War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

M6A2E1

2021-08-06T16:01:27Z

U109310820: More pros and cons

{{Specs-Card
|code=us_m6a2e1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]] as a reward for [[Battle Pass: Season III, "Strength athletics"]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}


'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (sideskirts, hull front - appliqué armour , hull roof - engine compartment, cupola roof)
* Cast homogeneous armour (hull, turret, gun mantlet, cupola)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 50.4 mm (44°) + 112 mm (29°) ''Upper glacis'' 50.4 mm (46°) + 133 mm (cylindrical) ''Lower glacis'' 70 mm (26°) ''Corners'' || 58 mm (30°) ''Top'' 51 + 25.4 mm ''Bottom'' || 42 mm (16°) ''Top'' 22-105 mm ''Bottom'' || 16 - 22 mm 25.4 mm ''Engine compartment'' 5 mm ''Engine vents''
|-
| Turret || 230-275 mm ''Turret front'' 133-235 mm ''Gun mantlet'' 84 mm ''Upper turret front'' || 65-89 mm || 210-230 mm ''Top'' 125-220 mm ''Bottom'' || 25-32 mm 27-31 mm ''Front''
|-
| Cupola || 76.2 mm || 76.2 mm || 76.2 mm || 25.4 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and bogies are 10 mm thick.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,033|rbMinHp=708}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|T5E1 (105 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[T5E1 (105 mm)|105 mm T5E1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 60 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 14.6 || 20.2 || 24.5 || 27.1 || 28.8 || rowspan="2" | 20.02 || rowspan="2" | 17.71 || rowspan="2" | 16.32 || rowspan="2" | 15.40
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 10.7 || 12.6 || 15.3 || 16.9 || 18.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| T32 || APCBC || 256 || 253 || 238 || 221 || 205 || 190
|-
| T13 || APCBC || 253 || 250 || 236 || 219 || 204 || 190
|-
| T29E3 || APCR || 292 || 287 || 266 || 242 || 220 || 200
|-
| T30E1 || HE || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| T32 || APCBC || 914 || 17.7 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| T13 || APCBC || 899 || 18.59 || 1.2 || 19 || 177.38 || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| T29E3 || APCR || 1,128 || 11.2 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
|-
| T30E1 || HE || 945 || 15.2 || 0 || 0.1 || 1,550 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! Ammo type
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''60''' || ''Projectiles'' ''Propellants'' || 49 ''(+11)'' 37 ''(+23)'' || 37 ''(+23)'' 25 ''(+35)'' || 25 ''(+35)'' 13 ''(+47)'' || 13 ''(+47)'' 1 ''(+59)'' || 1 ''(+59)'' N/A || No
|-
|}
'''Notes''':

* The {{PAGENAME}} uses two-piece ammunition, composed of projectiles (yellow) and propellant bags (orange). Both have separate racks.
* As they are modeled by sets of 2, projectiles and propellant bags disappear from the rack only after you fire both shells in the set.
* To keep the hull empty of ammo, pack 13 ''(+47)'' shells.
* For projectiles:
** Rack 5 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 12 projectiles and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
** This racks is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 5 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4.
** Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-4 into racks 5. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.
* For propellants:
** Rack 4 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 12 propellant charges and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
** This racks is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 4 - 1 - 2 - 3.
** Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-3 into racks 4. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 600 (200) || 577 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 4,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

When driving the M6A2E1, one will easily notice the tank's turret is near indestructible: it can resist many shots as long as they aren't aimed at a trap shot or to the upper turret. The hull, however, isn't as indestructible: it may bounce a shot or two but it's not really reliable, especially with weak hull cheeks that any shot with explosive filler will instantly penetrate.

The M6A2E1 can do reasonably well in not extremely uneven terrain thanks to the depression angle of -10° and the tank's height can also be beneficial for shooting over cover that other vehicles wouldn't be able to, sometimes taking enemies by surprise.

With this tank, one of the most suitable strategies is to snipe. You have two ammunition options, APCBC with extra penetration or APCBC with explosive filler, both being devastating (105 mm shells create a lot of spalling). Find a suitable spot, try to expose only the turret, and deal with enemies coming at you. Most enemies will hopelessly shoot at your mantlet, some players will exploit your weak spots on the turret or may have high penetration HEATFS or APDS (uptiers are very dangerous for this tank and should play much more defensively). Your reload time is considerably long, so staying behind cover is the best thing possible when reloading. Your reverse speed thankfully lets you get away from a lot of dangerous situations faster than other tanks.

Despite having imperfect armour and notable weak spots, a lot of enemies in a downtier won't know how to penetrate with such a big target (only 4 weak spots presented, both hull cheeks, turret ring and turret upper front, with the trap shot being a matter of luck) and planes won't have an easy time damaging the M6A2E1 with their cannons. Use that to your advantage should it come to close quarters combat, aim the gun at them, facing your hull towards them, and whatever you do, don't stay still, wiggle your hull left and right to increase chances of ricochet to ensure survival.

In downtiers your armour (even the hull) begins to shine, but so does the fact most enemies at that BR use way more explosive filler APCBC shells preventing angling of any sort, making you way tougher at distances beyond 500 m, where hitting your weakspots is way harder. In case you can't hide your hull, attempt to make it face straight at your enemy, most common guns won't be able to get through your hull, let alone your turret, don't push it though, only rely on your armour if there's no alternative, because despite distances, weakspots are still a thing, and so is the trap shot to your mantlet.

It could be said that the M6A2E1's role is similar to that of its younger brother the [[M6A1]], with the exception that the turret is stronger, is slightly slower and, although with fewer guns, it has a really hard hitting one on the turret, it can take a few lucky hits and punish those who cross its path from long ranges.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful 105 mm gun with access to APCBC, both with and without explosive filler, and APCR shells
* Extremely thick turret, stops shells, only APDS and HEATFS rounds pose a threat
* Thick turret back makes destroying this tank from behind a tough task, taking enemies by surprise and giving a chance to respond to the attack
* Engine and transmission are all positioned in the back, sometimes absorbing shells from the rear and making frontal shots unable to immobilize the tank
* Has a reverse gearbox, can go same speed backwards as forwards
* Decently spaced crew, HEATFS hit to the hull will usually mean only losing one crew member
* Despite the weak spots, front hull armour stands a chance to bounce one or two shots
* Good gun depression allows for hull down tactics
* Surprisingly thick UFP lower section (thanks to the hull's shape) can absorb the common 88mm Tiger II shells when hit there, making hull down tactics even more effective
* .50 cal MG on the roof allows fending off planes and soft targets
* Its tall profile allows to shoot over obstacles other tanks are usually blocked by

'''Cons:'''

* Frontal hull armour is extremely weak in some spots which even low tier tank destroyers can go through
* Turret ring is an easy one shot weakspot
* Hull cheeks are a weak spot and prevent effective angling
* Upper turret front is a weak spot
* Poor top speed of 31/29 km/h (AB/RB)
* Mediocre acceleration
* Tall profile, huge target
* Long reload time
* Trap shot on the turret that can easily take out the entire crew in a single hit

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_m6a2e1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150">
Image:M6A2E1 BPIII Wallpaper (3840x2160).jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|EY-xuYT0xi8|'''Battle Pass: Strength Athletics''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 03:19 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==


* [[M6A1]] - Heavy tank that was the basis of the {{PAGENAME}}.

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7143-development-battle-pass-vehicles-m6a2e1-en|[Devblog] Battle Pass vehicles: M6A2E1]]

{{USA heavy tanks}}
{{USA premium ground vehicles}}

M6A2E1

2021-08-06T07:23:05Z

U109310820: Added more info to usage in battles, aswell as added another notable weakspot

{{Specs-Card
|code=us_m6a2e1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]] as a reward for [[Battle Pass: Season III, "Strength athletics"]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}


'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (sideskirts, hull front - appliqué armour , hull roof - engine compartment, cupola roof)
* Cast homogeneous armour (hull, turret, gun mantlet, cupola)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 50.4 mm (44°) + 112 mm (29°) ''Upper glacis'' 50.4 mm (46°) + 133 mm (cylindrical) ''Lower glacis'' 70 mm (26°) ''Corners'' || 58 mm (30°) ''Top'' 51 + 25.4 mm ''Bottom'' || 42 mm (16°) ''Top'' 22-105 mm ''Bottom'' || 16 - 22 mm 25.4 mm ''Engine compartment'' 5 mm ''Engine vents''
|-
| Turret || 230-275 mm ''Turret front'' 133-235 mm ''Gun mantlet'' 84 mm ''Upper turret front'' || 65-89 mm || 210-230 mm ''Top'' 125-220 mm ''Bottom'' || 25-32 mm 27-31 mm ''Front''
|-
| Cupola || 76.2 mm || 76.2 mm || 76.2 mm || 25.4 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and bogies are 10 mm thick.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,033|rbMinHp=708}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|T5E1 (105 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[T5E1 (105 mm)|105 mm T5E1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 60 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 14.6 || 20.2 || 24.5 || 27.1 || 28.8 || rowspan="2" | 20.02 || rowspan="2" | 17.71 || rowspan="2" | 16.32 || rowspan="2" | 15.40
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 10.7 || 12.6 || 15.3 || 16.9 || 18.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| T32 || APCBC || 256 || 253 || 238 || 221 || 205 || 190
|-
| T13 || APCBC || 253 || 250 || 236 || 219 || 204 || 190
|-
| T29E3 || APCR || 292 || 287 || 266 || 242 || 220 || 200
|-
| T30E1 || HE || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| T32 || APCBC || 914 || 17.7 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| T13 || APCBC || 899 || 18.59 || 1.2 || 19 || 177.38 || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| T29E3 || APCR || 1,128 || 11.2 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
|-
| T30E1 || HE || 945 || 15.2 || 0 || 0.1 || 1,550 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! Ammo type
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''60''' || ''Projectiles'' ''Propellants'' || 49 ''(+11)'' 37 ''(+23)'' || 37 ''(+23)'' 25 ''(+35)'' || 25 ''(+35)'' 13 ''(+47)'' || 13 ''(+47)'' 1 ''(+59)'' || 1 ''(+59)'' N/A || No
|-
|}
'''Notes''':

* The {{PAGENAME}} uses two-piece ammunition, composed of projectiles (yellow) and propellant bags (orange). Both have separate racks.
* As they are modeled by sets of 2, projectiles and propellant bags disappear from the rack only after you fire both shells in the set.
* To keep the hull empty of ammo, pack 13 ''(+47)'' shells.
* For projectiles:
** Rack 5 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 12 projectiles and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
** This racks is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 5 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4.
** Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-4 into racks 5. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.
* For propellants:
** Rack 4 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 12 propellant charges and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
** This racks is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 4 - 1 - 2 - 3.
** Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-3 into racks 4. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 600 (200) || 577 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 4,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

When driving the M6A2E1, one will easily notice the tank's turret is near indestructible: it can resist many shots as long as they aren't aimed at a trap shot or to the upper turret. The hull, however, isn't as indestructible: it may bounce a shot or two but it's not really reliable, especially with weak hull cheeks that any shot with explosive filler will instantly penetrate.

