Difference between revisions of "M11/39"

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{{Specs-Card|code=it_m11_39}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=it_m11_39
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_M11_39.jpg|ArtImage_M11-39.png}}
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}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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<!--''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.''-->
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage M11 39.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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In the 1930s, the Italian army lacked modern tanks, possessing only armoured cars armed with machine guns, intended solely for infantry support. Consequently, desiring to equip its army with contemporary equipment, Italy began developing a new tank in 1932, marking its first independent foray into tank design. The first prototype was presented in 1938, and serial production commenced in 1939 under the designation '''M11/39'''. A total of 100 tanks were built. Upon entering service with the Italian army, these tanks saw action in East and North Africa until 1942, when they ceased to be used due to a lack of spare parts and design flaws: weak armour, poor layout, and an ineffective gun. Nonetheless, the problems of the M11/39 were taken into account during the development of subsequent Italian medium tanks - the [[M13/40 (I)|M13/40]] and [[M14/41]].
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{{break}}
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]]. Despite being classed as a Medium tank, it shares more in common with conventional tank destroyers.  
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The '''M11/39''' was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]]. Demonstrating good survivability, decent mobility, and a sufficiently powerful gun, it is well-suited for both ambushes and active offensives. However, weak side armour, limited aiming angles, and mediocre gun ballistics, limit its effectiveness in open terrain.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
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<!--''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?''-->
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{{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, turret)
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet, MG mantlet, MG mount)
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 30 mm (19°) ''Upper plate - Gun mount'' <br> 30 mm (11°) ''Upper plate - Driver side'' <br> 30 mm (19°) ''Gun shield'' <br> 30 mm (cylindrical) ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 14 mm (77°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 30 mm ''Lower plate'' <br> 10 mm (77°) ''Lower glacis'' || 14 mm (7°) ''Top'' <br> 15 mm ''Bottom'' || 30 mm ''Crew compartment'' <br> 14 mm ''Upper plates'' <br> 14 mm (54°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 14 mm (20°) ''Lower glacis'' || 14 mm (13°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 8 mm ''Crew compartment'' <br> 6 mm (3-17°) ''Engine cover'' <br> 5 mm (8°) ''Engine vents''
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 30 mm (11°) ''Turret front'' <br> 30 mm ''MG mantlet'' <br> 15 mm (cylindrical) ''MG mount'' || 14 mm (7-10°) || 14 mm (9°) || 7 mm
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
 +
* Suspension wheels and torsion bars are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick.
 +
* Support plates for wheels and suspensions are 7 mm thick.
 +
* Belly armour is 10 mm thick.
  
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The M11/39 has fairly unimpressive protection overall at 30mm frontally. At common combat ranges it will be vulnerable to the vast majority of typical rounds, however it is frontally immune from heavy machine gun fire. The crew is made up of 3 total members, the Driver Gunner and Commander, the latter of which is positioned in the MG turret. An incoming shot into this turret will rarely one-shot the tank, but a shot into the drivers port will commonly see the vehicle knocked out. However it is fairly likely enemies will attempt to fire into the MG turret, which will likely only knock out the commander leaving all other assets of the tank completely functional, allowing you to drive off or return fire.
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The {{PAGENAME}} has fairly unimpressive protection overall at 30 mm frontally. At common combat ranges it will be vulnerable to the vast majority of typical rounds, however it is frontally immune from heavy machine gun fire. The crew is made up of 3 total members: the driver, the gunner and the commander, the latter of which is positioned in the MG turret. An incoming shot into this turret will rarely knock out the tank with a single shot, but a shot placed into the drivers port will commonly see the vehicle knocked out. However it is fairly likely enemies will attempt to fire into the MG turret, which will likely only knock out the commander leaving all other assets of the tank completely functional, allowing you to drive off or return fire.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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The mobility of the M11/39 is quite average, it is fast and responsive enough to get around the map and change direction easily, but not fast enough to really take advantage of it's mobility. It wont outpace many enemy vehicles to advantageous positions into the map, and overall doesn't offer any advantage to the vehicle other than being adequately mobile. It's reactive mobility is fairly effective however, it can easily turn in place to face a different direction when upgraded which is necessary due to the hull mounted cannon. It can cruise off-road at 37 km/h in AB and 33 km/h in RB, so it isn't slow by any means, but not notably very fast either. The reverse is only 4-5 km/h as well, making it hard to back out of an unwanted engagement.
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{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
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<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=201|rbMinHp=115}}
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 +
The mobility of the {{PAGENAME}} is quite average: it is fast and responsive enough to get around the map and change direction easily, but not fast enough to really take advantage of its mobility. It won't outpace many enemy vehicles to advantageous positions into the map, and overall doesn't offer any advantage to the vehicle other than being adequately mobile. Its reactive mobility is fairly effective however, it can easily turn in place to face a different direction when upgraded which is necessary due to the hull mounted cannon. It can cruise off-road at 37 km/h in AB and 33 km/h in RB, so it isn't slow by any means, but not notably very fast either. The reverse is only -4/-5 km/h as well, making it hard to back out of an unwanted engagement.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
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<!--''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.''-->
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
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{{main|Vickers-Terni 37/40 mod.18 (37 mm)}}The M11/39 is equipped with a hull mounted 37mm cannon that fires an APHE round. Overall, the performance of the cannon and this round is largely unimpressive, at common combat ranges it can punch through between 35-25mm of flat armour, which means that it can potentially meet some vehicles that the round can't frontally penetrate without a very well aimed shot. It will struggle against the American Stuarts and the majority of French vehicles, meaning that this vehicles combat ability isn't hugely consistent. Additionally, it lacks the penetration performance to engage at ranges, as passed 800 meters or so, the penetration power falls off to only 20mm of flat penetration which means it will struggle to penetrate the vast majority of enemy vehicles, on top of this the cannon itself is fairly inaccurate. The round does contain 23 grams of explosive filler however, which is enough to one-shot enemy vehicles with 3 crew members or less fairly regularly, which is something to consider.
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<!-- ''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|Vickers-Terni 37/40 mod.18 (37 mm)}}
  
−
===== Ammunition  =====
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
|-
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
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! colspan="5" | [[Vickers-Terni 37/40 mod.18 (37 mm)|37 mm Vickers-Terni 37/40 mod.18]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
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! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
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! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
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! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
+
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 10m
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! ''Arcade''
−
! 100m
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| rowspan="2" | 84 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±15° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 13.3 || 18.4 || 22.4 || 24.8 || 26.4 || rowspan="2" | 4.03 || rowspan="2" | 3.57 || rowspan="2" | 3.29 || rowspan="2" | 3.10
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! 500m
 
−
! 1000m
 
−
! 1500m
 
−
! 2000m
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Granata Perforante da 37 || APHE ||39||36||26|| 17 ||12||8
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! ''Realistic''
 +
| 8.3 || 9.8 || 11.9 || 13.2 || 14.0
 
|-
 
|-
−
|}
+
|}
 +
 
 +
The M11/39 is equipped with a hull mounted 37 mm cannon that fires an APHE round. Overall, the performance of the cannon and this round is largely unimpressive, at common combat ranges it can punch through between 35-25 mm of flat armour, which means that it can potentially meet some vehicles that the round can't frontally penetrate without a very well aimed shot. It will struggle against the American Stuarts and the majority of French vehicles, meaning that this vehicles combat ability isn't hugely consistent. Additionally, it lacks the penetration performance to engage at ranges, as past 800 m or so, the penetration power falls off to only 20 mm of flat penetration which means it will struggle to penetrate the vast majority of enemy vehicles, on top of this the cannon itself is fairly inaccurate. The round does contain 23 g of explosive filler however, which is enough to knock out enemy vehicles with 3 crew members or less with a single shot fairly regularly, which is something to consider.
 +
 
