Poland orders 128 upgraded Leopard 2PL main battle tanks

[Zarvan]

Concept image of the Leopard 2PL MBT upgrade package for the Polish Land Forces' Leopard 2A4 MBTs. Source: ZM Bumar-Labedy
Poland has signed a PLN2.415 billion (USD605.7 million) contract to upgrade its 128 Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks (MBTs) to a new standard called Leopard 2PL.

The contract was awarded to prime contractor Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) and integrator ZM Bumar-Labedy by the Polish Armament Inspectorate on 28 December. Rheinmetall Landsyteme will work with PGZ as strategic partner on the programme.

Poland bought 128 Leopard 2A4s from ex-Germany Army stocks in January 2002. They are currently operated by the 10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade, based in Swietoszow. All 128 2A4s will be upgraded by 2020, while the option exists for the upgrade of an extra 14 Leopard 2A4s that were purchased by Poland in 2013 to equip the 34th Armoured Cavalry Brigade, in Zagan.

The contract includes upgrades to the MBTs' turret, chassis, and other equipment to F6 level (with co-operation from subcontractor WZM Poznan), and the modernisation of Poland's tank training simulators.

The upgrade will include a modernisation of the MBTs' turret armour to a level at least that of the Leopard 2A5 variant, while not exceeding a total weight of 60 tons for the Leopard 2PL. This will include a partial change of the MBT's turret armour plates, and the addition of extra armour developed by IBD. Spall liners will also be added in the crew compartment of the turret, while internal storage and stowage capabilities will be extended.

The upgrade will see the tanks retain their existing L44 120 mm gun (rather than be upgraded with the longer L55 gun), although it and its fire control system will be upgraded for compatibility with the newest DM11 and DM63-type armour-piercing ammunition. A more substantial upgrade will come in the form of new commander and gunner sights incorporating the Polish PCO KLW-1 thermal imager, while the gun and turret stabiliser systems will be changed from hydraulic to electric.

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Poland orders 128 upgraded Leopard 2PL main battle tanks | IHS Jane's 360

 

[Ankit Kumar]

Can someone say how many more leopards are left in German reserves?

 

[Penguin]

18 February 2015

After launching a tender for the programme in October 2013, Poland has rejected the latest offer from a consortium led by Polish Defence Holding (PHO) out of "formal and technical reasons" and because of limited Polish industrial participation in the upgrade.

Instead, the MoD has selected Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) as its new industry partner for the modernisation programme.

The MoD intends to develop a completely indigenous capability to service, repair, and overhaul Leopard 2 MBTs to the F6 level.

Poland bought 128 Leopard 2A4s from Germany in January 2002. The tanks manufactured between 1985 and 1987 and delivered in 2003 were 30% "worn out", according to the MoD.

Poland rejigs Leopard 2PL upgrade programme | IHS Jane's 360

Buy from the Pros: Poland Adds More German Tanks

 

[Penguin]

Can someone say how many more leopards are left in German reserves?

It is hard to establish as tanks get cycled back to KMF, refurbished and resold, leased, or lent out again. Here an appoximation

Total production said to be 3,480

Germany fielded about 2,125 Leopard 2s in various versions.
Dutch order 445
Greece 170 (licenced)
Spain 219 (licenced)
Sweden 120 (licenced)
Switzerland bought 380
___________________
3459 units

• Austria: 114 from surplus Dutch stocks.
• Canada: 100 from NL, 18 from Germany, 12 from Switzerland
• Chile: 132+100 from Germany
• Denmark: 56+6 from Germany
• Finland: 139 from Germany, 100 from NL
• Germany:
  • · The German Army operated about 2,350 (??) Leopard 2s of all versions. To reduce maintenance costs, the German military has sold, donated or scrapped 90% of its inventory.
  • · 10% = 235
  • · Approximately 250 Leopard 2 tanks are in service as of March 2015. This number will be increased to 328 tanks, with an upgrade of A4 variant from storage, to A6 variant.
  • . Clearly some vehicles recycled back to KMW, including from Switzerland (52)
    
