|
|
| (30 intermediate revisions by 13 users not shown) |
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| − | {{About
| + | {{Specs-Card|code=it_of_40_mk_1}} |
| − | | about = Italian medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| |
| − | | usage = other versions
| |
| − | | link = OF-40 (Family)
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | {{Specs-Card | |
| − | |code=it_of_40_mk_1 | |
| − | |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 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.''--> |
| − | Many consider the OF-40 to be Italy's first attempt at making a main battle tank post-WW2. The OF-40 was made after experience gained from the OTO Melara Leone project, it being a modified [[Leopard I]].
| + | [[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]] |
| − | | + | {{break}} |
| − | Introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]], the playstyle of the OF-40 is very similar to that of the Leopard 1 series of vehicles found in the German tech tree. The OF-40 does have slightly better turret armour, but the weakspots the Leopard 1 has pretty much are the exact same on the OF-40. Mobility-wise, the tank does not disappoint, the armament is also quite potent. The OF-40 is armed with a 105 mm cannon, although it is unstabilized which can be an issue when firing on the move, so it's best to fire whilst stationary. The vehicle also has access to a laser rangefinder, but it does not get access to thermals. Overall, this tank can be quite effective when a player can work around its weaknesses and make the most of its strengths.
| + | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]]. |
| | | | |
| | == General info == | | == General info == |
| | === Survivability and armour === | | === Survivability and 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?'' |
| − | <!-- ''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 OF-40's armour isn't great, but it certainly is way better than the Leopard 1's.
| |
| − | [[File:OF40 survives rocket spam.jpg|thumb|right|Due to a better ammo rack placement and higher turret sturdyness overall, OF-40 can sometimes survive extremely lethal encounters, like this rocket tank. Don't push your luck though!]]
| |
| − | On the bright side, the OF-40's turret has very weird angles, so it can bounce or even block some incoming shots from there. Frontally, turret is practically invulnerable to autocannon fire aside from the neck and unlucky ricochets into the hull roof. There are no stupid mandatory ammo racks next to the loader's face, so commander can tank practically anything with the left turret cheek while only risking the loader (which may be already dead anyway). The gun mask can also block HESH reliably if the tank pushes fast enough.
| |
| − | | |
| − | When looked at closer, though, the turret sides (excluding the spaced armour in the turret) are only 35 mm thick at most and can be penetrated by HESH or HE, so you can't rely on the armour as much as you could hope to compared to other tanks that fight at the OF-40's battle rating. The commander sight on the very top is also bigger than on the Leopard, allowing some light tanks to make an opportunistic HE shot.
| |
| − | | |
| − | In terms of the hull, the OF-40 has better protection when it comes to the upper frontal plate because it is angled harder than on German counterpart. It is 170 mm thick front-on for tall tanks and up to 250 mm for shorter ones, which may let it bounce a shot when driving at an angle. Other than that, its hull is very weak and cannot be completely relied on. Having only 16 shells will allow the tank to survive random APDS hits directly to the middle (although the chances are very slim regardless)
| |
| − | | |
| − | OF-40 overall survivability is average. In most cases, enemies will only manage to take out one or two crew members since the gunner and loader are quite spaced out between each other and pure kinetic shells can't hit both sides of the turret. The same cannot be said about the rest of the crew, as they are all sitting in a straight line - a single good hit can take OF-40 in RB, and make it practically useless for a while in AB.
| |
| − | | |
| − | The OF-40 can and will take a hit, but sometimes preventing that with smoke launchers is better. There are 4 smoke groups mounted on the turret sides, firing 2 grenades in front of it.
| |
| − | | |
| − | '''Armour type:'''
| |
| − | | |
| − | * Rolled homogeneous armour - Hull and turret
| |
| − | * High hardness rolled armour - Turret
| |
| − | * Rubber-fabric screens - Sideskirts
| |
| − | | |
| − | {| class="wikitable"
| |
| − | ! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | | Hull || 70 mm (68°) ''Upper Glacis'' <br> 50 mm (50°) ''Lower Glacis'' || 35 mm ''Top Crew Compartment'' <br> 25 mm ''Top Engine Compartment'' <br> 30 mm ''Bottom'' || 25 mm || 15 - 30 mm
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | | Turret || 30 - 68 mm (various angles) ''Turret front''<br>30 mm (58°) + 45 mm (curved) ''Gun mantlet'' || Spaced: 30 mm + 80 mm air + 35 mm ''Forward''<br>Spaced: 12 mm + 120 mm + 35 mm ''Rearward'' || 30 mm || 20 - 40 mm
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | |}
| |
| − | '''Notes:'''
| |
| | | | |
| − | * The turret sides use spaced armour, and are therefore stronger than they appear in the armour viewer.
