Difference between revisions of "M48A2 G A2"

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{{Specs-Card|code=germ_mkpz_m48a2ga2}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = German medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = German medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = the version in the American tree
+
| usage = other versions
−
| link = M48A1
+
| link = M48 Patton (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=germ_mkpz_m48a2ga2
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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 the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it 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 '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]]. It was born from the adaptation of the 105 mm L7A3 cannon on the already available M48A2 platform together with a new fire control system.
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]].
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull roof, hull rear - engine vents, turret roof, turret ring)
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (hull, turret, cupola)
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 85-200 mm (59-74°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 63-200 mm (13-60°) ''Lower glacis'' || 76 mm (5-45°) ''Front'' <br> 51 mm (0-44°) ''Rear'' || 35 mm ''Top'' <br> 25 mm (32-62°) ''Bottom'' || 57 mm (0-58°) <br> 30 mm ''Engine access panel'' <br> 12.7 mm (76°) ''Engine vents''
 +
|-
 +
|Turret || 83.2-173 mm (0-48°) ''Turret front'' <br> 152 (2-14°) ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 250 mm ''Gun mount'' || 55-100 mm (15-50°) <br> 50.8 mm ''Gun mount''  || 51-55 mm (2-71°) <br> 25.4 mm (75-82°) ''Underpart of the turret'' || 25-69 mm
 +
|-
 +
|Cupola || colspan="4" style="text-align:center" | 70 mm
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
+
* Suspension wheels, tracks and torsion bars are 20 mm thick.
 +
* Mudguards are 4 mm thick and (short) side skirts are 8 mm thick.
 +
* The turret ring is 70 mm thick.
 +
 
 +
The lower front plate is a weak spot. The sides are decently armoured, but not thick enough to make angling the hull a valid tactic. Some thin vents on the top of the hull are vulnerable to strafing runs by enemy aircraft, which may cause engine fires. While the M48 hull has more armour than the Leopard 1, at this BR, this is largely irrelevant as most of your opponents will be carrying APFSDS. Sustained enemy fire will quickly result in your destruction. Despite this, the hull UFP is decent and can protect you from 100 mm APHE rounds. However, as mentioned above, this can not be relied upon and any bounces are the exception rather than the rule.
  
 
=== 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= 1279|rbMinHp= 730|<!--AoAweight=(optional) -->}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,279|rbMinHp=730}}
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== 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}}
 +
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
{{main|L7A3 (105 mm)}}
 
{{main|L7A3 (105 mm)}}
  
−
The M48G2 G A2 wields the widely used 105 mm L7A3 cannon, which provides fast, accurate fire.
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
 
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" | [[L7A3 (105 mm)|105 mm L7A3]]
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="3" | 46 || -9°/+19° || ±180° || N/A
+
! colspan="5" | [[L7A3 (105 mm)|105 mm L7A3]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
+
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
|-
 
|-
−
! style="width:4em" |Mode
+
! ''Arcade''
−
! style="width:4em" |Stock
+
| rowspan="2" | 46 || rowspan="2" | -9°/+19° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 8.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.70 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 6.70
−
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Arcade'' || 22.85 || 38.2 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.18
+
! ''Realistic''
−
|-
+
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
−
| ''Realistic'' || 14.28 || 20.2 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
−
|-
 
−
| 8.7 || 7.7 || 7.1 || 6.7
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== Ammunition =====
+
==== Ammunition ====
−
This tank has access to a stock APDS shell (DM13), HEAT-FS shell (DM12) as a tier 2 modification, HESH shell (DM502) as a tier 1 modification and a APFSDS shell as a Tier 4 modification (DM23).
+
This tank has access to a stock APDS shell (DM13), a HESH shell (DM512) as tier 1 modification, a HEATFS shell (DM12) as tier 2 modification and a APFSDS shell as tier 4 modification (DM23).
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:L7A3 (105 mm)/Ammunition|DM13, DM512, DM12, DM23}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
 
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 1.101.0.75''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
! Full<br>ammo
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! 4th<br>rack empty
 +
! 5th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 10m
+
| '''46''' || 43&nbsp;''(+3)'' || 29&nbsp;''(+17)'' || 21&nbsp;''(+25)'' || 6&nbsp;''(+40)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+45)'' || No
−
! 100m
 
