Challenger Mk.2

This page is about the British medium tank Challenger Mk.2. For other uses, see Challenger (Disambiguation).

Challenger Mk.2

Chieftain Mk 10

Challenger Mk.3

Challenger Mk.2

Chieftain Mk 10

Challenger Mk.3

Britain

VII Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
10.3	10.3	10.3

Class:

Medium tank

Research:260 000

Purchase:710 000

Show in game

Description

The Tank, Combat, 120-mm Gun, Challenger Mk.2, or just Challenger Mk.2, is a rank VII British medium tank with a battle rating of 10.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm".

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

Self-entrenching equipment

Creation of ramparts and trenches in soft ground

Armourfront / side / back

Hull80 / 38 / 25

Turret110 / 80 / 44

Crew4 people

Visibility88 %

Like the Chieftain Mk 10, the Challenger has a very strong turret front, with composite armour protecting the entire front and part of the sides. The turret front can resist up to 470 mm of rolled homogeneous armour equivalency (RHAe) against long-rod kinetic (~550 mm RHAe against rounds without the long-rod slope modifier) and up to 600 mm against chemical penetrators. This theoretically makes the strongest part of the turret frontally invulnerable to all but the top-rank kinetic ammunition in the game. In practice, however, there is a weak spot on the lower leading edge of the turret front, where the backing plate of the composite inside the turret flattens to a 90° angle. This reduces the effective thickness of the lower turret cheeks by approximately 100 mm, making it vulnerable to most long-rod APFSDS. A small portion of the turret front, the area just around the gun, is unprotected by composite armour and is 200 mm of CHA with a 50 mm RHA spall liner. This area extends above the gun and transitions to 60 mm CHA at 60°. While these areas are small and unlikely to lead to catastrophic damage when hit (the gun breech will tend to soak up shrapnel), they are important to be wary of.

The Challenger's turret sides are similar to many top-rank MBTs - they can only resist enemy fire at relatively high angles of attack. Protection is 140 mm RHAe against kinetic and 300 mm RHAe against chemical shells, meaning that the armour can only resist autocannon fire and low-calibre HEAT when struck dead-on.

Compared its turret, the Challenger hull is significantly weaker against kinetic projectiles with only 220 mm of RHAe (~300 mm for projectiles without the long-rod slope modifier) on the UFP. Chemical protection in this area is similar to the turret at 600 mm RHAe. An exception to these numbers is the area directly above the driver's hatch, which is not covered by composite armour and is vulnerable to essentially any anti-tank ammunition. The lower frontal plate is also lacking composite and is comprised of a single 70 mm RHA plate at a slight angle, providing ~80-90 mm of effective thickness. Shots to the LFP will at least incapacitate the driver, or more likely catastrophically detonate the hull ammunition. British tankers should be quite used to this weak spot by this point, as the weak LFP is present on the entire Chieftain line. However, the upper third of the LFP shares some of the UFP's composite protection due to its design. This means that the upper third of the LFP has slightly more protection than the lower sections.

Hull sides are generally very weak, as is typical of top-rank MBTs. The upper hull (above the tracks) is comprised of a 20 mm RHA + fuel tanks + 25 mm RHA array. The lower hull (around the tracks) is comprised of 19 mm aluminium side skirts and 34 mm RHA.

Armour type:

• Composite armour (hull UFP, turret front and sides)
• Rolled homogeneous armour (hull)
• Cast homogeneous armour (gun "mantlet")
• Aluminium (side skirts)

Armour	Front (Slope angle)	Sides	Rear	Roof
Hull	38-50* mm (60-81°) Front glacis 70 mm (30°) Lower glacis	20 mm (0-3°), 25 mm (74°) Top 34 + 19 mm Bottom	20 mm (29°) Top 25 mm (30°)	20 mm 8 mm Engine grille
Turret	50* mm (51-54°) 60 mm (55-56°), 200 mm Gun mantlet	25* + 4 mm (1°) Front 45 + 4 mm Rear	44 + 4 mm (43-48°) 20 mm (85°) Turret underside	38 mm Front 20 mm Rear
Cupola	60 mm	60 mm	60 mm	60 mm

Composite armour*	Front	Sides
Hull	Front glacis: ~220 mm @ 60° against Kinetic ~600 mm @ 60° against Chemical
Turret	Turret front: ~500 mm @ 60° against Kinetic ~600 mm @ 60° against Chemical	25 mm sections: ~ 140 mm @ 0° against Kinetic ~ 300 mm @ 0° against Chemical

Notes:

• Suspension wheels, torsion bars, and tracks are 20 mm thick.
• Turret ring is 60 mm thick.
• 20-25 mm RHA plates surround the fuel tanks on the hull sides.
• Hull composite armour configuration is 50 mm RHA + 200 mm NERA elements + 80 mm RHA.
• Front turret composite armour configuration is 50 mm RHA + 600 mm NERA elements + 110 mm RHA.
• Turret side composite armour configuration is 25 mm RHA + 300 mm NERA elements + 80 mm RHA.

