Difference between revisions of "Chieftain Mk 10"

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{{Specs-Card|code=uk_chieftain_mk_10}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = British medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = British medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = other uses
+
| usage = other versions
 
| link = Chieftain (Family)
 
| link = Chieftain (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=uk_chieftain_mk_10
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
−
{{Break}}
 
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]].
−
 
−
The Chieftain Mk 10 is the first vehicle available in the British main research tree with APFSDS available for research, significantly improving the vehicle's gun performance once unlocked.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
  
Line 36: Line 36:
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
* Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick while bogies are 19 mm thick.
 
* Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick while bogies are 19 mm thick.
 
* Belly armour is 16 mm of RHA.
 
* Belly armour is 16 mm of RHA.
Line 43: Line 44:
 
! Stillbrew armour !! Front
 
! Stillbrew armour !! Front
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret ring - front part || 200 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 200 mm ''Chemical''  
+
| Turret ring - front part || 200 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 200 mm ''Chemical''
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Turret - front half || 450 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 500 mm ''Chemical''
 
| Turret - front half || 450 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 500 mm ''Chemical''
Line 49: Line 50:
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
* Stillbrew armour at turret ring is pure 200 mm CHA.
 
* Stillbrew armour at turret ring is pure 200 mm CHA.
 
* Stillbrew armour on turret front is composed of 80 to 150 mm CHA + 60 mm rubber + 150 to 250 mm CHA.
 
* Stillbrew armour on turret front is composed of 80 to 150 mm CHA + 60 mm rubber + 150 to 250 mm CHA.
Line 57: Line 59:
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1178|rbMinHp= 672}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,178|rbMinHp=672}}
  
 
The {{PAGENAME}}'s mobility is extremely sub-par, particularly when considering the vehicles it will face regularly - such as the [[Leopard A1A1]] or the [[AMX-30 Super]]. While the vehicle is ''technically'' capable of a maximum of 48 km/h in RB/SB, the lacklustre power and the {{PAGENAME}}'s significant weight result in this speed being essentially unattainable except in on-road downhills.
 
The {{PAGENAME}}'s mobility is extremely sub-par, particularly when considering the vehicles it will face regularly - such as the [[Leopard A1A1]] or the [[AMX-30 Super]]. While the vehicle is ''technically'' capable of a maximum of 48 km/h in RB/SB, the lacklustre power and the {{PAGENAME}}'s significant weight result in this speed being essentially unattainable except in on-road downhills.
  
 
As such, {{PAGENAME}} players should not rely on their mobility for anything; rather they should make their way to positions with good visibility and attempt to maintain ranged engagements only, relying on their turret armour.
 
As such, {{PAGENAME}} players should not rely on their mobility for anything; rather they should make their way to positions with good visibility and attempt to maintain ranged engagements only, relying on their turret armour.
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
{{main|Ordnance BL Tk. L11 (120 mm)}}
 
{{main|Ordnance BL Tk. L11 (120 mm)}}
  
−
The L11 120mm Rifled Cannon is reasonably competitive at the Chieftain's rank, although it does suffer from a somewhat mediocre reload time. The weapon is extremely accurate, particularly once utilising the L23 APFSDS round, and performs admirably in ranged engagements. The weapon's default APDS and HESH rounds can be used to good effect against most targets, given careful aim and target selection.
+
The L11 120 mm Rifled Cannon is reasonably competitive at the Chieftain's rank, although it does suffer from a somewhat mediocre reload time. The weapon is extremely accurate, particularly once utilising the L23 APFSDS round, and performs admirably in ranged engagements. The weapon's default APDS and HESH rounds can be used to good effect against most targets, given careful aim and target selection.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 53 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 21.4 ||29.6||36.0||39.8||42.2|| rowspan="2" | 9.7 || rowspan="2" |8.6|| rowspan="2" |7.9|| rowspan="2" |7.5
+
| rowspan="2" | 53 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 21.4 || 29.6 || 36.0 || 39.8 || 42.4 || rowspan="2" | 9.75 || rowspan="2" | 8.63 || rowspan="2" | 7.95 || rowspan="2" | 7.50
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 13.4 ||15.8||19.1||21.1||22.5
+
| 13.4 || 15.8 || 19.1 || 21.1 || 22.5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
The available ammunition allows for engaging all types of targets:
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
 
−
|-
+
* '''L15A3''': APDS; an armour-piercing round with a discarding sabot that has a good penetration power and no explosive filler. As it lacks post-penetration damage, the tactic with an APDS shot is to either knock out the majority of the tank's crew or to provoke ammo or fuel detonation by targeting their respective locations. This requires good knowledge of the layouts of potential opposing vehicles. Use the Protection analysis feature in the hangar menu to analyse potential foes for their weak spots! Also, keep in mind that with increased armour thickness the number of shrapnel shrinks.
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
+
* '''L31A7''': HESH; a high-explosive squash head projectile works very differently from other shell types. It ignores any angle, except for ricochet, and deals damage by metal-flakes which are blown off inside the armour by the exterior explosion. To create this deadly shrapnel inside the tank, make sure to only hit armour plates which are a direct part of the interior crew compartment of the tank. Hitting exterior parts of a tank like spaced armour, the suspension, tracks etc. will not harm crew members/modules at all. Currently, only true armour thickness (as opposed to the line of sight thickness) will provide sufficient means of protection, benefiting the USSR turret designs and in general German tanks. Like all high-explosive shells, the fuse is very sensitive and can be set-off by most objects e.g. fences, trees, posts. The slow muzzle velocity of this shell can make it quite hard to hit targets at longer distances, but at the same time it can be handy because its arc trajectory allows it to land hits on enemies hiding behind shallow hills.
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
+
 
−
|-
+
* '''L23''': APFSDS; a kinetic dart with high penetration power capable of easily penetrating the majority of the foes it meets but without explosive filler. As it lacks post-penetration damage, the tactic with an APDS shot is to either knock out the majority of the tank's crew or to provoke ammo or fuel detonation by targeting their respective locations. This requires good knowledge of the layouts of potential opposing vehicles. Use the Protection analysis feature in the hangar menu to analyse potential foes for their weak spots! Also, keep in mind that with increased armour thickness the number of shrapnel shrinks.
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
+
 
−
|-
+
* '''L34''': Smoke; useful to blind enemy vehicles that are too remote for you to disable so that you can progress towards objectives.
−
| Shell L31A7 || HESH || 152 || 152 || 152 || 152 || 152 || 152
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot L15A3 || APDS || 320 || 315 || 305 || 294 || 280 || 270
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot L23 || APFSDS || 410 || 408 || 405 || 400 || 390 || 380
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Normalisation at 30°<br>from horizontal
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shell L31A7 || HESH || 670 || 17.1 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 5,248 || +0.0° || 73° || 77° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot L15A3 || APDS || 1,370 || 7.6 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 75° || 78° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot L23 || APFSDS || 1,535 || 3.89 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 76° || 77° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
+
{{:Ordnance BL Tk. L11 (120 mm)/Ammunition|Shot L15A3, Shell L31A7, Shot L23, L34}}
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! Ammunition
 
−
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! Screen radius<br>(m)
 
−
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
 
−
! Screen hold time<br>(s)
 
−
! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
|-
 
−
| L34 || 670 || 17.1 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Full<br>ammo
 
! Full<br>ammo
 +
! Ammo<br>part
 
! 1st<br>rack empty
 
! 1st<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
Line 154: Line 121:
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 +
! 7th<br>rack empty
 +
! 8th<br>rack empty
 +
|-
 +
| '''53''' || ''Projectiles''<br>''Propellants'' || 52&nbsp;''(+1)'' <br> 48&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 48&nbsp;''(+5)'' <br> 37&nbsp;''(+16)'' || 46&nbsp;''(+7)'' <br> 20&nbsp;''(+33)'' || 43&nbsp;''(+10)'' <br> 17&nbsp;''(+36)'' || 39&nbsp;''(+14)'' <br> 11&nbsp;''(+42)'' || 37&nbsp;''(+16)'' <br> 4&nbsp;''(+49)'' || 36&nbsp;''(+17)'' <br> 1&nbsp;''(+52)'' || 35&nbsp;''(+18)'' <br> N/A
 +
|-
 +
! 9th<br>rack empty
 +
! 10th<br>rack empty
 +
! 11th<br>rack empty
 +
! 12th<br>rack empty
 +
! 13th<br>rack empty
 +
! 14th<br>rack empty
 +
! 15th<br>rack empty
 +
! 16th<br>rack empty
 +
! 17th<br>rack empty
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''53''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| 30&nbsp;''(+23)'' <br> N/A || 20&nbsp;''(+33)'' <br> N/A || 18&nbsp;''(+35)'' <br> N/A || 17&nbsp;''(+36)'' <br> N/A || 12&nbsp;''(+41)'' <br> N/A || 8&nbsp;''(+45)'' <br> N/A || 4&nbsp;''(+49)'' <br> N/A || 3&nbsp;''(+50)'' <br> N/A || 1&nbsp;''(+52)'' <br> N/A || Yes
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x400px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
Notes:
 +
 +
* Like the other Chieftains, the {{PAGENAME}} uses two-piece ammunition, composed of both projectiles (yellow) and propellants (orange). Both have separate racks. Projectiles' racks can be seen on the upper part of the image while the propellants' racks can be seen on the lower part.
 +
* Like the previous Chieftains, every propellant rack is encased by 5 mm of {{Annotation|RHA|Rolled homogeneous armour}}. In case of a successful penetration, the 5 mm of RHA provide protection against shrapnel. It however may not be enough to stop a direct hit to the propellant rack.
 +
* Projectile racks 11 to 17 and propellant racks 4 to 7 are the first stage ammo racks. They total 20 shots and get filled first when loading up the tank.
 +
* Unlike the previous Chieftains, the projectile racks have visual discrepancy: the ammo racks can "''store''" more ammo than what the model suggests. For instance projectile racks 9 and 10 have such phenomenon.
 +
* So as to go into battle without any ammunition stored in the front hull, it is advised to bring 20&nbsp;''(+33)'' shells (projectile racks 1 to 10 emptied and propellant racks 1 to 3 emptied).
 +
* Projectile racks 15 and 17 are located right next to each other: rack 15 being on top of rack 17.
  
 
==== Optics and night vision ====
 
==== Optics and night vision ====
−
The magnification of the gunner's optics on the Chieftain Mk 3 is ok, but not anything special compared to other tanks it faces. There is only a minimal difference between the default magnification and the zoomed in magnification.
+
The magnification of the gunner's optics on the {{PAGENAME}} is ok, but not anything special compared to other tanks it faces. There is only a minimal difference between the default magnification and the zoomed in magnification.
  
 
The Chieftain is equipped with a fairly basic night vision system, consisting of image intensifiers and an IR searchlight, there is no thermal imager. The image intensifiers are fairly standard compared to those fitted to vehicles of the same time period, they have a lower resolution and higher noise than those fitted to later vehicles.
 
The Chieftain is equipped with a fairly basic night vision system, consisting of image intensifiers and an IR searchlight, there is no thermal imager. The image intensifiers are fairly standard compared to those fitted to vehicles of the same time period, they have a lower resolution and higher noise than those fitted to later vehicles.
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|}
 
|}
  
−
The IR searchlight on the Chieftain Mk3 is mounted in a distinctive box on the left hand side of the turret, it has a wide beam compared to other searchlights; however due to its placement some of the turret blocks some of the light which would otherwise go to the right. In practice this slightly narrows the beam, compared to the theoretical angle listed below (it is still much wider than other searchlights though).
+
The IR searchlight on the {{PAGENAME}} is mounted in a distinctive box on the left hand side of the turret, it has a wide beam compared to other searchlights; however due to its placement some of the turret blocks some of the light which would otherwise go to the right. In practice this slightly narrows the beam, compared to the theoretical angle listed below (it is still much wider than other searchlights though).
−
+
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Night_Vision_Devices#Infrared_Spotlights|IR Searchlight]]
 
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Night_Vision_Devices#Infrared_Spotlights|IR Searchlight]]
Line 200: Line 190:
 
! Location / Notes
 
! Location / Notes
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 1,500 m || 15.3° || Searchlight mounted in box on left hand side of turret, does not pitch up or down.  
+
| 1,500 m || 15.3° || Searchlight mounted in box on left hand side of turret, does not pitch up or down.
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
{{main|L37A1 (7.62 mm)|L8A1 (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|L37A1 (7.62 mm)|L8A1 (7.62 mm)}}
  
−
The Chieftain's two machine guns are not powerful, but can be used as deterrent for close air support and may be used to destroy incoming ATGMs, with a bit of luck.
+
The small calibre of the 7.62 machine gun makes them largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment or to destroy incoming ATGMs, with a bit of luck.
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | [[L37A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm L37A1]]
 