−
! 500m
 
−
! 1000m
 
−
! 1500m
 
−
! 2000m
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| DM13 || APDS || 303 || 302 || 296 || 277 || 257 || 252
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM502 || HESH || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM12 || HEATFS || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400
 
−
|-
 
−
|DM23
 
−
|APFSDS
 
−
|337
 
−
|335
 
−
|330
 
−
|322
 
−
|314
 
−
|306
 
−
|-
 
 
|}
 
|}
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
'''Notes''':
−
! colspan="11" | Shell details
+
 
 +
* As they are modeled by sets of 2, shells disappear from the rack only after you fire/load both shells in the set.
 +
* Racks 4 and 5 are first stage ammo racks. They total 20 shells and get filled first when loading up the tank.
 +
* These racks are also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 5 - 4 - 1 - 2 - 3.
 +
* To go into battle with the frontal and turret ammo racks empty, pack 16&nbsp;''(+30)'' shells.
 +
* Full reload speed will be realized as long as shells are available in the ready racks 4 and 5.  If these racks are empty, a penalty to the reload time will occur.
 +
* Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-3 into rack 4 then 5. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.
 +
 
 +
=== Machine guns ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
{{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.'' -->
 +
{{main|MG3A1 (7.62 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
! colspan="5" | [[MG3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm MG3A1]]
−
! 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%
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
−
! 50%
 
−
! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM13 || APDS || 1,478 || 4 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 75° || 78° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM502 || HESH || 732 || 14.85 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 2,990 || +0° || 73° || 77° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM12 || HEATFS || 1,173 || 10.5 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 1,270 || +0° || 65° || 72° || 75°
 
−
|-
 
−
|DM23
 
−
|APFSDS
 
−
|1,455
 
−
|3.79
 
−
|N/A
 
−
|N/A
 
−
|N/A
 
−
|
 
−
|78°
 
−
|80°
 
−
|81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
 
−
[[File:Ammoracks {{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumbnail|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the M48A2 G A2.]]
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
+
| Coaxial || 3,000 (200) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|| '''46''' || 42&nbsp;''(+4)'' || 34&nbsp;''(+12)'' || 20&nbsp;''(+26)'' || 15&nbsp;''(+31)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+45)'' || style="text-align:center" | No
+
| Pintle || 2,000 (200) || 1,200 || -10°/+85° || ±45°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
Recommendation:
+
Despite their high rate of fire, the small calibre of the MG3A1 machine guns makes them largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. They still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help.
  
−
Less Ammo - Hull Empty: 20 ''(+26)''
+
== 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).'' -->
  
−
More Ammo - 1<sup>st</sup> Rack Empty: 42 ''(+4)''
+
The M48A2 G A2 is similar to the other [[M48 Patton (Family)|M48 Pattons]] in the game except for the need to be more careful and aware of your enemies. It's a decent medium tank with well-sloped frontal armour and average mobility, but what makes M48A2 G A2 stand out is the upgraded engine giving it better mobility, and the upgraded [[L7A3 (105 mm)|105 mm L7A3]] cannon compared to the US standard [[M41 (90 mm)|90 mm M41]] giving it improved penetration and increased precision against distant targets, though this comes at the cost of higher battle rating. It can unlock DM23 rounds that have a great effect even against enemy vehicles at higher battle ratings when uptiered, and can penetrate their armour with well placed shots.
  
−
=== Machine guns ===
+
The armour of the M48 is rounded and well-sloped, decreasing the chance for certain shells to reliably punch through the armour, though the tank has some significant weak spots on the front. The lower glacis is the weakest part of the front, making it a desirable location for hostile tanks to fire at to knock out the M48A2 G A2 with ease. Keep in mind to protect the lower glacis as best as possible from enemy shells. The armour holds it ground against tanks with no APFSDS or APDS since these shells can penetrate its frontal hull and turret armour with ease. The armour all around is decent compared to tanks like [[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard 1]], [[Vickers MBT]] and [[OF-40]].
−
<!--''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.''-->
 
