Difference between revisions of "Challenger 2E"

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{{About
 
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|about = British medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
−
|usage = other versions
 
−
|link = Challenger 2 (Family)
 
−
}}
 
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=uk_challenger_2e
 
|code=uk_challenger_2e
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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''Challenger 2 (Export)''' is an export modification of the [[Challenger 2|FV4034 Challenger 2 main battle tank]]. It has a new integrated weapon control and battlefield management system that includes a gyro-stabilised panoramic SAGEM MVS 580 day/thermal sight for the commander and a gyro-stabilised panoramic SAGEM SAVAN 15 day/thermal sight for the gunner, both with a laser rangefinder. With a common engagement mechanism, this gives the tank hunter-killing capability. Optionally, a servo-controlled overhead weapons platform can be slaved to the commander's sight and operated independently of turret rotation. The power pack has been replaced by a new 1,500-horsepower EuroPowerPack with a transversely mounted MTU MT883 diesel engine and Renk HSWL 295TM automatic transmission. Significant improvements in vehicle performance and durability have been made. The EuroPowerPack, which is smaller but more powerful, includes a cooling system and air intake filtration system for desert combat. In 2002, BAE Systems made an attempt principally aimed at exporting to the Hellenic Army, a competition won by the [[Leopard 2 (Family)|Leopard 2 main battle tanks]]. BAE later declared that the development and export marketing of Challenger 2E would be discontinued in 2005.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Sky Guardians"]].
  
−
Introduced in [[Update "Sky Guardians"]], the Challenger 2E is very similar to the standard Challenger 2, with the exception of much-needed increase in mobility. This is owing to its improved EuroPowerPack, which includes a transversely mounted MTU MT883 diesel engine in place of the comparatively underpowered Perkins CV12-6A found in all previous Challenger 2 models. Players can play slightly more aggressively during battles by rushing to strategic locations early on during matches.
+
The Challenger 2E is a return to tradition in the Challenger 2 Family, a far more conventional vehicle when compared to the [[Challenger 2 TES]] or the [[Black Night]]. Unlike the other versions of the Challenger 2, it was aimed at the export market, although it failed to receive any orders.
 +
 
 +
When compared to the other versions of the Challenger 2, it has a substantially more powerful engine, bringing it in-line with many of its international competitors.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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Furthermore, the Challenger 2E lacks any additional armour packages, and does not have access to an [[Active protection systems|active protection system]], leaving it marginally more vulnerable than all other Challenger 2 variants.
 
Furthermore, the Challenger 2E lacks any additional armour packages, and does not have access to an [[Active protection systems|active protection system]], leaving it marginally more vulnerable than all other Challenger 2 variants.
  
−
'''Armour type:'''
+
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
−
 
+
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
 
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 
* Cast homogeneous armour
 
* Cast homogeneous armour
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{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
+
!'''Armour'''!!'''Front (Slope angle)'''!!'''Sides (Slope angle)'''!!'''Rear (Slope angle)'''!!'''Roof (Slope angle)'''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 38-50 mm (60-83°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 70 mm (28°) ''Lower glacis'' <br> 60 mm (0-83°) ''Driver's port'' || 25 mm (71°) ''Top'' <br> 25 mm ''Middle'' <br> 38 mm (14°) ''Bottom'' || 50 mm (29-65°) || 10-20 mm (79-90°)
+
|Hull
 +
|38-50 mm (60-83°) Upper Glacis
 +
 
 +
70 mm (28°) Lower Glacis
 +
 
 +
60 mm (0-83°) Driver's Port
 +
|25 mm (71°) Top
 +
 
 +
25 mm (0°) Middle
 +
 
 +
38 mm (14°) Bottom
 +
|50 mm (29-65°)
 +
|10-20 mm (79-90°)
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Turret || 100 mm (50°) ''Turret cheeks'' <br> 30 mm (13-50°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 10-20 mm (8-10°) || 20 mm (18°) || 10-38 mm (0-15°)
+
|Turret
 +
|100 mm (50°) Turret Cheeks
 +
 
 +
30 mm (13-50°) Gun Mantlet
 +
|10-20 mm (8-10°)
 +
|20 mm (18°)
 +
|10-38 mm (75-90°)
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Cupola ||60 mm ||60 mm ||60 mm ||44 mm
+
|Cupola
 +
|60 mm (0°)
 +
|60 mm (0°)
 +
|60 mm (0°)
 +
|44 mm (90°)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
'''Notes:'''
 
  
 +
'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
 +
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
 
* There are two 50 mm RHA plates on the Turret Cheeks leading to a total of 100 mm.
 
