Tank Chats #92 | Challenger 2: Full Length | The Tank Museum

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  • Опубліковано 18 тра 2024
  • Now with Chapters, in the description below! David Willey looks at the current in-service British Main Battle Tank, Challenger 2. David talks to soldiers currently serving on the Challenger 2, looks at the design and development of Challenger 2, where it has seen service and some of the tank's features. With thanks to the British Army for their assistance.
    0:00 Introduction
    0:29 Design and Development of Challenger 2.
    25:34 Features on Challenger 2.
    38:47 Challenger 2 operational service.
    40:33 Talking to a Challenger 2 crew.
    49:59 Challenger 2 upgrade.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,2 тис.

  • @MajesticDemonLord
    @MajesticDemonLord 3 роки тому +1539

    The world's most well protected Tea-making machine.

    • @mackfisher4487
      @mackfisher4487 3 роки тому +38

      I got a kick out of David's comments on the tank cruise teakettle too. I look up on the company that makes it, I couldn't afford it for my RV (Caravan).

    • @Dockhead
      @Dockhead 3 роки тому +21

      @@mackfisher4487 the bloody fact ya got a RV is good enough in my opinion.
      but out of curiosity how much are those? the kettle.

    • @mwnciboo
      @mwnciboo 3 роки тому +34

      Tea Machine that has the record Tank kill distance.

    • @288gto7
      @288gto7 3 роки тому +8

      mwnciboo thats cr1 not 2

    • @Zretgul_timerunner
      @Zretgul_timerunner 3 роки тому +12

      Idk id claim the floating teamakers are better armored.

  • @thomascrown894
    @thomascrown894 Рік тому +88

    Mr. Willey could be talking as well about the history of washing machines and it would be equally interesting and educational.

  • @frednugent2310
    @frednugent2310 Рік тому +83

    I am an American tank junkie and the Challenger 2 is a very impressive tank indeed. I believe it to be the best main battle tank in the world.

    • @eQui253
      @eQui253 Рік тому +5

      one of the best it propably is. greetings from germany.

    • @stamfordmeetup
      @stamfordmeetup Рік тому +3

      the Challenger II tried and tested in combat and none lost. The Leopard only looks good on paper.

    • @frednugent2310
      @frednugent2310 Рік тому +7

      ​@@stamfordmeetup The Leopard 2 has it's weaknesses like all tanks however it is also an outstanding tank. The Challenger 2 screams out excellence but what about the new Challenger 3 that's in the making? There is much we do not and will not know about it for many years to come.

    • @ilikeships9333
      @ilikeships9333 Рік тому

      @@frednugent2310the Leo 2 could be one of the best for active modern tank on tank combat but the challenger2 is great for wars against Soviet 1960 tanks and infantry also it’s great protection and survival rate.

    • @KaihanDTuna
      @KaihanDTuna Рік тому +4

      @@stamfordmeetup there is no unkillable tank.. but no doubt Challenger 2 are one of the best on world

  • @mackfisher4487
    @mackfisher4487 3 роки тому +570

    David, your presentations are flawless in content and delivery thank you from a Yank, I wish some of our museums did as good a job is yours.

    • @TheFreaker86
      @TheFreaker86 3 роки тому +12

      Well, I found the USS Missouri as Museum and the US Army Museum in Honolulu quite impressive

    • @Zakalwe-01
      @Zakalwe-01 3 роки тому +44

      I think the Tank Museum sets a very high bar, but in these days where history is being erased, we need all the high bars we can get 😟

    • @kenduffy5397
      @kenduffy5397 2 роки тому +4

      I couldn’t agree more, I B… I was going to comment on David’s great lecture, but your comment is extremely more relevant, well said.

    • @biscuitapocalypse5883
      @biscuitapocalypse5883 2 роки тому +3

      Which history has been erased? How do we know about the erased history?

    • @user-Hal82
      @user-Hal82 2 роки тому +2

      I don’t know why but I I don’t know me

  • @morning_glorymonster3473
    @morning_glorymonster3473 2 роки тому +306

    I was drafted in the 'People's' army when the Cold War was almost over. 3 companies of our batallion were equiped with T -55s, one with T - 72. (I was on a T - 55.) When we were reading about the technical characteristics of the NATO tanks, we knew we won't have a chance. Our obsolete machines had a chance to hit another tank from a distance not exceeding 1000 meters while the NATO machines could do us from 3 times that. Still, we were not worried because it was clear there will be no war by this point.
    The firing exercises were a joke and everybody knew it. To illustrate, the targets were painted in bright colours so that we can see them clearly. LOL As for the night-vision equipment, it was in such bad shape at this point that we could not see anything a kilometre away. That is why the targets had electric lights attached to them during the night exercises.
    We did our best to skive. I remember how I volunteered to gut fish one night just so that I won't participate in a shooting excercise.

    • @ianmangham4570
      @ianmangham4570 2 роки тому +46

      🤣👍🇬🇧Take care of yourself mate, fantastic story

    • @roman9509
      @roman9509 2 роки тому +3

      This story can be told by any loser from any army not belonging the the top world powers. You’re analysis is a joke.

    • @vanpallandt5799
      @vanpallandt5799 2 роки тому +26

      @@roman9509 dont understand what you mean by loser? Cos he admitted their tanks and organisation were not great?

    • @carterjones8126
      @carterjones8126 2 роки тому +55

      @@roman9509 He speaks from his own experience serving with the Eastern Bloc.
      Unless you can say the same; don't open your trap, because it doesn't fit your own opinion.

    • @thekinginyellow1744
      @thekinginyellow1744 2 роки тому +14

      @@roman9509 The IDF would like to invite you to step outside.

