Challenger 2
Considered by many military analysts to be the
fi nest main battle tank in the world today, the
development of the British Challenger 2
occurred during a fi ve-year period from 1986 to- Although it shares a common name with
its predecessor, the Challenger 1, less than fi ve
per cent of the components are compatible.
Designed as a battlefi eld supremacy tank, the
Challenger 2 weighs just under 70 tons and is
the fi rst British tank since World War II to be
designed, developed, and put into production by
a single principal defence contractor, the Land
Systems Division of BAE Systems. The main
weapon of the Challenger 2 is the 120mm L30
CHARM (CHallenger main ARMament) rifl ed
gun, and control of the turret and gun are
maintained through solid-state electronics.
The tank is also equipped with smaller
weapons, including a coaxial L94A1 7.62mm
chain gun and a 7.62mm L37A2 commander’s
machine gun. Protected by second generation
Chobham composite armour, the Challenger 2
has compiled an impressive combat record,
primarily during Operation Iraqi Freedom.PRESENT DAY
The main battle tank of the British Army
Target acquisition
The commander and gunner of
the Challenger 2 utilise
gyrostabilised, fully panoramic
gunsights with thermal imaging
and laser range fi nding.Track s
Tension in the Challenger 2’s tracks can be
hydraulically adjusted from the driver’s compartment,
to provide excellent mobility on various terrains.Suspension
A hydro-gas variable
spring rate suspension
provides stability for
the Challenger 2 in
cross-country action or
on the road.Main armament
The main weapon of the Challenger 2 is the
120mm L30 rifl ed cannon equipped with a
thermal sleeve to prevent warping.Driver position
One of four Challenger 2 crewmen, the driver
sits at the front and uses the periscope and
night vision to steer the tank.The British Challenger 2 was
produced from 1993 to 2002,
and approximately 450 units
were completedThe Japanese Type 90 tank
delivers 1,500 horsepower, as
much as the Bugatti Chiron, the
fastest car in the world“Technology has
transformed the
tank into a modern
marvel of warfare”
MILITARY