Difference between revisions of "Challenger Mk.2"

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== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
<!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpfull for survival in combat?''
+
<!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?''
  
 
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
−
* Spaced armour (Hull front, Turret front)
+
* Composite armour (Hull front, Turret front, Turret sides)
−
* Cast homogeneous armour
+
* Rolled homogeneous armour
−
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Turret)
+
* Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet)
 +
* Aluminium (Side skirts)
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 80* mm (68°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 80 mm (61°) ''Lower glacis'' || 85 mm ''Front'' <br> 70 mm ''Rear'' <br. 20 mm (33°) ''Bottom'' || 20 mm (8-55°) ''Top'' <br> 45 mm ''Center'' <br> 20 mm (18-58°) ''Bottom'' || 30 mm ''Front'' <br> 20 mm ''Engine deck''
+
| Hull || 38-50* mm (60-81°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 70 mm (30°) ''Lower glacis'' || 20 mm (0-3°), 25 mm (74°) ''Top'' <br> 25 + 19 mm ''Bottom'' || 20 mm (29°) ''Top'' <br> 25 mm (30°) || 20 mm <br> 8 mm ''Engine grille''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 50-330 mm (0-80°) || 65-180* mm (2-49°) || 65 mm (2-72°) || 40-140 mm
+
| Turret || 50* mm (51-54°) <br> 60 mm (55-56°), 200 mm ''Gun mantlet''  || 25* + 4 mm (1°) ''Front'' <br> 45 + 4 mm ''Rear'' || 44 + 4 mm (43-48°) <br> 20 mm (85°) ''Turret underside''  || 38 mm ''Front'' <br> 20 mm ''Rear''
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof  
 
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof  
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || 100 mm || 40 mm
+
| Cupola || 60 mm || 60 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Composite armour* !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Composite armour* !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 320 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 450 mm ''Chemical'' || N/A || N/A || N/A
+
| Hull || '''Front glacis:'''<br>400 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 600 mm ''Chemical'' || N/A || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 400 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 450 mm ''Chemical'' || 400 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 450 mm ''Chemical'' || N/A || N/A
+
| Turret || '''Turret front:'''<br>''Angles +0-0°:''<br>470 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 750 mm ''Chemical''<br> ''Angles +30-30°:''<br>430 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 700 mm ''Chemical'' || '''25 mm sections:''' <br> 130 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 300 mm ''Chemical'' || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
−
* Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, torsion bars are 10 mm thick, and tracks are 30 mm thick.
+
* Suspension wheels, torsion bars, and tracks are 20 mm thick.
−
* The side flaps on the hull side gives spaced protection against HEAT rounds, allowing one to angle the hull slightly while protecting the vulnerable side hull.
+
* Turret ring is 60 mm thick.
−
* Belly armour is 20 mm thick.
+
* 20-25 mm RHA plates surround the fuel tanks on the hull sides.
−
* A 5 mm RHA plate separates the engine from the crew compartment
+
* Hull compsoite armour configuration is 50 mm RHA + 200 mm NERA elements + 80 mm RHA.
−
* A log providing 100 mm thickness in wood.
+
* Front turret compsoite armour configuration is 50 mm RHA + 600 mm NERA elements + 110 mm RHA.
−
* The snorkel tube on the turret rear provide 4 mm of structural steel.
+
* Turret side compsoite armour configuration is 25 mm RHA + 300 mm NERA elements + 80 mm RHA.
−
* Hull roof armour at front and turret base  is rated to be 30 mm effective against HE
 
−
* Hull spaced armour configuration is 80 mm RHA + 105 mm Textolite + 20 mm RHA.
 
−
* Turret spaced armour configuration is 150-180 mm CHA + 150 mm HHRA + 32 mm RHA.
 
−
 
 
−
The T-64A has the advantage of composite armour over most of its front glacis and turret, but this does not cover all sections! There are no composite on the lower front plate for example, so rounds able to go through ~200 mm should be able to get through there. On the other hand, if in possession of a tank with APFSDS ammunition that could penetrate more than 320 mm, than it is possible to slice through the front plate composite armour as well. HEAT ammunition is finicky as T-64A was built around protection specifications against shaped charges, the composite armour is 450 mm effective when against HEAT warheads and there are side flaps on the side hull to prevent even the chance of hitting the T-64A weaker side armour on the first try, although these side flaps are one-time use only so prolonged combat may have sheared these off already. Try to avoid aiming for the turret as it is the most protected area of the tank with a good portion covered by composite, leading to the need of massive amount of penetration to consider the turret a viable target, like the HOT missiles.
 
