World of Tanks, in partnership with The Tank Museum, has announced the co-funding of the FV4005 restoration project. This initiative aims to restore the FV4005, a significant piece of British tank warfare history, to its original condition. Thanks to its appearance in the popular video game World of Tanks, the vehicle has become known and loved by a new generation of enthusiasts, prompting the museum to restore the vehicle to roadworthy condition.

World of Tanks has pledged £20,000 towards the project, which will cover the manufacture of missing parts and adaptations, among other things. The FV4005, also known as 'Stage II', is unique due to its enormous 183mm L4 gun, the largest direct-fire gun ever mounted on a tank. This restoration will make the FV4005 the only drivable example of its kind in the world, making it a tangible link to the past for enthusiasts and historians alike.

The culmination of this restoration work will be showcased at TANKFEST 2024, which takes place at The Tank Museum in Bovington from June 28-30. TANKFEST attracts thousands of visitors each year and World of Tanks is proud to be the main sponsor of this event.

Richard Cutland, Head of Military Relations at Wargaming, said: "As a long-standing partner of The Tank Museum and headline sponsor of TANKFEST, we are delighted to support the museum in its exhibition and education programs. This exciting historic revival of the FV4005 has sparked both the interest and passion of our incredible gaming community. By investing in initiatives like this, World of Tanks is helping to preserve and pass on the invaluable knowledge of tank warfare."

The FV4005 is mounted on a Centurion Mk 3 chassis and was developed after the Second World War to counter the threat of Soviet heavy tanks such as the IS-3. The vehicle has impressive firepower, with each round weighing 160 pounds and capable of penetrating 457mm of armor. The Tank Museum received an original FV4005 turret in 1969, which was initially displayed in the museum's playground and later mounted on a Centurion Mk 12 hull.

The restoration work is being carried out by AW Hewes at their workshop in Leicestershire, with the aim of presenting the FV4005 in the arena in time for TANKFEST 2024. This marks the 12th year of a long partnership between World of Tanks and the museum, who have supported numerous educational and restoration projects in the past, including the launch of TANKFEST Online in 2020.

What is the FV4005?
The FV4005 is a British tank with the largest direct-firing gun ever installed on a tank.

Why is the FV4005 being restored?
Thanks to its popularity in the game World of Tanks, enthusiasts have called on the Tank Museum to restore the vehicle to roadworthy condition.

How much is World of Tanks investing in the restoration?
World of Tanks is supporting the project with £20,000.

When and where will the restored FV4005 be on display?
The restored FV4005 will be on display at TANKFEST 2024 from June 28-30 at The Tank Museum in Bovington.

Who is carrying out the restoration work?
The work is being carried out by AW Hewes at their workshop in Leicestershire.

Why is the FV4005 historically significant?
The FV4005 represents the pinnacle of the race for ever larger guns in the history of tank warfare.