Difference between revisions of "Leopard 2A4"

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{{Specs-Card|code=germ_leopard_2a4}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
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|about=medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = German medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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|usage=other uses
+
| usage = other versions
−
|link=Leopard (Family)
+
| link = Leopard 2 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=germ_leopard_2a4
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png|ArtImage2_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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 the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it 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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[[File:GarageImage {{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''Leopard 2A4''' is the fifth variant of the [[Leopard 2 (Family)|Leopard 2 main battle tank family]]. The Leopard 2A4 is the most iconic variant, with numerous changes and upgrades over the preceding variants. By far the most popular variant, with over 1,800 units built in eight batches between 1985 and 1992, it surpassed every other variant in numbers. The Leopard 2A4 variant saw multiple significant upgrades, including an automatic fire and explosion suppression system, an all-digital fire control system capable of handling new ammunition types, and an upgraded turret with flat titanium/tungsten armour. All previous variants were later upgraded to Leopard 2A4 standards as well. Until 1994, Germany had 2,125 Leopard 2A4 units (695 new and the rest upgraded older variants), while the Netherlands had an additional 445 units. It was also produced in Switzerland under license. After the Cold War ended, Germany and the Netherlands found themselves with large inventories of tanks they no longer needed. These tanks were sold to nations all around the world. This is why it is the most well-known and widely used variant, and various modernisation packages and programs have been developed for it in recent years.
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{{break}}
+
 
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]].  
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]], the Leopard 2A4 is an exceptionally distinctive tank design that evolved from the previous Leopard 1 main battle tank physiology, which prioritized mobility over armor protection. The Leopard 2A4 has substantially better protection thanks to the use of composite armour in both the hull and the turret, while still remaining within acceptable weight limitations. Composite armour is a type of vehicle armour made up of layers of various materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, or air. Most composite armours are lighter than their all-metal counterparts, resulting in less weight while providing the same amount of protection. With its legendary 120 mm Rheinmetall L/44 tank gun, the Leopard 2A4 sets an example for modern main battle tanks, flawlessly balancing protection, mobility, and firepower.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== 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?''
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
[[File:Leopard 2A4 Protection Density Visualisation.png|thumb|Leopard 2A4 [[Protection Density Visualisation]]]]
 +
 
 +
The Leopard 2A4's kinetic protection is reasonable, with the turret cheeks near-invulnerable to all but the most powerful rounds (e.g. [[OTO Breda 120/44 (120 mm)|CL3143]]) and the upper front plate capable of protecting against less powerful rounds (e.g. [[M68A1 (105 mm)|M735]]) - however besides these sections the remainder of the vehicle is largely vulnerable to high-powered kinetic rounds; of note are the weak lower front plate and the gun mantlet, both of which are reasonably visible targets, as well as the gunner's optics.
 +
 
 +
The vehicle sports significantly better all-round chemical protection, with an upper hull and turret essentially immune to all but the most powerful ATGMs frontally, with upwards of 800mm worth of equivalent protection in places. Despite this, it's advisable to be wary of incoming ATGMs as a well-placed round may sneak past the heavily protected areas - and some missiles such as those of the ADATS will slice straight through even the turret cheeks.
 +
 
 +
As with most other MBTs, the 2A4 is particularly vulnerable from the sides and back.
 +
 
 +
The Leopard 2A4 is reasonably survivable, with some degree of crew spacing. However, from certain angles, the crew are placed in a straight line and successful penetration may impact three of the four crew members, resulting in a crew knock-out. In addition, well-placed side shots may impact all three turret crew members.
 +
 
 +
Ammunition is stored in the primary ammunition storage in the rear of the turret, or in the secondary storage next to the driver. The primary rack provides crew protection through the use of blow-out panels, however only has space for 15 rounds. When more than 16 rounds are taken to battle, ammunition will be stored in the significantly more vulnerable hull rack.
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
+
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.
−
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).
+
'''Armour type:'''
  
−
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.
+
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull sides, rear, and roof, turret sides, rear, and roof)
 +
* High hardness rolled armour (hull front, turret front, gun mantlet)
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet frame)
 +
* Composite screen (front side skirts)
 +
* Structural stell (rear side skirts)
  
