Difference between revisions of "Leopard 2 PL"

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m (→‎Survivability and armour: Determined that the 2A4's turret was not absolutely impenetrable even compared to rounds found at its own BR, also due to the additions of the Object 292 and the 120S.)
(→‎Survivability and armour)
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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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The '''Leopard 2PL''' is a Polish heavy modification of the [[Leopard 2A4]], which is the fifth variant of the [[Leopard 2 (Family)|Leopard 2 main battle tank family]]. Poland initially received the Leopard 2A4 in the 2000s after purchasing it from Germany. Modernization is underway in collaboration with Rheinmetall and the Polish Armaments Group. The need for modernization became apparent as soon as the Polish Army received the first Leopard 2A4 tanks from the German Army (Bundeswehr) in 2002; nevertheless, the initial efforts to create its plan and scope did not begin until mid-2012. Leopard 2PL incorporated several significant upgrades. The fundamental upgrades involved the installation of an electric turret drive and gun stabilization (rather than a hydraulic one), the installation of an auxiliary power unit (APU), the installation of new thermal imaging equipment, the modernization of the driver's seat, and the installation of a new anti-explosion system, fire and mine protection package. A BMS combat management system, remote-controlled weapon stations on the tank's turret, new types of ammunition, air conditioning systems in the driver and combat compartment, and modernization of the electronics cooling system were also installed. The most notable difference is the increased ballistic resistance of the turret, which exceeds that of the [[Leopard 2A5|Leopard 2A5 variant]]. Around the vehicle turret, additional external composite armour modules are added. However, it was not decided to reinforce the hull and vehicle chassis since this would result in a large increase in vehicle weight and budget limitations as well. Inside the vehicle, special anti-splinter liners have been placed to shield the crew in case of successful enemy ammunition penetration.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a squadron rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]].
−
 
 
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Introduced in [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]] as a squadron vehicle, the Leopard 2PL is a significantly modified Leopard 2A4, much like the [[C2A1|Leopard C2A1 MEXAS]] ideology. The major purpose of the modernisation is to keep the Polish Army Leopard 2A4 up to date with modern combat environments and improve tank protection due to more advanced tank ammunition developed by various nations across the world. The addition of a commander's independent sight provides the tank commander with an independent sight outfitted with thermal imaging equipment, introducing hunter-killer capabilities. Overall, it feels remarkably comparable to the regular Leopard 2A4, with the exception that mobility is substantially decreased due to the additional exterior composite armour modules fitted around the vehicle turret, which resulted in increased weight.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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=== Survivability and 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.'' -->The Leopard 2PL features the strongest turret for the Leopard 2 series in game so far due to the turret armor package, negating some of the issues of the original 2A4. Unlike the [[Strv 122A]] and the [[Strv 122B PLSS]] however, it still retains the mediocre hull armor of the Leopard 2 and Improved series, being unable to stop most shells at its BR. Unlike the Leopard 2 Improved however,  the 2PL does not have a redesigned turret face, meaning that it retains the same turret weakspots as the Leopard 2A4, such as the Gunner Primary Sight and the gun mantlet. However, unlike the 2A4, due to the additional composite screen, the gun mantlet is no longer an issue against chemical projectiles such as 3BK18M, but is still penetrable by most APFSDS found at this BR.
 
−
 
−
The 2PL is also able to withstand more than one hit from CL3143, DM53 and 9M119 to the turret face. As opposed to Leopard 2 Improved models (2A5, 2A6, 122), which can typically only withstand a high powered shell to the turret since the additional composite wedge is likely to have been blown off. This changes with the 2PL. Due to the additional armor package being modeled as a permanent part of the tank, the turret face is able to withstand multiple hits from 9M119 and CL3143 and DM53 at any ranges. Moving to turret's add-on side armour, it is able to withstand hits from chemical penetrators up to 400mms, gradually increasing as we move towards the turret front, where a additional wedge from the Leopard 2 Improved can be found mounted on top of the add-on armor over the gunner's position and cannon breech, resulting in around 1500mms of protection against chemical projectiles and 1000mms of protection against kinetic penetrators in some areas, even being able to negate some top tier APFSDS such as 3BM60.
 
