CRUISER TANK Mk. VIII (27L) CENTAUR Mk. I

CRUISER TANK Mk. VIII (27L) CENTAUR Mk. I
Image: Centaur Mk. I (IMW)
YearJune 1942
Vehicle TypeMedium Tank
Origin & DesignerBritain/Leyland
Numbers Produced1.059
Crew5 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Front Gunner & Driver)
Main Armament1 x OQF 6 pdr L/50 Mk. V Gun
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation-12° to +20°
Turret Traverse360° (Powered)
Gun Traverse[@gun_traverse]
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
Maximum Range[@maximum_range]
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
Gun SightNo. 54 Mk. I
Secondary Armament1 x 7.92mm Besa Machine Gun (Coaxial).
1 x 7.92mm Besa Machine Gun (Bow).
1 x .303in Bren Machine Gun (AA Mount).
Smoke Discharger[@smoke_discharger]
Ammunition Carried75 x 57mm & 4.950 x 7.92mm + 2000 x .303in Rounds
Height2.49m
Width2.91m
Length6.35m
Combat Weight24.750 kg
Ground Clearance0.41m
Fording Depth1.20m
Trench Crossing2.36m
Obstacle Clearance0.91m
Climbing Ability25°
RadioNo. 19 Set
ArmourHull Front: 63mm.
Hull Sides: 32mm.
Hull Rear: 32mm.
Hull Top: 20mm.
Hull Bottom: 20mm.
Gun Mantlet: 64mm.
Turret Front: 76mm.
Turret Sides: 51mm + 13mm.
Turret Rear: 57mm.
Turret Top: 20mm.
EngineNuffield Liberty (Petrol)
Transmission5 Forward & 1 Reverse
Maximum Road Range266 km
Maximum Cross Country Range150 km
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed45 kph
Maximum Cross Country Speed26 kph
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
VariantsAround 233 Mk. Is were converted to Mk. IIs in 1942, with addition of a 75mm ROQF Gun.
NotesThe Centaur was really a version of the Cromwell with the main difference being that it was fitted with the same Liberty engine found in the Cavalier. Even though after trials the engine proved inadequate production went ahead regardless, resulting in many being used as training vehicles, some were re-fitted with Meteor engines and re-designated as Cromwell’s.