Difference between pages "Type 89" and "Challenger Mk.2"

From War Thunder Wiki
(Difference between pages)
Jump to: navigation, search
Visual (beta)Wikitext
m
 
m
 
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{About
 
{{About
−
| about = Japanese light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = British medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = equipment of the same adoption year
+
| usage = other uses
−
| link = Type 89 (Disambiguation)
+
| link = Challenger (Disambiguation)
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
−
|code=jp_type_89
+
|code=uk_challenger_1
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}_Dozer.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png|ArtImage2_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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 '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''', or just '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''', is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm"]].
−
 
 
−
The full name is known as the Mitsubishi Type 89 {{Annotation|IFV|Infantry Fighting Vehicle}} ({{Annotation|三菱89式装甲戦闘車|Mitsubishi 89-shiki sōkō-sentō-sha}}), the Type 89 provides an autocannon weapon combined with an anti-tank guided missile for a diverse range of attack methods.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 20: Line 18:
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
−
While the Type 89's armour consists of rolled homogeneous armour, it is not any better than modern light tanks of other factions, which use double or even triple the amount of aluminium to give roughly the same amount of protection. This means that its sides and even angled turret will still be vulnerable to all autocannons and will trigger overpressure damage easily if hit in a weak spot, such as the back half of the tank.
+
Like the Chieftain Mk 10, the Challenger has a very strong turret front, with composite armour protecting the entire front and part of the sides. The turret front can resist up to 470 mm of rolled homogeneous armour equivalency (RHAe) against long-rod kinetic (~550 mm RHAe against rounds without the long-rod slope modifier) and up to 600 mm against chemical penetrators. This theoretically makes the strongest part of the turret frontally invulnerable to all but the top-rank kinetic ammunition in the game. 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. This reduces the effective thickness of the lower turret cheeks by approximately 100 mm, making it vulnerable to most long-rod APFSDS. A small portion of the turret front, the area just around the gun, is unprotected by composite armour and is 200 mm of CHA with a 50 mm RHA spall liner. This area extends above the gun and transitions to 60 mm CHA at 60°. While these areas are small and unlikely to lead to catastrophic damage when hit (the gun breech will tend to soak up shrapnel), they are important to be wary of.
  
−
The armour profile can be closely compared to [[Merkava Mk.1 (USA)|Merkava Mk.1]], it has a long hull with turret on the back, and the entirety of it is sloped as much as possible. This means that inaccurate frontal hull shots will likely bounce and this tank should always face the opponent. Unfortunately, due to how big the turret is, the bounced shell might actually fly straight into it, and there aren't any special shields or additional armour for the turret crew on this tank.
+
The Challenger's turret sides are similar to many top-rank MBTs - they can only resist enemy fire at relatively high angles of attack. Protection is 140 mm RHAe against kinetic and 300 mm RHAe against chemical shells, meaning that the armour can only resist autocannon fire and low-calibre HEAT when struck dead-on.
  
−
Internal module placement is rather smart on paper, with the driver and MG operator hiding on the right side of the tank, and main weapon crew hiding at the back along with ammunition, while the rest of the tank is one giant engine compartment, sealed off with a 5 mm RHA screen, meaning that most hull shots should not be able to deal overpressure damage. In reality, the means of protecting the crew and critical weak points are insufficient. Most notably, the driver isn't completely sealed away from tank's front and the turret, meaning that any chemical shot coming to suspension from the right can overpressure the entire tank. Direct artillery hits will usually destroy the tank instantly. Frontal shots also tend to destroy the gun breech, rendering the main gun useless.
+
Compared its turret, the Challenger hull is significantly weaker against kinetic projectiles with only 220 mm of RHAe (~300 mm for projectiles without the long-rod slope modifier) on the UFP. Chemical protection in this area is similar to the turret at 600 mm RHAe. An exception to these numbers is the area directly above the driver's hatch, which is not covered by composite armour and is vulnerable to essentially any anti-tank ammunition. The lower frontal plate is also lacking composite and is comprised of a single 70 mm RHA plate at a slight angle, providing ~80-90 mm of effective thickness. Shots to the LFP will at least incapacitate the driver, or more likely catastrophically detonate the hull ammunition. British tankers should be quite used to this weak spot by this point, as the weak LFP is present on the entire Chieftain line. However, the upper third of the LFP shares some of the UFP's composite protection due to its design. This means that the upper third of the LFP has slightly more protection than the lower sections.
  
−
Due to overall low thickness of armour Type 89 can get [[Damage_mechanics#Breach_.2F_Overmatch_.2F_Stamping|overmatched]]. Whenever the tank hull side is even slightly opened, it will get easily penetrated by big guns, the armour is thick enough to trigger APHE fuses and even if it's a slow 19 mm fuse it will trigger off hitting the engine and RHA screen, then cause violent explosions next to ammo rack. Pure AP shells even of a small calibre autocannon will fly straight through the entire engine compartment, likely hitting the turret crew or ammo rack in the very back of the tank. It is also possible to lose the entire tank crew to a single coaxial autocannon spray from the right side, as nothing is protecting the driver there.
+
Hull sides are generally very weak, as is typical of top-rank MBTs. The upper hull (above the tracks) is comprised of a 20 mm RHA + fuel tanks + 25 mm RHA array. The lower hull (around the tracks) is comprised of 19 mm aluminium side skirts and 34 mm RHA.
  
