War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

La-5FN

2020-04-10T17:57:57Z

U11947026: /* Usage in battles */ "universally feared" is unsubstantiated and exaggerated

{{Specs-Card|code=la-5fn}}
{{About
| about = Russian fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| other
| usage-1 = the German captured version
| link-1 = La-5FN (Germany)
| usage-2 = other uses
| link-2 = La-5 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Russian fighter {{Battle-rating}}. This aircraft has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

Being the last La-5 modification available, one can expect a similar playstyle to the previous variants, however, turn it up several notches to 11. Sporting accurate twin 20 mm cannons and amazing low altitude performance, the La-5FN is a plane with heart that can provide some blood pumping engagements.

== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,100 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
| 595 || 576 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.0 || 20.8 || 17.6 || 17.6 || 341
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,100 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
| 646 || 620 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.1 || 19.2 || 27.2 || 21.7 || 341
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps
! Take-off flaps
! Landing flaps
! Air brakes
! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! +
! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 470 || ~12 || ~12
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 380 || < 380 || < 380 || > 341
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 1,550 m || 1,630 hp || 1,920 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 4,550 m || 1,430 hp || N/A
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 75 mm bulletproof glass in the rear windshield
* 55 mm bulletproof glass in the front windshield
* 10 mm steel plate behind the pilot seat

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|ShVAK (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 2 x 20 mm ShVAK cannons, nose-mounted (170 rpg = 340 total)

The ShVAK cannons are quite effective at this battle rating consisting of adequate damage output, a high rate of fire, and decent ammunition belts. However, they are crippled by mediocre damage per shot and by having close to the worst HEI round in the game, so one should focus on the critical components of a plane such as an engine and pilot. The cannons themselves are accurate, even in stock configuration and have the fastest rate of fire of any of its contemporaries (Hispano Mk.II's/404's, MG 151's, Ho-5's, Type 98/99's).

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|FAB-50 (50 kg)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 2 x 50 kg FAB-50 bombs (100 kg total)

== Usage in battles ==


The La-5FN is the last of the La-5 modifications available before moving on to the improved La-7 and is one of the best planes at its BR. Designed to be contemporary to the German [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109]], it maintains excellent energy retention, adequate speed, brutal acceleration, and an amazing turn rate makes this a monster at its rank. If you made it this far in the Russian tech tree, you should understand that all but 4 Russian prop fighters are horrible above 4,000 metres, where their engines that are tuned for low-altitude will asphyxiate above that altitude, so avoid high altitude fights at all costs.

A purebred energy fighter through and through, one should employ energy fighting tactics such as stall fighting, vertical scissors and others. However, due to its fantastic turn rate, you can outturn most German, American, Italian and French fighters. Never engage in a turn fight with the British [[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfires]] or most Japanese fighters, as they can turn on a dime and have a relatively powerful armament.

Some enemies to be considered:

* '''[[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfires]]''': The legendary British fighter is the king of low altitude fighting. It can turn on a dime, has a decent top-end speed, but has a mediocre roll rate that only gets worse at higher speeds. Avoid them at all costs unless they are unaware of your presence. In which case, dive on it and aim for the pilot and wings, as your cannons will rip through them.
* '''[[C.205 serie 3]]'s and [[G.55 (Family)|G.55]]'s:''' These Italian menaces are heavily armed dogfighters that are effectively Bf 109's with more weapons. Their speed is almost unparalleled at this rank and excels at most fighting scenarios. If one forces a fight on you, attempt to turn fight, as when combined with combat flaps and the effective rudder, you outturn them by a decent margin.

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil
! Water
! Type
|-
| Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Controllable 2 gears || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="1" | Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! colspan="1" | Survivability
! colspan="1" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
| Armored glass
| DZ-40
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
|
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
| Rear armor plate
| Offensive 20 mm
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
| New 20 mm cannons
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent low altitude performance
* Fantastic energy retention
* Competitive turn rate
* Adequate speed
* Cannons are fast-firing and accurate
* Leading-edge wing slats improve turn rate
* Responsive elevator authority
* Amazing acceleration turns brutal with WEP
* Sturdy for a Russian fighter
* Good armour made better with upgrades
* Can mount two underwing bombs for ground pounding

'''Cons:'''

* Engine asphyxiates at high altitudes
* Cannons are mediocre at best, close to the worst HEI round with a nasty habit of sparking
* Having only two cannons can is inadequate against heavier fighters and bombers
* Lower dive speed compared to contemporaries
* The bombs are only 50 kg that needs to be dropped directly on an enemy to secure a destruction
* Rudder locks up above 500 kph IAS, which will sometimes lead to a crash especially in low altitude dives

== History ==

[[File:Ivan-Kozhedub.jpg|thumbnail|right|Soviet ace pilot Ivan Kozhedub standing in front of his [[La-5FN]] fighter. As the Soviet Unions highest ace, Ivan is three times recipient of the ''Hero of the Soviet Union'' award for shooting down 64 aircraft during the Great Patriotic War.]]
In early 1942, Semyon Lavochkin's LaGG-3 fighter was under threat of having its production cancelled, having proved itself to be a flawed fighter, underpowered and overweight. At the same time, Arkady Shvetsov faced a lack of demand for his M-82 radial engine, only successfully used by the Sukhoi Su-2 ground attack aircraft that was also in danger of being cancelled. The two designers met at a conference in Moscow, and Shvetsov agreed to help Lavochkin fit the M-82 engine to the LaGG-3 airframe. Mikhail Gudkov, one of the original designers of the LaGG-3, had already attempted to do the same thing, resulting in the Gu-82 fighter. However, he had delayed too long in getting the fighter into production, and by April 1942, Aleksander Yakovlev had succeeded in getting production of the LaGG-3 cancelled in favour of his Yak-7 fighter, effectively monopolising Soviet fighter production.

Lavochkin's OKB was, in the meantime, transfer to the backwaters of Tbilisi, Georgia and he and his team had to work almost illegally and in harsh conditions to modify the LaGG-3 for the M-82 engine. The radial engine was physically wider than the LaGG-3 fuselage cross-section, requiring skirting to attach the larger engine and to the fuselage, and the M-82 also had no space for an engine-mounted cannon, unlike the Klimov M-105. Thus, the updated armament changed to two 20 mm ShVAK cannon mounted on top of the engine. The new LaGG-3 M-82 (also known as the Samolyot 37 (Aircraft 37) or the Type 37) was completed in February 1942 and underwent test flights, with promising results despite problems with engine cooling. Its performance was better than any Soviet fighter then in service. Other issues revealed in testing consisted of excessive control forces, oil leaks, and excessive weight, but these could not overshadow the LaGG-3 M-82's excellent performance, and its full-scale development began as the LaG-5. The first fully operational LaG-5s was delivered on 20 June 1942.

Series LaG-5s suffered from poor quality, which reduced performance considerably. As was revealed in the test flights, pilots found it to be a more difficult aircraft to fly than the Yak-1 or LaGG-3, but the radial engine enhanced protection during head-on attacks. Redesignated La-5 in September 1942, the new fighter faced its first important test during the battle of Stalingrad. It proved not to be enough to equal the Bf 109 F-4 and G-2 models but was considered capable of further improvement. Continuous improvements to the La-5 would eventually lead to the La-5F, La-5FN, and finally the La-7, among some of the most excellent Soviet fighters of the Great Patriotic War.

=== In-game description ===
"The Lavochkin La-5 was a single-engine monoplane fighter, a single-seater with an enclosed cockpit, wooden frame and a canvas skin. FN in the designation stands for Boosted, Fuel Injection. The new variant entered production and began to reach front-line units in March 1943. The La-5FN, rather than being a successor to the earlier La-5F, was produced concurrently. Its ASh-82FN engine could reach 1,850 HP and remain at takeoff power settings for up to 10 minutes.

In April 1943 a serial La-5FN was flight tested in mock combat against a captured Bf-109G-2. The Soviet aircraft proved superior at low and medium altitudes, the most common on the Eastern Front. The La-5FN was superior both in top speed as well as maneuvering in the vertical. An analysis of these engagements led to significant changes in Soviet tactics. The La-5FN's armament was identical to that of the La-5 and consisted of twin 20mm ShVAK cannon with 200 rounds per gun. The guns were pneumatically or mechanically operated."

=== Notable pilots ===

<div><ul>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Ivan_Kozhedub_2.jpg|thumb|none|200px|link=User:U64962917#Kozhedub,_Ivan_N.|Soviet ace pilot [[User:U64962917#Kozhedub,_Ivan_N.|Ivan Kozhedub]], highest scoring Allied ace of WW II.]] </li>
</ul></div>

== Media ==

https://live.warthunder.com/dl/qsU_hqp600HbuY0J/?s=_mq The skin used in the live action trailer "Victory is Ours!"

== See also ==

All of the previous models in the La-5 line:

* [[La-5]]
* [[La-5F]]
* [[La-5FN (Germany)]]

Next in the Lavochkin line:

* [[La-7]]
* [[La-7B-20]]

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Lavochkin}}
{{USSR fighters}}

Churchill VII

2019-12-22T04:49:24Z

U11947026: The prior sentence was not sourced and highly debatable without further clarification. Sentence was changed to something less exaggerated and contentious

{{Specs-Card|code=uk_a_22f_mk_7_churchill_1944}}
{{About
| about = British heavy tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = Churchill (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_ChurchillMkVII.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (or just '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''') is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} British heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]] along with the rest of the initial British Ground Forces Tree. A lumbering beast made of pure steel, the Churchill Mk.VII is the epitome of a "walking giant" which you do not want to have staring down at you. With 152 mm of armour, it is one of the most heavily protected tanks in Rank III, even if its firepower seems pitiful for such a tank.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour
* Cast homogeneous armour (Machine gun port, Driver's hatch, Turret)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 152 mm (1°) ''Front plate'' 57.15 mm (66-67°) ''Front glacis'' 139 mm (24°) ''Lower glacis'' 102 mm ''Machine gun port'' || 95 mm || 50.8 mm (1°) ''Top'' 25.4 mm (64°) ''Bottom'' || 15.875 mm
|-
| Turret || 152 mm (1-20°) ''Turret front'' 152 mm (1-54°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 95.25 mm || 95.25 mm (0-1°) || 20 mm
|-
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
|-
| Cupola || 152 mm || 20 mm
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick while tracks are 30 mm thick.

'''If you are using vehicle below 4.7 BR do not attempt to fire at the ''Churchill Mk VII'' at the front''' (unless you have a very high penetration shell for your cannon). There is no benefit of attempting to penetrate the Churchill Mk.VII from its front without aiming for thinner sides or weak points, that 152 mm of armour will chew up shells like nothing. The saving grace is that the Churchill has a gun that belongs to Rank II and low top speed, so it is possible to outmanoeuvre it in the terrain. Flank the tank to get a good shot on its weak side armour. Eliminate the turret crew to immobilise their firepower, then move in for the easy points.

Side armour of the hull and turret's sides and flat parts of frontal armour are the most significant weaknesses on the Churchill, as their effective thickness is much lower. It is also technically possible to penetrate the roof if an enemy tank's profile is high enough. The turret is entirely bare, and a hit could disable the entire turret crew, losing half of your total crew. For this reason, Churchill VII needs armour and smoke upgrades as soon as possible.

A hit in the hull is a hit or miss, but it seems that a hit there is also likely to hit your tracks and suspensions, which would mitigate the round if it caught it. The rear of the vehicle is also vulnerable, but if an enemy can come around and smack the Churchill from behind, even with all the allies and smoke screens around, it probably wasn't your day anyway.

As with other Churchill tanks, a single rocket to the engine deck is often fatal for this tank due to the irremovable ammo racks.

It is also worth noting that installing additional track armour makes ammo rack weak spots extremely obvious for people who know about it, although anything below SPG grade cannon will likely fail to penetrate until the track gets destroyed by concentrated fire. However, the tracks are a must-have to bolster frontal hull and side turret armour, so this upgrade should be used regardless for their benefits.

The long leading tracks sometimes glitch out and fail to stop a shell which hits them from the front at flat angle, so it is entirely possible to get oneshotted through them even by [[AMX-13 (FL11)]].

