BAE earlier unveiled a proposed upgrade version prototype for the British Army’s Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank, which includes the IMI Systems Iron Fist hard kill Active Protection System.

Using its sensing and response systems, the manufacturer says that the system identifies various incoming anti-tank missiles or armor-piercing threats launch or flight towards the vehicle and in a split second automatically intercepts them by a small interceptor launched in an accurate timing and a safe distance, and without involving the vehicle’s team while preventing collateral damage to the protected vehicle.

The system senses incoming threats via a fixed active electronically scanned array radar sensor and an optional passive infrared detector. When a threat is imminent, an explosive projectile interceptor is launched towards it. The interceptor explodes very near the threat, destroying or deflecting and destabilising it without detonating its warhead.

This project joins a series of companies and AFVs that integrate various Iron Fist APS configurations, such as the CV9035NL APC of the Swedish BAE Hagglunds for the Dutch Army, the American Bradley APE for the US Army, and a series of projects in Australia, Europe and of course in Israel.

Image result for Iron Fist' hard kill system

In June 2016, the US Army chose Iron Fist Light to protect its light and medium armored vehicles as part of the Modular Active Protection System (MAPS) program. The decision to select Iron Fist was reportedly made because of the system’s light weight, ability to fire interceptors without shock, and low cost.

BAE systems say that Black Night comprises cutting-edge technologies and capabilities, which are being offered to the Ministry of Defence as part of the Challenger 2 Life Extension Programme.

Simon Jackson, Campaign leader for Team Challenger 2 at BAE Systems said:

“The UK is home to some of the world’s finest engineering companies, who have pushed the boundaries of combat vehicle design with Black Night.

We are providing the bulk of this upgrade from home soil, however, we have chosen the best defence companies from around the world to collaborate with also, including names from Canada, France and Germany who bring unique skills and proven technology. The British Army has our commitment that we will deliver the most capable upgrade possible, and the best value for money.”

The features touted by BAE include:

  • Active Protection System – Systems allow the tank to detect incoming anti-tank missiles or armour penetrating rounds and automatically launches a counter-explosive to neutralise the threat.
  • Laser Warning System – When targeted by enemy weapon systems, the tank can identify the source of the threat then automatically slew the gun to point at that source, making it quicker for the crew to counter-fire.
  • Regenerative braking – The tank has been made more energy efficient by using less energy-hungry kit and installing regenerative braking in the turret, which generates power when the gun slows down into position.
  • Thermal Imaging Technology – Front and rear infrared cameras (similar to those used in television programmes such as Planet Earth II) provide extremely sharp night imagery, helping troops identify potential threats and move undetected in hostile situations, while also shaving valuable seconds off reaction times.
  • Accelerated fightability – New equipment controlling tank’s weaponry is faster, meaning the crew can identify an enemy, target and engage more quickly.

The Challenger 2 tank, built by BAE Systems in the 1990s, served in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. BAE Systems is now leading the strategic partnership Team Challenger 2 bid to keep the tank battle-ready for the next twenty years, as part of the Ministry of Defence’s decision to extend the tank’s life until 2035.

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George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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maurice10
maurice10
5 years ago

Surely, this is the minimum level of upgrade or what is the point? It’s over one hundred years since the first tanks were deployed in WW1, and yet, the MBT is still there as strong a battlefield concept as then. There has been a lot of nonsense talked about MBT’s, and if their days are over on the modern battlefield, I would say give me more, please! In combination with such advanced technology, the CH2/MK2 can keep going until replaced, and yes, by another MBT. Sadly, CH2 numbers were ridiculously low in comparison with the Chiefton fleet, and I’m dumbfounded… Read more »

Steve
Steve
5 years ago
Reply to  maurice10

The reason why is cost. Pure and simple, same as everything else.

When politicians cut the defence budget the MoD look to cut the army first. Especially post Cold War when the likelihood of facing massed mechanized units storming across Europe faded away.