−
 
−
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
 
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<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
 
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* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
 
−
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
|-
 
−
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
−
|-
 
−
| Hull || {{Annotation|Composite Armour|35 mm High hardness rolled armour + 520 mm External composite armour with NERA elements + 45 mm Rolled homogeneous armour}} ''Upper Glacis'' <br> 35 mm (53°) || 20 mm ''Top'' <br>35 mm ''Bottom'' || 20 mm || 20 - 35 mm
 
−
|-
 
−
| Turret || 35 mm ''Turret front'' <br> 35 mm ''Gun mantlet'' <br> Variable thickness add-on armour || 15 - 35 mm <br> 300 mm Composite Screen Variable thickness add-on armour || 25 mm || 20 mm
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
|-
 
−
! Composite armour !! Front !! Sides
 
−
|-
 
−
| Hull || '''''Upper+Lower glacis''''' <br> 400 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 600 mm ''Chemical''|| N/A
 
−
|-
 
−
|Turret || '''''Turret cheeks''''' <br> 1010 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 1,520 mm ''Chemical'' <br> '''''Gun mantlet (Center)''''' <br> 478 - 615 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 730- 1,400 mm ''Chemical'' <br> '''''Gun mantlet (Outer)''''' <br> 524 - 915 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 535 - 1,520 mm ''Chemical'' || '''''Side armour''''' <br> 260 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 230 - 600 mm ''Chemical''
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
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'''Notes:'''
 
−
 
−
* Upper hull and Lower rear hull overlap (10 + 20 mm thick)
 
−
* Upper mantlet add-on and Mantlet armour overlap (30 + 400 mm thick)
 
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* Holes in the engine deck are covered by 8 mm of mesh
 
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=== 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.'' -->
  
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The Leopard 2PL features identical mobility to the rest of the Leopard 2 series (with exception to Leopard 2 prototypes).
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,032|rbMinHp=1,327}}
  
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,032|rbMinHp=1,327}}
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The Leopard 2PL features a similar mobility to the rest of the Leopard 2 series (with exception of 2K). Has no particular upgrade or drawback compared to 2A4, 2A5 or 2A6. It should be noted, as the rest of Leopard 2 series, it features a relatively low acceleration in neutral steering.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
  
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The Leopard 2PL is fitted with the powerful Rh120 L/44 120 mm, a gun that has been utilized since the Leopard 2K. DM33 features the same ballistics of those found on the 2A5 and is similar to the 2A6. However, the 2PL is also equipped with the nonexistent DM43, being able to penetrate only up to 530mms of armor as opposed to the DM53 round found on the 2A5/6, which is able to penetrate over 600mms of rolled homogenous armor.
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The Leopard 2PL is fitted with the powerful Rh120 L/44 120 mm gun, a gun that has been seen since the Leopard 2K. This gun features the same ballistics of the Leopard 2A4 and 2A5 using the same darts, meaning the gun handling is the same and it should not be a hassle when firing.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
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The 2PL has access to all the ammunition seen in the Leopard 2 Improved series except DM53. It also has access to a unique time fused HE not found on other Leopard series.
+
The 2PL has access to all the ammunition seen in Leopard 2 series past 2A4 with exception of DM53. It has access to a unique round, DM11, proximity fuze HE shell. All are capable rounds which are not new and have same handling.
 +
 
 +
''HEAT-FS:''
 +
 
 +
The DM12A1 is the first round the 2PL has access to, it can be considered a mediocre round as most of the enemies which will be faced will be able to withstand it due to composite armour. However, it is particuallary useful when facing light armoured vehicles which are prompt to get overpressured (SPAA, light tanks, etc) and useful when facing enemy helicopters as it has enough explosive mass and flight speed to be competitive as last resort. As a hollow charge, it is prompt to detonate mid air due to trees, bushes and fences. This makes the round difficult to use when in long range engagements as some field elements may not be rendered.
  
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'''DM12A1; HEATFS''' - The DM12A1 is the first round the 2PL has access to, and is considered a mediocre round, as it's unable to reliably penetrate certain tanks equipped with ERA at its BR. However, it is quite useful when used against lightly armoured vehicles such as IFVs or SPAAs. As a hollow charge, it is prone to detonating mid air due to trees, bushes and fences.
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''APFSDS:''
  
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'''DM33 & DM43; APFSDS''' - The 2PL has access to 2 types of APFSDS: DM33 and DM43, both of which perform similarly against tanks at its BR, since most tanks don't have exactly 55mms more frontal armor that can be penetrated by the latter but not the former.
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The 2PL has access to 2 types of APFSDS: the DM33 and DM43. The DM33 is a decent round with decent penetration and stopping power. While it lacks penetration to frontally penetrate some MBTs, it is enough to hit and cause critical damage in weakspots and side shots. DM43 however has much more penetration, and can typically penetrate all tanks from all sides.
  
