Difference between pages "P.108A serie 2" and "M4 Sherman (Family)"

From War Thunder Wiki
(Difference between pages)
Jump to: navigation, search
Visual (beta)Wikitext
(Edits)
 
(Undo revision 194081 by U88686158 (talk))
 
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{About
 
−
| about = Italian strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
−
| and
 
−
| usage = the bombers
 
−
| link-1 = P.108B serie 1
 
−
| link-2 = P.108B serie 2
 
−
}}
 
−
{{Specs-Card
 
−
|code=p_108a_serie2
 
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
−
}}
 
−
 
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
+
The '''M4 ''Sherman''''', designated '''Medium Tank, M4''', named after the American Civil-War General William T. Sherman.
  
−
The Piaggio P.108A ''Artgliere'' (lit. "Gunship") was an unusual variant of the [[P.108 (Family)|P.108 heavy bomber]]. Designed in response to a requirement issued in November 1942 to supplement torpedo bombers in anti-shipping duties, the P.108A was armed with a massive 102 mm 102/35 mod.14 cannon (a bored-out version of the proven [[90/53 mod.41 (90 mm)|90 mm 90/53 mod.41]] anti-tank cannon) in its fuselage, one of the largest armaments ever fitted onto an aircraft at that time. To maximize the effectiveness of the gun, the plane was to be fitted with an analog computer to help in calculating the aim, as well as a 12-round autoloader. However, due to the worsened situation of Italy, frequent Allied bombing raids, and the realization that such an aircraft was more expensive than a traditional bomber while its theoretical effectiveness was questionable at best, only one prototype was built and tested before the program was cancelled in September 1943. The sole P.108A would later be captured by the Germans but presumably destroyed in a later bombing raid in 1944.
+
The M4 was the most widely-used American tank ever developed, originally meant for World War II, but seeing service far after 1957, when the US retired them, with its latest retirement nation being Paraguay in April 2018.
  
−
Introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]] initially as a rank III "strike aircraft", but gradually reduced to a rank I aircraft. The {{PAGENAME}} is similar to the normal P.108s, but with a 102 mm anti-shipping gun containing 50 rounds, basically making it an oversized [[Hs 129 (Family)|Hs 129]] or [[PBJ-1H]]. However, the main reason for the ''Artgliere'' to be now pitted frequently against reserve biplanes and early monoplanes rather than being used for tank-busting (or boat killing) duties like the aforementioned planes is due to it being too big, too slow, too sluggish, and too hard to get its gun on target without being hit by any enemies. The 102 mm cannon was intended to be used against large and relatively defenseless target like an average cargo ship, something that the ''Artgliere'' will rarely come across outside of Simulator Battles. Managing to hit any ground vehicle with the first shot is considered a miracle, let alone against aircraft. Since the 102 mm is the only "offensive" armament it has, the P.108A is restricted to ground attack role, something that it performed rather poorly.
+
==Vehicles==
 +
{{Tree-Start|3|without header}}
 +
|- style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;"
 +
! style="white-space:nowrap;" | <div style="-moz-transform:rotate(-90.0deg);-o-transform:rotate(-90.0deg);-webkit-transform:rotate(-90.0deg);margin:0.5em;"></div>
 +
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|<center>[[File:USA flag.png|70px|link=Category:USA ground vehicles]]</center>{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|<center>[[File:Germany flag.png|70px|link=Category:Germany ground vehicles]]</center>{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|<center>[[File:USSR flag.png|70px|link=Category:USSR ground vehicles]]</center>{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|<center>[[File:Britain flag.png|70px|link=Category:Britain ground vehicles]]</center>{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|<center>[[File:Japan flag.png|70px|link=Category:Japan ground vehicles]]</center>{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|<center>[[File:China flag.png|70px|link=Category:China ground vehicles]]</center>{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|<center>[[File:Italy flag.png|70px|link=Category:Italy ground vehicles]]</center>{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|<center>[[File:France flag.png|70px|link=Category:France ground vehicles]]</center>{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|<center>[[File:Sweden flag.png|70px|link=Category:Sweden ground vehicles]]</center>{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|<center>[[File:Israel flag.png|70px|link=Category:Israel ground vehicles]]</center>{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
  
