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. British Chieftain Main Battle Tank Model FV4201 All Marks (click image for large view) The Chieftain MBT was designed as a conventional layout tank maximizing its’ attributes of firepower and armour protection. Development began in the late 1950s with the first production vehicles being manufactured by Royal Ordnance Factory, Leeds, in the early 1970s. The vehicle is similar in appearance to many of todays MBTs. General Information/ Specs: The Chieftains’ armament consists of a 120mm rifled gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and a 7.62mm machine gun at the commanders’ cupola. The 120mm gun used separate loading ammunition with the propellant charges being stored in special liquid filled bins. The bins were designed to reduce the fire hazard in case of armour penetration. While the first vehicles were fitted with a special design Leyland 6 cylinder multifuel engine of 585 hp, the later marks went through several engine package upgrades resulting in a 750 hp version of the engine. Production of the Chieftain continued through 1978. Some of the changes to the Chieftain included armour, engine, and fire control system upgrades. Crew: 4 ( driver, loader, gunner, and commander) Engine: Leyland L60 2 stroke 6 cylinder (12 pistons) multi-fuel engine Auxiliary: 3 cylinder 2 stroke H30 compression ignition engine which operates the hydraulic cooling fan, 350 A alternator, and cold starting facility for main engine Transmission: Merritt Wilson Type TN12Mk5 combined gearbox and steering unit Top Speed: 30 mph Weight (empty): varies with mark - appx. 117,000 to 121,000 lbs Height: 9 ft 6 in Length: 35 ft 7 in with gun forward Width: 11 ft 10 in over track skirts Electrical System: 24 volt ( 4-12 volt batteries in hull and 2-12 volt batteries in turret) Notes For Collectors: I think the specifications give you a good idea about this one. This vehicle is only for the bravest of armour collectors. To transport it requires specialized equipment. It is over width and over weight in any state. To maintain it requires heavy material handling equipment. Nothing on it is lightweight. To operate it you need some property you don’t mind leaving a few track marks on. But on the upside you have to realize that you are buying a main battle tank. Few individuals in the world can say they own one. It is a very, very impressive vehicle. Parts are still available. Assistance with maintenance can be arranged when needed. The Chieftain is about as modern of a MBT that an individual collector can afford to buy.

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