RAAC Centurions had been withdrawn from Vietnam by August 1971 and were replaced in the RAAC by the German Leopard 1 soon after. Notable combats involving RAAC Centurions included defensive actions at the Coral and Balmoral firebases where RAAC Centurions were instrumental in the Australian victory. The Australian Centurions proved to have a high level of mobility during the conflict but were too heavy for most South Vietnamese bridges. They were mainly used in the infantry support role due to a lack of enemy armour in the theatre.
A layer of armour was added to the upper glacis to increase frontal protection.Īustralian Centurion Mk 5/1 tanks of the C Squadron, 1st Armoured Regiment were deployed to Vietnam in February 1968. The Mark 5 replaced the coaxial BESA machine gun with a 7.62 mm 元 machine gun, a version of the American M1919 Browning, and added a second 元 machine gun on the commander's cupola a 12.7 mm L6A1 machine gun (based on the American M2HB Browning) was mounted coaxial for ranging of the 20-pounder main gun. The RAAC upgraded their Mark 3 tanks to the Centurion Mark 5/1 standard. Additionally, the Mark 3 introduced a more powerful version of the Meteor engine - producing 650 horsepower. It was the first Centurion to include a new gunsight and a two-plane stabilization system for the main gun, as well as to have replaced the coaxial 20 mm Polsten gun with a 7.92 mm BESA machine gun. The Mark 3 Centurion introduced the 20-pounder (84 mm) gun in the completely cast turret of the Mark 2. The Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC) received Centurion Mark 3 tanks in 1955.
Good mobility of a Centurion plus decent reverse speed.The night vision is a bonus and paired with the IR spotlight on the front side of the turret the vehicle can be excellent in night battles. The gun stabilizer means you can shoot faster than most tanks at that BR without needing to come to a stop. If you want to play close quarters, use cover as much as possible since your armour is something you shouldn't rely upon. Take advantage of your good gun depression of -10° and powerful 20-pdr cannon to snipe from long distances. Main article: 20pdr OQF Mk.I (84 mm) 84 mm 20pdr OQF Mk.I