Leopard 2A5S, Stridsvagn 122 - The Swedish MBT!

[strvkomp]

...

[Thor]

Black death? :)

Great pics.

[seventy6er]

Great pics!

The Leo2 is one sexy beast (especially in the configuration A5 ad higher).

woot

[Lurch]

sweet ride, chicks must like it

thanks for the pics woot

[strvkomp]

@Thor: Was there something you wanted to know about the nme Black Death?

@Lurch: I guess so. Unfortunetly there weren't many women around, so I couldn't really find out. :(

If there's a desire for more pics, I just might add a few.

Best regards

/Strvkomp

[Adumb]

Great pictures strvkomp woot

[Parzival]

I'm curious

[bloddyaxe]

It would be nice to get a few hundreds of these nice warwagons! :)
Must be nice to drive over barns, apcs and infidel-fiends...

[strvkomp]

You can weigh pros and cons and decide of different conclusions. Perhaps the M1A2, LeClerc and Merkava is better in some various aspects.

However, recently by an international recognized newspaper the Leo 2A5S was declared the best MBT, to date.
To all you critics and mainly M1 lovers, I know this sound fuzzy but I just heard it a couple of days ago and can't remember the source. But I'll ask the buddy who told me and get back to you on that one.

If you wan't to campare Leo and M1, as I suspect is the agenda in your case. The Leo has a slight advantage over the M1.

Strvkomp

[cobalt545]

The STRV 122 is a truly awesome tank. Some day I'll get around to building a model of it in 1/35 scale.

[strvkomp]

It is mentioned in several books, numerous websites and the magazine i just refered to that the Leo 2A5 is the better choice. However, since I, at this time can't show them all to you. I'll just go with the indisputable facts I DO have before me.

In the book, Mechanized Warfare by Chris Bishop it's declared that the Leo in fact is the best MBT.

In the chapter Main Battle Tanks on p.57 the following reads:


Arguably the best tank in the world, the Leopard2 is higly mobile with exellent cross-coutry mobility and the rheinmetalls 120mm smoothbored gun - one of the worlds finest. It has only one fault.

And it is questionable armor protection.

However this is refering to the older version, Leopard 2A4, in Sweden known as stridsvagn 121.
There should be no doubt in anyones mind that the Leo 2A5S has adequate armorprotection. Just view som fotage comparing the A4 and the A5S and you'll catch my drift.

http://www.soldf.com/images/t_strv122.jpghttp://www.haaland.info/sweden/tank/121cutout.jpg
Comparasing photos.

I should mention, that on the M1A2 and the Leopard, the Rheinmetall L44 smoothboore gun is basically the same. There are some minor differences.

As you may or may not know the M1 and the Leo was from the begining a
jointproject between Germany and the US. Their objective was to design and produce a MBT to fit the requirments to that date. This tank was to be called MBT70.

However, due to repeating arguments and the many different opinons, the project came to a standstill and eventually the Germans and the US went their seperate ways. The reasons for the projects failure where many but the major reason was that the Americans wanted, or more insisted on a Gasturbin-engine. So with this in mind and the fact the project was costing both countries a bundle of money, they started their own individual projects.
Thus the M1 and the Leopard came to be.

It seems now that the Germans made the better choice!

What mainly speaks in the Leos favor is that the M1 has a Gasturbin-engine. It requires a huge amount of fuel. This then becomes a problem of logistics. Getting the required amount of fuel to the frontline and by doing so exposing units which aren't as capable of defending themselves. You may have to stop an advance due to the shortage of fuel, thus giving the enemy a head start or giving him the chance to dig in a cause more problems as the unit yet again gets on their way. The more a unit has to rely on the logistic-capabilitys, the worse it is.

The other thing is that the M1 has an extremly high heat-signature. Making it very vulnerable for waepons of the kind. The Swedish Leopard 2A5S has taken this to another level. In cooperation with SAAB they have developed a camouflage-net called barracuda. This doesn't only camouflage the tank in a very good way it also, and with very good results reduces the heatsignature.

http://www.soldf.com/images/t_strv122front2.jpghttp://www.soldf.com/images/t_strv122frr1.jpg
Stridsvagn 122 with Barracuda nets.

I'm not saying that the M1 is a bad MBT, in fact it is a very good tank! Very capable!
The Leopard is just a bit better.

It is not my intent to raise any fury or start a tankbashing competition. I just tried, best I could, to answer your question.

/Strvkomp

[weissent]

You can weigh pros and cons and decide of different conclusions. Perhaps the M1A2, LeClerc and Merkava is better in some various aspects.

However, recently by an international recognized newspaper the Leo 2A5S was declared the best MBT, to date.
To all you critics and mainly M1 lovers, I know this sound fuzzy but I just heard it a couple of days ago and can't remember the source. But I'll ask the buddy who told me and get back to you on that one.

If you wan't to campare Leo and M1, as I suspect is the agenda in your case. The Leo has a slight advantage over the M1.

Strvkomp

The Leopard2 was designed to hold his piece on a European battlefield. After the US-German co-operation in tank-design ended, both parties took what they could out of the already shared plans and went on designing their own ideal tank for the future. The Americans developed the M1A1, Germany developed the Leopard2. The basic roots are the same, what differs is to what grade the concept is adjustable to scenarios of conflict around the world. It seems the M1A1 is more of an alround tank than the Leo, which seems to be specialized to European environments.
God forbade, I'm way from being an expert, but am I entirely wrong in this respect?

[Schok]

I'm no expert either, but has the Leo seen any service outside of Europe?

Have there been any desert testing, to see how it performs in hot, sandy climates?

[Hadamar]

However this is refering to the older version, Leopard 2A4, in Sweden known as stridsvagn 121.
There should be no doubt in anyones mind that the Leo 2A5S has adequate armorprotection. Just view som fotage comparing the A4 and the A5S and you'll catch my drift.
The Abrams might have adequate armor protection for crew survival, but as seen in Iraqi Freedom, it was vulnerable to mobility kills. Additional armor in the TUSK upgrade will surely help. The armor protection of the modern Leopard tanks have yet to be subjected to massed RPG volleys, except perhaps in manufacturers testing. We layman aren't privy to such tests. We can only read the battlefield reports. I read that the 2A6 and the Strv122 will get additonal mine protection kits. This will surely address the vulnerability of the ammunition that is stored next to the driver.


What mainly speaks in the Leos favor is that the M1 has a Gasturbin-engine. It requires a huge amount of fuel. This then becomes a problem of logistics. Getting the required amount of fuel to the frontline and by doing so exposing units which aren't as capable of defending themselves. You may have to stop an advance due to the shortage of fuel, thus giving the enemy a head start or giving him the chance to dig in a cause more problems as the unit yet again gets on their way. The more a unit has to rely on the logistic-capabilitys, the worse it is.

This would be more of a problem for Sweden or Germany. The U. S. has a greater ability to move material and can do so by air.


The other thing is that the M1 has an extremly high heat-signature. Making it very vulnerable for waepons of the kind. The Swedish Leopard 2A5S has taken this to another level. In cooperation with SAAB they have developed a camouflage-net called barracuda. This doesn't only camouflage the tank in a very good way it also, and with very good results reduces the heatsignature.
The Leopards have the Abrams beat in this area. However, American tanks were advancing during the Gulf War, Iraqi Freedom and the city fighting in Fallujah. They weren't settled into defensive positions. I don't know if the heat-signature of any tank moving for several hours can be effectively masked from modern thermal imagers.

Thanks for the wonderful post. The Strv122 is an excellent Swedish redesign of a German classic. Are there plans to upgrade to the 55-calibre cannon?

[Operation Ivy]

great pics man woot

[strvkomp]

@Schock: Yes there have been testing in desert environments, aswell as other. Before deciding on the Leopard, the Swedish army thoroughly tested the M1, Leo, LeClerc and the T-72.


@Hadamar: Yes, the Strv122 have gotten additonal mineprotection. This modified tank is called strv122B. Be advised though, not ALL Swedish strv122 will recieve this new mine-kit. At least not in the nearest future. I only belive a companyfull of strv122B have been orderd. If you'd like I could tell you more about the features and son on in this "kit".

Although I myself never have seen battle and "battle-tested" the strv122. I feel confident that the strv122 will withstand RPGs and such just as good if not better than the M1. What I've were thaught during my time in the army gave me the highest confidence in my tank and it's level of protection. This not saying that I don't understand your point. There is a huge advantage to se the results from live "actual" fire, draw conclusions and make improvments.

As far as logistics goes. I agree that the US has gratear ability of moving material of all kinds.
But, and bare with me here. (I have translate my Swedish military-vocabulary into words that'll you understand)

A Swedish tankcoy, in Swedish stridsvagnskompani, and in short strvkomp, consists of 3 tankplatoons, with three tanks in each platoon. The company commander, and company commander no:2(whatever he's called?), each with their own strv122. A total of 14 MBT. The company further consists of the quartermasterplatoon. They in turn consists of one ARV based on a Leo2 chassi, in Swedish Bgbv120, one CV90 who directs indirect fire, two MTLB; the medivac and the repairCV, the quartermaster in his BV206.
http://www.soldf.com/images/t_pbv401side2.jpghttp://www.soldf.com/images/t_bv206_3.jpghttp://www.plasticwarfare.com/articles/bgbv120/lorez/PA040146.jpg

An MTLB, a Bv206 and a BgBv120 -Bärgningsbandvagn 120

A Swedish CVcompany, the equivalent of your bradleycoy consists of 14 CV9040B and is built up the same way as a strvkomp.
http://www.soldf.com/images/cv9040.jpg
Stridsfordon 9040B - CV9040B


Then we have the HQcoy. They consists of a HQcoy, a mortarcompany, a Lvkvplatoon the equivalent of your Linebackers, and finally a rangerlike reconplatoon.
http://www.soldf.com/images/t_strf90lvkv2.jpg
Lvkv - LuftvärnsKanonvagn

And finally we have the Quartermastercoy. Consisting of pioneers, fuel and rearm trucks, motorcyclerunners, the kocks, the lot...

A Swedish armored batalion consist of two Strv122coys and two CV9040coys, each with 14 fighting veichles, one quartermastercoy and one HQcoy. Sinse this system is based upon the strv 122 and CV 9040B. Its simply called a 122/90 bat. A grand total of 28 strv 122 and 28 CV9040B. Plus an additional hundred or so veichles.

My point i writing all this is that when one coy or another needs fuel they just call up the fuel trucks somewhere near the front and refuel and rearm. I assume you guys do it somewhat similar. Point being as long as the quartermastercoy has solid supply of things needed from BrigadeHQ we are in no danger to "run out" of logistics any more than you are, quite the opposite since we can endure longer.

This is based upon that there actually is a supply of logistics. But in all consideration. If a full Swedish armored brigade would go to war, you and I would be fighting one the same side and you'd probably have to help us out on that front.

But I fully get your point. But hey look on the brightside, now you know how a Swedish armored bat. works. :D

No, quite correct you can never fully diguise a MBT from its heat signature. Just look at the snowtracks where a MBT just went through. It formally glows in your sight! However you can strongly reduce the heat signature. And the barracuda net, as I said before, does this extremely well. There is a famous picture which shows the effect with and without the net. Give me a few days and I'll find it fore you.