 +
==== Ammunition ====
 +
{{:Vickers-Terni 37/40 mod.18 (37 mm)/Ammunition|Granata Perforante da 37 mm}}
 +
 
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_M11-39.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 1.101.0.53''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! Full<br>ammo
 +
! 1st<br>rack empty
 +
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! 4th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
| '''84''' || 64&nbsp;''(+20)'' || 43&nbsp;''(+41)'' || 22&nbsp;''(+62)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+83)'' || Yes
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 
 +
* Shells are modeled by sets of 3 shells and will disappear from the rack once all shells in the set have been loaded/fired.
 +
* Pack 43&nbsp;''(+41)'' shells or fewer to minimize on board ammunition while staying capable for lasting engagements.
 +
 
 
=== 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|Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)}}The M11/39 is equipped with twin Breda Mod. 38 .30 Calibre machine guns in the Commander's turret with 24 rounds per gun. They have basically no viability against enemy armour and can only be use to knock out exposed crew members. However, they can potentially be used as an anti-air weapon as the twin machine guns will be enough to cripple enemy aircraft. In practice applying them in this way isn't very viable though, as they can't elevate high enough to be able to attack aircraft unless the aircraft is flying very low, or the tank is positioned on an angle giving it an artificially higher elevation. The machine guns can be used to attack aircraft, however it isn't regularly effective enough to consider this a key strategy.
+
<!-- ''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|Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)|8 mm Breda Mod. 38]]
 +
|-
 +
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 720 (24) || 600 || -10°/+20° || ±180°
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 720 (24) || 600 || -10°/+20° || ±180°
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
The M11/39 is also equipped with twin 8 mm Breda Mod. 38 machine guns in the Commander's turret with 24 rounds per gun. They have basically no viability against enemy armour and can only be used to knock out exposed crew members. However, they can potentially be used as an anti-air weapon as the twin machine guns will be enough to cripple enemy aircraft. In practice applying them in this way isn't very viable though, as they can't elevate high enough to be able to attack aircraft unless the aircraft is flying very low, or the tank is positioned on an angle giving it an artificially higher elevation. The machine guns can be used to attack aircraft, however it isn't regularly effective enough to consider this a key strategy.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
[[File:M11-39 1.jpg|thumb|631x631px|M11/39 passing a knocked out BT-7]]
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
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Because of its various shortcomings, the M11/39 doesn't have a play-style that consistently works well every time, but certain ways of play are easily more consistent than others. One effective way to play is in ambush, lying in wait to engage enemies at close range, at distances the cannon is just too inaccurate and lacks the penetration required to be constantly effective, so playing it at close range negates those issues. It's also important to avoid situations where you could possibly meet an enemy on the move, as adjusting your angle to face the enemy tied with how unstable the cannon is when coming to a stop, means that enemy tanks will likely be able to get a shot off on you before you can accurately fire at them.  
+
[[File:M11-39 1.jpg|thumb|300px|M11/39 passing a knocked out BT-7]]
 +
Because of its various shortcomings, the M11/39 doesn't have a playstyle that consistently works well every time, but certain ways of play are easily more consistent than others. One effective way to play is in ambush, lying in wait to engage enemies at close range, at distances the cannon is just too inaccurate and lacks the penetration required to be constantly effective, so playing it at close range negates those issues. It's also important to avoid situations where you could possibly meet an enemy on the move, as adjusting your angle to face the enemy tied with how unstable the cannon is when coming to a stop, means that enemy tanks will likely be able to get a shot off on you before you can accurately fire at them.
  
 
Ideally, you're going to want to engage at close range from a sedentary position, watching corners or covering cap points is where you'll likely see the most hostile tanks, so if you can find a good position in these locations you will likely pick up a few kills. Due to the small size of the M11, it might tank enemies a few seconds longer than normal to identify you as a threat, especially if you're positioned out of the way, making this vehicle even more adequately suited to the ambush role.
 