For all these reasons, Churchill VII must '''always''' drive at an angle and slightly turn away it's turret from opponents after shot, and in Arcade mode it must '''always''' smoke up the battlefield, whether their teammates will be mad or not. Angling vehicle makes Churchill VII nearly invulnerable to vehicles below battle rating 5.0, while smoke screens blind opponents and make firing at weak spots and judging attack angle near to impossible, which prolongs tank's life significantly. To reduce amount of teammate's frustration generated by spamming smokes, you'll have to try to land them in such way, that teammates can still see something from the sides, but effectively disabling aim assist and direct sight between you and your enemy.

=== Mobility ===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
|-
! Weight (tons)
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armor weight (tons)
! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
|-
| rowspan="2" | 41.0 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | 0.5 || colspan="1" | 21.6 (AB)
|-
|20.3 (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|452
|556
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|310
|350
|-
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|11.02
|13.56
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|7.56
|8.54
|-
|}

== Armaments ==
=== Main armament ===

{{main|Ordnance QF Mk.V (75 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[Ordnance QF Mk.V (75 mm)|75 mm OQF Mk.V]]
|-
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
|-
| colspan="3" | 84 || -12°/+20° || ±180° || N/A
|-
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
|-
! style="width:4em" |Mode
! style="width:4em" |Stock
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
|-
| ''Arcade'' || 14.30 || 19.80 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
| ''Realistic'' || 14.30 || 16.80 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
|-
| 6.50 || 5.75 || 5.30 || 5.00
|-
|}

===== Ammunition =====
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
|-
! 10m
! 100m
! 500m
! 1000m
! 1500m
! 2000m
|-
| M72 shot || AP || 90 || 88 || 78 || 67 || 57 || 49
|-
| M48 shell || HE || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10
|-
| M61 shot || APCBC || 103 || 100 || 89 || 77 || 66 || 57
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="11" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" |Velocity in m/s
! rowspan="2" |Projectile Mass in kg
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
''in m:''
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
''in mm:''
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g (TNT equivalent):''
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° from horizontal:''
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
|-
! 0%
! 50%
! 100%
|-
| M72 shot || AP || 619 || 6.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1° || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
| M48 shell || HE || 463 || 6.3 || 0.4 || 0.5 || 666 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| M61 shot || APCBC || 618 || 6.53 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
|}

===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
[[File:Ammoracks_ChurchillMkVII.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo rack]] of the Churchill Mk VII.]]
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full ammo
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual discrepancy
|-
|| '''84''' || 68 ''(+16)'' || 51 ''(+33)'' || 34 ''(+50)'' || 17 ''(+67)'' || 1 ''(+83)'' || style="text-align:center" | Yes
|-
|}

Turret empty: 68 ''(+16)''

===== Optics =====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
|-
! Which ones
! Default magnification
! Maximum magnification
|-
! Main Gun optics
| x3 || x6 
|-
! Comparable optics
| colspan="2;" style="text-align:center;" | [[VFW]]
|-
|}

First tank in Heavy Tank British tech line to have X6 scope. It will not get any better than this until rank VI, so get used to it - it will be the same across entire tech tree for a while with SPAA being the only exception.

As of rank III, this scope is slightly or moderately superior to most medium and heavy tanks, but do not expect to outsnipe German SPG as they have same optics or even better.

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|BESA (7.92 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | [[BESA (7.92 mm)|7.92 mm BESA]]
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate (shots/minute)
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 9,350 (225) || 600 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The Churchill Mk.VII is a slow and manoeuvrable turtle, you're not going to break any speed records with this, but rest assured that if the frontal armour is facing toward the enemy, most of their shells are not able to penetrate the front of the hull and turret at your BR and below. In up-tier, you really should avoid provoking enemy SPGs, as they can destroy or fatally cripple the tank, even when you are angled.

The 75 mm gun provided may not be able to easily take on some of the tanks you may encounter at the rank, but with the high degree of protection, you can leisurely take your time picking out the weaknesses of your enemy to deal precise blow as you hear their rounds bounce off of your frontal armour. With the best ammunition, you can defeat even other heavy tanks without having to drive close to them.

If nothing else, Churchill VII can take a lot of smoke shells and make opponent's life much worse, by driving up to capture points and smoking down snipers and passages, then proceed to blind fire at those unfortunate enough to be close to it. No matter what, do not let enemy land a straight shot at you. In down-tier, they may struggle with you for a long time even if you got surrounded.

When encountering enemies, different considerations are to be made depending on the tank's nationality and what they bring to the battlefield.

'''Germany''' 
German tanks always pose a threat. From about BR 3.0, almost every German tank is armed with the long barrel 75mm gun, which can penetrate the Churchill MK.VII from the front with APCR (unangled). Even worse, you may face dedicated SPGs such as the Dicker Max with its 105mm gun. When using Pzgr.rot it will be deadly and will slice through your armour. Also, the Panzer IV/70(V)/(A) a terrifying threat. They carry the same gun as the Panther and will be able to penetrate you under 1000 m easily. Luckily, common German tanks like the Panzer IV can be easily penetrated by your 75mm gun. The same cannot be said for their tank destroyers: the Hetzer, Stug IV, Jagdpanzer IV/48 and the Panzer IV/70(V)/(A). They have thick, sloped armour and will easily bounce your hits.

'''USSR''' 
Russian tanks can be tough enemies to take on. Tanks in the T-34 line have sloped armour and are highly mobile. Early models with the 76mm gun will not be able to penetrate you. They will try to go around the sides and to your rear. The T-34-85 is more of a threat, but even the 85mm gun will not be able to penetrate your frontal armour unless aimed at your machine gun port. The SU-85 is less of a threat with slightly less mobility and no turret. The thing about the Russians is that they love their big guns, in particular the KV-2 and the SU-152 with their massive 152mm howitzers. Their HE shells alone will prove devastating to the Churchill, which has very thin top armour. Expect your game to very suddenly end when you come across either of these vehicles.

The Russians also have very useful heavy tanks. You can come upon some slightly awkward stalemates when facing vehicles like the KV-1 ZiS-5. You will struggle to penetrate their armour, and they will fight to penetrate yours. Stalemates are a common situation with Churchill Mk VII. It is important to have back up so that you can soak up damage for your teammates with more powerful guns, and to protect you from being overwhelmed if the KV brought more tanks to flank you. You may also encounter IS-1s which you will struggle to deal with. Russian tanks are frustrating to deal with. Their armour is sloped, and you will often have to aim for weak spots with your 75mm gun. If the armour is not sloped, it is usually too thick to penetrate. This is easier said than done in some circumstances.

'''Japan''' 
As a whole, Japanese tanks are easier to deal with. Their armour is quite thin and usually quite easy to penetrate. Tanks to note are the Chi-To and Chi-Ri II. They can penetrate 155mm of armour at 100m, which is just enough to get through your frontal armour. The Na-To is also a threat with its APCR, which can penetrate you frontally under 500m. Finally, the low rank Ho-Ro is dangerous, with its powerful 150mm howitzer, but not many people will be using it at this rank.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Great frontal armour (152 mm), pretty much impervious to small calibre shells
* Even stronger when angled properly, with large suspension sides having side hits more likely to break tracks than penetrate the hull
* Very good at being an actual 'tank' - spearheading an assault, drawing fire and being a shield for weaker allies with stronger guns to eliminate foes
* Very hard to dislodge when hulled down or given enough support, especially in down-tier and with additional armour, because it can soak up a lot of damage unless critically hit
* The 75 mm gun main gun is decent for close range combat and also can be armed with utility shells
* Able to smoke up entire battlefield in a matter of seconds if necessary
* Ability to pivot steer

'''Cons:'''

* 75 mm shells have no explosive filler and cause limited fragmentation upon penetration - it is unable to deal a lot of damage per shot
* Upgraded ammo has still has less penetration than stock ammo on its [[Churchill Mk III|predecessor]]
* Armour construction is rather unsloped, and tanks with APCR and similar shells can exploit it
* While additional armour reduces chance of penetration, it is still possible to remove it by continuous fire
* Frontal 50 mm weak spot (the machine gun port both on the hull and the turret)
* Extremely vulnerable to coordinated flanking, as penetrations to tank side typically cause catastrophic damage to ammo racks located below the turret
* Roof armour is thin - susceptible to air strikes and attacks from high ground or very tall tanks
* Large tank in terms of length compared to contemporaries
* Underpowered engine - tank is unable to scale obstacles properly, speed is maxed out at 20 km/h
* Terrible reverse speed
* Requires good coordination with team to enable full potential

== History ==


===Development===
The General Staff specification ''A20'' was implemented before World War II and was meant to replace the [[Matilda Mk II|Matilda II]] and [[Valentine Mk XI|Valentine]] infantry tanks. The specification was based around the British infantry tank doctrine, and with the expectation that the coming war would be based on the World War I trench warfare. Thus the tank was needed to travel across unfavourable terrain and able to destroy enemy defences and infantry obstacles. As speed and heavy firepower were not taken with priority, the vehicle was to have two 2-pounder guns on side sponson mounts with a coaxial machine gun, with another machine gun and smoke dischargers on the front hull, armour was about 60 mm on the turret. Four prototypes were made by June 1940 by Harland and Wolff. The front hull would see an upgrade in armament with a 3-inch howitzer during the prototype stages, the 43-ton tank had a 300 hp Meadows engine from the Covenanter tank and was made the tank underpowered. The A20 project was cancelled with the Battle of France, which saw the emergency evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk that left a majority of their heavy equipment behind.

The Battle of France proved that the coming World War II was not going to be a stagnant battlefield like the trench warfare from World War I. The entire concept had to be redesigned and was done so by Henry Merrit, the director of Tank Design at Woolwich Arsenal. His new concept, the '''A22''' or '''Infantry Tank Mark IV Churchill''', was given to Vauxhall Motors in June 1940. War Office requested that the A22 be ready to enter production within the year due to the growing pressure of a German invasion of Britain. The designs were prepared in July 1940, and the prototypes were made by December of the same year, production soon followed in June 1941. The rushed development was acknowledged in the company to being the cause of many faults and defects in the tank, but the demand by the government was so high that it must be carried out, with the expectation that the issues will be fixed during production. The Churchill tank suffered from an underpowered engine, weak armament, and mechanical problems. The weak weapon from a 2-pounder was replaced with the arming of a 6-pounder on the Churchill, but the other issues caused poor performance of the Churchill in the battlefield. The Churchill production was almost cancelled in favour of the [[Cromwell V|Cromwell]] due to its issues, but its usage in the Second Battle of El Alamein proved its value and kept it in service.

The Churchill would carry on the rest of the war as one of the most versatile tank design in British service, serving in many specialist roles other than its tank role. Altogether, a total of 7,568 Churchill units produced from 1941 to 1945, with 5,968 as tanks.

===Variants===
The Churchill, used in a multitude of roles, is made into many different variants. Twelve different kinds of tank variants were produced for combat roles, with 11 more variants in specific roles ranging from armoured personnel carrier, a bridge-layer, mine clearer, a [[3 inch Gun Carrier]], flamethrower tank, and an armoured recovery vehicle.

===Combat usage===
The Churchill tank was first used in the Dieppe Raid in August 1942. While it was a test on how an opposed landing would work, the 60 Churchill tanks to support the Canadian units suffered from mechanical issues, and those that did work are not able to penetrate past the sea wall due to impassable defences. None of the Churchill tanks that landed returned from the beaches and with a 70% casualty rate, the raid's attempt to establish a beachhead was a failure.

The next use of the Churchill was in North Africa during the Second Battle of El Alamein. At this point, the Churchills have been upgraded to the [[Churchill Mk III|Mk.III]] variants with 6-pounders as their main armament. The detachment, code-named "King Force", help supported the 7th Motor Brigade in their attack. The Churchills were fired upon by many German anti-tank weapons, but none were taken out with only one receiving noteworthy damage. "King Force", as a test bed for the feasibility of Churchills operating in the desert environment, was disbanded with the establishment of the 25th Army Tank Brigade with the Churchills to see action in February 1943 in Tunisia. In the German offensive Operation Ochsenkpf, two Churchill Mk.III from the 51st Royal Tank Regiment came across an entire German transport column that they ambushed. The result was a loss of twelve artillery pieces, 25 wheeled vehicles, two [[Pz.III J|Panzer III]]s and 200 casualties on the British side with no losses. The Churchill also played a crucial role in the Battle of Longstop Hill, where Churchill tanks in the 48th Royal Tank Regiment faced off with Germany's newest heavy tank [[Tiger H1|Tiger I]]. Though suffering losses, a lucky 6-pounder shot from the Churchill ended up jamming the Tiger's turret and turret ring that injured the crew, forcing them to abandon the tank. The Tiger tank was captured by the British for intelligence purpose on Germany's armoured forces. The Tiger Tank is named Tiger 131.

