Difference between revisions of "Challenger 2 (2F)"

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(Survivability and armour: Added to the Notes on the Lower Frontal Plate to include changes due to the Dorchester mod.)
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== 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).'' -->
''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).''
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In many ways, the Challenger (2F) plays the same as the precursor [[Challenger 2]], however it differentiates itself with its increased ability to brawl. Especially with the armour package, the 2F can find itself brawling alongside its teammates, though players should be wary of the target they are facing to decide which ones they will play aggressive towards. For example, brawling with T-72As and TURMS can be viable due to their HEAT-FS and APFSDS rounds being ill equipped to penetrate many parts of the tank. Slight angling should be used to counter their rounds, and players should attempt to draw attention to their turret to try and bait shots onto the Challenger 2s impenetrable turret cheeks. One should never attempt to brawl a Leopard 2A5 or 6, and likewise any top BR tanks. In urban environments, moving up, taking position, and waiting to hear approaching engines to set up ambushes is definitely a viable strategy, especially when going against Russian or American tanks, as their engines give off the characteristic rotary whine.
 +
 
 +
As expected, the tank excels at sniping, even more so than the previous Challenger 2, as it has access to its Depleted Uranium round, the L27A1. It has access the to the same smoke-generation capabilities of the Challenger 2, and therefore can support the team effectively over range and close in. Additionally, the tank can resist missiles from helicopters which one can expect to happen in open areas that lend themselves to sniping. This is possible provided the missile does not hit the roof, so if you see a missile approaching, you can attempt to block it with your gun. The slat armour on the back of the tank is very effective against chemical rounds, including missiles, which can be the difference between living and being knocked out. Once hit, however, it will fall off and therefore players should attempt to avoid exposing their rear more-so where slat armour has been destroyed.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
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''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
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 +
;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=britain&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=medium_tank&vehicle=uk_challenger_2_dorchester Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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;Videos
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{{Youtube-gallery|Gj2pAfJ5cxo|'''Should You Grind The Challenger 2 (2F)?''' - ''Sako Sniper''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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* ''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.'' -->
'''Preceded by'''
 
 
* [[Challenger Mk.2]]
 
* [[Challenger Mk.3]]
 
 
'''Similar variants'''
 
 
* [[Challenger 2]]
 
 
'''Analogues on other nations'''
 
  
 +
;Analogues in other nations
 
* [[Leopard 2A6]]
 
* [[Leopard 2A6]]
 
* [[Ariete PSO]]
 
* [[Ariete PSO]]
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''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;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}

Revision as of 14:38, 14 April 2021

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the British medium tank Challenger 2 (2F). For other uses, see Challenger (Disambiguation).
Challenger 2 (2F)
uk_challenger_2_dorchester.png
GarageImage Challenger 2 (2F).jpg
Challenger 2 (2F)
AB RB SB
11.3 11.3 11.3
Class:
Research:175 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:950 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Tank, Combat, 120-mm Gun, Challenger 2 (Dorchester Level 2F) is a rank VII British medium tank with a battle rating of 11.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update "Starfighters".

General info

Survivability and armour

ERA
Effective action against the cumulative ammunition
Composite armour
Balanced protection against all types of ammunition
Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
ESS
Creation of a smoke screen in the direction of movement of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull130 / 38 / 50
Turret270 / 80 / 58
Crew4 people
Visibility88 %

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

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

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

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

Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 38-50 mm (56-83°) Upper Plate

70 mm (31-34°) Lower Glacis 60 mm (0-80°) Driver's Port

25 mm Top (70°)

25 mm Middle (0°) 38 mm Bottom (0°)

25 mm (32°) 10-20 mm
Turret 38 - 50 mm (56-82°) Turret Front
30 mm (3-82°) Gun Mantlet
20-25 mm (8-10°) 20 mm (18°) 10-38 mm
Cupola 8 mm (3-78°) 8 mm (9-60°) 8 mm (1-80°) 44-60 mm
Composite Armour Front Sides
Hull Upper
Kinetic: 420-1000 mm
Chemical: 700-950 mm
Lower
Kinetic: 100-400 mm
Chemical: 350-570 mm

With Dorchester 2F Modification
Upper
Kinetic: 420-1000 mm
Chemical: 700-1200 mm
Lower
Kinetic: 140-180 mm
Chemical: 200-860 mm

Ext. Composite with NERA:
Kinetic: 30 mm
Chemical: 400 mm
Turret Turret Cheeks
Kinetic: 440-720 mm
Chemical: 780-1000 mm
Internal Composite
Kinetic: 190-740 mm
Chemical: 300-1000 mm
Ext. Composite with NERA
Kinetic: 30 mm
Chemical: 400 mm

Notes:

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

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB66 / 42 km/h
RB and SB60 / 38 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
4 back
Weight64.0 t
Engine power
AB2 322 hp
RB and SB1 217 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB36.3 hp/t
RB and SB19.0 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock AoA Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 66 42 62.5 1.1 1,886 2,322 30.18 36.51
Realistic 60 38 1,076 1,217 17.22 19.14

