War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

T-64A (1971)

2022-10-18T15:08:33Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = Soviet medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = T-64 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=ussr_t_64a_1971
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]]. The T-64A should primarily be played defensively, utilising terrain for cover and pushing carefully. It has good firepower, but mediocre armour, average mobility and a near non-existent reverse speed. The T-64A can be played as a sniper with one of the highest velocity rounds in game at 1800 m/s. Brawling should be avoided, as many of the vehicles it will face will easily penetrate its hull armour. Most vehicles it will face have better mobility, so it's important to be aware of flankers.

The T-64A presents a design that is reminiscent of some Soviet tanks seen in the contemporary period. The tank's overall colour scheme presents a default camouflage of the same glorious dark olive green seen on nearly all other prior Soviet tanks.

Compared to all other Soviet medium tanks prior, the T-64A's suspension system uses multiple small wheels and rollers rather than the huge wheels. While this allowed better flotation, it does leave more of the side hull vulnerable to attack straight at without worry of hitting the tracks or suspension. This is at least partial reasoning for the prominent 'flaps' seen on each side of the vehicle - these help protect the sides against HEAT ammunition, causing a harmless explosion before the rounds reach the actual side armour.

Two long tubes extend from the back of the T-64A. One is on the turret, which is the container housing the snorkelling gear for the tank in deep wading procedures. The other on the turret is the familiar log that comes nearly standard with Soviet/Russian vehicle, used for removing the vehicle if it gets stuck in mud or other nasty terrain attributes.

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

'''Armour type:'''

* Spaced armour (Hull front, Turret front)
* Cast homogeneous armour
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Turret)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 80* mm (68°) ''Front glacis'' 80 mm (61°) ''Lower glacis'' || 85 mm ''Front'' 70 mm ''Rear'' <br. 20 mm (33°) ''Bottom'' || 20 mm (8-55°) ''Top'' 45 mm ''Center'' 20 mm (18-58°) ''Bottom'' || 30 mm ''Front'' 20 mm ''Engine deck''
|-
| Turret || 50-330 mm (0-80°) || 65-180* mm (2-49°) || 65 mm (2-72°) || 40-140 mm
|-
| Cupola || colspan="3" | 100 mm || 40 mm
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Composite armour* !! Front !! Sides
|-
| Hull || 320 mm ''Kinetic'' 450 mm ''Chemical'' || N/A
|-
| Turret || 400 mm ''Kinetic'' 450 mm ''Chemical'' || 400 mm ''Kinetic'' 450 mm ''Chemical''
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, torsion bars are 10 mm thick, and tracks are 30 mm thick.
* The side flaps on the hull side gives spaced protection against HEAT rounds, allowing one to angle the hull slightly while protecting the vulnerable side hull.
* Belly armour is 20 mm thick.
* A 5 mm RHA plate separates the engine from the crew compartment
* A log providing 100 mm thickness in wood.
* The snorkel tube on the turret rear provide 4 mm of structural steel.
* Hull roof armour at front and turret base is rated to be 30 mm effective against HE
* Hull spaced armour configuration is 80 mm RHA + 105 mm Textolite + 20 mm RHA.
* Turret spaced armour configuration is 150-180 mm CHA + 150 mm HHRA + 32 mm RHA.

The T-64A has composite armour over most of its upper front glacis and turret, although it has some obvious weak points - it has no LFP composite armour, the driver's port is not reinforced and there are some small sections of the turret that are easily penetrable. Unfortunately, though, many vehicles the T-64A will encounter have ammunition that can easily overmatch the UFP composite and often will simply punch straight through - it's best to avoid exposing the hull at all. HEAT ammunition is finicky as T-64A was built around protection specifications against shaped charges, the composite armour is 450 mm effective when against HEAT warheads and there are side flaps on the side hull to prevent even the chance of hitting the T-64A weaker side armour on the first try, although these side flaps are one-time use only so prolonged combat may have sheared these off already. Try to avoid aiming for the turret as it is the most protected area of the tank with a good portion covered by composite, leading to the need of massive amount of penetration to consider the turret a viable target, like the HOT missiles.

In a situation where the T-64A decides to hull-down and present as little of the front plate as possible, the best option is to attempt to disable the vehicle's gun - the mantlet is destroyed easily and combined with the sub-par reverse speed, this may provide enough time to push forward or around the vehicle and get a clear shot on the hull. Where possible, try to land the shot centre-mass below the turret which often causes an ammunition detonation.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,085|rbMinHp=619}}

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

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

{{main|2A26 (125 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[2A26 (125 mm)|125 mm 2A26]] || 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" | 37 || rowspan="2" | -6°/+14° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 19.0 || 26.4 || 32.0 || 35.4 || 37.7 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 7.10
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 11.9 || 14.0 || 17.0 || 18.8 || 20.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| 3BK12M || HEATFS || 440 || 440 || 440 || 440 || 440 || 440
|-
| 3OF19 || HE || 35 || 35 || 35 || 35 || 35 || 35
|-
| 3OF26 || HE || 42 || 42 || 42 || 42 || 42 || 42
|-
| 3BM9 || APFSDS || 321 || 317 || 303 || 285 || 268 || 249
|-
| 3BM15 || APFSDS || 440 || 430 || 420 || 410 || 405 || 400
|-
| 3BM22 || APFSDS || 425 || 420 || 415 || 405 || 393 || 380
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| 3BK12M || HEATFS || 905 || 19 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 2,530 || 65° || 72° || 77°
|-
| 3OF19 || HE || 850 || 23.2 || 0 || 0.1 || 3,150 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| 3OF26 || HE || 850 || 23 || 0 || 0.1 || 5,240 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| 3BM9 || APFSDS || 1,800 || 3.6 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 72° || 76° || 78°
|-
| 3BM15 || APFSDS || 1,780 || 3.88 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 76° || 77° || 80°
|-
| 3BM22 || APFSDS || 1,760 || 4.83 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 76° || 77° || 80°
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! Ammo part
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''37''' || ''Projectiles'' ''Propellants'' || 37 ''(+0)'' 37 ''(+0)'' || 36 ''(+1)'' 36 ''(+1)'' || 33 ''(+4)'' 29 ''(+8)'' || 29 ''(+8)'' 1 ''(+36)'' || 1 ''(+36)'' N/A|| No
|-
|}
'''Notes''':

* The {{PAGENAME}} main ammo rack consists of a mechanized carousel at the bottom of the turret. It carries 28 propellants and projectiles.
* The 5th projectile rack is the carousel at the bottom of the turret; it serves as first-stage ammo stowage.
* The 4th propellant rack is the carousel at the bottom of the turret; it serves as first-stage ammo stowage.

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

{{main|PKT (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[PKT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm PKT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 2,000 (250) || 700 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

It's key to keep the weaknesses of the T-64A in mind for the best performance of the vehicle. The 125 mm gun is extremely powerful and will comfortably perform even against newer and better protected opponents, but in almost every other aspect the vehicle is lacking. Where possible, avoid exposing the hull at all - the easiest way to do so is to use a small defilade or terrain deformity. Sit back, be patient and allow the enemy to expose their weak spots. Most vehicles are faster than the T-64A, so expect hostile tanks to find their way to objectives significantly faster than you will.

The T-64A has a very powerful APFSDS round that will be able to penetrate all of its foes. This should be used to its advantage by going in a hull down position using its great turret armour to block shots.

Finally, remember that your reverse speed is abysmal - whenever possible avoid situations that will force you to reverse - and if you do have to move back, where possible try to traverse the entire hull and move back with the full speed of your forwards gears.

When facing common enemy tanks:

* [[MBT-70]]/[[KPz-70]] - When facing the MBT-70/Kpz-70, the best place to shoot is the left turret cheek as this will knock out commander and gunner.
* [[Chieftain Mk 10]] - If hull down, shoot for cannon breech or gun barrel.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Acceptable speed going forward
* Turret cheeks are often surprisingly well protected
* Vehicle is fitted with a surgically precise and devastatingly effective 125 mm gun
* [[Smoke screen|ESS]] covers friendly tanks behind the vehicle
* Side flaps protect the tank from side attacks with chemical energy rounds (once a flap gets hit it will fall off)
* Decent reload no matter what because of the auto-loader system
* Good HE shell, can be a little finnicky
* Very low profile compared to its contemporaries, much harder to spot and hit
* One of the fastest rounds in game (1800 m/s), easy to aim
* Tier 2 and 4 APFSDS shells will go through almost anything in-game
* Can be very hard to destroy in hull-down positions

'''Cons:'''

* Slow horizontal turret traverse
* Ability to fight from range is diminished due to absence of a laser rangefinder
* No smoke grenades
* No thermal optics
* Any penetrating side shot is very likely to detonate ammunition
* Abysmally slow reverse speed (-4 km/h)
* Weak lower glacis, can be penetrated by almost any round at its BR
* Frontal penetration can easily disable 2 of the 3-man crew, leading to a crew knockout
* Sub-par gun depression
* No anti-air capability
* Angling the tank causes the weak side armour to be exposed
* Hull armour flaps are easily penetrated by kinetic munitions when angled

== History ==


The T-64A is the second version of the T-64 tank, introduced in 1967 it featured many improvements over the basic T-64. The most notable of these was the 115 mm cannon being replaced with a 125 mm cannon, the T-64A also featured improved armour. The 1971 version of the tank featured new optics, and other minor improvements. The T-64 was one of the only Soviet tanks to never be exported as the Kremlin considered its technology too revolutionary and advanced to allow foreign countries access to it. The T-64A was meant to replace the Soviet heavy tanks such as the T-10M. It was originally supposed to mount a 122 mm gun, but was changed to a 115 mm on the T-64, then to a 125 mm on the T-64A. The T-64 featured composite armour, being lighter and stronger than regular steel armour, being able to resist the shells of NATO 105 mm cannons. It was an incredibly advanced design, featuring an autoloader and a two-plane stabilizer for the cannon. The autoloader allowed the tank to reduce the crew to three, reducing the size of the tank and allowing the tank to be very light while still being heavily protected.

===[[wt:en/news/4906-development-t-64a-the-pioneer-of-a-new-era-en|Devblog]]===
Initially, in the early days of the Cold War, it seemed like the USSR had both the technological and numerical advantage over the western allies, when it came to their ground forces, specifically their tanks. Vehicles like the T-54/55 and IS-3 proved to be in many ways superior over some of the top performing vehicles fielded by the West. This remained so until the introduction of the British Royal Ordnance L7 105 mm cannon and its variants. The new cannon featured high accuracy and penetrating capabilities, even at long range, making the superior armour protection on the Soviet tanks neigh irrelevant.

The new weapon sent a wake up call to the Soviet tank designers, prompting them to switch from the tried and tested methods and experiences learned in WW2, to new and more advanced techniques and technologies. The first attempt at creating a state-of-the-art main battle tank came in the shape of the T-62, which sported a revolutionary new 115 mm smoothbore cannon that featured unrivaled ballistic properties. However, apart from the new gun, the tank didn't receive any particular changes to its core design to make it stand out from earlier projects, thus the tank was soon relegated to infantry support. The needed breakthrough in Soviet tank development came in the early 1960s with the T-64, designed by Alexander Morozov, the same man that created some of the most famous Soviet tanks, like the T-34-85, T-44 and T-54.

The T-64 brought with it a whole host of firsts and innovations to the table, like laminar armour, an autoloading mechanism and more. However, the standout feature of the vehicle is most definitely its use of laminar armour, making it the first vehicle in the world to make use of such an advanced protection system. Thanks to this, the T-64 had extremely effective frontal armour, even outmatching the armour of contemporary heavy tanks, whilst the chassis itself was significantly smaller and lighter. The autoloading mechanism replaced the human loader, in turn reducing the crew count to three men. The new system allowed for a high rate of fire whilst also allowing the fighting compartment to be reduced in size, thus lowering weight and size of the tank. However, with all the new equipment being used for the first time, it comes to no surprise that the tank was also much more expensive to manufacture compared to older Soviet vehicles.

Nevertheless, the T-64 began rolling off the assembly line in the early '60s and continued to be manufactured for roughly a good two decades. Though its involvement in numerous conflicts around the globe isn't something to be overlooked, the mark this vehicle left in the history of tank development is far more significant than that though. It not only set a new standard and basis for future generations of Soviet and Russian tanks to come, but it also marks a turning point in history itself, making the T-64 a truly legendary tank.

As opposed to the standard T-64, the T-64A features a number of improvements that further increases its combat performance. Most notably, the gun was replaced by a 125 mm smoothbore D-81T cannon, which in its core, was an upscaled version of the 115 mm smoothbore cannon equipped on the previous model. Additionally, the laminar armour of the T-64 was replaced by an improved composite solution, consisting of steel and fiberglass in the hull front and hardened steel filling in turret. This upgrade increased the T-64A's survivability against shaped charge rounds in particular, creating an armoured barrier of over 450 mm of effective thickness on the upper glacis. Despite all of the equipment and armour on the T-64A, the tank still retained a rather low weight, with only around 38 tonnes. Thanks to its compact 700 horsepower engine, the T-64A had excellent mobility, being able to reach speeds of up to 60 km/h on roads and an average speed of 40 km/h off-road.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_t_64a_1971 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|POgsyKommVk|'''T-64A versus MBT-70''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|fsM411FVKiY|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''|bF5dQvPl9FU|'''{{PAGENAME}}: the Old Russian Legend''' - ''JustinPlaysYT''|xI8p0KZbcG0|'''The Shooting Range #65''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 00:27 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


* [[T-64B]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/4906-development-t-64a-the-pioneer-of-a-new-era-en|[Devblog] T-64A - The Pioneer of a New Era]]

{{TankManufacturer Morozov}}
{{USSR medium tanks}}

M36 GMC

2022-10-16T23:44:37Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

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

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (or the '''M36''', nicknamed the ''Jackson'') is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory"]]. The M36 is a nice upgrade to the [[M18 GMC]], owning a more powerful gun in the form of the [[M3 (90 mm)|90 mm M3]]. If used correctly, this vehicle can be both a great threat to the enemy, and a very fun experience to its user.

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

'''Armour type:'''

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

The following modifications should be taken with priority:

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

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

{{main|M3 (90 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M3 (90 mm)|90 mm M3]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 47 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 21.1 || 29.3 || 35.5 || 39.3 || 41.8 || rowspan="2" | 9.75 || rowspan="2" | 8.63 || rowspan="2" | 7.95 || rowspan="2" | 7.50
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
|-
|}
The 90 mm M3 is the same gun available for the Super Hellcat, the T25 or the M26 and stays reliably accurate until 800 m distance. Beyond 1,000 m the loss of accuracy becomes a real handicap. The high muzzle velocity of your shells grants you pretty flat firing trajectories and thus helps fire at moving targets from a distance. In that regard, using the "sight distance control" feature can increase your chances of successfully hitting enemy tanks.

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

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

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

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

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''47''' || 39 ''(+8)'' || 30 ''(+17)'' || 21 ''(+26)'' || 12 ''(+35)'' || 7 ''(+40)'' || 1 ''(+46)'' || No
|-
|}

Notes:

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

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

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)}}

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

== Usage in battles ==

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

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

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

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Easily achieves its top speed of 42 km/h regardless of the terrain, allowing it to get to most positions in good time
* Excellent firepower with a maximum penetration of 173 mm and 137 g TNT; easily pens and one-shots most opponents like the [[Tiger H1]], [[Panzer IV/70(A)|Pz.IV/70]] and [[T-34-85]], combined with its x5 scope magnification it is a deadly sniper
* APCR with 260+ mm penetration poses a big threat to heavy vehicles like the [[T-44]], [[Ferdinand]], [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II]] and [[Ho-Ri Production|Ho-Ri]]
* 10° gun depression provides great terrain adaptation.
* Around 16°/sec of turret rotation is adequate to respond to surprise attacks, especially when there are [[M18 (Italy)|M18]]<nowiki/>s around.
* Powerful roof mounted M2 MG can deal with light vehicles (eg. [[M18 (Italy)|M18]], [[FIAT 6614]], [[GAZ-MM (72-K)|GAZ]] trucks) and incoming planes
* Somehow favorable matchmaking at 5.3

'''Cons:'''

* Only 5 km/h of reverse speed is not enough to back out of a dangerous situation
* Weak armour overall, can be knocked out by artillery strikes, rockets or bombs
* Open-topped, vulnerable to blast overpressure and aircraft strafing attacks
* Encounter with SPAA is often lethal
* Gun is wobbly after every displacement
* Abysmal stock round
* Quite big and tall for a tank destroyer - difficult to hide

== History ==

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

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

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

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

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

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

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_m36 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
File:M36 in battle.jpg|M36 in battle
</gallery>

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

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

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

== External links ==


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

=== References ===
<references />

{{USA tank destroyers}}

Pz.III L

2021-06-30T20:10:27Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

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

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' ('''Panzer III L''') is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41.

The Ausf. L modification is intended to improve the protection of the [[Pz.III J1| J variant]] by mounting an additional 20 mm thick armour plates on the front of the hull and turret. While this certainly improve its resistance against HEAT and HE projectiles(which explode on impact, and damage only the first layer of armour), as well as classic AP, more than a single layer 70 mm would do, there are small "holes" in these armour plates - around the driver's viewport and machinegun port. Turret front armour itself also got increased from 50 to 57 mm.

The 5cm cannon on this tank is best suited to short-mid range combat, while engaging enemies from the sides and/or rear if at all possible. This gun can allow the tank to hold its own in frontal engagements against angled KV's and T34's, but only at short range where the PzGr40's and 40/1 still have impressive penetration. The gun fires very fast and is accurate even at long range. When fighting tanks that can be penetrated easily, one should use the default ammo as it does more damage than the APCR.

There are also attached tracks to lower plate of the vehicle, adding extra protection. All this extra armour adds about 1.5 tons, slightly slowing down the machine. Other properties of the vehicle remain unchanged.

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

'''Armour type:'''

*Rolled homogeneous armour
*Cast homogeneous armour (Cupola)
*High hardness rolled armour (Appliqué armour)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 50 + 20 mm (12°) ''Front plate'' 25 mm (85°), 50 mm (52°) ''Front glacis'' 50 mm (25°) ''Lower glacis'' || 30 mm || 50 mm || 15 mm
|-
| Turret || 57 mm + 20 mm ''Turret front'' 50 + 20 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 30 mm || 30 mm || 10 mm
|-
| Cupola || 50 mm || 10 mm
|}
'''Notes:'''

* It has 50 mm of armour at the front of the hull and 57 on the turret front, but there is an additional 20mm plate on the upper hull and at the front of the turret, increasing the effective armour to 70mm and 77mm respectively. When the armour is angled, this tank becomes very strong frontally.
* The strong turret armour makes this tank powerful when hull-down, as many enemies will only be able to penetrate your cupola, only knocking out the commander. However, don't allow anyone to freely fire there, as some unlucky shot fired there can still occasionally cause severe damage.
* The side and rear armour of the tank are thin, but it is possible to bounce shots from the side armour if it is angled steeply while side-scraping.
* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick.

Panzer III L has pretty good frontal armour, but there are several weak spots - around the driver's viewport and machinegun port, and few small spots on the turret, where armour is only 50 mm thick and completely flat, aim there. Sides and rear are very thin, if you can target these areas (even under quite a high angle), they are penetrable very easily. If you have powerful enough gun, you can try to outgun it from afar, where its own 5 cm gun will struggle with penetration.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=465|rbMinHp=265}}

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

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

{{main|KwK39 (50 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[KwK39 (50 mm)|50 mm KwK39]] || 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" | 84 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 13.3 || 18.4 || 22.4 || 24.8 || 26.4 || rowspan="2" | 4.81 || rowspan="2" | 4.25 || rowspan="2" | 3.92 || rowspan="2" | 3.70
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 8.3 || 9.8 || 11.9 || 13.2 || 14.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''PzGr 39''' - Armour Piercing Capped shell - This is your main ammo type, use it whenever you think it has enough penetration to penetrate your target. It deals the most damage, because of its explosive filler. It also offers the best penetration at very long range (over 1500 m), combat at this range is however not recommended.
* '''PzGr 40/1''' - Armour Piercing Composite Rigid shell - This type of ammo should be used if you are having trouble penetrating your opponent, or trying to hit a fast-moving tank at some distance. However, its damaging potential is much lower, because it has no explosive filler to further enhance damage after the penetration. It should be used only at close range, at medium range, PzGr 40 is better.
* '''PzGr 40''' - Armour Piercing Composite Rigid shell - this variation of APCR is lighter, slightly faster and offers the best penetration. Use it against heavily armoured tanks like KV-1 (If you can't flank them). However, don't expect it to cause any real damage upon penetration, its even worse than that of PzGr 40/1. It basically only deals damage to modules/crew straight in its path. It is therefore almost useless to fire them at things like turret cupolas, as it will usually just fly right through them.
* '''SprGr 38''' - High Explosive ammo - You should carry only very few of these. They are completely useless against anything other than unarmoured AA vehicles, to which it is lethal.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| PzGr 39 || APC || 106 || 102 || 85 || 68 || 54 || 43
|-
| PzGr 40/1 || APCR || 130 || 121 || 90 || 62 || 43 || 29
|-
| PzGr 40 || APCR || 137 || 126 || 88 || 56 || 36 || 23
|-
| Sprgr. 38 || HE || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| PzGr 39 || APC || 835 || 2.05 || 1.2 || 9 || 28.9 || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| PzGr 40/1 || APCR || 1,130 || 1.07 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
|-
| PzGr 40 || APCR || 1,180 || 0.9 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
|-
| Sprgr. 38 || HE || 550 || 1.81 || 2 || 0.1 || 170 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_Pz.IIIJ1.png|right|thumbnail|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the Panzer III J1 (identical).]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''84''' || 70 ''(+14)'' || 62 ''(+22)'' || 34 ''(+50)'' || 1 ''(+83)'' || No
|-
|}

Turret empty: 62 ''(+22)''

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

{{main|MG34 (7.92 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[MG34 (7.92 mm)|7.92 mm MG34]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 3,750 (150) || 900 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

This tank is very versatile as it can do head on engagements, it's good at flanking, and features a rapid-firing 50 mm gun with excellent penetration capability compared to the other nations' medium tanks at similar battle rating. When it comes to the tanks survivability it's best preferred to keep a reasonable distance to the enemy target to keep the enemies gun out of a solid penetration range. The additional 20 mm frontal plate on the Panzer III L version makes its survivability much higher at long range combat compared to the older J1 version.

The box shaped armour with no angle makes it an easy target to penetrate so be advised to angle the frontal armour or go full throttle and try to flank the enemy. The Pz III L got a decent turret rotation in case it is forced into a close quarters battle with an enemy tank, but keep in mind that distance with the tank is preferable. Though it can take on most tanks in a head on battle and distance battles makes it a very versatile tank to use in most kinds of situations one will happen to get into when playing with it.

The Panzer III L's long 50 mm cannon is no laughing matter, with its high rate of fire it can be deadly to enemy opponent if it gets the first shot, with a reliable gun that can corner most enemy tanks at 2.0-4.0 BR range. It will penetrate most enemy tanks, though there are some that require more careful aiming in order to be successful, mostly tanks like [[M4 Sherman (Family)|M4 Shermans]], [[M10 (Family)|M10/Achilles]], [[T-34 (Family)|T-34s]], [[ARL-44 (ACL-1)]], [[KV-1 (Family)|KV-1s]] and [[Churchill (Family)|Churchills]]. Angled armoured tanks like the M4, M10/Achilles, T-34 can possess a certain difficult reliability for the 50 mm gun to penetrate them with ease. Churchill have no angled armour but can still pose a threat to the tank with its heavier armour compared to the medium and light tanks. ARL-44 (ACL-1) and the KV-1 get both heavy and angled armour and will be a tricky opponent to face for the Panzer III's 50 mm gun but they still are not impossible opponents to defeat.

With the speed of the Panzer III, it can outmanoeuvre heavier tanks with ease and flank around them for an easier killing shot if it experiences problems with the enemy frontal armour. It might not be as fast as a light tank, but a top speed of 53 km/h (33 mph) makes the second fastest medium tank at its battle rating. With speed as excellent on this fast medium tank, flanking will not be a problem for it to do.

* US M4 Shermans have decent strong frontal armour but with angle increasing its survivability against the L/60 gun to be penetrated reliably, especially the HVSS versions are tricky opponents if not knowing how to aim. In close combat the Sherman has the advantage over the Panzer III with its 75 mm gun and angled armour.
* All mentioned USSR tanks have tricky hull armour and can be impenetrable for the L/60, as well as being able to destroy the Panzer III with one well-aimed shot. Avoiding direct confrontation is logical against this kind of enemy. Leave them to your better-armed allies, try to flank them, or aim for weak spots. Use some range to increase the effectiveness of your own armour.
* Pz.IVs and StuGs outgun you at all ranges, you can exchange fire with them or flank them, but they are at an advantage with their long 75 mm cannons. StuG III G can be harder to penetrate.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Strong frontal armour
* High hardness 20 mm plates offer more protection than the usual rolled homogeneous armour
* Fast for a medium tank
* Can be angled for more effective armor protection
* Rapid fire gun, good for the sides and rear
* Shells travel fast, making it easier to aim at long distance
* Excellent gun depression
* Fast turret rotation
* Small and well-located ammo racks - the tank is very rarely destroyed by being ammo racked, unlike Pz.IVs
* Winterketten modification helps with navigating rough terrain while retaining mobility

'''Cons:'''

* Gun is unreliable when facing certain tanks frontally (T-34s, [[KV-1 (L-11)|KV-1]], M4s) unless one aims for weak spots or uses the PzGr 40 (APCR) shell
* Gun is bad for long-range combat
* APHE does minimal damage
* APCR does abysmal damage
* Can run out of ammo quickly in prolonged combat
* Armour isn't 70 mm thick at the entire front - machine gun port and the driver's viewport are weak spots
* Turret ring is prone to get damaged, even by non-penetrating hits
* Large and vulnerable commander's cupola

== History ==

===Development===
The '''Panzerkampfwagen III''' medium tank or the '''Panzer III''' was developed in the 1930s. Starting in early 1934, Heinz Guderian set down some specifications for a new tank, which Army Weapons Department took up to design the tank to weigh no more than 24,000 kilograms with a top speed of 35 km per hour. This tank's role was to be the main tank of the German army and was expected to destroy opposing tanks, as opposed as a tank made to destroy anti-tank guns and opposing infantrymen, which the [[Pz.IV C|Panzer IV]] took up in.

Damlier-Benz, Krupp, MAN, and Rheinmetall produced prototypes meeting the specifications and the Damlier-Benz model was chosen after testing in 1936-1937. The Panzer III model used a leaf-spring suspension in its early models (Ausf. A - Ausf. D) before utilizing a six-wheeled torsion-bar suspension in the [[Pz.III E|Ausf. E]] and beyond. The Panzer III had a crew of five people, the commander, gunner, loader, driver, and assistant driver. The best feature of the Panzer III during its introduction that is the most overlooked was the three-man turret, which was not as common at the time. This frees the commander to be able to effectively command the tank while maintaining situational awareness rather than be burdened by the role of a loader or gunner, improving the combat effectiveness of the tank. Despite this rather advanced design, the turret did not have a turret basket for the crew. It was a proven design and production began in May 1937. The total number of Panzer IIIs tanks constructed in its production life was 5,774 units (excluding [[StuG III F|StuG III]] variant).

===Specifications===
The '''Panzer III Ausf. L''' has the improved 50 mm KwK 39 as its main armament, giving it the firepower to go against the better Allied tanks [[T-34 (1941)|T-34]]s and [[M4|M4 Shermans]]. The Panzer III Ausf. L featured the armour finalized on the [[Pz.III J1|Ausf. J1]], with 50 mm of hull armour and offset armour on the front of the hull and turret that is 20 mm effective. This armour also is applied as spaced armour due to not being attached to the hull or turret mantlet. The spaced armour on the front helped defend the tank against Soviet anti-tank rounds or HEAT rounds fired at it on those plates, as it dissipates the penetration power before striking the hull.

===Combat usage===
Despite its newer aspects compared to older Panzer IIIs, the prevalence of newer German tanks such as the [[Tiger H1|Tiger I]] and [[Panther D|Panther]] tanks, plus the establishment [[Pz.IV G|upgunned Panzer IVs]] made these more able to take on Allied tanks than the Panzer III. The Panzer III began slowly to be relegated to secondary roles such as training or anti-partisan activities. Nevertheless, the Panzer IIIs proved a versatile armoured platform in German service, as even though it was obsolete in late 1941, it was constantly upgraded with better guns, better protection, or modified completely to fit a different role more efficiently than its original. Even when phased out of service, its chassis was used as the basis of Germany's most lethal tank destroyer, the [[StuG III G|StuG III]].

The Panzer III at this time was given one more upgrade in its armour into the variant [[Pz.III M|Panzer III Ausf. M]], which featured the new ''Schürzen'' armour skirts.

=== In-game description ===
Production of the Pz.Kpfw. III light tank, Ausf. L variant began in June 1942. For a few months prior to this date, the military had experimented with installing the turret from the Pz.Kpfw. IV on this tank. This allowed the use of the long-barreled 75 mm KwK43 tank gun. However, this test proved unsuccessful, and in the spring of 1942, the armament department ordered the production of a variant equipped with the 5 cm KwK39 L/60, but including all of the changes that had been made during the attempts to install the turret from the Pz.Kpfw. IV. Because of this, the weapon mantlet, which also served as the weapon's counterweight, had to be reinforced.

An additional 20 mm front armor plate became standard design. Pz. III Ausf. L tanks received 57 mm of frontal turret armor, along with the installation of a torsion counterbalance for the gun instead of a coil spring. This resulted in a decrease of the ammunition carried for the gun. This variant received a 20 mm spaced armor plate in the forward part of the hull's superstructure. A coolant transfer system was installed which could move warm coolant fluid from one tank to another, making the cold tank easier to start in winter conditions.

Later, the track adjusters were upgraded, and the smoke bombs were relocated to a position under the rear of the tank. Additional protection was achieved by removing the observation slits from the sides of the turret. The tank's operational weight was 22,700 kilograms.

During the second half of 1942, the companies Alkett, Henschel, MAN, MNH, MIAG and Wengmann built 653 Ausf. L tanks.

These tanks were used to replace the losses which had been incurred by the army. They were widely used in Africa and on the Eastern Front from 1942 to 1943. In the summer of 1943, before the Battle of Kursk, the tank was equipped with 5 mm Schutzen side skirts around the hull and turret to protect it from anti-tank and hollow-charge projectiles.

== Media ==


;Skins

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

;Sights

* [https://live.warthunder.com/post/675135/en/ RideR2's Realistic gunsight (TZF4a, TZF 5a/b/d/e/f/f2, TZF 9b/b1/c/d, TZF 12/a) for Pzkpfw II, Pzkpfw III, Pzkpfw IV, Pzkpfw V, Pzkpfw VI]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|ihBm60qRdrg|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''}}

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

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

{{Germany medium tanks}}

Radkampfwagen 90

2021-06-18T00:06:31Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=germ_radpanzer_90
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]].

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

The Radkampfwagen 90, being a light tank, is surprisingly survivable. When talking about the survivability of this vehicle, it is best to separate the tank into two parts, the turret, and the hull.

'''The Hull'''

The hull of the Radkampfwagen 90 is the weakest part of the tank. While the hull does have "spaced armour", this is deceiving, as this will only protect you from HESH shells, and at 9.0, HESH is effectively useless, and in any case, most players will not be using it as their main shell. When hit by HEATFS, the hull of the Radwagen is very prone to hullbreak, but when hit with APFSDS, the tank can possibly survive a few hits, as long as the ammo is not detonated. In conclusion, the Radwagen's hull, at least from the front, can protect against non-apfsds autocannons, but the sides will be easily penned by even the Russian 14.5 mms, and the rear by American .50 cals.

'''The Turret'''

The turret of the Radkampfwagen 90 is surprisingly bouncy and well armoured. It features, at least on the front and sides, spaced armour, but as mentioned before, this will only protect you from HESH and small caliber AP and HE rounds. However, the turret of the Radwagen cannot be hullbroken. The turret face also features many weird angles, that have the possibility of ricocheting enemy rounds off of the sides. Another thing to note is that because of the large amounts of empty space in the turret, coupled with the lower damage of modern rounds, can allow you to survive multiple hits to the turret, even sometimes with enemy shells doing no damage. However, as with any armour, this should never be relied on, and should only be used as a last ditch effort.

In conclusion, you can take hits sometimes, but in any case, it is better to not get spotted or hit in the first place, and to get the first shot off.

Unlike other light tanks, with the exception of the turret ring, your front is immune to all heavy machine guns and most autocannon rounds (from IFVs and SPAA for example)!

This allows you to engage such vehicles with relative ease and destroy them whereas other light vehicles would get penetrated killed.

'''Armour Composition'''

* High Hardness Rolled Armour
* Rolled Homogeneous Armour
* Cast Homogeneous Armour
* Gun Steel

{| class="wikitable"
!Armour
!Front (Slope Angle)
!Sides
!Rear
!Roof
|-
|Hull
|38 mm (75°) ''Upper Glacis''
38 mm (46°) ''Frontal Plate''

Spaced Armour (29 mm HHRA, 200 mm Air, 38 mm RHA) ''Lower Glacis''

10 mm ''Sponsons''
|10 mm ''Upper''
29 mm ''Lower''
|15 mm ''Engine Compartment''
10 mm ''Sponsons''
|20 mm ''Crew Compartment''
10 mm ''Sponsons''

5 - 15 mm ''Engine Deck''
|-
|Turret
|50 mm ''Upper Front''
Spaced Armour (38 mm HHRA, 127 mm Air, 84 mm RHA) ''Lower Front''

33 mm (67°) ''Upper Mantlet''

Spaced Armour (33 mm HHRA, 120 mm Air, 26 mm RHA) ''Lower Mantlet''

38 mm ''Mantlet Sides''
|Spaced Armour (38 mm HHRA, 127 mm Air, 84 mm RHA) ''Side Front''
Spaced Armour (16 mm HHRA, 80 mm Air, 29 mm RHA) ''Side Rear''
|29 mm + 10 mm
|20 mm ''Turret Roof''
50 mm ''Rear Mantlet Top''
|}
'''Table Key:'''

* HHRA = High Hardness Homogeneous Armour
* RHA = Rolled Homogeneous Armour

'''Notes:'''

* There is a lining of 16 mm RHA between the sponsons and the crew compartment, creating spaced armour on the sides of the vehicle.
* There are optics apertures at the sides of the turret, which have a 50 mm armour plate and a 8 mm armour plate, along with the 20 mm optics. These are essentially a hole in the spaced armour of the turret sides, but most rounds go through the spaced armour anyway so it isn't really a weakness.
* Turret Ring - 50 mm
* Tires and Suspension - 10 mm

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,286|rbMinHp=734}}

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

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

{{main|L7A3 (105 mm)}}

The L7A3 105 mm gun mounted on the Radkampfwagen 90 is the same as the gun that the Leopard 1 series uses, and is the same in many aspects. Similar to the Leopard A1A1, the gun is equipped with a two-plane stabilizer allowing for firing on the move. The gun also has faster targeting speed at 5.1 degrees per second compared the the Leopard 1's 3.1 degrees per second in the vertical plane, but the turret traverse speed of the Radwagen, or horizontal targeting speed, certainly leaves something to be desired. A unique thing about this particular L7 is that it fires one of the best L7 APFSDS shells in the game, with higher penetration than even the first Rheinmetall 120 mm L44 APFSDS shell.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[L7A3 (105 mm)|105 mm L7A3]] || 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" | -9°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 22.85 || 31.62 || 38.40 || 42.47 || 45.18 || rowspan="2" | 8.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.70 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 6.70
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 14.28 || 16.80 || 20.40 || 22.56 || 24.00
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| DM12 || HEATFS || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400
|-
| DM502 || HESH || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127
|-
| DM23 || APFSDS || 337 || 335 || 330 || 322 || 314 || 306
|-
| DM33 || APFSDS || 408 || 405 || 398 || 389 || 379 || 370
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| DM12 || HEATFS || 1,173 || 10.5 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 1,270 || 65° || 72° || 77°
|-
| DM502 || HESH || 732 || 14.85 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 4,310 || 73° || 77° || 80°
|-
| DM23 || APFSDS || 1,455 || 3.79 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
| DM33 || APFSDS || 1,455 || 3.79 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x200px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''42''' || 31 ''(+11)'' || 28 ''(+14)'' || 12 ''(+30)'' || 1 ''(+41)'' ||No
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* The 4th rack is a first stage ammo rack, so it refills from the other racks in the designated order.


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

{{main|MG3A1 (7.62 mm)}}

The coaxially mounted 7.62 mm MG3A1 is, in most situations, not useful. While being able to "blind" opponents by shooting at their optics, as with any MG, and able to easily dispatch of vehicles with exposed crew that have uptiered themselves, such as the [[M56]], 2 factors really hold this MG back from being truly useful. These are:

* The MG is mounted coaxially, limiting its traverse and AA capabilities (especially against helicopters)
* This MG has very low penetration, as almost any thin armoured plate can withstand its fire

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[MG3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm MG3A1]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 4,000 (1,000) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

'''General Playstyle'''

The Radkampfwagen 90, due to it's speed, may be used in a flanking manner, being able to go around the enemy and surprise them where they do not expect. When flanking, it is recommended to use roads if possible, as the Radwagen is a wheeled vehicle, and rough terrain will slow it down. However, even offroad, the vehicle is still capable of speeds that are much higher than many other contemporary MBTs. The scouting ability of the Radwagen can also be very useful, as it can help you support your team without risking the possibility of being spotted/noticed by firing your gun. The only downside to this playstyle is that the Radwagen is unusually large in size, most notably the hull, which makes it easier to be spotted.

The Radkampfwagen may also be used in a playstyle of a fast MBT. While the hull of the Radwagen is weak, not really well armoured, and prone to hullbreak, and easy to hit, the turret of the vehicle has multiple well angled and very bouncy plates, both interior and exterior, which allows the turret to sometimes take hits without damage, or even ricochet some shells. This bouncy turret can be used in a hull-down position, like a ridgeline, or a pile or rubble. However, it is important to note that even though enemy shells have a chance of bouncing, it is best not to rely on this, and to use the vehicle's stabilizer and situational awareness to get the first shot off.

'''Arcade Battles'''

In Arcade, the playstyle of the Radwagen changes a bit. Due to markers that will tell everyone where the Radwagen is, flanking is not as good of a strategy. However, the vehicle retains all other advantages, and due to the slight engine boost in arcade, will be able to hit very high speeds even offroad. Of course, enemies will also be faster in general, which makes this extra speed redundant. The vehicle's scouting abilities are useful in aiding the team. Your gun, for its tier, is good, and its decently low shell drop will aid in those long range shots that are common in arcade. Just remember - this is a light vehicle in a gamemode where it can't really hide, so when playing this vehicle in Arcade, be cautious.

