Difference between pages "Vickers Mk.7" and "XM975"

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{{About
 
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| about = British medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
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| usage = other versions
 
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| link = Vickers MBT (Family)
 
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}}
 
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
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|code=uk_vickers_mk7
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|code=us_xm_975_roland
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]].
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The '''Carrier Air Defense Missile System XM975''' is a U.S. self-propelled missile defence (SAM) system based on the French Roland ground-to-air missile that was constructed on the Tracked Carrier - XM975. The U.S. Army evaluated the Roland missile system in the 1970s and early 1980s. The [[Roland]] ground-to-air missile launcher was mounted on the Tracked Carrier - XM975 (a weapon-tracked carrier that was also utilized on the M109 self-propelled howitzer). Overall, this SAM system had limited service, with only one prototype manufactured and approximately 27 units produced in total. It served in the U.S. Army for about 5 to 10 years before being phased out.
  
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The Vickers Mk.7 is a prototype tank design by Vickers during the 1980s. The tank featured a capable fire control system, an effective and tested L11 120 mm gun, similar to those on the [[Chieftain (Family)|Chieftains]] and as a novelty for the British tech tree, the turret is mounted on the chassis of a [[Leopard 2A4|Leopard 2]].
+
Introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]], the XM975 is a rank VII U.S. Army ground forces SAM system, that clears the skies of potential enemy aircraft. This SAM system will be quite familiar to French Army ground personnel, as it uses the French Roland ground-to-air missile as its primary weapon. Unfortunately, it lacks additional armaments and only has two ready-to-fire missiles in the missile launcher, forcing the player to make every missile count.
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This very raw input in mobility from the Leopard's engine, matched with the sturdy Chobham armour inside the Vickers turret, grants the veteran tankers of the British tree a fairly unique and dynamic balance of mobility, firepower and armour for a variety of playstyle options.
 
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The tank is not only well balanced in the 3 main categories, but is also armed with improved TOGS, laser rangefinders and various smoke discharging equipment; turning this MBT into a dangerous opponent to meet on the battlefield.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 +
 +
The XM975 has similar protection to other SPAAs and SAMs of its rank, with enough protection to stop some splash damage from near misses of small rockets and bombs. The armour will also stop rifle-calibre rounds, but the American [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|M2HB Browning]], the Soviet [[NSVT (12.7 mm)|NSVT]], or other similar heavy machine guns will slice straight through the armour, along with of course any MBT round. Avoid direct confrontation with all enemy ground forces.
 +
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (turret, hull rear)
 +
* Aluminium alloy 5083 (hull)
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 35 mm (53-82°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 40 mm (51°) ''Lower glacis'' <br> 30 mm (82°) ''Driver's hatch'' || 10 mm + 10 mm (5°) ''Top - Front'' <br> 20 mm + 10 mm (5°) ''Top - Rear'' <br> 35 mm ''Bottom - Front'' <br> 20 mm ''Bottom - Centre & rear'' <br> 5 mm ''Side Skirts'' <br> 20 mm (39°) ''Bottom - Belly'' || 20 mm (12°) ''Upper plate'' <br> 20 mm (17°) ''Centre plate'' <br> 20 mm (50°) ''Lower glacis'' || 30-35 mm (8°) ''Front'' <br> 20 mm (0-8°) ''Centre and rear'' <br> 5 mm ''Radiator vents''
+
| Hull || 32 mm ''Top'' <br> 32 mm (30-75°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 32 mm (0-59°) ''Lower glacis'' || 32 mm (24°) ''Top'' <br> 32 mm ''Bottom'' || 6.35 mm ''Top'' <br> 32 mm ''Bottom''
−
|-
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| 32 mm
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| Turret || 20 mm (3-53°) ''Turret front'' <br> 30-35 mm (54-75°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 20mm (6°) ''Turret side'' || 20 mm (0°) ''Turret rear'' || 40 mm (0-12°) <br> 20 mm ''Loader hatch''
 
 
|-
 
|-
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| Cupola || colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | 20 mm (cylindrical) || 20+20 mm ''Outer ring'' <br> 20 mm ''Dome''
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| Turret || 15 mm || 15 mm || 15 mm || 10 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
  
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* Suspension wheels, tracks and torsion bars are 20 mm thick.
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* Tracks are 20 mm thick, suspension wheels are 15 mm thick
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* A 20 mm plate reinforces the hull sides' top area.
 
