Eurosatory 2024: KNDS launches Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 main battle tank with modular autoloader.

On June 17, 2024, KNDS unveiled its new Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 Main Battle Tank at the Eurosatory 2024 exhibition. This tank features an unmanned turret, a modular autoloader with a high loading rate, and a comprehensive sensor suite for enhanced situational awareness.
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The Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 has an adaptable turret capable of accommodating various main calibers, ranging from 120 to 140 mm, while its modular autoloader system features a rack capable of loading three rounds in ten seconds. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

KNDS has introduced the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0, an advanced iteration of the Leopard 2 tank, incorporating unmanned turret technology. This enhancement includes a three-man crew configuration consisting of a commander, gunner, and driver, all positioned within the chassis. The unmanned turret design ensures no intrusion into the chassis, facilitated by a gun laying system. This results in an extremely flat turret design, which improves crew protection by reducing the occupied vulnerable area by 30% and arranging the crew lower in a compact compartment.

The Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 has an adaptable turret capable of accommodating various main calibers. The modular autoloader system, with a high loading rate, features a modular rack capable of loading three rounds in ten seconds. The armament set is configurable for both 3D Line of Sight (LOS) and Non-Line of Sight (NLOS) engagements. The tank is equipped with a sensor suite that enhances tactical and situational awareness, including UxV control, optronics, and multiple detection systems such as laser warners, optics detection, and drone detection.

The Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0's digital mission-control system and 4D-fire-control system integrate with its X-by-Wire control mechanism, reflecting modern technology in armored vehicle systems.

Weighing less than 60 tons, depending on the configuration, the tank measures 7.95 meters in length, extending to 11.17 meters with the gun, 3.77 meters in width, and 2.44 meters in height to the turret roof, reaching 2.84 meters with the PERI. Its engine, generating 1,100 kW (1,500 HP), propels the tank to speeds exceeding 65 km/h and provides a range of 460 km on the road. The ground clearance of 500 mm ensures the tank can navigate various terrains effectively.

The Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 is armed with a NATO 120 mm L55 or L44 smoothbore gun, which can be interchanged with 130 mm or 140 mm guns. Its secondary armament includes a multi-purpose smoke and grenade launcher. Additionally, it features a Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) with a NATO 30x113 mm gun capable of countering UAV threats and a multi-purpose LOS/NLOS guided missile system. The tank's protection is further reinforced with polyvalent protection layers, including an Active Protection System (APS), providing defense against diverse threats.