Difference between revisions of "Leclerc"

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{{Specs-Card|code=fr_leclerc_s1}}
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{{About
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| about = French medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other versions
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| link = Leclerc (Family)
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}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=fr_leclerc_s1
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
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}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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<!--In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.-->
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<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The '''Leclerc Séries 1''' is the first variant of the [[Leclerc (Family)|Leclerc main battle tank family]]. It was developed and manufactured by Nexter Systems. It was named after Marshal Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque, a Free French Forces commander who led the 2nd Armoured Division during World War II. In 1992, the Leclerc main battle tanks replaced the [[AMX-30 (Family)|AMX-30 main battle tanks]] as France's primary armoured platform. All variants of the Leclerc main battle tanks are armed with a 120 mm GIAT CN120-26 F1 tank gun designed by the Arsenal de Bourges (EFAB). It has a longer barrel than most main battle tanks of its generation, which gives it a higher muzzle velocity. Instead of the typical four-crew configuration found in most Western main battle tanks, it employs a three-crew configuration. This is mostly due to the implementation of an autoloader in the turret bustle. Creusot-Loire Industrie developed the autoloader in the turret bustle, which is known as Chargement Automatique. A total of 134 units were manufactured.
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{{break}}
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]].
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Introduced in [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]], the Leclerc Séries 1 is generally well-protected, with an effective configuration that results in good survivability. It does, however, have several visible weak spots that are difficult to conceal, the most obvious of which is the gun mantlet, which is largely visible and can easily be fired at to damage the tank gun breech. It is susceptible to close-range combat as weak points are easily targeted. As a result, it is best to use its high-velocity ammunition to snipe or its greater mobility to flank opponents. It is one of the most competitive main battle tanks in its rank, featuring a five-second reload autoloader for quick follow-up shots in modern fast-paced warfare.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
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<!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?''
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
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''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
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<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
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The Leclerc MBT offers its most-protected areas in the face of the turret. While not as armoured in the turret as Challenger 2, this makes it a considerable threat when used as a hull-down vehicle at long ranges. It is most vulnerable in the box-shaped gun mantlet, making it an easy target for destroying the cannon breach.
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[[File:Leclerc Serie 1 Protection Density Visualisation.png|thumb|Leclerc Serie 1 [[Protection Density Visualisation]]]]
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[[File:Leclerc layout overview.png|thumb|Leclerc S1 Internal Layout]]
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The Leclerc MBT is generally well protected with a well-designed layout resulting in good survivability. It does, however, have a number of prominent weak spots which are not easily hidden - most notable of which is the gun mantlet, which is mostly unprotected and can easily be penetrated to disable the cannon breech and often the tank commander, who sits on the exposed side of the mantlet (right side, looking from the front of the vehicle). The LFP (lower front plate) and UFP (upper front plate) are both weakly protected, with only the central front plate providing sufficient protection against incoming rounds. The Leclerc's turret cheeks are extremely well protected by modular composite armour, combining hard metals, semi-reactive and ceramic layers, protecting against even the most powerful kinetic rounds and most chemical rounds.
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Despite only seating three crew members, the Leclerc's survivability proves to be reasonable, with spaced out crew members, a blow-out compartment for the primary ammunition storage and the turret crew placed as low as feasible. As such, even successful penetration of the Leclerc is unlikely to disable the vehicle immediately - and even a vehicle fire or crew knockout will not stop the vehicle from reloading, ready to fire back. It is possible to destroy the Leclerc with one round by hitting the two crew on the right (viewed from the front).
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''-->
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{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
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While effective as a hull-down vehicle, the Leclerc's mobility should be noted. Along with good traversability, It will effectively deliver forward speeds of up to ~50 km/h, and reverse of almost 40 km/h in off-road scenarios.
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<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,325|rbMinHp=1,327}}
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The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by an excellent V8 diesel engine with a gas turbine auxiliary charger, producing a peak of 1,500 horsepower at 2500 RPM, transferred to the drive sprockets via a transmission with 8 forward and 4 backward gears. With a maximum power-to-weight ratio of 27.93, the {{PAGENAME}} is more than capable of reaching these speeds, with excellent acceleration and manoeuvrability characteristics to boot. The {{PAGENAME}} will easily keep up with most of its counterparts such as the [[M1A2 Abrams]] or the [[Leopard 2A5]], and as such can comfortably reach strategic positions quickly or make its way into cap points with haste. It can also quickly escape sub-optimal situations, with a perfectly reasonable -38 km/h reverse speed.
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=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{Specs-Economy}}
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The OFL 120 F1 round is the most important module to research for the Leclerc, followed closely by NVD (thermals help maintain a comfortable advantage over opponents).
 +
 
