Difference between revisions of "Calliope"
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{{Specs-Card | {{Specs-Card | ||
|code=us_m4_sherman_calliope | |code=us_m4_sherman_calliope | ||
| − | |images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}} | + | |images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}} |
}} | }} | ||
== 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.'' --> | ||
| − | The ''' | + | The '''Rocket Launcher T34 (Calliope)''' was a special modification of the second variant of the early-generation [[M4 Sherman (Family)|Medium Tank M4 (Sherman) family]]. The U.S. Ordnance Department initiated a series of projects experimenting with the attachment of rocket launchers to the [[M4|M4 Sherman]], in order to provide enhanced firepower to its infantry. Despite the fact that its 75 mm M3 tank gun was capable of firing very efficient ammunition, it was unable to handle massive waves of assaulting enemies. Furthermore, it was also insufficient against the Germans' heavily entrenched strongholds. Although not as precise as traditional artillery, rockets can cover a bigger area in less time with explosives and shrapnel, saturating a target in seconds. Rockets also have a negative psychological impact on enemies under rocket attack because of the howling sounds they make as they fly through the air. The most renowned of these tank-mounted rocket launchers was the Rocket Launcher T34, which was called "Calliope" after a type of steam organ due to the deafening roar that burst from the tubes when the rockets were fired, as well as the launcher's appearance |
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| − | + | Introduced in [[Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory"]], the Calliope is a unique modified M4 Sherman capable of firing rockets (60 rockets in total) at adversaries as a secondary weapon. Originally designed for anti-infantry use, the 114 mm M8 rockets with high-explosive (HE) warhead rockets carry high explosive warheads that can effectively destroy light enemy vehicles and damage heavier armoured targets sufficiently to make the enemy's repair time extremely long and miserable. It is advised to use many rockets on enemies since a single rocket is frequently insufficient to damage them. Furthermore, the weapon, like any other ground vehicle firing unguided rockets, would emit an extremely loud but distinct firing signature, allowing opponents to identify the type of vehicle as well as its location on the map. The unique smoke trail left by fired rockets might potentially reveal the player's location. However, the M8 rockets' faster fire rate enables many volleys of rockets to be fired at a target in rapid succession. The resulting flash, fire, and smoke effects of continuous bombardment on a target can temporarily blind targets and can thus be employed as an emergency smoke cover. However, the rocket should not be used as a primary anti-tank weapon because it lacks the explosive strength and penetration to successfully destroy tanks. The Calliope's primary weapon is the 75 mm M3 tank cannon, which is more than capable of engaging most opponents in its ranks. | |
== General info == | == General info == | ||
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| Turret || 76.2-88.9 mm (4-67°) ''Turret front'' <br> 50.8 + 88.9 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 50.8 mm (0-68°) || 50.8 mm (2-66°) || 25.4 mm | | Turret || 76.2-88.9 mm (4-67°) ''Turret front'' <br> 50.8 + 88.9 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 50.8 mm (0-68°) || 50.8 mm (2-66°) || 25.4 mm | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | + | | Cupola || 50.8 mm || 50.8 mm || 50.8 mm || 25.4 mm | |
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|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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==== Ammunition ==== | ==== Ammunition ==== | ||
| − | { | + | {{:M3 (75 mm)/Ammunition|M72 shot, M48 shell, M61 shot, M89}} |
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| − | | M72 shot | ||
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==== [[Ammo racks]] ==== | ==== [[Ammo racks]] ==== | ||
| + | [[File:Ammoracks_M4.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the M4 Sherman.]] | ||
<!-- '''Last updated:''' --> | <!-- '''Last updated:''' --> | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
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! 3rd<br>rack empty | ! 3rd<br>rack empty | ||
! 4th<br>rack empty | ! 4th<br>rack empty | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | '''97''' || 91 ''(+6)'' || 88 ''(+9)'' || 86 ''(+11)'' || 78 ''(+19)'' | ||
| + | |- | ||
! 5th<br>rack empty | ! 5th<br>rack empty | ||
! 6th<br>rack empty | ! 6th<br>rack empty | ||
