Difference between revisions of "KPz-70"

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Unlike the Soviet T-64A (its main rival), the KPz-70 does not utilize composite armour, but an air gap that forces munitions penetrating the initial layers to lose their mass by fragmenting apart before moving to the next layer of armour. This general design concept has been in use as far back as WW2 and is even used to this day on modern fighting vehicles.  
 
Unlike the Soviet T-64A (its main rival), the KPz-70 does not utilize composite armour, but an air gap that forces munitions penetrating the initial layers to lose their mass by fragmenting apart before moving to the next layer of armour. This general design concept has been in use as far back as WW2 and is even used to this day on modern fighting vehicles.  
  
Spaced armour works wonderfully well against shaped charge munitions or any other munition with explosive filler provided it is of a stronger protection rating. Proceeding weapons and munitions development has seen this benefit decreased with either more powerful or tandem charge warheads and can be seen in-game against weapons that proceeded different designs of spaced armour. As such, the KPz-70 will find weapons that were designed to defeat spaced armour such as the HOT-K3S ATGM and BAE Swingfire system that will penetrate it. However the spaced armour in the KPz-70 works exactly as it was designed to do against older anti-tank missiles, HEAT, HE, and HESH munitions.  
+
Spaced armour works wonderfully well against shaped charge munitions or any other munition with explosive filler provided it is of a stronger protection rating. Proceeding weapons and munitions development has seen this benefit decreased with either more powerful or tandem charge warheads and can be seen in-game against weapons that proceeded different designs of spaced armour. As such, the KPz-70 will find weapons that were designed to defeat spaced armour such as the HOT-K3S ATGM and BAE Swingfire system that will penetrate it. However, the spaced armour in the KPz-70 works exactly as it was designed to do against older anti-tank missiles, HEAT, HE, and HESH munitions.  
  
 
The tank mounts no external spaced armour. The armour on the side and rear of the tank is not worth mentioning as it will only stop light machine gun fire and some cannon fire on the turret. Adversary SABOT rounds will penetrate clear through the engine and into the crew compartment most likely destroying the tank if engaged from behind.
 
The tank mounts no external spaced armour. The armour on the side and rear of the tank is not worth mentioning as it will only stop light machine gun fire and some cannon fire on the turret. Adversary SABOT rounds will penetrate clear through the engine and into the crew compartment most likely destroying the tank if engaged from behind.
  
The most important feature that makes a tank is the cannon. In this department, the KPz-70 is no slouch. The 152 mm gun launcher system (the same one used on the [[M551|M551 Sheridan]]), but with a longer barrel and is capable of firing a variety of munition types including an experimental APFSDS round, a traditional HEAT round (with high penetration), an experimental smoke round, and lastly the very capable and proven MGM-61C Shillelagh. This wide range of munition choices gives the operator a variety of options in pre-combat configuration which can greatly either hinder or enhance the tankers capability on the battlefield. The benefit of a longer barrel compared to its Sheridan counterpart ensures the KPz-70 is much more accurate at range and that the rounds leave the barrel at higher velocities thus increasing their overall damage dealing capabilities.  
+
The most important feature that makes a tank is the cannon. In this department, the KPz-70 is no slouch. The 152 mm gun launcher system (the same one used on the [[M551|M551 Sheridan]]), but with a longer barrel and is capable of firing a variety of munition types including an experimental APFSDS round, a traditional HEAT round (with high penetration), an experimental smoke round, and lastly the very capable and proven MGM-61C Shillelagh. This wide range of munition choices gives the operator a variety of options in a pre-combat configuration which can greatly either hinder or enhance the tankers capability on the battlefield. The benefit of a longer barrel compared to its Sheridan counterpart ensures the KPz-70 is much more accurate at range and that the rounds leave the barrel at higher velocities thus increasing their overall damage-dealing capabilities.  
  
Additionally the 152mm gun launcher gets equipped with an auto loader, greatly reducing its time between followup shots on a target.  
+
Additionally, the 152 mm gun launcher gets equipped with an autoloader, greatly reducing its time between followup shots on a target.  
  
For targeting, the option to equip an incredibly accurate laser range finder is available. Additionally the 7.62 mm machine gun mounted in the turret can be used for range finding as well.  
+
For targeting, the option to equip an incredibly accurate laser range finder is available. Additionally, the 7.62 mm machine gun mounted in the turret can be used for range finding as well.  
  
