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Centurion Mk. 5-2NL
The Centurion Mk. 5-2 NL served for many years as the main battle tank of the Royal Netherlands Army. It was a highly modern tank for its time, equipped with an excellent gun. However, it was relatively slow and had a high fuel consumption. In the 1980s, the Centurion was replaced by the Leopard.
Dutch soldiers stand in front of a Centurion, studying a map of the training area. Source: NIMH
One of Britain’s Best Tanks
The Centurion is considered one of the most successful British main battle tanks ever built. Around 4,400 units were produced in twelve different variants. It was exported to many countries and saw combat in conflicts such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, and in the Middle East.
The Royal Netherlands Army started using the Centurion Mk. 3 in 1953, later switching to the Mk. 5. For its time, it was a powerful and advanced tank, remaining in Dutch service for over 30 years. Besides combat tanks, the Netherlands also used recovery, dozer, and bridge-laying versions of the Centurion.

Centurion of the 101st Tank Battalion, Regiment Huzaren Prins Alexander. Photo: Wim den Dunnen
Improved Accuracy and Firepower
The first Dutch Centurions were fitted with a 20-pounder gun, but this was soon replaced by the more powerful and accurate 105 mm gun. In the 1960s, two key innovations were added to improve aiming and target acquisition.
1. Range-Finding Machine Gun (RMG)
A special .50-caliber machine gun was mounted that mimicked the ballistic trajectory of the tank’s main shell. The gunner would fire this to determine the range to a target. When the tracer rounds hit a hard surface, they produced a visible flash, helping the gunner adjust the main gun accurately.
2. Infrared Searchlight
Next to the main barrel was a searchlight box with a powerful xenon lamp for illuminating targets in low light. However, since this was visible to the enemy, the lamp could also emit infrared light, invisible to the naked eye but detectable through special infrared optics.
3. Night Vision Capability
The Centurion was equipped with infrared headlights and a viewing screen inside the tank, allowing the crew to drive and operate at night. However, the screen was small and difficult to use, making night operations a challenge.
Fuel Consumption: A Major Drawback
One major weakness of the Centurion was its extremely high fuel consumption. With a fuel capacity of 570 liters, it could travel only 136 kilometers — less than 240 meters per liter! This was jokingly referred to as “1 liter per leaky bucket.”
To increase operational range, a special fuel trailer was developed. This armored one-wheeled trailer could carry an additional 916 liters of fuel and weighed over a ton. However, it was unpopular with tank crews — it made reversing difficult and was seen as a dangerously flammable target.
The trailer was connected to the tank at two points and could be released from inside the tank in an emergency.
Specifications
Attribute |
Details |
Military Branch |
Royal Netherlands Army |
Number in Service |
592 |
Production Years |
1952–1956 |
Role |
Main Battle Tank |
Crew |
4 (Driver, Loader, Gunner, Commander) |
Engine |
Rolls-Royce Meteor |
Horsepower |
650 hp |
Drive Wheel |
Rear |
Top Speed |
35 km/h |
Weight |
47,145 kg |
Range |
136 km (50 km in rough terrain) |
Main Armament |
105 mm gun |