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| − | {{Specs-Card|code=us_m3_lee}} | + | {{Specs-Card|code=me-262a1_u1}} |
| | {{About | | {{About |
| − | | about = American medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | + | | about = squadron German jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}''' |
| − | | usage = other uses | + | | usage = other versions |
| − | | link = M3 (Disambiguation) | + | | link = Me 262 (Family) |
| | }} | | }} |
| | | | |
| | == 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 and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft 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_M3Lee.jpg|420px|thumb|left]] | + | [[File:GarageImage_Me_262_A1a-U1.png|420px|thumb|left]] |
| | {{break}} | | {{break}} |
| − | The '''{{specs|name}}''' is a rank {{specs|rank}} American medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. This tank was one of the first American tanks to be released with the American ground tree in [[Update 1.45 "Steel Generals"]]. The M3 Lee gives the player a substantial upgrade in firepower and armour compared to the [[M2|M2 Medium]] and [[M2A4|M2 Lights]] with a combination of 37 mm and 75 mm cannon on the tank. The two guns make this tank awkward and hard to control for a new player but will give an edge when its handling and operation are mastered properly. | + | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a squadron rank {{Specs|rank}} German jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]]. It can be unlocked with 310,000 squadron activity points or 6,600 golden eagles. |
| − | | |
| − | The M3 Lee is most well recognized for its tall profile and two cannons. The suspension resembles that of the [[M4|M4 Sherman]], the only notable difference being the return rollers' positions. The hull front is also stepped into two plates, where the upper is closer to vertical. The large sponson on the right side of the tank carries the main 75 mm gun; note that with 2 crew, it is the operational gun. The 37 mm gun is in a turret, mounted with a leftward offset, and has a small MG cupola on top.
| |
| | | | |
| | == General info == | | == General info == |
| − | === Survivability and armour === | + | === Flight performance === |
| − | <!--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 how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' |
| | | | |
| − | If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.-->
| + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
| − | '''Armour type:'''
| + | ! rowspan="2" | Characteristics |
| − | | + | ! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,000 m) |
| − | *Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret roof)
| + | ! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres) |
| − | *Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area)
| + | ! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds) |
| − | | + | ! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second) |
| − | {| class="wikitable"
| + | ! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres) |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof | + | ! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | Hull || 38.1 mm (54°) ''Front Glacis'' <br> 50.8 mm (15-55°) ''Transmission area'' <br> 50.8 mm (29°) ''Driver port'' <br> 38.1 mm (0-57°) ''Hull gun mount'' || 38.1 mm (0-22°) ''Top'' <br> 38.1 mm ''Bottom'' || 38.1 mm (1-14°) ''Top'' <br> 38.1 mm (15-53°) ''Bottom'' || 12.7 mm | + | ! Stock |
| | + | | 825 || 798 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.4 || 30.4 || 16.2 || 15.3 || rowspan="2" | 750 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | Turret || 50.8 mm (11-65°) ''Turret front'' <br> 38.1 mm (1-82°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 50.8 mm (0-66°) || 50.8 mm (1-54°) || 22.2 mm | + | ! Upgraded |
| − | |-
| + | | ??? || 865 || ??.? || 28.0 || ??.? || 19.5 |
| − | ! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Roof
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | | Cupola || 50.8 mm || 50.8 mm || 50.8 mm
| |
| | |- | | |- |
| | |} | | |} |
| − | '''Notes:'''
| |
| − |
| |
| − | * Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, bogies are 10 mm thick, and tracks are 17 mm thick.
| |
| − | * Hull doors and vision ports are 38.1 mm thick.
