Difference between revisions of "Cobra King"

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{{Specs-Card|code=us_m4a3e2_sherman_jumbo_cobra_king}}
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{{About
 +
| about = premium American heavy tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| other
 +
| usage-1 = other versions
 +
| link-1 = M4 Sherman (Family)
 +
| usage-2 = other uses
 +
| link-2 = M4 (Disambiguation)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=us_m4a3e2_sherman_jumbo_cobra_king
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
  
 
== 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 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.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_CobraKing.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''Cobra King''' is a unique version of the [[M4A3E2|M4A3E2 Sherman]], which was an up-armoured modification of the M4A3, the fourth variant of the early-generation [[M4 Sherman (Family)|Medium Tank M4 (Sherman) family]]. During the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, the Germans assaulted and cornered U.S. soldiers in the town of Bastogne. The Cobra King was the first tank to enter the perimeter of Bastogne, bringing relief to the besieged American 101st Airborne Division. Cobra King saw combat for the first time in 1944. It was destroyed during a battle in France in November 1944, but it was later restored and reassigned. In late 1944, the tank was deployed to Company C of the American 4th Armored Division's 37th Tank Battalion, which was the spearhead of General Patton's Third Army moving into Bastogne. The 37th Tank Battalion was then commanded by Creighton Abrams, subsequently commander of U.S. forces in the Vietnam War, Chief of Staff of the United States Army, and namesake of the [[M1 Abrams]] tank. Lieutenant Charles Boggess led a crew that included Hubert S. Smith (driver), Harold Hafner (co-driver), Milton Jafet (gunner), and James G. Murphy (loader). Boggess had taken over for the tank's former commander, Charles Trover, who was killed by a sniper on December 23rd while standing in the turret.
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{{Break}}
 
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} American heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It is one of the first American tanks to be released with the American ground tree in [[Update 1.45 "Steel Generals"]]. A premium version of the [[M4A3E2|M4A3E2 Jumbo]]. 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 "Cobra King" is in many respects the same as the regular M4A3E2 with some notable cosmetic differences. The most notable is a different shade of green on the vehicle than the standard US olive-drab green, with a more pronounced green colour than the subdued mix with brown. On vehicles that did not meddle with the decals, the large white text of "First in Bastogne" is present on the tank hull's left side, boasting about the tank's actual achievement in the US Third Army in World War II. A bit lower on the hull sides will show a decal giving the tank its name "Cobra King". Another large difference is the presence of kit, canvas, gear, tracks, and fuel tanks on the rear of the Cobra King vehicle, those of which are absent on the regular vehicle.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.45 "Steel Generals"]], the Cobra King is a unique premium version of the M4A3E2, which is a makeshift heavy tank based on the original M4A3 Sherman variant. Playstyles are very much similar to the standard M4A3E2. Though it may look similar to an ordinary M4A3 Sherman medium tank, it can sustain substantially more damage than any M4 Sherman variants and can attack enemy positions effectively. The majority of Cobra King adversaries will struggle to penetrate this vehicle from the front. When you utilize the M4A3E2 to lead an aggressive charge, your opponents will usually direct their fire at you, allowing others in your team to attack enemy targets with less pressure. Despite its superb armour, the Cobra King's 75 mm M3 tank gun is underwhelming. It lacks the armour penetration to engage most opponents within its ranks from the front. Players will usually have to destroy critical components such as the barrel and tracks, and flank enemies for the weaker side armour in order to properly destroy hostile vehicles.
−
 
 
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The "Cobra King" still features the double layered front armour giving the vehicle its distinctive 101.6 mm total front armour. The transmission housing is also considerably beefier too from the addition of armour at the area as well. The front of the T23-style turret is also distinctive with the very blocky gun mantlet and circular barrel shroud around the rather underwhelming 75 mm gun barrel.
 
−
 
 
−
The sides and suspension look like the usual game with the M4 Sherman series, but with minor differences. The flat side armour of the hull, instead of 38.1 mm thick is now 76.2 mm thick for much stronger side protection. However, the lower side hull around the bogie suspension area is still only 38.1 mm thick, vulnerable to most regular anti-tank weapons. Another minor difference is the tracks, the T48 rubber chevron tracks are equipped with extended end connectors in an effort to improve ground pressure performance for the additional weight of the armour.
 
−
 
 
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This tank is used as a breakthrough tank to attack fortified enemy positions due to its thick armour. It is a great tank when fighting Tigers as the 88mm cannons cannot penetrate the armour of the Jumbo Sherman from its sides when angled efficiently. As such it allows players to get close to Tigers and attack them from the sides, or force them to retreat. When fighting Panthers the Jumbo Sherman is less effective as the 75mm cannon on the Panther can penetrate the armour of the Jumbo Sherman from the front even when angled more than 30 degrees at 500 meters.
 
−
 
 
−
The Jumbo's armour is nothing to underestimate. It can bounce 88mm shells from the Tiger 1 at point blank range when angled more than 30 degrees. And the turret is well armoured from all sides, too.
 
