Challenger 3: British tank hits targets at unprecedented 3‑mile range
In May, the British Ministry of Defense conducted live-fire tests of the new Challenger 3 main battle tank. The primary focus of the tests was to examine the capabilities of the Rheinmetall 120 mm L55A1 gun in combination with the latest 120 mm DM73 ammunition. This combination enabled the tank to hit targets even at 3 miles, reports Army Recognition. According to the service, this makes the Challenger 3 the first tank in the world to achieve such a range.
12:34 PM EDT, June 11, 2024
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 cutting-edge technologies and previous experiences, the British have significantly improved the tank's firepower, accuracy, and effectiveness, thereby proving that the Challenger 3 is rightly considered one of the most powerful combat tanks in Europe.
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. For now, the vehicle prototypes are undergoing tests across the western border, but they will also occur in the United Kingdom. These tests are expected to last about 18 months and aim to verify whether the Challenger 3 meets all the requirements set by the British Army. The British expect the tank to achieve initial operational capability by 2027 and be fully operational by 2030.
The Challenger 3 is a comprehensive modernization of the still-used Challenger 2 tanks. The chassis of the Challenger 2 has been retained but redesigned and armored. The tank also received new modular armor and an active protection system, enhancing crew safety. The Challenger 3 features a new propulsion system, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 37 mph, and is equipped with fully digital fire control and communication systems.
The tank weighs 73 tons and has a total length of 36 feet. It can accommodate a crew of four people. The heart of this machine is the German Rheinmetall 120 mm L55A1 gun. In the Challenger 3, the British abandoned domestic weaponry in favor of a solution used in most Western tanks. The choice of this gun reflects a shift towards the modern ammunition standards employed by NATO countries.
