Leclerc tank
| Leclerc | |
|---|---|
Leclerc tank during military exercise | |
| Type | Main battle tank |
| Place of origin | France |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1992–present |
| Wars | Operation Joint Guardian UNIFIL Yemeni Civil War (2015–present) |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1983–1989 |
| Manufacturer | KNDS France |
| Unit cost | €16 million (FY2022) |
| Produced | 1990–2008 (The last unit was produced in 2007 and the production line was closed, although Nexter retains the capability to build more if there is a need) |
| No. built | ≈862 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass |
|
| Length | 9.87 m (6.88 without gun) |
| Width | 3.60 m |
| Height | 2.53 m |
| Crew | 3 (Commander, gunner, driver) |
| Armour | Modular composite armour SXXI version include titanium and semi-reactive layers. |
Main armament | GIAT CN120-26/52 120mm tank gun 40 rounds (1 round ready to fire in the chamber, 22 rounds inside the autoloader magazine with additional 18 rounds cylinder in the hull) |
Secondary armament |
|
| Engine | V8X SACM (Wärtsilä) 8-cylinder diesel engine 1,100 kW (1,500 hp) |
| Power/weight | 27.52 hp/tonne |
| Transmission | Automatic SESM |
| Suspension | Hydropneumatic |
| Fuel capacity | 1300 litres (1700 with fuel drums) |
Operational range | 550 km (342 mi), 650 km (404 mi) with external fuel |
| Maximum speed |
|
The Leclerc is a third-generation French main battle tank developed and manufactured by KNDS France. It was named in honour of Marshal Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque, a commander of the Free French Forces, who led the 2nd Armoured Division in World War II.
The Leclerc is in service with the French Army, Jordanian Army and the United Arab Emirates Army. In production since 1991, the Leclerc entered French service in 1992, replacing the AMX-30 as the country's main armoured platform. With production now complete, the French operate 222 Leclercs (with 184 more in storage, for a total of 406), while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) possesses 388.
Of the units in French service, 200 will be upgraded to the Leclerc XLR standard with deliveries expected to begin in 2022. During the Eurosatory 2024 presented Leclerc Evolution and EMBT ADT140, prototypes of the enhanced fourth-generation main battle tank.