[Coming Soon] FV4030/3 Shir 2 platoon: Persian Lion

🧰 The Big Trophy contains a special modification of the British Chieftain tank for Iran.

FV4030/3 Platoon (Rank IX)

Historical note

At the request of Iran, the British company Military Vehicles and Engineering Establishment (MVEE) began developing a modernization program for Chieftain tanks, which were the backbone of the heavy armored vehicle armory. The first prototypes of the new Shir-2 tanks (Farsi for “lion”) were ready in 1978. Among other improvements, the tanks were equipped with the Chobham composite armor package.

Due to the change of political regime, the order was never fulfilled. Nevertheless, the project was further developed for the needs of the British Armed Forces – a few years later, the Challenger 1 tank was created on the basis of the Shir 2.

FV4030/3

Developed in the late 1970s as an evolutionary step between the Chieftain and the promising Challenger 1, the FV4030/3 became an important milestone in British armored vehicle building. Maneuverability of the tank was improved compared to the Chieftain, but its acceleration dynamics still remain inferior to modern MBTs. In addition, the vehicle was equipped with Chobham composite armor on the upper front hull, cheek plates, and turret sides, significantly improving its protection against HEAT shells.

At the same time, the tank retained its proven 120 mm L11A5 rifled gun with an improved fire control system. The new 1,200 hp engine was not revolutionary, but it provided significantly better maneuverability compared to the Chieftain.

The 120 mm L11A5 rifled gun is equipped with excellent L23 APFSDS rounds. It is also possible to use APDS and HESH shells.

The FV4030/3 Shir-2 is most effective in defense and at medium range. Use cover to hide the vulnerable front of the hull, leaving only the well-protected turret in view. The Shir-2 can be an excellent sniper or a second-line support tank.

Now let's talk about the other vehicles in the new platoon!

VFM5

The VFM5 light tank is an export version of the American experimental CCVL light support tank. This dynamic tracked vehicle is armed with an excellent British L7 gun and several types of ammunition, including the DM33 APFSDS with very high armor penetration.

ZT3A2

Ratel ZT3A2 is a South African wheeled ATGM carrier. The vehicle is based on the chassis of a very successful and mobile IFV. The missile launcher is equipped with Ingwe ATGMs with tandem warheads.

ZA-35

Rooikat ZA-35 is another representative of South African vehicles. This SPAAG vehicles on a wheeled APC chassis is armed with a pair of 30 mm autocannons. Its speed will make it one of the fastest armored vehicles in the game!