War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

FV4202

2021-09-06T09:21:15Z

U57802886: /* Pros and cons */ Fixed a spelling mistake

{{Specs-Card
|code=uk_fv4202
|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 1.63 "Desert Hunters"]]. As the prototype of the [[Chieftain Mk 3|Chieftain]], it features the heavy sloping armour of the Chieftain on the chassis of a [[Centurion Mk 3|Centurion tank]].

The FV4202 gives the player a very good insight on what to expect on the future of the Rank IV and V medium tanks of the British Ground Forces. Featuring a very sloped frontal armour and the powerful high-penetrating cannon. The FV4202 is also relatively mobile for its armour and weight, this can be used to push towards the enemy. When in movement, keep in mind the turret armour and lower frontal glacis as these are prominent front weak points of the FV4202.

The FV4202 is a British medium tank. It has sloped frontal armour, a well rounded and thickly armoured turret and a powerful 84mm gun with access to APDS ammunition. The first thing that you may notice when you first get the FV4202 is that the stock 20pdr gun is far more effective than the stock 17pdr gun, due to the fact that you start with APCBC ammunition, which is far more effective than the 17-pdr's purely AP stock rounds. This makes it far more forgiving than tanks like the Centurion MK1 or the Challenger. When fighting in a low rank game, it can be a game changing tank. It can easily take out Tiger I and Panther tanks at long range whilst remaining resistant to enemy fire. Even Tiger II tanks are vulnerable to the 84mm gun, though their gun poses a big threat to you, especially at long range. When you get up-tiered, you will face far more challenging enemies. At this battle rating, you can face the Jagdtiger, Leopard I , IS-6, IS-3, IS-4M and the T-54 (and even the Maus if you're playing realistic). These are all highly resistant to your APDS (even from the side in the IS-3/IS-4M case), and have extremely potent armament.

When you get up-tiered the weaknesses of the FV4202 start to show. To start, it has a very poor reverse speed. As a British tanker, you will have experience with similar issues from vehicles with the Cromwell chassis, but the FV4202 has nowhere near the mobility, so it is difficult to quickly escape from a bad situation as it was with Cromwell based tanks. The frontal armour is thin and so is particularly vulnerable to high calibre HE shells. Also, although thickly armoured, the turret has some flat parts which are easily penetrated by many tanks of the BR. Finally, there are only four crew in the tanks, three of whom are in the turret. A turret penetration may knock out the entire turret crew and destroy the tank.

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

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 51.2 mm (70°) ''Front glacis'' 74.8 mm (46°) ''Lower glacis'' || 51.2 (13°) + 13 mm || 31 mm (2°) ''Upper'' 31 mm (51°) || 27.2 mm
|-
| Turret || 170-200 mm (0-60°) || 89.6 mm || 92.6 mm || 60 mm
|-
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
|-
| Cupola || 59.5 mm || 60 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.
* The front of the turret is heavily sloped and vary in thickness, being the thickest on the sides of the gun at 240 mm
* The turret ring is 200 mm

Aiming for the LFP (Lower Frontal Plate), with an effective thickness of around 150mm, is probably the easiest place to go for when targeting the FV4202 from the front. By doing this, you are both taking out the driver and ammo. Aiming for the plate under it to take out the transmission and possibly the driver is also an option from the front. If your tank has a more powerful gun, aiming for the upper cupola or weak spots such as the gun mantlet or armour cheeks is possible. Tanks such as the IS-2 can also aim for the upper roof of the tank as HE shells can take out this armour while knocking out most, if not all, of the turret crew.

If countering the FV4202 from the side, the skirt armour and tracks can sometimes catch a shot or two. Instead, aim for the side of the turret if a possibility. As all three turret crew members are located here, as well as the gun breech, this is generally a good idea. Especially noting that three of the four crew are here, taking this shot into consideration as a possible way to instantly incapacitate the tank. When taking a larger amount of shells, ammo racks are located just under the turret also, so when possible also take this into consideration. Preferably do the same when engaging from the rear. When using any aircraft, it is possible to penetrate the thin 8mm of armour above the engine compartment, making this an easy shot.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=790|rbMinHp=451}}