DaveyB
DaveyB
5 years ago
Reply to  maurice10

Post Gulf War 2 the Army was purely conducting a police action and countering insurgents who used improvised explosive and RPGs. The Chally wasn’t really needed but as sadly demonstrated by the epic failure of using Snatch vehicles, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles were. Hence why the Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) to buy Mastiff, Foxhound etc. The money was diverted from the earlier Chally upgrade program. This is because the UOR was paid for by the Treasury and the sustainment had to come from the Army budget. Unfortunately, the Chally 2 was needed in Afghan, as we didn’t have… Read more »

DaveyB
DaveyB
5 years ago
Reply to  DaveyB

Oops, forgot to mention that Iron Fist and Trophy both use the same radar. This has the further capability of recording where the “shot” came from. This has been used by the Israelis very successfully with their Merkavas fitted with Trophy. As the main gun can be directly cued onto the firing point and the good news sent on its way. For battlefield situation awareness this can only be a good thing, especially when the tank is all buttoned up and you’re relying on your scopes to generate a picture of whats going on around you.

farouk
farouk
5 years ago
Reply to  DaveyB

The Iron Fist APS, I believe is better than the Russian Afganit system.

And a damn sight better than the heath Robinson affair the Turks are currently fitting to their LEO 2
https://www.janes.com/article/78448/turkey-to-equip-mbts-with-aps-for-operations-in-syria

Daniel Robertson
Daniel Robertson
5 years ago
Reply to  maurice10

The MBT as a concept is obsolete, development really stopped at the end of the cold war which is why virtually all the tank chassis in service either actually date from that point in time (most Leopard, TXX or M1s) or were ordered from that point in time (Challenger II and Leclerc). During the cold war there was always a forcing function with one side developing new weapons forcing the other side to develop something to counter it. Every 10 years or so there would be a medium sized war which would allow NATO/Warsaw Pact to see how the weapons… Read more »

Cam Hunter
Cam Hunter
5 years ago

We should be trying to find and fix up as many chally 2s as possible.

Felix
Felix
5 years ago

Any news on the Rheinmetall upgrade?

The riddler
The riddler
5 years ago

The power pack needs a damn good re think too. Any anti tank oppos out there know exactly why. Plumes of exhaust the moment the thing moves forward makes it a wet dream to track

Harry Bulpit
Harry Bulpit
5 years ago
Reply to  The riddler

Oman has added a German power pack to their vehicles, so can’t imagine it be to hard for us to do the same.

Andy
Andy
5 years ago
Reply to  Harry Bulpit

Oman have not added a German power pack to their Cr2 fleet. Where on earth do you get your information from?

DaveyB
DaveyB
5 years ago
Reply to  Harry Bulpit

The Chally 2E that competed for the Greek tank bid, had the 1500hp Europack fitted along with a new gearbox. So the technicalities have all be done before. I do believe there is another separate program to upgrade the engine outside of the LEP.

The riddler
The riddler
5 years ago
Reply to  DaveyB

Well if that (ever) happens then that’s good to hear. Should really be part of the LEP though but whatever

Simon
Simon
5 years ago

This programme to me is more like a distraction from the main issues which are powerplant and gun. I believe there are separate projects for these and I would be more excited if there were a budget and news on these. My personal preference would be to concentrate on these fundamentals first then the above. If we’re are serious about ch2 then we need to strike a deal with Rheinmetall and look to a 130mm if possible. Regarding power with the potential for laser weapons etc the more the better I’ve heard that there maybe a 2000hp unit available. Also… Read more »

Andy
Andy
5 years ago

Oman have not added a German power pack to their Cr2 fleet. Where on earth do you get your information from?

farouk
farouk
5 years ago

The article leaves out, that adding the Iron Fist is a costed additional option. Naturally the traitorious dishonourable ladies and gentlemen sat in their gilded tower at the HPs will say that the Challenger 2 doesn’t need such protection as being in the EU affords us all the protection we need.

The money saved will go towards their John Lewis expense accounts, watching porn on Sky TV and employing chicks with dicks from Brazil as interns in which to allow these tossers to bugger somebody foreign as well as the British tax paying public.

captain P Wash.
captain P Wash.
5 years ago
Reply to  farouk

“Watching Porn on Sky TV ” Christ Farouk, You need to get a grip mate There’s nothing but American Drivel on there. rarely even a Nipple ! not that I bother Watching.

john martin
john martin
5 years ago

My favourite Game Of Thrones lots of nipples I think.

farouk
farouk
5 years ago

captain P Wash. ““Watching Porn on Sky TV ” Christ Farouk, You need to get a grip mate There’s nothing but American Drivel on there. rarely even a Nipple ! not that I bother Watching.” Ok, I incorrectly quoted Sky as the source of the porn for Labours Jacqui Smith. The fact remains MPs were billing the tax payer for Sky and Porn. From the Giardian 2009: “The former home secretary Jacqui Smith says tomorrow she knew her husband had been watching pornographic films and that they had argued about it before it emerged she made expenses claims for two… Read more »

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
5 years ago
Reply to  farouk

Hear hear!

