FV4201 Chieftain Spare Parts
Chieftain Tank Spare Parts
Challenger Two MBT Spare Parts
FV4201 Chieftain (1966)
United Kingdom, Main battle tank – around 2,281 built
The Chieftain was a development of the legendary Centurion, which introduced the world to the MBT concept in 1945, dominated the battlefield in the Middle East and imposed its main gun as “the” NATO standard during the Cold War. However, the fast pace of Soviet advance in ammunitions triggered a study for a new main battle tank aimed at exceeding all expectations and setting up a new reference for the Cold War. And in 1966, when it entered service, the Chieftain was, indeed, the most formidable main battle tank in the world. The Chieftain’s rifled Royal Ordnance L11A5 120 mm (4.72 in) gun was specifically tailored for it and also became the new NATO standard caliber. Its cross-country speed was better than that of the Centurion, and it could maintain it longer than the lighter Leopard I. The Chieftain also had the best protection of the time. The Chobham armor became a milestone in tank protection development.
| Item | Product | Description | Request A Quote | Chieftan Current Spares List |
| Information Sheet | Armoured Vehicle Range | Chieftain MBT |  |
Chieftain Variants
Chieftain 900
This was a testbed for the Chobham armour. The hull glacis and sides, the turret, were entirely new, and this version formed the basis for the next generation of MBTs, the Challenger 1.
FV4204 ARV
This was an armed recovery and repair vehicle.
FV4205 AVLB
The bridge-layer version (designated n°8 to N°12 bridge) equipped with a scissors-type bridge. A Close Support Bridge System was also tested. The AVLB Mk 6 was a Chieftain Mk 1/4 converted with mountings for FWMP and fitted with additional armor.
AVRE
The main combat engineering vehicle, used by the Royal British engineers.
Chieftain Marksman
This SPAAG was a twin-gun anti-aircraft version, with a Marconi Series 400 radar and swiss Oerlikon 35 mm autocannons. None was exported.
Chieftain Sabre
It was another SPAAG prototype, with a flat-plate turret, multi-angle front, tapering bustle, and a Twin barrel, 30mm, with multi-perforated muzzle-brakes.
Other Prototypes
Outside the initial production prototypes PP1, G1 and GT, a mine clearer version kit was developed, as well as the Chieftain Casement Test Rig, the Chieftain SID (modifications set to reduce its signature), another tested the ROMOR-A armour kit, the Varma ERA set, or to test the Vickers/Air-Log Ltd Hydrostrut suspension
FV 4201 MBT Specifications
| Dimensions (L-W-H) | 35’4″ (24’6″ without gun) x 11’5″ x 9’5″ ft.in (10.79m (7.51m) x 3.5m x 2.89m) |
| Total weight, Battle Ready | 55 tons (11000 Ibs) |
| Crew | 4 (commander, driver, gunner, loader). |
| Propulsion | British Leyland diesel BL 40, 450-650 bhp, later BL 60, 695 bhp |
| Speed | 48/30 km/h road/cross-country (29.82/18.64 mph) |
| Range/Consumption | 500 km (310.68 mi) |
| Armament | One L11A1 120 mm (4.7in) with Marconi cal.50 gun |
| One Coaxial | 7,62 mm L8A1 (0.3 NATO) machine-gun |
| One Cupola Mounted | d AA L37A1 7,62 (0.3 NATO) machine-gun |
| Armour | turret front 7.6in, glacis 4.72in, sides 1.37in (195/120/35 mm) |
| Ammunition Used | Antipersonal HESH, armour-piercing APDS. |
| Total Production | 900 for Great Britain alone, up to 1381 export variants |
Operators and Service
The Chieftain, like the Centurion before, was largely exported to the Middle East, but failed to be adopted by any country within NATO, choosing the German leopard instead. The Chieftain was proven in combat and showed adaptability to upgrades such as overall improvement or for local modifications on the export market. A new commander’s cupola was devised, an uprated engine introduced and additional equipment added to make the Mk 3 variant. The final definitive Chieftain production model became the Mk 5 and these added NBC protection units at the turret bustle as well as further uprated engines.
Israel
An agreement was cancelled by the British Government in 1969, despite the efforts already put into the local adaptations of the tank for IDF, including the use of an improved hull-down firing capability which served the Israeli Centurions so well in 1967. However this development served as a blueprint for the creation of the Merkava, led by General Israel Tal, largely involved in the local Chieftain project.
Jordanian Chieftains
The first main export variant was the Khalid Shir (Lion) also known as the 40302PJ for Jordan, which included the running gear of the Challenger Mk.I he Jordanian Shir 1 comprised 274 tropicalized tanks which were delivered from 1980 to 1985.
Iranian Chieftains
The FV4030/1 (Mark V 3P) was exported, then the Shir 2 (FV4030/3) which was a Jordanian Shir 1 (FV4030/2) upgraded at Leeds for Iran, with a reworked rear which allowed to mount the more recent Rolls Royce CV8 engine of the Challenger. The Shir 2 was basically an improvement of the Chieftain Mk.V built exclusively for Iran, which still remains today in first line service. These were upgraded locally as the Mobarez package. Other variants of the Chieftain were sold to Iran from 1975 to 1979, with 707 Mark 3P and 5P, 125-189 FV-4030-1, 41 ARV and 14 AVLB being delivered before the revolution.
The Iranian Chieftain was used extensively in the Iran–Iraq War of 1980-88 apparently with mixed results resulting mostly of engine breakdowns. In early 1981 the Iranian Chieftains and M60A1 took part in the biggest tank battle of the war, loosing some 200 tanks while Iraq lost 50 T-62 tanks.
Iraqi Chieftains
About 50-75 Chieftains (ex-Kuwaitis) were in service with the Iraqi Army in 1990. They were later upgraded to Khalid-level (4030P2J) with Air-conditioning and reinforced armour, plus improved night vision. Their fate in 2001 is not known.
Kuwaiti Chieftains
Kuwait (267 from 1976 to 1995). The Kuwaiti 35th Armored Brigade saw heavy action at the Battle of the Bridges, against some elements of the Iraqi Hammurabi and Medina divisions. After crippling losses, they had to withdrew over the Saudi border and a total of 136 tanks were captured by Iraq. Apparently only 7 tanks managed to survive the war.
Omani Chieftains
Oman took delivery of 27 Chieftains Vs, later upgraded to the Qayd Al Ardh standard fitted with L20 sight and Type 520 laser rangefinder. All these are still in first line service.