Difference between revisions of "XM803"

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m (Slight change due to the XM-803's new reload of 7.5 seconds.)
 
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{{Specs-Card|code=us_xm_803}}
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{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=us_xm_803
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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 the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage XM-803.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The '''Tank, Combat, Full-Tracked, 152 mm Gun/Launcher XM-803''', developed from the [[MBT-70]], was part of the abandoned collaborative U.S. and West German initiative to develop a new main battle tank to replace the existing [[M60 (Family)|M60 family of MBT]] during the 1960s. The program experienced significant challenges from the start, with the United States Army and the German Bundeswehr having diverging doctrines that were not coordinated and were not resolved before the project was too far along to be modified. By the late 1960s, West Germany abandoned the project and the U.S. solely funded the project for the next few years. The MBT-70 was redesigned and designated the XM-803, as an attempt to modify the MBT-70 design into a low-cost substitution using entirely U.S.-made components, resulting in the strikingly similar XM-803 prototype. The biggest cost savings came from switching to less expensive steel armour plates. Costs were also decreased by using an engine built in the U.S. instead of West Germany. The prototype was a little heavier and a little slower compared to the original MBT-70. Despite these savings, the XM-803 design began to match the MBT-70 in sophistication as development progressed and was ultimately terminated. The XM-803 program was cancelled by Congress in December 1971, and work on a new tank program began, the XM-1, which ultimately resulted in the production-model [[M1 Abrams]] MBT.
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{{break}}
+
 
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]].  
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]], the XM-803 offers players unique insights into the pathway of U.S. tank development that ultimately leads to the current-day M1 Abrams MBT. Despite the program's eventual demise, the XM-803 gives several unique capabilities for Cold War U.S. Army ground forces players, particularly the capacity to launch anti-tank guided missiles from the gun barrel, which is unusual in Western MBTs but prevalent in Soviet MBTs. The XM-803 performs very similarly to its ancestor, the MBT-70; however, it suffers from a slightly lower top speed and lacks the original 20 mm cannon mounted on the turret roof. Overall, the MBT strikes a good balance between protection, speed, and firepower, allowing players to easily engage most threats.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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.-->
+
{{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.'' -->
  
−
The XM308's frontal armour is only effective versus full-calibre AP and APHE rounds and certain APDS rounds. Almost all large calibre (76 mm and up) have no trouble slicing through it, even when hitting the frontal armour at an angle. Large calibre HEAT-FS too has no problem going through, although the large fuel tank behind the frontal hull armour can sometimes absorb most damage. Because the armour has a layer of air in it, it is very effective against HESH rounds. All the spalling generated by the HESH round when it hits the first plate will get absorbed by the plate behind it. One big weak spot on the turret it the left (when facing it) turret cheek. This is because this part of the turret is not protected by spaced armour and only consists of 177.8 mm thick CHA plate, which most chemical and kinetic energy projectiles can penetrate with ease.
+
The XM-803's frontal armour is only effective versus full-calibre AP and APHE rounds and certain APDS rounds. Almost all large calibre (76 mm and up) sabot rounds will have no trouble slicing through it, even when hitting the frontal armour at an angle. Large calibre HEAT-FS has no problem going through it too, although the large fuel tank behind the frontal hull armour can sometimes absorb a lot of the damage. The fuel tank is also completely separate from the rest of the tank, and as a result, often burns out without damaging the rest of the vehicle. The spaced armour proves effective against HESH rounds as the spall generated upon detonation on the external armour will be soaked by the underlying layers, significantly reducing the damaging effect of the round. One big weak spot on the turret is the left turret cheek (the right from the view of the tank commander). This is because this part of the turret is not protected by spaced armour and only consists of a 177.8 mm thick CHA plate, which most chemical and kinetic energy projectiles can penetrate with ease.
  
