Tank Chats #66 Leopard 2 | The Tank Museum

Tank Chats playlist • Tank Chats from The Ta... Curator David Willey gives chapter and verse on the German Main Battle Tank, Leopard 2, which first entered service with West Germany during the Cold War.
The Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank was kindly temporarily loaned to The Tank Museum by the Historic Collection of the Royal Netherlands Army.
Some stills and footage: © All rights reserved. (AR2011-0034-009, PA01-2016-0139-076, IS2010-3030-24, IS2011-1021-15, IS14-2017-0003-049, B11-ATHENA-020) reproduced with the permission of DND/CAF (2019)
At 6:29 Leopard 2 driving school tank, photo by Boevaya mashina, CC BY-SA 4.0 (creativecommon..., via Wikimedia Commons.
At 8:55 Leopard 2 from The Arsenalen Museum, Sweden.
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[@Torus2112]

There's a story about a Canadian Leo 2A6 in Afghanistan which hit a large IED, it was the first real world test of the tank's bottom armor upgrades, but the crew were unharmed. The commander expressed his gratitude in a letter to the German defense ministry, saying that though they had "made history" as the first ones to test the armor package it had in fact worked as advertised, and that he didn't think they would have survived the incident if they had been in any other military vehicle.

[@USSAnimeNCC-]

The A7 have a the same protection or was it the A7+

[@lesaustion]

@@USSAnimeNCC- us Canadians have our own configuration of leapard 2s, which the upgrade package we have mostly focuses on mine protection, among a few other things of course

[@cooldomon232]

@Nadia Baig i know the driver in that story he is now a sergent but about the letter i dont think so

[@rAAAnciiid]

@Nadia Baig www.giyf.com Legit! 11.02.2007 near Kandahar City. 3 slightly injured and one broken hip bone. www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article7214428/Im-Leopard-bombensicher-durch-Afghanistan.html

[@stoneychen1540]

Did this have the MEXAS system? Or was that not created yet?

[@HerrGausF]

The latest model is called Leopard 2 A7V. We've gone full circle.

[@99smite]

Damn! I see what you did there...

[@blbobobo]

Herr G aus F 100 years on and we’re still using the same tank! lol

[@davidlittle7418]

lol yes but probably a few improvements since the 1st one!!!

[@hvymtal8566]

Just a couple xD

[@Autechltd]

@@blbobobo One hundred years on it's still the same tank but upgraded a hundred times! A running joke with my friends is that the T-90 is merely a modernised T-34.

[@loganb7059]

> _15-20 minute engine change time_ Seems the Germans learned very well from WW2.

[@SaintMarneusCalgar]

In reality it takes longer but still only 30+ minutes is crazy

[@AllThingsCubey]

Engine changes in WW2 were rare, seeing as the transmission and final drives tended to break far more frequently in German tanks like the Panther and Tiger. Tbh, access to the engines in the big cats was good. However changing a transmission was a nightmare.

[@Tigrisshark]

Errr, have you seen the state of our equipment lately? Did we really learn? Debatable.

[@drewgkelly]

can confirm, ive pulled pack on these and swapped in a new pack in about 20 minutes in the field

[@loganb7059]

Wanderer My dude it’s called a joke.

[@SwissPatriot88]

I‘m a former Tank Commander, Swiss Armed Forces with the Leo 2 A4 and later upgraded to the Leo 2 WE. We used to have 380 of those beautiful beasts, but now we just keep about 184 of them... I love this Tank and I‘m proud to be a part of its history. Thx for sharing this video 👍🏼 keep up the great work

[@alloydog613]

One of my sons was a main gunner in the A4 in the Finnish army. He really liked it.

[@PolesAreEverywhere]

Im currently a A6 driver in Poland and I've had some training in Thun recently. Really pleasant experience. Cheers!

[@mieite779]

@@alloydog613 Also my son was gunner in Leo, same defece focre. My late dad was commander of Sturmi (Sturmgeschütz Ausf.G). Both liked their tools.

[@piotrd.4850]

@@PolesAreEverywhere Poland does not have any A6. A4 and A5.

[@Ruhrpottpatriot]

@@piotrd.4850 He probably means the A5, which looks (almost) identical to the A6.

[@TheAustrianAvenger]

I used to be a driver of a Leopard 2 A4 and just like he said, it's so easy to drive that thing. A lever to choose from forward, backward, turn, or neutral. Flick the gear lever into automatic and step on the throtle to unleash 1.500 of horse power. Best time of my life.

[@martinjrgensen8234]

The Austrian Avenger I heard it described by a Swedish tanker as “just like driving my dads Volvo”

[@DeltaAssaultGaming]

Only 1.5 horse power?

[@thelvadam2884]

@@DeltaAssaultGaming no in German/Austrian u use a "." as u use a "," in English so 1.500 in German means 1,500 in English , just a small oversight of the OP

[@KoeiNL]

I drove a training Leopard 2 tank as a 17 year old kid because my dad was an IT consultant for the Dutch armed forces at the time and got me a ride. I'd never driven a car in my life (at 18 you can get driving lessons), but it was so easy to drive. I also drove a Patria APC that day.

[@Davids6994]

How fast will ukrainians learn to drive it

[@_Matsimus_]

For all those bashing the leopard 2 from seeing some exploded tanks in Syria, have a word with yourself. This is an incredible tank. ❤️👍

[@flippingchips7343]

The best weapon is worthless if wielded by a poorly trained crew

[@rock_it9771]

oh a tank got taken out. so its a bad tank....the white player of the last chess game i watched lost. white is bad i think

[@TimmyTheTimeTraveler]

I wonder what knocked it out. im guessing ATGMs blew it up

[@WillHayes44]

@@hydorah In 1940 British build tanks were considered superior to german tanks as well, I wonder how that ended.

