Difference between pages "AMX-13-90" and "Leopard 2 PL"

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(adding pros and cons and adding usage in battle)
 
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.)
 
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{{About
 
{{About
−
|about=French light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = German medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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|usage=other variants
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| usage = other versions
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|link=AMX-13 (Family)
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| link = Leopard 2 (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
−
|code=fr_amx_13_90
+
|code=germ_leopard_2pl
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]].
+
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 AMX-13-90 is a light tank, and a good one if you keep on scouting. Its low profile and good mobility are your best allies if you want to make good use of its 90 mm HEATFS shells, especially with its autoloader. Always flank, scout as much as possible and only shoot when you're sure no one is waiting for you to come out of your hiding. Most cannons above 20 mm will penetrate and destroy this very fragile vehicle and its small crew, so do your best to avoid being shot at.
+
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 ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
−
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
+
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->The Leopard 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.
−
'''Armour type:'''
 
  
−
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret base, Turret front)
+
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.
−
* Rolled homogeneous armour
+
 
 +
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
 +
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 20 mm (67°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 20-40 mm (5-50°) ''Lower glacis'' || 20 mm || 15 mm ''Top'' <br> 15 mm (45°) ''Bottom'' || 10 mm <br> 5 mm ''Engine grille''
+
| 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
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 40 mm (32-45°) ''Turret front'' <br> 40 mm (12-41°) ''Turret base'' <br> 40 mm (15-75°) ''Barrel shroud'' || 20 mm (0-30°) ''Turret'' <br> 20 mm (12-14°) ''Turret base'' || 20 mm ''Turret bustle'' <br> 20 mm (17-22°) ''Pivot ball'' <br> 10 mm (77-90°) ''Turret underside'' || 10 mm
+
| Hull || '''''Upper+Lower glacis''''' <br> 400 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 600 mm ''Chemical''|| N/A
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || 20 mm || 20 mm || 20 mm || 10 mm
+
|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''
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
  
−
* Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick.
+
* Upper hull and Lower rear hull overlap (10 + 20 mm thick)
−
* Belly armour is 10 mm thick.
+
* Upper mantlet add-on and Mantlet armour overlap (30 + 400 mm thick)
−
* 8 mm Structural steel firewall separates the driver from the engine.
+
* Holes in the engine deck are covered by 8 mm of mesh
−
* The track and wheel on the front glacis offer about 15 mm structural steel thickness.
 
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=418|rbMinHp=239}}
+
The Leopard 2PL features identical mobility to the rest of the Leopard 2 series (with exception to Leopard 2 prototypes).
 +
 
 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,032|rbMinHp=1,327}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
{{main|CN90 F3 (90 mm)}}
+
 
 +
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.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[CN90 F3 (90 mm)|90 mm CN90 F3]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! colspan="5" | [[Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)|120 mm Rh120 L/44]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 34 || rowspan="2" | -6°/+13° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 28.6 || 39.5 || 48.0 || 53.1 || 56.5 || rowspan="2" | 5.00 || rowspan="2" | 5.00 || rowspan="2" | 5.00 || rowspan="2" | 5.00
+
| rowspan="2" | 42 || rowspan="2" | -9°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 38.1 || 52.7 || 64.0 || 70.8 || 75.3 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 17.9 || 21.0 || 25.5 || 28.2 || 30.0
+
| 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{{:CN90 F3 (90 mm)/Ammunition|OCC 60-62, OE 90 F1, OFUM PH90-F2}}
+
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.
 +
 
 +
'''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.
 +
 
 +
'''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.
 +
 
 +
'''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.
 +
 
 +
{{:Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)/Ammunition|DM12A1, DM11, DM33, DM43}}
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.17.0.85''' -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.5.0.30''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 85: Line 105:
 
! 1st<br>rack empty
 
! 1st<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
−
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
−
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 7th<br>rack empty
 
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''34''' || 32&nbsp;''(+2)'' || 28&nbsp;''(+6)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+11)'' || 18&nbsp;''(+16)'' || 13&nbsp;''(+21)'' || 7&nbsp;''(+27)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+33)'' || Yes
+
| '''42''' || 16&nbsp;''(+26)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+41)'' || No
−
|-
 
 
|}
 
|}
 
Notes:
 
Notes:
  
−
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
+
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been loaded.
−
* Visual discrepancy concerns rack 1 (5 shells are modeled but it contains 3 shells) and rack 5 (3 shells are modeled but it contains 5 shells).
+
* Rack 2 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 15 shells and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
−
* Rack 6* and 7* (autoloader magazines) are first stage ammo racks. They total 12 shells.
+
* This rack is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is 2 - 1.
−
* These racks get filled first when loading up the tank and are also emptied first.
+
* If you pack 16&nbsp;''(+26)'' shells, it will keep the frontal hull rack empty.
−
* As the {{PAGENAME}} is equipped with an autoloader, manual reloading of the gun is not possible.
+
* 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.
−
* Once the autoloader magazines have been depleted, you can't shoot until the loader has restocked the autoloader. The restocking time is longer than the normal reload time of the gun (about 15 seconds). Take this into account when playing.
 
