Difference between revisions of "M16 MGMC (Japan)"

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{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other half-track vehicles based on the M3
+
| usage = the American SPAA
| link = M3 Half-Track (Family)
+
| link = M16 MGMC
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
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== 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.'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} SPAA {{Battle-rating}}  introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]]. Although it was originally an American vehicle, around 170 M16s were supplied to the Japanese National Safety Force, and the JGSDF (Japan Ground Self Defense Forces) in 1954. Used in anti-aircraft and anti-personnel roles, it served alongside the American-supplied M15A1 CGMCs, [[M19A1 (Japan)|M19A1s]], and [[M42 (Japan)|M42 Dusters]] until it was officially phased out of Japanese service in 1974.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was American surplus equipment at the end of WWII, and was handed down to Japanese national forces for self-defense and building of a Japanese reserve in the image of the US military. Serving through the NSF and JGSDF, they were in service until 1974 when they were deemed obsolete.
  
The M16 MGMC is equipped with four .50 caliber machine guns mounted on a Maxson M45 Quadmount designed to knock enemy aircraft out of the sky.
+
It was introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]]. Being a simple hand-me-down from the US, it plays and is exactly the same as the [[M16 MGMC]], offering 4x .50 M2HBs in a single mount, it destroys aircraft by the sheer volume of fire which is further helped by the Incendiary it carries in its belts. Armour protection is little to rely upon, but due to the placement of the crew, it may survive more often than not when fired upon.
 
 
The point of the M16 MGMC is to protect the team against enemy aircraft. Compared to other, autocannon-armed AA, the M16 MGMC puts up  a hail of bullets that focuses on volume-of-fire rather than damage-per-round. This is not to discount the damage that .50 caliber rounds can do, however, as they have enough penetration to go through some armor and armored glass (features that most aircraft at the BR won't have much of), and easily set fuel tanks alight with incendiary rounds.
 
 
 
Multiple .50 caliber heavy machine guns allow for surprisingly decent self-defense against poorly armored enemy vehicles like armored cars, light tanks, and even some early medium tanks.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Tank-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.'' -->
 +
As an open-top half-track, the chassis can only really offer some protection against rifle calibre machine guns, even not completely being true for the anti-air turret, which has a viewport with no glass that can knock out the gunner if aimed at correctly with any kind of small arms.
 +
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
  
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{{Specs-Tank-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.'' -->
 +
Decently mobile for a half-track it offers better off-road capability over fully wheeled trucks allowing it to be a decent choice to capture points and even plausible to flank lightly-armoured vehicles with the AP-I belt.
  
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=210|rbMinHp=131}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=210|rbMinHp=131}}
 
As a half-track, the M16 MGMC is light and thus agile. While it has a high top speed, the acceleration is quite slow: expect a cruise speed between 40 and 45 km/h. The reverse speed is good, allowing you to pull out of dangerous situations. Like all WW2 wheeled vehicles, you cannot turn on the spot and always need space to change direction. However, thanks to the rear tracks, your turn radius can be tight at slow speeds. Just remember that the faster you drive, the bigger the turn radius will be.
 
 
Changing directions in a cramped street can be difficult with the M16 MGMC. The lack of neutral steering makes turning on the spot slower than other vehicles (4 km/h): make sure to build a little speed before turning and you'll turn faster (12 km/h). The off-road mobility is average: it can reach around 14 km/h when fording and 18 km/h when driving uphill. The M16 MGMC has a very high cruise speed on hard surfaces (solid ground, roads). While its high speed is an advantage, it can turn into a disadvantage when maneuvering at high speed: the M16 MGMC starts oversteering when you turn because of its high center of gravity and ends up skidding uncontrollably. Be aware of this before gunning towards the frontline: limit your maximum speed and anticipate the braking phases. As it is equipped with front tires, the M16 MGMC struggles on soft terrain (sand, mud, snow). Light obstacles (fences and bushes) will make you bleed speed and medium to large obstacles (posts, trees, concrete blocks and parked vehicles) will stop your vehicle: avoid them.
 
