Challenger 2 Tank

British Challenger 2 main battle tanks maneuver during Exercise Spring Storm in Estonia near NATO's eastern border.

Manufacturer: BAE Systems Land UK
Category: Tanks & Armored Vehicles
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Main Gun Caliber 120 mm rifled
Engine Power 1,200 hp
Maximum Speed 59 km/h
Armor Type Chobham composite armor

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Vehicle Name	Challenger 2
Type / Role	Main Battle Tank (MBT)
Manufacturer	BAE Systems Land UK
Country of Origin	United Kingdom
In Service	Yes
Year Introduced	1998
Unit Cost	USD 4–6 million
Crew	4

2. Dimensions & Weight

Length (Gun Forward)	11.3 m
Width	3.5 m
Height	2.49 m
Weight	62.5–75 tons (combat loaded varies)
Ground Clearance	0.5 m
Chassis Material	Chobham / Dorchester composite armor with steel base

3. Performance

Engine Type	Perkins CV12 12-cylinder diesel
Engine Power	1,200 hp
Power-to-Weight Ratio	~18–19 hp/ton (combat loaded)
Transmission	David Brown TN54E automatic
Maximum Speed (Road)	59 km/h
Maximum Speed (Off-Road)	~40 km/h (terrain dependent)
Operational Range	~450 km
Suspension Type	Hydrogas suspension system

4. Armament

Main Gun	120 mm L30A1 rifled gun
Ammunition Capacity	50 rounds (approx.)
Secondary Armament	1 × 7.62 mm L94A1 coaxial MG, 1 × 7.62 mm L37A2 pintle MG
Gun Elevation/Depression	+20° / -10°
Fire Control System	Computerized digital fire control system
Stabilization	Dual-axis gun stabilizer
Rate of Fire	6–10 rounds per minute (crew dependent)

5. Protection & Armor

Armor Type	Chobham / Dorchester composite armor
Reactive Armor	Not standard, limited modular upgrades in refit programs
Active Protection System (APS)	No standard APS in baseline variant (planned upgrades under evaluation)
NBC Protection	Yes
Smoke Grenade Launchers	2 × 5-barrel launchers
Fire Suppression System	Automatic crew compartment system
Mine Protection	Reinforced hull belly with blast-resistant design

6. Mobility & Capability

Maximum Gradient	~60%
Side Slope	~30%
Trench Crossing	~2.8 m
Vertical Obstacle	~0.9 m
Fording Depth	1.1 m (up to ~2 m with preparation kit)
Turning Radius	Neutral steer capability
Amphibious Capability	No

7. Sensors & Electronics

Fire Control Computer	Digital integrated system
Thermal Imaging	Gunner and commander sights
Night Vision	Infrared based systems
Laser Rangefinder	Yes
Ballistic Computer	Yes
Communication System	Secure battlefield radio
Battlefield Management System	Limited integration, upgrade dependent

8. Operational Info

Service Branch	British Army
Primary Operator	United Kingdom, Oman (earlier export operator)
Combat Experience	Iraq War (2003)
Upgrade Packages	Challenger 2 LEP, Life Extension Programme
Export Status	Limited export history
Production Status	No longer in full-rate production (upgrade programs ongoing)

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

7.8

Maintenance Efficiency 7 / 10
Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Extremely strong composite armor protection
Proven combat record with high survivability
Accurate 120 mm rifled main gun
Advanced thermal imaging and fire control system
High crew safety standards

CONS

Slower compared to modern western MBTs
Heavier logistical and maintenance requirements
Limited export success
Older platform architecture
Lower ammunition compatibility with NATO smoothbore standard

Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank

The Challenger 2 is a third generation main battle tank designed for battlefield survivability, long range engagement, and high crew protection. Built for the British Army, it has earned a reputation for strong defensive capability and consistent performance in combat environments. One of its most notable operational records came during the 2003 Iraq conflict, where Challenger 2 units reportedly sustained no losses to enemy fire, highlighting its protection and crew survivability under real combat conditions.

The tank is equipped with a 120 mm rifled main gun, advanced thermal imaging, and a digital fire control system that allows accurate targeting in day and night conditions. Its design emphasizes heavy armor protection using Chobham based composite systems, making it one of the most protected tanks in service. It is primarily used for armored warfare, breakthrough operations, and defensive frontline roles.

Manufacturer

The Challenger 2 was originally developed by Vickers Defence Systems, now part of BAE Systems Land UK. It was designed in the United Kingdom and entered service in 1998 as an upgrade over earlier British tank platforms.

Speed and Range

The tank is powered by a Perkins CV12 diesel engine producing around 1,200 horsepower. It can reach a maximum road speed of approximately 59 km/h with an operational range of about 450 km depending on terrain and mission load. While not focused on speed, it balances mobility with heavy armor protection.

Cost/Price

The unit cost of the Challenger 2 is estimated between 4 million and 6 million USD depending on upgrade configuration and support systems.

Reviews

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