Difference between revisions of "Conqueror"

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(General rewrite with more detail throughout.)
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[[File:GarageImage_Conqueror.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_Conqueror.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was released along with the initial British tree line in [[Update_1.55_"Royal_Armour"|Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]]. Meant to defeat the Soviet [[IS-3]], the Conqueror gives the British line a vehicle with an emphasis on armour and firepower, with a [[M58 (120 mm)|120 mm gun]] able to contest its Rank V competitors.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was released along with the initial British tree line in [[Update_1.55_"Royal_Armour"|Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]]. Designed to combat the Soviet [[IS-3]], the Conqueror gives the British line a much-needed vehicle with an emphasis on armour and firepower, with a [[M58 (120 mm)|120 mm L1A2 cannon]] capable of defeating all of the Rank V competition it will face.
  
−
The Conqueror is based on the hull some British tankers are familiar within the [[Caernarvon]], but features a completely new turret armed with the Ordnance QF 120 mm L1A1 gun. This solves the largest issue encountered in the Caernarvon - the lack of firepower.  
+
The Conqueror was the tank the [[Caernarvon]] hull was designed for - the Caernarvon itself only being a stop-gap measure, with most models being upgraded to Conquerors once the type was approved for production. The Conqueror augments this hull with a significantly upgraded turret design housing the L1A2 120mm cannon.  
  
−
The Conqueror is a step up from any other heavy tank encountered in the British tree. It sports a powerful gun, impressive frontal armour, extremely well-spread crew, and sacrifices little in mobility over the Centurion hulls. It performs particularly well at range, with extremely high-velocity APDS in conjunction with over 320 mm of penetration at 2,000 m/0°, while the ability to penetrate almost any target frontally proves strong in close engagements, provided the tank gets some support dealing with any flankers.  
+
The Conqueror deviates from most earlier British designs, favouring firepower and armour. This, combined with its somewhat limited mobility, results in the Conqueror proving to be one of, if not the single most effective sniper and support tank at its rank. Despite this, it can be put to good use in closer-range engagements.  
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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<!--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?
 
<!--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.-->
+
If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.-->The Conqueror utilises the same hull as the Caernarvon does, with respectable frontal armour capable of shrugging off rounds from many adversaries. Unfortunately this hull suffers from similarly weak side and rear armour - and as such angling the vehicle can prove extremely dangerous if it exposes the side too much. The Conqueror replaces the Caernarvon's Centurion-based turret with a fresh design, providing much better crew spacing and protection. The turret is not without its weaknesses, however; the commander's cupola protrudes quite significantly and APHE or HESH shells may disable internal turret components or crew members. There is also a weak section directly behind the mantlet at the top of the turret, penetration of which will disable crew or the breech/horizontal turret drive. Trap shots are possible, however non-HE shells will not cause any significant internal damage.
  
−
The turret is significantly better armoured than the Centurion turret used by the Caernarvon. In a hull-down position where the weak lower front plate is hidden, it can be a very difficult vehicle to destroy from the front. Unfortunately, the side and rear hull armour is very weak, although it is covered by a lot of spaced armour. Flanking the Conqueror usually results in its swift destruction. The commanders Cupola can be a weakspot against APHE Shells and Large Caliber HE Shells, even when in Hull down Position. A good hit, from the IS-4M for example, can incapacitate the whole turret crew and destroy the traverse mechanism.
+
The Conqueror has a researchable add-on armour package which improves the vehicle's survivability to HEAT rounds and by a small amount to kinetic rounds.
  
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
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<!--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.-->
  
−
The mobility of the Conqueror is fair enough for a 65 ton heavy tank, and is actually comparable to the Centurion.
+
The Conqueror has reasonable mobility, despite its weight, thanks to a powerful engine and favourable gearbox ratios. It does suffer from a somewhat limited top speed of 34 km/h, however it reaches this speed fairly easily on-road and on smooth off-road surfaces. The vehicle has surprisingly responsive hull traverse due to the engine power and neutral steering capability. The Conqueror has a reasonable reverse speed for a British vehicle, however it shouldn't be relied on too heavily.
 +
 
