This is a revision of my previous post regarding issues with the Leopard 2A8 data.
- On the test server, the Leopard 2A8’s main gun depression angle was changed from −9° to −7.4°. Gaijin’s reasoning was that page 8 of the official KNDS Leopard 2A8 product manual states “Vertical elevation: −7.4° up to +17.4°.” However, many technical specifications in this manual differ from those of the later mass-produced Leopard 2A8 models.
Early test vehicles, such as the Leopard 2A7NO, differ from later models in how the SPECTUS driver’s sighting system is mounted. I believe this may affect the main gun’s actual depression angle; therefore, the −7.4° depression angle listed in the KNDS manual does not apply to the Leopard 2A8. - Structural Changes to the SPECTUS Driver’s Sighting System:
On early test vehicles, the SPECTUS system was mounted directly above the center of the vehicle’s front, positioned directly beneath the main gun. When the main gun was elevated downward, the protruding SPECTUS unit could cause mechanical interference with the main gun, thereby limiting the main gun’s maximum depression angle. This may explain the limited depression angle observed on early test vehicles.
SPECTUS on test vehicles:
However, in images of the Leopard 2A8, it is clear that the driver’s sighting system has been mounted in a lower profile and integrated into the front of the hull. This configuration reduces the protrusion from the top of the hull, providing more space for the main gun to move downward. A similar mounting configuration has also appeared on some Leopard 2A7s.
SPECTUS on the Leopard 2A8:
Therefore, the main gun depression angle limitations observed on early test vehicles, including the Leopard 2A7NO, may not necessarily apply to the Leopard 2A8.
3. Discrepancies between data in the KNDS manual and later-production Leopard 2A8s:
A comparison of the Leopard 2A8 data released in 2025 with the data in the KNDS manual reveals numerous discrepancies.
In the KNDS manual, the Leopard 2A8’s weight is listed as 61.5–64.3 metric tons, while the 2025 data states 69.5 metric tons; the vehicle length listed in the KNDS manual is 10,968 mm, whereas the actual published length is 11,170 mm; the height listed in the KNDS manual is 3,180 mm, while the height data published in 2025 is 3,130 mm.
The largest discrepancy is 5.2 metric tons in weight and 202 mm in overall length; these differences may stem from variations in armor, protection systems, equipment configurations, or measurement methods.
However, this also indicates that the data in the KNDS manual does not fully align with the later-released Leopard 2A8 specifications; therefore, the parameters in the manual cannot be directly applied to mass-produced Leopard 2A8s without verifying the specific vehicle configuration.
4. References:
- KNDS Official Leopard 2A8 Product Manual
Page 8, General Performance Data.
https://knds.com/media/KNDS_B_Ansicht_LEOPARD_2_A8_EN_056fd1a8ad.pdf - Joint Forces News — 2025 Unveiling of the First Leopard 2A8
Rollout of First Leopard 2A8 Tanks | Joint Forces News - Hartpunkt — Technical Data for Leopard 2A8 Production Vehicles
Rollout des ersten Kampfpanzer Leopard 2 A8 für die Bundeswehr - Official Bundeswehr Introduction to the Leopard 2A8
Leopard 2 A8 – neuer Kampfpanzer für die Bundeswehr - War Thunder Official Forum — Discussion on SPECTUS Mounting Configuration
List of Previously Suggested Ideas - USA Naval Forces