Difference between revisions of "Challenger"

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−
{{Specs-Card|code=uk_a30_challenger}}
 
−
{{DISPLAYTITLE:A30 Challenger}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = British medium tank '''A30 Challenger'''
 
| about = British medium tank '''A30 Challenger'''
 
| usage = other uses
 
| usage = other uses
 
| link = Challenger (Disambiguation)
 
| link = Challenger (Disambiguation)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=uk_a30_challenger
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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 the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it 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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_A30Challenger.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
By early 1942, the new 17-pounder anti-tank gun had been developed, and was quickly found to be the most powerful armour-piercing gun of the Allied arsenal. A number of projects were initiated looking to fit the new gun into self-propelled mounts, resulting in designs such as the [[Sherman Firefly]] and [[Achilles]]. One such project was the '''A30 Challenger''', a medium tank-style design utilising the chassis of the [[Cromwell (Family)|Cromwell]]; however, compromises had to be made, particularly in the design of the turret to fit the larger gun and an additional crewmember, as well as a lengthening of the hull and reduction in armour, leading to both reduced mobility and protection. Production began in March 1944, and the tank participated in the later stages of the Normandy landings and beyond, operating alongside Cromwells and Shermans to counter the German [[Tiger I (Family)|Tiger I]] heavy tanks. While the 17-pounder performed to expectations, the tall turret in particular presented a large and weakly armoured target for opposing tanks, though it was still shorter, more mobile, and generally preferred over the Firefly. The Challenger was also issued to Allied forces such as Poland and Czechoslovakia, the latter of which purchased a number of Challengers after the war and operated them until they were scrapped in 1959.
−
{{break}}
+
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} British medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]] alongside the rest of the British Ground Forces Tree. Taking the outdated Cromwell chassis, extending it and adding a new turret, it gave life to this improved variant with the much powerful 17-pounder anti-tank gun.  
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]] along with the initial British ground tree, the main draw of the Challenger is its powerful gun. It is able to easily penetrate any vehicle it may encounter, particularly with the addition of a new, even more penetrating, APDS round to crack the heaviest of targets, allowing it to perform well as a sniper, or as a flanker alongside its reasonable mobility. However, the Challenger should not be used to brawl with opponents: the tank has poor armour protection, a large profile, and terrible reverse speed. It should also be noted that, other than the dedicated HE shell, the ammunition of the 17-pdr still lacks any explosive filler, so critical components such as the crew and ammo racks should be aimed for to maximise the damage potential.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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 armour on the Challenger is not to be relied on as it is both very thin and poorly angled. The turret armour is capable of bouncing or absorbing a few shots, however this is not to be relied upon. The hull has the same poor armour as the Cromwell, but due to the vehicle's neutral steering capability, should an enemy go for the front plate you can angle it adequately against contemporary medium cannons, however exposing your side is a death sentence, especially against APHE projectiles.
  
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
Line 25: Line 29:
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 63.5 mm (1°) ''Front plate'' <br> 30 mm (73°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 57.15 mm (19-35°) ''Joint plate'' <br> 25 mm (65°) ''Lower glacis'' || 29-50.8 mm ''Top hull'' <br /> 14 + 14 mm ''Lower Hull'' || 51 mm ''Turret base'' <br> 38 mm ''Top hull'' <br> 38 mm (19°), 20 mm (57°) ''Lower Hull'' || 20 mm ''Front'' <br> 14 mm ''Engine deck''
+
| Hull || 63.5 mm (1°) ''Front plate'' <br> 30 mm (73°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 57.15 mm (19-35°) ''Joint plate'' <br> 25 mm (65°) ''Lower glacis'' || 29-50.8 mm ''Top hull'' <br> 14 + 14 mm ''Lower Hull'' || 51 mm ''Turret base'' <br> 38 mm ''Top hull'' <br> 38 mm (19°), 20 mm (57°) ''Lower Hull'' || 20 mm ''Front'' <br> 14 mm ''Engine deck''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 63-102 mm (0-1°) ''Turret front'' <br> 102 mm (4-12°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 40 mm || 40 mm (1°) || 20 mm  
+
| Turret || 63-102 mm (0-1°) ''Turret front'' <br> 102 mm (4-12°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 40 mm || 40 mm (1°) || 20 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
  
−
* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, suspension bars are 10 mm thick, while tracks are 20 mm thick.
+
* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, suspension bars are 10 mm thick, and tracks are 20 mm thick.
 
* 5 mm RHA plates between the engine compartment and crew, as well as separating driver from turret and ammunition.
 
