Difference between revisions of "ST-A2"

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{{Specs-Card|code=jp_st_a2}}
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{{About
 +
| about = Japanese medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other variants
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| link = Type 61 (Family)
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}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=jp_st_a2
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
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}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
''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.''
+
<!-- ''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}}''' was the 2nd prototype towards the [[Type 61]], starting to resemble the tank more and more with the main difference over the [[ST-A1]] being the design of the hull. Offering the same engine, overall weight, and cannon, other than design differences, the ST-A2 is a very similar vehicle.
 +
 
 +
It was introduced along with the initial Japanese Ground Forces tree in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]]. It is more of a sidegrade to the [[ST-A1]], which takes sniping duty as its main work while neglecting most of the other roles. One can treat them as the same tank, but they have some minor quality of life differences.
  
 
== 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:'''
 +
 
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret hatches)
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (turret, cupola, front roof section)
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 45 mm (62°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 50 mm (54°) ''Lower glacis'' <br> 30 mm (57°) ''Track overhang'' || 30 mm (42°) ''Top'' <br> 35 mm ''Bottom'' || 10 mm (43°) ''Top'' <br> 20 mm (21°) ''Bottom'' <br> 20 mm (2°) ''Track overhang'' || 30 mm (15°) ''Front roof section'' <br> 12 mm <br> 5 mm ''Engine vents''
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 75 mm (spherical) ''Turret front'' <br> 35-75 mm (spherical) ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 35 mm (54°) ''Roof glacis'' <br> 60 mm ''Turret ring'' || 60 mm (spherical) ''Front''<br> 35 mm (spherical) ''Front'' <br> 60 mm ''Turret ring'' || 35 mm (3°) <br> 25 mm (19-90°) ''Turret overhang'' || 18 mm (0-8°)
 +
|-
 +
| Cupola || colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | 35 mm (cylindrical) ''Commander cupola - top'' <br> 60 mm (cylindrical) ''Commander cupola - base'' <br> 35 mm (cylindrical) ''Loader cupola'' || 18 mm (2°)
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
 +
* Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.
 +
 
 +
Armour on the {{PAGENAME}} is about the same as ST-A1, but there are some differences to its weaknesses.
 +
 
 +
For instance, the hull is now raised to engine deck level and slope goes all the way up the turret, resulting in turret being well above engine deck. The frontal armour is even more angled now, with effective thickness of about 90-100 mm, but it now also connected to engine deck, and in connection spot it's about 80 mm effective thickness like before. Most of tanks can still penetrate entire armour with no issues, so overall on tank's own BR it changes only rear gun depression and ability of certain tanks to just explode the tank with HE when it's hulldown.
 +
 
 +
Since hull is raised higher, there is less chances that enemy APHE will hit driver optics on accident or will be stopped by transmission and won't destroy the tank. Also, gunner's head is now above gun breech, so random shrapnel has a chance of hitting him, if enemy shell explodes above it, resulting in complete crew knock-out, unlike with ST-A1.
 +
 
 +
For the turret, the commander cupolas was raised a bit and the pintle-mounted machine gun was removed. Overall it makes it harder to destroy tank with HE, but nothing more. However, the turret neck is no longer a weak spot for SPAA to exploit, but tank can still be destroyed by SPAA firing at MG port because their shells still cause spalling or explode and hit ammo rack despite it being rotated away from the weak spot. Still, it will definitely take them longer to deal with the tank that way.
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
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Ammo rack in back of the turret is now facing turret and is much narrower a target, so the gun breech shields it entirely. Because of that, as long as the {{PAGENAME}} fires off first two rounds in first-stage rack, the chances of tank exploding due to ammo rack being hit through the turret is reduced. It came at a price, though, as it is now even easier to shoot the tank from the side or back. The block outside of turret's back isn't even modeled, so if HESH hits back of the turret, it's going to explode the entire tank.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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''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=775|rbMinHp=442}}
 +
 
 +
The mobility of the {{PAGENAME}} is the same as predecessor, as well as their effective off-road and top speed - about (AB/RB) 40/33 km/h forward and -18/-15 km/h backwards off-road, with top speed being 50/45 forward and -20/-17 backwards.
 +
 
 +
=== 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.''
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 +
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 +
{{main|M3A1 (90 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The gun and the ammunition themselves are the same as the ones on ST-A1.
 +
 
 +
As with ST-A1, one must unlock APHE as the very first module and then try to get aim adjustment as soon as possible, leveling it same way as the predecessor, as otherwise it is very hard to defeat opposing tanks and earn research points on this tank.
 +
 
 +
Due to turret being elevated above engine deck, the gun can now depress enough to fire at tanks behind it, no matter how low their profile is, as long as they stay on even ground.
  
−
=== 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.''
+
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[M3A1 (90 mm)|90 mm M3A1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 +
|-
 +
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
|-
 +
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 40 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+13° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 22.85 || 31.62 || 38.40 || 42.47 || 45.18 || rowspan="2" | 9.75 || rowspan="2" | 8.63 || rowspan="2" | 7.95 || rowspan="2" | 7.50
 +
|-
 +
! ''Realistic''
 +
| 14.28 || 16.80 || 20.40 || 22.56 || 24.00
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Ammunition ====
 +
{{:M3A1 (90 mm)/Ammunition|M318 shot, M82 shot, M304 shot, M332 shot, M348 shell, M71 shell, M313}}
 +
 
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 1.101.0.75''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! Full<br>ammo
 +
! 1st<br>rack empty
 +
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
| '''40''' || 12&nbsp;''(+28)'' || 10&nbsp;''(+30)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+39)'' || No
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 
 +
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 +
* Racks 2* and 3* are first stage ammo racks. They total 11 shells.
 +
* These racks get filled first when loading up the tank and are also emptied first.
 +
* The depletion order at full capacity is: 2 - 3 - 1.
 +
* Rack 1 depletes from rear to front.
 +
 
 +
==== Optics ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
 +
|-
 +
! Which ones
 +
! Default magnification
 +
! Maximum magnification
 +
|-
 +
! Main Gun optics
 +
| x8 || x16
 +
|-
 +
! Comparable optics
 +
| colspan="2" | [[JPz 4-5]]
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
ST-A2 optics are identical to ST-A1. As usual, the user should exploit the superior magnification to target out enemy weaknesses or to snipe unsuspecting opponents from afar.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
−
''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.''
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 +
{{main|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
The 12.7 mm M2HB machine gun was removed, so ST-A2 only has a coaxial [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]] in its turret. It still can be used to damage open-top SPGs, but fighting light tanks with it is not possible. Planes are also harder to engage with it.
−
''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).''
+
 
 +
On other hand, its trajectory is similar to its APHE and HEAT-FS shells up to 760 m, so you can use it to check your aim in RB, if necessary.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
 +
|-
 +
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
 +
| Coaxial || 4,500 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
As the ST-A is Japan's first tank project for a new era of tank development, it shows the same gameplay issues as the [[Chi-Ha]]. The weak armour, the slow to mediocre turret rotation speed, quite a long hull and high drop-rate of shells.
 +
 
 +
But its not just all negatives, the mobility is good for what it is, has adequate gun depression and the ST-A even comes with HEAT like the [[Chi-Ha]], this time in the form of M348 HEATFS researchable as tier IV modification.
 +
 
 +
Other than the similarities to the [[Chi-Ha]], the ST-A2 has its own factors good and bad which should be kept in mind when playing. From the very good reverse speed, great zoom factor and many shell options, the ST-A2 also has an angled front plate unlike the [[ST-A1]], which does place the turret higher, allowing it to shoot over the engine, at the cost of having a higher profile. Also unlike the [[ST-A1]], the .50 has been removed from the ST-A2 which will make it harder to deal with lighter vehicles and planes.
 +
===Gameplay===
 +
 
 +
The plan is simple and similar to the [[Chi-Ha]] & other early Japanese medium tanks, you want to stay either near or behind your allies and not rush forward, you can't take much damage, but you can deliver a punch. Pre-aim the turret and guide the enemy tanks into the sights as the rotation speed isn't of the fastest.
 +
 
 +
The further you are from your enemy the better for the inadequate armour, The ST-A comes with an amazing zoom factor and allows for clear sniping, but do keep in mind the shell drop-off are rather high.
 +
 
 +
Before you have your hands on the HEATFS, the safest bet is to exploit the flanks of the enemy, especially when starting with only AP, frontal penetrations won't happen reliable with the tanks the ST-A faces, try aiming for ammo racks, put a solid round into cramped crew members while trying to get the M82 shot and back up into cover or behind corners as the crew reloads the shell.
 +
 
 +
After unlocking the M82 APHE, placing shots is less important, once it penetrates, it's most likely to blow up good. It will come at the cost of the extra penetration, but when aiming for the sides, extra penetration isn't required. It's still a good idea to bring some AP shells with the tank just in-case you have to fight in a frontal engagement and the APHE fails to penetrate.
 +
 
 +
With the HEATFS finally unlocked, you can fully make use of the punches you can deal and the zoom you have, help your allies out with the toughest of enemies and simply frontally penetrate them.
  
