War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

Strv 103-0

2020-03-16T14:32:41Z

U32360536: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=sw_strv_103_0
|store = 7245
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Swedish medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.95 "Northern Wind"]].

== General info ==
=== 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 helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''

=== Mobility ===


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Game Mode
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristics
! colspan="2" | Engine power (horsepower)
! colspan="2" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
|-
! {{Annotation|Max Speed|Maximum Speed (km/h)}}
! {{Annotation|Weight|Vehicle Weight (tons)}}
! {{Annotation|AoA Weight|Add on Armour Weight (tons)}}
! Stock
! Upgraded
! Stock
! Upgraded
|-
! Arcade
| 54 || rowspan="2" | 37.7 || rowspan="2" | N/A || 683 || ____ || 18.12 || __.__
|-
! {{Annotation|Realistic|Simulator uses Realistic FMs}}
| 50 || 478 || ____ || 12.68 || __.__
|}

== Armaments ==
=== Main armament ===
''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Advise about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''

=== Additional armament ===
''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''

=== Machine guns ===
''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''

== 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 ===


'''Pros:'''

* The gun has good penetration and damage
* Four second reload time makes it much easier to dispatch enemy tanks
* The frontal armour is heavily sloped, which makes it quite tough even though being only 40 mm thick
* Has a tiny profile, making it much easier to hide in realistic and simulator battles
* Because the engine is located at the front most shots will not go through the whole tank if it penetrates and will simply be absorbed
* Has a 30 mm gun shield, which almost completely blocks any shrapnel

'''Cons:'''

* The sloped frontal armour becomes redundant if faced with an enemy above it
* Very thin side and rear armour, any gun larger than a machine gun can go through
* The gun is very hard to aim
* The turret is fixed to the hull and cannot swivel
* APDSFS and APDS shells will go straight through the front, most of the time no matter the angle

== 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: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==

{{Youtube-gallery|qoprhFB5S7I|'''The Shooting Range #179''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:25 discusses the Strv 103.}}

== 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 ==


* [[wt:en/news/6505-development-strv-103-0-last-man-standing-en|[Devblog] Strv 103-0: Last Man Standing]]

{{Sweden medium tanks}}
{{Sweden premium ground vehicles}}

Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)

2020-02-11T15:12:05Z

U32360536: /* Available ammunition */

== Description ==
''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.''

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|germ_leopard_a1a1_120|short}}
* {{Specs-Link|germ_leopard_2k|short}}
* {{Specs-Link|germ_leopard_2a4|short}}
* {{Specs-Link|germ_leopard_2a5|short}}
* {{Specs-Link|germ_vt_1_2|short}}

== General info ==
''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the cannon or machine gun.''

=== Available ammunition ===

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| DM12 || HEATFS ||480||480||480||480||480||480
|-
| DM12A1 || HEATFS ||480||480||480||480||480||480
|-
| DM13 || APFSDS || 393 || 390 || 384 || 376 || 367 || 359
|-
| DM23 || APFSDS || 410 || 408 || 401 || 393 || 384 || 376
|-
| DM33 || APFSDS || 481 || 478 || 470 || 461 || 450 || 440
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="11" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! rowspan="2" | Normalisation at 30° from horizontal
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| DM12 || HEATFS || 1,140 || 13.5 || N/A || 0.1 || 1,640 || 0.0° || 65° || 72° || 75°
|-
| DM12A1 || HEATFS || 1,140 || 13.5 || N/A || 0.1 || 1,640 || 0.0° || 65° || 72° || 75°
|-
| DM13 || APFSDS || 1,650 || 4.436 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 1.5° || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
| DM23 || APFSDS || 1,640 || 4.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 1.5° || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
| DM33 || APFSDS || 1,640 || 4.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 1.5° || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of cannons/machine guns that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the cannon/machine gun in the game - its distinctive features, tactics of usage against notable opponents. Please don't write a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought.''

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* High penetration values for all shells
* Fast reload
* High velocity on APFSDS shells

'''Cons:'''

* Low variety of shells to use

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon 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 weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article would be a video guide, as well as 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 article about the variant of the cannon/machine gun;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the weapon;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Germany tank cannons}}

[[Category:Tank cannons]]

Leopard 2A5

2020-01-10T13:51:27Z

U32360536: Updated DM12A1 penetration statistics.

{{Specs-Card|code=germ_leopard_2a5}}
{{About
| about = medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = Leopard (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]].

The succeeding variant of the [[Leopard 2A4]], the Leopard 2A5 is distinguished by an overall improved turret front armour, most notably with the add-on armour bulks in the turret front, giving a wedge-shape rather than the flat shapes that the 2A4 variant presented.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
[[File:Leopard 2A5 armour scheme.png|thumb|The frontal KE protection of the Leopard 2A5 against CL1343 at 500 m.]]

The Leopard 2A5 has improved armour compared to its predecessor, the hull is much better protected and the already impenetrable turret cheeks have more protection on the side of the turret. Add-on armour boosts the ability to protect against HEAT-FS and early ADFSDS rounds. The wedges on the front of the turret are able to be blown off if a round with enough energy hits it.The gunners optic is also moved into the roof to eliminate the weak spot which was easily penetrated by any tank.

