Tank “leopard” – Intelligence Battle

Tank “Leopard” – intelligence battle

Even during the design of mass reconnaissance tank companies MIAG and Daimler-Benz were to design a new combat helicopter, which received index VK 1602 and named “Leopard” and is intended for the so-called reconnaissance in force.

Tank VK 1602 is a development of experienced VK 1601, manufactured in 1940. The latter was conceived as a vehicle support for the infantry and was very powerful for a light tank booking – from 50 to 80 mm. Structurally, it was similar to other prototypes that period – VK 901 and VK 903rd had a similar armament. VK 1601 received the army index Pz.II Ausf.J. Seven of these vehicles were combat tests in the 12 Panzer Division on the Eastern Front.

However, from its predecessor, “The Leopard” borrowed except that the thickness of the armor plates, the rest of it was a completely new combat vehicle, which is sometimes called “Little Panther”.

Reservations tower “Leopard” is 50 – 80 mm case – 20 – 60 mm. Combat weight increased to 26 tons Dimensions reached 6450 mm in length, 3270 and 2800 mm in width and height respectively. HL 157 carburetor engine capacity 550 hp (404 kW) clocked “Leopard” to the maximum speed of 50 km / h (according to other sources – 60 km / h). The peculiarity of the machine – located aft transmissions, typical for a German tank. In the welded turret faired mounted 50-mm gun KwK 39 having a barrel of 60 calibers and coaxial machine gun MG 42 caliber 7,92 mm. The gun was supplied with two-chamber muzzle brake. Characteristic features of the external tank had been a commander’s cupola molded mask and gun type Saukopf – «pig’s snout. Chassis “Leopard” consisted of six road wheels on board, staggered. Track width – 350 mm. Crew – four.

Production of the prototype began on 30 April and ended on Sept. 1, 1942. «Panzerprogramm 41″ release included 339 “heavy scouts. Mass production was planned in June 1943, but already in February cancellations. This decision is not surprising, since for reconnaissance in force “hard intelligence” proved to be too heavy. At a mass greater than the average tank Pz.IIl, «The Leopard” was armed with exactly the same and different for the better, just more heavy armor, and better maneuverability characteristics. But both did not leave him a chance at a meeting with a Soviet T-34 or American “Sherman”. So besides the prototype single “Leopard” was not built. Tower of same, that was made for this tank was used on the heavy eight-wheel armored vehicles Sd.Kfz.234 / 2 “Puma”, although in some lite – without the commander’s turret.