−
The one scenario in which the sealed compartment can truly work against kinetic shells is when the Type 89 is driving around the town, or hiding from snipers behind buildings, and someone suddenly shoots engine compartment into direction opposite from the crew, then enemy APHE may simply get stuck there, doing reduced damage to the turret crew. This does not make the situation any better though, as without team help or a very unlikely ATGM counterattack, Type 89 will still get repeatedly set on fire until it explodes.
+
'''Armour type:'''
  
−
Recommendations: Keep your opponents in front of you, if you can't - at least keep them on your left to reduce chances of an overpressure damage. Avoid being shot directly by 120+ mm shells. Do not needlessly taunt enemy SPAA. In close quarters you can be extremely aggressive and destroy enemy weapon or gunner as soon as possible. Otherwise try to scout enemies and hope to fire first or that there is a sniper to cover your back.
+
* Composite armour (hull UFP, turret front and sides)
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull)
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (gun "mantlet")
 +
* Aluminium (side skirts)
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
Line 36: Line 37:
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 15 mm - 20 mm (81°) ''Upper Glacis'' <br> 5 mm (81°) ''Ventilation'' <br> 35 mm (26°-57°) ''Lower Glacis'' <br> 20 mm (0°-50°) ''Sponson Front'' || 20 mm ''Upper'' <br> 15 mm (Base) +10 mm (Sideskirts) ''Lower'' || 15 mm || 5 mm - 20 mm
+
| Hull || 38-50* mm (60-81°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 70 mm (30°) ''Lower glacis'' || 20 mm (0-3°), 25 mm (74°) ''Top'' <br> 34 + 19 mm ''Bottom'' || 20 mm (29°) ''Top'' <br> 25 mm (30°) || 20 mm <br> 8 mm ''Engine grille''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret ||35 mm (11°-12°) ''Turret Front Sides'' <br> 25 mm + 25 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 20 mm || 15 mm (Base) + 5 mm (Storage Rack) || 10 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''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || colspan="4" | 10 mm
+
| Cupola || 60 mm || 60 mm || 60 mm || 60 mm
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Composite armour* !! Front !! Sides
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || '''Front glacis:'''<br>~220 mm @ 60° against ''Kinetic'' <br> ~600 mm @ 60° against ''Chemical''
 +
!
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || '''Turret front:'''<br>~500 mm @ 60° against ''Kinetic'' <br> ~600 mm @ 60° against ''Chemical'' || '''25 mm sections:''' <br> ~ 140 mm @ 0° against ''Kinetic'' <br> ~ 300 mm @ 0° against ''Chemical''
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
  
−
* Fenders, Storage - 5 mm
+
* Suspension wheels, torsion bars, and tracks are 20 mm thick.
−
* Turret Ring - 25 mm
+
* Turret ring is 60 mm thick.
−
* Tracks - 15 mm
+
* 20-25 mm RHA plates surround the fuel tanks on the hull sides.
−
* Suspension - 10 mm
+
* Hull composite armour configuration is 50 mm RHA + 200 mm NERA elements + 80 mm RHA.
−
* There are 10 mm or armour protection between the engine compartment and the crew compartment inside the vehicle
+
* Front turret composite armour configuration is 50 mm RHA + 600 mm NERA elements + 110 mm RHA.
 +
* Turret side composite armour configuration is 25 mm RHA + 300 mm NERA elements + 80 mm RHA.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
Line 55: Line 67:
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=930|rbMinHp=531}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,886|rbMinHp=1,076}}
−
 
 
−
On hard, flat terrain, the Type 89 will easily keep pace or out-speed many other vehicles due to it's reasonable power-to-weight ratio of 23 hp/t.
 
−
 
 
−
On soft, uneven or hilly terrain the Type 89 loses a lot of its speed advantage. This is due to the fact that the gearbox only provides 4 separate forward speeds. Due to the long gearing the Type 89 will often find itself unable to climb hills in gear 2 and will have to change to gear 1, which provides a top speed of just 9 km/h for hill-climbing. This means the Type 89 is often less mobile on hilly terrain than medium tanks. This problem can be mitigated to some extent by maintaining a good amount of speed (30+ km/h) and not stopping when travelling up hills.
 
