Leopard 2a7 main battle tank

The Leopard 2A7 tank

The Leopard 2A7 main battle tank was developed by German Krauss-Maffei Wegmann in cooperation with the German Army.

The Leopard 2A7 tank is one of the best main battle tanks in the world. The Leopard 2A7 tank is intended for urban warfare, low intensity conflicts, as well as conventional military operations.

Protection of the Leopard 2A7 tank was further improved The new armor, for Leopard 2A7 tank offers 360° protection against RPG rounds, and protection of the hull floor was also increased to withstand blasts for landmines and improvised explosive devices. The Leopard 2A7 is fitted with additional composite armor kit. It is the latest generation of passive armor, which provides higher level of protection against wide range of threats. It seems that the armor uses new nano-ceramics materials and modern titanium and steel alloys. The damaged modules can be easily replaced in field conditions.

The Leopard 2A7 tank employs digitised technology and multifunctional user concept for improved sustainability. Its exterior is incorporated with a communication interface to enable interaction between the dismounted soldiers.

The turret and chassis of the Leopard 2A7 tank are fitted with a cooling system.

The Leopard 2A7 tank is operated by a crew of 4 man : Commander, driver, gunner and loader.

The commander’s station of the Leopard 2A7 MBT incorporates a new PERI RTWL stabilised glass optical periscope for day and night reconnaissance over long distances. The periscope consists of a third-generation Attica thermal imaging device, a daylight CCD camera, an image fusion function, fibre optical gyros, and an eye-safe laser range-finder.

The driver is provided with a combined thermal imager/image intensifier night vision for front and rear view.

Dimensions and weight :

Weight : 67.5 t.

Hull length : 7.7 m.

Width : 4 m.

Height : 3 m.

Mobility :

The Leopard 2A7 tank

The Leopard 2A7 is powered by an MTU MB-837 Ka501 turbocharged diesel, developing 1 500 hp. Despite increase in weight The Leopard 2A7 has increased mobility due to improved suspension components. The Leopard 2A7 main battle tank can be fitted with a clearing obstacles and front-mounted dozer blade for self-entrenching. Mine ploughs or mine rollers can also be attached. This MBT is also fitted with Steyr auxiliary power unit, which powers all systems, when the main engine is turned off.

The Leopard 2A7 tank has a speed of 72 km/h, and a range of 450 km.

The Leopard 2A7 tank, with a clearing obstacles

Maneuverability :

The main battle tank Leopard 2A7 can overcome these obstacles: Trench : 3 m, vertical step : 1.15 m, fording : 1 m, fording with preparation : 4 m.

The Leopard 2A7 tank, overcome obstacles

Gun :

The Leopard 2A7 tank is armed with a Rheinmetall120 mm/L55 smoothbore gun, it has better fire accuracy and longer range, the gun is compatible with all standard NATO ammunition and is loaded manually.

The Leopard 2A7 tank can uses newly developed DM11 programmable HE rounds. These programmable multi-purpose munitions enable to engage targets within buildings and behind cover. These rounds can be also used against low-flying helicopters, armored vehicles and enemy troops.

The Leopard 2A7 tank has total of 42 rounds are carried inside the tank. 15 rounds are stored in the turret bustle and are ready to use. Remaining rounds are stored inside the hull of the Leopard 2A7 tank.

The Leopard 2A7 tank, In the throwing position

The gunner’s station of the Leopard 2A7 tank is fitted with an EMES 15 stabilised main sight and a FERO Z18 auxiliary sighting telescope.

The Leopard 2A7 main battle tank is equipped with a FLW 200 modular remote controlled light weapon station that provides active self-defence from a variety of targets. The weapon system features automatic vehicle detection capability and optoelectronic equipment. It has a high elevation aiming angle from -15° to 70°.

The secondary armament of the Leopard 2A7 tank consists of a 12.7 mm machine gun. It is mounted in remotely controlled weapon station on top of the roof. There is also a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun.