Basic Information

Name

Pz 87WE (Panzer 87 Werterhaltung) Swiss Main Battle Tank (MBT)

Designation

Pz 87WE, Panzer 87 Werterhaltung

Alternate Designation

Pz 87WE, Panzer 87 Werterhaltung

Equipment Type

Main Battle Tank (MBT)

Manufacturer

Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW)

Date of Introduction

1992

Description

The Pz 87 WE Leopard 2 (Werterhaltung) is the most modern version of the Pz 87. The first 2 prototypes were completed in 2003 and featured new armor packages, sighting equipment and Remote Weapon Station. However the actual Pz 87 WE did not receive the full upgrades offered by Swiss Defence Company Ruag. Instead its Battlefield management and communications capabilities were upgraded as well as a new Commanders Independent Sight installed. There are references to a new thermal imager, but is most likely only for the CIS. All work was carried out by Ruag.

Ground Specifications

Crew 4

Engine V-12 Turbocharged Diesel (1479 hp)

Active Protection Dräger Safety AG & Co

Variants

Leopard 2A1 Minor modifications and the installation of the gunner's thermal sight[1] were worked into the second batch of 450 vehicles Leopard 2, designated the A1. Krauss-Maffei built 248 (Chassis Nr. 10211 to 10458) and Mak built 202 (Chassis Nr. 20173 to 20347). Deliveries of the 2A1 models started in March 1982 and ended in November 1983. The two most notable changes were the modification of the ammunition racks to be identical to those in the M1A1 Abrams, and redesigned fuel filters that reduced refuelling time. A third batch of 300 Leopard 2, 165 by Krauss-Maffei (Chassis Nr. 10459 to 10623) and 135 by MaK (Chassis Nr. 20375 to 20509.), was built between November 1983 and November 1984. This batch included more minor changes that were later retrofitted to the earlier 2A1s

Leopard 2A2 This designation was given to upgraded vehicles of the first batch of Leopard 2s, brought up to the standard of the second and third batches. This modernisation gradually replaced the original PZB 200 sights in the first batch with thermal sights for the EMES 15 as they became available. Furthermore, the upgrade included the fitting of filler openings and caps to the forward hull fuel tanks to allow separate refuelling, as well as the addition of a deflector plate for the periscope and a large coverplate to protect the existing NBC protection system. Finally, the tank was given new five metre towing cables with a different position. The programme began in 1984 and ended in 1987; the third, fourth and fifth batches, which were produced during this period, had the same features. The modernised first batch can be recognised by the circular plate covering the hole where the cross-wind sensor for the fire-control system was removed

Leopard 2A3 The fourth batch of 300 vehicles, 165 by Krauss-Maffei (Chassis Nr. 10624 to 10788) and 135 by Mak (Chassis Nr. 20510 to 20644), was delivered between December 1984 and December 1985. The main change was the addition of the SEM80/90 digital radio sets (also being fitted to the Leopard 1 at the same time), and the ammunition reloading hatches being welded shut. Even with these minor changes the new batch was known as the 2A3

Leopard 2 The Leopard 2 is a main battle tank developed by Krauss-Maffei in the 1970s for the West German Army. The tank first entered service in 1979 and succeeded the earlier Leopard 1 as the main battle tank of the German Army. It is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore cannon, and is powered by a V-12 twin-turbo diesel engine. Various versions have served in the armed forces of Germany and 12 other European countries, as well as several non-European nations, including Canada, Chile, Indonesia, Singapore, and Turkey. The Leopard 2 was used in Kosovo with the German Army, and has seen action in Afghanistan with the Dutch, Danish and Canadian contributions to the International Security Assistance Force, as well as also seeing action in Syria with the Turkish Armed Forces against ISIS and the YPG.

Leopard 2 Marksman Finland has modernised its Marksman SPAAG vehicles by replacing the original T-55AM chassis with a newer Leopard 2A4 chassis. The upgraded Marksman vehicles were scheduled to enter service with the Finnish Army in 2016. The new Leopard 2 chassis greatly improves mobility compared to the older T-55AM chassis, both on- and off-road. The Leopard 2 chassis is also larger, thus providing a more stable firing platform for the Marksman turret to operate from

Leopard 2A5 "Leopard 2 Improved" was a prototype-series for enhancing the A4, introducing a wedge-shaped, spaced add-on armour to the turret front and the frontal area of the sides. These spaced armour modules defeat a hollow charge prior to reaching the base armour, and causes kinetic-energy penetrators to change direction, eroding them in the process; it does not form a shot-trap, since it does not deflect the penetrators outwards to hit the hull or turret ring. The gun mantlet was redesigned to accept the new armour.

