Challenger vs Challenger 2

Overview

The Challenger and the Challenger 2 are both Main Battle Tanks, manufactured by Vickers Defense Systems and Vickers Defense Systems respectively.

The Challenger weighs 62.0 tons vs 75.0 tons for the Challenger 2. Top speed is 56 km/h for the Challenger vs 59 km/h for the Challenger 2. Operational range is 450 km for the Challenger vs 550 km for the Challenger 2. The Challenger is armed with a Royal Ordnance L11A5 120 mm rifled gun, while the Challenger 2 carries a L30A1 120 mm rifled gun.

The Challenger has been produced in 420 units vs 447 for the Challenger 2. Unit cost is $1.5M for the Challenger vs $5.32M for the Challenger 2. The Challenger entered service 15 years before the Challenger 2 (1983 vs 1998).

Challenger

British main battle tank, entering service in 1983, manufactured by Vickers Defense Systems with 420 built.
Profile of Challenger
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Main Battle Tank
Type Heavy Main Battle Tank
Manufacturer Vickers Defense Systems
Number produced 420 units
Estimated unit price $1.5 million
→ View full Challenger details

Challenger 2

British main battle tank, entering service in 1998, with 447 units manufactured by Vickers Defence Systems.
Profile of Challenger 2
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Main Battle Tank
Type Heavy Main Battle Tank
Manufacturer Vickers Defense Systems
Number produced 447 units
Estimated unit price $5.3 million
→ View full Challenger 2 details

Challenger

Combat weight 62.0 tons ◉
Maximum speed 56 km/h ◉
Operational range 450 km ◉
Length 11.56 m ◉
Width 3.51 m ◉
Height 2.95 m ◉
Crew 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)
Engine Perkins CV12 26 litre diesel 1,200 hp (895 kW)
Main armament Royal Ordnance L11A5 120 mm rifled gun
Secondary weapon 7.62 mm L8A2

Challenger 2

Combat weight 75.0 tons ◉
Maximum speed 59 km/h ◉
Operational range 550 km ◉
Length 13.50 m ◉
Width 4.20 m ◉
Height 2.49 m ◉
Crew 4 (commander, gunner, loader–operator, driver)
Engine Perkins CV-12 Condor 12-Cylinder Diesel Engine with 1200 hp
Main armament L30A1 120 mm rifled gun
Secondary weapon 7.62 mm coaxial L94A1 chain gun

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Challenger or Challenger 2?
The Challenger 2 is faster with a maximum road speed of 59 km/h compared to the Challenger's 56 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the Challenger or Challenger 2?
The Challenger 2 has a longer operational range at 550 km compared to the Challenger's 450 km.
Which is heavier, the Challenger or Challenger 2?
The Challenger 2 is heavier at 75.0 tons combat weight compared to the Challenger's 62.0 tons.
Which is larger, the Challenger or Challenger 2?
The Challenger 2 is longer at 13.50 meters compared to the Challenger's 11.56 meters.
How many crew members do the Challenger and Challenger 2 require?
The Challenger 2 requires a larger crew of 4 (commander, gunner, loader–operator, driver) compared to the Challenger's 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver) crew members.
Which is more expensive, the Challenger or Challenger 2?
The Challenger 2 is more expensive at approximately $5.3 million per unit compared to the Challenger at $1.5 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Challenger or Challenger 2?
The Challenger 2 has been produced in greater numbers with 447 units compared to 420 units of the Challenger.
What are the main armaments of the Challenger and Challenger 2?
The Challenger is armed with Royal Ordnance L11A5 120 mm rifled gun while the Challenger 2 carries L30A1 120 mm rifled gun as its main armament.

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