For now I am not aware of any plans to uppgrade to the L55 from the L44. But maybe in the future, God-willing!

You have to forgive if there is a lot of misspells and if I sound blunt. I haven't written in English for a while. If there was something you didn't quite get. Just ask again and I'll try to explain better.

Best regards

//Strvkomp

[Thor]

Before deciding on the Leopard, the Swedish army thoroughly tested the M1, Leo, LeClerc and the T-72.
Just one correction there, I believe I read in the project report from FMV that it was the T-80U that was tested.


For now I am not aware of any plans to uppgrade to the L55 from the L44. But maybe in the future, God-willing!
I read somewhere that they won't do that for many years to come. The reason being that they believe that the L44 with that israeli ammunition, and within the shooting distances one finds in Sweden, has front armor penetration on every main battle tank in the world.

And also they want to keep down the weight and instead spend more kilograms on future mine protection and so on.

[Hadamar]

@Hadamar: Yes, the Strv122 have gotten additonal mineprotection. This modified tank is called strv122B. Be advised though, not ALL Swedish strv122 will recieve this new mine-kit. At least not in the nearest future. I only belive a companyfull of strv122B have been orderd. If you'd like I could tell you more about the features and son on in this "kit".Yes, I would like to know. I read that the bottom shelf of 120mm ammunition next to the driver was often left empty to prevent detonation during a mine strike (I'm not certain about which Leopard 2 variant or from which country). When I read about the additional mine-protection armor I wondered whether it would be mounted on the belly or in that empty space below the ammunition.


Although I myself never have seen battle and "battle-tested" the strv122. I feel confident that the strv122 will withstand RPGs and such just as good if not better than the M1. What I've were thaught during my time in the army gave me the highest confidence in my tank and it's level of protection. This not saying that I don't understand your point. There is a huge advantage to se the results from live "actual" fire, draw conclusions and make improvments.
I think the Strv122 was the first Western tank introduced with substantial roof armor to protect against top attack missiles or RPGs fired from above. (I'm not including IDF tanks with add-on ERA tiles.) Do you know if the roof armor and heavy sliding hatches will defeat an RPG-7 warhead or the explosively forged penetrators from artillery submunitions? I'm assuming that you wouldn't have to worry about a Bill 2 or Tow 2B being fired at you.


My point i writing all this is that when one coy or another needs fuel they just call up the fuel trucks somewhere near the front and refuel and rearm. I assume you guys do it somewhat similar. Point being as long as the quartermastercoy has solid supply of things needed from BrigadeHQ we are in no danger to "run out" of logistics any more than you are, quite the opposite since we can endure longer.
During the Thunder Runs into Bagdad the resupply convoys were attacked and several HEMTTs were lit up with RPGs. The vehicles that got through provided sufficient fuel and ammunition to resupply the forward units. Fuel was low in the forward units but the most urgent demand was for ammunition. I think the mission planners took into consider combat attrition when they loaded up the resupply trucks. An armored resupply vehicle is needed for such situations. It's a pity that the Crusader cancellation took the XM2002 resupply vehicle with it. Anyway, too few of them would have been funded and built.


This is based upon that there actually is a supply of logistics. But in all consideration. If a full Swedish armored brigade would go to war, you and I would be fighting one the same side and you'd probably have to help us out on that front.

1991: Gulf War
2003: Iraqi Freedom
Perhaps in the next decade a hubristic madman will provoke an allied force to take him out and allow Swedish tankers to show off their skills.

[drGreen]

great tank woot woot woot woot woot woot :hug: :hug: :hug:

[sp2c]

so in a swedish tankcompany the quartermaster jumps on the bandwagon woot

whehehehe sorry, I couldn't help myself :(

great pics though

[EsoognomEhT]

you were a crewman on the best tank in the world?
A Chally 2? Ace :D

[tenda]

great pic's i love leo tank's....!!! ;)

[Thor]

Let's take a guess who is the grunt and who is the NCO. :)

Nice weather at least.
http://www.armen.mil.se/images/local/bargning_001.jpg

[jon]

Let's take a guess who is the grunt and who is the NCO. :)

Nice weather at least.
http://www.armen.mil.se/images/local/bargning_001.jpg


rofl rofl rofl

[Shadow]

Stridsvagn means chariot or what?

[Heinzi]

Stridsvagn means chariot or what?

Sounds like Streitwagen, (war) chariot

[RS_Leo1A5]

Let's take a guess who is the grunt and who is the NCO. :)

Nice weather at least.
http://www.armen.mil.se/images/local/bargning_001.jpg
Definitely the one in the front.
He has the superior training and knows better how to handle such a situation while the grunt could endanger himself and the equipment.

At least that's the situation in the German military...

We once had a situation when a Leopard 1A5 had thrown off the left track due to a driver's mistake (driving a curve to slowly on soft ground).
Five minutes later there were ten NCOs and two officers working on the tank while we stood around and watched.
Sending us conscripts to do the job would've been less efficient and perhaps dangerous.
After all, we were tank crews trained to fight in a tank not mechanics trained to repair one.

[Bluezoo]

Great pictures! woot

[saigonsmuggler]

A few observations:

- the 17 main gun rounds (is that number right? I am working from memory here) stored next to the driver on the Leopard II is an inherent risk from penetration and mine. Overall I think the M1 series has the safest ammo storage scheme (even with the 3 rounds below the tank commander, which can be left empty).

- the Leo IIA6 with its L55 long gun reduces the performance of stabilizers during cross country manuevers due to its increased barrel weight.

- the Leo II engine is overall the better choice for tank engine due to lower heat signature and fuel consumption (as mentioned above). However the turbine provides for lighter weight (thus more weight for armor), lower noise signature.

- Leo II A5/A6 has much better turret roof armor. This needs to be improved on the M1 and is not addressed with the TUSK armor package.

[Hadamar]

I looked at the Saab Barracuda page: http://www.barracuda.se/node5563.asp
http://www.barracuda.se/node1332.asp (Thermal IR)
The MCS would be a good addition for an Abrams with the engine shut down and the APU running.

The Warrior Uniform looks like an excellent basis for a sniper ghillie suit.
http://img33.exs.cx/img33/91/barracudawarrioruniform6yu.jpg

[khukuri]

One of the best 122 pics ive seen, tack så mycket!

[Ipkiss]

Hey strvkomp! Love the pics!
what is your function on the tank?
I served as a loader and as a driver for some years now on the leopard 2a6 of the Dutch army.
For comparisons with the M1 please read this
http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=34184&start=32

A few comments on the previous posts:
The Leopard stores 27 rounds left of the driver, positionned behind the thickest armour of the tank. This it unpenetratable from the front, and is protected by the side with 8 cm thick armour on the outside of the hull. (double impact). The abrams has the turret electronics in this place, but no additional protection at the sides.
KMW now has a package to protect the underside of the tank too.

"the Leo IIA6 with its L55 long gun reduces the performance of stabilizers during cross country manuevers due to its increased barrel weight."
-we've experienced no problems with the stabilizers in the field. Remember that not only the front of the barrel is heavier, the rear has been made heavier too for compensation. So it required no extra power to move the barrel up/down

-M1 engine also takes a lot more time to start. MTU is good to go on every occasion.

"Do you know if the roof armor and heavy sliding hatches will defeat an RPG-7 warhead or the explosively forged penetrators from artillery submunitions?"
-the roof was designed with exactly these threats in mind. And bird poo..

The new LKEII APFSDS war round for the A6 which we tested a few weeks ago, leaves the barrel with 1740m/s, it's claimed to defeat any armour currently in use. O yeah, don't use it too much, since the wear on the barrel is 10 times greater.. :D

ps. The dutch army has bought the CV90 too with the 35 mm cannon. Guess we both know the good stuff ;)

[saigonsmuggler]

A few comments on the previous posts:
The Leopard stores 27 rounds left of the driver, positionned behind the thickest armour of the tank. This it unpenetratable from the front, and is protected by the side with 8 cm thick armour on the outside of the hull. (double impact). The abrams has the turret electronics in this place, but no additional protection at the sides.
KMW now has a package to protect the underside of the tank too.

I believe that the M1 has fuel tanks on both sides of the driver. Correct? From what I have read on the design of the M1, the fuel tanks also act as space armor, indeed part of the armor package.

I have also read that the US Army turned down the opportunity to upgrade the M1 120mm gun to the longer L55 variant due to slower stabilization speed during cross country manuever and that the M829A2/A3 DU penetrator rounds can more than handle any current/near future armor threats.

What's the latest German tungsten penetrator? DM53? How does it compare to the US M829A3 DU round?

Anyone here has more to add to this?

[strvkomp]

I added a few more pictures. Enjoy!

I'll try to respond to all of your replys. Just not right now.

Enjoy the pics.

//strvkomp

[V/E]

The best STRV122 picture so far!
http://www.armen.mil.se/images/local/122.jpg

[strvkomp]

If you don't mind me asking. Where did you get a hold of that photo?

[V/E]

mil.se
the mother of all good tankpix !

[strvkomp]

Ahh ok. It's just that the tank in the picture, 122121 was a part in my company.

[Hadamar]

What's the latest German tungsten penetrator? DM53? How does it compare to the US M829A3 DU round?

ATK M829A3 APFSDS-T
cartridge length: 982mm
cartridge weight: 22.3kg
propellant type: RPD-380 stick
propellant weight: 8.1kg
projectile weight: 10.0kg
projectile length: 924mm
material: depleted uranium
muzzle velocity (M256 cannon): 1,555m/s

Rheinmetall DM53
cartridge weight: 21.4kg
propellant weight: 8.9kg
projectile weight: 8.35kg
projectile length: 745mm
muzzle velocity: 1,670m/s (L44 barrel); 1,750m/s (L55 barrel)

The M829A3 long rod penetrator is longer and heavier than that of the DM53, but is fired at a lower velocity. Both are claimed to defeat modern Russian tanks with ERA. Of course, the Russians claim that their ERA will stop current Western KE rounds.

The M829A3 is also more insensitive than previous tank rounds. This is not so much for storage in the Abrams, because of the blow-out panels, but for air, sea and truck transport.

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=13296

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=13296
The 120mm APFSDS-T M829E3 is the third generation of depleted uranium armor penetrator tank rounds. It will replace the M829A1 and the M829A2 projectiles. Although its armor penetration performance is classified, this round is considered as the most powerful anti-armor ammunition in the world. The E3 round will provide the M1A1 and M1A2 Abrams tanks with greater armor penetration capability than previous generation depleted uranium penetrator rounds, while increasing accuracy. Estimated penetration performance: 960mm at 2,000 meters.

According to the British (they were thinking of upgrading to a smoothbore cannon), the DM53 wasn't qualified for harsh environments like the Middle East. I think that's what led to the development of a more insensitive round, the DM63.

http://www.rheinmetall-detec.de/index.php?lang=3&fid=2457

06/14/2004
120 mm KE cartridge DM63
The DM63 cartridge from Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH is based on the already fielded DM53. The essential difference between the two cartridges lies in the propulsion unit. Instead of a conventional propulsion unit, the DM63 is the first 120 mm high-performance KE round to be equipped with a temperature-independent propulsion system (TIPS), based on SCDB technology. Apart from temperature-independent performance data, the design of the propulsion unit of the DM63 was aimed not so much at achieving an improvement in performance but instead at attaining a distinct reduction in erosion while maintaining the same level of performance. To achieve this objective in optimum fashion, the one-piece combustible case was modified with respect to the erosion-reducing characteristics of its combustion gases.

