Leclerc - New French Tank, Like the M1A2, Uses Digital Architecture

the crew dismounting. Likewise, maintenance and logistics troops in Leclerc units will be trained to conduct rearming and refueling operations. The active Leclerc unit is experimenting with an examination which, once refined, may be used to select gunner or driver candidates with desirable Leclerc-specific characteristics. Leclerc is a specialized system. In the threat-rich environment of 21st century wars, French doctrinal thinkers see it being accompanied by other vehicles to protect it. In many ways, this vehicle is viewed less like a tank and more like an aircraft. Like its American and German counterparts, the Leclerc includes a digital communication system. The French have developed a three-tiered architecture, of which the Command Information System (or SIC, at division level) and Regimental Information System (SIR) have been developed, and the Terminal Information System (SIT) is under study. Leclerc platoon leaders communicate with their company and battalion commanders using SIR. At present, the platoon sergeant and the two wingman tanks can transmit only current location, logistics data, and the locations of three designated targets. SIT will add graphics and various message sets. Recognizing the international environment, the French participate in a panel to develop protocols to translate IVIS and the German GeFüSys. The communication system of the tank, like its other high-performance characteristics, also ensures that it must be viewed differently from its predecessor. The French Army has created anew organization for the Leclerc. Previously, tank regiments consisted of 52 or 70 AMX-30s, depending upon the number of companies. Leclerc regiments have 80 tanks divided into two 40-tank battalions (GEs, or groupe d’escadrons). The first such unit, the 501st/503rd Tank Regiment (each GE carrying the colors of a historic tank regiment), stationed at Mourmelon in eastern France, is in the process of drawing its Leclerc tanks. It will be followed next year by the 6th/12th Cuirassier Regiment. In combat, the GEs, which in peacetime share the logistics and administrative assets of the regiment, become completely independent. Operational concepts for this tank have not been written. French doctrine writers correctly realize that some experience with a shoot-on-the-move high performance system is necessary before they commit themselves. However, some innovative ideas have surfaced.6 Given the performance possibilities of the Leclerc, the French believe it is best suited for highly mobile operations, rapid concentration and dispersion of force, pursuit and decisive action, in depth. They believe that the tank should operate in a mixture of patrols (2 tanks) and platoons (4 tanks) depending upon the situation. Infantry, artillery units, logistics, and planning processes will have to adapt to the new tempo of combat that the Leclerc will afford. With the new instrument at their disposal, French cavalry commanders will again be able to operate in a manner consistent with their history of élan. Whatever doctrine emerges from the field trials and think tanks, we can expect the new French armor force to perform aggressively. The Leclerc is causing a revolution in French military thinking. While the machine is only appropriate to its generation — having some advantages and some disadvantages compared to other modern tanks — it has liberated the French perspective of mid- to high-intensity warfare. Anchored to older systems and sidelined for 30 years from NATO cross-pollination, the French focused their innovative energies on other subjects.

The Leclerc has changed all that.

Paradoxically, France’s relative isolation permits it greater freedom of thought. Unfettered by the evolutionary development of doctrine in NATO, and armed with a high performance tank, we can expect the French to develop unusual solutions to the challanges that the new technologies pose.

ARMOR — 39 AMX-Leclerc Main Battle Tank Data and Organization Item Leclerc Item Leclerc Crew 3 Main gun GIAT 120 mm Weight 55.6 t smoothbore Power to wt ratio 26.97 hp/ton 52 caliber Ground pressure 0.9 kg/cm (12.8psi) Ammunition type 1 piece fixed Length (hull) 6.88 m combustible case Length (gun front) 9.87 m stub metal Width (overall) 3.71 m Ammunition Width (over track) 3.31 m nature APFSDS

Height (turret) 2.53 m APFSDS-TPT (overall) 2.92 m HEAT

Ground clearance 500 mm HEAT-TPT

Track width 0.635 m Loading autoloader Track base 4.32 m Max rate of fire 6 rds per m Engine type Uni-Diesel UD Ammunition V8V, 8 cyl, stowed 22 rds ready diesel 40 rds total Engine power 1500 HP/1100kW Coax 12.7 mm Gearbox type SESM ESM 500

Commander MG 7.62 mm No. of Gears 5/2 Grenades GALIX

Max speed (road) 71 kmph (41 mph) smoke Range 550 km (344 mi) AP 700 km w/external tanks Fuel consumption 1.07 mpg cruising 15.79 gal/hr idle Trench 3.0 m Step 3.0 m Databus Digibus Fire Control Computer Dassault Electronique CCT

Commander Sight SFIM HL-70

360° panoramic Day Image Intensifier Gunner Sight SAGEM HL60

Day TI Nd YAG laser Notes 1I wish to thank Engineur-Principal Marie-France t’Kint de Roodenbeke, for her patience in answering my questions, Captain Richard Coleman for our frequent discussions on the Leclerc, and M. Laurent Charrault of the Etablissement Technique d’Angers for his photography. 2The Leclerc is named after Philippe de Haute-cloque who, using the pseudonym Jacques Leclerc to protect his family in occupied France, commanded the French 2nd Armored Division which liberated Paris in 1944. 3To be sure, the AMX-30 has been upgraded over the years, adding a laser rangefinder and reactive armor. But the 105mm-gun tank could not fire on the move.

4While this seems a radical idea today, early armor doctrine borrowed much of its tactical doctrine — as well as terminology — from the navy. 5This in itself is a departure for the French. Previous French tanks had manual transmissions, and no self-respecting Frenchman would own an automobile with an automatic. 6Preliminary thought papers include: “Guide Provisoire d’Emploi des RC 40 Leclerc,” December 1994, and “L’Accompagnement des Unités Leclerc,” 11 July 1995.

Capabilities of the new Leclerc MBT have changed the pace of French military operations and spurred thought on how best to exploit the new tank’s advantages. At page top, an X-ray view. 40 ARMOR — Lieutenant Colonel John Moncure is the American liaison officer to the French Cavalry School. Commissioned from USMA in 1972, he holds a Ph. D. from Cornell University. He has served in the 2nd, 3rd, and 11th ACRs, taught history at West Point, and was Professor of Military Science at Davidson College.