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Caernarvon

Caernarvon

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GB11_Caernarvon (Stock)

AnnoGB11_Caernarvon.png
Totals
2520000 Price
1500 Hit Points
59.14 / 60 kgWeight
Crew
  1. Commander
Armor
130/51/38Hull Armor(front/sides/rear, mm)
152/95/95Turret Armor(front/sides/rear, mm)
Maneuver
650 h.p.Engine Power
34.3 km/hSpeed Limit
22 deg/secTraverse Speed
Firepower
150 Standard Shell Damage
171 mmStandard Shell Penetration
4.5 Gun Loading
30 deg/secTurret Traverse Speed
Communication
370 mView Range
550 mSignal Range
VIII
Caernarvon
2520000
Development of this infantry support tank started in 1944. The first prototype was ready for trials in 1952. A total of 21 tanks were manufactured but never entered service. Some of the vehicles were later converted into the Conqueror heavy tanks.

A big change in the British heavy tank line, the Caernarvon marks the beginning of the "universal tank" part of the tree. Therefore, its mobility is much better than that of the Black Prince. However the armor is not as thick despite being sloped which is something previous tanks lacked. The top gun is an improvement of the one from its predecessor in terms of aim time, accuracy and rate of fire and has an ideal role for hulldown tactics as its large gun mantlet can eat shots with no consequence.

Unfortunately, it takes quite a while to realize this tank's potential if one has not previously unlocked modules on the British Medium tree, and even with the top gun, the low alpha damage can be a problem at that tier, and the grind can be slow and even frustrating that can kill the enthusiasm of many for British tanks. Still, despite its flaws, this can be a fearsome tank to have to face down from over the hills or far away.

Caernarvon

Stock

Level Turret Weight (t) Turret Armor (front/sides/rear, mm) Gun Traverse Speed (deg/s) View Range (m)
turret VII Black Prince 10000 152/95/95 30 370
Level Gun Weight (t) Average Penetration (mm) Rate of Fire Dispersion at 100 m Aiming Time
gun VII OQF 17-pdr Gun Mk. VII 826 171/239/38 150/150/190 13.33 0.34 2.3
Level Engine Weight (t) Engine Power (h.p.) Chance of Fire on Impact
engine V Rolls-Royce Meteor Mk. IVB 744 650 20
Level Suspension Weight (t) Load Limit Traverse Speed (deg/s)
chassis VII FV221 12000 60 22
Level Radio Weight (t) Signal Range (m)
radio VIII WS No. 19 Mk. III 0 550

Caernarvon BP

Speed

Level Turret Weight (t) Turret Armor (front/sides/rear, mm) Gun Traverse Speed (deg/s) View Range (m)
turret VII Black Prince 10000 152/95/95 30 370
Level Gun Weight (t) Average Penetration (mm) Rate of Fire Dispersion at 100 m Aiming Time
gun VII OQF 17-pdr Gun Mk. VII 826 171/239/38 150/150/190 13.33 0.34 2.3
Level Engine Weight (t) Engine Power (h.p.) Chance of Fire on Impact
engine IX Rolls-Royce Meteor Mk. IVC 744 750 20
Level Suspension Weight (t) Load Limit Traverse Speed (deg/s)
chassis VIII FV221A 12000 63 24
Level Radio Weight (t) Signal Range (m)
radio VIII WS No. 19 Mk. III 0 550

Caernarvon BP*

Attack

Level Turret Weight (t) Turret Armor (front/sides/rear, mm) Gun Traverse Speed (deg/s) View Range (m)
turret VIII Centurion Mk. II 10400 165/112/112 36 400
Level Gun Weight (t) Average Penetration (mm) Rate of Fire Dispersion at 100 m Aiming Time
gun VIII OQF 20-pdr Gun Type A Barrel 1242 226/258/42 230/230/280 7.5 0.33 2.3
Level Engine Weight (t) Engine Power (h.p.) Chance of Fire on Impact
engine V Rolls-Royce Meteor Mk. IVB 744 650 20
Level Suspension Weight (t) Load Limit Traverse Speed (deg/s)
chassis VII FV221 12000 60 22
Level Radio Weight (t) Signal Range (m)
radio VIII WS No. 22 0 700

