- Yes
- No
Here we go again.
Introduction
The FV201, initially designated the A45, was conceived in 1944 amid World War II as an alternative development to the A43 Black Prince infantry tank. The Black Prince had been developed as a heavily armored vehicle equipped with a 17-pounder gun but was offensively outdated before it was complete, largely due to its non-existent speed and maneuverability, as well as its antiquated armour profile. In response, British Army officials, notably Director Royal Armoured Corps Raymond Briggs, advocated for a new tank that would incorporate elements from the more advanced A41 Centurion, which was being developed concurrently. Briggs and Brigadier William Blagden, Deputy Director General Fighting Vehicles, were both proponents of a “universal tank” concept that would merge the roles of infantry and cruiser tanks into a single platform capable of supporting various combat roles across the battlefield.
From 1945 to 1946, work on the A45 progressed as a series of prototypes, which eventually led to the formal re-designation of the tank under the newly introduced “FV” numbering system, classifying it as FV201. This designation aligned with a broader reorganization of the British military vehicle hierarchy. Early prototypes featured Centurion-inspired designs, including sloped frontal armour and a Centurion-style turret modified to eventually accommodate a 20-pounder gun. The FV201’s chassis was unique, with a longer hull, eight steel roadwheels, 5 crew members, and proposals for variants wielding equipment such as flamethrowers and mine flails. Initial prototypes, like the FV201 P1, saw a variety of configurations and tests, including the P3, an amphibious version designed to float using a DD (Duplex Drive) flotation system. However, testing revealed that the FV201 was too wide to disembark from existing landing craft when outfitted for wading, impeding its suitability for amphibious operations.
Despite showing potential, the FV201 project faced setbacks, especially when a captured Soviet T-54 tank inspected during the 1956 Hungarian Uprising revealed that the FV201’s 20-pounder would be insufficient against newer Soviet armor. In light of this, British and American defense officials pivoted to developing heavier armaments, such as the 120mm L1 gun, and the FV201 project transitioned into the development of the FV214 Conqueror. The Conqueror retained key design elements of the FV201 but incorporated a larger turret, one less crew member, and other modifications. Although the FV201 itself did not reach active service, it significantly influenced British tank design, laying the groundwork for the Conqueror and serving as a transitional model between early post-war tanks and the main battle tank designs that followed.
This suggestion will focus on the FV201 ‘P1’, the first of the numbered prototypes, fitted with a Centurion Mk 2 turret and used for general testing. The final fate of FV201 P1 is unknown, but it was likely either scrapped or blasted apart on the range.
Specifications
Spoiler
FV201 P1 is generally considered to be armed with the 17pdr due to the distinctive shape of the muzzle brake, however it is also considered a possibility that it was armed with a very early version of the 20pdr which carried a very similar brake.
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