German main battle tank Leopard 2: stages of development. Part of 9
Leopard 2 PSO
First appearance: 2006 year
Taking on the experience of the recent operation of the main combat tanks in various local conflicts, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann developed the Leopard 2 PSO (Peace Support Operation). It is based on the Leopard 2 tank, which has been refined in terms of survivability and sensor systems. The project was more likely to demonstrate the various available technologies than to prepare the machine for production. The modernization of the machine is based on modular kits, which, if necessary, can be added to an existing machine.
While the initial task of the main battle tanks (MBT) was to lead battles at medium and large distances, today's conflicts require a certain level of infantry fire support, even in urban areas. Usually, the incorrect use of MBT is mainly due to the inaccessibility of special support vehicles (such as, for example, the Russian BMPT), rather than the capabilities of modern tanks. However, MBT is currently the most powerful weapon available for direct ground support. This led KMWeg to bring its Leopard 2 PSO model “into people”.
The only prototype shown to the public is based on the usual Leopard 2A5 version, which has been greatly improved. The A5 variant was chosen due to the fact that it has a shorter gun L44. This increases maneuverability, especially in populated areas. The angles of vertical guidance guns have not changed.
The most notable difference from other Leopard 2 options are the additional booking modules on the hull and the tower. As planned by the developers, they should provide circular protection against simple cumulative weapons (up to RPG-7). Unlike other tanks, the PSO option does not rely on simple lattice screens, but on heavy modular protection. The roof of the vehicle is not reinforced, but the vehicle is equipped with the same additional mine protection as that of the Leopard 2A6M tank.
Hydraulically operated dozer blade mounted in front of the hull. It is used to clear obstacles and open trenches. It also enhances the protection of the hull against attacking shells and mines of all types.
All means to improve the passive protection of the tank led to a significant increase in the mass of the machine. It can also be assumed that the center of gravity once again shifted forward.
In order to improve mobility and overcome the effects of weight gain on the Leopard 2 PSO variant, some modifications were made to the chassis and power plant. Since the machine in the MLC70 category is characterized by intense wear of the tracks and drive wheels, the tank was equipped with modern tracks of the 570 PO model and a hydraulic track tension mechanism. The drive wheels engage with tracks of the 570 PO tracks, and not as usual with straps, so these tracks withstand increased loads with less mechanical wear.
In the stern of the hull, the usual power unit of the Leopard 2 tank is installed. At the request of the customer, it can be replaced by a new power unit of the Euro standard. Since it takes up less space, additional tanks with a capacity of up to 400 liters can be added. Looking at the mass of the machine, as well as the expected time of the task, it may be more than appropriate. In addition, the tank can also be equipped with an auxiliary power unit.
Another major change in the Leopard 2 PSO is an improved touch package. The tank is equipped with several cameras that allow the crew to monitor the situation around the car without leaving it. The driver has a high resolution rear view camera and a night vision device in front of the car. The sights of the commander and gunner were not improved, but at the same time they received enhanced protection. The tank is also equipped with the same as the Leopard 2A5DK version, a searchlight mounted on the turret. As for the modifications inside the tank, a fully digital fire control system and operational control system were installed. The latter system also includes a navigation system with maps and the ability to exchange data between departments. The PSO version also has a recorder installed that records the actions and movements of the tank. The fighting compartment and electronics are now cooled by air conditioning.
Finally, a new element of this configuration is the combat module on the roof of the tower behind the hatch of the loader, replacing the standard anti-aircraft machine gun. It consists of automatic weapons, as well as day and night devices, allowing to work around the clock. The battle module loader controls the inside of the machine, there is no need to get up for this and lean out of the hatch. But the installation of the module introduced several drawbacks, including an increase in the height of the vehicle (its projection) and a negative impact on the commander’s field of vision.
The Leopard 2 PSO in its example demonstrates certain configuration options for the Leopard 2 tank for use in urban areas. The tank received advanced sensors and additional booking. At the same time, the projection of the machine became larger, that is, it became easier to detect and, as a result, easier to get into. Potential customers should think twice about what might be worth getting these same improvements, but at a lower cost. Or it may be better to develop a machine that is “sharpened” for future tasks.
