Difference between revisions of "Centurion Action X"
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== 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.'' --> | ||
| − | The | + | The Centurion Action X is a nickname of the official "Centurion Mantletless Turret" design. The Centurion Mantletless Turret was a project to create a new, heavily sloped turret design for the Centurion as a form of upgrade, taking inspiration from the Chieftain's turret design that also features no gun mantlet. The Centurion Mantletless Turret did not end up seeing widespread usage, with only one surviving example existing at the Bovington Tank Museum. |
| − | The | + | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]] and looks similar to the [[FV4202]], which also has new gun mantlet-less turret. There are some marked differences though, such as the thicker frontal glacis (although less sloped than FV4202), some different contours in the turret slopes, and slightly better mobility due to the stronger engine. Otherwise, the Action X plays similarly to other 20-pdr equipped Centurion types, with balanced mobility and firepower and a new, more sloped turret that can help the tank hold its own in a British Post-war line-up. In the right hands can prove to be a menace on the battlefield. It will be appreciated by aspiring tankers and veterans of the British tanks both, while also giving a little preview of what the later ranks have got to offer. |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
== General info == | == General info == | ||
| Line 27: | Line 23: | ||
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, turret roof, cupola roof) | * Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, turret roof, cupola roof) | ||
| − | * Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, cupola sides and | + | * Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, cupola sides and centre) |
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| Line 42: | Line 38: | ||
'''Notes:''' | '''Notes:''' | ||
| − | * Suspension wheels, tracks and bogies are 20 mm thick. | + | * Suspension wheels, tracks, and bogies are 20 mm thick. |
* The belly is 17 mm thick. | * The belly is 17 mm thick. | ||
* An internal structural plate of 17 mm thickness separates the forward ammo rack from the driver as seen in X-ray mode. | * An internal structural plate of 17 mm thickness separates the forward ammo rack from the driver as seen in X-ray mode. | ||
| Line 119: | Line 115: | ||
'''Notes''': | '''Notes''': | ||
| − | * Shells are | + | * Shells are modelled individually and disappear from the rack after having been loaded in the breech. |
* Racks 10 and 11 are first stage ammo racks. They total 12 shells and get filled first when loading up the tank. | * Racks 10 and 11 are first stage ammo racks. They total 12 shells and get filled first when loading up the tank. | ||
* These 2 racks are also emptied first when firing: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 10 - 11 - 1 - 2 - etc. until 9. | * These 2 racks are also emptied first when firing: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 10 - 11 - 1 - 2 - etc. until 9. | ||
| Line 161: | Line 157: | ||
At first glance, the Centurion Action X does not bring a significant change in playstyle. Compared to equivalent-rank vehicles, battle usage can be straightforward. But there are some meaningful lessons for future medium tanks that excel at support roles down the rank, namely the [[Chieftain (Family)|Chieftains]]. | At first glance, the Centurion Action X does not bring a significant change in playstyle. Compared to equivalent-rank vehicles, battle usage can be straightforward. But there are some meaningful lessons for future medium tanks that excel at support roles down the rank, namely the [[Chieftain (Family)|Chieftains]]. | ||
| − | One way to master this tank's capabilities is to minimize its weaknesses. Knowing the limited maximum speed, the commanders often should resort to | + | One way to master this tank's capabilities is to minimize its weaknesses. Knowing the limited maximum speed, the commanders often should resort to long‑distance gunnery. This long-range shooting is, in fact, very healthy for the Centurion X. The firepower is more than sufficient to cause damage in most ranges; thus, sniping is where most mainstream British medium tanks will excel. |