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 +
After unlocking parts and FPE, the best course of action is getting the API belt, offering about 30 mm of penetration and a full belt of incendiary munition which will cause havoc among planes and lightly-armoured vehicles alike. After unlocking the API belt, turret adjustments and mobility upgrades can be chosen at player's discretion.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
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* '''APIT:''' {{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
 
* '''APIT:''' {{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
  
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:M2HB (12.7 mm)/Ammunition|AP, I, API-T, AP-I}}
! colspan="7" | Penetration statistics
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
 
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
|-
 
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
|-
 
| Common || 31 || 30 || 26 || 22 || 18 || 15
 
|-
 
| API || 30 || 29 || 24 || 20 || 16 || 13
 
|-
 
| AP || 31 || 30 || 26 || 22 || 18 || 15
 
|-
 
| APIT || 30 || 29 || 24 || 20 || 16 || 13
 
|-
 
|}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
! colspan="10" | Belt details
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
 
! 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%
 
|-
 
| APIT || API-T || 929 || 0.04 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 56° || 65°
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
It is recommended to find a good open spot, most times it is enough to stay in the spawn point. The ammunition options for this vehicle are API (Armor-Piercing, Incendiary), APIT (Armor-Piercing, Incendiary, Tracer), and AP (Armor-Piercing). The AP belt consists of majority AP rounds for punching through armor. The API belt has AP rounds followed by Incendiary rounds, which have a higher chance of lighting the target on fire. The APIT belt has AP rounds followed by Incendiary rounds, followed by Tracer rounds, which can set targets on fire and are very visible, which helps with aiming. Keep note that any of these belts are going to be like bright lasers in the sky when firing. The tracers will alert anyone who sees it to your position, so try to be careful where and when you are firing. If you stop to shoot at a target, it is advised to move positions or hide so that the enemy doesn't know exactly where you are.
 
  
Tracers can be used to easily mark enemy snipers, as their brightness and noise will alert friendlies to look at where they are going.
+
As a lend-lease vehicle from America, the M16 will play exactly like its [[M16 MGMC|American counterpart]]. Posing a large threat to most planes within roughly 1.5 km range, the 4 x .50 cals can shred both plane and pilot after a good burst of direct hits on the plane.
  
"The Meat Chopper" is inaccurate when enemy planes are operating at high altitudes, but in these cases, its function is more psychological than effective. Shooting short bursts at enemy planes at high altitudes will show them that the team is covered by vigilant AA fire and that it will be difficult to attack directly.
+
While the M16 and its .50 cals doesn't offer the same explosiveness over Japan's earlier arsenal possessing the [[Type 98 (20 mm)]], it does make up for it in sustained fire due to the multiple barrels and larger belts making sure that once engaged with an enemy plane, there are very few moments where the plane can fly easily as long as you keep sights and trigger on it. You can switch target once the plane flies out of range, gets set on fire, or the pilot is knocked out.
  
When an enemy is diving, the best way to defend is by creating a thick fire curtain with prolonged bursts. One of the most vulnerable moments for aircraft is when they have just dropped bombs or rockets and start to climb. Aircraft in that position are flying very slow and become easy targets. Another really vulnerable moment for an aircraft is when it has pulled up to either pull away from the ground or to follow a plane and is stalling. If an aircraft does that, it is essentially hovering still in the air. Fire a quick burst only slightly ahead to account for bullet drop and a little bit below to anticipate the plane falling back towards the ground.
+
Also unlike the previous Army's arsenal of anti-air, the M16 only offers a maximum penetration of 31 mm and purely is meant to shoot down planes with Incendiary rounds. Though some daring tankers might be able to knock out a light tank or two from the side, with the mediocre mobility of a half-track and lacklustre HMGs, it is ill-advised to use this dedicated anti-air in the anti-tank role.
 
 
Take care if planes are attacking. Fighters with their quick-firing machine guns and cannons are a menace to the M16 MGMC. When you notice rounds starting to land around you, start moving while firing back and take cover behind trees or buildings.
 