The intended v0 of 1,650 m/s (L44) is attained with a pure bulk powder charge featuring a mass of approx. 8.45 kg and a maximum gas pressure of approx. 545 MPa. Taking into account the cartridge conditions arising under typical operational circumstances in climate zone A3, the temperature performance in the L44 develops as shown below.

The span of v0 and pressure throughout the entire temperature range is less than 60 m/s and 60 MPa. At low temperatures, the gain in performance is particularly noticeable, as is the avoidance of unnecessarily high pressure and performance levels at high temperatures with respect to terminal ballistics.

Apart from the balanced temperature performance, the DM63 displays the following advantages:

* Useable in all Leopard 2 weapon systems, A4 through A6
* Deployable at temperatures ranging from -46°C to +71°C (climate zones C3-A1)
* Under all operating conditions, gas pressure levels throughout the temperature range are less than 575 MPa
* Significantly lower erosion, especially at higher temperatures
* Identical terminal ballistic performance at reference v0
* Improved terminal ballistic performance at low temperatures
* Greater first-shot kill probability
* Better LOVA characteristics.


I'm sure someone can comment on the current Israeli 120mm rounds and how they compare to the M829A3 and DM53/DM63.

[strvkomp]

Yes, I would like to know. I read that the bottom shelf of 120mm ammunition next to the driver was often left empty to prevent detonation during a mine strike (I'm not certain about which Leopard 2 variant or from which country). When I read about the additional mine-protection armor I wondered whether it would be mounted on the belly or in that empty space below the ammunition.

The bottom ammo storage shelf has been removed to make way for extra armor. The drivers Porsche-seat has also been removed. The driver now sit in a kind of chair harness, made of straps. Or sort of a strap-hammock if you will. (Get it?)


I think the Strv122 was the first Western tank introduced with substantial roof armor to protect against top attack missiles or RPGs fired from above. (I'm not including IDF tanks with add-on ERA tiles.) Do you know if the roof armor and heavy sliding hatches will defeat an RPG-7 warhead or the explosively forged penetrators from artillery submunitions? I'm assuming that you wouldn't have to worry about a Bill 2 or Tow 2B being fired at you.

As far as my knowledge goes the added roof armor and sliding hatches provide an adequate protection leve to withstand just about anything.
However, as you may know, no armor is impervious to attacks of different sort. In theory, yes! But with a stroke of bad luck and Murphy hanging about, I guess the only way to find out is to send the Leo 2A5S into action.



During the Thunder Runs into Bagdad the resupply convoys were attacked and several HEMTTs were lit up with RPGs. The vehicles that got through provided sufficient fuel and ammunition to resupply the forward units. Fuel was low in the forward units but the most urgent demand was for ammunition. I think the mission planners took into consider combat attrition when they loaded up the resupply trucks. An armored resupply vehicle is needed for such situations. It's a pity that the Crusader cancellation took the XM2002 resupply vehicle with it. Anyway, too few of them would have been funded and built.

I couldnt agree more! The need for armored supply veichles is dire. And frankly I'm a bit surprised that no one has given this more thought.
Your HEMTTs and our supplytrucks have about the same level of armorprotection, none. And as you just said, they have no chance against RPGs and what not.



1991: Gulf War
2003: Iraqi Freedom
Perhaps in the next decade a hubristic madman will provoke an allied force to take him out and allow Swedish tankers to show off their skills.

Huaa!
It would be a privilege to fight along side you!
Sorry it took me so long to reply.

Best wishes

//Strvkomp

[OldRecon]

Let's take a guess who is the grunt and who is the NCO. :)

Nice weather at least.
...

Definitely the one in the front.
He has the superior training and knows better how to handle such a situation while the grunt could endanger himself and the equipment.

At least that's the situation in the German military...

We once had a situation when a Leopard 1A5 had thrown off the left track due to a driver's mistake (driving a curve to slowly on soft ground).
Five minutes later there were ten NCOs and two officers working on the tank while we stood around and watched.
Sending us conscripts to do the job would've been less efficient and perhaps dangerous.
After all, we were tank crews trained to fight in a tank not mechanics trained to repair one.

:lol:

[fantassin]

Very good pics, thank you.

[Hadamar]

Thanks for the response Strvkomp.


The bottom ammo storage shelf has been removed to make way for extra armor. The drivers Porsche-seat has also been removed. The driver now sit in a kind of chair harness, made of straps. Or sort of a strap-hammock if you will. (Get it?)
All the military vehicles designed recently have suspended seats to deal with the increased mine threat: Boxer, VBCI, etc. The Swedes again were ahead of the curve, employing suspended seats in the CV9040. Unfortunately, the Stryker seating looks painfully primitive in comparison--just padded benches.

Hagglunds CV90 seats
http://img137.exs.cx/img137/8658/0312ng.jpg

Stryker
http://img115.exs.cx/img115/6569/strykerramp10246vv.jpg

I found these images in a recent Military Technology article:
http://img204.exs.cx/img204/1716/mineprotection2005012002ip.jpg
http://img204.exs.cx/img204/5074/mineprotection2005022001nu.jpg

[strvkomp]

Just a few things i forgot to mention in the Leo 2 A5S favor.

The interior is equipped with a liner to reduce the effect of mines, RPGs, etc.

The strv 122 is also equipped with the most modern TankCommanderControlSystem, or in Swedish LSS, to date. Allowing the tank commander to see the field of combat on a digital display, seeing all freindly units and their position aswell as identified and suspected enemy units, minefields etc on a digital map, check fuel-level, put in radio frequencies and encryption codes, and much more.

@Hadamar

I don't have much knowledge about the Stryker. About the only thinf I know is that it's a swissbuilt AFV. But I was suprised to learn that it only has the seats you just mentioned. I thought that through learing things the hard and butal way, all newly produced veichles would have, if not mine protection gear, but at least mine "awerness gear", if you know what I mean?

Plus: I have, this night been about and around! And as my good hunting lucks diminished, I turned to the bottle! =)
i know you shouldn't post replys when your intoxicated but I'll hope you'll overlook this fact. And I'll get back to you when I'm in a better and more "solid" state od mind!

Best drunken regards!

//Strvkomp

PS: How come chicks aren't impressed with army talk when all guys seem to be? Not that I try it that often or on every living female but it just seems, aou I don't know?
Good night!
It's 0318 Swdish time as i write this. Please overlook my drunken unawareness of spelling and other things...

[hell]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/122140/honnr.jpg
Comment needed?




So you're the @$#%! that ran over my rental car when I was in SWE, Damn it!

lol, j/k


Great pics, thanks for sharing.

[Danzer]

Great pics woot

[goldman]

WOW all i got to say is "amazing" woot

[Hadamar]

PS: How come chicks aren't impressed with army talk when all guys seem to be? Not that I try it that often or on every living female but it just seems, aou I don't know?
Generally, it's best to not mention military technology, especially in the presence of the fair ***, unless someone else broaches the topic. But if a girl expresses an interest then I think it's all right to talk about long rod penetrators and explosively-forged projectiles. Better hunting next time, strvkomp!

[strvkomp]

Gau!! I feel freakin' terrible! Shouldn't have had that curry last night!

Now to a more urgent dilema: Whats the cause for the photobucket bandwith exceeded crap and how do I fix it???

[Thor]

If I'm not mistaking the mp forum owner (?) does supply help with hosting photos, if you ask nicely..

[Thor]

Ok, this thread is about Stridsvagn 122 but still, as someone mentioned the mine protection on the CV 9040A and B versions I think some info on the CV 9040C is in place. It's used by swedish forces on the international arena (Liberia for now).

The big difference versus the B-version is the increased level of protection. Including much increased mine protection and additional all-around armor. Inside the veichle there's a liner set to hold back scrapnel and also all equipment inside the veichle has been secured in different ways (one such thing being that the soldiers now keep their weapons in special containers). The CV 9040C weighs 28 metric tons (CV 9040B weighs 23,1 metric tons) and it now takes 3+6 troops.

http://www.soldf.com/images/s_cv9040c.jpg


And there is also even a newer version around the CV9035 MKIII (32 metric tons).
http://www.baesystems.se/stdpage.asp?Pid=4&id=180

I believe that's version the Netherlands recently ordered 184 veichles of.

With Stridsvagn 122 (Leopard 2A5S) and Stridsfordon 9040C (CV 9040C) I'd go anywhere and take on anyone.

[McLane]

Looks good! Very nice. If germany will not get the PUMA, I would vote for this nice thing....

[DeathBeforeDishonor]

Is everyone else seeing the pictures?

[strvkomp]

Is everyone else seeing the pictures?

I'm on it!

[Wodan]

Looks good! Very nice. If germany will not get the PUMA, I would vote for this nice thing....

FULL ACK

thought the same (and dont really beleave we'll ever see a 120mm cannon armed PUMA version, even if the name would let us think like this(cat of prey))

[Hadamar]

Looks good! Very nice. If germany will not get the PUMA, I would vote for this nice thing....

I don't think you will have to worry about the Puma getting cancelled.

http://www.rheinmetall-detec.de/index.php?lang=3&fid=2787&query=puma

12/02/2004

PUMA: Green light for the German new infantry fighting vehicle
Rheinmetall DeTec also awarded further contracts

The Budget Committee of the German Bundestag has just given the go-ahead for the most important project of the German land systems industry: the new Puma infantry fighting vehicle.

The procurement contract for the low rate initial production, valued at approximately €350 million, is to be awarded to the company Projekt System und Management (PSM) GmbH of Kassel. PSM is a 50:50-joint venture of Rheinmetall Landsysteme (RLS) of Kiel and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann of Munich. Rheinmetall Landsysteme is a subsidiary of the Rheinmetall DeTec group, the defence technology branch of Rheinmetall AG of Düsseldorf.

In total, the German Army is to be equipped with 410 vehicles, costing roughly €3.05 billion. The decision just taken contains an option valid till 2007 for the full scale production of the infantry fighting vehicle (IFV).

In 2002, PSM was awarded a contract to develop the new IFV for the Bundeswehr. Roll-out of the first prototype is planned for the end of 2005.
. . .
Due to its newly developed 800 kW engine, novel turret design and use of programmable ammunition, the Puma sets an entirely new global standard in the world of armoured vehicle design. More than 30 years after the Marder IFV was first fielded by the Bundeswehr, the Puma – with its expanded scope of capabilities – represents the transition to a completely new category of combat vehicles.

The CV90 is an excellent vehicle, but I would like to see what German engineers can come up with using the latest technology.

[Wodan]

Looks good! Very nice. If germany will not get the PUMA, I would vote for this nice thing....

I don't think you will have to worry about the Puma getting cancelled.

http://www.rheinmetall-detec.de/index.php?lang=3&fid=2787&query=puma

12/02/2004

PUMA: Green light for the German new infantry fighting vehicle
Rheinmetall DeTec also awarded further contracts

The Budget Committee of the German Bundestag has just given the go-ahead for the most important project of the German land systems industry: the new Puma infantry fighting vehicle.