! colspan="5" | [[L37A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm L37A1]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mount
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
−
! Capacity<br>(Belt capacity)
 
−
! Rate of fire<br>(shots/minute)
 
−
! Vertical<br>guidance
 
−
! Horizontal<br>guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Commander's cupola || 2,000 (100) || 650 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
+
| Pintle || 2,000 (100) || 650 || -10°/+50° || ±180°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | [[L8A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm L8A1]]
 
! colspan="5" | [[L8A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm L8A1]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mount
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
−
! Capacity<br>(Belt capacity)
 
−
! Rate of fire<br>(shots/minute)
 
−
! Vertical<br>guidance
 
−
! Horizontal<br>guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Coaxial || 6,000 (200) || 600 || N/A || N/A
 
| Coaxial || 6,000 (200) || 600 || N/A || N/A
Line 239: Line 223:
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
The Chieftain Mk 10 plays similarly to the Mk 3/Mk 5 - ideally taking long-ranged engagements from hull-down positions, or when forced into shorter-ranged engagements avoiding exposing the vehicle as much as possible. Fortunately, the Stillbrew addition on the Mk.10 significantly reduces the risks of exposing the turret, with the composite capable of deflecting most kinetic rounds it will face - although the armour package is not invulnerable to chemical rounds; some powerful HEAT rounds and most late ATGMs will easily punch through it. Augmenting the vehicle's ability further is the (researchable) access to L23 APFSDS, which significantly improves the L11's long range efficacy. Despite these improvements, the Chieftain still suffers from mediocre mobility and care must be taken to ensure one does not get engaged while the vehicle is moving, as the ability to quickly move into cover is often not an option.
+
The {{PAGENAME}} plays similarly to the Mk 3/Mk 5 - ideally taking long-ranged engagements from hull-down positions, or when forced into shorter-ranged engagements avoiding exposing the vehicle as much as possible. Fortunately, the Stillbrew addition on the Mk 10 significantly reduces the risks of exposing the turret, with the composite capable of deflecting most kinetic rounds it will face - although the armour package is not invulnerable to chemical rounds; some powerful HEAT rounds and most late ATGMs will easily punch through it. Augmenting the vehicle's ability further is the (researchable) access to L23 APFSDS, which significantly improves the L11's long range efficacy. Despite these improvements, the Chieftain still suffers from mediocre mobility and care must be taken to ensure one does not get engaged while the vehicle is moving, as the ability to quickly move into cover is often not an option.
  
 
'''Specific Adversaries'''
 
'''Specific Adversaries'''
Line 245: Line 229:
 
'''[[T-64B]]/[[T-80B]]:''' The Chieftain is susceptible to the T-64B and T-80B at close to medium ranges, where their highest-performance APFSDS rounds or their ATGMs are capable of punching through the Stillbrew armour. As such, when forced to engage either of these vehicles try to force mistakes by staying in cover, encouraging them to move within your firing line rather than attempting to brute-force your way through them.
 
'''[[T-64B]]/[[T-80B]]:''' The Chieftain is susceptible to the T-64B and T-80B at close to medium ranges, where their highest-performance APFSDS rounds or their ATGMs are capable of punching through the Stillbrew armour. As such, when forced to engage either of these vehicles try to force mistakes by staying in cover, encouraging them to move within your firing line rather than attempting to brute-force your way through them.
  
−
'''[[Leopard 2K]]:''' The Leopard 2K is a dangerous adversary due to its speed and ability to move quickly and potentially flank the Chieftain Mk.10, as well as its 650mm HEAT round which the Stillbrew will not reliably protect against. The Leopard ''is'' however fairly easy to destroy due to its essentially non-existent armour - although don't underestimate the ability for the sharp angles to bounce rounds.
+
'''[[Leopard 2K]]:''' The Leopard 2K is a dangerous adversary due to its speed and ability to move quickly and potentially flank the Chieftain Mk 10. The Leopard ''is'' however fairly easy to destroy due to its essentially non-existent armour - although don't underestimate the ability for the sharp angles to bounce rounds.
  
−
'''[[AMX-40]]:''' The AMX-40 is a threat to the Chieftain Mk.10 for similar reasons to the Leopard 2K; as with the Leopard, be wary of flanks and the power of the AMX-40's APFSDS.
+
'''[[AMX-40]]:''' The AMX-40 is a threat to the Chieftain Mk 10 for similar reasons to the Leopard 2K; as with the Leopard, be wary of flanks and the power of the AMX-40's APFSDS.
−
 
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Mobility
 
−
! Protection
 
−
! colspan="3" | Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Horizontal Drive
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Suspension
 
−
| Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire
 
−
| NVD
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Filters
 
−
|
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| Elevation Mechanism
 
−
| Shot L23
 
−
| Smoke grenade
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Transmission
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| L34
 
−
| Laser rangefinder
 
−
| Artillery Support
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 298: Line 241:
 
* The L23 APFSDS round is very powerful and will have little trouble penetrating most vehicles at the Chieftain's rank
 
* The L23 APFSDS round is very powerful and will have little trouble penetrating most vehicles at the Chieftain's rank
 
* 10° of gun depression
 
* 10° of gun depression
−
* Reasonably fast reload time for a 120mm with a base time of 9.5s and a best time of 7.5s
+
* Reasonably fast reload time for a 120 mm with a base time of 9.5s and a best time of 7.5s
 