'''Realistic Battles'''

In Realistic, the Radwagen's speed and scouting abilities are even more prominent. As mentioned above, it can flank around the enemy with stealth, and either scout enemies for the team or quickly knock them out with its very punchy gun. The team also will benefit from its scouting abilities, as in a gamemode without enemy markers, intel of the enemies whereabouts can be crucial to the team's victory.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Introduces a new play-style option for top-rank German line-ups.
* Very mobile and very fast on both roads and cross-country terrain.
* Has DM33 rounds available for research.
* Deadly when facing lower-ranked opponents.
* Very competitive, gun performs great even in uptiered battles.
* 8.7s reload stock, can be further improved with crew training.
* Hull is resistant against most heavy machine guns.
* Spaced armour in the front and is resistant against low calibre SPAA and IFV fire.
* Same turret as the Leopard 2K, can sometimes bounce shots.
* Extremely effective in the hands of experienced players.
* Is not sluggish at low speed.
* Has same optics as the Leopard 2K(8x-16x) zoom, making it a great sniper.

'''Cons:'''

* Does not have anti-aircraft machine gun.
* Hull can be hullbroken by HEAT and HE, turret cannot be hullbroken at all.
* Slower reverse speed than other wheeled vehicle, though still respectable 31 km/h.
* Does not have thermal sights, putting it at a disadvantage of other vehicles at its rank.
* Has a large profile.
* Only average turret rotation of 24°/sec spaded, below average for such a mobile vehicle which would benefit from better gun handling (i.e. like the Rooikat).
* Is littered with ammo.
* Requires deep knowledge and keen situational awareness to play effectively.

== History ==


In the early 1980s, the German Federal Ministry of Defence, known as the Bundesministerium der Verteidigung (BMVg) in German, initiated a program to produce an eight-wheeled combat vehicle. The reason for the program's creation was the success of the Spähpanzer 2 Luchs and the Transportpanzer Fuchs, along with vehicles operated by other countries, such as the French AMX-10RC. Daimler-Benz was tasked with the construction of such a vehicle, and the requirements were for an 8 x 8 wheeled combat vehicle with a weight of less than 30 tons and a powerful armament and adequate armour. The first prototype was built in 1983, and was first known as the Demonstrationsfahrzeug Rad (demonstration vehicle wheeled) and then the Experimentalfahrzeug Rad (8×8), meaning experimental vehicle wheeled (8×8). It finally received the name Radpanzer 90, and it is known as the Radkampfwagen 90 in War Thunder. The final production model was completed in 1986. It featured a rear-mounted engine, had an independent suspension for the wheels, and the turret was that of the Leopard 1A3. The Radpanzer 90 never entered service, but the information gathered from the program was later used in the development of the GTK Boxer wheeled vehicle.

=== [[wt:en/news/6635-development-radkampfwagen-90-a-leopard-on-wheels-en|Devblog]] ===
In the early 1980’s, the West German Ministry of Defense sought to procure a wheeled tank themselves, after observing the success of similar designs of other nations such as the French AMX-10RC. The mostly positive experiences made with the introduction of the wheeled Luchs in the years prior, further convinced the German military of this idea.

As a result, the Ministry of Defense tasked the Daimler-Benz company, who had also been involved in the development of the successful Spähpanzer Luchs before, with developing this new wheeled tank. By late 1983, the first mock-up was created and the project received its official name - Radkampfwagen 90, or alternatively, Radpanzer 90.

The first, and what would end up being the only prototype was constructed in 1986, subsequently undergoing various trials. Despite proving itself as a highly capable vehicle and producing favorable test results, the dissolution of the Eastern Bloc and its Warsaw Pact alliance, caused not only the need for a vehicle such as the Radkampfwagen 90 to disappear, but also for a valid justification of accepting its high production costs. As the direct result of a combination of all these factors, further development of the project was suspended in the late ‘80’s - early ‘90’s, with the Radkampfwagen 90 project being ultimately abandoned.

== Media ==


;'''Skins'''

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=germany&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=light_tank&vehicle=germ_radpanzer_90 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;'''Images'''
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:Radpanzer 90 WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:Radpanzer 90 WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:Radpanzer 90 WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
File:Radpanzer 90 WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
File:Radpanzer 90 WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
File:Radpanzer 90 WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
</gallery>

;'''Videos'''
{{Youtube-gallery|d5oJGOKiUV8|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''Napalmratte''}}

== 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 ==


* [[wt:en/news/6635-development-radkampfwagen-90-a-leopard-on-wheels-en|[Devblog] Radkampfwagen 90: A leopard on wheels]]

=== Bibliography ===

* Radpanzer 90. (2020, February 22). In ''Wikipedia''. https://de.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Radpanzer_90&oldid=197067150

{{Germany light tanks}}
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

Object 120

2021-06-18T00:01:49Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code = ussr_object_120
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|store = 5731
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced late in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]], made available on 29 September 2017.

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

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 30 mm (31-86°) ''Front glacis'' 30 mm (17-50°) ''Lower glacis'' || 15 mm || 10 mm (15-80°) ''Top'' 10 mm (5°) ''Bottom'' || 30 mm (86°) ''Front'' 10 mm ''Rear''
|-
| Turret || 30 mm (1-68°) ''Turret front'' 30 mm (0-58°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 15-30 mm (0-51°) || 15 mm (14-21°) || 30 mm ''Front'' 10 mm ''Rear''
|-
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
|-
| Cupola || 15 mm || 15 mm
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick while tracks are 15 mm thick.
* Belly armour is 10 mm thick.
* Barrel ring around the gun is 100 mm thick.
* Structural steel boxes on hull sides provide 4 mm of protection.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 682|rbMinHp= 425|}}

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

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

{{main|M-69 (152 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M-69 (152 mm)|152 mm M-69]] || 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" | 22 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" |N/A||15.9||21.9||26.6||29.5||31.3|| rowspan="2" |10.0|| rowspan="2" |10.0|| rowspan="2" |10.0|| rowspan="2" |10.0
|-
! ''Realistic''
|10.7||12.6||15.3||16.9||18.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| 152 mm HEAT-FS || HEATFS || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480
|-
| 152 mm HE || HE || 49 || 49 || 49 || 49 || 49 || 49
|-
| 152 mm APDS-FS || APFSDS || 405 || 400 || 385 || 370 || 355 || 340
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| 152 mm HEAT-FS || HEATFS || 1,000 || 35.0 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 5,850 || 65° || 72° || 75°
|-
| 152 mm HE || HE || 960 || 43.5 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 5,900 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| 152 mm APDS-FS || APFSDS || 1,710 || 8.0 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 76° || 78° || 80°
|-
|}

==== Ammo racks ====
[[File:Ammoracks_Object 120.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] for the Object 120.]]
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full ammo
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Ammo Part
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual discrepancy
|-
|| '''22''' || style="text-align:right" | ''Projectiles'' ''Propellants'' || 1 ''(+21)'' 19 ''(+3)'' ||   4 ''(+18)'' ||   1 ''(+21)'' || style="text-align:left" | No
|-
|}


== Usage in battles ==


The Object 120 performs best in all game modes as a sniper/support. This means finding a good spot overlooking the battle with some cover, and taking out enemies from long range. The Object 120's 152 mm gun and its shells are well suited for this purpose.

The Object is armed with two main types of shells. The first is APFSDS, a round that does less damage than the HEAT-FS, but is capable of going through almost all the armour of most vehicles it can face. The APFSDS also has an extremely low shell drop, giving similar ballistics to top ranking main battle tanks that makes it one of the best kinetic rounds at its battle-rating. The second round is the HEAT-FS shell, which has a more standard shell drop on par with other tanks of the battle-rating. However, the HEAT-FS has a high penetration and holds a huge amount of explosives, almost equal to the HE shell (which almost make the HE shell worthless to bring to battle). The HEAT-FS can then play a role as a high-penetrating chemical round and an effective device to induce hull-breaks on lightly-armoured vehicles. With these characteristics, both of these rounds have their pros and cons at long range, but both are very suitable.

The Object 120 can be used at a close-range battle, but it will not be able to perform as effectively due to its relatively long 10 second reload time and a lack of gun stabilizer. These two lacking features mean that the Object 120 cannot react to new threats quickly, especially when it tries to take the battle offensively. It is thus better to fight at range, where the Object's advantages can be used to the fullest.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Very high velocity APFSDS round means "point and shoot" at typical War Thunder combat ranges - no need to account for projectile drop at range
* Outstanding armour penetration by HEAT-FS and APFSDS rounds
* Very good spalling effect from the kinetic energy spread and explosive mass from HEAT-FS round
* Good mobility for the size of gun
* Only Soviet tank destroyer with a turret
* Among the only few Russian vehicles that has neutral steering

'''Cons:'''

* Weak armour - vulnerable to anything bigger than a heavy machine gun, and even those from some angles at short range
* Poor depression for main armament
* Low ammunition load
* Poor optics for a tank destroyer with only 5x zoom
* All projectiles carried in rear of turret behind thin armour makes ammunition explosions very likely from turret hits

== History ==

The Object 120 "Taran" was a tank destroyer developed after the USSR's conclusion that AP rounds from the T-10 and T-55 could not pierce the newest American tank the M60. The Object 120 (also noted as being the SU-152 "Taran") surpassed foreign tank destroyers with firepower and mobility at the time. The name Taran comes from its cannon which became the reason it wasn't adopted. The 125 smoothbore and anti tank missiles are the reason why the Object 120 was not put into production.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=ussr&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=tank_destroyer&vehicle=ussr_object_120 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

'''Images'''<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:Object 120 WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:Object 120 WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:Object 120 WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
File:Object 120 WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
File:Object 120 WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
File:Object 120 WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
File:Object 120 WTWallpaper 07.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|_xCgMBOiA8U|'''High-explosive power''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:30 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|xU4pGejnNyo|'''Object 120 "Taran" - What if everything sacrificed for ONE thing? [tank review]''' - ''HowToPlay1337''|FO3RK2n4IaQ|'''Premium Vehicles: {{PAGENAME}} "Taran"''' - ''War Thunder Wiki''|fdi2rVvgIYI|'''Object 120 - Tank Review''' - ''Napalmratte''|7-bdhpFsonU|'''The Shooting Range #62''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== 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 ==


* [[wt:en/news/4986-development-object-120-taran-the-hammer-of-tanks-pre-order-now-en|[Devblog] Object 120 "Taran": The Hammer of Tanks]]
* [[wikipedia:SU-152_"Taran"|[Wikipedia] SU-152 "Taran"]]

{{USSR tank destroyers}}
{{USSR premium ground vehicles}}

Object 120

2021-06-17T23:59:36Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code = ussr_object_120
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|store = 5731
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced late in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]], made available on 29 September 2017.

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

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 30 mm (31-86°) ''Front glacis'' 30 mm (17-50°) ''Lower glacis'' || 15 mm || 10 mm (15-80°) ''Top'' 10 mm (5°) ''Bottom'' || 30 mm (86°) ''Front'' 10 mm ''Rear''
|-
| Turret || 30 mm (1-68°) ''Turret front'' 30 mm (0-58°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 15-30 mm (0-51°) || 15 mm (14-21°) || 30 mm ''Front'' 10 mm ''Rear''
|-
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
|-
| Cupola || 15 mm || 15 mm
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick while tracks are 15 mm thick.
* Belly armour is 10 mm thick.
* Barrel ring around the gun is 100 mm thick.
* Structural steel boxes on hull sides provide 4 mm of protection.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 682|rbMinHp= 425|}}

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

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

{{main|M-69 (152 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M-69 (152 mm)|152 mm M-69]] || 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" | 22 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" |N/A||15.9||21.9||26.6||29.5||31.3|| rowspan="2" |10.0|| rowspan="2" |10.0|| rowspan="2" |10.0|| rowspan="2" |10.0
|-
! ''Realistic''
|10.7||12.6||15.3||16.9||18.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| 152 mm HEAT-FS || HEATFS || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480
|-
| 152 mm HE || HE || 49 || 49 || 49 || 49 || 49 || 49
|-
| 152 mm APDS-FS || APFSDS || 405 || 400 || 385 || 370 || 355 || 340
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| 152 mm HEAT-FS || HEATFS || 1,000 || 35.0 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 5,850 || 65° || 72° || 75°
|-
| 152 mm HE || HE || 960 || 43.5 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 5,900 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| 152 mm APDS-FS || APFSDS || 1,710 || 8.0 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 76° || 78° || 80°
|-
|}

==== Ammo racks ====
[[File:Ammoracks_Object 120.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] for the Object 120.]]
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full ammo
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Ammo Part
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual discrepancy
|-
|| '''22''' || style="text-align:right" | ''Projectiles'' ''Propellants'' || 1 ''(+21)'' 19 ''(+3)'' ||   4 ''(+18)'' ||   1 ''(+21)'' || style="text-align:left" | No
|-
|}


== Usage in battles ==


The Object 120 performs best in all game modes as a sniper/support. This means finding a good spot overlooking the battle with some cover, and taking out enemies from long range. The Object 120's 152 mm gun and its shells are well suited for this purpose.

The Object is armed with two main types of shells. The first is APFSDS, a round that does less damage than the HEAT-FS, but is capable of going through almost all the armour of most vehicles it can face. The APFSDS also has an extremely low shell drop, giving similar ballistics to top ranking main battle tanks that makes it one of the best kinetic rounds at its battle-rating. The second round is the HEAT-FS shell, which has a more standard shell drop on par with other tanks of the battle-rating. However, the HEAT-FS has a high penetration and holds a huge amount of explosives, almost equal to the HE shell (which almost make the HE shell worthless to bring to battle). The HEAT-FS can then play a role as a high-penetrating chemical round and an effective device to induce hull-breaks on lightly-armoured vehicles. With these characteristics, both of these rounds have their pros and cons at long range, but both are very suitable.

The Object 120 can be used at a close-range battle, but it will not be able to perform as effectively due to its relatively long 10 second reload time and a lack of gun stabilizer. These two lacking features mean that the Object 120 cannot react to new threats quickly, especially when it tries to take the battle offensively. It is thus better to fight at range, where the Object's advantages can be used to the fullest.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Very high velocity APFSDS round means "point and shoot" at typical War Thunder combat ranges - no need to account for projectile drop at range
* Outstanding armour penetration by HEAT-FS and APFSDS rounds
* Very good spalling effect from the kinetic energy spread and explosive mass from HEAT-FS round
* Good mobility for the size of gun
* Only Soviet tank destroyer with a turret
* Among the only few Russian vehicles that has neutral steering

'''Cons:'''

* Weak armour - vulnerable to anything bigger than a heavy machine gun, and even those from some angles at short range
* Poor depression for main armament
* Low ammunition load
* All projectiles carried in rear of turret behind thin armour makes ammunition explosions very likely from turret hits

== History ==

The Object 120 "Taran" was a tank destroyer developed after the USSR's conclusion that AP rounds from the T-10 and T-55 could not pierce the newest American tank the M60. The Object 120 (also noted as being the SU-152 "Taran") surpassed foreign tank destroyers with firepower and mobility at the time. The name Taran comes from its cannon which became the reason it wasn't adopted. The 125 smoothbore and anti tank missiles are the reason why the Object 120 was not put into production.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=ussr&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=tank_destroyer&vehicle=ussr_object_120 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

'''Images'''<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:Object 120 WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:Object 120 WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:Object 120 WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
File:Object 120 WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
File:Object 120 WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
File:Object 120 WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
File:Object 120 WTWallpaper 07.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|_xCgMBOiA8U|'''High-explosive power''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:30 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|xU4pGejnNyo|'''Object 120 "Taran" - What if everything sacrificed for ONE thing? [tank review]''' - ''HowToPlay1337''|FO3RK2n4IaQ|'''Premium Vehicles: {{PAGENAME}} "Taran"''' - ''War Thunder Wiki''|fdi2rVvgIYI|'''Object 120 - Tank Review''' - ''Napalmratte''|7-bdhpFsonU|'''The Shooting Range #62''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== 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 ==


* [[wt:en/news/4986-development-object-120-taran-the-hammer-of-tanks-pre-order-now-en|[Devblog] Object 120 "Taran": The Hammer of Tanks]]
* [[wikipedia:SU-152_"Taran"|[Wikipedia] SU-152 "Taran"]]

{{USSR tank destroyers}}
{{USSR premium ground vehicles}}

Object 906

2021-06-17T23:56:59Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=ussr_object_906
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]]. Combining a similar gun to the [[ASU-85]] on a turreted device and mobility from the [[PT-76B]], Object 906 is a perfect flanker.

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

'''Armour type:'''

* Alloy ABT-101 (Hull)
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Turret)
* Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 20 mm (77-79°) ''Front glacis'' 30 mm (54-69°) ''Lower glacis'' 20 mm (41-43°) ''Driver's port'' || 30 mm ''Top'' 25 mm ''Bottom'' || 20 mm ''Top'' 12 mm (40-67°) ''Bottom'' || 12 mm
|-
| Turret || 15 mm (4-50°) ''Turret front'' 25 mm (0-80°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 15 mm (41-49°) ''Front'' 8 mm (22-39°) ''Rear'' || 8 mm (19°) 8 mm (64-83°) ''Turret underside'' || 8 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 10 mm thick while tracks are 15 mm thick.
* Belly armour and hull underside above the tracks are 8 mm thick.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=465|rbMinHp=265}}

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

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

{{main|D-58 (85 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[D-58 (85 mm)|85 mm D-58]] || 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" | 40 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 19.0 || 26.4 || 32.0 || 35.4 || 37.7 || rowspan="2" | 4.30 || rowspan="2" | 4.30 || rowspan="2" | 4.30 || rowspan="2" | 4.30
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 11.9 || 14.0 || 17.0 || 18.8 || 20.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| BR-372 || APCBC || 245 || 242 || 230 || 216 || 202 || 190
|-
| 3BK7 || HEATFS || 300 || 300 || 300 || 300 || 300 || 300
|-
| OF-372 || HE || 11 || 11 || 11 || 11 || 11 || 11
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| BR-372 || APCBC || 1,040 || 9.3 || 1.2 || 14 || 77 || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| 3BK7 || HEATFS || 925 || 7.22 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 1,440 || 65° || 72° || 77°
|-
| OF-372 || HE || 1,010 || 9.66 || 0 || 0.1 || 740 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''40''' || 36 ''(+4)'' || 33 ''(+7)'' || 28 ''(+12)'' || 22 ''(+18)'' || 16 ''(+24)'' || 1 ''(+39)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Rack 6 is the first stage ammo rack, which is a mechanized ammo rack. All other ammo racks have to be loaded into the first stage ammo storage first to be loaded into the cannon.
* Pack 16 ''(+24)'' shells to keep the hull empty of ammo.

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

{{main|SGMT (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[SGMT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm SGMT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 2,000 (250) || 600 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

As with every other light tank, this vehicle should be handled with caution on the battlefield since any enemy the 906 encounters can penetrate it. Use its awesome mobility and good, stabilized gun to provide a nasty surprise to the enemy from unexpected spots. Whether by river, lake, ocean, the 906 can navigate through all bodies of water within the limit of the battlefield. This tank is best used as a flanker, shooting on the move, reloading in the dark, popping up behind another hill to take another moving shot, this is a ninja tank.

For your ammo loadout: Take 20 shells in total, this removes the ammo rack at the back of your turret. Take more if you want to boost yourself by firing your gun to the opposite side of where you are driving. Two-thirds APHE and one-third HEAT-FS is recommended. Warning: with its 4.3 seconds reload though, taking less ammo puts you at risk of running out.

;Combat tactics

'''Flanker'''

Never fight an enemy head-on since the 906 will have to aim for the enemy's weak spots before firing while they don't have to worry about the same precision. Surprise is the 906's greatest advantage. Use the Object 906's great speed to take strange, curvy, distant paths to snipe the enemy from the rear/side early in the game. Do not forget to change cover often (every 2-3 shots) since those enemies can respawn and go straight towards the original firing position with its front armour towards it, resulting in much more difficult shots. In this case, use the 906's speed to fall back behind much more armoured allies and look at the map to see where allies may need help/where an enemy has been holding out for long.

When flanking, unlike many other tanks: show the side armour. Since the armour cannot block any shot at this BR, speed is the Object 906's best option, just evade the shots and slow down solely to shoot at the enemy. In the occurrence, the tank gets hit, keep in mind that this lengthy vehicle makes APDS and HEAT rounds ineffective since they often pass straight through, such shot from the front could incapacitate all three crew members. Taking shots from the sides "isolates" each module for non-HE shells in such a way that they will only incapacitate one part of the tank at the time: the driver, the gunner or the engine. If the engine or driver gets shot, the inertia will often drag the 906 out of sights from the enemy. If the gunner gets shot, the 906 can still move behind cover to hide, the lack of gunner would then prevent the player from exposing the tank in an area the enemy knows is there. Just like a ninja, after taking a shot: hide, repair, reevaluate the situation, then move out to cause more havoc from unsuspecting locations.

If an aircraft is aware of your presence search cover or hide in a treeline, '''Do not''' give away your exact location to the aircraft by firing at it. Putting bushes on top of your tank is a good idea.

'''Rush'''

One may be tempted to charge and capture the point for the team at the beginning of a game. In such a case, a cooperative team is necessary since the 906 cannot hold the point all by its lonesome. When capturing the point, turn the engine deck towards the enemy. This tactic can actually save the 906 from hasty shots to the hull without hindering the gun arc, though this will cause engine fires which can lead to a burning end if not handled quickly. In this case, take a shot at the now vulnerable foe and then use the FPE item to extinguish the fire. If the point gets swarmed by enemies, fall back and wait for allies to regroup for a counter-attack.

'''Decoy'''

Another unusual tactic is to attract enemy players' focu to the 906's location. Use the amphibious capability and other great mobility features to put the 906 in a tricky position to reach for a non-floating/non-flying enemy (often down a cliff, beside/in the water) in such a way that some players will fall into the trap of trying to reach the 906 through methods that expose their sides to allies or falling into the water. This tactic is very situational and is not a method that should be prioritized over any other tactics. It may not win battles, but it could destroy a few enemies, reducing the number of enemies threatening the overall allied team.

;Tank Assault

The Object 906 is a very capable tank in Tank Assault gamemode, largely due to its very fast reload rate, and extremely low cost (almost 4 times cheaper than MBTs / medium tanks). Since the AIs in Tank Assault don't try to angle their armour or present their front, their sides are very often exposed, which allows the Object 906 to quickly rack up kills. You should aim to take a position where you are covered from most sides except the direction where you are shooting, but you shouldn't worry about dying, at all.

Generally, your role should be taken as the set-up/clean-up tank. You will often track or set enemies on fire, which makes them easy to pick-off for your team, or your armour-piercing shell with high explosives will cleanly one-shot the tank. With that shell, you can also clear out any stationary AIs, even if they are at a slight angle. Remember that top-tier vehicle (Abrams, Challengers etc.) have almost no lower side armour, and you can often penetrate and kill those tanks from the side at angles up to (almost) 60°.

;Notable enemies

Any tank is a threat that should be avoided, flanked, and destroyed. However, some tanks are impervious to these tactics:

The [[Maus]] has thick flanks at nearly 200 mm that can absorb any shots if angled properly. Do not shoot at it since it will only bring this behemoth to turn itself against the 906 (in this case, just withdraw from its firing arc). Still, it can be defeated in a manner like mammoth hunting: wait until the target gets isolated and encircle it, then shoot it on the sides, in the rear of the hull and always try to be out of its line of sight.

[[T95]] (otherwise known as "Doom turtle") should not be engaged. Its good all-around bouncy armour will defeat most shots even from the Object 906 will take on the move. To defeat it, take some height at its flank and aim carefully, otherwise, it will just drag its attention. This worthy opponent has a very fast hull turning rate, turning it into an impervious wall even towards any adversary, including the 906 if it notices it. Engage only if necessary.

With the [[Tortoise]], the same caution is advised but it is way easier to flank since its side armour is flat.

Be cautious while aiming at [[IS-3]], [[IS-4M]] and [[T-10M]] since their sides can bounce the 85 mm shots.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Hard-hitting 85 mm even in Rank V matches
* Has an autoloader, meaning that
** A high "Weapon Reload" skill on its crew isn't needed
** The gun will be reloaded while extinguishing a fire
** Injured crew won't slow its reload rate
* Comes with an APHE standard shot - easily capable of one-shotting tanks from the side
* The unlockable HEAT-FS shell lets the 906 comfortably fight while uptiered
* Two-plane stabilized gun enables to fire on the move on almost any terrain
* Amphibious capability lets you move around maps with bodies of water more easily - rivers can also be easily crossed
* Absurdly fast reverse speed, up to -45 kph
* Has neutral steering, quite rare feat for Russian vehicles

'''Cons:'''

* Virtually no armour
* Only 3 crewmen allows little loss
* Turret bustle is "armoured" with only 8 mm, heavy machine guns can easily penetrate and detonate the ammunition in the autoloader
* Turret front is vulnerable to HMG at short distances
* Prone to destruction by overpressure
* Stock experience is horrible
** Mobility and accuracy are bad until relevant upgrades are researched and bought
* Awful gun depression of -5°
* Two-plane stabilizer becomes ineffective at speeds above 35-40 kph, especially on rough terrain

== History ==

The success of the [[PT-76B|PT-76]] amphibious tank prompted the development of a successor with improved characteristics on the battlefield. The PT-76 chassis was taken up by the Stalingrad Tractor Factory in 1962 to be improved.<ref name="Russianprototype">Preserved Tanks, ''Light Tank Development Prototype''</ref> The vehicle was given the project name '''Object 906'''. Two were produced and tested between 1962-1963, each armed with an 85 mm cannon and also implemented the newer technology such as gun stabilization, auto-loader, and a welded aluminium armour for weight-saving.<ref name="WT906">War Thunder, ''Object 906: River Mosquito''</ref> The design proved reliable with a 300 hp engine and could reach a top speed of 75 km/h. Had it been adopted, the Object 906 would've been given the name PT-85, but the vehicle design never left the prototype stages and consequently never adopted. A single prototype still exists in Kubinka Tank Museum.

The Object 906 should not be confused by another project of the same name and purpose to upgrade the PT-76, though this one had a 90 mm D-62 gun and never left the drawing boards<ref name="Russianprototype" />. There was also a separate PT-85 that also had a PT-76 chassis with an 85 mm gun, though this model had a cast turret.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_object_906 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|Fjh-tTr6TPs|'''Best Combo #2''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:27 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|SJoW-2_6J6o|'''Amphibious tanks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:38 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|GoXrA91hUSk|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''|CNyryM-9g7g|'''{{PAGENAME}} - Tank Review - Frantic Biting''' - ''Napalmratte''|UDvzWT2BSg4|'''The Shooting Range #28''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:44 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

* [[PT-76B]] / [[PT-76 (China)]]

;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[Object 685]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/4351-development-object-906-river-mosquito-en|[Devblog] Object 906: River Mosquito]]

===References===
<references />

{{USSR light tanks}}

M247

2021-04-22T19:49:57Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=us_m247
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American self-propelled anti-aircraft gun {{Battle-rating|1}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]].

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

'''Armour type:'''

*Cast homogeneous armour (hull)
*Rolled homogeneous armour (hull sides (rear bulge), hull roof, turret)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 85-200 mm (59-74°) ''Front glacis'' 63-200 mm (13-60°) ''Lower glacis'' || 76 mm (8-43°) ''Front'' 51 mm (0-43°) ''Rear'' || 35 mm (26-32°) ''Top'' 25 mm (61-62°) ''Bottom'' || 57 mm
|-
| Turret || 25.4 mm (15-76°) ''Turret front (Upper)'' 12.7 mm (40-69°) ''Turret front (Lower)'' 25.4 mm (0-87°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 12.7-25.4 mm (0-19°) ''Upper'' 12.7 mm (40-69°) ''Lower'' || 12.7 mm (18°) || 12.7 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.
* Belly armour is 38 mm thick in the front half and 25 mm in the rear.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1,065|rbMinHp= 663}}

The {{PAGENAME}}'s turret is installed on the hull of an [[M48A1|M48 medium tank]], because of this they have roughly similar mobility. The {{PAGENAME}} is about 3 tons heavier than the M48A1 (49.3 tons vs. 46.4 tons), and has a slightly weaker engine, which translates into a slightly more sluggish machine compared to the M48A1. The M48A1 has a max engine power of 810 hp, while the {{PAGENAME}}'s engine power is 750 hp. For a vehicle this heavy, it has fairly good mobility. When spaded, it can comfortably hit a top speed of 45 km/h on flat terrain, while in cross-country you will have a top speed of around 25 km/h. While going backwards, the top speed is somewhat less impressive: about -9 km/h.

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

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

{{main|M266 (40 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[M266 (40 mm)|40 mm M266 automatic Cannon]] (x2) || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 560 (280) || rowspan="2" | 300 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 79.3 || 109.4 || 111.3 || 112.1 || 113.2 || rowspan="2" | 6.5 || rowspan="2" | 5.8 || rowspan="2" | 5.3 || rowspan="2" | 5.0
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 53.5 || 63.1 || 69.8 || 73.8 || 76.5
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer shell (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer shell}} - Good general ammunition, a hit on an aircraft typically means its destruction while still enough to do damage to armoured ground vehicles, especially if it shoots into the side of an enemy tank (weaker armour). Good to start with until comfortable with other types of ammunition.

* '''40 mm AP-T:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer shell}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer shell}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer shell}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer shell (self-destroying)}} - Very powerful ammunition which can be used against ground targets with significantly more penetration than other 35-40 mm AP-T projectiles. Will easily destroy any target with side shots even outside the point-blank range and can destroy lighter targets and weak spots from the front even against main battle tanks.

* '''M811:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer shell (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer shell (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer shell (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer shell}} - Unlike the M822 shells these require direct hits on aircraft to do significant damage, but if problems are experienced with M822 detonating too early this belt may be your best choice.

* '''M822:''' {{Annotation|HE-VT*|High-explosive variable time fuze shell (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HE-VT*|High-explosive variable time fuze shell (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer shell}} - Proximity-fused shells that absolutely obliterate aircraft when they make contact, though if they detonate too early, they will do little to no damage. Somewhat unreliable in if they detonate within range of the target, but when they do the target will quickly take considerable damage if not destroyed. The only ammunition for self-propelled anti-aircraft guns that which can cause enough shrapnel damage to bring down planes and helicopters even with near misses. This round should be the go-to anti-air ammunition, although the M811 is a good backup if the M822 is problematic for the gunner.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| Default || HEFI-T*/AP-T || 94 || 90 || 77 || 62 || 51 || 41
|-
| 40 mm AP-T || AP-T/HEFI-T* || 94 || 90 || 77 || 62 || 51 || 41
|-
| M811 || HEFI-T*/AP-T || 94 || 90 || 77 || 62 || 51 || 41
|-
| M822 || HE-VT*/AP-T || 94 || 90 || 77 || 62 || 51 || 41
|-
|}

==== [[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
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''1''' || 0 ''(+1)'' || No
|-
|}
Notes:

* With a single ammunition rack, you can bring only 1 type of ammunition in battle.

== Usage in battles ==

The M247 Sgt York is a very deadly SPAA, The M247 is deadly to some lightly armored vehicles but even deadlier to Aircraft. When using the M247 you can easily shred some lightly armored vehicles like the Leopard 1. Where the speciality for the M247 is with its Proximity fused 40 mm rounds. They will shred any aircraft within a 2.0 km radius. You can play the vehicle mostly in 2 ways. You can push and try defending caps from the enemies and keeping the skies clear, or stay back in cover and keep the skies clear for your allies and use the AP rounds on the vehicle to defend yourself from hostile vehicles.

Generally, enemy tanks should be avoided - especially from the front - but in desperate times or the right circumstances many of them can be dealt with. Due to the decent armour-piercing ammunition used by the M247, most tanks at the BR can be penetrated from the side. Common examples of tanks that are easy to penetrate from the side are the Leopard 1 and OF-40 families. Soviet tanks are a bit harder to penetrate and may not be penetrated except when nearly perpendicular to your guns. All light tanks and SPAAs can be penetrated from the side and many of them from the front as well. Again, full sized tanks should not generally be engaged except when there is no other choice, in which case aiming for the gun barrel may be the best choice, except when engaged from the side. Light vehicles, on the other hand, can be engaged favorably in most circumstances.

'''Ammunition'''

The recommended ammunition belt is the M822 belt, which includes both the AP and HE-VT rounds.

This belt is the best at taking out enemy aircraft because the fuze rounds make it so that a direct hit on an aircraft is not needed, the shells must only pass near the aircraft to damage it. This belt also includes armor-piercing rounds so that if a ground target is spotted it can be engaged when necessary. The AP rounds have enough penetration (94 mm maximum) to go through the fronts of many light tanks and SPAA vehicles, as well as the sides of most other vehicles including main battle tanks (MBTs). The only class of vehicles that can not be penetrated in a majority of cases is the heavy tank class, which should be avoided as much as possible.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Twin stabilized 40 mm M266 cannon (L/70 40 mm Bofors) have a much higher rate of fire compared to the M42 Duster
* Large ammunition count ensures that you will have plenty to fire throughout a match without fear of running out of ammo mid-game
* Has access to 12 x 66 mm smoke grenades, perfect for exiting a dangerous situation
* M822 ammunition is proximity fused and will detonate if the projectile passes close enough to the target
* 40 mm cannons pose a serious threat to lightly-armoured vehicles, and to the sides of most tanks at close range
* Radar allows for high range of detection and very accurate tracking, with 10 km tracking and 40 km detection range
* Has access to night vision devices
* Can retract and extend both search and tracking radars to reduce silhouette
* Turret is thin enough for some shells to overpenetrate, doing little damage
* Hull armour can bounce some lower tier shots
* Is resistant against aircraft ramming

'''Cons:'''

* As with all high-rank SPAA, the M247 has very thin turret armour; a shell strike could instantly end the vehicle
** Turret is also vulnerable to strafing aircraft and rockets
* Armour advantages of the hull are nullified due to the hull-break mechanic of the turret
* With all radar SPAA, the spinning search radar can expose your position and lead to your destruction
* The gunner sight optics only has one zoom setting (12.0x with a sight FOV of 6) meaning that you may struggle to engage tanks and to lock/eliminate aircraft
* 5 minute long reload on a capture point after depleting ammo
* Being trigger happy can deplete the ammo quickly
* Tedious stock grind, with the HE-VT belt available at tier 4
* Only three man crew
* Radar can easily be damaged even by small caliber rounds
* Mobility is extremely sluggish when stock, will barely break 25 km/h off road without a road or hill
* Will often face vehicles with APSDFS, HEAT-FS and ATGMs, which will slice right through the armour

== History ==


The M247 "Sergeant York" was designed in the late 1970's as a purpose-built SPAAG. It was designed to fight alongside the [[M1 Abrams]] and [[M3 Bradley|M2/M3 Bradley]], in order to provide cover against aircraft. There were other SPAA vehicles in service at the time; these were the [[M163|M163 Vulcan]] and the MIM-72/M48 Chaparral. The former being a 20 mm rotary cannon mounted on an armored personnel carrier, and the latter being a heavily modified armored personnel carrier chassis with a surface-to-air missile launcher. Neither of those two vehicles were designed as SPAA's, and so, did not have the necessary performance to be adequate at their job. The M247 was designed as a replacement for both of the previous vehicles.

Designs from a multitude of companies were entered into the competition. Only two were selected for testing: the Ford XM-247 with twin Bofors 40mm cannons and the General Dynamics XM-246 with twin Oerlikon 35mm cannons. The two prototypes were tested, and the XM-247 was selected as the winner, although the XM-246 had outscored it in all the shooting tests. The M247, as it was soon designated, ran into many problems. The radar was extremely deficient; it had a hard time distinguishing trees from planes, and if the guns were pointed too high, they would get in the radar's way and confuse it even more. In addition, it took too long for the radar to pick up a target and for the guns to actually take aim. In addition, the turret traverse speed was much too slow, the vehicle it's self was too sluggish to keep up the M1's and M2's, and it was unreliable in cold weather. Eventually, the program was cancelled after more testing, where it was proven the system could not even shoot down stationary drones. There was still a need for an anti-aircraft vehicle that could keep up with modern vehicles, so Oerlikon Canada created the [[ADATS]] anti-aircraft missile system. This was not as successful as hoped, and was only accepted into Canadian service. The void was eventually filled by the M6 Linebacker, an M2 Bradley with Stinger missiles instead of TOW missiles. The Linebacker was capable of keeping up with modern armored forces, which was the reason for its acceptance, even though the Stingers were not as effective as the ADATS missiles<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M247_Sergeant_York</ref>.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=spaa&vehicle=us_m247 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

* [[M48 Patton (Family)]]

;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[AMX-30 DCA]]
* [[VEAK 40]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/5714-development-tam-and-m247-sergeant-york-en|[Devblog] TAM and M247 Sergeant York]]
* [[wikipedia:M247_Sergeant_York|[Wikipedia] M247 Sergeant York]]
* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=644 <nowiki>[Military Factory]</nowiki> M247 Sergeant York]

=== References ===
<references />

{{TankManufacturer Ford}}
{{USA anti-aircraft vehicles}}

T-55AM-1

2021-02-13T16:47:30Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=ussr_t_55_am
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|store=6385
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]].

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


The T-55, which this tank was based upon, used exclusively rolled homogeneous armour, which proved to useless against advanced chemical warheads. The Soviet Union, in an attempt to modernize and extend the service life of the T-55, conceived the AM-1 upgrade kit for the tank. The upgrade kit consists bolted-on blocks of metal-polymer plates, which are essentially plates of metal sandwiching polymer fillings. This solution was cheap and easy to implement, though its effectiveness was debatable. Compared to the original T-55A, the armour protection was greatly improved, but still prove to be insufficient against certain weapons.

The turret cheeks are fitted with the add-on metal-polymer blocks, which grants immunity to every HEAT warhead in-game except the HOT missiles. The Leopard's 120mm HEAT-FS occasionally penetrates the cheeks, and in that case, very minimal damage is caused. The turret armour against APDS is highly effective, given that the projectile impacts the add-on armour. However, the armour is mostly useless against APFSDS, and in case of penetration, will cause extensive damage. The add-on armour on the upper front plate is somewhat effective as it can nullify HEAT warheads with less than 450mm penetration. Most APFSDS will seamlessly penetrate the hull. Most APDS will bounce.

Do note that the gun breech area is very poorly protected by some 200mm of cast homogeneous armour, making its protection worth absolutely useless against everything. So do try to angle your turret by facing your cheeks. When doing so, use the right side of your turret to "catch" rounds, as even if it penetrates, only your loader will be knocked out, so no big deal.

Also note that the add-on armor block can be blown off your tank. For example, HOT missiles will have very high chance of taking off armor, and direct hit from artillery shell (assuming it hits the armor and doesn't destroy you) will take off the armor.

