controls:

pitch and roll to drive
Automatic turret aim.

Story:

In the early 1980s, as Cold War tensions persisted, West Germany sought to create a new generation of main battle tanks to counter the perceived threat of Soviet armor. By 1983, the PZ-83 Panther III Main Battle Tank was unveiled, marking a leap forward in German tank design and firepower. Developed as a response to the evolving battlefields of Europe, the Panther III was built to combine the speed, firepower, and survivability essential for the modern armored corps.

The Panther III's standout feature was its 120mm smoothbore gun, modeled after NATO standards but with German precision. Capable of firing a variety of munitions, including APFSDS and HEAT rounds, this weapon gave the tank formidable anti-armor capabilities, rivaling its contemporaries like the American M1 Abrams and the British Challenger 1. A coaxial machine gun was mounted next to the main cannon, providing added protection against infantry and light vehicles.

What truly set the PZ-83 apart was its Leclerc-style autoloader, a revolutionary choice for its time. By reducing the need for a loader, the Panther III's crew was cut down to just two: the commander, who also handled driving responsibilities, and the gunner, who focused entirely on weapon operations. This system not only improved crew efficiency but also reduced the tank's overall profile, making it harder to hit on the battlefield.

In a nod to prior joint German-American development efforts, the PZ-83 Panther III incorporated technology from the ambitious MBT-70 project. Most notably, the commander was equipped with an independent cupola, similar to the one used in the MBT-70. This feature allowed the commander to independently scan for targets, greatly enhancing situational awareness and fire control capabilities. The MBT-70 program, though ultimately canceled, left a wealth of technological innovations, and West German engineers wisely repurposed these advancements for the Panther III. The independent cupola provided a tactical edge on the battlefield, allowing the commander to identify and engage targets without having to rotate the entire turret.

West German designers placed heavy emphasis on mobility and protection. Powered by a powerful diesel engine, the Panther III could reach impressive speeds while maintaining good fuel efficiency. Its composite armor provided solid protection against both kinetic and chemical threats, ensuring the tank could take hits and stay in the fight.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the PZ-83 Panther III became a staple of the West German armored divisions and later, a symbol of Germany's reunified military might. With its advanced autoloader, high-powered gun, MBT-70-inspired cupola, and sleek two-man crew design, the Panther III earned a reputation as one of the most advanced tanks of its era.