Bundeswehr Bergepanzer 2 Standard

Plastic kit for a Bundeswehr Bergepanzer 2 standard

• Scale 1:35
• Markings for 6 versions
• workable tracks
• Hatches can be  build in closed or open position
• including photo-etched parts
• Articulating recovery boom
• unbuilt, unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

The Bergepanzer 2 Standard was the first mass-produced recovery and repair vehicle based on the Leopard 1 main battle tank chassis. It entered service with the German Federal Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) in the 1960s and was used for the recovery, towing, and field repair of damaged or disabled armored vehicles.

The vehicle played a central role within armored and mechanized infantry units, ensuring the operational readiness of the troops. Its powerful main winch enabled the recovery of stuck or damaged vehicles. The Bergepanzer 2 Standard was also equipped with a hydraulic crane, which could be used to remove and install complete engines, transmissions, or other heavy components. A large dozer blade at the front of the vehicle served for anchoring during recovery operations and could also be used for light earthmoving.

The Bergepanzer 2 Standard was largely based on the Leopard 1 chassis and possessed its high mobility across rough terrain. It was powered by a multi-fuel engine producing around 830 hp, enabling it to keep pace with combat units even under difficult conditions. The crew typically consisted of four soldiers: the driver, the commander, and two maintenance and recovery specialists.

The armor protected the crew against small arms fire and shrapnel. A machine gun was mounted on the commander's cupola for self-defense. Unlike main battle tanks, however, its primary focus was clearly on technical support rather than combat operations.

The Bergepanzer 2 Standard formed the basis for later modernizations such as the Bergepanzer 2A2 "Leistungsgesteigert" (LS). However, with the increasing weight of modern armored vehicles, the performance reserves of the standard version reached their limits, which is why numerous vehicles were subsequently upgraded. Nevertheless, the Bergepanzer 2 Standard remained an indispensable support vehicle for the Bundeswehr for decades and was among the most important maintenance and recovery vehicles of the German armored forces.