M3A3 Bradley - Revision history

U137328340: Hate to be like an annoying English teacher, but I've gone and fixed up a lot of the phrasing and grammar of the Gameplay Section

2024-07-31T21:42:39Z

Hate to be like an annoying English teacher, but I've gone and fixed up a lot of the phrasing and grammar of the Gameplay Section

U30026766: Basic copyediting, fixed incomplete sentences and redundant words.

2024-04-23T23:13:23Z

Basic copyediting, fixed incomplete sentences and redundant words.

U44629479: Edits

2024-04-16T04:26:46Z

Edits

U100904013: Added the Video to the Media section.

2024-04-06T15:12:57Z

Added the Video to the Media section.

U28580205: /* Description */ Updated description to new format.

2023-07-19T14:45:17Z

‎Description: Updated description to new format.

U38088265: /* Mobility */ Updated

2023-03-17T21:29:36Z

‎Mobility: Updated

U38088265: /* Ammunition */ Converted to transclusion

2023-02-08T17:10:01Z

‎Ammunition: Converted to transclusion

U44629479: Edits

2023-02-06T21:36:27Z

Edits

U44629479: Edits

2023-02-06T21:31:23Z

Edits

U90882637: /* Pros and cons */ Updated pros and cons with a few bullets, noted the addition of the scout UAV and its usage

2023-02-06T07:25:21Z

‎Pros and cons: Updated pros and cons with a few bullets, noted the addition of the scout UAV and its usage

@@ Line 182: / Line 182: @@
 == Usage in battles ==
 <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
-The proper role of the M3A3 in battles is as a support vehicle. Because the secondary missile launcher deploys only when the vehicle is at a slow speed, the gameplay should be slower and farther away from the frontlines of the battlefield. The TOW-2B modification should be used to its best use, allowing for the player to easily compromise enemy sniper positions using their top down effect. The vehicle's scouting ability should also be used on hard to hit or far-away targets. A secondary use for the vehicle is in more close-quarters maps as a flanker, because the 25 mm cannon can easily penetrate the sides and rear of enemy tanks. Regarding survivability, even though the M3A3 has add-on armour compared to its predecessor, the M3 Bradley still doesn't have enough armour to defend against nearly all threats. The vehicle should be treated as if it can be killed from anywhere, from any round, in any place.
+The primary role of the M3A3 in battles is to be a support vehicle. Because the secondary missile launcher deploys only when the vehicle is at a slow speed, the gameplay should be slower and further away from the frontlines of the battlefield. The TOW-2B modification is highly recommended as it allows the player to easily compromise enemy sniper positions using their top-attack effect. The vehicle's scouting ability should also be used on enemies in tough positions or distant targets. A secondary use for the vehicle is in more close-quarters maps as a flanker because the 25 mm cannon can easily penetrate the sides and rear of enemy tanks. Regarding survivability, even though the M3A3 has add-on armour unlike its predecessor, the M3 Bradley still doesn't have enough armour to defend against most threats. This makes the vehicle very vulnerable, a fact which should be kept in mind at all times whilst playing the M3 Bradley.
 '''Stock grind'''
-In terms of gameplay, a stock M3A3 is actually not as different from a spaded one as with other vehicles. It is missing many abilities such as TOW-2B missiles, smoke grenades and ESS, engine horsepower, etc. But, the stock vehicle is still very deadly on the battlefield and can be useful to the team. First off, the stock M3A3 is not to be played on the front lines in most cases as it can not fire missiles on the move and also the APDS rounds in the stock 25 mm belt will not penetrate anything heavier than a light tank from the front. It should be played in the second line behind friendly tanks, scouting and supporting them with 25 mm rounds and missiles as needed. The TOW-2 missiles that come stock are great at knocking out tanks from the front, even ones that have ERA. The goal is to not be shot by the enemy but to get assists with the 25 mm gun and kills with the missiles while scouting targets for the team. If possible, flanking routes or long range hull-down sniping are also recommended to try and prevent the tank being hit by enemy fire. In summary, a much more cautious approach should be taken to prevent destruction by enemies and gain RP by getting assists and kills by supporting team mates.
+Gameplay-wise, the Bradley's stock experience does not differ as much from its spaded form, unlike many other vehicles. Albeit, it is missing many abilities such as TOW-2B missiles, smoke grenades and ESS, or engine horsepower to name a few. But, the stock vehicle is still very deadly on the battlefield and can be useful to the team. First of all, the stock M3A3 should not be played near the frontlines as it cannot fire missiles on the move and also the APDS rounds in the stock 25 mm belt will not penetrate anything heavier than a light vehicle from the front. It should be played towards the rear behind friendly tanks, scouting and supporting them with 25 mm rounds and missiles as needed. The TOW-2 missiles that come stock are great at knocking out tanks from the front, even ones that have ERA. The goal is to not be shot by the enemy but to get assists with the 25 mm gun and kills with the missiles while scouting targets for the team. If possible, flanking routes or long range hull-down sniping are also recommended to try and prevent the tank being hit by enemy fire. In summary, a much more cautious approach should be taken to prevent destruction by enemies and gain RP by getting assists and kills by supporting teammates.
 === Pros and cons ===