Stridsvagn 122 The Stridsvagn 122 is a Swedish Army tank based on the Leopard 2 Improved, with 120 units built, 91 of which were licence-produced in Sweden. The tank features increased armour on the turret top and front hull, and improved command, control and fire control systems. Externally, it can be distinguished from the Leopard 2A5 by the French GALIX smoke dispensers, different storage bins, and the much thicker crew hatches The Strv 122B, a variant equipped with modular AMAP composite armour from IBD Deisenroth, has increased 360° protection against threats like EFPs, RPGs and IEDs. The width of 4 metres (13 ft) has been kept, while the weight increases by only 350 kilograms (770 lb)

Leopard 2-140 n the early 1990s,[citation needed] Rheinmetall began development of a 140 mm smoothbore cannon for use in future tank designs. The new gun was intended to counter new Soviet tank developments, especially since the next generation of Soviet main battle tanks were rumoured to be armed with a 135 mm or 152 mm cannon. The new 140 mm cannon was part of a modernisation programme for the Leopard 2 known as the KWS III. Test firing of the new 140 mm cannon was conducted. Results showed that the gun had high penetration values, and had a muzzle velocity of around 2000 metres a second, with potential to be increased further. However, the 140 mm rounds were too heavy for the tank crew to handle effectively

Leopard 2A6 The Leopard 2A6 includes the addition of the Rheinmetall 120 mm L/55 smoothbore gun and other changes. All German tank battalions of the "crisis intervention forces" are equipped with the A6. Canada purchased 20 Leopard 2A6s from the Netherlands. These were delivered in 2007. Portugal also purchased 37 Leopard 2A6 from the Dutch in 2007, with delivery in 2008. In January 2014, Finland purchased 100 L2A6s, as well as munitions, simulators, and a ten-year supply of reserve parts from the Netherlands. The tanks are being delivered in batches between 2015-2019.

Leopard 2E he Leopard 2E is a derivative of the 2A6, with greater armour protection, developed under a programme of co-production between the defence industries of Spain and Germany. The programme was developed within the frame of collaboration decided in 1995 between the Defence Ministries of both countries, in which also was included the cession of use by a period of five years of 108 Leopard 2A4 from the German Army to the Spanish Army. However, this cession was extended up to 2016, and after that those tanks will be the sole property of the Spanish Army, as has been made public on 24 January 2006, then having been paid a total of 15,124,014 euros in ten yearly installments, giving the Spanish co-ownership from 2006.

Leopard 2 PSO The new Leopard 2 PSO (Peace Support Operations) variant is designed specially for urban warfare, which had been encountered in peacekeeping operations with increasing frequency. Therefore, the Leopard 2 PSO is equipped with more effective all-around protection, a secondary weapons station, improved reconnaissance ability, a bulldozer blade, a shorter gun barrel (for manoeuvring on urban streets at the expense of fire range), non-lethal armament, close-range surveillance ability (through camera systems), a searchlight and further changes to improve its perseverance and mobility in a built-up non-wide open area. These features are similar to the Tank Urban Survival Kit for the American M1A2 Abrams

Leopard 2A7 The Leopard 2A7 is fundamentally different from the KMW variant 2A7+ and is not optimised for combat in urban terrain. A total of 20 vehicles are provided for converting. It involves former Dutch A6NL models returned by Canada to Germany. The original upgrade to A6M has been extended in coordination with Canada and includes a crew-compartment cooling-system from the Leopard 2 A6M-HEL series, a new 20 kW auxiliary power unit based on the Steyr Motors M12 TCA UI engine, the Saab Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System (MCS) with Heat-Transfer Reduction (HTR CoolCam) system, a field trial proven combat management and information system (IFIS: Integriertes Führungs- und Informationssystem), onboard network optimization with ultracapacitors in the chassis and turret, a SOTAS IP digital intercom system, a renewal of the fire suppression system in the crew compartment, and the retrofitting of Attica thermal imaging module in the commander optics. The weapon system is adapted for firing HE ammunition. It is also fitted for, but not with, additional passive side protection armour. The first Leopard 2A7 was handed over to the German Army in Munich on 10 December 2014. A total of 14 vehicles were produced for Tank Battalion 203, plus four more going to the Armoured Corps Training Centre and one vehicle at the Technical School for Land Systems and School for Technology of the Army. The last tank remains as a reference vehicle at KMW

Leopard 2A7+ The Leopard 2A7+ was first shown to the public during the Eurosatory 2010, featuring the label "Developed by KMW – tested and qualified by German MoD". The Leopard 2A7+ has been tested by the Bundeswehr under the name UrbOp (urban operations).The Leopard 2A7+ is designed to operate both in low intensity and high intensity conflicts.