Leopard 2A7
First appearance: 2014 year
The Leopard 2A7 is the newest line in the inventory of the tanks of the German army and will remain the standard version of the Leopard 2 for the next few years. The tank is not new, it is a modernized version of the Leopard 2. For the first batch were taken Leopard 2A6 tanks from the presence of the Dutch army. This is a rather strange scheme, because in 2007, Germany leased 20 tanks to Canada from Leopard 2A6M. Instead of returning the tanks and replacing them with new ones, Canada bought 20 used Leopard 2A6NL tanks from the Netherlands and transferred them to Germany. These tanks were modified to A6M standard, and later for A7 standard. The tanks were transferred to the army at the end of the year 2014 and at the beginning of the year 2015. 19 machines Leopard 2A7 will be used in the army, and one will undergo further upgrades and evaluations.
In addition to 20 machines, the German Ministry of Defense decided to upgrade all existing Leopard 2 tanks to the A7 standard and add another 103 tank. Of these, 44 will be transferred to active battalions, 56 will remain at the test sites and in tank schools, and 8 will be used for further evaluation. Ultimately, the total number of A7 standard tanks will be 328 vehicles.
In the tank Leopard 2A7 introduced several new systems, some of them are quite unique. First of all, the standardization process of "А7" consists in bringing it to the standard Leopard 2A6M. It includes the replacement of old smoke grenade installations, the upgrade of radio systems, the new driver's seat, armor plates on the bottom and the translation of all the plates.
The most important change being carried out on the Leopard 2A7 tank is the integration of the IFIS information management system (Integrated Command and Information System). The system allows the exchange of digital data between the tanks of one unit, as well as to increase the level of situational awareness inside the tank. The system includes a display of the output of tactical data and information about the route of movement. IFIS comes in two versions. The full version is intended for platoon and company commanders, as well as their deputies.
Since these tanks have a higher command responsibility, the commander, loader and driver seats are equipped with digital displays. The commander and driver displays replace the usual control panel. Large color displays show tank status, map data or messages. None of the workplaces is equipped with its own keyboard. The IFIS option for the remaining servicemen of the company provides displays only for the driver and commander. Looking at the commercial value of information systems of comparable functionality, this configuration is not entirely justified.
Since IFIS allows the transmission of digital data, the Leopard 2A7 will be equipped with three radio stations, one of which is intended only for data transmission. Old antennas will be replaced by modern Comrod antennas.
The tank A7 installed a new intercom system SOTAS-IP. It is used for communication between crew members inside the tank. But it also includes a communications interface (telephone) in the stern of the tank for communication with supporting infantry. The external interface allows you to exchange data and voice messages. A similar system is also installed on the Puma and Boxer machines.
If the sight of the commander PERI R17 A2 was installed relatively recently on the tank Leopard 2A5, then the A7 variant has already received its new version. The new PERI R17 A3 scope includes a completely new ATTICA thermal imager with a higher resolution and detection range.
Unfortunately, the thermal imager of the gunner was not modernized, while the commander’s sight is fully digital and modular. The gunner’s monitor, which displays images from the sight, is still a cathode-ray tube. Replacing a thermal imager would require a complete redesign of the sight. There would be a chance to get rid of some obsolete structures and get new features. But, apparently, the high cost of replacement did not allow to update the sight.
A small, but very important improvement, implemented in the tank, was the introduction into ammunition of a new additional ammunition. The old universal shell in the future will be decommissioned. In its place will come a new programmable high-explosive fragmentation projectile DM11. The loader now has an additional control unit that allows you to program the fuse. There are three modes of detonation: point detonation, delayed and air explosions. Programming of the fuse takes place automatically in the charging box. The maximum range of the projectile is 5000 meters. But without an improved LMS, the Leopard 2 tank will be able to bombard targets with this projectile only at distances up to 4000 meters.
Leopard 2A7 will be the first tank, the ammunition which will include new high-explosive fragmentation shells. After the stock of the DM12 projectile expires, it is expected that the Leopard 2A6 and А6М tanks will also receive a new projectile sooner or later.
Finally, in the German army’s Leopard 2A7 tanks, air conditioning and an auxiliary power unit are installed. The APU is installed in the right fender, and the air conditioning system in the aft niche of the tower. The APU allows the tank systems to operate when the main engine is shut off, including turret drives and weapons, sights, stabilization and air conditioning.
