Perfect Scale Modellbau 1/35 bergepanzer Standard (bpz ii)

The Bergepanzer 2 was the first special variant developed using the Leopard 1 chassis. Work on this variant started back in 1962 with a production version rolling out in 1966. Also known as the Leopard 1 ARV (Armoured Recovery Vehicle) it was specifically designed to operate in support of the Leopard 1 Main Battle Tank. The Bergepanzer 2 shares 75 % commonality of parts with the Leopard 1 and the large hull superstructure gives it a distinct look. The vehicle has a hydraulically operated crane capable of rotating 270 degrees is used for lifting power packs. The crane can even lift one end of a Leopard off the ground or pull a turret for maintenance if need be. A main tow winch with 90 metres of cable at the front of the vehicle can provide a straight pull of 34.5 tonnes or up to 69 tonnes with a pulley system. A dozer blade can be used for limited clearing operations and importantly as a support on the ground while lifting heavy loads or as an anchor while winching to recover another vehicle. The Bergepanzer 2 can carry an entire spare Leopard 1 power pack on the back deck using a special mounting bracket. A variety of specialized tools are carried on the vehicle for recovery and fixing damaged tanks.

A unique feature of the ARV is enlarged fuel tanks and a pump to allow the vehicle to provide fuel to another tank or likewise to siphon it and de-fuel another tank. For protection the Bergepanzer 2 is armed with a ball mounted machine gun at the front of the hull, another machine gun fitted to the commander’s cupola, and six 76 mm Wegmann grenade dischargers. The ARV is equipped with an NBC system and can deep water ford with a conning tower fitted. The Bergepanzer 2 is fitted with seats to carry four crew; the commander, driver, and two mechanics.

A later version called the Bergepanzer 2A2 was developed to lift the heavier Gepard turret and includes a hydraulic stabilizer leg at the right rear of the hull, safety braces for the dozer blade and some minor changes in external stowage.

The Bergepanzer 2 and the upgraded Bergepanzer 2A2 have continued to serve around the world with Leopard 1 user nations. Over 500 Bergepanzer 2s and 2A2s has been used by Germany, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, and Turkey.