Ukraine is poised to get a fleet of a dozen finely serviced Leopard 2A4 tanks within the upcoming summer season, courtesy of the German agency, Rheinmetall [RHM]. This supply is a part of a 14 deal from the Dutch and Danish governments, dedicated to Ukraine’s protection initiatives.
The maiden duo of those strong tanks has been expertly overhauled and is at the moment within the pre-shipment section, certain for Poland. Insider studies from the Dutch Ministry of Protection recommend that these two tanks is not going to see frontline motion, however relatively function invaluable coaching instruments for Ukraine’s tank personnel.
What’s extra, {the summertime} will witness Ukraine receiving not simply the fleet of a dozen Leopard 2A4 tanks, but in addition an array of spare elements to make sure optimum operation. This information is captured by the German media outlet, Hart Punkt. They undertaking that these twelve tanks will play a pivotal function on Ukraine’s battlegrounds, strengthening the Armed Forces of Ukraine [AFU] of their stand-off with the Russian military.
About Leopard 2A4
The Leopard 2A4 is a major battle tank developed by Krauss-Maffei, now often known as Krauss-Maffei Wegmann [KMW], of Munich, Germany. It’s part of the Leopard 2 collection, which is widely known as one of many world’s strongest and succesful tank designs. The 2A4 mannequin, particularly, was the usual manufacturing model from 1985 to 1992, and it stays in service with a number of armies around the globe.
The Leopard 2A4 is characterised by its strong and versatile design. It options composite and modular armor, which offers superior safety in opposition to a wide range of threats. The tank’s turret and hull are product of multi-layered metal, ceramic, and different composite supplies. It has a weight of round 55 tons and measures roughly 9.97 meters in size, 3.75 meters in width, and three.03 meters in top.
The operational vary of the Leopard 2A4 is spectacular. It may journey as much as 550 kilometers on roads and 450 kilometers off-road with its 1,200-liter gas tank. This makes it a perfect alternative for prolonged navy campaigns the place long-distance mobility is essential. The tank’s vary may be additional prolonged with the addition of exterior gas tanks.
Energy plant and armament
The Leopard 2A4 is powered by an MTU MB 873 Ka-501 turbocharged diesel engine, which delivers 1,500 horsepower. This permits the tank to succeed in a high pace of 70 km/h on roads and 45 km/h in off-road situations. The tank’s propulsion system additionally features a Renk HSWL 354 hydro-mechanical transmission, which offers 4 ahead and two reverse gears.
The armament of the Leopard 2A4 is formidable. Its major weapon is a Rheinmetall L44 120mm smoothbore gun, able to firing a wide range of rounds together with APFSDS, HEAT, and multi-purpose anti-tank projectiles. The tank additionally options two 7.62mm machine weapons, one mounted coaxially with the primary gun and the opposite on an anti-aircraft mount. Moreover, it’s geared up with a complicated fireplace management system that features a laser rangefinder, thermal imaging, and a ballistic pc for correct concentrating on.
Danish-Dutch 2A4s differ
The Danish Leopard 2A4 tanks, also referred to as Leopard 2A5DK, have been upgraded to satisfy the particular necessities of the Danish Armed Forces. Essentially the most vital improve is the addition of modular armor on the turret, which offers enhanced safety in opposition to several types of threats. The Danish model additionally contains a battlefield administration system, which isn’t current within the authentic German mannequin.
The Dutch Leopard 2A4 tanks, also referred to as Leopard 2NL, have additionally been modified to swimsuit the wants of the Royal Netherlands Army. These modifications embrace the set up of Dutch communication gear and a Dutch-built passive night time imaginative and prescient system. The Dutch model additionally has a special storage association for the private gear of the crew.
Camouflage differs
One other key distinction is within the energy models. The German Leopard 2A4 tanks use the MTU MB 873 Ka-501 engine, whereas the Danish and Dutch variations have been upgraded to the newer MTU MB 873 Ka-501 engine for higher efficiency.
Lastly, the Danish and Dutch Leopard 2A4 tanks have completely different camouflage patterns in comparison with the German Leopard 2A4 tanks. The Danish tanks usually use a two-tone inexperienced and black sample, whereas the Dutch tanks use a three-tone NATO camouflage. The German tanks, alternatively, use a normal fleck-tarn camouflage sample.
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