Difference between pages "TAM" and "Leopard 2A4"

From War Thunder Wiki
(Difference between pages)
Jump to: navigation, search
Visual (beta)Wikitext
(→‎Mobility: Updated to new mobility template)
 
(→‎Mobility: Updated to new, sleek profile table)
 
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{Specs-Card|code=germ_thyssen_henschel_tam}}
+
{{Specs-Card|code=germ_leopard_2a4}}
 +
{{About
 +
|about=medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
|usage=other uses
 +
|link=Leopard (Family)
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
 
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg ‎|420px|thumb|left]]
+
[[File:GarageImage {{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (shortened to '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''', English translated as: ''Argentine Medium Tank'') is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German light tanks {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]].  
−
 
 
−
It's arguably the best BR 8.7 tank that Germany has to offer, with slightly better mobility than the A1A1 and the ability to scout. The minimal armour and hullbreak detract from it though. Similar to the A1A1, it shares a horrible stock grind against the hordes of new 8.7 premiums, but holds its own very nicely once APFSDS is unlocked.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 13: Line 16:
 
<!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?''
 
<!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?''
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
+
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->The Leopard 2A4's kinetic protection is reasonable, with the turret cheeks near-invulnerable to all but the most powerful rounds (e.g. CL3143) and the upper front plate capable of protecting against less powerful rounds (e.g. M735) - however besides these sections the remainder of the vehicle is largely vulnerable to high-powered kinetic rounds; of note are the weak lower front plate and the gun mantlet, both of which are reasonably visible targets, as well as the gunner's optics. [[File:Leopard 2A4 Protection Density Visualisation.png|thumb|Leopard 2A4 [[Protection Density Visualisation]]]]
−
The armour is composed of welded steel, providing protection up to 32 mm.
+
The vehicle sports significantly better all-round chemical protection, with an upper hull and turret essentially immune to all but the most powerful ATGMs frontally, with upwards of 800mm worth of equivalent protection in places. Despite this, it's advisable to be wary of incoming ATGMs as a well-placed round may sneak past the heavily protected areas - and some missiles such as those of the ADATS will slice straight through even the turret cheeks.
  
−
The front can defend against 12.7 mm machine gun ammo, but the side armour is only proof against standard machine guns of 7.62 mm. However, most enemies that can be faced will usually have a 12.7 mm machine gun or larger in their possession, making it so even a burst of bullets could riddle the TAM with holes. With this in mind, take caution when flanking a tank with a disabled gun to get a side shot, as you can easily lose a few crew members to machine gunfire. This becomes less of an issue after unlocking the APFSDS round when side shots are rarely as necessary.
+
As with most other MBTs, the 2A4 is particularly vulnerable from the sides and back.
−
+
 
−
The TAM also is hull-breakable, and so rounds that hit have a chance of instantly destroying the vehicle.
+
The Leopard 2A4 is reasonably survivable, with some degree of crew spacing. However, from certain angles, the crew are placed in a straight line and successful penetration may impact three of the four crew members, resulting in a crew knock-out. In addition, well-placed side shots may impact all three turret crew members.
 +
 
 +
Ammunition is stored in the primary ammunition storage in the rear of the turret, or in the secondary storage next to the driver. The primary rack provides crew protection through the use of blow-out panels, however only has space for 15 rounds. When more than 16 rounds are taken to battle, ammunition will be stored in the significantly more vulnerable hull rack.
 +
 
