KNDS Unveils Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 Main Battle Tank with Unmanned Turret

The Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0, developed by KNDS, features an unmanned turret and advanced protection systems, enhancing crew safety and combat effectiveness in modern armored warfare.

KNDS (KMW + NEXTER Defense Systems) has introduced the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0, an advanced variant of the Leopard 2 tank featuring an unmanned turret. This significant innovation enhances capabilities and crew protection, reflecting a pivotal evolution in armored combat vehicles.

Key Features and Innovations

The Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 stands out due to its unmanned turret, a design that redefines tank operation and crew safety. The turret's unmanned nature allows the crew to be relocated to a heavily protected compartment, reducing onboard personnel to three. This compartment offers maximum protection, significantly improving crew survivability in hostile environments.

Armor and Protection:

• The tank is equipped with reactive armor and has the potential for an integrated active protection system, enhancing its defensive capabilities against various threats.

Firepower:

• The turret supports 120mm, 130mm, or 140mm guns, making it versatile for different combat scenarios. 
• An automatic loading mechanism enables the firing of three shots in just 10 seconds.
• The exact ammunition capacity is undisclosed but exceeds the standard load of the traditional Leopard 2.
• It can be outfitted with a remote weapon system, including a 30x113mm gun and a mortar for deploying smoke screens.
• The system can integrate anti-tank missiles and drones, extending combat capabilities beyond conventional engagements.
• A guided missile system allows for engaging targets beyond line of sight while moving.
• A remote-controlled 30mm weapon system enhances its ability to counter near-field and aerial threats.

Design and Dimensions:

The turret's low-profile design minimizes visibility, making the tank a more elusive target.

• Dimensions: 7.95 meters in length (11.17 meters including the gun), 3.73 meters in width, and 2.4 meters in height (2.84 meters with the periscope).
• Ground clearance is 500 millimeters, combining robust protection with impressive mobility.

Performance:

• Powered by a 1500-horsepower engine, the tank can reach speeds of up to 65 kilometers per hour.
• Maximum road range is 460 kilometers, ensuring swift navigation across diverse terrains.
• Weight varies around 60 tons, depending on the configuration.

Strategic Significance

The Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 is not just an interim solution before the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) but also a technological precursor to it. It maintains full backward compatibility, allowing current Leopard 2 variants to be upgraded to this new standard. This modular approach ensures the tank can be customized to meet specific customer needs.

Development Context

The unveiling of the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 follows a breakthrough agreement between Germany and France to develop the MGCS, intended to replace both the Leopard 2 and the French Leclerc. KNDS, alongside Rheinmetall, will lead this ambitious project, with Nexter manufacturing 50% of the systems, while the remaining half is shared between the two German contractors.