Challenger 2 vs Merkava 4

Overview

The Challenger 2 and the Merkava 4 are both Main Battle Tanks, manufactured by Vickers Defense Systems and Israeli Military Industries respectively.

The Challenger 2 weighs 75.0 tons vs 72.0 tons for the Merkava 4. Top speed is 59 km/h for the Challenger 2 vs 64 km/h for the Merkava 4. Operational range is 550 km for the Challenger 2 vs 500 km for the Merkava 4. The Challenger 2 is armed with a L30A1 120 mm rifled gun, while the Merkava 4 carries a 1 IMI 120mm rifled barrel (50 shells) gun.

The Challenger 2 has been produced in 447 units vs 360 for the Merkava 4. Unit cost is $5.32M for the Challenger 2 vs $4.5M for the Merkava 4. The Challenger 2 entered service 6 years before the Merkava 4 (1998 vs 2004).

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

Merkava 4

Israeli main battle tank, entered service in 2004, with roughly 360 units built.
Profile of Merkava 4
Origin country 🇮🇱 Israel
Category Main Battle Tank
Type Heavy Main Battle Tank
Manufacturer Israeli Military Industries
Number produced 360 units
Estimated unit price $4.5 million
→ View full Merkava 4 details

Challenger 2

Combat weight 75.0 tons â—‰
Maximum speed 59 km/h â—‰
Operational range 550 km â—‰
Length 13.50 m â—‰
Width 4.20 m â—‰
Height 2.49 m â—‰
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

Merkava 4

Combat weight 72.0 tons â—‰
Maximum speed 64 km/h â—‰
Operational range 500 km â—‰
Length 9.04 m â—‰
Width 3.72 m â—‰
Height 2.66 m â—‰
Crew 4
Engine Continental AVDS 1790 V-12 Diesel Engine with 1500 hp
Main armament 1 IMI 120mm rifled barrel (50 shells) gun
Secondary weapon 1 60mm mortar

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Challenger 2 or Merkava 4?
The Merkava 4 is faster with a maximum road speed of 64 km/h compared to the Challenger 2's 59 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the Challenger 2 or Merkava 4?
The Challenger 2 has a longer operational range at 550 km compared to the Merkava 4's 500 km.
Which is heavier, the Challenger 2 or Merkava 4?
The Challenger 2 is heavier at 75.0 tons combat weight compared to the Merkava 4's 72.0 tons.
Which is larger, the Challenger 2 or Merkava 4?
The Challenger 2 is longer at 13.50 meters compared to the Merkava 4's 9.04 meters.
How many crew members do the Challenger 2 and Merkava 4 require?
The Challenger 2 requires a larger crew of 4 (commander, gunner, loader–operator, driver) compared to the Merkava 4's 4 crew members.
Which is more expensive, the Challenger 2 or Merkava 4?
The Challenger 2 is more expensive at approximately $5.3 million per unit compared to the Merkava 4 at $4.5 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Challenger 2 or Merkava 4?
The Challenger 2 has been produced in greater numbers with 447 units compared to 360 units of the Merkava 4.
What are the main armaments of the Challenger 2 and Merkava 4?
The Challenger 2 is armed with L30A1 120 mm rifled gun while the Merkava 4 carries 1 IMI 120mm rifled barrel (50 shells) gun as its main armament.

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