BW – Kampfpanzer Leopard 2A7

Kampfpanzer Leopard 2A7

Leopard 2A7 is the latest MBT variant in the Bundeswehr inventory. The first of 20 currently fielded vehicles was handed over during an official ceremony on 10 December 2014. During the 2A7’s development various demonstrator and experimental vehicles were built and extensively tested. Due to budgetary reasons, not all requirements of the Bundeswehr could be implemented. As the Leopard 2A7 should be capable of operating in hot and humid regions, the decision was made to install an energy system and crew compartment cooling system to improve the operational capability and endurance of the crew. The assemblies of the crew compartment cooling system are installed in the rear of the turret box while the auxiliary power unit (APU) is located in the right-rear track sponson. In order for the Leopard 2A7 to fire the new DM11 high-explosive (HE) round with adjustable fuse, a few modifications had to be conducted. For improved command and control (C2) on the battlefield, it features an integrated command and weapon engagement system. It enables connection of vehicle sensors and vehicle data via the army command software for network-based operations. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with the SOTAS-IP intercommunication system and infantry phone box, a fire suppression system in the turret fighting compartment, a PERI R17A3 commander’s panoramic sight with third-generation thermal-imaging system as well as UltraCaps in the turret and hull to optimize the onboard electrical system. Some modifications were made to the hull to attach add-on armor elements. Therefore, if necessary, the existing combat protection can be supplemented with modules to grant all-round protection against anti-armor weapons. On 5 May 2017 the Bundeswehr and KMW signed a contract for a combat capability improvement program to upgrade the 20 existing Leopard 2A7s into the Leopard 2A7V variant, as well as producing and delivering an additional 84 Leopard 2A7Vs between 2019 and 2023. The modifications include a new armor module at the front of the hull, a new gunner’s thermal-imaging system, a new air-conditioning system to cool the fighting compartment, a changed final drive and the SPECTUS (Spectral Technology for Unlimited Sight) multispectral driver’s sight device. The main armament consists of the L/55 120mm Rh 120 smoothbore gun, 7.62mm x 51 MG3A1 coaxial machine gun, 7.62mm x 51 MG3 air defense machine gun and 76mm smoke grenade discharger system with eight launchers.

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Publication about the Leopard 2A7

Yearbook – Armoured Vehicles of the Modern German Army 2018

Yearbook – Armoured Vehicles of the Modern German Army 2019

Yearbook – Armoured Vehicles of the Modern German Army 2020

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