Chris J
Chris J
5 years ago
Reply to  farouk

“watching porn on Sky TV”

Isn’t that what the internet’s for? ?

Josh
Josh
5 years ago

“Slew to Cue” is really a huge benefit APS gives that often isn’t appreciated as often as it’s ability to knock down rockets. The ability to instantly locate and strike against the source of an attack was noted by the Israelis to be a gamechanger.

captain P Wash.
captain P Wash.
5 years ago

Maurice10. CH1 was originally Designed for Iran, way back In the 1970’s ,there Is a school of thought that was Grateful for the Revolution because otherwise, We might never have them at all, never mind the few CH11’s we have now. hope this Helps with your “Dumbfounded nes” .

Paul T
Paul T
5 years ago

Captain-bear in mind the Shir2 that the Challenger 1 was derived from had some significant differences, mainly due to the different climate’s each would be operating in.Also the British Army order for C1″s was partly political due to all Tank orders being cancelled post revolution and the need to keep the RO factories in work.

captain P Wash.
captain P Wash.
5 years ago

Paul, Yes I Know.

captain P Wash.
captain P Wash.
5 years ago

Christ John, I must get a Dish Installed then !

Martin
Martin
5 years ago

Seems like a common sense low risk and relatively low cost solution to keep the Challenger 2 relevant enough that its worth retaining. With the continuing collapse of the Russian economy its unlikely that we will be seeing large numbers of T14 immune to the 120 mm riffled gun firing CHARM 3. Challenger 2 is probably the best tank in the world if you want to cut through large armies of T55/T72’s which is probably as much as it will ever face in the next two decades. The HESH round still holds the world record for a tank to tank… Read more »

Stephen
Stephen
5 years ago
Reply to  Martin

Agree, Rifled guns are more accurate in any case.

Ron
Ron
5 years ago

My problem with the Chally2 and all of the potential upgrades is well why not bin the lot and have a Chally 3. When you think about it it would make sense. The Chally although it is a good tank needs a new powerpac, improved gunnery control, improved self defence systems and possibly a gun that can use American or European ammo which means smooth bore not rifled. As far as I am aware it would also mean a redesign of the turret as the NATO round is a solid round with auto loading and manual override. I also like… Read more »

DaveyB
DaveyB
5 years ago
Reply to  Ron

The Abrams currently uses the M829A3 APFSDS-T round which has been specifically designed to knock out T80s with 2nd gen ERA panels. The round is a one part design and is nearly 900mm long. Compared to Chally’s 2 part (three including fuse) all the ammo is stored in the rear turret bustle, hence why it is so long. This is why the Chally would require a new turret. The exhaust IR signature can be reduced using “cold” air induction, which mixes cooler air with the exhaust and tries to spread it over a larger area. The Mekava uses a similar… Read more »

JohnHartley
JohnHartley
5 years ago

I dug out my 1990 Monch Defence Almanac to see how many tanks the UK is allowed under CFE rules (895). At that time, the UK had 900 Chieftain + 460 Challenger. The official pre CFE MBT total for the UK was 1257. Of course that number needed a big cut at the end of the Cold War, but I think we went too far. It is sad that we struggle (not even there yet) to keep only 227 C2 updated & ready to fight. Many would cut even that to protect their other pet projects. I do not think… Read more »

Elliott
Elliott
5 years ago
Reply to  JohnHartley

The issue with the Centauro line of vehicles is what almost every Tank Destroyer runs into. That would be they are essentially a defensive weapon meant to operate from concealment. Offensive action means coming out in the open and risking destruction by any other AFV or a infantryman with a RPG and HEAT rocket. Should the UK acquire the Centauro 2? No. It would be better to simply buy the Cockerill 120mm XC-8 turret which can amongst other vehicles fit Ajax. This would be a better decision because Ajax is already in the supply chain. Also the Cockerill turret is… Read more »

JohnHartley
JohnHartley
5 years ago
Reply to  Elliott

Yes, but would an Ajax+Cockerill 120 turret end up being too heavy to deploy by A400M?
We need mobile firepower to protect our infantry, that can be deployed as quickly as they can, hence Centauro 2, despite its flaws.