 
 
Watch your remaining ammunition closely. The M16 MGMC has 800 rounds to fire but reloading is very slow. When reloading, the M16 MGMC is defenseless and can make the whole team vulnerable in the worst moments. When low on ammo, try to dump the rest of the rounds to reload before the aircraft comes back.
 
 
 
The M16 MGMC is equipped with [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|M2HB]] .50 cal heavy machine guns which can do damage to lightly armored targets, but will not pen more than 26mm of armor, so it is ill-advised to attack anything heavier than a moderately armed light tank with intent to destroy.
 
 
 
Artillery barrages are very dangerous, move immediately and relocate when you see the warning message.
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== 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:'''
+
<!-- ''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".'' -->
  
* Powerful guns can shred planes with well-aimed bursts within 1 km
+
'''Pros:'''
* AP/API shells are powerful enough to damage and destroy enemy light tanks and other SPAAs
 
* Fast on flat ground and go faster through certain terrain that would impede fully-wheeled vehicles
 
* Higher fire rate than autocannon SPAA at the BR
 
* Great acceleration
 
* Fast turret traverse allows for tracking aircraft easily
 
* Armor can shrug off rifle caliber ammunition <7.92 mm
 
* Fast reverse speed, can evacuate an area quickly if necessary
 
* Stable turret and accurate on the move
 
  
*
+
* Strong machine guns that can shred aircraft with a well-aimed burst
 +
* Good mobility; accelerates quickly, fast on flat ground
 +
* Fast turret traverse allows for easily tracking any aircraft
 +
* .50 can knock out open-topped or lightly armoured vehicles
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Armour will not resist HMG fire >7.92mm and shrapnel
+
* Any armament above light machine guns (>7.92 mm) poses a threat
* Nearby explosions will seriously damage the vehicle and injure the crew
+
* Vulnerable to explosive rounds and bombs dropped by aircraft due to it being open top
* Fighter aircraft, especially cannon armed fighters, can quickly destroy this vehicle due to tight crew placement
+
* Can easily be taken out by an aircraft with one well-aimed pass; the entire crew is exposed
* Cannot consistently destroy enemy armored vehicles
 
* Light weight makes towing or shoving heavier allies or destroyed vehicles nearly impossible
 
* Prone to tipping over when turning at high speeds or travelling across steep inclines
 
* Only 1 spare crew member
 
* No neutral steering
 
* Open top armor allows for shrapnel and machine gun fire to hit crew
 
* Vulnerable to artillery barrages
 
* Tracer rounds bring a lot of attention and can draw friendly fire in Simulator mode
 
 
 
*
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 ===
 
The role of a mobile anti-aircraft vehicle in the US Army was seen as necessary in order to protect ground troops from enemy aircraft at any place of their deployment. The first such development was the [[M13 MGMC]], which was an anti-aircraft system of two .50 cal machine gun on the back of an M3 Half-Track car. The M13 served with some success, but by 1943 an upgraded version was in production.
 
 
The new vehicle in development was an improvement over the M13 MGMC from replacing the two .50 cal machine guns with four instead, while still based off the M13 design by using the M3 Half-Track as the chassis. The prototype was called the T61 MGMC, but once accepted at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, it was designated the '''M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage'''. During the evaluations, some changes to the design were made, including the addition of a gun shield. Production started in May 1943 and continued on until March 1944 with the production of 2,877 M16 MGMC vehicles by White Motor Company. An additional 568 M13 and 109 T10 Half-tracks were also converted into M16 vehicles for a total of about 3,550 M16 units made.
 
 
=== Combat in American service ===
 
The M16 MGMC saw service in early 1944, replacing the M13 that came before it. Deployment of the M16 MGMC is usually alongside the [[M15A1 CGMC|M15 CGMC]], another anti-aircraft weapon equipped with a 37 mm autocannon as well as two .50 machine guns. The M16 MGMC was very popular with the troops as not only was it able to take down low-flying aircraft with relative ease, it was also used in an infantry support role where it earns the nickname "The Meat Chopper". The ability to provide covering fire with its four .50 calibre machine guns give the M16 a huge firepower advantage over the standard infantry and in some cases, were used to cut down trees where snipers were suspected to be hiding. The M16 also saw service with the Allies in the British Commonwealth and the Soviet Union, where they make use of it in the same way America did in anti-aircraft and ground support roles. The M16 saw service in the Italian Campaign, the French Campaign, and the Battle of the Bulge.
 
