[Tank Guide] The Centurion Mk. 5/1 RAAC

The VIII Centurion Mk. 5/1 RAAC saw fierce combat in the jungles of Vietnam, where it supported the 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF) in the Battle of Coral-Balmoral against North Vietnamese forces.

RAAC Centurions enabled 1 ATF to hold their ground and even launch counterattacks against regimental-strength North Vietnamese army units in what was one of the biggest actions in the war for Australian forces, forcing them to postpone any planned attacks on Saigon.

In World of Tanks, the VIII Centurion Mk. 5/1 RAAC sits on the British tech tree as a Tier VIII premium medium, but it's actually a souped-up version of the Centurion Mk. 5 tank with an improved power-to-weight ratio and stronger frontal hull armour. This makes it even tougher in hull-down!

Read on to find out more about this stalwart combatant!

VIII Centurion Mk. 5/1 RAAC

Strengths

Great turret armor
Excellent gun depression
Good penetration
Large ammo capacity
High damage per minute

Weaknesses

Low alpha damage
Weak side armor
Slow gun traverse speed
Long aiming time
Vulnerable to HE and HEAT rounds from the side

Although its alpha damage is not high, its gun is accurate enough to reliably hit enemy weakpoints with the help of clever tactics. Depending on which stage the battle is at, you can choose between playing a supporting part, or taking on a bigger role on the frontlines.

Gameplay

Armor & Survivability

Compared to its predecessor, the most noticeable difference is the increased thickness of its frontal turret armor, which makes it a monster in hull-down or for side-scraping. The RAAC can still excel in battles on flat ground, but don't forget that the rest of its armor may not be quite as hefty as its turret–you're not invincible, so play carefully, especially when it comes to your sides!

British tanks are known for being durable, and the RAAC is only a bit less so than the Mk. I., though it's still acceptable enough for its tier. Be sure to stay in motion to prevent enemies from hitting your weak commander's hatch, and make use of the excellent gun depression to pick enemies off.

Mobility

Overall average, but considering the weight of its thick turret armor, the fact that its mobility has not suffered too much is a rather big plus point in this department.

Firepower

Despite its low alpha damage, the RAAC's 20-pound gun has great penetration values and good gun depression, allowing it to really hit opponents where it hurts while staying hidden. Gun handling is similar to the Mk. I's, but with lower gun dispersion.

Camouflage & View Range

Average camouflage values for a medium tank. Its view range is excellent, however, so with proper use of obstacles and terrain, the RAAC can be useful for both scouting and damage-dealing.

Equipment

View Range Setup	General Performance Setup

If you're on reconnaissance duty, the view range setup will help you get the jump on your enemies–just make sure to expose only your turret as far as possible. Swap Coated Optics for Improved Ventilation if you're planning to get up close and personal with them.

Crew Skills

Commander
Gunner
Driver
Loader

In addition to the essential Sixth Sense and Repair skills, the RAAC really benefits from improved view range and attack power. For the former, have your Commander and Loader take Recon and Situational Awareness respectively, while the Gunner and Driver train up Snap Shot and Smooth Ride for the latter.

SPECIAL OFFER! Want to get your hands on this tank? The VIII Centurion Mk. 5/1 RAAC is now available in the Premium Shop for a limited time only, so don't miss it!

[Premium Shop/In-Game Highlights] Get Ready for Frontline 2020 Stage 2