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Parts and FPE should be the first modules researched, followed by Adjustment of Fire, Crew Replenishment, your choice of Laser Rangefinder or Smoke Grenades, then OFL 120 F1, NVD, and ideally mobility upgrades afterwards.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
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<!--''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
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{{main|GIAT CN120-26 F1 (120 mm)}}
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<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
  
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The stock round for the Leclerc is standard 600 mm HEATFS. However, as a tier 4 modification, you can acquire the second highest penetrating APFSDS in the game. The OFL 120 F1's penetration values in mm at 10 m are 528/457/305. Accompanied by high turret rotation speeds and gun elevation/depression, this makes for a high chance of penetration against any of its opponents.
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The Leclerc Serie 1 mounts a 120 mm GIAT CN120-26/52 smoothbore cannon, fitted with a two-plane stabiliser and an autoloading system. The CN120 is a competitive cannon, displaying excellent performance with the OFL 120 F1 APFSDS round, up to a maximum of 575 mm of penetration at 0°. Combined with the consistent 6 second reload (independent of crew), this 120 mm cannon is more than competitive when compared to the offerings on its contemporaries. However, it's important to note that the OFL 120 F1 round is a tier 4 modification, and as such a stock Leclerc will be required to use the OCC 120 G1 HEAT-FS round - which, while capable, can prove somewhat unreliable when used against late vehicles with ERA and composite armour.
  
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=== Machine guns ===
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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<!--''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''-->
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|-
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{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)}}
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! colspan="5" | [[GIAT CN120-26 F1 (120 mm)|120 mm GIAT CN120-26 F1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate (seconds)
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|-
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! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
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! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
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! Autoloader
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|-
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! ''Arcade''
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| rowspan="2" | 40 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 38.1 || 52.7 || 64.0 || 70.8 || 75.3 || rowspan="2" | 5.00
 +
|-
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! ''Realistic''
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| 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
 +
|-
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|}
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 +
==== Ammunition ====
 +
{{:GIAT CN120-26 F1 (120 mm)/Ammunition|OCC 120 G1, OFL 120 G1, OFL 120 F1}}
  
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Equipped with an M2HB 12.7mm (.50 calibre) coaxial machine gun.
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==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_Leclerc_S2.png|right|thumb|x200px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}. Bustle ammo rack is behind blast doors. Hull ammo rack is inside fuel tank.]]
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<!-- '''Last updated: 2.3.0.64''' -->
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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|-
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! Full<br>ammo
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! 1st<br>rack empty
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! 2nd<br>rack empty
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! Visual<br>discrepancy
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|-
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| '''40''' || 23&nbsp;''(+17)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+39)'' || No
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|-
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|}
  
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==Usage in battles==
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==== Optics and night vision ====
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''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
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The Leclerc receives night vision imagers once the tier 4 modification 'NVD' is researched. This unlocks 800 x 600 resolution thermal sights for the gunner, as well as standard image intensifiers for all crew (available in third person view in AB/RB additionally)
  