The M6A2E1 can do reasonably well in not extremely uneven terrain thanks to the depression angle of -10° and the tank's height can also be beneficial for shooting over cover that other vehicles wouldn't be able to, sometimes taking enemies by surprise.

With this tank, one of the most suitable strategies is to snipe. You have two ammunition options, APCBC with extra penetration or APCBC with explosive filler, both being devastating (105 mm shells create a lot of spalling). Find a suitable spot, try to expose only the turret, and deal with enemies coming at you. Most enemies will hopelessly shoot at your mantlet, some players will exploit your weak spots on the turret or may have high penetration HEATFS or APDS (uptiers are very dangerous for this tank and should play much more defensively). Your reload time is considerably long, so staying behind cover is the best thing possible when reloading. Your reverse speed thankfully lets you get away from a lot of dangerous situations faster than other tanks.

Despite having imperfect armour and notable weak spots, a lot of enemies in a downtier won't know how to penetrate with such a big target (only 4 weak spots presented, both hull cheeks, turret ring and turret upper front, with the trap shot being a matter of luck) and planes won't have an easy time damaging the M6A2E1 with their cannons. Use that to your advantage should it come to close quarters combat, aim the gun at them, facing your hull towards them, and whatever you do, don't stay still, wiggle your hull left and right to increase chances of ricochet to ensure survival.

In downtiers your armor (even the hull) begins to shine, but so does the fact most enemies at that BR use way more explosive filler APCBC shells preventing angling of any sort, making you way tougher at distances higher than 500 meters, where hitting your weakspots is way harder. In case you can't hide your hull, attempt to make it face straight at your enemy, most common guns won't be able to get through your hull, let alone your turret, don't push it though, only rely on your armor if there's no alternative, because despite distances, weakspots are still a thing, and so is the trap shot to your mantlet.

It could be said that the M6A2E1's role is similar to that of its younger brother the [[M6A1]], with the exception that the turret is stronger, is slightly slower and, although with fewer guns, it has a really hard hitting one on the turret, it can take a few lucky hits and punish those who cross its path from long ranges.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful 105 mm gun with access to APCBC, both with and without explosive filler, and APCR shells
* Extremely thick turret, stops shells, only APDS and HEATFS rounds pose a threat
* Has a reverse gearbox, can go same speed backwards as forwards
* Decently spaced crew, HEATFS hit to the hull will usually mean only losing one crew member
* Despite the weak spots, front hull armour stands a chance to bounce one or two shots
* Good gun depression allows for hull down tactics
* .50 cal MG on the roof allows fending off planes and soft targets
* Its tall profile allows to shoot over obstacles other tanks are usually blocked by

'''Cons:'''

* Frontal hull armour is extremely weak in some spots which even low tier tank destroyers can go through
* Hull cheeks are a weak spot and prevent effective angling
* Upper turret front is a weak spot
* Poor top speed of 31/29 km/h (AB/RB)
* Mediocre acceleration
* Tall profile, huge target
* Long reload time
* Trap shot on the turret that can easily take out the entire crew in a single hit

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_m6a2e1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150">
Image:M6A2E1 BPIII Wallpaper (3840x2160).jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|EY-xuYT0xi8|'''Battle Pass: Strength Athletics''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 03:19 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==


* [[M6A1]] - Heavy tank that was the basis of the {{PAGENAME}}.

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7143-development-battle-pass-vehicles-m6a2e1-en|[Devblog] Battle Pass vehicles: M6A2E1]]

{{USA heavy tanks}}
{{USA premium ground vehicles}}

M6A2E1

2021-07-15T06:03:53Z

U109310820: Added two more pro's

{{Specs-Card
|code=us_m6a2e1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]] as a reward for [[Battle Pass: Season III, "Strength athletics"]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}


'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (sideskirts, hull front - appliqué armour , hull roof - engine compartment, cupola roof)
* Cast homogeneous armour (hull, turret, gun mantlet, cupola)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 50.4 mm (44°) + 112 mm (29°) ''Upper glacis'' 50.4 mm (46°) + 133 mm (cylindrical) ''Lower glacis'' 70 mm (26°) ''Corners'' || 58 mm (30°) ''Top'' 51 + 25.4 mm ''Bottom'' || 42 mm (16°) ''Top'' 22-105 mm ''Bottom'' || 16 - 22 mm 25.4 mm ''Engine compartment'' 5 mm ''Engine vents''
|-
| Turret || 230-275 mm ''Turret front'' 133-235 mm ''Gun mantlet'' 84 mm ''Upper turret front'' || 65-89 mm || 210-230 mm ''Top'' 125-220 mm ''Bottom'' || 25-32 mm 27-31 mm ''Front''
|-
| Cupola || 76.2 mm || 76.2 mm || 76.2 mm || 25.4 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and bogies are 10 mm thick.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,033|rbMinHp=708}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|T5E1 (105 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[T5E1 (105 mm)|105 mm T5E1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 60 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 14.6 || 20.2 || 24.5 || 27.1 || 28.8 || rowspan="2" | 20.02 || rowspan="2" | 17.71 || rowspan="2" | 16.32 || rowspan="2" | 15.40
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 10.7 || 12.6 || 15.3 || 16.9 || 18.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| T32 || APCBC || 256 || 253 || 238 || 221 || 205 || 190
|-
| T13 || APCBC || 253 || 250 || 236 || 219 || 204 || 190
|-
| T29E3 || APCR || 292 || 287 || 266 || 242 || 220 || 200
|-
| T30E1 || HE || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| T32 || APCBC || 914 || 17.7 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| T13 || APCBC || 899 || 18.59 || 1.2 || 19 || 177.38 || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| T29E3 || APCR || 1,128 || 11.2 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
|-
| T30E1 || HE || 945 || 15.2 || 0 || 0.1 || 1,550 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! Ammo type
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''60''' || ''Projectiles'' ''Propellants'' || 49 ''(+11)'' 37 ''(+23)'' || 37 ''(+23)'' 25 ''(+35)'' || 25 ''(+35)'' 13 ''(+47)'' || 13 ''(+47)'' 1 ''(+59)'' || 1 ''(+59)'' N/A || No
|-
|}
'''Notes''':

* The {{PAGENAME}} uses two-piece ammunition, composed of projectiles (yellow) and propellant bags (orange). Both have separate racks.
* As they are modeled by sets of 2, projectiles and propellant bags disappear from the rack only after you fire both shells in the set.
* To keep the hull empty of ammo, pack 13 ''(+47)'' shells.
* For projectiles:
** Rack 5 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 12 projectiles and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
** This racks is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 5 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4.
** Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-4 into racks 5. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.
* For propellants:
** Rack 4 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 12 propellant charges and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
** This racks is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 4 - 1 - 2 - 3.
** Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-3 into racks 4. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 600 (200) || 577 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 4,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

When driving the M6A2E1, one will easily notice the tank's turret is near indestructible: it can resist many shots as long as they aren't aimed at a trap shot or to the upper turret. The hull, however, isn't as indestructible: it may bounce a shot or two but it's not really reliable, especially with weak hull cheeks that any shot with explosive filler will instantly penetrate.

The M6A2E1 can do reasonably well in not extremely uneven terrain thanks to the depression angle of -10° and the tank's height can also be beneficial for shooting over cover that other vehicles wouldn't be able to, sometimes taking enemies by surprise.

With this tank, one of the most suitable strategies is to snipe. You have two ammunition options, APCBC with extra penetration or APCBC with explosive filler, both being devastating (105 mm shells create a lot of spalling). Find a suitable spot, try to expose only the turret, and deal with enemies coming at you. Most enemies will hopelessly shoot at your mantlet, some players will exploit your weak spots on the turret or may have high penetration HEATFS or APDS (uptiers are very dangerous for this tank and should play much more defensively). Your reload time is considerably long, so staying behind cover is the best thing possible when reloading. Your reverse speed thankfully lets you get away from a lot of dangerous situations faster than other tanks.

Despite having imperfect armour and notable weak spots, a lot of enemies in a downtier won't know how to penetrate with such a big target (only 3 weak spots presented, both hull cheeks and turret upper front, with the trap shot being a matter of luck) and planes won't have an easy time damaging the M6A2E1 with their cannons. Use that to your advantage should it come to close quarters combat, aim the gun at them, facing your hull towards them, and whatever you do, don't stay still, wiggle your hull left and right to increase chances of ricochet to ensure survival.