[@Nimmermaer]

@@hydorah Plenty of Abrams tanks were destroyed by IEDs and ambushes in Iraq. These are all cold war tanks and the old versions, like the A4s used by Turkey, are not made for asymmetrical warfare. There is a reason all major main battle tanks got upgrades in the form of urban survival kits in recent years. Also, no tank is invulnerable to modern anti-tank weapons. In modern warfare, tanks are huge targets and need to work closely with other forces in order to be effective.

[@Slaktrax]

After working with tanks for ten years in the Brit military, I had an opportunity to look around and drive a Leopard 2 (A4 version, German Army). Impressed would be an understatement; it was so well made. The quality and standard of manufacture was on a totally different level. It was like going from a Ford to a Mercedes and you had confidence immediately that everything would work as it should. This has got to be the most impressive MBT ever.

[@thewomble1509]

What exactly were you doing in the "Brit" military, or is it all TOP SECRET?

[@chrisashton9581]

Fantastic vehicle, reliable, effective and v well engineered.....made Challenger look like a cobbled together relic from a failed export order to Iran......which of course it was! But at least the Challenger kept a few jobs in the UK and propped up BaE systems, whose majority shareholders are not actually British!

[@agt155]

@@chrisashton9581 Leopard 2 has kept a few undertakers jobs around the world too.

[@G31M1]

As a german I feel very complimented even though it's not even my achievement :)

[@robertcartwright8165]

@@G31M1 That's nationalism. I take pride in my nation's beautiful mountains, which nobody made!

[@JonniePolyester]

Cannot understand why this video isn’t the most watched on KZbin right now? Surely the most well known tank in the world now. 21 Jan 23

[@tharos]

I wish you guys had an Abrams you could do a tank chat on. Before anyone says it, yes there are plenty of documentaries on the Abrams, but they're pretty dated at this point and most of them are a bit too...amplified for dramatic effect. A serious discussion from Tank Museum would be great.

[@guywhodoesstuff3314]

The chieftain did an inside the Chieftans hatch about the Abrams that I think you'd enjoy.

[@lloydellis5570]

Stavroforos agreed

[@davidlyon1899]

@@guywhodoesstuff3314 i saw the cheiftains chat but the sound was terrible/

[@ferretzim8694]

In a lot of documentaries with the Abrams, it's more of a statement than a tank. Then there's the obligatory national bias people have. I like the Leopard 2 because my country uses a variant of it. Matsimus has his Challenger 2. We all are biased. But there's no denying Leopard are among one of the most successful modern tanks in the world.

[@wierdalien1]

@@davidlyon1899 oh man up

[@Pincer88]

Thank you so much. I've worked alongside the Leopards in the RNL Army with the infantry. You'll not going to find a more reassuring beast beside you than a 60t growling monster that can plough through terrain like a rally car and can knock out anything on tracks in one shot on the move. Seen them perform on the Bergen firing range scoring direct hits while maneuvering rapidly. And the engine sound...... I actually cried when the last shot was fired by a Dutch Leopard in 2013. The stupidity. Sending infantry all over the world without their most valuable companions.

[@junkers66]

It was really a pity that the RNL got rid of the Leopards as it seems to me you guys really liked them. A lot of (good) vids of the RNL showing off the tank to the public on open door days.

[@MrKonnaheh]

Here in Finland we were quite happy with your decicion since we got 100 2A6 tanks for mere 200m euros :) (and we have our old 2A4s for spare parts)

[@Moonhermit-]

It's a sad story, but at the same time just pure pragmatism. The chances of the Netherlands getting involved in a war in which tanks are immediately needed to intervene, are quite low since the end of the cold war. So it's not that surprising that when budget cuts hit the armed forces, the tanks were quick to go. This does mean that in the rare chance that tanks are needed for immediate defence, we'll be looking towards Germany and other nato countries. However the Germans are doing something similar in regards to their navy and the Dutch navy. All in all, if we're gonna need tanks in a large scale war, we'll probably have time to rearm, and we'll have some experienced tank drivers through the mixed dutch-german 414 Tank Battalion. And if war breaks out in eastern europe (which is the most likely scenario for war in europe) our former tanks will be much more useful to the Finnish than for us. At least they won't be collecting cobwebs in storage without proper maintenance. At the same time, with all the news about improper equipment in the dutch armed forces, we should probably be looking to slightly invest more in our defence budget.

[@Szioul]

Those 2A6s also came with spare parts and all the necessary tools. At only 2 mil a tank, that was a steal.

[@runi5413]

Je bedoeld het "laatste schot" op Bergen-Hohne in 2011, niet 2013, toch?

[@johnberryhill8106]

I had 20 years in US Armor, and even with 4 different tank systems I was in.........I ALWAYS wanted to command a Leopard 2............

[@marcofrank2082]

John Berryhill as an ex German TC who commanded an M1A1 for 3 month I know what you mean. Even though the M1 was a good tank and I liked some features on it I liked the Leo2 A4 better. Of course I am biased, but all our American friends who served with us agreed. This of course is only regarding the working of the tank, not its armour, as I never got to test that. Thank God.

