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Leopard 2A7 Tank

Leopard 2A7 Tank

The German Leopard 2A7 tank is a 3rd Generation Main Battle Tank currently in service with the Germany Army.  The first of 20 vehicles ordered were delivered in December 2014. The A7 model has improved sighting technology and the protection, as well as other modifications of the Canadian Leopard 2A6M CAN Tank.

Developed and manufactured by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), the A7 model is often confused with the KMW’s earlier Leopard 2A7+ export tank.

In June 2016, the German government confirmed that an additional 100 Leopard 2A4 were being removed from storage and upgraded to the A7 model to support the armies 225 Leopard 2A6.

It is expected that the current Leopard 2A6 fleet will be upgraded to the A7 model or KMW Leopard 2 A7V, unveiled at Eurosatory 2016.

Leopard 2A7 Tank Development

In 2007, Canada received the first of 20 loaned Leopard 2A6 from the German army that had been upgraded to the Leopard 2A6M. They were further improved for the hot climate of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2014) and designated the Leopard 2A6M CAN.

Canada decided to retain these 20 tanks for their own inventory and bought 20 surplus Leopard 2A6M from the Netherlands, which they gave to Germany. These 20 tanks had some elements of the M mine kit removed and received the following upgrades resulting in the A7 model:

  • Hull mine protection
  • 17 kw Auxiliary Power Unit
  • Air-Conditioning Unit
  • Solar reducing Barracuda matting
  • Battlefield Management System
  • Third-generation Attica thermal imaging unit for both Commander’s Independant Sight and Gunners Sight
  • Spectus multi-spectral driver’s vision device
  • Fire Control System modifications to program DM 11 High Explosive 120mm round

All these modifications and additional equipment has resulted in modifications to the rear of the turret giving it a new distinct look compared to other Leopard 2 Tanks.

120mm HE DM 11 Round

Rheinmetall’s latest ammunition product is the DM 11, a 120mm HE tank round. Owing to its time-delay fuse, it is especially suitable for supporting infantry units tasked with taking lightly fortified positions as well as for engaging light and medium-weight armoured vehicles. After loading, an electronic module programs the time-delay fuse to detonate at a specific point in the projectile’s flight path: the round can be timed to explode for maximum effect either above, in front or inside of a target (e.g. after penetrating a wall). The DM 11 is thus a perfect match for the altered operational requirements of modern main battle tanks.

Leopard 2A7 Tank Operators

Germany

Model: Leopard 2A7

The Leopard 2A7 entered German Army service in December 2014 and only 20 vehicles have been delivered. The additional 100 tanks planned for 2017 to 2018 will be either the A7 model or the Leopard 2A7V.

Leopard 2A7 Tank Specifications

Firepower
Main Gun Rheinmetall L55 – 120mm, calibre Length 55 smoothbore
Elevation -9 to +20
Secondary Weapons x1 coaxial 7.62mm MG, x1 7.62mm MG
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 (with side front hull armor)
Height 2.48m (roof top)
Ground Clearance 0.54m
Weight 62,300kg + aka 62.3+ tonne combat
Protection
NBC Protected Yes
Armor Type Steel/Tungsten/Modular/MEXAS/Hull belly mine plate
Active Protection Systems No
Crew
Commander Yes
Gunner Yes
Loader Yes
Driver Yes
Additional Crew
Troops Carried N/A

References:

http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php

http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsgerman-army-orders-cassidian-attica-imagers-leopard-tanks

http://www.bundesheer.at/truppendienst/ausgaben/artikel.php?id=1867

http://www.defence24.pl/253279,leopard-2a7-w-kielcach-foto

Leopard 2A7 Tank Pictures by Marco Dorow from http://www.deutschesheer.de

https://airbusdefenceandspace.com/newsroom/news-and-features/cassidian-optronics-receives-40me-order-to-deliver-optronic-equipment-for-army-vehicles/