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'''DM11; HE''' - DM11 is a new HE-TF shell found on the Rheinmetall L/44. Which can be deadly to low flying helicopters in certain situations due to the timed fuse.
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''HE:''
  
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{{:Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)/Ammunition|DM12A1, DM11, DM33, DM43}}
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The DM11 is the a new HE-VT proxy shell for germany. It is pretty much useless against non lightly armoured vehicles (even 20 mm roofs will stop the spalling if an air explosion is done) but can be devastating against helicopters as there will be no need for direct hit in order to cause critical damage. It should be noted that the round has to fly at least 400 meters to arm the fuse. It has a trigger radius of 10m.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 +
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 +
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 +
|-
 +
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 +
|-
 +
| DM12A1 || HEATFS || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480
 +
|-
 +
| DM11 || HE-TF || 37 || 37 || 37 || 37 || 37 || 37
 +
|-
 +
| DM33 || APFSDS || 481 || 478 || 470 || 461 || 450 || 440
 +
|-
 +
| DM43 || APFSDS || 536 || 534 || 528 || 521 || 514 || 507
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| 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%
 +
|-
 +
| DM12A1 || HEATFS || 1,140 || 13.5 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 2,150 || 65° || 72° || 77°
 +
|-
 +
| DM11 || HE-TF || 950 || 19 || 0 || 0.1 || 3,930 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 +
|-
 +
| DM33 || APFSDS || 1,640 || 4.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 +
|-
 +
| DM43 || APFSDS || 1,660 || 4.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
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<!-- ''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).'' -->
  
−
The 2PL playstyle is identical to the 2A4 and subsequent German MBTs. However, the 2PL may be able to utilize hull down tactics more effectively due to the additional turret armor. In terms of armament, the 2PL has the powerful Rh120 L/44 which German tankers are already familiar with.
+
The 2PL playstyle is identical to the 2A4 (and also subsequent German MBTs). One of the key differences between the 2PL over the rest is the stronger turret armour. In terms of armament, the 2PL has the powerful Rh120 L/44 which German tankers are already familiar with.
  
 
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
 
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
  
−
*[[M1 Abrams (Family)|M1 Abrams]]: Good turret protection, but dead in the water if you fire anything at the UFP.
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*[[M1 Abrams (Family)|M1 Abrams]]: Turret frontal plates are very strong, ensure an angle within 45° when using DM33.
−
*[[Strv 121]]: Hull and turret face can be penetrated by DM33.
+
*[[Leopard 2A4]]/[[Strv 121]]: UFP and turret frontal plates can be penetrated by DM33.
−
*[[Strv 122A]]/[[Strv 122B PLSS]]: Hull front impenetrable by DM33 unless MEXAS armour package is destroyed. Turret can be penetrated if additional composite screens are blown off
+
*[[Leopard 2A5]]/[[Leopard 2A6]]: UFP and turret frontal plates can be penetrated by DM33. Turret wedges should be blown out first in order to penetrate the turret frontal plate.
−
*[[Leclerc]]/[[Leclerc S2]]: Avoid aiming at the commander side of the turret even with DM43 APFSDS.
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*[[Strv 122A]]/[[Strv 122B PLSS]]: UFP impenetrable by DM33 unless MEXAS armour package is destroyed. Turret wedges should be blown out first in order to penetrate the turret frontal plate.
−
*[[Challenger 2]]: LFP, breech, and driver's port.
+
*[[Leclerc]]/[[Leclerc S2]]: Leclerc front is impenetrable by all rounds unless shots are made entirely into the lower half of the LFP, DM43 is advised.
 +
*[[Challenger 2]]: Front impenetrable by all rounds unless shots are made to driver's port.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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* Good turret armour
 