The procurement contract for the low rate initial production, valued at approximately €350 million, is to be awarded to the company Projekt System und Management (PSM) GmbH of Kassel. PSM is a 50:50-joint venture of Rheinmetall Landsysteme (RLS) of Kiel and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann of Munich. Rheinmetall Landsysteme is a subsidiary of the Rheinmetall DeTec group, the defence technology branch of Rheinmetall AG of Düsseldorf.

In total, the German Army is to be equipped with 410 vehicles, costing roughly €3.05 billion. The decision just taken contains an option valid till 2007 for the full scale production of the infantry fighting vehicle (IFV).

In 2002, PSM was awarded a contract to develop the new IFV for the Bundeswehr. Roll-out of the first prototype is planned for the end of 2005.
. . .
Due to its newly developed 800 kW engine, novel turret design and use of programmable ammunition, the Puma sets an entirely new global standard in the world of armoured vehicle design. More than 30 years after the Marder IFV was first fielded by the Bundeswehr, the Puma – with its expanded scope of capabilities – represents the transition to a completely new category of combat vehicles.

The CV90 is an excellent vehicle, but I would like to see what German engineers can come up with using the latest technology.

well... it was just a theretical thing, if we wont get the puma, the CV90 would be nice, but as we get them, there is no chance to get the CV90...

[Kap]

Gau!! I feel freakin' terrible! Shouldn't have had that curry last night!

Now to a more urgent dilema: Whats the cause for the photobucket bandwith exceeded crap and how do I fix it???

Photobucket has limited bandwidth for each user. Try www.imageshack.us Every registered user can upload unlimited amount of pics and have unlimited amount of bandwidth. You can also start galleries just like on Photobucket.

[DeathBeforeDishonor]

Is everyone else seeing the pictures?

I'm on it!

Thanks alot dude I would relly love to see them :)

[Thor]

Looks good! Very nice. If germany will not get the PUMA, I would vote for this nice thing....

I don't think you will have to worry about the Puma getting cancelled.

http://www.rheinmetall-detec.de/index.php?lang=3&fid=2787&query=puma

12/02/2004

PUMA: Green light for the German new infantry fighting vehicle
Rheinmetall DeTec also awarded further contracts

The Budget Committee of the German Bundestag has just given the go-ahead for the most important project of the German land systems industry: the new Puma infantry fighting vehicle.

The procurement contract for the low rate initial production, valued at approximately €350 million, is to be awarded to the company Projekt System und Management (PSM) GmbH of Kassel. PSM is a 50:50-joint venture of Rheinmetall Landsysteme (RLS) of Kiel and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann of Munich. Rheinmetall Landsysteme is a subsidiary of the Rheinmetall DeTec group, the defence technology branch of Rheinmetall AG of Düsseldorf.

In total, the German Army is to be equipped with 410 vehicles, costing roughly €3.05 billion. The decision just taken contains an option valid till 2007 for the full scale production of the infantry fighting vehicle (IFV).

In 2002, PSM was awarded a contract to develop the new IFV for the Bundeswehr. Roll-out of the first prototype is planned for the end of 2005.
. . .
Due to its newly developed 800 kW engine, novel turret design and use of programmable ammunition, the Puma sets an entirely new global standard in the world of armoured vehicle design. More than 30 years after the Marder IFV was first fielded by the Bundeswehr, the Puma – with its expanded scope of capabilities – represents the transition to a completely new category of combat vehicles.

The CV90 is an excellent vehicle, but I would like to see what German engineers can come up with using the latest technology.

Puma looks great but I think it hits the market a few years too late. Programmable ammunition has been around for a while (http://www.boforsdefence.com/eng/products/nav3_3p.htm), and other types of veichles have had major upgrades. And paying €7.4 million a piece is quite expensive.. The Netherlands bought the newest CV 9035 MkIII for nearly half that cost and I really think that veichle can match the Puma anyday.

"Rheinmetall Landsysteme will be awarded a €58 million-contract to supply the German Army's crack Gebirgsjäger mountain troops with 75 Bv206s armoured command and transport vehicles; RLS will serve as main contractor. Versatile, air portable, and highly manoeuvrable in all types of terrain, these armoured vehicles will make a major contribution to enhancing the overall operational effectiveness of these elite infantry units."

Hmm Bv206 is a swedish Hägglunds design though.. Politics I guess.

[strvkomp]

Thanx or the heads up Kaptein_LJ55.

I had to remove a few pics bacause they were too large. And I seriously can't be botherd right now to downsize 'em all. But I did add a few new ones.

This nearly damn took me two hours, so you better enjoy the pics!! =)
I might add a few now and then.

Best whishes

//Strvkomp

god I love your feet! remembers me of my feet, sadly i do not have a photo taken out of my feet! haha! by the way how many weeks did your feet heal? it took me 2 weeks plus feet spray.

[Wodan]

well Thor... "elite infantry unit" we could start now a discussion if its correct...


I wouldnt call them elite, the Gebirgsjäger are just specialised, but tell me any unit that isnt specialised...

[Thor]

Wodan:

Man, I just quoted from that Rheinmetall page.. :)

My point was only that Rheinmetall Landsysteme was awarded a contract for a Hägglunds veichle.. Kind of weird.

[Wodan]

Wodan:

Man, I just quoted from that Rheinmetall page.. :)

My point was only that Rheinmetall Landsysteme was awarded a contract for a Hägglunds veichle.. Kind of weird.

well... its normal...

its this way all over the world, the Abrams 120mm M256 smoothbore gun is oriniganlly developed by Rheinmetall, but is produced in the USA, I think your country does the same...

[Milkman]

http://img179.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img179&image=pict14302jx.jpg

Not fare you guys get to run over civy cars. :(

[DeathBeforeDishonor]

Thanks for fixing the pictures man woot I really love the pictures, the Leo is tied with the challenger II as my second favorite MBT.(this is my personal opinion)

[strvkomp]

First of all, it ain't my feet, thank God! The feetdude had been marching with wet and moist feet for give or take a week. This then developed into trenchfoot. He was sent home for a month or so to recover his feet. This pic was taken as he returned from recovery.

And dude, do you actually have "list" of your favourite tanks?

[strvkomp]

The CV90 is an excellent vehicle, but I would like to see what German engineers can come up with using the latest technology.

A CV9040C copy...! :D

[DeathBeforeDishonor]

And dude, do you actually have "list" of your favourite tanks?

Well I wouldn't say I have a list written down somewhere but I know what I like, don't you? :roll:

[Resurrection]

Thanks for the awesome pics! :D

[Wodan]

The CV90 is an excellent vehicle, but I would like to see what German engineers can come up with using the latest technology.

A CV9040C copy...! :D

uhhm...

I dont think this is a CV90 copy:

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=33789

[strvkomp]

I was kidding for crying out loud!! You don't have to get offended.

[Resurrection]

The CV90 is an excellent vehicle, but I would like to see what German engineers can come up with using the latest technology.

A CV9040C copy...! :D

uhhm...

I dont think this is a CV90 copy:

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=33789

:|

[strvkomp]

And dude, do you actually have "list" of your favourite tanks?
Well I wouldn't say I have a list written down somewhere but I know what I like, don't you? :roll:

Sure I know what I like. I like MBTs, AFVs, CVs and so forth that have the best features for war. I don't care how they look aslong as they ensure the saftey of the men in them and their capabilitys of mechanized warfare.
MBTs and such look cool overall. But it sounded like you had a thought out list looking something like this:

"1: M1A2, coz the americans KICK ASS!
2: Challenger, it just look cool!!
3: Leo, thoose krauts can sure make tanks, ey!"


Just seemed a little dorky, thats all. No offense intended!

[Ipkiss]

[I believe that the M1 has fuel tanks on both sides of the driver. Correct? From what I have read on the design of the M1, the fuel tanks also act as space armor, indeed part of the armor package.

I have also read that the US Army turned down the opportunity to upgrade the M1 120mm gun to the longer L55 variant due to slower stabilization speed during cross country manuever and that the M829A2/A3 DU penetrator rounds can more than handle any current/near future armor threats.

What's the latest German tungsten penetrator? DM53? How does it compare to the US M829A3 DU round?

Anyone here has more to add to this?
--Spaced armor is nice, when it's OUTSIDE the turret/hull. Fuel tanks do nothing to protect you. Personally I wouldn't feel too comfortable sitting between 1000 liters of gasonline/kerosine

--We've had no experiences at all with L55 barrels being slower. Furthermore I wonder how bad terrain must be to actually note this difference. Normal bums and crests prove no difficulty at all, even IF the stabilization speed is slower.

[strvkomp]

--Spaced armor is nice, when it's OUTSIDE the turret/hull. Fuel tanks do nothing to protect you. Personally I wouldn't feel too comfortable sitting between 1000 liters of gasonline/kerosine

@Ipkiss

About your comment regarding spaced armor: WORD!
It takes alot to make diesel catch fire. If you look on pictures of the Swedish strv103 or S-tank you will see that there are dieselfuel-canisters mounted on each of its sides, this served as extra armor.

And buddy, you are sitting between exactly 1160 liters of diesel! =)



Now. Regarding the gyrostabilization.

If the stabilization is slower it MAY take longer to get the shot of while on the move.

It can take maximum half a second from the point where the gunner or commander pulls the trigger til the time the shot actually fires on the move. This seems like lifetime when your firing if it happends.

This is because the gun has to "catch up" with the gunners sight and be within the allowed firing window. All you fellow tankers may have experienced this. The downside to a bigger gun is that it effects the gyrostabilzation. However, in this case with the L55 it doens't have that a big affect to consider it a flaw.

There's a whole science concerning this and most of you probably wouldn't understand the MBT-technical talk but if you wish I could explain it more thoroughly.

[Hadamar]

--Spaced armor is nice, when it's OUTSIDE the turret/hull. Fuel tanks do nothing to protect you. Personally I wouldn't feel too comfortable sitting between 1000 liters of gasonline/kerosine
Would you feel more comfortable sitting next to a stack of combustibile cartridge cases?

I don't think the fuel is there for protection. The space between the armor is a convenient place to put it.

[strvkomp]

All this talk about where you feel comfortable sitting depending on the whereabouts of certain things is pretty irrelevant.
Eveything in a tank is packed into a very moderate amount of space. And if the **** hits the fan in a tank, you're in for the ride!

Also. Since the driver by far has the highest protection level it seems far better to store ammo next to him since it's more crucial to your own survival than fuel.

/Strvkomp

[Kap]

http://img129.exs.cx/img129/6304/pict18079ip.th.jpg (http://img129.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img129&image=pict18079ip.jpg)
We were marching in late march as this fanastic sky appeard over our

If you want to use the pictures, for whatever purpose please notify me.

//Strvkomp

That is called the "Halo Phenomenon" very rare to see, and it's usually in Halo form, but what you saw is indeed more rare because it's not in it's original Halo form.

Nice pictures.



-KLJ55

[strvkomp]

Ok cool. We thought it was a northern light, thoose are pretty common up there.

[saigonsmuggler]

All this talk about where you feel comfortable sitting depending on the whereabouts of certain things is pretty irrelevant.
Eveything in a tank is packed into a very moderate amount of space. And if the **** hits the fan in a tank, you're in for the ride!

Also. Since the driver by far has the highest protection level it seems far better to store ammo next to him since it's more crucial to your own survival than fuel.