−
{{main|MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)}}
 
  
−
The M48A2 G A2 has two 7.62 mm MG3A1 machine guns with a total of 4,750 rounds of ammunition.
+
Playing the M48A2 G A2 is a great risk to be uptiered and face enemies like [[Radkampfwagen 90]], [[Merkava (Family)|Merkava]], [[T-72A]] and [[OF-40 Mk.2A]] all having better mobility and speed than the old M48 Patton, they also have the advantage to be equipped with gun stabilizers that the M48A2 G A2 is not equipped with, making it an easy target for most tanks in an uptier. In those battles, it's wise to not advance blindly into the enemy and take a more careful approach, taking up a position where the M48A2 G A2 has the capability to get the first shot.
  
−
One gun is coaxial and one is located at the commander's hatch with which you can defend yourself against enemy planes.
+
In lower rating battles the M48A2 G A2 can be used more aggressively, but it's still advised to not advance too fast, as certain vehicles also at that battle can be equipped with stabilizers and can get in a well placed shot on the move compared to the non-stabilizer tanks. These can have a big advantage over the M48A2 G A2 when it comes to brawling and engaging tanks while having the speed advantage and mobility to avoid incoming fire from a moving M48A2 G A2.
  
−
==Usage in battles==
+
The M48A2 G A2 can be a tricky tank to use effectively in battle, lacking a stabilizer is a big disadvantage at its battle rating but it can still be an effective tank for defending captured points or taking up a "sniper" position where it can be relatively safe from enemies.
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
 
  
−
===Modules===
+
=== Pros and cons ===
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
<!-- ''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".'' -->
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" |Mobility
 
−
! Protection
 
−
! colspan="3" |Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Tracks||
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Horizontal Drive||DM502||
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Suspension||Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire||DM12||
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Filters||
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| Elevation Mechanism||smoke grenade
 
−
|NVD
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Transmission||Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Artillery Support||DM23||Rangefinder
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
===Pros and cons===
 
−
<!--''Summarize 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 - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
 
* Fairly good upper glacis armour
 
* Fairly good upper glacis armour
 
* Highly effective 105 mm gun is a noticeable upgrade from the 90 mm gun on the M48A2 C
 
* Highly effective 105 mm gun is a noticeable upgrade from the 90 mm gun on the M48A2 C
−
* DM23 APFSDS shell makes it competitive against its peers, can frontally penetrate anything it encounters  
+
* DM23 APFSDS shell makes it competitive against its peers, can frontally penetrate anything it encounters
 
* Has effective armour against air attacks
 
* Has effective armour against air attacks
 
* Gun breech can protect turret crew from chemical munitions, although it will be damaged
 
* Gun breech can protect turret crew from chemical munitions, although it will be damaged
Line 219: Line 156:
 
* Lack of gun stabilizer rarely allows it to make the first shot in a moving engagement
 
* Lack of gun stabilizer rarely allows it to make the first shot in a moving engagement
 
* Ineffective armour in uptiers
 
* Ineffective armour in uptiers
−
* Lacks thermals  
+
* Lacks thermals
−
* DM23 APFSDS shell is a tier 4 modification - long grind with APDS and HEAT-FS to unlock DM23
+
* DM23 APFSDS shell is a tier 3 modification - long grind with APDS and HEAT-FS to unlock DM23
  
 
== 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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an 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.-->
+
<!-- ''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 1958, West Germany received the M48A2 Patton III tank. Originally this tank included the 90mm M41 cannon and a 750 HP engine. Later on the tank would receive an upgraded engine (from 750 HP to 825 HP) along with other changes and was designated the M48A2C in German service. This tank served from the early 1960's to the late 1970's. West Germany realized that the 90mm gun wasn't sufficient enough to deal with most of the top of the line Soviet MBTs, so in 1978 the tank received the German licensed built, 105mm L7A3 gun found on the Leopard 1. Other changes included minor fire control system changes, a new commander's hatch, passive night sights, and later on a laser range finder. This version was designated the M48A2 GA2 and remained in service till the 1990's.
+
In 1958, West Germany received the M48A2 Patton III tank. Originally this tank included the 90 mm M41 cannon and a 750 HP engine. Later on the tank would receive an upgraded engine (from 750 HP to 825 HP) along with other changes and was designated the M48A2 C in German service. This tank served from the early 1960s to the late 1970s. West Germany realized that the 90 mm gun wasn't sufficient enough to deal with most of the top of the line Soviet MBTs, so in 1978 the tank received the German licensed built, 105 mm L7A3 gun found on the Leopard 1. Other changes included minor fire control system changes, a new commander hatch, passive night sights, and later on a laser rangefinder. This version was designated the M48A2 G A2 and remained in service till the 1990s.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 231: Line 168:
  
