General information
Krauss-Maffei Wegmann’s LEOPARD 2 has heralded the next generation of main battle tanks. The Leopard 2A7 + was first shown to public during the Eurosatory 2010, featuring the label "Developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann KMW - tested and qualified by German MoD". The Leopard 2A7 + has been tested by the Bundeswehr under the name UrbOb for urban operations, the planned upgrade from 50 German Leopard 2s to Leopard 2A7 + is starting 2012. The Leopard 2A7 + is designed to operate in low intensity conflicts and also in high intensity conflicts. Named LEOPARD 2 A7+ it incorporates a modular protection kit, increased mobility, improved sustainability, enhanced recce-abilities and an even more precise deployment of its various weapons. Asymmetrical threats from terrorist groups, IEDs or individuals have created a dangerous environment in the deployment theatres. With the LEOPARD 2A7+, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann provides the adequate solution and enables armoured forces to fulfil their objectives effectively and safely. The upgrade kit is available for all LEOPARD 2 versions and includes a comprehensive component set.
Variants :
No variants at this time
Technical data
Armament
The Leopard 2A7 + is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore gun L55, which has been developed by Rheinmetall GmbH of Ratingen, Germany to replace the shorter 120 millimeter L44 smoothbore tank gun on the Leopard 2. The 120 millimeter L44 gun barrel has a length of 530 cm and weighs 1,190 kg. The whole gun weighs 3,780 kg. By comparison, the 120 millimeter L55 gun barrel has a length of 660 cm and weighs 1,374 kg. The whole L55 gun weighs 4,160 kg. The extension of the barrel length from caliber length 44 to caliber length 55 (130 cm) results in a greater portion of the available energy in the barrel to be converted into projectile velocity. The capability to fire the new programmable 120mm HE-round enables the crew to engage targets behind cover and within buildings. The Leopard 2A7 + is also armed with KMW’s remote controlled weapon station FLW 200, which is operable under protection, the LEOPARD 2 A7+ is assertive in both built-up and non-built-up terrain.
Protection
The Leopard 2A7 + is equipped with IED and mine protection modular concept allows the integration of an urban operations kit that also offers a 3600 protection against RPG while a duel-kit retains the crew from KE- and SC-projectiles especially on the frontal arc in classical duel-situations. The suspension with torsion bars consists each side of seven dual rubber-tyred roadwheels with the idler at the front, the drive sprocket at the rear and four track-support rollers.
Propulsion
The LEOPARD 2 A7+ benefits from an increased mobility by a newly developed final drive, a new track, enhanced torsion bars, an improved brake-system and an adaptable dozer blade to clear obstacles for following vehicles.
Accessories
Leopard 2A7 + is equipped with a high-performance cooling unit and an APU (auxiliary power unit) to accomplish a 24-hour battle day. The redesigned operational concept allows the crew to utilize the new capabilities efficiently. The commander and gunner benefit from the 3rd generation ATTICA™ thermal sight, near field surveillance at day and night as well as day and night cameras for the driver. An obstacle clearance blade is mounted at the front of the vehicle.
Specifications
Armament
120 mm / L55 smoothbore cannon, 12.7 mm machine gun, 40 mm grenade launcher and 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun.
Country users: Germany
Designer Company:Krauss-Maffei Wegmann
Accessories:360° near field surveillance, searchlight, auxiliary Power Unit for silent mod, Infantry telephone box, cooling system for electronic components and crew. aaaaa
Crew:4
Armor:IED and mine protection modular concept, All-around protection kit against anti-tank weapons, mines, and IEDs
Weight:67,500 kg
Speed:72 km/h
Range:450 km
Dimensions:Length, 10,97 m; Width, 4,00 m; Height, 2,64 m
(Sumber:wiki)
