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Land ForcesUnited Kingdom

Challenger 2 (FV4034)

Main battle tankFielded 1998Pending verification
Land ForcesGBR
Challenger 2 (FV4034)
Photo: Swadim · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeMain battle tank
Date of introduction1998
ProliferationAt least 3 countries
ManufacturerAlvis plc, BAE Systems Land & ArmamentsMed[1]
Crew4Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Height2.5 m8 ftMed[1]
Combat weight62.5 tMed[1]
Automotive performance
EnginePerkins CV12 TCA DieselMed[1]
Engine power1,200 hpMed[1]
Max road speed59 km/h37 mph · 32 ktMed[1]
Cruising range50 km31 mi · 27 nmiMed[1]
Cross-country speed40 km/h25 mph · 22 ktMed[1]
Fording depth1.07 mMed[1]
SuspensionHydropneumatic suspensionMed[1]
Protection
Hull ArmorChobham / Dorchester Level 2 (classified)Med[1]
Turret ArmorChobham / Dorchester Level 2 (classified)Med[1]
Applique ArmorAvailable, The sides of the vehicle are protected by short armoured skirts, which stretch the full length of the vehicle.Med[1]
Explosive reactive armorAvailableMed[1]
Active Protection SystemYes, Dorchester level 2 armourMed[1]
NBC ProtectionYes, MDH Defence Vehicle NBC filtration systemMed[1]
Smoke EquipmentYes, VIRSSS (Visual and Infra-Red Smoke Screening System).Med[1]
Armament
Rate of fire (max)10 rds/minMed[1]
LoaderManual, with two-piece ammunition comprising a fully combustible bag charge and projectile.Med[1]
Minimum elevation-10 degMed[1]
Maximum elevation+20 degMed[1]
Main armamentL30A1 (LFF) Challenger Main Armament or CHARM 120 mm Rifled GunMed[1]
Secondary armament1 x L94A1, Hughes EX-34 7.62mm Chain GunMed[1]
Fire control
Fire control systemMk5, IFCS Mk 11/12Med[1]
Computerized FCSYesMed[1]
Thermal Sight Tank CommanderSAGEM VS 580-10 gyro stabilised sightMed[1]
Thermal Sight GunnerYes, Thales Gunner's Primary SightMed[1]
Main Gun StabilizationYes, 2-planeMed[1]
Range FinderLaserMed[1]
Variants
TitanThe Titan armored bridge layer is based on aspects of the Challenger 2 running gear and replaced the Chieftain Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge (ChAVLB). The Titan came into service in 2006 with the Royal Engineers, with [1]
TrojanThe Trojan Armored Vehicle Royal Engineers is a combat engineering vehicle designed as a replacement for the Chieftain AVRE (ChAVRE). It uses the Challenger 2 chassis, and carries an articulated excavator arm, a dozer bl[1]
Challenger 2EThe Challenger 2E is an export version of the tank. It has a new integrated weapon control and battlefield management system, which includes a gyrostabilised panoramic SAGEM MVS 580-day/thermal sight for the commander an[1]
CRARRVThe Challenger Armored Repair and Recovery Vehicle (CRARRV) is an armored recovery vehicle based on the Challenger 1 hull (with the updated Challenger 2 powertrain) and designed to repair and recover damaged tanks on the[1]
Weapons and payload options · 3Confidence · Source
Armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) L23120 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Quantity
50 total rounds of any combination of 120mm Projectiles
Muzzle velocity
1,534 m/s
APFSDS L26 (CHARM 1)120 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Quantity
50 total rounds of any combination of 120mm Projectiles
Muzzle velocity
INA
HESH L31120 ammunition
Med[1]
Quantity
50 total rounds of any combination of 120mm Projectiles
Muzzle velocity
670 m/s
Summary

The Challenger 2 (FV4034) British Main Battle Tank (MBT) is a third generation British main battle tank (MBT) in service with the armies of the United Kingdom and Oman. It was designed and built by the British company Vickers Defense Systems (now known as BAE Systems Land & Armaments).

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
United KingdomOmanUkraine
Sources
  1. Challenger 2 (FV4034) British Main Battle Tank (MBT), U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import
  • 2026-10-10 Added photo (CC BY-SA 4.0)