Alright let's get started!
I don't think that in the Leclerc the glacis is covered by composite armour and not the lower hull. The original Leclercs from series 1 had thinner glacis armour, which was thickened on later models. I don't think that this would be necessary if the glacis was covered by (semi-modular) composite armour.
The armor modules are composite, the tip of the glacis got some. See the picture brought up by LaVic.
Hmmm, could you please give me some hints about the thinner armor protection of séries 1?
AFAIK, the LOS thickness haven't changed. Just a mudguard on the tip of the chassis...
According to a French tanker from TankNet the newer Leclerc series 2 and 3 (XXI) tanks have a glacis armor scheme similar to this:
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+Série 1 + prototypes.
The sloped pinkish slab is supposed to be modular as well according some research I made. The only thing that strikes me is the outter appearance that only has welds... Looks as if a thin slab is put over the packages.
The armor scheme for Leclerc S2 and S3 summed up:
Well there are some ideas but not really efficient as "armor protection". Blowout panels are not quite appropriated for ERA devices.
I am pretty sure DarkLabor already has his own copy of the book and sucked all the information out of it as much as he could.
Touché! :thumb: Actually the book is a good indicator on how it evolved, how it could evolved if we only had conventionnal weapons. If you are looking only for armor, you'll be disapointed. The blueprints are misleading. (who said the cake is a lie?)
Volna, Militarysta
One of the french tank commanders on tanknet said that it was ERA of some kind though he did not elaborate. Marc Chassilans Leclerc book also mentions reactive armor, but it does not elaborate what type of ERA it is. Concerning Leclers overall protection levels the book is very vague in general. For instance, the side turret armor is being described to be impervious to RPG 7s. The author does not elaborate on what type of RPG 7 he is referring too. Concerning the frontal protection arc, it just states that the front offers protection against large anti tank guided missiles and high calibre kinetic energy projectiles.
Well, keep in mind that we won't say anything that can endanger the crews. At the same time Mr Chassillan had a good idea to promote the weapon system by making a book. That's one of the reasons that I'm what I am now.
The Leclerc's heavy side skirts do not seem to have composite inserts. Can anyone confirm this ?
Yet it has. The only question I have is : "How did they stick those plates? There are no welding lines."
I know that I don't bring any clue of what I claim, but my intention is to bring the truth concerning that tank that suffered some rumors, lies, etc. (even within french army).
Very fast Abrams support
