Difference between revisions of "LVT(A)(4)"

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{{Specs-Card|code=us_lvt_a_4}}
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{{About
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| about = American light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other versions
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| link = LVT (Family)
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}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=us_lvt_a_4
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
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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.'' -->
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<!-- [[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The '''Amphibious Vehicle, Tracked, Armoured, Mark 4 - LVT(A)(4)''' is the fourth armoured, infantry support variant of the [[LVT (Family)|Amphibious Vehicle, Tracked (LVT) family]]. The 37 mm M6 tank gun of the [[LVT(A)(1) (USA)|LVT(A)(1)]] was deemed insufficient for fire support by the U.S. Marines, thus the turret of the 75 mm Howitzer Motor Carriage M8 (HMC), also known as the [[M8 Scott|M8 "Scott"]], was modified to produce the LVT(A)(4). A 12.7 mm M2HB Browning heavy machine gun was mounted on the ring mount above the turret's rear. The two 7.62 mm M1919A4 light machine guns mounted on ring mounts on the aft deck behind the turret were removed. During World War II, a total of 1,890 units were built. The U.S. Army received 1,307 units, the British Army received 50, and the remaining units were used by the U.S. Marines.
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{{Break}} -->
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/6703-event-winner-vehicles-for-the-victory-anniversary-en|Victory Day]] event.
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Introduced during [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/6703-event-winner-vehicles-for-the-victory-anniversary-en|2020 Victory Day]] event, the LVT(A)(4) is a premium beginner light tank under the U.S. Army ground forces. It has similar firepower to the M8 "Scott" but has the unique ability to traverse across water, which most tanks do not have. To keep afloat in the water, the tank is made of relatively thin steel plates and provides little protection against anything heavier than light machine gun fire. Due to the low muzzle velocity of the rounds, it is possible to shoot over low obstacles in some situations, allowing players to damage other lightly armoured vehicles without exposing themselves. Finally, the 12.7 mm M2HB Browning heavy machine gun can be highly effective while dealing with other lightly armoured vehicles as well as low and slow-flying aircraft in the beginner ranks.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
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''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
Like its [[LVT(A)(1)|reserve rank brother]], the LVT(A)(4) is a big tank with lots of space between modules and crew. This allows some surprising survivability when facing tanks that have low-calibre single shot guns, and even some automatic cannons such as the ones equipped on the Panzer II's. The LVT(A)(4)'s biggest adversary is HE or HEAT ammunition, such as the kind fired from the Chi Ha's 57 mm and Panzer IV's 75 mm. The LVT(A)(4)'s hull armour is very thin, and is only effective against rifle-calibre machine guns. The turret armour is a different story. With decent angles and relatively good thickness the turret can cause a fair amount of shots to ricochet or bounce. The turret is open-topped however, and is vulnerable to artillery and air attacks.
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 +
'''Armour type:'''
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 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour
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* Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet)
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 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 6.35 mm (84°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 12.7 mm (31°) ''Upper plate'' <br> 6.35 mm (40°-80°) ''Lower glacis''
 +
|6.35 mm ''Top'' <br> 6.35 + 6.35 mm ''Bottom'' || 6.35 mm || 6.35 mm
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 38.1 mm ''Turret front'' <br> 12.7 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 25.4-38.1 mm || 25.4 mm
 +
!
 +
|-
 +
| Commander's MG Ring || colspan="4" | 25.4 + 11.75 mm
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
 +
* The gun barrel (10 mm) is wrapped in 12.7 mm of armour
 +
* The turret for the most part is open-topped, but at the very rear there are 9.5 mm of armour
 +
* Tracks and Suspension - 15 mm
 +
* Turret Ring - 12.7 mm + 6.35 mm Turret Ring Guard (Hull)
 +
* Fenders - 6.35 mm
 +
 
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=387|rbMinHp=221}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=387|rbMinHp=221}}
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The LVT's mobility is adequate. On hard surfaces it easily reaches its top speed of around 38 km/h. On soft surfaces it needs more time to accelerate, and the top speed is lowered. The reverse speed is extremely poor, which can cause you to take unnecessary hits. The hull traverse is great, allowing you to quickly change direction, however a downside is that when you turn the hull to aim, you might over-turn and swing the gun past the target, increasing the aiming time which can be fatal.
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 +
Due to its big and tall tracks, the LVT can drive over some obstacles that are too tall for normal-sized tanks.
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 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
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{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|M2 Howitzer (75 mm)}}
 