  
After World War II, the M16 MGMC still saw service in American forces in the Korean War, as well as by their South Korean allies. While still superb at a ground support role, the advancing technology in aircraft make them more advanced and durable to the .50 calibre machine guns and so its effect as an anti-aircraft gun has diminished. By late 1951, the M16 MGMC was declared a "limited standard" and were gradually retired from US service, though they continued to serve until the end of the US involvement in the Korean War. The M16 MGMC was finally declared obsolete by the US Army in 1958.
+
[[File:Parade during establishment of NSF.jpg|right|thumb|x250px|Parade during the establishment of the NSF]]
 
+
Prior to the creation of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force in July of 1954, the Japanese were delegated a security force called the "National Safety Force" (NSF) in 1952. Similar in function to the national police, they were trained by American officers and equipped with American military equipment including most firearms and uniforms. Limited under treaty from building their own military designs, Japan sought assistance from the US to provide its heavy equipment. In particular, Japanese personnel were supplied with 168 M16 half-tracks for logistical needs but also close infantry support. M45 turrets with quad .50 cal mountings were supplied from surplus American stocks and fitted to the vehicles. Under the 1st District Force (NSF), the first anti-air units were comprised using the "hand-me-down" M16s. These vehicles would pass into the JGSDF in 1954 and while they would see use until 1974, almost 20 years after America had discontinued their M16s, they eventually were deemed obsolete for their primary purpose.
'''M16 MGMCs in Japanese service'''
 
 
 
Prior to the establishment of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force in July of 1954, the Japanese were delegated with a security force called the "National Safety Force" (1952-1954). Similar in function to a national police, they were trained by American officers and equipped with American military equipment. Limited under treaty from building their own military designs, Japan sought assistance from the US to provide its heavy equipment. In particular, Japanese personnel were supplied with 168 M3/M16 half-tracks for logistical needs but also close infantry support. M45 turrets with quad .50 cal mountings were supplied from surplus American stocks and fitted to the vehicles. Under the 1st District Force (NSF) the first anti-air units were comprised using the "hand-me down" M16s. These vehicles would pass into the JGSDF, serving alongside other American-supplied SPAAs like the M15A1 CGMC, [[M19A1 (Japan)|M19A1]], and [[M42 (Japan)|M42 Duster]] until they were officially phased out of Japanese service in 1974 after being deemed obsolete for their primary purpose.
 
 
 
=== In-game description ===
 
The W.L. Maxson Corporation developed the M45 turret emplacement, which was equipped with four 12.7 mm Browning M2HB machine guns, to meet troop requirements for more concentrated defensive fire. The new turret was tested on the M2 half-track personnel carrier chassis, later moving to the M3 chassis.
 
 
 
The self-propelled AA weapon with the new turret went through trials and was accepted as the M16 MGMC.
 
 
 
The new vehicles were produced by the White Motor Company beginning in May 1943, continuing through 1943 and into 1944. In all, 2,877 units were assembled.
 
 
 
Almost all of the M16 MGMCs served in the US army's AA divisions, while an additional 70 were sent to the Free French army. The model was used primarily in the European theater to go along with a small number that saw action in the Philippines.
 
 
 
The M16 MGMC was successfully used against both air and ground targets, as well as to take out enemy infantry. It was also used somewhat widely by US army divisions during the Korean War, after which it was removed from service.
 