After the North African campaign, the Churchill began to see widespread usage in the British army as a support unit for the infantry. The Churchill saw much more operation hours than any other British tank in service. It was at this point that the Churchill Mk.III began conversion into the 75 mm guns that were used on the American [[M4|M4 Sherman]] tanks. These conversions, known as ''NA75,'' were a resourceful solution for increasing the firepower of the Churchill tanks using readily available equipment. Some Churchills were also converted into close support vehicles with 95 mm howitzers as their main armaments. In response to the growing German anti-tank firepower in the later years of World War II, the Churchill tanks were also upgraded in armour by a large degree, though their engines were also upgraded to compensate for the additional weight. The [[Churchill Mk VII|Churchill Mk.VII]], for example, has armour ranging up to 152 mm thick in the front, in comparison to the Mk.III 89 mm thick front hull. The Churchills also saw service in Europe during Operation Overlord. At the time, it was considered that the Churchill would become severely outdated with the growing tank technology, so an experimental program under specification A43, otherwise known as the [[Black Prince|Black Prince]], to up-armour and up-gun the Churchill. While this experimented seem fruitful, the development of more agile tanks with the same level of protection and armament such as the [[Centurion Mk 3|Centurion]] rendered the project obsolete.

The Churchills were also given out to the Allies to help combat the Axis forces. The Australian Army received a handful of Churchills for testing alongside the M4 Sherman with the Matilda II as the basis, to which proved that the Churchill was superior in jungle warfare. Of the 510 Churchills ordered by the Australians in the war, only 46 arrived in time and were not used in the Pacific War; the rest were cancelled with the end of World War II. The USSR also used the Churchills given by the British as part of the Lend-Lease act. 301 Churchills were sent, but 43 were lost to the sea by German naval forces. Of those that arrived, the Soviets gave the Churchills to the 5th Guards Tank Army in the Battle of Prokhorovka during the Kursk Offensive.

After World War II, the Churchill stuck around in the British Army until the Korean War, where the British sent the Churchill Crocodile Squadron (C squadron of the 7th Royal Tank Regiment) to Korea to fight with the Allied coalition. They fought as gun tanks in battle such as the Third Battle of Seoul. The Churchills were instrumental in some victories and were widely praised by both British and American forces and historians. After the Korean war, the Churchills remains in combat service until 1952, with the specific bridge-layer variant staying until the 1970s. The Irish Army also received three Churchill tanks in 1948 and another in 1949 as rentals until 1954, where they were purchased after trials with the vehicles. Despite running out of spare parts for the Churchill, the Irish Army took them in and experimented with using different engines to keep them functional, though this ended with failure and by 1967, only one was still functional. All were retired in 1969, and one was preserved at the Curragh Camp.

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== 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/845/ [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> A22B Сhurchill Mk.III and A22 Churchill Mk.VII (with developers answers)]

{{Britain heavy tanks}}

M4A3 (105)

2019-12-05T17:20:35Z

U11947026: While a potent weapon when used against infantry, the 105mm howitzer was not an effective tool against concrete targets with either HE or HEAT. Source: https://youtu.be/ul_ucU3l1Dc?t=1228 If needed, other more authoritative sources can be provided

{{Specs-Card|code=us_m4a3_105_sherman}}
{{About
| about = American medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| and
| usage = similar vehicles
| link-1 = M4A3 (76) W
| link-2 = M4A3 (76) W (Japan)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_M4A3(105).jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American medium 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"]]. Armed with a [[M4 (105 mm)|105 mm howitzer]] instead of the standard [[M3 (75 mm)|75 mm cannon]], the howitzer grants the Sherman a much more powerful high-explosive shell to use against lightly-armoured enemies. When the HEAT round is unlocked for the cannon, its firepower against more heavily armoured vehicle increases substantially.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===

'''Armour type:'''

*Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret roof)
*Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 63.5 mm (47°) ''Front glacis'' 63.5-107.9 mm (5-56°) ''Transmission area'' || 38.1 mm || 38.1 mm (22°) ''Top'' 38.1 mm (13-44°) ''Bottom'' || 19.5 mm
|-
| Turret || 76.2 mm (3-67°) ''Turret front'' 88.9 mm (3-86°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 50.8 mm (2-69°) || 50.8 mm (2-66°) || 25.4 mm
|-
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
|-
| Cupola || 63.5 mm || 25.4 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, bogies are 10 mm thick, and tracks are 20 mm thick.
* Lower part of the hull ("beak") is 107.9 mm thick
* A small patch on the turret front right side is thinner (50.8 mm) than the rest (76.2 mm).

The M4A3 (105) has certain flaws that can be exploited quite well. First of all, the howitzer armament means that the shell travels in a low-velocity, meaning the M4A3 (105) will be unlikely to engage at a long distance. Another is the fact that the M4A3 (105)'s gun has a long reload and a slow traverse speed, meaning it is also not very good in a close-range encounter. Despite these flaws, the M4A3 (105) is a formidable foe with its armament. The HE and HEAT shell the 105 mm can dish out has a real possibility to knock out friendly crew and teammates, if not absolutely destroying light tanks. These high-explosives can also break tracks easily, causing the player tank to be immobilized and exposed not only to the M4A3 (105), but to the other enemies as well, and the M4A3 (105) will most likely not be alone.

To engage the M4A3 (105), try not to engage its frontal armour if in a tank with BR lower than 3.7. It's frontal armour, despite what most will say about the Sherman's armour, is quite formidable and can deflect most incoming enemy round from light and medium tanks. This is why it is recommended to bring high-velocity guns like the [[M7 (76 mm)|3-inch]] on the M10 or the [[KwK 40 (75 mm)|long 75 mm]] on the later Panzer IV. If it can't be engaged from the front, manoeuvre to its side and rear armour, as these armour plates are extremely vulnerable to even 37 mm guns. When manoeuvring around the M4A3 (105), try not to expose the tank for a prolonged time and move faster than the M4A3 (105)'s slow turret traverse rate (though beware that the M4A3 can compensate this slow turn by turning the entire body). If fast enough, a tank could also move past the 105 mm low-velocity shell and mess up the enemy's lead. This will eventually lead to a good shot on the M4A3's weak points. Another simpler and less mobile way is to lie in wait in a tank destroyer such as the StuG III for the M4A3 to move right into the TD's line of fire, giving a clean shot to a vulnerable armour part. A good shot on a general part of the hull can ignite one of the many ammo racks strewn around the interior.

=== Mobility ===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
|-
! Weight (tons)
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armor weight (tons)
! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
|-
| rowspan="2" | 31.7 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 46 (AB)
|-
|41 (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|775
|954
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|442
|500
|-
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|24.45
|30.09
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|13.94
|15.77
|-
|}

== Armaments ==
=== Main armament ===

{{main|M4 (105 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[M4 (105 mm)|105 mm M4]]
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 66 || -10°/+35° || ±180°
|-
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
|-
! style="width:4em" |Mode
! style="width:4em" |Stock
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
|-
| ''Arcade'' || 3.57 || 4.90 || 6.00 || 6.60 || 7.10
|-
| ''Realistic'' || 3.57 || 4.20 || 5.10 || 5.64 || 6.00
|-
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
|-
| 13.0 || 11.5 || 10.6 || 10.0
|-
|}

===== Ammunition =====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
|-
! 10m
! 100m
! 500m
! 1000m
! 1500m
! 2000m
|-
| M1 shell || HE || 26 || 26 || 26 || 26 || 26 || 26
|-
| M67 shot || HEAT || 130 || 130 || 130 || 130 || 130 || 130
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" |Velocity in m/s
! rowspan="2" |Projectile Mass in kg
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
''in m:''
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
''in mm:''
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g (TNT equivalent):''
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° from horizontal:''
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
|-
! 0%
! 50%
! 100%
|-
| M1 shell || 472 || 15 || 0.1 || 0.1 || 2,180 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| M67 shot || 381 || 13 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 1,610 || +0° || 62° || 69° || 73°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="7" | Smoke characteristic
|-
! Ammunition
! Velocity in m/s
! Projectile Mass in kg
! ''Screen radius in m''
! ''Screen time in s''
! ''Screen hold time in s:''
! ''Explosive Mass in g (TNT equivalent):''
|-
| M84 || 457 || 15 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
|-
|}

===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
[[File:Ammoracks_M4A3 (105).png|thumbnail|right|x250px|Ammo racks layout of the M4A3 (105).]]
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full ammo
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual discrepancy
|-
|'''66''' || 53 ''(+13)'' || 40 ''(+26)'' || 27 ''(+39)'' || 14 ''(+52)'' || 1 ''(+65)'' || style="text-align:center" |yes
|}

=== Machine guns ===

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount''
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate (shots/minute)
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 600 (200) || 576 || -10°/+30° || ±60°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate (shots/minute)
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 3,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in the battles ==

This tank plays best as a support tank, stay with other tanks that have better side armour while using the relatively thick front armour to soak a few shots. Use the HEAT rounds to penetrate most armour of the M4A3 (105)'s rank and above, and remember that the M4A3 (105) is no brawler, so staying in the front line too close to hostiles will most likely spell a K.O. by ammo or crew. This tank gun has a very low velocity, so make sure to compensate for a large amount of drop

Having in mind the large calibre of this tank's main weapon, one can conclude that the HE shell (M1 shell) is big enough to dispatch some tanks. However, any armour larger than 28 mm won't let the explosion result in penetration. So for firing at strong armour plates, the HEAT shell (M67 shot) is required. It should be a top priority to research it. The HE shell will, however, be the most effective option whenever this Sherman's controller can find a suitably soft spot in the enemy vehicle's armour. Against soft vehicles, like most [[:Category:Anti-aircraft_vehicles|SPAA]], the choice of ammunition for the main gun is fairly irrelevant, since a single shot should be enough to dispatch one of these, and remaining crew members can be taken down with one of the tank's [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|Browning]] machine guns, although HE is certainly the most effective at dishing out damage when armour is absent.

The HEAT round, unlike the HE one, has a tracer charge, which facilitates aiming. This is not critical, however, since the HE shell's sheer size allows for it to be seen without too much effort.

====Tactics====

The M4A3 (105) HVSS Sherman is a support tank, not a front-line brawler. Its adequate armour protection and a powerful gun put it on about the level of the [[M10 GMC|M10 Tank Destroyer]], but it has certain flaws and qualities that make it different than the usual Sherman tanks. Due to the 105 mm howitzer, knocking out the enemy crew in lightly armoured vehicles is a piece of cake. Aim for the enemy tank's lower turret to cause the most damage possible with the HE shells, as the HE shrapnel can be deflected down onto the hull roof and mess up the enemy crew. The 105 mm HE could also be aimed at the enemy tracks to blow it off, immobilizing the enemy. If none of the HE shells does damage to the target (which shouldn't happen most of the time), a well-placed HEAT shell, once unlocked, can easily set a tank aflame or blow up ammo stores. Don't get to close to enemy vehicles '''unless''' it is a limited traverse gun tank destroyer, in which case blow up its tracks with a HE that should do the trick.

A downfall(s) of the M4A3 (105) HVSS Sherman is its average mobility, slow turret traverse, and slow reload. Therefore, it is recommended to stick to allied tanks like glue or rely on hit-and-run tactics. The low velocity makes long-range shots relatively difficult. Never stay in the sights of tanks such as the [[KwK 40 (75 mm)|long-barrel 75 mm]] Panzer IV [[Pz.IV F2|F2]]/[[Pz.IV G|G]], StuG III [[StuG III F|F]]/[[StuG III G|G]] or [[T-34 (1942)|T-34]]/[[KV-1 (ZiS-5)|KV-1]]. These tanks can penetrate the M4A3 (105) HVSS Sherman's front armour, some more easily than others. Try not to get hit in the rear area as it will set the tank on fire and immobilize it, putting it in an extremely disadvantageous situation.