* There are two 50 mm RHA plates on the Turret Cheeks leading to a total of 100 mm.
 
* Negligible structural steel surrounds the hull.
 
* Negligible structural steel surrounds the hull.
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{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
! Composite armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides
+
!'''Composite Armour'''
 +
!'''Front (Slope angle)'''
 +
!'''Sides (Slope angle)'''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 130 mm RHA + 200 mm NERA
+
|Hull
−
!
+
|130 mm RHA + 200 mm NERA
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 160 mm RHA + 400 mm NERA + 110 mm CHA || 80 mm RHA + 230 mm NERA
+
|Turret
 +
|160 mm RHA + 400 mm NERA + 110 mm CHA
 +
|80 mm RHA + 230 mm NERA
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''<!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
 +
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
 +
* RHA = rolled homogeneous armour
 +
* CHA = cast homogeneous armour
 +
* NERA = non-explosive reactive armour
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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The Challenger 2E has improved mobility when compared to all other Challenger 2 variants. This is due to its superior MTU engine, which replaces the comparatively underpowered Perkins CV12-6A used on all other Challenger 2 tanks.
 
The Challenger 2E has improved mobility when compared to all other Challenger 2 variants. This is due to its superior MTU engine, which replaces the comparatively underpowered Perkins CV12-6A used on all other Challenger 2 tanks.
  
−
The MTU engine is about 20% more powerful than the Perkins CV12-6A. The improved mobility of the Challenger 2E makes it comparable to most other top-tier MBTs, such as the [[Leopard 2A6]] or [[M1A2 SEP]].
+
The MTU engine is about 20% more powerful than the Perkins CV12-6A.
  
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,325|rbMinHp=1,327}}
+
The improved mobility of the Challenger 2E makes it comparable to most other top-tier MBTs, such as the [[Leopard 2A6]] or [[M1A2 SEP]].{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,325|rbMinHp=1,327}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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The Challenger 2E mounts the same cannon as all other Challenger 2 tanks in War Thunder. It performs adequately, although some other nations have more capable cannons on their top-tier MBTs. Unlike most MBT cannons at this battle rating, it is rifled. This is to accommodate the HESH ammunition that is highly regarded in British tank doctrine.
 
The Challenger 2E mounts the same cannon as all other Challenger 2 tanks in War Thunder. It performs adequately, although some other nations have more capable cannons on their top-tier MBTs. Unlike most MBT cannons at this battle rating, it is rifled. This is to accommodate the HESH ammunition that is highly regarded in British tank doctrine.
  
−
The L30A1 is incredibly accurate, although this isn't a unique characteristic for highly rated tanks. The range of ammunition it fires is likewise, good, but nothing special. This is especially damning considering the comparatively limited ammunition selection versus other nations' tanks; the Challenger 2E doesn't have access to HEATFS, HE-VT, or ATGM ammunition.
+
The L30A1 is incredibly accurate, although this isn't a unique characteristic for highly rated tanks. The range of ammunition it fires is likewise, good, but nothing special. This is especially damning considering the comparatively limited ammunition selection versus other nation's tanks; the Challenger 2E doesn't have access to HEATFS, HE-VT, or ATGM ammunition.
−
 
 
−
Where the Challenger 2E really shines, however, is its immense rate of fire. It has a fast-firing cannon for a top-tier tank. With an untrained crew, it has a reload time of 6.5 seconds, however this drops down to an astonishing 5 seconds with an aced crew, lending it a fire rate of 12 rounds per minute.
 