−
 
 
−
In a situation when the T-64A decides to hull-down and present as little of the front plate as possible, and in a tank unable to consider the turret the main target, there's little else to do but flank around and hit through the weaker side armour. Move in first and disable the gun, forcing the T-64A to repair the damaged gun barrel/breach. In this time, move around the T-64A as fast as possible. If caught unaware, the T-64A would have a harder time to withdraw as it has a rather poor reverse speed. Get around and plant a shell right into the center of the tank's side, which would certainly ignite one of the many ammunition stored in the autoloader carousel.
 
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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!colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
 
!colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
|rowspan="2" | 38.0 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 67 (AB)  
+
|rowspan="2" | 62.0 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 62 (AB)  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|61 (RB/SB)
+
|56 (RB/SB)
 
|-
 
|-
 
!colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
 
!colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
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|-
 
|-
 
|''Arcade''
 
|''Arcade''
−
|1,085
+
|1,860
 
|____
 
|____
 
|-
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
−
|619
+
|1,061
−
|700
+
|1,200
 
|-
 
|-
 
!colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 
!colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
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|-
 
|-
 
|''Arcade''
 
|''Arcade''
−
|28.55
+
|30.00
 
|__.__
 
|__.__
 
|-
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
−
|16.29
+
|17.11
−
|18.42
+
|19.35
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
<!--''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibilty of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
+
<!--''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
 
{{main|L11A5 (120 mm)}}
 
{{main|L11A5 (120 mm)}}
  
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|}
 
|}
  
−
== Usage in the 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 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 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).''-->
 
New drivers of the Challenger 1 will appreciate a similar play style to the earlier Chieftain tanks, particularly the [[Chieftain Mk 10]]. Like the Mk.10, the Challenger has a very strong turret, with composite armor protecting the entire front and part of the sides. Frontally, the turret can protect against, at maximum, 470 mm of kinetic (APFSDS, APDS, AP, etc.) and 750 mm of chemical (HEAT, ATGM, etc.) penetrators. This makes the turret theoretically invulnerable to all ammo in the game, excluding the HOT missile on the [[RakJPz 2 (HOT)|Raketenjagdpanzer 2 HOT]]. In practice, however, there is a weak spot on the lower leading edge of the turret front, where the backing plate of the composite inside the turret flattens to a 90° angle, reducing the effective thickness of that section by about 100 mm when the tank is level (making it vulnerable to APFSDS and some APDS). Players can minimize this weak spot by going hull-down on the incline of a hill, and using the Challenger's excellent -10° of gun depression to keep the gun on target. This will increase the angle of the turret and thus increase the effective thickness of the back-plate on the turret.
 
New drivers of the Challenger 1 will appreciate a similar play style to the earlier Chieftain tanks, particularly the [[Chieftain Mk 10]]. Like the Mk.10, the Challenger has a very strong turret, with composite armor protecting the entire front and part of the sides. Frontally, the turret can protect against, at maximum, 470 mm of kinetic (APFSDS, APDS, AP, etc.) and 750 mm of chemical (HEAT, ATGM, etc.) penetrators. This makes the turret theoretically invulnerable to all ammo in the game, excluding the HOT missile on the [[RakJPz 2 (HOT)|Raketenjagdpanzer 2 HOT]]. In practice, however, there is a weak spot on the lower leading edge of the turret front, where the backing plate of the composite inside the turret flattens to a 90° angle, reducing the effective thickness of that section by about 100 mm when the tank is level (making it vulnerable to APFSDS and some APDS). Players can minimize this weak spot by going hull-down on the incline of a hill, and using the Challenger's excellent -10° of gun depression to keep the gun on target. This will increase the angle of the turret and thus increase the effective thickness of the back-plate on the turret.
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=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
+
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
 
*Good composite armour for both kinetic and chemical protection for both hull and turret
 
*Good composite armour for both kinetic and chemical protection for both hull and turret
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== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''-->
 
In 1977, the Iranian government ordered an improved version of the Chieftain tank, which was arguably the best main battle tank (MBT) in service at its time. The Chieftain offered unparalleled protection and firepower; however, its mobility was lackluster and something its successor needed to improve upon. In response, the engineers at the MVEE created the Chieftain Mk.5(P), from which three additional prototypes were created. It was one of these prototypes that would become the basis for the Challenger 1. Unfortunately, after the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the fall of the Shah, Iran canceled its order for an improved Chieftain. In addition, a parallel British tank project (the MBT90) was also abandoned, and the British Army quickly became a new potential customer for a new MBT.
 
