Difference between revisions of "Challenger DS"

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{{About
 +
| about = premium British MBT '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other uses
 +
| link = Challenger (Disambiguation)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=uk_challenger_1_mk_3_gulf
 
|code=uk_challenger_1_mk_3_gulf
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
|store=11226
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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 premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} British medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Danger Zone"]].
+
The Challenger was introduced in 1983, as the new MBT for the British Army. While reliability and performance were debated during the Canadian Army Trophy of 1987, their action in Operation Granby, the British contribution to the Gulf War, gave them a chance to prove their worth. In this time, the British Army deployed the 1st Armoured Division in the Middle East with 3 Armoured Brigades equipped with Challenger tanks, some of which were the latest Mk.3 variant with new ERA installed. The Challengers had a good performance, dealing with several [[T-55A|T-55s]] and [[Type 69-IIa|Type 69s]] while not losing a single tank. A Challenger tank holds the record for the longest tank-to-tank kill, achieving a destruction at a range of 5.1 km in 1991.
 +
 
 +
It was introduced in [[Update "Danger Zone"]]. The '''Challenger Mk.3 Desert Storm''' is identical to the [[Challenger Mk.3]] found in the tech tree, the only difference is the visual discrepancy and the fact that it lacks ROMOR-A ERA on the front of the vehicle. Compared to most Soviet and other NATO platforms, the Challenger is very heavy and quite slow; while it struggles to accelerate, it has a very good top speed and an excellent reverse speed. The cannon is a powerful 120 mm gun, with access to 1st generation thermals for the gunner, which means that it has a very competent armament for its BR.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 12: Line 20:
 
{{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.''
+
Overall, the armour on the Challenger DS is exactly the same as the tech tree counterpart, the [[Challenger Mk.3]]. However, it lacks the additional ROMOR ERA and the sides armour package. It gets a slight but negligible upgrade on the lower frontal plate compared to the [[Challenger Mk.2]] as it has spare tracks strapped on the LFP. While it is a Challenger Mk.3, it is most comparable to the Challenger Mk.2 in terms of armour. The upper half of the turret cheeks are capable of withstanding almost all kinetic penetrators and will stop most chemical projectiles with less than 800 mm penetration, while the lower half won't protect against most top-rank rounds. The hull composite is only good against lower penetrating APFSDS rounds such as [[T-55AM-1|T-55AM]], and can also withstand some chemical munitions, but it is not advised to rely on this armour. The rest of the tank (turret and hull sides, lower front plate) has decent protection against chemical rounds due to the add on armour, ERA, and thick turret sides.
  
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
Line 22: Line 30:
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Hull || 38 mm (79-81°), 50 mm (60°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 70 mm (30°) ''Lower glacis'' || 20 mm, 25 mm (74°) ''Top'' <br> 38 mm (12°) ''Bottom''
 +
| 25 mm (29-30°) || 20 mm <br> 8 mm ''Engine grille''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Turret || 50 mm (51-54°) <br> 60 mm (55-56°), 200 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 80 mm + 15 mm ''Front right'' <br> 80 + 25 mm + 4 mm ''Front'' <br> 45 + 4 mm ''Rear'' || 44 + 4 mm || 38 mm (82°) ''Front'' <br> 20 mm (80-90°) ''Rear''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
+
| Cupola || colspan="4" | 60 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
  
−
'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
+
* The propellant ammo racks are surrounded by 5 mm RHA.
−
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
+
* Side skirts consist of 150 mm NERA composite, 70 mm composite screens, or 19 mm aluminium.
 +
* Tracks and wheels are 20 mm thick.
 +
* Sandbags are just decorative.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
−
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''
+
While it is slower than Western MBTs at its BR, it is not a slow platform. It holds a fast top speed for both forward and reverse. Despite being a heavy vehicle, the brake distance is surprisingly low, between 20-30 m at top speed. It has the ability to do neutral steering relatively fast and, since it comes with all upgrades, it immediately gets the tracks modification which significantly improve this ability. It has little to medium impact when crossing muddy terrain, wet and snowy terrain, but nothing that impacts performance significantly. Thanks to not having the additional armour package, the cross-country capabilities of the Challenger DS are significantly increased, being able to easily traverse and cross over long trenches, deep craters and through steep terrains up to a certain level.
  
