The British Army’s new Challenger 3 main battle tank (MBT) has gone on public display for the first time at the British Army’s Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD) event in Millbrook.
Designed and produced by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) from their Telford manufacturing facility, the Challenger 3 MBT is described as the apex predator that will dominate the modern battlefield. The 66-tonne MBT is powered by a 1,500-horsepower diesel engine and can reach speeds of up to 60 kph. It is armed with a 120mm smoothbore gun with higher muzzle velocity and greater penetration capability than its predecessor, Challenger 2.
A total of 148 Challenger 3 MBTs will be produced and two prototypes have already rolled off the production line at the RBSL factory in Telford this year, with six more prototypes set to be delivered in the coming months. Testing is currently underway and progressing well to validate their performance and make any necessary refinements.
The Challenger 3 MBT also has a new suite of sights and sensors, which provide the tank commander and gunner with enhanced day and night vision, target acquisition, and situational awareness. The sights include a panoramic commander’s sight with thermal imaging and laser rangefinder, a gunner’s primary sight with thermal imaging and laser designator, and a driver’s night vision system. The sights are linked to a digital fire control system, which calculates the optimal firing solution for each target.
Another key improvement of the Challenger 3 MBT is its new modular armour system, which offers a higher level of protection against various threats, such as kinetic energy projectiles, shaped charges, mines, and improvised explosive devices. The armour system consists of composite armour plates that can be replaced or upgraded as needed, and an active protection system (APS) that can detect and neutralise incoming missiles and rockets. The APS is based on the Israeli Trophy system, which has proven its effectiveness in combat.
The Challenger 3 MBT also has a new engine and suspension system, which improve its mobility and agility on different terrains. The engine is a 1,500hp diesel engine from MTU, which provides more power and torque than the old 1,200hp engine. The suspension system is a hydrogas suspension from Horstman Defence Systems, which allows the tank to adjust its ride height and damping according to the terrain conditions. The new engine and suspension also reduce the weight and fuel consumption of the tank.
The Challenger 3 MBT is also designed to be more connected and interoperable with other platforms and systems on the battlefield. The tank has a digital open architecture that allows it to integrate with various communication, navigation, and data-sharing systems. The tank can also exchange information and coordinate actions with other tanks, vehicles, aircraft, drones, and soldiers through a secure network. The digital open architecture also enables the tank to receive software updates and enhancements remotely.
