Difference between revisions of "T34"

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{{Specs-Card|code=us_t34}}
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{{About
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{{Notice|''This page is about the tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''. For other uses, see [[T-34 (Disambiguation)]]''}}
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|about= American heavy tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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|usage= other versions
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|link= T-34 (Disambiguation)
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}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=us_t34
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
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}}
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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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''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.''
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<!-- ''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 rank {{Specs|rank}} American heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.67 "Assault"]]. A formidable heavy tank with thick armour and heavy gun, the T34 presents a radical new tank design, more so than any of its predecessors.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== 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 helpfull for survival in combat?''
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{{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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull sides, Hull rear)
  
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''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
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{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 102 mm (52-56°) ''Front Glacis'' <br> 70.25 mm (26-59°) ''Bottom Glacis'' <br> 102 mm (6-81°) ''Machine gun port'' || 76.2 mm ''Front'' <br> 51 mm ''Rear'' || 51 mm (4°) ''Upper'' <br> 51 mm (60°) ''Lower'' || 38.1 mm
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 158.7 mm (18-31°) ''Turret front'' <br> 203 mm (0-9°) ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 305 mm (1-57°) ''Gun mantlet border'' || 158.7 mm (3-42°) || 101 + 102 mm (1-20°) ''Rear'' <br> 102 mm (63-84°) ''Bottom of turret overhang'' || 38.1 mm
 +
|-
 +
| Cupola || 152.4 mm || 152.4 mm || 152.4 mm || 38.1 mm
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
 +
* Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick while tracks are 30 mm thick.
 +
* Front belly armour is 25.4 mm thick while the rear is 13 mm.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
−
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''
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{{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.'' -->
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 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,046|rbMinHp=716}}
 +
 
 +
Mobility is surprisingly decent for its size and weight, it's even on par with some medium tanks, and it will often reach its top speed, even off-road, although at lower speeds it can be quite sluggish to manoeuvre.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
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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 flexibilty of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
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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.'' -->
 +
{{main|T53 (120 mm)}}
  
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=== Additional armament ===
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
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|-
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! colspan="5" | [[T53 (120 mm)|120 mm T53]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 +
|-
 +
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
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! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
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|-
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! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 34 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 14.6 || 20.2 || 24.5 || 27.1 || 28.8 || rowspan="2" | 19.37 || rowspan="2" | 17.14 || rowspan="2" | 15.79 || rowspan="2" | 14.90
 +
|-
 +
! ''Realistic''
 +
| 10.7 || 12.6 || 15.3 || 16.9 || 18.0
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Ammunition ====
 +
The APCBC shell still retains a lot of the penetration over very long ranges, still keeping over 150 mm penetration.
 +
 
 +
{{:T53 (120 mm)/Ammunition|T14E3, T17E1, M73}}
 +
 
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
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[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
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<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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|-
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! Full<br>ammo
 +
! Ammo<br>part
 +
! 1st<br>rack empty
 +
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
|-
 +
| '''34''' || ''Projectiles''<br>''Propellants'' || 33&nbsp;''(+1)''<br>31&nbsp;''(+3)'' || 28&nbsp;''(+6)''<br>29&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+11)''<br>23&nbsp;''(+11)''
 +
|-
 +
! 4th<br>rack empty
 +
! 5th<br>rack empty
 +
! 6th<br>rack empty
 +
! 7th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
| 21&nbsp;''(+13)''<br>15&nbsp;''(+19)'' || 13&nbsp;''(+21)''<br>9&nbsp;''(+25)'' || 7&nbsp;''(+27)''<br>1&nbsp;''(+33)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+33)''<br>N/A || No
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Note''':
 +
 
