Battle tank Leopard 1
Kampfpanzer Leopard 1
The Leopard 1 was first produced in 1963 by Krauss-Maffei for the German Ministry of Defence and more than 6000 vehicles have been exported to nine NATO countries, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway and Turkey and also Australia. The main armament is capable of engaging with effective fire, while on-the-move, through the use of an electronic hydraulic gyroscopic gun stabilizer. This is known as fully stabilized power traverse. In addition, the Leopard is fitted with two banks of smoke grenade dischargers on the turret to create local obscuration.
The LEOPARD 1 medium tank is an international success story for KMW: Since 1965, more than 4,700 units have been manufactured and remain in service in eleven countries on five continents. Thanks to its continuous upgrading and modernization process, the LEOPARD 1 remains a state-of-the-art design. Users of earlier versions have the choice of several retrofit kits to adapt the product configuration, putting corresponding emphasis on firepower, protection, mobility and logistics as needed.
Technical modifications to the LEOPARD 1 have also produced a comprehensive range of tactical features. This includes a high first-shot hit probability with all types of munitions operating in day and night, under limited visibility, while on the move and while engaging moving targets. Other attractive system features include rapid firing procedures, high adjusting precision and reliability, quick weapons system checking and the verification of combat readiness status without the need for external test equipment.
The LEOPARD is the synonym for worldwide leading battle tank technology. Its close to 50 year history is a unique success story. As a powerful answer to the manifold threats of the past, present and future, it constitutes the backbone of modern, visionary and effective armed forces all over the world. Its outstanding combat effectiveness, consisting of an optimal combination of fire power, protection, mobility and state-of-the-art manoeuvrability, set worldwide standards. For this reason, the LEOPARD has excelled in every comparative test. The modular design allows the deployment of this battle tank well into the 21st century.
Of the tanks of the second generation, the Leopard 1 had the best performance due to its low silhouette and a good level of mobility for the 60s. During the development of this tank in Germany, the research, design, and then the production bases of tank building were recreated. The modernization carried out in the 70s somewhat increased the level of protection of the tank, but it could not meet the increased requirements of the late 70s and as a result was replaced by a new third-generation Leopard 2 tank.
As for combat service, "Leopards" never took part in hostilities. As part of the Danish contingent, they were used only in the peacekeeping operation in Bosnia.
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