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 38.1 mm (64°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 76 mm (63°) ''Lower glacis'' || 35 mm ''Top'' <br> 25.4 mm ''Bottom'' || 25.4 mm (12°) ''Top'' <br> 25.4 mm (67°) ''Bottom'' <br> 5 mm (13°) ''Engine exhaust'' || 25.4 mm ''Front'' <br> 5-12.7 mm ''Engine deck''  
+
| Hull || 38.1 mm (64°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 76 mm (63°) ''Lower glacis'' || 35 mm ''Top'' <br> 25.4 mm ''Bottom'' || 25.4 mm (12°) ''Top'' <br> 25.4 mm (67°) ''Bottom'' <br> 5 mm (13°) ''Engine exhaust'' || 25.4 mm ''Front'' <br> 5-12.7 mm ''Engine deck''
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Turret || 38.1-203 mm (0-75°) || 12.7-38.1* mm (29-34°) || 12.7* mm (27-84°) || 25.4-76 mm ''Front'' <br> 12.7 mm ''Rear turret''
 
| Turret || 38.1-203 mm (0-75°) || 12.7-38.1* mm (29-34°) || 12.7* mm (27-84°) || 25.4-76 mm ''Front'' <br> 12.7 mm ''Rear turret''
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
+
| Cupola || 25.4 mm || 25.4 mm || 25.4 mm || 25.4 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || 25.4 mm || 25.4 mm
+
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Spaced armour* !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
+
! Spaced armour* !! Front !! Sides !! Rear
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 250 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 240 mm ''Chemical'' || N/A || N/A || N/A
+
| Hull || 250 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 240 mm ''Chemical'' || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 270-300 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 220-350 mm ''Chemical'' || '''38 mm sections:''' <br> 200 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 220 mm ''Chemical'' <br> '''12.7 mm sections:''' <br> 50 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 60 mm ''Chemical'' || 30 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 40 mm ''Chemical'' || N/A
+
| Turret || 270-300 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 220-350 mm ''Chemical'' || '''38 mm sections:''' <br> 200 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 220 mm ''Chemical'' <br> '''12.7 mm sections:''' <br> 50 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 60 mm ''Chemical'' || 30 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 40 mm ''Chemical''
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1937|rbMinHp= 1106|<!--AoAweight=(optional) -->}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,937|rbMinHp=1,106}}
  
 
The mobility of the {{PAGENAME}} is worse than that of the MBT-70. In its stock configuration, it has a horsepower/ton ratio of 21.39, while with all upgrades this increases to 24.08 HP/t. The top speed (both forward and reverse) is 64 km/h (40 mph) with 8 gears for both directions. The tank can reach its top speed quickly on flat roads, while on more difficult terrain the top speed drops by around 20 km/h. The tank has neutral steering and good turning ability on all terrains.
 
The mobility of the {{PAGENAME}} is worse than that of the MBT-70. In its stock configuration, it has a horsepower/ton ratio of 21.39, while with all upgrades this increases to 24.08 HP/t. The top speed (both forward and reverse) is 64 km/h (40 mph) with 8 gears for both directions. The tank can reach its top speed quickly on flat roads, while on more difficult terrain the top speed drops by around 20 km/h. The tank has neutral steering and good turning ability on all terrains.
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
<!--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.-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
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{{main|XM150E5 (152 mm)}}
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | [[XM150E5 (152 mm)|152 mm XM150E5]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[XM150E5 (152 mm)|152 mm XM150E5]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate rounds (seconds) || Reloading rate ATGM (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
+
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
+
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
+
! Autoloader
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
+
! Autoloader
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="3" | 53 || -10°/+20° || ±180° || Two-plane
+
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 53 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 40.0 || 55.4 || 67.2 || 74.3 || 79.1 || rowspan="2" | 7.50
 +
| rowspan="2" |10.00
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
+
! ''Realistic''
−
|-
+
| 25.0 || 29.4 || 35.7 || 39.5 || 42.0
−
! style="width:4em" |Mode
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Stock
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
−
|-
 
−
| ''Arcade'' || 34.3 || 47.3 || 57.4 || 63.5 || 67.6
 
−
|-
 
−
| ''Realistic'' || 21.4 || 29.5 || 35.9 || 39.7 || 42.2
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
−
|-
 
−
| 10.00 || 10.00 || 10.00 || 10.00
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== Ammunition =====
+
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:XM150E5 (152 mm)/Ammunition|XM578E1, M409A1, XM410E1, MGM-51C}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
 
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|right|thumb|x200px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
! Full<br>ammo
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! 4th<br>rack empty
 +
! 5th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 10m
+
| '''53''' || 48&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 46&nbsp;''(+7)'' || 34&nbsp;''(+19)'' || 27&nbsp;''(+26)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+52)'' || No
−
! 100m
 
