| The Chieftain Tank is one of the best known of the present generation of battlefield weapons, and is one of the most heavily armoured and armed fighting behicles in service anywhere today. It has not been without its detractors or critics, however, and there has been a running debate by military commentators for several years past on the relative merits of the British Chieftain Tank compared with the main battle tanks of other great military powers- the United States, Soviet Russia, France and West Germany - whose present equivalent designs afford a fasinating contrast with Chieftain in many key aspects. The Chieftain, however, was developed as a result of British tank experience in World War II Chieftain MK. 2: This was the definitive production version which first went into service (with the 11th Hussars) in 1967. It had a one piece cupola hatch and special ventilation equipment on the turret rear to enable the vehicle to operate closed down in nuclear and biologival warfare conditions. The armour plating on the light projector was reduced, round stowage reduced, and snorkel wading equipment was supplied in place of a floatation kit originally envisaged. This type saw extensive service in the late 1960's and early 1970's, and indeed, the Chieftain rapidly replaced the Centurion as the British Army's main battle tank once production was under way. Special purpose models- a recovery vehicle, AURE, and bridgelayer have appeared. Chieftain Mk 3: This version appeared in 1969 and had a better auxiliary generator and detail improvements to the engine. The L60 engine proved complex, and successive marks of the Chieftain have had the engine gradually uprated to give the full designed power output. An improved cupola, and modified internal stowage were other changes. Chieftain Mk 3/3: This saw a big step forward, in that the fire control arrangements were modified so that an advanced laser sight for the gunner can be fitted. Chieftain Mk 5: First announced in 1970, this was the main type in service in the mid 1970's. Further engine modifications bring the power output up to 750bph, with consequent improvement in overall performance, and revision of the ammunition stowage arrangements enabled 64 rounds to be stowed. Splash plates have been added on the glacis. It may be that the Chieftain could be the last of the traditional type of tank in the form in which it has been accepted for many years past. Whatever the future, however, Chieftain remains an exciting and powerful fighting vehicle. It has been ordered by the Iranian Army and has interested many others, though the great expense of one of these vehicles limits their availability.
|