One big changeover along with the armour wedges in the front is the repositioning of the gunner's sight. In the 2A4, the gunner's sight in the turret front presented a weakness that was easily compromised. In the 2A5, the gunner's sight was relocated to the turret roof, and so this weakness is no longer present on the 2A5. Additionally, the large mantlet of the 2A4 has been replaced by a far smaller and more armoured mantlet, making it far harder to hit, though most ammunition at top tier can still penetrate it easily.
[[File:Leopard 2A5 CE armour scheme.png|thumb|The frontal CE protection of the Leopard 2A5 against MIM-146.]]
Be aware of Soviet tanks though! Most of them will carry their HE rounds that can easily destroy you anywhere they hit. A hit directly to the turret will most likely send fragments into your hull, penetrate and lets your fuel tank explode or at least set a fire and knock out the gun barrel.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Armour !! Front (Slope angle)!!Sides!!Rear!!Roof
|-
|Hull
|35 mm (53-82°) ''Upper glacis'' 40 mm (50-51°) ''Lower glacis''
|10 mm (5°) ''Upper hull'' 35 mm (0°) ''Lower forward hull'' 20 mm (0°) ''Lower rear hull''
|20 mm (12-50°) ''All rear''
|20 mm (0-8°) ''Hull roof incl. engine deck''
|-
|Turret
|80 mm (57-59°) ''Right cheek add-on'' 80 mm (55-58°) ''Left cheek add-on'' 30 mm (63°) ''Upper mantlet add-on'' 400 mm (1°) ''Mantlet armour'' 250 mm (9°) ''Mantlet shroud''
|80 mm (20-22°) ''Right add-on'' 80 mm (22°) ''Left add-on'' 35 mm (0°) ''Forward'' 15 mm (0°) ''Rear''
|20 mm (10°) ''Basket'' 20 mm (70°) ''Turret underside''
|35 - 40 mm (80-89°) ''Forehead Armour'' 14 mm (68-82°) ''Forward sides'' 20 mm (89°) ''Rear turret'' 20 mm (83°) ''Basket''
|-
!Composite armour
! colspan="2" |Front
! colspan="2" |Sides
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|Hull
| colspan="2" |'''''Upper+Lower glacis''''' 400 mm ''Kinetic'' 600 mm ''Chemical''
| colspan="2" | N/A
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|Turret
| colspan="2" | '''''turret cheeks''''' 800 mm ''Kinetic'' 1200 mm ''Chemical''

'''''Gun mantlet (Center)''''' 
260 - 325 mm ''Kinetic'' 
600 - 690 mm ''Chemical''

'''''Gun mantlet (Outer)''''' 
425 - 460 mm ''Kinetic'' 
825 - 905 ''Chemical''

| colspan="2" | '''''Side armour''''' 260 mm ''Kinetic'' 230 - 285 mm ''Chemical''
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* ''Upper hull'' and ''Lower rear hull'' overlap (10 + 20 mm thick)
* ''Upper mantlet add-on'' and ''Mantlet armour'' overlap (30 + 400 mm thick)
* Holes in the engine deck are covered by 8 mm of mesh

=== Mobility ===

The only drawback compared to the previous model would be the Leopard 2A5's mobility since despite the 4 tons increase in weight, the engine remains the same, so the Leopard 2A5 is both slower and less manoeuvrable compared to the Leopard 2A4, but it can still keep up with the other nations MBTs.

== Armaments ==
=== Main armament ===

{{main|Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)}}

The Leopard 2A5 has access to the DM33 APFSDS shells which make it a deadlier foe as few tanks can stand against it with the exception of the [[M1A2 Abrams]], [[Challenger 2]] and [[T-80U]].

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)|120 mm Rheinmetall L44]]
|-
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
|-
| colspan="3" | 42 || -9°/+20° || ±180° || Two-plane
|-
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
|-
! style="width:4em" |Mode
! style="width:4em" |Stock
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
|-
| ''Arcade'' || 38.08 || 52.71 || 64.00 || __.__ || 75.29
|-
| ''Realistic'' || 23.80 || 28.00 || 34.00 || 37.60 || 40.00
|-
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
|-
| 7.80 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
|-
|}

===== Ammunition =====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
|-
! 10m
! 100m
! 500m
! 1000m
! 1500m
! 2000m
|-
| DM23 || APFSDS || 410 || 408 || 401 || 393 || 384 || 376
|-
| DM12A1 || HEATFS ||480||480||480||480||480||480
|-
| DM33 || APFSDS || 481 || 478 || 470 || 461 || 450 || 440
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="11" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" |Velocity in m/s
! rowspan="2" |Projectile Mass in kg
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
''in m:''
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
''in mm:''
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g (TNT equivalent):''
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° from horizontal:''
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
|-
! 0%
! 50%
! 100%
|-
| DM23 || APFSDS || 1,640 || 4.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
| DM12A1 || HEATFS || 1,140 || 13.5 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 1,640 || +0° || 65° || 72° || 75°
|-
| DM33 || APFSDS || 1,640 || 4.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full ammo
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual discrepancy
|-
|| '''42''' || 16 ''(+26)'' || 1 ''(+41)'' || style="text-align:left" | No
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | [[MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm MG 3A1]]
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate (shots/minute)
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 4,500 (1,000) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount (Loader)''
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate (shots/minute)
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 2,000 (1,000) || 1,200 || -8°/+20° || ±120°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


The Leopard 2A5 is slower, but it has much better armor and access to the DM33 round. With these new changes, the playstyle changes a bit too:

* ''Hull down'': In the 2A4, the gunners optic was easily penetrated so the hull-down was still vulnerable. However, in the 2A5, this weak spot is eliminated and the armor of the turret is much better, so a hull-down position can now leave the Leopard 2A5 invulnerable.
* ''Sniping'': With the DM33 APFSDS round, the Leopard 2A5 can now make use of the great distance in combat to deal damage while tanking incoming shots.
* ''Flanking'': Due to the worse mobility compared to the 2A4, it is better to stick to more stationary tactics like ''hull down'' and ''sniping''. However, with a little bit caution, flanking can still be successful.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent 120 mm gun, DM33 APFSDS is capable of penetrating up to 481 mm maximum at point-blank range
* Impenetrable turret cheeks, the add-on wedge armour makes the turret immune from every shell in the game (average of 850 mm against long rod APFSDS and 1,450 mm against HEAT)
* Extremely good armour on the UFP (430mm against long rod APFSDS), immune to every shell in the game except DM33, M829, L26, OFL 120 G1 and 3BM42
* Great gun handling: 40°/s turret rotation speed (with Ace crew) and -9°/+20° of vertical guidance
* Side turret covered by add-on armour can bounce early APFSDS shells
* Gunner optics are now mounted on top of the turret, removing the annoying weak spot present on the Leopard 2A4
* Cannon barrel and cannon breech absorbs impact rounds which may otherwise penetrate the turret and injure crews
* Very good thermal imaging quality (800 x 600)
* Has access to commander thermals

'''Cons:'''

* Lower glacis can still be penetrated by most shells
* 16 shells in the ready-rack may be insufficient when playing in Arcade Battles
* Huge hull ammo-rack if more than 16 shells are carried
* Hull ammo-rack consequently makes the tank extremely vulnerable to HE shells
* A penetrating shot on the left side of the hull will most likely knock out the driver, gunner and commander, thus destroying the tank
* DM12A1 HEAT-FS, though very useful against light vehicles, costs 410 SL
* 8x/12x sight can be tricky to use in close quarters engagements
* The wedges can be shot off with several hits, though the turret cheeks alone provide 650 mm against KE
* Tank's weight is 4 tons increased while the engine is still the same, making the Leopard 2A5 slower compared to the 2A4
* Despite all the added armour, the turret ring and driver's hatch are both easily penetrated, and the enemy will most likely aim at these two spots to disable or destroy the tank

== History ==

In 1988, German engineers began work on modernizing the Leopard 2 main battle tank. Improvements were made to the tank’s defensive capabilities, primarily the turret armour. Moreover, the 2A5 model was fitted with an electric stabiliser instead of the electro-hydraulic variant that the previous versions used.

The gunner received improved and less vulnerable optics, and the tank commander – a panoramic periscope with thermal imaging. The build of the driver’s hatch was also modified, along with several other minor improvements made to the general design.

Leading to the 2A5 modernization program being officially approved by the military officials of Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands. It is interesting to note that the models exported to the last two countries on the list were actually different from the ones issued to the German army – for instance, the Bundeswehr tanks received no extra frontal hull armour. Production of Leopard 2A5 tanks began in 1995. Overall, 350 earlier-version Leopards were upgraded as a result of the program.

''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/6098-development-leopard-2a5-this-time-we-are-dead-serious-en Devblog]''

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

== See also ==


* [[Leopard 2A4]] - Preceding vehicle

== External links ==


* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/6098-development-leopard-2a5-this-time-we-are-dead-serious-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Leopard 2A5: This Time We Are Dead Serious]

{{Germany medium tanks}}

Leopard 2A4

2020-01-10T13:45:00Z

U32360536: Updated DM12 penetration statistics.

{{Specs-Card|code=germ_leopard_2a4}}
{{About
|about=medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage=other uses
|link=Leopard (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage {{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
The Leopard 2A4's kinetic protection is reasonable, with the turret cheeks near-invulnerable to all but the most powerful rounds (e.g. CL3143) and the upper front plate capable of protecting against less powerful rounds (e.g. M735) - however besides these sections the remainder of the vehicle is largely vulnerable to high-powered kinetic rounds; of note are the weak lower front plate and the gun mantlet, both of which are reasonably visible targets, as well as the gunner's optics. [[File:Leopard 2A4 Protection Density Visualisation.png|thumb|Leopard 2A4 [[Protection Density Visualisation]]]]
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.
{| 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''
|-
|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
! colspan="2" |Front
! colspan="2" |Sides
|-
|Hull
| colspan="2" |'''''Upper+Lower glacis''''' 90 - 350 mm ''Kinetic'' 243 - 600 mm ''Chemical''
| colspan="2" |N/A
|-
|Turret
| colspan="2" |'''''Turret cheeks''''' 420 - 800 mm ''Kinetic'' 535 - 820 mm ''Chemical''

'''''Gun mantlet''''' 100 - 270 mm ''Kinetic'' 300 - 480 mm ''Chemical''
| colspan="2" |'''''Side armour'''''194 - 260 mm ''Kinetic'' 280 - 400 mm ''Chemical''
|}

=== Mobility ===

The Leopard 2A4 is powered by a 1500 horsepower turbo diesel, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of slightly over 27 hp per tonne, comparable to the ratio of the early Abrams and identical to the T-80U. As such, the 2A4 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 2A4 has a maximum reverse speed of 31 km/h which it reaches easily, allowing for a quick retreat in sub-optimal situations.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
|-
! Weight (tons)
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armour weight (tons)
! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
|-
| rowspan="2" | 56.0 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 79 (AB)
|-
|72 (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|2,032
|____
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|1,327
|1,500
|-
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|36.29
|__.__
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|23.70
|27.17
|-
|}

== Armaments ==
=== Main armament ===

{{main|Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)}}The famous Rheinmetall L/44 120 mm cannon is mounted as the primary armament on the Leopard 2A4, offering a balance of firepower, accuracy and sustained rate of fire. The 2A4 has three rounds available to it: DM12 HEAT-FS, DM13 APFSDS and DM23 APFSDS. Of these, only DM12 is available when the vehicle is stock, with DM13 a tier 1 and DM23 a tier 4 modification. The L/44 is reasonably accurate at long range with any ammunition, however minor round deviation may be evident at extreme ranges (over 2000m).