* 5 mm RHA plates between the engine compartment and crew, as well as separating driver from turret and ammunition.
 
* Lower side hulls are spaced with the suspension springs lined up in between.
 
* Lower side hulls are spaced with the suspension springs lined up in between.
Line 38: Line 42:
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== 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.'' -->
 +
The lengthened Cromwell chassis provides the Challenger with excellent mobility. The vehicle is able to reach its top speed of 52 km/h fairly quickly. The Challenger is responsive both at low and high speeds. The centre of gravity is quite high, to the point that one track will lift up when making a significant enough turn. The Challenger has an awful reverse speed, it should not be relied upon. In most situations it's more viable to use the neutral steering capability of the vehicle to completely turn around and drive in the other direction.
  
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 930|rbMinHp= 531}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=930|rbMinHp=531}}
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
 +
{{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|QF 17-pounder (76 mm)}}
 
{{main|QF 17-pounder (76 mm)}}
 +
 +
The Challenger features the 76 mm QF 17-pounder, a weapon more than capable of dealing with all adversaries the Challenger will encounter, even Soviet heavy tanks (IS-1, KV-85, etc.) and German tanks like the Panthers and Tiger Is.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 48 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 31.42 || 43.48 || 52.80 || 58.39 || 62.12 || rowspan="2" | 6.63 || rowspan="2" | 5.87 || rowspan="2" | 5.41 || rowspan="2" | 5.10
+
| rowspan="2" | 48 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 31.4 || 43.5 || 52.8 || 58.4 || 62.1 || rowspan="2" | 6.63 || rowspan="2" | 5.87 || rowspan="2" | 5.41 || rowspan="2" | 5.10
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 19.64 || 23.10 || 28.05 || 31.02 || 33.00
+
| 19.6 || 23.1 || 28.1 || 31.0 || 33.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
 +
While the highest penetrating round available to the Challenger is the Shot SV Mk.1, this round is both inaccurate and does very little spall damage. Because of this it is recommended to use the Shot Mk.8 the majority of the time as its penetration is sufficient, and as it is able to knock out enemies with a single shot due to great spalling. The Shot SV Mk.1 can still be brought for long range engagements.
  
 
* '''Shot Mk.6:''' {{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}} - Standard penetrating round, use until better rounds are unlocked.
 
* '''Shot Mk.6:''' {{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}} - Standard penetrating round, use until better rounds are unlocked.
−
* '''Shell Mk.1:''' {{Annotation|HE|High-explosive}} - It is ideal for destroying SPAA and lightly armoured tanks, but useless against anything else.
+
* '''Shell Mk.1:''' {{Annotation|HE|High-explosive}} - It is ideal for destroying SPAA and lightly-armoured tanks, but useless against anything else.
 
* '''Shot Mk.4:''' {{Annotation|APC|Armour-piercing capped}} - Cap for better grip against sloped armour.
 
* '''Shot Mk.4:''' {{Annotation|APC|Armour-piercing capped}} - Cap for better grip against sloped armour.
 
* '''Shot Mk.8:''' {{Annotation|APCBC|Armour-piercing capped ballistic capped}} - Like Shot Mk.4 but with a ballistic cap for improved flight path, as well as better penetration.
 
* '''Shot Mk.8:''' {{Annotation|APCBC|Armour-piercing capped ballistic capped}} - Like Shot Mk.4 but with a ballistic cap for improved flight path, as well as better penetration.
 
* '''Shot SV Mk.1:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}} - Highest armour penetration of any shot, but has worse spalling effect.
 
* '''Shot SV Mk.1:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}} - Highest armour penetration of any shot, but has worse spalling effect.
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:QF 17-pounder (76 mm)/Ammunition|Shot Mk.6, Shell Mk.1, Shot Mk.4, Shot Mk.8, Shot SV Mk.1, 17pdr Shell SS Mk.1}}
−
! 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 Mk.6 || AP || 171 || 168 || 155 || 139 || 126 || 113
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot Mk.4 || APC || 171 || 168 || 155 || 139 || 126 || 113
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot Mk.8 || APCBC || 190 || 187 || 172 || 155 || 140 || 126
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot SV Mk.1 || APDS || 228 || 226 || 207 || 189 || 159 || 134
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| 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 Mk.6 || AP || 883 || 7.71 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 883 || 6.98 || 0.4 || 0.5 || 580 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot Mk.4 || APC || 883 || 7.71 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot Mk.8 || APCBC || 883 || 7.71 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot SV Mk.1 || APDS || 1,203 || 1.73 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 75° || 78° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| 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)
 
