War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

M60

2023-08-09T04:32:32Z

U45440461: /* Usage in battles */

{{About
| about = American main battle tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| other
| usage-1 = other versions
| link-1 = M60 (Family)
| usage-2 = other uses
| link-2 = M60 (Disambiguation)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=us_m60
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.51 "Cold Steel"]].

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

'''Armour type:'''

* Cast homogeneous armour
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Rear roof, Rear)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope Angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 93 mm (65°) ''Front Glacis'' 143 mm (55°) ''Lower Glacis''|| 74 mm || 41 mm || 20 mm
|-
| Turret || 127 mm ''Turret front'' 152 mm ''Gun Mantlet''|| 100 mm - 50.8 mm || 50.8 mm || 24 mm
|-
| Cupola || 35 mm || 25.4 mm || 25.4 mm || 25.4 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

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

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,162|rbMinHp=663}}

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

After researching Parts and FPE, it is recommended to focus on reaching the M456 HEATFS shell, which will allow the player to capitalize on the M60's excellent gun. After that, it is recommended to research mobility modifications.

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

{{main|M68 (105 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M68 (105 mm)|105 mm M68]] || 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" | 57 || rowspan="2" | -9°/+19° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 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 ====

* '''M392A2; APDS''' (Armour-Piercing Discarding Sabot) is capable of easily penetrating the majority of the foes it meets, but these rounds do require finesse as to their placing. Because the shell lacks an explosive filler, the best bet is to try and either knock out the majority of the enemy tank's crew or to destroy the enemy by ammo or fuel detonation through hitting their respective storage capacities. This, of course, requires knowledge about the vehicles the M60 may face - so be sure to use the game's X-Ray view in the hangar and analyse the potential foes for their weak spots! Also, keep in mind that with increased armour thickness the number of shrapnel shrinks.

* '''M393A2; HESH''' (High-Explosive Squash-Head) works very differently than 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. Basically, the fighting compartment is showered in metal rain. Currently, only true armour thickness (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 fuze is very sensitive and can be set-off by most objects e.g. fences, trees, pillars.

* '''M456; HEATFS''' (High-Explosive Anti-Tank Fin-Stabilized): The knowledge of enemy vehicle layouts gained from the stock shell (M392A2), will be handy to use for the M60's fullest potential - as the M456 is an ammunition round which can penetrate most vehicle's armour frontally. Like the APDS shot, increased armour thickness results in a reduced amount of shrapnel after penetration. Unlike APDS it has one downside: Given that it is a chemical energy round, its fuse is highly sensitive in regards to its practical application in battle. As a result, virtually anything, such as trees or even a fence, will set it off prematurely, so the HEATFS round cannot fire through obstructions with this kind.

{{:M68 (105 mm)/Ammunition|M392A2, M393A2, M456, M416}}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''57''' || 49 ''(+8)'' || 35 ''(+22)'' || 23 ''(+34)'' || 17 ''(+40)'' || 1 ''(+56)'' || No
|-
|}

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

{{main|M85 (12.7 mm)|M73 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M85 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M85]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 900 (180) || 626 || -15°/+60° || ±180°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M73 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M73]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 6,000 (250) || 500 || - || -
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


To use this tank effectively do not charge straight into battle, instead, go around. Use the terrain, make it harder to be identifiable by selecting the appropriate camouflage and navigate using the map. To flank, the opponents from the sides or the rear, use a flanking tactic to surprise the enemy tankers and destroy them. However, do not let the M60 be seen and the longer it can stay hidden, the higher the chances of finding more tanks off guard and surviving the match. Try to attack from long distances: The M60 has a very powerful and accurate cannon. This can be equipped with some of the most lethal ammunition within its own BR range depending on how you view it. It will turn the biggest and most powerful tanks into blazing wrecks.

The M60 essentially bears the same frontal, or even shares the same, turret shape of the M48 tanks, keep in mind that both the M48A1 and M60 tanks also share other similar features with each other; and while they're different, assume that the cons of this tank were not changed much from its foldered predecessor.

Excluding the height differences and an obvious cupola, it may look similar to the T-54 series of tanks and an unskilled or unprepared T-54 player will pause for a brief amount of time to identify the tank. This will give the tank extra time to angle the tank and to calculate a perfect shot and destroy vital parts of the enemy tank. Do not expose/show the rear of the tank as this will give away the M60 immediately since the rear does not resemble a T-54 and is one of the weakest places on this tank.

Playing on maps which have villages, towns, and city centres modelled, such as Poland, Advance to the Rhine, Normandy etc. These require a more specific tactic to survive in these locations as being flanked and not knowing about it until it's too late is very common. A good way of preventing this while using an M60 tank is to not enter the urban environment. In these environments, the M60 will be normally too close for the armour to work as effectively. However, if going around the sides of the town and move in and out of streets, this will prevent the enemy team to predict where the M60 will go. The M60, once upgraded, offers some of the best handling in the game, use that as an advantage in narrow and congested streets.

When engaging with other medium tanks, the M60 offers an excellent gun which can dominate any other medium tank. If the HEATFS is unlocked, the M60 will be able to terminate any tank with one hit most of the time, although tanks with improved chemical energy protection (e.g. composite armour and ERA) will serve a more difficult situation to deal with. The closer to the enemy tank, the higher the odds of ending it with an instant termination. When using HESH rounds, do not hit the sides of the enemy tank, it won't really do much damage. However, when the enemy has exposed the front, especially the Upper Glacis of the tank, using the HESH rounds will cause a lot of damage to the Crew and could also end that tank in one shot. Examples are the [[T-54 (1949)|T-54s]], [[IS-3]] and [[IS-4M|IS-4Ms]]. Against [[T-10M]]s, its not that reliable because of spaced armour.

Make sure to not expose the rear or sides of the tank and turret. These are weakest parts and if hit is likely to end the tank.