{{main|M2 Howitzer (75 mm)}}
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
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| rowspan="2" | 46 || rowspan="2" | -20°/+40° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
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| rowspan="2" | 46 || rowspan="2" | -20°/+40° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 5.71 || 7.91 ||9.60||10.62|| 11.29 || rowspan="2" | 4.29 || rowspan="2" | 3.80 || rowspan="2" | 3.50 || rowspan="2" | 3.30
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
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| __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
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| 3.57 || 4.20 || 5.10 || 5.64 || 6.00
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|-
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|}
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==== Ammunition ====
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{{:M2 Howitzer (75 mm)/Ammunition|M48 shell, M66, M64}}
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==== [[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
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! 1st<br>rack empty
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! 2nd<br>rack empty
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! 3rd<br>rack empty
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! 4th<br>rack empty
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! Visual<br>discrepancy
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|-
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| '''46''' || 41&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 32&nbsp;''(+14)'' || 12&nbsp;''(+34)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+45)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
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{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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)}}
 
{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)}}
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
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''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).''
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<!--''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).''-->
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The LVT(A)(4) is a fantastic fighting vehicle, it has a powerful 75 mm cannon attached to an LVT chassis is a great platform to fire on and giving its high profile, it is well built to fire over walls and other impediments. It is easy to hide the hull on some maps, like Abandoned Factory or Poland. One of the biggest issues, however, is that the vehicle is very easy to destroy with overpressure, so be very wary of vehicles firing powerful HE or HEAT shells such as the [[Spj fm/43-44]] or the [[Sturmpanzer II]], because if they get a shot off on your tank it will be destroyed. However, with the .50 cal machine gun, if enemies miss or do not destroy your vehicle, you can fire off a few bursts and destroy their vehicles.
  
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=== Modules ===
 
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{| class="wikitable"
 
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!Tier
 
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! colspan="2" |Mobility
 
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!Protection
 
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! colspan="2" |Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
|I
 
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|Tracks||
 
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|Parts
 
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|Horizontal Drive||
 
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|-
 
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|II
 
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|Suspension||Brake System
 
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|FPE
 
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|Adjustment of Fire||
 
−
|-
 
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|III
 
−
|Filters||
 
−
|Crew Replenishment
 
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|Elevation Mechanism||M64
 
−
|-
 
−
|IV
 
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|Transmission||Engine
 
−
|
 
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|Artillery support 
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
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! colspan="6" |This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
 
=== 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".'' -->'''Pros:'''
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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".'' -->
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 +
'''Pros:'''
  
 
* Good speed and manoeuvrability
 
* Good speed and manoeuvrability
−
* Five crew members with huge space between them increases survivability, especially when most guns it faces have small calibre and little explosive filler (eg. the [[M3 Stuart (Family)|Stuarts']] 37 mm)
+
* Five crew members with huge space between them increases survivability, especially when most guns it faces have small calibre and little explosive filler (e.g. the [[M3 Stuart (Family)|Stuart's]] 37 mm)
−
* Amazing -20° gun depression allows excellent mountain combat ability.
+
* Amphibious, meaning it can launch surprise attacks using rivers
−
* Well-angled turret can lead to some shells bouncing
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* Amazing -20° gun depression allows excellent mountain combat ability
−
* Is amphibious, meaning it can launch surprise attacks using rivers
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* Short reload time
 +
* High penetration HEAT projectile
 +
* High explosive filler will overpressure open-topped vehicles
 
* Heavy MG can effectively damage light vehicles and low-flying planes
 
* Heavy MG can effectively damage light vehicles and low-flying planes
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Huge and tall hull makes it easy to be seen / shot at
+
* Huge and tall hull makes it easy to be seen/shot at
−
* Very thin armour, can be penetrated by any cannon / heavy MG
+
* Very thin armour, can be penetrated by any cannon/heavy MG
−
* Easily hull broken by large calibre HEAT, such as the [[Chi-Ha]]'s 57 mm HEAT
+
* Easily destroyed with overpressure by large-calibre HE or HEAT shells, artillery strikes or air-dropped bombs
−
* Shells have low velocity which is a disadvantage in long range combat.
+
* Shells have low velocity which is a disadvantage in long range combat
 
* The crew in the open topped turret are very close together, meaning they can be taken out in a single shot or by aircraft
 
