Difference between revisions of "Black Night"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]].
+
The '''FV4034 Challenger 2 (Black Night)''' is a technology demonstrator for BAE Systems' proposal for the [[Challenger 2]] life extension project (LEP), intended to provide a series of modernisations that would extend the service life of the Challenger 2 MBT until 2035. The Black Night has several new enhancements, mainly around the turret, including a Safran Paseo commander's independent sight, a Leonardo thermal imager for the gunner, and a Leonardo night sight DNVS 4 to provide hunter-killer capabilities thanks to thermal imaging equipment for the gunner, commander, and driver. Other additions included a laser warning system and the IMI Iron First hard-kill active protection system. BAE Systems first showcased the Black Night at the Defense Vehicle Dynamics expo in September 2018. However, it was quickly superseded by the Rheinmetall proposal, featuring a completely redesigned turret and smoothbore gun. The Challenger 2 LEP itself has resulted in the development of the Challenger 3, a major upgrade of the platform undertaken in a joint venture by BAE and Rheinmetall to be in operation by 2030.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]], the Black Night is a technology demonstrating modification of the [[Challenger 2|standard Challenger 2]] designed to counter the widespread use of anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) on modern battlefields. Thanks to cutting-edge technologies such as the well-known Iron Fist active protection system (APS), players can lead assaults into modern battlefields without fear of ATGMs from both ground vehicles and helicopters. The Black Night is a one-of-a-kind and exclusive Challenger 2 modification that provides superior protection against ATGMs. However, players should keep in mind that the Iron Fist APS does not provide limitless protection and hence the vehicle should not stay out in the open for long during combat.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
''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.''
 
  
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
Line 23: Line 24:
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 38 mm (79-82°) ''Upper glacis - Top'' <br> 50 mm (60°) ''Upper glacis - Bottom'' <br> 70 mm (28°) ''Lower glacis'' <br> 60 mm ''Driver hatch''|| 25+38 mm ''Top - Front'' <br> 25+50 mm ''Top - Rear'' <br> 38 mm (14°) + 4 mm ''Bottom'' || 50 mm (30°) || 38 mm (10°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 20 mm ''Fighting compartment'' <br> 25 mm (16-20°) ''Sides'' <br> 10 mm ''Engine vents''
+
| Hull || 38 mm (79-82°) ''Upper glacis - Top'' <br> 50 mm (60°) ''Upper glacis - Bottom'' <br> 70 mm (28°) ''Lower glacis'' <br> 60 mm ''Driver hatch''|| 25+38 mm ''Top - Front'' <br> 25+50 mm ''Top - Rear'' <br> 38 mm (14°) + 4 mm ''Bottom'' || 50 mm (30°) || 38 mm (10°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 20 mm ''Fighting compartment'' <br> 25 mm (16-20°) ''Sides'' <br> 10 mm ''Engine vents''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 50+50+38 mm (50°) <br> 30 mm (0-52°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 10+38 mm (7°) ''Front'' <br> 20+38 mm (7°) ''Rear'' || 20 mm (17°) + 38 mm (7°) || 38 mm (8-15°) ''Front '' <br> 38+10 mm ''Centre'' <br> 25 mm (7°) ''Rear''
+
| Turret || 50+50+38 mm (50°) <br> 30 mm (0-52°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 10+38 mm (7°) ''Front'' <br> 20+38 mm (7°) ''Rear'' || 20 mm (17°) + 38 mm (7°) || 38 mm (8-15°) ''Front '' <br> 38+10 mm ''Centre'' <br> 25 mm (7°) ''Rear''
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Cupola || 60 mm || 60 mm || 60 mm || 44 mm
 
| Cupola || 60 mm || 60 mm || 60 mm || 44 mm
Line 37: Line 38:
 
* Ammunition is surrounded by 5 mm casings
 
* Ammunition is surrounded by 5 mm casings
 
* A 25 mm plate separates the driver from the crew compartment.
 