  
 +
Where it really shines, however, is it's immense rate of fire. The Challenger 2E - like its predecessors - share the joint title of the fastest 120 mm non-autoloading cannon in War Thunder. The Challenger 2E has one of the fastest firing cannons of any top-tier tank, and can deal out damage at a near absurd rate. With an untrained crew, it has a reload time of 6.5 seconds, however this drops down to an astonishing 5 seconds with an aced crew, lending it a fire rate of 12 rounds per minute.
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[L30A1 (120 mm)|120 mm L30A1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! colspan="5" | [[L30A1 (120 mm)|'''120 mm L30A1''']] || colspan="5" | '''Turret rotation speed (°/s)''' || colspan="4" | '''Reloading rate (seconds)'''
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
+
! '''Mode''' !! '''Capacity''' !! '''Vertical''' !! '''Horizontal''' !! '''Stabilizer'''
−
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
+
! '''Stock''' !! '''Upgraded''' !! '''Full''' !! '''Expert''' !! '''Aced'''
−
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
+
! '''Stock''' !! '''Full''' !! '''Expert''' !! '''Aced'''
 
|-
 
|-
−
! ''Arcade''
+
! '''''Arcade'''''
 
| rowspan="2" | 50 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane ||29.5||40.8||49.6||54.8||58.4|| rowspan="2" |6.50|| rowspan="2" |5.75|| rowspan="2" |5.30|| rowspan="2" |5.00
 
| rowspan="2" | 50 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane ||29.5||40.8||49.6||54.8||58.4|| rowspan="2" |6.50|| rowspan="2" |5.75|| rowspan="2" |5.30|| rowspan="2" |5.00
 
|-
 
|-
−
! ''Realistic''
+
! '''''Realistic'''''
 
|18.4||21.7||26.4||29.1||31.0
 
|18.4||21.7||26.4||29.1||31.0
 
|-
 
|-
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Full<br>ammo
+
! '''Full<br>ammo'''
−
! Ammo<br>type
+
!'''Ammo'''
−
! 1st<br>rack empty
+
'''Part'''
−
! 2nd<br>rack empty
+
! '''1st<br>rack empty'''
−
! 3rd<br>rack empty
+
! '''2nd<br>rack empty'''
−
! 4th<br>rack empty
+
! '''3rd<br>rack empty'''
−
! 5th<br>rack empty
+
! '''4th<br>rack empty'''
−
! 6th<br>rack empty
+
! '''5th<br>rack empty'''
−
! 7th<br>rack empty
+
! '''6th<br>rack empty'''
−
! 8th<br>rack empty
+
!'''7th'''
−
! 9th<br>rack empty
+
'''rack empty'''
−
! Visual<br>discrepancy
+
!'''8th'''
 +
'''rack empty'''
 +
!'''9th'''
 +
'''rack empty'''
 +
!'''Visual'''
 +
'''discrepancy'''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''50''' || Projectiles <br> Propellants || 48&nbsp;''(+2)''<br>45&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 45&nbsp;''(+5)''<br>39&nbsp;''(+11)'' || 43&nbsp;''(+7)''<br>31&nbsp;''(+19)'' || 41&nbsp;''(+9)''<br>22&nbsp;''(+28)'' || 34&nbsp;''(+16)''<br>14&nbsp;''(+36)'' || 29&nbsp;''(+21)''<br>5&nbsp;''(+45)'' || 5&nbsp;''(+45)''<br>1&nbsp;''(+49)'' || 4&nbsp;''(+46)''<br>&nbsp; || 1&nbsp;''(+49)''<br>&nbsp; || No
+
|'''50'''
 +
|''Projectiles''
 +
''Propellants''
 +
|48&nbsp;''(+2)''
 +
45&nbsp;''(+5)''
 +
|45&nbsp;''(+5)''
 +
39&nbsp;''(+11)''
 +
|43&nbsp;''(+7)''
 +
31&nbsp;''(+19)''
 +
|41&nbsp;''(+9)''
 +
22&nbsp;''(+28)''
 +
|34&nbsp;''(+16)''
 +
14&nbsp;''(+36)''
 +
|29&nbsp;''(+21)''
 +
5&nbsp;''(+45)''
 +
|5&nbsp;''(+45)''
 +
1&nbsp;''(+49)''
 +
|4&nbsp;''(+46)''
 +
&nbsp;
 +
|1&nbsp;''(+49)''
 +
&nbsp;
 +
|No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Pintle || 1,000 (200) || 576 || -10°/+25° || -180°/+78°
+
|Pintle||1,000 (200)||650||-10°/+30°||±60°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 4,000 (2,000) || 600 || - || -
+
|Coaxial||4,000 (2,000)||600||-10°/+20°||±0°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->The Challenger 2E should be used in a near-identical fashion to the other Challenger 2 tanks.
−
The Challenger 2E should be used in a near-identical fashion to the other Challenger 2 tanks. That is to say:
 
