leopard 2 (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7)

leopard 2 (it. Leopard) - German main battle tank. To top 2015 year produced more than 3000 tanks of this type, on 2017 year used 2516 units Leopard 2 in different versions, are in service with the German Army, Austria, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Denmark, Greece, Turkey and other countries.

tank Leopard 2 – video

After creating the "Leopard" tanks in 1965 year in Germany by Porsche began work on improving its design, in parallel with the continuation of the US and Germany MBT-70 of the joint project. The national German program, received in 1967 It was called "Gilded leopard", and then - "Boar" (boar) It led to the creation in 1969 year two prototypes, intended for tests. FROM 1970 g. went prototype production firm Krauss-Maffei. AT 1973 g. promising tank received its present name. Several "Leopard-2" prototypes participated in comparative tests with promising American tank XM-1 at the Aberdeen proving ground, during which the German tank had equality in many respects, superior maintainability and power reserve, but inferior in accuracy and precision shooting.

leopard 2 (1979 — 1982 gg.) - modification of the first base. manufactured 380 units. In this photo Leopard 2 pipe-installed manhole for movement under water.

Mass production

According to the results of all tests and design improvements in 1977 g. it was decided to manufacture 1800 tanks in five series for the needs of the Bundeswehr; main contractor remained firm Krauss-Maffei. AT 1979 g. He entered service. Production of Leopard tanks 2: Germany - 2050 tanks, Netherlands - 445 tanks, Switzerland - 380 tanks, Spain - 219 tanks, Greece - 170 tanks. Total produced 3264 cars.

modifications

Leopard tanks 2 created by the classical arrangement: a driver is in front of the body, tank commander, gunner guns (Right from the gun) and loader (left) They are in tower; engine located aft. The armament of tanks, except A6 models, It consists of a 120-mm smoothbore gun barrel length of Rheinmetall 44 caliber, two 7.62-mm machine guns - paired with a gun and antiaircraft, located on the roof of the tower. Besides, blocks located in the tower mortars, intended for setting smokescreen. In tanks constantly upgraded armor protection and fire control system.

leopard 2 A1 (1982 – 1984 gg.) – thermal sight, hard armor protection (New filler in a combined armor), increased reliability of a number of systems and components. manufactured 750 units.

Combat weight machines of the first series was over 50 tonnes, they already had a combined multi-layered armor, stabilized in two planes gun, night-vision devices (in project, however imagers were not delivered on time, they were installed on the already in service tanks. Get imagers tanks was awarded the designation of 2A2). The ammunition consisted of kinetic energy penetrator, and cumulative high-explosive, designed to destroy a wide range of purposes. 15 of 42 shots were stored in the first stage of installation, in the rear recess of the tower by expelling panel; others were left of the driver without any protection. Tanks of the second and third series,, It is made in 1982-1984 gg., were designated A1. Among the changes was to improve surveillance instruments commander, gunner, ammunition location change, fuel in order to improve safety, etc.. Tanks fourth series, It is made in 1984-1985 gg., were designated A3 and such improvements, as: new radio station, ammunition and other additional protection. In 1985-1987:. It made the fifth series machines, received the most serious of improving taken at the time: a sharp increase in body armor tower, Additional measures to improve crew survivability, administering to an improved ballistic computer in OMS, administration in high power ammunition projectiles. Weight leopard 2A4 increased to 55 tonnes.

To 1992 g. Three additional batches were built tanks, generally similar machines of the fifth series, and received the same designation.

leopard 2 A2 - a Leopard 2, upgraded to Leopard 2 A1

In the production of the last three series, it was decided to start work on the project of modernization of these tanks because of the advent of the new Soviet Army tanks, such as T-80B. On the basis of the prototype in Komponentenversuchsträger 1991 , several projects were proposed, one of which was given to the progress under the designation KWS II; beginning with 1995 g. a modernization of the tanks to level series 6-8 Leopard 2A5. These machines have a new driver's hatch, provides a better overview and a decrease in body weakened zone. The tower has been substantially upgraded: gun mask completely redesigned, the forehead and the sides were covered with modules spaced (presumably, having a non-energy jet properties) armor. Electrohydraulic system implements stabilization has been replaced by at least a fire, fully electric; gunner got upgraded sight, and the commander - an independent imager 2nd generation, built-in panoramic surveillance device; improved characteristics of the stabilizer arms. Tank got a GPS navigation system. All these activities have led to an increase in weight of up to 59,5-62 tons depending on armor kit. Finally, part of the model tanks 2A5 (225 PC.) from 2001 g. upgraded to the level of modern German MBT, level Leopard 2A6. The new tank was strengthened booking towers and additional mine protection. The main difference of the new model is a tool Rhl 120 / L55 with an increase of 11 calibres (1320 mm) barrel length. Together with the barrel muzzle energy and increased muzzle velocity, a, as a consequence - of their armor and range of defeat. Equally important is the fact of placing the tank information management system. weight of the tank increased to 62 tonnes.

leopard 2 A3 (1984 — 1985 gg.) - radio SEM 80/90, Modified parking brake and other minor improvements. Introduced tricolor camouflage coloring. manufactured 300 units.