| + | ''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' |
| − | * Beneath the angled outer portion of the gun mantlet is a curved 45 mm plate, which is hard to see in the armour viewer.
| |
| − | * There are 10 mm rubber-fabric screens protecting the upper suspension.
| |
| | | | |
| | === Mobility === | | === Mobility === |
| − | {{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
| |
| | <!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' --> | | <!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' --> |
| | | | |
| − | {{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,286|rbMinHp=734}} | + | {{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1286|rbMinHp= 734|<!--AoAweight=(optional) -->}} |
| − | | |
| − | The OF-40 has great mobility, similar to the Leopard 1. It can handle off-road with an average speed of around 40 km/h. On flat surfaces, the OF-40 will reach around 60-65 km/h. It has great static mobility when spaded (not as great when stock). It can keep up with the light tanks and be one of the first to the capture point if driver tries hard enough.
| |
| − | | |
| − | === Modifications and economy ===
| |
| − | {{Specs-Economy}}
| |
| | | | |
| | == Armaments == | | == Armaments == |
| − | {{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
| |
| | === Main armament === | | === Main armament === |
| − | {{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
| + | The armament consists of a 105 mm main gun with a rifled, 52-calibre barrel, developed by OTO Melara exclusively for this vehicle but very similar to the M68 gun.The cannon uses NATO-standard 105 mm ammunition with APDS , HEAT and HESH. It sare the same stats of all L7 105mm guns. A ace crew can reload at 6.7 secs. |
| − | <!-- ''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|OTO Melara 105/52 (105 mm)}}
| |
| − | The OF-40 features the 105 mm OTO Melara 105/52 gun, like the other OF-40s and the B1 Centauro. It is a potent main gun capable of displaying an excellent performance at its BR. The turret is not turning extremely fast, but at an acceptable, average rate. | |
| | | | |
| − | The tank has early access to the laser rangefinder, getting into long range engagements turns to be extremely easy with almost pinpoint accuracy at virtually any range.
| + | ==== Machine guns ==== |
| | + | 2x Fn mag 60-40 7.62mm, they are slow compared to American and German machine guns, often being only useful for clearing shrubs or eliminating crews from open vehicles, its speed makes it very difficult to use as anti-aircraft. |
| | | | |
| − | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
| + | == Usage in the battles == |
| − | |-
| + | Even though it is a medium tank, its armor is very similar to a leopard 1, you mantlet can bounce or soak some apds/apdsfs shells but usually it end up damaging the cannon mouth and knocking out 1/2 crew members, the best tactic is to flank using your speed or be a sniper using the rangefinder for precision shots. |
| − | ! colspan="5" | [[OTO Melara 105/52 (105 mm)|105 mm OTO Melara 105/52]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | ! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
| |
| − | ! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
| |
| − | ! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | ! ''Arcade''
| |
| − | | rowspan="2" | 61 || rowspan="2" | -9°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 19.0 || 26.4 || 32.0 || 35.4 || 37.6 || rowspan="2" | 8.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.70 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 6.70
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | ! ''Realistic''
| |
| − | | 11.9 || 14.0 || 17.0 || 18.8 || 20.0
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | |}
| |
| − | | |
| − | ==== Ammunition ====
| |
| − | {{:OTO Melara 105/52 (105 mm)/Ammunition|M392A2, M393A2, M456, M416}}
| |
| − | | |
| − | For the main ammunition, the gun is capable of firing the M456 HEATFS ammunition. Sometimes, the use of M392A2 is preferred for the higher muzzle velocity, ability to fire through bushes and specifically kinetic damage type, despite seemingly reduced penetration number. Both projectiles are more than capable of engaging targets at far range using the potent zoom in main sights.
