Difference between revisions of "T55E1"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=us_t55e1
 
|code=us_t55e1
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Hot Tracks"]] as a reward for [[Battle Pass: Season II, "Steel Centurion"]].
+
As America searched for their ideal tank destroyer vehicle, evaluation of a "Cook Interceptor" 8x8 vehicle proved to be successful enough to be considered for a tank destroyer variant holding a 3-inch gun. Initially produced in November 1942 as the 3-inch Gun Motor Carriage T55, the test results and requirements were incorporated into the design of the second unit. The second unit was produced in April 1943 as the 3-inch Gun Motor Carriage T55E1. While the wheeled performance was considered satisfactory, the vehicle's mobility was unsatisfactory against the requirement that the vehicle be as mobile and manoeuvrable as a tank. The vehicle was not accepted into service and was sent to Aberdeen Proving Grounds in August 1943.
 +
 
 +
Introduced during [[Update "Hot Tracks"]] as a reward for [[Battle Pass: Season II, "Steel Centurion"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a very mobile tank destroyer. The wheeled design brings limitations in its cross-country mobility and turning ability, but gives the T55E1 unprecedented forward and reverse speed for a 3-inch gun platform. The 3-inch gun, being so far forward, gives the luxury of presenting as small a target as possible when exposed towards the enemy to fire, especially when utilizing the vehicle's good gun depression. The T55E1 is a very different tank destroyer compared to the usual American line-up, but its gameplay focusing on its low profile and wheeled car mobility gives the T55E1 great hit-and-run characteristics to quickly get in and out of dangerous situations.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
−
''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
+
The armour on the T55 is next to none, even a random burst from a machine gun can easily knock out or critically wound your crew. However, as the armour is paper thin, APHE shells tend not to detonate inside your tank. Your most dangerous enemies will be vehicles equipped with heavy machine guns or autocannons. The ammo rack is your biggest weak spot, however if you only load 10 or 12 shells, your side racks are empty and your centre rack is mostly empty. Any plane is a danger and you should seek cover and hide from them.
  
−
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
+
'''Armour type:'''
−
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
+
 
−
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
+
* Structural Steel (hull, gun breech)
 +
* Tires (wheel)
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Hull || 6.4 mm || 6.4 mm || 3.2-6.4 mm || 3.2 mm ''Main ammo stowage and engine compartment''
−
|-
 
−
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
 
−
|-
 
−
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
+
'''Notes:'''
−
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
+
 
 +
* All armour is thin structural steel, meaning even rifle-calibre machine guns penetrate it with ease.
 +
* The crew compartment is open-topped, meaning the crew is fully exposed to enemy aircraft or even to tanks.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
−
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''
+
The T55 can move at around 80 km/h (50 mph) forward and backwards. It drives more like a car than it does a tank and has a hard time to flip. Your wheels can also allow you to climb to vantage points before anyone else.
  
−
{{tankMobility}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=420|rbMinHp=262}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
{{main|M7 (76 mm)}}
 
{{main|M7 (76 mm)}}
−
''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
+
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} uses the [[M7 (76 mm)|76 mm M7]] as its main and only armament. The [[M7 (76 mm)|76 mm M7]] cannon is a high velocity anti tank gun, and can punch through the armour of most tanks all the way up to 6.7. The M62 APCBC shell has enough explosive filler to take down most tanks in one well aimed shot. This cannon may be familiar to players as it is the same armament present on the [[M10 GMC]] as well as the [[M6A1]], as well as being similar to the later Shermans' 76 mm cannon. The vehicle however possesses a noticeably better reload than all the aforementioned vehicles due to having 2 loaders. That said, unlike the previous vehicles, the {{PAGENAME}} not only lacks a turret but also posses a very limited horizontal guidance.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 42 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±9° || rowspan="2" | N/A || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 42 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±9° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 7.0 || 9.8 || 11.8 || 13.1 || 13.9 || rowspan="2" | 6.50 || rowspan="2" | 5.75 || rowspan="2" | 5.30 || rowspan="2" | 5.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 4.8 || 5.6 || 6.8 || 7.5 || 8.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
The {{PAGENAME}} is able to use 3 different types of ammunition: AP, HE, and APCBC.
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
 