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===Modules===
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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{| class="wikitable"
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! colspan="7" |{{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
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! Tier
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|-
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! colspan="2" |Mobility
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! rowspan="3" |Type of optic
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! Protection
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! rowspan="3" |Magnification
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! colspan="3" |Firepower
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! colspan="5" |[[Night Vision Devices]]
 
|-
 
|-
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| I
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! colspan="3" |Image Intensifier
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| Tracks||
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! rowspan="2" |{{Annotation|Thermal Imager<br>Resolution|The higher the resolution the clearer and more detailed the image is}}
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| Parts
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! rowspan="2" |Notes
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| Horizontal Drive||||
 
 
|-
 
|-
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| II
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!{{Annotation|Resolution|The higher the resolution the clearer and more detailed the image is}}
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| Suspension||Brake System
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!{{Annotation|Light Mult|By how much the image intensifier amplifies the existing light, primarily useful for comparing image intensifiers}}
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| FPE
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!{{Annotation|Noise Level|How much noise is present in the image (how grainy the image is)}}
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| Adjustment of Fire||||
 
 
|-
 
|-
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| III
+
!Gunner's Sight
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| Filters||
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|4.0x - 12.0x||--||--||--||800 x 600||Intensifier & thermal sights unlocked by 'NVD' modification (tier 4)
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| Elevation Mechanism||Smoke grenade||
 
 
|-
 
|-
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| IV
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!Commander's View
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| Transmission||Engine
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|6.0x|| || || ||N/A||Intensifier unlocked by 'NVD' modification (tier 4)
−
|  
 
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| Artillery Support||OFL 120 F1||Laser rangefinder
 
 
|-
 
|-
 +
!Driver's View
 +
|1.0x||1200 x 800||7.0||High||N/A||Intensifier unlocked by 'NVD' modification (tier 4)
 
|}
 
|}
  
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===Pros and cons===
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=== Machine guns ===
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<!--Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".-->
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 +
 
 +
The Leclerc mounts a single coaxial 12.7 mm machine gun. While this coaxial mount limits it to +20° of elevation, if it can be placed on target it can prove effective against low-flying aircraft. Besides this, it can be useful for clearing out light obstacles, knocking out crew on open-top vehicles, and marking targets.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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|-
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! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
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|-
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
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| Coaxial || 800 (200) || 575 || - || -
 +
|-
 +
|}
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 +
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
 
 +
The Leclerc is an extremely capable MBT, and can be deadly in the right hands. It can prove somewhat vulnerable in close-range engagements, where its numerous weak points are easily targeted, and as such it's preferable to make use of its high round velocity to snipe, or its excellent mobility to flank enemies.
 +
 
 +
'''Rural Combat'''
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 +
The Leclerc's OFL 120 F1 round, with its 1,790 m/s muzzle velocity and high penetration values is a potent sniping round. As such, on open maps (such as [[Kursk (Ground Forces)|Kursk]] or [[Maginot Line (Ground Forces)|Maginot Line]]), it's recommended to operate the Leclerc as a sniper - this allows it to both employ these round characteristics optimally and avoid the Leclerc's large weak spots being easy targets. On maps where flanking is viable (for example, the eastern hill on Maginot Line), the Leclerc's excellent power to weight ratio can be used to access and push through these routes.
 +
 
 +
'''Urban Combat'''
 +
 
 +
The Leclerc is less comfortable in urban combat situations, although still more than capable. On maps such as [[Alaska]], it's preferable to take flanking routes around the edges of urban regions where possible or cap points on the outskirts of the map (such as the A point in Alaska Domination), avoiding close quarters. In situations where avoiding close quarters is mostly impossible, it's best to play conservatively and maintain full awareness of enemy presence (audio is extremely important information in War Thunder - you can hear most vehicles coming!). Fortunately the Leclerc has a respectable reverse speed of 38 km/h and providing your engine, transmission and driver remain intact after a penetration it's more than capable of reversing out of trouble.
 +
 
 +
'''Notable Targets'''
 +
 
 +
* [[Challenger 2]] - The CR2's turret cheeks are essentially immune to even OFL 120 F1 - and the Challenger is deadly accurate at long range. As such, sniping matches with the Challenger 2 should be avoided at all costs, instead attempt to flank it where possible. If there is no opportunity to get closer, move around between shots and try to land a shot on the gun mantlet or the UFP/LFP.
 +
 