  
 
== 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.'' -->
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=jp_halftrack_m16 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 221: Line 142:
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
* [[M13 MGMC]]
+
;Related development
* [[M16 MGMC]]
+
* [[M3 Half-Track (Family)]]
 +
** [[M13 MGMC]]
 +
** [[M15 CGMC]]
 +
** [[M16 MGMC]]
 +
 
 +
;Tanks of comparable role, configuration, and era
 +
* [[File:Italy flag.png|30px|link=]] [[CM52]]
 +
* [[File:Taiwan flag.png|30px|link=]] [[CCKW 353 (M45)]]
 +
* [[File:USSR flag.png|30px|link=]] [[BTR-152D]]
 +
* [[File:Germany flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Sd.Kfz.251/21]]
 +
* [[File:France flag.png|30px|link=]] [[VTT DCA]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 233: Line 164:
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer White Motor Company}}
 
{{Japan anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 
{{Japan anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 
[[Category:Half-tracks]]
 
[[Category:Half-tracks]]

Latest revision as of 00:34, 26 June 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the SPAA M16 MGMC (Japan). For the American SPAA, see M16 MGMC.
▅M16 MGMC
jp_halftrack_m16.png
GarageImage M16 MGMC (Japan).jpg
ArtImage M16 MGMC (Japan).png
▅M16 MGMC
AB RB SB
2.7 2.7 2.7
Class:
Research:9 200 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:16 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Multiple Gun Motor Carriage M16 was American surplus equipment at the end of WWII, and was handed down to Japanese national forces for self-defense and building of a Japanese reserve in the image of the US military. Serving through the NSF and JGSDF, they were in service until 1974 when they were deemed obsolete.

It was introduced in Update "Direct Hit". Being a simple hand-me-down from the US, it plays and is exactly the same as the M16 MGMC, offering 4x .50 M2HBs in a single mount, it destroys aircraft by the sheer volume of fire which is further helped by the Incendiary it carries in its belts. Armour protection is little to rely upon, but due to the placement of the crew, it may survive more often than not when fired upon.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull6 / 6 / 6
Turret12 / 12 / 12
Crew3 people
Visibility80 %

As an open-top half-track, the chassis can only really offer some protection against rifle calibre machine guns, even not completely being true for the anti-air turret, which has a viewport with no glass that can knock out the gunner if aimed at correctly with any kind of small arms.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 6.35 mm (31°) Hood front
12.7 mm (31°) Driver port
6.35 mm 6.35 mm N/A
Turret 12.7 mm N/A N/A N/A

Notes:

  • Suspension bogies are 10 mm thick, suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, and tracks are 7 mm thick. Front wheels provide 2 mm armour.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB83 / 19 km/h
RB and SB76 / 18 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
2 back
Weight8.6 t
Engine power
AB282 hp
RB and SB148 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB32.8 hp/t
RB and SB17.2 hp/t

Decently mobile for a half-track it offers better off-road capability over fully wheeled trucks allowing it to be a decent choice to capture points and even plausible to flank lightly-armoured vehicles with the AP-I belt.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 83 19 8.6 210 282 24.42 32.79
Realistic 76 18 131 148 15.23 17.21

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB653 → 840 Sl icon.png
RB536 → 689 Sl icon.png
SB829 → 1 066 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications8 430 Rp icon.png
9 430 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost640 Ge icon.png
Crew training4 500 Sl icon.png
Experts16 000 Sl icon.png
Aces160 Ge icon.png
Research Aces190 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
40 / 50 / 60 % Sl icon.png
118 / 118 / 118 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
430 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
430 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
530 Rp icon.png
Cost:
600 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
910 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
910 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
430 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement jp.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
530 Rp icon.png
Cost:
600 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
12mm_usa_M2HB_API_ammo_pack
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
12mm_usa_M2HB_AP_ammo_pack
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
430 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods aa cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
430 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
12mm_usa_M2HB_APIT_ammo_pack
Research:
530 Rp icon.png
Cost:
600 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
530 Rp icon.png
Cost:
600 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
910 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png

After unlocking parts and FPE, the best course of action is getting the API belt, offering about 30 mm of penetration and a full belt of incendiary munition which will cause havoc among planes and lightly-armoured vehicles alike. After unlocking the API belt, turret adjustments and mobility upgrades can be chosen at player's discretion.