Keep in mind the cupola, it houses the commander's optics as well as an M85 HMG fitted within the turret. While it gives the vehicle an added 360° anti-air capability, it also will present a weaker spot with armour around the cupola being rated to protect against small-arms fire most of the time and heightens the M60's overall silhouette. It could either be useful or a bane to this vehicle depending on how you utilize it.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Front hull impenetrable against most Rank IV & some high-Rank V tanks
* Decent turning capability
* Great off-road speed (but not as great compared to [[Leopard_I|Leopards]] and [[T-10M]]s)
* Once fully upgraded it offers very sharp handling and manoeuvrability
* Excellent acceleration when fully upgraded
* Very good stock turret traverse speed
* Powerful 105mm gun
** Very accurate gun at long ranges when upgraded
** Good APDS stock shell
** HEATFS and HESH shells available

'''Cons:'''

* Very high profile due to the large and noticeable commander's cupola
** The cupola is an obvious and well-known weak spot; its armour is very thin and can be penetrated easily by APCBC and HEAT rounds
** Enemy shells can bounce off the turret roof (due to the angle) and could enter the cupola
** Commander's .50 cal HMG is slow in manoeuvrability and its effectiveness limited due to the cupola's poor elevation and speed
* Side armour is thin and can be penetrated easily
* Gun mantlet is rather weakly-armoured and can easily be penetrated even by lower-tier tanks
* Turret ring is a weak spot
* Front is vulnerable to HEAT and the most powerful APHE ([[T-10M]], [[Maus]]) at close range

== History ==

====Development====
The M60 was the American response to the [[T-54 (1949)|Soviet T-54A]] main battle tank after one was captured by Hungarians during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. The American main tank at the time, the [[M47|M47]] and [[M48A1|M48 Pattons]] and with their [[M3 (90 mm)|90 mm cannon]], was found to be incapable of defeating the T-54 armour from the front. Plus, with the rumour that a new Soviet tank better than the T-54 was in development with a 115 mm cannon (which would be the [[T-62]]), the Americans saw a need to upgrade or replace their M48 Patton tanks. These upgrades are focused on improving the armour, a bigger gun, better rangefinders, and even an autoloader system.

At the time, a program designated the [[T95E1|T95]] launched in June 1954 was meant to replace the M48 Patton with a better gun and mobility. This new tank development was approved in August 1957 and was intended to be a radical change in the American tank doctrine, changing from the World War II era weight classes of light, medium, and heavy tanks and instead classifying as an all-purpose "main battle tanks" or an "airborne reconnaissance/assault vehicles". However, as the development came to a slow speed, it was determined that the T95 series was only marginally better than their improved M48A2 Patton, so it was proposed that the M48 design be upgraded with the new improvements made by the T95 program, focusing on better firepower and fuel efficiency. This development would be designated the ''XM60''.

The main gun on the new design was to be the new [[M68 (105 mm)|105 mm M68 cannon]], which was similar to the British 105 mm L7 Royal Ordnance gun made in response to the Soviet T-54 tank, even firing the same ammunition. The decision was made among six different tank guns for accuracy, damage on target, rate of fire, and penetration. The cannon parts were initially imported from Britain until American licensed version could be produced at the same quality. Armour was initially going to be composite armour made out of silica glass in response to better anti-tank weapons being produced. However, during production, the composite armour was changed back to conventional steel due to manufacturing constraints and cost. The XM60 design was accepted in 1959 and standardized as the [[M60|105 mm Gun Full Tracked Combat Tank M60]] in March 1959, entering service in 1960. During its production life from 1959 to 1987, over 15,000 units were produced. Despite its common naming as the '''M60 Patton''', it is never officially classified as a series of the ''Patton'' tanks and only as a "product descendant".

The M60 was meant to only be an interim design in the "main battle tank" designation, but it featured many innovative upgrades. The 105 mm gun with a bore evacuator, a straight sloping front armour rather than the rounded one on the M48, three rollers on the suspension and road wheels made out of aluminium. The design also used an improved engine, transmission, and driving unit. M60 design could be cast or welded together, and the turret was largely similar except the different mantlet to accept the new 105 mm gun. The tank had a crew of four, the commander, gunner, loader, and driver. The M60 was the last American tank to feature conventional steel armour in its design.

====Variants====
The M60 started with its base variant, which was very similar to the M48 Patton, the differences between the two being a wedge-shaped hull, three return rollers, and aluminium road wheels. The next one is the [[M60A1 (AOS)|M60A1]] variant, which began production in October 1962 with a better "needle-nose" turret, improved armour protection, and suspension. This was meant to be the main variant, but the development of a "main battle tank" was slower so the M60A1 served much longer than its intended period, from 1960 to the 1980s. Another variant to be made was the [[M60A2|M60A2]], which had a changed turret design and had the [[M81 (152 mm)|152 mm gun]] found on the [[M551]] that could fire standard HEAT shells or an anti-tank missiles, but this variant was found to be unreliable and was phased out quickly. The last major variant was the ''M60A3'', which featured many technological enhancements with a new rangefinder, ballistic computer, and a turret stabilization. This tank is the most modern of the three variants and is still being used by certain countries with even some advantages over the American main battle tank M1 Abrams during its introduction with better thermal sights, diesel engine, escape hatches, variety in ammunition, and ability to act as artillery.

====Combat usage====
The M60 in American service were first deployed in Vietnam, but only as engineer vehicles or bridge layers. The M60s continued to serve in American service all the way to the Gulf War in Operation Desert Storm in the Marine Corps and Air Force, however, at the time the newer M1 Abrams in service were already replacing the M60 tanks. Despite that, they did well in combat, where M60A1s in Marine service fought an Iraqi force composed of Soviet T-54s and T-72s and destroyed 100 tanks with the loss of only one M60 tank. The M60s were all retired after 2005 in US service.

Israel was another large user of the M60 tanks, seeing service in the Yom Kippur War with the quantity of 150, but many were destroyed by the new anti-tank missiles supplied by the Soviets to Egypt. It was widely praised for its firepower and manoeuvrability, however, and many were upgraded with better tracks and armour in the form of explosive reactive armour to combat anti-tank missiles. They saw service again in the 1982 Lebanon War against T-54s and T-72s and even World War II era [[T-34-85|T-34s]]. The M60 in Israeli service were retired by 2014. Today, the M60 tanks are still used in many different countries, such as Egypt, Brazil, Greece, Iran, Turkey, Yemen, China, and more. Despite its age, attempts at upgrading its armour and armament had been made American defence contractor Raytheon, able to keep the M60A3 up to date with the newer M1A1 Abrams with the 120 mm Rheinmetall gun and reactive armour.