−
 
 
−
On the downside, the gun is wimpy without M61 shot and even then it still bounces more often than not. Best to take a bit more ammo than normal to compensate for all the shots that will bounce.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-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? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the 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? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 +
The "Cobra King" still features the double layered front armour, giving the vehicle its distinctive 101.6 mm total front armour. The transmission housing is also considerably beefier too from the addition of armour in the area as well. The front of the T23-style turret is also distinctive, with the very blocky gun mantlet and circular barrel shroud around the rather underwhelming 75 mm gun barrel.
 +
 +
The sides and suspension look like the usual game with the M4 Sherman series, but with minor differences. The flat side armour of the hull, instead of 38.1 mm thick, is now 76.2 mm thick for much stronger side protection. However, the lower side hull around the bogie suspension area is still only 38.1 mm thick, vulnerable to most regular anti-tank weapons. Another minor difference is the tracks, the T48 rubber chevron tracks are equipped with extended end connectors in an effort to improve ground pressure performance for the additional weight of the armour.
 +
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
  
−
*Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Roof)
+
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Roof)
−
*Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area)
+
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area)
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
Line 35: Line 39:
 
| Turret || 152.4 mm (0-52°) ''Turret front'' <br> 177.8 mm (4-60°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 152.4 mm (4-42°) || 152.4 mm (0-79°) || 63.5 mm ''Front'' <br> 25.4 mm
 
| Turret || 152.4 mm (0-52°) ''Turret front'' <br> 177.8 mm (4-60°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 152.4 mm (4-42°) || 152.4 mm (0-79°) || 63.5 mm ''Front'' <br> 25.4 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
+
| Cupola || 51 mm || 51 mm || 51 mm || 25.4 mm
−
|-
 
−
| Cupola || 51 mm || 25.4 mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
  
−
* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, the bogies are 10 mm thick, and tracks are 17 mm thick.
+
* Suspension wheels are 15 mm, bogies 10 mm, and tracks are 17 mm thick.
 
* Belly armour is 25.4 mm thick.
 
* Belly armour is 25.4 mm thick.
−
* Hull underside right above the tracks are 9.5 mm thick.
+
* Hull underside right above the tracks is 9.5 mm thick.
 
* Gun breech is 300 mm thick in structural steel.
 
* Gun breech is 300 mm thick in structural steel.
  
−
The M4A3E2 Jumbo presents very little frontal weak spots in an engagement. It is best to try and force the Jumbo to try and angle his vehicle towards the player or his allies. An angle more than 30 degrees can expose the much weaker lower side hull armour in the suspension that is only 38.1 mm thick. With a powerful enough gun, a round can penetrate this area and damage the crew, or even set off the ammunition all cluttered up on the bottom of the tank.
+
The M4A3E2 Jumbo presents very little frontal weak spots in an engagement. It is best to try to force the Jumbo towards the player or allies. An angle more than 30 degrees can expose the much weaker lower side hull armour in the suspension that is only 38.1 mm thick. With a powerful enough gun, a round can penetrate this area and damage the crew, or even set off the ammunition all cluttered up on the bottom of the tank.
  
−
If a frontal engagement is unavoidable and is unfortunately armed with guns unable to penetrate through the front glacis, there are only two areas that are viable. First is the machine gun port, which is one of the areas that is not layered with the extra 38.1 mm added on top of the base armour. Guns like the Panzer IV 75 mm KwK 40 guns that are unable to cleave through the front glacis can push their luck in this area, with small "sweet spots" that the round can pass through. Another way to attack the M4A3E2 in this scenario is exploiting a shot-trap in the gun mantlet. The small corner flaps on the bottom corners of the gun mantlet have a tendency to deflect rounds downwards onto the 19.5 mm hull roof armour. While this will be left to the ricochet chances, it is still possible and can be used if no other scenarios are favourable.
+
If a frontal engagement is unavoidable and is unfortunately armed with guns unable to penetrate the front glacis, there are only two areas that are viable. First is the machine gun port, which is one of the areas that is not layered with the extra 38.1 mm added on top of the base armour. Guns like the Panzer IV 75 mm KwK40 guns that are unable to cleave through the front glacis can push their luck in this area, with small "sweet spots" the round can pass through. Another way to attack the M4A3E2 in this scenario is exploiting a shot-trap in the gun mantlet. The small corner flaps on the bottom corners of the gun mantlet have a tendency to deflect rounds downwards onto the 19.5 mm hull roof armour. While this will be left to the ricochet chances, it is still possible and can be used if no other scenarios are favourable.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-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}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=646|rbMinHp=442}}
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|M3 (75 mm)}}
 
{{main|M3 (75 mm)}}
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 104 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+25° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Vertical || 19.42 || 26.88 || 32.64 || 36.10 || 38.40 || rowspan="2" | 6.50 || rowspan="2" | 5.75 || rowspan="2" | 5.30 || rowspan="2" | 5.00
+
| rowspan="2" | 104 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+25° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Vertical|up to 24 km/h}} || 19.42 || 26.88 || 32.64 || 36.10 || 38.40 || rowspan="2" | 6.50 || rowspan="2" | 5.75 || rowspan="2" | 5.30 || rowspan="2" | 5.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
Line 78: Line 86:
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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{{:M3 (75 mm)/Ammunition|M72 shot, M48 shell, M61 shot, T45 shot, M89}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| M72 shot || AP || 91 || 88 || 78 || 67 || 57 || 49
 
−
|-
 
−
| M48 shell || HE || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10
 
−
|-
 
−
| M61 shot || APCBC || 104 || 101 || 90 || 78 || 68 || 59
 
−
|-
 
−
| T45 shot || APCR || 139 || 135 || 121 || 105 || 91 || 79
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| M72 shot || AP || 619 || 6.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M48 shell || HE || 463 || 6.3 || 0.4 || 0.5 || 666 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M61 shot || APCBC || 618 || 6.79 || 1.2 || 14 || 63.7 || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| T45 shot || APCR || 868 || 3.81 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! Ammunition
 