−
|-
+
*'''M79 shot''' - The M79 is a stock AP round. It lacks the penetration of the M62 APCBC shell and has little use. Once the M62 shell has been unlocked, the M79 should be replaced.
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
*'''M42A1 shell''' - The M42A1 is the stock HE shell the T55E1 has access to. While such shell can be overlooked on similarly armed vehicles, the lack of a machine gun on the T55E1 can lead to difficulties dealing with targets with exposed crew such as a number of SPAAs. As such, it is recommended to bring a small amount of HE shells in order to counter the threat.
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
+
*'''M62 shell''' - The M62 APCBC shell is the standard shell the T55E1 should use. It is the highest penetrating shell available as well as having explosive filler. As such, it is recommended to use the shell for most opponents, specially armoured ones, but also for flanking as the explosive fillers can prove deadly when used against enemies side armour. As such, it is recommended to bring a considerable amount of APCBC shells.
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
+
 
−
|-
+
{{:M7 (76 mm)/Ammunition|M79 shot, M42A1 shell, M62 shell}}
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| M62 shell || APCBC || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
 
−
|-
 
−
| M42A1 shell || HE || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
 
−
|-
 
−
| M79 shot || AP || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| M62 shell || APCBC || ___ || _.__ || __ || _._ || ___ || __° || __° || __°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M42A1 shell || HE || ___ || _.__ || __ || _._ || ___ || __° || __° || __°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M79 shot || AP || ___ || _.__ || __ || _._ || ___ || __° || __° || __°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.3.0.117''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 115: Line 87:
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
! 3rd<br>rack empty
−
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''42''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| '''42''' || 40&nbsp;''(+2)'' || 37&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+41)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
 
 +
You should use the T55 as a flanking vehicle or sniper at the beginning of the match. Your speed outclasses other vehicles and you can use it to get to a flanking position or a sniping point before anyone else. Then use your gun's excellent angles to aim at a place where you can see the enemy's side. As mentioned above, try to avoid MG fire and if you can. It is not recommended to shoot on the move as you will tend to miss your shots.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
 
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Low profile
 +
* Powerful 76 mm cannon
 +
* -10 degrees gun depression gives good capacity in hilly battlefields
 +
* Very high forward and reverse speed
 +
* Great off-road capabilities
 +
* Unparalleled mobility and acceleration
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* No armour (even heavy machine guns can knock you out)
 +
* No turret for the tank and cannot turn in place
 +
* Taking damage to one wheel can severely hamper performance
 +
* Doesn't turn very well
 +
* Narrow gun arc
 +
* Heads of crew members stick out of the vehicle - easy to knock out with machine guns
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
{{Notice
 +
|The T55 and T55E1 GMCs were given the nickname "Cook Interceptor" due to them being designed by the Cook Brothers.}}
 +
[[File:T55E1 (1).jpg|thumb|T55E1 GMC]]
 +
The Cook Brothers Equipment Company designed an experimental 8x8 wheeled desert vehicle which a prototype of was completed by 1942, according to photographic evidence. The vehicle used a chain drive, and the wheels were set up in two 4x4 bogies, each with it's own engine. The desert vehicle was used as the basis of a wheeled tank destroyer after they received a contract from the US Army in August 1942. One prototype was built by the Allied Machinery Manufacturing Company and was called the T55 GMC (GMC standing for Gun Motor Carriage). The T55 had the front engine moved to the rear of the hull in order to fit the main armament, a 3 inch or 76.2 mm M7 gun, at the front of the hull. After initial testing of the T55 GMC in December 1942, the Cook Brothers were requested by the Army to design an improved version.
 +
[[File:T55E1 (2).jpg|thumb|T55E1 GMC]]
 +
The redesigned version of the T55 GMC was named the T55E1 GMC and it was basically a simplified version of the T55; both the T55 and T55E1 gained the unofficial nickname of "Cook Interceptor", signifying their designers. The largest visual difference was a much lower profile. The T55E1 GMC retained the 76.2 mm M7 gun from the T55 GMC, which was mounted in the front of the hull; it was casemate mounted rather than turret mounted. The T55E1 was lighter than the T55 it was based on, and as such it had a significantly improved driving performance. Powered by two Cadillac engines at the rear, the maximum speed of the T55E1 was 80 kilometers per hour or 50 miles per hour.
 +
 
 +
The single T55E1 GMC prototype was completed in early 1943 and underwent testing at the desert proving grounds of Fort Irwin in California. In the same year the Army decided that all self-propelled gun designs would be based on tracked tank chasses rather than on wheeled chasses. As such the T55E1 GMC project was dropped and it never entered production.
 +
 
