|
Entered service |
2010 |
|
Crew |
4 men |
|
Dimensions and weight |
|
Weight |
60 t |
|
Length (gun forward) |
~ 9.7 m |
|
Hull length |
~
7.7
m |
|
Width |
~
3.7
m |
|
Height |
~ 2.5 m |
|
Armament |
|
Main gun |
120-mm smoothbore |
|
Machine guns |
1 x 12.7-mm, 1 x 7.62-mm |
|
Elevation range |
- 9 to + 20 degrees |
|
Traverse range |
360 degrees |
|
Ammunition load |
|
Main gun |
42 rounds |
|
Machine guns |
? |
|
Mobility |
|
Engine |
MTU MB-837 Ka501 diesel |
|
Engine power |
1 500 hp |
|
Maximum road speed |
~ 70 km/h |
|
Range |
~ 500 km |
|
Maneuverability |
|
Gradient |
60% |
|
Side slope |
30% |
|
Vertical step |
1.15 m |
|
Trench |
3 m |
|
Fording |
1 m |
|
Fording (with preparation) |
4 m |
|
The MBT
Revolution is a modular upgrade package to the
Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks. It was developed by
Rheinmetall. This MBT was first revealed in 2010. It is also
referred as Leopard 2A4 Evolution. The Leopard 2A4 was the
most widespread version of the Leopard 2. It is still used by a number of countries
in large numbers. So the market for upgrades remains substantial.
The
Revolution main battle tank is better suited for urban warfare and
low-intensity conflicts. It is worth noting that original Leopard 2
tanks were developed during the Cold War and were intended for high
intensity conflicts based on tank battles in open terrain. The tank
has improved overall protection. It is fitted with new Advanced Modular Armor
Protection (AMAP) composite armor package. It uses new nano-ceramics
materials and modern titanium and steel alloys. This armor provides higher level of protection against wide range of
threats. The AMAP armor can be done is different compositions and
armor configuration depends on customer requirements. Various
configurations do different jobs. Some are used for RPG attacks, the
other are used for IED attacks. The tank is also fitted
with a mine protection package. This MBT has a modular armor, so damaged modules can be easily replaced
in field conditions. Tank is also fitted with new Rheinmetall ROSY
smoke grenade dischargers. These set up a smoke screen within 0.6
seconds. Overall the Revolution MBT is
less vulnerable to ambushes, RPG rounds, anti-tank missiles,
improvised explosive devices and
mines.
The
Revolution MBT is only slightly heavier than it's predecessor. It
weights 60 t, comparing with 56.6 t of the original Leopard 2A4.
In 2010
Singapore upgraded it's 96 ex-German Leopard 2A4 tanks with the AMAP
composite armor, which is a part of the Revolution upgrade package.
Upgraded tanks are known as the Leopard 2SG.
The
Revolution MBT retains a fully-stabilized 120-mm / L44 smoothbore
gun of the Leopard 2A4. The gun is loaded manually. It is
compatible with all standard NATO 120-mm tank munitions, as well as the latest programmable HE rounds. These rounds
enable to engage targets behind cover and within buildings. A total of 42 rounds are
carried for the main gun. 15 rounds are stored in the turret bustle
and are ready to use, while remaining rounds are stored in the hull.
The
Revolution MBT is also fitted with a remotely controlled weapon
station, armed with a 12.7-mm machine gun. There is also a coaxial
7.62-mm machine gun.
This main
battle tank is fitted with new state-of-the-art fire control system.
It has improved first round hit probability. The Revolution MBT also
has improved reconnaissance and observation capabilities. The commander has new
360° periscope, which gives the vehicle a hunter/killer capability. The tank is also fitted with a battlefield
management system.
Vehicle has
a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.
The
Revolution MBT also retains the MTU MB-837 Ka501 turbocharged diesel
engine, developing 1 500 horsepower. Vehicle is fitted with
auxiliary power unit, which powers all systems when the main engine
is turned off. Cross-country performance is similar to that
of it's predecessor.
Since 2011 a
broadly similar
upgrade programme is offered by the Aselsan of Turkey. These are
referred as the
Leopard 2 Next Generation.
It was locally developed as a private venture to meet a possible
requirement of the Turkish Army.
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Video courtesy of Arron Lee.
You can find more of his videos on YouTube by visiting Arronlee33 channel |
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