  
−
As with [[Type 60 SPRG (C)]], reverse gear is much more responsive and will allow you to manoeuvre and retreat back around the corner during combat - use it if tank was forcibly stopped.
+
The {{PAGENAME}}'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 off-road. Reverse speed is also a noticeable improvement from the Chieftain line. Despite this, the 62 ton mass of this vehicle makes it the slowest of its high-rank contemporaries (e.g. Abrams, Leopard, and Type 90).
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 +
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.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|Oerlikon KDE (35 mm)}}
+
{{main|L11A5 (120 mm)}}
  
−
The Type 89 is equipped with a 35 mm Oerlikon KDE autocannon, which is similar to the [[Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)|KDA]] variant used by the [[Gepard]], the [[Type 87]], and the [[Chieftain Marksman]], and is widely considered to be one of the most effective guns in regards to damage output and reliability. This is due to their moderate calibre and rate of fire: 35 mm is the largest of the small autocannons which allows it to have a much higher rate of fire than any 40 mm or 57 mm system.
+
The Challenger bears the 120 mm L11A5, an updated but essentially identical version of the gun found on the Chieftains. It has access to the same rounds as the Chieftain Mk 10, with the notable addition of the L23A1 APFSDS ammunition. Despite having worse flat plate penetration (24 mm less than L23 at 1 km), L23A1 penetrates angled armor much more efficiently than its predecessor (29 mm more than L23 at 1 km at 60°), making it especially useful for dealing with Russian late T-series hulls.
−
 
 
−
The difference between them is that KDE cannon fires slower than KDA, but it uses tank-specific ammunition instead. This particular tank also has an autoloader magazine of 34 shells. Each shell is reloaded for about 5 seconds when not firing, unless you rearm on the capture point, which injects shells directly into the magazine every ~0.1 sec regardless of firing, which allows the gun to fire forever.
 
−
 
 
−
It is very important to remember that even 3-5 direct APDS hits to a cannon barrel can neutralize almost any medium tank Type 89 can face, and should anything impenetrable suddenly attack, one can just destroy their gun to avoid being shot at. The APDS can also easily hit tanks from further than 1.2 km away, so it's worth looking around for unaware opponents with their sides exposed.
 
−
 
 
−
Overall, the autocannon allows the Type 89 to deal with most lightly armoured vehicles in the game. The APDS ammunition allows it to deal with Main Battle Tanks from the side, sometimes even from the front, though this should be carefully planned, as running out of autoloader ammo will almost definitely result in Type 89's demise.
 
−
 
 
−
The tank can use conventional HE to attack helicopters, if it must. Remember to use the laser rangefinder to target them quicker when it's researched. HE can also be used to demolish buildings, but every building piece will take at least 3 shots, which severely undercuts already limited autoloader ammo pool, therefore it should only be done when rearming from a capture point and only if you want to see and fire over cover (for example, to use the Type 79 ASM efficiently).
 
−
 
 
−
Whenever you see that the main gun can't deal with an enemy target, or someone caught you off guard, consider using the ATGMs instead.
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | [[Oerlikon KDE (35 mm)|35 mm Oerlikon KDE]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! colspan="5" | [[L11A5 (120 mm)|120 mm L11A5]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mode !! Capacity !! Fire rate !! 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" | 255 || rowspan="2" | 200 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+35° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 57.1 || 79.1 || 96.0 || 106.2 || 112.9 || rowspan="2" | 0.30 || rowspan="2" | 0.30 || rowspan="2" | 0.30 || rowspan="2" | 0.30
+
| rowspan="2" | 52 || 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''
−
| 35.7 || 42.0 || 51.0 || 56.4 || 60.0
+
| 18.4 || 21.7 || 26.4 || 29.1 || 31.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:L11A5 (120 mm)/Ammunition|Shot L23, Shell L31A7, Shot L23A1, L34}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM23 || APDS || 127 || 125 || 119 || 111 || 104 || 97
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM11A1 || HE* || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM23 || APDS || 1,400 || 0.38 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 75° || 78° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM11A1 || HE* || 1,175 || 0.55 || 0 || 0.1 || 204 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x350px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.19.0.82''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Full<br>ammo
 
! Full<br>ammo
 +
! Ammo<br>part
 
! 1st<br>rack empty
 
! 1st<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
Line 148: Line 117:
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 +
|-
 +
|'''52''' ||''Projectiles''<br>''Propellants'' || 50&nbsp;''(+2)''<br>''47 (+5)'' || 47&nbsp;''(+5)''<br>&nbsp;''41 (+11)'' || 45&nbsp;''(+7)''<br>35&nbsp;''(+17)'' || 43&nbsp;''(+9)''<br>29&nbsp;''(+23)'' || 39&nbsp;''(+13)''<br>21&nbsp;''(+31)'' || 37&nbsp;''(+15)''<br>11&nbsp;''(+41)''
 +
|-
 
! 7th<br>rack empty
 
! 7th<br>rack empty
 
! 8th<br>rack empty
 
! 8th<br>rack empty
−
|-
 
−
| '''15''' || 15&nbsp;''(+0)'' || 14&nbsp;''(+1)'' || 13&nbsp;''(+2)'' || 12&nbsp;''(+3)'' || 11&nbsp;''(+4)'' || 10&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 9&nbsp;''(+6)'' || 8&nbsp;''(+7)''
 
