This year's prestigious Eurosatory international trade fair brought several world premieres. Visitors could see, for example, a new demonstrator of the Leopard 2 A- RC 3.0 tank with an unmanned turret, a new model of the Czech rifle CZ BREN 3 or a new generation of the Tatra Force series vehicle for military use. Within the framework of all these world premieres, we bring brief information about individual novelties including short presentation videos.

Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0

The Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 from the German-French company KNDS has an unmanned, remote-controlled turret. The main weapon (a 120 to 140 mm cannon can be selected) is loaded using a modular automatic linear loader. The demonstrator on display at Eurosatory 2024 is armed with a 120mm Rheinmetall Rh-120/L55A1 55-calibre cannon.

Video: Eurosatory 2024: New Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 / CZ DEFENCE

An innovative gun mount prevents the gun from being submerged in the vehicle's hull, making a completely new use of space within the vehicle's chassis, allowing three to four crew members to operate within the vehicle. The crew is thus very well protected from virtually all sides thanks to its position. The tank's high ballistic protection is complemented by the proven Trophy active protection system or a remote-controlled weapon station with a 30 mm rapid-fire gun and an integrated panoramic observation and targeting device. This remote-controlled command weapon module is primarily designed for counter-unmanned vehicles.

As already mentioned, the tank's turret is newly shaped and its systems reportedly do not interfere with the hull at all.The weight of the Leopard 2 A-RC demonstrator is just under 60 tonnes, and the standard crew consists of three persons - the commander, gunner and driver. The length of the vehicle with the gun facing forward is 11.17 m, width 3.77 m and height including the weapon module 2.44 m.

CZ BREN 3

According to its manufacturer, the innovative modular multi-shot model CZ BREN 3 stands out for its high accuracy, extreme durability, great shooting comfort and absolute reliability. All variants of the third generation CZ BREN rifles meet the demanding requirements of NATO AC/225 D/14 tests and their users can fully rely on them even in the most demanding conditions (high or low temperatures, salt water, sand, mud or dust). During the development of the CZ BREN 3, the comments of individual users of the previous generations of the CZ BREN rifle (soldiers, police officers and members of special forces from all over the world) were also taken into account. 

The CZ BREN 3 is now offered in two basic calibers and with several barrel lengths. In the 5.56×45 NATO caliber, these rifles are available with 7", 11", 14.5" and 16.5" barrels, and in the 300 AAC Blackout caliber, 7" and 9" barrel lengths are available. In all cases, these are high-precision barrels manufactured by cold forging, whose durability is radically increased by chrome plating the bore. Powder gas extraction from the bore can be adjusted by a three-position regulator to optimize function when using a shot silencer or in the event of adverse conditions or gun fouling.

Video: Eurosatory 2024: New rifle CZ BREN 3 / CZ DEFENCE

Fully ambidextrous or ambidextrous AR-style controls include a 45° firing mode selector (with locked/single shot/dose firing positions), magazine catch and bolt catch (on the left side of the bolt housing and inside the trigger guard). The tension lever does not move during firing and is fully ambidextrous, with an additional folding lever on either side.

The CZ BREN 3 series is equipped with a folding four-position telescopic shoulder rest made of highly durable polymer. However, a PDW-style armrest is also available, also extending to four positions. One of the key elements of the CZ BREN 3's high modularity is the easily replaceable forearm made of highly durable aluminium alloy.

In the basic version, its extended front section is equipped with an M-LOK interface for mounting a wide range of accessories such as sights, flashlights, laser markers and more. The user can also choose from a STANAG 4694 or Suppressor-Ready forearm - the latter sized for mounting a suppressor. The carrier strap attachment is also highly variable: there are a total of seven QD attachment points for its quick-release buckles on all variants of the weapon.

Tatra Force 3rd generation

The most visible element of the latest 3rd generation of the Tatra Force model range is the newly designed cabins, both in short (two-door) and long (four-door) versions with a number of superior safety features, improved interior or digitized dashboard and modern electronics. Compared to the previous generation, the cabs have a redesigned skeleton with modern design features for increased occupant safety and improved visibility. The two- and four-door cabins will be variable, so the carmaker will offer a low version, which will facilitate passages in low profiles, but also, for example, loading into large-capacity transport aircraft, etc., as well as a version with a higher ceiling.

Video: Eurosatory 2024: New generation of Tatra Force / CZ DEFENCE

The digitised dashboard meets all current ergonomic requirements and will be de facto identical to the Tatra Force civilian vehicles. It is a combination of classic switches and control via a graphical interface (flat panel display), which will allow the currently required data to be combined in one place without the need to deploy another set of displays in the cabin. A multifunction steering wheel will be used at the driver's station, and air-suspension seats can now be installed in the cab (depending on the size of the tyres used).

The 3rd generation of the Tatra Force series, like the previous generation, is designed with the possibility of installing weatherproof cabs in mind. Therefore, the vehicles will be equipped with interchangeable elements for cab mounting and folding, and the wiring of electrical and air bundles will be adapted so that the standard cab can be quickly and easily exchanged for an air-resistant cab even in field conditions. This is also the reason why Tatra will no longer offer mechanical transmission control but only electronic.

The chassis has a proven Tatra concept with a central support tube and swinging independently suspended semi-axles. Thanks to this - and the above-average approach angles - the third generation Tatra Force is expected to have even better handling characteristics on paved roads and off-road than the second generation. The new generation of Tatra Force will be offered in 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 axle configurations as standard, with the option of either drum or disc brakes on all wheels. However, as with previous generations, multi-axle versions will also be available with different numbers of driven and steerable axles.

Compared to the previous generation of the Tatra Force series, the new one will offer the option of alternative engine mounting under the front of the cab above the front axle or under the rear of the cab behind the front axle. If the engine is installed at the front, the cab will be 110 mm higher than if the power unit is installed at the rear. The position of the engine will be matched by a bonnet with one or two vents.

Under the Tatra Force cabs it will be possible to install both Tatra air-cooled engines and liquid-cooled engines of foreign provenance. For the front-engined versions, the cooling system of selected liquid-cooled engines can now be placed under the cab at the front, thus eliminating the need to install cooling behind the cab, a distinctive feature of the second generation of the Force range.