In 1977, the Iranian government ordered an improved version of the Chieftain tank, which was arguably the best main battle tank (MBT) in service at its time. The Chieftain offered unparalleled protection and firepower; however, its mobility was lackluster and something its successor needed to improve upon. In response, the engineers at the MVEE created the Chieftain Mk.5(P), from which three additional prototypes were created. It was one of these prototypes that would become the basis for the Challenger 1. Unfortunately, after the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the fall of the Shah, Iran canceled its order for an improved Chieftain. In addition, a parallel British tank project (the MBT90) was also abandoned, and the British Army quickly became a new potential customer for a new MBT.
  
 
The Challenger's design was based on the cancelled project called "Shir-2”" planned for export to Iran, and retained its deadly 120mm gun and superb armour. The Challenger was also equipped with Chobham armour, a composite armour made from multiple layers of different materials. The additional materials gave the Challenger its distinctive, heavily-sloped armour on the front of the turret and upper glacis. The Challenger’s mobility and off-road capabilities were significantly improved with the installation of a new 1,200 horsepower Rolls-Royce engine and hydropneumatic suspension. The Challenger 1 entered production and service in 1983. Production ended in 1990, having yielded a total of about 420 vehicles. It served primarily with British forces during the Gulf War. It was also used in peacekeeping missions in Bosnia-Herzegovina during the mid 1990s, and Jordan still operates a number of Challenger 1 tanks to this day. The Challenger 1 was withdrawn from active service by 2001 and later replaced by the Challenger 2.
 
The Challenger's design was based on the cancelled project called "Shir-2”" planned for export to Iran, and retained its deadly 120mm gun and superb armour. The Challenger was also equipped with Chobham armour, a composite armour made from multiple layers of different materials. The additional materials gave the Challenger its distinctive, heavily-sloped armour on the front of the turret and upper glacis. The Challenger’s mobility and off-road capabilities were significantly improved with the installation of a new 1,200 horsepower Rolls-Royce engine and hydropneumatic suspension. The Challenger 1 entered production and service in 1983. Production ended in 1990, having yielded a total of about 420 vehicles. It served primarily with British forces during the Gulf War. It was also used in peacekeeping missions in Bosnia-Herzegovina during the mid 1990s, and Jordan still operates a number of Challenger 1 tanks to this day. The Challenger 1 was withdrawn from active service by 2001 and later replaced by the Challenger 2.
 +
 +
''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5323-development-challenger-1-a-worthy-heir-en Devblog]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
 
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
  
−
== Read 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.''
−
''ETC.''-->
 
−
[https://warthunder.com/en/news/5323-development-challenger-1-a-worthy-heir-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Challenger 1: A Worthy Heir]
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
== External links ==
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on tank;''
 +
* ''other literature.''-->
 +
[https://warthunder.com/en/news/5323-development-challenger-1-a-worthy-heir-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Challenger 1: A Worthy Heir]
  
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}

Revision as of 23:00, 9 March 2019

Introducing Wiki 3.0
Challenger Mk.2
uk_challenger_1.png
Challenger Mk.2
Britain flag.png Britain
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.3 10.3 10.3
Class:
Research:260 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:710 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

GarageImage Challenger Mk.2.jpg


The Tank, Combat, 120-mm Gun, Challenger Mk.2, or just Challenger Mk.2, is a Rank VI British medium tank with a battle rating of 9.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm".

