XI

Pz.Kpfw. Neu

Germany·Heavy Tank·HT universal

The Panzerkampfwagen Neu-70/120 project was a proactive development in the search for a replacement for the Leopard 1 and was envisaged as an intermediate but technologically bold option for a next-generation main battle tank. The vehicle was supposed to have a welded hull and turret, and emphasis was placed on increasing the probability of hitting targets with the first shot thanks to an advanced fire-control system. For the first time, the German tank-building school considered a 120 mm gun with a remote detonator programmer that would enable it to hit targets behind cover effectively. However, analysis of the project identified a number of problems: overload of the turret and chassis, high cost, and limited possibility of modernization. In addition, there was already a more balanced project—the Leopard 2, so development was deemed dead-ended and was terminated.