Difference between revisions of "LOSAT"

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(Added a Survivability and armour section)
(Added missing statistics such as armor values and engine values as well as including more up to date info and playstyle tips.)
 
(10 intermediate revisions by 6 users not shown)
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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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Sons of Attila"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/8494-event-tokushu-heiki-assemble-and-test-an-honorable-missile-to-obtain-prizes-en|2023 Tokushu Heiki event]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Sons of Attila"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/8494-event-tokushu-heiki-assemble-and-test-an-honorable-missile-to-obtain-prizes-en|2023 Tokushu Heiki event]]. Built on the already familiar XM8 / CCVL chassis, this peculiar ATGM tank destroyer requires a unique playstyle to fulfill it's niche role. This is also the only ATGM carrier to feature a solid rod penetrator with NO explosive mass whatsoever, giving you free range to shoot through obstacles whenever.  
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 13: Line 13:
 
{{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.'' -->
−
''The most well protected side of the tank is the front even thought it has no much armour based on the CCVL chassis. The biggest weak area of the tank is the huge turret on top of the chassis holding all the ammunition for the vehicle. Anything that fires at the turret from the main armament will most definetely completely destroy the LOSAT.''
+
The most well protected side of the tank is the front, even though it has not much armour since it is based on the CCVL chassis. The biggest weak spot on the tank is the huge turret on top of the chassis holding all the ammunition for the vehicle. Any tank that fires at the turret with its main armament will most certainly completely destroy the LOSAT. From the front, it can shrug off most autocannon fire from 25mm and lower calibers. 30mm and up are a death sentence.
  
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
Line 23: Line 23:
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Hull || 38.1 mm (76°) ''Front Glacis''
 +
6.35 mm (31°) ''Lower Glacis''
 +
| 25.4 mm ''Top'' <br>44 mm ''Bottom'' || 12.7 - 25.4 mm || 10 - 25.4 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Turret || 12.7 - 25.4 mm ''Turret front'' <br> 12 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 25.4 mm || 25.4 mm || 25.4 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
+
| Cupola || 25.4 mm || 25.4 mm || 25.4 mm || 25.4 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
 
'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
 
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
 
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
 +
* Roadwheels and suspension bogies are 20mm thick
 +
* Tracks are 15mm thick
 +
* High Hardness side skirts are 6.25mm thick
 +
* ATGM gun steel housing is 5mm thick
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 
{{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.'' -->{{TankMobility|abMinHp=817|rbMinHp=509|AoAweight=}}
−
''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=817|rbMinHp=509}}
+
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! rowspan="2" |'''Game Mode'''
 +
! colspan="2" |'''Max Speed (km/h)'''
 +
! rowspan="2" |'''Weight (tons)'''
 +
! colspan="2" |'''Engine power (horsepower)'''
 +
! colspan="2" |'''Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)'''
 +
|-
 +
!'''Forward'''
 +
!'''Reverse'''
 +
!'''Stock'''
 +
!'''Upgraded'''
 +
!'''Stock'''
 +
!'''Upgraded'''
 +
|-
 +
!'''Arcade'''
 +
|75
 +
|15.6
 +
| rowspan="2" |19.5
 +
|817
 +
|993.7
 +
|41.89
 +
|50.95
 +
|-
 +
!'''Realistic'''
 +
|69
 +
|14.3
 +
|509
 +
|572.9
 +
|26.10
 +
|29.38
 +
|}
 +
The LOSAT has pretty good mobility. Based on the venerable XM8 / CCVL chassis, it's capable of reaching it's top speed fairly quickly on flat terrain and only struggles on hilly type terrain. The transmission and brakes are very responsive which is useful for getting the first shot off. The suspension is very stable and has minimal bouncing. The reverse gear isn't the fastest, but at a modest 14.3 km/h (Realistic; 15.6 km/h Arcade), it can safely scoot away from any retaliation. The cruise control function also carries a special battle mode setting for firing on the move without having to stop completely.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
{{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|LOSAT/MGM-166A}}
+
{{main|LOSAT/MGM-166}}The 163mm MGM-166 LOSAT (Line of Sight Anti Tank) missile launcher is a unique weapon. It does not store any ammunition in the hull and has all of it's 12 MGM-166's in clear view. It does not feature a stabilizer nor can it elevate or depress itself, making it very difficult to use on hilly terrain. It can move it's turret horizontally in a wide arc in front of the vehicle however making it easy to take shots from around corners and retreat thanks to it's modest reverse. Finally, the MGM-166 is the only kinetic penetrator ATGM in game as well as the only projectile in game that gains penetration the farther away the target is due to it's massive accelerating missile. The downside is you cannot fire the weapon while at speeds greater than 4 km/h, to mitigate this, you can utilize the cruise control's battle mode to continue "moving" (limited to 3 km/h).
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[LOSAT/MGM-166A]] missile || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! colspan="5" | [[LOSAT/MGM-166]] missile || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 12 (12) || rowspan="2" | - || rowspan="2" | ±110° || rowspan="2" | - || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 12 (12) || rowspan="2" | - || rowspan="2" | ±110° || rowspan="2" | - || 26.4 || 36.5 || 44.4 || 49.1 || 52.2 || rowspan="2" | 19.50 || rowspan="2" | 17.25 || rowspan="2" | 15.90 || rowspan="2" | 15.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 17.9 || 21.0 || 25.5 || 28.2 || 30.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{{:LOSAT/MGM-166A/Ammunition|MGM-166A}}
+
{{:LOSAT/MGM-166/Ammunition|MGM-166}}
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
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! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''1''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| '''1''' || 6&nbsp;''(+0)'' || ''6 (+0)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || n/a
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 105: Line 141:
 
