Difference between revisions of "Leopard 1A5"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "New Power"]]. Leopard 1A5 is the final evolution of the [[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard 1 family]], and thus offers some very competitive tools at players disposal.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "New Power"]]. The Leopard 1A5 is the final evolution of the [[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard 1 family]], and thus offers some very competitive tools at players disposal.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 19: Line 19:
 
The Leopard 1A5, being a further development of the [[Leopard A1A1]], does not differ much from its predecessor in terms of armour. The Leopard 1A5 prioritizes firepower and mobility over the survivability of the tank.
 
The Leopard 1A5, being a further development of the [[Leopard A1A1]], does not differ much from its predecessor in terms of armour. The Leopard 1A5 prioritizes firepower and mobility over the survivability of the tank.
  
−
The armor in the frontal arc is reliable against many of the autocannons found on IFVs at the rank, but occasional rounds can penetrate the turret ring. Side armor can be reliably penetrated by autocannon fire, thus it is vital to keep the front of the armour towards the enemy.
+
The armour in the frontal arc is reliable against many of the autocannons found on IFVs at the rank, but occasional rounds can penetrate the turret ring. Side armour can be reliably penetrated by autocannon fire, thus it is vital to keep the front of the armour towards the enemy.
  
−
Chemical and kinetic rounds from main battle tanks and other vehicles should have no problem to penetrate Leopards armor when they hit centre mass.
+
Chemical and kinetic rounds from main battle tanks and other vehicles should have no problem to penetrate Leopards armour when they hit centre mass.
  
 
Looking at the Leopard from the front, 3 out of 4 crew members sit in almost straight line on the left side of the tank, thus potentially allowing it to get one shot by a well placed shot. On top of that, Leopard's biggest ammo rack is located on the right side of the hull, protected only by a 70mm thin frontal plate angled at 57°. Thus Leopard's hull presents a highly rewarding target and players must avoid getting shot in the hull at all costs. 
 
Looking at the Leopard from the front, 3 out of 4 crew members sit in almost straight line on the left side of the tank, thus potentially allowing it to get one shot by a well placed shot. On top of that, Leopard's biggest ammo rack is located on the right side of the hull, protected only by a 70mm thin frontal plate angled at 57°. Thus Leopard's hull presents a highly rewarding target and players must avoid getting shot in the hull at all costs. 
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull ||70 mm (60°) ''Upper Glacis''<br>50 mm (50°) ''Lower Glacis''|| 35 mm ''Upper''<br> 30 mm ''Lower'' ||25 mm||15-30 mm
+
| Hull || 70 mm (60°) ''Upper Glacis'' <br> 50 mm (50°) ''Lower Glacis'' || 35 mm ''Upper'' <br> 30 mm ''Lower'' || 25 mm || 15-30 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 45-120 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 40-43 mm ''Right Side'' <br>37-45 mm ''Left Side'' || 33-52 mm ||21-65 mm
+
| Turret || 45-120 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 40-43 mm ''Right Side'' <br> 37-45 mm ''Left Side'' || 33-52 mm || 21-65 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Additional Armor ||10-35 mm ''Gun Mantlet''||10-20 mm ''Turret Sides''<br>5 mm ''Sideskirts''||5-10 mm ''Turret Rear''
+
| Additional Armour || 10-35 mm ''Gun Mantlet'' || 10-20 mm ''Turret Sides'' <br> 5 mm ''Sideskirts'' || 5-10 mm ''Turret Rear'' || N/A
−
|N/A
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 45: Line 44:
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,286|rbMinHp=734}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,286|rbMinHp=734}}
  
−
 Leopard 1A5 shares almost the same mobility as its predecessor, with only negligible loss of HP per ton. Excellent agility, above average speed and great suspension allow players to reach favorable positions and relocate quickly in case of emergency.
+
The Leopard 1A5 shares almost the same mobility as its predecessor, with only negligible loss of HP per ton. Excellent agility, above average speed and great suspension allow players to reach favorable positions and relocate quickly in case of emergency.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
−
Players focus should be on firepower upgrades. After parts and FPE, one should go for the DM23 round, as most tanks at this rank have either composite armour, ERA or in the worst case scenario both, making stock HEAT rounds '''very''' ineffective.
+
Players focus should be on firepower upgrades. After Parts and FPE, one should go for the DM23 round, as most tanks at this rank have either composite armour, ERA or both, making stock HEAT rounds very ineffective. After that, players' focus should be on getting thermals, which help tremendously with acquiring targets and it is impossible to fight at night without them. Lastly, players should go for DM33 and laser rangefinder. Those make the Leopard 1A5 a powerful sniper and level its fighting chance against most opponents.
−
 
 
−
After that, players' focus should be on getting thermals, which help tremendously with acquiring targets and it is impossible to fight at night without them.
 