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| − |
| |
| − | When combating this tank, avoid its 75 mm gun by flanking the vehicle, then get in close and hug the sides or rear of the vehicle to prevent them from turning and going under the 37 mm's depression range. Aim for the large superstructure, a solid penetration will knock out all 6 crew members or make the ammunition combust. Note that firing through the side hatch will usually destroy the tank in a single shot, owing to the lack of sloping and ammunition storage.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | === Mobility ===
| |
| − | <!-- ''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= 620|rbMinHp= 354|<!--AoAweight=(optional) -->}}
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| − |
| |
| − | == Armaments ==
| |
| − | === 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.-->
| |
| − | {{main|M5 (37 mm)}}
| |
| | | | |
| | + | ==== Details ==== |
| | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! colspan="6" | [[M5 (37 mm)|37 mm M5]] | + | ! colspan="6" | Features |
| − | |-
| |
| − | ! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
| |
| − | ! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
| |
| − | ! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
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| − | ! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | | colspan="3" | 179 || -7°/+60° || ±180° || Vertical
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | ! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
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| − | |-
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| − | ! style="width:4em" |Mode
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| − | ! style="width:4em" |Stock
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| − | ! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
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| − | ! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
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| − | ! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
| |
| − | ! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
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| − | |-
| |
| − | | ''Arcade'' || 10.70 || 14.80 || 18.00 || 19.90 || 21.20
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| − | |-
| |
| − | | ''Realistic'' || 10.70 || 12.60 || 15.30 || 16.92 || 18.0
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | ! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
| |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock | + | ! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute |
| − | ! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew | |
| − | ! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif. | |
| − | ! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif. | |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | 3.77 || 3.33 || 3.07 || 2.90 | + | | ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X || X <!-- ✓ --> |
| | |- | | |- |
| | |} | | |} |
| | | | |
| − | ===== Ammunition =====
| + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
| − | {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%" | |
| − | ! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
| |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
| + | ! colspan="7" | Limits |
| − | ! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
| |
| − | ! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°''' | |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! 10m | + | ! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h) |
| − | ! 100m | + | ! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h) |
| − | ! 500m | + | ! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h) |
| − | ! 1000m | + | ! colspan="2" | Max Static G |
| − | ! 1500m
| |
| − | ! 2000m
| |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | M74B1 || AP || 78 || 76 || 65 || 54 || 44 || 37
| + | ! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! - |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | M51B1/B2 || APC || 78 || 76 || 65 || 54 || 44 || 37 | + | | {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 580 || 580 || 380 || ~10 || ~4 |
| − | |-
| |
| − | |}
| |
| − | {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
| |
| − | ! colspan="11" | Shell details
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | ! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
| |
| − | ! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
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| − | ! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
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| − | ! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
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| − | ! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
| |
| − | ''in m:''
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| − | ! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
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| − | ''in mm:''
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| − | ! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
| |
| − | ! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
| |
| − | ! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
| |
| − | |-
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| − | ! 0%
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| − | ! 50%
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| − | ! 100%
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | | M74B1 || AP || 883 || 0.87 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1° || 47° || 60° || 65°
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | | M51B1/B2 || APC || 883 || 0.87 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
| |
| | |- | | |- |
| | |} | | |} |
| − |
| |
| − | ===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
| |
| − | [[File:Ammoracks_M3Lee.png|right|thumbnail|400px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the M3 Lee.]]
