Known as the “Medium Gun Tank No 2” emphasis was put on its firepower, then protection and finally mobility to insure its survivability whilst not exceeding a weight of 45 tonnes.īy 1956 concept studies by the Fighting Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (FVRDE) had looked at various gun types, propellants and calibre. Whilst the British Centurion Medium Tank had been a great success, the development of its replacement started in 1951. The Chieftain Tank continued to be upgraded in protection and mobility throughout the 1980’s and 90’s but these later models failed to attract any orders as newer Main Battle Tanks entered the export market. The Chieftain was modified and exported to several Middle-East countries were it remains in service and has seen active combat. A number of Combat Engineer Vehicles were built on the hull. First deliveries to the British Army were completed in 1966 and was finally withdrawn from service in 1995 as its replacement the Challenger 2 entered service. The British Chieftain Tank FV4201 was the first and most powerful Main Battle Tank in NATO during the former Cold War.
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