Leclerc AZUR. Tank for the city

31
Fighting in urban conditions has always been a real headache for tankers. At any moment, an enemy soldier with a grenade launcher can jump out from around the corner, and from any window into the engine compartment tank a bottle with a Molotov cocktail can fly in. Not the best conditions for combat work. In the past few years, work is underway in many countries around the world to create kits that give tanks additional capabilities necessary for urban combat. The United States “dresses” its Abrams in a TUSK kit, Germany makes PSO for Leopard 2, and France - AZUR for its Leclerc. The last set will be discussed.



At Eurosatory 2006, GIAT Industries (now Nexter) presented a draft of measures to improve the protection of the AMX-56 Leclerc tank and increase its combat potential. The AZUR equipment complex (Actions en Zone Urbaine) was developed on GIAT's own initiative, although after consulting with a potential buyer. Soon after the demonstration at the exhibition, the prototype of Leclerc-AZUR was handed over to military tests, and since then significant News about the fate of the kit was not. At the same time, statements by the French military in 2006 suggest that AZUR will go into production, although the timing is unknown. Last year, there was a rumor about the start of deliveries of modernized Leclerks until the end of 2011, but he remained a rumor. It is also unknown whether to expect the delivery of the AZUR kit to the United Arab Emirates, which are armed with about four hundred Leclerks.

The AZUR kit is made according to a modular scheme, which facilitates the use and installation. GIAT claims that the installation of all modules provided by the project, in terms of the average military workshop, takes no more than 12 hours. But despite such terms of installation, AZUR includes a fairly large number of various components and assemblies, from additional protection to on-board electronics.

Leclerc AZUR. Tank for the city


To increase the level of protection for the crew and vital units, the Leclerc AZUR received new bulwarks from composite armor, and the aft part with the engine-transmission compartment was closed with several anti-cumulative grilles along the sides and an armor plate on top. Also, the gratings were attached to the back of the tower. Thus, Leclerc AZUR becomes much more resistant to reactive anti-tank grenade launchers and incendiary bottles. However, the first echelon of tank protection from grenade launchers is a 7,62-mm machine gun mounted on a remote-controlled turret. In many tanks of the world, larger-caliber machine guns are used, but French engineers decided to limit themselves to the "three-line" weapons. The fact is that in the conditions of urban combat, according to their calculations, machine guns do not require large-caliber power, but they need the appropriate ammunition. Therefore, we stopped on the caliber 7,62 millimeter. And for the convenience of detecting targets, the Commander panoramic periscope was updated. Finally, for the standard smooth-bore gun GIAT CN120-26 / 52 developed a new ammunition 120HEF1. This projectile is interesting in that, if necessary, it can be used not only as a cumulative (this is its design), but also as a high-explosive. To perform a new role, a relatively thick shell was added to the standard cumulative projectile, which is torn apart into fragments, while the 120HEF1 fuse allows you to initiate a charge detonation with a delay. An interesting improvement, but, probably, it would be better to use specialized ammunition for a specific purpose, and not to engage in such “unification”. But the French military leadership, it seems, considers the shell promising - the bill of ordered 120HEF1 is already going to tens of thousands. A new function in GIAT Industries was invented for the smoke grenade launcher: instead of the standard smoke grenade, you can load a fragmentation Galix 4 into it.

Major changes have undergone tank equipment. A radically new introduction to its structure was a warning system that an object was approaching a tank. Special detectors (radar is mentioned in open sources, although it may be ultrasonic equipment) are able to detect various objects, including enemy soldiers, who approached the tank directly and are out of sight of its optical instruments. Another innovation in onboard electronics concerns communications. In urban operations, the need to maintain communication between tank crews and infantrymen is particularly pronounced. Often used for this wired telephone systems. But for obvious reasons, this method of communication is extremely inconvenient. To replace the old wired systems, the French military wanted to have wireless with encrypted signal. GIAT Industries originally approached the task: their engineers created a communication system based on Wi-Fi technology.



Another point in which the concern of the AZUR kit for infantrymen was shown is in the new way of using brackets for attaching additional fuel tanks (located in the aft part of Leclerc). Since urban operations do not require a large amount of fuel, instead of tanks, lightly armored ducts are installed on the brackets. They can put ammunition, additional weapons, provisions or any other load for the infantry. In addition, with some ingenuity, a soldier can use a box as a seat for a trip to the battlefield.

The rest of the design of the tank "Leclerc" remained unchanged. Because of this, the authors of AZUR say, any armored vehicle of this brand can be converted into a street combat configuration. However, the addition of a full set of modules provided by the project, significantly increases the weight of the tank. Even the fact that some of the modules are installed instead of the existing nodes does not greatly affect the weight gain. But in GIAT Industries immediately found an explanation, an excuse for this. Yes, the weight has increased, yes, the driving characteristics and mobility have deteriorated. But the city does not need to travel over rough terrain. Yes, and accelerate to speeds at which the difference in weight will be noticeable, in the "Zone Urbaine" is not necessary. Well, in the transition of hostilities outside the city of AZUR can be dismantled. You will tell nothing, logical reasonings. How true they are, must show practice.

