Difference between revisions of "Leopard 2 (PzBtl 123)"

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−
{{About
 
−
| about = premium German medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
−
| usage = other versions
 
−
| link = Leopard 2 (Family)
 
−
}}
 
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=germ_leopard_2a4_pzbtl_123
 
|code=germ_leopard_2a4_pzbtl_123
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
−
|store=11228
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 18: Line 12:
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 +
''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.''
  
−
'''Armour type:'''
+
''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.''
  
−
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull sides, rear, and roof, turret sides, rear, and roof)
+
''As with most other MBTs, the 2A4 is particularly vulnerable from the sides and back.''
−
* High hardness rolled armour (hull front, turret front, gun mantlet)
+
 
−
* Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet frame)
+
''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.''
−
* Composite screen (front side skirts)
+
 
−
* Structural steel (rear side skirts)
+
''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.''
 +
 
 +
''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.''
 +
 
 +
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
 +
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
+
|Hull||35 mm (53-82°) ''Upper glacis''
 +
40 mm (50-51°) ''Lower glacis''
 +
30 mm (82°) ''Driver's hatch''||10 mm (5°) ''Upper hull''
 +
35 mm (0°) ''Lower forward hull''
 +
20 mm (0°) ''Lower rear hull''
 +
5 mm (0°) ''Side Skirts''
 +
100 mm (0°) ''Composite screening''||20 mm (12-50°) ''All rear''||20 mm (0-8°) ''Hull roof incl. engine deck''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 35 mm (53-82°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 40 mm (51°) ''Lower glacis'' <br> 30 mm (82°) ''Driver's hatch'' || 10 mm (5°) ''Upper hull'' <br> 35 mm ''Lower forward hull'' <br> 20 mm ''Lower rear hull'' <br> 5 mm ''Side Skirts'' <br> 100 mm ''Composite screening'' || 20 mm (11°) ''Upper plate'' <br> 20 mm (17°) ''Lower plate'' <br> 20 mm (50°) ''Lower glacis'' || 35 mm (8°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 20 mm (0-8°) ''Hull sides and engine deck'' <br> 5 mm ''Engine vents''
+
|Turret|| |35 mm (0-6°) ''Cheeks incl. Gunner optics''  
 +
35 mm (1°) ''Mantlet''  
 +
120 mm ''Rear Mantlet Plate''||35 mm (0°) ''Forward''  
 +
15 mm (0°) ''Rear''
 +
|10 mm (10°) ''Basket''  
 +
20 mm (70°) ''Turret underside''
 +
| |40 mm (82-85°) ''Forehead Armour''  
 +
14 mm (72-77°) ''Forward sides''  
 +
20 mm (89°) ''Rear turret incl. cupolas''  
 +
5 mm (84°) ''Basket''
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
!Composite armour!!Front!!Sides
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 35 mm (32-44°) ''Cheeks incl. Gunner optics'' <br> 120+16 mm ''Mantlet'' || 35 mm ''Forward'' <br> 15 mm ''Rear'' || 10+25 mm (10°) ''Basket'' <br> 20 mm (70°) ''Turret underside'' || 40 mm (82-85°) ''Forward centre'' <br> 14 mm (72-77°) ''Forward sides'' <br> 20 mm ''Rear incl. cupolas''
+
|Hull||'''''Upper+Lower glacis'''''90 - 350 mm ''Kinetic''
 +
243 - 600 mm ''Chemical''
 +
!
 
|-
 
|-
−
|}
+
|Turret||'''''Turret cheeks'''''
−
'''Notes:'''
+
420 - 800 mm ''Kinetic''
−
 