−
In an ironic twist, the P.108A is placed at such a low BR that it can be played as a pure gunship and keep true to its official nickname ''Artgliere'', baiting any inexperienced pilots to chase your tail and hope that you can gun them down with your defensive turret. Though be warned; the plane is pretty much a sitting duck against those who know where to attack it.
+
{{Tree-Line|II Rank}}
 +
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
 +
{{Tree-Unit|us_m4_sherman}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
{{Tree-Unit|us_m4a1_1942_sherman}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
{{Tree-Unit|us_m4a2_sherman}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
{{Tree-Unit|us_m4a3_105_sherman}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
  
−
== General info ==
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
−
=== Flight performance ===
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
−
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
−
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
+
{{Tree-Unit|uk_sherman_II}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
  
−
It is difficult to compliment the P.108A's flight performance. It is for all intents and purposes a heavy bomber repurposed into a strike aircraft. It flies somewhat acceptably compared to other bombers but by strike aircraft standards it is poor. The P.108A is slow, turns poorly, and does not accelerate or climb well. Roll rate and energy retention are not really applicable for this aircraft. The sheer weight and bulk of the plane give it a large amount of inertia, so getting guns on target during a strafing run can be a major challenge due to its weak rudder and extremely sluggish controls. Once its altitude is expended, there is little chance of getting it back in a timely manner. Think twice about your speed and altitude before attacking a ground or naval target and avoid steep dives or you will be fighting with the controls in a futile attempt to pull up!
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
 +
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
 +
{{Tree-Unit|cn_m4a4_sherman}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
{{Tree-Unit|cn_m4a4_sherman_1st_ptg}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
−
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,049 m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 
−
|-
 
−
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
−
|-
 
−
! Stock
 
−
| 426 || 412 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 32.5 || 34.1 || 6.0 || 5.9 || rowspan="2" | 750
 
−
|-
 
−
! Upgraded
 
−
| 464 || 444 || 29.6 || 31.0 || 9.8 || 7.7
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
==== Details ====
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{{Tree-Unit|fr_m4a1_sherman}}
−
|-
+
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
−
! colspan="5" | Features
+
{{Tree-Unit|fr_m4a3_105_sherman}}
−
|-
+
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
−
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 
−
|-
 
−
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
−
|-
 
−
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
−
|-
 
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 383 || 361 || 249 || ~3 || ~2
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
−
|-
 
−
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
−
|-
 
−
| < 330 || < 310 || < 270 || > 250
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
=== Survivability and armour ===
+
{{Tree-Line|III Rank}}
−
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
−
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
+
{{Tree-Unit|us_m4a1_76w_sherman}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
{{Tree-Unit|us_m4a2_76w_sherman}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
{{Tree-Unit|us_m4a3e2_sherman_jumbo}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
{{Tree-Unit|us_m4a3e8_76w_sherman}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
{{Tree-Unit|us_m4_sherman_calliope}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
{{Tree-Unit|us_m4a3e2_sherman_jumbo_cobra_king}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
  
−
* 8 mm Steel - Cockpit armour - instrument panel, pilot's seat, co-pilot's seat and floor plate below pilot
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
−
* 8 mm Steel - Armour plate protecting ammo located in wings
+
{{Tree-Unit|us_m4a2_1944_germ}}
−
* 8 mm Steel - Side gunner armoured walls
+
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
−
* 8 mm Steel - Ventral gunner position
 
−
* Fuel tanks located in wings
 
  
−
While the P.108 series is not well known for its durability, the {{PAGENAME}} is placed at such a low BR that it mostly faces enemies armed only with small-calibre machine guns, to which the plane is capable of absorbing huge number of rounds with. However, due to the lack of protection on the gunners, they can be easily knocked out. In an uptier where large-calibre machine guns and 20 mm autocannons are common, the {{PAGENAME}} will not fare well against these enemies as they can easily dismantle you from higher altitudes.
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
 +
{{Tree-Unit|ussr_m4a2_76w_sherman}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
  
−
=== Modifications and economy ===
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
−
{{Specs-Economy}}
+
{{Tree-Unit|uk_sherman_vc_firefly}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
{{Tree-Unit|uk_sherman_ic_firefly}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
  
−
# The first tier modifications to be unlocked should be Radiator and Fuselage repair, then Turret 7 mm. This is so you can improve the poor performance of the plane. The belts should be last as no matter what the defensive firepower of the plane with or with out the belts would still remain poor.
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
−
# The second tier upgrades should start with the Airframe so your plane is a bit more durable. Then get the New 7 mm MGs (turret) and Offensive 102 mm for increase in firepower and defensive armament. Finally go get the Compressor.
 
