Difference between revisions of "M64"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=cn_type_64
 
|code=cn_type_64
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png|ArtImage2_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
|market=id50169_m64_china
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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 premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Winged Lions"]] as a reward for [[Battle Pass: Season VI, "Firepower"]].
+
The M64, also known as the {{Specs|name}} (Chinese: 六四式戰車), was an attempt to develop domestic tanks in Taiwan using parts from the M18 GMC and M42 Duster. In the 1970s, the previous fleet of M18 GMC tanks was ageing, and there was a lack of light tank replacements. To address this issue, the ROCA planned to create a hybrid tank using the hull of the M42 and the turret from the M18. The project was undertaken by a factory on the main island and resulted in the M64, in parallel with a domestic, reverse-engineered version of the M41, designated as the M65 (六五式戰車). A total of 42 tanks were converted into the M64 configuration. However, these tanks were never deployed during the height of the Taiwan Strait Crisis and were subsequently retired in the 1980s. Only a few of these tanks are preserved and exhibited by the ROC.
  
−
An attempt of ROCA to build a new tank from spare [[M18 (China)]] and [[M42 (China)|M42 Duster]] in mid-1970s, M64 served as a "domestic" alternative to their fleets of US tanks and thanks to better powerplant, it makes M64 a nimble flanker while retaining the same firepower from a Hellcat.
+
Introduced during [[Update "Winged Lions"]] as a reward for [[Battle Pass: Season VI, "Firepower"]], the M64 was an attempt by the ROCA to build a new tank from spare [[M18 (China)|M18]] turrets and [[M42 (China)|M42 Duster]] hulls in the mid-1970s, serving as a "domestic" alternative to their fleets of US tanks. Despite being heavier than the M18, the more powerful powerplant allows the M64 to retain similar mobility.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
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The very first thing players will notice is the chassis — instead of the original Buick M18 GMC chassis, it was replaced by a M42 Duster one, a variant of [[M41A1|M41 Walker Bulldog]]. While the overall design is small, this also means that any part of this tank other than the mantle would be an easy target for vehicles with firepower heavier than .50 HMGs, let alone autocannon with even more penetration; so M64 should never, ever try to hit the enemies up front.  
+
The very first thing players will notice is the chassis — instead of the original Buick M18 GMC chassis, it has an M42 Duster one, a variant of [[M41A1|M41 Walker Bulldog]]. While the overall design is small, this also means that any part of this tank other than the mantlet would be an easy target for vehicles with firepower heavier than .50 cal HMGs, let alone autocannon-calibre rounds with even more penetration; so the M64 should never, ever be used for direct engagements.
  
−
The larger, yet thinner, chassis might sometimes do miracles on larger caliber guns, but do not expect it always go right through the hull and nothing more happen.
+
The larger, yet thinner, chassis might sometimes deflect larger calibre rounds, but do not rely on it, as HMG rounds will still penetrate more often than not.
  
−
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
+
The lower front plate is 25.4 mm thick, twice as thick as that of the M18. The advantage is that this thicker plate is now able to block more damage (to a limited extent) from nearby HE and bomb explosions, thus better protecting the driver and the machine gunner. It is also more effective against large-calibre MG bullets and non-HVAP autocannon shells. The downside however is that this thickness is above the fuse sensitivity of many shells (19 mm) allowing the shells to properly detonate once penetrated, as opposed to over-penetrating on the M18 (12.7 mm). This is bad news when facing tanks that primarily use high-explosive shells.
−
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
+
 
−
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
+
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet)
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 12.7 mm ''Top (34°)''  
+
| Hull || 12.7 mm (34°) ''Top'' <br> 25.4 mm (42°) ''Bottom'' || 12.7 mm || 12.7 mm (57°) ''Top'' <br> 19 mm (38°) ''Bottom'' || 12.7 mm
−
25.4 mm ''Bottom(42°)''  
 
−
| 12.7 mm || 12.7 mm ''Top (57°)''  
 
−
19 mm ''Bottom(38°)''  
 
−
| 12.7 mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Turret || 25.4 mm ''Turret front'' <br> 19 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 12.7 mm || 12.7 mm || N/A
 
| Turret || 25.4 mm ''Turret front'' <br> 19 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 12.7 mm || 12.7 mm || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
  
−
'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
+
* Suspension wheels, tracks, and torsion bars are 15 mm thick.
−
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
+
* Belly armour is 12.7 mm thick.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=775|rbMinHp=442}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=775|rbMinHp=442}}
  
