Project for the modernization of the main tank AMX-56 Leclerc Renove (France)
Currently, the armed forces of France are preparing to carry out modernization under the Scorpion program. Within the framework of this project, it is planned to update the equipment and equipment fleet of various types of armed forces. It is supposed both to develop and build completely new models of military equipment, and to modernize existing ones. In particular, the modernization of the existing main combat tanks. A project has already been developed with the designation Leclerc Renove (or Leclerc R), which will allow the continued operation of existing tanks while maintaining acceptable performance.
The modernization program for the existing main battle tanks AMX-56 Leclerc was launched in March last year. Nexter was commissioned to upgrade existing armored vehicles in order to improve its basic characteristics. The main requirements for the modernization project, designated Leclerc Renove, relate to increasing the level of protection and enhancing firepower. In addition, it was necessary to update the on-board radio-electronic equipment in order to ensure compatibility with modern and promising means of communication and control. It was also planned to apply some other innovations.
The implementation of the Leclerc Renove program was allocated 330 million euros. For this money, the contracting company had to develop a new project, and then arrange for the repair and renovation of serial tanks from combat units. In accordance with the plans of last year, the tank modernization program should be completed before the end of this decade. By 2020, the required modernization will be two hundred main tanks and 18 repair-evacuation vehicles DCL, built on their base. The fate of the remaining one and a half hundred armored vehicles has not yet been determined. Apparently, they are supposed to be left without updating.
The exhibition sample of the upgraded tank. Photo Vpk.name
The AMX-56 Leclerc design was developed in the late eighties. In 1992, the French army received the first production armored vehicles of a new type. Later, several modernization projects were developed, which implied the use of this or that additional equipment. Also developed variants of technology, adapted for use by some foreign customers. Currently, Leclerc tanks are in service with France and the United Arab Emirates. The emergence of new export contracts is also not excluded.
In accordance with the changing nature of modern armed conflicts in the middle of the last decade, a tank modernization project was created, aimed at increasing the resilience of vehicles in urban fighting. It was proposed to carry out the modernization of the AZUR project by installing a set of additional equipment on the existing tank. The retrofit package included a set of additional protective equipment, including against cumulative ammunition, communications equipment, and additional devices for monitoring the surrounding space. In addition, the tank should be equipped with additional communication systems to coordinate with the infantry.
The development of a new modernization project, designed to bring tanks into full compliance with current requirements, began last spring. About a year later, the specialists of the contracting company completed all the necessary work and carried out the modernization of one of the serial "Leclerc", the result of which was the appearance of a prototype tank. In the middle of June of this year in Paris, the Eurosatory-2016 exhibition was held, during which the company showed for the first time an experienced Leclerc Renove tank. In one of the pavilions of the exhibition was presented a tank, which received a set of additional equipment of a particular nature.
A new modernization project involves upgrading armored vehicles through the installation of various types of equipment. At the same time, the main part of the structural elements of the tank should remain without noticeable changes. From the available data it follows that all applied minor modifications of the hull, etc. connected exclusively with the need to install new equipment. Interestingly, in the new project of upgrading armored vehicles it is proposed to use some elements of already existing types, borrowed from previous developments, such as AZUR.
In its basic configuration, the AMX-56 received an armored hull using combined frontal projection protection and homogeneous reservations for other sections. According to available data, later series tanks received armor reinforcement in the form of additional elements of titanium and tungsten. When an adversary uses armor piercing piercing shells, the frontal part of the hull and turret provides protection at the level of a homogeneous reservation at the level of 600-650 mm, against cumulative ones up to 1200 mm. Other parts of the hull and turret are protected from fire from small weapons and small-caliber artillery, as well as from splinters.