  
−
* Remain at long range
+
That is to say:
 +
 
 +
* Remain at long-range
 
* Lock down enemy advances
 
* Lock down enemy advances
 
* Stay hull-down
 
* Stay hull-down
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Although, the Challenger 2E has substantially improved mobility, so it can be used more aggressively. Players are at liberty to decide how they control this tank far more than its other iterations. However, one must be aware of their positioning relative to the team. Stray too far ahead with that great engine power, and you risk over-extending and becoming isolated, only to be swarmed by enemy tanks.
 
Although, the Challenger 2E has substantially improved mobility, so it can be used more aggressively. Players are at liberty to decide how they control this tank far more than its other iterations. However, one must be aware of their positioning relative to the team. Stray too far ahead with that great engine power, and you risk over-extending and becoming isolated, only to be swarmed by enemy tanks.
  
−
The Challenger 2E has an advantage over most enemies at long range. While the tank can be used aggressively, this throws away the advantage. Even if it doesn't put you at substantially increased risk, you are not as capable as you could be.
+
Nonetheless, this is still ill-advised. The Challenger 2E has an advantage over most enemies at long-range. While the tank can be used aggressively, this throws away the advantage. While it doesn't put you at substantially increased risk, you are not as capable as you could be.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Drives as fast as [[Vickers Mk.7]] at 80 km/h on demand
 
 
* Very survivable armour profile
 
* Very survivable armour profile
−
* Has a 12.7 mm machine gun
+
* Advanced fire-control system
 +
** Modern [[Night Vision Devices|NVDs]]
 +
* Adequate firepower
 +
** Overwhelming rate of fire
 +
* Competitive mobility
 +
 
 +
*
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Does not carry over any super powerful upgrades of the Black Night or 2F, its just a basic, but fast Challenger 2
+
* Large and vulnerable weak spots
−
* Large and vulnerable weak spots are present that cannot be hidden
+
* Minimal anti-air capabilities
−
* Minimal anti-air capabilities despite new machine gun
+
* Lacks [[Active protection systems|APS]]
−
* Retains same ammunition as old Challengers, armour is not powerful enough to compensate when fighting top tanks on high ground
+
 
−
* Reload rate slows down significantly once ready rack is emptied
+
*
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
The Challenger 2E was a private venture by Vickers plc, aimed at the export market. The 2E was designed after the failure of the Challenger 2 to gain international sales, with only 38 being sold.
+
The Challenger 2E was a private venture by [[wikipedia:Vickers_plc|Vickers plc]], aimed at the export market. The 2E was designed after the failure of the Challenger 2 to gain international sales, with only 38 being sold.
  
 
The Challenger 2E was marketed as being a high-end and capable tank that would outperform all competition, unlike the budget series of the [[Vickers MBT (Family)|Vickers family]]. The primary target for the 2E was the gulf nations, as well as several Mediterranean nations. Adjustments were made to the basic Challenger 2 to accommodate these potential markets, such as native integration of air filtration and air conditioning.
 
The Challenger 2E was marketed as being a high-end and capable tank that would outperform all competition, unlike the budget series of the [[Vickers MBT (Family)|Vickers family]]. The primary target for the 2E was the gulf nations, as well as several Mediterranean nations. Adjustments were made to the basic Challenger 2 to accommodate these potential markets, such as native integration of air filtration and air conditioning.
Line 194: Line 256:
  
 
One reason for the failure of the Challenger 2E was the reluctance of the British government to sell the Challenger 2E to foreign countries, due to the immensely classified nature of its Chobham armour profile. Were relations to sour between Britain and the prospective buyer, or were the Challenger 2E to be captured by an enemy state, the exact armour profile of the Challenger 2 could be calculated - and perhaps even reverse engineered.
 