| |
| − | {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br />ammo
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| − | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br />rack empty
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| − | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br />rack empty
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| − | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br />rack empty
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| − | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br />rack empty
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| − | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th<br />rack empty
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| − | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |6th<br />rack empty
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| − | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |7th<br />rack empty
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| − | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |8th<br />rack empty
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| − | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |9th<br />rack empty
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| − | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |10th<br />rack empty
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| − | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |11th<br />rack empty
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| − | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |12th<br />rack empty
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| − | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |13th<br />rack empty
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| − | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |14th<br />rack empty
| |
| − | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br />discrepancy
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | | '''179''' || 176 ''(+3)'' || 172 ''(+7)'' || 168 ''(+11)'' || 160 ''(+19)''|| 153 ''(+26)''|| 148 ''(+31)'' || 140 ''(+39)'' || 133 ''(+46)'' || 129 ''(+50)'' || 116 ''(+63)'' || 105 ''(+50)'' || 63 ''(+116)'' || 21 ''(+158)'' || 1 ''(+178)''|| Yes
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | |}
| |
| − |
| |
| − | === Additional armament ===
| |
| − | <!--Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.-->
| |
| − | {{main|M2 (75 mm)}}
| |
| | | | |
| | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! colspan="6" | [[M2 (75 mm)|75 mm M2]] | + | ! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h) |
| − | |-
| |
| − | ! colspan="6" | ''Hull mount''
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| − | |-
| |
| − | ! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
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| − | ! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
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| − | ! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
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| − | ! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | | colspan="3" | 50 || -9°/+20° || ±15° || Vertical
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| − | |-
| |
| − | ! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
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| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock | + | ! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator |
| − | ! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew | |
| − | ! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert Qualif. | |
| − | ! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace Qualif. | |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | 6.50 || 5.75 || 5.30 || 5.00 | + | | < 500 || < 600 || < 680 || N/A |
| | |- | | |- |
| | |} | | |} |
| | | | |
| − | ===== Ammunition ===== | + | ==== Engine performance ==== |
| − | {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%" | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
| − | ! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
| |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition | + | ! colspan="3" | Engine |
| − | ! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
| + | ! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass |
| − | ! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°''' | |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! 10m | + | ! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number |
| − | ! 100m | + | ! colspan="3" | Empty mass || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel) |
| − | ! 500m
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| − | ! 1000m
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| − | ! 1500m
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| − | ! 2000m
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| | |- | | |- |
| − | | M72 shot || AP ||84||82||73||62||53||46 | + | | colspan="2" | Junkers Jumo 004B-1 || 2 |
| | + | | colspan="3" | 4,550 kg || colspan="3" | 300 kg/m<sup>2</sup> |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | M48 shell || HE || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10 | + | ! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics |
| | + | ! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br/>Weight |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | M62 shot || APCBC ||96||94||84||73||63||55 | + | ! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type |
| − | |-
| + | ! 16m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 53m fuel |
| − | |}
| |
| − | {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
| |
| − | ! colspan="11" | Shell details
| |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
| + | | 720 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet |
| − | ! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
| + | | 5,164 kg || 5,311 kg || 5,679 kg || 6,231 kg || 6,525 kg || 6,520 kg |
| − | ! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
| |
| − | ! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
| |
| − | ! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
| |
| − | ''in m:''
| |
| − | ! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
| |
| − | ''in mm:''
| |
| − | ! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
| |
| − | ! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
| |
| − | ! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
| |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! 0% | + | ! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}} |
| − | ! 50%
| + | ! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%) |
| − | ! 100% | |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | M72 shot || AP || 588 || 6.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1° || 47° || 60° || 65° | + | ! Condition || 100% || WEP |
