Centurion

  Unit Properties of  General Information
 * Nation:     United Kingdom
 * Category:   Tanks
 * Class:      Heavy tanks
 * Role:       Anti-tank/Break through tank
 * Primary Armament: 76mm (3inch) L/55 Ordinance QF 17pdr.
 * Secondary Armament: 1 x 7.62mm M1919 Browning Machine gun Co-axel 1 x .50 cal M2HB Anti-air
 * Armor:     165-30mm
 * Crew:       5


 * MP price:   35
 * Speed:      28
 * Fuel:       ?

History
The Centurion tank was the first "universal" main battle tank for the United Kingdom in the immediate post war period, it was an incredibly successful design and heavily modified versions are still in service today with some countries. The combination of thick armor, high speed and a powerful armament led it to be one of the most universally used military vehicles of the 20th century.

The design originated from a response to a War Office demand in 1943 for a heavy cruiser tank, a few designs were drawn up but these were average at best. The War Office decided to revise the specification requirements to be reliable, durable and no heavier than 40 tons (this was the maximum weight that tank transporters could carry) but also able to survive a direct hit from the infamous German 8,8cm FLAK-41.

The Tank Design committee responded by elongating the suspension from the comet tank, adding a sixth wheel and replacing the Christie Suspension with the new Horstman Suspension. A redesigned hull with well sloped welded armor was complemented by a partially cast turret housing the powerful 17pdr. with a co-Axel 20mm Polsten Cannon. However, it soon became clear that the ability to withstand a direct hit from the German FLAK-41 would be impossible given the weight restrictions, the War Minister savored the weight restriction, deciding to create new transporters rather than clip the wings of this seemingly perfect tank. Power was provided by a Rolls-Royce Meteor built by Rover; this was an adaption to the highly successful Merlin aircraft engine used in the Spitfire, Hurricane, P-51 "Mustang" and even the Avro Lancaster bomber. These specifications were to create an effective fitting machine that was to be used all over the world.

In Game
The Centurion is a superb tank in game, despite not actually being deployed until the war was over it is in the game to help balance the forces, similar to the addition of the American T29.

It can fulfill many rolls on the battlefield; with enough armor and firepower to excel in frontal confrontations yet enough speed and maneuverability to be used with blitzkrieg tactics it is one of the best tanks available. The Centurion is capable of dealing with most tanks including the Tiger I, Panther, IS-1, IS-2, M26 "Pershing" and Chi-Ri. The addition of a .50 cal machine gun gives it added protection against infantry and light armored vehicles. A low profile and sloped armor create a very hard target to hit, let alone damage, this added to the speed of the Centurion creates a potent tank

However it struggles with the three heaviest tanks on the field: the T29, King Tiger and IS-3, whilst the Centurion can defeat these vehicles it is advisable to call in the formidable Tortoise assault gun, its 93mm 32pdr will fair better against the heavy armor of these tanks.