−
|-
 
−
| 17pdr Shell SS Mk.1 || 754 || 8.44 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.11.0.71''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 139: Line 96:
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! 4th<br>rack empty
 +
! 5th<br>rack empty
 +
|-
 +
| '''48''' || 46&nbsp;''(+2)'' || 43&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 40&nbsp;''(+8)'' || 37&nbsp;''(+11)'' || 35&nbsp;''(+13)''
 +
|-
 +
! 6th<br>rack empty
 +
! 7th<br>rack empty
 +
! 8th<br>rack empty
 +
! 9th<br>rack empty
 +
! 10th<br>rack empty
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''48''' || 37&nbsp;''(+11)'' || 25&nbsp;''(+23)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+47)'' || Yes
+
| 32&nbsp;''(+16)'' || 30&nbsp;''(+18)'' || 24&nbsp;''(+24)'' || 19&nbsp;''(+29)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+47)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
  
−
Turret empty: 25&nbsp;''(+23)''
+
* As they are modeled by sets of 2 or 3, shells disappear from the rack only after you've fired all shells in the set.
 +
* Turret empty: 35&nbsp;''(+13)'' shells.
  
−
===== Optics =====
+
==== Optics ====
−
<!--''Explain how the optic's status can affect the tank's gameplay in any unique or meaningful way. A comparison to rival tanks of the rank is welcome.''
 
−
''If you are having problems with it, refer to the [[Optics|optics gallery]] page for examples.''-->
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
 
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
Line 158: Line 125:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Main Gun optics
 
! Main Gun optics
−
| x3 || x6 <!--Sometimes the actual value may not be known and here it should be referenced if the optic values are an estimate such as with an "X8.3 (estimated)" notation or something else that way the user will then be able to look to the comparable optics section and see a referenced optic which will have actual in-game data to back up the claim.-->
+
| x3 || x6
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Comparable optics
 
! Comparable optics
Line 172: Line 139:
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}
Line 186: Line 154:
  
 
== 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 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).'' -->
−
This tank has a high penetration gun (with APDS), great maneuverability, and good speed. However, it has extremely weak armour, terrible reverse, and quite a high profile. As such it requires some skill to use. It excels as a sniper or an ambushing tank destroyer, waiting for the enemy to come into its sights and firing from a point of advantage. It is also a good flanker due to its speed and maneuverability, getting around the enemy and hitting them from the side or back.  
+
This tank has a high penetration gun (with APDS), great manoeuvrability, and good speed. However, it has extremely weak armour, terrible reverse, and quite a high profile. As such it requires some skill to use. It excels as a sniper or an ambushing tank destroyer, waiting for the enemy to come into its sights and firing from a point of advantage. It is also a good flanker due to its speed and manoeuvrability getting around the enemy and hitting them from the side or back.
  
−
Do not attempt to brawl or use this vehicle as a front line tank. The Challenger cannot afford to take even a single hit from enemy tanks, and it will be up against German 88 mm and Russian 85/122 mm guns which will easily take it out in one shot. The poor reverse speed also makes hit and run tactics a bad choice.  
+
Do not attempt to brawl or use this vehicle as a front line tank. The Challenger cannot afford to take even a single hit from enemy tanks, and it will be up against German 88 mm and Soviet 85 or 122 mm guns which will easily take it out in one shot. The poor reverse speed also makes hit and run tactics a bad choice.
  
−
When in its stock form, this tank will be quite frustrating to play. The stock AP round bounces often and does very little damage, it is also quite hard to aim at range. The first aim upon getting this tank should be to unlock APDS as soon as possible. With this round, the Challenger can easily penetrate most of the tanks that it faces. Hitting ammo racks often equals a detonation and it performs well at long range.
+
When in its stock form, this tank will be quite frustrating to play. The stock AP round bounces often and does very little damage, it is also quite hard to aim at range. The first aim upon getting this tank should be to unlock the better AP shell and the APDS as soon as possible. With these rounds, the Challenger can easily penetrate most of the tanks that it faces.
  
