[Would you like to see this in-game?]
- Yes
- No
0
voters
Leopard 2A8 Demonstrator: The Battlefield King 
# 
The Leopard 2A8 demonstrator at IDET.
- Disclaimer:
- As more information is released I will update the post and provide more images and videos. Feel free to post in the comments sections on corrections, etc.
- Description :
- The Leopard 2A8 Demonstrator is a highly advanced main battle tank developed by the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). It is an upgraded version of the Leopard 2A7, which is widely regarded as one of the best tanks in the world. This version of the Leopard 2A8 is a demonstrator, designed to show the capabilities of the vehicle and is equipped with the latest technology and state-of-the-art features. One of the main features of the vehicle is its improved overall protection. The vehicle has a modular armor system that can be upgraded to meet the specific requirements of different battlefield scenarios. The armor is made of advanced materials such as composites, ceramics, tungsten, which provide superior protection against various threats including anti-tank missiles, rockets, and other projectiles. The mine protection has been also improved. Not only this, the vehicle has a fully integrated EuroTrophy system, development of the Israeli-Trophy active protection system, equipped which features 4x RADAR’s for detection with two launchers capable of releasing a cloud of “metal pellets” to destroy the incoming projectiles. The vehicle is also equipped with advanced sensors and targeting systems such as the Elbit System’s Laser Warning Receiver set. It also has a refined digital fire control system that can automatically track and engage targets at long ranges. The vehicle’s targeting system includes the Attica 3rd-generation thermal imagers for both the Gunner and Commander, laser rangefinder, and a ballistic computer. The thermal imager allows the crew to see through smoke and dust, and the laser rangefinder provides accurate distance measurements to the target. To assist in targeting and situational awareness, C4I technologies have been integrated in the vehicle’s systems. The display model at IDET 2023 was equipped with a rear thermal camera, likely the DVE, and could receive the SPECTUS Thermal Camera that is mounted on the upper glacis and the NDV70 Thermal Periscope. Another important feature of the Leopard 2A8 is its mobility. The tank is powered by a 1,500 horsepower MTU MB 873 Ka-501 Turbocharged Diesel Engine that can propel it to speeds of up to 60 km/h. In addition to its superior armor protection, advanced sensors, and mobility, the vehicle is also equipped with a formidable armament. The tank is armed with a Rh-120 120mm L/55A1 Smoothbore Gun that can fire a variety of ammunition types, including high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds, armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds, and multipurpose projectiles. Some rounds are the new DM73, KE2020Neo, DM12A1, and DM11. The tank is also equipped with a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun to supplement the main gun and can be equipped with a Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS). The Leopard 2A8 Demonstrator has been designed to operate in a variety of mission scenarios, including defensive and offensive operations, urban warfare, and peacekeeping missions. Its advanced technology and superior capabilities make it one of the most effective and reliable main battle tanks in the world today. Overall, the vehicle is a highly advanced and capable tank that embodies the latest technology and features. Its superior armor protection, advanced sensors and targeting systems, countermeasures, mobility, and formidable armament make it a force to be reckoned with on the modern battlefield, especially closing the loophole in tank protection from anti-tank guided missiles. As such, it is no surprise that nations are already either purchasing or preparing to order the vehicle such as Germany and the Czech Republic. As of 24 May 23, the Germany Ministry of Defense has purchased 18 Leopard 2A8’s to replace Leopard 2’s donated to Ukraine with the Czech Republic (Czechia) possibly procuring up to 70 Leopard 2A8’s.
- Armament:
- Main Weapon: Rh-120 120mm L/55A1 Smoothbore Gun
- Rounds:
- DM63 APFSDS-T (Used as a Tier 1 Start Round)
- DM73 APFSDS-T (Tier 4 Upgrade)
- KE2020Neo APFSDS-T
- DM12A1 HEAT
- DM11 HE
- Depression/Elevation: -9°/+20°
- Rounds:
- Additional Weapons:
- Coaxial 7.62mm MG3A1 Machine Gun
- Main Weapon: Rh-120 120mm L/55A1 Smoothbore Gun
- Maneuverability:
- Engine: 1,500hp MTU MB 873 Ka-501 Turbocharged Diesel Engine
- Equipped with a new cooling unit.
