Comet MK. 1

Crew: 5

Combat Mass:29,9 t

Armament: 77 mm Mk 2 gun; 2 X 7,92 mm BESA Machine-guns; 2 -in Smoke Bomb Thrower; 2 x Rear Smoke Emitters

Engine: Rolls-Royce Meteor V12 petrol engine; 600 hp @ 2,550 rpm (18 hp/t)

Transmission: Merritt-Brown Z.5: manual, constant mesh; 5 forward gears and 1 reverse gear

Suspension: Christie suspension system

Fording: Without preparation: 1.1 meters

Speed: 52 km/h - Cross Country 35 km/h

Operating Range: Road 200 km - Cross Country 113 km

Development history

The development of the Comet Mk I began in 1943 as a response to the need for a more powerful and better-armored cruiser tank that could compete with the formidable German Panther and Tiger tanks. The Comet was designed by the British company Leyland Motors and was an evolution of the earlier Cromwell tank, incorporating several key improvements in armament, armor, and mobility.

The Comet was equipped with the 77 mm HV gun, which was a highly effective weapon capable of penetrating the armor of most German tanks at typical combat ranges. The gun was a modified version of the 17-pounder, optimized for tank use with a shorter barrel and reduced recoil. The Comet also featured two 7.92 mm Besa machine guns, one coaxial with the main gun and one mounted in the hull, for anti-infantry purposes.

Powered by the Rolls-Royce Meteor V12 petrol engine, the Comet could achieve a top road speed of 51 km/h and a cross-country speed of 24 km/h. The tank's Christie suspension system, with vertically mounted coil springs, provided excellent mobility over rough terrain. The vehicle's fording capability allowed it to cross water obstacles up to 1.07 meters deep without preparation.

The Comet's armor was an improvement over its predecessors, offering better protection against enemy fire. Its lower profile and well-sloped armor increased its survivability on the battlefield. The Comet entered service in late 1944 and saw action in the final stages of World War II, including the crossing of the Rhine and the advance into Germany.

The Comet was well-regarded by its crews for its balance of firepower, protection, and mobility. It remained in service with the British Army and other nations' armed forces for several years after the war, influencing the design of post-war British tanks such as the Centurion.