−
 
 
−
Lastly, players should go for DM33 and laser rangefinder. Those make Leopard 1A5 a powerful sniper and level its fighting chance against most opponents.
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
Line 79: Line 74:
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
Leopard 1A5 mounts a late-generation fully stabilised L7 cannon, which is pretty standard at this rank. It also has access to standard ammunition selection, though one thing to note is that it has the option to equip lethal DM33 rounds, which are the third best NATO rounds available for 105 mm guns (after M800 and DM63).
+
The Leopard 1A5 mounts a late-generation fully stabilised L7 cannon, which is pretty standard at this rank. It also has access to standard ammunition selection, though one thing to note is that it has the option to equip lethal DM33 rounds, which are the third best NATO rounds available for 105 mm guns (after M800 and DM63).
  
−
==== Ammunition[edit | edit source] ====
+
==== Ammunition ====
  
−
* '''DM12 HEAT-FS''' - Players starting round. HEAT round does not lose penetration with distance travelled. Unlike kinetic penetrators, it has one downside: given that it is a chemical round, its fuse is highly sensitive in regards to its practical application in battle. With the emergence of composite and reactive armour, it quickly becomes obsolete in the anti-tank role. Requires careful aiming to properly damage newer tanks, though it can hold its own while fighting older tanks, lighter vehicles and low flying helicopters.
+
* '''DM12 HEAT-FS''' - Stock round. The HEAT round does not lose penetration with distance travelled. Unlike kinetic penetrators, it has one downside: given that it is a chemical round, its fuse is highly sensitive. With the emergence of composite and reactive armour, it quickly becomes obsolete in the anti-tank role. Requires careful aiming to properly damage newer tanks, though it can hold its own while fighting older tanks, lighter vehicles and low-flying helicopters.
−
* '''DM502 HESH''' - This round was always plagued by a plethora of problems. Low velocity, low penetration, inconsistent mechanics and sensitive fuse make this round gimmicky at best. That being said, with the overpressure mechanic, this round can be used in CQB against light vehicles with devastating effect.
+
* '''DM502 HESH''' - This round was always plagued by a plethora of problems: low velocity, low penetration, inconsistent mechanics and sensitive fuse make this round gimmicky at best. That being said, with the overpressure mechanic, this round can be used in CQB against light vehicles with devastating effect.
−
* '''DM23 APFSDS''' - Available as a tier I modification, this round allows player to engage modern tanks more reliably, since it performs better against composite and reactive armour. Penetration is relatively below average when compared to rounds available to Leopard 1A5s contemporaries, it should be used as a stop gap solution until a better round becomes available.
+
* '''DM23 APFSDS''' - Available as a tier I modification, this round allows player to engage modern tanks more reliably, since it performs better against composite and reactive armour. Penetration is relatively below average when compared to rounds available to the Leopard 1A5's contemporaries, it should be used as a stop gap solution until the next round becomes available.
−
* '''DM33 APFSDS''' - Best round available to Leopard 1A5 and third best NATO round available for 105 mm cannons. It allows player to engage most enemies at Leopard 1A5s BR at any range reliably. With careful aiming, even higher BR vehicles are not safe. Player should be of note that this round can easily over penetrate light vehicles such as BMP-2 or SPAAGs, so aiming at vital components is preferred in order to create shrapnel necessary to destroy them.   
+
* '''DM33 APFSDS''' - Best round available to the Leopard 1A5 and third best NATO round available for 105 mm cannons. It allows player to engage most enemies at the Leopard 1A5's BR at any range reliably. With careful aiming, even higher BR vehicles are not safe. Player should be of note that this round can easily over penetrate light vehicles such as BMP-2 or SPAAGs, so aiming at vital components is preferred in order to create shrapnel necessary to destroy them.   
  