/Strvkomp
I have read somewhere that the original design philosophy of the Leopard II (assumably after the split with the USA) was defensive in a hull-down posture - i.e. shoot from prepared position, then scoot to another (thus the main gun ammo storage next to driver was deemed as very safe). Whereas the USA had wanted the design of the M1 to be more adherent to manuever warfare (and thus the bustle storage of main gun rounds was deemed critical to crew survivability).

Well FWIW.

[strvkomp]

I don't really buy that. One of the rules of tankwarfare is that you never fire more than three shoots from the same position, thus making you a fix target.
In defensive combat you first scout for an ordinary firingposition, or eldställning. Then you scout or "rekar" firingposition both left and right.

This so you won't appear in the same position you've allready fired from, and where the enemy expects you to be. You can create an illusion that there are more tanks than there actually is. But most importantly, you increase your odds of survival!

The reason I don't buy that as the reason for the M1s position of ammo is because these rules and tactics are applied by tankcoys worldwide, with some variations.

/Strvkomp

[Kap]

Ok cool. We thought it was a northern light, thoose are pretty common up there.

What I pretty much said has to do with Northern lights, you're just viewing them during the day. :D

[strvkomp]

Ok cool. We thought it was a northern light, thoose are pretty common up there.

What I pretty much said has to do with Northern lights, you're just viewing them during the day. :D


No, we saw it late at night, about 2300 h.

[sp2c]

supposedly the Dutch government has ordered 74 bvs10's from hagglund but I can't find anything on it anymore



http://www.army-technology.com/contractor_images/hagglunds/hagglunds4.jpg

[strvkomp]

See if you can find something here: http://www.haggve.se/default.asp

[Ipkiss]

Yes the government has bought 74 new BV's. They are not delivered yet. It read it today on the intranet of the ministry of defence.

@strvcomp. I know there's 1160 liters in our tank. And yes it's hard to catch fire. But my point was that fuel storage doesn't serve as an "extra"armour, as stated in the picture.
The front armour of the leopardII and abrams are claimed to be unpenetratable by all modern tank rounds, so it's pretty safe to store ammo or fuel behind it.
I think that KMW chose to have the fuel compartments at the sides for several reasons:
-tank was designed for frontal attack. It was less likely to be hit from the sides.
-because the fuell is on the sides, ammo can be stored next to the driver. that leaves space for the turret electronics which are placed behind the commander as you know, where it is less vulnerable and easy to acces. You know the fuse box is easy to access, far easier than in the M1 as far as I've seen.

About the bigger gun. Yes it may be a tiny bit slower, but I haven't heard negative comments so far during our battle runs. Let's just hope we don't get the 140 mm ;)

What functions have you served on the STRV122? Just curious :D Let's talk tactics woot


Does the M1 still use hydraulics for turret movent? I read about an M1 being shot and hydraulic fuell splashed through the inside. That's nasty :( .

[drGreen]

I remember the hydraulicfluid smell now when I think back to the leo2a4 days :lol:

[saigonsmuggler]

The M1 still uses turret hydraulics. Although not quite desirable, however the halon system is more than capable of suppressing hydraulic fires. Now main gun ammo fire are not suppressible by the halon system, thus the design of the bustle ammo storage.

BTW, what is the layout and principal protection mechanism for the Leopard II main gun rounds stored in the turret? Thanks!

[Kap]

Ok cool. We thought it was a northern light, thoose are pretty common up there.

What I pretty much said has to do with Northern lights, you're just viewing them during the day. :D


No, we saw it late at night, about 2300 h.

Oh, forgot you were in Northern Sweden for the midnight sun. My mistake, so yeah, you're right, Northern lights. Those are very pretty.

[Ipkiss]

The layout of the turret ammo is similar to the abrams, but with lesser rounds obviously. There's a "bunker" with a blast-proof door. Furthermore there's a blast panel on top so when the ammo ignites for whatever reason, the blast is projected upwards.
There are 15 rounds stored in the turret bunker. Not all the ammo can be accessed at the same time because of the size of the bunker door.
When the first rounds have been removed from the bunker, the loader pulls a handle which swings the outer rounds into position.
The 27 other rounds are stored in a large rack left of the driver.

There's a max of 20 7,62 belt boxes storage. 4 next to the coax, 5 on the floor, 4 near the hull ammo storage and 6 left of the driver (on top of the hull ammo rack) and 1 on the loaders hatch MG.

[Hadamar]

Yes the government has bought 74 new BV's. They are not delivered yet. It read it today on the intranet of the ministry of defence.
It's good to hear that someone besides the Royal Marines will be getting the BVS10.
http://img33.exs.cx/img33/3713/bvs10page19qa.th.jpg (http://img33.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img33&image=bvs10page19qa.jpg)
http://img33.exs.cx/img33/291/bvs10page15yh.th.jpg (http://img33.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img33&image=bvs10page15yh.jpg)


About the bigger gun. Yes it may be a tiny bit slower, but I haven't heard negative comments so far during our battle runs. Let's just hope we don't get the 140 mm
In one presentation photo I saw the Rheinmetall 140mm was shorter than the L55 and longer than the L44. The turret intrusion of the new cannon was the same or even less, since it is a much newer design. Could it possibly be lighter or of the same weight as the L55?

[Hadamar]

Asymmetrical Warfare - Armour
Mark Huntiller. Armada International. Zurich: Dec 2004/Jan 2005.Vol.28, Iss. 6; pg. 38, 5 pgs
The Mine Threat

The German BWB (Bundesamt für Wehrtechnik und Beschaffung or the Federal Office for Defense Technology and Procurement), has contracted Krauss-Maffei Wegmann to supply 15 mine protection kits for the Leopard 2. Thus equipped, the tanks are known as Leopard 2A6Ms. The kit has been defined by a Leopard 2 working group consisting of German, Dutch, Norwegian, Swedish and Swiss members. Ten Swedish STRV122 vehicles will receive the kit.

The protection suite is designed to cope with the most often encountered mines in the Balkans and especially explosively forged penetrators. However this underbelly installation is not sufficient to protect crew and vehicle because of the secondary effects of a mine blast. Additional follow on measures include a new escape hatch, a modified driver seat and a new receptacle for the turret slip ring, as well as leaving the bottom row of the hull's 120 mm ammunition stowage area empty.

[Thor]

Asymmetrical Warfare - Armour
Mark Huntiller. Armada International. Zurich: Dec 2004/Jan 2005.Vol.28, Iss. 6; pg. 38, 5 pgs
The Mine Threat

The German BWB (Bundesamt für Wehrtechnik und Beschaffung or the Federal Office for Defense Technology and Procurement), has contracted Krauss-Maffei Wegmann to supply 15 mine protection kits for the Leopard 2. Thus equipped, the tanks are known as Leopard 2A6Ms. The kit has been defined by a Leopard 2 working group consisting of German, Dutch, Norwegian, Swedish and Swiss members. Ten Swedish STRV122 vehicles will receive the kit.

The protection suite is designed to cope with the most often encountered mines in the Balkans and especially explosively forged penetrators. However this underbelly installation is not sufficient to protect crew and vehicle because of the secondary effects of a mine blast. Additional follow on measures include a new escape hatch, a modified driver seat and a new receptacle for the turret slip ring, as well as leaving the bottom row of the hull's 120 mm ammunition stowage area empty.

Yup, and from what I hear one is also likely to find improvements similar to the Abrams TUSK.

[Petter]

strvkomp
Will I see you in or around boden next year? ;)

[Jari]

Ok cool. We thought it was a northern light, thoose are pretty common up there.
Actually, I think you are all wrong. If I´am correct, the thing you see in that picture is in fact a polarcloud (polaaripilvi in Finnish).
Those are rare cloud formations high up in the upper atmosphere, about 20 to 30 km high. I could not find any info in English, but a few years back there was similar cloud seen here in Finland. It was pretty impressive and made it´s way to the news...

[strvkomp]

@Ipkiss

My final position on the tank i served as a loader. However during the training we got trained in the four positions of the tank. This so that every crewmember could do any job on the tank if neccesary. Bacause of this I have extensive gunnnery and loaders training, some training in driving-techniques and such, and basictraining on the commanders position.

But I have by far most training on the loaders position. Drilling the loadingmanouvre over and over again, pushing time limits. So after 10 months or loaders training I was down to an average speed of 3:79s for twelve rounds and 3:19 as my personal best on a single round.
Although we did have one guy who loaded in less than three seconds.
I hate being second!

How bout' you?

@Petter

Guess so? Jag var faktiskt där regdag 2004. Uppvisning o dylikt sög ganska kapitalt om man jämför med showen vi hade vårt år. Gjorde du också GU på I19?

[Petter]

strvkomp
Haha nej, jag har inte ens hunnit rycka in än =/
Rycker in nästa år som Jägarplutonbefäl, så troligtvis är tanken att jag ska gömma mig för dig ;)

[drGreen]

@Ipkiss

My final position on the tank i served as a loader. However during the training we got trained in the four positions of the tank. This so that every crewmember could do any job on the tank if neccesary. Bacause of this I have extensive gunnnery and loaders training, some training in driving-techniques and such, and basictraining on the commanders position.

But I have by far most training on the loaders position. Drilling the loadingmanouvre over and over again, pushing time limits. So after 10 months or loaders training I was down to an average speed of 3:79s for twelve rounds and 3:19 as my personal best on a single round.
Although we did have one guy who loaded in less than three seconds.
I hate being second!

How bout' you?


Live firing was way faster :D standing ready with a grenade in your hand, one between the legs and bunker door staying open. p-)

[strvkomp]

We never ever have a round at the ready in our hands and the ammodoor always stays shut! This is because when firing, flares and smal burning debris can come flying out the back off the gun.

The risk of igniting one of the rounds stored outside the ammostorage is immmense. Therefore the door, as said, always stays shut and the loader doesn't begin the reloadingproccedure until the round's gone off.

[Ipkiss]

I started as a loader, which I did several years. my times were never clocked, but I do was the fastest in the competitions we did. It's all about the time the bunker door needs to open. So timing on pushing the door button is crucial, can save up to a second.. I never had a fresh round ready in my hand, however some people didn't believe it because they saw the barrel returning in it's firing position so quick.. woot
During loaders training we also learn all the basiscs of the rest of the crew positions.

After a while I got tired of standing in the loader's hatch during excersizes, in the rain, snow etc etc.. So the obvious choise would be to become a driver. So I did. I also did this for some years.
Now in august I'm off to the officers school te become a tank platoon leader. Why? it's the only cool position I want to serve on a tank because I get sick when I'm at the gunners position ;) . And it pays more and I finally have something to say/use my own plan. :roll:

[caleb]

I started as a loader, which I did several years. my times were never clocked, but I do was the fastest in the competitions we did. It's all about the time the bunker door needs to open. So timing on pushing the door button is crucial, can save up to a second.. I never had a fresh round ready in my hand, however some people didn't believe it because they saw the barrel returning in it's firing position so quick.. woot
During loaders training we also learn all the basiscs of the rest of the crew positions.

After a while I got tired of standing in the loader's hatch during excersizes, in the rain, snow etc etc.. So the obvious choise would be to become a driver. So I did. I also did this for some years.
Now in august I'm off to the officers school te become a tank platoon leader. Why? it's the only cool position I want to serve on a tank because I get sick when I'm at the gunners position ;) . And it pays more and I finally have something to say/use my own plan. :roll:

cool dude, keep it up. woot

[strvkomp]

It's a waste of time to use the button to open the ammodoor. We always open the door manualy and close it with the button. That saves time!

