Chieftain main battle tank Weapon Systems // Ground Combat Vehicles // Tanks

The Chieftain was formerly the principal main battle tank (MBT) of the British army. It was designed to replace both the Centurion and Conqueror MBTs. The tank is in limited service with other militaries. The Centurion is a "medium" tank with a main gun armament that was increased from 83.4 mm to 105 mm; the Conqueror was a 130,000-lb (58,970-kg) heavy tank with a 120-mm tank gun. The first Chieftain prototype was completed in 1959. Full production began in 1963 and the tank entered...