X-Nico

4 unusual facts about Chieftain tank


Chieftain tank

This experience spurred the creation of the indigenous Israeli Merkava, the development programme of which was led by General Israel Tal, who had worked closely with the British in the Anglo-Israeli Chieftain project.

Morris Eight

The engine went on to be used, with very minor changes, in the Series MM from 1948 till 1953 Morris Minor and was also adapted as an auxiliary power unit in Centurion, Conqueror and Chieftain tanks.

Multifuel

Perhaps the most notorious example from a military perspective is the L60 engine used by the British Chieftain Main Battle Tank, which resulted in a very sluggish performance -- in fact, the Mark I Chieftain (used only for training and similar activities) was so underpowered that some were incapable of mounting a tank transporter.

Rolls-Royce Meteorite

It powered the Thornycroft Antar or Mighty Antar Tank Transporter, so was used to transport Meteor-engined tanks, the Centurion and Conqueror (and later the non-Meteor Chieftain).


92nd Armored Division

In September 1980, among the units garrisoned along the Iraqi border, the IRIA had the 92nd Armored "Khuzestan" Division, with three armored brigades equipped with Chieftain MBTs and M-113 APCs (including the 283rd Armored Cavalry Battalion), including the 1st Brigade west of Khorramshahr and south of Ahwaz, 2nd Brigade west of Dezful, and 3rd west of Ahvaz.


see also