| Line 152: | Line 90: | ||
! Visual<br>discrepancy | ! Visual<br>discrepancy | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | + | | 63 ''(+34)'' || 46 ''(+51)'' || 31 ''(+66)'' || 1 ''(+96)'' || No | |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
| − | + | '''Notes''': | |
| − | Notes: | ||
* To go into battle with the turret basket empty of ammo, pack 78 ''(+19)'' shells (racks 1 to 4 emptied). | * To go into battle with the turret basket empty of ammo, pack 78 ''(+19)'' shells (racks 1 to 4 emptied). | ||
* To go into battle with the turret basket and the flanks empty of ammo, pack 31 ''(+66)'' shells (Racks 1 to 7 empty). | * To go into battle with the turret basket and the flanks empty of ammo, pack 31 ''(+66)'' shells (Racks 1 to 7 empty). | ||
| − | * The 8th rack is large and located at | + | * The 8th rack is large and located at a weak spot: the bottom section of the armour. In case of penetration, there is a high risk of ammo rack detonation. Make sure not to expose your flanks unnecessarily. |
=== Additional armament === | === Additional armament === | ||
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Rocket launcher tubes can easily be detonated by high-explosives when they are loaded with rockets. | Rocket launcher tubes can easily be detonated by high-explosives when they are loaded with rockets. | ||
| − | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="5" | 114 mm [[M8]] rocket | ! colspan="5" | 114 mm [[M8]] rocket | ||
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! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer | ! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | 60 || - | + | | 60 || -10°/+25° || ±180° || N/A |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
==== Ammunition ==== | ==== Ammunition ==== | ||
| − | { | + | {{:M8/Ammunition|M8}} |
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| − | | M8 | ||
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=== Machine guns === | === Machine guns === | ||
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Using the M8 rockets, the M8 rockets are not armour piercing they are high explosive meaning they will detonate when they hit something. The M8 rockets can be used to distract enemy tankers and cause lots of damage to their tanks. Another advantage of using the rockets, they fire rapidly and can knock out light tanks and lightly armoured fighting vehicles with ease. | Using the M8 rockets, the M8 rockets are not armour piercing they are high explosive meaning they will detonate when they hit something. The M8 rockets can be used to distract enemy tankers and cause lots of damage to their tanks. Another advantage of using the rockets, they fire rapidly and can knock out light tanks and lightly armoured fighting vehicles with ease. | ||
| − | The Sherman Calliope packs the | + | The Sherman Calliope packs the 75 mm M3 cannon the cannon can make short work of enemy tanks. To best use this cannon, use the shot and AP rounds. It's best not to have any rockets in your rocket ammo rack, when you engage in short close range combat, due to the risk of a HE or an arty round penetrating and knocking out your tanks by destroying the rocket racks. |
However, using the cannon and rockets together can be an exceptionally good combination – the quick reload time of the cannon and combined with the rockets makes for a very potent tank. To get the best out of this, use the terrain to your advantage. Use buildings and trees to hide behind, then pop out when the enemy drives by and shoot them fire the rockets to cause disorientation, they will produce a thick dark cloud preventing your target from locating you. Then fire the 75 mm M3 cannon into the enemy turret and knock it out. | However, using the cannon and rockets together can be an exceptionally good combination – the quick reload time of the cannon and combined with the rockets makes for a very potent tank. To get the best out of this, use the terrain to your advantage. Use buildings and trees to hide behind, then pop out when the enemy drives by and shoot them fire the rockets to cause disorientation, they will produce a thick dark cloud preventing your target from locating you. Then fire the 75 mm M3 cannon into the enemy turret and knock it out. | ||
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** The 75 mm gun begins to lack the penetration to go up against tougher foes | ** The 75 mm gun begins to lack the penetration to go up against tougher foes | ||
** Does not get access to the T45 APCR shot | ** Does not get access to the T45 APCR shot | ||
| − | ** Rockets are inaccurate past ~100 | + | ** Rockets are inaccurate past ~100 m |
