Difference between revisions of "M3A3 (1st PTG) (China)"

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== 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.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]].
+
The '''M3A3 Stuart 1st Provisional Tank Group (1<sup>st</sup> PTG)''' is the premium third variant of the [[M3 Stuart (Family)|Light Tank M3 (Stuart) family]]. It features hull improvements inspired by the new [[M5 Stuart (Family)|Light Tank M5 (Stuart) family]], which was developed from the Light Tank M3 (Stuart) family (the M3A2 Stuart was never produced). Other enhancements to the original M3 light tank included a turret with a rear overhang to accommodate the SCR-508 radio and a welded hull with sloping armour 20°from the vertical on the front and sides. During World War II, it was part of the Chinese-American 1st Provisional Tank Group of the Chinese Expeditionary Forces (中國遠征軍), where the Chinese Kuomintang government equipped 48 such tanks under the lend-lease program and established the first tank battalion under the "China-U.S. First Temporary Tank Group" stationed in India. This lesser-known battalion received little coverage while fighting in the China-Burma-India theatre (CBI).  While the U.S. Army Air Corps flew crucial supplies from India to China over the Himalayas, the 1st Provisional Tank Group helped the Allies reopen the land route through Japanese-occupied Burma by securing and repairing the Ledo-Burma Road.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]], the M3A3 light tank is a continuation of the M3 Stuart family that shares many similarities with other U.S. Army light tanks of rank I. It is essentially identical to the Chinese Army ground forces tech tree M3A3 Stuart. Given the presence of sloping armour, the M3A3 provides significantly better protection than other light tanks in its rank. It improves survivability by preventing some small calibre shells from penetrating its frontal armour. However, since it is still a light tank, players should not rely heavily on its armour to exchange shots with adversaries.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
''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.''
+
Aside from the naming of this vehicle and its delivery, it is identical to its main tech-tree counterpart. Having the minimal protection of a light tank (albeit sufficient to stop anything below 12.7x108mm up front) and sides which barely stops HMG rounds at longer ranges. It has at least 2 inches (25.4 mm) armour on its all-round while its turret is 1.25 inches (31.75 mm) all-around.
 +
 
 +
But to say at least: anything with 14.5x114 mm and beyond can tear down M3A3 with ease. So it is advised NOT TO go head-on against anything with a(n) (auto)cannon, flanking is the way to keep M3A3 from being knocked down into a smoking wreckage.
  
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Hull || 25 mm (50°) || 25.4 mm ''Top (40°)'' <br> 25.4 mm ''Bottom (0°)'' ||25.4 mm ''Top (40°)'' <br> 25.4 mm ''Bottom (21°)''
−
|-
+
| 12.7 mm
−
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
+
| Turret || 38.1 mm ''Turret front'' <br> 50.8 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 31.75 mm ||31.75 mm
 +
|12.7 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{Specs-Tank-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.'' -->
−
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''
+
Like its tech tree counterpart, it was powered by a Cadillac Series 42 air-cooled piston engine with 220 hp; while it might not be much at first glance, it does push M3A3 at 57 km/h; making it a good flanker and able to pull out from chaos with relative else.
  
−
{{tankMobility}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=406|rbMinHp=232}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|M6 (37 mm)}}
 
{{main|M6 (37 mm)}}
−
 
−
''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.''
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 174 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Vertical|up to 16 km/h}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 174 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Vertical|up to 16 km/h}} || 19.0 || 26.4 || 32.0 || 35.4 || 37.7 || rowspan="2" | 3.77 || rowspan="2" | 3.34 || rowspan="2" | 3.07 || rowspan="2" | 2.90
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 11.9 || 14.0 || 17.0 || 18.8 || 20.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
The M3A3 (1st PTG) has access to 2 types of ammunition- M74B1 AP and M51 APCBC shells; since this is premium, M51 would be the go-to shell.
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
 
