Difference between revisions of "Leopard 2A4"
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+ | {{Specs-Card|code=germ_leopard_2a4}} | ||
{{About | {{About | ||
− | | about = | + | |about=medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}''' |
− | | usage = other | + | |usage=other uses |
− | | link = Leopard | + | |link=Leopard (Family) |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
}} | }} | ||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
− | <!-- ''In the description, the first part | + | <!--''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.''--> |
− | The ''' | + | [[File:GarageImage {{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]] |
− | + | {{break}} | |
− | + | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]]. | |
== 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?'' | |
− | <!-- ''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? | ||
− | |||
− | The Leopard 2A4 | + | ''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''--> |
+ | The armour protection on the Leopard 2A4 can be described as "decent" with the essential areas covered but not much more. While the turret cheeks are well protected against both kinetic (~400mm equivalent, sloped) and chemical (~620mm equivalent, sloped) rounds, the upper frontal plate of the chassis will generally not stop an APDSFS (~150mm equivalent, sloped) round from any of its competitors, but will prevent most chemical rounds from penetrating (~520mm equivalent, sloped). However, the lower front plate is even more vulnerable (280mm equivalent vs HEAT and, 150mm equivalent vs kinetic projectiles, both sloped). Like in the case of its competitors, the turret ring is unprotected and so are the hull sides. While the cannon breech is also lacking in protection, it is not completely absent. | ||
− | The | + | The four crew members are tightly packed with the driver, gunner and commander all forming a line on the starboard side of the tank, making them easy to eliminate in one hit if the Leopard 2A4 is facing the enemy with its hull and turret aligned towards it, thus knocking out the tank. The ammo rack of the tank is positioned in front on the port side, and makes for an easy target. This disadvantage can be easily negated by simply using cover to engage in a hull-down position. There is also a ready-rack at the back of the turret, with blow-out panels to prevent the detonation of the ready-rack from destroying the vehicle (note that ''FPE'' must be researched in order for the ammo burnout to be put out). |
− | + | The armour protection is generally enough if you wish to engage in a long range style of combat as shells will deviate ever so slightly from their predicted path, giving your armour a chance of absorbing them without much damage to be received, though the same can not be said if you wish to engage in fast paced urban combat where shells will land precisely where aimed and enemies will generally attack your sides. | |
− | + | {| class="wikitable" | |
+ | !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'' | ||
− | '''Armour | + | 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 | ||
+ | ! colspan="2" |Front | ||
+ | ! colspan="2" |Sides | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |Hull | ||
+ | | colspan="2" |'''''Upper+Lower glacis''''' | ||
+ | 90 - 350 mm ''Kinetic'' | ||
+ | 243 - 600 mm ''Chemical'' | ||
+ | | colspan="2" |N/A | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |Turret | ||
+ | | colspan="2" |'''''Turret cheeks''''' | ||
+ | 420 - 800 mm ''Kinetic'' | ||
+ | 535 - 820 mm ''Chemical'' | ||
− | + | '''''Gun mantlet''''' | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | {| class="wikitable" | + | 100 - 270 mm ''Kinetic'' |
+ | |||
+ | 300 - 480 mm ''Chemical'' | ||
+ | | colspan="2" |'''''Side armour'''''194 - 260 mm ''Kinetic'' | ||
+ | 280 - 400 mm ''Chemical'' | ||
+ | |} | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Mobility === | ||
+ | <!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''--> | ||
+ | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! Weight (tons) | ||
+ | ! colspan="1" | Add-on Armour<br>weight (tons) | ||
+ | ! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h) | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | rowspan="2" | 56.0 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 79 (AB) | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |72 (RB/SB) | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower) | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! colspan="1" | Mode |
+ | !Stock | ||
+ | !Upgraded | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |''Arcade'' |
+ | |2,032 | ||
+ | |____ | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |''Realistic/Simulator'' |
+ | |1,327 | ||
+ | |____ | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton) | |
− | |||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! colspan="1" | Mode |
+ | !Stock | ||
+ | !Upgraded | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | |''Arcade'' | |
− | + | |36.29 | |
+ | |__.__ | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |''Realistic/Simulator'' |
+ | |23.70 | ||
+ | |__.__ | ||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
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== 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|Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)}} |
− | {{main| | ||
− | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | |
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! 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) | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! style="width:4em" |Mode | ||
+ | ! style="width:4em" |Stock | ||
+ | ! style="width:4em" |Upgraded | ||
+ | ! 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 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | ''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 || 6.9 || 6.4|| __.__ | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |} | ||
− | + | ===== Ammunition ===== | |
− | + | {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%" | |
− | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%" | + | ! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics |
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition | ||
+ | ! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead | ||
+ | ! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack''' | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! 10m | ||
+ | ! 100m | ||
+ | ! 500m | ||
+ | ! 1000m | ||
+ | ! 1500m | ||
+ | ! 2000m | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | DM12 || HEATFS || 650 || 650 || 650 || 650 || 650 || 650 | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | | 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%" | ||
+ | ! 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% | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | | 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]] ===== |
− | + | [[File:Ammoracks_Leopard_2A4.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the Leopard 2A4.]] | |
− | + | {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" | |
− | ==== [[Ammo racks]] ==== | ||
