Difference between revisions of "Leopard 2A5"

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{{Specs-Card|code=germ_leopard_2a5}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
−
| about = medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = German medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = other uses
+
| usage = other versions
−
| link = Leopard (Family)
+
| link = Leopard 2 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=germ_leopard_2a5
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--In the description, the first part should 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 a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should 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 a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''Leopard 2A5''' is the sixth variant of the [[Leopard 2 (Family)|Leopard 2 main battle tank family]]. The Leopard 2A5 variant (introduced in mid-1998) is visually distinct from previous variants due to the addition of wedge-shaped spaced add-on armour over the entire front as well as the forward sides of the turret. The ideology behind this wedge-shaped, spaced add-on armour is that it may deflect and erode kinetic-energy penetrators as well as neutralize a hollow charge before it reaches the base armour. The shot-trap effect was investigated and avoided as a result of the first layer, which does not deflect penetrators into the hull, as well as angle calculations and the material utilized for the outer layer. As a result, the gun mantlet had been modified to fit in with the new add-on armour. Furthermore, the entire composite armour composition was revised and improved. To prevent fragmentation, spall liners were installed in the crew compartment, and the frontal area of the side skirts was improved and strengthened. To reduce weight and simplify maintenance and reliability, the turret traverse and systems were entirely electric. The tank commander's sight was relocated behind the hatch, and separate thermal imaging equipment was installed. The gunner's sight was also relocated to the turret roof (previous versions had it built into the cavity in the front turret armour). The driver's hatch has also been modified. Since this variant was designed to be upgraded to the new 120 mm Rheinmetall L/55 tank gun in the future [[Leopard 2A6|Leopard 2A6 variant]], the entire gun brake system was modified as well.
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]].
 
  
−
The succeeding variant of the [[Leopard 2A4]], the Leopard 2A5 is distinguished by an overall improved turret front armour, most notably with the add-on armour bulks in the turret front, giving a wedge-shape rather than the flat shapes that the 2A4 variant presented.  
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]], the Leopard 2A5 variant provides higher turret protection than the preceding [[Leopard 2A4|Leopard 2A4 variant]] due to the addition of spaced add-on armour covering the frontal area and forward flanks of the turret. Despite being a spaced add-on armour, the distinctive wedge-shaped design effectively disrupts and decreases the energy of incoming enemy tank ammunition rounds, resulting in significant armour penetration reduction. The tank layouts are identical to the Leopard 2A4, but there are minor differences in crew locations. The tank commander's sight has been substantially upgraded, providing the tank commander with an independent sight equipped with thermal imaging equipment, introducing the hunter-killer capabilities.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
<!--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?
+
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
−
 
+
<!-- ''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 2A5 has improved armour compared to its predecessor, the hull is much better protected and the already impenetrable turret cheeks have more protection on the side of the turret. Add-on armour boosts the ability to protect against HEAT-FS and early ADFSDS rounds. The wedges on the front of the turret are able to be blown off if a round with enough energy hits it.The gunners optic is also moved into the roof to eliminate the weak spot which was easily penetrated by any tank.
+
The {{PAGENAME}} has improved armour compared to its predecessor, the hull is much better protected and the already impenetrable turret cheeks have more protection on the side of the turret. Add-on armour boosts the ability to protect against HEAT-FS and early APFSDS rounds. The wedges on the front of the turret are able to be blown off if a round with enough energy hits it.The gunners optic is also moved into the roof to eliminate the weak spot which was easily penetrated by any tank.
  
−
One big changeover along with the armour wedges in the front is the repositioning of the gunner's sight. In the 2A4, the gunner's sight in the turret front presented a weakness that was easily compromised. In the 2A5, the gunner's sight was relocated to the turret roof, and so this weakness is no longer present on the 2A5. Additionally, the large mantlet of the 2A4 has been replaced by a far smaller and more armoured mantlet, making it far harder to hit, though most ammunition at top tier can still penetrate it easily.
+
One big changeover along with the armour wedges in the front is the repositioning of the gunner's sight. In the 2A4, the gunner's sight in the turret front presented a weakness that was easily compromised. In the 2A5, the gunner's sight was relocated to the turret roof, and so this weakness is no longer present on the 2A5. Additionally, the large mantlet of the 2A4 has been replaced by a far smaller and more armoured mantlet, making it far harder to hit, though most ammunition at top tier can still penetrate it easily.
  
 
Be aware of Soviet tanks though! Most of them will carry their HE rounds that can easily destroy you anywhere they hit. A hit directly to the turret will most likely send fragments into your hull, penetrate and lets your fuel tank explode or at least set a fire and knock out the gun barrel.
 
