Difference between revisions of "Challenger 2 TES"

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{{About
 +
| about = British medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other versions
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| link = Challenger 2 (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=uk_challenger_2_tes
 
|code=uk_challenger_2_tes
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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.'' -->
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]].
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The '''FV4034 Challenger 2 (Theatre Entry Standard – TES)''' is a high-intensity battlefield modification of the standard variant of the [[Challenger 2 (Family)|FV4034 Challenger 2 main battle tank family]]. In terms of protection, the Challenger 2 TES is extremely similar to the [[M1A2 SEP|M1 Abrams TUSK]] (Tank Urban Survival Kit). The TES system was designed to protect the tank from various threats, such as tandem warheads and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The public first saw the technology demonstrator of the Challenger 2 TES (nicknamed "Megatron") in June 2013 during the DVD defence event in Millbrook, United Kingdom. In July 2016, at the Tank Fest in Bovington, a revised modification of the Challenger 2 TES was presented, complete with a new armour design. It is outfitted with a unique combination of reactive, composite, and slat armour to provide unparalleled protection against modern warfare threats. Depending on the nature of the threats and the type of battlefield where the tank must be deployed, the Challenger 2 TES can be outfitted with changeable and modular armour packages. The mobile camouflage system (MCS) is also installed on the hull and turret to reduce the vehicle's heat signature when observed by thermal imaging equipment. The TES counter IED technology is installed on the Challenger 2 TES, as demonstrated by the array of standard and "Bird Table" antennas positioned at the upper rear of the turret. The system is used to disrupt radio or telephone signals that could be used to trigger improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]], the Challenger 2 TES is one of the most advanced modifications to the [[Challenger 2|standard Challenger 2]] in response to the increasing challenges of a modern battlefield. The Challenger 2 TES, equipped with a multitude of cutting-edge technology, provides players with the finest possible protection during conflicts. This tank, however, will be easy to spot and recognize during combat owing to the well-known jammer plate affixed to the roof. Flanking and sneaking up on opponents will be exceedingly difficult, as the distinctive jammer plate will easily disclose the player's location. Although the TES modification offers more protection than the standard Challenger 2, using the same engine without any improvements makes the Challenger 2 TES considerably slower to accelerate and turn.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
The Challenger 2 TES has the armour that would be expected of the name (TES - Theatre Entry Standard). The tank has been updated to meet the modern theatres of war, including streetfighting and more effective chemical munitions and kinetic weapons. The ERA on the sides displays this exact line of thought. The tank now boasts some of the most effective ERA in the game, beating the T-90A's frontal chemical protection by over 500 mm of effective thickness.
+
The Challenger 2 TES has the armour that would be expected of the name (TES - Theatre Entry Standard). The tank has been updated to meet the modern theatres of war, including streetfighting and more effective chemical munitions and kinetic weapons. The ERA on the sides displays this exact line of thought. In-game, the combined ERA and composite screen add ~240 mm of effective protection against shaped charges and about 46 mm protection against KE rounds at 0 degrees.
 +
 
 +
Equipped with the iconic jammer plate mounted to the roof, this tank will be easy to spot and identify, so one should take care to cover their weak points with extra care, as many will know where the weaknesses are, and feel pressured to shoot them due to the increased armour elsewhere. The tank retains the same weakspots: the gun mantlet, driver's port, and the lower frontal plate, though unlike the [[Challenger 2 (2F)]] you get the LFP composite block (and the rest of the add-on) stock, which does help with the chemical protection. The gun breech will most likely block spalling from any penetrating round, allowing TES players to retreat and repair their breech, should they be far enough away from danger.
  
−
Equipped with the iconic jammer plate mounted to the roof, this tank will be easy to spot and identify, so one should take care to cover their weak points with extra care, as many will know where the weaknesses are, and feel pressured to shoot them due to the increased armour elsewhere. The tank retains the same weakspots; the gun mantlet, driver's port and the lower frontal plate, though it is less vulnerable to chemical munitions now. The gun breech will most likely block spalling from any penetrating round, allowing TES players to retreat and repair their breech, should they be far enough away from danger.
+
When opposing enemy tanks, commanders should attempt to angle their tank slightly, as the side add-on will be more effective against HEAT-FS and ATGMs (so long as they don't have tandem charge warheads), though this won't prevent any darts you meet from going through - M735 and DM23 can make it through 3 ERA blocks and still have enough energy to take out the engine. Angling has the added bonus of making the driver's port less effective as a means of knocking out the tank's crew.
  
