Hello all, here is today's article posted on TheArmoryLife.com. It is titled “France’s Leclerc Tank” and can be found at https://www.thearmorylife.com/leclerc-tank-france-mbt/.
France’s Leclerc Tank
- Thread starter Mike H.
- Start date
Cedric
Professional
A couple of thoughts:
- We can't completely comprehend the lighter armor of French tanks unless we understand their employment of nukes. The schism between NATO and France had to do with command a control of nuclear weapons, not an overarching desire to separate from the alliance. (We actually maneuvered with French forces in the late 70s.) France's tank design was similar to the Leopard 1 in that it was based on "just enough" armor to provide protection from blast and heat, to have a satisfactory low transmission factor of radiation, and the mobility to get out of an area or cross a contaminated area quickly. Their view was if the Warsaw Pact attacked and showed up on the German side of the Rhine, then they would respond with tactical nukes.
- I didn't know about the longer gun tube. The Leo II and Abrams adopted the shorter 120mm for better capability in restricted terrain and urban environments.
- We can't completely comprehend the lighter armor of French tanks unless we understand their employment of nukes. The schism between NATO and France had to do with command a control of nuclear weapons, not an overarching desire to separate from the alliance. (We actually maneuvered with French forces in the late 70s.) France's tank design was similar to the Leopard 1 in that it was based on "just enough" armor to provide protection from blast and heat, to have a satisfactory low transmission factor of radiation, and the mobility to get out of an area or cross a contaminated area quickly. Their view was if the Warsaw Pact attacked and showed up on the German side of the Rhine, then they would respond with tactical nukes.
- I didn't know about the longer gun tube. The Leo II and Abrams adopted the shorter 120mm for better capability in restricted terrain and urban environments.
Talyn
Emissary
The various Gens of the Abrams have stayed with the L44, whereas everyone else using the Rh-120 (mm) have moved to the L55.