−
# The Third tier modifications should start off with the Engine, then unlock the Wings repair. Last of all unlock the Turret 12.7 mm.
 
−
# The fourth tier modification should start off with the New 12.7 mm MGs (turret) then Cover. And your last two modification should be Engine Injection and New 102 mm Cannons.
 
  
−
== Armaments ==
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
−
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
+
{{Tree-Unit|cn_m4a1_76w_sherman}}
−
=== Offensive armament ===
+
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
−
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
−
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
−
{{main|102/35 mod 14 (102 mm)}}
 
  
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
 +
{{Tree-Unit|it_sherman_75_37}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
{{Tree-Unit|it_m4a4_sherman}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
{{Tree-Unit|it_sherman_VII}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
  
−
* 1 x 102 mm 102/35 mod 14 cannon, nose-mounted (50 rpg)
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
 +
{{Tree-Unit|fr_m4a4_sherman}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
{{Tree-Unit|fr_m4a4_cn_75_50}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
{{Tree-Unit|fr_m4a3e2_sherman_jumbo}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
{{Tree-Unit|fr_m4a1_sherman_fl_10}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
  
−
The only offensive armament the {{PAGENAME}} has is a massive 102 mm 102/35 mod 14 cannon cannon mounted on the nose in a downward-pointing angle, intended to aiding the pilot to hit the ship without putting the nose down.
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
 +
{{Tree-Unit|sw_sherman_3_4}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
  
−
In theory, the 102 mm cannon is capable of one-shotting any plane it comes across, and crippling any ground or light naval targets. However, in practice, the cannon is largely useless against these targets due to relatively poor accuracy and awkward firing angles, as well as the difficulty in aiming it due to the plane's poor handling.
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
  
−
Thus, the only realistic usage of 102 mm cannon is against static targets, which can be hit (mostly) reliably at around 500 m range, though in doing so also means that you will effectively expose yourself to any aircraft above you or even AI AA guns on the ground that could hit you due to the plane's huge size.
+
{{Tree-Line|IV Rank}}
 +
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
 +
{{Tree-Unit|us_m4a3e2_76w_sherman_jumbo}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
{{Tree-Unit|us_m4_t26}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
  
−
=== Defensive armament ===
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
−
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
−
<!-- ''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.'' -->
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
−
{{main|Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)|Breda-SAFAT (7.7 mm)}}
+
{{Tree-Unit|uk_skink_aa}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
  
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
 +
{{Tree-Unit|jp_m4a3e8_76w_sherman}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
  
−
* 2 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, 2 x remote-controlled wing turret (300 rpg = 1,200 total)
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
−
* 1 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, ventral turret (450 rpg)
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
−
* 1 x 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, 2 x beam turret (400 rpg = 800 total)
+
{{Tree-Unit|it_sherman_vc_firefly}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
  
−
The {{PAGENAME}} retains the same defensive armament layouts as its bomber variant, the [[P.108B serie 2]]. Even at the BR of the P.108A, these guns are somewhat ineffective against lightly-armoured biplanes and early monoplanes due to the awkward convergence, though this will be main way of getting kills by baiting any inexperienced pilots into chasing it.
+
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
 +
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
 +
|style="border-left: solid 1px #cccccc;"|
 +
{{Tree-Unit|il_m_51}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
 +
{{Tree-Unit|il_m_51_w}}
 +
{{Tree-Skip|5px}}
  
−
However, the P.108A's turret layout still retains fatal flaws of the lack of protection for the gunners, as they are bunched close together and can be easily knocked out in a well-aimed shot, leaving the plane defenseless. In addition, the complete lack of coverage at the frontal angles will leaves the P.108A at the mercy of any enemy pilot that approaches.
+
{{Tree-End}}
 +
===Other===
  
−
== Usage in battles ==
+
* [[SPS-255]] - "Special Purpose Sherman", a vehicle in the [[Unrealistic Battles]] [[April Fool's Day|April Fools event]].
−
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a 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. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
  
−
'''Air Battles'''
+
<!-- == History ==
 +
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle family in more detail than in the introduction. 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 family's dev blog entries (if applicable).'' -->
  
