Manufacturer: GIAT Industries
The French, their military history aside, actually are widely known in Europe for their innovative and solid armored vehicle designs. In the mid 1980’s, Britain introduced its Challenger 2 main battle tank, Germany rolled out the impressive Leopard 2, and the US unveiled its M1A1 Abrams tank. The world was being introduced to battle machinery that combined decades of design research and cutting edge electronics systems. Not wanting to be left behind, the French decided to join the party. They had initially planned on simply importing the German Leopard 2 tank, but after some cost forecasting and design speculation, these plans were rejected. Thus the French decided to design their own tank, and they specialized in different aspects of design from other Western tanks. In steps the GIAT industries Leclerc French Main Battle Tank.
Indeed, it only bodes well for Western civilization to have diversity amongst tank designs, especially among allies. The most notable specializations of the Leclerc are its propulsion and driving capabilities. The Leclerc is not only the fastest western tank, but it is also the quickest to stop, having a hydro pneumatic retarder built into the gearbox that can utilize the tanks engine to aide in slowing the vehicle. Likewise, these capabilities are also made possible because the Leclerc is the lightest main battle tank, which also helps it to be transported easily and cost-effectively. All in all, the Leclerc Main Battle Tank is an impressive design that adds value to the militaries of NATO.
Check out this Leclerc tank video, it is ominously set to the classical piece Requiem for a Dream.
| Tank Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Unit Weight | 56 tonnes |
| Length in Meters | 9.87 m (6.88 without gun) |
| Width | 3.60 m |
| Height | 2.50 m |
| Crew | 3 (Commander, gunner, driver) |
Engine : 8-cylinder diesel Wärtsilä 1,500 hp (1,100 kW)
9 Responses
when I think about what makes a main battle tank superior I cannot help thinking about a tank that is not just well armoured and fast but a tank that can reload and refire its main gun accurately at its opponent faster than the opponent can. This makes the LeCleric a clear winner as the best MBT of to-day.It is well armoured, it is fast, its battle information system is superior to any other trank of today, and its main gun can re-fire faster than any other known tank of to-day.The LeCleric clearly gets my vote as the best MBT of to-day
Posted on April 1st, 2008 at 6:24 pm
This will finally put to rest all those lame French tank jokes. I think the Leclerc is the most balanced of all the western tanks. Sure, tanks like the Abrams and Challenger may have slightly better armor but that just means they’re heavier and require that much more fuel to move. For the fast paced combat of today I think the Leclerc is most suited.
Posted on June 6th, 2008 at 10:26 am
I’m not quite sure where i stand on this, it pains me to say that a french tank is the best, but it might be, but the question is moot, a tank is useless if just keep surrendering.
Posted on October 18th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Amen, CJ….
The French have a long illustrious history of doing just that!
And the LeClerc has never been battle tested, vs. Abrams & Challenger, who have come out THEE top winners…
LeClerc? It’s a ‘pretty’ MBT….but it hasn’t proven itself….maybe it could be used to deliver French pastry’s to the REAL tankers in the FEBA….HA!
Posted on January 17th, 2009 at 2:23 am
Its fast so it can retreat.
And high rate of fire so it can prey on massed outdated tanks.
The french way of war.
Posted on May 2nd, 2009 at 3:19 pm
[...] Tigers. Technical sophistacation found with the likes of Western MBTs such as the German Leopard, French Leclerc, British Challenger 2, and the American Abrams M1, are expensive and time-consuming to produce and [...]
Posted on May 19th, 2009 at 3:03 am
You guys are lame with your uninspired French jokes.
You better study history a bit more, obviously you don’t beyond the birth of your own country which was very recent! Go back to primary school dummies.
As for the the Leclerc, it is indeed impressive.
Posted on May 29th, 2009 at 5:11 am
The French Leclerc MBT is not suited for modern war…
The Challenger and Abrahms have thick armour at every angle you could imagine, because theres constant treats of RPG attacks , and other anti tank tools…
I’m Glad such a tank was made, because it is needed in NATO’s arsenal, the Leclerc is more of a SOF tank, get a whole bunch in at night, strike, and leave, very smart, and possibly useful in the near future, as for now, the thick armour tanks will have to do, in this theater of war
Posted on August 18th, 2009 at 4:13 am
honestly it is to me a good raider’s tank. Light, Fast, good maneuverability, and quick reloading time. I myself am more of a shock kinda guy so I gotta go with the Abrams, Challenger, and Leopard. I prefer lots of armor in lots of places, and good firing capability. I like the idea of the leclerc, but at this time I just can’t see it unless it’s gonna play into the theatre of eastern europe or middle east because of it’s need for room to play. all around good tank though. just not my cup of tea.
Posted on November 20th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
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