* A 25 mm plate separates the driver from the crew compartment.
−
* Additional composite armour is as follows:  
+
* Additional composite armour is as follows:
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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{{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.'' -->
−
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''
 
  
−
{{tankMobility}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,886|rbMinHp=1,076}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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<!-- ''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|L30A1 (120 mm)}}
 
{{main|L30A1 (120 mm)}}
−
 
−
''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.''
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 50 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | 6.50 || rowspan="2" | 5.75 || rowspan="2" | 5.30 || rowspan="2" | 5.00
+
| rowspan="2" | 50 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 29.5 || 40.9 || 49.6 || 54.9 || 58.4 || rowspan="2" | 6.50 || rowspan="2" | 5.75 || rowspan="2" | 5.30 || rowspan="2" | 5.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 18.4 || 21.7 || 26.4 || 29.1 || 31.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== 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 || 1650 || 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
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
{{Clear}}
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
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<!-- ''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|L37A2 (7.62 mm)|L94A1 (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|L37A2 (7.62 mm)|L94A1 (7.62 mm)}}
−
 
−
''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.''
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| Pintle || 1,700 (100) || 650 || -10°/+25° || -90°/+50°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| 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).''
+
In summary, the Black Night plays in a similar way to the base Challenger 2. This is due to having the same armour configuration, without the option of add-on armour. Where the Black Night differs however is the active protection system. This APS will protect the vehicle well not only from ground launched missiles, but also from air launched missiles provided they are not above the systems maximum elevation.
 +
 
 +
The Black Night will perform best as a sniper or support tank. With the modern thermal systems and laser rangefinder, locating and ranging at long distance is precise. As with the other Challengers, playing hull down is ideal.
 +
 
 +
Where playing at range is not an option, such as urban maps, care should be taken to cover the hull as much as possible. Covering the hull can be achieved by using other vehicles or terrain. Where there is no cover available, the Black Night is best played slowly, taking time to ensure locations are clear before pushing into them.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''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".'' -->
 
<!-- ''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".'' -->
−
''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".''
 
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
*
+
* Has a highly effective APS (Active Protection System) which can defend against ATGMs and sometimes can even snipe HE shell at point blank range
 +
* It has 20 smoke grenades with 5 salvos, smokes fire in a 360 degree pattern, protecting the entire tank from all directions
 +
* The Black Night has modern thermal systems equipped in the gunner view and commander view with a high resolution
 +
* It comes equipped with a laser warning system which can give an idea of where an enemy might be attacking from
 +
* Retains other Pros from base Challenger 2
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*
+
* Retains weaknesses of the base Challenger 2
 +
** Large weak spots in armour and poor placement of ammo and charges in the tank limit the survivability
 +
** Does not have ERA of the 2F model, so can be defeated by basic HEAT-FS sometimes
 +
** The engine is rather weak leading to poor acceleration and mobility despite not having too much of excessive weight
 +
** Same shell options as the previous Challengers 2 at a higher BR
 +
* Although APS is very powerful, it runs out of ammunition very quickly, cannot sustain against modern SAM/ATGM carriers and sometimes reacts to near unhittable things like APFSDS, which can be good or bad
 +
* Only 2 x rifle-calibre machine guns
  
 
== 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).''
+
The Black Night demonstrator was BAE System's bid for the Challenger 2 Life Extension Programme contract, prior to the forming of the Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) joint venture company in July 2019.
 +
 
 +
The Black Night was fully unveiled in October 2018 and showed a focus on improving the technology of the vehicle, with a Safran PASEO panoramic Commander Primary Sight, a generation 3 Leonardo thermal imaging system (still mounted in the housing above the main gun), a laser warning system, the Iron Fist Hardkill Active Protection System, regenerative braking in the turret ring, and a new fire control system. The armour and firepower were retained from the base Challenger 2, as was the powerpack.
 +
 
 +
Rheinmetall's proposal was revealed in January 2019, featuring the Rh 120 mm L/55 gun (L55A1 in British use) and a completely new turret. When RBSL was formed, an internal decision was made in favour of Rheinmetall's design, which was seen again at DSEI 2019, putting the Black Night proposal to rest. The MoD confirmed the signing of a £800M (~$1.1B at the time) contract with RBSL for Challenger 3 using Rheinmetall's design on 7th May 2021.
  