- Equipped with 20kW APU.
- Equipped with a new cooling unit.
- Transmission: Renk HSWL 354 (4-Forward, 2-Reverse)
- Chassis: Torsion Bars
- Max Speed: 60km/h
- Engine: 1,500hp MTU MB 873 Ka-501 Turbocharged Diesel Engine
- Dimensions:
- Length: 10.97m w/ Gun Forward
- Width: 3.81m
- Height: ~3.5 0m
- Weight: 61.5-64.3t
- Crew (4x):
- Commander
- Driver
- Gunner
- Loader
- Features:
- Multi-layer Composite Armor
- Featuring ceramic, steel, composite, and Tungsten inserts.
- Optics:
- Gunner: Attica (3rd-generation Thermal Imager)
- Commander: Attica (3rd-generation Thermal Imager)
- Driver: 3x Periscopes with the central being able to be swapped to Thermal Imaging.
- Possible future SPECTUS (3rd-generation Thermal Imager) NDV70 (Thermal), or DVE (Thermal) integration.
- Rear camera.
- Laser Rangefinder
- Ballistics Computer/Tracking
- Elbit System’s Laser Warning Receiver
- EuroTrophy Hard-Kill APS
- Smoke Launchers:
- 12x 76mm Smoke Grenades.
- Multi-layer Composite Armor
- Reason for Implementation:
- The Leopard 2A8 Demonstrator is the peak of the Leopard family. Equipped with the most powerful rounds available to German tanks, a hard-kill active protection system, laser warning system, and advanced armor and mobility to allow it to “hunt” tanks on the battlefield, whether sniping or brawling. The hard-kill APS provides Germany a tank that can destroy incoming projectiles such as ground launched ATGM’s or missiles from helicopters like the pesky Vihkr missile. The Leopard 2A8 Demonstrator would be well positioned as the last (current) MBT of the German Ground Forces Tree for the time being. Players should take note as the EuroTrophy’s RADAR’s on the turret cheeks are vulnerable to small-caliber fire.
- Estimated BR: 12.0+
- Imagery/Videos:
Spoiler
Image dump of the demonstrator Leopard 2A8 at IDET 2023.
Newly released Leopard 2A8 specifications.
A Leopard 2A7 equipped with Trophy, etc., the precursor to the Leopard 2A8.
Leopard 2A7 demonstrator, precursor to the Leopard 2A8.
Video covering early aspects of the Leopard 2A7 with 2A8 technology.
- Sources:
- https://www.armyrecognition.com/germany_german_army_heavy_armoured_vehicle_tank_uk/leopard_2a8_mbt_main_battle_tank_technical_data.html
- https://armyrecognition.com/defense_news_may_2023_global_security_army_industry/idet_2023_kmw_from_germany_displays_demonstrator_of_future_leopard_2a8_tank_design.html
- http://www.military-today.com/tanks/leopard_2a8.htm
- Main battle tank - KNDS
- KMW reveals first demonstration of state-of-the-art Leopard 2A8 tank worth more than $30m | Gagadget.com
- The future of the Leopard 2 tank – technological development continues | CZDEFENCE - czech army and defence magazine
- Germany buys 18 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks to replace those sent to Ukraine - Breaking Defense
- Leopardy 2A8 dla Republiki Czeskiej?
- https://defence-blog.com/czech-republic-wants-to-buy-new-leopard-tanks-in-2a8-version/
- https://euro-trophy.de/trophy-aps/#:~:text=Trophy APS is a Hard,been saving lives since 2011.
- You are being redirected...
- DVE - Drivers Vision Enhancer | HENSOLDT
- Spectus Drivers Sight System | HENSOLDT
- https://www.hensoldt.net/fileadmin/HENSOLDT_2019/Products/Optronics/Vehicle_Optronics/VehicleOptronics_EN_144dpi.pdf
