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John Cockerill Defense Successfully Tests C3105 Turret Adapted for Leopard 1 Tank.
John Cockerill Defense has successfully tested its innovative C3105 turret, specifically designed to be integrated into the Leopard 1 tank chassis. Bear Midkiff, Managing Director of Midkiff Consultancy Services, recently announced this milestone through a social media post highlighting the success of the live demonstration.
The C3105 turret enhances the Leopard 1’s combat capabilities. (Picture source: Bear Midkiff LinkedIn account)
The demonstration featured both the C1030 turret, mounted on the Patria XP AMV, and the C3105 turret, which was specifically adapted for the Leopard 1 chassis. Midkiff expressed his satisfaction with the event's outcome, noting that the attending delegations were delighted with the performance and hands-on experience provided by the systems. "Steel on target is what matters at the end of the day," he commented, praising the work of the crews and personnel involved in the event's success.
The C3105 turret significantly enhances the Leopard 1’s combat capabilities, a platform whose firepower had been previously limited. While it is theoretically possible to integrate a 120mm cannon to increase the tank's power, such a modification would require extensive changes to the Leopard 1A5 BE chassis. The C3105 offers a more practical solution, enhancing lethality without compromising the tank's balance or performance. Its design allows for easy integration, offering an effective upgrade that boosts the platform’s combat capabilities.
Built with welded ballistic aluminum, the C3105 turret is equipped with a 105mm High-Pressure (HP) cannon and features an automatic ammunition loading system, improving its operational efficiency. The turret supports a two-person crew and offers several secondary weapon options, including a 7.62mm coaxial or pintle-mounted machine gun and an optional 40mm automatic grenade launcher (AGL). This versatility allows the C3105 to be adapted to meet various battlefield requirements, making it a highly adaptable solution.
The C3105 turret is already in production for an undisclosed Middle Eastern ally, with at least 100 units set to be integrated onto vehicles similar to U.S. Strykers. These deployments demonstrate the relevance of the C3105 in modern combat scenarios and its ability to provide advanced firepower on a variety of platforms. The turret’s proven design and successful live demonstrations highlight its potential as a reliable and effective option for military forces seeking to modernize their existing armored vehicle fleets.
John Cockerill Defense continues to innovate in the field of armored vehicle weapon systems, ensuring that platforms like the Leopard 1 remain relevant and highly capable in the face of modern warfare demands.