Design Overview & Tactical Role
The Challenger 1 made military history as the first operational main battle tank to protect its crew behind revolutionary British Chobham composite armor. Combining ceramic tiles, steel, and elastomer layers to dissipate shaped-charge jets and kinetic darts, it rode on exceptionally smooth hydrogas suspension and was powered by a 1,200 hp Perkins diesel.
Combat History & Battle Records
Originating from the canceled Iranian Shir 2 program, the Challenger 1 was adopted by the British Army in 1983. During Operation Granby (the 1991 Gulf War), the 1st Armoured Division destroyed approximately 300 Iraqi tanks without losing a single Challenger to enemy fire.
Related Armored Vehicles (Cold War)
Modern
1998
Modern
2025
Cold War
1948
Cold War
1961