Be aware of Soviet tanks though! Most of them will carry their HE rounds that can easily destroy you anywhere they hit. A hit directly to the turret will most likely send fragments into your hull, penetrate and lets your fuel tank explode or at least set a fire and knock out the gun barrel.
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{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Armour !! Front (Slope angle)!!Sides!!Rear!!Roof  
+
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Hull
+
| Hull || 35 mm (53-82°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 40 mm (50-51°) ''Lower glacis'' || 10 mm (5°) ''Upper hull'' <br> 35 mm ''Lower forward hull'' <br> 20 mm ''Lower rear hull'' || 20 mm (12-50°) || 20 mm (0-8°) ''Hull roof incl. engine deck''
−
|35 mm (53-82°) ''Upper glacis''<br>40 mm (50-51°) ''Lower glacis''
 
−
|10 mm (5°) ''Upper hull''<br>35 mm (0°) ''Lower forward hull''<br>20 mm (0°) ''Lower rear hull''
 
−
|20 mm (12-50°) ''All rear''
 
−
|20 mm (0-8°) ''Hull roof incl. engine deck''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Turret
+
| Turret || 80 mm (57-59°) ''Right cheek add-on'' <br> 80 mm (55-58°) ''Left cheek add-on'' <br> 30 mm (63°) ''Upper mantlet add-on'' <br> 400 mm ''Mantlet armour'' <br> 250 mm (9°) ''Mantlet shroud'' || 80 mm (20-22°) ''Right add-on'' <br> 80 mm (22°) ''Left add-on'' <br> 35 mm ''Forward'' <br> 15 mm ''Rear'' || 20 mm (10°) ''Basket'' <br> 20 mm (70°) ''Turret underside'' || 35 - 40 mm (80-89°) ''Forehead Armour'' <br> 14 mm (68-82°) ''Forward sides'' <br> 20 mm (89°) ''Rear turret'' <br> 20 mm (83°) ''Basket''
−
|80 mm (57-59°) ''Right cheek add-on''<br>80 mm (55-58°) ''Left cheek add-on''<br>30 mm (63°) ''Upper mantlet add-on''<br>400 mm (1°) ''Mantlet armour''<br>250 mm (9°) ''Mantlet shroud''
 
−
|80 mm (20-22°) ''Right add-on''<br>80 mm (22°) ''Left add-on''<br>35 mm (0°) ''Forward''<br>15 mm (0°) ''Rear''
 
−
|20 mm (10°) ''Basket''<br>20 mm (70°) ''Turret underside''
 
−
|35 - 40 mm (80-89°) ''Forehead Armour''<br>14 mm (68-82°) ''Forward sides''<br>20 mm (89°) ''Rear turret''<br>20 mm (83°) ''Basket''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Composite armour
+
|}
−
! colspan="2" |Front
+
[[File:Leopard 2A5 armour scheme.png|thumb|The frontal KE protection of the {{PAGENAME}} against 3BM42 at 500 m.]]
−
! colspan="2" |Sides
+
[[File:Leopard 2A5 CE armour scheme.png|thumb|The frontal CE protection of the {{PAGENAME}} against MIM-146.]]
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Composite armour !! Front !! |Sides
 
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
 
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
−
|Hull
+
| Hull || '''''Upper+Lower glacis''''' <br> 400 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 600 mm ''Chemical'' || N/A
−
| colspan="2" |'''''Upper+Lower glacis'''''<br>400 mm ''Kinetic''<br>600 mm ''Chemical''
 
−
| colspan="2" | N/A
 
 
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
 
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
−
|Turret
+
| Turret || '''''Turret cheeks''''' <br> 800 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 1200 mm ''Chemical'' <br> '''''Gun mantlet (Center)''''' <br> 260 - 325 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 600 - 690 mm ''Chemical'' <br> '''''Gun mantlet (Outer)''''' <br> 425 - 460 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 825 - 905 ''Chemical'' || '''''Side armour''''' <br> 260 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 230 - 285 mm ''Chemical''
−
| colspan="2" | '''''turret cheeks'''''<br>800 mm ''Kinetic''<br>1200 mm ''Chemical''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''Gun mantlet (Center)'''''<br>
 
−
260 - 325 mm ''Kinetic''<br>
 
−
600 - 690 mm ''Chemical''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''Gun mantlet (Outer)'''''<br>
 
−
425 - 460 mm ''Kinetic''<br>
 
−
825 - 905 ''Chemical''
 
−
 
 
−
| colspan="2" | '''''Side armour'''''<br>260 mm ''Kinetic''<br>230 - 285 mm ''Chemical''
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
  
−
* ''Upper hull'' and ''Lower rear hull'' overlap (10 + 20 mm thick)
+
* Upper hull and Lower rear hull overlap (10 + 20 mm thick)
−
* ''Upper mantlet add-on'' and ''Mantlet armour'' overlap (30 + 400 mm thick)
+
* Upper mantlet add-on and Mantlet armour overlap (30 + 400 mm thick)
 
* Holes in the engine deck are covered by 8 mm of mesh
 
* Holes in the engine deck are covered by 8 mm of mesh
  
 
=== 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.-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
−
The only drawback compared to the previous model would be the Leopard 2A5's mobility since despite the 4 tons increase in weight, the engine remains the same, so the Leopard 2A5 is both slower and less manoeuvrable compared to the Leopard 2A4, but it can still keep up with the other nations MBTs.
+
<!-- ''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=2,032|rbMinHp=1,327}}
 +
 
 +
The only drawback compared to the previous model would be the {{PAGENAME}}'s mobility since, despite the 4 tons increase in weight, the engine remains the same, so the {{PAGENAME}} is both slower and less manoeuvrable compared to the [[Leopard 2A4]], but it can still keep up with the other nations MBTs.
 +
The engine remains the same {{Annotation|MTU|MOTOREN-UND TURBINEN-UNION FRIEDRICHSHAFEN GMBH}} MB 873 Ka-501 engine which produces 1,500 hp (1,100 KW) at 2,600 RPM.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 
 +
The first modifications to research should be Parts and FPE. After those, aim for the NVD, DM33/DM53, laser rangefinder, or mobility upgrades, depending on the desired playstyle.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-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.-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
−
{{main|Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)}}
+
<!-- ''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|Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)}}
  