 +
* Turret empty: 23&nbsp;(+11) shells.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
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''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft, but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|4}}
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<!-- ''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|M2HB (12.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
 +
|-
 +
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
 +
| Pintle || 1,000 (200) || 577 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
 +
|-
 +
| Coaxial || 1,200 (200) || 577 || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
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| Coaxial || 1,200 (200) || 577 || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
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 +
== 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 T34 is a very strong tank and few tanks have the guns to take it out effectively from the battlefield. If you're fighting tanks of your own BR or lower, the German long 88 mm guns (whether it be PaK or KwK guns) will be able to contest your armour at close range if used well. This includes the [[Waffentrager]], [[Tiger II (P)]] and [[Tiger II (H)|(H)]] models, the [[Nashorn]], the [[Ferdinand]], and the [[Jagdpanther]]s. There is also the threat of the occasional [[Ru 251]], which packs a 320 mm penetration HEATFS shell. The Soviets also have a few cannons that can be effective against the T34, be on the lookout for tanks which utilize the 100 mm, such as the [[T-44-100]], [[SU-100P]], or [[SU-100]]. These 100 mm shells will not struggle too much against your hull or turret, at least at close range. The same can be applied to the ISU variants. (The [[ASU-85]]) does get a HEATFS shell which defeats your armour most of the time, more on that below.) The tanks mentioned above can be dealt with against with relative ease at medium range with the 120 mm cannon. Another country which catches most people off guard is France. The [[AMX-50]] and [[Lorraine 40t]] with their magazine systems will shred your armour given if they have the time to aim properly. Their shot rounds will break your gun breech quickly, but if you play well the T34's armour will hold up.
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 +
At long range, tanks with the long 88 mm guns will only be able to penetrate with the APCR at you, which in effect makes your upper hull armour very good, since APCR does not fare well against slopes. The flat turret face can put you at a disadvantage most of the time. Specific enemies worth noting when fighting the Germans at your BR are Waffenträger, Tiger II (P) and (H) models, Nashorn, the Jagdpanthers, and even the Sturer Emil with its 230 mm of penetration with its monstrous 128 mm armament. Most of these tanks (except for the Sturer Emil) can fire APCR at you and penetrate if they are good shots and hit your gun shield. When engaging the Soviets at long range, the ASU-85 will be your most dangerous enemy at your own BR. The HEATFS shell it packs penetrates 300 mm of armour, making your armour more often than not obsolete against it. One more tank you must be aware of that most people forget about is the [[Type-62]]. It gets the same gun as the [[T-44]], but with better shells, utilizing a strong HEATFS round on a turreted, fast light tank.
 +
 
 +
When you're fighting in an uptier (which can happen quite frequently), your enemies as previously mentioned stay the same except for more prevalent Rank V vehicles like the [[Leopard I]]. The Leopard I is everything you are not: fast, stealthy, good rate of fire and a punchy good gun at any range. With its DM13 APDS round that can penetrate 303 mm of armour straight up, life is not easy against it. The round can still penetrate 257 mm of armour at 1,500 m, which is still very easy against your turret shield. The Leopards also packs a DM12 HEATFS round which can tear through 400 mm of armour with ease with 1,173 m/s shell velocity. If at all possible, do not engage Leopards at long range without doing it smartly. Remember: they can penetrate you regardless of angling or range.
 +
 
 +
Another enemy at an uptier to worry about is the [[Object 120]]. It possesses a shell that presents 405 mm of penetration APFSDS with 1,710 m/s shell. The drawback of the Object is its lack of gun depression and armour that even .50 cal machine guns can destroy it. Almost all of the Taran users will choose that shell instead of the HEATFS it packs simply because of the shell velocity. The HEATFS shell in question can penetrate 480 mm of armour. A good rule of thumb when fighting these tanks: if you can avoid being hit, do so quickly; your armour will not save you.
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
Other enemies worth noting is the [[IS-3]]. It is almost impossible to injure it from the front, much less destroy it in one shot. The only shot you can make is the turret ring (which is tough sometimes) or the extremely small flat pieces of armour on the sides of the gun barrel on the turret: other than that, try to flank it. The [[Maus]] is also a significant threat to the T34 for much the same reason as the IS-3, but with greater firepower due to its 128 mm armament. Trying to penetrate a Maus without the use of the APCR the T34 gets is a fool's folly: it can't be done against an angling Maus tank. The Tiger II (H) 10.5cm heavy tank is also able to contest you better than the Tiger II (P) and (H) simply because of the gun and power behind it, but not to a dangerously high degree like the Leopards. The Jagdtiger packs much the same gun with albeit slightly less armour and no turret, but it makes this tank no less dangerous. The Jagdpanzer 4-5, on the other hand, is quite stealthy with the same gun and ammo as the RU 251, with albeit no turret but a better reload makes this tank good at contesting your armour at any range. One more enemy you will undoubtedly face are the Italian armoured cars who with their recoil-less rifles and very good mobility can prove to be very dangerous to you despite their size and low amount of armour. Another thing to watch while playing this tank is the possibility to be killed very fast by facing someone who can hit your cupola on you turret beware of German and Soviet 88, 105, and 122 mm APHE shells which might be able to knock you out through your cupola. While its a hard target at distance closer up it will be a very easy target so keep it hidden.
−
''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 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).''
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''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".''
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<!-- ''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:'''
  