Caernarvon Mk I

Attack

Level Turret Weight (t) Turret Armor (front/sides/rear, mm) Gun Traverse Speed (deg/s) View Range (m)
turret VIII Centurion Mk. II 10400 165/112/112 36 400
Level Gun Weight (t) Average Penetration (mm) Rate of Fire Dispersion at 100 m Aiming Time
gun VIII OQF 20-pdr Gun Type A Barrel 1242 226/258/42 230/230/280 7.5 0.33 2.3
Level Engine Weight (t) Engine Power (h.p.) Chance of Fire on Impact
engine IX Rolls-Royce Meteor Mk. IVC 744 750 20
Level Suspension Weight (t) Load Limit Traverse Speed (deg/s)
chassis VIII FV221A 12000 63 24
Level Radio Weight (t) Signal Range (m)
radio VIII WS No. 22 0 700

Caernarvon Mk I*

Speed

Level Turret Weight (t) Turret Armor (front/sides/rear, mm) Gun Traverse Speed (deg/s) View Range (m)
turret VIII Centurion Mk. II 10400 165/112/112 36 400
Level Gun Weight (t) Average Penetration (mm) Rate of Fire Dispersion at 100 m Aiming Time
gun VIII OQF 20-pdr Gun Type A Barrel 1242 226/258/42 230/230/280 7.5 0.33 2.3
Level Engine Weight (t) Engine Power (h.p.) Chance of Fire on Impact
engine IX Rolls-Royce Meteor M120 744 810 20
Level Suspension Weight (t) Load Limit Traverse Speed (deg/s)
chassis VIII FV221A 12000 63 24
Level Radio Weight (t) Signal Range (m)
radio VIII WS No. 22 0 700

Caernarvon Mk II

Attack

Level Turret Weight (t) Turret Armor (front/sides/rear, mm) Gun Traverse Speed (deg/s) View Range (m)
turret VIII Centurion Mk. II 10400 165/112/112 36 400
Level Gun Weight (t) Average Penetration (mm) Rate of Fire Dispersion at 100 m Aiming Time
gun IX OQF 20-pdr Gun Type B Barrel 1282 226/258/42 230/230/280 7.69 0.32 1.9
Level Engine Weight (t) Engine Power (h.p.) Chance of Fire on Impact
engine IX Rolls-Royce Meteor M120 744 810 20
Level Suspension Weight (t) Load Limit Traverse Speed (deg/s)
chassis VIII FV221A 12000 63 24
Level Radio Weight (t) Signal Range (m)
radio X SR C42 0 750

Compatible Equipment

Vertical Stabilizer Mk 2
Large Spall Liner
Camouflage Net
Fill Tanks with CO2
Coated Optics
Enhanced Gun Laying Drive
Enhanced Horizontal Coil Springs 3 Class
Improved Ventilation Class 3
Large-caliber Tank Gun Rammer
Binocular Telescope
Toolbox
"Wet" Ammo Rack Class 2

Compatible Consumables

Automatic Fire Extinguisher
100-octane Gasoline
105-octane Gasoline
Manual Fire Extinguisher
Large First Aid Kit
Large Repair Kit
Pudding and Tea
Small First Aid Kit
Small Repair Kit

Player Opinion

Pros and Cons

Pros:


  • Very accurate firing on the move, can fire and advance
  • Good gun depression combined strong mantlet on second turret
  • Good RoF combined with reasonable Penetration
  • Fast shell velocity, ideal for hitting moving targets
  • Improved speed over lower tier British heavies


Cons:


  • Lower plate is easily hit and penetrated, especially on flat ground
  • Traverse speed is bad
  • Armor is not sloped on the sides and rear
  • Ammo rack is incredibly weak and can be damaged through the front
  • Horrible stock grind; this tank requires an enormous amount of high XP module unlocks before it feels like an upgrade from th


