Unit Request: German Leopard 2 Tank

[GenMarshall]

Can any one please make a Leopard 2 Tank for the Germans . I am Planing on a Mini-Mod for the Germans that would include nonnob3's German Infantry units as flavor units for the Germans. I am also going to use Kinboat's A7V Tank and would appere when you get Combustion. I am Requesting a Modern Tank for the Germans called the Leopard 2 Tank. Here is the discription of the unit. Fell free to use the discription in your civilopedia when someone creates the Leopard Tank .

Originaly at www.fprado.com/armorsite/leo2.htm
The development of the Leopard 2 MBT can be traced back to a project started in the 1960's. At this time Germany and the United States were still working on the MBT-70 program, so this project had a very low priority.

While Germany and the United States were developing the MBT/KPz-70, their agreement did not allow a parallel national tank program, but when the Leopard 1 MBT was introduced into service in 1965 Porsche was awarded a contract to develop improved components to increase its combat effectiveness to the standard demanded by the MBT/KPz-70. This program lasted until 1967, when the contract expired, and became known as 'Vergoldeter Leopard' or 'Gilded Leopard'.
When the first cracks appeared in 1967 in the German/American cooperation program for joint development of the MBT/KPz-70, the German Ministry of Defense decided to continue and to increase the development of the 'Vergoldeter Leopard', which later became known as 'Keiler' (Wild Boar).

The prototypes looked at first glance very much like the Leopard 1 A4, but with a wedge-shaped bow and an exhaust grille moved to the rear plate. The roadwheels came from the MBT/KPz-70, and the return rollers from the Leopard 1. The engine also came from the MBT/KPz-70, a 12 cylinder MTU MB-873 Ka-500 water-cooled multi-fuel four-stroke engine, together with its 20 kW generator, gearbox, air filters, and the cooling and braking systems, forming a compact group that could be easily replaced in 15 minutes. Ten of the seventeen turrets built were fitted with a 105 mm smooth bore gun while the remaining seven had a 120 mm smooth bore gun, both designed and produced by Rheinmetall.
When the first analysis of the Yom Kippur War of 1973 became available, it became clear that increased armor protection would be a decisive factor in the future. The outcome was a decision of upgrade the Leopard 2 to MLC 60 (Military Loading Class 60 tons), which would allow increased armor, and to modify one of the turrets with a new multi-layer type of armor. This resulted in a breakthrough in the Leopard 2 program and the first step towards the Leopard 2 AV.

During 1973, negotiations began between the United States and Germany to standardize certain components of both nations main battle tanks of the eighties. As a result of this, by 1976 it was agreed to study how Leopard 2 could be modified to meet US performance and constraints. Based on the altered German and US military demands, Porsche, Krauss-Maffei, and Wegmann designed and built the Leopard 2 AV (Austere Version).

The 120 mm Rheinmetall main gun is fully stabilized in both azimuth and elevation, and the WNA-H22 electro-hidraulic gun control system is fitted. The gun fires two types of ammunition, both developed by Rheinmetall APFSDS-T, known as DM-33 KE (Kinetische Energy), and HEAT-MP-T, known as DM-12 MZ (Mehrzweck = multipurpose), both types having combustible cases. 27 rounds of 120 mm ammunition are stored in a special magazine in the forward section of the hull, to the left of the driver's station - additional 15 (making a total of 42) are stored in the left side of the turret bustle, and separated from the fighting compartment by an electrically operated door. Should the ammunition in the bustle be hit, blow-off panels in the turret roof would direct any explosion upwards. A co-axial 7.620mm MG 3is mounted to the left of the main gun and 4,750 rounds of machine gun ammunition are carried.

 

[GenMarshall]

And here are the pictures of the Leopard Tank

 

[GenMarshall]

I have found some Diagrams of the tank .

 

[Civ Commando]

I would like to see this tank made, but the only version i would want to have is this one the "Leopard 2 A6 EX"

most of the others look very similar to the leopard 1, which is crap.

 

[Kinboat]

Sure I'll try to make one... Just a warning first, I'm trying to finish up three units before the 9th so this one will come after those projects.

 

[GenMarshall]

Origanly posted by kinboat
Sure I'll try to make one... Just a warning first, I'm trying to finish up three units before the 9th so this one will come after those projects.

Thanks kinboat .

 

[Civ Commando]

Kinboat, what version of the leopard tank are you going to creat, the early version of the leopard 2, which is the one in most of the pics Civgeneral posted, or the Leopard 2A6 EX which is the one in the pic i posted. I would love to see you creat the Leopard 2A6 EX because it is the best MBT in the world (Thats not just my opinion, its been proven)

here are some more pics of the Leopard 2A6 EX

Oh, and on a technical note, Sweden has the most advanced leopards in the leopard MBT family.

 

[Venger]

A 55 caliber 120mm has been developed and will be fitted to select Leopard's - that's a major ass gun...

Venger
P.S. Best MBT in the world? Let's wait for it to get an actual combat kill...