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour type:

  • Composite armour (Hull front, Turret front, Turret sides)
  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet)
  • Aluminium (Side skirts)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 38-50* mm (60-81°) Front glacis
70 mm (30°) Lower glacis 		20 mm (0-3°), 25 mm (74°) Top
25 + 19 mm Bottom 		20 mm (29°) Top
25 mm (30°) 		20 mm
8 mm Engine grille
Turret 50* mm (51-54°)
60 mm (55-56°), 200 mm Gun mantlet 		25* + 4 mm (1°) Front
45 + 4 mm Rear 		44 + 4 mm (43-48°)
20 mm (85°) Turret underside 		38 mm Front
20 mm Rear
Armour Sides Roof
Cupola 60 mm 60 mm
Composite armour* Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull Front glacis:
400 mm Kinetic
600 mm Chemical 		N/A N/A N/A
Turret Turret front:
Angles +0-0°:
470 mm Kinetic
750 mm Chemical
Angles +30-30°:
430 mm Kinetic
700 mm Chemical 		25 mm sections:
130 mm Kinetic
300 mm Chemical 		N/A N/A

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels, torsion bars, and tracks are 20 mm thick.
  • Turret ring is 60 mm thick.
  • 20-25 mm RHA plates surround the fuel tanks on the hull sides.
  • Hull compsoite armour configuration is 50 mm RHA + 200 mm NERA elements + 80 mm RHA.
  • Front turret compsoite armour configuration is 50 mm RHA + 600 mm NERA elements + 110 mm RHA.
  • Turret side compsoite armour configuration is 25 mm RHA + 300 mm NERA elements + 80 mm RHA.

Mobility

Mobility characteristic
Weight (tons) Add-on Armor
weight (tons) 		Max speed (km/h)
62.0 N/A 62 (AB)
56 (RB/SB)
Engine power (horsepower)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 1,860 ____
Realistic/Simulator 1,061 1,200
Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 30.00 __.__
Realistic/Simulator 17.11 19.35

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: L11A5 (120 mm)
120 mm L11A5
Capacity Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance 		Stabilizer
52 -10°/+20° ±180° Two-plane
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade 29.50 _.__ _.__ _.__ _.__
Realistic 18.40 _.__ _.__ _.__ _.__
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
8.70 _.__ _.__ _.__
Ammunition
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration in mm @ 0° Angle of Attack
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
Shot L15A5 APDS 320 315 305 294 280 270
Shell L31A7 HESH 152 152 152 152 152 152
Shot L23 APFSDS 410 408 405 400 390 380
Shot L23A1 APFSDS 396 394 387 376 367 357
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
in m/s 		Projectile
Mass in kg 		Fuse delay

in m:

Fuse sensitivity

in mm:

Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent): 		Normalization At 30°
from horizontal: 		Ricochet:
0% 50% 100%
Shot L15A5 APDS 1,370 7.6 N/A N/A N/A +1.5° 75° 78° 80°
Shell L31A7 HESH 670 17 0.4 0.1 4,100 +0° 73° 77° 80°
Shot L23 APFSDS 1,535 3.9 N/A N/A N/A +1.5° 76° 77° 78°
Shot L23A1 APFSDS 1,535 3.9 N/A N/A N/A +1.5° 78° 80° 81°
Smoke characteristic
Ammunition Velocity
in m/s 		Projectile
Mass in kg 		Screen radius
in m 		Screen time
in s 		Screen hold time
in s: 		Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent):
L34 670 17 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 		Visual
discrepancy
52 XX (X+)  (+)  (+)  (+)  (+)  (+) no

Machine guns

Main articles: L37A2 (7.62 mm), L8A1 (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm L37A2
Commander's cupola mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute) 		Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance
2,300 (100) 650 -10°/+50° ±120°
7.62 mm L8A1
Coaxial mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute) 		Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance
2,300 (200) 600 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

New drivers of the Challenger 1 will appreciate a similar play style to the earlier Chieftain tanks, particularly the Chieftain Mk 10. Like the Mk.10, the Challenger has a very strong turret, with composite armor protecting the entire front and part of the sides. Frontally, the turret can protect against, at maximum, 470 mm of kinetic (APFSDS, APDS, AP, etc.) and 750 mm of chemical (HEAT, ATGM, etc.) penetrators. This makes the turret theoretically invulnerable to all ammo in the game, excluding the HOT missile on the Raketenjagdpanzer 2 HOT. In practice, however, there is a weak spot on the lower leading edge of the turret front, where the backing plate of the composite inside the turret flattens to a 90° angle, reducing the effective thickness of that section by about 100 mm when the tank is level (making it vulnerable to APFSDS and some APDS). Players can minimize this weak spot by going hull-down on the incline of a hill, and using the Challenger's excellent -10° of gun depression to keep the gun on target. This will increase the angle of the turret and thus increase the effective thickness of the back-plate on the turret.