−
|-
 
 
! 9th<br>rack empty
 
! 9th<br>rack empty
 
! 10th<br>rack empty
 
! 10th<br>rack empty
Line 158: Line 127:
 
! 12th<br>rack empty
 
! 12th<br>rack empty
 
! 13th<br>rack empty
 
! 13th<br>rack empty
−
! 14th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 15th<br>rack empty
 
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
−
!
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 7&nbsp;''(+8)'' || 6&nbsp;''(+9)'' || 5&nbsp;''(+10)'' || 4&nbsp;''(+11)'' || 3&nbsp;''(+12)'' || 2&nbsp;''(+13)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+14)'' || No
+
| 34&nbsp;''(+18)''<br>4&nbsp;''(+48)'' || 27&nbsp;''(+25)''<br>1&nbsp;''(+51)'' || 22&nbsp;''(+30)''<br>&nbsp; || 21&nbsp;''(+31)''<br>&nbsp; || 7&nbsp;''(+45)''<br>&nbsp; || 4&nbsp;''(+38)''<br>&nbsp; || 1&nbsp;''(+51)''<br>&nbsp; || No
−
!
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
  
−
=== Additional armament ===
+
* Packing only 29 rounds will keep the front hull empty of charges.
−
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
+
* All propellant charges are protected by a box of 5 mm of steel
−
<!-- ''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
−
{{main|Type 79}}
 
  
−
The Type 79 default ATGM has around 700 mm flat penetration at any range and has start velocity of 200 m/s, while retaining the high explosive mass of the [[Type 64 MAT]], making it one of the better ATGMs of the rank. This ATGM can deal with most tanks from the front, but be sure to avoid hitting modern NATO NERA composite armour, as these composite armours will minimise the damage done or even negate it entirely. When facing tanks with active ERA screens like [[M60A1 RISE (P)]], attack the screen with the cannon first if possible, as such ERA plating may reduce the damage taken by the hostile tank and force you to use both missiles to take them down.
+
=== Machine guns ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 +
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 +
{{main|L37A2 (7.62 mm)|L8A2 (7.62 mm)}}
  
−
Two missile launchers are located on the sides of the turret, with two reserve missiles being stored in the back of the hull (four total). Due to their placement, they only really arrive at crosshair location if the target is over 500 m away, so use them on targets which are away from the tank and practice aim in test drive to be able to use them at melee ranges, instead of relying on the targeting reticle. The second missile can be immediately fired after the first one, but firing it will cut off guidance for the first one, so '''only''' do this if you are sure it's on the correct course. Missile reload is only possible after '''both''' missiles are fired.
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
−
 
 
−
Type 79 ASM is a proximity HE modification of the Type 79 ATGM. You can only have 10 magazines of ASM modification per battle (20 shots). When you aim at an enemy tank, it will automatically fly above the designated target to explode at about 3 m range from the tank roof. You can't directly control how far it will go, but aiming lower will usually increase the damage output, until the missile starts hitting the target directly. It is generally recommended to aim around the enemy turret base for maximum damage, as missile then tends to explode right above the target's roof.
 
−
 
 
−
This missile can be used to obliterate hostile ATGM tanks or to counter superior proximity ATGM carriers, but it is not very effective against medium and heavy tanks. While it technically can breach the roof even of the most feared tanks (like [[IS-6]]) and can be spammed offensively until spent completely off the capture point, if aimed incorrectly the missile tends to detonate too early and hit plates with 35+ mm thickness, doing superficial or no damage. It can also be very difficult to use in the heat of battle, where even a fraction of a second spent aiming may be the difference between victory and defeat. The missile is also too weak to breach roof ERA or NERA, so tanks with the full 360° roof protection (like rank VII Soviet tanks) will not take any damage from it, easily enduring even double direct hits.
 
−
 
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | [[Type 79]] missile || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! colspan="5" | [[L37A2 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm L37A2]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Capacity (Belt) !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
−
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 4 (2) || 0°/+12° || N/A || N/A || 13.00 || 11.50 || 10.60 || 10.00
+
| Pintle || 3,600 (100) || 650 || -10°/+50° || ±180°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
 
−
==== Ammunition ====
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| Type 79 || ATGM || 700 || 700 || 700 || 700 || 700 || 700
 
−
|-
 
−
| Type 79 ASM || ATGM-HE || 35 || 35 || 35 || 35 || 35 || 35
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Range<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| Type 79 || ATGM || 296 || 4,000 || 19.9 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 5,500 || 80° || 82° || 90°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Type 79 ASM || ATGM-HE || 296 || 4,000 || 19.9 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 3,010 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
−
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}_secondary.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}'s ATGMs]]
 
−
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! Full<br>ammo
 
−
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
−
|-
 
−
| '''4''' || No
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
'''Notes''':
 
−
 
−
* The left ATGM is fired first.
 