The armament of the Leopard 2A7 tank has not been upgraded. But then the tank is now equipped with a Barracuda camouflage system.
Option Leopard 2A7 with camouflage system Barracuda
Leopard 2A8
Immediately after deploying the Leopard 2A7 version, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann began work on the next evolutionary version of the Leopard 2. This time the focus is on sighting systems and mobility.
Finally, and now really timely, the gunner’s main target becomes the main theme. Although there is talk that the upgrade will affect only the imager, but most likely, the entire scope will be updated. It is expected that the gunner will be equipped with the latest thermal imaging. It will allow capturing both images and video. The day sight should have a different increase and with it being significantly larger than that of the current sight. This will increase the range of 120-mm guns firing with armor-piercing feathered sub-caliber and high-explosive fragmentation projectiles.
Previous upgrades to the Leopard 2 tank added an extra weight, which negatively affected the overall mobility of the tank. In Leopard 2A8, it seems that this will be corrected to a certain extent. The changes will affect three systems. First, the transmission, in which the sets of gears of the lower gears will be changed. The second is the new onboard gearboxes. Both changes should reduce friction and increase torque, especially in lower gears. As a result, the designers expect to achieve the driving performance of the A4 variant.
And third, since the increased mass and more torque will significantly increase the load on the tracks, they will be replaced by new tracks along with new drive wheels.
Since the Leopard 2A7 tank has been deployed quite recently, you should not expect the А8 variant before the 2018 or 2019 of the year.
Leopard 2A4 Evolution
First appearance: 2008 year
The Leopard 2A4 Evolution model was developed by IBD. The main focus here was on increasing the level of active and passive protection of the tank Leopard 2A4. The main goal was to use available technologies that would minimize the cost of development and procurement. This option is based on the usual tank Leopard 2A4, but has very noticeable improvements in the field of booking. For the front and sides of the hull and the tower used several types of modules. In addition, the tank received additional anti-mine bottom protection and protection of the tower’s roof against attacks from above. On the sides and in the stern they installed lattice screens, which force detonating attacking shells even before meeting with the main armor. Finally, the tank is also equipped with the AMAP-ADS active protection complex. He detects the attacking shells and intercepts them when approaching the tank.
Leopard 2A4 Evolution is a very interesting concept, providing good protection at minimal cost. It also means that tanks can be improved in a short time to the required level. The mass of the complete set is slightly less than 5 tons, the sets for the tower will add another 2 or 3 tons. Since most of the mass is added to the front of the car, the center of gravity has shifted. Neither the suspension nor the power unit of the tank has been modified, and this leads to more intense wear and deterioration of mobility. Since the emphasis in the development was made only on increasing the level of protection, it is worth asking why the gunner’s sight was not moved. He stayed in the same place and is a beautiful vulnerable hole in the front of the tower.
In general, improving the protection of the tank is an excellent thing. But it is worth thinking whether the Leopard 2 is the right machine. If a tank is used in a scenario where only maximum protection helps, you probably need to look for an alternative.
MW Revolution
First appearance: 2008 year
Rev Rev is a retrofit kit currently offered by Rhemmetall Defense for the Leopard 2 tank. It resembles the Leopard 2A4 Evolution variant, since it has the same ballistic protection kit. But modernization is not limited to this. MBT Revolution is equipped with a ROSY (Rapid Obscuring System) smoke curtain system. It consists of four grenade launchers installed at the corners of the tower. The system, which includes laser detectors, is able to install smoke screens of various sizes as quickly as possible. It is activated either automatically when determining the laser beam of the rangefinder or target illumination, or is controlled by the crew. The ROSY system is able to create a smoke cloud in close proximity to the vehicle and expand it as the tank moves.
More changes can be found inside the tank. Rheinmetall offers a completely redesigned interior, including an electric tower and a digital SLA. Customers have the choice of leaving existing sights and controls or replacing them with new ones. And the latter is strongly recommended. The tower’s digital electronics also allows the integration of a new command and control system, including wireless data transfer.
