Is the Leopard 2A7 a Heavy Tank?
Understanding the Leopard 2A7
Yes, the Leopard 2A7 is classified as a main battle tank (MBT) and is considered a heavy tank. It is an upgraded version of the Leopard 2, featuring enhanced armor, improved weaponry, and advanced technology for modern warfare.
Designed for both offensive and defensive operations, the Leopard 2A7 is renowned for its mobility, firepower, and protection. Its weight typically exceeds 60 tons, further supporting its classification as a heavy tank.
Leopard 2A7 Specifications and Performance
Despite its heavy classification, the Leopard 2A7 is surprisingly versatile. At 55 tonnes, it seems heavy but with a powerful 1500 hp diesel engine, it is still very fast, clocking up to 60 km/h. This is just 18 tonnes less than an M1A2 Abrams, showcasing its impressive performance in comparison to other main battle tanks.
The Evolution and Terminology of Tanks
The term heavy tank is considered obsolete and has not been in use since shortly after the end of World War II. During World War II, a wide variety of armored fighting vehicles (AFVs) were deployed, including heavy, medium, and light tanks, often distinguished by their weight. Other special vehicles such as assault guns, tank destroyers, self-propelled guns, infantry tanks, and unique national designations (like cruiser or cavalry tanks) were also utilized.
Historically, AFVs were in their infancy, and various types were experimented with. However, by the end of World War II, battlefield experience began to show what worked in a tank and what did not. Standardization in training, maintenance, and interchangeable spare parts made it desirable to minimize the number of designs in use by a country. This led to the concept of incorporating features into a single vehicle design that could fill different roles previously filled by separate vehicles.
Main Battle Tanks (MBTs)
By the end of World War II, countries started to integrate most or all these roles into a single vehicle called a main battle tank (MBT). One of the first examples of such a vehicle was the British Centurion, which, though not significantly used in World War II, saw extensive use in the post-war era, including in Vietnam, Korea, Israel, and throughout the Cold War. The Centurion could perform a wide range of tasks, from supporting infantry and breaking through defended locations to exploiting gaps and destroying enemy tanks, reconnaissance, and direct fire support.
In military parlance, the Leopard 2A7 is a main battle tank. By the standards of World War II, it would be classified as a heavy tank based on its weight, but the term is no longer used in modern military contexts.