−
The Leopard 2A5 has access to the DM33 APFSDS shells which make it a deadlier foe as few tanks can stand against it with the exception of the [[M1A2 Abrams]], [[Challenger 2]] and [[T-80U]].  
+
The {{PAGENAME}} has access to DM53 APFSDS shells which make it a deadlier foe as few tanks can stand against it.
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" | [[Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)|120 mm Rheinmetall L44]]
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
−
|-
 
−
| colspan="3" | 42 || -9°/+20° || ±180° || Two-plane
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
+
! colspan="5" | [[Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)|120 mm Rh120 L/44]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! style="width:4em" |Mode
+
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
−
! style="width:4em" |Stock
+
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
−
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
+
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Arcade'' || 38.08 || 52.71 || 64.00 || __.__ || 75.29
+
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 42 || rowspan="2" | -9°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 38.1 || 52.7 || 64.0 || 70.8 || 75.3 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Realistic'' || 23.80 || 28.00 || 34.00 || 37.60 || 40.00
+
! ''Realistic''
−
|-
+
| 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
−
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
−
|-
 
−
| 7.80 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== Ammunition =====
+
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)/Ammunition|DM12A1, DM33, DM53}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
 
−
|-
+
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.1.0.46''' -->
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
|-
 
−
! 10m
 
−
! 100m
 
−
! 500m
 
−
! 1000m
 
−
! 1500m
 
−
! 2000m
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM23 || APFSDS || 410 || 408 || 401 || 393 || 384 || 376
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM12A1 || HEATFS || 650 || 650 || 650 || 650 || 650 || 650
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM33 || APFSDS || 481 || 478 || 470 || 461 || 450 || 440
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
 
−
''in m:''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
 
−
''in mm:''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 
−
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0%
 
−
! 50%
 
−
! 100%
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| DM23 || APFSDS || 1,640 || 4.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 78° || 80° || 81°
+
! Full<br>ammo
 +
! 1st<br>rack empty
 +
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| DM12A1 || HEATFS || 1,140 || 13.5 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 1,640 || +0° || 65° || 72° || 75°
+
| '''42''' || 16&nbsp;''(+26)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+41)'' || No
−
|-
 
−
| DM33 || APFSDS || 1,640 || 4.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
Notes:
  
−
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
+
* The 2nd rack serves as first-stage ammo stowage.
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 
−
|-
 
−
|| '''42''' || 16&nbsp;''(+26)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+41)'' || style="text-align:left" | No
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== 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.-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
−
{{main|MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)}}
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 +
<!-- ''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|MG3A1 (7.62 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="7" | [[MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm MG 3A1]]
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
! colspan="5" | [[MG3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm MG3A1]]
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="4" | 4,500 (1,000) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount (Loader)''
+
| Coaxial || 4,500 (1,000) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
| Pintle || 2,000 (1,000) || 1,200 || -8°/+20° || ±120°
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
−
|-
 
−
| colspan="4" | 2,000 (1,000) || 1,200 || -8°/+20° || ±120°
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
== 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 instead 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 instead 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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
In War Thunder, the Leopard 2A5 is a top-class tank with advanced technologies to enable players to compete against opponent in a tactical and strategic field. The Leopard 2A5 is best used in ambush or other surprise attack methods due to its superb mobility, which can help position the lethal firepower and precision the Leopard 2A5's 120 mm cannon can bring. Finding a good position can also enable a hull-down position to show only the turret and gun, leveraging the robust armour and natural cover to minimize the return fire while being able to dish out 120 mm projectiles undeterred. The tank is also great at moving around the battlefield to attack the enemies from their more vulnerable sides or rear, where they are not as strong. With the right aggressiveness, the Leopard 2A5 can whittle away or even dismantle the enemy team's initiative and lead their team to victory.
  
−
The Leopard 2A5 is slower, but it has much better armor and access to the DM33 round. With these new changes, the playstyle changes a bit too:
+
The {{PAGENAME}} is slower, but it has much better armour and access to the DM53 round. With these new changes, the playstyle changes a bit too:
  
−
* ''Hull down'': In the 2A4, the gunners optic was easily penetrated so the hull-down was still vulnerable. However, in the 2A5, this weak spot is eliminated and the armor of the turret is much better, so a hull-down position can now leave the Leopard 2A5 invulnerable.
+
* ''Hull down'': In the 2A4, the gunners optic was easily penetrated so the hull-down was still vulnerable. However, in the 2A5, this weak spot is eliminated and the armour of the turret is much better, so a hull-down position can now leave the {{PAGENAME}} invulnerable, but try to keep your turret protected as well, so then the armour package could last longer throughout the battle.
−
* ''Sniping'': With the DM33 APFSDS round, the Leopard 2A5 can now make use of the great distance in combat to deal damage while tanking incoming shots.
+
* ''Sniping'': With the DM53 APFSDS round, the {{PAGENAME}} can now make use of the great distance in combat to deal damage while tanking incoming shots. Try also make use of hull-down positions whilst sniping.
−
* ''Flanking'': Due to the worse mobility compared to the 2A4, it is better to stick to more stationary tactics like ''hull down'' and ''sniping''. However, with a little bit caution, flanking can still be successful.
+
* ''Flanking'': Due to the worse mobility compared to the 2A4, it is better to stick to more stationary tactics like ''hull-down'' and ''sniping''. However, with a little bit of caution, flanking can still be successful.
 +
* ''Staying with nearby teammates:'' Try and stick to nearby teammates as this can improve your lifespan throughout the game.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Excellent 120 mm gun, DM33 APFSDS is capable of penetrating up to 481 mm maximum at point-blank range
+
* Excellent 120 mm gun, DM53 APFSDS is capable of penetrating up to 623 mm maximum at point-blank range
 
