This Challenger 2 prototype V5 was on display at Bovington. It was one of nine built by the Vickers company in Leeds during 1989 and 1990.
At this point Challenger 2 wasn’t certain to be the British Army’s next tank. An open competition was to be held, allowing foreign designs to be submitted.
The M1A2 Abrams, Leclerc and Leopard 2 were evaluated alongside Challenger in Spring 1991.
A combination of political and military factors led to the choice of Challenger 2.