−
When opposing enemy tanks, commanders should attempt to angle their tank slightly, as the composite side screens can take most of the brunt of lower power kinetic rounds (M111, DM33) at an angle. Chemical rounds will also fail to penetrate when hitting any ERA on the side. Angling has the added bonus of making the driver's port less effective as a means of knocking out the tank's crew.
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'''Armour type:'''
  
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'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
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* Rolled homogeneous armour
−
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
 
−
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 38-50 mm (56-83°) ''Upper Plate''
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| Hull || 38-50 mm (56-83°) ''Upper plate'' <br> 70 mm (31-34°) ''Lower glacis'' <br> 60 mm (0-80°) ''Driver's port'' || 25 mm (70°) Top <br> 25 mm ''Middle'' <br> 38 mm ''Bottom'' || 25 mm (32°) || 10-20 mm
−
70 mm (31-34°) ''Lower Glacis'' 60 mm (0-80°) ''Driver's Port''
 
−
| 25 mm Top (70°)
 
−
25 mm Middle (0°) 38 mm ''Bottom'' (0°)
 
−
| 25 mm (32°) || 10-20 mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 38 - 50 mm (56-82°) ''Turret Front'' <br>30 mm (3-82°) ''Gun Mantlet'' || 20-25 mm (8-10°) || 20 mm (18°) || 10-38 mm
+
| Turret || 38 - 50 mm (56-82°) ''Turret front'' <br> 30 mm (3-82°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 20-25 mm (8-10°) || 20 mm (18°) || 10-38 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Cupola || 8 mm (3-78°) || 8 mm (9-60°) || 8 mm (1-80°) || 44-60 mm
 
| Cupola || 8 mm (3-78°) || 8 mm (9-60°) || 8 mm (1-80°) || 44-60 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Composite Armour
+
|}
−
!Front
+
'''Notes:'''
−
! colspan="3" |Sides
+
 
 +
* ''Upper front plate'' has additional 6.35 mm external structural steel plate.
 +
* ''Lower front plate'' has additional composite with NERA elements, which is very effective against chemical munitions.
 +
* Tracks and suspension wheels are 20 mm thick.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Composite armour
 +
! Frontal effective protection  !! Sides
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Hull
+
| Hull || '''Upper''' <br> Kinetic: 420-700 mm <br> Chemical: 800-1100 mm <br> '''Lower''' <br> Kinetic: 100-270 mm <br> Chemical: 130-800 mm || '''Ext. Composite Screen with ERA:'''<br> Kinetic: 90-120 mm <br> Chemical: 560-680 mm
−
|'''Upper'''<br>Kinetic: 420-700 mm<br>Chemical: 800-1100 mm<br>'''Lower'''<br>Kinetic: 100-270 mm<br>Chemical: 130-800 mm
 
−
| colspan="3" |'''Ext. Composite Screen with ERA:'''<br>Kinetic: 88 mm<br>Chemical: 1900 mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Turret
+
| Turret || '''Turret Cheeks''' <br> Kinetic: 440-720 mm <br> Chemical: 780-1000 mm || '''Internal Composite''' <br> Kinetic: 190 mm <br> Chemical: 324 mm <br> '''External NERA''': <br> Kinetic: 15 mm <br> Chemical: 280 mm
−
|'''Turret Cheeks'''<br>Kinetic: 440-720 mm<br>Chemical: 780-1000 mm
 
−
| colspan="3" |'''Internal Composite'''<br>Kinetic: 190-740 mm<br>Chemical: 300-1000 mm
 
−
'''Ext. ERA''':
 
−
 
 
−
Kinetic: 30 mm
 
−
 
 
−
Chemical: 222 mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
 
−
'''Notes:'''
 
−
 
−
* ''Upper Frontal Plate'' has additional 6.35 mm external structural steel plate.
 
−
* ''Lower Frontal Plate'' has additional composite with NERA elements, which is very effective against chemical munitions.
 
