The Leopard 2 was an offshoot of the MBT-70 -- a cancelled joint development project between the USA and West Germany undertaken in the late 1960s. Even though the US had withdrawn from the project, the West Germans, under the auspices of Krauss-Maffei, continued research and development on the renamed Leopard 2 project. In 1977, the first production vehicles were delivered and exported to the smaller Dutch Army while the West German Bundeswehr waited a couple of years before it too was equipped with the powerful new main battle tank. The Leopard 2 is outfitted with a laser rangefinder, thermal-imaging equipment, and nuclear, biological and chemical defense system (NBC), and can conduct shallow amphibious operations. Its fire control system is unusual because the cartridge cases are combustible, which can lead to internal fires. The Leopard 2 has a 30% better power-to-weight ratio than the Leopard I, which results in increased cross-country mobility and a higher survivability rate on the battlefield.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a German Leopard 2A7+ main battle tank in a desert camouflage pattern. Pre-order! Ship Date: May 2024!

Dimensions:
Length: 5-1/4-inches
Width: 2-inches

Release Date: ?

Historical Account: "Plussed Up" - The Leopard 2A7+ battle tank is built based on the Leopard 2 MBT and employs digitised technology and multifunctional user concept for improved sustainability. The turret and chassis of the Leopard 2A7+ are fitted with a cooling system.

The modular design of the tank allows high-intensity operations in urban environments. The battle tank has a length of around 10.97m, width up to 4m and a turret roof height of 2.64m. The vehicle weighs 67,500kg and can be controlled by a crew of four. Its exterior is incorporated with a communication interface to enable interaction between the dismounted soldiers.