[Coming Soon] Centurion Mk.5/1 Platoon: The Commonwealth Stars

📦 The Medium Trophy features a reinforced Australian Centurion, leading a new British Rank VI platoon!

Centurion Mk.5/1 Platoon (Rank VI)

Historical Note

The Centurion Mk.5/1 is a modernization of the Centurion Mk.3 and Mk.5 tanks in service in Australia. The modernization included the installation of new ranging and commander's machine guns, as well as additional armor plate on the hull front. Prior to their deployment to Vietnam, the upgraded Centurion Mk.5/1 tanks received additional equipment: a removable IR searchlight on the frontal turret and infrared night vision devices.

Centurion Mk.5/1 tanks were the primary battle tanks of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps until their replacement by the Leopard 1 in the early 1980s.

Centurion Mk.5/1

This unique Australian Centurion Mk.3 variant leads the new British rank VI platoon. It features significantly enhanced upper hull front armor, while retaining its accurate 84mm gun and effective armor-piercing shells.

Thanks to its reinforced and strategically angled upper hull front armor, this tank can absorb impacts from many APDS shells when facing enemies head-on, giving commanders greater confidence and combat effectiveness.

The Centurion Mk.5/1 is armed with the reliable British 84mm '20-pounder' gun, stabilized and supplemented by a coaxial heavy machine gun. Its ammunition loadout consists of both armor-piercing and high-explosive rounds.

The most interesting feature is likely the APDS shell. While it deals low damage, its high penetration allows it to pierce the armor of most enemy tanks and SPGs.

The Centurion Mk.5/1's main drawback is its mobility. Nearly all tanks at its rank, except for the heaviest, outpace it. This makes it ideal for defensive or urban engagements, but less effective for quickly capturing points. Fortunately, other vehicles within the platoon compensate for this limitation.

Let’s explore the platoon’s features to help you choose the right vehicle for battle!

Scimitar

A true combatant, the Scimitar boasts a 30mm autocannon, reversible transmission, and outstanding dynamics on its tracked chassis. It's perfectly suited for scouting, ambushes, and being the first to capture objectives.

M109A1

The American M109A1 SPA, a true 'God of War,' unleashes monstrous damage with its long-barrel howitzer and massive 43+ kg HE shells.

Skink

The Canadian Skink SPAAG, based on the familiar Sherman chassis, offers another Commonwealth option. Its four 20mm cannons and decent armor make it effective as a tank support vehicle.

*Platoon vehicle lineup, vehicle specifications and camouflages are still under development and may differ from those in this article.

The Centurion Mk.5/1 Platoon (Rank VI) will be available in War Thunder Mobile (WTM) in the Medium Trophy of the Tank Campaign with the start of the new Season.