** Rockets act as a massive (and unarmoured) ammunition rack | ** Rockets act as a massive (and unarmoured) ammunition rack | ||
** Rockets only have 29 mm of penetration | ** Rockets only have 29 mm of penetration | ||
| − | ** Loses access to the .50 | + | ** Loses access to the .50 cal M2 machine gun |
** The distinctive firing sound of the rockets can lure unwanted enemies | ** The distinctive firing sound of the rockets can lure unwanted enemies | ||
** The rocket launcher is not linked to the main gun and will also aim at the target marker, meaning it will point downwards when you have returned to cover and the target marker is on the cover directly in front of you. | ** The rocket launcher is not linked to the main gun and will also aim at the target marker, meaning it will point downwards when you have returned to cover and the target marker is on the cover directly in front of you. | ||
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== History == | == History == | ||
| + | [[File:T-34-rocket-launcher-France.jpg|x250px|thumb|right|The T34 "Calliope" firing a salvo of 4.5 inch rockets.]] | ||
<!-- ''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=== | ===Development=== | ||
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However, the modifications of the Shermans seem unnecessary as the war progressed, new development had the rocket launcher system mated to trucks, armoured chassis, and jeeps so the tanks could be left alone to do its purpose. But when the Calliope saw service in the Pacific and Europe, its performance was moderately successful. The T34 was replaced by the T40 "Whiz Bang" Sherman, which was a Sherman with a tank-mounted multiple rocket launcher system like the T34, but only saw combat in the last few months of the war and had the 7.2 in. rockets. | However, the modifications of the Shermans seem unnecessary as the war progressed, new development had the rocket launcher system mated to trucks, armoured chassis, and jeeps so the tanks could be left alone to do its purpose. But when the Calliope saw service in the Pacific and Europe, its performance was moderately successful. The T34 was replaced by the T40 "Whiz Bang" Sherman, which was a Sherman with a tank-mounted multiple rocket launcher system like the T34, but only saw combat in the last few months of the war and had the 7.2 in. rockets. | ||
| − | + | {{break}} | |
| + | {{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}} | ||
A jet-powered volley-fire system on the base of regular Sherman tank, it received the addition of a T34E1 launch system with a tubes for M8 missiles. The first versions had the body of a T34, which did not allow them to fire the tank cannon, so a modification of the T34E1 was created that was equipped with a special adapter that allowed the tank cannon to be fired on that body. | A jet-powered volley-fire system on the base of regular Sherman tank, it received the addition of a T34E1 launch system with a tubes for M8 missiles. The first versions had the body of a T34, which did not allow them to fire the tank cannon, so a modification of the T34E1 was created that was equipped with a special adapter that allowed the tank cannon to be fired on that body. | ||
| + | {{Navigation-End}} | ||
== Media == | == Media == | ||
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;Skins | ;Skins | ||
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| − | + | * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_m4_sherman_calliope Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.] | |
| − | |||
| − | [ | ||
;Videos | ;Videos | ||
| − | {{Youtube-gallery|RuBjkyZT6Yw|'''The Shooting Range #6''' - ''Challenge'' section at 05:58 discusses hunting aircraft with the Calliope. | + | {{Youtube-gallery|RuBjkyZT6Yw|'''The Shooting Range #6''' - ''Challenge'' section at 05:58 discusses hunting aircraft with the Calliope.}} |
== See also == | == See also == | ||
| Line 301: | Line 211: | ||
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --> | * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --> | ||
| − | ; | + | ;[[M4 Sherman (Family)|Related development]] |
| + | |||
* [[M4]] | * [[M4]] | ||
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role | ;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role | ||
| + | |||
* [[15 cm Pz.W.42]] | * [[15 cm Pz.W.42]] | ||
* [[BM-13N]] | * [[BM-13N]] | ||
| Line 314: | Line 226: | ||
* ''other literature.'' --> | * ''other literature.'' --> | ||
| − | * [[wt:en/devblog/current/775/|[Devblog] | + | * [[wt:en/devblog/current/775/|[Devblog] РCЗО T34 Sherman Calliope]] |
{{USA medium tanks}} | {{USA medium tanks}} | ||
{{USA premium ground vehicles}} | {{USA premium ground vehicles}} | ||
Latest revision as of 19:20, 27 June 2024
Contents
Description