The Rheinmetall Rh 202 20 mm auto cannon is highly effective at dealing with light armoured battlefield threats and on some tanks exposed sides or rears. In some situations, it may be more beneficial to utilize the 20 mm as it will allow the tank to deal damage rapidly while conserving the 152 mm main cannon ammunition. The cannon is also highly effective at shooting down low flying attackers. Note that if the commander is knocked out, the 20 mm will become unusable.
+
The Rheinmetall Rh 202 20 mm autocannon is highly effective at dealing with lightly armoured battlefield threats and on some tanks exposed sides or rears. In some situations, it may be more beneficial to utilize the 20 mm as it will allow the tank to deal damage rapidly while conserving the 152 mm main cannon ammunition. The cannon is also highly effective at shooting down low flying attackers. Note that if the commander is knocked out, the 20 mm will become unusable.
  
The KPz-70 is equipped with a diesel fueled 1,500 horsepower (1,100 kW) Daimler Benz V12 engine. This engine pack compared to its American counterpart produces more power, but only slightly so giving the KPz-70 an amazing 29.8 hp/t at 50 - 51.7 tons (depending on upgrade configuration).  
+
The KPz-70 is equipped with a diesel-fueled 1,500 horsepower (1,100 kW) Daimler Benz V12 engine. This engine pack compared to its American counterpart produces more power, but only slightly so giving the KPz-70 an amazing 29.8 hp/t at 50 - 51.7 tons (depending on upgrade configuration).  
  
A highly advantageous feature is the [[Hydropneumatic suspension|hydropneumatic suspension]] system which not only provides great cross country mobility, but allows the crew to position the vehicle in such a way to only expose the strongest armour at an enemy threat. The suspension can also be used to gain further gun depression by raising the rear of the tank and lowering the front thus allowing the gunner to engage from a position that he might not have been able to engage from previously.
+
A highly advantageous feature is the [[Hydropneumatic suspension|hydropneumatic suspension]] system which not only provides great cross country mobility but allows the crew to position the vehicle in such a way to only expose the strongest armour at an enemy threat. The suspension can also be used to gain further gun depression by raising the rear of the tank and lowering the front thus allowing the gunner to engage from a position that he might not have been able to engage from previously.
  
The KPz-70 features the standard NATO track and block design that can be found on most NATO vehicles. The rubber track blocks provide great traction off road and on road compared to all metal tracks found on other fighting vehicles as sliding on a short halt or drifting is minimized.
+
The KPz-70 features the standard NATO track and block design that can be found on most NATO vehicles. The rubber track blocks provide great traction off-road and on-road compared to all-metal tracks found on other fighting vehicles as sliding on a short halt or drifting is minimized.
  
 
Because of the elevated engine deck, gun depression is decreased significantly when firing or aiming the gun over the rear of the tank.
 
Because of the elevated engine deck, gun depression is decreased significantly when firing or aiming the gun over the rear of the tank.
  
An unconventional feature at the time the KPz-70 was designed was the housing of all the crew members in the turret. Because of the autoloading system the need for a loader was eliminated and due to an attempt to further lower the tanks silhouette the driver was located to the turret with the gunner and commander. This can have potentially devastating consequences on the battlefield as the crew can easily be injured or incapacitated by penetrating munitions entering the crew compartment.
+
An unconventional feature at the time the KPz-70 was designed was the housing of all the crew members in the turret. Because of the autoloading system, the need for a loader was eliminated and due to an attempt to further lower the silhouette of the tank, the driver was located to the turret with the gunner and commander. This can have potentially devastating consequences on the battlefield as the crew can easily be injured or incapacitated by penetrating munitions entering the crew compartment.
 
   
 
   
For defensive countermeasures the tank is equipped with quad four barrel externally mounted smoke canister launchers which can provide either a defensive screen for the tank or friendly forces. These launchers can be fired in pairs of two. Keep in mind the smoke grenade launchers are operated by the gunner so should he become incapacitated in a fight, the smokes will become unlaunchable until the gunner is either replaced by another crew member or the crew replenishment consumable restores them.  
+
For defensive countermeasures, the tank is equipped with quad four-barrel externally mounted smoke canister launchers which can provide either a defensive screen for the tank or friendly forces. These launchers can be fired in pairs of two. Keep in mind the smoke grenade launchers are operated by the gunner so should he become incapacitated in a fight, the smokes will become unavailable until the gunner is either replaced by another crew member or the crew replenishment consumable restores them.  
  
 
Due to its low profile and effective array of camouflage options the KPz-70 scores high marks in the concealability category. It has a total of 4 camouflage options available to it. The standard (a 3 tone NATO CARC camouflage), winter camouflage (requires 700 battles against other players in the tank), a brown camouflage for desert environments, and lastly an olive drab option. The addition of various foliage can further increase the ability to conceal the tank.
 
