Difference between pages "Leopard 2A5" and "M4A2 (USSR)"

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(→‎Description)
 
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{{Specs-Card|code=germ_leopard_2a5}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
−
| about = medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = premium medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = other uses
+
| other
−
| link = Leopard (Family)
+
| usage-1 = other M4 Shermans
 +
| link-1 = M4 Sherman (Family)
 +
| usage-2 = other uses
 +
| link-2 = M4 (Disambiguation)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=ussr_m4a2_76w_sherman
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== 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.-->
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The Soviet Union received 4,102 Medium Tank M4 (Sherman) as part of the lend-lease program. Of these, 2,007 had been fitted with the original 75 mm M3 tank guns ([[M4A2]]), while the remaining 2,095 were outfitted with the more capable 76 mm M1 tank guns ('''M4A2 (76) W'''). The total quantity of lend-lease Sherman tanks shipped to the USSR constituted 18.6% of all lend-lease M4 Sherman tanks. In the late summer of 1944, the first M4A2 (76) W arrived in the USSR. The Red Army believed that the M4A2 (76) W was less likely than the T-34s to catch fire from an ammunition detonation, although the M4A2 (76) W has a higher center of gravity than the T-34s, making it more susceptible to rolling over on uneven terrain. Some Red Army tank regiments were completely equipped with M4A2 (76) Ws by 1945. Among these units were the 1st Guards Mechanized Corps, the 3rd Guards Mechanized Corps, and the 9th Guards Mechanized Corps. Many Soviet tank crews evaluated and regarded the M4A2 (76) W highly, citing its dependability, ease of maintenance, and overall better firepower. However, flaws were also identified, the most serious of which was its high profile, which made it vulnerable to hostile fire. The M4A2 (76) W Sherman's narrow tracks also struggled to handle muddy terrain as compared to the [[T-34 (Family)|T-34s]]' broader tracks.
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]].
 
  
−
The succeeding variant of the [[Leopard 2A4]], the Leopard 2A5 is distinguished by an overall improved turret front armour, most notably with the add-on armour bulks in the turret front, giving a wedge-shape rather than the flat shapes that the 2A4 variant presented.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.45 "Steel Generals"]], the premium ▂M4A2 (76) W offers unique gameplay experiences for the Soviet Army ground forces. Being one of the few foreign tanks in service within the Soviet Army, it allows for hull-down fighting positions due to substantially superior gun depression angles than standard Soviet tanks. Due to its high profile, the M4A2 (76) W is difficult to drive about undetected, making it an easy target for adversaries. However, by utilizing its excellent mobility early in the conflict, it is feasible to get into strategic positions and adopt a hull-down position in order to get the first shot at the enemy.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
<!--Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?
+
{{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.'' -->
−
If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.-->[[File:Leopard 2A5 armour scheme.png|thumb|The frontal KE protection of the Leopard 2A5 against CL1343 at 500 m.]]
+
'''Armour type:'''
  
−
The Leopard 2A5 has improved armour compared to its predecessor, the hull is much better protected and the already impenetrable turret cheeks have more protection on the side of the turret. Add-on armour boosts the ability to protect against HEAT-FS and early ADFSDS rounds. The wedges on the front of the turret are able to be blown off if a round with enough energy hits it.The gunners optic is also moved into the roof to eliminate the weak spot which was easily penetrated by any tank.
+
*Rolled homogeneous armour
−
 
+
*Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area)
−
One big changeover along with the armour wedges in the front is the repositioning of the gunner's sight. In the 2A4, the gunner's sight in the turret front presented a weakness that was easily compromised. In the 2A5, the gunner's sight was relocated to the turret roof, and so this weakness is no longer present on the 2A5. Additionally, the large mantlet of the 2A4 has been replaced by a far smaller and more armoured mantlet, making it far harder to hit, though most ammunition at top tier can still penetrate it easily. 
 
−
[[File:Leopard 2A5 CE armour scheme.png|thumb|The frontal CE protection of the Leopard 2A5 against MIM-146.]]
 
−
Be aware of Soviet tanks though! Most of them will carry their HE rounds that can easily destroy you anywhere they hit. A hit directly to the turret will most likely send fragments into your hull, penetrate and lets your fuel tank explode or at least set a fire and knock out the gun barrel.
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Armour !! Front (Slope angle)!!Sides!!Rear!!Roof  
+
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Hull
+
| Hull || 63.5 mm (47°) || 38.1 mm || 38.1 mm || 19.5 mm
−
|35 mm (53-82°) ''Upper glacis''<br>40 mm (50-51°) ''Lower glacis''
 
−
|10 mm (5°) ''Upper hull''<br>35 mm (0°) ''Lower forward hull''<br>20 mm (0°) ''Lower rear hull''
 
−
|20 mm (12-50°) ''All rear''
 
−
|20 mm (0-8°) ''Hull roof incl. engine deck''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Turret
+
| Turret || 88.9 mm || 63.5 mm || 63.5 mm || 25.4 mm
−
|80 mm (57-59°) ''Right cheek add-on''<br>80 mm (55-58°) ''Left cheek add-on''<br>30 mm (63°) ''Upper mantlet add-on''<br>400 mm (1°) ''Mantlet armour''<br>250 mm (9°) ''Mantlet shroud''
 
−
|80 mm (20-22°) ''Right add-on''<br>80 mm (22°) ''Left add-on''<br>35 mm (0°) ''Forward''<br>15 mm (0°) ''Rear''
 
−
|20 mm (10°) ''Basket''<br>20 mm (70°) ''Turret underside''
 
−
|35 - 40 mm (80-89°) ''Forehead Armour''<br>14 mm (68-82°) ''Forward sides''<br>20 mm (89°) ''Rear turret''<br>20 mm (83°) ''Basket''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Composite armour
+
| Cupola || 63.5 mm || 63.5 mm || 63.5 mm || 25.4 mm
−
! colspan="2" |Front
 
−
! colspan="2" |Sides
 
−
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
 
−
|Hull
 
−
| colspan="2" |'''''Upper+Lower glacis'''''<br>400 mm ''Kinetic''<br>600 mm ''Chemical''
 
−
| colspan="2" | N/A
 
−
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
 
−
|Turret
 
−
| colspan="2" | '''''turret cheeks'''''<br>800 mm ''Kinetic''<br>1200 mm ''Chemical''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''Gun mantlet (Center)'''''<br>
 
−
260 - 325 mm ''Kinetic''<br>
 
−
600 - 690 mm ''Chemical''
 