−
* The reload process will only begin when both ATGM have been fired off the {{PAGENAME}}'s side launchers
 
−
 
−
=== Optics and night vision ===
 
−
The Type 89 receives night vision imagers once the tier 3 modification 'NVD' is researched. This unlocks standard 500 x 300 resolution thermal sights for the gunner, as well as standard image intensifiers for all crew (available in third person view in AB/RB additionally).
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
! colspan="7" |{{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="3" |Type of optic
 
−
! rowspan="3" |Magnification
 
−
! colspan="5" |[[Night Vision Devices]]
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" |Image Intensifier
 
−
! rowspan="2" |{{Annotation|Thermal Imager<br>Resolution|The higher the resolution the clearer and more detailed the image is}}
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Notes
 
−
|-
 
−
!{{Annotation|Resolution|The higher the resolution the clearer and more detailed the image is}}
 
−
!{{Annotation|Light Mult|By how much the image intensifier amplifies the existing light, primarily useful for comparing image intensifiers}}
 
−
!{{Annotation|Noise Level|How much noise is present in the image (how grainy the image is)}}
 
−
|-
 
−
!Gunner's Sight
 
−
|2.0x - 8.0x||--||--||--||500 x 300||Intensifier & thermal sights unlocked by 'NVD' modification (tier 3)
 
−
|-
 
−
!Commander's View
 
−
|6.0x||1600 x 1200||9.0||High||N/A||Intensifier unlocked by 'NVD' modification (tier 3)
 
−
|-
 
−
!Driver's View
 
−
|1.0x||800 x 600||5.0||High||N/A||Intensifier unlocked by 'NVD' modification (tier 3)
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
=== Machine guns ===
 
−
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 
−
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
−
{{main|Type 74 (7.62 mm)}}
 
−
 
−
Type 74 machine gun isn't doing anything special on this tank, as Type 89 can "scout" tanks directly without making any noise, but it can be sometimes used together with main gun when fighting other ATGM tanks or helicopters, as to add a chance of survival against ATGM by shooting them down mid-flight.
 
−
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[Type 74 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm Type 74]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[L8A2 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm L8A2]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 1,000 (250) || 701 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 2,400 (200) || 600 || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 290: Line 164:
 
== 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).'' -->
 +
New drivers of the Challenger 1 will appreciate a similar playstyle to the earlier Chieftain tanks, particularly the [[Chieftain Mk 10]]. Most of the armour's weak points could be minimized by assuming a hull-down position 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.
  
−
While the tank has a lot of weapons, it is a bit on a slower side. Since it is not able to fire ATGMs on the move and its autoloader has a very limited ammo pool, the Type 89 has to rely on cover and area denial to move around and fight.
+
When encountering common enemies:
−
 
 
−
One way to avoid ammo starvation is to stand on a capture point, which will reload the weapons for you, but capture points often provide really poor cover and must be captured first to provide ammo, which may not even happen.
 
−
 
 
−
Even if you managed to get to a really good capture point, which does not allow enemies to suddenly attack you and you carry type 79 ASM to destroy them before they can even get into a line of sight, enemies will very soon grow tired of the endless 35 mm KDE noises and the ATGMs hitting them, then call their entire artillery supply in your general direction. An artillery strike can destroy the Type 89 in one hit and must be avoided.
 
−
 
 
−
If you clearly can't capture a point (there is a lot of tanks or snipers have it on lockdown), work as a support or a flanker to avoid situations in which you are overwhelmed and can't retreat to reload. Getting into enemy squad side can be difficult, but generally provides an opportunity to take out two tanks with a gun before ATGMs have be used.
 
