization, but it never took part in combat operations anywhere. “Leopard” can be considered as an “experimental” German tank, the first representative of the second generation of combat vehicles of this country in the post-war period - on its basis, the designers’ ideas were worked out and experiments were carried out on the creation of various auxiliary vehicles.

Drawing of the main tank Leopard I A4 (Germany)

Project evaluation

It consistently ranks first in the world ranking of tanks compiled by Military Ordnance magazine. The car is expensive. From modification to modification, weapons, in particular ammunition, are consistently at a high world level. The latest modifications of the tank have turret forehead protection at the highest level. However, such a comparison is not correct regarding the reservation of Soviet MBTs after 1985 (the Bundeswehr has been aware of this situation since the 80s, as the German newspaper Die Welt wrote about in 2015).

Business Insider included the Leopard-2 in the list of the most powerful weapons of NATO countries, calling it "indestructible" and one of the best in NATO

In 2015, National Interest stated that the Leopard 2A7 can be considered the best tank in the world of all those in combat duty, noting that the Leopard 2 is a very balanced, well thought out and designed tank