It's advisable to primarily rely on the best available APFSDS round for engaging other MBTs, however retaining a couple of DM12 rounds can prove valuable for the hull break effect against lighter vehicles such as the ADATS.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)|120 mm Rheinmetall L44]]
|-
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
|-
| colspan="3" | 42 || -9°/+20° || ±180° || Two-plane
|-
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
|-
! style="width:4em" |Mode
! style="width:4em" |Stock
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
|-
| ''Arcade'' || 38.08 || 52.71 || 64.00 || __.__ || 75.29
|-
| ''Realistic'' || 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
|-
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
|-
| 7.80 || 6.90 || 6.40|| 6.00
|-
|}

===== Ammunition =====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
|-
! 10m
! 100m
! 500m
! 1000m
! 1500m
! 2000m
|-
| DM12 || HEATFS ||480||480||480||480||480||480
|-
| DM13 || APFSDS || 393 || 390 || 384 || 376 || 367 || 359
|-
| DM23 || APFSDS || 410 || 408 || 401 || 393 || 384 || 376
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="11" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" |Velocity in m/s
! rowspan="2" |Projectile Mass in kg
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
''in m:''
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
''in mm:''
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g (TNT equivalent):''
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° from horizontal:''
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
|-
! 0%
! 50%
! 100%
|-
| DM12 || HEATFS || 1,140 || 13.5 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 1,640 || +0° || 65° || 72° || 75°
|-
| DM13 || APFSDS || 1650 || 4.44 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 76° || 77° || 78°
|-
| DM23 || APFSDS || 1640 || 4.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
[[File:Ammoracks_Leopard_2A4.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the Leopard 2A4.]]
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full ammo
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual discrepancy
|-
|| '''42''' || 16 ''(+26)'' || 1 ''(+41)'' || style="text-align:left" | None
|-
|}
First stage only: 16 rounds (15 in rack + 1 in gun), stored within blow-out protected containment.

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)}}The 2A4 is equipped with one pintle-mounted machine gun and one coaxial machine gun. These can be used as an anti-air deterrent or for clearing out light obstacles and crew from open vehicles.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | [[MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm MG 3A1]]
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount ''
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate (shots/minute)
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 2,000 (1,000) || 1,200 || -8°/+20° || ±120°
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate (shots/minute)
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 4,500 (1,000) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The Leopard 2A4 may feel somewhat sluggish when stock, and the DM12 HEAT-FS round may appear to be relatively ineffective. Prior to researching improved rounds and engine modifications, it may be wise to play conservatively.

Once the vehicle's modifications are all researched, however, the 2A4 becomes significantly more mobile and has a competitive, albeit not impressive round in the DM23 APFSDS. The 2A4 can be used comfortably in both urban and rural environments, providing the vehicle's weaknesses are kept in mind. While it is capable in most forms of engagement, it does lack the precision of the British Challenger MBTs or the extreme round velocities of the Russian T-64/T-80 series. The 2A4 also has a particularly large and blocky profile, making for a particularly visible target in many situations.

Considering the above, a Leopard 2A4 player should utilise its great mobility and competitive gun to get into early positions to pick off unsuspecting targets, rather than attempting to engage opposing forces head-on.

===Modules===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! Mobility
! Protection
! Firepower
|-
| I
| Tracks
| Parts
| Horizontal drive, DM13
|-
| II
| Suspension, Brake System
| FPE
| Adjustment of Fire
|-
| III
| Filters
| Crew replenishment
| Elevation mechanism, Smoke grenade
|-
| IV
| Transmission, Engine
|
| Artillery support, DM23, Laser rangefinder
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Powerful engine, high top speed and acceleration
* Good neutral steering system
* Good gunner sight magnification for long-range engagements
* Reasonably high velocity kinetic rounds
* Competitive DM23 APFSDS
* Turret armour can prove effective for hull-down engagements
* Primary ammunition is contained within a storage unit with blow-out panels

'''Cons:'''

* Hull armour is mediocre, particularly against kinetic rounds
* The stock DM12 HEAT-FS round can prove relatively ineffectual when compared to DM13/DM23, particularly against targets with ERA
* The gunner's optics are a weak spot, enemies who know how to aim can cripple your gun and kill your crew
* The gun mantlet is relatively weak while being quite prominent, penetration can disable the gun or knock turret crew out
* Secondary ammunition storage is extremely vulnerable, although this is avoidable by carrying no more than 16 rounds
* Both machine guns are relatively light calibre, suffer from mediocre gun elevation and will not prove to be much more an an annoyance to aircraft, particularly helicopters

== History ==

Based on the testing results gathered from the various different [[Leopard 2K]] prototypes, a new Leopard 2 prototype was constructed that would be more representative of the final version of the vehicle. Designated as Leopard 2AV, the new prototype featured a redesigned hull and turret over the Leopard 2K. Furthermore, the prototype was tested with two different cannons; the British [[L7A1 (105 mm)|L7 105mm]] rifled and the German [[Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)|Rheinmetall 120mm smoothbore cannon]].

