Centurion Mk10 MBT

The Centurion MBT was developed towards the end of the Second World War. 4,423 vehicles were produced between 1945/6 and 1961/62. The first of these vehicles were armed with the 17 pounder main gun but was soon replaced by the 20 pounder again being replaced by the 105mm L7 series main gun that was used by many other nations that introduced the Centurion MBT. The 105mm L7 is capable of firing a number of different ammunition types including APFSDS, APDS, HESH and smoke. The main gun is stabilised and ranging was performed via a 12.7mm RMG.

The Centurion was a very capable tank and was widely exported to a number of countries around the world. The Centurion was developed over a number of years and there were 13 different variations of the tank with many sub-variants. There was a 165mm Demolition gun equiped Centurion for clearing emplacements and other obsticles. The ARV vehicle had its armament removed and a winch and dozer blade attached. The BARV was a beach recovery vehicle that enabled the recovery of broken down, damaged or destroyed heavy armour vehicles from beach / amphibious landings.

"A Centurion crew complement amounted to four, driver, gunner, loader/radio op and commander. There were sometimes five crew on the 165mm armed Cent AVRE, but this was a rarity due to manpower problems. Centurion ARV crew was generally three, driver, winch op/radio op and commander, while the BARV crew was also three. Quite often this number was reduced to two, again because of manpower problems."

The Centurion has seen service with Austria where the turrets of the Centurion are emplaced in concrete. Israel added explosive reactive armour and refitted the petrol with diesel engine. A number of Centurions had their turrets removed and were used in an APC. Jordan where the vehicle is known as the Tariq has an upgraded computerised fire control system and a more fuel efficient diesel engine fitted. Singapore and South Africa where it is known as the Olifant Mk1A with a number of imrovements to the gun and power pack, the Mk1B has a new hull and turret armour. Other countries include Australia (Until 1977), The Netherlands, Sweeden, Denmark, Canada, Switzerland, Jordan, New Zealand, Iraq, India and Kuwait.

Additional Information thanks to Mr Kent ex driver of the Chieftain and Centurion.

There were a number of varients produced and these include:

1. Olifant Mk1A & Mk1B (South African version)
2. Tariq (Jordanian Version)
3. FV4006 Centurion ARV - Armoured Recovery Vehicle
4. Centurion Mk5 AVRE - Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers
5. FV4018 Centurion BARV - Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications