Winnepenninckx, Patrick/Zwilling, Ralph Swiss Leopard 2. Panzer 87 and 87WE

The "Leopard" 2A4 was introduced into Swiss Army service from 1987 to 1993. 380 vehicles, designated Panzer 87 "Leopard", replaced the "Centurion". As with other nations in Europe, the Swiss fleet has been reduced over the last two decades. KMW developed two upgraded Panzer 87WE (Wertehaltung) prototypes in close co-operation with the Swiss company, RUAG Land Systems. These were tested thoroughly in 2004 and 2005 but delivery did not take place until 2011/12. In spite of the upgrade programme, only 134 Panzer 87WEs were delivered. This "Model Foto Focus" takes a thorough look around these little-documented but fascinating machines. For the modeller, this is the ultimate walkaround for ?an accurate model. For the armour enthusiast, it describes the Swiss versions in great detail and sees them on exercise, as well as looking at Switzerlands version of the "Büffel" ARV.

These were thoroughly tested in 2004 and 2005, but were not delivered until 2011/12. Despite the programme to increase combat effectiveness, only 134 87WE tanks were delivered. This book in the "Model Foto Focus" series takes an in-depth look at these little-documented but fascinating armoured vehicles. For the modeller, this is the ultimate photo tour to produce an accurate model of this vehicle. For the tank enthusiast, it describes the Swiss versions in great detail and shows them on manoeuvres. It also presents the Swiss version of the armoured recovery vehicle (ARV) "Büffel".