![]() In October 1969, the chassis development of the Experimentalentwicklung began. An agreement was signed between the MoD and Krauss-Maffei AG, finalized on 07 November 1968. Nevertheless, in order to operate the whole project, a contract was concluded for an experimental development. Since the late 60s this the MBT-70 (Kampfpanzer 70) complex development was running, and according to the terms of the agreement, Western Germany was not allowed to officially start its own battle tank development. KampfPanzer 70 firing at max depression, showing the capabilities of the hydraulic suspension system. Specifications, other than carrying the new gun, was a maximum 50 metric tons in weight overall. No less than seventeen prototypes were ordered, but only sixteen hulls were built and trialed between 19. In 1971, the new tank was called Leopard 2, and the former was renamed "Leopard 1". This had a long development line, going through the Experimentalentwicklung and the earlier Vergoldeter Leopard, or "gilded Leopard". The USA later canceled the project itself and pursued the development of a simpler MBT, which would eventually lead to the M1 Abrams.Īt that stage, Krauss-Maffei started in 1970 a new project called "Keiler". Although revolutionary, the project had large cost overruns, to the point that overpressure from the Bundestag caused the government to withdraw West Germany from the project in 1969. ![]() However, issues soon emerged, born from many growing divergences in specifications, measurements, and dissents over the general direction of the project. The MBT-70 "super-tank" joint project was initiated by the USA and Germany, and studies were already well underway. ![]() In response, Rheinmetall was already working on the L44 120 mm (4.72 in) gun, which was to be used on an upgraded version of the Leopard. At that stage, new intelligence reports stated the Soviets, who had already presented the 115 mm armed T-62, were about to start building the 125 mm (4.92 in) armed T-64. Early development started right after the Leopard came into production in 1965. ![]()
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