One reason for the failure of the Challenger 2E was the reluctance of the British government to sell the Challenger 2E to foreign countries, due to the immensely classified nature of its Chobham armour profile. Were relations to sour between Britain and the prospective buyer, or were the Challenger 2E to be captured by an enemy state, the exact armour profile of the Challenger 2 could be calculated - and perhaps even reverse engineered.
 +
 +
This was especially concerning given the sheer number of tanks using Chobham armour - not only d
  
 
Additionally, the Challenger 2E performed rather poorly in the 1998 Greek tank trials, irreparably damaging its reputation.
 
Additionally, the Challenger 2E performed rather poorly in the 1998 Greek tank trials, irreparably damaging its reputation.
Line 201: Line 265:
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
'''Skins'''
  
−
;Skins
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_challenger_2e Skins and camouflages for the Challenger 2E from live.warthunder.com.]
−
 
 
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_challenger_2e Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
−
 
 
−
;Videos
 
−
{{Youtube-gallery|7J9VTmvFRT4|'''The Shooting Range #346''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:25 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
 
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->'''Other Challenger 2 tanks'''
−
 
 
−
;Related development
 
  
 
* [[Challenger 2 (Family)]]
 
* [[Challenger 2 (Family)]]
 +
** [[Challenger 2]]
 +
** [[Challenger 2 (2F)]]
 +
** [[Challenger 2 TES]]
 +
** [[Black Night]]
  
−
;Analogues in other nations
+
'''Analogues in other nations'''
  
 
* [[M1 Abrams (Family)]]
 
* [[M1 Abrams (Family)]]
 +
** [[M1A2 Abrams]]
 +
** [[M1A2 SEP]]
 
* [[Leopard 2 (Family)]]
 
* [[Leopard 2 (Family)]]
 +
** [[Leopard 2A5]]
 +
** [[Leopard 2A6]]
 
* [[Leclerc (Family)]]
 
* [[Leclerc (Family)]]
 +
** [[Leclerc]]
 +
** [[Leclerc S2]]
 +
** [[Leclerc SXXI]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 228: Line 297:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
 
 
* [[wikipedia:Challenger_2|[Wikipedia] Challenger 2]]
 
* [[wikipedia:Challenger_2|[Wikipedia] Challenger 2]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/8108-development-challenger-2e-hurry-up-sir-en|[Development] Challenger 2E - Hurry up, Sir!]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/8108-development-challenger-2e-hurry-up-sir-en|[Development] Challenger 2E - Hurry up, Sir!]]
  
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}

Revision as of 13:04, 9 March 2023

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Challenger 2E
uk_challenger_2e.png
GarageImage Challenger 2E.jpg
Challenger 2E

Description

The Challenger 2E is a rank British medium tank with a battle rating of (AB), (RB), and (SB). It was introduced in Update "Sky Guardians".

The Challenger 2E is a return to tradition in the Challenger 2 Family, a far more conventional vehicle when compared to the Challenger 2 TES or the Black Night. Unlike the other versions of the Challenger 2, it was aimed at the export market, although it failed to receive any orders.

When compared to the other versions of the Challenger 2, it has a substantially more powerful engine, bringing it in-line with many of its international competitors.

General info

Survivability and armour

Like all Challenger 2 tanks, the armour is exceptional. It is capable of defeating even the most powerful of APFSDS rounds when hull-down, and it can even withstand HEAT rounds to the sides. Nonetheless, it has a few weak spots, particularly the cannon breech and the lower glacis.

The armour profile of the Challenger 2E is practically identical to all other Challenger 2 tanks, so there should be no difficulty in adapting from its predecessors.