−
* Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1 to 5 into rack 7* then 6*. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.
 
−
* The depletion order at full capacity is: 6* - 7* - 1 - 2 up to 5.
 
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
−
{{main|MAC 31 (7.5 mm)}}
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[MAC 31 (7.5 mm)|7.5 mm MAC 31]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[MG3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm MG3A1]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 4,950 (150) || 551 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 4,500 (1,000) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
 +
| Pintle || 2,000 (1,000) || 1,200 || -8°/+20° || ±120°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
The AMX-13-90 is a light tank with good firepower . His 90mm canon equipped with HEATFS round is enought to destroy any tank at his br (still be aware of uptier mosly because of the T-55AMD-1 and T-55AM-1 who have composite armor). The lack of stabilizer make it bad for close and urban ingagements , it should be used in open area like in Eastern Europe or Poland for example . With it's fast reload you can snipe multiple enemies easily . Be aware of the bad post-penetration damage on heavier tanks you should aim for the turret , no heavy machine gun can pen you .
+
<!-- ''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.
 +
 
 +
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
 +
 
 +
*[[M1 Abrams (Family)|M1 Abrams]]: Good turret protection, but dead in the water if you fire anything at the UFP.
 +
*[[Strv 121]]: Hull and turret face 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
 +
*[[Leclerc]]/[[Leclerc S2]]: Avoid aiming at the commander side of the turret even with DM43 APFSDS.
 +
*[[Challenger 2]]: LFP, breech, and driver's port.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 129: Line 152:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Has HEATFS with 320 mm of penetration
+
* Good turret armour
−
* Small profile
+
* Effective gun
−
* Great top speed
+
* Better APFSDS shell (DM43) than other Leopard 2A4s
−
* Great acceleration
+
* Excellent mobility
−
* Has a fast 5s reload time
+
* Has access to 3rd generation thermals for both the gunner and commander
−
* Immune to .50 cal
 
−
* The engine and transmittion can absorb some rounds giving you the time to fight back
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* HEATFS ammunition has poor post-penetration damage
+
* Same turret weaknesses as the 2A4, minus the gun mantlet specifically against chemical penetrators.
−
* Lacks armour
+
* Unreliable hull armour
−
* With the ocilating turret the lack of stabilzer came with it
+
* The Leopard 2A4's typical gunner-sight optic is still present
−
* Hights antennas ruining the stealthy approach
+
* DM43 APFSDS shell is lacking penetration for the battle rating
−
* Slow reverse speed
 
  
 
== 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]] ===
 +
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.
  
−
'''Development'''
+
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 AMX-13-90 was an up-gunned version of the French AMX-13 light tank. In 1964, a prototype for a modernized AMX-13, called the 2E, introduced a 90 mm gun and also reduced the amount of return rollers from four to three. A second prototype with the 90 mm gun was built, called the 2F, introduced a thermal sleeve and reduced the return rollers to only two.
 
−
 
 
−
The AMX-30 was planned in 1962 to replace the M47 and M48 Patton tanks of the French Army. As such, it was decided to modernize the AMX-13 fleet, as well as to produce new vehicles. The modernization began in 1964, and it included the 90 mm DEFA D921/F1 gun and many vehicles also received SS-11 wire-guided anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) mounted on racks above the gun base.
 
−
 
 
−
'''Design'''
 
−
 
 
−
The 2E and 2F prototypes led to the introduction of the production version, the AMX-13-90. The only significant change from the AMX-13 to the AMX-13-90 was the 90 mm F3 gun in a modified turret. The F3 was similar to the 90 mm DEFA D921/F1 gun of the AML-90, but the barrel was much longer. It therefore had a much higher muzzle velocity even though it used the same ammunition as the AML-90.
 
−
 
 
−
'''Service'''
 
−
 
 
−
The French Army received most of the original 75 mm-armed version, with about 3,000 entering service. They were assigned to the regular armoured units, which were mostly filled with M47 and M48 Patton medium tanks at the time. AMX-13 squadrons had four tanks, and were split into two sections of one infantry section and one light tank section each, along with an ammunition truck and command vehicle. These squadrons were used for screening and reconnaissance, locating enemy forces and engaging them. After the first section had engaged the enemy and was reloading, the second section engaged the enemy. The process of alternating reloading and firing between the sections allowed the tanks to hold off the enemy until medium tanks arrived.
 
