Modifications of The Tank Chieftain

Modifications of the tank Chieftain
Chieftain Mk.1

Preproduction model. In 1965 he produced 40 tanks Mk.1, which were transferred to the training unit of the British Army.
Chieftain Mk.2

The first production version of the tank Chieftain. Manufactured 532 machines. In November 1966, the tanks began to arrive Mk.2 version by the British Army of the Rhine, located in Germany. The tank is equipped with equipment for underwater driving, it is installed diesel L60 Mk.4 capacity of 650 hp Two Chieftain Mk.2 in 1968 were tested in the United States. Their main objective was to test features 120-mm cannon to destroy a variety of purposes and the convenience of the crew when firing. Chassis has not been tested. Americans, in principle, were satisfied with the shooting, during which one of the crew managed to reach a rate of 12 rounds / min.
Chieftain Mk.3

In 1969, 199 tanks, “Chieftain Mk.2 been upgraded in version Mk.3. They found more reliable diesels L60 Mk.6, equipped with new air filters, improved power generators and new commander turrets number 15 Mk.2 with single-hatch. On the roof of the turret mounted machine gun L37A1 caliber 7,62 mm, the shooting of which is possible with a closed hatch. Angles pointing a machine gun in a vertical plane – from -10 ° to +75 °. Aiming guns in the vertical plane is synchronized with the optical axis of binocular sight commander. Firing a machine gun air targets provides the installation of anti-aircraft gun sight.
Chieftain Mk.3 / 3

“Achilles heel” tank “Chieftain” was not only the chassis, coupled with a strong enough engine, but also totally inadequate powerful 120-mm gun fire control system. In version Mk.3 / 3 was the first attempt to bring the MSA to the level of modern requirements at the time. Instead of shooting tower 12,7-mm machine-gun L21A1 was installed laser rangefinder “Barr End Strood» LF-2, integrated in the main gunner’s sight. Measuring range rangefinder – from 500 to 10 000 m, the measurement error of ± 10 m. The British basically abandoned their tanks installed on the optical range finders, assuming that the placement of a bulky tower design increases its size. Modernization in 1970 were subjected to 29 tanks Chieftain Mk.2.
Chieftain Mk.4

In 1970 he built two prototype tank with increased fuel capacity and reduced ammunition to machine guns.
Chieftain Mk.5

In version Mk.5 in 1971, modernized 97 tanks Mk.3. They were installed more powerful diesel L60 Mk.7 (power of 750 hp), bespodsvetochnye night vision equipment in the fire control system introduced electronic ballistic computer, and in front of the case mounted units for mounting the blade and the electrohydraulic actuators (Installation blade is available on any tank option Mk.5 and takes in the field 6 h). In ammunition introduced swept feathered armor-piercing projectiles L23A1 and smoke shells, the number of rounds increased to 64. At the end of the trunk of an improved 120-mm gun L11A5 mounted armored covered with a cover collimator designed to align the trunk and the line of sight optical sight in the process of shooting an arrow. We establish a commander’s cupola number of 21 new designs. Luc turret is fixed in three positions: flung back at 90 ° or 180 ° or parted with a maximum gap of 5 cm Elevation anti-aircraft guns increased to 90 °.

The tank installed more sophisticated electronics and advanced NBC protection, air filter system shifted from the rear wall of the tower inside the tank.
Chieftain »Mk.6/Mk.7/Mk.8

Modernization of tanks Mk.2, Mk.3 and Mk.3 / 3 to Mk.5 in options Mk.6, Mk.7 and Mk.8 respectively. They set diesels L60 Mk.8 power 810 hp Work to convert the machines were carried out in 1976, Chieftain Mk.9 Upgrade option Mk.6. The tank is installed the new MSA firm Marconi Spacey End Defense Sea stemz. It consists of a digital computer GEC-lMarkoni “12-12R subsystem automatic input atmospheric parameters, integrated subsystem alignment axis of the gunner’s sight and the bore. Gunner’s sight and laser rangefinder replaced by more modern optical sight “Barr’s End Strood» № 2 Mk.2 and laser range finder “Barr End Strood» № 3. Work on the modernization of tanks began in 1981
Chieftain »Mk.10/Mk.11/Mk.12

Options Mk.7/Mk.8/Mk.5, brought to the level Mk.9.
Chieftain »Mk.11 / 1

In 1987, the turret “Chieftain”, available by the British Army of the Rhine, have been equipped with additional armor protection bill “Stillbryu”, resulting in a weight tank has increased to 2 tons proposed to strengthen the booking of tanks and towers, developed the concept of consignment items armor commander 3 Panzer Regiment. First Chieftain »Mk.11 / 1 was handed personally to the constructor-commander. All works to enhance the reservations held the 23rd workshop of the British Army of the Rhine.