===Modules===
''Parts'', ''M67 shot'' and ''Fire system'' are key! Followed by all accuracy improvements, everything else is optional, but ''Artillery'' and all mobility upgrades are welcomed.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Devastating against lightly armoured tanks
* HE shells can cause serious damages even with a non-penetrating hit
* HEAT shell option with approximately 130 mm of penetration at any range, making it able to take on even the KV-1 from the front
* Both HE and HEAT shells have a high chance of causing hull breaks on lightly armoured foes
* .50 cal machine gun on top can provide AA defence
* Good mobility, best hp/weight ratio of any Sherman
* HVSS suspension gives good cross-country mobility
* Wide tracks makes it easier to brake at high speeds and climb steep mountains
* Better sloped frontal armour that can withstand lots of punishment
* Smoke grenades (only USA Sherman equipped with them) and smoke shells are very useful for team support and self-protection

'''Cons:'''

* Poor ballistics, especially with HEAT shells, long-range fighting is not recommended, due to its extremely low shell velocity
* Slow reverse speed, retreating from dangerous situations may be a hassle
* Stock HE ineffective against even moderately armoured tanks
* HEAT shell post-penetration damage is somewhat punctual, follow up shots may be required at times
* Often targeted due to the large 105 mm gun
* Side and rear armour are very weak in comparison to the front
* Very slow turret traverse rate, relies on turning hull to get gun onto targets away from turret front
* Poor stationary turning ability combined with slow turret traverse makes flanking enemies a dangerous foe
* Long reload of more than 10 seconds

== History ==

The [[M4|M4 Sherman]] were originally equipped with the 75mm M3 cannon. Though the 75mm was thought to be an overall effective gun, certain situations called for more destructive power. Enter the 105mm M4 Howitzer, a mountable artillery piece for a tank. The army decided to arm the Shermans with these artillery pieces for a radical increase in explosive power. The first of its model was a [[M4A2|M4A2 Sherman]] with its turret mounting the formidable cannon in the M52 mount, these Shermans were designated '''M4(105)''' and were accepted into service in February 1944. Later, M4A3 Shermans were also being converted into 105mm with the name '''M4A3(105)''' When the HVSS was developed for the M4 Shermans by mean of the M4A3E8, the same was applied to the M4s with the 105mm because of its increased weight, so an improved suspension would increase mobility. These Shermans were then designated to '''M4(105) HVSS''' or '''M4A3(105) HVSS''' and remained that way to the end of the war. The 105 mm Shermans were produced by Chrysler Corporation at the Detroit Tank Arsenal. 800 M4(105) and 841 M4(105) HVSS were produced from February 1944 to March 1945, and 500 M4A3(105) and 2539 M4A3(105) HVSS were produced in May 1944 to June 1945. This brings a total of 4680 Shermans with the 105mm howitzer as its main armament during its production time.

After World War II ended, the M4A3E8 with the 76mm cannon and 105mm howitzer became the mainstay of the United States armoured forces as they were the most advanced version of the Shermans at the time. The M4 (105) are also quite good tank killers. Documents show that the HEAT rounds fired from the 105mm has penetrated through a Panther's frontal armour, which could kill the crew. Even then, the sufficiently powerful high-explosive rounds could cause massive spalling inside tanks, harming the crew inside.

=== In-game description ===
"In May 1944 the Detroit Tank Arsenal launched production of M4A3s equipped with 105 mm M4 howitzers. The modification happened similarly to the M4 (105) modernization, one of the most serious alterations of the tank's armament to be made. The upgraded turret boasted a 105 mm howitzer in place of the 76 mm cannon, making the tank capable of taking on many German models.

Shermans with the 105 mm cannon did not have wet stowage. Instead, their ammunition was kept in dry stowages, meaning that the storage bins were kept in the center of the battle compartment. The Detroit Tank Arsenal produced 800 M4A3(105)s between February 1943 and September 1943, though the earlier models did not have a cupola.

M4A3(105)s saw combat on the Western Front and in Italy between 1944 and 1945."

== Media ==

'''Skins'''

*[http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23M4A3_105 #M4A3_105]
*[http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23m4a3_105_hvss_sherman #m4a3_105_hvss_sherman]

== Read also ==


[https://archive.org/details/FM17-76 [Manual<nowiki>]</nowiki> FM 17-76 - Crew Drill and Service of the Piece Medium Tank, M4 Series (105-mm Howitzer)]

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

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

{{USA medium tanks}}

USS Atlanta

2019-09-27T05:36:49Z

U11947026: minor grammatical issues

{{Specs-Card|code=us_cruiser_atlanta_class_atlanta}}

== Description ==


The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American cruiser {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===


Ammunition storage severely lacks protection. Detonation of ammunition is commonplace, although the storage forward of the bridge does benefit from a layer of fuel storage in-between it and an incoming salvo. The turrets are equally fragile.

=== Mobility ===


Handling is surprisingly sluggish when stock. Despite the relatively low weight for a light cruiser, the Atlanta struggles to maneuver. Her rudder responsiveness is lethargic, and once a turn has begun, her speed dips into the 20-25 mph range. On some maps where scrambling to the island groups is necessary for lighter cruisers to evade enemy fire, the Atlanta can easily fall behind and find itself on the receiving end of heavy cruiser fire.

== Armament ==
=== Primary armament ===

{{main|5/38 Mark 12 Dual Purpose (127 mm)}}

The primary armament of the Atlanta is eight twin five-inch guns, of which a maximum seven can be brought to bear on one target. These guns have a high rate of fire even with an untrained crew and have an acceptable quantity of high explosive per shell. The downside is a comparatively poor shell trajectory when compared to other cruisers; especially in fights over 8 kilometers, the five-inch guns require more precise distance input compared to larger diameter guns.

=== Secondary armament ===

{{main|1,1 inch/75 Mk.1 (28 mm)}}

Despite ostensibly being an anti-air cruiser, the only anti-air secondaries on the Atlanta are three quad 1.1-inch "Chicago Piano" mounts. They are reasonably well positioned on the ship with acceptable firing arcs, although their volume of fire is lacking.

=== Torpedo armament ===

{{main|Mk.15}}

Torpedo armament consists of six total torpedoes, three per side. The port torpedo launcher face the bow of the ship, while the starboard faces aft. This does not seriously affect usage or arcs of fire.

== Usage in battles ==


The Atlanta is best saved for close maps like Arctic Port where her guns can eviscerate cruisers inside 6-8 km. On larger maps where cruisers engage at distances as far as 12-13 km, the Atlanta is a poor choice. She has neither the armor nor the guns to engage Hippers, Mogamis, Kirovs, or Brooklyns at longer ranges nor even the speed to place herself in a more advantageous position out of sight from the larger cruisers.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent close to medium range firepower by destroyer standards

'''Cons:'''

* Poor survivability
* Poor maneuverability
* Poor accuracy and weapon trajectory at longer range

== History ==
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship 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 ship and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Ship-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 ship's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

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

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

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

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

{{USA light cruisers}}

USS Atlanta

2019-09-26T19:10:21Z

U11947026: Basic info on the Atlanta's performance in game

HMS Dido

2019-09-26T05:00:24Z

U11947026: con regarding gun dispersion no longer relevant

{{Specs-Card|code=uk_cruiser_dido}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} British light cruiser {{Battle-rating|1}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===

As with all British cruisers, the armour is intelligently dispersed between ammunition storage, boiler rooms, and other essential components. The ammunition storage on the Dido is well below the waterline and is protected by 76mm of RHA. The only noticeable weaknesses are the unprotected bridge and meagre turret armour.

=== Mobility ===
''Write about the ship’s mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward speed and reverse speed.''

== Armament ==
=== Primary armament ===


The accuracy of the 5.25-inch guns is extremely poor. Against aerial targets, the AA AI armed with HE-VT can bring down a target through sheer volume of fire. Against other light cruisers and even destroyers at normal engagement ranges, the Dido suffers.

=== Secondary armament ===
''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armament is defined by the weapon chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armament and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section.''

''If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.''

=== Anti-aircraft armament ===

The anti-aircraft armament of the Dido is excellent. The dual-purpose primary armaments, 8 x 40 mm guns, and 5 Oerlikons mean that a Dido player can counter planes at all ranges.

=== Torpedo armament ===


6 torpedoes, 3 per side. The firing arcs are wide, allowing for ease of fire.

=== Special armament ===
''Depth charges, mines, rocket launchers and missiles are also effective in skilled hands and can be an unexpected surprise for an opponent. Evaluate the ammunition of this type of armament and rate its performance in combat.''

== Usage in battles ==

The Dido boasts good armour and protected ammunition in exchange for aimed fire worse than many 4.3 destroyers. Whether or not this extreme tradeoff is worth it will come down to the individual player. It is not advised to engage other CLs with the Dido. Against DDs, the Dido can take considerably more damage and will usually win.

=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

* Good survivability
* Good anti-aircraft potential
* Primary armament dispersed across 6 turrets

'''Cons:'''

* Slow turret rotation

== History ==

The Dido-class light cruiser was designed in the 1930s as convoy escorts and destroyer leaders, intended for operations in the Mediterranean. As such, ships of the Dido-class had to be both large enough to operate in rough waters as well as fast and manoeuvrable enough in order to keep up with destroyers, whilst at the same time remaining relatively cheap to produce in large numbers.

HMS Dido, the lead ship of her class, was laid down in October 1937. In July 1939, Dido was completed and commissioned into service a year later. HMS Dido’s early service life was marked with convoy escort duties in the Atlantic, before joining the Eastern Mediterranean Fleet in April 1941.

As part of the Royal Navy’s Mediterranean forces, HMS Dido took part in numerous major operations, including the landings at Sicily and mainland Italy as well as southern France. During her service in the Mediterranean, HMS Dido performed various roles, from doing supply runs over evacuating troops to bombarding shorelines.

By 1944, HMS Dido briefly returned to Great Britain, before being sent off on escort duties as part of the Arctic convoys. In 1945, HMS Dido was sent to Copenhagen, where the warship fired the last naval shot as part of the war in Europe, however not in anger, but in celebration of the surrender of the German Kriegsmarine.

Sometime after the end of WW2, HMS Dido joined the ranks of the Royal Navy reserve fleet, remaining in service for another good decade. In 1957 however, HMS Dido was decommissioned from service and sold for scrap.

''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5948-development-hms-dido-the-peacemaker-en Devblog]''

== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''

== 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 ship;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5948-development-hms-dido-the-peacemaker-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> HMS Dido: The Peacemaker]

{{Britain light cruisers}}

USS Brooklyn

2019-06-28T19:46:42Z

U11947026:

{{Specs-Card|code=us_cruiser_brooklyn_class_brooklyn}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American light cruiser {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
The Brooklyn is protected by both sheer internal volume and thick armor around vital components. The turrets are easily the most protected in the game, with 165mm of rolled cemented armor on the turret face, 75mm of RHA on the turret sides, and 152mm of antifragmentation armor on the ammo elevators.

Bow ammunition storage is stored below the waterline, and it is protected not only by 51mm of antifragmentation armor but also by a "wrapped" fuel tank that can absorb incoming shells.

=== Mobility ===
Maneuverability is what should be expected for a 12,242 ton vessel: sluggish.

== Armament ==
=== Primary armament ===

{{main|6 inch/47 Mk.16 (152 mm)}}

* 15 x 6-inch/47 caliber Mk. 16 guns in five triple turrets. The Brooklyn fires more high explosive per salvo than any other ship in the game, and the main guns' rate of fire is bested only by HMS Tiger.

=== Secondary armament ===
{{main|5 inch/25 Mk.13 (127 mm)}}
The Brooklyn has 4 5-inch, 25 caliber guns on either side of the ship. These have roughly the same explosive filler per HE and rate of fire as the 5-inch, 38 caliber guns on the Sumner, Somers, Farragut, and Fletcher. They are effective against both air and surface targets.

=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
{{main|AN-M2 (12.7 mm)}}
8 .50 caliber AN-M2 machine guns is a paltry close range AA package. An enemy plane using a nearby island to their advantage can often close the distance before your .50 caliber AA weapons have time to neutralize a target.

==Usage in battles==
The Brooklyn is easily the strongest ship in War Thunder. Combining adequate protection with unparalleled firepower, it can hold its own most other cruisers without much threat to itself. If isolated, a Brooklyn can be taken down by a group of cruisers or even destroyers via ammoracking. If, however, the Brooklyn is integrated into a team of CLs, the chance of defeating it becomes far lower.

