HBB84501 1/35 Leopard 1a5 Main Battle Tank

The Leopard 1 entered service in 1965 and was Germany's (West) first domestically designed and produced tank since WW2. It was reasoned that conventional armour would not be able to stop the new HEAT guided missiles coming into service, so the armour was light and mobility emphasised. It was armed with the British L7 105mm gun, so had decent firepower for the time.

It proved a popular tank and was exported to many NATO armies and the tank has been progressively upgraded and is still in service today. The Leopard 1A5 was a further improved version of the tank with new fire control and night vision equipment. The turret was modified to be able to be fitted with the 120mm gun from the Leopard 2 and improved ammo stowage.

This is a highly detailed plastic kit with some photo etch metal parts, including engine grilles. The are decals for 2 German tanks