The AUSSIE Leopard AS1

Summary

The script provides an in-depth overview of the Australian Army's Leopard AS1 tank, drawing on the author's 12 years of experience with the vehicle. It details the Leopard's capabilities including mobility, armor protection, weaponry, and special features to handle extreme terrain. The author also recounts key battles where the tank was used and traditions around naming the vehicles. The script conveys the author's enthusiasm for the Leopard as his favorite Cold War-era tank, inviting viewers to ride in one at an upcoming event.

Takeaways

• 😃 The leopard AS1 is a highly mobile medium battle tank used by the Australian army from 1976 to 2006
• 🚗 With its 830 hp engine, the leopard can reach speeds up to 62 km/h across rough terrain
• 🔫 The British L7 105mm rifled gun fires a variety of ammo, effective up to 8 km range
• 🛡 The welded steel turret provides around 248mm protection at its thickest point
• 👨‍✈️ The tank commander, gunner and loader each have specialized roles and optics
• 💦 The leopard can ford waters up to 4 meters deep using 14 water tight hatches
• ⚙️ Sensors provide inputs to the ballistic computer, correcting for conditions
• 🎖 Australian leopards saw combat action in Vietnam at Binh Ba and Hat Dich
• 🏆 The video creator considers the Leopard AS1 the best Cold War era tank
• 🎫 The video is an invite to Oz Arma Fest 2024 to ride in a Leopard tank

Q & A

When did Australia first receive the Leopard AS1 tanks, and for how long were they in service?

Australia received the Leopard AS1 tanks in 1976, and they were in service for about 30 years.

What modifications were made to the Leopard AS1 to adapt it for operating in hotter temperatures?

To adapt the Leopard AS1 for hotter temperatures, modifications included switching from spring bump stops to hydraulic and installing tropical radiators for better water flow.

Why is the Leopard AS1 classified as a medium battle tank?

The Leopard AS1 is classified as a medium battle tank because its armor is thinner, focusing more on mobility and firepower rather than heavy protection.

What are the capabilities of the MB 838 engine found in the Leopard AS1?

The MB 838 is a 10-cylinder twin mechanical supercharged multifuel engine, producing about 830 horsepower at 2200 RPMs, and it can be removed in about 30 minutes for easy maintenance.

How does the Leopard AS1's design allow it to ford water obstacles?

The Leopard AS1 can ford water up to 4 meters deep by closing about 13 valves around the hull and two clack bang valves in the turret, while drawing air through a snorkel on the crew commander's position.

What unique safety feature is associated with the commander's hatch in the Leopard AS1?

The Leopard AS1 has a micro switch safety mechanism that prevents closing the commander's hatch during water fording to ensure air intake, automatically shutting off the engine if the hatch is closed.

How does the Leopard AS1's armor protection compare in different parts of the tank?

The Leopard AS1's armor varies, with the turret having an outer plate of 30 mm, a polyurethane-filled gap, and an inner plate of 35 mm, offering up to 248 mm of protection at a 65° angle, and the sides featuring a 12 mm outer plate, a gap, and a 35 mm inner plate, angled for additional protection against heat rounds.

What is the main armament of the Leopard AS1, and what types of ammunition can it fire?

The main armament is the British L7 rifled gun, capable of firing armor-piercing discarding Sabot, practice rounds, high explosive squash head (HESH), heat rounds, and canister rounds for various combat scenarios.

How does the Leopard AS1's fire control system enhance its combat capabilities?

The Leopard AS1's fire control system, made by Sabca, includes a laser range finder and can engage targets up to 4,000 meters, with the capability for indirect fire up to 8 km using HESH rounds, and incorporates various sensors to adjust for internal and external conditions.

What historical significance do the battle honors of Binh Ba and Hat Dich hold for the Leopard AS1 and its operators?

Binh Ba and Hat Dich are significant battle honors for Leopard AS1 operators, as they represent key engagements during the Vietnam War where the tanks and their crews demonstrated operational effectiveness and contributed to Australian military efforts.