The main threats to the Brooklyn are the Kirov, Southampton, and Furutaka. It is advised to engage these targets first and other cruisers second; the Kirov and Furutaka have sufficient firepower to threaten a Brooklyn, and the Southampton's armor dampens the firepower advantage of the Brooklyn.

===Modules===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! Seakeeping
! colspan="2" |Unsinkability
! colspan="3" |Firepower
|-
| I
| Dry-Docking
| Tool Set||
| 6 inch Mk.35 AP||Anti-Air Armament Targeting||
|-
| II
| Rudder Replacement
| Fire Protection System||Smokescreen
| 6 inch Mk.34 HC||Auxiliary Armament Targeting||
|-
| III
| Propeller Replacement
| Ventilation||Shrapnel Protection
| 5 inch Mk.28 AAC-VT||Primary Armament Targeting||Improved Rangefinder
|-
| IV
| Engine Maintenance
| New Pumps||Ammo Wetting
| 6 inch Mk.34 HC||||
|-
|}

===Pros and cons===


'''Pros:'''

* Great broadside firepower for a cruiser
* Fairly resilient to small-calibre rounds

'''Cons:'''

* Can't carry torpedoes
* Very light AA defence (not including the 5-inch guns)
* Rather slow compared to PT boats

== History ==

In 1930, the London Naval Treaty extended the limitations imposed by the Washington Naval Treaty by further limiting the construction of large warships. Well-aware of the importance of such warships for operations in the Pacific, the U.S. Navy initiated the development of a new light cruiser design that would suit their needs, whilst remaining within the limitations of both treaties. The new design, that would become the Brooklyn-class light cruisers, was a compromise between heavy cruiser size and protection and light cruiser armament. In other words, the ship would remain within the 10,000 ton displacement limit, but would also offer the desired seaworthiness and autonomy at the same time. Initially, the ship was intended to carry only a dozen 6-inch main guns. However, with the appearance of the Japanese Mogami-class cruiser, a decision was hastily made to increase the number of main guns to 15, in order to match the armament of the Mogami-class. With this choice, the Brooklyn-class cruisers would become the most heavily armed light cruisers ever built for the USN. The first orders for four ships were issued in 1933, followed by an additional three in 1934. The lead ship of the class, USS Brooklyn (CL-40), was laid down in March 1935 and commissioned into service in September 1937. USS Brooklyn primarily served in the Mediterranean theater during WW2, participating in the North African campaign and later on in the Italian campaign. The ship mostly served as a support in landing operations and performed coastline bombardments, while also engaging in the occasional naval skirmish. Soon after the end of WW2, USS Brooklyn was decommissioned in 1947 and handed over to the Chilean Navy in 1951 under the new name of O’Higgins (CL-02). The ship would continue to serve on with the Chilean Navy for over 40 years, before being sold for scraps in 1992.

''- From [[wt:en/news/6050-development-uss-brooklyn-more-means-more-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''

== 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 ship;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

==External links==


* [[wt:en/news/6050-development-uss-brooklyn-more-means-more-en|[Development<nowiki>]</nowiki> USS Brooklyn: More Means More]]

{{USA light cruisers}}

HMS Dido

2019-06-28T19:14:21Z

U11947026: /* Survivability and armour */

{{Specs-Card|code=uk_cruiser_dido}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} British light cruiser {{Battle-rating|1}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
As with all British cruisers, the armor is intelligently dispersed between ammunition storage, boiler rooms, and other essential components. The ammunition storage on the Dido is well below the waterline and is protected by 76mm of RHA. The only noticeable weaknesses are the unprotected bridge and meager turret armor.

=== Mobility ===
''Write about the ship’s mobility. Evaluate its power and maneuverability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward speed and reverse speed.''

== Armament ==
=== Primary armament ===
The accuracy of the 5.25-inch guns is extremely poor. Against aerial targets, the AA AI armed with HE-VT can bring down a target through sheer volume of fire. Against other light cruisers and even destroyers at normal engagement ranges, the Dido suffers.

=== Secondary armament ===
''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibers. Secondary armament is defined by the weapon chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armament and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that anti-air armament, even heavy caliber weapons, belong in the next section.''

''If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.''

=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
The AA armament of the Dido is excellent. The dual-purpose primary armaments, 8 40mm guns, and 5 Oerlikons means that a Dido player can counter planes at all ranges.

=== Torpedo armament ===
6 torpedoes, 3 per side. The firing arcs are wide, allowing for ease of fire.

=== Special armament ===
''Depth charges, mines, rocket launchers and missiles are also effective in skilled hands and can be an unexpected surprise for an opponent. Evaluate the ammunition of this type of armament and rate its performance in combat.''

== Usage in battles ==
The Dido boasts good armor and protected ammunition in exchange for aimed fire worse than many 4.3 destroyers. Whether or not this extreme tradeoff is worth it will come down to the individual player. It is not advised to engage other CLs with the Dido. Against DDs, the Dido can take considerably more damage and will usually win.

=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

*

-Good survivability

-Good AA potential

-Primary armament dispersed across 6 turrets

'''Cons:'''

-appalling dispersion on main guns

-slow turret rotation

*

== History ==

Dido-class light cruiser were designed in the 1930s as convoy escorts and destroyer leaders, intended for operations in the Mediterranean. As such, ships of the Dido-class had to be both large enough to operate in rough waters as well as fast and maneuverable enough in order to keep up with destroyers, whilst at the same time remaining relatively cheap to produce in large numbers.

HMS Dido, the lead ship of her class, was laid down in October 1937. In July 1939, Dido was completed and commissioned into service a year later. HMS Dido’s early service life was marked with convoy escort duties in the Atlantic, before joining the Eastern Mediterranean Fleet in April 1941.

As part of the Royal Navy’s Mediterranean forces, HMS Dido took part in numerous major operations, including the landings at Sicily and mainland Italy as well as southern France. During her service in the Mediterranean, HMS Dido performed various roles, from doing supply runs over evacuating troops to bombarding shorelines.

By 1944, HMS Dido briefly returned to Great Britain, before being sent off on escort duties as part of the arctic convoys. In 1945, HMS Dido was sent to Copenhagen, where the warship fired the last naval shot as part of the war in Europe, however not in anger, but in celebration of the surrender of the German Kriegsmarine.

Some time after the end of WW2, HMS Dido joined the ranks of the Royal Navy reserve fleet, remaining in service for another good decade. In 1957 however, HMS Dido was decommissioned from service and sold for scrap.

''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5948-development-hms-dido-the-peacemaker-en Devblog]''

== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''

== 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 ship;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5948-development-hms-dido-the-peacemaker-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> HMS Dido: The Peacemaker]

{{Britain light cruisers}}

USS Trenton

2019-06-28T18:32:27Z

U11947026: /* Survivability and armour */ pros and cons, etc.

{{Specs-Card|code=us_cruiser_omaha_class_trenton}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American light cruiser {{Battle-rating|1}}. It was first introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]] during the naval closed beta test.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
The considerable bulk of the Omaha combined with the poor ammunition protection leaves much to be desired. While other first unlock cruisers boast a relatively uniform level `of protection across the hull, the Omaha's armor is concentrated around the engines. From a few angles, the fuel storage can absorb AP shots, but as a rule of thumb it's best to assume the Omaha won't take many hits.

=== Mobility ===
With a top speed of 39 mph when spaded, the Omaha in part makes up for its lack of protection with comparatively robust mobility. It is still a light cruiser, however. Turning and maneuvering remains an issue.

== Armament ==
=== Primary armament ===
Compared to the other 6-inch and 15 cm guns, the Omaha has a good HE round boasting 5.88 kg of explosive filler and a mediocre SAP round. The Omaha lacks base fuse, distant fuse, and variable time fuse HE shells.

=== Secondary armament ===
The 3-inch guns can be brought to bear on small craft and planes alike. They are ineffective against larger targets.

=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
The AA protection for targets closer than 2 km is woefully inadequate. Many destroyers are better suited for anti-air defense than you.

=== Torpedo armament ===
There are two sets of three torpedos on each side of the Trenton. As the Trenton usually has to present a large cross section of the ship to bring its maximum number of guns to bear, there is very little added effort needed to get the torpedoes lined up.

==Usage in battles==
The Brooklyn performs adequately against DDs and other CLs at 5.0. On larger maps, the top speed can allow the Omaha to cruise ahead of the other light cruisers, although the bulky profile limits your ability to use surprise and concealment. If possible, group yourself with friendly DDs; your bulk and firepower is an effective counter to 4.7 DDs like the Somers, Sumner, Tashkent, and Akizuki, and the friendly DDs can offer a modicum of AA protection.

===Modules===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! Seakeeping
! colspan="2" |Unsinkability
! colspan="3" |Firepower
|-
| I
| Dry-Docking
| Tool Set||
| 6 inch Mk.27 SC||76 mm AP Mk.29||Anti-Air Armament Targeting
|-
| II
| Rudder Replacement
| Fire Protection System||Smokescreen
| ||76 mm HE-VT||Auxiliary Armament Targeting
|-
| III
| Propeller Replacement
| Ventilation||Shrapnel Protection
| ||Improved Rangefinder||Primary Armament Targeting
|-
| IV
| Engine Maintenance
| New Pumps||Ammo Wetting
| Torpedo Mode||||
|-
|}

===Pros and cons===
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

-Excellent HE rounds

-Rear turret is able to rotate 360 degrees, allowing faster response to engagements on either side

*

'''Cons:'''

-Poor armor layout

-Tall profile makes for an easier target at range

-AA complement is mediocre

*

== History ==

In the early 1900s leading up to The Great War, conflicting views and opinions on cruiser design among the U.S. Navy’s top brass led to not a single new vessel of this class being laid down. With the outbreak of hostilities in Europe in 1914 and the later involvement of American forces in the conflict, the U.S. Navy had every opportunity to gather the needed experience for creating a new cruiser design.

Thus, during WW1, numerous design propositions for new cruiser variants and subclasses were developed and assessed. In the end, two designs stood out from the rest; a light cruiser with a displacement of up to 8,000 tons and a heavier battlecruiser weighing up to 46,000 tons. The former of the two designs resulted in the creation of the Omaha-class light cruisers. Despite receiving the Congress’ approval in 1916, the Omaha-class cruisers weren’t put into production before more than two years worth of significant redesigning was done to the ship.

The lead ship of the class, USS Omaha, was laid down in December 1918 followed by 9 further ships of the class seeing completion by 1924. Among her sister ships was also USS Trenton (CL-11), the 8th ship of the class, launched in spring 1923. Trenton, like many American warships of the time, travelled a lot around the globe prior to the outbreak of WW2. She frequently took part in fleet exercises, patrols and maneuvers in the Atlantic and Pacific, whilst also paying visits to several Mediterranean ports. During the Spanish Civil War, Trenton was also involved in evacuating American citizens from the country as part of a smaller squadron.

During WW2, Trenton and her sister ships were already starting to show their age despite being upgraded several times. Therefore, ships of this class were primarily relegated to theaters where enemy opposition was estimated to be minimal and were assigned with less vital missions such as patrol duties and occasional shoreline bombardements. As such, no Omaha-class cruiser was ever lost in combat, though some were severely damaged, such as USS Raleigh during the Pearl Harbor raid. In the end, all ships of the Omaha-class were decommissioned after the end of WW2 and were subsequently sold for scrap by the late 1940s.

''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5580-fleet-development-uss-trenton-the-royal-rescuer-en Devblog]''

== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''

== 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 ship;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5580-fleet-development-uss-trenton-the-royal-rescuer-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> USS Trenton: The Royal Rescuer]

{{USA light cruisers}}

User:U11947026

2019-06-28T08:04:50Z

U11947026:

Playing since January of 2015. Played US WW2 planes until realized the game was rigged from the start. Mains tank destroyers and assault guns. Has more time in the M18, M10, and M36 than the entire Soviet tech tree. Finds US medium tanks exceptionally boring. Is one of tens of players who still plays top tier naval. Will rabidly defend the Omaha-class light cruiser. Can often be found sitting in the rear of a map with an M4(105) or T30 lobbing HE rounds over hills just for the US arty vibes

Will defend legacy of M4 to a point, especially 105mm model. Revisionism reacted against nonsense narrative spread by Death Traps, but it swung too far in the opposite direction in some areas. Medium tanks are expendable frontline tools and often the bastard child of logistics, limitations, and compromise, and the inexperience of the AGF and OD in tank development left much to be desired. Recent trends in discussion of the M4 in some circles seem to deny all of that, as though the M4 was the most perfect AFV to ever exist. It wasn't. The US did just fine with it and it fit US needs to a point, but it was *not* perfect.

