British Challenger tanks killed over 300 Iraqi tanks during the 1991 Gulf War. This was the longest tank-on-tank kill ever recorded. Some commentators were skeptical about the possibility of this kill. In fact, some sources reported that the kill could only be achieved at a distance of 5,100 meters. Nevertheless, the kill was confirmed and the Challenger tank still holds the record for the longest tank-on-tank kill.
The Challenger tank is designed to be used to fight enemy forces. It features advanced global positioning technology (GPS) which allows the tank to see through thick smokescreens. The tank featured thermal observation and gunnery systems to help it target in the dark. Jericho, a special-concepted depleted Uranium APFSDS L26A1 cartridge used by Challenger tanks. These rounds were never used against T72M Tank, the Iraqi Republican Guard's guard tank.
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards made use of the Challenger tank as part of the land offensive in 1991 Gulf War. The tank was transferred to Saudi Arabia during this campaign to liberate Kuwait. On February 24, 1991, the British 1st Armoured Division launched a ground campaign. The tank finally reached the Basra Highway on the 27th of February 1991.
From a distance of more than 5,000 meters, the tank was firing at an Iraqi main combat tank. The Challenger fired an armor-piercing gun that could destroy the tank's armor-stabilized discarding barrel. The tank's crew was awarded a Military Cross. The Challenger tank also killed two other Iraqi tank tanks in the battle. It was the longest tank-on tank kill in history.
The Challenger was later superseded by the Challenger 2. From 1994 to 2002, the tank was used by the British Army. The tank's engines were smaller than those of the Challengers but had a more advanced global positioning system. The tank also had a 120 mm rifled gun. Future upgrades to the tank were planned with an unmanned Falcon tower. The tank was designed with reactive armor that helped protect the tank from enemy fire and gave the tank more mobility. The tank's gun was a unique design, as opposed to the smoothbore guns used in other modern MBTs. The tank was expected in service until 2035.
Royal Jordanian Army currently uses the British Challenger tank. The Rolls-Royce CV12 diesel engine has twice the horsepower as the Chieftain. The tank features the most current Chobham armor and a 120mm rifled pistol. The tank also comes with jam-resistant K-2RB Radios. The tank also has Nozh reactive armor elements and a SN-4215 navigation system.
The Challenger has been deployed in a number of wars including the Gulf War in 1991, the Falkland Island War in 1992, and the war in Iraq in 1991. It was also awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.