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Some info on the Challenger II MBT:
http://www.fprado.com/armorsite/chall2.htm Not a bad tank at all. I think Forecast International places it as Number 4 in the world (behind the Leopard 2A6, M1A2, and Japanese Type 90). Rob As neither the Leopard nor any Japanese tank is likely to be involved in a real conflict for the forseeable future, I guess that makes the Challenger II second only to the Abrams for all practical purposes. PB. I disagree completely. Germany could have fielded the Leopard II in OIF if the German Government had chosen to join the conflict instead of bickering with the US/UK. The Leopard II has the greatest chance of future combat because it is Europe's premiere MBT and sooner or later the Heer will deploy them in conflict just as German soldiers are deployed in the Balkans and Afghanistan now. It's just a matter of time... The Japanese, however, still need to transition from a self-defence force to regular armed forces. That does not, however, have anything to do with the lethality, mobility, or survivability of their Type 90 design (which is essentially a Leopard II to Japanese standards- added auto-loader, Japanese electronics, hydro-pneumatic suspension). If you want to argue combat records then the Merkava tank would be right up there with the M1 and Challenger MBTs. In fact, the Merkava saw action long before the other two- in Lebanon, 1982. The Merkava has always been looked down upon by the US because it is more suited to Israeli needs in the region. But since that region is now where US and UK forces are facing conflict the question is- who is better at street fighting? In the street the long gun advantage of the M1 and Challenger are made nil. Thats why the Merkava carries an internal mortar and armed troops, acting as an IFV. With the Merkava Mk.3Baz and Mk.4 the Israelis easily rival the best in their region. I concede that the Leopard II would also lose its advantage in this type of fighting seeing how its powerful L55 gun and new ammo is designed for long-range kills on an open battlefield. But please dont use Iraq as an example of Mideast street fighting. The M1s in Baghdad were mainly fired upon on the highway leading into the city. This is nothing like real street fighting in Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank. The Merkavas today must navigate in very narrow streets that are mined, with Palestinians on the roofs with RPGs. Unlike the Iraqis, the Palestinians are quite willing to fight and die... for going on 36 months now. We've been in Iraq as an occupation/liberation force for barely 2 months! Rob |
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Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Challenger forum | Dico Reyers | Home Built | 0 | December 30th 03 06:48 PM |