The Leclerc XXI : the more armored, the better.

[Trotrodor 2,670]

Player already knows the Leclerc S1.

 

Overall, the Leclerc tank began its career with state-of-the-art technology, with the most modern on-board electronics. The Leclerc S1 was build between 1992 and 1996.

It was a very successful tank, very modern and comparable to the most modern MBTs of other World nation.

 

But as good as the Leclerc S1 was, it's lifespan was only at it's begining. Following the introduction of the Leclerc S2 which improved over it's predecessor on multiple point ( Air conditioning of the turret and better cooling in order to be able to operate in extreme heat (successfully tested at 54 degrees Celsius), changes in the silhouette of the turret due to the addition of additional transport containers, improved data sharing between electronic systems and devices, improved side shielding plates, Athos thermal imaging system was replaced by the Iris system, ICONE combat management system.), the Leclerc S2.1 (XXI) was a much bigger upgrade for the Leclerc MBT familly.

 

The third serie of Leclerc, or Lecler S2.1 (or serie XXI), was composed of 96 tanks build between 2003 and 2007. A number of combat upgrade were brought to the Leclerc, including :

 

- A new composite armor package, integrating more Titanium insert for a better survivability against APFSDS rounds, and improved ERA block on the turret making it extremely strong against chimical weapons, in order to protect the vehicle against tandem warheads.

- IFF system, by Thales.

- Improved optics (2nd gen thermal commander panoramic sight IRIS)

- Improved power of the tank's electrical generator to supply all additional systems.

 

The new armor package is particularly visible on the front of the turret :

Spoiler

On the Leclerc S1 :

 

On the Leclerc XXI :

 

the piece the most visible :

 

To protect the Leclerc from new threats, a study to equip the XXI series (SXXI) tanks with new armor was undertaken in the late 1990s.The Leclerc was also equipped with new armor. These new threats consisted, firstly, of the appearance of rockets and anti-tank missiles using large-caliber hollow charges, mounted in tandem, with penetration capabilities exceeding 1,000 mm of armor-plated steel. Second, advances in the metallurgy of tungsten and depleted uranium made it possible to design arrow shells that were even faster and with an ever-increasing elongation (ratio between the length of the bar and its diameter) to reach the ratio 1:30. These arrow-munitions are credited with a penetration power greater than 700 mm of armoured steel.

The tanks offered for export as well as those of the last two production units (T 10 and T 11), the Leclerc XXI, have had their passive blocks of lateral armor replaced by lighter reactive modules. The weight gain is transferred to the front arch, which makes it possible, thanks among other things to the use of titanium, to bring the protection to the desired level. The other positive consequence is that the center of gravity of the turret is moved forward, almost coinciding perfectly with the axis of the bearing, which helps the dynamic pointing servo systems. The reactive modules require additional protection to ensure their operation. In order to protect them from 20 mm armour-piercing shells fired from an elevated position, ceramic plates are mounted on the upper part of the housings.

 

The Leclerc XXI could also feature the AZUR urban combat package.

 

The Azur package includes :

 

- Improve side armor (reactive armor).

- An Anti rpg cage on the engine compatment.

- liquide flamable protection on the engine compartment.

- ATO weapon system (Roof Weapon or Remote Operated Weapon) mounted behind the shooter's hatch, it includes a MAG58 machine gun controlled by the tank commander's sight.

- Four multi-purpose drop lockers on the back of the chassis.

 

Spoiler

 

 

The Leclerc XXI would give a greatly needed second MBT for the french army, with increased survivability and why not access to more powerfull amunition (OFL F2 uranium penetrator).

With the new STRV 122, the Leclerc XXI would perfectly fit in the new meta.

 

I think this version of the leclerc would be a much better fit then the Leclerc S2, givig france a top tier comparable to the STRV 122, and other futur top tier tank.