−
 
 
−
'''''Gun mantlet (Outer)'''''<br>
 
−
425 - 460 mm ''Kinetic''<br>
 
−
825 - 905 ''Chemical''
 
−
 
 
−
| colspan="2" | '''''Side armour'''''<br>260 mm ''Kinetic''<br>230 - 285 mm ''Chemical''
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
  
−
* ''Upper hull'' and ''Lower rear hull'' overlap (10 + 20 mm thick)
+
* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, the bogies are 10 mm thick, and the tracks are 20 mm thick.
−
* ''Upper mantlet add-on'' and ''Mantlet armour'' overlap (30 + 400 mm thick)
 
−
* Holes in the engine deck are covered by 8 mm of mesh
 
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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= 2032|rbMinHp= 1327|<!--AoAweight=(optional) -->}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=635|rbMinHp=363}}
  
−
The only drawback compared to the previous model would be the {{PAGENAME}}'s mobility since despite the 4 tons increase in weight, the engine remains the same, so the {{PAGENAME}} is both slower and less manoeuvrable compared to the [[Leopard 2A4]], but it can still keep up with the other nations MBTs.
+
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 
 +
The most important modules to research are Parts and FPE. The M62 APCBC shell is superior to the stock M79 AP shot in performance, so researching the M62 shell module is a priority. After that, the player may prioritize either mobility or firepower upgrades, depending on playstyle.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
<!--Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
−
{{main|Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)}}
+
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
  
−
The Leopard 2A5 has access to the DM33 APFSDS shells which make it a deadlier foe as few tanks can stand against it with the exception of the [[M1A2 Abrams]], [[Challenger 2]] and [[T-80U]].
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
 
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" | [[Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)|120 mm Rheinmetall L44]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
+
! colspan="5" | [[M1 (76 mm)|76 mm M1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="3" | 42 || -9°/+20° || ±180° || Two-plane
+
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
+
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 71 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+25° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Vertical|up to 24 km/h}} || 22.85 || 31.62 || 38.40 || 42.47 || 45.18 || rowspan="2" | 7.67 || rowspan="2" | 6.78 || rowspan="2" | 6.25 || rowspan="2" | 5.90
 
|-
 
|-
−
! style="width:4em" |Mode
+
! ''Realistic''
−
! style="width:4em" |Stock
+
| 14.28 || 16.80 || 20.40 || 22.56 || 24.00
−
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
−
|-
 
−
| ''Arcade'' || 38.08 || 52.71 || 64.00 || __.__ || 75.29
 
−
|-
 
−
| ''Realistic'' || 23.80 || 28.00 || 34.00 || 37.60 || 40.00
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
−
|-
 
−
| 7.80 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== Ammunition =====
+
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:M1 (76 mm)/Ammunition|M79 shot, M42A1 shell, M62 shell}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
 
−
|-
+
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
[[File:Ammoracks M4A1 (75) W (China).png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the M4A1 (75) W (China) (identical)]]
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.11.0.27''' -->
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
|-
 
−
! 10m
 
−
! 100m
 
−
! 500m
 
−
! 1000m
 
−
! 1500m
 
−
! 2000m
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| DM23 || APFSDS || 410 || 408 || 401 || 393 || 384 || 376
+
! Full<br>ammo
−
|-
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
−
| DM12A1 || HEATFS ||480||480||480||480||480||480
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| DM33 || APFSDS || 481 || 478 || 470 || 461 || 450 || 440
+
| '''71''' || 66&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 31&nbsp;''(+40)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+70)'' || No
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
 
−
''in m:''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
 
−
''in mm:''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 
−
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0%
 
−
! 50%
 
−
! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM23 || APFSDS || 1,640 || 4.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM12A1 || HEATFS || 1,140 || 13.5 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 1,640 || +0° || 65° || 72° || 75°
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM33 || APFSDS || 1,640 || 4.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Note''':
  
−
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
+
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear from the rack after having been shot or loaded.
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 
−
|-
 
−
|| '''42''' || 16&nbsp;''(+26)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+41)'' || style="text-align:left" | No
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
−
<!--Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
−
{{main|MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)}}
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 +
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | [[MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm MG 3A1]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
| Pintle || 600 (200) || 577 || -10°/+30° || ±60°
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="4" | 4,500 (1,000) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
+
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount (Loader)''
+
! colspan="5" | [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="4" | 2,000 (1,000) || 1,200 || -8°/+20° || ±120°
+
| Coaxial || 3,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== 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).-->
+
<!-- ''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 M4A2 (76) W is a classic Sherman tank. It requires careful positioning and avoidance of enemy fire, possesses an above-average gun, and works best when played around teammates.
  
−
The Leopard 2A5 is slower, but it has much better armor and access to the DM33 round. With these new changes, the playstyle changes a bit too:
+
As such, it is well-suited to city brawls in which it can use rubble as cover and protect its flanks effectively. The city environment also suits the tank's below-average mobility. In close quarters, this shortcoming will not be too much of a hindrance. That being said, the M4A2 is also a classic medium tank, and highly adaptable. If needed, it can engage at most, if not all, ranges. It can be used to rush a point, or to defend from an assault. Certainly, the powerful cannon is capable against all but the most heavily armoured enemies.
  
−
* ''Hull down'': In the 2A4, the gunners optic was easily penetrated so the hull-down was still vulnerable. However, in the 2A5, this weak spot is eliminated and the armor of the turret is much better, so a hull-down position can now leave the Leopard 2A5 invulnerable.
+
This vehicle has mediocre armour and a highly visible profile, so it must be played carefully if the player wishes to stay alive for more than a few minutes. It is not uncommon for the M4A2 to be destroyed in a single hit, especially when facing the German cannons. Other enemies to watch out for include enemy aircraft: although the roof armour will protect crew members from strafing runs, the vehicle's above-average size makes it rather visible from the air, and makes it a target for bombing and rocket attacks.
−
* ''Sniping'': With the DM33 APFSDS round, the Leopard 2A5 can now make use of the great distance in combat to deal damage while tanking incoming shots.
 
