Leopard 1A5

The Leopard 1A5 is a tier 5 Main Battle Tank originating from Germany, and is sold by Sophie Wölfli. It can be unlocked from the Leopard 1, and leads to the Leopard 2AV.

Features

 * Heavy armor : this vehicle's armor bounces more shots and takes more hits
 * HESH: can even penetrate armor with large hit angles

Player Recommendations
Fast, well camouflaged, and armed with an excellent gun, the Leopard 1A5 is similar to the last two MBTs in the line, but with one significant difference: its turret armor. Featuring a much better armored turret than the Leopard 1 and OF-40, the Leopard 1A5 can enter hull down position, enabling it to fight targets much more efficiently. But while it has significantly more armor, it is not equal to better armored tanks such as the T-80, under heavy fire. Its main purpose is a mobile flanker and sniper capable of maneuvering around the battlefield quickly to avoid return fire. Potential owners should know this vehicle is not a front line MBT; it needs to be played like a light tank to survive.

Pros

 * Excellent gun depression
 * Accurate
 * Good Mobility
 * Very powerful HEAT rounds

Cons

 * Poor hull armor
 * Even though the turret works with spaced armor, it's next to useless against AP shells and ATGMs.

Upgrade Suggestions
As the vehicle focuses on its mobility and firepower to survive, upgrades should focus on these. Upgrading to the EMES-18 ATTICA Fire Control System, Improved Turret Drive System, and Improved Ready Racks, along with better ammunition, will improve firepower against enemy targets, while minimizing exposure to return fire.

Retrofit Suggestions

 * Advanced Muzzle Reference System
 * Improved Telescopic Lens
 * Improved Gun Breech
 * Improved Pioneer Tool Kit

Commander and Crew Skill Suggestions

 * Commander: Juan Carlos, to improve the aim speed and crew stats.
 * Driver: Spin to Win, Off-Road Driving
 * Gunner: Sharpshooter, Do the Twist
 * Loader: Rapid Fire, Explosive Shells/Preparation

History
Class: Main Battle Tank Developed: 1970-1987 Service: 1987-1990s Vehicles Built: 1845 (specifically the 1A5 variant) Operators: West Germany, Turkey, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Greece and many other countries After the conclusion of the initial production run in 1970, the 1845 original Leopard 1 MBTs started undergoing multiple overhauls. The first such upgraded model, the 1A1, featured a new Fire Control System, better gun stabilization, improved thermal shroud for the gun and protective side skirts. Between 1975 and 1977, all these Leopard 1A1 MBTs received a Blohm und Voss armor kit, frontally protecting the vehicle against Soviet 100mm HVAP shells.The final mass-produced variant of the Leopard 1 MBT was developed in the 1980s, featuring the EMES 18 FCS. This was the Leopard 1A5 MBT. Interestingly enough, while the Leopard 1 and its variants were sold all across the globe since the 1970s, few have seen actual combat. Several Leopard 1s participated in the Kosovo peacekeeping operation and the war in Afghanistan. The Danish Leopard 1s in Kosovo participated in some fighting, destroying several Serbian artillery pieces and emplacements during Operation Bøllebank. In most first world countries, Leopard 1s have already been phased out of active service. They are still in use mostly in South America, Greece, Lebanon and Turkey.