Difference between pages "M4A3E2 (76) W" and "Radkampfwagen 90"

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{{Specs-Card|code=us_m4a3e2_76w_sherman_jumbo}}
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{{Specs-Card|code=germ_radpanzer_90}}
{{About
 
| about = heavy tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| and
 
| usage = similar vehicles
 
| link-1 = M4A3E2
 
| link-2 = M4A3E2 (France)
 
}}
 
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
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<!-- ''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_M4A3E2(76)W.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
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{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.45 "Steel Generals"]] in the initial batch of US vehicles available at launch. Taking from its predecessor, the [[M4A3E2|M4A3E2]], it is improved with a more powerful 76 mm cannon that allows it to take on the majority of Rank III and some of the Rank IV tanks. As a side note, the nickname "Jumbo" was likely never used during WWII, as there is no record of it. However, its use both on the Wiki and In-Game is still prevalent.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]].
 
 
The M4A3E2 (76) W Jumbo is an all-around good tank with no major limitations or advantages, with average speed, manoeuvrability and thick frontal armour, making it a 'jack of all trades tank' equally good in defensive tactics as well as offensive tactics. staying behind good cover, exposing only the thick gun mantlet and engaging targets in long range, or offensive tactics. It's 2 main advantage is that it has a fast firing 76 mm gun, combined with high penetration rounds,and it can be used to quickly disable and overwhelm otherwise heavier targets. Its armour is also excellent - the hull armour is just 1 mm short of the [[Tiger H1|Tiger I]]'s hull, and that is not even taking into account the sloping, making the hull next to impossible to penetrate frontally, and your sides are also up armoured, so unlike the Shermans, your angling will not cause you to be shot through the side. Angling with this tank will make you nearly indestructible to enemy fire. Compare this to the very tough Tiger I at the same battle rating. Beware, your hull is not up armoured from the rear, and most rounds at it's BR will set the engine on fire, and some will even go into the fighting compartment. You should also beware that you are not always indestructible, and things like the [[Tiger II (P)|Tiger II (P)]] will penetrate you, even when angled. Another final thing to keep in mind is that despite you mainly fighting other 5.7 vehicles like [[Panther D|Panthers]], the battle rating will sometimes get you up against tougher opponents like the [[T-44]] and the dreaded [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II (H)]], and if in arcade, even the terrifying [[T29|T29]].
 
  
 
== 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?''
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<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 +
The Radkampfwagen 90, being a light tank, is surprisingly survivable. When talking about the survivability of this vehicle, it is best to separate the tank into two parts, the turret, and the hull.
 +
 
 +
'''The Hull'''
 +
 
 +
The hull of the Radkampfwagen 90 is the weakest part of the tank. While the hull does have "spaced armour", this is deceiving, as this will only protect you from HESH shells, and at 9.0, HESH is effectively useless, and in any case, most players will not be using it as their main shell. When hit by HEATFS, the hull of the Radwagen is very prone to hullbreak, but when hit with APFSDS, the tank can possibly survive a few hits, as long as the ammo is not detonated. In conclusion, the Radwagen's hull, at least from the front, can protect against non-apfsds autocannons, but the sides will be easily penned by even the Russian 14.5mms, and the rear by American .50 cals.
  
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
+
'''The Turret'''
'''Armour type:'''  
 
  
*Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Roof)
+
The turret of the Radkampfwagen 90 is surprisingly bouncy and well armored. It features, at least on the front and sides, spaced armour, but as mentioned before, this will only protect you from HESH rounds. However, the turret of the Radwagen is very hard to hullbreak, even when using HEATFS. The turret face also features many weird angles, that have the possibility of richocheting enemy rounds off of the sides. Another thing to note is that because of the large amounts of empty space in the turret, coupled with the lower damage of modern rounds, can allow you to survive multiple hits to the turret, even sometimes with enemy shells doing no damage. However, as with any armour, this should never be relied on, and should only be used as a last ditch effort.
*Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area)
 
  
{| class="wikitable"
+
'''In conclusion, you can take hits sometimes, but in any case, it is better to not get spotted or hit in the first place, and to get the first shot off'''
|-
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
| Hull || 63.5 + 38.1 mm (47°) || 76.2 mm || 38.1 mm || 19.5 mm
 
|-
 
| Turret || 177.8 mm || 152.4 mm || 152.4 mm || 25.4 mm
 
|}
 
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 646|rbMinHp= 442|<!--AoAweight=(optional) -->}}
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1286|rbMinHp= 734}}
  
 
== 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 flexibilty of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
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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.'' -->
{{main|M1 (76 mm)}}
+
{{main|L7A3 (105 mm)}}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
The L7A3 105 mm gun mounted on the Radkampfwagen 90 is the same as the gun that the Leopard 1 series uses, and is the same in many aspects. Similar to the Leopard A1A1, the gun is equipped with a two-plane stabilizer allowing for firing on the move. The gun also has faster targeting speed at 5.1 degrees per second compared the the Leopard 1's 3.1 degrees per second in the vertical plane, but the turret traverse speed of the Radwagen, or horizontal targeting speed, certainly leaves something to be desired. A unique thing about this particular L7 is that it fires one of the best L7 APFSDS shells in the game, with higher penetration than even the first Rheinmetall 120 mm L44 APFSDS shell.
|-
+
 