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
 Since its adoption, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) series have underwent design upgrades to accommodate new features and experiences, leading to the A1 and A2 variants that were deployed during Operation Desert Storm. As the US Army moved towards the 21st century, there was an emphasis in improving the crew's ability to obtain and transmit information as part of the overall digitization of the military. This led to the A3 variant in the late 1990s that saw introduction of new communication equipment to other vehicles, a Commander's Independent Thermal View (CITV), new fire control system, and GPS navigation. The A3 upgrade began full-rate production in 2001, which included the M3 BFV as the M3A3 BFV.
-The '''{{Specs|name}}''', introduced in [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]], features significant capability improvements over the preceding [[M3 Bradley|M3 BFV]]. The M3A3 ability to engage targets have improved with a laser rangefinder, which complements well with the new 25 mm APFSDS ammunition available. The TOW missiles available for the M3A3 are also improved with the . The M3A3 variant differs mainly from the M3 Bradley by its laser rangefinder, its APFSDS belt for the 25 mm cannon, CITV, and more powerful TOW missiles with the TOW-2 penetrating almost double of the preceding version and the TOW-2B capable of top-attack. Though the armour is slightly better than the M3 with additional armour plates around the plate, the M3A3 is still vulnerable to most enemy fire from autocannon calibre and above. Due to the new additions increasing the weight, the mobility is a little slower, though still respectable enough to get around. Despite these drawbacks, the vast firepower improvements ensure that the M3A3 remains competitive against its opponents.
+The '''{{Specs|name}}''', introduced in [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]], features significant capability improvements over the preceding [[M3 Bradley|M3 BFV]]. The M3A3 ability to engage targets have improved with a laser rangefinder, which complements well with the new 25 mm APFSDS ammunition available. The TOW missiles available for the M3A3 are also improved with the addition of the TOW-2A and TOW-2B modifications. The M3A3 variant differs mainly from the M3 Bradley by its laser rangefinder, its APFSDS belt for the 25 mm cannon, CITV, and more powerful TOW missiles with the TOW-2 penetrating almost double of the preceding version and the TOW-2B capable of top-attack. Though the armour is slightly better than the M3 with additional armour plates around the hull and sides, the M3A3 is still vulnerable to most enemy fire from autocannon calibre and above. Due to the new additions increasing the weight, the mobility is a little slower, though still respectable enough to get around. Despite these drawbacks, the vast firepower improvements ensure that the M3A3 remains competitive against its opponents.
 == General info ==

@@ Line 246: / Line 246: @@
 ;Videos
-{{Youtube-gallery |klTnC5qwPX4|'''The Shooting Range #248''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:29 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.  |EqBcQom4ilU|'''Ultimate M3(A3) Bradley Guide''' -By Bob Dickinson. }}
+{{Youtube-gallery|EqBcQom4ilU|'''M3(A3) Bradley Ultimate Review''' - ''Bob Dickinson''|klTnC5qwPX4|'''The Shooting Range #248''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:29 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
 == See also ==

@@ Line 246: / Line 246: @@
 ;Videos
-{{Youtube-gallery|klTnC5qwPX4|'''The Shooting Range #248''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:29 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
+{{Youtube-gallery |klTnC5qwPX4|'''The Shooting Range #248''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:29 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.  |EqBcQom4ilU|'''Ultimate M3(A3) Bradley Guide''' -By Bob Dickinson. }}
 == See also ==

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
-The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]]. The M3A3 variant differs mainly from the M3 Bradley by its laser rangefinder, its APFSDS belt for the 25 mm cannon, CITV, and more powerful TOW missiles.
+Since its adoption, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) series have underwent design upgrades to accommodate new features and experiences, leading to the A1 and A2 variants that were deployed during Operation Desert Storm. As the US Army moved towards the 21st century, there was an emphasis in improving the crew's ability to obtain and transmit information as part of the overall digitization of the military. This led to the A3 variant in the late 1990s that saw introduction of new communication equipment to other vehicles, a Commander's Independent Thermal View (CITV), new fire control system, and GPS navigation. The A3 upgrade began full-rate production in 2001, which included the M3 BFV as the M3A3 BFV.
 == General info ==