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* A 8 mm plate separates the crew compartment from the engine compartment.
 
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* Additionally to the outer armour, composite armour is present:
 
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{| class="wikitable"
 
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|-
 
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! Composite armour !! Front !! Sides
 
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|-
 
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| Hull
 
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| '''Front glacis''' <br> 90 - 350 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 243 - 600 mm ''Chemical''
 
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| N/A
 
−
|-
 
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| Turret
 
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| '''Turret cheeks''' <br> 350 - 500 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 350 - 650 mm ''Chemical'' <br> '''Gun mantlet (Centre)''' <br> 250 - 300 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 300 - 600 mm ''Chemical''
 
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| '''Side armour''' <br> 150 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 315 mm ''Chemical''
 
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|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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=2,032|rbMinHp=1,327}}
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The top speed of 57 km/h (35.4 mph) is reasonably quick. The XM975 is capable of traversing the map relatively quickly, though it is recommended to travel in mostly straight lines if possible. The acceleration is mediocre and it will take time for the vehicle to regain speed again, so attempt to avoid many turns and take roads when able.
 +
 
 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=575|rbMinHp=358}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
The modification order is fairly simple for the XM975. Parts and FPE should come first as usual, then the [[Roland 3]]. This will increase the engagement range of the XM975 from 6.3 km to 8 km and allow engagement of most enemy helicopters. Then horizontal drive, airstrike and elevation mechanism, to allow for better tracking of fast moving enemy aircraft and a reduction to the spawn cost of allied aircraft. After that, mobility modifications, crew replenishment and finally improved optics.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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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{{main|L11A5 (120 mm)}}
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{{main|Roland}}
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The Mk.7 uses the same 120 mm L11A5 rifled gun as the [[Challenger Mk.3]]. Shell loadout is identical and works well for mid-Cold War era tanks such as the [[Type 90]], [[Leopard 2A4]], [[T-64B]]/[[T-72A]]/[[T-80B]], etc., but may struggle when fighting more modern vehicles such as the [[Leopard 2A5]], [[T-80U]], [[Leclerc]], etc.
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
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! colspan="5" | [[L11A5 (120 mm)|120 mm L11A5]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! colspan="5" | [[Roland]] missile || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
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! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
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! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
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!Autoloader
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 50 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 34.3 || 47.4 || 57.6 || 63.7 || 67.8 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
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| rowspan="2" | 10 (2) || rowspan="2" | -10°/+80° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 74.9 || 103.6 || 125.8 || 139.1 || 148.0 || rowspan="2" | 5.00  
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 21.4 || 25.2 || 30.6 || 33.8 || 36.0
+
| 50.6 || 59.5 || 72.3 || 79.9 || 85.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
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{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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{{:Roland/Ammunition|Roland 1, Roland 3}}
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! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
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! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
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! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
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! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot L23A1 || APFSDS || 396 || 394 || 387 || 376 || 367 || 357
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shell L31A7 || HESH || 152 || 152 || 152 || 152 || 152 || 152
 
−
|-
 
−
| L26 || APFSDS || 471 || 469 || 464 || 458 || 450 || 444
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot L23A1 || APFSDS || 1,535 || 3.89 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shell L31A7 || HESH || 670 || 17.34 || 0.1 || 4 || 6,530 || 73° || 77° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
| L26 || APFSDS || 1,550 || 4.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
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! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
−
|-
 
