The AUSSIE Leopard AS1

[@fredfarnackle5455]

Another masterclass from someone who knows what they are talking about in fine detail. Thank you. And thank you for your military service!🇦🇺

[@peterpanini96]

Masterwhatever useless in combat...

[@reanukeevesau]

​@@peterpanini96 how do you know he was useless in Combat? Or you just Assuming??

[@delinquenter]

@@reanukeevesau Bro is just hatin'. When you're the best of the best, you will always get people trying to shut you down. That's why I couldn't care less as a german. It proves us, what we're good at ;D

[@peterjanvanbijnen226]

i was an dutch leopard 1V gunner and i did not know that the barrel had a life span of 250 apds rounds, i learn every day.

[@drewschumann1]

Your Master Gunner kept a round count on your barrel, based on your commander's reports

[@mikkorenvall428]

@@drewschumann1 ammunition consumption also tells a lot.

[@matthewcullen1298]

Probably a silly question but is that a good lifespan for a tank barrel

[@hansmeyer7225]

Maybe in peace times ​@@matthewcullen1298

[@kaspervoshart7137]

Ik ook! A59/ 85/4 en jij.?

[@keithad6485]

Some Aussie Leopard tank trivia for the viewers. I set up and managed a Aussie defence manufacturing engineering business in Melbourne in the late 1990s specialising in manufacturing parts for the Leopard AS1, M113A1 and ASLAV. The very first contract we were awarded was manufacturing the splash guard, these are found on the extreme front corners of the Leopard 1 over the tracks and can be seen very easily in this video. This tank behind the speaker has a splash guard from the German manufacturer on one side; and an Aussie made splash guard from my factory (on the drivers side - right hand drive). German made splash guard is moulded from one piece rubber with two layers of reinforcing fabric. My factory produced the splash guard in two piece rubber reinforced with 4 layers fabric which can be identified on this tank by the row of 10mm hex head screws in the upper inner corner of the splash guard. The German description is - Spritz schute kette - Chain, spray, cover (Germans call tank track - kette (chain)). The German price per unit in 1998, was AU$1500 each! Our price per unit was approx 30% of the German price. We were making spare parts for the M113 and Leopard AS1 until both were withdrawn from service in the 2000s, and ASLAV. The Leopard fleet management guys I dealt with at Victoria Barracks Melb told me the change over to the Abrams was cos the Leopard 1 was most unbattleworthy. Armour was only proof against 25mm cannon rounds. There is an Leopard 1A4 turret at the Puckapunyal Tank Museum which had a 105mm round fired at it to test its ability to resist penetration by MBT rounds, it pierced the side of the turret, continued on and pierced the opposite side of the turret and went clean through! Not good for combat up against modern MBTs. Thanks for reading my two cents worth.

[@leightonscott3242]

I found that interesting, thank you!

[@thedgchannel4249]

All true, but a good gun and a highly reliable engine.

[@Rapid_Australia]

I was a Leopard tank commander from 2003 to 2007 when we transitioned to the M1A1 Abrams. I loved it, although it did tend to go through engines a fair bit, but when she would overheat we would jump out with the water Jerry’s, pour water in and away you would go. Pack changes were always super easy and quick. Two steering pressures as well which made it super fun to drive, you could easily drift it on the wet grounds in pukka but wasn’t wise! Loved shooting the 105mm at Bundy and still remember cleaning guns first thing in the morning with an oversized pull through, a can of oil and a whole bunch of us pulling and pushing before chucking the dehumidifiers in…such good memories. Every single thing he said gave me instant memories and they all came flooding back!

[@PosthumousAddress]

What a great comment, very evocative

[@The1nsane1]

Fantastic video. When someone has served on the tank under discussion you get great info. Well done Jason.

