Challenger Cruiser Tank (A30) – Great Britain, WWII

The Challenger A30 was one of the few British tanks specifically designed to mount the powerful 17-pounder gun —a response to the increasingly heavily armored German vehicles from 1943 onward. Based on the Cromwell chassis, the Challenger was stretched and fitted with a large turret that could accommodate two men, allowing for effective target acquisition and rapid reloading.

Although the Challenger was not a mass-produced tank, where it was used – especially in Normandy , the Netherlands and during the Rhine crossing – it provided valuable service in anti-tank warfare.

The model shows the standard version with all the typical features of the later years of production – perfect for tabletop battles or as an eye-catcher in a diorama.

Areas of application:

• Normandy (1944)

• Netherlands & West Germany (1944–45)

• Italy (in limited use)

For which country:

• Great Britain

• Canada

• Free Polish Forces

Classification:

• Main battle tank

Possible uses in tabletop games:

• As an anti-tank vehicle in your British Bolt Action Army

• Tactical support in Flames of War or Chain of Command

• Suitable for late war scenarios 1944/45

• Also ideal as a mission objective or object in diorama construction

Technical data:

• Crew: 5–6 men

• Length: 7.49 m

• Width: 2.74 m

• Height: 2.77 m

• Weight: approx. 32 tons

• Armor: 20–102 mm

• Main armament: 1× 17-pounder (76.2 mm)

• Secondary armament: 1× coaxial Besa machine gun (7.92 mm)

• Engine: Rolls-Royce Meteor V12, 600 hp

• Top speed: approx. 52 km/h

• Range: approx. 160 km