Random thoughts:

-had the M26 arrived in December of '44, it wouldn't have gotten nearly as much flak as it did.

-the "too little, too late" argument used against the Pershing doesn't make sense when the perspective of early 1945 US commanders is considered. Against all expectations of a dead Germany, they launched a major offensive, throwing all major projections of when the German war machine would be totally defeated out the window. An invasion Japanese mainland was still expected, for which the US was projected to suffer massive casualties. So was the 20 Pershings in theater a major contribution? No. But it's hard to ignore that from the perspective of Barnes and the rest of the OD in early '45, the Pershing was *expected* to participate in some major fighting. It's only by good luck that the Pershing didn't get its full deployment. For a point of comparison, it's like if the war ended a month after the IS-2 was introduced.

-The M10, if judged by actions performed and not doctrinal role, was a HMC first and a GMC second.

-The T53 was a brilliant idea with idiotic execution. Gaijin plz

-The M3 Lee was the only US casemate tank of WW2. That should make you slightly sad.

-Most Americans study British tank design because it makes them feel better about US designs.

-Finding a good casemate design would have been tough, but the 5-inch/38 caliber would have made a mean bunker buster.

-for all of the flak that the 37mm gun in the Stuart gets, it was an exceptionally useful gun in WW1 for a reason. It had a good rate of fire and could decimate a machine gun nest. When you think about what a light tank has to do, that sounds just about perfect for the job.

-Take the T28/92: shave down the frontal armor to 3 inches, remove the transmission and install the T26 transmission, swap out the 105 for a 90mm T16 or even a 155, and what do you have? A 40-45 ton heavy tank destroyer or assault gun that has a number of redundant parts with existing tanks in the US arsenal.

-It would probably make a good academic journal article to explore the evolution of the Sherman's postwar legacy in popular culture. Did it, as most of us believe, truly only switch from war-winner to death trap in the late 90s, or did the popular narrative evolve more than that? Sadly the trend in academia still leans towards variations on "Sherman tank bad" or "Sherman tank good" with little else said on the matter

-The only reason the Sherman catches as much shit as it does is because it was expected to do everything. If the US had had a heavy tank going into D-day (i.e. a tank designed for breakthrough actions against heavily fortified enemies) then people would see the Sherman as simply another tool in the arsenal. In other words, the T-34 is judged by one standard because it operated in a system with KV and JS/IS heavy tanks and monstrous assault guns like the ISU-152. It was a component. But in the minds of many, the Sherman *was* the US system (tank destroyers are, as always, completely forgotten) and it's sadly judged by a far different standard.

-If the fact that in 1940 the US was building all of its tanks with aircraft engines isn't a statement about the US's interwar geopolitical interests, I don't know what is.

User:U11947026

2019-06-28T07:59:55Z

U11947026:

User:U11947026

2019-06-28T07:58:22Z

U11947026: summary

T26E1-1

2019-06-28T06:31:50Z

U11947026: /* Development */

{{Specs-Card|code=us_t26e4_superpershing}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_T26E1-1.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. The T26E1-1 was added with [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]]. The tank takes the basis of a normal [[M26|M26 Pershing]], then increases its armour with welded-on metal slabs and up-guns it with a [[T15E1 (90 mm)|T15E1 cannon]], which is nearly identical to the one in the [[T32|T32]]. This gives the tank a much appreciated armour protection and firepower for the battle rating and is comparable with the premium [[M26E1|M26E1]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===

'''Armour type:'''

* Cast homogeneous armour (Front, Turret)
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Side, Rear, Roof, Turret appliqué armour)
* Structural steel (Hull appliqué armour, Rear turret counterweight)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 101.6 (42-46°) + 38.1 (47°) + 38.1 mm (57°) ''Front glacis'' 162.5 (25-60°) + 38.1 (47°) + 38.1 mm (57°) '' Upper front glacis'' 76.2 mm (53°) + 38.1 (41°) + 38.1 mm (48°) ''Lower glacis'' || 76.2 mm ''Front'' 50.8 mm (0-2°) ''Rear''|| 50.8 mm (4°) ''Top'' 22.2 mm (68°) ''Lower'' || 22.2 mm
|-
| Turret || 101.6 mm (1-55°) ''Turret front'' 114.3 (1-84°) + 80 mm (3°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 76.2 mm (2-54°) || 76.2 (0-79°) + 100 mm (3°) || 25.4 mm
|-
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
|-
| Cupola || 76.2 mm || 25.4 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.
* The left turret side has a few tracks welded on, providing an additional 30 mm of armour where they are.
* The "ear flaps" on the turret provide 38.1 mm of armour. The steel on the gun mantlet gives an additional 80 mm of armour.
* Front glacis have sheets of 38.1 mm armour added on, sloped at varying angles.

=== Mobility ===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
|-
! Weight (tons)
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armor weight (tons)
! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
|-
| rowspan="2" | 49.9 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 43 (AB)
|-
|40 (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|646
|795
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|442
|500
|-
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|12.94
|15.93
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|8.86
|10.02
|-
|}

== Armaments ==
=== Main armament ===

{{main|T15E1 (90 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[T15E1 (90 mm)|90 mm T15E1]]
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 42 || -10°/+20° || ±180°
|-
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
|-
! style="width:4em" |Mode
! style="width:4em" |Stock
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
|-
| ''Arcade'' || 14.28 || 19.80 || 24.0 || 26.60 || 28.24
|-
| ''Realistic'' || 14.28 || 16.80 || 20.4 || 22.60 || 24.00
|-
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
|-
| 16.25 || 14.38 || 13.25 || 12.50
|-
|}

===== Ammunition =====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
|-
! 10m
! 100m
! 500m
! 1000m
! 1500m
! 2000m
|-
| T43 shot || AP || 217 || 216 || 202 || 186 || 172 || 164 ||
|-
| T42 shell || HE || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13
|-
| T41 || APCBC || 204 || 202 || 196 || 181 || 165 || 152
|-
| T44 shot || APCR || 270 || 266 || 250 || 231 || 214 || 195
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" |Velocity in m/s
! rowspan="2" |Projectile Mass in kg
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
''in m:''
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
''in mm:''
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g (TNT equivalent):''
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° from horizontal:''
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
|-
! 0%
! 50%
! 100%
|-
| T43 shot || 975 || 11 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1° || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
| T42 shell || 975 || 11 || 0.4 || 0.5 || 925 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| T41 || 975 || 11 || 1.2 || 20 || 137.2 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| T44 shot || 1143 || 7.6 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 66° || 70° || 72°
|-
|}

===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
'''Last updated: 1.77.2.68'''
[[File:Ammoracks_T26E1-1.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the T26E1-1.]]
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full ammo
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |6th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |7th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |8th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |9th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual discrepancy
|-
|| '''42''' || 32 ''(+8)'' || 28 ''(+14)'' || 24 ''(+18)'' || 20 ''(+22)'' || 16 ''(+26)'' || 12 ''(+30)'' || 8 ''(+34)'' || 4 ''(+38)'' || 0 ''(+42)'' || style="text-align:left" | No
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Recommended ammo load is 18 to remove most ammo from the hull floor, leaving rack 9 intact.
* Ammo rack 1 is a ready rack, and takes priority in being filled at the beginning of the battle, then fills racks 9 through 2.
* Full reload speed will be realized as long as ammo exists in the ready rack. If the ready racks is empty, a penalty to reload speed will occur.
* Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will load ammo from racks 2-9 into rack 1, as long as there is ammo in racks 2-9. Firing will interrupt the loading of the ready racks.

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount''
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate (shots/minute)
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 1,000 (200) || 576 || -10°/+70° || ±60°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | [[Browning (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate (shots/minute)
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 4,500 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in the battles ==

This is not exactly a brawling tank. Try to take the shots that is positive to hit and then fall back into cover. Don't stay exposed too long as enemy shells will most likely penetrate the armour. Try to stick with an ally, going of alone can/will be suicide.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Same 90mm gun as the [[T32]] and the premium [[M26E1]].
* M82 APCBC shot is available that can mess up any penetrated tank's internals.
* Thick sloped frontal armour.
* .50 on top of the turret is useful against low-flying aircraft and lightly armoured vehicles.
* 204 mm of penetration for the M82 shot makes Tiger IIs less of a threat when met dead-on.
* Front spaced armour can reduce effectiveness of HE and HESH rounds.

'''Cons:'''

* Despite the add-on armour, the armour is still inefficient for the BR.
* Spaced armour doesn't help against HEAT.
* The add-on armour has a negative impact on mobility on the already sluggish M26 it is based on.
* Gun gets damaged quite often due to its long profile.
* Springs on top of the turret tend to deflect shells into the turret.
* Hull machine gun port is a prominent weak spot.
* 90mm gun takes a long time to reload compared to its competitors.
* Slightly lower penetration in comparison to its adversaries like the [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II (H)]].
* Due to over-matching mechanics, the layered front is more of a weakness than a bonus due to the plates being only 38 mm by themselves, despite the total thickness of the front being 177.8 mm.

== History ==

===Development===
The [[M26|M26 Pershing]] helped the American armored forces by bringing in the heavy 90 mm Gun M3 into service on a tank mount. The gun was similar in performance to the German's [[Tiger E|Tiger I's]] [[KwK 36 (88 mm)|8.8 cm KwK 36]] cannon, but Army Ordnance wanted something to match the more powerful [[KwK 43 (88 mm)|8.8 cm KwK 43]] cannon on the [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II]]. The development to match this cannon made the [[T15E1 (90 mm)|T15 90 mm gun]]; the gun was 73 calibers long, compared to the 90 mm Gun M3's 53 calibers length. The first produced guns were called the ''T15E1'' and had large, fixed ammunition. To test the gun's viability in the tank, the gun was mounted onto the very first production T26, T26E1 tank serial #1, registration #0103292, with the conversions being done by the Wellman Engineering Company. This upgraded tank was titled the '''T26E1-1''' by means of a painted-on designation on the turret's left side to distinguish the design, although this title was not official, and few if any sources refer to it as such. The extreme length of the T15E1 gun barrel caused the manufacturers to add a very prominent counter balance on the mantlet, which could be seen on the left side of the turret when facing it. The T26E1-1 tank was sent to Aberdeen Proving Grounds on 12 January 1945 for testing purposes.<ref name="PershingHunnicutt">Hunnicutt, R.P. ''Pershing: A History of the Medium Tank T20 Series'' U.S.A.: Feist Publications, 1971</ref>

In March 1945, following the Aberdeen tests, the T26 tanks mounting the T15 gun was officially classified as the ''T26E4''. As such, the mentioned T26E1-1 would be classified as the first of the T26E4 models, with an initial procurement plan for 1,000 more units. The first T26E4 (henceforth referred to as T26E1-1) would be the only M26 model with the T15 gun to see service in Europe. Among the troops, the T26E1-1 in Europe would be known by its eponymous name '''"Super Pershing"''' when compared alongside to the normal M26 Pershing.<ref name="PershingHunnicutt">Hunnicutt, R.P. ''Pershing: A History of the Medium Tank T20 Series'' U.S.A.: Feist Publications, 1971</ref>

===Combat usage===
The T26E1-1 "Super Pershing" was sent to Europe and arrived in 15 March 1945 and assigned to the 3rd Armored Division. In its introduction, the "Super Pershing" was given additional armour by the maintenance crew in hopes to keep it up to date against the heavier German tanks. The front hull had two large pieces of metal welded onto it, each 38 mm in thickness, with a space in between the metal pieces. These metal pieces were sloped more than the hull armour it was over. An additional armour piece was welded on the turret mantlet, the metal was taken from a Panther turret and was about 80 mm thick when welded onto the turret.<ref name="PershingHunnicutt">Hunnicutt, R.P. ''Pershing: A History of the Medium Tank T20 Series'' U.S.A.: Feist Publications, 1971</ref> The T15E1 gun has much promise to the crew when using the tank as the gun could reliably penetrate the frontal hull of a [[Panther G|Panther]] tank, a feat not many other American tank gun could claim at the time.