{{break}}
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
The M60 primary combat tank was designed to have a standard layout with the control compartment in the front part of the vehicle, the combat compartment in the middle, and the engine and transmission compartment in the rear. This new vehicle was a synthesis of the M48 turret and the new 105 mm M68 cannon, similar to British guns of the L7 series, which was produced in the US under license and adapted to the tank's diesel engine. Unlike the curved front end of the M48, the new vehicle had a standard rectangular body. In terms of the division of the body, the similarity to a boat was preserved throughout the length of the vehicle.

In order to reduce the tank's weight, which inevitably grew due to its thicker armour and heavier new cannon, aluminium alloys had to be widely used during its construction. Aluminium was used to make parts of the undercarriage, the fuel tanks, the rotating shelf in the turret, the shelves over the treads, and various levers and fastening components. The cramped M1 commander's tower was replaced with a spacious, low-profile M19. The first version of the XM60 was built in March 1959. It was added to the US arsenal under the name M60.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_m60 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|zoBPU0n65_A|'''The M60 family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 0:47 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|LJFnDITc5Us|'''M60 Patton tank''' - ''Simon Hutchinson''}}

== 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/devblog/current/794/|[Devblog] M60]]
* [[wt:en/news/3330--en|[Vehicle Profile] U.S. medium tank M60]]

{{TankManufacturer Chrysler Defense}}
{{USA medium tanks}}

N1K2-Ja

2021-09-10T03:20:43Z

U45440461: /* Pros and cons */ Added note of the similarities between this and the previous iteration at cons section.

{{About
| about = Japanese fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other variants
| link = N1K (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=n1k2_jko
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

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

== 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
| 626 || 610 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.8 || 20.4 || 14.2 || 14.2 || rowspan="2" | 300
|-
! Upgraded
| 675 || 650 || 18.5 || 19.0 || 23.2 || 18.2
|-
|}

==== 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}} || 498 || 469 || 320 || ~12 || ~10
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 430 || < 460 || < 400 || > 324
|-
|}

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


* 70 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
* 12 mm Steel plate in pilot's seat

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

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

{{main|Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannons, wing-mounted (250 rpg outer + 200 rpg inner = 900 total)

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

{{main|Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)|Navy Type 98 Number 25 (250 kg)}}
{{main|Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1|Type 3 No.6 Mod.27 Mk.1|Type 5 No.1 Mod.9|Type 5 No.6 Mod.9}}

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

* Without load
* 4 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (240 kg total)
* 2 x 250 kg Navy Type 98 Number 25 bombs (500 kg total)
* 4 x 250 kg Navy Type 98 Number 25 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1 rockets
* 2 x Type 5 No.1 Mod.9 rockets
* 2 x Type 3 No.6 Mod.27 Mk.1 rockets
* 2 x Type 5 No.6 Mod.9 rockets

== Usage in battles ==


The N1K2-Ja is a very tricky aircraft to use. It can face early jet fighters such as the [[F-80A-5]], [[Yak-15]]/[[Yak-17|17]], [[He 162 A-2|He 162]], [[J21RA|J]]/[[A21RB|A21R]], and in Arcade, the [[F-84B-26]]. These jet aircraft hold a hefty speed advantage over the ''Shiden-Kai'', but typically have very poor manoeuvrability, meaning the N1K pilot can abuse its excellent handling at medium speeds and shred the previously mentioned jets if their pilots are foolish enough to try and turn-fight. The one exception to this is the Yak-15, which retains the turning abilities of its airframe; the [[Yak-3]]. However, the Yak-15 suffers from a relatively low top speed and climb rate for a jet, along with sub-par vertical energy retention. Above all those, its ammunition pool is abysmal at only 120 rounds total, meaning the N1K2 pilot could potentially win an engagement just by remaining difficult to hit.

Although it can fight admirably against jets, the N1K2-Ja will find itself coming up short against many of the other nation's top tier superprops. It cannot keep up with the [[P-51H-5-NA|P-51H]], [[F4U-4B]], [[F8F-1B|F8F]], [[I-225]], [[La-9]], [[Tempest (Family)|Tempests]], [[Spitfire (Family)|Griffon Spitfires]], [[G.56]], [[Bf 109 (Family)|late Bf 109s]], or [[Fw 190 (Family)|Fw 190 D's]] of its tier. Fortunately, most of the previously mentioned aircraft cannot turn with the N1K2, so the ''Shiden-Kai'' can use its superb mid-speed manoeuvrability to turn circles around its opponents. The main exception to this is the uncommon G.56, which is the closest thing the N1K2 has to a hard counter. It can turn with it, outspeed it, out-dive it, beat it in an energy fight and shred it with the triad of 20 mm MG 151s, so it is highly recommended to either avoid the G.56 or take it out while it's preoccupied with a teammate.

The N1K2-Ja can take on a relatively new role for Japanese fighters; a fighter/bomber. With its ability to mount up to 4 x 250 kg bombs or two of the massive Type 5 No.6 rockets, the N1K2 can be Japan's best ground attacker and will make enemy tanks quake in fear. The Type 98 Number 25 bombs are roughly equivalent to the American [[AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M64A1]] 500 lb bombs, and are all mounted on wing racks, allowing for precise bomb placement on targets. On the flip-side, the Type 5 No.6 rockets have no direct comparison but play somewhat similarly to a watered-down American [[Tiny Tim]] rocket or Swedish [[hprak m/49]] rocket. Despite their relatively low velocity and higher weight, they are still quite accurate and are able to be launched quite close to the target with minimal threat of self-damage.