−
=== Mobility ===
+
{| class="wikitable"
−
<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''-->
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
+
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Weight (tons)
+
| Hull || 35 mm (53-82°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 40 mm (51°) ''Lower glacis'' <br> 30 mm (82°) ''Driver's hatch'' || 10 mm (5°) ''Upper hull'' <br> 35 mm ''Lower forward hull'' <br> 20 mm ''Lower rear hull'' <br> 5 mm ''Side Skirts'' <br> 100 mm ''Composite screening'' || 20 mm (11°) ''Upper plate'' <br> 20 mm (17°) ''Lower plate'' <br> 20 mm (50°) ''Lower glacis'' || 35 mm (8°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 20 mm (0-8°) ''Hull sides and engine deck'' <br> 5 mm ''Engine vents''
−
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armour<br>weight (tons)
 
−
! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="2" | 56.0 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 79 (AB)  
+
| Turret || 35 mm (32-44°) ''Cheeks incl. Gunner optics'' <br> 120+16 mm ''Mantlet'' || 35 mm ''Forward'' <br> 15 mm ''Rear'' || 10+25 mm (10°) ''Basket'' <br> 20 mm (70°) ''Turret underside'' || 40 mm (82-85°) ''Forward centre'' <br> 14 mm (72-77°) ''Forward sides'' <br> 20 mm ''Rear incl. cupolas''
 
|-
 
|-
−
|72 (RB/SB)
+
|}
−
|-
+
{| class="wikitable"
−
! 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
+
! Composite armour !! Front !! Sides
−
!Stock
 
−
!Upgraded
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|''Arcade''
+
| Hull || '''''Upper + Lower glacis'''''<br>90 - 350 mm ''Kinetic''<br> 243 - 600 mm ''Chemical''
−
|36.29
+
!
−
|__.__
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|''Realistic/Simulator''
+
| Turret || '''''Turret cheeks''''' <br> 420 - 800 mm ''Kinetic''<br> 535 - 820 mm ''Chemical'' <br> '''''Gun mantlet'''''<br>100 - 270 mm ''Kinetic''<br> 300 - 480 mm ''Chemical'' || '''''Side armour''''' <br> 194 - 260 mm ''Kinetic''<br> 280 - 400 mm ''Chemical''
−
|23.70
 
−
|__.__
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
 +
* Suspension wheels, tracks, and torsion bars are 20 mm thick.
 +
 +
=== 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.'' -->
 +
 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,032|rbMinHp=1,327}}
 +
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by an MTU MB 873 Ka-501 engine which produces a whopping 1,500 hp (1,100 KW), resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of slightly over 27 hp per tonne, compared to the ratio of the early Abrams and identical to the T-80U. As such, the {{PAGENAME}} is quite mobile despite weighing over 55 tonnes, comfortably able to reach 72 km/h on-road and well capable of keeping up with its competitors. This allows for an active, aggressive playstyle, using the Leopard's high speed and good acceleration characteristics to get into an early flanking position or take early cap points - though it is important to keep in mind that opposition forces might attempt the same.
 +
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} has a maximum reverse speed of 31 km/h which it reaches easily, allowing for a quick retreat in sub-optimal situations.
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 +
The first modifications to research should be Parts, FPE, and the DM13 round. After that, aim for the NVD, DM23, Laser rangefinder, or mobility upgrades, depending on the desired playstyle.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== 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. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
−
{{main|Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)}}
+
<!-- ''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|Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The famous Rheinmetall L/44 120 mm cannon is mounted as the primary armament on the Leopard 2A4, offering a balance of firepower, accuracy and sustained rate of fire. The 2A4 has three rounds available to it: DM12 HEATFS, DM13 APFSDS and DM23 APFSDS. Of these, only DM12 is available when the vehicle is stock, with DM13 a tier 1 and DM23 a tier 4 modification. The L/44 is reasonably accurate at long range with any ammunition, however minor round deviation may be evident at extreme ranges (over 2,000 m).
 +
 