 
== 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_bn Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 228: Line 198:
  
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}
 +
[[Category:Ground vehicles with active protection system]]

Latest revision as of 14:23, 26 December 2023

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
Black Night
uk_challenger_2_bn.png
GarageImage Black Night.jpg
Black Night
Britain flag.png Britain
VIII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
12.0 12.0 12.0
Class:
Research:400 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 080 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The FV4034 Challenger 2 (Black Night) is a technology demonstrator for BAE Systems' proposal for the Challenger 2 life extension project (LEP), intended to provide a series of modernisations that would extend the service life of the Challenger 2 MBT until 2035. The Black Night has several new enhancements, mainly around the turret, including a Safran Paseo commander's independent sight, a Leonardo thermal imager for the gunner, and a Leonardo night sight DNVS 4 to provide hunter-killer capabilities thanks to thermal imaging equipment for the gunner, commander, and driver. Other additions included a laser warning system and the IMI Iron First hard-kill active protection system. BAE Systems first showcased the Black Night at the Defense Vehicle Dynamics expo in September 2018. However, it was quickly superseded by the Rheinmetall proposal, featuring a completely redesigned turret and smoothbore gun. The Challenger 2 LEP itself has resulted in the development of the Challenger 3, a major upgrade of the platform undertaken in a joint venture by BAE and Rheinmetall to be in operation by 2030.

Introduced in Update "Wind of Change", the Black Night is a technology demonstrating modification of the standard Challenger 2 designed to counter the widespread use of anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) on modern battlefields. Thanks to cutting-edge technologies such as the well-known Iron Fist active protection system (APS), players can lead assaults into modern battlefields without fear of ATGMs from both ground vehicles and helicopters. The Black Night is a one-of-a-kind and exclusive Challenger 2 modification that provides superior protection against ATGMs. However, players should keep in mind that the Iron Fist APS does not provide limitless protection and hence the vehicle should not stay out in the open for long during combat.

General info

Survivability and armour

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
LWS
Notifies about the vehicle's exposure to laser emissions
Armourfront / side / back
Hull130 / 38 / 50
Turret270 / 90 / 58
Crew4 people
Visibility88 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (turret inner wall, hatches)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 38 mm (79-82°) Upper glacis - Top
50 mm (60°) Upper glacis - Bottom
70 mm (28°) Lower glacis
60 mm Driver hatch		 25+38 mm Top - Front
25+50 mm Top - Rear
38 mm (14°) + 4 mm Bottom 		50 mm (30°) 38 mm (10°) Front glacis
20 mm Fighting compartment
25 mm (16-20°) Sides
10 mm Engine vents
Turret 50+50+38 mm (50°)
30 mm (0-52°) Gun mantlet 		10+38 mm (7°) Front
20+38 mm (7°) Rear 		20 mm (17°) + 38 mm (7°) 38 mm (8-15°) Front
38+10 mm Centre
25 mm (7°) Rear
Cupola 60 mm 60 mm 60 mm 44 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels, tracks, and torsion bars are 20 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 16 mm thick.
  • A 5 mm internal plate separates the crew from the engine.
  • Ammunition is surrounded by 5 mm casings
  • A 25 mm plate separates the driver from the crew compartment.
  • Additional composite armour is as follows:
Composite armour Front (Slope angle) Sides
Hull Upper
Kinetic: 420-1,000 mm
Chemical: 700-950 mm
Lower
Kinetic: 100-400 mm
Chemical: 350-570 mm
Turret Cheeks
Kinetic: 440-720 mm
Chemical: 780-1,000 mm 		Internal Composite
Kinetic: 190-740 mm
Chemical: 300-1,000 mm