Ideally, you're going to want to engage at close range from a sedentary position, watching corners or covering cap points is where you'll likely see the most hostile tanks, so if you can find a good position in these locations you will likely pick up a few kills. Due to the small size of the M11, it might tank enemies a few seconds longer than normal to identify you as a threat, especially if you're positioned out of the way, making this vehicle even more adequately suited to the ambush role.
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=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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<!--''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".''-->
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<!-- ''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:'''
  
 
* Machine guns have anti-air potential
 
* Machine guns have anti-air potential
 +
* Shell has enough filler to knock out many tanks with a single penetrating shot
 
* Relatively fast reload
 
* Relatively fast reload
 
* Low profile
 
* Low profile
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* Poor penetration
 
* Poor penetration
 
* Fairly inaccurate main gun
 
* Fairly inaccurate main gun
−
* Inadequate performance at range
+
* Poor performance at range
 
* Low survivability
 
* Low survivability
  
 
== 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.''-->
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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).'' -->
  
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This pre-war design was intended to be the standard Italian medium tank, equipping medium tank battalions in the armoured divisions. However, the positioning of the medium-velocity 37mm main armament in a limited-traverse hull mounting was short-sighted and quickly lost favour. The tank had no radio. Only 100 were built before Italy moved on to the M13/40. Twenty-four served, in 4-tank platoons, with the Medium Special Tank Company (Compagnia Speciale Carri M) in the East African Armored Task Force in Italian East Africa until the Italians there were defeated in June 1941. Another 70 were deployed with the 1st and 2nd Medium Tank Battalions, which deployed to Libya in summer, 1940, and were all either destroyed or captured by British forces by early February 1941.
+
This pre-war design was intended to be the standard Italian medium tank, equipping medium tank battalions in the armoured divisions. Influenced by the British Vickers 6-ton, which can be seen in its suspension design; the positioning of the medium-velocity 37 mm main armament in a limited-traverse hull mounting rather than a turret was short-sighted and quickly lost favour. The tank had no radio. Only 100 were built before Italy moved on to the M13/40. Twenty-four served, in 4-tank platoons, with the Medium Special Tank Company (Compagnia Speciale Carri M) in the East African Armored Task Force in Italian East Africa until the Italians there were defeated in June 1941. Another 70 were deployed with the 1st and 2nd Medium Tank Battalions, which deployed to Libya in summer, 1940, and were all either destroyed or captured by British forces by early February 1941.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
<gallery>
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=it_m11_39 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200px">
 
File:M11-39 5.jpg|M11/39 in desert livery
 
File:M11-39 5.jpg|M11/39 in desert livery
−
File:M11-39 6.jpg|M11/39 In Winter camouflage  
+
File:M11-39 6.jpg|M11/39 In Winter camouflage
 
File:M11-39 2.jpg|M11/39 Engaging an enemy T-26
 
File:M11-39 2.jpg|M11/39 Engaging an enemy T-26
 
File:M11-39 3.jpg|The M11/39 in standard livery
 
File:M11-39 3.jpg|The M11/39 in standard livery
 
File:M11-39 4.jpg|M11/39 engaging an enemy M8 HMC
 
File:M11-39 4.jpg|M11/39 engaging an enemy M8 HMC
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|OJpicKQPBs8|'''Carro Armato {{PAGENAME}}, Italian, Tier-1, Medium Tank''' - ''Angry Nerd Gaming''|CJEU7s9EZiY|'''{{PAGENAME}} Review, Bad gun, Great top turret!''' - ''Joseph 2000''}}
  
 
== 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;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
;Vehicles equipped with a similar chassis
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* [[T-26 (Family)]]
 +
 
 +
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 +
* [[SAu 40]] - French tank destroyer with similar configuration of hull cannon and turret machine gun
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 +
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [[wikipedia:M11/39_tank|[Wikipedia] M11/39 tank]]
−
* ''encyclopedia page on tank;''
+
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/italy/Carro_Armato_Medio_M11-39.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Carro Armato M.11/39]
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=561 <nowiki>[Military Factory]</nowiki> Carro Armato M11/39]
  
