- Yes
- No
History
History
The Leopard 2PLM1 originated as a further development of Poland’s Leopard 2PL modernization programme. Following the acquisition of Leopard 2A4 tanks from Germany in 2002, the Polish Army gradually sought ways to improve the combat effectiveness of the aging vehicles and adapt them to the requirements of the modern battlefield. This effort eventually led to the Leopard 2PL programme, carried out by a consortium led by Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) and Zakłady Mechaniczne Bumar-Łabędy in cooperation with the German company Rheinmetall. The modernization contract was signed in December 2015 and initially covered 128 Leopard 2A4 tanks.
The Leopard 2PL introduced a number of significant improvements over the original Leopard 2A4. These included additional modular turret armour, replacement of the hydraulic turret and gun drives with electric systems, integration of modern KLW-1 Asteria thermal imaging cameras for the gunner and commander, upgraded fire protection systems and modifications allowing the use of modern DM63A1 and DM11 ammunition.
During prototype trials and the early stages of serial production, additional improvements were identified that could further increase reliability and crew effectiveness. As a result, in 2018 work began on a more Polished configuration known as the Leopard 2PLM1. It was a rather simplemodernization package, the M1 standard introduced a series of refinements based on testing and operational experience gathered during the implementation of the Leopard 2PL programme.
The Leopard 2PLM1 received an active cooling system for the electronics compartment, a cold-start function designed to protect turret electronics from voltage drops during engine start-up, additional battery charging provisions and revised laser rangefinder operating modes with first- and last-echo selection. Another notable addition was the PIX function, allowing the commander to automatically rotate the PERI observation sight to predetermined positions relative to the hull, improving situational awareness and target acquisition.
The first Leopard 2PLM1 prototype was completed in 2021 and presented publicly during the MSPO defence exhibition. Following successful testing, newly modernized vehicles began to be delivered in the improved standard, with the long-term objective of bringing all Leopard 2PL tanks to the PLM1 configuration. Today, the Leopard 2PLM1 represents the most advanced version of the Leopard 2A4 operated by the Polish Armed Forces and serves as one of the cornerstones of Poland’s heavy armoured forces.
Summarised Characteristics
Details
- Crew (4)
- Driver, gunner, commander, loader
- Ammo:
- DM-33A1
- DM-63
- DM43
- DM-11
- DM-12A1
- Pz-531 MK1
- Pz-531 MK2
- PZ-511
The 2PL could also possibly get this ammunition as well since it is in use by the Polish Armed Forces.- M829A2
- M829A3
- Elevation: -9/+20°
- Two-plane stabilizer
- Fire rate: 6-9rds/m
- Gunner sight
- 3rd Gen thermals
- Commander sight
- 3rd Gen thermals
- Laser Rangefinder
- 16x 76mm Dezamet Smoke Grenade Launchers
- Combat weight: 59.2t
- Engine: MTU MB 873 Ka-501 (1500Hp)
- Max speed: 68 km/h
Armament
Details
- Primary armament: Rheinmetall 120 mm smoothboregun L/44
- DM-33A1
- DM-63
- DM43
- DM-11
- DM-12A1
- Pz-531 MK1
- Pz-531 MK2
- PZ-511
May possibly receive the ammunition below- M829A2
- M829A3
- Depression/Elevation: -9/+20 degrees
- Two plane stabaliser
- Fire rate: 6-9rds/m
- Coaxial machine gun: MG3A1 (4400 rounds)
- Anti-aircraft machine gun: MG3A1 (2000 rounds)
Mobility
Armour
Details
The Leopard 2PLM1 features the same armour as the Leopard 2PL which can be found in-game.
The Leopard 2PL/M1 also features spall liners for the whole crew compartment which where produced by Rosomak SA.
Optics, electronics, other
Details
- Gunner optic: KLW-1 Asteria
- Two-plane stabilizer
- Thermal camera
- 3-rd generation
- Wide FOV: 10°
- Narrow FOV: ≤ 3°
- Day camera
- Wide FOV: 10.7°
- Narrow FOV: 3.3°
- Commander optic: KLW-1 Asteria
- Two-plane stabilizer
- Thermal camera
- 3-rd generation
- Wide FOV: 10°
- Narrow FOV: ≤ 3°
- Day camera
- Wide FOV: 10.7°
- Narrow FOV: 3.3°
- LRF
- Length: 9670 mm
- Width: 3750 mm
- Height: 3050 mm
- Crew (4): Driver, Commander, Gunner, Loader
- 16x 76mm smoke grenades
Pictures/Videos
https://youtu.be/Z7Tv01s5HN8?si=v2vF9xl6cdA6oEtO
Sources
General Sources
Armament
[center]
We are increasing our tank ammunition reserves - another contract signed! – News - MESKO?
Amunicja czołgowa 120 mm z MESKO S.A. - Wydawnictwo militarne ZBIAM
https://ndia.dtic.mil/wp-content/uploads/2008/gun_missile/6526Huls.pdf
Optics, electronics
KLW-1 - Polski producent wyrobów optoelektronicznych PCO S.A.