* Reasonable reverse speed
 
* Reasonable reverse speed
−
* Receives a Laser Rangefinder as a Tier 4 modification, the first British vehicle this is available on
+
* Receives a Laser Rangefinder as a Tier 4 modification
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Stillbrew composite armour does not provide particularly good chemical protection against upgraded rank VI ATGM, which means, that while it can often allow Chieftain Mk 10 to ignore ATGM attacks from tanks like [[Begleitpanzer 57]], [[KPz-70]] or [[M551]] and maybe even some attacks from unskilled [[IT-1]] operator, in up-tier or against specialized rank VI ATGM tanks and tanks, which can carry advanced ATGM ( like [[BMP-1]], [[BMP-1 (DDR)]], [[BMP-2]], [[Type 89]], [[Warrior]], Etc.), the tank commander must be much more cautious
+
* Stillbrew composite armour does not provide particularly good chemical protection against upgraded rank VI ATGM, which means, that while it can often allow {{PAGENAME}} to ignore ATGM attacks from tanks like [[Begleitpanzer 57]], [[KPz-70]] or [[M551]] and maybe even some attacks from unskilled [[IT-1]] operator, in up-tier or against specialized rank VI ATGM tanks and tanks, which can carry advanced ATGM ( like [[BMP-1]], [[BMP-1 (DDR)]], [[BMP-2]], [[Type 89]], [[Warrior]], Etc.), the tank commander must be much more cautious
−
* While turret is near invulnerable to shells with poor flight characteristics, it still retains a glaring weakspot in form of cupola, which can be penetrated and obliterated by almost any APHE, sometimes even from light tanks such as [[Begleitpanzer 57]], resulting in full crew knockout. Because of this, Chieftain Mk 10 is usually forced to keep their enemies away, even when going to the frontline
+
* While turret is near invulnerable to shells with poor flight characteristics, it still retains a glaring weak spot in form of cupola, which can be penetrated and obliterated by almost any APHE, sometimes even from light tanks such as [[Begleitpanzer 57]], resulting in full crew knock-out. Because of this, the {{PAGENAME}} is usually forced to keep their enemies away, even when going to the frontline
−
* Very poor mobility characteristics, much slower than most medium tanks it have to face
+
* Very poor mobility characteristics, much slower than most medium tanks it has to face
−
* Hull armour is negligible, comprised only of Cast Homogenous armour, which means that it is even weaker, than what it looks like
+
* Hull armour is negligible, comprised only of cast homogeneous armour, which means that it is even weaker, than what it looks like
 
* Hull penetration will often result in ammunition detonation as ammo is strewn throughout it
 
* Hull penetration will often result in ammunition detonation as ammo is strewn throughout it
  
Line 320: Line 263:
 
The biggest bump to the firepower of the FV4201 was the recommendation of a 120 mm calibre tank cannon. Though the Conqueror used a 120 mm, the new one would incorporate more innovative features such as the bagged charges. Other design features added was the usage of a Rolls-Royce V8 engine, an auxiliary engine, an automatic gearbox, and a reclining seat for the driver. The reclining seat was a very new feature in tank design as it reduced the vehicle's hull height and thus gave it a lower profile. Leyland Motors was assigned to be the main designer for the tank despite their commitment to the Centurion production lines. The manufacturing process of the tank was decided to be cast rather than welded. In 1957, several specifications added to the FV4201 impeded its attempt to fit in the specifications. A bigger turret was designed and it mounted IR equipment for night fighting. Troops requested more frontal and turret side armour, which along with the turret change caused an increase in the tank's overall weight. A controversial decision was also made in 1957 by NATO that tanks should have multi-fuel engines. The FV4201 installed a new engine conforming to these standards in 1958, a German engine derived from a Junkers Jumo aviation engine. This extended development time since the engine compartment had to be redesigned to fit the engine, raising the total tank weight to 50 tons. The engine, designated the L60, was received with a mixed reception by the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) and other users due to its novel features. Britain stayed as the only user of a multi-fuel engine in the Cold War as many other nations found the concept impractical and abandoned it.<ref name="DunstanChieftain">Dunstan Simon. ''Chieftain Main Battle Tank 1965-2003'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2003</ref>
 
The biggest bump to the firepower of the FV4201 was the recommendation of a 120 mm calibre tank cannon. Though the Conqueror used a 120 mm, the new one would incorporate more innovative features such as the bagged charges. Other design features added was the usage of a Rolls-Royce V8 engine, an auxiliary engine, an automatic gearbox, and a reclining seat for the driver. The reclining seat was a very new feature in tank design as it reduced the vehicle's hull height and thus gave it a lower profile. Leyland Motors was assigned to be the main designer for the tank despite their commitment to the Centurion production lines. The manufacturing process of the tank was decided to be cast rather than welded. In 1957, several specifications added to the FV4201 impeded its attempt to fit in the specifications. A bigger turret was designed and it mounted IR equipment for night fighting. Troops requested more frontal and turret side armour, which along with the turret change caused an increase in the tank's overall weight. A controversial decision was also made in 1957 by NATO that tanks should have multi-fuel engines. The FV4201 installed a new engine conforming to these standards in 1958, a German engine derived from a Junkers Jumo aviation engine. This extended development time since the engine compartment had to be redesigned to fit the engine, raising the total tank weight to 50 tons. The engine, designated the L60, was received with a mixed reception by the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) and other users due to its novel features. Britain stayed as the only user of a multi-fuel engine in the Cold War as many other nations found the concept impractical and abandoned it.<ref name="DunstanChieftain">Dunstan Simon. ''Chieftain Main Battle Tank 1965-2003'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2003</ref>
  