 +
* [[M1A1 Abrams|M1A1]]/[[M1A2 Abrams]] - The Abrams is a deadly opponent, and thanks to the crew and module spacing will often survive multiple shots. In any engagement, first try to disable the cannon breech - this avoids the Abrams firing back and with your quick reload you'll often have time to disable its mobility entirely.
 +
 
 +
* [[Leopard 2A5]] - The Leopard 2A5 is a dangerous opponent, with a small gun mantlet weak spot and impenetrable turret cheeks. Fortunately, the OFL 120 F1 round can punch straight through the hull. If the opportunity for a hull shot does not arise, try to shoot through the gun mantlet or turret ring where possible.
 +
 
 +
* [[Ariete (Family)|Ariete]] - Although its armour protection won't stop your APFSDS, almost all the tank is vulnerable to Ariete's firepower, in fact its rounds can easily penetrate most of the frontal section of the Leclerc even at 2,000 m. It is better to disable its gun before trying to destroy the tank, or just shooting at the left turret cheek, killing the gunner and the commander leaving the target harmless
 +
 
 +
=== Pros and cons ===
 +
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
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* Has an autoloader
+
* Five second autoloader is very competitive
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* Possess advanced protection of composite armour in turret and hull
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* Extremely good composite protection on turret cheeks and centre frontal plate
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* Perfect dynamics of armour, firepower, and mobility
+
* Well-spaced crew and modules
 +
* Blow-out contained primary ammunition storage
 +
* Large first-stage ammo stowage
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* Extremely mobile, with excellent acceleration and manoeuvrability characteristics
 +
* Very effective OFL 120 F1 APFSDS round
 +
* Relatively fast gun elevation/depression speeds
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Small crew of three
+
* Only three crew members
 +
* No commander thermals
 +
* Numerous large vulnerabilities, especially on the turret, more so than its succeeding variants
 +
* Slower than average turret traverse rate
 +
* Only HEATFS available stock, can research a very weak APFSDS shell as a tier I modification and the OFL 120 F1 is a tier IV modification
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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<!--Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).-->
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<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
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Development of the Leclerc main battle tank dates back to 1964, when the French military initiated a study on possible replacements for the AMX-30 tank, about to be introduced into service at the time. By the early ‘70s, the inferiority of the AMX-30 compared to more modern Soviet T-series MBTs had become obvious. As a result, work on developing a replacement officially began, with first specifications being drawn up by 1977.
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Development of the Leclerc main battle tank dates back to 1964, when the French military initiated a study on possible replacements for the AMX-30 tank, about to be introduced into service at the time. By the early '70s, the inferiority of the AMX-30 compared to more modern Soviet T-series MBTs had become obvious. As a result, work on developing a replacement officially began, with first specifications being drawn up by 1977.
  
 
In 1980, France and Germany began joint development of a new main battle tank. However, similarly to the previous Europanzer development decades ago, the joint effort quickly came to an end shortly afterwards due to various disagreements, with France continuing work on its own.
 
In 1980, France and Germany began joint development of a new main battle tank. However, similarly to the previous Europanzer development decades ago, the joint effort quickly came to an end shortly afterwards due to various disagreements, with France continuing work on its own.
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The new main battle tank was intended to offer cutting-edge performance by making use of the latest equipment available. However, as the per unit price was projected to be substantial, France sought partnership with another state to reduce these costs. Eventually, a partnership was established with the UAE, who would be the second and only other primary operator of the new tank, other than France itself.
 
The new main battle tank was intended to offer cutting-edge performance by making use of the latest equipment available. However, as the per unit price was projected to be substantial, France sought partnership with another state to reduce these costs. Eventually, a partnership was established with the UAE, who would be the second and only other primary operator of the new tank, other than France itself.
  
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Thus, in 1986 the tank received its name “Leclerc”, with six initial prototypes being produced. Mass production subsequently started in 1990 and went on until 2007. During production, the Leclerc was built in various batches and series, each introducing various tweaks and changes to the design, while some also incorporated major upgrades.
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Thus, in 1986 the tank received its name "Leclerc", with six initial prototypes being produced. Mass production subsequently started in 1990 and went on until 2007. During production, the Leclerc was built in various batches and series, each introducing various tweaks and changes to the design, while some also incorporated major upgrades.
  