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{{Italy medium tanks}}
+
{{TankManufacturer FIAT-Ansaldo}}
 +
{{Italy light tanks}}

Latest revision as of 20:03, 22 August 2024

M11/39
it_m11_39.png
GarageImage M11 39.jpg
ArtImage M11-39.png
M11/39
Italy flag.png Italy
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Class:
Research:2 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:700 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

In the 1930s, the Italian army lacked modern tanks, possessing only armoured cars armed with machine guns, intended solely for infantry support. Consequently, desiring to equip its army with contemporary equipment, Italy began developing a new tank in 1932, marking its first independent foray into tank design. The first prototype was presented in 1938, and serial production commenced in 1939 under the designation M11/39. A total of 100 tanks were built. Upon entering service with the Italian army, these tanks saw action in East and North Africa until 1942, when they ceased to be used due to a lack of spare parts and design flaws: weak armour, poor layout, and an ineffective gun. Nonetheless, the problems of the M11/39 were taken into account during the development of subsequent Italian medium tanks - the M13/40 and M14/41.

The M11/39 was introduced in Update 1.85 "Supersonic". Demonstrating good survivability, decent mobility, and a sufficiently powerful gun, it is well-suited for both ambushes and active offensives. However, weak side armour, limited aiming angles, and mediocre gun ballistics, limit its effectiveness in open terrain.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull30 / 14 / 14
Turret30 / 14 / 14
Crew3 people
Visibility79 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet, MG mantlet, MG mount)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 30 mm (19°) Upper plate - Gun mount
30 mm (11°) Upper plate - Driver side
30 mm (19°) Gun shield
30 mm (cylindrical) Gun mantlet
14 mm (77°) Upper glacis
30 mm Lower plate
10 mm (77°) Lower glacis 		14 mm (7°) Top
15 mm Bottom 		30 mm Crew compartment
14 mm Upper plates
14 mm (54°) Upper glacis
14 mm (20°) Lower glacis 		14 mm (13°) Front glacis
8 mm Crew compartment
6 mm (3-17°) Engine cover
5 mm (8°) Engine vents
Turret 30 mm (11°) Turret front
30 mm MG mantlet
15 mm (cylindrical) MG mount 		14 mm (7-10°) 14 mm (9°) 7 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and torsion bars are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick.
  • Support plates for wheels and suspensions are 7 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 10 mm thick.

The M11/39 has fairly unimpressive protection overall at 30 mm frontally. At common combat ranges it will be vulnerable to the vast majority of typical rounds, however it is frontally immune from heavy machine gun fire. The crew is made up of 3 total members: the driver, the gunner and the commander, the latter of which is positioned in the MG turret. An incoming shot into this turret will rarely knock out the tank with a single shot, but a shot placed into the drivers port will commonly see the vehicle knocked out. However it is fairly likely enemies will attempt to fire into the MG turret, which will likely only knock out the commander leaving all other assets of the tank completely functional, allowing you to drive off or return fire.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB38 / 6 km/h
RB and SB34 / 5 km/h
Number of gears4 forward
1 back
Weight11.0 t
Engine power
AB248 hp
RB and SB130 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB22.5 hp/t
RB and SB11.8 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 38 6 11 201 248 18.27 22.55
Realistic 34 5 115 130 10.45 11.82