−
As the FV4201 finalized its prototype stages, General Staff sent a revised specification for it. The tank was to have the firepower of the Conqueror with the mobility of the Centurion, an armour that maximizes the protection-weight ratio, a weight limit at 45 ton with a top speed of 26 mph and an operating range of 300 miles. The first wooden prototype was made in March 1959, with full prototypes ordered in June 1959 for troop trials. Vickers-Armstrong and Royal Ordnance Factory shared the manufacturing process and the first prototypes were built in January 1960. The first two prototype FV4201 was trialled in Germany alongside their new [[Leopard I|Leopard 1]]. The greatest issue with the FV4201 was the engine, which caused many failures due to vibration, a result of the flawed multi-fuel concept. Trials were delayed due to lack of parts to fix broken pieces and redesigns were requested to fix problems. After a lengthy trial period in 1962, the FV4201, now named the '''Chieftain''', was sent to the operational unit in Germany for service and combat trials. The Chieftain was finally accepted for service in 1st May 1963, despite the many faults in the design. The first deliveries of the improved and redesigned Chieftains began in mid-1965. These were the ''Chieftain Mk 1's'', which further revealed problems with the horsepower that the ''Mk 2'' was designed and sent in April 1966. The ''[[Chieftain Mk 3]]'' rolled out of the production lines in September 1969, it now weighed 53 tons and the L60 engine was producing 650 hp, still underpowered for the weight. Engine failures were still frequent and left the Chieftain with a sour note until the [[Chieftain Mk 5|Mk 5]] variant fixed these pressing issues with a new engine and NBC protection. The Mk 5 would be the main variant of the Chieftain in British service. During its production life from 1965 to 1985, a total of 2,265 Chieftains would be built by Britain, with about 1,000 used by the British Army.<ref name="DunstanChieftain">Dunstan Simon. ''Chieftain Main Battle Tank 1965-2003'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2003</ref>
+
As the FV4201 finalised its prototype stages, General Staff sent a revised specification for it. The tank was to have the firepower of the Conqueror with the mobility of the Centurion, an armour that maximises the protection-weight ratio, a weight limit at 45 ton with a top speed of 26 mph and an operating range of 300 miles. The first wooden prototype was made in March 1959, with full prototypes ordered in June 1959 for troop trials. Vickers-Armstrong and Royal Ordnance Factory shared the manufacturing process and the first prototypes were built in January 1960. The first two prototype FV4201 was trialled in Germany alongside their new [[Leopard I|Leopard 1]]. The greatest issue with the FV4201 was the engine, which caused many failures due to vibration, a result of the flawed multi-fuel concept. Trials were delayed due to lack of parts to fix broken pieces and redesigns were requested to fix problems. After a lengthy trial period in 1962, the FV4201, now named the '''Chieftain''', was sent to the operational unit in Germany for service and combat trials. The Chieftain was finally accepted for service in 1st May 1963, despite the many faults in the design. The first deliveries of the improved and redesigned Chieftains began in mid-1965. These were the ''Chieftain Mk 1's'', which further revealed problems with the horsepower that the ''Mk 2'' was designed and sent in April 1966. The ''[[Chieftain Mk 3]]'' rolled out of the production lines in September 1969, it now weighed 53 tons and the L60 engine was producing 650 hp, still under-powered for the weight. Engine failures were still frequent and left the Chieftain with a sour note until the [[Chieftain Mk 5|Mk 5]] variant fixed these pressing issues with a new engine and NBC protection. The Mk 5 would be the main variant of the Chieftain in British service. During its production life from 1965 to 1985, a total of 2,265 Chieftains would be built by Britain, with about 1,000 used by the British Army.<ref name="DunstanChieftain">Dunstan Simon. ''Chieftain Main Battle Tank 1965-2003'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2003</ref>
  
 
===Service===
 
===Service===
Line 332: Line 275:
  
 
===Legacy===
 
===Legacy===
−
The Chieftain helped revolutionize tank design with its innovative features. The most important was the reclining driver seat, which allowed the tank to have a lower profile as the driver was now that highest part of the hull in tank design. It also had the most powerful NATO tank armament in service until the advent of the German Rheinmetall 120 mm, which came about two decades later. Chieftain can be considered the definitive main battle tank of the 1960s and help transition the path between second-generation main battle tanks and the third.
+
The Chieftain helped revolutionise tank design with its innovative features. The most important was the reclining driver seat, which allowed the tank to have a lower profile as the driver was now that highest part of the hull in tank design. It also had the most powerful NATO tank armament in service until the advent of the German Rheinmetall 120 mm, which came about two decades later. Chieftain can be considered the definitive main battle tank of the 1960s and help transition the path between second-generation main battle tanks and the third.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_chieftain_mk_10 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|LufGqZTfvoI|'''MBTs with Best Armor''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 01:25 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|lAW5l2qvPZs|'''Chieftain Mk 10: Come at me Bro!!!''' - ''Napalmratte''|D3OF9IvtHLk|'''Tank Chats #34: Chieftain''' - ''The Tank Museum''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
 +
 
 +
* [[Chieftain (Family)]]
 +
 
 +
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
* [[M48 Super]]
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* [[T-55AM-1]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
Line 355: Line 312:
 
* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=83 <nowiki>[Military Factory]</nowiki> Chieftain MBT]
 
* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=83 <nowiki>[Military Factory]</nowiki> Chieftain MBT]
  
 +
=== References ===
 +
<references />
 +
 +
{{TankManufacturer Leyland}}
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 09:55, 10 April 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the British medium tank Chieftain Mk 10. For other versions, see Chieftain (Family).
Chieftain Mk 10
uk_chieftain_mk_10.png
GarageImage Chieftain Mk 10.jpg
ArtImage Chieftain Mk 10.png
Chieftain Mk 10
Britain flag.png Britain
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
9.0 9.0 9.0
Class:
Research:190 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:520 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Chieftain Mk 10 is a rank VI British medium tank with a battle rating of 9.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.71 "New E.R.A.".

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull86 / 38 / 25
Turret280 / 86 / 45
Crew4 people
Visibility89 %

Armour type:

  • Cast homogeneous armour (hull front, turret front half, cupola)
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull sides, hull rear, hull roof, turret rear half, turret roof, cupola roof)
  • Stillbrew composite armour (turret front half, turret ring - front part)
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 70-127 mm (40-79°) Front glacis
76.2 mm (40-45°) Lower glacis
200* mm (0-45°) Turret ring 		88-220 (8-30°) + 13 mm Front Top
50 mm (1-31°) Center Top
37 mm (30°) + 13 mm Rear Top
37 (10°) + 13 mm Bottom 		37 mm (1-7°) 13-28 mm
Turret 125-250 + 80-150* mm (2-81°) Turret front 100-220 mm (1-53°) Gun mantlet 45-196 mm (1-65°) 45 mm (1°) 50.8 mm Front
25 mm Rear
Cupola 150 mm 25 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick while bogies are 19 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 16 mm of RHA.
Stillbrew armour Front
Turret ring - front part 200 mm Kinetic
200 mm Chemical
Turret - front half 450 mm Kinetic
500 mm Chemical

Notes:

  • Stillbrew armour at turret ring is pure 200 mm CHA.
  • Stillbrew armour on turret front is composed of 80 to 150 mm CHA + 60 mm rubber + 150 to 250 mm CHA.

The Chieftain Mk 10 sports identical hull armour to the earlier variants, however the turret is augmented with Stillbrew composite armour, providing near-complete frontal protection when in hull-down positioning, with the exceptions of the small area around the gun breech and a small section of visible turret ring. The Chieftain's Stillbrew package offers extremely effective protection against most kinetic rounds, with only rounds available on vehicles such as the T-80B and Type 90 able to penetrate it.

The vehicle's hull armour should be considered essentially non-existent relative to the weaponry it faces; in most cases a hull shot will result in penetration.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB54 / 13 km/h
RB and SB49 / 12 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
2 back
Weight57.2 t
Engine power
AB1 450 hp
RB and SB760 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB25.3 hp/t
RB and SB13.3 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 54 13 57.2 1,178 1,450 20.59 25.35
Realistic 49 12 672 760 11.75 13.29

The Chieftain Mk 10's mobility is extremely sub-par, particularly when considering the vehicles it will face regularly - such as the Leopard A1A1 or the AMX-30 Super. While the vehicle is technically capable of a maximum of 48 km/h in RB/SB, the lacklustre power and the Chieftain Mk 10's significant weight result in this speed being essentially unattainable except in on-road downhills.

As such, Chieftain Mk 10 players should not rely on their mobility for anything; rather they should make their way to positions with good visibility and attempt to maintain ranged engagements only, relying on their turret armour.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 425 → 6 106 Sl icon.png
RB4 520 → 6 237 Sl icon.png
SB5 775 → 7 969 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications153 700 Rp icon.png
261 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 600 Ge icon.png
Crew training150 000 Sl icon.png
Experts520 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces950 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 200 / 230 % Sl icon.png
220 / 220 / 220 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
9 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
9 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement uk.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
9 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_britain_L23_APDSFS_ammo_pack
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_britain_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder

Main armament

120 mm Ordnance BL Tk. L11A5 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition53 rounds
First-order19 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
9.7 → 7.5 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: Ordnance BL Tk. L11 (120 mm)

The L11 120 mm Rifled Cannon is reasonably competitive at the Chieftain's rank, although it does suffer from a somewhat mediocre reload time. The weapon is extremely accurate, particularly once utilising the L23 APFSDS round, and performs admirably in ranged engagements. The weapon's default APDS and HESH rounds can be used to good effect against most targets, given careful aim and target selection.

120 mm Ordnance BL Tk. L11 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 53 -10°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 21.4 29.6 36.0 39.8 42.4 9.75 8.63 7.95 7.50
Realistic 13.4 15.8 19.1 21.1 22.5

Ammunition

The available ammunition allows for engaging all types of targets:

  • L15A3: APDS; an armour-piercing round with a discarding sabot that has a good penetration power and no explosive filler. As it lacks post-penetration damage, the tactic with an APDS shot is to either knock out the majority of the tank's crew or to provoke ammo or fuel detonation by targeting their respective locations. This requires good knowledge of the layouts of potential opposing vehicles. Use the Protection analysis feature in the hangar menu to analyse potential foes for their weak spots! Also, keep in mind that with increased armour thickness the number of shrapnel shrinks.
  • L31A7: HESH; a high-explosive squash head projectile works very differently from other shell types. It ignores any angle, except for ricochet, and deals damage by metal-flakes which are blown off inside the armour by the exterior explosion. To create this deadly shrapnel inside the tank, make sure to only hit armour plates which are a direct part of the interior crew compartment of the tank. Hitting exterior parts of a tank like spaced armour, the suspension, tracks etc. will not harm crew members/modules at all. Currently, only true armour thickness (as opposed to the line of sight thickness) will provide sufficient means of protection, benefiting the USSR turret designs and in general German tanks. Like all high-explosive shells, the fuse is very sensitive and can be set-off by most objects e.g. fences, trees, posts. The slow muzzle velocity of this shell can make it quite hard to hit targets at longer distances, but at the same time it can be handy because its arc trajectory allows it to land hits on enemies hiding behind shallow hills.
  • L23: APFSDS; a kinetic dart with high penetration power capable of easily penetrating the majority of the foes it meets but without explosive filler. As it lacks post-penetration damage, the tactic with an APDS shot is to either knock out the majority of the tank's crew or to provoke ammo or fuel detonation by targeting their respective locations. This requires good knowledge of the layouts of potential opposing vehicles. Use the Protection analysis feature in the hangar menu to analyse potential foes for their weak spots! Also, keep in mind that with increased armour thickness the number of shrapnel shrinks.
  • L34: Smoke; useful to blind enemy vehicles that are too remote for you to disable so that you can progress towards objectives.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
Shot L15A3 APDS 298 296 288 277 268 258
Shell L31A7 HESH 152 152 152 152 152 152
Shot L23 APFSDS 410 408 405 400 390 380
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Shot L15A3 APDS 1,372 7.48 - - - 75° 78° 80°
Shell L31A7 HESH 670 17.34 0.1 4 6.53 73° 77° 80°
Shot L23 APFSDS 1,535 3.89 - - - 78° 80° 81°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Screen radius
(m) 		Screen deploy
time (s) 		Screen hold
time (s) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
L34 670 17.1 20 5 25 50

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		Ammo
part 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		7th
rack empty 		8th
rack empty
53 Projectiles
Propellants 		52 (+1)
48 (+5) 		48 (+5)
37 (+16) 		46 (+7)
20 (+33) 		43 (+10)
17 (+36) 		39 (+14)
11 (+42) 		37 (+16)
4 (+49) 		36 (+17)
1 (+52) 		35 (+18)
N/A
9th
rack empty 		10th
rack empty 		11th
rack empty 		12th
rack empty 		13th
rack empty 		14th
rack empty 		15th
rack empty 		16th
rack empty 		17th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
30 (+23)
N/A 		20 (+33)
N/A 		18 (+35)
N/A 		17 (+36)
N/A 		12 (+41)
N/A 		8 (+45)
N/A 		4 (+49)
N/A 		3 (+50)
N/A 		1 (+52)
N/A 		Yes
Ammo racks of the Chieftain Mk 10

Notes:

  • Like the other Chieftains, the Chieftain Mk 10 uses two-piece ammunition, composed of both projectiles (yellow) and propellants (orange). Both have separate racks. Projectiles' racks can be seen on the upper part of the image while the propellants' racks can be seen on the lower part.
  • Like the previous Chieftains, every propellant rack is encased by 5 mm of RHA. In case of a successful penetration, the 5 mm of RHA provide protection against shrapnel. It however may not be enough to stop a direct hit to the propellant rack.
  • Projectile racks 11 to 17 and propellant racks 4 to 7 are the first stage ammo racks. They total 20 shots and get filled first when loading up the tank.
  • Unlike the previous Chieftains, the projectile racks have visual discrepancy: the ammo racks can "store" more ammo than what the model suggests. For instance projectile racks 9 and 10 have such phenomenon.
  • So as to go into battle without any ammunition stored in the front hull, it is advised to bring 20 (+33) shells (projectile racks 1 to 10 emptied and propellant racks 1 to 3 emptied).
  • Projectile racks 15 and 17 are located right next to each other: rack 15 being on top of rack 17.

