The Leopard 1 main battle
tank was developed by Germany in the 1960s. Canada purchased 127 Leopard
1 A3 tanks in 1979, the bulk of which were stationed in West Germany until
Canada withdrew from Europe. The tank has a fully stabilized 105mm gun
capable of firing while the vehicle is moving. The Leopard also has a 7.62mm
C-6 MG mounted co-axially, a C-6 on the turret roof for anti-aircraft defence,
and smoke dischargers. The tank has a crew of four (crew commander, loader,
gunner, driver) and is capable of submerged fording, with preparation.
This Canadian Leopard
C1 outfitted with Add-On Armour designed to enhance protection. The
Canadian Army is in the process of acquiring a thermal sight for the main
armament to allow the Leopard to more operate more effectively during periods
of low visibility & battlefield obscuration (ie. smoke, dust).
The Leopard upgrade
project will extend the service life of the tank until 2010. Surplus A5
tanks will be purchased and their turrets will be reconditioned and installed
in the existing Canadian chassis. An electric turret drive will be added
as well, to replace the current hydraulic system. Improved ammunition will
also be purchased for improved lethality.
note info does not reflect the recent
introduction of the C2.
DESCRITION
| AFV Type: |
Main Battle Tank |
| Name: |
Leopard I |
| Manufacturer: |
Krauss-Maffei Wehrtechnik GmbH |
| Country: |
Federal Republic of Germany |
| Armament: |
1 x 105mm L7 A
2 x 7.62mm Machine Gun
2 x 4 barrel smoke dischargers |
| Engine: |
MTU MB 838 Ca M500 |
| Ammunition: |
Capacity Typically 51 rounds of 105mm
5500 rounds of .62mm |
| Speed: |
Max Road Speed 65km/h |
| Weight: |
Loaded 42,500kg |
| Length: |
Hull 7.09m |
| Length: |
Gun Foward 9.5m |
| Height: |
2.7m |
| Width: |
3.4m |
| Clearance: |
0.4m |
| Crew: |
4 (driver,gunner,loader,commander) |
| In Service with: |
Australia
Belgium
Canada
Denmark
Germany
Greece
Italy
Netherlands
Norway
Turkey |
