Leopard 2A5 (YouTube Cup)

This page is about the gift German medium tank Leopard 2A5 (YouTube Cup). For other versions, see Leopard 2 (Family).

␙Leopard 2A5

␙Leopard 2A5

Germany

VIII Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
12.0	12.0	12.0

Class:

Medium tank

Purchase:Bundle or Gift

Description

The Leopard 2A5, a formidable main battle tank, emerged as the pinnacle of German engineering and design in the late 20th century. Introduced in 1995 as an advanced iteration of the Leopard 2 family, the 2A5 showcased its prowess during the 21st-century conflicts. This tank's innovative features, including modular composite armour enhancements and advanced fire control systems, made it a stalwart on the battlefield. Its baptism of fire came in the early 2000s, notably during NATO's involvement in Afghanistan. With its powerful Rheinmetall 120 mm smoothbore gun, the Leopard 2A5 could accurately engage targets at extended ranges, solidifying its reputation as a precision weapon. Its capabilities were further demonstrated during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where it played a pivotal role in coalition forces. A combination of cutting-edge technology, unmatched firepower, and adaptability ensured the Leopard 2A5's enduring legacy, making it a symbol of armoured supremacy well into the 21st century.

The ␙Leopard 2A5 was introduced during Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy" as a grand prize for the 2019 YouTube Cup. The Leopard 2A5's exceptional mobility and robust powerplant further enhance its capability to swiftly manoeuvre on the battlefield, enabling it to quickly identify and engage enemy targets. Whether facing contemporary adversaries like the Russian T-90 or older models like the T-72, the Leopard 2A5's exceptional combination of armour, firepower, and manoeuvrability cements its position as a dominant force in tank-to-tank combat, reaffirming its status as a pre-eminent mainstay in modern armoured warfare.

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

Armourfront / side / back

Hull80 / 30 / 20

Turret75 / 80 / 20

Crew4 people

Visibility87 %

The Leopard 2A5's armour represents a pinnacle of armour, which provides exceptional protection against a wide spectrum of threats encountered on the battlefield. Its modular composite armour system configuration optimizes the tank's resistance to various types of projectiles, dispersing and dissipating their energy upon impact. The tank's turret and hull are heavily armoured, with extra emphasis on critical areas like the frontal arc. The Leopard 2A5's turret spaced armour design further enhances its survivability. By creating air gaps between armour layers, the tank can disrupt the penetration capabilities of shaped-charge warheads, such as those found on anti-tank guided missiles. This design concept effectively minimizes the impact of these threats, providing an additional layer of defense against them. Blowout panels in the Leopard 2A5 serve as critical safety features designed to mitigate the potential catastrophic consequences of an ammunition detonation within the tank. These panels are positioned on the turret, surrounding the ammunition storage compartments. In the unfortunate event of an internal explosion, often triggered by enemy fire or other factors, the blowout panels are able to rapidly release the high-pressure gases and energy away from the crew compartment.

Armour type:

Armour	Front (Slope angle)	Sides	Rear	Roof
Hull	35 mm (53-82°) Upper glacis 40 mm (50-51°) Lower glacis	10 mm (5°) Upper hull 35 mm Lower forward hull 20 mm Lower rear hull||20 mm (12-50°)||20 mm (0-8°) Hull roof incl. engine deck
Turret	80 mm (57-59°) Right cheek add-on 80 mm (55-58°) Left cheek add-on 30 mm (63°) Upper mantlet add-on 400 mm Mantlet armour 250 mm (9°) Mantlet shroud||80 mm (20-22°) Right add-on 80 mm (22°) Left add-on 35 mm Forward 15 mm Rear	20 mm (10°) Basket 20 mm (70°) Turret underside	35 - 40 mm (80-89°) Forehead Armour 14 mm (68-82°) Forward sides 20 mm (89°) Rear turret 20 mm (83°) Basket

Composite armour	Front	Sides
Hull	Upper+Lower glacis 400 mm Kinetic 600 mm Chemical||N/A
Turret	Turret cheeks 800 mm Kinetic 1200 mm Chemical Gun mantlet (Center) 260 - 325 mm Kinetic 600 - 690 mm Chemical Gun mantlet (Outer) 425 - 460 mm Kinetic 825 - 905 Chemical||Side armour 260 mm Kinetic 230 - 285 mm Chemical

