In 2014, the Bundeswehr was the first tank "Leopard 2A7".This model became the next stage of modernization of the combat vehicle.
Manufacturer
In the late 70-ies concern Krauss-Maffei AG started serial delivery of the new tank "Leopard 2".Its creation was carried out in close cooperation with experienced German manufacturers of arms.The firm Wegmann developed tower.Porsche designed the chassis and powertrain.Cannon engaged Rheinmetall.For the implementation of systems, weapons control, surveillance and communications posted AEG Telefunken.They managed to accumulate a wealth of experience in the design of heavy combat vehicles produced during the Second World War.Continued classical traditions of the German school of tank building.
General characteristics
machine can be called more conservative than revolutionary.Creating a tank - is the art of compromise between mutually exclusive requirements.The Germans chose the priority of the convenience and reliability of operation.Perhaps in their minds were firmly endless problems, which led to the hasty statement of the weapons "Tigers" and "Panthers"."Leopard 2" has the classic layout with a rotating turret.The car has been very reliable in operation, with excellent maintainability.But most importantly, despite the conservatism of performance over the years show a significant modernization potential inherent in this tank.The new modification has continued its disclosure, and not yet felt that he was exhausted.Many believe this is the main battle tank of the Bundeswehr is not only the best western, but also the most successful modern tank."Leopard 2A7" is intended to support and strengthen this belief.
Engine and chassis
Unlike the American and Soviet designers, engineers, Krauss-Maffei did not experiment with propulsion.On the "Leopard 2" set the diesel production of Mercedes-Benz.Subsequent experience of operating "Abrams" and T-80 turbine engine has revealed its shortcomings, which confirmed the correctness of the choice of German tank builders.Reliability, maintainability, ease of replacement turbo highly appreciated by the troops.It allows you to overclock the tank "Leopard 2A7" as previous modifications to seventy kilometers per hour.In conjunction with the hydro-mechanical transmission and automatic transmission it gives the car excellent dynamic performance.
Armament
Like its predecessors, the tank "Leopard 2A7" armed with 120-millimeter cannon production Rheinmetall.In the process of modernization of the tank to change the length of the barrel, which in this modification is fifty-five caliber.Smoothbore gun allows you to use different types of ammunition.In order to defeat armored targets is the main type of piercing projectiles.Together with the instrument underwent modernization and ammunition got longer striking element with improved aerodynamics.This has led to an increase in the length of the shot and change breech guns.Projectile speed increased at the expense of a more powerful charge and the duration of the acceleration in the barrel of a gun lengthened.Cannon L55 is considered the most advanced artillery systems used in modern tank armor penetration and accuracy of fire.
addition sabot ammunition, tank can be used cumulative and high-explosive projectiles within its ammunition."Leopard" has in its arsenal of guided missiles launched from a cannon as the Russian tanks, and it does not have an automatic loading guns.Devalues these deficiencies perfect artillery armament of the German tanks, hard to say.The machine is also installed two machine guns MG-3 7.62 mm.It was expected that the seventh modification will be equipped with a remotely controlled machine gun turret, but the troops arrived with tanks of traditional machine-gun point.
Reservation
German tank design school has always distinguished the increased attention to the protection of the car and the crew.Since the creation of the tank has always been the art of compromise, the prize in the booking turned around a loss in weight, size and dynamics.Tank "Leopard 2A7", a photo which has raised interest in military circles, allowed to realize the modernization potential of the initial concept.The new shape of the car are clearly distinguishable results strengthen booking multilayer combined armor.The angles of inclination armor plates as close as possible to the acute.The total thickness of the armor in the most vulnerable projections exceeded one meter.
The tank is equipped with on-board screens, which can be amplified dynamic protection units.In addition to the external reservation, the interior of the tank divided by partitions of armor steel.Engine compartment is divided from the fighting compartment and boeukladki shells in the stern of the tower is armored wall, clipping it from the living compartments.At the stern of the tower arranged expelling panel, diverting energy to blast out of ammunition.Together with the sectioning of protection, it creates a sufficiently high level of safety of the crew.
facilities
difficult to overestimate the battle tank equipped with modern means of information on the tactical situation, navigation, communications and the delivery of fire.Today, electronic, optical equipment is the main direction of progress of military equipment.This is reflected in the fact that the characteristics of the tank "Leopard 2A7" are significantly different from the level of the first models.Perfect stabilization tools greatly improved the precision and accuracy of fire, allowing to hit the target with the first shot.Crew members are equipped with more advanced optical devices.The tank is fitted with several thermal matrix of high resolution that strengthened the position in conditions of low visibility.Sights tank commander and gunner are included in a single combat control system.She also manages the instrument, equipped with a laser rangefinder and electronic ballistic computer, consider the factors of deterioration, deformation of the trunk and the external environment.At the disposal of the crew has a navigation system and communication, allowing the tank to include network-centric battlefield tactics.
Comparison with T-90 tanks
comparison of the characteristics of potential adversaries tanks has always been a matter of debate, reaching epic emotional intensity.Such disputes both exciting and meaningless.The tank is a combat systems used in the context of other weapons systems and in accordance with the concept of a particular army.Comparing and placing the tank "Leopard-2A7" against the T-90, it can be concluded that the Russian machine more perfect.After all, the "Leopard" no automatic loader, no long-range missiles.It is much more severe and massive, which affects the dynamics and large silhouette of the body.In spite of the excellent book, he does not have hinged blocks of dynamic protection.Number of crew members more than Russian tank.This is all true, but only on one side.From another point of view, "Leopard 2A7" against the T-90 has clear advantages.More powerful elongated shell and the ability to hit the target with the first shot while on the move makes the tank is very dangerous opponent.Perfect awareness commander of the tactical situation, provided the perfect equipment enables larger and more heavy tanks to avoid threatening situations and to achieve tactical superiority.We have to admit that both machines are the vertices of the two tankostroitelnyh schools that embodied them all their own intellectual and technological potential.
history of use
Despite its advantages, the family of the tanks, which includes "Leopard 2A7", can be called the most noncombatants tanks.Combat application was limited to operations in Afghanistan, where they are not opposed by no enemy tanks.However, the main battle tank is the basis of the armored forces of Germany, Holland, Denmark and other European countries.With the collapse of the Soviet military-political bloc it replaces Soviet-made cars in the states that joined the NATO bloc.