A new feature, previously discussed only for the American tank М1А2 SEP, is the use of a tank for real training. The MVT Revolution kit allows the tank to be part of the training units when targets and information about them can be displayed directly into the scope (augmented reality function). This would allow tank crews to train on real equipment and not use simulators. Learning tasks can run on a static display or even dynamically on a training ground.
The position of the commander of the MVT Revolution tank is equipped with a new SEOSS sight (Stabilized Electro-Optical Sight System - a stabilized optical-electronic sighting system). The sight is stabilized, has a day channel and a Saphir thermal imager. The sight receives digital data from all sensors and can be connected to the digital systems of the tank. One of the interesting features of the SEOSS is the built-in fire control system. It allows you to fully control either the main armament of the tank, or a remotely controlled combat module. Theoretically, this system in the future may allow the use of weapons systems that are not directly included in the tank.
The touch kit contains a so-called situational awareness system. It consists of several day and night cameras located around the tank. They allow you to monitor the situation in the immediate vicinity of the tank.
As already mentioned, the tank is also equipped with a remote-controlled combat module mounted on the roof of the tower. It is controlled by the commander and can accept several models of machine guns. Also to the new equipment include air conditioning and auxiliary power unit.
MW Revolution is currently the most noteworthy version of the Leopard 2 tank. There are, of course, questions for additional reservations, since the shortcomings described for Leopard 2А2 Evolution are “pulled” behind it. A strong argument in favor of this option is the digital turret and the new sight of the commander. They significantly improve the fighting qualities of the tank when working during the daytime. APU and air conditioning are also appropriate.
So far, no customer is interested in such a modernization. If you close your eyes to an additional reservation, the version of the Revolution MBT of the Leopard 2 tank is something you can only dream of!
MW Evolution
First appearance: 2014 year
MBT Evolution is another emerald in the series Leopard 2A4 Evolution and MBT Revolution. While the first demonstrated a new protection kit, and the second a new fire control system for the commander, the Evolution MVT variant is aimed at a practical demonstration of the reservation kit. This tank was presented at the Eurosatory 2014 exhibition with its new defense and ROSY smoke screening system.
MW Evolution variant at Eurosatory 2014
Продолжение следует ...
First appearance: 2006 year
Taking on the experience of the recent operation of the main combat tanks in various local conflicts, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann developed the Leopard 2 PSO (Peace Support Operation). It is based on the Leopard 2 tank, which has been refined in terms of survivability and sensor systems. The project was more likely to demonstrate the various available technologies than to prepare the machine for production. The modernization of the machine is based on modular kits, which, if necessary, can be added to an existing machine.
While the initial task of the main battle tanks (MBT) was to lead battles at medium and large distances, today's conflicts require a certain level of infantry fire support, even in urban areas. Usually, the incorrect use of MBT is mainly due to the inaccessibility of special support vehicles (such as, for example, the Russian BMPT), rather than the capabilities of modern tanks. However, MBT is currently the most powerful weapon available for direct ground support. This led KMWeg to bring its Leopard 2 PSO model “into people”.
The only prototype shown to the public is based on the usual Leopard 2A5 version, which has been greatly improved. The A5 variant was chosen due to the fact that it has a shorter gun L44. This increases maneuverability, especially in populated areas. The angles of vertical guidance guns have not changed.
The most notable difference from other Leopard 2 options are the additional booking modules on the hull and the tower. As planned by the developers, they should provide circular protection against simple cumulative weapons (up to RPG-7). Unlike other tanks, the PSO option does not rely on simple lattice screens, but on heavy modular protection. The roof of the vehicle is not reinforced, but the vehicle is equipped with the same additional mine protection as that of the Leopard 2A6M tank.
Hydraulically operated dozer blade mounted in front of the hull. It is used to clear obstacles and open trenches. It also enhances the protection of the hull against attacking shells and mines of all types.
All means to improve the passive protection of the tank led to a significant increase in the mass of the machine. It can also be assumed that the center of gravity once again shifted forward.
In order to improve mobility and overcome the effects of weight gain on the Leopard 2 PSO variant, some modifications were made to the chassis and power plant. Since the machine in the MLC70 category is characterized by intense wear of the tracks and drive wheels, the tank was equipped with modern tracks of the 570 PO model and a hydraulic track tension mechanism. The drive wheels engage with tracks of the 570 PO tracks, and not as usual with straps, so these tracks withstand increased loads with less mechanical wear.