−
* ''Flanking'': Due to the worse mobility compared to the 2A4, it is better to stick to more stationary tactics like ''hull down'' and ''sniping''. However, with a little bit caution, flanking can still be successful.
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Excellent 120 mm gun, DM33 APFSDS is capable of penetrating up to 481 mm maximum at point-blank range
+
* Higher top speed compared to the previous vehicle
−
* Impenetrable turret cheeks, the add-on wedge armour makes the turret immune from every shell in the game (average of 850 mm against long rod APFSDS and 1,450 mm against HEAT)
+
* Great rate of fire for the main gun
−
* Extremely good armour on the UFP (430mm against long rod APFSDS), immune to every shell in the game except DM33, M829, L26, OFL 120 G1, 3BM42 and CL3143
+
* Angled frontal slope which may sometimes bounce larger calibres if angled correctly
−
* Great gun handling: 40°/s turret rotation speed (with Ace crew) and -9°/+20° of vertical guidance
+
* A standard 5 crew members, which equates to 3 spare crew members to take over positions of the tank if necessary
−
* Side turret covered by add-on armour can bounce early APFSDS shells
+
* A pintle-mounted heavy machine gun (12.7 mm), which can be used for anti-aircraft and against light armoured vehicles
−
* Gunner optics are now mounted on top of the turret, removing the annoying weak spot present on the Leopard 2A4
+
* Wet ammo storage - Which reduces greatly ammo rack chances, is indicated by the "W" in its name, this also means tightly packed ammo only placed under the turret
−
* Cannon barrel and cannon breech absorbs impact rounds which may otherwise penetrate the turret and injure crews
+
* Fast turret traverse
−
* Very good thermal imaging quality (800 x 600)
 
−
* Has access to commander thermals
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Lower glacis can still be penetrated by most shells
+
* Is quite tall
−
* 16 shells in the ready-rack may be insufficient when playing in Arcade Battles
+
* Prone to tipping over when travelling across steep inclines
−
* Huge hull ammo-rack if more than 16 shells are carried
+
* Sides and rear are thinly armoured
−
* Hull ammo-rack consequently makes the tank extremely vulnerable to HE shells
+
* Engine compartment is poorly armoured
−
* A penetrating shot on the left side of the hull will most likely knock out the driver, gunner and commander, thus destroying the tank
+
* Susceptible to nearby artillery explosions
−
* DM12A1 HEAT-FS, though very useful against light vehicles, costs 410 SL
+
* Narrow tracks mean poor ground flotation and cross country performance
−
* The wedges can be shot off with several hits, though the turret cheeks alone provide 650 mm against KE
+
* Only reaches its top speed on paved surfaces
−
* Tank's weight is 4 tons increased while the engine is still the same, making the Leopard 2A5 slower compared to the 2A4
+
* Lacks the add-on armour module found on the 76 mm M4A1 and M4A3
−
* Despite all the added armour, the turret ring and driver's hatch are both easily penetrated, and the enemy will most likely aim at these two spots to disable or destroy the tank
+
* Unlike the earlier M4A1 (76) W, Cruise Control 1 setting is slightly above the maximum speed that the stabilizer operates at
 +
* Armour might not stand up against common guns like the Soviet 85 mm or the KwK36.
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).-->
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<!--''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).''-->
−
In 1988, German engineers began work on modernizing the Leopard 2 main battle tank. Improvements were made to the tank’s defensive capabilities, primarily the turret armour. Moreover, the 2A5 model was fitted with an electric stabiliser instead of the electro-hydraulic variant that the previous versions used.
+
===Lend-Lease===
 +
[[File:Matilda Mk II USSR.jpg|x250px|right|thumb|none|Matilda Mk II tanks in Soviet service.]]
 +
The Soviet participation in the United States' Lend-Lease program started in Autumn of 1941 when the United States and United Kingdom agreed to give military aid. Tanks were of particular interests to the Soviets in order to replenish their Summer losses against Germany during Operation ''Barbarossa''. The first tanks sent were from Great Britain with [[MK-IX_"Valentine"_(USSR)|Valentines]] and [[MK-II_"Matilda"_(USSR)|Matildas]], which played a part in the Battle of Moscow.<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_British">Zaloga 2017, Loc 63, 95 of 1264</ref> The United States provided their [[M3 Stuart]] light tanks and [[M3_Medium_(USSR)|M3 Medium]] tanks in late 1941/early 1942 (The two were designated ''{{Annotation|M3L|Legkhiy/Light}}'' and ''{{Annotation|M3S|sredniy/Medium}}'' respectively to avoid name confusion).<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_M3Stuart">Zaloga 2017, Loc 245-257 of 1264</ref><ref name="ZalogaLendLease_M3Medium">Zaloga 2017, Loc 305 of 1264</ref> These American tanks were not viewed with satisfaction, with the head of Soviet tank industry, Vyacheslav Malyshev, even considering stopping all American tank imports and focusing instead on American trucks.<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_Trucks">Zaloga 2017, Loc 420-426 of 1264</ref> Despite that, the Soviets were interested in America's newest medium tank, the M4 Sherman, and were eager to obtain some as soon as possible.
 +
 
 +
===Shermans in the Soviet Union===
 +
Though the M4 and M4A1 were available, the Soviets disliked the gasoline Continental radial engine due to their experience with the M3 Light and Medium tanks. Instead, they asked for the diesel GMC engine variant M4A2 Sherman upon learning of its existence in August 1942.<ref name="SamsonovRedArmyM4A2(1)">Samsonov 2021, pg 28</ref> The M4A2 had been in production since April 1942, but the time needed for the production to supply the demand meant that the first M4A2 only arrived in the Soviet Union by 21 September 1942.<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_M4Intro">Zaloga 2017, Loc 616-633 of 1264</ref> Concern on shortfalls in M4A2 productions caused the Soviets to order and receive two M4A4 tank models for evaluation in 1943. After trials with the M4A4, the Soviet disliked the Chrysler A57 engine configuration and low fuel efficiency compared to the M4A2, and so opted not to receive anymore M4A4 tanks.<ref name="SamsonovRedArmyM4A4">Samsonov 2021, pg 51-55</ref><ref name="TankArchivesM4A4">Samsonov 2013</ref>
 +
 
 +
The low numbers of M4A2 received in 1943 caused the Soviet Union to field the first M4A2 tanks in small units, with the first of these being the 563rd Independent Tank Battalion in 04 January 1943 with 9 M4A2 tanks and the 5th Guards Tank Brigade with two M4A2 in January 12th. <ref name="ZalogaLendLease_M4Intro" /><ref name="SamsonovRedArmy1stcombat">Samsonov 2021, pg 61</ref><ref name="GillonoUnits">Gillono and Hulbert 2011, pg 23</ref> The first major campaign the M4A2 were involved in was the Battle of Kursk with the 229th Independent Tank Regiment with 39 M4A2 Shermans, which was put into combat on 11 July 1943.<ref name="SamsonovRedArmyKursk">Samsonov 2021, pg 70</ref> As combat experience with the M4A2 grew, the Soviets came to appreciate the qualities and recognize the flaws of the M4A2 Sherman. A report on 23 October 1943 from the 5th Guards Tank Brigade regarding their M4A2 Shermans noted:<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_M4Intro" />
 +
 
