The stress of the Cold War affected all countries, and above all, their defense industry. After the results of the Second World War, each state tried to strengthen its position in the military arena, relying on the development of nuclear and ground weapons. All were based on the experience gained after the war, and tried to eliminate the shortcomings of their defense complex and improve their merits. So, in 1956, the Leopard tanks opened a new page in the history of German military industry. The first prototype was assembled in Germany in 1965. Having successfully completed field trials, the Leopard 1 becomes the main battle tank. Serial production begins. These tanks are adopted not only by Germany, but also by Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, and Denmark.
In 1969, a decision was made to improve the Leopards and 2 prototypes were created. In 1970, production begins with the Krauss-Maffei plant. After all the modifications and tests, in 1973, the tank gets the name "Leopard-2". Its mass production begins in 1977, and in 1979 it was adopted by the German army. The factory ordered 1800 copies. Depending on the armament and configuration, the Leopard-2 tanks were divided into 5 series. To date, two more modifications have been added.
Leopard tanks have increased maneuverability and are well protected. Their survival on the battlefield gives excellent performance. To create them, the classic layout was used. The engine is located in the aft, the driver, who is also a mechanic, is located in front. Places for the commander, gunner and loader are located in the tank tower. All modifications are equipped with 120 mm guns, with the exception of the Leopard-2A6. Also on the towers of the combat vehicle mounted mortar blocks to create a smokescreen, and on the roof - machine guns. Tanks “Leopard-2” had combined armor, the combat weight was about 50 tons. The weapon was stabilized in two planes, and some also received night vision devices. The Leopard tank model, which had a thermal imager, was designated 2A2.
There are also those in the line of combat vehicles that are designed for combat not so much on rough terrain as in urban conditions - these are the Leopard 2A7 tanks, which first appeared in 2012. According to its performance characteristics, this model is equated to the Russian T-90, but it does not reach its performance a bit. The tank has a special capsule that isolates the crew from the rest of the structure. This technical solution allows you to save the life of the crew when it hits a cumulative projectile. Improved protection against HE shells and mines. An air conditioning system is installed inside, its work is provided by a contactless generator. Leopard 2 tanks received an improved braking system, new tracks and torsion bars. In addition to the 120-mm smoothbore gun and coaxial machine gun, the armament is complemented by another machine gun and a 40-mm grenade launcher. Implemented the "digital tower" technology. 72 km / h - the Leopard tank is capable of developing such a speed. Photos of models can be found in various layouts and modifications.