In regards to ammo storage, your ready rack is stored within your fuel tank. This wet ammo storage will prevent ammo detonation from HEAT, but a well placed APFSDS will nonetheless cause ammo cook-off.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret roof)
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Gun mantlet)
* Structural steel (Stowage boxes, Track mud guards)
* Rubber-fabric screens (Track sides)

{| class="wikitable"
!Armour
!Front
!Sides
!Rear
!Roof
|-
|Hull
|100* mm (59°) ''Front glacis'' 100 mm (56°) ''Lower glacis''
|80 mm
|45 mm (16°) ''Upper'' 20 mm (71°) ''Lower''
|30 mm 20 mm ''Hatches'' 45 mm ''Engine grille''
|-
|Turret
|130-200* mm (0-75°)
|90-160 mm (9-62°)
|66 mm (4-41°)
|30 mm
|-
| Cupola || colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | 100 mm (conical) ''Base'' 30 mm (spherical) ''Hatch'' || 100 mm (conical) ''Base'' 30 mm (spherical) ''Hatch''
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Suspensions wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick
* Front belly armour is 20 + 20 mm thick, with the rest of the belly armour being just 20 mm thick.
*<nowiki>*</nowiki> - Composite armour present

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,069|rbMinHp=610}}

The mobility is only bested by the [[XM-1 (GM)|XM-1]]. It will out-run most, if not all, its friendlies and adversaries. Its pivoting capabilities are comparable to the very capable neutral steering system on the [[Leopard A1A1 (L/44)|Leopard L/44]]. The tank will reach around 30-40 km/h off-road, and -10 km/h in reverse. The so-called "stabilized" gun is only operable reliably under 35km/h.

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

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

{{main|D-10T2S (100 mm)}}

The 100mm rifled gun seems like an oddity at this BR, not in its calibre or whatnot, but its unparalleled versatility. The gun can fire APDS, APFSDS, HEAT-FS, HE, APHE, ATGM and smoke. In fact, it can fire every type of munition available in-game with the exception of HESH. Though very versatile, it is quite useless as the APDS, APFSDS and HEAT-FS are terribly under-performing compared to its adversaries. The only offensive munition worth carrying is the APHE and ATGM. The APHE (APCBC) is extremely capable. It '''will''' destroy most bad guys your face with one shot, given proper shot placement and successful penetration. At this rank, most your opponents are poorly armoured, like the [[Leopard I|Leopard 1]], [[MBT-70|MBT]]/[[KPz-70]] and XM-1, so the 200mm penetration on the APHE will penetrate and will result in the instant destruction of your enemies.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[D-10T2S (100 mm)|100 mm D-10T2S]] || 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" | -5°/+16° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 14.28 || 19.76 || 24.00 || 26.55 || 28.24 || rowspan="2" | 11.05 || rowspan="2" | 9.78 || rowspan="2" | 9.01 || rowspan="2" | 8.50
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 8.92 || 10.50 || 12.75 || 14.10 || 15.00
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| 3BM-8 || APDS || 299 || 298 || 291 || 272 || 253 || 249
|-
| BR-412D || APCBC || 239 || 236 || 223 || 207 || 192 || 178
|-
| 3BM25 || APFSDS || 335 || 330 || 307 || 290 || 275 || 260
|-
| 3BK17M || HEATFS || 390 || 390 || 390 || 390 || 390 || 390
|-
| OF-412 || HE || 19 || 19 || 19 || 19 || 19 || 19
|-
| 9M117 || ATGM || 600 || 600 || 600 || 600 || 600 || 600
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| 3BM-8 || APDS || 1,415 || 4.13 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 75° || 78° || 80°
|-
| BR-412D || APCBC || 887 || 15.9 || 1.2 || 19 || 93.94 || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| 3BM25 || APFSDS || 1,430 || 3.4 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 76° || 77° || 80°
|-
| 3BK17M || HEATFS || 1,085 || 9.96 || 0.05 || 1 || 1,440 || 65° || 72° || 77°
|-
| OF-412 || HE || 900 || 15.6 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 1,460 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| 9M117 || ATGM || 370 || 18.8 || 0 || 0.1 || 3,000 || 80° || 82° || 90°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
|-
! Ammunition
! Velocity (m/s)
! Projectile Mass (kg)
! Screen radius (m)
! Screen deploy time (s)
! Screen hold time (s)
! Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
|-
| 3D3 || 880 || 15.6 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 272
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x200px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''42''' || 41 ''(+1)'' || 37 ''(+5)'' || 33 ''(+9)'' || 21 ''(+21)'' || 19 ''(+23)'' || 1 ''(+41)'' || No
|-
|}

* Rack 6 is a first-stage ammo rack

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

{{main|DShK (12.7 mm)|PKT (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[DShK (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm DShK]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 300 (50) || 600 || -10°/+60° || ±180°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[PKT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm PKT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 3,000 (250) || 700 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


The {{PAGENAME}} is a tank that [[T-55A]] users are familiar with, but now with extra features such as:

* The ammo option of a gun-launched 9M117 missile
* Composite armour added to the front of the hull and turret
* More powerful engine
* Smoke grenades availability

Aside from these differences, the usage of the {{PAGENAME}} will be quite similar to any T-54/55 tank models in the Soviet tech tree.

;Offensive

Using the {{PAGENAME}} in the offensive role is ideal given the technical characteristics of the tank. The relatively low profile construction of the tank, plus the added composite armour at the front, can make the {{PAGENAME}} more likely to survive a contested battlefield. The stabilised 100 mm gun also gives a nice, steady field of view at selected enemy target to engage while moving. However, one should take care not to be hit as despite the composite armour additions to the tank, they only have significant effect against chemical rounds (with an effective protection of around 450 mm), and its effect on kinetic rounds is negligible enough that even APDS rounds on certain tanks can pierce the hull at closer ranges.

When moving towards the enemy, try to utilise the terrain for cover to protect the vulnerable parts of the hull. Only the front have the added composite armour so make sure these are presented so to maximize survival should the {{PAGENAME}} be hit. Avoid traveling over hills when moving, as the -5 degree gun depression restricts the {{PAGENAME}}'s firing arc. Focus on going around obstacles in a manner that the gun can be brought to bear while eliminating any possible exposure of the side armour. The gun should always be pointed where the enemy is expected to be coming, as the traverse speed is slow and can be detrimental when reacting to a surprise encounter.

For the attack, the {{PAGENAME}} should try not to be in the lead due to the spotty armour design, but it should follow a squad where a lead tank attracts the enemy gun fire, and the {{PAGENAME}} supports the lead tank by firing at its opposition while repositioning to a good firing angle. The higher mobility of the {{PAGENAME}} also means the tank could also attempt a wide flanking manoeuvre around the battlefield and hit the enemy's sides.

;Defence

Defence can be done with the {{PAGENAME}}, though the options are limited as it is difficult to take up ideal hull-down positions due to both the -5 degree gun depression and weaker turret armour even with the composite (although the gun mantlet may cause incoming shells to ricochet at the cost of the gun modules). The ideal way to use the {{PAGENAME}} in the defensive is to hide behind larger covers such as buildings and wait for the enemy to attempt to cross into the 100 mm gun's path. The variety of ammunition available allows the {{PAGENAME}} to deal with a variety of enemy threats, such as an APCBC-HE round to penetrate and explode behind delicate side armour, and the 9M117 missile for longer-ranged targets.

No matter the case, the most important aspect to consider when choosing a cover position to fire from is how fast the {{PAGENAME}} can acquire and fire at targets, as the turret's slow traverse rate and the gun's rather slow reload rate can mean a significant amount of down time if shot is missed and the enemy continues speeding down the firing line. Also be wary of enemies that are aware of the {{PAGENAME}}'s position and attempt to root it out via flanking or aerial attacks, so keep an exit strategy to quickly egress from the area.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Access to APFSDS ammunition
* Access to very good AGTM
* One of the few top rank tanks with APHE, great for one shots.
* Favourable matchmaking that won't face top rank tanks
* Respectable mobility
* Laser rangefinder
* Decent armour, especially vs chemical Munitions
* Roof Mounted DShK 12.7 mm MG is great for taking out low flying Helicopters
* Wet ammo storage in the front fuel tank may prevent ammo detonation from HEAT
* Due to access to APHE, it can even one-shot Abrams given proper shot placement, making the vehicle an adequate back-up for a top-rank Soviet lineup

'''Cons:'''

* Armour is completely ineffective against APFSDS and 120 mm APDS
* Below average reload time, many enemies will have a faster reload
* Poor reverse speed
* The Rheinmetall 120mm's HEAT-FS and most high-penetration ATGM's will go clean through its armor
* Ammo stored all around the Hull, a penetration will most likely result in an ammo detonation
* Rather weak APFSDS
* Doesn't have access to thermal optics

== History ==


The T-54/55 went on a modernization program in the late 70s and mid 80s, featuring mainly an increase in combat capacity to fight against more modern tanks, and newer, more powerful ammunition. This resulted in the T-55AM, with major upgrades in all departments, mainly firepower and protection.

;Firepower

The T-55AM features the "Volna" Fire Control System, an upgrade to the Gunner Main Purpose Sight, ballistics computer, horizontal and vertical guidance mechanisms. The first modification made to the T-55AM regarding "Volna" was the addition of the TShSM-32PV GPS. The main difference of the TShSM-32PV with the TSh2B-32P (past sight of the T-55A) is its targeting capabilities. The T-55AM had the 1K13-2 sight, meaning it got missile firing capabilities. This sight was mounted on top of the main gun just above the first portion of the barrel, close to the turret mantlet. Inside, the 1K13-2 was mounted right next to the GPS. This also replaced the TPN-1-22-11 night vision GPS, the sight that was used in previous T-54 and 55 models, more specifically T-54B and T-55A. 1K13-2 was a slightly improvement over the TPN-1-22-11 sight as it had greater zooming in day and night mode and enhanced image quality on night mode but since it was not part of the "Volna" FCS, its capabilities were somewhat limited.

The T-55AM also got an improvement ballistics-wise, featuring a 100 mm D-10T2 rifled gun with thermal sleeve and bore extractor, the first cannon of this calibre with this technology fielded in Russian service.

;Ammunition

The T-55AM kept the same firing capabilities of the ammunition fired by previous models, including HE, APCBC, APCR, APDS, HEAT-FS, shrapnel and a new steel core APFSDS-T. Steel core was the most rudimentary and unused core in dart ammunition, primarily due to the fact that it had less density, brittleness and hardness numbers were lower than tungsten carbide. This round is the 3UBM7 round which contained the 3BM19 dart. It is unclear as to why full steel alternatives were made at the time (T-62 also had steel core darts) despite the existence of fielded tungsten carbide core darts like the 3BM20. Strangely enough, the 3BM19 was not tagged as a practice round but a combat round. 3BM19 and 20 shared the same case, propellant, fins, cap, tracer and sabot but different core, for this reason, despite both travelling at the same speed, the penetration capabilities were different as the densities of tungsten and steel are significantly different.

;Protection

The T-55AM kept the same turret and hull design with its complex range of sloping angles that ensured that the height of the turret had an equal thickness in steel. The cause of this was to withstand full calibre rounds such as APCBC and APCR. The T-55AM features the BDD "Metal-Polymer Armour" (no official name was given). It had what is known as "Brows" (like eye brows) which covered the whole 140° frontal arc of turret and glacis and covered the turret critical components at 30° in a side angle, still less protected. The block had a thickness of 500 mm when measured from center (the thickest part of the block including the air gap). The armour package starts with a relatively thin armour layer at the bottom and gradually grows as it progresses upwards, this was to compensate the turret's round shape. At the bottom of the armour block is where the cast turret armour is the thickest but the block is the thinest and gradually increases and decreases in an equal ratio towards the top. The block itself was 280 mm thick with two different obliquities: at the top half, the armour is angled in a 30°. The bottom half is angled at 15°. This package is also seen in the T-62M although the geometry is different as turret shape varies as well as the air gap between the block and the turret. This air layer is a critical component when facing KE (kinetic energy penetrators, mainly subcalibre rounds like APFSDS) and CE (chemical energy penetrators also known as super plastic jets seen in HEAT warheads). When facing KE, this air layer helps fracture the rod. Due to the stress made on the rod while penetrating the BDD block, the rod acquires a "mushroom" tip shape since it erodes the armour (this does not happen with depleted uranium cores, only with steel and tungsten carbide cores). The rod expands and loses firmness, wobbling inside the armour. When it meets the air layer, it shatters and deforms (often acquiring a 'J' shape) reducing the penetration which will then be stopped by the inner cast armour of the turret. When facing CE, the air layer disrupts with the remaining jet which penetrated the block by making it expand and scatter as well as losing velocity, reducing the overall effectiveness of the jet which can then be stopped by the cast turret.

The hull was also improved with the same type of armour added on top of the standard T-55 frontal plate. It added a 150 mm add-on BDD plate angled at 60° following the same hull armour obliquity. Due to the increased weight, the T-55AM got multiple upgrades regarding suspension, more in concrete tracks and engine. The OMSh tracks were replaced by the RMSh tracks, shown in the first models of the T-55A which had an internat rubber plate sandwiched between steel plates to increase durability. This made the tracks capable of withstanding more weight and roughness in terrain without losing traction, sinking or flipping. It kept the same dimension of the past OMSh tracks. It also carried a 420 hp V-55U engine.

'''T-55AM-1'''

The suffix "-1" was added to later models which featured the 691 hp V-46-5M engine, a derivation of the T-72's 780 hp V-46-6 engine.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=ussr&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=medium_tank&vehicle=ussr_t_55_am Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|B6ZsuPjSuNo|'''T-54/T-55 family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 5:06 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|JarjjjncdWY|'''Should You Buy The {{PAGENAME}}?''' - ''Sako Sniper''|SkFwQIxspos|'''Premium Vehicles: {{PAGENAME}}''' - ''War Thunder Wiki''|Kq1KDHVjz9w|'''{{PAGENAME}} - Tank Review''' - ''Napalmratte''}}

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

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

{{USSR medium tanks}}
{{USSR premium ground vehicles}}

[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]

T-55A

2021-02-13T16:46:35Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=ussr_t_55a
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]].

After active development of nuclear weapons, the predecessor of T-55 ([[T-54 (1951)|T-54]]) was tested against nuclear charges. It was evaluated that the crew could survive only at distances of over 700m, so it was decided to create a new tank that would have a nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protection system, or ''Protivoatomnaya Zashchita'' (PAZ). The initial designs for this tank were completed in 1956, however, that was without additional NBC protection. In 1961, the development of an NBC system began, and it was introduced in the new T-55A variant. Among other upgrades, the T-55 had an increased ammunition supply with 18 more rounds being stored in the fuel tanks.

T-55 became a replacement for Soviet heavy tanks (IS series and the [[T-10M|T-10]]), something that is evident in War Thunder as well. Armour was sacrificed for better mobility and a better gun. Currently, the T-55A is one of the only vehicles at rank VI to have an APHE shell, which easily one-shots most vehicles from the sides and some from the front (notably, leopards). Unfortunately, the T-55A is relatively slow compared to other medium tanks around battle rating 8.3.

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

[[File:T-55A XRay Side.png|thumb|left|X-Ray view of the T-55A when viewed from the side. Note how packed the tank interior is of critical components, ammunition, and crew.]]

The T-55A has moderate frontal protection, with 100 mm plates for upper front plate (UFP) and lower front plate (LFP) placed at angles 59° and 56° respectively; effective thickness frontally comes up to ~180 mm and ~200 mm, respectively. At a perfect angle, the {{PAGENAME}} can bring its frontal effective thickness to ~200 mm and ~220 mm for the UFP and LFP, while having ~250 mm of protection at the angled sides. However, the additional 20 mm of armour will rarely save the tank from APFSDS, or even APDS, shells that are flying around at this rank.

As for the turret, the T-55A has slightly less protection than the T-62 and combined with a generally larger turret, it is easier for opponents to hit and penetrate the turret. The thinnest spots are right next to the cannon breech, at 200 mm, which rather slowly becomes over 300 mm when moving further away from the breech.

The {{PAGENAME}}'s weakest area to be attacked at is the port side; or when looking directly at the {{PAGENAME}}, its right side. This is because three of the four crew members are neatly lined up into a row. A well placed APFSDS shot to this area through the UFP will one-shot the T-55A.

Despite this vulnerability, it will do well for the {{PAGENAME}}'s overall survival if it does not get hit at all during its lifespan on the battlefield. Due to how packed the interior is, any penetrating shot is sure to cripple or outright destroy the tank.

{{Clear|left}}

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=899|rbMinHp=513}}

The maximum speed that the {{PAGENAME}} can reach is listed as 56 km/h (AB) and 50 km/h (RB/SB). That is ~15 km/h slower than the [[Leopard A1A1]]. However, the amount of firepower that the {{PAGENAME}} brings to the battlefield, coupled together with the ability to withstand shots sometimes, that speed is decent. Backwards, the {{PAGENAME}} can go at up to -7 km/h, which won't let you back out of tricky situations often.

The {{PAGENAME}} cannot turn in neutral gear, which makes it difficult to manoeuvre in close-quarter encounters, which often occur in urban environments. The acceleration is good, the {{PAGENAME}} can get to 25 km/h from a standstill on flat, rough terrain in a few seconds, and turning is decent on flat ground.

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

With a default APDS round available, the {{PAGENAME}} is somewhat viable in a downtier to assist going through the modification research. Aside from getting the survivability upgrades in the ''Parts'' and ''FPE'' modules, the ammunition unlocks in the Firepower category should also be prioritised in order to access the more potent APFSDS round and the HEAT-FS shell in the ''3BM25'' and ''3BK17M'' module respectively. The ''NVD'' module should also be prioritized in order to survive the possibility of the next ground battle being in a dark environment.

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

{{main|D-10T2S (100 mm)}}

The T-55A houses a 100 mm D-10T2S rifled anti-tank gun, which is equipped with an ejector and two-plane stabilizer arms. In-game, the T-55A has a 10.3 s reload rate, which is similar to its successor, the T-62. This rate of fire doesn't allow the T-55A to rush into battle and fend off waves of Leopards or [[M48A1|M48]]s/[[M60]]s, but it is sufficient to defeat one or two opponents in quick succession with good shot placements, granted you shoot first.

The stock round (3BM-8, APDS) allows the T-55A to penetrate [[MBT-70]] and [[KPz-70]] frontally, as well as deal with all other major threats, notably the [[Leopard I|Leopards]] (which you can penetrate anywhere), and [[Chieftain Mk 3|Chieftains]] (LFP, or UFP/LFP with the APFSDS round). One of the major advantages that the T-55A has over the majority of rank VI vehicles is its APCBC shell, which has the potential to one-shot any opponent if it penetrates. It is advised to flank your enemies and when given the opportunity, easily destroy oncoming enemies with this round.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[D-10T2S (100 mm)|100 mm D-10T2S]] || 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" | 43 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+18° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 14.3 || 19.8 || 24.0 || 26.5 || 28.2 || rowspan="2" | 11.05 || rowspan="2" | 9.78 || rowspan="2" | 9.01 || rowspan="2" | 8.50
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 8.9 || 10.5 || 12.8 || 14.1 || 15.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| 3BM-8 || APDS || 299 || 298 || 291 || 272 || 253 || 249
|-
| BR-412D || APCBC || 239 || 236 || 223 || 207 || 192 || 178
|-
| 3BM25 || APFSDS || 335 || 330 || 307 || 290 || 275 || 260
|-
| 3BK17M || HEATFS || 390 || 390 || 390 || 390 || 390 || 390
|-
| OF-412 || HE || 19 || 19 || 19 || 19 || 19 || 19
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| 3BM-8 || APDS || 1,415 || 4.13 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 75° || 78° || 80°
|-
| BR-412D || APCBC || 887 || 15.9 || 1.2 || 19 || 93.94 || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| 3BM25 || APFSDS || 1,430 || 3.4 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 76° || 77° || 80°
|-
| 3BK17M || HEATFS || 1,085 || 9.96 || 0.05 || 1 || 1,440 || 65° || 72° || 77°
|-
| OF-412 || HE || 900 || 15.6 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 1,460 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
|-
! Ammunition
! Velocity (m/s)
! Projectile Mass (kg)
! Screen radius (m)
! Screen deploy time (s)
! Screen hold time (s)
! Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
|-
| 3D3 || 880 || 15.6 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 272
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''43''' || 42 ''(+1)'' || 37 ''(+6)'' || 33 ''(+10)'' || 21 ''(+22)'' || 19 ''(+24)'' || 1 ''(+42)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Notes''':

* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
* Rack 6 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 18 shells and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
* This rack is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 6 - 1 - 2 - etc. until 5.
* Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-5 into rack 6. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.
* If you pack 19 ''(+24)'' shells, it will keep most of the hull empty of ammo.

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

{{main|DShK (12.7 mm)|SGMT (7.62 mm)}}

The T-55A has a roof-mounted 12.7 mm DShK machine gun, which allows it to fight low-flying aircraft or helicopters. However, it is not effective against jets. It is recommended to use this machine gun against lightly armoured ground targets and to check whether or not a tank is alive or not, by shooting its tracks (which can also be done with the coaxial machine gun).

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[DShK (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm DShK]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 350 (50) || 600 || -10°/+60° || ±180°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[SGMT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm SGMT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 3,500 (250) || 600 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The T-55A has the great option to use an APCBC shell, which can one-shot Leopards frontally, and any well-armoured vehicles side-on. Therefore, this tank should be used as a flanker, large open areas present a great opportunity to scout and take out groups of oncoming enemies. However, make sure to stay near cover and use it after every shot to minimize the chances of getting scouted and penetrated.
[[File:T-55A Weakspot.png|thumb|right|The weak spot that allows a one-shot. 3 of the 4 crew members can be knocked out if shooting the upper right hand corner of the UFP.]]

However, that does not mean that the T-55A cannot engage opponents frontally. Its APFSDS round can penetrate all vehicles at its battle rating, apart from the T-64A/T-72 (if playing mixed battles), the Chieftains (when hull-down) and the Maus (when at distance and angled).

As a rule of thumb, protect your left-hand side when looking from behind the T-55A. You have 3 crew members there that can be taken out with a single well-placed APFSDS shot (upper right corner of the UFP). Also, don't rely on your reverse speed. You can't retreat efficiently, and will likely be destroyed in a close-quarters encounter if you don't engage your opponent first.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good mobility
* Good gun and a wide ammo choices (APDS, APFSDS, APHE, HEATFS and smoke)
* Roof-mounted machinegun for anti-air defense
* Has a spall liner in the turret, lacking in the T-62, affords some protection from spalling
* Safe ammo spot for 18 rounds near the driver in the fuel tanks give it some kinetic and chemical protection
* Comes with a stabilizer unlike its older series the T-54

'''Cons:'''

* Can easily be destroyed if penetrated through the turret, direct hits three of the four total crew members
* Stock performance is quite lackluster
* No rangefinder
* Poor zoom distance, only 3.5 and 7 times magnification
* No smoke grenade launcher
* Paultry 100 mm front plate
* No chemical protection
* Abysmally weak sides on the hull (80 mm) and worse at the back of the turret (66 mm)

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

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=ussr&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=medium_tank&vehicle=ussr_t_55a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|B6ZsuPjSuNo|'''T-54/T-55 family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 1:39 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|pvIlsWO9aqk|'''{{PAGENAME}} - The Russian Cannon Fodder''' - ''JustinPlaysYT''|PlF7IJ4Z1rA|'''{{PAGENAME}} - Awesome Gunfood''' - ''Napalmratte''|3zJsVor0TRA|'''{{PAGENAME}} versus M60A1 RISE (P)''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|DVsb1ZNbKp4|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''|k15BSV4Xx9w|'''The Shooting Range #46''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 05:06 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

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

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

{{USSR medium tanks}}

E.B.R. (1954)

2021-02-07T11:13:26Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Relevance|br}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=fr_panhard_ebr_1954
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} French light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Hot Tracks"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/6981-special-operation-w-i-n-t-e-r-en|2020 Operation W.I.N.T.E.R.]] event.

== 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=310|rbMinHp=177}}

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

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

{{main|SA50 L/57 (75 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[SA50 L/57 (75 mm)|75 mm SA50 L/57]] || 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" | 36 || rowspan="2" | -6°/+10° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 28.6 || 39.5 || 48.0 || 53.1 || 56.5 || rowspan="2" | 5.00 || rowspan="2" | 5.00 || rowspan="2" | 5.00 || rowspan="2" | 5.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 17.9 || 21.0 || 25.5 || 28.2 || 30.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| POT-51A || APC || 182 || 178 || 162 || 143 || 127 || 113
|-
| 75 mm HE || HE || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| POT-51A || APC || 1,000 || 6.4 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| 75 mm HE || HE || 753 || 6.2 || 0 || 0.1 || 675 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

==== [[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
|-
| '''36''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

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

{{main|MAC 31 (7.5 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[MAC 31 (7.5 mm)|7.5 mm MAC 31]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 4,950 (150) || 1,350 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Fast, it can reach 105 km/h in RB and deals relatively well with off-road terrain, even in reverse.
* The main gun reloads in 5 seconds even with 2 active crew members and the autoloader has a capacity of 12 rounds.
* The shells have a very high muzzle velocity (1,000 m/s for APC) and, despite the lack of explosive filler, deal a lot of damage.
* Both the front and back wheels steer, resulting in a pretty small turning radius.
* The hull armour, in the front (and back), is enough to stop .50 AP fire, as well as 14.5 mm AP-I(c) from 200 meters or more; the turret front may be even able to stop some autocannon fire.
* As this vehicle is an armoured car, scouting is available.
* APC shell with a very high penetration of 182 mm at 10 m, able to easily penetrate most vehicles that are faced

'''Cons:'''

* Due to its shape, a penetration in the front (or back) by any actual tank cannon will mean losing the vehicle.
* The 7° gun depression is far from optimal for players that want to shoot from an hull down position.
* The massive radio antennas will make you visible even when the rest of the vehicle is hidden behind a hill or small building.
* Very easy to spot and recognize from the side due to its size and shape; in addition, the side armour (15 mm) won't really stop anything more than small calibre machinegun fire.
* The roof of the turret, right above the crew and autoloader drums, is 10mm thick, making it vulnerable to airborne attacks.
* May have some difficulty climbing hills without a running start.
* The rear and the front of the vehicle is almost identical, might create some confusion.
* Very slow when moving in mud.
* High risk of ammunition explosion if the turret is penetrated, thanks to the large first-stage ammo rack behind the cannon.
* Currently has very slow acceleration (compared to other wheeled vehicles with similar HP/ton) and very poor crossing capabilities. Even though these will probably get fixed soon, it definitely affects where the vehicle can go and how fast it can.
* Not very mobile off-road, indeed, bar dirt tracks and concrete roads, you'll travel at around 35 km/h most of the time which is pretty low compared to other wheeled vehicles and some tracked vehicles such as [[T-34-57]] and [[M18 GMC]] that will have no difficulty outrunning you in a straight line, especially from a standing start. This is partially recovered by the fact that, being a wheeled vehicle, the EBR does not lose much speed in turns.

== History ==

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

=== [[wt:en/news/7000-development-e-b-r-1954-en|Devblog]] ===
Before the outbreak of World War II, Panhard created a prototype of an 8x8 army wheeled all-terrain vehicle, with the first and last swivel wheel pairs having rubber tires, the middle pairs were metal and not swivel. The army placed an order for the production of 600 of these vehicles, but the outbreak of the war and the occupation of France did not allow the vehicle to be put into production. They returned to an interesting project after the war - the wheelbase received an oscillating turret with a 75 mm gun, which turned the all-terrain vehicle into a light wheeled tank. Later, the base of this vehicle became the basis for several curious army vehicles. It is interesting that it was the Panhard all-terrain vehicle that served as a carriage for the farewell ceremony for the President of the Fifth Republic, General Charles de Gaulle.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=france&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=light_tank&vehicle=fr_panhard_ebr_1954 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" caption="E.B.R. (1954) Devblog images" heights="150">
File:E.B.R. WTWallpaper 001.jpg|
File:E.B.R. WTWallpaper 002.jpg|
File:E.B.R. WTWallpaper 003.jpg|
File:E.B.R. WTWallpaper 004.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|DTL8x599AeU|'''The Five Star EBR: Panhard EBR Full Review''' - ''Sako Sniper''|JEsBDVWqltA|'''Speedy French Bias Ft. Ash007 - E.B.R''' - ''JustinPlaysYT''}}

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same gun

* [[AMX-13 (Family)]]
* [[M4A1 (FL10)]]
* [[M4A4 (SA50)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7000-development-e-b-r-1954-en|[Devblog] E.B.R. (1954)]]
* [[wikipedia:Panhard_EBR|[Wikipedia] Panhard EBR]]
* [https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/France/Panhard_EBR.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Panhard EBR]

{{France light tanks}}
{{France premium ground vehicles}}

Chieftain Mk 10

2021-01-31T21:56:06Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = British medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = Chieftain (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=uk_chieftain_mk_10
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]].

The {{PAGENAME}} is the first vehicle in the British main research tree with APFSDS ammunition, significantly improving the vehicle's gun performance once the corresponding module researched.

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


'''Armour type:'''

* Cast homogeneous armour (hull front, turret front half, cupola)
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull sides, hull rear, hull roof, turret rear half, turret roof, cupola roof)
* Stillbrew composite armour (turret front half, turret ring - front part)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 70-127 mm (40-79°) ''Front glacis'' 76.2 mm (40-45°) ''Lower glacis'' 200* mm (0-45°) ''Turret ring'' || 88-220 (8-30°) + 13 mm ''Front Top'' 50 mm (1-31°) ''Center Top'' 37 mm (30°) + 13 mm ''Rear Top'' 37 (10°) + 13 mm ''Bottom'' || 37 mm (1-7°) || 13-28 mm
|-
| Turret || 125-250 + 80-150* mm (2-81°) Turret front 100-220 mm (1-53°) Gun mantlet || 45-196 mm (1-65°) || 45 mm (1°) || 50.8 mm ''Front'' 25 mm ''Rear''
|-
| Cupola || colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | 150 mm || 25 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick while bogies are 19 mm thick.
* Belly armour is 16 mm of RHA.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Stillbrew armour !! Front
|-
| Turret ring - front part || 200 mm ''Kinetic'' 200 mm ''Chemical''
|-
| Turret - front half || 450 mm ''Kinetic'' 500 mm ''Chemical''
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Stillbrew armour at turret ring is pure 200 mm CHA.
* Stillbrew armour on turret front is composed of 80 to 150 mm CHA + 60 mm rubber + 150 to 250 mm CHA.

The {{PAGENAME}} sports identical hull armour to the earlier variants, however the turret is augmented with Stillbrew composite armour, providing near-complete frontal protection when in hull-down positioning, with the exceptions of the small area around the gun breech and a small section of visible turret ring. The Chieftain's Stillbrew package offers extremely effective protection against most kinetic rounds, with only rounds available on vehicles such as the T-80B and Type 90 able to penetrate it.

The vehicle's hull armour should be considered essentially non-existent relative to the weaponry it faces; in most cases a hull shot will result in penetration.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,178|rbMinHp=672}}

The {{PAGENAME}}'s mobility is extremely sub-par, particularly when considering the vehicles it will face regularly - such as the [[Leopard A1A1]] or the [[AMX-30 Super]]. While the vehicle is ''technically'' capable of a maximum of 48 km/h in RB/SB, the lacklustre power and the {{PAGENAME}}'s significant weight result in this speed being essentially unattainable except in on-road downhills.

As such, {{PAGENAME}} players should not rely on their mobility for anything; rather they should make their way to positions with good visibility and attempt to maintain ranged engagements only, relying on their turret armour.

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

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

{{main|Ordnance BL Tk. L11 (120 mm)}}

The L11 120 mm Rifled Cannon is reasonably competitive at the Chieftain's rank, although it does suffer from a somewhat mediocre reload time. The weapon is extremely accurate, particularly once utilising the L23 APFSDS round, and performs admirably in ranged engagements. The weapon's default APDS and HESH rounds can be used to good effect against most targets, given careful aim and target selection.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ordnance BL Tk. L11 (120 mm)|120 mm Ordnance BL Tk. L11]] || 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" | 53 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 21.4 || 29.6 || 36.0 || 39.8 || 42.4 || rowspan="2" | 9.7 || rowspan="2" | 8.6 || rowspan="2" | 7.9 || rowspan="2" | 7.5
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 13.4 || 15.8 || 19.1 || 21.1 || 22.5
|-
|}

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

* '''L15A3''': APDS; an armour-piercing round with a discarding sabot that has a good penetration power and no explosive filler. As it lacks post-penetration damage, the tactic with an APDS shot is to either knock out the majority of the tank's crew or to provoke ammo or fuel detonation by targeting their respective locations. This requires good knowledge of the layouts of potential opposing vehicles. Use the Protection analysis feature in the hangar menu to analyse potential foes for their weak spots! Also, keep in mind that with increased armour thickness the number of shrapnel shrinks.

* '''L31A7''': HESH; a high-explosive squash head projectile works very differently from other shell types. It ignores any angle, except for ricochet, and deals damage by metal-flakes which are blown off inside the armour by the exterior explosion. To create this deadly shrapnel inside the tank, make sure to only hit armour plates which are a direct part of the interior crew compartment of the tank. Hitting exterior parts of a tank like spaced armour, the suspension, tracks etc. will not harm crew members/modules at all. Currently, only true armour thickness (as opposed to the line of sight thickness) will provide sufficient means of protection, benefiting the USSR turret designs and in general German tanks. Like all high-explosive shells, the fuse is very sensitive and can be set-off by most objects e.g. fences, trees, posts. The slow muzzle velocity of this shell can make it quite hard to hit targets at longer distances, but at the same time it can be handy because its arc trajectory allows it to land hits on enemies hiding behind shallow hills.

* '''L23''': APFSDS; a kinetic dart with high penetration power capable of easily penetrating the majority of the foes it meets but without explosive filler. As it lacks post-penetration damage, the tactic with an APDS shot is to either knock out the majority of the tank's crew or to provoke ammo or fuel detonation by targeting their respective locations. This requires good knowledge of the layouts of potential opposing vehicles. Use the Protection analysis feature in the hangar menu to analyse potential foes for their weak spots! Also, keep in mind that with increased armour thickness the number of shrapnel shrinks.

* '''L34''': Smoke; useful to blind enemy vehicles that are too remote for you to disable so that you can progress towards objectives.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| Shot L15A3 || APDS || 320 || 315 || 305 || 294 || 280 || 270
|-
| Shell L31A7 || HESH || 152 || 152 || 152 || 152 || 152 || 152
|-
| Shot L23 || APFSDS || 410 || 408 || 405 || 400 || 390 || 380
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| Shot L15A3 || APDS || 1,370 || 7.6 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 75° || 78° || 80°
|-
| Shell L31A7 || HESH || 670 || 17.1 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 6,560 || 73° || 77° || 80°
|-
| Shot L23 || APFSDS || 1,535 || 3.89 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 76° || 77° || 80°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
|-
! Ammunition
! Velocity (m/s)
! Projectile Mass (kg)
! Screen radius (m)
! Screen deploy time (s)
! Screen hold time (s)
! Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
|-
| L34 || 670 || 17.1 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x400px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! Ammo part
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! 7th rack empty
! 8th rack empty
|-
| '''53''' || ''Projectiles'' ''Propellants'' || 52 ''(+1)'' 48 ''(+5)'' || 48 ''(+5)'' 37 ''(+16)'' || 46 ''(+7)'' 20 ''(+33)'' || 43 ''(+10)'' 17 ''(+36)'' || 39 ''(+14)'' 11 ''(+42)'' || 37 ''(+16)'' 4 ''(+49)'' || 36 ''(+17)'' 1 ''(+52)'' || 35 ''(+18)'' N/A
|-
! 9th rack empty
! 10th rack empty
! 11th rack empty
! 12th rack empty
! 13th rack empty
! 14th rack empty
! 15th rack empty
! 16th rack empty
! 17th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| 30 ''(+23)'' N/A || 20 ''(+33)'' N/A || 18 ''(+35)'' N/A || 17 ''(+36)'' N/A || 12 ''(+41)'' N/A || 8 ''(+45)'' N/A || 4 ''(+49)'' N/A || 3 ''(+50)'' N/A || 1 ''(+52)'' N/A || Yes
|-
|}
Notes:

* Like the other Chieftains, the {{PAGENAME}} uses two-piece ammunition, composed of both projectiles (yellow) and propellants (orange). Both have separate racks. Projectiles' racks can be seen on the upper part of the image while the propellants' racks can be seen on the lower part.
* Like the previous Chieftains, every propellant rack is encased by 5 mm of {{Annotation|RHA|Rolled homogeneous armour}}. In case of a successful penetration, the 5 mm of RHA provide protection against shrapnel. It however may not be enough to stop a direct hit to the propellant rack.
* Projectile racks 11 to 17 and propellant racks 4 to 7 are the first stage ammo racks. They total 20 shots and get filled first when loading up the tank.
* Unlike the previous Chieftains, the projectile racks have visual discrepancy: the ammo racks can "''store''" more ammo than what the model suggests. For instance projectile racks 9 and 10 have such phenomenon.
* So as to go into battle without any ammunition stored in the front hull, it is advised to bring 20 ''(+33)'' shells (projectile racks 1 to 10 emptied and propellant racks 1 to 3 emptied).
* Projectile racks 15 and 17 are located right next to each other: rack 15 being on top of rack 17.

==== Optics and night vision ====
The magnification of the gunner's optics on the {{PAGENAME}} is ok, but not anything special compared to other tanks it faces. There is only a minimal difference between the default magnification and the zoomed in magnification.

The Chieftain is equipped with a fairly basic night vision system, consisting of image intensifiers and an IR searchlight, there is no thermal imager. The image intensifiers are fairly standard compared to those fitted to vehicles of the same time period, they have a lower resolution and higher noise than those fitted to later vehicles.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="7" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
|-
! rowspan="3" |Type of optic
! rowspan="3" |Magnification
! colspan="5" |[[Night Vision Devices]]
|-
! colspan="3" |Image Intensifier
! rowspan="2" |{{Annotation|Thermal Imager Resolution|The higher the resolution the clearer and more detailed the image is}}
! rowspan="2" |Notes
|-
! {{Annotation|Resolution|The higher the resolution the clearer and more detailed the image is}}
! {{Annotation|Light Mult|By how much the image intensifier amplifies the existing light, primarily useful for comparing image intensifiers}}
! {{Annotation|Noise Level|How much noise is present in the image (how grainy the image is)}}
|-
! Gunner's Sight
| X7.25 - X8 || 800 x 600 || 8.0 || High || Not Fitted || Image intensifier unlocked by "NVD" mod (tier 3)
|-
! Commander's View
| X6 || 800 x 600 || 8.0 || High || Not Fitted || Image intensifier unlocked by "NVD" mod (tier 3)
|-
! Driver's View
| X1 || 800 x 600 || 5.0 || High || Not Fitted || Image intensifier unlocked by "NVD" mod (tier 3)
|-
|}

The IR searchlight on the {{PAGENAME}} is mounted in a distinctive box on the left hand side of the turret, it has a wide beam compared to other searchlights; however due to its placement some of the turret blocks some of the light which would otherwise go to the right. In practice this slightly narrows the beam, compared to the theoretical angle listed below (it is still much wider than other searchlights though).