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23m48a2ga2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_mkpz_m48a2ga2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
−
{{Youtube-gallery|Xwid3UCLr5U|'''The Patton Family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 6:57 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|Xwid3UCLr5U|'''The Patton Family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 6:57 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|O1TRhFRl9z0|'''{{PAGENAME}} - Mr 2 Face''' - ''Napalmratte''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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<!-- ''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;''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
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;Related development
  
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* [[M48A1]] - Basic M48 version that the {{PAGENAME}} was upgraded from.
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* [[M48 Patton (Family)]]
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* [[Magach 3 (USA)]] - A similarly upgraded M48 tank from a pack in the USA tech tree.
 
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* [[M48A2 C]] - The German version of the M48A2 Patton III
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
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{{TankManufacturer Chrysler Defense}}
 
{{Germany medium tanks}}
 
{{Germany medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 19:36, 28 July 2024

This page is about the German medium tank M48A2 G A2. For other versions, see M48 Patton (Family).
M48A2 G A2
germ_mkpz_m48a2ga2.png
GarageImage M48A2 G A2.jpg
ArtImage M48A2 G A2.png
M48A2 G A2
Germany flag.png Germany
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
8.3 8.3 8.3
Class:
Research:135 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:380 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The M48A2 G A2 is a rank VI German medium tank with a battle rating of 8.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.81 "The Valkyries". It was born from the adaptation of the 105 mm L7A3 cannon on the already available M48A2 platform together with a new fire control system.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull110 / 76 / 35
Turret130 / 76 / 51
Crew4 people
Visibility117 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull roof, hull rear - engine vents, turret roof, turret ring)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (hull, turret, cupola)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 85-200 mm (59-74°) Front glacis
63-200 mm (13-60°) Lower glacis 		76 mm (5-45°) Front
51 mm (0-44°) Rear 		35 mm Top
25 mm (32-62°) Bottom 		57 mm (0-58°)
30 mm Engine access panel
12.7 mm (76°) Engine vents
Turret 83.2-173 mm (0-48°) Turret front
152 (2-14°) Gun mantlet
250 mm Gun mount 		55-100 mm (15-50°)
50.8 mm Gun mount 		51-55 mm (2-71°)
25.4 mm (75-82°) Underpart of the turret 		25-69 mm
Cupola 70 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels, tracks and torsion bars are 20 mm thick.
  • Mudguards are 4 mm thick and (short) side skirts are 8 mm thick.
  • The turret ring is 70 mm thick.

The lower front plate is a weak spot. The sides are decently armoured, but not thick enough to make angling the hull a valid tactic. Some thin vents on the top of the hull are vulnerable to strafing runs by enemy aircraft, which may cause engine fires. While the M48 hull has more armour than the Leopard 1, at this BR, this is largely irrelevant as most of your opponents will be carrying APFSDS. Sustained enemy fire will quickly result in your destruction. Despite this, the hull UFP is decent and can protect you from 100 mm APHE rounds. However, as mentioned above, this can not be relied upon and any bounces are the exception rather than the rule.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB54 / 10 km/h
RB and SB49 / 9 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
2 back
Weight47.8 t
Engine power
AB1 574 hp
RB and SB825 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB32.9 hp/t
RB and SB17.3 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 54 10 47.8 1,279 1,574 26.76 32.93
Realistic 49 9 730 825 15.27 17.26

