Challenger vs Chieftain / Shir

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
British main battle tank, 1056 units built, designed for high crew survivability.
Profile of Chieftain / Shir
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Main Battle Tank
Type Heavy Main Battle Tank
Manufacturer Royal Ordnance Factory
Number produced 1,056 units
Estimated unit price $-- 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 26 litre diesel 1,200 hp (895 kW)
Main armament Royal Ordnance L11A5 120 mm rifled gun
Secondary weapon 7.62 mm L8A2
Combat weight 55.0 tons â—‰
Maximum speed 48 km/h â—‰
Operational range 500 km â—‰
Length 9.99 m â—‰
Width 3.50 m â—‰
Height 2.90 m â—‰
Crew 4
Engine Leyland L60 Diesel Engine with 750 hp
Main armament 1 L11A5 120mm rifled barrel gun
Secondary weapon 1 L8A1 7.62mm coaxial machine gun

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Challenger or Chieftain / Shir?
The Challenger is faster with a maximum road speed of 56 km/h compared to the Chieftain / Shir's 48 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the Challenger or Chieftain / Shir?
The Chieftain / Shir has a longer operational range at 500 km compared to the Challenger's 450 km.
Which is heavier, the Challenger or Chieftain / Shir?
The Challenger is heavier at 62.0 tons combat weight compared to the Chieftain / Shir's 55.0 tons.
Which is larger, the Challenger or Chieftain / Shir?
The Challenger is longer at 11.56 meters compared to the Chieftain / Shir's 9.99 meters.
How many crew members do the Challenger and Chieftain / Shir require?
The Challenger requires a larger crew of 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver) compared to the Chieftain / Shir's 4 crew members.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Challenger or Chieftain / Shir?
The Chieftain / Shir has been produced in greater numbers with 1,056 units compared to 420 units of the Challenger.
What are the main armaments of the Challenger and Chieftain / Shir?
The Challenger is armed with Royal Ordnance L11A5 120 mm rifled gun while the Chieftain / Shir carries 1 L11A5 120mm rifled barrel gun as its main armament.