−
=== Modules ===
+
=== Pros and cons ===
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Mobility
 
−
! Protection
 
−
! colspan="3" | Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Shot Mk.4
 
−
| Horizontal Drive
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Suspension
 
−
| Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| Shot Mk.8
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Filters
 
−
|
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| Shot SV Mk.1
 
−
| Elevation Mechanism
 
−
| Smoke Grenade
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Transmission
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Artillery Support
 
−
| 17pdr Shell SS Mk.1
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
=== Pros and cons ===
 
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Armed with the 17-pounder with APDS rounds available.
+
* Armed with the 17-pounder with APDS rounds available
−
* The Challenger has the fastest reload speed from all tanks armed with the 17-pounder.
+
* Able to deal a lot of damage in a very short amount of time
−
* Able to deal a lot of damage in a very short amount of time.
+
* Fast tank that is capable of reaching 50km/h on even ground
−
* Fast tank that is capable of reaching 50km/h on even ground.
+
* Responsive neutral steering capability
−
* Fast turret traverse.
+
* Fast turret traverse
−
* Wide gun depression and elevation.
+
* Wide gun depression and elevation
−
* Plays similarly to the Comet I and Avenger, albeit with a higher profile and less armour on the turret.
+
* Plays similarly to the Comet I and Avenger, albeit with a higher profile and less armour on the turret
−
* Turret armour is still about 102 mm thick in certain areas.
+
* Turret armour is still about 102 mm thick in certain areas
−
* Ammo is stored in a strategic location, lowering the risk of ammo detonation.
+
* Ammo is stored in a strategic location, lowering the risk of ammo detonation
−
* Very low risk of fire due to rear mounted transmission and fuel tanks.
+
* Very low risk of fire due to rear mounted transmission and fuel tanks
 +
* APDS has high muzzle velocity
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Paper thin hull armour (glass cannon).
+
* Paper thin hull armour (glass cannon)
−
* No explosive filler in any AP shells.
+
* No explosive filler in any AP shells
−
* APDS shot causes only punctual damage (aim carefully).
+
* APDS shot causes only punctual damage (aim carefully)
−
* Turret is very tall compared to hull profile, making it hard to hide behind obstacles.
+
* Turret is very tall compared to hull profile, making it hard to hide behind obstacles
−
* Suffers from an awful reverse speed.
+
* Suffers from an awful reverse speed
−
* Four man in the turret, an APHE shot will disable the tank for good.
+
* Four man in the turret, an APHE shot will disable the tank for good
−
* The Challenger requires a very high skill cap to perform adequately.
+
* The Challenger requires a very high skill cap to perform adequately
 
* Traversing the hull, especially on sloped angles, might be hard due to its long hull
 
* Traversing the hull, especially on sloped angles, might be hard due to its long hull
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ 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><ref></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
===Development===
 
===Development===
 
The development of the [[Cromwell V|Cromwell]] tank due to the implementation of the Rolls-Royce Meteor engine helped Roy Robotham from Rolls to become the Minstry of Supply on the Tank Board, despite his lack of experience around the development of tanks. With the Cromwell in service with the British military, attempts were made to upgrade the armament on the tank from its 6-pounder and 75 mm gun. The first attempt was by Vickers with a "high-velocity" 75 mm gun, but the Cromwell turret ring proved too small for the adaption. While these attempts were made to upgun the Cromwell, improved tanks to replace the Cromwell was underway as the [[Comet I|Comet]] and the [[Centurion Mk 3|Centurion]] tank. The General Staff specification for a 17-pounder armed cruiser tank was A29, but this was changed to A30 for any 17-pounder tank. The first order for such a tank came in 1942 to the Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company to build the 17-pounder tank from the components of the A27M Cromwell tank. While responsibility of the turret and gun mounting went to Stothert & Pitt, Birmingham was responsible for modifying the Cromwell hull for the new turret.
 
The development of the [[Cromwell V|Cromwell]] tank due to the implementation of the Rolls-Royce Meteor engine helped Roy Robotham from Rolls to become the Minstry of Supply on the Tank Board, despite his lack of experience around the development of tanks. With the Cromwell in service with the British military, attempts were made to upgrade the armament on the tank from its 6-pounder and 75 mm gun. The first attempt was by Vickers with a "high-velocity" 75 mm gun, but the Cromwell turret ring proved too small for the adaption. While these attempts were made to upgun the Cromwell, improved tanks to replace the Cromwell was underway as the [[Comet I|Comet]] and the [[Centurion Mk 3|Centurion]] tank. The General Staff specification for a 17-pounder armed cruiser tank was A29, but this was changed to A30 for any 17-pounder tank. The first order for such a tank came in 1942 to the Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company to build the 17-pounder tank from the components of the A27M Cromwell tank. While responsibility of the turret and gun mounting went to Stothert & Pitt, Birmingham was responsible for modifying the Cromwell hull for the new turret.
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The Challenger was criticized and generally unpopular in its service, the crews complain that the tank throws its track, the armour was too thin, and the profile was too tall. The Challenger had no provisions for deep wading and was thus unable to participate during the D-day landings during Operation Overlord, thus the Challenger deployment was delayed until the artificial mulberry harbors and ports were captured before able to be delivered.
 