 +
The Leopard 2A4's protection proves acceptable for long-range combat, although it's ill-advised to remain in one location for any extended period of time to avoid opposing vehicles being able to hone their shots onto your weak spots. The 2A4's protection should not be relied upon in urban or other close-range environments.
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
!Armour
 +
!Front (Slope angle)
 +
!Sides
 +
!Rear
 +
!Roof
 +
|-
 +
|Hull
 +
|35 mm (53-82°) ''Upper glacis''<br>40 mm (50-51°) ''Lower glacis''<br>30 mm (82°) ''Driver's hatch''
 +
|10 mm (5°) ''Upper hull''<br>35 mm (0°) ''Lower forward hull''<br>20 mm (0°) ''Lower rear hull''<br>5 mm (0°) ''Side Skirts''<br>100 mm (0°) ''Composite screening''
 +
|20 mm (12-50°) ''All rear''
 +
|20 mm (0-8°) ''Hull roof incl. engine deck''
 +
|-
 +
|Turret
 +
|35 mm (0-6°) ''Cheeks incl. Gunner optics''<br>35 mm (1°) ''Mantlet''<br>120 mm ''Rear Mantlet Plate''
 +
|35 mm (0°) ''Forward''<br>15 mm (0°) ''Rear''
 +
|10 mm (10°) ''Basket''<br>20 mm (70°) ''Turret underside''
 +
|40 mm (82-85°) ''Forehead Armour''<br>14 mm (72-77°) ''Forward sides''<br>20 mm (89°) ''Rear turret incl. cupolas''<br>5 mm (84°) ''Basket''
 +
|-
 +
!Composite armour
 +
! colspan="2" |Front
 +
! colspan="2" |Sides
 +
|-
 +
|Hull
 +
| colspan="2" |'''''Upper+Lower glacis'''''<br>90 - 350 mm ''Kinetic''<br>243 - 600 mm ''Chemical''
 +
| colspan="2" |N/A
 +
|-
 +
|Turret
 +
| colspan="2" |'''''Turret cheeks'''''<br>420 - 800 mm ''Kinetic''<br>535 - 820 mm ''Chemical''
 +
 
 +
'''''Gun mantlet'''''<br>100 - 270 mm ''Kinetic''<br>300 - 480 mm ''Chemical''
 +
| colspan="2" |'''''Side armour'''''194 - 260 mm ''Kinetic''<br>280 - 400 mm ''Chemical''
 +
|}
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1116|rbMinHp= 637|<!--AoAweight=(optional) -->}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 2032|rbMinHp= 1327|<!--AoAweight=(optional) -->}}
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by a 1500 horsepower turbo diesel, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of slightly over 27 hp per tonne, comparable to the ratio of the early Abrams and identical to the T-80U. As such, the {{PAGENAME}} is quite mobile despite weighing over 55 tonnes, comfortably able to reach 72 km/h on-road and well capable of keeping up with its competitors. This allows for an active, aggressive playstyle, using the Leopard's high speed and good acceleration characteristics to get into an early flanking position or take early cap points - though it is important to keep in mind that opposition forces might attempt the same.
  
−
The mobility is not bad, with a max of 75 km/h (RB) on the road in forward and -50 km/h in reverse. Off-road mobility is quite average, especially on flat terrain, but there is a poor steering response.
+
The {{PAGENAME}} has a maximum reverse speed of 31 km/h which it reaches easily, allowing for a quick retreat in sub-optimal situations.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
 
<!--''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
 
<!--''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
−
{{main|FMK.4 Modelo 1L (105 mm)}}
+
{{main|Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)}}The famous Rheinmetall L/44 120 mm cannon is mounted as the primary armament on the Leopard 2A4, offering a balance of firepower, accuracy and sustained rate of fire. The 2A4 has three rounds available to it: DM12 HEAT-FS, DM13 APFSDS and DM23 APFSDS. Of these, only DM12 is available when the vehicle is stock, with DM13 a tier 1 and DM23 a tier 4 modification. The L/44 is reasonably accurate at long range with any ammunition, however minor round deviation may be evident at extreme ranges (over 2000m).
 +
 
 +
It's advisable to primarily rely on the best available APFSDS round for engaging other MBTs, however retaining a couple of DM12 rounds can prove valuable for the hull break effect against lighter vehicles such as the ADATS.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | [[FMK.4 Modelo 1L (105 mm)|105 mm FMK.4 Modelo 1L]]
+
! colspan="6" | [[Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)|120 mm Rheinmetall L44]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
Line 41: Line 85:
 
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="3" | 50 || -7°/+18° || ±180° || Two-plane
+
| colspan="3" | 42 || -9°/+20° || ±180° || Two-plane
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
 