The Rocket Launcher T34 (Calliope) was a special modification of the second variant of the early-generation Medium Tank M4 (Sherman) family. The U.S. Ordnance Department initiated a series of projects experimenting with the attachment of rocket launchers to the M4 Sherman, in order to provide enhanced firepower to its infantry. Despite the fact that its 75 mm M3 tank gun was capable of firing very efficient ammunition, it was unable to handle massive waves of assaulting enemies. Furthermore, it was also insufficient against the Germans' heavily entrenched strongholds. Although not as precise as traditional artillery, rockets can cover a bigger area in less time with explosives and shrapnel, saturating a target in seconds. Rockets also have a negative psychological impact on enemies under rocket attack because of the howling sounds they make as they fly through the air. The most renowned of these tank-mounted rocket launchers was the Rocket Launcher T34, which was called "Calliope" after a type of steam organ due to the deafening roar that burst from the tubes when the rockets were fired, as well as the launcher's appearance
Introduced in Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory", the Calliope is a unique modified M4 Sherman capable of firing rockets (60 rockets in total) at adversaries as a secondary weapon. Originally designed for anti-infantry use, the 114 mm M8 rockets with high-explosive (HE) warhead rockets carry high explosive warheads that can effectively destroy light enemy vehicles and damage heavier armoured targets sufficiently to make the enemy's repair time extremely long and miserable. It is advised to use many rockets on enemies since a single rocket is frequently insufficient to damage them. Furthermore, the weapon, like any other ground vehicle firing unguided rockets, would emit an extremely loud but distinct firing signature, allowing opponents to identify the type of vehicle as well as its location on the map. The unique smoke trail left by fired rockets might potentially reveal the player's location. However, the M8 rockets' faster fire rate enables many volleys of rockets to be fired at a target in rapid succession. The resulting flash, fire, and smoke effects of continuous bombardment on a target can temporarily blind targets and can thus be employed as an emergency smoke cover. However, the rocket should not be used as a primary anti-tank weapon because it lacks the explosive strength and penetration to successfully destroy tanks. The Calliope's primary weapon is the 75 mm M3 tank cannon, which is more than capable of engaging most opponents in its ranks.
General info
Survivability and armour
Armour type:
- Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
- Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area)
| Armour | Front (Slope angle) | Sides | Rear | Roof |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hull | 50.8 mm (56°) Front glacis 50.8 mm (12-56°) Transmission area 50.8 (13-20°) + 25.4 mm (35°) Protruding hatches |
38.1 mm 38.1 + 25.4 mm Appliqué addition |
38.1 mm (0-10°) Top 25.4 mm (33-64°) Bottom |
19.5 mm Sides 12.7 mm Engine deck and center |
| Turret | 76.2-88.9 mm (4-67°) Turret front 50.8 + 88.9 mm Gun mantlet |
50.8 mm (0-68°) | 50.8 mm (2-66°) | 25.4 mm |
| Cupola | 50.8 mm | 50.8 mm | 50.8 mm | 25.4 mm |
Notes:
- Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, bogies are 10 mm thick, and tracks are 17 mm thick.
- The front armour has two protruding areas for the driver and co-driver hatches. These are weak points, as they present a flat armour surface.
- Belly armour is 12.7 mm thick.
Mobility
| Game Mode | Max Speed (km/h) | Weight (tons) | Engine power (horsepower) | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward | Reverse | Stock | Upgraded | Stock | Upgraded | ||
| Arcade | 43 | 6 | 30.6 | 620 | 763 | 20.26 | 24.93 |
| Realistic | 39 | 6 | 354 | 400 | 11.57 | 13.07 | |
Modifications and economy
2 × 80 / 130 / 160 % 2 × 154 / 154 / 154 % | Mobility | Protection | Firepower | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Armaments
Main armament
| 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 | 97 | -10°/+25° | ±180° | Vertical | 22.85 | 31.62 | 38.40 | 42.47 | 45.18 | 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 |
| 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° | |||
| 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
| Full ammo |
1st rack empty |
2nd rack empty |
3rd rack empty |
4th rack empty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 97 | 91 (+6) | 88 (+9) | 86 (+11) | 78 (+19) |
| 5th rack empty |
6th rack empty |
7th rack empty |
8th rack empty |
Visual discrepancy |
| 63 (+34) | 46 (+51) | 31 (+66) | 1 (+96) | No |
Notes:
- To go into battle with the turret basket empty of ammo, pack 78 (+19) shells (racks 1 to 4 emptied).
