The STB-2 is one of the prototypes of the Type 74 program. Despite its appearance, it is a very formidable foe in all situations, equipped with a powerful engine while combining a very potent APDS round, a fully stabilized gun, and a laser rangefinder. Being a Japanese early MBT however, it suffers from a severe lack of armor, being vulnerable to most enemy fire.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Laser Rangefinder | Poor gun elevation angles |
| Dual-Plane Stabilizer | Fixed optic zoom |
| Good mobility | Slow reverse speed |
| Powerful commander optic zoom | Commander optic is unstabilized |
Main Armament
The main gun of the STB-2 is the very well-rounded L7A3 with a two-plane stabilizer, a powerful kit that is complemented by a laser rangefinder. This gun can be found on many tanks at its BR that lack a stabilizer such as the Leopard 1, M60, etc. However the gun is fully stabilized, just like the T-55 and T-62. Unlike most other non-Soviet MBTs however, the vertical traverse is very limited at only -6 degrees to just +9 degrees, something that can be mitigated by utilizing the hydropneumatic suspension but being an issue regardless.
The primary anti-tank shell that this tank has access to is the M392A2 APDS shell, featuring excellent performance against sloped armor as well as decent post-penetration spalling due to the weight of the shell. In addition, the shell's velocity is almost 1500m/s making long-range shots quite easy compared to full-caliber shells.
The Type 75 HESH shell is also a very useful tool in the disposal of the STB-2, being able to knock out most lightly armored vehicles as well as many tanks with a well-placed shot utilizing the pinpoint precision of the laser rangefinder.
Armor and Survivability
Armor is not one of this tank's strengths. While the turret and the hull can protect against some small to medium full-caliber shells, larger shells can go straight through your armor, with protection being at the middle ground of a tank like the T-62 and the Leopard 1. The same can be said about sub-caliber as well as cumulative shells, being able to only withstand low-caliber shells to the front.
The survivability of this tank is also far from ideal, being quite similar to that of the Leopard 1, having a really large ammo rack right next to the driver, at the rear of the turret, as well as next to the loader, any penetrating shot that does not kill all of your very cramped crew will most likely ignite your ammo rack, guaranteeing a trip to the hangar before you get a chance to use your smoke grenade launchers.
Mobility
Being equipped with an 870hp engine and having a weight of only 37t, the acceleration, being essentially the same as much lighter tanks like the Leopard 1, is more than enough despite being somewhat limited by the bad gearing ratios of the transmission. The top speed of this tank is also far from ideal, being able to just reach 53kph going forward and 7.5kph in reverse, getting to an early-game spot will be quite the task. Despite that, it is quite easy to disengage from a fight, utilizing the tank's neutral steer capabilities to negate the poor reverse speed.
Usage In Battle
The STB-2 is a powerful all-round tank, being able to use its two plane stabilizer and powerful engine to make quick and accurate attacks in city environments, relying on the vehicle's mobility to traverse through alleys. When paired with the stabilizer, you will be able to destroy enemies before they get a chance to return fire however unlike other brawlers like the T-62 or T-55A, your armor is not good enough to stop any enemy shells so you have to make every shot count.
Sniping is also a very viable strategy, utilizing the high velocity and penetration of the M392A2 shell in combination with the laser rangefinder and two-plane stabilizer to knock out enemies at long ranges, even when on the move before they even get the chance to come to a stop so they can return fire.