| | + | ! 16m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 53m fuel || MTOW |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | M48 shell || HE || 448 || 6.3 || 0.4 || 0.5 || 666 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81° | + | | ''Stationary'' || 910 kgf || N/A |
| | + | | 0.35 || 0.34 || 0.32 || 0.29 || 0.28 || 0.28 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | M62 shot || APCBC || 588 || 6.8 || 1.2 || 20 || 63.7 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71° | + | | ''Optimal'' || 910 kgf<br/>(0 km/h) || N/A |
| − | |-
| + | | 0.35 || 0.34 || 0.32 || 0.29 || 0.28 || 0.28 |
| − | |}
| |
| − | {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
| |
| − | ! colspan="7" | Smoke characteristic
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | ! Ammunition
| |
| − | ! Velocity <br /> in m/s
| |
| − | ! Projectile<br />Mass in kg
| |
| − | ! ''Screen radius <br /> in m''
| |
| − | ! ''Screen time <br /> in s''
| |
| − | ! ''Screen hold time <br /> in s:''
| |
| − | ! ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
| |
| − | |- | |
| − | | M89 || 259 || 3 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50 | |
| | |- | | |- |
| | |} | | |} |
| | | | |
| − | ===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] ===== | + | === Survivability and armour === |
| − | {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
| + | <!--''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''--> |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br />ammo
| + | * 15 mm Steel - Behind the pilot |
| − | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br />rack empty
| + | * 15 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest |
| − | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br />rack empty
| + | * 15 mm Steel - Between cockpit and fore fuel tank |
| − | ! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br />discrepancy | + | * 15 mm Steel - Instrument panel plate |
| − | |-
| + | * 16 mm Steel x 2 - Ammunition protection plates |
| − | | '''50''' || 10 ''(+40)'' || 1 ''(+49)'' || No
| + | * 90 mm Bulletproof glass |
| − | |-
| + | |
| − | |}
| + | == Armaments == |
| | + | === Offensive armament === |
| | + | <!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' --> |
| | + | {{main|MK 103 (30 mm)|MK 108 (30 mm)|MG 151/20 (20 mm)}} |
| | | | |
| − | === Machine guns ===
| + | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: |
| − | <!--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|Browning (7.62 mm)}} | |
| | | | |
| − | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
| + | * 2 x 30 mm MK 103 cannons, nose-mounted (72 rpg = 144 total) |
| − | |-
| + | * 2 x 30 mm MK 108 cannons, nose-mounted (66 rpg = 132 total) |
| − | ! colspan="7" | [[Browning (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
| + | * 2 x 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons, nose-mounted (146 rpg = 292 total) |
| − | |-
| |
| − | ! colspan="7" | ''Commander cupola mount''
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | ! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
| |
| − | ! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
| |
| − | ! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
| |
| − | ! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | | colspan="4" | 3,000 (250) || 500 || -10°/+60° || ±180°
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | ! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | ! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
| |
| − | ! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
| |
| − | ! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
| |
| − | ! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
| |
| − | |-
| |
| − | | colspan="4" | 3,000 (250) || 500 || 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 aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a 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. Examine 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 multiple cannons allow for different combinations of attack. The 37 mm gun on the full 360° traverse turret allows for a diverse role on the M3, with its high-velocity and effective round for long-range fighting, but with a fast reload for close-quarter encounters. The 75 mm on the sponson mount has the same penetration level as the 37 mm, but with a very high post-penetration damage with the right ammo at the cost of lower velocity, and thus a shorter battle range. The limited traverse on the 75 mm mount also means it is not as flexible as the turreted 37 mm. With these two cannon, the M3 Lee can focus on close-range combat with the two cannons fighting a single tank or engage two separate tanks at a longer range. Closer range combat is supported by the M3's adequate sloped frontal armour, able to withstand most enemy fire at its battle rating. It is recommended to set the keys to allow separate firing of the cannons for maximum effectiveness.
| |
| | | | |
| − | Still, different guns mean different styles of play. The M3 can also play as a tank destroyer, using its sponson gun to take shots at medium range and it's 37 mm to cover the flanks and make longer range snipe shots. The M3 Lee can also be used as an assault tank, quickly advancing on points while switching between the powerful 75 mm gun and the faster-firing 37 mm. It is also possible to completely ignore the 37 mm and focus solely on the 75 mm as it is a far more effective gun with its HE filler in its APCBC, as well as being easier to manage for newer players. In all game modes, the weapons should be assigned to different keys, this will allow the tank to aim using the sights of the three guns separately, allowing more accurate targeting at ranges, especially for the 75 mm gun. Since the 75 mm is in a side sponson, it is also possible to approach cover to where only the 37 mm is showing, allowing the tank to fire with most of the tank's profile hidden.
| + | As a modified [[Me 262 A-1a]], its role in the battle has not changed that much. The added cannons make the plane more capable at its battle rating, with a single burst it will obliterate any opponent in its path. |
| | | | |
| − | Being at BR 2.7, the M3 Lee has a possibility of facing long-barrelled [[Pz.III L|Pz.Kpfw. III]], and [[Pz.IV F2|Pz.Kpfw. IV]], as well as [[T-34 (1941)|T-34]]s and [[Sd.Kfz.234/2]]. The ZiS-30 is also very deadly, as its gun is competitive even at 5.7. The 75 mm gun can reliable penetrate all of these tanks at short range (save the T-34), whereas the 37 mm will require some particular shot placement. Another particular enemy worth noting is the Sd.Kfz.234/2 "Puma". This light tank mounts a 50mm KwK.39/1 cannon which can easily penetrate your armor all around. You should try to angle the tank in a way that the shells will just slide harmlessly off. Another tactic is to only expose your turret, that way, you can minimize the amount of damage dealt to you.