* Impenetrable turret cheeks, the add-on wedge armour makes the turret immune from every shell in the game (average of 850 mm against long rod APFSDS and 1,450 mm against HEAT)
 
* Impenetrable turret cheeks, the add-on wedge armour makes the turret immune from every shell in the game (average of 850 mm against long rod APFSDS and 1,450 mm against HEAT)
−
* Extremely good armour on the UFP (430mm against long rod APFSDS), immune to every shell in the game except DM33, M829, L26, OFL 120 G1 and 3BM42
+
* Good armour on the UFP (430 mm against APFSDS), immune to older shells; though many top-tier tanks possess shells which can go straight through
 
* Great gun handling: 40°/s turret rotation speed (with Ace crew) and -9°/+20° of vertical guidance
 
* Great gun handling: 40°/s turret rotation speed (with Ace crew) and -9°/+20° of vertical guidance
 
* Side turret covered by add-on armour can bounce early APFSDS shells
 
* Side turret covered by add-on armour can bounce early APFSDS shells
 
* Gunner optics are now mounted on top of the turret, removing the annoying weak spot present on the Leopard 2A4
 
* Gunner optics are now mounted on top of the turret, removing the annoying weak spot present on the Leopard 2A4
 
* Cannon barrel and cannon breech absorbs impact rounds which may otherwise penetrate the turret and injure crews
 
* Cannon barrel and cannon breech absorbs impact rounds which may otherwise penetrate the turret and injure crews
−
* Very good thermal imaging quality (800 x 600)
+
* Gun breech and mantlet has a smaller profile than other western MBTs
−
* Has access to commander thermals
+
* Good thermal imaging quality (Generation 2 for Binoculars, 800 x 600, and Generation 1 for Gunner's view, 500 x 300)
 +
* Very good all round tank especially when played properly
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Lower glacis can still be penetrated by most shells
+
* Lower glacis can still be penetrated by most shells (but is expected for most MBTs)
 
* 16 shells in the ready-rack may be insufficient when playing in Arcade Battles
 
* 16 shells in the ready-rack may be insufficient when playing in Arcade Battles
−
* Huge hull ammo-rack if more than 16 shells are carried
+
* If your turret ammo rack is shot, you might survive but then you lose all your unloaded ammo storage
−
* Hull ammo-rack consequently makes the tank extremely vulnerable to HE shells
+
* Huge hull ammo-rack if more than 16 shells are carried consequently making the tank extremely vulnerable to HE shells
 
* A penetrating shot on the left side of the hull will most likely knock out the driver, gunner and commander, thus destroying the tank
 
* A penetrating shot on the left side of the hull will most likely knock out the driver, gunner and commander, thus destroying the tank
−
* DM12A1 HEAT-FS, though very useful against light vehicles, costs 410 SL
+
* A penetrating shell on the right side of the hull will most likely hit the ammo-rack, destroying the tank
−
* 8x/12x sight can be tricky to use in close quarters engagements
+
* Just like all Leopard series, raised engine deck means less gun depression when the turret is facing the rear
 
* The wedges can be shot off with several hits, though the turret cheeks alone provide 650 mm against KE
 
* The wedges can be shot off with several hits, though the turret cheeks alone provide 650 mm against KE
−
* Tank's weight is 4 tons increased while the engine is still the same, making the Leopard 2A5 slower compared to the 2A4
+
* Tank's weight is 4 tons increased while the engine is still the same, making the {{PAGENAME}} slower compared to the 2A4
 
* Despite all the added armour, the turret ring and driver's hatch are both easily penetrated, and the enemy will most likely aim at these two spots to disable or destroy the tank
 
* Despite all the added armour, the turret ring and driver's hatch are both easily penetrated, and the enemy will most likely aim at these two spots to disable or destroy the tank
 +
* Is outperformed by its successor, the Leopard 2A6, in terms of firepower. The longer L/55 cannon on the Leopard 2A6 increases the performance of both DM33 and DM53 shells.
  
 
== 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 long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the 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. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the 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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
The Leopard 2A5 is a third-generation main battle tank (MBT) developed by the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). It is an upgrade to the [[Leopard 2A4]], which was the mainstay of the German Army in the late 1990s. The Leopard 2A5 was first introduced in 1995 and served as the backbone of the German Army until the [[Leopard 2A6]] replaced it in 2001.
 +
 
 +
The Leopard 2A5 features improved armor protection and a new gunner's sight. The tank's armor consists of composite armor, reactive armor, and spaced armor, providing it with superior protection against anti-tank weapons. The Leopard 2A5 also features a modified turret design, which provides better protection for the crew.
 +
 
 +
The tank's main armament is a 120 mm smoothbore gun, which is capable of firing a variety of ammunition types, including high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT), armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS), and high-explosive, variable time fuze (HE-VT) rounds. The Leopard 2A5 also features a secondary armament consisting of a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and a 12.7 mm machine gun mounted on the commander's hatch (which on some versions may be a 7.62mm one).
 +
 
