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The Challenger 2E Tank was an export model of the Challenger 2 Tank marketed by BAE Systems Land. The vehicle offered several upgrades over the Challenger 2 Tank in British Army service. It was trialed, but failed to attract any orders and is no longer offered to the export market.

Challenger 2E Tank Firepower

Challenger 2E Tank Diagram

Challenger 2E Tank Diagram

The Challenger 2E retained the L30 rifled 120mm main gun, but had improvements to its Fire Control System, namely a gyro stabilised panoramic SAGEM MVS 580 day/thermal sight for the commander and SAGEM SAVAN 15 gyro stabilised day/thermal sight for the gunner.

This eliminated the bulky thermal sight above the main gun and gave a better Hunter-Killer capability at night, with the Commander having his own thermal channel, rather than relying on the Gunners.

Challenger 2E Tank Mobility

The Challenger 2E had a new engine, the German 1500hp MTU MT 883 diesel, which is also known as the “Euro Powerpack”. The MTU engine gave the vehicle an increased Road Range and overall improved performance.

Challenger 2E Tank Potential Operators

Australia:

It is believed (or rumored) that prior to the Australian Army purchasing reconditioned surplus M1A1 AIM V2 tanks from America, Australia had approached the UK about purchasing the Challenger 2E. No official agreement or deal was ever made and Australia took delivery of its M1A1 tanks in 2007.

Greek Trials:

1998 Greek Army Tank Trials

1998 Greek Army Tank Trials

In late 1998, the Hellenic Army (Greece) conduct tests of the firepower and mobility (not the armoured protection) of the French Leclerc, the Leopard 2 A5 (they used the Swedish Strv 122) Russian T-80U, Ukrainian T-84 and the British Challenger 2E.
The Greeks scored the Leopard 2A5 – 78.65% the M1A2 Abrams – 72.21% the Leclerc – 72.03%; and the CR2E – 69.19%

Challenger 2E Tank – Note Missing Thermal Sight Above Main Gun

Challenger 2E Tank – Note Missing Thermal Sight Above Main Gun

The Leopard 2A5 was the only one with a demonstrated deep fording capability, while the M1A2 had the best firing results during hunter/killer target engagements. The 1500hp MTU EuroPowerPack of the Leclerc and CR2E gave the best cruising range and lower fuel consumption. The Greeks were already operating the Leopard 2 A4 (reduced cost 2nd hand) and in 2000 the Leopard 2 A6 was selected as their new principal MBT.

When the Challenger 2E was returned the FCS was tested and found in good order. It was found that the main gun had soot and debris in the barrel. This was because the Greeks had been supplied with the old Challenger 1’s L23 APFSDS for the trials and as such the old L14A2 case charge, which was a modified for desert weather L14A1 and had been so hurriedly manufactured that WNC-supplied L8 combustible cases were modified to meet urgent deliveries for the Gulf War. It was the old L14A2 case charges that had been responsible for the debris in the barrel and fouling the shots fired in Greece.

Challenger 2E Tank Status

BAE Systems stopped marketing the Challenger 2E around 2007 to 2008 following the end of the 120mm L55 smoothbore trials and project. The Challenger 2E is not in service.

Challenger 2E Tank Specifications

References:References:

Firepower
Main Gun 120mm, calibre Length 55 Rifled L30 CHARM
Elevation -10 to +20
Secondary Weapons x1 coaxial 7.62mm MG, x1 7.62mm MG
Ammunition Storage x50 120mm, x4,000 7.62mm
Mobility
Engine MTU MT 883 1500hp Diesel
Transmission Renk HSWL 295TM automatic
Top Road Speed 72 km/h (estimated Governed)
Road Range 500 km
Fuel Capacity 1592+ Litres
Vertical Obstacle 0.9m
Water Capability 1.07m
Trench Crossing 2.34m
Gradient 60%
Side Slope 30%
Dimensions
Length Gun Forward 11.55m
Length Hull 8.327m
Width
3.52m
Height 2.49m (roof top)
Ground Clearance 0.5m
Weight 62,000+kg aka 62 tonne combat
Protection
NBC Protected Yes
Armor Type Steel/Composite/modular
Active Protection Systems No
Crew
Commander Yes
Gunner Yes
Loader Yes
Driver Yes
Additional Crew
Troops Carried n/a