−
*
+
* Great upper glacis armour
 +
* Good gun mantlet armour
 +
* Powerful 120 mm gun; essentially a precursor to the M103
 +
* Has three .50 calibre machine guns for shredding lightly-armoured vehicles or for warding off enemy aircraft
 +
* Decently fast on level ground
 +
* Good post-penetration damage for stock ammunition, when it hits in the right spot
 +
* Crew is quite far apart from each other, quite difficult to get knock out in one hit without ammo racking
 +
* Has very good gun depression, 10°, like most american tanks, allowing for easy hull down situations
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*
+
* Gun mantlet can still be penetrated by 88 mm or 122 mm shells
 +
* Side armour can be penetrated - even when angled sharply
 +
* Weak lower glacis
 +
* Propellant charges are located on the side of the turret, which for solid shot rounds is an easy ammorack
 +
* Turning capabilities are quite bad for an american tank
 +
* Sluggish when moving at lower speeds, especially when turning
 +
* Doesn't like to climb hills
 +
* Reload time is long, but shorter than some contemporary tanks
 +
* Shells penetrating the turret will most often result in ammo racking
 +
* Turret rotation isn't the best
 +
* Gun is easily taken out because of its large size
 +
* Not close combat friendly due to the weak UFP and gun mantlet
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
[[File:T34 Heavy Tank.jpg|400px|thumb|right|T34 Heavy Tank at Aberdeen Proving Grounds]]
 +
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
===Development===
 +
Projects for a dedicated heavy tank for the U.S. Armed Forces began in March 1944 as a response to the German heavy tanks that have been popping up in Europe. While the T26E3 tank, later known as the [[M26|M26 Pershing]] was slated to be the next-generation American tank, it was still considered unsuitable against the even heavier [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II]]. A project to increase the armour and firepower commenced to counter this problem, the project titled [[T29|Heavy Tank T29]]. Using design elements from the T26E3 with thicker armour and lengthened hull, the T29 also was equipped with the [[T5E1 (105 mm)|105 mm Gun T5]], a gun in development alongside the heavy assault tank [[T95]]. Other features included a 770 hp Ford GAC engine, armour thickness up to 279 mm effective, and a coincidence range-finder. The heavy armour and armament made the tank weigh about 64 tons, making it a close match to the Tiger II.
 +
 
 +
Though the T29 was monstrous itself, side projects involving the T29 crafted the [[T30|Heavy Tank T30]]. Itself similar to the T29 in terms of armour, but featured a monstrous 155 mm Gun T7 with a more powerful engine and an extra crew member to facilitate loading the gun.
 +
 
 +
===Effect in World War II===
 +
Throughout World War II, the T29 and the T30 stayed in development under the priority "limited procurement". Eventually, the war in Europe ended in May 1945, but the small ordered stayed in hope it may be useful in the Japan invasion in Operation Downfall. That hope was smashed as well when Japan surrendered in September 1945, ending World War II. Even if an operation commenced that used these vehicles, the Army Ground Forces objected to the use of such heavy equipment due to the lack of adequate transporters. Further production was cancelled in the post-war demilitarization.
 +
 
 +
===Post World War Effect===
 +
The heavy tank concept didn't die with the end of hostility and a final attempt was made to remake the T29 into a more modern, lethal weapon system. This produced the [[T34]], which mounted a 120 mm gun based on the M1 anti-aircraft gun. The calibre made an adequate balance of firepower and loading ease between the 105 mm and the 155 mm used in the T29 and T30. In fact, the two T34 pilot models made were a converted T29 and T30. However, the demilitarization took down the T34 program as well, but the experience in this project help engineers in the development of the [[M103|M103 heavy tank]].
 +
 
 +
Today, there are a few T29s still in display across the United States, most of them residing in storage at Fort Benning, Georgia where they will be used as a display in the future National Armor and Cavalry Museum.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
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<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
  
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== Read also ==
+
;Skins
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
 
  
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_t34 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|RQ7dTh1w-_0|'''How to destroy the T34''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|9ayZTC2A6Ks|'''T34 vs Caernarvon''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|ly9JS6errQQ|'''Best secondary armaments''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 5:13 - ''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;''
 
* ''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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;[[T29 Heavy Tank (Family)|Related development]]
 +
 
