The Challenger 2 is the current main battle tank of the British Army. The hull is similar to that of the Challenger I, as is the powerpack, but the turret has been redesigned to fit updated armament, and the tank is in many ways a completely new tank. The first production versions appeared in mid-1994, boasting a carbon dioxide laser rangefinder, thermal-imaging and fully computerized fire-control systems, giving a high first-round hit probability. In addition, turret traverse is all electric and the gun is fully stabilized. It also has the capacity to be fitted with the Battlefield Information Control System (BICS) in future years, to give even greater combat capability. A dozer can be fitted to the front of the hull. Nearly 400 were ordered by the British Army, with 18 being exported to Oman.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a British Challenger 2 main battle tank with upgraded armor that was attached to the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, which was instrumental in seizing Basra during Operation: Iraqi Freedom. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 5-1/4-inches
Width: 2-inches

Release Date: December 2004

Historical Account: The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, Scotland's only cavalry, were the first Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank equipped Regiment of the British Army. Soon to raise a 4th Sabre Squadron, the Regiment will comprise 58 tanks in total with almost 500 soldiers.

The Regiment is once again serving with the Desert Rats of 7th Armoured Brigade as it did in 1990-1 and in North Africa in 1943. This time, the Regiment is based in Fallingbostel, between Hanover and Hamburg, in Germany. The Regiment recently completed a successful tour in Kosovo as part of Multinational Brigade Centre. This was the first operational deployment of the Army's new Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank. The Regiment continues to train for its war fighting role and completed high intensity exercises in Canada and Poland in 1999. The Regiment is due to return to Kosovo in July 2001. The ethos of 'work hard, play hard' applies to the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards more than ever. In recent years, the Regiment has proven its ability to adapt rapidly from armoured war fighting to peace support patrolling. At the same time, many soldiers have been able to further their sporting and adventurous training skills, using the excellent facilities available to members of British Forces Germany. The Pipes and Drums, all trained tank crewmen, continue to uphold the name of the Regiment throughout the world, regularly touring as far a field as America, South Africa and New Zealand. In 1999, the Pipe Major accompanied the Commanding Officer to St Petersburg for the burial of Tsar Nicholas II, a former Colonel of the Regiment.