  • @cryptobox128
    @cryptobox128 3 роки тому +27

    “Just turning up with a tank tends to make people understand the issues.”
    I know someone who drove humanitarian truck runs to the Balkans back then, and he remarked on the big difference it made, in terms of hassles experienced and bribes paid, after a NATO tank (Challenger, Leo, Abrams) showed up at a road junction.

    • @Wolvenworks
      @Wolvenworks 3 роки тому +8

      bringing a tank to a negotiation is like an amped up version of "DID I STUTTER?"

  • @davidwright1605
    @davidwright1605 3 роки тому +248

    I worked at the Leeds factory where these were made. Thanks for bringing back a lot of memories.

    • @thewomble1509
      @thewomble1509 3 роки тому +2

      C2 was made at Elswick. Crossgates had been closed down.

    • @aytonbob
      @aytonbob 3 роки тому +9

      Challenger 2 was not made at Elswick but Scotswood.

    • @bryanlittleton4495
      @bryanlittleton4495 3 роки тому +2

      What happened? You got walked out for telling people your the man if you need a tank. The challenger someone has to be second to the leaped 2

    • @lemon2359
      @lemon2359 3 роки тому +4

      @@bryanlittleton4495 leaped 2

    • @brianjob3018
      @brianjob3018 3 роки тому +1

      @Bartosz Piwowarczyk Hi, friend from Central Europe 🇵🇱. The only mfg. job I ever had was for about 7 months at the Boeing 737 plant many years ago

  • @frypan3315
    @frypan3315 3 роки тому +106

    When the tank museum releases a 50 minute video- life is good

  • @ZGryphon
    @ZGryphon 3 роки тому +85

    Charmingly Turned Phrases dep't: "Just turning up with a tank tends to make people back off, understand the issues..."

    • @Hemimike426
      @Hemimike426 3 роки тому

      I seem to have missed, at around what minute?

    • @ZGryphon
      @ZGryphon 3 роки тому

      @@Hemimike426 Circa 39:00, when David is talking about Challenger 2's role in the 1990s Balkan peacekeeping operations.

    • @Hemimike426
      @Hemimike426 3 роки тому

      @@ZGryphon many thanks

  • @wassi5560
    @wassi5560 3 роки тому +23

    Hey! I am german, so sorry for the english, i`ll try my best.... Just from a technical standpoint..... Please pause the video at 21:39 and let that sink in for a moment... after hearing what, and how this man said everything so far in this video.....I just have to say this man is an absolute EXPERT, which clearly loves what he is doing, and besides that, and he is just casually talking about something that fascinating, presenting that topic in the COOLEST way I can imagine!
    My deepest respect, Sir!
    This is how I imagine Einstein, talking about relativity....
    With best regards and greetings from Germany, stay safe!

    • @MultiBurger1
      @MultiBurger1 3 роки тому +1

      @Wassi Vielen dank 🤝🏻

    • @mrdarklight
      @mrdarklight 2 роки тому +2

      As we sometimes say, "You sound like an American, except your English is pretty good." :)

    • @alb0195
      @alb0195 2 місяці тому

      He does sound like an American....

  • @StoccTube
    @StoccTube Рік тому +55

    Anyone else checking back on this video to see if it’s trending since the UK announced the donation of Challenger 2 to Ukraine!

    • @jozseftoth9368
      @jozseftoth9368 11 місяців тому

      Came here for that exact reason. Though no1 ever saw any if these in the SMO zone.

    • @odalv316
      @odalv316 11 місяців тому +1

      Those will be wrecked by artillery before they reach the front line. Tank on tank battles is extremely rare.

  • @MyCaptainPugwash
    @MyCaptainPugwash 3 роки тому +18

    That heating system works so well that people fall asleep in Canada and keep driving straight for 500m until the commander wakes them, hey Marty.

  • @cmbunit01
    @cmbunit01 Рік тому +4

    Thanks

  • @TheGreatGame1900
    @TheGreatGame1900 3 роки тому +187

    Those Vickers export tanks eventually came up against T-72s when the Iraqis invaded Kuwait in 1990. They managed to hold their own for a fair few hours despite only being elements of a single brigade against elements of two Iraqi Republican Guard Divisions. Really interesting video, thanks!

    • @MRXi0
      @MRXi0 2 роки тому +11

      Well its export vs export lmao

    • @b.griffin317
      @b.griffin317 2 роки тому

      @@MRXi0 Battle of the "monkey models."

    • @zhufortheimpaler4041
      @zhufortheimpaler4041 2 роки тому +10

      mhh not quite right.
      When you are talking about the battle of the Bridges in Kuwait
      There was the 35th kuwaiti armored brigade, but of its two Chieftain bataillons less than 50% were operational at mobilisation. both together could only muster a single understrength Chieftain bataillon. (36 vehicles)
      They were supported by a mech company with some add ons from other companies and a severely understrength artillery company.
      The irakis moved in only ELEMENTS of 2 mech and armored divisions without recon.
      The irakis lost about 30 armored vehicles (this includes BMP and MBT) before they retreated.
      That is hardly a victory to brag about.
      Considering that the Kuwaitis lost 136 of 143 Chieftains and a total of 250 MBT´s PLUS about 850 IFV´s and APC´s in the whole invasion, while the irakis barely lost any T72´s. (about 120 armored vehicles in total. again BMP´s and MBT´s are counted together)
      Similar figures arise during the Iran-Irak War from 1980-88.
      Iran lost 600 of its 894 Chieftains and Irak lost barely any T72 and som T62

    • @sandgrownun66
      @sandgrownun66 Рік тому +4

      @@zhufortheimpaler4041 Looks like the Kuwaitis were caught with their pants down then.