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Line 52: Line 96:
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Arcade'' || 22.8 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
+
| ''Arcade'' || 38.08 || 52.71 || 64.00 || __.__ || 75.29
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Realistic'' || 14.28 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
+
| ''Realistic'' || 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
Line 63: Line 107:
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 8.7 || 7.7 || 7.1 || 6.7
+
| 7.80 || 6.90 || 6.40|| 6.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 82: Line 126:
 
! 2000m
 
! 2000m
 
|-
 
|-
−
| DM13|| APDS || 303 || 302 || 296 || 277 || 257 || 252
+
| DM12 || HEATFS ||480||480||480||480||480||480
−
|-
 
−
| DM502 || HESH || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM12 || HEATFS || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM23 || APFSDS || 337 || 335 || 330 || 322 || 314 || 306
 
 
|-
 
|-
 +
| DM13 || APFSDS || 393 || 390 || 384 || 376 || 367 || 359
 +
|-
 +
| DM23 || APFSDS || 410 || 408 || 401 || 393 || 384 || 376
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
Line 110: Line 152:
 
! 100%
 
! 100%
 
|-
 
|-
−
| DM13|| APDS || 1,478 || 4.00 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 75° || 78° || 80°
+
| DM12 || HEATFS || 1,140 || 13.5 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 1,640 || +0° || 65° || 72° || 75°
−
|-
 
−
| DM502 || HESH || 730 || 14.85 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 4,310 || +0° || 73° || 77° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM12 || HEATFS || 1,173 || 10.50 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 1,270 || +0° || 65° || 72° || 75°
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM23 || APFSDS || 1,455 || 3.79 || N/A || N/A || N/A || ? || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
 
|-
 
|-
 +
| DM13 || APFSDS || 1650 || 4.44 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 76° || 77° || 78°
 +
|-
 +
| DM23 || APFSDS || 1640 || 4.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 78° || 80° || 81°
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_Leopard_2A4.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the Leopard 2A4.]]
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke characteristic
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ammunition
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
−
! Velocity <br /> in m/s
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br /> rack empty
−
! Projectile<br />Mass in kg
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br /> rack empty
−
! ''Screen radius <br /> in m''
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
−
! ''Screen time <br /> in s''
 
−
! ''Screen hold time <br /> in s:''
 
−
! ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| M416 || 730 || 11.4 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
+
|| '''42''' || 16&nbsp;''(+26)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+41)'' || style="text-align:left" | None
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
First stage only: 16 rounds (15 in rack + 1 in gun), stored within blow-out protected containment.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
−
<!--''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''-->
+
<!--''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft, but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''-->
−
{{main|FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)}}
+
{{main|MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)}}The 2A4 is equipped with one pintle-mounted machine gun and one coaxial machine gun. These can be used as an anti-air deterrent or for clearing out light obstacles and crew from open vehicles.
−
 
 
−
The TAM is equipped with two machine guns with a total of 4,000 rounds.
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | [[FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40]]
+
! colspan="7" | [[MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm MG 3A1]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
+
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount ''
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
 
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
Line 151: Line 189:
 
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="4" | 2,000 (200) || 600 || N/A || N/A
+
| colspan="4" | 2,000 (1,000) || 1,200 || -8°/+20° || ±120°
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount''
+
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
 
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
Line 160: Line 198:
 
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="4" | 2,000 (200) || 60 || -__°/+__° || ±__°
+
| colspan="4" | 4,500 (1,000) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 166: Line 204:
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
 
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
−
The TAM could be played as an assassin, scout, or as a support vehicle on the battlefield. This variety of role is capable due to the powerful 105 mm cannon with an ammunition variety akin to the [[Leopard A1A1]], at the same time the thin armour prohibits any head-on combat which encourages fighting behind the front lines or from the flanks. Keep an eye out as an enemy that can be faced will be able to destroy the TAM if they so much as get a bead on with their armaments.
+
The Leopard 2A4 may feel somewhat sluggish when stock, and the DM12 HEAT-FS round may appear to be relatively ineffective. Prior to researching improved rounds and engine modifications, it may be wise to play conservatively.
 +
 
 +
Once the vehicle's modifications are all researched, however, the 2A4 becomes significantly more mobile and has a competitive, albeit not impressive round in the DM23 APFSDS. The 2A4 can be used comfortably in both urban and rural environments, providing the vehicle's weaknesses are kept in mind. While it is capable in most forms of engagement, it does lack the precision of the British Challenger MBTs or the extreme round velocities of the Russian T-64/T-80 series. The 2A4 also has a particularly large and blocky profile, making for a particularly visible target in many situations.
 +
 
 +
Considering the above, a Leopard 2A4 player should utilise its great mobility and competitive gun to get into early positions to pick off unsuspecting targets, rather than attempting to engage opposing forces head-on.
  