 +
{{Quote
 +
|Due to its high speed, M4A2 tank is very convenient for exploitation, and offers great manoeuvrability. Armament is consistent with its design and it has fragmentation and armour-piercing shells with very high penetration. The 75 mm gun and two Browning machine guns are trouble-free. Its disadvantages include a great height making it a bigger target on the battlefield. Armour, despite the greater thickness (60 mm), is substandard. There were cases when it was penetrated by an antitank rifle at a distance of 80 m. In addition, there were a number of cases where Ju 87, while bombing the tanks, penetrated the side armour and turret armour with 20 mm cannon fire, resulting in crew casualties. Compared with the T-34, the M4A2 is easier to operate, and more durable when making long marches as the motors do not require frequent adjustment. In combat, these tanks are working well.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
As the inventory of the M4A2 grew in the Soviet Union, the formation of larger tank units composed of M4A2s was possible. The first of such was the 5th Mechanized Corps (later renamed the 9th Guards Mechanized Corps) which, on 01 January 1944, had a total of 131 M4A2 among the regiments and brigades.<ref name="SamsonovRedArmy5thMC">Samsonov 2021, pg 80-81</ref> The M4A2 in service was given the nickname "emcha" by the Soviet soldiers, which was a contraction of the Russian pronounciation of M4 (M-''Chetire'').<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_M4Intro" />
 +
 
 +
The Soviets continued requesting more M4A2 Shermans to fill their armies, with 2,000 more expected from July 1943 to June 1944. This was at odds with America's plans to switch M4 production over to the 76 mm gun at the end of 1943. To continue supplying the Soviets, the Fisher Body production lines at the Grand Blanc Tank Arsenal continued to produce 75 mm armed M4s until May 1944 to fulfill the Soviet's order.<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_3rdProtocol">Zaloga 2017, Loc 166, 649 of 1264</ref>
 +
[[File:Soviet M4A2 tanks on Krenova street in Brno.gif|x200px|left|thumb|none|Soviet M4A2 (76) W in Brno, Czechoslovakia in April 1945.]]
 +
 
 +
===76 mm Shermans ===
 +
The Soviet Union's next order of 3,000 Shermans would be for M4 Shermans equipped with the new 76 mm M1 gun.<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_76mm">Zaloga 2017, Loc 660 of 1264</ref> These M4A2 (76 mm) Shermans began arriving to the Soviet Union in September 1944.<ref name="TankArchivesEmcha">Samsonov 2017</ref> ​The first combat unit to be equipped with these M4A2 (76) Shermans was the 1st Mechanized Corps in October. Other units that received and used the M4A2 (76) Shermans were the 8th and 9th Guards Mechanized Corps, as well as the 2nd Guards Cavalry Corps.<ref name="GillonoEUUnits">Gillono and Hulbert 2011, pg 17-18</ref>
 +
[[File:M4A2 (USSR) Historical - 03 May 1945.jpg|thumb|right|x250px|none|A Lend-Lease M4A2 (76) W Sherman in Soviet service in May 1945 at Grabow, Germany.]]
 +
 
 +
The first action the M4A2 (76) Sherman saw in Soviet service in was in December 1944, when the 6th Guards Tank Army and its associated 9th Guards Mechanized Corps conducted offensive operations in Hungary.<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_76mm" /><ref name="LozaShermans">Loza and Gebhardt 1996</ref> The M4A2 (76) Shermans would see large-scale usage in 1945 during the Soviet's offensives towards Germany, sometimes alongside the M4A2 (75) versions. Some of the most notable Soviet actions the M4A2 (76) were in the Vistula–Oder offensive in Winter 1945, the Vienna Offensive in Spring 1945, and finally the Battle of Berlin in April-May 1945, where most notably the 1st Mechanized Corps, equipped with 165 M4A2 Shermans prior to the battle, participated in the heavy fighting.<ref name="TankArchives1stMCBerlin">Samsonov 2015</ref>
  
−
The gunner received improved and less vulnerable optics, and the tank commander – a panoramic periscope with thermal imaging. The build of the driver’s hatch was also modified, along with several other minor improvements made to the general design.
+
The final M4A2 Sherman usage by the Soviet Union was in Operation ''August Storm'', the Soviet invasion of Manchuria against Japan in August 1945.<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_76mmUsage">Zaloga 2017, Loc 665-672 of 1264</ref> This offensive saw M4A2 Shermans used on the Transbaikal Front, with the M4A2s in the 3rd and 9th Guards Mechanized Corps, as well as smaller units such as the 48th Independent Tank Battalion and 201st Tank Brigade present (the 201st were held in reserves).<ref name="GillonoUnits" /><ref name="LozaShermans" /> In all, 250 M4A2 Sherman tanks were present in the Soviet forces when the invasion of Manchuria commenced.<ref name="TankArchivesEast">Samsonov 2014</ref> <ref name="TankArchivesHVSS">Samsonov 2018</ref>
  
−
Leading to the 2A5 modernization program being officially approved by the military officials of Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands. It is interesting to note that the models exported to the last two countries on the list were actually different from the ones issued to the German army – for instance, the Bundeswehr tanks received no extra frontal hull armour. Production of Leopard 2A5 tanks began in 1995. Overall, 350 earlier-version Leopards were upgraded as a result of the program.
+
===Lend-Lease numbers===
 +
Of the 12,485 tanks and armoured fighting vehicles sent to the Soviet Union from 1941 to 1945 in the Lend-Lease program, 4,102 of those were of the M4A2 Sherman tanks, with 2,007 being of the M4A2 (75 mm) version, and 2,095 being the M4A2 (76 mm) version. Of the tanks sent, the Soviet records reported the receiving of 3,664 tanks; the difference mainly due to deliveries being sunk on the way and discrepancies between the United States and Soviet Union archives.<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_Tables">Zaloga 2017, Loc 899-1212 of 1264</ref><ref name="GillonoShermans">Gillono and Hulbert 2011, pg 1</ref><!--Samsonov source states that 3,938 were received instead of 3,664. Awaiting author response to inquiry on the matter.<ref name="SamsonovRedArmyLLNumbers">Samsonov 2021, pg 31</ref>--> Of the 76 mm variants, 460 tanks were versions with the HVSS suspension designs, which began arriving in March-April 1945, delivered too late to see combat in Europe.<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_76mmUsage" /> However, 128 of the tanks saw use with the 9th Guards Mechanized Corps (84 tanks) and the 201st Tank Brigade (44 tanks) in Manchuria.<ref name="TankArchivesHVSS" /> These figures also indicate that the Soviet Union was one of the largest users of the M4A2 (76 mm) Shermans, of which 2,915 were manufactured in total by the United States.<ref name="M4(76)_LendLease">Zaloga 2003, Loc 686 of 977</ref>
  
