Posted: 12/17/2004 10:07:29 PM EDT
| I know the Abrams is an amazing tank, but I have read nothing short of spectacular reviews of the challenger tank. What do the resident experts here think? Which is "better" |
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Depends on your point of view. I ride around in an Abrams, but personally, I prefer to be in Challenger. Greater variety of rounds fired, heavier armour (Particularly on the roof), and a microwave oven. Then again, the Abrams does have a fantastic heater, at least when you get out and stand at the back, and the American tank is definitely more nimble (if you can use that word with a 70-ton vehicle) and quieter. Some say that the British ammunition storage system is a liability as well, but I'm not convinced by such arguments. The propellant is stowed in armoured bins in the lower hull. That said, they're looking at replacing the British rifle with the German smoothbore in a fleet-wide upgrade. The costs involved of making non-NATO-Standard rounds with only one , small, export customer so far is proving prohibitive. If you want a maintenance nightmare, I refer you to our motor pool. And the one from the 1st ID unit next door. I refuse to believe a diesel gives as much hassle. Turbine is the better engine if it works, but sometimes I wonder if it's worth it. Ultimately, they're both great tanks., and you'd be happy with either. Planning on buying one?   NTM |