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M1A2 Abrams

2024-11-16T23:16:46Z

U173279422: The M829 ammo got added to the stock version of the tank, it is not longer possible to research it.

{{About
| about = American main battle tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = M1 Abrams (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=us_m1a2_abrams
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (shortened to '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''') is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]] as the top researchable vehicle in the US Ground Forces tech tree. The M1A2 introduces heavy depleted uranium armour and a commander's thermal sight.

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


[[File:M1A2 armour scheme.png|thumbnail|The M1A2's frontal KE protection vs 3BM42 at 500 metres]]
[[File:M1A2 CE armour scheme.png|thumbnail|The M1A2's frontal CE protection vs MIM-146]]

The M1A2's armour is a massive improvement in comparison to its predecessor, the [[M1A1 Abrams|M1A1]], and is the first Abrams in the game to be equipped with depleted uranium composite armour, located behind the turret cheeks of the tank. The protection afforded with the use of depleted uranium amounts to roughly over 300 mm RHAe more armour against kinetic energy projectiles whilst retaining the near-impenetrable chemical protection of the M1A1. The turret's overall kinetic energy protection ranges from around 780 mm to 680 mm, whilst the chemical energy protection ranges from 1,200 mm to 1,000 mm. However, the M1A2 has no depleted uranium located in the lower front plate, retaining the same weak spots as the M1A1's hull. The turret ring and breech also are weak spots, though the breech on the Abrams series is notably some of the strongest out of all NATO main battle tanks being small and well protected against chemical energy rounds and some early APFSDS rounds.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,058|rbMinHp=1,343}}

The {{PAGENAME}} retains the same 1,519 horsepower AGT-1500 gas turbine on previous Abrams variants, though the tank has gained an additional 4 tons of weight, putting the total mass of the tank at 61.7 tonnes. This translates to a noticeable decrease in acceleration and manoeuvrability due to a lower hp/ton ratio. However, the tank retains the same 68 km/h top speed and 40 km/h reverse speed and relative to its counterparts the {{PAGENAME}} is still fairly mobile, especially at speeds over 40 km/h. When stock, the hull traverse is quite horrendous and acceleration is lacking, though these are largely remedied by researching the tracks, filters, engine and transmission modifications.

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

'''<big>Unlock order recommendations</big>'''

The order of modifications should be well thought out. Below is a guide of which modifications to unlock first, but it is just a recommendation and can be modified or adapted depending on the tank commander's preferences.

'''Tier 1'''

The first modifications that should be unlocked are parts to allow repairing of the tank. You only need one modification to move on to tier 2.

'''Tier 2'''

Moving on, you need two modifications from tier 2 in order to move to tier 3. Some good choices are FPE and smoke grenades; these two are the most important to success on the battlefield. FPE allows the putting out of fires and smoke grenades allows the deploying of a smoke screen, both of which are likely to save the tank on the field of battle. Now, adjustment of fire can be useful when engaging at longer ranges but in most cases it's not necessary at ranges up to even over one kilometre. After you unlock your two modifications in tier 2 it's recommended to move on to tier 3 to unlock more useful modifications.

'''Tier 3'''

In tier 3 there are several useful modifications but only two are required to move on to tier 4. Because there are multiple useful modifications in this tier a more broad recommendation should be given. The laser rangefinder - which allows great accuracy at long range, crew replenishment - which allows replacing a knocked out crew member, and filters - which increase mobility, although elevation mechanism can be useful as well it generally isn't quite as useful on the M1A2 because the gun already elevates quickly enough to use in battle. It's probably best to get crew replenishment and laser rangefinder but this one is up to the commander.

'''Tier 4'''

Moving on to tier 4 the prioritized modifications should be M829A2, NVD, and engine modifications to give much increased firepower, search and location ability, and mobility respectively. After that the most major modifications have been researched and now it's time to go back through the tiers and pick up the remaining mods.

'''Finishing up'''

After reaching tier 4 there are likely still useful modifications throughout the tiers that should be researched including tracks, filters, transmission, elevation mechanism, M830A1 and others. There are some modifications that aren't very useful though and should be saved for last, like suspension and brake system.

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

{{main|M256 (120 mm)}}

The M1A2 is armed with the 120 mm M256 smoothbore gun, the same cannon found on the M1A1 and the M1A1 HC, and has access to the same APFSDS and HEATFS ammunition. Its ammo selection is identical to the M1A1 HC, with the exception of the more powerful M829A2 APFSDS.