| − | The shoot-and-scoot tactic benefits the Centurion Action X. It will protect the vehicle from prolonged exposure as the lower turret is poorly armoured to withstand serious firepower. One way to stay alive is never to expose your lower half of the turret. | + | The shoot-and-scoot tactic benefits the Centurion Action X. It will protect the vehicle from prolonged exposure, as the lower turret is poorly armoured to withstand serious firepower. One way to stay alive is never to expose your lower half of the turret. |
| − | An early game planning of the map positioning | + | An early game planning of the map positioning allows the Centurion Action X to strike lethally without being immediately obliterated. However, players should keep in mind another forte of most British MBTs down the line; this is the flexibility of the gun elevation. Therefore, slopes, cliffs, and trenches on maps such as [[Ash River]], [[Carpathians (Ground Forces)|Carpathians]] or [[Fulda (Ground Forces)|Fulda]], should be used to multiply the damage the Centurion can cause. |
| − | The sniper or support role can provide the best results | + | The sniper or support role can provide the best results eventually, as most tanks at its rank will often struggle to fire effectively when on the move or at long ranges. Meanwhile, the Centurion Action X will quickly get in and out of cover thanks to the gun stabilizer, firing whenever enemy targets are spotted. |
| − | New players may learn the best way to help your team win the game is by being in the rear supporting the offensive of the most aggressive tanks | + | New players may learn the best way to help your team win the game is by being in the rear, supporting the offensive of the most aggressive tanks; not only covering the fronts but also on the lookout for light flankers. |
=== Pros and cons === | === Pros and cons === | ||
| Line 177: | Line 173: | ||
* Powerful high penetrating 20 pdr gun, available with an APDS choice | * Powerful high penetrating 20 pdr gun, available with an APDS choice | ||
| − | * | + | * Rapid reload time, down to 6.3 seconds per round when in full crew and ace experience |
| − | * Has good gun depression and with gun stabilizer like other | + | * Has good gun depression and with a gun stabilizer like other Centurions |
| − | * | + | * Sloped upper turret armour, up to 240+ mm thick in some areas |
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
| Line 186: | Line 182: | ||
* Ammo rack in the front like other Centurions | * Ammo rack in the front like other Centurions | ||
* Small internal compartment (only 4 crew members), easy to knock out with one hit | * Small internal compartment (only 4 crew members), easy to knock out with one hit | ||
| − | * Although APDS provides high penetration even | + | * Although APDS provides high penetration even at long ranges, post-penetration damage is low |
| − | * Lower turret armour is not reliable | + | * Lower turret armour is sometimes not reliable, very thin armour |
* No explosive filler on any AP shells | * No explosive filler on any AP shells | ||
Latest revision as of 07:44, 6 August 2023
| This page is about the British medium tank Centurion Action X. For other versions, see Centurion (Family). |
Contents
Description
The Centurion Action X is a nickname of the official "Centurion Mantletless Turret" design. The Centurion Mantletless Turret was a project to create a new, heavily sloped turret design for the Centurion as a form of upgrade, taking inspiration from the Chieftain's turret design that also features no gun mantlet. The Centurion Mantletless Turret did not end up seeing widespread usage, with only one surviving example existing at the Bovington Tank Museum.
The Centurion Action X was introduced in Update 1.93 "Shark Attack" and looks similar to the FV4202, which also has new gun mantlet-less turret. There are some marked differences though, such as the thicker frontal glacis (although less sloped than FV4202), some different contours in the turret slopes, and slightly better mobility due to the stronger engine. Otherwise, the Action X plays similarly to other 20-pdr equipped Centurion types, with balanced mobility and firepower and a new, more sloped turret that can help the tank hold its own in a British Post-war line-up. In the right hands can prove to be a menace on the battlefield. It will be appreciated by aspiring tankers and veterans of the British tanks both, while also giving a little preview of what the later ranks have got to offer.