 
=== 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".''
+
<!-- ''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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Overall better sniper qualities than ST-A1 (but they only really matter in RB)
 +
* Can defend itself against other tanks in case of a rear flank, unlike ST-A1
 +
* Harder to hit ammo rack in turret from the front, and overall better protection against autocannons, HEAT and pure AP in turret
 +
* Harder to be destroyed by HE shot to the turret, can technically tank some attacker's plane assault with its front
 +
* Harder to destroy by poorly aimed shot in down-tier
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
 
  
−
== Historical part ==
+
* Worse against light tanks than predecessor due to lack of 12.7 mm MG
−
''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.''
+
* Still can be destroyed in one shot by nearly anything on battlefield via crew knockout, as long as they have APHE or HESH
 +
* Raised turret still cannot use certain hull down spots, but raises tank's profile
 +
* Hull weak spot is even more relevant now
 +
 
 +
== History ==
 +
{{main|Type 61 (Family)|l1=History of the Type 61 MBT}}
 +
<!-- ''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 ST-A2 is an experimental medium Japanese tank, one of the first vehicles developed by Japan after the war. When the question of the need to develop new military vehicles came to the fore, Japanese experts with previous experience from the war got to work. The ST-A1 was the first step, and was intended to lack the main drawbacks of the American vehicles in service with the Japan Self-Defense Forces, more specifically their weight, size and their controls, unsuitable to Japanese tankers for physiological reasons. The development of ST-A1 began in 1954 and was ready by December 1956. The next stage on the path to the series-produced Type 61 was the new ST-A2, put into development in 1956.
 +
 
 +
The ST-A2 medium tank was finished by February 1957, and differed from the ST-A1 in a range of characteristics. The vehicle was made 20 centimetres taller and half a metre shorter in length. This reduction in length also allowed for a reduced number of lower track rollers and supporting wheels. The new vehicle had an altered turret shape which had been made longer, and its rear contained a compartment for a radio. With the aim of increasing the tank's survivability, the upper frontal hull received characteristic side angles which increased the chance of a ricochet off the hull. The ST-A2's tracks were also redesigned and equipped with more advanced cleats designed to raise the vehicle's mobility and road characteristics. Other than this, its composition remained identical to that of the ST-A1. The diesel engine was housed in the rear of the hull, while the transmission remained in the front. The armament on this Japanese tank was American through and through. The 90 mm M3A1 cannon was borrowed from the M46 tank, and it was accompanied by two different calibre Browning machine guns.
 +
 
 +
Only two experimental prototypes of the ST-A2 were built. They underwent testing, but were never accepted into service.
 +
 
 +
''- From [[wt:en/news/4388-development-st-a2-one-step-closer-to-the-goal-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
  
−
== 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=jp_st_a2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
== 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.'' -->
−
''ETC.''
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
;Related development
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
* [[Type 61 (Family)]]
 +
 
 +
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 +
* [[File:USA flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Patton (Disambiguation)]]
 +
** [[File:USA flag.png|30px|link=]] [[M46]]
 +
** [[File:USA flag.png|30px|link=]] [[M47]]
 +
** [[File:USA flag.png|30px|link=]] [[M48A1|M48]]
 +
 
 +
* [[File:USSR flag.png|30px|link=]] [[T-54/55 (Family)|T-54 (Family)]]
 +
* [[File:France flag.png|30px|link=]] [[AMX-30 (1972)]]
 +
* [[File:Israel flag.png|30px|link=]] [[M-51]]
 +
* [[File:FRG flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Ru 251]]
 +
* [[File:Sweden flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Ikv 91]]
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [[wt:en/news/4388-development-st-a2-one-step-closer-to-the-goal-en|[Devblog] ST-A2: One Step Closer to the Goal]]
 +
 
 +
{{Japan medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 16:01, 27 June 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
This page is about the Japanese medium tank ST-A2. For other variants, see Type 61 (Family).
ST-A2
jp_st_a2.png
GarageImage ST-A2.jpg
ArtImage ST-A2.jpg
ST-A2
Japan flag.png Japan
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.3 6.3 6.3
Class:
Research:31 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:200 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The ST-A2 was the 2nd prototype towards the Type 61, starting to resemble the tank more and more with the main difference over the ST-A1 being the design of the hull. Offering the same engine, overall weight, and cannon, other than design differences, the ST-A2 is a very similar vehicle.