−
|-
+
The stock M74B1, while having sufficient penetration at its tier to cause damage to enemies' tanks, due to its nature of AP shells without any ballistic cap, this shell has high possibility to cause ricochet on targets if they have angled, leaving a very embarrassing situation for M3A3.
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
+
The second round, M51B1 is APCBC, which has higher penetration while improved its aerodynamic and ballistic characteristics, this will be the go-to shell for the M3A3 (1st PTG). Thanks to its sufficient penetration, targeting the sides of enemies you flanked is viable and the likelihood of a confirmed penetration is higher.
−
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
+
 
−
|-
+
But do keep in mind that both shells are non-filler shots, meaning no explosive filler is present; thus it is demanded to hit enemies' ammunition or gunner at all cost which gives higher possibility for a confirmed kill or assist kills.
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
+
 
−
|-
+
{{:M6 (37 mm)/Ammunition|M74B1, M51B1}}
−
| M74B1 || AP || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
 
−
|-
 
−
| M51B1/B2 || APCBC || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| 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%
 
−
|-
 
−
| M74B1 || AP || ___ || _.__ || __ || _._ || ___ || __° || __° || __°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M51B1/B2 || APCBC || ___ || _.__ || __ || _._ || ___ || __° || __° || __°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks_M3A3_Stuart_(China).png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.15.1.30''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
−
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''174''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| '''174''' || 131&nbsp;''(+43)'' || 87&nbsp;''(+87)'' || 44&nbsp;''(+130)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+173)'' || Yes
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 +
* Only 144 shells are modeled in the racks 1 to 4.
 +
* The 1st rack contains 13 shells but empties after having fired 43 shells.
 +
* The 2nd rack contains 52 shells but empties after having fired 44 shells.
 +
* The 3rd rack contains 24 shells but empties after having fired 43 shells.
 +
* The 4th rack contains 55 shells but empties after having fired 44 shells.
 +
* To go into battle with the turret and the flanks empty of ammo, pack 44&nbsp;''(+130)'' shells (racks 1 to 3 emptied).
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}
−
 
−
''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.''
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| Pintle || 4,500 (250) || 500 || -10°/+70° || -60°/+15°
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| Coaxial || 3,250 (250) || 500 || 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).'' -->
−
''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).''
+
As mentioned, this M3A3 shares the very same traits of the tech-tree one; so speed is your best friend; at 58 km/h, at plains this is an advantage thanks to this top speed, as a light tank, scouting enemies' vehicles beforehand and from their flanks help your team evaluate the main forces of the enemies, giving them some time to plan ahead while you can use your 37 mm gun on-board to harass or possibly scoring some kills while flanking your enemies, weakening the enemies while buying some time for teammates to set up defenses to send the enemies back to the hanger.
 +
 
 +
Although it might deemed useless, the M1919 (.30 cal) MG on the turret does actually do some damage against early propellers when they didn't dive upon you, leaving some chances to earn a surprise kill on aircraft.
  
 
=== 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".'' -->
 
<!-- ''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".'' -->
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
 
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
 
* Excellent speed and agility, on par with fast tanks like [[BT-5]] allowing it to get to critical spots quickly
 
* Excellent speed and agility, on par with fast tanks like [[BT-5]] allowing it to get to critical spots quickly
−
* 37mm stabilised cannon is good for quick and accurate pinpoint of enemy crews
+
* 37 mm stabilised cannon is good for quick and accurate pinpoint of enemy crews
 
* Has narrow and low profile, harder to get spotted and shot at
 
* Has narrow and low profile, harder to get spotted and shot at
 
* -10° gun depression is great for mountainous battlefields
 
* -10° gun depression is great for mountainous battlefields
−
* ~50mm gun mantlet is challenging to penetrate, allowing it to perform hull-down to some extent
+
* ~50 mm gun mantlet is challenging to penetrate, allowing it to perform hull-down to some extent
−
 
