FV4030/4 Challenger 1

The FV4030/4 Challenger 1 is a tier 7 Main Battle Tank originating from the United Kingdom, and is sold by Marat Shishkin. It can be unlocked from the FV4201 Chieftain 900 and leads to the Al-Hussein Hybrid.

Features

 * Heavy armor : this vehicle's armor bounces more shots and takes more hits
 * High caliber : the high caliber weaponry deals an increased damage
 * HESH: can even penetrate armor with large hit angles

Player Recommendations
With the strongest base hull armor of the tier 7 MBTs, and a very substantial health pool, the Challenger 1 is right at home pushing a front against dug in enemies. With excellent accuracy and depression, its gun allows for accurate shots on the move against enemy targets. While well armored, this vehicle is not perfect, with a low top speed and the worst upgraded acceleration of its tier. If caught in the open, it can easily find itself exposed (better the Challenger then other MBTs at tier 7 due to the impressive armor), as it lacks the speed to rapidly retreat from a position. Use the challenger as a spearhead of a charge, your frontal armour with the appliqué armour package is incredible for the tier (being able to reliably bounce shots from tier 8 and 9’s), your sides are also very strong and immune to most the APC’s you will meet. However, the challenger is lacking in both the firepower and mobility department when compared to other MBT’s of the tier having thoroughly average alpha damage as well as a sluggish acceleration

Pros

 * Outstanding stock armor configuration
 * Upgraded armor provides excellent side protection, making it immune to most auto cannons (rear excluded) and one of the few MBT’s that can angle its armour to bait shots
 * Good gun handling
 * Excellent health pool
 * Ability to fire HESH rounds

Cons

 * Easily damaged fuel stowage
 * No HEAT ammunition
 * Poor mobility
 * Lower glacis plate with applique package can be penned by higher tier vehicles

Upgrade Suggestions
There are two upgrade paths for the Challenger, one focusing on improving ability to withstand fire (Spall Liner and Mk.III ERA and Appliqué), and one focusing on improving the firepower (120mm "Jericho" APFSDS). While both paths can be eventually taken, it is recommended to obtain the armor upgrades first, to enhance the already excellent stock armor.

Retrofit Suggestions

 * Advanced Fire Control
 * Improved Gun Breech
 * Improved Pioneer Tool Kit

Commander and Crew Skill Suggestions

 * Commander: Ioannis Sanna, for increasing accuracy, turret traverse, and aim time, as well as the Firestarter ability mixing well with the HESH rounds.
 * Driver: Off-Road Driving, Spin to Win
 * Gunner: Quick Draw, Sharpshooter
 * Loader: Rapid Fire, Explosive Shells

History
Class: Main Battle Tank Developed: 1976-1979 Service: 1983-2001 Vehicles Built: 420 Operators: United Kingdom, Jordan The Challenger 1 MBT started as an export project for the Shah of Iran. The tank was named Shir back then and plans were made to manufacture hundreds. With Iranian Revolution thwarting those plans, the British military became the primary customer, renaming the tank “Challenger”, a name that came from an army contest. Interestingly enough, despite having cutting edge Chobham armor for its time, the tank kept a rifled 120mm gun in order to maintain the ability to fire HESH shells. Some 420 tanks of this type were built starting from 1983 and the type stayed in service for two decades before it was replaced in 2001 by the Challenger 2 MBT.

Variants

 * FV4030/4 Challenger 1 WOLF
 * FV4030/4 Challenger 1 Fionn