Difference between revisions of "Leopard 2 PSO"

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m (Main Armament)
(Gave basic insights on armor and usage into battle as well as a added point on cons of the PSO)
 
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 +
{{About
 +
| about = German medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = Leopard 2 (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=germ_leopard_2a5_pso
 
|code=germ_leopard_2a5_pso
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage2_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
''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.''
+
''The Leopard 2pso has similar armor towards the Leopard 2a4m or the Strv 122 B+ but does not have the frontal composite protection of that of the strv 122 or leo 2a7v. The armor frontally is that of the same as the A5 but with composite on the front deck at the drivers hatch of the PSO which provides some protection, but the front plate is that of the regular A5 with shot in the front plate can either cause a ammo detonation at the second rack or knock out the entire the entire crew. The side composite upgrade provides some protection and in some cases are useful against older ammunition, HEAT or low penetrating rounds but does either little to none towards more advanced APFSDS rounds such as the M829A2 or the 3BM60. If Dozer blade is researched, it can act as frontal armor and if positioned right angling with the side composite and dozer blade is optional though any hit aimed at the tracks might take out some crew or the engine. Dozer blade can also make CQC much more possible, but armor must not be relied upon 100% as advanced APFSDS can still penetrate the front plate with the dozer blade rather easily.''
  
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
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{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
−
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''
 
  
−
{{tankMobility}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,208|rbMinHp=1,442}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 49: Line 53:
 
<!-- ''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/44 (120 mm)}}
 
{{main|Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)}}
−
 
−
The Leopard 2 PSO 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" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 42 || rowspan="2" | -9°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| 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''
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 79: Line 81:
 
! 1st<br>rack empty
 
! 1st<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
−
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
−
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''42''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| '''42''' || 16 ''(+26)'' ||''1 (+41)''||''No''
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|s.MG.50 (12.7 mm)|MG3A1 (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|s.MG.50 (12.7 mm)|MG3A1 (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.''
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| Pintle || 800 (100) || 575 || -10°/+70° || ±180°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| Coaxial || 4,400 (200) || 1,200 || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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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).'' -->
−
''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).''
+
''Due to the extra weight the PSO should be treated with careful planning and positioning. Mobility is limiting due to the weight and makes flanking extremely difficult sometimes with open maps flanking becomes Imposible but does well with CQC engagements with the added armor providing better protection and with the added dozer blade it can sometimes survive frontal penetration of the hull. The tank at stock is similar to an heavy tank and mobility is much more lacking to its counter parts.''
 +
 
 +
L44 and DM53 can help with long range engagements and its advised to use hull down tactics for sniper engagements. In an open map its best to plan carefully where the tank must be positioned as the mobility provides little options for escape in case you are in deep enemy territory, and it is recommended if possible that you work with other teammates to increase the likely hood of survival.
 +
 
 +
Flanking is possible but extremely difficult as the pso has an massive profile and lacks the mobility of that of the other leopard 2 models. The mobility makes it so that getting into good flanking positions take a much longer time though despite the speed acceleration is lacking and can make your likely hood of getting into a good position much lower. The massive profile of the tanks makes it aslo easier to spot and with its mobility it detection easier for enemy tanks and planes to detect you.  
  
 
=== 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:'''
−
''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:'''
+
* New [[s.MG.50 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm s.MG.50]] coaxial machine gun instead of the [[MG3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm MG3A1 machine gun]] that's featured on all previous Leopard 2 tanks.
−
 
+
* The new engine (MTU MT 883 Ka-501) delivers 123,2 HP more and revs 400 RPMs higher than the older MTU MB 873 Ka-501 engine.
−
*
+
* Added protection from the new armor modules that are present on the turret, sides and on the hull.
 +
* New hull design slightly increases protection.
 +
* High-explosive shells have a harder time to overpressure because of the added armor modules on the hull.
 +
* Has access to the DM11 which makes shooting down planes or helicopters easier.
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*
+
* The new armor modules increase the weight drastically.
 +
* Features the older 120 mm Rh L/44 cannon with less penetration than the 120 mm Rh L/55 cannon that's on the Leopard 2A6.
 +
* The tank is bigger and wider than the other Leopard 2 variants which makes it difficult to find well protected spots.
 +
* The same 1st Gen Thermal imager for the gunner.
 +
* The hull can still be penetrated easily with APFSDS rounds.
 +
* Huge hull ammo rack that can be shot easily, just like on the other Leopard 2 variants.
 +
* Despite the better engine, mobility is lacking against that of the A7, A6 and A5
  
