beast Leopard 2A8 Demonstrator: The Battlefield King

[Yontzee 1,673]

 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°
  • Additional Weapons:
    • Coaxial 7.62mm MG3A1 Machine Gun
• Maneuverability:
  • Engine: 1,500hp MTU MB 873 Ka-501 Turbocharged Diesel Engine
    • Equipped with a new cooling unit.
      • Equipped with 20kW APU.
  • Transmission: Renk HSWL 354 (4-Forward, 2-Reverse)
  • Chassis: Torsion Bars
  • Max Speed: 60km/h
• 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.
• 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
  • https://www.kmweg.com/systems-products/tracked-vehicles/main-battle-tank/
  • https://gagadget.com/en/251825-kmw-reveals-first-demonstration-of-state-of-the-art-leopard-2a8-tank-worth-more-than-30m/
  • https://www.czdefence.com/article/the-future-of-the-leopard-2-tank-technological-development-continues
  • https://breakingdefense.com/2023/05/germany-buys-18-leopard-2a8-main-battle-tanks-to-replace-those-sent-to-ukraine/
  • https://zbiam.pl/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.
  • https://elbitsystems.com/product/lws/
  • https://www.hensoldt.net/products/optronics/dve-drivers-vision-enhancer/
  • https://www.hensoldt.net/products/optronics/spectus-drivers-sight-system/
  • https://www.hensoldt.net/fileadmin/HENSOLDT_2019/Products/Optronics/Vehicle_Optronics/VehicleOptronics_EN_144dpi.pdf

Edited June 10, 2023 by Yontzee

[Yontzee 1,673]

If there are any errors or omissions please let me know and I'll make the corrections 

[ItssLuBu 1,798]

Approved and open for discussion. 

[de Radio Demon@live 266]

While I do think the Leopard 2A8 should be added at some point the future after the Leopard 2A7V probably I have to mention I would suggest renaming the suggestion to something else since army recognition mentioned that the vehicle that you included in the images is not a production model 2A8 but a demonstrator which creates an issue since production model vehicles could differ from this demonstrator vehicle, think of how the British had the Challenger LEP which while it will be accepted into service as the Challenger 3 the vehicle shown off did not suddenly become the production model Challenger 3 but more of the Challenger 3 prototype or pre production model since they have likewise not entered production yet and could have additional changes implemented with the production version, this is the same situation even if the demonstrator here and the future Leopard 2A8 will probably be similar their is the possibility they will be different, I don't think it can't be called the Leopard 2A8 but I would just rename the suggestion to Leopard 2A8 pre series since that would be an accurate name to this vehicle for the time being since if the production model does come out the same as this vehicle than it could return to the Leopard 2A8 title, though technically that completely depends since if the demonstrator here doesn't have that new engine which I assume it doesn't since it hasn't been named in the suggestion then well you already can't call this vehicle the production model of the 2A8 since they already differ then. 

Edited June 1, 2023 by de Radio Demon@live

[Yontzee 1,673]

27 minutes ago, de Radio Demon@live said:

While I do think the Leopard 2A8 should be added at some point the future after the Leopard 2A7V probably I have to mention I would suggest renaming the suggestion to something else since army recognition mentioned that the vehicle that you included in the images is not a production model 2A8 but a demonstrator which creates an issue since production model vehicles could differ from this demonstrator vehicle, think of how the British had the Challenger LEP which while it will be accepted into service as the Challenger 3 the vehicle shown off did not suddenly become the production model Challenger 3 but more of the Challenger 3 prototype or pre production model since they have likewise not entered production yet and could have additional changes implemented with the production version, this is the same situation even if the demonstrator here and the future Leopard 2A8 will probably be similar their is the possibility they will be different, I don't think it can't be called the Leopard 2A8 but I would just rename the suggestion to Leopard 2A8 pre series since that would be an accurate name to this vehicle for the time being since if the production model does come out the same as this vehicle than it could return to the Leopard 2A8 title, though technically that completely depends since if the demonstrator here doesn't have that new engine which I assume it doesn't since it hasn't been named in the suggestion then well you already can't call this vehicle the production model of the 2A8 since they already differ then. 

No, that makes sense. It wasn’t intentional. I renamed it Pre-series Leopard 2A8. 
 

In the future when the production version is fully released, I will create a suggestion for that unless someone beats me to it. If it doesn’t change from this exact model (or at least it’s ~90-95% the same), we’ll go from there. 