[@brianspeck4226]

Thanks for the video. I was a Charlie tank commander for two years (1985/86) in West Germany with the RCD on a Leopard C1. Was a part of the Canadian team on the CAT 86 competition in Grafenwohr. FYI, we always referred to the ballistic computer as "Hermann the German." 😊

[@andreasrothmund9147]

Hi Jason, thanks for this excellent chat about 'your' Leopard. Back in the mid-70ies I was trained as gunner, loader, commander in the German army. Initially on a Leopard 1A2 which was soon switched for a brand new 1A4 whose 1st gunner I had the honor to be. This had the same welded turret as your tank, but different sights. Commander's sight was a PERI R12, and the gunners main optics / rangefinder was an EMES 12A1, both connected to a hybrid firecontrol computer FLER-HG. No other sensors or a laser - nevertheless, once you knew your stuff, extremely accurate. Ammo-wise we also fired the APDS and the HESH/HEP, but additionally we had a HEAT with the freely spinning band to counter-act the rifling, all with the associated training rounds. Well, I loved that beast!

[@OldSkoolGrandad]

Great to have a tank veteran at the museum , nothing beats personal experience 👊

[@aussmith5335]

We can clearly see and hear that you have served on these tanks, excellent. I drove CVRT during my service and still remember all the torque settings and operation of my tank👍

[@m110cruiser5]

As a german conscript I had to join the "Bundeswehr" in a tank bataillon in 1986 and served as Leo 1 A1A1 driver. The tank was very smooth and easy to handle, the MTU V10 douple turbo charged engine with massive tourque brought the Leo 1 to a top speed of over 70 km/h on asphalt roads , even in challeging soil conditions the speed forwards and backwards was remarkable. We were well trained for the CAT 1986 competition in Grafenwöhr and we hit even without Laser support (ZEISS measurement device was still applied in the A1A1) the targets fast and accurate,what a great tank !

[@contributor7219]

Spent quite a few years on these in RAEME at The Regiment and The Centre. I have lots of (mostly) fond memories of working on them. A great run-through and it was fun seeing inside one once again after so many years. There are a few updates since I was last inside one in the mid-eighties though! I remember quite a few going for turret lifts after the micro switch on the turret ring pump failed and they were traversed with inflated ring seals - they were the less fond memories! I had to URPC the tubes on those after inspecting them at their EFC life, before they went to ROFB for final condemnation and recycling. My other 'fond' memory was keeping well clear of the main armament when first firing up the turret hydraulics, just in case the stab decided to get a 'ghost in the machine'. I ended up working with Mr Jarrat's son in Canberra, many years later, during my second career. Mr Jarrat had a Cent at that stage, not sure if he's still got it. It was a little strange that fate would dictate a connection in that way, but I'm very glad I got to be part of our Leopard era.

[@aymonfoxc1442]

Thanks for sharing your reflections. I always like learning from an Aussie veteran. 🫡

[@jeffho1727]

Greeting from RCEME. Gave the boys a hand every now and again, couple of packs, final drives, heater ( that was a bit of contortion in the turret back). Great vehicle. Played enemy force for an exercise with almost every Canadian Leo attacking us. Impressive!!

[@robertcousins2603]

Special tank Jason. My old man served in the infantry during the Hat Dich battle. When I visited the museum and saw it. Was mesmerised. I always wondered where it ended up.

[@grahamejohn6847]

The Germans made such good-looking tanks. The Panther and the Leo 1 were two of the best-looking.

[@jomoma8576]

Kinda subjective but the Panther is dopey looking to me turrets just a misshapen cube. Now the jagged panther now that was handsome

[@FoxFrostXPINC]

@@jomoma8576opinions differ

[@joshuamitcham1519]

Yes they did! ❤ I like the Henshel Tiger 2 made by Henshel, it is gorgeous! Leopards, particularly the Canadian C2A1 Mexas is just beautiful although this AS1 is just a stunning peice of armor. Clean. That turret is fine! ❤ And yes, Jagdpanther is nice looking.. for a casemate. 😂

[@grahamejohn6847]

@@jomoma8576 Yes I agree it's not really a tank though but it still is quite handsome.

