Challenger 2 main battle tank (MBT)

[frank8003]

didn't know they fit in the chunnel
https://www.rt.com/uk/374209-army-tanks-channel-tunnel/

 

[swbradley1]

Well, I guess no one else knew either so they needed a test. But in battle a cruise missile will put and end to that.

 

[scottmandu]

I would have thought a tape measure was all that was needed to see if they would fit.

 

[bikeman]

I would have thought a tape measure was all that was needed to see if they would fit.

As much as planning and simulation can predict, there's nothing like actually doing it. Anything from a bump in the tracks, momentum shifts, or a modified sign that wasn't noted can cause an issue.

 

[Robo McDuff]

Probably testing if they can get them back quick and dirty on the cheap from the mainland once Brexit goes ahead. Or maybe they want to defend the entrance to the canal tunnel on the French side.

 

[Trailboss]

"Tanks have been sent through the Channel Tunnel in a secret midnight training operation to prepare for war in Europe. ... The Ministry of Defense (MoD) tweeted a picture of a Challenger being strapped down at around midnight on Wednesday."

Can't be too secret if the MoD is tweeting about it.

 

[fireball]

moving any military vehicle by rail during peacetime is a challenge. Finding enough blocking and bracing for railroad inspectors is challenging to say the least. If you are going to ship from east coast, do not be surprised to find your prepositioned chains somewhere on the west coast.

 

[Another Ahab]

It sounds like you know the drill.

Is that from active duty experience or from the outside?