The FV4201 Chieftain was the main battle tank of the United Kingdom during the 1960s–1990s.
A development of the Centurion, the Chieftain introduced the supine (reclining) driver position to British design allowing a heavily sloped hull with reduced height. A new powerpack and improved transmission gave it higher speed than the Centurion despite being heavier due to major upgrades to armour protection and the armament; this allowed it to replace both the Conqueror and Centurion while performing their roles effectively. It remained in service until replaced by the Challenger 1 which shared many of the Chieftain’s features.
Characteristics
Crew: 4
Combat weight: 55 tons
Overall length: 10.8 m (35 ft 5.2 in) gun forward
Hull length: 7.5 m (24 ft 7.3 in)
Height: 2.9 m (9 ft 6.2 in)
Width: 3.5 m (11 ft 5.8 in)
Powerplant: Opposed-piston engine Leyland L60 (diesel, multi-fuel compression ignition) 750 bhp (560 kW)
Range: 500 km (310 mi)
Maximum road speed: 43 km/h (27 mph)
Cross-country speed: 30 km/h (19 mph)
Armour: turret front, 195 mm (7.7 in) RHA (60°)
Manufacturer: Leyland Motors