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Night_Vision_Devices#Infrared_Spotlights|IR Searchlight]]
|-
! Max Range
! Beam Width
! Location / Notes
|-
| 1,500 m || 15.3° || Searchlight mounted in box on left hand side of turret, does not pitch up or down.
|-
|}

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

{{main|L37A1 (7.62 mm)|L8A1 (7.62 mm)}}

The small caliber of the 7.62 machine gun makes them largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment or to destroy incoming ATGMs, with a bit of luck.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[L37A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm L37A1]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 2,000 (100) || 650 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[L8A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm L8A1]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 6,000 (200) || 600 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The {{PAGENAME}} plays similarly to the Mk 3/Mk 5 - ideally taking long-ranged engagements from hull-down positions, or when forced into shorter-ranged engagements avoiding exposing the vehicle as much as possible. Fortunately, the Stillbrew addition on the Mk.10 significantly reduces the risks of exposing the turret, with the composite capable of deflecting most kinetic rounds it will face - although the armour package is not invulnerable to chemical rounds; some powerful HEAT rounds and most late ATGMs will easily punch through it. Augmenting the vehicle's ability further is the (researchable) access to L23 APFSDS, which significantly improves the L11's long range efficacy. Despite these improvements, the Chieftain still suffers from mediocre mobility and care must be taken to ensure one does not get engaged while the vehicle is moving, as the ability to quickly move into cover is often not an option.

'''Specific Adversaries'''

'''[[T-64B]]/[[T-80B]]:''' The Chieftain is susceptible to the T-64B and T-80B at close to medium ranges, where their highest-performance APFSDS rounds or their ATGMs are capable of punching through the Stillbrew armour. As such, when forced to engage either of these vehicles try to force mistakes by staying in cover, encouraging them to move within your firing line rather than attempting to brute-force your way through them.

'''[[Leopard 2K]]:''' The Leopard 2K is a dangerous adversary due to its speed and ability to move quickly and potentially flank the Chieftain Mk.10. The Leopard ''is'' however fairly easy to destroy due to its essentially non-existent armour - although don't underestimate the ability for the sharp angles to bounce rounds.

'''[[AMX-40]]:''' The AMX-40 is a threat to the Chieftain Mk.10 for similar reasons to the Leopard 2K; as with the Leopard, be wary of flanks and the power of the AMX-40's APFSDS.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Stillbrew composite armour makes a hull-down Chieftain essentially impervious to all but the best kinetic rounds. It is also resistant to most rank VI chemical rounds and early generation ATGMs. Due to this, the tank is a nightmare to fight with outdated tanks for many nations, as not many tanks can even scratch its turret directly to begin with
* The L23 APFSDS round is very powerful and will have little trouble penetrating most vehicles at the Chieftain's rank
* 10° of gun depression
* Reasonably fast reload time for a 120mm with a base time of 9.5s and a best time of 7.5s
* Reasonable reverse speed
* Receives a Laser Rangefinder as a Tier 4 modification, the first British vehicle this is available on
* Reasonable repair cost

'''Cons:'''

* Stillbrew composite armour does not provide particularly good chemical protection against upgraded rank VI ATGM, which means, that while it can often allow {{PAGENAME}} to ignore ATGM attacks from tanks like [[Begleitpanzer 57]], [[KPz-70]] or [[M551]] and maybe even some attacks from unskilled [[IT-1]] operator, in up-tier or against specialized rank VI ATGM tanks and tanks, which can carry advanced ATGM ( like [[BMP-1]], [[BMP-1 (DDR)]], [[BMP-2]], [[Type 89]], [[Warrior]], Etc.), the tank commander must be much more cautious
* While turret is near invulnerable to shells with poor flight characteristics, it still retains a glaring weakspot in form of cupola, which can be penetrated and obliterated by almost any APHE, sometimes even from light tanks such as [[Begleitpanzer 57]], resulting in full crew knockout. Because of this, the {{PAGENAME}} is usually forced to keep their enemies away, even when going to the frontline
* Very poor mobility characteristics, much slower than most medium tanks it have to face
* No rangefinding machinegun
* Hull armour is negligible, comprised only of Cast Homogenous armour, which means that it is even weaker, than what it looks like
* Hull penetration will often result in ammunition detonation as ammo is strewn throughout it

== History ==

===Concept===
The idea of a "universal tank" began in Britain in 1944 when Montgomery and other influential people began advocating for a more standardized tank to replace the cruiser and infantry tank classes used on the field. Efforts did not start until after World War II under the General Staff designation A45, with development starting just as the new cruiser tank [[Centurion Mk 3|Centurion]] started to enter military service. The A45 was cancelled in 1948 after development troubles and its inability to be used as a "universal" platform. Ironically, the Centurion proved to be a better "universal tank" platform than the A45.<ref name="DunstanChieftain">Dunstan Simon. ''Chieftain Main Battle Tank 1965-2003'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2003</ref>

===Development===
The [[Centurion Mk 10|Centurion]] tank series was very successful in British and its allies' service, but the development of new Soviet armour such as the [[IS-3]] and [[T-54 (1951)|T-54/55]] caused the British tank arms race to take another leap forward. Development on the Centurion's successor began in 1951 under the name ''Medium Gun Tank No. 2''. The project's priority was gun and armour, but with mobility to be equal to the Centurion's and weight of fewer than 45 tons. The weight limit caused a program known as the Concept Study Programme to commence in order to find ways to keep the tank under that weight limit yet meet all the armour and firepower specifications. One of the concepts that came out was the usage of bagged charges, which was already in use on naval ships but was a new concept for tank ammunition. Thus, a gun using the bagged charge propellant system began development in 1954, along with a new specification by General Staff that the Medium Gun Tank No.2, now known as ''FV4201'', uses a conventional four crew tank with a turret and a better gun and armour than the Centurion. Though the [[Conqueror]] heavy tank was one such response to the firepower requirement, limited production cut that to only 200 units built.<ref name="DunstanChieftain">Dunstan Simon. ''Chieftain Main Battle Tank 1965-2003'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2003</ref>

The biggest bump to the firepower of the FV4201 was the recommendation of a 120 mm calibre tank cannon. Though the Conqueror used a 120 mm, the new one would incorporate more innovative features such as the bagged charges. Other design features added was the usage of a Rolls-Royce V8 engine, an auxiliary engine, an automatic gearbox, and a reclining seat for the driver. The reclining seat was a very new feature in tank design as it reduced the vehicle's hull height and thus gave it a lower profile. Leyland Motors was assigned to be the main designer for the tank despite their commitment to the Centurion production lines. The manufacturing process of the tank was decided to be cast rather than welded. In 1957, several specifications added to the FV4201 impeded its attempt to fit in the specifications. A bigger turret was designed and it mounted IR equipment for night fighting. Troops requested more frontal and turret side armour, which along with the turret change caused an increase in the tank's overall weight. A controversial decision was also made in 1957 by NATO that tanks should have multi-fuel engines. The FV4201 installed a new engine conforming to these standards in 1958, a German engine derived from a Junkers Jumo aviation engine. This extended development time since the engine compartment had to be redesigned to fit the engine, raising the total tank weight to 50 tons. The engine, designated the L60, was received with a mixed reception by the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) and other users due to its novel features. Britain stayed as the only user of a multi-fuel engine in the Cold War as many other nations found the concept impractical and abandoned it.<ref name="DunstanChieftain">Dunstan Simon. ''Chieftain Main Battle Tank 1965-2003'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2003</ref>

As the FV4201 finalized its prototype stages, General Staff sent a revised specification for it. The tank was to have the firepower of the Conqueror with the mobility of the Centurion, an armour that maximizes the protection-weight ratio, a weight limit at 45 ton with a top speed of 26 mph and an operating range of 300 miles. The first wooden prototype was made in March 1959, with full prototypes ordered in June 1959 for troop trials. Vickers-Armstrong and Royal Ordnance Factory shared the manufacturing process and the first prototypes were built in January 1960. The first two prototype FV4201 was trialled in Germany alongside their new [[Leopard I|Leopard 1]]. The greatest issue with the FV4201 was the engine, which caused many failures due to vibration, a result of the flawed multi-fuel concept. Trials were delayed due to lack of parts to fix broken pieces and redesigns were requested to fix problems. After a lengthy trial period in 1962, the FV4201, now named the '''Chieftain''', was sent to the operational unit in Germany for service and combat trials. The Chieftain was finally accepted for service in 1st May 1963, despite the many faults in the design. The first deliveries of the improved and redesigned Chieftains began in mid-1965. These were the ''Chieftain Mk 1's'', which further revealed problems with the horsepower that the ''Mk 2'' was designed and sent in April 1966. The ''[[Chieftain Mk 3]]'' rolled out of the production lines in September 1969, it now weighed 53 tons and the L60 engine was producing 650 hp, still underpowered for the weight. Engine failures were still frequent and left the Chieftain with a sour note until the [[Chieftain Mk 5|Mk 5]] variant fixed these pressing issues with a new engine and NBC protection. The Mk 5 would be the main variant of the Chieftain in British service. During its production life from 1965 to 1985, a total of 2,265 Chieftains would be built by Britain, with about 1,000 used by the British Army.<ref name="DunstanChieftain">Dunstan Simon. ''Chieftain Main Battle Tank 1965-2003'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2003</ref>

===Service===
The first British units to receive the Chieftains was the 1st and 5th Royal Tank Regiments back during the trials. The Chieftain, despite its initial engine flaws, proved to be combat-proof and could be upgraded to fit new requirements. Some of these upgrades were the addition of composite add-on armour to fight off new anti-tank technology such as the HEAT rounds. The Chieftain earned the title "most formidable tank in the world" during the 1960's Cold War period and also redefined the specifications of a "main battle tank". Its success is due to its novel main gun and heavily sloped armour, as well as satisfactory mobility and speeds able to compete with the Leopard 1. The Chieftain stayed in use by the British Army On the Rhine on the German border with the Warsaw Pact, which caused the Soviets to in turn station their best tanks such as their [[T-64A (1971)|T-64's]] against the Chieftains. The British retained the Chieftains all the way until 1997, when it was replaced by the Challenger II, initially being used in addition to Challenger I.

The Chieftain was also successful in the export market, primarily in the Middle East to the hands of Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, and Oman. Another user of the Chieftain was Israel, with Britain initially agreeing to help set up production for locally produced Chieftains. Two Chieftains were sent for trials among the Israeli Defense Force in 1967. After two years of trials and deliberation for the acquirement of the Chieftains, Britain ultimately refused to offer the Israelis the Chieftain for political reasons. The Israeli trials benefit Britain with data on desert combat with the Chieftain, however, and the refusal did jump start Israel's tank program that would become the ''Merkava''.

Despite that, sales to the Middle East soared, with Iran being the major buyer of the Chieftains with at least 887 of mostly the MK3 and MK5 variants sent to them before their revolution in 1979. The Chieftain saw prolonged combat in the Middle East in the Iran-Iraq War, including Operation Nasr which was the largest tank vs. tank battle of the war where the Iranian Chieftains and [[M60A1 (AOS)|M60A1 Pattons]] fought against the Iraqi [[T-62]]s. After that war, the Chieftain in Kuwait then saw combat fighting the Iraqis during their invasion in 1990. Kuwait eventually replaced their Chieftains with the Yugoslavian M-84 tanks, which are a variant of the Soviet T-72s.

The Chieftain is still in service Iran, Jordan, and Oman in varying numbers, about 100 in Iran, 350 in Jordan, and 27 in Oman. The Chieftains underwent local upgrades to keep them up to date against a modern threat, which resulted in the Iran ''Mobarez'' Chieftain upgrade.

===Legacy===
The Chieftain helped revolutionize tank design with its innovative features. The most important was the reclining driver seat, which allowed the tank to have a lower profile as the driver was now that highest part of the hull in tank design. It also had the most powerful NATO tank armament in service until the advent of the German Rheinmetall 120 mm, which came about two decades later. Chieftain can be considered the definitive main battle tank of the 1960s and help transition the path between second-generation main battle tanks and the third.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=britain&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=medium_tank&vehicle=uk_chieftain_mk_10 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|lAW5l2qvPZs|'''{{PAGENAME}}: Come at me Bro!!!''' - ''Napalmratte''|F9_TT9_uPEg|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''|D3OF9IvtHLk|'''Tank Chats #34: Chieftain''' - ''The Tank Museum''}}

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

* [[Chieftain (Family)]]

;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[M48 Super]]
* [[T-55AM-1]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/4946-development-chieftain-mk-10-dressing-up-for-war-en|[Devblog] Chieftain Mk.10: Dressing Up for War]]
* [[wikipedia:Chieftain_(tank)|[Wikipedia] Chieftain (tank)]]
* [[wikipedia:Stillbrew_armour|[Wikipedia] Stillbrew armour]]
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/UK/chieftain.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> FV4201 Chieftain]
* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=83 <nowiki>[Military Factory]</nowiki> Chieftain MBT]

=== References ===
<references />

{{Britain medium tanks}}

H8K2

2021-01-25T02:33:52Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
|about = Japanese bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage = the premium H8K plane
|link = H8K3
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=h8k2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 454 || 445 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 33.9 || 34.8 || 3.5 || 3.5 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 500 || 476 || 32.1 || 33.0 || 10.5 || 6.5
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 420 || 420 || 260 || ~4 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 360 || < 360 || < 360 || > 341
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* 20mm steel plates protecting rear gunner
* 5mm steel behind pilots
* 5mm steel protecting dorsal gunner
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (6 in the mid-fuselage, 1 in each wingroot, 3 in each wing)

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)|Navy Type 98 Number 25 (250 kg)|Navy Type Number 80 Model 1 (800 kg)|Navy Type 99 Number 80 AP (800 kg)|Type 91 Model 2 (835 kg)}}

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

* 2 x 835 kg Type 91 Model 2 torpedoes
* 16 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (960 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg Navy Type 98 Number 25 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 2 x 800 kg Navy Type 99 Number 80 AP bombs (1,600 kg total)
* 2 x 800 kg Navy Type Number 80 Model 1 bombs (1,600 kg total)

=== Defensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}

{{main|Type 99 Model 1 (20 mm)|Type 92 (7.7 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:

* 1 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannon, nose turret (270 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannon, dorsal turret (270 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannon, 2 x beam turrets (270 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannon, tail turret (270 rpg)
* 1 x 7.7 mm Type 92 machine gun, 2 x cockpit turrets (582 rpg)
* 1 x 7.7 mm Type 92 machine gun, 2 x wing root turrets (582 rpg)
* 1 x 7.7 mm Type 92 machine gun, ventral turret (582 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==

The H8K2 can be thought of as a Japanese version of the German [[BV 238]], and plays similarly. However, there are some key differences between the two aircraft. The H8K2 can be used in both Naval battles, and Air battles, though there are some key limitations. The aircraft has a strong defensive armament suite of ten guns (five 20 mm cannons and five 7.7 mm machine guns), and can also carry a pair of torpedoes. However, it is a very large aircraft, and is easily shot down by enemy anti-aircraft fire. In general, the aircraft should avoid close-in, frontline combat, and instead be used as a heavy bomber/support aircraft.

The first playstyle for this aircraft would be a heavy bomber in RB. The aircraft benefits from airspawn, meaning that it is much less vulnerable from interception. However, there is one key limitation to this role - the H8K2's tiny payload. The aircraft can only carry a maximum of 1,600 kilograms of bombs, in two 800 kg bombs. This effectively limits the aircraft to destroying a single base, which doesn't yield great bonuses. The 800 kg bombs are also ineffective against ground targets, as they drop together. This means that the only viable option against ground targets are the 60 kg bombs. However, these are also rather ineffective due to their tiny size and low explosive mass.

The second, and more interesting playstyle would be in Naval RB. The aircraft is a floatplane, meaning that it can be used to cap bases. As well, the aircraft can carry two torpedoes, which are very effective against larger vessels. Thus, the aircraft could be used as a torpedo-bomber, staying low and attacking enemies with torpedoes from a distance. However, do not approach to close to enemy naval vessels, as the H8K is massive and an easy target for enemy AAA.

When being attacked, one excellent option is the H8K's defensive armament. The 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannons are essentially upgraded MG FF cannons, and can do extensive damage to attacking fighters. However, take note that the aircraft has very limited protection from the underside, similar to other flying boats. Try to bait attacking fighters to your six (and slightly to the right or left), so that you can engage them with the tail, dorsal ''and'' beam turrets.

=== 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 || Controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable 2 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* '''H'''8K for Flying boat:
** Bomber spawn
** Landing floats
*** Can capture points in Naval
** Excellent combined defensive armament
** 2 x [[Type 91 Model 3 (850 kg)|Type 91 Aerial Torpedo]]
*** Torpedo has the highest drop speed in the game at {{Annotation|580 km/h|350 mph}} and is one of the most feared torpedoes in Naval Battles
** 16 x [[Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)|Type 97 No.6 Land Bomb (60 kg)]]
*** Gets 2 x bomb racks of 8 x 60 kg bombs which can be used to hit multiple targets
** 2 x [[Navy Type Number 80 Model 1 (800 kg)|No.80 Land Bomb (800 kg)]]
*** Heaviest bomb Japanese Navy can offer
* '''H8K''' specific:
** Decent defensive armament for its rank: [[Type 99 Model 1 (20 mm)|20 mm Type 99 Model 1 Cannon]]
** Quite fast for its size and rank
** Incredible climb rate
** Decently survivable with armour and self-sealing tanks

'''Cons:'''

* Is a rank I vehicle despite being at a quite high BR, very limited in SL and RP rewards

* '''H'''8K for Flying boat:
** Huge target
** Lack of land-suitable gear
*** Very unreliable to land on regular run-ways
** Bombs drop in series
* Common Navy plane construction:
** Poor defensive armament: [[Type 99 Model 1 (20 mm)|20 mm Type 99 Model 1 Cannon]]
*** Very low muzzle velocity
** Poor defensive armament: [[Type 92 (7.7 mm)|7.7 mm Type 92 MG]]

== History ==


Widely recognized as the best maritime combat aircraft of WWII, the H8K2 was the main production model of the H8K series of bombers, making up 112 of the 167 total H8Ks of all variants. In 1938, just as its predecessor, the H6K, was entering service, the Imperial Navy ordered the development of a larger aircraft with longer range suited for solo bombing and patrol missions. The resulting H8K flying boats, entering service in February 1942, performed well until the end of the war, and were respected by allied pilots for their fearsome defensive armament. After the war, an H8K2 (one of only four which survived the war) was captured by American forces, and was eventually returned to Japan in 1979, where it remains on display to this day.

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

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/307703-kawanishi-h8k2/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Kawanishi}}
{{Japan bombers}}

He 112 A-0

2021-01-04T20:12:09Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = German fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = He 112 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=he_112a_0
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

The He 112 A-0 is a very solid plane. Being fully-metal and equipped with a 20 mm MG C/30L cannon, it is quite a formidable foe in the hands of a decent rank I pilot.

Speed and climb are one of the main factors when using this plane. It is roughly on par with the faster monoplanes at rank I, being slightly slower than the [[F2A-3|F2A]] and [[P-36G]]. Climb rate is good when engine upgrades and fuselage upgrades are purchased, at around 16 m/s. While this is much less than some of the top pre-war biplanes, the He 112 is also much faster, better protected, and performs better at altitude.

Play in the vertical when using the He 112. Typical rank I planes consist of biplanes and pre-war monoplanes that are ''much'' more manoeuvrable than the He 112. Don't get into a horizontal turn fight with a biplane; energy retention is fairly poor and after a few turns you'll be left a sitting duck for 7.92 mm and .50 cal MGs to rip you apart. Climb to a favourable height (3-4 km), and then begin boom and zoom attacks, by diving on favourable targets. In Realistic Battles, ''do not'' dive far vertically or perform extreme manoeuvres at high speed; your wings will rip.

One unique aspect of the He 112 A-0 is its excellent cannon, the MG C/30L. Derived from the Flak 38, the MG C/30L possesses very good firepower, and when utilizing HE (High Explosive) shells, it is capable of ripping all rank I planes apart with a few short bursts. Be warned, however - against bombers, utilise deflection shooting and attack at angles, aiming for the wing. A single 20 mm, regardless of capability, will do you no good if you simply pump shells into a bomber's fuselage.

Another unique aspect of the He 112 A-0 is its capability to outdive a lot of planes, being that the He 112 A-0 is very heavy. The He 112 A-0 is also very manoeuvrable at high speeds, whereas most monoplanes at a similar battle rating tend to be sluggish in a turn.

Overall, remember- the He 112 excels in the vertical and in terms of firepower/durability, being an all-metal monoplane with an excellent cannon.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

The aircraft is an evolution of the [[He 112 V-5]], and loses the 7.92 mm MGs in favour of a single 20 mm cannon. Obviously it is more sluggish, less fast, heavier and deadlier. It has a very poor turn time, so do not dogfight.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 3,200 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 458 || 443 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 17.7 || 18.3 || 9.5 || 9.4 || rowspan="2" | 350
|-
! Upgraded
| 488 || 473 || 16.3 || 17.0 || 12.8 || 11.1
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 350 || 350 || 270 || ~10 || ~8
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 280 || < 320 || < 360 || > 315
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 2,800 m || 640 hp || N/A
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

The survivability of the plane is decent. Because of the open canopy, the pilot is vulnerable, and the plane can withstand a few hits, but not anything great. The aircraft has no armour, but speed makes up for it. If you fly fast you will survive. It has self-sealing fuel tanks, with 1 in each wing.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|MG C/30L (20 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 20 mm MG C/30L cannon, nose-mounted (100 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:Cockpit_He112V5.jpg|thumb|280px|right|The He 112's instrument panel.]]
'''Air RB:'''

The single and unique cannon gives the He 112 an interesting and quite a challenging playstyle. It has two types of rounds: API-T and HEFI-T. API-T is high penetration but causes less internal damage. It is useful against bombers and light ground targets. HEFI-T is devastating against smaller aircraft. Sometimes just one direct hit will be enough to completely dismantle a target. However, HEFI-T is unreliable against larger targets, where it often just explodes on the exterior of the target and causes limited damage. Carrying a mixed belt can be a good idea if there are a range of targets available.

The cannon can be very difficult to aim against fast targets, as it has quite a slow rate of fire. Luckily, the plane is manoeuvrable and turns well, so you can get your cannon on target quite effectively. It is also faster than biplanes and some other monoplanes, meaning that Boom & Zoom tactics work quite well. You should attack ground attack aircraft and monoplanes. Attacking biplanes, however, is a risky job because they can easily outmanoeuvre you and take you down instead.

'''Ground RB:'''

In Ground RB, you can have up 47 mm of penetration, using an API-T round, combined with a very accurate cannon, will let you, with enough luck, to destroy 4-6 tanks (including heavy tanks), before running out of ammo. Normally, the best belt for this will be the ground targets belt, but using it is risky, because it is ineffective against planes, and will require many hits, in order to destroy a target.

=== 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 || Controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Decent speed
* Decent rate of climb when fully upgraded
* Extremely versatile; can do both turn fighting and energy fighting depending on the opposition
* Excellent cannon ('Air Targets' belts have brilliant HEFI-T rounds)
* Default ammo belt consists of 75% high explosive HEFI-T shells.
* API-T rounds have good penetration (over 40 mm), making them good against lightly armoured targets, though it is not recommended to use the cannon in this role
* Cannon has 100 rounds, but the slow rate of fire means that you can make these 100 rounds last

'''Cons:'''

* Exposed cockpit
* No armour to protect the pilot
* Does not excel at a particular fighting style
* Cannot outmanoeuvre any biplanes (except for a select few)
* HEFI-T does inconsistent damage
* Aiming is difficult, needs a lot of experience
* Cannon has a slow rate of fire
* Cannon is not very accurate
* No backup machine guns - once the cannon ammo is gone you will have to wait until reload (AB) or return to the airbase to rearm (RB/SB)
* No WEP

== History ==


The [[He 112 (Family)|Heinkel He 112]] was a monoplane fighter designed for the 1933 Luftwaffe competition. Drawing on its experience with the He 70 mail plane, Heinkel incorporated features that were new to fighters at the time. The construction was all-metal with stressed skin and the inverted "gull" wings had an elliptical shape. The landing gear was retractable and mounted in the bends of the gull wings. The end result was a sleek and modern aircraft with good cockpit visibility and superior speed to the biplane fighters that the Luftwaffe was equipped with at the time. However, it faced stiff competition from Messerschmitt's [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109]]. The two planes had comparable performance. While the He 112 had better turning capabilities due to its lower wing loading, the Bf 109 was faster and accelerated better. The choice between the two aircraft was not easy for the Luftwaffe and orders were placed for limited pre-production runs of both. The Bf 109 won out in the end for several reasons: it completed testing with minimal complications whereas the He 112 suffered from several crashes, and it was also easier to manufacture than Heinkel's offering. The Bf 109's straight and largely rectangular wings were far simpler than the He 112's elliptical gull wings, for example. The development would continue for the Bf 109 and it would eventually become the Luftwaffe's most numerous and iconic World War II fighter.

Not all hope was lost for Heinkel at the time. The Luftwaffe kept up the order for pre-production He 112s as a backup for the Bf 109, and Heinkel continued to develop new prototypes as part of the '''He 112 A-0''' series. The engine, armament, and aerodynamics were refined. The sixth revision, He 112 V6, was particularly unique. Instead of the twin cowling-mounted 7.92 machine guns used by previous prototypes like the [[He 112 V-5|V5]], a 20 mm MG C/30L cannon was installed behind the engine, firing through the propeller hub in a "motorkanone" configuration. This experimental configuration had not been attempted before and the ability to elegantly mount weapons as large as the armament of the [[Pz.II C|Panzer II light tank]] on a fighter aircraft was intriguing.

With the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, the Luftwaffe moved in to assist the Spanish Nationalist forces through the "Condor Legion" volunteer group and also to test out their new fighters. Several [[Flegel's Bf 109 A|Bf 109 prototypes]] accompanied the He 112 V6 to Spain, where they cut their teeth in live combat versus the Spanish Republicans.

He 112 V6 was the only aircraft in the theatre armed with a cannon and picked up the nickname of "Kanonenvogel", or "cannon bird". Unsurprisingly, it was used for ground attack duties alongside Luftwaffe attackers like the [[Ju 87 (Family)|Ju 87 Stuka]] and [[Hs 123 A-1| Hs 123]]. The most memorable usage of the V6 was by Oberleutenant Wilhelm Balthasar, who would later become an ace in World War II. In a single flight on March 16, 1937, Balthasar destroyed an armoured train by detonating its ammunition racks and also destroyed a tank on the way back. He was rewarded with his own attack unit consisting of He 112 V6 and several He 45 bombers. Sharing V6 with other pilots, he managed to score additional ground attack kills.

V6 eventually met its demise in a landing accident in July 19 while piloted by Max Schulze. An engine failure resulted in a crash that totalled the plane, though Schulze was unharmed.

A one-off modification with an unusual gun, the He 112 V6 served well in Spain. However, it was not able to prove itself in air combat, and while other He 112s tested in Spain also worked admirably in ground attack missions, the Bf 109 models racked up an impressive combat record against Spanish Republican aircraft. Little changed in the Luftwaffe's opinions towards the two fighters and Heinkel was resigned to offering the He 112 for export. But credit should also be given to He 112 V6 for being the first successful implementation of the "motorkanone". Such installations would appear on the rival Bf 109 from [[Bf 109 F-1|the F model]] onward in addition to foreign fighters like the Soviet [[Yak-1]] and its descendants.

=== In-game description ===
Heinkel He.112V6 (He.112A-0) single-engine front-line fighter, issued 1936.

The next prototype of the He.112V6 was equipped with an inline 12-cylinder liquid-cooled Junkers Jumo.210C engine with a takeoff power of 680 hp and a three-bladed metal Schwarz variable-pitch propeller.

The greatest difference between this plane and the previous prototype was its armament. In place of two 7.92-mm machine guns, the He.112V6 was equipped with a 20-mm Rheinmetall-Borsig MG C/30L cannon with 150 rounds which fired through the hollow propeller shaft.

The He.112V6 fighter underwent its first flight test in July of 1936. Shortly afterwards, the Reich Ministry of Aviation decided to use General Franco's rebellion in Spain (and the ensuing Civil War) to test new combat aircraft models in real combat and to develop air combat tactics. As a result, in November of 1936 three prototype Bf.109s and one He.112V6 were sent to Spain.

In early December, all four machines arrived at the Spanish port of Cadiz and were taken to Seville's Tablada airport. The aircraft were placed in the Condor Legion's 88th Fighter Group, made up of German "volunteers" and armed with German equipment. The Heinkel became the only cannon-carrying fighter, not only in the Legion, but also in the entirety of the rebels' air force. Therefore, it was decided that the plane would be used as a ground attack aircraft. Together with the Ju.87A and Hs.123 dive bombers, the Heinkel was used to strike Republican armored vehicles, field fortifications, and artillery positions. Soon it was nicknamed the "cannon bird" ("kanonenvogel").

In early 1937, the kanonenvogel took part in the battles over the river Jarama. On March 16, an He.112V6 was flown on its most successful sortie ever by Oberleutnant Wilhelm Balthasar. During an attack on an armored train, Balthasar managed to hit the ammunition in one of the armored wagons. The powerful explosion blew the car to pieces and shells detonated all around; as a result, the train was completely destroyed. On the way back, the pilot used his remaining ammunition on a Republican tank and also blew it to pieces.

After this victory, Balthasar was appointed commander of the experimental assault team, which consisted of three two-seater Ne.45 biplanes and an He.112V6 kanonenvogel.

The "cannon bird's" combat life ended on July 19, 1937. While returning to base, the plane's motor jammed unexpectedly. During the subsequent emergency landing, the He.112V6's fuselage snapped in half. The pilot escaped uninjured, but the plane was discarded.

The He.112V6 became the prototype and lead aeroplane of the pre-production He.112A-0 fighter, of which a total of five were made, two of which were exported to Japan.

== 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 aircraft;''
* ''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 aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''

{{AirManufacturer Heinkel}}
{{Germany fighters}}

Me 264

2021-01-04T20:06:19Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=me_264
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

The first thing the player will notice is the plane's similarity to the famed B-29, as it shares a similarly designed fuselage and glazed nose, but a different twin tail instead of the large single tail on the B-29. Despite being a heavy bomber, the Me 264 is quite responsive and manoeuvrable. However, you are still a heavy bomber and you shouldn't try to turn with anyone. It is also quite speedy for its rank and classification, able to out-speed some of the planes at its BR when at altitude.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 495 || 478 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 38.4 || 39.4 || 1.2 || 1.2 || rowspan="2" | 2,600
|-
! Upgraded
| 546 || 519 || 35.8 || 37.0 || 6.6 || 3.5
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 380 || 380 || 290 || ~6 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 340 || < 350 || < 290 || > 290
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 2,600 m || 1,750 hp || 2,074 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 6,800 m || 1,540 hp || 1,825 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 9,700 m || 1,230 hp || 1,458 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* 7 mm steel behind and to the left of pilot
* 9 mm steel to the right of pilot
* Self-sealing fuel tanks located throughout the wings
* Unarmoured pilots (can be knocked out in head-ons)

Despite not being well armoured, the Me 264 ''Amerikabomber'' can take quite a beating and has a knack for surviving fires. Due to its four engines, it can lose one or two and still make it back to base for repairs. However, it is one of the largest planes in the game and thus is impossible to miss, so while you can take a lot of damage, you will be receiving a lot as well.

Although it doesn't have a lot of armour, it has the guns to make up for it. With 3 x MG 151/20's that have access to the dreaded ''Minengeschoß'' high-explosive incendiary round complemented by another 3 x MG 131 heavy machine guns, as a few well-placed shots will make short work of any attacker that recklessly tails you.

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

The stock payload is quite poor, so pick up the ''ETC 500/II'' modification first, followed by the 20 mm belts to add more ''minengeschoß'' rounds, then the ''ETC 1000/I'' and ''ETC 1800''. The rest of the modules are up to you, but survivability modules are recommended to withstand the beating you will be getting.

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|SC250JA (250 kg)|SC500K (500 kg)|SC1000L2 (1,000 kg)|SC1800B (1,800 kg)}}

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

* 9 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (2,250 kg total)
* 6 x 500 kg SC500K bombs + 3 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (3,750 kg total)
* 4 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 2 x 1,800 kg SC1800B bombs + 3 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (4,350 kg total)

With a massive 4,000 kg payload, the Me 264 has the second-best payload of any non-premium German bomber and one of the best payloads at its battle rating. Ideally, you should use the 2 x 1,800 kg bombs + 3 x 250 kg bombs for destroying bases, as in Arcade Battles this payload can destroy a base in one pass (or get close depending on if you up-tier it) and in Realistic Battles, the 4 x 1,000 kg bombs, as each can just barely destroy a base. It is also good for ground pounding.

=== Defensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}

{{main|MG 151 (20 mm)|MG 131 (13 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:

* 1 x 13 mm MG 131 machine gun, nose turret (750 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, front dorsal turret (450 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, rear dorsal turret (450 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, ventral turret (750 rpg)
* 1 x 13 mm MG 131 machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (500 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==


'''When flying as:'''

The Me 264 plays like your typical heavy bomber: a slow and lumbering beast that has amazing defensive armament and a good payload. While you may have one of the best defensive armaments in the German bomber line (or out of bombers in general), it is best to avoid engagements all together to minimize potential damage due to your massive size. However, if an enemy gets on your tail, they're as good as dead thanks to your superb defensive armament that can shred through planes like paper. '''Never allow a plane to head-on you.''' Be sure to face your tail towards the attacker, as more than half of your guns face towards the back and your glazed nose makes it easy to snipe your pilot out.

Notable enemies include any heavily armed interceptor that has at least semi-decent performance, but notably the [[P-61C-1|P-61]], [[P-38J-15|P-38J]], [[Mosquito FB Mk VI|Mosquito]] and the [[P-47D-28|P-47D]]'s, as all of these planes can climb to your altitude and destroy you with their heavy armament.

The P-61 and P-38J are some of the most deadly, as their powerful armament can tear you in half, especially the P-61 with its quad AN/M2 20 mm cannons. Focus fire on the cockpit in order to snipe the pilot.

The Mosquito is a sort of push-pull. While you can down it easily due to its wooden construction, it can do the same to you with its quad Hispano Mk.II's. Aim for a centre mass near the cockpit, as this is the most vulnerable area or aim for the wings where the fuel tanks are stored and can cause fires.

You can deal with the P-47D's in a similar fashion as the P-61 and P-38J, but you should focus fire on the engine and wings as this can result in fires, broken engines and snapped wings. Watch out for its 8 x .50 cals, as most of the pilots run the ''Tracer'' belt which is entirely API-T and is known for starting fires.

'''Play styles'''

There are three playstyles the 264 can cater to, although the second one is very risky and is not recommended.

'''High-Altitude Strategic Bomber:''' The role the 264 was designed for, and the role it excels the most at. Firstly climb to altitude, anywhere from 6-7 km and then maintain that altitude through a level flight and gain some speed, as would-be attackers will struggle to catch you by keeping a constant speed of 400-435 kph or 250-270 mph. Make your way towards the bases and drop your bombs.

'''Gunship''': While being significantly more dangerous to the player, the "Gunship" playstyle is infinitely more fun. It is only recommended to use this play style when the plane is spaded. Stay relatively low to the ground and attack ground troops, and if any player comes to attack you, focus your guns on them and let them tail you. The main bonus for flying in this way is that your extremely vulnerable belly is covered, preventing anybody from attacking you from there. The only reason this playstyle is viable is that the lower rank players you will encounter are more likely to make mistakes such as tailing you, allowing you to shoot them down for points.

'''Bomber Hunter''': Climb to meet enemy bombers at high-altitude. While the enemy bombers will acknowledge the Me 264, they will rarely react against the Me 264 aside from keeping some air space. Deny their evasive manoeuvres and close-in to the enemy bombers. Once in range, use the 20 mm HEI-T belts and attack the enemy. Attempt to approach the target to make use of as many turrets as possible at a time for a quick end to the engagement. If the bomber's defensive is formidable, try to enter and exit the engagement as fast as possible to avoid significant damage to the Me 264.

'''When attacking''':

"'''Never tail a Me 264'''". Tailing a 264 is basically suicide unless all of their gunners are knocked out. You can treat the 264 almost like a B-29 or B-17 as the planes are very similar in both design and defensive capabilities. It is best to head-on the bomber if you can as you can easily knock out the pilots due to its glazed nose while also taking minimal damage. However, the bomber lacks a ventral turret on its belly, making it easy to deal damage from below, but be wary of the downwards facing rear 20 mm cannon near the tail. When at a higher altitude, it is best to make a dive from an oblique angle and focus fire on the wings and nose.

=== 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 || Controllable Auto control available || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Combined || Not controllable 3 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Deadly and accurate defensive armament
* Great payload, unmatched by any non-premium until the [[He 177 A-5]]
* Decent speed and acceleration for a bomber
* Good manoeuvrability
* Solid RP grinder with 1.42 multiplier in all game modes
* Surprisingly responsive
* Fast and very hard to catch once it's in altitude
* Cheap repair cost in AB and reasonable repair cost at RB and SB
* Durable, can take a beating

'''Cons:'''

* Gunners have a lot of deadzones
* Massive size, one of the biggest planes in the game
* Has troubles diving at high speeds
* No significant armor protection
* Incredibly hard to land, even harder with a damaged airframe

== History ==

Development of the Me 264 began in the late 1930s when Messerschmitt conducted work on developing a long-range reconnaissance aircraft, designated P.1061. In early 1941, six prototypes of the P.1061 were ordered and the aircraft received the formal designation of Me 264. However, the initial order for six prototypes would shortly afterwards be dropped to three.

Progress on constructing the ordered prototypes was slow at start, but development quickly picked up the pace with the start of the Amerikabomber project in spring 1942. The project called for new very long range strategic bomber designs, resulting in several designs being proposed, among them also the Me 264.

It soon became clear that despite all the advantages of the Me 264 the aircraft would not be able to demonstrate acceptable flight characteristics due to the lack of more powerful engines at that time. Apart from the Amerikabomber project, the Me 264 was also briefly considered by the Kriegsmarine as a possible replacement for the dated Fw 200 in the maritime reconnaissance role.

The first and only prototype of the Me 264 which saw completion, flew on 23 December 1942. While undergoing modifications, the Me 264 project had its further development halted, with the sole completed prototype being used as a transport machine. In 1943, the second prototype was destroyed during an allied bombing raid. The same fate also struck the first and unfinished third prototype in July 1944. After all prototypes were lost, the Me 264 project was officially cancelled in September 1944.