It could be said that the M6A2E1's role is similar to that of its younger brother the [[M6A1]], with the exception that the turret is stronger, is slightly slower and, although with fewer guns, it has a really hard hitting one on the turret, it can take a few lucky hits and punish those who cross its path from long ranges.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful 105 mm gun with access to APCBC, both with and without explosive filler, and APCR shells
* Extremely thick turret, stops shells, only APDS and HEATFS rounds pose a threat
* Has a reverse gearbox, can go same speed backwards as forwards
* Decently spaced crew, HEATFS hit to the hull will usually mean only losing one crew member
* Despite the weak spots, front hull armour stands a chance to bounce one or two shots
* Good gun depression allows for hull down tactics
* .50 cal on the roof allows fending off planes and soft targets
* Can shoot from positions other tanks would never be able to thanks to its height

'''Cons:'''

* Frontal hull armour is extremely weak in some spots which even low tier tank destroyers can go through
* Hull cheeks are a weak spot and prevent effective angling
* Upper turret front is a weak spot
* Poor top speed of 31/29 km/h (AB/RB)
* Mediocre acceleration
* Tall profile, huge target
* Long reload time
* Trap shot on the turret that can easily take out the entire crew in a single hit

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_m6a2e1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150">
Image:M6A2E1 BPIII Wallpaper (3840x2160).jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|EY-xuYT0xi8|'''Battle Pass: Strength Athletics''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 03:19 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==


* [[M6A1]] - Heavy tank that was the basis of the {{PAGENAME}}.

== External links ==

''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{USA heavy tanks}}
{{USA premium ground vehicles}}

File:GarageImage M6A2E1.jpg

2021-07-13T21:32:34Z

U109310820:

A render of the tank M6A2E1

M6A1

2021-07-03T03:10:50Z

U109310820: See also link to M6A2E1

{{Specs-Card
|code=us_m6a1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was one of the first American tanks to be released with the American ground tree in [[Update 1.45 "Steel Generals"]]. A rather unusual tank design mounting two cannons in the turret, however, it has a durable frontal armour for the battle rating it occupies.

The M6A1 is one of the most unique tanks in the game, with its large hull and being as tall as a Tiger I. Another interesting feature is that it is one of the most manoeuvrable heavy tanks in the game with a powerful Wright G-200 engine (the same engine powering the [[B-17E|B-17 ''Flying Fortress'' bomber]]) with a max speed of 35 km/h, making it very mobile in a battle situation. The tank has two 12.7 mm's in the hull which are effective for taking out lightly armoured vehicles such SPAAs. The M6A1 is one of the first American tanks as well in the game to have the transmission at the rear of the tank.

Something to keep in mind is the shell arc of the secondary 37 mm cannon. Its shell will usually hit the same spot on distances up to 1400 m (~1 mile). But do not forget that the gun is offset to the left in close combat, or it will not hit the target.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}

'''Armour type:'''

* Cast homogeneous armour (Front, Transmission area, Turret)
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Roof)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 82.5 mm (5-35°) ''Front'' 101.6 mm (5-35°) ''Transmission''|| 44.4 mm || 44.4 mm || 25.4 mm
|-
| Turret || 250 mm (6-65°) ''Turret front'' 50.8 + 50.8 mm (7-62°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 82.5 mm (0-12°) || 82.5 mm (0-68°) || 25.4 mm
|-
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
|-
| Cupola || 82.5 mm || 25.4 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 17 mm thick.
* Frontal armour plate is unevenly curved for better ricochet chances and efficient armour thickness.
* Side skirts are 25 mm thick rolled homogeneous armour and will trigger fuses on APHE projectiles. In most cases, APHE shells set off before reaching the main hull and destroying the ammo stack beneath. Still, both skirts and hull are not sturdy enough to withstand a regular AP shell.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,033|rbMinHp=708}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|M7 (76 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M7 (76 mm)|76 mm M7]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 75 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+30° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Vertical|up to 24 km/h}} || 14.57 || 20.16 || 24.48 || 27.07 || 28.80 || rowspan="2" | 7.67 || rowspan="2" | 6.79 || rowspan="2" | 6.25 || rowspan="2" | 5.90
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 10.71 || 12.60 || 15.30 || 16.92 || 18.00
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| M62 shell || APCBC || 149 || 146 || 133 || 119 || 106 || 95
|-
| M42A1 shell || HE || 7 || 7 || 7 || 7 || 7 || 7
|-
| M79 shot || AP || 134 || 132 || 121 || 109 || 99 || 89
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| M62 shell || APCBC || 792 || 7 || 1.2 || 14 || 63.7 || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| M42A1 shell || HE || 800 || 5.84 || 0 || 0.1 || 390 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| M79 shot || AP || 792 || 6.8 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''75''' || 40 ''(+35)'' || 4 ''(+71)'' || 1 ''(+74)'' || Yes
|-
|}

=== Additional armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}

{{main|M3 (37 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[M3 (37 mm)|37 mm M3]] || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
| 202 || N/A || N/A || {{Annotation|Vertical|up to 24 km/h}} || 3.77 || 3.33 || 3.07 || 2.90
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| M74B1 || AP || 79 || 76 || 65 || 54 || 45 || 37
|-
| M63 shell || HE || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3
|-
| M51B1/B2 || APCBC || 87 || 84 || 73 || 60 || 50 || 41
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| M74B1 || AP || 883 || 0.87 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
| M63 shell || HE || 807 || 0.73 || 0 || 0.1 || 38 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| M51B1/B2 || APCBC || 883 || 0.87 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''202''' ||190 (+12)|| 161 ''(+41)'' || 121 ''(+81)'' || 81 ''(+121)'' || 41 ''(+161)'' || 1 ''(+201)'' || Yes
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|4}}

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 1,000 (200) || 577 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
|-
| Hull || 3,000 (200) || 577 || -10°/+35° || ±15°
|-
| Hull || 3,000 (200) || 577 || -10°/+35° || ±15°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

Although this is a heavy tank, and able to bounce some shells, its armour will not protect it from all incoming fire. Enemies to specifically watch out for are the [[IS-1]], [[Panther tank (Family)|Panthers]], [[Tiger E|Tigers]], and [[M4A3E2|Jumbo]] Shermans, as they can all easily penetrate this vehicle's weak frontal armour. Make sure to protect the rear flank too: M6A1's engine is very large and prone to catching on fire when hit.

But despite the imperfect armour layout, the M6A1 does bring an impressive cannon to the battle. The powerful 76 mm gun is able to penetrate the front of most Rank III tanks and can destroy most enemy targets in a single shot. The secondary cannon is weaker than the 76 mm, but can be effective. When engaging targets from the side, this smaller gun should have no trouble penetrating and destroying an enemy unit. And as with all multi-gun tanks, the secondary gun should be fired separately from the main cannon to maximize efficiency and facilitate aim. By firing the secondary cannon, it is occasionally possible to bait the enemy into advancing out of cover and revealing a weak-spot--they will not expect that you have another shell loaded in the main gun. Additionally, the vehicle mounts three 12.7 mm machine guns, which can be very effective in dealing with enemy aircraft if positioned correctly.

In most situations, the M6A1 driver will find that a slower play-style suits this tank best. The vehicle is large, turret rotation is slow, and enemies will be eager to flank it. As such, the support of teammates is necessary for an effective attack. In a defensive situation, the M6A1 is effective when located behind a ridge or other cover. This will help to obscure the tank's large profile and allow the player to ambush advancing enemies.

The M6A1 is often compared to the M4A3E2 Jumbo Sherman. Although less armoured than its higher-tiered counterpart, the M6A1 is arguably better than the Jumbo during the early game and at range. While the M4A3E2 may have trouble dealing with enemy heavy tanks such as the [[KV-1 (Family)|KV-1]], this vehicle is very-well suited for engaging those targets. The M6A1 may be thought of as a Jumbo Sherman that was traded some of its armour protection in exchange for a more lethal armament.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great main 76 mm gun and ammunition capable of consistent 1 hit kills
* Great secondary 37 mm gun with good reload speed and decent penetration
* Good gun depression
* Reload rate isn't generally affected when losing crew members
* Has .50 cal AA machine gun, as well as a dual-mount .50 cal in front
* First standard heavy tank in the US tree, which can dish out and take punishment equally
* Lower portion of the hull sides are protected by additional 25.4 mm armour sheet
* Adequate roof armour of 25 mm means aerial strafing will be of a little issue without large-calibre weaponry
* Rear mounted transmission means it is not affected with a frontal penetration
* Big hull increases the chance of surviving after a penetrating hit
* Good acceleration and power-to-weight ratio
* Good hill-climbing abilities
* Very good cross country performance due to large tracks

'''Cons:'''

* Lots of weak points, such as gun mantlet, upper side armour, driver port, MG port, and front armour cheeks
* Armour profile overall is quite flat, no angling benefits
* Ammo is stored in the lower side armour
* All automotive module mounted in the rear, easily prone to damage, set ablaze, or exploded when shot
* Slow top speed
* Mediocre turn speed
* Pretty large in general, will stand out in the battlefield

== History ==

===Development===
When World War II broke out, limited development in the United States meant that the military possessed very few tanks and so development hastened and eventually gave them tanks such as the [[M3 Lee|M3 Lee]] and [[M4|M4 Sherman]]. On May 20, 1940, the US Army Ordnance Corps began to work on a 50-ton heavy tank for their army. Initially, it was going to have a multi-turret design, two turrets with the 75 mm gun and one secondary turret with a 37 mm gun with a coaxial machine gun, then one more with a 20 mm gun with coaxial. Plus, four .30 cal machine guns were to be put on ball mounts on the front glacis and rear corners of the hull. This project was approved on June 11, 1940, and moved on as the ''Heavy Tank T1''. However at the same time, similar concepts in Europe of heavy breakthrough tanks such as the Soviet [[T-35]] and the German [[Nb.Fz.|Neubaufahrzeug]] tanks were falling out of favour due to lack of combat effectiveness and unfavourable performance for their cost, and the US did the same in October so the design was changed.

The tank now had one turret with a 3-inch (76.2 mm) gun alongside a coaxial 37 mm gun. The turret housed three crew members and was powered by an electrical traverse system. The commander's cupola was copied from the M3 Lee, featuring a hatch with it sown machine gun. Two .50 cal machine guns now protruded from the bow mount (fired by bow gunner) and two .30 cal machine guns as well (fired by the driver). The entire tank held six crew members, the commander, gunner, driver, assistant driver, loader #1, and loader #2. While the construction of the vehicle was feasible, the engine was not enough to power the vehicle reliably due to heavy 57-ton weight.

