CENTAUR (27L) Mk. IV CS

CENTAUR (27L) Mk. IV CS
Image: Centaur CS (Bovington Tank Museum)
YearNovember 1943
Vehicle TypeClose Support Tank
Origin & DesignerBritain/Leyland
Numbers Produced80
Crew5 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Front Gunner & Driver)
Main Armament1 x OQF 95mm L/18 Howitzer
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 48
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 Carried51 x 95mm & 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 Clearance0.41m
Climbing Ability25°
RadioNo. 19 Set
ArmourHull Front: 63mm.
Hull Sides: 32mm.
Hull Rear: 32mm.
Hull Top: 20mm.
Hull Bottom: 20mm.
Gun Mantle: 63mm
Turret Front: 76mm.
Turret Sides: 63mm.
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]
Variants[@variants]
NotesThe MK. IV close support variant (CS) was the only version of the Centaur to see action when around eighty were issued to the Royal Marine Support Group, these landed in Normandy and served right through the campaign in northern Europe.