''- From [[wt:en/news/6190-development-me-264-the-teutonic-superfortress-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150px">
File:Me 264 WTWallpaper 001.jpg
File:Me 264 WTWallpaper 002.jpg
File:Me 264 WTWallpaper 003.jpg
File:Me 264 WTWallpaper 004.jpg
File:Me 264 WTWallpaper 005.jpg
File:Me 264 WTWallpaper 006.jpg
File:Me 264 WTWallpaper 007.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|lBTQGGr-Kxs|'''The Shooting Range #149''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:10 discusses the Me 264.}}

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Avro [[Lincoln B Mk II|Lincoln]]
* Boeing [[B-29A-BN|B-29]] Superfortress
* Nakajima [[G8N1]]
* Piaggio [[P.108B serie 1|P.108]]
* Tupolev [[Tu-4]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6190-development-me-264-the-teutonic-superfortress-en|[Devblog] Me 264: The Teutonic Superfortress]]
* [https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/amerikan-bomber-1942/ [Rare Historical <nowiki>Photos]</nowiki> Messerschmitt Me 264 Amerika bomber]

{{AirManufacturer BFW}}
{{Germany bombers}}

Leopard 2K

2020-11-25T20:06:13Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card|code=germ_leopard_2k}}
{{About
| about = German medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Leopard 2 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm"]].

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


{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Armour!!Front (Slope angle)!!Sides!!Rear!!Roof
|-
|Hull||160 mm ''Upper''
120 mm ''Lower''
|65 / 95 mm ''Top''
35 / 110 mm ''Bottom''
|38 / 48 mm||20 mm
|-
|Turret||160-350 / 220-500 mm ''Turret front''
|60 / 90 mm||46 / 96 mm||20 mm
|}

<nowiki/>* Kinetic/Chemical mm

=== Mobility ===


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,032|rbMinHp=1,327}}

The mobility of the {{PAGENAME}} is astonishing, making it one of the most agile MBTs in its BR, able to reach a speed of 70 km/h (RB) on road.

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

{{main|Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)}}

The Leopard 2K's gun is a 120 mm Rheinmetall L44. It can be found on the later models of the tank, such as the [[Leopard 2A4]] and [[Leopard 2A5]], but does not get all of the later rounds. The rounds that the Leopard 2K gets are a DM12 HEATFS and DM13 APFSDS just like the [[Leopard A1A1 (L/44)]]. Being fitted with a 120 mm Rheinmetall gun it is effective at all ranges, capable of penetrating tanks even 1,000 m away

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)|120 mm Rh120 L/44]] || 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" | 41 || rowspan="2" | -9°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 38.1 || 52.7 || 64.0 || 70.8 || 75.3 || rowspan="2" | 8.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 6.70
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| DM13 || APFSDS || 393 || 390 || 384 || 376 || 367 || 359
|-
| DM12 || HEATFS || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| DM13 || APFSDS || 1,650 || 4.44 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
| DM12 || HEATFS || 1,140 || 13.5 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 2,150 || 65° || 72° || 77°
|-
|}

==== [[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
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''41''' || 11 ''(+30)'' || 1 ''(+40)'' || No
|-
|}

* The 2nd ammo rack is a First-stage ammo stowage and will refill from the 1st rack.

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|Rh202 (20 mm)|MG3A1 (7.62 mm)}}

The tank has a 20 mm anti-aircraft gun situated on top of the turret which can fire over cover and be used to knock out gun barrels and tracks, light tanks, helicopters and planes. The belts are alternating HEFI-T/HVAP-T, with 57 mm of penetration at 0 degrees at 10 m. The 20 mm has quite good elevation, and rotates independently from the turret, able to surprise light tanks attempting to flank following turret ring immobilization.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Rh202 (20 mm)|20 mm Rh202]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 750 (750) || 900 || -9°/+45° || ±180°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[MG3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm MG3A1]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 4,000 (1,000) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

'''Stock Gameplay:'''

As with any vehicle, the Leopard 2K finds itself at a serious disadvantage while stock. Without access to the DM13 APFSDS round, users will need to play more carefully. While the DM12 HEAT-FS round is powerful, it struggles against composite armour and ERA, as well as having lacklustre post-penetration effects. Players will have to aim more carefully to deal effective damage with the DM12 HEAT round.

'''Spaded Gameplay:'''

The Leopard 2K is a powerful tank. The DM13 APFSDS round has adequate penetration, and it should be easy to destroy most enemy vehicles. The gun, ammo, and reload rate are comparable to other main battle tanks of the battle rating. The Leopard 2K does however struggle in some regards against top of the line tanks such as the [[Leopard 2A5]] and [[M1A2 Abrams]]. The armour on the Leopard 2K is rather limited, only effective against autocannon fire. Additionally, the lack of thermals means that it will be difficult for Leopard 2K players to spot enemy tanks before they are spotted. The biggest advantages of the 2K are the 20 mm which is effective against light vehicles and aircraft, and the speed of the 2K.

'''Close Range Engagements:'''

The Leopard 2K is very capable at close range. It has impressive acceleration and gun handling, giving it an edge over other vehicles. The 20 mm will easily destroy enemy light vehicles and cannon breaches, while the reload rate on the main gun is comparable to its adversaries. Brawling is one of the Leopard 2K tanks' strong suits.

'''Long Range Engagements:'''

The Leopard 2K is capable at long range, but is outclassed by many other vehicles. The cannon is powerful, but not especially so compared to its adversaries. The biggest issues the Leopard 2K will face in regards to long range engagements are the thin turret armour and lack of thermals. While the DM13 APFSDS round will fail to penetrate the turret cheeks of vehicles like the [[Challenger Mk.2]] and [[T-64B]], their rounds will have no such trouble with the Leopard 2K. The lack of thermals makes it difficult to scout for enemies through foliage, meaning trying to snipe is not an effective strategy against any enemies equipped with thermals, as they will almost certainly spot you first.

'''Gameplay summary:'''

Although the Leopard 2K is somewhat weak when stock, it is an adequate frontline tank while spaded. The good APFSDS round and 20 mm give it a strong position in the German high tier lineup. However, Leopard 2K tank commanders should play to mitigate their disadvantages in thin armour and lack of thermals. The Leopard 2K does best in close to medium range fights.

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Mobility
! Protection
! colspan="3" | Firepower
|-
| I
| Tracks
|
| Parts
| Horizontal Drive
| DM13
|
|-
| II
| Suspension
| Brake System
| FPE
| Adjustment of Fire
|
|
|-
| III
| Filters
|
| Crew Replenishment
| Elevation Mechanism
| Smoke grenade
|
|-
| IV
| Transmission
| Engine
|
| Artillery Support
| Laser rangefinder
| NVD
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* 120 mm gun with effective rounds
* Turret can sometimes bounce shots
* 20 mm cannon very effective against light armour, cannon barrels, and helicopters
* Most maneuverable Leopard model
* Very high torque
* Very fast even cross country, even faster on roads.
* Can actually reach top speed on flat grounds
* Can move in reverse as fast as it can move forward
* Has the best optics of all tanks in game with 8x-16x zoom level
* Best optics and laser rangefinder makes it an excellent sniper

'''Cons:'''

* Thin armour overall
* Reload is slower than other Leopard 2 models
* Relatively high profile, the 20 mm gun often sticks out behind cover
* Stock HEAT-FS round struggles against some enemy vehicles' armour, especially those with ERA or composite armour
* Doesn't have access to thermal imaging system
* Limited ammo selection
* Requires skill to fully utilize it's potential
* You need to invest some skill points on the driver to actually benefit from it's mobility

== History ==

In the 1960s, Germany and the United States were jointly-developing the MBT-70, and Germany was contractually prevented from developing any new MBTs independently until the joint project with the US was completed.

But development problems plagued the MBT-70 project, and it appeared that the vehicle would not be finished within an acceptable time frame—so Germany found a way to bypass contractual limitations for the MBT-70 development.

Instead of ordering the development of a new tank, the German government issued an order to the Porsche company to research ways to improve the Leopard I tank already in service with the German army. This enabled Germany to research a more advanced fighting vehicle without breaching the contract signed with the US.

Porsche's first study of the Leopard I revealed a lot of room for improvement, and second study focusing on upgrading the Leopard I to match the MBT-70's firepower was launched almost immediately. This eventually resulted in the construction of two prototype vehicles—one in 1969 and one in 1970—nicknamed Keiler (tusker).

In the early 1970s, Germany was able to back out of the MBT-70 project due to spiraling development costs. Instead, they continued work on the development of the Keiler, which was renamed to Leopard 2.

The Leopard 2 project was expected to yield two versions: the Leopard 2K armed with a cannon, and the Leopard 2FK armed with a gun/launcher similar to the MBT-70. In 1971, ten prototypes were ordered, and seven more orders followed shortly thereafter.

To get the most out of their prototypes, German engineers equipped each one with different components to determine what worked best. Some Leopard 2 versions were equipped with a 105mm smoothbore cannon, whereas others were fitted with 120mm smoothbore cannons. Some prototypes received a hydraulic suspension while others didn't, and there was even a version equipped with the 20mm anti-air mount on the turret (similar to the one found on the Kpz-70).

Sixteen out of seventeen Leopard 2 prototypes were built and tested, yielding many refinements to the Leopard 2 design. Subsequent models further increased the Leopard 2's capabilities, with each variant making it more powerful—and ultimately into the Leopard 2 known today.

''- From [[wt:en/news/5309-development-leopard-2k-a-legend-in-the-making-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=germany&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=medium_tank&vehicle=germ_leopard_2k Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|WMxQNdaqA7E|'''You Need To Play This Tank Again: {{PAGENAME}}''' - ''Virus''|gyrbSUvCj-8|'''{{PAGENAME}}: the Original German Ingenuity''' - ''JustinPlaysYT''|p6cWlyUnJQA|'''Top 7 off-road beasts''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:00 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|WA3jQgZLjAg|'''The Shooting Range #94''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:29 discusses the Leopard 2K.|t6rKdgkbEWc|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''|vF02GuEIww0|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''Napalmratte''}}

== 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 ==


* [[wt:en/news/5309-development-leopard-2k-a-legend-in-the-making-en|[Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Leopard 2K: A Legend In The Making]]

{{Germany medium tanks}}

Leopard 2A5

2020-11-25T19:42:30Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card|code=germ_leopard_2a5}}
{{About
| about = medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = Leopard (Family)
}}

== Description ==

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

The succeeding variant of the [[Leopard 2A4]], the {{PAGENAME}} is distinguished by an overall improved turret front armour, most notably with the add-on armour bulks in the turret front, giving a wedge-shape rather than the flat shapes that the 2A4 variant presented.

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

[[File:Leopard 2A5 armour scheme.png|thumb|The frontal KE protection of the {{PAGENAME}} against 3BM42 at 500 m.]]

The {{PAGENAME}} has improved armour compared to its predecessor, the hull is much better protected and the already impenetrable turret cheeks have more protection on the side of the turret. Add-on armour boosts the ability to protect against HEAT-FS and early ADFSDS rounds. The wedges on the front of the turret are able to be blown off if a round with enough energy hits it.The gunners optic is also moved into the roof to eliminate the weak spot which was easily penetrated by any tank.

One big changeover along with the armour wedges in the front is the repositioning of the gunner's sight. In the 2A4, the gunner's sight in the turret front presented a weakness that was easily compromised. In the 2A5, the gunner's sight was relocated to the turret roof, and so this weakness is no longer present on the 2A5. Additionally, the large mantlet of the 2A4 has been replaced by a far smaller and more armoured mantlet, making it far harder to hit, though most ammunition at top tier can still penetrate it easily.
[[File:Leopard 2A5 CE armour scheme.png|thumb|The frontal CE protection of the {{PAGENAME}} against MIM-146.]]
Be aware of Soviet tanks though! Most of them will carry their HE rounds that can easily destroy you anywhere they hit. A hit directly to the turret will most likely send fragments into your hull, penetrate and lets your fuel tank explode or at least set a fire and knock out the gun barrel.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Armour !! Front (Slope angle)!!Sides!!Rear!!Roof
|-
|Hull
|35 mm (53-82°) ''Upper glacis'' 40 mm (50-51°) ''Lower glacis''
|10 mm (5°) ''Upper hull'' 35 mm (0°) ''Lower forward hull'' 20 mm (0°) ''Lower rear hull''
|20 mm (12-50°) ''All rear''
|20 mm (0-8°) ''Hull roof incl. engine deck''
|-
|Turret
|80 mm (57-59°) ''Right cheek add-on'' 80 mm (55-58°) ''Left cheek add-on'' 30 mm (63°) ''Upper mantlet add-on'' 400 mm (1°) ''Mantlet armour'' 250 mm (9°) ''Mantlet shroud''
|80 mm (20-22°) ''Right add-on'' 80 mm (22°) ''Left add-on'' 35 mm (0°) ''Forward'' 15 mm (0°) ''Rear''
|20 mm (10°) ''Basket'' 20 mm (70°) ''Turret underside''
|35 - 40 mm (80-89°) ''Forehead Armour'' 14 mm (68-82°) ''Forward sides'' 20 mm (89°) ''Rear turret'' 20 mm (83°) ''Basket''
|-
!Composite armour
! colspan="2" |Front
! colspan="2" |Sides
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|Hull
| colspan="2" |'''''Upper+Lower glacis''''' 400 mm ''Kinetic'' 600 mm ''Chemical''
| colspan="2" | N/A
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|Turret
| colspan="2" | '''''turret cheeks''''' 800 mm ''Kinetic'' 1200 mm ''Chemical''

'''''Gun mantlet (Center)''''' 
260 - 325 mm ''Kinetic'' 
600 - 690 mm ''Chemical''

'''''Gun mantlet (Outer)''''' 
425 - 460 mm ''Kinetic'' 
825 - 905 ''Chemical''

| colspan="2" | '''''Side armour''''' 260 mm ''Kinetic'' 230 - 285 mm ''Chemical''
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* ''Upper hull'' and ''Lower rear hull'' overlap (10 + 20 mm thick)
* ''Upper mantlet add-on'' and ''Mantlet armour'' overlap (30 + 400 mm thick)
* Holes in the engine deck are covered by 8 mm of mesh

=== Mobility ===


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,032|rbMinHp=1,327}}

The only drawback compared to the previous model would be the {{PAGENAME}}'s mobility since, despite the 4 tons increase in weight, the engine remains the same, so the {{PAGENAME}} is both slower and less manoeuvrable compared to the [[Leopard 2A4]], but it can still keep up with the other nations MBTs.
The engine remains the same MTU (MOTOREN-UND TURBINEN-UNION FRIEDRICHSHAFEN GMBH) MB 873 Ka-501 engine which produces 1,500 hp (1,100 KW) at 2,600 RPM.

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

{{main|Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)}}

The {{PAGENAME}} has access to the DM33 APFSDS shells which make it a deadlier foe as few tanks can stand against it with the exception of the [[M1A2 Abrams]], [[Challenger 2]] and [[T-80U]].

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)|120 mm Rh120 L/44]] || 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" | -9°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 38.1 || 52.7 || 64.0 || 70.8 || 75.3 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| DM12A1 || HEATFS || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480
|-
| DM23 || APFSDS || 410 || 408 || 401 || 393 || 384 || 376
|-
| DM33 || APFSDS || 481 || 478 || 470 || 461 || 450 || 440
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| DM12A1 || HEATFS || 1,140 || 13.5 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 2,150 || 65° || 72° || 77°
|-
| DM23 || APFSDS || 1,640 || 4.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
| DM33 || APFSDS || 1,640 || 4.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

==== [[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
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''42''' || 16 ''(+26)'' || 1 ''(+41)'' || No
|-
|}
Notes:

* The 2nd Rack serves as First-Stage ammo stowage.

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|MG3A1 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[MG3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm MG3A1]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 4,500 (1,000) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
|-
| Pintle || 2,000 (1,000) || 1,200 || -8°/+20° || ±120°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


The {{PAGENAME}} is slower, but it has much better armour and access to the DM33 round. With these new changes, the playstyle changes a bit too:

* ''Hull down'': In the 2A4, the gunners optic was easily penetrated so the hull-down was still vulnerable. However, in the 2A5, this weak spot is eliminated and the armour of the turret is much better, so a hull-down position can now leave the {{PAGENAME}} invulnerable, but try to keep your turret protected as well, so then the armour package could last longer throughout the battle.
* ''Sniping'': With the DM33 APFSDS round, the {{PAGENAME}} can now make use of the great distance in combat to deal damage while tanking incoming shots. Try also make use of hull-down positions whilst sniping.
* ''Flanking'': Due to the worse mobility compared to the 2A4, it is better to stick to more stationary tactics like ''hull-down'' and ''sniping''. However, with a little bit of caution, flanking can still be successful.
* ''Staying with nearby teammates:'' Try and stick to nearby teammates as this can improve your lifespan throughout the game.

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Mobility
! Protection
! colspan="3" | Firepower
|-
| I
| Tracks
|
| Parts
| Horizontal Drive
| DM23
|
|-
| II
| Suspension
| Brake System
| FPE
| Adjustment of Fire
|
|
|-
| III
| Filters
|
| Crew Replenishment
| Elevation Mechanism
| Smoke grenade
| NVD
|-
| IV
| Transmission
| Engine
|
| Artillery Support
| DM33
| Laser rangefinder
|-
|}

The first modifications to research should be Parts and FPE. After those, aim for the NVD, DM33, Laser rangefinder, or mobility upgrades, depending on the desired playstyle.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent 120 mm gun, DM33 APFSDS is capable of penetrating up to 481 mm maximum at point-blank range
* Impenetrable turret cheeks, the add-on wedge armour makes the turret immune from every shell in the game (average of 850 mm against long rod APFSDS and 1,450 mm against HEAT)
* Extremely good armour on the UFP (430mm against long rod APFSDS), immune to every shell in the game except DM33, M829, L26, OFL 120 G1, 3BM42 and CL3143
* Great gun handling: 40°/s turret rotation speed (with Ace crew) and -9°/+20° of vertical guidance
* Side turret covered by add-on armour can bounce early APFSDS shells
* Gunner optics are now mounted on top of the turret, removing the annoying weak spot present on the Leopard 2A4
* Cannon barrel and cannon breech absorbs impact rounds which may otherwise penetrate the turret and injure crews
* Gun breech and mantlet has a smaller profile than other western MBTs
* Very good thermal imaging quality (Generation 2 for Binoculars, 800 x 600, and Generation 1 for Gunner's view, 500 x 300)
* Very good all round tank especially when played properly

'''Cons:'''

* Lower glacis can still be penetrated by most shells (but is expected for most MBTs)
* 16 shells in the ready-rack may be insufficient when playing in Arcade Battles
* If your turret ammo rack is shot, you might survive but then you lose all your unloaded ammo storage
* Huge hull ammo-rack if more than 16 shells are carried consequently making the tank extremely vulnerable to HE shells
* A penetrating shot on the left side of the hull will most likely knock out the driver, gunner and commander, thus destroying the tank
* A penetrating shell on the right side of the hull will most likely hit the ammo-rack, destroying the tank
* Just like all Leopard series, raised engine deck means less gun depression when the turret is facing the rear
* The wedges can be shot off with several hits, though the turret cheeks alone provide 650 mm against KE
* Tank's weight is 4 tons increased while the engine is still the same, making the {{PAGENAME}} slower compared to the 2A4
* Despite all the added armour, the turret ring and driver's hatch are both easily penetrated, and the enemy will most likely aim at these two spots to disable or destroy the tank
* Is outperformed by the Leopard 2A6 in terms of offensive armament

== History ==

In 1988, German engineers began work on modernizing the Leopard 2 main battle tank. Improvements were made to the tank's defensive capabilities, primarily the turret armour. Moreover, the 2A5 model was fitted with an electric stabiliser instead of the electro-hydraulic variant that the previous versions used.

The gunner received improved and less vulnerable optics, and the tank commander – a panoramic periscope with thermal imaging. The build of the driver's hatch was also modified, along with several other minor improvements made to the general design.

Leading to the 2A5 modernization program being officially approved by the military officials of Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands. It is interesting to note that the models exported to the last two countries on the list were actually different from the ones issued to the German army – for instance, the Bundeswehr tanks received no extra frontal hull armour. Production of {{PAGENAME}} tanks began in 1995. Overall, 350 earlier-version Leopards were upgraded as a result of the program.

''- From [[wt:en/news/6098-development-leopard-2a5-this-time-we-are-dead-serious-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


{{Youtube-gallery|Htx2jqp0aEA|'''German ground forces Tier VI/VII''' - ''Oxy'' Leopard 2A5 at 27:52}}

== See also ==


* [[Leopard 2A4]] - Preceding vehicle

== External links ==


* [https://mtu-online-shop.com/media/files_public/952ae139f0fae50b15702ddf661cad33/3061601_MTU_Defense_Brochure.pdf MTU Defense Brochure]
* [[wt:en/news/6098-development-leopard-2a5-this-time-we-are-dead-serious-en|[Devblog] Leopard 2A5: This Time We Are Dead Serious]]

{{Germany medium tanks}}

T-72A

2020-11-01T19:22:40Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card|code=ussr_t_72a}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage {{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].

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


The T-72A's hull armour is practically the same as the T-64A's; textolite middle sandwiched between two RHA plates. The difference is that the T-72As upper glacis is angled at one degree further back than that of the T-64A and the use of Quartz core instead of Hard Hardness Rolled Armor (HHR) in the turret. Like the T-64 and T-80 line, the T-72A has a carousel-type autoloader centred under the turret. This means that a penetrating hit to the centre of the tank has a high chance of leading to an ammunition detonation and subsequent launch of the turret. This is however slightly less likely to happen with the T-72As type of autoloader, where the charges are stored horizontally (as "=") in comparison to the T-64/-80 type, where the charge sits vertically and is easier to hit.

Spare ammunition not inside the 22 round carousel is however spread more randomly around the fighting compartment. Therefore, bringing only 23 rounds (for 1 in the gun and 22 in the carousel) limits the chance of the spare ammo detonating in the case of i.e. a turret hit. There are two diesel tank ammo racks within the tank - one to the right of the driver and one between the engine and fighting compartment (with some loose ammo above it). It doesn't take much to realize that like most Soviet MBTs, the T-72A is rather explosive if extra ammo is taken, so great care is needed when showing the hull. The driver should also be aware of having only 3 crew members; if one is knocked out they should be sure to return to an objective point as soon as possible to get a new one.

=== Mobility ===


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1209|rbMinHp= 690|AoAweight= 0.8}}

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

{{main|2A46M (125 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="6" |[[2A46M (125 mm)|125 mm 2A46M]]
|-
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" |Capacity
! rowspan="1" |Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" |Horizontal guidance
! rowspan="1" |Stabilizer
|-
| colspan="3" | 44 || -6°/+13° || ±180° || Two-plane
|-
! 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''
| 19.0 || 26.3 || 32.0 || 35.4 ||37.6
|-
|''Realistic''
| 11.9 || 14.0 || 17.0 || 18.8 ||20.1
|-
! colspan="4" |Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! colspan="1" |Stock
! colspan="1" |Prior + Full crew
! colspan="1" |Prior + Expert qualif.
! colspan="1" |Prior + Ace qualif.
|-
| 7.1 || 7.1 || 7.1 || 7.1
|-
|}

==== Ammunition====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| 3BK12M || HEATFS || 440 || 440 || 440 || 440 || 440 || 440
|-
| 3OF26 || HE || 42 || 42 || 42 || 42 || 42 || 42
|-
| 3BM9 || APFSDS || 321 || 317 || 303 || 285 || 268 || 249
|-
| 3BM15 || APFSDS || 440 || 430 || 420 || 410 || 405 || 400
|-
| 3BM22 || APFSDS || 425 || 420 || 415 || 405 || 393 || 380
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| 3BK12M || HEATFS || 905 || 19 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 2,530 || 65° || 72° || 75°
|-
| 3OF26 || HE || 850 || 23 || 0.1 || 0.1 || 5,240 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| 3BM9 || APFSDS || 1,800 || 3.6 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 72° || 73° || 75°
|-
| 3BM15 || APFSDS || 1,780 || 3.88 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 76° || 77° || 78°
|-
| 3BM22 || APFSDS || 1,760 || 4.83 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 76° || 77° || 78°
|-
|}

==== [[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
|-
| '''__''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|NSVT (12.7 mm)|PKT (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" |[[NSVT (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm NSVT]]
|-
! colspan="7" |''Pintle mount''
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
! rowspan="1" |Fire rate (shots/minute)
! rowspan="1" |Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" |Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 300 (150) || 700 || -10°/+60° || ±180°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" |[[PKT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm PKT]]
|-
! colspan="7" |''Coaxial mount''
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
! rowspan="1" |Fire rate (shots/minute)
! rowspan="1" |Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" |Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 1,250 (250) || 700 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


The T-72A play-style is near identical to the T-64A (and with that, Soviet MBTs from here on). One of the key differences between the two vehicles is the T-72A's stronger armour. The quartz core composed turret will also bounce many shots and can even eat up some of the strongest ATGMs. In terms of armament, the T-72A boasts the very powerful and accurate [[2A46M (125 mm)|2A46M]] that Soviet high-rank tankers will quickly become familiar and fall in love with. Make sure to research the 3BM15 sabot rounds as soon as you can (after Parts and FPE of course), as the stock round has mediocre penetration for a sabot.

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Mobility
! colspan="2" | Protection
! colspan="2" | Firepower
|-
| I
| Tracks
|
| Parts
|
| Horizontal Drive
| 3BM9
|-
| II
| Suspension
| Brake System
| FPE
| NVD
| Adjustment of Fire
| 3BM15
|-
| III
| Filters
|
| Crew Replenishment
| Smoke grenade
| Elevation Mechanism
| Laser rangefinder
|-
| IV
| Transmission
| Engine
| ESS
| T-72A (1983)
| Artillery Support
| 3BM22
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Mounts the same powerful 125 mm 2A46 gun as on the T-64 and T-80 (though an earlier version)
* Low profile, small target compared to other countries' main battle tanks
* Early unlocked laser rangefinder makes sniping long distances easier
* Has both smoke grenade launchers and ESS
* Due to thick frontal armour and correct angling, able to deflect most rounds from counterpart tanks of other countries
* Very accurate gun due to the high muzzle velocity of the APFSDS rounds, very effective long-range sniper
* Autoloader continues working even if fighting a fire or replacing a crew member, ready to use upon the fire being extinguished or the gunner having been replaced

'''Cons:'''

* Ammo carousel means your first stage rounds all are centerd below the turret; can be easily detonated through a hit to the hull
* Very slow reverse speed and traverse speed, a problem in situations where you cannot back away from an attacking enemy
* 3-man crew makes tank able to be knocked out easier; once one crewmember is knocked out, you have to be very careful not to get hit again
* Gun depression inadequate for most hull-down situations, e.g. sniping from a hill or down a valley
* Driver's port is still a weakness
* Poor top speed
* Inferior optics with only one 8x zoom level
* 1st APFSDS modification is inferior to most contemporary rounds and 3BM22 is a Rank IV modification
* Its 2A46 125 mm gun is an early type; the stock ammunition is lacklustre and it cannot fire ATGMs like the T-64B, T-80B, and T-80U
* Glacis armour is not reliable until the addon armour plate is unlocked (a tier IV modification)

== History ==


Development of the T-72 began shortly after the production of the T-64 highlighted several problems which negatively impacted production rates. Among these problems was an unreliable engine, which couldn’t be produced at the high rates needed for a smooth production of the T-64 to take place.

In response, the Uralvagonzavod plant began working on a modified version of the T-64, which would use a more reliable and readily available engine, in order to provide the army with a tank fit for mass-production. Apart from this, changes were also made to the armor layout, in order to simplify production and decrease costs. This work resulted in the creation of the Object 172.

Development of the Object 172 continued, and after some trials, the vehicle entered service with the Soviet Army in August 1973, receiving its official designation T-72. Shortly afterwards, the vehicle was permitted for mass production, following the issuing of an official decree in 1974.

The T-72 was also heavily exported to and produced by nations of the Warsaw Pact as well as other countries worldwide, although these vehicles received certain downgrades compared to native Soviet models. Despite this, the T-72 quickly became one of the most widely used tanks in the world, participating in more conflicts than a single devblog could ever cover.

Since production began in 1974, over 20,000 T-72 tanks were built across several modifications in the Soviet Union/Russia alone, with production of more modern variants still ongoing today, even in other countries as well.

''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5945-development-t-72a-the-globetrotter-en Devblog]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=ussr&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=medium_tank&vehicle=ussr_t_72a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|Q6sYNcaVVO0|'''The Shooting Range #88''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:01 discusses the T-72.|pW4fRtXKUgs|'''The Shooting Range #132''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:35 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|CJ9sCL1BGy4|'''M1 Abrams vs {{PAGENAME}} vs T-80B''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|_xCgMBOiA8U|'''High-explosive power''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 1:50 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==


* [[T-72B]] - A later modification of the T-72
* [[XM-803]], [[MBT-70|MBT]]/[[KPz-70]] - American and German main battle tanks at a similar BR.
* [[M48 Super]] - An equivalent German MBT.
* [[M60A3 TTS]] - An American MBT at a similar BR.
* [[AMX-32]] - An equivalent French MBT.
* [[Chieftain Mk 10]], [[Challenger Mk.2]]/[[Challenger Mk.3|3]], [[Vickers Mk.7]] - British MBTs with a similar BR.

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/5945-development-t-72a-the-globetrotter-en|[Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> T-72A: The Globetrotter]]

{{USSR medium tanks}}

He 177 A-5

2020-10-12T02:59:07Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card|code=he-177a-5}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_He177A-5.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{PAGENAME}} ''Greif''''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German heavy bomber {{Battle-rating}}. This bomber was introduced in [[Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm"]] as part of the revenue share program. It was created by Daniil "''Joy_Division__"'' Zaytsev.

The Heinkel He 177 A-5 is a heavy bomber that excels at destroying stationary targets such as pillboxes and bases from altitude. Its speed allows to bomb one base or two before confronting any enemy plane and then withdrawing back in shallow dive. Even if an enemy is trying to intercept you, your defensive armament in manual mode would keep it at bay.

== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,500 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
|-
|531||518|| {{Specs|ceiling}} ||32.2||33.4||5.9||5.9|| 1,600
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,500 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
|-
|582||555|| {{Specs|ceiling}} ||29.8||31.0||10.5||8.0|| 1,600
|-
|}

====Details====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flap
! Take-off flap
! Landing flap
! 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 flap (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! +
! -
|-
|{{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}}||450|| ~?? || ~?
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 300 || < 310 || < 360 || > 715
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 5,700 m || 2,520 hp || 2,797 hp
|-

|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 9 mm Steel plates in pilot’s seat.
* 7 mm Steel plate under the entire cockpit
* 9 mm Steel plate in front of the front dorsal gunner.
* 7 mm Steel plates on cockpit roof around front dorsal gunner.
* 7 mm Steel plates around rear dorsal gunner.
* 7 mm Steel box in front of the rear dorsal gunner.
* 57 mm Bulletproof glass in front of tail gunner.
* 9 mm Steel plates around the bottom and front of tail gunner.

== Armaments ==
=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|:Category:Suspended armaments|l1=Suspended armaments}}

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

* 48 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (2,400 kg total)
* 12 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (3,000 kg total)
* 6 x 500 kg SC500K bombs (3,000 kg total)
* 4 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 2 x 1,800 kg SC1800B bombs (3,600 kg total)
* 2 x 1,800 kg SC1800B bombs + 6 x 500 kg SC500K bombs (6,600 kg total)
* 3 x 1,400 kg PC 1400 X (Fritz X) bombs (4,200 kg total)

=== Defensive armament ===

{{main|MG 151/20 (20 mm)|MG 81 (7.92 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can defend itself with:

* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, chin turret (300 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, tail turret (800 rpg)
* 2 x 13 mm MG 131 machine gun, front dorsal turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 rpg)
* 1 x 13 mm MG 131 machine gun, rear dorsal turret (1,000 rpg)
* 1 x 13 mm MG 131 machine gun, ventral turret (1,000 rpg)
* 1 x 7.92 mm MG 81 machine gun, nose turret (1,000 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==
[[File:A lone HE-177.jpg|thumb|He-177 flying in War Thunder]]
Combining the speed and handling of the Do 217 and the immense payload of the Lancaster along with defensive armament approaching that of the American bombers, the He 177 Greif is an outstanding heavy bomber. Its max payload of 2 x 1,800 kg and 6 x 500 kg bombs is easily the best of its contemporaries when it comes to demolishing bases in AB and airfields in RB/SB. Other payloads are quite useful depending on the bombing objectives in RB/SB: 6 x 500 kg against bases (3 per bases), 4 x 1000 kg and 2 x 1800 kg for aircraft carriers and airfields.

The He 177 bears some similarities to the Do 217 series. It has an exceptionally high dive speed for a heavy bomber and is capable of reaching up to 700 km/h in a dive. It is, however, more manoeuvrable at high speeds, one has to be careful not to overload the wings. The two engines (which are really two V12 DB 605 engines coupled together to drive one four-bladed propeller, making them essentially 24 cylinder engines) are very powerful, but at the same time more vulnerable to damage.

The defensive armament of the Greif is very good by German standards, consisting primarily of 13 mm MG 131 heavy machine guns, completed with 2 MG 151/20 cannons, one in front and one in tail turret. The large tail fin prevents the dorsal turrets from firing directly to the rear, leaving only the MG 151/20, however.

====Climbing and bombing====

The He 177 A-5 will spawn at 4.5 km as a long-range bomber and as such, it's much easier to get out the reach of interceptors. Do some side climbing, reach 5,000 m after game start (speed will decrease to 250 km/h, but still fine) and continue with a 5-degree climb. Remember, this aircraft is not a dive bomber and should not be treated as such.

In order to do side climbing, you should upgrade the engine parts and then, just go ASAP to the ''ETC 1000/I'' module. After this upgrade, you will be able to carry 4 x 1,000 kg bombs which can be used to destroy up to 4 bases (no external wing carried bombs here).

After upgrading engine parts and getting ''ETC 1000/I'', it's time to climb and boom! Just go for the nearest base after reaching +6,000 m altitude. Then, it's done. Be careful of enemy interceptors which may snake their way up to your altitude, because you are really vulnerable at low speeds, hence the recommendation to side-climb. Side-climbing will help pilot have enough time to reach high altitudes, and lay in a bombing run.

Some notes:

* You should use combat flaps when bombing airfield to decrease speed (there's a chance of not hitting the airfield)
* Protect your aircraft as the repair costs are 40,000 Silver Lions.
* Losing one flap will cause instability, just be careful!

===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 || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
|-
|}

===Modules===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage Repair
| Radiator
|
| Turret 7 mm
| ETC 250/IV
| Turret 20 mm
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 7 mm MGs (turret)
| ETC 500/II
|
|-
| III
| Wing Repair
| Engines
|
| Turret 13 mm
| ETC 1000/I
| New 20 mm cannons (turret)
|-
| IV
|
| Engine Injection
| Cover
| New 13 mm MGs (turret)
| ETC 1800
| FX 1400
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Heavy defensive weaponry with accurate 13 mm and 20 mm turrets
* Plenty of bomb load options, with a maximum bomb load of four 1,000 kg bombs
* Can carry all 4 x 1,000kg SC1000L2 bombs in the bomb bay, so He 177 A-5 can get 3-4 bases at first spawn in realistic battles
* One of only three heavy bombers for Germany, and the only high-rank heavy bomber in the tech tree
* Capable of speeds of up to 530 km/h or 340 mph in level flight
* First spawn at long-range bombers' altitude, which will help get altitude over interceptors and other fighters
* Good climb rate, can easily make it to 6.5 km altitude
* Dual engine aerodynamic, make it quite manoeuvrable for a heavy bomber
* Combat flaps are really useful for decreasing airspeed
* Fritz X guided bomb is very effective against destroyers and other slow-moving ships (drop from +2,000 m)
* High SL multiplier, very good money making

'''Cons:'''

* Plane is vulnerable in frontal engagement due to the absence of copilot and the glazed nose
* Engines overheat very quickly when activating WEP and when the cooling system is empty
* Vulnerable from side attacks
* Expensive repair cost for RB and higher than average on AB and SB
* No air brakes for a heavy bomber which increases landing difficulty
* Being a heavy bomber means that you can't take off from medium airfields
* Quickly overheats above 5,500 m
* Engines oil cooler and flaps are vulnerable against machine guns fire
* Incapable of flying with one engine only, will keep losing altitude and eventually will have to land or crash
* Incredibly expensive repair cost, 50,000+ SL in RB when fully upgraded

== History ==

Development of the He 177 began in 1936 as part of the Bomber A specifications issued by the German Air Ministry (RLM). The specifications called for a long-range, high-speed bomber with a payload of 1,000 kg. Despite the very demanding specifications, Heinkel began working on a mockup which was submitted for review in late 1937, with an order for 12 experimental machines following shortly after in early 1939. However, throughout its development, the He 177 suffered from a range of problems, some of which weren’t even fixed before further development stopped. For example, one of the requirements (which was soon rejected, since it was impossible to implement) from the Air Ministry was the ability to bomb from a dive, that’s why the engineers had to make various workarounds to provide the required flight technical characteristics. To reduce aerodynamic drag and to ensure flight range, two DB 601 engines were installed in pairs on one gondola and worked with a common shaft which rotated one four-bladed propeller. Thanks to this it was possible to create the aircraft using a two-engined scheme. But for this reason, the vehicle suffered from severe engine overheating issues and more often than not experienced mid-flight engine failures and frequent fires. In the process of fine-tuning the aircraft, the weight was significantly increased, so it became necessary to install a massive frame which could not be hidden - a relatively thin wing or tightly packed nacelles wouldn't fit. As a result, each frame was divided into two racks, each with a single wheel that could be retracted into the wing on opposite sides of the nacelle.

By 1944, development of the He 177 was considered finished, but by that time, the fortune of war had already turned on Germany and the need for a complex strategic bomber had faded. Nonetheless, over 1,000 He 177s were produced across several variants, with most machines seeing action on the Eastern front. However, despite being made in large numbers, the aircraft ultimately failed to make a difference in the war’s outcome as its design maturity came too late, although some of the built vehicles were also used after war’s end.

''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5356-development-heinkel-he-177-a-5-greif-the-flaming-arrow-en Devblog]''

== Media ==

{{Youtube-gallery|Q6sYNcaVVO0|'''The Shooting Range #88''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 10:02 discusses the He 177.}}

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

== External links ==


* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5356-development-heinkel-he-177-a-5-greif-the-flaming-arrow-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Heinkel He 177 A-5 Greif: The Flaming Arrow]

{{AirManufacturer Heinkel}}
{{Germany bombers}}

Ju 188 A-2

2020-10-07T03:15:18Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card|code=ju-188a-2}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]].

== 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" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 496 || 478 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 33.3 || 34.4 || 5.4 || 5.4 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 480 || 480 || 280 || ~11 || ~8
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 370 || < 360 || < 450 || > 290
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

== Armaments ==
=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|SC50JA (50 kg)|SC250JA (250 kg)|SC500K (500 kg)|SC1000L2 (1,000 kg)|SC1800B (1,800 kg)}}

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

* 10 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (500 kg total)
* 6 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (1,500 kg total)
* 6 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs + 10 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg SC500K bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg SC500K bombs + 10 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (1,500 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg SC500K bombs + 2 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs + 10 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 2 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 2 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bombs + 2 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs + 10 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (3,000 kg total)
* 1 x 1,800 kg SC1800B bomb + 1 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bomb (2,800 kg total)
* 1 x 1,800 kg SC1800B bomb + 3 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (2,550 kg total)

=== Defensive armament ===

{{main|MG 151 (20 mm)|MG 131 (13 mm)|MG 81 (7.92 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:

* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, nose turret (250 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, top dorsal turret (250 rpg)
* 1 x 13 mm MG 131 machine gun, lower dorsal turret (500 rpg)
* 2 x 7.92 mm MG 81 machine guns, ventral turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)

== Usage in battles ==

While utilising a stock version of the aircraft, choosing the option to use the 50SC x 10 payload performs best for when rushing ground troops, of course, when possible, drop them more on one target. As son as you have better payload options, you also have the opportunity to go for bases.

