Three shots in ten seconds
Tank manufacturer KNDS develops new Leopard 2 version
13.06.2024, 19:19
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Shortly before the Eurosatory arms fair, KNDS announced the development of an improved model of the Leopard 2 main battle tank. The new version has a smaller crew and a cannon with an autoloader.
The German-French tank manufacturer KNDS has, according to its own Declarations a new version of the Leopard 2 tank has been developed. The system, called Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0, features an unmanned turret, improved protection systems and an interchangeable main gun. KNDS describes the tank as a “bridging solution” until the introduction of the MGCS (Main Ground Combat Systems), which is planned for 2040.
According to the manufacturer, the unmanned turret of the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 offers several advantages. The crew no longer sits in the turret as before, but instead sits in the hull of the tank, which means they are better protected. This also means the turret is smaller, which makes the tank flatter and lighter overall. The lower silhouette also makes it more difficult to spot in combat.
According to the information, the loading of the main gun is carried out automatically, which means that the position of the loader is no longer required. This reduces the number of crew members from four to three (commander, driver, gunner). The automatic loading system should be able to fire three shots in ten seconds. The 30-millimeter machine gun mounted on the turret is remotely controlled and should also be able to react autonomously, for example to combat drones. A multi-purpose grenade launcher and a separate launcher for guided missiles round off the armament.
Digitalized fire control system
According to KNDS, the turret will be able to accommodate cannons of different calibers, starting from the standard 120-millimeter cannon, through the new 130-millimeter cannon from Rheinmetall to the 140-millimeter ASCALON cannon from France.
In addition, the fire control system is completely digitalized. This means that the battle tank is theoretically capable of being controlled completely remotely. An APS protection system is designed to cause enemy projectiles to explode before they hit. According to published photos, the vehicle also has reactive armor.
The weight of the tank is said to be less than 60 tons. For comparison: the Leopard 2A7 weighs 64 tons, the Leopard 2A8 is just under 70 tons. The maximum speed is given as 65 kilometers per hour, the maximum range as 460 kilometers. It is not yet known how the crew climbs into the tank. Experts suspect that a hatch on the front below the cannon is used for entry.
The Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 is scheduled to be presented at the Eurosatory 2024 arms fair, which will take place near Paris from Monday to Friday next week.