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

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Flight performance
** Reasonable manoeuvrability at medium speeds (300-500 km/h)
** Great energy retention
** Solid acceleration once upgraded
** Combat flaps are efficient while in dogfighting
** Decent rate of climb
** Relatively good diving characteristics for a Japanese aircraft
* Armament
** Absurd amount of ammunition (200-250 rpg with 900 rounds in total)
** Cannons themselves are reasonable in all aspects, and take far longer to jam than their contemporaries
** Can carry as much bombs as an average Japanese army bomber

'''Cons:'''

* Flight performance
** Mediocre roll rate
** Severely stiffens at higher speeds
** Can be outmanoeuvred easily by the fighters at its tier if not used correctly
** Unless approached correctly, completely outclassed by the Spitfire Mk. IX and F8Fs
* Stock grind can be outright ''painful''
** Weak stock belts, which require a tier III modification to upgrade
* Can catch on fire easily, and often gets destroyed in the process
* Often faces jets
* General performance, when spaded, becomes somewhat identical to its previous iteration, the N1K2-J.

== History ==

{{main|N1K (Family)|l1=History of the N1K}}
=== In-game description ===
Kawanishi Shiden-Kai Model 21Ko, Kawanishi N1K2-Ja (code name "George") Marine Interceptor-Fighter

This fighter-bomber version of the N1K2, the N1K2-Ja Model 21Ko, was developed at the time the N1K2-J began production. The main difference between the two planes was the 21Ko's steel underwing pylons. This Shiden-Kai could carry four 250-kg bombs, two under each wing, or two 500-kg bombs, or two or four 60-kg bombs. It could also carry unguided rockets, like the N1K2-J.

The N1K2-Ja could be visibly distinguished from its predecessor by the lower position and reduced area of its horizontal fin.

Upon its success in factory testing, the N1K2-J was selected by the Japanese Imperial Navy as its primary fighter and fighter-bomber. The Navy's plan was to launch large-scale mass production of the Shiden-Kai, but its production was always behind schedule. The situation became more critical when American B-29 Superfortress bombers began attacking Japanese industrial sites. The attacks did not target the production facilities containing the Shiden-Kai assembly lines, but supply companies were attacked, leading to a shortage of sheet metal, forged steel, stamped aluminum, and engine and chassis parts.

N1K1-J fighters were first used in battle near Lake Sebu in October 1944, then used en masse in the Philippines. From the end of 1944 on, the N1K1-J and N1K2-J aircraft were primarily used for the defense of the Japanese homeland.

The most famous squadron of Shiden-Kai was formed in December 1944. Known as the 343rd Kokutai, it was under the command of the most experienced Japanese naval commander, Minoru Genda. His squadron consisted of Japanese aces, and their planes were all N1K2-Js. This "Genda's Blade" squadron was known as a squadron of experts, the elite of the Imperial Navy's aviators. The Americans quickly felt their skill in battle. For instance, in February of 1945, Midshipman Kaneyoshi "Kinsuke" Muto, piloting an N1K2-Ja, single-handedly attacked 10 F6F Hellcats, shooting four of them down and forcing the others to retreat.

The Shiden-Kai was an extremely unpleasant surprise for the Americans. The original Shiden was good, but this model, free of its predecessor's "childhood illnesses", was superb. It would soon become clear that even a pilot of average skill in a Shiden-Kai could challenge any Allied fighter, even the P-51 Mustang, which began its fight in the skies over Japan in the spring of 1945.

Production of the N1K2-J ended after Japan surrendered. In all, 1,435 Shidens of all variants were constructed, including 998 N1K1-Js and 415 N1K2-Js.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=japan&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=n1k2_jko Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
{{Skin-gallery
|market|ugcitem_1000528|N1K2-Ja Fictional Trainer.jpg|Camo "Primary Trainer"
}}

== See also ==

;;Related Development
* [[N1K1]] - (Kyofu Model 11; Base hydroplane model)
* [[N1K1-Ja]] - (Shiden Model 11A; N1K1-J with 7.7mm's removed from the fuselage and 4x20mm in the wings)
* [[N1K2-J]] - (Shiden Kai Model 21; Redesigned wings and fuselage)
* [[N1K2-Ja]] - (Shiden Kai Model 21A; More powerful engine, larger prop)

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/285073-kawanishi-n1k2-j/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Kawanishi}}
{{Japan fighters}}

M901

2021-02-09T04:42:15Z

U45440461: /* Pros and cons */ Amphibious Capability Comparison Added

{{Specs-Card
|code=us_m901_itv
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a squadron rank {{Specs|rank}} American tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]]. Based on the M113 chassis, this vehicle is equipped with the BGM-71C I-TOW ATGM missile launcher.

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


[[File:M901 X-ray.png|thumb|x250px|right|Interior layout of the {{PAGENAME}} showing the location of ammo racks, crew and critical components.]]

The {{PAGENAME}} is based off the M113. It may look like a lightly armoured vehicle, but it features 44 mm of alloy 7039 on the sides and 38mm on the front. The front is angled to make frontal armour effective thickness to match the flat sides. Overall, This counts as about 21 mm of RHA. However, there is a hatch on front which is much about 40% thinner and make this effort rather fruitless, which is compensated by engine block being there to block some shots.

Overall, head-on this is only enough to stop 12.7 mm calibre machine gun fire from 600m away and if angled correctly able to stop some low caliber SPAA's from penetrating the hull and '''any''' APHE of its rank will detonate upon hitting it. Keep in mind, that SPAA have high fire rate and you must park it at least 600 m away and at an angle, or they will still manage some partial penetrations. The 30-35 mm SPAA and light tanks will penetrate this tank indefinitely at almost any range.

The top is also quite strong with 38 mm of alloy, which is equial about 18 mm RHA, which means hull might be able to sustain some inaccurate fighter strafe, but most of their 30 mm cannons or top-down attacks will still ruin the tank. If small Bombs or rockets miss, they might fail to penetrate, but armour will not save M901 when receiving a direct hit.

The crew, however, has excellent survivability when the vehicle is placed in a hull-down position. Two crew members, the loader and the commander, are located in the back part of the hull and there are no other critical components located there, so there is little reason to target them first. In the middle of the tank is the gunner operating the tower. Since the I-tow missile is launched from a launcher mounted on top of a tower, it is next to impossible to hit the tower base when hulldown and so the gunner is not exposed to direct fire. The driver is located at the front of the vehicle and is next to the engine block, which might block the shot.

