The Leopard 2 Mid-Life was developed by Swiss Company RUAG and offered for the export market as an upgrade package for the Leopard 2A4 Tank. The package not only improves the overall performance of the vehicle, but further extendeds the Leopard 2A4‘s service life for over 20 years (lifecycle).

Leopard 2 Mid-Life

The Mid-Life evolved from the Swiss Army Pz 87 WE Leopard 2 (Werterhaltung) upgrade program. RUAG had produced the first prototypes in 2003, which featured a new modular armor package, remote Weapon Station and improved Fire Control Systems.

The Swiss Army eventually only implemented a handful of upgrades for the Pz 87 WE. Ruag went on to further improve the package into the Leopard 2 Mid-Life.

The Mid-Life upgraded systems are supplied wholly by RUAG and its subsidiary companies. The package has not been purchased, but during 2016, RUAG re-branded the package to “Leopard Solutions”.

Ruag is one of the defence contractors bidding for the British Armies Challenger 2 LEP program and has used the Leopard 2 Mid-Life to demonstrated the companies systems it could implement as upgrades during the LEP process.

: Leopard 2 Mid-Life Turret 2016

: Leopard 2 Mid-Life Turret 2016

: Leopard 2 Mid-Life Turret 2016

: Leopard 2 Mid-Life Turret 2016

: Leopard 2 Mid-Life by RUAG

: Leopard 2 Mid-Life by RUAG

Upgrades

Leopard 2 Mid-Life Modular Armor

The Mid-Life features a digital architecture allowing the integration of a potential customers communications and C4I battlefield management systems.

The package features an improved Fire Control Systems with an improved detection of enemy targets in all-weather and night conditions for the Gunner and Commander.

RUAG have also added a new modular armor package with composite armor. This is fitted across the front and sides of the hull and turret for fighting in urban areas. The side modular armor can defeat RPG-7 attacks and AP rounds at Level 6, STANAG 4569.

The upgrade package does not feature improvements in mobility components or main gun, but a Remote Weapon Station has been added. This allows the crew to operate its secondary weapons safely from under armor.

Leopard 2 Mid-Life 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
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	9.67m+ ?
Length Hull	7.72m+ ?
Width	3.75m+ ?
Height	2.48m (roof top)
Ground Clearance	0.54m
Weight	55,000+kg aka 55+ tonne combat
Protection
NBC Protected	Yes
Armor Type	Steel/Tungsten/Modular/Composite/Cage
Active Protection Systems	No
Crew
Commander	Yes
Gunner	Yes
Loader	Yes
Driver	Yes
Additional Crew	—
Troops Carried	N/A