 +
When the add-on armour package is researched and equipped, the vehicle's weight will increase by 1.1 tonnes, resulting in a minor decrease in mobility.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
 
<!--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|L1A2 (120 mm)}}
+
{{main|L1A2 (120 mm)}}The 120 mm L1A2 is a powerful gun, derived from the M58 mounted on the M103 heavy tank. Unlike the M103's selection of HEAT or AP, the Conqueror instead utilises HESH and APDS ammunition, and again unlike the M103, mounts a two-plane stabiliser. The L1A2 exhibits excellent accuracy and long-range performance, although due to the sub-par post-penetration effects of APDS in some cases multiple rounds are required to secure a knock-out, particularly at range where critical components or ammunition is less reliably hit.
  
−
The 120 mm gun used by the Conqueror is essentially a version of the American 120 mm Gun M58 used by the M103 heavy tank. Unfortunately, the British version does not have access to the extremely lethal American solid shot AP or HEAT ammunition. The Conqueror is thus forced to choose between the anaemic APDS or unreliable HESH ammunition, while also sharing the same long reload as the American gun.  
+
Despite this, the Conqueror performs admirably as a sniper, covering capture points or thoroughfares, and should primarily rely on APDS with careful thought as to placement. HESH may prove useful against lighter vehicles or in cases where a target's side armour is exposed, but otherwise should not be relied on for anything besides pure luck. It's important to remember that the Conqueror has a reasonably long reload of 19.4 seconds at base; and as such careful consideration should be made as to what to prioritise disabling first.
−
 
 
−
In general, the APDS is quite accurate at long ranges thanks to its high velocity, and the high penetration usually means it will not have too many problems penetrating most things the Conqueror will encounter. However, the post-penetration effects of APDS tend to be very poor compared to full-bore AP, and it is very rare to one-shot opponents. This problem is further exacerbated by the Conqueror's long reload, which is longer than the time it takes to replace a crewmember if facing a opponent with good crew skills. The HESH round will do a lot of damage ''if'' it hits and penetrates, but is easily frustrated by spaced armour and external components like tracks or suspension elements. It also has a relatively low velocity and is harder to use at long ranges.
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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<!--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|L3A1 (7.62 mm)}}
+
{{main|L3A1 (7.62 mm)}}The Conqueror sports two machine guns, one of which is pintle mounted and may prove itself a deterrent to some close air support. The machine guns may on occasion prove useful for destroying incoming ATGMs, given a bit of luck.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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<!--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 Conqueror performs best at longer ranges as a support tank where it can make the best use of its accurate, high-penetration 120 mm gun as well as its and heavy frontal armour, especially in terrain that allows it to go hull-down.
+
The Conqueror can be effectively played as a sniper, or a steady breakthrough tank, providing the vehicle's slow reload and weak lower front plate are considered.
 +
 
 +
'''Sniper Role'''
 +
 
 +
When used in a sniper role, the Conqueror should utilise extreme ranges with some form of cover available, in case the situation goes awry. Ensure awareness is maintained for light flanking vehicles or enemy sniping vehicles on off-angles that may be able to disable the Conqueror through side armour. Play conservatively, avoiding wasting shots and having to wait for the long reload time, and avoid exposing the hull where possible.
 +
 
 +
'''Breakthrough Role'''
 +
 
 +
The Conqueror may be utilised in a breakthrough role, although it should be played conservatively and with a level of map awareness at all times. The stabilised gun allows the conqueror to comfortably fire on the move - a rare piece of equipment at the rank - this gives it a distinct advantage over most targets it will face at close range, with the ability to reliably hit targets without waiting for the suspension sway to subside. However, the vehicle's slow reload means that calculated shots are a requirement, and wasting a round may have dire results. As usual, keep in mind that the vehicle's sides and lower front plate are particularly vulnerable and exposing either to enemy fire will often result in the Conqueror's destruction.
  
−
===Modules===
+
'''Modules'''
−
As per usual,"Parts" and "FPE" should be the focus first for modifications to increase combat survivability. Everything else is fair game after those two.
 
