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German Army readies Leopard 2 for MOUT
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| 13 February 2007 |
German Army readies Leopard 2 for MOUT
By Rupert Pengelley IDR Group Technical Editor
The German Army plans to retain 350 Leopard 2 tanks, including 125 Leopard 2A5 models and 225 Leopard 2A6s (of which 70 are in the mine-protected Leopard 2A6M version) that will be used to sustain the German Army's remaining six 44-strong tank battalions.
A decision on the final configuration of the Leopard 2 adapted for peace support operations (PSO) or military operations in urban terrain (MOUT) is due to be taken in 2008.
A modified Leopard 2A5 PSO demonstrator vehicle was exhibited by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) at Eurosatory 2006. Its many modifications included turret and chassis protection against RPG-7 warheads, extra roof protection, bottom plate protection, protected optics, electrical turret drives, hydraulic system replacement, new-generation commander's and gunner's sights, a coaxial beam light, close-in situation awareness cameras, a secondary weapon station for the loader (with a +70/-15° engagement capability), an auxiliary power unit, cooling system for the crew compartment, a dozer blade, hydraulic track tensioner, improved power management system and habitability improvements.
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© 2007 Jane's Information Group
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