 
−
*
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* 37mm solid AP lacks penetration and damage against well protected and/or spacious tanks like [[B1 bis|B1]] and [[T-28 (Family)|T-28]]
+
* 37 mm solid AP lacks penetration and damage against well protected and/or spacious tanks like [[B1 bis|B1]] and [[T-28 (Family)|T-28]]
−
* Low survivability: thin armour, and the 4 crew are closely packed
+
* Low survivability: thin armour, and the 4 crewmen are closely packed
−
* 37mm shells tend to ricochet more when hitting sloped armour (eg. [[T-50]])
+
* 37 mm shells tend to ricochet more when hitting sloped armour (e.g. [[T-50]])
 
* -7 km/h reverse speed is inadequate to get it out of a dangerous situation quickly
 
* -7 km/h reverse speed is inadequate to get it out of a dangerous situation quickly
−
 
−
*
 
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
''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 Chinese Expeditionary Forces (中國遠征軍) were among one of the most famous unit in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theatre of WW2. Soon after the total outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War (抗日戰爭) in 1937, and the later Southbound assault by the Imperial Japanese Forces in December 1941, the major blood line of the ROC at that time was the Burma Road (滇緬公路). It was still under construction and would certainly become a target of the Japanese forces. On 1941/12/23, the Sino-British Joint Defense Agreement on Burma Road (中英共同防禦滇緬路協定) was signed, leading to the establishment of the Expeditionary Forces to defend this vital supply line.
 +
 
 +
After the bloody 1st expedition to Burma that resulted in severe casualties on the Nationalist forces (55k out of the 105k troops were lost), the remaining troops retreated back to Mainland China. While there were some troops in India, they were deemed insufficient to stop the menacing Japanese forces assaulting from Burma and into India; let alone retake the Burma Road. A year later, with the Sino-US joint command established in India with General Joseph Warren Stilwell in command, the Chinese garrison in India was then reformed as the New First Army (新一軍) with troops mobilized from Mainland China then transported to India via the Hump (駝峰航線). In October of 1943, the Sino-US 1st Provision Tank Group (中美第一臨時坦克群) was established at Ramgarh Cantonment in India with 6 tank battalions under their command; the unit was based on US Army order of battle but the battalions were composed of 3 light tank companies and 1 medium tank company instead, to fit the terrain of Burma and in view of lack of anti-tank weaponry from Japanese forces. They were first deployed in Walawbum in 1944/3/3 and successfully ran over (literary, it was remarked that the tank companies happened to ran over the command post of IJA forces among with most of their commanding officers) IJA's 18th Division (第18師團, which happened to be the one of the major culprits of the infamous Nanjing Massacre 南京大屠殺 on 1937/12/13); March 3rd is also the Armored Troops Day of ROCA due to this major victory. The joint forces then successfully reopen the Burma Road and eventually made it back to Mainland China in June of 1945, 2 months before the surrender of Japan.
 +
 
 +
This M3A3 delivery was the from the 2th tank of 3rd Company, 3rd Battalion, numbered USA 3027869 seen in Burma as of 1945.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* Skins and camouflages for the [[M3A3 Stuart (China)#Media|M3A3 Stuart (China)]] can be used for the {{PAGENAME}}.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
''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;''
+
;Other M3A3 Stuarts
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[M3A3 Stuart (China)]]
 +
* [[M3A3 (Italy)]]
 +
* [[M3A3 Stuart (France)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 202: Line 191:
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer Ordnance Department}}
 
{{China light tanks}}
 
{{China light tanks}}
 
{{China premium ground vehicles}}
 
{{China premium ground vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 03:16, 29 August 2023

This page is about the Chinese light tank M3A3 (1st PTG) (China). For other versions, see M3 Stuart (Family). For other uses, see M3 (Disambiguation).
␗M3A3 (1st PTG)
cn_m3a3_stuart_1st_ptg.png
GarageImage M3A3 (1st PTG) (China).jpg
StoreImage M3A3 (1st PTG) (China) 001.jpg
␗M3A3 (1st PTG)
China flag.png China
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.3 2.7 2.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:700 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game
STORE

