Chobham Armour: Cold War British Armoured Vehicle Development

The Military Vehicles Research and Development Establishment on Chobham Common played a crucial role in developing British Cold War armor, including the Centurion, Chieftain, Challenger, and other wheeled and tracked vehicles. These vehicles were not used in North-west Germany but have proven their worth in British operations in Korea, Bosnia, Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan, as well as in the hands of other users around the world. This book provides a unique detailed overview of the development of post-war British armoured vehicles, with photographs, schemes, and drawings.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Military Vehicles Research and Development Establishment on Chobham Common played a crucial role in providing armoured vehicles for the British Army from 1945 to its closure in 2004. During World War II, British tanks and armoured vehicles faced significant challenges against the German tanks they encountered, leading to a significant emphasis on ensuring that such a situation would not repeat itself in the event of a hot Cold War. The Fighting Vehicle Research and Development Establishment, located on Chobham Common near Chertsey, was tasked with developing the Main Battle Tanks and supporting armoured vehicles to outrange and swiftly destroy the Soviet threat. This facility served as the design authority for all British Military vehicles for most of the period.

In his comprehensive book, "British Cold War Armour: The Development of the Centurion, Chieftain, Challenger, and Many Other Wheeled and Tracked Armour Vehicles," military vehicle and equipment expert William Suttie delves into the story of the development of British Cold War armour. Drawing extensively on official MOD reports, Suttie provides a detailed account of the creation of various wheeled and tracked armour vehicles, including the Centurion, Chieftain, Challenger, and many others. These vehicles were developed at the Chertsey site but were never used for their intended purpose on the plains of North-west Germany. However, their proven effectiveness in British operations in places such as Korea, Bosnia, Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan, as well as in the hands of other users worldwide, has solidified their reputation as formidable armoured vehicles.

The book is extensively illustrated with photographs, schematics, and drawings, many of which have never been published before. This provides a unique and detailed overview of the development of all post-war British armoured vehicles, offering a valuable insight into the technological advancements and strategic considerations that shaped the British military's armoured vehicle fleet. Whether you are a military history enthusiast, a vehicle enthusiast, or simply interested in the evolution of warfare technology, "British Cold War Armour" is a must-read for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of this important period in military history.

Weight: 1194g
Dimension: 249 x 199 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472855268