 +
=== [[wt:en/news/7057-development-battle-pass-vehicles-t55e1-wheeled-tank-destroyer-en|Devblog]] ===
 +
The American T55E1 wheeled tank destroyer was created on the chassis of an experimental all-terrain 8x8 vehicle. The Cook Brothers company received an order for the development of the project in August 1942, and in the fall, the first prototype, named the T55, was ready at the Allied Machinery Manufacturing facility. After the first tests, the military suggested that the designers modify the vehicle, since some issues appeared during the tests. So, at the beginning of 1943, the T55E1 appeared - a more densely assembled and improved version of a promising self-propelled gun.
 +
 
 +
The T55E1 role in combat was assumed as fire support of advancing infantry, while being able to operate on any type of surface. The T55E1 had no turret, and the massive 76 mm M7 gun was located on the front of the vehicle. This arrangement required the shifting of the power plant of two 110-horsepower engines to the vehicle's rear. At the same time, the SPG received a low profile, sufficient traverse angles and excellent elevation angles. The upgraded T55E1, due to improved driving characteristics and a decrease in total weight, showed a speed of just over 50 mph (80 km/h) in tests and good results in overcoming obstacles. At the same time in 1943, a special commission recommended that the army completely abandon the use of armoured wheeled vehicles in favor of tracked platforms, and the Cook Brothers project was closed. But we are sure that this curious tank destroyer will definitely find a place in War Thunder!
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_t55e1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed" heights="175">
 +
File:T55E1 GMC WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
 +
File:T55E1 GMC WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
 +
File:T55E1 GMC WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|9ffyPCaxp9k|'''Battle Pass Vehicles''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 00:34 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|y64g1ZhLc3c|'''The Battle Bonk Tonk - T55E1''' - ''JustinPlaysYT'' (Review starts at 1:15)}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 150: Line 155:
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
 
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* [[Breda 501]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 158: Line 163:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
 
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [[wt:en/news/7057-development-battle-pass-vehicles-t55e1-wheeled-tank-destroyer-en|[Devblog] Battle Pass vehicles: T55E1 wheeled tank destroyer]]
−
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{USA tank destroyers}}
 
{{USA tank destroyers}}
 
{{USA premium ground vehicles}}
 
{{USA premium ground vehicles}}
 +
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 10:07, 6 July 2024

T55E1
us_t55e1.png
GarageImage T55E1.jpg
ArtImage T55E1.png
T55E1
USA flag.png USA
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.3 4.3 4.3
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game

Description

As America searched for their ideal tank destroyer vehicle, evaluation of a "Cook Interceptor" 8x8 vehicle proved to be successful enough to be considered for a tank destroyer variant holding a 3-inch gun. Initially produced in November 1942 as the 3-inch Gun Motor Carriage T55, the test results and requirements were incorporated into the design of the second unit. The second unit was produced in April 1943 as the 3-inch Gun Motor Carriage T55E1. While the wheeled performance was considered satisfactory, the vehicle's mobility was unsatisfactory against the requirement that the vehicle be as mobile and manoeuvrable as a tank. The vehicle was not accepted into service and was sent to Aberdeen Proving Grounds in August 1943.

Introduced during Update "Hot Tracks" as a reward for Battle Pass: Season II, "Steel Centurion", the 3 inch Gun Motor Carriage T55E1 is a very mobile tank destroyer. The wheeled design brings limitations in its cross-country mobility and turning ability, but gives the T55E1 unprecedented forward and reverse speed for a 3-inch gun platform. The 3-inch gun, being so far forward, gives the luxury of presenting as small a target as possible when exposed towards the enemy to fire, especially when utilizing the vehicle's good gun depression. The T55E1 is a very different tank destroyer compared to the usual American line-up, but its gameplay focusing on its low profile and wheeled car mobility gives the T55E1 great hit-and-run characteristics to quickly get in and out of dangerous situations.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull0 / 0 / 0
Turret0 / 0 / 0
Crew4 people
Visibility84 %

The armour on the T55 is next to none, even a random burst from a machine gun can easily knock out or critically wound your crew. However, as the armour is paper thin, APHE shells tend not to detonate inside your tank. Your most dangerous enemies will be vehicles equipped with heavy machine guns or autocannons. The ammo rack is your biggest weak spot, however if you only load 10 or 12 shells, your side racks are empty and your centre rack is mostly empty. Any plane is a danger and you should seek cover and hide from them.