 

[Civ Commando]

Well, killing lots of tanks on the battle field dosent give a tank the rating of best MBT in the world. This rating is giving to the tank after very extensive testing. just because the Leopard 2A6 EX has not seen real combat, dosent mean it cant kill when it does see action.

 

[Kinboat]

Don't know which version... It looks to me that the major difference is in the turret shape. I might go for the more modern looking sloped wedge shape... But all this is in the future

 

[Venger]

Originally posted by Civ Commando
Well, killing lots of tanks on the battle field dosent give a tank the rating of best MBT in the world. This rating is giving to the tank after very extensive testing. just because the Leopard 2A6 EX has not seen real combat, dosent mean it cant kill when it does see action.

Uh...sources please? I got sources showing direct hits from T-72 125mm guns in combat failing to penetrate on M1A2...that's a big claim on the 2A6 (though it has a sweet gun, they refuse to use DU penetrators)...

Venger

 

[Civ Commando]

Is a 125mm gun that much better than a 120mm gun? 5mm dosent seem like it would make a huge difference.

 

[IceBlaZe]

Press Release
Contact: Gregory Fetter, Senior Weapons Analyst

Phone: (941) 637-6068

Fax: (941) 637-8959

Web site: www.forecast1.com

E-mail: greg.fetter@forecast1.com

Forecast International, Inc.

22 Commerce Rd. Newtown, CT 06470 USA



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Forecast International Again Ranks Leopard 2 World’s Best Tank Overall



NEWTOWN, Conn., July 15, 2002 -- In its annual ranking of the world’s best tanks, Forecast International lists Germany’s Leopard 2 A6EX model as the world’s number one tank overall. A product of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, the potent Leopard 2 has been steadily improved over the years and the latest version, the A6EX, maintains the lead.



"The Leopard 2 just edged out the United States’ M1A2 System Enhancement Package tank," said Gregory Fetter, author of the Forecast International rankings. "The deciding factor was the Leopard 2’s 55 caliber version of the Rh 120 tank gun and its DM 53 long rod penetrator ammunition," Fetter said.



However, the M1A2 Abrams tank, built by General Dynamics Land Systems, outperforms the Leopard 2 in actual combat situations. In addition, various ongoing improvements to the Abrams will further enhance its proven hunter-killer mode of fighting, according to Fetter.



Third on Forecast International’s best tank list is Japan’s Type 90, a technically sophisticated tank built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries that draws heavily on German technology, including a 120 millimeter Rh 120 tank cannon. However, the Japanese tank does possess some features not found on the Leopard 2, such as an automatic loader and three-man crew.



Making a major advance in the 2002 tanks rankings is Israel’s new Merkava Mark IV, built by Israel Ordnance Corps. While this model has only just been officially unveiled, sufficient information has leaked regarding this latest manifestation of the unique Merkava design to rank it number four, above the French Leclerc and British Challenger 2.



The Mark IV’s main features include a further improved fire control system and an integrated active vehicle protection system. The Mark IV tank includes a further refined automatic target tracking system; the fire control suite is reportedly very flexible with a good degree of mission planning capability. The Merkava’s power-to-weight ratio is greatly improved over earlier models by the integration of the EuroPowerPack.



While unique in some ways, the latest Russian and Chinese tanks still do fare well in comparison to Western tanks, according to the report. However, survivability and reliability concerns as well as quality control issues rank these tanks at the bottom of the top ten list of world’s best tanks.

My opinion is that the Merkava is not first place for one reason and one reason only - A lot of info about it's capabilities is classified even for Forecast internetional.

Israel is known to hide every detail about it's weaponry...

 

[Civ Commando]

ok, maybe i was wrong about the Leopard 2 A6EX in a combat situation, but hey, its still one awsome MBT.

 

[Venger]

Originally posted by Civ Commando Is a 125mm gun that much better than a 120mm gun? 5mm dosent seem like it would make a huge difference.

No, not really, the point was about it's performance in combat - the M1 has taken direct combat hits from enemy tanks and has not yet been defeated a single time in combat (note fratricide has disabled some M1's).

ok, maybe i was wrong about the Leopard 2 A6EX in a combat situation, but hey, its still one awsome MBT.

Hell yes it is! Hey, the Krauts have been known to make a decent tank now and again! The 55 caliber gun, which they site as giving it the edge, is a fine gun - in fact, I believe it can be retrofit to other tanks (including the M1). In my opinion, it's overkill really - the shorter barrel with DU penetrator is as if not more effective than the 55 caliber gun - it does NOT use the DU penetrator round...

As they note - in combat, I'd also give the edge to the M1A2, especially when C&C is counted in. If I had to pick one tank to put my life on, it'd be the M1A2. However, I'd not want to be shot at by a Leopard 2A6 either! Thankfully, these weapons will not likely ever have to face each other...

Originally posted by IceBlaZe
My opinion is that the Merkava is not first place for one reason and one reason only - A lot of info about it's capabilities is classified even for Forecast internetional.