Optics and night vision

The magnification of the gunner's optics on the Chieftain Mk 10 is ok, but not anything special compared to other tanks it faces. There is only a minimal difference between the default magnification and the zoomed in magnification.

The Chieftain is equipped with a fairly basic night vision system, consisting of image intensifiers and an IR searchlight, there is no thermal imager. The image intensifiers are fairly standard compared to those fitted to vehicles of the same time period, they have a lower resolution and higher noise than those fitted to later vehicles.

Chieftain Mk 10 Optics
Type of optic Magnification Night Vision Devices
Image Intensifier Thermal Imager
Resolution 		Notes
Resolution Light Mult Noise Level
Gunner's Sight X7.25 - X8 800 x 600 8.0 High Not Fitted Image intensifier unlocked by "NVD" mod (tier 3)
Commander's View X6 800 x 600 8.0 High Not Fitted Image intensifier unlocked by "NVD" mod (tier 3)
Driver's View X1 800 x 600 5.0 High Not Fitted Image intensifier unlocked by "NVD" mod (tier 3)

The IR searchlight on the Chieftain Mk 10 is mounted in a distinctive box on the left hand side of the turret, it has a wide beam compared to other searchlights; however due to its placement some of the turret blocks some of the light which would otherwise go to the right. In practice this slightly narrows the beam, compared to the theoretical angle listed below (it is still much wider than other searchlights though).

Chieftain Mk 10 IR Searchlight
Max Range Beam Width Location / Notes
1,500 m 15.3° Searchlight mounted in box on left hand side of turret, does not pitch up or down.

Machine guns

7.62 mm L8A1 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition6 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 001 shots/min
7.62 mm L37A1 machine gun
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Belt capacity100 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate650 shots/min
Main articles: L37A1 (7.62 mm), L8A1 (7.62 mm)

The small calibre of the 7.62 machine gun makes them largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment or to destroy incoming ATGMs, with a bit of luck.

7.62 mm L37A1
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 2,000 (100) 650 -10°/+50° ±180°
7.62 mm L8A1
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 6,000 (200) 600 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

The Chieftain Mk 10 plays similarly to the Mk 3/Mk 5 - ideally taking long-ranged engagements from hull-down positions, or when forced into shorter-ranged engagements avoiding exposing the vehicle as much as possible. Fortunately, the Stillbrew addition on the Mk 10 significantly reduces the risks of exposing the turret, with the composite capable of deflecting most kinetic rounds it will face - although the armour package is not invulnerable to chemical rounds; some powerful HEAT rounds and most late ATGMs will easily punch through it. Augmenting the vehicle's ability further is the (researchable) access to L23 APFSDS, which significantly improves the L11's long range efficacy. Despite these improvements, the Chieftain still suffers from mediocre mobility and care must be taken to ensure one does not get engaged while the vehicle is moving, as the ability to quickly move into cover is often not an option.

Specific Adversaries

T-64B/T-80B: The Chieftain is susceptible to the T-64B and T-80B at close to medium ranges, where their highest-performance APFSDS rounds or their ATGMs are capable of punching through the Stillbrew armour. As such, when forced to engage either of these vehicles try to force mistakes by staying in cover, encouraging them to move within your firing line rather than attempting to brute-force your way through them.

Leopard 2K: The Leopard 2K is a dangerous adversary due to its speed and ability to move quickly and potentially flank the Chieftain Mk 10. The Leopard is however fairly easy to destroy due to its essentially non-existent armour - although don't underestimate the ability for the sharp angles to bounce rounds.

AMX-40: The AMX-40 is a threat to the Chieftain Mk 10 for similar reasons to the Leopard 2K; as with the Leopard, be wary of flanks and the power of the AMX-40's APFSDS.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Stillbrew composite armour makes a hull-down Chieftain essentially impervious to all but the best kinetic rounds. It is also resistant to most rank VI chemical rounds and early generation ATGMs. Due to this, the tank is a nightmare to fight with outdated tanks for many nations, as not many tanks can even scratch its turret directly to begin with
  • The L23 APFSDS round is very powerful and will have little trouble penetrating most vehicles at the Chieftain's rank
  • 10° of gun depression
  • Reasonably fast reload time for a 120 mm with a base time of 9.5s and a best time of 7.5s
  • Reasonable reverse speed
  • Receives a Laser Rangefinder as a Tier 4 modification

Cons:

  • Stillbrew composite armour does not provide particularly good chemical protection against upgraded rank VI ATGM, which means, that while it can often allow Chieftain Mk 10 to ignore ATGM attacks from tanks like Begleitpanzer 57, KPz-70 or M551 and maybe even some attacks from unskilled IT-1 operator, in up-tier or against specialized rank VI ATGM tanks and tanks, which can carry advanced ATGM ( like BMP-1, BMP-1 (DDR), BMP-2, Type 89, Warrior, Etc.), the tank commander must be much more cautious
  • While turret is near invulnerable to shells with poor flight characteristics, it still retains a glaring weak spot in form of cupola, which can be penetrated and obliterated by almost any APHE, sometimes even from light tanks such as Begleitpanzer 57, resulting in full crew knock-out. Because of this, the Chieftain Mk 10 is usually forced to keep their enemies away, even when going to the frontline
  • Very poor mobility characteristics, much slower than most medium tanks it has to face
  • Hull armour is negligible, comprised only of cast homogeneous armour, which means that it is even weaker, than what it looks like
  • Hull penetration will often result in ammunition detonation as ammo is strewn throughout it

History

Concept

The idea of a "universal tank" began in Britain in 1944 when Montgomery and other influential people began advocating for a more standardized tank to replace the cruiser and infantry tank classes used on the field. Efforts did not start until after World War II under the General Staff designation A45, with development starting just as the new cruiser tank Centurion started to enter military service. The A45 was cancelled in 1948 after development troubles and its inability to be used as a "universal" platform. Ironically, the Centurion proved to be a better "universal tank" platform than the A45.[1]

Development

The Centurion tank series was very successful in British and its allies' service, but the development of new Soviet armour such as the IS-3 and T-54/55 caused the British tank arms race to take another leap forward. Development on the Centurion's successor began in 1951 under the name Medium Gun Tank No. 2. The project's priority was gun and armour, but with mobility to be equal to the Centurion's and weight of fewer than 45 tons. The weight limit caused a program known as the Concept Study Programme to commence in order to find ways to keep the tank under that weight limit yet meet all the armour and firepower specifications. One of the concepts that came out was the usage of bagged charges, which was already in use on naval ships but was a new concept for tank ammunition. Thus, a gun using the bagged charge propellant system began development in 1954, along with a new specification by General Staff that the Medium Gun Tank No.2, now known as FV4201, uses a conventional four crew tank with a turret and a better gun and armour than the Centurion. Though the Conqueror heavy tank was one such response to the firepower requirement, limited production cut that to only 200 units built.[1]

