{rollThe Centurion is a 1944 British design which allowed Britain recover the pre-eminence in the tank terrain, just when it was not necessary any more. The very first five Centurions ready for action were in their way to the front when the war finished, so they couldn't match the best german beast, the King Tiger, which had done so terrible damage to the Allies armour divisions. With its 120 mm frontal armour, more than twice the once imbeatable Matida's, and its 17 pounder main gun (best british tank gun then), it could be the nemesis of the german KT's, and save a lot of allies lifes lost in the bad armoured Shermans.
The Centurion was a very good tank is its beginning, what has allowed him survive until now, because it's in service in a number of countries today. The production stopped in 1962, being built more than 4000 units. After the first 17 pounder gun, came the 20 pounder (83'8 mm), and lately the L7 105 mm gun. The latter models has been wholy re-built, fitting new fire control system, passive night vision equipment, and new armour.o}
