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Leopard 2A7V Tank

Leopard 2A7V Tank at Eurosatory 2016

The Leopard 2A7V aka Leopard 2 A7V (v for “verbessert”, German for “improved”) is the latest version of the Leopard 2A7, developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and unveiled at Eurosatory 2016.

The Leopard 2A7V is KMW’s response to the upgrade programmes planned by the German Armed Forces for the Leopard 2A6 Tank, in particular with a view to forthcoming procurement projects and should be announced between 2017/2018 if selected.

The main improvements to the Leopard 2A7 Tank already in service with the German Army since December 2014, is a new armored modular system for the upper front glacis plate of the hull and a more powerful Auxiliary Power Unit of the current APU used on the A7 model.

Leopard 2A7V Tank Upgrades

  • Hull mine protection
  • 20 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
  • Upper Glacis added modular Armor

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. Also noticeable is the added armor to the upper glacis is similar to that of the Leopard 2A6 Ex, which Germany did not add to their Leopard 2A6.

120DM11HE Round for The Leopard 2A7V Tank

120DM11HE Round for The Leopard 2A7V Tank

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 2A7V 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://www.miltechmag.com/2016/06/eurosatory-2016-impressions-from-kmw-at.html

KMW Press Release 2016

http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/future-leopard-2-improvments.html

Eurosatory 2016: armoured vehicles parade