−
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! Screen radius<br>(m)
 
−
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
 
−
! Screen hold time<br>(s)
 
−
! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
|-
 
−
| M89 || 259 || 3 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
[[File:Ammoracks_M4A3E2Jumbo.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
+
[[File:Ammoracks_M4A3E2.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.27.2.40''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''104''' || 101&nbsp;''(+3)'' || 51&nbsp;''(+53)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+103)'' || No
+
| '''104''' || 100&nbsp;''(+4)'' || 50&nbsp;''(+54)'' || 0&nbsp;''(+104)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
  
−
Turret empty: 101&nbsp;''(+3)''
+
* As they are modelled by sets of 2, shells disappear from the rack only after you've fired both shells in the set.
 +
* Floor left rack only: 50&nbsp;''(+54)'' shells.
 +
{{Clear}}
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 
<!-- ''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|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}
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<!-- ''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 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).'' -->
  
−
The M4A3E2 Jumbo is best in assaulting enemy positions with allies. Its great mobility for a heavy tank, especially with its armour, makes it a vehicle able to charge into battle and take anything head-on with confidence. It can act as a bullet magnet against enemy tanks more worried about the M4A3E2, diverting fire that would've gone to more vulnerable teammates. Though the 75 mm gun's AP performance is not suited to the type of enemies expected at the BR, it can still harass enemies and the gun is lethal enough that enemies will be forced to show their front armour towards the Jumbo else a 75 mm penetrates their side armour. Their focus on the Jumbo can allow allies to move around and eliminate them. During all this, take care not to over-angle and show the lower side armour too much as this will allow vehicles to penetrate through down there and damage modules, even the ammunition storage if they are lucky.
+
The Cobra King is best in assaulting enemy positions with allies. Its great mobility for a heavy tank, especially with its armour, makes it a vehicle able to charge into battle with confidence. It can act as a bullet magnet against enemy tanks more worried about the Cobra King, diverting fire that would have been directed more vulnerable teammates. Though the 75 mm gun's AP performance is not suited to the types of enemies expected at the BR, it can still harass enemies and the gun is lethal enough that enemies will be forced to show their front armour towards the Jumbo else a 75 mm penetrates their side armour. Their focus on the Jumbo can allow allies to move around and eliminate them. During all this, take care not to over-angle and show the lower side armour too much as this allows vehicles to penetrate down there and damage modules, even the ammunition storage if they are lucky.
  
−
Another role the M4A3E2 is good it is as a flanker. Due to its great mobility as a heavy tank, the M4A3E2 Jumbo can manoeuvre like a medium tank around the battlefield. This is also beneficial to the 75 mm gun as it would permit the M4A3E2 a chance to attack the weaker side armours of enemy vehicles. Once flanking around and finding a prime position in a firing angle right into an enemy chokepoint, minimize exposure to anything but the front armour and the M4A3E2 can remain a formidable obstacle to all opponents. Take care not to be outflanked by enemy players aware of the M4A3E2 position.
+
Another role the Cobra King is good at is as a flanker. Due to its great mobility as a heavy tank, the Cobra King can manoeuvre like a medium tank around the battlefield. This is also beneficial to the 75 mm gun as it would permit the Cobra King a chance to attack the weaker side armours of enemy vehicles. Once flanking around and finding a prime position in a firing angle right into an enemy choke point, minimize exposure to anything but the front armour and the Cobra King can remain a formidable obstacle to all opponents. Take care not to be outflanked by enemy players aware of the Cobra King's position.
  
−
Due to the M4A3E2 Jumbo having a slightly higher battle-rating than the other M4 Shermans at 5.0 it can be up-tiered against tanks such as the [[Panther D]] and [[Tiger_H1|Tiger H1]], meaning it's 75 mm cannon starts becoming less effective. For this reason, it is advisable to take the T45 APCR ammo into battle, at least enough to take on the armoured targets the Jumbo will face.
+
As the Cobra King has a slightly higher battle rating than the other M4 Shermans, it can be up-tiered against tanks such as the [[Tiger H1]] and the [[Panther D]], meaning its M61 round will be almost harmless. For this reason, it is advisable to take the T45 APCR ammo into battle, at least enough to take on the armoured targets the Cobra King will face.
  
−
The Soviet 85 mm can be a threat, so caution is advised when going up against tanks armed with the 85 mm, such as the [[T-34-85]], [[SU-85]], and [[IS-1]]. The [[Jagdpanzer 38(t)|Jagdpanzer 38(t)]] and [[Jagdpanzer IV]] can be tricky when facing off against them. Their frontal armour is too thick and sloped for the 75 mm M3 gun to have any effect on it. For these two targets, it is advised to target their tracks and transmission and then flank for a side shot, where the armour is much weaker. Finally, the Dicker Max wields a 105 mm that can penetrate the front plate of the M4A3E2 Jumbo, so caution is advised against those as well.
+
The Soviet 85 mm gun can be a threat, so caution is advised when going up against tanks armed with the 85 mm, such as the [[T-34-85]], [[SU-85]], and [[IS-1]]. The [[Jagdpanzer 38(t)]] and [[Jagdpanzer IV]] can be tricky when facing off against them. Their frontal armour is too thick and sloped for the 75 mm M3 gun to have any effect on it. For these two targets, it is advised to target their tracks and transmission and then flank for a side shot, where the armour is much weaker. Finally, the Sturer Emil wields a 128 mm that can penetrate the front plate of the Cobra King, so caution is advised against those as well.
−
 
