Leopard 2A4 (late) - even meaner kitty

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TL,DR: The last version of the Leopard 2’s initial production run featuring improved protection and firepower

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The initial production of Leopard 2s for the Bundeswehr was carried out in 8 batches (“Baulose” in German). Throughout this production cycle the Leopard had been steadily improved. Starting in January of 1991 the 8th and final batch started at KMW and ended on March 19th 1992 with a total of 75 brand new tanks joining the Panzerbataillons of the Bundeswehr.

Specifications
Combat weight:
56,5 tons
Protection:
“C-technology” composite armor package for hull and turret, “D-technology” heavy and light side skirts
Armament:
120mm Rheinmetall L44 (42 rounds), 2x MG3A1 7,62mm machine guns (6600 rounds), 16x smoke / anti infantry grenade launchers
Mobility:
MTU MB 873 Ka-501 12-cylinder Diesel producing 1500 hp @2600rpm
Optics:
EMES 15 main gun sight with WBG-X thermal sight for the gunner / stabilized PERI R17 independent commanders sight with NVD

Protection
From the 97th vehicle onwards in the 6th batch the Leopard 2A4 was equipped with a new and improved composite armor package that greatly enhanced protection against both kinetic and chemical energy threats. The hull armor is identical to the later 2A5 and 2A6 versions many players are already familiar with while the turret front also gained a significant boost in protection that allows it to effectively stop many of the APFSDS projectiles found at and even above its rank and battle rating.

To improve the protection of the frontal arc the Leopard received new sideskirts that now also covered the upper hull. These parts are easily recogniseable by their flat underside once again being identical to those found on the Leopard 2A5 etc.

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Estimated protection against KE projectiles (credit to @SPANISH_AVENGER)
Firepower
This Leopard 2A4 retains the well known L44 cannon, but features the DM33A1 which was introduced into service in 1987.
This round allows it to engage enemies with more confidence since it not only allows the a more reliable penetration of some lower tier opponents (e.g. T-64B) but also has an easier time against weakspots that might have required a very precise shot or were impenetrable with DM23.

Mobility
There is not much to be said here, the Leopard 2A4 (1991) retains the great mobility of the early 2A4. Top speed and reverse speed remain identical at 68 kph / 32 kph.

Placement in the game
Germany only has a single tech tree tank at 10.7 and then a gap until 12.7.
In game this tank could be placed at 11.0 with DM33 or 11.3 with DM43 to fill said gap and support the Puma VJTF which currently has no lineup and is not strong enough to warrant uptiering the 2A4.

Pictures:

Spoiler

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Sources
https://www.reddit.com/r/Warthunder/comments/12yxj77/war_thunders_current_depiction_of_leopard_2a4_is/

“Leopard 2 - sein Werden und Seine Leistung” - Paul-Werner Krapke
“Leopard 2 in der Bundeswehr” - Frank Lobitz

33 Likes
2

+1 at 10.7 with DM33

Edit: Now 11.0

12 Likes
3

Could also fit 11.0 with DM43 imo since it’s more of a competitor to the M1A1 and IPM1

3 Likes
4

British document on C-Tech
C-Tech und D-Tech Schutz

11 Likes
6

It is probably 10.7 since the 2A4 we currently have is one of the first A1-A3 versions, brought to the A4 standard. But it is not a pure A4. I’ve been waiting for this guy for a while.

The problem is that Germany does not have a 10.7 or 11 lineup. The 2PL is in the same situation and lacks the protection and firepower of the meta.

Note: The best way to identify if it is a pure A4 or an updated A1-A3 is that in the updated ones the side hatch through which the bushings are discarded is welded and in the pure A4 there is no hatch at all.

3 Likes
7

The PL is just 0.3 from top tier meaning that it’s not worth it to take it without 11.7s anyways.
10.7 on the other hand is quite a good MM at the moment and with Rank VIII coming some of the current top tiers will probably move up or get sucked up by the new top BRs as well.

1 Like
8

That’s what I mean. Therefore, let him get DM53 and go up to 11.7 because he will be dragged into the meta anyway.
Also, there is no 11.3 or 10.7 lineup and also, it is the most modern MBT in Germany, it should use better shells.

P/d: I want to clarify that I have been talking about 2PL in this sense, in other topics. I wasn’t doing it in this topic, so perhaps the idea is out of context.

2 Likes
9

While I agree on that I don’t think Gaijin does.
We have to wait for the new patch since that likely raises the top BR and allows the 2PL to move up in the first place (since we still pretend that you can’t buy your way to top tier because the squadron vehicles are 0.3 BR below top tier)

2 Likes
10

If currenct 11.7 moves up I can definitely see it at 11.0 alongside other stuff like T-90A, M1A1, ZTZ-99 II etc.

1 Like
11

+1

1 Like
12

+1

1 Like
13

imo it could also sit in 10.7 with dm 43. I mean the mbt 2000 sits at 10.7 with the same round as the ztz 99a, which has 500+ penetration, therefore either the mbt 2000 should sit at 11.0 or the leo 2a4 1991 should get the dm 43 at 10.7.

5 Likes
14

big +1, and need Leopard 2A0- A1- A2- A3

4 Likes
15

same here

2 Likes
16

amazing leopard，hope it will soon in game fill the br10.7-11.0

2 Likes
17

170 votes already, let’s go!

1 Like
18

Definitely a +1 from me, the BR gap between the 2a4 and 2a5/2a6 needs to be filled. A souped up 2a4 is the best candidate for that

4 Likes
19

Absolutely, especially since the 10.0-11.0 range for Germany heavily relies on event vehicles and premiums.
Only a single 2A4 and after that you’re down to TAM 2C which is ok but nothing too special considering the 2S25M literally has 3BM60 now at the same BR.
Leo 2K is also ok but has absolutely no armor (shredded by 2S28 and BMP) and no thermals and the Puma is just absolutely terrible.

20

Great idea
We need something to fill the 10.3-11.3 gap

1 Like
21

I would like to see this, ideally foldered with the current Leopard 2A4, with DM33 on top of the improved protection.

1 Like