−
The Piaggio P.108A Serie 2 is a four-engine strike aircraft. Despite being a strike aircraft, the 102 mm cannon is relatively inaccurate which means the targets that best suit this plane are large stationary targets that the cannon can penetrate and destroy. The plane's defensive firepower is relatively poor, so you should try to avoid enemy planes as much as possible. If an enemy plane is lining up to attack you from the front, try to swing your plane around and give him your tail so your gunners can shoot back at him. It is recommended to fly with squadmates or recruit an escort as a lone P.108A is easy prey for roving enemy fighters. Stay low and do not go above 1,900 m. Speed is key: try to maintain a speed of close to 200 km/h to give you wiggle room as your stall speed is 155 km/h despite the massive weight.
+
== Major Variants ==
  
−
Bomber vs bomber gunfights are ill-advised because the P.108A's gunners are easy to knock out and their weapons do not deal a high amount of damage. Try to make the enemy bomber attack you from behind, or try to stay in front of and below him. It is possible to go low-level bomber hunting using the main cannon and its HE shell, but this is very situational and will most likely end up in you being hunted by enemy fighters. Enemy AI attackers can be hunted as they fly very predictably, but will often have potent defensive guns which can snipe your pilot as you pull up behind them. If you do manage to get a hit with the HE shell, 690 grams of TNT will blow even the largest aircraft out of the sky.
+
<!--=== M4 Sherman ===
  
−
'''Ground Realistic Battles'''
+
=== M4A1 Sherman ===
  
−
In Ground RB, try to attack enemy vehicles from the side, preferably ones that are stationary and looking away from you. This is where they are the largest and there is less chance that your target will spot you before you can attack. Since the reloading of the 102 mm cannon is done manually, it will take a relatively long time to reload. A large ammo reserve means that you can take a couple of long-distance sniper shots as you get closer to your target. Make sure you can both hit the target and pull out of the dive or you will miss and crash. The large calibre gun, which was derived from the 90 mm [[90/53 mod.41 (90 mm)|90/53 mod.41]], will do significant damage to enemy tanks if it gets a hit. Try to aim for the crew compartment to maximise damage, or hit the engine to immobilise it for so you can swing around for another pass.
+
=== M4A2 Sherman ===
  
−
The aircraft is a very large target, its size and slow speed mean that enemy tanks have a chance to shoot you down with their coaxial machine guns and even their main cannon. The poor frontal armour will often get the pilot sniped or have its engines and fuel set alight on a low pass. Beware of enemy tanks that have roof-mounted machine guns. Many American vehicles like the [[M24]] Chaffee, [[M4]] Sherman, and the [[M10 GMC]] have [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|.50 cal]] machine guns for AA defense. These will do a lot of damage to your plane and pilot. Try to keep your distance from these tanks and attack when they aren't looking.
+
=== M4A3 Sherman ===
  
−
Any enemy SPAA able to get its guns on target is dangerous. If there is an enemy SPAA present, circle outside of the battlefield and try to get your teammates to dispatch it before you start attack runs.
+
=== M4A4 Sherman ===
  
−
'''Naval Battles'''
+
=== M4A5 Ram ===
  
−
Despite anti-shipping being the P.108A's original design purpose, Naval battles are a poor game mode for the aircraft. Almost every target in Naval will have some sort of AI-controlled AA gunners that can hit you with pinpoint accuracy. It is recommended to go after vulnerable AI cargo ships and unsuspecting PT boats. On open waters and open skies, a P.108A is very easy to spot so player-controlled boats will most likely see you first and start evasive manoeuvres making them very difficult to hit. A lone Clemson-class destroyer like [[USS Litchfield]] can be a viable target as it has no AA armament, but will take multiple shots and multiple passes to destroy because of its large size.
+
=== M4A6 Sherman ===-->
  
−
=== Manual Engine Control ===
+
===M4A3E2 Sherman "Jumbo" ===
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 
−
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
−
|-
 
−
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 
−
|-
 
−
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Auto controlled
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
=== Pros and cons ===
+
==== Design ====
−
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the 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".'' -->
+
'''Hull'''
  
−
'''Pros:'''
+
The M4A3E2 had 1.5 in (38 mm) armor plates added to the front and upper sides of the hull. The additional armor was welded onto the original armor, which brought the total thickness of the frontal armor to 4 in (101 mm) and the upper side thickness to 3 in (76 mm). The rear and top armor remained the same, and the lower hull sides were also unchanged. The frontal plate had a cutout in the hull to allow for fitting the plate over the machine gun ball mount. Additionally, the final drive assembly cover was replaced by a more heavily armored version. The thickness was from 4 in (101 mm) to 5.5 in (129 mm).
  