[@lylesloth1275]

@@marcofrank2082 hi marco if some kind of emp grenade offs all electric power in ur m1a1 tank, can u still fight normally and capably like if u had electric aide? Like maybe the bullets shoot faster or the aim periscope wil still be there?

[@marcofrank2082]

@@lylesloth1275 hi. I am no expert on emp. But it affects electronics, not necessary electric power. Military systems were furthermore hardened againstEMP as it was likely employed by the soviets. But should electricity fail in a tank you are down to emergency optics. No thermal imaging. And no stabilization for the gun. On an M1A1 and a Leo2A4 power traverse should still work. The Leo2A5 has an electric traverse, so you‘d be down to handcranking and track traversing (like a Sturmgeschütz). During training this is rehearsed. Assuming that your tank is damaged by a direct hit or artillery. With different damage scenarios going down from fully stabilized to partially stabilized to emergency operations. Each step reducing combat capabilities and the last one slightly inferior to ww2 standards. I hope this answers your question.

[@lylesloth1275]

@@marcofrank2082 hi thanks for this, its hard to find info that is properly connected like you said i would like to know where u got it form cause its interesting, and about the soviet emp thing you said i think i saw a documentary once about it, its also used in fighter jets su-35, pls check this documentary at pause at 35:15 , kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZjOkKiAnNalY80

[@marcofrank2082]

@@lylesloth1275 I got my info from a former east german soldier, in 1991, who served with a ballistic missile unit. He told me that in case of war they would have launched nuclear weapons to detonate them in the stratosphere to create an EMP over western europe to incapacitate our electronic equipment. During my training we were told, and I believed it back then, that our equipment was hardened against EMP, because the soviets would certainly use it. This confirmed it for me. Wether our equipment could have survived this I can‘t tell. It was gladly never put to the test. It was acknowledged back then that Warsaw pact/soviet equipment was definitely impervious to an EMP. Please be aware, that my information on this is rather outdated and second hand. Soldiers are not always told the truth. You want them to fight, so they have to believe their gear is better than the enemy‘s and they can win. 🙂

[@Sean_Coyne]

Superb talk, David. As a retired teacher I am always impressed to watch someone who not only knows their stuff, but can expound effortlessly, without ums and ers while they gather their thoughts. Well done indeed.

[@christianaspas]

Don’t you think he has a teleprompter of some kind?

[@user-mv6he6gl8m]

This is why I keep coming back to these tank chats (chats? rather a monologue). Fascinating stories including war, politics and technical progress presented very well indeed.

[@Erik_Taurus]

@@christianaspas Maybe he has, but if you're not sure or have the skills of talking in front of a camera or a crowd you still add words such as Sean Coyne mentioned.

[@christianaspas]

@@Erik_TaurusYes i agree, it is a skill to be a great communicator with or without technical aid.

[@simontyrrell8866]

Watched in January 2023. The Leopard is in the news. A very interesting film, David has a brilliant depth of knowledge thank you.

[@azynkron]

"Hey, John.. I need a 19/7 inch screw" "You need what?" "..19/7 inch screw.." "Go away.."

[@Wolfspaule]

inch away imperial system!

[@datadavis]

We will convert to metric. Inch by inch!

[@Skankhunt-ic2km]

Freedom units

[@Dave1-08]

In 2004 I was a young private in the Canadian Armed Forces. That year I was on an exercise where Leopard C2s were being used. Of the tanks, we were told, "Take a good looks boys cause this is the last time you're ever going to them". The plan was to take them out of service and replace them with Stryker IAVs equipped with a 105mm cannon. But the Leopards stayed on and went overseas to Afghanistan initially in 2006 and were still operating when I deployed there in 2008. Many of the Leopards that we were using actually came from Germany so the guys had to go there, learn German in order to operate the vehicles property. You could tell which one was a German tank if it had an MG3 mounted on top instead of a C6 (GPMG for those of you in the UK, M240B in the States).

[@tigercat418]

White men bad

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

@@tigercat418 I am convinced you're a bot. In fact, I know you are because I already caught you getting your knickers in a knot over some Chinese subjects - which for some reason is a preoccupation with you bots.

[@Wuestenkarsten]

Wow... did we deliver them to you with german Language Sign´s??? If yes, that Order must have been in a Hurry....Best regards to our Allies in Canada from Germany.

[@alexhayden2303]

@@tigercat418 Very Bad. Love the Fruit. Hate the Tree!

[@G31M1]

Damn so in 2004 I started going to elementary school haha. But nice to hear that you used the Leos again :)

[@speckledjim_]

"Different smoke dischargers for the Dutch" ha ha ha

[@michaelpielorz9283]

and their fume extractor is double the normal size.

[@johndododoe1411]

If they use the Turkish smoke fuel, it might reduce enemy agility, but qualify as a chemical weapon.

[@roadrunner6224]

The one we all waited for

[@christophersmall6130]

so true

[@tigercat418]

I hope the leopard 2 will conquer England after brexit

[@nickthorp5790]

@ "tiger cat" what do you mean you hope german tanks 'conquer' the UK after brexit? I would like to hear why you wrote that. where are you from? Does your mummy know you are using her computer?

[@junkers66]

@@nickthorp5790 I thing you are on the money the computer part

[@Rabidus289]

@@tigercat418 Not everyone supports the EU, you should respect that.

[@thehobbyshop5306]

“We were the biggest stick in the valley...” 😂 Luv this chap.

