German Main Battle Tank Leopard 2 A4
However, the German Leopard 1 tank was inferior to the Soviet T-62 tank. So Germany quickly started the development of their new tank. It cost them much money and time to work with the United States on the MBT-70/ KPz70 program which failed at last. In 1970s, Germany successfully developed Leopard 2 MBT on its own. The tank got through several modifications. Military enthusiasts call these versions Leopard 2 A1, Leopard 2 A2 and Leopard 2 A3, but the German military still designated them as Leopard 2. It was in 1985 that the fifth batch of Leopard 2 tanks were officially designated as Leopard 2 A4. Germany finished the production of all eight batches of Leopard 2s in 1992 and the first four batches were gradually upgraded to Leopard 2 A4.
The combat weight of the Leopard 2 A4 MBT is 55t. It’s powered by a 1500hp MTU MB873 diesel engine. Its maximum speed is up to 72km/h. It’s fitted with a Rheinmetall 120mm L/44 smoothbore gun. It adopted a digital fire control computer incorporating with the design of simulator interface for training. It’s fitted with an automated fire and explosion suppression system. It changed the sight cover and antiaircraft machine gun’s mount, and relocated the return rollers.
Leopard 2 is universally recognized as one of the best and most balanced main battle tanks today. It is the major equipment of 16 countries in the world. Undoubtedly it’s very popular among modellers. MENG’s brand new TS-016 German Main Battle Tank Leopard 2 A4 plastic model kit is a replica of Leopard 2 A4 of the fifth batch. It realistically represents the most famous German MBT. You can also build a Leopard 2 A4 of the sixth, seventh or eighth batch with parts in the kit.
German Leopard tanks have existed for over half a century and their legend will continue. We, modellers, can keep this legend forever by modelling them.