| + | === Modules === |
| − | ===Modules=== | |
| | {| class="wikitable" | | {| class="wikitable" |
| − | !Tier | + | ! Tier |
| − | ! colspan="2" |Mobility | + | ! colspan="2" | Flight performance |
| − | !Protection | + | ! Survivability |
| − | ! colspan="2" |Firepower | + | ! colspan="2" | Weaponry |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | |I | + | | I |
| − | |Tracks|| | + | | Fuselage repair |
| − | |Parts | + | | |
| − | |Horizontal Drive | + | | |
| − | |M51B1/B2 | + | | Offensive 20 mm |
| | + | | Offensive 30 mm |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | |II | + | | II |
| − | |Suspension||Brake System | + | | |
| − | |FPE | + | | Compressor |
| − | |Adjustment of Fire | + | | Airframe |
| − | |M61 shot | + | | New 20 mm cannons |
| | + | | |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | |III | + | | III |
| − | |Filters|| | + | | Wings repair |
| − | |Crew Replenishment
| |
| − | |Elevation Mechanism
| |
| | | | | | |
| | + | | |
| | + | | Offensive 30 mm |
| | + | | New 30 mm cannons |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | |IV | + | | IV |
| − | |Transmission||Engine | + | | |
| | + | | Engine |
| | + | | Cover |
| | + | | New 30 mm cannons |
| | | | | | |
| − | |Artillery Support
| |
| − | |M89
| |
| | |- | | |- |
| | |} | | |} |
| | + | |
| | === 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 the 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:''' | |
| | | | |
| − | * Ability to use two guns: a 37mm and a 75mm - which is unique as well as useful at this rank | + | * Outstanding amount of nose battery of 6 auto cannons |
| − | * Acceptable frontal armour
| + | * Obliterates any plane |
| − | * Side mounted 75mm gives the ability for some unique tactics | + | * Decent energy retention (compared to other contemporary aircraft) |
| − | * 75mm gun is comparable to the ones mounted on the later Sherman tanks | + | * Only a slight difference in flight performance compared to the [[Me 262 A-1a]] |
| − | * Despite the tall profile, the "wedding cake" design of the turret has thick sloped armour, providing extra protection to make up for its height | + | * Good roll rate at low speeds |
| − | * 6 crew members, harder to fully knock-out
| + | * Fairly manoeuvrable at low speeds compared to early jets |
| − | * Has three different turrets. The 75 mm sponson, the 37 mm, and the .30 cal mounted above the 37 mm turret, and all of them can be controlled differently through key mapping | |
| − | * Very effective when using weapon selection as one turret can cover the other when it's reloading | |
| − | * 75mm is good for stationary
| |
| | | | |
| | '''Cons:''' | | '''Cons:''' |
| | | | |
| − | * Tall profile, big target | + | * Lack of mounted armaments |
| − | * Losing crew members means losing functionality of one of the turrets | + | * Rather slow compared to most other jets |
| − | * 75mm sponson weapon does not allow for hull-down combat | + | * Bad acceleration |
| − | * Tall position of turret restricts gun depression | + | * Not very nimble at high speeds |
| − | * Slow traverse speeds make it easy for a light or a particularly speedy medium tank to sneak around the sides | + | * Poor rate of climb |
| − | * Weak-side armour | + | * Poor turn rate |
| − | * Very awkward to use for new players | + | * Fuel feed cuts off if flying with inverted G-loads for an extended period of time |
| − | * Driver's port is a weak spot
| + | * Very exposed engines that are very susceptible to damage. |
| | | | |
| | == 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>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).--> | + | <!--Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).--> |
| | | | |
| − | ===Development===
