Leopard 1

   Development of the Leopard 1 main battle tank began in 1956 and took about 10 years. The first trials began in 1961. Vehicle entered service with the Bundeswehr in 1965. Production ceased in 1984 and it was replaced by the Leopard 2. However the Leopard 1 was very successful design. Over 4 000 of these MBTs were built in Germany. Another 720 were license-produced in Italy. Despite it's age the Leopard 1 is still in service with a number of export operators.

   The Leopard 1 has a welded hull and cast turret. It is fitted with NBC protection equipment for the crew.

   This MBT is armed with the British L7A3 105-mm rifled gun. This gun is loaded manually. Ammunition includes APDS, APFSDS, HEAT and smoke rounds.

   Secondary armament consists of coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun and another 7.62-mm anti-aircraft MG.

   Vehicle is powered by the MTU MB 838 Ca M500 multi-fuel diesel engine, developing 830 horsepower. Engine and transmission can be replaced in field conditions during 20 minutes. The Leopard 1 is fitted with a deep wading kit and after preparation can ford water obstacles up to 4 m deep. Dozer blade can be fitted if necessary.

Variants

   Leopard 1A1 was fitted with a new gun stabilization system allowing to fire effectively on the move. It was also fitted with side skirts, new thermal sleeve on the gun barrel and some other minor improvements;

   Leopard 1A2 had better turret armor protection, improved NBC protection system and new night vision equipment;

   Leopard 1A3 had new welded turret with composite armor and wedge-shaped gun mantlet;

   Leopard 1A4 is externally similar to the 1A3, but included new computerized fire control system, and new sighting system;

   Leopard 1A5 was developed in early 1990s. It was fitted with modern fire control system and improved night vision equipment. A total of 1 300  of the Leaopard 1A1 and 1A2 MBTs were upgraded to this level;

   Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, fitted with two 35-mm guns;

   Biber armored bridgelayer;

   Bergepanzer armored engineering vehicle.

   Some countries made local upgrades to their Leopard 1s to extend their service lives.