Difference between revisions of "Leopard 2A6"

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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "New Power"]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "New Power"]].
  
−
The succeeding variant of the [[Leopard 2A5]], the {{PAGENAME}} is distinguished by a longer gun barrel, the 120mm Rh120 L/55, a 55 caliber, 6.6 meters long gun, 11 calibers, 1.32 meters, longer than its predecessor. .
+
The succeeding variant of the [[Leopard 2A5]], the {{PAGENAME}} is distinguished by a longer gun barrel, the 120 mm Rh120 L/55, a 55 calibre (6.6 m) long gun, 11 calibres (1.32 m) longer than its predecessor.
−
 
 
  
 
== 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? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
−
 
+
[[File:Leopard 2A5 armour scheme.png|thumb|The frontal KE protection of the {{PAGENAME}} against 3BM42 at 500 m.]]
−
If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.-->[[File:Leopard 2A5 armour scheme.png|thumb|The frontal KE protection of the {{PAGENAME}} against 3BM42 at 500 m.]]
 
  
 
The {{PAGENAME}} retains the same excellent armour than its predecessor, the hull remains well 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}} retains the same excellent armour than its predecessor, the hull remains well 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.
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{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Armour !! Front (Slope angle)!!Sides!!Rear!!Roof  
+
!Armour !! Front (Slope angle)!!Sides!!Rear!!Roof
 
|-
 
|-
 
|Hull
 
|Hull
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<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 2032|rbMinHp= 1327|<!--AoAweight=(optional) -->}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,032|rbMinHp=1,327}}
  
 
The only drawback compared to the previous model would be the {{PAGENAME}}'s mobility since, despite the half ton increase in weight, the engine remains the same, so the {{PAGENAME}} remains relatively slow and relatively unmanoeuvrable like the [[Leopard 2A5]], but it can still keep up with the other nations MBTs.
 
The only drawback compared to the previous model would be the {{PAGENAME}}'s mobility since, despite the half ton increase in weight, the engine remains the same, so the {{PAGENAME}} remains relatively slow and relatively unmanoeuvrable like the [[Leopard 2A5]], but it can still keep up with the other nations MBTs.
 
The engine remains the same MTU (MOTOREN-UND TURBINEN-UNION FRIEDRICHSHAFEN GMBH) MB 873 Ka-501 engine which produces 1,500 hp (1,100 KW) at 2,600 RPM.
 
The engine remains the same MTU (MOTOREN-UND TURBINEN-UNION FRIEDRICHSHAFEN GMBH) MB 873 Ka-501 engine which produces 1,500 hp (1,100 KW) at 2,600 RPM.
−
 
−
 
  
 
== 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|Rh120 L/55 (120 mm)}}
 
{{main|Rh120 L/55 (120 mm)}}
  
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|-
 
|-
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
−
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full Crew !! Expert !! Aced
+
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 42 || rowspan="2" | -9°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 38.0 || 52.7 || 64.0 || 70.8 || 75.2 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
+
| 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''
 
! ''Realistic''
Line 139: Line 135:
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
'''Last updated: 2.1.0.46'''
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.1.0.46''' -->
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
+
! Full<br>ammo
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br /> rack empty
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br /> rack empty
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
+
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
|| '''42''' || 16&nbsp;''(+26)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+41)'' || style="text-align:left" | No  
+
| '''42''' || 16&nbsp;''(+26)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+41)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== 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).'' -->
  
 
The {{PAGENAME}} remains as slow, but as well armoured, as its predecessor, but it has access to the DM53 round. With the new shell, the playstyle remains similar:
 
The {{PAGENAME}} remains as slow, but as well armoured, as its predecessor, but it has access to the DM53 round. With the new shell, the playstyle remains similar:
Line 176: Line 172:
 
* ''Hull down'': In the 2A6, the turret is well armoured thanks to the add-on wedge armour, so a hull-down position can now leave the {{PAGENAME}} invulnerable. Even then try to find cover, so then the armour package can last longer throughout the battle.
 
