Early Rollout: Smoothbore Weapons Breathe New Life into Challenger 3 Upgrade Initiative
Two Rheinmetall 120mm smoothbore L55A1 artillery pieces for evaluation and trials have now commenced production, ahead of timeline, at Rheinmetall’s Unterluess facility.
The artillery serves as an essential element of the Challenger 3 enhancement program, which aspires to deliver the most advanced tank within NATO.
Steel has been shaped to create the cannon barrel, the breechblock encapsulating the firing mechanism, and the mounts that secure the cannon to the turret.
Post-production, the smoothbore cannons will be integrated, assessed, and validated prior to delivery to Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) in the UK for incorporation with the innovative digital turret.
As announced in May 2021, RBSL will be converting 148 Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) into the contemporary Challenger 3 format for the British Army.
The recent Rheinmetall 120mm smoothbore represents a vital capability enhancement. The cannon is cutting-edge, discharging world-class Kinetic Energy tank munitions and the latest programmable High Explosive multifunctional rounds. Performance is further maximized with the latest artillery and fire control system technologies.
The smoothbore cannon launches the most sophisticated, high-performance penetrators, ensuring assured lethality for the UK. This aspect of the Challenger 3 upgrade also guarantees UK interoperability with other NATO allies.
Challenger 3’s augmented lethality is complemented by a new armor system that guarantees the highest levels of protection for the crew, with initiatives underway to integrate Active Protection Systems.
Challenger 3 will additionally incorporate enhanced long-range Commander and Gunner primary optics with automatic detection and tracking, along with integrated thermal modes for day and night operations.
Colonel Will Waugh, Armor Main Battle Tank Program Director for the British Army, stated:
“This marks another and timely advancement on the journey toward delivering a genuinely world-class MBT for the British Army. Pairing the proven L55A1 smoothbore cannon with the latest kinetic energy munitions and programmable secondary features will grant Challenger 3 a notable leap in lethality compared to CR2.
“Transitioning to a smoothbore cannon aligns the UK with its key NATO partners, enhancing our interoperability and ensuring access to state-of-the-art ammunition variations. This will future-proof CR3’s lethality against all forms of threats until its Out of Service Date (OSD).”
John Abunassar, CEO of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Division, commented:
“The innovation and blueprint of the Rheinmetall 120mm smoothbore cannon provide a comprehensive enhancement in capability and numerous advantages, from global interoperability to improved Kinetic Energy and programmable munitions.
“The system is well-established, and Rheinmetall takes pride in having initiated production on the initial two cannons ahead of schedule, ensuring a robust and promising commencement for Challenger 3 production.”