−
M64 was a tank assembled as a hybrid of the M18's turret on a '''M42 Duster''' chassis, which is again a M41 Walker Bulldog variant with the very same powerplant and transmission — AOS 895-3 diesel engine and CD-500 transmission. Thanks to the introduction of the original M42 chassis in 1952, this give M64 an overall higher power output at 500 hp while retaining the ability to neutral steering, making it more nimble in urban environment than the original M18 albeit the heavier weight.
+
M64 was a tank assembled as a hybrid of the M18's turret on a M42 Duster chassis, which is again an M41 Walker Bulldog variant with the very same powerplant and transmission — an AOS 895-3 diesel engine and CD-500 transmission. Thanks to the introduction of the original M42 chassis in 1952, this gives the M64 an overall higher power output at 500 hp while retaining the ability to neutral steer, making it more nimble in an urban environment than the original M18 albeit with a heavier weight.
 +
 
 +
The increased weight does slow the tank down. The M64's acceleration is noticeably slower than that of the M18 especially when driving off-road. As a result, it takes much longer to reach top speed. The reverse speed is also slower, at -19 km/h. However, this is still a relatively rapid speed compared to most other vehicles at its tier.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
The ammunition found on the M64 is identical to that of the American [[M18 GMC]] and [[M18 "Black Cat"]], with access to the M93 APCR round that other nation's M18s do not have.
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| M62 shell || APCBC || 149 || 146 || 133 || 119 || 106 || 94
 
−
|-
 
−
| M42A1 shell || HE || 7 || 7 || 7 || 7 || 7 || 7
 
−
|-
 
−
| M79 shot || AP || 134 || 132 || 121 || 109 || 99 || 89
 
−
|-
 
−
| M93 shot || APCR || 190 || 186 || 167 || 146 || 128 || 112
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| 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%
 
−
|-
 
−
| M62 shell || APCBC || 792 || 7 || 1.2 || 14 || 63.7 || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M42A1 shell || HE || 800 || 5.84 || 0 || 0.1 || 390 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M79 shot || AP || 792 || 6.8 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M93 shot || APCR || 1,036 || 4.22 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
Other than the M93 HVAP shot which could only find of the premium M18 "Black Cat", the ammunitions found on M64 is identical to any other mass-produced M18 GMC.
 
−
 
 
−
The stock M62 shell, a common shell for M1 76 mm gun, is the go-to ammunition for M64 with its sufficient penetration at similar rank and explosive filler, a well-placed shot on enemies' ammo rack or center mass is very like the death sentence to them if not severely damaged and could not retaliate; while the other stock round, M42A1 HE, is next to useless against any vehicles with more than half an inch (12.7 mm) of armor, it might do short work of unprotected vehicles, but it is suggested to just gun them down with M2HB machine gun instead.
 
−
 
 
−
The first researchable round, M79 shot, is just a solid shell without any explosive filler and ironically having even less penetration over its stock counterpart, this round could be ditched as well due to it performance. The second researchable round, the M93 HVAP, while having much more penetration that all the previous rounds used on M64, it is still a HVAP/APCR in nature and thus leading to low spalling damage, as well as bad performance against sloped armour plates; but it is still suggested to bring a few HVAP in case of heavier vehicles with some flat surfaces, such as the infamous Tiger II (H) which M64 could meet when uptiered.
 
  
−
In case of harassing enemies or covering yourself or teammates, M64 still comes with M88 smoke shells at your disposal.
+
* '''M79, AP:''' This stock round is just an AP shell without any explosive filler and with an average penetration. It can be replaced by the M62 shell as soon as it has been researched.
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
* '''M42A1, HE:''' the other stock round, an HE shell, is next to useless against any vehicle with more than 12.7 mm (half an inch) of armour, but it can be effective against open-topped vehicles where overpressure can knock out the crew.
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
+
* '''M62, APCBC:''' This shell, common for a 76 mm M1 gun, is the go-to ammunition for the M64, possessing sufficient penetration capabilities for its rank. A well-placed centre mass shot in the sides or rear of an enemy vehicle can reliably destroy it, or at the very least keep it from retaliating as you reposition yourself for a follow-up shot.
−
|-
+
* '''M93, APCR:''' The M93 shot, while having much more penetration than all the previous rounds used on M64, is still an APCR round and thus has poor post-penetration damage, as well as bad performance against sloped armour plates; but it is still suggested to bring a few APCR in case of heavier vehicles with some flat surfaces the M64 could meet when up-tiered, such as the Tiger II (H).
−
! Ammunition
+
* '''M88, Smoke:''' If you need to harass distant enemies or cover yourself or your teammates, the M64 still comes with M88 smoke shells at your disposal.
−
! 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)
 