== 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).'' -->
−
''The LOSAT is a very quick and agile vehicle. Althought it boasts very little armour it is exceptional in the weapons it beholds. The LOSAT has a very simple playstyle. The weapon it uses , MGM-166 , has a very interesting system which is the only of its kind in War Thunder. The weapon fires a small propelled dart which does more damage the further it travels. This implies to use the LOSAT at long range enounters , roughly at 1500 or more metres at a time as this allows the ammunition to speed up to its full potential dealing extreme amounts of penetration as much as 729mm on a standard vehicle capable of penetration from each possible angle and direction. It is recommended to "snipe" with the vehicle across maps. Simply position somewhere and let loose with your super sonic weapons.''
+
The LOSAT is a very quick and agile vehicle. Although it boasts very little armour, its armament is exceptional. The MGM-166 is small propelled dart which does more damage the further it travels. The LOSAT has a very simple playstyle: use it in long range engagements, roughly at 1,500 or more metres. This will allow the ammunition to speed up to its full potential dealing extreme amounts of penetration as much as 729 mm on a standard vehicle regardless of the angle and direction. It is recommended to snipe with the vehicle across maps. Simply position somewhere and let loose with your supersonic weapons. Avoid hilly terrain as it will offset your missile trajectory. The missiles are highly responsive as previously stated, therefore you can even attack enemies behind cover in a sort of orbital strike on some maps by simply pointing the missiles up slightly and letting loose by dragging your aiming reticle back to the ground, it's not a very reliable tactic, unfortunately. Lastly, avoid areas where light tanks or IFVs with autocannons may be as your thin armor will not stand up to them at closer ranges. Use your .50cal to ward off any potential light tanks or uppity SPAAs (such as breaking tracks) while you reposition or get closer to your allies.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 115: Line 151:
 
** Extremely high penetration values at farther ranges
 
** Extremely high penetration values at farther ranges
 
* 12 missiles are highly effective and enough to deal with targets
 
* 12 missiles are highly effective and enough to deal with targets
−
* Armour around the missile racks have over 150 mm of armour protection, making it resistant to most non-APFSDS autocannon fire
 
 
* Missiles can be too fast for IRCM systems to react
 
* Missiles can be too fast for IRCM systems to react
  
Line 135: Line 170:
 
== 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=us_losat_ccv Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|NUuKlydTMUc|'''The Shooting Range #392''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:31 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==

Latest revision as of 08:09, 14 August 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
LOSAT
us_losat_ccv.png
GarageImage LOSAT.jpg
LOSAT
USA flag.png USA
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.0 10.0 10.0
Class:
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
MARKET

Description

The LOSAT-CCVL is a gift rank VII American tank destroyer with a battle rating of 10.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced during Update "Sons of Attila" as a reward for the 2023 Tokushu Heiki event. Built on the already familiar XM8 / CCVL chassis, this peculiar ATGM tank destroyer requires a unique playstyle to fulfill it's niche role. This is also the only ATGM carrier to feature a solid rod penetrator with NO explosive mass whatsoever, giving you free range to shoot through obstacles whenever.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull38 / 25 / 25
Turret25 / 25 / 25
Crew3 people
Visibility72 %

