Difference between revisions of "Centurion Mk.5/1"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=uk_centurion_mk_5_raac
 
|code=uk_centurion_mk_5_raac
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_Centurion_Mk.5-1.jpg|ArtImage Centurion Mk.5-1.png}}
 +
|market=items_Centurion Mk.5/1 (RAAC) (Britain)
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} British medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Hot Tracks"]] as a reward for [[Battle Pass: Season II, "Steel Centurion"]].
+
The Centurion Mk.5, developed in 1955, was a modified [[Centurion Mk 3|Mk.3]] with the addition of extra machine guns and minor design changes. In a further modification, '''Centurion Mk.5/1''', an additional armour plate was fitted to the Centurion's lower glacis. A total of 221 tanks of this modification were produced. Some were converted from Australian Centurion Mk.3 and Mk.5 models, 58 of which were later used by Australia in the Vietnam War. They remained in service with Australia until the 1980s, when they were replaced by [[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard 1]]s.
 +
 
 +
Introduced during [[Update "Hot Tracks"]] as a reward for [[Battle Pass: Season II, "Steel Centurion"]], the '''Centurion Mk.5/1''' is not only a combination of good protection, allowing it to withstand fire from potential opponents, and a powerful 20-pounder gun with AP and APDS rounds, but it also has a two-plane stabiliser, which allows for accurate firing on the move. However, the mobility of the Centurion Mk.5/1 leaves something to be desired, so it often lags behind allies when moving across the battlefield. It differs from the [[Centurion Mk 3]] by having reinforced frontal armour on the lower glacis and a coaxial 12.7 mm machine gun.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Tank-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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
''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:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
  
−
* Rolled Homogeneous Armour - hull, turret roof, external fuel tank
+
* Rolled homogeneous armour - hull, turret roof, external fuel tank
−
* Cast Homogeneous Armour - turret (except roof)
+
* Cast homogeneous armour - turret (except roof)
−
* Structural Steel - fenders and stowage boxes
 
−
* Structural Steel of Chassis - suspension
 
−
* Gun Steel - main gun and machine guns
 
−
* Tracks<!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
 
−
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
 
−
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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! '''Armour''' !! '''Front (Slope angle)''' !! '''Sides''' !! '''Rear''' !! '''Roof'''
 
! '''Armour''' !! '''Front (Slope angle)''' !! '''Sides''' !! '''Rear''' !! '''Roof'''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 76.2 + {{annotation|50.8|Appliqué armour}} mm (58°) ''Upper Glacis''  
+
| Hull || 76.2 + {{annotation|50.8|Appliqué armour}} mm (58°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 76.2 mm (47°) ''Lower glacis''
−
76.2 mm (47°) ''Lower Glacis''  
+
| 50.8 mm|| 38 mm || 29 mm ''Crew compartment'' <br> 8-14 mm ''Engine compartment'' <br> 5 mm ''Radiator vents''
−
|50.8 mm||38 mm||29 mm ''Crew Compartment''
 
−
8 - 14 mm ''Engine Compartment''
 
−
 
 
−
5 mm ''Radiator Grills''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 89 - 152 mm ''Turret front'' <br>{{annotation|Up to 300 mm|Variable thickness armour}} + {{annotation|100 mm|Hidden in mantlet}} ''Gun mantlet'' ||89 mm||89 mm||29 - 50.8 mm
+
| Turret || 89-152 mm ''Turret front'' <br> {{annotation|Up to 300 mm|Variable thickness armour}} + {{annotation|100 mm|Hidden in mantlet}} ''Gun mantlet'' || 89 mm || 89 mm || 29-50.8 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola ||152 mm|| colspan="2" |90 mm||29 mm
+
| Cupola || 152 mm || colspan="2" | 90 mm || 29 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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* Main gun - 20 mm, machine guns - 5 mm
 
* Main gun - 20 mm, machine guns - 5 mm
 
* External fuel tank - 12.7 mm
 
* External fuel tank - 12.7 mm
−
* Fenders and stowage boxes - 4 mm<!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
+
* Fenders and stowage boxes - 4 mm
−
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
+
 
