Challenger 2 (2F)

This page is about the British medium tank Challenger 2 (2F). For other versions, see Challenger 2 (Family).

Challenger 2 (2F)

Challenger 2

Challenger 2 TES

Challenger 2 (2F)

Challenger 2

Challenger 2 TES

Britain

VII Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
11.7	11.7	11.7

Class:

Medium tank

Research:175 000

Purchase:950 000

Show in game

Description

The FV4034 Challenger 2 (Dorchester Level 2F) is a modification of the Challenger 2 designed to provide enhanced protection in urban combat. First deployed in Iraq in 2004 to counter rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), the armour package provides an extra level of protection over the previous Dorchester Level 2E, featuring extra Chobham armour (non-explosive reactive armour (NERA) and ceramic composites), as well as ROMOR-A explosive reactive armour (ERA) on the front plates and Dorchester Level 2F blocks on the hull and sides. The ERA tiles are installed on a frame, which is attached to the front hull. For protection against various portable anti-tank weapons, additional external composite armour is placed on both the turret and hull sides, as well as slat armour covering the rear parts of the hull and back of the turret.

Introduced in Update "Starfighters", the Challenger 2 (2F) offers substantially better protection than the standard Challenger 2. Certain small-calibre anti-tank high explosive (HEAT) ammunition, as well as some low-penetration anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), can be easily resisted. It is crucial to note, however, that the Dorchester 2F extra armour packages are intended to defend against portable anti-tank weapons rather than modern, heavy anti-tank weapons. Another significant difference is that the mobility of the Challenger 2 (2F) is significantly lower than that of the standard Challenger 2, resulting in even more disadvantages when compared to other nations' main battle tanks. As a result, it is critical to be cautious when crossing open regions on the maps during matches and to keep an eye out for fast-flanking enemies.

General info

Survivability and armour

ERA

Effective action against the cumulative ammunition

Composite armour

Balanced protection against all types of ammunition

Smoke grenades

Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle

ESS

Creation of a smoke screen in the direction of movement of the vehicle

Armourfront / side / back

Hull130 / 38 / 50

Turret270 / 80 / 58

Crew4 people

Visibility88 %

The Challenger 2 (2F) was created to give increased protection against shaped charges and as much is evident when evaluating the armour. While the internal composite armour remains the same from the previous variant, a large amount of external composite and ERA has been added to the hull front and sides as well as the turret sides. Additional slat armour has also been mounted to the sides and rear of the hull and turret.

With the only real change being the additional external armour, the same structural weak spots that exist on the Challenger 2 remain on the 2F. The large driver's port is an obvious target for enemy armour, which can penetrate it at almost any angle due to only RHA protection. Kinetic rounds aimed through the driver's port from the direct or near-direct front will often go straight through the tank, often taking several crew members, the cannon breech or the engine, occasionally resulting in a knocked out crew. Chemical rounds are less effective but fragments may set off the charges stored next to the driver, especially when fired at from above.

The gun mantlet is also a large weak spot, although kinetic rounds will be most effective, as chemical rounds will often only knock out the cannon breech or be blocked by the optics mounted at the top of the gun, which will allow the tank to pull back and repair provided it has the distance to do so. Kinetic rounds will often not fragment properly, going straight through the back of the turret, at max taking out two crew members due to the breech acting as a shield to the other side of the turret. Only when attacking from above will rounds have a significant chance of detonating ammunition due to the 2 stage system used by British tanks. Any ammunition stored in the turret will be warheads which are not able to be detonated.

As with the last variant and many other MBTs, the sides have no real kinetic protection, however the 2F has additional protection against chemical rounds. Most shots to the side of the front half of the turret have a high likelihood of taking out the cannon breech and a crew member, occasionally knocking out 2 or 3 crew. Any shots the the back half of the turret from the side will be ineffective due to the large amount of empty space. Aiming low on the tank's hull will give the best results for penetration and ammo detonation. Despite the additional ERA on the lower frontal plate, chemical rounds such as the German DM12A1 can still get through, and can get through the side mounted composite screens on a flat angle (0-25°).

Armour	Front	Sides	Rear	Roof
Hull	38-50 mm (56-83°) Upper Plate 70 mm (31-34°) Lower Glacis 60 mm (0-80°) Driver's Port	25 mm (70°) Top 25 mm Middle 38 mm Bottom	25 mm (32°)	10-20 mm
Turret	38 - 50 mm (56-82°) Turret Front 30 mm (3-82°) Gun Mantlet	20-25 mm (8-10°)	20 mm (18°)	10-38 mm
Cupola	8 mm (3-78°)	8 mm (9-60°)	8 mm (1-80°)	44-60 mm

Notes:

• Upper Frontal Plate has additional 10 mm external plate.
• Lower Frontal Plate has 25.4 mm external steel and ROMOR-A ERA. This is upgraded to a composite with NERA plate when mounting the Dorchester 2F upgrade, as detailed in the table above.
• Parts of the side and rear hull have mounted Slat Armour (50 mm Chemical Protection).

