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