    • @zhufortheimpaler4041
      @zhufortheimpaler4041 Рік тому +3

      @@sandgrownun66 or chieftain is just a bad tank.
      i mean there are examples from the reforger exercises, where chieftains from the frontline brigades of the British Army on the Rhine (british NATO contribution to european defense during the cold war) just broke down on the roadmarch from the railhead to the rallypoints.
      the BAOR had also an estimated 35-40% mechanical failure rate on chieftains under peace conditions.

  • @intuitiveinterativedesigns8670
    @intuitiveinterativedesigns8670 3 роки тому +9

    MBT: Mainly Brewing Tea
    Edit: And now we have the Challenger 3!

  • @EasyTiger700
    @EasyTiger700 3 роки тому +16

    A wonderful and outstanding piece of British kit. "Cheers yank, but we dont need your inferior one part ammo. we have a Rifled barrel, 3 part ammunition, bags of spaghetti on the floor and a brew making vessel. Oh and a world record for the longest tank on tank kill"... "thank you very much"........ "God save the Queen".

  • @Steve-bo6ht
    @Steve-bo6ht 3 роки тому +39

    Incredible wealth of information on Challenger 2 ,I will always remember going to my eldest brothers pass off parade at Catterick Garrison 1985 16/5th Royal Lancers. We'd just got out of my fathers car and a Challenger 1 came belting past followed by a Chieftain MBT from the 14/20th Kings Hussars that had just come off the ranges a sight and sound that would stay with me forever.

  • @Wien1938
    @Wien1938 3 роки тому +44

    It's a gorgeous beast!

  • @Enermaxify
    @Enermaxify 2 роки тому +35

    The presentation couldn‘t have been better! Everything explained well, even interviews with the crew... thank you! Greetings from austria ✌🏻

  • @martinbyrne8101
    @martinbyrne8101 2 роки тому +5

    I was in the Royal Marines force protection unit driving a WIMIK to shatt al Arab and the was a challenger 2 on the side of the road. It was so low a well dug in we didn’t see it till we where (I kid you not) bloody 80 yards away. Sneaky bugger sat there not moving it could have took us out a going 70mph down the road a mile away. Sneeky tankers . Glad it was a friendly

  • @davedurave2
    @davedurave2 Рік тому +3

    Thanks, great reviews, tank + British crew = Winner

    • @seniorslaphead8336
      @seniorslaphead8336 Рік тому +1

      With some British training and the opportunity to actually use them I'm sure the Ukrainian tankers will also make good use of them. It will be interesting to see them in action again.

  • @jamesmandahl444
    @jamesmandahl444 Рік тому +2

    Birmingham armor mechanic here. Can confirm it is made from consecutive layers of the same premium steel used to make huusk knives. These layers are then encased in a container made of a unique CCM (tungsten/depleted uranium cermit with muon nanotube fibres interspersed throughout).
    The new 140mm rifled barrel has an advanced apfsds round with an increased rod length of 200mm (full apfsds length now 350mm). This is the longest apfsds round ever used by the british commonwealth. The new hesh round uses octocubane and a special blender to increase brisance of the overall charge.
    How can ruskies compete? Im scared for them.

  • @atinofspam3433
    @atinofspam3433 Рік тому +31

    As much of a meme is the whole tea-maker thing is, I’d argue that having the boiling vessel actually makes the Challenger a more effective tank.
    On a cold evening in the forest or out on the prairies, there is no better morale boost than a hot brew, and a high morale crew will always be more effective than a miserable crew.

    • @alexdemoya2119
      @alexdemoya2119 Рік тому +3

      Well said, spam can. Also caffeine is good for keeping the lads alert.

    • @Ukraineaissance2014
      @Ukraineaissance2014 Рік тому +2

      Most modern tanks and IFVs have them or something similar

    • @mwnciboo
      @mwnciboo Рік тому

      Hot tea / Coffee / Chocolate - Even Soup... All British Rations are boil in the bag - Plus you could have a shave... or wash yourself half hot+ half cold water in a mess tin. Luxury.

    • @MostlyPennyCat
      @MostlyPennyCat Рік тому

      All MREs are designed to be heated in the BV too, you heat your food and, because they're sealed in foil packets, you then use the water to make hot drinks.
      People go on (and on) about tea but EVERY nation drinks hot drinks, be it coffee, tea, chocolate or Bovril.

    • @Ukraineaissance2014
      @Ukraineaissance2014 Рік тому

      @@MostlyPennyCat yep im british myself and it winds me up whenever the challenger is brought up some boring old fart with his untopable 'army humour' cant wait to bring up the hot water and tea stuff. The russians, ukrainians, belarussian etc. drink tea loads as well and other places drink tons of coffee. Its not realy an exciting national trait and as has been said, loads of vehicles have hot water facilities becaue its extremely useful to have in the field and relatively pretty easy for a vehicle to produce

  • @Ewen6177
    @Ewen6177 3 роки тому +15

    Up until about 1990 we had in Germany 3 armoured Divisions, these were the 1st, 3rd and 4th (which made up 1 BR Corps or BAOR). The 2nd Div was an Infantry Div with the HQ based in York. After the 1990 defence review, that is when we drew down to 2 then 1 ARMDDIV in Germany.