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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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).'' -->
−
Leopard 1A5 is a natural evolution of [[Leopard A1A1]]<nowiki/>s playstyle, and performs similarly to [[Leopard A1A1 (L/44)]].
+
The Leopard 1A5 is a natural evolution of the [[Leopard A1A1]]'s playstyle, and performs similarly to the [[Leopard A1A1 (L/44)]].
  
 
'''Tactics:'''
 
'''Tactics:'''
  
−
With addition of laser range finder, more powerful round and thermal gunner optics, Leopard 1A5 can become a '''very potent sniper on open maps.'''
+
With addition of laser range finder, more powerful round and thermal gunner optics, the Leopard 1A5 can become a very potent sniper on open maps. Players should exploit the Leopard's mobility, low profile and handy gun depression to reach favorable hull down positions and start picking off targets. Entrenched sniping the Leopard 1A5 becomes a nightmare for enemy tanks trying to cross its sight line, as this playstyle allows players to negate their biggest weakness: the lack of armour. 
  
−
Players should exploit Leopard's mobility, low profile and handy gun depression to reach favorable hull down positions and start picking off targets. Entrenched sniping Leopard 1A5 becomes a nightmare for enemy tanks trying to cross its sight line, as this playstyle allows players to negate their biggest weakness - lack of armor. 
+
The Leopards can flank well, but as thermal sights and laser range finders are becoming more common at the Leopard 1A5's BR, one must adapt certain flanking tactics:
 +
* First, players shouldn't move across an open field without cover unless they know for certain that there is no one watching or unless absolutely necessary.
 +
* Second, players should utilize terrain as much as they can - after all, a thermal imager is just a filter for a camera, and can't highlight the thermal signature of something that can't be seen in the first place. Move below the horizon, try to put as much heavy foliage as you can between you and the suspected position of enemy tanks. 
 +
* Third, do not be afraid to stop when approaching suspected enemy positions, turn off your engine and listen. This allows you to detect enemy flankers in close proximity before they enter your field of vision, thus allowing you to avoid getting ambushed.
  
−
Leopards can flank well, but as thermal sights and laser range finders are becoming more common at Leopard 1A5s BR, one must adapt certain flanking tactics:
+
Sadly, while the Leopard 1A5 performs great at longer ranges, its performance is below average on CQC maps with corridors and streets that do not allow to exploit the Leopard's mobility, like those found on Advance to Rhine. Due to lack of armour, IFVs with high rate of fire autocannons and more armoured tanks in general outperform Leopards by wide margin in these environments. A lone Leopard is expected to lose in most scenarios, thus players should focus on supporting their allies. Let them take a shot, and as soon as you see the enemy tank return fire, lunge forward and send the enemy back to the garage. 
−
 
 
−
First, players shouldn't move across an open field without cover unless they know for certain that there is no one watching or unless absolutely necessary. 
 
−
 
 
−
Second, players should utilize terrain as much as they can - after all, a thermal imager is just a filter for a camera, and can't highlight the thermal signature of something that can't be seen in the first place. Move below the horizon, try to put as much heavy foliage as you can between you and the suspected position of enemy tanks. 
 
−
 
 
−
Third, do not be afraid to stop when approaching suspected enemy positions, turn off your engine and listen. This allows you to detect enemy flankers in close proximity before they enter your field of vision, thus allowing you to avoid getting ambushed.
 
−
 
 
−
Sadly, while Leopard 1A5 performs great at longer ranges, its performance on CQC maps, with corridors and streets that do not allow to exploit Leopard's mobility, like those found on Advance to Rhine, is below average. Due to lack of armor, IFVs with high RoF autocannons and more armored tanks in general outperform Leopards by wide margin in these environments. Lone Leopard is expected to lose in most scenarios, thus players should focus on supporting their allies. Let them take a shot, and as soon as you see the enemy tank return fire, lunge forward and send the enemy back to the garage. 
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 207: Line 197:
 
== 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.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_leopard_1a5 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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* ''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:''
 
''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.''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
−
 
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 
{{Germany medium tanks}}
 
{{Germany medium tanks}}

Revision as of 17:45, 12 June 2021

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
This page is about the German medium tank Leopard 1A5. For other versions, see Leopard 1 (Family).
Leopard 1A5
germ_leopard_1a5.png
GarageImage Leopard 1A5.jpg
Leopard 1A5
Germany flag.png Germany
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
9.3 9.3 9.3
Class:
Research:94 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:520 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Leopard 1A5 is a rank VI German medium tank with a battle rating of 9.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update "New Power". The Leopard 1A5 is the final evolution of the Leopard 1 family, and thus offers some very competitive tools at players disposal.

