The M8 Light Armoured Car, commonly known as the “Greyhound”, is a low-tier reconnaissance vehicle. It has a 37mm cannon paired with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun. It features decent mobility, enough armor to withstand small caliber machine guns, and heavy machine gun fire from the front, which can even extend to autocannons at longer ranges. While its mobility may not be the best, it is still enough to allow you to flank enemies and utilize your fast fire rate to destroy enemy vehicles side on.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Fast firing cannon | No stabilizer |
| Decent penetration | No APHE shells |
| Pintle-mounted HMG | Slower than most other wheeled vehicles |
Main Armament
The main armament of the M8 LAC is the 37 mm M6 cannon, boasting a reload time of 3.5 seconds with a fully trained ace crew. It has access to only one ammunition type but features two distinct shells. The M51B1 should be your primary choice, as it is a direct upgrade over the M74B1, offering superior penetration and better performance against angled armor. However, unlike other tanks equipped with this cannon, the M8 LAC lacks a shoulder stabilizer, making it slightly harder to fire accurately while in movement.
In addition to the M6 cannon, the M8 LAC is equipped with the .50 cal M2HB heavy machine gun. With its impressive penetration (31 mm at point-blank range against flat armor plates) and a high rate of fire, the M2HB is highly effective against light tanks and even some medium tanks at this tier, particularly when hitting them from the sides. It also excels at engaging aircraft thanks to its good muzzle velocity and wide traverse angles, allowing the M8 LAC to fend off against aircraft on its own.
Armor and Survivability
The M8 LAC has minimal armor, offering just enough protection to stop heavy machine gun or light autocannon fire from penetrating the front at longer ranges. However, it cannot withstand larger calibers. The side armor is particularly weak, vulnerable even to light machine guns at close range, making it essential to avoid taking hits.
The crew layout is quite cramped, meaning a well-placed shot to either the hull or turret will likely incapacitate multiple crew members, severely impacting combat effectiveness. To enhance survivability, it is strongly recommended to avoid taking a full ammunition load, as the last few shells are stored in the front of the turret—a highly vulnerable location.
Mobility
The M8 LAC’s mobility is quite decent, thanks to its 110hp engine and 7.9-ton empty weight. This combination provides a respectable power-to-weight ratio, allowing it to traverse the battlefield in a reasonable amount of time. While some medium tanks offer better power-to-weight performance, the M8's wheeled design helps reduce speed loss during turns and enables a higher top speed, particularly on roads, where it excels.
However, it’s important to note that the vehicle’s mobility is primarily optimized for road use. Off-road performance, especially in muddy or sandy terrains, is notably poor, as the wheels struggle to maintain traction and momentum. At lower battle ratings, this can make flanking maneuvers more challenging. At higher battle ratings, though, the increasing size and weight of enemy vehicles can make the M8's relative speed a more significant advantage, provided you stick to favorable terrain.
Conclusion
The M8 LAC is an exceptional flanking vehicle across various battle ratings. Its mobility allows it to maneuver into advantageous positions, precisely targeting enemy vehicles' sides. Coupled with its blazing-fast reload, the M8 can deliver quick and decisive strikes that capitalize on its flanking capabilities.
Additionally, the M2HB heavy machine gun is a valuable secondary weapon. It proves highly effective against enemy aircraft and can dispatch lightly armored vehicles when the main cannon isn’t an option.
However, avoiding direct confrontations is crucial, as the M8's armor offers minimal protection and cannot withstand significant enemy fire. Prioritize remaining undetected, leveraging your speed and positioning to outmaneuver enemies and deliver effective hits.