| |
| − | | |
| − | As a backup, tank has M393A2 HESH shell and M416 smoke. HESH is generally used to remove annoying light tanks, but can also be used to overpressure camping snipers that do not let the tank to even get out of cover, particularly over long range. This works, because laser rangefinder provides flawless aiming prediction even through commander sights. If enemy tank is hiding too well, but will undoubtedly push out the moment the tank leaves cover, a smoke shell can be fired to blind it for 25 seconds.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
| |
| − | <gallery mode="packed" widths="300" heights="300">
| |
| − | File:Ammoracks OF-40 Mk.2a (1).jpg|Ammoracks 1-9
| |
| − | File:Ammoracks OF-40 Mk.2a (2).png|Ammoracks 10-12
| |
| − | </gallery>
| |
| − | <!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
| |
| − | {| 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
| |
| − | ! 5th<br>rack empty
| |
| − | ! 6th<br>rack empty
| |
| − | ! 7th<br>rack empty
| |
| − | ! 8th<br>rack empty
| |
| − | ! 9th<br>rack empty
| |
| − | ! 10th<br>rack empty
| |
| − | ! 11th<br>rack empty
| |
| − | ! 12th<br>rack empty
| |
| − | ! Visual<br>discrepancy
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | | '''61''' || 55 ''(+6)'' || 54 ''(+7)'' || 47 ''(+14)'' || 46 ''(+15)'' || 39 ''(+22)'' || 38 ''(+23)'' || 31 ''(+30)'' || 30 ''(+31)'' || 23 ''(+38)'' || 20 ''(+41)'' || 16 ''(+45)'' || 1 ''(+60)''||No
| |
| − | |}
| |
| − | | |
| − | === Machine guns ===
| |
| − | {{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
| |
| − | {{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
| |
| − | <!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
| |
| − | {{main|FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)}}
| |
| − | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | ! colspan="5" | [[FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40]]
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | ! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | | Coaxial || 4,000 (200) || 600 || N/A || N/A
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | | Pintle || 1,600 (200) || 600 || -8°/+20° || ±120°
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | |}
| |
| − | | |
| − | == 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).'' -->
| |
| − | The OF-40 cannot withstand a frontal encounter most of the time with most opponents due to the lack of a reliable armour, making the tank an easy prey for almost anyone on the battlefield when attacked directly. However, the tank comes with a great mobility, able to reach 65 km/h in RB (72 in AB), making it the ideal tank to shoot at the enemy and rapidly retreat to change position.
| |
| − | | |
| − | The optics are far better than anything encountered at the battle rating, and where they aren't enough, the laser rangefinder comes into play. In a sniping role, the gun is capable of punching through most of enemy tanks, but caution is a must when uptiered: tanks like the T-62M-1 cannot be damaged in the turret even with HEATFS rounds. When sniping, pushing out only the turret and only its left part is preferrable, as to avoid taking fatal damage.
| |
| − | | |
| − | The tank is not very suitable for hectic combat, since it does not have a stabilizer and thus, has reduced chances of landing the first shot, or often knocking out the gunner, disabling the engine, the gun, or just setting the tank on fire instead of doing fatal damage. The best thing to do, in these cases, is to avoid the center of the map (or your pushing lane), flanking the enemy to hit them from the side and staying hidden from sight so that enemies don't focus their firepower on the OF-40. In Arcade mode, OF-40 can quickly sweep the streets in cities, as people may have difficulties with tracking it down, as opposed to hills, but accidentally getting into enemy face can end very badly.