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
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''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''
+
The mobility of the TES is poor, even by Challenger 2 standards. The drastic increase in weight over the [[Challenger 2 (2F)]] makes the already below average power-to-weight ratio even worse, and getting the add-on stock ironically makes the situation worse: other Challenger 2s allow you to go for mobility upgrades before the add-on packages, making mobility through the stock grind more bearable as you decide when the extra weight is added, whereas with the TES you start out at 75t and 1076 hp. Even with all the mobility upgrades, the TES is slow to turn and slow to accelerate, and on some dirt roads it may struggle to reach 25 km/h. The neutral steering is unaffected by the increase in weight, completing a 360 traverse in the same amount of time as a 62.5t Challenger 2 (~14.5s).
  
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1886|rbMinHp=1076}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1886|rbMinHp=1076}}
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==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:L30A1 (120 mm)/Ammunition|Shot L23A1, L34, Shell L31A7, L26, L27A1}}
−
! 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
 
−
|-
 
−
| 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
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| 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%
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot L23A1 || APFSDS || 1,535 || 3.89 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shell L31A7 || HESH || 670 || 17.1 || 0.1 || 4 || 6,560 || 73° || 77° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
| L26 || APFSDS || 1,650 || 4.1 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| L27A1 || APFSDS || 1,650 || 4.1 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! Ammunition
 
−
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! Screen radius<br>(m)
 
−
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
 
−
! Screen hold time<br>(s)
 
−
! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
|-
 
−
| L34 || 670 || 17.1 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks_Challenger_2.png|right|thumb|x350px|[[Ammo racks]] of the Challenger 2]]
−
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.19.0.76''' -->
 
{| 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
 
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
 +
|-
 +
| '''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)''
 +
|-
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 +
! 7th<br>rack empty
 +
! 8th<br>rack empty
 +
! 9th<br>rack empty
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''50''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| 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>N/A || 1&nbsp;''(+49)''<br>N/A || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 +
* Projectile racks 8 and 9, and propellant rack 7, are first-stage ammo racks.
 +
* Hull front empty: 39 ''(+11)'' shells.
 +
{{Clear}}
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 2,300 (2,000) || 600 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 4,000 (2,000) || 600 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== 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).'' -->
−
''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).''
+
With the Challenger 2 TES, the addon armour protection comes as standard and leaves the vehicle more protected than the base Challenger 2. However, this add-on armour has the downside of making the TES rather sluggish at accelerating and turning.
 +
 
 +
As with all the Challenger 2's, the ideal playstyle is to be at long range, utilising hull down positions to protect the hull and use the gunners thermal sight and laser range finder to return fire with good effectiveness. The TES retains the option of carrying smoke or HESH shells. Smoke can be used to fire at enemy positions to obscure their view while either the TES is repositioned or teammates are advancing. HESH can be used against light vehicles to overpressure them in situations where getting a killing blow with APFSDS would be difficult.
 +
 
 +
Where close range combat is required, ensure that the hull remains protected as much as possible by using terrain features. Take the time to ensure that when pushing into a location that it is clear of threats, as pushing round corners of buildings will leave the hull exposed without the chance to return fire.
 +
 