 +
It's advisable to primarily rely on the best available APFSDS round for engaging other MBTs, however, retaining a couple of DM12 rounds can prove valuable against lighter vehicles such as the ADATS.
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" | [[Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)|120 mm Rheinmetall L44]]
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> 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="5" | [[Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)|120 mm Rh120 L/44]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
+
! ''Arcade''
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
+
| 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
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 7.80 || 6.9 || 6.4|| __.__
+
! ''Realistic''
 +
| 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== Ammunition =====
+
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)/Ammunition|DM12, DM13, DM23}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> 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 || 417 || 414 || 410 || 400 || 395 || 390
 
−
|-
 
−
| 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 <br /> warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
 
−
''in m:''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
 
−
''in mm:''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> 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]] =====
+
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
[[File:Ammoracks_Leopard_2A4.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the Leopard 2A4.]]
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.19.0.85''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
+
! Full<br>ammo
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br /> rack empty
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br /> rack empty
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
+
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
|| '''42''' || 16&nbsp;''(+26)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+41)'' || style="text-align:left" | no
+
| '''42''' || 16&nbsp;''(+26)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+41)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
1st rack empty: 16&nbsp;''(+26)''
+
'''Notes''':
  
−
2nd rack has blowout panels
+
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 +
* Rack 2 is a first stage ammo rack located within a blow-out containment
 +
* It totals 15 shells and gets filled first when loading up the tank and emptied first when firing.
 +
* If you pack 16&nbsp;''(+26)'' shells, it will keep the hull empty of ammo.
 +
* Full reload speed will be realized as long as shells are available in the ready rack 2. If the ready rack is empty, a penalty to reload speed will occur.
 +
* Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from rack 1 into rack 2. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
−
<!--''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.''-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
−
{{main|MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)}}
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
{{main|MG3A1 (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"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
−
|-
 
−
! 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 <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="4" | 2,000 (1,000) || 1,200 || -8°/+20° || ±120°
+
! colspan="5" | [[MG3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm MG3A1]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
| Coaxial || 4,600 (200) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="4" | 4,500 (1,000) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
+
| Pintle || 2,000 (200) || 1,200 || -10°/+75° || ±180°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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).'' -->
−
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 Leopard 2A4 may feel somewhat sluggish when stock, and the DM12 HEATFS round may appear to be relatively ineffective. Prior to researching improved rounds and engine modifications, it may be wise to play conservatively.
  
−
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.
+
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 Soviet T-64/T-80 series. The 2A4 also has a particularly large and blocky profile, making for a particularly visible target in many situations.
  
−
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.
+
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===
+
=== Pros and cons ===
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
−
! 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 ===
 
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Powerful engine, high top speed and acceleration - turns very easily on the spot
+
* Powerful engine, high top speed and acceleration
−
* High scope magnification for long range operations
+
* Good neutral steering system
−
* Flat-shooting gun with high velocities allows easy long range shots without much adjustment necessary
+
* Good gunner sight magnification for long-range engagements
−
* Potent selection of ammunition - good HEATFS and very good APFSDS
+
* Reasonably high-velocity kinetic rounds
−
* Effective turret armour, capable of tanking hits from the front and bouncing side shots
+
* Competent DM23 APFSDS
 +
* Turret armour is mostly effective for hull-down engagements
 +
* Primary ammunition is contained within a storage unit with blow-out panels
 +
* Generation 1 thermals in the gunner sight
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Hull armour leaves much to be desired
+
* Hull armour is mediocre, particularly against kinetic rounds
−
* 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 stock DM12 HEATFS 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 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
+
* The gun mantlet is relatively weak while being quite prominent, penetration can disable the gun or knock turret crew out
−
* Difficult stock grind, sluggish and not very agile in the beginning
+
* The turret cheeks can be penetrated by most APFSDS rounds when hit at the right angle
−
* Next to no anti-air capability, can not reliably eliminate attacking helicopters except with the 120 mm cannon
+
* 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 annoyance to aircraft, particularly helicopters
 +
* Blowout panels are unreliable and have a low capacity
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
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]].
+
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 rifled [[L7A1 (105 mm)|105 mm L7]] and the German [[Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)|120 mm Rheinmetall L44 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.
 