  • · 2350-(250+78)=2350-328=2022 gone or stored (or 2022-225=1800).
• Greece: 183 from Germany. 170 new
• Indonesia: 103+10=113 from German stock
• Netherlands: The Royal Netherlands Army has operated 445 Leopard 2s. On 15 September 2015, the Dutch government published that the army will have 16 tanks put out of storage and 18 are to be leased from Germany for a new tank squadron by 2016 as part of a German armoured battalion; one is preserved at the new military museum.
• Norway: 52 ex-Dutch
• Poland: 128+14+105=247 from German stock
• Portugal: The Portuguese Army has 37 ex-Dutch Leopard 2A6s in service.
• Qatar: Qatar signed a contract for 62 Leopard 2A7+ tanks from Germany
• Singapore: Singapore had taken delivery of 182 Leopard 2A4s from Germany.
• Spain: The Spanish Army operates 327 Leopard 2s (108 ex-German Leopard 2A4s and 219 new-built Leopard 2A6+ (Leopard 2E).
• Sweden: The Swedish Army operates 120 new Leopard 2(S) (local designation Strv 122) and has operated 160 leased ex-German Leopard 2A4s (Strv 121). Only the Strv 122s are still in active service.
• Switzerland: The Swiss Army purchased 380 2A4s designated Pz 87. 35 of these were bought from Germany while the remaining ones were license manufactured locally. Beginning in 2006, 134 of these tanks have been modernized, 42 were sold back to Rheinmetall, and 12 were turned into de-mining and engineer vehicles. The remaining tanks are in storage.
• Turkey: The Turkish Army received 354 Leopard 2A4s from Germany.

HENCE, RESOLD BY:
NL: 114 (Austria) + 100 (Canada) +100 (Finland) + 52 (Norway) + 37 (Portugal) = 403 (of 445 bought)
GERMANY: 18 (Canada) + 232 (Chile) + 62 (Denmark) + 139 (Finland) + 183 (Greece) + 113 (Indonesia) + 247 (Poland) + 62 (Qatar) + 182 (Singapore) + 108 (Spain) + 354 (Turkey) = 1700
SWISS: 12 (Canada) + 42 (Germany) = 52 (of 380 acquired)

HOLDING:
NL: 42 total, of which 18 active
Germany: 328 active, at best 100 in storage
Switzerland: 328 total, of which 134+12=146 active.


... give or take 20.

 

[AUz]

Looks like Turkish Altay in design.

 

[Audio]

Seems to be lots of this Leo 2 modernizations going on

Swiss RUAG modernization

 

[Slave_to_the_waffle]

Our Ex-Dutch A4's have planned upgrades, but it's been slow moving so far. Most are still A4NO:

 

[Oldman1]

Our Ex-Dutch A4's have planned upgrades, but it's been slow moving so far. Most are still A4NO:

Guess not a high priority.

Seems to be lots of this Leo 2 modernizations going on

Swiss RUAG modernization

Considered that there were many A4s and needed upgrades.

 

[MilSpec]

It is hard to establish as tanks get cycled back to KMF, refurbished and resold, leased, or lent out again. Here an appoximation

Total production said to be 3,480

Germany fielded about 2,125 Leopard 2s in various versions.
Dutch order 445
Greece 170 (licenced)
Spain 219 (licenced)
Sweden 120 (licenced)
Switzerland bought 380
___________________
3459 units

• Austria: 114 from surplus Dutch stocks.
• Canada: 100 from NL, 18 from Germany, 12 from Switzerland
• Chile: 132+100 from Germany
• Denmark: 56+6 from Germany
• Finland: 139 from Germany, 100 from NL
• Germany:
  • · The German Army operated about 2,350 (??) Leopard 2s of all versions. To reduce maintenance costs, the German military has sold, donated or scrapped 90% of its inventory.
  • · 10% = 235
  • · Approximately 250 Leopard 2 tanks are in service as of March 2015. This number will be increased to 328 tanks, with an upgrade of A4 variant from storage, to A6 variant.
  • . Clearly some vehicles recycled back to KMW, including from Switzerland (52)
    