 +
Your upper front glacis plate may bounce a shell or two but all side skirts have been removed. It means that HEATFS, and HESH rounds become much more effective as there is only 50.8 mm of RHA on the sides.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 62 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 19.0 || 26.4 || 32.0 || 35.4 || 37.7 || rowspan="2" | 8.19 || rowspan="2" | 7.25 || rowspan="2" | 6.68 || rowspan="2" | 6.30
+
| rowspan="2" | 64 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 19.0 || 26.4 || 32.0 || 35.4 || 37.7 || rowspan="2" | 8.19 || rowspan="2" | 7.25 || rowspan="2" | 6.68 || rowspan="2" | 6.30
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
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==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:20pdr OQF Mk.I (84 mm)/Ammunition|Shot Mk.1, Shot Mk.3, Shell Mk.1, 20pdr Shell SS Mk.1}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''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
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 15 || 15 || 15 || 15 || 15 || 15
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot Mk.3 || APDS || 285 || 283 || 262 || 239 || 218 || 198
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | 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)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot Mk.1 || APCBC || 1,000 || 9.1 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 600 || 7.5 || 0 || 0.1 || 1,130 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot Mk.3 || APDS || 1,400 || 3.2 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 75° || 78° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
! 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_Centurion_Mk.5-1.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.15.1.55''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! 4th<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 +
|-
 +
| '''64''' || 63&nbsp;''(+1)'' || 59&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 52&nbsp;''(+12)'' || 44&nbsp;''(+20)'' || 37&nbsp;''(+27)''
 +
|-
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 +
! 7th<br>rack empty
 +
! 8th<br>rack empty
 +
! 9th<br>rack empty
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 +
!
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''62''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| 29&nbsp;''(+35)'' || 9&nbsp;''(+55)'' || 5&nbsp;''(+59)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+63)'' || No
 +
!
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 +
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 +
* Racks 8 and 9 are first stage ammo racks. They total 8 shells and get filled first when loading up the tank.
 +
** These racks are also emptied early: the depletion order at full capacity is 8 - 9 - 1 - 2 - etc. until 7.
 +
** Full reload speed will be realized as long as shells are available in the ready racks 8 and 9.  If the ready racks are empty, a penalty to reload speed will occur.
 +
** Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-7 into racks 9 then 8. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
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| Pintle || 1,000 (250) || 500 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
 
| Pintle || 1,000 (250) || 500 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 3,600 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 3,750 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== 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).'' -->
−
''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).''
+
 
 +
Take advantage of your good gun depression of -10° and powerful 20-pdr cannon to snipe from long distances. If you want to play close quarters, use cover as much as possible since your armour is something you shouldn't rely upon. The gun stabilizer means you can shoot faster than most tanks at that BR without needing to come to a stop. The night vision is a bonus and paired with the IR spotlight on the front side of the turret the vehicle can be excellent in night battles.
  
 
=== 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".'' -->
−
''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 APDS round with high velocity
 +
* Good mobility of a Centurion plus decent reverse speed
 +
* Accurate cannon with stabilizer
 +
* Extra sloped armour plate on UFP, making the frontal armour on the Mk.5/1 equal to the Centurion Mk 10
 +
* Decent frontal turret armour
 +
* Night vision for driver, gunner and commander is an uncommon feature at this BR
 +
* Generous amount of ammunition available for the 20-pounder gun: APCBC, APDS, smoke and HE shells
 +
* Browning .50 calibre HMG with 3,000 rounds as coaxially mounted machinegun - noticeable upgrade over the standard British BESA machinegun
 +
* Decent frontal turret armour, -10° gun depression and a powerful gun make the Centurion Mk.5/1 (RAAC) a powerful hulldown vehicle
 +
* Rear mounted fuel tank offers a slight increase in protection against shells aimed at your engine
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*
+
* Only fires solid shots without explosive filler
 +
* Weak side armour
 +
* Frontal ammo stowage (can be mitigated by bringing fewer than 30 rounds)
 +
* Low top speed
 +
* Fuel tanks over the engine deck restrict gun depression while turret is facing backwards
 +
* Unlike other Centurions, no turret mounted smoke grenade launchers
 +
* IR spotlight can give your position away when activated during night battles
 +
* Mediocre turret traverse
 +
* Gun is slow to elevate and depress
 +
* Slight loss in protection against shaped-charge munitions due to the missing sideskirts
 +
* Reverse speed of -12 km/h is a noticeable upgrade over previous British tanks, but still quite underwhelming when you need a quick getaway
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
''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).''
+
The Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC) received Centurion Mark 3 tanks in 1955. The Mark 3 Centurion introduced the 20-pounder (84 mm) gun in the completely cast turret of the Mark 2. It was the first Centurion to include a new gunsight and a two-plane stabilization system for the main gun, as well as to have replaced the coaxial 20 mm Polsten gun with a 7.92 mm BESA machine gun. Additionally, the Mark 3 introduced a more powerful version of the Meteor engine - producing 650 horsepower. The RAAC upgraded their Mark 3 tanks to the Centurion Mark 5/1 standard. The Mark 5 replaced the coaxial BESA machine gun with a 7.62 mm L3 machine gun, a version of the American M1919 Browning, and added a second L3 machine gun on the commander's cupola; a 12.7 mm L6A1 machine gun (based on the American M2HB Browning) was mounted coaxial for ranging of the 20-pounder main gun. A layer of armour was added to the upper glacis to increase frontal protection.
 +
 