Performance

The Caernarvon is a huge departure from the Black Prince in terms of playstyle; this tank is a FULLY dedicated support unit, and requires a quite different set of tactics. No longer are you able to act as a battering ram, zig-zagging your way up the front with your forward armor more or less exposed. Because while this tank might be played successfully with something approaching the same maneuvers as the BP, it is let down by its inferior hull, which is this tank's foremost weakness. Experienced players will recognize the strengths of the Centurion turret, however the hull does not hold anywhere near the same standards; poorly armored, fragile and with a large silhouette which attracts plenty of artillery fire, it also sports terrible traverse speed and lackluster acceleration, often making it a pain to position this tank right. And in order to unlock the top modules that simply render the Caernarvon decently playable, you will have a long grind ahead of you. Thus, this tank should be driven with a great deal of care and attention to detail. Use your slightly tall turret seat to peek over hills and the rear of other tanks' hulls, make plentiful use of cover, and always move a step or two behind the main front. Your DPM is good and your accuracy excellent, and a gunner with the Deadeye perk can make a great deal of difference to the fight if you pick your shots right in this tank. Note that while Wet Ammo Rack can help, it is certainly not required if you are careful about exposing your lower plate. Skilled players will find Coated Optics to improve on your excellent sight range or vents to maximize your DPM a bigger benefit.


Early Research

  • The WS No. 22 radio carry over from the Black Prince and can be installed immediately.
  • FV221A suspension must be researched/mounted before upgrading the turret, unless you use your Class 3 Enhanced Mounting Springs. (Taking into account that you want a gun rammer, stabilizer and vents on it.)
  • Start by researching the upgraded turret. The extra meters of view range, additional 100 hit points and strong gun mantlet can make a difference.
  • Researching the OQF 20-pdr Type A Barrel next will boost firepower.
  • Researching Rolls-Royce Meteor Mk. IVC engine, than can choose between Rolls-Royce Meteor M120 engine to improve speed or FV221A suspension to improve agility.
  • Finally reasearch the OQF 20-pdr Type B Barrel to make this a perfect support tank.
  • The SR C42 radio to improve range.


Historical Info

Caernarvon was a British heavy tank of the post-war era. It was developed in a post war period to rival the Soviet IS-3 heavy tank. Compared to Centurion who carried 20 ponder gun, Caernarvon was equipped with a much more powerfull 120 mm gun. Its main role was to provide long range anti-tank support for Centurion tanks. They were issued at nine for each regiment in Germany; usually grouped in three tank troops.


Development history

The chassis was from the A45 Infantry Support Tank, started in 1944 shortly after that of the A41 Centurion. After the war the project was relocated to that of the "Universal Tank" design of the FV 200 series. The 200 series was to have used a common hull for all uses (self-propelled artillery, armoured personnel carrier, three varieties of tank, etc.). One tank type was to be the heavy FV 201 of 55 tonnes, armed with an 83.4 mm gun.

In 1949 it was decided to bring the armament up to 120 mm. As this delayed the project, in 1952 the FV 201 hull was combined with a 17 pounder-armed Centurion Mk 2 turret to give the FV 221 Caernarvon Mark I. Twenty-one were built with the Mk III 20 pounder turret as the Caernavon Mk II. The FV 221 may originally have been intended to be the "Main Battle Tank" member of the FV 201 series, but with the success of the A41 Centurion such a vehicle was no longer required. In either event, the Caernarvon was only used for chassis development work serving in troop trials. In 1955 the first Conqueror was produced. Twenty Mark 1 and 165 Mark 2 Conquerors were built including conversions of Caernavon MkIIs. Production continued until 1959. It had lost much enthusiasm once the Centurion was upgraded to an L7 105 mm gun.