−
The best way to use the TAM is to exploit the scouting ability to mark enemies on the map, then call in friendlies to do the heavy fighting against them. While the team keeps the enemy busy, take pot shots with the 105 mm to also pick off the enemy as their attention is diverted from the TAM.
+
===Modules===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Tier
 +
! Mobility
 +
! Protection
 +
! Firepower
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Tracks
 +
| Parts
 +
| Horizontal drive, DM13
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
| Suspension, Brake System
 +
| FPE
 +
| Adjustment of Fire
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Filters
 +
| Crew replenishment
 +
| Elevation mechanism, Smoke grenade
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
| Transmission, Engine
 +
|
 +
| Artillery support, DM23, Laser rangefinder
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 174: Line 243:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Good firepower for such a light vehicle
+
* Powerful engine, high top speed and acceleration
−
* Very accurate gun, lands rounds with pinpoint accuracy
+
* Good neutral steering system
−
* Faster and more manoeuvrable than the Begleitpanzer 57
+
* Good gunner sight magnification for long-range engagements
−
* Wide variety of ammo - APFSDS, APDS, HEAT-FS, HESH, and smoke shells
+
* Reasonably high velocity kinetic rounds
−
* Unlike other tanks, the gun doesn't bounce at high speed - very good stabilizator
+
* Competitive DM23 APFSDS
−
* Commander's machine gun has a very high elevation limit, letting you shoot at planes and helicopters passing by
+
* Turret armour can prove effective for hull-down engagements
−
* Little armour sometimes lets you survive AP shots as they pass through the tank without dealing much damage
+
* Primary ammunition is contained within a storage unit with blow-out panels
−
* Absurdly fast traverse and elevation rates
 
−
* Turret is on the back, by reversing out of cover, you don't expose the whole vehicle
 
−
* First ammo rack has more than enough shells for a battle
 
−
* Cheap repair cost
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Very thin armour providing little to no protection
+
* Hull armour is mediocre, particularly against kinetic rounds
−
* Ammunition price is quite high (APFSDS shells are 600 Silver Lions each), each round fired from the TAM is much more expensive than the same shell from a Leopard A1A1
+
* The stock DM12 HEAT-FS round can prove relatively ineffectual when compared to DM13/DM23, particularly against targets with ERA
−
* Impossible to depress the gun when facing backwards
+
* The gunner's optics are a weak spot, enemies who know how to aim can cripple your gun and kill your crew
−
* Difficult stock grind due to incredibly high module costs
+
* The gun mantlet is relatively weak while being quite prominent, penetration can disable the gun or knock turret crew out
−
* Turret is on the back, in some situations, you will have to expose the whole tank to shoot, especially if you need gun depression (engine deck stops the gun from depressing)
+
* Secondary ammunition storage is extremely vulnerable, although this is avoidable by carrying no more than 16 rounds
−
* Unlike other German tanks, {{PAGENAME}} does not have a great zoom capability (just x8.00)
+
* Both machine guns are relatively light calibre, suffer from mediocre gun elevation and will not prove to be much more an an annoyance to aircraft, particularly helicopters
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''-->
 
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''-->
−
During the 1960s, Argentina was looking far and wide for offers to update its ageing fleet of WW2-era tanks. After obtaining some vehicles, the U.S. refused to make further vehicle sales. This forced Argentina to shift their attention towards the European market, resulting in the purchase of a number of French AMX-13s and its variants.
+
Based on the testing results gathered from the various different [[Leopard 2K]] prototypes, a new Leopard 2 prototype was constructed that would be more representative of the final version of the vehicle. Designated as Leopard 2AV, the new prototype featured a redesigned hull and turret over the Leopard 2K. Furthermore, the prototype was tested with two different cannons; the British [[L7A1 (105 mm)|L7 105mm]] rifled and the German [[Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)|Rheinmetall 120mm smoothbore cannon]].
  