 +
Brawling is an option, however, the TES is rather sluggish and will not last long against fast or experienced opponents when the range is very short. Try to get the enemy to shoot the turret cheeks, as shots to the hull or gun breech will render the TES combat ineffective. Using the Challenger 2's impressive reload will give the TES an upper hand in brawls, as if both the Challenger and the opponent fire at the same time, the Challenger will typically reload first.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Impressive chemical protection on the front and sides.
+
* Retains pros from previous Challenger 2:
−
* Maintains the kinetic protection from previous variants, with improvements in places.
+
** Impressive chemical protection on the front and sides
−
* Very accurate L30A1 120 mm gun.
+
** Maintains the kinetic protection from previous variants, with improvements in places
−
* Fast reload, down to 5.0 seconds with an aced crew.
+
** Very accurate 120 mm L30A1 gun
 +
** Fast reload
 +
* Roof mounted machine gun has access to thermal and can be used as a makeshift CITV for scouting (but not firing, unfortunately)
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* No composite plates behind the ERA panels on the turret sides
+
* No composite plates behind the ERA panels on the turret sides like with 2F model, and since ERA is useless against tandem-charge warheads it is bad to not have full coverage to at least be safe from normal tanks
−
* Heaviest MBT in the game with a very poor hp/ton ratio; very poor acceleration
+
* The jammer is useless in-game and begs other tanks to scout it out or use HE on it
−
* Same ammunition options as the previous Challenger 2s
+
* Also retains weaknesses of previous Challenger 2 models:
−
* Maintains the same weakspots from previous variants.
+
** Heaviest MBT in the game with a very poor hp/ton ratio; very poor acceleration
−
* No CITV (Commander Independent Thermal Viewer).
+
** Same ammunition options as the previous Challengers
−
* L27A1 has low penetration compared to other top rank NATO ammunition.
+
** Maintains the same weak spots from previous variants
−
* The increase in armour only protects against chemical based shells and offers marginal protection to APFSDS shells
+
** L27A1 has low penetration compared to other top rank NATO ammunition and armour cannot compensate for it against high ground
 +
** Cannot maintain the short reload time after the first-stage ammo rack (4 rounds) has been depleted
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
''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).''
+
A modification of the British Challenger 2 main battle tank with Dorchester Level 2 armour set has been used by the British Army in the operation in Iraq since 2002. At the end of 2004, these tanks were additionally equipped with combined turret side shields, as well as grilles covering rear parts of the hull and turret for protection against shape-charged anti-tank weapons - this configuration received the designation Dorchester Level 2F (DL2F). The next modernization, also aimed at improving the protection, took place in 2008. The tanks received hull skirts made of combined armour, NERA blocks on the hull sides were replaced with ERA containers manufactured by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Limited. This variant of the Challenger 2 was designated TES (Theatre Entry Standard).
 +
 
 +
''- From [[wt:en/news/7438-development-challenger-2-tes-a-new-perspective-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_challenger_2_tes Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|LufGqZTfvoI|'''MBTs with Best Armor''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 03:52 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 238: Line 210:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [[wt:en/news/7438-development-challenger-2-tes-a-new-perspective-en|[Devblog] Challenger 2 TES: a new perspective]]
−
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 02:46, 5 February 2024

This page is about the British medium tank Challenger 2 TES. For other versions, see Challenger 2 (Family).
Challenger 2 TES
uk_challenger_2_tes.png
GarageImage Challenger 2 TES.jpg
Challenger 2 TES
Britain flag.png Britain
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
11.7 11.7 11.7
Class:
Research:175 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:950 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
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Description

The FV4034 Challenger 2 (Theatre Entry Standard – TES) is a high-intensity battlefield modification of the standard variant of the FV4034 Challenger 2 main battle tank family. In terms of protection, the Challenger 2 TES is extremely similar to the M1 Abrams TUSK (Tank Urban Survival Kit). The TES system was designed to protect the tank from various threats, such as tandem warheads and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The public first saw the technology demonstrator of the Challenger 2 TES (nicknamed "Megatron") in June 2013 during the DVD defence event in Millbrook, United Kingdom. In July 2016, at the Tank Fest in Bovington, a revised modification of the Challenger 2 TES was presented, complete with a new armour design. It is outfitted with a unique combination of reactive, composite, and slat armour to provide unparalleled protection against modern warfare threats. Depending on the nature of the threats and the type of battlefield where the tank must be deployed, the Challenger 2 TES can be outfitted with changeable and modular armour packages. The mobile camouflage system (MCS) is also installed on the hull and turret to reduce the vehicle's heat signature when observed by thermal imaging equipment. The TES counter IED technology is installed on the Challenger 2 TES, as demonstrated by the array of standard and "Bird Table" antennas positioned at the upper rear of the turret. The system is used to disrupt radio or telephone signals that could be used to trigger improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Introduced in Update "Winged Lions", the Challenger 2 TES is one of the most advanced modifications to the standard Challenger 2 in response to the increasing challenges of a modern battlefield. The Challenger 2 TES, equipped with a multitude of cutting-edge technology, provides players with the finest possible protection during conflicts. This tank, however, will be easy to spot and recognize during combat owing to the well-known jammer plate affixed to the roof. Flanking and sneaking up on opponents will be exceedingly difficult, as the distinctive jammer plate will easily disclose the player's location. Although the TES modification offers more protection than the standard Challenger 2, using the same engine without any improvements makes the Challenger 2 TES considerably slower to accelerate and turn.

