Can any of the Leopard experts here tell me how to read the 6 digit vehicle codes on the Leopard 1 and 2 tanks? Do the codes define the different vehicle types?

It is my understanding that it is a unique registration number within the Bundeswehr without any meaning in the number scheme.

Paul

Assuming you are asking about Bundeswehr Leopards and not other Leopard user nations.......

The numbers don't define the type of tank.....they can be upgraded and change designation as they go through service so the registration number would not correspond over the life of the tank.

However, the batch numbers are unique to the tanks and they define when they were produced and by who and by knowing the batch number spreads you can tell what original details were put on the tank during production.

For example.....the 2nd batch of Leopard 1s produced from July 1966 - July 1967 were numbered 6001 - 6999.

The individual batch production number is imprinted directly onto the glacis plate.

On the Leopard 2 series....the production number is in front of the right side headlight.....they usually have a little red box painted around them.

For example.....one of the Canadian Leopard 2A6Ms in Afghanistan has the production number 20957. With that number I know that tank was produced in the 8th batch between January 1991 and March 1992.....and it was produced by MaK and not Kraus Maffei because MaK produced tanks numbered 20938 - 20971 during batch 8.

Kraus Maffei produced Leopard 2s will always have a 5 digit production number starting with 10 or 11.

MaK produced Leopard 2s will always have a 5 digit production number staring with 20.

I stand proud as a Leopard geek.