The biggest bump to the firepower of the FV4201 was the recommendation of a 120 mm calibre tank cannon. Though the Conqueror used a 120 mm, the new one would incorporate more innovative features such as the bagged charges. Other design features added was the usage of a Rolls-Royce V8 engine, an auxiliary engine, an automatic gearbox, and a reclining seat for the driver. The reclining seat was a very new feature in tank design as it reduced the vehicle's hull height and thus gave it a lower profile. Leyland Motors was assigned to be the main designer for the tank despite their commitment to the Centurion production lines. The manufacturing process of the tank was decided to be cast rather than welded. In 1957, several specifications added to the FV4201 impeded its attempt to fit in the specifications. A bigger turret was designed and it mounted IR equipment for night fighting. Troops requested more frontal and turret side armour, which along with the turret change caused an increase in the tank's overall weight. A controversial decision was also made in 1957 by NATO that tanks should have multi-fuel engines. The FV4201 installed a new engine conforming to these standards in 1958, a German engine derived from a Junkers Jumo aviation engine. This extended development time since the engine compartment had to be redesigned to fit the engine, raising the total tank weight to 50 tons. The engine, designated the L60, was received with a mixed reception by the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) and other users due to its novel features. Britain stayed as the only user of a multi-fuel engine in the Cold War as many other nations found the concept impractical and abandoned it.[1]

As the FV4201 finalised its prototype stages, General Staff sent a revised specification for it. The tank was to have the firepower of the Conqueror with the mobility of the Centurion, an armour that maximises the protection-weight ratio, a weight limit at 45 ton with a top speed of 26 mph and an operating range of 300 miles. The first wooden prototype was made in March 1959, with full prototypes ordered in June 1959 for troop trials. Vickers-Armstrong and Royal Ordnance Factory shared the manufacturing process and the first prototypes were built in January 1960. The first two prototype FV4201 was trialled in Germany alongside their new Leopard 1. The greatest issue with the FV4201 was the engine, which caused many failures due to vibration, a result of the flawed multi-fuel concept. Trials were delayed due to lack of parts to fix broken pieces and redesigns were requested to fix problems. After a lengthy trial period in 1962, the FV4201, now named the Chieftain, was sent to the operational unit in Germany for service and combat trials. The Chieftain was finally accepted for service in 1st May 1963, despite the many faults in the design. The first deliveries of the improved and redesigned Chieftains began in mid-1965. These were the Chieftain Mk 1's, which further revealed problems with the horsepower that the Mk 2 was designed and sent in April 1966. The Chieftain Mk 3 rolled out of the production lines in September 1969, it now weighed 53 tons and the L60 engine was producing 650 hp, still under-powered for the weight. Engine failures were still frequent and left the Chieftain with a sour note until the Mk 5 variant fixed these pressing issues with a new engine and NBC protection. The Mk 5 would be the main variant of the Chieftain in British service. During its production life from 1965 to 1985, a total of 2,265 Chieftains would be built by Britain, with about 1,000 used by the British Army.[1]

Service

The first British units to receive the Chieftains was the 1st and 5th Royal Tank Regiments back during the trials. The Chieftain, despite its initial engine flaws, proved to be combat-proof and could be upgraded to fit new requirements. Some of these upgrades were the addition of composite add-on armour to fight off new anti-tank technology such as the HEAT rounds. The Chieftain earned the title "most formidable tank in the world" during the 1960's Cold War period and also redefined the specifications of a "main battle tank". Its success is due to its novel main gun and heavily sloped armour, as well as satisfactory mobility and speeds able to compete with the Leopard 1. The Chieftain stayed in use by the British Army On the Rhine on the German border with the Warsaw Pact, which caused the Soviets to in turn station their best tanks such as their T-64's against the Chieftains. The British retained the Chieftains all the way until 1997, when it was replaced by the Challenger II, initially being used in addition to Challenger I.

The Chieftain was also successful in the export market, primarily in the Middle East to the hands of Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, and Oman. Another user of the Chieftain was Israel, with Britain initially agreeing to help set up production for locally produced Chieftains. Two Chieftains were sent for trials among the Israeli Defense Force in 1967. After two years of trials and deliberation for the acquirement of the Chieftains, Britain ultimately refused to offer the Israelis the Chieftain for political reasons. The Israeli trials benefit Britain with data on desert combat with the Chieftain, however, and the refusal did jump start Israel's tank program that would become the Merkava.

Despite that, sales to the Middle East soared, with Iran being the major buyer of the Chieftains with at least 887 of mostly the MK3 and MK5 variants sent to them before their revolution in 1979. The Chieftain saw prolonged combat in the Middle East in the Iran-Iraq War, including Operation Nasr which was the largest tank vs. tank battle of the war where the Iranian Chieftains and M60A1 Pattons fought against the Iraqi T-62s. After that war, the Chieftain in Kuwait then saw combat fighting the Iraqis during their invasion in 1990. Kuwait eventually replaced their Chieftains with the Yugoslavian M-84 tanks, which are a variant of the Soviet T-72s.

The Chieftain is still in service Iran, Jordan, and Oman in varying numbers, about 100 in Iran, 350 in Jordan, and 27 in Oman. The Chieftains underwent local upgrades to keep them up to date against a modern threat, which resulted in the Iran Mobarez Chieftain upgrade.

Legacy

The Chieftain helped revolutionise tank design with its innovative features. The most important was the reclining driver seat, which allowed the tank to have a lower profile as the driver was now that highest part of the hull in tank design. It also had the most powerful NATO tank armament in service until the advent of the German Rheinmetall 120 mm, which came about two decades later. Chieftain can be considered the definitive main battle tank of the 1960s and help transition the path between second-generation main battle tanks and the third.

Media

Skins
Videos
MBTs with Best Armor discusses the Chieftain Mk 10 at 01:25 - War Thunder Official Channel
Chieftain Mk 10: Come at me Bro!!! - Napalmratte
Tank Chats #34: Chieftain - The Tank Museum

See also

Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Dunstan Simon. Chieftain Main Battle Tank 1965-2003 Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2003


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