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.
+
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 1979.
  
 
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.
 
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.
Line 268: Line 196:
 
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.
 
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]''
+
''-From [[wt:en/news/5539-development-leopard-2a4-setting-the-standard-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
<!--''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''-->
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
{{Youtube-gallery|F1NXlu1h6s4|Leopard 2A4 Tank Review - War Thunder (AB)<br>-By ''NUSensei''}}
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_leopard_2a4 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Photos
 +
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
 +
File:Leopard_2A4_at_Dresden_Museum.jpg|A Leopard 2A4 on display at the Bundeswehr Military History Museum.
 +
File:Austrian_Leopard-2A4_Snow.jpg|Leopard 2A4 in Austrian service.
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|akxAxhPBA3k|'''The Shooting Range #101''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:31 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''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;''
 
* ''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.'' -->
−
 
+
;Related development
−
* [[Leopard 2K]] - Preceding vehicle
+
* [[Leopard 2 (Family)]]
−
* [[Leopard 2A5]] - Succeeding vehicle
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on tank;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''-->
 
  
−
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5539-development-leopard-2a4-setting-the-standard-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Leopard 2A4: Setting The Standard]
+
* [https://mtu-online-shop.com/media/files_public/952ae139f0fae50b15702ddf661cad33/3061601_MTU_Defense_Brochure.pdf MTU Defense Brochure]
 +
* [[wt:en/news/5539-development-leopard-2a4-setting-the-standard-en|[Devblog] Leopard 2A4: Setting The Standard]]
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer KMW}}
 
{{Germany medium tanks}}
 
{{Germany medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 09:41, 30 December 2023

Introducing Wiki 3.0
This page is about the German medium tank Leopard 2A4. For other versions, see Leopard 2 (Family).
Leopard 2A4
germ_leopard_2a4.png
GarageImage Leopard 2A4.jpg
ArtImage Leopard 2A4.png
ArtImage2 Leopard 2A4.png
Leopard 2A4
Germany flag.png Germany
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.7 10.7 10.7
Class:
Research:300 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:830 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The Leopard 2A4 is the fifth variant of the Leopard 2 main battle tank family. The Leopard 2A4 is the most iconic variant, with numerous changes and upgrades over the preceding variants. By far the most popular variant, with over 1,800 units built in eight batches between 1985 and 1992, it surpassed every other variant in numbers. The Leopard 2A4 variant saw multiple significant upgrades, including an automatic fire and explosion suppression system, an all-digital fire control system capable of handling new ammunition types, and an upgraded turret with flat titanium/tungsten armour. All previous variants were later upgraded to Leopard 2A4 standards as well. Until 1994, Germany had 2,125 Leopard 2A4 units (695 new and the rest upgraded older variants), while the Netherlands had an additional 445 units. It was also produced in Switzerland under license. After the Cold War ended, Germany and the Netherlands found themselves with large inventories of tanks they no longer needed. These tanks were sold to nations all around the world. This is why it is the most well-known and widely used variant, and various modernisation packages and programs have been developed for it in recent years.

Introduced in Update 1.79 "Project X", the Leopard 2A4 is an exceptionally distinctive tank design that evolved from the previous Leopard 1 main battle tank physiology, which prioritized mobility over armor protection. The Leopard 2A4 has substantially better protection thanks to the use of composite armour in both the hull and the turret, while still remaining within acceptable weight limitations. Composite armour is a type of vehicle armour made up of layers of various materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, or air. Most composite armours are lighter than their all-metal counterparts, resulting in less weight while providing the same amount of protection. With its legendary 120 mm Rheinmetall L/44 tank gun, the Leopard 2A4 sets an example for modern main battle tanks, flawlessly balancing protection, mobility, and firepower.

General info

Survivability and armour

Composite armour
Balanced protection against all types of ammunition
Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Self-entrenching equipment
Creation of ramparts and trenches in soft ground
Armourfront / side / back
Hull80 / 65 / 25
Turret80 / 80 / 25
Crew4 people
Visibility95 %
Leopard 2A4 Protection Density Visualisation

The Leopard 2A4's kinetic protection is reasonable, with the turret cheeks near-invulnerable to all but the most powerful rounds (e.g. CL3143) and the upper front plate capable of protecting against less powerful rounds (e.g. M735) - however besides these sections the remainder of the vehicle is largely vulnerable to high-powered kinetic rounds; of note are the weak lower front plate and the gun mantlet, both of which are reasonably visible targets, as well as the gunner's optics.

