They Let Me Drive a Tank!

Published on March 13, 2026
Duration: 25:45

This video documents an experience driving a German Leopard 1A5 tank at Drive Tanks. The presenter details the controls, including the steering wheel, gas pedal, and brake, and describes the sensation of operating the heavy vehicle. The video also explores the tank's interior, highlighting the driver's, gunner's, commander's, and loader's positions, and discusses the tank's historical context and specifications.

Quick Summary

Driving a German Leopard 1A5 tank involves a stiff T-handle steering wheel, a gas pedal, and a large brake pedal. The tank weighs approximately 48 tons and can reach 55 mph. Its interior is notably cramped, with specific stations for the driver, gunner, commander, and loader.

Chapters

  1. 00:18Introduction to Drive Tanks
  2. 00:37Museum and Gun Wall Tour
  3. 04:15Introducing the Leopard 1A5 Tank
  4. 05:22Starting the Tank
  5. 07:36Inside the Driver's Seat - Controls Explained
  6. 09:14Commencing the Drive
  7. 11:43Tank Driving on the Course
  8. 14:44Tank Range and Firing Area
  9. 16:09Returning to the Garage
  10. 17:07Post-Drive Reflections
  11. 18:03Exploring the Gunner and Commander Seats
  12. 21:14The Loader's Position
  13. 22:38Driver's Seat Revisited
  14. 23:33Interior Cramped Conditions
  15. 24:07Final Thoughts on the Experience

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main controls for driving a Leopard 1A5 tank?

The Leopard 1A5 tank features a gas pedal for acceleration, a large square brake pedal, and a T-handle steering wheel. Braking is emphasized as a crucial initial skill due to the tank's significant weight and momentum.

What is the historical background of the Leopard 1A5 tank?

The Leopard 1A5 tank was designed by Porsche and manufactured by Mercedes-Benz, with production of this variant commencing in the early 1970s. These tanks are currently seeing use in conflict zones like Ukraine.

How cramped is the interior of a Leopard 1A5 tank?

The interior of the Leopard 1A5 tank is extremely cramped. The gunner sits between the commander's legs, and the loader's position is adjacent to ammunition storage, highlighting the confined operational space.

What kind of firearms were seen in the museum area at Drive Tanks?

In the museum area at Drive Tanks, a gun wall was displayed featuring firearms such as the AA12 shotgun and a Galil rifle chambered in 5.56mm. Visitors were able to interact with some of these firearms.

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