Edited June 1, 2023 by Yontzee

[Zuikaku_Zk9 13]

I think this is an excellent final tank for Germany. I assume that the Panther will likely not be added yet, as it's classified to hell and back.

As someone who's played Germany Top Tier, I will state that Germany NEEDS something new. The 2a6 was added in 2020...three years ago. I believe the Leopard 2 PSO that we saw in the files may be the right place to start. However, I do understand that after the PSO, things get crazy. The Leopard 2a7 will be a hard machine to fight, with it's powerful rounds and well-balanced armor. I also believe that we'll start to see tougher opponents for the Leopard to fight, such as later Abrams-SEP variants and the T-90M/MS Tagil. As far as things go, minor nations such as Japan simply have nothing left to add. The Type 10 is a wonderful Slap-and-Run machine with good mobility and firepower, but it's all they have left.  

That aside, I greatly look forward to seeing this added to War Thunder, and it will be a truly worthy opponent.

o7

[Yontzee 1,673]

7 minutes ago, __Fleks__ said:

I will disappoint, but this is not 2A8, but just a technology demonstrator on a slightly modified 2A7. The next modification will be similar to the Hungarian version, and the new construction of the tower and hull (In the photo in the topic, they are old construction)

 

Reveal hidden contents

P/s This is not even a pre-production version 

 

We’ll see what happens to it but hey it’s a Leopard 2A8 demonstrator per interviews at the booth. It’s a step forward. Do you have more information about the plan of the 2A8?

[Godvana 533]

 

[Yontzee 1,673]

4 minutes ago, __Fleks__ said:

I think there is, if anything, in any case, I will send it here
 

The Belgian source is good, but not always right, at least it should be:
1) The whole tank is new construction, in the photo it is old
2) The pre-production version should have additional turret protection and a heavy machine gun, at least
3) First samples to be shown in 2025, handover in 2026
4) The engine has been changed, including the MTO
5) Video and last photos in the topic, this is 2A7 with a trophy (Gives out stickers with countries) / (I won’t mention the correct name, because expect me to offer later on it )

The title photo was an accident as I had the correctly labeled one on the bottom of the images section. I changed it. I did state it was a Leopard 2A7.

Edited June 1, 2023 by Yontzee

[Yontzee 1,673]

25 minutes ago, __Fleks__ said:

I won’t mention the correct name, because expect me to offer later on it )

It’s the Leopard 2A7A1.

 

16 minutes ago, __Fleks__ said:

In the same Belgian article:
 

Hide contents

The Czech Republic has not joined at the moment, but is already on the list, + Personally, my opinion is that the Czech Republic will not be let through until the creation of a new modification, as it hopes for a price reduction, which is very stupid

 

Yeah we’ll have to see. Czechia is limited on its own defense budget so I can see why it cares but it’s not going to get that much of a price reduction.

 

In regards to the post I’ll likely rename it Leopard 2A8 Demonstrator because that’s what KMW was going for at IDET 2023. We’ll probably see more of the vehicles final form next year. 

26 minutes ago, __Fleks__ said:

I won’t mention the correct name, because expect me to offer later on it

Also I thought there was a suggestion post on the Leopard 2A7A1 as well as the other demonstrator (which I don’t remember of the top of my head). Looks like they were removed.

Edited June 1, 2023 by Yontzee

[Ghostmaxi 873]

There is aparently a somewhat new He round that is Mp, with Saphe features even rated against Light to medium vehicles, its also 19 kg and goes 950-1100m/s (L/44-55). I read once that it was called DM11, but overall i cant find anything more about it, and on the Leo 2 PL is a He-TF round with the same weight, does anyone have more info about that? Its DM11 not DM11 SQ as that round had a rod on the front while the picture i saw was that of a more conventional He round with a solid pointy nose.

A 120mm Saphe round with 950-1100m/s would be quite fun i think.

https://www.kotsch88.de/m_120_mm.htm

 

Edited June 1, 2023 by Ghostmaxi

[Yontzee 1,673]

30 minutes ago, __Fleks__ said:

Didn't guess, see later

I agree with your decision
 

P/s I have no task to "kill" other sentences / topics, but when Leopard 2 takes the path, and with incomplete / incorrect information, I explode 

Well we do need a new Leopard 2A7A1 post. It was removed for some reason. I couldn’t find the original author (at least I think there was a previous post, I don’t remember. I could be mixing it with something else).

Edited June 1, 2023 by Yontzee

[eleks12 1,079]

+1 Though i wonder what's the difference is between the Leopard 2A7A1 and the Leopard 2A8 Prototype.