Due to its low profile and effective array of camouflage options the KPz-70 scores high marks in the concealability category. It has a total of 4 camouflage options available to it. The standard (a 3 tone NATO CARC camouflage), winter camouflage (requires 700 battles against other players in the tank), a brown camouflage for desert environments, and lastly an olive drab option. The addition of various foliage can further increase the ability to conceal the tank.
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== 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 helpfull 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.''-->
 
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
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* Turret rear spaced armour configuration is 13 mm RHA + 38 mm air + 19 mm RHA.
 
* Turret rear spaced armour configuration is 13 mm RHA + 38 mm air + 19 mm RHA.
  
The main weakness of the KPz-70 to take advantage of as an opposing player is the weak armour when compared to other tanks of its rank. If the KPz-70 can be baited to come towards a position, it becomes much easier to fight. Avoid springing a well-placed KPz-70 ambush if at all possible or try to sneak around him to flank and attack his weakest armour. A well placed shot through the side of the turret is generally a ensured destruction as all of the crew is located in the turret along with an ammunition store with rounds being located under the turret basket.
+
The main weakness of the KPz-70 to take advantage of as an opposing player is the weak armour when compared to other tanks of its rank. If the KPz-70 can be baited to come towards a position, it becomes much easier to fight. Avoid springing a well-placed KPz-70 ambush if at all possible or try to sneak around him to flank and attack his weakest armour. A well-placed shot through the side of the turret is generally ensured destruction as all of the crew is located in the turret along with an ammunition store with rounds being located under the turret basket.
  
 
With the proper position or speed, try getting around the KPz-70 and engaging him from where it does not expect. It's important to remember the KPz-70 has the ability to quickly snap the turret around and engage any enemy, so surprising the tank is of the up-most central importance to come out victorious.  
 
With the proper position or speed, try getting around the KPz-70 and engaging him from where it does not expect. It's important to remember the KPz-70 has the ability to quickly snap the turret around and engage any enemy, so surprising the tank is of the up-most central importance to come out victorious.  
  
Another weakness that can be exploited is its speed. Because of its speed unskilled players or players unfamiliar with its play style will often rush into situations they are not equipped to fight properly and find themselves overwhelmed, allowing a prepared defense to eliminate them.
+
Another weakness that can be exploited is its speed. Because of its speed, unskilled players or players unfamiliar with its play style will often rush into situations they are not equipped to fight properly and find themselves overwhelmed, allowing a prepared defence to eliminate them.
  
 
One last weak spot worth mentioning is the turret ring. High penetrating munitions can completely pierce this section and travel into the crew compartment. SABOT rounds are especially effective at this.  
 
One last weak spot worth mentioning is the turret ring. High penetrating munitions can completely pierce this section and travel into the crew compartment. SABOT rounds are especially effective at this.  
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== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
<!--''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibilty 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|XM150E5 (152 mm)}}
 
{{main|XM150E5 (152 mm)}}
  
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== Usage in the battles ==
 
== Usage in the 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 tank plays very much like the [[Leopard_A1A1|Leopard 1A1A1]]. Players familiar with the Leopard play style will easily adapt to the KPz-70. It has reasonable mobility, especially with full upgrades and aced crew, allowing it to maneuver into spots not typically accessible by less mobile tanks. Utilize this to an advantage to set up ambushes as this is how the KPz-70 will get the best of many opponents. It's important to recognize when an engagement is not beneficial so that the tank may get a better position or escape from the threat.
+
The tank plays very much like the [[Leopard_A1A1|Leopard 1A1A1]]. Players familiar with the Leopard play style will easily adapt to the KPz-70. It has reasonable mobility, especially with full upgrades and aced crew, allowing it to manoeuvre into spots not typically accessible by less mobile tanks. Utilize this to an advantage to set up ambushes as this is how the KPz-70 will get the best of many opponents. It's important to recognize when engagement is not beneficial so that the tank may get a better position or escape from the threat.
  