 +
Australian Centurion Mk 5/1 tanks of the C Squadron, 1st Armoured Regiment were deployed to Vietnam in February 1968. They were mainly used in the infantry support role due to a lack of enemy armour in the theatre. The Australian Centurions proved to have a high level of mobility during the conflict but were too heavy for most South Vietnamese bridges. Notable combats involving RAAC Centurions included defensive actions at the Coral and Balmoral firebases where RAAC Centurions were instrumental in the Australian victory. RAAC Centurions had been withdrawn from Vietnam by August 1971 and were replaced in the RAAC by the German Leopard 1 soon after. During their time in Vietnam 42 out of 58 Centurions took combat damage, of which six were irreparable. Despite this, only two Centurion crew members were killed in the conflict.
 +
 
 +
While in Vietnam, Australian tank crews removed the sideskirts from around the suspension in order to prevent a build-up of muck in the suspension. A 100 gallon fuel tank was bolted onto the rear of the hull in order to increase the very limited range of the Centurion. The standard ammunition loadout for Centurions deployed in Vietnam was 62 rounds of 84 mm ammunition, 4,000 rounds of 12.7 mm ammunition, and 9,000 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition. Some Australian Centurions had their smoke grenade launchers removed while in Vietnam.
 +
 
 +
=== [[wt:en/news/7070-development-battle-pass-vehicles-centurion-mk-5-1-raac-en|Devblog]] ===
 +
Since 1951, the Royal Australian Armoured Corps has been replenished with Centurion Mk.3 and Mk.5 tanks, arriving both from the United Kingdom and other British-controlled regions. By the end of the 60s, all Centurion tanks were upgraded to the Mk.5/1 modification - among other works, the modernisation involved the installation of new sighting and commander machine guns, as well as the welding of additional armour plates, which were 50.8 mm thick, to the upper front plate of the hull.
 +
 
 +
In 1965, Australia announced the introduction of its military contingent into Vietnam. For this mission, Centurion tanks were additionally equipped with night vision devices: a removable IR searchlight appeared on the front of the tower, and the driver's, gunner's, and commander's sights all received infrared night vision devices. The final standardisation of all available Centurions took place in 1973 after the return of the Australian troops from Vietnam. The Centurion Mk.5/1 was the main battle tank of the Australian Royal Tank Corps until the 1980s, later replaced by Leopard 1 tanks.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
''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_mk_5_raac Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
 +
File:Centurion Mk 5-1 RAAC WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
 +
File:Centurion Mk 5-1 RAAC WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
 +
File:Centurion Mk 5-1 RAAC WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
 +
File:Centurion Mk 5-1 RAAC WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|9ffyPCaxp9k|'''Battle Pass Vehicles''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 04:22 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 223: Line 223:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [[wt:en/news/7070-development-battle-pass-vehicles-centurion-mk-5-1-raac-en|[Devblog] Battle Pass vehicles: Centurion Mk.5/1 (RAAC)]]
−
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer Department of Tank Design}}
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}
 
{{Britain premium ground vehicles}}
 
{{Britain premium ground vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 07:45, 6 September 2024

This page is about the British medium tank Centurion Mk.5/1. For other versions, see Centurion (Family).
Centurion Mk.5/1
uk_centurion_mk_5_raac.png
GarageImage Centurion Mk.5-1.jpg
ArtImage Centurion Mk.5-1.png
Centurion Mk.5/1
Britain flag.png Britain
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
7.7 7.7 7.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
MARKET

Description

The Centurion Mk.5, developed in 1955, was a modified Mk.3 with the addition of extra machine guns and minor design changes. In a further modification, Centurion Mk.5/1, an additional armour plate was fitted to the Centurion's lower glacis. A total of 221 tanks of this modification were produced. Some were converted from Australian Centurion Mk.3 and Mk.5 models, 58 of which were later used by Australia in the Vietnam War. They remained in service with Australia until the 1980s, when they were replaced by Leopard 1s.

Introduced during Update "Hot Tracks" as a reward for Battle Pass: Season II, "Steel Centurion", the Centurion Mk.5/1 is not only a combination of good protection, allowing it to withstand fire from potential opponents, and a powerful 20-pounder gun with AP and APDS rounds, but it also has a two-plane stabiliser, which allows for accurate firing on the move. However, the mobility of the Centurion Mk.5/1 leaves something to be desired, so it often lags behind allies when moving across the battlefield. It differs from the Centurion Mk 3 by having reinforced frontal armour on the lower glacis and a coaxial 12.7 mm machine gun.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull76 / 51 / 38
Turret152 / 89 / 89
Crew4 people
Visibility119 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour - hull, turret roof, external fuel tank
  • Cast homogeneous armour - turret (except roof)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 76.2 + 50.8 mm (58°) Upper glacis
76.2 mm (47°) Lower glacis 		50.8 mm 38 mm 29 mm Crew compartment
8-14 mm Engine compartment
5 mm Radiator vents
Turret 89-152 mm Turret front
Up to 300 mm + 100 mm Gun mantlet 		89 mm 89 mm 29-50.8 mm
Cupola 152 mm 90 mm 29 mm

Notes:

  • Road wheels - 20 mm, tracks - 20 mm
  • Main gun - 20 mm, machine guns - 5 mm
  • External fuel tank - 12.7 mm
  • Fenders and stowage boxes - 4 mm

Your upper front glacis plate may bounce a shell or two but all side skirts have been removed. It means that HEATFS, and HESH rounds become much more effective as there is only 50.8 mm of RHA on the sides.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB39 / 14 km/h
RB and SB35 / 13 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
2 back
Weight52.0 t
Engine power
AB1 240 hp
RB and SB650 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB23.8 hp/t
RB and SB12.5 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 52 1,007 1,240 19.37 23.85
Realistic 35 13 575 650 11.06 12.5

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 ammo.png
84mm_britain_Smoke_ammo_pack
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Mods tank ammo.png
84mm_britain_20pdr_APDS_ammo_pack
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support

Armaments

Main armament

84 mm 20pdr OQF Mk.I cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition64 rounds
First-order8 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 64 -10°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 19.0 26.4 32.0 35.4 37.7 8.19 7.25 6.68 6.30
Realistic 11.9 14.0 17.0 18.8 20.0

Ammunition

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 Mk.5/1
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty
64 63 (+1) 59 (+5) 52 (+12) 44 (+20) 37 (+27)
6th
rack empty 		7th
rack empty 		8th
rack empty 		9th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
29 (+35) 9 (+55) 5 (+59) 1 (+63) No

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Racks 8 and 9 are first stage ammo racks. They total 8 shells and get filled first when loading up the tank.
    • These racks are also emptied early: the depletion order at full capacity is 8 - 9 - 1 - 2 - etc. until 7.
    • Full reload speed will be realized as long as shells are available in the ready racks 8 and 9. If the ready racks are empty, a penalty to reload speed will occur.
    • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-7 into racks 9 then 8. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition3 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
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
7.62 mm L3A1 machine gun
Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
Main articles: M2HB (12.7 mm), L3A1 (7.62 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,000 (200) 577 N/A N/A
7.62 mm L3A1
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 1,000 (250) 500 -10°/+50° ±120°
Coaxial 3,750 (250) 500 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

Take advantage of your good gun depression of -10° and powerful 20-pdr cannon to snipe from long distances. If you want to play close quarters, use cover as much as possible since your armour is something you shouldn't rely upon. The gun stabilizer means you can shoot faster than most tanks at that BR without needing to come to a stop. The night vision is a bonus and paired with the IR spotlight on the front side of the turret the vehicle can be excellent in night battles.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful APDS round with high velocity
  • Good mobility of a Centurion plus decent reverse speed
  • Accurate cannon with stabilizer
  • Extra sloped armour plate on UFP, making the frontal armour on the Mk.5/1 equal to the Centurion Mk 10
  • Decent frontal turret armour
  • Night vision for driver, gunner and commander is an uncommon feature at this BR
  • Generous amount of ammunition available for the 20-pounder gun: APCBC, APDS, smoke and HE shells
  • Browning .50 calibre HMG with 3,000 rounds as coaxially mounted machinegun - noticeable upgrade over the standard British BESA machinegun
  • Decent frontal turret armour, -10° gun depression and a powerful gun make the Centurion Mk.5/1 (RAAC) a powerful hulldown vehicle
  • Rear mounted fuel tank offers a slight increase in protection against shells aimed at your engine

