Russian Tank-maker, UVZ “Dissecting” Captured German Leopard 2A6 Tank

A captured German-made Leopard 2A6 is being taken apart by Russian tank manufacturer, Uralvagonzavod (UVZ) to study its key systems such as fire control system, stabilizer, engine and other systems which is improved compared to previous Leopard models.

Aside of some damage to gun, this is the best-preserved example of the Leopard 2A6 which has been capture in Ukraine. For the first time, UVZ specialists will be able to analyze the vehicle's  armor protection, conduct bench tests of the suspension and its individual components, study the gun cradle design, and the devices that ensure the accuracy of the Rh120L/55 gun.

The designs of the 1,500-horsepower MB 873 Ka-501 engine and transmission will also be studied and bench tested.

An official statement from UVZ says that specialists installed the 60-ton tank on special jacks and began "dissecting the units, systems and assemblies" of the Leopard 2A6.

"After conducting examinations and analyzing the results, an expert assessment of the real military-technical level of various systems and the captured vehicle will be given," the statement said.

The fire control system and stabilizer for the E-WNA gun, the thermal imager, and the braking system, which is improved compared to previous models, may be of interest to Russian tank builders.

It is also known from open sources that in 2001 the Leopard 2A6 received an improved turret rotation mechanism. In comparison with previous models, significant changes were made to the rear of the turret, where additional storage space was organized.

Of interest is the 120 mm Rh 120/L55 cannon with an increased barrel length, which allows the Leopard 2A6 to fire the latest projectiles with a tungsten carbide tip.