Armour type:

  • Structural Steel (hull, gun breech)
  • Tires (wheel)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 6.4 mm 6.4 mm 3.2-6.4 mm 3.2 mm Main ammo stowage and engine compartment

Notes:

  • All armour is thin structural steel, meaning even rifle-calibre machine guns penetrate it with ease.
  • The crew compartment is open-topped, meaning the crew is fully exposed to enemy aircraft or even to tanks.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB87 / 58 km/h
RB and SB80 / 54 km/h
Number of gears7 forward
2 back
Weight13.7 t
Engine power
AB565 hp
RB and SB296 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB41.2 hp/t
RB and SB21.6 hp/t

The T55 can move at around 80 km/h (50 mph) forward and backwards. It drives more like a car than it does a tank and has a hard time to flip. Your wheels can also allow you to climb to vantage points before anyone else.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 87 58 13.7 420 565 30.66 41.24
Realistic 80 54 262 296 19.12 21.61

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB1 035 Sl icon.png
RB1 249 Sl icon.png
SB1 692 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts210 000 Sl icon.png
Aces550 Ge icon.png
Research Aces790 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 100 / 150 / 190 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 154 / 154 / 154 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new wheels.png
Tires
Mods new car 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 tank ammo.png
76mm_usa_APCBC_ammo_pack
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism

Armaments

Main armament

76 mm M7 cannon
Ammunition42 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
6.5 → 5.0 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 15°
Horizontal guidance-9° / 9°
Main article: M7 (76 mm)

The T55E1 uses the 76 mm M7 as its main and only armament. The 76 mm M7 cannon is a high velocity anti tank gun, and can punch through the armour of most tanks all the way up to 6.7. The M62 APCBC shell has enough explosive filler to take down most tanks in one well aimed shot. This cannon may be familiar to players as it is the same armament present on the M10 GMC as well as the M6A1, as well as being similar to the later Shermans' 76 mm cannon. The vehicle however possesses a noticeably better reload than all the aforementioned vehicles due to having 2 loaders. That said, unlike the previous vehicles, the T55E1 not only lacks a turret but also posses a very limited horizontal guidance.

76 mm M7 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 42 -10°/+15° ±9° N/A 7.0 9.8 11.8 13.1 13.9 6.50 5.75 5.30 5.00
Realistic 4.8 5.6 6.8 7.5 8.0

Ammunition

The T55E1 is able to use 3 different types of ammunition: AP, HE, and APCBC.

  • M79 shot - The M79 is a stock AP round. It lacks the penetration of the M62 APCBC shell and has little use. Once the M62 shell has been unlocked, the M79 should be replaced.
  • M42A1 shell - The M42A1 is the stock HE shell the T55E1 has access to. While such shell can be overlooked on similarly armed vehicles, the lack of a machine gun on the T55E1 can lead to difficulties dealing with targets with exposed crew such as a number of SPAAs. As such, it is recommended to bring a small amount of HE shells in order to counter the threat.
  • M62 shell - The M62 APCBC shell is the standard shell the T55E1 should use. It is the highest penetrating shell available as well as having explosive filler. As such, it is recommended to use the shell for most opponents, specially armoured ones, but also for flanking as the explosive fillers can prove deadly when used against enemies side armour. As such, it is recommended to bring a considerable amount of APCBC shells.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
M79 shot AP 134 132 121 109 99 89
M42A1 shell HE 17 16 15 13 12 10
M62 shell APCBC 149 146 133 119 106 94
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
M79 shot AP 792 6.8 - - - 47° 60° 65°
M42A1 shell HE 853 5.84 0.2 0.1 390 79° 80° 81°
M62 shell APCBC 792 7 1.2 14 63.7 48° 63° 71°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the T55E1
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
42 40 (+2) 37 (+5) 1 (+41) No

Usage in battles

You should use the T55 as a flanking vehicle or sniper at the beginning of the match. Your speed outclasses other vehicles and you can use it to get to a flanking position or a sniping point before anyone else. Then use your gun's excellent angles to aim at a place where you can see the enemy's side. As mentioned above, try to avoid MG fire and if you can. It is not recommended to shoot on the move as you will tend to miss your shots.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Low profile
  • Powerful 76 mm cannon
  • -10 degrees gun depression gives good capacity in hilly battlefields
  • Very high forward and reverse speed
  • Great off-road capabilities
  • Unparalleled mobility and acceleration

