Exclusive: Leclerc Evolution Tank Features ASCALON Turret for Rapid Retrofits from 120mm to 140mm.

The Leclerc Evolution, unveiled by the Defense Company KNDS during the Eurosatory defense exhibition in June 2024 in Paris, France, is equipped with the ASCALON® turret hosting a 120mm gun that can be easily retrofitted with a 140mm ASCALON® gun. This capability places the ASCALON® technology at the core of the tank’s adaptability, making it the centerpiece of innovation in the Leclerc Evolution. The ability to integrate a higher-caliber gun underscores the tank’s focus on staying ahead of evolving battlefield threats and maintaining superiority against advanced armored adversaries.
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Leclerc Evolution tank unveiled at Eurosatory 2024 in Paris, featuring the cutting-edge ASCALON® turret capable of retrofitting from 120mm to 140mm, showcasing next-generation firepower and adaptability. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

At the heart of the Leclerc Evolution’s adaptability lies the ASCALON® (Autoloading System for Caliber and Load Optimization) technology. This advanced system underpins the tank's ability to future-proof its armament capabilities. The Leclerc Evolution is equipped with a 120mm gun, but thanks to ASCALON® technology, this weapon can be seamlessly replaced with a higher-caliber gun of up to 140mm. This modularity ensures that the tank remains a formidable force against emerging threats and can engage adversaries equipped with increasingly advanced armor.

ASCALON® also integrates advanced recoil management systems and optimized energy distribution to ensure stability and precision during firing, even with higher-caliber ammunition. The system supports extended barrel lifespans and reduced maintenance requirements, making it an ideal solution for prolonged deployments in harsh combat environments. Additionally, ASCALON®'s autoloading mechanism ensures rapid reloading and consistent firing rates, significantly enhancing the tank's overall firepower and battlefield effectiveness.

The Leclerc Evolution's turret has been meticulously designed to align with the demands of tomorrow’s conflicts. The manned turret not only houses state-of-the-art targeting and firing systems but also incorporates advanced protection measures. These features ensure crew safety in high-intensity combat scenarios while enhancing the tank’s offensive and defensive capabilities. This evolutionary design makes the turret a critical component of the tank's adaptability. It supports the integration of new technologies and weapon systems, allowing the Leclerc Evolution to maintain battlefield dominance over its lifecycle.

The introduction of a four-crew configuration—a notable departure from the traditional three-crew setup of the original Leclerc MBT—offers significant advantages. The additional crew member enhances the tank’s operational versatility by facilitating specialized roles, such as system operation and battlefield coordination. This setup not only improves situational awareness but also increases the survivability of the crew and the tank itself in complex combat environments.

The Leclerc Evolution integrates the advanced ASCALON® turret, designed to host a 120mm gun with the capability to be upgraded to a 140mm caliber, ensuring unmatched firepower and adaptability for future battlefield challenges. (Picture source Army Recognition Group)

The Leclerc Evolution is built on an innovative concept featuring a two-crew turret and a two-crew chassis with a Deputy Commander station. This setup reduces the commander’s workload by integrating Remote-Controlled Weapon Systems (RCWS), loitering ammunition, and a Battlefield Management System (BMS), all while maximizing situational awareness for battlefield coordination.

The tank’s firepower includes a versatile armament system that can switch from a 120mm smoothbore gun to a 140mm caliber. It incorporates an autoloading system with 22 rounds ready to fire and a coaxial 12.7mm machine gun with 680 rounds. Additionally, it boasts anti-UAV capabilities through the ARX 30 remote-controlled weapon station, equipped with a 30mm gun and 150 rounds and a loitering ammunition launcher for extended-range action capabilities.

Observation and targeting are bolstered by a commander panoramic sight and a gunner sight, both day and night stabilized to support hunter-killer operations. The tank’s survivability is enhanced through complete armored protection, regenerative and modular enhancements, an advanced chassis protection system, and a close protection system using Galix smoke and active protection systems. Furthermore, it includes CBRN filtration and air systems to defend against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. Mobility is a key strength, with the Leclerc Evolution capable of reaching speeds up to 68 km/h, powered by a 1,100 kW (1,500 hp) powerpack, offering an operational range of 470 km on-road and ground clearance of 475 mm for optimized terrain navigation.

The Leclerc Evolution MBT is more than a modernized version of its predecessor; it represents a paradigm shift in armored vehicle design. Integrating ASCALON® technology and an adaptable turret system ensures compatibility with future weapons systems and battlefield requirements. The four-crew concept further underscores its focus on operational efficiency and resilience. As global threats evolve and the nature of warfare shifts, the Leclerc Evolution positions itself as a tank ready to dominate in current and future war theaters. Its innovations exemplify a commitment to maintaining superiority on the battlefield, ensuring allied forces have a decisive edge in any conflict.