−
In 1973 however, the Ministry of Defense drew up a set of requirements for a completely new combat vehicle that would be produced domestically and would to enter service by 1980. Despite knowing what they wanted, Argentinian engineers lacked the technical know-how in order to actually design and produce such a vehicle. Faced with this problem, the Argentinian government sought collaboration with a foreign company in order to design and build the vehicle they wanted. Eventually, a contracted was signed with the German Thyssen-Henschel company, a joint development effort soon ensued.
+
In 1976, the Leopard 2AV was sent overseas to the United States to be comparatively tested against the new American state-of-the-art [[XM-1 (Chrysler)|XM1 Abrams]]. During testing, the Leopard 2AV proved itself as a good counterpart to the Abrams, outperforming its competitor in terms of fire accuracy, whilst demonstrating somewhat inferior protection and gun handling. Upon arriving back to its homeland with positive testing results, the decision was made to begin mass production of the Leopard 2 in 1977.
  
−
The TAM (Tanque Argentino Mediano, eng: Argentinian Medium Tank), as it would be designated, was based off the German Marder IFV and equipped with a modification of the British, the Royal Ordnance L7A3 cannon that was produced in Germany. The first two prototypes of the TAM were built in 1976 and 1977 respectively and underwent extensive testing over the course of two years.
+
The production version Leopard 2, however, differed from the AV prototype in receiving an increased level of protection before mass production began. Mass production of the Leopard 2 started in 1979 with the Leopard 2A0 forming the first batch that would enter service with the German Bundeswehr in late 1980.
  
−
After successfully passing testing, the TAM was put into mass production in 1979. The vehicles were armed with FMK.4 Modelo 1L cannons, which was a domestic licensed copy of the original German cannon. The government ordered 200 vehicles of the IFV variant. However, economic difficulties resulted in the order being only partially fulfilled before production was restarted later on. Argentina was also very keen on exporting the TAM to other countries, but despite interest and some contracts being signed, the TAM was never widely exported for various reasons.
+
Throughout the production period of the early Leopard 2 versions, modernization and upgrades were being applied on the assembly line in order to keep the newest Leopards up to the latest standards. These modernization efforts mostly involved the upgrading of internal modules such as the aiming and communications systems. As a result of this, all early Leopard 2s (A0-A4) were visually neigh identical to each other. The Leopard 2A4 was the final early Leopard 2 variant before the more advanced and heavily upgraded subsequent Leopard 2 versions made their appearance as part of a new wave of modernization efforts.
  
−
A total of around 280 TAMs were built and most of them still serve in the Argentinian army, albeit with upgraded equipment. The TAM was never deployed in any combat operations to this date.
+
A total of 695 Leopard 2A4s were built out of the total of 2.125 early Leopard 2s that were manufactured between 1979 - 1991. The Leopard 2 and its variants served primarily with the German Bundeswehr, but a number of export vehicles were sold to nations world-wide, ranging from Canada and Chile, over Denmark and Austria to Greece and Turkey to name a few.
  
−
''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5740-development-tam-replacing-the-old-guard-en Devblog]''
+
''-From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5539-development-leopard-2a4-setting-the-standard-en Devblog]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!--''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''-->
 
<!--''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''-->
−
[[File:TAM.jpg|thumb]]
+
{{Youtube-gallery|F1NXlu1h6s4|Leopard 2A4 Tank Review - War Thunder (AB)<br>-By ''NUSensei''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
* [[Leopard 2K]] - Preceding vehicle
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* [[Leopard 2A5]] - Succeeding vehicle
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 225: Line 292:
 
* ''other literature.''-->
 
* ''other literature.''-->
  
−
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5740-development-tam-replacing-the-old-guard-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> TAM - Replacing The Old Guard]
+
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5539-development-leopard-2a4-setting-the-standard-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Leopard 2A4: Setting The Standard]
−
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5714-development-tam-and-m247-sergeant-york-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> TAM and M247 Sergeant York]
 
  
−
{{Germany light tanks}}
+
{{Germany medium tanks}}

Revision as of 20:43, 1 March 2020

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
Leopard 2A4
germ_leopard_2a4.png
Leopard 2A4
Germany flag.png Germany
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.3 10.3 10.3
Class:
Research:300 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:830 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the medium tank Leopard 2A4. For other uses, see Leopard (Family).