    • @twobellz
      @twobellz Рік тому

      Airborne threats from helicopters concerns were really overblown. 🤬

  • @AdurianJ
    @AdurianJ 3 роки тому +11

    When the Swedish CV90 was developed, because of cost they had to chose between gun stabilization or a thermal sight.
    A Thermal sight was deemed more important (night vision don't work during cloudy winter days in northern Sweden).
    However as the production went on stabilization was brought back in after the Gulf War had demonstrated it's usefulness.
    CV90's under production got a stabilization system and the next batch got a better stabilization system, this continued until the CV90A with three axis stabilization and then the previous vehicles where all brought up to CV90A standard, it's stabilization is still limited.
    The CV90B was the next version which had major modifications, now the stabilization system isn't tacked on but built in from the start, the suspension is also different and more suited to a stabilized gun and the gun itself has an electric firing pin so the computer can fire the gun at exactly the right time.
    This is a fully stabilized modern system.
    In this respect the UK and Sweden where similar that they had limited resources that needed to give the most bang for the buck.
    In fact the whole CV90 project meant the Centurion tank could not be replaced in the 1980's, it was deemed more important to mechanize the arctic brigades which was the original mission profile of the CV90's.
    Basically all brigades in the northern half of Sweden was geared to fighting in roadless terrain in deep snow they used a lot of articulated tracked vehicles since wheeled vehicles had failed to do the job in a 1950's winter exercise. Otherwise they where infantry brigades that got slightly better equipment than other other infantry brigades.
    The CV90 was supposed to mechanize one of the battalions of each brigade and give it more punch against the Soviet hordes of the Murmansk and Leningrad military districts coming through Finland.

  • @DeimosComaBlack
    @DeimosComaBlack 3 роки тому +38

    An absolutely terrifying machine nobody would ever want to be on the wrong side of. Not even 500 of them around, but they've undoubtedly made one hell of an impact.

    • @VenVidiVici
      @VenVidiVici 3 роки тому +3

      If I remember right I don't think any of them have ever been lost in any recent wars, something to do with a top secret composite armor.

    • @lunatic_3521
      @lunatic_3521 3 роки тому

      ​@@VenVidiVici ive sen quite a few of them being destroyed in war videos though. Whatever armor protection, in the end there are always weakspots.

    • @momachine74
      @momachine74 3 роки тому

      @jackinthesack Yeah the leopard gave great service in Syria

    • @momachine74
      @momachine74 3 роки тому +2

      @@gr-s2143 So the Turkish incursion in to Syria with leo2 tanks was just a video game??? Are you some sort of a moron?

    • @reecelongden3500
      @reecelongden3500 3 роки тому +1

      @@gr-s2143 You're the only person here who's mentioned video games as evidence bud, previous mentions were to war videos. Not war games or video games.

  • @johnserrano9689
    @johnserrano9689 Рік тому +5

    From across the pond here, we share the pride yous have in the chally 2...very impressive proper brawler you have. Undoubtedly proven, all powerful limited only by their operations our big battle wagons truely are.

  • @andrewpullen2655
    @andrewpullen2655 3 роки тому +8

    A Haynes Manual !!! All I need now is to find a low mileage Challenger 2 in the classified ads.

  • @emersonmsd
    @emersonmsd 2 роки тому +3

    I will never forget my first main armament shot on a chieftain. :-) it was a HESH, nearly 40 years ago.

  • @ScrotusXL
    @ScrotusXL 3 роки тому +24

    Ha, ha I bought the Haynes Manual from the works with the intention of supporting your charity this video is like revision notes for this fantastic publication. And you Sir are a great presenter and font of all knowledge re Challenger!

  • @motionlessevent2528
    @motionlessevent2528 3 роки тому +6

    i'm so glad i only live 20 mins away from this amazing place. it's one of the best War museums in all of Europe.

    • @Joopyter724
      @Joopyter724 3 роки тому +3

      Aw thats lucky
      I live on the other end of the bloody country!

    • @roganmuldoon3357
      @roganmuldoon3357 3 роки тому +2

      I joined the Junior Leaders Regt in 1966 for boys service - 18 months of Tank Museum visits whenever I felt like crossing the road! Now I live in TX and see it every 10 years or so. Still riveting!

    • @VadoVoodoo
      @VadoVoodoo 3 роки тому

      @@roganmuldoon3357 I was a Jnr ldr RAC too 1976 - 1978 was glad to join the adults in BAOR the area around Bovington was lovely. Some of the people not so welcoming to troops stationed there.

    • @leeneale8776
      @leeneale8776 3 роки тому +1

      Just booked up for Tiger day in Sept.2021. Hopefully all will be ok.

  • @Masada1911
    @Masada1911 3 роки тому +214

    Makes me wonder if there will ever be a Challenger 3. And if so what it will look like and who will build it. Great job Tank Museum team!

    • @gusgone4527
      @gusgone4527 3 роки тому +21

      I can see new turrets being ordered before we build a complete new tank. Probably with auto-loader to reduce the crew and packed with IT kit for increased battle space awareness. It has been said that an integrated small-UAV launcher is already being developed but that is unconfirmed. I'm waiting for Jane's to report.

    • @QALibrary
      @QALibrary 3 роки тому +1

      so many upgrades review have been put back and put back and now they, at last, starting a lower level one thus it meant to extend live to 2035

    • @gusgone4527
      @gusgone4527 3 роки тому

      www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/unmanned-aerial-vehicles/battle-tanks-aerial-wingman/

    • @nickbrough8335
      @nickbrough8335 3 роки тому +2

      Probably, but it will be a new name i think. A turret upgrade and (perhaps) engine upgrade is the most that will happen during the 2020s (unless sit looks like a conflict with China or perhaps Russia is likely).

    • @Shorjok
      @Shorjok 3 роки тому +10

      @@gusgone4527 I can see an autoloader being considered necessary for a modern tank, but I would have thought that to implement such a system in a tank chassis designed for a human loader would not be possible just with a turret upgrade. The russian tanks for example have that huge round ammo drum in the hull as part of the autoloader system, I can't imagine that the current CH2 hull could support one.

