Challenger 2 Megatron is a Challenger 2 Tank based at the British Army Bovington Camp in Dorset, UK. It is operated by the Armoured Trials and Development Unit and is commonly seen in the Challenger 2 Street Fighter configuration.
ATDU use Megatron for the trialling of new and possible future equipment for all British Army Challenger 2 Tanks.
The name “Megatron” is a nickname given to the vehicle and at one stage had the Transformers logo added. It is a regular addition to the Tank Museums annual show “Tankfest” and has participated in arena displays.
Challenger 2 Megatron Trials
- Challenger 2 Megatron Tank
- Challenger 2 Megatron Tank
- Challenger 2 Megatron Tank
- Challenger 2 Megatron Tank
Dorchester Level 2 Armor –
Megatron has been fitted with many of the DL2 packages over the year. Though not used to test the effectiveness, it is used to test the practical application such as mobility with the additional weight etc.
Currently Megatron is the only Challenger 2 Tank fitted with DL2 F. Not yet issued, they are ERA blocks mounted on the DL2 B turret side modules. They are represented in terms of weight by metal plates on top of the DL2 B.
Suspension –
The Challenger 2 Street Fighter with DL2 F has a projected 73+ tonne combat weight. ATDU trialled a new Hydrogas Suspension system to handle the increased weight during 2010.
1500hp Engine –
Megatron has been fitted with the Challenger 2E 1500hp MTU MT 883 diesel engine in the last couple of years. The increased power and reduced weight of the engine significantly increased overall mobility and The crew reported that the Bovington Camp track could not cope with Megatron.
It is not known if Megatron has retained the new engine, but proves that British Army Challenger 2 could successfully be installed with the engine.
120mm Ammunition –
during 2009, a new HESH round manufactured in Belgium was trialled. In 2015 a new Tungsten Armour Piercing Fin-Stabilised Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) supplied by BAE Systems Land was trialled.
- Challenger 2 Megatron Tank
- Challenger 2 Megatron Tank
- Challenger 2 Megatron Tank
- Challenger 2 Megatron Tank
Challenger 2 Megatron 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 | Perkins Condor V-12 1200hp Diesel |
Transmission | David Brown TN54 epicyclical (6 forward/ 2 reverse gears) |
Top Road Speed | 56 km/h (Governed) |
Road Range | 450 km |
Fuel Capacity | 1592 Litres |
Vertical Obstacle | Unknown |
Water Capability | Unknown |
Trench Crossing | Unknown |
Gradient | 60% |
Side Slope | 30% |
Dimensions |
|
Length Gun Forward | 11.55m (excluding bar armor) |
Length Hull | 8.327m (excluding bar armor) |
Width |
3.52m+ |
Height | 2.49m (roof top) |
Ground Clearance | Unknown |
Weight | 73,000kg aka 73 tonne combat |
Protection |
|
NBC Protected | Yes |
Armor Type | Steel/Composite/modular/passive/ERA |
Active Protection Systems | No |
Crew |
|
Commander | Yes |
Gunner | Yes |
Loader | Yes |
Driver | Yes |
Additional Crew | — |
Troops Carried | n/a |