Leopard 2 PSO
First appearance: 2006
Taking into account the experience of the recent operation of main battle tanks in various local conflicts, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann developed the Leopard 2 PSO (Peace Support Operation) variant. It is based on the Leopard 2 tank, which has been improved in terms of survivability and sensor systems. The project was more aimed at demonstrating the various technologies available than preparing the machine for production. The modernization of the machine is based on modular kits that can be added to the existing machine if necessary.
While the original mission of main battle tanks (MBTs) was to lead battles at medium to long distances, today's conflicts require a certain level of infantry fire support even in urban areas. Usually, the misuse of MBT is mainly due to the inaccessibility of special support vehicles (such as, for example, the Russian BMPT), and not to the capabilities of modern tanks. However, MBTs are currently the most powerful weapon available for direct ground support. This prompted KMWeg to bring its Leopard 2 PSO model to the public.
The only prototype shown to the public is based on the conventional Leopard 2A5, which has been significantly improved. The A5 variant was chosen due to the shorter L44 cannon. This increases maneuverability, especially in built-up areas. The vertical guidance angles of the gun have not changed.
The most notable difference from other Leopard 2 variants is the additional armor modules on the hull and turret. As planned by the developers, they should provide all-round protection against simple cumulative weapons (up to RPG-7). Unlike the rest of the tanks, the PSO variant does not rely on simple lattice screens, but on heavy modular protection. The vehicle's roof is not reinforced, but the vehicle is equipped with the same additional mine protection as the Leopard 2A6M tank.
The hydraulic dozer blade is mounted in front of the body. It is used to clear obstacles and open trenches. It also enhances the hull's protection against attacking shells and mines of all types.
All means to improve the passive protection of the tank led to a significant increase in the mass of the vehicle. It can also be assumed that the center of gravity has once again shifted forward.
In order to improve mobility and overcome the consequences of an increase in mass on the Leopard 2 PSO variant, some modifications were made to the chassis and power plant. Since the machine in the MLC70 category is characterized by intensive wear of the tracks and drive wheels, the tank was equipped with modern tracks of the 570 RO model and a hydraulic track tensioning mechanism. The drive wheels mesh with the 570 RO track tracks, rather than the usual braces, so these tracks can withstand increased loads with less mechanical wear.
A conventional Leopard 2 power unit is installed in the rear of the hull. At the customer's request, it can be replaced with a new Euro power unit. Since it takes up less volume, additional tanks with a capacity of up to 400 liters can be added. Looking at the weight of the machine, as well as the expected time to complete the task, it might be more than appropriate. In addition, the tank can also be equipped with an auxiliary power unit.
Another significant change for the Leopard 2 PSO variant is the improved sensor kit. The tank is equipped with several cameras that allow the crew to observe the situation around the vehicle without leaving it. The driver has a high-resolution reversing camera and a night vision device in the front of the car. The sights of the commander and gunner were not improved, but at the same time they received enhanced protection. The tank is also equipped with the same turret-mounted spotlight as on the Leopard 2A5DK variant. As for the modifications inside the tank, a fully digital fire control system and operational control system were installed. The latter system also includes a navigation system with maps and the ability to exchange data between units. The PSO version also has a recorder that records the actions and movements of the tank. The fighting compartment and electronics are now cooled by the air conditioning system.
Finally, a new element of this configuration is the combat module on the turret roof behind the loader's hatch, replacing the standard anti-aircraft machine gun. It includes automatic weapons, as well as day and night devices, allowing you to work around the clock. The loader controls the combat module from inside the vehicle, there is no need to get up for this and lean out of the hatch. But the installation of the module introduced several disadvantages, including an increase in the height of the vehicle (its projection) and a negative impact on the commander's field of view.
Leopard 2 PSO by its example demonstrates certain possibilities of configuring the Leopard 2 tank for use in urban areas. The tank received improved sensors and additional armor. At the same time, the projection of the car has become larger, that is, it has become easier to detect and, as a result, easier to hit. Potential customers should think twice about what it might cost to get these same improvements, but at a lower cost. Or it may be better to develop a machine ourselves, which is "sharpened" for future tasks.
Leopard 2A7
First appearance: 2014
The Leopard 2A7 is the newest line in the German army's tank inventory and will remain the standard Leopard 2 for the next few years. The tank is not new, it is a modernized version of Leopard 2. For the first batch, Leopard 2A6 tanks were taken from the presence of the Dutch army. This is a rather strange scheme, since in 2007 Germany leased 20 Leopard 2A6M tanks from Canada. Instead of returning the tanks and replacing them with new ones, Canada bought 20 used Leopard 2A6NL tanks from the Netherlands and handed them over to Germany. These tanks were modified to the A6M standard, and later to the A7 standard. The tanks were handed over to the army in late 2014 and early 2015. 19 Leopard 2A7 vehicles will be operated in the army, and one will undergo further upgrades and evaluations.
