Difference between revisions of "T-55A"

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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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|none]]
+
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{Break}}
 
{{Break}}
−
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Russian medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]].
  
 
After active development of nuclear weapons, the predecessor of T-55 ([[T-54 (1951)|T-54]]) was tested against nuclear charges. It was evaluated that the crew could survive only at distances of over 700m, so it was decided to create a new tank that would have a nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protection system, or ''Protivoatomnaya Zashchita'' (PAZ). The initial designs for this tank were completed in 1956, however, that was without additional NBC protection. In 1961, the development of an NBC system began, and it was introduced in the new T-55A variant. Among other upgrades, the T-55 had an increased ammunition supply with 18 more rounds being stored in the fuel tanks.
 
After active development of nuclear weapons, the predecessor of T-55 ([[T-54 (1951)|T-54]]) was tested against nuclear charges. It was evaluated that the crew could survive only at distances of over 700m, so it was decided to create a new tank that would have a nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protection system, or ''Protivoatomnaya Zashchita'' (PAZ). The initial designs for this tank were completed in 1956, however, that was without additional NBC protection. In 1961, the development of an NBC system began, and it was introduced in the new T-55A variant. Among other upgrades, the T-55 had an increased ammunition supply with 18 more rounds being stored in the fuel tanks.
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== 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 helpful for survival in combat?
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
 
 
−
If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.-->
 
 
[[File:T-55A XRay Front.png|thumb|left|X-Ray view of the T-55A, when faced frontally.]]
 
[[File:T-55A XRay Front.png|thumb|left|X-Ray view of the T-55A, when faced frontally.]]
  
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<!-- ''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= 899|rbMinHp= 513}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=899|rbMinHp=513}}
  
 
The maximum speed that the {{PAGENAME}} can reach is listed as 56 km/h (AB) and 50 km/h (RB/SB). That is ~15 km/h slower than the [[Leopard A1A1]]. However, the amount of firepower that the {{PAGENAME}} brings to the battlefield, coupled together with the ability to withstand shots sometimes, that speed is decent. Backwards, the {{PAGENAME}} can go at up to -7 km/h, which won't let you back out of tricky situations often.
 
The maximum speed that the {{PAGENAME}} can reach is listed as 56 km/h (AB) and 50 km/h (RB/SB). That is ~15 km/h slower than the [[Leopard A1A1]]. However, the amount of firepower that the {{PAGENAME}} brings to the battlefield, coupled together with the ability to withstand shots sometimes, that speed is decent. Backwards, the {{PAGENAME}} can go at up to -7 km/h, which won't let you back out of tricky situations often.
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== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
<!--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|D-10T2S (100 mm)}}
 
{{main|D-10T2S (100 mm)}}
  
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[D-10T2S (100 mm)| 100mm D-10T2S]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! colspan="5" | [[D-10T2S (100 mm)|100 mm D-10T2S]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
Line 54: Line 52:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 43 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+18° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 14.28 || 19.76 || 24.00 || 26.54 || 28.24 || rowspan="2" | 11.05 || rowspan="2" | 9.78 || rowspan="2" | 9.01 || rowspan="2" | 8.5
+
| rowspan="2" | 43 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+18° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 14.3 || 19.8 || 24.0 || 26.5 || 28.2 || rowspan="2" | 11.05 || rowspan="2" | 9.78 || rowspan="2" | 9.01 || rowspan="2" | 8.50
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 8.93 || 10.5 || 12.75 || 14.10 || 15.00
+
| 8.9 || 10.5 || 12.8 || 14.1 || 15.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
 
+
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
{| class="wikitable sortable;" style="text-align:center;" width="100%;"
+
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
−
! colspan="8" |Penetration Statistics
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" |Ammunition
+
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
−
! rowspan="2" |Type of Warhead
+
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
−
! colspan="6" |Penetration at 90° (mm)
+
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
|-
 
|-
−
!10m
+
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
−
!100m
 
−
!500m
 
−
!1000m
 
−
!1500m
 
−
!2000m
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| 3BM-8 || APDS || 299 || 298 || 291 || 272 || 253 || 249
 
| 3BM-8 || APDS || 299 || 298 || 291 || 272 || 253 || 249
 
|-
 
|-
−
| BR-412D || APCBC || 234 || 232 || 218 || 203 || 188 || 174
+
| BR-412D || APCBC || 239 || 236 || 223 || 207 || 192 || 178
 