[@Altair885]

But not the tiger! Which looks like a chest of drawers that's fallen over😂

[@mikestanmore2614]

This was one of the best "walk-around" videos on any AFV I've seen. Very interesting, very informative. Thankyou!

[@hitime2405]

Fantastic video, Happy Australia Day, from the U.K.

[@RobertLewis-el9ub]

Jason does it again - fantastic.

[@JBTSO]

Are you ex B Sqn Rob Lewis?

[@markmalone3532]

As a grunt from the 70s i remember these beasts, you sir are a credit to the tank unit mate, so proud of your professionalism.

[@TheTomyossarian]

Watching someone who is genuinely into their subject talk about it will never get old.

[@davidbutterfield2949]

Thanks Jason, love the Aussie Leopard 👍🏻🇦🇺

[@michaelfrank2266]

We had an old tanker joke that a turret spun too many times counter- clockwise the turret would fall off. : D

[@gerardhogan3]

Ohhh nice drills Jason. Nothing better than a soldier who knows his shit describing it to his audience

[@kiereluurs1243]

No-no-no, no shit involved! Luckily.

[@EmmanuelBorg-z4h]

Great video. Thanks. I was the gunner on HAT-DICH for 6 months in 2003 for LTCOL D.M. Cantwell during Ex Croc O3 in Shoalwater Bay. Tpr E.Borg, served most of my time in C Squadron.

[@rodroper211]

i was at pucka mid 1977 when we had a field day for the great and the good to show off the new toy. laying the gun on and doing doughnuts was a crowd favorite

[@nicflatterie7772]

I was in the Canadian Army with the leopard in the 90’s, love it

[@BC55201]

What a great video. Jason really knew what he was talking about and did not dumb it down like so many narrators do. By the way it's my favourite tank too.

[@Mrbuckaroonie..]

I live in Innisfail. I got to get up to Cairns and see this museum. I actually sat on a Leopard in 1986 while it was live foring. It was pretty cool.

[@SteamCrane]

Excellent presentation, Jason knows his stuff. So much good information in 13 1/2 minutes!

[@doodskie999]

Such a good presentation and a very knowledgeable presenter. The Germans always had the tank game on hand.

[@stevestruthers6180]

Well, the presenter is a former Leopard tank commander, so he should be very knowledgeable.

[@lukefriesenhahn8186]

Happy Australia Day! The Leopard 1 is an amazing vehicle.

[@itt2055]

Thanks to all who have served and allowed me to enjoy my life.

[@gaborgredely1848]

Yes. T 55.

[@danmeehan1390]

I served on the Canadian Leo 1. Our original Leos had the same turret as presented. It was much later in it's service life that we went to the cast turret with the add on armour.

[@michaeldarby3503]

We need more these talks by Jason, love his knowledge and passion for his subject.

[@charlesemerson6763]

Thanks Jason for the informative chat and for you service as well.

[@gasgaslex_photos]

Beautifully informative, well done... and a sweet historical Aussie tank

[@abarthcorsa3493]

Modern MBTs are cool and all but the Leo 1 is so damn cool and aesthetically pleasing. One of the GOATs

[@fireabend_1226]

really a nice detailed lecture about the technology of the Leopard 1. Camera work, editing and sound are excellent. 👍

[@desmcharris]

I met Jason at the museum last September. Great guy to talk to, like all the staff at the museum. This was a fantastic walk through. Cheers.

[@260bossute]

This guy was absolutely on top of his game! Well done!

[@thehat2951]

I spent some time in the belly of the leopard in the 90s as a TFCS tech. Great flashback Jason, brings back some memories.

[@gernaneering]

Thar Aussie leopard would be my favourite post ww2 ,and cold war favourite western tank, love the philosophy of speed as a better defence than than having thick over heavy, love all the features including ease of maintenance, engine swap etc etc The Leopard is one of my personal favourites along with some other later day ones such as the weasel some have some specialist weapons incorporated into the design such as auto mortar fitted etc etc . Many thanks

[@Fiasco3]

They got a deal with them, they had bridge-layers and recovery vehicles as well. The thing with Australian procurement of tanks/vehicles is ease of maintenance, environmental survivability and most importantly range.

