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Another Challenger tank destroyed just after Kursk offensive.
Almost immediately after the Ukrainian Armed Forces launched a new offensive in the Russian Kursk direction, another British-made and delivered Challenger 2 tank was destroyed by an FPV drone.
An intriguing video shared on the social media platform X reveals the unfortunate fate of the British tank. Hidden among the golden winter hues of trees and bushes, the Ukrainian crew attempted to make use of their camouflage.
However, the FPV drone operator spotted it and struck the tank directly at the mantlet, where the main gun connects to the turret. There is no information on whether the tank was completely destroyed or only partially damaged but still operational.
The location of the hit is called the “mantlet.” This is a protective element that covers the area of the gun and provides additional protection for the critical parts of the tank, such as the gun barrel and the turret rotation mechanisms.
A characteristic feature of the mantlets on the Challenger 2 tank is that they are designed to provide extra protection against hits, including from anti-tank weapons. The mantlet on the Challenger 2 is part of the overall concept of the tank’s modular protection, which includes both reactive armor and composite armor.
However, this part of the tank is also one of the vulnerable areas, as the heavy protection can be compromised by precise hits, such as from high-explosive projectiles.
The reasons why Challenger 2 tanks are relatively rare in battles in Ukraine can be varied, including both operational and strategic factors. Here are some possible explanations, presented impartially and transparently:
The UK provided 14 Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine, which is a relatively small number compared to the number of tanks available to the Ukrainian army. Even if they were well-prepared and delivered on time, it’s unlikely they would play a central role in the main battles, especially when competing with larger deliveries of other tanks, like the Leopard 2 or T-72.
The Challenger 2 tank has specific maintenance requirements and spare parts that may present challenges for its use in active combat conditions. Although it is highly effective, it may require specialized servicing that isn’t easily available in Ukraine.
Ukraine might prefer to use tanks that are more widely distributed and more readily available on the battlefield, such as the Soviet-era T-72 or the newly received Leopard 2. These tanks are more common and easier to integrate into tactical operations and battles. The Challenger 2, with its more specialized features, may not be the most optimal choice for some situations.
As mentioned, some of the Challenger 2 tanks have already been destroyed. This could be due to the high risk involved in deploying tanks in the heavy and intense combat conditions found in Ukraine, where the number of anti-tank weapons is significant. The losses of such expensive and highly specialized equipment could reduce the willingness to expose it to unnecessary risk.
Ukraine receives weapons from many different countries, and decisions about their use are sometimes linked to political and diplomatic considerations. The use of different tank models may be part of a broader context of international relations and coordination with allies.
Ukraine may prioritize other combat platforms, such as armored vehicles or artillery, which could be more effective for the specific conditions in Ukraine. Tanks like the Challenger 2, while powerful, may not be as mobile or flexible as some other modern weapon systems.
Additionally, it has been proven that the Challenger 2 is highly susceptible to Ukrainian and Russian black soil, and in winter and spring conditions, it easily gets stuck in the mud. This adds another practical challenge for its widespread use, as maneuverability is crucial in such a dynamic and rugged environment.
The Challenger 2 is a British main battle tank [MBT] designed and manufactured by Vickers Defence Systems [now part of BAE Systems]. It was introduced into service with the British Army in the late 1990s and is widely regarded as one of the most capable modern MBTs, particularly known for its advanced armor protection and fire control system.
The Challenger 2 was primarily designed to face the evolving threats on the battlefield, especially in terms of direct fire from enemy tanks and anti-tank weapons, as well as providing high levels of mobility and firepower.
The Challenger 2 has a length of 10.3 meters [33.8 feet], including the gun, a width of 3.5 meters [11.5 feet], and a height of 2.5 meters [8.2 feet]. Its combat weight is approximately 62.5 tons, which makes it one of the heavier tanks in service today.
Despite its weight, the tank’s design ensures it maintains good mobility, with a maximum road speed of 59 kilometers per hour [36.5 miles per hour] and a cross-country speed of around 40 kilometers per hour [24.8 miles per hour].
The Challenger 2 is powered by a Perkins CV12-6A V12 diesel engine, providing 1,200 horsepower, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of about 19.2 horsepower per ton.
One of the defining features of the Challenger 2 is its advanced armor protection. The tank is equipped with Chobham armor, a type of composite armor that offers superior protection against both kinetic energy and chemical energy projectiles.
The armor includes a combination of ceramic tiles, metal alloys, and other materials designed to absorb and dissipate the energy from incoming rounds. The turret is reinforced with additional layers of this composite armor, and the hull features sloped armor for added protection.