Composite Armour	Front	Sides
Hull	Upper Kinetic: 420-1,000 mm Chemical: 700-950 mm Lower Kinetic: 100-400 mm Chemical: 350-570 mm With Dorchester 2F Modification Upper Kinetic: 420-1,000 mm Chemical: 700-1200 mm Lower Kinetic: 140-180 mm Chemical: 200-860 mm	Ext. Composite with NERA: Kinetic: 30 mm Chemical: 400 mm
Turret	Turret Cheeks Kinetic: 440-720 mm Chemical: 780-1,000 mm	Internal Composite Kinetic: 190-740 mm Chemical: 300-1,000 mm Ext. Composite with NERA Kinetic: 30 mm Chemical: 400 mm

Mobility

Speedforward / back

AB66 / 42 km/h

RB and SB60 / 38 km/h

Number of gears8 forward

4 back

Weight69.0 t

Engine power

AB2 322 hp

RB and SB1 217 hp

Power-to-weight ratio

AB33.7 hp/t

RB and SB17.6 hp/t

Game Mode	Max Speed (km/h)		Weight (tons)		Engine power (horsepower)		Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
	Forward	Reverse	Stock	AoA	Stock	Upgraded	Stock	Upgraded
Arcade	66	42	64	5	1,886	2,322	29.47	33.65
Realistic	60	38			1,076	1,217	16.81	17.64

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference

AB4 193 → 6 851

RB4 097 → 6 694

SB5 183 → 8 469

Total cost of modifications279 500

461 000

Talisman cost3 000

Crew training270 000

Experts950 000

Aces2 200

Research Aces1 210 000

Reward for battleAB / RB / SB

150 / 190 / 210 %

244 / 244 / 244 %

Modifications

Mobility	Protection	Firepower
Tracks Research: 12 000 Cost: 19 000 300 Suspension Research: 13 000 Cost: 20 000 330 Brake System Research: 13 000 Cost: 20 000 330 Filters Research: 19 000 Cost: 29 000 480 Transmission Research: 16 000 Cost: 25 000 400 Engine Research: 16 000 Cost: 25 000 400	Improved Parts Research: 3 600 Cost: 19 000 300 Improved FPE Research: 3 900 Cost: 20 000 330 Crew Replenishment Research: 19 000 Cost: 29 000 480 ESS Research: 16 000 Cost: 25 000 400	Horizontal Drive Research: 12 000 Cost: 19 000 300 120mm_britain_Smoke_ammo_pack Research: 12 000 Cost: 19 000 300 120mm_britain_L26_APDSFS_ammo_pack Research: 12 000 Cost: 19 000 300 Adjustment of Fire Research: 13 000 Cost: 20 000 330 NVD Research: 13 000 Cost: 20 000 330 Elevation Mechanism Research: 19 000 Cost: 29 000 480 Dorchester 2F Research: 19 000 Cost: 29 000 480 Laser rangefinder Research: 16 000 Cost: 25 000 400 120mm_britain_L27_APDSFS_ammo_pack Research: 16 000 Cost: 25 000 400 Artillery Support Research: 16 000 Cost: 25 000 400

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

Setup 1:120 mm L30A1 cannon

7.62 mm L94A1 machine gun

7.62 mm L37A2 machine gun

Setup 2:120 mm L30A1 cannon

7.62 mm L94A1 machine gun

7.62 mm L37A2 machine gun

Main armament

120 mm L30A1 cannon

Two-plane stabilizer

Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving

Ammunition49 rounds

First-order4 rounds

Reloadbasic crew → aces

6.5 → 5.0 s

Vertical guidance-10° / 20°

120 mm L30A1					Turret rotation speed (°/s)					Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode	Capacity	Vertical	Horizontal	Stabilizer	Stock	Upgraded	Full	Expert	Aced	Stock	Full	Expert	Aced
Arcade	50	-10°/+20°	±180°	Two-plane	29.5	40.8	49.6	54.8	58.4	6.50	5.75	5.30	5.00
Realistic					18.4	21.7	26.4	29.1	31.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition	Type of warhead	Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
		10 m	100 m	500 m	1,000 m	1,500 m	2,000 m
Shot L23A1	APFSDS	396	394	387	376	367	357
Shell L31A7	HESH	152	152	152	152	152	152
L26	APFSDS	493	491	487	481	474	468
L27A1	APFSDS	564	562	557	551	545	538

