THE Bandiana Army Museum has acquired its latest armoured vehicle for its collection — a decommissioned Leopard battle tank.
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The tank, in full working condition, is only recently out of service where it operated out of a Darwin regiment.
Museum manager Major Graham Docksey said the tanker was a popular addition.
“The tanker is fully operational and is in great condition,” he said.
“The German-made Leopards replaced the British Centurions in 1977, which we also have on display at the museum.”
The 44-tonne Australian Leopards have never fired a shot in anger.
The machines were operated by a crew of four and had a top speed of 62kmh with arsenal including a 105mm gun.
Another interesting attraction is the museum’s Soviet tank that is believed to have helped capture Hitler’s Berlin in 1945.
The T34 tank is on loan from The Australian War Memorial and was used during WWII in great numbers because it was a simplified but tough design.
“It had to be simple and tough because of Russia’s cold climate and ice,” museum assistant manager Captain Phil Craig said.
“The vehicle had warming tanks to pump oil and water through so the engine didn’t freeze up.”
It was likely to have been among tens of thousands of Soviet tanks that drove towards Berlin as the Nazi regime crumbled.
“We believe it was given to the Australian Government as a cultural gift from the Russian Government,” Captain Craig said.
“The tank is in good condition and still includes all its equipment including a Russian wood saw.
“The tank has been voted the most effective during World War II, due largely to its simplified design.”