−
|-
 
−
| M88 || 274 || 3.44 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
[[File:Ammo rack of M64.png|thumb|The fire sequence and layout of M64's ammunition]]
+
{{:M1 (76 mm)/Ammunition|M79 shot, M42A1 shell, M62 shell, M93 shot, M88}}
  
 
==== [[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:''' -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.23.0.51''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''25''' || 16&nbsp;''(+9)'' || 8&nbsp;''(+17)'' || 0&nbsp;''(+25)'' || *No
+
| '''25''' || 17&nbsp;''(+8)'' || 9&nbsp;''(+16)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+24)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
Although having the minimal survivability of being a light tank, it is still suggested to only bring 16+1 rounds to clear out the turret in case of a left side penetration from up front; but bringing full load is still viable if players are not confident with destroying enemies with each shot.
+
'''Notes''':
  
−
''*The third rack has minor visual bug when having the very last round onboard; but it does clears out when all shells are fired.''
+
* As shells are modeled by sets of 2, they disappear from the rack only after you've fired or loaded both shells in the set.
 +
* Turret empty: 17&nbsp;''(+8)'' shells.
 +
{{Clear}}
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 300 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 500 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
While M64 retained the M2HB from M18, ROCA welded a coaxial mount and installed additional M1919A4 machine gun; both good for gunning down exposed crew and lightly armored targets (for M2HB) and sometimes strafing aircrafts in dire situation.
+
While the M64 retained the M2HB from M18, ROCA welded a coaxial mount and installed an M1919A4 machine gun; both good for gunning down exposed crew and lightly armoured targets (for M2HB), and sometimes strafing aircraft.
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
Thanks to the fusing of M18's turret onto a M42 Duster's chassis, M64 retained the same firepower of M18 while having the mobility of a M41's variant. While having higher horsepower than the original M18 and comes with neutral steering, it is also 50% heavier than M18 so it might have slightly slower speed but in most cases it would be enough for flanking enemies or rushing for vintage points.
+
Thanks to the fusing of M18's turret onto an M42 Duster's chassis, the M64 retains the same firepower of an M18 while having the mobility of an M41. While it has higher horsepower than an M18 and comes with neutral steering capabilities, it is also 50% heavier than M18 so it might have slightly slower speed, but in most cases this is enough for flanking enemies or rushing for vantage points. Another thing that is worth mentioning is that the change of chassis also reduced the wobbling effect on the gun when coming to a full stop, allowing for quicker aim and accurate shooting after stopping from top speed.
  
−
But the change of chassis also comes at a cost — its protection. M42 chassis with 12.7 mm of armor all-around could only stop rifle caliber bullets at most, anything larger can tear it down with ease; only the mantle and turret front could stop HMG fire.  
+
The change of chassis also comes at a cost, however — its protection. The M42 chassis has only 12.7 mm of armour all-around, which only stops rifle calibre bullets at most. Anything larger can tear it apart with ease; only the mantlet and turret front could stop HMG fire.
  
−
To utilize M64 to its greatest extent, flanking your enemies with its sufficient speed is the most viable way to play due to the minimal protection all round, the reload rate and the performance of its stock M62 shells could do short work against most enemies it might face; while HVAP doesn't have the best performance, it still helps in case M64 encountered tanks with flat surfaces, giving the ability to fight back in dire moments.
+
To utilize the M64 to its greatest extent, use your speed and flank enemies that are fixated on your allies. This is the most viable way to play, as its low armour means it won't survive a direct engagement. The reload rate and the performance of its M62 shells can do short work against most enemies it might face, while HVAP doesn't have the best performance, it can still be of use in case the M64 encounters tanks with flat surfaces, giving the ability to fight back in dire moments.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Higher horsepower than M18
+
* Good mobility thanks to the M42 chassis
−
* Neutral steering
+
* Neutral steering improves its tactical agility
−
* Sufficient firepower with quick reload rate and variety of shells
+
* Reduced gun wobbling when coming to a stop, giving players a shorter reaction time
 +
* Strong firepower with a quick reload and variety of shells
 
