Difference between revisions of "Challenger 2"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(I wrote something about the armor and survivability. Also I wrote something about how to play the tank. There is just one thing bottering me. The Challenger 2 has not a better engine than the challenger 1 both use the Perkins CV 12. Tranmisson is better.)
(Pros and cons)
(23 intermediate revisions by 7 users not shown)
Line 3: Line 3:
 
| about = British medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = British medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| usage = other uses
 
| usage = other uses
| link = Challenger (Family)
+
| link = Challenger (Disambiguation)
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 10: Line 10:
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. This tank was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (shortened to '''CR2''') is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. This tank was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
The Challenger 2 shares the same weak spot's as her predecessor. Your lower front plate is very weak and will not stop any kinetic or chemical round. This makes you vulnerable when you are playing in city maps. If an enemy tank sees you first, you're pretty much a guaranteed death. Now you won't die because of your driver getting knocked out, but the APFSDS or other KE rounds will go to the middle of your tank and hit the charged bags. This problem is not to big when playing in bigger maps with ridge lines. You can park your tank behind them so the enemy can't see and hit your LFP (lower front plate).
+
<!--''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.''-->[[File:Challenger 2 Density Visualisation.png|thumb|CR2 Frontal [[Protection Density Visualisation]]]]
Then we have a bigger weak spot on the gun mantlet compared to the Challenger 1. So if the enemy get's a lucky shot, he me shoot through your gun mantlet, killing both the gunner and the loader. It's not the same problem you got on the [[M1A1 Abrams|M1A1]]<nowiki/>where a lucky shot can kill every crew member in your turret. But still, losing your gunner and comander is pretty bad. The turret ring is quite okay. Not to much shell's are going through here so that's not to big of an deal. But still be carefull because it's not impossible to pen the turret ring. The roof top of the turret of the Challenger 2 is a big weak spot. Not because tank's can penetrate it with APFSDS but rocket's and HE/HEAT can do massive damage to your turret crew. The Russian [[T-64A (1971)|T-64A]]/[[T-64B]] and [[T-80B]]/[[T-80U]] do possess a very strong HE shell and got rockets. A well placed shot can kill every crewmember in the turret. When you encounter a helicopter, the same problem accurs but the chance of a fatal hit becomes bigger since the helicopter play can aim his rocket directly into your turret roof. The side of the Challenger 2 is also very weak. Armord fighting vehicles can penatrate your side with their 30mm rapid firing gun's. When a enemy is smart, he will shoot a APFSDS under your turret, in the middle of the tank. He will hit the charged bags and you are done for.  
+
The Challenger 2 (abbreviation CR2) reinforces the strengths of the Challenger 1 Mk.2/Mk.3, with extremely well protected turret cheeks and better UFP protection, while suffering from similar weaknesses - a particularly weak lower front plate and negligible side protection. The Challenger 2 has a defined gun mantlet that is far larger in area compared to previous Challenger models. This mantlet is very weak in comparison to the rest of the turret, providing roughly 300 mm of RHAe protection, making it a glaring weakspot that easily results in the destruction of the gun breech and loss of turret crew. Additionally, the taller turret design exposes a weak frontal roof slope - while this is a somewhat small vulnerability, penetration may result in the gunner or commander's incapacitation. Similarly to the Challenger 1s, the driver's hatch on the Challenger 2 is a significant weakness that compromises the well protected UFP. The hatch has no composite behind it and provides at best 100 mm of RHA protection. As such, the Challenger 2 thrives in hull-down positions where minimal vulnerabilities are exposed and it can retreat into further cover if one of the few weak spots are penetrated. In situations where protective positioning is not an option, the Challenger 2 should be used conservatively and carefully, avoiding direct confrontation wherever possible.
 
 
This all might sound like the Challenger 2 has weak armor, but that's certainly not the case. The turret cheeks are very strong. Also your UFP (upper front plate) is way better compared to the previous Challenger 1. Both the cheecks and UFP are impenetrable for the strongest APFSDS shell in the game. The tank is good in a hull down position because people can't aim for your LFP. The tank can take a punch and the armor on the front is really good. If you learn to play it to it's strenghts and try to hide your side and your LFP the Challenger 2 is quite a beast.  
 
