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U.K. CHIEFTAIN BATTLE TANK
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| The Chieftain tanks was a development of the legendary Centurion, which introduced the world to the Main Battle Tank (MBT) concept in 1945, dominated the battlefield in the Middle East and imposed its main gun as "the" NATO standard during the Cold War. However, the fast pace of Soviet advance in ammunition triggered a study for new main battle tanks aimed at exceeding all expectations and setting up a new reference for the Cold War. And in 1866, when it entered service, the Chieftain was, indeed, the most formidable main battle tank in the world. The Chieftain's rifled Royal Ordinance L11A5 120 mm gun was specifically tailored for it and also became the new NATO standard caliber. Its cross-country speed was better than that of the Centurion, and it could maintain it longer than the lighter Leopard I. The Chieftain also had the best protection of the time. The Chobham armor became a milestone in tank protection development. |