Tankfest 2023: A Chieftain Painting Livestream and Special Guest Vehicles

Commanders!

This year, we've teamed up with The Tank Museum in Bovington, U.K. to paint a real Chieftain tank in the Sharp Lines 2D style, which is also available in-game. Tune in on June 22 at 11:00 CEST (UTC+2) to literally watch paint dry in a livestream packed full of emulsion!

While you're here, mark your calendars and join the official World of Tanks Twitch livestream on June 25 at 14:30 CEST (UTC+2) to see all the vehicles in action with living history encampments, expert lectures, live displays, and more. Plus, get a free Premium vehicle and a Mystery Drop!

But which vehicles will roll out onto the parade ground? Here's a quick and handy guide to the legendary guest vehicles on display during Tankfest 2023. Scroll down to learn more, and let the countdown to the livestreams begin!

The Chieftain and the Sharp Lines 2D Style

Introducing the Chieftain, Britain's revolutionary main battle tank that has seen many decades of service with many nations worldwide and with several variants that have seen active service. It's perhaps best known for its remarkable L11A5 120 mm gun, which holds the world record for the longest recorded tank kill while mounted on the Challenger 1!

Sharp Lines is a brand-new 2D style created with The Tank Museum for Tankfest 2023. They do a fantastic job restoring and preserving historical vehicles, so painting a real-life tank is quite an ordeal! The black, blue, and yellow colors are inspired by the brand identity of the Tank Museum and World of Tanks, and the style symbolizes our long-term cooperation as we celebrate Tankfest 2023. Get the style today! In the EU, part of the proceeds from the sales of the Chieftain Proto and the new Sharp Lines style will go toward helping The Tank Museum keep tanks like the Chieftain running.

The AMX-13

The AMX-13 is a French light tank that was produced between the 1950s and the 1980s, and it was exported to over 25 nations. Counting prototypes and export versions, over one hundred variants exist, including one with a larger 105 mm CN-105 L/57 gun in an FL-12 turret.

The AMX-13 105 on display during Tankfest has been fully restored, serviced, and painted green with decals to represent its French heritage by the French Army Reenactment Group (FARG). FARG is a fast-growing group of reenactors committed to the authentic portrayal of the French Armed Forces from 1945 onward.

The Centaur III

Before the historic D-Day operation, the British military transformed this Centaur into a formidable Dozer, possessing both speed and the ability to clear paths through the debris of war-torn cities.

Housed within the esteemed Bannister Collection, this vehicle has undergone a meticulous restoration process to its original state as a fully functional gun tank, utilizing the original 400 hp Liberty L-12 MKV engine. It was used during the filming of Band of Brothers and the BBC documentary, D-Day to Berlin.

The Centurion Mark 3

Designed before the end of the Second World War, the Centurion is often believed to be the epitome of the tank and one the most significant postwar tanks. This Centurion (20 pounder) joins The Tank Museum from the Historic Collection of the Royal Netherlands Army.

The Centurion Mark 3 is an upgraded variant of the original Centurion tank, incorporating various improvements in firepower, mobility, and protection. It saw active service in various conflicts, including the Korean War and the Six-Day War, where it played a significant role as a reliable and versatile vehicle. The tank's longevity in service is a testament to its design and adaptability, solidifying its reputation as one of the most successful British tanks of its time.

The Challenger 2

The Challenger 2 is a main battle tank (MBT) in service with the British Army since the late 1990s and still remains a formidable presence on the modern battlefield. It is the successor to the highly successful Challenger 1 tank and is designed to provide superior protection, firepower, and mobility on the modern battlefield. It is renowned for its exceptional armor protection, making it one of the most heavily armored tanks in the world.

It is equipped with excellent resistance against various types of anti-tank ammunition and advanced defensive systems, such as smoke dischargers and laser warning systems, to improve survivability in combat situations. See it in action in the arena, courtesy of the British Army.

The M8 Greyhound

The M8 Greyhound was a highly versatile armored car used by the Allies during World War II and also in the postwar period. It excelled in various roles, including scouting, convoy escort, and security missions. Its primary purpose was to provide mobile reconnaissance support to armored units on the battlefield.

The M8 Greyhound remained in active use by several countries during the postwar era. Its great speed, agility, and reconnaissance capabilities made it a valuable asset in various conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

The M18 Hellcat

Developed by the U.S. during the Second World War, the M18 tank destroyer saw action in various theaters of World War II, including the European and Pacific theaters. It stood out for its remarkable agility and speed compared to other armored vehicles.

It was lighter and faster than most other TDs, making it a formidable ambush vehicle able to quickly reposition on the battlefield, flank enemy tanks, and strike with surprise. Nicknamed the “Bronx Bruiser”, this M18 Hellcat is part of the private collection of Mike and Chris Phelps.

The Nashorn

The Nashorn, meaning "rhinoceros" in German, is a German tank destroyer developed by the German Army during World War II. Based on the 88 mm Flak 41, the gun had exceptional range and penetrating capabilities, making it effective against heavily armored enemy tanks at long distances.

During the fighting on December 19, 1943, Lieutenant Albert Ernst and his crew managed to destroy eight Soviet T-34s. Later that month, they destroyed another 14 T-34 tanks with just 21 rounds of ammunition. The Nashorn rose from the ashes following a devastating fire that delayed its restoration. Now fully restored, this formidable German World War II "tank hunter" is set to make its debut appearance and operational run at Tankfest 2023.

The Panzer I

The Panzer I was a light tank developed by Germany in the 1930s and was one of the first tanks utilized by the German Army during World War II. The Panzer I was primarily designed as a training tank, but it also saw combat use in the early stages of the Spanish Civil War and during the German Blitzkrieg invasions.

While the Panzer I performed adequately in training roles and reconnaissance missions, it quickly became outmatched by more advanced tanks on the battlefield. Its light armament and thin armor made it vulnerable to enemy fire. As a result, production of the Panzer I was phased out by 1942, and the tank was gradually replaced by more capable designs, such as the Panzer II and Panzer III.

The T-34/85

The Soviet T-34 was the most produced tank of World War II, and its vast success led to widespread international exports. Its upgraded version, equipped with a larger gun, serves as a direct descendant of the T-34/76 model.

The specific tank showcased at Tankfest made its way from Poland to the U.K., courtesy of the Sandstone Heritage Trust, a private preservation initiative based on a commercial farm in South Africa's Eastern Free State, which played a crucial role in supporting the transportation of this tank.

The YPR-765 PRAT

The YPR-765 PRAT (Pantser Rups Anti-Tank) is a Dutch armored anti-tank vehicle developed in the late 1970s. It is based on the YPR-765 armored infantry fighting vehicle (AIFV), a variant of the widely used M113 armored personnel carrier. The YPR-765 PRAT was specifically designed to serve as a mobile anti-tank platform, capable of engaging and neutralizing armored vehicles on the battlefield.

The TOW missile is a wire-guided weapon with excellent armor penetration capabilities, making it highly effective against various armored threats. It provides mobility, protection, and a powerful anti-armor capability to infantry units. It can also be utilized in reconnaissance, fire support, and command and control missions. It will be running for the first time in the U.K. at Tankfest, courtesy of the Netherlands Army Historic Collection.