Product Detail

Tamiya 35154 1/35 British Main Battle Tank Challenger 1 Mk.3 Model Kit

The Tamiya 35154 1/35 British Main Battle Tank Challenger 1 Mk.3 Model Kit depicts a tank that was in service during the Cold War period. The first prototypes of this tank were built in the mid-1970s, and mass production took place from 1982 to 1990, with over 400 units being created. The tank was equipped with a single 1,200 horsepower Rolls-Royce CV-12 diesel engine and its armament consisted of a single 120mm L11A5 rifled cannon and two 7.62mm machine guns.The Challenger 1 was developed to replace the Chieftain line as the British Army's new main battle tank. Its design was based on many elements of the Shir-2, which was originally intended for production in Iran but was based on the Chieftain tank. Compared to its predecessor, the Challenger 1 had much better Chobham armor that offered good protection against HEAT shells. It also had a new engine with more power and other electronic equipment. However, the tank had some issues, especially when compared to tanks like the Leopard 2 or M1 Abrams. It had poor performance and maneuverability and its main armament was inferior to 120mm smoothbore guns.Despite its shortcomings, the Challenger 1 performed well during the First Gulf War (1990-1991). Vickers Defense Systems, the manufacturer of the tank, decided to improve it and create the Challenger 2 tank. The Challenger 1 remained in service with the British Army until 2001.