The T26E1-1's performance in battle is largely written in the accounts of John P. Irwin, who was the tank gunner of the only active "Super Pershing" in the war. He mentions of three prominent combat actions with the T26E1-1, each one destroying the enemy with little difficulty. Records show that the T26E1-1 destroyed a total of three tanks and captured one after an extended firefight that left the opposing tank out of ammunition. Thought it was hoped to have the T26E1-1 fight a Tiger II for a rather explosive comparison, the T26E1-1 never saw a Tiger II during its tour in Europe. After the war, the T26E1-1 was most likely scrapped in the post-war demobilization as the final image of the tank was it lying in a vehicle dump in Kassel, Germany.

===Legacy and similar vehicles===
The T26E1-1 "Super Pershing" gave the Americans a tank that excelled in anti-tank performance more than its younger brethren M26, it made a legend in the battlefield and a showcase of the new philosophy of how prepared the Americans were if come face to face with another superior enemy like they did with their Shermans against the Panthers. The T26E1-1 continued as an idea long after the war was over, with the next development arming the long 90 mm cannon in the ''T26E3'' tank models, but the cannons used the new two-piece ammunition gun T15E2 rather than the one-piece one in the T15E1 when it was found that the long 50 inch rounds made loading prohibitive in the M26 turret. 25 of these tanks were built and were designated the ''T26E4''. Another development was to convert normal M26 Pershings to mounting the T54 cannon, another development of the T15E1 which featured shorter ammunition. These tanks were redesignated the [[M26E1|M26E1]], but work was halted due to issues with the guns and a cut in project funds.<ref name="PershingHunnicutt">Hunnicutt, R.P. ''Pershing: A History of the Medium Tank T20 Series'' U.S.A.: Feist Publications, 1971</ref>

== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''

==References==
<references />

== Read also ==

[https://warthunder.com/en/devblog/current/879/ [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> T26E1-1 Super Pershing: Under a Panther Mask] 

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

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

{{USA heavy tanks}}

T26E1-1

2019-06-27T20:05:09Z

U11947026: /* Development */ discussion of historical issues with the name "T26E1-1"

{{Specs-Card|code=us_t26e4_superpershing}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_T26E1-1.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. The T26E1-1 was added with [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]]. The tank takes the basis of a normal [[M26|M26 Pershing]], then increases its armour with welded-on metal slabs and up-guns it with a [[T15E1 (90 mm)|T15E1 cannon]], which is nearly identical to the one in the [[T32|T32]]. This gives the tank a much appreciated armour protection and firepower for the battle rating and is comparable with the premium [[M26E1|M26E1]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===

'''Armour type:'''

* Cast homogeneous armour (Front, Turret)
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Side, Rear, Roof, Turret appliqué armour)
* Structural steel (Hull appliqué armour, Rear turret counterweight)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 101.6 (42-46°) + 38.1 (47°) + 38.1 mm (57°) ''Front glacis'' 162.5 (25-60°) + 38.1 (47°) + 38.1 mm (57°) '' Upper front glacis'' 76.2 mm (53°) + 38.1 (41°) + 38.1 mm (48°) ''Lower glacis'' || 76.2 mm ''Front'' 50.8 mm (0-2°) ''Rear''|| 50.8 mm (4°) ''Top'' 22.2 mm (68°) ''Lower'' || 22.2 mm
|-
| Turret || 101.6 mm (1-55°) ''Turret front'' 114.3 (1-84°) + 80 mm (3°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 76.2 mm (2-54°) || 76.2 (0-79°) + 100 mm (3°) || 25.4 mm
|-
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
|-
| Cupola || 76.2 mm || 25.4 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.
* The left turret side has a few tracks welded on, providing an additional 30 mm of armour where they are.
* The "ear flaps" on the turret provide 38.1 mm of armour. The steel on the gun mantlet gives an additional 80 mm of armour.
* Front glacis have sheets of 38.1 mm armour added on, sloped at varying angles.

=== Mobility ===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
|-
! Weight (tons)
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armor weight (tons)
! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
|-
| rowspan="2" | 49.9 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 43 (AB)
|-
|40 (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|646
|795
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|442
|500
|-
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|12.94
|15.93
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|8.86
|10.02
|-
|}

== Armaments ==
=== Main armament ===

{{main|T15E1 (90 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[T15E1 (90 mm)|90 mm T15E1]]
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 42 || -10°/+20° || ±180°
|-
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
|-
! style="width:4em" |Mode
! style="width:4em" |Stock
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
|-
| ''Arcade'' || 14.28 || 19.80 || 24.0 || 26.60 || 28.24
|-
| ''Realistic'' || 14.28 || 16.80 || 20.4 || 22.60 || 24.00
|-
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
|-
| 16.25 || 14.38 || 13.25 || 12.50
|-
|}

===== Ammunition =====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
|-
! 10m
! 100m
! 500m
! 1000m
! 1500m
! 2000m
|-
| T43 shot || AP || 217 || 216 || 202 || 186 || 172 || 164 ||
|-
| T42 shell || HE || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13
|-
| T41 || APCBC || 204 || 202 || 196 || 181 || 165 || 152
|-
| T44 shot || APCR || 270 || 266 || 250 || 231 || 214 || 195
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" |Velocity in m/s
! rowspan="2" |Projectile Mass in kg
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
''in m:''
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
''in mm:''
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g (TNT equivalent):''
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° from horizontal:''
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
|-
! 0%
! 50%
! 100%
|-
| T43 shot || 975 || 11 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1° || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
| T42 shell || 975 || 11 || 0.4 || 0.5 || 925 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| T41 || 975 || 11 || 1.2 || 20 || 137.2 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| T44 shot || 1143 || 7.6 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 66° || 70° || 72°
|-
|}

===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
'''Last updated: 1.77.2.68'''
[[File:Ammoracks_T26E1-1.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the T26E1-1.]]
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full ammo
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |6th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |7th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |8th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |9th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual discrepancy
|-
|| '''42''' || 32 ''(+8)'' || 28 ''(+14)'' || 24 ''(+18)'' || 20 ''(+22)'' || 16 ''(+26)'' || 12 ''(+30)'' || 8 ''(+34)'' || 4 ''(+38)'' || 0 ''(+42)'' || style="text-align:left" | No
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Recommended ammo load is 18 to remove most ammo from the hull floor, leaving rack 9 intact.
* Ammo rack 1 is a ready rack, and takes priority in being filled at the beginning of the battle, then fills racks 9 through 2.
* Full reload speed will be realized as long as ammo exists in the ready rack. If the ready racks is empty, a penalty to reload speed will occur.
* Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will load ammo from racks 2-9 into rack 1, as long as there is ammo in racks 2-9. Firing will interrupt the loading of the ready racks.

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount''
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate (shots/minute)
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 1,000 (200) || 576 || -10°/+70° || ±60°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | [[Browning (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate (shots/minute)
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 4,500 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in the battles ==

This is not exactly a brawling tank. Try to take the shots that is positive to hit and then fall back into cover. Don't stay exposed too long as enemy shells will most likely penetrate the armour. Try to stick with an ally, going of alone can/will be suicide.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Same 90mm gun as the [[T32]] and the premium [[M26E1]].
* M82 APCBC shot is available that can mess up any penetrated tank's internals.
* Thick sloped frontal armour.
* .50 on top of the turret is useful against low-flying aircraft and lightly armoured vehicles.
* 204 mm of penetration for the M82 shot makes Tiger IIs less of a threat when met dead-on.
* Front spaced armour can reduce effectiveness of HE and HESH rounds.

'''Cons:'''

* Despite the add-on armour, the armour is still inefficient for the BR.
* Spaced armour doesn't help against HEAT.
* The add-on armour has a negative impact on mobility on the already sluggish M26 it is based on.
* Gun gets damaged quite often due to its long profile.
* Springs on top of the turret tend to deflect shells into the turret.
* Hull machine gun port is a prominent weak spot.
* 90mm gun takes a long time to reload compared to its competitors.
* Slightly lower penetration in comparison to its adversaries like the [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II (H)]].
* Due to over-matching mechanics, the layered front is more of a weakness than a bonus due to the plates being only 38 mm by themselves, despite the total thickness of the front being 177.8 mm.

== History ==

===Development===

It should be noted that the name T26E1-1 is a misnomer. The tank that would later be called the "Super Pershing" was originally a T26E1, serial number 1 registration number 30103292, manufactured at Fisher Body. Upon installation of the T15E1 gun and recoil springs, it was redesignated T26E4, temporary pilot 1, but the registration number did not change. At some point between the date of manufacture (February of 1944) and delivery to 3rd Armored (March 15, 1945), the name T26E1-1 was painted on the side of the turret. Although this does indicate the vehicle and serial number (T26E1, serial number 1), this specific title does not appear to have been used officially.

The [[M26|M26 Pershing]] helped the American armoured forces by bringing in the heavy 90 mm Gun M3 into service on a tank mount. The gun was similar in performance to the German's [[Tiger E|Tiger I's]] [[KwK 36 (88 mm)|8.8 cm KwK 36]] cannon, but Army Ordnance wanted something to match the more powerful [[KwK 43 (88 mm)|8.8 cm KwK 43]] cannon on the [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II]]. The development to match this cannon made the [[T15E1 (90 mm)|T15E1 90 mm gun]]; the gun was 73 calibers long, compared to the 90 mm Gun M3's 53 calibers length. The first produced guns were called the ''T15E1'' and had a large fixed ammunition. The gun was mounted on a T26E1 tank #1, one of the few early prototype tanks of the M26 Pershing, which gave it the name '''T26E1-1'''. The extreme length of the T15E1 gun barrel caused the manufacturers to add a very prominent counter balance on the mantlet, which could be seen on the left side of the turret when facing it.<ref name="PershingHunnicutt">Hunnicutt, R.P. ''Pershing: A History of the Medium Tank T20 Series'' U.S.A.: Feist Publications, 1971</ref> The T26E1-1 would be the only M26 model with the T15 gun to see service in Europe. Among the troops, the T26E1-1 in Europe would be known by its eponymous name '''"Super Pershing"''' when compared alongside to the normal M26 Pershing.

===Combat usage===
The T26E1-1 "Super Pershing" was sent to Europe and arrived sometime in March 1945. The T26E1-1 was assigned to the 3rd Armored Division and was given additional armour by the maintenance crew in hopes to keep it up to date against the heavier German tanks. The front hull had two large pieces of metal welded onto it, each 38 mm in thickness, with a space in between the metal pieces. These metal pieces were sloped more than the hull armour it was over. An additional armour piece was welded on the turret mantlet, the metal was taken from a Panther turret and was about 80 mm thick when welded onto the turret.<ref name="PershingHunnicutt">Hunnicutt, R.P. ''Pershing: A History of the Medium Tank T20 Series'' U.S.A.: Feist Publications, 1971</ref> The T15E1 gun has much promise to the crew when using the tank as the gun could reliably penetrate the frontal hull of a [[Panther G|Panther]] tank, a feat not many other American tank gun could claim at the time.

The T26E1-1's performance in battle is largely written in the accounts of John P. Irwin, who was the tank gunner of the only active "Super Pershing" in the war. He mentions of three prominent combat actions with the T26E1-1, each one destroying the enemy with little difficulty. Records show that the T26E1-1 destroyed a total of three tanks and captured one after an extended firefight that left the opposing tank out of ammunition. Thought it was hoped to have the T26E1-1 fight a Tiger II for a rather explosive comparison, the T26E1-1 never saw a Tiger II during its tour in Europe. After the war, the T26E1-1 was most likely scrapped in the post-war demobilization as the final image of the tank was it lying in a vehicle dump in Kassel, Germany.