In addition to 20 vehicles, the German Ministry of Defense decided to upgrade all existing Leopard 2 tanks to the A7 standard and add 103 more tanks. Of these, 44 will be transferred to active battalions, 56 will remain at training ranges and tank schools, and 8 will be used for further evaluation. Ultimately, the total number of A7 standard tanks will be 328 vehicles.
Several new systems have been introduced into the Leopard 2A7, some of them are quite unique. First of all, the A7 standardization process is to bring it to the Leopard 2A6M standard. It includes replacing old smoke grenade installations, upgrading radio systems, a new driver's seat, armor plates on the underbody and translation of all plates.
The most important change carried out on the Leopard 2A7 is the integration of the IFIS (Integriertes Fuhrungs- und Informationssystem - Integrated Command and Information System). The system allows the exchange of digital data between the tanks of the same unit, as well as increase the level of situational awareness inside the tank. The system includes a display for the output of tactical data and information about the route of movement. IFIS comes in two flavors. The full version is intended for platoon and company commanders and their deputies.
Since these tanks have a higher command responsibility, the commander, loader and driver seats are equipped with digital displays. For the commander and driver, displays replace conventional control panels. Large color displays show tank status, map data or messages. None of the workplaces are equipped with their own keyboards. The IFIS option for the rest of the company includes displays for the driver and commander only. Looking at the commercial cost of information systems of comparable functionality, such a configuration is not entirely justified.
Since IFIS allows digital data transmission, the Leopard 2A7 will be equipped with three radios, one of which is for data transmission only. The old antennas will be replaced with modern Comrod antennas.
The A7 tank has a new SOTAS-IP intercom system. It is used for communication between crew members inside the tank. But it also includes a communication interface (telephone) in the stern of the tank for communication with the supporting infantry. The external interface allows the exchange of data and voice messages. A similar system is also installed on Puma and Boxer machines.
If the commander's PERI R17 A2 sight was installed relatively recently on the Leopard 2A5 tank, then the A7 variant has already received its new version. The new PERI R17 A3 sight includes a completely new ATTICA thermal imager with higher resolution and detection range.
Unfortunately, the gunner's thermal imager has not been upgraded, while the commander's sight is completely digital and modular. The gunner's monitor, which displays images from the sight, is still a cathode-ray tube. Replacing the thermal imager would require a complete redesign of the scope. There would be a chance to get rid of some outdated constructs and get new functions. But, apparently, the high cost of replacement did not allow updating the scope.
A small but very important improvement implemented in the tank was the introduction of new additional ammunition into the ammunition load. The old universal projectile will be removed from service in the future. In its place will come a new programmable high-explosive fragmentation projectile DM11. The loader now has an additional control unit that allows you to program the fuse. There are three detonation modes: point detonation, delayed detonation and air blast. The fuse is programmed automatically in the charging chamber. The maximum range of the projectile is 5000 meters. But without an improved MSA, the Leopard 2 tank will be able to fire this shell at targets only at distances of up to 4000 meters.
The Leopard 2A7 will be the first tank to be equipped with new high-explosive fragmentation shells. After the stocks of the DM12 projectile have expired, it is expected that the Leopard 2A6 and A6M tanks will sooner or later also receive a new projectile.
Finally, the Leopard 2A7 tanks of the German army are equipped with air conditioning and an auxiliary power unit. The APU is installed in the right fenders, and the air conditioning system is in the aft niche of the tower. The APU allows tank systems to operate with the main engine turned off, including turret and armament drives, sights, stabilization and air conditioning.
The armament of the Leopard 2A7 tank has not undergone modernization. But the tank is now equipped with the Barracuda camouflage system.
Leopard 2A8
Immediately after the deployment of the Leopard 2A7, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann began work on the next evolution of the Leopard 2. This time the focus is on aiming systems and mobility.
Finally, and now in a really timely manner, the gunner's main sight becomes the main theme. Although there is talk that the upgrade will only affect the thermal imager, the entire scope will most likely be updated. The gunner is expected to be equipped with the latest thermal imaging sight. It will allow you to capture both images and videos. The day sight should have a different magnification and, moreover, significantly higher than that of the current scope. This will increase the range of the 120-mm cannon firing with armor-piercing feathered subcaliber and high-explosive fragmentation shells.
Previous upgrades to the Leopard 2 added extra weight, which negatively affected the overall mobility of the tank. In Leopard 2A8, most likely, this will be corrected to a certain extent. The changes will affect three systems. First, the transmission, which will change the gear sets of the lower gears. The second is the new final drives. Both changes should reduce friction and increase torque, especially in lower gears. As a result, the designers expect to achieve the driving performance of the A4 variant.