−
! 500m
 
−
! 1000m
 
−
! 1500m
 
−
! 2000m
 
−
|-
 
−
| XM578E1 || APFSDS || 346 || 343 || 334 || 323 || 311 || 300
 
−
|-
 
−
| M409A1 || HEAT || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380
 
−
|-
 
−
| MGM-51C || ATGM || 431 || 431 || 431 || 431 || 431 || 431
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
 
−
''in m:''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
 
−
''in mm:''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 
−
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0%
 
−
! 50%
 
−
! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| XM578E1 || 1,478 || 3.7 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 76° || 77° || 78°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M409A1 || 754 || 18.9 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 3,730 || +0° || 62° || 69° || 73°
 
−
|-
 
−
| MGM-51C || 323 || 27.8 || 0.0 || 0.01 || 3,600 || +0° || 80° || 82° || 90°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke characteristic
 
−
|-
 
−
! Ammunition
 
−
! Velocity <br /> in m/s
 
−
! Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 
−
! ''Screen radius <br /> in m''
 
−
! ''Screen time <br /> in s''
 
−
! ''Screen hold time <br /> in s:''
 
−
! ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 
−
|-
 
−
| XM410E1 || 754 || 18.9 || 25 || 5 || 30 || 50
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
  
−
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
+
* Rack 5 is a first-stage ammo rack, meaning it depletes first but refills from the other racks in the order they are listed. As such, it is the last rack to deplete.
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 
−
|-
 
−
|| '''53''' || 48&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 46&nbsp;''(+7)'' || 39&nbsp;''(+14)'' || 27&nbsp;''(+26)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+52)'' || style="text-align:left" | No
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
−
<!--''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft, but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
−
{{main|M85 (12.7 mm)|M73 (7.62 mm)}}
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 +
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | [[M85 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M85]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[M85 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M85]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount''
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
| Pintle || 1,080 (180) || 626 || -15°/+60° || ±180°
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
−
|-
 
−
| colspan="4" | 1,000 (200) || 577 || -9°/+65° || ±180°
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="7" | [[M73 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M73]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
+
! colspan="5" | [[M73 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M73]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="4" | 6,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 6,000 (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 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 XM308, like the MBT-70, is a very good flanker. To get the most out of this tank you must use its high speed and acceleration to flank the enemy or set up ambushes. Its gun and ammunition are good enough to penetrate most lower BR tanks with ease, although when up-tiered you will have to resort to aiming for the weak spots of opponents. The HEAT round you get is free, and will easily penetrate tanks with plain steel armour, but it's lacking when facing tanks with composite armour, and it has a rather mediocre muzzle velocity, making aiming and leading at longer ranges more difficult. The APFSDS round has decent penetration and will penetrate most opponents with relative ease. It also has very high muzzle velocity, almost 1.5 km/s, making aiming even at longer ranges easily. The ATGM is very useful and free, it's very good at long ranges, and is very effective against stationary or slow-moving helicopters.
+
XM803 represents a change in direction when compared to previous US tanks. Previous tanks in the tech tree like the [[M4]]<nowiki/>s and [[M60]]<nowiki/>s serve much more as jack-of-all-trade vehicles. Their mobility, guns and armour are all average and do not have especially potent features that user can exploit. This, however, is completely flipped on its head with the transition to the XM803. The survivability, on paper, is extremely poor. It will not survive many hits, if any, from ATGMs or cannon fire thanks to only a three-man crew layout. However, this can be completely disregarded by focusing on the mobility instead. The XM803 has almost twice the horsepower of [[M60]]<nowiki/>s, and weighs significantly less. This makes the tank extremely fast and agile, sometimes even faster than light tanks at the same BR.
  
−
While the armour may seem impressive at first, it won't protect you against most guns at and around its battle rating. Most tanks at this rank have access to powerful APFSDS and HEAT-FS rounds, which have no trouble penetrating you. Knowing this, you mustn't rely on your armour to protect you.
+
Thanks to the extremely good mobility, it can be incredibly difficult for opponents to keep track of it in close range brawls. Thanks to this, the first priority of the user would be to catch single or small groups of enemies off-guard, destroy them, and run away. In the opening stages of a match, it may be tempting to drive in guns-blazing to try and snatch a couple of free kills, however the distribution of enemies across the map and the sheer number of them will mean that they will simply hunt the user down. To avoid a premature and frankly embarrassing demise, move into the centre of the map and wait behind solid cover. Use visual and audio-cues to take note of the number of enemies. If there are lots of enemies, use the solid cover to remain hidden and allow them to prepare for an engagement with your teammates first and pick them off. Avoid getting shot during this time, as the longer into the match the XM803 lasts, the better it will perform. After this, the latter parts of the game are simply a point-and-click adventure.
  