  
−
It is then recommended to head for the "Additional Ballistic Protection Package" in order to increase the armour of the Conqueror to stand up to more lethal rounds.
+
As usual, the 'Parts' and 'FPE' upgrades are essentially mandatory. After these, the 'Tracks' upgrade is recommended to allow the Conqueror to avoid exposing its sides to targets, along with the 'Adjustment of Fire' for additional accuracy at range. Most other upgrades are somewhat irrelevant in terms of their ordering, however the add-on armour upgrade may prove valuable against HEAT rounds.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* 361 mm close-range penetration with the high-velocity APDS stock ammunition
+
* APDS round is extremely powerful, with a maximum of 362 mm of penetration at 10m/0°.
−
* HESH ammunition with good explosive filler for chemical effect
+
* HESH ammo may have surprising results, and can prove particularly effective against light or side armour.
−
* Both APDS and HESH ammunition from 120 mm rarely ricochet off tanks
+
* APDS round is particularly accurate at long ranges.
−
* The gun is fully stabilised, enabling easier reaction shots and hill peaking
+
* Both available rounds have reasonably good angled performance.
−
* The coaxial MG can be used as a ranging gun, its bullets land where the HESH shell will approximately hit
+
* The L1A2 cannon is fully two-plane stabilised, allowing it to be fired accurately on the move.
−
* The turret front is well armoured and well shaped to deflect rounds
+
* The coaxial machine gun has ballistic performance similar to the HESH round and may be used for ranging.
−
* Extremely sloped and well-armoured upper glacis
+
* The turret is very sloped and well armoured, with very few weak points.
−
* Can mount add-on armour which offers more protection in the form of spaced armour to the turret cheeks and upper plate
+
* The upper front plate is very thick and sloped.
−
* Large volume within tank mean all crew may not be knocked out in one hit
+
* Can mount add-on armour which offers more protection in the form of spaced armour to the turret cheeks and upper plate.
 +
* Well-spaced crew make the vehicle unlikely to be affected by crew knock-out in a single hit.
 +
* Reasonably good mobility despite weight.
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Poor lethality with APDS
+
* APDS has minimal post-penetration effect, and careful round placement is necessary.
−
* Unreliable HESH ammunition that is harder to aim due to lower velocity
+
* HESH is not reliable against any vehicle with semi-decent armour.
−
* Long reload time (14.9s - 19.7s), though appropriate for the calibre
+
* Long reload time (19.4 second base), although relatively standard for calibre.
−
* Possesses only 7.62 mm machine guns to handle other threats
+
* Possesses only 7.62 mm machine guns.
−
* Weak lower glacis plate
+
* Weak lower front plate.
−
* Very weak side hull armour of 51 mm with a minimal 6 mm side skirt
+
* Particularly weak side armour, 51 mm inner with a spaced 6 mm plate.
−
* Very weak engine deck armour of only 17 mm makes it extremely vulnerable to aircraft cannon fire
+
* 17 mm of protection on the engine deck will result in aircraft strafing runs to damage or set fire to the engine.
−
* Top speed is sub-par (33 km/h) with poor acceleration
+
* Top speed is limited at only 34 km/h.
−
* Ammunition rack is strewn all over turret
+
* A turret penetration will often result in ammunition detonation; the turret has ammo racks strewn throughout.
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==

Revision as of 01:54, 24 October 2019

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
Conqueror
uk_conqueror_mk_2.png
Conqueror
Britain flag.png Britain
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
7.7 7.7 7.7
Class:
Research:48 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:270 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage Conqueror.jpg


The Tank Heavy Gun Conqueror Mk 2 is a rank V British heavy tank with a battle rating of 7.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was released along with the initial British tree line in Update 1.55 "Royal Armour". Designed to combat the Soviet IS-3, the Conqueror gives the British line a much-needed vehicle with an emphasis on armour and firepower, with a 120 mm L1A2 cannon capable of defeating all of the Rank V competition it will face.

The Conqueror was the tank the Caernarvon hull was designed for - the Caernarvon itself only being a stop-gap measure, with most models being upgraded to Conquerors once the type was approved for production. The Conqueror augments this hull with a significantly upgraded turret design housing the L1A2 120mm cannon.