! colspan="6" | [[M1 (76 mm)|76 mm M1]]
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
+
! colspan="5" | [[L7A3 (105 mm)|105 mm L7A3]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan="3" | 71 || -10°/+25° || ±180° || Vertical
+
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
+
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 42 || rowspan="2" | -9°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 22.8 || 31.62 || 38.4 || __.__ || 45.18 || rowspan="2" | 8.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.7 || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | 6.7
 
|-
 
|-
! style="width:4em" |Mode
+
! ''Realistic''
! style="width:4em" |Stock
+
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || __.__ || 24.0
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
| ''Arcade'' || 14.28 || 19.80 || 24.0 || 26.60 || 28.20
 
|-
 
| ''Realistic'' || 14.28 || 16.80 || 20.4 || 22.60 || 24.00
 
|-
 
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
| 7.67 || 6.78 || 6.25 || 5.90
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
===== 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" 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
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
+
! 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
 
 
|-
 
|-
| M62 Shell || APCBC || 149 || 146 || 133 || 119 || 106 || 95
+
| DM12 || HEATFS || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400
 
|-
 
|-
| M42A1 Shell || HE || 7 || 7 || 7 || 7 || 7 || 7
+
| DM23 || APFSDS || 337 || 335 || 330 || 322 || 314 || 306
 
|-
 
|-
| M79 Shot || AP || 155 || 154 || 131 || 107 || 88 || 72
+
| DM33 || APFSDS || 408 || 405 || 398 || 389 || 379 || 370
 
|-
 
|-
| M93 Shot || APCR || 221 || 215 || 203 || 181 || 154 || 124
+
| DM502 || HESH || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
{| 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%
 
 
|-
 
|-
| M62 Shell || APCBC || 792 || 7 || 1.2 || 20 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
+
| DM12 || HEATFS || 1,173 || 10.5 || N/A || 0.1 || 1,271 || 65° || 72° || 77°
 
|-
 
|-
| M42A1 Shell || HE || 800 || 5.8 || 0.4 || 0.5 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
+
| DM23 || APFSDS || 1,455 || 3.79 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
|-
| M79 Shot || AP || 792 || 6.8 || N/A || N/A || -1° || 47° || 60° || 65°
+
| DM33 || APFSDS || 1,455 || 3.79 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
|-
| M93 Shot || APCR || 1036 || 4.3 || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 66° || 70° || 72°
+
| DM502 || HESH || 732 || 14.85 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 4,306 || 73° || 77° || 80°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
+
 
! colspan="7" | Smoke characteristic
+
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! Ammunition
+
! Full<br>ammo
! Velocity <br /> in m/s
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
! Projectile<br />Mass in kg
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
! ''Screen radius <br /> in m''
+
! 3rd<br>rack empty
! ''Screen time <br /> in s''
+
! 4th<br>rack empty
! ''Screen hold time <br /> in s:''
+
! 5th<br>rack empty
! ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
+
! 6th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
| M88 || 274 || 3.4 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
+
| '''42''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
=====Ammo types=====
+
==== [[Optics]] ====
'''M62 Shot''' - M62 shot is the standard stock shell of the M4A3E2(76)W. With a 149 mm top penetration, it usually won't be able to destroy heavy opponents or tank destroyers it will see at it's BR/rank from the front, however, the armour makes up for it to have more time looking for a good shot. Although this is the stock shell it is quite handy, and can deal with many of the opponents at its BR, if you know where to aim. For one thing, this shell can destroy most cannon barrels with a direct hit, but this should not be your go-to in most situations.
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} Optics
'''M42A1 Shot''' - This is the HE shell of the M4A3E2(76)W. With a 7mm penetration at all ranges, it's best to use this when fighting AA trucks or other lower-armoured tanks. It's advised to only carry 0-5 of these shells as you won't really need them, but they're useful for when a pesky AA truck comes around the corner and shoots your cannon barrel off when your firing APCR at it.
+
|-
 
+
!
'''M79 Shot''' - The M79 shot is a clear upgrade from the M62 shot, with more than 30mm more penetration, this will pack a punch. However, you will need to make sure you know your enemy tank's guts, as this does not fragment nor have a HE filler, and will rely on your aiming skills to destroy the core components of a tank. Just like the M93 shot, this tank shell will not explode in the tank, but rather go straight through. It's best to carry these shells instead of the M62, but when you get the upgrade to M93 don't carry any at all.
+
! Default magnification
+
! Maximum magnification
'''M93 Shot''' - This is the last shot upgrade of the M4A3E2(76)W. With a penetration upgrade of more than 110mm from the M62 shot and more than 70mm than the M79 shot, this will be the best shell for the M4A3E2(76)W Sherman Jumbo. With this shell, you'll be able to pen even the most armoured of opponents, except perhaps the occasional Tiger II or IS-2 mod. However, it's best to carry at least 35-50 shells of this, as this should be your main shell during combat.
 