−
===Modules===
+
The APFSDS round has decent penetration and will defeat most foes easily. It also has very high muzzle velocity, almost 1,500 m/s, making aiming at longer ranges easy. The ATGM which comes stock can be very useful, especially when first unlocking the vehicle. Though it has an increased reload time of 12 seconds, it can extend your engagement distance significantly if you lack the necessary means otherwise.
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
 
−
!Tier
+
When faced with an enemy around a corner, one can attempt to bait shots by only exposing the frontal hull - opponents will often shoot this, only to find, much to their dismay, that there is nothing of value inside and you may not even have to use your fire extinguisher to put it out due to the fact that it is separate from the rest of the tank. If this is not desirable, one can simply 'pop smoke' and simply reverse out of the way using the exceptional reverse gears.
−
! colspan="2" |Mobility
 
−
!Protection
 
−
! colspan="3" |Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
|I
 
−
|Tracks||
 
−
|Parts
 
−
|Horizontal Drive||XM410E1
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
|II
 
−
|Suspension||Brake System
 
−
|FPE
 
−
|Adjustment of Fire||XM578E1
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
|III
 
−
|Filters||
 
−
|Crew Replenishment
 
−
|Elevation Mechanism||Smoke grenade
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
|IV
 
−
|Transmission||Engine
 
−
|
 
−
|Artillery Support||Laser rangefinder
 
−
|NVD
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 +
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Stock ammunition consists of the good MGM 51C "Shillelagh" Guided Missile, means no ammo costs for using it, plus a decent but inferior HEAT Shell.
+
* Good selection of ammunition types (Stock ATGM, stock HEAT shell, APFSDS)
−
* Can fire ATGM without restriction, even when moving on full speed
+
* The ATGMs can be fired at any time, even when not stationary.
−
* Somehow has better ergonomics than the MBT-70
 
−
* Has access to APFSDS Shells with 346 mm of penetrating Power on a 90° angled armour plate @ 10m
 
 
* Good mobility and acceleration, high speed both forwards and backwards
 
* Good mobility and acceleration, high speed both forwards and backwards
−
* Top mounted 50 cal can allow you to damage low-flying aircraft
+
* Top mounted .50 cal can allow you to damage low-flying aircraft
−
* Frontal Fuel tank behind the spaced armour which can sometimes absorb enemy chemical energy rounds
+
* Frontal Fuel tank behind the spaced armour which can sometimes absorb enemy chemical effect rounds
−
* Since this tank has an autoloader, losing a crewmember will not impact the reload speed, and it still functions when putting out a fire
+
* Steady reload time thanks to the autoloader: losing a crew member will not impact the reload speed, and it still functions when putting out a fire
 
* Has smoke grenade launchers
 
* Has smoke grenade launchers
−
* Very versatile tank once all ammo types are researched
+
* Turret mantlet is strong, can even resist certain APFSDS rounds
−
* Turret mantlet is strong, can resist even certain APFSDS rounds
+
* Features a hydropneumatic suspension which can have its clearance raised or lowered
−
* Has hydropneumatic suspension  
 
 
* Excellent dual zoom of 8x and 12x
 
* Excellent dual zoom of 8x and 12x
−
* Is not considered to be a threat by most players
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Slower reload on the gun (7.5 seconds) than the Kpz-70, which cannot be improved since it is an autoloader
 
 
* The spaced armour is not composite armour and cannot provide adequate protection against most guns of its rank
 
* The spaced armour is not composite armour and cannot provide adequate protection against most guns of its rank
−
* Frontal armor can be penetrated even by some APHE rounds
+
* Frontal armour can be penetrated even by some APHE rounds
 