General info

Survivability and armour

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
Hull70 / 35 / 25
Turret65 / 45 / 52
Crew4 people
Visibility95 %

The Leopard 1A5, being a further development of the Leopard A1A1, does not differ much from its predecessor in terms of armour. The Leopard 1A5 prioritizes firepower and mobility over the survivability of the tank.

The armour in the frontal arc is reliable against many of the autocannons found on IFVs at the rank, but occasional rounds can penetrate the turret ring. Side armour can be reliably penetrated by autocannon fire, thus it is vital to keep the front of the armour towards the enemy.

Chemical and kinetic rounds from main battle tanks and other vehicles should have no problem to penetrate Leopards armour when they hit centre mass.

Looking at the Leopard from the front, 3 out of 4 crew members sit in almost straight line on the left side of the tank, thus potentially allowing it to get one shot by a well placed shot. On top of that, Leopard's biggest ammo rack is located on the right side of the hull, protected only by a 70mm thin frontal plate angled at 57°. Thus Leopard's hull presents a highly rewarding target and players must avoid getting shot in the hull at all costs. 

On the other hand, Leopard's height is just slightly taller than T-72 by a few centimetres, and the gun can be depressed to -9°, allowing Leopard 1A5 to fight well on uneven terrain.

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 70 mm (60°) Upper Glacis
50 mm (50°) Lower Glacis 		35 mm Upper
30 mm Lower 		25 mm 15-30 mm
Turret 45-120 mm Gun mantlet 40-43 mm Right Side
37-45 mm Left Side 		33-52 mm 21-65 mm
Additional Armour 10-35 mm Gun Mantlet 10-20 mm Turret Sides
5 mm Sideskirts 		5-10 mm Turret Rear N/A

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB73 / 28 km/h
RB and SB66 / 26 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
4 back
Weight42.5 t
Engine power
AB1 584 hp
RB and SB830 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB37.3 hp/t
RB and SB19.5 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 73 28 42.5 1,286 1,584 30.26 37.27
Realistic 66 26 734 830 17.27 19.53

The Leopard 1A5 shares almost the same mobility as its predecessor, with only negligible loss of HP per ton. Excellent agility, above average speed and great suspension allow players to reach favorable positions and relocate quickly in case of emergency.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 912 → 6 102 Sl icon.png
RB3 996 → 6 233 Sl icon.png
SB5 106 → 7 965 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications160 100 Rp icon.png
267 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 600 Ge icon.png
Crew training150 000 Sl icon.png
Experts520 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces950 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 200 / 230 % Sl icon.png
220 / 220 / 220 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_usa_HESH_ammo_pack
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_NATO_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods dozer blade.png
Dozer Blade
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_DM33_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png

Players focus should be on firepower upgrades. After Parts and FPE, one should go for the DM23 round, as most tanks at this rank have either composite armour, ERA or both, making stock HEAT rounds very ineffective. After that, players' focus should be on getting thermals, which help tremendously with acquiring targets and it is impossible to fight at night without them. Lastly, players should go for DM33 and laser rangefinder. Those make the Leopard 1A5 a powerful sniper and level its fighting chance against most opponents.

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

105 mm L7A3 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition60 rounds
First-order14 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
8.7 → 6.7 s
Vertical guidance-9° / 20°
Main article: L7A3 (105 mm)
105 mm L7A3 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 60 -9°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 22.8 31.6 38.4 42.5 45.2 8.71 7.70 7.10 6.70
Realistic 14.3 16.8 20.4 22.6 24.0

The Leopard 1A5 mounts a late-generation fully stabilised L7 cannon, which is pretty standard at this rank. It also has access to standard ammunition selection, though one thing to note is that it has the option to equip lethal DM33 rounds, which are the third best NATO rounds available for 105 mm guns (after M800 and DM63).