 
 
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 
 
|-
 
|-
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
+
! Main Gun optics
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br />  rack empty
+
| x8.0 || x12.0
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br />  rack empty
 
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br />  rack empty
 
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br />  rack empty
 
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th<br />  rack empty
 
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 
 
|-
 
|-
|| '''71''' || 57&nbsp;''(+14)'' || 43&nbsp;''(+28)'' || 29&nbsp;''(+42)'' || 15&nbsp;''(+56)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+70)'' || style="text-align:center" | Yes
+
! Comparable optics
 +
| colspan="2" | ___
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
+
{{main|MG3A1 (7.62 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The coaxially mounted 7.62 mm MG3A1 is, in most situations, not useful. While being able to "blind" opponents by shooting at their optics, as with any MG, and able to easily dispatch of vehicles with exposed crew that have uptiered themselves, such as the [[M56]], 2 factors really hold this MG back from being truly useful. These are:
 +
 
 +
* The MG is mounted coaxially, limiting its traverse and AA capabilities (especially against helicopters)
 +
* This MG has very low penetration, as almost any thin armoured plate can withstand its fire
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="7" | [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[MG3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm MG3A1]]
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount''
+
! Mount
 +
! Capacity<br>(Belt capacity)
 +
! Rate of fire<br>(shots/minute)
 +
! Vertical<br>guidance
 +
! Horizontal<br>guidance
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
| Coaxial || 4,000 (1,000) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
|-
 
| colspan="4" | 600 (200) || 577 || -10°/+30° || ±60°
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | [[Browning (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
 
|-
 
! 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 the 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 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 M4A3E2's regular enemies are [[Tiger H1|Tiger I]] and [[Panther (Disambiguation)|Panthers of all variants]] and [[Panzer IV/70(V)|Jagdpanzer IV/70]]s which can be dealt with using the tactics described above. Occasionally you will face [[Tiger II (P)|Tiger II]]s and [[Jagdpanther|Jagdpanther]]s, the best way to deal with them is to flank and disable them quickly. However, if this is not possible, you should not engage them, and await help. Beware though, that things like the [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II (H)]] and [[T29|T29]] and [[Caernarvon|Caernarvon]] might get away with destroying all those trying to help you, ending up with your untimely end. Avoid engaging them frontally at all costs, especially at long ranges.
 
 
Although this is based on a medium tank, the tank is not as fast as the other mediums at its rank. Because of the heavier armour, this tank will be a few more miles slower than the rest of the tanks. However, this does not mean that the tank is bad. Most Russian tanks at this rank will usually have a very easy to spot the point where the hull and turret meet together, that point is usually under-armoured and a well-placed shot will usually cripple the tank and the turrets horizontal will be gone.
 
  
Never show your side. No matter what you do, never show your side. Your front is the most armoured piece on your tank, and you must use that your advantage. Never allow the enemy to flank or ambush you. To ensure that you can get a good shot, find out what enemy tanks you'll see in the Jumbo then check where their ammo is and how much armour is protecting that area. If you know you can penetrate that, go for the ammo/gunner/gun, as the M93 shot does not fragment or have a HE filler, it simply pierces the tank and goes straight through.
+
== 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).'' -->
 +
'''General Playstyle'''
  
'''''Environments'''''<br>
+
The Radkampfwagen 90, due to it's speed, may be used in a flanking manner, being able to go around the enemy and surprise them where they do not expect. When flanking, it is recommended to use roads if possible, as the Radwagen is a wheeled vehicle, and rough terrain will slow it down. However, even offroad, the vehicle is still capable of speeds that are much higher than many other contemporary MBTs. The scouting ability of the Radwagen can also be very useful, as it can help you support your team without risking the possibility of being spotted/noticed by firing your gun. The only downside to this playstyle is that the Radwagen is unusually large in size, most notably the hull, which makes it easier to be spotted.
In urban environments, you're going to want to move up with the rest of the group, however, don't move up as the lead tank because you will surely find a nasty surprise at the end of the road. When facing Tiger II's, they will be able to pen anywhere they want in your frontal armour, even your thickest point(turret) if their ammo is upgraded enough. It's best to shoot the flat part of the turret, or get to their sides and pen them. However, if you can't do either of those, track them and hope that something bigger on your team will be able to take it out. Even though the M93 shot has an amazing penetration, it cannot penetrate the Tiger II's frontal armour.
 
  
In open terrain, you can usually brawl from long-range with certain tanks, such as the Tiger I, and mediums of Russia. However, if you see a Tiger II or other formidable opponent, it's best to stay far and show your front, angling the best. You can also use the hills to your advantage as most tanks do, and hide behind them quickly moving out of cover, pot-shotting the enemy tank then heading back into cover.
+
The Radkampfwagen may also be used in a playstyle of a fast MBT. While the hull of the Radwagen is weak, not really well armoured, and prone to hullbreak, and easy to hit, the turret of the vehicle has multiple well angled and very bouncy plates, both interior and exterior, which allows the turret to sometimes take hits without damage, or even ricochet some shells. This bouncy turret can be used in a hull-down position, like a ridgeline, or a pile or rubble. However, it is important to note that even though enemy shells have a chance of bouncing, it is best not to rely on this, and to use the vehicle's stabilizer and situational awareness to get the first shot off.
  