[Ipkiss]

You open it manually? I wonder if it's faster. Nevertheless it's impractical in the Dutch leo's since we have other equipment getting in the way, maybe it's easier to operate in the strv122. As soon as I hear the "on the way" I'd hit the switch and pull out the most left round. In any case, we both agree that we got the cannon loaded with a fresh one before the gunner has his next target in view..


http://www.hema.nl/site/FotoView.aspx?userid=1c82a23d-70ac-48e6-ab64-cfaa0e5f76a7&albumid=71415245-285c-40b8-a7b5-816668cf9301&picid=3b9db161-9049-4205-9600-a4a7c8aa39ff&ratio=true&vsize=395&hsize=526&rot=0


Got some new pic's of a leo firing the first LKE rounds for the Netherlands.

http://www.hema.nl/site/FotoView.aspx?userid=1c82a23d-70ac-48e6-ab64-cfaa0e5f76a7&albumid=71415245-285c-40b8-a7b5-816668cf9301&picid=ff9fe44b-968c-444d-988b-0b955863d12d&ratio=true&vsize=395&hsize=526&rot=0

http://www.hema.nl/site/FotoView.aspx?userid=1c82a23d-70ac-48e6-ab64-cfaa0e5f76a7&albumid=71415245-285c-40b8-a7b5-816668cf9301&picid=ec5d916a-c0f7-4fc8-bcee-88ef7e8e6d1f&ratio=true&vsize=395&hsize=526&rot=0

http://www.hema.nl/site/FotoView.aspx?userid=1c82a23d-70ac-48e6-ab64-cfaa0e5f76a7&albumid=71415245-285c-40b8-a7b5-816668cf9301&picid=67298119-3712-4b56-b81e-40ffcd489a80&ratio=true&vsize=395&hsize=526&rot=0

http://www.hema.nl/site/FotoView.aspx?userid=1c82a23d-70ac-48e6-ab64-cfaa0e5f76a7&albumid=71415245-285c-40b8-a7b5-816668cf9301&picid=63070b02-cba7-40be-b2d0-8fb46debad37&ratio=true&vsize=395&hsize=526&rot=0

p-)

[Hadamar]

Strvkomp,

I found this article in Protec with a photograph of a bandtracked CV9040. Having no knowledge of Swedish, I am hoping that you would be so kind enough to translate the gist of the article. Even though you said that you hadn't been writing in English for some time your posts have been very informative. Here's another opportunity for you.
Thank you in advance.

Hadamar

http://img75.exs.cx/img75/2489/protec0204page134qy.th.jpg (http://img75.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img75&image=protec0204page134qy.jpg)
https://fmv.episerverhotell.net/upload/Bilder%20och%20dokument/Publikationer/Informationsmaterial/PROTEC/protec02_04.pdf

Even more off-topic, the NH90S with the high roof looks even more elegant than previous production models.
http://img75.exs.cx/img75/6330/nh90sweden024rl.th.jpg (http://img75.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img75&image=nh90sweden024rl.jpg)

[strvkomp]

Rubbertracks on warpathchallenges the convetionell steel

Rubbertracks wins on most accounts. This says FMVs(The Swedish Military Forces Logistics. They handle all equpiment, tested, sold, bought and what not to the Swedisch armed forces. I don't know what the equivalent word is in English.) Robert Roth, who is leading the tests where rubbertracks are compared to the traditionel steeltracks. Less noice and vibrations gives a real lift for the crews comfort and enviorment.

Driving in tough and demanding terrain, Roberth Roth and his colleagues at FMVs teststation in Skövde, Sweden, test what the rubberbands can handle. They have made direct comparisons between the CV90s steeltracks and rubbertracks. To avoid inflictions from different veichles the same CV90 has been used in sveral tests. The tracks have been shifted and the tests have proceeded. The messaurement-equipment used register vibrations as well as drvingtimes, angles, inclination, thrust and resistance when rolling.
- You don't have to look at the testdata to confirm that the crews comfort and enviorment increases considerably. You can tell it right away, especially when driving on paved roads, confirms Robert Roth.

It is when driving long distances by road that it's streneous for the crew. It can be so rough that the crew can have a hard time completing their mission at hand in a good way. More over, components in the equipment are exposed to vibrations which in turn shortens their lifespan. It is the fact that combat veichles more and more are used under conditions which reminds of ordinary traffic-enviorments, who have lead to a demand for better comfort and working enviorment.
- We cope with the comfortdemands with steeltracks thanks to all the terraindrving in todays drivingprofile, verifies Peter Elmlund, technical expert for military vechile-technic at FMV, but adds that on international asignments, for example Liberia, there is a gross overweight for long transports at paved roads.

Jointless
The rubberband are softer and jointless, thus decreasing the vibrations and noice. But it ins't only the crew who gains by improving the comfort and enviorment, the purchase-manager is also pleased. Rubbertracks cost half the price of steeltracks and wears out in the same pace as steeltracks. Another big plus for the rubbertracks is the low weight. Only half as heavy as tracks of steel it reduces the weight of a CV90 by 1'300 kg for example.
- We get a higher effect per ton which in turn makes the vecihle stronger and faster. Also it doesn't sink down in the ground underneath because of the lower weight, but also because the rubbertracks divides the preassure in a more efficent way, says Peter.
The Lower weight can also be used to load more supplies(such as ammo or water for instance) or increase the veichles level of protection.

Questionmarks
Alot of things on the positive side for rubbertracks. But there are also some questionmarks. When driving in deep snow it was shown that the snow got packed in the dense rubbertracks.
- This requires a modofication of the sprocket and tighteningwheels(sprocket is the wheel which have tooths and gives the tracks their propulsion, and the tighteningwheel is the wheel which keeps to track tight. Do you know what I mean?? In Swedish, spänn och drivhjul. Couldn't find the english equivalent word.) means Robert Roth.
The tests are yet to be completed. Among other things, tests of it's level of advancement in terrain, driving on an angle sideways to ascertain how well the tracks stays on reamains. If the tracks were to come of, it generates quite a problem. It is very difficult for the crew to put the tracks back by themselves. One advantage of steeltracks is that you have the capability of replacing particular joints. For example at a mine-explosion or such, the crew by themselves can replace damaged joints. That felxibility doesn't exist with rubbertracks. The whole track has to be replaced.

- We are looking on different options for temporary repairs of damaged tracks, says Peter, and points out that this is all about tests. It's first in the long term that rubbertracks might be introduced to CombatVeichles.



Strvkomp speaking again:

Please have some consideration for all the misspells if there are any. I couldnt be botherd to check my spelling. I've just translated by heart.

[saigonsmuggler]

Thanks Ipkiss for the excellent description of the Leo II ammo layout. Excellent tanks. I hope to see more pics of Leo II in action (say peacekeeping in Kosovo or something).

[Hadamar]

Thank you for the timely help, Stvvkomp. Your translations are far superior to multi-lingual IKEA instructions.

The drive sprocket on the band track equipped CV9040 has more teeth on it than the conventional CV9040. I don't know how difficult it would be to switch out the drive sprocket along with the bandtrack. If that is not too large a challenge a CV90 class vehicle could be equipped with a bandtrack for low intensity, urban or training environments, then re-equipped with a steel track for the rare instances in which heavy armor formations battle each other.


It is very difficult for the crew to put the tracks back by themselves. One advantage of steeltracks is that you have the capability of replacing particular joints. For example at a mine-explosion or such, the crew by themselves can replace damaged joints. That felxibility doesn't exist with rubbertracks. The whole track has to be replaced.

- We are looking on different options for temporary repairs of damaged tracks, says Peter, and points out that this is all about tests. It's first in the long term that rubbertracks might be introduced to CombatVeichles.
When I was reading about the hybrid M113 made by United Defense I noted that the company, too, stated that a temporary fix to a damaged band track was being developed. The specific details was not, however, revealed.

I would imagine that a disabled vehicle with one band track intact would be easier to tow than a similarly disabled steel-tracked vehicle because of less rolling resistance. But I don't know how practical if would be to tow an IFV for a long period of time. The road wheels on the side that lost its track would be subjected to additional wear.

[drGreen]

Got some new pic's of a leo firing the first LKE rounds for the Netherlands.

http://www.hema.nl/site/FotoView.aspx?userid=1c82a23d-70ac-48e6-ab64-cfaa0e5f76a7&albumid=71415245-285c-40b8-a7b5-816668cf9301&picid=ff9fe44b-968c-444d-988b-0b955863d12d&ratio=true&vsize=395&hsize=526&rot=0

http://www.hema.nl/site/FotoView.aspx?userid=1c82a23d-70ac-48e6-ab64-cfaa0e5f76a7&albumid=71415245-285c-40b8-a7b5-816668cf9301&picid=ec5d916a-c0f7-4fc8-bcee-88ef7e8e6d1f&ratio=true&vsize=395&hsize=526&rot=0

http://www.hema.nl/site/FotoView.aspx?userid=1c82a23d-70ac-48e6-ab64-cfaa0e5f76a7&albumid=71415245-285c-40b8-a7b5-816668cf9301&picid=67298119-3712-4b56-b81e-40ffcd489a80&ratio=true&vsize=395&hsize=526&rot=0

http://www.hema.nl/site/FotoView.aspx?userid=1c82a23d-70ac-48e6-ab64-cfaa0e5f76a7&albumid=71415245-285c-40b8-a7b5-816668cf9301&picid=63070b02-cba7-40be-b2d0-8fb46debad37&ratio=true&vsize=395&hsize=526&rot=0

p-)

my precious woot :hug:

[seventy6er]

Great posts there, guys! woot And great pics.

The pics of the Dutch Leo firing the LKE-round are impressive.

I just love the Leo :hug:

woot

[Ipkiss]

Thank you for the timely help, Stvvkomp. Your translations are far superior to multi-lingual IKEA instructions.


Thank god I thought I was the only one having these problems :roll:
At the end there's always one screw left ;)

[Audie Murphy]

I am a tanker too (Leopard 2A4, Leopardo 2E -A6EX plus- next) See that and make me a present ;

http://www.ronner.net/ MOVIE OF THE MONTH

Leopard 2A5 DK (Danish) vs T72

SABOT LOADED, FIRE AT WILL!!!

[strvkomp]

What is it you're trying to say with your post? I don't get it?

[Hadamar]

Thank god I thought I was the only one having these problems :roll:
At the end there's always one screw left ;)
The IKEA in Seattle seems to be quite generous. According to friends who frequent the store, each piece of furniture came with multiples of redundant screws. Some friends gave me their IKEA cast offs when I moved in to my current house. I got a bed frame, a desk, a dresser and a box of twenty or so different screws that go who knows where.

[strvkomp]

You open it manually? I wonder if it's faster. Nevertheless it's impractical in the Dutch leo's since we have other equipment getting in the way, maybe it's easier to operate in the strv122. As soon as I hear the "on the way" I'd hit the switch and pull out the most left round. In any case, we both agree that we got the cannon loaded with a fresh one before the gunner has his next target in view..