[@Mark-vq5dz]

Can't outrun a SABOT though.....I suppose Aussie army wouldn't really need a big tank force

[@iamasmurf1122]

@@Fiasco3there is zero point to having the inventory of tanks that we never use

[@MGB-learning]

Jason always does an Outstanding presentation of all his walkaround reviews.

[@steveyountz9184]

Amazing. That was soooo much information I will need to watch it a few more times to understand it all. Really great problem to have.

[@lachg1714]

Love the Leopard that’s on display in Canberra near Manuka. Seeing it lifts my spirits every time.

[@f1matt]

Leo1 looks great wearing Aussie camo.

[@harlech2]

Oh yeah, that L7(A3?) gun is STILL a potent bit of kit

[@MuseumsBloke]

Fantastic. No need for a written script here! Greetings from the UK.

[@danbusey]

Gotta LOVE someone that really knows the subject matter.

[@jaegergames7042]

My Old Man used to run these back from, I think, '79 to '82, and I heard all about it back in the day before I moved out. Love the Leopard, and got lucky enough to get inside one at Pucka as a Kid, and damn, left an impression. Thank you Lads so much for throwing this together, gonna show it to Dad next time I'm back down in Tassie.

[@PosthumousAddress]

What an absolutely brilliant video! You can just tell the guy knows whereof he speaks, wonderful

[@jimjasper9851]

I was present at the trials and run ups of these glorious tanks in 1976 as an invited guest ( I was in RASIGs at that time) what an absolute beauty of a machine, pity to see the Centurions leave though. Top video

[@Ben_got_bored]

Go see this museum. It's in Cairns and it is so awesome that we spent well over 3 hours there looking at all the well preserved military hardware.

[@greg.kasarik]

HIya Mate. Former Aussie tank soldier here B, HQ and then C sqn, although I did a Corps transfer to Psych in the mid 1990s. Great to see your breakdown of the vehicle. Shame it wasn't a week ago, because I spent the afternoon, explaining fairly much all that you do in this video to a friend. Also, glad that you have some of the numbers that I couldn't find in my old manuals. Anyhow, great video. Will definitely be keeping it for future reference! 🙂

[@pearce360]

Loved the knowledge from a vetran

[@dtrain1634]

One of the best channels hands down 😮 well impressed :)

05:30 ish. I dont know about Ammunition beeing used in Australia, but German/American Heat rounds for L7 Guns also had rotating bands on them, to lessen the spinn imparted on the round whilst going through the barrel. As far as I know the negative effect of spin on the heat round is also not down to it wanting to spin of the target, but down to the negative effect on the formation of the HEAT jet. The spin makes it less coherent, and that reduces the penetration of the HEAT round massivly. A problem the french solved by using the Obus G Round with internal ball bearings.

[@lukeguess5029]

Great rundown mate, well done. Some of my best time in these and the variants at the Regiment and SOA in the 80's and 90's

[@slikerdet]

In Norway some did not use the hydraulic system for crossing water and the engine sucked in water and we changed the oil 2 times on the engine and it worked very well after that. The engine will shut it self down if there are to much oil or coolant loss and if coolant sirculation is blocked but in battle you can overwrite this. On leopard 2 is much faster to swap the powerpack. Also the exaust sound from leopard 1 is really special, you will not here where it comes from or how many. The sound really mask the location and how many tanks are coming. It’s a big roar

[@sarcasmo57]

This guy knows his numbers. Super interesting, thank you.

