Leopard tanks claim world leadership

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

The tension of the Cold War affected all countries, and above all their defense industries. After the results of World War II, each state tried to strengthen its position in the military arena, relying on the development of nuclear and ground weapons. All based on the experience gained after the war, and tried to eliminate the shortcomings of their defense complex and improve the merits. So, in 1956, the Leopard tanks opened a new page in the history of the German military industry. The first prototype was assembled in Germany in 1965. Having successfully passed field tests, Leopard-1 becomes the main battle tank. Serial production begins. These tanks are adopted not only by Germany, but also by Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, and Denmark.

In 1969, a decision was made to improve the Leopards and 2 prototypes were created. In 1970, the Krauss-Maffei plant begins production. After all the improvements and tests, in 1973, the tank was named "Leopard-2". Its mass production begins in 1977, and in 1979 it is adopted by the Germanarmy. The plant ordered 1800 copies. Depending on the armament and configuration, the Leopard-2 tanks were divided into 5 series. To date, two more modifications have been added.

Leopard tanks have increased maneuverability and are well protected. Their survivability on the battlefield gives excellent performance. To create them, a classic layout was used. The engine is located in the stern, the driver, who is also a mechanic, is in front. Places for the commander, gunner and loader are located in the tank turret. All modifications are equipped with 120 mm guns, with the exception of the Leopard-2A6. Also, blocks of mortars were installed on the towers of the combat vehicle to create a smoke screen, and machine guns on the roof. Tanks "Leopard-2" had a combined armor, the combat weight was about 50 tons. The weapon was stabilized in two planes, and some received night vision devices. The Leopard tank model, which had a thermal imager, was designated 2A2.

There are also those in the line of combat vehicles that are designed for combat not so much on rough terrain as in urban conditions - these are the Leopard-2A7 tanks, which first appeared in 2012. According to its tactical and technical characteristics, this model is equal to the Russian T-90, but it falls a little short of its performance. The tank has a special capsule that isolates the crew from the rest of the structure. This technical solution allows you to save the life of the crew when hit by a cumulative projectile. The set of protection against high-explosive shells and mines has been improved. An air conditioning system is installed inside, its operation is provided by a contactless generator. Tanks "Leopard-2" received an improved braking system, new tracks and torsion bars. In addition to a 120 mm smoothbore gun and a coaxial machine gun, the armament is complemented by another machine gun and a 40 mm grenade launcher. Implemented "digital tower" technology. 72 km / h - this is the speed the Leopard tank is capable of developing. Photos of models can be found in various layouts and modifications.