It was introduced along with the initial Japanese Ground Forces tree in Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai". It is more of a sidegrade to the ST-A1, which takes sniping duty as its main work while neglecting most of the other roles. One can treat them as the same tank, but they have some minor quality of life differences.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull45 / 35 / 20
Turret75 / 60 / 35
Crew4 people
Visibility96 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret hatches)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (turret, cupola, front roof section)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 45 mm (62°) Upper glacis
50 mm (54°) Lower glacis
30 mm (57°) Track overhang 		30 mm (42°) Top
35 mm Bottom 		10 mm (43°) Top
20 mm (21°) Bottom
20 mm (2°) Track overhang 		30 mm (15°) Front roof section
12 mm
5 mm Engine vents
Turret 75 mm (spherical) Turret front
35-75 mm (spherical) Gun mantlet
35 mm (54°) Roof glacis
60 mm Turret ring 		60 mm (spherical) Front
35 mm (spherical) Front
60 mm Turret ring 		35 mm (3°)
25 mm (19-90°) Turret overhang 		18 mm (0-8°)
Cupola 35 mm (cylindrical) Commander cupola - top
60 mm (cylindrical) Commander cupola - base
35 mm (cylindrical) Loader cupola 		18 mm (2°)

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.

Armour on the ST-A2 is about the same as ST-A1, but there are some differences to its weaknesses.

For instance, the hull is now raised to engine deck level and slope goes all the way up the turret, resulting in turret being well above engine deck. The frontal armour is even more angled now, with effective thickness of about 90-100 mm, but it now also connected to engine deck, and in connection spot it's about 80 mm effective thickness like before. Most of tanks can still penetrate entire armour with no issues, so overall on tank's own BR it changes only rear gun depression and ability of certain tanks to just explode the tank with HE when it's hulldown.

Since hull is raised higher, there is less chances that enemy APHE will hit driver optics on accident or will be stopped by transmission and won't destroy the tank. Also, gunner's head is now above gun breech, so random shrapnel has a chance of hitting him, if enemy shell explodes above it, resulting in complete crew knock-out, unlike with ST-A1.

For the turret, the commander cupolas was raised a bit and the pintle-mounted machine gun was removed. Overall it makes it harder to destroy tank with HE, but nothing more. However, the turret neck is no longer a weak spot for SPAA to exploit, but tank can still be destroyed by SPAA firing at MG port because their shells still cause spalling or explode and hit ammo rack despite it being rotated away from the weak spot. Still, it will definitely take them longer to deal with the tank that way.

Ammo rack in back of the turret is now facing turret and is much narrower a target, so the gun breech shields it entirely. Because of that, as long as the ST-A2 fires off first two rounds in first-stage rack, the chances of tank exploding due to ammo rack being hit through the turret is reduced. It came at a price, though, as it is now even easier to shoot the tank from the side or back. The block outside of turret's back isn't even modeled, so if HESH hits back of the turret, it's going to explode the entire tank.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB50 / 20 km/h
RB and SB45 / 18 km/h
Number of gears7 forward
2 back
Weight34.2 t
Engine power
AB1 049 hp
RB and SB550 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB30.7 hp/t
RB and SB16.1 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 50 20 34.2 775 1,049 22.66 30.67
Realistic 45 18 442 550 12.92 16.08