Cons:

  • Only fires solid shots without explosive filler
  • Weak side armour
  • Frontal ammo stowage (can be mitigated by bringing fewer than 30 rounds)
  • Low top speed
  • Fuel tanks over the engine deck restrict gun depression while turret is facing backwards
  • Unlike other Centurions, no turret mounted smoke grenade launchers
  • IR spotlight can give your position away when activated during night battles
  • Mediocre turret traverse
  • Gun is slow to elevate and depress
  • Slight loss in protection against shaped-charge munitions due to the missing sideskirts
  • Reverse speed of -12 km/h is a noticeable upgrade over previous British tanks, but still quite underwhelming when you need a quick getaway

History

The Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC) received Centurion Mark 3 tanks in 1955. The Mark 3 Centurion introduced the 20-pounder (84 mm) gun in the completely cast turret of the Mark 2. It was the first Centurion to include a new gunsight and a two-plane stabilization system for the main gun, as well as to have replaced the coaxial 20 mm Polsten gun with a 7.92 mm BESA machine gun. Additionally, the Mark 3 introduced a more powerful version of the Meteor engine - producing 650 horsepower. The RAAC upgraded their Mark 3 tanks to the Centurion Mark 5/1 standard. The Mark 5 replaced the coaxial BESA machine gun with a 7.62 mm L3 machine gun, a version of the American M1919 Browning, and added a second L3 machine gun on the commander's cupola; a 12.7 mm L6A1 machine gun (based on the American M2HB Browning) was mounted coaxial for ranging of the 20-pounder main gun. A layer of armour was added to the upper glacis to increase frontal protection.

Australian Centurion Mk 5/1 tanks of the C Squadron, 1st Armoured Regiment were deployed to Vietnam in February 1968. They were mainly used in the infantry support role due to a lack of enemy armour in the theatre. The Australian Centurions proved to have a high level of mobility during the conflict but were too heavy for most South Vietnamese bridges. Notable combats involving RAAC Centurions included defensive actions at the Coral and Balmoral firebases where RAAC Centurions were instrumental in the Australian victory. RAAC Centurions had been withdrawn from Vietnam by August 1971 and were replaced in the RAAC by the German Leopard 1 soon after. During their time in Vietnam 42 out of 58 Centurions took combat damage, of which six were irreparable. Despite this, only two Centurion crew members were killed in the conflict.

While in Vietnam, Australian tank crews removed the sideskirts from around the suspension in order to prevent a build-up of muck in the suspension. A 100 gallon fuel tank was bolted onto the rear of the hull in order to increase the very limited range of the Centurion. The standard ammunition loadout for Centurions deployed in Vietnam was 62 rounds of 84 mm ammunition, 4,000 rounds of 12.7 mm ammunition, and 9,000 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition. Some Australian Centurions had their smoke grenade launchers removed while in Vietnam.

Devblog

Since 1951, the Royal Australian Armoured Corps has been replenished with Centurion Mk.3 and Mk.5 tanks, arriving both from the United Kingdom and other British-controlled regions. By the end of the 60s, all Centurion tanks were upgraded to the Mk.5/1 modification - among other works, the modernisation involved the installation of new sighting and commander machine guns, as well as the welding of additional armour plates, which were 50.8 mm thick, to the upper front plate of the hull.

In 1965, Australia announced the introduction of its military contingent into Vietnam. For this mission, Centurion tanks were additionally equipped with night vision devices: a removable IR searchlight appeared on the front of the tower, and the driver's, gunner's, and commander's sights all received infrared night vision devices. The final standardisation of all available Centurions took place in 1973 after the return of the Australian troops from Vietnam. The Centurion Mk.5/1 was the main battle tank of the Australian Royal Tank Corps until the 1980s, later replaced by Leopard 1 tanks.

Media

Skins
Images
  • Centurion Mk 5-1 RAAC WTWallpaper 01.jpg
  • Centurion Mk 5-1 RAAC WTWallpaper 02.jpg
  • Centurion Mk 5-1 RAAC WTWallpaper 03.jpg
  • Centurion Mk 5-1 RAAC WTWallpaper 04.jpg
Videos
Battle Pass Vehicles discusses the Centurion Mk.5/1 at 04:22 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

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;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

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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