−
* 102 mm cannon can prove devastating on a direct hit
+
'''Turret'''
−
* Large amount of ammo for the cannon
 
−
* Two turrets with two 12.7 mm guns each are placed on the distant engines allowing for more guns to face backwards
 
−
* Survivability of a four-engined heavy bomber
 
−
* Slow enough that enemy fighters have less time to fire and will often overshoot
 
  
−
'''Cons:'''
+
The M4A3E2 received a new turret. The new turret was based on the T23 turret (used on 76 mm gun armed Shermans), but it had the pistol port removed. The armor was also increased to 6 in (152 mm) all round, but the area under the rear turret basket was only 2.5 in (63 mm). Despite using the M62 gun mount that was normally used for 76 mm guns, a 75 mm gun was mounted as standard. The standard 2 in (50 mm) gun shield had 5 in (127 mm) of armor added to it, increasing both the size and thickness of the mantlet. The standard ammunition load was 104 75 mm rounds, 600 .50 cal (12.7 mm) rounds, 6,250 .30 cal (7.62 mm) rounds, 900 .45 cal rounds for the crew's defensive pistols, 18 hand grenades, and 18 2-inch smoke grenades.
  
−
* Atrocious flight performance
+
Note: Many M4A3E2 Shermans were up-gunned to the 76 mm caliber during the war.
−
** Very poor turn rate, roll rate, climb rate, and energy retention, incapable of flying to intercept anything
 
−
** Will be outran and outturned by almost every plane it may face
 
−
** Difficult to take off without flaps due to low horsepower engines
 
−
* Massive target, very easy to spot and hit
 
−
* Prone to fuel tank fire due to tremendous fuel load
 
−
* Awful offensive capabilities
 
−
** Inaccurate downward-pointing cannon and sluggish handling make lining up shots very difficult
 
−
** No suspended ordnance options, thus leaving the unreliable 102 mm cannon as the only "offensive" option
 
−
* Relatively weak defensive armament, even for its BR
 
−
** Gunners are bunched together and easily knocked out
 
−
** Turrets on the engines cannot face forwards, making any head-ons a death sentence
 
  
−
== History ==
+
'''Mobility'''
−
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft 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).''-->
 
  
−
The Piaggio P.108 heavy bomber series were the only strategic bombers to see service with the Italian military during World War II. The P.108 was developed prior to the war as a continuation of the earlier prototype Piaggio P.50. With long range and considerable bombload, the P.108 was supposed to offer the Regia Aeronautica the ability to attack ships and bases throughout the Mediterranean region, particularly at Gibraltar. The resulting aircraft was fairly advanced by the standards of the Italian industry, featuring all-metal construction, electric welding, and remote-control gun turrets on the outer engine nacelles. It looked somewhat like an Italian equivalent of the American B-17 Flying Fortress, which itself had been considered for license production in Italy. The P.108 first flew in late 1939.
+
Because of the immense weight of the additional armor, extended end connectors were fitted to the tracks, reducing the ground pressure. The engine was the same Ford GAA V8 as was standard on the M4A3. The maximum speed was reduced to 22 mph (35 km/h), but the acceleration was still manageable. It could climb a 60% slope, cross a 7’6” (2286 mm) trench, climb a 24” (609 mm) vertical wall and ford 36” (914 mm) of water.
  