−
''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/6098-development-leopard-2a5-this-time-we-are-dead-serious-en Devblog]''
+
{{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}}
 +
Large quantities of military vehicles were delivered to the Soviet Union as part of the lend-lease program. These deliveries made a considerable impact on the Soviet Army's arsenal and played a significant role in the final victory over Germany in WWII. One of the vehicles provided as part of the lend-lease program was the American Sherman medium tank.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_m4a2_76w_sherman Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|Zh8JUqody5g|'''The Shooting Range #59''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 00:34 discusses the Soviet Shermans.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
<!--Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:
+
<!--''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;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
  
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* [[Leopard 2A4]] - Preceding vehicle
+
;Other M4A2 tanks in the game
 +
 
 +
* [[M4A2]]
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* [[M4A2 (76) W]]
 +
* [[M4 748 (a) (Germany)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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<!--Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:
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<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''other literature.''-->
 
* ''other literature.''-->
  
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* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/6098-development-leopard-2a5-this-time-we-are-dead-serious-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Leopard 2A5: This Time We Are Dead Serious]
+
=== References ===
 +
 
 +
;Citations
 +
<references />
 +
 
 +
;Bibliography
 +
 
 +
* Gillono, Claude; Hulbert, Leife. ''Comrade Emcha: Red Army Shermans of WW2 (Battleline, 2)''. The Oliver Publishing Group, 2011
 +
* Loza, Dimitry; Gebhardt, James F. ''Commanding the Red Army's Sherman Tanks: The World War II Memoirs of Hero of the Soviet Union Dimitry Loza''. University of Nebraska Press, 1996.
 +
* Samsonov, Peter. "Common Questions: Sherman Preference." ''Tank Archives'', Blogger, 22 Jun. 2015, [http://www.tankarchives.ca/2015/06/common-questions-sherman-preference.html ​Website]. Accessed 24 Mar. 2021 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220520023211/http://www.tankarchives.ca/2015/06/common-questions-sherman-preference.html Archive]).
 +
* Samsonov, Peter. "Lend Lease Impressions: M4A4 Sherman." ''Tank Archives'', Blogger, 12 Sep. 2013, [http://www.tankarchives.ca/2013/09/lend-lease-impressions-m4a4-sherman.html ​Website]. Accessed 24 Mar. 2021 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220520023521/http://www.tankarchives.ca/2013/09/lend-lease-impressions-m4a4-sherman.html Archive]).
 +
* Samsonov, Peter. "M4A2(76)W: Emcha With a Long Hand." ''Tank Archives'', Blogger, 30 Jul. 2017, [http://www.tankarchives.ca/2017/07/m4a276w-emcha-with-long-hand.html Website]. Accessed 23 Mar. 2021 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220520023630/http://www.tankarchives.ca/2017/07/m4a276w-emcha-with-long-hand.html Archive]).
 +
* Samsonov, Peter. "New Legs for the Emcha." ''Tank Archives'', Blogger, 15 Dec. 2018, [http://www.tankarchives.ca/2018/12/new-legs-for-emcha.html Website]. Accessed 24 Mar. 2021 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220520024420/http://www.tankarchives.ca/2018/12/new-legs-for-emcha.html Archive]).
 +
* Samsonov, Peter. "Soviet Tanks in the Far East." ''Tank Archives'', Blogger, 09 Apr. 2014, [http://www.tankarchives.ca/2014/04/soviet-tanks-in-far-east.html ​Website]. Accessed 24 Mar. 2021 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220520023108/http://www.tankarchives.ca/2014/04/soviet-tanks-in-far-east.html Archive]).
 +
* Samsonov, Peter. ''Sherman Tanks of the Red Army: The American Vehicle in Soviet Service''. Gallantry Books, 23 Jul. 2021.
 +
* Zaloga, Steven J. ''M4 (76mm) Sherman Medium Tank 1943-65''. Osprey Publishing Ltd., 20 Apr. 2003.
 +
* Zaloga, Steven J. ''Soviet Lend-Lease Tanks of World War II''. Osprey Publishing Ltd., 20 Jul. 2017.
  
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{{Germany medium tanks}}
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{{TankManufacturer Ordnance Department}}
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{{USSR medium tanks}}
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{{USSR premium ground vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 12:47, 31 August 2023

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Use Wiki 3.0
This page is about the premium medium tank M4A2 (USSR). For other M4 Shermans, see M4 Sherman (Family). For other uses, see M4 (Disambiguation).
▂M4A2
ussr_m4a2_76w_sherman.png
GarageImage M4A2 (USSR).jpg
▂M4A2

Description

The Soviet Union received 4,102 Medium Tank M4 (Sherman) as part of the lend-lease program. Of these, 2,007 had been fitted with the original 75 mm M3 tank guns (M4A2), while the remaining 2,095 were outfitted with the more capable 76 mm M1 tank guns (M4A2 (76) W). The total quantity of lend-lease Sherman tanks shipped to the USSR constituted 18.6% of all lend-lease M4 Sherman tanks. In the late summer of 1944, the first M4A2 (76) W arrived in the USSR. The Red Army believed that the M4A2 (76) W was less likely than the T-34s to catch fire from an ammunition detonation, although the M4A2 (76) W has a higher center of gravity than the T-34s, making it more susceptible to rolling over on uneven terrain. Some Red Army tank regiments were completely equipped with M4A2 (76) Ws by 1945. Among these units were the 1st Guards Mechanized Corps, the 3rd Guards Mechanized Corps, and the 9th Guards Mechanized Corps. Many Soviet tank crews evaluated and regarded the M4A2 (76) W highly, citing its dependability, ease of maintenance, and overall better firepower. However, flaws were also identified, the most serious of which was its high profile, which made it vulnerable to hostile fire. The M4A2 (76) W Sherman's narrow tracks also struggled to handle muddy terrain as compared to the T-34s' broader tracks.