Design

"Leopard 2" has the classic layout, with the placement of the engine compartment in the rear, fighting compartment in the middle and management offices - in the frontal part of the machine. The crew consists of four people: commander, gunner, loader and driver. There NBC protection.

Armor hull and turret

Tower and welded housing. The upper front body sheet has a large tilt angle. The design of the armored housing and towers used combined armor "third generation", originally (1970-It is yy.) created on the basis of the "chobhem" armor side skirts and a reinforced rubber. The inner surfaces of the tank crew compartment covered with fabric mats (lining) from high strength aramid fiber. Their purpose - reduction of energy and the opening angle of the cone zabronevyh fragments, formed at a penetration of armor.

weaponry

leopard 2 It equipped with a powerful 120mm smoothbore gun Rh-120 firm Rheinmetall. Short gun barrel facilitates stabilization when the tank is moving and facilitates balancing; also increases accuracy on the move. The main projectile is cumulatively BOPS DM43 and DM12-fragmental. With gun paired gun MG3 7.62 mm. Another MG3 is in the turret hatch on the loader. FROM 1998 BOPS, the possible use of DM-53 (2A5). Rheinmetall has developed an update for tanks, allowing Israeli fire ATGM LAHAT.

leopard 2 A4 (1985 – 1990) digital ballistic computer, a new system of PPO, introduced into the ammunition shot DM 33 with armor-piercing projectile-core, having a larger value of the ratio of length to diameter. manufactured 695 units.

fire control system

– The system processes a large amount of firing data in different embodiments. For aiming and hitting the target gunner just need to select a target and put on her marker. Detect camouflaged targets helps a sensor, responsive to their thermal radiation.
– It is able to fire at dvizhuschoysya targets while on the move over rough terrain.

monitoring Tools

The main gunner's sight is the EMES-12, developed by Carl Zeiss. The combined sight and laser rangefinder Stereoscopic. The combination of the two rangefinders, using different principles to determine the distance to the target, It allows to increase the reliability and accuracy of measurement. The auxiliary gunner sight - periscope monocular TZF-1A, a similar set on the tank Leopard 1. The commander installed panoramic periscope sight PERI-R-12 with a stabilized line of sight. the tank commander can direct their own gun, for which the optical mechanism is applied sight axis and synchronization of the gun barrel axis. In the dark using active IR night vision device and observation with an electron-optical amplifiers. Unlike the Leopard tank 1 IR illuminator "Leopard-2K" is set stationary and covered turret armor.

Chassis

tank Mileage to overhaul set 10000 kilometers. Individual torsion suspension with friction dampers in the suspension system used on 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 units and hydraulic podressornikami. Caterpillar has a rubberized running track and removable rubber pads.

leopard 2 A5 (1995 — 1998 gg.) - in the frontal part of the tower and the hull modules are installed on armor elements with built-in dynamic protection. introduced Ballistic knocked, electric stabilizer modernized FCS Krupp Atlas. The panoramic sight commander is integrated imager, an image which is displayed on a special indicator. This enables the tank commander alone to monitor the situation on the battlefield at night. The laser range finder combined Gunner uses an advanced processor, eliminating the occurrence of secondary, false echo. Combat weight reached 62,5 t. Modernizirovano 225 units.

Engine and transmission

Power plant combined into one constructional unit; it can be replaced in the field for 45 minutes. The engine in the MTO is situated along the hull, and between the ITO and the fighting compartment installed refractory baffle. The tank has a V-shaped multifuel 12 cylinder four-stroke diesel engine MB 873 power 1500 l. from. at 2600 rev / min. The engine is designed and manufactured by German company MTU, It refers to a type of precombustion diesels, a liquid cooling and turbocharging. The engine has two turbochargers and two intercooler, included in the overall cooling system. The air supply to the engine passes through the two air intakes, located on the roof top of the MTO and covered aft turret niche, two air cleaner, enshrined on both sides of the engine and connected by short pipes with turbochargers. Air - two stage. Dust, filtered in the first stage is removed Electrofans.

Transmission HSWL-354/3 firm Renk hydromechanical torque converter integrated with blockable, 4-speed planetary gearbox and a differential dual-flow rotating mechanism with a hydrostatic transmission. Torque converter is turned off by locking clutch.

the gearbox has three planetary gear sets with disc brakes, providing switch I, II and III programs, and a locking clutch for the inclusion of IV transmission. Reverse activated using friction elements; it makes it possible to quickly switch from forward to reverse at the time when the tank still continues to move forward (at a rate not more than 8 kmh).

leopard 2 A6 (2001 — 2003 gg.) - Leopard 2 A5 with 120 mm gun with a barrel length 55 calibres. DM53 projectile an initial velocity 1750 m / s. Fire these missiles can be carried out at a distance of 5000 m. The high efficiency of the projectile on the target action is achieved due to its great length, masses, flight speed and high-strength material, used for the production of shell. It runs a solid special alloy based on depleted uranium. Modernizirovano 225 units.

combat application

– War in Afghanistan (2001—2014). "Leopards" had limited involvement, several tanks were blown up by mines.