The Conqueror deviates from most earlier British designs, favouring firepower and armour. This, combined with its somewhat limited mobility, results in the Conqueror proving to be one of, if not the single most effective sniper and support tank at its rank. Despite this, it can be put to good use in closer-range engagements.

General info

Survivability and armour

The Conqueror utilises the same hull as the Caernarvon does, with respectable frontal armour capable of shrugging off rounds from many adversaries. Unfortunately this hull suffers from similarly weak side and rear armour - and as such angling the vehicle can prove extremely dangerous if it exposes the side too much. The Conqueror replaces the Caernarvon's Centurion-based turret with a fresh design, providing much better crew spacing and protection. The turret is not without its weaknesses, however; the commander's cupola protrudes quite significantly and APHE or HESH shells may disable internal turret components or crew members. There is also a weak section directly behind the mantlet at the top of the turret, penetration of which will disable crew or the breech/horizontal turret drive. Trap shots are possible, however non-HE shells will not cause any significant internal damage.

The Conqueror has a researchable add-on armour package which improves the vehicle's survivability to HEAT rounds and by a small amount to kinetic rounds.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Turret)
  • Structural steel (Side skirts)
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 130 + 20 mm (59°) Front glacis
76 mm (44°) Lower glacis 		51 + 6 mm 38 mm Top
20 mm (60°) Bottom 		44 mm Front
17 mm Crew hatch
17 mm Rear
Turret 152-313 mm (0-68°) Turret front
89-200 mm (0-78°) Gun mantlet 		89-233 mm (1-48°) 50 mm (1-34°) 51 mm
31 mm Square area near gun
17 mm Crew hatches
Armour Front Rear Roof
Cupola 203 mm (0-17°) 70 mm (12-14°) 51 mm
17 mm Crew hatch

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and bogies are 20 mm thick while tracks are 30 mm thick.
  • Front of turret vary in armour thickness, from 152 mm to 313 mm, but it is all very sloped due to turret design.
  • The front of the turret roof has an additional armour plate of 31 mm in thickness.

Mobility

The Conqueror has reasonable mobility, despite its weight, thanks to a powerful engine and favourable gearbox ratios. It does suffer from a somewhat limited top speed of 34 km/h, however it reaches this speed fairly easily on-road and on smooth off-road surfaces. The vehicle has surprisingly responsive hull traverse due to the engine power and neutral steering capability. The Conqueror has a reasonable reverse speed for a British vehicle, however it shouldn't be relied on too heavily.

When the add-on armour package is researched and equipped, the vehicle's weight will increase by 1.1 tonnes, resulting in a minor decrease in mobility.

Mobility characteristic
Weight (tons) Add-on Armour
weight (tons) 		Max speed (km/h)
64.9 1.1 37 (AB)
34 (RB/SB)
Engine power (horsepower)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 1,046 ____
Realistic/Simulator 716 810
Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 16.12 __.__
Realistic/Simulator 11.03 12.48

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: L1A2 (120 mm)
The 120 mm L1A2 is a powerful gun, derived from the M58 mounted on the M103 heavy tank. Unlike the M103's selection of HEAT or AP, the Conqueror instead utilises HESH and APDS ammunition, and again unlike the M103, mounts a two-plane stabiliser. The L1A2 exhibits excellent accuracy and long-range performance, although due to the sub-par post-penetration effects of APDS in some cases multiple rounds are required to secure a knock-out, particularly at range where critical components or ammunition is less reliably hit.

Despite this, the Conqueror performs admirably as a sniper, covering capture points or thoroughfares, and should primarily rely on APDS with careful thought as to placement. HESH may prove useful against lighter vehicles or in cases where a target's side armour is exposed, but otherwise should not be relied on for anything besides pure luck. It's important to remember that the Conqueror has a reasonably long reload of 19.4 seconds at base; and as such careful consideration should be made as to what to prioritise disabling first.

