The Leclerc is recognised by numerous world’s defence experts as being certainly in the
“top 10” of today’s best MBTs although its chances to stay so are now reduced due
to its age and the arrival of recent and very serious contenders.
However as we recall these grades are worthless until the tank is battle-tested against equivalents.
The Leclerc main battle tank was developed by GIAT Industries.
Its development began in 1978 and first prototypes were built in 1989.
Production of the Leclerc MBT started in 1991.
It is named in honor to general Philippe Jacques Leclerc, commander of French armored division
during World War II.
It is in service with France (406) and United Arab Emirates (388).
Some sources claim that currently only 340 Leclercs remain in service with the French
Army.
It is protected with advanced modular armor system, which can be tailored to the threat.
Its armor is a combination of steel, ceramics and Kevlar.
Damaged modules are easily replaceable.
Furthermore they can be easily upgraded with more advanced armor modules.
Turret and hull roof was designed to withstand top-attack munitions.
Chassis of the tank is covered with wide side skirts.
The main electrical systems were duplicated to improve survivability.
The Leclerc main battle tank is armed with a CN 120-26 120-mm smoothbore gun, 52 caliber
long.
This gun is fitted with a bustle-mounted autoloader, holding 22 rounds.
Remaining 18 rounds are stored in a carousel-type storage area in front of the hull.
Autoloader provides a maximum rate of fire in 12 rounds per minute.
It is claimed that Leclerc MBT can engage 6 targets, located 1.5 - 2 km away, in one
minute with a hit probability in 95%.
Gun can be loaded manually both from the inside or outside the MBT.
The Leclerc can fire French or standard NATO munitions.
Secondary armament consists of coaxial 12.7-mm machine gun and remotely controlled anti-aircraft
7.62-mm machine gun.
Vehicle is fitted with a battlefield management system.
It automatically reports to command post tank's location, quantity of ammunition and fuel
left.
Broadly similar system is used on the M1A2 Abrams.
Vehicle has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver.
An autoloader permits a three-man crew.
Leclerc main battle tank is powered by French VD V8X-1500 turbocharged diesel engine, developing
1 500 horsepower.
Its powerpack is smaller than contemporary tank engines.
This feature allowed to reduce overall dimensions of the tank.
The powerpack can be replaced in field conditions within 30 minutes.
Vehicle has a hydropneumatic suspension, providing good cross-country performance.
Additional fuel tanks can be fitted at the rear of the hull for extended range.
--------------------------------------------------- Variants
Series 1: Original production model
Series 2: SIT ICONE battlefield management system added
in 2009
Series XXI: The commander has now the HL 120 panoramic
sight which now features a laser rangefinder and the Iris thermal camera.
Leclerc AZUR: A special version optimized for urban warfare.
Vehicle is fitted with enhanced protection package
EPG: Prototype armored engineering vehicle
DNG: Armored recovery vehicle
Leclerc MARS Provisional armoured recovery vehicle prior
to the arrival of the DNG.
DTT Driver training tank.
Leclerc Koufra, or Leclerc T40: A proposal from the late 2000s to convert
existing Séries 1 vehicles into a 'heavy' reconnaissance scout, primarily for urban
warfare.
The conversion included a brand new turret incorporating a CTA CT40 Case Telescoped Weapon
System as well as grenade launchers, along with provision for two side mounted anti-tank
missiles.
--------------------------------------------------- Weight
series 1: 54.5 tonnes series 2: 56.3 tonnes
series XXI : 57.4 tonnes
Length: 9.87 m (6.88 without gun) Width: 3.60 m
Height: 2.53 m Speed 72 km/h
Unit cost: US$4+million in 2016