Germany has taken an unconventional route for its latest ground combat platform, repurposing different components from proven systems to assemble an all-new anti-aircraft tank.
The “Condor” merges a reengineered Leopard 1 chassis, an unmanned turret from Czech firm EVPU Defense with a 30mm autocannon, and a 1080-horsepower Rolls-Royce engine.
It measures 7.2 meters (23.6 feet) long, 3.4 meters (11.2 feet) wide, and 3.1 meters (10.2 feet) high, tipping the scales just shy of 40 metric tonnes (88,185 pounds) in combat configuration.
German manufacturer Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG) envisions Condor providing direct fire support for frontline troops while offering short-range air defense against drones and low-flying aircraft.
“Our goal was to create a rapidly deployable system for the necessary quick expansion of air defense capabilities,” FFG Managing Director Jörg Kamper told Hartpunkt, adding that Condor is designed to remain functional in “all visibility conditions.”
Adaptable Weaponry
The tank’s 30mm autocannon features a dual-belt feeding system that lets operators switch seamlessly between ammunition types for engaging both ground and aerial targets.
The turret is also reportedly compatible with a dual-machine-gun setup, various anti-tank missiles, and other 30mm cannons such as Northrop’s MK44 system.
An integrated radar station and electro-optical sensors provide modern situational awareness to back up its offensive firepower.
Leopard, Rolls-Royce Hybrid
FFG said pairing the Leopard 1 frame with the Rolls-Royce engine improves mobility, power, and efficiency, while keeping weight and costs down.
Condor also comes with a dual-circuit braking system that reportedly meets safety standards, smoothing its path for adoption by allied forces.
“With the Condor, we were able to develop a high-performance and efficient air defense system based on the combat-proven and readily available Leopard 1 platform,” Kamper said.
“The use of the EVPU turret system also allows for the deployment of additional weapons and the Condor’s ability to provide fire support to infantry troops.”