 +
* [[T29]]
 +
* [[T30]]
  
−
''ETC.''
+
;Similar Vehicles:
  
−
== Sources ==
+
* [[M103]]
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* [[wt:en/news/4537-development-heavy-tank-t34-commanding-respect-en|[Devblog] Heavy Tank T34: Commanding Respect]]
 +
 
 +
{{USA heavy tanks}}

Latest revision as of 16:22, 8 February 2023

This page is about the American heavy tank T34. For other versions, see T-34 (Disambiguation).
T34
us_t34.png
GarageImage T34.jpg
ArtImage T34.png
T34
USA flag.png USA
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
7.0 6.7 6.7
Class:
Research:71 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:210 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Heavy Tank T34 is a rank IV American heavy tank with a battle rating of 7.0 (AB) and 6.7 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.67 "Assault". A formidable heavy tank with thick armour and heavy gun, the T34 presents a radical new tank design, more so than any of its predecessors.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull102 / 76 / 51
Turret203 / 158 / 203
Crew6 people
Visibility108 %

Armour type:

  • Cast homogeneous armour
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull sides, Hull rear)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 102 mm (52-56°) Front Glacis
70.25 mm (26-59°) Bottom Glacis
102 mm (6-81°) Machine gun port 		76.2 mm Front
51 mm Rear 		51 mm (4°) Upper
51 mm (60°) Lower 		38.1 mm
Turret 158.7 mm (18-31°) Turret front
203 mm (0-9°) Gun mantlet
305 mm (1-57°) Gun mantlet border 		158.7 mm (3-42°) 101 + 102 mm (1-20°) Rear
102 mm (63-84°) Bottom of turret overhang 		38.1 mm
Cupola 152.4 mm 152.4 mm 152.4 mm 38.1 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick while tracks are 30 mm thick.
  • Front belly armour is 25.4 mm thick while the rear is 13 mm.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB38 / 15 km/h
RB and SB36 / 14 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
2 back
Weight65.8 t
Engine power
AB1 545 hp
RB and SB810 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB23.5 hp/t
RB and SB12.3 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 38 15 65.8 1,046 1,545 15.9 23.48
Realistic 36 14 716 810 10.88 12.31

Mobility is surprisingly decent for its size and weight, it's even on par with some medium tanks, and it will often reach its top speed, even off-road, although at lower speeds it can be quite sluggish to manoeuvre.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 759 → 5 886 Sl icon.png
RB5 073 → 6 275 Sl icon.png
SB6 923 → 8 563 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications61 600 Rp icon.png
103 400 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training61 000 Sl icon.png
Experts210 000 Sl icon.png
Aces890 Ge icon.png
Research Aces570 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
140 / 190 / 220 % Sl icon.png
178 / 178 / 178 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 800 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
2 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
2 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
5 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 500 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 800 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement us.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
5 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 500 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 800 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
2 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
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120mm_usa_T17E1_HVAP_ammo_pack
Research:
2 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
5 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 500 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

120 mm T53 cannon
Ammunition34 rounds
First-order6 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
19.4 → 14.9 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 15°
Main article: T53 (120 mm)
120 mm T53 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 34 -10°/+15° ±180° N/A 14.6 20.2 24.5 27.1 28.8 19.37 17.14 15.79 14.90
Realistic 10.7 12.6 15.3 16.9 18.0

Ammunition

The APCBC shell still retains a lot of the penetration over very long ranges, still keeping over 150 mm penetration.

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
T14E3 APCBC 283 279 263 243 225 209
T17E1 APCR 306 301 281 258 237 218
M73 HE 31 31 30 29 29 29
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
T14E3 APCBC 960 22.6 - - - 48° 63° 71°
T17E1 APCR 1,082 16.3 - - - 66° 70° 72°
M73 HE 944 22.5 0.3 0.1 2.38 79° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the T34
Full
ammo 		Ammo
part 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty
34 Projectiles
Propellants 		33 (+1)
31 (+3) 		28 (+6)
29 (+5) 		23 (+11)
23 (+11)
4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		7th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
21 (+13)
15 (+19) 		13 (+21)
9 (+25) 		7 (+27)
1 (+33) 		1 (+33)
N/A 		No

Note:

  • Turret empty: 23 (+11) shells.