| |
| | | | |
| | === Pros and cons === | | === Pros and cons === |
| − | <!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' --> | + | <!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''--> |
| | | | |
| | '''Pros:''' | | '''Pros:''' |
| | | | |
| − | * Good main gun handling | + | * Good main gun handling; quick rotation and gun lifting |
| | * Has a laser rangefinder, making sniping much easier | | * Has a laser rangefinder, making sniping much easier |
| − | * Spaced armour in the turret allows to ignore SPAA to a certain angle, the gun mantlet is immune to HESH, and some AP shots bounce if the turret is angled | + | * Spaced armour in the turret allows taking some autocannon hits, the mantlet are immune to HESH, and some AP shots bounce if the turret is angled |
| − | * No turret ammo rack
| |
| | * Quick and agile tank when upgraded | | * Quick and agile tank when upgraded |
| | | | |
| | '''Cons:''' | | '''Cons:''' |
| | | | |
| − | * No stabiliser | + | * No stabilizer |
| − | * Boxy shape makes both the turret and hull easy to hit, APHE shells can easily knock out 3 to 4 crew members | + | * Vehicle grind is tedious with only the stock APDS ammunition before upgrades |
| − | * Much like all tanks sharing the same design, has extremely thin side armour. Makes it vulnerable to any autocannon, even SPAA with stock belts | + | * Turret, while more armoured than its German cousin Leopard 1, is quite boxy and can be spotted easily if peeking over a ridgeline or hilltop |
| − | * Carrying more than 20 rounds puts ammo into the hull ammo rack, lowering survivability
| + | * Only 19+1 rounds in its ready racks, any more ammo is stored next to the driver in the lightly armoured hull and can be easily set off by a penetrating hit |
| | | | |
| | == 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).'' -->
| + | The '''OF-40''' is an Italian main battle tank developed as a joint venture between OTO Melara and Fiat, and intended primarily for export sales. OTO Melara would develop and produce the hulls, and automotive components would be provided by Fiat (the designation of the vehicle comes from the initials of the two companies, whereas "40" refers to the planned mass of the tank). Initial design work was started by OTO Melara in 1977, with the first prototypes ready by 1980. |
| − | After the end of WW2, the Italian industry completely stopped development and production of domestically designed tanks. During the Cold War, the Italian industry would produce armoured fighting vehicles for its own needs, however most of these vehicles were foreign designs built under license.
| |
| | | | |
| − | In the late 1970s, Oto Melara and Fiat began developing the first Italian post-WW2 tank, under a join private venture. As Oto Melara was already mass-producing the German Leopard 1 MBT under license for the Italian Army, its engineers possessed sufficient experience and know-how in order to develop their own tank.
| + | Superficially, the OF-40 appears very similar to versions of the German Leopard 1 with welded turrets (Leopard 1A3 & 1A4). It is not a coincidence, as Oto Melara produced the Leopard under licence, and later worked with German industries to make the Lion/Leone tank, a tropicalized version of the Leopard, in order to freely sell it in the Middle East. Germany pulled out from this development and Italian industries could not sell the Lion without German permission. So they produced this new tank called OF-40, that actually was a further evolution of the Leopard/Lion lineage. The OF-40 does use the main mechanical components already produced for the Leopard 1, which had also been produced under license by OTO Melara since 1974. The OF-40 follows the same layout of the Leopard, especially in the hull. The engine, transmission and tracks are the same and the crew and ammunition layout too. The driver is located in the front-right of the hull, with ammunition storage and NBC overpressure system located to the driver's left. The turret is located toward the middle of the tank, with the gunner and commander on the right side of the turret, and the loader on the left. |
| − | | |
| − | The resulting vehicle, designated OF-40, turned out to be, somewhat unsurprisingly, very similar in design to the German Leopard 1 already in service with the Italian Army. Nonetheless, the OF-40 became the first domestically developed and produced Italian tank after WW2.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Despite the many similarities however, the Italian military proved reluctant in ordering the OF-40 for mass production. As a result of being unable to find a domestic operator, Oto Melara turned to the export market and soon found a willing buyer - the United Arab Emirates.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Shortly after, the OF-40 was upgraded to the Mk.2 version which, among other things, improved the vehicle's optics and rangefinder, added a two-plane stabilization system for the main gun, and an improved fire control system, allowing the vehicle to fire improved ammunition.
| |
| − | | |
| − | The OF-40 was only built in limited numbers and for a limited time, with the UAE being the only operator world-wide. The UAE still uses the OF-40 today, although in different roles, with proposals being made to convert the vehicle into a heavy IFV. | |
| − | | |
| − | ''- From [[wt:en/news/5938-development-of-40-mk-2a-made-in-italy-en|Devblog]]''
| |
| | | | |
| | == Media == | | == Media == |
| − | <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
| + | ''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.'' |
| − | | |
| − | ;Skins
| |
| − | | |
| − | * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=it_of_40_mk_1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
| |
| | | | |
| − | ;Images
| + | == Read also == |
| − | <gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
| + | ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,'' |
| − | File:OF-40 in Jungle.jpg|<small>The OF-40 in the jungle</small>
| |
| − | </gallery>
| |
| − | | |
| − | == 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;'' | | * ''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.'' |
| | | | |
| − | == External links == | + | ''ETC.'' |
| | + | |
| | + | == Sources == |
| | ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | | ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' |
| | | | |
| Line 204: |
Line 67: |
| | * ''other literature.'' | | * ''other literature.'' |
| | | | |
| − | {{TankManufacturer OTO Melara}}
| |
| | {{Italy medium tanks}} | | {{Italy medium tanks}} |
Description
The Carro Armato OTO Melara OF-40 is a Rank Italian medium tank
with a battle rating of (AB), (RB), and (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.85 "Supersonic".
