The network has a video of a new version of the British main tank Challenger 2 from the German concern Rheinmetall. The video was posted on YouTube – канале Rheinmetall Defence.
Recall, that Britain intends to use MBT Challenger 2 at least until 2035 of the year. For this back in 2013 the year the command of the ground forces launched work on the subject of Challenger 2 Life Extension Programme (CLEP / BEAUTIFUL). The task of modernizing the tank was received by the British branch of BAE Systems and the land sector of the German concern Rheinmetall.
In the autumn 2018 years BAE Systems introduced its version of the tank, dubbed Black Night (“Dark night”). In this modification, the company decided to limit itself to minor alterations, focusing on replacing parts of the equipment, primarily fire control systems and communications. The hull and tower remain the same, not affected and the power plant. The weapons complex retains the basic elements, but must get new.
Unlike BAE Systems, in rheinmetall went a different way: in the German project it is proposed to use a completely new tower with modern equipment. It contains new fire control devices and other weapons. The German project provides for the abandonment of the standard rifled gun L30A1 in favor of the 120-mm caliber smooth-bore guns more familiar to modern tanks. Possible replacement of the engine with a more powerful.
Which option will the British Army choose in the future?, now unknown. In any case, BAE Systems and Rheinmetall will benefit., created in 2019 joint venture for the production of new tanks.
