Difference between revisions of "Centurion Action X"

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{{Specs-Card|code=uk_centurion_action_x}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = British medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
|usage = other versions
 +
|link = Centurion (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=uk_centurion_action_x
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The Centurion Action X is a nickname of the official "Centurion Mantletless Turret" design. The Centurion Mantletless Turret was a project to create a new, heavily sloped turret design for the Centurion as a form of upgrade, taking inspiration from the Chieftain's turret design that also features no gun mantlet. The Centurion Mantletless Turret did not end up seeing widespread usage, with only one surviving example existing at the Bovington Tank Museum.
−
{{break}}
+
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} British medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]] and looks similar to the [[FV4202]], which also has new gun mantlet-less turret. There are some marked differences though, such as the thicker frontal glacis (although less sloped than FV4202), some different contours in the turret slopes, and slightly better mobility due to the stronger engine. Otherwise, the Action X plays similarly to other 20-pdr equipped Centurion types, with balanced mobility and firepower and a new, more sloped turret that can help the tank hold its own in a British Post-war line-up. In the right hands can prove to be a menace on the battlefield. It will be appreciated by aspiring tankers and veterans of the British tanks both, while also giving a little preview of what the later ranks have got to offer.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
''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.''
+
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, turret roof, cupola roof)
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, cupola sides and centre)
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 76.2 mm (57°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 76.2 mm (45°) ''Lower glacis'' || 50.8 mm (12°) + 6 mm || 38 mm (7°) ''Upper plate'' <br> 20 mm (62°) ''Lower glacis'' || 29 mm (8°) ''Front'' <br> 30 mm ''Engine deck''
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 89-198 mm (1-67°) ''Turret front'' || 89-98 mm <br> 76 mm (43-49°) ''Side glacis'' || 89 mm (10-18°) || 76 mm (20°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 29 mm
 +
|-
 +
| Cupola || 152 mm || 152 mm ''Front half''  <br> 90 mm ''Rear half'' || 90 mm || 29 mm ''Outer ring'' <br> 29 mm (spherical) ''Centre''
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
 +
* Suspension wheels, tracks, and bogies are 20 mm thick.
 +
* The belly is 17 mm thick.
 +
* An internal structural plate of 17 mm thickness separates the forward ammo rack from the driver as seen in X-ray mode.
 +
* Another internal 17 mm structural plate with large openings separates the driver compartment from the crew compartment.
 +
* The steel boxes and the mudguards are 4 mm thick.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1007|rbMinHp= 575}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,007|rbMinHp=575}}
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== 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. Advise about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
−
{{main|Ordnance QF 20-pounder Mk.I (84 mm)}}
+
<!-- ''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|20pdr OQF Mk.I (84 mm)}}
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[Ordnance QF 20-pounder Mk.I (84 mm)|84 mm Ordnance QF 20-pounder Mk.I]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! colspan="5" | [[20pdr OQF Mk.I (84 mm)|84 mm 20pdr OQF Mk.I]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
Line 30: Line 69:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 65 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 17.1 || __._  || __._  || __._  || __._  || rowspan="2" | 8.1 || rowspan="2" | __.__ || rowspan="2" | __.__ || rowspan="2" | 6.3
+
| rowspan="2" | 63 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 17.1 || 23.7 || 28.8 || 31.8 || 33.9 || rowspan="2" | 8.19 || rowspan="2" | 7.25 || rowspan="2" | 6.68 || rowspan="2" | 6.30
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 10.7 || __._  || __._  || __._  || 18.00
+
| 10.7 || 12.6 || 15.3 || 16.9 || 18.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
The ammunition available to the {{PAGENAME}} offers a wide range of projectiles to engage most types of targets:
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
 