The Challenger was criticized and generally unpopular in its service, the crews complain that the tank throws its track, the armour was too thin, and the profile was too tall. The Challenger had no provisions for deep wading and was thus unable to participate during the D-day landings during Operation Overlord, thus the Challenger deployment was delayed until the artificial mulberry harbors and ports were captured before able to be delivered.
  
−
Though the Challenger saw some modifications to fix the track throwing issue, it was found that the equipping of the 17-pounder onto the American [[M4|M4 Sherman]] tank into the [[Sherman Firefly|Firefly]] was faster and easier than the production of the Challenger, thus production lines were stopped after the initial orders. Both tanks saw use in the same role in the British tank forces, accompanying the tank squadrons into enemy territory and firing at enemy armour from a long distance. The Challenger saw more use with Cromwell units due to interchangeability in parts. Some perks of the Challenger was its speed and agility compared to the Firefly, but the vehicle's initial bad reputation still struggled due to the low number produced in the war.  
+
Though the Challenger saw some modifications to fix the track throwing issue, it was found that the equipping of the 17-pounder onto the American [[M4|M4 Sherman]] tank into the [[Sherman Firefly|Firefly]] was faster and easier than the production of the Challenger, thus production lines were stopped after the initial orders. Both tanks saw use in the same role in the British tank forces, accompanying the tank squadrons into enemy territory and firing at enemy armour from a long distance. The Challenger saw more use with Cromwell units due to interchangeability in parts. Some perks of the Challenger was its speed and agility compared to the Firefly, but the vehicle's initial bad reputation still struggled due to the low number produced in the war.
  
 
An attempt to improve on the Challenger was the [[Avenger|A30 SP Avenger]], which used a different open-topped turret to save weight on the tank design. However, due to priorities on the [[Comet I|Comet]] tank in the Vauxhall Motors plant, they were not being built until 1945 and weren't used until after the war in Europe is over. 250 unit were built and formed part of the British Army of the Rhine stationed in Germany after the war.
 
An attempt to improve on the Challenger was the [[Avenger|A30 SP Avenger]], which used a different open-topped turret to save weight on the tank design. However, due to priorities on the [[Comet I|Comet]] tank in the Vauxhall Motors plant, they were not being built until 1945 and weren't used until after the war in Europe is over. 250 unit were built and formed part of the British Army of the Rhine stationed in Germany after the war.
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== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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<!--Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.-->
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<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
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{{Youtube-gallery|rpvKhy22Erc|'''The Shooting Range #85''' - ''War Machines'' section at 00:33 discusses the A30 Challenger.}}
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;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_a30_challenger Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
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==References==
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;Videos
−
<references />
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{{Youtube-gallery|geVC8UNdmBM|'''Spade Review, A30 Challenger. Giving it my all!''' - ''Joseph 2000''|rpvKhy22Erc|'''The Shooting Range #85''' - ''War Machines'' section at 00:33 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|My_9I21oaHY|'''Challenger - Left Behind''' - ''Oxy''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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<!-- ''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;''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
 
* [[Avenger]] - Tank destroyer spin-off also using the Cromwell chassis to carry the 17-pdr.
 
* [[Avenger]] - Tank destroyer spin-off also using the Cromwell chassis to carry the 17-pdr.
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''encyclopedia page on tank;''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
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* ''other literature.''-->
 
  
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* [https://warthunder.com/en/devblog/current/852/ [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> A34 Comet I and A30 Challenger]
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* [[wt:en/devblog/current/852/|[Devblog] A34 Comet I and A30 Challenger]]
  
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 11:05, 30 July 2023

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This page is about the British medium tank A30 Challenger. For other uses, see Challenger (Disambiguation).
Challenger
uk_a30_challenger.png
GarageImage Challenger.jpg
ArtImage Challenger.png
Challenger
Britain flag.png Britain
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.0 5.3 5.3
Class:
Research:33 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:105 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

By early 1942, the new 17-pounder anti-tank gun had been developed, and was quickly found to be the most powerful armour-piercing gun of the Allied arsenal. A number of projects were initiated looking to fit the new gun into self-propelled mounts, resulting in designs such as the Sherman Firefly and Achilles. One such project was the A30 Challenger, a medium tank-style design utilising the chassis of the Cromwell; however, compromises had to be made, particularly in the design of the turret to fit the larger gun and an additional crewmember, as well as a lengthening of the hull and reduction in armour, leading to both reduced mobility and protection. Production began in March 1944, and the tank participated in the later stages of the Normandy landings and beyond, operating alongside Cromwells and Shermans to counter the German Tiger I heavy tanks. While the 17-pounder performed to expectations, the tall turret in particular presented a large and weakly armoured target for opposing tanks, though it was still shorter, more mobile, and generally preferred over the Firefly. The Challenger was also issued to Allied forces such as Poland and Czechoslovakia, the latter of which purchased a number of Challengers after the war and operated them until they were scrapped in 1959.