+
535 - 820 mm ''Chemical''
−
* Suspension wheels, tracks, and torsion bars are 20 mm thick.
+
'''''Gun mantlet'''''
 +
100 - 270 mm ''Kinetic''
 +
300 - 480 mm ''Chemical''
 +
|'''''Side armour'''''
 +
194 - 260 mm ''Kinetic''
 +
280 - 400 mm ''Chemical''
 +
|}'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
 +
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
−
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
+
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by an MTU (MOTOREN-UND TURBINEN-UNION FRIEDRICHSHAFEN GMBH) MB 873 Ka-501 engine which produces a whopping 1,500 hp (1,100 KW), resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of slightly over 27 hp per tonne, compared 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 mobility of this vehicle is very good. It can usually travel 48-64 km/h (30-40 mph) on level, flat ground and the down-slopes of hills. Otherwise, its mobility can range from 32-56 km/h (20-35 mph) on rough terrain and the up-slopes of hills. It can go approximately 20 MPH backwards. It is very manoeuvrable and can make sharp turns easily.
 
−
 
 
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,032|rbMinHp=1,327}}
 
  
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} has a maximum reverse speed of 31 km/h which it reaches easily, allowing for a quick retreat in sub-optimal situations.
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
Line 57: Line 84:
 
{{main|Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)}}
 
{{main|Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
''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 HEATFS, 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).''
 +
 
 +
''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 against lighter vehicles such as the ADATS.''
 +
{| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" |''[[Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)|120 mm Rh120 L/44]]''|| colspan="5" |''Turret rotation speed (°/s)''
 +
|-
 +
!''Mode''!!''Capacity''!!''Vertical''!!''Horizontal''!!''Stabilizer''
 +
!''Stock''!!''Upgraded''!!''Full''!!''Expert''!!''Aced''
 +
|-
 +
!''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" |''42''|| rowspan="2" |''-9°/+20°''|| rowspan="2" |''±180°''|| rowspan="2" |''Two-plane''||''38.1''||''52.7''||''64.0''||''70.8''||''75.3''
 +
|-
 +
!''Realistic''
 +
|''23.8''||''28.0''||''34.0''||''37.6''||''40.0''
 +
|}
 +
==== Ammunition ====
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)|120 mm Rh120 L/44]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 +
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 +
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
+
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
−
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
−
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! ''Arcade''
+
| DM12 || HEATFS || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
−
| rowspan="2" | 42 || rowspan="2" | -9°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 38.1 || 52.7 || 64.0 || 70.8 || 75.3 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! ''Realistic''
+
| DM13 || APFSDS || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
−
| 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
+
|-
 +
| DM23 || APFSDS || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 +
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 +
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 +
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 +
|-
 +
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 +
|-
 +
| DM12 || HEATFS || ___ || _.__ || __ || _._ || ___ || __° || __° || __°
 +
|-
 +
| DM13 || APFSDS || ___ || _.__ || __ || _._ || ___ || __° || __° || __°
 +
|-
 +
| DM23 || APFSDS || ___ || _.__ || __ || _._ || ___ || __° || __° || __°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
 
−
==== Ammunition ====
 
−
{{:Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)/Ammunition|DM12, DM13, DM23}}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
[[File:Ammoracks_Leopard_2A4.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the Leopard 2A4 (identical)]]
+
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
−
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.19.0.85''' -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 84: Line 147:
 
! 1st<br>rack empty
 
! 1st<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! 4th<br>rack empty
 +
! 5th<br>rack empty
 +
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''42''' || 16&nbsp;''(+26)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+41)'' || No
+
| '''42''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
'''Notes''':
 
−
 
−
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 
−
* Rack 2 is a first stage ammo rack located within a blow-out containment
 
−
* It totals 15 shells and gets filled first when loading up the tank and emptied first when firing.
 
−
* If you pack 16&nbsp;''(+26)'' shells, it will keep the hull empty of ammo.
 
−
* Full reload speed will occur as long as shells are available in the ready rack 2. If the ready rack is empty, a penalty to reload speed will occur.
 
−
* Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from rack 1 into rack 2. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.
 