Pz 87 Pz 87 (standing for Panzer 87, referring to year of service entry) is the designation given to the Leopard 2A4 vehicles built under licence in Switzerland. The vehicles are essentially the same specification as the fifth and sixth production batch 2A4. This version included Swiss built communications equipment and MG 87 MGs, as well as featuring an improved NBC protection system, the installation of a hydraulic track-tensioning system, and the addition of an exhaust silencer. Late model Pz 87 included a field zeroing system, the sealing of the ammunition loading hatch, and from the 120th vehicle, the addition of heavier armoured side skirts.

System

Alternative Designation Pz 87WE, Panzer 87 Werterhaltung

Manufacturer Krauss-Maffei Wegmann Maschinenbau Kiel

Type Main Battle Tank

Family Leopard German Main Battle Tank Family

Crew 4 ea

Estimated Service Life 50 years

Driver Rear-View Camera Yes

Dimensions

Length (Chassis Overall) 7.7 m

Width 3.7 m

Height 2.8 m

Weight, Combat 56 tons

Ground Pressure 0.83 kg/m

Automotive

Engine Name MTU MB-837 Ka501 diesel

Engine Type liquid-cooled V-12 twin-turbo diesel engine

Engine Power 1,479 hp

RPMs 2,600 RPM

Speed, Maximum Road 69 km/h

Cruising Range 550 km

Speed, Off Road 50 km/h

Speed, Average Cross 40

Speed Maximum Swim Not Amphibious km/h

Fording Depth (Without Preparation) 1.0 m

Fording Depth (With Preparation) 4.0 m

Gradient 60 Deg

Side Slope 30 Deg

Vertical Step 1.5 m

Trench 3 m

Transmission Renk HSWL 354 transmission

Fuel Capacity (Total) 1,160 liters

Fuel Consumption (Road) 300 liters per 100km

Fuel Consumption (Cross Country) 500 liters per 100km

Power Pack Weight 3,025 kg

Snow Grousers 3 on the left and 7 on the right

Communications

Name Prüfzusatzbediengerät 80 (PRZB 80) radio

Type VHF

Cable Drum (Radio) 800 m

Antennas Location mounted on the turret roof, one on each side of the Machine Gun

C2 Enhanced C2 Suite, no name

Main Gun

System

Name 120mm Rheinmetall L44 smoothbore gun

Type 120mm Smoothbore Gun

Manufacturer Rheinmetall

Max Rate of Fire INA

Loader Type Semi-automatic loading system

Basic Load 42 Total of any combination 120mm Projectiles ea

Maximum Elevation +20 Deg

Minimum Elevation -9 Deg

Frontal Arc 285 Deg

Rear Arc 75 Deg

Fire on the Move Yes

Weight (Gun Mount) 3,317 kg

Weight (Gun Barrel) 1,190 kg

Length (Barrel) 5.6 m

Thermal Sleeve Yes

Bore Evacuator Centrally-mounted bore evacuator

Barrel Interior Chrome Plating Yes, to increase wear resistance of the barrel

Effective Full Charge (EFC) 700 rounds

Breech Type Threaded bayonet connection

Wedge Block Type Downward-opening semi-automatic sliding wedge block

Breach Mechanism Hydraulically-operated loading system

Note The Leopard 2A4 can fire any 120mm NATO Projectile

Ammunition (Option 1)

Type DM-13 (XM829) German Armour Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS)

Caliber 120 mm

Muzzle Velocity 1,750 m/s

Basic Load 42 Total of any combination 120mm Projectiles

Operational Range INA m

Armor Penetration (Steel) 230 mm

Cartridge Weight 20 kg

Cartridge Length 984 mm

Penetrator Tungsten alloy

Propellant (NC-NG) 8 kg

Accuracy/Dispersion 0.2x0.2mil

Maximum Effective Range 3,000 m

Cartridge Type Semi-combustible cartridge

Ammunition (Option 2)

Type DM-12 (M325) : High-Explosive Anti-Tank Multi-Purpose (HEAT-MP-T)

Caliber 120 mm

Muzzle Velocity 1,078 m/s

Basic Load 42 Total of any combination 120mm Projectiles

Cartridge Weight 25 kg

Cartridge Length 984 mm

Fuze PIBD, electric

High Explosive Comp. B: 1.8 kg

Accuracy/Dispersion 0.25X0.25 mil

Maximum Effective Range 3,100 m

Cartridge Type Semi-combustible cartridge

Ammunition (Option 3)