  • · 2350-(250+78)=2350-328=2022 gone or stored (or 2022-225=1800).
• Greece: 183 from Germany. 170 new
• Indonesia: 103+10=113 from German stock
• Netherlands: The Royal Netherlands Army has operated 445 Leopard 2s. On 15 September 2015, the Dutch government published that the army will have 16 tanks put out of storage and 18 are to be leased from Germany for a new tank squadron by 2016 as part of a German armoured battalion; one is preserved at the new military museum.
• Norway: 52 ex-Dutch
• Poland: 128+14+105=247 from German stock
• Portugal: The Portuguese Army has 37 ex-Dutch Leopard 2A6s in service.
• Qatar: Qatar signed a contract for 62 Leopard 2A7+ tanks from Germany
• Singapore: Singapore had taken delivery of 182 Leopard 2A4s from Germany.
• Spain: The Spanish Army operates 327 Leopard 2s (108 ex-German Leopard 2A4s and 219 new-built Leopard 2A6+ (Leopard 2E).
• Sweden: The Swedish Army operates 120 new Leopard 2(S) (local designation Strv 122) and has operated 160 leased ex-German Leopard 2A4s (Strv 121). Only the Strv 122s are still in active service.
• Switzerland: The Swiss Army purchased 380 2A4s designated Pz 87. 35 of these were bought from Germany while the remaining ones were license manufactured locally. Beginning in 2006, 134 of these tanks have been modernized, 42 were sold back to Rheinmetall, and 12 were turned into de-mining and engineer vehicles. The remaining tanks are in storage.
• Turkey: The Turkish Army received 354 Leopard 2A4s from Germany.

HENCE, RESOLD BY:
NL: 114 (Austria) + 100 (Canada) +100 (Finland) + 52 (Norway) + 37 (Portugal) = 403 (of 445 bought)
GERMANY: 18 (Canada) + 232 (Chile) + 62 (Denmark) + 139 (Finland) + 183 (Greece) + 113 (Indonesia) + 247 (Poland) + 62 (Qatar) + 182 (Singapore) + 108 (Spain) + 354 (Turkey) = 1700
SWISS: 12 (Canada) + 42 (Germany) = 52 (of 380 acquired)

HOLDING:
NL: 42 total, of which 18 active
Germany: 328 active, at best 100 in storage
Switzerland: 328 total, of which 134+12=146 active.


... give or take 20.

What is the step at the end of the barrel, most tanks seem to have that. Always wondered what is it for . @Dazzler @Penguin

 

[Oldman1]

What is the step at the end of the barrel, most tanks seem to have that. Always wondered what is it for . @Dazzler @Penguin

Muzzle reference sensor.

 

[Penguin]

Looks like Turkish Altay in design.

 

[Audio]

What is the step at the end of the barrel, most tanks seem to have that. Always wondered what is it for . @Dazzler @Penguin

Thermal sleeve - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

If you mean the bulge in the center of the cannon, that's

Bore evacuator - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Muzzle reference sensor.

Muzzle reference system is the box on top at the end of the barrel, i think he couldn't have been asking for this as none are on pics in this thread, or idk.....

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

 

[Penguin]

Muzzle reference sensor.

The muzzle reference system is an electronic device that is intended to measure the current value of a tank barrel bend in order to take it into account when firing the gun and therefore to improve the accuracy of firing.

The electronic signal proportional to the measured angle value is transmitted into the tank's fire control system that allows to indemnify the firing errors by correction of the relevant aiming angles. The measurement error of an up-to-date muzzle reference system does not usually exceed 0.1 mrad. The system consists of a reflector ("mirror") installed at the gun muzzle end and a measuring unit installed on the barrel near the gun mantlet. All modern main battle tanks are fitted with a muzzle reference system.

Most tank guns have a Thermal Sleeve

Tank gun barrels, particularly those over about 3 inches calibre, tend to be long and consequently there is a tendency for the barrels to distort when they are subjected to differential heating conditions such as occur with, for example, the heat of the sun on one side of the barrel and a cold wind on the other side.

Accurate long range shooting depends upon the barrel being perfectly straight, and, in order to insulate the barrel from the effects of the environment, it has become standard practice to provide one or more thermal sleeves for the barrel. Such sleeves commonly comprise blankets of asbestos and/or glass fibre wrapped around the barrels, and it has been found that the effects of wind, rain and sun on hot gun barrels encased in such sleeves are considerably reduced


They also have a Fume Extractor aka Bore Evacuator

A bore evacuator or fume extractor is a device on the gun barrel of an armoured fighting vehicle which helps prevent poisonous propellant gases from venting back into the vehicle's fighting compartment when the gun breech is opened to load another round. Bore evacuators are most often used on large-calibre tank guns and self-propelled guns. Without bore evacuators, hot gases and other combustion residue leaks into the tank's interior, depleting oxygen levels and filling it with a foul odour that can easily induce nausea and distract the crewmen from their tasks.

 

[MilSpec]

@Penguin @Audio @Oldman1 , Another query, why do modern tanks do not have any muzzle brakes as seen on older tanks.

 

[Audio]

Another query, why do modern tanks do not have any muzzle brakes as seen on older tanks.

Because they have bore evacuator or fume extractor as Penguin calls it. If you had read the links.....