Mobility

Speedforward / back

AB62 / 41 km/h

RB and SB56 / 37 km/h

Number of gears8 forward

6 back

Weight62.5 t

Engine power

AB2 322 hp

RB and SB1 217 hp

Power-to-weight ratio

AB37.2 hp/t

RB and SB19.5 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	62	41	62.5	1,860	2,322	29.76	37.15
Realistic	56	37		1,061	1,217	16.98	19.47

The Challenger Mk.2's speed sets it apart from the previous Chieftain tanks, as it is capable of reaching 56 km/h on roads and 46 km/h off-road. Reverse speed is also a noticeable improvement from the Chieftain line. Despite this, the 62 ton mass of this vehicle makes it the slowest of its high-rank contemporaries (e.g. Abrams, Leopard, and Type 90).

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference

AB4 239 → 6 612

RB4 108 → 6 408

SB4 801 → 7 489

Total cost of modifications207 300

350 000

Talisman cost2 800

Crew training200 000

Experts710 000

Aces2 100

Research Aces1 080 000

Reward for battleAB / RB / SB

150 / 200 / 250 %

232 / 232 / 232 %

Modifications

Mobility	Protection	Firepower
Tracks Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 350 Suspension Research: 10 000 Cost: 16 000 310 Brake System Research: 10 000 Cost: 16 000 310 Filters Research: 14 000 Cost: 22 000 440 Transmission Research: 12 000 Cost: 19 000 380 Engine Research: 12 000 Cost: 19 000 380	Improved Parts Research: 3 300 Cost: 17 000 350 Improved FPE Research: 3 000 Cost: 16 000 310 Crew Replenishment Research: 14 000 Cost: 22 000 440 Smoke grenade Research: 12 000 Cost: 19 000 380	Horizontal Drive Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 350 120mm_britain_Smoke_ammo_pack Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 350 Adjustment of Fire Research: 10 000 Cost: 16 000 310 Dozer Blade Research: 10 000 Cost: 16 000 310 Elevation Mechanism Research: 14 000 Cost: 22 000 440 NVD Research: 14 000 Cost: 22 000 440 Laser rangefinder Research: 12 000 Cost: 19 000 380 120mm_britain_L23A1_APDSFS_ammo_pack Research: 12 000 Cost: 19 000 380 Artillery Support Research: 12 000 Cost: 19 000 380

The FPE module should be a priority, since the fuel tanks are located all around the hull above the tracks, meaning that the tank will be set on fire often. This comes with added protection, however, as the fuel tanks will frequently absorb most shrapnel - protecting the crew and ammunition from the occasional side-shot - giving the player ample time to return fire and eliminate the threat.

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-order3 rounds

Reloadbasic crew → aces

6.5 → 5.0 s

Vertical guidance-10° / 20°

The Challenger bears the 120 mm L11A5, an updated but essentially identical version of the gun found on the Chieftains. It has access to the same rounds as the Chieftain Mk 10, with the notable addition of the L23A1 APFSDS ammunition. L23A1 penetrates angled armour much more efficiently than its predecessor L23, making it especially useful for dealing with Russian late T-series hulls.

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	40.8	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 L23	APFSDS	410	408	405	400	390	380
Shell L31A7	HESH	152	152	152	152	152	152
Shot L23A1	APFSDS	396	394	387	376	367	357

Shell details
Ammunition	Type of warhead	Velocity (m/s)	Projectile mass (kg)	Fuse delay (m)	Fuse sensitivity (mm)	Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (g)	Ricochet
							0%	50%	100%
Shot L23	APFSDS	1,535	3.89	N/A	N/A	N/A	78°	80°	81°
Shell L31A7	HESH	670	17.34	0.1	4	6,530	73°	77°	80°
Shot L23A1	APFSDS	1,535	3.89	N/A	N/A	N/A	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 Mk.2

Full ammo	Ammo part	1st rack empty	2nd rack empty	3rd rack empty	4th rack empty	5th rack empty	6th rack empty
52	Projectiles Propellants	50 (+2) 47 (+5)	47 (+5)  41 (+11)	45 (+7)  35 (+17)	43 (+12) 29 (+23)	39 (+17) 21 (+31)	37 (+15)  11 (+28)
7th rack empty	8th rack empty	9th rack empty	10th rack empty	11th rack empty	12th rack empty	13th rack empty	Visual discrepancy
34 (+18)  4 (+48)	27 (+25)  1 (+51)	22 (+30) N/A	21 (+31) N/A	7 (+45) N/A	4 (+38) N/A	1 (+51) N/A	No