The M1A2's gun handles very well, with a very efficient stabilizer that allows accurate fire at any speed and a very fast turret traverse. The gun has good depression and elevation angles; negative 10 and positive 20 degrees respectively. An aced crew can reload the gun in just six seconds, which is comparable its contemporaries although slower than the Challenger 2s, Type 90s, and Type 10.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M256 (120 mm)|120 mm M256]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 42 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 38.1 || 52.7 || 64.0 || 70.8 || 75.3 || rowspan="2" | 6.50 || rowspan="2" | 5.75 || rowspan="2" | 5.30 || rowspan="2" | 5.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:M256 (120 mm)/Ammunition|M830, M830A1, M829, M829A2, M908}}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''42''' || 37 ''(+5)'' || 19 ''(+23)'' || 1 ''(+41)'' || No
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|4}}

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M240 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle (Commander) || 1,000 (200) || 577 || -9°/+65° || -160°/+180°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M240 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M240]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 10,000 (200) || 941 || N/A || N/A
|-
| Pintle (Loader) || 1,400 (200) || 941 || -9°/+65° || -180°/+20°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The M1A2 Abrams excels as an all-around jack of all trades vehicle capable of any role presented to it. It has a great combination of protection, firepower, situational awareness and mobility to allow it to adapt to any task it may face, from close-quarters fighting in urban areas to long-range engagements on large open maps.

;Urban combat

The M1A2, with its good mobility and improved protection over the M1A1 can function as an effective brawler in close-quarters urban fighting. The M1A2's reload rate is on par when aced to its counterparts, with the exception of the [[Challenger 2 (Family)|Challenger 2s]] and [[Type 90 (Family)|Type 90s]], and [[Type 10]], making it able to quickly dish out damage and deal with multiple foes. Thusly, the M1A2 has no issue leading the charge into urban areas and being a frontline vehicle in the thick of the action, being able to equally deal damage and take it.

;Rural combat

On large open maps, the M1A2 is fully able to exploit its improved turret protection and commander's thermal imaging to give it the upper hand in long-range battles. The mobility of the M1A2 allows it to reach advantageous positions that overlook key areas of the map but its 1st gen. thermal device doesn't allow a fast identification of targets at range and in dense woodland. The commander's thermal imager means the player can keep track of threats all around the vehicle and monitor the battlefield without exposing the turret at all. The M1A2 is best played as an ambush sniper, using its commander's thermal sight to survey from cover, exposing the tank only to engage a target. The turret armour also means the M1A2 should be kept in a hull-down position, making the tank extremely hard to destroy. The M1A2 also retains the ability to effectively take the enemy head-on when the situation calls for it, such as assaulting capture points. The M830A1 shell is also valuable, allowing the M1A2 to become an ad-hoc anti-aircraft vehicle, especially against unwary helicopters that get too close to you or your allies.

;Notable enemies

* [[Leopard 2A5]]/[[Leopard 2A6|2A6]]: These are the main counterparts of the M1A2. Though the M1A2 outperforms the Leopard 2A5 in firepower, the Leopard 2A6 has superior firepower. The DM53 APFSDS the Leopard 2A6 is equipped with is capable of penetrating the turret cheek of the M1A2 at closer ranges. Thus, the Leopard 2s should be a high-priority target to be dealt with carefully. When hull down, the Leopard 2s can only be effectively penetrated through the gun mantlet or a lucky shot into the turret ring, so aim for the gun area, as this usually results in at least the disablement of the cannon or breech. If the Leopard 2 presents its hull, aim for the left side as the lined-up crew members usually result in all of them being knocked out at the same time, resulting in a one shot if done correctly.

* [[T-80U]]: The T-80U can be a fearsome enemy if you are unaware of its significant disadvantages and weaknesses. The tank's frontal protection is very strong, though the area around the gun and the driver's hatch are weak spots that should be targeted. The T-80U, like many other T-series vehicles, are prone to being destroyed by a single shot due to the tightly-packed interior that has the turret crew sitting on top of all the ammunition. Furthermore, the T-80U is very vulnerable to any form of angling in the hull as its side protection is very weak in comparison to the frontal armour. A single penetration at all but the most oblique angles usually results in the detonation of the hull-ammo carousel to easily destroy the T-80U.