Type DM53 120mm KE Projectile (Rheinmetall)

Caliber 120 mm

Muzzle Velocity 1,750 m/s

Basic Load 42 Total of any combination 120mm Projectiles

Round Weight 21.4 kg

Projectile Length 745 mm

Accuracy 0.2 mil

Coaxial Weapon System

System

Name 7.5mm Mg 51 (Maschinengewehr 1951) Machine Gun

Type 7.5mm General Purpose Machine Gun mm

Manufacturer Waffenfabrik Bern (Switzerland)

In Service 1951-present

Weight (Gun with Bipod) 16 kg

Weight (Gun with Tripod) 26 kg

Length (Barrel) 1,270 mm

Length (Total) 563 mm

Action Gas-operated, flapper-locked

Rate of Fire 1,000 rds/min

Effective Riging Range (With Sight Adjustments) 100-2,000 m

Feed System 50-round magazine belt

Sights Iron sights, 2.3x optical sight

Ammunition

Type Rifle

Caliber 7.5mm mm

Cartridge 7.5×55mm Swiss,

Muzzle Velocity 750 m/s

Basic Load 2,375 ea

Loader's Weapon System

System

Name 7.5mm Mg 51 (Maschinengewehr 1951) Machine Gun

Type 7.5mm General Purpose Machine Gun mm

Manufacturer Waffenfabrik Bern (Switzerland)

In Service 1951-present

Weight (Gun with Bipod) 16 kg

Weight (Gun with Tripod) 26 kg

Length (Barrel) 1,270 mm

Length (Total) 563 mm

Action Gas-operated, flapper-locked

Rate of Fire 1,000 rds/min

Effective Riging Range (With Sight Adjustments) 100-2,000 m

Feed System 50-round magazine belt

Sights ron sights, 2.3x optical sight

Ammunition

Type Rifle

Caliber 7.5 mm

Cartridge 7.5×55mm Swiss

Muzzle Velocity 750 m/s

Basic Load 2,375 ea

Fire Control

Name Digitaler Ballistikkern (DigBal) digital FCS

Computerized FCS Yes

Primary Sight Hauptzielfernrohr (HZF) primary sight System

Commander's Periscope Carl Zeis fully stabilised monocular PERI R17A2 sight

Thermal Sight Tank Commander OPHELIOS-P, also referred to as the Thermal Imaging Module (TIM)

Thermal Sight Gunner OPHELIOS-P, also referred to as the Thermal Imaging Module (TIM)

Primary Gun Sight binocular HZF

Main Gun Stabilization Hydraulic and provides dual-axis stabilisation.

Infrared Yes

Range Finder EMES 15 laser rangefinder (LRF).

Wind Senor Yes

Telescope EMES 15

Tower Sight FERO Z18

Computer Controlled Tank Testing Set RPP 1–8

Ballistic Compensator Field zeroing system

Weapon Slaving System Waffenachfuhranlage (WNA) H22 weapon slaving system

Emergency Backup Turret Sight Turmzielfernrohr (TZF) FERO Z18

Fault Detection System Rechnergesteuertes Panzerpufstsem (RPP 1-8) fault detection system

Field Zeroing System Feldjustieranlage (FJA) field zeroing system

Gun Control equipment System EWNA [Elektrische Waffennachführanlage - electric tracker]

Protection

Hull Armor welded steel plates, with spaced multilayer passive composite armour protecting the glacis and hull sides as well as the turret front and sides.

Turret Armor welded steel plates, with spaced multilayer passive composite armour protecting the glacis and hull sides as well as the turret front and sides.

Turret Type All-electric turret

Applique Armor Yes, Track Skirt

Explosive Reactive Armor INA

Active Protection System Yes, Dräger Safety AG & Co

Mine Clearing Yes, taken from the Leopard 2A6M

Self-Entrenching Blade No

NBC Protection Yes, KGaA CBRN protection system

Smoke Equipment MWA [Mehrfachwurfanlage] 76 mm obscurant smoke discharger system

IR Signature IR suppressive smoke screen system

Fire Suppression System Yes, Automatic

Grenade Launchers Eight grenade launchers are mounted on each side of the Turret. Minor upgrade over the Pz 87.

Fire Detection and Suppression System Yes, Kidde-Deugra Brandschutzsysteme System

Emergency Escape Hatch Yes, below the driver's compartment

Image Sources

Notes https://www.army-guide.com/eng/product2761.html; https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2024/07/25/europe-sends-new-leopard-2-tanks-to-ukraine-after-rigorous-testing/; https://www.flickr.com/photos/wheelsandtracks/29412089620;