Challenger 2 tanks - Great Britain: books - history, types and construction

Challenger 2

The introduction into British army service of the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank (MBT) was originally intended to take a mere eighteen months from design to production, but in the event, it took something closer to ten years.
Why this was so is an important part of the Challenger 2 story, and although on the face of it this might seem to be a clear failure, it actually produced the most thoroughly tested and reliable tank ever to enter service with the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC).

The tank has now been in service for twenty years and can be expected to form part of the British army's inventory - albeit in low numbers - until around 2035, which would make it the longest-serving frontline battle tank ever used by the UK.

Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank Manual (1998 to present) - An insight into the design, construction, operation and maintenance (Haynes Military Manual)

The British Army's Challenger 2 tank is based on Challenger 1 that served with distinction in the 1st Gulf War and the Balkans. Challenger 2 is greatly superior to its predecessor with second generation Chobham Armour and a new digital fire control system for its L30 120mm gun.
It performed superbly in Iraq in 2003 and was instrumental in the early capture of Basra by British Forces.

Dick Taylor gives authoritative insights into the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the British Army's main battle tank of the early 21st century.

Challenger 2 - British Main Battle Tank of the Gulf War (TankCraft)

The pioneering tank crew of the First World War would be astonished by the advances made in the design of armoured fighting vehicles over the last 100 years which have resulted in the Challenger 2, the current main battle tank in service with the British army.
In terms of its speed, manoeuvrability and firepower, and the protection it provides for its crew, the Challenger 2 is one of the most advanced and sophisticated tanks ever built, and it is a popular subject with tank modellers and enthusiasts.
That is why this volume in the TankCraft series on the Challenger, featuring hundreds of photographs and specially commissioned colour profiles, is absorbing reading and such a valuable work of reference.

Archive photos of the Challenger 2 in service and extensively researched colour profile illustrations depict the tank throughout its operational life. A large part of the book showcases available model kits and aftermarket products, complemented by a gallery of beautifully constructed and painted models in various scales.
Technical details as well as modifications introduced during production and in the field are also examined and provide everything the modeller needs to recreate an accurate representation of the Challenger 2.

Challenger 2 : The British Main Battle Tank - Rare Photographs from Wartime Archives (Images of War)

For much of the Cold War, the British Armys main battle tanks (MBT) were first the Centurion and then the Chieftain. The question of the latters replacement became urgent when in 1980 MBT80 was cancelled.
While the Royal Ordnance Challenger (originally the Shir 2) was acquired as a stop gap its design and capability limitations quickly became apparent. Vickers then took over the Royal Ordnance tank building facility and against stiff foreign competition developed the Challenger 2.

This superbly researched and illustrated book tells the story of the evolution and subsequent successful career of Challenger 2 which has seen distinguished service in war and peace since 1990 and has proved itself one of the worlds most formidable fighting vehicles.
The authors do not shy away from technical detail and make comparisons with competitors. The result is an objective and authoritative work which will delight military equipment buffs, modellers and wargamers.

Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank 1987-2006 (Osprey)

The Challenger 2 is the current Main Battle Tank of the British Army and represents the culmination of 80 years of tank design. In 1987, its design was presented to the Ministry of Defence in response to a requirement to replace the Chieftain MBT that had been partially superseded by the Challenger 1 MBT. Production began in 1993, and the tank finally entered service in 2002. The tank recently appeared in Iraq, where it proved indispensable during the battle of Basra.

This book covers the evolution of the Challenger 2, from its origins and testing to its involvement in the Middle East and Iraq.

Contents: Introduction - Design and development of the Challenger 2 - Weapons and tactics - Variants and users - Operational history - In combat - Bibliography - Colour plate commentary - Index.