Furthermore, the Challenger 2E lacks any additional armour packages, and does not have access to an active protection system, leaving it marginally more vulnerable than all other Challenger 2 variants.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour
  • Composite armour
  • Structural steel
  • Gun steel
  • Rubber-fabric screens
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides (Slope angle) Rear (Slope angle) Roof (Slope angle)
Hull 38-50 mm (60-83°) Upper Glacis

70 mm (28°) Lower Glacis

60 mm (0-83°) Driver's Port

25 mm (71°) Top

25 mm (0°) Middle

38 mm (14°) Bottom

50 mm (29-65°) 10-20 mm (79-90°)
Turret 100 mm (50°) Turret Cheeks

30 mm (13-50°) Gun Mantlet

10-20 mm (8-10°) 20 mm (18°) 10-38 mm (75-90°)
Cupola 60 mm (0°) 60 mm (0°) 60 mm (0°) 44 mm (90°)

Notes:

  • There are two 50 mm RHA plates on the Turret Cheeks leading to a total of 100 mm.
  • Negligible structural steel surrounds the hull.
  • There is a 38 mm thick set of cast steel armour in the turrets crew compartment.
Composite Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides (Slope angle)
Hull 130 mm RHA + 200 mm NERA
Turret 160 mm RHA + 400 mm NERA + 110 mm CHA 80 mm RHA + 230 mm NERA

Notes:

  • RHA = rolled homogeneous armour
  • CHA = cast homogeneous armour
  • NERA = non-explosive reactive armour

Mobility

The Challenger 2E has improved mobility when compared to all other Challenger 2 variants. This is due to its superior MTU engine, which replaces the comparatively underpowered Perkins CV12-6A used on all other Challenger 2 tanks.

The MTU engine is about 20% more powerful than the Perkins CV12-6A.

The improved mobility of the Challenger 2E makes it comparable to most other top-tier MBTs, such as the Leopard 2A6 or M1A2 SEP.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade Expression error: Unexpected * operator. 2,325 Expression error: Unexpected round operator. __.__
Realistic 1,327 Expression error: Unexpected round operator. __.__

Modifications and economy

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: L30A1 (120 mm)

The Challenger 2E mounts the same cannon as all other Challenger 2 tanks in War Thunder. It performs adequately, although some other nations have more capable cannons on their top-tier MBTs. Unlike most MBT cannons at this battle rating, it is rifled. This is to accommodate the HESH ammunition that is highly regarded in British tank doctrine.

The L30A1 is incredibly accurate, although this isn't a unique characteristic for highly rated tanks. The range of ammunition it fires is likewise, good, but nothing special. This is especially damning considering the comparatively limited ammunition selection versus other nation's tanks; the Challenger 2E doesn't have access to HEATFS, HE-VT, or ATGM ammunition.

Where it really shines, however, is it's immense rate of fire. The Challenger 2E - like its predecessors - share the joint title of the fastest 120 mm non-autoloading cannon in War Thunder. The Challenger 2E has one of the fastest firing cannons of any top-tier tank, and can deal out damage at a near absurd rate. With an untrained crew, it has a reload time of 6.5 seconds, however this drops down to an astonishing 5 seconds with an aced crew, lending it a fire rate of 12 rounds per minute.

120 mm L30A1 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 50 -10°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 29.5 40.8 49.6 54.8 58.4 6.50 5.75 5.30 5.00
Realistic 18.4 21.7 26.4 29.1 31.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
Shot L23A1 APFSDS 396 394 387 376 367 357
Shell L31A7 HESH 152 152 152 152 152 152
L26 APFSDS 493 491 487 481 474 468
L27A1 APFSDS 564 562 557 551 545 538
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Shot L23A1 APFSDS 1,535 3.89 - - - 78° 80° 81°
Shell L31A7 HESH 670 17.34 0.1 4 6.53 73° 77° 80°
L26 APFSDS 1,650 4.3 - - - 78° 80° 81°
L27A1 APFSDS 1,650 4.3 - - - 78° 80° 81°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Screen radius
(m) 		Screen deploy
time (s) 		Screen hold
time (s) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
L34 670 17.1 20 5 25 50

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		Ammo

Part

1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		7th

rack empty

8th

rack empty

9th

rack empty

Visual

discrepancy

50 Projectiles

Propellants

48 (+2)

45 (+5)

45 (+5)

39 (+11)

43 (+7)

31 (+19)

41 (+9)

22 (+28)

34 (+16)

14 (+36)

29 (+21)

5 (+45)

5 (+45)

1 (+49)

4 (+46)

 

1 (+49)

 

No

Machine guns

Main articles: M2HB (12.7 mm), L94A1 (7.62 mm)

The Challenger 2E has access to one 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, and one 12.7 mm machine gun mounted on the roof. All other Challenger 2 tanks lack a high calibre machine gun, giving this tank increased lethality against enemy aircraft and light vehicles.