Ammunition

  • DM12 HEAT-FS - Stock round. The HEAT round does not lose penetration with distance travelled. Unlike kinetic penetrators, it has one downside: given that it is a chemical round, its fuse is highly sensitive. With the emergence of composite and reactive armour, it quickly becomes obsolete in the anti-tank role. Requires careful aiming to properly damage newer tanks, though it can hold its own while fighting older tanks, lighter vehicles and low-flying helicopters.
  • DM502 HESH - This round was always plagued by a plethora of problems: low velocity, low penetration, inconsistent mechanics and sensitive fuse make this round gimmicky at best. That being said, with the overpressure mechanic, this round can be used in CQB against light vehicles with devastating effect.
  • DM23 APFSDS - Available as a tier I modification, this round allows player to engage modern tanks more reliably, since it performs better against composite and reactive armour. Penetration is relatively below average when compared to rounds available to the Leopard 1A5's contemporaries, it should be used as a stop gap solution until the next round becomes available.
  • DM33 APFSDS - Best round available to the Leopard 1A5 and third best NATO round available for 105 mm cannons. It allows player to engage most enemies at the Leopard 1A5's BR at any range reliably. With careful aiming, even higher BR vehicles are not safe. Player should be of note that this round can easily over penetrate light vehicles such as BMP-2 or SPAAGs, so aiming at vital components is preferred in order to create shrapnel necessary to destroy them.
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
DM12 HEATFS 400 400 400 400 400 400
DM502 HESH 127 127 127 127 127 127
DM23 APFSDS 337 335 330 322 314 306
DM33 APFSDS 408 405 398 389 379 370
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%
DM12 HEATFS 1,173 10.5 0.05 0.1 1,270 65° 72° 77°
DM502 HESH 732 14.85 0.05 0.1 4,310 73° 77° 80°
DM23 APFSDS 1,455 3.79 N/A N/A N/A 78° 80° 81°
DM33 APFSDS 1,455 3.79 N/A N/A N/A 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Leopard A1A1 (identical).
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
60 57 (+3) 54 (+6) 15 (+45) 4 (+56) 1 (+59) No

Machine guns

7.62 mm MG3A1 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition4 600 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 200 shots/min
7.62 mm MG3A1 machine gun
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 200 shots/min
Main article: MG3A1 (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm MG3A1
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,500 (1,000) 1,200 N/A N/A
Pintle 2,000 (1,000) 1,200 -8°/+20° ±120°

Usage in battles

The Leopard 1A5 is a natural evolution of the Leopard A1A1's playstyle, and performs similarly to the Leopard A1A1 (L/44).

Tactics:

With addition of laser range finder, more powerful round and thermal gunner optics, the Leopard 1A5 can become a very potent sniper on open maps. Players should exploit the Leopard's mobility, low profile and handy gun depression to reach favorable hull down positions and start picking off targets. Entrenched sniping the Leopard 1A5 becomes a nightmare for enemy tanks trying to cross its sight line, as this playstyle allows players to negate their biggest weakness: the lack of armour. 

The Leopards can flank well, but as thermal sights and laser range finders are becoming more common at the Leopard 1A5's BR, one must adapt certain flanking tactics:

  • First, players shouldn't move across an open field without cover unless they know for certain that there is no one watching or unless absolutely necessary.
  • Second, players should utilize terrain as much as they can - after all, a thermal imager is just a filter for a camera, and can't highlight the thermal signature of something that can't be seen in the first place. Move below the horizon, try to put as much heavy foliage as you can between you and the suspected position of enemy tanks. 
  • Third, do not be afraid to stop when approaching suspected enemy positions, turn off your engine and listen. This allows you to detect enemy flankers in close proximity before they enter your field of vision, thus allowing you to avoid getting ambushed.

Sadly, while the Leopard 1A5 performs great at longer ranges, its performance is below average on CQC maps with corridors and streets that do not allow to exploit the Leopard's mobility, like those found on Advance to Rhine. Due to lack of armour, IFVs with high rate of fire autocannons and more armoured tanks in general outperform Leopards by wide margin in these environments. A lone Leopard is expected to lose in most scenarios, thus players should focus on supporting their allies. Let them take a shot, and as soon as you see the enemy tank return fire, lunge forward and send the enemy back to the garage. 

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Has access to the powerful DM33 round
  • Has access to generation 1 gunner thermals
  • Excellent mobility
  • Turret angles can occasionally cause shots to ricochet

Cons:

  • Armour doesn't offer much against any kinetic rounds
  • Low survivability when hit
  • Weak armour overall

History

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Media

Skins

See also

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  • reference to the series of the vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

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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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