it makes me lol

Excellent update!

Now that’s more like the armor that I would expect on an advanced tank. Compare it to the 2A4 – http://www.3dvia.com/alfredix/models/82B8E7B88A9CAE80 – and you’ll see what I mean. Go all the way back to the 1A5 – http://www.3dvia.com/alfredix/models/86726CBC8EA0B284 – and that one seems like an antique.

The commander “periscope” is a pretty funny-looking. :) In the thumbnail, I thought it must be some kind of river-fording snorkel. I assume that it telescopes down into the turret, so that it doesn’t advertise the tanks position. And, I surely hope that it is armored!

you bet it is!

I think I have to explain a few things.
The big tube on the right side of the turret is NOT the periscope :) (and it is also not armored)
It is the so called “Deep water tube”. It s mounted on the turret when the Leo is supposed to go through deep water (max 4m). Since the tank can’t swim, it needs something for “walking through water” (sorry, I don’t know the english word for that)
The Leo can dive, in this case the tube is not mounted.
To this model: This shown configuration is shortly before the tank goes into deep water. If the gunner (left side of the turet) forgets to close his hatch (same as the driver) they all need a long breath :)
This kind of “Snorkel (funny: the German word is similar) is also used on the Leo1 and other tanks)
the periscope is behind the comander hatch. It is the box behind the hatch. It’s 360° turnable and is for the comander to support the gunner during combat.

so many details!

Thanks for the clarification Alfred! So I was right – it is a river-fording snorkel, and you’re right that the crew better button up tight or all those extra electronics are gonna’ be toast!

I wonder what they do with the water that goes down the barrel into the cannon breech? It seems like the only place it would have to go after a deep water fording would be inside the tank.

It does Don :) But the Leo has pumps inside (standard equipment) to bring out the water. But they are not supposed to go unprepared into deep water. That tube will be mounted seperately. It is not even mounted on the tank. And before the Leos go through the river an Engineering tank (Büffel = Buffalo) is preparing the way. In any case the whole cres should not be afraid of wet feet :) (which is the smallest threat in combat anyways)

Thanks again Alfred! You know way more about tanks than I do! :)

You’re right, wet feet = minor problem. Roll on!