Description

The M3A3 Stuart 1st Provisional Tank Group (1st PTG) is the premium third variant of the Light Tank M3 (Stuart) family. It features hull improvements inspired by the new Light Tank M5 (Stuart) family, which was developed from the Light Tank M3 (Stuart) family (the M3A2 Stuart was never produced). Other enhancements to the original M3 light tank included a turret with a rear overhang to accommodate the SCR-508 radio and a welded hull with sloping armour 20°from the vertical on the front and sides. During World War II, it was part of the Chinese-American 1st Provisional Tank Group of the Chinese Expeditionary Forces (中國遠征軍), where the Chinese Kuomintang government equipped 48 such tanks under the lend-lease program and established the first tank battalion under the "China-U.S. First Temporary Tank Group" stationed in India. This lesser-known battalion received little coverage while fighting in the China-Burma-India theatre (CBI).  While the U.S. Army Air Corps flew crucial supplies from India to China over the Himalayas, the 1st Provisional Tank Group helped the Allies reopen the land route through Japanese-occupied Burma by securing and repairing the Ledo-Burma Road.

Introduced in Update "Wind of Change", the M3A3 light tank is a continuation of the M3 Stuart family that shares many similarities with other U.S. Army light tanks of rank I. It is essentially identical to the Chinese Army ground forces tech tree M3A3 Stuart. Given the presence of sloping armour, the M3A3 provides significantly better protection than other light tanks in its rank. It improves survivability by preventing some small calibre shells from penetrating its frontal armour. However, since it is still a light tank, players should not rely heavily on its armour to exchange shots with adversaries.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull25 / 25 / 25
Turret38 / 31 / 31
Crew4 people
Visibility89 %

Aside from the naming of this vehicle and its delivery, it is identical to its main tech-tree counterpart. Having the minimal protection of a light tank (albeit sufficient to stop anything below 12.7x108mm up front) and sides which barely stops HMG rounds at longer ranges. It has at least 2 inches (25.4 mm) armour on its all-round while its turret is 1.25 inches (31.75 mm) all-around.

But to say at least: anything with 14.5x114 mm and beyond can tear down M3A3 with ease. So it is advised NOT TO go head-on against anything with a(n) (auto)cannon, flanking is the way to keep M3A3 from being knocked down into a smoking wreckage.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 25 mm (50°) 25.4 mm Top (40°)
25.4 mm Bottom (0°) 		25.4 mm Top (40°)
25.4 mm Bottom (21°) 		12.7 mm
Turret 38.1 mm Turret front
50.8 mm Gun mantlet 		31.75 mm 31.75 mm 12.7 mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB65 / 8 km/h
RB and SB59 / 7 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight14.4 t
Engine power
AB500 hp
RB and SB262 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB34.7 hp/t
RB and SB18.2 hp/t

Like its tech tree counterpart, it was powered by a Cadillac Series 42 air-cooled piston engine with 220 hp; while it might not be much at first glance, it does push M3A3 at 57 km/h; making it a good flanker and able to pull out from chaos with relative else.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 65 8 14.4 406 500 28.19 34.72
Realistic 59 7 232 262 16.11 18.19

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB659 Sl icon.png
RB430 Sl icon.png
SB622 Sl icon.png
Crew training2 300 Sl icon.png
Experts15 000 Sl icon.png
Aces115 Ge icon.png
Research Aces320 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 40 / 40 / 40 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 112 / 112 / 112 % 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 smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Mods tank ammo.png
37mm_usa_m3_APC_ammo_pack
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics

Armaments

Main armament

37 mm M6 cannon
Vertical stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in one plane while moving
Ammunition174 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
3.7 → 2.9 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: M6 (37 mm)
37 mm M6 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 174 -10°/+20° ±180° Vertical 19.0 26.4 32.0 35.4 37.7 3.77 3.34 3.07 2.90
Realistic 11.9 14.0 17.0 18.8 20.0

Ammunition

The M3A3 (1st PTG) has access to 2 types of ammunition- M74B1 AP and M51 APCBC shells; since this is premium, M51 would be the go-to shell.