Why would you have equipment in the way for the emergency-doorhandle? What would you do if the ammodoorbutton got busted?
When I hear "skott kommer"(on the way), I pull down the handle so that you just have to slide the door open. I don't open the door until the shots actually been fired. If I were to, it would make our whole way of loading unnecessary. Our way, we eliminate the risk of the ammo exploding, with minimum time loss between shots.
Considering the average reloading time is between 3,5 and 6 seconds depending on if your loading on the move or standing stil, or loading the much heavier HE-grenade, I would prefere the Swedish method.
This since accidents with ammo kept in the open when fireing the maingun do happend, and the fact that we still keep a very high rate of reloading.

But I do agree that the gunner had a fresh round before spotting his next target, in most cases. sometimes he overshot or got a bad hit. Then you gotta hustle hustle hustle! =)


Can anyone tell me the actual reloadingtimes on the M1 and Leo?

//Strvkomp

[strvkomp]

Thank you for the timely help, Stvvkomp. Your translations are far superior to multi-lingual IKEA instructions.

The drive sprocket on the band track equipped CV9040 has more teeth on it than the conventional CV9040. I don't know how difficult it would be to switch out the drive sprocket along with the bandtrack. If that is not too large a challenge a CV90 class vehicle could be equipped with a bandtrack for low intensity, urban or training environments, then re-equipped with a steel track for the rare instances in which heavy armor formations battle each other.


When I was reading about the hybrid M113 made by United Defense I noted that the company, too, stated that a temporary fix to a damaged band track was being developed. The specific details was not, however, revealed.

I would imagine that a disabled vehicle with one band track intact would be easier to tow than a similarly disabled steel-tracked vehicle because of less rolling resistance. But I don't know how practical if would be to tow an IFV for a long period of time. The road wheels on the side that lost its track would be subjected to additional wear.


Hey Hadamar.

I am no expert on the CV90, my knowledge is strictly restrained to strv122. ;)

But, there isn't a major undertaking in switching the drive-sprocket on a CV90. For a well trained crew, under good conditions it might take around 20 to 40 minutes. This under good conditions. If your half way down in a lake, or knee deep in mud it would obviously take longer.

As far as towing goes with the strv122. If the damaged track is rolling, you tow it to wherever you wanna go. If it doesen't, you take the track off, attach it to one of the hooks and then tow the MBT to designated point. Disregarding the wearing of the road wheels. Some variations may accure, but this is what I was learned.

[Hadamar]

Thank you for passing on your knowledge, Strvkomp. I truly appreciate it.

http://www.mss.mil.se/article.php?id=2123
http://img222.exs.cx/img222/9607/122skyttplats9nx.jpg
http://img222.exs.cx/img222/4094/122vagnchefsplats9fm.jpg
http://img131.exs.cx/img131/6893/122lsstt6mo.jpg
http://img148.exs.cx/img148/7974/122lsspe2yy.jpg
http://img148.exs.cx/img148/9275/122laddarplats0gg.jpg
http://img232.exs.cx/img232/3397/122forarplats24ab.jpg
http://img232.exs.cx/img232/5397/122kanon2cl.jpg
http://img232.exs.cx/img232/445/122mattfront4mk.jpg
http://img232.exs.cx/img232/7126/122mattsida8dd.jpg
http://img192.exs.cx/img192/1032/strv122mcsbmsulcas5px.jpg
http://img192.exs.cx/img192/7484/rokkastare122foto3sl.jpg
http://img206.exs.cx/img206/7263/strvutb040929off1xo.jpg
http://img206.exs.cx/img206/9865/strvtame0411skott8ou.jpg
http://img206.exs.cx/img206/1814/strvtame0411radam9op.jpg
http://img206.exs.cx/img206/2667/strvtame0411lastam9ma.jpg
http://img239.exs.cx/img239/9184/strvtame0411eldror3rf.jpg
http://img239.exs.cx/img239/3079/strvtame0411backaut6lx.jpg

[strvkomp]

No problem Hadamar, it's my pleasure!

I've just heard the other day that the CV90 and the Bradley acutually has the same propulsion sprockets and roadwheels. The only difference is that they're manufactured in our respective countries.

AS far as the picture goes.
The second one from the top shows the commanders position, not from a tank though, but from the TBTA(TornBesättningTräningsAnläggning). The TBTA is a higly sofisticated traininginstrument where the turretcrew can train on ther respective positions in a totaly autenthic enviorment with computerized surroundings.

In the pic where the turret is removed, the Captain kneeling is my former PlatoonCommander. I was actually there when the turret was removed. It was made by some good freinds of mine with the Bgbv120.
http://www.armen.mil.se/index.php?c=news&id=20490

All pictures underneath that one are taken in Tåme. Tåme is where my regiment performes their live firing exercises.

[Audie Murphy]

The photo which have an device with 4 green tubes or grenades... is GALIX SYSTEM??

[strvkomp]

Yes it the GIAT, GALIX Smokesystem. Mounted on all Strv122, 122B and 121B. Also mounted on all Swedish CV90.
Caliber: 80,5 mm
Type/Modell: Galix 2x4
Placement: 4 on each side of turret
Function: Electrtical firing of right, left or both sides.
Effect: Blocks both visual and InfraRed sight.
Manufacturer: GIAT Industries.

Fires 120o, visual protective smoke 40m out, IR protective smoke 15m out.
Also capable of firing HE-rounds.

//Strvkomp

PS: Thanks to soldf.com for info.

[strvkomp]

So Hadamar. Just curious, what kind of experience you have in tanks?

[easyand]

There are differences between a normal LEO 2A5 and a Strv122?

[Ipkiss]

I'll leave that answer to strvkomp since he knows the stridsvagn122 way better than I do.. :P

[Hadamar]

So Hadamar. Just curious, what kind of experience you have in tanks?

I don't have any tank or military experience. I haven't seen one in person, only in books, on TV and the net.

[AVZ]

There are differences between a normal LEO 2A5 and a Strv122?

The Strv122 is better because of the better tank command system. I don't know it's real name. But some germans were sad to see abetter tank be fielded in an others nation army because of too less money in the military budget in Germany.

[strvkomp]

Pjuuu... I was hoping this question wouldn't come up. But since it did, you're in for the long run... :D

The general opinion is that the Leopard 2A5S or Stridsvagn 122 is a upgraded model of the Leo2, it's not. It's a whole new MBT.

The front hull and glacis are fitted with additional armor plates, and the inside of the tank is completely equipped with liner. This to reduce flying debris and shrapnel inside the battlecompartment when/if hit by rounds of different sorts.

The strv122 is equpped with the TCCS, TankCommand and ControlSystem or in Swedish LSS, LedningsStödSystem. The TCCS is a fully Swedish-developed system. It allows the commander to perfom a high variety of actions, such as: Fuel level check, type in radio and code keys, send messages to other tanks digitally, thus reducing the amount of radiotraffic. The TCCS also has a navigation system, POS 4 aswell as an addiotional GPS. This allows the commander to see freindly units, minefields, suspected and confirmed whereabouts of enemy units. This is all displayed on a tactical, digitall map which the commader can zoom, twist, turn or change as he best pleases. It also aids in target designation, navigational, logistic and ammunitions data. Aswell as ballistic information.

On the TCCS, higher commanders, such as Batalion, coy or platoon commanders can send orders, plans and routes of attack to individual tanks. This is the presented on the digital map. Because of the GPS capability of the TCCS, there is world wide map available. This map has an incredible display of details and can be zoomed in to target very small objects.

The TCCS is also connected to a display in the drivers position where the commadner can type in orders and waypoints. The driver can then, unassisted move the tank to where the commander desires, without aid. This display is shown in one of the pictures above.
For night driving the driver uses a Generation 2+ image enhancer.

New, stronger torsion bars, same as on Panzerhaubitze 2000 are installed togheter with reinforced brake disks. This due to the heavier weight of strv122. Combat loaded the strv 122 weighs in in the vincinty of 63 tons. Compared to the A5s 59 tons

The engine compartment is constantly cooled to reduce the IR signature, and heat sensors installed in the engine compartment would automatically cut off fan and air intake operation if the Strv 122 should come under attack by napalm.
In addition to that, all fuel tanks are equipped with special additional explosion-supressing filling liquid.

The roadwheels are fitted with armored wheel hubs.

The front and sides of the strv 122 has the same wedge-shaped armor as the Leo 2A5. But, the turret roof, and loaders and commaders hatchets are heavily up-armored.
The hatchets are about 20cm thick and coverd in liner. As they weigh quite a bit they are not opend in the tradiotional maner. They have to be slided open or shut. This done manualy and NOT electrically as many of you seem to think.

The commanders periscope has an individual IR-sight aswell as an optic sight. The commader can also look and follow the gunners IR and optic sight with a small screen. This is also shown in the pictures above. The periscope also has an armored protective sheild which is manually put down when not using it. When in use the periscope has a sort of armored "cage" providing some protection, plus that the periscope itself is surronded by armorplatings. The periscope, the gunners IR and optic sight and the drivers prism are all fitted with windsheildwipers and windsheildfluid.

The gunners computer carries data for up to 12 different rounds, although only five types of ammunition are currently being used. On this computer he can also adjust gunpowder temp, outside temp, moist etc etc. All to increase the accuracy.

The strv 122 is also equipped with a 25mm barrel insert system. This is used for basic firing trainig.
The laser rangefinder integrated in the EMES-15 uses the eye-safe Raman-shifted laser.

And as I mentioned, the GIAT GALIX mortars are installed.
Caliber: 80,5 mm
Type/Modell: Galix 2x4
Placement: 4 on each side of turret
Function: Electrtical firing of right, left or both sides.
Effect: Blocks both visual and InfraRed sight.
Manufacturer: GIAT Industries.
Fires 120o, visual protective smoke 40m out, IR protective smoke 15m out. The GALIX is also capable of firing HE-rounds, flares and more.

The Stridsvagn 122 is painted in the M/90 camouflage colour scheme.
This is the same pattern used on the Swedish uniforms and on virtually all of our veichles and equippment which requires camouflage.

The strv 122 is also equipped with the SAAB BARRACUDA System. I've explained this before. But i.e. it's a thick, for the strv 122 custom made camonet you dress the tank in. It is a highly effective camouflage but more over, and much more importantly, it reduces the IR-signautre to virtually nothing.

In addition to all theese features the strv122 is equipped with all the features seen on other modern MBTs, such as climat control, kitchen and what else you can think of.

//Strvkomp

[strvkomp]

@Hadamar: Oki doki. Just wondering. Hope you won't get offended by me asking like some other poser idiots are. I was simply just curious and it would be fun to trade experiences and such with fellow tankers other than our nice Ipkiss.

@easyand: These are all the main differences I could think of. There are probably a few more, some which I know, but who are secret for obvious reasons. Some I just couldn't think of.

@AVZ: And some other things... :D

Best regards

//Strvkomp

[drkfce]

In addition to all theese features the strv122 is equipped with all the features seen on other modern MBTs, such as climat control, kitchen and what else you can think of.

//Strvkomp

Kitchen? Hehe, why do you need a stove when you have MREs?

[strvkomp]

Because we Swedes are very posh wouldn't even consider eating something that isn't hot and well taisting. ;)
Nah.
What it is is a boiler where you can cook water and anything else that goes with water. You can cook about two liters at the time and there's a tap at the bottom so you don't have to use it all at once. We usually just cook cordialsoup and heat our rations. The same boiler is fitted in the swedish CV90s.

