M48A2 G A2

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This page is about the German medium tank M48A2 G A2. For other versions, see M48 Patton (Family).
M48A2 G A2
germ_mkpz_m48a2ga2.png
GarageImage M48A2 G A2.jpg
ArtImage M48A2 G A2.png
M48A2 G A2
AB RB SB
8.3 8.3 8.3
Class:
Research:135 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:380 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The M48A2 G A2 is a rank VI German medium tank with a battle rating of 8.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.81 "The Valkyries". It was born from the adaptation of the 105 mm L7A3 cannon on the already available M48A2 platform together with a new fire control system.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull110 / 76 / 35
Turret130 / 76 / 51
Crew4 people
Visibility117 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull roof, hull rear - engine vents, turret roof, turret ring)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (hull, turret, cupola)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 85-200 mm (59-74°) Front glacis
63-200 mm (13-60°) Lower glacis
76 mm (5-45°) Front
51 mm (0-44°) Rear
35 mm Top
25 mm (32-62°) Bottom
57 mm (0-58°)
30 mm Engine access panel
12.7 mm (76°) Engine vents
Turret 83.2-173 mm (0-48°) Turret front
152 (2-14°) Gun mantlet
250 mm Gun mount
55-100 mm (15-50°)
50.8 mm Gun mount
51-55 mm (2-71°)
25.4 mm (75-82°) Underpart of the turret
25-69 mm
Cupola 70 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels, tracks and torsion bars are 20 mm thick.
  • Mudguards are 4 mm thick and (short) side skirts are 8 mm thick.
  • The turret ring is 70 mm thick.

The lower front plate is a weak spot. The sides are decently armoured, but not thick enough to make angling the hull a valid tactic. Some thin vents on the top of the hull are vulnerable to strafing runs by enemy aircraft, which may cause engine fires. While the M48 hull has more armour than the Leopard 1, at this BR, this is largely irrelevant as most of your opponents will be carrying APFSDS. Sustained enemy fire will quickly result in your destruction. Despite this, the hull UFP is decent and can protect you from 100 mm APHE rounds. However, as mentioned above, this can not be relied upon and any bounces are the exception rather than the rule.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB54 / 10 km/h
RB and SB49 / 9 km/h
Number of gears4 forward
2 back
Weight47.8 t
Engine power
AB1 574 hp
RB and SB825 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB32.9 hp/t
RB and SB17.3 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 54 10 47.8 1,279 1,574 26.76 32.93
Realistic 49 9 730 825 15.27 17.26

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 088 → 6 082 Sl icon.png
RB4 590 → 6 829 Sl icon.png
SB6 295 → 9 366 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications111 700 Rp icon.png
195 400 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 300 Ge icon.png
Crew training110 000 Sl icon.png
Experts380 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces830 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
140 / 200 / 250 % Sl icon.png
208 / 208 / 208 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
6 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
6 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
7 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
7 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
7 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_usa_HESH_ammo_pack
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
6 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_usa_M735_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods night vision device.png
NVD
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
7 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank rangefinder.png
Rangefinder
Research:
7 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.

Main armament

105 mm L7A3 cannon
Ammunition46 rounds
First-order20 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
8.7 → 6.7 s
Vertical guidance-9° / 19°
Main article: L7A3 (105 mm)
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 46 -9°/+19° ±180° N/A 22.8 31.6 38.4 42.5 45.2 8.71 7.70 7.10 6.70
Realistic 14.3 16.8 20.4 22.6 24.0

Ammunition

This tank has access to a stock APDS shell (DM13), a HESH shell (DM512) as tier 1 modification, a HEATFS shell (DM12) as tier 2 modification and a APFSDS shell as tier 4 modification (DM23).

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
DM13 APDS 350 347 333 317 302 287
DM512 HESH 127 127 127 127 127 127
DM12 HEATFS 400 400 400 400 400 400
DM23 APFSDS 337 335 330 322 314 306
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
DM13 APDS 1,478 4 - - - 75° 78° 80°
DM512 HESH 732 11.2 0.1 4 4.31 73° 77° 80°
DM12 HEATFS 1,174 10.5 0.05 0.1 1.27 65° 72° 77°
DM23 APFSDS 1,455 4.2 - - - 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M48A2 G A2
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
46 43 (+3) 29 (+17) 21 (+25) (+40) (+45) No

Notes:

  • As they are modeled by sets of 2, shells disappear from the rack only after you fire/load both shells in the set.
  • Racks 4 and 5 are first stage ammo racks. They total 20 shells and get filled first when loading up the tank.
  • These racks are also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 5 - 4 - 1 - 2 - 3.
  • To go into battle with the frontal and turret ammo racks empty, pack 16 (+30) shells.
  • Full reload speed will be realized as long as shells are available in the ready racks 4 and 5. If these racks are empty, a penalty to the reload time will occur.
  • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-3 into rack 4 then 5. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.

Machine guns

Ammunition2 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 200 shots/min
Ammunition2 800 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 200 shots/min
Main article: MG3A1 (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm MG3A1
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,000 (200) 1,200 N/A N/A
Pintle 2,000 (200) 1,200 -10°/+85° ±45°

Despite their high rate of fire, the small calibre of the MG3A1 machine guns makes them largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. They still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help.