Introduced in Update 1.45 "Steel Generals", the premium ▂M4A2 (76) W offers unique gameplay experiences for the Soviet Army ground forces. Being one of the few foreign tanks in service within the Soviet Army, it allows for hull-down fighting positions due to substantially superior gun depression angles than standard Soviet tanks. Due to its high profile, the M4A2 (76) W is difficult to drive about undetected, making it an easy target for adversaries. However, by utilizing its excellent mobility early in the conflict, it is feasible to get into strategic positions and adopt a hull-down position in order to get the first shot at the enemy.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 63.5 mm (47°) 38.1 mm 38.1 mm 19.5 mm
Turret 88.9 mm 63.5 mm 63.5 mm 25.4 mm
Cupola 63.5 mm 63.5 mm 63.5 mm 25.4 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, the bogies are 10 mm thick, and the tracks are 20 mm thick.

Mobility

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade Expression error: Unexpected * operator. 635 Expression error: Unexpected round operator. __.__
Realistic 363 Expression error: Unexpected round operator. __.__

Modifications and economy

The most important modules to research are Parts and FPE. The M62 APCBC shell is superior to the stock M79 AP shot in performance, so researching the M62 shell module is a priority. After that, the player may prioritize either mobility or firepower upgrades, depending on playstyle.

Armaments

Main armament

76 mm M1 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 71 -10°/+25° ±180° Vertical 22.85 31.62 38.40 42.47 45.18 7.67 6.78 6.25 5.90
Realistic 14.28 16.80 20.40 22.56 24.00

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
M79 shot AP 134 132 121 109 99 89
M42A1 shell HE 16 16 14 13 11 10
M62 shell APCBC 149 146 133 119 106 94
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
M79 shot AP 792 6.8 - - - 47° 60° 65°
M42A1 shell HE 823 5.84 0.2 0.1 390 79° 80° 81°
M62 shell APCBC 792 7 1.2 14 63.7 48° 63° 71°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M4A1 (75) W (China) (identical)
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
71 66 (+5) 31 (+40) 1 (+70) No

Note:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear from the rack after having been shot or loaded.

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 600 (200) 577 -10°/+30° ±60°
7.62 mm M1919A4
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,000 (250) 500 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

The M4A2 (76) W is a classic Sherman tank. It requires careful positioning and avoidance of enemy fire, possesses an above-average gun, and works best when played around teammates.

As such, it is well-suited to city brawls in which it can use rubble as cover and protect its flanks effectively. The city environment also suits the tank's below-average mobility. In close quarters, this shortcoming will not be too much of a hindrance. That being said, the M4A2 is also a classic medium tank, and highly adaptable. If needed, it can engage at most, if not all, ranges. It can be used to rush a point, or to defend from an assault. Certainly, the powerful cannon is capable against all but the most heavily armoured enemies.

This vehicle has mediocre armour and a highly visible profile, so it must be played carefully if the player wishes to stay alive for more than a few minutes. It is not uncommon for the M4A2 to be destroyed in a single hit, especially when facing the German cannons. Other enemies to watch out for include enemy aircraft: although the roof armour will protect crew members from strafing runs, the vehicle's above-average size makes it rather visible from the air, and makes it a target for bombing and rocket attacks.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Higher top speed compared to the previous vehicle
  • Great rate of fire for the main gun
  • Angled frontal slope which may sometimes bounce larger calibres if angled correctly
  • A standard 5 crew members, which equates to 3 spare crew members to take over positions of the tank if necessary
  • A pintle-mounted heavy machine gun (12.7 mm), which can be used for anti-aircraft and against light armoured vehicles
  • Wet ammo storage - Which reduces greatly ammo rack chances, is indicated by the "W" in its name, this also means tightly packed ammo only placed under the turret
  • Fast turret traverse

Cons:

  • Is quite tall
  • Prone to tipping over when travelling across steep inclines
  • Sides and rear are thinly armoured
  • Engine compartment is poorly armoured
  • Susceptible to nearby artillery explosions
  • Narrow tracks mean poor ground flotation and cross country performance
  • Only reaches its top speed on paved surfaces
  • Lacks the add-on armour module found on the 76 mm M4A1 and M4A3
  • Unlike the earlier M4A1 (76) W, Cruise Control 1 setting is slightly above the maximum speed that the stabilizer operates at
  • Armour might not stand up against common guns like the Soviet 85 mm or the KwK36.

History

Lend-Lease

Matilda Mk II tanks in Soviet service.

The Soviet participation in the United States' Lend-Lease program started in Autumn of 1941 when the United States and United Kingdom agreed to give military aid. Tanks were of particular interests to the Soviets in order to replenish their Summer losses against Germany during Operation Barbarossa. The first tanks sent were from Great Britain with Valentines and Matildas, which played a part in the Battle of Moscow.[1] The United States provided their M3 Stuart light tanks and M3 Medium tanks in late 1941/early 1942 (The two were designated M3L and M3S respectively to avoid name confusion).[2][3] These American tanks were not viewed with satisfaction, with the head of Soviet tank industry, Vyacheslav Malyshev, even considering stopping all American tank imports and focusing instead on American trucks.[4] Despite that, the Soviets were interested in America's newest medium tank, the M4 Sherman, and were eager to obtain some as soon as possible.

Shermans in the Soviet Union

Though the M4 and M4A1 were available, the Soviets disliked the gasoline Continental radial engine due to their experience with the M3 Light and Medium tanks. Instead, they asked for the diesel GMC engine variant M4A2 Sherman upon learning of its existence in August 1942.[5] The M4A2 had been in production since April 1942, but the time needed for the production to supply the demand meant that the first M4A2 only arrived in the Soviet Union by 21 September 1942.[6] Concern on shortfalls in M4A2 productions caused the Soviets to order and receive two M4A4 tank models for evaluation in 1943. After trials with the M4A4, the Soviet disliked the Chrysler A57 engine configuration and low fuel efficiency compared to the M4A2, and so opted not to receive anymore M4A4 tanks.[7][8]

The low numbers of M4A2 received in 1943 caused the Soviet Union to field the first M4A2 tanks in small units, with the first of these being the 563rd Independent Tank Battalion in 04 January 1943 with 9 M4A2 tanks and the 5th Guards Tank Brigade with two M4A2 in January 12th. [6][9][10] The first major campaign the M4A2 were involved in was the Battle of Kursk with the 229th Independent Tank Regiment with 39 M4A2 Shermans, which was put into combat on 11 July 1943.[11] As combat experience with the M4A2 grew, the Soviets came to appreciate the qualities and recognize the flaws of the M4A2 Sherman. A report on 23 October 1943 from the 5th Guards Tank Brigade regarding their M4A2 Shermans noted:[6]

Quote icon.png

Due to its high speed, M4A2 tank is very convenient for exploitation, and offers great manoeuvrability. Armament is consistent with its design and it has fragmentation and armour-piercing shells with very high penetration. The 75 mm gun and two Browning machine guns are trouble-free. Its disadvantages include a great height making it a bigger target on the battlefield. Armour, despite the greater thickness (60 mm), is substandard. There were cases when it was penetrated by an antitank rifle at a distance of 80 m. In addition, there were a number of cases where Ju 87, while bombing the tanks, penetrated the side armour and turret armour with 20 mm cannon fire, resulting in crew casualties. Compared with the T-34, the M4A2 is easier to operate, and more durable when making long marches as the motors do not require frequent adjustment. In combat, these tanks are working well.

