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Technical data: Weight: 58 tons Crew: 4 men. Motorized by a L 60 Diesel Engine max. 850 hp, plus an auxiliar Coventry Climax Generating Unit H30 to 23 hp. Main Armament: rifled 120 mm gun.

 

Developed in late fifties, the Chieftain was released in 1963, to be the main battle tank of the United Kingdom Army. It's still on duty in small amounts in the british army and in commonwealth countries. It was born to replace the Centurion and the Conqueror. Since then, the Chieftain has going through thirteen updates and its tower to seven. Chieftain's armour is of solid steel, although it's reinforced in the tower zone with an additional mounted armour known as "Stillbrew". Last modifications includes a Barr and Stroud TOGS (Thermal Observation and Gunnery system) Night Sight Equipment. Its well fitted engine is able to work with almost any fuel, but actually all of them work with Diesel. Initially, the Chieftain was not built with a fire control system, but as the Centurion, a 12'7 mm MG with tracer ammo was used for ranging. When the tracer rounds hit the target, the corrections were applied to the main gun. Now, the Chieftain is fitted with a laser range-finder, plus computerised fire system, also NBC protection, and thermal sights. As many others british tanks, there are mounting points at the front of the hull for a dozer blade.rollo}

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