The vehicle sports significantly better all-round chemical protection, with an upper hull and turret essentially immune to all but the most powerful ATGMs frontally, with upwards of 800mm worth of equivalent protection in places. Despite this, it's advisable to be wary of incoming ATGMs as a well-placed round may sneak past the heavily protected areas - and some missiles such as those of the ADATS will slice straight through even the turret cheeks.

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

The Leopard 2A4 is reasonably survivable, with some degree of crew spacing. However, from certain angles, the crew are placed in a straight line and successful penetration may impact three of the four crew members, resulting in a crew knock-out. In addition, well-placed side shots may impact all three turret crew members.

Ammunition is stored in the primary ammunition storage in the rear of the turret, or in the secondary storage next to the driver. The primary rack provides crew protection through the use of blow-out panels, however only has space for 15 rounds. When more than 16 rounds are taken to battle, ammunition will be stored in the significantly more vulnerable hull rack.

The Leopard 2A4's protection proves acceptable for long-range combat, although it's ill-advised to remain in one location for any extended period of time to avoid opposing vehicles being able to hone their shots onto your weak spots. The 2A4's protection should not be relied upon in urban or other close-range environments.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull sides, rear, and roof, turret sides, rear, and roof)
  • High hardness rolled armour (hull front, turret front, gun mantlet)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet frame)
  • Composite screen (front side skirts)
  • Structural stell (rear side skirts)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 35 mm (53-82°) Upper glacis
40 mm (51°) Lower glacis
30 mm (82°) Driver's hatch 		10 mm (5°) Upper hull
35 mm Lower forward hull
20 mm Lower rear hull
5 mm Side Skirts
100 mm Composite screening 		20 mm (11°) Upper plate
20 mm (17°) Lower plate
20 mm (50°) Lower glacis 		35 mm (8°) Front glacis
20 mm (0-8°) Hull sides and engine deck
5 mm Engine vents
Turret 35 mm (32-44°) Cheeks incl. Gunner optics
120+16 mm Mantlet 		35 mm Forward
15 mm Rear 		10+25 mm (10°) Basket
20 mm (70°) Turret underside 		40 mm (82-85°) Forward centre
14 mm (72-77°) Forward sides
20 mm Rear incl. cupolas
Composite armour Front Sides
Hull Upper + Lower glacis
90 - 350 mm Kinetic
243 - 600 mm Chemical
Turret Turret cheeks
420 - 800 mm Kinetic
535 - 820 mm Chemical
Gun mantlet
100 - 270 mm Kinetic
300 - 480 mm Chemical 		Side armour
194 - 260 mm Kinetic
280 - 400 mm Chemical

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels, tracks, and torsion bars are 20 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB76 / 35 km/h
RB and SB69 / 31 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
4 back
Weight55.2 t
Engine power
AB2 862 hp
RB and SB1 500 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB51.8 hp/t
RB and SB27.2 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 76 35 55.2 2,032 2,862 36.81 51.85
Realistic 69 31 1,327 1,500 24.04 27.17

The Leopard 2A4 is powered by an MTU MB 873 Ka-501 engine which produces a whopping 1,500 hp (1,100 KW), resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of slightly over 27 hp per tonne, compared to the ratio of the early Abrams and identical to the T-80U. As such, the Leopard 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 Leopard 2A4 has a maximum reverse speed of 31 km/h which it reaches easily, allowing for a quick retreat in sub-optimal situations.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 350 → 6 785 Sl icon.png
RB4 212 → 6 570 Sl icon.png
SB4 927 → 7 686 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications244 500 Rp icon.png
405 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 900 Ge icon.png
Crew training240 000 Sl icon.png
Experts830 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 140 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 200 / 250 % Sl icon.png
238 / 238 / 238 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_NATO_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods dozer blade.png
Dozer Blade
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_DM_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png

The first modifications to research should be Parts, FPE, and the DM13 round. After that, aim for the NVD, DM23, Laser rangefinder, or mobility upgrades, depending on the desired playstyle.