 
The Leclerc saw service as part of a number of UN peacekeeping missions, primarily in Kosovo and Lebanon, with reported favourable performance. Most recently, the UAE deployed a number of its Leclercs to Yemen, with some vehicles getting damaged. As of the end of production in 2007, a total of around 860 Leclercs were built for both French and UAE forces combined.
 
The Leclerc saw service as part of a number of UN peacekeeping missions, primarily in Kosovo and Lebanon, with reported favourable performance. Most recently, the UAE deployed a number of its Leclercs to Yemen, with some vehicles getting damaged. As of the end of production in 2007, a total of around 860 Leclercs were built for both French and UAE forces combined.
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== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
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<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
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 +
;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fr_leclerc_s1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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 +
;Images
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[[File:Leclerc.jpg|thumb|none|Leclerc tank in Saumur museum tank]]
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 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|wJkQW4kSJjM|'''French MBTs''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 5:40 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|p6cWlyUnJQA|'''Top 7 off-road beasts'''  discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:27  - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|lBTQGGr-Kxs|'''The Shooting Range #149''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:39 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Related development
  
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
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* [[Leclerc (Family)]]
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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<!--Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
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* ''other literature.''-->
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 +
* [[wt:en/news/6177-development-leclerc-s1-la-r%C3%A9publique-s-finest-en|[Devblog] Leclerc S1 - La République's Finest]]
 +
* [[wikipedia:GIAT_CN120-26/52|[Wikipedia] GIAT CN120-26/52]]
 +
* [https://www.army-technology.com/projects/leclerc/ [Army Technology<nowiki>]</nowiki> Leclerc Main Battle Tank] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20210422192009/https://www.army-technology.com/projects/leclerc/ Web Archive])
 +
* [https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/leclerc.htm [Federation of American Scientists<nowiki>]</nowiki> Leclerc] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20210422192408/https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/leclerc.htm Web Archive])
  
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* [[wt:en/news/6177-development-leclerc-s1-la-r%C3%A9publique-s-finest-en|[Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Leclerc S1 - La République’s Finest]]
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{{TankManufacturer Nexter}}
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* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GIAT_CN120-26/52
 
 
{{France medium tanks}}
 
{{France medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 09:25, 13 July 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the French medium tank Leclerc. For other versions, see Leclerc (Family).
Leclerc
fr_leclerc_s1.png
GarageImage Leclerc.jpg
ArtImage Leclerc.jpg
Leclerc
France flag.png France
VIII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
12.0 12.0 12.0
Class:
Research:400 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 080 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Leclerc Séries 1 is the first variant of the Leclerc main battle tank family. It was developed and manufactured by Nexter Systems. It was named after Marshal Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque, a Free French Forces commander who led the 2nd Armoured Division during World War II. In 1992, the Leclerc main battle tanks replaced the AMX-30 main battle tanks as France's primary armoured platform. All variants of the Leclerc main battle tanks are armed with a 120 mm GIAT CN120-26 F1 tank gun designed by the Arsenal de Bourges (EFAB). It has a longer barrel than most main battle tanks of its generation, which gives it a higher muzzle velocity. Instead of the typical four-crew configuration found in most Western main battle tanks, it employs a three-crew configuration. This is mostly due to the implementation of an autoloader in the turret bustle. Creusot-Loire Industrie developed the autoloader in the turret bustle, which is known as Chargement Automatique. A total of 134 units were manufactured.

Introduced in Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy", the Leclerc Séries 1 is generally well-protected, with an effective configuration that results in good survivability. It does, however, have several visible weak spots that are difficult to conceal, the most obvious of which is the gun mantlet, which is largely visible and can easily be fired at to damage the tank gun breech. It is susceptible to close-range combat as weak points are easily targeted. As a result, it is best to use its high-velocity ammunition to snipe or its greater mobility to flank opponents. It is one of the most competitive main battle tanks in its rank, featuring a five-second reload autoloader for quick follow-up shots in modern fast-paced warfare.

