Leopard 2PL
Leopard 2PL | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Place of origin | Germany Poland |
Service history | |
In service | 2020– |
Used by | Polish Land Forces |
Production history | |
Designed | 2018 |
Manufacturer | Zakłady Mechaniczne „BUMAR-ŁABĘDY” S.A,Rheinmetall |
Produced | 2019– |
No.built | 62/142[1] |
Specifications | |
Mass | 59,203 kg (130,520 lb) |
Length | 9,670 mm (381 in) |
Width | 3,750 mm (148 in) |
Height | 3,050 mm (120 in) |
Crew | 4 |
Armor | composite armor |
Main armament | Rheinmetall Rh-120 L/44 120mm cannon |
Secondary armament | 2 × MG3 machine guns |
Engine | MTU-MB 873 1,100 kilowatts (1,500 PS) |
Operational range | on road 500 kilometres (310 mi), in terrain 300 kilometres (190 mi) |
Maximum speed | 68 kilometres per hour (42 mph) |
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e6/Leopard_2_PL.jpg/220px-Leopard_2_PL.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d1/Leopard_2_PL_back.jpg/220px-Leopard_2_PL_back.jpg)
TheLeopard 2PLis amain battle tankused by thePolish Armed Forces,and is a modernized version of the olderLeopard 2A4 tank, phased out by Germany and first acquired by Poland in the 2000s. The modernisation is currently being carried out in cooperation withRheinmetalland thePolish Armaments Group(Polish:Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa PGZ).[2][3]
History
[edit]As soon as thePolish Land Forcestook over the first Leopard 2A4 tanks from theBundeswehrin 2002, it was recognized that their modernization was necessary. However, the first efforts to develop its plan and scope did not begin until mid-2012.
The program was calledLeopard 2PLand as a result of the conducted works, two variants ofmodernizationwere defined. The basic one included the introduction of an electric turret drive andgun stabilization(in place of hydraulic one), installation of anauxiliary power unit(APU), modernization of the optoelectronic system through e.g. installation of newthermal imagingcameras, modernization of the driver's seat and a new anti-explosion, fire and mine protection package.[2]The second variant was extended to also include aBMS combat management system,installation of a remote-controlled weapon stations on the turret of the tank, new types of ammunition, air conditioning systems in the driver and combat compartment, and modernization of the electronicscoolingsystem.[4]
Finally, the modernization program was included in the "Technical Modernization Plan of the Polish Armed Forces for 2013-2022" (Plan Modernizacji Technicznej) in December 2012. In early March 2013, invitations were sent to interested parties for the technical dialogue, which took place from March to August.
In October 2013, a tender was announced to select a contractor for the program. Three consortia formed to bid:
- Wojskowe Zakłady Motoryzacyjne fromPoznań,Wojskowe Zakłady Łączności Nr. 2 and Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH,
- PCOandASELSAN Elektronik,
- Bumar-Łabędy,OBRUM company andPolski Holding Obronny (PHO) .[4]
The final offer was submitted by the third consortium and negotiations with theInspectorate of Armaments began. In December 2014, the consortium submitted the final proposal based on the solutions of their foreign partnerKrauss-Maffei Wegmann,but in 2015 the procedure to select the contractor was terminated due to formal deficiencies and the low participation of Polish industry in the program.
That same year, the decision was made to contract the modernization to the Polish Armaments Group (owner of Bumar-Łabędy and OBRUM). The final offer was made in November 2015, thus starting negotiations.[4]
On December 28, 2015, an agreement was signed between the Inspectorate of Armaments (Inspektorat Uzbrojenia) and a consortium consisting of PGZ and Bumar-Łabędy for the modernization of 128 Leopard 2tankswith an option for another 14 units. The German partner of the consortium was the German company Rheinmetall Landsysteme, which in the past co-produced Leopard 2 tanks. The contract amount was 2.415 billionPLN.On June 20, 2018, an annex was signed using the option to upgrade 14 tanks, i.e. all Leopard 2A4 tanks used by the Army. The cost of the contract increased to 2.721 billion PLN.[5]The contract originally assumed that all copies of the base order would be transferred by 2020 and those from options for 14 vehicles by 2021.[2][6]