In 1941 to 1942, three prototypes were constructed with the different transmission, one with electrical and the rest with a torque converter. The ones with the torque converters were designated the '''Heavy Tank M6''' and '''M6A1'''. The electrical transmission design designated '''M6A2''', was never approved by Ordnance, but was to be manufactured anyway. It was hoped that 115 of these tanks could be built for further testing and production started in December 1942 with design changes. The commander's cupola now featured a regular hatch rather than the machine gun one, which was removed along with one of the machine gun in the front hull. By the time the M6 was ready for production, the Army was moving forward and interest waned on these heavy tanks with the [[M4|M4 Sherman's]] performance in the war. The M6's armour was only slightly thicker than the Sherman's and the 3-inch gun didn't offer too much improvement over the 75 mm gun, plus it had a large profile and low ergonomics, not to mention mechanical issues.

===Production and cancellation===
In early 1942, the M6 production was set for 250 a month but was cut down in September from 5,000 to a mere 100 when manufacturing focus moved to planes. By the end of 1942, Sherman's performance in the war proved its role in the war was more adaptable than the M6 heavy tank while remaining cheaper and lighter for transportation and supplying. This caused the M6 production to lower even more to just 40, before being shut down. Though testing with a 90 mm gun found the M6 to be a good gun mount, the poor layout of the tank restricted it, and the project was shut down before further development could be made.

In August 1944, the Ordnance Corps planned to modify some of the M6 heavy tanks with more armour and heavier armament to breach fortified areas. These were to be the '''M6A2E1''' and weighed 77 tons with a 190 mm front armour and a 105 mm gun. Eisenhower rejected these as impractical and cancelled it. The M6 was found to be obsolete by December 1944 with only 40 units produced and never seeing combat service. They served as a propaganda piece during the war and were all scrapped after it except one, which is put on display at Aberdeen, Maryland at the United States Army Ordnance Museum. During development, the M6 turret was modified to become the turret for the [[M10 GMC|M10 Tank Destroyer]].

=== In-game description ===
At the end of May 1940 the US infantry chief of staff responsible for armor put together requirements for future tanks in light of what was happening in Europe: the German army was relentlessly moving toward France and using armor with great success along the way. The Wehrmacht's use of new Pz.IV tanks with 75 mm guns instantaneously made the American tanks and their 37 mm cannons obsolete.

The new tank type had to be heavy (around 50 short tons), with 76 mm and 37 mm cannons arranged side-by-side in the turret. It had four machine guns (two heavy caliber and two rifle caliber), a Wright G-200 engine, a Hydromatic transmission, and a top speed of 25 mph. The green light was given for the construction of four prototypes in February 1941.

The prototypes developed by the Baldwin Locomotive Works were designed with different transmissions and hulls in the interests of finding the best option for full-scale production. Two modifications at most were permitted, and on April 13, 1942, the T1E2 and T1E3 were standardized as the M6 and M6A1. The latter added a welded hull, Wright G-200 engine, and torque converter to the M6.

Mass production was scheduled for November 1942, though a report by General Jacob Devers on December 7 indicated that the M6s would enjoy only limited tactical use due to their size. Moreover, two M4s equipped with 75 mm and 76 mm weapons could be built in place of two heavy tanks. As a result, the Armored Corps hurried to revoke the contract.

Between 1942 and 1943 the Baldwin Locomotive Works ended up producing 12 M6 heavy tanks. They did not join the army or see combat.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=heavy_tank&vehicle=us_m6a1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|Yssg5uKGS-A|'''The Shooting Range #236''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:39 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|5jWKY14-ZGg|'''How to use secondary cannon if it doesn't penetrate? M6A1''' - ''HowToPlay1337''|jEc5FmgDMdo|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''}}

== See also ==

* [[M6A2E1]] - Up gunned and up armored M6 tank.

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/3209--en|[Vehicle Profile] Heavy Tank M6A1]]

{{USA heavy tanks}}

M6A2E1

2021-07-03T03:06:55Z

U109310820: Small edit on a few words

{{Specs-Card
|code=us_m6a2e1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]] as a reward for [[Battle Pass: Season III, "Strength athletics"]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}


'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (sideskirts, hull front - appliqué armour , hull roof - engine compartment, cupola roof)
* Cast homogeneous armour (hull, turret, gun mantlet, cupola)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 50.4 mm (44°) + 112 mm (29°) ''Upper glacis'' 50.4 mm (46°) + 133 mm (cylindrical) ''Lower glacis'' 70 mm (26°) ''Corners'' || 58 mm (30°) ''Top'' 51 + 25.4 mm ''Bottom'' || 42 mm (16°) ''Top'' 22-105 mm ''Bottom'' || 16 - 22 mm 25.4 mm ''Engine compartment'' 5 mm ''Engine vents''
|-
| Turret || 230-275 mm ''Turret front'' 133-235 mm ''Gun mantlet'' 84 mm ''Upper turret front'' || 65-89 mm || 210-230 mm ''Top'' 125-220 mm ''Bottom'' || 25-32 mm 27-31 mm ''Front''
|-
| Cupola || 76.2 mm || 76.2 mm || 76.2 mm || 25.4 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and bogies are 10 mm thick.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,033|rbMinHp=708}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|T5E1 (105 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[T5E1 (105 mm)|105 mm T5E1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 60 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 14.6 || 20.2 || 24.5 || 27.1 || 28.8 || rowspan="2" | 20.02 || rowspan="2" | 17.71 || rowspan="2" | 16.32 || rowspan="2" | 15.40
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 10.7 || 12.6 || 15.3 || 16.9 || 18.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| T32 || APCBC || 256 || 253 || 238 || 221 || 205 || 190
|-
| T13 || APCBC || 253 || 250 || 236 || 219 || 204 || 190
|-
| T29E3 || APCR || 292 || 287 || 266 || 242 || 220 || 200
|-
| T30E1 || HE || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| T32 || APCBC || 914 || 17.7 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| T13 || APCBC || 899 || 18.59 || 1.2 || 19 || 177.38 || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| T29E3 || APCR || 1,128 || 11.2 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
|-
| T30E1 || HE || 945 || 15.2 || 0 || 0.1 || 1,550 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! Ammo type
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''60''' || ''Projectiles'' ''Propellants'' || 49 ''(+11)'' 37 ''(+23)'' || 37 ''(+23)'' 25 ''(+35)'' || 25 ''(+35)'' 13 ''(+47)'' || 13 ''(+47)'' 1 ''(+59)'' || 1 ''(+59)'' N/A || No
|-
|}
'''Notes''':

* The {{PAGENAME}} uses two-piece ammunition, composed of projectiles (yellow) and propellant bags (orange). Both have separate racks.
* As they are modeled by sets of 2, projectiles and propellant bags disappear from the rack only after you fire both shells in the set.
* To keep the hull empty of ammo, pack 13 ''(+47)'' shells.
* For projectiles:
** Rack 5 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 12 projectiles and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
** This racks is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 5 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4.
** Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-4 into racks 5. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.
* For propellants:
** Rack 4 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 12 propellant charges and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
** This racks is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 4 - 1 - 2 - 3.
** Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-3 into racks 4. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 600 (200) || 577 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 4,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

When driving this vehicle, one will easily notice one thing, this tank's turret is near indestructible, it can resist many shots as long as they aren't aimed to a trap shot or to upper turret, but the hull isn't as indestructible. It may bounce a shot or two, but it's not a really reliable thing, especially with the hull cheeks which any shot with explosive filler will instantly knock you out.

This tank struggles to fully make use of the gun depression thanks to its sheer size, sometimes leaving blind spots within the gun's reach, although, despite that, it can do reasonably well in not extremely uneven terrain thanks to the depression being -10 degrees, and its tracks allow it to climb decently good, the height can also be beneficial for shooting over cover other vehicles wouldn't be able to, sometimes taking enemies by surprise.

With this tank one of the most suitable strategies is to snipe, you have the gun, two options, APCBC with extra penetration or APCBC with explosive filler, both being devastating (105mm shells create a lot of spalling!), find a suitable spot, try to only expose the turret, and watch as your enemies fail to bounce the destructive 105mm and hopelessly shoot at your mantlet, but be aware, there are those who will exploit your weakspot on the turret, or may have high penetration HEATFS or APDS (uptiers are very dangerous for this tank and should play much more defensively) and your reload is considerably large, so staying in cover is the best thing possible when reloading, your reverse thankfully lets you get away from a lot of dangerous situations faster than other tanks.

Despite having imperfect armor and notable weakspots, that doesn't mean it's made of paper, planes won't have an easy time damaging it with small cannons, and a lot of enemies in a downtier won't know where to shoot with such a big target (only 3 weak spots presented, both hull cheeks and turret upper front, with the trap shot being a matter of luck), use that to your advantage should it come to close quarters combat, aim the gun at them, facing your hull towards them, and whatever you do, don't stay still, wiggle your hull left and right to increase chances of ricochet to ensure survival.

It could be said that the M6A2E1's role is similar to that of its younger brother the [[M6A1]] at their respective BR's, with the exception that the turret is stronger, is slightly slower and, although with less guns, it has a really hard hitting one on the turret, it can take a few lucky hits and punish those who cross its path from long ranges.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful 105 mm gun with access to APCBC, both with and without explosive filler, and APCR shells
* Extremely thick turret, stops shells, only APDS and HEATFS rounds pose a threat
* Has a reverse gearbox, can go same speed backwards as forwards
* Decently spaced crew, HEATFS to the hull will usually mean only losing either driver or radio operator
* Despite the weakspots, front hull armor stands a chance to bounce one or two shots
* .50 cal can make short work of lightly armored targets and planes
* Good gun depression allows for hull down tactics
* Imposing figure, most enemies won't know where to shoot when presented with such figure

'''Cons:'''

* Frontal hull armour is extremely weak in some spots which even low tier tank destroyers can go through
* Hull cheeks are a weakspot and prevent effective angling
* Upper turret front is a weakspot
* Poor top speed of 31/29 km/h (AB/RB)
* Mediocre acceleration
* Huge target, stands out from most tanks
* Big reload time
* Trap shot on the turret that can easily OHKO the entire crew

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_m6a2e1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150">
Image:M6A2E1 BPIII Wallpaper (3840x2160).jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|EY-xuYT0xi8|'''Battle Pass: Strength Athletics''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 03:19 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==


* [[M6A1]] - Heavy tank that was the basis of the {{PAGENAME}}.

== External links ==

''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{USA heavy tanks}}
{{USA premium ground vehicles}}

M6A2E1

2021-07-03T03:03:38Z

U109310820: Added more Pros and cons, aswell as usage in battles

{{Specs-Card
|code=us_m6a2e1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]] as a reward for [[Battle Pass: Season III, "Strength athletics"]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}


'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (sideskirts, hull front - appliqué armour , hull roof - engine compartment, cupola roof)
* Cast homogeneous armour (hull, turret, gun mantlet, cupola)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 50.4 mm (44°) + 112 mm (29°) ''Upper glacis'' 50.4 mm (46°) + 133 mm (cylindrical) ''Lower glacis'' 70 mm (26°) ''Corners'' || 58 mm (30°) ''Top'' 51 + 25.4 mm ''Bottom'' || 42 mm (16°) ''Top'' 22-105 mm ''Bottom'' || 16 - 22 mm 25.4 mm ''Engine compartment'' 5 mm ''Engine vents''
|-
| Turret || 230-275 mm ''Turret front'' 133-235 mm ''Gun mantlet'' 84 mm ''Upper turret front'' || 65-89 mm || 210-230 mm ''Top'' 125-220 mm ''Bottom'' || 25-32 mm 27-31 mm ''Front''
|-
| Cupola || 76.2 mm || 76.2 mm || 76.2 mm || 25.4 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and bogies are 10 mm thick.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,033|rbMinHp=708}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|T5E1 (105 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[T5E1 (105 mm)|105 mm T5E1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 60 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 14.6 || 20.2 || 24.5 || 27.1 || 28.8 || rowspan="2" | 20.02 || rowspan="2" | 17.71 || rowspan="2" | 16.32 || rowspan="2" | 15.40
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 10.7 || 12.6 || 15.3 || 16.9 || 18.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| T32 || APCBC || 256 || 253 || 238 || 221 || 205 || 190
|-
| T13 || APCBC || 253 || 250 || 236 || 219 || 204 || 190
|-
| T29E3 || APCR || 292 || 287 || 266 || 242 || 220 || 200
|-
| T30E1 || HE || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| T32 || APCBC || 914 || 17.7 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| T13 || APCBC || 899 || 18.59 || 1.2 || 19 || 177.38 || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| T29E3 || APCR || 1,128 || 11.2 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
|-
| T30E1 || HE || 945 || 15.2 || 0 || 0.1 || 1,550 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! Ammo type
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''60''' || ''Projectiles'' ''Propellants'' || 49 ''(+11)'' 37 ''(+23)'' || 37 ''(+23)'' 25 ''(+35)'' || 25 ''(+35)'' 13 ''(+47)'' || 13 ''(+47)'' 1 ''(+59)'' || 1 ''(+59)'' N/A || No
|-
|}
'''Notes''':

* The {{PAGENAME}} uses two-piece ammunition, composed of projectiles (yellow) and propellant bags (orange). Both have separate racks.
* As they are modeled by sets of 2, projectiles and propellant bags disappear from the rack only after you fire both shells in the set.
* To keep the hull empty of ammo, pack 13 ''(+47)'' shells.
* For projectiles:
** Rack 5 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 12 projectiles and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
** This racks is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 5 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4.
** Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-4 into racks 5. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.
* For propellants:
** Rack 4 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 12 propellant charges and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
** This racks is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 4 - 1 - 2 - 3.
** Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-3 into racks 4. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 600 (200) || 577 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 4,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

When driving this vehicle, one will easily notice one thing, this tank's turret is near indestructible, it can resist many shots as long as they aren't aimed to a trap shot or to upper turret, but the hull isn't as indestructible. It may bounce a shot or two, but it's not a really reliable thing, especially with the hull cheeks which any shot with explosive filler will instantly knock you out.

This tank struggles to fully make use of the gun depression thanks to its sheer size, sometimes leaving blind spots within the gun's reach, although, despite that, it can do reasonably well in not extremely uneven terrain thanks to the depression being -10 degrees, and its tracks allow it to climb decently good, the height can also be beneficial for shooting over cover other vehicles wouldn't be able to, sometimes taking enemies by surprise.

With this tank one of the most suitable strategies is to snipe, you have the gun, two options, APCBC with extra penetration or APCBC with explosive filler, both being devastating (105mm shells create a lot of spalling!), find a suitable spot, try to only expose the turret, and watch as your enemies fail to bounce the destructive 105mm and hopelessly shoot at your mantlet, but be aware, there are those who will exploit your weakspot on the turret, or may have high penetration HEATFS or APDS (uptiers are very dangerous for this tank and should play much more defensively) and your reload is considerably large, so staying in cover is the best thing possible when reloading, your reverse thankfully lets you get away from a lot of dangerous situations faster than other tanks.

Despite having imperfect armor and notable weakspots, that doesn't mean it's made of paper, planes won't have an easy time damaging it with small cannons, and a lot of enemies in a downtier won't know where to shoot with such a big target (only 3 weak spots presented, both hull cheeks and turret upper front, with the trap shot being a matter of luck), use that to your advantage should it come to close quarters combat, aim the gun at them, facing your hull towards them, and whatever you do, don't stay still, wiggle your hull left and right to increase chances of ricochet to ensure survival.

It could be said that the M6A2E1's role is similar to that of its younger brother the [[M6A1]], with the exception that the turret is stronger, is slightly slower and, although with less guns, it has a really hard hitting one on the turret, it can take a few lucky hits and punish those who cross its path from long ranges.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful 105 mm gun with access to APCBC, both with and without explosive filler, and APCR shells
* Extremely thick turret, stops shells, only APDS and HEATFS rounds pose a threat
* Has a reverse gearbox, can go same speed backwards as forwards
* Decently spaced crew, HEATFS to the hull will usually mean only losing either driver or radio operator
* Despite the weakspots, front hull armor stands a chance to bounce one or two shots
* .50 cal can make short work of lightly armored targets and planes
* Good gun depression allows for hull down tactics
* Imposing figure, most enemies won't know where to shoot when presented with such figure

'''Cons:'''

* Frontal hull armour is extremely weak in some spots which even low tier tank destroyers can go through
* Hull cheeks are a weakspot and prevent effective angling
* Upper turret front is a weakspot
* Poor top speed of 31/29 km/h (AB/RB)
* Mediocre acceleration
* Huge target, stands out from most tanks
* Big reload time
* Trap shot on the turret that can easily OHKO the entire crew

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_m6a2e1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150">
Image:M6A2E1 BPIII Wallpaper (3840x2160).jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|EY-xuYT0xi8|'''Battle Pass: Strength Athletics''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 03:19 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==


* [[M6A1]] - Heavy tank that was the basis of the {{PAGENAME}}.

== External links ==

''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{USA heavy tanks}}
{{USA premium ground vehicles}}

M36 GMC

2021-05-05T14:30:24Z

U109310820: The M36 is an upgraded M10, the M18 isn't really a predecessor, but a different vehicle

{{About
| about = American tank destroyer '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage = other uses
|link = M36 Jackson (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=us_m36
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (or the '''M36''', nicknamed the ''Jackson'') is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory"]]. The M36 is a nice upgrade to the [[M10 GMC]], owning a more powerful gun in the form of the [[M3 (90 mm)|90 mm M3]]. If used correctly, this vehicle can be both a great threat to the enemy, and a very fun experience to its user.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}

'''Armour type:'''

*Rolled homogeneous armour
*Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet, Transmission area)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 38.1 mm (56°) ''Front glacis'' 50.8-107.8 (9-63°) ''Transmission housing'' || 19.05 mm (37°) ''Top'' 25.4 mm ''Bottom'' || 19.05 mm (42°) ''Top'' 19.05 (1-45°) ''Bottom'' || 19.5 mm ''Front roof'' 9.5 mm ''Engine deck''
|-
| Turret || 31.75 mm (2-53°) ''Turret front'' 76.2 mm (°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 31.75 mm (0-21°) || 25.4 mm (2-23°) || N/A
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Tracks are 30 mm thick, bogies are 10 mm thick while the wheels are 20 mm thick.
* Small slivers of 5 mm armour hang off the top side hull armour, giving minuscule protections at those areas.
* Track blocks on the side hull armour allows an extra 30 mm of armour at their locations.

Being lightly armoured, the {{PAGENAME}} is very vulnerable to nearby ammorack detonations and bomb blasts.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 710|rbMinHp= 442}}

Based on the chassis of the M10 GMC, the {{PAGENAME}} has the same all-round mobility: the tank accelerates quickly and is able to reach a maximum speed of 45 km/h in a dozen of seconds. The brakes are powerful and make the {{PAGENAME}} skid rather than slow down when travelling at maximum speed. The violent braking also causes the hull to wobble, making your targeting less accurate. The reverse speed is however poor: it won't get you out of a dangerous situation quickly enough.
Turning doesn't make you lose much speed as your acceleration is fast. While there is no neutral steering, turning on the spot is still easily done as it is a light vehicle: build a little speed before turning to turn even faster.
The offroad mobility is good: the {{PAGENAME}} reaches 20 km/h when fording, 18 km/h when driving uphill with some speed built-up but a mere 10 km/h uphill from a stop start. The tracks are large and grant you a decent mobility on hard (solid ground, roads) and soft terrain (mud, snow, sand). Light and medium obstacles (fences, posts, bushes and small trees) are not a problem but large obstacles will reduce your mobility: avoid them. In short, the {{PAGENAME}} is agile enough to perform its combat role on all types of terrain.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

The following modifications should be taken with priority:

# M82 shot (APCBC). This will greatly improve the firepower.
# Parts. So the vehicle can repair.
# FPE, to put out fires in the event the M36 isn't done in by pyrotechnics.
# Adjustment of fire, to improve gun accuracy.
# Elevation Mechanism, to improve gun accuracy.
# Personal discretion from here. M304 shot (APCR), Engine, Horizontal Drive are all good next choices. The engine is probably the best bet if taking into RB, but less important in AB.