Almost six years have passed since the first demonstration of the Leclerc AZUR tank. It is unlikely that during this time, first GIAT Industries, and then Nexter sat idle. From time to time, news appears about their work in the field of non-lethal weapons, new ammunition for existing ones, as well as systems to enhance the protection of armored vehicles. It is quite possible that we will see some of these developments on future updates of AZUR.





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31 comment
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  1. +5
    25 January 2012 07: 51
    The material previously read where the tank presented is oppressing me, is considered good, but expensive, from the abundance of electronics and just as vulnerable - again, due to the abundance of electronics.
    1. grizzlir
      0
      25 January 2012 08: 37
      I agree. In Chechnya, they used BMP1, BMP2, BMP3. So the praised three due to the refusals of the electronics deserved a completely flattering response. The problem with it was higher than the roof. Then they began to use it no longer to support the infantry, but to evacuate the wounded and to supply , such an armed armored truck.
      1. +6
        25 January 2012 09: 43
        The BMP-3 was sent to Chechnya completely crude and all its sores and imperfections were already revealed during the battles for Grozny and the electronics were then cheap and unreliable, it often wedged on the tower. Although the power of the 2A42 gun seemed to be later appreciated by infantry, it still preferred the old reliable BTR-80 workhorse.
        1. +7
          25 January 2012 13: 30
          Quote: Prometey
          and all her sores and imperfections were already revealed during the battles for Grozny


          As with any technology, only combat use helps to assess the strengths and weaknesses
          1. KGB161rus
            +4
            25 January 2012 14: 52
            The tank is not bad, there are good things in it, but it has never taken part in battles, the British also boasted of their Challenger 2, and its Cheb-heme armor, but the war in Iraq showed that the tank turned out to be mildly bullshit, with its weight at 60 tons, his frontal armor managed to break through the RPG-29 adopted for service back in 89, and now the Chell-2 also has a bunch of all kinds of body kits. .
      2. +5
        25 January 2012 10: 05
        In a battle, subconsciously, you trust iron more than electronics, I know by myself ..... Maybe today's youth, on the contrary, are afraid of iron and trusts devices, I don’t know ....
    2. vadimus
      0
      25 January 2012 15: 21
      Familiar guys served on this. They say the line from the large-caliber and the tank for repair ... Here you have the abundance of electronics. Although the car is even nothing
  2. grizzlir
    +3
    25 January 2012 08: 32
    In urban conditions, no matter how good a tank is, it will be difficult for it without infantry support. Several grenade launchers with machine gunners working from different directions will still get a car without support. In a city, a tank loses one of its most important characteristics, maneuverability. The installation of additional weapons certainly expands opportunities, but only with the support of infantry units, the tank becomes a formidable weapon in the city.
    1. Igor
      -1
      25 January 2012 08: 49
      Well, there are specials. Communication with infantry is provided.
      1. grizzlir
        0
        25 January 2012 08: 55
        Special communications are a big plus. I always transfer to our army, we have big problems with this, and as a result problems with interaction. Only Wi-Fi technology is a bit confusing, I'm not a signalman, but it seems to me that you can drown it out without problems with primitive devices.
        1. Igor
          0
          25 January 2012 09: 15
          Well, if it doesn’t matter for the military what kind of protection it should be, it’s probably going as an additional option on radio stations, here recently there was material on the Pindos new radio station, I think it even provides for communication with smartphones. I agree with you about our communication, this is the problem of the scourge of our army since 1941. to this day.
        2. 0
          25 January 2012 12: 36
          Any radio signal is muffled. Simply, Wi-Fi-based communication is easier to encrypt and close from interception.
  3. Igor
    0
    25 January 2012 08: 40
    So they are stuffed with electronics so that he is the first to detect and destroy the target.
  4. SIA
    SIA
    +1
    25 January 2012 08: 58
    What if electronics fails? Are there duplicate aiming and firing systems?
    1. +1
      25 January 2012 11: 43
      Well, yes, and if he refuses, and if he does not refuse. but we just won’t refuse, we simply don’t have it, we’ll sit in our tank and wait for the electronics to fail at the lecrea, then we are dartons. in war it is impossible without luck, but only counting on luck is criminal.
  5. Igor
    0
    25 January 2012 09: 06
    But what about a conventional sight with an electronic sight can not be put?
  6. Alexey Prikazchikov
    0
    25 January 2012 10: 49
    For what I love Leclerc so much for electronics, it’s really a good pity unreliable, now if we combined our and their achievements, it would be chic sad
  7. 0
    25 January 2012 10: 58
    Why such doubts in electronics ---- Leclercu is not the first year.
    For a professional army and not a poor country to carry out .. the establishment of Derkocratic .. regimes and displaying the flag in Afghanistan is a great car.