In the stern of the hull, the usual power unit of the Leopard 2 tank is installed. At the request of the customer, it can be replaced by a new power unit of the Euro standard. Since it takes up less space, additional tanks with a capacity of up to 400 liters can be added. Looking at the mass of the machine, as well as the expected time of the task, it may be more than appropriate. In addition, the tank can also be equipped with an auxiliary power unit.
Another major change in the Leopard 2 PSO is an improved touch package. The tank is equipped with several cameras that allow the crew to monitor the situation around the car without leaving it. The driver has a high resolution rear view camera and a night vision device in front of the car. The sights of the commander and gunner were not improved, but at the same time they received enhanced protection. The tank is also equipped with the same as the Leopard 2A5DK version, a searchlight mounted on the turret. As for the modifications inside the tank, a fully digital fire control system and operational control system were installed. The latter system also includes a navigation system with maps and the ability to exchange data between departments. The PSO version also has a recorder installed that records the actions and movements of the tank. The fighting compartment and electronics are now cooled by air conditioning.
Finally, a new element of this configuration is the combat module on the roof of the tower behind the hatch of the loader, replacing the standard anti-aircraft machine gun. It consists of automatic weapons, as well as day and night devices, allowing to work around the clock. The battle module loader controls the inside of the machine, there is no need to get up for this and lean out of the hatch. But the installation of the module introduced several drawbacks, including an increase in the height of the vehicle (its projection) and a negative impact on the commander’s field of vision.
The Leopard 2 PSO in its example demonstrates certain configuration options for the Leopard 2 tank for use in urban areas. The tank received advanced sensors and additional booking. At the same time, the projection of the machine became larger, that is, it became easier to detect and, as a result, easier to get into. Potential customers should think twice about what might be worth getting these same improvements, but at a lower cost. Or it may be better to develop a machine that is “sharpened” for future tasks.
Leopard 2A7
First appearance: 2014 year
The Leopard 2A7 is the newest line in the inventory of the tanks of the German army and will remain the standard version of the Leopard 2 for the next few years. The tank is not new, it is a modernized version of the Leopard 2. For the first batch were taken Leopard 2A6 tanks from the presence of the Dutch army. This is a rather strange scheme, because in 2007, Germany leased 20 tanks to Canada from Leopard 2A6M. Instead of returning the tanks and replacing them with new ones, Canada bought 20 used Leopard 2A6NL tanks from the Netherlands and transferred them to Germany. These tanks were modified to A6M standard, and later for A7 standard. The tanks were transferred to the army at the end of the year 2014 and at the beginning of the year 2015. 19 machines Leopard 2A7 will be used in the army, and one will undergo further upgrades and evaluations.
In addition to 20 machines, the German Ministry of Defense decided to upgrade all existing Leopard 2 tanks to the A7 standard and add another 103 tank. Of these, 44 will be transferred to active battalions, 56 will remain at the test sites and in tank schools, and 8 will be used for further evaluation. Ultimately, the total number of A7 standard tanks will be 328 vehicles.
In the tank Leopard 2A7 introduced several new systems, some of them are quite unique. First of all, the standardization process of "А7" consists in bringing it to the standard Leopard 2A6M. It includes the replacement of old smoke grenade installations, the upgrade of radio systems, the new driver's seat, armor plates on the bottom and the translation of all the plates.
The most important change being carried out on the Leopard 2A7 tank is the integration of the IFIS information management system (Integrated Command and Information System). The system allows the exchange of digital data between the tanks of one unit, as well as to increase the level of situational awareness inside the tank. The system includes a display of the output of tactical data and information about the route of movement. IFIS comes in two versions. The full version is intended for platoon and company commanders, as well as their deputies.
Since these tanks have a higher command responsibility, the commander, loader and driver seats are equipped with digital displays. The commander and driver displays replace the usual control panel. Large color displays show tank status, map data or messages. None of the workplaces is equipped with its own keyboard. The IFIS option for the remaining servicemen of the company provides displays only for the driver and commander. Looking at the commercial value of information systems of comparable functionality, this configuration is not entirely justified.