Description

GarageImage Leopard 2A4.jpg


The Leopard 2A4 is a Rank VII German medium tank with a battle rating of 10.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.79 "Project X".

General info

Survivability and armour

The Leopard 2A4's kinetic protection is reasonable, with the turret cheeks near-invulnerable to all but the most powerful rounds (e.g. CL3143) and the upper front plate capable of protecting against less powerful rounds (e.g. M735) - however besides these sections the remainder of the vehicle is largely vulnerable to high-powered kinetic rounds; of note are the weak lower front plate and the gun mantlet, both of which are reasonably visible targets, as well as the gunner's optics.
Leopard 2A4 Protection Density Visualisation

The vehicle sports significantly better all-round chemical protection, with an upper hull and turret essentially immune to all but the most powerful ATGMs frontally, with upwards of 800mm worth of equivalent protection in places. Despite this, it's advisable to be wary of incoming ATGMs as a well-placed round may sneak past the heavily protected areas - and some missiles such as those of the ADATS will slice straight through even the turret cheeks.

As with most other MBTs, the 2A4 is particularly vulnerable from the sides and back.

The Leopard 2A4 is reasonably survivable, with some degree of crew spacing. However, from certain angles, the crew are placed in a straight line and successful penetration may impact three of the four crew members, resulting in a crew knock-out. In addition, well-placed side shots may impact all three turret crew members.

Ammunition is stored in the primary ammunition storage in the rear of the turret, or in the secondary storage next to the driver. The primary rack provides crew protection through the use of blow-out panels, however only has space for 15 rounds. When more than 16 rounds are taken to battle, ammunition will be stored in the significantly more vulnerable hull rack.

The Leopard 2A4's protection proves acceptable for long-range combat, although it's ill-advised to remain in one location for any extended period of time to avoid opposing vehicles being able to hone their shots onto your weak spots. The 2A4's protection should not be relied upon in urban or other close-range environments.

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 35 mm (53-82°) Upper glacis
40 mm (50-51°) Lower glacis
30 mm (82°) Driver's hatch 		10 mm (5°) Upper hull
35 mm (0°) Lower forward hull
20 mm (0°) Lower rear hull
5 mm (0°) Side Skirts
100 mm (0°) Composite screening 		20 mm (12-50°) All rear 20 mm (0-8°) Hull roof incl. engine deck
Turret 35 mm (0-6°) Cheeks incl. Gunner optics
35 mm (1°) Mantlet
120 mm Rear Mantlet Plate 		35 mm (0°) Forward
15 mm (0°) Rear 		10 mm (10°) Basket
20 mm (70°) Turret underside 		40 mm (82-85°) Forehead Armour
14 mm (72-77°) Forward sides
20 mm (89°) Rear turret incl. cupolas
5 mm (84°) Basket
Composite armour Front Sides
Hull Upper+Lower glacis
90 - 350 mm Kinetic
243 - 600 mm Chemical 		N/A
Turret Turret cheeks
420 - 800 mm Kinetic
535 - 820 mm Chemical

Gun mantlet
100 - 270 mm Kinetic
300 - 480 mm Chemical

Side armour194 - 260 mm Kinetic
280 - 400 mm Chemical

Mobility

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 76 35 55.2 2032 2,862 36.81 51.85
Realistic 69 31 1327 1,500 24.04 27.17

The Leopard 2A4 is powered by a 1500 horsepower turbo diesel, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of slightly over 27 hp per tonne, comparable to the ratio of the early Abrams and identical to the T-80U. As such, the Leopard 2A4 is quite mobile despite weighing over 55 tonnes, comfortably able to reach 72 km/h on-road and well capable of keeping up with its competitors. This allows for an active, aggressive playstyle, using the Leopard's high speed and good acceleration characteristics to get into an early flanking position or take early cap points - though it is important to keep in mind that opposition forces might attempt the same.