 +
The Leopard 2A5 has been used in several conflicts around the world, including in Kosovo and Afghanistan. The tank has proven to be highly effective in combat, with its superior armor protection and firepower providing a significant advantage on the battlefield. During the Kosovo conflict, the German Army deployed a battalion of Leopard 2A5s, which saw significant action against Serbian forces. The tank's superior protection and firepower proved to be critical in the success of the German mission.
 +
 
 +
The tank proved to be incapable, though, of urban combat, as German forces suffered heavy losses to shoulder anti-tank weapons, like the RPG-7 and M136, which were highly used by guerilla and insurgency forces from rooftops and areas where the Leopard's defenses couldn't reach. Around 1997, the Leopard 2A5M TUSK I prototype was created, featuring an all-around ERA protection, as well as blowout panels, an autoloader, a shorter barrel, and a remote-controlled machine gun (to prevent the commander/loader from having to turn out of the tank to fire it). Although some units were produced, the project was abandoned quickly due to the replacement of the tank by the Leopard 2A6, along with the high production cost of the new variant.
 +
 
 +
Production of the Leopard 2A5 began in 1995, and the tank was in service until it was replaced by the Leopard 2A6 in 2001. The Leopard 2A5 was produced in Germany and exported to several other countries, including Austria, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, Norway, and Poland.
 +
 
 +
Despite its successes, the Leopard 2A5 was not without its production issues. The tank was initially delayed due to problems with the new armor technology, and production costs were higher than expected. The tank also had some reliability issues, particularly with its engine, which was prone to overheating.
 +
 
 +
In conclusion, the Leopard 2A5 is a highly effective third-generation MBT that provided a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Leopard 2A4. The tank's superior armor protection and firepower made it a formidable opponent on the battlefield, and it has seen successful combat deployment in several conflicts around the world. While the Leopard 2A5 had some production issues, it was a critical asset for the German Army during its time in service.
 +
 
 +
===[[wt:en/news/6098-development-leopard-2a5-this-time-we-are-dead-serious-en|Devblog]]===
 
In 1988, German engineers began work on modernizing the Leopard 2 main battle tank. Improvements were made to the tank’s defensive capabilities, primarily the turret armour. Moreover, the 2A5 model was fitted with an electric stabiliser instead of the electro-hydraulic variant that the previous versions used.
 
In 1988, German engineers began work on modernizing the Leopard 2 main battle tank. Improvements were made to the tank’s defensive capabilities, primarily the turret armour. Moreover, the 2A5 model was fitted with an electric stabiliser instead of the electro-hydraulic variant that the previous versions used.
  
Line 250: Line 196:
 
Leading to the 2A5 modernization program being officially approved by the military officials of Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands. It is interesting to note that the models exported to the last two countries on the list were actually different from the ones issued to the German army – for instance, the Bundeswehr tanks received no extra frontal hull armour. Production of Leopard 2A5 tanks began in 1995. Overall, 350 earlier-version Leopards were upgraded as a result of the program.
 
Leading to the 2A5 modernization program being officially approved by the military officials of Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands. It is interesting to note that the models exported to the last two countries on the list were actually different from the ones issued to the German army – for instance, the Bundeswehr tanks received no extra frontal hull armour. Production of Leopard 2A5 tanks began in 1995. Overall, 350 earlier-version Leopards were upgraded as a result of the program.
  
−
''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/6098-development-leopard-2a5-this-time-we-are-dead-serious-en Devblog]''
+
== Media ==
 +
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_leopard_2a5 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
−
== Media ==
+
;Videos
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
{{Youtube-gallery|5WHTEcO9zKo|'''German Efficiency Continued - Leopard 2A5''' - ''JustinPlaysYT''|xCV32NWy8Kc|'''Should You Grind The Leopard 2A5?''' - ''Sako Sniper''|Htx2jqp0aEA|'''German ground forces Tier VI/VII''' - ''Oxy'' (Leopard 2A5 at 27:52)|efyCTykFiO0|'''Leopard 2A5 - Much WoW, Such GooD''' - ''Napalmratte''}}
  
 
== 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;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
[[File:GarageImage_Leopard_2A5_Cup.png|300px|thumb|right|␙Leopard 2A5, currently only owned by content creator Slickbee]]
 +
 
 +
;Related development
  
−
* [[Leopard 2A4]] - Preceding vehicle
+
* [[Leopard 2A4]] - <small>(Preceding vehicle)</small>
 +
* ␙Leopard 2A5 - <small>([[wt:en/news/6286-esport-war-thunder-youtube-cup-results-en|YouTube Cup 2019]] prize)</small>
 +
* [[Strv 122A]]
 +
* [[Strv 122B PLSS]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
<!--Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''-->
 
  
−
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/6098-development-leopard-2a5-this-time-we-are-dead-serious-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Leopard 2A5: This Time We Are Dead Serious]
+
* [[wt:en/news/6098-development-leopard-2a5-this-time-we-are-dead-serious-en|[Devblog] Leopard 2A5: This Time We Are Dead Serious]]
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer KMW}}
 
{{Germany medium tanks}}
 
{{Germany medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 17:51, 15 February 2024