  • @nigeldunkley2986
    @nigeldunkley2986 3 роки тому +16

    Excellent briefing from David who knows his subject in minute detail and presents it in a very professional way. I started on Chieftain in 1977 and finished as the Lulworth Sqn Ldr SCOTS DG with Ch 2 so a really interesting time to be in the RAC. And now my regiment has had its Chally 2s withdrawn and we are mounted on Jackal Tonka trucks. The next conflict, when it comes, will be a surprise like all the others and in a theatre of ops we least expect (e.g. Falklands, the Balkans, Iraq etc.) so lets hope we have no further cuts - either as an MBT crewed by Yeomanry (anybody heard of skills fade nowadays?) as a deterrent Cr 2 is an excellent piece of kit .

  • @johanvanzyl8479
    @johanvanzyl8479 3 роки тому +4

    Most interested in the survivability issues. Really boost crew moral. God bless to the crews past and present.

  • @robertbarrey9670
    @robertbarrey9670 3 роки тому +3

    Outstanding explanation of Challenger. Well done to David Willey. For obvious reasons they didn't go inside or mention other aspects.. Other features are the sensors (Thermal imaging) not discussed. Also sensors to detect if you are being 'painted'. Very important as this will initiate ejection of CMs.
    A key metric is how many rounds you can get off in a given time interval. The hand off from commander to gunner sight is interesting. Notice no use of HEAT rounds. There is a reason for this which is tied into the rifled gun I believe.
    There are plans to upgrade to smooth bore (Rheinmetal 130mm). Introduction of APS systems.I visited DSEi 2019 - and saw new updates but inside was off limits. Sensors are key as you can have best tank, Armour and gun - but need to see out to ranges efficiently in the dark to maximise effectiveness of gun.
    You will always need armour to take and hold ground. You cant do that with air platforms or broadcasting bits and bytes into the ether (cyber warfare). MBT is a Faraday cage and to some extent proof against cyber but need anti virus to prevent attacks that hinder inter tank communication.
    Note that a MBT however good it is does need infantry support & cannot function in isolation. A MBT mobility can be easily compromised if the tracks are blown off, either by battle damage or wear.
    I wouldn't mind a ride in a Challenger - but plenty better qualified in front of me.

  • @howardchambers9679
    @howardchambers9679 Рік тому +4

    David, your delivery is great.
    Only criticism, now the Fletch has retired, could you put some dry humour in there? Maybe grow a moustache? Cultivate the eyebrows maybe?
    Just a thought...

  • @auriskaunas9565
    @auriskaunas9565 3 роки тому +6

    What a knowledgeable man to present tanks! A Bovingdon treasure!!!

  • @thomascampbell4730
    @thomascampbell4730 3 роки тому +15

    Very thorough, very engaging, typically British and an excellent presentation in every respect.

  • @Kman31ca
    @Kman31ca 3 роки тому +10

    I grew up in "The Hat." I remember working for a construction company which had a contract with Batus to do a ton of work out there. Had the pleasure of watching these big beasts up close quite a few times. Good memories.

    • @alexrennison8070
      @alexrennison8070 3 роки тому

      What is "The Hat"?

    • @thewomble1509
      @thewomble1509 3 роки тому +1

      @@alexrennison8070 Medicine Hat, Suffield, Canada.Home of BATUS training area.

    • @alexrennison8070
      @alexrennison8070 3 роки тому

      @@thewomble1509 Oh, yeah I actually do know Medicine Hat. Saw it on my globe & was like wtf haha

  • @jamesgoacher1606
    @jamesgoacher1606 3 роки тому +62

    That was absorbing and went very quickly. I believe that Defence is daft to be relying on other countries. I had a silliness come over me when you mentioned the power plant being Diesel and wondered if it conformed to emmisions.
    Thank you for an excellent presentation.

    • @ruuman
      @ruuman 3 роки тому +2

      Not a silly question on emissions, all the latest army trucks have ad blue systems, bit silly if you ask me especially when they can just spec export versions of the engine from most of these suppliers.

    • @nickbrough8335
      @nickbrough8335 3 роки тому +1

      The next generation will be powered by electric power, but the question of how the electricity will be generated on a battlefield remains open, especially as our capacity to produce petrol/diesel will drop close to zero by 2040.

    • @Wolvenworks
      @Wolvenworks 3 роки тому +4

      uh...you won't be worrying much about emissions anymore should you end up in a fight...or dead.

    • @Gamelord191
      @Gamelord191 3 роки тому +1

      @@nickbrough8335 Highly doubt it, how could you even fit a battery big enough?

    • @Joopyter724
      @Joopyter724 3 роки тому +2

      @@Gamelord191 well the oil capability dropping by 2040 is correct
      But they probably have a bunch stockpiled while the public will have to switch to alternatives

  • @GeorgePrince
    @GeorgePrince 3 роки тому +9

    How fascinating, thank you all for covering this tank!

  • @RonHoague
    @RonHoague 3 роки тому +21

    Wow... one of the best videos The Tank Museum has done. Love the extended format and in depth history, technical details and even crew interviews. Would love to see more of these type videos. Well done David Willey and The Tank Museum!

  • @tobyclayton2597
    @tobyclayton2597 Рік тому +1

    I don't know a single soldier from the 80's who thought that their equipment was any good!

  • @herpderp9774
    @herpderp9774 2 роки тому +7

    The detail in this tank chat really goes above and beyond anything else I have seen yet, fantastic job and very enjoyable to listen to :)

  • @EmilWestrum
    @EmilWestrum 3 роки тому +9

    More full length please. This was very interesting, and such well made!