[굴러온 310]

 

now real specification of Leopard 2A8 by KMW revealed, there is no 70 km/h with 1630 hp engine but only 60 km/h with 1500 hp engine. The only change to power pack is new cooling unit. Besides, weight of 61.5~64.3 seems really suspicious as Leopard 2A7V already reached 66.5 ton, and Leopard 2A8 now has more components.

[Ghostmaxi 873]

2 hours ago, 굴러온 said:

 

now real specification of Leopard 2A8 by KMW revealed, there is no 70 km/h with 1630 hp engine but only 60 km/h with 1500 hp engine. The only change to power pack is new cooling unit. Besides, weight of 61.5~64.3 seems really suspicious as Leopard 2A7V already reached 66.5 ton, and Leopard 2A8 now has more components.

Is that a Mg 50 on the roof?

[Yontzee 1,673]

9 hours ago, 굴러온 said:

 

now real specification of Leopard 2A8 by KMW revealed, there is no 70 km/h with 1630 hp engine but only 60 km/h with 1500 hp engine. The only change to power pack is new cooling unit. Besides, weight of 61.5~64.3 seems really suspicious as Leopard 2A7V already reached 66.5 ton, and Leopard 2A8 now has more components.

Thanks for this. It's honestly is pretty similar to the technology demonstrator. If it stays this way, this post will be tailored to be the Leopard 2A8 actual. For the weight, they could've changed out the materials in the armor to decrease overall weight since it changed out the armor on the hull and turret. Definitely odd.

6 hours ago, Ghostmaxi said:

Is that a Mg 50 on the roof?

Yeah, it's a Kongsberg Defense RS4 from what it looks like.

Edited June 10, 2023 by Yontzee

[Yontzee 1,673]

According to a few articles, Norway’s purchase of the Leopard 2A7 back in February has been re-designated to the Leopard 2A8 due to the additional specifications requested by Norway. It will be known as the Leopard 2A8NO and will feature a few extra changes to meet Norway’s specific needs. They will be delivered between 2026 and 2031.
 

Sources:

1.) https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_june_2023_global_security_army_industry/norwegian_army_to_get_54_redesignated_leopard_2a8_nor_mbts.html

2.) https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/configuration-is-finalised-for-norways-leopard-2a8-tank-order/

Edited June 13, 2023 by Yontzee

[Yontzee 1,673]

23 minutes ago, __Fleks__ said:

I wonder if they will give permission to export active protection Euro Trophy, given the update 

I’m not sure, I’ll look further into it and see.

[Til_Dovre_Faller 191]

On 14/06/2023 at 00:32, Yontzee said:

According to a few articles, Norway’s purchase of the Leopard 2A7 back in February has been re-designated to the Leopard 2A8 due to the additional specifications requested by Norway. It will be known as the Leopard 2A8NO and will feature a few extra changes to meet Norway’s specific needs. They will be delivered between 2026 and 2031.
 

Sources:

1.) https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_june_2023_global_security_army_industry/norwegian_army_to_get_54_redesignated_leopard_2a8_nor_mbts.html

2.) https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/configuration-is-finalised-for-norways-leopard-2a8-tank-order/

 

It is best to wait until a trusted Norwegian source say this. A source like Forsvaret.no or NRK, plus a couple other

 

Stuff like this, if it is the truth, will be posted on all these sources : )

 

currently, there are no articles about this

Edited June 15, 2023 by Til_Dovre_Faller

[Fireball_2020 467]

On 09/06/2023 at 16:04, 굴러온 said:

 

now real specification of Leopard 2A8 by KMW revealed, there is no 70 km/h with 1630 hp engine but only 60 km/h with 1500 hp engine. The only change to power pack is new cooling unit. Besides, weight of 61.5~64.3 seems really suspicious as Leopard 2A7V already reached 66.5 ton, and Leopard 2A8 now has more components.

This is a copy and paste of the 2A7NO.. these are not the real specs

[Til_Dovre_Faller 191]

Only Forsvaret.no can be trusted

[굴러온 310]

8 hours ago, Fireball_2020 said:

This is a copy and paste of the 2A7NO.. these are not the real specs

 

https://defence-industry.eu/norwegian-armed-forces-to-receive-leopard-2a8nor-tanks-with-trophy-aps/

 

Maybe because Leopard 2A7NO has changed to Leopard 2A8NOR? AFAIK Leopard 2A7NO and Leopard 2A7A1 has now changed to Leopard 2A8 series.