Shell details
Ammunition	Type of warhead	Velocity (m/s)	Projectile mass (kg)	Fuse delay (m)	Fuse sensitivity (mm)	Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (kg)	Ricochet
							0%	50%	100%
Shot L23A1	APFSDS	1,535	3.89	-	-	-	78°	80°	81°
Shell L31A7	HESH	670	17.34	0.1	4	6.53	73°	77°	80°
L26	APFSDS	1,650	4.3	-	-	-	78°	80°	81°
L27A1	APFSDS	1,650	4.3	-	-	-	78°	80°	81°

Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition	Velocity (m/s)	Projectile mass (kg)	Screen radius (m)	Screen deploy time (s)	Screen hold time (s)	Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
L34	670	17.1	20	5	25	50

Ammo racks

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

Ammo racks of the Challenger 2

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

Machine guns

7.62 mm L37A2 machine gun

Ammunition1 700 rounds

Belt capacity100 rounds

Reloadbasic crew → aces

10.4 → 8.0 s

Fire rate650 shots/min

7.62 mm L94A1 machine gun (coaxial)

Ammunition4 000 rounds

Belt capacity2 000 rounds

Reloadbasic crew → aces

10.4 → 8.0 s

Fire rate600 shots/min

7.62 mm L37A2
Mount	Capacity (Belt)	Fire rate	Vertical	Horizontal
Pintle	1,700 (100)	650	-10°/+50°	±180°

7.62 mm L94A1
Mount	Capacity (Belt)	Fire rate	Vertical	Horizontal
Coaxial	4,000 (2,000)	600	N/A	N/A

Usage in battles

In many ways, the Challenger (2F) plays the same as the precursor Challenger 2. This is because the original armour from the base Challenger 2 chassis remains unchanged, the same occurs with the powerplant. However, it distinguishes with an increase in the ability to brawl, mainly because of the optional Dorchester armour package. The 2F can more confidently find itself brawling alongside its teammates. Though players should be wary of the adversaries they are facing to decide which way of engagement is safer, depending on the map or the circumstances of the battle.

Protecting the Challenger

Ideally, Challenger 2 needs distance to operate to its full potential as a support tank sniping from very afar. This is beneficial for 3 main reasons:

• Obscure major weak spots on frontal armour (Driver position and gun mantlet)
• Protect the side armour from faster tanks capable of flanking
• Increase the effectiveness of the armour against enemy rounds

As expected, the tank excels at sniping as it has access to its Depleted Uranium round, the L27A1. It will be enough to knock out most enemy tanks, even at large distances. The combined use of the laser range finder and this round will be very effective during sniping. Smoke rounds are readily available for more supporting roles. Some moments will be more appropriate to use the smoke shells, as when capturing a point, interrupting an enemy sniper, or covering allied tanks while they advance; perfect for those who desire a more teamplayer gameplay.

Challenger's gun elevation angles should be used to increase the armour effectiveness whenever possible.

Apart from distance, another key aspect in the gameplay of the Challenger 2 is the smart terrain placing and hull-down tactics. The nearly-unbeatable turret cheeks of the Challenger 2 are one of its specialties, therefore is greatly rewarding to enhance these protection levels even more with the gun depression levels; in a way echoing the older British MBTs as the Chieftains and Challenger Mk.1

The best way to use this strong turret protection is by choosing uneven terrain, where the lower frontal plate remains hidden from the enemy light of sight. Usually, on slopes, small rocks, impact craters or even destroyed enemy tanks. Most maps will offer some degree of elevations or slopes in which the Challenger 2 can lay down to snipe. This hull-down can be mixed with shoot-and-scoot tactics and sustained throughout the entire match, if done correctly this is one of the best ways of fighting.

Unfortunately, this playstyle comes with the hindrance of putting the Challenger 2 in exposed positions against enemy aircraft and helicopters, therefore is very important to relocate and keep a situational awareness, even if the tank is not in the core of the fight. Luckily, the Challenger can now more easily resist missiles from helicopters which one can expect to happen in open areas that lend to sniping. This is possible provided the missile does not hit the roof, so if a player sees a missile approaching, release smoke grenades and aim the turret towards the missile. The slat armour on the back of the tank is very effective against chemical rounds, including missiles, which can be the difference between living and being knocked out. Once hit, however, it will fall off and therefore players should attempt to avoid exposing their rear more-so where slat armour has been destroyed.