General info
Survivability and armour
Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull76 / 51 / 38
Turret198 / 89 / 89
Crew4 people
Visibility119 %
Armour type:
- Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, turret roof, cupola roof)
- Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, cupola sides and centre)
| Armour | Front (Slope angle) | Sides | Rear | Roof |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hull | 76.2 mm (57°) Front glacis 76.2 mm (45°) Lower glacis |
50.8 mm (12°) + 6 mm | 38 mm (7°) Upper plate 20 mm (62°) Lower glacis |
29 mm (8°) Front 30 mm Engine deck |
| Turret | 89-198 mm (1-67°) Turret front | 89-98 mm 76 mm (43-49°) Side glacis |
89 mm (10-18°) | 76 mm (20°) Front glacis 29 mm |
| Cupola | 152 mm | 152 mm Front half 90 mm Rear half |
90 mm | 29 mm Outer ring 29 mm (spherical) Centre |
Notes:
- Suspension wheels, tracks, and bogies are 20 mm thick.
- The belly is 17 mm thick.
- An internal structural plate of 17 mm thickness separates the forward ammo rack from the driver as seen in X-ray mode.
- Another internal 17 mm structural plate with large openings separates the driver compartment from the crew compartment.
- The steel boxes and the mudguards are 4 mm thick.
Mobility
Speedforward / back
AB39 / 14 km/h
RB and SB35 / 13 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
2 back
Weight50.8 t
Engine power
AB1 240 hp
RB and SB650 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB24.4 hp/t
RB and SB12.8 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 | 39 | 14 | 50.8 | 1,007 | 1,240 | 19.82 | 24.41 |
| Realistic | 35 | 13 | 575 | 650 | 11.32 | 12.8 | |
Modifications and economy
Repair cost
AB2 743 
RB3 158
SB4 414
Crew training10 000
Experts440 000
Aces1 100 
Research Aces1 340 000 
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
2 × 130 / 200 / 220 % 2 × 190 / 190 / 190 % | Mobility | Protection | Firepower | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Armaments
Main armament
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition63 rounds
First-order12 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
8.1 → 6.3 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
| 84 mm 20pdr OQF Mk.I | Turret rotation speed (°/s) | Reloading rate (seconds) | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mode | Capacity | Vertical | Horizontal | Stabilizer | Stock | Upgraded | Full | Expert | Aced | Stock | Full | Expert | Aced |
| Arcade | 63 | -10°/+20° | ±180° | Two-plane | 17.1 | 23.7 | 28.8 | 31.8 | 33.9 | 8.19 | 7.25 | 6.68 | 6.30 |
| Realistic | 10.7 | 12.6 | 15.3 | 16.9 | 18.0 | ||||||||
Ammunition
The ammunition available to the Centurion Action X offers a wide range of projectiles to engage most types of targets:
- Shot Mk.1: APCBC; an armour-piercing capped shell with ballistic cap that has a good penetration power but a rather average post-penetration damage effect. Make sure to target modules and crew positions to maximize the damage inflicted.
- Shot Mk.3: APDS; an armour-piercing discarding sabot shot that has a very high penetration power but a poor post-penetration damage effect. Make sure to target modules and crew positions to maximize the damage inflicted.
- Shell Mk.1: HE; a shell useful for destroying open and lightly-armoured vehicles but travelling at a low speed.
- 20pdr Shell SS Mk.1: Smoke; useful to blind enemy vehicles that are too remote for you to disable so that you can progress towards objectives. However, it is a very slow shell.
| 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 Mk.1 | APCBC | 232 | 229 | 216 | 201 | 187 | 173 |
| Shot Mk.3 | APDS | 384 | 380 | 363 | 343 | 324 | 306 |
| Shell Mk.1 | HE | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| 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 Mk.1 | APCBC | 1,000 | 9.1 | - | - | - | 48° | 63° | 71° | |||
| Shot Mk.3 | APDS | 1,430 | 3.22 | - | - | - | 75° | 78° | 80° | |||
| Shell Mk.1 | HE | 600 | 7.5 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 1.13 | 79° | 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) |
| 20pdr Shell SS Mk.1 | 250 | 9.3 | 9 | 5 | 20 | 50 |
Ammo racks
Ammo racks of the Centurion Action X
| Full ammo |
1st rack empty |
2nd rack empty |
3rd rack empty |
4th rack empty |
5th rack empty |
6th rack empty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 61 (+2) | 59 (+4) | 57 (+6) | 54 (+9) | 52 (+11) | 49 (+14) |
| 7th rack empty |
8th rack empty |
9th rack empty |
10th rack empty |
11th rack empty |
Visual discrepancy |
|
| 46 (+17) | 38 (+25) | 13 (+50) | 6 (+57) | 1 (+62) | No |
Notes:
- Shells are modelled individually and disappear from the rack after having been loaded in the breech.