General info

Survivability and armour

ERA
Effective action against the cumulative ammunition
Composite armour
Balanced protection against all types of ammunition
Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull80 / 35 / 20
Turret90 / 90 / 20
Crew3 people
Visibility90 %
Leclerc Serie 1 Protection Density Visualisation
Leclerc S1 Internal Layout

The Leclerc MBT is generally well protected with a well-designed layout resulting in good survivability. It does, however, have a number of prominent weak spots which are not easily hidden - most notable of which is the gun mantlet, which is mostly unprotected and can easily be penetrated to disable the cannon breech and often the tank commander, who sits on the exposed side of the mantlet (right side, looking from the front of the vehicle). The LFP (lower front plate) and UFP (upper front plate) are both weakly protected, with only the central front plate providing sufficient protection against incoming rounds. The Leclerc's turret cheeks are extremely well protected by modular composite armour, combining hard metals, semi-reactive and ceramic layers, protecting against even the most powerful kinetic rounds and most chemical rounds.

Despite only seating three crew members, the Leclerc's survivability proves to be reasonable, with spaced out crew members, a blow-out compartment for the primary ammunition storage and the turret crew placed as low as feasible. As such, even successful penetration of the Leclerc is unlikely to disable the vehicle immediately - and even a vehicle fire or crew knockout will not stop the vehicle from reloading, ready to fire back. It is possible to destroy the Leclerc with one round by hitting the two crew on the right (viewed from the front).

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB80 / 42 km/h
RB and SB72 / 38 km/h
Number of gears10 forward
4 back
Weight53.7 t
Engine power
AB2 862 hp
RB and SB1 500 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB53.3 hp/t
RB and SB27.9 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 80 42 53.7 2,325 2,862 43.3 53.3
Realistic 72 38 1,327 1,500 24.71 27.93

The Leclerc is powered by an excellent V8 diesel engine with a gas turbine auxiliary charger, producing a peak of 1,500 horsepower at 2500 RPM, transferred to the drive sprockets via a transmission with 8 forward and 4 backward gears. With a maximum power-to-weight ratio of 27.93, the Leclerc is more than capable of reaching these speeds, with excellent acceleration and manoeuvrability characteristics to boot. The Leclerc will easily keep up with most of its counterparts such as the M1A2 Abrams or the Leopard 2A5, and as such can comfortably reach strategic positions quickly or make its way into cap points with haste. It can also quickly escape sub-optimal situations, with a perfectly reasonable -38 km/h reverse speed.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 665 → 6 941 Sl icon.png
RB4 530 → 6 740 Sl icon.png
SB5 737 → 8 536 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications277 100 Rp icon.png
467 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost3 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training310 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 080 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 280 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 190 / 210 % Sl icon.png
250 / 250 / 250 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
5 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement fr.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_NATO_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png

The OFL 120 F1 round is the most important module to research for the Leclerc, followed closely by NVD (thermals help maintain a comfortable advantage over opponents).

Parts and FPE should be the first modules researched, followed by Adjustment of Fire, Crew Replenishment, your choice of Laser Rangefinder or Smoke Grenades, then OFL 120 F1, NVD, and ideally mobility upgrades afterwards.

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

120 mm GIAT CN120-26 F1 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Autoloader
Automatically feeds projectiles into the breech. The speed does not depend on the skills of the loader
Ammunition40 rounds
First-order22 rounds
Reload5.0 s
Vertical guidance-8° / 20°

The Leclerc Serie 1 mounts a 120 mm GIAT CN120-26/52 smoothbore cannon, fitted with a two-plane stabiliser and an autoloading system. The CN120 is a competitive cannon, displaying excellent performance with the OFL 120 F1 APFSDS round, up to a maximum of 575 mm of penetration at 0°. Combined with the consistent 6 second reload (independent of crew), this 120 mm cannon is more than competitive when compared to the offerings on its contemporaries. However, it's important to note that the OFL 120 F1 round is a tier 4 modification, and as such a stock Leclerc will be required to use the OCC 120 G1 HEAT-FS round - which, while capable, can prove somewhat unreliable when used against late vehicles with ERA and composite armour.