|-
 
|-
 
| 3BM25 || APFSDS || 335 || 330 || 307 || 290 || 275 || 260
 
| 3BM25 || APFSDS || 335 || 330 || 307 || 290 || 275 || 260
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| 3BK17M || HEATFS || 390 || 390 || 390 || 390 || 390 || 390
 
| 3BK17M || HEATFS || 390 || 390 || 390 || 390 || 390 || 390
 
|-
 
|-
−
| OF-412 || HE || 20 || 20 || 19 || 19 || 19 || 19
+
| OF-412 || HE || 19 || 19 || 19 || 19 || 19 || 19
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
! colspan="11" | Shell details
+
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
|-
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
+
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
−
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
+
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
−
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
+
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
+
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
−
''in m:''
+
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
+
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
−
''in mm:''
+
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 
−
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 0%
+
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
−
! 50%
 
−
! 100%
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 3BM-8 || APDS || 1415 || 4.13 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 75° || 78° || 80°
+
| 3BM-8 || APDS || 1,415 || 4.13 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 75° || 78° || 80°
 
|-
 
|-
−
| BR-412D || APCBC || 887 || 15.9 || 1.2 || 19 || 93.94 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
+
| BR-412D || APCBC || 887 || 15.9 || 1.2 || 19 || 93.94 || 48° || 63° || 71°
−
|-  
+
|-
−
| 3BM25 || APFSDS || 1430 || 3.4 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 76° || 77° || 78°
+
| 3BM25 || APFSDS || 1,430 || 3.4 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 76° || 77° || 80°
−
|-  
+
|-
−
| 3BK17M || HEATFS || 1085 || 9.96 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 935 || +0° || 65° || 72° || 75°
+
| 3BK17M || HEATFS || 1,085 || 9.96 || 0.05 || 1 || 1,440 || 65° || 72° || 77°
−
|-  
+
|-
−
| OF-412 || HE || 880 || 15.2 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 1.46 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
+
| OF-412 || HE || 900 || 15.6 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 1,460 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke characteristic
+
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Ammunition
 
! Ammunition
−
! Velocity <br /> in m/s
+
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
−
! Projectile<br />Mass in kg
+
! Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
−
! ''Screen radius <br /> in m''
+
! Screen radius<br>(m)
−
! ''Screen time <br /> in s''
+
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
−
! ''Screen hold time <br /> in s:''
+
! Screen hold time<br>(s)
−
! ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
+
! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 +
|-
 +
| 3D3 || 880 || 15.6 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 272
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
 +
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! Full<br>ammo
 +
! 1st<br>rack empty
 +
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! 4th<br>rack empty
 +
! 5th<br>rack empty
 +
! 6th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 3D3 || 880 || 15.6 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 272
+
| '''43''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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.-->
+
<!-- ''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|DShK (12.7 mm)}}
+
{{main|DShK (12.7 mm)|SGMT (7.62 mm)}}
  
 
The T-55A has a roof-mounted 12.7 mm DShK machine gun, which allows it to fight low-flying aircraft or helicopters. However, it is not effective against jets. It is recommended to use this machine gun against lightly armoured ground targets and to check whether or not a tank is alive or not, by shooting its tracks (which can also be done with the coaxial machine gun).
 
The T-55A has a roof-mounted 12.7 mm DShK machine gun, which allows it to fight low-flying aircraft or helicopters. However, it is not effective against jets. It is recommended to use this machine gun against lightly armoured ground targets and to check whether or not a tank is alive or not, by shooting its tracks (which can also be done with the coaxial machine gun).
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[DShK (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm DShK]]
 +
|-
 +
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
 +
| Pintle || 350 (50) || 600 || -10°/+60° || ±180°
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[SGMT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm SGMT]]
 +
|-
 +
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
 +
| Coaxial || 3,500 (250) || 600 || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
== 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).'' -->
 
The T-55A has the great option to use an APCBC shell, which can one-shot Leopards frontally, and any well-armoured vehicles side-on. Therefore, this tank should be used as a flanker, large open areas present a great opportunity to scout and take out groups of oncoming enemies. However, make sure to stay near cover and use it after every shot to minimize the chances of getting scouted and penetrated.
 
The T-55A has the great option to use an APCBC shell, which can one-shot Leopards frontally, and any well-armoured vehicles side-on. Therefore, this tank should be used as a flanker, large open areas present a great opportunity to scout and take out groups of oncoming enemies. However, make sure to stay near cover and use it after every shot to minimize the chances of getting scouted and penetrated.
 