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|M3 (90 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M3 (90 mm)|90 mm M3]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 47 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 21.1 || 29.25 || 35.52 || 39.28 || 41.79 || rowspan="2" | 9.7 || rowspan="2" | 8.63 || rowspan="2" | 7.95 || rowspan="2" | 7.5
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 14.28 || 16.80 || 20.4 || 22.60 || 24.00
|-
|}
The 90 mm M3 is the same gun available for the Super Hellcat, the T25 or the M26 and stays reliably accurate until 800 m distance. Beyond 1,000 m the loss of accuracy becomes a real handicap. The high muzzle velocity of your shells grants you pretty flat firing trajectories and thus helps fire at moving targets from a distance. In that regard, using the "sight distance control" feature can increase your chances of successfully hitting enemy tanks.

The rotation speed of the gun is better than average compared to other tanks at the same rank or battle rating. Which makes tracking a target from a distance an easy task to perform as your targeting process is fast. Elevation and depression angles of the gun are important, allowing you to fire from unusual positions (behind a ridge, from uphill, etc.). Your reload time is similar to vehicles at the same BR, if not a little longer than average. Your recoil is important but not powerful enough to throw your gun off target after firing. Lacking a stabilizer, the tank can't reliably fire on the move.

==== Ammunition ====
The available ammunition allows for engaging all types of targets:

* '''M77''': AP; a solid shot with an average penetration power and no explosive filler.
* '''M82''': APCBC; a capped armour-piercing shell with a ballistic cap that has a better but still average penetration power and an explosive filler. It will destroy any armoured target it penetrates.
* '''M304''': APCR; a composite round with a very high penetration power but no explosive filler and will only penetrate flat vertical surfaces.
* '''M71''': HE; useful for destroying open and lightly armoured vehicles.
* '''M313''': Smoke; useful to blind enemy vehicles that are too remote for you to disable so that you can progress towards objectives.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| M77 shot || AP || 162 || 160 || 148 || 135 || 123 || 113
|-
| M82 shot || APCBC || 173 || 170 || 159 || 145 || 133 || 121
|-
| M304 shot || APCR || 287 || 281 || 259 || 234 || 211 || 191
|-
| M71 shell || HE || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| M77 shot || AP || 822 || 10.61 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
| M82 shot || APCBC || 813 || 10.94 || 1.2 || 14 || 137.2 || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| M304 shot || APCR || 1,021 || 7.62 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
|-
| M71 shell || HE || 823 || 10.55 || 0 || 0.1 || 925 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
|-
! Ammunition
! Velocity (m/s)
! Projectile Mass (kg)
! Screen radius (m)
! Screen deploy time (s)
! Screen hold time (s)
! Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
|-
| M313 || 821 || 10.7 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''47''' || 39 ''(+8)'' || 30 ''(+17)'' || 21 ''(+26)'' || 12 ''(+35)'' || 7 ''(+40)'' || 1 ''(+46)'' || No
|-
|}

Notes:

* Recommended load is 21 ''(+26)'' to remove most ammo from the hull.
* Racks 5 and 6 are ready racks and take priority in being filled as well as depleted.
* Full reload speed will be realized as long as ammo exists in either ready racks. If both ready racks are empty, a penalty to reload speed will occur.
* Simply not firing when the main gun is loaded will load ammo from racks 1 to 4 into 5 then 6, as long as there is ammo present in racks 1 to 4. Firing the main gun will interrupt the loading of the ready racks.

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 1,000 (200) || 576 || -10°/+70° || ±60°
|-
|}
The turret-mounted heavy machine gun has great depression & elevation, posing a big threat to any plane that is flying too close to the {{PAGENAME}}. It can also easily penetrate lightly armoured vehicles and even the sides of some medium tanks.

== Usage in battles ==

Play style with the M36 should be about the same as the [[M10 GMC|M10]]. The speed is slightly better and armour is still just as thin, but it has an improved turret traverse rate and a 90 mm gun, making it able to engage targets much easier. The play style is also similar to the M18, since they have the same concept - speed and maneuverability with a powerful armament.

The greatest advantages of the M36 are its speed and its armament. As such, the best course of action is to make use of the speed to get to good early game positions on the map. The 90 mm gun is powerful at its BR, and it can penetrate many tanks at its BR from the front. But, this is not the case for more heavily armored targets such as those in the IS series or the Panther series, but it can reliably kill every tank at its BR from the side in 1 to 2 shots because of the high explosive filler in the APCBC round. In addition, most enemy tanks can reliably penetrate you from the front, as the M36 does not have thick armor. Your armor can only protect you when a shell hits it at an extreme angle, or against low penetration weapons, such as those one some anti-aircraft vehicles. All of these factors mean that the M36 should never engage enemy tanks from the front, unless they are preoccupied with a friendly vehicle or not looking in your direction, but the M36 should engage enemies from the side. As such, the M36's mobility should be used to get to positions that the enemy would not expect where it will be able to shoot the enemy in the side before they even realize you are there. The M36 can also use its mobility to flank effectively. If an enemy knows your location and has an operational gun, you should not push out into their line of fire, as they are likely to come of better than you. If an enemy is likely to be able to shoot you, do not chance it, as only one shot will often knock out or disable the M36. The rounds you should carry are a mix of M82 APCBC and M304 APCR rounds - which one is in the first slot is up to the driver. The APCBC round is sufficient against the side armor of virtually every target you will face, and can penetrate many enemies from the front. The APCR round is effective against the frontal armor of many enemy tanks. The advantage of the APCBC round is the high explosive filler, which can kill most of the crew in one shot if it penetrates. The APCR round is advantageous against more heavily armored targets, but it has less post penetration damage, and when firing APCR you will need to aim for crew members.

One thing to note: if there is an enemy plane in the vicinity, getting to cover is a priority as the turret is open topped, and a plane can kill all three turret crew in one pass with only low-caliber machine guns.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Easily achieves its top speed of 42 km/h regardless of the terrain, allowing it to get to most positions in good time
* Excellent firepower with a maximum penetration of 173 mm and 137 g TNT; easily pens and one-shots most opponents like the [[Tiger H1]], [[Panzer IV/70(A)|Pz.IV/70]] and [[T-34-85]], combined with its x5 scope magnification it is a deadly sniper
* APCR with 260+ mm penetration poses a big threat to heavy vehicles like the [[T-44]], [[Ferdinand]], [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II]] and [[Ho-Ri Production|Ho-Ri]]
* 10° gun depression provides great terrain adaptation.
* Around 16°/sec of turret rotation is adequate to respond to surprise attacks, especially when there are [[M18 (Italy)|M18]]<nowiki/>s around.
* Powerful roof mounted M2 MG can deal with light vehicles (eg. [[M18 (Italy)|M18]], [[FIAT 6614]], [[GAZ-MM (72-K)|GAZ]] trucks) and incoming planes

'''Cons:'''

* Only 5 km/h of reverse speed can get the player killed sometimes
* Weak armour overall, can die from artillery strikes or small bombs
* Open topped, vulnerable to aircraft attacks (eg. [[Hs 129 B-3]])
* Quite big and tall for a tank destroyer- harder to hide

== History ==

===Development===
United State's anti-tank doctrine called for the formation of a tank destroyer force filled with vehicles that are fast and have powerful guns. One of the vehicles designed for this job was the [[M10 GMC|M10 GMC]] carrying the [[M7 (76 mm)|3-inch M7 gun]]. While adequate at the time of its introduction, later in the war it was encountering more heavily armoured German vehicles that could withstand its calibre. Some M10 were up-gunned to the [[M1 (76 mm)|76 mm gun]], but even that was determined to not be enough. The army needed a tank-killing cannon to be placed on its most numerous tank destroyer vehicle to deal with any armoured threat that could possibly come.

The 90mm gun started as the anti-aircraft M1 and M1A1 gun. It wasn't until the M2 model that it earned a dual-purpose role of anti-aircraft and anti-tank in May 1943. Finally, it was decided to mount the mighty gun onto a vehicle, starting with the M10 GMC. The tank mountable variant was called the [[M3 (90 mm)|90 mm M3]] and was tested on the M10 tank destroyer in early 1943. After installing a modified turret onto the M10 body, the vehicle was designated the ''T71 GMC'', it was approved for service and renamed as the '''M36 GMC'''. The nickname ''Jackson'' for the M36 was given in September 1944 by Ordnance Department, however, this nickname never saw use during war documents. The nickname only became well-known to the public in the 1970s, and soon became synonymous to the vehicle. Like its predecessor, it features an open-top turret and exposes the crew to the elements and enemy fire. However, a postwar modification allows a folding armoured roof to protect the crew from rain and shrapnel.

