Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/773724
R17A3L4 to the display, control the systems of the turret by the commander in hunter-killer mode, and testing the turret systems; assembly of a CAN-BUS digital data bus; assembly of an explosion proof compartment for the crew and a new-generation fire-resistant drive compartment Deugra with four DeuGen-N tanks containing extinguishing agent, modernized hoses and conducting pipes, and a new control unit; assembly of a 17 kVA APU; assembly of additional transport trays on the turret, assembly of lock-ups and handles; modifications of towing and evacuation devices that are to adjust them to the increased weight of the tank; assembly of BMS (Battle Management System) and integrated communication and data transmission subsystems, and an encrypting system (optional). The combat weight of Leopard 2PL should not exceed 60 tons, which is required by the durability of suspension and drive system of the tank that will not be subject to more significant changes. As a result of the contract signed in December 2015 with the MoD, a cooperation agreement was signed on 18 February 2016 between ZM Bumar-Łabędy SA and the Rheinmetall Landsysteme, which is responsible for the technical preparation of the upgrade. According to that agreement, a prototype of Leopard 2PL (one unit) will be manufactured by Rheinmetall Landsysteme in 1Q2018. In the 3Q2018, the tank should be handed over to the Poland for testing, while in the 4Q2018, the batch of 5 test upgraded tanks will be delivered to the customer. The pre-production batch of Leopard 2PL tanks (12 units) should be made in the 1Q2019 at ZM Bumar-Łabędy in cooperation with Rheinmetall. After they are accepted by the Poland, the production batch of vehicles (110 units) will be upgraded at ZM Bumar- Łabędy. That process will begin in the 2Q2019 and will be completed in the 3Q2020. The above upgrade will stop the process of "moral" and technical wear of Polish Leopard 2A4 tanks and will allow to use them by 2045. Upgrade tanks should have their service life fully restored. Moreover, thanks to the cooperation with German industry, Polish companies will obtain the capacity for repairs and, in the future, for further modernization of Polish Leopard 2 tanks. Upgradeis connected with a purchase project of new 120 mm ammunition – both anti-tank, as well as multi-purpose such as DM63 or DM11 with burst ammunition and programmable fuses. It is possible that a production license for both types of ammunition will be locatedin MESKO SA. The MoD highlighted that German ammunition might be replaced with its Polish equivalent developed by the WITU institute and PGZ but the Rheinmetall guaranteed themselves, however, that those equivalents will be certified by Rheinmetall Waffe Munition, since that entity is responsible for warranty obligations of main guns in upgraded tanks The eventual implementation of Battle Management System in vehicles might require an annex to the modernization agreement as the BMS has not been chosen yet. www.fragoutmag.com