In addition to Chobham armor, the Challenger 2 also integrates reactive armor, particularly on the turret, to provide protection against anti-tank missiles and RPGs [rocket-propelled grenades].
The turret is fully rotating, and the tank features a 4-man crew, including the commander, gunner, loader, and driver. The tank’s main weapon is the 120mm L30A1 rifled gun, which is capable of firing a variety of ammunition types, including armor-piercing discarding sabot [APDS] rounds, high-explosive squash head [HESH] shells, and high-explosive anti-tank [HEAT] rounds.
The L30A1 gun is known for its accuracy and has a fully computerized fire control system, enabling the Challenger 2 to engage targets effectively, even while on the move. The fire control system includes a Laser Range Finder [LRF], thermal and day sights, and a Ballistic Computer [BC], all of which work together to ensure a high probability of first-round hits.
In terms of secondary armament, the Challenger 2 is equipped with a 7.62mm L94A1 chain gun mounted coaxially alongside the main gun, and a 7.62mm L37A2 general-purpose machine gun mounted on the turret for anti-infantry and close defense purposes.
The tank also carries a Smoke Dispenser System that can release smokescreens to obscure its position, making it harder for enemies to target the tank effectively.
The vehicle is also equipped with advanced electronics and communication systems, including the Bowman radio system, which allows for secure communication with other units on the battlefield. The tank also integrates an advanced Command and Control [C2] system, allowing the Challenger 2 to relay battlefield information and receive tactical updates in real time.
The tank is capable of operating in a variety of environments, from desert to Arctic conditions, with NBC [Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical] protection ensuring the crew’s safety in hostile environments.
For mobility, the Challenger 2 uses a hydropneumatic suspension system, which allows it to traverse difficult terrain and maintain stability when crossing uneven ground or during sudden maneuvers.
The tracks are made from durable steel, and the tank is fitted with a “wet” suspension system to reduce wear and improve ride quality in rough conditions. The system also aids in maintaining ground pressure low enough to reduce the risk of the tank getting bogged down in softer terrain, though it is still susceptible to deep mud or snow in some conditions.
The Challenger 2 is designed to operate effectively in combined arms warfare, working alongside infantry, armored units, and artillery to engage enemy forces and defend friendly positions.
Its operational range is approximately 550 kilometers [342 miles] on the road, although this can be reduced in combat scenarios depending on terrain and fuel consumption. The tank can carry up to 1,000 liters [264 gallons] of fuel, giving it a sufficient operational radius before refueling is necessary.
The tank’s combat effectiveness is further enhanced by its battlefield integration. It operates alongside other NATO assets and can communicate and exchange information with allied forces, whether through secure digital networks or traditional voice communication.
The use of night vision technology, including thermal imaging, allows the Challenger 2 to operate effectively at night or in low-visibility conditions.
The Challenger 2 has been deployed in a number of operational environments, including the Gulf War in 2003, where it proved highly effective in combat. In that conflict, Challenger 2 tanks destroyed numerous enemy armored vehicles and provided vital support for coalition ground forces. It has also seen action in various peacekeeping and stabilization operations, including in the Balkans and in Iraq.
Overall, the Challenger 2 is a highly capable main battle tank with excellent firepower, protection, and mobility. Its combination of advanced armor, powerful armament, and sophisticated electronic systems makes it a formidable asset on the modern battlefield.
However, like any military vehicle, it also faces certain limitations, including its relatively large size and weight, which can pose logistical challenges in some environments. Nonetheless, it remains one of the premier tanks in the world, particularly in terms of its survivability and firepower, and continues to serve as the backbone of the British Army’s armored forces.
2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
On February 21, 2022, Russia stated that its border facility was attacked by Ukrainian forces, resulting in the deaths of five Ukrainian fighters. However, Ukraine quickly dismissed these allegations, labeling them as ‘false flags’.
In a notable move on the same day, Russia announced it officially recognized the self-proclaimed areas of DPR and LPR. Interestingly, according to Russian President Putin, this recognition covered all the Ukrainian regions. Following this declaration, Putin sent a battalion of Russia’s military forces, tanks included, into these areas.
Fast forward to February 24, 2022, global headlines were dominated by a significant incident. Putin commanded a forceful military assault on Ukraine. Led by Russia’s impressive Armed Forces positioned at the Ukrainian border, this assault wasn’t spontaneous but a premeditated action. Despite the circumstances resembling a war, the Russian government refrains from using this term. They’d rather refer to it as a “special military operation”.
(Bulgarian military)