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Hi Guys.
Today i want to suggest the British answer to the top tier Big Gun suggestions that was recently passed for consideration for War Thunder.
Let me introduce the Rheinmetall Defence 130mm Gun Testbed Challenger 2. Do keep in mind alot about this tank is still very classified.
Background.
The Rheinmetall Defence 130mm Gun Testbed Challenger 2 was first unveiled Juli 31 2020 which promises brand new Turret Armor, A glorious hard hitting 130 mm L/51 cannon.
There is not much known about the new Challenger 2 other than it’s a Testbed to demonstrate the ability of the Challenger 2 chassis being able to install a new Turret able to carry the 130 mm gun. The 130 mm L/51 is showcased to be loaded by an autoloader meaning that the tank in most likely crewed by only 3 men. A Driver, Gunner and Comander.
The intended Armor of the turret is completely classified. But is claimed to be a significant improvement of the the Currently operational Challenger 2 in the British army. The same goes for the engine but is most likely the same as in the Challenger 2 LEP also developed by Rheinmetall.
After the upgrade was showcased. it is believed that the testbed may end up become Britain next Challenger 2 upgrade. Heavely increasing the Challenger 2 tanks capabilities and giving the Russian T-14 Armata tank a run for it’s money.
The Rh-130 L/51 130mm Smoothbore cannon background.
Going into specific details about the 130mm cannon is that it is intended to counter the most modern tanks in the world like the Russian T-14 Armata. The Ammunition for the L/51 is believed to both DM-73 APFSDS in a larger cartridge, A Next Generation of APFSDS which uses a semi combustible cartridge case, A programable HE round which can be both an Airburst or an Impact round, And a Anti Bunker round which in War Thunder would work similar to APHE.
The L/51 cannon is said to have a 50% increase in Performance comparred to the Rh-120 L/55 120mm gun. So if we take the DM-73 APFSDS which is said to have a penetration of around 850mm to 950 mm against RHA while using the 120mm L/55. But if we use this shell in the 130mm L/51 cannon the Penetration could be around 1050mm to 1150mm against RHA.
The cannon autoloader is believed to be a Belt Fed Autoloader similar to the French Leclerc which sits in the rear of the Turret.
Turret Armor speculation.
While the both the Armor layout and NERA elements of the turret is currently unknown. The best speculation that could be brought for the turret is that it would most likely be equalent to the Leopard 2A7 variants. And guessing from the pictures I would argue that the turret front is aprotimatly 1000mm of RHA and the turret sides differs. And there is also the possibility that the turret are using armored screens like the ingame Leopard 2A5 both in the Front and Side turret.
As for the Hull it is believed to be identical to the standard Challenger 2.
specifications.
Armor. Lower plate. Identical to the Challenger 2 currently ingame. Upper plate Classified Composite armor. Turret Next generation Composite Classified.
Engine. CV12-6A V12 Diesel Engine.
Crew. 3 Driver, Gunner and Commander.
Transmission. TN54E epicyclic.
Gun. Rh-130 L/51 130mm Smoothbore Cannon.
In War Thunder.
In War Thunder. A Challenger 2 with a 130 mm gun would give the British their own Big Stick top tier tank similar to the ones that just recently got passed to developers a few months back. Since i believe this tank will fit amazingly into the British Top Tier at 11.0+
Hope you guys like the suggestion. If i missed something please let me know. And see you in the Battlefields of War Thunder! :)
Sources.
Rheinmetall – MBT 130 mm Gun - YouTube
“Old Suggestion”
Rheinmetall Defence 130mm Gun Testbed Challenger 2 - Great Britain - War Thunder - Official Forum