− | [[File: | ||
− | |||
− | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Full<br>ammo | + | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo |
− | ! 1st<br>rack empty | + | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br /> rack empty |
− | ! 2nd<br>rack empty | + | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br /> rack empty |
− | ! Visual<br>discrepancy | + | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy |
|- | |- | ||
− | | '''42''' || 16 ''(+26)'' || 1 ''(+41)'' || | + | || '''42''' || 16 ''(+26)'' || 1 ''(+41)'' || style="text-align:left" | no |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
− | '' | + | 1st rack empty: 16 ''(+26)'' |
− | + | 2nd rack has blowout panels | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
=== 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.''--> | |
− | + | {{main|MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)}} | |
− | <!-- ''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| | ||
− | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | |
− | + | |- | |
− | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width=" | + | ! colspan="7" | [[MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm MG 3A1]] |
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount '' | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity) | ||
+ | ! 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° | |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount'' |
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | ! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity) |
+ | ! 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 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
== 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 | + | <!--''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).''--> |
− | + | When stock, the HEATFS round will help you pick enemies from a distance, thus avoiding taking damage as you will have no ''Parts'' nor ''FPE'', but will not be enough against some tanks like the [[M1 Abrams]] and the [[T-80B]]; [[T-64B]] when these tanks are equipped with add-on ERA. This becomes less of a problem once you have unlocked kinetic shells. | |
− | + | The vehicle, like most of its own league, can be played as a sniper tank due to its excellent optics, or in an urban environment thanks to its powerful engine, high top speed and acceleration and potent top shell which allows quick, but deadly snapshots. | |
− | + | Notable enemies are, on one hand, the [[IPM1]] and M1 Abrams which are almost completely immune to your stock HEAT round, but have a weak turret ring and the Russian MBTs which can equip add-on armor in order to negate the effects of an initial HEAT shell, subsequent penetration is generally possible after the ERA blocks have been detonated; ERA blocks are negated by the use of APDSFS ammunition, notably the DM23 vs T-80B while the DM13 will be enough for all of the others, given a chassis hit. | |
+ | |||
+ | ===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 === | ||
− | <!-- '' | + | <!--''Summarize 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 - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''--> |
− | |||
'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
− | * Powerful engine, high top speed and acceleration | + | * Powerful engine, high top speed and acceleration - turns very easily on the spot |
− | * | + | * High scope magnification for long range operations |
− | + | * Flat-shooting gun with high velocities allows easy long range shots without much adjustment necessary | |
− | * | + | * Potent selection of ammunition - good HEATFS and very good APFSDS |
− | * | + | * Effective turret armour, capable of tanking hits from the front and bouncing side shots |
− | * | ||
− | |||
− | |||
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
− | * Hull armour | + | * Hull armour leaves much to be desired |
− | * The stock DM12 HEATFS | + | * The stock DM12 HEATFS is soaked up by enemy tanks with ERA blocks, meaning you need to shoot the ERA away then follow up with a new shot |
* The gunner's optics are a weak spot, enemies who know how to aim can cripple your gun and kill your crew | * The gunner's optics are a weak spot, enemies who know how to aim can cripple your gun and kill your crew | ||
− | * | + | * Can be easily ammo racked - carrying only 16 rounds eliminiates this, but at the cost of a severely reduced ammo count |
− | + | * Difficult stock grind, sluggish and not very agile in the beginning | |
− | * | + | * Next to no anti-air capability, can not reliably eliminate attacking helicopters except with the 120 mm cannon |
− | * | ||
− | |||
== History == | == History == | ||
− | <!-- ''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 | + | <!--''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.''--> |
− | 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 | + | 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 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. | 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 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 | + | 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. | 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. | ||
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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. | 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 [ | + | ''-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.''--> |
− | + | {{Youtube-gallery|F1NXlu1h6s4|Leopard 2A4 Tank Review - War Thunder (AB)<br>-By ''NUSensei''}} | |
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− | < | ||
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== 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.''--> |
− | + | ||
− | * [[Leopard | + | * [[Leopard 2K]] - Preceding vehicle |
+ | * [[Leopard 2A5]] - Succeeding vehicle | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
− | <!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | + | <!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' |
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{{Germany medium tanks}} | {{Germany medium tanks}} |
Revision as of 16:03, 2 November 2019
Contents
This page is about the medium tank Leopard 2A4. For other uses, see Leopard (Family). |
Description
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 armour protection on the Leopard 2A4 can be described as "decent" with the essential areas covered but not much more. While the turret cheeks are well protected against both kinetic (~400mm equivalent, sloped) and chemical (~620mm equivalent, sloped) rounds, the upper frontal plate of the chassis will generally not stop an APDSFS (~150mm equivalent, sloped) round from any of its competitors, but will prevent most chemical rounds from penetrating (~520mm equivalent, sloped). However, the lower front plate is even more vulnerable (280mm equivalent vs HEAT and, 150mm equivalent vs kinetic projectiles, both sloped). Like in the case of its competitors, the turret ring is unprotected and so are the hull sides. While the cannon breech is also lacking in protection, it is not completely absent.
