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 ''' | + | 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 However, it was quickly superseded by the Rheinmetall proposal, featuring a completely redesigned turret and smoothbore gun.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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== Usage in battles == | == Usage in battles == | ||
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| − | 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. | + | 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. | 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. | + | 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 === | ||
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'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
| − | * Has a highly effective APS (Active Protection System) which can defend against ATGMs | + | * 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 | + | * 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 | * 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 | * 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 | * Only 2 x rifle-calibre machine guns | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
== History == | == History == | ||
| Line 191: | Line 198: | ||
{{Britain medium tanks}} | {{Britain medium tanks}} | ||
| + | [[Category:Ground vehicles with active protection system]] | ||
Latest revision as of 14:23, 26 December 2023
Contents
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 
RB4 274 → 6 748
SB5 413 → 8 547
Total cost of modifications295 200 
474 000
Talisman cost3 100 
Crew training310 000
Experts1 080 000
Aces2 200
Research Aces1 280 000
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 190 / 210 %
250 / 250 / 250 %
| Mobility | Protection | Firepower | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
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
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°
| 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
Ammunition1 700 rounds
Belt capacity100 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate650 shots/min
| 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" |
Categories:
- Ground vehicles
- Britain ground vehicles
- Eighth rank ground vehicles
- Medium tanks
- Ground vehicles with composite armour
- Ground vehicles with smoke grenades
- Ground vehicles with engine smoke generating system
- Ground vehicles with night vision device
- Ground vehicles with thermal sight
- Ground vehicles with gun stabilizer
- Ground vehicles with active protection system
