Leopard 1 was a class leader in mobility. But as with all things it came to a point where it needed a successor. The designers at Kraus-Maffei subsequently submitted the Leopard 2 for approval which when accepted, replaced Leopard 1. It is armed with the smoothbore 120mm developed by Rheinmetall which is also now fitted to the American M1 Abrams and the latest generation is being fitted to the UK's Challenger 3 meaning at long last NATO MBTs have common ammunition capability.
It is easy to forget that 'Leo 2' first entered service in 1979 but, the platform has held good through many upgrades and developments having been sold to many foreign countries in various specifications. I remember well when on joint exercises that unmistakable low decibel rumble as its engine powered it through the countryside. In this new sketch I've drawn a Bundeswehr Leo 2 moving forward as its commander watches ahead for obstacles or targets.