[[File:T-55A Weakspot.png|thumb|right|The weak spot that allows a one-shot. 3 of the 4 crew members can be knocked out if shooting the upper right hand corner of the UFP.]]
 
[[File:T-55A Weakspot.png|thumb|right|The weak spot that allows a one-shot. 3 of the 4 crew members can be knocked out if shooting the upper right hand corner of the UFP.]]
Line 147: Line 172:
 
As a rule of thumb, protect your left-hand side when looking from behind the T-55A. You have 3 crew members there that can be taken out with a single well-placed APFSDS shot (upper right corner of the UFP). Also, don't rely on your reverse speed. You can't retreat efficiently, and will likely be destroyed in a close-quarters encounter if you don't engage your opponent first.
 
As a rule of thumb, protect your left-hand side when looking from behind the T-55A. You have 3 crew members there that can be taken out with a single well-placed APFSDS shot (upper right corner of the UFP). Also, don't rely on your reverse speed. You can't retreat efficiently, and will likely be destroyed in a close-quarters encounter if you don't engage your opponent first.
  
−
===Modules===
+
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
!Tier
+
! Tier
−
! colspan="2" |Mobility
+
! colspan="2" | Mobility
−
!Protection
+
! Protection
−
! colspan="3" |Firepower
+
! colspan="3" | Firepower
 
|-
 
|-
−
|I
+
| I
−
|Tracks
+
| Tracks
 
|
 
|
−
|Parts
+
| Parts
−
|BR-412D
+
| BR-412D
−
|Horizontal Drive
+
| Horizontal Drive
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|II
+
| II
−
|Suspension
+
| Suspension
−
|Brake System
+
| Brake System
−
|FPE
+
| FPE
−
|3BM25
+
| 3BM25
−
|Adjustment of Fire
+
| Adjustment of Fire
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|III
+
| III
−
|Filters
+
| Filters
 
|
 
|
−
|Crew Replenishment
+
| Crew Replenishment
−
|3BK17M
+
| 3BK17M
−
|Elevation Mechanism
+
| Elevation Mechanism
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
−
|IV
+
| IV
−
|Transmission
+
| Transmission
−
|Engine
+
| Engine
−
|ESS
+
| ESS
−
|Artillery Support
+
| Artillery Support
−
|3D3
+
| 3D3
−
|NVD
+
| NVD
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
Line 195: Line 220:
 
* Good mobility
 
* Good mobility
 
* Good gun and a wide ammo choices (APDS, APFSDS, APHE, HEATFS and smoke)
 
* Good gun and a wide ammo choices (APDS, APFSDS, APHE, HEATFS and smoke)
−
* Roof-mounted machinegun for anti-air defense
+
* Roof-mounted machinegun for anti-air defence
 
* Has a spall liner in the turret, lacking in the T-62, affords some protection from spalling
 
* Has a spall liner in the turret, lacking in the T-62, affords some protection from spalling
 
* Safe ammo spot for 18 rounds near the driver in the fuel tanks give it some kinetic and chemical protection
 
* Safe ammo spot for 18 rounds near the driver in the fuel tanks give it some kinetic and chemical protection
Line 203: Line 228:
  
 
* Can easily be destroyed if penetrated through the turret, direct hits three of the four total crew members
 
* Can easily be destroyed if penetrated through the turret, direct hits three of the four total crew members
−
* Stock performance is quite lackluster
+
* Stock performance is quite lacklustre
 
* Paultry 100 mm front plate
 
* Paultry 100 mm front plate
 
* Abysmally weak sides on the hull (80 mm) and worse at the back of the turret (66 mm)
 
* Abysmally weak sides on the hull (80 mm) and worse at the back of the turret (66 mm)
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</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).''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 222: Line 247:
 
== 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;''
 
* ''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.''
Line 228: Line 252:
 
== 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;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''

Revision as of 11:32, 16 November 2020

Introducing Wiki 3.0
T-55A
ussr_t_55a.png
T-55A
USSR flag.png USSR
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
8.3 8.3 8.3
Class:
Research:135 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:380 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

GarageImage T-55A.jpg


The T-55A is a rank VI Soviet medium tank with a battle rating of 8.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica".

