Tanks "Leopard" claim to world leadership

The tension of the "cold war" affected all countries, and above all in their defense industry. After the results of the Second World War, each state tried to strengthen its position in the military arena, relying on the development of nuclear and ground weapons. All were based on the experience gained after the war, and tried to eliminate the shortcomings of their defense complex and improve their dignity. 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 not only used by Germany, but also by Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway and Denmark.

In 1969, a decision was taken to improve the "Leopards" and create two prototypes. In 1970, the plant starts the Krauss-Maffei plant. After all the modifications and tests carried out, in 1973, the tank received the name "Leopard-2". Its serial production begins in 1977, and in 1979 it is adopted by the German army. The plant ordered 1800 copies. Depending on the weapons and equipment, the tanks "Leopard-2" were divided into 5 series. To date, two more modifications have been added.

Tanks "Leopard" have increased maneuverability, well protected. Their survival on the battlefield gives excellent results. To create them, the 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 charger are located in the tank turret. All modifications are equipped with 120-millimeter guns, the exception being "Leopard-2A6". Also on the towers of the fighting vehicle are mounted blocks of mortars for creating a smoke screen, and on the roof - machine guns. Tanks "Leopard-2" had combined armor, the combat mass was about 50 tons. The weapon was stabilized in two planes, and some received night vision devices. The model of the Leopard tank, which had a thermal imager, was designated 2A2.

There are in the line of combat vehicles and those that are designed to fight not so much on rough terrain, but in urban conditions - these are the tanks "Leopard-2A7", first appeared in 2012. In terms of its tactical and technical characteristics, this model is equated with the Russian T-90, but its performance is slightly below. In the tank there is a special capsule, which isolates the crew from the rest of the structure. Such a technical solution allows to save the life of the crew when a cumulative projectile hits it . The set of protection against blast shells and mines has been improved. Inside the air conditioning system is installed, its operation is provided by a non-contact generator. Tanks "Leopard-2" received an improved braking system, new tracks and torsion bars. In addition to the 120-mm smoothbore gun and the twin machine gun, the armament is supplemented by another machine gun and a 40 mm grenade launcher. The digital tower technology has been implemented. 72 km / h - this is the speed that the Leopard tank can develop. Photos of models can be found in various layouts and modifications.