The Leopard 2A4 has a maximum reverse speed of 31 km/h which it reaches easily, allowing for a quick retreat in sub-optimal situations.

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)
The famous Rheinmetall L/44 120 mm cannon is mounted as the primary armament on the Leopard 2A4, offering a balance of firepower, accuracy and sustained rate of fire. The 2A4 has three rounds available to it: DM12 HEAT-FS, DM13 APFSDS and DM23 APFSDS. Of these, only DM12 is available when the vehicle is stock, with DM13 a tier 1 and DM23 a tier 4 modification. The L/44 is reasonably accurate at long range with any ammunition, however minor round deviation may be evident at extreme ranges (over 2000m).

It's advisable to primarily rely on the best available APFSDS round for engaging other MBTs, however retaining a couple of DM12 rounds can prove valuable for the hull break effect against lighter vehicles such as the ADATS.

120 mm Rheinmetall L44
Capacity Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance 		Stabilizer
42 -9°/+20° ±180° Two-plane
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade 38.08 52.71 64.00 __.__ 75.29
Realistic 23.8 28.0 34.0 37.6 40.0
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
7.80 6.90 6.40 6.00
Ammunition
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration in mm @ 0° Angle of Attack
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
DM12 HEATFS 480 480 480 480 480 480
DM13 APFSDS 393 390 384 376 367 359
DM23 APFSDS 410 408 401 393 384 376
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
in m/s 		Projectile
Mass in kg 		Fuse delay

in m:

Fuse sensitivity

in mm:

Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent): 		Normalization At 30°
from horizontal: 		Ricochet:
0% 50% 100%
DM12 HEATFS 1,140 13.5 0.0 0.1 1,640 +0° 65° 72° 75°
DM13 APFSDS 1650 4.44 N/A N/A N/A +1.5° 76° 77° 78°
DM23 APFSDS 1640 4.3 N/A N/A N/A +1.5° 78° 80° 81°
Ammo racks
Ammo racks of the Leopard 2A4.
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
42 16 (+26) 1 (+41) None

First stage only: 16 rounds (15 in rack + 1 in gun), stored within blow-out protected containment.

Machine guns

Main article: MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)
The 2A4 is equipped with one pintle-mounted machine gun and one coaxial machine gun. These can be used as an anti-air deterrent or for clearing out light obstacles and crew from open vehicles.
7.62 mm MG 3A1
Pintle mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute) 		Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance
2,000 (1,000) 1,200 -8°/+20° ±120°
Coaxial mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute) 		Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance
4,500 (1,000) 1,200 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

The Leopard 2A4 may feel somewhat sluggish when stock, and the DM12 HEAT-FS round may appear to be relatively ineffective. Prior to researching improved rounds and engine modifications, it may be wise to play conservatively.

Once the vehicle's modifications are all researched, however, the 2A4 becomes significantly more mobile and has a competitive, albeit not impressive round in the DM23 APFSDS. The 2A4 can be used comfortably in both urban and rural environments, providing the vehicle's weaknesses are kept in mind. While it is capable in most forms of engagement, it does lack the precision of the British Challenger MBTs or the extreme round velocities of the Russian T-64/T-80 series. The 2A4 also has a particularly large and blocky profile, making for a particularly visible target in many situations.

Considering the above, a Leopard 2A4 player should utilise its great mobility and competitive gun to get into early positions to pick off unsuspecting targets, rather than attempting to engage opposing forces head-on.