The Renove project proposes to equip the tank with a set of additional protection measures aimed at countering various threats. Hinged blocks of dynamic protection, lattice screens, as well as special soft mats should be installed on different parts of the hull and tower. With their help, the tank will be able to increase protection against various threats. Thus, dynamic protection will allow it to reduce the risks associated with the use of opponents of cumulative and sub-caliber ammunition, cutting screens will protect against anti-tank grenades, etc. weapons, and the task of soft hinged blocks is a smooth deceleration of ammunition, which prevents their operation.
Thus, after upgrading, a set of auxiliary systems are added to the tank’s own armored hull, significantly increasing the resistance of the vehicle to attacks with various weapons and from different angles. Also, the security kit is supplemented with additional modules installed on the bottom of the case. With their help, the tank's resistance to various explosive devices is improved. Interestingly, to protect against mines and improvised explosive devices is proposed to apply not only additional booking, but also the corresponding radio-electronic devices. The Renove kit includes a system for jamming and suppressing control channels for explosive devices.
The new project does not provide for a change in the composition of the power plant or the processing of the chassis. Thus, in the aft hull, it was proposed to retain the existing Wärtsilä V8X 1500 diesel engine with power up to 1500 hp. Also remains in its place a gas turbine auxiliary power unit, responsible for the generation of electricity for various systems. The transmission of the tank is based on the hydromechanical gearbox and should not be changed either.
Despite a slight increase in combat mass, the tank retains the existing undercarriage. On each side of the hull is mounted on six dual rubberized rollers with individual hydropneumatic suspension. The layout of the chassis with front guides and stern drive wheels, as well as with several supporting rollers does not change.
AMX-56 in base configuration. Photo of Wikimedia Commons
Certain changes have been proposed for the armament complex, although they do not affect the main weapon. The main means of defeating targets after upgrading remains 120-mm smoothbore gun CN120-26 with a barrel length 52 caliber. The gun mates with an automatic loader with mechanized stacking on an 22 shot placed in the isolated aft compartment of the tower. Another 18 ammunition is stored on the racks and must be fed to the gun manually.
The Leclerc tank initially carries a twin AAN F1 type 7,62 mm machine gun. In addition, the new modernization project proposed the use of an additional combat module that increases the capabilities of the armored vehicle for protection against various targets at short distances. The combat module with remote control, a set of optical-electronic systems and a machine gun caliber 7,62 mm is proposed to be mounted on the roof of the tower. With the help of this system, it is planned to defend against enemy infantry at short distances, including in the conditions of urban development.
Modernization of the project Leclerc Renove also implies the broadest use of new radio-electronic systems designed to improve the fighting qualities. The main means of achieving such goals is the SICS information management system (Système d'information et de Commandement Scorpion), which unites all communications and fire control equipment into a common set. With the help of the SICS system, the upgraded tank will be able to communicate with any equipment equipped with similar equipment, and operate effectively in the general structure of the troops built as a result of the Scorpion program. The possibility of a quick transfer of data on detected targets, the current situation, etc. In addition, the transfer of commands and other information is provided.
The communication and control system SICS is connected with new communication equipment designed to transfer all the necessary data to both the tank and to itself. Also, the armored vehicle receives a “friend-foe” identification set, which allows to avoid a possible attack by friendly troops.
In the course of the new modernization project, it was decided to a certain extent to simplify and cheapen the training of tankers. To do this, the upgraded equipment must receive an integrated shooting training kit based on laser equipment. Such equipment is expected to allow full preparation of the gunners and tank commanders with a sharp reduction in the cost of ammunition needed for training.
The company-developer during the first demonstration of an experienced tank, upgraded to a new project, argued that all the basic elements used in upgrading technology, have already passed all the necessary checks. Moreover, the means of modernization of the tank were tested not only at the test sites, but also in conditions of real combat operations. Successful confirmation of the design characteristics in the course of such inspections made it possible to include certain elements in the complex of additional equipment proposed for use when updating tanks.