===Arcade battles===
+
'''Arcade Battles'''
In Arcade Battles you will usually see some pretty nasty tanks, however, because of your turret and hull armour, you will be able to usually survive. Use the player-name system to your advantage and shoot enemy tanks when they're not looking. However, because it's arcade and you're much more likely to be hit, it's best to angle your armour at a slightly less 35-degree angle. In AB, you will most likely have an advantage if you make the first shot, you're fast, and you never show your side.
 
  
===Realistic/Simulator battles===
+
In Arcade, the playstyle of the Radwagen changes a bit. Due to markers that will tell everyone where the Radwagen is, flanking is not as good of a strategy. However, the vehicle retains all other advantages, and due to the slight engine boost in arcade, will be able to hit very high speeds even offroad. Of course, enemies will also be faster in general, which makes this extra speed redundant. The vehicle's scouting abilities are useful in aiding the team. Your gun, for its tier, is good, and its decently low shell drop will aid in those long range shots that are common in arcade. Just remember - this is a light vehicle in a gamemode where it can't really hide, so when playing this vehicle in Arcade, be cautious.
[[File:Where to Aim at a Tiger E With A 76mm Jumbo.png|thumb|This is where you should aim with the M62 shell to penetrate a Tiger from the front.]]
 
In realistic battles and simulator battles, your opponents will be much more battle hardened and know where to shoot the Jumbo. When facing enemy tanks, don't always suspect that you can just show your frontal armour and turret and expect to not get penetrated. As said before, be safe and be quick, and angle your armour when you can because that saves lives. You never want to go solo and move up on your own, as you will most definitely meet a tank destroyer or quite possibly a heavy tank. When meeting an [[IS-2]], a turret hit or shot between the hull and turret will usually cripple it, but when facing a Tiger II you'll have to be a bit more careful, as the tank is bigger and stronger than you. Although your M93 shot usually has the penetration power, it cannot penetrate the Tiger II's hull and your best luck will be shooting the flat armour of the turret front.
 
  
'''Tiger I E:''' This is a tough opponent to face, but, it can be killed quite easily if you know what to do. With the M62 round, you should aim at the area shown in the picture. It will penetrate the Tiger unless it is very sharply angled, but that could often mean that you can get a side shot. Do not aim for the drivers viewport or the machine gun, just aim for the flat armor on this section of the tank.
+
'''Realistic Battles'''
[[File:Panther Cupola - Where to Shoot.png|left|thumb|This is the most most surefire way to disable a Panther quickly.]]
 
'''Panther:''' This is another very common and tough opponent to face. Do not shoot for the hull front, it will not be able to penetrate. You can try to shoot the turret front, but there is a chance you will bounce. The most surefire way to disable a Panther is to shoot the commander's cupola, highlighted on the left. This will often kill the commander and gunner, and about half the time it will also kill the loader.
 
  
'''IS-2:''' This is one common opponent from the Soviet/Chinese tree. Its 122 mm gun can easily penetrate the Jumbo, regardless of angle and distance. To destroy it, shoot at it when it's reloading or is unaware of your presence. For the 1943 model, aim at the cupola or the curved part of its hull armour that blends into the side. It has only 4 crew so killing all the turret crew (3, which is easy) will destroy it. For the 1944 model, only aim at the turret or the cupola as its hull is very strong.
+
In Realistic, the Radwagen's speed and scouting abilities are even more prominent. As mentioned above, it can flank around the enemy with stealth, and either scout enemies for the team or quickly knock them out with its very punchy gun. The team also will benefit from its scouting abilities, as in a gamemode without enemy markers, intel of the enemies whereabouts can be crucial to the team's victory.
  
===Modules===
+
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
!Tier
+
! Tier
! colspan="2" |Mobility
+
! colspan="2" | Mobility
!Protection
+
! Protection
! colspan="2" |Firepower
+
! colspan="3" | Firepower
 
|-
 
|-
|I
+
| I
|Tracks||
+
| Tires
|Parts
+
|
|Horizontal Drive||
+
| Parts
 +
| Horizontal Drive
 +
| DM502
 +
| Smoke grenade
 
|-
 
|-
|II
+
| II
|Suspension||Brake System
+
| Suspension
|FPE
+
| Brake System
|M79 shot||Adjustment of Fire
+
| FPE
 +
| Adjustment of Fire
 +
| DM12
 +
| Airstrike
 
|-
 
|-
|III
+
| III
|Filters||
+
| Filters
|Crew Replenishment
+
|
|M93 shot||Elevation Mechanism
+
| Crew Replenishment
 +
| Elevation Mechanism
 +
| Improved optics
 +
| NVD
 
