MBT Leclerc Scorpion / XLR /
According the 2018 plan from the French government, the defense spending for 2019-2025 will increase to reach to 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025. The acquisition of new combat vehicles will include 100 modernized Leclerc main battle tanks, Griffon 6x6 multi-role armored vehicle and Jaguar 6x6 reconnaissance armored vehicles.
The Leclerc tank was developed in the 80's. It has a classic layout scheme, the crew is three people. Reducing the crew (in comparison with analogues of other Western countries) was achieved through the use of a loading automaton. Since 1990, more than 850 such combat vehicles have been produced. The French literally stuffed their offspring with new technologies, and at the time of their birth Leclerc was the most expensive main battle tanks of its time. Then, however, appeared South Korean K2 "Black Panther" and Japanese Type 10, the cost of which was even higher.
The Directorate-General for Armaments (DGA) notified Nexter Systems 12 March 2015 of the renovation of the Leclerc tank. A contract worth 300 million euro was signed between the French defense procurement agency DGA and the company Nexter Systems for the modernization of 200 Leclerc and 18 Leclerc ARVs (repair and evacuation machine based on the tank) to a new level.
This order constitutes the third operation launched by the Ministry of Defense as part of the Synergie du COntact Renforcé par la Polyvalence et l'InfovalorisatiON [SCORPION] program to modernize the army's contact forces. In the amount of approximately 330 M €, the contract provides for delivery from 2020 of 200 "Leclerc Rénové" tanks and 18 "DCL Rénové" tank repairers. According to this program, 200 tanks must be repaired and modernized. The first two prototypes should appear in 2018, the remaining 198 will be upgraded in the period from 2020 to 2028.
The novelty is sometimes positioned as a response to the new Russian T-14 tank based on "Armata". EUROSATORY 2016 was held in Paris from 13 to 16 June 2016. It will feature many interesting new products, and one of them was Leclerc XLR - the new version of the famous French tank Leclerc.
The planned renovation works will allow Leclerc to make the best use of its firepower and its mobility within the future Combined Combat Teams (GTIA) of the "SCORPION" type. Thanks to the development of specific interfaces for the new CONTACT tactical radio system and the SCORPION Command and Information System (SICS), it will be able to network effectively with all the components of the future "SCORPION" GTIA.
As a 3rd generation tank with a high degree of automation and diagnostic assistance, the Leclerc tank currently gives the French ground forces the "first entry" capacity within the framework of an international coalition. The renovation operation launched aims to maintain this capacity beyond 2040. The weight of the tank will increase to 57 tons, the length with the gun forward 9.87 meters, width 3.71 meters, height 2.53 meters.
The main armament of the improved Leclercs consists of 120 mm Giat smooth-bore cannon with the CN 120-26 index with two types of main ammunition - BPSS with an initial speed of 1,790 m / s and a cumulative munition with a speed of 1100 m / s. The list of ammunitions it uses will be expanded. This is a new type of high-explosive fragmentation projectile designed to engage the enemy's manpower: now this type is under development. The fuse can be installed in several modes, including the air blast mode. It is assumed that such shells will increase the effectiveness of the tank during the city battle.
In addition, upgrading its protection through the development of specific armor kits will enable the Leclerc tank to better cope with the evolution of threats, especially improvised explosive devices. The Leclerc scorpion will be upgraded with a new armor that includes an additional modular armor on the hull and turret. The front part of the hull will be protected by a thick passive armor, while the rear part is equipped with an armor wire screen to protect the drive assembly from missile attacks from RPGs.
The engine power of the SACM V8X-1500 Hyperbar is 1500 hp, fully automatic transmission (5 forward and 2 reverse) with hydrostatic transmission, maximum travel speed 72 km / h, off-road 50 km / h, power reserve up to 615 km.
The tank is equipped with the latest fire control system with open architecture, SCORPION Information and Command System (SICS), a new tactical radio communication system, a system of protection against weapons of mass destruction, stabilized sights for the commander and gunner, night vision devices, a new human-machine interface, system computers, a laser warning system and other equipment. The thermal imaging sight is capable of detecting targets at night at a range of up to 4000 m and determining its belonging at a distance of 2500 m.
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