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
Line 103: Line 162:
 
<!-- ''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|MG3A1 (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|MG3A1 (7.62 mm)}}
 +
 +
''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Pintle || 4,500 (1,000) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
+
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 2,000 (1,000) || 1,200 || -10°/+75° || ±180°
+
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 118: Line 179:
 
== 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).'' -->
−
Because the PzBtl 123 is fast, it is good for flanking attacks. If you can manage to get around the enemy undetected, then you can destroy them with your superior armament. Heavy tanks and any vehicle carrying APFSDS shells are a huge menace to the survivability of the vehicle. If you choose to go into frontal combat instead of flanking, you should pop out of cover, fire an APFSDS (DM23 is better than DM13) at an enemy tank's lower armour in the front, and then retreat to cover as quickly as possible. If you do not, a heavy tank may one shot you or a light tank could take out your driver, gunner and commander, and the loader. Be especially wary of other medium tanks that are also trying to flank your team, because chances are, they also have a 120 mm gun and can one shot you with a well placed round.
+
''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).''
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 +
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Powerful 120 mm L/44 cannon
+
*
−
** Good assortment of ammunition, especially DM23 APFSDS, for dealing with wide variety of enemy threats
 
−
** High-velocity rounds coupled with good sight magnifications make long-range fighting viable
 
−
* Turret armour is sufficient for hull-down tactics and fighting style
 
−
* Blow out panels available if certain ammo racks are detonated
 
−
* Gunner thermal sights makes target acquisition easier
 
−
* Default camo netting can assist with concealment in realistic/simulator battles
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Hull armour is weak and proves vulnerable against most enemy shells
+
*
−
* Weak points in turret (gun mantlet and gunner's optics) can cripple tank or entire crew quickly if enemy exploits them
 
−
* Crew arrangement means a frontal shot can potentially knock out driver, gunner and commander (3/4 crew members) with one shot
 
−
* If an APFSDS or HEATFS shell hits the inside of the track tread, the entire crew can be put out of commission very quickly
 
−
* Turret's strong points are still vulnerable to most top-ranking APFSDS shells available to the enemies
 
−
* Blow out panel-enabled ammo racks are small, carrying only 16 rounds
 
−
* Machine guns, both coaxial and pintle-mounted, are small calibre with restricted gun elevation that makes engaging and threatening air targets difficult
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 149: Line 199:
 
== 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_2a4_pzbtl_123 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 158: Line 205:
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
  
−
;[[Leopard 2 (Family)|Related development]]
+
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
−
 
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
−
* [[Leopard 2A4]]
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 172: Line 219:
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
−
{{TankManufacturer KMW}}
 
 
{{Germany medium tanks}}
 
{{Germany medium tanks}}
 
{{Germany premium ground vehicles}}
 
{{Germany premium ground vehicles}}

Revision as of 02:04, 17 June 2022

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
Leopard 2 (PzBtl 123)
germ_leopard_2a4_pzbtl_123.png
GarageImage Leopard 2 (PzBtl 123).jpg
Leopard 2 (PzBtl 123)
Germany flag.png Germany
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.3 10.3 10.3
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game

Description

The Leopard 2A4, Panzerbataillon 123 is a premium gift rank VII German medium tank with a battle rating of 10.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update "Danger Zone".

General info

Survivability and armour

Composite armour
Balanced protection against all types of ammunition
Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull80 / 65 / 25
Turret80 / 80 / 25
Crew4 people
Visibility95 %

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.

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.

As with most other MBTs, the 2A4 is particularly vulnerable from the sides and back.

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.

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.

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.