Modules

Tier Mobility Protection Firepower
I Tracks Parts Horizontal drive, DM13
II Suspension, Brake System FPE Adjustment of Fire
III Filters Crew replenishment Elevation mechanism, Smoke grenade
IV Transmission, Engine Artillery support, DM23, Laser rangefinder

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful engine, high top speed and acceleration
  • Good neutral steering system
  • Good gunner sight magnification for long-range engagements
  • Reasonably high velocity kinetic rounds
  • Competitive DM23 APFSDS
  • Turret armour can prove effective for hull-down engagements
  • Primary ammunition is contained within a storage unit with blow-out panels

Cons:

  • Hull armour is mediocre, particularly against kinetic rounds
  • The stock DM12 HEAT-FS round can prove relatively ineffectual when compared to DM13/DM23, particularly against targets with ERA
  • The gunner's optics are a weak spot, enemies who know how to aim can cripple your gun and kill your crew
  • The gun mantlet is relatively weak while being quite prominent, penetration can disable the gun or knock turret crew out
  • Secondary ammunition storage is extremely vulnerable, although this is avoidable by carrying no more than 16 rounds
  • Both machine guns are relatively light calibre, suffer from mediocre gun elevation and will not prove to be much more an an annoyance to aircraft, particularly helicopters

History

Based on the testing results gathered from the various different Leopard 2K prototypes, a new Leopard 2 prototype was constructed that would be more representative of the final version of the vehicle. Designated as Leopard 2AV, the new prototype featured a redesigned hull and turret over the Leopard 2K. Furthermore, the prototype was tested with two different cannons; the British L7 105mm rifled and the German Rheinmetall 120mm smoothbore cannon.

In 1976, the Leopard 2AV was sent overseas to the United States to be comparatively tested against the new American state-of-the-art XM1 Abrams. During testing, the Leopard 2AV proved itself as a good counterpart to the Abrams, outperforming its competitor in terms of fire accuracy, whilst demonstrating somewhat inferior protection and gun handling. Upon arriving back to its homeland with positive testing results, the decision was made to begin mass production of the Leopard 2 in 1977.

The production version Leopard 2, however, differed from the AV prototype in receiving an increased level of protection before mass production began. Mass production of the Leopard 2 started in 1979 with the Leopard 2A0 forming the first batch that would enter service with the German Bundeswehr in late 1980.

Throughout the production period of the early Leopard 2 versions, modernization and upgrades were being applied on the assembly line in order to keep the newest Leopards up to the latest standards. These modernization efforts mostly involved the upgrading of internal modules such as the aiming and communications systems. As a result of this, all early Leopard 2s (A0-A4) were visually neigh identical to each other. The Leopard 2A4 was the final early Leopard 2 variant before the more advanced and heavily upgraded subsequent Leopard 2 versions made their appearance as part of a new wave of modernization efforts.

A total of 695 Leopard 2A4s were built out of the total of 2.125 early Leopard 2s that were manufactured between 1979 - 1991. The Leopard 2 and its variants served primarily with the German Bundeswehr, but a number of export vehicles were sold to nations world-wide, ranging from Canada and Chile, over Denmark and Austria to Greece and Turkey to name a few.

-From Devblog

Media

Leopard 2A4 Tank Review - War Thunder (AB)
-By NUSensei

See also

External links


Germany medium tanks
Pz.III  Pz.III B · Pz.III E · Pz.III F · Pz.III J · Pz.III J1 · Pz.III J1 TD · Pz.III L · Pz.III M · Pz.III N
Pz.IV  Pz.IV C · Pz.IV E · Pz.IV F1 · Pz.IV F2 · Pz.IV G · Pz.IV H · Pz.IV J · Pz.Bef.Wg.IV J
Pz.V  VK 3002 (M) · Panther A · Panther D · Panther F · Panther G · Ersatz M10 · Panther II
M48 upgrades  M48A2 G A2 · M48 Super
Leopard 1  Leopard I · Leopard A1A1 · Leopard A1A1 (L/44) · Leopard 1A5 · C2A1 · Turm III
Leopard 2  PT-16/T14 mod. · Leopard 2K · Leopard 2AV
  Leopard 2A4 · Leopard 2 (PzBtl 123) · Leopard 2 PL · Leopard 2A5 · Leopard 2 PSO · Leopard 2A6 · Leopard 2A7V
Trophies  ▀M4 748 (a) · ▀T 34 747 (r)
Other  Nb.Fz. · KPz-70
USA  mKPz M47 G · M48A2 C
USSR  ◊T-72M1

Retrieved from "https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=TAM&oldid=44857"