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 411 → 6 087 Sl icon.png
RB4 952 → 6 833 Sl icon.png
SB6 792 → 9 372 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications111 700 Rp icon.png
195 400 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 300 Ge icon.png
Crew training110 000 Sl icon.png
Experts380 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces830 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
140 / 200 / 250 % Sl icon.png
208 / 208 / 208 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
6 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
6 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
7 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
7 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
7 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
7 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
7 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_usa_HESH_ammo_pack
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
6 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
7 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_usa_M735_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
7 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
7 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods tank rangefinder.png
Rangefinder
Research:
7 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

105 mm L7A3 cannon
Ammunition46 rounds
First-order20 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
8.7 → 6.7 s
Vertical guidance-9° / 19°
Main article: L7A3 (105 mm)
105 mm L7A3 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 46 -9°/+19° ±180° N/A 22.8 31.6 38.4 42.5 45.2 8.71 7.70 7.10 6.70
Realistic 14.3 16.8 20.4 22.6 24.0

Ammunition

This tank has access to a stock APDS shell (DM13), a HESH shell (DM512) as tier 1 modification, a HEATFS shell (DM12) as tier 2 modification and a APFSDS shell as tier 4 modification (DM23).

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
DM13 APDS 350 347 333 317 302 287
DM512 HESH 127 127 127 127 127 127
DM12 HEATFS 400 400 400 400 400 400
DM23 APFSDS 337 335 330 322 314 306
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
DM13 APDS 1,478 4 - - - 75° 78° 80°
DM512 HESH 732 11.2 0.1 4 4.31 73° 77° 80°
DM12 HEATFS 1,174 10.5 0.05 0.1 1.27 65° 72° 77°
DM23 APFSDS 1,455 4.2 - - - 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M48A2 G A2
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
46 43 (+3) 29 (+17) 21 (+25) 6 (+40) 1 (+45) No

Notes:

  • As they are modeled by sets of 2, shells disappear from the rack only after you fire/load both shells in the set.
  • Racks 4 and 5 are first stage ammo racks. They total 20 shells and get filled first when loading up the tank.
  • These racks are also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 5 - 4 - 1 - 2 - 3.
  • To go into battle with the frontal and turret ammo racks empty, pack 16 (+30) shells.
  • Full reload speed will be realized as long as shells are available in the ready racks 4 and 5. If these racks are empty, a penalty to the reload time will occur.
  • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-3 into rack 4 then 5. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.

Machine guns

7.62 mm MG3A1 machine gun
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 200 shots/min
7.62 mm MG3A1 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition2 800 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 200 shots/min
Main article: MG3A1 (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm MG3A1
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,000 (200) 1,200 N/A N/A
Pintle 2,000 (200) 1,200 -10°/+85° ±45°

Despite their high rate of fire, the small calibre of the MG3A1 machine guns makes them largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. They still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help.

Usage in battles

The M48A2 G A2 is similar to the other M48 Pattons in the game except for the need to be more careful and aware of your enemies. It's a decent medium tank with well-sloped frontal armour and average mobility, but what makes M48A2 G A2 stand out is the upgraded engine giving it better mobility, and the upgraded 105 mm L7A3 cannon compared to the US standard 90 mm M41 giving it improved penetration and increased precision against distant targets, though this comes at the cost of higher battle rating. It can unlock DM23 rounds that have a great effect even against enemy vehicles at higher battle ratings when uptiered, and can penetrate their armour with well placed shots.

The armour of the M48 is rounded and well-sloped, decreasing the chance for certain shells to reliably punch through the armour, though the tank has some significant weak spots on the front. The lower glacis is the weakest part of the front, making it a desirable location for hostile tanks to fire at to knock out the M48A2 G A2 with ease. Keep in mind to protect the lower glacis as best as possible from enemy shells. The armour holds it ground against tanks with no APFSDS or APDS since these shells can penetrate its frontal hull and turret armour with ease. The armour all around is decent compared to tanks like Leopard 1, Vickers MBT and OF-40.

Playing the M48A2 G A2 is a great risk to be uptiered and face enemies like Radkampfwagen 90, Merkava, T-72A and OF-40 Mk.2A all having better mobility and speed than the old M48 Patton, they also have the advantage to be equipped with gun stabilizers that the M48A2 G A2 is not equipped with, making it an easy target for most tanks in an uptier. In those battles, it's wise to not advance blindly into the enemy and take a more careful approach, taking up a position where the M48A2 G A2 has the capability to get the first shot.

