Leopard PSO
Krauss Maffei Wegmann (KMW)

Leopard
Peace Support Operations (PSO) is a demonstrator vehicle, developed by
Krauss Maffei Wegmann (KMW) to enable the German Army and other Leopard
2 users to evaluate the use of tanks in urban warfare scenarios. The PSO
was displayed at Eurosatory 2006 fitted with add-on armor to the turret
and hull (skirts), a dozer blade, operated by the driver, to remove road
obstacles. A remotely controlled weapon station is mounted on the side
of the turret, next to the loader's position, enabling the crew to
effectively engage close-in targets under the protection of the tank's
armor. This station also improves the tank's capability to engage
targets at higher elevations.
Close-in
panoramic coverage is provided by hull-mounted cameras, covering 360
degrees, augmenting the tank's vision and targeting systems. Existing
sights are protected with metal screens to prevent damage by stones or
debris. Internally, images from the vision systems can be distributed to
all crew members, to share workload in continuous operation. To improve
interoperability with nearby troops, external radio/intercom interface
was added, enabling nearby troops to communicate with the tank. The tank
was painted in an experimental urban combat pattern, recommended for
deployment in Afghanistan.
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