General info

Survivability and armour

ERA
Effective action against the cumulative ammunition
Composite armour
Balanced protection against all types of ammunition
Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
ESS
Creation of a smoke screen in the direction of movement of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull130 / 38 / 50
Turret270 / 80 / 58
Crew4 people
Visibility88 %

The Challenger 2 TES has the armour that would be expected of the name (TES - Theatre Entry Standard). The tank has been updated to meet the modern theatres of war, including streetfighting and more effective chemical munitions and kinetic weapons. The ERA on the sides displays this exact line of thought. In-game, the combined ERA and composite screen add ~240 mm of effective protection against shaped charges and about 46 mm protection against KE rounds at 0 degrees.

Equipped with the iconic jammer plate mounted to the roof, this tank will be easy to spot and identify, so one should take care to cover their weak points with extra care, as many will know where the weaknesses are, and feel pressured to shoot them due to the increased armour elsewhere. The tank retains the same weakspots: the gun mantlet, driver's port, and the lower frontal plate, though unlike the Challenger 2 (2F) you get the LFP composite block (and the rest of the add-on) stock, which does help with the chemical protection. The gun breech will most likely block spalling from any penetrating round, allowing TES players to retreat and repair their breech, should they be far enough away from danger.

When opposing enemy tanks, commanders should attempt to angle their tank slightly, as the side add-on will be more effective against HEAT-FS and ATGMs (so long as they don't have tandem charge warheads), though this won't prevent any darts you meet from going through - M735 and DM23 can make it through 3 ERA blocks and still have enough energy to take out the engine. Angling has the added bonus of making the driver's port less effective as a means of knocking out the tank's crew.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 38-50 mm (56-83°) Upper plate
70 mm (31-34°) Lower glacis
60 mm (0-80°) Driver's port 		25 mm (70°) Top
25 mm Middle
38 mm Bottom 		25 mm (32°) 10-20 mm
Turret 38 - 50 mm (56-82°) Turret front
30 mm (3-82°) Gun mantlet 		20-25 mm (8-10°) 20 mm (18°) 10-38 mm
Cupola 8 mm (3-78°) 8 mm (9-60°) 8 mm (1-80°) 44-60 mm

Notes:

  • Upper front plate has additional 6.35 mm external structural steel plate.
  • Lower front plate has additional composite with NERA elements, which is very effective against chemical munitions.
  • Tracks and suspension wheels are 20 mm thick.
Composite armour Frontal effective protection Sides
Hull Upper
Kinetic: 420-700 mm
Chemical: 800-1100 mm
Lower
Kinetic: 100-270 mm
Chemical: 130-800 mm 		Ext. Composite Screen with ERA:
Kinetic: 90-120 mm
Chemical: 560-680 mm
Turret Turret Cheeks
Kinetic: 440-720 mm
Chemical: 780-1000 mm 		Internal Composite
Kinetic: 190 mm
Chemical: 324 mm
External NERA:
Kinetic: 15 mm
Chemical: 280 mm

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB66 / 42 km/h
RB and SB60 / 38 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
4 back
Weight74.8 t
Engine power
AB2 322 hp
RB and SB1 217 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB31.0 hp/t
RB and SB16.3 hp/t

The mobility of the TES is poor, even by Challenger 2 standards. The drastic increase in weight over the Challenger 2 (2F) makes the already below average power-to-weight ratio even worse, and getting the add-on stock ironically makes the situation worse: other Challenger 2s allow you to go for mobility upgrades before the add-on packages, making mobility through the stock grind more bearable as you decide when the extra weight is added, whereas with the TES you start out at 75t and 1076 hp. Even with all the mobility upgrades, the TES is slow to turn and slow to accelerate, and on some dirt roads it may struggle to reach 25 km/h. The neutral steering is unaffected by the increase in weight, completing a 360 traverse in the same amount of time as a 62.5t Challenger 2 (~14.5s).