Leclerc Renove under camouflage nets after an attack. Photos Otvaga2004.ru
According to various sources, work on the Lecler Renove project will continue in the very near future, and now we are talking about the imminent beginning of the restructuring and modernization of serial tanks that are in the army. Until the end of this decade, the French Defense Ministry and the defense industry intend to modernize two hundred tanks and 18 repair-evacuation vehicles DCL, created on the basis of AMX-56. The total cost of this program is estimated at 330 million euros. The fate of the rest of the tanks available to the combat troops of France is not reported.
The Leclerc Renove project will have several major implications. First of all, it will significantly improve the tactical and technical characteristics of the existing armored vehicles, as well as improve the features of its interaction with other technicians, infantry, etc. in a real conflict. In addition, integration into communication and control systems developed within the framework of the Scorpion program will make it possible to unleash the full potential of technology. Finally, in the course of the modernization, Leclercs will also undergo repairs. Restoration of machines and their individual units will extend the life of the equipment, so that they can remain in service for two decades, until the end of the thirties.
According to various sources, to date, only one tank has undergone a complete modernization process, which was later shown at Eurosatory-2016 and sent for testing. Interestingly, this tank had to face some dangers not only at the landfills, but also in the exhibition hall. On the very first day of the exhibition in Paris, some “activists” tried to stain the experienced armored vehicle with paint, but the security guard of the event and the employees of the developer quickly stopped hooliganism and handed the detainees to the police. Due to the inability to remove the stains left after such an attack, Nexter employees were forced to cover them with camouflage nets.
The project to upgrade the main battle tanks AMX-56 Leclerc is one of the main components of the promising program Scorpion. Also in the course of this program, the French army plans to develop and put into service several models of wheeled armored vehicles, new weapons for it, as well as various communication and control systems. By the end of this decade, all project participants must complete the development of new projects, as well as experience promising technology. The first batches of new armored vehicles and support systems are planned to be received in the mid-twenties, however, some elements of the Scorpion program have already been brought to mass production.
On the materials of the sites:
http://nexter-group.fr/
http://defenseindustrydaily.com/
http://militaryparitet.com/
http://defense-update.com/
http://vpk.name/
http://otvaga2004.ru/
http://bmpd.livejournal.com/
Detailed photographic overview of the tank Leclerc Renove:
http://otvaga2004.ru/tanki/tanki-fotogalereya/leclerc-renove-azur-fotoobzor/
The modernization program for the existing main battle tanks AMX-56 Leclerc was launched in March last year. Nexter was commissioned to upgrade existing armored vehicles in order to improve its basic characteristics. The main requirements for the modernization project, designated Leclerc Renove, relate to increasing the level of protection and enhancing firepower. In addition, it was necessary to update the on-board radio-electronic equipment in order to ensure compatibility with modern and promising means of communication and control. It was also planned to apply some other innovations.
The implementation of the Leclerc Renove program was allocated 330 million euros. For this money, the contracting company had to develop a new project, and then arrange for the repair and renovation of serial tanks from combat units. In accordance with the plans of last year, the tank modernization program should be completed before the end of this decade. By 2020, the required modernization will be two hundred main tanks and 18 repair-evacuation vehicles DCL, built on their base. The fate of the remaining one and a half hundred armored vehicles has not yet been determined. Apparently, they are supposed to be left without updating.
The exhibition sample of the upgraded tank. Photo Vpk.name
The AMX-56 Leclerc design was developed in the late eighties. In 1992, the French army received the first production armored vehicles of a new type. Later, several modernization projects were developed, which implied the use of this or that additional equipment. Also developed variants of technology, adapted for use by some foreign customers. Currently, Leclerc tanks are in service with France and the United Arab Emirates. The emergence of new export contracts is also not excluded.
In accordance with the changing nature of modern armed conflicts in the middle of the last decade, a tank modernization project was created, aimed at increasing the resilience of vehicles in urban fighting. It was proposed to carry out the modernization of the AZUR project by installing a set of additional equipment on the existing tank. The retrofit package included a set of additional protective equipment, including against cumulative ammunition, communications equipment, and additional devices for monitoring the surrounding space. In addition, the tank should be equipped with additional communication systems to coordinate with the infantry.