In 1976, the Leopard 2AV was sent overseas to the United States to be comparatively tested against the new American state-of-the-art [[XM-1 (Chrysler)|XM1 Abrams]]. During testing, the Leopard 2AV proved itself as a good counterpart to the Abrams, outperforming its competitor in terms of fire accuracy, whilst demonstrating somewhat inferior protection and gun handling. Upon arriving back to its homeland with positive testing results, the decision was made to begin mass production of the Leopard 2 in 1977.

The production version Leopard 2, however, differed from the AV prototype in receiving an increased level of protection before mass production began. Mass production of the Leopard 2 started in 1979 with the Leopard 2A0 forming the first batch that would enter service with the German Bundeswehr in late 1980.

Throughout the production period of the early Leopard 2 versions, modernization and upgrades were being applied on the assembly line in order to keep the newest Leopards up to the latest standards. These modernization efforts mostly involved the upgrading of internal modules such as the aiming and communications systems. As a result of this, all early Leopard 2s (A0-A4) were visually neigh identical to each other. The Leopard 2A4 was the final early Leopard 2 variant before the more advanced and heavily upgraded subsequent Leopard 2 versions made their appearance as part of a new wave of modernization efforts.

A total of 695 Leopard 2A4s were built out of the total of 2.125 early Leopard 2s that were manufactured between 1979 - 1991. The Leopard 2 and its variants served primarily with the German Bundeswehr, but a number of export vehicles were sold to nations world-wide, ranging from Canada and Chile, over Denmark and Austria to Greece and Turkey to name a few.

''-From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5539-development-leopard-2a4-setting-the-standard-en Devblog]''

== Media ==

{{Youtube-gallery|F1NXlu1h6s4|Leopard 2A4 Tank Review - War Thunder (AB) -By ''NUSensei''}}

== See also ==


* [[Leopard 2K]] - Preceding vehicle
* [[Leopard 2A5]] - Succeeding vehicle

== External links ==


* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5539-development-leopard-2a4-setting-the-standard-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Leopard 2A4: Setting The Standard]

{{Germany medium tanks}}

Leopard 2K

2019-09-27T17:11:29Z

U32360536: /* Ammunition */

{{Specs-Card|code=germ_leopard_2k}}
{{About
| about = German medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = Leopard (Family)
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm"]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===

The Leopard 2K is one of the most thinly armoured MBT in the German tree, having only 50 mm of actual thickness and 144 mm of effective thickness upper frontal plate and actual 59 mm with an effective thickness of 118 mm for its lower frontal plate. Thin armour would tend to cause concern for the tanker, however, much of this is negated due to the angles in the armour. For survivability, it is almost comparable to the T-64s but without blowing up, playing this tank is a 50/50.

=== Mobility ===

The Mobility of the Leopard 2K is astonishing, making it one of the most agile MBTs in its BR, reaching the speed of 70km/h on road.

== Armaments ==
=== Main armament ===

{{main|Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)}}

The Leopard 2Ks gun is a 120 mm Rheinmetall L44 It can be found on the later models of the tank, such as the Leopard 2A4, and Leopard 2A5. But this does not mean it gets all of the later rounds, the rounds that the Leopard 2K gets is a DM12 and DM13 just like the Leopard A1A1 L/44. Being fitted with a 120 mm Rheinmetall gun it is effective at all ranges, capable of Penetrating tanks 1,000 m away

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! colspan="8" |Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" |Ammunition
! rowspan="2" |Type of warhead
! colspan="6" |'''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
|-
!10m
!100m
!500m
!1000m
!1500m
!2000m
|-
|DM12
|HEATFS
|650
|650
|650
|650
|650
|650
|-
|DM13
|APFSDS
|393
|390
|384
|376
|367
|359
|}

=== Additional armament ===

{{main|Rh202 (20 mm)}}

The tank has a 20 mm anti-aircraft gun which can be used to knock out Gun Barrels, Light Tanks, Helicopters and Planes. The belts are alternating AP-IT/HEF-IT, with 47 mm of penetration at 90 degrees at 0 m. The 20 mm has quite good elevation, and rotates independently from the turret, able to surprise light tanks attempting to flank following turret ring immobilization. m.

=== Machine guns ===
{{main|MG 3A1 (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.''

== Usage in battles ==

As mentioned earlier, the Leopard 2K is very agile, well equipped and thinly armoured. Overall the tank fits well into both flanker and sniper roles. The mobility of the tank can take you to places where the enemy will not expect a tank to be in such a short period of time. It is not a good idea to lead the advance or brawl because of the lack of armour on this vehicle, and it's best to instead let the well-armoured tanks take the lead. This tank is just an M18, but has a good gun and is even faster if you utilize its speed, doing so will allow for potential domination of the matches

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* 120mm gun with effective rounds
* APFSDS is a tier 1 modification - high-velocity rounds allow for long-range shots with ease
* Sloped armour has a tendency to bounce shots, somewhat making up for the lack of actual thickness
* 20mm cannon very effective against light armour and aircraft
* Excellent mobility - one of the most mobile tanks on the battlefield

'''Cons:'''

* Thin armour, ineffective if angles and cover not utilized
* Relatively large profile, the 20 mm Rh 202 gun often sticks out behind cover, making you an easy target for Russian HE-Frag-FS shells
* Slow reload time relative to tanks with smaller guns or autoloaders
* Stock round is HEAT-FS, and struggles against allied vehicles, especially ones outfitted with ERA blocks (such as the T-64BV it often faces)

== History ==

In the 1960s, Germany and the United States were jointly-developing the MBT-70, and Germany was contractually prevented from developing any new MBTs independently until the joint project with the US was completed.