120 mm GIAT CN120-26 F1 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Autoloader
Arcade 40 -8°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 38.1 52.7 64.0 70.8 75.3 5.00
Realistic 23.8 28.0 34.0 37.6 40.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
OCC 120 G1 HEATFS 480 480 480 480 480 480
OFL 120 G1 APFSDS 425 423 417 410 404 396
OFL 120 F1 APFSDS 575 573 565 557 547 537
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
OCC 120 G1 HEATFS 1,100 14.4 0.05 0.1 2.15 65° 72° 77°
OFL 120 G1 APFSDS 1,780 3.8 - - - 78° 80° 81°
OFL 120 F1 APFSDS 1,790 3.8 - - - 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Leclerc. Bustle ammo rack is behind blast doors. Hull ammo rack is inside fuel tank.
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
40 23 (+17) 1 (+39) No

Optics and night vision

The Leclerc receives night vision imagers once the tier 4 modification 'NVD' is researched. This unlocks 800 x 600 resolution thermal sights for the gunner, as well as standard image intensifiers for all crew (available in third person view in AB/RB additionally)

Leclerc Optics
Type of optic Magnification Night Vision Devices
Image Intensifier Thermal Imager
Resolution 		Notes
Resolution Light Mult Noise Level
Gunner's Sight 4.0x - 12.0x -- -- -- 800 x 600 Intensifier & thermal sights unlocked by 'NVD' modification (tier 4)
Commander's View 6.0x N/A Intensifier unlocked by 'NVD' modification (tier 4)
Driver's View 1.0x 1200 x 800 7.0 High N/A Intensifier unlocked by 'NVD' modification (tier 4)

Machine guns

12.7 mm CRC F1 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition800 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reload8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min

The Leclerc mounts a single coaxial 12.7 mm machine gun. While this coaxial mount limits it to +20° of elevation, if it can be placed on target it can prove effective against low-flying aircraft. Besides this, it can be useful for clearing out light obstacles, knocking out crew on open-top vehicles, and marking targets.

12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 800 (200) 575 - -

Usage in battles

The Leclerc is an extremely capable MBT, and can be deadly in the right hands. It can prove somewhat vulnerable in close-range engagements, where its numerous weak points are easily targeted, and as such it's preferable to make use of its high round velocity to snipe, or its excellent mobility to flank enemies.

Rural Combat

The Leclerc's OFL 120 F1 round, with its 1,790 m/s muzzle velocity and high penetration values is a potent sniping round. As such, on open maps (such as Kursk or Maginot Line), it's recommended to operate the Leclerc as a sniper - this allows it to both employ these round characteristics optimally and avoid the Leclerc's large weak spots being easy targets. On maps where flanking is viable (for example, the eastern hill on Maginot Line), the Leclerc's excellent power to weight ratio can be used to access and push through these routes.

Urban Combat

The Leclerc is less comfortable in urban combat situations, although still more than capable. On maps such as Alaska, it's preferable to take flanking routes around the edges of urban regions where possible or cap points on the outskirts of the map (such as the A point in Alaska Domination), avoiding close quarters. In situations where avoiding close quarters is mostly impossible, it's best to play conservatively and maintain full awareness of enemy presence (audio is extremely important information in War Thunder - you can hear most vehicles coming!). Fortunately the Leclerc has a respectable reverse speed of 38 km/h and providing your engine, transmission and driver remain intact after a penetration it's more than capable of reversing out of trouble.