Usage in battles

The M48A2 G A2 is similar to the other M48 Pattons in the game except for the need to be more careful and aware of your enemies. It's a decent medium tank with well-sloped frontal armour and average mobility, but what makes M48A2 G A2 stand out is the upgraded engine giving it better mobility, and the upgraded 105 mm L7A3 cannon compared to the US standard 90 mm M41 giving it improved penetration and increased precision against distant targets, though this comes at the cost of higher battle rating. It can unlock DM23 rounds that have a great effect even against enemy vehicles at higher battle ratings when uptiered, and can penetrate their armour with well placed shots.

The armour of the M48 is rounded and well-sloped, decreasing the chance for certain shells to reliably punch through the armour, though the tank has some significant weak spots on the front. The lower glacis is the weakest part of the front, making it a desirable location for hostile tanks to fire at to knock out the M48A2 G A2 with ease. Keep in mind to protect the lower glacis as best as possible from enemy shells. The armour holds it ground against tanks with no APFSDS or APDS since these shells can penetrate its frontal hull and turret armour with ease. The armour all around is decent compared to tanks like Leopard 1, Vickers MBT and OF-40.

Playing the M48A2 G A2 is a great risk to be uptiered and face enemies like Radkampfwagen 90, Merkava, T-72A and OF-40 Mk.2A all having better mobility and speed than the old M48 Patton, they also have the advantage to be equipped with gun stabilizers that the M48A2 G A2 is not equipped with, making it an easy target for most tanks in an uptier. In those battles, it's wise to not advance blindly into the enemy and take a more careful approach, taking up a position where the M48A2 G A2 has the capability to get the first shot.

In lower rating battles the M48A2 G A2 can be used more aggressively, but it's still advised to not advance too fast, as certain vehicles also at that battle can be equipped with stabilizers and can get in a well placed shot on the move compared to the non-stabilizer tanks. These can have a big advantage over the M48A2 G A2 when it comes to brawling and engaging tanks while having the speed advantage and mobility to avoid incoming fire from a moving M48A2 G A2.

The M48A2 G A2 can be a tricky tank to use effectively in battle, lacking a stabilizer is a big disadvantage at its battle rating but it can still be an effective tank for defending captured points or taking up a "sniper" position where it can be relatively safe from enemies.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Fairly good upper glacis armour
  • Highly effective 105 mm gun is a noticeable upgrade from the 90 mm gun on the M48A2 C
  • DM23 APFSDS shell makes it competitive against its peers, can frontally penetrate anything it encounters
  • Has effective armour against air attacks
  • Gun breech can protect turret crew from chemical munitions, although it will be damaged
  • Access to smoke
  • Acceptable reverse speed

Cons:

  • Frontal turret armour is not very reliable
  • Commander's cupola is still a large target
  • Can't deal with enemy aircraft as effectively due to the deletion of the .50 cal
  • Lack of gun stabilizer rarely allows it to make the first shot in a moving engagement
  • Ineffective armour in uptiers
  • Lacks thermals
  • DM23 APFSDS shell is a tier 4 modification - long grind with APDS and HEAT-FS to unlock DM23

History

In 1958, West Germany received the M48A2 Patton III tank. Originally this tank included the 90 mm M41 cannon and a 750 HP engine. Later on the tank would receive an upgraded engine (from 750 HP to 825 HP) along with other changes and was designated the M48A2 C in German service. This tank served from the early 1960s to the late 1970s. West Germany realized that the 90 mm gun wasn't sufficient enough to deal with most of the top of the line Soviet MBTs, so in 1978 the tank received the German licensed built, 105 mm L7A3 gun found on the Leopard 1. Other changes included minor fire control system changes, a new commander hatch, passive night sights, and later on a laser rangefinder. This version was designated the M48A2 G A2 and remained in service till the 1990s.

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

Related development

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Chrysler Defense
MBTs 
M48 Patton  M48A1
M60  M60 · M60A1 (AOS) · M60A2 · M60A1 RISE (P) · M60A3 TTS
M1  XM1 (Chrysler) · M1 Abrams
Export 
M48  M48A2 C · M48A2 G A2 · ␗M48A1 · Magach 1 · Magach 2
M60  ␗M60A3 TTS · M60A1 "D.C.Ariete" ·
Note  Chrysler Defense was purchased by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) in 1982.

Germany medium tanks
Pz.III  Pz.III B · Pz.III E · Pz.III F · Pz.III J · Pz.III J1 · Pz.III J1 TD · Pz.III L · Pz.III M · Pz.III N
Pz.IV  Pz.IV C · Pz.IV E · Pz.IV F1 · Pz.IV F2 · Pz.IV G · Pz.IV H · Pz.IV J · Pz.Bef.Wg.IV J
Pz.V  VK 3002 (M) · Panther A · Panther D · Panther F · Panther G · Ersatz M10 · Panther II
M48 upgrades  M48A2 G A2 · M48 Super
Leopard 1  Leopard I · Leopard A1A1 · Leopard A1A1 (L/44) · Leopard 1A5 · C2A1 · Turm III
Leopard 2  PT-16/T14 mod. · Leopard 2K · Leopard 2AV
  Leopard 2A4 · Leopard 2 (PzBtl 123) · Leopard 2 PL · Leopard 2A5 · Leopard 2 PSO · Leopard 2A6 · Leopard 2A7V
Trophies  ▀M4 748 (a) · ▀T 34 747 (r)
Other  Nb.Fz. · KPz-70
USA  mKPz M47 G · M48A2 C
USSR  ◊T-72M1