* [[Leclerc]]: The Leclerc's good mobility, firepower and protection make it a formidable foe to engage. However the tank's armour scheme is inconsistent and presents three main weak spots frontally; the massive and extremely weak mantlet, the UFP and LFP. These are quite easy to hit and present a good chance of dealing serious damage or knocking out the vehicle entirely.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* New depleted uranium composite armour layout makes the frontal turret extremely difficult to penetrate to all munitions in the game, other than the Leopard 2A6's DM53, at short range
* Can effectively destroy aircraft or helicopters with new HEATFS shell through proximity detonation
* Thermal sight for both the commander and gunner
* Good crew survivability like the rest of the Abrams line
* M829 APFSDS modification unlocked at tier I
* Powerful M829A2 APFSDS shell with excellent ballistics and penetration properties

'''Cons:'''

* Very easy to penetrate, even by low rank 5 tanks, hits on the UFP can auto bounce into the turret, often incapacitating the gunner and commander, as well as detonating the ammo
* The turret ring is a massive weak spot, any tank in the game can penetrate it, a hit to the highly angled upper front plate will likely cause the incoming shell to ricochet into the turret ring, destroying critical components and knocking out crew members
* The LFP is huge and has very poor protection
* Has the same weak spots as its preceding variants
* The gun mantlet weak spot on the turret, though this is common with all MBTs.
* The Leopard 2A6's DM53 has a good chance of penetrating the turret cheeks if they're hit at a right angle
* The mobility is hampered by its weight of 61.7 tonnes
* The stock HEATFS shell is very difficult to use at top tier due to every tank you face having more than 600mm of chemical protection or being coated in ERA frontally. Flank shots are the only reliable way to get kills
* Like with most Abrams series tanks, the engine deck is slightly raised, meaning that you will not be able to depress the gun over the rear of the tank.

== History ==

[[File:U.S. Army M1A2 Abrams Iraq 2005.jpg|x240px|right|none|thumb|Two US Army M1A2s in Iraq.]]

In the second half of the 1980s, a development project was launched to increase the combat effectiveness of the Abrams MBT. The result of this undertaking became the M1A2 version of the Abrams.

The new version featured an upgraded fire control system, a new independent commander's panoramic sight as well as improved protection thanks to the use of second generation depleted uranium composite armour. All of these upgrades combined significantly bolstered the combat capabilities of the Abrams tank. Production of the M1A2 began in 1986 and the modification was formally introduced into US service in 1992.

The M1A2 and its sub-variants are the most advanced modifications of the Abrams tank fielded to date. Over 1,500 M1A2s have been built with some older variants also being upgraded to the M1A2 standard. Apart from the U.S. as its primary operator, the M1A2 also sees service with the armed forces of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

''- From [[wt:en/news/6451-development-m1a2-abrams-higher-and-higher-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_m1a2_abrams Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
File:M1A2 Cobra King II Hangar.png|Cobra King II, prepped for combat.
File:M1A2 on Kursk.png|Angel of Death, scanning the horizon on Kursk.
File:M1A2 Allied Spirit VIII camouflage.jpg|Unlockable Allied Spirit VIII skin representing US Army units in Europe, 2018.
File:ArtImage2 M1A2 Abrams.png|M1A2 Abrams in the desert.
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|k-TAP29inb8|'''Should You Grind The M1A2 Abrams?''' - ''Sako Sniper''}}

== See also ==


* [[M1A2 SEP]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6451-development-m1a2-abrams-higher-and-higher-en|[Development] M1A2 Abrams - Higher and Higher]]

{{TankManufacturer GDLS}}
{{USA medium tanks}}

Imp.Chaparral

2024-09-26T23:14:00Z

U173279422: /* Usage in battles */

{{About
| about = US SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = Imp.Chaparral (Israel)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=us_mim_72_chaparral
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The Chaparral was an SPAA used by the United States between 1969 and the early 2000s. It was a cheap way to adapt an already existing and trusted platform like the M113 to provide close- to medium-range air defence. For this, the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile was used, with different seekers and engines being installed over the years in order to provide better target acquisition, range, and reliability. The Chaparral also saw medium success in international markets, serving with Ecuador, Chile, Egypt, Morocco, Taiwan, and Israel. Its only confirmed kill was a MiG-17 shot down by Israel over the Golan Heights.

Introduced in [[Update "Sons of Attila"]], the Chaparral comes with the benefit of using IR-guided missiles, these can be flared away with countermeasures and a couple of manoeuvres, but it makes it so that no radar is required, which means no ground clutter or lock warning for the pilots. Many jets at the BR lack countermeasures, so its most major opponents are modern ground attack aircraft like the A-10 and Su-25 that have armament capable of outranging the Chaparral and also have countermeasures. The other problem the Chaparral suffers is the lack of a gun; since it has no cannon or HMG, it is not able to shoot down helicopters or jets that are too close for the missile to get a lock.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-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.''

