The design makes use of proven components, such as the L7 gun of the Centurion, the Leyland L60 multi-fuel engine, the transmission and fire control system of the Chieftain. The Jordanian Challenger 1 is known as the Al-Hussein or Falcon.The Vickers MBT is a series of main battle tanks (MBTs) developed as a private venture by British company Vickers-Armstrongs for export. The only current operator of Challenger 1 is Jordan, having modified their tanks by replacing the three man turret with an unmanned turret, incorporating an automatic-loading system and remote control weapons systems. Challenger 1 has been credited with over 300 confirmed kills of Iraqi armor in 1991 and an even larger number of APCs and CRVs as well as other assorted AFVs.Ĭhallenger 1 Mk.3 and Mk.2 tanks have also seen service in Kosovo in 1999 under KFOR (Kosovo Force) and Bosnia in 1996 under IFOR (Implementation Force) which was replaced by SFOR (Stabilization Force). The record set by the tank still stands, even to this date. The equipment Challenger 1's employed to do this being the thermal observation and gunnery system (TOGS) and global positioning system (GPS) fitted to the tank. 7th Armoured Brigade's commanding officer, Brigadier Patrick Cordingley, was quoted with saying “Challenger is a tank built for combat and not competitions.”Ĭhallenger 1 also set the record for the longest range tank-on-tank kill in armored warfare history, destroying an Iraqi tank over 5,100 meters away, at night and in complete darkness. The British Challenger 1 when compared to the American M1A1 Abrams and other NATO counterparts achieved far greater fuel efficiency, serviceability and combat effectiveness. The tanks fared outstandingly well in the arid desert climate, despite fears that it might suffer reliability problems observed in the Mainland Division and NATO competitions. Challenger 1 Mk.3 is an upgraded variant of Challenger 1 Mk.2, with a reconfigured interior and fitted with appliqué ERA armour on the hull front glacis and (oddly absent in this game) appliqué Chobham armour on the hull side skirts, giving it enhanced protection against HEAT projectiles.Ĭhallenger 1 Mk.3 made it's battlefield debut in 1991 in the first Gulf War with 114 examples of the new prototype tank, paired with 107 Challenger 1 Mk.2 tanks.

Challenger mk 2 main battle tank