−
The P.108 had its fair share of issues, largely related to its engines. During one test flight in February 1941, all four Piaggio R.XI engines of the P.108 prototype failed due to heavy icing. The pilot miraculously made a safe emergency landing. Later examples switched to the Piaggio R.XXII engine instead. The reputation of the bomber also took a hit when Bruno Mussolini, the son of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and the commander of a P.108 crew, died after a crash on August 7, 1941 caused by hydraulic and engine failure shortly after takeoff. The P.108 only entered combat service in 1942 and saw middling success at first; engine troubles aside, Italian crews were not prepared for the navigation and fuel management challenges that long range bombing missions entailed. By 1943, the P.108s began to encounter stiff resistance from enemy aircraft and several were lost to British fighters. After the Italian armistice, the remaining P.108s saw little service. The transport versions served to the end of the war.
+
=== Field Expedient Jumbo ===
 +
The Field Expedient Jumbos were M4A3 (76) HVSS (a.k.a. M4A3E8 Easy Eight) up-armored with armor plates welded to the hull upper glacis and turret by the 12th Army Group. The Field Expedient Jumbos often had a frontal armor profile similar to the purpose-built M4A3E2 tanks. The additional armor was taken from knocked out tanks, often from M4 Shermans or Panzer V Panthers. In the case of another Sherman the entire upper glacis of the could be cut out and then welded to the front of the tank. The 6th Armoured Division stated in a report:<blockquote>A recently modified M4A3E8 took a direct hit from a German 75 mm shell with the only resulting damage being the complete separation of the middle section of additional armour from the hull. The tank continued in the action and succeeded in “knocking out” the opposing vehicle.The crew whose lives were saved by this additional protection were loud in their praise of this modification.</blockquote>
  
−
The P.108A was a curious modification of the P.108B bomber variant developed in late 1942. It was designed to attack ships, and to this end it was equipped with an enormous 102 mm cannon in the lower part of the nose. The cannon was a bored-out development of the [[90/53 mod.41 (90 mm)|90/53]] cannon used by the Italian Army, capable of firing larger shells. The installation added two tons of weight to the P.108. The airframe was revised and a special gun sight was installed, later including an analog computer. The P.108A underwent extensive testing and was deemed an effective anti-ship strike aircraft. Plans were made to assemble 5 additional P.108As for a dedicated attack unit, but the Italian armistice halted them. Thus, only one P.108A was ever built. It fell into German hands and was evaluated by the Luftwaffe at their test center in Rechlin, Germany. It was damaged and later destroyed by Allied bombing some time after 1944.
+
<!-- Remove out of comment once history has been written !!!
−
 
+
==Variants (in-game)==
−
The P.108 did not make a significant impact in World War II, only being produced in small numbers and encountering many obstacles during testing and operational use. It was used in Gibraltar, North Africa, and Sicily with mixed results. The P.108A avoided the developmental troubles of the bomber versions but never entered service, and the single prototype never fired its gun in anger. In spite of its faults, the P.108 can be credited with being the pinnacle of Italian bombers. It served as a basis for the improved P.133 design, which promised superior performance and armament but was canceled after the armistice and never built.
+
===Medium Tanks===
−
 
+
* [[M4]]
−
No P.108s are known to survive today.
+
** [[M4 Hybrid (Italy)|M4 Hybrid]]
 +
** [[Sherman IC "Trzyniec"|M4 (17prd)]] - <small>(Otherwise known as Sherman Ic ''Firefly'')</small>
 +
* [[M4A1]]
 +
** [[Sherman II|M4A1 (UK)]] - <small>(Otherwise known as Sherman II)</small>
 +
** [[M4A1 (75) W (China)|M4A1 (75) W]]
 +
** [[M4A1 (76) W]]
 +
** [[M4A1 (FL10)]] - <small>(Egyptian homebrew from AMX-13-90 turret)</small>
 +
* [[M4A2]]
 +
** [[M4A2 (76) W]]
 +
* M4A3
 +
** [[M4A3 (105)]]
 +
** [[M4A3E2]]
 +
** [[M4A3E2 (76) W]]
 +
** [[M4A3 (76) W|M4A3E8 (76) W]]
 +
* [[M4A4 (Italy)|M4]][[M4A4 (China)|A4]]
 +
** [[Sherman Firefly|M4A4 (17pdr)]] - <small>(Otherwise known as Sherman Vc ''Firefly'')</small>
 +
** [[M4A4 (SA50)]]
 +
* [[M4A5]] - <small>(Designation left open for Ram II tank, which isn't a Sherman)</small>
 +
* M4A6
 +
** [[M4 Tipo IC|M4A6 (17pdr)]] - <small>(Otherwise known as Sherman VIIc ''Firefly'')</small>
 +
===Tank Destroyer===
 +
* [[M10 (Family)|M10 GMC]] - <small>(based on the M4A2 Sherman chassis)</small>
 +
* [[M36 Jackson (Family)|M36 GMC]] - <small>(based on M4A3 chassis)</small>
 +
** [[M36B1|M36B1 GMC]] - <small>(based on M4A3 hull and chassis.)</small>
 +
===Rocket Launcher===
 +
* [[Calliope|T34 ''Calliope'']]
 +
===Other===
 +
[[SPS-255]]
 +
-->
  