* The crew in the open topped turret are very close together, meaning they can be taken out in a single shot or by aircraft
−
* Turretless, meaning it cannot respond to flankers in time
+
* Bad turret rotation, meaning it cannot respond to flankers in time
 +
* Very slow reverse speed can prevent it from retreating back to cover in time
  
 
== 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).''
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<!-- ''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).'' -->
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 +
=== Development and Design ===
 +
The vehicle's origins is from a swamp-access vehicle called the ''Alligator'' made for civilians. Donald Roebling, its developer, built an improved version of his vehicle with better speed in water. The United States Marine Corps became interested in this amphibious design as they began drawing up their amphibious warfare doctrine. They requested a more sea-worthy version of the vehicle for use in their military operations. Though Roebling and the Navy were reclusive on that idea (the Navy believes they have the current vehicle in store already), the idea brought fruit when World War II broke out in Europe and Roebling created a military version. After a few trials with improvements like a stronger engine, the Bureau of Ships placed a contract for 100 of these vehicles with all-steel armour. The first ones arrive in July 1941, with 200 more ordered before the initial contract was finished. The vehicle design was adopted and designated the '''LVT''', with many different variants of the vehicle being produced throughout the war.
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 +
The first version of the LVT, the ''LVT-1'', could carry 18 men or 4,500 pounds of equipment. The Marines first used the LVT-1 in Guadalcanal with 128 available to 1st Marine Division. Usage in the field revealed that the LVT was too thinly armoured for a rapid deployment back and forth the ships and landing site, but the Marines saw the vehicle's potential as an assault vehicle. So in June 1941, the Marines push forward with a Roebling design of the LVT armed with a gun turret. In order for this to be possible, the LVT underwent a redesign into the ''LVT-2 "Buffalo"'', which had a new powertrain and suspension to allow better performances on land and able to carry up to 6,950 pounds in equipment.
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 +
Early on it became clear that the LVTs that were in production - which were usually armed with only machine guns - did not have the firepower necessary to support the infantry, especially when facing enemy pillboxes, bunkers, and other entrenched positions used by the Japanese Army. In order to solve this problem, a fire support vehicle based on the LVT-2 was designed. It had a turret that was very similar to the turret of the M3 Stuart light tank. Before the introduction of the better armed LVT(A)-4 in 1944, 510 LVT(A)-1 were built by the Food Machinery Corporation.
 +
 
 +
The LVT(A)-1 was based on the LVT-2, but with a number of changes to make it a support vehicle. The LVT(A)-1 was fitted with a turret very similar to that of the M3 Stuart, and it was armed with the same 37 mm M6 cannon with 10 degrees of gun depression and 25 degrees of elevation. The main gun was fitted in the M4 mount, and there was a coaxial .30 cal (7.62 mm) machine gun. At the rear of the vehicle, two .30 cal Browning M1919A4 machine guns were fitted, and the gunners were protected by standard Navy gun shields. The deck was armoured, and the vehicle was fully enclosed. The front of the turret had 51 mm (2-in) of armour, and the ammunition was stored a number of racks throughout the vehicle. The vehicle had a crew of six; a commander and gunner in the turret, the driver and machine gunner in the front of the crew compartment, and two machine gunners at the rear of the vehicle. The LVT(A)-1 was a pure fire support vehicle, as there was no room inside to transport personnel or cargo. All the other features of the LVT(A)-1 were the same as on the LVT-2.
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 +
The LVT(A)-4 was essentially just an LVT(A)-1 but equipped with a different turret. It was still based on the LVT-2, but it has the turret of the 75 mm Gun Motor Carriage M8 "Scott" instead of the turret of the M3 Stuart light tank. Additionally, the two rear machine gun positions were removed; this reduced the crew to five, with the commander, gunner, and loader in the turret and the driver and co-driver in the front crew compartment. In total, 1,890 LVT(A)-4 vehicles were built, and they largely replaced the LVT(A)-1 in service. The 75 mm gun was more effective against fortified positions, but the 37 mm gun of the LVT(A)-1 was as effective or more effective against enemy armour. But, the main goal of the LVT(A)-1 and -4 was to support the infantry, not to destroy enemy armour - which is why the LVT(A)-4 was more effective.
 +
 
 +
The LVT(A)-4 was itself the basis of an improved fire support version of the LVT, the LVT(A)-5. This was an improved model of the LVT(A)-4. It featured a gyro-stabilizer for the main gun, and a powered turret. In the late 1940s many LVT(A)-5 received additional armour plating. A total of 269 LVT(A)-5 were produced.
 +
 