Notes:

• Packing only 29 rounds will keep the front hull empty of charges.
• All propellant charges are protected by a box of 5 mm of steel

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

7.62 mm L37A2
Mount	Capacity (Belt)	Fire rate	Vertical	Horizontal
Pintle	3,600 (100)	650	-10°/+50°	±180°

7.62 mm L8A2
Mount	Capacity (Belt)	Fire rate	Vertical	Horizontal
Coaxial	2,400 (200)	600	N/A	N/A

Usage in battles

New drivers of the Challenger 1 will appreciate a similar playstyle to the earlier Chieftain tanks, particularly the Chieftain Mk 10. Most of the armour's weak points could be minimized by assuming a hull-down position on the incline of a hill, and using the Challenger's excellent -10° of gun depression to keep the gun on target. This will increase the angle of the turret and thus increase the effective thickness of the back-plate on the turret.

When encountering common enemies:

• T-64B: L23A1 APFSDS can theoretically penetrate the UFP, but it is difficult. The drivers port weak spot is the recommended target from the front. If not possible, aim for the breech/cannon barrel to eliminate the threat of return fire
• T-64A (1971): APFSDS will go right through the front of this tank, but the Challenger can still be penetrated by the top APFSDS (3BM12) in the weak spot on the turret's leading edge.
• Leopard 2K: Probably the most dangerous opponent, as its APFSDS can go right through the upper front plate and parts of the turret. Shoot anywhere but the front of the turret, unless trying to take out the Leo's cannon barrel.
• Leopard A1A1: Its APFSDS poses a risk to the weak spot on the turret, but only if it gets the first shot off. Shoot anywhere near hull centre or low turret area.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Good composite armour for both kinetic and chemical protection on hull and turret
• Very accurate main gun with effective gun stabilizers, depression angles and decent stock APFSDS shell
• Decent mobility for its weight and size: a drastic increase and from all previous British MBTs
• Great hull down performance that multiplies armour efficiency, especially at long ranges
• No stock HEATFS shells unlike most counterparts at the rank, easing the module research
• One of the few MBTs that has access to a smoke shell for the main gun; with the auxiliary HESH against light armour
• Reload can get down to 5 seconds, fastest firing 120 mm along with Type 90/Type 90 (B)

Cons:

• Only 4 rounds of first-stage ammunition, then it can take up to 8.7 seconds to reload the gun until ready rack replenishes again
• Large and tall target, with the accessible Driver's optics weak spot on the upper frontal plate and vulnerable hull armour
• No external composite or reactive armour
• HESH shell is generally useless against other MBTs
• Ammunition and charges takes a lot of space (easy to hit)
• Firepower, mobility or armour characteristic are outmatched by tanks as Leopard 2 (Family), Ariete (Family) or T-80 (Family)

History

In 1977, the Iranian government ordered an improved version of the Chieftain tank, which was arguably the best main battle tank (MBT) in service at its time. The Chieftain offered unparalleled protection and firepower; however, its mobility was lacklustre and something its successor needed to improve upon. In response, the engineers at the MVEE created the Chieftain Mk.5(P), from which three additional prototypes were created. It was one of these prototypes that would become the basis for the Challenger 1. Unfortunately, after the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the fall of the Shah, Iran canceled its order for an improved Chieftain. In addition, a parallel British tank project (the MBT90) was also abandoned, and the British Army quickly became a new potential customer for a new MBT.

The Challenger's design was based on the cancelled project called "Shir-2"" planned for export to Iran, and retained its deadly 120 mm gun and superb armour. The Challenger was also equipped with Chobham armour, a composite armour made from multiple layers of different materials. The additional materials gave the Challenger its distinctive, heavily-sloped armour on the front of the turret and upper glacis. The Challenger's mobility and off-road capabilities were significantly improved with the installation of a new 1,200 horsepower Rolls-Royce engine and hydropneumatic suspension. The Challenger 1 entered production and service in 1983. Production ended in 1990, having yielded a total of about 420 vehicles. It served primarily with British forces during the Gulf War. It was also used in peacekeeping missions in Bosnia-Herzegovina during the mid 1990s, and Jordan still operates a number of Challenger 1 tanks to this day. The Challenger 1 was withdrawn from active service by 2001 and later replaced by the Challenger 2.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins

• Skins and camouflages for the Challenger Mk.2 from live.warthunder.com.

Videos

The Shooting Range #87 - Metal Beasts section at 00:35 discusses the Challenger Mk.2.

See also

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;
• links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

• [Devblog] Challenger 1: A Worthy Heir

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.