Since IFIS allows the transmission of digital data, the Leopard 2A7 will be equipped with three radio stations, one of which is intended only for data transmission. Old antennas will be replaced by modern Comrod antennas.
The tank A7 installed a new intercom system SOTAS-IP. It is used for communication between crew members inside the tank. But it also includes a communications interface (telephone) in the stern of the tank for communication with supporting infantry. The external interface allows you to exchange data and voice messages. A similar system is also installed on the Puma and Boxer machines.
If the sight of the commander PERI R17 A2 was installed relatively recently on the tank Leopard 2A5, then the A7 variant has already received its new version. The new PERI R17 A3 scope includes a completely new ATTICA thermal imager with a higher resolution and detection range.
Unfortunately, the thermal imager of the gunner was not modernized, while the commander’s sight is fully digital and modular. The gunner’s monitor, which displays images from the sight, is still a cathode-ray tube. Replacing a thermal imager would require a complete redesign of the sight. There would be a chance to get rid of some obsolete structures and get new features. But, apparently, the high cost of replacement did not allow to update the sight.
A small, but very important improvement, implemented in the tank, was the introduction into ammunition of a new additional ammunition. The old universal shell in the future will be decommissioned. In its place will come a new programmable high-explosive fragmentation projectile DM11. The loader now has an additional control unit that allows you to program the fuse. There are three modes of detonation: point detonation, delayed and air explosions. Programming of the fuse takes place automatically in the charging box. The maximum range of the projectile is 5000 meters. But without an improved LMS, the Leopard 2 tank will be able to bombard targets with this projectile only at distances up to 4000 meters.
Leopard 2A7 will be the first tank, the ammunition which will include new high-explosive fragmentation shells. After the stock of the DM12 projectile expires, it is expected that the Leopard 2A6 and А6М tanks will also receive a new projectile sooner or later.
Finally, in the German army’s Leopard 2A7 tanks, air conditioning and an auxiliary power unit are installed. The APU is installed in the right fender, and the air conditioning system in the aft niche of the tower. The APU allows the tank systems to operate when the main engine is shut off, including turret drives and weapons, sights, stabilization and air conditioning.
The armament of the Leopard 2A7 tank has not been upgraded. But then the tank is now equipped with a Barracuda camouflage system.
Option Leopard 2A7 with camouflage system Barracuda
Leopard 2A8
Immediately after deploying the Leopard 2A7 version, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann began work on the next evolutionary version of the Leopard 2. This time the focus is on sighting systems and mobility.
Finally, and now really timely, the gunner’s main target becomes the main theme. Although there is talk that the upgrade will affect only the imager, but most likely, the entire scope will be updated. It is expected that the gunner will be equipped with the latest thermal imaging. It will allow capturing both images and video. The day sight should have a different increase and with it being significantly larger than that of the current sight. This will increase the range of 120-mm guns firing with armor-piercing feathered sub-caliber and high-explosive fragmentation projectiles.
Previous upgrades to the Leopard 2 tank added an extra weight, which negatively affected the overall mobility of the tank. In Leopard 2A8, it seems that this will be corrected to a certain extent. The changes will affect three systems. First, the transmission, in which the sets of gears of the lower gears will be changed. The second is the new onboard gearboxes. Both changes should reduce friction and increase torque, especially in lower gears. As a result, the designers expect to achieve the driving performance of the A4 variant.
And third, since the increased mass and more torque will significantly increase the load on the tracks, they will be replaced by new tracks along with new drive wheels.
Since the Leopard 2A7 tank has been deployed quite recently, you should not expect the А8 variant before the 2018 or 2019 of the year.
Leopard 2A4 Evolution
First appearance: 2008 year
The Leopard 2A4 Evolution model was developed by IBD. The main focus here was on increasing the level of active and passive protection of the tank Leopard 2A4. The main goal was to use available technologies that would minimize the cost of development and procurement. This option is based on the usual tank Leopard 2A4, but has very noticeable improvements in the field of booking. For the front and sides of the hull and the tower used several types of modules. In addition, the tank received additional anti-mine bottom protection and protection of the tower’s roof against attacks from above. On the sides and in the stern they installed lattice screens, which force detonating attacking shells even before meeting with the main armor. Finally, the tank is also equipped with the AMAP-ADS active protection complex. He detects the attacking shells and intercepts them when approaching the tank.
