FV4045 Challenger 3

Armament:
Modified Rhienmetall 120mm L/44

Coaxial 7.62mm L94A1 chaingun

Remote Weapons Station Mounting:
    -12.7mm L111A3 HMG (Pictured)
    -Single Tube Launcher For FGM-148 Javelin 
    -Dual Tube Launcher for Starstreak Mark II SAM

2x Pod Mounted Dual 81mm Mortars
2x Pod Mounted Quad 40mm Grenade Launchers

With development beginning in 2016, and production starting in 2020, the Challenger 3 is the latest generation of British main battle tank. It incorporates many advanced features in similar classes to those that made the Challenger 2 such a formidable vehicle.  

The initial optimization program for the new generation of Challenger MBT was focused on increasing overall lethality. While the 120mm rifled cannon used on initial production variants of the Challenger were adequate for their time, increasing armored protection on opposing armored vehicles made the use of it's HESH rounds redundant. At the same time, the use of Discarding SABOT rounds was seen as an advantageous capability on the modern battlefield. As such, the Rhienmetall 120mm L/44 was chosen for this latest generation of MBT. This cannon gives the Challenger 3 the ability to not only engage heavily armored targets with great effectiveness, but also the ability to share ammunition with the contemporary M1A3 Abrams and Leopard 2A7. 

The second stage of Challenger 3's offensive upgrade was the addition of a modular remote weapons station to the rear of the turret. While the initial purpose of this system was to provide a simple remote mounting point for a HMG, this idea evolved into the modular system it now uses. This platform can be used to fulfill various roles. Vehicles with the Mark 1 Mount feature the L111A3, a modernized version of the admirable Browning M2HB featuring a lighter frame and a modular armor package to protect from small arms fire and shrapnel. The Mark 2 Mount incorporates a mount for single FGM-148 Javelin missile. This Version is less frequently used, as it's usefulness in conjunction with the  120mm L/44 is questionable. The third variant, the Mark 3, features a dual-tube setup for the Starstreak Mark II SAM. This variant sees more use as a support unit, and often adorns platoon command vehicles. All variants of the mount feature a multi-spectrum cctv feed, as well as a laser dazzler. 

The third stage of the program was the Challenger 3's Offense/Defense package. This setup is based off of the Challenger 3's two Mark 4 Multiple Projectile Launcher Systems. Each of these systems is comprised of a pod mounting two 81mm mortars and four 40mm grenade launchers. Because the system uses NATO standard calibers for it's projectiles, the Mark 4 can fire a huge variety of rounds. These can vary from IR-Opaque Smoke to Micro-Scale Tube-Launched UAVs.

Much like the upgrade from Challenger 1 to Challenger 2, the Challenger 3's upgrades focus primarily on the turret. All of these new features required a significantly larger turret than the Challenger 2. While this was initially seen as a liability, new thermal camouflaging materials made the overall thermal signature of the vehicle just about equal to if not smaller than the Challenger 2.

The crew of the Challenger 3 is comprised of four men. The vehicle's commander is responsible for general duties, as well as operating the Challenger 3's remote weapon station, deploying the Mark 4 MPLS, and BattleNet Uplink equipment. This system allows the Challenger 3 to network with surrounding forces, including linked infantry units. This capability allows the Challenger 3 to operate with extreme efficiency in urban environments. The commander has a panoramic SAGEM VS 590-19 gyrostabilised sight with a laser rangefinder. His station is also equipped with four periscopes. The Challenger 3's Gunner is in charge of the 120mm L/44 cannon and coaxial L94A1 machine gun. The Thermal Observation and Gunnery Sight IV (TOGS IV) provides night vision. The thermal image is displayed on both the gunner's and commander's sights and monitors. The gunner has a stabilized primary sight using a laser rangefinder with a range of 200 m (660 ft) to 10 km (6.2 mi). The loader has a small bank of periscopes mounted on his hatch (shared with the gunner). His job is to operate the Mark 2A2 power rammer, allowing him to load the main cannon in under five seconds. The driver's position is equipped with a Thales Optronics image-intensifying Passive Driving Periscope (PDP) for night driving and a rear view thermal camera, identical to that used on the Challenger 2. 

The armor package of the Challenger 3 is an upgraded version of the Chobham / Dorchester system used in previous Challenger models. This generation, the Level 4, incorporates an upgraded thermal camouflage system, as well as a new semi-regenerating ceramic composite that better handles tandem-warhead missiles. To supplement this system, the Challenger 3 carries a skirt armor package. These skirts have points for mounting ERA plates, slat armor, and are integrated with the same semi-regenerating ceramic composite as the main armor package.

The Challenger 3 is powered by a Perkins CV-18(G) liquid-cooled V-12 twin-turbo diesel engine, a license built (albeit highly modified) version of the German MTU MB 873 Ka-501. As a result, the Challenger 3 features a slightly shorter engine deck, and therefor an overall shorter profile than it's predecessors. This engine provides the Challenger 3 with a power/weight ratio of 17 kW/t, and a top road speed of 43mph, marginally better than the Challenger 2 with considerably better fuel efficiency. It shares it's hydropneumatic suspension with the initial Challenger series, minus a single road wheel and the remaining 5 per side being at greater spacing. 

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