Glass Half Full
Glass Half Full
5 years ago
Reply to  JohnHartley

You’d be better going with a Boxer and 120mm rather than purchasing yet another platform. Not least because the Boxer platform and turret can be shipped separately and assembled relatively quickly at the destination if you run into weight/range issues on the A400M.

However, perhaps the larger issue seems to be that if you think you’d need 120mm capability air deployed then that suggests a far more serious and larger scale engagement and that in turn would stretch European air logistics to support in addition to everything else they’d have to be supporting.

Elliott
Elliott
5 years ago

My reasoning for Ajax with Cockerill 120 turret is that it would give some real teeth to the Strike Brigades. Also not the XC-8 can supposedly fit Boxer as well as Ajax, they were designed to simplify the logistics of armies on a budget. Hence the ability to fit multiple vehicles to attract customers. Also Ajax with any turret is a hair to heavy for the A400. For a C-17 though you can conceivably shoehorn two of them into it. As for Airborne needing a dedicated tank hunter? When things have gotten to that point that is drop that should… Read more »

JohnHartley
JohnHartley
5 years ago

My worry is that Putin starts an exercise near the Baltic States. Britain rushes out a light force for solidarity. Putin & his tanks pisses through it, leaving our guys dead, wounded and/or captured. The price for getting them released, is for the UK to retreat in shame.
That is why you need a serious bit of armoured firepower that fits inside an A400M.
Anything heavier than that, will probably arrive too late.

Elliott
Elliott
5 years ago

If that were to happen the calculus dictates that the Baltic States be abandoned until a counterattack from better positioned forces could be assembled.
Likely from both Poland and Romania as the US already has equipment stockpiles there and both are already or soon will be in the case of Romania under a modern air defense grid and ABM system.

Rushing a force to the Baltics in the name of solidarity would be suicide in the name of politics.

David Steeper
David Steeper
5 years ago

‘Lipstick and Pig’ How about calling the upgrade Dignitas instead of Black Night ? Getting MBT’s out of the hands of the cavalry is almost as hard as getting rid of their horses. Just a thought how many Apaches could we buy with the money ?

Elliott
Elliott
5 years ago
Reply to  David Steeper

Apaches are nice. But remember they don’t get along very well with MANPADs, SAMs, and Radar controllable 20-40mm cannons.
Balance is necessary.

Ron
Ron
5 years ago

I agree that the rapid deployment units of the British Army does require armoured support. Looking at the arguments here for Ajax or Boxer and a big 120 mm gun seems to me to be mixing up two concepts. A rapid deployment unit is nothing more than a fancy name for a reconnaissance unit in force, strong enough for hit and run raids, or to hold you up but not strong enough to take you on. A big 120 mm gun on a Boxer or Ajax chassis will give you the fire power to take you on but not have… Read more »

BV Buster
BV Buster
5 years ago

Greetings all. Iron fist is a top class system and would be my first choice for an army wide APS. It’s a game changer when it comes to tank combat where those who shoot first live the longest. Rifled tank guns are not more accurate then smoothbore guns, in fact there is not that much difference in accuracy between British, German, French and Russian guns when firing modern ammunition. The biggest contributing factor in regards to accuracy is the fire control system, the gun has little to do with it in a modern context. We need to address the British… Read more »

David E Flandry
David E Flandry
5 years ago
Reply to  BV Buster

Yeah, those winds in Bermuda are something else. 🙂

BV Buster
BV Buster
5 years ago

I F*****G wish I was in Bermuda!!!!

Bv

David E Flandry
David E Flandry
5 years ago

Israel is supposed to be developing a 140 mm( 4.4 inch) tank gun for an upgraded version of its Merkava MBT.

Felix
Felix
5 years ago

Maybe eurombt was a practice for putting new turret on chally?

BV Buster
BV Buster
5 years ago

A new turret wouldn’t be a bad idea and not as costly to integrate as it seems, a quick change to the rotary base junction box, change a few plugs over, passibly a turret ring insert, nothing as complex as building the back of the turret. The question is, what turret? Do you go French 2 man? German A7+, American SEP, South Korean 2 man? Oh the possibilities.

BV