−
|-
+
* '''Shot Mk.1''': APCBC; an armour-piercing capped shell with ballistic cap that has a good penetration power but a rather average post-penetration damage effect. Make sure to target modules and crew positions to maximize the damage inflicted.
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
* '''Shot Mk.3''': APDS; an armour-piercing discarding sabot shot that has a very high penetration power but a poor post-penetration damage effect. Make sure to target modules and crew positions to maximize the damage inflicted.
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
+
* '''Shell Mk.1''': HE; a shell useful for destroying open and lightly-armoured vehicles but travelling at a low speed.
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
+
* '''20pdr Shell SS Mk.1''': Smoke; useful to blind enemy vehicles that are too remote for you to disable so that you can progress towards objectives. However, it is a very slow shell.
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 15 || 15 || 15 || 15 || 15 || 15
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot Mk.1 || APCBC || 232 || 229 || 216 || 201 || 187 || 173
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot Mk.3 || APDS || 285 || 283 || 262 || 239 || 218 || 198
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Normalisation at 30°<br>from horizontal
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 600 || 7.5 || 0.4 || 0.5 || 1,130 || +0.0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot Mk.1 || APCBC || 1,000 || 9.1 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +4.0° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot Mk.3 || APDS || 1,400 || 3.2 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 75° || 78° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
+
{{:20pdr OQF Mk.I (84 mm)/Ammunition|Shot Mk.1, Shot Mk.3, Shell Mk.1, 20pdr Shell SS Mk.1}}
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! Ammunition
 
−
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! Screen radius<br>(m)
 
−
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
 
−
! Screen hold time<br>(s)
 
−
! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
|-
 
−
| 20pdr Shell SS Mk.1 || 250 || 9.3 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.11.0.71''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 103: Line 98:
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 +
|-
 +
| '''63''' || 61&nbsp;''(+2)'' || 59&nbsp;''(+4)'' || 57&nbsp;''(+6)'' || 54&nbsp;''(+9)'' || 52&nbsp;''(+11)'' || 49&nbsp;''(+14)''
 +
|-
 +
! 7th<br>rack empty
 +
! 8th<br>rack empty
 +
! 9th<br>rack empty
 +
! 10th<br>rack empty
 +
! 11th<br>rack empty
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 +
!
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''65''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
+
| 46&nbsp;''(+17)'' || 38&nbsp;''(+25)'' || 13&nbsp;''(+50)'' || 6&nbsp;''(+57)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+62)'' || No
 +
!
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 +
* Shells are modelled individually and disappear from the rack after having been loaded in the breech.
 +
* Racks 10 and 11 are first stage ammo racks. They total 12 shells and get filled first when loading up the tank.
 +
* These 2 racks are also emptied first when firing: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 10 - 11 - 1 - 2 - etc. until 9.
 +
* Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-9 into racks 11 then 10. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.
  
 
==== [[Optics]] ====
 
==== [[Optics]] ====
Line 121: Line 132:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Comparable optics
 
! Comparable optics
−
| colspan="2" | ___
+
| colspan="2" | [[Strv 104]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
<!-- ''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|BESA (7.92 mm)}}
+
{{main|L3A1 (7.62 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[BESA (7.92 mm)|7.92 mm BESA]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[L3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm L3A1]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mount
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
−
! Capacity<br>(Belt capacity)
 
−
! Fire rate<br>(shots/minute)
 
−
! Vertical<br>guidance
 
−
! Horizontal<br>guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 3,600 (225) || 600 || -1°/+2° || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 3,750 (250) || 500 || -10°/+5° || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
The small calibre of the L3A1 machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
''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).'' -->
 +
At first glance, the Centurion Action X does not bring a significant change in playstyle. Compared to equivalent-rank vehicles, battle usage can be straightforward. But there are some meaningful lessons for future medium tanks that excel at support roles down the rank, namely the [[Chieftain (Family)|Chieftains]].
 +
 
 +
One way to master this tank's capabilities is to minimize its weaknesses. Knowing the limited maximum speed, the commanders often should resort to long‑distance gunnery. This long-range shooting is, in fact, very healthy for the Centurion X. The firepower is more than sufficient to cause damage in most ranges; thus, sniping is where most mainstream British medium tanks will excel. 
  