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 193 → 6 851 Sl icon.png
RB4 097 → 6 694 Sl icon.png
SB5 183 → 8 469 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications279 500 Rp icon.png
461 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost3 000 Ge icon.png
Crew training270 000 Sl icon.png
Experts950 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 210 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 190 / 210 % Sl icon.png
244 / 244 / 244 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement uk.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_britain_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_britain_L26_APDSFS_ammo_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods tank additional armor.png
Dorchester 2F
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_britain_L27_APDSFS_ammo_pack
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night
Setup 1:120 mm L30A1 cannon
7.62 mm L94A1 machine gun
7.62 mm L37A2 machine gun
Setup 2:120 mm L30A1 cannon
7.62 mm L94A1 machine gun
7.62 mm L37A2 machine gun

Main armament

Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition49 rounds
First-order4 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
6.5 → 5.0 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: L30A1 (120 mm)
120 mm L30A1 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 50 -10°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 29.5 40.8 49.6 54.8 58.4 6.50 5.75 5.30 5.00
Realistic 18.4 21.7 26.4 29.1 31.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
Shot L23A1 APFSDS 396 394 387 376 367 357
Shell L31A7 HESH 152 152 152 152 152 152
L26 APFSDS 493 491 487 481 474 468
L27A1 APFSDS 564 562 557 551 545 538
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
Mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive Mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Shot L23A1 APFSDS 1,535 3.89 N/A N/A N/A 78° 80° 81°
Shell L31A7 HESH 670 17.1 0.05 0.1 6,560 73° 77° 80°
L26 APFSDS 1,650 4.1 N/A N/A N/A 78° 80° 81°
L27A1 APFSDS 1,650 4.1 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

Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
6th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
50 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Machine guns

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°/+50° ±180°
7.62 mm L94A1
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 2,300 (2,000) 600 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

In many ways, the Challenger (2F) plays the same as the precursor Challenger 2, however it differentiates itself with its increased ability to brawl. Especially with the armour package, the 2F can find itself brawling alongside its teammates, though players should be wary of the target they are facing to decide which ones they will play aggressive towards. For example, brawling with T-72As and TURMS can be viable due to their HEAT-FS and APFSDS rounds being ill equipped to penetrate many parts of the tank. Slight angling should be used to counter their rounds, and players should attempt to draw attention to their turret to try and bait shots onto the Challenger 2s impenetrable turret cheeks. One should never attempt to brawl a Leopard 2A5 or 6, and likewise any top BR tanks. In urban environments, moving up, taking position, and waiting to hear approaching engines to set up ambushes is definitely a viable strategy, especially when going against Russian or American tanks, as their engines give off the characteristic rotary whine.

As expected, the tank excels at sniping, even more so than the previous Challenger 2, as it has access to its Depleted Uranium round, the L27A1. It has access the to the same smoke-generation capabilities of the Challenger 2, and therefore can support the team effectively over range and close in. Additionally, the tank can resist missiles from helicopters which one can expect to happen in open areas that lend themselves to sniping. This is possible provided the missile does not hit the roof, so if you see a missile approaching, you can attempt to block it with your gun. The slat armour on the back of the tank is very effective against chemical rounds, including missiles, which can be the difference between living and being knocked out. Once hit, however, it will fall off and therefore players should attempt to avoid exposing their rear more-so where slat armour has been destroyed.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Effective side-ERA against air-to-ground missiles
  • Fast reload, particularly for a 120 mm (5 seconds aced)
  • Sights with high zoom, 2nd generation thermals and a wide FOV
  • High reverse of -40 km/h
  • The L30A1 120 mm gun is incredibly accurate, even at long range
  • Turret cheeks are invulnerable to all HEAT-FS and APFSDS, including the dreaded DM53 shell

Cons:

  • Vulnerable commander's hatch and cannon breech
  • No CITV (Commander Independent Thermal Viewer)
  • Dorchester 2F only marginally increases LFP armour against FIN shells and ATGMs
  • Dorchester 2F adds 1,100 kg of weight to an already sluggish tank
  • L27A1 has low penetration compared to other top rank NATO ammunition
  • Accessible weakspots, especially the gun mantlet

History

The Challenger 2F or CR2 TES is an upgraded version of the Challenger 2, featuring the upgrade kit known as TES (Theatre Entry Standard) and nicknamed 'Megatron'. The upgrade protection kit saw several adjustments over the years until the present time.

These modifications were ordered by the MOD, as part of the numerous updates inside the Challenger 2's LEP (Life Extension Programme) to increase the operability, lethality and protection of the 1998 design until 2025, or until a new British MBT design is available. The TES aims to increase the protection levels against the operational threats of the British Army such as the IEDs, hollow charges or Tandem charges - common threats during suburban deployments.

MCS

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

Bar armour

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

Dorchester 2F armour kit

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

Remote controlled weapon systems (RCWS)

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

The CR2 TES also received IED jammers near the left and right front fenders and ECM countermeasures antennas capable of detecting nearby Improvised Explosive Devices.

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

Analogues in other nations

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"