Challenger vs T-72
The Challenger and the T-72 are both Main Battle Tanks, manufactured by Vickers Defense Systems and Malyshev HMB Plant respectively. The Challenger weighs 62.0 tons vs 44.5 tons for the T-72. Top speed is 56 km/h for the Challenger vs 60 km/h for the T-72. Operational range is 450 km for the Challenger vs 500 km for the T-72. The Challenger is armed with a Royal Ordnance L11A5 120 mm rifled gun, while the T-72 carries a 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun. The Challenger has been produced in 420 units vs 25,000 for the T-72. Unit cost is $1.5M for the Challenger vs $2M for the T-72. The T-72 entered service 10 years before the Challenger (1973 vs 1983).
| British main battle tank, entering service in 1983, manufactured by Vickers Defense Systems with 420 built. | |
| 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 |
| Ex-USSR main battle tank, entering service in 1973, with approximately 25,000 units built. | |
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Main Battle Tank |
| Type | Medium Main Battle Tank |
| Manufacturer | Malyshev HMB Plant |
| Number produced | 25,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | $2 million |
| Combat weight | 62.0 tons â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 56 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 450 km â—‰ |
| Length | 11.56 m â—‰ |
| Width | 3.51 m â—‰ |
| Height | 2.95 m â—‰ |
| Crew | 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver) |
| Engine | Perkins CV12 26Â litre diesel 1,200Â hp (895Â kW) |
| Main armament | Royal Ordnance L11A5 120 mm rifled gun |
| Secondary weapon | 7.62Â mm L8A2 |
| Combat weight | 44.5 tons â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 60 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 500 km â—‰ |
| Length | 9.73 m â—‰ |
| Width | 3.59 m â—‰ |
| Height | 2.23 m â—‰ |
| Crew | 3 (commander, gunner, driver) |
| Engine | V-92S2F (T-72B3 & T-72B3M) 1,130 hp (840 kW) |
| Main armament | 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun |
| Secondary weapon | 7.62 mm PKT coax. machine gun |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Challenger or T-72?
The T-72 is faster with a maximum road speed of 60 km/h compared to the Challenger's 56 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the Challenger or T-72?
The T-72 has a longer operational range at 500 km compared to the Challenger's 450 km.
Which is heavier, the Challenger or T-72?
The Challenger is heavier at 62.0 tons combat weight compared to the T-72's 44.5 tons.
Which is larger, the Challenger or T-72?
The Challenger is longer at 11.56 meters compared to the T-72's 9.73 meters.
How many crew members do the Challenger and T-72 require?
The Challenger requires a larger crew of 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver) compared to the T-72's 3 (commander, gunner, driver) crew members.
Which is more expensive, the Challenger or T-72?
The T-72 is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the Challenger at $1.5 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Challenger or T-72?
The T-72 has been produced in greater numbers with 25,000 units compared to 420 units of the Challenger.
What are the main armaments of the Challenger and T-72?
The Challenger is armed with Royal Ordnance L11A5 120 mm rifled gun while the T-72 carries 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun as its main armament.