Behind the engine block is the ammunition storage, if hit from the front with SPAA rounds or some types of conventional rounds, the engine block will eat up (absorb and protect the rest of the vehicle) most of the shots, however, if shot from the side or from the front with HEAT, pure AP, APDS and APDSFS rounds, this usually ends in disaster as it will go through the engine and cause an ammunition explosion or destroy a majority of the crew, one-shotting the vehicle.

When played from a hull-down position with only the launcher exposed, this vehicle is practically immune to damage, however, crossing open areas may result in taking a hit, thus losing an engine, a crew member or resulting in an ammo-rack explosion.

'''Armor Composition'''

* Aluminum Alloy 5083 - Main
* Structural Steel - Front and Rear Fenders
* Rubber-Fabric Screens - Fenders/Sideskirts
* Gun Steel - Launcher

{| class="wikitable"
!Armour
!Front (Slope angle)
!Sides
!Rear
!Roof
|-
|Hull
|38 mm (45'''°''') ''Upper Glacis''
38 mm (26'''°''') ''Lower Glacis''

29 mm (45'''°''') ''Engine Maintenance Hatch''
|44 mm ''Upper''
32 mm ''Lower''
|38 mm
|38 mm
|-
|Turret
| colspan="4" |10 mm All-Round ''Launcher''
17 mm All-Round ''Launcher Supports''
|-
|Cupola
|20 mm
|20 mm
|20 mm
|16 mm
|}

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=301|rbMinHp=188}}

The mobility of the {{PAGENAME}} is okay. The power-to-weight ratio is 17.45 HP/ton. The top speed for the {{PAGENAME}} is 64 km/h, though there are not many circumstances you will reach these speeds. Offroad, the {{PAGENAME}} will reach 20 km/h quite fast due to its high power-to-weight ratio and will reach its top speed of 38 km/h. In reverse it will easily reach -14 km/h, allowing you to get out of a bad situation.

This vehicle does not have neutral traverse, but still does turn quite fast.

However, the {{PAGENAME}} suffers in traversing hills with high angles such as getting up the west side of point "C" on the El Alamein map. This does limit the ability of this vehicle to get to good positions without being spotted and fired upon.

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

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

{{main|BGM-71C I-TOW}}

The main weapon on the {{PAGENAME}} is the BGM-71C I-TOW ATGM. It has up to 630 mm of penetration at 0 degrees at any distance since it carries a HEAT warhead. The post penetration of this missile is not amazing and in some circumstances, a follow-up missile may be needed. The missile is a second-generation ATGM so it is mouse controlled. It travels at a speed of 296 m/s. Due to the fuze sensitivity of 0.01 mm, any bush, fence or object in the way will trigger the missile into detonation and the lack of a machine gun means that these obstacles will become quite a nuisance.

The turret can angle down 30 degrees, which means it can fire down from almost any mountain or fire horizontally even when standing on a steep cliff. It also does not have an arming distance, therefoe it an fire at tanks even in an immediate surroundings.

The vehicle is trying to put the launcher on the pad whenever it is moving, however, it is still possible to keep it unfolded by moving short distances at a time and stopping between them. Keep in mind that the vehicle will attempt to stow the launcher even when pushed by the enemy, making it impossible to shoot back, therefore all care should be taken to avoid such situations.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[BGM-71C I-TOW]] ATGM || 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" | 10 (2 preloaded in launcher) || rowspan="2" | -30°/+35° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 46.62 || 46.62 || 56.61 || 62.60 || 66.60 || rowspan="2" | 13.00 || rowspan="2" | 11.50 || rowspan="2" | 10.60 || rowspan="2" | 10.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 31.50 || 31.50 || 38.25 || 42.30 || 45.00
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
BGM-71C I-TOW ATGM is a relatively potent missile, having above average penetration values and an excellent flight velocity. Its close Soviet counterpart, [[IT-1]], has {{#expr: (1-(500 / 630)) * 100 round 0}}% lower penetration and {{#expr: (1-(224 / 296)) * 100 round 0}}% lower velocity, on the other hand [[RakJPz 2 (HOT)]] has {{#expr: abs((1-(800 / 630)) * 100) round 0}}% higher penetration, but {{#expr: (1-(240 / 296)) * 100 round 0}}% lower velocity.

{| 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
|-
| I-TOW || ATGM || 630 || 630 || 630 || 630 || 630 || 630
|-
|}
{| 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%
|-
| I-TOW || ATGM || 296 || 19.0 || N/A || 0.01 || 2,080 || 80° || 82° || 90°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
Ammo racks function in a somewhat weird way on the tank. The ammo counter when full will appear as 2/4, and so pre-match ammo selection will show as 5/5. It's due to the fact that a single ammunition load represents 2 missiles, with the first 2 loaded into the launcher at the start of the match.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''5''' || 4 ''(+1)'' || 3 ''(+2)'' || 2 ''(+3)'' || 1 ''(+4)'' || No
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


;Hull down

In a battle, this vehicle is best played hull-down, preferably behind a rock so that rounds won't dip and hit the main chassis, if this is not possible, try to find a ridge to hide behind or a depression in the terrain. Since your launcher is the only thing exposed, expect for your launcher to get hit and receive a 10-second repair. (Note for stock vehicles, you will still be able to fire). Some players will be smarter and will shoot HESH rounds at you, the splash damage will be enough to either hull-break or knock out the rest Since you only have 12 missiles (2 in the launcher, 10 stowed away) you will have to be patient and skilled at using this missile. If in the right hands, it is incredibly strong and can hold an important spot and single handily deny the enemy any chance of taking an area. This will reward you a large number of targets destroyed as well as gaining a large number of points from people shooting at you launcher.

However, there is a couple of issues. The launcher can only be deployed when stationary and has a deployment time before you are able to train the gun sights on the target and open fire. The reload also requires the launcher to traverse to the rear of the vehicle and further lengthening the reload. one way to combat this is to have the rear end of the vehicle to the target, therefore reducing the time taken to traverse the launcher back to the firing position.