[@akopowerletsplay3884]

watch my tank videos,,,

[@wardeni4806]

Funnily enough, about 100 of the Dutch Leopard 2a6 tanks are now in service in Finland, though they've been re-equipped and modernised once again. These tanks are just so well built you only need to upgrade them every once in a while and they're still going to perform up to standards

[@marcofrank2082]

Wardeni you still have half a tank battallion which you share with the German army. So that makes about 13 Leopard 2A6. The unit only has two active companies. It is PzBtl 414 in Lohheide. 🙂

[@wudruffwildcard252]

Warms my heart to see Leopards being where they are supposed to be, still detering Russian aggression!

[@jnb894]

Those early Leopard 2 look like modern Tiger Tank, perfect blend between modern technology and old technology, plain perfection. What at an awesome machine.

[@henkkalyves9718]

Seeing this Leopard brings back good memories. During the time that The Netherlands bought this tank I was involved in the cooperation program. A number of Dutch mechanics were send to Germany to learn how to build the Leopard's transmission in The Netherlands as part of a cooperation project. We were send for 9 months to RENK in Augburg, the manufacture of the transmission. In addition to that I did an extra 3 months training as trouble shooter at the Krauss Maffei facilities in Munich . The transmission is the HWSL 354 and was attached to the MTU 12 cylinder diesel engine 1500 hp. The transmission is an awesome piece of German engineering. I was involved in building each and every transmission for the Dutch Leopards. Additional I did a lot of repairs in the field where the tank stranded due to transmission malfunction.

[@arn_ice]

Their story is indeed not over. I wish the crews and this tank all the best for the battlefield. As one who also knows where my heart lies.

[@markhaus]

I don’t know if it will be their final chapter but even if it is what a chapter it will be being sent to Ukraine

[@josephcullen5872]

Why do I have the feeling this video is about to become very popular again 😅

[@2710cruiser]

Here in Singapore we're using former Dutch Leo2 and renamed it a Leopard 2 SG. It's fitted with the Evolution armour package

[@ashleygoggs5679]

Gotta love the Germans. Taking engineering to hyperdrive. I could watch german tank chats all day long.

[@BoleDaPole]

Ik they're probably the most toxic tank community tbh

[@johnsmith-dx2ql]

I could watch german tanks getting blown up by russian drones and artillery all day long LOL Z ZNEED

[@FancyNaeser53]

​@@johnsmith-dx2qlcringe

[@badcallsign4204]

Excellent briefing on this tank. You stated exactly what I was thinking of the Turkish deployment of this amazing vehicle. I also pondered the idea that they just wanted the most advanced version for the lowest cost by attempting to blackmail the German government. Anyway, it's a gorgeous piece of German engineering. I first saw this vehicle in a convoy of the A4 version waiting for us to finish at the wash rack in Grafenwoehr, Germany in 1992. I was absolutely stunned. It is (to this day) one of the most beautiful objects I had ever seen. I said "That tank looks like it's better than ours" and the sergeant replied "It IS better than ours. Get back to work." and so I did, but I kept looking back at that first tank in the convoy. I was a young U.S. Army Private and I had just learned my first REAL lesson in German engineering. I will never forget that moment. Again, excellent briefing. I just love that tank!

[@9thbloodandfire508]

Aaahhh, good old Graf. I was there, in that region, serving among German a tank battallion in the 90s for 12 years. It is objectively debatable which one really is the better machine, Leo or M1. Advantages here and there for both of them. What I can say is, if you were 92 there, the very most of the German tankers, esp. the commanders, were rooted from the cold war area. Nothing more scary than an old, experienced German Master Sergeant as platoon leader from that area. We had one of them as head of the simulator centre, meanwhile a Sergeant Major. He had absolutely no mercy. Constant stressing, constantly bombarding you with artillery, and most feared, constantly sending the "Soviet Guards regiment T80" at you. "Use your brain, sharpen your awarness and focus! And always use your motor," he said. "You are in a tank, not in a gun turret!"

[@drewschumann1]

The Leo 2 isn't better than the M1

[@tonymorris4335]

@@drewschumann1 At various points in their lifecycle it very well might have been. Until you start seeing the M1 with the uranium weave top secret armor etc to really set it apart.

[@chaosXP3RT]

@@tonymorris4335 I haven't seen an Abrams blow off it's turret. Not even the Saudi Arabian Abrams do that

[@drewschumann1]

@@tonymorris4335 CITV equipped Leo II was better than the M1A1 at the time but only marginally so

[@EazyDuzIt187]

My father served in Cyprus during the Cold War as a Canadian Peacekeeper.. He was a tank commander of a Leopard 2. named it "Agony 1". Loved the video and learning more about this tank!

[@swunt10]

Leopard 1 you mean?

[@MrCootje1]

Used to be a gunner on one of these, way back in 86-88, best job ever

[@imrekalman9044]

"Best job ever"? Hm... Fury! :D

[@tigercat418]

140mm no loader

[@hazardous458]

tiger cat What?

[@nightfury8440]

@@tigercat418 it uses a 120mm...

[@stogmot1]

a very popular tank at the moment ,now is its true moment in history

[@kurthoman242]

@7:04 they show a Leopard 2 and what I assume is the WWII Tiger tank in the same frame. It is amazing how much bigger, sleeker, and more powerful looking the Leopard 2 is compared to the Tiger.

[@Drrolfski]

As a Dutch teenager, I was always amazed by these tanks at military shows.

[@wudruffwildcard252]

Damn, did you get to see a Renault or Citroen getting crushed? Leopards are only allowed to crush foreign cars! 🤣

[@kristianludvigsen3141]

I served in the Danish army, driving a leopard 2 A5 for 4 years. Was in afghanistan and Iraq with it. In my opnion with the new A7 there is no better main battle tank in the world.

