Difference between revisions of "Magach 2"

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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 rank {{Specs|rank}} Israeli medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]].
+
'''Magach 2''' was the Israeli designation for American M48A2 Patton tanks purchased by Israel from West Germany. After a series of refusals from the USA to directly supply Israel with modern tanks, in the early 1960s, the IDF made an offer to Germany to buy 150 [[M48A2 C|M48A2C Pattons]]. The US government readily agreed, on the condition that Germany would transfer these vehicles to Israel as part of the reparations programme. Arab states learned about this deal and were highly outraged, causing the West German government to ultimately deliver only 40 machines to Israel. However, later the USA began openly supplying tanks directly to Israel. Subsequently, most were modernised to the [[Magach 3]] version.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]], the Magach 2 is quite a heavy MBT, unlike designs like the [[Leopard 1]]. However, the Magach 2 has a decent amount of armour; while it may not stop any HEAT or APFSDS shell launched at the tank, it makes it less vulnerable to APHE, APCR and HE, and projectiles shot from 20 or even 30 mm autocannons around its BR. With all its engine modifications installed, the Magach 2 is able to keep up with the speed of other MBTs like the Soviet T-54/55. Its 90 mm cannon is enough to destroy most MBTs with the HEAT shell, however this projectile lacks post-penetration damage. Thus, a good recommendation is to carry a small amount of APHE shells into battle and use them against light targets from the sides or the rear.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 17: Line 19:
 
{{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.'' -->
−
''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 armour of the Magach 2 is identical to the [[M48A1]] and [[M48A2 C]]. The ammo rack in the turret is removed and the shape of the front hull ammo racks are improved. The front armour is able to handle almost most of the APHE shells it might face, but struggles against HEATFS and APDS rounds. The lower front plate is a big weak spot. The sides are decently armoured, but not thick enough to make angling the hull a valid tactic. Some thin vents on the top of the hull are vulnerable to strafing and bombing runs by enemy aircraft, which may cause engine fires. Overall, the Magach 2 has excellent armour protection for its tier.
 +
 
 +
'''Armour type:'''
  
−
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
+
* Cast homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
−
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
+
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull rear, hull rear roof)
−
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Hull || 110 mm (59-74°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 110 mm (13-60°) ''Lower glacis''
 +
| 76 mm (5-45°) ''Front'' <br> 51 mm (0-44°) ''Rear''
 +
| 25 mm ''Top'' <br> 25 mm (32-62°) ''Bottom''
 +
| 110 mm ''Front glacis'' (16-31°) <br> 57 mm ''Crew compartment'' <br> 30 mm ''Engine deck'' <br> 12.7 mm (14°) ''Engine vents''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Turret || 83.2-173 mm (0-48°) ''Turret front'' <br> 152 + 82 mm (17-26°) ''Gun mantlet''
 +
| 69-100 mm (12-36°) || 51-55 mm (2-71°) <br> 25.4 mm (75-82°) ''Underpart of the turret''
 +
| 25-69 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
+
| Cupola || 29.7 mm (cylindrical) || 29.7 mm (6-53°) || 29.7 mm (6-53°) || 29.7 mm (50-62°)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
  
−
'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
+
* Suspension wheels, tracks, and torsion bars are 20 mm thick.
−
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
 
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
Line 46: Line 54:
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 +
Because the Magach 2's only available ammo at the beginning is APCR, the number 1 priority of all players should be upgrading to a better shell. In this case, try to first get the HESH round and then go for the HEAT shell.
 +
 +
The most important upgrades are also the ones for the engine, since the Magach 2 is a bit slow when stock. Because of that, players should prioritize upgrading to HEAT shells but when possible, upgrade the transmission, engine and tracks of the Magach 2. The rangefinder is not that necessary because the Magach 2 is better used in frontline combat close to the enemy. But it can be a good upgrade if you prefer a more passive and calm play style.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
Line 63: Line 75:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 64 || rowspan="2" | -9°/+19° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 9.75 || rowspan="2" | 8.63 || rowspan="2" | 7.95 || rowspan="2" | 7.50
+
| rowspan="2" | 64 || rowspan="2" | -9°/+19° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 8.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.70 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 6.70
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
Line 110: Line 122:
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Pintle || 1,400 (200) || 577 || -9°/+60° || ±180°
+
| Pintle || 1,400 (200) || 575 || -9°/+60° || ±180°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 5,500 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 5,500 (250) || 500 || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
== 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).'' -->
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The Magach 2 is best used in an urban environment when stock due to having only APCR and HE shells and no rangefinder modification. The Magach 2 is good when playing support with teammates or at ambushing. Once you have all engine upgrades installed, you are able to move quite fast so you can keep up with most other tanks at this BR. The most noteworthy enemies are the T-54/55s.
+
The Magach 2 is basically the same as the [[M48A2 C]] sitting in the German tech tree, but as an M48 it is best used in frontline combat or support manoeuvres.
 +
 