- To go into battle with the turret basket and the flanks empty of ammo, pack 31 (+66) shells (Racks 1 to 7 empty).
- The 8th rack is large and located at a weak spot: the bottom section of the armour. In case of penetration, there is a high risk of ammo rack detonation. Make sure not to expose your flanks unnecessarily.
Additional armament
Rocket launcher tubes can easily be detonated by high-explosives when they are loaded with rockets.
| 114 mm M8 rocket | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Vertical | Horizontal | Stabilizer | |
| 60 | -10°/+25° | ±180° | N/A | |
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 | ||
| M8 | Rocket | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Shell details | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ammunition | Type of warhead |
Velocity (m/s) |
Projectile mass (kg) |
Fuse delay (m) |
Fuse sensitivity (mm) |
Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (kg) |
Ricochet | |||||
| 0% | 50% | 100% | ||||||||||
| M8 | Rocket | 260 | 17.28 | 0 | 0.1 | 1.95 | 79° | 80° | 81° | |||
Machine guns
| 7.62 mm M1919A4 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount | Capacity (Belt) | Fire rate | Vertical | Horizontal |
| Coaxial | 3,000 (250) | 500 | N/A | N/A |
Usage in battles
The Sherman Calliope, offers 114 M8 rockets which are mounted on top of the turret, these are stored in a rack which houses the rockets. The mount is also a separate ammo rack, if hit it can destroy the rockets and a repair will have to be performed. Machine gun fire can also destroy the rockets and large machine fire from large calibre machine guns, aircraft and autocannons or larger will destroy the rack and rockets.
With a large calibre HE round, a single hit to the rocket rack can knock out the entire tank. Since the round detonates all the rockets in the rack explode, causing an apocalyptic explosion which blows the turret off and knocks out the crew.
The rocket rack is not protected by any armour plates, it only has 5 mm structural steel. Since the rocket racks are installed above the turret, it allows you to fire over objects. However, the disadvantage is you can no longer hide behind rocks and objects for safety. Using the M8 rockets, the M8 rockets are not armour piercing they are high explosive meaning they will detonate when they hit something. The M8 rockets can be used to distract enemy tankers and cause lots of damage to their tanks. Another advantage of using the rockets, they fire rapidly and can knock out light tanks and lightly armoured fighting vehicles with ease.
The Sherman Calliope packs the 75 mm M3 cannon the cannon can make short work of enemy tanks. To best use this cannon, use the shot and AP rounds. It's best not to have any rockets in your rocket ammo rack, when you engage in short close range combat, due to the risk of a HE or an arty round penetrating and knocking out your tanks by destroying the rocket racks.
However, using the cannon and rockets together can be an exceptionally good combination – the quick reload time of the cannon and combined with the rockets makes for a very potent tank. To get the best out of this, use the terrain to your advantage. Use buildings and trees to hide behind, then pop out when the enemy drives by and shoot them fire the rockets to cause disorientation, they will produce a thick dark cloud preventing your target from locating you. Then fire the 75 mm M3 cannon into the enemy turret and knock it out.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Armament:
- Quick-firing 75 mm gun with adequate shell options
- Is now equipped with 60 rockets, a salvo can blind or even cripple, if not destroy other enemy tanks
- Despite the rockets having very low penetration, the rack sits about a 1 meter above the already tall Sherman, allowing the calliope to hit the very weak top armour of its target at close range
- Armour:
- Reasonably good frontal protection, can work nicely when in down-tiers
- Turret is quite strong
Cons:
- Size:
- The Sherman is already a pretty large vehicle, the addition of the rockets makes the Calliope stick out like a sore thumb.
- Armament:
- The 75 mm gun begins to lack the penetration to go up against tougher foes
- Does not get access to the T45 APCR shot
- Rockets are inaccurate past ~100 m
- Rockets act as a massive (and unarmoured) ammunition rack
- Rockets only have 29 mm of penetration
- Loses access to the .50 cal M2 machine gun
- The distinctive firing sound of the rockets can lure unwanted enemies
- The rocket launcher is not linked to the main gun and will also aim at the target marker, meaning it will point downwards when you have returned to cover and the target marker is on the cover directly in front of you.