| + | The Me 262A-1a / U1 is a modification of the world's first mass produced jet fighter, the German [[Me 262 A-1a|Me 262]] ‘Schwalbe’. The armament of the A-1 sub-serie, being four 30mm MK.108 auto cannons, had a number of drawbacks, such as cycle failures and complex heavy shell ballistics. For these reasons, engineers experimented with different variations as to the weaponry, including a reinforced cannon battery. As such, the Me.262A-1a/U1 modification was created as part of this program. German engineers managed to fit 6 autocannons in the nose: 2x20mm MG.151/20, 2x30mm stock version MK.108, and 2x30mm MK.103 guns. For the latter, they developed shells with a higher initial speed, and the guns themselves had a longer barrel length than the MK.108, as well as an effective muzzle brake - all to improve the ballistics of the heavy shells. They built a prototype (according to other sources, there were three units), but the project was not entered into mass production. However, one example was flown by one of the most effective jet aces of World War II, Heinz Bär, who flew it at the end of April 1945, and with it, even shot down several Thunderbolts in the skies over Germany. |
| − | The current main tank in US inventory in 1940 was the [[M2|M2 medium tank]], but the Battle of France showed that such a tank was not going to be capable to go up against the German [[Pz.III F|Panzer IIIs]] and [[Pz.IV F1|Panzer IVs]] and their Panzer Divisions. With the Western Allies now embroiled in the North African campaign against the Germans and Italians, the Allies needed a good tank capable of going against the Panzer tanks, and they needed it quickly.<ref name="ZalogaM3Med">Zaloga Steven. ''M3 Lee/Grant Medium Tank 1941-45'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2005</ref> | |
| | | | |
| − | The new tank design took elements from the M2 Medium, using the chassis and its VVSS suspension system. Part of the requirement for the new tank was to mount the more powerful 75 mm cannon. However, it was discovered that the United States does not have a turret design that could mount the 75 mm gun. Turret development would take time, and a new tank capable of fighting the Germans was needed by the British, which the Americans were building tanks for even though the United States was not yet at war. Taking elements from French designs such as the Char B1, with its two cannon mounts, the American designers decided that the 75 mm, if it couldn't yet be mounted on a turret, should be mounted on a sponson design on the hull. This design was tested on the M2 medium tank as the ''T5E2''. It was always considered a stopgap, using the same chassis as the future M4 Sherman to minimize issues with transition when the new design was ready. Ordnance approved it as combat-capable and the design was approved as the '''M3 Medium'''. The M3 Medium design had two cannons, the 75 mm on the hull sponson mount, and a 37 mm with a coaxial machine gun on a turret, a cupola on the turret had its own machine gun. The M3 Lee's 75 mm gun, however, presented a huge advantage over contemporary tank armaments as the 75 mm could fire high-explosive rounds for fortifications and artillery pieces, yet could fire a shell with a high enough velocity for anti-tank purposes.
| + | ''- From [[wt:en/news/6386-development-squadron-vehicles-me-262a-1a-u1-en|Devblog]]'' |
| − | | |
| − | The M3 design's faults were the high profile and the sponson mount for its armament. The M3 was 10 ft. 3 in. tall, a foot taller than the M2 medium tank. The 75 mm on a sponson mount meant that the main armament of the tank had a limited traverse compared to a rotatable turret and forced the tank to reveal much of its body in order to aim the gun at the enemy. The M3 Medium was also constructed out of rivets (which increased spalling) and had a smooth track design which reduced ground traction. Despite these disadvantages, the Allies happily accepted them as they were critically low on tanks, and German Colonel Hans von Luck considered them superior to the [[Pz.IV E|Panzer IV]]s from his experience in Africa.
| |
| − | | |
| − | The initial batch of M3s were given to the British for their campaign for North Africa. The original British M3s had a radio in the turret, a new cast turret with room for radio, and the turret cupola and cupola machine gun was replaced with a simple hatch. The modified M3 also required one less crew member due to the radio now being in the turret for the commander rather than for a radio operator. The British ordered 1,250 of these modified M3 medium tanks, which they called the Grant. Additional tanks built and sent to the UK later with the original US model turret were called the Lee.