−
{{tankMobility}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,886|rbMinHp=1,076}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{main|L11A5 (120 mm)}}
 
{{main|L11A5 (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.''
+
The Challenger bears the 120 mm L11A5, an updated but essentially identical version of the gun found on the Chieftains. It keeps the same ammunition as the Challenger Mk.2 and previous Chieftain Mk.10, making the ballistic performance identical. The L23 comes as the stock round with a significant armour penetration at the cost of reduced penetration angle. L23A1 has much better angle penetration at the cost of reduced armour penetration.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 52 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 52 || 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%"
+
{{:L11A5 (120 mm)/Ammunition|Shot L23A1, Shell L31A7, L26, L34}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot L23 || APFSDS || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shell L31A7 || HESH || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot L23A1 || APFSDS || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| 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 L23 || APFSDS || ___ || _.__ || __ || _._ || ___ || __° || __° || __°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shell L31A7 || HESH || ___ || _.__ || __ || _._ || ___ || __° || __° || __°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot L23A1 || APFSDS || ___ || _.__ || __ || _._ || ___ || __° || __° || __°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| 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 || ___ || ____ || __ || __ || __ || ___
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
Line 144: Line 106:
 
<!-- ''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|L8A2 (7.62 mm)|L37A2 (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|L8A2 (7.62 mm)|L37A2 (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
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| Coaxial || 2,400 (200) || 1,001 || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| Pintle || 3,600 (100) || 650 || -10°/+50° || ±180°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== 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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Short reload time
 +
* Can be hard to penetrate hull down
 +
* Has a great reverse gear
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Only 4 shells in the ready rack
 +
* Heavy tank
 +
* Driver's optic are huge which makes it a huge weak spot
 +
* Can be easily ammoracked
 +
* Sides are riddled with fuel tanks which makes it prone to catch fire from enemy shells
  
 
== 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).''
+
After the introduction of Challenger in 1983 as the new MBT for the British Army in different units, there were debates on its reliability due to its inferior overall performance in the Canadian Army Trophy of 1987. As the Invasion of Kuwait by Iraq in 1990 and the subsequent Gulf War began in 1991, the Challengers were given the chance to show their worth.
 +
 
 +
The British Army deployed the 1st Armoured Division to the Middle East alongside three armoured brigades with Challenger tanks, some even with the latest Mk.3 series with new ERA packages installed in Saudi Arabia by late 1990. After the deadline for complete withdrawal of Iraqi forces passed, the coalition started the assault on 17th January, 1991, after which the Challengers destroyed and captured hundreds of Iraqi tanks (ie. [[T-55A]], [[Type 69-IIa]]) while received no loss from enemy fire. Operation Granby was where the Challenger held the world record of the longest tank-to-tank kill, done by the callsign of 11B from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, achieving a destruction at around 5.1 km away on 26th February, 1991.
 +
 
 +
The livery of Challenger DS belongs to a tank with a callsign Zero Charlie (ØC) of A Squadron to an unknown unit in British Army.
  
 
== 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_1_mk_3_gulf Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 192: Line 166:
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''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;''
+
;Related development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[Challenger 1 (Family)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 201: Line 176:
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer Department of Tank Design}}
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}
 
{{Britain premium ground vehicles}}
 
{{Britain premium ground vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 14:47, 22 June 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the premium British MBT Challenger DS. For other uses, see Challenger (Disambiguation).
Challenger DS
uk_challenger_1_mk_3_gulf.png
GarageImage Challenger DS.jpg
Challenger DS
Britain flag.png Britain
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.7 10.7 10.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
STORE

Description

The Challenger was introduced in 1983, as the new MBT for the British Army. While reliability and performance were debated during the Canadian Army Trophy of 1987, their action in Operation Granby, the British contribution to the Gulf War, gave them a chance to prove their worth. In this time, the British Army deployed the 1st Armoured Division in the Middle East with 3 Armoured Brigades equipped with Challenger tanks, some of which were the latest Mk.3 variant with new ERA installed. The Challengers had a good performance, dealing with several T-55s and Type 69s while not losing a single tank. A Challenger tank holds the record for the longest tank-to-tank kill, achieving a destruction at a range of 5.1 km in 1991.