Machine guns

2 x 12.7 mm M2HB machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition2 400 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 50°
Horizontal guidance-120° / 120°
Main article: M2HB (12.7 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 1,000 (200) 577 -10°/+50° ±120°
Coaxial 1,200 (200) 577 N/A N/A
Coaxial 1,200 (200) 577 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

The T34 is a very strong tank and few tanks have the guns to take it out effectively from the battlefield. If you're fighting tanks of your own BR or lower, the German long 88 mm guns (whether it be PaK or KwK guns) will be able to contest your armour at close range if used well. This includes the Waffentrager, Tiger II (P) and (H) models, the Nashorn, the Ferdinand, and the Jagdpanthers. There is also the threat of the occasional Ru 251, which packs a 320 mm penetration HEATFS shell. The Soviets also have a few cannons that can be effective against the T34, be on the lookout for tanks which utilize the 100 mm, such as the T-44-100, SU-100P, or SU-100. These 100 mm shells will not struggle too much against your hull or turret, at least at close range. The same can be applied to the ISU variants. (The ASU-85) does get a HEATFS shell which defeats your armour most of the time, more on that below.) The tanks mentioned above can be dealt with against with relative ease at medium range with the 120 mm cannon. Another country which catches most people off guard is France. The AMX-50 and Lorraine 40t with their magazine systems will shred your armour given if they have the time to aim properly. Their shot rounds will break your gun breech quickly, but if you play well the T34's armour will hold up.

At long range, tanks with the long 88 mm guns will only be able to penetrate with the APCR at you, which in effect makes your upper hull armour very good, since APCR does not fare well against slopes. The flat turret face can put you at a disadvantage most of the time. Specific enemies worth noting when fighting the Germans at your BR are Waffenträger, Tiger II (P) and (H) models, Nashorn, the Jagdpanthers, and even the Sturer Emil with its 230 mm of penetration with its monstrous 128 mm armament. Most of these tanks (except for the Sturer Emil) can fire APCR at you and penetrate if they are good shots and hit your gun shield. When engaging the Soviets at long range, the ASU-85 will be your most dangerous enemy at your own BR. The HEATFS shell it packs penetrates 300 mm of armour, making your armour more often than not obsolete against it. One more tank you must be aware of that most people forget about is the Type-62. It gets the same gun as the T-44, but with better shells, utilizing a strong HEATFS round on a turreted, fast light tank.

When you're fighting in an uptier (which can happen quite frequently), your enemies as previously mentioned stay the same except for more prevalent Rank V vehicles like the Leopard I. The Leopard I is everything you are not: fast, stealthy, good rate of fire and a punchy good gun at any range. With its DM13 APDS round that can penetrate 303 mm of armour straight up, life is not easy against it. The round can still penetrate 257 mm of armour at 1,500 m, which is still very easy against your turret shield. The Leopards also packs a DM12 HEATFS round which can tear through 400 mm of armour with ease with 1,173 m/s shell velocity. If at all possible, do not engage Leopards at long range without doing it smartly. Remember: they can penetrate you regardless of angling or range.

Another enemy at an uptier to worry about is the Object 120. It possesses a shell that presents 405 mm of penetration APFSDS with 1,710 m/s shell. The drawback of the Object is its lack of gun depression and armour that even .50 cal machine guns can destroy it. Almost all of the Taran users will choose that shell instead of the HEATFS it packs simply because of the shell velocity. The HEATFS shell in question can penetrate 480 mm of armour. A good rule of thumb when fighting these tanks: if you can avoid being hit, do so quickly; your armour will not save you.

Other enemies worth noting is the IS-3. It is almost impossible to injure it from the front, much less destroy it in one shot. The only shot you can make is the turret ring (which is tough sometimes) or the extremely small flat pieces of armour on the sides of the gun barrel on the turret: other than that, try to flank it. The Maus is also a significant threat to the T34 for much the same reason as the IS-3, but with greater firepower due to its 128 mm armament. Trying to penetrate a Maus without the use of the APCR the T34 gets is a fool's folly: it can't be done against an angling Maus tank. The Tiger II (H) 10.5cm heavy tank is also able to contest you better than the Tiger II (P) and (H) simply because of the gun and power behind it, but not to a dangerously high degree like the Leopards. The Jagdtiger packs much the same gun with albeit slightly less armour and no turret, but it makes this tank no less dangerous. The Jagdpanzer 4-5, on the other hand, is quite stealthy with the same gun and ammo as the RU 251, with albeit no turret but a better reload makes this tank good at contesting your armour at any range. One more enemy you will undoubtedly face are the Italian armoured cars who with their recoil-less rifles and very good mobility can prove to be very dangerous to you despite their size and low amount of armour. Another thing to watch while playing this tank is the possibility to be killed very fast by facing someone who can hit your cupola on you turret beware of German and Soviet 88, 105, and 122 mm APHE shells which might be able to knock you out through your cupola. While its a hard target at distance closer up it will be a very easy target so keep it hidden.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Great upper glacis armour
  • Good gun mantlet armour
  • Powerful 120 mm gun; essentially a precursor to the M103
  • Has three .50 calibre machine guns for shredding lightly-armoured vehicles or for warding off enemy aircraft
  • Decently fast on level ground
  • Good post-penetration damage for stock ammunition, when it hits in the right spot
  • Crew is quite far apart from each other, quite difficult to get knock out in one hit without ammo racking
  • Has very good gun depression, 10°, like most american tanks, allowing for easy hull down situations