 
== 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 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 2 PSO, with PSO standing for “Peace Support Operations”, was KMW’s proactive development of the Bundeswehr’s requirements for a tank that needed to be adapted for urban warfare peacekeeping operations. As a result of this version, the Leopard 2 PSO features a compact Euro-Powerpack engine, and has been equipped with optional equipment, capable of being fitted for whatever mission is at hand. The Leopard 2 PSO’s hull has been equipped with additional armor modules on the sides and on the turret, as well as reinforced underbody protection. The modernization of Leopard 2 tanks under the PSO program was first delayed and then eventually abandoned in favor of upgrading tanks to the Leopard 2A7 specification.
+
The Leopard 2 PSO, with PSO standing for "Peace Support Operations", was KMW's proactive development of the Bundeswehr's requirements for a tank that needed to be adapted for urban warfare peacekeeping operations. As a result of this version, the Leopard 2 PSO features a compact Euro-Powerpack engine, and has been equipped with optional equipment, capable of being fitted for whatever mission is at hand. The Leopard 2 PSO's hull has been equipped with additional armor modules on the sides and on the turret, as well as reinforced underbody protection. The modernization of Leopard 2 tanks under the PSO program was first delayed and then eventually abandoned in favor of upgrading tanks to the Leopard 2A7 specification.
  
 
- ''From [[wt:en/news/8448-development-leopard-2-pso-urban-warfare-tactics-en|Devblog]]''
 
- ''From [[wt:en/news/8448-development-leopard-2-pso-urban-warfare-tactics-en|Devblog]]''
Line 139: Line 148:
 
== 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.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
 +
File:ArtImage Leopard 2 PSO.png
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_leopard_2a5_pso Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|wEMvtctleC8|'''The Shooting Range #375''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:24 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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* ''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.'' -->
−
''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;''
+
;Related development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[Leopard 2 (Family)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 154: Line 174:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [[wt:en/news/8448-development-leopard-2-pso-urban-warfare-tactics-en|[Devblog] Leopard 2 PSO: Urban Warfare Tactics]]
−
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{Germany medium tanks}}
 
{{Germany medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 07:12, 1 November 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the German medium tank Leopard 2 PSO. For other versions, see Leopard 2 (Family).
Leopard 2 PSO
germ_leopard_2a5_pso.png
GarageImage Leopard 2 PSO.jpg
ArtImage2 Leopard 2 PSO.png
Leopard 2 PSO
Germany flag.png Germany
VIII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
12.0 12.0 12.0
Class:
Research:410 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 100 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

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

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
Self-entrenching equipment
Creation of ramparts and trenches in soft ground
Armourfront / side / back
Hull80 / 30 / 20
Turret75 / 80 / 20
Crew4 people
Visibility87 %

The Leopard 2pso has similar armor towards the Leopard 2a4m or the Strv 122 B+ but does not have the frontal composite protection of that of the strv 122 or leo 2a7v. The armor frontally is that of the same as the A5 but with composite on the front deck at the drivers hatch of the PSO which provides some protection, but the front plate is that of the regular A5 with shot in the front plate can either cause a ammo detonation at the second rack or knock out the entire the entire crew. The side composite upgrade provides some protection and in some cases are useful against older ammunition, HEAT or low penetrating rounds but does either little to none towards more advanced APFSDS rounds such as the M829A2 or the 3BM60. If Dozer blade is researched, it can act as frontal armor and if positioned right angling with the side composite and dozer blade is optional though any hit aimed at the tracks might take out some crew or the engine. Dozer blade can also make CQC much more possible, but armor must not be relied upon 100% as advanced APFSDS can still penetrate the front plate with the dozer blade rather easily.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull ___ mm ___ mm Top
___ mm Bottom 		___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Turret ___ - ___ mm Turret front
___ mm Gun mantlet 		___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Cupola ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB76 / 37 km/h
RB and SB69 / 33 km/h
Number of gears10 forward
6 back
Weight67.0 t
Engine power
AB3 110 hp
RB and SB1 630 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB46.4 hp/t
RB and SB24.3 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 37 67 2,208 3,110 32.96 46.42
Realistic 69 33 1,442 1,630 21.52 24.33