Armour type:

Hull 35 mm (53-82°) Upper glacis

40 mm (50-51°) Lower glacis 30 mm (82°) Driver's hatch||10 mm (5°) Upper hull 35 mm (0°) Lower forward hull 20 mm (0°) Lower rear hull 5 mm (0°) Side Skirts 100 mm (0°) Composite screening||20 mm (12-50°) All rear||20 mm (0-8°) Hull roof incl. engine deck

Turret 35 mm (0-6°) Cheeks incl. Gunner optics

35 mm (1°) Mantlet 120 mm Rear Mantlet Plate||35 mm (0°) Forward 15 mm (0°) Rear

10 mm (10°) Basket

20 mm (70°) Turret underside

40 mm (82-85°) Forehead Armour

14 mm (72-77°) Forward sides 20 mm (89°) Rear turret incl. cupolas 5 mm (84°) Basket

Composite armour Front Sides
Hull Upper+Lower glacis90 - 350 mm Kinetic

243 - 600 mm Chemical

Turret Turret cheeks

420 - 800 mm Kinetic 535 - 820 mm Chemical Gun mantlet 100 - 270 mm Kinetic 300 - 480 mm Chemical

Side armour

194 - 260 mm Kinetic 280 - 400 mm Chemical

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB76 / 35 km/h
RB and SB69 / 31 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
4 back
Weight55.2 t
Engine power
AB2 862 hp
RB and SB1 500 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB51.8 hp/t
RB and SB27.2 hp/t

The Leopard 2 (PzBtl 123) is powered by an MTU (MOTOREN-UND TURBINEN-UNION FRIEDRICHSHAFEN GMBH) MB 873 Ka-501 engine which produces a whopping 1,500 hp (1,100 KW), resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of slightly over 27 hp per tonne, compared to the ratio of the early Abrams and identical to the T-80U. As such, the Leopard 2 (PzBtl 123) 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 Leopard 2 (PzBtl 123) has a maximum reverse speed of 31 km/h which it reaches easily, allowing for a quick retreat in sub-optimal situations.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB3 381 Sl icon.png
RB3 259 Sl icon.png
SB3 789 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 160 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces2 150 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 150 / 190 / 240 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods tank camouflage.png
Camouflage net
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_NATO_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_DM_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

120 mm Rh120 L/44 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition42 rounds
First-order15 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
7.8 → 6.0 s
Vertical guidance-9° / 20°
Main article: Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)

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 HEATFS, 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).

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 against lighter vehicles such as the ADATS.

120 mm Rh120 L/44 Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced
Arcade 42 -9°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 38.1 52.7 64.0 70.8 75.3
Realistic 23.8 28.0 34.0 37.6 40.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
DM12 HEATFS __ __ __ __ __ __
DM13 APFSDS __ __ __ __ __ __
DM23 APFSDS __ __ __ __ __ __
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 ___ _.__ __ _._ ___ __° __° __°
DM13 APFSDS ___ _.__ __ _._ ___ __° __° __°
DM23 APFSDS ___ _.__ __ _._ ___ __° __° __°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
42 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

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)

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.

7.62 mm MG3A1
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
___ (___) ___ __° __°
___ (___) ___ __° __°

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).

Pros and cons

Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".

Pros:

Cons:

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

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;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

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

Germany premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  Pz.II C (DAK) · Pz.Sfl.Ic · Pz.Sp.Wg.P204(f) KwK · Sd.Kfz. 140/1 · Sd.Kfz.234/1 · Ru 251 · SPz 12-3 LGS · TAM 2IP
Medium tanks  Nb.Fz. · Pz.III N · Pz.Bef.Wg.IV J · ▀M4 748 (a) · ▀T 34 747 (r) · Ersatz M10
  mKPz M47 G · Turm III · Leopard A1A1 (L/44) · Leopard 2 (PzBtl 123)
Heavy tanks  ▀Pz.Kpfw. Churchill · ▀KV-IB · ▀KW I C 756 (r) · ▀KW II 754 (r)
  VK 45.01 (P) · ␠Tiger · Pz.Bef.Wg.VI P · Tiger II (H) Sla.16
Tank destroyers  Sd.Kfz.234/3 · Sd.Kfz.234/4 · Sd.Kfz.251/10 · Sd.Kfz.251/22 · 15 cm Pz.W.42
  Brummbär · Panzer IV/70(A) · VFW · Bfw. Jagdpanther G1 · Elefant · 38 cm Sturmmörser

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