It was introduced in Update "Danger Zone". The Challenger Mk.3 Desert Storm is identical to the Challenger Mk.3 found in the tech tree, the only difference is the visual discrepancy and the fact that it lacks ROMOR-A ERA on the front of the vehicle. Compared to most Soviet and other NATO platforms, the Challenger is very heavy and quite slow; while it struggles to accelerate, it has a very good top speed and an excellent reverse speed. The cannon is a powerful 120 mm gun, with access to 1st generation thermals for the gunner, which means that it has a very competent armament for its BR.

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
Armourfront / side / back
Hull80 / 38 / 25
Turret110 / 80 / 44
Crew4 people
Visibility88 %

Overall, the armour on the Challenger DS is exactly the same as the tech tree counterpart, the Challenger Mk.3. However, it lacks the additional ROMOR ERA and the sides armour package. It gets a slight but negligible upgrade on the lower frontal plate compared to the Challenger Mk.2 as it has spare tracks strapped on the LFP. While it is a Challenger Mk.3, it is most comparable to the Challenger Mk.2 in terms of armour. The upper half of the turret cheeks are capable of withstanding almost all kinetic penetrators and will stop most chemical projectiles with less than 800 mm penetration, while the lower half won't protect against most top-rank rounds. The hull composite is only good against lower penetrating APFSDS rounds such as T-55AM, and can also withstand some chemical munitions, but it is not advised to rely on this armour. The rest of the tank (turret and hull sides, lower front plate) has decent protection against chemical rounds due to the add on armour, ERA, and thick turret sides.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 38 mm (79-81°), 50 mm (60°) Upper glacis
70 mm (30°) Lower glacis 		20 mm, 25 mm (74°) Top
38 mm (12°) Bottom 		25 mm (29-30°) 20 mm
8 mm Engine grille
Turret 50 mm (51-54°)
60 mm (55-56°), 200 mm Gun mantlet 		80 mm + 15 mm Front right
80 + 25 mm + 4 mm Front
45 + 4 mm Rear 		44 + 4 mm 38 mm (82°) Front
20 mm (80-90°) Rear
Cupola 60 mm

Notes:

  • The propellant ammo racks are surrounded by 5 mm RHA.
  • Side skirts consist of 150 mm NERA composite, 70 mm composite screens, or 19 mm aluminium.
  • Tracks and wheels are 20 mm thick.
  • Sandbags are just decorative.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB62 / 41 km/h
RB and SB56 / 37 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
6 back
Weight63.7 t
Engine power
AB2 322 hp
RB and SB1 217 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB36.5 hp/t
RB and SB19.1 hp/t

While it is slower than Western MBTs at its BR, it is not a slow platform. It holds a fast top speed for both forward and reverse. Despite being a heavy vehicle, the brake distance is surprisingly low, between 20-30 m at top speed. It has the ability to do neutral steering relatively fast and, since it comes with all upgrades, it immediately gets the tracks modification which significantly improve this ability. It has little to medium impact when crossing muddy terrain, wet and snowy terrain, but nothing that impacts performance significantly. Thanks to not having the additional armour package, the cross-country capabilities of the Challenger DS are significantly increased, being able to easily traverse and cross over long trenches, deep craters and through steep terrains up to a certain level.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 62 41 63.7 1,886 2,322 29.61 36.45
Realistic 56 37 1,076 1,217 16.89 19.11

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB3 363 Sl icon.png
RB3 260 Sl icon.png
SB3 794 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 160 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces2 150 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 150 / 200 / 250 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Mods tank reinforcement uk.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_britain_Smoke_ammo_pack
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_britain_L23A1_APDSFS_ammo_pack
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support

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 L11A5 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition52 rounds
First-order4 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
6.5 → 5.0 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: L11A5 (120 mm)

The Challenger bears the 120 mm L11A5, an updated but essentially identical version of the gun found on the Chieftains. It keeps the same ammunition as the Challenger Mk.2 and previous Chieftain Mk.10, making the ballistic performance identical. The L23 comes as the stock round with a significant armour penetration at the cost of reduced penetration angle. L23A1 has much better angle penetration at the cost of reduced armour penetration.