|-
 
|-
|IV
+
| IV
|Transmission||Engine
+
| Transmission
 +
| Engine
 
|
 
|
|M88||
+
| Artillery Support
 +
| DM33
 +
| Rangefinder
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
To start out, you will want to get Tracks, Parts, then M79 Shot, and work your way from there, as those are the core components of the M4A3E2 (76) W Sherman Jumbo. With the better ammunition, you will be able to penetrate more and be far more dangerous on the field. And with Tracks & Parts, you won't need to worry about the lights/mediums that keep popping out your tracks to get to your side or backside. After getting these three things, it's best to work on manoeuvrability and M93 Shot as a first priority.
+
=== Pros and cons ===
 +
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* Learning curve from the 75 mm Jumbo should help a lot when playing this tank
+
* Introduces a new playstyle option for top-rank German lineups
* Decent 76 mm gun with APCR rounds
+
* Complement the lack of scout vehicles top-rank German lineups
* Can now dish a little bit more damage than the 75 mm Jumbo
+
* Has DM23 APFSDS rounds as stock ammunition
* APCR shells are a step up from the 75 mm and cost slightly more with a lot of added benefits
+
* Is very mobile and very fast on both roads and cross-country terrain
* High rate of fire for the main gun
+
* Has DM33 rounds available for research
* Excellent gun depression
+
* Deadly when facing lower-ranked opponents
* Very strong turret armour from all sides, very good at hull down position
+
* Remains competitive even when uptiered and gun still performs well even at 10.3
* Very good at leading a spearhead towards a capture point where it can provide cover to weaker allied tanks with more powerful guns
+
* 8.7 reload stock, can be further improved with crew training
* Excellent frontal armour, about 101 mm thick and sloped
+
* Hull is resistant against most heavy machine guns
* Excellent all around turret armour, average 152 mm thick! and a 177.8 mm gun mantlet
+
* Spaced armour in the front and is resistant against low calibre SPAA
* Can absorb a lot of damage
+
* Same turret as the Leopard 2K, can sometimes bounce shots
* Wet ammo storage - Which reduces greatly ammo rack chances, is indicated by the "W" in its name, this also means tightly packed ammo only placed under the turret
+
* Extremely effective in the hands of experienced players
* Equipped with gun stabilizer, working only at slow speeds under 20 km/h
+
* Is not sluggish at low speed
* Good acceleration
 
* 1.72 RP efficiency
 
* Incredibly tough when angled, except for its lower side armour
 
* Wider tracks than regular Shermans, except M4A3E8 variants
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Will struggle a lot when getting up-tiered as in general it will be unable to compete with 6.7 vehicles.
+
* Does not have anti-aircraft machine gun
* It still needs allies support to be effective in battle
+
* Can be hull-broken
* Armour is not very effective at this rank; Panthers, Tigers and large calibre Russian tanks can still penetrate you from the front with little issue
+
* Slower reverse speed than other wheeled vehicles
* Armour weak spot above the gun-mantlet (63.5 mm @ 61°). (can be corrected by angling yourself with a hill)
+
* Does not have thermal sights, putting it at a disadvantage of other vehicles of similar BR
* Side armour better than normal, but still weak (76.2 mm). Allows for light angling and protection against AA
+
* Wheeled vehicles means it will suffer on certain terrain and cannot pivot turn
* Rear armour is still thin
+
* Has a large profile because of large turret
* Roof armour is not upgraded from the previous version, still weak but protects against most calibres under 37 mm
+
* Slower than average turret rotation
* Tall profile makes it a bigger target
+
* Is littered with ammo
* Bad off-road manoeuvrability
+
* Requires deep knowledge and keen situational awareness to play effectively
* Quite low top speed of 35 km/h
 
* Reverse speed is bad, 4 km/h
 
* Hull MG is still a weak spot but hard to hit
 
* Due to the layered armour at the front and the armour over-matching mechanic, the upper glacis armour can be dubious in that it does not reliably ricochet shells, even from smaller calibre guns like the 75 mm SA50
 
  
 
== 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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
===Development===
 
Long before D-Day, American war planners knew that it would a long and decisive battle against the German defensive and that the need for an assault tank to push the lines and capture the beach was needed. The Americans knew they would need a tank that was up-armoured and up-gunned, something beyond the standard M4 Sherman. The hope was the have the M26 Pershing finished by 1944, however, because of difficulties, it was delayed to 1945.
 
 
 
The US ordinance then took their abundant [[M4|M4 Shermans]] in stock and fixed them up for the new role they've been assigned in. Although keeping the same engine, the armour was upped from around 76.2 mm initial thickness to 102 mm and angled at 47 degrees from vertical. This angle would influence later Sherman design such as the M4A3 by changing the original 56 degrees angled glacis with protruding crew hatches to 47 degrees angled glacis without any protrusion from the crew hatches. This modified M4 Sherman's armour when angled would then be 150 mm line-of-sight (LOS) thick and 180 mm effective. The side armour is also increased to 76.2 mm thick and the turret is redesigned to provide more protection. These modified Shermans were designated the '''[[M4A3E2|M4A3E2]]''' by the Ordnance Department, whereas the nickname "Jumbo" was likely a post-war invention. At the end of the modifications, the Sherman "Jumbo" now weighed about 42 tons and moves a lower speed of 22 miles per hour. A drawback to the increased weight of the Sherman is that the Vertical Volute Suspension System (VVSS) from the Sherman was unable to take the weight easily, so extra care was taken by the crew members to not break the suspension.
 