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== 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.'' -->
  
The Challenger 2 is fitted with a Perkins CV12-6A V12 diesel 26.1-litre engine which produces 1,200 bhp. This gives the Challenger 2 a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph) forward. The transmission is a David Brown TN54E epicyclic transmission, with 6 gears forward and 2 gears backwards. The tank has a mass of 62.5 tons, which gives the tank a horsepower-to-ton ratio of 19.2. This means that your manoeuvrability is worse than most of the other MBT's because of the fact that most other MBT's are having a 1,500 hp engine with less mass. Also, the neutral steering of this tank exacerbates the already low mobility. You get forced into neutral steering at low speeds and because of your low hp-to-ton ratio, neutral steering is really slow.
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1886|rbMinHp= 1076|AoAweight= 1.1}}
  
So the Challenger 2, like other British tanks beforehand, is one of the heaviest MBT that is mated with a weak engine. The stock manoeuvrability makes the tank feel a bit sluggish. However, when you research the manoeuvrability upgrades, the tank has some decent mobility and will get you from A to B quite effectively; but again, not as quickly as some other MBT's so be careful when the game starts. Don't rush to caps and take care of the flanks.  
+
The {{PAGENAME}} is fitted with a similar twin turbo V12 diesel engine to the Challenger 1, producing a maximum of 1,200 horsepower. The {{PAGENAME}} can reach a maximum forward speed of 66 km/h (41 mph) in AB and 59 km/h (37 mph) in RB. The vehicle's stock performance is lacklustre, with acceleration and manoeuvrability suffering due to the {{PAGENAME}}'s 62.5 tonne total weight. However, once all upgrades are researched, the {{PAGENAME}} performs acceptably, despite being generally out-classed by competitor vehicles like the M1A2 and T-80U. The {{PAGENAME}} also utilises a fully functional neutral steering system, and even when stock the vehicle's neutral steering ability is admirable - easiest used with manual gear selection to avoid shifting during traverse. Notably, the {{PAGENAME}}'s reverse speed is quite comfortable, with the vehicle capable of up to 36 km/h (RB/SB) backwards thanks to the two reverse gears.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
Line 32: Line 30:
 
{{main|L30A1 (120 mm)}}
 
{{main|L30A1 (120 mm)}}
  
The main gun is a L30A1 120 mm rifled gun. The reload of this gun is 6.5 seconds, which makes this one of the best reloading rates of the MBT's. The angle of elevation allowed by the gun is 20 degrees up and 10 degrees down. The stock turret rotation of this tank is 14.3 degrees per second. However, the vertical aiming speeds are really bad. The gun is accurate and combined with the armour makes the Challenger a good sniper. Because the gun can fire and reload very quickly, enemy's can't shoot you as quickly as you can shoot them. You get the L23A1 stock APFSDS shell. This is a good shell but not special.  
+
The Challenger 2's primary armament is the 120mm L30A1 cannon. Unlike most modern MBT cannons, the L30A1 is rifled as opposed to smoothbore. This is primarily due to the British preference for HESH (High Explosive Squash Head) ammunition availability, the design of which requires a rifled cannon for accurate fire. The rifled design has some positive attributes: it's extremely accurate with both HESH and APFSDS rounds, including at long range; however the downside is a limited selection of ammunition: the CR2 only has the L23A1 and L26 APFSDS rounds, the L31A7 HESH round and the L34 Smoke round available to it.  
  
The gun fires three-staged ammunition (the loader only puts in the charged bag and round, but because of the firing mechanism it's called three-staged ammunition) which means you have charged bags. This makes the tank very vulnerable against ammunition explosions. It is recommended to take 25 shells max because of the charged bags that can be detonated. When you get the L26 shell, you'll receive 77 mm extra penetration at 500 m. This means you can shoot the upper front plate of a [[Leopard 2A5]] without trouble meaning you can penetrate 2A5's more effectively.  
+
The L30A1 has a base reload time of 6.5 seconds, improving to 5 seconds with an aced crew. As a result, the Challenger 2 sports the fastest reloading 120mm cannon in-game along with the [[Type 90]]'s autoloaded 120mm (as of the time of writing). In addition, the Challenger 2 allows the L30A1 a comfortable 10° of gun depression and a reasonable turret traverse speed.  
 +
 