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Mobility
 
−
! Protection
 
−
! colspan="2" | Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Horizontal Drive
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Suspension
 
−
| Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire
 
−
| M61 shot
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Filters
 
−
|
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| Elevation Mechanism
 
−
| T45 shot
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Transmission
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| M89
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" | This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 228: Line 149:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Decent 75 mm gun with APCR rounds
+
* Excellent frontal armour
−
* High rate of fire for the main gun
+
* Very strong turret armour from all sides, excellent at hull down position
 +
* Nimble for a heavy tank, able to accelerate quickly
 +
* APCR shot has high penetration power
 +
* High rate of fire for the 75 mm M3 gun
 
* Excellent gun depression
 
* Excellent gun depression
−
* Very strong turret armour from all sides, very good at hull down position
 
−
* Excellent frontal armour, about 101 mm thick
 
−
* Can absorb a lot of damage
 
−
* Better mobility than the Russian KV-1 and the British Churchill
 
 
* Equipped with gun stabilizer, making it more accurate at moving and when preparing a shot after moving
 
* Equipped with gun stabilizer, making it more accurate at moving and when preparing a shot after moving
−
* Good acceleration
 
−
* Incredibly tough when angled
 
−
* Wide tracks enable it to have decent off-road mobility, unlike other previous Sherman models
 
−
* Learning curve from previous M4 Sherman variant will help a lot at mastering this tank
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* [[M3 (75 mm)|75 mm gun]] lacks penetration against [[:Category:Heavy_tanks|heavy tanks]]
+
* 75 mm M3 gun lacks penetration against most tanks frontally
−
* APCR shot is quite expensive, using it as a primary shell will seriously lower the Silver Lion reward by a large margin
+
* APCR shot has poor post-penetration damage
−
* Armour weak spot above the gun-mantlet (63.5 mm @ 60°)
+
* The frontal armour still presents several weak spots enemies can easily exploit
−
* Small bottom corners on M4A3E2 gun mantlet can serve as shot traps
+
* Side and rear armour are pretty weak and limit angling tactics
−
* Side armour better than normal, but still weak (76.2 mm) and the lower side hull armour is even worse (38.1 mm)
+
* Low top speed
−
* Very thin rear armour
+
* Reverse speed is poor
−
* Inability to compound angle greatly due to very weak lower side hull armour that would be penetrated
 
−
* Tall profile makes it a bigger target
 
−
* Bad off-road manoeuvrability
 
−
* Low top speed of 35 km/h
 
−
* Reverse speed is bad
 
−
* Hull MG is a weak spot on the front glacis
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 262: Line 172:
 
Even before the invasion of Normandy, the Allied commanders had to figure out a method in order to breach heavily-defended fortification lines such as the Siegfried Line blocking the path from France to Germany. One of the solutions was the implementation of "assault tanks" that would enter enemy territory and root out the enemy fortifications. The initial plan was for the production of the [[M26|M26 Pershing]] tanks to fulfil this role, but setbacks in its development caused the M26 deployment to be delayed until 1945. A quick solution had to be made to fill this "assault tank" role for the invasion of Europe in 1944.
 
Even before the invasion of Normandy, the Allied commanders had to figure out a method in order to breach heavily-defended fortification lines such as the Siegfried Line blocking the path from France to Germany. One of the solutions was the implementation of "assault tanks" that would enter enemy territory and root out the enemy fortifications. The initial plan was for the production of the [[M26|M26 Pershing]] tanks to fulfil this role, but setbacks in its development caused the M26 deployment to be delayed until 1945. A quick solution had to be made to fill this "assault tank" role for the invasion of Europe in 1944.
  
−
The US ordinance then took their abundant [[M4|M4 Shermans]] in stock and fixed them up for the new role they've been assigned. 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 designs 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 was also increased to 76.2 mm thick and the turret was redesigned to provide more protection. These modified Shermans were designated as 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 moved at 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.
+
The US Ordnance Department then took their abundant [[M4|M4 Shermans]] in stock and fixed them up for the new role they've been assigned. 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 designs 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 was also increased to 76.2 mm thick and the turret was redesigned to provide more protection. These modified Shermans were designated as the [[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 moved at 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 254 of these vehicles to be delivered for use in European Operations. Intended to assault 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 cannon 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|M4A3E2 (76) W Jumbo]].
+
In March of 1944, the US Army ordered 254 of these vehicles to be delivered for use in European Operations. Intended to assault 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 cannon 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===
 
===Combat usage===
Line 271: Line 181:
 
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 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.
 
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 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 ===
+
{{break}}
−
Preparations for the invasion of Europe saw a heavily armored assault tank designated M4A3E2 (76)W designed using the M4A3 base. In March 1944 the Armed Forces Committee approved a program refitting 254 tanks, some of which were equipped with 76 mm cannons. Their armor was strengthened by stacking 38 mm armor plates welded together on the front and sides of the hull. As a result, the frontal armor reached a thickness of 102 mm to go along with the 76 mm on the sides.
+
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
Preparations for the invasion of Europe saw a heavily armoured assault tank designated M4A3E2 (76)W designed using the M4A3 base. In March 1944 the Armed Forces Committee approved a program refitting 254 tanks, some of which were equipped with 76 mm cannons. Their armour was strengthened by stacking 38 mm armour plates welded together on the front and sides of the hull. As a result, the frontal armour reached a thickness of 102 mm to go along with the 76 mm on the sides.
  