| |
| − | | |
| − | On August 1941, production officially started on the M3 Mediums, though the armour was thicker than initials batches of the tank due to its combat experiences. A majority of these were completed at Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Of the total 6,258 M3s built between startup to the end of production in December 1942, 2,855 units went to the British and 1,386 went to the Soviet Union. Other users of the M3 were the Australians and Indians in the India-Burma Theater. The M3 Mediums arriving in British arsenal caused confusion as the same "M3" designation was given to the [[M3 Stuart|M3 Light Tank]], plus there were two different design types of the M3 Mediums. This set off the tradition of naming American tanks after generals, where the M3 medium tank earned the ''Lee'' for the initial Americans design, [[Grant I|''Grant'']] for the British redesign, and the M3 light tank and its [[M5A1|successors]] earned the ''Stuart''.
| |
| − | | |
| − | Only 1,400 M3s were kept by the US. Three US crews, sent to help the British with training on the new tanks, had fought in British M3s at the battle of Gazala in June, 1942, with the 1st Royal Tank Regiment. In the US North Africa landings and Tunisia campaign later that year, two battalions of the US 13th Armored Regiment (1st Armored Division) also used M3s, until replaced with Shermans. By the end of the Tunisia campaign in May 1943, all M3s had been taken out of US service in Europe.
| |
| − | | |
| − | ===Combat usage===
| |
| − | Combat experience with the M3 Lee was complicated but favourable. In Africa, the Lees and Grants in British and American service surprised the German forces when they could withstand the [[KwK 38 (50 mm)|50 mm KwK 38 L/42 gun]] and [[KwK 37 (75 mm)|75 mm KwK 37 L/24 howitzer]] armament on the Panzer IIIs and Panzer IVs. The M3 proved reliable and adequate in armour protection in British and American service. The Soviet's experience with the M3 was less favourable, as their T-34 tanks were much better in combat performance. The Soviets euphemistically called it a "grave for six men" and their Lee tanks were relegated to the secondary fronts or repurposed as armoured personnel carriers. In the Pacific, the M3s were lent to the Australians and Indians, which proved vastly superior to the Japanese tanks in service. The high gun elevation on its 37 mm turret and machine guns proved effective in knocking Japanese snipers off from trees. The only American use of the M3 Lee at the Pacific Theater was during the Battle of Makin Island by the 193rd Tank Battalion in November, 1943.
| |
| − | | |
| − | The M3 served fine as a stop-gap solution for the American tank development. They performed very well on the combat field and proved very reliable. However, once a 75 mm turret was finally designed, the M3 was redesigned to use it, and the resulting tank was the [[M4|M4 Sherman]], which will go on to replace the M3 tanks in the Allies as they are withdrawn from service. Even if it wasn't, the M3 was becoming obsolete due to newer German tanks being deployed, such as the [[Panther D|Panther]], [[Tiger H1|Tiger I]], or improvement of old chassis like the [[Pz.IV G|Panzer IV Ausf. G]] and [[StuG III F|StuG III Ausf. F]]. Its obsolescence was a consequence of its own rather unique development and anachronistic design, limiting this medium tank's service life to a mere two years in Allied hands. However, it lived on until the end of World War II in some modifications such as tractor and recovery vehicle. The chassis and running gear were adapted by the Canadians to develop their [[M4A5|''Ram'' medium tank]].<ref name="ZalogaM3Med" />
| |
| − | | |
| − | ===An anecdote===
| |
| − | | |
| − | ::"The 75 (mm gun) is firing. The 37 (mm gun) is firing, but it is traversed around the wrong way. The Browning (machine gun) is jammed. I am saying ‘Driver advance’ on the A set and the driver, who can’t hear me, is reversing. And as I look over the top of the turret and see twelve enemy tanks fifty yards away, someone hands me a cheese sandwich.” —''British Lieutenant Ken Giles, tank commander of a M3 Grant''<ref name="GrantAnecdote">Bell, Chris. "Fury: All You Need to Know about Life in a Tank." The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group, 24 Oct. 2014. Web. 12 Jan. 2017. [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/11167575/Fury-all-you-need-to-know-about-life-in-a-tank.html Website]</ref>
| |
| − | | |
| − | === In-game description ===
| |
| − | "The M3 was created based on the M2 medium tank, using almost all its components and powertrain assemblies in addition to its transmission and running gear. The tank offered a multi-tiered armament configuration and, as the first American tank armed with a 75 mm cannon, represented an important step forward in the development of tank design in the US.