−
=== Modules ===
+
The shoot-and-scoot tactic benefits the Centurion Action X. It will protect the vehicle from prolonged exposure, as the lower turret is poorly armoured to withstand serious firepower. One way to stay alive is never to expose your lower half of the turret.
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
 
−
! Tier
+
An early game planning of the map positioning allows the Centurion Action X to strike lethally without being immediately obliterated. However, players should keep in mind another forte of most British MBTs down the line; this is the flexibility of the gun elevation. Therefore, slopes, cliffs, and trenches on maps such as [[Ash River]], [[Carpathians (Ground Forces)|Carpathians]] or [[Fulda (Ground Forces)|Fulda]], should be used to multiply the damage the Centurion can cause. 
−
! colspan="2" | Mobility
+
 
−
! Protection
+
The sniper or support role can provide the best results eventually, as most tanks at its rank will often struggle to fire effectively when on the move or at long ranges. Meanwhile, the Centurion Action X will quickly get in and out of cover thanks to the gun stabilizer, firing whenever enemy targets are spotted.
−
! colspan="2" | Firepower
+
 
−
|-
+
New players may learn the best way to help your team win the game is by being in the rear, supporting the offensive of the most aggressive tanks; not only covering the fronts but also on the lookout for light flankers.
−
| I
 
−
| Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Horizontal Drive
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Suspension
 
−
| Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire
 
−
| Shot Mk.3
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Filters
 
−
|
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| Elevation Mechanism
 
−
| Smoke grenade
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Transmission
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Artillery Support
 
−
| 20pdr Shell SS Mk.1
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
* Powerful and high penetrating 20 pdr gun, available with an APDS choice like other Centurions with 20 pdrs
+
 
−
* Very quick reload time, up to 6.3 seconds per round when in full crew and ace experience
+
* Powerful high penetrating 20 pdr gun, available with an APDS choice
−
* Have good gun depression and other traits like other Centurion
+
* Rapid reload time, down to 6.3 seconds per round when in full crew and ace experience
−
* Good turret armour, up to 240 mm+ thick in some areas
+
* Has good gun depression and with a gun stabilizer like other Centurions
−
* Great RP and SL grinder like its Swedish cousin
+
* Sloped upper turret armour, up to 240+ mm thick in some areas
−
* With gun stabilizer
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
* With only 39(AB), 35(RB and SB)km/h top speed, its mobility is mediocre when compared to some contemporary mediums
+
 
−
* Ammo rack in the front (will be empty if 33 rounds are loaded) like other Centurions
+
* With only 39 (AB), 35 (RB and SB) km/h top speed, its mobility is mediocre when compared to some contemporary mediums
−
* Small internal compartment (only 4 crew members), easy to one-shot like its siblings
+
* Ammo rack in the front like other Centurions
−
* Although APDS provide high penetration even in long distances, it provides only punctual damage (Aim carefully)
+
* Small internal compartment (only 4 crew members), easy to knock out with one hit
−
* Turret armour is not reliable sometimes due to some lower parts of turret armour is thinner (serious damages would occur if enemies penetrate it)
+
* Although APDS provides high penetration even at long ranges, post-penetration damage is low
−
* No explosive filler on any AP shells like other centurions in Rank IV
+
* Lower turret armour is sometimes not reliable, very thin armour
 +
* No explosive filler on any AP shells
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
=== [[wt:en/news/6427-development-centurion-action-x-the-chiefturion-en|Devblog]] ===
 +
Development of the Centurion Action X began in the early 1950s. The aim of the project was to improve the Centurion's ballistic protection by fitting the vehicle with the recently developed 'mantletless' turret design. The turret was fitted on a Centurion Mk.7 hull and featured thick, heavily sloped surfaces which further increased its effectiveness.
 +
 
 +
Furthermore, the vehicle was tested with both the QF 20-pdr as well as the 105 mm L7 cannon. In the end however, only a couple prototypes were built and tested in addition to a few turrets being used separately for ballistic trials. The Centurion Action X never passed the testing stage and was thus also not ordered into production. However, the experience gained during its development, specifically regarding the use of the mantletless turret, was later incorporated into subsequent tank designs such as the FV4202 and the well-known Chieftain main battle tank.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_centurion_action_x Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|Vu3VyrhT5r4|'''Should You Buy The {{PAGENAME}}?''' - ''Sako Sniper''|5tnrZ7_gXk0|'''{{PAGENAME}} - Tank Review''' - ''Napalmratte''|8uNloxGw-6I|'''{{PAGENAME}}''' - ''ConeOfArc''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''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;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
 +
 
 +
* [[Centurion (Family)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
<!--Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''-->
 
  
 
* [[wt:en/news/6427-development-centurion-action-x-the-chiefturion-en|[Devblog] Centurion Action X - The Chiefturion]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/6427-development-centurion-action-x-the-chiefturion-en|[Devblog] Centurion Action X - The Chiefturion]]
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* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/centurion-mantletless-turret/ <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Centurion Mantletless Turret]
  