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB66 / 42 km/h
RB and SB60 / 38 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
4 back
Weight65.0 t
Engine power
AB2 322 hp
RB and SB1 217 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB35.7 hp/t
RB and SB18.7 hp/t
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 65 1,886 2,322 29.02 35.72
Realistic 60 38 1,076 1,217 16.55 18.72

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 401 → 6 949 Sl icon.png
RB4 274 → 6 748 Sl icon.png
SB5 413 → 8 547 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications295 200 Rp icon.png
474 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost3 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training310 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 080 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 280 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 190 / 210 % Sl icon.png
250 / 250 / 250 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
26 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 000 Sl icon.png
640 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement uk.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
26 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 000 Sl icon.png
640 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_britain_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_britain_L26_APDSFS_ammo_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
26 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 000 Sl icon.png
640 Ge icon.png
Mods counterMeasures.png
LWS/LR
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_britain_L27_APDSFS_ammo_pack
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
420 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
Ammunition50 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 40.9 49.6 54.9 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

Machine guns

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
7.62 mm L37A2 machine gun
Ammunition1 700 rounds
Belt capacity100 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate650 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°/+25° -90°/+50°
7.62 mm L94A1
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,000 (2,000) 600 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

In summary, the Black Night plays in a similar way to the base Challenger 2. This is due to having the same armour configuration, without the option of add-on armour. Where the Black Night differs however is the active protection system. This APS will protect the vehicle well not only from ground launched missiles, but also from air launched missiles provided they are not above the systems maximum elevation.

The Black Night will perform best as a sniper or support tank. With the modern thermal systems and laser rangefinder, locating and ranging at long distance is precise. As with the other Challengers, playing hull down is ideal.

Where playing at range is not an option, such as urban maps, care should be taken to cover the hull as much as possible. Covering the hull can be achieved by using other vehicles or terrain. Where there is no cover available, the Black Night is best played slowly, taking time to ensure locations are clear before pushing into them.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Has a highly effective APS (Active Protection System) which can defend against ATGMs and sometimes can even snipe HE shell at point blank range
  • It has 20 smoke grenades with 5 salvos, smokes fire in a 360 degree pattern, protecting the entire tank from all directions
  • The Black Night has modern thermal systems equipped in the gunner view and commander view with a high resolution
  • It comes equipped with a laser warning system which can give an idea of where an enemy might be attacking from
  • Retains other Pros from base Challenger 2

Cons:

  • Retains weaknesses of the base Challenger 2
    • Large weak spots in armour and poor placement of ammo and charges in the tank limit the survivability
    • Does not have ERA of the 2F model, so can be defeated by basic HEAT-FS sometimes
    • The engine is rather weak leading to poor acceleration and mobility despite not having too much of excessive weight
    • Same shell options as the previous Challengers 2 at a higher BR
  • Although APS is very powerful, it runs out of ammunition very quickly, cannot sustain against modern SAM/ATGM carriers and sometimes reacts to near unhittable things like APFSDS, which can be good or bad
  • Only 2 x rifle-calibre machine guns

History

The Black Night demonstrator was BAE System's bid for the Challenger 2 Life Extension Programme contract, prior to the forming of the Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) joint venture company in July 2019.

The Black Night was fully unveiled in October 2018 and showed a focus on improving the technology of the vehicle, with a Safran PASEO panoramic Commander Primary Sight, a generation 3 Leonardo thermal imaging system (still mounted in the housing above the main gun), a laser warning system, the Iron Fist Hardkill Active Protection System, regenerative braking in the turret ring, and a new fire control system. The armour and firepower were retained from the base Challenger 2, as was the powerpack.

Rheinmetall's proposal was revealed in January 2019, featuring the Rh 120 mm L/55 gun (L55A1 in British use) and a completely new turret. When RBSL was formed, an internal decision was made in favour of Rheinmetall's design, which was seen again at DSEI 2019, putting the Black Night proposal to rest. The MoD confirmed the signing of a £800M (~$1.1B at the time) contract with RBSL for Challenger 3 using Rheinmetall's design on 7th May 2021.

Media

Skins

See also

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


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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