KDNS France Unveils New Upgrade of DCLR Tank Recovery Vehicle

KNDS (KMW + Nexter Defense Systems) France has recently introduced the latest iteration of the Leclerc Tank recovery variant, known as the DCLR (Dépanneur de char Leclerc rénové). This unveiling marks a significant advancement in military recovery capabilities, addressing the critical need for modernization in assisting and restoring French Leclerc battle tanks on the battlefield. The DCLR serves as a mobile workshop, equipped to provide essential assistance and recovery support to Leclerc tanks. Its predecessor, although functional, was outdated and ill-suited to contemporary warfare scenarios. However, with the introduction of the DCLR, KNDS has set a new standard in recovery vehicle technology.

Central to the DCLR’s capabilities is its 12.7mm remotely operated turret, offering unmatched control and firepower to safeguard recovery operations. This feature not only ensures the safety of recovery teams but also provides vital protection in hostile environments, enhancing mission success rates. In addition, the DCLR features a self-locking telescopic tow bar, facilitating swift and secure attachment to disabled or damaged vehicles. This innovative mechanism optimizes the recovery process, minimizing downtime and increasing operational agility in dynamic combat situations. The DCLR represents a significant leap forward in recovery vehicle technology, enabling rapid and secure retrieval of critical assets in even the most challenging environments.

The DCLR comes as a replacement for the DCL (Dépanneur du Char Leclerc) in the role of a recovery and repair tank for battle tanks over 50 tonnes. The armoured recovery vehicle tows most French Army armored vehicles, among them are AMX 10RC, VBCI, AMX 30DT, AUF1, LRM, EBG, etc. Designed to recover the XLR, a new version of the French MBT Leclerc, the DCLR shares the same hull as the MBT, featuring a V8X-1500 Hyperbar engine equipped with Turboméca TM-307B, similar to the XLR. The DCL is 9.5 meters long, 3.50 meters wide, and just over 3 meters tall. Depending on its application, the weight of the repairman changes. When in operational readiness the DCL weighs around 56 tons. However, when it is brought into full combat readiness, its weight increases by four tons.

The Leclerc XLR is a fourth-generation French main battle tank (MBT) developed and manufactured by the Nexter division of KNDS. It is a refit of the third-generation Leclerc tank with the addition of a turret-mounted remotely-operated 7.62mm caliber machine gun manufactured by Belgian company FN Herstal, additional modular armor from the AZUR urban warfare kit on the turret and hull, and rear wire cage armor to protect the engine compartment against rocket propelled grenades. The upgrade of 200 Leclercs was announced in March 2015, with the first two XLR prototypes planned for 2018 and 200 Leclerc XLR are expected by 2029. The contract was valued at approximately €330 million.