 
 
In March of 1944, the US Army ordered for 254 of these vehicles to be delivered for use for European Operations. Intended for the assault on the Normandy Beachhead, it was deployed in Normandy after D-Day to assist the infantry push through German defences. The M4A3E2 originally came with the 75 mm guns to support infantry with its better HE shells compared to the planned 76 mm instalment, but the 76 mm was installed later in the campaign and called the '''M4A3E2 (76) W Jumbo'''.
 
 
 
===Combat usage===
 
The M4A3E2 was well-liked by the crew and commanders due to its protection value. Despite the weight difference and strain on the suspension, it performed reliably and could absorb damage that would otherwise destroy regular Shermans. Later in the war, when the quantity of the M4 Sherman "Jumbos" were unable to meet the demand, George S. Patton ordered for existing M4 Shermans to weld on armour plates scavenged from knocked out tanks to a makeshift "'Expedient Jumbos'. This caused the newer Shermans such as the [[M4A3 (76) W|M4A3 (76) W HVSS]] could have the same protection by welding metal onto the hull. One of the Jumbo's notable participation in the war was in Patton's Third Army where it spearheaded the assault to Bastogne to relieve the pinned down 101st Paratroopers.
 
 
 
When the war in the European Theater ended, the M4A3E2s were then placed stateside for the preparation for the invasion of the Japanese Home Islands. However, this was never to be fulfilled as Japan then surrendered to the United States in September 1945. The M4A3E2 Shermans proved to be a very effective stop-gap solution until heavier armoured tanks such as the Pershing could come into play. In 1948, about 96 Sherman Jumbos still remained in US inventory.
 
 
 
=== In-game description ===
 
"Installing heavy weaponry and making other changes increased the tank's weight, also sacrificing maneuverability. In 1943 builders widened the T80 track to 23"" and added a ridge down the center. The new HVSS suspension with its horizontal volute springs replaced the VVSS and its vertical alignment. Bogies had two paired wheels, and the supporting rollers were attached to the side of the hull. The HVSS suspension was developed such that individual wheels could be replaced without taking apart the entire bogie. The new suspension was installed beginning in the mid-1944. Wide-tracked tanks equipped with the new suspension were also fitted with wings and shelves with screens above the tracks.
 
 
 
The initial M4 tracks got a rubber-coated internal band, though the rubber shortage forced the use of two types of steel tracks, all of which were interchangeable. There were three types of tracks on the M4, and they could be fitted with spikes to make traveling across soft earth easier. The spikes were not used with the T80 tracks at the beginning, though they were later developed for them as well.
 
 
 
The prototypes were designated M4E8, M4A1E8, M4A2E8, and M4A3E8. Their weight grew somewhat, though widening the tracks to 584 mm counteracted that by spreading the weight across a wider surface. As a result, maneuverability not only did not decrease, it actually enjoyed an uptick. At the end of March 1945 all M4 Shermans began to be fitted with the new suspension.
 
 
 
Between August 1944 and May 1945, 1,217 M4А3E8 (76)Ws were produced.
 
  
M4A3 (76)Ws fought on the Western Front in 1945 and in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953."
+
In the early 1980's the the German Federal Ministry of Defense, known as the Bundesministerium der Verteidigung (BMVg) in German, initiated a program to produce an eight-wheeled combat vehicle. The reason for the program's creation was the success of the Spähpanzer 2 Luchs and the Transportpanzer Fuchs, along with vehicles operated by other countries, such as the French AMX-10RC. Daimler-Benz was tasked with the construction of such a vehicle, and the requirements were for an 8 × 8 wheeled combat vehicle with a weight of less than 30 tons and a powerful armament and adequate armor. The first prototype was built in 1983, and was first known as the Demonstrationsfahrzeug Rad (demonstration vehicle wheeled) and then the Experimentalfahrzeug Rad (8×8), meaning experimental vehicle wheeled (8×8). It finally received the name Radpanzer 90, and it is known as the Radkampfwagen 90 in War Thunder. The final production model was completed in 1986. It featured a rear-mounted engine, had an independent suspension for the wheels, and the turret was that of the Leopard 1A3. The Radpanzer 90 never entered service, but the information gathered from the program was later used in the development of the GTK Boxer wheeled vehicle.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
'''Camouflages''' and '''skins''' for the M4A3E2 (76) from live.warthunder.com. Two common terms are in use:<br> The full name [http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23m4a3e2_76 '''#m4a3e2_76'''] and the postwar definition [http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23jumbo '''#jumbo'''], albeit the last one contains entries for the earlier [[M4A3E2|75mm Jumbo]], too.
+
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
  
== Read 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.''
  