[@thomashiberg3613]

The Danish tanks were in Iraq ?

[@mikilambastein1449]

@@thomashiberg3613 nej de var aldrig i Irak.

[@ProtonSucks]

Except the T-14, of course!

[@thomashiberg3613]

@@mikilambastein1449 Ved jeg godt ;-)

[@wudruffwildcard252]

@@ProtonSucks Well T-14 probably still has worse electronics and sights and nightvision and the gun on the A7V is on par with the T-14. So it comes down to who sees who first. And that competition will probably but most likely win the Leopard. And that fact is worth 4-5 rounds shot before a T-14 can react.

[@rolfhelder7771]

Thanks for the detailed information about the history of this tank. I hope that the Ukrainians will be victorious with the help of these beasts. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@littlefluffybushbaby7256]

I heard the Netherlands is buying their leased Leopards so they can send them to Ukraine and is also looking at sending F-16's. Well done. Although the Ramstein Leopard delay (there will be plenty eventually going) is disappointing, it's great to see so many countries stepping up to the plate. Denmark is sending all of it's Caesars for instance. They may individually be small amounts but, along with the huge US donations, it all adds up. Sadly Putin seems determined to take Russia down with him. The more arms to Ukraine means the quicker it is over, and the fewer people have to die for this deluded authoritarian. Ukraine is in the front line of democracy.

[@johnsmith-dx2ql]

AHAHAHHAHAA LOL

[@mohabatkhanmalak1161]

The Leopard looks a bit like the old Tiger, but bigger and sleeker. Beautiful.

[@leeboy26]

You can tell it's a dutch tank. It's covered in weed.

[@Greendyes_E]

🇳🇱🇳🇱🇳🇱🇳🇱🇳🇱Dutch glory mate.

[@Judasdfg]

As the finishing touch God created the Dutch.

[@USSAnimeNCC-]

The leopard 2A5DK have a different rear bussel and it the same or similar to the A7 also some little box on top of the gun mantle some kind of sensor I think

[@andrewphillips8341]

GOOD ONE!!!

[@berndlauert1046]

Do not forget the bong in the crew compartment

[@humveehunter]

I did see one of these drive treu a field... very very impressif .. very scary to... i was happy it was on my side

[@commercialartservicesartwo3133]

Every Museum needs to learn from what you are doing. It works quiet well and it's no doubt the way to really revive, or blow-up the interest in the museum. Take every item in your museum and talk about each piece in a nice presentation format with good graphics and filming. If you are a museum - pay attention to how this is done. I have no doubt that it's key to your survival.

[@kevinpavelchik9189]

The square-shouldered, right angled armor on the turret evokes memories of the Tiger -- and added to it's INTIMIDATION factor!

[@lukeh2440]

I always thought this about the Leopard 2!

[@christiangwenner6384]

@@lukeh2440 Which he was speaking about.

[@lukeh2440]

@@christiangwenner6384 well no, the comment I was commenting on was talking about resemblance to the Tiger 1, which I agreed with. Take ur useless comments elsewhere

[@christiangwenner6384]

@@lukeh2440 No need to get mad. Everything‘s fine, Luke.

[@lukeh2440]

@@christiangwenner6384 not mad, Christian. Simply responding to a pointless reply to my comment

[@Nat3ski]

Bet this video is gonna start seeing some views again now!

[@edturner4219]

The best Tank show.......... I'm saving up for my first Leopard.

[@xXExtremeGameXx]

Who would of thought when this was first aired that Leopard 2's would be fighting in Europe!

[@Dlmc85]

Wonder why this video is making the rounds again...

[@A.J.K87]

Wow, we had 450 of these things? Now we have only 18 rented from the Germans. I was lucky enough to see a live fire exercise of these tanks when I was twelve on a school trip.

[@murphy7801]

Bit of a change 😬

[@raxit1337]

What drove the Dutch to do this? Countries all over the world have these second-hand tanks, everybody was happy to buy them. Why did the Dutch feel different?

[@A.J.K87]

@@raxit1337 The 18 rented tanks were to keep the expertise alive in case we ever wanted to expand the armed forces with tanks again. So they wouldn't have to re-learn everything about tanks again. Coïncidentally the Dutch government is considering buying new tanks in light of the threat posed by Russia. Also, most available second hand Leopard 2's are older variants. The Dutch army wants the most modern versions to keep up with its allies. They work very closely together with the German army.

[@raxit1337]

@@A.J.K87 I understand the point of the rented tanks. My question was more aimed at why the Dutch decided to sell hundreds of good tanks in the first place.

[@A.J.K87]

@@raxit1337 Budget cuts. Since the end of the cold war defence spending has steadily declined to a point where large equipment like tanks was unstustainable. At one point we also had 200 f-16's. This was more and more reduced until we only had a few dozen. And now we have around 50 F-35's.

[@christian247ful]

I could listen listen to this man all day long everything he says is hundred percent correct! A true expert! My dad used to be gunner on the Leopard 2A4 in the mid 80s (cold war era) he said he was very impressed by the fire control system and its first hit probability. He said once you got used to it and got the target acquired that thing never missed one single shot no matter what travelling speed (own tank and enemy) range, wind speed or weather condition. It even compensates the expansion of the main gun after a couple of shots being fired within a short period of time. It literally takes thermal stress into account. The computer calculates every parameter you can think of. greetings from Germany!