The development of a new modernization project, designed to bring tanks into full compliance with current requirements, began last spring. About a year later, the specialists of the contracting company completed all the necessary work and carried out the modernization of one of the serial "Leclerc", the result of which was the appearance of a prototype tank. In the middle of June of this year in Paris, the Eurosatory-2016 exhibition was held, during which the company showed for the first time an experienced Leclerc Renove tank. In one of the pavilions of the exhibition was presented a tank, which received a set of additional equipment of a particular nature.
A new modernization project involves upgrading armored vehicles through the installation of various types of equipment. At the same time, the main part of the structural elements of the tank should remain without noticeable changes. From the available data it follows that all applied minor modifications of the hull, etc. connected exclusively with the need to install new equipment. Interestingly, in the new project of upgrading armored vehicles it is proposed to use some elements of already existing types, borrowed from previous developments, such as AZUR.
In its basic configuration, the AMX-56 received an armored hull using combined frontal projection protection and homogeneous reservations for other sections. According to available data, later series tanks received armor reinforcement in the form of additional elements of titanium and tungsten. When an adversary uses armor piercing piercing shells, the frontal part of the hull and turret provides protection at the level of a homogeneous reservation at the level of 600-650 mm, against cumulative ones up to 1200 mm. Other parts of the hull and turret are protected from fire from small weapons and small-caliber artillery, as well as from splinters.
The Renove project proposes to equip the tank with a set of additional protection measures aimed at countering various threats. Hinged blocks of dynamic protection, lattice screens, as well as special soft mats should be installed on different parts of the hull and tower. With their help, the tank will be able to increase protection against various threats. Thus, dynamic protection will allow it to reduce the risks associated with the use of opponents of cumulative and sub-caliber ammunition, cutting screens will protect against anti-tank grenades, etc. weapons, and the task of soft hinged blocks is a smooth deceleration of ammunition, which prevents their operation.
Thus, after upgrading, a set of auxiliary systems are added to the tank’s own armored hull, significantly increasing the resistance of the vehicle to attacks with various weapons and from different angles. Also, the security kit is supplemented with additional modules installed on the bottom of the case. With their help, the tank's resistance to various explosive devices is improved. Interestingly, to protect against mines and improvised explosive devices is proposed to apply not only additional booking, but also the corresponding radio-electronic devices. The Renove kit includes a system for jamming and suppressing control channels for explosive devices.
The new project does not provide for a change in the composition of the power plant or the processing of the chassis. Thus, in the aft hull, it was proposed to retain the existing Wärtsilä V8X 1500 diesel engine with power up to 1500 hp. Also remains in its place a gas turbine auxiliary power unit, responsible for the generation of electricity for various systems. The transmission of the tank is based on the hydromechanical gearbox and should not be changed either.
Despite a slight increase in combat mass, the tank retains the existing undercarriage. On each side of the hull is mounted on six dual rubberized rollers with individual hydropneumatic suspension. The layout of the chassis with front guides and stern drive wheels, as well as with several supporting rollers does not change.
AMX-56 in base configuration. Photo of Wikimedia Commons
Certain changes have been proposed for the armament complex, although they do not affect the main weapon. The main means of defeating targets after upgrading remains 120-mm smoothbore gun CN120-26 with a barrel length 52 caliber. The gun mates with an automatic loader with mechanized stacking on an 22 shot placed in the isolated aft compartment of the tower. Another 18 ammunition is stored on the racks and must be fed to the gun manually.
The Leclerc tank initially carries a twin AAN F1 type 7,62 mm machine gun. In addition, the new modernization project proposed the use of an additional combat module that increases the capabilities of the armored vehicle for protection against various targets at short distances. The combat module with remote control, a set of optical-electronic systems and a machine gun caliber 7,62 mm is proposed to be mounted on the roof of the tower. With the help of this system, it is planned to defend against enemy infantry at short distances, including in the conditions of urban development.