* Good turret armour
−
* Effective gun
+
* Good gun (same as the [[Leopard 2A4]] and [[Leopard 2A5|2A5]])
−
* Better APFSDS shell (DM43) than other Leopard 2A4s
+
* Good mobility, due to its powerful engine
−
* Excellent mobility
+
* Has access DM11 HE-FS round, can easily counter helicopters and low flying planes
−
* Has access to 3rd generation thermals for both the gunner and commander
+
* Good reload rate
 +
* Has access to 2nd generation thermals for both the gunner and commander
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Same turret weaknesses as the 2A4, minus the gun mantlet specifically against chemical penetrators.
+
* Nearly no gun mantlet armour
−
* Unreliable hull armour
+
* Hull armour is also not so good, is based on the Leopard 2A4
−
* The Leopard 2A4's typical gunner-sight optic is still present
+
* GPS is a big weakspot (against APFSDS)
−
* DM43 APFSDS shell is lacking penetration for the battle rating
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
=== [[wt:en/news/7071-development-squadron-vehicles-leopard-2pl-polish-cavalry-en|Devblog]] ===
 
=== [[wt:en/news/7071-development-squadron-vehicles-leopard-2pl-polish-cavalry-en|Devblog]] ===
−
The Leopard 2PL is an ongoing joint project for the modernization of the Leopard 2A4 tanks in service with the Polish army, currently being carried out by the German company Rheinmetall AG and the Polish state-owned Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa. The aim of the program is to improve the combat efficiency of the elderly Leopards to 3rd generation plus level main battle tanks.
+
The Leopard 2PL is an ongoing joint project for the modernization of the Leopard 2A4 tanks in service with the Polish army, currently being carried out by the German company Rheinmetall AG and the Polish state-owned Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa. The aim of the program is to improve the combat efficiency of the elderly Leopards to 3rd generation plus level main battle tanks.
  
−
The main areas of modernization are improving the tank's protection and firepower. The Leopard 2PL has additional modular turret armour (forehead and sides), enhanced protection of the gun mantlet. On the turret's rear, massive boxes appeared, which under some circumstances can work as spaced armour for protection against HEAT shells. The L44 cannon remains the same, but the upgraded fire control system has modern thermal imaging equipment and is adapted for firing more powerful rounds. Since the power plant and chassis of the Leopard 2A4 remained unchanged, the additional protection of the hull had to be abandoned, as the weight of the tank approached 60 tons. In total, 128 Leopard 2A4's in service are to be upgraded under the Leopard 2PL program.
+
The main areas of modernization are improving the tank's protection and firepower. The Leopard 2PL has additional modular turret armor (forehead and sides), enhanced protection of the gun mantlet. On the turret's rear, massive boxes appeared, which under some circumstances can work as spaced armor for protection against HEAT shells. The L44 cannon remains the same, but the upgraded fire control system has modern thermal imaging equipment and is adapted for firing more powerful rounds. Since the power plant and chassis of the Leopard 2A4 remained unchanged, the additional protection of the hull had to be abandoned, as the weight of the tank approached 60 tons. In total, 128 Leopard 2A4's in service are to be upgraded under the Leopard 2PL program.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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;Skins
 
;Skins
  
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_leopard_2pl Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=germany&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=medium_tank&vehicle=germ_leopard_2pl Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Images
 
;Images
 
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
 
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
−
File:Leopard 2 PL WTWallpaper 01.jpg
+
File:Leopard 2 PL WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
−
File:Leopard 2 PL WTWallpaper 02.jpg
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File:Leopard 2 PL WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
−
File:Leopard 2 PL WTWallpaper 03.jpg
+
File:Leopard 2 PL WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
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File:Leopard 2 PL WTWallpaper 04.jpg
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File:Leopard 2 PL WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
−
File:Leopard 2 PL WTWallpaper 05.jpg
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File:Leopard 2 PL WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
−
File:Leopard 2 PL WTWallpaper 06.jpg
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File:Leopard 2 PL WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
 
−
;[[Leopard 2 (Family)|Related development]]
 
  
 
* [[Leopard 2A4]]
 
* [[Leopard 2A4]]
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 +
 +
;Devblog
  
 
* [[wt:en/news/7071-development-squadron-vehicles-leopard-2pl-polish-cavalry-en|[Development] Squadron vehicles: Leopard 2PL: Polish cavalry]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/7071-development-squadron-vehicles-leopard-2pl-polish-cavalry-en|[Development] Squadron vehicles: Leopard 2PL: Polish cavalry]]
 +
 +
;Other
 +
 
* [https://www.defence24.com/leopard-2pl-programme-showcased-modernization-package-for-the-polish-main-battle-tanks [Defence24<nowiki>.com]</nowiki> Leopard 2PL Programme Showcased. Modernization Package For The Polish Main Battle Tanks.]
 
