Challenger 3
Type: tank
Domain: land
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Manufacturer: Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land
First Deployed: 2027
Overview
Major upgrade programme for the British Army's main battle tank, replacing the Challenger 2's rifled L30A1 gun with the Rheinmetall L55A1 120mm smoothbore gun — compatible with all NATO standard ammunition including programmable airburst and kinetic energy penetrators. Features an entirely new digital turret with hunter-killer capability, commander's independent panoramic sight with third-generation thermal imaging, modular composite armor with provisions for active protection system integration, and a new 1,500 hp engine pack. 148 tanks to be upgraded, with first deliveries expected mid-2020s.
Technical Specifications
| crew | 4 |
|---|---|
| type | Main Battle Tank (Challenger 2 upgrade) |
| engine | Perkins CV12 (1,200 hp) |
| weight | ~66 tonnes |
| main_gun | Rheinmetall L/55A1 120mm smoothbore |
| production | 148 tanks being upgraded |
| protection | Dorchester composite + TES add-on armor |
| fire_control | New digital FCS with hunter-killer capability |
Operators
- United Kingdom
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