* ''Hull down'': In the 2A6, the turret is well armoured thanks to the add-on wedge armour, so a hull-down position can now leave the {{PAGENAME}} invulnerable. Even then try to find cover, so then the armour package can last longer throughout the battle.
 
* ''Sniping'': With the DM53 APFSDS round, the {{PAGENAME}} has an incredibly powerful gun with the highest penetrating shell in the game, therefore it can now make use of the great distance in combat to deal damage while tanking incoming shots. Making use of hull-down positions whilst sniping is recommended.
 
* ''Sniping'': With the DM53 APFSDS round, the {{PAGENAME}} has an incredibly powerful gun with the highest penetrating shell in the game, therefore it can now make use of the great distance in combat to deal damage while tanking incoming shots. Making use of hull-down positions whilst sniping is recommended.
−
* ''Flanking'': Due to the {{PAGENAME}} inheriting the relatively slow mobility compared to the other vehicles sharing the same battle rating, 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.  
+
* ''Flanking'': Due to the {{PAGENAME}} inheriting the relatively slow mobility compared to the other vehicles sharing the same battle rating, 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.  
+
* ''Staying with nearby teammates:'' Try and stick to nearby teammates as this can improve your lifespan throughout the game.
  
 
=== Modules ===
 
=== Modules ===
Line 187: Line 183:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
−
|Tracks
+
| Tracks
 
|
 
|
−
|Parts
+
| Parts
−
|Horizontal Drive
+
| Horizontal Drive
−
|DM33
+
| DM33
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
−
|Suspension
+
| Suspension
−
|Brake System
+
| Brake System
−
|FPE
+
| FPE
−
|Adjustment of Fire
+
| Adjustment of Fire
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
−
|Filters
+
| Filters
 
|
 
|
−
|Crew Replenishment
+
| Crew Replenishment
−
|Elevation Mechanism
+
| Elevation Mechanism
−
|Smoke Grenade
+
| Smoke grenade
−
|NVD
+
| NVD
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
−
|Suspension
+
| Transmission
−
|Engine
+
| Engine
 
|
 
|
−
|Artillery Support
+
| Artillery Support
−
|DM53
+
| DM53
−
|Laser Rangefinder
+
| Laser rangefinder
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Incredibly powerful gun with the highest penetrating shell in the game, The DM53 with 650 mm of penetration at 100m
+
* Incredibly powerful gun with the highest penetrating shell in the game, the DM53 with 650 mm of penetration at 100 m
 
* 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, 3BM42 and CL3143
+
* Extremely good armour on the UFP (430 mm against long rod APFSDS), immune to every shell in the game except DM33, M829, L26, OFL 120 G1, 3BM42 and CL3143
 
* 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
Line 245: Line 241:
  
 
== 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).'' -->
 
Following the rollout of the Leopard 2A5 modification with enhanced protection, German engineers, in cooperation with international partners, immediately began working on improving the MBTs firepower.
 
Following the rollout of the Leopard 2A5 modification with enhanced protection, German engineers, in cooperation with international partners, immediately began working on improving the MBTs firepower.
  
−
This was achieved by, among other minor modifications, lengthening the Rh 120 L44 cannon by 1,320 mm, thus creating the Rh 120 L55. As a result, the Leopard 2A6’s firing range was extended in addition to other ballistic properties being improved.
+
This was achieved by, among other minor modifications, lengthening the Rh 120 L44 cannon by 1,320 mm, thus creating the Rh 120 L55. As a result, the Leopard 2A6's firing range was extended in addition to other ballistic properties being improved.
  
 
Production of the vehicle began in the early 2000s by converting older Leopard 2A4 and A5 models to the new standard. Initially, around 225 Leopard 2A6s were produced for the German Bundeswehr. Apart from domestic use, the Leopard 2A6 also sees service with Dutch, Canadian, Greek and Portugese forces, among others. In particular, the Leopard 2A6 was deployed with Canadian forces to Afghanistan in 2007, marking its first operational use.
 