Cons:

  • No armour (even heavy machine guns can knock you out)
  • No turret for the tank and cannot turn in place
  • Taking damage to one wheel can severely hamper performance
  • Doesn't turn very well
  • Narrow gun arc
  • Heads of crew members stick out of the vehicle - easy to knock out with machine guns

History

Msg-info.png The T55 and T55E1 GMCs were given the nickname "Cook Interceptor" due to them being designed by the Cook Brothers.
T55E1 GMC

The Cook Brothers Equipment Company designed an experimental 8x8 wheeled desert vehicle which a prototype of was completed by 1942, according to photographic evidence. The vehicle used a chain drive, and the wheels were set up in two 4x4 bogies, each with it's own engine. The desert vehicle was used as the basis of a wheeled tank destroyer after they received a contract from the US Army in August 1942. One prototype was built by the Allied Machinery Manufacturing Company and was called the T55 GMC (GMC standing for Gun Motor Carriage). The T55 had the front engine moved to the rear of the hull in order to fit the main armament, a 3 inch or 76.2 mm M7 gun, at the front of the hull. After initial testing of the T55 GMC in December 1942, the Cook Brothers were requested by the Army to design an improved version.

T55E1 GMC

The redesigned version of the T55 GMC was named the T55E1 GMC and it was basically a simplified version of the T55; both the T55 and T55E1 gained the unofficial nickname of "Cook Interceptor", signifying their designers. The largest visual difference was a much lower profile. The T55E1 GMC retained the 76.2 mm M7 gun from the T55 GMC, which was mounted in the front of the hull; it was casemate mounted rather than turret mounted. The T55E1 was lighter than the T55 it was based on, and as such it had a significantly improved driving performance. Powered by two Cadillac engines at the rear, the maximum speed of the T55E1 was 80 kilometers per hour or 50 miles per hour.

The single T55E1 GMC prototype was completed in early 1943 and underwent testing at the desert proving grounds of Fort Irwin in California. In the same year the Army decided that all self-propelled gun designs would be based on tracked tank chasses rather than on wheeled chasses. As such the T55E1 GMC project was dropped and it never entered production.

Devblog

The American T55E1 wheeled tank destroyer was created on the chassis of an experimental all-terrain 8x8 vehicle. The Cook Brothers company received an order for the development of the project in August 1942, and in the fall, the first prototype, named the T55, was ready at the Allied Machinery Manufacturing facility. After the first tests, the military suggested that the designers modify the vehicle, since some issues appeared during the tests. So, at the beginning of 1943, the T55E1 appeared - a more densely assembled and improved version of a promising self-propelled gun.

The T55E1 role in combat was assumed as fire support of advancing infantry, while being able to operate on any type of surface. The T55E1 had no turret, and the massive 76 mm M7 gun was located on the front of the vehicle. This arrangement required the shifting of the power plant of two 110-horsepower engines to the vehicle's rear. At the same time, the SPG received a low profile, sufficient traverse angles and excellent elevation angles. The upgraded T55E1, due to improved driving characteristics and a decrease in total weight, showed a speed of just over 50 mph (80 km/h) in tests and good results in overcoming obstacles. At the same time in 1943, a special commission recommended that the army completely abandon the use of armoured wheeled vehicles in favor of tracked platforms, and the Cook Brothers project was closed. But we are sure that this curious tank destroyer will definitely find a place in War Thunder!

Media

Skins
Images
  • T55E1 GMC WTWallpaper 01.jpg
  • T55E1 GMC WTWallpaper 02.jpg
  • T55E1 GMC WTWallpaper 03.jpg
Videos
Battle Pass Vehicles discusses the T55E1 at 00:34 - War Thunder Official Channel
The Battle Bonk Tonk - T55E1 - JustinPlaysYT (Review starts at 1:15)

See also

Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


USA tank destroyers
M10  M10 GMC
M36  M36 GMC · M36B2
T95  T28 · T95
M109  M109A1
ATGM  LOSAT · M901
Wheeled  M3 GMC · T55E1
Other  M8 HMC · M50 · M56
China  ▃LVT(A)(4) (ZIS-2)

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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