It has seen operational service in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Iraq. To date, the only time the tank has been destroyed during operations was by another Challenger 2 in a "blue on blue" (friendly fire) incident at Basra in 2003 when the destroyed tank had its hatch open at the time of the incident. The turret and hull are protected with second generation Chobham armour (also known as Dorchester). Fifty main armament rounds and 4,200 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition are carried. The Challenger 2 is also armed with a L94A1 EX-34 7.62 mm chain gun and a 7.62 mm 元7A2 (GPMG) machine gun. Uniquely among NATO main battle tank guns, the 元0A1 is rifled, because the British Army continues to place a premium on the use of high-explosive squash head (HESH) rounds in addition to armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding-sabot rounds.
The Challenger 2 is equipped with a 120-millimetre (4.7 in) 55- calibre long 元0A1 tank gun, the successor to the L11 gun used on the Chieftain and Challenger 1. The tank has a 550 km (340 mile) range and maximum road speed of 59 km/h (37mph). A visual recognition feature is the armoured housing for the TOGS thermal gunsight: the Challenger 2 has this above the gun barrel, the Challenger 1 has it at the right hand side of the turret. Although the hull and automotive components seem similar, they are of a newer design than for the Challenger 1 and only around 3% of components are interchangeable. The Challenger 2 is an extensive redesign of the Challenger 1. The Challenger 2 was also exported to Oman. After a production delay, the tank entered service with the British Army in 1998, with the last delivered in 2002. Production began in 1993 and the unit's tanks were delivered in July 1994, replacing the Challenger 1.
In June 1991, the MoD placed an order for 140 vehicles, with a further 268 ordered in 1994. The Ministry of Defence ordered a prototype in December 1988. Vickers Defence Systems began to develop a successor to the Challenger 1 as a private venture in 1986. It was designed and built by the British company Vickers Defence Systems (now known as BAE Systems Land & Armaments).
All external fabric is treated making it water repellent and a rain cover is also supplied just in case of adverse weather conditions.The FV4034 Challenger 2 (MOD designation "CR2") is a third generation British main battle tank (MBT) in service with the armies of the United Kingdom and Oman. The padded shoulder straps along provide maximum carrying comfort and weight distribution.
You can carry your small tripod such as Befree Advanced series with the strong side strap. it is also extremely versatile, and after removing the internal camera pouch, it becomes a travel daypack or daybag in an instant. There is plenty of space for your personal belongings too, including a separated laptop compartment which can hold a 14'' laptop.
Its interior can hold a DSLR or mirrorless camera with up to 2 medium sized lenses. It is design with dedicated storage for personal stuff and photo gear in the main compartment with quick access. It is designed for both DSLRs and CSCs and your laptop. Unzip the back to access the backpack’s shoulder straps and you are ready for action. Simply attach or remove the shoulder strap to get the carrying solution needed. Flexibility is no longer an issue and all needs are catered for. It is all in one top-handle bag, shoulder bag and backpack. The Advanced² camera Hybrid backpack is your perfect carry-on travel companion for urban photography. Extremely versatile 3-in-1 camera bag: backpack, shoulder bag and handle bag.