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back

AB76 / 35 km/h

RB and SB69 / 31 km/h

Number of gears8 forward

4 back

Weight59.5 t

Engine power

AB2 862 hp

RB and SB1 500 hp

Power-to-weight ratio

AB48.1 hp/t

RB and SB25.2 hp/t

The Leopard 2A5's holds a robust engine generating around 1,500 horsepower. This substantial power output translates into remarkable acceleration, agility, and speed, crucial for swift tactical manoeuvres and rapid responses to emerging threats. With a horsepower-to-weight ratio of approximately 24 to 26 horsepower per ton, depending on upgrades, the Leopard 2A5 effortlessly maintains its exceptional mobility even while carrying its formidable armour and weaponry. This formidable powerplant not only empowers the tank to conquer challenging terrains but also contributes to its ability to efficiently navigate inclines, ford water obstacles, and surmount various barriers. As a result, the Leopard 2A5's potent horsepower significantly enhances its overall mobility, responsiveness, and tactical versatility, solidifying its position as a dominant and highly manoeuvrable force on the modern battlefield.

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	59.5	_,___	2,862	__.__	48.1
Realistic	69	31		_,___	1,500	__.__	25.21

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference

AB4 665 → 6 941

RB4 530 → 6 740

SB5 737 → 8 536

Total cost of modifications277 100

467 000

Talisman cost3 100

Crew training310 000

Experts1 080 000

Aces2 200

Research Aces1 280 000

Reward for battleAB / RB / SB

150 / 190 / 210 %

250 / 250 / 250 %

Modifications

Mobility	Protection	Firepower
Tracks Research: 20 000 Cost: 31 000 420 Suspension Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 360 Brake System Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 360 Filters Research: 15 000 Cost: 23 000 310 Transmission Research: 20 000 Cost: 31 000 420 Engine Research: 20 000 Cost: 31 000 420	Improved Parts Research: 6 000 Cost: 31 000 420 Improved FPE Research: 5 100 Cost: 26 000 360 Crew Replenishment Research: 15 000 Cost: 23 000 310	Horizontal Drive Research: 20 000 Cost: 31 000 420 Adjustment of Fire Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 360 Elevation Mechanism Research: 15 000 Cost: 23 000 310 Smoke grenade Research: 15 000 Cost: 23 000 310 NVD Research: 15 000 Cost: 23 000 310 Artillery Support Research: 20 000 Cost: 31 000 420 120mm_DM_APDS_FS_ammo_pack Research: 20 000 Cost: 31 000 420 Laser rangefinder Research: 20 000 Cost: 31 000 420

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°

The Leopard 2A5's weaponry and capabilities position it as a formidable force on the modern battlefield. At the heart of its offensive power is the Rheinmetall 120 mm smoothbore gun, renowned for its accuracy and penetrating capabilities. This gun can fire a variety of munitions, including armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds, enabling the tank to engage a wide range of targets with precision and effectiveness. The tank's advanced fire control system and integrated laser rangefinder allow the Leopard 2A5 to engage and neutralize enemy vehicles at extended ranges. The combat effectiveness is greatly enhanced by its utilization of the DM53 armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) round. This advanced ammunition represents a pinnacle of tank projectiles, optimized for penetrating even the most formidable enemy armour. This formidable synergy allows the Leopard 2A5, armed with the DM53 APFSDS round, to confidently engage heavily armoured threats at distances surpassing 2 kilometres (1.24 miles) and prevail in engagements that demand superior penetration capabilities.

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	__._	__._	__._	__._	__._	_.__	_.__	_.__	_.__
Realistic					__._	__._	__._	__._	__._

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
DM12A1	HEATFS	480	480	480	480	480	480
DM33	APFSDS	481	478	470	461	450	440
DM53	APFSDS	623	620	610	598	586	573

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°
DM33	APFSDS	1,640	4.3	-	-	-	78°	80°	81°
DM53	APFSDS	1,670	5	-	-	-	78°	80°	81°

Ammo racks

Full ammo	1st rack empty	2nd rack empty	3rd rack empty	4th rack empty	5th rack empty	6th rack empty	Visual discrepancy
42	__ (+__)	__ (+__)	__ (+__)	__ (+__)	__ (+__)	__ (+__)	__

Machine guns

7.62 mm MG3A1 machine gun (coaxial)

Ammunition4 400 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

In addition to its main gun, the Leopard 2A5 is equipped with secondary armaments, including a coaxial machine gun and a roof-mounted machine gun, providing effective anti-air and close-range defense capabilities.