  • @francoismallard9756
    @francoismallard9756 3 роки тому +6

    thanks for this very comprehensive and interesting video, one of the best that you have produced. Especially the interview of the crew , which I have very much appreciated, because it renders the video more lively. I would really enjoy an extension of this concept to other tanks!

  • @soundslave
    @soundslave 3 роки тому +5

    Thank you Tank Museum.

  • @peten748
    @peten748 Рік тому +5

    A very interesting and well documented tank chat. I like this guy's honest and Frank delivery. Well done.

  • @undercrackers56
    @undercrackers56 Рік тому +7

    Very well researched, written and presented. Makes us proud.

  • @pauldavison3426
    @pauldavison3426 3 роки тому +10

    I spent a few weeks on camp in Bovington a few years ago....I swear to god every squaddie drives a volkswagen scirocco

  • @TMMGarf
    @TMMGarf 3 роки тому +5

    Another brilliant, informative and well produced video.

  • @tbwpiper189
    @tbwpiper189 3 роки тому +4

    Thanks David and team, for laying out this complex evolutionary history of the C2. Kudos.

  • @Jonathan-tn7id
    @Jonathan-tn7id 3 роки тому +5

    Excellent video, very engaging and well paced. The Curator certainly knows his facts and puts it very well to keep the interest. Thank you.

  • @derin111
    @derin111 3 роки тому +21

    I think confronted with that I’d very quickly “understand the issues” too ! LMAO

  • @trevorashworth7307
    @trevorashworth7307 Рік тому +1

    Machined components for these at Vickers Scotswood .Chieftans, bridgelayers and ARV s at Elswick..Happy days.

  • @Ocean2753
    @Ocean2753 3 роки тому +1

    The quality of you explanations is the best in the entire UA-cam

  • @ironteacup2569
    @ironteacup2569 3 роки тому +7

    Keep up the awesome content. I love documentaries like this.

  • @fivenine5905
    @fivenine5905 3 роки тому +4

    this was brilliant!!! best yet.

  • @machstem6390
    @machstem6390 3 роки тому +2

    This guy is so knowledgeable about tanks its not even funny.love this channel

  • @jc-d6179
    @jc-d6179 3 роки тому +2

    Absolutely amazing talk.

  • @stratotramp6243
    @stratotramp6243 Рік тому +3

    Super presentation & concise descriptions by the crew 👍

  • @andrewackerley9985
    @andrewackerley9985 Рік тому +5

    What an informative & well produced video thanks. Great to see that the Challenger 2 will once again serve in real combat & has the best armour to help protect those brave Ukrainian warriors who are keeping Putin at bay over on the eastern flank of Europe.

    • @alphana7055
      @alphana7055 Рік тому +1

      The armor is pretty bad tho, even the front has huge weakspots, T-80U from the 80s has better protection everywhere.

    • @elgranfreezer9117
      @elgranfreezer9117 Рік тому +1

      The protection of Challenger 2 is a joke, even a HESH round destroys it. A simple artillery shell is enough to blow them into pieces.

    • @AyOuB.God-soldier
      @AyOuB.God-soldier 8 місяців тому

      Lol

    • @AyOuB.God-soldier
      @AyOuB.God-soldier 8 місяців тому

      The first mission of challenger 2 in Ukraine end so badly for the chally it get destroyed and burned better than leo 2a6

  • @ianstevenson4378
    @ianstevenson4378 Рік тому +2

    This for me was an excellent presentation, interesting informative and educational, and I liked the interview with the crews validated the opinions. The presenter was especially good, nice tone, nice pace, not rushed and authoritive. Well Done

  • @oldfella3919
    @oldfella3919 3 роки тому +5

    Brilliant vid - interesting, informative and well presented. Many thanks!

  • @candisully8209
    @candisully8209 2 роки тому +4

    As a Yank i LOVE the Abrams but the Challenger is GREAT also

  • @RaduB.
    @RaduB. 3 роки тому +5

    I didn't mind that this video was a reupload! :-)
    Excellent documentary!

  • @ianbell5611
    @ianbell5611 2 роки тому

    Brilliant video .
    Always great hearing from the experts 👍

  • @aleratz
    @aleratz 2 роки тому +2

    This is excellent. Perfectly explained

  • @peterking8586
    @peterking8586 2 роки тому +13

    We had 4 armored divisions, not 2. The hunter/killer was implemented on Chieftain. I would be engaging a target, my commander would pick up the next target. Once I’d killed the target, the commander pull a “switch” which brought the gun and my sight on to the next target.
    You also missed that in the British Army a tank troop typically had 3 tanks, in a war configuration it would have 4 tanks.

    • @seandelaney1700
      @seandelaney1700 Рік тому

      The Bradley has a similar kill>CO acquire's new target feature. I'm surprised you practiced different than you would perform in real life.

    • @peterking8586
      @peterking8586 Рік тому +1

      @@seandelaney1700 The tactics used with 3 tanks are exactly the same than are used with 4.

    • @thomasneilson5183
      @thomasneilson5183 Рік тому

      contra rotation

  • @YlmazDALKIRANscallion
    @YlmazDALKIRANscallion 2 роки тому +4

    3:04 T-64 went into service in 1966. Not 1976.

  • @argyle1812
    @argyle1812 3 роки тому +2

    Great series. Love the in depth info

  • @GoViking933
    @GoViking933 3 роки тому +9

    I enjoyed this extended talk on what is rapidly becoming a favourite tank. I must say, the urban camouflage is the best I’ve seen yet (although I prefer the O.D./camo).

  • @BartJBols
    @BartJBols 3 роки тому +19

    the funny part is the soviets never planned to strike first. It was always "what if nato invades our territory, how do we respond". Both sides were all in on defense, even if some defensive strategies were to take enemy territory only to fall back later. Knowing what we know now, the chance was extremely low a land battle would ever be fought since neither side wanted it.