* Additional coaxial MG as a spare weapon or range-finding
 
* Additional coaxial MG as a spare weapon or range-finding
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Minimal protection against HMGs and explosives
+
* Thin armour with poor sloping, vulnerable to HMGs and explosives
−
* Slightly slower than M18
+
* Tall profile, easier to get spotted and 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
After retreating to Island of Taiwan due to the loss of Mainland China, ROCA was in dire need for new tanks to supplement the heavy losses of armored vehicles; newer vehicles such as [[M24 (China)|M24 Chaffee]] and M18 GMC was among these new tanks they have purchased in early 1950s; M42 Duster was purchased later in 1958 as the military aids from the United States.  
+
After retreating to the island of Taiwan after their defeat in the Chinese Civil War, the ROCA was in dire need of new tanks to supplement the heavy losses of armoured vehicles; newer vehicles such as [[M24 (China)|M24 Chaffee]] and M18 GMC were among the new tanks purchased in the early 1950s. M42 Dusters were purchased later in 1958 as military aid from the United States.
 +
 
 +
While the M18 GMC proved its capability in WWII's European Theater, in the late 1960s, the ageing chassis and lack of spare parts for the Wright 975 C4 radial engine became a major problem for logistics; the M42 on the other hand was not efficient against supersonic jets. Thus the idea of fusing a turret from M18 with spare M42 chassis came into the mind of the '''Combined Service Forces (聯合勤務總司令部；aka 聯勤)'''. In ROC Year 64 (1975), they assembled one such tank and dubbed it the '''Type 64 Light Tank ([國造]六四式輕戰車)''' which was later approved by the Commander of the ROCA for serial modifications. Some 42 M64s were assembled over the next 3 years, first seen deployed in northern Taiwan at Hsinchu and then redeployed at Penghu for defence.
 +
 
 +
As the tensions of the Taiwan Strait Crisis passed, these M64s were soon decommissioned in 1981; the only two known examples of M64 are now displayed at Armour Training Command (陸軍裝甲兵訓練指揮部) at Hukou, Hsinchu and Camp Chenggongling (成功嶺營區) at Wu'ri, Taichung City.
  
−
While M18 GMC proved its capability at WWII's European Theater, in late 1960s, the aging chassis and the lack of spare parts for the Wright 975 C4 radial engine became a major problem for logistics; M42 on the other hand was not efficient against the upcoming supersonic era. Thus the idea of fusing a turret from M18 with the sparse M42's chassis came into mind of '''Combined Service Forces (聯合勤務總司令部；aka 聯勤)'''; in ROC Year 64 (民國64年;1975), they assembled one such tanks and dubbed '''Type 64 Light Tank ([國造]六四式輕戰車)''' and was later approved by Commander of ROCA for serial modifications, some 42 of M64s were assembled in the upcoming 3 years, first seen deployed in northern Taiwan at Hsinchu then redeployed on Penghu for defense.
+
=== [[wt:en/news/7521-development-battle-pass-vehicles-m64-en|Devblog]] ===
 +
In the early 1950s, armed forces on Taiwan obtained a large number of armoured fighting vehicles from the U.S. and South Korea, mainly consisting of M18 Hellcat and M24 Chaffee tanks as well as a few dozen Shermans. In October 1958, they also managed to obtain a number of American M41 Walker Bulldog light tanks. However, despite more advanced vehicles becoming available, the military retained even the older vehicles in active service, leading to some vehicles even exceeding the service life of their original design. By 1969 however, the military decommissioned and scrapped several dozen M18 Hellcats. This in turn, created a gap in the fighting strength and a stopgap solution had to be formulated.
  
−
As the heat of Strait Crisis has passed with Mainland's announcement to Taiwan, these M64s were soon decommissioned in 1981; the only two known examples of M64 is now displayed at '''Armor Training Command''' (陸軍裝甲兵訓練指揮部) at Hukou, Hsinchu and Camp Chenggongling (成功嶺營區) at Wu'ri, Taichung City.
+
The solution came in the form of the M64 light tank, developed in 1975. It was conceived on the basis of the M42 Duster chassis which were obtained alongside the M41 Walker Bulldogs in the late 1950s. Engineers then combined the chassis with the turret of the previously decommissioned M18 Hellcats to form a new highly mobile light tank, designated the M64. Entering service in 1975, around 53 M64 light tanks were built. These vehicles didn't see any combat use and were retired from active service in 1981.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 240: Line 196:
 
