Difference between revisions of "Leopard 2A4"

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<!--''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.''-->The Leopard 2A4's kinetic protection is reasonable, with the turret cheeks near-invulnerable to all but the most powerful rounds (e.g. CL3143) and the upper front plate capable of protecting against less powerful rounds (e.g. M735) - however besides these sections the remainder of the vehicle is largely vulnerable to high-powered kinetic rounds; of note are the weak lower front plate and the gun mantlet, both of which are reasonably visible targets, as well as the gunner's optics. [[File:Leopard 2A4 Protection Density Visualisation.png|thumb|Leopard 2A4 [[Protection Density Visualisation]]]]
+
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
−
The vehicle sports significantly better all-round chemical protection, with an upper hull and turret essentially immune to all but the most powerful ATGMs frontally, with upwards of 800mm worth of equivalent protection in places. Despite this, it's advisable to be wary of incoming ATGMs as a well-placed round may sneak past the heavily protected areas - and some missiles such as those of the ADATS will slice straight through even the turret cheeks.
+
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.
  
−
As with most other MBTs, the 2A4 is particularly vulnerable from the sides and back.
+
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 Leopard 2A4 is reasonably survivable, with some degree of crew spacing. However, from certain angles, the crew are placed in a straight line and successful penetration may impact three of the four crew members, resulting in a crew knock-out. In addition, well-placed side shots may impact all three turret crew members.
+
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.
  
−
Ammunition is stored in the primary ammunition storage in the rear of the turret, or in the secondary storage next to the driver. The primary rack provides crew protection through the use of blow-out panels, however only has space for 15 rounds. When more than 16 rounds are taken to battle, ammunition will be stored in the significantly more vulnerable hull rack.
+
=== Mobility ===
−
 
+
<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''-->
−
The Leopard 2A4's protection proves acceptable for long-range combat, although it's ill-advised to remain in one location for any extended period of time to avoid opposing vehicles being able to hone their shots onto your weak spots. The 2A4's protection should not be relied upon in urban or other close-range environments.
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
|-
−
!Armour
+
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
−
!Front (Slope angle)
+
|-
−
!Sides
+
! Weight (tons)
−
!Rear
+
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armour<br>weight (tons)
−
!Roof
+
! 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
 +
|____
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Hull
+
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
−
|35 mm (53-82°) ''Upper glacis''<br>40 mm (50-51°) ''Lower glacis''<br>30 mm (82°) ''Driver's hatch''
 
−
|10 mm (5°) ''Upper hull''<br>35 mm (0°) ''Lower forward hull''<br>20 mm (0°) ''Lower rear hull''<br>5 mm (0°) ''Side Skirts''<br>100 mm (0°) ''Composite screening''
 
−
|20 mm (12-50°) ''All rear''
 
−
|20 mm (0-8°) ''Hull roof incl. engine deck''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Turret
+
! colspan="1" | Mode
−
|35 mm (0-6°) ''Cheeks incl. Gunner optics''<br>35 mm (1°) ''Mantlet''<br>120 mm ''Rear Mantlet Plate''
+
!Stock
−
|35 mm (0°) ''Forward''<br>15 mm (0°) ''Rear''
+
!Upgraded
−
|10 mm (10°) ''Basket''<br>20 mm (70°) ''Turret underside''
 
−
|40 mm (82-85°) ''Forehead Armour''<br>14 mm (72-77°) ''Forward sides''<br>20 mm (89°) ''Rear turret incl. cupolas''<br>5 mm (84°) ''Basket''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Composite armour
+
|''Arcade''
−
! colspan="2" |Front
+
|36.29
−
! colspan="2" |Sides
+
|__.__
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Hull
+
|''Realistic/Simulator''
−
| colspan="2" |'''''Upper+Lower glacis'''''<br>90 - 350 mm ''Kinetic''<br>243 - 600 mm ''Chemical''
+
|23.70
−
| colspan="2" |N/A
+
|__.__
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Turret
 
−
| colspan="2" |'''''Turret cheeks'''''<br>420 - 800 mm ''Kinetic''<br>535 - 820 mm ''Chemical''
 
−
 
−
'''''Gun mantlet'''''<br>100 - 270 mm ''Kinetic''<br>300 - 480 mm ''Chemical''
 
−
| colspan="2" |'''''Side armour'''''194 - 260 mm ''Kinetic''<br>280 - 400 mm ''Chemical''
 
 
|}
 
|}
−
 
−
=== Mobility ===
 
−
<!-- ''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) -->}}
 
−
 
−
The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by a 1500 horsepower turbo diesel, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of slightly over 27 hp per tonne, comparable to the ratio of the early Abrams and identical to the T-80U. As such, the {{PAGENAME}} is quite mobile despite weighing over 55 tonnes, comfortably able to reach 72 km/h on-road and well capable of keeping up with its competitors. This allows for an active, aggressive playstyle, using the Leopard's high speed and good acceleration characteristics to get into an early flanking position or take early cap points - though it is important to keep in mind that opposition forces might attempt the same.
 
−
 
−
The {{PAGENAME}} has a maximum reverse speed of 31 km/h which it reaches easily, allowing for a quick retreat in sub-optimal situations.
 