===Legacy and similar vehicles===
The T26E1-1 "Super Pershing" gave the Americans a tank that excelled in anti-tank performance more than its younger brethren M26, it made a legend in the battlefield and a showcase of the new philosophy of how prepared the Americans were if come face to face with another superior enemy like they did with their Shermans against the Panthers. The T26E1-1 continued as an idea long after the war was over, with the next development arming the long 90 mm cannon in the ''T26E3'' tank models, but the cannons used the new two-piece ammunition gun T15E2 rather than the one-piece one in the T15E1 when it was found that the long 50 inch rounds made loading prohibitive in the M26 turret. 25 of these tanks were built and were designated the ''T26E4''. Another development was to convert normal M26 Pershings to mounting the T54 cannon, another development of the T15E1 which featured shorter ammunition. These tanks were redesignated the [[M26E1|M26E1]], but work was halted due to issues with the guns and a cut in project funds.<ref name="PershingHunnicutt">Hunnicutt, R.P. ''Pershing: A History of the Medium Tank T20 Series'' U.S.A.: Feist Publications, 1971</ref>

== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''

==References==
<references />

== Read also ==

[https://warthunder.com/en/devblog/current/879/ [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> T26E1-1 Super Pershing: Under a Panther Mask] 

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

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

{{USA heavy tanks}}

M18 GMC

2019-05-09T14:23:19Z

U11947026: /* US Tank Destroyer Doctrine */

{{Specs-Card|code=us_m18_hellcat}}
{{About
|about=tank destroyer '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|other
|usage-1=the premium version
|link-1=M18 "Black Cat"
|usage-2=the upgunned "super" version
|link-2=Super Hellcat
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_M18GMC.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
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 5.3.. 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 maneuverability 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 overpenetrate the armour, doing minimal damage to the internals. Thus, when facing the M18, its 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 ===

'''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 the turret rear, granting some 15 mm in thickness.

=== Mobility ===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
|-
! Weight (tons)
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armor weight (tons)
! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
|-
| rowspan="2" | 17.7 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 79 (AB)
|-
|72 (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|653
|804
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|407
|460
|-
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|36.89
|45.42
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|22.99
|25.99
|-
|}

== Armaments ==
=== Main armament ===

{{main|M1 (76 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[M1_(76_mm)|76 mm M1]]
|-
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
|-
| colspan="3" | 45 || -10°/+20° || ±180° || N/A
|-
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
|-
! style="width:4em" |Mode
! style="width:4em" |Stock
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
|-
| ''Arcade'' || 21.13 || 29.25 || __.__ || __.__ || 41.79
|-
| ''Realistic'' || 14.28 || 16.80 || 20.4 || 22.60 || 24.00
|-
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
|-
| 7.93 || 7.02 || 6.47 || 6.10
|-
|}

===== Ammunition =====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
|-
! 10m
! 100m
! 500m
! 1000m
! 1500m
! 2000m
|-
| M62 shell || APCBC || 145 || 142 || 130 || 116 || 103 || 92
|-
| M42A1 shell || HE || 8 || 8 || 7 || 7 || 7 || 7
|-
| M79 shot || AP || 133 || 131 || 121 || 109 || 98 || 89
|-
| M93 shot || APCR || 221 || 215 || 203 || 181 || 154 || 124
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="11" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" |Velocity in m/s
! rowspan="2" |Projectile Mass in kg
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
''in m:''
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
''in mm:''
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g (TNT equivalent):''
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° from horizontal:''
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
|-
! 0%
! 50%
! 100%
|-
| M62 shell || APCBC || 792 || 7.0 || 1.2 || 20 || 63.7 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| M42A1 shell || HE || 800 || 5.84 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 390 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| M79 shot || AP || 792 || 6.8 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1° || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
| M93 shot || APCR || 1,036 || 4.26 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 66° || 70° || 72°
|-
|}

===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
[[File:Ammoracks_M18GMC.png|right|thumbnail|300px|Ammo racks of the Hellcat.]]
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full ammo
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''45''' || 37 ''(+8)'' || 27 ''(+18)'' || 17 ''(+28)'' || 9 ''(+36)'' || 1 ''(+44)'' || style="text-align:left" | No
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount''
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate (shots/minute)
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 800 (200) || 576 || -10°/+70° || ±60°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

Before all, avoid colorful or bright decals. Camouflage is a main part of the M18's defense. 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 maneuvers and relocate. Not for trying to cross 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 an 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 have also located the firing spot. If detected, hide immediately and relocate.

'''''Flanking''''': Flanking is the most dangerous maneuver 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:'''

* Outstanding firepower, especially with the availability of APCR ammunition, coupled with the fast reload speed and turret traverse
* Overall mobility is superb, with very responsive maneuvering that allows the Hellcat to excel in flanking maneuvres
* Overall construction is low profile, reducing target size
* 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.

'''Cons:'''

* Thin armour also means rapid-fire autocannons, heavy machine guns, and aerial weapons could easily shred it
* Commander is exposed at the 0.50 cal 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
* Standard AP and APCBC round may be inadequate facing against most foes from the front
* A moment of immobility due to a damaged engine or transmission could be a sign of impending doom for the M18.
* Hull-break mechanics mean any explosions or well-aimed AP round could instantly destroy the vehicle

== 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 defense, 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 force. This role led to the desire for a fast vehicle with a powerful gun and mobility. Minimal emphasis was placed on armor, as the doctrinal role of tank destroyers was to respond rapidly to an enemy armored breakthrough; heavy armor 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 a 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">Zaloga Steven. ''M18 Hellcat Tank Destroyer 1943-97'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2004</ref>

===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 are 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 an 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 were 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 theater was limited due to the inadequate armour of Japanese tanks, it saw most of its service in the European theater 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 are 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 GMCs credited with at least 24 tank kills of the 30 total inflicted in the attack.

===Legacy===
Overall, the M18 GMCs 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 brethens, 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 unecessary component in the modernizing armoured forces.

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

== Media ==

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

{{Youtube|url = MMbI22Uya8A|A M18 Hellcat at the Big Sandy Shootout in 2011 }}

== References ==
<references />

== 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]

{{USA tank destroyers}}

HMS Armada

2019-05-09T13:49:47Z

U11947026: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card|code=uk_destroyer_battle_2series}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{specs|name}}''' is a rank {{specs|rank}} British destroyer {{Battle-rating|1}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.83 "Masters of the Sea"]] as part of the British fleet closed beta test.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armament separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Tips for preserving survivability should be saved for the "Use in battle" section.''

''If necessary, use a graphic template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.''

=== Mobility ===
''Write about the ship’s mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward speed and reverse speed.''

== Armament ==
=== Primary armament ===
''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>.''

''Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.''

=== Secondary armament ===
''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibers. Secondary armament is defined by the weapon chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armament and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that anti-air armament, even heavy caliber weapons, belong in the next section.''

''If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.''

=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
''An important part of the ship’s armament responsible for air raid defense. Anti-aircraft armament is defined by the weapon chosen with the control <code>Select anti-aircraft weapons</code>. Talk about the ship’s anti-air cannons and machine guns, the number of guns and their positions, their effective range, and about their overall effectiveness – including against surface targets.''

''If there is no anti-aircraft artillery, remove this section.''

=== Torpedo armament ===
''Many ships are armed with torpedo launchers, and for some vessels such as boats, torpedoes are an extremely important means of defeating an opponent. Evaluate the position of the torpedo launchers, discuss the ammunition available, firing specifics such as dead zones, features of the torpedoes themselves, etc.''

''If there is no torpedo armament, remove this section.''

=== Special armament ===
''Depth charges, mines, rocket launchers and missiles are also effective in skilled hands and can be an unexpected surprise for an opponent. Evaluate the ammunition of this type of armament and rate its performance in combat.''

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don’t get try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

* High rate of fire
* Decent survivability
* All main caliber guns are located on the bow of the ship, meaning you don't necessarily have to expose the entire profile of the ship in order to maximize firepower

*

'''Cons:'''

* Ineffective against Cruisers
* The low number of main guns means that loss of even one turret significantly effects ability to fight other large ships

*

== History ==

Realizing the heavy losses to air attacks and the inability of the then current destroyer designs to deal with aerial threats, the Royal Navy decided to act. In 1941, the first plans for what would become the replacement for the Tribal-class were drawn up.

Contrary to previous classes, the new destroyers would focus on powerful AA armament, featuring large calibre, high-angle dual purpose guns assisted by a number of smaller calibre AA cannons. The proposed design was accepted in autumn of 1941 under the name “Battle-class” with initial plans to build a total of 16 ships, forming two flotillas. The first order for 10 ships was issued in April 1942, with the second order for the remaining six ships following in August.

Despite the orders already being placed, further debate among high-ranking officials about the final design of the ship continued. As the initial ships were already under construction, changes to the existing design couldn’t be applied anymore. This led to several more subclasses being developed, but that’s a story for another time.

Although the first ships were launched by November 1943, delays in their completion were caused by late deliveries of critical fire control systems. In the end, only a handful of ships were completed by the end of WW2 and none of them saw any combat action. However, most of the ships of the Battle-class continued to serve well into the Cold War.

HMS Armada was one of these early ships of the class to be completed, but due to similar reasons, was only commissioned into service in July 1945. After several port visits throughout the UK, she was placed in reserve in 1947 only to rejoin active service in 1949 as part of the 3rd Destroyer Flotilla, operating in the Mediterranean.

During the mid 1950s, HMS Armada was involved in the Suez Crisis, but rejoined the Home Fleet shortly after. In 1960, HMS Armada was decommissioned and five years later, in 1965, taken apart for scrap.

''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5835-fleet-development-hms-armada-d14-keeping-the-birds-at-bay-en Devblog]''

== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''

== 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 ship;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5835-fleet-development-hms-armada-d14-keeping-the-birds-at-bay-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> HMS Armada (D14): Keeping The Birds at Bay]

{{Britain destroyers}}

M4A1 (FL10)

2019-05-09T13:41:43Z

U11947026: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code = fr_m4a1_sherman_fl_10
|store = 5956
}}
{{About
| about = French premium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = M4 (Disambiguation)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} French medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. This medium tank was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?''

''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''

=== Mobility ===
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability as well as the maximum speed forward and backwards.''

== Armaments ==
=== Main armament ===
''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''

=== Additional armament ===
''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''

=== Machine guns ===
''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''

== Usage in battles ==

Depending on the layout of the map, match battle rating and player's own playstyle the FL10 can be used as a sniper, a flanker or a close-quarter brawler. Details about playstyles are as follows:

;Sniper

*Using FL10 as a sniper is a conservative, but commonly rewarding playstyle. The FL10 boasts a highly potent 76 mm cannon, with an equally impressive round, capable of penetrating 180+ mm of steel equivalent. Given the fast reload of the cannon due to the use of the autoloader, it is possible to perform quick follow-up shots on target at range. This tactic is recommended in matches where it is possible to position oneself in a good position early in the match (e.g. overlooking a point). Be wary of the gun's average depression, however, as this will require to expose the hull during firing.

;Flanker

*Depending on your knowledge of the map and likely enemy routes, FL10 can be effectively used as a flanker. The FL10 inherits a relatively mobile chassis of an M4 medium tank making some flanking maneuvres possible. In this role, FL10 can be used to assume an ambush position on the flanks. It is important to note, that FL10 is not the most agile vehicle at its battle rating, however, provided a good early-game position, fast reload and good penetration it can effectively engage an enemy from the flanks and counter enemy flankers. It is advised to retreat immediately if you're spotted as FL10 is unlikely to withstand being fired upon due to mediocre armour and 4 crew members.

;Brawler

*Using FL10 as a close-quarter brawler is a high risk/high reward tactic that is likely to result in either multiple kills or an early return to the hangar. It is important to fire the first shot on the enemy, as, given the poor armour of the tank, you are commonly unable to withstand even one hit. Here, it is advised to disable the enemy's gun/turret first to prevent them from returning fire. It is important to note, that FL10 lacks the stabiliser found on the American Sherman counterparts, putting the player at a further disadvantage when fighting in close quarters.

=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

* Good penetration and excellent rate of fire
* Improved engine makes for decent mobility

*

'''Cons:'''

* Lackluster reverse speed; disengaging if damaged or out of rounds can be difficult
* Oscillating turret means that from a full stop, the M4A1 (FL10) usually takes longer to level the gun compared to conventional turrets
* Poor turret elevation makes engaging airplanes difficult

*

== History ==
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''

== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''

== 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/news/5162-development-m4a1-fl10-the-charming-sherman-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> M4A1 FL10 - The Charming Sherman]

{{France medium tanks}}
{{France premium ground vehicles}}