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{{TankManufacturer Department of Tank Design}}
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}
 
{{Britain premium ground vehicles}}
 
{{Britain premium ground vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 07:44, 6 August 2023

This page is about the British medium tank Centurion Action X. For other versions, see Centurion (Family).
Centurion Action X
uk_centurion_action_x.png
GarageImage Centurion Action X.jpg
ArtImage Centurion Action X.png
Centurion Action X
Britain flag.png Britain
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
7.7 7.7 7.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:6 090 Specs-Card-Eagle.png

Description

The Centurion Action X is a nickname of the official "Centurion Mantletless Turret" design. The Centurion Mantletless Turret was a project to create a new, heavily sloped turret design for the Centurion as a form of upgrade, taking inspiration from the Chieftain's turret design that also features no gun mantlet. The Centurion Mantletless Turret did not end up seeing widespread usage, with only one surviving example existing at the Bovington Tank Museum.

The Centurion Action X was introduced in Update 1.93 "Shark Attack" and looks similar to the FV4202, which also has new gun mantlet-less turret. There are some marked differences though, such as the thicker frontal glacis (although less sloped than FV4202), some different contours in the turret slopes, and slightly better mobility due to the stronger engine. Otherwise, the Action X plays similarly to other 20-pdr equipped Centurion types, with balanced mobility and firepower and a new, more sloped turret that can help the tank hold its own in a British Post-war line-up. In the right hands can prove to be a menace on the battlefield. It will be appreciated by aspiring tankers and veterans of the British tanks both, while also giving a little preview of what the later ranks have got to offer.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull76 / 51 / 38
Turret198 / 89 / 89
Crew4 people
Visibility119 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, turret roof, cupola roof)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, cupola sides and centre)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 76.2 mm (57°) Front glacis
76.2 mm (45°) Lower glacis 		50.8 mm (12°) + 6 mm 38 mm (7°) Upper plate
20 mm (62°) Lower glacis 		29 mm (8°) Front
30 mm Engine deck
Turret 89-198 mm (1-67°) Turret front 89-98 mm
76 mm (43-49°) Side glacis 		89 mm (10-18°) 76 mm (20°) Front glacis
29 mm
Cupola 152 mm 152 mm Front half
90 mm Rear half 		90 mm 29 mm Outer ring
29 mm (spherical) Centre

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels, tracks, and bogies are 20 mm thick.
  • The belly is 17 mm thick.
  • An internal structural plate of 17 mm thickness separates the forward ammo rack from the driver as seen in X-ray mode.
  • Another internal 17 mm structural plate with large openings separates the driver compartment from the crew compartment.
  • The steel boxes and the mudguards are 4 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB39 / 14 km/h
RB and SB35 / 13 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
2 back
Weight50.8 t
Engine power
AB1 240 hp
RB and SB650 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB24.4 hp/t
RB and SB12.8 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 39 14 50.8 1,007 1,240 19.82 24.41
Realistic 35 13 575 650 11.32 12.8

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB2 743 Sl icon.png
RB3 158 Sl icon.png
SB4 414 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts440 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 340 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 130 / 200 / 220 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 190 / 190 / 190 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Mods tank reinforcement uk.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Mods tank ammo.png
84mm_britain_20pdr_APDS_ammo_pack
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Mods tank ammo.png
84mm_britain_Smoke_ammo_pack

Armaments

Main armament

84 mm 20pdr OQF Mk.I cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition63 rounds
First-order12 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
8.1 → 6.3 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: 20pdr OQF Mk.I (84 mm)
84 mm 20pdr OQF Mk.I Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 63 -10°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 17.1 23.7 28.8 31.8 33.9 8.19 7.25 6.68 6.30
Realistic 10.7 12.6 15.3 16.9 18.0

Ammunition

The ammunition available to the Centurion Action X offers a wide range of projectiles to engage most types of targets:

  • Shot Mk.1: APCBC; an armour-piercing capped shell with ballistic cap that has a good penetration power but a rather average post-penetration damage effect. Make sure to target modules and crew positions to maximize the damage inflicted.
  • Shot Mk.3: APDS; an armour-piercing discarding sabot shot that has a very high penetration power but a poor post-penetration damage effect. Make sure to target modules and crew positions to maximize the damage inflicted.
  • Shell Mk.1: HE; a shell useful for destroying open and lightly-armoured vehicles but travelling at a low speed.
  • 20pdr Shell SS Mk.1: Smoke; useful to blind enemy vehicles that are too remote for you to disable so that you can progress towards objectives. However, it is a very slow shell.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
Shot Mk.1 APCBC 232 229 216 201 187 173
Shot Mk.3 APDS 384 380 363 343 324 306
Shell Mk.1 HE 15 15 15 15 15 15
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Shot Mk.1 APCBC 1,000 9.1 - - - 48° 63° 71°
Shot Mk.3 APDS 1,430 3.22 - - - 75° 78° 80°
Shell Mk.1 HE 600 7.5 0.2 0.1 1.13 79° 80° 81°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Screen radius
(m) 		Screen deploy
time (s) 		Screen hold
time (s) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
20pdr Shell SS Mk.1 250 9.3 9 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Centurion Action X
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty
63 61 (+2) 59 (+4) 57 (+6) 54 (+9) 52 (+11) 49 (+14)
7th
rack empty 		8th
rack empty 		9th
rack empty 		10th
rack empty 		11th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
46 (+17) 38 (+25) 13 (+50) 6 (+57) 1 (+62) No

Notes:

  • Shells are modelled individually and disappear from the rack after having been loaded in the breech.
  • Racks 10 and 11 are first stage ammo racks. They total 12 shells and get filled first when loading up the tank.
  • These 2 racks are also emptied first when firing: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 10 - 11 - 1 - 2 - etc. until 9.
  • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-9 into racks 11 then 10. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.

Optics

Centurion Action X Optics
Default magnification Maximum magnification
Main Gun optics X4.9 X6.0
Comparable optics Strv 104

Machine guns

7.62 mm L3A1 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition3 750 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
Main article: L3A1 (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm L3A1
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,750 (250) 500 -10°/+5° N/A

The small calibre of the L3A1 machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.

Usage in battles

At first glance, the Centurion Action X does not bring a significant change in playstyle. Compared to equivalent-rank vehicles, battle usage can be straightforward. But there are some meaningful lessons for future medium tanks that excel at support roles down the rank, namely the Chieftains.

One way to master this tank's capabilities is to minimize its weaknesses. Knowing the limited maximum speed, the commanders often should resort to long‑distance gunnery. This long-range shooting is, in fact, very healthy for the Centurion X. The firepower is more than sufficient to cause damage in most ranges; thus, sniping is where most mainstream British medium tanks will excel. 

The shoot-and-scoot tactic benefits the Centurion Action X. It will protect the vehicle from prolonged exposure, as the lower turret is poorly armoured to withstand serious firepower. One way to stay alive is never to expose your lower half of the turret.

An early game planning of the map positioning allows the Centurion Action X to strike lethally without being immediately obliterated. However, players should keep in mind another forte of most British MBTs down the line; this is the flexibility of the gun elevation. Therefore, slopes, cliffs, and trenches on maps such as Ash River, Carpathians or Fulda, should be used to multiply the damage the Centurion can cause. 

The sniper or support role can provide the best results eventually, as most tanks at its rank will often struggle to fire effectively when on the move or at long ranges. Meanwhile, the Centurion Action X will quickly get in and out of cover thanks to the gun stabilizer, firing whenever enemy targets are spotted.

New players may learn the best way to help your team win the game is by being in the rear, supporting the offensive of the most aggressive tanks; not only covering the fronts but also on the lookout for light flankers.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful high penetrating 20 pdr gun, available with an APDS choice
  • Rapid reload time, down to 6.3 seconds per round when in full crew and ace experience
  • Has good gun depression and with a gun stabilizer like other Centurions
  • Sloped upper turret armour, up to 240+ mm thick in some areas

Cons:

  • With only 39 (AB), 35 (RB and SB) km/h top speed, its mobility is mediocre when compared to some contemporary mediums
  • Ammo rack in the front like other Centurions
  • Small internal compartment (only 4 crew members), easy to knock out with one hit
  • Although APDS provides high penetration even at long ranges, post-penetration damage is low
  • Lower turret armour is sometimes not reliable, very thin armour
  • No explosive filler on any AP shells

History

Devblog

Development of the Centurion Action X began in the early 1950s. The aim of the project was to improve the Centurion's ballistic protection by fitting the vehicle with the recently developed 'mantletless' turret design. The turret was fitted on a Centurion Mk.7 hull and featured thick, heavily sloped surfaces which further increased its effectiveness.