[@sy97cri]

Fun story.. Was in Munster 2010.. Driving on a road with my bike. Bike started to sound extreamly strange. Eased on the throttle to try and isolate drivetrain of enginge ...... a rumbeling strange noise that I felt in the saddle .. looked right and on the field beside me approx 10 meters I was overtaken by a leaopard2. I was going .. 40 he was going more. I curse the day I didn't have a actioncam while driving...

[@trekaddict]

I have to say, there I feel some national pride whenever I see one of them things. She's a sexy beast, especially once the extra turret armour was added. It's one of those things we are very, very good at when we want to.

[@aussie870]

I reckon it looks formidable even with the 2A4 variant armour

[@gunner678]

I actually ordered up the brigade tank reserve in 1999 to counter the Serbian incursion into the demilitarised zone observed by the British Household Cavalry to our east and the American Brigade to our south. The reserve thundered up from the German Brigade based in Prizren, leopard 2s and marders, most impressive rumbling past the BHQ. The QDGS were deployed further north with a Squadron of Challenger 1 and around the Brigade HQ the Canadian LdSH arrived with their leopard 1's supported the warrior company I think of the IRISH Guards. Needless to say, the infringement of the UN agreed DMZ didn't last long. Quite exciting however.

[@Razor-fv2tv]

That's something nice. Not because of the tanks but because so many nations work together, the soldiers show mutual respect and people are saved and protected at the same time. Nobody would voluntarily mess with the whole of NATO. Even Putin wouldn't be that stupid.

[@sinbadcleo]

@@Razor-fv2tv History - esp. military history - is studded with commanders 'being that stupid'. Just 11 months ago Putin 'stupidly' ordered a 'Thunder Run'-type incursion from the Pripyat marshes direction south towards Kyiv, when the ground was still too soft for off-road manoeuvre. That was stopped in its tracks/repelled by essentially the same kind of 'salami slicing' that the Finns used in their 1939 Winter War..... against the Russians. Never presume 'not that stupid'. They may well try the same thing again in a few weeks' time.

[@alecbrown66]

I found the leopard 1 tank chat incredibly informative and this is the icing on the cake. Thank you

[@juanzulu2755]

What a great speaker. I could listen to him all day long.

[@theveeker6483]

I got to ride that Leopard 2 behind him at the past Tiger Day, what an incredible machine!

[@Studio23Media]

This is very helpful in January 2023.

[@daveabd]

Great videos. As an old Aussie tanker I really appreciate these chats.

[@DanielMasmanian]

Thanks for your service mate

[@Roestikrokette]

as a former leopard2 commander in switzerland i thank you very much for this interesting tank chat!! and hey, that tank needs a track pad replacement ;)

[@karlp8484]

Parts of the Leopard 2 go even further afield. The powerpack (engine and transmission) and gun are licence built for the Israeli Merkava 2 and 3.

[@CaptianInternet]

After watching this Video I once again ask myself why I sit bored at home to make a living while others were smart enough to learn about tanks and rung a museum of this interesting machinery. Great content. I envy this good sir.

[@richardgriffin2302]

I've always had respect for the leopard 2. On paper and in test it was very capable. Afghanistan happened and I really likes the tank. Sure there gonna be a rivalry between the leopard 2 and the Abrams. Let's remember they're both on the same side. Most armies will be facing these two tanks fighting together, and that's terrible news to any ground commander on the other side.

[@liquidmantel8164]

Im glad i am able to see this happen in my lifetime. Slava Ukraine!!

[@dschehutinefer5627]

@@liquidmantel8164 Well, 'glad' is a poor choice of words, since this whole war and the entailing loss of innocent lives is just infuriatingly pointless. And yet I am also morbidly curious to watch how well the Leopard will perform and allow the Ukrainians to push Putin's garbage army out. I'm praying it will be quick and one-sided.

[@Boric78]

I like this guy - every video you learn something only a real expert could know and he tells it in an engaging manner. But more importantly "The Mature Facial Hair" - its obviously essential to become a true AFV Guru - someone should tell the Cheftain! It would appear the Military Histories Visualized or not guy (I should remember his name - so poor) got the message. And he was at Bovington last summer so he was obviously made a member of the club. Personally I view David's mustache as a national treasure along the lines of Buckingham Palace or HMS Victory.

[@trycoldman2358]

*Did I hear german engineering*

[@sl06bhytmar]

Kraut Space Magic

[@Ecselsiour]

Glory to Krupp Stahl! Hans, play Panzerlied!

[@Cancun771]

That's the best kind, according to Top Gear logic.

[@StukaCat]

Muller!play ze Erika marching song!

[@vinces7001]

Corps rung Durch Technik!

[@TheDude50447]

The arrowhead on the A5 model and onwards is actually completely hollow. Apparently if a penetrator dart enters this hollow compartment with its full length before strinking the actual armor it gets destabilized and again apparently the hollow compartment is at the right size to basically turn the dart 90 degrees and hitting the turret front flat.

[@wr1120]

I wonder why this video popped up as a suggestion today 🤔

[@ce17ec]

Probably mister Poetin wanted to see some nice footage from the time he was a spy in Eastern Germany ......

[@devonopdendries7722]

I had the pleasure of crawling through a Canadian Leopard II A3 last week at CFB Gagetown. A tank driver was nice enough to take the time to allow me to sit in each position, as he explained the various controls. Nice to see this video pop up soon after! I believe that black round thing 8:36 is a pressure switch that the loader can lean against to open the internal ammunition blast door.

