German M48A2GA2 Main Battle Tank
The M48 main battle tanks of the German Bundeswehr federal army underwent several upgrades throughout their long service life. The M48A2C variant was converted to the M48A2GA2 in 1978/79, as depicted in the ESCI model. The M48A2GA2 was fitted with the 105 mm L7 A3 gun of the Leopard 1 main battle tank. Some of the converted M48A2GA2 were also equipped with the pZB 200 low light level television (LLLTV) system. The M48A2GA2 remaining in active service were replaced by Leopard 2 tanks in the mid-1980s and transferred to the tank battalions of the Heimatschutzbrigaden for home defense. A few M48A2GA2 MBTs even received the new three-colour camouflage scheme of the Bundeswehr before being scrapped as part of the disarmament process in Europe starting in 1991.
Available Scale Model Kits
- German M48A2GA2 Main Battle Tank, 1:72 ESCI 8329
- German M48A2GA2 Main Battle Tank, 1:87 H0 miniTanks 779
Technical Specifications
- M48A2GA2 Main Battle Tank
- Motor: AVDS-1790-2D
- Transmission:
- Speed: km/h on roads
- Range: km
- Length Overall: 9300 mm
- Hull Length: 6880 mm
- Width: 3630 mm
- Height: 3150 mm
- Ground Clearance: 420 mm
- Track Width: 600 mm
- Weight: 48000 kg
- Armament: 105 mm Tank Gun, co-axial 7.62 mm Machine Gun, 7.62 AA Machine Gun
- Crew: Commander, Driver, Gunner, Loader
Bibliography
- Anweiler, Karl: Rad- und Kettenfahrzeuge der Bundeswehr.
- Blume, Peter: Die Panzertruppe der Bundeswehr 1956–heute (Illertissen 1996)
- Ford, Roger: Tanks from 1916 until today
- Gau, Lutz-Reiner: Deutsche Militärfahrzeuge. Bundeswehr und NVA.
- Zaloga, Steven J.: M47 & M48 Patton Tanks
Historical Employment
- 4. Jägerdivision
- 6. Panzergrenadierdivision, Schleswig-Holstein
- 12. Panzerdivision
The M48A2GA2 was the last upgraded version of the M48 main battle tank delivered to the Bundeswehr in 1957. At the end of its service life, the M48A2GA2 was deployed in the tank battalions of the Heimatschutzbrigaden, where some even received the new three-colour camouflage paint scheme of the Bundeswehr. Anyone building dioramas or simulating battles with miniatures will find the M48 indispensable.