– Syrian Civil War. Turkish Armed Forces in 2016 was lost in the territory of Syria, at least 10 "Leopard 2A4» Tanks (including at least 1 from PTUR TOW-2, 2 by ATGM "Fagot" and 2 They were captured). According to journalists Die Welt militants IG, near the Syrian town of Al-Bab, Podbela 10 "Leopard 2A4» Tanks, owned by the Turkish army.

Evaluation of the project

In the world ranking of tanks, which is the journal Military Ordnance, consistently ranked first. The car belongs to the costly. weaponry, in particular ammunition, the modification to the modification are stable at high globally. Recent modifications of the tank are protected forehead tower at the highest level. but, such a comparison is not correct regarding reservation Soviet MBT later 1985 of the year (for such a situation since the 80s was known Bundeswehr, what in 2015 she wrote the German newspaper Die Welt).

Leopard 2A7

AT 2010 year at Eurosatory exhibition German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) demonstrated a new, the seventh modification of the Leopard tank 2, called Leopard 2A7 +.

The new modification of the tank is a modular service pack, with the ability to optimize the specific requirements of its customers. Leopard 2A7 + innovations in comparison with the Leopard 2A6:

– improved mine protection;
– overlay, that cover the entire tower, the frontal part of the housing and two-thirds of the board to protect against chemical agents melee (type RPG-7), min, homemade bombs, submunitions cluster munitions, BOPS, anti-tank missiles with optoelectronic, infrared and laser guidance systems;
– implementation of the "Digital tower" technology;
– improved characteristics of MSA to allow destruction of the target first shot, especially in traffic;
– administering to construct "commander" tank brake, It allows the commander tank at any time to stop the tank;
– adding a modern tank ammunition shells - DM 11, This feathered-piercing projectiles with a detachable tray DM-53 (LKE II) length 570 mm, provided with a core of tungsten alloy (adopted in 1997 year), its modification DM-53A1 and the further development of DM 63 and BTS DM-33, and programmable high-explosive shot DM-12;
– equipment stabilized remotely controlled weapon station auxiliary arms;
– communication system, allowing the crew to communicate with cooperating infantry units;
– introduction into the tank structure APU, which feeds electricity to numerous electronic systems without the need to turn the main engine: thereby not only saving lifespan, but also reduces the thermal and acoustic visibility machines;
– equipment installation, intended to enable each of the main battle tank in a single automated system of logistics support: which greatly simplifies and speeds up the process of providing the ammunition tank units, fuel and other logistical assets.

By the combat tank weight Leopard 2A7 + greatly exceeds the previous modification, its mass can reach 70 tonnes. Leopard 2A4 / Leopard 2A5 short 120 mm cannon (barrel length 44 caliber) It can be converted into Leopard 2A7 +. This is the final version of the tank.

As of 2015 all it produced 20 machines. 1 bыla passed in late Bundeswehr 2014. actually ordered 20 machines, and only with additional funding for further tinkering with existing different versions of the tank will be held until 2A7 +. It does not intend to keep the 2A6 (225 machines) and converted into 2A7.

The performance characteristics of the Leopard tank 2 A6

Crew, people: 4
years of production: 1979
The number of issued, PC: more 3000

weight Leopard 2

– 2 – 50,5 tonnes; 2A4 -55,15 tonnes; 2A5 -62 tonnes; 2A6 – 63 tonnes

Dimensions Leopard 2

– body Length, mm: 7700
– Length with gun forward, mm: 9670
– housing width, mm: 3700
– Height, mm: 2790
– Clearance, mm: 490

armor Leopard 2

– Type broni: protivosnaryadnym combined, mounted (2A5, 2A6, 2A7)
– tower forehead, mm / city: Dimensions 700mm / 0 to 2A4

armament Leopard 2

– Caliber guns and stamp: 120-мм Rheinmetall Rh-120
– gun type: smoothbore
– barrel length, calibres: 55
– gun ammunition: 42
– sights: laser rangefinder sight EMES-15 channel with integrated Thermal Imaging, panoramic periscope PERI-R17, auxiliary FERO-Z18
– Shotgun: 2 × 7,62-mm MG3

engine Leopard 2

– engine's type: MB 873 Ka-501
– Engine power, l. from: 1500

Leopard speed 2

– Road speed, kmh: 72
– Cruising on the highway, km: 550

– power density, l. p. / m: 24,2
– suspension type: individual torsion
– Gradeability, city.: 30
– to overcome the wall, m: 1,1
– trench, m: 3,0
-fording, m: 4 OPVT with / without preparation 2K, 2A4: 1,2; 2A5, 2A6: 1. With preliminary preparation 2K, 2A5, 2A6: 2,35; 2A4: 2,25

Photo tank Leopard 2

Leopard 2A6 with a gun L55 Spanish Armed Forces

Tank “Leopard-2HEL” Armed Forces of Greece

A source