At the beginning of the match, you should always go into a shallow dive to maximise your speed, and by that the chance to get to your target before anybody else, and to cover the underside of the plane by simply flying close to the ground. Your 20 mm cannon on top of the the canopy is deadly, and as soon as you have the universal belt unlocked, you can shoot down multiple enemy fighters before going down yourself. However, try to avoid headons because of your glass cockpit and mind that your 20mm can't fire directly behind the plane because the rudder blocks it.

If you have all loadouts unlocked, the one with the 2x1000kg, 2x250kg and 10x50kg is the best for destroying bases. The 2x250kg drop at the same time from your wingtips and with one 1000kg bomb, they are enough to destroy one base. The other 11 bombs are enough for a second base. This is also the loadout with the most payload so you should use it for AFs as well. Concerning ground targets, you can use the loadout you prefer, just make sure you have 3 bomb drops before you get to the 50kg bombs in the bomb bay.

=== 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 || Controllable Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable 2 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
| Turret 7 mm
|
| ETC 250/IV
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 7 mm MGs (turret)
| Turret 20 mm
| ETC 500/II
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
| Turret 13 mm
|
| ETC 1000/I
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
| New 13 mm MGs (turret)
| New 20 mm cannons (turret)
| ETC 1800
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Fast, faster than the Do 217 series
* Maneuverable, even better with empty payload when returning to base
* Versatile payload options
* Defensive armament is an upgrade from the Do 217 series
* Durable, can survive hits that might down other bombers of similar size
* 3000 kgs of maximum payload tonnage
* Rear gunners are protected by several armor platings
* Top 20mm turret has a full circle traverse
* Powerful engines

'''Cons:'''

* Doesn't have the ability to dive bomb accurately
* Doesn't have airbrake
* No armor from the front
* Abysmal stock payload

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

== Media ==
''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 aircraft;''
* ''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 aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''

{{AirManufacturer Junkers}}
{{Germany bombers}}

T-62

2020-08-29T04:32:13Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card|code=ussr_t_62}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Russian medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.61 "Road to Glory"]]. The T-62 is a further development of the T-54 series and was made to fight the newer NATO tanks. It features a [[U-5TS_(115_mm)|115 mm U-5TS smoothbore gun]], which makes the T-62 the first tank in-game and in real life to use a smoothbore gun. The gun also was the first to introduce the Armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) into the game.

In the 1950s, with the introduction of the [[L7A1 (105 mm)|105 mm L7 tank gun]] on many NATO tanks such as the [[Centurion Mk 10|Centurion]], [[Leopard I|Leopard]], and [[M60]], the Soviets realised that the 100 mm D-10 on the [[T-54 (1951)|T-54]]/[[T-55A|T-55]] series of medium tanks was becoming obsolete. To maintain parity with the new NATO tanks, a new 115 mm smoothbore gun was developed along with a new medium tank based on the T-55. This tank entered service in 1961 as the T-62 and was the first tank in the world to begin service with a smoothbore gun.

As in real life, the T-62 is the first Soviet tank in the tech tree to be equipped with a smoothbore gun and is also the first Soviet medium tank in the tech tree capable of firing APFSDS rounds. While there is little improvement in terms of mobility or protection over the previous [[T-54 (1951)|T-54]], the T-62 has substantially improved firepower. It is capable of frontally penetrating nearly any tank it is likely to see in-game at most combat ranges. It is also the first Soviet medium tank to have a gun stabiliser, allowing it to fire on the move with reasonable accuracy.

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


The armour protection of the T-62 is very similar to that of the [[T-54 (1951)|T-54]]. Unfortunately, the T-62 tends to face more powerful guns at its BR, so its armour is not nearly as effective for its BR as the T-54's is. The well-rounded turret and sloped hull can ricochet poorly aimed rounds when angled, but should not be relied upon to protect the T-62.

Like most Soviet tanks, the T-62 has a very compact layout, meaning that a single penetrating hit is will most likely cripple or outright destroy the tank. Of particular note of concern is the front hull ammunition rack inside the fuel tank situated next to the driver. This rack is the ready rack of the T-62 and cannot be emptied by reducing the number of rounds carried. A penetrating hit there is likely to result in an ammunition cook-off that will instantly destroy the tank.

=== Mobility ===


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 899|rbMinHp= 513}}

The {{PAGENAME}}'s mobility is somewhat similar to that of the T-54 medium tank, although the heavier weight makes it a little bit more sluggish. It can reach a respectable 50 km/h forward, and the maximum reverse speed is -8 km/h. Because the {{PAGENAME}} is longer than the T-54 and does not have neutral steering, its turning performance is noticeably worse, especially on rough terrain.

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


The 115 mm 2A20 smoothbore gun is a potent gun capable of firing APFSDS, HE-FS, and HEAT-FS ammunition. It is stabilised, allowing for accurate firing on the move. The turret traverse is also significantly improved over that of the [[T-54 (1951)|T-54]], and the turret also provides more gun depression, allowing for some use of hull-down tactics. It should be noted that the gun has limited depression when the gun passes over the hull fuel tanks (at roughly 45 degrees to each side). Due to the large size of the 115 mm ammunition and cramped space of the T-62, the reload is much slower than that of comparable NATO tanks (~10–12 s depending on crew skill level and training).

While the APFSDS ammunition is not as lethal as the APHE ammunition used on previous Soviet medium tanks and requires some degree of careful aim, it is still capable of one-shotting tanks, especially with frontal penetrations. There are two types of APFSDS ammunition: 3BM3 and 3BM4. The stock 3BM4 round has a pure steel rod penetrator while the unlockable 3BM3 penetrator is a steel rod with a tungsten slug inside the penetrator. The latter has substantially more vertical penetration and somewhat better post-penetration lethality, but its performance against highly sloped armour is significantly worse. Both rounds have outstanding muzzle velocities of over 1,600 m/s, allowing long-range shots to be made without much lead.

The 3BK4 fin-stabilised HEAT round has more penetration than either APFSDS round and retains its penetration at long ranges, but has a much slower muzzle velocity that makes aiming at long ranges significantly more difficult. It is more effective than APFSDS against lightly armoured targets since it can reliably hull-break them if it detonates.

The 3UOF11 fin-stabilised HE round is rather unremarkable and is only really useful against soft targets.

=== Machine guns ===


The T-62 is armed with a single coaxial 7.62mm SGMT machine gun with a single 2500 ammo belt.

== Usage in battles ==


The T-62 is the first entry in the new stage of Soviet MBTs that most Soviet Tankers will research. As usual with soviet MBTs, only the turret has armour to speak of. Do not let this put you off as the T-62's 115mm U-5TS is able to perform exceptionally even with 10.0 BR tanks. In fact, the U-5TS has more penetration than what comes after it, the T-55A, making a lot of players fall back to it (not to mention you lose the cool shell dump animation!). This comes at the cost of slightly slower reload time of 12.0s (9.2s if maxed crew), which is a little below average for it's BR. All in all, the T-62 will give Soviet Tankers a general idea of how to play upcoming MBTs, as the playstyle doesn't change much.

It is best to find visual cover as soon as possible if an enemy plane was spotted since the tank does not have a top machine gun to protect itself from aircraft.

=== General Playstyle ===
It is recommended to play Arcade through the stock grind of the T-62, because your mobility is automatically improved, and the aiming reticle in Arcade will help you penetrate vehicles with the poorer stock round. However, this tank does excel in Realistic, because it can make use of its lower silhouette and very accurate gun (long-range encounters are much easier because there is very little bullet drop).

==== Arcade Battles ====
The T-62 performs rather well in Arcade, due to a very good gun and a mobile platform. Its armour does help you survive from time to time, especially when you are hidden behind bushes or buildings, and the enemies have to go off of your red silhouette to aim (ricochets are plenty in this scenario, because of the circular turret), however, you shouldn't rely on the armour. The biggest downside of playing Arcade is the fact that you have to face Soviet vehicles, which have the most armour around tier you will be fighting and can be annoying to fight.

In Arcade, it's advised to go to sniping positions at the beginning of the match, and later move closer to the objectives to aid your team with clean-up or with a counter-push to secure objectives. Now, due to the small sizes of maps in Arcade, it sometimes works to drive straight into the open and try to hit an enemy exiting their spawn (something that is easy to do with the stabilizer and is a great way to get the "First Blow!" award). If not possible, then it's advised to go to one side of the map and occupy a sniping position (e.g. the hills on the Middle East, South spawn; or the rocks overlooking the sands of El Alamein, either spawn; or rocks around Alaska, either spawn; etc.).

'''''Important Note:''''' If more than half of your team is sniping, as often happens on disliked maps such as the Middle East, step up to the plate and go for the objectives. For details on city combat read-on.

The T-62 can fight in close quarters in Arcade very well. However, caution needs to be taken, because the reload is sub-par, and it generally doesn't allow you to push further than the objectives, because you get overrun with enemies just spawning in. So, if you find yourself in close quarters, decide if your team can cover you from the sides: if they look like they can, then focus forwards - take a strategic position where you overlook a passage to the objective and wait for enemies to pass through and shoot them; if your team can't cover you from the sides, then be very careful about your actions - it's best to find some cover in-front of your tank, and look around your sides, because when enemies don't encounter enemies, they will push up and show you their sides.

''However'', this doesn't mean that you should always rely on your team, or you should always stick to a single location. Arcade allows you to move around and to succeed, you must move around, because it is difficult for opponents to know where exactly you can shoot them from if you constantly change your angles. So you should find a piece of cover, snipe a couple of tanks, then move forwards or sideways across the map to another position and surprise other enemies.

'''''Important Note:''''' Try to keep an eye on the minimap and have a general idea where large groups of enemies are - you don't want to run into 3 leopards in a city by accident. Keeping general enemy locations in mind will help you with your advancement plans - you shouldn't rush around the map only ''hoping'' that you won't get shot.

==== Realistic Battles ====
The T-62 enjoys Realistic Battles because its low silhouette can surprise enemies. It can hide behind a small bush, and hold an ambush position overlooking an open area around an objective (e.g. around the city in Alaska, or in the forests on European Province). The low silhouette and the amazing gun should be used together to ambush enemies at any range, one-shot them and then change position so that any call-outs on the enemy team are wrong information by the time they are noticed. It can be rather annoying playing Realistic in this tank, however, due to German and Italian tanks being able to get half-way across the map and set-up ambushes before you are able to leave your spawn (this is negated in Arcade, because it's always mixed battles and faster tanks get killed first by faster enemy tanks).

In Realistic, long-range encounters are plenty, and they do favour the T-62, unless in a rather hilly environment, where the gun depression isn't enough. It is recommended to get into some sniping position at the start of the match, but after 3-5 shots to attempt to move forward, closer to the objectives. At that point, all of the Leopards and Centauros should be moving forward to your spawn, and while they are doing so, you can usually pick them off one-by-one (the is very effective if you've managed to move close to the objectives, because you will be in the enemy's rear as they move past the objectives).

'''''Side-Note:''''' If you see a teammate pushing in the same direction you are, then follow them, but stay some distance behind. Chances are if there are enemy ambushes, they are going to fire at your teammate and you will in turn be able to disable or destroy the ambushers.

There is less close quarters encounters in Realistic Battles, however many objectives are placed inside towns or cities. In those cases, when playing the T-62 it's important to surprise the enemy, so it's advised to go on a big flank. If you know where the enemies are, approximately, you may get away with simply rushing them, because they won't expect it, however, this poses a big risk and should only be done in dire situations. If you do find yourself in a stand-off with another tank, you can try baiting a shot by showing them your front plate while angling it (but not showing the side), by using a corner of a building as cover. You can also abandon the encounter, retreat, find an ambush and wait, although a smart enemy will be cautious, some might fall into your trap.

'''''Important Note:''''' Soviet vehicles such as the Object 906 or the BMP-2 are better equipped for close-quarters, so if you're planning on fighting in cities, they are the better choice.

=== The Stock Grind ===
Through experience, it has been found best to complete the first part of the stock grind in Arcade Battles, notably '''researching Parts and FPE''' and perhaps Adjustment of Fire. Arcade is better due to the fact that the maps are smaller and you are almost guaranteed to get one kill. Moreover, '''you can activate 3-5 spare universal back-ups''' and spawn twice in the T-62 in the next 3-5 battles.

However you decide to complete the stock grind, these are some general tips:

* Stay further back and play passive - your reload will be your death as soon as you find yourself too far in front of your team.
** As a part of this strategy, you can bait teammates by letting them go first and see where they are shot from, then shooting those enemies.
** You can also just snipe, because your rounds are insanely fast from the beginning, and it's easy to hit long shots.
* Play the objectives, because it increases the chances of your team winning, and also gives you research points.
** Moreover, enemies converge on objectives, especially light tanks, which are easy to take out.
* It's always a good idea to stick close to your squadmate, or a light tank because they ''are able'' to repair you even if you can't.

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Mobility
! Protection
! colspan="3" | Firepower
|-
| I
| Tracks
|
| Parts
| Horizontal Drive
|
|
|-
| II
| Suspension
| Brake System
| FPE
| Adjustment of Fire
| 3BM3
|
|-
| III
| Filters
|
| Crew Replenishment
| Elevation Mechanism
|
|
|-
| IV
| Transmission
| Engine
| ESS
| Artillery Support
| 3BK4
| NVD
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good stock grind due to default shell being the 3BM4 which has enough flat pen and a great amount of angled pen to lay waste on any adversaries at this BR.
* Better gun depression in comparison to most Soviet tanks before which allows it to utilize some hull down tactics in some situations.
* Faster turret traverse than the T-54/T-55A
* Larger ammunition capacity than the T-54, with a generous hull ready rack
* Easy to learn and play
* ESS smoke system which can create a massive smokescreen for your team as well as allowing you to cover up your retreat.
* Has a stabilizer which improves its fire-on-the move capabilities and aids in getting the first shot against enemies, especially against those without stabilizers.
* Relatively low profile.

'''Cons:'''

* No anti-aircraft heavy machine gun which makes dealing with aircraft as well as lightly armored vehicles more difficult.
* "Upgraded" 3BM3 round while having more flat penetration is worse than the stock 3BM4 round due to having significantly worse angled penetration. The increased flat pen of 3BM3 is not really needed at this battle rating due most enemies having weak armor(such as Leopards) and many tanks relying more on sloped armor for protection (such as T95E1 and Chieftains)
* Turret traverse is still slower than other tanks
* Gun depression is still bad, can be easily exploited by experienced players
* Slow reload compared to NATO 105 mm L7-armed main battle tanks.
* ESS is located on the left side of the tank
* Not as mobile as the T-54/55A
* No neutral steering
* Lack of APHE shells compared to earlier russian tanks can feel like a letdown in terms of overall oneshotting capability
* Cramped layout prone to vulnerable crippling hits or ammunition detonation when penetrated

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

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=ussr&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=medium_tank&vehicle=ussr_t_62 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|UJgwa8GECEo|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''|KUSnuNXASxE|'''Most produced tanks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 1:18 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==


* [[T-62M-1]]: Improved variant with a more powerful engine, added-on composite armour, and missile-launch capability for the gun
* [[IT-1]]: Missile-launcher variant of the T-62

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

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

{{USSR medium tanks}}

Radkampfwagen 90

2020-04-13T19:28:42Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card|code=germ_radpanzer_90}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]].

== 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 ===


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1286|rbMinHp= 734}}

== 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. Advise about 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 about 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 ==
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Introduces a new playstyle option for top-rank German lineups
* Complement the lack of scout vehicles top-rank German lineups
* Has DM23 APFSDS rounds as stock ammunition
* Is very mobile and very fast on both roads and cross-country terrain
* Has DM33 rounds available for research
* Deadly when facing lower-ranked opponents
* Remains competitive even when uptiered and gun still performs well even at 10.3
* 8.7 reload stock, can be further improved with crew training
* Hull is resistant against most heavy machine guns
* Spaced armor in the front and is resistant against low caliber SPAA
* Same turret as the Leopard 2K, can sometimes bounce shots
* Extremely effective in the hands of experienced players
* Is not sluggish at low speed

'''Cons:'''

* Does not have anti-aircraft machine gun
* Can be hull-broken
* Slower reverse speed than other wheeled vehicles
* Does not have thermal sights
* Wheeled vehicles means it will suffer on certain terrain and cannot pivot turn
* Has a large profile because of large turret
* Slower than average turret rotation
* Is littered with ammo
* Requires deep knowledge and keen situational awareness to play effectively

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

== Media ==
''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 ==


* [[wt:en/news/6635-development-radkampfwagen-90-a-leopard-on-wheels-en|[Devblog] Radkampfwagen 90: A leopard on wheels]]

{{Germany light tanks}}

T-62

2020-04-07T20:53:58Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card|code=ussr_t_62}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Russian medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.61 "Road to Glory"]]. The T-62 is a further development of the T-54 series and was made to fight the newer NATO tanks. It features a [[U-5TS_(115_mm)|115 mm U-5TS smoothbore gun]], which makes the T-62 the first tank in-game and in real life to use a smoothbore gun. The gun also was the first to introduce the Armour-Piercing Discarding-Sabot Fin-Stabilized (APDS-FS) into the game.

In the 1950s, with the introduction of the [[L7A1 (105 mm)|105 mm L7 tank gun]] on many NATO tanks such as the [[Centurion Mk 10|Centurion]], [[Leopard I|Leopard]], and [[M60]], the Soviets realised that the 100 mm D-10 on the [[T-54 (1951)|T-54]]/[[T-55A|T-55]] series of medium tanks was becoming obsolete. To maintain parity with the new NATO tanks, a new 115 mm smoothbore gun was developed along with a new medium tank based on the T-55. This tank entered service in 1961 as the T-62 and was the first tank in the world to begin service with a smoothbore gun.

As in real life, the T-62 is the first Soviet tank in the tech tree to be equipped with a smoothbore gun and is also the first Soviet medium tank in the tech tree capable of firing APFSDS rounds. While there is little improvement in terms of mobility or protection over the previous [[T-54 (1951)|T-54]], the T-62 has substantially improved firepower. It is capable of frontally penetrating nearly any tank it is likely to see in-game at most combat ranges. It is also the first Soviet medium tank to have a gun stabiliser, allowing it to fire on the move with reasonable accuracy.

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


The armour protection of the T-62 is very similar to that of the [[T-54 (1951)|T-54]]. Unfortunately, the T-62 tends to face more powerful guns at its BR, so its armour is not nearly as effective for its BR as the T-54's is. The well-rounded turret and sloped hull can ricochet poorly aimed rounds when angled, but should not be relied upon to protect the T-62.

Like most Soviet tanks, the T-62 has a very compact layout, meaning that a single penetrating hit is will most likely cripple or outright destroy the tank. Of particular note of concern is the front hull ammunition rack inside the fuel tank situated next to the driver. This rack is the ready rack of the T-62 and cannot be emptied by reducing the number of rounds carried. A penetrating hit there is likely to result in an ammunition cook-off that will instantly destroy the tank.

=== Mobility ===


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 899|rbMinHp= 513}}

The {{PAGENAME}}'s mobility is somewhat similar to that of the T-54 medium tank, although the heavier weight makes it a little bit more sluggish. It can reach a respectable 50 km/h forward, and the maximum reverse speed is -8 km/h. Because the {{PAGENAME}} is longer than the T-54 and does not have neutral steering, its turning performance is noticeably worse, especially on rough terrain.

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


The 115 mm 2A20 smoothbore gun is a potent gun capable of firing APFSDS, HE-FS, and HEAT-FS ammunition. It is stabilised, allowing for accurate firing on the move. The turret traverse is also significantly improved over that of the [[T-54 (1951)|T-54]], and the turret also provides more gun depression, allowing for some use of hull-down tactics. It should be noted that the gun has limited depression when the gun passes over the hull fuel tanks (at roughly 45 degrees to each side). Due to the large size of the 115 mm ammunition and cramped space of the T-62, the reload is much slower than that of comparable NATO tanks (~10–12 s depending on crew skill level and training).

While the APFSDS ammunition is not as lethal as the APHE ammunition used on previous Soviet medium tanks and requires some degree of careful aim, it is still capable of one-shotting tanks, especially with frontal penetrations. There are two types of APFSDS ammunition: 3BM3 and 3BM4. The stock 3BM4 round has a pure steel rod penetrator while the unlockable 3BM3 penetrator is a steel rod with a tungsten slug inside the penetrator. The latter has substantially more vertical penetration and somewhat better post-penetration lethality, but its performance against highly sloped armour is significantly worse. Both rounds have outstanding muzzle velocities of over 1,600 m/s, allowing long-range shots to be made without much lead.

The 3BK4 fin-stabilised HEAT round has more penetration than either APFSDS round and retains its penetration at long ranges, but has a much slower muzzle velocity that makes aiming at long ranges significantly more difficult. It is more effective than APFSDS against lightly armoured targets since it can reliably hull-break them if it detonates.

The 3UOF11 fin-stabilised HE round is rather unremarkable and is only really useful against soft targets.

=== Machine guns ===


The T-62 is armed with a single coaxial 7.62mm SGMT machine gun with a single 2500 ammo belt.

== Usage in battles ==


The T-62 is the first entry in the new stage of Soviet MBTs that most Soviet Tankers will research. As usual with soviet MBTs, only the turret has armour to speak of. Do not let this put you off as the T-62's 115mm U-5TS is able to perform exceptionally even with 10.0 BR tanks. In fact, the U-5TS has more penetration than what comes after it, the T-55A, making a lot of players fall back to it (not to mention you lose the cool shell dump animation!). This comes at the cost of slightly slower reload time of 12.0s (9.2s if maxed crew), which is a little below average for it's BR. All in all, the T-62 will give Soviet Tankers a general idea of how to play upcoming MBTs, as the playstyle doesn't change much.

It is best to find visual cover as soon as possible if an enemy plane was spotted since the tank does not have a top machine gun to protect itself from aircraft.

=== General Playstyle ===
It is recommended to play Arcade through the stock grind of the T-62, because your mobility is automatically improved, and the aiming reticle in Arcade will help you penetrate vehicles with the poorer stock round. However, this tank does excel in Realistic, because it can make use of its lower silhouette and very accurate gun (long-range encounters are much easier because there is very little bullet drop).

==== Arcade Battles ====
The T-62 performs rather well in Arcade, due to a very good gun and a mobile platform. Its armour does help you survive from time to time, especially when you are hidden behind bushes or buildings, and the enemies have to go off of your red silhouette to aim (ricochets are plenty in this scenario, because of the circular turret), however, you shouldn't rely on the armour. The biggest downside of playing Arcade is the fact that you have to face Soviet vehicles, which have the most armour around tier you will be fighting and can be annoying to fight.

In Arcade, it's advised to go to sniping positions at the beginning of the match, and later move closer to the objectives to aid your team with clean-up or with a counter-push to secure objectives. Now, due to the small sizes of maps in Arcade, it sometimes works to drive straight into the open and try to hit an enemy exiting their spawn (something that is easy to do with the stabilizer and is a great way to get the "First Blow!" award). If not possible, then it's advised to go to one side of the map and occupy a sniping position (e.g. the hills on the Middle East, South spawn; or the rocks overlooking the sands of El Alamein, either spawn; or rocks around Alaska, either spawn; etc.).

'''''Important Note:''''' If more than half of your team is sniping, as often happens on disliked maps such as the Middle East, step up to the plate and go for the objectives. For details on city combat read-on.

The T-62 can fight in close quarters in Arcade very well. However, caution needs to be taken, because the reload is sub-par, and it generally doesn't allow you to push further than the objectives, because you get overrun with enemies just spawning in. So, if you find yourself in close quarters, decide if your team can cover you from the sides: if they look like they can, then focus forwards - take a strategic position where you overlook a passage to the objective and wait for enemies to pass through and shoot them; if your team can't cover you from the sides, then be very careful about your actions - it's best to find some cover in-front of your tank, and look around your sides, because when enemies don't encounter enemies, they will push up and show you their sides.

''However'', this doesn't mean that you should always rely on your team, or you should always stick to a single location. Arcade allows you to move around and to succeed, you must move around, because it is difficult for opponents to know where exactly you can shoot them from if you constantly change your angles. So you should find a piece of cover, snipe a couple of tanks, then move forwards or sideways across the map to another position and surprise other enemies.

'''''Important Note:''''' Try to keep an eye on the minimap and have a general idea where large groups of enemies are - you don't want to run into 3 leopards in a city by accident. Keeping general enemy locations in mind will help you with your advancement plans - you shouldn't rush around the map only ''hoping'' that you won't get shot.

==== Realistic Battles ====
The T-62 enjoys Realistic Battles because its low silhouette can surprise enemies. It can hide behind a small bush, and hold an ambush position overlooking an open area around an objective (e.g. around the city in Alaska, or in the forests on European Province). The low silhouette and the amazing gun should be used together to ambush enemies at any range, one-shot them and then change position so that any call-outs on the enemy team are wrong information by the time they are noticed. It can be rather annoying playing Realistic in this tank, however, due to German and Italian tanks being able to get half-way across the map and set-up ambushes before you are able to leave your spawn (this is negated in Arcade, because it's always mixed battles and faster tanks get killed first by faster enemy tanks).

In Realistic, long-range encounters are plenty, and they do favour the T-62, unless in a rather hilly environment, where the gun depression isn't enough. It is recommended to get into some sniping position at the start of the match, but after 3-5 shots to attempt to move forward, closer to the objectives. At that point, all of the Leopards and Centauros should be moving forward to your spawn, and while they are doing so, you can usually pick them off one-by-one (the is very effective if you've managed to move close to the objectives, because you will be in the enemy's rear as they move past the objectives).

'''''Side-Note:''''' If you see a teammate pushing in the same direction you are, then follow them, but stay some distance behind. Chances are if there are enemy ambushes, they are going to fire at your teammate and you will in turn be able to disable or destroy the ambushers.

There is less close quarters encounters in Realistic Battles, however many objectives are placed inside towns or cities. In those cases, when playing the T-62 it's important to surprise the enemy, so it's advised to go on a big flank. If you know where the enemies are, approximately, you may get away with simply rushing them, because they won't expect it, however, this poses a big risk and should only be done in dire situations. If you do find yourself in a stand-off with another tank, you can try baiting a shot by showing them your front plate while angling it (but not showing the side), by using a corner of a building as cover. You can also abandon the encounter, retreat, find an ambush and wait, although a smart enemy will be cautious, some might fall into your trap.

'''''Important Note:''''' Soviet vehicles such as the Object 906 or the BMP-2 are better equipped for close-quarters, so if you're planning on fighting in cities, they are the better choice.

=== The Stock Grind ===
Through experience, it has been found best to complete the first part of the stock grind in Arcade Battles, notably '''researching Parts and FPE''' and perhaps Adjustment of Fire. Arcade is better due to the fact that the maps are smaller and you are almost guaranteed to get one kill. Moreover, '''you can activate 3-5 spare universal back-ups''' and spawn twice in the T-62 in the next 3-5 battles.

However you decide to complete the stock grind, these are some general tips:

* Stay further back and play passive - your reload will be your death as soon as you find yourself too far in front of your team.
** As a part of this strategy, you can bait teammates by letting them go first and see where they are shot from, then shooting those enemies.
** You can also just snipe, because your rounds are insanely fast from the beginning, and it's easy to hit long shots.
* Play the objectives, because it increases the chances of your team winning, and also gives you research points.
** Moreover, enemies converge on objectives, especially light tanks, which are easy to take out.
* It's always a good idea to stick close to your squadmate, or a light tank because they ''are able'' to repair you even if you can't.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Stock APFSDS rounds
* Better gun depression in comparison to most Soviet tanks
* Faster turret traverse than the T-54/T-55A
* Larger ammunition capacity than the T-54, with a generous hull ready rack
* Easy to learn and play
* ESS smoke system
* Stabilizer
* Low profile, lower than the T-54/55

'''Cons:'''

* No anti-aircraft heavy machine gun
* Turret traverse is still slower than other tanks
* Slow reload compared to NATO 105 mm L7-armed main battle tanks
* Not as mobile as the T-54/55A
* Lack in versatility
* No neutral steering
* Poor reaction time
* No APHE ammunition
* Cramped layout prone to vulnerable crippling hits or ammunition detonation when penetrated

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

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

== See also ==


* [[T-62M-1]]: Improved variant with a more powerful engine, added-on composite armour, and missile-launch capability for the gun
* [[IT-1]]: Missile-launcher variant of the T-62

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

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

{{USSR medium tanks}}

XM803

2020-03-30T22:18:38Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card|code=us_xm_803}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage XM-803.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]].

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


The XM308's frontal armour is only effective versus full-calibre AP and APHE rounds and certain APDS rounds. Almost all large calibre (76 mm and up) have no trouble slicing through it, even when hitting the frontal armour at an angle. Large calibre HEAT-FS too has no problem going through, although the large fuel tank behind the frontal hull armour can sometimes absorb most damage. Because the armour has a layer of air in it, it is very effective against HESH rounds. All the spalling generated by the HESH round when it hits the first plate will get absorbed by the plate behind it. One big weak spot on the turret it the left (when facing it) turret cheek. This is because this part of the turret is not protected by spaced armour and only consists of 177.8 mm thick CHA plate, which most chemical and kinetic energy projectiles can penetrate with ease.

'''Armour type:'''

* Spaced armour (Hull front, Turret front)
* Rolled homogeneous armour
* Cast homogeneous armour

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 38.1 mm (64°) ''Front glacis'' 76 mm (63°) ''Lower glacis'' || 35 mm ''Top'' 25.4 mm ''Bottom'' || 25.4 mm (12°) ''Top'' 25.4 mm (67°) ''Bottom'' 5 mm (13°) ''Engine exhaust'' || 25.4 mm ''Front'' 5-12.7 mm ''Engine deck''
|-
| Turret || 38.1-203 mm (0-75°) || 12.7-38.1* mm (29-34°) || 12.7* mm (27-84°) || 25.4-76 mm ''Front'' 12.7 mm ''Rear turret''
|-
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
|-
| Cupola || 25.4 mm || 25.4 mm
|-
! Spaced armour* !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 250 mm ''Kinetic'' 240 mm ''Chemical'' || N/A || N/A || N/A
|-
| Turret || 270-300 mm ''Kinetic'' 220-350 mm ''Chemical'' || '''38 mm sections:''' 200 mm ''Kinetic'' 220 mm ''Chemical'' '''12.7 mm sections:''' 50 mm ''Kinetic'' 60 mm ''Chemical'' || 30 mm ''Kinetic'' 40 mm ''Chemical'' || N/A
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Road wheels are 20 mm thick and tracks are 30 mm thick.
* A 6.35 mm RHA plate separates the engine from the crew compartment
* The crew is protected by a 6.35mm thick turret basket
* Hull spaced armour configuration is 38 mm RHA + 127 mm air + 51 mm RHA.
* Turret spaced armour configuration is 38 mm RHA + 127 mm air + 127 mm CHA.
* Turret rear side spaced armour configuration is 12.7 mm RHA + 38 mm air + 25.4 mm RHA
* Turret rear spaced armour configuration is 12.7 mm RHA + 38 mm air + 12.7 mm RHA.

=== Mobility ===


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1937|rbMinHp= 1106|}}

The mobility of the {{PAGENAME}} is worse than that of the MBT-70. In its stock configuration, it has a horsepower/ton ratio of 21.39, while with all upgrades this increases to 24.08 HP/t. The top speed (both forward and reverse) is 64 km/h (40 mph) with 8 gears for both directions. The tank can reach its top speed quickly on flat roads, while on more difficult terrain the top speed drops by around 20 km/h. The tank has neutral steering and good turning ability on all terrains.

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

{{main|XM150E5 (152 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[XM150E5 (152 mm)|152 mm XM150E5]]
|-
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="3" | 53 || -10°/+20° || ±180° || Two-plane
|-
! 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'' || 34.3 || 47.3 || 57.4 || 63.5 || 67.6
|-
| ''Realistic'' || 21.4 || 29.5 || 35.9 || 39.7 || 42.2
|-
! 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.
|-
| 10.00 || 10.00 || 10.00 || 10.00
|-
|}

===== 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
|-
| XM578E1 || APFSDS || 346 || 343 || 334 || 323 || 311 || 300
|-
| M409A1 || HEAT || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380
|-
| MGM-51C || ATGM || 431 || 431 || 431 || 431 || 431 || 431
|-
|}
{| 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%
|-
| XM578E1 || 1,478 || 3.7 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 76° || 77° || 78°
|-
| M409A1 || 754 || 18.9 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 3,730 || +0° || 62° || 69° || 73°
|-
| MGM-51C || 323 || 27.8 || 0.0 || 0.01 || 3,600 || +0° || 80° || 82° || 90°
|-
|}
{| 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):''
|-
| XM410E1 || 754 || 18.9 || 25 || 5 || 30 || 50
|-
|}

===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
{| 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
|-
|| '''53''' || 48 ''(+5)'' || 46 ''(+7)'' || 39 ''(+14)'' || 27 ''(+26)'' || 1 ''(+52)'' || style="text-align:left" | No
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|M85 (12.7 mm)|M73 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | [[M85 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M85]]
|-
! 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) || 577 || -9°/+65° || ±180°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | [[M73 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M73]]
|-
! 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" | 6,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


The XM308, like the MBT-70, is a very good flanker. To get the most out of this tank you must use its high speed and acceleration to flank the enemy or set up ambushes. Its gun and ammunition are good enough to penetrate most lower BR tanks with ease, although when up-tiered you will have to resort to aiming for the weak spots of opponents. The HEAT round you get is free, and will easily penetrate tanks with plain steel armour, but it's lacking when facing tanks with composite armour, and it has a rather mediocre muzzle velocity, making aiming and leading at longer ranges more difficult. The APFSDS round has decent penetration and will penetrate most opponents with relative ease. It also has very high muzzle velocity, almost 1.5 km/s, making aiming even at longer ranges easily. The ATGM is very useful and free, it's very good at long ranges, and is very effective against stationary or slow-moving helicopters.

While the armour may seem impressive at first, it won't protect you against most guns at and around its battle rating. Most tanks at this rank have access to powerful APFSDS and HEAT-FS rounds, which have no trouble penetrating you. Knowing this, you mustn't rely on your armour to protect you.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Stock ammunition consists of the good MGM 51C "Shillelagh" Guided Missile, means no ammo costs for using it, plus a decent but inferior HEAT Shell.
* Can fire ATGM without restriction, even when moving on full speed
* Somehow has better ergonomics than the MBT-70
* Has access to APFSDS Shells with 346 mm of penetrating Power on a 90° angled armour plate @ 10m
* Good mobility and acceleration, high speed both forwards and backwards
* Top mounted 50 cal can allow you to damage low-flying aircraft
* Frontal Fuel tank behind the spaced armour which can sometimes absorb enemy chemical energy rounds
* Since this tank has an autoloader, losing a crewmember will not impact the reload speed, and it still functions when putting out a fire
* Has smoke grenade launchers
* Very versatile tank once all ammo types are researched
* Turret mantlet is strong, can resist even certain APFSDS rounds
* Has hydropneumatic suspension
* Excellent dual zoom of 8x and 12x
* Is not considered to be a threat by most players

'''Cons:'''

* Long reload on the gun (10 seconds) which cannot be improved since it is an autoloader
* The spaced armour is not composite armour and cannot provide adequate protection against most guns of its rank
* Frontal armor can be penetrated even by some APHE rounds
* Weak sides and LFP
* Hydropneumatic suspension only works for up and down
* Weaker engine than the MBT-70, noticeable decrease in top speed and overall performance
* Ammo racks are large and can be easily hit, and does not have blowout panels
* Vulnerable to the rear due to raised engine deck
* Only single use of smoke grenades is permitted before having to reload
* Cramped interior, loss of more than one crew member more likely when penetrated
* Poor roof armor protection on the ammo and engine section
* Does not have access to the roof-mounted 20 mm like the MBT-70 which could be very useful in certain situations

== History ==

Once it became apparent that the MBT-70 project was doomed to fail in the early ‘70s due to high costs and reliability issues, the U.S. Congress decided to cut their losses on the project by cancelling the MBT-70, and instead, diverted funding to the development of a new project called XM803.

The XM803 was, in essence, envisioned to be a “budget version” of the MBT-70. Although the new vehicle would heavily be based on the MBT-70, inheriting many of its design solutions, it would also try to drastically reduce production costs by using more conventional and only American-made parts. Although this meant that the XM803 had to give up some of its high-tech equipment in favour of lower production costs, it was projected that the influence of these changes on the XM803’s combat performance would be minimal.

Despite showing favourable performance and being seen as a promising design by the Army, the XM803 still remained a comparably expensive tank to produce even with the applied changes over the MBT-70. Moreover, neither the MBT-70 nor the XM803 seemed to offer any substantial increase in combat performance over the already in service M60 Patton to justify the high production cost. This ultimately led to the Congress cancelling work on the XM803 only a short while after the cancellation of the MBT-70. In the late 1970s, some funding of the two failed projects would, later on, find its way to support the development of an entirely new, but this time around, more conventional tank project. That tank, of course, being the legendary M1 Abrams itself.

''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5536-development-xm803-the-second-chance-en Devblog]''

== Media ==

{{Youtube-gallery|yxrFP5uW_J8|'''The Shooting Range #104''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the XM-803.|ryfyneZ7390|'''The Shooting Range #106''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 12:39 discusses the XM-803.}}

== 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/5536-development-xm803-the-second-chance-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> XM803: The Second Chance]

{{USA medium tanks}}
[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]

Centauro I 105

2020-03-26T19:23:42Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card|code=it_b1_centauro}}

== Description ==


[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].

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


Centauro has little armour, though, enough to trigger the fuze in APHE type projectiles. The lack of armour makes this vehicle very agile.