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

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

{{main|20pdr OQF Mk.I (84 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[20pdr OQF Mk.I (84 mm)|84 mm 20pdr OQF Mk.I]] || 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" | 50 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 17.14 || 23.72 || 28.80 || 31.85 || 33.88 || rowspan="2" | 8.19 || rowspan="2" | 7.25 || rowspan="2" | 6.68 || rowspan="2" | 6.30
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 10.71 || 12.60 || 15.30 || 16.92 || 18.00
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| Shot Mk.1 || APCBC || 232 || 229 || 216 || 201 || 187 || 173
|-
| Shot Mk.3 || APDS || 285 || 283 || 262 || 239 || 218 || 198
|-
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 15 || 15 || 15 || 15 || 15 || 15
|-
|}
{| 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 Mk.1 || APCBC || 1,000 || 9.1 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| Shot Mk.3 || APDS || 1,400 || 3.2 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 75° || 78° || 80°
|-
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 600 || 7.5 || 0 || 0.1 || 1,130 || 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)
|-
| 20pdr Shell SS Mk.1 || 250 || 9.3 || 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
! 7th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''50''' || 44 ''(+6)'' || 40 ''(+10)'' || 36 ''(+14)'' || 33 ''(+17)'' || 28 ''(+22)'' || 24 ''(+49)'' || 1 ''(+49)'' || style="text-align:left" | yes
|-
|}

Turret and centre empty: 24 (+26)

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

{{main|L3A1 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[L3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm L3A1]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 7,500 (250) || 500 || -10°/+20° || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

====Tactics====


Hull down: Due to the good gun depression and strong turret armour, the FV4202 performs well in a hull down position, where only the turret is visible to the enemy. Some maps are better for this tactic than others. It involves looking for a good spot overlooking a capture point or a large open space, setting up a good defensive position and then picking off enemies that come into your sights. This way you will be a lot more difficult to destroy as enemies can only get glancing shots on your sloped and rounded turret.

Sniping: With APDS, the 84mm is a very precise and accurate gun. Therefore, it is effective at taking out targets at long range. It is extremely satisfying sniping enemy tanks at the other end of the map. This is a good tactic for the FV4202, where you can hang back, retain the effectiveness of your armour and pick off enemy tanks at your leisure. Just ensure to change position every few shots to avoid getting bombed or knocked out by another tank. When you get down tiered, Tigers, Panther, IS-1/2 and T-34s can be leisurely picked off at range while you remain largely immune to their hits.

Front line tank: Particularly when down tiered, the FV4202 makes an excellent front line vehicle. It's main gun can counter any threat, particularly Tiger I and Panther Tanks, whilst its heavily sloped armour and strong turret allows it to bounce some hits. This allows you to push capture points and takeout enemy tanks on the move with your stabilizer. Be careful not to over extend. The FV4202 is very vulnerable from the sides. If you over extend you will open up your flanks and become vulnerable. Instead you should get to a comfortable place and then initiate a hull down tactic.

