British tank guns

The Comet would have been a worthy match for the German Panther if it had been put in service earlier.

A chart of the main British tanks and their main guns at the end of World War II. The A43 Black Prince was nearing production with six prototypes built. The advent of the superlative A41 Centurion had ended the A43 programme being superior in all aspects except armament. Most British tanks were beginning to be armed with the 17-pounder.

Tank	Main Gun
Sherman Firefly	17 pounder OQF
A30 Challenger / Avenger	17 pounder OQF
A43 Black Prince	17 pounder OQF
A34 Comet	77mm OQF*
A41 Centurion	17 pounder OQF

*The 77mm gun is a compact version of the 17 pound and was originally known as the Vickers HV 75mm and later designated as the 77mm. Penetrative power of the main gun is only slightly less than the 17 pounder.

Other British tanks and SP guns not mentioned in the list includes the TOG, A33, A38 Valient, Archer.

With APDS rounds, the 77mm gun of the Comet should be able to penetrate the 110mm glacis of the Panther at 500 yards and possibly at 1000 yards.

Main Gun	Calibre	Muzzle Velocity	Weight of Shot	Penetration
17 Pounder Ordnance Quick Firing	76.2mm(3in)	2900fps-3950fps*	17lb	120mm at 500 yards/30 degrees
77mm Ordnance Quick Firing Mk II	76.2mm (3in)	2600fps	17lb	109mm at 500 yards/30 degrees

Figures given are for AP, APC, APCBC shot, not APDS.

*Depending on Mark.

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