Furthermore, the vehicle was tested with both the QF 20-pdr as well as the 105 mm L7 cannon. In the end however, only a couple prototypes were built and tested in addition to a few turrets being used separately for ballistic trials. The Centurion Action X never passed the testing stage and was thus also not ordered into production. However, the experience gained during its development, specifically regarding the use of the mantletless turret, was later incorporated into subsequent tank designs such as the FV4202 and the well-known Chieftain main battle tank.

Media

Skins
Videos
Should You Buy The Centurion Action X? - Sako Sniper
Centurion Action X - Tank Review - Napalmratte
Centurion Action X - ConeOfArc

See also

Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

External links


Department of Tank Design
Medium Tanks 
Sherman Firefly  Sherman Firefly · Sherman IC "Trzyniec"
MBTs 
Centurion  Centurion Mk 1 · Centurion Mk.2 · Centurion Mk 3 · Centurion Action X · Centurion Mk.5 AVRE · Centurion Mk 10
Challenger*  Challenger Mk.2 · Challenger Mk.3 · Challenger DS
Tank Destroyers 
Achilles  Achilles · Achilles (65 Rg.)
Centurion-based  Conway · FV4005
Export 
Sherman Firefly  Sherman Ic · ▄Sherman Vc
Centurion  Centurion Mk.5/1 · Strv 81 · Strv 81 (RB 52) · ▄Strv 81 (RB 52) · Strv 101 · Strv 104** · Strv 105** · Sho't
See also  US Ordnance Department · Israeli Ordnance Corps · Vickers-Armstrongs Limited
  *By successor, the Military Vehicles and Engineering Establishment
  **Swedish modernizations incorporating innovations from the Israeli Sho't Kals.

Britain medium tanks
Valentine  Valentine I · Valentine IX · Valentine XI
Cromwell  Cromwell I · Cromwell V · Cromwell V (RP-3)
Cromwell derivatives  Challenger · Avenger · Comet I · Comet I "Iron Duke IV" · Charioteer Mk VII
Centurion  Centurion Mk 1 · Centurion Mk.2 · Centurion Mk 3 · Centurion Mk.5 AVRE · Centurion Mk 10 · Centurion Action X · FV4202
Vickers MBT  Vickers Mk.1 · Vickers Mk.3 · Vickers Mk.7
Chieftain  Chieftain Mk 3 · Chieftain Mk 5 · Chieftain Mk 10
Challenger 1  Challenger Mk.2 · Challenger Mk.3 · Challenger DS
Challenger 2  Challenger 2 · Challenger 2 (2F) · Challenger 2 TES · Challenger 2 OES · Challenger 2E · Challenger 2 Black Night
Challenger 3  Challenger 3 TD
Australia  A.C.I · A.C.IV · Centurion Mk.5/1
South Africa  Olifant Mk.1A · Olifant Mk.2 · TTD
India  Vijayanta · Bhishma TWMP
Israel  ▄Sho't Kal Dalet
Jordan  Khalid
Sweden  ▄Strv 81 (RB 52)
USA  Grant I · Sherman II · Sherman Firefly · Sherman IC "Trzyniec"

Britain premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.) · A13 Mk II 1939 · AEC Mk II · Crusader "The Saint" · Rooikat 105
Medium tanks  A.C.I · Grant I · Cromwell V (RP-3) · Sherman IC "Trzyniec" · A.C.IV · Comet I "Iron Duke IV"
  Centurion Mk.2 · ▄Strv 81 (RB 52) · Centurion Mk.5 AVRE · Centurion Mk.5/1 · ▄Sho't Kal Dalet · Centurion Action X
  Vijayanta · Khalid · Challenger DS · Challenger 2 OES
Heavy tanks  Independent · Matilda Hedgehog · Excelsior · TOG II · Churchill Crocodile · Black Prince
Tank destroyers  Alecto I · Achilles (65 Rg.) · QF 3.7 Ram

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