Image source: topwar.ru
Challenger 3 without modular armor
The British command plans to upgrade 148 Challenger 2 tanks to the Challenger 3 level out of 371 units at its disposal (of which 219 units are listed in combat units).
The promising modification will receive a number of improvements, including a turret armed with a 120 mm Rh120/L55A1 smoothbore cannon, a 7.62mm L94A1 machine gun paired with it, and a 7.62 mm L37A2 loader hatch. One of the key improvements concerns enhanced protection. Judging by the early presentations, it was originally planned to be multi-layered.
Image source: topwar.ru
The Challenger 3 concept
A replaceable Farnham composite armor is installed on top of the main, "cast" armor (on the upper frontal part, the front and sides of the turret), on which Epsom modular armor blocks are then mounted in separate sections. The latter, based on the images seen on the web, is designed to strengthen the protection of the tower.
Image source: topwar.ru
Challenger 3, probably with Epsom modular armor in the front of the turret
The Farnham and Epsom, developed by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), are designed to replace the Dorchester, which is equipped with the Challenger 2. This is the latest version of the combined (steel–ceramic-steel) Chobham armor, originally mounted on the body of M1 Abrams tanks. This mounted armor has been around for more than three decades, and observers have repeatedly pointed out the need to replace it.
It is also important that the use of not only multilayer armor (hull steel – Farnham – Epsom), but also the installation of KAZ, the first barrier in the way of enemy weapons, significantly enhances the protective characteristics of the Challenger 3.
- the British Ministry of Defense says.
