CHIEFTAIN Mk.10 - BRITISH MAIN BATTLE TANK

Description

The Chieftain FV4201 was the main battle tank of the United Kingdom during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. A development of the Centurion and therefore a continuation of the British cruiser series, sharing a substantial commonality of parts with both its predecessor and successor. It was the "most formidable main battle tank in the world" with, at the time of its introduction in 1966 the most powerful main gun and most effective armour of any tank yet made. The Chieftain also introduced a supine (reclining backwards) driver position, enabling a heavily sloped hull with reduced height. Faster than Centurion, able to maintain its speed longer than the Leopard 1 and out-gunning its contemporaries Chieftain was also the first tank to enhance its (already superior) armour with composite armour add-ons, beginning with Chobham developed in the UK. It remained in service until replaced by the Challenger 1. The Mk.10 version was a Mark 9 version upgraded with addition of Stillbrew Crew Protection Package to the turret front and turret ring. (Scale : 1/35e)