* [[wt:en/news/7521-development-battle-pass-vehicles-m64-en|[Devblog] Battle Pass vehicles: M64]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/7521-development-battle-pass-vehicles-m64-en|[Devblog] Battle Pass vehicles: M64]]
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer Ordnance Research Development Center}}
 
{{China light tanks}}
 
{{China light tanks}}
 
{{China premium ground vehicles}}
 
{{China premium ground vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 16:25, 24 March 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
M64
cn_type_64.png
GarageImage M64.jpg
ArtImage M64.png
ArtImage2 M64.png
M64
China flag.png China
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.3 6.0 6.0
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
MARKET

Description

The M64, also known as the M64 (Chinese: 六四式戰車), was an attempt to develop domestic tanks in Taiwan using parts from the M18 GMC and M42 Duster. In the 1970s, the previous fleet of M18 GMC tanks was ageing, and there was a lack of light tank replacements. To address this issue, the ROCA planned to create a hybrid tank using the hull of the M42 and the turret from the M18. The project was undertaken by a factory on the main island and resulted in the M64, in parallel with a domestic, reverse-engineered version of the M41, designated as the M65 (六五式戰車). A total of 42 tanks were converted into the M64 configuration. However, these tanks were never deployed during the height of the Taiwan Strait Crisis and were subsequently retired in the 1980s. Only a few of these tanks are preserved and exhibited by the ROC.

Introduced during Update "Winged Lions" as a reward for Battle Pass: Season VI, "Firepower", the M64 was an attempt by the ROCA to build a new tank from spare M18 turrets and M42 Duster hulls in the mid-1970s, serving as a "domestic" alternative to their fleets of US tanks. Despite being heavier than the M18, the more powerful powerplant allows the M64 to retain similar mobility.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull12 / 12 / 12
Turret25 / 25 / 25
Crew5 people
Visibility88 %

The very first thing players will notice is the chassis — instead of the original Buick M18 GMC chassis, it has an M42 Duster one, a variant of M41 Walker Bulldog. While the overall design is small, this also means that any part of this tank other than the mantlet would be an easy target for vehicles with firepower heavier than .50 cal HMGs, let alone autocannon-calibre rounds with even more penetration; so the M64 should never, ever be used for direct engagements.

The larger, yet thinner, chassis might sometimes deflect larger calibre rounds, but do not rely on it, as HMG rounds will still penetrate more often than not.

The lower front plate is 25.4 mm thick, twice as thick as that of the M18. The advantage is that this thicker plate is now able to block more damage (to a limited extent) from nearby HE and bomb explosions, thus better protecting the driver and the machine gunner. It is also more effective against large-calibre MG bullets and non-HVAP autocannon shells. The downside however is that this thickness is above the fuse sensitivity of many shells (19 mm) allowing the shells to properly detonate once penetrated, as opposed to over-penetrating on the M18 (12.7 mm). This is bad news when facing tanks that primarily use high-explosive shells.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 12.7 mm (34°) Top
25.4 mm (42°) Bottom 		12.7 mm 12.7 mm (57°) Top
19 mm (38°) Bottom 		12.7 mm
Turret 25.4 mm Turret front
19 mm Gun mantlet 		12.7 mm 12.7 mm N/A

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels, tracks, and torsion bars are 15 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 12.7 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB81 / 21 km/h
RB and SB73 / 19 km/h
Number of gears4 forward
2 back
Weight22.0 t
Engine power
AB954 hp
RB and SB500 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB43.4 hp/t
RB and SB22.7 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 81 21 22 775 954 35.23 43.36
Realistic 73 19 442 500 20.09 22.73

M64 was a tank assembled as a hybrid of the M18's turret on a M42 Duster chassis, which is again an M41 Walker Bulldog variant with the very same powerplant and transmission — an AOS 895-3 diesel engine and CD-500 transmission. Thanks to the introduction of the original M42 chassis in 1952, this gives the M64 an overall higher power output at 500 hp while retaining the ability to neutral steer, making it more nimble in an urban environment than the original M18 albeit with a heavier weight.