 
The transmission was protected with a 140 mm cast cover, while the rest of the hull was not modified. The new T23 cast turret had walls 152 mm thick and was special in that it did not have a hatch from which to fire a personal weapon. The 178 mm mantlet was mounted with a 76 mm M1A1C cannon, while ammunition was stored in wet stowage.
 
The transmission was protected with a 140 mm cast cover, while the rest of the hull was not modified. The new T23 cast turret had walls 152 mm thick and was special in that it did not have a hatch from which to fire a personal weapon. The 178 mm mantlet was mounted with a 76 mm M1A1C cannon, while ammunition was stored in wet stowage.
  
−
The thicker armor pushed the tank's weight to 38 tons, simultaneously lowering its top speed to 35 km/h.
+
The thicker armour pushed the tank's weight to 38 tons, simultaneously lowering its top speed to 35 km/h.
  
−
The exact number of M4A2E2 tanks refitted with 76 mm M1A1C cannons was never ascertained.
+
The exact number of M4A3E2 tanks refitted with 76 mm M1A1C cannons was never ascertained.
  
−
The tanks were very popular as column leads, given the fact that German antitank guns could not penetrate their frontal armor.
+
The tanks were very popular as column leads, given the fact that German antitank guns could not penetrate their frontal armour.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== 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
 +
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_m4a3e2_sherman_jumbo_cobra_king Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Images
 
;Images
−
<div><ul>
+
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
−
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:CobraKing LeftHull Bastogne.jpg|300px|thumbnail|none|Left hull side of the "Cobra King", where the crew made a note of their achievement.]] </li>
+
Image:CobraKing LeftHull Bastogne.jpg|<small>Left hull side of the "Cobra King", where the crew made a note of their achievement.</small>
−
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Cobra King Bastogne.jpg|300px|thumbnail|none|Historical photo of the "Cobra King" at the Battle of the Bulge (National Archive).]] </li>
+
Image:Cobra King Bastogne.jpg|<small>Historical photo of the "Cobra King" at the Battle of the Bulge (National Archive).</small>
−
</ul></div>
+
</gallery>
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
−
{{Youtube-gallery|l31USzTa5EQ|'''War Thunder''' - How to destroy the Jumbo.}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|l31USzTa5EQ|'''How to destroy the Jumbo''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|ouIrQ7umnsM|'''Cobra King - First Tank Into Bastogne 1944''' - ''Mark Felton Productions''}}
  
 
== 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 vehicles;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Other M4A3E2 vehicles in the game
 +
 
 +
* [[M4A3E2]] / [[M4A3E2 (France)]]
 +
* [[M4A3E2 (76) W]]
  
 
== 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;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
 
'''News article about the tank'''
 
'''News article about the tank'''
  
−
* [http://www.stripes.com/news/vilseck-tank-confirmed-as-cobra-king-1.86612 Vilseck Tank confirmed as "Cobra King"]
+
* [http://www.stripes.com/news/vilseck-tank-confirmed-as-cobra-king-1.86612 <nowiki>[Stars and Stripes]</nowiki> Vilseck Tank confirmed as 'Cobra King']
−
* [http://www.americainwwii.com/articles/cobra-king-today/ "Cobra King" - Where is it today?]
+
* [http://www.americainwwii.com/articles/cobra-king-today/ <nowiki>[American WWII]</nowiki> Cobra King: where is she today?]
−
* [http://www.army.mil/article/17393/ "Cobra King" Combat History - Army News Archive]
+
* [http://www.army.mil/article/17393/ <nowiki>[US Army]</nowiki> 'Cobra King' led 4th Armored Division column that relieved Bastogne during Battle of the Bulge]
−
* [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/retropolis/wp/2017/08/03/a-battered-world-war-ii-hero-of-bastogne-gets-a-new-home-and-museum-built-around-it/ Washington Post - A battered World War II hero of Bastogne gets a new home, and a museum built around it]
+
* [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/retropolis/wp/2017/08/03/a-battered-world-war-ii-hero-of-bastogne-gets-a-new-home-and-museum-built-around-it/ <nowiki>[Washington Post]</nowiki> A battered World War II hero of Bastogne gets a new home, and a museum built around it]
  
 
=== References ===
 
=== References ===
 
<references />
 
<references />
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer Ordnance Department}}
 
{{USA heavy tanks}}
 
{{USA heavy tanks}}
 
{{USA premium ground vehicles}}
 
{{USA premium ground vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 10:02, 19 November 2023

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the premium American heavy tank Cobra King. For other versions, see M4 Sherman (Family). For other uses, see M4 (Disambiguation).
Cobra King
us_m4a3e2_sherman_jumbo_cobra_king.png
GarageImage Cobra King.jpg
Cobra King
USA flag.png USA
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.3 5.7 5.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:2 980 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game

Description

The Cobra King is a unique version of the M4A3E2 Sherman, which was an up-armoured modification of the M4A3, the fourth variant of the early-generation Medium Tank M4 (Sherman) family. During the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, the Germans assaulted and cornered U.S. soldiers in the town of Bastogne. The Cobra King was the first tank to enter the perimeter of Bastogne, bringing relief to the besieged American 101st Airborne Division. Cobra King saw combat for the first time in 1944. It was destroyed during a battle in France in November 1944, but it was later restored and reassigned. In late 1944, the tank was deployed to Company C of the American 4th Armored Division's 37th Tank Battalion, which was the spearhead of General Patton's Third Army moving into Bastogne. The 37th Tank Battalion was then commanded by Creighton Abrams, subsequently commander of U.S. forces in the Vietnam War, Chief of Staff of the United States Army, and namesake of the M1 Abrams tank. Lieutenant Charles Boggess led a crew that included Hubert S. Smith (driver), Harold Hafner (co-driver), Milton Jafet (gunner), and James G. Murphy (loader). Boggess had taken over for the tank's former commander, Charles Trover, who was killed by a sniper on December 23rd while standing in the turret.