But development problems plagued the MBT-70 project, and it appeared that the vehicle would not be finished within an acceptable time frame—so Germany found a way to bypass contractual limitations for the MBT-70 development.

Instead of ordering the development of a new tank, the German government issued an order to the Porsche company to research ways to improve the Leopard I tank already in service with the German army. This enabled Germany to research a more advanced fighting vehicle without breaching the contract signed with the US.

Porsche’s first study of the Leopard I revealed a lot of room for improvement, and second study focusing on upgrading the Leopard I to match the MBT-70’s firepower was launched almost immediately. This eventually resulted in the construction of two prototype vehicles—one in 1969 and one in 1970—nicknamed Keiler (tusker).

In the early 1970s, Germany was able to back out of the MBT-70 project due to spiraling development costs. Instead, they continued work on the development of the Keiler, which was renamed to Leopard 2.

The Leopard 2 project was expected to yield two versions: the Leopard 2K armed with a cannon, and the Leopard 2FK armed with a gun/launcher similar to the MBT-70. In 1971, ten prototypes were ordered, and seven more orders followed shortly thereafter.

To get the most out of their prototypes, German engineers equipped each one with different components to determine what worked best. Some Leopard 2 versions were equipped with a 105mm smoothbore cannon, whereas others were fitted with 120mm smoothbore cannons. Some prototypes received a hydraulic suspension while others didn’t, and there was even a version equipped with the 20mm anti-air mount on the turret (similar to the one found on the Kpz-70).

Sixteen out of seventeen Leopard 2 prototypes were built and tested, yielding many refinements to the Leopard 2 design. Subsequent models further increased the Leopard 2’s capabilities, with each variant making it more powerful—and ultimately into the Leopard 2 known today.

''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5309-development-leopard-2k-a-legend-in-the-making-en Devblog]''

== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as 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 ==


* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5309-development-leopard-2k-a-legend-in-the-making-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Leopard 2K: A Legend In The Making]

{{Germany medium tanks}}

Leopard 2K

2019-09-27T16:03:51Z

U32360536: /* Main armament */

{{Specs-Card|code=germ_leopard_2k}}
{{About
| about = German medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = Leopard (Family)
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm"]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===

The Leopard 2K is one of the most thinly armoured MBT in the German tree, having only 50 mm of actual thickness and 144 mm of effective thickness upper frontal plate and actual 59 mm with an effective thickness of 118 mm for its lower frontal plate. Thin armour would tend to cause concern for the tanker, however, much of this is negated due to the angles in the armour. For survivability, it is almost comparable to the T-64s but without blowing up, playing this tank is a 50/50.

=== Mobility ===

The Mobility of the Leopard 2K is astonishing, making it one of the most agile MBTs in its BR, reaching the speed of 70km/h on road.

== Armaments ==
=== Main armament ===

{{main|Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)}}

The Leopard 2Ks gun is a 120 mm Rheinmetall L44 It can be found on the later models of the tank, such as the Leopard 2A4, and Leopard 2A5. But this does not mean it gets all of the later rounds, the rounds that the Leopard 2K gets is a DM12 and DM13 just like the Leopard A1A1 L/44. Being fitted with a 120 mm Rheinmetall gun it is effective at all ranges, capable of Penetrating tanks 1,000 m away

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable"
!
!Penetration statistics
!
!
|-
|
|
|
|
|-
|
|
|
|
|-
|
|
|
|
|}

=== Additional armament ===

{{main|Rh202 (20 mm)}}

The tank has a 20 mm anti-aircraft gun which can be used to knock out Gun Barrels, Light Tanks, Helicopters and Planes. The belts are alternating AP-IT/HEF-IT, with 47 mm of penetration at 90 degrees at 0 m. The 20 mm has quite good elevation, and rotates independently from the turret, able to surprise light tanks attempting to flank following turret ring immobilization. m.

=== Machine guns ===
{{main|MG 3A1 (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.''

== Usage in battles ==

As mentioned earlier, the Leopard 2K is very agile, well equipped and thinly armoured. Overall the tank fits well into both flanker and sniper roles. The mobility of the tank can take you to places where the enemy will not expect a tank to be in such a short period of time. It is not a good idea to lead the advance or brawl because of the lack of armour on this vehicle, and it's best to instead let the well-armoured tanks take the lead. This tank is just an M18, but has a good gun and is even faster if you utilize its speed, doing so will allow for potential domination of the matches

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* 120mm gun with effective rounds
* APFSDS is a tier 1 modification - high-velocity rounds allow for long-range shots with ease
* Sloped armour has a tendency to bounce shots, somewhat making up for the lack of actual thickness
* 20mm cannon very effective against light armour and aircraft
* Excellent mobility - one of the most mobile tanks on the battlefield

'''Cons:'''

* Thin armour, ineffective if angles and cover not utilized
* Relatively large profile, the 20 mm Rh 202 gun often sticks out behind cover, making you an easy target for Russian HE-Frag-FS shells
* Slow reload time relative to tanks with smaller guns or autoloaders
* Stock round is HEAT-FS, and struggles against allied vehicles, especially ones outfitted with ERA blocks (such as the T-64BV it often faces)

== History ==

In the 1960s, Germany and the United States were jointly-developing the MBT-70, and Germany was contractually prevented from developing any new MBTs independently until the joint project with the US was completed.