The increased weight does slow the tank down. The M64's acceleration is noticeably slower than that of the M18 especially when driving off-road. As a result, it takes much longer to reach top speed. The reverse speed is also slower, at -19 km/h. However, this is still a relatively rapid speed compared to most other vehicles at its tier.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB1 248 Sl icon.png
RB1 453 Sl icon.png
SB1 801 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts250 000 Sl icon.png
Aces630 Ge icon.png
Research Aces870 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 90 / 130 / 170 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 160 / 160 / 160 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Mods tank reinforcement cn.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_usa_APCBC_ammo_pack
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_usa_M93_APCR_ammo_pack
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_us_M88_Smoke_ammo_pack

Armaments

Main armament

76 mm M1 cannon
Ammunition25 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
7.9 → 6.1 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: M1 (76 mm)
76 mm M1 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 25 -10°/+20° ±180° N/A 22.8 31.6 38.4 42.5 45.2 7.93 7.02 6.47 6.10
Realistic 14.3 16.8 20.4 22.6 24.0

Ammunition

The ammunition found on the M64 is identical to that of the American M18 GMC and M18 "Black Cat", with access to the M93 APCR round that other nation's M18s do not have.

  • M79, AP: This stock round is just an AP shell without any explosive filler and with an average penetration. It can be replaced by the M62 shell as soon as it has been researched.
  • M42A1, HE: the other stock round, an HE shell, is next to useless against any vehicle with more than 12.7 mm (half an inch) of armour, but it can be effective against open-topped vehicles where overpressure can knock out the crew.
  • M62, APCBC: This shell, common for a 76 mm M1 gun, is the go-to ammunition for the M64, possessing sufficient penetration capabilities for its rank. A well-placed centre mass shot in the sides or rear of an enemy vehicle can reliably destroy it, or at the very least keep it from retaliating as you reposition yourself for a follow-up shot.
  • M93, APCR: The M93 shot, while having much more penetration than all the previous rounds used on M64, is still an APCR round and thus has poor post-penetration damage, as well as bad performance against sloped armour plates; but it is still suggested to bring a few APCR in case of heavier vehicles with some flat surfaces the M64 could meet when up-tiered, such as the Tiger II (H).
  • M88, Smoke: If you need to harass distant enemies or cover yourself or your teammates, the M64 still comes with M88 smoke shells at your disposal.

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
M79 shot AP 134 132 121 109 99 89
M42A1 shell HE 16 16 14 13 11 10
M62 shell APCBC 149 146 133 119 106 94
M93 shot APCR 190 186 167 146 128 112
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
M79 shot AP 792 6.8 - - - 47° 60° 65°
M42A1 shell HE 823 5.84 0.2 0.1 390 79° 80° 81°
M62 shell APCBC 792 7 1.2 14 63.7 48° 63° 71°
M93 shot APCR 1,036 4.22 - - - 66° 70° 72°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Screen radius
(m) 		Screen deploy
time (s) 		Screen hold
time (s) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
M88 274 3.44 13 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M64
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
25 17 (+8) 9 (+16) 1 (+24) No

Notes:

  • As shells are modeled by sets of 2, they disappear from the rack only after you've fired or loaded both shells in the set.
  • Turret empty: 17 (+8) shells.

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Ammunition800 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 70°
Horizontal guidance-60° / 20°
7.62 mm M1919A4 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition500 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
Main articles: M2HB (12.7 mm), M1919A4 (7.62 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 800 (200) 577 -10°/+70° -60°/+20°
7.62 mm M1919A4
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 500 (250) 500 N/A N/A

While the M64 retained the M2HB from M18, ROCA welded a coaxial mount and installed an M1919A4 machine gun; both good for gunning down exposed crew and lightly armoured targets (for M2HB), and sometimes strafing aircraft.

Usage in battles

Thanks to the fusing of M18's turret onto an M42 Duster's chassis, the M64 retains the same firepower of an M18 while having the mobility of an M41. While it has higher horsepower than an M18 and comes with neutral steering capabilities, it is also 50% heavier than M18 so it might have slightly slower speed, but in most cases this is enough for flanking enemies or rushing for vantage points. Another thing that is worth mentioning is that the change of chassis also reduced the wobbling effect on the gun when coming to a full stop, allowing for quicker aim and accurate shooting after stopping from top speed.

The change of chassis also comes at a cost, however — its protection. The M42 chassis has only 12.7 mm of armour all-around, which only stops rifle calibre bullets at most. Anything larger can tear it apart with ease; only the mantlet and turret front could stop HMG fire.