The four crew members are tightly packed with the driver, gunner and commander all forming a line on the starboard side of the tank, making them easy to eliminate in one hit if the Leopard 2A4 is facing the enemy with its hull and turret aligned towards it, thus knocking out the tank. The ammo rack of the tank is positioned in front on the port side, and makes for an easy target. This disadvantage can be easily negated by simply using cover to engage in a hull-down position. There is also a ready-rack at the back of the turret, with blow-out panels to prevent the detonation of the ready-rack from destroying the vehicle (note that FPE must be researched in order for the ammo burnout to be put out).
The armour protection is generally enough if you wish to engage in a long range style of combat as shells will deviate ever so slightly from their predicted path, giving your armour a chance of absorbing them without much damage to be received, though the same can not be said if you wish to engage in fast paced urban combat where shells will land precisely where aimed and enemies will generally attack your sides.
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
Mobility characteristic | ||
---|---|---|
Weight (tons) | Add-on Armour weight (tons) |
Max speed (km/h) |
56.0 | N/A | 79 (AB) |
72 (RB/SB) | ||
Engine power (horsepower) | ||
Mode | Stock | Upgraded |
Arcade | 2,032 | ____ |
Realistic/Simulator | 1,327 | ____ |
Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton) | ||
Mode | Stock | Upgraded |
Arcade | 36.29 | __.__ |
Realistic/Simulator | 23.70 | __.__ |
Armaments
Main armament
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 | 6.9 | 6.4 | __.__ |
Ammunition
Penetration statistics | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ammunition | Type of warhead |
Penetration in mm @ 0° Angle of Attack | |||||
10m | 100m | 500m | 1000m | 1500m | 2000m | ||
DM12 | HEATFS | 650 | 650 | 650 | 650 | 650 | 650 |
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
Full ammo |
1st rack empty |
2nd rack empty |
Visual discrepancy |
---|---|---|---|
42 | 16 (+26) | 1 (+41) | no |
1st rack empty: 16 (+26)
2nd rack has blowout panels
Machine guns
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
When stock, the HEATFS round will help you pick enemies from a distance, thus avoiding taking damage as you will have no Parts nor FPE, but will not be enough against some tanks like the M1 Abrams and the T-80B; T-64B when these tanks are equipped with add-on ERA. This becomes less of a problem once you have unlocked kinetic shells.
The vehicle, like most of its own league, can be played as a sniper tank due to its excellent optics, or in an urban environment thanks to its powerful engine, high top speed and acceleration and potent top shell which allows quick, but deadly snapshots.
Notable enemies are, on one hand, the IPM1 and M1 Abrams which are almost completely immune to your stock HEAT round, but have a weak turret ring and the Russian MBTs which can equip add-on armor in order to negate the effects of an initial HEAT shell, subsequent penetration is generally possible after the ERA blocks have been detonated; ERA blocks are negated by the use of APDSFS ammunition, notably the DM23 vs T-80B while the DM13 will be enough for all of the others, given a chassis hit.
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 - turns very easily on the spot
- High scope magnification for long range operations
- Flat-shooting gun with high velocities allows easy long range shots without much adjustment necessary
- Potent selection of ammunition - good HEATFS and very good APFSDS
- Effective turret armour, capable of tanking hits from the front and bouncing side shots
Cons:
- Hull armour leaves much to be desired
- The stock DM12 HEATFS is soaked up by enemy tanks with ERA blocks, meaning you need to shoot the ERA away then follow up with a new shot
- The gunner's optics are a weak spot, enemies who know how to aim can cripple your gun and kill your crew
- Can be easily ammo racked - carrying only 16 rounds eliminiates this, but at the cost of a severely reduced ammo count
- Difficult stock grind, sluggish and not very agile in the beginning
- Next to no anti-air capability, can not reliably eliminate attacking helicopters except with the 120 mm cannon
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
-By NUSensei
See also
- Leopard 2K - Preceding vehicle
- Leopard 2A5 - Succeeding vehicle
External links
Germany medium tanks | |
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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 |