[@jtvalente]

I love this place in Cairns! Best museum visit I’ve done in years! Can’t wait to get back! Hopefully for AusArmor fest

[@imsim6064]

i'll be there. what a machine

[@paoloviti6156]

I know very well the Leopard 1A2 when I was doing compulsory military service in Italy in 1971 and we Italians simply adored this tank. Very reliable and quite easy to maintain. I was very upset I couldn't drive because of my bad hearing 😢😢

[@qbi4614]

what was that?

[@paoloviti6156]

@@qbi4614 what do you mean what was that? I have impaired hearing!!

[@qbi4614]

@@paoloviti6156 SORRY, YOU WILL HAVE TO SPEAK UP.

[@paoloviti6156]

@@qbi4614 I have hearing aids!

[@Christophercles]

I remember being at a family day at puckapunyal and seeing the Leopards emerge from the water, such an amazing site!

[@r2vape]

Somehow this came up on my suggested, amazing thorough explanation of this. Truely marvelled at what a tank actually has, had no idea about this. Thank you for this video

[@DavidThomas-ke7ih]

Did a lot with the 1st Armoured Regiment at good old Puka range as part of 1st Brigade 5/7 RAR Mech 89- 95 and always in the bloody winter too very cold times but very good times hearing those beasts ripping across the the range and when we were doing a combined attack, it was a scramble to so who could get to the tank telephone on the back so you could have a bludge for awhile and have a chat with the commander

[@flasktalimasa5586]

That was awesome! Thank you. That was very informative you don’t even think about that stuff looking from the outside but this thing is loaded with technology.

[@kenbb99]

Wow! Expert on vehicles times expert on this vehicle = amazing knowledge.

[@tacfoley4443]

The additional 'armour' around the turret of the early Leo's including the Canadian version you showed, is actually a very heavy rubber/mesh composite designed with a stand-off as you can clearly see. This is to reduce the effect of an incoming HEAT round from say, and RPG-7, SAGGER, BMP round or similar.

[@aussiedazvk4djh889]

That was a great presentation. Thank you.

[@SeriviusR]

Great video! Expert knowledge of every detail and specification is impressive to hear and see!!

[@JRDavison]

Mate, thanks so much for your attention to detail in this post. The presenter did an awesome job and was very knowledgeable. Excellent stuff.

[@stumclean1946]

Great as always thank you

[@The-Master-Chief]

So I was travelling to where I’m staying for my holiday today and I have the luck to see one of the leopard as1’s on display outside. It was my first time seeing a tank in person and I really enjoyed it. If I ever come around near your museum I would definitely visit it as I am very interested in military stuff especially tanks and aircraft.

[@MarkusJung-y1b]

This remainds me of my Service time in a Leopard 1a4 in germany. Thank you very much

[@clydelourensz4077]

Thanks heaps Jason. The folk at the Mount Gambia RSL really need to see your video as they have made a real hash of the paint job on the Leo they have there.

[@hartle100]

Fantastic detailed information from a Pro. Thank you.

[@lappin6482]

Aussie legend

[@svenomick5857]

Great to listen to someone that knows what they’re talking about

[@merlin51h84]

Love those Leopards. Great tank for what it is.

[@geeeeeee3]

That's kind of surprised at how informative and articulate he described each tank. But I doubt one of the best narratives of a tank technical information I have heard well done

[@stirfrywok2927]

Excellent presentation, pleasure to watch someone who knows their stuff so well

[@danmitch5085]

This is the type of tank video I like to see! Banging out tech specs!

[@tank_museum_guy]

I am always amazed (and educated) by the amount of information Jason presents in these videos. Keep them coming and Tanks.

[@BallisticCoefficient]

An absolutely sublime presentation thank you.

[@chrishewitt4220]

Brilliant talk around the Leopard, Jason. Thanks, mate! See you up in Cairns late August!

[@towarzyszbeagle6866]

I got to climb all over one of these when we were on COVID border deployment at Wodonga and housed in the base up there. Was a blast.

[@Mr_Fu_Manchu]

Very well-made and informative video, thanks Aussies.

