Leopard 2 and Leclerc on the way to the MGCS

At the Eurosatory 2024 in Paris, in addition to the Leopard 2 A8 and Leclerc .

According to known schedules, the introduction of the MGCS is not expected before 2045. In the 20 to 30 years until then, the armored force must continue to have duel-capable battle tanks. Therefore, the development of the weapon systems has a medium-term objective for maintaining combat power and a long-term objective for future technologies for the MGCS. Ideally, the technologies use the same fundamentals.

Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0

Einen radikalen Schnitt macht KNDS mit dem Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0, dessen eigenartige Versionsbezeichnung wohl dem Namensstreit Leopard 2 A9 bzw. Leopard 3 aus dem Weg gehen will. Kennzeichen des Kampfpanzerentwurfs ist KNDS zufolge der unbemannte ferngesteuerte Turm mit modularem automatischem Linearlader und einer Hauptwaffe mit wahlweise 120 mm oder 140 mm Kaliber. Die Besatzung – mindestens Kommandant, Kraftfahrer und Richtschütze und optional ein Führungsgehilfe als Bediener von Aufklärungs-, Kommunikations- und Führungsmitteln – ist vollständig in der Wanne untergebracht. Der Turm ist extrem flach konstruiert und ragt nicht in die Wanne hinein. Damit wird das Volumen des Turms deutlich geringer und muss weniger stark gepanzert werden. Das trägt einen erheblichen Teil zur Gewichtsreduktion bei. Der A-RC 3.0 soll mit rund 60 Tonnen etwa zehn Tonnen leichter werden als sein Vorgänger A8.

In addition to the main weapon, KNDS has equipped the tank with a remotely controlled weapon station in the middle of the turret above the on-board cannon. The caliber is 30 mm x 113 mm, which can also be used against UAVs at close and close range with temperature-controlled ammunition. A multi-purpose rocket launcher is also integrated, which can be used to combat guided missiles even beyond the visual range.

The polyvalent protection consists of ballistic protection with a combination of multi-layer armor, reactive armor and active protection (trophy). By creating a particularly protected crew cell in the hull, which was made possible with a new spatial concept thanks to the flat turret, the survivability of the crew is increased and the assertiveness of the system is improved.

KNDS assesses the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 not only as a bridge solution until the introduction of the next generation land combat system MGCS, but also as a crucial technological precursor to the MGCS. Despite its groundbreaking innovations, the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 is fully backwards compatible. According to KNDS, all Leopard 2 variants currently in use can be upgraded to the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 equipment level. The modular approach enables solutions that are tailored to the individual needs of the customer.

ASCALON

As its main weapon, KNDS has integrated the ASCALON system (Autoloaded and SCALable Outperforming guN), which it claims is more powerful than all comparable barrel weapons. The system is designed for firing kinetic and programmable explosive ammunition and is characterized by minimal wear (corresponding to a long service life). The system is scalable and can be equipped with any tube with a caliber from 120 mm to 140 mm. With its open architecture and growth potential, ASCALON should serve as a basis for the cooperative development of a combat weapons platform within the framework of the MGCS program. KNDS sees ASCALON as the cornerstone for the future standard of European tank guns and ammunition.

In May, KNDS completed a firing program with ASCALON, which should lead to the first shots from a cannon installed in the turret by the end of 2025 as part of the development program. (ESUTreported).

Leclerc evolution

On the Leclerc Evolution, KNDS uses a manned turret with a 120 mm ASCALON cannon. The demonstrator is a combination of proven elements from the Leopard 2 and the Leclerc, supplemented by newly developed components such as ASCALON. By rearranging the hull, space was created for a new concept with four crew members in the hull. This is intended to take into account the tactical need in which a deputy commander controls an extensive sensor and effector system.

Another variant of the Leclerc comes with an unmanned ASCALON demonstration turret (ADT 140) with a 140 mm on-board cannon and automatic loader. This is an anticipation of the MGCS.

classification

After completion of the current retrofitting program with Leopard 2 A7, A7V, A7A1 and the procurement of A8, around a third of the German Army's main battle tanks remain at the inadequate level of Leopard 2 A6 and below. A way to eliminate the deficit must be identified in the foreseeable future.

The KNDS proposal for the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 shows a path that goes well beyond the current performance peak. The unmanned turret in particular eliminates a much-criticized weak point, which also results in a weight advantage. Nothing was communicated about the technical maturity of the proposal. Only at ASCALON is it known that a shot from a tower will be fired for the first time at the end of 2025. This shows that considerable development work still needs to be done. It is questionable whether the time required for this can be tolerated.

The customer now has the say. The soldiers and purchasers of the Bundeswehr and the French Army primarily, but also all other interested parties for the Leopard 2 A8, will subject the concepts to a close examination. Their assessment will decide whether and which concept has a chance of being implemented.

Gerhard Heiming

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