The mobility of the M11/39 is quite average: it is fast and responsive enough to get around the map and change direction easily, but not fast enough to really take advantage of its mobility. It won't outpace many enemy vehicles to advantageous positions into the map, and overall doesn't offer any advantage to the vehicle other than being adequately mobile. Its reactive mobility is fairly effective however, it can easily turn in place to face a different direction when upgraded which is necessary due to the hull mounted cannon. It can cruise off-road at 37 km/h in AB and 33 km/h in RB, so it isn't slow by any means, but not notably very fast either. The reverse is only -4/-5 km/h as well, making it hard to back out of an unwanted engagement.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB106 → 136 Sl icon.png
RB95 → 122 Sl icon.png
SB111 → 142 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications2 970 Rp icon.png
890 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost190 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 Sl icon.png
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces20 Ge icon.png
Research Aces96 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
10 / 10 / 20 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement it.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

37 mm Vickers-Terni 37/40 mod.18 cannon
Ammunition84 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
4.1 → 3.1 s
Vertical guidance-8° / 15°
Horizontal guidance-15° / 15°
Main article: Vickers-Terni 37/40 mod.18 (37 mm)
37 mm Vickers-Terni 37/40 mod.18 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 84 -8°/+15° ±15° N/A 13.3 18.4 22.4 24.8 26.4 4.03 3.57 3.29 3.10
Realistic 8.3 9.8 11.9 13.2 14.0

The M11/39 is equipped with a hull mounted 37 mm cannon that fires an APHE round. Overall, the performance of the cannon and this round is largely unimpressive, at common combat ranges it can punch through between 35-25 mm of flat armour, which means that it can potentially meet some vehicles that the round can't frontally penetrate without a very well aimed shot. It will struggle against the American Stuarts and the majority of French vehicles, meaning that this vehicles combat ability isn't hugely consistent. Additionally, it lacks the penetration performance to engage at ranges, as past 800 m or so, the penetration power falls off to only 20 mm of flat penetration which means it will struggle to penetrate the vast majority of enemy vehicles, on top of this the cannon itself is fairly inaccurate. The round does contain 23 g of explosive filler however, which is enough to knock out enemy vehicles with 3 crew members or less with a single shot fairly regularly, which is something to consider.

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
Granata Perforante da 37 mm APHE 39 36 26 17 12 8
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%
Granata Perforante da 37 mm APHE 640 0.7 1.2 9 23 47° 60° 65°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M11/39
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
84 64 (+20) 43 (+41) 22 (+62) 1 (+83) Yes

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled by sets of 3 shells and will disappear from the rack once all shells in the set have been loaded/fired.
  • Pack 43 (+41) shells or fewer to minimize on board ammunition while staying capable for lasting engagements.

Machine guns

2 x 8 mm Breda Mod. 38 machine gun
Ammunition1 440 rounds
Belt capacity24 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main article: Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)
8 mm Breda Mod. 38
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Turret 720 (24) 600 -10°/+20° ±180°
Turret 720 (24) 600 -10°/+20° ±180°

The M11/39 is also equipped with twin 8 mm Breda Mod. 38 machine guns in the Commander's turret with 24 rounds per gun. They have basically no viability against enemy armour and can only be used to knock out exposed crew members. However, they can potentially be used as an anti-air weapon as the twin machine guns will be enough to cripple enemy aircraft. In practice applying them in this way isn't very viable though, as they can't elevate high enough to be able to attack aircraft unless the aircraft is flying very low, or the tank is positioned on an angle giving it an artificially higher elevation. The machine guns can be used to attack aircraft, however it isn't regularly effective enough to consider this a key strategy.

Usage in battles

M11/39 passing a knocked out BT-7

Because of its various shortcomings, the M11/39 doesn't have a playstyle that consistently works well every time, but certain ways of play are easily more consistent than others. One effective way to play is in ambush, lying in wait to engage enemies at close range, at distances the cannon is just too inaccurate and lacks the penetration required to be constantly effective, so playing it at close range negates those issues. It's also important to avoid situations where you could possibly meet an enemy on the move, as adjusting your angle to face the enemy tied with how unstable the cannon is when coming to a stop, means that enemy tanks will likely be able to get a shot off on you before you can accurately fire at them.