{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="3" |Armour in mm@0°
|-
!
!Hull
!Turret
|-
|Front
|35
|25
|-
|Side
|25
|25
|-
|Rear
|20
|15
|}

=== Mobility ===


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 739|rbMinHp= 460}}

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

{{main|OTO Melara 105/52 (105 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[OTO Melara 105/52 (105 mm)|105 mm OTO Melara 105/52]]
|-
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
|-
| colspan="3" | 40 || -6°/+16° || ±180° || Two-plane
|-
! 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'' || 21.5 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
|-
| ''Realistic'' ||14.5
| __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
|-
! 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.
|-
| 6.7 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
|-
|}

===== 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
|-
| M392A2 || APDS || 303 || 302 || 296 || 277 || 257 || 252
|-
| M393 || HESH || 145 || 145 || 145 || 145 || 145 || 145
|-
| M456 || HEATFS || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400
|-
|}
{| 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%
|-
| M392A2 || 1478 || 5.8 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 75° || 78° || 80°
|-
| M393 || 730 || 15 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 4,310 || +0° || 73° || 77° || 80°
|-
| M456 || 1173 || 11 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 1,270 || +0° || 65° || 72° || 75°
|-
|}
{| 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):''
|-
| M416 || 730 || 11 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
|-
|}

===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
{| 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" |Visual discrepancy
|-
|| '''40''' || 26 ''(+14)'' || 1 ''(+39)'' || style="text-align:left" | no
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|Beretta MG 42/59 (8 mm)}}

Secondary weapons are a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, and another 7.62 mm machine gun on the roof for anti-aircraft purposes

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Easily the fastest and most agile tank compared to its contemporary competitors
* Excellent reverse speed of 40 km/h
* Has a two-plane gun stabiliser
* High penetration on the HEATFS rounds (400 mm)
* One of the best top speeds in the game (110 km)
* Decent reload time, 8.7 seconds when stock, 7.7 with expert crew + all reloading skills, and 6.7 seconds with an aced crew
* Three types of ammunition available (APDS, HEATFS, HESH)
* Upper plate will occasionally bounce incoming shells due to its angle, even HEATFS and HESH!
* Has access to smoke grenades and smoke shells
* Low silhouette
* Hard to destroy in a single shot due to crew placement
* Can perform a wide variety of roles, ranging from support, sniper and QRF
* Has thermal sights, very advantageous at 8.0
* A group of well-coordinated players in Centauros are unstoppable

'''Cons:'''

* Lacking in armour department, every gun can penetrate it including SPAA
* Has hull-break
* Rather difficult stock grind as the stock APDS post-penetration performance is rather poor
* Turret traverse is slow compared to other vehicles at the same battle rating such at the [[T95E1]], [[BMP-2]], and [[Warrior]] which you will face often
* Poor accuracy at a medium-long range when stock
* HEATFS is a tier 4 upgrade
* Doesn't come with stock HESH; has to be researched
* No explosive-filler shells (APHE, APCB)
* HEATFS while it has solid penetration, it deals only punctual damage; does not shrapnel well

== History ==

Development of the B1 Centauro began during the 1980s after the Italian Army issued a set of requirements for a new vehicle that would have equivalent firepower to the Leopard 1 MBT in Italian service at the time, but with greater combat mobility.

In response to this, the Italian companies Fiat, Iveco and Oto Melara joined forces to begin developing the vehicle requested by the Italian Army. In this joint venture, Fiat and Iveco were developing the vehicle’s hull and power supply, whilst Oto Melara took care of the vehicle’s turret and weapon systems.

In 1986, the final prototype of the B1 Centauro project was unveiled on Sardinia. The presented vehicle was an eight-wheeled lightly armored tank destroyer, equipped with a derived modification of the L7 105mm cannon, capable of reaching a very high top speed and covering large distances under its own power.

Impressed by the B1 Centauro, the Italian Military placed orders for a number of vehicles, with the first ones entering service as early as 1992. Early on in its service life, the Centauro received an ERA upgrade package that allowed for the installation of [[Centauro ROMOR|ROMOR ERA]] packs on the vehicle’s hull and turret sides as well as rear.

B1 Centauros took part in most major conflicts that defined the '90s and early 2000s, most notably in former Yugoslavia, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan and others. Apart from the Italian Army, other noteworthy operators of the Centauro include Spain, Jordan and Oman.

Around 400 B1 Centauros were built until 2006, including some other derived modifications of the vehicle filling other roles. The B1 Centauro still serves with the Italian as well as other armed forces to this day.

''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5922-development-b1-centauro-the-wheeled-cheetah-en Devblog]''

== Media ==

Skin and Camouflages for the [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=italy&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=tank_destroyer&vehicle=it_b1_centauro Centauro] in Warthunder Live.

== 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 ==


* [[wt:en/news/5922-development-b1-centauro-the-wheeled-cheetah-en|[Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> B1 Centauro: The Wheeled Cheetah]]
* [[Wikipedia:B1_Centauro|[Wikipedia<nowiki>]</nowiki> B1 Centauro]]

{{Italy tank destroyers}}

Radkampfwagen 90

2020-03-26T19:17:12Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card|code=germ_radpanzer_90}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]].

== 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 ===


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1286|rbMinHp= 734}}

== 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. Advise about 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 about 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 ==
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarise 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 - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

* Introduces a new playstyle option for top-tier German lineups
* Complement the lack of scout vehicles top-tier German lineups
* Has DM23 APFSDS rounds as stock
* Is very mobile and very fast on both roads and cross-country terrain
* Has DM33 rounds for research
* Deadly when facing lower tiered opponents
* Remains competitive even when uptiered and gun still performs well even at 10.3
* 8.7 reload stock, can be further improved with crew training
* Hull is resistant against most HMGs
* Same turret as the Leopard 2K, can sometimes bounce shots

*

'''Cons:'''

* Does not have AA machine gun
* Can be hull broken
* Does not have thermal sights
* Wheeled vehicles means it will suffer on certain terrain and cannot pivot turn
* Has a large profile because of large turret
* Slower than average turret rotation
* Is littered with ammo
* Requires deep knowledge and keen situational awareness to play effectively

*

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

== Media ==
''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 ==


* [[wt:en/news/6635-development-radkampfwagen-90-a-leopard-on-wheels-en|[Devblog] Radkampfwagen 90: A leopard on wheels]]

{{Germany light tanks}}

XM803

2020-03-26T18:57:25Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card|code=us_xm_803}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage XM-803.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]].

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


The XM308's frontal armour is only effective versus full-calibre AP and APHE rounds and certain APDS rounds. Almost all large calibre (76 mm and up) have no trouble slicing through it, even when hitting the frontal armour at an angle. Large calibre HEAT-FS too has no problem going through, although the large fuel tank behind the frontal hull armour can sometimes absorb most damage. Because the armour has a layer of air in it, it is very effective against HESH rounds. All the spalling generated by the HESH round when it hits the first plate will get absorbed by the plate behind it. One big weak spot on the turret it the left (when facing it) turret cheek. This is because this part of the turret is not protected by spaced armour and only consists of 177.8 mm thick CHA plate, which most chemical and kinetic energy projectiles can penetrate with ease.

'''Armour type:'''

* Spaced armour (Hull front, Turret front)
* Rolled homogeneous armour
* Cast homogeneous armour

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 38.1 mm (64°) ''Front glacis'' 76 mm (63°) ''Lower glacis'' || 35 mm ''Top'' 25.4 mm ''Bottom'' || 25.4 mm (12°) ''Top'' 25.4 mm (67°) ''Bottom'' 5 mm (13°) ''Engine exhaust'' || 25.4 mm ''Front'' 5-12.7 mm ''Engine deck''
|-
| Turret || 38.1-203 mm (0-75°) || 12.7-38.1* mm (29-34°) || 12.7* mm (27-84°) || 25.4-76 mm ''Front'' 12.7 mm ''Rear turret''
|-
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
|-
| Cupola || 25.4 mm || 25.4 mm
|-
! Spaced armour* !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 250 mm ''Kinetic'' 240 mm ''Chemical'' || N/A || N/A || N/A
|-
| Turret || 270-300 mm ''Kinetic'' 220-350 mm ''Chemical'' || '''38 mm sections:''' 200 mm ''Kinetic'' 220 mm ''Chemical'' '''12.7 mm sections:''' 50 mm ''Kinetic'' 60 mm ''Chemical'' || 30 mm ''Kinetic'' 40 mm ''Chemical'' || N/A
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Road wheels are 20 mm thick and tracks are 30 mm thick.
* A 6.35 mm RHA plate separates the engine from the crew compartment
* The crew is protected by a 6.35mm thick turret basket
* Hull spaced armour configuration is 38 mm RHA + 127 mm air + 51 mm RHA.
* Turret spaced armour configuration is 38 mm RHA + 127 mm air + 127 mm CHA.
* Turret rear side spaced armour configuration is 12.7 mm RHA + 38 mm air + 25.4 mm RHA
* Turret rear spaced armour configuration is 12.7 mm RHA + 38 mm air + 12.7 mm RHA.

=== Mobility ===


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1937|rbMinHp= 1106|}}

The mobility of the {{PAGENAME}} is worse than that of the MBT-70. In its stock configuration, it has a horsepower/ton ratio of 21.39, while with all upgrades this increases to 24.08 HP/t. The top speed (both forward and reverse) is 64 km/h (40 mph) with 8 gears for both directions. The tank can reach its top speed quickly on flat roads, while on more difficult terrain the top speed drops by around 20 km/h. The tank has neutral steering and good turning ability on all terrains.

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

{{main|XM150E5 (152 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[XM150E5 (152 mm)|152 mm XM150E5]]
|-
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="3" | 53 || -10°/+20° || ±180° || Two-plane
|-
! 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'' || 34.3 || 47.3 || 57.4 || 63.5 || 67.6
|-
| ''Realistic'' || 21.4 || 29.5 || 35.9 || 39.7 || 42.2
|-
! 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.
|-
| 10.00 || 10.00 || 10.00 || 10.00
|-
|}

===== 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
|-
| XM578E1 || APFSDS || 346 || 343 || 334 || 323 || 311 || 300
|-
| M409A1 || HEAT || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380
|-
| MGM-51C || ATGM || 431 || 431 || 431 || 431 || 431 || 431
|-
|}
{| 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%
|-
| XM578E1 || 1,478 || 3.7 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 76° || 77° || 78°
|-
| M409A1 || 754 || 18.9 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 3,730 || +0° || 62° || 69° || 73°
|-
| MGM-51C || 323 || 27.8 || 0.0 || 0.01 || 3,600 || +0° || 80° || 82° || 90°
|-
|}
{| 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):''
|-
| XM410E1 || 754 || 18.9 || 25 || 5 || 30 || 50
|-
|}

===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
{| 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
|-
|| '''53''' || 48 ''(+5)'' || 46 ''(+7)'' || 39 ''(+14)'' || 27 ''(+26)'' || 1 ''(+52)'' || style="text-align:left" | No
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|M85 (12.7 mm)|M73 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | [[M85 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M85]]
|-
! 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) || 577 || -9°/+65° || ±180°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | [[M73 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M73]]
|-
! 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" | 6,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


The XM308, like the MBT-70, is a very good flanker. To get the most out of this tank you must use its high speed and acceleration to flank the enemy or set up ambushes. Its gun and ammunition are good enough to penetrate most lower BR tanks with ease, although when up-tiered you will have to resort to aiming for the weak spots of opponents. The HEAT round you get is free, and will easily penetrate tanks with plain steel armour, but it's lacking when facing tanks with composite armour, and it has a rather mediocre muzzle velocity, making aiming and leading at longer ranges more difficult. The APFSDS round has decent penetration and will penetrate most opponents with relative ease. It also has very high muzzle velocity, almost 1.5 km/s, making aiming even at longer ranges easily. The ATGM is very useful and free, it's very good at long ranges, and is very effective against stationary or slow-moving helicopters.

While the armour may seem impressive at first, it won't protect you against most guns at and around its battle rating. Most tanks at this rank have access to powerful APFSDS and HEAT-FS rounds, which have no trouble penetrating you. Knowing this, you mustn't rely on your armour to protect you.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Stock ammunition consists of the good MGM 51C "Shillelagh" Guided Missile, means no ammo costs for using it, plus a decent but inferior HEAT Shell.
* Can fire ATGM without restriction, even when moving on full speed
* Somehow has better ergonomics than the MBT-70
* Has access to APFSDS Shells with 346 mm of penetrating Power on a 90° angled armour plate @ 10m
* Good mobility and acceleration, high speed both forwards and backwards
* Top mounted 50 cal can allow you to damage low-flying aircraft
* Frontal Fuel tank behind the spaced armour which can sometimes absorb enemy chemical energy rounds
* Since this tank has an autoloader, losing a crewmember will not impact the reload speed, and it still functions when putting out a fire
* Has smoke grenade launchers
* Very versatile tank once all ammo types are researched
* Turret mantlet is strong, can resist even certain APFSDS rounds
* Has hydropneumatic suspension
* Excellent dual zoom of 8x and 12x
* Is not considered to be a threat by most players

'''Cons:'''

* Long reload on the gun (10 seconds) which cannot be improved since it is an autoloader
* The spaced armour is not composite armour and cannot provide adequate protection against most guns of its rank
* Frontal armor can be penetrated even by some APHE rounds
* Weak sides and LFP
* Weaker engine than the MBT-70, noticeable decrease in top speed and overall performance
* Ammo racks are large and can be easily hit, and does not have blowout panels
* Vulnerable to the rear due to raised engine deck
* Only single use of smoke grenades is permitted before having to reload
* Cramped interior, loss of more than one crew member more likely when penetrated
* Poor roof armor protection on the ammo and engine section
* Does not have access to the roof-mounted 20 mm like the MBT-70 which could be very useful in certain situations

== History ==

Once it became apparent that the MBT-70 project was doomed to fail in the early ‘70s due to high costs and reliability issues, the U.S. Congress decided to cut their losses on the project by cancelling the MBT-70, and instead, diverted funding to the development of a new project called XM803.

The XM803 was, in essence, envisioned to be a “budget version” of the MBT-70. Although the new vehicle would heavily be based on the MBT-70, inheriting many of its design solutions, it would also try to drastically reduce production costs by using more conventional and only American-made parts. Although this meant that the XM803 had to give up some of its high-tech equipment in favour of lower production costs, it was projected that the influence of these changes on the XM803’s combat performance would be minimal.

Despite showing favourable performance and being seen as a promising design by the Army, the XM803 still remained a comparably expensive tank to produce even with the applied changes over the MBT-70. Moreover, neither the MBT-70 nor the XM803 seemed to offer any substantial increase in combat performance over the already in service M60 Patton to justify the high production cost. This ultimately led to the Congress cancelling work on the XM803 only a short while after the cancellation of the MBT-70. In the late 1970s, some funding of the two failed projects would, later on, find its way to support the development of an entirely new, but this time around, more conventional tank project. That tank, of course, being the legendary M1 Abrams itself.

''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5536-development-xm803-the-second-chance-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 vehicles;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5536-development-xm803-the-second-chance-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> XM803: The Second Chance]

{{USA medium tanks}}
[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]

Merkava Mk.2B (USA)

2020-03-26T18:38:14Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=us_merkava_mk_2b_late
|market=Merkava Mk.2B (USA)
}}
{{About
| about = American medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other version
| link = Merkava Mk.1 (USA)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update 1.95 "Northern Wind"]] as a reward for [[wt:en/news/6521-special-operation-f-r-o-s-t-en|Operation F.R.O.S.T]].

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


The frontal armour on the Merkava 2B is great and is comparable or better than tanks of similar battle rating, the frontal turret especially. If somebody is hoping to have a shot penetrate through the turret when they are facing a Merkava frontally, there is a very good chance they are out of luck and it will not go through.

This does not mean that the Merkava is frontally invincible, however. The lower front plates are weak; even if they are stronger than the upper ones in pure armour thickness, the effective one is way lower. However, the lower front plate is the weakness of most tanks anyways, so this is to be expected. Also, there are some parts of the front armour that are weak, such as the turret gun mantlet and the area around it, as well as the uppermost part of the frontal upper plate, but being hit there, especially from long distance, is going to be all in the enemy's luck, so worrying about those spots is not necessary all the time.

Where this tank shines though is how it fixes the lower frontal plate issue. This vehicle's secret ace is its position of the engine. It is in front of the tank, covering most of the frontal lower plate and a decent part of the upper one as well. Thus, any hit there will certainly stop the shell coming at it, especially against HESH, HEAT, and sometimes HEAT-FS shells as well. It will also stop most of the shrapnel, protecting the crew even further. However, this also means increased risk of fires and being immobilized, so having the ''Parts'' and ''FPE'' module will be important to be able to quickly repair the tank and put out fires.

Stick to facing the front armour towards the enemies. The side and rear armour are thin to the point of non-existence, and the rear of the tank has all the ammunition, so anyone able to aim there will get a clean way of a one-shot. That, or they will knock out most, if not all, of the crew, which is still a one-shot.

=== Mobility ===


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1492|rbMinHp= 852|}}

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

{{main|Sharir (105 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Sharir (105 mm)|105 mm Sharir]] || 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" | 62 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | 8.1 || rowspan="2" | __.__ || rowspan="2" | __.__ || rowspan="2" | 6.7
|-
! ''Realistic''
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || 40.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| M111 || APFSDS || 337 || 335 || 330 || 322 || 314 || 306
|-
| M152 || HEATFS || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400
|-
| M156 || HESH || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="11" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! rowspan="2" | Normalisation at 30° from horizontal
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| M111 || APFSDS || 1,455 || 3.79 || N/A || N/A || N/A || _._° || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
| M152 || HEATFS || 1,173 || 10.5 || N/A || 0.1 || 1,271 || +0.0° || 65° || 72° || 77°
|-
| M156 || HESH || 732 || 14.85 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 4,306 || +0.0° || 73° || 77° || 80°
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
|-
! Ammunition
! Velocity (m/s)
! Projectile Mass (kg)
! Screen radius (m)
! Screen deploy time (s)
! Screen hold time (s)
! Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
|-
| M416 || 730 || 11.4 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
|-
|}

==== [[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
|-
| '''62''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

==== [[Optics]] ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} Optics
|-
!
! Default magnification
! Maximum magnification
|-
! Main Gun optics
| X7.2 || X8.0
|-
! Comparable optics
| colspan="2" | ___
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount
! Capacity (Belt capacity)
! Rate of fire (shots/minute)
! Vertical guidance
! Horizontal guidance
|-
| Coaxial || 900 (200) || 576 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40]]
|-
! Mount
! Capacity (Belt capacity)
! Rate of fire (shots/minute)
! Vertical guidance
! Horizontal guidance
|-
| Coaxial || 5,950 (200) || 600 || N/A || N/A
|-
| Commander's cupola || 1,750 (200) || 600 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
|-
| Loader's cupola || 1,750 (200) || 600 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Armour is composed of multiple layers, giving it a good protection against HESH, HEAT and some ATGMs
* Stock HEATFS round works well overall
* Has access to a thermal sight
* Good mobility once spaded. Can take the capture zones with lighter vehicles.
* Good gun with effective choices of ammo.
* Engine in the front gives some extra protection to the crew.
* Low silhouette, excellent for hull-down position
* Can't be hull broken.
* Very good gun stabilization
* Three extra machine guns on the roof to deal with lightly armoured vehicles, helicopters and planes. (2 x 7.62 mm + 1 x 12.7 mm)
* Starts with stock smoke launcher, even better when modifications are purchased
* Potent APFSDS shell, offering more penetration than the one on the XM-1

'''Cons:'''

* Not premium (modules must be researched)
* Stock HEATFS round will have difficulties dealing with vehicle with composite armor
* Inferior optics at 9.0 offering only 8x zoom
* Is not protected by composite armor
* Shot to the center mass by any kinetic round is potentially lethal
* Almost no protection against kinetic rounds especially APFSDS which is quite common at the battle rating
* Engine will protect the crew against certain munitions but will still often catch fire and burning out after exhausting FPE is a common thing
* Driver has less protection than other crew members
* All the modules being at the front means that there is no crew protection for flankers from the rear
* Vehicle is wide and takes up a huge portion of the screen
* Ammo rack in the rear, shot from the back are often lethal

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

== Media ==

<gallery>
File:GarageImage Merkava Mk 2B (USA) Operation FROST.jpeg|{{PAGENAME}} in the Operation F.R.O.S.T. garage
</gallery>

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

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

{{USA medium tanks}}
{{Winter Event}}

Merkava Mk.2B (USA)

2020-03-20T18:04:45Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=us_merkava_mk_2b_late
|market=Merkava Mk.2B (USA)
}}
{{About
| about = American medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other version
| link = Merkava Mk.1 (USA)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update 1.95 "Northern Wind"]] as a reward for [[wt:en/news/6521-special-operation-f-r-o-s-t-en|Operation F.R.O.S.T]].

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


The frontal armour on the Merkava 2B is great and is comparable or better than tanks of similar battle rating, the frontal turret especially. If somebody is hoping to have a shot penetrate through the turret when they are facing a Merkava frontally, there is a very good chance they are out of luck and it will not go through.

This does not mean that the Merkava is frontally invincible, however. The lower front plates are weak; even if they are stronger than the upper ones in pure armour thickness, the effective one is way lower. However, the lower front plate is the weakness of most tanks anyways, so this is to be expected. Also, there are some parts of the front armour that are weak, such as the turret gun mantlet and the area around it, as well as the uppermost part of the frontal upper plate, but being hit there, especially from long distance, is going to be all in the enemy's luck, so worrying about those spots is not necessary all the time.

Where this tank shines though is how it fixes the lower frontal plate issue. This vehicle's secret ace is its position of the engine. It is in front of the tank, covering most of the frontal lower plate and a decent part of the upper one as well. Thus, any hit there will certainly stop the shell coming at it, especially against HESH, HEAT, and sometimes HEAT-FS shells as well. It will also stop most of the shrapnel, protecting the crew even further. However, this also means increased risk of fires and being immobilized, so having the ''Parts'' and ''FPE'' module will be important to be able to quickly repair the tank and put out fires.

Stick to facing the front armour towards the enemies. The side and rear armour are thin to the point of non-existence, and the rear of the tank has all the ammunition, so anyone able to aim there will get a clean way of a one-shot. That, or they will knock out most, if not all, of the crew, which is still a one-shot.

=== Mobility ===


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1492|rbMinHp= 852|}}

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

{{main|Sharir (105 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Sharir (105 mm)|105 mm Sharir]] || 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" | 62 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | 8.1 || rowspan="2" | __.__ || rowspan="2" | __.__ || rowspan="2" | 6.7
|-
! ''Realistic''
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || 40.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| M111 || APFSDS || 337 || 335 || 330 || 322 || 314 || 306
|-
| M152 || HEATFS || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400
|-
| M156 || HESH || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="11" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! rowspan="2" | Normalisation at 30° from horizontal
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| M111 || APFSDS || 1,455 || 3.79 || N/A || N/A || N/A || _._° || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
| M152 || HEATFS || 1,173 || 10.5 || N/A || 0.1 || 1,271 || +0.0° || 65° || 72° || 77°
|-
| M156 || HESH || 732 || 14.85 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 4,306 || +0.0° || 73° || 77° || 80°
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
|-
! Ammunition
! Velocity (m/s)
! Projectile Mass (kg)
! Screen radius (m)
! Screen deploy time (s)
! Screen hold time (s)
! Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
|-
| M416 || 730 || 11.4 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
|-
|}

==== [[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
|-
| '''62''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

==== [[Optics]] ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} Optics
|-
!
! Default magnification
! Maximum magnification
|-
! Main Gun optics
| X7.2 || X8.0
|-
! Comparable optics
| colspan="2" | ___
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount
! Capacity (Belt capacity)
! Rate of fire (shots/minute)
! Vertical guidance
! Horizontal guidance
|-
| Coaxial || 900 (200) || 576 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40]]
|-
! Mount
! Capacity (Belt capacity)
! Rate of fire (shots/minute)
! Vertical guidance
! Horizontal guidance
|-
| Coaxial || 5,950 (200) || 600 || N/A || N/A
|-
| Commander's cupola || 1,750 (200) || 600 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
|-
| Loader's cupola || 1,750 (200) || 600 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Armour is composed of multiple layers, giving it a good protection against HESH, HEAT and some ATGMs
* Stock HEATFS round works well overall
* Has access to a thermal sight
* Good mobility once spaded. Can take the capture zones with lighter vehicles.
* Good gun with effective choices of ammo.
* Engine in the front gives some extra protection to the crew.
* Low silhouette
* Can't be hull broken.
* Very good gun stabilization
* Three extra machine guns on the roof to deal with lightly armoured vehicles, helicopters and planes. (2 x 7.62 mm + 1 x 12.7 mm)

'''Cons:'''

* Not premium (modules must be researched)
* Is not protected by composite armor
* Almost no protection against APFSDS which is quite common at the battle rating
* Engine and a fuel tank in the front mean that fires are common
* Driver has less protection than other crew members
* All the modules being at the front means that there is no crew protection for flankers from the rear
* Vehicle is wide and takes up a huge portion of the screen
* Ammo rack in the rear, shot from the back are often lethal

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

== Media ==

<gallery>
File:GarageImage Merkava Mk 2B (USA) Operation FROST.jpeg|{{PAGENAME}} in the Operation F.R.O.S.T. garage
</gallery>

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

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

{{USA medium tanks}}
{{Winter Event}}

M48A2 G A2

2020-03-06T12:04:32Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card|code=germ_mkpz_m48a2ga2}}
{{About
| about = German medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the version in the American tree
| link = M48A1
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]].

== 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 ===


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1279|rbMinHp= 730|}}

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

{{main|L7A3 (105 mm)}}

The M48G2 G A2 wields the widely used 105 mm L7A3 cannon, which provides fast, accurate fire.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[L7A3 (105 mm)|105 mm L7A3]]
|-
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
|-
| colspan="3" | 46 || -9°/+19° || ±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'' || 22.85 || 38.2 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.18
|-
| ''Realistic'' || 14.28 || 20.2 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
|-
! 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.
|-
| 8.7 || 7.7 || 7.1 || 6.7
|-
|}

===== Ammunition =====
This tank has access to a stock APDS shell (DM13), HEAT-FS shell (DM12) as a tier 2 modification, HESH shell (DM502) as a tier 1 modification and a APFSDS shell as a Tier 4 modification (DM23).

{| 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
|-
| DM13 || APDS || 303 || 302 || 296 || 277 || 257 || 252
|-
| DM502 || HESH || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127
|-
| DM12 || HEATFS || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400
|-
|DM23
|APFSDS
|337
|335
|330
|322
|314
|306
|-
|}
{| 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%
|-
| DM13 || APDS || 1,478 || 4 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 75° || 78° || 80°
|-
| DM502 || HESH || 732 || 14.85 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 2,990 || +0° || 73° || 77° || 80°
|-
| DM12 || HEATFS || 1,173 || 10.5 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 1,270 || +0° || 65° || 72° || 75°
|-
|DM23
|APFSDS
|1,455
|3.79
|N/A
|N/A
|N/A
|
|78°
|80°
|81°
|-
|}

===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
[[File:Ammoracks {{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumbnail|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the M48A2 G A2.]]
{| 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
|-
|| '''46''' || 42 ''(+4)'' || 34 ''(+12)'' || 20 ''(+26)'' || 15 ''(+31)'' || 1 ''(+45)'' || style="text-align:center" | No
|-
|}

Recommendation:

Less Ammo - Hull Empty: 20 ''(+26)''

More Ammo - 1st Rack Empty: 42 ''(+4)''

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)}}

The M48A2 G A2 has two 7.62 mm MG3A1 machine guns with a total of 4,750 rounds of ammunition.

One gun is coaxial and one is located at the commander's hatch with which you can defend yourself against enemy planes.

==Usage in battles==
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

===Modules===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" |Mobility
! Protection
! colspan="3" |Firepower
|-
| I
| Tracks||
| Parts
| Horizontal Drive||DM502||
|-
| II
| Suspension||Brake System
| FPE
| Adjustment of Fire||DM12||
|-
| III
| Filters||
| Crew Replenishment
| Elevation Mechanism||smoke grenade
|NVD
|-
| IV
| Transmission||Engine
|
| Artillery Support||DM23||Rangefinder
|-
|}

===Pros and cons===

'''Pros:'''

* Fairly good upper glacis armour
* Highly effective 105 mm gun is a noticeable upgrade from the 90 mm gun on the M48A1
* DM23 APFSDS shell makes it competitive at it's BR, can frontally penetrate anything it encounters
* Good mobility
* Has effective armour against air attacks
* Gun breech can protect turret crew from chemical munitions, tho it will be damaged
* Has smoke concealment
* Acceptable reverse speed

'''Cons:'''

* Frontal turret armour is not very effective; don't rely on it too much
* Commander's cupola is still a large target
* Can't deal with enemy aircraft as effectively due to the deletion of the .50 cal
* Lack of gun stabilizer rarely allows it to make the first shot in a moving engagement
* Ineffective armour in uptiers
* Doesn't have thermal vision

== History ==


In 1958, West Germany received the M48A2 Patton III tank. Originally this tank included the 90mm M41 cannon and a 750 HP engine. Later on the tank would receive an upgraded engine (from 750 HP to 825 HP) along with other changes and was designated the M48A2C in German service. This tank served from the early 1960's to the late 1970's. West Germany realized that the 90mm gun wasn't sufficient enough to deal with most of the top of the line Soviet MBTs, so in 1978 the tank received the German licensed built, 105mm L7A3 gun found on the Leopard 1. Other changes included minor fire control system changes, a new commander's hatch, passive night sights, and later on a laser range finder. This version was designated the M48A2 GA2 and remained in service till the 1990's.

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

== See also ==


* [[M48A1]] - Basic M48 version that the {{PAGENAME}} was upgraded from.
* [[Magach 3 (USA)]] - A similarly upgraded M48 tank from a pack in the USA tech tree.
* [[M48A2 C]] - The German version of the M48A2 Patton III

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

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

{{Germany medium tanks}}

LeKPz M41

2020-02-04T18:52:47Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{DISPLAYTITLE:leKPz M41}}
{{Specs-Card|code=germ_le_kpz_m41}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_leKPz_M41.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.95 "Northern Wind"]].

== 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. Advise about 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 about 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 ==
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarise 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 - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

* Extremely agile tank
* Good top speed 72 kph (average speed is more around 35-40 kph)
* Fast turret traverse
* Fast reload rate
* Respectable firepower when loaded with APDS
* APDS has high muzzle velocity, easy to hit targets at longer ranges
* HEATFS shell is identical to the HEATFS on the T92
* Good flanker
* Good suspension; can drive away from steep downhills and jumps
* .50 cal AA machine gun with good coverage
* Equipped Smoke grenade launchers
* Can fulfill the role of the Ru 251 for players that don't have it

'''Cons:'''

* Low torque, without downhill the tank won't reach higher speeds than 50 km/h
* Thin armour, even SPAA tanks will take out the tank given the opportunity
* Its poor engine is its biggest weakness, makes it a bad scouting unit
* Ammo storage in the front, next to the driver, carrying less ammo will mitigate empty the rack
* APDS shot causes only punctual damage (aim carefully)
* No explosive filler on any AP shells
* Quite tall for a light tank
* Painful stock grind that begins with an APCR stock shell

== History ==
===Development===


The U.S. Army light tank in the latter part of World War II, the [[M24|M24 ''Chaffee'']], was a promising design but was deemed not effective for the future of armour encounters. Though its role as a scout was seen as needing the 75 mm gun, the army wanted a tank with a better gun to have a more equal chance against tanks. The project began as the ''T37'' program in 1947 with the focus of being air-transportable with an anti-tank capability in the form of a 76 mm gun and a rangefinder. The adoption of a simplified rangefinder had the project designation changed to the ''T41''. After testings and evaluations, the ''T41'' model was accepted into service as the '''M41 ''Little Bulldog'' ''', with production starting at Cadillac Cleveland Tank Plant in 1951. The name ''Little Bulldog'' stayed until General Walton Walker, the first commander of the 8th US Army in Korea, died in a car accident, so the tank was renamed into the '''M41 ''Walker Bulldog'' ''' in remembrance. Production went from 1953 to somewhere in the late 1960s with about 3,728 units produced.

The M41 light tank would go on to replace the M24 ''Chaffees'' by 1953. The M41 had a crew of four, commander, gunner, loader, and driver. The tank had a profile of under 9 feet and 19 feet long. The tank was lightweight at 23.5 tons and thus had rather thin armour, with the front armour only 25.4 mm thick (sloped at 60 degrees for about 50 mm effective). However, the tank was very agile with its torsion bar suspension and Continental AOS 895-3 series 6-cylinder gasoline engine of 500 hp which could deliver a road speed of 45 mph with a 100 miles operating range. Unfortunately, the tank was criticized for being noisy, a fuel-guzzler, rather heavy, and the American crewman found the ''Bulldog's'' interior to be quite cramped. Despite that, it delivered speed, firepower, and reliability in a light tank format. Several upgrades were made on the M41 with better technology, the '''M41A1''' had a hydraulic turret traverse with more ammo storage, the ''M41A2'' had a new fuel system, and the ''M41A3'' are old M41A1 tanks with the new fuel system from the M41A2.
===Combat usage===
The M41 ''Walker Bulldog'' first saw use in Korea in a limited combat run. The tanks, still labelled their experimental designation T41, were sent for field testing on design deficiencies. It is unknown what other purposes they served there except for the tests. Their first major conflict once adopted by the U.S. Army was in Vietnam, mainly by replacing the M24 ''Chaffees'' in service with the South Vietnamese army (ARVN) at the time. The M41A3 tanks arrived in January 1965 and were instantly popular; not only for their advantages, but the previously cramped interior for American crews were actually a perfect fit for the smaller Vietnamese armour crewman. The ''Bulldog'' went on to fight in the Vietnam War as a reliable war machine. The ''Bulldog'' had an advantage due to its lightweight in manoeuvring in the jungle terrain of the region. In 1971, Operation Lam Son 719, the disruption of the North Vietnamese Army supply lines had the M41 ''Bulldogs'' play a major role, accompanied by two airborne battalions and two cavalry regiments. Penetrating deep into enemy lines, the 17 M41 tanks engaged and destroyed six Soviet-designed [[T-54 (1951)|T-54 tanks]] and other lighter armoured vehicles. This engagement came at a loss of 5 M41 and 25 armoured personnel carriers. By 1973, the ARVN still used about 200 M41 tanks while the transition of the American unit over to the [[M48A1|M48A3 ''Patton'' tanks]] in Europe and Stateside. The M41 light tanks were also exported to various other countries. Today, Guatemala, Somalia, Taiwan, Uruguay, and Vietnam still use the M41 ''Walker Bulldog'', some via upgrading the tanks to extend their service life.

The M41 ''Walker Bulldog'' design was advanced for the time, giving a relatively lightweight tank the firepower to take on other tanks of its time period. The chassis was even used on the ''[[M42|M42 ''Duster'' Anti-Air gun]]'' and the ''M75 Armored Personnel Carrier''. The drive, engine, transmission, and auxiliary engine also were used in the ''M44/M52 155 howitzer''. By 1969, the US Army began replacing the M41 with the newer [[M551|M551 ''Sheridan'' Armored Airborne Reconnaissance Assault Vehicle]] (officially not a "light tank") which had a [[M81 (152 mm)|152 mm cannon]] that could fire shells and [[Anti-tank guided missiles|anti-tank missiles]]. The M551 ''Sheridan'' could be used in roles that the M41 ''Walker Bulldog'' couldn't do, such as be air-dropped and amphibious but was rather unreliable. This made the M41 ''Walker Bulldog'' to be the last American "light tank" produced and the last made before the classification between tank classes based on weight and role ended.

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

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

{{Germany medium tanks}}

Nashorn

2020-02-04T17:53:31Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card|code=germ_panzerjager_nashorn}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (''Rhinoceros'') is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]].

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

The Nashorn's armour is paper-thin; it will not protect you from even heavy-calibre machine gun fire and can be hull-broken from large-calibre HE rounds.

The Nashorn also lacks a roof, making it a very desirable target for strafing runs by fighters, as well as rocket attacks by attack aircraft.

One interesting (and somewhat comical) note to the Nashorn's armour that it is so thin, shells may pass through it without exploding due to the fuse passing through enough material to set it off and detonate.

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

== Armaments ==
=== Main armament ===
{{main|PaK 43 (88 mm)}}

''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.''

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|MG 34 (7.92 mm)}}

The Nashorn has two [[MG 34 (7.92 mm)]] aimed towards the vehicle's sides. Since they are the vehicles secondary weapon, you can't switch between different belts. Furthermore, they have various blind spots, e.g. the space behind or in front of the tank as well as the area above the vehicle since the machine guns have an elevation of only around +20°, making the tank very vulnerable against diving fighters or bombers.

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful 88mm PaK 43 gun can destroy most if not every opponent in one shot
* Armour, although thin, can cause armour-piercing rounds to slice through without causing other damages outside its trajectory
* Has not one but two machine guns
* Has faster reload times than that of the Tiger II
* Mobility of a Panzer IV
* Plays like the Marder III H

'''Cons:'''

* Has next to no armor and can be penetrated by .50 cal machine guns
* Crew compartment has no roof; is vulnerable to artillery and strafing aircraft
* Ammo racks are attached to the sides of the crew compartment; a shell strike there can detonate the ammunition
* Can be hull-broken
* Horrible gun depression
* Very tall silhouette
* Combined those two above makes it very hard for the Nashorn to hide in plain sight on flat grounds

== History ==


Also known as the Hornisse (Hornet), the Nashorn comprised a composite Pz III/IV chassis and an 8.8 cm PaK 43 gun. 494 were built and it was used on all fronts in the heavy tank destroyer units from mid-1943 on. The first user was the 655th Schwere Panzerjaegerabteilung in Russia.

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

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

{{Germany tank destroyers}}

He 177 A-5

2020-02-02T22:10:00Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card|code=he-177a-5}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_He177A-5.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{PAGENAME}} ''Greif''''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German heavy bomber {{Battle-rating}}. This bomber was introduced in [[Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm"]] as part of the revenue share program. It was created by Daniil "''Joy_Division__'' Zaytsev.

The Heinkel He 177 A-5 is a heavy bomber that excels at destroying stationary targets such as pillboxes and bases from altitude. Its speed allows to bomb one base or two before confronting any enemy plane and then withdrawing back in shallow dive. Even if an enemy is trying to intercept you, your defensive armament in manual mode would keep it at bay.

== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,500 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
|-
|531||518|| {{Specs|ceiling}} ||32.2||33.4||5.9||5.9|| 1,600
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,500 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
|-
|582||555|| {{Specs|ceiling}} ||29.8||31.0||10.5||8.0|| 1,600
|-
|}

====Details====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flap
! Take-off flap
! Landing flap
! 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 flap (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! +
! -
|-
|{{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}}||450|| ~?? || ~?
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 300 || < 310 || < 360 || > 715
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 5,700 m || 2,520 hp || 2,797 hp
|-

|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 9 mm Steel plates in pilot’s seat.
* 7 mm Steel plate under the entire cockpit
* 9 mm Steel plate in front of the front dorsal gunner.
* 7 mm Steel plates on cockpit roof around front dorsal gunner.
* 7 mm Steel plates around rear dorsal gunner.
* 7 mm Steel box in front of the rear dorsal gunner.
* 57 mm Bulletproof glass in front of tail gunner.
* 9 mm Steel plates around the bottom and front of tail gunner.