Armaments

Main armament

4 x 12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Ammunition4 800 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 90°
Main article: M2HB (12.7 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB (x4) Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 4,800 (200) 576 -10°/+90° ±180° N/A 52.8 73.1 88.8 98.2 104.5 18.20 16.10 14.84 14.00
Realistic 35.7 42.0 51.0 56.4 60.0

Ammunition

  • Common: API-T · I · AP · API-T
  • API: API-T · AP-I · API-T
  • AP: AP · AP · API-T
  • APIT: API-T

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
AP 31 29 21 14 9 6
I 7 7 6 5 3 3
API-T 29 27 19 12 7 5
AP-I 30 27 19 12 8 5
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
AP 894 0.05 - - - 47° 56° 65°
I 944 0.04 0 3 0 47° 56° 65°
API-T 929 0.04 - - - 47° 56° 65°
AP-I 929 0.04 - - - 47° 56° 65°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M16 MGMC (Japan)
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
24 12 (+12) (+24) Yes

Notes:

  • Although there are 24 ammo boxes, only 10 are modeled including 4 loaded on the machine guns.
  • Since there are four .50 M2HB machine guns, each reload will load 4 ammo boxes onto the guns with each box containing 200 rounds.

Usage in battles

As a lend-lease vehicle from America, the M16 will play exactly like its American counterpart. Posing a large threat to most planes within roughly 1.5 km range, the 4 x .50 cals can shred both plane and pilot after a good burst of direct hits on the plane.

While the M16 and its .50 cals doesn't offer the same explosiveness over Japan's earlier arsenal possessing the Type 98 (20 mm), it does make up for it in sustained fire due to the multiple barrels and larger belts making sure that once engaged with an enemy plane, there are very few moments where the plane can fly easily as long as you keep sights and trigger on it. You can switch target once the plane flies out of range, gets set on fire, or the pilot is knocked out.

Also unlike the previous Army's arsenal of anti-air, the M16 only offers a maximum penetration of 31 mm and purely is meant to shoot down planes with Incendiary rounds. Though some daring tankers might be able to knock out a light tank or two from the side, with the mediocre mobility of a half-track and lacklustre HMGs, it is ill-advised to use this dedicated anti-air in the anti-tank role.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Strong machine guns that can shred aircraft with a well-aimed burst
  • Good mobility; accelerates quickly, fast on flat ground
  • Fast turret traverse allows for easily tracking any aircraft
  • .50 can knock out open-topped or lightly armoured vehicles

Cons:

  • Any armament above light machine guns (>7.92 mm) poses a threat
  • Vulnerable to explosive rounds and bombs dropped by aircraft due to it being open top
  • Can easily be taken out by an aircraft with one well-aimed pass; the entire crew is exposed

History

Parade during the establishment of the NSF

Prior to the creation of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force in July of 1954, the Japanese were delegated a security force called the "National Safety Force" (NSF) in 1952. Similar in function to the national police, they were trained by American officers and equipped with American military equipment including most firearms and uniforms. Limited under treaty from building their own military designs, Japan sought assistance from the US to provide its heavy equipment. In particular, Japanese personnel were supplied with 168 M16 half-tracks for logistical needs but also close infantry support. M45 turrets with quad .50 cal mountings were supplied from surplus American stocks and fitted to the vehicles. Under the 1st District Force (NSF), the first anti-air units were comprised using the "hand-me-down" M16s. These vehicles would pass into the JGSDF in 1954 and while they would see use until 1974, almost 20 years after America had discontinued their M16s, they eventually were deemed obsolete for their primary purpose.

Media

Skins

See also

Related development
Tanks of comparable role, configuration, and era

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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


White Motor Company
SPAAs  M13 MGMC · M15 CGMC · M16 MGMC
Export  ▅M16 MGMC

Japan anti-aircraft vehicles
Ke-Ni Derivatives  Ta-Se · So-Ki
Wheeled  Type 94
Tracked  SUB-I-II
Radar SPAAG  Type 87
Missile SPAA  Type 93 · Type 81 (C)
USA  ▅M16 MGMC · ▅M19A1 · ▅M42