The stock M74B1, while having sufficient penetration at its tier to cause damage to enemies' tanks, due to its nature of AP shells without any ballistic cap, this shell has high possibility to cause ricochet on targets if they have angled, leaving a very embarrassing situation for M3A3.

The second round, M51B1 is APCBC, which has higher penetration while improved its aerodynamic and ballistic characteristics, this will be the go-to shell for the M3A3 (1st PTG). Thanks to its sufficient penetration, targeting the sides of enemies you flanked is viable and the likelihood of a confirmed penetration is higher.

But do keep in mind that both shells are non-filler shots, meaning no explosive filler is present; thus it is demanded to hit enemies' ammunition or gunner at all cost which gives higher possibility for a confirmed kill or assist kills.

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
M74B1 AP 79 76 65 54 45 37
M51B1 APCBC 87 84 73 60 50 41
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%
M74B1 AP 883 0.87 - - - 47° 60° 65°
M51B1 APCBC 883 0.87 - - - 48° 63° 71°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M3A3 (1st PTG) (China)
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
174 131 (+43) 87 (+87) 44 (+130) 1 (+173) Yes

Notes:

  • Only 144 shells are modeled in the racks 1 to 4.
  • The 1st rack contains 13 shells but empties after having fired 43 shells.
  • The 2nd rack contains 52 shells but empties after having fired 44 shells.
  • The 3rd rack contains 24 shells but empties after having fired 43 shells.
  • The 4th rack contains 55 shells but empties after having fired 44 shells.
  • To go into battle with the turret and the flanks empty of ammo, pack 44 (+130) shells (racks 1 to 3 emptied).

Machine guns

7.62 mm M1919A4 machine gun
Ammunition4 500 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
7.62 mm M1919A4 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition3 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
Main article: M1919A4 (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm M1919A4
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 4,500 (250) 500 -10°/+70° -60°/+15°
Coaxial 3,250 (250) 500 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

As mentioned, this M3A3 shares the very same traits of the tech-tree one; so speed is your best friend; at 58 km/h, at plains this is an advantage thanks to this top speed, as a light tank, scouting enemies' vehicles beforehand and from their flanks help your team evaluate the main forces of the enemies, giving them some time to plan ahead while you can use your 37 mm gun on-board to harass or possibly scoring some kills while flanking your enemies, weakening the enemies while buying some time for teammates to set up defenses to send the enemies back to the hanger.

Although it might deemed useless, the M1919 (.30 cal) MG on the turret does actually do some damage against early propellers when they didn't dive upon you, leaving some chances to earn a surprise kill on aircraft.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent speed and agility, on par with fast tanks like BT-5 allowing it to get to critical spots quickly
  • 37 mm stabilised cannon is good for quick and accurate pinpoint of enemy crews
  • Has narrow and low profile, harder to get spotted and shot at
  • -10° gun depression is great for mountainous battlefields
  • ~50 mm gun mantlet is challenging to penetrate, allowing it to perform hull-down to some extent

Cons:

  • 37 mm solid AP lacks penetration and damage against well protected and/or spacious tanks like B1 and T-28
  • Low survivability: thin armour, and the 4 crewmen are closely packed
  • 37 mm shells tend to ricochet more when hitting sloped armour (e.g. T-50)
  • -7 km/h reverse speed is inadequate to get it out of a dangerous situation quickly

History

The Chinese Expeditionary Forces (中國遠征軍) were among one of the most famous unit in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theatre of WW2. Soon after the total outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War (抗日戰爭) in 1937, and the later Southbound assault by the Imperial Japanese Forces in December 1941, the major blood line of the ROC at that time was the Burma Road (滇緬公路). It was still under construction and would certainly become a target of the Japanese forces. On 1941/12/23, the Sino-British Joint Defense Agreement on Burma Road (中英共同防禦滇緬路協定) was signed, leading to the establishment of the Expeditionary Forces to defend this vital supply line.