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the German medium tank Leopard 2A5. For other versions, see Leopard 2 (Family).
Leopard 2A5
germ_leopard_2a5.png
GarageImage Leopard 2A5.jpg
ArtImage Leopard 2A5.png
Leopard 2A5
Germany flag.png Germany
VIII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
12.0 12.0 12.0
Class:
Research:400 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 080 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Leopard 2A5 is the sixth variant of the Leopard 2 main battle tank family. The Leopard 2A5 variant (introduced in mid-1998) is visually distinct from previous variants due to the addition of wedge-shaped spaced add-on armour over the entire front as well as the forward sides of the turret. The ideology behind this wedge-shaped, spaced add-on armour is that it may deflect and erode kinetic-energy penetrators as well as neutralize a hollow charge before it reaches the base armour. The shot-trap effect was investigated and avoided as a result of the first layer, which does not deflect penetrators into the hull, as well as angle calculations and the material utilized for the outer layer. As a result, the gun mantlet had been modified to fit in with the new add-on armour. Furthermore, the entire composite armour composition was revised and improved. To prevent fragmentation, spall liners were installed in the crew compartment, and the frontal area of the side skirts was improved and strengthened. To reduce weight and simplify maintenance and reliability, the turret traverse and systems were entirely electric. The tank commander's sight was relocated behind the hatch, and separate thermal imaging equipment was installed. The gunner's sight was also relocated to the turret roof (previous versions had it built into the cavity in the front turret armour). The driver's hatch has also been modified. Since this variant was designed to be upgraded to the new 120 mm Rheinmetall L/55 tank gun in the future Leopard 2A6 variant, the entire gun brake system was modified as well.

Introduced in Update 1.87 "Locked On", the Leopard 2A5 variant provides higher turret protection than the preceding Leopard 2A4 variant due to the addition of spaced add-on armour covering the frontal area and forward flanks of the turret. Despite being a spaced add-on armour, the distinctive wedge-shaped design effectively disrupts and decreases the energy of incoming enemy tank ammunition rounds, resulting in significant armour penetration reduction. The tank layouts are identical to the Leopard 2A4, but there are minor differences in crew locations. The tank commander's sight has been substantially upgraded, providing the tank commander with an independent sight equipped with thermal imaging equipment, introducing the hunter-killer capabilities.

General info

Survivability and armour

Composite armour
Balanced protection against all types of ammunition
Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull80 / 30 / 20
Turret75 / 80 / 20
Crew4 people
Visibility87 %

The Leopard 2A5 has improved armour compared to its predecessor, the hull is much better protected and the already impenetrable turret cheeks have more protection on the side of the turret. Add-on armour boosts the ability to protect against HEAT-FS and early APFSDS rounds. The wedges on the front of the turret are able to be blown off if a round with enough energy hits it.The gunners optic is also moved into the roof to eliminate the weak spot which was easily penetrated by any tank.

One big changeover along with the armour wedges in the front is the repositioning of the gunner's sight. In the 2A4, the gunner's sight in the turret front presented a weakness that was easily compromised. In the 2A5, the gunner's sight was relocated to the turret roof, and so this weakness is no longer present on the 2A5. Additionally, the large mantlet of the 2A4 has been replaced by a far smaller and more armoured mantlet, making it far harder to hit, though most ammunition at top tier can still penetrate it easily.

Be aware of Soviet tanks though! Most of them will carry their HE rounds that can easily destroy you anywhere they hit. A hit directly to the turret will most likely send fragments into your hull, penetrate and lets your fuel tank explode or at least set a fire and knock out the gun barrel.

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 35 mm (53-82°) Upper glacis
40 mm (50-51°) Lower glacis 		10 mm (5°) Upper hull
35 mm Lower forward hull
20 mm Lower rear hull 		20 mm (12-50°) 20 mm (0-8°) Hull roof incl. engine deck
Turret 80 mm (57-59°) Right cheek add-on
80 mm (55-58°) Left cheek add-on
30 mm (63°) Upper mantlet add-on
400 mm Mantlet armour
250 mm (9°) Mantlet shroud 		80 mm (20-22°) Right add-on
80 mm (22°) Left add-on
35 mm Forward
15 mm Rear 		20 mm (10°) Basket
20 mm (70°) Turret underside 		35 - 40 mm (80-89°) Forehead Armour
14 mm (68-82°) Forward sides
20 mm (89°) Rear turret
20 mm (83°) Basket
The frontal KE protection of the Leopard 2A5 against 3BM42 at 500 m.
The frontal CE protection of the Leopard 2A5 against MIM-146.
Composite armour Front Sides
Hull Upper+Lower glacis
400 mm Kinetic
600 mm Chemical 		N/A
Turret Turret cheeks
800 mm Kinetic
1200 mm Chemical
Gun mantlet (Center)
260 - 325 mm Kinetic
600 - 690 mm Chemical
Gun mantlet (Outer)
425 - 460 mm Kinetic
825 - 905 Chemical 		Side armour
260 mm Kinetic
230 - 285 mm Chemical

Notes:

  • Upper hull and Lower rear hull overlap (10 + 20 mm thick)
  • Upper mantlet add-on and Mantlet armour overlap (30 + 400 mm thick)
  • Holes in the engine deck are covered by 8 mm of mesh

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB76 / 35 km/h
RB and SB69 / 31 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
4 back
Weight59.5 t
Engine power
AB2 862 hp
RB and SB1 500 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB48.1 hp/t
RB and SB25.2 hp/t
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 59.5 2,032 2,862 34.15 48.1
Realistic 69 31 1,327 1,500 22.3 25.21

The only drawback compared to the previous model would be the Leopard 2A5's mobility since, despite the 4 tons increase in weight, the engine remains the same, so the Leopard 2A5 is both slower and less manoeuvrable compared to the Leopard 2A4, but it can still keep up with the other nations MBTs. The engine remains the same MTU MB 873 Ka-501 engine which produces 1,500 hp (1,100 KW) at 2,600 RPM.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 665 → 6 941 Sl icon.png
RB4 530 → 6 740 Sl icon.png
SB5 737 → 8 536 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications277 100 Rp icon.png
467 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost3 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training310 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 080 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 280 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 190 / 210 % Sl icon.png
250 / 250 / 250 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
5 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_DM_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png

The first modifications to research should be Parts and FPE. After those, aim for the NVD, DM33/DM53, laser rangefinder, or mobility upgrades, depending on the desired playstyle.

