Ammunition is stored all about the vehicle's hull and turret. An ammunition drum of 120mm projectiles is set to the right front hull next to the driver's position. 22 x 120mm projectiles are "ready-to-fire" in the automatic loading system (with one chambered) while the tank carries a total of 40 x 120mm rounds in all (18 located in the hull itself). The ammunition based in the turret is separated from the crew by an armored bulkhead to which blast panels are integrated in the event of the tank receives a direct hit from the enemy (projectile, missile or otherwise). This adds to a heightened crew survivability feature while ensuring that the exploding ammunition blast is diverted away from the tank itself. Up to 1,100 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition are carried as are 3,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition for the two machine guns.
Beyond the aforementioned survival features of the tank, the Leclerc sports an automatic fire suppression system which identifies and extinguishes internal flames in an attempt to keep ammunition stocks from detonating. An NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) system protects the crew from various airborne threats while the armor is of an original French armor composition made up of steel with titanium and NERA - "Non-Explosive/Non-Energetic Reactive Armor". The turret and hull both feature welded steel with modular composite armor added for a truly reinforced contact surface. The high power-to-weight ratio of the Leclerc design means that additional armor blocks can be introduced without much detriment to performance.
Power for the Leclerc series is granted by the installation of a SACM UDU V8X T9 Hyperbar 8-cylinder diesel-fueled engine developing an impressive 1,500 horsepower. The engine is tied to an SESM ESM500 series automatic transmission system. This allows the tank to reach road speeds of 44 miles per hour on ideal surfaces, less so when going cross country (down to about 30 miles per hour in that respect). The Leclerc fields a listed operational range of 340 miles though external fuel stores can be added externally to the rear hull for a full 400 mile range. All of these performance qualities ensure that the tank can keep up - or lead as the case may be - accompanying mechanized forces into combat while its speed can also be considered for use as a defensive tactic. When idling, the Leclerc operates on minimal power through the onboard Turbomeca TM-7038 gas turbine engine used in powering various vehicle functions allowing the main powerplant to be brought to rest and minimize the tank's auditory and visual signatures.
The Leclerc has been released in a variety of variants since its arrival. Development produced the Leclerc T1 and T2 marks which were preproduction mounts delivered through 17 examples. The Leclerc T3, T4 and T5 production-quality marks were produced between 1992 and 1996 and some 132 of the types were completed. The Leclerc T6, T7 and T8 marks were given air conditioning systems for operations in high-temperature environments. The Leclerc T9 was given the newer IRIS thermal camera system. The Leclerc T10 and T11 marks were modernized with a command display and improved armor protection. The Leclerc AZUR became a modified Leclerc tank developed with urban fighting in mind, a combat environment very different from the expected "open warfare" intended of MBTs in the past. Defensive-minded initiatives like this have also greeted other tank types such as the M1 Abrams and Leopard 2.
Beyond the combat versions, the Leclerc chassis has become the basis for a family of related vehicles designed to undertake various battlefield roles. This includes the Leclerc EPG armored engineering vehicle, the Leclerc DNG battlefield repair tank and the Leclerc MARS armored recovery vehicle. While these types of vehicles generally lose their direct combat roles, they are modified with appropriate equipment (dozer blades, powered winches, etc...) to help accomplish their given tasks.
UAE Leclerc tanks were slightly modified for the rigors of high temperature operations in the desert environment and have been given a German-produced MTU 883 diesel engine, an external auxiliary power unit (APU), a remote-control system for the roof-mounted 7.62mm machine gun (allowing for firing of the weapon when the tank is fully "buttoned") and other subtle changes/refinements to suit UAE Army needs.
To date there have been approximately 862 Leclerc tanks manufactured. The French military operates 426 (406 x MBTs and 20 x ARVs) of these while the United Arab Emirates makes use of 436 examples (388 x MBTs, 46 x ARVs and 2 x trainers). While originally being manufactured under the GIAT Industries brand label, the tank now falls under the Nexter brand. Nexter also produces the French Army FAMAS assault rifle, the FRF2 sniper rifle, the LG1 Mk II 105mm towed field gun and the 8-wheeled VBCI armored infantry fighting vehicle. Qatar has been mentioned as a possible suitor to receive the French Leclerc, though these from existing French stocks and not "new-build" models. A similar procurement deal with Columbian authorities was never finalized between the participating governments. The French Army manages some 254 Leclerc tanks across four active regiments and reserve stores.
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