 +
The characteristics of the CR2 in combination with the L30A1 weight the vehicle towards a long-range sniping playstyle, something the vehicle generally feels very comfortable doing as it minimises the inferior mobility of the vehicle by having it stay in the back, providing long range fire support and exploiting unaware enemies.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
Line 56: Line 56:
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
|-
| ''Arcade'' || 29.50 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| ''Arcade'' || 29.50 || 40.85 || 47.85 || 56.60 || 58.35
 
|-
 
|-
| ''Realistic'' || 18.40 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| ''Realistic'' || 18.40 || 21.70 || 25.42 || 30.03 || 31.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
Line 67: Line 67:
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
|-
| 6.50 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 6.50 || 5.75 || 5.30 || 5.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 138: Line 138:
 
{{main|L94A1 (7.62 mm)|L37A2 (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|L94A1 (7.62 mm)|L37A2 (7.62 mm)}}
  
The Challenger 2 possesses two 7.62 mm machine guns. One of them being the coaxial L94A1, and one roof mounted L37A2 machine gun. These machine guns are weak against aeroplanes, but can shoot down a helicopter. However, you should not use them for AA purposes as the chances of shooting down aircraft/helicopters are relatively small and you will just be giving your position away. These machine guns are also not effective against infantry fighting vehicles. The best way to use your machine guns is to spot enemies for your teammates.
+
The Challenger 2 possesses one pintle-mounted 7.62 machine gun and one coaxial 7.62 machine gun. While these aren't particularly effective against aircraft, they can be used as a deterrent, and lucky shots may result in critical damage or pilot snipes. Besides anti-aircraft fire, they're useful for clearing light obstacles and the crew of open-top vehicles.
  
 
== 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).-->The Challenger 2 excels as a sniper or a support tank, and should be played as such whenever possible. As such, it's important to try to find reasonable cover, regardless of the situation, with the ideal position being hull-down, preferably with some degree of angling available to maximise the bouncing capability of the frontal turret roof section. The Challenger 2 is the slowest of the top rank MBTs - a fact which is extremely important to keep in mind when using it - and as such should never be expected to rush points or used for quick flanks.
 +
 
 +
'''Rural Combat'''
 +
 
 +
The CR2 is most comfortable in rural combat, where cover is generally plentiful and targets will often open themselves to fire when moving forward. This is particularly perceptible on maps such as [[Maginot Line (Ground Forces)|Maginot Line]], where, in most configurations, the main routes to capture points are open to snipers on hills throughout the landscape. In these situations the CR2 excels, able to hold a defensive position while protecting team members in faster MBTs and covering capture points.
 +
 
 +
'''Urban Combat'''
 +
 
 +
The Challenger 2 is less agreeable in urban situations, where proper cover is more rare and its fatal weak points are often more exposed. In some situations, such as [[Alaska]], the opportunity may arise to flank around the side roads and pick a somewhat protected position behind the ridges lining them. However, in other maps like [[American Desert]] or [[Cargo Port]] proper hull-down cover is sparse and the vehicle can only be utilised without proper protection. In situations such as this, the Challenger 2 is best played defensively holding angles and slowly pushing forward with careful attention to the local surroundings and where opposing vehicles may appear from.
 +
 
 +
'''Notable Targets'''
 +
 
 +
<u>[[Leopard 2A5]]:</u> The 2A5 should be engaged with care: it has better overall protection than the Challenger 2, and in many situations can appear near-impossible to destroy at range. Aim for the gun mantlet with at least the intention of disabling the weapon; some rounds may make it past and knock crew out. If the frontal hull is presented, aim for the left side of the hull as usually the driver, gunner and commander are all lined up so they can be knocked out all at the same time, resulting in the Leopard's destruction.
 +
 
 +
<u>[[Leclerc]]:</u> The Leclerc is in possession of one of the few rounds capable of penetrating the Challenger 2 UFP reliably. When in combat with the Leclerc, it's important to expose as little of the CR2 as possible - if the Leclerc is able to destroy your weapon, it will often be able to use its high speed to get close enough to finish you off.
  