Introduced in Update 1.45 "Steel Generals", the Cobra King is a unique premium version of the M4A3E2, which is a makeshift heavy tank based on the original M4A3 Sherman variant. Playstyles are very much similar to the standard M4A3E2. Though it may look similar to an ordinary M4A3 Sherman medium tank, it can sustain substantially more damage than any M4 Sherman variants and can attack enemy positions effectively. The majority of Cobra King adversaries will struggle to penetrate this vehicle from the front. When you utilize the M4A3E2 to lead an aggressive charge, your opponents will usually direct their fire at you, allowing others in your team to attack enemy targets with less pressure. Despite its superb armour, the Cobra King's 75 mm M3 tank gun is underwhelming. It lacks the armour penetration to engage most opponents within its ranks from the front. Players will usually have to destroy critical components such as the barrel and tracks, and flank enemies for the weaker side armour in order to properly destroy hostile vehicles.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull101 / 76 / 38
Turret177 / 152 / 152
Crew5 people
Visibility122 %

The "Cobra King" still features the double layered front armour, giving the vehicle its distinctive 101.6 mm total front armour. The transmission housing is also considerably beefier too from the addition of armour in the area as well. The front of the T23-style turret is also distinctive, with the very blocky gun mantlet and circular barrel shroud around the rather underwhelming 75 mm gun barrel.

The sides and suspension look like the usual game with the M4 Sherman series, but with minor differences. The flat side armour of the hull, instead of 38.1 mm thick, is now 76.2 mm thick for much stronger side protection. However, the lower side hull around the bogie suspension area is still only 38.1 mm thick, vulnerable to most regular anti-tank weapons. Another minor difference is the tracks, the T48 rubber chevron tracks are equipped with extended end connectors in an effort to improve ground pressure performance for the additional weight of the armour.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Roof)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 63.5 + 38.1 mm (47°) Front glacis
114.3-139.7 mm (7-66°) Transmission housing 		76.2 mm Top
38.1 mm Bottom 		38.1 mm (10°) Top
38.1 mm (7-24°) Bottom 		19.5 mm
Turret 152.4 mm (0-52°) Turret front
177.8 mm (4-60°) Gun mantlet 		152.4 mm (4-42°) 152.4 mm (0-79°) 63.5 mm Front
25.4 mm
Cupola 51 mm 51 mm 51 mm 25.4 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 15 mm, bogies 10 mm, and tracks are 17 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 25.4 mm thick.
  • Hull underside right above the tracks is 9.5 mm thick.
  • Gun breech is 300 mm thick in structural steel.

The M4A3E2 Jumbo presents very little frontal weak spots in an engagement. It is best to try to force the Jumbo towards the player or allies. An angle more than 30 degrees can expose the much weaker lower side hull armour in the suspension that is only 38.1 mm thick. With a powerful enough gun, a round can penetrate this area and damage the crew, or even set off the ammunition all cluttered up on the bottom of the tank.

If a frontal engagement is unavoidable and is unfortunately armed with guns unable to penetrate the front glacis, there are only two areas that are viable. First is the machine gun port, which is one of the areas that is not layered with the extra 38.1 mm added on top of the base armour. Guns like the Panzer IV 75 mm KwK40 guns that are unable to cleave through the front glacis can push their luck in this area, with small "sweet spots" the round can pass through. Another way to attack the M4A3E2 in this scenario is exploiting a shot-trap in the gun mantlet. The small corner flaps on the bottom corners of the gun mantlet have a tendency to deflect rounds downwards onto the 19.5 mm hull roof armour. While this will be left to the ricochet chances, it is still possible and can be used if no other scenarios are favourable.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB38 / 5 km/h
RB and SB36 / 5 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight37.8 t
Engine power
AB954 hp
RB and SB500 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB25.2 hp/t
RB and SB13.2 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 38 5 37.8 646 954 17.09 25.24
Realistic 36 5 442 500 11.69 13.23

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB1 595 Sl icon.png
RB1 768 Sl icon.png
SB2 443 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts250 000 Sl icon.png
Aces630 Ge icon.png
Research Aces870 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 100 / 150 / 170 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 160 / 160 / 160 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Mods tank reinforcement us.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Mods tank ammo.png
75mm_usa_APCBC_ammo_pack
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Mods tank ammo.png
75mm_usa_APCR_ammo_pack
Mods tank ammo.png
75mm_us_M89_Smoke_ammo_pack

Armaments

Main armament

75 mm M3 cannon
Vertical stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in one plane while moving
Ammunition104 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
6.5 → 5.0 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 25°
Main article: M3 (75 mm)
75 mm M3 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 104 -10°/+25° ±180° Vertical 19.42 26.88 32.64 36.10 38.40 6.50 5.75 5.30 5.00
Realistic 14.28 16.80 20.40 22.56 24.00

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
M72 shot AP 91 88 78 67 57 49
M48 shell HE 10 10 10 10 10 10
M61 shot APCBC 104 102 93 84 75 68
T45 shot APCR 139 135 121 105 91 79
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%
M72 shot AP 619 6.3 - - - 47° 60° 65°
M48 shell HE 463 6.3 0.2 0.1 666 79° 80° 81°
M61 shot APCBC 618 6.79 1.2 14 63.7 48° 63° 71°
T45 shot APCR 868 3.81 - - - 66° 70° 72°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Screen radius
(m) 		Screen deploy
time (s) 		Screen hold
time (s) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
M89 259 3 9 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Cobra King
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
104 100 (+4) 50 (+54) 0 (+104) No

Notes:

  • As they are modelled by sets of 2, shells disappear from the rack only after you've fired both shells in the set.
  • Floor left rack only: 50 (+54) shells.