====Specific enemies worth noting====


* Tiger II [[Tiger II (P)|(P)]]/[[Tiger II (H)|(H)]]: With a BR 6.7, the FV4202 is more than likely to see a Tiger II in the field. If encountered in the front, aim for the cheeks of the turret, the right side to knock out the gunner and render the Tiger II unable to fire. Use this opportunity to withdraw for a better vantage point for more capable tanks to destroy the Tiger II or for the enemy Tiger to make another mistake and get shot by the FV4202 again. Avoid getting hit by the Tiger IIs 88mm gun. It will be able to penetrate you at long range and a hit will most likely knock you out.
* [[IS-2]] ([[IS-2 (1944)|mod. 1944]]): Another common heavy tank enemy. If it is the regular IS-2, the 20-pounder can easily penetrate the hull armour and the turret cheeks (right side again for the gunner). The mod. 1944 is more complicated due to its improved frontal armour so it is important to be able to target the turret cheeks to knock out its fighting capability. Like the Tiger II, the IS-2 has a very powerful main gun. A direct hit will almost certainly destroy the FV4202 in one hit.
* [[T29]]: American heavy tank capable of outright destroying the FV4202. Frontal glacis and turret armour near impenetrable in the front. Aim for the lower glacis or even a glancing shot on the turret side for a chance to penetrate the armour.
* [[Tortoise|A39 Tortoise]]: This heavily armoured vehicle prevents the FV4202 from penetrating its frontal armour, the only weak point being the commander's location and that is not a good place as the 20-pounder does not have a lot of post-penetration damage. Best case is to simply withdraw and attack it from the sides.
* [[Panther II]]: Unlike the first [[Panther tank (Family)|Panther series]], the Panther II's frontal armour cannot be penetrated by the 20-pounder, plus it has the famous [[KwK 43 (88 mm)|88 mm gun]] so more caution is needed. However, just like the Tiger II, aiming for the turret cheeks can ensure a disabling of the vehicle to take advantage of.
* [[IS-6]] : The IS-6 is one of the most challenging vehicles that you face at this rank. It is fast, very well armoured and has a powerful gun. Despite the fact that it is a premium, it is very common. You will face it often. It can easily bounce the 84mm APDS from the front and even the sides. If angled properly the IS-6 is very difficult to displace. It is not invincible though. Firing at it from high ground can reduce the effectiveness of its angled armour and HEAT-fs is good for penetrating it's armour, so working closely with other tanks is important.
* [[Maus]] : The very sight of a Maus on the battle field can be enough to make some players turn tail and run. It is an extremely menacing opponent to face on the battlefield, and its huge 128mm gun will have no trouble taking you out of the game. Even the 75mm coaxial gun can damage your main gun and tracks, if not penetrate the {{PAGENAME}} from the side. Luckily, the Maus is not invincible. With APDS you can penetrate turret cheeks and side armour relatively easily, but sometimes your rounds will simply pass through the massive superstructure without doing very much damage. The internal layout of the Maus is quite complex and is lined with extra 20mm plates of armour, protecting crew members and modules from internal shrapnel. Destroying the Maus in one shot is extremely difficult, so it is often best to retreat after a successful hit.
* [[Jagdtiger]] : The Jagdtiger is armed with the same devastating 128mm gun as the Maus, which is absolutely deadly if it hits you. Couple this with formidable frontal armour and you have a very dangerous opponent. Try to flank this opponent or hit the flat superstructure on the left and right of the main gun.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Decent mobility for the size
* Heavy punching 84 mm 20-pounder "Quickfire" gun can penetrate most enemies seen at BR
* Very strong sloped frontal armour able to withstand most shells fired at the FV4202
* Resistant to Russian 85 mm's and German [[KwK36 (88 mm)|88 mm KwK36]] at long range
* Has a stabiliser which allows for accurate fire on the move
* Has a low profile compared to other British tanks of the same rank such as the Centurion Mk 3
* Unlock-able APDS shell for heavier targets

'''Cons:'''

* Weak side armour
* Overall thin armour yet sloped
* LFP (Lower Frontal Plate) is generally weak and most penetrative hits will take out driver and ammo rack
* Poor reverse speed
* A part of the soft turret armour is near a flat weak point
* Vulnerable to air attacks from planes with heavier guns as engine roof armour is lacking
* Although a small target, there is an 89 mm weak spot right above the gun Shots penetrating this, in particular APHE may knock out the turret crew
* The cupola on top of the turret is a deadly weak spot One penetration from APHE will take you out
* Solid shot only, no explosive filler. Especially noting APDS' lack of post-penetration damage and shrapnel

== 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 ==


;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|oa26g25qqP4|'''Best medium tanks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:16 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== 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.''

{{Britain medium tanks}}

T-55AM-1

2021-05-13T11:19:38Z

U57802886: /* Pros and cons */ Fixed a spelling mistake

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

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 and ATGM.
* One of the few top rank tanks with APHE, great for single-shot knock-outs.
* Favourable matchmaking that won't face top rank tanks.
* Respectable mobility.
* Laser rangefinder enables long range targeting.
* 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.
* Adequate back-up for a top-rank Soviet line-up, as it can even take out an Abrams in a single blow with an APHE shell, given proper shot placement.

'''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 that won't help get out of dangerous situations.
* The Rheinmetall 120 mm HEATFS and most high-penetration ATGMs will go clean through its armour.
* 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 ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

* [[T-54/55 (Family)]]

;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[T-62 (Family)]]

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

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

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

[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]

Panzer IV/70 (A)

2021-04-01T14:34:14Z

U57802886: Created page with "The Nibelungenwerke Panzer IV/70 (A) is a rank 3 german gift tankn"

The Nibelungenwerke Panzer IV/70 (A) is a rank 3 german gift tankn