After active development of nuclear weapons, the predecessor of T-55 (T-54) was tested against nuclear charges. It was evaluated that the crew could survive only at distances of over 700m, so it was decided to create a new tank that would have a nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protection system, or Protivoatomnaya Zashchita (PAZ). The initial designs for this tank were completed in 1956, however, that was without additional NBC protection. In 1961, the development of an NBC system began, and it was introduced in the new T-55A variant. Among other upgrades, the T-55 had an increased ammunition supply with 18 more rounds being stored in the fuel tanks.

T-55 became a replacement for Soviet heavy tanks (IS series and the T-10), something that is evident in War Thunder as well. Armour was sacrificed for better mobility and a better gun. Currently, the T-55A is one of the only vehicles at rank VI to have an APHE shell, which easily one-shots most vehicles from the sides and some from the front (notably, leopards). Unfortunately, the T-55A is relatively slow compared to other medium tanks around battle rating 8.3.

General info

Survivability and armour

X-Ray view of the T-55A, when faced frontally.

At battle ratings over 8.0, armour becomes almost obsolete. The T-55A has moderate frontal protection, with 100 mm plates for UFP and LFP placed at angles 59° and 56° respectively; effective thickness frontally comes up to ~180 mm and ~200 mm, respectively. At a perfect angle, you can bring the effective thickness to ~200 mm and ~220 mm for UFP and LFP, while having ~250 mm of protection at your angled sides. However, the additional 20 mm of armour will rarely save you from top-rank APFSDS, or even APDS, shells.

X-Ray view of the T-55A when viewed side-on.

As for the turret, the T-55A has slightly less protection than the T-62 and combined with a generally larger turret, it is generally easier for your opponents to hit and penetrate your turret. The thinnest spots are right next to the cannon breech, at 200 mm, which rather slowly becomes over 300 mm as you move further away from the breech.

Your weakest side is the right-hand side when looking at the T-55A, frontally, because 3 of your 4 crew are located in a row there. A well placed APFSDS shot to the top-right of the UFP will one-shot the T-55A, see diagram on the right.

Mobility

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 56 9 36 899 1,107 24.97 30.75
Realistic 51 8 513 580 14.25 16.11

The maximum speed that the T-55A can reach is listed as 56 km/h (AB) and 50 km/h (RB/SB). That is ~15 km/h slower than the Leopard A1A1. However, the amount of firepower that the T-55A brings to the battlefield, coupled together with the ability to withstand shots sometimes, that speed is decent. Backwards, the T-55A can go at up to -7 km/h, which won't let you back out of tricky situations often.

The T-55A cannot turn in neutral gear, which makes it difficult to manoeuvre in close-quarter encounters, which often occur in urban environments. The acceleration is good, the T-55A can get to 25 km/h from a standstill on flat, rough terrain in a few seconds, and turning is decent on flat ground.

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: D-10T2S (100 mm)

The T-55A houses a 100 mm D-10T2S rifled anti-tank gun, which is equipped with an ejector and two-plane stabilizer arms. In-game, the T-55A has a 10.3 s reload rate, which is similar to its successor, the T-62. This rate of fire doesn't allow the T-55A to rush into battle and fend off waves of Leopards or M48s/M60s, but it is sufficient to defeat one or two opponents in quick succession with good shot placements, granted you shoot first.

The stock round (3BM-8, APDS) allows the T-55A to penetrate MBT-70 and KPz-70 frontally, as well as deal with all other major threats, notably the Leopards (which you can penetrate anywhere), and Chieftains (LFP, or UFP/LFP with the APFSDS round). One of the major advantages that the T-55A has over the majority of rank VI vehicles is its APCBC shell, which has the potential to one-shot any opponent if it penetrates. It is advised to flank your enemies and when given the opportunity, easily destroy oncoming enemies with this round.

100 mm D-10T2S Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 43 -5°/+18° ±180° Two-plane 14.3 19.8 24.0 26.5 28.2 11.05 9.78 9.01 8.50
Realistic 8.9 10.5 12.8 14.1 15.0

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
3BM-8 APDS 299 298 291 272 253 249
BR-412D APCBC 239 236 223 207 192 178
3BM25 APFSDS 335 330 307 290 275 260
3BK17M HEATFS 390 390 390 390 390 390
OF-412 HE 19 19 19 19 19 19
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%
3BM-8 APDS 1,415 4.13 N/A N/A N/A 75° 78° 80°
BR-412D APCBC 887 15.9 1.2 19 93.94 48° 63° 71°
3BM25 APFSDS 1,430 3.4 N/A N/A N/A 76° 77° 80°
3BK17M HEATFS 1,085 9.96 0.05 1 1,440 65° 72° 77°
OF-412 HE 900 15.6 0.1 0.5 1,460 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)
3D3 880 15.6 20 5 25 272

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
43 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Machine guns

Main articles: DShK (12.7 mm), SGMT (7.62 mm)

The T-55A has a roof-mounted 12.7 mm DShK machine gun, which allows it to fight low-flying aircraft or helicopters. However, it is not effective against jets. It is recommended to use this machine gun against lightly armoured ground targets and to check whether or not a tank is alive or not, by shooting its tracks (which can also be done with the coaxial machine gun).

