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Canadian Forces Armour
— Leopard 2A6M CAN Main Battle Tank |
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The Leopard 2A6M tanks currently in use with the CF in Afghanistan are on loan from the German
Bundeswehr. [1] The tanks were upgraded to Canadian standards prior to being airlifted into Kandahar in August 2007. Changes to the
tanks included an extensive ‘cage’ of slat armour (to thwart RPGs) as well as CF communications equipment,
etc.
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Of course, the key upgrade was the add-on belly plates
which define the 2A6M model Leopard tank (the forward edge of the mine protection plate is visible
in the photos, left and above right). Since it was intended that these tanks would be returned to Germany, other
standard Bundeswehr equipment was to remain unaltered – such as the two MG3 machineguns. Rather
surprisingly – in light of experience with Leopard C2s
– the tanks also originally lacked air conditioners.
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KMW Leopard 2A6M
CAN Specifications
| Crew: |
4 (driver, gunner, loader,
veh cdr.) |
Armament:
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120mm L/55 main gun, 2 x 7.62mm
MG3s, 16 x 70mm launcher tubes |
Size:
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L x 9.97m (gun fwd.) 7.74m (hull),
W x 3.74m
(less skirts), H x 3.0m |
| Weight: |
62 t (less add-on and bar armour) |
| Powerplant: |
1100 kW MTU MB 873 |
| Speed: |
70+ km/h (road), 55 km/h (off road) |
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Heat Relief for Crews in Afghan Summers
The Leopard 2A6Ms now feature both add- on air conditioners as well as summer frocks. The frilly outfits are
Barracuda MCS (Mobile Camouflage System) mats which reduce heat by insulating the tank's steel plate from solar
rays. [2] Camouflage is an incidental benefit of MCS. All tanks will be covered in Afghan dust
– the CF doesn't even paint the tanks.
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While umbrellas and camo covers do elicit comments, they serve their purpose. So do the tanks themselves. The
Leopard 2A6M brings increased firepower to Afghanistan. More importantly, and in contrast with the
older Leopard C2s, spare parts are readily
available to cope with appalling operating conditions. Critics claim that the tanks are too
intimidating for the role that they play. Tankers know that intimidation can be an asset. Other
Leopard 2A6M assets are speed, mechanical reliability, and crew protection. [3]
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[1] This loan was Phase 1 of DND's Tank Replacement Project, Phase 2 is the
purchase of used Leopard 2A4s and 2A6s from the Nether- lands. These tanks will then be refurbished
with some (20, possibly 40) being upgraded to full Leopard 2A6M CAN standards. Others will be partially
upgraded to hybrid Leopard 2A4+ standards (40, possibly 60 vehicles) which, as needed, can be fitted with
full 2A6M armour.
[2] The Saab Barracuda MCS covers are said to reduce solar loading by 50 percent. MCS is based on the
Barracuda HeaT Reduction (or HTR) system. HTR minimizes heat radiation with a layered approach. The upper
layer reflects sunlight while the bottom layer insulates the hull. Leopard 2A6M MCS is similar to those
fitted to Australian Leopards. Leopard C2s have a different design of
heat-reducing covers.
[3] At least one Leopard 2A6M CAN has been knocked out by a large IED. Although this vehicle was so badly
damaged that it cannot be returned to Germany, the crew suffered no major injuries. In this case, the 2A6M's mine
protection plate worked just as it was designed to.
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