[@pzakp311]

Your believe concerning the ammo hatch is correct. Greetings from Germany from an ex-tanker.

[@drewgkelly]

your welcome for the tour, it was fun being able to show off what i do and the vehicle i operate.

[@devonopdendries7722]

@@drewgkelly Thanks again man! We really appreciated you taking the time.

[@Sebastian-yl7nq]

Panzerbattalion 14, Hessen, Österreich ... Great time serving on one of our Leopards

[@WillHayes44]

Hessen, Österreich... is that code like Tirol, Germany

[@Sebastian-yl7nq]

@@WillHayes44 it is beeing called that way because the name of the Barracks is Hessen

[@WillHayes44]

@@Sebastian-yl7nq understood, thank you...

[@greenhead96]

Where is the Austrian miltary based near lower austria or steiermark

[@michaelholloway8]

I had a Leopard 2 parked in front of my house. Beautiful machine. What surprised me most was how quiet it was. I think the truck that was hauling it was louder.

[@littlefluffybushbaby7256]

Parked? Truck hauling it? Maybe there's the explanation of how quiet it was (or did I miss your joke?). 😃

[@michaelholloway8]

@@littlefluffybushbaby7256 Sorry. They had to drive the tank off the trailer, because it was in front of the LAV. There was a concern that with all the construction around Regent Park the roads wern't going to take the weight of the LAV, the tank and the truck all at the same time.

[@littlefluffybushbaby7256]

@@michaelholloway8 I figured that was the case. Just teasing. I know it's not good to say it, as they are killing machines, but the Leopard 2 is a nice looking tank. Not sure I'd want to date one as I think they only eat meat and lots of it. The later Leopards with the 'arrow' front just don't look nice. I think looking nice going into battle must be important, right? 😃

[@wheredidugo6739]

I could listen to this guy for days!

[@RustenSKE]

Hah, I remember back in 2009 a Taliban fighter trying to engage our Leo's from about 900m with a RPG, the RPG went short... Like really short, the shooter got a nice reply back, and that didn't go short, was a nice and quiet day after that. 🤣

[@zxbzxbzxb1]

900m with an rpg?! Thats optimistic...

[@zxbzxbzxb1]

Yh thats kind of my point. Of course they do shout Allah Akhbar which doubtless triples the chance of a hit... 😞

[@peppermintbutler9059]

Sweet!!!....thx for your service...👍👍👍

[@Khabaal87]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l36Wdp-Kq6toaKs some example footage ^^

[@thorstenguenther]

​@@zxbzxbzxb1 I've heard the same being said about early war efforts by the Waffen SS, so it seems to be a common trait that the more ideology comes into play, actual knowledge of tactics and strategy are lacking behind (later in the war the Waffen SS became more proficient as soldiers). Another common trait is that when it comes to atrocities and war crimes, both organisations excel...

[@xKuukkelix]

We accidentally sank one of our leopard 2a4s to swamp bit over a year ago in a combat exercise. Only the tower was visible. We needed two or three (can't remember) other leopards to pull it out and it needed a new engine, new transmission and lot's of other new stuff and it wasn't cheap

[@1701spacecadet]

Why a new tranny? Was towing it out what wrecked the gearbox?

[@rattroll4803]

Leopard 2, Most Beautiful & Powerful Tank still in 2020!!! Awesome!!!

[@rob3609]

One of the most beautiful tanks ever made 🇨🇦🤩

[@benjaminpont220]

Looks like we’re about to see it in action again, this time against the foes it was designed to defeat!

[@AugustGreen_]

This is one of my favorite tanks just because of its great looks

[@Trojan0304]

Best tank channel, hope you update in 2023 after battle reports made available

[@Daniel.Liddicoat]

7:05 I don't think I've ever seen a Tiger and a modern MBT in the same frame before. Just shows you how massive MBT's are.

[@martinjohnson9316]

If i was'nt at all interested in tanks, which i am, i would still be unable to leave any David Willey presentation until it finished. His command of the subject together with well chosen words, none of which are superfluous, make learning about this tank a delight. Thank you Mr Willey!

[@v8mufflerboy84]

Thanks!

[@DecoratedSPLATTER]

always interesting videos, thank you Mr. Willey, and Mr.Fletcher

[@Demogrunt]

I would like to commend you on your knowledge. I did not realize the the Leopard started production in the '70s. Holy crap they can change an engine in 20min

[@bertiewooster3326]

So they say .

[@dsfs17987]

"..it's amazing how quickly this vehicle can go backwards" French - WRITE THAT DOWN, WRITE THAT DOWN!!

[@bekhouwe8888]

Verdun mate... the french symbol of resistance. The longest battle of every war. The red zone there is called red because no place on earth is soaked with so much blood than that place.

[@madelief47]

I have seen the tests of the Leopard 2, in Amersfoort, at the end 1981, begin 1982. It was snowy then, and ice on the road. Can you skate with tank? Yes you can! This one is from 42 tank battallion, "Prins van Oranje" stationed in Havelte.

[@roelbakker90]

The Royal Dutch Army (Koninklijke Landmacht) is considdering to buy tanks again with the budget being increased. There has not been made a decision which tank they will buy. But the Leopard 2A7 will most likely be on the contenders list.

[@1barnet1]

Leopard is definately the best contender. It has a reasonable maintenance schedule and not the stupid idling fuel costs of the Abraham's turboshaft engine. Sure the Russians have a nice new platform. But that is a big no no politically.