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Ammunition600 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 30°
Horizontal guidance-60° / 60°
7.62 mm M1919A4 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition3 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
Main articles: M2HB (12.7 mm), M1919A4 (7.62 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 600 (200) 577 -10°/+30° ±60°
7.62 mm M1919A4
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,000 (250) 500 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

The Cobra King is best in assaulting enemy positions with allies. Its great mobility for a heavy tank, especially with its armour, makes it a vehicle able to charge into battle with confidence. It can act as a bullet magnet against enemy tanks more worried about the Cobra King, diverting fire that would have been directed more vulnerable teammates. Though the 75 mm gun's AP performance is not suited to the types of enemies expected at the BR, it can still harass enemies and the gun is lethal enough that enemies will be forced to show their front armour towards the Jumbo else a 75 mm penetrates their side armour. Their focus on the Jumbo can allow allies to move around and eliminate them. During all this, take care not to over-angle and show the lower side armour too much as this allows vehicles to penetrate down there and damage modules, even the ammunition storage if they are lucky.

Another role the Cobra King is good at is as a flanker. Due to its great mobility as a heavy tank, the Cobra King can manoeuvre like a medium tank around the battlefield. This is also beneficial to the 75 mm gun as it would permit the Cobra King a chance to attack the weaker side armours of enemy vehicles. Once flanking around and finding a prime position in a firing angle right into an enemy choke point, minimize exposure to anything but the front armour and the Cobra King can remain a formidable obstacle to all opponents. Take care not to be outflanked by enemy players aware of the Cobra King's position.

As the Cobra King has a slightly higher battle rating than the other M4 Shermans, it can be up-tiered against tanks such as the Tiger H1 and the Panther D, meaning its M61 round will be almost harmless. For this reason, it is advisable to take the T45 APCR ammo into battle, at least enough to take on the armoured targets the Cobra King will face.

The Soviet 85 mm gun can be a threat, so caution is advised when going up against tanks armed with the 85 mm, such as the T-34-85, SU-85, and IS-1. The Jagdpanzer 38(t) and Jagdpanzer IV can be tricky when facing off against them. Their frontal armour is too thick and sloped for the 75 mm M3 gun to have any effect on it. For these two targets, it is advised to target their tracks and transmission and then flank for a side shot, where the armour is much weaker. Finally, the Sturer Emil wields a 128 mm that can penetrate the front plate of the Cobra King, so caution is advised against those as well.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent frontal armour
  • Very strong turret armour from all sides, excellent at hull down position
  • Nimble for a heavy tank, able to accelerate quickly
  • APCR shot has high penetration power
  • High rate of fire for the 75 mm M3 gun
  • Excellent gun depression
  • Equipped with gun stabilizer, making it more accurate at moving and when preparing a shot after moving

Cons:

  • 75 mm M3 gun lacks penetration against most tanks frontally
  • APCR shot has poor post-penetration damage
  • The frontal armour still presents several weak spots enemies can easily exploit
  • Side and rear armour are pretty weak and limit angling tactics
  • Low top speed
  • Reverse speed is poor

History

Development

Even before the invasion of Normandy, the Allied commanders had to figure out a method in order to breach heavily-defended fortification lines such as the Siegfried Line blocking the path from France to Germany. One of the solutions was the implementation of "assault tanks" that would enter enemy territory and root out the enemy fortifications. The initial plan was for the production of the M26 Pershing tanks to fulfil this role, but setbacks in its development caused the M26 deployment to be delayed until 1945. A quick solution had to be made to fill this "assault tank" role for the invasion of Europe in 1944.

The US Ordnance Department then took their abundant M4 Shermans in stock and fixed them up for the new role they've been assigned. 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 designs 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 was also increased to 76.2 mm thick and the turret was redesigned to provide more protection. These modified Shermans were designated as the 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 moved at 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 254 of these vehicles to be delivered for use in European Operations. Intended to assault 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 cannon 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 M4A3E2s 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 the existing M4 Shermans to weld on armour plates scavenged from knocked out tanks to makeshift "on-the-field" Jumbos. This caused the newer Shermans such as the M4A3 (76) W HVSS to 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 of Bastogne to relieve the pinned down 101st Paratroopers. The M4A3E2 "Cobra King" was the tank Lt Charles P. Boggess commanded to lead elements of Patton's Third Army into Bastogne on December 25, 1944. The 101st was finally relieved and reconnected with the Third Army on December 27. "Cobra King", however, was knocked out sometime during the fighting (maybe during the Hammelburg Raid) and had its interior destroyed by an internal fire. When the tank's remnants were identified in 2008, it was shipped back to the United States to Fort Knox at the Patton museum to be restored by Len Dyer, director of the Patton Museum and the soon-to-be National Armor and Cavalry Museum. After two years of restoration work, the tank was put into the display at Fort Benning as a dedication to the Charlie Company of the 4th Armored Division's 37th Tank Battalion. It was moved in August 2017 to the future National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.[1]

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 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.


