Panzer 2000

The  'Panzer 2000'  was a Swiss Swiss tank destined to replace Panzer | Tank from the  Swiss Confederation of Construction]). But it remained only a project, instead of the Swiss Army, the German Panzer [[Leopard 2 was procured.

Description
The Panzer 2000 is based on the Panzer 68, but in the course of the project a radical overhaul was carried out so that it was in fact a redesign. In addition to a new engine from Mercedes -Benz, the chassis was completely redesigned and would have been equipped with much larger, but less, wheels than the Pz68 or the Leopard 2. The main armament was a 120 mm smoothbore gun as on the Leopard 2. In addition to the usual armor at this time screwable additional armor plates were provided which would have been attached at some distance to the tank shell. This system has already been tested on a Pz68, it is a cost-effective protection against shaped charge projectiles. Modern thermal sights and electronics, new tower with greatly improved ABC protection. Detailed information was not provided because the project was canceled.

History
The Panzer 2000 was to replace the Panzer 68 and eliminate the shortcomings of Panzer 68 finally. However, just the changeable history of the Panzer 68 and its shortcomings were an obstacle to the success of the Panzer 2000. It was doubted within Switzerland that Switzerland is able to produce a well-functioning tank, without expensive corrections and rework. Political and economic frauds and parties used this concern for their own interests. On the other hand, the cost per vehicle was also higher with the modern complex technology and its prices than with the Panzer 68. With the planned number of pieces for the Swiss army, and no security on export orders, the costs for the development and production of the Panzer 2000 considered too high. Instead, the German Leopard 2 was procured which was introduced in the Swiss Army under the name Panzer 87. The Leopard 2 was due to the production in large numbers and the larger financial resources available faster for the Swiss Army than would have been possible with the own production Panzer 2000.

Versions
In addition to the basic version as a battle tank for the Swiss Army on the basis of Pz 2000 also variants as recovery tanks, Pioneer tanks, driving school and bridge armor is done. For an export, without compelling order of the Swiss Army also designs as Artillery Cannon / Panzerhaubitze, anti-aircraft tanks and ammunition tug.