Production of the vehicle began in the early 2000s by converting older Leopard 2A4 and A5 models to the new standard. Initially, around 225 Leopard 2A6s were produced for the German Bundeswehr. Apart from domestic use, the Leopard 2A6 also sees service with Dutch, Canadian, Greek and Portugese forces, among others. In particular, the Leopard 2A6 was deployed with Canadian forces to Afghanistan in 2007, marking its first operational use.
Line 254: Line 250:
 
The Leopard 2A6 is still in service today and, along with other variants, forms the spearhead of the armoured units of the German Bundeswehr.
 
The Leopard 2A6 is still in service today and, along with other variants, forms the spearhead of the armoured units of the German Bundeswehr.
  
−
''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/6927-development-leopard-2a6-deadlier-than-ever-en Devblog]''
+
''- From [[wt:en/news/6927-development-leopard-2a6-deadlier-than-ever-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
  
−
{{Youtube-gallery|mY0pM-fLZbs|'''650MM PEN APFSDS LOL PEN: ULTIMATE LEOPARD 2A6 (War Thunder)''' - ''PhlyDaily''}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|mY0pM-fLZbs|'''650MM PEN APFSDS LOL PEN: ULTIMATE LEOPARD 2A6''' - ''PhlyDaily''}}
  
 
== 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 2A5]] - Preceding vehicle
 
* [[Leopard 2A5]] - Preceding vehicle

Revision as of 18:56, 22 November 2020

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
Leopard 2A6
germ_leopard_2a6.png
Leopard 2A6
Germany flag.png Germany
VIII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
12.0 12.0 12.0
Class:
Research:200 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 100 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage Leopard 2A6.jpg


The Leopard 2A6 is a rank VIII German medium tank with a battle rating of 12.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update "New Power".

The succeeding variant of the Leopard 2A5, the Leopard 2A6 is distinguished by a longer gun barrel, the 120 mm Rh120 L/55, a 55 calibre (6.6 m) long gun, 11 calibres (1.32 m) longer than its predecessor.

General info

Survivability and armour

The frontal KE protection of the Leopard 2A6 against 3BM42 at 500 m.

The Leopard 2A6 retains the same excellent armour than its predecessor, the hull remains well 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 frontal CE protection of the Leopard 2A6 against MIM-146.

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 (0°) Lower forward hull
20 mm (0°) Lower rear hull 		20 mm (12-50°) All rear 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 (1°) Mantlet armour
250 mm (9°) Mantlet shroud 		80 mm (20-22°) Right add-on
80 mm (22°) Left add-on
35 mm (0°) Forward
15 mm (0°) 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
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

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 59.9 2,032 2,862 33.92 47.78
Realistic 69 31 1,327 1,500 22.15 25.04

The only drawback compared to the previous model would be the Leopard 2A6's mobility since, despite the half ton increase in weight, the engine remains the same, so the Leopard 2A6 remains relatively slow and relatively unmanoeuvrable like the Leopard 2A5, but it can still keep up with the other nations MBTs. The engine remains the same MTU (MOTOREN-UND TURBINEN-UNION FRIEDRICHSHAFEN GMBH) MB 873 Ka-501 engine which produces 1,500 hp (1,100 KW) at 2,600 RPM.

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: Rh120 L/55 (120 mm)

The Leopard 2A6 has access to the DM53 APFSDS shells, the APFSDS shell with the highest penetration as of Version 2.1.0.46. Such shell is able to penetrate M1A2 Abrams, Challenger 2 and T-80U more easily than its predecessor.