    • @billw7000
      @billw7000 2 роки тому +3

      Both sides knew that a war, conventional or nuke, was a loser for both of them. Shame we can't be confident that that is the situation today.

    • @Ganiscol
      @Ganiscol 2 роки тому +1

      Oh no, the chances were pretty high on numerous occasions due to misinterpretations. Able Archer '83 springs to mind, when the Soviets mistook new elements of the exercise as a ruse to cover for an actual assault. As a result, the Soviets put their forces in East Germany and Poland on heightened alert and even began arming planes with nuclear weapons. The US on the other side luckily saw what was going on and did not respond with an escalation of alert status themselves. So things calmed down again.
      It doesnt matter much if neither side has the intention (but both sides had plans in the drawer for it nonetheless) to attack the other, if the level of mistrust and paranoia is high enough to cause such miscalculations that can set things in motion that cant be stopped. When I'm convinced the other side is going for it, I'm going for it before they do. And that almost screwed us all up on more than just this particular occasion...

    • @derekheuring2984
      @derekheuring2984 Рік тому

      I remember the Soviet propaganda of the day was they "never planned to strike first" but their actions belied their true intentions. just ask Albania, East Germany, Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia. Some will say the Soviets wanted a buffer Zone to counter the NATO threat but those people forget that NATO was formed AFTER the Soviets pulled eastern Europe behind the Iron Curtain. As the Cold War developed the Soviets and their 'allies' kept many times more tanks than needed for a defensive posture so anyone with the slightest knowledge of armed conflict realized the Soviets were prepared for a first strike. NATO doctrine always was for their tanks to assume defensive postures in prepared positions utilizing faster target acquisition to counter the Soviets greater superiority in numbers. Doesn't sound like the West ever planned a first strike but the Soviets realizing their greater losses if they attacked planned for that eventuality.

  • @kiwicory100
    @kiwicory100 3 роки тому +3

    Hey David thanks so much, esp. the interviews with the crew members and their considerations of the roles they play. Well done.

    • @user-zr5tu6dx8g
      @user-zr5tu6dx8g 3 роки тому

      금일야식 : 난방안속실내_물반잔...Is another, in the differant conditions? 1.Milk 2. ramyoun_to the 눈동그란yankey er Prononciations. to special each style 3.nothing 4.favorite any drink. @@~,/ 실시!@@콱,

    • @user-zr5tu6dx8g
      @user-zr5tu6dx8g 3 роки тому

      an half water in a cup or the glass...,/ 실시!@@콱,

  • @philipedwards8963
    @philipedwards8963 3 роки тому +2

    Another great video, thank you !!!!

  • @simonrisley2177
    @simonrisley2177 3 роки тому

    Brilliantly detailed and knowledgeable commentary.

  • @kriztov265
    @kriztov265 3 роки тому +4

    It must have been a solid lump in the porridge to see an export tank outgunning the current service units. Its always amazing the network of the arms industry and the ways in which it keeps running forward to the future.

  • @tanderson596
    @tanderson596 3 роки тому +4

    Thank you David and everyone who was involved in making this fantastic video. I learned a lot! I hope you are able to re-open your doors soon.

  • @tannerrennat7786
    @tannerrennat7786 3 роки тому +2

    An hour of Tank Chat?!? Yes please.

  • @StevenKeery
    @StevenKeery 3 роки тому +2

    Really interesting, thank you for posting.

  • @sophrapsune
    @sophrapsune 3 роки тому +3

    Great presentation, very impressive.

  • @GuyChapman
    @GuyChapman 2 роки тому +4

    A pack swap on a Challenger 2 is an amazing thing to watch. Maybe for a future video? I am sure REME would be happy to oblige.

  • @lzappa9109
    @lzappa9109 Рік тому

    11/10! Exremely well done. Thank you for all your effort.

  • @AFV85
    @AFV85 3 роки тому +2

    Brilliant just brilliant!

  • @petermallia558
    @petermallia558 3 роки тому +4

    The Challenger series, the most powerful weapon of its day Ans still is to a point, it still has the longest Tank on Tank Kill, not a single Challenger 1 or 2 lost to enemy fire, and with its amazing Chobham armour then on to the second generation armour Dorchester on the CH.2.MBT, the most survivable tank ever to be produces until we get our upgrade, maybe even a new tank with a completely different name.
    The MBT-80 experimental Tank, even originally tried a gas turbine, (OK he just mentioned it). Of anyone can look for picture of the MBT-80 experimental Tank, even just the hull, it lookediie it would've been Massive tank.
    This MBT-80 project was a joint project with the United States, where the UK and US shared ideas and information on one anothers project, in the end we the UK pulled out, the US carried on and ended up with the Abrams M1A1 MBT.
    The Chieftains were amazing, the Vickers export turret that outmatched the UK tanks of the day which forced the MOD to start a new competition for new requirements for a new tank, Challenger 2.
    I'd call it

  • @ronyeahwiggie729
    @ronyeahwiggie729 3 роки тому +3

    I am so thoroughly enjoying these talks!

  • @OatBread
    @OatBread 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you UA-cam for recommending me this at 4 am on a work night

  • @eyeofhorus4387
    @eyeofhorus4387 3 роки тому

    This just popped up after a warthunder video and im glad i watched the whole thing. Great video

  • @ashleyscarth8363
    @ashleyscarth8363 3 роки тому +6

    Challenger 2 best tank hope the show the upgrade it getting

    • @JohnnyZenith
      @JohnnyZenith 3 роки тому +2

      It isn't the best tank.