120 mm L1A2
Capacity Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance 		Stabilizer
35 -7°/+15° ±180° Two-plane
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade __.__ __.__ __.__ __.__ __.__
Realistic 9.7 __.__ __.__ __.__ __.__
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
19.4 17.13 __.__ __.__
Ammunition
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration in mm @ 90°
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
Shot L1G APDS 362 361 359 354 339 321
Shell L1TK HESH 152 152 152 152 152 152
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
in m/s 		Projectile
Mass in kg 		Fuse delay

in m:

Fuse sensitivity

in mm:

Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent): 		Normalization At 30°
from horizontal: 		Ricochet:
0% 50% 100%
Shot L1G APDS 1493 7.6 N/A N/A N/A +1.5° 75° 78° 80°
Shell L1TK HESH 792 16 0.4 0.1 3,100 +0° 73° 77° 80°
Ammo racks
Ammo racks of the Conqueror Mk.2.
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Recommendations Visual
discrepancy
35 31 (+4) 21 (+14) 16 (+19) 11 (+24) 6 (+29) 1 (+34) No

Keep ammo at around 16 (+19) or 11 (+24)

Machine guns

Main article: L3A1 (7.62 mm)
The Conqueror sports two machine guns, one of which is pintle mounted and may prove itself a deterrent to some close air support. The machine guns may on occasion prove useful for destroying incoming ATGMs, given a bit of luck.
7.62 mm L3A1
Coaxial mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute) 		Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance
3,750 (250) 500 N/A N/A
Pintle mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute) 		Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance
3,750 (250) 500 -10°/+30° ±90°

Usage in battles

The Conqueror can be effectively played as a sniper, or a steady breakthrough tank, providing the vehicle's slow reload and weak lower front plate are considered.

Sniper Role

When used in a sniper role, the Conqueror should utilise extreme ranges with some form of cover available, in case the situation goes awry. Ensure awareness is maintained for light flanking vehicles or enemy sniping vehicles on off-angles that may be able to disable the Conqueror through side armour. Play conservatively, avoiding wasting shots and having to wait for the long reload time, and avoid exposing the hull where possible.

Breakthrough Role

The Conqueror may be utilised in a breakthrough role, although it should be played conservatively and with a level of map awareness at all times. The stabilised gun allows the conqueror to comfortably fire on the move - a rare piece of equipment at the rank - this gives it a distinct advantage over most targets it will face at close range, with the ability to reliably hit targets without waiting for the suspension sway to subside. However, the vehicle's slow reload means that calculated shots are a requirement, and wasting a round may have dire results. As usual, keep in mind that the vehicle's sides and lower front plate are particularly vulnerable and exposing either to enemy fire will often result in the Conqueror's destruction.

Modules

As usual, the 'Parts' and 'FPE' upgrades are essentially mandatory. After these, the 'Tracks' upgrade is recommended to allow the Conqueror to avoid exposing its sides to targets, along with the 'Adjustment of Fire' for additional accuracy at range. Most other upgrades are somewhat irrelevant in terms of their ordering, however the add-on armour upgrade may prove valuable against HEAT rounds.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • APDS round is extremely powerful, with a maximum of 362 mm of penetration at 10m/0°.
  • HESH ammo may have surprising results, and can prove particularly effective against light or side armour.
  • APDS round is particularly accurate at long ranges.
  • Both available rounds have reasonably good angled performance.
  • The L1A2 cannon is fully two-plane stabilised, allowing it to be fired accurately on the move.
  • The coaxial machine gun has ballistic performance similar to the HESH round and may be used for ranging.
  • The turret is very sloped and well armoured, with very few weak points.
  • The upper front plate is very thick and sloped.
  • Can mount add-on armour which offers more protection in the form of spaced armour to the turret cheeks and upper plate.
  • Well-spaced crew make the vehicle unlikely to be affected by crew knock-out in a single hit.
  • Reasonably good mobility despite weight.

Cons:

  • APDS has minimal post-penetration effect, and careful round placement is necessary.
  • HESH is not reliable against any vehicle with semi-decent armour.
  • Long reload time (19.4 second base), although relatively standard for calibre.
  • Possesses only 7.62 mm machine guns.
  • Weak lower front plate.
  • Particularly weak side armour, 51 mm inner with a spaced 6 mm plate.
  • 17 mm of protection on the engine deck will result in aircraft strafing runs to damage or set fire to the engine.
  • Top speed is limited at only 34 km/h.
  • A turret penetration will often result in ammunition detonation; the turret has ammo racks strewn throughout.