* [https://www.defence24.com/leopard-2pl-programme-showcased-modernization-package-for-the-polish-main-battle-tanks [Defence24<nowiki>.com]</nowiki> Leopard 2PL Programme Showcased. Modernization Package For The Polish Main Battle Tanks.]
  
 
{{Germany medium tanks}}
 
{{Germany medium tanks}}
 
{{Squadron ground vehicles}}
 
{{Squadron ground vehicles}}

Revision as of 21:18, 11 May 2022

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This page is about the German medium tank Leopard 2 PL. For other versions, see Leopard 2 (Family).
Leopard 2 PL
germ_leopard_2pl.png
GarageImage Leopard 2 PL.jpg
ArtImage Leopard 2 PL.png
Leopard 2 PL

Description

The Leopard 2 PL is a squadron rank German medium tank with a battle rating of (AB), (RB), and (SB). It was introduced in Update "Ixwa Strike".

General info

Mobility

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade Expression error: Unexpected * operator. 2,032 Expression error: Unexpected round operator. __.__
Realistic 1,327 Expression error: Unexpected round operator. __.__

The Leopard 2PL features a similar mobility to the rest of the Leopard 2 series (with exception of 2K). Has no particular upgrade or drawback compared to 2A4, 2A5 or 2A6. It should be noted, as the rest of Leopard 2 series, it features a relatively low acceleration in neutral steering.

Modifications and economy

Armaments

Main armament

The Leopard 2PL is fitted with the powerful Rh120 L/44 120 mm gun, a gun that has been seen since the Leopard 2K. This gun features the same ballistics of the Leopard 2A4 and 2A5 using the same darts, meaning the gun handling is the same and it should not be a hassle when firing.

120 mm Rh120 L/44 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 42 -9°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 38.1 52.7 64.0 70.8 75.3 7.80 6.90 6.36 6.00
Realistic 23.8 28.0 34.0 37.6 40.0

Ammunition

The 2PL has access to all the ammunition seen in Leopard 2 series past 2A4 with exception of DM53. It has access to a unique round, DM11, proximity fuze HE shell. All are capable rounds which are not new and have same handling.

HEAT-FS:

The DM12A1 is the first round the 2PL has access to, it can be considered a mediocre round as most of the enemies which will be faced will be able to withstand it due to composite armour. However, it is particuallary useful when facing light armoured vehicles which are prompt to get overpressured (SPAA, light tanks, etc) and useful when facing enemy helicopters as it has enough explosive mass and flight speed to be competitive as last resort. As a hollow charge, it is prompt to detonate mid air due to trees, bushes and fences. This makes the round difficult to use when in long range engagements as some field elements may not be rendered.

APFSDS:

The 2PL has access to 2 types of APFSDS: the DM33 and DM43. The DM33 is a decent round with decent penetration and stopping power. While it lacks penetration to frontally penetrate some MBTs, it is enough to hit and cause critical damage in weakspots and side shots. DM43 however has much more penetration, and can typically penetrate all tanks from all sides.

HE:

The DM11 is the a new HE-VT proxy shell for germany. It is pretty much useless against non lightly armoured vehicles (even 20 mm roofs will stop the spalling if an air explosion is done) but can be devastating against helicopters as there will be no need for direct hit in order to cause critical damage. It should be noted that the round has to fly at least 400 meters to arm the fuse. It has a trigger radius of 10m.

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
DM12A1 HEATFS 480 480 480 480 480 480
DM11 HE-TF 37 37 37 37 37 37
DM33 APFSDS 481 478 470 461 450 440
DM43 APFSDS 536 534 528 521 514 507
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%
DM12A1 HEATFS 1,140 13.5 0.05 0.1 2,150 65° 72° 77°
DM11 HE-TF 950 19 0 0.1 3,930 79° 80° 81°
DM33 APFSDS 1,640 4.3 N/A N/A N/A 78° 80° 81°
DM43 APFSDS 1,660 4.3 N/A N/A N/A 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Leopard 2 PL
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
42 16 (+26) 1 (+41) No

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been loaded.
  • Rack 2 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 15 shells and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
  • This rack is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is 2 - 1.
  • If you pack 16 (+26) shells, it will keep the frontal hull rack empty.
  • 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 racks.

Machine guns

7.62 mm MG3A1
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,500 (1,000) 1,200 N/A N/A
Pintle 2,000 (1,000) 1,200 -8°/+20° ±120°

Usage in battles

The 2PL playstyle is identical to the 2A4 (and also subsequent German MBTs). One of the key differences between the 2PL over the rest is the stronger turret armour. In terms of armament, the 2PL has the powerful Rh120 L/44 which German tankers are already familiar with.