The Challenger 2 should be played as a support tank. Try not to rush to cap's without knowing where the enemy is. The Challenger 2 really is not a street fighter or a rusher. The tank is designed for devensive gameplay so it should be played defensifly. When playing in city maps, try to find a spot where you can aim at enemy's but that they can't get behind you very easily. Taking an enemy to the front is the best chance you got in a knife fight. People seem to forget that the challenger 2 has a weak LFP and often try to take out your gun and gun breech. But since it's a knife fight, enemy's will screw up their shots so you may have a chance winning. Taking a shot in the side is never a good option. Try following the American's or Russian's and give them support. You won't be able to do a lot on your own. Take good care of the minimap and try to predict where the enemy will go. If you see a lot of teammembers dying, take note since the change is very big that there will be coming Leopard's 2 coming out of that direction. This all is because of the lack of mobility. The Challenger 2 is not slow, it's just not the fastes tank. The German's and Russian's will be earlyer at the cap's. Play with this thought in mind and if you need to go for a cap, try to scan the area really well before going in. In open map's, try to find a good hulldown position. Don't give the enemy a chance firing at your weak spot's. You don't want to play a fair fight. This is not a tank wich can win a game on it's own. It can do a lot more than the previous Challenger 1, but it's not able to carry games. Ofcourse every writtin here above is a opinion. The best usage in battles is find the best spot's and find your own way. But every way will be the same: defensive.  
+
<u>[[Ariete|C1 Ariete]]/[[Ariete PSO]]:</u> The C1 Ariete and Ariete PSO with the CL1343 shell can penetrate nearly anywhere on the Challenger 2, with the exception of the outer turret cheeks (and even then, at close ranges and particular angles, it can even punch through those). As such, it's a potent sniper and should be handled with care. Fortunately, the Ariete MBTs have somewhat sub-par protection characteristics, and the Challenger 2 will often prove itself capable of quickly dispatching an Ariete at range.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 150: Line 164:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* Very accurate gun with good optics
+
* Extremely accurate main cannon
* Good gun depression
+
* Good gunner optics
* Fast reload rate
+
* 10° of gun depression
* Strong turret cheeks and hull's upper frontal armour
+
* Fast reload, particularly for a 120mm
* More powerful engine than Challenger 1
+
* Extremely good turret cheek protection
* Good reverse speed
+
* Good UFP protection
 +
* 36 km/h reverse speed
 
* Has ESS, smoke shells and smoke grenades
 
* Has ESS, smoke shells and smoke grenades
 +
* Can get upgraded chemical protection with Dorchester battle pack
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Ammo storage can be hit very easily, like in previous Challenger 1
+
* A CR2 with an exposed hull is extremely vulnerable
* Weak frontal lower glacis
+
* Negligible LFP armour
* Big weak spot near the gun breach
+
* Cannon surround has negligible armour
* The upper part of the turret is vulnerable to HEAT shots
+
* The frontal turret roof is somewhat vulnerable to chemical rounds
* No reactive armour
+
* Ammunition is strewn throughout the vehicle, penetration often results in ammo detonation
* Weak manoeuvrability compared to other MBT's
+
* Sub-par acceleration and top speed relative to many other MBTs
 +
* Prior to mobility upgrades being researched, manual neutral gear selection is required for reasonable hull traverse
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!--Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. 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 ground 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. 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).-->
Work on developing a successor to the Challenger 1 began only a short time after the vehicle entered service with the British armed forces. Already by the mid 1980s, the Vickers company had developed a new MBT as part of a private venture. After requirements for a next-generation MBT have been issued, Vickers immediately submitted their design on the new Challenger 2 to the Ministry of Defence. Having briefly considered the adoption of the M1 Abrams, the Ministry decided to proceed with the Vickers design by ordering the construction of a prototype Challenger 2 for testing and evaluation. The Challenger 2 passed evaluation and met expectations even when put through comparative testing against contemporary MBTs of other nations, such as the American M1 Abrams and German Leopard 2. Satisfied with the test results, the Ministry of Defence adopted the Challenger 2 and placed the first production order in 1993, with the initial batch consisting of 127 tanks in addition to 13 trainer vehicles. The first Challenger 2 tanks were delivered to the tank regiments by 1994. The Challenger 2 participated in several operations during the ‘90s and into the 2000s, ranging from peacekeeping missions on the Balkans to military interventions in Iraq. A number of Challenger 2 MBTs have also been exported to Oman, with this nation being the only operator of the Challenger 2, besides the UK. Production of Challenger 2 tanks seized in 2002 after all pending production orders were fulfilled, with close to 440 vehicles being produced. Since 2008, Challenger 2 tanks have constantly been undergoing modernization work, with a number of upgrade packages being developed. Thanks to these upgrades, the Challenger 2 MBT is expected to serve with the British Army well into the future.  
+
Work on developing a successor to the Challenger 1 began only a short time after the vehicle entered service with the British armed forces. Already by the mid-1980s, the Vickers company had developed a new MBT as part of a private venture. After requirements for a next-generation MBT have been issued, Vickers immediately submitted their design on the new Challenger 2 to the Ministry of Defence. Having briefly considered the adoption of the M1 Abrams, the Ministry decided to proceed with the Vickers design by ordering the construction of a prototype Challenger 2 for testing and evaluation. The Challenger 2 passed the evaluation and met expectations even when put through comparative testing against contemporary MBTs of other nations, such as the American M1 Abrams and German Leopard 2. Satisfied with the test results, the Ministry of Defence adopted the Challenger 2 and placed the first production order in 1993, with the initial batch consisting of 127 tanks in addition to 13 trainer vehicles. The first Challenger 2 tanks were delivered to the tank regiments by 1994. The Challenger 2 participated in several operations during the ‘90s and into the 2000s, ranging from peacekeeping missions on the Balkans to military interventions in Iraq. A number of Challenger 2 MBTs have also been exported to Oman, with this nation being the only operator of the Challenger 2, besides the UK. Production of Challenger 2 tanks seized in 2002 after all pending production orders were fulfilled, with close to 440 vehicles being produced. Since 2008, Challenger 2 tanks have constantly been undergoing modernization work, with a number of upgrade packages being developed. Thanks to these upgrades, the Challenger 2 MBT is expected to serve with the British Army well into the future.  
  
