Challenger 3 MBT

Main Battle Tank RBSL - United Kingdom

The Challenger 3 is a new British Main Battle Tank (MBT) developed and designed by the company Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), a joint venture between the United Kingdom’s BAE Systems and Germany's Rheinmetall AG for military vehicle design, manufacture, and support. It is a modernized version of the British Challenger 2. The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) initiated the Challenger 2 Life Extension Programme (LEP) to address the need for upgrading and extending the service life of the Challenger 2 tank, which had been in service since the late 1990s. The Challenger 3 features several advanced upgrades and improvements, making it a formidable platform on the modern battlefield. In May 2021, the British MoD (Ministry of Defense) announced an order for 148 Challenger 3 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) as part of an £800 million contract with RBSL. The Challenger 3 will offer more mobility, protection, and firepower. The Challenger 3 has an all-new turret with an improved hull. The most significant change from Challenger 2 to Challenger 3 is the replacement of the Challenger's main armament from a 120mm L30A1 Rifled main gun to the 120mm L55A1 smoothbore gun. The first Challenger 3 is planned to enter into service with the British army by 2030. The Challenger 3 MBT is expected to serve as the backbone of the British Army's armored forces in the coming decades, replacing the aging Challenger 2 tanks fleet. On January 18, 2024, British Company Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) revealed the signing of a pivotal contract with the UK Ministry of Defence to equip the Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank with a new, advanced modular armor system. This significant development, born from the collaboration between Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) experts and RBSL, promises to enhance the survivability of the Challenger 3 against formidable threats on the battlefield. On January 23, 2024, RBSL announced the delivery of the first pre-production Challenger 3 tank to the British Army for trials.

- No variants at this time.

Armament

Main Armament:  Challenger 3 MBT is armed with a 120mm L55A1 cannon Ammunition:  Armor-piercing discarding sabot (APDS), DM33, DM43, DM53 kinetic energy penetrator, DM63 Second Armament:  One coaxial 7.62mm L8A2 machine gun is mounted to the left of the main armament, a 7.62 mm L37A2 machine gun can be mounted at the commander's cupola. Ammunition:  7.62x51mm NATO Missile:  No  Other:  Two blocks of five 66 mm smoke grenade dischargers. One block is mounted on each side at the front of the turret.

Protection

Crew:  4 including commander, gunner, loader, and driver. Standard Armor:  The turret and hull incorporate second-generation Chobham armor over the frontal arc for increased battlefield survivability. Add-On Armor:  New modular armor Passive Armor:  NA Active Armor:  NA Active Protection System:  Trophy active protection system can be integrated on the tank The Challenger 3 MBT is fitted with improved armor and Trophy APS Active Protection System

Mobility

Engine:  Challenger 3 is fitted with a new improved engine Transmission:  New transmission, at this time no information about the type Suspension:  3rd generation of Hydrogas suspension, six double tires, road wheels, drive sprocket at the rear and track idler at the front Speed:  96 km/h (The Sun source) Cruising Range:  500 km Crossing Capacity:  Gradient: 60% - Side Slope: 30% - Vertical step: 0.9 m - Trench: 2.3 m Fording:  1 m

Combat Equipment

Fire Control: The Challenger 3 MBT features an upgraded fire control system that offers superior accuracy and targeting capabilities, allowing for faster target acquisition and engagement. Laser Rage Finder:  YES Night Visions Systems  YES  Day Vision Systems  YES NBC Protection System  YES Radio Systems:  YES Close view of gunner and commander sights