In lower rating battles the M48A2 G A2 can be used more aggressively, but it's still advised to not advance too fast, as certain vehicles also at that battle can be equipped with stabilizers and can get in a well placed shot on the move compared to the non-stabilizer tanks. These can have a big advantage over the M48A2 G A2 when it comes to brawling and engaging tanks while having the speed advantage and mobility to avoid incoming fire from a moving M48A2 G A2.

The M48A2 G A2 can be a tricky tank to use effectively in battle, lacking a stabilizer is a big disadvantage at its battle rating but it can still be an effective tank for defending captured points or taking up a "sniper" position where it can be relatively safe from enemies.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Fairly good upper glacis armour
  • Highly effective 105 mm gun is a noticeable upgrade from the 90 mm gun on the M48A2 C
  • DM23 APFSDS shell makes it competitive against its peers, can frontally penetrate anything it encounters
  • Has effective armour against air attacks
  • Gun breech can protect turret crew from chemical munitions, although it will be damaged
  • Access to smoke
  • Acceptable reverse speed

Cons:

  • Frontal turret armour is not very reliable
  • Commander's cupola is still a large target
  • Can't deal with enemy aircraft as effectively due to the deletion of the .50 cal
  • Lack of gun stabilizer rarely allows it to make the first shot in a moving engagement
  • Ineffective armour in uptiers
  • Lacks thermals
  • DM23 APFSDS shell is a tier 3 modification - long grind with APDS and HEAT-FS to unlock DM23

History

In 1958, West Germany received the M48A2 Patton III tank. Originally this tank included the 90 mm M41 cannon and a 750 HP engine. Later on the tank would receive an upgraded engine (from 750 HP to 825 HP) along with other changes and was designated the M48A2 C in German service. This tank served from the early 1960s to the late 1970s. West Germany realized that the 90 mm gun wasn't sufficient enough to deal with most of the top of the line Soviet MBTs, so in 1978 the tank received the German licensed built, 105 mm L7A3 gun found on the Leopard 1. Other changes included minor fire control system changes, a new commander hatch, passive night sights, and later on a laser rangefinder. This version was designated the M48A2 G A2 and remained in service till the 1990s.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Patton Family discusses the M48A2 G A2 at 6:57 - War Thunder Official Channel
M48A2 G A2 - Mr 2 Face - Napalmratte

See also

Related development

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Chrysler Defense
MBTs 
M48 Patton  M48A1
M60  M60 · M60A1 (AOS) · M60A2 · M60A1 RISE (P) · M60A3 TTS
M1  XM1 (Chrysler) · M1 Abrams
Export 
M48  M48A2 C · M48A2 G A2 · ␗M48A1 · Magach 1 · Magach 2
M60  ␗M60A3 TTS · M60A1 "D.C.Ariete" ·
Note  Chrysler Defense was purchased by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) in 1982.

Germany medium tanks
Pz.III  Pz.III B · Pz.III E · Pz.III F · Pz.III J · Pz.III J1 · Pz.III J1 TD · Pz.III L · Pz.III M · Pz.III N
Pz.IV  Pz.IV C · Pz.IV E · Pz.IV F1 · Pz.IV F2 · Pz.IV G · Pz.IV H · Pz.IV J · Pz.Bef.Wg.IV J
Pz.V  VK 3002 (M) · Panther A · Panther D · Panther F · Panther G · Ersatz M10 · Panther II
M48 upgrades  M48A2 G A2 · M48 Super
Leopard 1  Leopard I · Leopard A1A1 · Leopard A1A1 (L/44) · Leopard 1A5 · C2A1 · Turm III
Leopard 2  PT-16/T14 mod. · Leopard 2K · Leopard 2AV
  Leopard 2A4 · Leopard 2 (PzBtl 123) · Leopard 2A4M · Leopard 2 PL · Leopard 2A5 · Leopard 2 PSO · Leopard 2A6 · Leopard 2A7V
Trophies  ▀M4 748 (a) · ▀T 34 747 (r)
Other  Nb.Fz. · KPz-70
USA  mKPz M47 G · M48A2 C
USSR  ◊T-72M1

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