[@Tam0de]

For a few moments there, i closed my eyes & pretended i was listening to Steve Irwin talk about a tank in great detail instead of crocs & various other critters. I know it's kinda odd but hearing that accent reminded me of Steve.

[@brettcoles5262]

I use to carry them all over the place back in the old 158 Transport troop days.

[@skidlid4473]

Well done Belly, takes me waaaay back.

[@johnkelley9877]

The Australian Leopard AS1 has always been one of my favorite tanks. I also just subscribed to your channel. Thank you Jason for the information on the AS1 and this was a very interesting tutorial.

[@brenthartman502]

Fantastic video, so informative from a bloke that speaks to us all. Thanks a lot - look forward to your next one 👍

[@NPC-fl3gq]

Great video!! Well done mate, and thanks for your service!!

[@Journeyman53]

A brilliant tour from someone who knows. Thanks.

[@vincentwesolowski459]

Jason, I have to smile at your presentation. Your presentation exhibits the knowledge of a person who has spent many years in this tank, as you have stated. Were you an Armored Instructor?

[@jasonbelgrave2831]

I was qualified as a TTO (Trade testing Officer ) Guns and a Radio Instructor within the RAAC, however I was never at the School of Armour in that capacity as an Instructor, only within the 1st Armoured Regiment.

[@williamritchie693]

@@jasonbelgrave2831mate was an instructor on driving and serving and guns on leopard and abrahms. Mate your knowledge would have been a great benefit. Glad to see you still love the old girl.

[@Doctadeth]

If you're over West, The Army Museum of WA down in Fremantle has an AS1, as well as a couple of other really nice tanks and vehicles.

[@mongolike513]

And go see the Museum of Wrecks, brilliant. Also the ……Creek aviation museum.

[@anselmdanker9519]

Thank you- very informative 😊 and thank you for your service.

[@sjc7853]

Belly forgot the best upgrade to the Leo, painting callsign 23B on it and naming it Bullwinkle…. Great episode and knowledge drop mate.

[@williamritchie693]

I commanded the first abrahms that got that callsign and name. 23b.

[@stevestruthers6180]

The Canadian Army acquired 114 Leopard 1A3 tanks, along with a few armoured recovery and engineering tanks. Approximately 54 were stationed in Germany until Canada pulled out its NATO bases in Germany in the early 1990s. When the war in Afghanistan started, the tanks were upgraded with 1A5 turrets which had the newer EMES18 fire control system, but the original 1A3 hulls were retained. The 1A5 turrets were used mainly because they could accommodate a cooling system where the crew wore special cooling vests due to the intense heat in theatre. The turret was also large enough to accommodate the addition of external storage bins that could be used to store personal kit and other essentials. These upgraded tanks were designated Leopard C2. They were eventually taken out of service. The Canadian government tried to sell them but found no buyers and kept them as target hulks on the air weapons range at Canadian Forces base Cold Lake. In 2007, the Canadian Army acquired 20 new-build Leopard 2A6M tanks from Germany for use in Afghanistan. These were leased with the understanding that after the war ended, they would be overhauled and brought back to original condition at Canada's expense. Canada also acquired about 80 ex-Dutch Army Leopard 2A4s that had been sitting in storage, more or less, since 1984. These were refurbished and add-on armour packages were added along with anti-mine protection. These tanks were designated 2A4M CAN, and a few saw service in the later stages of the Afghanistan war. As an aside, the Canadian Army tank units in Afghanistan also used canister rounds - to rather good effect against Taliban infantry operating in open country. Canada recently donated about four of its current Leopard 2's to Ukraine. The government plans to replace these tanks soon. What the replacement will be remains to be seen.

[@Will-ce7tv]

I came here last year, loved it!

[@kristiangoransson6104]

We were told during our training on the Leopard 2A4, which has exactly the same switch function, that a German tank commander was killed by the hatch when fording. The switch failed to detect that the hatch closed and his head got stuck when the hatch was sucked towards the closed position by the power of the inlet air to the engine