Notable Targets

  • Challenger 2 - The CR2's turret cheeks are essentially immune to even OFL 120 F1 - and the Challenger is deadly accurate at long range. As such, sniping matches with the Challenger 2 should be avoided at all costs, instead attempt to flank it where possible. If there is no opportunity to get closer, move around between shots and try to land a shot on the gun mantlet or the UFP/LFP.
  • M1A1/M1A2 Abrams - The Abrams is a deadly opponent, and thanks to the crew and module spacing will often survive multiple shots. In any engagement, first try to disable the cannon breech - this avoids the Abrams firing back and with your quick reload you'll often have time to disable its mobility entirely.
  • Leopard 2A5 - The Leopard 2A5 is a dangerous opponent, with a small gun mantlet weak spot and impenetrable turret cheeks. Fortunately, the OFL 120 F1 round can punch straight through the hull. If the opportunity for a hull shot does not arise, try to shoot through the gun mantlet or turret ring where possible.
  • Ariete - Although its armour protection won't stop your APFSDS, almost all the tank is vulnerable to Ariete's firepower, in fact its rounds can easily penetrate most of the frontal section of the Leclerc even at 2,000 m. It is better to disable its gun before trying to destroy the tank, or just shooting at the left turret cheek, killing the gunner and the commander leaving the target harmless

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Five second autoloader is very competitive
  • Extremely good composite protection on turret cheeks and centre frontal plate
  • Well-spaced crew and modules
  • Blow-out contained primary ammunition storage
  • Large first-stage ammo stowage
  • Extremely mobile, with excellent acceleration and manoeuvrability characteristics
  • Very effective OFL 120 F1 APFSDS round
  • Relatively fast gun elevation/depression speeds

Cons:

  • Only three crew members
  • No commander thermals
  • Numerous large vulnerabilities, especially on the turret, more so than its succeeding variants
  • Slower than average turret traverse rate
  • Only HEATFS available stock, can research a very weak APFSDS shell as a tier I modification and the OFL 120 F1 is a tier IV modification

History

Development of the Leclerc main battle tank dates back to 1964, when the French military initiated a study on possible replacements for the AMX-30 tank, about to be introduced into service at the time. By the early '70s, the inferiority of the AMX-30 compared to more modern Soviet T-series MBTs had become obvious. As a result, work on developing a replacement officially began, with first specifications being drawn up by 1977.

In 1980, France and Germany began joint development of a new main battle tank. However, similarly to the previous Europanzer development decades ago, the joint effort quickly came to an end shortly afterwards due to various disagreements, with France continuing work on its own.

The new main battle tank was intended to offer cutting-edge performance by making use of the latest equipment available. However, as the per unit price was projected to be substantial, France sought partnership with another state to reduce these costs. Eventually, a partnership was established with the UAE, who would be the second and only other primary operator of the new tank, other than France itself.

Thus, in 1986 the tank received its name "Leclerc", with six initial prototypes being produced. Mass production subsequently started in 1990 and went on until 2007. During production, the Leclerc was built in various batches and series, each introducing various tweaks and changes to the design, while some also incorporated major upgrades.

The Leclerc saw service as part of a number of UN peacekeeping missions, primarily in Kosovo and Lebanon, with reported favourable performance. Most recently, the UAE deployed a number of its Leclercs to Yemen, with some vehicles getting damaged. As of the end of production in 2007, a total of around 860 Leclercs were built for both French and UAE forces combined.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins
Images
Leclerc tank in Saumur museum tank
Videos
French MBTs discusses the Leclerc at 5:40 - War Thunder Official Channel
Top 7 off-road beasts discusses the Leclerc at 3:27 - War Thunder Official Channel
The Shooting Range #149 - Metal Beasts section at 00:39 discusses the Leclerc.

See also

Related development

External links


Nexter Systems*
MBTs  Leclerc · Leclerc S2 · Leclerc SXXI
  *GIAT Industries became Nexter Systems in 2006

France medium tanks
M4 Derivatives  M4A1 (FL10) · M4A4 (SA50)
AMX-50  AMX M4 · AMX-50 (TOA100) · AMX-50 (TO90/930)
AMX-30  AMX-30 · AMX-30 (1972) · AMX-30B2 · AMX-30B2 BRENUS · AMX-30 ACRA · AMX-30 Super
AMX-32/40  AMX-32 · AMX-32 (105) · AMX-40
Leclerc  Leclerc · Leclerc S2 · Leclerc SXXI · Leclerc AZUR
Other  D2 · S.35 · Lorraine 40t
Germany  Panther "Dauphiné"
USA  ▄M4A1 · ▄M4A3 (105) · ▄M4A4 · ▄M26

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