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=206|rbMinHp=128}}

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

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

{{main|MIM-72}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[MIM-72]] missile || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 12 (4) || rowspan="2" | -9°/+90° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 79.3 || 109.7 || 133.2 || 147.3 || 156.7 || rowspan="2" | 19.50 || rowspan="2" | 17.25 || rowspan="2" | 15.90 || rowspan="2" | 15.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 53.6 || 63.0 || 76.5 || 84.6 || 90.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:MIM-72/Ammunition|MIM-72C, MIM-72E}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''3''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The first and most noticeable jump from the M247 to the Chaparral is the lack of radar. The lack of radar can take some time getting used to but is not a downside; the lack of a radar renders you invisible to almost any jet that does not have a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR). Even though searching for targets is more difficult, it also makes you more difficult to be found. Thanks to the IR locking, the target will not detect the lock nor the missile launch and, thanks to the smokeless missile motor, means that there is only a split second window after firing where you can be detected. This also means that you can reload the missile rack by locking onto the sun and firing your last missile in relative safety.

There are several ways to avoid missing;

* Avoid firing the missile before the target has fired flares, chances are they've been locked by another SPAA and are trying to avoid them. This leaves you the perfect window to fire and cripple them.
* Avoid firing when the target has lots of energy, the less energy the target has means a higher chance you will hit them. Try firing after they've finished an evasive maneuverer.
* In rear aspect, the missiles functionally ignore flares which means that you will be able to lock and fire before they have chance to avoid it. Try to pre-emptively aim in rear aspect so that you can destroy the aircraft after they've passed overhead.
* Don't fire at distant targets travelling transversally, the missiles tend to overcorrect and have a decent chance to miss their target.

As this is the first missile-centric SPAA, actively engaging targets takes a lot less time and effort as the missiles themselves do much of the work for you. Four missiles give plenty of chance to destroy a target in the event that the missile is evaded.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* IRST tracking (undetected by RWR)
* Infrared missile guidance provides more stealthy attacks compared to missiles that rely on radar (fire and forget, no painting to alert enemy RWR)
* Harder-hitting and more manoeuvrable missiles compared to its successor LAV-AD
* Can perform scout functions for extra team assistance
* Thermal imaging to assist with target acquisition

'''Cons:'''

* Missile armament lacks IRCCM
* Absolutely no defensive armament, strictly anti-air
* No armour
* Lacks search radar (must rely on visual and sound to find enemies)

== History ==

[[File:Chaparral US.jpg|thumb|MIM-72 Chaparral at Redstone Arsenal]]
The Chaparral was an anti-aircraft system developed by the United States during the 1960s to offer short-range air defence capabilities to soldiers and armoured units. The Chaparral employs variants of the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile instead of traditional radar-guided missiles and it was meant to be used together with the [[M163]] VADS.

The Chaparral's predecessor was the Mauler, developed during the Advanced Air Defence Program and using the MIM-46 Mauler missile. It was equipped with a total of 9 missiles and no gun, the system was mounted in the M113 chassis and also had 2 radars available. The Mauler was abandoned in 1963 after many problems were discovered with the system, but many of its characteristics were inherited by the Chaparral.

For example, the attempts to modify the M113 to add an SPAA system to it continued in the following years, with the MIM-72 Chaparral going into service in 1969. The Chaparral was a cheap and quick solution to the lack of short-medium range air defence options in the army. This was result of the Provisional Advanced Air Defence program, that evaluated the AIM-9 missile as an option for ground-based AA platforms. However issues started to appear when it was evident that the AIM-9 would not have enough time to react if the enemy aircraft was too close, thus, an M113 was equipped with an M61 Vulcan 20 mm cannon and a radar was to be used in complement to the Chaparral. A separated radar set was developed to be used with both the Chaparral and Vulcan system, however this system is transported by a separate unarmed vehicle and was not suited for frontline combat.

Different versions of the Chaparral appeared in later years, especially during the 1970s and '80s. The Chaparral was seen as a cheap alternative for air defence platforms and was exported to several nations. Most upgrades consisted in improvements to the fire control system and armament, with better missiles adapted to be used in the Chaparral. All-aspect seekers were installed in 1974, and even a naval version was exported to Taiwan after not being of interest to the army.

The MIM-72D was an export variant with improved warhead, the MIM-72E was used during the 1970s and '80s and included a smokeless engine. The most modern variant was the MIM-72G, that used the seeker of the FIM-92 Stinger missile, with deliveries of this new version starting in 1982, and all missiles being modified with the new seeker. After 1981, the system started to be phased out from the regular army, but it was still used during the Gulf War. In the end, all systems were handed over to the US national guard.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_mim_72_chaparral Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[Imp.Chaparral (Israel)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8445-development-improved-chaparral-oppa-chaparral-style-en|[Devblog] Improved Chaparral: Oppa Chaparral Style!]]

{{USA anti-aircraft vehicles}}