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

120 mm Rh120 L/44 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition42 rounds
First-order15 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
7.8 → 6.0 s
Vertical guidance-9° / 20°
Main article: Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)

The Leopard 2A5 has access to DM53 APFSDS shells which make it a deadlier foe as few tanks can stand against it.

120 mm Rh120 L/44 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 42 -9°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 38.1 52.7 64.0 70.8 75.3 7.80 6.90 6.36 6.00
Realistic 23.8 28.0 34.0 37.6 40.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
DM12A1 HEATFS 480 480 480 480 480 480
DM33 APFSDS 481 478 470 461 450 440
DM53 APFSDS 623 620 610 598 586 573
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
DM12A1 HEATFS 1,140 13.5 0.05 0.1 2.15 65° 72° 77°
DM33 APFSDS 1,640 4.3 - - - 78° 80° 81°
DM53 APFSDS 1,670 5 - - - 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Leopard 2A5
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
42 16 (+26) 1 (+41) No

Notes:

  • The 2nd rack serves as first-stage ammo stowage.

Machine guns

7.62 mm MG3A1 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition4 400 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 200 shots/min
7.62 mm MG3A1 machine gun
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 200 shots/min
Main article: MG3A1 (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm MG3A1
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,500 (1,000) 1,200 N/A N/A
Pintle 2,000 (1,000) 1,200 -8°/+20° ±120°

Usage in battles

In War Thunder, the Leopard 2A5 is a top-class tank with advanced technologies to enable players to compete against opponent in a tactical and strategic field. The Leopard 2A5 is best used in ambush or other surprise attack methods due to its superb mobility, which can help position the lethal firepower and precision the Leopard 2A5's 120 mm cannon can bring. Finding a good position can also enable a hull-down position to show only the turret and gun, leveraging the robust armour and natural cover to minimize the return fire while being able to dish out 120 mm projectiles undeterred. The tank is also great at moving around the battlefield to attack the enemies from their more vulnerable sides or rear, where they are not as strong. With the right aggressiveness, the Leopard 2A5 can whittle away or even dismantle the enemy team's initiative and lead their team to victory.

The Leopard 2A5 is slower, but it has much better armour and access to the DM53 round. With these new changes, the playstyle changes a bit too:

  • Hull down: In the 2A4, the gunners optic was easily penetrated so the hull-down was still vulnerable. However, in the 2A5, this weak spot is eliminated and the armour of the turret is much better, so a hull-down position can now leave the Leopard 2A5 invulnerable, but try to keep your turret protected as well, so then the armour package could last longer throughout the battle.
  • Sniping: With the DM53 APFSDS round, the Leopard 2A5 can now make use of the great distance in combat to deal damage while tanking incoming shots. Try also make use of hull-down positions whilst sniping.
  • Flanking: Due to the worse mobility compared to the 2A4, it is better to stick to more stationary tactics like hull-down and sniping. However, with a little bit of caution, flanking can still be successful.
  • Staying with nearby teammates: Try and stick to nearby teammates as this can improve your lifespan throughout the game.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent 120 mm gun, DM53 APFSDS is capable of penetrating up to 623 mm maximum at point-blank range
  • Impenetrable turret cheeks, the add-on wedge armour makes the turret immune from every shell in the game (average of 850 mm against long rod APFSDS and 1,450 mm against HEAT)
  • Good armour on the UFP (430 mm against APFSDS), immune to older shells; though many top-tier tanks possess shells which can go straight through
  • Great gun handling: 40°/s turret rotation speed (with Ace crew) and -9°/+20° of vertical guidance
  • Side turret covered by add-on armour can bounce early APFSDS shells
  • Gunner optics are now mounted on top of the turret, removing the annoying weak spot present on the Leopard 2A4
  • Cannon barrel and cannon breech absorbs impact rounds which may otherwise penetrate the turret and injure crews
  • Gun breech and mantlet has a smaller profile than other western MBTs
  • Good thermal imaging quality (Generation 2 for Binoculars, 800 x 600, and Generation 1 for Gunner's view, 500 x 300)
  • Very good all round tank especially when played properly

Cons:

  • Lower glacis can still be penetrated by most shells (but is expected for most MBTs)
  • 16 shells in the ready-rack may be insufficient when playing in Arcade Battles
  • If your turret ammo rack is shot, you might survive but then you lose all your unloaded ammo storage
  • Huge hull ammo-rack if more than 16 shells are carried consequently making the tank extremely vulnerable to HE shells
  • A penetrating shot on the left side of the hull will most likely knock out the driver, gunner and commander, thus destroying the tank
  • A penetrating shell on the right side of the hull will most likely hit the ammo-rack, destroying the tank
  • Just like all Leopard series, raised engine deck means less gun depression when the turret is facing the rear
  • The wedges can be shot off with several hits, though the turret cheeks alone provide 650 mm against KE
  • Tank's weight is 4 tons increased while the engine is still the same, making the Leopard 2A5 slower compared to the 2A4
  • Despite all the added armour, the turret ring and driver's hatch are both easily penetrated, and the enemy will most likely aim at these two spots to disable or destroy the tank
  • Is outperformed by its successor, the Leopard 2A6, in terms of firepower. The longer L/55 cannon on the Leopard 2A6 increases the performance of both DM33 and DM53 shells.

