GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily

Challenger 2 vs Type 96

Challenger 2 main battle tank side profile drawing
🇬🇧 Challenger 2
Type 96 main battle tank side profile drawing
🇨🇳 Type 96
Change comparison vs
Specifications
Challenger 2 Type 96
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇨🇳 China
Category Main Battle Tank Main Battle Tank
Type Heavy Main Battle Tank Medium Main Battle Tank
Manufacturer Vickers Defense Systems Norinco
Number produced 447 units 2,500 units
Estimated unit price $5.3 million $-- million
Combat weight 75.0 tons 41.0 tons
Maximum speed 59 km/h 60 km/h
Operational range 550 km 700 km
Length 13.50 m 9.99 m
Width 4.20 m 3.45 m
Height 2.49 m 2.30 m
Crew 4 (commander, gunner, loader–operator, driver) 3
Performance Radar Chart
Armament & Powertrain
Challenger 2 Type 96
Main armament L30A1 120 mm rifled gun 1 2A46M/ D-81TM 125mm smoothbore barrel gun
Secondary weapon 7.62 mm coaxial L94A1 chain gun 1 NSV 12.7mm machine gun
Engine Perkins CV-12 Condor 12-Cylinder Diesel Engine with 1200 hp V-8 Diesel Engine with 1200 hp

Overview

The Challenger 2 and the Type 96 are both Main Battle Tanks, manufactured by Vickers Defense Systems and Norinco respectively.

The Challenger 2 weighs 75.0 tons vs 41.0 tons for the Type 96. Top speed is 59 km/h for the Challenger 2 vs 60 km/h for the Type 96. Operational range is 550 km for the Challenger 2 vs 700 km for the Type 96. The Challenger 2 is armed with a L30A1 120 mm rifled gun, while the Type 96 carries a 1 2A46M/ D-81TM 125mm smoothbore barrel gun.

The Challenger 2 has been produced in 447 units vs 2,500 for the Type 96. The Type 96 entered service 1 years before the Challenger 2 (1997 vs 1998).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Challenger 2 or Type 96?
The Type 96 is faster with a maximum road speed of 60 km/h compared to the Challenger 2's 59 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the Challenger 2 or Type 96?
The Type 96 has a longer operational range at 700 km compared to the Challenger 2's 550 km.
Which is heavier, the Challenger 2 or Type 96?
The Challenger 2 is heavier at 75.0 tons combat weight compared to the Type 96's 41.0 tons.
Which is larger, the Challenger 2 or Type 96?
The Challenger 2 is longer at 13.50 meters compared to the Type 96's 9.99 meters.
How many crew members do the Challenger 2 and Type 96 require?
The Challenger 2 requires a larger crew of 4 (commander, gunner, loader–operator, driver) compared to the Type 96's 3 crew members.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Challenger 2 or Type 96?
The Type 96 has been produced in greater numbers with 2,500 units compared to 447 units of the Challenger 2.
What are the main armaments of the Challenger 2 and Type 96?
The Challenger 2 is armed with L30A1 120 mm rifled gun while the Type 96 carries 1 2A46M/ D-81TM 125mm smoothbore barrel gun as its main armament.