  
−
Despite having low ammo count, the main gun itself can deal a lot of damage to the crew or weapons if aimed properly, working as a decent deterrent for many tanks. It won't be able to beat [[Begleitpanzer 57]] or [[IT-1]] because it does not have APHE option and only does marginal damage to such tanks if they are careful, so use ATGM to destroy them if you can.
+
* [[T-64B]]: L23A1 can theoretically penetrate the UFP, but it is very difficult. The drivers port weak spot is the recommended target from the front. If not possible, aim for the breech/cannon barrel to eliminate the threat of returning fire.
 +
* [[T-64A (1971)]]: L23 will go right through the hull even at 2 km, but the Challenger can still be immobilized and disarmed if even 3BK12M (stock HEATFS) is fired at the breech, which will break the turret ring, the breech and possibly the engine.
 +
* [[Leopard 2K]]: Shoot anywhere honestly. Shooting its right cheek will knock out the gunner and TC.  Shooting the UFP under its left cheek detonates the turret ammo storage. Shooting just left of the driver's port can even cause a total crew knock-out instantly, even with L23 at 1000 m. Just be aware that DM13 and DM23 will have no issues penetrating your hull either.
 +
* [[Leopard A1A1]]: Its APFSDS poses a risk to the weak spot on the turret, but only if it gets the first shot off. Shoot anywhere near hull centre or low turret area.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 306: Line 178:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Has 2 ATGM loaded at the same time and can fire them in quick succession
+
* Good composite armour for both kinetic and chemical protection on hull and turret
−
* THe Type 79 ATGM is hard to dodge, have high penetration power of 700 mm and higher explosive mass than average ATGM
+
* Very accurate main gun with effective gun stabilizers, depression angles and decent stock APFSDS shell
−
* The Type 79 ASM can be used to defeat proximity ATGM carriers of higher rank, although it's not nearly as effective against regular targets
+
* Decent mobility for its weight and size: a drastic increase and from all previous British MBTs
−
* The Type 89's hull technically can survive some HEAT, HESH or even ATGM if they hit its engine compartment (left side), but it's not very reliable
+
* Great hull down performance that multiplies armour efficiency, especially at long ranges
−
* Highly accurate stabilized main weapon
+
* No stock HEATFS shells unlike most counterparts at the rank, easing the module research
−
* Can very efficiently exchange speed to manoeuvrability at gears 2 and 3
+
* One of the few MBTs that has access to a smoke shell for the main gun; with the auxiliary HESH against light armour
−
* Neutral steering
+
* Reload can get down to 5 seconds, fastest firing 120 mm along with [[Type 90]]/[[Type 90 (B)]]
−
* Good reverse speed, turns better in reverse than forward
 
−
* Has thermal sight
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Weak armour - It has worse protection from overpressure damage than [[TAM (Family)|TAM]] or [[Warrior]] with add-on composite shields and also can lose an entire crew to a single 23 mm API-T or even APDS shot from the right side
+
* Only 4 rounds of first-stage ammunition, then it can take up to 8.7 seconds to reload the gun until ready rack replenishes again
−
* Low ammo count for the main gun autoloader and only 4 ATGM - will often get stuck for a long time hiding behind cover to reload
+
* Large and tall target, with the accessible Driver's optics weak spot on the upper frontal plate and vulnerable hull armour
−
* Due to placement of ATGM launchers on turret, firing them in close combat is awkward and may result in a non-fatal hit
+
* No external composite or reactive armour
−
* Unlike [[Type 60 ATM]], ATGM only reloads after you fired both of loaded missiles
+
* HESH shell is generally useless against other MBTs
−
* ATGM launchers have zero gun depression, which can make close range encounters even more difficult
+
* Ammunition and charges takes a lot of space (easy to hit)
−
* Very poor turn rate at gear 1
+
* Firepower, mobility or armour characteristic are outmatched by tanks as [[Leopard 2 (Family)]], [[Ariete (Family)]] or [[T-80 (Family)]]
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
At the beginning of the 1980s, the JSDF wanted to replace its outdated Type 60 and Type 73 APCs with more modern IFVs, similar to the American Bradley and the German Marder. The JSDF drew up a set of requirements and tasked the Mitsubishi company with developing a suitable replacement.
+
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 lacklustre 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 1984, funding was approved to build four different prototypes, all of which underwent testing until 1986. By 1989, one prototype design was selected and was adopted within the armed forces under the designation of Type 89.
 
−
 
 
−
Initially, the JSDF estimated the need for about 300 Type 89s to be built. However, the end of the Cold War in the 1990s combined with a limited budget prevented a rapid mass-production of Type 89 to take place. In fact, production was proceeding at a very low rate, with just over 50 vehicles entering service with the JSDF by 1999.
 
  
−
Although production of Type 89 was discontinued in 2004, the vehicle is still in service with the JSDF today. As of 2016, a total of 68 vehicles were present in the JSDF's inventory from the initially planned 300.
+
The Challenger's design was based on the cancelled project called "Shir-2"" planned for export to Iran, and retained its deadly 120 mm 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 [[wt:en/news/5936-development-type-89-the-fire-dragon-en|Devblog]]''
+
''- From [[wt:en/news/5323-development-challenger-1-a-worthy-heir-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 342: Line 208:
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
  
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=jp_type_89 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_challenger_1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
−
{{Skin-gallery
 
−
|market|ugcitem_1000386|Type 89 IFV urban camouflage.png|Camo "Urban camouflage"
 
−
}}
 
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
−
{{Youtube-gallery|2h5kFyznXKU|'''Best IFVs''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:30 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|dglE5EGyY0o|'''The Shooting Range #87''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:35 discusses the Challenger Mk.2.}}
  
 
== 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.''
−
 
 
−
* [[M3 Bradley]]
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 362: Line 224:
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
* [[wt:en/news/5936-development-type-89-the-fire-dragon-en|[Devblog] Type 89: The Fire Dragon]]
+
* [[wt:en/news/5323-development-challenger-1-a-worthy-heir-en|[Devblog] Challenger 1: A Worthy Heir]]
  
−
{{TankManufacturer Komatsu}}
+
{{TankManufacturer Department of Tank Design}}
−
{{Japan light tanks}}
+
{{Britain medium tanks}}
−
[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]
 

