Chieftain Main Battle Tank 1966 to present: An insight into the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the British Army's Cold War-era Main Battle Tank (Owners' Workshop Manual)

Very informative, well organized, excellent pictures.

Lt. Colonel Taylor has written the definitive account of Chieftain's evolution for his former comrades-in-arms: Royal Armoured Corp crewman who could never quite understand why they were broken down, yet again.Had his provided detail of history and explanation been available to those of us who sat waiting for REME fitters to arrive then fix our broken tanks it might have taken the edge off many a frustration with British design and engineering. For as British crewmen slaved over Chieftain tanks it became obvious that most mechanical problems were fundamentally inherent to the design.Through extensive use of the archives Col. Taylor has illuminated the flawed specification and, then more interestingly examined in detail the repeated attempts to fix it. this is especially so of the multi-fuel L60 engine that was the root cause of the unreliability. With extensive discussion of the development of the tank the lack of output power and reliability is rightly placed in the context of an already over-weight 'medium' tank that was growing ever heavier. Thus for those who had to struggle with the beast in use it is a fascinating and critical examination of the reasons why it was so.Strangely for a Haynes manual "Chieftain: Main Battle Tank" places considerably less emphasis on descriptions and depictions of usage be it servicing or running. Explanations on driving the tank from starting the engine via servicing to moving off are thin; indeed seemingly superficial compared to other Haynes manuals. Those rare actual owners of FV4201 chassis and their derivatives are not going to be rushing to pick up a copy to learn something new about running their vehicles. However, in the context of the multitude of tank systems detailed descriptions on using them all would run to several books - as indeed the service manuals were.For the wider audience though this is a very balanced and thus readable look at the Chieftain tank. The development assessment is carried over to a critical analysis of key components. The fighting systems are well described in fine order. As would be expected from a technical manual with no room for any sentimental description the excitement in crying "Fire!" to unleash a round of destruction is missed out. Instead all the critical systems are illustrated, described and assessed.The usage section of in-service life does though contain a number of interesting and humorous vignettes of tankie life. These do add welcome colour and experience to the manual format. As an ex-3rd Royal Tank Regiment member it was fabulous to see such a number of contributions in word and photos of and from former colleagues. For the other regiments of the RAC they maybe left wondering if they too ever did serve on Chieftain!The in-service chapter concludes with a fascinating section on how the manufacturers and UK Goventment approached export sales. This details efforts to continue the success of Centurion sales and then, as Chieftain's own development and export orientation continued, leads into the background for Chieftain's successor, Challenger 1. For those with interest in this tank and its genesis there is no better guide to the continuation evolution of British tank design and export story than Col. Taylor's own Haynes "Challenger 1: Main Battle Tank Manual".For modellers and, those of a technical interest, a wealth of photos illustrate the book. With a strong emphasis on Chieftain's roots and progress a large number of these photographs focus on rarer non-service models for development, prototyping, special projects, export and funnies. Those though not familiar with British Army or Chieftain terminology are going to be frequently looking up sometimes unnecessary abbreviations in Appendix 3. Likewise, a number of confusing typos suggest a rush to publication, for instance, if only BAOR had possessed twenty-three base workshops (pg.59)! Does Haynes have an eagle eyed editor or, was this the result of an unaware editor? Finally, to my eye, the sub-contracted cover drawing, repeated inside, is somehow just not quite right.....Overall though this is an excellent analysis of Chieftain fit not only for the ex-RAC serviceman but those of wider tank and armoured warfare interest. If though you did serve on Chieftain you owe it to yourself to buy and read this book thereby understanding just why you did spend so long broken down.

Following on from his very good book on Challenger 1, Dick Taylor gives us an even better volume on Challenger’s predecessor and parent, the Chieftain.Pulling on punches with regard to Chieftain’s undoubted faults, DT gives us excellent coverage of the vehicle, showing why it followed Centurion as the world’s best tank.The highly readable text is complemented by an outstanding selection of photographs, and clearly deserves five stars, though I’d have liked a brief set of conclusions.Nonetheless, this is an excellent addition to the Haynes series on tanks, more that deserving its place, and if I’d like more detail on one or two aspects, I’d need a heck of a lot thicker book.Very highly recommended.

Comprehensive coverage of Chieftain, with excellent photographs. Covers development, describes equipment and usage and service history.It's greatest weakness was its multi- fuel engine, its greatest strengths it's hard hitting gun and strong armour. The author draws on his service experience in the RAC to add illuminating insights.

Having commanded a troop of these in the 1980's and working with this tank for many years during my military career the book brought back a lot of memories. It provides some very interesting information on this MBT and also combines the personal experinces which I could relate to. For ex-tankees this is a must to have in their library.

Good information

A superb book with so much information it's a great reference tool for modellers & enthusiasts alike. I particularly enjoyed the descriptions and listings of all the prototypes and developmental vehicles throughout the years. Can't fault it.