Despite the initial appearance of strong frontal armour, it's important to remember when compared to its counterparts at its rank, it is not nearly enough to defeat threats head on such as the [[T-64A_(1971)|T-64A]]. Even ATGM from missile vehicles such as the [[RakJPz_2_(HOT)|Raketenjagdpanzer 2 HOT]] will penetrate the turret and upper glacis plate. Even other Rank V tanks can and will penetrate from the front. Because of the rather condensed placement of crew and ammunition, the KPz-70 will most likely be destroyed. Because of this, it is critical that the KPz-70 gets the first shot off in an engagement and ensure it is either eliminated or crippled to such a capacity they either cannot engage or will instinctively panic and try to run to repair or determine the engagement location.
+
Despite the initial appearance of strong frontal armour, it's important to remember when compared to its counterparts at its rank, it is not nearly enough to defeat threats head-on such as the [[T-64A_(1971)|T-64A]]. Even ATGM from missile vehicles such as the [[RakJPz_2_(HOT)|Raketenjagdpanzer 2 HOT]] will penetrate the turret and upper glacis plate. Even other Rank V tanks can and will penetrate from the front. Because of the rather condensed placement of crew and ammunition, the KPz-70 will most likely be destroyed. Because of this, it is critical that the KPz-70 gets the first shot off in engagement and ensure it is either eliminated or crippled to such a capacity they either cannot engage or will instinctively panic and try to run to repair or determine the engagement location.
  
The gun is especially versatile and powerful with a wide range of ammunition selection, but generally the cannon launched ATGM's and sabot rounds will get the job done in most situations. The 20 mm turret roof mounted cannon is great for taking out lightly armoured targets (to include some tanks, ATGM vehicles, etc), anti-air, and aircraft.
+
The gun is especially versatile and powerful with a wide range of ammunition selection, but generally, the cannon launched ATGM's and sabot rounds will get the job done in most situations. The 20 mm turret roof-mounted cannon is great for taking out lightly armoured targets (to include some tanks, ATGM vehicles, etc), anti-air, and aircraft.
  
Essentially, if this tank is treated like a Leopard, the survivability rate will increase dramatically. The hydropneumatic suspension allows the tank to position in such ways that it can engage from non conventional spots while exposing only the strongest armour towards the threat. The low silhouette makes the tank especially difficult to hit at longer ranges and this can be further enhanced (situation dependent) by the adjustable suspension. Because of the accurate cannon, it will also find be easy to engage at longer ranges which will maximize the KPz-70's strengths while reducing the targets.  
+
Essentially, if this tank is treated like a Leopard, the survivability rate will increase dramatically. The hydropneumatic suspension allows the tank to position in such ways that it can engage from non-conventional spots while exposing only the strongest armour towards the threat. The low silhouette makes the tank especially difficult to hit at longer ranges and this can be further enhanced (situation dependent) by the adjustable suspension. Because of the accurate cannon, it will also find be easy to engage at longer ranges which will maximize the KPz-70's strengths while reducing the targets.  
  
In summary the KPz-70 is a great addition to any end game lineup as it provides great flexibility in almost all engagements and is well worth the time and investment to acquire.
+
In summary, the KPz-70 is a great addition to any end game lineup as it provides great flexibility in almost all engagements and is well worth the time and investment to acquire.
  
 
===Tactics===
 
===Tactics===
 
Ambushing is the tank's strength. As covered previously, utilize the speed to get into firing positions quickly and cause chaos and confusion among the enemy.
 
Ambushing is the tank's strength. As covered previously, utilize the speed to get into firing positions quickly and cause chaos and confusion among the enemy.
  
The KPz-70 can also quickly capture objective points and when used properly hold positions so long as it does not stay in any one place to long.  
+
The KPz-70 can also quickly capture objective points and when used properly hold positions so long as it does not stay in any one place too long.  
  
 
Scoot and shoot tactics will benefit the KPz-70 play style as well as terrain masking techniques.
 
Scoot and shoot tactics will benefit the KPz-70 play style as well as terrain masking techniques.
  
Should the tank have to fight in closer engagement ranges or in close quarters, it's critical to always remember the armour will not protect the tank reliably. However, the speed, fast rotating turret, and maneuverability will. Provided the player utilizes these to their advantage, the KPz-70 will be able to control the fight. Recognize when the enemy are baiting the tank into an ambush and avoid them as the KPz-70 doesn't stand a great chance of conducting a counter ambush due to the weak armour.  
+
Should the tank have to fight in closer engagement ranges or in close quarters, it's critical to always remember the armour will not protect the tank reliably. However, the speed, fast-rotating turret, and manoeuvrability will. Provided the player utilizes these to their advantage, the KPz-70 will be able to control the fight. Recognize when the enemy is baiting the tank into an ambush and avoid them as the KPz-70 doesn't stand a great chance of conducting a counter-ambush due to the weak armour.  
  
 
If the KPz-70 does find itself a victim of an ambush, launch a smokescreen, escape, and reassess for a counter-ambush.  
 