120 mm Rh120 L/55 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 496 494 486 476 466 456
DM53 APFSDS 652 650 640 628 616 604
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
Mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive Mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
DM12A1 HEATFS 1,190 13.5 0.05 0.1 2,150 65° 72° 77°
DM33 APFSDS 1,690 4.3 N/A N/A N/A 78° 80° 81°
DM53 APFSDS 1,750 5 N/A N/A N/A 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Leopard 2A6
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

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

The Leopard 2A6 remains as slow, but as well armoured, as its predecessor, but it has access to the DM53 round. With the new shell, the playstyle remains similar:

  • Hull down: In the 2A6, the turret is well armoured thanks to the add-on wedge armour, so a hull-down position can now leave the Leopard 2A6 invulnerable. Even then try to find cover, so then the armour package can last longer throughout the battle.
  • Sniping: With the DM53 APFSDS round, the Leopard 2A6 has an incredibly powerful gun with the highest penetrating shell in the game, therefore it can now make use of the great distance in combat to deal damage while tanking incoming shots. Making use of hull-down positions whilst sniping is recommended.
  • Flanking: Due to the Leopard 2A6 inheriting the relatively slow mobility compared to the other vehicles sharing the same battle rating, 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.

Modules

Tier Mobility Protection Firepower
I Tracks Parts Horizontal Drive DM33
II Suspension Brake System FPE Adjustment of Fire
III Filters Crew Replenishment Elevation Mechanism Smoke grenade NVD
IV Transmission Engine Artillery Support DM53 Laser rangefinder

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Incredibly powerful gun with the highest penetrating shell in the game, the DM53 with 650 mm of penetration at 100 m
  • 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 (430 mm against long rod APFSDS), immune to every shell in the game except DM33, M829, L26, OFL 120 G1, 3BM42 and CL3143
  • 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
  • Very good thermal imaging quality (Generation 2 for Binoculars, 800 x 600, and Generation 1 for Gunner's view, 500 x 300)

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
  • 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
  • The wedges can be shot off with several hits, though the turret cheeks alone provide 650 mm against KE
  • 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

History

Following the rollout of the Leopard 2A5 modification with enhanced protection, German engineers, in cooperation with international partners, immediately began working on improving the MBTs firepower.

This was achieved by, among other minor modifications, lengthening the Rh 120 L44 cannon by 1,320 mm, thus creating the Rh 120 L55. As a result, the Leopard 2A6's firing range was extended in addition to other ballistic properties being improved.

Production of the vehicle began in the early 2000s by converting older Leopard 2A4 and A5 models to the new standard. Initially, around 225 Leopard 2A6s were produced for the German Bundeswehr. Apart from domestic use, the Leopard 2A6 also sees service with Dutch, Canadian, Greek and Portugese forces, among others. In particular, the Leopard 2A6 was deployed with Canadian forces to Afghanistan in 2007, marking its first operational use.

The Leopard 2A6 is still in service today and, along with other variants, forms the spearhead of the armoured units of the German Bundeswehr.

- From Devblog

Media

650MM PEN APFSDS LOL PEN: ULTIMATE LEOPARD 2A6 - PhlyDaily

See also

External links


Germany medium tanks
Pz.III  Pz.III B · Pz.III E · Pz.III F · Pz.III J · Pz.III J1 · Pz.III J1 TD · Pz.III L · Pz.III M · Pz.III N
Pz.IV  Pz.IV C · Pz.IV E · Pz.IV F1 · Pz.IV F2 · Pz.IV G · Pz.IV H · Pz.IV J · Pz.Bef.Wg.IV J
Pz.V  VK 3002 (M) · Panther A · Panther D · Panther F · Panther G · Ersatz M10 · Panther II
M48 upgrades  M48A2 G A2 · M48 Super
Leopard 1  Leopard I · Leopard A1A1 · Leopard A1A1 (L/44) · Leopard 1A5 · C2A1 · Turm III
Leopard 2  PT-16/T14 mod. · Leopard 2K · Leopard 2AV
  Leopard 2A4 · Leopard 2 (PzBtl 123) · Leopard 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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