Archive of the in-game description

Preparations for the invasion of Europe saw a heavily armoured assault tank designated M4A3E2 (76)W designed using the M4A3 base. In March 1944 the Armed Forces Committee approved a program refitting 254 tanks, some of which were equipped with 76 mm cannons. Their armour was strengthened by stacking 38 mm armour plates welded together on the front and sides of the hull. As a result, the frontal armour reached a thickness of 102 mm to go along with the 76 mm on the sides.

The transmission was protected with a 140 mm cast cover, while the rest of the hull was not modified. The new T23 cast turret had walls 152 mm thick and was special in that it did not have a hatch from which to fire a personal weapon. The 178 mm mantlet was mounted with a 76 mm M1A1C cannon, while ammunition was stored in wet stowage.

The thicker armour pushed the tank's weight to 38 tons, simultaneously lowering its top speed to 35 km/h.

The exact number of M4A3E2 tanks refitted with 76 mm M1A1C cannons was never ascertained.

The tanks were very popular as column leads, given the fact that German antitank guns could not penetrate their frontal armour.


Media

Skins
Images

  • Left hull side of the "Cobra King", where the crew made a note of their achievement.

  • Historical photo of the "Cobra King" at the Battle of the Bulge (National Archive).

Videos
How to destroy the Jumbo - War Thunder Official Channel
Cobra King - First Tank Into Bastogne 1944 - Mark Felton Productions

See also

Other M4A3E2 vehicles in the game

External links

News article about the tank

References

  1. ↑ Ruane, Michael E. A Battered World War II Hero of Bastogne Gets a New Home, and a Museum Built around It. The Washington Post, WP Company, 3 Aug. 2017, Website


U.S. Army Ordnance Department/Corps*
Light tanks  T18E2 · M24 (Designed in collaboration with Cadillac)
M3 Stuart  M3 · M3A1 Stuart · M3A1 (USMC)
M5 Stuart  M5A1
Medium tanks  M3 Lee
M4 Sherman  M4 · M4A1 · M4A2 · M4A3 (105) · Calliope
  M4A1 (76) W · M4A2 (76) W · M4A3 (76) W
M26 Pershing  T20 · T25 · M26 · M26E1 · M26 T99
Patton Series  M46 · M46 "Tiger" · M47
Prototypes  T54E1 · T95E1
Heavy tanks  M103
M4 Jumbo  M4A3E2 · Cobra King · M4A3E2 (76) W
M6 Heavy  M6A1 · M6A2E1 · T1E1
M26 Pershing  T26E1-1 · T26E5
Prototypes  T14
T29  T29 · T30 · T34
T-32  T32 · T32E1
Tank destroyers  M3 GMC · M10 GMC · M56
M8 GMC  M8 HMC · M8A1 GMC
M36 GMC  M36 GMC · M36B2
Prototypes  T28 · T95
SPAAGs 
Production  M19 MGMC · M42
Export/Captured  ␗M8 HMC · SU-57
Stuart  Stuart I · Stuart III · ␗M3A3 Stuart · ␗M3A3 (1st PTG) · ▄M3A3 · ▄M3A3 Stuart · ▃Stuart VI (5th CAD) · ␗M5A1
Lee/Grant  ▂M3 Medium · ▃Grant I · Grant I
M4 Sherman  Sherman II · ▄M4A1 · ␗M4A1 (75) W · ▀M4 748 (a) · ▂M4A2 · ▄M4A3 (105) · ▅M4A3 (76) W · ▄M4A3E2
  ␗M4A4 · ␗M4A4 (1st PTG) · ▄Sherman V · ▄M4A4 · ▄Sherman I Composito
M26 Pershing  M26 "D.C.Ariete" · M26A1
M47 Patton  mKPz M47 G · ▅M47
M10 GMC  ␗M10 GMC · ▄M10 GMC
M36 GMC  ␗M36 GMC · M36B1 · ▅M36 · ▄M36B2
M19 MGMC  ▅M19A1
M42 MGMC  ▅M42 · ␗M42
  *The Ordnance Department was renamed to the Ordnance Corps after the Army Reorganization Act of 1950.

USA heavy tanks
M4 Jumbo  M4A3E2 · Cobra King · M4A3E2 (76) W
M6  M6A1 · T1E1 · T1E1 (90) · M6A2E1
T26  T26E1-1 · T26E5
T29/30/34  T29 · T30 · T34
T32  T32 · T32E1
M103  M103
Others  T14

USA premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  LVT(A)(4) · M2A4 (1st Arm.Div.) · M3A1 (USMC) · ▃Stuart VI (5th CAD) · M8 LAC · M8A1 GMC
  M18 "Black Cat" · Super Hellcat · T18E2 · M551(76) · T114 · M1128 Wolfpack
Medium tanks  ▃Grant I · M4A5 · Calliope · T20 · M26 T99 · M26E1 · M46 "Tiger" · T54E1 · T54E2 · ▃Magach 3 (ERA) · M728 CEV
  XM1 (GM) · XM1 (Chrysler) · M1 KVT · M1A1 Click-Bait
Heavy tanks  T14 · Cobra King · M6A2E1 · T29 · T30
Tank destroyers  T28 · T55E1

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