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By the end of 1980. tanks Chieftain obsolete and, according to the British military, could not be regarded as a modern battle tanks, so in parts of the British Army of the Rhine they planned to use as assault weapons.
The export variant of the tank Chieftain

Development and production of export variants of the tank Chieftain were conducted at the state tank factory in Leeds.
“Shir Iran”

Frustrated a deal with Israel for the supply of tanks, “Chieftain” the British are more than compensated for the signing in 1971 the contract for the sale to Iran of 707 cars and 73 BREM on their base, and in future not ruled out selling another 1200 units. The Iranians have made several comments to the existing models of the British tank, in the first place, they did not suit low power density and lack of smoothness of motion. There is nothing new they have not discovered these deficiencies Chieftain-on “is widely commented upon before making it into service. However, requests, and the more requirements of the customer who pays well, should consider.

Work on the project tank “Shir Iran” ( “Lion of Iran”) began in 1974, three years after signing the contract. The basis was taken tank Chieftain Mk.5, which was supposed to install a new diesel engine Condor »CV-12TCA 1200 hp, hydromechanical transmission,” David Brown »TN-37, and hydrostatic steering. The long-running diesel engine and transmission refinement led to a decision on the phased construction of improvements Chieftain Mk.5. First set by Iran, have become models of tanks Mk.3/ZR, almost similar to the British version of Mk.3 / 3. Was followed by 187 cars update Mk.5R (FV 4030 / 1). They have reinforced anti-mine protection, the new system of transmission control TN-12, additional shock absorbers on the rear suspension units, increased capacity of fuel tanks and a number of other improvements.

Tanks of the second installment (125 cars), received the designation of “W-1» (FV4030 / 2), planned to equip the new propulsion system and improved suspension, but the diesel “Condor” was still not ready. Britain offered to supply Iran at a later date more advanced tanks W-2. The project FV4030 / 3 to develop a new welded turret with a combined multi-booking (reservation-type Chobhem “) and completely remade welded body. On this machine installed an advanced fire control system, including a new day / night periscope sight “Rank Pallini» № 84 “Condor”, and hydropneumatic suspension, developed by “Dunlop” as part of a military unit. It was made of seven experimental tanks “W-2″.

After the victory of anti-Shah revolution the new government of Iran in 1979 canceled the contract for the supply of tanks “Shir Iran. Total prior to termination of the transaction were delivered to Iran about 700 tanks options Mk.3 and Mk.5R.
“Khalid”

In 1979, the British managed to conclude a contract with Jordan for the ground forces of the State 274 tanks “W-1″, abandoned by the Iranians. In Jordan, the tanks were named “Khalid” were supplied in 1981 are installed diesel engines Rolls-Royce Condor »12V power of 1200 hp, hydromechanical transmission TN-37, MSA firm Marconi Spacey End Defense Systems.” Externally, the tank is different from the “Chieftain” Mk.5 configuration boxes and equipment, located on the sides of the tower, and the lack of lights on the commander’s cupola.
“Quaid» ( «Quayid»)

Tanks “Chieftain”, comes in Oman (27 cars, a contract was signed in 1981), were integrated into sight L20 Laser Rangefinder “Simrad” (sight received the designation L22).

In addition to the supply tanks “Chieftain” in Iran, Oman and Jordan, 153 machines in the form Mk.5.2K were sold to Kuwait; deliveries began in late 1975
Chieftain 800/900

Especially for deliveries to third countries was designed tank Chieftain 800/900. Prototype was built in 1982 in the framework of the project lay of use on the tank “W-2 and the experimental tank Chieftain with a tower made of a multilayer armor” Chobhem. Engine – 12-cylinder V-type diesel engine Rolls-Royce power of 900 hp (Chieftain 900) or a capacity of 800 hp (Chieftain 800), manual transmission, TN-12/1000. The tank incorporates a new hydropneumatic suspension firm “Laser Engineering. Contracts for the supply of tanks Chieftain 800/900 were made.
Experimental Tank FV4211

In 1971, he was a pilot tank FV 4211, intended for testing of new constructive solutions to the tower, made of a multilayer armor “Chobhem. New tower was mounted on tank chassis Chieftain. Experience gained in establishing the tower was used in the design of turret “W-2″.
Special machines based on the tank “Chieftain”
BREM F.V.4202

Development BREM-based Chieftain began in 1965, its trials started in 1971, for mass production – in 1974, MTO and the suspension of this car – just like a tank “Chieftain”. In front of the case are two hydraulic winches with a drive from the main diesel engine. Tractive force main winch – 30 m (with the pulley block – 60 or 90 tons), the auxiliary – 3,5 m; the length of the main winch rope – 120 m, auxiliary – 305 m. In front of the case mounted blade, and on the right side of the hull – crane lifting capacity of 5.8 tons on the roof of the main body commander’s cupola “Helio» № 17 with remote-controlled machine gun caliber 7,62 mm. Weight BREM – 56 m. For the British armed forces and the Iranian plant firm Vickers built 157 BREM-based tank Chieftain.