History

Development

In 1944, General Staff started a project called A45 Infantry Support Tank, which started around the same time as the development of the A41 Centurion cruiser tank. This project, after the war, was redesignated from a typical "Infantry Tank" and instead focused on a new role of a "Universal Tank" design in the form of the FV 200 series. The "Universal Tank" concept was to design a vehicle that would have a mobility comparable to that of cruiser tanks, but with the armour and firepower of heavy tanks. The FV 200 series designation was adopted and was to serve as a line of vehicles that used the same hull and chassis in different roles like armour recovery vehicles and self-propelled guns. The first tank of this series was to be the FV 201, which would be 55 tons and use the 20-pounder gun.

In 1949, a new requirement for the project called for the use of a 120 mm gun, possibly in response to the reveal of the Soviet IS-3 heavy tank in the Berlin Victory Parade in 1945. This new requirement would delay the initial deadlines for the tank as no gun of that caliber had been developed yet. As a interim development before such a gun could be made, the FV 201 hull was mounted with a turret from the Centurion tank and this created the FV 221 Caernarvon, with Mark I for a 17-pounder armament and a Mark II for a 20-pounder armament. However, the success of the lighter Centurion tank made the Caernarvon unsuitable in a "Main Battle Tank" role. Further development on the Caernarvon, with emphasis on the armour and armament, would develop the FV 214 Conqueror tanks, some were straight up conversions of Caernarvon Mark II's. About 185 Conquerors were produced in Mk.1 and Mk.2 variants from 1955 to 1959.

Design

The FV 214 Conqueror, also known as the "Tank, Heavy No. 1, 120 mm Gun, Conqueror", was intended to provide a mobile, long-range anti-tank support for the lighter and more numerous Centurion tanks stationed in Germany. As a response to the heavy IS-3 tank in Soviet service, the tank's armament and armour is taken up and beyond extreme to typical NATO armour development. The armour, with a frontal plate of about seven inches (178 mm), made the tank one of the most protected tanks stationed in West Germany. The abundance of armour made the tank heavy, weighing 64 tons, and this impeded the tank's top speed and made it mechanically unreliable. However, the tank was very mobile in cross-country terrain, seen as equal as the lighter and faster Centurion tank.

The gun was the very large 120 mm cannon, the largest caliber tank gun available when it was introduced. The gun was American-developed, the same 120 mm cannon that would arm the M103 heavy tank. The gun uses a two-piece ammunition and the tank allowed for a ammo stowage of 35 rounds. Another notable feature of the Conqueror aside from its large cannon and thick armour was the unique and rotatable commander's cupola. In the cupola was the Conqueror's fire control system and had many features that made it ahead of its time. Being able to be rotated independent from the turret, plus with a coincidence rangefinder, the commander could align the cupola to a target, measure its range, and direct the gunner to the designated target. While the gunner located and engage the target, the commander could go and find a different target to designate and range.

Usage

The Conqueror were all stationed in West German in the armoured regiments stationed there. Each regiment received 9 Conquerors and were organized in groups of three as tank troops to support the Centurions in any conflict that arise from the tense situation of the Cold War. As history played out, the Cold War never became "hot" and no hostile conflicts arise in the borders of Germany, thus the Conquerors never saw any use aside from training as they were all exclusively stationed on the German borders. The Conqueror's intention to provide a long-range anti-tank capability for the Centurions, became less significant when the Centurions began to arm themselves with the more powerful 105 mm L7 gun, such as the Centurion Mk 10. The lower tactical value of the Conqueror and further development on heavy tanks in Britain had the Conquerors replaced in 1966 with the much more powerful and armoured, yet lighter, FV 4201 Chieftain tank.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

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.

External links


Britain heavy tanks
Matilda  Matilda III · Matilda Hedgehog
Churchill  Churchill I · Churchill III · Churchill VII · Churchill Crocodile · Churchill NA75 · Black Prince
Post-war  Caernarvon · Conqueror
Other  Independent · Excelsior · TOG II

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