If the KPz-70 does find itself a victim of an ambush, launch a smokescreen, escape, and reassess for a counter-ambush.  
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* Extremely fast in both forwards and reverse
 
* Extremely fast in both forwards and reverse
 
* Great gun, with access to various types of ammunition, ATGMs included
 
* Great gun, with access to various types of ammunition, ATGMs included
* 20mm auto cannon anti-aircraft gun mounted on the top of the tank
+
* 20mm autocannon anti-aircraft gun mounted on the top of the tank
 
* Low profile for visibility
 
* Low profile for visibility
 
* Hydropneumatic suspension
 
* Hydropneumatic suspension
* Has a autoloader
+
* Has an autoloader
 
* The fuel tanks in the hull can absorb HEAT-FS shells
 
* The fuel tanks in the hull can absorb HEAT-FS shells
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Unimpressive frontal plate armor.
+
* Unimpressive frontal plate armour
* One of the longest reloads of all the Rank VI MBTs at 10 seconds.
+
* One of the longest reloads of all the Rank VI MBTs at 10 seconds
* Vulnerable to the rear, if hydropneumatic suspension are not used.
+
* Vulnerable to the rear, if the hydropneumatic suspension is not used
* Optics can cause ATGMs to detonate and explode downwards into crew compartment.
+
* Optics can cause ATGMs to detonate and explode downwards into the crew compartment
 
* Very easy to one shot because of 3 crew cramped in the turret
 
* Very easy to one shot because of 3 crew cramped in the turret
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Been threat by Soviet T64 tank, Germany and the US joint together and developed a new main battle tank in the mid 1960s. That's the MBT/KPz-70 project. The new main battle tank would use the most advanced technology including hydropneumatic suspension, 152mm gun/launcher capable firing tank shell and ATGM, autoloading system, spaced armor, 1500 horsepower diesel engine and remote controlled weapon station. Even everything looks perfect on paper, but in reality it caused many problems. The autoloading system could load Shillelagh missile quite easily, but it would jam the tank shell. The housing of driver in a rotating cupola inside the turret would cause unanticipated problem to the driver. The caseless ammunition would also become unusable if the humidity is high.  
+
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
  
With such design problems and over budget, MBT/KPz-70 project is officially cancelled in 1971. Even we never saw any MBT/KPz-70 enter service, but many of its design and technology had been passed on to it's predecessor: M1 Abrams and Keiler, which later became the Leopard 2.
+
Been threat by Soviet T64 tank, Germany and the US joint together and developed a new main battle tank in the mid-1960s. That's the MBT/KPz-70 project. The new main battle tank would use the most advanced technology including hydropneumatic suspension, 152mm gun/launcher capable firing tank shell and ATGM, autoloading system, spaced armour, 1500 horsepower diesel engine and remote-controlled weapon station. Even everything looks perfect on paper, but in reality, it caused many problems. The autoloading system could load Shillelagh missile quite easily, but it would jam the tank shell. The housing of the driver in a rotating cupola inside the turret would cause an unanticipated problem to the driver. The caseless ammunition would also become unusable if the humidity is high.
 +
 
 +
With such design problems and over budget, MBT/KPz-70 project is officially cancelled in 1971. Even we never saw any MBT/KPz-70 enter service, but many of its design and technology had been passed on to its predecessor: M1 Abrams and Keiler, which later became the Leopard 2.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==

Revision as of 22:59, 6 November 2019

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
germ_kpz_70.png
KPz-70
AB RB SB
9.0 9.3 9.3
Class:
Research:190 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:520 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage KPz-70.jpg


The KPz-70 is a rank VI German medium tank with a battle rating of 9.0 (AB) and 9.3 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.71 "New E.R.A".

The KPz-70 displays impressive mobility, in terms of its ability to pickup and maintain speed over various terrains - albeit it is somewhat lackluster compared to some of the top rank vehicles such as the M1 Abrams and T-80B. This unfortunately negates many of the advantages the KPz-70 maintained during its reign as a top-rank vehicle. However, this doesn't change the need to utilize what mobility the vehicle has - it's the best weapon the KPz-70 has.

Unlike the Soviet T-64A (its main rival), the KPz-70 does not utilize composite armour, but an air gap that forces munitions penetrating the initial layers to lose their mass by fragmenting apart before moving to the next layer of armour. This general design concept has been in use as far back as WW2 and is even used to this day on modern fighting vehicles.