General info
Survivability and armour
Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?
If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.
Mobility
| Game Mode
|
Max Speed (km/h)
|
Weight (tons)
|
Engine power (horsepower)
|
Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
|
| Forward
|
Reverse
|
Stock
|
Upgraded
|
Stock
|
Upgraded
|
| Arcade
|
|
|
Expression error: Unexpected * operator.
|
1286
|
|
Expression error: Unexpected round operator.
|
__.__
|
| Realistic
|
|
|
734
|
|
Expression error: Unexpected round operator.
|
__.__
|
Armaments
Main armament
The armament consists of a 105 mm main gun with a rifled, 52-calibre barrel, developed by OTO Melara exclusively for this vehicle but very similar to the M68 gun.The cannon uses NATO-standard 105 mm ammunition with APDS , HEAT and HESH. It sare the same stats of all L7 105mm guns. A ace crew can reload at 6.7 secs.
Machine guns
2x Fn mag 60-40 7.62mm, they are slow compared to American and German machine guns, often being only useful for clearing shrubs or eliminating crews from open vehicles, its speed makes it very difficult to use as anti-aircraft.
Usage in the battles
Even though it is a medium tank, its armor is very similar to a leopard 1, you mantlet can bounce or soak some apds/apdsfs shells but usually it end up damaging the cannon mouth and knocking out 1/2 crew members, the best tactic is to flank using your speed or be a sniper using the rangefinder for precision shots.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good main gun handling; quick rotation and gun lifting
- Has a laser rangefinder, making sniping much easier
- Spaced armour in the turret allows taking some autocannon hits, the mantlet are immune to HESH, and some AP shots bounce if the turret is angled
- Quick and agile tank when upgraded
Cons:
- No stabilizer
- Vehicle grind is tedious with only the stock APDS ammunition before upgrades
- Turret, while more armoured than its German cousin Leopard 1, is quite boxy and can be spotted easily if peeking over a ridgeline or hilltop
- Only 19+1 rounds in its ready racks, any more ammo is stored next to the driver in the lightly armoured hull and can be easily set off by a penetrating hit
History
The OF-40 is an Italian main battle tank developed as a joint venture between OTO Melara and Fiat, and intended primarily for export sales. OTO Melara would develop and produce the hulls, and automotive components would be provided by Fiat (the designation of the vehicle comes from the initials of the two companies, whereas "40" refers to the planned mass of the tank). Initial design work was started by OTO Melara in 1977, with the first prototypes ready by 1980.
Superficially, the OF-40 appears very similar to versions of the German Leopard 1 with welded turrets (Leopard 1A3 & 1A4). It is not a coincidence, as Oto Melara produced the Leopard under licence, and later worked with German industries to make the Lion/Leone tank, a tropicalized version of the Leopard, in order to freely sell it in the Middle East. Germany pulled out from this development and Italian industries could not sell the Lion without German permission. So they produced this new tank called OF-40, that actually was a further evolution of the Leopard/Lion lineage. The OF-40 does use the main mechanical components already produced for the Leopard 1, which had also been produced under license by OTO Melara since 1974. The OF-40 follows the same layout of the Leopard, especially in the hull. The engine, transmission and tracks are the same and the crew and ammunition layout too. The driver is located in the front-right of the hull, with ammunition storage and NBC overpressure system located to the driver's left. The turret is located toward the middle of the tank, with the gunner and commander on the right side of the turret, and the loader on the left.
Media
An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.
Read 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.
ETC.
Sources
Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:
- topic on the official game forum;
- other literature.
