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The new Challenger 3 main battle tank has made its public debut at a British Army Defence Vehicle Dynamics event in the United Kingdom.
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The Challenger 3 prototype, expected to be operated by British Armed Forces, was shown by manufacturer Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) at the event in Bedfordshire from 18 to 19 September.
The four-person crewed Challenger 3 is expected to field a NATO 120mm smoothbore cannon, day and night sights, enhanced armour protection, improved tactical communications and enhanced hull protection.
The Challenger 3 was designed by Defence Science and Technology Laboratory and jointly developed with Defence Equipment & Support and RBSL. Current trials have reportedly been successful and the prototype is ahead of schedule with further trials to take place next year.
“I am proud that the product of RBSL’s capability is being showcased at DVD, supporting the event’s theme of ‘Working together to pull the future into the present’,” RBSL managing director Will Gibby said.
“The RBSL team is making great strides, with Challenger 3 completing successful non-destructive testing and further capability trials are to come.
“Not only has RBSL produced the most advanced and capable main battle tank in NATO, the development capability to deliver this program – including the people, process, tools, facilities, and knowledge – are the building blocks needed to tailor new customer solutions.
“We look forward to RBSL helping shape the future of military vehicle design and production with international allies.”
In total, 148 Challenger 3 Main Battle Tanks will be upgraded and two prototypes have already been produced off the Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land factory production line in Telford this year with six more prototype vehicles being delivered in the coming months.
Testing is already underway and progressing well to validate their performance and make refinements, before another 140 are built and delivered to the British Army.
Challenger 3 is being delivered by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land under an £800 million contract, creating highly skilled roles, with nearly 300 jobs generated within RBSL, including 130 engineers and 70 technicians, with an additional 450 jobs across the UK.
The contract has also attracted a £40 million inward investment in RBSL’s Telford facility, utilising a UK supply chain that includes companies in the West Midlands, Glasgow, Newcastle upon Tyne and the Isle of Wight.
