Leo2A6,

I can't remember where I first came across it, but if you look at the first picture in the most recent photos, you'll see the round shield looking piece that is sitting in between the grenade launchers and the turret behind the peri. Since I'm pretty sure that the Leo hatches are set up like the M1A1's, you can't open and close the TC's hatch on the Leo from the outside. That means that if the crew has to get out of the vehicle while it's raining or something, the TC would have to close his hatch and exit through the loader's hatch. And get back in though the loader's hatch, too. Not very efficient if your in a hurry.

I'm thinking that round piece, which has a handle in the center, is used to cover up the hatch for the TC. Could also be used in a rainy situation to make it easier for the TC to stay dry and be able to raise up out of the hatch for a better view, without constantly having to operate the hatch. Just a couple of guesses. I've also seen pictures of Leos that have velcro strips on the TC's hatch ring that might coincide with the theory. The STRV122 has a flap that lays over the TC's hatch for this purpose, I believe.