 +
=== Service ===
 +
The first usage of the LVT family is as a cargo carrier in Guadalcanal, it was unarmoured at the time and only had machine guns as their main armaments. Their next usage was in Tarawa, which saw the first usage of the newly designed LVT-2. The vehicles in both cases carried ammunition, troops, and wounded back and forth the ships and the beach. After Tarawa, the LVT inventory increased by the battalion, as well as the appearance of the gun-armed ''LVT(A)-1'' and ''LVT(A)-4''. The LVT family continued to see service in Bougainville, the Marshall Islands, Saipan, Peleliu, Leyte (its largest usage in the war), Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. The LVTs also saw use in South East Asia in use by the British, but they never saw combat action.
 +
 
 +
Outside the Pacific, the LVT also saw use in the European Theater of Operations. Their first usage was in North Africa in November 1942 during Operation Torch to land troops, where its best usage was to get stranded landing boats back into action. The LVTs were also given to the British as part of Lend-Lease. The LVTs were used in the Normandy landings and other operations in Europe such as crossing the Rhine River in Germany and Po River in Italy.
 +
 
 +
After World War II, the LVTs continued to see action in the multiple conflicts in the world. A number were given to the Chinese Nationalists in the Chinese Civil War by America. Many of these were captured by the Chinese PLA, with some converted to use a 75 mm howitzer or a ''[[ZiS-2 (57 mm)|ZIS-2]]'' anti-tank gun. The Americans used a number of LVT vehicles in the Korean War, notably the landing at Inchon and the attack on Seoul. The French also used American-supplied LVTs during the Indochina War and the Suez Crisis.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
[[File:LVT(A)(4) crossing tropical river.jpg|none|thumb]]
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;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_lvt_a_4 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
 +
Image:LVT(A)(4) crossing tropical river.jpg
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</gallery>
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 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|zXMzZUi8_9I|'''The LVT(A)(4) Light Tank'''  - ''Orangefan''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
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;Related development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* [[LVT (Family)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 +
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [[wt:en/news/6703-event-winner-vehicles-for-the-victory-anniversary-en|[Event] Winner vehicles for the Victory anniversary]]
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
+
* [http://www.wardrawings.be/WW2/Files/1-Vehicles/Allies/1-USA/06-LVT/File/LVT(A)-4.htm <nowiki>[War Drawings]</nowiki> LVT(A)-4]
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* ''other literature.''
 
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer Food Machinery Corporation (FMC)}}
 
{{USA light tanks}}
 
{{USA light tanks}}
 
{{USA premium ground vehicles}}
 
{{USA premium ground vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 20:25, 13 August 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
This page is about the American light tank LVT(A)(4). For other versions, see LVT (Family).
LVT(A)(4)
us_lvt_a_4.png
GarageImage LVT(A)(4).jpg
ArtImage LVT(A)(4).png
LVT(A)(4)
USA flag.png USA
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.3 1.3 1.3
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift

Description

The Amphibious Vehicle, Tracked, Armoured, Mark 4 - LVT(A)(4) is the fourth armoured, infantry support variant of the Amphibious Vehicle, Tracked (LVT) family. The 37 mm M6 tank gun of the LVT(A)(1) was deemed insufficient for fire support by the U.S. Marines, thus the turret of the 75 mm Howitzer Motor Carriage M8 (HMC), also known as the M8 "Scott", was modified to produce the LVT(A)(4). A 12.7 mm M2HB Browning heavy machine gun was mounted on the ring mount above the turret's rear. The two 7.62 mm M1919A4 light machine guns mounted on ring mounts on the aft deck behind the turret were removed. During World War II, a total of 1,890 units were built. The U.S. Army received 1,307 units, the British Army received 50, and the remaining units were used by the U.S. Marines.

