Presentation Sheet – Leclerc Main Battle Tank Prototypes

Programme Name: EPC (Engin Principal de Combat – Main Combat Vehicle)
Country: France
Programme Start: 1978
Objective: To replace the AMX-30 with a next-generation tank offering enhanced protection, firepower, and full digitisation.

Main Leclerc Prototypes:

Leclerc PT1 (Prototype 1 – 1986)

Purpose: To test mobility and chassis base

Features:

Bare chassis without an operational turret

SACM V8X-1500 engine

Hydropneumatic suspension

Demonstrated propulsion and off-road mobility

Leclerc PT2 (Prototype 2 – 1987)

Purpose: Initial turret integration

Features:

Early trials with 120 mm gun

Partial autoloader system

Initial fire control and sighting tests

Early version had a simplified or mock-up turret

Leclerc PT3 (Prototype 3 – 1988)

Purpose: First full systems integration

Features:

Functional turret with thermal sights

Fully operational autoloader

Live-fire capability

Reliability testing begins

Leclerc PT4 (Prototype 4 – 1989)

Purpose: Pre-production representative prototype

Features:

Full integration of all subsystems

Near-final version of battle management system

Modular composite armour tested

GIAT CN120-26 smoothbore gun with autoloader

Intensive trials on firepower, mobility, crew layout, and survivability

Transition to Production:

Following PT5, development moved into pre-series production (Series 0) in 1990. The Leclerc officially entered service with the French Army in 1992

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