 
== 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
 
−
 
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=p_108a_serie2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
−
{{Youtube-gallery|GSSJKUqU3WE|'''The Shooting Range #260''' - ''Challenge'' section at 11:34 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|ObEcMPqFBbE|'''The Shooting Range #259''' - ''Tips & Tricks'' section at 11:21 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|PrqqMtZin1U|'''The Shooting Range #48''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 02:35 discusses the P.108A.}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|p_25MEJkZQc|'''The Shooting Range #364''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:45 discusses Sherman engines.|IVdvgpcGYg8|'''Best Shermans''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|TQEq6hjxGdM|'''The Shooting Range #292''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:59 discusses the Shermans in Normandy.|RkzTeKDqmnw|'''Long-serving tanks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 07:03 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|KUSnuNXASxE|'''Most produced tanks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:20 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|siBiZuv58vk|'''The Sherman Family''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
−
 
 
−
== See also ==
 
−
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
−
''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
−
 
 
−
;Similar aircraft fitted with a large-calibre gun
 
−
 
 
−
* [[PBJ-1H]]
 
−
* [[XA-38]]
 
−
* [[Hs 129 B-3]]
 
−
* [[Ki-109]]
 
−
 
 
−
== External links ==
 
−
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
−
* ''other literature.''-->
 
−
 
 
−
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/365184-piaggio-p108ba-serie-2/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 
  
−
{{AirManufacturer Piaggio}}
+
[[Category:Family pages]]
−
{{Italy strike aircraft}}
 

Revision as of 05:36, 28 October 2024

This version of the wiki is no longer supported
Use Wiki 3.0

Description

The M4 Sherman, designated Medium Tank, M4, named after the American Civil-War General William T. Sherman.

The M4 was the most widely-used American tank ever developed, originally meant for World War II, but seeing service far after 1957, when the US retired them, with its latest retirement nation being Paraguay in April 2018.

Vehicles

Researchable vehicles Premium vehicles
USA flag.png
Germany flag.png
USSR flag.png
Britain flag.png
Japan flag.png
China flag.png
Italy flag.png
France flag.png
Sweden flag.png
Israel flag.png
II Rank
Item own.png
M4
us_m4_sherman.png
Item own.png
M4A1
us_m4a1_1942_sherman.png
Item own.png
M4A2
us_m4a2_sherman.png
Item own.png
M4A3 (105)
us_m4a3_105_sherman.png
Item own.png
Sherman II
uk_sherman_ii.png
Item own.png
␗M4A4
cn_m4a4_sherman.png
Item own.png
␗M4A4 (1st PTG)
cn_m4a4_sherman_1st_ptg.png
Item own.png
▄M4A1
fr_m4a1_sherman.png
Item own.png
▄M4A3 (105)
fr_m4a3_105_sherman.png
III Rank
Item own.png
M4A1 (76) W
us_m4a1_76w_sherman.png
Item own.png
M4A2 (76) W
us_m4a2_76w_sherman.png
Item own.png
M4A3E2
us_m4a3e2_sherman_jumbo.png
Item own.png
M4A3 (76) W
us_m4a3e8_76w_sherman.png
Item own.png
Calliope
us_m4_sherman_calliope.png
Item own.png
Cobra King
us_m4a3e2_sherman_jumbo_cobra_king.png
Item own.png
▀M4 748 (a)
us_m4a2_1944_germ.png
Item own.png
▂M4A2
ussr_m4a2_76w_sherman.png
Item own.png
Sherman Firefly
uk_sherman_vc_firefly.png
Item own.png
Sherman IC "Trzyniec"
uk_sherman_ic_firefly.png
Item own.png
␗M4A1 (75) W
cn_m4a1_76w_sherman.png
Item own.png
▄Sherman I Composito
it_sherman_75_37.png
Item own.png
▄Sherman V
it_m4a4_sherman.png
Item own.png
Sherman Ic
it_sherman_vii.png
Item own.png
▄M4A4
fr_m4a4_sherman.png
Item own.png
M4A4 (SA50)
fr_m4a4_cn_75_50.png
Item own.png
▄M4A3E2
fr_m4a3e2_sherman_jumbo.png
Item own.png
M4A1 (FL10)
fr_m4a1_sherman_fl_10.png
Item own.png
Sherman III/IV
sw_sherman_3_4.png
IV Rank
Item own.png
M4A3E2 (76) W
us_m4a3e2_76w_sherman_jumbo.png
Item own.png
M4/T26
us_m4_t26.png
Item own.png
Skink
uk_skink_aa.png
Item own.png
▅M4A3 (76) W
jp_m4a3e8_76w_sherman.png
Item own.png
▄Sherman Vc
it_sherman_vc_firefly.png
Item own.png
M-51
il_m_51.png
Item own.png
M-51 (W)
il_m_51_w.png

