J.M.Spencer@newcastle.ac.uk (J.M. Spencer) (10/03/90)
From: "J.M. Spencer" <J.M.Spencer@newcastle.ac.uk> Extracted from _The Independent_ of 1 Oct 90: Challanger 2 on time, announces Vickers. Vickers has completed the development of the Challanger 2 MBT on time and on cost. Challanger 2 is based largely on the chassis of Challanger 1: the most significant difference is "the new turret featuring the most advanced fire control computer available... army trials with the high pressure CHARM gun saw crews loading and firing 8 rounds in just 42 seconds..." Other improvements include a six speed gearbox and a new [crew compartment] temperature control system (heating/air-conditioning). Challanger 2 "has successfully passed hundreds of trials" including those which "proved that the latest Challanger's Chobham armour can withstand attacks by any existing tank in the field." The competition against Challanger 2 being selected as a replacement MBT for the British Army consists of the US M1A2, the German Leopard 2, and the French Leclerc. Tom King (the Defence Secretary) has gone on record as saying that he hopes Challanger 2 will win the contract - on merit. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sender : Jonathan M Spencer Mail : Computing Lab, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK Phone : +91 222 8229 ARPA : J.M.Spencer%newcastle.ac.uk@cs.ucl.ac.uk JANET : J.M.Spencer@uk.ac.newcastle UUCP : !ukc!newcastle.ac.uk!J.M.Spencer