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 495 → 7 012 Sl icon.png
RB4 356 → 6 795 Sl icon.png
SB5 514 → 8 601 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications291 900 Rp icon.png
479 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost3 200 Ge icon.png
Crew training310 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 100 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 300 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 350 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
160 / 200 / 210 % Sl icon.png
256 / 256 / 256 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
21 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
32 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
24 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
6 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
32 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
24 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
21 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
32 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods dozer blade.png
Dozer Blade
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_DM_HE_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
24 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
24 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
24 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
460 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
460 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png

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)
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
DM11 HE-TF 37 37 37 37 37 37
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°
DM11 HE-TF 970 19 0.3 0.1 3.93 79° 80° 81°
DM33 APFSDS 1,640 4.3 - - - 78° 80° 81°
DM53 APFSDS 1,670 5 - - - 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
42 16 (+26) 1 (+41) No

Machine guns

12.7 mm s.MG.50 machine gun
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition800 rounds
Belt capacity100 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 70°
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
Main articles: s.MG.50 (12.7 mm), MG3A1 (7.62 mm)
12.7 mm s.MG.50
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 800 (100) 575 -10°/+70° ±180°
7.62 mm MG3A1
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,400 (200) 1,200 - -

Usage in battles

Due to the extra weight the PSO should be treated with careful planning and positioning. Mobility is limiting due to the weight and makes flanking extremely difficult sometimes with open maps flanking becomes Imposible but does well with CQC engagements with the added armor providing better protection and with the added dozer blade it can sometimes survive frontal penetration of the hull. The tank at stock is similar to an heavy tank and mobility is much more lacking to its counter parts.

L44 and DM53 can help with long range engagements and its advised to use hull down tactics for sniper engagements. In an open map its best to plan carefully where the tank must be positioned as the mobility provides little options for escape in case you are in deep enemy territory, and it is recommended if possible that you work with other teammates to increase the likely hood of survival.

Flanking is possible but extremely difficult as the pso has an massive profile and lacks the mobility of that of the other leopard 2 models. The mobility makes it so that getting into good flanking positions take a much longer time though despite the speed acceleration is lacking and can make your likely hood of getting into a good position much lower. The massive profile of the tanks makes it aslo easier to spot and with its mobility it detection easier for enemy tanks and planes to detect you.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • New 12.7 mm s.MG.50 coaxial machine gun instead of the 7.62 mm MG3A1 machine gun that's featured on all previous Leopard 2 tanks.
  • The new engine (MTU MT 883 Ka-501) delivers 123,2 HP more and revs 400 RPMs higher than the older MTU MB 873 Ka-501 engine.
  • Added protection from the new armor modules that are present on the turret, sides and on the hull.
  • New hull design slightly increases protection.
  • High-explosive shells have a harder time to overpressure because of the added armor modules on the hull.
  • Has access to the DM11 which makes shooting down planes or helicopters easier.

Cons:

  • The new armor modules increase the weight drastically.
  • Features the older 120 mm Rh L/44 cannon with less penetration than the 120 mm Rh L/55 cannon that's on the Leopard 2A6.
  • The tank is bigger and wider than the other Leopard 2 variants which makes it difficult to find well protected spots.
  • The same 1st Gen Thermal imager for the gunner.
  • The hull can still be penetrated easily with APFSDS rounds.
  • Huge hull ammo rack that can be shot easily, just like on the other Leopard 2 variants.
  • Despite the better engine, mobility is lacking against that of the A7, A6 and A5

History

The Leopard 2 PSO, with PSO standing for "Peace Support Operations", was KMW's proactive development of the Bundeswehr's requirements for a tank that needed to be adapted for urban warfare peacekeeping operations. As a result of this version, the Leopard 2 PSO features a compact Euro-Powerpack engine, and has been equipped with optional equipment, capable of being fitted for whatever mission is at hand. The Leopard 2 PSO's hull has been equipped with additional armor modules on the sides and on the turret, as well as reinforced underbody protection. The modernization of Leopard 2 tanks under the PSO program was first delayed and then eventually abandoned in favor of upgrading tanks to the Leopard 2A7 specification.

- From Devblog

Media

Images
  • ArtImage Leopard 2 PSO.png
Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #375 - Metal Beasts section at 00:24 discusses the Leopard 2 PSO.

See also

Related development

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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