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! Ammunition
 
−
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! Projectile<br>mass (kg)
 
−
! Screen radius<br>(m)
 
−
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
 
−
! Screen hold time<br>(s)
 
−
! Explosive mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
|-
 
−
| L34 || 670 || 17.1 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.19.0.76''' -->
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<!-- '''Last updated: 2.15.1.131''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Full<br>ammo
 
! Full<br>ammo
−
! Ammo<br>type
 
 
! 1st<br>rack empty
 
! 1st<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
−
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''50''' || ''Projectiles''<br>''Propellants'' || 18&nbsp;''(+32)''<br>18&nbsp;''(+32)'' || 12&nbsp;''(+38)''<br>15&nbsp;''(+35)'' || 7&nbsp;''(+43)''<br>10&nbsp;''(+40)'' || 4&nbsp;''(+46)''<br>4&nbsp;''(+46)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+49)''<br>1&nbsp;''(+49)'' || No
+
| '''5''' || 4&nbsp;''(+1)'' || 3&nbsp;''(+2)'' || 2&nbsp;''(+3)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+4)'' || No
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
'''Notes:'''
 
−
 
 
−
* In the case of projectile racks 4 and 5: the rack is shared but the outer half of the ammunition is used as the ready rack and the inner half is stored ammo and thus considered as rack 4 for the purposes of determining load order.
 
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=== Machine guns ===
 
−
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
−
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
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{{main|L8A2 (7.62 mm)}}
 
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
−
|-
 
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! colspan="5" | [[L8A2 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm L8A2]]
 
−
|-
 
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
−
|-
 
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| Coaxial || 2,000 (200) || 600 || N/A || N/A
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
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The Vickers Mk.7 is a main battle tank, and thus a tank that should be on the frontlines being the first line of attack. It is considered one of the best armoured MBTs at its battle rating. This is due to its composition; a Leopard 2A4 hull which offers protection against all CE threats except [[9M133]] Kornet and is able to stop APFSDS rounds with <400 mm penetration, and a custom British turret similar to the [[Challenger 2]] which offers protection against all CE threats except 9M133 Kornet and APFSDS rounds with <405 mm penetration. Thanks to this, the Vickers Mk.7 can be used in a variety of engagements at both short and long ranges with high chances of survivability.
+
When using the XM975, attempt to stay focused on the air threats. As a SAM platform, there are very few ground vehicles that can be knocked out by the Roland missile, so it is better to find a concealed position and avoid contact with enemy armour. The XM975 does have an advantage over quite a few other anti-air vehicles, thanks to the IRST (infrared search and track) mode. Commanders of the XM975 should be aware of this mode, as it prevents detection of lock-on by the enemy aircraft's RWR. The IRST mode also ignores enemy chaff, and is generally just a better mode to operate in as a whole.
−
 
 
−
'''In urban combat:'''
 
−
 
 
−
Close quarters combat is one of the most risky engagements in the game, but thanks to the superb armour of the Vickers Mk.7, it is able to have multiple engagement modes when in CQC.
 
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''Battering Ram:''
 
−
 
 
−
Vickers Mk.7 can be used as the tank who will push through the enemy line due to its armour. Be aware of how the chassis is poked between corners as the hull is only armoured in the frontal plate. Any shot fired at the track's sprocket can be fatal as there is no armour to stop the incoming shell. When fighting in an uptier, avoid being the battering ram as all 10.3-10.7 vehicles can punch through any part of the frontal armour (including turret) and destroy the tank in a couple of shots. Be aware of facing enemy tanks like the [[Leopard 2A6]] and [[Leclerc S2]] which have extremely powerful APFSDS rounds that will go through the Vickers Mk.7's armour like hot knife through butter. When in a downtier, you are able to be the battering ram as only a couple vehicles at the battle rating will be able to pierce through your armour (tanks like the [[Type 16]], [[T-62M-1]] and [[Type 74 (Family)|Type 74]] will be able to punch through your armour between 8.7 and 9.7, be aware as they penetrate between 405 mm and 450 mm of armour with APFSDS). Try to stick with people behind you so friendlies can assist you if needed, sometimes who can pull you with a winch could save both's life.
 
