Centurion Universal Tank 1943–2003

Centurion Universal Tank 1943–2003
Author: Simon Dunstan
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2003-03-19
Genre: History
ISBN: 9781841763873

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From 1943 the British began the design of a tank that bore distinct similarities to the German Panther tank. Designed as a Universal Tank, the design emerged in mid-1945 as the Centurion. It was last used in action by the British Army in 1991 during the Gulf War. It has also seen action with the Israeli Defence Forces, the Indian Army in the wars with Pakistan and the Australian Army in Vietnam. This book details all the variants of the Centurion used in these conflicts as well as covering the specialised variants last used by the British in the Gulf War.

The Universal Tank

The Universal Tank
Author: David Fletcher
Publisher: Stationery Office Books (TSO)
Total Pages: 136
Release: 1989
Genre: History
ISBN:

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Picking up from where The Great Tank Scandal (published by HMSO in 1989) left off, roughly in the winter of 1942/43, The Universal Tank carries the story of British and Commonwealth Armoured Fighting Vehicles forward to 1945 and the end of the second Great War.

Crusader and Covenanter Cruiser Tanks 1939–45

Crusader and Covenanter Cruiser Tanks 1939–45
Author: David Fletcher
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 113
Release: 2012-05-20
Genre: History
ISBN: 1780967381

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The Covenanter (which never saw active service) and Crusader Cruiser tanks were developed between 1939 and 1940. The Crusader first saw action in the North African desert in June 1941: its speed and sleek design made it a hard target to hit, and the tank was well-respected by the Afrikakorps for its velocity in combat. But its hurried development prior to World War II also made it prone to mechanical failure. This book examines the Covenanter and the many variants of the Crusader tank, detailing the designs, developments and disappointments of these infamous World War II tanks.

Cromwell Cruiser Tank 1942–50

Cromwell Cruiser Tank 1942–50
Author: David Fletcher
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 84
Release: 2012-05-20
Genre: History
ISBN: 1780967403

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For most of World War II, British tank development remained faithful to the design philosophy inaugurated during World War I. Experiences in North Africa highlighted flaws in this basic design, however, and the General Staff identified the need for a new heavy cruiser that could combine speed and manoeuvrability with increased armour and armament. The Cromwell Cruiser tank was designed as a result and soon proved itself one of the fastest and most successful tanks deployed by the Allies during World War II. This book details the design and development of the Cromwell and its many variants, from its introduction at D-Day, through its many successes in the final year of World War II and beyond.

Universal Carrier 1936–48

Universal Carrier 1936–48
Author: David Fletcher
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 50
Release: 2012-05-20
Genre: History
ISBN: 1780968000

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The Universal Carrier was a fast, lightly armed vehicle developed by the British Army to carry infantry across ground defended by small-arms fire, specifically the Bren light machine gun, hence the name 'Bren Gun Carrier'. This name would stick with the Universal Carrier and all of its future variants. This book details the Carrier, which was employed in a number of roles including carrying ammunition and towing anti-aircraft guns and trailers. All Allies used the Universal Carrier extensively during practically every World War II campaign. By the war's end, the Universal Carrier had proved itself to be an invaluable and successful cross-country vehicle that was both agile and fast for its time.

Centurion Main Battle Tank

Centurion Main Battle Tank
Author: Simon Dunston
Publisher: Haynes Publishing UK
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2017-04-01
Genre: Transportation
ISBN: 9781785210570

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First trialled in Europe in the spring of 1945, but formally introduced into British Army service in December 1946, not only is the Centurion one of the most important tanks in the history of the British armoured fighting vehicle (AFV), but it is also one of the most significant post-war Western tanks. Between 1946 and 1962, 4,423 Centurions were built in 13 basic marks and numerous variants, with the chassis also adapted for several other AFV roles. A small number of the Beach Armoured Recovery Version (BARV) served with the British forces during the Iraq War of 2003, some 58 years after the Centurion first entered service! The Centurion has seen extensive combat in the Korean War (Britain), Vietnam (Australia), the Middle East (Israel) in the 1967 Six Day War, 1973 Yom Kippur War, and during the 1978 and 1982 invasions of Lebanon, and in the Indo-Pakistan War (India) in 1965 where it fought against US-supplied M47 and M48 Patton tanks.

Bren Gun Carrier

Bren Gun Carrier
Author: Robert Jackson
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Total Pages: 236
Release: 2019-10-30
Genre: History
ISBN: 1526746441

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A guide that blends the history behind this British tank with resources for military vehicle modeling enthusiasts. One of the most versatile fighting vehicles in the British army and many other forces for a quarter of a century, the Universal Carrier—more popularly known by its original title of Bren Gun Carrier—was developed as a fast and agile infantry-support vehicle. In this volume of Pen & Sword’s LandCraft series, Robert Jackson traces its design and manufacturing history and describes its operational role throughout its long career. The Bren Carrier served in every theater of the Second World War, from northwest Europe, North Africa and the Soviet Union to the Far East. Then, with the war over, it was operated by many belligerents in a string of other conflicts around the world, including Israel’s struggle for independence and the war in Korea. A selection of archive photographs showing the Bren Carrier in action gives a graphic impression of how adaptable it was and records the variety of equipment it could carry. The book is an excellent source for the modeler, providing details of available kits together with specially commissioned color profiles which illustrate how the Bren Carriers used by different units and armies appeared.

Modelling the Panther Tank

Modelling the Panther Tank
Author: Steve van Beveren
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2006-06-27
Genre: History
ISBN: 9781841769288

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The PzKpfw V Panther is considered to be one of the finest tanks of World War II due to its combination of mobility, firepower and armour. Developed as a response to the Soviet deployment of heavy armour on the Eastern Front, and later to serve in Normandy and Northwest Europe, the Panther established its reputation as one of the first truly universal tanks and its influence can be seen in the design of modern battle tanks to this day. This book details how to model the main variants of this fascinating and significant World War II tank, and it provides a listing the main kits and aftermarket sets available.

Chieftain Main Battle Tank 1965–2003

Chieftain Main Battle Tank 1965–2003
Author: Simon Dunstan
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 121
Release: 2012-09-20
Genre: History
ISBN: 1782004327

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The concept of the Main Battle Tank emerged from the Centurion Universal tank that was developed at the end of World War II. Development of its successor began as early as 1951. The Chieftain incorporated significant innovations including a reclining driver position and two-piece ammunition for greater survivability. The tank entered service in 1967 and was the heaviest armed and armoured MBT within the NATO alliance. The Chieftain saw combat during the Iran-Iraq War, with the Kuwaitis during the 1990 Iraqi invasion and with the British Army during the Gulf War of 1990–91 as special-purpose variants. This book explores the design, development and operation of one of the most influential vehicles used in modern warfare.