Leopard 2 MBT Revolution

The Leopard 2 MBT Revolution is a former upgrade package, developed and manufactured by Rheinmetall for the Leopard 2A4 Tank. A number of sources confuse the Leopard 2 Evolution as the Leopard 2 MBT Revolution.

The IBD Deisenroth Engineering Evolution, which only featured AMAP armor upgrades, was unveiled at the CANSEC 2009 show in Ottawa, Canada. The MBT Revolution was unveiled at Eurosatory 2010 and featured an AMAP Armor package and a new digital architecture.

Rheinmetall have since introduced a new version of the Leopard 2 Evolution, called “MBT Evolution“. The Leopard 2 MBT Revolution package has also been improved and is now marketed as the “MBT Advanced Technology Demonstrator“.

Leopard 2 MBT Revolution Requirement

Originally entering service in 1985, a total of 11 countries have purchased surplus Leopard 2A4 Tanks. The MBT Revolution upgrade package has been developed to extend their service life beyond 2035, with replacement of key components and additional features produced by Rheinmetall and its subsidiary companies.

Leopard 2 MBT Revolution Upgrades

Leopard 2 MBT Revolution with Remote Weapon Station

The MBT Revolution has a new Advanced Modular Armor Protection (AMAP) upgrade, which contains the various passive AMAP composite armor offered by Rheinmetall Chempro GmbH. The modular armor extends the length of the turret and most of the hull for improved protection in built-up/urban area’s. The rear section of the hull is fitted with cage armor.

Mounted on each corner of the turret is a Situational Awareness detection unit with Laser Detection and warning (soft kill Active Protection). Mounted above these units is Rheinmetall’s ROSY Rapid Obscurant System. It is able to lay down a smoke screen blocking the tanks Infa-Red signature.

The tanks firepower has been improved with a new Commanders sight, digital fire control and battlefield management system.

Other new features include air-conditioning for the crew and an auxiliary power unit. Rheinmetall have also developed the “Commanders Brake”. This allows the Commander to stop the tank should the driver be incapacitated.

Despite the weight of the tank being increased to 62.5 tonne, there has been no upgrades in the vehicles mobility. It retains the original 1500hp MTU diesel engine and suspension of the Leopard 2A4.

Leopard 2 MBT Revolution Operators

: Leopard 2PL – Variant of the Leopard 2 MBT Revolution

: Leopard 2RI – Variant of the Leopard 2 MBT Revolution

: Leopard 2 MBT Revolution

: Leopard 2 MBT Revolution

: Leopard 2RI – Variant of the Leopard 2 MBT Revolution

: Leopard 2 MBT Revolution

: Leopard 2 MBT Revolution

: Leopard 2 MBT Revolution

Indonesia

Model: Leopard 2RI

In 2012, Indonesia placed 2 orders for the Leopard 2. The first was 42 surplus Leopard 2A4 from Germany and the second was for 61 Leopard 2A4 upgraded to the Leopard 2RI standard. The Leopard 2RI is upgraded with elements of the Leopard 2 MBT Revolution.

Poland

Model: Leopard 2PL

Poland has operated the Leopard 2A4 since 2002 and will have the most modern exported Leopard 2 Tank model in NATO service. The Polish Army received the first of 128 A4 models in 2002 with the final delivery in the following year. These surplus A4 tanks were gifted to Poland from Germany following Poland’s membership to NATO in 1999.

A second delivery of 14 Leopard 2A4 from Germany was completed in 2014 for 180,000,000 Euros.

The Leopard 2PL is the new designation for the modernization and upgrade of the 128 Leopard 2A4 delivered between 2002 to 2003. On public display for the first time at the MSPO Defence Expo 2016, it includes elements of the Leopard 2 MBT Revolution package.

Leopard 2 MBT Revolution Specifications

Firepower
Main Gun	Rheinmetall L44 – 120mm, calibre Length 44 smoothbore Elevation -9 to +20
Secondary Weapons	x1 coaxial 7.62mm MG, x1 Remote Weapon Station 12.7mm MG or 40mm Grenade Launcher
Ammunition Storage	x42 120mm, x4,750 7.62mm
Mobility
Engine	MTU Mb 873 ka 501, turbocharged 1500hp Diesel
Transmission	RENK HSWL 354, 4 speed forward/2 reverse
Top Road Speed	68 km/h
Road Range	550km
Fuel Capacity	1160 litres
Vertical Obstacle	1.1m
Water Capability	1m (4m with Snorkel)
Trench Crossing	3m
Gradient	60%
Side Slope	30%
Dimensions
Length Gun Forward	11m
Length Hull	7.72m+
Width	3.75m+
Height	2.48m+
Ground Clearance	0.54m?
Weight	62,500kg aka 62.5 tonne combat
Protection
NBC Protected	Yes
Armor Type	Steel/Tungsten/Modular/Composite/Cage
Active Protection Systems	Yes (soft)
Crew
Commander	Yes
Gunner	Yes
Loader	Yes
Driver	Yes
Additional Crew	—
Troops Carried	N/A