Introduced during Update 1.97 "Viking Fury" as a reward for the 2020 Victory Day event, the LVT(A)(4) is a premium beginner light tank under the U.S. Army ground forces. It has similar firepower to the M8 "Scott" but has the unique ability to traverse across water, which most tanks do not have. To keep afloat in the water, the tank is made of relatively thin steel plates and provides little protection against anything heavier than light machine gun fire. Due to the low muzzle velocity of the rounds, it is possible to shoot over low obstacles in some situations, allowing players to damage other lightly armoured vehicles without exposing themselves. Finally, the 12.7 mm M2HB Browning heavy machine gun can be highly effective while dealing with other lightly armoured vehicles as well as low and slow-flying aircraft in the beginner ranks.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull12 / 6 / 6
Turret38 / 25 / 25
Crew5 people
Visibility133 %

Like its reserve rank brother, the LVT(A)(4) is a big tank with lots of space between modules and crew. This allows some surprising survivability when facing tanks that have low-calibre single shot guns, and even some automatic cannons such as the ones equipped on the Panzer II's. The LVT(A)(4)'s biggest adversary is HE or HEAT ammunition, such as the kind fired from the Chi Ha's 57 mm and Panzer IV's 75 mm. The LVT(A)(4)'s hull armour is very thin, and is only effective against rifle-calibre machine guns. The turret armour is a different story. With decent angles and relatively good thickness the turret can cause a fair amount of shots to ricochet or bounce. The turret is open-topped however, and is vulnerable to artillery and air attacks.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 6.35 mm (84°) Upper glacis
12.7 mm (31°) Upper plate
6.35 mm (40°-80°) Lower glacis 		6.35 mm Top
6.35 + 6.35 mm Bottom 		6.35 mm 6.35 mm
Turret 38.1 mm Turret front
12.7 mm Gun mantlet 		25.4-38.1 mm 25.4 mm
Commander's MG Ring 25.4 + 11.75 mm

Notes:

  • The gun barrel (10 mm) is wrapped in 12.7 mm of armour
  • The turret for the most part is open-topped, but at the very rear there are 9.5 mm of armour
  • Tracks and Suspension - 15 mm
  • Turret Ring - 12.7 mm + 6.35 mm Turret Ring Guard (Hull)
  • Fenders - 6.35 mm


Mobility

Amphibious
The design allows you to swim and control movement in the water
Speedforward / back
AB45 / 6 km/h
RB and SB40 / 5 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight18.1 t
Engine power
AB477 hp
RB and SB250 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB26.4 hp/t
RB and SB13.8 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 45 6 18.1 387 477 21.38 26.35
Realistic 40 5 221 250 12.21 13.81

The LVT's mobility is adequate. On hard surfaces it easily reaches its top speed of around 38 km/h. On soft surfaces it needs more time to accelerate, and the top speed is lowered. The reverse speed is extremely poor, which can cause you to take unnecessary hits. The hull traverse is great, allowing you to quickly change direction, however a downside is that when you turn the hull to aim, you might over-turn and swing the gun past the target, increasing the aiming time which can be fatal.

Due to its big and tall tracks, the LVT can drive over some obstacles that are too tall for normal-sized tanks.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB410 Sl icon.png
RB218 Sl icon.png
SB1 000 Sl icon.png
Crew training450 Sl icon.png
Experts3 000 Sl icon.png
Aces45 Ge icon.png
Research Aces220 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 20 / 20 / 50 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 100 / 100 / 100 % 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 us.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Mods tank ammo.png
75mm_us_M89_Smoke_ammo_pack

Armaments

Main armament

75 mm M2 howitzer
Ammunition100 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
4.3 → 3.3 s
Vertical guidance-20° / 40°
Main article: M2 Howitzer (75 mm)
75 mm M2 Howitzer Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 46 -20°/+40° ±180° N/A 5.71 7.91 9.60 10.62 11.29 4.29 3.80 3.50 3.30
Realistic 3.57 4.20 5.10 5.64 6.00

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
M48 shell HE 10 10 10 10 10 10
M66 HEAT 89 89 89 89 89 89
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%
M48 shell HE 381 6.3 0 0.1 666 79° 80° 81°
M66 HEAT 304 6.02 0.05 0.1 548.13 62° 69° 73°
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)
M64 381 6.9 13 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the LVT(A)(4)
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
46 41 (+5) 32 (+14) 12 (+34) 1 (+45) No

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Ammunition400 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-5° / 70°
Main article: M2HB (12.7 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 400 (200) 576 -5°/+70° ±180°

