Challenger 2 'defending victory'. Ukrainians express gratitude for the support
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has launched a unique Advent Calendar initiative — each day in December leading up to Christmas, a new 'weapon of victory' is unveiled on platform X, previously known as Twitter. Each reveal represents a means that Kyiv employs competently against the Russian invader. On the third day of this initiative, the Challenger 2v was disclosed — a tank renowned for surviving more than 70 hits.
7:52 AM EST, December 4, 2023
"Today, we express our gratitude to our British allies. The United Kingdom was the first European nation to supply weapons to the Ukrainian army to counteract Russian aggression. We also appreciate one of the finest modern tanks, the Challenger 2," stated representatives of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.
In their ongoing text, the Ukrainians implied that the Challenger 2 had "transformed into an efficient weapon" due to the "impressive fusion of British technology and Ukrainian skill". Let us delve into the first of these two components.
Challenger 2: An Exceptionally Resilient Tank
The Challenger 2 serves as the principal third-generation battle tank of British manufacture. Its battlefield effectiveness is owed to the 120-millimeter, 55-caliber-long L30A1front gun, and a remotely operated fire control system. The tank armament includes an L94A1 EX-34 7.62 mm machine gun and an L37A2 caliber 7.62 mm machine gun.
This tank has primarily earned its repute on the battlefield for its outstanding robustness. With the heavy Chobham second-generation composite armor, also referred to as Dorchester, the tank can withstand intense fire from grenade launchers or strikes from conventional anti-tank projectiles. For instance, during the Iraq war, it managed to endure even 70 grenade launcher rounds without being destroyed.
The manufacturing company of the Challenger 2 tanks has given special emphasis to the crew's protection. The inclusion of a semiconductor electric drive for moving the turret and gun significantly reduces the risk of catching fire, thereby ensuring crew safety.
In terms of specifics, the Challenger 2 measures 37.9 feet in length, 11.5 feet in width, and 8.17 feet in height. Weighing just over 68.3 short tons, the tank is powered by a Diesel Perkins-Condor CV12 engine capable of delivering 1200 horsepower which equates to over 17.57 horsepower per short ton. This allows for a top speed of around 34.8 mph and effective maneuvering in varied terrains.
Ukrainian Advent Calendar Also Acknowledges Poland
This Advent Calendar serves as a medium for the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense to spotlight weapons that are key in assisting the Ukrainian army during their war against Russia. In doing so, it also expresses its gratitude to those who have provided significant support, akin to the acknowledgment of Great Britain's contribution to the Challenger 2 tanks on the third day.
On the opening day of the Ukrainian Advent Calendar, tribute was paid to the American HIMARS, which has achieved legendary status on the battlefield, demolishing Russian hardware worth multi-million dollars. On the second day, the Ukrainians expressed their gratitude to the Poles for the supply of Crabs — self-propelled howitzers which, as articulated, "turn into a nightmare for the occupiers under the skilled operation of Ukrainian artillery."