Urban maps

Brawling with the Challenger is now more plausible because of the 2F armour pack, although is not recommended to brawl in every scenario. Since the tank is heavier, taller and with more weak spots than many tanks in close ranges. Especially against enemies such as the T-90A or T-72B3. Both of these Soviet tanks are similar in speed to the Challenger, but their weak spots in frontal armour are harder to pinpoint than those on the Challenger. The brawling also creates an unsustainable situation against relentless adversaries such as the Leopards 2, T-80s or other various light tanks. Whenever possible, these fast vehicles will flank the Challenger 2. If CQB cannot be avoided, slight angling should be used to counter rounds. Players should attempt to draw attention to their turret or bait shots onto the Challenger 2s impenetrable turret cheeks, any experienced enemy player will quickly target the gun mantlet or driver's hatch. Challenger players should never attempt to endure in brawling with tanks as a Leopard 2A6 or Ariete, these tanks bring powerful rounds capable of nullifying any armour advantage of the Challenger on close ranges.

Anticipation, ambushing and camping tactics are important while in urban areas (guarding roads, crossroads or bridges). Moving up, taking a position, and waiting to see tanks or hear approaching engines is a viable strategy. Especially when going against Russian or American tanks, as their turbine engines give off that characteristic rotary whine.

During the early module research, the urban engagements can be done with some level of success, once the laser rangefinder, 2F armour pack and the L27A1 round has been researched, the full sniping potential of the Challenger 2 will be unleashed.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Effective side-ERA against air-to-ground missiles
  • Near impossible to damage with HEAT-FS and weak ATGM after installation of all of the rest of ERA
• Retains the rest pros of the base tank:
  • Fast reload, particularly for a 120 mm (5 seconds aced)
  • Sights with high zoom, 2nd generation thermals and a wide FOV
  • High reverse of -40 km/h
  • The L30A1 120 mm gun is incredibly accurate, even at long range
  • Turret cheeks are invulnerable to all HEAT-FS and APFSDS, including the dreaded DM53 shell
  • Inert turret ammo rack

Cons:

• Retains cons of the base tank in general:
  • Accessible weak spots, especially the gun mantlet
  • L27A1 has low penetration compared to other top rank NATO ammunition, armour is not good enought when fights against high ground
  • Dorchester 2F adds 1,100 kg of weight to an already sluggish tank
  • No CITV (Commander Independent Thermal Viewer)
• Dorchester 2F only marginally increases LFP armour against APFSDS and autocannon tanks

History

The Challenger 2 (2F) is an upgraded version of the Challenger 2, featuring the Theatre Entry Standard (TES) kit. Rather than being a single modification, the TES is updated as new threats and/or technologies emerge. The TES aims to increase the protection levels against the operational threats of the British Army such as Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), hollow charges, or tandem charges - common threats during suburban deployments.

MCS

The Challenger 2 was covered with an MCS (Mobile Camouflage System) all around the tank, reducing the heat signature and keeping the vehicle almost indistinguishable from its surroundings to thermal imaging devices.

Bar armour

The slat or bar armour was added to the sides and the rear of the vehicle to increase the levels of protection against rocket-propelled grenades while not downgrading the mobility of the Challenger. The bar armour disrupts any hollow charges from detonating; either by crushing it upon impact or damaging the warhead and the fuse through contact with the bars.

Dorchester 2F armour kit

Most previous NERA (Non-Explosive Reactive Armour) side plates have been reinforced with additional Dorchester armour plates, notably the lower frontal-glacis protection was drastically improved, with the addition of a large block of Chobham armour composite; augmenting the protection in one of the most vulnerable areas for the Challenger 2. Furthermore, the sides of the turret also received external Chobham armour packages, enhancing the protection of the crew inside the fighting compartment from possible side-attacks.

Remote controlled weapon systems (RCWS)

As an offensive upgrade, the TES kit includes a new remote-controlled weapons system (RCWS) over the loader's hatch ring, capable of assessing the battlefield and engaging light targets or infantry from within the vehicle. Previously, the operator had to open the hatch to fire the pintle-mounted L37A2 7.62 mm GPMG machine gun.

The CR2 (2F) also received IED jammers near the left and right front fenders and ECM countermeasures antennas capable of detecting nearby IEDs.

Media

Skins

• Skins and camouflages for the Challenger 2 (2F) from live.warthunder.com.

Videos

Should You Grind The Challenger 2 (2F)? - Sako Sniper

See also

Analogues in other nations

• Leopard 2A6
• Ariete PSO
• Leclerc S2
• M1A2 Abrams
• T-72B3

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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