As the inventory of the M4A2 grew in the Soviet Union, the formation of larger tank units composed of M4A2s was possible. The first of such was the 5th Mechanized Corps (later renamed the 9th Guards Mechanized Corps) which, on 01 January 1944, had a total of 131 M4A2 among the regiments and brigades.[12] The M4A2 in service was given the nickname "emcha" by the Soviet soldiers, which was a contraction of the Russian pronounciation of M4 (M-Chetire).[6]

The Soviets continued requesting more M4A2 Shermans to fill their armies, with 2,000 more expected from July 1943 to June 1944. This was at odds with America's plans to switch M4 production over to the 76 mm gun at the end of 1943. To continue supplying the Soviets, the Fisher Body production lines at the Grand Blanc Tank Arsenal continued to produce 75 mm armed M4s until May 1944 to fulfill the Soviet's order.[13]

Soviet M4A2 (76) W in Brno, Czechoslovakia in April 1945.

76 mm Shermans

The Soviet Union's next order of 3,000 Shermans would be for M4 Shermans equipped with the new 76 mm M1 gun.[14] These M4A2 (76 mm) Shermans began arriving to the Soviet Union in September 1944.[15] ​The first combat unit to be equipped with these M4A2 (76) Shermans was the 1st Mechanized Corps in October. Other units that received and used the M4A2 (76) Shermans were the 8th and 9th Guards Mechanized Corps, as well as the 2nd Guards Cavalry Corps.[16]

A Lend-Lease M4A2 (76) W Sherman in Soviet service in May 1945 at Grabow, Germany.

The first action the M4A2 (76) Sherman saw in Soviet service in was in December 1944, when the 6th Guards Tank Army and its associated 9th Guards Mechanized Corps conducted offensive operations in Hungary.[14][17] The M4A2 (76) Shermans would see large-scale usage in 1945 during the Soviet's offensives towards Germany, sometimes alongside the M4A2 (75) versions. Some of the most notable Soviet actions the M4A2 (76) were in the Vistula–Oder offensive in Winter 1945, the Vienna Offensive in Spring 1945, and finally the Battle of Berlin in April-May 1945, where most notably the 1st Mechanized Corps, equipped with 165 M4A2 Shermans prior to the battle, participated in the heavy fighting.[18]

The final M4A2 Sherman usage by the Soviet Union was in Operation August Storm, the Soviet invasion of Manchuria against Japan in August 1945.[19] This offensive saw M4A2 Shermans used on the Transbaikal Front, with the M4A2s in the 3rd and 9th Guards Mechanized Corps, as well as smaller units such as the 48th Independent Tank Battalion and 201st Tank Brigade present (the 201st were held in reserves).[10][17] In all, 250 M4A2 Sherman tanks were present in the Soviet forces when the invasion of Manchuria commenced.[20] [21]

Lend-Lease numbers

Of the 12,485 tanks and armoured fighting vehicles sent to the Soviet Union from 1941 to 1945 in the Lend-Lease program, 4,102 of those were of the M4A2 Sherman tanks, with 2,007 being of the M4A2 (75 mm) version, and 2,095 being the M4A2 (76 mm) version. Of the tanks sent, the Soviet records reported the receiving of 3,664 tanks; the difference mainly due to deliveries being sunk on the way and discrepancies between the United States and Soviet Union archives.[22][23] Of the 76 mm variants, 460 tanks were versions with the HVSS suspension designs, which began arriving in March-April 1945, delivered too late to see combat in Europe.[19] However, 128 of the tanks saw use with the 9th Guards Mechanized Corps (84 tanks) and the 201st Tank Brigade (44 tanks) in Manchuria.[21] These figures also indicate that the Soviet Union was one of the largest users of the M4A2 (76 mm) Shermans, of which 2,915 were manufactured in total by the United States.[24]


Archive of the in-game description

Large quantities of military vehicles were delivered to the Soviet Union as part of the lend-lease program. These deliveries made a considerable impact on the Soviet Army's arsenal and played a significant role in the final victory over Germany in WWII. One of the vehicles provided as part of the lend-lease program was the American Sherman medium tank.


Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #59 - Pages of History section at 00:34 discusses the Soviet Shermans.