 
''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/6035-development-challenger-2-and-rank-vii-armored-vehicles-en Devblog]''
 
''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/6035-development-challenger-2-and-rank-vii-armored-vehicles-en Devblog]''
  
 
== 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.-->
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|7YrtSp7ADe8|'''The Shooting Range #146''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the Challenger 2.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==

Revision as of 11:47, 15 March 2020

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
uk_challenger_ii.png
Challenger 2
AB RB SB
11.3 11.3 11.3
Class:
Research:350 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:950 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the British medium tank Challenger 2. For other uses, see Challenger (Disambiguation).

Description

GarageImage Challenger 2.jpg


The Tank, Combat, 120-mm Gun, Challenger 2 (shortened to CR2) is a rank VII British medium tank with a battle rating of 11.3 (AB/RB/SB). This tank was introduced in Update 1.87 "Locked On".

General info

Survivability and armour

The Challenger 2 (abbreviation CR2) reinforces the strengths of the Challenger 1 Mk.2/Mk.3, with extremely well protected turret cheeks and better UFP protection, while suffering from similar weaknesses - a particularly weak lower front plate and negligible side protection. The Challenger 2 has a defined gun mantlet that is far larger in area compared to previous Challenger models. This mantlet is very weak in comparison to the rest of the turret, providing roughly 300 mm of RHAe protection, making it a glaring weakspot that easily results in the destruction of the gun breech and loss of turret crew. Additionally, the taller turret design exposes a weak frontal roof slope - while this is a somewhat small vulnerability, penetration may result in the gunner or commander's incapacitation. Similarly to the Challenger 1s, the driver's hatch on the Challenger 2 is a significant weakness that compromises the well protected UFP. The hatch has no composite behind it and provides at best 100 mm of RHA protection. As such, the Challenger 2 thrives in hull-down positions where minimal vulnerabilities are exposed and it can retreat into further cover if one of the few weak spots are penetrated. In situations where protective positioning is not an option, the Challenger 2 should be used conservatively and carefully, avoiding direct confrontation wherever possible.

