Challenger

Challenger 2

Description: The Challenger is a derivative of the Chieftain main battle tank modified to produce the Shir for Iran. After Iran's 1979 revolution, the Shir project was taken over by the British Army a redesigned as the Challenger. The Challenger replaced the Chieftain as the iron fists of the British Army. It features a more powerful engine, rated at 1,200 hp, and improved protection thanks to its Chobham armor.

The Challenger 2 is an improved model of the Challenger 1 main battle tank incorporating more than 150 improvements to achieve increased reliability and maintainability. The Challenger 2 turret is a totally new design and the Chobham armor has been updated improving survivability as well as protection against anti-tank weapons.

The Challenger 2 main armament is a high-pressure 120mm L30 smooth bore gun. Secondary armament consists of two 7.62mm machine guns. In addition of the gunner's sight, it also features a Commander's Independent Thermal Sight providing a 360-degree coverage and hunter-killer capability. Challenger 2 retains the CV12 engine which powered the Challenger 1 main battle tank.

The Challenger 2 was deployed successfully in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s and recently during operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 (Operation Telic for the British Army). They will replace Challenger 1 in the British Army.

Specifications
Accommodation: Crew 4

Guns: Main Gun Caliber 120 mm

Number of Weapons: 50

Dimensions: Height 2.5 m, Length 11.6 m, Width 3.5 m

Weights: Max Weight 62,500 kg (137,787 lb)

Performance: Cross Country Speed 11 mps (22 kt), Max Range 450 km (243 nm), Min Range 250 km (135 nm), Top Speed 16 mps (30 kt)

Power: Power 1,200 shp

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As of	Holdings
2007	368
2006	365

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