−
 
 
−
''Bastion defence:''
 
−
 
 
−
Due to the high survivability, the Vickers Mk.7 is able to hold defensive positions (cap points, strategic locations, etc) quite well, as well as repelling and counter-attacking any aggressor with ease. Due to its powerful engine and transmission, it is able to move forward, fire, and move backwards in quick succession.
 
−
 
 
−
''*Note: the Vickers Mk.7 most prominent weak spot in the turret is the mantlet, always be on the lookout to hide it as much as possible or by wobbling your turret a little so enemies have a smaller chance to hit the mantlet.''
 
−
 
 
−
'''In rural combat:'''
 
−
 
 
−
Due to the longer ranges compared to the urban combat, the Vickers Mk.7 is able to use multiple techniques and combat roles to fulfil the player's preference.
 
−
 
 
−
''Sniper:''
 
−
 
 
−
Thanks to the high velocity stock ammunition, the Vickers Mk.7 is able play as a sniper in long range maps. This, with the addition of the laser rangefinder and thermal imaging sights, makes the Vickers Mk.7 a fearful sniper as only certain tanks will be able to pierce your turret past 500 m. Be aware as, despite having a strong hull, always try to get in hulldown position in order to hide the frontal weakspots of your tank (lower frontal plate, turret ring). At longer ranges, enemies will take more time in order to hit and damage the Vickers Mk.7 if hulldown.
 
−
 
 
−
''Flanking:''
 
  
−
As much as crazy it sounds, the Vickers Mk.7 has an impressive speed of 75 km/h even with all the armour. Thanks to this, the Vickers Mk.7 is able to move around and push behind enemy lines and retreat or move to wherever is needed. Thanks to the stabilizer, it is able to fire on the move if needed for a quick "Hit 'n' Run" tactic. It has a slow reload rate (7.8 seconds stock) which can cause issues when engaging targets in a fast manner. Use smoke if needed to retreat and relocate.
+
The Roland is a relatively slow missile, so it is not recommended to fire upon jets that are near the limit of the missile's range and/or fly at high speed. However, this is made up for by the high manoeuvrability of the missile, as the slower speed allows it to pull sharper turns than quicker SAM missiles. Helicopters are usually within range, as all helicopters armed with the [[AGM-114B Hellfire|AGM-114 Hellfire]] will be within engagement range, as the maximum range of the hellfire is 8 km, like the [[Roland 3]]. Some helicopters may outrange the Roland in uptiers, such as the [[Ka-50]] or [[Ka-52]] with the [[9K127 Vikhr|9K 127 Vikhr]] missiles. It is recommended to immediately take cover if outside engagement range, although it is possible to proximity fuse the Vikhr with the Roland if there is no other option available.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Accurate main gun with HESH and smoke as support rounds
+
* Roland SAMs are quite manoeuvrable compared to other SAMs around the BR
−
* Excellent mobility in all directions, also effective off-road mobility
+
* Can take down aircraft and choppers up to 8.0 km (4.97 mi) with the Roland 3
−
* Respectable turret armour compared to some tanks at the battle rating; fearful when in downtier
+
* SACLOS-guided SAMs are much harder to defeat compared to IR-guided SAMs
−
* Decent stock APFSDS shell (394 mm at 100 m at 0°)
 
−
* Powerful gun optics (4.0x - 12.0x FOV: 18-6), gun depression, TOGS and laser range finder: excellent tank hunting capabilities
 