12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 1,000 (200) 650 -10°/+30° ±60°
7.62 mm L94A1
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,000 (2,000) 600 -10°/+20° ±0°

Usage in battles

The Challenger 2E should be used in a near-identical fashion to the other Challenger 2 tanks.

That is to say:

  • Remain at long-range
  • Lock down enemy advances
  • Stay hull-down
  • Do not rush in, play patiently
  • If advancing, stick with the team

Although, the Challenger 2E has substantially improved mobility, so it can be used more aggressively. Players are at liberty to decide how they control this tank far more than its other iterations. However, one must be aware of their positioning relative to the team. Stray too far ahead with that great engine power, and you risk over-extending and becoming isolated, only to be swarmed by enemy tanks.

Nonetheless, this is still ill-advised. The Challenger 2E has an advantage over most enemies at long-range. While the tank can be used aggressively, this throws away the advantage. While it doesn't put you at substantially increased risk, you are not as capable as you could be.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very survivable armour profile
  • Advanced fire-control system
  • Adequate firepower
    • Overwhelming rate of fire
  • Competitive mobility

Cons:

  • Large and vulnerable weak spots
  • Minimal anti-air capabilities
  • Lacks APS

History

The Challenger 2E was a private venture by Vickers plc, aimed at the export market. The 2E was designed after the failure of the Challenger 2 to gain international sales, with only 38 being sold.

The Challenger 2E was marketed as being a high-end and capable tank that would outperform all competition, unlike the budget series of the Vickers family. The primary target for the 2E was the gulf nations, as well as several Mediterranean nations. Adjustments were made to the basic Challenger 2 to accommodate these potential markets, such as native integration of air filtration and air conditioning.

Additionally, space was freed up in the crew compartment to accommodate an internal toilet, one of the only tanks in history to do so.

Unfortunately for Vickers, the Challenger 2E was a failure, and did not attract any orders. This was one of many contributing factors that led Vickers plc to go under, eventually being folded into BAE Systems.

One reason for the failure of the Challenger 2E was the reluctance of the British government to sell the Challenger 2E to foreign countries, due to the immensely classified nature of its Chobham armour profile. Were relations to sour between Britain and the prospective buyer, or were the Challenger 2E to be captured by an enemy state, the exact armour profile of the Challenger 2 could be calculated - and perhaps even reverse engineered.

This was especially concerning given the sheer number of tanks using Chobham armour - not only d

Additionally, the Challenger 2E performed rather poorly in the 1998 Greek tank trials, irreparably damaging its reputation.

By 2005, the Challenger 2E project was entirely abandoned by BAE systems.

Media

Skins

See also

Other Challenger 2 tanks

Analogues in other nations

External links


Britain medium tanks
Valentine  Valentine I · Valentine IX · Valentine XI
Cromwell  Cromwell I · Cromwell V · Cromwell V (RP-3)
Cromwell derivatives  Challenger · Avenger · Comet I · Comet I "Iron Duke IV" · Charioteer Mk VII
Centurion  Centurion Mk 1 · Centurion Mk.2 · Centurion Mk 3 · Centurion Mk.5 AVRE · Centurion Mk 10 · Centurion Action X · FV4202
Vickers MBT  Vickers Mk.1 · Vickers Mk.3 · Vickers Mk.7
Chieftain  Chieftain Mk 3 · Chieftain Mk 5 · Chieftain Mk 10
Challenger 1  Challenger Mk.2 · Challenger Mk.3 · Challenger DS
Challenger 2  Challenger 2 · Challenger 2 (2F) · Challenger 2 TES · Challenger 2 OES · Challenger 2E · Challenger 2 Black Night
Challenger 3  Challenger 3 TD
Australia  A.C.I · A.C.IV · Centurion Mk.5/1
South Africa  Olifant Mk.1A · Olifant Mk.2 · TTD
India  Vijayanta · Bhishma TWMP
Israel  ▄Sho't Kal Dalet
Jordan  Khalid
Sweden  ▄Strv 81 (RB 52)
USA  Grant I · Sherman II · Sherman Firefly · Sherman IC "Trzyniec"

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