@@ Line 46: / Line 46: @@
 <!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
-{{tankMobility|abMinHp=942|rbMinHp=538}}
+{{tankMobility|abMinHp=930|rbMinHp=531}}
 === Modifications and economy ===

@@ Line 106: / Line 106: @@
 The belt of 25 mm APFSDS shells excels against lightly-armoured vehicles and has a more consistent performance against the sides of armoured enemy MBTs than the M3 Bradley's mixed APDS/HEI-T belt.
-{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+{{:M242 (25 mm)/Ammunition|APDS, HEI-T*, APFSDS}}
 ==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
@@ Line 174: / Line 143: @@
 ==== Ammunition ====
-{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+{{:BGM-71 TOW/Ammunition|TOW-2, TOW-2B}}
 ==== [[Ammo racks]] ====

@@ Line 103: / Line 103: @@
 * '''M791:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
 * '''M919:''' {{Annotation|APFSDS|Armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot}}
 {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
@@ Line 255: / Line 257: @@
 '''Pros:'''
-* Access to a full belt of 25 mm APFSDS shells - excels against light vehicles and lightly armoured MBTs and higher consistent performance against (the sides of) armoured enemy MBTs than the M3 Bradley's mixed APDS/HEI-T belts
+* Access to a full belt of 25 mm APFSDS shells - excels against light vehicles and lightly-armoured MBTs
 * Access to the fast travelling TOW-2B top-attack missile - capable of penetrating the weak top armour of enemy tanks, and targeting vehicles that are hiding behind cover
-* Access to excellent 2nd generation thermals for the gunner, commander, and even the driver
+* 2nd generation thermals for the gunner, commander, and even the driver allow for excellent spotting and scouting of targets along with the scout UAV
 * Elevated independent commander sight which allows TOW missiles to be fired and accurately guided from behind cover
 * Good mobility and respectable reverse speed of -13 km/h
@@ Line 266: / Line 267: @@
 * Laser rangefinder for the main gun unlike the preceding [[M3 Bradley]]
 * Great zoom of 4.0x - 12.0x and a good sight FOV of 18°-6°
-* More armour than the original M3 Bradley, can absorb up to 30 mm APDS (as fired by, for example, the BMP-2) in some places at range
+* Can absorb up to 30 mm APDS (as fired by, for example, the BMP-2) in some places at range
 * Quick gun handling like its predecessor
@@ Line 277: / Line 278: @@
 * Cannot fire missiles while moving at a speed greater than 15 km/h
 * Missile launcher takes some time to deploy
-* TOW-2Bs are very inconsistent in terms of damage
+* TOW-2Bs are very inconsistent in terms of damage and can be stopped by ERA
-** The vehicle also does not have access to the tandem charge TOW-2As; regular TOW-2s can be stopped by ERA
+* Cannot reliably engage enemy MBTs from the front with 25 mm APFSDS rounds
-* Cannot reliably engage enemy MBTs from the front with 25 mm APFSDS
+* Retains the rather poor survivability of its predecessor despite the increase in armour
 * Missiles can be detonated when hit by enemy fire, even while still in the launcher
 * Tall profile