''ETC.''
+
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 +
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 +
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
== Sources ==
+
* [[wt:en/news/6635-development-radkampfwagen-90-a-leopard-on-wheels-en|[Devblog] Radkampfwagen 90: A leopard on wheels]]
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
 
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
  
{{USA heavy tanks}}
+
{{Germany light tanks}}

Revision as of 22:50, 14 June 2020

Rank 6 USA
F-5C Pack
Radkampfwagen 90
germ_radpanzer_90.png
Radkampfwagen 90
AB RB SB
9.7 9.7 9.7
Class:
Research:260 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:710 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage Radkampfwagen 90.jpg


The Radkampfwagen 90 is a rank VII German light tank with a battle rating of 9.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.97 "Viking Fury".

General info

Survivability and armour

The Radkampfwagen 90, being a light tank, is surprisingly survivable. When talking about the survivability of this vehicle, it is best to separate the tank into two parts, the turret, and the hull.

The Hull

The hull of the Radkampfwagen 90 is the weakest part of the tank. While the hull does have "spaced armour", this is deceiving, as this will only protect you from HESH shells, and at 9.0, HESH is effectively useless, and in any case, most players will not be using it as their main shell. When hit by HEATFS, the hull of the Radwagen is very prone to hullbreak, but when hit with APFSDS, the tank can possibly survive a few hits, as long as the ammo is not detonated. In conclusion, the Radwagen's hull, at least from the front, can protect against non-apfsds autocannons, but the sides will be easily penned by even the Russian 14.5mms, and the rear by American .50 cals.

The Turret

The turret of the Radkampfwagen 90 is surprisingly bouncy and well armored. It features, at least on the front and sides, spaced armour, but as mentioned before, this will only protect you from HESH rounds. However, the turret of the Radwagen is very hard to hullbreak, even when using HEATFS. The turret face also features many weird angles, that have the possibility of richocheting enemy rounds off of the sides. Another thing to note is that because of the large amounts of empty space in the turret, coupled with the lower damage of modern rounds, can allow you to survive multiple hits to the turret, even sometimes with enemy shells doing no damage. However, as with any armour, this should never be relied on, and should only be used as a last ditch effort.

In conclusion, you can take hits sometimes, but in any case, it is better to not get spotted or hit in the first place, and to get the first shot off

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 112 39 30.8 1286 1,584 41.75 51.43
Realistic 101 36 734 830 23.83 26.95

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: L7A3 (105 mm)

The L7A3 105 mm gun mounted on the Radkampfwagen 90 is the same as the gun that the Leopard 1 series uses, and is the same in many aspects. Similar to the Leopard A1A1, the gun is equipped with a two-plane stabilizer allowing for firing on the move. The gun also has faster targeting speed at 5.1 degrees per second compared the the Leopard 1's 3.1 degrees per second in the vertical plane, but the turret traverse speed of the Radwagen, or horizontal targeting speed, certainly leaves something to be desired. A unique thing about this particular L7 is that it fires one of the best L7 APFSDS shells in the game, with higher penetration than even the first Rheinmetall 120 mm L44 APFSDS shell.

105 mm L7A3 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 42 -9°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 22.8 31.62 38.4 __.__ 45.18 8.71 7.7 _.__ 6.7
Realistic 14.3 16.8 20.4 __.__ 24.0

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
DM12 HEATFS 400 400 400 400 400 400
DM23 APFSDS 337 335 330 322 314 306
DM33 APFSDS 408 405 398 389 379 370
DM502 HESH 127 127 127 127 127 127
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%
DM12 HEATFS 1,173 10.5 N/A 0.1 1,271 65° 72° 77°
DM23 APFSDS 1,455 3.79 N/A N/A N/A 78° 80° 81°
DM33 APFSDS 1,455 3.79 N/A N/A N/A 78° 80° 81°
DM502 HESH 732 14.85 0.4 0.1 4,306 73° 77° 80°

Ammo racks

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

Optics

Radkampfwagen 90 Optics
Default magnification Maximum magnification
Main Gun optics x8.0 x12.0
Comparable optics ___

Machine guns

Main article: MG3A1 (7.62 mm)

The coaxially mounted 7.62 mm MG3A1 is, in most situations, not useful. While being able to "blind" opponents by shooting at their optics, as with any MG, and able to easily dispatch of vehicles with exposed crew that have uptiered themselves, such as the M56, 2 factors really hold this MG back from being truly useful. These are:

  • The MG is mounted coaxially, limiting its traverse and AA capabilities (especially against helicopters)
  • This MG has very low penetration, as almost any thin armoured plate can withstand its fire
7.62 mm MG3A1
Mount Capacity
(Belt capacity)
Rate of fire
(shots/minute)
Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
Coaxial 4,000 (1,000) 1,200 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

General Playstyle

The Radkampfwagen 90, due to it's speed, may be used in a flanking manner, being able to go around the enemy and surprise them where they do not expect. When flanking, it is recommended to use roads if possible, as the Radwagen is a wheeled vehicle, and rough terrain will slow it down. However, even offroad, the vehicle is still capable of speeds that are much higher than many other contemporary MBTs. The scouting ability of the Radwagen can also be very useful, as it can help you support your team without risking the possibility of being spotted/noticed by firing your gun. The only downside to this playstyle is that the Radwagen is unusually large in size, most notably the hull, which makes it easier to be spotted.