12.7 mm DShK
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 350 (50) 600 -10°/+60° ±180°
7.62 mm SGMT
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,500 (250) 600 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

The T-55A has the great option to use an APCBC shell, which can one-shot Leopards frontally, and any well-armoured vehicles side-on. Therefore, this tank should be used as a flanker, large open areas present a great opportunity to scout and take out groups of oncoming enemies. However, make sure to stay near cover and use it after every shot to minimize the chances of getting scouted and penetrated.

The weak spot that allows a one-shot. 3 of the 4 crew members can be knocked out if shooting the upper right hand corner of the UFP.

However, that does not mean that the T-55A cannot engage opponents frontally. Its APFSDS round can penetrate all vehicles at its battle rating, apart from the T-64A/T-72 (if playing mixed battles), the Chieftains (when hull-down) and the Maus (when at distance and angled).

As a rule of thumb, protect your left-hand side when looking from behind the T-55A. You have 3 crew members there that can be taken out with a single well-placed APFSDS shot (upper right corner of the UFP). Also, don't rely on your reverse speed. You can't retreat efficiently, and will likely be destroyed in a close-quarters encounter if you don't engage your opponent first.

Modules

Tier Mobility Protection Firepower
I Tracks Parts BR-412D Horizontal Drive
II Suspension Brake System FPE 3BM25 Adjustment of Fire
III Filters Crew Replenishment 3BK17M Elevation Mechanism
IV Transmission Engine ESS Artillery Support 3D3 NVD

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good mobility
  • Good gun and a wide ammo choices (APDS, APFSDS, APHE, HEATFS and smoke)
  • Roof-mounted machinegun for anti-air defence
  • Has a spall liner in the turret, lacking in the T-62, affords some protection from spalling
  • Safe ammo spot for 18 rounds near the driver in the fuel tanks give it some kinetic and chemical protection
  • Comes with a stabiliser unlike its older series the T-54

Cons:

  • Can easily be destroyed if penetrated through the turret, direct hits three of the four total crew members
  • Stock performance is quite lacklustre
  • Paultry 100 mm front plate
  • Abysmally weak sides on the hull (80 mm) and worse at the back of the turret (66 mm)

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: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

Skins
Videos
T-54/T-55 family discusses the T-55A at 1:39 - War Thunder Official Channel
T-55A - The Russian Cannon Fodder - JustinPlaysYT
T-55A - Awesome Gunfood - Napalmratte
T-55A versus M60A1 RISE (P) - War Thunder Official Channel
T-55A Tank Review - NUSensei
The Shooting Range #46 - Metal Beasts section at 05:06 discusses the T-55A.

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;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the tank;
  • other literature.


USSR medium tanks
T-28  T-28 (1938) · T-28 · T-28E
T-34-76  T-34 (Prototype) · T-34 (1940) · T-34 (1941) · T-34 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-34 (1942) · T-34E STZ · T-34E
T-34-57  T-34-57 · T-34-57 (1943)
T-34-85  T-34-85 (D-5T) · T-34-85 · T-34-85E
T-34-100  T-34-100
T-44  T-44 · T-44-100 · T-44-122
T-54  T-54 (1947) · T-54 (1949) · T-54 (1951)
T-55  TO-55 · T-55A · T-55AM-1 · T-55AMD-1
T-62  T-62 · T-62M-1
T-64  Object 435 · T-64A (1971) · T-64B
T-72  T-72A · T-72AV (TURMS-T) · T-72B · T-72B (1989) · T-72B3 · T-72M2 Moderna
T-80  T-80B · T-80U · T-80UD · T-80UK · T-80UM2 · Т-80U-Е1 · T-80BVM · Object 292
T-90  Т-90А · T-90M
Trophies/Lend-Lease 
Germany  ▂T-III · ▂T-V
Great Britain  ▂МК-IX "Valentine"
USA  ▂M3 Medium · ▂M4A2

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