Other


Major Variants

M4A3E2 Sherman "Jumbo"

Design

Hull

The M4A3E2 had 1.5 in (38 mm) armor plates added to the front and upper sides of the hull. The additional armor was welded onto the original armor, which brought the total thickness of the frontal armor to 4 in (101 mm) and the upper side thickness to 3 in (76 mm). The rear and top armor remained the same, and the lower hull sides were also unchanged. The frontal plate had a cutout in the hull to allow for fitting the plate over the machine gun ball mount. Additionally, the final drive assembly cover was replaced by a more heavily armored version. The thickness was from 4 in (101 mm) to 5.5 in (129 mm).

Turret

The M4A3E2 received a new turret. The new turret was based on the T23 turret (used on 76 mm gun armed Shermans), but it had the pistol port removed. The armor was also increased to 6 in (152 mm) all round, but the area under the rear turret basket was only 2.5 in (63 mm). Despite using the M62 gun mount that was normally used for 76 mm guns, a 75 mm gun was mounted as standard. The standard 2 in (50 mm) gun shield had 5 in (127 mm) of armor added to it, increasing both the size and thickness of the mantlet. The standard ammunition load was 104 75 mm rounds, 600 .50 cal (12.7 mm) rounds, 6,250 .30 cal (7.62 mm) rounds, 900 .45 cal rounds for the crew's defensive pistols, 18 hand grenades, and 18 2-inch smoke grenades.

Note: Many M4A3E2 Shermans were up-gunned to the 76 mm caliber during the war.

Mobility

Because of the immense weight of the additional armor, extended end connectors were fitted to the tracks, reducing the ground pressure. The engine was the same Ford GAA V8 as was standard on the M4A3. The maximum speed was reduced to 22 mph (35 km/h), but the acceleration was still manageable. It could climb a 60% slope, cross a 7’6” (2286 mm) trench, climb a 24” (609 mm) vertical wall and ford 36” (914 mm) of water.

Field Expedient Jumbo

The Field Expedient Jumbos were M4A3 (76) HVSS (a.k.a. M4A3E8 Easy Eight) up-armored with armor plates welded to the hull upper glacis and turret by the 12th Army Group. The Field Expedient Jumbos often had a frontal armor profile similar to the purpose-built M4A3E2 tanks. The additional armor was taken from knocked out tanks, often from M4 Shermans or Panzer V Panthers. In the case of another Sherman the entire upper glacis of the could be cut out and then welded to the front of the tank. The 6th Armoured Division stated in a report:
A recently modified M4A3E8 took a direct hit from a German 75 mm shell with the only resulting damage being the complete separation of the middle section of additional armour from the hull. The tank continued in the action and succeeded in “knocking out” the opposing vehicle.The crew whose lives were saved by this additional protection were loud in their praise of this modification.


Media

Videos
The Shooting Range #364 - Pages of History section at 03:45 discusses Sherman engines.
Best Shermans - War Thunder Official Channel
The Shooting Range #292 - Pages of History section at 03:59 discusses the Shermans in Normandy.
Long-serving tanks discusses the M4 Sherman (Family) at 07:03 - War Thunder Official Channel
Most produced tanks discusses the M4 Sherman (Family) at 3:20 - War Thunder Official Channel
The Sherman Family - War Thunder Official Channel
Retrieved from "https://old-wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=P.108A_serie_2&oldid=194117"