The original work schedule assumed that the entire work process would be divided into five stages. In the first stage for 2016, preparation of allinfrastructureand resources needed for modernization were anticipated. The second stage predicted that from November 2016 to the end of 2017, dismantling of the machines and preparation for the modernization process would be carried out, while in the third stage, falling in 2018,technologytransfer and staff training on a trial batch of tanks. From June 2018 to March 2019, the process of starting production and delivery of the pre-series machine to the recipient was to begin, and the last fifth stage lasting from January 2019 to November 2020 was to begin serial modernization of machines and deliveries (only vehicles from the first contract, i.e. 128 pieces). However, the original modernization process envisaged that the prototype in the number of one piece would be delivered by the third quarter of 2018, the test batch of 5 vehicles (the process of training Polish specialists and technology transfer) made in Germany would be delivered by the end of 2018, the test batch comprising 12 vehicles already completed in Poland, it will be delivered by the end of the first quarter of 2019, and serial production of the other machines under the basic contract is to be carried out from the second quarter of 2019 to the third quarter of 2020.[2][7]
On February 18, 2016, a detailed agreement was signed with a German partner, which specified the terms of cooperation between ZM Bumar-Łabędy and Rheinmetall. The contract assumed that theGermancompany would be responsible for developing the tank modernization project, preparing the necessary technical documentation together with Polish partners, making a prototype of the 2PL version car and tanks of the trial batch (five of which includes the process of training Polish specialists and technology transfer to Poland), providing ZM Bumar-Łabędy with the necessary technical support in starting production of serial wagons, providing necessary tools and transferringknow-howtechnology. During theEurosatory2018 trade fair, representatives of Rheinmetall announced the completion of factory tests of the Leopard 2PLprototypetank.[8]
In August 2018, the vehicle was sent to the Military Armored and Automotive Institute in Sulejówek, where it underwent further national tests in Poland. In 2018, Reinmetall handed over to ZM Bumar-Łabędy the first pre-series copies, which opened the way to the modernization of machines already in Poland, after the positive completion of testing the prototype vehicle. The prototype tests were prolonged, which influenced the modernization of further copies and their delivery to the recipient. During the prototype testing there were also problems with the chassis, the repair of which prolonged the testing process, which meant that serial production could not be started.[9][2][10][11]
The prototype was completed on May 8, 2020. On May 28, 2020, thePolish Land Forcesreceived the first copies from the pre-series party. The contract was extended until the end of July 2023.[12][13][14]
The contract was annexed five times, mainly due to not taking into account the restoration of efficiency of some tank elements, which turned out to be necessary and the different state of wear of individual vehicles. The final cost of the program increased to 3.29 billion PLN.[10]
Description
[edit]Leopard 2PL is a third generationmain battle tank,made in cooperation with Polish Armaments Group and Rheinmetall Landsystems. The tank is designed to master and maintain the area, and support fire from deck weapons of mechanized and motorized subunits, in all weather conditions, both during thedayand atnight.[15]
As a result of the work, two versions of the vehicles were developed: the Leopard 2PL version, which is currently supplied to the military, and the Leopard 2PLM1, which was created by decision in 2018. The German partner is responsible for the production of theprototypevariant of the Leopard 2PLM1. The vehicle was delivered in January 2021, and its tests began in February 2021.
The differences in the field of tanks in the Leopard 2PL and Leopard 2PM1 versions are that the machines in the 2PLM1 version are equipped with an EGPT compartment warning system, a system protecting the network electronics against the start-up time, modification operating modes of thelaser rangefinder,an additional socket for batteries and the PIX combination, allows the commander to automatically rotate the optoelectronic head of the PERI observation and aiming device to the "six o'clock" and "twelve o'clock" position relative to the tank's hull.[16]
Armor
[edit]The modernization of the Leopard 2A4 to the 2PL standard includes the strengthening of the ballistic resistance of the turret to a level exceeding that of the Leopard 2A5 version. Additional external armor modules are mounted around the vehicle turret. It was not decided to reinforce the hull and vehiclechassisdue to the significant increase invehicleweight and cost reduction. Special anti-spall liners have been installed inside the vehicle to protect the crew inside the vehicle against splashes and armor fragments in the event of a puncture or hit.[2][12][17][3][14]
Armament