Usage in battles

The LVT(A)(4) is a fantastic fighting vehicle, it has a powerful 75 mm cannon attached to an LVT chassis is a great platform to fire on and giving its high profile, it is well built to fire over walls and other impediments. It is easy to hide the hull on some maps, like Abandoned Factory or Poland. One of the biggest issues, however, is that the vehicle is very easy to destroy with overpressure, so be very wary of vehicles firing powerful HE or HEAT shells such as the Spj fm/43-44 or the Sturmpanzer II, because if they get a shot off on your tank it will be destroyed. However, with the .50 cal machine gun, if enemies miss or do not destroy your vehicle, you can fire off a few bursts and destroy their vehicles.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good speed and manoeuvrability
  • Five crew members with huge space between them increases survivability, especially when most guns it faces have small calibre and little explosive filler (e.g. the Stuart's 37 mm)
  • Amphibious, meaning it can launch surprise attacks using rivers
  • Amazing -20° gun depression allows excellent mountain combat ability
  • Short reload time
  • High penetration HEAT projectile
  • High explosive filler will overpressure open-topped vehicles
  • Heavy MG can effectively damage light vehicles and low-flying planes

Cons:

  • Huge and tall hull makes it easy to be seen/shot at
  • Very thin armour, can be penetrated by any cannon/heavy MG
  • Easily destroyed with overpressure by large-calibre HE or HEAT shells, artillery strikes or air-dropped bombs
  • Shells have low velocity which is a disadvantage in long range combat
  • The crew in the open topped turret are very close together, meaning they can be taken out in a single shot or by aircraft
  • Bad turret rotation, meaning it cannot respond to flankers in time
  • Very slow reverse speed can prevent it from retreating back to cover in time

History

Development and Design

The vehicle's origins is from a swamp-access vehicle called the Alligator made for civilians. Donald Roebling, its developer, built an improved version of his vehicle with better speed in water. The United States Marine Corps became interested in this amphibious design as they began drawing up their amphibious warfare doctrine. They requested a more sea-worthy version of the vehicle for use in their military operations. Though Roebling and the Navy were reclusive on that idea (the Navy believes they have the current vehicle in store already), the idea brought fruit when World War II broke out in Europe and Roebling created a military version. After a few trials with improvements like a stronger engine, the Bureau of Ships placed a contract for 100 of these vehicles with all-steel armour. The first ones arrive in July 1941, with 200 more ordered before the initial contract was finished. The vehicle design was adopted and designated the LVT, with many different variants of the vehicle being produced throughout the war.

The first version of the LVT, the LVT-1, could carry 18 men or 4,500 pounds of equipment. The Marines first used the LVT-1 in Guadalcanal with 128 available to 1st Marine Division. Usage in the field revealed that the LVT was too thinly armoured for a rapid deployment back and forth the ships and landing site, but the Marines saw the vehicle's potential as an assault vehicle. So in June 1941, the Marines push forward with a Roebling design of the LVT armed with a gun turret. In order for this to be possible, the LVT underwent a redesign into the LVT-2 "Buffalo", which had a new powertrain and suspension to allow better performances on land and able to carry up to 6,950 pounds in equipment.

Early on it became clear that the LVTs that were in production - which were usually armed with only machine guns - did not have the firepower necessary to support the infantry, especially when facing enemy pillboxes, bunkers, and other entrenched positions used by the Japanese Army. In order to solve this problem, a fire support vehicle based on the LVT-2 was designed. It had a turret that was very similar to the turret of the M3 Stuart light tank. Before the introduction of the better armed LVT(A)-4 in 1944, 510 LVT(A)-1 were built by the Food Machinery Corporation.

The LVT(A)-1 was based on the LVT-2, but with a number of changes to make it a support vehicle. The LVT(A)-1 was fitted with a turret very similar to that of the M3 Stuart, and it was armed with the same 37 mm M6 cannon with 10 degrees of gun depression and 25 degrees of elevation. The main gun was fitted in the M4 mount, and there was a coaxial .30 cal (7.62 mm) machine gun. At the rear of the vehicle, two .30 cal Browning M1919A4 machine guns were fitted, and the gunners were protected by standard Navy gun shields. The deck was armoured, and the vehicle was fully enclosed. The front of the turret had 51 mm (2-in) of armour, and the ammunition was stored a number of racks throughout the vehicle. The vehicle had a crew of six; a commander and gunner in the turret, the driver and machine gunner in the front of the crew compartment, and two machine gunners at the rear of the vehicle. The LVT(A)-1 was a pure fire support vehicle, as there was no room inside to transport personnel or cargo. All the other features of the LVT(A)-1 were the same as on the LVT-2.