Cons:

  • Gun mantlet can still be penetrated by 88 mm or 122 mm shells
  • Side armour can be penetrated - even when angled sharply
  • Weak lower glacis
  • Propellant charges are located on the side of the turret, which for solid shot rounds is an easy ammorack
  • Turning capabilities are quite bad for an american tank
  • Sluggish when moving at lower speeds, especially when turning
  • Doesn't like to climb hills
  • Reload time is long, but shorter than some contemporary tanks
  • Shells penetrating the turret will most often result in ammo racking
  • Turret rotation isn't the best
  • Gun is easily taken out because of its large size
  • Not close combat friendly due to the weak UFP and gun mantlet

History

T34 Heavy Tank at Aberdeen Proving Grounds

Development

Projects for a dedicated heavy tank for the U.S. Armed Forces began in March 1944 as a response to the German heavy tanks that have been popping up in Europe. While the T26E3 tank, later known as the M26 Pershing was slated to be the next-generation American tank, it was still considered unsuitable against the even heavier Tiger II. A project to increase the armour and firepower commenced to counter this problem, the project titled Heavy Tank T29. Using design elements from the T26E3 with thicker armour and lengthened hull, the T29 also was equipped with the 105 mm Gun T5, a gun in development alongside the heavy assault tank T95. Other features included a 770 hp Ford GAC engine, armour thickness up to 279 mm effective, and a coincidence range-finder. The heavy armour and armament made the tank weigh about 64 tons, making it a close match to the Tiger II.

Though the T29 was monstrous itself, side projects involving the T29 crafted the Heavy Tank T30. Itself similar to the T29 in terms of armour, but featured a monstrous 155 mm Gun T7 with a more powerful engine and an extra crew member to facilitate loading the gun.

Effect in World War II

Throughout World War II, the T29 and the T30 stayed in development under the priority "limited procurement". Eventually, the war in Europe ended in May 1945, but the small ordered stayed in hope it may be useful in the Japan invasion in Operation Downfall. That hope was smashed as well when Japan surrendered in September 1945, ending World War II. Even if an operation commenced that used these vehicles, the Army Ground Forces objected to the use of such heavy equipment due to the lack of adequate transporters. Further production was cancelled in the post-war demilitarization.

Post World War Effect

The heavy tank concept didn't die with the end of hostility and a final attempt was made to remake the T29 into a more modern, lethal weapon system. This produced the T34, which mounted a 120 mm gun based on the M1 anti-aircraft gun. The calibre made an adequate balance of firepower and loading ease between the 105 mm and the 155 mm used in the T29 and T30. In fact, the two T34 pilot models made were a converted T29 and T30. However, the demilitarization took down the T34 program as well, but the experience in this project help engineers in the development of the M103 heavy tank.

Today, there are a few T29s still in display across the United States, most of them residing in storage at Fort Benning, Georgia where they will be used as a display in the future National Armor and Cavalry Museum.

Media

Skins
Videos
How to destroy the T34 - War Thunder Official Channel
T34 vs Caernarvon - War Thunder Official Channel
Best secondary armaments discusses the T34 at 5:13 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Related development
Similar Vehicles

External links


USA heavy tanks
M4 Jumbo  M4A3E2 · Cobra King · M4A3E2 (76) W
M6  M6A1 · T1E1 · T1E1 (90) · M6A2E1
T26  T26E1-1 · T26E5
T29/30/34  T29 · T30 · T34
T32  T32 · T32E1
M103  M103
Others  T14

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