The most well protected side of the tank is the front, even though it has not much armour since it is based on the CCVL chassis. The biggest weak spot on the tank is the huge turret on top of the chassis holding all the ammunition for the vehicle. Any tank that fires at the turret with its main armament will most certainly completely destroy the LOSAT. From the front, it can shrug off most autocannon fire from 25mm and lower calibers. 30mm and up are a death sentence.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 38.1 mm (76°) Front Glacis

6.35 mm (31°) Lower Glacis

25.4 mm Top
44 mm Bottom 		12.7 - 25.4 mm 10 - 25.4 mm
Turret 12.7 - 25.4 mm Turret front
12 mm Gun mantlet 		25.4 mm 25.4 mm 25.4 mm
Cupola 25.4 mm 25.4 mm 25.4 mm 25.4 mm

Notes:

  • Roadwheels and suspension bogies are 20mm thick
  • Tracks are 15mm thick
  • High Hardness side skirts are 6.25mm thick
  • ATGM gun steel housing is 5mm thick

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB75 / 16 km/h
RB and SB69 / 15 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
2 back
Weight19.5 t
Engine power
AB1 097 hp
RB and SB575 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB56.3 hp/t
RB and SB29.5 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 75 16 19.5 817 1,097 41.9 56.26
Realistic 69 15 509 575 26.1 29.49
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 75 15.6 19.5 817 993.7 41.89 50.95
Realistic 69 14.3 509 572.9 26.10 29.38

The LOSAT has pretty good mobility. Based on the venerable XM8 / CCVL chassis, it's capable of reaching it's top speed fairly quickly on flat terrain and only struggles on hilly type terrain. The transmission and brakes are very responsive which is useful for getting the first shot off. The suspension is very stable and has minimal bouncing. The reverse gear isn't the fastest, but at a modest 14.3 km/h (Realistic; 15.6 km/h Arcade), it can safely scoot away from any retaliation. The cruise control function also carries a special battle mode setting for firing on the move without having to stop completely.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 845 → 6 220 Sl icon.png
RB5 145 → 6 606 Sl icon.png
SB7 276 → 9 342 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications243 900 Rp icon.png
413 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 900 Ge icon.png
Crew training240 000 Sl icon.png
Experts830 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 140 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
160 / 210 / 250 % Sl icon.png
238 / 238 / 238 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
33 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
51 000 Sl icon.png
570 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
29 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
29 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
5 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement us.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
33 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
51 000 Sl icon.png
570 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
29 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

LOSAT/MGM-166 ATGM
Ammunition12 rounds
Belt capacity12 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
1.3 → 1.0 s
Fire rate120 shots/min
Fire on the moveup to 5 km/h
Main article: LOSAT/MGM-166
The 163mm MGM-166 LOSAT (Line of Sight Anti Tank) missile launcher is a unique weapon. It does not store any ammunition in the hull and has all of it's 12 MGM-166's in clear view. It does not feature a stabilizer nor can it elevate or depress itself, making it very difficult to use on hilly terrain. It can move it's turret horizontally in a wide arc in front of the vehicle however making it easy to take shots from around corners and retreat thanks to it's modest reverse. Finally, the MGM-166 is the only kinetic penetrator ATGM in game as well as the only projectile in game that gains penetration the farther away the target is due to it's massive accelerating missile. The downside is you cannot fire the weapon while at speeds greater than 4 km/h, to mitigate this, you can utilize the cruise control's battle mode to continue "moving" (limited to 3 km/h).
LOSAT/MGM-166 missile Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 12 (12) - ±110° - 26.4 36.5 44.4 49.1 52.2 19.50 17.25 15.90 15.00
Realistic 17.9 21.0 25.5 28.2 30.0

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
MGM-166 ATGM 70 150 443 775 729 -
Missile details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Range
(m) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
MGM-166 ATGM 1,520 5,000 78.92 - - - 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
1 6 (+0) 6 (+0) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) n/a

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-5° / 10°
Horizontal guidance-70° / 70°
Main article: M2HB (12.7 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 1,000 (200) 575 -5°/+10° ±70°