[@jwenting]

not going to happen. More likely Dutch crews are going to come under permanent German and French control as part of the planned "EU army" and then used against the Dutch population when we finally get the guts to rise up against the EU oppression.

[@TorianTammas]

@@jwenting Where do these claims come from? Are they based on some study then please share a link. If it is a gut feeling which results in a rant then thanks for sharing.

[@ddekruik]

In Germany in bergen there was a computer system to train with shooting and planning what way to attack. There were 3 real torrents with 3D screens around the rooms

[@MC-pt8kv]

I wonder why this is getting recommended to me again all of a sudden. I lied. I know why.

[@okrajoe]

One of my favorites since I built a plastic model of the Leopard as a kid.

[@Kyleinasailing]

Went to this museum last month, well worth the visit.

[@finbass5764]

This should be a Netflix series with hour long episodes just talking about different tanks

[@ElysiumNZ]

I definitely like the arrowhead design turrets of the A6+ models. Another advantage of the Leo 2 is cost compared to the Abrams.

[@sthenzel]

Especially when it comes to refuelling. The turbine is thirsty! Ok, fuel cost doesn´t matter at all in conflict, but getting it to the frontline tanks does!

[@sthenzel]

Just checked wikipedia. Leo: 1200litres of fuel for 550km (317gallons / 340miles M1: 1900litres for 426km (500gallons / 265miles)

[@ElysiumNZ]

Jimmy De'Souza if it was myth, why is the is the US army looking to go diesel for future tanks? Any case Abrams uses JP-8 jet fuel so is expensive regardless of the debate of fuel consumption rate.

[@sthenzel]

If i may quote nationalinterest.org : "the Abram’s notoriously thirsty turbine engines. " or forum-sicherheitspolitik.org: "M1A2: Kraftstoffvorrat 1885L mittl. Verbrauch Str.(L/100KM) 405L Leopard2A4: Kraftstoffvorrat 1200L mittl. Verbrauch Str.(L/100KM) 218L" or armyrecognition.com: "with a maximum cruising range of 425 km"

[@Grendel757]

​@Jimmy De'Souza The Abrams consume twice the amount of fuel than the Leopard 2.

[@Splodge542]

What a brilliant and exciting and interesting speaker he is. I think this is his best yet.

[@frankandree62]

Does this man have his command of knowledge and history screwed down tight or what.? always fascinating and motivating. thank you

[@paulgrant7949]

On the Dutch Leopard, you'll find they also have smoke dischargers on the inside!! There's also a storage compartment to house junk food, for when you get the munchies!!!

[@comments.cuestionsandconcerns]

as a former tanker and desert storm veteran i really enjoyed this video. thanks.

[@alonespirit9923]

It has constantly been interesting through several decades to see how many civilians don't grasp the fullness of the concept which is here described as "The biggest stick in the valley" after the 17:43 point.

[@oelsburger]

Thx for this great Video and unknown informations......greetings from Germany from a Commander Leo 2 A4 in the early 90ˋs...

[@MrTKbh]

The Danish experienced early that the insurgents tried to mass assault a LEO 2 with tens of guys, they thought the sandy winds or darknes where their friend. The thermals sighting, 1.200rpm coaxial machinegun and canister rounds replied the challenge, and the genies is no more. The canistershots where put to good use at close ranges, as well as HE for overwatch and direct fire support. Especially having ground troops chasing the enemy out in the open or force them to change position.

[@markiobook8639]

That's the key, you have to have soldiers willing to face heavy enemy fire, facebthem andvfire back and either outgun them or outflank them. Either way you need soldiers not afraid to get struck, because you're going to get shot sometime if you're going to play soldier.

[@maringarvanovic8011]

I am becoming a David Willey groupie!. Love these and his level of knowledge is amazing. Thank you so much.

[@TheBob3759]

The Leopard II is considered the best tank in NATO. The Germans continued their excellence in heavy tanks.

[@haraldlorentzen40]

Nice video. The Leopard series are very nice indeed it seems. Oh, and TOG II quietly sits in the background wondering what all the Leopard fuss is all about, but TOG does not care as we all know :)

[@littlefluffybushbaby7256]

For Tog, sitting in the background is the biggest challenge.

[@Comandokiller1]

Free the Leopards

[@nickhtk6285]

#NAFO was here.

[@VonBlade]

Spectacular presentation. Particularly like the "in service" footage. The traversing rate is tremendous.

[@ToxikDouche]

Boy I bet this video just got a lot more popular recently (January 2023)

[@Rick2010100]

The Leoprad 2 composite armour is mainly steeel, rubber, aramid, ceramic, thungsten. The ceramic layer stops the holocharger plasma.

[@rogerwilco2]

Nice to see one of the Dutch Leopards. I was sad when the Government decided to get rid of them. I think history has shown that the Dutch are to quick to disarm in peace time and to slow to re-arm when the threat of war rises. I say that as someone with quite a pacifist attitude. It caused us a lot of trouble in WW2, and the fundamentals of our politics haven't really changed enough that it might not happen again. The point of tanks is that you might not need them for a long time, but if you need them, there no quick way of getting them unless you already have them.

[@MrKj202]

Oh boi this comment has aged like wine. Don't worry, the germans did the same

[@Matamoros212]

@@MrKj202 Yes, we Germans apparently can only think in extremes

[@MrKj202]

@@Matamoros212 Brudi, frag mich und "mein" österreichisches Bundesheer. Wir haben vielleicht 10 einsatzfähige Leos aus den 80ern im ganzen Land, aber Hauptsache noch eine Wehrpflicht :D