To utilize the M64 to its greatest extent, use your speed and flank enemies that are fixated on your allies. This is the most viable way to play, as its low armour means it won't survive a direct engagement. The reload rate and the performance of its M62 shells can do short work against most enemies it might face, while HVAP doesn't have the best performance, it can still be of use in case the M64 encounters tanks with flat surfaces, giving the ability to fight back in dire moments.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good mobility thanks to the M42 chassis
  • Neutral steering improves its tactical agility
  • Reduced gun wobbling when coming to a stop, giving players a shorter reaction time
  • Strong firepower with a quick reload and variety of shells
  • Additional coaxial MG as a spare weapon or range-finding

Cons:

  • Thin armour with poor sloping, vulnerable to HMGs and explosives
  • Tall profile, easier to get spotted and hit

History

After retreating to the island of Taiwan after their defeat in the Chinese Civil War, the ROCA was in dire need of new tanks to supplement the heavy losses of armoured vehicles; newer vehicles such as M24 Chaffee and M18 GMC were among the new tanks purchased in the early 1950s. M42 Dusters were purchased later in 1958 as military aid from the United States.

While the M18 GMC proved its capability in WWII's European Theater, in the late 1960s, the ageing chassis and lack of spare parts for the Wright 975 C4 radial engine became a major problem for logistics; the M42 on the other hand was not efficient against supersonic jets. Thus the idea of fusing a turret from M18 with spare M42 chassis came into the mind of the Combined Service Forces (聯合勤務總司令部；aka 聯勤). In ROC Year 64 (1975), they assembled one such tank and dubbed it the Type 64 Light Tank ([國造]六四式輕戰車) which was later approved by the Commander of the ROCA for serial modifications. Some 42 M64s were assembled over the next 3 years, first seen deployed in northern Taiwan at Hsinchu and then redeployed at Penghu for defence.

As the tensions of the Taiwan Strait Crisis passed, these M64s were soon decommissioned in 1981; the only two known examples of M64 are now displayed at Armour Training Command (陸軍裝甲兵訓練指揮部) at Hukou, Hsinchu and Camp Chenggongling (成功嶺營區) at Wu'ri, Taichung City.

Devblog

In the early 1950s, armed forces on Taiwan obtained a large number of armoured fighting vehicles from the U.S. and South Korea, mainly consisting of M18 Hellcat and M24 Chaffee tanks as well as a few dozen Shermans. In October 1958, they also managed to obtain a number of American M41 Walker Bulldog light tanks. However, despite more advanced vehicles becoming available, the military retained even the older vehicles in active service, leading to some vehicles even exceeding the service life of their original design. By 1969 however, the military decommissioned and scrapped several dozen M18 Hellcats. This in turn, created a gap in the fighting strength and a stopgap solution had to be formulated.

The solution came in the form of the M64 light tank, developed in 1975. It was conceived on the basis of the M42 Duster chassis which were obtained alongside the M41 Walker Bulldogs in the late 1950s. Engineers then combined the chassis with the turret of the previously decommissioned M18 Hellcats to form a new highly mobile light tank, designated the M64. Entering service in 1975, around 53 M64 light tanks were built. These vehicles didn't see any combat use and were retired from active service in 1981.

Media

Skins
Videos
Battle Pass: Firepower discusses the M64 at 02:14 - 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 vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Ordnance Research Development Center, ROCA (陸軍兵工整備發展中心)
Light tanks  M41D · M64
Medium tanks  CM11
Tank destroyers  CM25

China light tanks
Type 63  Object 211 · Type 63 · ZTS63
Type 62  Type 62
WZ551  ZSL92 · PTL02 · WMA301
ZBL08  ZLT11
Type 86  ZBD86
WZ502  ZBD04A
ROC  M41D · M64
Type 59  QN506
USA  ␗M8 LAC · ␗M3A3 Stuart · ␗M3A3 (1st PTG) · ␗M5A1 · ␗M24 · ␗M18 GMC · ␗M41A3
USSR  ␗T-26 · T-26 No.531 · ␗PT-76

China premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  T-26 No.531 · ␗M3A3 (1st PTG) · ␗M41A3 · M64 · WMA301
Medium tanks  ␗M4A4 (1st PTG) · T-34-85 No.215 · Т-62 №545 · ZTZ59A · Type 69-IIa · T-69 II G · ZTZ96A (P) · Al-Khalid-I
Heavy tanks  IS-2 No.402

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