History

The Leopard 2A5 is a third-generation main battle tank (MBT) developed by the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). It is an upgrade to the Leopard 2A4, which was the mainstay of the German Army in the late 1990s. The Leopard 2A5 was first introduced in 1995 and served as the backbone of the German Army until the Leopard 2A6 replaced it in 2001.

The Leopard 2A5 features improved armor protection and a new gunner's sight. The tank's armor consists of composite armor, reactive armor, and spaced armor, providing it with superior protection against anti-tank weapons. The Leopard 2A5 also features a modified turret design, which provides better protection for the crew.

The tank's main armament is a 120 mm smoothbore gun, which is capable of firing a variety of ammunition types, including high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT), armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS), and high-explosive, variable time fuze (HE-VT) rounds. The Leopard 2A5 also features a secondary armament consisting of a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and a 12.7 mm machine gun mounted on the commander's hatch (which on some versions may be a 7.62mm one).

The Leopard 2A5 has been used in several conflicts around the world, including in Kosovo and Afghanistan. The tank has proven to be highly effective in combat, with its superior armor protection and firepower providing a significant advantage on the battlefield. During the Kosovo conflict, the German Army deployed a battalion of Leopard 2A5s, which saw significant action against Serbian forces. The tank's superior protection and firepower proved to be critical in the success of the German mission.

The tank proved to be incapable, though, of urban combat, as German forces suffered heavy losses to shoulder anti-tank weapons, like the RPG-7 and M136, which were highly used by guerilla and insurgency forces from rooftops and areas where the Leopard's defenses couldn't reach. Around 1997, the Leopard 2A5M TUSK I prototype was created, featuring an all-around ERA protection, as well as blowout panels, an autoloader, a shorter barrel, and a remote-controlled machine gun (to prevent the commander/loader from having to turn out of the tank to fire it). Although some units were produced, the project was abandoned quickly due to the replacement of the tank by the Leopard 2A6, along with the high production cost of the new variant.

Production of the Leopard 2A5 began in 1995, and the tank was in service until it was replaced by the Leopard 2A6 in 2001. The Leopard 2A5 was produced in Germany and exported to several other countries, including Austria, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, Norway, and Poland.

Despite its successes, the Leopard 2A5 was not without its production issues. The tank was initially delayed due to problems with the new armor technology, and production costs were higher than expected. The tank also had some reliability issues, particularly with its engine, which was prone to overheating.

In conclusion, the Leopard 2A5 is a highly effective third-generation MBT that provided a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Leopard 2A4. The tank's superior armor protection and firepower made it a formidable opponent on the battlefield, and it has seen successful combat deployment in several conflicts around the world. While the Leopard 2A5 had some production issues, it was a critical asset for the German Army during its time in service.

Devblog

In 1988, German engineers began work on modernizing the Leopard 2 main battle tank. Improvements were made to the tank’s defensive capabilities, primarily the turret armour. Moreover, the 2A5 model was fitted with an electric stabiliser instead of the electro-hydraulic variant that the previous versions used.

The gunner received improved and less vulnerable optics, and the tank commander – a panoramic periscope with thermal imaging. The build of the driver’s hatch was also modified, along with several other minor improvements made to the general design.

Leading to the 2A5 modernization program being officially approved by the military officials of Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands. It is interesting to note that the models exported to the last two countries on the list were actually different from the ones issued to the German army – for instance, the Bundeswehr tanks received no extra frontal hull armour. Production of Leopard 2A5 tanks began in 1995. Overall, 350 earlier-version Leopards were upgraded as a result of the program.

Media

Skins
Videos
German Efficiency Continued - Leopard 2A5 - JustinPlaysYT
Should You Grind The Leopard 2A5? - Sako Sniper
German ground forces Tier VI/VII - Oxy (Leopard 2A5 at 27:52)
Leopard 2A5 - Much WoW, Such GooD - Napalmratte

See also

␙Leopard 2A5, currently only owned by content creator Slickbee
Related development

External links


Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW)
MBTs 
Leopard 1  Leopard I · Leopard A1A1 · Leopard A1A1 (L/44) · Leopard 1A5 · C2A1
Leopard 2  PT-16/T14 mod. · Leopard 2K · Leopard 2A4 · Leopard 2 (PzBtl 123) · Leopard 2A4M · Leopard 2 PL · Leopard 2A5 · Leopard 2 PSO · Leopard 2A6 · Leopard 2A7V
KPz-70  KPz-70*
  *By the Deutsche Entwicklungsgesellschaft consortium, in collaboration with the General Motors Company.
IFVs  PUMA
SPAAs  Gepard · Gepard 1A2
Export 
Leopard 1  ▄Leopard 1A5 · Leopard 1A5NO2
Leopard 2  Strv 121 · ▄Leopard 2A4 · ◔Leopard 2A4 · ▄Leopard 2A6 · Leopard 2A7HU
See Also  BAE Systems AB

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 2A4M · 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

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