And third, since the increased mass and more torque will significantly increase the load on the tracks, they will be replaced by new tracks along with new drive wheels.
Since the Leopard 2A7 tank was deployed quite recently, you should not expect the A8 variant earlier than 2018 or 2019.
Leopard 2A4 Evolution
First appearance: 2008
The Leopard 2A4 Evolution was developed by IBD. The main focus here was on increasing the level of active and passive protection of the Leopard 2A4 tank. The main goal was to use available technologies that would minimize development and procurement costs. This variant is based on the regular Leopard 2A4, but has very noticeable improvements in the armor area. For the front part and sides of the hull and turret, several types of modules are used. In addition, the tank received additional mine protection of the bottom and protection of the turret roof from attacks from above. On the sides and in the stern, lattice screens were installed, which force the attacking shells to detonate even before meeting the main armor. Finally, the tank is also equipped with the AMAP-ADS active protection system. It detects attacking shells and intercepts them when approaching the tank.
The Leopard 2A4 Evolution is a very interesting concept that offers good protection at a minimal cost. This also means that tanks can be upgraded in a short time to the required level. The complete set weighs just under 5 tons, turret kits will add another 2 or 3 tons. Since most of the mass is added to the front of the car, the center of gravity has shifted. Neither the suspension nor the power unit of the tank were modified, and this leads to more intensive wear and deterioration of mobility. Since the emphasis in the development was only on increasing the level of protection, it is worth asking why the gunner's sight was not transferred. It remained in the same place and is a beautiful vulnerable hole in the front of the tower.
In general, increasing the tank's defense is a great thing. But it's worth considering if the Leopard 2 is the right car. If the tank is used in a scenario where only maximum protection will help, you probably need to look for an alternative.
MVT Revolution
First appearance: 2008
The MVT Revolution is an upgrade kit currently offered by Rhemmetall Defense for the Leopard 2 tank. It resembles the Leopard 2A4 Evolution in that it has the same ballistic protection kit. But modernization is not limited to this. MVT Revolution is equipped with the ROSY (Rapid Obscuring System) smoke screen. It consists of four grenade launchers installed at the corners of the turret. The system, which includes laser detectors, is able to install smoke screens of different sizes as quickly as possible. It is activated either automatically when the rangefinder laser beam or target illumination is detected, or it is controlled by the crew. The ROSY system is capable of creating a smoke cloud in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle and expanding it as the tank moves.
More changes can be found inside the tank. Rheinmetall offers a completely redesigned interior, including an electric turret drive and digital OMS. Customers have a choice - keep the existing sights and controls or replace them with new ones. And the latter is highly recommended. The turret's digital electronics also allow the integration of a new combat control system, including wireless data transmission.
A new feature, previously discussed only for the American M1A2 SEP tank, is the use of the tank for real training. The MVT Revolution kit allows the tank to be part of training units, when targets and information about them can be displayed directly in the sight (augmented reality function). This would allow tank crews to train on real equipment and not use simulators. Training tasks can be run on a static display or even dynamically on a training ground.
The commander's seat of the MVT Revolution tank is equipped with a new SEOSS sight (Stabilized Electro-Optical Sight System). The sight is stabilized, has a day channel and a Saphir thermal imager. The sight receives digital data from all sensors and can be connected to the digital systems of the tank. One of the interesting features of SEOSS is the built-in fire control system. It allows you to fully control either the main armament of the tank or a remotely controlled weapon station. Theoretically, this system in the future may allow the use of weapons systems that are not directly part of the tank.
The sensor kit includes a so-called situational awareness system. It consists of several day and night cameras located around the tank. They allow monitoring the situation in the immediate vicinity of the tank.
As already mentioned, the tank is also equipped with a remotely controlled weapon station mounted on the turret roof. It is controlled by a commander and can take several models of machine guns. The new equipment also includes an air conditioning system and an auxiliary power unit.
MVT Revolution is by far the most noteworthy variant of the Leopard 2 tank. There are, of course, questions about additional armor, since it is followed by the shortcomings described for the Leopard 2A2 Evolution. Strong reasons for this option are the digital turret and the new commander's sight. They significantly increase the fighting qualities of the tank when working in the daytime. APU and air conditioning are also quite appropriate.
So far, no customer is interested in such a modernization. Turning a blind eye to additional armor, the MBT Revolution variant of the Leopard 2 is something you can only dream of!
MVT Evolution
First appearance: 2014
MVT Evolution is another emerald in the Leopard 2A4 Evolution and MVT Revolution series. While the former demonstrated a new protection kit and the latter a new fire control system for the commander, the MVT Evolution variant aims to demonstrate the armor kit in practice. This tank was presented at Eurosatory 2014 with its new protection and ROSY smoke screen system.