The mobility of the ST-A2 is the same as predecessor, as well as their effective off-road and top speed - about (AB/RB) 40/33 km/h forward and -18/-15 km/h backwards off-road, with top speed being 50/45 forward and -20/-17 backwards.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 225 → 4 150 Sl icon.png
RB3 870 → 4 980 Sl icon.png
SB4 954 → 6 375 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications52 600 Rp icon.png
90 800 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 700 Ge icon.png
Crew training57 000 Sl icon.png
Experts200 000 Sl icon.png
Aces800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces520 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
120 / 180 / 210 % Sl icon.png
172 / 172 / 172 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 100 Sl icon.png
150 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 100 Sl icon.png
150 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 900 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 900 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 100 Sl icon.png
150 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement jp.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_us_M82_APCBC_ammo_pack
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 100 Sl icon.png
150 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_us_M304_APCR_ammo_pack
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 100 Sl icon.png
150 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_us_M332_APCR_ammo_pack
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 900 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_us_T108_HEAT_ammo_pack
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 900 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_us_M313_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 900 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

90 mm M3A1 cannon
Ammunition40 rounds
First-order11 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
9.7 → 7.5 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 13°
Main article: M3A1 (90 mm)

The gun and the ammunition themselves are the same as the ones on ST-A1.

As with ST-A1, one must unlock APHE as the very first module and then try to get aim adjustment as soon as possible, leveling it same way as the predecessor, as otherwise it is very hard to defeat opposing tanks and earn research points on this tank.

Due to turret being elevated above engine deck, the gun can now depress enough to fire at tanks behind it, no matter how low their profile is, as long as they stay on even ground.

90 mm M3A1 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 40 -10°/+13° ±180° N/A 22.85 31.62 38.40 42.47 45.18 9.75 8.63 7.95 7.50
Realistic 14.28 16.80 20.40 22.56 24.00

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
M318 shot APBC 175 173 161 147 135 123
M82 shot APCBC 185 182 169 155 142 130
M304 shot APCR 287 281 259 234 211 191
M332 shot APCR 291 286 264 240 217 197
M348 shell HEATFS 305 305 305 305 305 305
M71 shell HE 20 20 18 17 16 16
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%
M318 shot APBC 853 10.98 - - - 47° 60° 65°
M82 shot APCBC 853 10.91 1.2 14 137.2 48° 63° 71°
M304 shot APCR 1,021 7.62 - - - 66° 70° 72°
M332 shot APCR 1,165 5.7 - - - 66° 70° 72°
M348 shell HEATFS 853 6.5 0.05 0.1 926.17 65° 72° 77°
M71 shell HE 823 10.55 0.2 0.1 1,210 79° 80° 81°
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)
M313 821 10.7 9 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the ST-A2
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
40 12 (+28) 10 (+30) 1 (+39) No

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Racks 2* and 3* are first stage ammo racks. They total 11 shells.
  • These racks get filled first when loading up the tank and are also emptied first.
  • The depletion order at full capacity is: 2 - 3 - 1.
  • Rack 1 depletes from rear to front.

Optics

ST-A2 Optics
Which ones Default magnification Maximum magnification
Main Gun optics x8 x16
Comparable optics JPz 4-5

ST-A2 optics are identical to ST-A1. As usual, the user should exploit the superior magnification to target out enemy weaknesses or to snipe unsuspecting opponents from afar.

Machine guns

7.62 mm M1919A4 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition4 500 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
Main article: M1919A4 (7.62 mm)

The 12.7 mm M2HB machine gun was removed, so ST-A2 only has a coaxial 7.62 mm M1919A4 in its turret. It still can be used to damage open-top SPGs, but fighting light tanks with it is not possible. Planes are also harder to engage with it.

On other hand, its trajectory is similar to its APHE and HEAT-FS shells up to 760 m, so you can use it to check your aim in RB, if necessary.

7.62 mm M1919A4
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,500 (250) 500 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

As the ST-A is Japan's first tank project for a new era of tank development, it shows the same gameplay issues as the Chi-Ha. The weak armour, the slow to mediocre turret rotation speed, quite a long hull and high drop-rate of shells.

But its not just all negatives, the mobility is good for what it is, has adequate gun depression and the ST-A even comes with HEAT like the Chi-Ha, this time in the form of M348 HEATFS researchable as tier IV modification.

Other than the similarities to the Chi-Ha, the ST-A2 has its own factors good and bad which should be kept in mind when playing. From the very good reverse speed, great zoom factor and many shell options, the ST-A2 also has an angled front plate unlike the ST-A1, which does place the turret higher, allowing it to shoot over the engine, at the cost of having a higher profile. Also unlike the ST-A1, the .50 has been removed from the ST-A2 which will make it harder to deal with lighter vehicles and planes.

