Challenger 3 tank updates are also applied to the weapons system. (Photo: @RBSL)
JAKARTA – Machine fights on the battlefield will happen faster. After the presence of drones and autonomous missiles, tanks can now operate on the battlefield without the need for a crew to be present on board.
Thanks to the latest technology, Britain managed to increase its military capabilities with the development of the Challenger 3 tank. After building eight prototypes, the impressive demonstration demonstrated the tank’s ability to fire from long distances without a crew on board.
Reporting from Essanews, Saturday (27/4/2024) the British-German consortium RBSL (Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land) revealed the distinctive features of the Challenger 3 tank. In a presentation by James Cartlidge, British Deputy Minister of Defense who is responsible for purchasing weapons, the tank shown capable of firing without a crew.
Detailed information about how the Challenger 3’s armament is controlled remotely was not provided, such as its control range and how it handles continuous fire given the absence of an autoloader or its effectiveness in the presence of electronic warfare.
Although Britain claims its new tank is a NATO leader, the Challenger 3 is essentially an attempt to catch up with current competitors. One of the major improvements over the Challenger 2 is the resolution of several long-standing issues.
The Challenger 3 represents a significant upgrade rather than a new design. Namely by modernizing 148 of the 227 existing British Challenger 2 tanks. Modifications were made to the hull, including upgrades to the suspension system, engine, and transmission.
Updates were also applied to the turret and weapons systems. The Challenger 2’s turret was replaced with an entirely new model that had a similar ammunition storage system tank Abrams . This system separates the ammunition from the crew and is secured with a blow-off panel to deflect blast forces outward.
Farnham composite armor and new Epsom modular armor provide enhanced turret protection.
Improvements also touched on the tank’s weaponry. Despite its long-range accuracy, the L30A1 Challenger 2’s typical 120-mm notched barrel gun suffers from compatibility issues with standard NATO ammunition. Due to its unique loading process—requiring separate loading of the projectile, propellant charge, and primer—it complicates operations and creates additional costs for the production of specialty ammunition. Now the Challenger 3 will use the German Rh120 smoothbore gun, adapting it to the armament of most Western tanks.