Introduced in Update 1.55 "Royal Armour" along with the initial British ground tree, the main draw of the Challenger is its powerful gun. It is able to easily penetrate any vehicle it may encounter, particularly with the addition of a new, even more penetrating, APDS round to crack the heaviest of targets, allowing it to perform well as a sniper, or as a flanker alongside its reasonable mobility. However, the Challenger should not be used to brawl with opponents: the tank has poor armour protection, a large profile, and terrible reverse speed. It should also be noted that, other than the dedicated HE shell, the ammunition of the 17-pdr still lacks any explosive filler, so critical components such as the crew and ammo racks should be aimed for to maximise the damage potential.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull64 / 28 / 38
Turret102 / 40 / 40
Crew5 people
Visibility105 %

The armour on the Challenger is not to be relied on as it is both very thin and poorly angled. The turret armour is capable of bouncing or absorbing a few shots, however this is not to be relied upon. The hull has the same poor armour as the Cromwell, but due to the vehicle's neutral steering capability, should an enemy go for the front plate you can angle it adequately against contemporary medium cannons, however exposing your side is a death sentence, especially against APHE projectiles.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 63.5 mm (1°) Front plate
30 mm (73°) Front glacis
57.15 mm (19-35°) Joint plate
25 mm (65°) Lower glacis 		29-50.8 mm Top hull
14 + 14 mm Lower Hull 		51 mm Turret base
38 mm Top hull
38 mm (19°), 20 mm (57°) Lower Hull 		20 mm Front
14 mm Engine deck
Turret 63-102 mm (0-1°) Turret front
102 mm (4-12°) Gun mantlet 		40 mm 40 mm (1°) 20 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, suspension bars are 10 mm thick, and tracks are 20 mm thick.
  • 5 mm RHA plates between the engine compartment and crew, as well as separating driver from turret and ammunition.
  • Lower side hulls are spaced with the suspension springs lined up in between.
  • A 25 mm RHA bar line up in front of the turret to protect the turret ring.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB58 / 4 km/h
RB and SB52 / 4 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight31.5 t
Engine power
AB1 145 hp
RB and SB600 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB36.3 hp/t
RB and SB19.0 hp/t

The lengthened Cromwell chassis provides the Challenger with excellent mobility. The vehicle is able to reach its top speed of 52 km/h fairly quickly. The Challenger is responsive both at low and high speeds. The centre of gravity is quite high, to the point that one track will lift up when making a significant enough turn. The Challenger has an awful reverse speed, it should not be relied upon. In most situations it's more viable to use the neutral steering capability of the vehicle to completely turn around and drive in the other direction.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 58 4 31.5 930 1,145 29.52 36.35
Realistic 52 4 531 600 16.86 19.05

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 187 → 1 606 Sl icon.png
RB1 423 → 1 925 Sl icon.png
SB1 823 → 2 466 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications29 600 Rp icon.png
57 400 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 200 Ge icon.png
Crew training30 000 Sl icon.png
Experts105 000 Sl icon.png
Aces470 Ge icon.png
Research Aces360 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
80 / 120 / 140 % Sl icon.png
148 / 148 / 148 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement uk.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_britain_17pdr_APC_ammo_pack
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_britain_17pdr_APCBC_ammo_pack
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_britain_17pdr_APDS_ammo_pack
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_britain_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

76 mm QF 17-pounder cannon
Ammunition48 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
6.7 → 5.1 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: QF 17-pounder (76 mm)

The Challenger features the 76 mm QF 17-pounder, a weapon more than capable of dealing with all adversaries the Challenger will encounter, even Soviet heavy tanks (IS-1, KV-85, etc.) and German tanks like the Panthers and Tiger Is.