But development problems plagued the MBT-70 project, and it appeared that the vehicle would not be finished within an acceptable time frame—so Germany found a way to bypass contractual limitations for the MBT-70 development.

Instead of ordering the development of a new tank, the German government issued an order to the Porsche company to research ways to improve the Leopard I tank already in service with the German army. This enabled Germany to research a more advanced fighting vehicle without breaching the contract signed with the US.

Porsche’s first study of the Leopard I revealed a lot of room for improvement, and second study focusing on upgrading the Leopard I to match the MBT-70’s firepower was launched almost immediately. This eventually resulted in the construction of two prototype vehicles—one in 1969 and one in 1970—nicknamed Keiler (tusker).

In the early 1970s, Germany was able to back out of the MBT-70 project due to spiraling development costs. Instead, they continued work on the development of the Keiler, which was renamed to Leopard 2.

The Leopard 2 project was expected to yield two versions: the Leopard 2K armed with a cannon, and the Leopard 2FK armed with a gun/launcher similar to the MBT-70. In 1971, ten prototypes were ordered, and seven more orders followed shortly thereafter.

To get the most out of their prototypes, German engineers equipped each one with different components to determine what worked best. Some Leopard 2 versions were equipped with a 105mm smoothbore cannon, whereas others were fitted with 120mm smoothbore cannons. Some prototypes received a hydraulic suspension while others didn’t, and there was even a version equipped with the 20mm anti-air mount on the turret (similar to the one found on the Kpz-70).

Sixteen out of seventeen Leopard 2 prototypes were built and tested, yielding many refinements to the Leopard 2 design. Subsequent models further increased the Leopard 2’s capabilities, with each variant making it more powerful—and ultimately into the Leopard 2 known today.

''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5309-development-leopard-2k-a-legend-in-the-making-en Devblog]''

== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as 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 ==


* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5309-development-leopard-2k-a-legend-in-the-making-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Leopard 2K: A Legend In The Making]

{{Germany medium tanks}}

Leopard 2A4

2019-09-26T06:48:10Z

U32360536: /* Ammunition */

{{Specs-Card|code=germ_leopard_2a4}}
{{About
|about=medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage=other uses
|link=Leopard (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage {{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===

The armour protection on the Leopard 2A4 can be described as "decent" with the essential areas covered but not much more. While the turret cheeks are well protected against both kinetic (~400mm equivalent, sloped) and chemical (~620mm equivalent, sloped) rounds, the upper frontal plate of the chassis will generally not stop an APDSFS (~150mm equivalent, sloped) round from any of its competitors, but will prevent most chemical rounds from penetrating (~520mm equivalent, sloped). However, the lower front plate is even more vulnerable (280mm equivalent vs HEAT and, 150mm equivalent vs kinetic projectiles, both sloped). Like in the case of its competitors, the turret ring is unprotected and so are the hull sides. While the cannon breech is also lacking in protection, it is not completely absent.

The four crew members are tightly packed with the driver, gunner and commander all forming a line on the starboard side of the tank, making them easy to eliminate in one hit if the Leopard 2A4 is facing the enemy with its hull and turret aligned towards it, thus knocking out the tank. The ammo rack of the tank is positioned in front on the port side, and makes for an easy target. This disadvantage can be easily negated by simply using cover to engage in a hull-down position. There is also a ready-rack at the back of the turret, with blow-out panels to prevent the detonation of the ready-rack from destroying the vehicle (note that ''FPE'' must be researched in order for the ammo burnout to be put out).

The armour protection is generally enough if you wish to engage in a long range style of combat as shells will deviate ever so slightly from their predicted path, giving your armour a chance of absorbing them without much damage to be received, though the same can not be said if you wish to engage in fast paced urban combat where shells will land precisely where aimed and enemies will generally attack your sides.

=== Mobility ===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
|-
! Weight (tons)
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armour weight (tons)
! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
|-
| rowspan="2" | 56.0 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 79 (AB)
|-
|72 (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|2,032
|____
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|1,327
|____
|-
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|36.29
|__.__
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|23.70
|__.__
|-
|}

== Armaments ==
=== Main armament ===

{{main|Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)|120 mm Rheinmetall L44]]
|-
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
|-
| colspan="3" | 42 || -9°/+20° || ±180° || Two-plane
|-
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
|-
! style="width:4em" |Mode
! style="width:4em" |Stock
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
|-
| ''Arcade'' || 38.08 || 52.71 || 64.00 || __.__ || 75.29
|-
| ''Realistic'' || 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
|-
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
|-
| 7.80 || 6.9 || 6.4|| __.__
|-
|}

===== Ammunition =====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
|-
! 10m
! 100m
! 500m
! 1000m
! 1500m
! 2000m
|-
| DM12 || HEATFS || 650 || 650 || 650 || 650 || 650 || 650
|-
| DM13 || APFSDS || 393 || 390 || 384 || 376 || 367 || 359
|-
| DM23 || APFSDS || 410 || 408 || 401 || 393 || 384 || 376
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="11" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" |Velocity in m/s
! rowspan="2" |Projectile Mass in kg
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
''in m:''
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
''in mm:''
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g (TNT equivalent):''
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° from horizontal:''
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
|-
! 0%
! 50%
! 100%
|-
| DM12 || HEATFS || 1,140 || 13.5 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 1,640 || +0° || 65° || 72° || 75°
|-
| DM13 || APFSDS || 1650 || 4.44 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 76° || 77° || 78°
|-
| DM23 || APFSDS || 1640 || 4.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
[[File:Ammoracks_Leopard_2A4.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the Leopard 2A4.]]
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full ammo
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual discrepancy
|-
|| '''42''' || 16 ''(+26)'' || 1 ''(+41)'' || style="text-align:left" | no
|-
|}
1st rack empty: 16 ''(+26)''