Could it be that it's not DESIGNED to be the same as the other MBT's? It's clear that Israeli design covets tank crew protection over everything - considering their experience in 1973, this is understandable, a war of attrition is the worst type for Israel. They need to keep their crews alive, even if they lose the tank. Additionally, they have designed the tank for one theatre - their homeland. It's designed to drive across the Negev, not in the Rhineland, or the Steppe, or arctic conditions. The Merkava is a perfect tank for the type of war Israel thinks she'll find herself in - but that doesn't mean she is the best overall tank in all scenarios. This is of course why I disagree with how you may be inclined to use it in Civ3, as the unit will see all combat conditions, against foes that use infinite tactics. The tank is heavily guarded against HEAT and chemical warheads - the type of crap arms that the Hezbollah have alot of. They are not designed to face the 8th Armored in the rolling forests of Europe. It's a tool that does a job, and does theirs perfectly. (they hope!)...

I really like the M60A3 refit the Isreal's did (starts with S or something) - armored skirts, angled glacis, top shelf stuff. They are going to refit the Turks M60A3's with it (forget the name). A Turkish and Israeli alliance (growing all the time) would be the most powerful presence in the middle east barring intervention from the US or Russia. It also belies the crap notion that there is some reason Muslims and Jews cannot get along - Turkey is as Muslim as they come brother...

Sorry, got geopolitical for a minute there...

Venger

 

[IceBlaZe]

Could it be that it's not DESIGNED to be the same as the other MBT's? It's clear that Israeli design covets tank crew protection over everything - considering their experience in 1973, this is understandable, a war of attrition is the worst type for Israel.

You might have a point, I can't contradict that, I just said my opinion.
And what I can't see is where the Leopard tops the Merkava.
If a tank gets a frontal hit and that hit penetrates the armor the tank is capish - Engine at front or not.
Also, the Merkava can shoot on targets while on the move and it's missiles hit the tank on the top to simulate helicopter AT weapons such as HF.
If I had the chance to see a war between a battalion of M1A2, Leopard 2A6EX and Merkava Mk. 4 maybe it would be proven that the Merkava doesn't fit other types of startegies.
But what you are saying about the incapability of the Merkava to handle Steppe is incorrect, after all in the border with Syria there can be a large amount of snow in the winter.
The Merkava was made to protect all of the borders of Israel, and that means:

Snow in the north.
Sand in the south.
Mud in the east.

The IDF is not short sighted, the Merkava really doesn't have a reason not to function well in the russian steppe, it has been tested just like the M1A2 have been tested, only it has improved chains (To handle basalt land without falling apart) and the exact same engine.

They need to keep their crews alive, even if they lose the tank. Additionally, they have designed the tank for one theatre - their homeland. It's designed to drive across the Negev, not in the Rhineland, or the Steppe, or arctic conditions. The Merkava is a perfect tank for the type of war Israel thinks she'll find herself in - but that doesn't mean she is the best overall tank in all scenarios. This is of course why I disagree with how you may be inclined to use it in Civ3, as the unit will see all combat conditions, against foes that use infinite tactics. The tank is heavily guarded against HEAT and chemical warheads - the type of crap arms that the Hezbollah have alot of. They are not designed to face the 8th Armored in the rolling forests of Europe. It's a tool that does a job, and does theirs perfectly. (they hope!)...

The Anti-HEAT chains are just an add-on, they are not something fundamentally instructed in the basics of the tank.
The Tank is just aswell protected as the M1A2 or the Leopard 2A6 against todays most modern AT weapons, and the Hizbullah does have those, and it used them with small success against the Merkava.
I read somewhere that they don't know if those AT weapons failed thanks to the Merkava, or poor PLO/Hizbullah tactics, or both

I really like the M60A3 refit the Isreal's did (starts with S or something) - armored skirts, angled glacis, top shelf stuff. They are going to refit the Turks M60A3's with it (forget the name). A Turkish and Israeli alliance (growing all the time) would be the most powerful presence in the middle east barring intervention from the US or Russia. It also belies the crap notion that there is some reason Muslims and Jews cannot get along - Turkey is as Muslim as they come brother...

Sabra

http://www.jed.simonides.org/tanks/mike/magach_series/sabra/sabra-intro.html

 

[Venger]

I love the turret on that thing - freaking choice looking! Of course, it's still just an M60A3 underneath, but man, what an upgrade...

Venger
P.S. Believe or not the French MBT has a pretty cool looking turret...and I'll give you this, the Merkava 4 with the angled side armor looks pretty sweet - whereas the M1 turret is kinda pedestrian...

 

[Civ Commando]

I love the turret on the Sabra, looks awsome, if you dident know it you would never know that that is a M60 chassi under that turret. I heard that the Isrealies bought 1000 M60's, man the must have gotten one hell of a deal if they bought 1000.

 

[Vdog]

Yup

 

[Kinboat]

Ok... just to let people know I've begun the model work on this... It's already a complicated model and I've only got the tracks done I'm trying for a very realistic looking image, most of the detail will be lost when I shrink it but the large preview shot is going to look amazing I might have a finished image tomorrow... Just one little comment to let you know just how complex it is... I've modeled each link in the tread, not just a generic shape around the wheels like I've done with my other tanks.