7.62 mm MG3A1
Mount	Capacity (Belt)	Fire rate	Vertical	Horizontal
	___ (___)	___	__°	__°
	___ (___)	___	__°	__°

Usage in battles

In the realm of armoured combat, the Leopard 2A5 emerges as a paragon of tactical ingenuity, harmonizing cutting-edge technology with strategic finesse. This formidable main battle tank showcases its prowess through a dynamic symphony of tactics. Adopting an ambush approach with its superb mobility, the Leopard 2A5 capitalizes on its lethal firepower and precision, lying in wait within concealed terrain before swiftly shifting positions to confound adversaries. The Leopard 2A5 seamlessly integrates the concept of hull-down defense. By leveraging its robust armour and taking advantage of natural cover, the tank presents only its turret to the enemy while maintaining its potent offensive capabilities. This tactic not only magnifies protection but ensures that the tank remains a relentless and unyielding force on the battlefield. With a prowess akin to a predator, the Leopard 2A5 embraces flank and rear attacks as a means to exploit its exceptional mobility. Executing lightning-quick manoeuvres, it manoeuvres to the peripheries of the battlefield, exposing enemy tanks to its voracious appetite for destruction. Through these cunning manoeuvres, the tank preys on unsuspecting opponents, targeting their weaker armour and flanks, thus dismantling the enemy team.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Excellent 120 mm gun, DM53 APFSDS is capable of penetrating up to 623 mm maximum at point-blank range
• Impenetrable turret cheeks, the add-on wedge armour makes the turret immune from every shell in the game (average of 850 mm against long rod APFSDS and 1,450 mm against HEAT)
• Good armour on the UFP (430 mm against APFSDS), immune to older shells; though many top-tier tanks possess shells which can go straight through
• Great gun handling: 40°/s turret rotation speed (with Ace crew) and -9°/+20° of vertical guidance
• Side turret covered by add-on armour can bounce early APFSDS shells
• Gunner optics are now mounted on top of the turret, removing the annoying weak spot present on the Leopard 2A4
• Cannon barrel and cannon breech absorbs impact rounds which may otherwise penetrate the turret and injure crews
• Gun breech and mantlet has a smaller profile than other western MBTs
• Good thermal imaging quality (Generation 2 for Binoculars, 800 x 600, and Generation 1 for Gunner's view, 500 x 300)

Cons:

• Lower glacis can still be penetrated by most shells (but is expected for most MBTs)
• 16 shells in the ready-rack may be insufficient when playing in Arcade Battles
• If your turret ammo rack is shot, you might survive but then you lose all your unloaded ammo storage
• Huge hull ammo-rack if more than 16 shells are carried consequently making the tank extremely vulnerable to HE shells
• A penetrating shot on the left side of the hull will most likely knock out the driver, gunner and commander, thus destroying the tank
• A penetrating shell on the right side of the hull will most likely hit the ammo-rack, destroying the tank
• Just like all Leopard series, raised engine deck means less gun depression when the turret is facing the rear
• The wedges can be shot off with several hits, though the turret cheeks alone provide 650 mm against KE
• Tank's weight is 4 tons increased while the engine is still the same, making the Leopard 2A5 (YouTube Cup) slower compared to the 2A4
• Despite all the added armour, the turret ring and driver's hatch are both easily penetrated, and the enemy will most likely aim at these two spots to disable or destroy the tank
• Is outperformed by its successor, the Leopard 2A6, in terms of firepower. The longer L/55 cannon on the Leopard 2A6 increases the performance of both DM33 and DM53 shells.

Media

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

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

• reference to the series of the vehicles;
• links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

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• topic on the official game forum;
• other literature.