- Racks 10 and 11 are first stage ammo racks. They total 12 shells and get filled first when loading up the tank.
- These 2 racks are also emptied first when firing: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 10 - 11 - 1 - 2 - etc. until 9.
- Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-9 into racks 11 then 10. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.
Optics
| Centurion Action X Optics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Default magnification | Maximum magnification | |
| Main Gun optics | X4.9 | X6.0 |
| Comparable optics | Strv 104 | |
Machine guns
7.62 mm L3A1 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition3 750 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
| 7.62 mm L3A1 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount | Capacity (Belt) | Fire rate | Vertical | Horizontal |
| Coaxial | 3,750 (250) | 500 | -10°/+5° | N/A |
The small calibre of the L3A1 machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.
Usage in battles
At first glance, the Centurion Action X does not bring a significant change in playstyle. Compared to equivalent-rank vehicles, battle usage can be straightforward. But there are some meaningful lessons for future medium tanks that excel at support roles down the rank, namely the Chieftains.
One way to master this tank's capabilities is to minimize its weaknesses. Knowing the limited maximum speed, the commanders often should resort to long‑distance gunnery. This long-range shooting is, in fact, very healthy for the Centurion X. The firepower is more than sufficient to cause damage in most ranges; thus, sniping is where most mainstream British medium tanks will excel.
The shoot-and-scoot tactic benefits the Centurion Action X. It will protect the vehicle from prolonged exposure, as the lower turret is poorly armoured to withstand serious firepower. One way to stay alive is never to expose your lower half of the turret.
An early game planning of the map positioning allows the Centurion Action X to strike lethally without being immediately obliterated. However, players should keep in mind another forte of most British MBTs down the line; this is the flexibility of the gun elevation. Therefore, slopes, cliffs, and trenches on maps such as Ash River, Carpathians or Fulda, should be used to multiply the damage the Centurion can cause.
The sniper or support role can provide the best results eventually, as most tanks at its rank will often struggle to fire effectively when on the move or at long ranges. Meanwhile, the Centurion Action X will quickly get in and out of cover thanks to the gun stabilizer, firing whenever enemy targets are spotted.
New players may learn the best way to help your team win the game is by being in the rear, supporting the offensive of the most aggressive tanks; not only covering the fronts but also on the lookout for light flankers.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Powerful high penetrating 20 pdr gun, available with an APDS choice
- Rapid reload time, down to 6.3 seconds per round when in full crew and ace experience
- Has good gun depression and with a gun stabilizer like other Centurions
- Sloped upper turret armour, up to 240+ mm thick in some areas
Cons:
- With only 39 (AB), 35 (RB and SB) km/h top speed, its mobility is mediocre when compared to some contemporary mediums
- Ammo rack in the front like other Centurions
- Small internal compartment (only 4 crew members), easy to knock out with one hit
- Although APDS provides high penetration even at long ranges, post-penetration damage is low
- Lower turret armour is sometimes not reliable, very thin armour
- No explosive filler on any AP shells
History
Devblog
Development of the Centurion Action X began in the early 1950s. The aim of the project was to improve the Centurion's ballistic protection by fitting the vehicle with the recently developed 'mantletless' turret design. The turret was fitted on a Centurion Mk.7 hull and featured thick, heavily sloped surfaces which further increased its effectiveness.
Furthermore, the vehicle was tested with both the QF 20-pdr as well as the 105 mm L7 cannon. In the end however, only a couple prototypes were built and tested in addition to a few turrets being used separately for ballistic trials. The Centurion Action X never passed the testing stage and was thus also not ordered into production. However, the experience gained during its development, specifically regarding the use of the mantletless turret, was later incorporated into subsequent tank designs such as the FV4202 and the well-known Chieftain main battle tank.