;SPAA duty

Apart from shooting at tanks, the ATGM can also be used on helicopters as there is no drop on ATGMs. If playing hull down, it might also be quite hard for helicopters to spot you, therefore making it a potent weapon against an enemy helicopter. Planes will be harder to hit as they will be moving at a faster speed.

'''Urban combat'''

The M901 does not fare too well in urban combat - due to the speed of the ATGM it is quite hard to readjust the missile direction in case of a miss and having to stop to fire the ATGM will result in an unpleasant experience. However, if you are forced to take this vehicle out in an urban environment, the best strategy will be to follow your teammates, hide behind cover and wait for your teammates to bait the enemy out.

'''Enemies worth noting:'''

* [[M113A1 (TOW)]]: this is a similar vehicle based on the M113 hull, with a much slimmer TOW launcher. The launcher only has 90 degrees horizontal rotation and 20 degrees gun depression meaning it adapts terrains slightly worse than the M901. Also, its launcher has a very small profile meaning it is harder to spot so you must deal with the M113A1 (TOW) carefully. However, its gunner is fully exposed and is prone to being knocked out or detonating chemical shells. In a battle, your M901 and the M113A1 (TOW) might be at similar spots which is kind of a sniper vs sniper scenario. Try to spot it first and fire at the gunner/launcher. Its gunner/launcher will detonate your missile and the shrapnel will splash down, killing all the crew or cause a hull break. But watch out for its 12.7 mm MG, it might damage your launcher or penetrate the hull in some cases.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Uses pairs of I-TOW missiles, which allows for quick follow-up attacks on targets if the first missile hits its mark or misses
* Has the best launcher depression of all horizontal ATGM launchers in the game at -30 degrees
* If it is forced into close combat, it can fire its missile at point-blank range at the risk of blowing itself up if the target is too close
* The missile launcher is very tall and combined with its amazing depression of -30 degrees, it can allow for players to abuse terrain features to go completely hull-down and reduce their chance of being spotted at range
* Superior to [[M113A1 (TOW)|export Italian version]] in almost every way possible
* Has access to 1st generation thermal sights that allow you to increase your situational awareness and spotting ability once unlocked.

'''Cons:'''

* The missile launcher is very tall and does not fully retract when hull-down, which can lead to situations where you are ammo-racked while reloading your missiles by players with good aim or luck.
* While the vehicle is traveling, the launcher is retracted and will be stowed away facing backwards and will take about 3 to 5 seconds for it to deploy and face the hull front, which means any vehicle that catches the M901 while it is relocating can dispatch it with ease.
* The launcher only reloads after the second missile has registered a hit
* The gun sight is located in the launcher, so when the launcher is reloading, it moves together with it and forces the operator to switch over to the binoculars to scan their surroundings
* Its missiles lack tandem warheads that can go through ERA and NERA found on many vehicles at its battle rating, but through the use of a follow-up missile ( a one-two punch ) the vehicle can defeat those enemies.
* Repairs for the launcher can become quite frustrating at times and may even force you to miss opportunities to strike enemies in your field of fire
* Unlike the [[M163|M163]], it doesn't have the capability to be amphibious.

== History ==

[[File:M901 TOW missile vehicle (1985).jpg|thumb|right|M901 in Germany during the Reforger "Central Guardian" 1985 exercise]]
M901 ITV (Improved TOW Vehicle) is a variant of the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier introduced in 1979 as a highly mobile tank destroyer that could engage not only armored targets but also fortifications while offering maximum protection for the crew. The vehicle could be transported by air, parachute-dropped and ford water up to 1 meter deep with no preparation. Last vehicle of the series was produced in 1998, totaling 3,315 units built over the years.

It's called "improved" due to being an upgrade over the [[M113A1 (TOW)|M113A1 with TOW launcher mounted]] instead of the standard [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|M2 Browning]] for the chassis. Its SEI 901 TUA launcher was capable of rapid deployment, could accurately hit targets with the first missile and fire the second one as soon as the first impacted the target. It was reloaded manually within 40 seconds. That said though, it had to be stowed when moving above 5 mph (8 km/h) to avoid damage to the launcher. As a secondary weapon M901 carried [[M60D (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M60 machine gun]] operated by the gunner. A total of 10 missiles and 2,000 machine gun rounds were stored.

A number of variants of the M901 existed, notably:

* M901 - equipped with first-generation TOW missiles, M113A1 chassis (in-game variant)
* M901A1 - equipped with TOW 2, M113A2 chassis
* M901A3 - equipped with TOW 2, M113A3 chassis

The in-game launcher uses the BGM-71C I-TOW missiles, which were the most advanced missiles available on the M901, featuring an increased range and an improved shape-charge warhead. The missile could be fired at targets up to 3,750 meters away, with an arming distance of 65 meters. Missile's average speed at the maximum range was 187.5 m/s.

Currently, the largest operators of the M901 ITV are Saudi Arabia (335 units), Greece (320) and Egypt (262), a total of 1313 units remains in operation between 10 countries.

{{Clear|right}}
[[File:M901 details.png|800px|center|thumb|Details of the M901 ITV in the A3 variant]]

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=tank_destroyer&vehicle=us_m901_itv Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|qoZv-sA80aI|'''Squadron Vehicles''' discusses the M901 at 00:38 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|4_cJ1CpEatw|'''Best gun depression''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:42 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==


Other vehicles based off the M113 platform:

* [[M113A1 (TOW)]]
* [[M163]]
* [[SIDAM 25]]

== External links ==


* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=106 [Military Factory<nowiki>]</nowiki> M901 ITV (Improved TOW Vehicle)]

{{TankManufacturer Emerson Electric Company}}
{{USA tank destroyers}}
{{Squadron ground vehicles}}

[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]

G.56

2020-04-26T15:39:36Z

U45440461: Cons - Added the ridiculously high RB repair cost of this aircraft in that section

{{Specs-Card|code=g_56}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]] and represents the penultimate modification of the G.55 ''Centauro''.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===