−
* Two-piece ammunition is stored separately; reduced risk of detonation
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Large and tall profile; difficult to conceal from tanks, aircraft or helicopters
+
* Lacklustre armour and high profile makes the XM975 vulnerable to enemy fire
−
* Difficulties when fighting sloped armour at long distances, chiefly Soviet [[T-72 (Family)]] or [[Leopard 2A6]]
+
* Roland missiles are slower than later SAMs and fairly easy to spot
−
* Ammo rack behind the turret with no blowout panels
+
* No anti-aircraft cannons as backup once all missiles are expended or for use against close-range/ground targets
−
* Armour protection nearly useless against high velocity FIN-shells (e.g., [[Leopard 2A4|DM13]], [[T-64B|3BM42]], [[PTZ89|DYW1]])
 
−
* Weak spots in hull and turret: gun mantlet, driver position and armourless sides and weak LFP inherent from [[Leopard 2 (Family)]]
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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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After quite a few private tank ventures, and the unsatisfactory development of the Vickers Mark 4, also known as Valiant. The Vickers company brought another design aimed to develop a capable MBT. Either as a replacement for the Challenger Mk.1 then currently in service, or as a valuable modern tank for the exportation. With the support of the Krauss-Maffei company, Vickers matched the up-rated turret of the previous Mark 4 Valiant MBT, with an identical [[Leopard 2A4]] chassis. Thus creating in June 1985, what it became known as Vickers MBT Mark 7.
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The XM975 was selected by US Army as a forward air defence system in 1975. The first missiles were delivered in 1977 and fired in 1978. The XM975 was a modified M109 howitzer chassis equipped with a Roland 2 system with a longer range American-made search radar. Unfortunately problems with technology transfer and rising costs terminated the program after producing 27 launchers and 600 missiles, mounted on M812 flatbed trucks.
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The Leopards' MTU 838 engine capabilities were well known, and the match with the improved Valiant's Mk 4 turret protected by the powerful Chobham Armour, resulted in an acceptable weight of over 54 tons, providing a top speed of 72 km/h. A speed which was unlikely from most British MBTs of the time - Specially from previous MBTs as the already out phased [[Chieftain (Family)|Chieftains]].
 
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Vickers' prototype got fitted with the L11 120 mm gun, the same gun as the contemporary Challenger 1. After these modifications, the Mark 7 went under trials in Egypt, September of the same year. In 1986, using some technologies of the defunct MBT-80 project,  the Mark 7 received even greater upgrades: 2nd generation thermal sights with increased resolution, improved stabilization systems for the main gun, reduced thermal and electromagnetic signatures and a new telescopic laser sight. Effectively reworking on the IFCS (Improved Fire Control System) for the 120 mm L11A5 cannon. Equally formidable, the Leopard 2 chassis matched perfectly this gunnery refits; turning the Mark 7 in a very steady tank while firing on the move.
 
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Bittersweet experiences on the CAT 87 (Canadian Army Trophy) with the Army's Challengers 1 pitted against [[Leopard (Family)|Leopards 2/1]] and [[M1 Abrams]], made some interest on the Vickers Mk.7 project. Therefore, in October 1987, a comparison test on the Lulworth Gunnery Ranges was performed between a Challenger 1 and a Vickers Mark 7. CHIP (Challenger/Chieftain Improvement Programme) was looking for projects and new technologies to integrate into the serving Challengers 1. At the firing range, Challenger 1 hit seven out of the 8 targets in an engagement time of approximately 21.7 seconds. While the Vickers Mark 7 achieved successful hits to all 8 targets in only 12.5 seconds. This is likely due to old Chieftain's cannon and gunnery systems being fitted into the newer Challenger 1, with only slightly major gunnery improvements aside from TOGS - unlike the modernized Vickers Universal turret.
 
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This universal turret also made possible not only the installation of an IFCS but the modification for different gun mounts such as the Royal Ordnance's L7 105mm gun. The turret was made in this universal configuration since it was hoped this would suit any potential exportation customers needs, or at least, grow in interest for the British Army. While the army did recount experience in the Vickers Mk 7 and the technologies improvement on gunnery and target requisitioning, in the end, they not procured any contract for it. All the technology research and tests made between the Challenger 1 and the Mk.7 instead lead Vickers and the MOD to develop what was to be known as; the [[Challenger 2]].
 