See also

Other M4A2 tanks in the game

External links

References

Citations
  1. ↑ Zaloga 2017, Loc 63, 95 of 1264
  2. ↑ Zaloga 2017, Loc 245-257 of 1264
  3. ↑ Zaloga 2017, Loc 305 of 1264
  4. ↑ Zaloga 2017, Loc 420-426 of 1264
  5. ↑ Samsonov 2021, pg 28
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Zaloga 2017, Loc 616-633 of 1264
  7. ↑ Samsonov 2021, pg 51-55
  8. ↑ Samsonov 2013
  9. ↑ Samsonov 2021, pg 61
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Gillono and Hulbert 2011, pg 23
  11. ↑ Samsonov 2021, pg 70
  12. ↑ Samsonov 2021, pg 80-81
  13. ↑ Zaloga 2017, Loc 166, 649 of 1264
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Zaloga 2017, Loc 660 of 1264
  15. ↑ Samsonov 2017
  16. ↑ Gillono and Hulbert 2011, pg 17-18
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Loza and Gebhardt 1996
  18. ↑ Samsonov 2015
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Zaloga 2017, Loc 665-672 of 1264
  20. ↑ Samsonov 2014
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Samsonov 2018
  22. ↑ Zaloga 2017, Loc 899-1212 of 1264
  23. ↑ Gillono and Hulbert 2011, pg 1
  24. ↑ Zaloga 2003, Loc 686 of 977
Bibliography
  • Gillono, Claude; Hulbert, Leife. Comrade Emcha: Red Army Shermans of WW2 (Battleline, 2). The Oliver Publishing Group, 2011
  • Loza, Dimitry; Gebhardt, James F. Commanding the Red Army's Sherman Tanks: The World War II Memoirs of Hero of the Soviet Union Dimitry Loza. University of Nebraska Press, 1996.
  • Samsonov, Peter. "Common Questions: Sherman Preference." Tank Archives, Blogger, 22 Jun. 2015, ​Website. Accessed 24 Mar. 2021 (Archive).
  • Samsonov, Peter. "Lend Lease Impressions: M4A4 Sherman." Tank Archives, Blogger, 12 Sep. 2013, ​Website. Accessed 24 Mar. 2021 (Archive).
  • Samsonov, Peter. "M4A2(76)W: Emcha With a Long Hand." Tank Archives, Blogger, 30 Jul. 2017, Website. Accessed 23 Mar. 2021 (Archive).
  • Samsonov, Peter. "New Legs for the Emcha." Tank Archives, Blogger, 15 Dec. 2018, Website. Accessed 24 Mar. 2021 (Archive).
  • Samsonov, Peter. "Soviet Tanks in the Far East." Tank Archives, Blogger, 09 Apr. 2014, ​Website. Accessed 24 Mar. 2021 (Archive).
  • Samsonov, Peter. Sherman Tanks of the Red Army: The American Vehicle in Soviet Service. Gallantry Books, 23 Jul. 2021.
  • Zaloga, Steven J. M4 (76mm) Sherman Medium Tank 1943-65. Osprey Publishing Ltd., 20 Apr. 2003.
  • Zaloga, Steven J. Soviet Lend-Lease Tanks of World War II. Osprey Publishing Ltd., 20 Jul. 2017.


U.S. Army Ordnance Department/Corps*
Light tanks  T18E2 · M24 (Designed in collaboration with Cadillac)
M3 Stuart  M3 · M3A1 Stuart · M3A1 (USMC)
M5 Stuart  M5A1
Medium tanks  M3 Lee
M4 Sherman  M4 · M4A1 · M4A2 · M4A3 (105) · Calliope
  M4A1 (76) W · M4A2 (76) W · M4A3 (76) W
M26 Pershing  T20 · T25 · M26 · M26E1 · M26 T99
Patton Series  M46 · M46 "Tiger" · M47
Prototypes  T54E1 · T95E1
Heavy tanks  M103
M4 Jumbo  M4A3E2 · Cobra King · M4A3E2 (76) W
M6 Heavy  M6A1 · M6A2E1 · T1E1
M26 Pershing  T26E1-1 · T26E5
Prototypes  T14
T29  T29 · T30 · T34
T-32  T32 · T32E1
Tank destroyers  M3 GMC · M10 GMC · M56
M8 GMC  M8 HMC · M8A1 GMC
M36 GMC  M36 GMC · M36B2
Prototypes  T28 · T95
SPAAGs 
Production  M19 MGMC · M42
Export/Captured  ␗M8 HMC · SU-57
Stuart  Stuart I · Stuart III · ␗M3A3 Stuart · ␗M3A3 (1st PTG) · ▄M3A3 · ▄M3A3 Stuart · ▃Stuart VI (5th CAD) · ␗M5A1
Lee/Grant  ▂M3 Medium · ▃Grant I · Grant I
M4 Sherman  Sherman II · ▄M4A1 · ␗M4A1 (75) W · ▀M4 748 (a) · ▂M4A2 · ▄M4A3 (105) · ▅M4A3 (76) W · ▄M4A3E2
  ␗M4A4 · ␗M4A4 (1st PTG) · ▄Sherman V · ▄M4A4 · ▄Sherman I Composito
M26 Pershing  M26 "D.C.Ariete" · M26A1
M47 Patton  mKPz M47 G · ▅M47
M10 GMC  ␗M10 GMC · ▄M10 GMC
M36 GMC  ␗M36 GMC · M36B1 · ▅M36 · ▄M36B2
M19 MGMC  ▅M19A1
M42 MGMC  ▅M42 · ␗M42
  *The Ordnance Department was renamed to the Ordnance Corps after the Army Reorganization Act of 1950.

USSR medium tanks
T-28  T-28 (1938) · T-28 · T-28E
T-34-76  T-34 (Prototype) · T-34 (1940) · T-34 (1941) · T-34 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-34 (1942) · T-34E STZ · T-34E
T-34-57  T-34-57 · T-34-57 (1943)
T-34-85  T-34-85 (D-5T) · T-34-85 · T-34-85E
T-34-100  T-34-100
T-44  T-44 · T-44-100 · T-44-122
T-54  T-54 (1947) · T-54 (1949) · T-54 (1951)
T-55  TO-55 · T-55A · T-55AM-1 · T-55AMD-1
T-62  T-62 · T-62M-1
T-64  Object 435 · T-64A (1971) · T-64B
T-72  T-72A · T-72AV (TURMS-T) · T-72B · T-72B (1989) · T-72B3 · T-72M2 Moderna
T-80  T-80B · T-80U · T-80UD · T-80UK · T-80UM2 · Т-80U-Е1 · T-80BVM · Object 292
T-90  Т-90А · T-90M
Trophies/Lend-Lease 
Germany  ▂T-III · ▂T-V
Great Britain  ▂МК-IX "Valentine"
USA  ▂M3 Medium · ▂M4A2

USSR premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  BA-11 · RBT-5 · BT-7A (F-32) · T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-26E · T-126 · PT-76-57 · 2S38
Medium tanks  T-34 (Prototype) · T-34 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-34E · T-34-57 (1943) · T-34-85E · T-34-100 · T-44-122 · TO-55 · T-55AM-1 · T-72AV (TURMS-T) · T-80UD · Т-80U-Е1
  ▂M3 Medium · ▂M4A2 · ▂T-III · ▂T-V · ▂МК-IX "Valentine"
Heavy tanks  SMK · T-35 · ▂MK-II "Matilda" · KV-1E · KV-2 (1940) · KV-2 (ZiS-6) · KV-122 · KV-220 · IS-2 "Revenge" · Object 248 · IS-6 · T-10A
Tank destroyers  BM-8-24 · BM-13N · BM-31-12
  SU-57 · SU-76D · SU-76M (5th Gv.Kav.Corps) · SU-85A · SU-100Y · SU-122P · Object 120
SPAA  ▂Phòng không T-34 · ZUT-37

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