[Coming Soon] Leopard 2K platoon: the lively “damagers”

Leopard 2K (Rank IX)

Historical note

In the 1960s, Germany and the United States jointly developed the MBT-70 advanced tank. The project faced serious problems, its implementation was delayed, and the project cost increased several times. Germany was looking for opportunities to continue work on the development of a new generation tank: the Porsche company started an experimental project Keiler (“boar”). It was the first to test the German smooth-bore 105 mm caliber gun. At the same time, work was underway on the Leopard 2FK project. The project considered the possibility of using a 152 mm gun and an ATGM launcher on a tank chassis.

Both projects were completed in the late 1960s, but development did not stop. The developments on them were consolidated into a new project – the Leopard 2K (“Kanone” – “cannon”). Until 1974, 16 Leopard 2K prototype tanks and 17 turrets of various configurations were produced for testing. These developments led to the Leopard 2AV, the direct ancestor of the famous Leopard 2 MBT.

Leopard 2K

The upcoming War Thunder Mobile update will add a high-ranking platoon of lively “damagers” to the German vehicle branch. The platoon will be led by the Leopard 2K, one of two prototypes of a prospective German MBT from the early 70s with a 120mm smooth-bore main gun and an automatic 20mm cannon in the turret.

The Leopard 2K is an evolution of the well-known Leopard 1. Its main trump card is the Rh120 L/44 120mm smooth-bore cannon with HEAT and APFSDS shells. The first one is good against light vehicles, and the second one will penetrate the armor of any opponent you meet.

A 20mm autocannon in a separate turret on the roof will be an excellent assist for fighting light vehicles. The tank is powered by a 1,500-horsepower engine and a reversible gearbox, allowing it to move at the same speed in both forward and reverse.

The Leopard 2K's armor is better than that of the Leopard I, but not enough to fully protect the vehicle from penetration. In the prototype, the principle of spaced armor protection was implemented to resist HEATs. The forehead of the hull and turret can withstand autocannon hits, but any armor-piercing shell will probably penetrate the Leopard 2K in any projection without difficulty. The key to the Leo's survival is its brilliant mobility!

The Leopard 2K sets the bar high for support vehicles, and they set it high!

KPz-70

The ambitious and ultra-technological design of the new MBT, which was developed by the USA together with Germany. Destructive 152mm ATGM gun/launcher, auxiliary 20mm autocannon, excellent speed and reversible gearbox are the main features of the new tank!

Begleitpanzer 57

The Begleitpanzer 57 infantry support vehicle has a good chance to become the benchmark vehicle of this class at its rank. Lightweight, fairly agile chassis, automatic 57mm rapid-firing cannon and long-range I-TOW ATGMs!

Gepard

Gepard is still good and needs no introduction! The iconic SPAAG with rapid-firing 35mm automatic cannons will be the best choice when there are too many enemy scouts on the field!

*Platoon vehicle lineup, vehicle specifications and camouflages are still under development and may differ from those in this article.

The Leopard 2K Platoon (Rank IX) will become accessible once you reach 18* level in the tank campaign. You have the option to instantly upgrade your campaign level using Golden Eagles to gain faster access to this platoon compared to other players, or you can progress through battles to level up.