That is correct.The French themselves had to redevelop the Le Clerc for the UAE in the 'Tropique' form. If memory serves, the original variant suffered from severe overheating. Eckherl?
That is correct.The French themselves had to redevelop the Le Clerc for the UAE in the 'Tropique' form. If memory serves, the original variant suffered from severe overheating. Eckherl?
Ruined Iraq - they are rather moving along quite nicely now with their military infrastructure, and what specific equipment that some of these units will end up with is still being decided, there also a rumor that they may get M-84s. But yes - even though the Leclerc is a good tank, it does need a good maintenance support element that they would have a challenge with.Aye, another joke I mean, if UAE, with relative good personell and a lot of money cant keep these tanks going - how could ruined Iraq do that? It is like giving F-15C to Iraqi hand - not gonna happen any time soon becouse just doesnt make sence.
They did have issues with the original engine pacts overheating, thus the reason why they went with a more dependable and trusted design.GIAT offers a urban combat version for the Leclerc (Not Le Clerc ).
It's the AZUR (Action en Zone Urban). It has the usual upgrades like better RPG protection by more passive armor and some slat armor. It also features the same RWS like the one which is fielded already on some of the current Leclercs.
Which is also interesting is a sensor mast which shall increase situational awareness.
And one of the reasons for the UAE needing a really special Leclerc version was that they wanted to have a MTU engine in it (They possessed stocks of MTU during that time). The hull had to be lengthened which IMHO runs directly against the idea behind the Leclerc.
The other usual modifications for desert use (air condition, better filters,...) are normally not enough to justify a new designation.
no you were stating articles. not the contract.
So you are making the statement that the original Leclerc engine pac did not suffer reliability issues due to extreme temperatures, and that they only came up with this excuse so that they could run their reserve stock of MTU engines.Never ever. I just don't believe this official statement and Frances experiences with their own Leclercs tell another story.
France tested the Leclerc intensively in hot African desert environments and frequently conducts maneuvers there.
The engine is working in these conditions.
They had MGTU stocks at the time of the purchase and pushed GIAT to integrate the MTU engine exactly because of that.
In Singapore we use quite a fair amount of French equipment like choppers including Super Puma. AMX-10P and AMX-13 tanks. French stealth frigates. MILAN.Sometimes I think its fashionable to disparage French kit.
Okay - I`ll buy that statement, and would have to agree that the Leclerc has evolved into a darn good performer with outstanding capabilities, most new equipment has teething problems that need to get worked out/resolved and the only way you can do that is get the equipment out into the field and see what exactally needs to be done. The Stryker MGS is a prime example of this.@Eckherl
Jup, exactly.
I don't say that there were never problems with the Leclerc in various fields. In the end most of the bad reputation of the Leclerc came from reports right after it's introduction where it faced the natural teething problems many new products have when they enter military service.
These problems have been solved by now and the French use their Leclercs often enough during desert maneuvers in Africa.
Rejecting the original French turbobar engine may have resulted in two things. The vehicle became longer and so heavier. One has to remember that the Leclerc is lighter than most other western MBTs even with the heaviest add-on armor due to this shorter hull without compromising anything else in comparison.
And I expect it to be less sportive with the MTU engine. While having the same hp (1500) the french turbobar is know for a really amazing acceleration.
If I had to chose from the various MBTs around the world an the Leo wouldn't exist I would most probably choose the Leclerc in it's T10 block for various reasons.
Thanks Extern:
The Russians who are close to NTagil plant said it was OK. No problems they noted. However, what the Saudis have in their head I dont know. Personally, I dont think Saudis are serious in their expressed intention to buy T-90. I still think it's only a play to bargain with the Americans about high-tech weapon and with the Russians about their ties with Iran. Month before the Saudis with the moving long-expected by me, started to promote political conditions for Russia to stop military ties with Iran. Russia will never surrend to any political conditions nevertheless it can loss the Saudi orders.So how did the initial testing runs go, has it been decided on what Saudi Arabia wants to do as far as purchasing.
thanks for the photos , the 1st one is definitely in here. the 2nd one is probable.
All three of them look like they're in Saudi. The third one could have been in the winter in the Empty Quarter (it gets pretty cold there).thanks for the photos , the 1st one is definitely in here. the 2nd one is probable.
but i have doubts about the 3rd picture. (maybe it was taken in winter ?)