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Without the interest of the British Army, high productions costs, international political situations and the dependency on a German-made hull, the Vickers Mk.7 did not succeed on the exportation market. Any further research was then halted and the project cancelled, with a single prototype built.
 
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While the fate might seem short-lived, the Vickers Mk.7 proved to be an invaluable leap forward in the modernized MBT development. Not only regarding the CR2 but also because in 1986 the Universal Vickers turret was reproduced to be used by Engesa, on the Brazilian EE-T1 Osório Main Battle Tank
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_vickers_mk7 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_xm_975_roland Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
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;Videos
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;Images
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{{Youtube-gallery|NHRUSJ79Re4|'''The Shooting Range #175''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:38 discusses the Vickers Mk.7.}}
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<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
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File:XM975 Firing Roland 3.png|View of the XM975 firing its Roland 3 at an enemy air target, the vehicle's primary role.
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</gallery>
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
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''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
  
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'''Related development'''
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* ''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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* [[Leopard 2A4]]
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
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* [[wt:en/news/6438-development-vickers-mk-7-the-steel-centaur-en|[Devblog] Vickers Mk.7: The Steel Centaur]]
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* [[wikipedia:Roland_(missile)|[Wikipedia] Roland (missile)]]
  
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{{Manufacturer Vickers-Armstrongs}}
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{{USA anti-aircraft vehicles}}
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{{Britain medium tanks}}
 

Latest revision as of 01:30, 6 November 2024

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XM975
us_xm_975_roland.png
GarageImage XM975.jpg
ArtImage XM975.png
XM975

Description

The Carrier Air Defense Missile System XM975 is a U.S. self-propelled missile defence (SAM) system based on the French Roland ground-to-air missile that was constructed on the Tracked Carrier - XM975. The U.S. Army evaluated the Roland missile system in the 1970s and early 1980s. The Roland ground-to-air missile launcher was mounted on the Tracked Carrier - XM975 (a weapon-tracked carrier that was also utilized on the M109 self-propelled howitzer). Overall, this SAM system had limited service, with only one prototype manufactured and approximately 27 units produced in total. It served in the U.S. Army for about 5 to 10 years before being phased out.

Introduced in Update "Winged Lions", the XM975 is a rank VII U.S. Army ground forces SAM system, that clears the skies of potential enemy aircraft. This SAM system will be quite familiar to French Army ground personnel, as it uses the French Roland ground-to-air missile as its primary weapon. Unfortunately, it lacks additional armaments and only has two ready-to-fire missiles in the missile launcher, forcing the player to make every missile count.

General info

Survivability and armour

The XM975 has similar protection to other SPAAs and SAMs of its rank, with enough protection to stop some splash damage from near misses of small rockets and bombs. The armour will also stop rifle-calibre rounds, but the American M2HB Browning, the Soviet NSVT, or other similar heavy machine guns will slice straight through the armour, along with of course any MBT round. Avoid direct confrontation with all enemy ground forces.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (turret, hull rear)
  • Aluminium alloy 5083 (hull)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 32 mm Top
32 mm (30-75°) Upper glacis
32 mm (0-59°) Lower glacis 		32 mm (24°) Top
32 mm Bottom 		6.35 mm Top
32 mm Bottom 		32 mm
Turret 15 mm 15 mm 15 mm 10 mm

Notes:

  • Tracks are 20 mm thick, suspension wheels are 15 mm thick

Mobility

The top speed of 57 km/h (35.4 mph) is reasonably quick. The XM975 is capable of traversing the map relatively quickly, though it is recommended to travel in mostly straight lines if possible. The acceleration is mediocre and it will take time for the vehicle to regain speed again, so attempt to avoid many turns and take roads when able.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade Expression error: Unexpected * operator. 575 Expression error: Unexpected round operator. __.__
Realistic 358 Expression error: Unexpected round operator. __.__