−
 
 
−
In the 1960's, the AMX-30 entered service. AMX-13s were used during the decolonization war in Algeria (1954-1962), although they saw little combat due to the lack of opposition and the terrain. After the French AMX-13s were up-gunned with the 90 mm gun, they often saw service in foreign theaters of operation due to their relative inexpensiveness. The AMX-13s were decommissioned and put into reserve starting in 1985.
 
−
 
 
−
=== From [[wt:en/news/5285-vehicle-amx-13-90-new-toy-to-play-en|Devblog]]: ===
 
−
During the '50s and '60s, the AMX-13 light tank was considered to have underwhelming firepower when compared to certain other tanks fielded by other nations. To remedy this, several modernization and upgrade efforts were launched which focused primarily on improving the killing potential of the AMX-13. Some AMX-13s were equipped with different types of ATGMs, whilst others, like the AMX-13-90, received a larger calibre cannon with improved ballistic properties. In case of the AMX-13-90, the tank received, as the name already suggests, a 90 mm CN 90 F3 cannon, which boasted increased penetrating power and allowed the AMX-13 to engage targets at longer distances too.
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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;Skins
 
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fr_amx_13_90 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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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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;Videos
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;Images
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{{Youtube-gallery|uhgodizubC4|'''The Shooting Range #77''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:19 discusses the AMX-13.|G-sMfeWsEq0|'''The Shooting Range #148''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 01:03 discusses the AMX-13-90.}}
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<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
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File:Leopard 2 PL WTWallpaper 01.jpg
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File:Leopard 2 PL WTWallpaper 02.jpg
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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 06.jpg
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</gallery>
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
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;[[Leopard 2 (Family)|Related development]]
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* [[Leopard 2A4]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
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* [[wt:en/news/5285-vehicle-amx-13-90-new-toy-to-play-en|[Vehicle] AMX-13-90: New Toy to Play]]
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* [[wt:en/news/7071-development-squadron-vehicles-leopard-2pl-polish-cavalry-en|[Development] Squadron vehicles: Leopard 2PL: Polish cavalry]]
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* [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.]
  
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{{TankManufacturer AMX}}
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{{Germany medium tanks}}
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{{France light tanks}}
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{{Squadron ground vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 02:38, 8 July 2024

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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 2PL is a Polish heavy modification of the Leopard 2A4, which is the fifth variant of the 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 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.

Introduced in Update "Ixwa Strike" as a squadron vehicle, the Leopard 2PL is a significantly modified Leopard 2A4, much like the 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

Survivability and 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:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull Composite Armour Upper Glacis
35 mm (53°) 		20 mm Top
35 mm Bottom 		20 mm 20 - 35 mm
Turret 35 mm Turret front
35 mm Gun mantlet
Variable thickness add-on armour 		15 - 35 mm
300 mm Composite Screen Variable thickness add-on armour 		25 mm 20 mm
Composite armour Front Sides
Hull Upper+Lower glacis
400 mm Kinetic
600 mm Chemical		 N/A
Turret Turret cheeks
1010 mm Kinetic
1,520 mm Chemical
Gun mantlet (Center)
478 - 615 mm Kinetic
730- 1,400 mm Chemical
Gun mantlet (Outer)
524 - 915 mm Kinetic
535 - 1,520 mm Chemical 		Side armour
260 mm Kinetic
230 - 600 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 Leopard 2PL features identical mobility to the rest of the Leopard 2 series (with exception to Leopard 2 prototypes).

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. __.__

Modifications and economy

Armaments

Main armament

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.

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 the Leopard 2 Improved series except DM53. It also has access to a unique time fused HE not found on other Leopard series.

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.

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.

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.

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) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
DM12A1 HEATFS 1,140 13.5 0.05 0.1 2.15 65° 72° 77°
DM11 HE-TF 970 19 0.3 0.1 3.93 79° 80° 81°
DM33 APFSDS 1,640 4.3 - - - 78° 80° 81°
DM43 APFSDS 1,660 4 - - - 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 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.

Enemies worth noting:

  • M1 Abrams: Good turret protection, but dead in the water if you fire anything at the UFP.
  • Strv 121: Hull and turret face 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
  • Leclerc/Leclerc S2: Avoid aiming at the commander side of the turret even with DM43 APFSDS.
  • Challenger 2: LFP, breech, and driver's port.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good turret armour
  • Effective gun
  • Better APFSDS shell (DM43) than other Leopard 2A4s
  • Excellent mobility
  • Has access to 3rd generation thermals for both the gunner and commander

Cons:

  • Same turret weaknesses as the 2A4, minus the gun mantlet specifically against chemical penetrators.
  • Unreliable hull armour
  • The Leopard 2A4's typical gunner-sight optic is still present
  • DM43 APFSDS shell is lacking penetration for the battle rating

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 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.

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

Related development

External links


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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