===Combat usage===
The M36 GMC arrived at Europe in September 1944. Though 1,400 were produced during the course of the war, the demand for self-propelled 90 mm guns was so high that 187 [[M4]] were converted with the 90 mm and sent as the ''M36B1''. The 90mm was met with much approval by not only the crew, but other units around the area as the 90 mm could deal with the thick German armour on the Panthers and Tigers. The M36 GMCs were deployed in the Battle of the Bulge along with its other tank destroyer types, where it took out many German tanks with ease due to its high-power cannon and ability to ambush the tanks by the flanks. Humorously, there was an account sometime in March 1945 where a unit of the 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion radioed into their logistic support asking why their newly supplied 90 mm shells were more than a foot too long for their gun chambers. A few forwarding later got the message to a Captain Elmer Gray, who happened to be looking for the misplaced rounds for the new [[T26E1-1|"Super Pershing"]] doing combat tests.<ref name="PershingHunnicutt">Hunnicutt, R.P. ''Pershing: A History of the Medium Tank T20 Series'' U.S.A.: Feist Publications, 1971</ref>

At the end of World War II, The M36 GMC's role in the tank destroyer doctrine became obsolete. Mainly due to increasing prevalence of well-armoured tanks that could do its job more efficiently such as the [[M26|M26 Pershings]] (which also had the 90mm gun), but also the lack of German AFVs at the time of the war and a study on ammo usage indicates that the tank destroyers spent more time supporting infantry with high-explosive shells than killing tanks with armour-piercing, rendering the anti-tank section an unnecessary component in the modernizing armoured forces.

The M36 then served in the Korean War, able to destroy all the Soviet tank designs used by the North Koreans and the Chinese. An addition of a ball-mounted machine gun on the assistant driver's side was done as well. The M36 served well with the South Koreans until American M26 Pershings and [[M46|M46 Pattons]] could be built up as reinforcements. Aside from that, the M36 was exported to many countries and are still in use by some today. Some of the notable post-World War II conflicts the M36 GMCs served in was the First Indochina War, Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, and the Croatian War of Independence of 1991, which proved that the M36 GMCs were still useful to countries half a century after they were introduced.

=== In-game description ===
The SPG is a 90mm M3 cannon installed in an open-topped, rotating turret on the body of the M10 SPG. It was developed as an enhanced carrier for 90mm guns for fighting German heavy tanks, which current American tank models were unable to do successfully.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=tank_destroyer&vehicle=us_m36 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<div><ul>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:M36 in battle.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
</ul></div>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|xpXomGvD-pc|'''The Slugger: {{PAGENAME}}''' - ''Virus''|QEQRcuUwrs4|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''}}

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

* [[M36 Jackson (Family)]], except the M36B1
* [[M10 (Family)]]

;Vehicles equipped with the same gun

* [[M26 (Family)]], except the experimental variants (E)
* [[T25]]
* [[Super Hellcat]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/devblog/current/772/|[Devblog] Attacker FB.1 and M10 & M36 Slugger]]
* [[wikipedia:M36_tank_destroyer|[Wikipedia] M36 tank destroyer]]
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/US/M36_Jackson.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> 90mm GMC M36 Jackson]
* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=251 <nowiki>[Military Factory]</nowiki> M36 Gun Motor Carriage (Jackson / Slugger)]

===References===
<references />

{{USA tank destroyers}}

M18 GMC

2021-04-16T17:54:23Z

U109310820: Replaced the hullbreak con (which no longer exists) with over pressurization con

{{About
| about = American tank destroyer '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = M18 Hellcat (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=us_m18_hellcat
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''', also known as the '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''', is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory"]]. The M18 "Hellcat" was the epitome of the American tank destroyer doctrine, it was very fast, very mobile, and has a powerful gun, though with a large trade-off with only 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) of armour.

The M18 "Hellcat" compensates the lack of anti-tank capability on U.S vehicles by having access to a 76 mm gun with APCR ammunition, all in the battle rating of 5.7. This makes the M18 able to fight off many of the high-ranking vehicles it could face like the [[Panther D|Panther D]], [[Tiger H1|Tiger H1]], [[KV-1_(ZiS-5)|KV-1]], [[KV-85]], and [[IS-1]].

Unlike the other tank destroyers known in the game, the M18 "Hellcat" has access to a 360° traversable turret, allowing players to have a greater arc of fire than a typical casemate tank destroyer like the [[StuG III G|StuG III]], but at the expense of a slightly higher profile. Americans tank destroyers also have very high manoeuvrability compared to other nation's tank destroyers, allowing it to flank the enemy.

The main weak point of M18 is its very thin armour, a feature that actually allows the M18 to reach its high speed. The thin armour makes it possible for any enemy tanks to penetrate the vehicle. A single hit would destroy many critical components in the M18 or cripple the crew. The only saving grace with this extremely thin ammunition is that standard AP rounds may over-penetrate the armour, doing minimal damage to the internals. Thus, when facing the M18, it's best to use AP rounds with explosive fillers or HE and HEAT rounds while avoiding usage of pure AP rounds and APCR.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour
* Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 12.7 mm (39-64°) ''Front glacis'' 12.7 mm (23-52°) ''Lower glacis'' || 12.7 mm (23-26°) ''Top'' 12.7 mm ''Bottom'' || 12.7 mm (12°) ''Top'' 12.7 mm (36°) ''Bottom'' || 8 mm
|-
| Turret || 25.4 mm (15-26°) ''Turret front'' 19 mm + 25.4 mm (0-55°) ''Gun mantlet''|| 12.7 mm (1-21°) || 12.7 mm (7°) || N/A ''Open-top'' 8 mm ''Bustle and Front''
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick.
* Belly armour is 5 mm thick.
* The hull underside right above the tracks are only 8 mm thick.
* Tracks are attached the turret rear, granting some 15 mm in thickness.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=568|rbMinHp=354}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

As with every ground vehicle, Parts and FPE are an absolute top priority. Following that, depending on player preferences, one of 3 should be researched: Horizontal Drive (close-range, flanking), Suspension (medium-range) or Adjustment of Fire (long-range of a typical engagements). Following this the goal is to get rank IV mobility improvements in order Filters -> Engine -> Transmission. On rank III, along the way, the Crew Replenishment should be prioritized, as its an open-top vehicle, so it will suffer significant causalities from enemy airplanes. If your preferred engagement range is above 700m then the Elevation Mechanism should be researched. Otherwise: Mobility upgrades are the most important, shells are the lowest priority, as even the situational advantage of the M93 shot is not worth researching over improved mobility, or even accuracy.

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|M1 (76 mm)}}

76 mm M1 is an extremely capable gun with a high damage potential and a very good gun handling. It can be found on tanks used up to battle rating 6.0, making it one of the most widely used guns throughout the battle ratings and with M18 being the first tanks to use it - it gives it a very high staying power throughout battle ratings. Once upgraded, the turret has very fair guidance in both: horizontal and vertical axis allowing to quickly catch pot-shots, though given exceptional mobility of the platform even it struggles to catch up with the near-instant hull rotation.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M1 (76 mm)|76 mm M1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 45 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 21.13 || 29.25 || 35.52 || 39.28 || 41.79 || rowspan="2" | 7.93 || rowspan="2" | 7.02 || rowspan="2" | 6.47 || rowspan="2" | 6.10
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 14.28 || 16.80 || 20.40 || 22.56 || 24.00
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
M18 comes with an exceptionally good stock shell, allowing it to unleash its full potential pretty much right off the bat. Additional unlocks are more specialized.

* M62 shell - {{Annotation|APCBC|Armour-Piercing Capped Ballistic Capped}} - The best anti-tank shell, also the stock round. It has very good penetration and an excellent post-penetration effect.
* M42A1 shell - {{Annotation|HE|High-Explosive fragmentation shell}} - The best round for dealing with unarmored targets or unarmored sections of vehicles. It should be used carefully, as everything over 10 mm armour can negate its effects. Typically M62 is superior.
* M79 shot - {{Annotation|AP|Armour-Piercing}} - Round inferior in every way to the M62, it's in-game largely for historical reasons.
* M93 shot - {{Annotation|APCR|Armour-Piercing Composite Rigid shell}} - Round trades a significantly lower post-penetration effect for a 20% increase in penetration and flatter flight path.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| M62 shell || APCBC || 149 || 146 || 133 || 119 || 106 || 95
|-
| M42A1 shell || HE || 7 || 7 || 7 || 7 || 7 || 7
|-
| M79 shot || AP || 134 || 132 || 121 || 109 || 99 || 89
|-
| M93 shot || APCR || 190 || 186 || 167 || 146 || 128 || 112
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| M62 shell || APCBC || 792 || 7 || 1.2 || 14 || 63.7 || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| M42A1 shell || HE || 800 || 5.84 || 0 || 0.1 || 390 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| M79 shot || AP || 792 || 6.8 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
| M93 shot || APCR || 1,036 || 4.22 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
|-
! Ammunition
! Velocity (m/s)
! Projectile Mass (kg)
! Screen radius (m)
! Screen deploy time (s)
! Screen hold time (s)
! Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
|-
| M88 || 274 || 3.44 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''45''' || 37 ''(+8)'' || 27 ''(+18)'' || 17 ''(+28)'' || 9 ''(+36)'' || 1 ''(+44)'' || No
|-
|}

Turret empty: 37 ''(+8)''

When fighting in downtiers it's best to take only 17 shells, which allows the turret and sides of the tank to be empty of shells, notably increasing survivability. Otherwise, it doesn't matter how many rounds are loaded, as most hits against the tank will prove deadly regardless.

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 800 (200) || 576 || -10°/+70° || ±60°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

Before all, avoid colourful or bright decals. Camouflage is the main part of the M18's defence. Chances for good performance in battle are: be "invisible", fast and effective.

The M18's speed is its best ally. This speed has to be used for flanking manoeuvres and relocate. Not for trying to cross an open field, that will leave it open to enemy fire, speed is not a substitute for armour.

'''Relocate:'''

* This movement will have to be done again and again. Choose a good spot wisely, remove the foliage if necessary to get a clear field of fire. When in the fire spot, use the gun depression and stay in a hull-down position until a target is located. Once a target is locked on, aim at critical components. Try to immobilize the enemy by firing at the engine or transmission, or remove their firepower by shooting the gun or breech, or for instant destruction with a shot to the ammo storage. The last option can work very well or not, as skilled players only carry a few rounds of ammo.

* If positive that the enemy hasn't discovered the firing spot, go for another shot. Stay attentive that none of the enemy's teammates has also located the firing spot. If detected, hide immediately and relocate.