 

Pictures :

Spoiler

 

 

Sources :

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Char_Leclerc#cite_note-:0-21

http://www.leclerc.fr/caracteristiques.php

https://www.defense.gouv.fr/terre/equipements/vehicules/scorpion/char-leclerc

http://www.chars-francais.net/2015/index.php/10-archives/de-1990-nos-jours/7-char-leclerc-1991

Edited December 8, 2020 by Trotrodor

[leroyonly 4,310]

Open for discussion. 

[eleks12 1,076]

+1

[Trotrodor 2,670]

Thanks @leroyonly

Edited March 24, 2020 by Trotrodor

[Milocat 4,842]

I'll support this to give France another top-tier machine.  +1.

[Borotovas 4,499]

+1

[IWSM_soundmod 354]

The SXXI also has new steel tracklink instead of aluminum and a new tilt of the turret armor modules

[Powersaumon 15]

+1

[Royal8800_FR 1]

We need it !

[Grossaaaa 669]

I can see why the french need another top tier MBT. I can also see how this thing can become the new OP flavor of the month, ruining top tier like the Strv 122 and then getting slapped with 20k lions repair. Instead of 1-upping the Leclerc, looking at trial or test vehicles is probably the better option.

[Wilhuff_Tarkin_ 467]

+1 yes please

[Royal8800_FR 1]

+1

 

[SELMAC 145]

+1

 

Wondering why someone wouldn't want it to be added ? Why France couldn't get its top tier backups ? like most of the other nations?

 

We've been waiting for it for too long... 

Edited June 6, 2020 by SELMAC

[left4deadbaby 46]

+1

[ThedepthPunisher 194]

all the French of the game as well as the lovers of the French tree say thank you for this proposal! +1 

[LeTigreRoyal 321]

Absolute Gib! +1

[Jarms 1,555]

Why can’t we have both the S2 and this?

[Twinkledew 3]

+1 All other nations have atleast 2 top tier MBT's.

[Laviduce 1,778]

I could make a protection projection of the XXI but I have too little time to get into the details of it.

Edited August 4, 2020 by Laviduce

[Trotrodor 2,670]

we need the XXI now

[MS Phantasm@live 7]

Would be a good addition with the next wave of MBT's, the XXI would make the Leclerc intimidating again.

Edited December 7, 2020 by MS Phantasm@live

[Valcour 1,139]

+1.  I expect to see it some time in the next decade.

 

[Trotrodor 2,670]

more infos on the XXI armor upgrade :

To protect the Leclerc from new threats, a study to equip the XXI series (SXXI) tanks with new armor was undertaken in the late 1990s.The Leclerc was also equipped with new armor. These new threats consisted, firstly, of the appearance of rockets and anti-tank missiles using large-caliber hollow charges, mounted in tandem, with penetration capabilities exceeding 1,000 mm of armor-plated steel. Second, advances in the metallurgy of tungsten and depleted uranium made it possible to design arrow shells that were even faster and with an ever-increasing elongation (ratio between the length of the bar and its diameter) to reach the ratio 1:30. These arrow-munitions are credited with a penetration power greater than 700 mm of armoured steel.

The tanks offered for export as well as those of the last two production units (T 10 and T 11), the Leclerc XXI, have had their passive blocks of lateral armor replaced by lighter reactive modules. The weight gain is transferred to the front arch, which makes it possible, thanks among other things to the use of titanium, to bring the protection to the desired level. The other positive consequence is that the center of gravity of the turret is moved forward, almost coinciding perfectly with the axis of the bearing, which helps the dynamic pointing servo systems. The reactive modules require additional protection to ensure their operation. In order to protect them from 20 mm armour-piercing shells fired from an elevated position, ceramic plates are mounted on the upper part of the housings.

 

[Tantor57 10,318]

I think the Leclerc XXI will come along the "tanks to fight leopard 2A6 more effectively"

[Abaddon75 460]

3 hours ago, Tantor57 said:

I think the Leclerc XXI will come along the "tanks to fight leopard 2A6 more effectively"

Yes and I hope we'll have the radioactiv round to, and why not add on protection packages