A Challenger 2 tank storms ashore during an amphibious capability exercise in Hampshire on September 23rd, 2010.
The FV4034 Challenger 2 is a British-designed main battle tank (MBT) in service with the armies of several British Commonwealth members. It was designed and built by the British company Vickers Defence Systems. The Challenger 2 is an extensive redesign of the FV4030 Challenger 1. Fewer than 5% of components are interchangeable, and although the hull and automotive components, namely the power pack, seem similar, they are of a newer design and build to that of Challenger 1.
| Production history | |
|---|---|
| Designer | Vickers Defence Systems |
| Designed | 1986–1993 |
| Manufacturer |
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| Unit cost | £4,217,000 (FY 1999) |
| Produced |
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| Specifications | |
| Mass |
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| Length |
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| Width |
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| Height | 2.49 m (8 ft 2 in) |
| Crew | 4 (commander, gunner, loader–operator, driver) |
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| Armour | Chobham / Dorchester Level 2 (classified) |
| Main armament | L30A1 120 mm rifled gun with 47 rounds |
| Secondary armament |
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| Engine |
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| Power/weight |
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| Transmission | David Brown TN54E epicyclic transmission (6 fwd., 2 rev.) |
| Suspension | Hydropneumatic |
| Ground clearance | 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) |
| Fuel capacity | 1,592 litres (350 imp gal; 421 US gal) |
| Operational range |
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| Maximum speed |
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In 2006, the Challenger 2 was upgraded with the Challenger Lethality Improvement Programme followed by the Heavy Armour Automotive Improvement Programme and Challenger 2 Streetfighter 2 modification which added the Brimstone missile to the Challenger 2