Modernization of the project Leclerc Renove also implies the broadest use of new radio-electronic systems designed to improve the fighting qualities. The main means of achieving such goals is the SICS information management system (Système d'information et de Commandement Scorpion), which unites all communications and fire control equipment into a common set. With the help of the SICS system, the upgraded tank will be able to communicate with any equipment equipped with similar equipment, and operate effectively in the general structure of the troops built as a result of the Scorpion program. The possibility of a quick transfer of data on detected targets, the current situation, etc. In addition, the transfer of commands and other information is provided.
The communication and control system SICS is connected with new communication equipment designed to transfer all the necessary data to both the tank and to itself. Also, the armored vehicle receives a “friend-foe” identification set, which allows to avoid a possible attack by friendly troops.
In the course of the new modernization project, it was decided to a certain extent to simplify and cheapen the training of tankers. To do this, the upgraded equipment must receive an integrated shooting training kit based on laser equipment. Such equipment is expected to allow full preparation of the gunners and tank commanders with a sharp reduction in the cost of ammunition needed for training.
The company-developer during the first demonstration of an experienced tank, upgraded to a new project, argued that all the basic elements used in upgrading technology, have already passed all the necessary checks. Moreover, the means of modernization of the tank were tested not only at the test sites, but also in conditions of real combat operations. Successful confirmation of the design characteristics in the course of such inspections made it possible to include certain elements in the complex of additional equipment proposed for use when updating tanks.
Leclerc Renove under camouflage nets after an attack. Photos Otvaga2004.ru
According to various sources, work on the Lecler Renove project will continue in the very near future, and now we are talking about the imminent beginning of the restructuring and modernization of serial tanks that are in the army. Until the end of this decade, the French Defense Ministry and the defense industry intend to modernize two hundred tanks and 18 repair-evacuation vehicles DCL, created on the basis of AMX-56. The total cost of this program is estimated at 330 million euros. The fate of the rest of the tanks available to the combat troops of France is not reported.
The Leclerc Renove project will have several major implications. First of all, it will significantly improve the tactical and technical characteristics of the existing armored vehicles, as well as improve the features of its interaction with other technicians, infantry, etc. in a real conflict. In addition, integration into communication and control systems developed within the framework of the Scorpion program will make it possible to unleash the full potential of technology. Finally, in the course of the modernization, Leclercs will also undergo repairs. Restoration of machines and their individual units will extend the life of the equipment, so that they can remain in service for two decades, until the end of the thirties.
According to various sources, to date, only one tank has undergone a complete modernization process, which was later shown at Eurosatory-2016 and sent for testing. Interestingly, this tank had to face some dangers not only at the landfills, but also in the exhibition hall. On the very first day of the exhibition in Paris, some “activists” tried to stain the experienced armored vehicle with paint, but the security guard of the event and the employees of the developer quickly stopped hooliganism and handed the detainees to the police. Due to the inability to remove the stains left after such an attack, Nexter employees were forced to cover them with camouflage nets.
The project to upgrade the main battle tanks AMX-56 Leclerc is one of the main components of the promising program Scorpion. Also in the course of this program, the French army plans to develop and put into service several models of wheeled armored vehicles, new weapons for it, as well as various communication and control systems. By the end of this decade, all project participants must complete the development of new projects, as well as experience promising technology. The first batches of new armored vehicles and support systems are planned to be received in the mid-twenties, however, some elements of the Scorpion program have already been brought to mass production.
On the materials of the sites:
http://nexter-group.fr/
http://defenseindustrydaily.com/
http://militaryparitet.com/
http://defense-update.com/
http://vpk.name/
http://otvaga2004.ru/
http://bmpd.livejournal.com/
Detailed photographic overview of the tank Leclerc Renove:
http://otvaga2004.ru/tanki/tanki-fotogalereya/leclerc-renove-azur-fotoobzor/
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