The Radkampfwagen may also be used in a playstyle of a fast MBT. While the hull of the Radwagen is weak, not really well armoured, and prone to hullbreak, and easy to hit, the turret of the vehicle has multiple well angled and very bouncy plates, both interior and exterior, which allows the turret to sometimes take hits without damage, or even ricochet some shells. This bouncy turret can be used in a hull-down position, like a ridgeline, or a pile or rubble. However, it is important to note that even though enemy shells have a chance of bouncing, it is best not to rely on this, and to use the vehicle's stabilizer and situational awareness to get the first shot off.

Arcade Battles

In Arcade, the playstyle of the Radwagen changes a bit. Due to markers that will tell everyone where the Radwagen is, flanking is not as good of a strategy. However, the vehicle retains all other advantages, and due to the slight engine boost in arcade, will be able to hit very high speeds even offroad. Of course, enemies will also be faster in general, which makes this extra speed redundant. The vehicle's scouting abilities are useful in aiding the team. Your gun, for its tier, is good, and its decently low shell drop will aid in those long range shots that are common in arcade. Just remember - this is a light vehicle in a gamemode where it can't really hide, so when playing this vehicle in Arcade, be cautious.

Realistic Battles

In Realistic, the Radwagen's speed and scouting abilities are even more prominent. As mentioned above, it can flank around the enemy with stealth, and either scout enemies for the team or quickly knock them out with its very punchy gun. The team also will benefit from its scouting abilities, as in a gamemode without enemy markers, intel of the enemies whereabouts can be crucial to the team's victory.

Modules

Tier Mobility Protection Firepower
I Tires Parts Horizontal Drive DM502 Smoke grenade
II Suspension Brake System FPE Adjustment of Fire DM12 Airstrike
III Filters Crew Replenishment Elevation Mechanism Improved optics NVD
IV Transmission Engine Artillery Support DM33 Rangefinder

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Introduces a new playstyle option for top-rank German lineups
  • Complement the lack of scout vehicles top-rank German lineups
  • Has DM23 APFSDS rounds as stock ammunition
  • Is very mobile and very fast on both roads and cross-country terrain
  • Has DM33 rounds available for research
  • Deadly when facing lower-ranked opponents
  • Remains competitive even when uptiered and gun still performs well even at 10.3
  • 8.7 reload stock, can be further improved with crew training
  • Hull is resistant against most heavy machine guns
  • Spaced armour in the front and is resistant against low calibre SPAA
  • Same turret as the Leopard 2K, can sometimes bounce shots
  • Extremely effective in the hands of experienced players
  • Is not sluggish at low speed

Cons:

  • Does not have anti-aircraft machine gun
  • Can be hull-broken
  • Slower reverse speed than other wheeled vehicles
  • Does not have thermal sights, putting it at a disadvantage of other vehicles of similar BR
  • Wheeled vehicles means it will suffer on certain terrain and cannot pivot turn
  • Has a large profile because of large turret
  • Slower than average turret rotation
  • Is littered with ammo
  • Requires deep knowledge and keen situational awareness to play effectively

History

In the early 1980's the the German Federal Ministry of Defense, known as the Bundesministerium der Verteidigung (BMVg) in German, initiated a program to produce an eight-wheeled combat vehicle. The reason for the program's creation was the success of the Spähpanzer 2 Luchs and the Transportpanzer Fuchs, along with vehicles operated by other countries, such as the French AMX-10RC. Daimler-Benz was tasked with the construction of such a vehicle, and the requirements were for an 8 × 8 wheeled combat vehicle with a weight of less than 30 tons and a powerful armament and adequate armor. The first prototype was built in 1983, and was first known as the Demonstrationsfahrzeug Rad (demonstration vehicle wheeled) and then the Experimentalfahrzeug Rad (8×8), meaning experimental vehicle wheeled (8×8). It finally received the name Radpanzer 90, and it is known as the Radkampfwagen 90 in War Thunder. The final production model was completed in 1986. It featured a rear-mounted engine, had an independent suspension for the wheels, and the turret was that of the Leopard 1A3. The Radpanzer 90 never entered service, but the information gathered from the program was later used in the development of the GTK Boxer wheeled vehicle.

Media

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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


Germany light tanks
Pz.II  Pz.II C · Pz.II C (DAK) · Pz.II C TD · Pz.II F · Pz.Sfl.Ic
Sd.Kfz.234  Sd.Kfz.234/1 · Sd.Kfz.234/2 · Sd.Kfz.234/2 TD
Marder  Marder A1- · Marder 1A3 · Begleitpanzer 57 · DF105
  PUMA
Wheeled  Sd.Kfz.221 (s.Pz.B.41) · Class 3 (P) · Radkampfwagen 90
Other  Ru 251 · SPz 12-3 LGS
Argentina  TAM · TAM 2C · TAM 2IP · JaPz.K A2
Czechoslovakia  Pz.35(t) · Pz.38(t) A · Pz.38(t) F · Pz.38(t) n.A. · Sd.Kfz. 140/1
France  Pz.Sp.Wg.P204(f) KwK
Lithuania  Vilkas
USA  leKPz M41
USSR  SPz BMP-1