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 66 42 74.8 1886 2,322 25.21 31.04
Realistic 60 38 1076 1,217 14.39 16.27

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 343 → 6 857 Sl icon.png
RB4 245 → 6 702 Sl icon.png
SB5 369 → 8 477 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications279 500 Rp icon.png
461 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost3 000 Ge icon.png
Crew training270 000 Sl icon.png
Experts950 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 210 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 190 / 210 % Sl icon.png
244 / 244 / 244 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement uk.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_britain_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_britain_L26_APDSFS_ammo_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_britain_L27_APDSFS_ammo_pack
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

120 mm L30A1 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition49 rounds
First-order4 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
6.5 → 5.0 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: L30A1 (120 mm)
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

Ammo racks of the Challenger 2
Full
ammo 		Ammo
part 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty
50 Projectiles
Propellants 		48 (+2)
45 (+5) 		45 (+5)
39 (+11) 		43 (+7)
31 (+19) 		41 (+9)
22 (+28)
5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		7th
rack empty 		8th
rack empty 		9th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
34 (+16)
14 (+36) 		29 (+21)
5 (+45) 		5 (+45)
1 (+49) 		4 (+46)
N/A 		1 (+49)
N/A 		No

Notes:

  • Projectile racks 8 and 9, and propellant rack 7, are first-stage ammo racks.
  • Hull front empty: 39 (+11) shells.

Machine guns

7.62 mm L37A2 machine gun
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition1 600 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate650 shots/min
7.62 mm L94A1 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition4 000 rounds
Belt capacity2 000 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main articles: L37A2 (7.62 mm), L94A1 (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm L37A2
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 1,700 (100) 650 -10°/+50° ±180°
7.62 mm L94A1
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,000 (2,000) 600 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

With the Challenger 2 TES, the addon armour protection comes as standard and leaves the vehicle more protected than the base Challenger 2. However, this add-on armour has the downside of making the TES rather sluggish at accelerating and turning.

As with all the Challenger 2's, the ideal playstyle is to be at long range, utilising hull down positions to protect the hull and use the gunners thermal sight and laser range finder to return fire with good effectiveness. The TES retains the option of carrying smoke or HESH shells. Smoke can be used to fire at enemy positions to obscure their view while either the TES is repositioned or teammates are advancing. HESH can be used against light vehicles to overpressure them in situations where getting a killing blow with APFSDS would be difficult.

Where close range combat is required, ensure that the hull remains protected as much as possible by using terrain features. Take the time to ensure that when pushing into a location that it is clear of threats, as pushing round corners of buildings will leave the hull exposed without the chance to return fire.

Brawling is an option, however, the TES is rather sluggish and will not last long against fast or experienced opponents when the range is very short. Try to get the enemy to shoot the turret cheeks, as shots to the hull or gun breech will render the TES combat ineffective. Using the Challenger 2's impressive reload will give the TES an upper hand in brawls, as if both the Challenger and the opponent fire at the same time, the Challenger will typically reload first.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Retains pros from previous Challenger 2:
    • Impressive chemical protection on the front and sides
    • Maintains the kinetic protection from previous variants, with improvements in places
    • Very accurate 120 mm L30A1 gun
    • Fast reload
  • Roof mounted machine gun has access to thermal and can be used as a makeshift CITV for scouting (but not firing, unfortunately)

Cons:

  • No composite plates behind the ERA panels on the turret sides like with 2F model, and since ERA is useless against tandem-charge warheads it is bad to not have full coverage to at least be safe from normal tanks
  • The jammer is useless in-game and begs other tanks to scout it out or use HE on it
  • Also retains weaknesses of previous Challenger 2 models:
    • Heaviest MBT in the game with a very poor hp/ton ratio; very poor acceleration
    • Same ammunition options as the previous Challengers
    • Maintains the same weak spots from previous variants
    • L27A1 has low penetration compared to other top rank NATO ammunition and armour cannot compensate for it against high ground
    • Cannot maintain the short reload time after the first-stage ammo rack (4 rounds) has been depleted

History

A modification of the British Challenger 2 main battle tank with Dorchester Level 2 armour set has been used by the British Army in the operation in Iraq since 2002. At the end of 2004, these tanks were additionally equipped with combined turret side shields, as well as grilles covering rear parts of the hull and turret for protection against shape-charged anti-tank weapons - this configuration received the designation Dorchester Level 2F (DL2F). The next modernization, also aimed at improving the protection, took place in 2008. The tanks received hull skirts made of combined armour, NERA blocks on the hull sides were replaced with ERA containers manufactured by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Limited. This variant of the Challenger 2 was designated TES (Theatre Entry Standard).

- From Devblog

Media

Skins
Videos
MBTs with Best Armor discusses the Challenger 2 TES at 03:52 - War Thunder Official Channel

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


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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