The gun design was American, the same as used on the US M103 heavy tank; with separate charge and projectile, as would also be the case in the Chieftain that followed. The charge was not bagged but in a brass cartridge, which offered some safety advantages, but reduced shell capacity to 35.The armour was very heavy for the time, especially in the front, where it was seven inches (178 mm) in the horizontal plane. Unfortunately, this, along with the weight of the huge turret required to house the large gun and the very large hull volume, made the vehicle very heavy, giving it a relatively low top speed and making it mechanically unreliable. Also, few bridges could support its weight. However, rather like the Second World War Churchill tank, the Conqueror had exceptional terrain handling characteristics and proved to be as capable cross country as the lighter (and on paper slightly faster) Centurion tank.

One feature of particular note was the rotating commander's cupola, which was at the heart of the Conqueror's fire control system, advanced for its time. The commander could align the cupola on a target independently of the turret, measure the range with a Coincidence rangefinder, and then direct the gunner on to the new lay mechanically indicated to him by the cupola. In theory, when the gunner traversed to the new lay he would find the target already under his sights, ready to be engaged. Meanwhile, the commander was free to search for the next target. (The Soviet bloc also used similar devices, such as the TPKU-2 and TKN-3, on all of their post–World War II tanks though theirs did not use a rangefinder.) The system may have been inspired by a similar device, without range finder, installed in WWII German Panzers which was apparently highly successful, but was not repeated in subsequent tanks until an updated electronic version of the same idea appeared in the American M60A2 variant of the Patton series.


Historical Gallery


UK
Light Tanks IICruiser Mk. I IICruiser Mk. III IIICruiser Mk. IV IIICruiser Mk. II IVValentine IVCovenanter VCrusader
Medium Tanks IVickers Medium Mk. I IIVickers Medium Mk. II IIIVickers Medium Mk. III IVMatilda VMatilda Black Prince VICromwell VICromwell Knight VIIComet VIIICenturion Mk. I IXCenturion Mk. 7/1 XFV4202
Heavy Tanks VChurchill I VExcelsior VIChurchill VII VITOG II* VIIBlack Prince VIIICaernarvon IXConqueror XFV215b
Tank Destroyers IIUniversal Carrier 2-pdr IIIValentine AT IVAlecto VAT 2 VIChurchill Gun Carrier VIAT 8 VIIAT 15A VIIAT 7 VIIIAT 15 IXTortoise XFV215b (183)
Self-Propelled Artillery IILoyd Gun Carriage IIISexton II IIISexton I IVBirch Gun VBishop VIFV304 VIICrusader 5.5-in. SP VIIIFV207 IXFV3805 XConqueror Gun Carriage
Heavy Tanks
USA VT14 VT1 Heavy Tank VIM6 VIIT29 VIIIM6A2E1 VIIIT32 VIIIT34 IXM103 XT110E5 XT57 Heavy Tank
UK VChurchill I VExcelsior VIChurchill VII VITOG II* VIIBlack Prince VIIICaernarvon IXConqueror XFV215b
Germany IVPz.Kpfw. B2 740 (f) IVDurchbruchswagen 2 VVK 30.01 (H) VIVK 36.01 (H) VIIPz.Kpfw. VI Tiger VIIPz.Kpfw. VI Tiger (P) VIIILöwe VIIIPz.Kpfw. Tiger II VIIIVK 45.02 (P) Ausf. A IXE-75 IXVK 45.02 (P) Ausf. B XE-100 XMaus
France IVB1 VBDR G1 B VIARL 44 VIIAMX M4 mle. 45 VIIIAMX 50 100 VIIIFCM 50 t VIIIFCM 50 t Liberté IXAMX 50 120 XAMX 50 B
USSR VChurchill III VKV-1S VKV-220 VKV-1 VIKV-2 VIKV-85 VIT-150 VIIIS VIIKV-3 VIIIIS-3 VIIIIS-6 VIIIKV-5 VIIIKV-4 IXIS-8 IXST-I XIS-4 XIS-7
China VIIIS-2 VIII110 VIII112 IXWZ-111 model 1-4 X113
Japan
Czechoslovakia
Sweden
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