| |
| − |
| |
| − | In 1940 the Ordnance Department brought up requirements for a new medium tank, primary among them being a 75 mm weapon. The 2,134 mm long T7 75 mm cannon met the requirement as a modified version of the T6 cannon, which was designed for standard ammunition from 1897. The modernized weapon was designated the M2, and installing it had a positive impact on the tank's firepower. On the other hand, mounting it in a side sponson greatly limited its arc of fire. The gun could only be moved horizontally by hand and was limited to 15° in either direction.
| |
| − | | |
| − | The next weapon modification was the M3 cannon. Its barrel length was extended to 2,810 mm, which both boosted initial shell velocity from 564 m/s to 610 m/s and eliminated the need for a counterweight.
| |
| − | | |
| − | The M3 used a riveted hull, while its configuration featured a forward-sitting transmission, battle compartment in the middle, and engine bay in the back. The tank's outline was quite exotic as a result of trying to combine comfort for the crew and high firepower.
| |
| − | | |
| − | The first modification was under full-scale production from April 1941 to August 1942, with five companies building a total of 4,924 units.
| |
| − | The M3 Lee launched its combat career in North Africa in 1942. Deliveries were also made to the USSR via Lend-Lease for use on the Eastern Front from 1942 to 1943."
| |
| | | | |
| | == 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.'' --> |
| | | | |
| − | ;Skins | + | ;Images |
| − | * [http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23M3_Lee Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
| + | <div><ul> |
| | + | <li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Me 262A-1a U1 WTWallpaper 001.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li> |
| | + | <li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Me 262A-1a U1 WTWallpaper 002.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li> |
| | + | <li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Me 262A-1a U1 WTWallpaper 003.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li> |
| | + | </ul></div> |
| | | | |
| | ;Videos | | ;Videos |
| − | {{Youtube-gallery|RyA5KcS2hAw|'''Multi-turreted Tanks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 2:31 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|ly9JS6errQQ|'''Best secondary armaments''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 5:41 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}} | + | {{Youtube-gallery|V7WNaq8wiqQ|'''Me 262 A1a/U1 - Squadron Vehicle Overview''' - ''Bacongaming''|n7R9ix6KSfY|''' The Germans were NUTS - Me 262 A1a/U1''' - ''PhlyDaily''|bxalaBFUfb8|'''The Shooting Range #174''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:45 discusses the Me 262 "Schwalbe".|d5k2T9FP0bQ|'''Avoid them in frontal attack!''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 2:33 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}} |
| | | | |
| | == 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 aircraft;'' |
| | * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' | | * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' |
| | | | |
| | == 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 aircraft;'' |
| | * ''other literature.''--> | | * ''other literature.''--> |
| | + | * [[wt:en/news/6386-development-squadron-vehicles-me-262a-1a-u1-en|[Development<nowiki>]</nowiki> Squadron vehicles: Me 262A-1a/U1]] |
| | | | |
| − | * [https://warthunder.com/en/news/2658/current/ [Historical<nowiki>]</nowiki> Steel Generals: M3 Lee]
| + | {{AirManufacturer BFW}} |
| − | * [http://warthunder.com/en/devblog/current/712/ [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Developers about M3 Lee]
| + | {{Germany jet aircraft}} |
| − | | + | {{Germany squadron aircraft}} |
| − | {{USA medium tanks}} | |
| − | <references />
| |