 +
Since it starts with an APCR shell unlike the APDS used in most tanks, is best used in direct contact with the enemy when not more capable shells are available, since a small angle can make the APCR shells bounce of the target. Thus, staying close to the enemy to make more precise shots is very important. The rest of the shells in the Magach 2 are quite basic for its BR, but it includes an APHE projectile. While this is nothing uncommon since the T-54/55 also has one, it allows the Magach to quickly destroy most enemies with a well placed shot. This is because the HEAT projectile in the Magach 2, while good in terms of penetration, lacks the damage to modules and crew members of APHE shells. Because of that a good idea is carrying both APHE and HEAT shells for different situations.
 +
 
 +
The Magach 2 has quite a decent armour; it won't stop the main shells from MBTs, like APDS or HEAT from the 100 and 105 mm guns normal at its BR, but it will certainly help survive against HE, HESH and APCR, alongside 20 and 30 mm shots fired from early autocannons that lack proper APDS or APFSDS projectiles with high penetration values.
 +
 
 +
Because its mobility is not the best compared to something like the Leopard 1 or other light tanks, positioning at the beginning of the battle is severely important. Most of the time you wont be able to capture any point but you can cover the position and prevent enemy targets from approaching. However have in mind, that the Magach 2 is a relatively big target compared to the Leopard 1 and T-54/55, and because of that hiding in ambushes is more difficult, but not impossible. One important thing about the Magach 2 is the positioning of the commander, while its cupola severely reduces the travel speed of the .50 cal, it gives the Magach 2 access to a CIV (commander's independent view) with good zoom for long range shots, and also, the commander has access to the movement of the turret and firing of the gun. That means that if the gunner is knocked out, the commander can still traverse the turret and shoot the main gun if necessary.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
* Rangefinder modification greatly increases the speed to rangefind a target
+
 
 
* The HESH round can be used to overpressure tanks on weak spots like the roof
 
* The HESH round can be used to overpressure tanks on weak spots like the roof
−
* The HEAT round can penetrate just about anything at its BR  
+
* The HEAT round can penetrate just about anything at its BR
−
* Commander override can save you if your gunner gets knocked out  
+
* Commander override can save you if your gunner gets knocked out
 
* Turret armour can save you sometimes if someone misses and hits too far left, right, or high
 
* Turret armour can save you sometimes if someone misses and hits too far left, right, or high
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
* The weak hull armour can't reliably bounce shots or stop them
+
 
−
* Stock APCR round does perform well against sloped armour and will most of the time bounce off the target  
+
* The weak hull armour can't reliably bounce shots from HEAT or APDS shells
−
* Ammo is in the left side of the turret and will most of the time get detonated if a shot penetrates the turret  
+
* Stock APCR round does not perform well against sloped armour and will most of the time bounce off the target
 +
* Ammo is in the left side of the turret and will most of the time get detonated if a shot penetrates the turret
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
''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).''
+
The Magach 2 was the name given in IDF service to the American M48A2 and the German M48A2C. A total of 150 tanks between these 2 versions were purchased by Israel and by 1967 only 120 units between Magach 1 and Magach 2s were ready for battle.
 +
 
 +
The US supplied American-made M48 tanks to Israel through West Germany. This was a response to the military build-up of the USSR in the area, since many Arab nations were being armed and attracted to the Soviet's sphere of influence. Many of these nations fitted the T-54, T-62, and plenty of other Soviet-made vehicles. So, 110 Magach 2s were supplied to Israel through the United States while 40 were supplied through West Germany.
 +
 