Gameplay

The plan is simple and similar to the Chi-Ha & other early Japanese medium tanks, you want to stay either near or behind your allies and not rush forward, you can't take much damage, but you can deliver a punch. Pre-aim the turret and guide the enemy tanks into the sights as the rotation speed isn't of the fastest.

The further you are from your enemy the better for the inadequate armour, The ST-A comes with an amazing zoom factor and allows for clear sniping, but do keep in mind the shell drop-off are rather high.

Before you have your hands on the HEATFS, the safest bet is to exploit the flanks of the enemy, especially when starting with only AP, frontal penetrations won't happen reliable with the tanks the ST-A faces, try aiming for ammo racks, put a solid round into cramped crew members while trying to get the M82 shot and back up into cover or behind corners as the crew reloads the shell.

After unlocking the M82 APHE, placing shots is less important, once it penetrates, it's most likely to blow up good. It will come at the cost of the extra penetration, but when aiming for the sides, extra penetration isn't required. It's still a good idea to bring some AP shells with the tank just in-case you have to fight in a frontal engagement and the APHE fails to penetrate.

With the HEATFS finally unlocked, you can fully make use of the punches you can deal and the zoom you have, help your allies out with the toughest of enemies and simply frontally penetrate them.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Overall better sniper qualities than ST-A1 (but they only really matter in RB)
  • Can defend itself against other tanks in case of a rear flank, unlike ST-A1
  • Harder to hit ammo rack in turret from the front, and overall better protection against autocannons, HEAT and pure AP in turret
  • Harder to be destroyed by HE shot to the turret, can technically tank some attacker's plane assault with its front
  • Harder to destroy by poorly aimed shot in down-tier

Cons:

  • Worse against light tanks than predecessor due to lack of 12.7 mm MG
  • Still can be destroyed in one shot by nearly anything on battlefield via crew knockout, as long as they have APHE or HESH
  • Raised turret still cannot use certain hull down spots, but raises tank's profile
  • Hull weak spot is even more relevant now

History

Main article: History of the Type 61 MBT

The ST-A2 is an experimental medium Japanese tank, one of the first vehicles developed by Japan after the war. When the question of the need to develop new military vehicles came to the fore, Japanese experts with previous experience from the war got to work. The ST-A1 was the first step, and was intended to lack the main drawbacks of the American vehicles in service with the Japan Self-Defense Forces, more specifically their weight, size and their controls, unsuitable to Japanese tankers for physiological reasons. The development of ST-A1 began in 1954 and was ready by December 1956. The next stage on the path to the series-produced Type 61 was the new ST-A2, put into development in 1956.

The ST-A2 medium tank was finished by February 1957, and differed from the ST-A1 in a range of characteristics. The vehicle was made 20 centimetres taller and half a metre shorter in length. This reduction in length also allowed for a reduced number of lower track rollers and supporting wheels. The new vehicle had an altered turret shape which had been made longer, and its rear contained a compartment for a radio. With the aim of increasing the tank's survivability, the upper frontal hull received characteristic side angles which increased the chance of a ricochet off the hull. The ST-A2's tracks were also redesigned and equipped with more advanced cleats designed to raise the vehicle's mobility and road characteristics. Other than this, its composition remained identical to that of the ST-A1. The diesel engine was housed in the rear of the hull, while the transmission remained in the front. The armament on this Japanese tank was American through and through. The 90 mm M3A1 cannon was borrowed from the M46 tank, and it was accompanied by two different calibre Browning machine guns.

Only two experimental prototypes of the ST-A2 were built. They underwent testing, but were never accepted into service.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins

See also

Related development
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


Japan medium tanks
Type 97  Chi-Ha · Chi-Ha Kai · Chi-Ha Kai TD · Chi-Ha Short Gun
Type 1  Chi-He · Chi-He (5th Regiment) · Ho-I
Type 3  Chi-Nu · Chi-Nu II
Type 4  Chi-To · Chi-To Late
Type 5  Chi-Ri II
Type 61 MBT  ST-A1* · ST-A2* · ST-A3* · Type 61
Type 74 MBT  ST-B2* · Type 74 (C) · Type 74 (E) · Type 74 (F) · Type 74 (G)
Type 90 MBT  Type 90 · Type 90 (B) · Type 90 (B) "Fuji"
Type 10 MBT  TKX (P)* · TKX* · Type 10
Other  Ka-Chi
USA  ▅M4A3 (76) W · ▅M47
  *Prototype

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