Media
- Skins
- Videos
Should You Buy The Centurion Action X? - Sako Sniper
Centurion Action X - Tank Review - Napalmratte
Centurion Action X - ConeOfArc
See also
- Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
External links
| Department of Tank Design | |
|---|---|
| Medium Tanks | |
| Sherman Firefly | Sherman Firefly · Sherman IC "Trzyniec" |
| MBTs | |
| Centurion | Centurion Mk 1 · Centurion Mk.2 · Centurion Mk 3 · Centurion Action X · Centurion Mk.5 AVRE · Centurion Mk 10 |
| Challenger* | Challenger Mk.2 · Challenger Mk.3 · Challenger DS |
| Tank Destroyers | |
| Achilles | Achilles · Achilles (65 Rg.) |
| Centurion-based | Conway · FV4005 |
| Export | |
| Sherman Firefly | Sherman Ic · ▄Sherman Vc |
| Centurion | Centurion Mk.5/1 · Strv 81 · Strv 81 (RB 52) · ▄Strv 81 (RB 52) · Strv 101 · Strv 104** · Strv 105** · Sho't |
| See also | US Ordnance Department · Israeli Ordnance Corps · Vickers-Armstrongs Limited |
| *By successor, the Military Vehicles and Engineering Establishment | |
| **Swedish modernizations incorporating innovations from the Israeli Sho't Kals. | |
| Britain medium tanks | |
|---|---|
| Valentine | Valentine I · Valentine IX · Valentine XI |
| Cromwell | Cromwell I · Cromwell V · Cromwell V (RP-3) |
| Cromwell derivatives | Challenger · Avenger · Comet I · Comet I "Iron Duke IV" · Charioteer Mk VII |
| Centurion | Centurion Mk 1 · Centurion Mk.2 · Centurion Mk 3 · Centurion Mk.5 AVRE · Centurion Mk 10 · Centurion Action X · FV4202 |
| Vickers MBT | Vickers Mk.1 · Vickers Mk.3 · Vickers Mk.7 |
| Chieftain | Chieftain Mk 3 · Chieftain Mk 5 · Chieftain Mk 10 |
| Challenger 1 | Challenger Mk.2 · Challenger Mk.3 · Challenger DS |
| Challenger 2 | Challenger 2 · Challenger 2 (2F) · Challenger 2 TES · Challenger 2 OES · Challenger 2E · Challenger 2 Black Night |
| Challenger 3 | Challenger 3 TD |
| Australia | A.C.I · A.C.IV · Centurion Mk.5/1 |
| South Africa | Olifant Mk.1A · Olifant Mk.2 · TTD |
| India | Vijayanta · Bhishma TWMP |
| Israel | ▄Sho't Kal Dalet |
| Jordan | Khalid |
| Sweden | ▄Strv 81 (RB 52) |
| USA | Grant I · Sherman II · Sherman Firefly · Sherman IC "Trzyniec" |
| Britain premium ground vehicles | |
|---|---|
| Light tanks | A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.) · A13 Mk II 1939 · AEC Mk II · Crusader "The Saint" · Rooikat 105 |
| Medium tanks | A.C.I · Grant I · Cromwell V (RP-3) · Sherman IC "Trzyniec" · A.C.IV · Comet I "Iron Duke IV" |
| Centurion Mk.2 · ▄Strv 81 (RB 52) · Centurion Mk.5 AVRE · Centurion Mk.5/1 · ▄Sho't Kal Dalet · Centurion Action X | |
| Vijayanta · Khalid · Challenger DS · Challenger 2 OES | |
| Heavy tanks | Independent · Matilda Hedgehog · Excelsior · TOG II · Churchill Crocodile · Black Prince |
| Tank destroyers | Alecto I · Achilles (65 Rg.) · QF 3.7 Ram |
