Comet tank
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The Cruiser Comet was a British tank that first saw use near the end of World War II. It is often considered the best overall British tank of the war.
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Development
The Comet, as design A34, was initially drawn up as a successor to the Cromwell, and accordingly was designed to share as many components as possible with its predecessor. The Comet was roughly the equivalent of the German Panther medium tank (which predated it by two years). It was armed with a shortened version of the highly effective 76.2mm 17 pdr gun - the only major British model to be so equipped. The thick sloped armour was also strong enough to deal with most German anti-tank weaponry.
Combat History
It initially saw service in December 1944, serving primarily with the British 11th Armoured Division. The Comet saw more service during the Korean War.
External links
- WWII Vehicles (http://www.wwiivehicles.com/unitedkingdom/cruiser/comet.html)
- OnWar specifications (http://www.onwar.com/tanks/uk/data/comet.htm)
- Bolton IPMS (http://www.boltonipms.co.uk/Tracks/Tracks_Real_Thing/Comet_Duxford.html) (Comet pictures)