In the late 1980’s. BREM were converted into 12 tanks Chieftain of the British Army of the Rhine. BREM were tested in the 40 th An Engineers group. Since the tank was dismantled tower, a hole in the hull to brew a metal sheet. The body set up rails, the front ends of which pivotally were fixed, and could climb back through hydraulic cylinders. The rails were used for transportation and disposal of anti-tank ditch special fascines, and transportation sections and parts of the bridge to be installed on bridgelayer FV4205 № 9. In front of the case BREM hinged blade or mine sweep. Crew BREM – three people.
The bridge layer F.V.4205

The task for the development of bridge layer on the chassis of the tank Chieftain General Staff of Great Britain issued in 1962 established two bridge structures (№ 8 and number 9), mounted on the hull of the tank. Series production began in 1975

The bridge number 8 is the length of the flight in the unfolded state of 24,4 m. This foldable design consists of two poluproletov is made of lightweight high-strength aluminum-zinc-magnesium alloy and designed for loads up to 54 t. The bridge is placed and removed by means of hydraulic cylinders, with no exit crew from the shell bridge layer, the time of installation / removal of 3 – 5 min. Crew – 3 people, weight – 53 tons width overlapped obstacles – 22,8 m.

Bridge number 9 has a one-piece design of the roadway length of 13,4 m, it is also fit and removed with the help of hydraulics. Width overlapped obstacles – 12 pm
ZSU “Saber”

In the mid 1980’s. prototype was tested ZSU “Saber” on tank chassis Chieftain. The machine was set up jointly by specialists of the Royal Tank Factory in Leeds and engineers from the French company Thomson. The French have developed a tower with two 30-mm automatic cannon “Oerlikon” SWR-B and radar fire control system. Rate guns – 600 – 650 rds / min Effective range – 3000 – 3500 m. The ammunition is for 300 rounds on the barrel. Angles pointing guns in the vertical plane – from -8 ° to +85 °. For electronic systems in the tower off the main engine has an auxiliary power unit. Radar can detect aerial targets at ranges of up to 15 km, but are only pointing guns at ranges of up to 10 km. Besides the radar, there is a television channel tracking. Target range is determined by the laser rangefinder. Model regime is firing from their seats, according to representatives of the firm of Thomson, when firing from the place remained high probability of hitting the target first shot. In the tower are two crew members – commander and gunner, body and chassis are identical ZSU Main Battle Tank Chieftain. In the early 1990’s. was tested on the basis of ZSU tank Chieftain with a tower company “Merksamen. Automatic guns are placed along the sides of the tower, just as is done in the West ZSU “Cheetah”. In the turret installed radar antenna detection of air targets firms «GEC-Marconi.
Operational service

Most active tanks Chieftain used in the Iranian army during the Iran-Iraq War 1980 – 1988 gg. Large tank battles took place during the Iranian counter-offensive in January 1981 The main attack was by 16 Panzer Division (up to 300 tanks, “Chieftain” and M60A1). The objectives of the offensive were lifting the siege on the Iraqi city of Abadan and clearing of the enemy on the road Ahfaz. Exploration of Iraq has revealed plans for the Iranian side. To reflect the counter-attack the Iraqis focused as one armored division (up to 300 tanks T-62). January 6, Iranian tanks came to the best Iraqi positions. Not knowing about the transfer here of large armored forces of the enemy, the Iranians attacked the move. The Iraqis, according to the plan of battle, moved away, lured Chieftain and M60 in the fire sack. In combat on Jan. 6, an Iranian armored brigade was completely destroyed, another two were defeated in battle 7 – 8 January. This battle is notable that was a tank battle in a pure form: the enemy’s tanks closer close enough to the aircraft or artillery support, without the risk of hitting its troops completely ruled out. According to Iraq, in the three-day battle the Iranians have lost 214 tanks, Iran also acknowledged the loss of only 88 cars.

Terrible losses suffered by Iranian armor during the battle for Ahvaz in March 1986, Iraqi intelligence services back in time to learn about the concentration of the shah’s armor. At this time, to fight it attracted aviation. The attack resulted in 56 fighter-bombers (mainly MiG-23BN) were damaged and destroyed 500 tanks, “Chieftain”, M60 and M113 APCs. Liberation petroliferous Majnun islands, lying near the city of Basra, in June 1988 was attached great importance – it was the only Iraqi territory, still remained in the hands of Islamic fundamentalists (the island was captured as a result of intense fighting in 1984 – 1986).. Iraq concentrated about 2000 tanks and 600 artillery guns. Iranians had only 60 tanks, mostly “Chieftain” and “scorpions”.

The success of the army of Saddam Hussein turned out to be absolute – the island has been released, all Iranian tanks destroyed or captured as booty.

The real evidence of Iran’s losses in the tanks in the transfer of Iraq in 1989, Jordan, about 120 captured tanks Chieftain. Most of them had battle damage and in need of serious repairs, but about 30 cars were in a combat ready condition. Iraq decided to sell seized vehicles, due to difficulties with maintenance of tanks, the British design, because the whole tank of the Arab State Park consisted of machinery Soviet or Chinese manufacture. The latest case of military applications “chiftenov” became their participation in hostilities in Kuwait in 1990 – 1991 gg. Almost all the Kuwaiti tanks were either captured or destroyed by the troops of Saddam Hussein in 1990, during the occupation of Kuwait. Several survivors of combat units entered Kuwait City along with parts of the multinational force.