== Armaments ==
=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|:Category:Suspended armaments|l1=Suspended armaments}}

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

* 48 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (2,400 kg total)
* 12 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (3,000 kg total)
* 6 x 500 kg SC500K bombs (3,000 kg total)
* 4 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 2 x 1,800 kg SC1800B bombs (3,600 kg total)
* 2 x 1,800 kg SC1800B bombs + 6 x 500 kg SC500K bombs (6,600 kg total)
* 3 x 1,400 kg PC 1400 X (Fritz X) bombs (4,200 kg total)

=== Defensive armament ===

{{main|MG 151/20 (20 mm)|MG 81 (7.92 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can defend itself with:

* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, chin turret (300 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, tail turret (800 rpg)
* 2 x 13 mm MG 131 machine gun, front dorsal turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 rpg)
* 1 x 13 mm MG 131 machine gun, rear dorsal turret (1,000 rpg)
* 1 x 13 mm MG 131 machine gun, ventral turret (1,000 rpg)
* 1 x 7.92 mm MG 81 machine gun, nose turret (1,000 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==

Combining the speed and handling of the Do 217 and the immense payload of the Lancaster along with defensive armament approaching that of the American bombers, the He 177 Greif is an outstanding heavy bomber. Its max payload of 2 x 1,800 kg and 6 x 500 kg bombs is easily the best of its contemporaries when it comes to demolishing bases in AB and airfields in RB/SB. Other payloads are quite useful depending on the bombing objectives in RB/SB: 6 x 500 kg against bases (3 per bases), 4 x 1000 kg and 2 x 1800 kg for aircraft carriers and airfields.

The He 177 bears some similarities to the Do 217 series. It has an exceptionally high dive speed for a heavy bomber and is capable of reaching up to 700 km/h in a dive. It is, however, more manoeuvrable at high speeds, one has to be careful not to overload the wings. The two engines (which are really two V12 DB 605 engines coupled together to drive one four-bladed propeller, making them essentially 24 cylinder engines) are very powerful, but at the same time more vulnerable to damage.

The defensive armament of the Greif is very good by German standards, consisting primarily of 13 mm MG 131 heavy machine guns, completed with 2 MG 151/20 cannons, one in front and one in tail turret. The large tail fin prevents the dorsal turrets from firing directly to the rear, leaving only the MG 151/20, however.

====Climbing and bombing====

The He 177 A-5 will spawn at 4.5 km as a long-range bomber and as such, it's much easier to get out the reach of interceptors. Do some side climbing, reach 5,000 m after game start (speed will decrease to 250 km/h, but still fine) and continue with a 5-degree climb. Remember, this aircraft is not a dive bomber and should not be treated as such.

In order to do side climbing, you should upgrade the engine parts and then, just go ASAP to the ''ETC 1000/I'' module. After this upgrade, you will be able to carry 4 x 1,000 kg bombs which can be used to destroy up to 4 bases (no external wing carried bombs here).

After upgrading engine parts and getting ''ETC 1000/I'', it's time to climb and boom! Just go for the nearest base after reaching +6,000 m altitude. Then, it's done. Be careful of enemy interceptors which may snake their way up to your altitude, because you are really vulnerable at low speeds, hence the recommendation to side-climb. Side-climbing will help pilot have enough time to reach high altitudes, and lay in a bombing run.

Some notes:

* You should use combat flaps when bombing airfield to decrease speed (there's a chance of not hitting the airfield)
* Protect your aircraft as the repair costs are 40,000 Silver Lions.
* Losing one flap will cause instability, just be careful!

===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 || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
|-
|}

===Modules===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage Repair
| Radiator
|
| Turret 7 mm
| ETC 250/IV
| Turret 20 mm
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 7 mm MGs (turret)
| ETC 500/II
|
|-
| III
| Wing Repair
| Engines
|
| Turret 13 mm
| ETC 1000/I
| New 20 mm cannons (turret)
|-
| IV
|
| Engine Injection
| Cover
| New 13 mm MGs (turret)
| ETC 1800
| FX 1400
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Heavy defensive weaponry with accurate 13 mm and 20 mm turrets
* Plenty of bomb load options, with a maximum bomb load of four 1,000 kg bombs
* Can carry all 4 x 1,000kg SC1000L2 bombs in the bomb bay, so He 177 A-5 can get 3-4 bases at first spawn in realistic battles
* One of only three heavy bombers for Germany, and the only high-rank heavy bomber in the tech tree
* Capable of speeds of up to 530 km/h or 340 mph in level flight
* First spawn at long-range bombers' altitude, which will help get altitude over interceptors and other fighters
* Good climb rate, can easily make it to 6.5 km altitude
* Dual engine aerodynamic, make it quite manoeuvrable for a heavy bomber
* Combat flaps are really useful for decreasing airspeed
* Fritz X guided bomb is very effective against destroyers and other slow-moving ships (drop from +2,000 m)
* High SL multiplier, very good money making

'''Cons:'''

* Plane is vulnerable in frontal engagement due to the absence of copilot and the glazed nose
* Engines overheat very quickly when activating WEP and when the cooling system is empty
* Vulnerable from side attacks
* Expensive repair cost for RB and higher than average on AB and SB
* No air brakes for a heavy bomber which increases landing difficulty
* Being a heavy bomber means that you can't take off from medium airfields
* Quickly overheats above 5,500 m
* Engines oil cooler and flaps are vulnerable against machine guns fire
* Incapable of flying with one engine only will keep losing altitude and eventually will have to land or crash

== History ==

Development of the He 177 began in 1936 as part of the Bomber A specifications issued by the German Air Ministry (RLM). The specifications called for a long-range, high-speed bomber with a payload of 1,000 kg. Despite the very demanding specifications, Heinkel began working on a mockup which was submitted for review in late 1937, with an order for 12 experimental machines following shortly after in early 1939. However, throughout its development, the He 177 suffered from a range of problems, some of which weren’t even fixed before further development stopped. For example, one of the requirements (which was soon rejected, since it was impossible to implement) from the Air Ministry was the ability to bomb from a dive, that’s why the engineers had to make various workarounds to provide the required flight technical characteristics. To reduce aerodynamic drag and to ensure flight range, two DB 601 engines were installed in pairs on one gondola and worked with a common shaft which rotated one four-bladed propeller. Thanks to this it was possible to create the aircraft using a two-engined scheme. But for this reason, the vehicle suffered from severe engine overheating issues and more often than not experienced mid-flight engine failures and frequent fires. In the process of fine-tuning the aircraft, the weight was significantly increased, so it became necessary to install a massive frame which could not be hidden - a relatively thin wing or tightly packed nacelles wouldn't fit. As a result, each frame was divided into two racks, each with a single wheel that could be retracted into the wing on opposite sides of the nacelle.

By 1944, development of the He 177 was considered finished, but by that time, the fortune of war had already turned on Germany and the need for a complex strategic bomber had faded. Nonetheless, over 1,000 He 177s were produced across several variants, with most machines seeing action on the Eastern front. However, despite being made in large numbers, the aircraft ultimately failed to make a difference in the war’s outcome as its design maturity came too late, although some of the built vehicles were also used after war’s end.

''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5356-development-heinkel-he-177-a-5-greif-the-flaming-arrow-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 aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5356-development-heinkel-he-177-a-5-greif-the-flaming-arrow-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Heinkel He 177 A-5 Greif: The Flaming Arrow]

{{AirManufacturer Heinkel}}
{{Germany bombers}}

M41A1

2020-02-02T20:10:45Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card|code=us_m41_walker_bulldog}}
{{About
| about = American '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the version in the Japanese tree
| link = M41A1 (Japan)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_M41A1WalkerBulldog.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced at the same time as the American ground tree in [[Update 1.45 "Steel Generals"]]. A large improvement over its predecessor, the [[M24|M24 ''Chaffee'']], it features a gun that can more adequately fight the tanks at its tier with an APDS round and has very good mobility and low profile to move quickly against the enemy.

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

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour
* Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet, Lower glacis)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 28.5 mm (49°) ''Front glacis'' 63.5 mm (33-37°) ''Lower glacis'' || 28.5 mm || 28.5 mm (46°) ''Top'' 25.4 mm (1°) ''Middle'' 25.4 mm (20°) ''Bottom'' || 12.7 mm
|-
| Turret || 44.4 mm (11-13°) ''Turret front'' 50.8 mm (2-43°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 31.75 mm (1°) || 31.75 mm (1°) || 12.7 mm
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels, bogies, and tracks are 15 mm thick.
* Tracks are placed on the turret side and rear that can provide about 10 mm of extra armour.
* An extra 12.7 mm RHA metal plate is present on the right side of the turret near the pintle 7.62 mm machine gun.
* A 5 mm Structural steel box is present, mounted on the vehicle rear.

There aren't any specific targets worth noting as the M41A1 will be hurt by pretty much anything. Be extra careful with [[:Category:Anti-aircraft_vehicles|SPAAs]] as they can knock out the ''Walker Bulldog's components with ease and even destroy the tank.''

If at all possible, try only to expose the turret. If using the terrain to the M41A1's advantage, it'll usually be able to fire one to three shots, then start moving forwards and backwards, thus making it a lot harder for the enemy to hit the tank. Generally, the M41A1 be able to get in two shots on most targets before they can fire back, and the M41A1 accelerates from 0 to 30 km/h fast enough to become a hard target to hit if only the turret is exposed!

=== 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" | 15.6 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 62 (AB)
|-
|56 (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|459
|565
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|262
|296
|-
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|29.42
|36.22
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|16.79
|18.79
|-
|}

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

{{main|M32 (76 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[M32 (76 mm)|76 mm M32]]
|-
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
|-
| colspan="3" | 65 || -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'' || 34.27 || 47.44 || 57.60 || 63.69 || 67.76
|-
| ''Realistic'' || 21.42 || 25.20 || 30.60 || 33.70 || 36.00
|-
! 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.
|-
| 7.67 || 6.79 || 6.2 || 5.9
|-
|}

===== 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
|-
| M339 Shot || AP || 175 || 173 || 159 || 143 || 128 || 115
|-
| M352 Shell || HE || 12 || 12 || 12 || 12 || 12 || 12
|-
| M319 Shot || APCR || 208 || 207 || 187 || 170 || 144 || 123
|-
| M331A2 Shot || APDS || 232 || 231 || 212 || 193 || 163 || 137
|-
|}
{| 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%
|-
| M339 Shot || 975 || 6.6 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1° || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
| M352 Shell || 732 || 6.8 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 867.22 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| M319 Shot || 1,262 || 3.2 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 66° || 70° || 72°
|-
| M331A2 Shot || 1,231 || 1.49 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 75° || 78° || 80°
|-
|}
{| 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):''
|-
| M361 || 713 || 7.1 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
|-
|}

===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
[[File:Ammoracks M41A1.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo rack]] of the M41A1 Walker Bulldog.]]
{| 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" |Visual discrepancy
|-
|| '''65''' || 55 ''(+10)'' || 39 ''(+26)'' || 1 ''(+64)'' || style="text-align:center" | No
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|Browning (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" | 2,175 (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" | 4,900 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in the battles ==

Like the tanks that come before it, the ''Bulldog'' should be used as a rapid-deployment support vehicle in conjunction with heavier vehicles like the [[T32|T32]]. It is best used to run rapid insertion and flanking operations while allowing the heavier tanks to absorb the brunt of the enemy attack. The ''Walker Bulldog'' works well with [[M26|M26 Medium tanks]] as the M26 has a harder hitting gun to support the light tank's advance, but the M41A1 maintain a much better climb rate for hills and a much faster acceleration. The ''Bulldog's'' top speed does cap off-road, requiring good knowledge of the map to make the most of the terrain.

Always remember that the ''Bulldog'' lacks any effective armour. In a frontal attack, it will be easily penetrated by almost anything the enemy throws at it. Try to use the terrain to hide the tank and relocate after shots. Also, attempt to engage targets who are busy or already engaged with teammates. The ''Bulldog's'' 76 mm gun has great penetration, but due to the solid shot armour-piercing rounds it has it is necessary to make each shot count by hitting either ammo racks or fuel tanks/engines to disable and or destroy an enemy vehicle. Equipping HVAP rounds, later on, makes it easier to destroy vehicles with better side armour such as the [[IS-3]] which has a fairly strong side profile.

===Tactics===
The ''Bulldog'' is best playing a mobile role; trail the outskirts of the map and take shots at the enemy from a distance and keep relocating. Don't stand still for too long as one or two hits are usually enough to completely disable the tank.

While playing this tank, the biggest concern should be not to get hit ''by anything''. Given its thin armour, anything that the Bulldog is facing will be able to deal heavy damage. In summary, the ''Bulldog'' is a very manoeuvrable tank and with practice is a very potent threat to enemies.

If up against heavy tanks, such as the [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II H]], don't bother trying to hit its front chassis armour even with APDS. The chances to penetrate this tank's upper glacis are very low. It is better to try and either ignoring him or aiming for his lower glacis and turret. Should the round penetrate the lower glacis, the transmission is likely to catch on fire. When attacking the turret, aim for the gunner on the left (player's right) of the gun. After that, disengage as the gunner will be replaced faster than the M41A1 can reload. Fighting off heavily armoured targets takes a lot of practice, but the gun's accuracy and good penetration can be used to the M41A1's advantage. Ambushing tanks as such as the Panther V series which many variants have slow slew rates will be highly effective as you can get two-three shots off and disable the gunner when you get a flank.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Extremely agile tank
* Good top speed 72 kph (average speed is more around 35-40 kph)
* Fast turret traverse
* Fast reload rate
* Respectable firepower when loaded with APDS
* APDS has high muzzle velocity, easy to hit targets at longer ranges
* Good flanker
* Good suspension; can drive away from steep downhills and jumps
* .50 cal AA machine gun with good coverage
* AP is highly lethal to most tanks of all-tiers post pen
* Similar silhouette as the M47
* Access to night vision device
* Plays similarly to the M24 and the M18 but with a much better gun
*

'''Cons:'''

* Low torque, without downhill the tank won't reach higher speeds than 50 km/h
* SPAA can be a threat but not as apparent
* It's poor engine is its biggest weakness, makes it a bad scouting unit
* Scouting requires map knowledge
* Ammo storage in the front, next to the driver.
* No APHE shells that can be quite handy at times
* APDS shot causes only punctual damage (aim carefully)
* No explosive filler on any AP shells
* Large size for a light tank

== History ==

===Development===
The U.S. Army light tank in the later part of World War II, the [[M24|M24 ''Chaffee'']], was a promising design but was deemed not effective for the future of armour encounters. Though its role as a scout was seen as needing the 75 mm gun, the army wanted a tank with a better gun to have a more equal chance against tanks. The project began as the ''T37'' program in 1947 with the focus of being air-transportable with an anti-tank capability in the form of a 76 mm gun and a rangefinder. The adoption of a simplified rangefinder had the project designation changed to the ''T41''. After testings and evaluations, the ''T41'' model was accepted into service as the '''M41 ''Little Bulldog'' ''', with production starting at Cadillac Cleveland Tank Plant in 1951. The name ''Little Bulldog'' stayed until General Walton Walker, the first commander of the 8th US Army in Korea, died in a car accident, so the tank was renamed into the '''M41 ''Walker Bulldog'' ''' in remembrance. Production went from 1953 to somewhere in the late 1960s with about 3,728 units produced.

The M41 light tank would go on to replace the M24 ''Chaffees'' by 1953. The M41 had a crew of four, commander, gunner, loader, and driver. The tank had a profile of under 9 feet and 19 feet long. The tank was lightweight at 23.5 tons and thus had rather thin armour, with the front armour only 25.4 mm thick (sloped at 60 degrees for about 50 mm effective). However, the tank was very agile with its torsion bar suspension and Continental AOS 895-3 series 6-cylinder gasoline engine of 500 hp which could deliver a road speed of 45 mph with a 100 miles operating range. Unfortunately, the tank was criticized for being noisy, a fuel-guzzler, rather heavy, and the American crewman found the ''Bulldog's'' interior to be quite cramped. Despite that, it delivered speed, firepower, and reliability in a light tank format. Several upgrades were made on the M41 with better technology, the '''M41A1''' had a hydraulic turret traverse with more ammo storage, the ''M41A2'' had a new fuel system, and the ''M41A3'' are old M41A1 tanks with the new fuel system from the M41A2.

===Combat usage===
The M41 ''Walker Bulldog'' first saw use in Korea in a limited combat run. The tanks, still labelled their experimental designation T41, were sent for field testing on design deficiencies. It is unknown what other purposes they served there except for the tests. Their first major conflict once adopted by the U.S. Army was in Vietnam, mainly by replacing the M24 ''Chaffees'' in service with the South Vietnamese army (ARVN) at the time. The M41A3 tanks arrived in January 1965 and were instantly popular; not only for their advantages, but the previously cramped interior for American crews were actually a perfect fit for the smaller Vietnamese armour crewman. The ''Bulldog'' went on to fight in the Vietnam War as a reliable war machine. The ''Bulldog'' had an advantage due to its lightweight in manoeuvring in the jungle terrain of the region. In 1971, Operation Lam Son 719, the disruption of the North Vietnamese Army supply lines had the M41 ''Bulldogs'' play a major role, accompanied by two airborne battalions and two cavalry regiments. Penetrating deep into enemy lines, the 17 M41 tanks engaged and destroyed six Soviet-designed [[T-54 (1951)|T-54 tanks]] and other lighter armoured vehicles. This engagement came at a loss of 5 M41 and 25 armoured personnel carriers. By 1973, the ARVN still used about 200 M41 tanks while the transition of the American unit over to the [[M48A1|M48A3 ''Patton'' tanks]] in Europe and Stateside. The M41 light tanks were also exported to various other countries. Today, Guatemala, Somalia, Taiwan, Uruguay, and Vietnam still use the M41 ''Walker Bulldog'', some via upgrading the tanks to extend their service life.

The M41 ''Walker Bulldog'' design was advanced for the time, giving a relatively lightweight tank the firepower to take on other tanks of its time period. The chassis was even used on the ''[[M42|M42 ''Duster'' Anti-Air gun]]'' and the ''M75 Armored Personnel Carrier''. The drive, engine, transmission, and auxiliary engine also were used in the ''M44/M52 155 howitzer''. By 1969, the US Army began replacing the M41 with the newer [[M551|M551 ''Sheridan'' Armored Airborne Reconnaissance Assault Vehicle]] (officially not a "light tank") which had a [[M81 (152 mm)|152 mm cannon]] that could fire shells and [[Anti-tank_guided_missiles|anti-tank missiles]]. The M551 ''Sheridan'' could be used in roles that the M41 ''Walker Bulldog'' couldn't do, such as be air-dropped and amphibious but was rather unreliable. This made the M41 ''Walker Bulldog'' to be the last American "light tank" produced and the last made before the classification between tank classes based on weight and role ended.

=== In-game description ===
"In 1946 the Americans began looking for a replacement for the M24 Chaffee. The design for the new tank was to lean on experiences drawn from the Second World War.

In 1953 deliveries of the M41 Walker Bulldog to the US army began, with 5,500 units ultimately released.

The M41 Walker Bulldog featured a traditional layout with a welded hull and rationally sloped frontal plates. The turret was welded from cast and rolled armor elements. The running gear on each side was made up of five road wheels and three track return rollers in addition to guiding and leading wheels. The road wheels were independent of the torsion bar suspension, while the suspension for the first, second, and fifth rollers was equipped with hydraulic shock absorbers. The 500 hp air-cooled Continental AOS-895-3 engine featured a fire extinguishing system.

The tank's armament consisted of a 76 mm M32 cannon, a coaxial 7.62 mm Browning M1919A4E1 machine gun, and a turret-mounted 12.7 mm Browning M2HB anti-aircraft gun. The weapon was not stabilized and was equipped with a muzzle brake to reduce recoil. The battle compartment featured 24 rounds for fast reloading, along with 33 more in the tank hull that were only accessible when the turret was rotated hard to the rear.

Practice showed that the new tanks were poorly suited for reconnaissance, and their heavy weight and large dimensions made them just as difficult to transport as medium tanks. Those removed from active duty were quickly handed over and sold to allies and dependent governments.

M41 Walker Bulldogs saw combat in Austria, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, the UK, North (captured) and South Vietnam, Guatemala, and Greece."

== Media ==

[http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=light_tank&vehicle=us_m41_walker_bulldog '''Skins''' and '''camouflages''' for the M41A1 from live.warthunder]

*[http://live.warthunder.com/post/95846/ '''"US ARMY" 532''' by ''JoKeR_BvB09'']
*[http://live.warthunder.com/post/101650/ '''"German Bundeswehr 3tone skin - 2nd Co of Panzeraufklärungsbataillon 5 ( ReconBn )" fictional''' by ''JoKeR_BvB09'']
*[http://live.warthunder.com/post/95835/ '''"(Fictional) M41 Flecktarn <nowiki>[Germany 1985]</nowiki>"''' by ''Tiger_VI'']

== 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/3018/current/ Official War Thunder forum article: [Vehicle Profile<nowiki>]</nowiki> M41 Walker Bulldog [Decal Included<nowiki>]</nowiki>]

{{USA light tanks}}

J2M2

2019-11-12T05:49:36Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card|code=j2m2}}
{{About
| about = Japanese fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = J2M (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===


The J2M2 Raiden is an interceptor that excels in the Boom & Zoom play style. Once off the ground, the aircraft becomes an absolute monster, with a ludicrous climb rate, exceeding 20 meters per second, or close to 4,000 feet per minute of climb. This climb rate can be used to gain altitude and height over the enemy, and when they engage your slower, but much more manoeuvrable comrades flying Zeros, you swoop in and attack, which can be finished with quick bursts of the wing-mounted 20 mm cannons. Although half of your belt is next to useless when stock, a solid burst with upgraded belts has a good chance to critically damage, if not outright down, an enemy aircraft. The ammo load of 200 rounds is not large but provides enough to keep you fighting if one does not spray too much.

If one is unable to down an enemy quickly enough, the good energy retention in the vertical allows the craft to zoom back up to altitude for another attack. The aircraft does have some deficiencies, however. Its turning circle is closer to that of a P-51 or Fw-190, and in a sustained turn fight, it will lose energy and become a sitting duck. Compression becomes an issue at high speeds, and although faster than the majority of Japanese fighter aircraft, it still struggles to catch faster opponents, such as P-51s or P-47s. This can be countered by climbing at a high angle when in pursuit and then using that accumulated energy to close the gap and open fire.

The aircraft shares the same characteristics as the future J2M3 and M5 and can be a demo of what is there to come in the Japanese tree.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 5,500 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
|-
| 569 || 551 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.7 || 20.4 || 16 || 16 || 300
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 5,500 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
|-
| 626 || 596 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.8 || 19.0 || 28.3 || 21.2 || 300
|-
|}

==== 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}} || 520 || ~11 || ~9
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 430 || < 460 || < 400 || > 324
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 2,000 m || 1,875 hp || 2,100 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 5,300 m || 1,675 hp || 1,876 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


Unlike other Japanese fighters, the J2M2 has some decent armour. There is a 70 mm bulletproof glass plate in front of the pilot. There is also a tiny triangular section of steel that is 8 mm behind the pilots head. Another thing the J2M2 has that other Japanese planes don't have near rank 3, is self-sealing fuel tanks. There is however no armour around the engine so the engine is very prone to bullets striking and damaging it.
[[File:J2M2 - Bulletproof glass 70 mm.png|none|thumb|Picture displaying the 70 mm bulletproof glass plate in front of the pilot. ]]

[[File:J2M2 - Steel 8 mm.png|none|thumb|303x303px|Picture showing the 8 mm steel plate behind the pilots head.]]

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

{{main|Type 99 Model 2 navy (20 mm)|Type 97 navy (7.7 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 navy cannons, wing-mounted (100 rpg = 200 total)
* 2 x 7.7 mm Type 97 navy machine guns, nose-mounted (550 rpg = 1,100 total)

The two 7.7 mm machine guns are mounted in the cowling of the aircraft serve as good backups if the cannons run dry, or if there is a need to poke a fleeing enemy into a manoeuvre, lest they are felled by a thousand strings of rifle fire.

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (120 kg total)

The two 60 kg bombs are enough to destroy light pillboxes in a pinch, or if your bombing skills are exceptional, you can use these bombs for precise targeting against tanks in ground RB, although the J2M2's lacklustre turn rate will be exacerbated by the low manoeuvre required in the game mode.

== Usage in battles ==


In the start of a match, you'll want to use your best advantage, climbing. The J2M2 has an incredible rate of climb for it's BR of 4.3. This will almost always guarantee you an altitude advantage, and from there, you should pick out your targets one-by-one. The J2M2 does not have the best offensive guns so make sure to never head-on. If you are diving on an opponent and they are trying to head-on, break off and do a spiral climb. Your opponent (if he's greedy enough) will stay on you and lose all of his energy. Once you see him about to go into a stall, quickly dive down to him and shoot him down. Another advantage of the J2M2 is the top speed. The J2M2 can go very fast for its BR and you should use it to your advantage. One way you can use this is by doing Boom n' Zooms, but make sure to watch your speed. You don't want to go too fast to where you'll start to "lock-up" and have almost no authority of the controls.

=== 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
|-
| 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
|
| Offensive 7 mm
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 7 mm MGs
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
| Offensive 20 mm
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
| New 20 mm cannons
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Excellent climb rate (21.2 m/s spaded)
* Excellent top speed for its BR (370 mph/ 592 kph)
* Easily outperforms other allied 4.3 aircraft
* Incredibly low BR for AB at 3.7 for such a capable plane
* Out turn most allied planes except for the Spitfire
* Small size
* Excellent dive characteristic, able to BnZ
* Does not bleed energy like the Zero
* More ammo for the 20mm than the Early Zero models
* Comes with the ability to carry bombs when stock
* 20mm does a lot of HE damage
* Has armor and self-sealing fuel tanks
* Very capable plane at almost any situations

'''Cons:'''

* Requires proper knowledge of the game to use it's advantage
* Slower than US planes
*

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

== Media ==
[[File:J2M2.png|thumb|J2M2 in hangar w/ decals.|none]]
== 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 aircraft;''
* ''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 aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Japan fighters}}

Chieftain Mk 5

2019-05-29T14:42:39Z

U25318292: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card|code=uk_chieftain_mk_5}}
{{Notice|''This page is about the medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''. For other uses, see [[Chieftain (Disambiguation)]]''}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_Chieftain Mk 5.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} British medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]]. The Chieftain Mk.5 carries over its strength from the [[Chieftain Mk 3|Mk.3]] variant, but with a more powerful engine for improved mobility.

Fundamental average for Chieftain: its rate of shooting and its penetration. With Chieftain, there is few vehicle being able to resist to the firepower, except perhaps [[T95|T95]] or [[Maus|Maus]]. Shoot anywhere at the enemy with L15A3 shells, it will more than likely penetrate the armour. Know where to shoot, any enemies can be taken down with the 120 mm gun. That requires good knowledge of the enemy tanks. A Chieftain player will have to know where are the shells, fuel tanks, crews.

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

'''Armour type:'''

* Cast homogeneous armour (Hull front, Turret)
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull sides, Hull rear, Hull roof, Turret roof)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 70-127 mm (43-79°) ''Front glacis'' 76.2 mm (43-44°) ''Lower glacis'' || 88-220 (8-30°) + 13 mm ''Front Top'' 50 mm (1-31°) ''Center Top'' 37 mm (30°) + 13 mm ''Rear Top'' 37 (10°) + 13 mm ''Bottom'' || 37 mm (1-7°) || 13-28 mm
|-
| Turret || 125-250 mm (2-81°) ''Turret front'' 100-220 mm (1-53°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 45-196 mm (1-65°) || 45 mm (1°) || 50.8 mm ''Front'' 25 mm ''Rear''
|-
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
|-
| Cupola || 150 mm || 25 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.
* Armour thickness throughout the vehicle is very complex and the tank relies more on sloping thickness to enhance its effective armour.
* The steel boxes on the sides of the turret and hull add 13 mm of armour.

=== Mobility ===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
|-
! Weight (tons)
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armour weight (tons)
! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
|-
| rowspan="2" | 55.0 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 53 (AB)
|-
|48 (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|1,178
|____
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|672
|760
|-
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|21.42
|__.__
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|12.22
|13.82
|-
|}

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

{{main|Ordnance BL Tk. L11 (120 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[Ordnance BL Tk. L11 (120 mm)|120 mm Ordnance BL Tk. L11]]
|-
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
|-
| colspan="3" | 53 || -10°/+20° || ±180° || Two-plane
|-
! 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'' || 13.4 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
|-
| ''Realistic'' || 13.4 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
|-
! 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.
|-
| 9.7 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
|-
|}

===== 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
|-
| Shot L15A3 || APDS || 320 || 315 || 305 || 294 || 280 || 270
|-
| Shell L31A7 || HESH || 152 || 152 || 152 || 152 || 152 || 152
|-
|}
{| 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%
|-
| Shot L15A3 || APDS || 1370 || 7.6 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 75° || 78° || 80°
|-
| Shell L31A7 || HESH || 670 || 17 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 4,100 || +0° || 73° || 77° || 80°
|-
|}
{| 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):''
|-
| L34 || 670 || 17.0 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
|-
|}

===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
[[File:Ammoracks_Chieftain_Mk 5.png|right|thumbnail|250px|Ammo racks of the Chieftain Mk 5.]]
{| 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" |Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''53''' ||  ''(+)''||  ''(+)'' || style="text-align:center" | No
|-
|}

Turret empty: 30 ''(+23)''

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|L21A1 (12.7 mm)|L37A1 (7.62 mm)|L8A1 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | [[L21A1 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm L21A1]]
|-
! 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" | 588 (3) || 300 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | [[L37A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm L37A1]]
|-
! 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" | 2,000 (100) || 650 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | [[L8A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm L8A1]]
|-
! 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" | 6,000 (200) || 600 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in the battles ==

'''In long range fight:''' 
The gun is very precise with all the shooting amelioration. Do not forget to protect the frame, it is fragile. The turret armour protects the tank well. Invest in camouflage plants, one or two seconds lost by the aiming enemy is time gained to eliminate the threat.

'''An aggressive way to play:''' 
The best clients are the German "Leopards" and all the Russian series "T-xx". Shoot it on front frame, where the shells are, for an assured popcorn effect. Don’t hesitated to try this on IS-3/4 or T-26/28/29, only shell place change (front side or turret rear).

Other tanks could be easily knocked out with fuel tank, or disabled in aiming crew member. Don't forget that reload time is the vehicle's best friend.

Be wary of the Chieftain's width, often the weak points are exposed when trying to turn the Chieftain.

===Modules===
The first upgrades to head for is ''Parts'' and ''FPE'' for increased survivability. Once these two are unlocked, everything is good, but get the rangefinder for enhanced RB or SB gameplay.

*Spare parts.
*Extinguishers FPE.
*Horizontal drive.
*Adjustment shooting.
*Elevation mechanism.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Turret armour strong enough to bounce APDS, HEATFS and even some APDSFS shells
* Upper frontal plate is heavily sloped, providing adequate protection against same tier rounds
* Excellent reload time for a 120 mm (7.5s - 9.5s)
* Access to 320 mm penetrating APDS shells and HESH shells immediately
* 10 degrees of gun depression
* Has access to a dual plane stabilizer
* Includes an additional range finding .50 calibre machine gun that can be separately bound
* Unlike other British tanks, it has a respectable reverse speed
* Much faster and easier to handle than the Mk 3 model
* Very effective in a hull down position
* Excels in maps with a lot of open ground where it can go hull down effectively

'''Cons:'''

* Weak hull armour overall
* APFSDS can go through this tank easily
* The design of the tank only allows for limited playstyle
* Does not like fighting in small maps
* Lower frontal plate is very poorly armoured, and has an ammo rack behind it
* Very weak side and rear armour
* Ammo rack everywhere but can be mitigated by carrying only 24 rounds
* Small ammo variety (APDS or HESH only) means that it struggles with modern composite armour
* APDS deals minimal, punctual damage
* Slowest of all MBTs

== History ==

===Concept===
The idea of a "universal tank" began in Britain in 1944 when Montgomery and other influential people began advocating for more standardized tank to replace the cruiser and infantry tank classes used on the field. Efforts did not start until after World War II under the General Staff designation A45, with development starting just as the new cruiser tank [[Centurion Mk 3|Centurion]] started to enter military service. The A45 was cancelled in 1948 after development troubles and its inability to be used as a "universal" platform. Ironically, the Centurion proved to be a better "universal tank" platform than the A45.<ref name="DunstanChieftain">Dunstan Simon. ''Chieftain Main Battle Tank 1965-2003'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2003</ref>

===Development===
The [[Centurion Mk 10|Centurion]] tank series was very successful in British and its allies' service, but development of new Soviet armour such as the [[IS-3]] and [[T-54 (1951)|T-54/55]] caused the British tank arms race to take another leap forward. Development on the Centurion's successor began in 1951 under the name ''Medium Gun Tank No. 2''. The project's priority was gun and armour, but with mobility to be equal to the Centurion's and a weight of less than 45 tons. The weight limit caused a program known as the Concept Study Programme to commence in order to find ways to keep the tank under that weight limit yet meet all the armour and firepower specifications. One of the concept that came out was the usage of bagged charges, which was already in use on naval ships, but was a new concept for tank ammunition. Thus, a gun using the bagged charge propellant system began development in 1954, along with a new specification by General Staff that the Medium Gun Tank No.2, now known as ''FV4201'', uses a conventional four crew tank with a turret and a better gun and armour than the Centurion. Though the [[Conqueror|Conqueror heavy tank]] was one such response to the firepower requirement, limited production cut that to only 200 units built.<ref name="DunstanChieftain">Dunstan Simon. ''Chieftain Main Battle Tank 1965-2003'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2003</ref>

The biggest bump to the firepower of the FV4201 was the recommendation of a 120 mm caliber tank cannon. Though the Conqueror used a 120 mm, the new one would incorporate more innovative features such as the bagged charges. Other design features added was the usage of a Rolls-Royce V8 engine, an auxiliary engine, an automatic gearbox, and a reclining seat for the driver. The reclining seat was a very new feature in tank design as it reduced the vehicle's hull height and thus gave it a lower profile. Leyland Motors was assigned to be the main designer for the tank despite their commitment to the Centurion production lines. The manufacturing process of the tank was decided to be cast rather than welded. In 1957, several specifications added to the FV4201 impeded its attempt to fit in the specifications. A bigger turret was designed and it mounted IR equipment for night fighting. Troops requested more frontal and turret side armour, which along with the turret change caused an increase in the tank's overall weight. A controversial decision was also made in 1957 by NATO that tanks should have multi-fuel engines. The FV4201 installed a new engine conforming to these standards in 1958, a German engine derived from a Junkers Jumo aviation engine. This extended development time since the engine compartment had to be redesigned to fit the engine, raising the total tank weight to 50 tons. The engine, designated the L60, was received with mixed reception by the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) and other users due to its novel features. Britain stayed as the only user of a multi-fuel engine in the Cold War as many other nations found the concept impractical and abandoned it.<ref name="DunstanChieftain">Dunstan Simon. ''Chieftain Main Battle Tank 1965-2003'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2003</ref>

As the FV4201 finalized its prototype stages, General Staff sent a revised specification for it. The tank was to have the firepower of the Conqueror with the mobility of the Centurion, an armour that maximizes the protection-weight ratio, a weight limit at 45 ton with a top speed of 26 mph and an operating range of 300 miles. The first wooden prototype was made in March 1959, with full prototypes ordered in June 1959 for troop trials. Vickers-Armstrong and Royal Ordnance Factory shared the manufacturing process and the first prototypes were built in January 1960. The first two prototype FV4201 was trialed in Germany alongside their new [[Leopard I|Leopard 1]]. The greatest issue with the FV4201 was the engine, which caused many failures due to vibration, a result of the flawed multi-fuel concept. Trials were delayed due to lack of parts to fix broken pieces and redesigns were requested to fix problems. After a lengthy trial period in 1962, the FV4201, now named the '''Chieftain''', was sent to the operational unit in Germany for service and combat trials. The Chieftain was finally accepted for service in 1st May 1963, despite the many faults in the design. The first deliveries of the improved and redesigned Chieftains began in mid-1965. These were the ''Chieftain Mk.1's'', which further revealed problems with the horsepower that the ''Mk.2'' was designed and sent in April 1966. The ''[[Chieftain Mk 3]]'' rolled out of the production lines in September 1969, it now weighed 53 tons and the L60 engine was producing 650 hp, still underpowered for the weight. Engine failures were still frequent and left the Chieftain with a sour note until the [[Chieftain Mk 5|Mk.5]] variant fixed these pressing issues with a new engine and NBC protection. The Mk.5 would be the main variant of the Chieftain in British service. During its production life from 1965 to 1985, a total of 2,265 Chieftains would be built by Britain, with about 1,000 used by the British Army.<ref name="DunstanChieftain">Dunstan Simon. ''Chieftain Main Battle Tank 1965-2003'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2003</ref>

===Service===
The first British units to receive the Chieftains was the 1st and 5th Royal Tank Regiments back during the trials. The Chieftain, despite its initial engine flaws, proved to be combat-proof and could be upgraded to fit new requirements. Some of these upgrades were the addition of composite add-on armour to fight off new anti-tank technology such as the HEAT rounds. The Chieftain earned the title "most formidable tank in the world" during the 1960's Cold War period and also redefined the specifications of a "main battle tank". Its success is due to its novel main gun and heavily sloped armour, as well as a satisfactory mobility and speed able to compete with the Leopard 1. The Chieftain stayed in use by the British Army On the Rhine on the German border with the Warsaw Pact, which caused the Soviets to in turn station their best tanks such as their T-64's against the Chieftains. The British retained the Chieftains all the way until 1995, when it was replaced by the Challenger I.

The Chieftain was also successful on the export market, primarily in the Middle East to the hands of Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, and Oman. Another user of the Chieftain was Israel, with Britain initially agreeing to help set up production for locally produced Chieftains. Two Chieftains were sent for trials among the Israeli Defense Force in 1967. After two years of trials and deliberation for the acquirement of the Chieftains, Britain ultimately refused to offer the Israelis the Chieftain for political reasons. The Israeli trials benefit Britain with data on desert combat with the Chieftain however, and the refusal did jump start Israel's tank program that would become the ''Merkava''.

Despite that, sales to the Middle East soared, with Iran being the major buyer of the Chieftains with at least 887 of mostly the MK3 and MK5 variants sent to them before their revolution in 1979. The Chieftain saw prolonged combat in the Middle East in the Iran-Iraq War, including Operation Nasr which was the largest tank vs. tank battle of the war where the Iranian Chieftains and [[M60A1 (AOS)|M60A1 Pattons]] fought against the Iraqi [[T-62]]s. After that war, the Chieftain in Kuwait then saw combat fighting the Iraqis during their invasion in 1990. Kuwait eventually replaced their Chieftains with the Yugoslavian M-84 tanks, which are a variant of the Soviet T-72s.

The Chieftain is still in service Iran, Jordan, and Oman in varying numbers, about 100 in Iran, 350 in Jordan, and 27 in Oman. The Chieftains underwent local upgrades to keep them up to date against modern threat, which resulted in the Iran ''Mobarez'' Chieftain upgrade.

== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
{{Youtube-gallery|XlNDQ2PVPpI|The Chieftain at Bovington|D3OF9IvtHLk|Bovington Tank Museum Tank Chats: Chieftain}}

== Read 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.''

''ETC.''

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

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

{{Britain medium tanks}}
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