Photovoltaic power supply potential for the autonomous operation of the Leopard 2 main battle tank

As part of the global energy transition, the energy systems of modern armies are also facing transformation to gain strategic advantages in terms of both operational efficiency and the stability of supply chains, as well as to reduce their environmental footprint. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which the power supply of the Leopard 2 main battle tank can be supplemented with photovoltaic (PV) technology. First, the energy requirements of the tank's electrical systems were explored and analyzed, with special regard to the requirements of autonomy in combat situations. The applicability of mobile PV systems was modeled based on a trailer-mounted configuration, considering the annual solar energy potential of four different geographical locations in Hungary. The results show that under optimal conditions in late spring and mid-summer, the PV system can produce approximately 32.8–34.7 kWh/day, with the highest generation window observed between 09:00 and 14:00 (CET). However, the maximum electrical load demand of the tank can reach up to 20 kW, which significantly limits the standalone use of PV energy. Although full energy autonomy is unachievable, the system can intermittently power lower-demand subsystems, such as communication or active protection modules, but only during a restricted time window. These constraints underline the need for hybrid solutions and confirm the limited battlefield applicability of PV as a primary energy source. The innovative significance of the research is given by the fact that no comprehensive study has examined the potential military applicability of PV technology in the power supply of Leopard 2 tanks so far, so the present study fills a gap in this area.