Ideally, you're going to want to engage at close range from a sedentary position, watching corners or covering cap points is where you'll likely see the most hostile tanks, so if you can find a good position in these locations you will likely pick up a few kills. Due to the small size of the M11, it might tank enemies a few seconds longer than normal to identify you as a threat, especially if you're positioned out of the way, making this vehicle even more adequately suited to the ambush role.

It's also important to note which tanks you'll struggle engaging, the M11 lacks the penetration to engage most French tanks and the late American Stuarts and HMCs, so it's a good idea to look at the armour layout of these vehicles to identify weak spots, if an enemy comes into sight that you can't easily penetrate, refrain from engaging it unless it presents a side shot, there's no use firing if you can't reliably cut through the armour. The M11/39 is a more defensive tank when compared to its contemporaries, and if you can identify a good camping position on any given map, the M11 will likely perform well enough.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Machine guns have anti-air potential
  • Shell has enough filler to knock out many tanks with a single penetrating shot
  • Relatively fast reload
  • Low profile

Cons:

  • Poor penetration
  • Fairly inaccurate main gun
  • Poor performance at range
  • Low survivability

History

This pre-war design was intended to be the standard Italian medium tank, equipping medium tank battalions in the armoured divisions. Influenced by the British Vickers 6-ton, which can be seen in its suspension design; the positioning of the medium-velocity 37 mm main armament in a limited-traverse hull mounting rather than a turret was short-sighted and quickly lost favour. The tank had no radio. Only 100 were built before Italy moved on to the M13/40. Twenty-four served, in 4-tank platoons, with the Medium Special Tank Company (Compagnia Speciale Carri M) in the East African Armored Task Force in Italian East Africa until the Italians there were defeated in June 1941. Another 70 were deployed with the 1st and 2nd Medium Tank Battalions, which deployed to Libya in summer, 1940, and were all either destroyed or captured by British forces by early February 1941.

Media

Skins
Images

  • M11/39 in desert livery

  • M11/39 In Winter camouflage

  • M11/39 Engaging an enemy T-26

  • The M11/39 in standard livery

  • M11/39 engaging an enemy M8 HMC

Videos
Carro Armato M11/39, Italian, Tier-1, Medium Tank - Angry Nerd Gaming
M11/39 Review, Bad gun, Great top turret! - Joseph 2000

See also

Vehicles equipped with a similar chassis
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
  • SAu 40 - French tank destroyer with similar configuration of hull cannon and turret machine gun

External links


FIAT-Ansaldo
Autoblindo  AB 41 · AB 43
Light Tanks  L6/40 · L6/40 (31 Rgt.)
Medium Tanks  Celere Sahariano
M11/39  M11/39
M13/40  M13/40 (I) · M13/40 (II) · M13/40 (III)
M14/41  M14/41 · M14/41 (47/40)
M15/42  M15/42
P40  P40 · P40 "G.C. Leoncello"
Tank Destroyers 
L3/33  L3/33 CC
Semovente L40  47/32 L40
Semovente M41  75/18 M41 · 75/32 M41 · 90/53 M41M
Semovente M42  75/34 M42
Semovente M43  105/25 M43 · M43 "G.C.Leoncello" · 75/34 M43 · 75/46 M43
SPAAs  M42 Contraereo

Italy light tanks
  Italy
L6/40  L6/40 · L6/40 (31 Rgt.)
M11/39  M11/39
Autoblindo  AB 41 · AB 43
Fiat 6614/6616  FIAT 6614 · AUBL/74 · AUBL/74 HVG
R3 Capraia  R3 T106 FA
Centauro  Centauro I 105 · Centauro I 105 R · Centauro I 120 · Centauro RGO · VRCC
Freccia  VBC (PT2) · Freccia
Dardo  Dardo · VCC-80/60 · VCC-80/30
Other  C13 T90
USA  ▄M3A3 · ▄M24 · ▄M18
  Hungary
WWII  Csaba · Toldi IIA
Post  ◔BTR-80A · KF41

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