COMET MK. 1

Crew: 5

Combat Mass:29,9 mt

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

Ammunition: APCBC/T; APDS/T; HE; Smoke

Engine: Rolls Royce Meteor Mk 3; V12; Liquid Cooled; Gasoline; 447 kW (600 hp) at 2 550 r/min

Transmission: Clutch -Twin-plate; Dry Type; Hydraulically Operated; Gearbox Manual; Change-speed; Constant Mesh 5 Fwd 1 Rev; Neutral Turn Steering Drums; Gear Trains; Hydraulically Operated Brakes -Track Drums; Hydraulically Operated Road

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

Operating Range: Road 177 km - Cross Country 89 km

History and Significance:
The Comet was developed to provide British forces with a tank capable of engaging German Panther and Tiger tanks on equal terms. It was one of the first British tanks to feature a powerful 77mm HV gun, which could penetrate the armor of most German tanks at combat ranges.

Introduced into service in late 1944, the Comet played a crucial role in the final stages of World War II, particularly during the Allied advance through Northwest Europe.

The Comet's speed, relatively low profile, and powerful armament made it a formidable opponent on the battlefield.

Post-war, the Comet continued to serve in various roles within the British Army and other Commonwealth armed forces. It saw action in conflicts such as the Korean War.
The Comet represented a significant step forward in British tank design, incorporating lessons learned from earlier models like the Cromwell and the Churchill tanks.

Legacy:
The Comet's design influenced subsequent British tank development, notably contributing to the Centurion tank series.
Many Comets were sold or provided to other nations after World War II, seeing service in countries such as Israel and South Africa.
Several examples of the Comet tank have been preserved and are on display in museums around the world, serving as reminders of its important role in military history.