2nd rack has blowout panels

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | [[MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm MG 3A1]]
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount ''
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate (shots/minute)
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 2,000 (1,000) || 1,200 || -8°/+20° || ±120°
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate (shots/minute)
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 4,500 (1,000) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

When stock, the HEATFS round will help you pick enemies from a distance, thus avoiding taking damage as you will have no ''Parts'' nor ''FPE'', but will not be enough against some tanks like the [[M1 Abrams]] and the [[T-80B]]; [[T-64B]] when these tanks are equipped with add-on ERA. This becomes less of a problem once you have unlocked kinetic shells.

The vehicle, like most of its own league, can be played as a sniper tank due to its excellent optics, or in an urban environment thanks to its powerful engine, high top speed and acceleration and potent top shell which allows quick, but deadly snapshots.

Notable enemies are, on one hand, the [[IPM1]] and M1 Abrams which are almost completely immune to your stock HEAT round, but have a weak turret ring and the Russian MBTs which can equip add-on armor in order to negate the effects of an initial HEAT shell, subsequent penetration is generally possible after the ERA blocks have been detonated; ERA blocks are negated by the use of APDSFS ammunition, notably the DM23 vs T-80B while the DM13 will be enough for all of the others, given a chassis hit.

===Modules===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! Mobility
! Protection
! Firepower
|-
| I
| Tracks
| Parts
| Horizontal drive, DM13
|-
| II
| Suspension, Brake System
| FPE
| Adjustment of Fire
|-
| III
| Filters
| Crew replenishment
| Elevation mechanism, Smoke grenade
|-
| IV
| Transmission, Engine
|
| Artillery support, DM23, Laser rangefinder
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Powerful engine, high top speed and acceleration - turns very easily on the spot
* High scope magnification for long range operations
* Flat-shooting gun with high velocities allows easy long range shots without much adjustment necessary
* Potent selection of ammunition - good HEATFS and very good APFSDS
* Effective turret armour, capable of tanking hits from the front and bouncing side shots

'''Cons:'''

* Hull armour leaves much to be desired
* The stock DM12 HEATFS is soaked up by enemy tanks with ERA blocks, meaning you need to shoot the ERA away then follow up with a new shot
* The gunner's optics are a weak spot, enemies who know how to aim can cripple your gun and kill your crew
* Can be easily ammo racked - carrying only 16 rounds eliminiates this, but at the cost of a severely reduced ammo count
* Difficult stock grind, sluggish and not very agile in the beginning
* Next to no anti-air capability, can not reliably eliminate attacking helicopters except with the 120 mm cannon

== History ==

Based on the testing results gathered from the various different [[Leopard 2K]] prototypes, a new Leopard 2 prototype was constructed that would be more representative of the final version of the vehicle. Designated as Leopard 2AV, the new prototype featured a redesigned hull and turret over the Leopard 2K. Furthermore, the prototype was tested with two different cannons; the British [[L7A1 (105 mm)|L7 105mm]] rifled and the German [[Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)|Rheinmetall 120mm smoothbore cannon]].

In 1976, the Leopard 2AV was sent overseas to the United States to be comparatively tested against the new American state-of-the-art [[XM-1 (Chrysler)|XM1 Abrams]]. During testing, the Leopard 2AV proved itself as a good counterpart to the Abrams, outperforming its competitor in terms of fire accuracy, whilst demonstrating somewhat inferior protection and gun handling. Upon arriving back to its homeland with positive testing results, the decision was made to begin mass production of the Leopard 2 in 1977.

The production version Leopard 2, however, differed from the AV prototype in receiving an increased level of protection before mass production began. Mass production of the Leopard 2 started in 1979 with the Leopard 2A0 forming the first batch that would enter service with the German Bundeswehr in late 1980.

Throughout the production period of the early Leopard 2 versions, modernization and upgrades were being applied on the assembly line in order to keep the newest Leopards up to the latest standards. These modernization efforts mostly involved the upgrading of internal modules such as the aiming and communications systems. As a result of this, all early Leopard 2s (A0-A4) were visually neigh identical to each other. The Leopard 2A4 was the final early Leopard 2 variant before the more advanced and heavily upgraded subsequent Leopard 2 versions made their appearance as part of a new wave of modernization efforts.

A total of 695 Leopard 2A4s were built out of the total of 2.125 early Leopard 2s that were manufactured between 1979 - 1991. The Leopard 2 and its variants served primarily with the German Bundeswehr, but a number of export vehicles were sold to nations world-wide, ranging from Canada and Chile, over Denmark and Austria to Greece and Turkey to name a few.

''-From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5539-development-leopard-2a4-setting-the-standard-en Devblog]''

== Media ==

{{Youtube-gallery|F1NXlu1h6s4|Leopard 2A4 Tank Review - War Thunder (AB) -By ''NUSensei''}}

== See also ==


* [[Leopard 2K]] - Preceding vehicle
* [[Leopard 2A5]] - Succeeding vehicle

== External links ==


* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5539-development-leopard-2a4-setting-the-standard-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Leopard 2A4: Setting The Standard]

{{Germany medium tanks}}