The LVT(A)-4 was essentially just an LVT(A)-1 but equipped with a different turret. It was still based on the LVT-2, but it has the turret of the 75 mm Gun Motor Carriage M8 "Scott" instead of the turret of the M3 Stuart light tank. Additionally, the two rear machine gun positions were removed; this reduced the crew to five, with the commander, gunner, and loader in the turret and the driver and co-driver in the front crew compartment. In total, 1,890 LVT(A)-4 vehicles were built, and they largely replaced the LVT(A)-1 in service. The 75 mm gun was more effective against fortified positions, but the 37 mm gun of the LVT(A)-1 was as effective or more effective against enemy armour. But, the main goal of the LVT(A)-1 and -4 was to support the infantry, not to destroy enemy armour - which is why the LVT(A)-4 was more effective.

The LVT(A)-4 was itself the basis of an improved fire support version of the LVT, the LVT(A)-5. This was an improved model of the LVT(A)-4. It featured a gyro-stabilizer for the main gun, and a powered turret. In the late 1940s many LVT(A)-5 received additional armour plating. A total of 269 LVT(A)-5 were produced.

Service

The first usage of the LVT family is as a cargo carrier in Guadalcanal, it was unarmoured at the time and only had machine guns as their main armaments. Their next usage was in Tarawa, which saw the first usage of the newly designed LVT-2. The vehicles in both cases carried ammunition, troops, and wounded back and forth the ships and the beach. After Tarawa, the LVT inventory increased by the battalion, as well as the appearance of the gun-armed LVT(A)-1 and LVT(A)-4. The LVT family continued to see service in Bougainville, the Marshall Islands, Saipan, Peleliu, Leyte (its largest usage in the war), Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. The LVTs also saw use in South East Asia in use by the British, but they never saw combat action.

Outside the Pacific, the LVT also saw use in the European Theater of Operations. Their first usage was in North Africa in November 1942 during Operation Torch to land troops, where its best usage was to get stranded landing boats back into action. The LVTs were also given to the British as part of Lend-Lease. The LVTs were used in the Normandy landings and other operations in Europe such as crossing the Rhine River in Germany and Po River in Italy.

After World War II, the LVTs continued to see action in the multiple conflicts in the world. A number were given to the Chinese Nationalists in the Chinese Civil War by America. Many of these were captured by the Chinese PLA, with some converted to use a 75 mm howitzer or a ZIS-2 anti-tank gun. The Americans used a number of LVT vehicles in the Korean War, notably the landing at Inchon and the attack on Seoul. The French also used American-supplied LVTs during the Indochina War and the Suez Crisis.

Media

Skins
Images
  • LVT(A)(4) crossing tropical river.jpg
Videos
The LVT(A)(4) Light Tank - Orangefan

See also

Related development

External links


Food Machinery Corporation (FMC)
Amphibious AFVs  LVT(A)(1) · LVT(A)(4)
IFVs  M3 Bradley · M3A3 Bradley

USA light tanks
LVT  LVT(A)(1) · ○LVT(A)(1) · LVT(A)(4)
M2  M2A2 · M2A4 · M2A4 (1st Arm.Div.)
M3/M5 Stuart  M3 Stuart · M3A1 Stuart · M3A1 (USMC) · M5A1 · M5A1 TD · ▃Stuart VI (5th CAD)
M22 Locust  M22
M24 Chaffee  M24 · M24 (TL)
M18 Hellcat  M18 GMC · M18 "Black Cat" · Super Hellcat
M41 Walker Bulldog  M41A1
M551 Sheridan  M551 · M551(76)
M3 Bradley  M3 Bradley · M3A3 Bradley
Wheeled  M8 LAC · T18E2 · M1128 · M1128 Wolfpack
Other  M8A1 GMC · T92 · T114 · HSTV-L · CCVL · XM8 · XM800T · AGS

USA premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  LVT(A)(4) · M2A4 (1st Arm.Div.) · M3A1 (USMC) · ▃Stuart VI (5th CAD) · M8 LAC · M8A1 GMC
  M18 "Black Cat" · Super Hellcat · T18E2 · M551(76) · T114 · M1128 Wolfpack
Medium tanks  ▃Grant I · M4A5 · Calliope · T20 · M26 T99 · M26E1 · M46 "Tiger" · T54E1 · T54E2 · ▃Magach 3 (ERA) · M728 CEV
  XM1 (GM) · XM1 (Chrysler) · M1 KVT · M1A1 Click-Bait
Heavy tanks  T14 · Cobra King · M6A2E1 · T29 · T30
Tank destroyers  T28 · T55E1

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