Chieftain: British Cold War Main Battle Tank

The British Chieftain was the best main battle tank in NATO during the 1960s and 1970s, with its 120mm rifled main gun and advanced armor. Robert Jackson's book is an authoritative introduction to the tank, tracing its history and providing reference for modellers. Variants of the Chieftain were exported to Iran, Oman, India, Kenya, and Nigeria, and its chassis was adapted to fulfill a variety of tasks.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 64 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2019
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The British Chieftain, designed in the late 1950s to replace the Centurion, emerged as one of the finest main battle tanks in service with NATO during the 1960s and 1970s. With its powerful 120mm rifled main gun and advanced armor, it was considered one of the most formidable tanks of its era. Robert Jackson's book, "The British Chieftain," serves as an authoritative introduction to this remarkable tank. While initially intended for combat against Soviet armor in the plains of northern Germany, the Chieftain saw its most significant action during the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s and the Gulf War of 1991.

Variants of the Chieftain were exported to several countries, including Iran, Oman, India, Kenya, and Nigeria. Its chassis was adapted for various tasks, such as armored recovery and bridge-laying. In addition to tracing the history of the Chieftain, Jackson's work provides valuable reference for modelers. It includes details about available kits, photographs of award-winning models, and artworks showcasing the color schemes applied to these tanks. Each section of the book is supported by a wealth of archival photographs, adding depth and insight to the reader's experience.

The Chieftain's legacy continues to be celebrated today, and its impact on military history is undeniable. Its combination of power, durability, and versatility made it a staple of NATO forces, and its contributions to conflicts such as the Gulf War are widely recognized. Robert Jackson's book is a must-read for anyone interested in military tanks, offering a comprehensive and detailed account of this iconic vehicle.

Weight: 348g
Dimension: 212 x 297 x 2 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526741424