In May 2021, RBSL announced it had been awarded an £800m contract to upgrade 148 Challenger 3 Main Battle Tanks for the British Army. A double pin track with Hydrogas suspension and a Hydraulic Track Tensioner provide platform stability covering flat road surfaces through to rough cross-country terrain.Ĭhallenger 2 has successfully supported British Army operations in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq, as part of which, various survivability, lethality and situational awareness improvements were incorporated under Urgent Operational Requirement projects. Mobility is provided through a 12-cylinder, 1,200hp Perkins CV12 diesel engine with a David Brown TN54 gearbox, providing six forward and two reverse gears. The sighting systems, turret and gun are fully stabilised enabling rapid target engagement when static and on the move. Optical and thermal imager sights are provided for both the Commander and Gunner, including an independent 360ᵒ panoramic sight for the Commander.

Secondary armaments are provided with a 7.62mm co-axial chain gun and a 7.62mm pintle mounted General Purpose Machine Gun. The vehicle is equipped with an 元0 120mm rifled tank gun, firing both long rod penetrator and High Explosive Squash Head (HESH) ammunition natures. However, it also has the ability to engage both hard and soft targets and can operate across a spectrum of high intensity conflict, counter insurgency and peace keeping roles. Its primary role is to destroy or neutralise armour. Challenger 2 is heavily armoured and highly mobile, designed for use in the direct fire zone.

Challenger 2 main battle tank