|
|
Forums - Research / Post-WW2 |
This Post WW2 forum is intended for asking and discussing reference or historical related issues pertaining to any time after WW2 (1945+) subjects. |
| Topics | 1387 |
| Messages | 5010 |
|
|
| Subject: | You're right Matt! |  |
| Date: | Apr 24, 2007 |
| From: | Alex Borsboom | |
Hi guys,
The Leopard AV (Austere Version) was a serie of prototypes develloped for the US in competition with the M1 Abrams.
It was the first Leopard 2 with the 'square' turret, the prototypes before it had a turret with the shape (though bigger of course) like the Leopard 1A4 had. It also introduced the final 'right angled' hull sides, as the earlier prototypes has sloping sudes, again akin to the Leopard 1.
The AV was build with both 105 and 120 mm guns. It had a slightely shorter hull and turret, and a completely different glacis and nose.The drivers hatch was not the pivotting type as was used on the 2A1 to 2A4.
Over all it looks rather clean, with the on vehicle tools mounted on the hull sides, leaving the hull roof uncluttered.
A limited number were build, these were tested in the US, and rejected as the new US standard MBT.
It is though an important vehicle as it basicly was the first Leopard 2 with the hull and turret form we know now, all the earlier prototypes looked like a Leoaprd 1A4 on steroides.
Cheers,
Alex |
| |
|
|
|
