German Defense Industry Introduces Condor Combat Vehicle on Leopard 1 Chassis

German armored vehicle manufacturer Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft will soon present a new Condor combat vehicle that combines the functions of a fire support tank and an anti-aircraft tank.

The concept will be premiered at the DSEi international defense exhibition in London, Hartpunkt reports. It is there that the public will be shown for the first time the vehicle, which the company calls a response to modern battlefield threats.

The Condor is based on the Leopard 1 chassis and is equipped with a Turra 30-SA unmanned turret from Slovakian manufacturer EVPÚ. The turret is equipped with a 30-mm automatic cannon, which is also adapted to engage air targets.

According to FFG representatives, the designers sought to combine modern technology with battle-tested solutions. This allowed them to create an effective, maneuverable and reliable weapon system.

“Condor has enabled us to create a powerful air defense system based on the proven Leopard 1 platform. We wanted to develop a solution that would quickly enhance air defense. The use of the EVPÚ turret allows us to integrate additional weapons and provides fire support to the infantry,” said FFG CEO.

The vehicle is able to operate effectively in any visibility conditions, including while driving. The use of programmable air-launched munitions makes the Condor suitable for air defense missions.

The 30-mm gun’s dual-feed system allows for the simultaneous use of two types of ammunition and switching between them depending on the situation. In addition, the Condor is equipped with modern targeting and situational awareness systems, which increases efficiency and survivability on the battlefield.

For additional protection, the Leopard 1 chassis has been reinforced with side and top armor. The vehicle also received a digital on-board network and a new crew layout: the commander and driver are now located side by side in the front of the hull.

The Turra 30-SA can be equipped with various types of 30-mm guns, including the Mk44 Bushmaster. Additional weapons include a machine gun and anti-tank guided missiles.

The turret is equipped with modern electro-optics, multifunctional radar, anti-tank launch detection system, as well as sniper and small arms positioning technology. The total weight of the vehicle does not exceed 40 tons.

The weapon’s aiming angles range from -10 to +70 degrees, which allows it to fire at both ground and air targets. The Condor is equipped with a new powerplant, which is suitable for all Leopard 1 vehicles. It includes an eight-cylinder 8V199TE23 diesel engine from Rolls-Royce Power Systems with an output of up to 1080 hp, a ZF 4 HP 250 transmission and a modern dual-circuit cooling system. The new unit is 300 kg lighter than the original.

It is possible that the vehicle will also be offered to the Ukrainian military. Last year, Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft began construction of an armored vehicle service center in Ukraine.