//Strvkomp

[Hadamar]

Because we Swedes are very posh wouldn't even consider eating something that isn't hot and well taisting. ;)
Nah.
What it is is a boiler where you can cook water and anything else that goes with water. You can cook about two liters at the time and there's a tap at the bottom so you don't have to use it all at once. We usually just cook cordialsoup and heat our rations. The same boiler is fitted in the swedish CV90s.

//Strvkomp
An old Hagglunds (before acquisition by BAE systems) CV90 brochure I saw said that the vehicle is equipped with a portable toilet. As the English would say, "That's posh!"

[easyand]

Pjuuu... I was hoping this question wouldn't come up. But since it did, you're in for the long run... :D

The general opinion is that the Leopard 2A5S or Stridsvagn 122 is a upgraded model of the Leo2, it's not. It's a whole new MBT.

The front hull and glacis are fitted with additional armor plates, and the inside of the tank is completely equipped with liner. This to reduce flying debris and shrapnel inside the battlecompartment when/if hit by rounds of different sorts.

The strv122 is equpped with the TCCS, TankCommand and ControlSystem or in Swedish LSS, LedningsStödSystem. The TCCS is a fully Swedish-developed system. It allows the commander to perfom a high variety of actions, such as: Fuel level check, type in radio and code keys, send messages to other tanks digitally, thus reducing the amount of radiotraffic. The TCCS also has a navigation system, POS 4 aswell as an addiotional GPS. This allows the commander to see freindly units, minefields, suspected and confirmed whereabouts of enemy units. This is all displayed on a tactical, digitall map which the commader can zoom, twist, turn or change as he best pleases. It also aids in target designation, navigational, logistic and ammunitions data. Aswell as ballistic information.

On the TCCS, higher commanders, such as Batalion, coy or platoon commanders can send orders, plans and routes of attack to individual tanks. This is the presented on the digital map. Because of the GPS capability of the TCCS, there is world wide map available. This map has an incredible display of details and can be zoomed in to target very small objects.

The TCCS is also connected to a display in the drivers position where the commadner can type in orders and waypoints. The driver can then, unassisted move the tank to where the commander desires, without aid. This display is shown in one of the pictures above.
For night driving the driver uses a Generation 2+ image enhancer.

New, stronger torsion bars, same as on Panzerhaubitze 2000 are installed togheter with reinforced brake disks. This due to the heavier weight of strv122. Combat loaded the strv 122 weighs in in the vincinty of 63 tons. Compared to the A5s 59 tons

The engine compartment is constantly cooled to reduce the IR signature, and heat sensors installed in the engine compartment would automatically cut off fan and air intake operation if the Strv 122 should come under attack by napalm.
In addition to that, all fuel tanks are equipped with special additional explosion-supressing filling liquid.

The roadwheels are fitted with armored wheel hubs.

The front and sides of the strv 122 has the same wedge-shaped armor as the Leo 2A5. But, the turret roof, and loaders and commaders hatchets are heavily up-armored.
The hatchets are about 20cm thick and coverd in liner. As they weigh quite a bit they are not opend in the tradiotional maner. They have to be slided open or shut. This done manualy and NOT electrically as many of you seem to think.

The commanders periscope has an individual IR-sight aswell as an optic sight. The commader can also look and follow the gunners IR and optic sight with a small screen. This is also shown in the pictures above. The periscope also has an armored protective sheild which is manually put down when not using it. When in use the periscope has a sort of armored "cage" providing some protection, plus that the periscope itself is surronded by armorplatings. The periscope, the gunners IR and optic sight and the drivers prism are all fitted with windsheildwipers and windsheildfluid.

The gunners computer carries data for up to 12 different rounds, although only five types of ammunition are currently being used. On this computer he can also adjust gunpowder temp, outside temp, moist etc etc. All to increase the accuracy.

The strv 122 is also equipped with a 25mm barrel insert system. This is used for basic firing trainig.
The laser rangefinder integrated in the EMES-15 uses the eye-safe Raman-shifted laser.

And as I mentioned, the GIAT GALIX mortars are installed.
Caliber: 80,5 mm
Type/Modell: Galix 2x4
Placement: 4 on each side of turret
Function: Electrtical firing of right, left or both sides.
Effect: Blocks both visual and InfraRed sight.
Manufacturer: GIAT Industries.
Fires 120o, visual protective smoke 40m out, IR protective smoke 15m out. The GALIX is also capable of firing HE-rounds, flares and more.

The Stridsvagn 122 is painted in the M/90 camouflage colour scheme.
This is the same pattern used on the Swedish uniforms and on virtually all of our veichles and equippment which requires camouflage.

The strv 122 is also equipped with the SAAB BARRACUDA System. I've explained this before. But i.e. it's a thick, for the strv 122 custom made camonet you dress the tank in. It is a highly effective camouflage but more over, and much more importantly, it reduces the IR-signautre to virtually nothing.

In addition to all theese features the strv122 is equipped with all the features seen on other modern MBTs, such as climat control, kitchen and what else you can think of.

//Strvkomp

Thanks!

[strvkomp]

@Hadamar
The CV90 is indeed equipped with a portable toilet. It's more of a foldable steelchair, without the actual seat and backrest. Clear enough?? ;)

@easyand
No problem. Any questionmarks or something you want to clear up/know more of?

[drkfce]

The liner on the interior equipment, is that planned to be sold to allied countries, or is it going to be a Leo specific triat?

[Luno]

Two more pictures off the Strv 122 :D
http://img211.exs.cx/img211/9559/torn1hd.jpg
http://img211.exs.cx/img211/1278/upplyft3aq.jpg

[Hadamar]

Shouldn't the driver be out of his compartment for safety reasons when the turret is being lowered in or hoisted out of the chassis?

[Luno]

Nope ha have fieldcap M/90 it will protect him if the turret falls down :D

[jon]

Nope ha have fieldcap M/90 it will protect him if the turret falls down :D
:lol:

That's why I'm wearing the fieldcap instead of my helmet in my avatar p-)

[strvkomp]

That's the same photos I linked to earlier. I have some polaroids of my own of that lift. If I get around to scaning them to a computer, I'll be sure to post em'.

Anyways. The guy in the driversseat was a technician in the logisticscoy in my batalion. They togheter with the Bgbv120 crew from my coy performed this lift. The reason the turret is taken off is that cracks appeard on it.

In order to reapair the cracks. The following was done.

First of all you get a truck from Germany to drive up to Sweden to come get the turret. You then have to lift it of, put it on a special rig(the orange thing) and ship it to Germany for repairs.
When in germany you have to remove everything, and I do mean everything from the turret. All electronics, all switches and gadgets, all computers and what not. Everything is removed. And if you know tanks, you know that there's quite a few things in the turret that can be removed.

While removing all this you have to build a rig, inside the turret to keep it from colapsing under its own weight. See, when you've removed everything, so that the turret is just an empty shell, the incredible weight of the turret(25 tons) makes it pretty instabil. This is where this rig comes in handy. If the rig isn't in place, the turret would collapse like a deck of cards.

From here you "just" gotta fix the cracks. How this is performed I don't have any detailed info about, but I guess it involves some high-power welding and hammering. What I do know is that it takes an ridiculous amount of manhours.

According to reliable sources of mine, the cost for all of this would be equivalent of a brand new strv122.

In other words; It's quite a feat!

//Strvkomp

[Hadamar]

I didn't realize tanks were like consumer electronics, more expensive to repair than to replace.

[strvkomp]

They're usualy not. However theese were extraordinary circumstances requiring special means.
Even so, needless to say, the maintenance of strv122 is very costly indeed. For every 10km the strv122 cost 14'000 sek(Swedish kronor) a year for maintenace and fuel. This excluding the cost for major repairs such as this one.

[strvkomp]

BTW. Just heard from a freind of mine with that the boiler mounted in strv122 and Swedish CV90s is an English boiler developed in the sixties. It was originally mounted in the Chieftain.

[jmcmtank]

BTW. Just heard from a freind of mine with that the boiler mounted in strv122 and Swedish CV90s is an English boiler developed in the sixties. It was originally mounted in the Chieftain.
Known affectionately as the BV (boiling vessel) btw. I was on ranges once in Wales and the tower warned me that I had left my BV on-doing so produces loads of steam-which was odd since you had to dismount it for firing or the recoiling gun crushed it. What they really meant was that we were smoking so much it was pouring out of the turret. :lol:

[jon]

They're usualy not. However theese were extraordinary circumstances requiring special means.
Even so, needless to say, the maintenance of strv122 is very costly indeed. For every 10km the strv122 cost 14'000 sek(Swedish kronor) a year for maintenace and fuel. This excluding the cost for major repairs such as this one.

14000 sek ~ $2000

[Luno]

They're usualy not. However theese were extraordinary circumstances requiring special means.
Even so, needless to say, the maintenance of strv122 is very costly indeed. For every 10km the strv122 cost 14'000 sek(Swedish kronor) a year for maintenace and fuel. This excluding the cost for major repairs such as this one.

14000 sek ~ $2000

damn that’s allot off money… put Strv 122 in the same mountain hanger as PBV501 (BMP 1) and throw away the key

[strvkomp]

OI!
You just calm yourself down!! ;)

[Luno]

Hehe don’t worry :D I am just kidding mate ;) we don’t need to put in more vehicle in the mountain and we don’t want to mix German high-tech tanks with Russian crap :D

[strvkomp]

I removed the old pictures, but I'll replace em' with others shortly.

@Hadamar & Ipkiss

Sorry I had to jinx your ****** healing but I'll promise I'll get you guys new ones... ;)

/Strvkomp

[HardThunder]

What kind of person would remove good pictures of tanks, even if it is pics of that German thing ;-)

I like that you call it s ----- 122 or what ever ;-) but I think you should give it a name. Like for some Viking ship or something. Or Thor, something, Hammer of Thor!

ANyway thanks for the old pics, and looking forward to the new ones.

[Wodan]

What kind of person would remove good pictures of tanks, even if it is pics of that German thing ;-)

I like that you call it s ----- 122 or what ever ;-) but I think you should give it a name. Like for some Viking ship or something. Or Thor, something, Hammer of Thor!

ANyway thanks for the old pics, and looking forward to the new ones.

Mjölnir rules!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/de/c/c0/Thorshammer.png

http://www.kosmische-hanse.de/waffenhq/Schie%dfbahn.JPG

[Luno]

What kind of person would remove good pictures of tanks, even if it is pics of that German thing ;-)

I like that you call it s ----- 122 or what ever ;-) but I think you should give it a name. Like for some Viking ship or something. Or Thor, something, Hammer of Thor!

ANyway thanks for the old pics, and looking forward to the new ones.

Mjölnir rules!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/de/c/c0/Thorshammer.png

http://www.kosmische-hanse.de/waffenhq/Schie%dfbahn.JPG

I think Freya is a better name off a tank =)
Freya was the goddess of *** and later also war and death p-)

[HardThunder]

I don’t know. It is a good tank, in fact in the top three. Mainland China has sexier looking tanks. The S----122 is sexier then the s----121, but military equipment to me just is not that sexy. Maybe if it came in other colors I would have a different view, but I think not. It’s an object, a tool. Freya would be more like the Patron Saint of tankers or something like that. But then again it’s not my tank.