120 mm L11A5 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 52 -10°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 29.5 40.9 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 471 469 464 458 450 444
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 1,550 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 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
52 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Machine guns

7.62 mm L8A2 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition2 400 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 001 shots/min
7.62 mm L37A2 machine gun
Ammunition3 600 rounds
Belt capacity100 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate650 shots/min
Main articles: L8A2 (7.62 mm), L37A2 (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm L8A2
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 2,400 (200) 1,001 - -
7.62 mm L37A2
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 3,600 (100) 650 -10°/+50° ±180°

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).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Short reload time
  • Can be hard to penetrate hull down
  • Has a great reverse gear

Cons:

  • Only 4 shells in the ready rack
  • Heavy tank
  • Driver's optic are huge which makes it a huge weak spot
  • Can be easily ammoracked
  • Sides are riddled with fuel tanks which makes it prone to catch fire from enemy shells

History

After the introduction of Challenger in 1983 as the new MBT for the British Army in different units, there were debates on its reliability due to its inferior overall performance in the Canadian Army Trophy of 1987. As the Invasion of Kuwait by Iraq in 1990 and the subsequent Gulf War began in 1991, the Challengers were given the chance to show their worth.

The British Army deployed the 1st Armoured Division to the Middle East alongside three armoured brigades with Challenger tanks, some even with the latest Mk.3 series with new ERA packages installed in Saudi Arabia by late 1990. After the deadline for complete withdrawal of Iraqi forces passed, the coalition started the assault on 17th January, 1991, after which the Challengers destroyed and captured hundreds of Iraqi tanks (ie. T-55A, Type 69-IIa) while received no loss from enemy fire. Operation Granby was where the Challenger held the world record of the longest tank-to-tank kill, done by the callsign of 11B from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, achieving a destruction at around 5.1 km away on 26th February, 1991.

The livery of Challenger DS belongs to a tank with a callsign Zero Charlie (ØC) of A Squadron to an unknown unit in British Army.

Media

Skins

See also

Related development

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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


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

Britain medium tanks
Valentine  Valentine I · Valentine IX · Valentine XI
Cromwell  Cromwell I · Cromwell V · Cromwell V (RP-3)
Cromwell derivatives  Challenger · Avenger · Comet I · Comet I "Iron Duke IV" · Charioteer Mk VII
Centurion  Centurion Mk 1 · Centurion Mk.2 · Centurion Mk 3 · Centurion Mk.5 AVRE · Centurion Mk 10 · Centurion Action X · FV4202
Vickers MBT  Vickers Mk.1 · Vickers Mk.3 · Vickers Mk.7
Chieftain  Chieftain Mk 3 · Chieftain Mk 5 · Chieftain Mk 10
Challenger 1  Challenger Mk.2 · Challenger Mk.3 · Challenger DS
Challenger 2  Challenger 2 · Challenger 2 (2F) · Challenger 2 TES · Challenger 2 OES · Challenger 2E · Challenger 2 Black Night
Challenger 3  Challenger 3 TD
Australia  A.C.I · A.C.IV · Centurion Mk.5/1
South Africa  Olifant Mk.1A · Olifant Mk.2 · TTD
India  Vijayanta · Bhishma TWMP
Israel  ▄Sho't Kal Dalet
Jordan  Khalid
Sweden  ▄Strv 81 (RB 52)
USA  Grant I · Sherman II · Sherman Firefly · Sherman IC "Trzyniec"

Britain premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.) · A13 Mk II 1939 · AEC Mk II · Crusader "The Saint" · Rooikat 105
Medium tanks  A.C.I · Grant I · Cromwell V (RP-3) · Sherman IC "Trzyniec" · A.C.IV · Comet I "Iron Duke IV"
  Centurion Mk.2 · ▄Strv 81 (RB 52) · Centurion Mk.5 AVRE · Centurion Mk.5/1 · ▄Sho't Kal Dalet · Centurion Action X
  Vijayanta · Khalid · Challenger DS · Challenger 2 OES
Heavy tanks  Independent · Matilda Hedgehog · Excelsior · TOG II · Churchill Crocodile · Black Prince
Tank destroyers  Alecto I · Achilles (65 Rg.) · QF 3.7 Ram

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