Mobility

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 61.4 1.1 1886 2,322 30.72 37.15
Realistic 60 38 1076 1,217 17.52 19.47

The Challenger 2 is fitted with a similar twin turbo V12 diesel engine to the Challenger 1, producing a maximum of 1,200 horsepower. The Challenger 2 can reach a maximum forward speed of 66 km/h (41 mph) in AB and 59 km/h (37 mph) in RB. The vehicle's stock performance is lacklustre, with acceleration and manoeuvrability suffering due to the Challenger 2's 62.5 tonne total weight. However, once all upgrades are researched, the Challenger 2 performs acceptably, despite being generally out-classed by competitor vehicles like the M1A2 and T-80U. The Challenger 2 also utilises a fully functional neutral steering system, and even when stock the vehicle's neutral steering ability is admirable - easiest used with manual gear selection to avoid shifting during traverse. Notably, the Challenger 2's reverse speed is quite comfortable, with the vehicle capable of up to 36 km/h (RB/SB) backwards thanks to the two reverse gears.

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: L30A1 (120 mm)

The Challenger 2's primary armament is the 120mm L30A1 cannon. Unlike most modern MBT cannons, the L30A1 is rifled as opposed to smoothbore. This is primarily due to the British preference for HESH (High Explosive Squash Head) ammunition availability, the design of which requires a rifled cannon for accurate fire. The rifled design has some positive attributes: it's extremely accurate with both HESH and APFSDS rounds, including at long range; however the downside is a limited selection of ammunition: the CR2 only has the L23A1 and L26 APFSDS rounds, the L31A7 HESH round and the L34 Smoke round available to it.

The L30A1 has a base reload time of 6.5 seconds, improving to 5 seconds with an aced crew. As a result, the Challenger 2 sports the fastest reloading 120mm cannon in-game along with the Type 90's autoloaded 120mm (as of the time of writing). In addition, the Challenger 2 allows the L30A1 a comfortable 10° of gun depression and a reasonable turret traverse speed.

The characteristics of the CR2 in combination with the L30A1 weight the vehicle towards a long-range sniping playstyle, something the vehicle generally feels very comfortable doing as it minimises the inferior mobility of the vehicle by having it stay in the back, providing long range fire support and exploiting unaware enemies.

120 mm L30A1
Capacity Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
Stabilizer
50 -10°/+20° ±180° Two-plane
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade 29.50 40.85 47.85 56.60 58.35
Realistic 18.40 21.70 25.42 30.03 31.00
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
6.50 5.75 5.30 5.00
Ammunition
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration in mm @ 0° Angle of Attack
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
Shot L23A1 APFSDS 396 394 387 376 367 357
Shell L31A7 HESH 152 152 152 152 152 152
Shot L26 APFSDS 471 469 464 457 450 443
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
in m/s
Projectile
Mass in kg
Fuse delay

in m:

Fuse sensitivity

in mm:

Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent):
Normalization At 30°
from horizontal:
Ricochet:
0% 50% 100%
Shot L23A1 APFSDS 1,535 3.89 N/A N/A N/A +1.5° 75° 78° 80°
Shell L31A7 HESH 670 17.10 0.4 0.1 4,100 +0° 73° 77° 80°
Shot L26 APFSDS 1,550 4.10 N/A N/A N/A +1.5° 78° 80° 81°
Smoke characteristic
Ammunition Velocity
in m/s
Projectile
Mass in kg
Screen radius
in m
Screen time
in s
Screen hold time
in s:
Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent):
L34 670 17.1 20 5 25 50

Machine guns

The Challenger 2 possesses one pintle-mounted 7.62 machine gun and one coaxial 7.62 machine gun. While these aren't particularly effective against aircraft, they can be used as a deterrent, and lucky shots may result in critical damage or pilot snipes. Besides anti-aircraft fire, they're useful for clearing light obstacles and the crew of open-top vehicles.

Usage in battles

The Challenger 2 excels as a sniper or a support tank, and should be played as such whenever possible. As such, it's important to try to find reasonable cover, regardless of the situation, with the ideal position being hull-down, preferably with some degree of angling available to maximise the bouncing capability of the frontal turret roof section. The Challenger 2 is the slowest of the top rank MBTs - a fact which is extremely important to keep in mind when using it - and as such should never be expected to rush points or used for quick flanks.