76 mm QF 17-pounder Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 48 -10°/+20° ±180° N/A 31.4 43.5 52.8 58.4 62.1 6.63 5.87 5.41 5.10
Realistic 19.6 23.1 28.1 31.0 33.0

Ammunition

While the highest penetrating round available to the Challenger is the Shot SV Mk.1, this round is both inaccurate and does very little spall damage. Because of this it is recommended to use the Shot Mk.8 the majority of the time as its penetration is sufficient, and as it is able to knock out enemies with a single shot due to great spalling. The Shot SV Mk.1 can still be brought for long range engagements.

  • Shot Mk.6: AP - Standard penetrating round, use until better rounds are unlocked.
  • Shell Mk.1: HE - It is ideal for destroying SPAA and lightly-armoured tanks, but useless against anything else.
  • Shot Mk.4: APC - Cap for better grip against sloped armour.
  • Shot Mk.8: APCBC - Like Shot Mk.4 but with a ballistic cap for improved flight path, as well as better penetration.
  • Shot SV Mk.1: APDS - Highest armour penetration of any shot, but has worse spalling effect.

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 Mk.6 AP 171 168 155 139 126 113
Shell Mk.1 HE 20 20 18 16 15 13
Shot Mk.4 APC 171 168 155 139 126 113
Shot Mk.8 APCBC 190 187 172 155 140 126
Shot SV Mk.1 APDS 269 264 246 226 207 189
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Shot Mk.6 AP 883 7.71 - - - 47° 60° 65°
Shell Mk.1 HE 883 6.98 0.2 0.1 580 79° 80° 81°
Shot Mk.4 APC 883 7.71 - - - 48° 63° 71°
Shot Mk.8 APCBC 883 7.71 - - - 48° 63° 71°
Shot SV Mk.1 APDS 1,204 2.48 - - - 75° 78° 80°
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)
17pdr Shell SS Mk.1 229 8.44 13 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Challenger
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty
48 46 (+2) 43 (+5) 40 (+8) 37 (+11) 35 (+13)
6th
rack empty 		7th
rack empty 		8th
rack empty 		9th
rack empty 		10th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
32 (+16) 30 (+18) 24 (+24) 19 (+29) 1 (+47) No

Notes:

  • As they are modeled by sets of 2 or 3, shells disappear from the rack only after you've fired all shells in the set.
  • Turret empty: 35 (+13) shells.

Optics

Challenger Optics
Which ones Default magnification Maximum magnification
Main Gun optics x3 x6
Comparable optics VFW

Uses now default x6 scope of the British. As of rank III, this scope is slightly or moderately superior to most medium and heavy tanks, but do not expect to outsnipe German SPG as they have same optics or even better.

With Challenger being on the edge in between rank III and IV it is possible to get into rank IV battle with full up-tier. In that case, the tank optics are no longer superior to most opponents.

In particular, do not let Japanese medium tanks ST-A1 get an upper hand at all costs, as they have optics eclipsing these of Challenger at long ranges and might as well snipe Challenger from 2 km away, if they have accuracy modifications.

Machine guns

7.62 mm M1919A4 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition3 750 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
Main article: M1919A4 (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm M1919A4
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,750 (250) 500 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

This tank has a high penetration gun (with APDS), great manoeuvrability, and good speed. However, it has extremely weak armour, terrible reverse, and quite a high profile. As such it requires some skill to use. It excels as a sniper or an ambushing tank destroyer, waiting for the enemy to come into its sights and firing from a point of advantage. It is also a good flanker due to its speed and manoeuvrability getting around the enemy and hitting them from the side or back.

Do not attempt to brawl or use this vehicle as a front line tank. The Challenger cannot afford to take even a single hit from enemy tanks, and it will be up against German 88 mm and Soviet 85 or 122 mm guns which will easily take it out in one shot. The poor reverse speed also makes hit and run tactics a bad choice.

When in its stock form, this tank will be quite frustrating to play. The stock AP round bounces often and does very little damage, it is also quite hard to aim at range. The first aim upon getting this tank should be to unlock the better AP shell and the APDS as soon as possible. With these rounds, the Challenger can easily penetrate most of the tanks that it faces.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Armed with the 17-pounder with APDS rounds available
  • Able to deal a lot of damage in a very short amount of time
  • Fast tank that is capable of reaching 50km/h on even ground
  • Responsive neutral steering capability
  • Fast turret traverse
  • Wide gun depression and elevation
  • Plays similarly to the Comet I and Avenger, albeit with a higher profile and less armour on the turret
  • Turret armour is still about 102 mm thick in certain areas
  • Ammo is stored in a strategic location, lowering the risk of ammo detonation
  • Very low risk of fire due to rear mounted transmission and fuel tanks
  • APDS has high muzzle velocity

