Already mentioned this down in the history section but can't let this one pass. My experience? 22 years as a mechanic in the British Army working on centurion, cheiftain,cheiftain stillbrew,challenger and challenger 2.
Deployed on Op Granby (Yanks called it Desert Storm)
Deployed On Op Telic (Yanks called it Iraqi Freedom or some such)
1. Turbine engine in Abrams uses 8 gallons just to start!!
2. Leopard pack comes out VERY quick.....but to split and repair the pack takes 180 man hours
3.Chally 2 pack out in 17 minutes (I've done it) and I know 1st line ftrs and FRG that can match that.
4. To split a Chally2 pack into its constituent parts: CV12 Engine,TN54 Transmission,Coolant Group and Fan Group 4 guys and 40 minutes. Done it and again no doubt there are others that can do it quicker.
5.Dorchester Armour (latest iteration of Chobham) is the BEST
6. HK sight system is great
I'm not dissing Leopard or indeed Abrams, they're both good tanks. A lot, as has already been mentioned, comes down to the crews. Chally has an enviable record in combat AND far less "blue on blues" by percentage than anything else.Sooo tank AND crews seem to be doing all right.
By the way, I have also examined a T72 up close and personal AND done a clutch change on a T55 ARV, all good fun.
http://www.redorchestragame.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11698 is the link for the earlier post about Chally.