The Challenger 2 is the first British Army tank since World War II to be designed, developed and produced exclusively by a single prime contractor, Vickers Defence Systems, with set reliability goals laid down in the fixed price contract. Challenger 2 was designed and manufactured at both Vickers sites, Barnbow Leeds and Scottswood Newcastle.Challenger 2 is a British main battle tank (MBT) currently in service with the armies of the United Kingdom and Oman. It was designed and built by the British company Vickers Defence Systems.The manufacturer advertises it as the world's most reliable main battle tank.
Challenger 2 is an extensive redesign from Challenger 1, the MBT from which it was developed. It uses the basic hull and automotive parts of its predecessor but all other components are new.The hull and automotive parts of the Challenger 2 are based upon its predecessor Challenger 1, but Challenger 2 incorporates over 150 improvements aimed at increasing reliability and maintainability. The turret of Challenger 2 is a totally new design. Armour is an uprated version of Challenger 1's Chobham armour. The Challenger 2 is the best protected tank in NATO (10) incorporating Chobham second-generation armour plating.
The Challenger 2 (Main Battle Tank) of the 3rd Troop D Squadron of the Royal Dragoon Guards (RDG) is tested to the limit as it ploughs through the sands of the Omani desert in the training area north of Thumbrait.
