1/35 German Main Battle Tank Leopard 2 A7V

Nearly twenty years since the release of Item 35271 (1/35 Leopard 2 A6) in 2004, Tamiya is proud to welcome the Leopard 2 A7V with totally new parts into 1/35 Military Miniature Series.

The Leopard 2 A7V is an improved version of A7 (A7 is improved version of A6 and the “V” in the A7V designation stands for “verbessert’’ (improved) ), and features additional hull front armor and side skirts for improved defense. The suspension was also improved to help deal with the tank’s extra weight. The A7V inherits the A6’s L/55 120mm gun, but with the updated shell, the A7V can take on enemy armor up to five kilometers away. Units began receiving the A7V in September, 2021 and A7Vs saw further improvements such as turret-top stowage boxes and main sight visor.

It seems with that this venerable tank’s 40-year career is set to carry on into the future thanks to its continued evolution.

German Main Battle Tank Leopard 2 A7VSpec Images

Figures have a choice of head parts, and decals are included for 3 different sleeve rank insignia.	The lower hull anti-mine module is accurately depicted.	Photo-etched grill mesh makes for a detailed finish.
The side basket (used to store the Barracuda camouflage net) also uses photo-etched parts.	Straight sections are split into two parts, and curves are recreated with individual links.	Photo-etched parts

About the Model
• This is a 1/35 scale plastic model assembly kit. Length: 320mm, width: 110mm.
• The powerful Leopard 2 A7V form with square headlights, front additional armor plate and updated turret rear shape is faithfully captured based on extensive research of the actual tank.
• Photo-etched parts have realistic renderings of engine grille mesh and turret-side basket sections.
• Mud flaps are depicted on the turret rear sides.
• Snap together assembly type tracks have one-piece straight sections.
• Includes two torso figures which depict commander and loader. Choose between head sections with helmet and beret. (ref. Images 8 and 9)
• Comes with a choice of three marking options to the 393rd Panzer Battalion and the 104th Panzer Battalion.
• Decals are ready for use in the depiction of insignia on shoulders and German flags on sleeves of the figures.
• Comes with masking stickers for clear parts.

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Item 12694 1/35 Scale German Leopard 2 A7V Metal Gun Barre

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About the Real German Main Battle Tank Leopard 2 A7V

The Leopard 2A7V is the latest iteration of the Leopard 2 series, which is a main battle tank developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) in Germany. Here are some key features and details about the Leopard 2A7V:

Development and Upgrades

• Introduction: The Leopard 2A7V is an upgraded version of the Leopard 2A7, which itself is an evolution of the earlier Leopard 2A6.
• V Designation: The 'V' stands for 'Verbessert,' which means 'improved' in German.

Design and Armament

• Main Gun: The Leopard 2A7V is equipped with the Rheinmetall 120mm L55 smoothbore gun, which is an advanced version of the gun used in earlier models. It can fire a variety of ammunition types, including armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds.
• Secondary Armament: It features a coaxial 7.62mm MG3 machine gun and an optional roof-mounted 12.7mm machine gun or 40mm grenade launcher for additional firepower and anti-air defense.

Protection and Survivability

• Armor: The Leopard 2A7V has enhanced modular composite armor that provides superior protection against kinetic and chemical threats. The armor can be upgraded in the field as needed.
• Active Protection System: It can be equipped with active protection systems (APS) like the Trophy system, which intercepts and destroys incoming projectiles.
• Improved Survivability: The tank includes improvements in mine protection and offers better protection for the crew against IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices).

Mobility

• Engine: The Leopard 2A7V is powered by an MTU MB 873 Ka-501 diesel engine, delivering 1,500 horsepower. This engine provides excellent mobility and a top speed of around 68 km/h (42 mph) on roads.
• Suspension and Tracks: It has advanced suspension and tracks that allow it to maneuver effectively over various terrains, maintaining stability and speed.

Electronics and Optics

• Fire Control System: The tank is equipped with a state-of-the-art fire control system that includes thermal imaging, laser rangefinders, and advanced targeting systems, allowing for high accuracy in targeting both stationary and moving targets.
• Command and Control: The Leopard 2A7V incorporates advanced communication and battle management systems, ensuring seamless integration within modern military networks.

Crew and Ergonomics

• Crew: The tank is operated by a crew of four: commander, gunner, loader, and driver.
• Ergonomics: The interior is designed to provide the crew with improved comfort and safety, enhancing operational effectiveness over extended periods.

Operational Use

• Deployment: The Leopard 2A7V is designed to be deployed in a variety of combat situations, including urban warfare, thanks to its enhanced protection and firepower.
• Users: Germany is the primary operator of the Leopard 2A7V, but it is also offered for export and may be used by other countries looking to upgrade their main battle tank fleets.

Conclusion

The Leopard 2A7V represents the pinnacle of German tank engineering, combining advanced firepower, superior protection, and excellent mobility. Its numerous upgrades over previous models ensure that it remains one of the most formidable main battle tanks in the world, capable of meeting the demands of modern warfare.