After the bloody 1st expedition to Burma that resulted in severe casualties on the Nationalist forces (55k out of the 105k troops were lost), the remaining troops retreated back to Mainland China. While there were some troops in India, they were deemed insufficient to stop the menacing Japanese forces assaulting from Burma and into India; let alone retake the Burma Road. A year later, with the Sino-US joint command established in India with General Joseph Warren Stilwell in command, the Chinese garrison in India was then reformed as the New First Army (新一軍) with troops mobilized from Mainland China then transported to India via the Hump (駝峰航線). In October of 1943, the Sino-US 1st Provision Tank Group (中美第一臨時坦克群) was established at Ramgarh Cantonment in India with 6 tank battalions under their command; the unit was based on US Army order of battle but the battalions were composed of 3 light tank companies and 1 medium tank company instead, to fit the terrain of Burma and in view of lack of anti-tank weaponry from Japanese forces. They were first deployed in Walawbum in 1944/3/3 and successfully ran over (literary, it was remarked that the tank companies happened to ran over the command post of IJA forces among with most of their commanding officers) IJA's 18th Division (第18師團, which happened to be the one of the major culprits of the infamous Nanjing Massacre 南京大屠殺 on 1937/12/13); March 3rd is also the Armored Troops Day of ROCA due to this major victory. The joint forces then successfully reopen the Burma Road and eventually made it back to Mainland China in June of 1945, 2 months before the surrender of Japan.

This M3A3 delivery was the from the 2th tank of 3rd Company, 3rd Battalion, numbered USA 3027869 seen in Burma as of 1945.

Media

Skins

See also

Other M3A3 Stuarts

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


U.S. Army Ordnance Department/Corps*
Light tanks  T18E2 · M24 (Designed in collaboration with Cadillac)
M3 Stuart  M3 · M3A1 Stuart · M3A1 (USMC)
M5 Stuart  M5A1
Medium tanks  M3 Lee
M4 Sherman  M4 · M4A1 · M4A2 · M4A3 (105) · Calliope
  M4A1 (76) W · M4A2 (76) W · M4A3 (76) W
M26 Pershing  T20 · T25 · M26 · M26E1 · M26 T99
Patton Series  M46 · M46 "Tiger" · M47
Prototypes  T54E1 · T95E1
Heavy tanks  M103
M4 Jumbo  M4A3E2 · Cobra King · M4A3E2 (76) W
M6 Heavy  M6A1 · M6A2E1 · T1E1
M26 Pershing  T26E1-1 · T26E5
Prototypes  T14
T29  T29 · T30 · T34
T-32  T32 · T32E1
Tank destroyers  M3 GMC · M10 GMC · M56
M8 GMC  M8 HMC · M8A1 GMC
M36 GMC  M36 GMC · M36B2
Prototypes  T28 · T95
SPAAGs 
Production  M19 MGMC · M42
Export/Captured  ␗M8 HMC · SU-57
Stuart  Stuart I · Stuart III · ␗M3A3 Stuart · ␗M3A3 (1st PTG) · ▄M3A3 · ▄M3A3 Stuart · ▃Stuart VI (5th CAD) · ␗M5A1
Lee/Grant  ▂M3 Medium · ▃Grant I · Grant I
M4 Sherman  Sherman II · ▄M4A1 · ␗M4A1 (75) W · ▀M4 748 (a) · ▂M4A2 · ▄M4A3 (105) · ▅M4A3 (76) W · ▄M4A3E2
  ␗M4A4 · ␗M4A4 (1st PTG) · ▄Sherman V · ▄M4A4 · ▄Sherman I Composito
M26 Pershing  M26 "D.C.Ariete" · M26A1
M47 Patton  mKPz M47 G · ▅M47
M10 GMC  ␗M10 GMC · ▄M10 GMC
M36 GMC  ␗M36 GMC · M36B1 · ▅M36 · ▄M36B2
M19 MGMC  ▅M19A1
M42 MGMC  ▅M42 · ␗M42
  *The Ordnance Department was renamed to the Ordnance Corps after the Army Reorganization Act of 1950.

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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