 +
The main difference between the Magach 1 and Magach 2 was the engine, since the engine in the Magach 1 proved too unreliable. The M48A2 was powered by a 12-cylinder 29.3 litre AVI-1790-8 engine that produced approximately 690 hp. The tank retained the same gun as the M48A1, that being the 90 mm M41 gun, as well as no armour improvements over the original design. The M48A2C that was supplied by West Germany had a couple of upgrades, for instance, it received a new rangefinder since the M17 model was deemed too problematic and replaced with the M13 stereoscopic rangefinder, and the ballistic drive was improved (to the M5A2 model). Bore evacuator capacity was also increased.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 150: Line 173:
  
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
 +
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=il_magach_2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=il_magach_2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
Line 158: Line 182:
  
 
;Related development
 
;Related development
 +
 
* [[Magach (Family)]]
 
* [[Magach (Family)]]
  
Line 165: Line 190:
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''

Latest revision as of 10:23, 25 August 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the Israeli medium tank Magach 2. For other versions, see Magach (Family).
Magach 2
il_magach_2.png
GarageImage Magach 2.jpg
Magach 2
Israel flag.png Israel
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
7.7 7.7 7.7
Class:
Research:35 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:210 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

Magach 2 was the Israeli designation for American M48A2 Patton tanks purchased by Israel from West Germany. After a series of refusals from the USA to directly supply Israel with modern tanks, in the early 1960s, the IDF made an offer to Germany to buy 150 M48A2C Pattons. The US government readily agreed, on the condition that Germany would transfer these vehicles to Israel as part of the reparations programme. Arab states learned about this deal and were highly outraged, causing the West German government to ultimately deliver only 40 machines to Israel. However, later the USA began openly supplying tanks directly to Israel. Subsequently, most were modernised to the Magach 3 version.

Introduced in Update "Wind of Change", the Magach 2 is quite a heavy MBT, unlike designs like the Leopard 1. However, the Magach 2 has a decent amount of armour; while it may not stop any HEAT or APFSDS shell launched at the tank, it makes it less vulnerable to APHE, APCR and HE, and projectiles shot from 20 or even 30 mm autocannons around its BR. With all its engine modifications installed, the Magach 2 is able to keep up with the speed of other MBTs like the Soviet T-54/55. Its 90 mm cannon is enough to destroy most MBTs with the HEAT shell, however this projectile lacks post-penetration damage. Thus, a good recommendation is to carry a small amount of APHE shells into battle and use them against light targets from the sides or the rear.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull110 / 76 / 25
Turret130 / 76 / 51
Crew4 people
Visibility117 %

The armour of the Magach 2 is identical to the M48A1 and M48A2 C. The ammo rack in the turret is removed and the shape of the front hull ammo racks are improved. The front armour is able to handle almost most of the APHE shells it might face, but struggles against HEATFS and APDS rounds. The lower front plate is a big weak spot. The sides are decently armoured, but not thick enough to make angling the hull a valid tactic. Some thin vents on the top of the hull are vulnerable to strafing and bombing runs by enemy aircraft, which may cause engine fires. Overall, the Magach 2 has excellent armour protection for its tier.

Armour type:

  • Cast homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull rear, hull rear roof)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 110 mm (59-74°) Upper glacis
110 mm (13-60°) Lower glacis 		76 mm (5-45°) Front
51 mm (0-44°) Rear 		25 mm Top
25 mm (32-62°) Bottom 		110 mm Front glacis (16-31°)
57 mm Crew compartment
30 mm Engine deck
12.7 mm (14°) Engine vents
Turret 83.2-173 mm (0-48°) Turret front
152 + 82 mm (17-26°) Gun mantlet 		69-100 mm (12-36°) 51-55 mm (2-71°)
25.4 mm (75-82°) Underpart of the turret 		25-69 mm
Cupola 29.7 mm (cylindrical) 29.7 mm (6-53°) 29.7 mm (6-53°) 29.7 mm (50-62°)

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels, tracks, and torsion bars are 20 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB54 / 10 km/h
RB and SB49 / 9 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
2 back
Weight47.8 t
Engine power
AB1 574 hp
RB and SB825 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB32.9 hp/t
RB and SB17.3 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 54 10 47.8 1,279 1,574 26.76 32.93
Realistic 49 9 730 825 15.27 17.26

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 620 → 4 742 Sl icon.png
RB4 097 → 5 367 Sl icon.png
SB5 812 → 7 613 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications61 600 Rp icon.png
102 500 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training61 000 Sl icon.png
Experts210 000 Sl icon.png
Aces890 Ge icon.png
Research Aces570 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
120 / 180 / 200 % Sl icon.png
178 / 178 / 178 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
2 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
2 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 300 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement il.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 300 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_us_M82_m48_ammo_pack
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
2 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_us_T142E3_HESH_ammo_pack
Research:
2 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 300 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_us_M431_HEAT_ammo_pack
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 300 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_us_M313_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods tank rangefinder.png
Rangefinder
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png

Because the Magach 2's only available ammo at the beginning is APCR, the number 1 priority of all players should be upgrading to a better shell. In this case, try to first get the HESH round and then go for the HEAT shell.

