The New Challenger 3 - The Future of British Tanks

The Challenger 3 is the British Army's forthcoming main battle tank (MBT), developed by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), a joint venture between UK-based BAE Systems and Germany-based Rheinmetall. This new tank is an extensive upgrade of the Challenger 2, which has been in service since 1998.
*Key Features:*
*Armament:* The Challenger 3 is equipped with a new 120mm L55A1 smoothbore gun, replacing the Challenger 2's rifled gun. This upgrade allows the use of advanced kinetic energy ammunition, enhancing its firepower to match contemporary standards.
*Protection:* The tank features the latest modular armor system, known as Epsom armor, providing enhanced protection against modern threats. Additionally, it is designed to integrate the Trophy Active Protection System (APS), capable of intercepting and neutralizing incoming anti-tank missiles and projectiles.
*Mobility:* Upgrades include a more powerful engine and advanced suspension system, improving the tank's mobility and speed across various terrains. These enhancements ensure the Challenger 3 can effectively maneuver in diverse operational environments.
*Crew and Weight:* The tank maintains a crew of four and has an approximate weight of 66 tonnes.
*Development Timeline:*
The UK Ministry of Defence awarded an £800 million contract to RBSL for the conversion of 148 Challenger 2 tanks into the Challenger 3 configuration. The first pre-production prototype began trials in early 2024, with full operational capability expected by 2030.
*Strategic Importance:*
The Challenger 3 will be central to the British Army's Armoured Brigade Combat Teams, operating alongside vehicles like Ajax and Boxer. It is designed to provide a credible warfighting capability, ensuring the UK remains a formidable force within NATO and can effectively respond to evolving global threats.

[@colcam6942]

Scrap on tracks now munitions have moved on

[@jarraandyftm]

Quick, best tell the designers! They won’t have considered this for 1 second.

[@Buciasda33]

It's useless. It's been proven useless

[@nigeltickner5685]

what a load of bullshit, wouldn't last 5 minutes on the battlefield, just like are aircraft carrier that keeps breaking down, with no planes?

[@amandarhodes4072]

WTF are you talking about? By what measure can you determine this tank would not last 5 minutes? Unlike Russia when we produce a new piece of military hardware it lives up to the promises we say it can make. As for the carrier where have you been hiding for the past 6 months? No new advanced weapon system in history has been without teething issues to resolve. The US nuclear carriers still have teething issues after almost 20 years. The carriers had a drive shaft issue from a defective manufacture that has been resolved on both ships. The same issue that caused the flooding that was reported months prior. I have personally seen 14x F-35B onboard the HMS EQ when I was in Portsmouth so they do have aircraft aboard.

[@Justprint88]

Most stupid comment of the day award goes to Nigel.

[@p51_mustang109]

I think you need to watch some news and realise yourself

[@stephenlynn1233]

Lol, no doubt easily taken out by cheap Russian drones!

[@lahoucine]

garbage

[@frankjocle7697]

Tanks? A waste of time.

[@TheWarmonger555]

@frankjocle7697 I actually agree because of drones, but there is still a fear factor when you see them in formation don't you think?

[@frankjocle7697]

@@TheWarmonger555 Not really. Tanks have always been death traps. Hell it was my job to drive around behind enemy lines in a Ford Mutt !!!

[@TheWarmonger555]

@frankjocle7697 Wow..most people would be scared stiff...thank you for your service !

[@ilikelampshades6]

Every statistic taken highlights that the side with tanks on their side in a battle are more likely to be successful. They are vulnerable when used incorrectly, but drone jammers and an active protection system like the idf trophy system could quickly and easily deal with the drone issue.

[@jarraandyftm]

@@TheWarmonger555why thank him for his service?