The hull is similarly protected, providing protection against 400 mm of kinetic and 600 mm of chemical penetrators on the upper frontal plate, excluding the drivers port. The lower frontal plate is notably weak, providing only 70 mm of thickness, or about 80-90 mm of effective thickness. This is due to a total lack of composite on the LFP, meaning that shots here will either incapacitate the driver or explode the hull ammunition, destroying the tank. British tankers should be quite used to this weakspot by this point, as the weak LFP is present on the entire Chieftain line.

The Challenger's speed sets it apart from the previous Chieftain tanks, as it is capable of reaching 56 km/h on roads and 46 km/h offroad with pretty good reverse speed, but weight of this vehicle (62 tons) doesn't make things so simple. Forget a speed competition with other tanks like Abrams, Leopard, or Type 90 which are far superior in terms of mobility and speed.

When encountering common enemies: T-64B: L23A1 APFSDS can theoretically penetrate the UFP, but it is difficult. The drivers port weakspot is the recommended target from the front. If not possible, aim for the breech/cannon barrel to eliminate the threat of return fire

T-64A (1971): APFSDS will go right through the front of this tank, but the Challenger can still be penetrated by the top APFSDS (3BM12) in the weak spot on the turret's leading edge.

Leopard 2K: Probably the most dangerous opponent, as its APFSDS can go right through the upper front plate and parts of the turret. Shoot anywhere but the front of the turret, unless trying to take out the Leo's cannon barrel.

Leopard A1A1: Its APFSDS poses a risk to the weakspot on the turret, but only if it gets the first shot off. Shoot anywhere.

Modules

The FPE module should be a priority, since the fuel tanks are located all around the hull above the tracks, meaning that the tank will be set on fire often. This comes with added protection, however, as the fuel tanks will frequently absorb most shrapnel - protecting the crew and ammunition from the occasional side-shot - giving the player ample time to return fire and eliminate the threat.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good composite armour for both kinetic and chemical protection for both hull and turret
  • Very accurate main gun with good gun stabilizers and decent stock APDS shell
  • Very good mobility for it weight and size
  • Good APFSDS shells
  • Good forward and reverse speed

Cons:

  • Large target
  • Driver's optics weakspot on the upper frontal plate
  • No composite armour on lower glacis plate and rear of the turret
  • Average rate of fire
  • HESH shell largely useless
  • Very thin armour protection
  • Ammunition takes a lot of space (easy to hit)

History

In 1977, the Iranian government ordered an improved version of the Chieftain tank, which was arguably the best main battle tank (MBT) in service at its time. The Chieftain offered unparalleled protection and firepower; however, its mobility was lackluster and something its successor needed to improve upon. In response, the engineers at the MVEE created the Chieftain Mk.5(P), from which three additional prototypes were created. It was one of these prototypes that would become the basis for the Challenger 1. Unfortunately, after the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the fall of the Shah, Iran canceled its order for an improved Chieftain. In addition, a parallel British tank project (the MBT90) was also abandoned, and the British Army quickly became a new potential customer for a new MBT.

The Challenger's design was based on the cancelled project called "Shir-2”" planned for export to Iran, and retained its deadly 120mm gun and superb armour. The Challenger was also equipped with Chobham armour, a composite armour made from multiple layers of different materials. The additional materials gave the Challenger its distinctive, heavily-sloped armour on the front of the turret and upper glacis. The Challenger’s mobility and off-road capabilities were significantly improved with the installation of a new 1,200 horsepower Rolls-Royce engine and hydropneumatic suspension. The Challenger 1 entered production and service in 1983. Production ended in 1990, having yielded a total of about 420 vehicles. It served primarily with British forces during the Gulf War. It was also used in peacekeeping missions in Bosnia-Herzegovina during the mid 1990s, and Jordan still operates a number of Challenger 1 tanks to this day. The Challenger 1 was withdrawn from active service by 2001 and later replaced by the Challenger 2.

- From Devblog

Media

An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.

See also

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;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

[Devblog] Challenger 1: A Worthy Heir


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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