Challenger 3: UK's new frontier in tank technology
In May, the British Ministry of Defense conducted live-fire tests of the new Challenger 3 main battle tank. The central part of the tests involved examining the capabilities of the Rheinmetall 120 mm L55A1 gun in combination with the latest 120 mm DM73 ammunition. This combination allowed targets to be hit even at a distance of 4.8 kilometres (km), reports Army Recognition. According to the service, this makes the Challenger 3 the first tank in the world to have such a range.
The armament of the Challenger 3 tank, the highly anticipated successor to the Challenger 2 tank, provides it with unparalleled precision in striking targets at long distances. By combining the Rheinmetall 120 mm L55A1 gun with the latest 120 mm DM73 ammunition, as well as the latest technologies and previous experiences, the British significantly improved the tank's firepower, accuracy, and effectiveness. This development proves that the Challenger 3 is rightfully called one of Europe's most potent combat tanks.
Challenger 3 - a new armored quality
The British have high hopes for the Challenger 3 tank, resulting from a collaboration between the German Rheinmetall corporation and the British BAE Systems. The vehicle prototypes are undergoing tests across our western border, but they will also take place in the United Kingdom. These tests are expected to last about 18 months and verify whether the Challenger 3 meets all the requirements set by the British army. The British assume the tank will achieve initial operational capability by 2027 and be fully operational by 2030.
Challenger 3 is essentially a deep modernization of the still-used Challenger 2 tanks. In this case, the chassis of the Challenger 2 was retained, and it was redesigned and armoured. The tank also received modular armour and an active protection system, increasing the crew's safety. The Challenger 3 also uses a new propulsion system, allowing the machine to reach up to 60 kilometres per hour (km/h) and fully digital fire control and communication systems.
The tank has a mass of 66 metric tonnes and a total length of 11 meters (m). It can accommodate a crew of 4 people on board. The heart of this machine is the German Rheinmetall 120 mm L55A1 gun. In the Challenger 3, the British abandoned domestic weapons and opted for a solution mounted in most Western tanks. The choice of this gun is a turn towards the modern ammunition standards used by NATO countries.
