![]() Futureproofing the weapon’s effectiveness is to be achieved by integrating a new ammunition nature, either the multipurpose M829A4 or the German KE2020Neo. This is to be achieved by changing the rifled 120mm gun on the Challenger 2 to a smoothbore L55A1 120mm gun able to fire munitions at a much greater velocity. The Hard Road or the Blind Corner?Ĭentral to the decision to upgrade the Challenger 2 was the need to increase its lethality against modern armour. The second is the integration of an active protection system on the vehicle, which is contracted to Rafael, but has significant implications for the base design. The first question is the preferred ammunition for the main armament. In contrast to GDLSUK, BAE Systems Land UK and Rheinmetall – the two companies that formed RBSL – have a strong track record designing and building tracked armoured vehicles.ĭespite these strong foundations, two outstanding questions could pose serious challenges to delivering the programme on time and on budget, and it is the Army that must ensure that these are resolved. Many of the engineers on the project were integral to the delivery of Challenger 2. The prime contractor overseeing the programme – Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) – owns the intellectual property for Challenger 2, the base platform, and the gun around which the new turret is built is owned by Rheinmetall Waffe Munition. On the face of it, the Challenger 3 programme appears to be on firm foundations. Ensuring that similar problems do not afflict this programme is essential to the Army’s future vision. The Army has recently committed to upgrading 148 of its Main Battle Tanks to Challenger 3. Alongside defects in design and quality control by the manufacturer, General Dynamics Land Systems UK (GDLSUK), the report highlighted cultural issues within the Army including optimism bias. The recent report into noise and vibration issues with the Ajax armoured vehicle raises serious concerns as to how large programmes are managed by the British Army. ![]()
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