Rural Combat

The CR2 is most comfortable in rural combat, where cover is generally plentiful and targets will often open themselves to fire when moving forward. This is particularly perceptible on maps such as Maginot Line, where, in most configurations, the main routes to capture points are open to snipers on hills throughout the landscape. In these situations the CR2 excels, able to hold a defensive position while protecting team members in faster MBTs and covering capture points.

Urban Combat

The Challenger 2 is less agreeable in urban situations, where proper cover is more rare and its fatal weak points are often more exposed. In some situations, such as Alaska, the opportunity may arise to flank around the side roads and pick a somewhat protected position behind the ridges lining them. However, in other maps like American Desert or Cargo Port proper hull-down cover is sparse and the vehicle can only be utilised without proper protection. In situations such as this, the Challenger 2 is best played defensively holding angles and slowly pushing forward with careful attention to the local surroundings and where opposing vehicles may appear from.

Notable Targets

Leopard 2A5: The 2A5 should be engaged with care: it has better overall protection than the Challenger 2, and in many situations can appear near-impossible to destroy at range. Aim for the gun mantlet with at least the intention of disabling the weapon; some rounds may make it past and knock crew out. If the frontal hull is presented, aim for the left side of the hull as usually the driver, gunner and commander are all lined up so they can be knocked out all at the same time, resulting in the Leopard's destruction.

Leclerc: The Leclerc is in possession of one of the few rounds capable of penetrating the Challenger 2 UFP reliably. When in combat with the Leclerc, it's important to expose as little of the CR2 as possible - if the Leclerc is able to destroy your weapon, it will often be able to use its high speed to get close enough to finish you off.

C1 Ariete/Ariete PSO: The C1 Ariete and Ariete PSO with the CL1343 shell can penetrate nearly anywhere on the Challenger 2, with the exception of the outer turret cheeks (and even then, at close ranges and particular angles, it can even punch through those). As such, it's a potent sniper and should be handled with care. Fortunately, the Ariete MBTs have somewhat sub-par protection characteristics, and the Challenger 2 will often prove itself capable of quickly dispatching an Ariete at range.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Extremely accurate main cannon
  • Good gunner optics
  • 10° of gun depression
  • Fast reload, particularly for a 120mm
  • Extremely good turret cheek protection
  • Good UFP protection
  • 36 km/h reverse speed
  • Has ESS, smoke shells and smoke grenades
  • Can get upgraded chemical protection with Dorchester battle pack

Cons:

  • A CR2 with an exposed hull is extremely vulnerable
  • Negligible LFP armour
  • Cannon surround has negligible armour
  • The frontal turret roof is somewhat vulnerable to chemical rounds
  • Ammunition is strewn throughout the vehicle, penetration often results in ammo detonation
  • Sub-par acceleration and top speed relative to many other MBTs
  • Prior to mobility upgrades being researched, manual neutral gear selection is required for reasonable hull traverse

History

Work on developing a successor to the Challenger 1 began only a short time after the vehicle entered service with the British armed forces. Already by the mid-1980s, the Vickers company had developed a new MBT as part of a private venture. After requirements for a next-generation MBT have been issued, Vickers immediately submitted their design on the new Challenger 2 to the Ministry of Defence. Having briefly considered the adoption of the M1 Abrams, the Ministry decided to proceed with the Vickers design by ordering the construction of a prototype Challenger 2 for testing and evaluation. The Challenger 2 passed the evaluation and met expectations even when put through comparative testing against contemporary MBTs of other nations, such as the American M1 Abrams and German Leopard 2. Satisfied with the test results, the Ministry of Defence adopted the Challenger 2 and placed the first production order in 1993, with the initial batch consisting of 127 tanks in addition to 13 trainer vehicles. The first Challenger 2 tanks were delivered to the tank regiments by 1994. The Challenger 2 participated in several operations during the ‘90s and into the 2000s, ranging from peacekeeping missions on the Balkans to military interventions in Iraq. A number of Challenger 2 MBTs have also been exported to Oman, with this nation being the only operator of the Challenger 2, besides the UK. Production of Challenger 2 tanks seized in 2002 after all pending production orders were fulfilled, with close to 440 vehicles being produced. Since 2008, Challenger 2 tanks have constantly been undergoing modernization work, with a number of upgrade packages being developed. Thanks to these upgrades, the Challenger 2 MBT is expected to serve with the British Army well into the future.

- From Devblog

Media

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


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"