The most important upgrades are also the ones for the engine, since the Magach 2 is a bit slow when stock. Because of that, players should prioritize upgrading to HEAT shells but when possible, upgrade the transmission, engine and tracks of the Magach 2. The rangefinder is not that necessary because the Magach 2 is better used in frontline combat close to the enemy. But it can be a good upgrade if you prefer a more passive and calm play style.

Armaments

Main armament

90 mm M41 cannon
Ammunition64 rounds
First-order27 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
8.7 → 6.7 s
Vertical guidance-9° / 19°
Main article: M41 (90 mm)
90 mm M41 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 64 -9°/+19° ±180° - 22.8 31.6 38.4 42.5 45.2 8.71 7.70 7.10 6.70
Realistic 14.3 16.8 20.4 22.6 24.0

Ammunition

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
M332 shot APCR 321 316 292 265 240 218
T142E3 HESH 102 102 102 102 102 102
M82 shot APCBC 185 182 169 155 142 130
M431 shell HEATFS 320 320 320 320 320 320
M71 shell HE 20 20 18 17 16 16
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%
M332 shot APCR 1,249 5.7 - - - 66° 70° 72°
T142E3 HESH 792 10.6 0.1 4 3,050 73° 77° 80°
M82 shot APCBC 853 10.91 1.2 14 137.2 48° 63° 71°
M431 shell HEATFS 1,216 5.8 0.05 0.1 712.64 65° 72° 77°
M71 shell HE 823 10.55 0.2 0.1 1,210 79° 80° 81°
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)
M313 821 10.7 9 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M48A2 C (identical).
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
64 57 (+7) 46 (+18) 28 (+36) 21 (+43) 1 (+63) No

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled by sets of 2 and disappear from the rack after you've fired both shells in the set.
  • Racks 4 and 5 are first stage ammo racks. They total 27 shells and get filled first when loading up the tank.
    • These racks are also emptied early: the depletion order at full capacity is: 4 - 5 - 1 - 2 - 3.
    • Full reload speed will be realized as long as shells are available in the ready racks 4 and 5. If both ready racks are empty, a penalty to reload speed will occur.
    • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1 to 3 into rack 5 then 4. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.
  • If you pack 21 (+43) shells, it will keep the front hull and the turret bustle empty of ammo.

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Ammunition1 400 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-9° / 60°
7.62 mm M73 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition5 500 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
Main articles: M2HB (12.7 mm), M73 (7.62 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 1,400 (200) 575 -9°/+60° ±180°
7.62 mm M73
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 5,500 (250) 500 - -

Usage in battles

The Magach 2 is basically the same as the M48A2 C sitting in the German tech tree, but as an M48 it is best used in frontline combat or support manoeuvres.

Since it starts with an APCR shell unlike the APDS used in most tanks, is best used in direct contact with the enemy when not more capable shells are available, since a small angle can make the APCR shells bounce of the target. Thus, staying close to the enemy to make more precise shots is very important. The rest of the shells in the Magach 2 are quite basic for its BR, but it includes an APHE projectile. While this is nothing uncommon since the T-54/55 also has one, it allows the Magach to quickly destroy most enemies with a well placed shot. This is because the HEAT projectile in the Magach 2, while good in terms of penetration, lacks the damage to modules and crew members of APHE shells. Because of that a good idea is carrying both APHE and HEAT shells for different situations.

The Magach 2 has quite a decent armour; it won't stop the main shells from MBTs, like APDS or HEAT from the 100 and 105 mm guns normal at its BR, but it will certainly help survive against HE, HESH and APCR, alongside 20 and 30 mm shots fired from early autocannons that lack proper APDS or APFSDS projectiles with high penetration values.

