Lot 0359: Gepard 1A1 A4 (Germany)

The Flugabwehrkanonenpanzer Gepard ("anti-aircraft-gun tank 'Cheetah'", better known as the  Flakpanzer Gepard) is an all-weather-capable German self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG). It was developed in the 1960s, fielded in the 1970s, and has been upgraded several times with the latest electronics. It has been a cornerstone of the air defense of the German Army (Bundeswehr) and a number of other NATO countries.

In Germany, the Gepard was phased out in late 2010 and replaced by the Wiesel 2 Ozelot Leichtes Flugabwehrsystem (LeFlaSys). However recently the Gepard has seen combat in the Russo-Ukrainian War.

The Gepard was developed from 1963 onward. In 1969, construction began of four A prototypes testing both 30 and 35 mm guns. In June 1970, it was decided to use the 35 mm type. In 1971, twelve second phase B prototypes were ordered. In 1971 the Dutch army ordered a CA pre-series of five vehicles based on a parallel development that had used a West German 0-series Leopard 1 vehicle made available by the West German government in March 1970 as the C-prototype.

The Germans made a small pre-series of both the B1 and B2R. In February 1973, the political decision was made to produce the type. In September 1973 the contract was signed with Krauss-Maffei for 432 B2 turrets and 420 hulls with a total value of DM 1,200,000,000. Each vehicle would be about three times the price of a normal Leopard 1. The first was delivered in December 1976. Belgium ordered 55 vehicles, which were identical to the German version. The Netherlands ordered 95 vehicles (designated Cheetah PRTL or Pantser Rups Tegen Luchtdoelen), split into three batches (CA1, CA2 and CA3), which were equipped with Philips radar systems.

The Gepard has been deployed by Ukraine in its defense against the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. The first three Gepards arrived in Ukraine on 25 July 2022. A test showed that a supply of ammunition manufactured in Norway could not be fired by the Gepard, with a subsequent test of improved ammunition scheduled for August 2022. By 20 September 2022 thirty Gepards and 6,000 rounds had been delivered. According to Ukraine's Armed Forces about 50,000 Norwegian made rounds for the Gepard had been received by 26 September 2022. Photos from the German tabloid Bild of the Gepard with a Ukrainian crew include high-explosive incendiary (HEI) rounds (where the projectile is yellow with a red band) made by e.g. Norwegian Nammo.

According to a Ukrainian defense attaché in the United States the Gepard has been used to "great effect" against the "relatively crude" loitering munition believed to be Iranian-made Shahed-136. The Conflict Intelligence Team considers it likely that a Gepard destroyed a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile as it was targeting a Kyiv power plant on 18 October 2022. One unit is credited with destroying more than ten Shahed-136 drones and two cruise missiles. Such systems are more effective and hence more cost-effective than more advanced and expensive air defense systems such NASAMS or IRIS-T missiles, while being less politically sensitive as they only have a limited effective range.

This Gepard 1A1 A4 is built for the German Army. It is still in great condition and highly collectable. Will be delivered in running condition.

SPECIFICATION

Model:                              Flugabwehrkanonenpanzer Gepard 1A1 A4

Manufacturer:                  Krauss-Maffei

Weight:                            47.5 t (46.7 long tons; 52.4 short tons)

Crew:                               3 (driver, gunner, commander)

Engine:                             10-cylinder, 37,400 cc (2,280 cu in) MTU multi-fuel engine 830 PS (819 hp, 610 kW); See Lot 0304 and Lot 0334

Power/weight:                 17.5 PS/t

Transmission:                  HSWL 354TM - Ten Speed (Five Forward, Five Reverse)

Suspension:                     Torsion bar suspension

Speed:                             65 km/h (40 mph)

Range                              550 km (340 mi)

Dimensions:                     Length:     7.68 m (25 ft 2 in) Overall

Width:      3.71 m (12 ft 2 in)

Height:     3.29 m (10 ft 10 in) Radar retracted

Armament:                      2 × 35 mm Oerlikon GDF autocannon, each with 320 rounds anti-air ammunition and 20 rounds anti-tank

REMARKS

Location:                          Wichita Kansas USA

Condition:                        Very nice and running condition

Permits:                           In case of export out of the USA an export permit will be required.

ESTIMATE VALUE

Between € 300.000 and € 350.000