Loved by its pilots and despised by the enemies that get in its crosshairs, the G.56 is an excellent plane at its tier. It takes the already very solid G.55 airframe, extends the fuselage and places a powerful DB 603 engine in place of the already good DB 605, and drops the two Breda 12.7 mm HMG's, which were fairly useless, to begin with. The improved power of the 603 combined with overall weight deductions allows the aircraft to both literally and figuratively propel itself to new heights and gives it more than a fighting chance when facing other aircraft in the 5.0-6.3 range. Generally speaking, it is a very responsive aircraft with good overall flight characteristics that can dominate the airspace if given the chance. These traits have gained the aircraft the affectionate nickname of ''Super Centauro'' by the community.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 7,000 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
|-
| 677 || 658 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.9 || 21.5 || 18.2 || 18.2 || 250
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 7,000 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
|-
| 727 || 700 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.5 || 20.0 || 26.2 || 21.7 || 250
|-
|}

==== 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}} || 460 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 400 || < 420 || < 450 || > 314
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 6,000 m || 1,500 hp || 1,650 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 8 mm Steel plate behind the pilot
* 50 mm Bulletproof glass

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

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

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

* 1 x 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon, nose-mounted (300 rpg)
* 2 x 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons, wing-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)

Two of the cannons are mounted one each in the wings with the remaining cannon being nose-mounted through the propeller spinner. Each wing-mounted cannon is armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all wing-mounted guns will fire together until empty. The nose cannon contains 50 more rounds of ammo than the wing-mounted cannons and will continue to fire after the wing-mounted cannons have run out of ammunition.

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|GP 50 (50 kg)|GP 100 (100 kg)}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (100 kg total)
* 2 x 100 kg GP 100 bombs (200 kg total)

Unless the situation is extremely dire, it is never a wise move to use bombs on the G.56, as it wastes the aircraft's potential and puts it in its most vulnerable altitude where it can't use its excellent dive speed and top-end speed to get away from opponents.

== Usage in battles ==

Thanks to the powerful DB 603 and general aerodynamic improvements from the previous [[G.55 serie 1|G.55]], the G.56 will be a competitive aircraft in almost any role you put it in. Low-altitude, medium-altitude, high-altitude, energy fighting, Boom-&-Zoom or (in some cases) turn-fighting, the ''Super Centauro'' can do it all! However, your ideal flying style should be as a more reserved medium to high altitude energy fighter, as this is the area the aircraft excels the most in. One should always keep their speed up, a minimum of 370 km/h (230 mph), as this allows you to whip your nose around with alarming speed and bug out of unfavourable scenarios. It is important to note that the G.56 can very quickly bleed velocity in high-speed horizontal turns, and you may find yourself struggling to regain it.

One does not have to worry about the ammunition of the aircraft, as you are given an absurd 800 rounds total (300 in the nose-mounted gun plus 500 in the two wing-mounted guns) and have access to the universally feared ''minengeschoß'' round that will destroy anything in a few well-placed hits

=== Playstyles ===
Beneath the sleek and eye-pleasing design of the ''Super Centauro'' lies a monster of a plane if piloted well. The aircraft's main strength is not its armament, speed, manoeuvrability or climb rate (which are great in their own rights), but how easily it can set up an attack on an enemy. Your primary method of battle should be energy fighting at a middle or high altitude so you can keep up your potential energy while also making the most out of the aircraft's engine. You can dictate the flow of the battle by staying around 5,000 - 6,000 meters due to the ability to choose your fights easily; you can dive in and shred your targets, then be gone before anyone knows what happened. If an enemy tries to intercept you, pay attention to the aircraft they're flying and adjust accordingly, then engage on your terms. If they are approaching from below, pull up into a stall climb or vertical spiral to make them waste their energy then pounce while they're recovering, and if they are approaching from above, attempt to get them to overshoot and follow through.

The weakest flying style the G.56 can be put into is in a low-altitude combat scenario, where it can't abuse its excellent supercharged engine and doesn't have the altitude to dive so it can escape. It is a generally safe idea to avoid these scenarios and climb to get your advantages back and you won't be torn to shreds by the hordes of enemies that will flock to your location due to seeing you as easy prey.

The G.56 is also adept at dealing with bombers thanks to its excellent performance and powerful armament layout that can easily tear through the large bodies of strategic bombers. When engaging a bomber, it is best to either approach from the front to get a pilot snipe or approach from below and aim for the wings or engines, as it can't get very far without these. '''"Oh, it has weak guns, I can tail it."''' If these words enter your mind, throw them out immediately. Never tail '''any''' bomber, no matter how "weak" its defensive armament maybe, as this mindset can lead to some embarrassing deaths regardless of the skill of the pilot in question.

=== Specific enemies worth noting ===
While the G.56 can out-perform a good portion of enemies it will face, there are a few enemies that one should pay attention to.