Modifications and economy

The modification order is fairly simple for the XM975. Parts and FPE should come first as usual, then the Roland 3. This will increase the engagement range of the XM975 from 6.3 km to 8 km and allow engagement of most enemy helicopters. Then horizontal drive, airstrike and elevation mechanism, to allow for better tracking of fast moving enemy aircraft and a reduction to the spawn cost of allied aircraft. After that, mobility modifications, crew replenishment and finally improved optics.

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: Roland
Roland missile Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Autoloader
Arcade 10 (2) -10°/+80° ±180° N/A 74.9 103.6 125.8 139.1 148.0 5.00
Realistic 50.6 59.5 72.3 79.9 85.0

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
Roland 1 SAM 39 39 39 39 39 39
Roland 3 SAM 54 54 54 54 54 54
Missile details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Range
(m) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Arming
distance (m) 		Trigger
radius (m) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Roland 1 SAM 500 6,300 65 1 0.1 300 6 4.59 79° 80° 81°
Roland 3 SAM 570 8,000 77 1 0.1 300 6 6.81 79° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the XM975
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
5 4 (+1) 3 (+2) 2 (+3) 1 (+4) No

Usage in battles

When using the XM975, attempt to stay focused on the air threats. As a SAM platform, there are very few ground vehicles that can be knocked out by the Roland missile, so it is better to find a concealed position and avoid contact with enemy armour. The XM975 does have an advantage over quite a few other anti-air vehicles, thanks to the IRST (infrared search and track) mode. Commanders of the XM975 should be aware of this mode, as it prevents detection of lock-on by the enemy aircraft's RWR. The IRST mode also ignores enemy chaff, and is generally just a better mode to operate in as a whole.

The Roland is a relatively slow missile, so it is not recommended to fire upon jets that are near the limit of the missile's range and/or fly at high speed. However, this is made up for by the high manoeuvrability of the missile, as the slower speed allows it to pull sharper turns than quicker SAM missiles. Helicopters are usually within range, as all helicopters armed with the AGM-114 Hellfire will be within engagement range, as the maximum range of the hellfire is 8 km, like the Roland 3. Some helicopters may outrange the Roland in uptiers, such as the Ka-50 or Ka-52 with the 9K 127 Vikhr missiles. It is recommended to immediately take cover if outside engagement range, although it is possible to proximity fuse the Vikhr with the Roland if there is no other option available.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Roland SAMs are quite manoeuvrable compared to other SAMs around the BR
  • Can take down aircraft and choppers up to 8.0 km (4.97 mi) with the Roland 3
  • SACLOS-guided SAMs are much harder to defeat compared to IR-guided SAMs

Cons:

  • Lacklustre armour and high profile makes the XM975 vulnerable to enemy fire
  • Roland missiles are slower than later SAMs and fairly easy to spot
  • No anti-aircraft cannons as backup once all missiles are expended or for use against close-range/ground targets

History

The XM975 was selected by US Army as a forward air defence system in 1975. The first missiles were delivered in 1977 and fired in 1978. The XM975 was a modified M109 howitzer chassis equipped with a Roland 2 system with a longer range American-made search radar. Unfortunately problems with technology transfer and rising costs terminated the program after producing 27 launchers and 600 missiles, mounted on M812 flatbed trucks.

Media

Skins
Images

  • View of the XM975 firing its Roland 3 at an enemy air target, the vehicle's primary role.

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 vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


USA anti-aircraft vehicles
M3 Half-track derivatives  M13 MGMC · M15 CGMC · M16 MGMC
M24 derivative  M19A1
M41 derivative  M42
Radar SPAAG  M163 · M247
Missile SPAA  ADATS · Imp.Chaparral · LAV-AD · XM975

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