Enemies worth noting:

  • M1 Abrams: Turret frontal plates are very strong, ensure an angle within 45° when using DM33.
  • Leopard 2A4/Strv 121: UFP and turret frontal plates can be penetrated by DM33.
  • Leopard 2A5/Leopard 2A6: UFP and turret frontal plates can be penetrated by DM33. Turret wedges should be blown out first in order to penetrate the turret frontal plate.
  • Strv 122A/Strv 122B PLSS: UFP impenetrable by DM33 unless MEXAS armour package is destroyed. Turret wedges should be blown out first in order to penetrate the turret frontal plate.
  • Leclerc/Leclerc S2: Leclerc front is impenetrable by all rounds unless shots are made entirely into the lower half of the LFP, DM43 is advised.
  • Challenger 2: Front impenetrable by all rounds unless shots are made to driver's port.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good turret armour
  • Good gun (same as the Leopard 2A4 and 2A5)
  • Good mobility, due to its powerful engine
  • Has access DM11 HE-FS round, can easily counter helicopters and low flying planes
  • Good reload rate
  • Has access to 2nd generation thermals for both the gunner and commander

Cons:

  • Nearly no gun mantlet armour
  • Hull armour is also not so good, is based on the Leopard 2A4
  • GPS is a big weakspot (against APFSDS)

History

Devblog

The Leopard 2PL is an ongoing joint project for the modernization of the Leopard 2A4 tanks in service with the Polish army, currently being carried out by the German company Rheinmetall AG and the Polish state-owned Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa. The aim of the program is to improve the combat efficiency of the elderly Leopards to 3rd generation plus level main battle tanks.

The main areas of modernization are improving the tank's protection and firepower. The Leopard 2PL has additional modular turret armor (forehead and sides), enhanced protection of the gun mantlet. On the turret's rear, massive boxes appeared, which under some circumstances can work as spaced armor for protection against HEAT shells. The L44 cannon remains the same, but the upgraded fire control system has modern thermal imaging equipment and is adapted for firing more powerful rounds. Since the power plant and chassis of the Leopard 2A4 remained unchanged, the additional protection of the hull had to be abandoned, as the weight of the tank approached 60 tons. In total, 128 Leopard 2A4's in service are to be upgraded under the Leopard 2PL program.

Media

Skins
Images
  • Leopard 2 PL WTWallpaper 01.jpg
  • Leopard 2 PL WTWallpaper 02.jpg
  • Leopard 2 PL WTWallpaper 03.jpg
  • Leopard 2 PL WTWallpaper 04.jpg
  • Leopard 2 PL WTWallpaper 05.jpg
  • Leopard 2 PL WTWallpaper 06.jpg

See also

External links

Devblog
Other


Germany medium tanks
Pz.III  Pz.III B · Pz.III E · Pz.III F · Pz.III J · Pz.III J1 · Pz.III J1 TD · Pz.III L · Pz.III M · Pz.III N
Pz.IV  Pz.IV C · Pz.IV E · Pz.IV F1 · Pz.IV F2 · Pz.IV G · Pz.IV H · Pz.IV J · Pz.Bef.Wg.IV J
Pz.V  VK 3002 (M) · Panther A · Panther D · Panther F · Panther G · Ersatz M10 · Panther II
M48 upgrades  M48A2 G A2 · M48 Super
Leopard 1  Leopard I · Leopard A1A1 · Leopard A1A1 (L/44) · Leopard 1A5 · C2A1 · Turm III
Leopard 2  PT-16/T14 mod. · Leopard 2K · Leopard 2AV
  Leopard 2A4 · Leopard 2 (PzBtl 123) · Leopard 2A4M · Leopard 2 PL · Leopard 2A5 · Leopard 2 PSO · Leopard 2A6 · Leopard 2A7V
Trophies  ▀M4 748 (a) · ▀T 34 747 (r)
Other  Nb.Fz. · KPz-70
USA  mKPz M47 G · M48A2 C
USSR  ◊T-72M1

Squadron ground vehicles
USA  M901 · M1A1 AIM
Germany  Leopard 2 PL
USSR  BMP-2M · T-80UK
Britain  Bhishma TWMP
Japan  RCV (P)
China  Object 122MT "MC"
France  CV 9035NL
Sweden  T 80 U
Israel  Magach 6B Gal

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