The Leopard 2 was an offshoot of the MBT-70 -- a cancelled joint development project between the USA and West Germany undertaken in the late 1960s. Even though the US had withdrawn from the project, the West Germans, under the auspices of Krauss-Maffei, continued research and development on the renamed Leopard 2 project. In 1977, the first production vehicles were delivered and exported to the smaller Dutch Army while the West German Bundeswehr waited a couple of years before it too was equipped with the powerful new main battle tank. The Leopard 2 is outfitted with a laser rangefinder, thermal-imaging equipment, and nuclear, biological and chemical defense system (NBC), and can conduct shallow amphibious operations. Its fire control system is unusual because the cartridge cases are combustible, which can lead to internal fires. The Leopard 2 has a 30% better power-to-weight ratio than the Leopard I, which results in increased cross-country mobility and a higher survivability rate on the battlefield.

Now Minichamps has created a gorgeous 1:35 scale diecast replica of the all-powerful Leopard 2A4 main battle tank. This stunning recreation features a rotating turret, elevating gun, working suspension, and treads that are made of flexible metal links! This particular Leopard 2A4GR main battle tank served with the Hellenic Army's XXI Armored Brigade, XX Armored Division in Thessaloniki, Greece, during October 2005. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 10-1/2-inches
Width: 3-3/4-inches
Height: 2-3/4-inches

Release Date: July 2007

Historical Account: "Alexander's Minions" - The Hellenic Army is the land force of Greece. The Army of the modern nation of Greece has a history of nearly 190 years and came to its present form, gradually through those years. The Motto of the Hellenic Army is "Freedom Stems from Valor" and the Hellenic Army Emblem represents the two-headed eagle looking both left and right and the white cross on a blue background placed in the middle.

Based at Kavala, Macedonia, the XX Armored Division includes the XXI Armored Brigade Cavalry Brigade Pindus, based at Komotini,Thrace; the XXIII Armored Brigade 3rd Cavalry Regiment Dorylaeon, based at Alexandroupoli,Thrace; and the XXV Armored Brigade 2nd Cavalry Regiment Ephesus, based at Xanthi,Thrace.