Latest revision as of 23:08, 23 March 2024

This version of the wiki is no longer supported
Use Wiki 3.0
This page is about the British medium tank Challenger Mk.2. For other uses, see Challenger (Disambiguation).
Challenger Mk.2
uk_challenger_1.png
GarageImage Challenger Mk.2.jpg
GarageImage Challenger Mk.2 Dozer.jpg
ArtImage Challenger Mk.2.png
ArtImage2 Challenger Mk.2.png
Challenger Mk.2

Description

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

General info

Survivability and armour

Like the Chieftain Mk 10, the Challenger has a very strong turret front, with composite armour protecting the entire front and part of the sides. The turret front can resist up to 470 mm of rolled homogeneous armour equivalency (RHAe) against long-rod kinetic (~550 mm RHAe against rounds without the long-rod slope modifier) and up to 600 mm against chemical penetrators. This theoretically makes the strongest part of the turret frontally invulnerable to all but the top-rank kinetic ammunition in the game. 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. This reduces the effective thickness of the lower turret cheeks by approximately 100 mm, making it vulnerable to most long-rod APFSDS. A small portion of the turret front, the area just around the gun, is unprotected by composite armour and is 200 mm of CHA with a 50 mm RHA spall liner. This area extends above the gun and transitions to 60 mm CHA at 60°. While these areas are small and unlikely to lead to catastrophic damage when hit (the gun breech will tend to soak up shrapnel), they are important to be wary of.

The Challenger's turret sides are similar to many top-rank MBTs - they can only resist enemy fire at relatively high angles of attack. Protection is 140 mm RHAe against kinetic and 300 mm RHAe against chemical shells, meaning that the armour can only resist autocannon fire and low-calibre HEAT when struck dead-on.

Compared its turret, the Challenger hull is significantly weaker against kinetic projectiles with only 220 mm of RHAe (~300 mm for projectiles without the long-rod slope modifier) on the UFP. Chemical protection in this area is similar to the turret at 600 mm RHAe. An exception to these numbers is the area directly above the driver's hatch, which is not covered by composite armour and is vulnerable to essentially any anti-tank ammunition. The lower frontal plate is also lacking composite and is comprised of a single 70 mm RHA plate at a slight angle, providing ~80-90 mm of effective thickness. Shots to the LFP will at least incapacitate the driver, or more likely catastrophically detonate the hull ammunition. British tankers should be quite used to this weak spot by this point, as the weak LFP is present on the entire Chieftain line. However, the upper third of the LFP shares some of the UFP's composite protection due to its design. This means that the upper third of the LFP has slightly more protection than the lower sections.

Hull sides are generally very weak, as is typical of top-rank MBTs. The upper hull (above the tracks) is comprised of a 20 mm RHA + fuel tanks + 25 mm RHA array. The lower hull (around the tracks) is comprised of 19 mm aluminium side skirts and 34 mm RHA.

Armour type:

  • Composite armour (hull UFP, turret front and sides)
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull)
  • 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
34 + 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
Cupola 60 mm 60 mm 60 mm 60 mm
Composite armour* Front Sides
Hull Front glacis:
~220 mm @ 60° against Kinetic
~600 mm @ 60° against Chemical
Turret Turret front:
~500 mm @ 60° against Kinetic
~600 mm @ 60° against Chemical 		25 mm sections:
~ 140 mm @ 0° against Kinetic
~ 300 mm @ 0° against Chemical

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 composite armour configuration is 50 mm RHA + 200 mm NERA elements + 80 mm RHA.
  • Front turret composite armour configuration is 50 mm RHA + 600 mm NERA elements + 110 mm RHA.
  • Turret side composite armour configuration is 25 mm RHA + 300 mm NERA elements + 80 mm RHA.

Mobility

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. 1,886 Expression error: Unexpected round operator. __.__
Realistic 1,076 Expression error: Unexpected round operator. __.__

The Challenger Mk.2'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 off-road. Reverse speed is also a noticeable improvement from the Chieftain line. Despite this, the 62 ton mass of this vehicle makes it the slowest of its high-rank contemporaries (e.g. Abrams, Leopard, and Type 90).

Modifications and economy

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.

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: L11A5 (120 mm)

The Challenger bears the 120 mm L11A5, an updated but essentially identical version of the gun found on the Chieftains. It has access to the same rounds as the Chieftain Mk 10, with the notable addition of the L23A1 APFSDS ammunition. Despite having worse flat plate penetration (24 mm less than L23 at 1 km), L23A1 penetrates angled armor much more efficiently than its predecessor (29 mm more than L23 at 1 km at 60°), making it especially useful for dealing with Russian late T-series hulls.