[edit]The main armament of the tank remained theRheinmetall Rh-120smoothbore gun in the L/44 version, but it was modified to adapt to the use of new types of ammunition, i.e. DM63armor-piercing shelland programmable DM11 ammunition. Left and right resistors, return, recoil indicator and container for shell bottom were replaced, in order to use DM11 ammunition, a programming system was introduced in the cannon's falling-block action, as well as a fire control system and electronic cannon trigger assembly. A new on-boardcomputerwas installed with new ballistic tables.MG-3machine guns were not exchanged for another model. Thetwo plane gun stabilizersystem of thecannonand turret drives were changed from hydraulic to purely electric.[10][12][2][3][14]
Optics
[edit]The gunner's sight and sights of the gunner and the commander were modernized by adding Polishthermal imaging camerasof the third generation KLW-1 Asteria made by Polish PCO. Driver awareness was improved by installing a KDN-1 Nyks day / night reversing camera also PCO production. A monitor-control panel for the commander was installed, which enables alternative image transmission from the modernized EMES 15 sight and PERI R17A3L4 CP instrument, performing a full test of tower systems in cooperation with the modernized RPP testing block and control of tower systems from the level of the commander, which allows operation in hunter-killer mode.[17][2]
Communication
[edit]A new, digital communication bus was used. Theradiohas not been replaced with a modern model.[17]
Other
[edit]Tank propulsion units were subjected to general repairs, anauxiliary power unit(APU) with a power of 17 kW was installed, in addition to the installation of anti-shrapnel liners, crew safety was improved by the use of an explosion-proof system with cylinders with Deugen-N extinguishing agent and the fire system was modernized by adding a new control panel and cylinders with extinguishing agent, additional transport baskets were mounted outside the turret and adaptation of the evacuation equipment to the tank combatweightincreased to 60 tons.[5][17][3]
Service in Polish Land Forces
[edit]The first Leopard 2PL tanks were delivered to military units in May 2020. First six vehicles were delivered to the Leopard Training Center (Ośrodek Szkolenia Leopard) inŚwiętoszówfrom10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade(10 Brygada Kawalerii Pancernej) and other two tanks were delivered to1st Warsaw Armoured Brigade(Warszawska Brygada Pancerna) inWesoła.[18]By the end of 2020, 12 Leopard 2PL tanks were delivered to the army.[16]By the end of 2021 the 1st Armored Brigade is the first unit to have a full company in its structures (14 tanks). Previously, the unit had a tank company in the Leopard 2A4 version of the 1st Tank Battalion. By December 2021, 20 machines were delivered.[19]
References
[edit]- ^[1]
- ^abcdefghKiński, Andrzej (2019-12-19)."Analiza Radaru: Modernizacja czołgów do standardu Leopard 2PL"[Radar Analysis: Tank upgrade to Leopard 2PL standard].Radar(in Polish).Retrieved2020-07-09.
- ^abcd"Bumar Leopard 2PL Main Battle Tank".www.bumar.gliwice.pl.Retrieved2020-07-09.
- ^abcKiński, Andrzej (2016). "Modernizacja polskich Leopardów 2A4" [Modernization of Polish Leopards 2A4].Wojsko i Technika(in Polish). pp. 8–12.ISSN2450-1301.
- ^ab"Większy zakres i koszt modernizacji Leopardów"[Greater scope and cost of modernizing the Leopards].DziennikZbrojny.pl(in Polish).Retrieved2020-07-09.
- ^Breczko, Bolesław (2018-07-16)."Wojsko Polskie modernizuje czołgi. Będzie więcej Leopardów 2PL"[The Polish Army is modernizing tanks. There will be more 2PL Leopards].tech.wp.pl(in Polish).Retrieved2020-07-09.
- ^"Leopard 2PL Programme Showcased. Modernization Package For The Polish Main Battle Tanks".www.defence24.com.Retrieved2020-07-09.
- ^"MSPO 2019: BUMAR-LABEDY SA presents new modernized Leopard 2PL Main Battle Tank".www.armyrecognition.com.Retrieved2020-07-09.
- ^"Pierwszy Leopard 2PL dla Polski".www.milmag.pl(in Polish).Retrieved2020-07-09.
- ^abc"Leopard 2PL z opóźnieniem. Prototyp nie zakończył testów - Defence24".www.defence24.pl.Retrieved2020-07-09.
- ^Frank, Dorothee (2020-03-09)."Leopard 2PL Modernisation Delayed".European Security & Defence.Retrieved2020-07-09.
- ^abc"Pancerny przełom. Leopardy z Gliwic idą do wojska [ANALIZA] - Defence24".www.defence24.pl.Retrieved2020-07-09.
- ^Zbiam (2020-05-28)."Przedseryjne Leopardy 2PL odebrane przez wojsko".Wydawnictwo militarne ZBIAM(in Polish).Retrieved2020-07-09.
- ^abc"Breakthrough. Polish Army Takes Delivery of Leopard 2PL Tanks - Defence24.com".defence24.com.Retrieved2020-07-09.
- ^"Bumar".bumar.gliwice.pl(in Polish).Retrieved2020-07-09.
- ^ab"Więcej Leopardów 2PL wkrótce w wojsku - Defence24".defence24.pl.Retrieved2021-05-17.
- ^abcd"Demonstrator zmodernizowanego czołgu podstawowego Leopard 2PL".Nowa Strategia(in Polish).Retrieved2020-07-09.
- ^"Pierwsze Leopardy 2PL rozpoczęły służbę"[The first Leopard 2PLs entered service].www.polska-zbrojna.pl(in Polish).Retrieved2020-11-12.
- ^"Brygada z Wesołej otrzymała zmodernizowane Leopardy"[The Wesoła Brigade received modernized Leopards].defence24.pl(in Polish).Retrieved2022-04-16.
External links
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Modernization of the Leopard 2A4 tanks to the Leopard 2PL version,Zakłady Mechaniczne Bumar-Łabędy s.a. (en).