Usage in battles

The LOSAT is a very quick and agile vehicle. Although it boasts very little armour, its armament is exceptional. The MGM-166 is small propelled dart which does more damage the further it travels. The LOSAT has a very simple playstyle: use it in long range engagements, roughly at 1,500 or more metres. This will allow the ammunition to speed up to its full potential dealing extreme amounts of penetration as much as 729 mm on a standard vehicle regardless of the angle and direction. It is recommended to snipe with the vehicle across maps. Simply position somewhere and let loose with your supersonic weapons. Avoid hilly terrain as it will offset your missile trajectory. The missiles are highly responsive as previously stated, therefore you can even attack enemies behind cover in a sort of orbital strike on some maps by simply pointing the missiles up slightly and letting loose by dragging your aiming reticle back to the ground, it's not a very reliable tactic, unfortunately. Lastly, avoid areas where light tanks or IFVs with autocannons may be as your thin armor will not stand up to them at closer ranges. Use your .50cal to ward off any potential light tanks or uppity SPAAs (such as breaking tracks) while you reposition or get closer to your allies.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • MGM-166s are kinetic penetrators and not reliant on HEAT charges, which can make it avoid most ATGM ERAs
    • Extremely high penetration values at farther ranges
  • 12 missiles are highly effective and enough to deal with targets
  • Missiles can be too fast for IRCM systems to react

Cons:

  • No vertical guidance at all
  • The MGM-166s instability can cause inaccuracy when hitting targets, especially when firing from angled surfaces
  • Being in close-medium combat can be too short to effectively generate enough velocity to penetrate armour
  • Missile drop when firing can cause impact into terrain/objects
  • Extremely long ammo replenish length (over a minute in Realistic battles, around 30 seconds in Arcade battles)

History

HUMVEE test-firing a LOSAT missile at the White Sands Missile Range

The LOSAT (Line-of-Sight Anti-Tank) system was an evolution of a prior multi-platformed guided missile system design. The concept was initially born out of a US Army requirement for a missile with the capabilities to destroy all types of tanks and armoured vehicles found to be outside of conventional gun range. While other missiles currently in service such as the Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) system were capable of meeting the range requirements, the Army was concerned that these missiles were ineffective due to slow speeds and long flight times to their target at long range. The missile itself was designed by the "Vought" Aerospace company, while Texas Instruments partnered with the firm by providing their upgraded FLIR system. The initial plan for the system was to mount it to the M2 Bradley, and later the M8 Armored Gun chassis. However, due to cost concerns, it would eventually be mounted onto HUMVEEs with additional missiles carried by trailer.

The missile's specifications and design made it very different to most ATGM systems of its time. Rather than a dual-warhead, shaped-charge, or HEAT design, it relied on kinetic energy at very high speeds to penetrate the armour of any target it encountered. The design was first test-fired at the White Sands Missile Range in 1990, and orders for the missiles in small numbers were placed after the Army renewed the production contract. Despite this, production did not really begin in any notable numbers until the late 1990s, and only a dozen vehicles paired with 150 missiles were ordered. However, the DOD reduced the program to "Demonstration" status in 1996 and recommended that the program be killed entirely. It was instead re-instated under Lockheed Martin, and the order of missiles and vehicles began to slowly be delivered in 2002, shortly after a second order for 100 more missiles was placed. By this time, it had been nearly 15 years after the initial proposal by Vought. The missiles continued to be test-fired (this time at Fort Bliss) in 2004 before it became obvious to all involved that the project was simply going to be terminated for good. As time had gone on, the Army changed its requirements for the same type of system, preferring to employ a more compact, and lighter missile known as the Compact Kinetic Missile System that had already entered development and could achieve the same results.

Media

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Videos
The Shooting Range #392 - Pages of History section at 03:31 discusses the LOSAT.

See also

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;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

  • Lockheed Martin MGM-166 LOSAT/KEM. (n.d.). http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-166.html
  • Wikipedia contributors. (2022, November 5). MGM-166 LOSAT. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MGM-166_LOSAT


USA tank destroyers
M10  M10 GMC
M36  M36 GMC · M36B2
T95  T28 · T95
M109  M109A1
ATGM  LOSAT · M901
Wheeled  M3 GMC · T55E1
Other  M8 HMC · M50 · M56
China  ▃LVT(A)(4) (ZIS-2)

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