Leopard 2A4 Evolution is a very interesting concept, providing good protection at minimal cost. It also means that tanks can be improved in a short time to the required level. The mass of the complete set is slightly less than 5 tons, the sets for the tower will add another 2 or 3 tons. Since most of the mass is added to the front of the car, the center of gravity has shifted. Neither the suspension nor the power unit of the tank has been modified, and this leads to more intense wear and deterioration of mobility. Since the emphasis in the development was made only on increasing the level of protection, it is worth asking why the gunner’s sight was not moved. He stayed in the same place and is a beautiful vulnerable hole in the front of the tower.
In general, improving the protection of the tank is an excellent thing. But it is worth thinking whether the Leopard 2 is the right machine. If a tank is used in a scenario where only maximum protection helps, you probably need to look for an alternative.
MW Revolution
First appearance: 2008 year
Rev Rev is a retrofit kit currently offered by Rhemmetall Defense for the Leopard 2 tank. It resembles the Leopard 2A4 Evolution variant, since it has the same ballistic protection kit. But modernization is not limited to this. MBT Revolution is equipped with a ROSY (Rapid Obscuring System) smoke curtain system. It consists of four grenade launchers installed at the corners of the tower. The system, which includes laser detectors, is able to install smoke screens of various sizes as quickly as possible. It is activated either automatically when determining the laser beam of the rangefinder or target illumination, or is controlled by the crew. The ROSY system is able to create a smoke cloud in close proximity to the vehicle and expand it as the tank moves.
More changes can be found inside the tank. Rheinmetall offers a completely redesigned interior, including an electric tower and a digital SLA. Customers have the choice of leaving existing sights and controls or replacing them with new ones. And the latter is strongly recommended. The tower’s digital electronics also allows the integration of a new command and control system, including wireless data transfer.
A new feature, previously discussed only for the American tank М1А2 SEP, is the use of a tank for real training. The MVT Revolution kit allows the tank to be part of the training units when targets and information about them can be displayed directly into the scope (augmented reality function). This would allow tank crews to train on real equipment and not use simulators. Learning tasks can run on a static display or even dynamically on a training ground.
The position of the commander of the MVT Revolution tank is equipped with a new SEOSS sight (Stabilized Electro-Optical Sight System - a stabilized optical-electronic sighting system). The sight is stabilized, has a day channel and a Saphir thermal imager. The sight receives digital data from all sensors and can be connected to the digital systems of the tank. One of the interesting features of the SEOSS is the built-in fire control system. It allows you to fully control either the main armament of the tank, or a remotely controlled combat module. Theoretically, this system in the future may allow the use of weapons systems that are not directly included in the tank.
The touch kit contains a so-called situational awareness system. It consists of several day and night cameras located around the tank. They allow you to monitor the situation in the immediate vicinity of the tank.
As already mentioned, the tank is also equipped with a remote-controlled combat module mounted on the roof of the tower. It is controlled by the commander and can accept several models of machine guns. Also to the new equipment include air conditioning and auxiliary power unit.
MW Revolution is currently the most noteworthy version of the Leopard 2 tank. There are, of course, questions for additional reservations, since the shortcomings described for Leopard 2А2 Evolution are “pulled” behind it. A strong argument in favor of this option is the digital turret and the new sight of the commander. They significantly improve the fighting qualities of the tank when working during the daytime. APU and air conditioning are also appropriate.
So far, no customer is interested in such a modernization. If you close your eyes to an additional reservation, the version of the Revolution MBT of the Leopard 2 tank is something you can only dream of!
MW Evolution
First appearance: 2014 year
MBT Evolution is another emerald in the series Leopard 2A4 Evolution and MBT Revolution. While the first demonstrated a new protection kit, and the second a new fire control system for the commander, the Evolution MVT variant is aimed at a practical demonstration of the reservation kit. This tank was presented at the Eurosatory 2014 exhibition with its new defense and ROSY smoke screening system.
MW Evolution variant at Eurosatory 2014
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