    And all tanks have backup systems.
    1. grizzlir
      -1
      25 January 2012 13: 14
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO5yGkjLJyo Вот тут про Леклерк,хотя про БМП 3 тоже слишком громко сказано,в реальном бою она не очень и как раз из за электроники.Да и пулемёт винтовочного калибра на башне смущает,в условиях города гранатомётчики работают из за укрытий и кирпичную кладку или небольшую бетонную плиту такой пулемёт не пробьёт.Тут лучшим вариантом было бы поставить крупнокалиберную машинку и автоматический гранатомёт.В принципе по описаниям и заявленным ТТХ,танк очень хороший французы сделали,но я считаю что о машине можно судить только когда они побывали в настоящем бою,а Леклерки пока обкатку боем не прошли,и дай бог не пройдут.Худой мир лучше хорошей войны.
    2. 0
      15 February 2013 21: 46
      Electronics, and optics, are things that require a rather delicate attitude. And how will they behave in battle? In the Second World War, the Tiger series tanks failed due to the direct hit of Soviet projectile guns in the 76 tower and mm mm. The reason is mechanical the destruction of the optical glasses of the sights ...... At the same time, there was no penetration of the armor, and you can only guess about the impressions of the crew.
  8. +3
    25 January 2012 13: 49
    Tanks always burn well in the city. The reason is simple.
  9. dred
    -2
    25 January 2012 14: 49
    Why did the Germans have tanks with an urban kit?
    1. -1
      26 January 2012 00: 31
      Why did the Germans have tanks with an urban kit?

      fight with immigrants, with Arabs, blacks, etc.
  10. Igor
    0
    25 January 2012 14: 59
    Citizen dred read the article it is about French tanks, not German.
    1. 0
      25 January 2012 15: 45
      Germans also make such kits.
      1. Igor
        -2
        25 January 2012 15: 51
        This is not the point.
  11. Hans grohman
    +2
    25 January 2012 15: 24
    I was somehow not impressed by the additional capacities in the stern, especially for fuel and ammunition - an excellent target, given that in urban combat the fire on BT is conducted from several directions.

    IMHO you can improve Leclerc only by changing it to a normal tank (and given the cost of the Frenchman, and two or three), or to make for the same money several assault SPGs.
    1. Tyumen
      +1
      25 January 2012 15: 29
      Quote: Hans Grohman
      (and given the cost of the Frenchman, and two or three

      Two or three * Leopards *? smile
      1. Hans grohman
        +1
        25 January 2012 15: 53
        For two or three T-90 BM / T-84, or for 5-7 T-55 in one of the latest upgrades.
  12. sas
    sas
    0
    25 January 2012 17: 24
    "A radically new introduction to its composition was a warning system about the approach of an object to a tank. Special detectors (in open sources, radar is mentioned, although it may be ultrasonic equipment) are capable of detecting various objects, including enemy soldiers, who came directly to the tank and out of sight of his optical instruments. " - and if yours fit? Of course, all the stuffing that is put here will undoubtedly increase the combat efficiency in the city, but a tank in a city is just like a cow on ice. A pair of RPG and Khan grenades, if not for the whole tank, then for electronics, panorama, all sensors, etc.

    WIFI is a dumb thing. It, cattle, in the office is working intermittently. But God forbid in battle?
    1. 0
      25 January 2012 18: 25
      And its RFID tag on the helmet. Not such a big problem. Moreover, the French are working with something with a new look of a soldier and equipment for this business.
  13. +1
    26 January 2012 09: 50
    And I liked the new bulwarks! They look solid.
    Why aren’t they on our tanks?
  14. laurbalaur
    0
    26 January 2012 15: 41
    WIFI is a dumb thing. It, cattle, in the office is working intermittently. But God forbid in battle?
    Plus, ionization of the air due to fires and explosions, what kind of WI-FI - do you listen to?))
  15. 0
    26 January 2012 21: 31
    the abundance of the fruits of progress on the tower of a modern tank isn’t it incapacitated by machine guns and rifles? no tank in the city
    and another question, if you cover the panorama with a paint, the thermal imager will go blind? can so turn off modern tanks?
  16. mega_jeka
    0
    27 January 2012 21: 47
    Quote: grizzlir
    I agree. In Chechnya, they used BMP1, BMP2, BMP3. So the praised three due to the refusals of the electronics deserved a completely flattering response. The problem with it was higher than the roof. Then they began to use it no longer to support the infantry, but to evacuate the wounded and to supply such an armed armored truck

    A comrade in the Caucasus got a BMP-3 crawl that was supposed to be exported. Of the 7 cars received, 2 turned out to be export ones for the Emirates. So these machines are very well recommended. Especially the thermal imager and automatic target tracking.

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