Spaced armour works wonderfully well against shaped charge munitions or any other munition with explosive filler provided it is of a stronger protection rating. Proceeding weapons and munitions development has seen this benefit decreased with either more powerful or tandem charge warheads and can be seen in-game against weapons that proceeded different designs of spaced armour. As such, the KPz-70 will find weapons that were designed to defeat spaced armour such as the HOT-K3S ATGM and BAE Swingfire system that will penetrate it. However, the spaced armour in the KPz-70 works exactly as it was designed to do against older anti-tank missiles, HEAT, HE, and HESH munitions.

The tank mounts no external spaced armour. The armour on the side and rear of the tank is not worth mentioning as it will only stop light machine gun fire and some cannon fire on the turret. Adversary SABOT rounds will penetrate clear through the engine and into the crew compartment most likely destroying the tank if engaged from behind.

The most important feature that makes a tank is the cannon. In this department, the KPz-70 is no slouch. The 152 mm gun launcher system (the same one used on the M551 Sheridan), but with a longer barrel and is capable of firing a variety of munition types including an experimental APFSDS round, a traditional HEAT round (with high penetration), an experimental smoke round, and lastly the very capable and proven MGM-61C Shillelagh. This wide range of munition choices gives the operator a variety of options in a pre-combat configuration which can greatly either hinder or enhance the tankers capability on the battlefield. The benefit of a longer barrel compared to its Sheridan counterpart ensures the KPz-70 is much more accurate at range and that the rounds leave the barrel at higher velocities thus increasing their overall damage-dealing capabilities.

Additionally, the 152 mm gun launcher gets equipped with an autoloader, greatly reducing its time between followup shots on a target.

For targeting, the option to equip an incredibly accurate laser range finder is available. Additionally, the 7.62 mm machine gun mounted in the turret can be used for range finding as well.

The Rheinmetall Rh 202 20 mm autocannon is highly effective at dealing with lightly armoured battlefield threats and on some tanks exposed sides or rears. In some situations, it may be more beneficial to utilize the 20 mm as it will allow the tank to deal damage rapidly while conserving the 152 mm main cannon ammunition. The cannon is also highly effective at shooting down low flying attackers. Note that if the commander is knocked out, the 20 mm will become unusable.

The KPz-70 is equipped with a diesel-fueled 1,500 horsepower (1,100 kW) Daimler Benz V12 engine. This engine pack compared to its American counterpart produces more power, but only slightly so giving the KPz-70 an amazing 29.8 hp/t at 50 - 51.7 tons (depending on upgrade configuration).

A highly advantageous feature is the hydropneumatic suspension system which not only provides great cross country mobility but allows the crew to position the vehicle in such a way to only expose the strongest armour at an enemy threat. The suspension can also be used to gain further gun depression by raising the rear of the tank and lowering the front thus allowing the gunner to engage from a position that he might not have been able to engage from previously.

The KPz-70 features the standard NATO track and block design that can be found on most NATO vehicles. The rubber track blocks provide great traction off-road and on-road compared to all-metal tracks found on other fighting vehicles as sliding on a short halt or drifting is minimized.

Because of the elevated engine deck, gun depression is decreased significantly when firing or aiming the gun over the rear of the tank.

An unconventional feature at the time the KPz-70 was designed was the housing of all the crew members in the turret. Because of the autoloading system, the need for a loader was eliminated and due to an attempt to further lower the silhouette of the tank, the driver was located to the turret with the gunner and commander. This can have potentially devastating consequences on the battlefield as the crew can easily be injured or incapacitated by penetrating munitions entering the crew compartment.

For defensive countermeasures, the tank is equipped with quad four-barrel externally mounted smoke canister launchers which can provide either a defensive screen for the tank or friendly forces. These launchers can be fired in pairs of two. Keep in mind the smoke grenade launchers are operated by the gunner so should he become incapacitated in a fight, the smokes will become unavailable until the gunner is either replaced by another crew member or the crew replenishment consumable restores them.

Due to its low profile and effective array of camouflage options the KPz-70 scores high marks in the concealability category. It has a total of 4 camouflage options available to it. The standard (a 3 tone NATO CARC camouflage), winter camouflage (requires 700 battles against other players in the tank), a brown camouflage for desert environments, and lastly an olive drab option. The addition of various foliage can further increase the ability to conceal the tank.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour type:

  • Spaced armour (Hull front, Turret front)
  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 34* mm (60-61°) Front glacis
76.2 mm (64°) Lower glacis
23 mm (40°) Top
23-35 mm Bottom
30 mm (12°) Top
13 mm (57°) Bottom
8 mm (12°) Engine exhaust
20 mm Front
8-12.7 mm Engine deck
Turret 50-200 mm (0-75°) 12.7-38* mm (29-34°) 12.7* mm (27-80°) 20-50 mm Front
12.7 mm Rear turret
Armour Sides Roof
Cupola 25 mm 25 mm
Spaced armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 200 mm Kinetic
170 mm Chemical
N/A N/A N/A
Turret 320 mm Kinetic
280 mm Chemical
38 mm sections:
320 mm Kinetic
280 mm Chemical
12.7 mm sections:
35 mm Kinetic
40 mm Chemical
35 mm Kinetic
40 mm Chemical
N/A

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick and tracks are 30 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 16 mm thick.
  • Gun mantlet ring around the gun barrel is 305 mm thick.
  • A 16 mm RHA plate separates the engine from the crew compartment
  • Hull spaced armour configuration is 34 mm RHA + 127 mm air + 46 mm RHA.
  • Turret spaced armour configuration is 38 mm RHA + 127 mm air + 130-33 mm RHA.
  • Turret rear spaced armour configuration is 13 mm RHA + 38 mm air + 19 mm RHA.

The main weakness of the KPz-70 to take advantage of as an opposing player is the weak armour when compared to other tanks of its rank. If the KPz-70 can be baited to come towards a position, it becomes much easier to fight. Avoid springing a well-placed KPz-70 ambush if at all possible or try to sneak around him to flank and attack his weakest armour. A well-placed shot through the side of the turret is generally ensured destruction as all of the crew is located in the turret along with an ammunition store with rounds being located under the turret basket.

With the proper position or speed, try getting around the KPz-70 and engaging him from where it does not expect. It's important to remember the KPz-70 has the ability to quickly snap the turret around and engage any enemy, so surprising the tank is of the up-most central importance to come out victorious.

Another weakness that can be exploited is its speed. Because of its speed, unskilled players or players unfamiliar with its play style will often rush into situations they are not equipped to fight properly and find themselves overwhelmed, allowing a prepared defence to eliminate them.

One last weak spot worth mentioning is the turret ring. High penetrating munitions can completely pierce this section and travel into the crew compartment. SABOT rounds are especially effective at this.

Do not try to out-shoot the KPz-70 as it has a very rapid reload that in most cases will ensure that unless the tank's ability to fire is disabled, it will recover and continue to fire to disable or destroy its offender.

Mobility

Mobility characteristic
Weight (tons) Add-on Armor
weight (tons)
Max speed (km/h)
51.7 N/A 71 (AB)
64 (RB/SB)
Engine power (horsepower)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 2,325 2,862
Realistic/Simulator 1,327 1,500
Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 44.97 56.12
Realistic/Simulator 25.67 29.01

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: XM150E5 (152 mm)
152 mm XM150E5
Capacity Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
Stabilizer
48 -10°/+20° ±180° Two-plane
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade 21.4 47.4 __.__ __.__ __.__
Realistic 21.4 25.2 __.__ 33.8 __.__
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0
Ammunition
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration in mm @ 90°
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
XM578E1 APFSDS 380 370 360 345 330 315
M409A1 HEAT 380 380 380 380 380 380
MGM-51C ATGM 431 431 431 431 431 431
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%
XM578E1 APFSDS 1,500 3.7 N/A N/A N/A ° 76° 77° 78°
M409A1 HEAT 754 19 0.0 0.1 3,730 +0° 62° 69° 73°
MGM-51C ATGM 323 28 0.0 0.01 4,720 +0° 80° 82° 90°
Smoke characteristic
Ammunition Velocity
in m/s
Projectile
Mass in kg
Screen radius
in m
Screen time
in s
Screen hold time
in s:
Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent):
XM410E1 754 19 25 5 30 50
Ammo racks
Ammo racks of the KPz-70.
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
48 44 (+4) 33 (+15) 25 (+23) 13 (+35) (+47) No

2nd rack empty: 33 (+15)

Machine guns

20 mm Rh202
Pintle mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute)
Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
750 (750) 900 -9°/+65° ±180°
7.62 mm MG 3A1
Coaxial mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute)
Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
6,000 (1,000) 1,200 N/A N/A

Usage in the battles

The tank plays very much like the Leopard 1A1A1. Players familiar with the Leopard play style will easily adapt to the KPz-70. It has reasonable mobility, especially with full upgrades and aced crew, allowing it to manoeuvre into spots not typically accessible by less mobile tanks. Utilize this to an advantage to set up ambushes as this is how the KPz-70 will get the best of many opponents. It's important to recognize when engagement is not beneficial so that the tank may get a better position or escape from the threat.