'''Flanking:'''

* Flanking is the most dangerous manoeuvre of all because the vehicle will have to be exposed as it moves to the enemy's rear, but it is very effective when it's coordinated with other vehicles. A distraction is needed to gain the enemy's attention while the M18 makes its move. Isolated enemy units are very vulnerable to this tactic. Using the M18 speed to get to the rear and as the enemy heads toward the objective, the firing perspective should give a very clear view of the enemy's side armour. A good shot with the M62 APCBC shell could knock out the enemy rather quickly, but if using solid AP shots like the M79, aim at critical components on mobility and firepower before knocking out the crew or ammo stowage.

'''Avoid flat terrain'''

* Flat terrain means that the Hellcat will become an easy target for virtually any vehicle by exposure, especially when not moving or when moving in a straight line. Open plains are the bane of the Hellcat. Whenever possible, one should try to stay amongst hills.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Overall mobility is superb, with very responsive manoeuvring that allows the Hellcat to excel in flanking manoeuvres
* Fast reload speed and turret traverse
* Stock APCBC round has great penetration and lots of explosive fillers, rarely requiring more than one penetrating shot to kill common tanks like M4, Cromwell, [[Tiger H1]] or [[Panzer V Panther (Family)|Panther]]
* Low profile, reducing target size and allows it to hide behind small bushes or rocks easily
* The nature of its thin armour means AP rounds have a tendency to pass straight through without damaging modules, and an APHE fuze may not even be triggered. For example the Russian 122mm will over-penetrate, dealing little damage
* Is one of, if not the best, vehicle at climbing hills, particularly at steep angles

'''Cons:'''

* Thin armour means rapid-fire autocannons, heavy machine guns, and aerial weapons could easily shred it. Beware of the [[R3 T20 FA-HS]], [[IL-2 (Family)|IL-2]] and [[ZSD63]]!
* Commander is exposed at the 0.50 calibre machine gun mount, and knocking him out would render the weapon useless
* Open-top construction means aerial strikes and artillery could rain havoc onto the crew
* Gun has poor penetration in an uptier, often can't penetrate anything frontally unless hitting a weak spot. The [[Ho-Ri Production|Ho-Ri]], [[Tiger II (H)]] and [[M26 (Family)|M26]] are frontally immune to this 76mm M1.
* A moment of immobility due to a damaged engine or transmission could be a sign of impending doom for the M18
* HEAT or HE shells can cause the vehicle to be over pressurized and destroy the vehicle instantly, even if it wasn't aimed at a critical spot.

== History ==


===US Tank Destroyer Doctrine===
The self-propelled anti-tank doctrine established by the US military called for fast, powerful vehicles able to stop the German blitzkrieg tactics by ambushing the attacking tank forces. This doctrine, known as the "Tank Destroyer Doctrine", called for anti-tank forces to be held in reserve to blunt the massed Panzer attacks that many in the War Department believed was the key to German victory in France in 1940. The concentration of antitank weaponry away from the frontline was eventually determined to be an unnecessary weakness, and the solution was to keep a few anti-tank guns in the front-line as the first defence, while a large reserve of mobile tank destroyers would move in at the location where a German tank breakthrough is happening to ambush and destroy the enemy forces. This role led to the desire for a fast vehicle with a powerful gun and mobility. Minimal emphasis was placed on armour, as the doctrinal role of tank destroyers was to respond rapidly to an enemy armoured breakthrough; heavy armour would only hinder a timely response. The development of a purpose-built tank destroyer languished in bureaucratic limbo for the early years of the war (a delay caused by poor designs such as the M5 Cletrac and bureaucratic infighting between the various departmental cliques), and consequently, the majority of self-propelled tank destroyers were expedients derived from the M4 Sherman chassis. The most common tank destroyer was the [[M10 GMC|M10 GMC]], made from the [[M4A2|M4 Sherman]] hull and armed with a 3-inch M1918 gun. Although perfectly capable and welcome addition for frontline forces, it was no faster than an ordinary Sherman tank. The tank destroyers would in 1944 finally receive their purpose-built self-propelled tank destroyer in 1944: the M18 Hellcat.<ref name="ZalogaM18" />

===Development===
The origin of the M18 design came as early as December 1941 with the requirement of a Christie suspension and a 37 mm gun. This requirement called for a radical new tank design rather than a derivative of the [[M4|M4 Sherman]]. These requirements changed as the war progressed, the first change was to the new and innovative Torsion bar suspension from Buick Motor Division from General Motors and another change was to mount the British [[Ordnance_QF_6-pounder_Mk.III_(57_mm)|QF 6-pounder gun]] then in use on their [[Churchill_Mk_III|Churchill Mark III]] tanks, the developed prototype vehicle was called the ''T49 GMC''. Then the US Army wanted the heavier [[M3_(75_mm)|75 mm gun]] used on the Shermans on it, this prototype was designated the ''T67 GMC''. Finally, the army decided to mount the [[M1_(76_mm)|76 mm gun]] also in development for the Sherman onto the prototype, now known as ''T70 GMC''. Changes to hull shape and turret took place to accommodate all these new requirements and armament, but it eventually was approved for service and finally renamed as the '''M18 GMC''' and started production in mid-1943, which went on until ending in October 1944 with 2,507 units produced. A variant called the ''M39 Armored Utility Vehicle'' was also produced, its turret was removed for space for cargo, 8 personnel, or to tow guns.

===Combat usage===
These vehicles saw combat debut in the summer of 1944, where they are given the unofficial nickname '''"Hellcat"''' by the crews using them. Unlike the [[M10 GMC|M10 tank destroyer]] that was built before it, the M18 GMC was purely made for emphasis on speed. Armour was restricted down to a maximum of 1-inch (25 mm) on the turret front while the rest of the body plating is a measly .50-inches thick (12.7 mm). The turret was also an open-top design similar to the M10 tank destroyer, meaning the crew are left exposed to the elements and enemy fire and shrapnel. These faults were mitigated by the fact that as its role as a tank destroyer, it was to have minimum contact with infantry and ambush enemy tanks in concealed position rather than face them in an offensive operation. Nevertheless, the M18 GMC was well-liked by the crew for its 76 mm cannon, which allows it to destroy the newer German [[Tiger H1|Tiger Is]] and [[Panther D|Panthers]] tanks from the front with HVAP ammo (though the Panther at close range only) when unable to flank around to the side or rear of these tanks. The speed was also astounding, reaching 55 miles per hour maximum, this makes the M18 GMC the fastest armoured fighting vehicle in World War II.

While use in the Pacific theatre was limited due to the inadequate armour of Japanese tanks, it saw most of its service in the European theatre against Nazi Germany. Due to the lack in armour and emphasis on speed, the M18 crews utilize the "shoot and scoot" tactic in attacking the enemy from one position and quickly move to another before the enemy could find their initial firing position, this tactic confuses the German tanks, and could even lead them to believe there is more armoured enemy than what it appears. The M18 GMCs were present during the Battle of Arracourt in France as the 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion. Lt. Edwin Leiper led an M18 platoon of C Company and in the battle knocked a total of 15 German tanks for the loss of three M18; six of these German tank kills, most of which were Panthers, were credited to one M18 led by Sgt Henry R. Hartman. The M18 also played a crucial part in the Battle of the Bulge, where its top speed of 55 mph was finally put to good use in bypassing the enemy forces. Four M18 tank destroyers of the 705th Tank Destroyer Battalion assisted the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment in attacking the 2nd Panzer Divison and their support to kill the fuel lines to the German tanks. The overall attack had the M18 GMC credited with at least 24 tank kills of the 30 total inflicted in the attack.

===Legacy===
Overall, the M18 GMC proved itself by having the highest kill-to-loss ratio to any other tanks and tank destroyer in American service, making it the most effective tank destroyer in American service. However, like its other tank destroyer brethren, it soon found itself obsolete along with the entire tank destroyer doctrine. Mainly due to increasing prevalence of well-armoured tanks that could do its job more efficiently such as the [[M26|M26 Pershing]], but also the lack of German AFVs at the time of the war and a study on ammo usage indicates that the tank destroyers spent more time supporting infantry with high-explosive shells than killing tanks with armour-piercing, rendering the anti-tank section an unnecessary component in the modernizing armoured forces.

Today, some countries in the world such as Yugoslavia still have the M18 Hellcats in reserves.

=== In-game description ===
A self-propelled artillery/tank destroyer mount based on the M24 tank. It was part of the American arsenal during World War II. It was produced from the middle of 1943 to October, 1944 and was used in combat operations in Italy and northern Europe. Its primary gun was the M1 76mm cannon, as was the case with late-model Sherman tanks. This tank destroyer featured very light armor, but the M18 was nevertheless the fastest armored vehicle in World War II.

The Hellcat was the most effective anti-tank SPG in the American army despite its extreme vulnerability and the fact that its 76mm cannon was unable to penetrate the armor of late German tanks. The vehicle stood out for its speed and maneuverability. Able to accelerate and change direction quickly, the Hellcat could easily outflank German tanks or even get behind them, whereas the rotation speed of the German tanks was not fast enough to attack the M18 and the M1 cannon could penetrate the enemy's weak points with relative ease.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23m18 Skins and camouflages for the M18 Hellcat series from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|MMbI22Uya8A|A M18 Hellcat at the Big Sandy Shootout in 2011}}

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [https://warthunder.com/en/devblog/current/760/ [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> M18 and M18 'Black Cat']
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/3448/current/ [Vehicle Profile<nowiki>]</nowiki> As fast as deadly: The M18 Hellcat]
* [http://warthunder.com/en/news/3772-profile-m18-gun-motor-carriage-hellcat-en/ [Profile<nowiki>]</nowiki> M18 Gun Motor Carriage – Hellcat]

=== References ===
<references>
<ref name="ZalogaM18">Zaloga Steven. ''M18 Hellcat Tank Destroyer 1943-97'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2004</ref>
</references>

{{TankManufacturer Buick}}
{{USA tank destroyers}}