  
 
== 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)}}The famous Rheinmetall L/44 120 mm cannon is mounted as the primary armament on the Leopard 2A4, offering a balance of firepower, accuracy and sustained rate of fire. The 2A4 has three rounds available to it: DM12 HEAT-FS, DM13 APFSDS and DM23 APFSDS. Of these, only DM12 is available when the vehicle is stock, with DM13 a tier 1 and DM23 a tier 4 modification. The L/44 is reasonably accurate at long range with any ammunition, however minor round deviation may be evident at extreme ranges (over 2000m).
+
{{main|Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)}}
−
 
 
−
It's advisable to primarily rely on the best available APFSDS round for engaging other MBTs, however retaining a couple of DM12 rounds can prove valuable for the hull break effect against lighter vehicles such as the ADATS.
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
Line 107: Line 103:
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 7.80 || 6.90 || 6.40|| 6.00
+
| 7.80 || 6.9 || 6.4|| __.__
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 126: Line 122:
 
! 2000m
 
! 2000m
 
|-
 
|-
−
| DM12 || HEATFS ||480||480||480||480||480||480
+
| DM12 || HEATFS || 650 || 650 || 650 || 650 || 650 || 650
 
|-
 
|-
−
| DM13 || APFSDS || 393 || 390 || 384 || 376 || 367 || 359
+
| DM13 || APFSDS || 417 || 414 || 410 || 400 || 395 || 390
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| DM23 || APFSDS || 410 || 408 || 401 || 393 || 384 || 376  
 
| DM23 || APFSDS || 410 || 408 || 401 || 393 || 384 || 376  
Line 169: Line 165:
 
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
|| '''42''' || 16&nbsp;''(+26)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+41)'' || style="text-align:left" | None
+
|| '''42''' || 16&nbsp;''(+26)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+41)'' || style="text-align:left" | no
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
First stage only: 16 rounds (15 in rack + 1 in gun), stored within blow-out protected containment.
+
1st rack empty: 16&nbsp;''(+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.''-->
 
<!--''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)}}The 2A4 is equipped with one pintle-mounted machine gun and one coaxial machine gun. These can be used as an anti-air deterrent or for clearing out light obstacles and crew from open vehicles.
+
{{main|MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)}}
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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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 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 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 Leopard 2A4 may feel somewhat sluggish when stock, and the DM12 HEAT-FS round may appear to be relatively ineffective. Prior to researching improved rounds and engine modifications, it may be wise to play conservatively.
+
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.
  
−
Once the vehicle's modifications are all researched, however, the 2A4 becomes significantly more mobile and has a competitive, albeit not impressive round in the DM23 APFSDS. The 2A4 can be used comfortably in both urban and rural environments, providing the vehicle's weaknesses are kept in mind. While it is capable in most forms of engagement, it does lack the precision of the British Challenger MBTs or the extreme round velocities of the Russian T-64/T-80 series. The 2A4 also has a particularly large and blocky profile, making for a particularly visible target in many situations.
+
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.
  
−
Considering the above, a Leopard 2A4 player should utilise its great mobility and competitive gun to get into early positions to pick off unsuspecting targets, rather than attempting to engage opposing forces head-on.
+
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===
 
===Modules===
Line 242: Line 240:
 
<!--''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".''-->
 
<!--''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
−
* Good neutral steering system
+
* High scope magnification for long range operations
−
* Good gunner sight magnification for long-range engagements
+
* Potent selection of ammunition
−
* Reasonably high velocity kinetic rounds
+
* Effective turret armour
−
* Competitive DM23 APFSDS
 
−
* Turret armour can prove effective for hull-down engagements
 
−
* Primary ammunition is contained within a storage unit with blow-out panels
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
 
+
* Hull armour leaves much to be desired
−
* Hull armour is mediocre, particularly against kinetic rounds
+
* Can be easily ammo racked
−
* The stock DM12 HEAT-FS round can prove relatively ineffectual when compared to DM13/DM23, particularly against targets with ERA
+
* Difficult stock grind
−
* The gunner's optics are a weak spot, enemies who know how to aim can cripple your gun and kill your crew
+
* Next to no anti-air capability, can not reliably eliminate attacking helicopters except with the 120 mm cannon
−
* The gun mantlet is relatively weak while being quite prominent, penetration can disable the gun or knock turret crew out
 
−
* Secondary ammunition storage is extremely vulnerable, although this is avoidable by carrying no more than 16 rounds
 
−
* Both machine guns are relatively light calibre, suffer from mediocre gun elevation and will not prove to be much more an an annoyance to aircraft, particularly helicopters
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 282: Line 273:
 
* ''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 2K]]
−
* [[Leopard 2K]] - Preceding vehicle
 
−
* [[Leopard 2A5]] - Succeeding vehicle
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 291: Line 280:
 
* ''encyclopedia page on tank;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on tank;''
 
* ''other literature.''-->
 
* ''other literature.''-->
−
 
 
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5539-development-leopard-2a4-setting-the-standard-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Leopard 2A4: Setting The Standard]
 
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5539-development-leopard-2a4-setting-the-standard-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Leopard 2A4: Setting The Standard]
  
 
{{Germany medium tanks}}
 
{{Germany medium tanks}}

Revision as of 23:25, 22 March 2020

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
Leopard 2A4
germ_leopard_2a4.png
Leopard 2A4
Germany flag.png Germany
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.7 10.7 10.7
Class:
Research:300 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:830 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the medium tank Leopard 2A4. For other uses, see Leopard (Family).

Description

GarageImage Leopard 2A4.jpg


The Leopard 2A4 is a Rank VII German medium tank with a battle rating of 10.7 (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.

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

Main article: Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)
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 417 414 410 400 395 390
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
Ammo racks of the Leopard 2A4.
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

Main article: MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)
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
  • High scope magnification for long range operations
  • Potent selection of ammunition
  • Effective turret armour

Cons:

  • Hull armour leaves much to be desired
  • Can be easily ammo racked
  • Difficult stock grind
  • 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

Leopard 2A4 Tank Review - War Thunder (AB)
-By NUSensei

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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