- Yes
- No
Background
The Challenger 2E tank, a variant of the British Challenger 2, was developed in the mid-late 90s and early 2000s specifically for the export market, with significant improvements aimed at appealing to international customers. This model focused on performance improvements around an enhanced fire control system and improved engine power (the 1500hp Euro Powerpack). The development of the Challenger 2E was part of the UK’s efforts to showcase its capabilities in producing state-of-the-art military equipment suitable for varied operational requirements.
The earliest versions of the Challenger 2E, during 1995-1996, were also known as the Desert Challenger, and it will be called as such in this suggestion to differentiate itself from the current Challenger 2E in-game, as well as other variants. The Desert Challenger, so named due to the UKs efforts to market the vehicle towards the wealthy Gulf States, was a modified prototype of the Challenger 2 MBT, which, as already stated, features a 1,500hp MTU engine coupled to a RENK HSWL transmission, providing a top speed of up to 72kph, with an emergency boost available to reach 80kph.
The earliest iterations of the Challenger 2E, the Desert Challenger, can be differentiated from later versions by the presence of a dedicated drivers camera, discernable as a small circular hole in the frontal hull, as shown below.
This drivers camera provides the driver with thermal imaging, so it will actually provide a gameplay difference if you are somebody who happens (for some reason) to enjoy driving around in drivers view.
The Desert Challenger/Challenger 2E was demonstrated by Vickers with a sizeable range of modifications and variations, including the above drivers camera. This variant of the Desert Challenger is equipped with the French SFIM (now known as SAGEM) VS 580-10 Commanders sight, similar to the one the British Challenger 2 in-service. This is one of the more basic commanders sights, offering a panoramic view, an inbuilt laser rangefinder, but no thermal imaging.
This suggestion is for the Desert Challenger (VS 580-10) as operated and marketed by Vickers. In various configurations it was offered to various Middle Eastern countries/gulf states, and although these attempts at marketing are generally fairly poorly recorded, they are understood to have been firmly unsuccessful, with the Desert Challenger/ Challenger 2E being marketed until around 2005, when development ceased.
How does this differ from other variants of the Desert Challenger/Challenger 2E?
This variant is unique in that it features the drivers camera (as shown above) and the VS 580-10 commanders sight, meaning that it will have drivers thermals but lack commanders thermals. It also completely lacks the redesigned breech and gunners sight, as seen on the most modern Challenger 2E, as we currently have in-game.
Specifications
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Images
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VS 580-10 commanders sight (left) compared to IRIS commanders sight (right). Note the difference in size and shape.
Sources
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Desert Challenger, Challenger 2, and CRARRV Demonstration, 20th September 1995, to the Royal Saudi Armed Forces (available here)
Jane’s Armour and Artillery 1995-1996 (available here)
*Jane’s Armour and Artillery Upgrades, 1995-1996 (available here)
Military Technology - September 2000 - Pg. 120 - 121