    • @Kahuna010
      @Kahuna010 3 роки тому +3

      @@JohnnyZenith so what is the best tank

  • @damianm-nordhorn116
    @damianm-nordhorn116 Рік тому +3

    Please, 🇬🇧, send more than a company of Challies to 🇺🇦!
    Independent of us 🇩🇪@🇪🇺 sending Leopards ourselves or at least giving the OK for others to deliver theirs, 10-15 pieces is simply too few, especially considering maintenance/temporary replacement.
    30-50 should be the number, 100 would be better.
    ..I believe there had been considerations to half the tank fleet anyways and concentrate on other weapons systems, which would actually make sense as an island nation, basically going the USMC way.
    Maybe make a deal with Rheinmetall and the German government to replace your Challies with KF51s instead of Challenger 3 (I believe Rheinmetall is a partner, maybe even the leading one in this deal), and have those completely or partly assembled in Britain.
    130mm smoothbore!! 🤪

  • @theadorrodriguez2514
    @theadorrodriguez2514 Рік тому

    To the Tank Museum- just checked out your online shop and wow just wow, so much cool stuff, cant wait to treat myself!

  • @Russia-bullies
    @Russia-bullies Рік тому

    David Willey is a good host,as he has clarity,relevance & knowledge.

  • @nobbytart27
    @nobbytart27 Рік тому +6

    With news of 14 of these bad boys off to the Ukraine it will be very interesting to see how they get on, i'll bet given half the chance the Brit crews would be going with them. The Challys are undoubtely a match for anything the Russians can field and in most cases an overmatch, however its all well and good having the biggest stick but what really makes it count is a well trained and drilled crew and the unit commanders knowing how and where to deploy these valuable assets. I'm sure we'll give the Ukrainians all the support and logistics they need to make sure the Challys are used well. The title of the video could well be prophetic for any Russian tank crews facing off against one of the the top 3 tanks in the world knowing if that fin round hits chances are they are dead. The Russians know all about Challengers and the lads at the sharp will will be under no illusions how accurate and lethal that L30 gun is. Gods speed Ukrainian dudes "give em hell"

    • @Rabbi-Jill-kews
      @Rabbi-Jill-kews 9 місяців тому

      They’d get wrecked as soon as they enter the Grey zone or even before.

    • @nobbytart27
      @nobbytart27 9 місяців тому

      @@Rabbi-Jill-kews judging by your anti semetic name you're obviously a well balanced rational thinker, and obviously an expert on MBT design and deployment, the only thing that will wreck these tanks is bad deployment and the crew taking risks. With British crews and back up these tanks would drive all the way through Ukraine and halt at the Russian border.

  • @thinhvcoin
    @thinhvcoin 8 місяців тому +2

    Feared indeed? Spent months trying to hide, and the first footage of actual combat is not even the Tank firing as a "sniper" but burning and getting the turret pop. Truly a game-changing weapon

    • @D_U_N_E
      @D_U_N_E 6 місяців тому

      Wait, a tank that has been tracked and abandoned is an easy kill - I sure hope that isn't a weakness for literally any tank at any point of history.

    • @thinhvcoin
      @thinhvcoin 6 місяців тому

      @@D_U_N_E who said it was abandoned? UK Ministry of Defense? You should tell them not to sell dreams instead of trying to explain to me.

    • @D_U_N_E
      @D_U_N_E 6 місяців тому

      @@thinhvcoin the video literally shows an abandoned tank that was detracked alongside other destroyed tanks.
      It the shows a missile attacking it from the side, and after the initial post, Ukrainian media posted the tanks occupants had survived, and Russian media did not mention the death of its operators. Something the Russians could have claimed given there'd be charred human fragments in the hull which would have been hard to refute.
      There were people in the tank when it got detracked, but there was no one in the tank when it got turret popped. Hell, just tried searching for Russian news sources that might even lean to heavy propaganda, and none of them are disputing it - they argue a second challenger was destroyed, but all I can see is agreements the tank was unable to be recovered before it was hit, that a Russian commander mentions no tank is invulnerable and that it's weakness is its sides.

  • @djs5074
    @djs5074 2 роки тому

    Brilliant! I really enjoyed that, thanks.

  • @JNF590
    @JNF590 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks for the upload

  • @lazenbytim
    @lazenbytim 3 роки тому +3

    We had IFCS on Chieftain and to be honest it was like bloody star wars......awesome bit of kit and accurate as hell!

    • @veblen674
      @veblen674 3 роки тому

      until you lost your ellipse 😁

  • @_scooter98_92
    @_scooter98_92 3 роки тому +31

    Interesting video as always. Love to see a video on all the Vickers or other British export tanks mentioned here

    • @Masada1911
      @Masada1911 3 роки тому +2

      _Scooter98_ there is a video for the vickers 6 ton

    • @ironteacup2569
      @ironteacup2569 3 роки тому +3

      Me too. The in-depth but obscure stuff is cool to me

    • @sergarlantyrell7847
      @sergarlantyrell7847 3 роки тому +2

      And the MBT-80.
      I know prototypes are not historically important, but as an engineer, the stuff that didn't succeed is more interresting. Because they tend to either be a failure, which helps us in learning from those mistakes. Else they were often very advanced, but expensive, so got cut by those in charge in the budget, in which case we can see where the cutting edge was.

    • @michellebrown4903
      @michellebrown4903 Рік тому +1

      As a young safari guide , l was driving through Kenya's Northern Frontier district , and came across a broken down Vickers main Battle Tank. It was a bit surreal .

  • @TheCryptonomatron
    @TheCryptonomatron 2 роки тому

    This is top content! Superb presentation and quality of information!

  • @AxeBearingVoyager
    @AxeBearingVoyager 3 роки тому

    My favourite of your videos! Good stuff!