Despite the initial appearance of strong frontal armour, it's important to remember when compared to its counterparts at its rank, it is not nearly enough to defeat threats head-on such as the T-64A. Even ATGM from missile vehicles such as the Raketenjagdpanzer 2 HOT will penetrate the turret and upper glacis plate. Even other Rank V tanks can and will penetrate from the front. Because of the rather condensed placement of crew and ammunition, the KPz-70 will most likely be destroyed. Because of this, it is critical that the KPz-70 gets the first shot off in engagement and ensure it is either eliminated or crippled to such a capacity they either cannot engage or will instinctively panic and try to run to repair or determine the engagement location.

The gun is especially versatile and powerful with a wide range of ammunition selection, but generally, the cannon launched ATGM's and sabot rounds will get the job done in most situations. The 20 mm turret roof-mounted cannon is great for taking out lightly armoured targets (to include some tanks, ATGM vehicles, etc), anti-air, and aircraft.

Essentially, if this tank is treated like a Leopard, the survivability rate will increase dramatically. The hydropneumatic suspension allows the tank to position in such ways that it can engage from non-conventional spots while exposing only the strongest armour towards the threat. The low silhouette makes the tank especially difficult to hit at longer ranges and this can be further enhanced (situation dependent) by the adjustable suspension. Because of the accurate cannon, it will also find be easy to engage at longer ranges which will maximize the KPz-70's strengths while reducing the targets.

In summary, the KPz-70 is a great addition to any end game lineup as it provides great flexibility in almost all engagements and is well worth the time and investment to acquire.

Tactics

Ambushing is the tank's strength. As covered previously, utilize the speed to get into firing positions quickly and cause chaos and confusion among the enemy.

The KPz-70 can also quickly capture objective points and when used properly hold positions so long as it does not stay in any one place too long.

Scoot and shoot tactics will benefit the KPz-70 play style as well as terrain masking techniques.

Should the tank have to fight in closer engagement ranges or in close quarters, it's critical to always remember the armour will not protect the tank reliably. However, the speed, fast-rotating turret, and manoeuvrability will. Provided the player utilizes these to their advantage, the KPz-70 will be able to control the fight. Recognize when the enemy is baiting the tank into an ambush and avoid them as the KPz-70 doesn't stand a great chance of conducting a counter-ambush due to the weak armour.

If the KPz-70 does find itself a victim of an ambush, launch a smokescreen, escape, and reassess for a counter-ambush.

The KPz-70 benefits greatly from squad play. A skilled lone KPz-70 is most certainly a threat on the battlefield but 2 or even 3 KPz-70's working in conjunction with each other in a squad is an extreme danger to the opposing team as the use of squad tactics in combination with the great strengths of the tank can almost completely control the momentum of the conflict.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Great mobility, although out-stripped by some vehicles that utilize turbine engines
  • Extremely fast in both forwards and reverse
  • Great gun, with access to various types of ammunition, ATGMs included
  • 20mm autocannon anti-aircraft gun mounted on the top of the tank
  • Low profile for visibility
  • Hydropneumatic suspension
  • Has an autoloader
  • The fuel tanks in the hull can absorb HEAT-FS shells

Cons:

  • Unimpressive frontal plate armour
  • One of the longest reloads of all the Rank VI MBTs at 10 seconds
  • Vulnerable to the rear, if the hydropneumatic suspension is not used
  • Optics can cause ATGMs to detonate and explode downwards into the crew compartment
  • Very easy to one shot because of 3 crew cramped in the turret

History

Been threat by Soviet T64 tank, Germany and the US joint together and developed a new main battle tank in the mid-1960s. That's the MBT/KPz-70 project. The new main battle tank would use the most advanced technology including hydropneumatic suspension, 152mm gun/launcher capable firing tank shell and ATGM, autoloading system, spaced armour, 1500 horsepower diesel engine and remote-controlled weapon station. Even everything looks perfect on paper, but in reality, it caused many problems. The autoloading system could load Shillelagh missile quite easily, but it would jam the tank shell. The housing of the driver in a rotating cupola inside the turret would cause an unanticipated problem to the driver. The caseless ammunition would also become unusable if the humidity is high.

With such design problems and over budget, MBT/KPz-70 project is officially cancelled in 1971. Even we never saw any MBT/KPz-70 enter service, but many of its design and technology had been passed on to its predecessor: M1 Abrams and Keiler, which later became the Leopard 2.

Media

An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.

Read also

[Devblog] KPz-70 & MBT-70 - A Warrior of Two Armies

Sources

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


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 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