The EODH company, in collaboration with the Belgian-Spanish DUMA and the manufacturer KNDS, presented a new comprehensive upgrade package of the LEOPARD 1A5 Tank, to the LEOPARD 1HEL level, based on new technology and proven parts. The package is offered for the modernization of the tanks of the Greek Army, which is the largest user of the type worldwide, as well as the rest of the world, users of LEOPARD 1 tanks. The fully costed and technically sound proposal of EODH was recently presented to the Greek Army while they have other countries have already shown interest.
The holistic proposal includes the complete modernization of the vehicle (turret and vessel), with the most advanced technological systems, and subsystems, which transform LEO 1, a highly successful design of the past but technologically outdated, into a state-of-the-art platform capable of respond to the modern and future battlefield.
The LEO 1HEL was designed from the beginning as an affordable solution, which turns it into a tank equal to or even better than new generation tanks which, however, cost many times more. The use of the highly successful 105mm cannon. (which with the new generation ammunition achieves very high piercing performance) as well as the utilization of the very large existing stock of ammunition, are crucial factors that make the upgrade particularly attractive.
The LEO 1HEL is designed as a next-generation technology upgrade package, incorporating state-of-the-art technologies developed to provide superior battlefield performance and capabilities, combining enhanced agility, survivability, firepower and interoperability, in all terrain, high altitude and under any weather and visibility conditions. It was developed as a “system-in-systems” platform, and was designed for combined operations at the levels of Tank Squad, Ilis Group, Tactical Group – Mechanized Battalion as well as Brigade or Division level. It can operate jointly with other ground, aerial and robotic vehicles through the use of multi-layer data networks.
The main interface backbone is fully digital, via dual data bus and dual Ethernet, with a modular design, fully scalable and with an open upgradable architecture. All its functions are implemented in software, while thanks to the latest generation computing systems (hardware) high-performance calculations are implemented in real time, while there is availability of services in the whole range of high-speed data networks.
IMPROVED AGILITY
- New 1,000 horsepower high-performance powertrain that provides higher on- and off-road speed and excellent obstacle-crossing capabilities.
- New drivetrain and suspension systems
- Operation in extreme environments: ambient temperature: -25°C / +45°C
- Engine air filtration with automatic cleaning
- New powertrain, strengthened and upgraded to take advantage of the higher torque and heavier combat weight of the LEO 1HEL.
- New final drives, strengthened and adapted to mate with the new gearbox
- A new one-piece rubber crawler is available as an option for better suspension performance and weight savings
- New suspension with hydropneumatic wishbones that offer better performance and free up the interior space occupied by the existing torsion bars.
- Automatic crawler tensioner controlled from driving position
- New battery and power management system
UPGRADE FIRE POWER
- The upgrade package covers the Fire Control System (FCS) and the GCS (Gun Control System)
- It is specially designed for upgrading older types of tanks.
- The SEP is based on a fully stabilized main sight for the gunner parallel to the tank gun and
- Fully stabilized independent panoramic periscope for the commander, which uses the same type of optical sensors as the gunner and with integrated RWS (Remote Weapon Station) 12.7 mm, type M2 (0.50΄΄) weapon turret.
- Gunner and leader sights incorporate a long-range thermal imaging camera, day camera with continuous zoom lens, digital laser rangefinder and laser designator (for alignment with the gun barrel)
- Dynamic Orifice Reference System, Automatic Target Tracking, Web Weather Data and Positioning System (GPS/compass) available
- It has an Automatic Target Tracking Unit, for the advanced processing of the digital video image coming from the gunner’s or leader’s day camera or thermal sight
- Fire Control Circuits allow the Commander to activate or deactivate each weapon system and provide him with the ability to override the gunner.
- The leader can continuously detect new targets and automatically pass them to the gunner for attack (Hunter-Killer)
- Once the Gunner engages a target the Commander can engage a suddenly appearing threat with the 12.7mm M2 heavy machine gun built into the Independent Panoramic Periscope (Killer – Killer)
- The new crew positions provide improved ergonomics, comfort and survivability
- Human-machine interfaces use multi-function LCD touch screens and wired control panels that allow easy role switching and data sharing.
- A peripheral observation system with 8x zoom cameras is available, providing the crew with full tactical situational awareness
- The Remote Weapon Station (RWS) is fully interfaced with the leader’s independent panoramic periscope for anti-aircraft and anti-drone use.
- Capable of incorporating A/T guided missiles and/or side-launched missiles (ATGMs)
- LM (Loitering Ammunition) integration available
- The ability to integrate an organic Drone for detection/targeting is available
COOPERATIVE COMBAT CAPABILITIES
- The LEO1 HEL is a fully digitized, network-centric combat platform with widespread use/fusion of sensors and weapons, assisted by artificial intelligence that acts as a force multiplier in the modern battlefield
- It features multi-layer connectivity with command echelons and concurrent robotic systems such as UAVs, UGVs and LMs, using secure, high-speed data links
- It achieves the sharing and exchange of real-time tactical situational imaging data to conduct combined operations from the individual soldier to the Tactical Battle Group and Brigade level.
- Next generation Battlefield Management System (BMS) with operator support through Artificial Intelligence (AI) to reduce workload and quick decision making
IMPROVED PROTECTION – SURVIVABILITY
- Complete package of Passive/Active protection to deal with all modern threats. The weight of the modernized tank is now 46 tons.
- A full suite of active protection sensors and countermeasures is offered
- The Remote Weapon Station (RWS) is offered with an integrated EW (Early Warning) Anti-Drone system
MULTIPLE COMMUNICATIONS-INTERCONNECTION INFRASTRUCTURES
- Digital intercom system with noise canceling headset for use with up to 3 Combat Network (CNR) transceivers
- External communications system with software-driven V/UHF transceiver for voice and C2 communications with ground and airborne platforms and SATCOM transceiver
- Secure high-speed radio data capture for controlling drones and robotic vehicles
- Communication server to serve C5I needs with automatic selection of the optimal communication channel
IMPROVED RELIABILITY & MAINTAINABILITY
- New systems of high reliability, low consumption, with limited maintenance requirements and a long time between failures.
- Technology supported for the next 25 years.
- Ensuring the greatest possible involvement of the Greek defense industry, with domestic production of the armor and all electronic and electro-optical units as well as the hydropneumatic suspension.
- Ensuring full follow-on support (FOS: Follow On Support) in Greece, for the entire life cycle.
EODH, in collaboration with its partners, is ready to manufacture a prototype, while it is in the finalization phase of the design of a similar package, for installation on M-60 series tanks.