Because its mobility is not the best compared to something like the Leopard 1 or other light tanks, positioning at the beginning of the battle is severely important. Most of the time you wont be able to capture any point but you can cover the position and prevent enemy targets from approaching. However have in mind, that the Magach 2 is a relatively big target compared to the Leopard 1 and T-54/55, and because of that hiding in ambushes is more difficult, but not impossible. One important thing about the Magach 2 is the positioning of the commander, while its cupola severely reduces the travel speed of the .50 cal, it gives the Magach 2 access to a CIV (commander's independent view) with good zoom for long range shots, and also, the commander has access to the movement of the turret and firing of the gun. That means that if the gunner is knocked out, the commander can still traverse the turret and shoot the main gun if necessary.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • The HESH round can be used to overpressure tanks on weak spots like the roof
  • The HEAT round can penetrate just about anything at its BR
  • Commander override can save you if your gunner gets knocked out
  • Turret armour can save you sometimes if someone misses and hits too far left, right, or high

Cons:

  • The weak hull armour can't reliably bounce shots from HEAT or APDS shells
  • Stock APCR round does not perform well against sloped armour and will most of the time bounce off the target
  • Ammo is in the left side of the turret and will most of the time get detonated if a shot penetrates the turret

History

The Magach 2 was the name given in IDF service to the American M48A2 and the German M48A2C. A total of 150 tanks between these 2 versions were purchased by Israel and by 1967 only 120 units between Magach 1 and Magach 2s were ready for battle.

The US supplied American-made M48 tanks to Israel through West Germany. This was a response to the military build-up of the USSR in the area, since many Arab nations were being armed and attracted to the Soviet's sphere of influence. Many of these nations fitted the T-54, T-62, and plenty of other Soviet-made vehicles. So, 110 Magach 2s were supplied to Israel through the United States while 40 were supplied through West Germany.

The main difference between the Magach 1 and Magach 2 was the engine, since the engine in the Magach 1 proved too unreliable. The M48A2 was powered by a 12-cylinder 29.3 litre AVI-1790-8 engine that produced approximately 690 hp. The tank retained the same gun as the M48A1, that being the 90 mm M41 gun, as well as no armour improvements over the original design. The M48A2C that was supplied by West Germany had a couple of upgrades, for instance, it received a new rangefinder since the M17 model was deemed too problematic and replaced with the M13 stereoscopic rangefinder, and the ballistic drive was improved (to the M5A2 model). Bore evacuator capacity was also increased.

Media

Skins

See also

Related development

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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


Israeli Ordnance Corps (חיל החימוש)
Medium Tanks  M-51 · M-51 (W)
MBTs 
Magach  Magach 1 · Magach 2 · Magach 3 · Magach 3 (ERA) · ▃Magach 3 (ERA) · Magach 5
  Magach 6 · Magach 6A · Magach 6B · Magach 6C · Magach 6R · Magach 6M · Gal Batash
Sho't  Sho't · Sho't Kal Alef · Sho't Kal Gimel · Sho't Kal Dalet · ▄Sho't Kal Dalet
Tiran  Tiran 4 · Tiran 4S
Merkava  ▃Merkava Mk.1 · Merkava Mk.1B · Merkava Mk.2B · ▃Merkava Mk.2B · Merkava Mk.2D
  Merkava Mk.3B · Merkava Mk.3C · ▃Merkava Mk.3D · Merkava Mk.4B · Merkava Mk.4M
Tank destroyers  Zachlam Tager
See Also  Chrysler Defense · Department of Tank Design · Morozov Design Bureau

Israel medium tanks
M-51  M-51 · M-51 (W)
Magach  Magach 1 · Magach 2 · Magach 3 · Magach 3 (ERA) · Magach 5 · Magach 6
  Magach 6A · Magach 6B · Magach 6B Gal · Gal Batash · Magach 6C · Magach 6M · Magach 6R · Magach Hydra · Magach 7C
Tiran  Tiran 4 · Tiran 4S · Tiran 6
Sho't  Sho't · Sho't Kal Alef · Sho't Kal Gimel · Sho't Kal Dalet
Merkava  Merkava Mk.1B · Merkava Mk.2B · Merkava Mk.2D · Merkava Mk.3B · Merkava Mk.3C · Ra'am Sagol
  Merkava Mk.4B · Merkava Mk.4M · Merkava Mk.4 LIC

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