Cons:

  • Paper thin hull armour (glass cannon)
  • No explosive filler in any AP shells
  • APDS shot causes only punctual damage (aim carefully)
  • Turret is very tall compared to hull profile, making it hard to hide behind obstacles
  • Suffers from an awful reverse speed
  • Four man in the turret, an APHE shot will disable the tank for good
  • The Challenger requires a very high skill cap to perform adequately
  • Traversing the hull, especially on sloped angles, might be hard due to its long hull

History

Development

The development of the Cromwell tank due to the implementation of the Rolls-Royce Meteor engine helped Roy Robotham from Rolls to become the Minstry of Supply on the Tank Board, despite his lack of experience around the development of tanks. With the Cromwell in service with the British military, attempts were made to upgrade the armament on the tank from its 6-pounder and 75 mm gun. The first attempt was by Vickers with a "high-velocity" 75 mm gun, but the Cromwell turret ring proved too small for the adaption. While these attempts were made to upgun the Cromwell, improved tanks to replace the Cromwell was underway as the Comet and the Centurion tank. The General Staff specification for a 17-pounder armed cruiser tank was A29, but this was changed to A30 for any 17-pounder tank. The first order for such a tank came in 1942 to the Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company to build the 17-pounder tank from the components of the A27M Cromwell tank. While responsibility of the turret and gun mounting went to Stothert & Pitt, Birmingham was responsible for modifying the Cromwell hull for the new turret.

The resulting tank from the design team was completed in 1942. Compared to the Cromwell, the hull machine gun was removed for more stowage space for the longer 17-pounder ammunition. However, the stowage location and ammo size facilitated the need for two loaders in the tank to keep the firing rate stable. A larger turret was needed for this requirement, the larger turret thus caused the Cromwell hull to be lengthened with another road wheel on the suspension, but the track width was not modified to fit this so the tank's mobility was reduced. The total armour is reduced to save on weight, especially the turret area, which gave the crew inside the turret a sense of vulnerability. The turret ring of the turret was unprotected and was thus given a jacking feature to clear any jams that forms from combat situations.

The tank, named the A30 Challenger, was tested at Lulworth and was criticized for having a slow firing rate and thin armour, but its long range effectiveness against German tanks was satisfactory. An order for 200 Challengers was made in February 1943. The order was finished, but it was announced that no more were to be ordered on November the same year.

Combat usage

The Challenger was criticized and generally unpopular in its service, the crews complain that the tank throws its track, the armour was too thin, and the profile was too tall. The Challenger had no provisions for deep wading and was thus unable to participate during the D-day landings during Operation Overlord, thus the Challenger deployment was delayed until the artificial mulberry harbors and ports were captured before able to be delivered.

Though the Challenger saw some modifications to fix the track throwing issue, it was found that the equipping of the 17-pounder onto the American M4 Sherman tank into the Firefly was faster and easier than the production of the Challenger, thus production lines were stopped after the initial orders. Both tanks saw use in the same role in the British tank forces, accompanying the tank squadrons into enemy territory and firing at enemy armour from a long distance. The Challenger saw more use with Cromwell units due to interchangeability in parts. Some perks of the Challenger was its speed and agility compared to the Firefly, but the vehicle's initial bad reputation still struggled due to the low number produced in the war.

An attempt to improve on the Challenger was the A30 SP Avenger, which used a different open-topped turret to save weight on the tank design. However, due to priorities on the Comet tank in the Vauxhall Motors plant, they were not being built until 1945 and weren't used until after the war in Europe is over. 250 unit were built and formed part of the British Army of the Rhine stationed in Germany after the war.

The Challenger saw use with other Allied forces as well, with the 1st Czechoslovak Armoured Brigade using the tank during the assault on Dunkirk and the 1st Polish Armoured Division receiving them by mid-1945. After the war, Czechoslovakia wanted to buy 22 Challengers to equip its army, which it did until 1959.

Survivors

Two Challenger survive in intact condition today. One is at the Overloon War Museum in the Netherlands and the other is currently in storage at the Isle of Wight Military Museum to be restored, when it will then be displayed at the Bovington Tank Museum.

Media

Skins
Videos
Spade Review, A30 Challenger. Giving it my all! - Joseph 2000
The Shooting Range #85 - War Machines section at 00:33 discusses the Challenger.
Challenger - Left Behind - Oxy

See also

  • Avenger - Tank destroyer spin-off also using the Cromwell chassis to carry the 17-pdr.

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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