@@ Line 17: / Line 17: @@
 {{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 <!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
-The armour on the M3A3 is significantly upgraded compared to its predecessor, with additional armour plates all around the vehicle. These armour plates make the M3A3 almost impervious to heavy machineguns such as the M2HB and the DShK. However, any weapon that is about 14.5 mm in diameter or larger (i.e. SPAA, [[Leopard 2K]], ...) still poses a significant threat. As such, it is better to avoid taking hits when possible.
+The armour on the M3A3 is significantly upgraded compared to its predecessor, with additional armour plates all around the vehicle. These armour plates make the M3A3 almost impervious to heavy machine guns such as the M2HB and the DShK. However, any weapon that is about 14.5 mm in diameter or larger (i.e. SPAA, [[Leopard 2K]], etc.) still poses a significant threat. As such, it is better to avoid taking hits when possible.
 Ammo is stored in large amounts throughout the tank, with 25 mm ammo containers lining the left side of the interior and additional BGM-71 ATGMs stowed on the right side. The loaded ammunition is stored just behind the turret crew, with a linked belt leading upwards into the breech. Penetrating hits that strike any of these ammunition stores have a high chance of setting the ammo off.
@@ Line 244: / Line 244: @@
 == Usage in battles ==
 <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
-The proper role of the M3A3 in battles is as a support vehicle. Because the secondary missile launcher deploys only when the vehicle is at a slow speed, the gameplay should be slower and farther away from the frontlines of the battlefield. The TOW-2B modification should be used to its best use, allowing for the player to easily compromise enemy sniper positions using their top down effect. The vehicle's scouting ability should also be used on hard to hit or far-away targets. A secondary use for the vehicle is in more close-quarters maps as a flanker, because the 25 mm cannon can easily penetrate the sides and rear of enemy tanks. Regarding survivability, even though the M3A3 has add-on armor compared to its predecessor, the M3 Bradley still doesn't have enough armor to defend against nearly all threats. The vehicle should be treated as if it can be killed from anywhere, from any round, in any place.
+The proper role of the M3A3 in battles is as a support vehicle. Because the secondary missile launcher deploys only when the vehicle is at a slow speed, the gameplay should be slower and farther away from the frontlines of the battlefield. The TOW-2B modification should be used to its best use, allowing for the player to easily compromise enemy sniper positions using their top down effect. The vehicle's scouting ability should also be used on hard to hit or far-away targets. A secondary use for the vehicle is in more close-quarters maps as a flanker, because the 25 mm cannon can easily penetrate the sides and rear of enemy tanks. Regarding survivability, even though the M3A3 has add-on armour compared to its predecessor, the M3 Bradley still doesn't have enough armour to defend against nearly all threats. The vehicle should be treated as if it can be killed from anywhere, from any round, in any place.
 '''Stock grind'''
@@ Line 255: / Line 255: @@
 '''Pros:'''
-* Access to a full belt of 25 mm APFSDS shells - excels against light vehicles and lightly armoured MBTs and higher consistent performance against (the sides of) armored enemy MBTs than the M3 Bradley's mixed APDS/HEI-T belts
+* Access to a full belt of 25 mm APFSDS shells - excels against light vehicles and lightly armoured MBTs and higher consistent performance against (the sides of) armoured enemy MBTs than the M3 Bradley's mixed APDS/HEI-T belts
 * Access to the fast travelling TOW-2B top-attack missile - capable of penetrating the weak top armour of enemy tanks, and targeting vehicles that are hiding behind cover
 * Access to excellent 2nd generation thermals for the gunner, commander, and even the driver
@@ Line 280: / Line 280: @@
 ** The vehicle also does not have access to the tandem charge TOW-2As; regular TOW-2s can be stopped by ERA
 * Cannot reliably engage enemy MBTs from the front with 25 mm APFSDS
-* Retains the rather poor survivability as its predecessor despite the increase in armor
+* Retains the rather poor survivability as its predecessor despite the increase in armour
 * Missiles can be detonated when hit by enemy fire, even while still in the launcher
 * Tall profile

@@ Line 258: / Line 258: @@
 * Access to the fast travelling TOW-2B top-attack missile - capable of penetrating the weak top armour of enemy tanks, and targeting vehicles that are hiding behind cover
 * Access to excellent 2nd generation thermals for the gunner, commander, and even the driver
 * Elevated independent commander sight which allows TOW missiles to be fired and accurately guided from behind cover
 * Good mobility and respectable reverse speed of -13 km/h
-* Access to scouting ability
+* Can engage enemy aerial vehicles with the main gun due to +59° of gun elevation and IRST with roughly 8 km range
-* Can engage enemy aerial vehicles with the main gun due to +59° of gun elevation
+** Does not trigger enemy RWRs when locked on
 * -9° gun depression and a small turret mean you can effectively use hull down tactics
-* Laser rangefinder for the main gun
+* Laser rangefinder for the main gun unlike the preceding [[M3 Bradley]]
-* Great zoom of 4.0x - 12.0x and a good sight FOV of 18-6
+* Great zoom of 4.0x - 12.0x and a good sight FOV of 18°-6°
 * More armour than the original M3 Bradley, can absorb up to 30 mm APDS (as fired by, for example, the BMP-2) in some places at range
-* Quick turret traverse
+* Quick gun handling like its predecessor
 '''Cons:'''
-* Slightly less mobile and less acceleration than the preceding M3 Bradley, due to the increase in weight
+* Slightly less mobile and less acceleration than the preceding [[M3 Bradley]], due to the increase in weight
 * Continuously firing the main gun increases dispersion, thereby reducing accuracy
-* Main gun has a low rate of fire for an autocannon and overheats quickly under sustained fire
+* Low fire rate for the main gun makes it difficult to land hits on fast moving aircraft
 * Cannot fire missiles while moving at a speed greater than 15 km/h
-* Missile launcher take some time to deploy
+* Missile launcher takes some time to deploy
 * Cannot reliably engage enemy MBTs from the front with 25 mm APFSDS
-* Despite the increase in armour over the regular M3, the armour is still thin and the vehicle only has 3 crew members: this means low survivability
+* Retains the rather poor survivability as its predecessor despite the increase in armor
 * Missiles can be detonated when hit by enemy fire, even while still in the launcher
 * Tall profile