Analysis of new Generation MBT (Main Battle Tank) in 2022, Part 2/4. German company KMW (Krauss Maffei Wegmann) presents the latest generation and demonstrator of Leopard 2A7 MBT (Main Battle Tank) at Eurosatory 2022, International Defense Exhibition that was held in Paris, France in June 2022.
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German Company KMW Krauss Maffei unveils the latest generation of its Leopard 2A7 Demonstrator at Eurosatory 2022, International Defense Exhibition in Paris, France. (Picture source Army Recognition)
The Leopard 2 is one the most modern MBT (Main Battle Tank) in the world. The first production Leopard 2 was handed over by Krauss-Maffei in October 1979 in Munich. The first delivery of the Leopard 2 MBTs to the German Army is made in 1992.
Since its entry into service in 1992, the Leopard 2 has undergone numerous modifications and modernizations, with the latest version of the Leopard 2A7 entering into service with the German army in December 2014. The Leopard 2A7 version in service with the German army, called Leopard 2A7V is one of the heaviest tanks in the world with a weight of 63.9 tons, but it offers the best protection, firepower, and mobility for a tank of this class.
At Eurosatory 2022, the Leopard 2A7 was presented with a modernization package featuring many new improvements in terms of mobility, firepower, and protection. The general layout of the Leopard 2A7 Demonstrator is similar to the Leopard 2A7 with the driver position at the front right side of the hull, the turret in the middle, and the powerpack at the rear. The tank maintains a crew of four.
The Leopard 2A7 Demonstrator is armed with an improved 120mm L55A1 main gun which is able to fire a new APFSDS (Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot) round as well as state-of-the-art Kinetic Energy tank rounds and the latest programmable High Explosive multipurpose ammunition. The tank carries a total of 42 rounds. The second armament includes one 7.62mm coaxial machine gun mounted to the left of the main armament. The roof of the turret is fitted with Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) armed with one 12.7mm heavy machine gun.
The Leopard 2A7 Demonstrator is fitted with the Israeli Trophy APS Active Protection System. (Picture source Army Recognition)
In terms of protection, the Leopard 2A7 Demonstrator is fitted with modular armor mounted around the chassis and the turret to increase protection against anti-tank guided missiles and RPGs (Rocket Propelled Grenades). The new armor offers 360° protection for the turret. The tank floor has been also upgraded to strengthen protection for the crew against the blast of mines and IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) explosions.
The hull and turret L2 A7 of the Leopard 2A7 Demonstrator are also fitted with a 360° active protection system able to counter attacks against shoulder launched anti-tank missiles. The turret is fitted with the Israeli Trophy APS (Active Protection System) offering 360° protection against all known chemical energy (CE) threats, including CE tank rounds. The tank also features the PERI RTWL, the Hensoldt commander’s periscope in use on the German Puma IFV, which includes a 3rd generation thermal imager, a laser rangefinder, and new fiber optic gyros as well as 360° Local Situational Awareness System and Laser Warning.
The roof of the Leopard 2A7 Demonstrator turret is fitted with a Remote Controlled Weapon Station armed with one 12.7mm heavy machine gun. (Picture source Army Recognition)
In terms of mobility, the Leopard 2A7 Demonstrator maintains the MTU MB 873 Ka-501 liquid-cooled V12 twin-turbo diesel engine developing 1,479 hp. at 2,600 rpm coupled to a Renk HSWL 354 transmission with four forward and two reverse gears, with a torque converter and is completely automatic, with the driver selecting the range. The torsion bar suspension consists on each side of seven dual rubber-tired road wheels with the idler at the front, the drive sprocket at the rear, and four track-support rollers. The tank is fitted with a new auxiliary power unit of 20 kW with stabilizing ultracaps. It also has a new upgraded running gear and an improved cooling unit for the powerpack.
The Leopard 2A7 Demonstrator is able to reach a maximum road speed of 60 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 400 km. The tank can negotiate a side slope of 30 % and a forward slope of 60 %. It can cross a ditch of 3 m and climb a vertical obstacle of 1.05 m. It can cross a water obstacle with a depth of up to 4 m.
The Leopard 2A7 Demonstrator has a maximum combat weight of 64.3 tons and has a maximum length with the cannon at the front of 10.968 m, a width of 3.774 m, and a maximum height of 3.18 m.