* '''[[Spitfire F Mk 24]]'''. The Mk 24 is arguably the best prop plane in the game thanks to its insane climb rate, excellent speed, powerful armament and good manoeuvrability. While not commonly encountered in Realistic thanks to it being a full 1.0 BR ahead of the G.56, it is a very common foe in Arcade where its BR of 6.3 frequently pits it against the 6.0 ''Super Centauro''. Your best bet of beating it is by gaining an altitude advantage in order to dive bomb it, which is difficult to do because of the Mk 24's awesome climb rate, or in a low velocity turning engagement where you can make use of your superior low-speed manoeuvrability combined with the usage of combat flaps.
* '''[[Bf 109 K-4]]'''. The ''Kurfürst'' is the penultimate modification of the legendary Bf 109 and plays surprisingly similar to the G.56, even sharing basically the same armament layout (2 x 13.2 mm HMGs and 3 x 20 mm cannons, as this is the setup most pilots use). However it does out climb and out speed you by a relatively large margin, but you beat it at higher altitudes and have more responsive controls at lower speeds. The result of the dogfight comes down to pilot skill, as the planes are extremely similar, but you should try to Boom & Zoom against it to avoid the danger the aircraft presents. It is worthy to note that you outturn every 109 except the earlier ones such as the [[Bf 109 F-4|F-4]], and can turn around them even more so when the 109's pilot uses the gunpod attachments, which is more than common.
* '''[[F8F-1B]]'''. The Bearcat is also a very dangerous opponent that you can encounter. Its roll rate is comparable to the Fw 190 series, its speed and acceleration are almost unparalleled and its armament is very effective in all forms of combat. You are under no circumstances to engage a Bearcat that is aware of your presence, as it will easily beat you in almost every scenario. If one forces an engagement on you, seek assistance from teammates or attempt to bleed his speed with safe manoeuvres.
* '''[[I-225]]'''. The I-225 is the king of Russian props and excels in a high altitude, energy-based flying style. While the G.56 itself is very solid at higher altitudes thanks to its DB 603 combined with a supercharger, it is nothing compared to the I-225, which loses almost no performance flying anywhere above 6 km. Combined with its amazing speed and relatively powerful armament, the Russian menace is a fear to any aircraft it comes into contact with. However, if you are able to engage it with an energy advantage via Boom & Zoom, it is an easy target thanks to its very vulnerable airframe and almost total lack of armour. The aircraft is also very poor in low-speed engagements, an area the G.56 does well in and can take advantage of as a result.
* [[Re.2005 serie 0|Re.2005]]. While Realistic Battles will never have you go against the ''Saggitario'', Arcade poses this challenge. The Re.2005 is an amazing prop fighter which has a turning circle that embarrasses a Spitfire and makes a Zero blush, plus it has the armaments to back up said manoeuvrability. These traits make the 2005 one of the most universally feared threats to anyone in its airspace. However, it lacks the speed to compete with its contemporaries and has a very weak airframe that cannot afford to take many central hits. Your amazing dive speed is your friend in these scenarios, always engage the 2005 with a speed advantage and never turn after a run.

=== When Engaging the Aircraft ===
The G.56 is an enemy that you need to dispatch of as soon as you possibly can, as even a singular one can be the most painful thorn in your side for the rest of the game. You should never let them gain an altitude advantage, as this allows them to singlehandedly dictate the flow of the battle with its high diving speed and excellent top-end speed. If one is diving on you, you should take advantage of the aircraft's poor roll rate due to high-speed compression and force an overshoot, then light them up during their zoom climb.

Unless you're in a Re.2005, Ki-84, Zero, Ki-61, Reppu or Spitfire, you should never engage a G.56 in a turn-fight. Despite the aircraft's stat card saying otherwise, the G.56 turns better than almost every aircraft it faces and turns especially well with energy. Your go-to tactic for engaging the aircraft should be Boom-&-Zoom, as it allows you to blitz them and take advantage of their relatively weak airframe.

=== 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 Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
|
| MCGP50
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
|
|
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
| Offensive 20 mm
| MCSAP100
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
| New 20 mm cannons
|
|-
|}
Focus on performance upgrades to remedy a few of the G.56's weaknesses that are more pronounced when stock, such as manoeuvrability. Do not worry about researching the bomb options, as they are next to useless and only hampers the aircraft's performance.

Upgrades should follow a similar path as this:

* Fuselage repair
* Radiator
* Compressor
* Airframe
* Offensive 20 mm
* Engine
* Wing repair
* Engine injection
* Cover
* New 20 mm cannons

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful engine gives it great acceleration and great top speed
* Can easily set and rack up kills in the hands of a skilled pilot
* Fast firing, an accurate triad of MG 151 cannons with access to the dreaded ''minengeschoß'' explosive round
* Large ammo reserve (800 rounds total)
* Above average climb rate
* Superb manoeuvrability at all speeds
* Competitive flight performance at most altitudes
* Arguably the best 6.0 Axis aircraft that can deal with most Allied props with relative ease
* Excellent top speed, although slightly slower than its competitors
* Lenient stock grind
* Great manoeuvre energy retention

'''Cons:'''

* Mediocre roll rate

* Control surfaces function poorly at high speeds
* Stays in take-off settings while using Automatic Engine Controls, overheating the plane quickly
* Open radiator affects plane's top speed more than typical fighters
* Can face early jets in Arcade
* Has a high repair cost of 44,000-55,220 SL (RB) for it's tier

== History ==

The concept of the G.56 traces back to 1942 when the ''Stato Maggiore dell'aeronautica'' requested Fiat to develop an aircraft based on the G.55 airframe around the recently available DB 603 engine that produced 1,750 horsepower, 275 more horsepower than the DB 605. It was designed by Giuseppe Gabrielli in 1944, and the design was proven to be an all-around improvement from the already good G.55, with Commander Valentino Cus reaching nearly 710 km/h (450 mph) and official records stating a maximum speed of roughly 685 km/h (426 mph). The two Breda-SAFAT Machine guns that were mounted in the nose were removed to make room for the massive engine, thus reducing the weight slightly and allowing more 20 mm ammunition to be carried.

Leader of the Luftwaffe Hermann Goering saw the potential in the prototype and immediately proposed it to Hitler and Galland as an alternative to the Me 309, a similarly designed Bf 109 with a DB 603 engine. He described that due to the state of the war, Germany could not afford to make such radical changes to the Bf 109, as it was already difficult enough to go from the [[Bf 109 E-3|E series]] to the [[Bf 109 F-4|F series]], let alone the [[Bf 109 G-10|G series]]. Thus, he proposed that Germany would take over production of the aircraft, giving them a fighting chance versus the myriad of enemy fighters that started to outclass the 109. However, engine production of the DB 603 was put on the back burner to focus on the DB 605 that powered a good portion of German aircraft, so there was only a handful of DB 603's to go around. Despite showing excellent flight characteristics able to compete with every allied fighter at the time, it was never put into production due to the lack of DB 603 engines and Italy's horrible economic status, with only two prototypes being made before the war's end.

== Media ==

{{Youtube-gallery|94S5XQwnX2I|'''The Shooting Range #108''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:16 discusses the G.56.}}

== See also ==


* [[G.55 (Family)]]: the family the G.56 comes from
* [[Fw 190 D-9]], [[Fw 190 D-12|D-12]]/[[Fw 190 D-13|D-13]] and [[Ta 152 H-1]]: equivalent fighter aircraft using the same engine

== 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 Fiat}}
{{Italy fighters}}