- Armour:
- Overall armour protection is no longer effective against tougher foes, especially against the German long 75 mm gun
- The extra 25.4 mm side plating indicates the location of ammunition racks (can be resolved by taking less than 23 cannon rounds)
History
Development
Midway into World War II in 1943, the Western Allies realized that unlike the Soviet Union, they did not have any form of a "multiple rocket launcher system" that the Soviets had with their Katyusha Launchers trucks. The idea of rocket launchers isn't new at this period, they present some advantage over the standard mortar or howitzer. The rocket launcher can launch massive amounts of high-explosive ammunition at a longer distance at a shorter time with a greater psychological impact than normal artillery, at the price of a longer reload time and less accuracy. The Soviets showed the best utilization of this weapon with their Katyushas, having a whole bunch of them fire at a designated target, minimizing accuracy loss with a full area saturation of fire. The effectiveness of this system prompted the Allies to start producing some form of multiple rocket launcher system as well.
In 1943, the project began in the United States and the design was to use the current M4 Sherman tanks in service to mount the rocket launchers to bring into combat. The design, developed by Victor Hawkins, had a rocket mount on the Sherman turret with sixty launch tubes, all made to fire the 4.5 in. M8 rockets. The project gave the experimental tank design the designation T34, and the troops adopted the name "Calliope", which was the name of a steam organ and has a similar look.
Combat usage
These rocket launcher tanks were sent to France in 1944, although many never saw combat for various reasons. During its development, three different variants were made. The original T34 had 60 tubes for the 4.5 in. rockets with 36 fixed tubes on top and 24 on the bottom able to be jettisoned (except on the M4A1 Sherman variant). The second, T34E1, has the 24 jettisonable tubes replaced by 28 tubes, though the total tubes were still 60. The T34E2 had the rocket calibre increased from 4.5 in. to 7.2 in. with the same 60 tubes. This saw combat during the 1944-1945 time span.
However, the modifications of the Shermans seem unnecessary as the war progressed, new development had the rocket launcher system mated to trucks, armoured chassis, and jeeps so the tanks could be left alone to do its purpose. But when the Calliope saw service in the Pacific and Europe, its performance was moderately successful. The T34 was replaced by the T40 "Whiz Bang" Sherman, which was a Sherman with a tank-mounted multiple rocket launcher system like the T34, but only saw combat in the last few months of the war and had the 7.2 in. rockets.
| Archive of the in-game description | |
|---|---|
|
A jet-powered volley-fire system on the base of regular Sherman tank, it received the addition of a T34E1 launch system with a tubes for M8 missiles. The first versions had the body of a T34, which did not allow them to fire the tank cannon, so a modification of the T34E1 was created that was equipped with a special adapter that allowed the tank cannon to be fired on that body. | |
Media
- Skins
- Videos
See also
- Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
External links
| USA medium tanks | |
|---|---|
| M2 | M2 |
| M3 | M3 Lee · ▃Grant I |
| M4 | M4 · Calliope · M4A1 · M4A1 (76) W · M4A2 · M4A2 (76) W · M4A3 (105) · M4A3 (76) W · M4/T26 |
| M26 Pershing | T20 · T25 · M26 · M26 T99 · M26E1 |
| M46/47/48 Patton | M46 · M46 "Tiger" · M47 · M48A1 · T54E1 · T54E2 |
| M60 | M60 · M60A1 (AOS) · M60A1 RISE (P) · M60A2 · M60A3 TTS · M728 CEV · 120S |
| MBT-70 | MBT-70 · XM803 |
| M1 Abrams | XM1 (Chrysler) · XM1 (GM) |
| M1 Abrams · M1 KVT · IPM1 | |
| M1A1 · M1A1 HC · M1A1 Click-Bait | |
| M1A2 Abrams · M1A2 SEP · M1A2 SEP V2 | |
| Other | T95E1 |
| Australia | M1A1 AIM |
| Canada | M4A5 |
| Israel | ▃Magach 3 (ERA) · ▃Merkava Mk.1 · ▃Merkava Mk.2B · ▃Merkava Mk.3D |
| Turkey | M60 AMBT |
| 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 |