Armaments

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

Main armament

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

The famous Rheinmetall L/44 120 mm cannon is mounted as the primary armament on the Leopard 2A4, offering a balance of firepower, accuracy and sustained rate of fire. The 2A4 has three rounds available to it: DM12 HEATFS, DM13 APFSDS and DM23 APFSDS. Of these, only DM12 is available when the vehicle is stock, with DM13 a tier 1 and DM23 a tier 4 modification. The L/44 is reasonably accurate at long range with any ammunition, however minor round deviation may be evident at extreme ranges (over 2,000 m).

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

120 mm Rh120 L/44 Turret rotation speed (°/s) 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

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
DM12 HEATFS 480 480 480 480 480 480
DM13 APFSDS 393 390 384 376 367 359
DM23 APFSDS 410 408 401 393 384 376
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%
DM12 HEATFS 1,140 13.5 0.05 0.1 2.15 65° 72° 77°
DM13 APFSDS 1,650 4.44 - - - 78° 80° 81°
DM23 APFSDS 1,640 4.3 - - - 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Leopard 2A4
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 shot or loaded.
  • Rack 2 is a first stage ammo rack located within a blow-out containment
  • It totals 15 shells and gets filled first when loading up the tank and emptied first when firing.
  • If you pack 16 (+26) shells, it will keep the hull empty of ammo.
  • Full reload speed will be realized as long as shells are available in the ready rack 2. If the ready rack is empty, a penalty to reload speed will occur.
  • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from rack 1 into rack 2. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.

Machine guns

7.62 mm MG3A1 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition4 600 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 200 shots/min
7.62 mm MG3A1 machine gun
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 200 shots/min
Main article: MG3A1 (7.62 mm)

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.

7.62 mm MG3A1
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,600 (200) 1,200 N/A N/A
Pintle 2,000 (200) 1,200 -10°/+75° ±180°

Usage in battles

The Leopard 2A4 may feel somewhat sluggish when stock, and the DM12 HEATFS 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 Soviet 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.

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
  • Competent DM23 APFSDS
  • Turret armour is mostly effective for hull-down engagements
  • Primary ammunition is contained within a storage unit with blow-out panels
  • Generation 1 thermals in the gunner sight

Cons:

  • Hull armour is mediocre, particularly against kinetic rounds
  • The stock DM12 HEATFS 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
  • The turret cheeks can be penetrated by most APFSDS rounds when hit at the right angle
  • 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 annoyance to aircraft, particularly helicopters
  • Blowout panels are unreliable and have a low capacity

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 rifled 105 mm L7 and the German 120 mm Rheinmetall L44 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 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 1979.

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 Devblog

Media

Skins
Photos

  • A Leopard 2A4 on display at the Bundeswehr Military History Museum.

  • Leopard 2A4 in Austrian service.

Videos
The Shooting Range #101 - Metal Beasts section at 00:31 discusses the Leopard 2A4.

See also

Related development

External links


Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW)
MBTs 
Leopard 1  Leopard I · Leopard A1A1 · Leopard A1A1 (L/44) · Leopard 1A5 · C2A1
Leopard 2  PT-16/T14 mod. · Leopard 2K · Leopard 2A4 · Leopard 2 (PzBtl 123) · Leopard 2A4M · Leopard 2 PL · Leopard 2A5 · Leopard 2 PSO · Leopard 2A6 · Leopard 2A7V
KPz-70  KPz-70*
  *By the Deutsche Entwicklungsgesellschaft consortium, in collaboration with the General Motors Company.
IFVs  PUMA
SPAAs  Gepard · Gepard 1A2
Export 
Leopard 1  ▄Leopard 1A5 · Leopard 1A5NO2
Leopard 2  Strv 121 · ▄Leopard 2A4 · ◔Leopard 2A4 · ▄Leopard 2A6 · Leopard 2A7HU
See Also  BAE Systems AB

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

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