Posted on 07/11/2007 4:38:26 PM PDT by Clive
MUNSTER, Germany – "I think this is the best tank in the world," states Master Corporal Patrick Lepage, of 12e Régiment blindé du Canada (12 RBC). He shares his sentiments on the Leopard 2A6M tank that Canada has leased from Germany echoing the thoughts of all the troops at the training centre in Munster Germany.
Capt Pascal Croteau (on right) and WO Yves Curadeau both from 12 RBC measure the distance between the 120mm holes to ensure that the tank that fired the rounds is functioning correctly.
MCpl Lepage is the crew commander of 32C; his crew is comprised of soldiers from 12 RBC. But the soldiers training in Munster are a diverse group and have come from all of the Regular Force Armoured units, Lord Strathcona Horse (Royal Canadians) (LdSH(RC)), Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) and 12 RBC and
Army News caught up with the troops near the end of their training and all of them were itching to get on the range and fire the powerful 120mm gun.
To begin their training crews were split up as the drivers went off to the German driving school while the rest of the crews spent time in classrooms and simulators. The Canadians were very appreciative of the knowledge and skill level of their German instructors, although at times the lessons could be challenging, as they were conducted through translators.
The German Army takes a very structured approach to instruction and they wanted to make sure that the Canadian soldiers fully understood each stage of instruction before moving on. While this proved to be a little frustrating to the Canadians it was fully understood. The troops doing the training now will be deploying to Afghanistan later this summer and will be using the Leopard 2A6M's in theatre.
A Leopard 2A6M fires a round down range during work up training held near Munster Germany.
Once the dry training had been completed crews were all reunited and the tanks taken on a 50km road move to the training area where the live fire portion of the training would commence. The tanks thundering down the back roads of the Munster area was a very impressive sight and sound. With the weight of the tank at 62,000kg and 6 of them thundering down the road each with 1500 horse power propelling them it caused the ground to shake and prompted one nervous photographer to move well away from the road.
One reason for the extreme weight is the added armour under the belly of the vehicle. The extra armour adds protection for the crew compartment of the vehicle should there be a landmine or IED strike directly under the vehicle.
According to Warrant Officer John Harju of the RCD the Leopard 2A6M is "probably the best protected tank in the world."
Once at the range the Canadians were lead through their paces by their very experienced Germany Army instructors. They went through their bore sighting, zeroing, static shooting with both the 120mm smooth bore gun and the German MG3 machine guns. Once the guns were sited and the static training was completed, the crews started with stab runs during the day and night and culminated their training with troop battle runs.
Cpl Eric Leduc the gunner on 32C has this message for those who would challenge the Leopard 2A6M in Afghanistan, "Be prepared, we will rock!"
Article and photos by Sergeant Brad Phillips.
The crew of 32C prepare their Leopard 2A6M for live fire drills
Capt Pascal Croteau (on right) and WO Yves Curadeau both from 12 RBC measure the distance between the 120mm holes to ensure that the tank that fired the rounds is functioning correctly.
A Leopard 2A6M fires a round down range during work up training held near Munster Germany.
The lease was necessary in order to equip the next rotation to take place next month.
The tanks currently deployed are Leopard C2, effectively a Leopard C1 turret modified to C2 level. The lack of air conditioning in the C2 is problematic for summer operations in Afghanistan.
LOL! Gotta love the targets with the *huge* holes in them!
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Co Canandian Tankers!
Why did the Canuks chose the Leopard 2 over the British Challenger 2 or the US M1 A2 Abrams?
I’m guessing to leverage off of our experience with our existing Leapard tanks.
D’oh, but I can see the DNA of the WW2 Tiger tanks in the Leopards design, specifically the flat-front of the turret.
Because we already use Leopard 1’s and the Leo 2 A6 is hands down the best tank in the world. All Canadian tankers have been dreaming about Leo 2’s for years.
Treadhead ping
Yes, but can it power slide?
Congrats to the Canadian tankers - that’s a nice piece of machinery.
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