120 mm L11A5 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 52 -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 L23 APFSDS 410 408 405 400 390 380
Shell L31A7 HESH 152 152 152 152 152 152
Shot L23A1 APFSDS 396 394 387 376 367 357
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 L23 APFSDS 1,535 3.89 - - - 78° 80° 81°
Shell L31A7 HESH 670 17.34 0.1 4 6.53 73° 77° 80°
Shot L23A1 APFSDS 1,535 3.89 - - - 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

Ammo racks of the Challenger Mk.2
Full
ammo 		Ammo
part 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty
52 Projectiles
Propellants 		50 (+2)
47 (+5) 		47 (+5)
 41 (+11) 		45 (+7)
35 (+17) 		43 (+9)
29 (+23) 		39 (+13)
21 (+31) 		37 (+15)
11 (+41)
7th
rack empty 		8th
rack empty 		9th
rack empty 		10th
rack empty 		11th
rack empty 		12th
rack empty 		13th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
34 (+18)
4 (+48) 		27 (+25)
1 (+51) 		22 (+30)
  		21 (+31)
  		7 (+45)
  		4 (+38)
  		1 (+51)
  		No

Notes:

  • Packing only 29 rounds will keep the front hull empty of charges.
  • All propellant charges are protected by a box of 5 mm of steel

Machine guns

Main articles: L37A2 (7.62 mm), L8A2 (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm L37A2
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 3,600 (100) 650 -10°/+50° ±180°
7.62 mm L8A2
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 2,400 (200) 600 - -

Usage in battles

New drivers of the Challenger 1 will appreciate a similar playstyle to the earlier Chieftain tanks, particularly the Chieftain Mk 10. Most of the armour's weak points could be minimized by assuming a hull-down position 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.

When encountering common enemies:

  • T-64B: L23A1 can theoretically penetrate the UFP, but it is very difficult. The drivers port weak spot is the recommended target from the front. If not possible, aim for the breech/cannon barrel to eliminate the threat of returning fire.
  • T-64A (1971): L23 will go right through the hull even at 2 km, but the Challenger can still be immobilized and disarmed if even 3BK12M (stock HEATFS) is fired at the breech, which will break the turret ring, the breech and possibly the engine.
  • Leopard 2K: Shoot anywhere honestly. Shooting its right cheek will knock out the gunner and TC. Shooting the UFP under its left cheek detonates the turret ammo storage. Shooting just left of the driver's port can even cause a total crew knock-out instantly, even with L23 at 1000 m. Just be aware that DM13 and DM23 will have no issues penetrating your hull either.
  • Leopard A1A1: Its APFSDS poses a risk to the weak spot on the turret, but only if it gets the first shot off. Shoot anywhere near hull centre or low turret area.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good composite armour for both kinetic and chemical protection on hull and turret
  • Very accurate main gun with effective gun stabilizers, depression angles and decent stock APFSDS shell
  • Decent mobility for its weight and size: a drastic increase and from all previous British MBTs
  • Great hull down performance that multiplies armour efficiency, especially at long ranges
  • No stock HEATFS shells unlike most counterparts at the rank, easing the module research
  • One of the few MBTs that has access to a smoke shell for the main gun; with the auxiliary HESH against light armour
  • Reload can get down to 5 seconds, fastest firing 120 mm along with Type 90/Type 90 (B)

Cons:

  • Only 4 rounds of first-stage ammunition, then it can take up to 8.7 seconds to reload the gun until ready rack replenishes again
  • Large and tall target, with the accessible Driver's optics weak spot on the upper frontal plate and vulnerable hull armour
  • No external composite or reactive armour
  • HESH shell is generally useless against other MBTs
  • Ammunition and charges takes a lot of space (easy to hit)
  • Firepower, mobility or armour characteristic are outmatched by tanks as Leopard 2 (Family), Ariete (Family) or T-80 (Family)

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 lacklustre 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 120 mm 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

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #87 - Metal Beasts section at 00:35 discusses the Challenger Mk.2.

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


Department of Tank Design
Medium Tanks 
Sherman Firefly  Sherman Firefly · Sherman IC "Trzyniec"
MBTs 
Centurion  Centurion Mk 1 · Centurion Mk.2 · Centurion Mk 3 · Centurion Action X · Centurion Mk.5 AVRE · Centurion Mk 10
Challenger*  Challenger Mk.2 · Challenger Mk.3 · Challenger DS
Tank Destroyers 
Achilles  Achilles · Achilles (65 Rg.)
Centurion-based  Conway · FV4005
Export 
Sherman Firefly  Sherman Ic · ▄Sherman Vc
Centurion  Centurion Mk.5/1 · Strv 81 · Strv 81 (RB 52) · ▄Strv 81 (RB 52) · Strv 101 · Strv 104** · Strv 105** · Sho't
See also  US Ordnance Department · Israeli Ordnance Corps · Vickers-Armstrongs Limited
  *By successor, the Military Vehicles and Engineering Establishment
  **Swedish modernizations incorporating innovations from the Israeli Sho't Kals.

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"

Retrieved from "https://old-wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=Type_89&oldid=183910"