* Weak sides and LFP
 
* Weak sides and LFP
−
* Hydropneumatic suspension only works for up and down
+
* Only the clearance can be adjusted with the hydropneumatic suspension
−
* Weaker engine than the MBT-70, noticeable decrease in top speed and overall performance
+
* Ammo racks are large, can be easily hit, and do not have blowout panels
−
* Ammo racks are large and can be easily hit, and does not have blowout panels
 
 
* Vulnerable to the rear due to raised engine deck
 
* Vulnerable to the rear due to raised engine deck
−
* Only single use of smoke grenades is permitted before having to reload
 
 
* Cramped interior, loss of more than one crew member more likely when penetrated
 
* Cramped interior, loss of more than one crew member more likely when penetrated
−
* Poor roof armor protection on the ammo and engine section
+
* Poor roof armour protection on the ammo and engine section
−
* Does not have access to the roof-mounted 20 mm like the MBT-70 which could be very useful in certain situations
+
* Chemical projectiles (HEAT and ATGM) will struggle a lot at this battle rating as vehicles with ERA protection are common, especially on Soviet vehicles.
 +
* Reload rate of 7.5s is terrible.
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
Once it became apparent that the MBT-70 project was doomed to fail in the early ‘70s due to high costs and reliability issues, the U.S. Congress decided to cut their losses on the project by cancelling the MBT-70, and instead, diverted funding to the development of a new project called XM803.
+
Once it became apparent that the MBT-70 project was doomed to fail in the early '70s due to high costs and reliability issues, the U.S. Congress decided to cut their losses on the project by cancelling the MBT-70, and instead, diverted funding to the development of a new project called XM803.
  
−
The XM803 was, in essence, envisioned to be a “budget version” of the MBT-70. Although the new vehicle would heavily be based on the MBT-70, inheriting many of its design solutions, it would also try to drastically reduce production costs by using more conventional and only American-made parts. Although this meant that the XM803 had to give up some of its high-tech equipment in favour of lower production costs, it was projected that the influence of these changes on the XM803’s combat performance would be minimal.
+
The XM803 was, in essence, envisioned to be a "budget version" of the MBT-70. Although the new vehicle would heavily be based on the MBT-70, inheriting many of its design solutions, it would also try to drastically reduce production costs by using more conventional and only American-made parts. Although this meant that the XM803 had to give up some of its high-tech equipment in favour of lower production costs, it was projected that the influence of these changes on the XM803's combat performance would be minimal.
  
 
Despite showing favourable performance and being seen as a promising design by the Army, the XM803 still remained a comparably expensive tank to produce even with the applied changes over the MBT-70. Moreover, neither the MBT-70 nor the XM803 seemed to offer any substantial increase in combat performance over the already in service M60 Patton to justify the high production cost. This ultimately led to the Congress cancelling work on the XM803 only a short while after the cancellation of the MBT-70. In the late 1970s, some funding of the two failed projects would, later on, find its way to support the development of an entirely new, but this time around, more conventional tank project. That tank, of course, being the legendary M1 Abrams itself.
 
Despite showing favourable performance and being seen as a promising design by the Army, the XM803 still remained a comparably expensive tank to produce even with the applied changes over the MBT-70. Moreover, neither the MBT-70 nor the XM803 seemed to offer any substantial increase in combat performance over the already in service M60 Patton to justify the high production cost. This ultimately led to the Congress cancelling work on the XM803 only a short while after the cancellation of the MBT-70. In the late 1970s, some funding of the two failed projects would, later on, find its way to support the development of an entirely new, but this time around, more conventional tank project. That tank, of course, being the legendary M1 Abrams itself.
  
−
''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5536-development-xm803-the-second-chance-en Devblog]''
+
''- From [[wt:en/news/5536-development-xm803-the-second-chance-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
<!--Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.-->
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_xm_803 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 
{{Youtube-gallery|yxrFP5uW_J8|'''The Shooting Range #104''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the XM-803.|ryfyneZ7390|'''The Shooting Range #106''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 12:39 discusses the XM-803.}}
 
{{Youtube-gallery|yxrFP5uW_J8|'''The Shooting Range #104''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the XM-803.|ryfyneZ7390|'''The Shooting Range #106''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 12:39 discusses the XM-803.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
 +
 
 +
;Related development
 +
 
 +
* [[MBT-70]]
 +
* [[KPz-70]]
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
;<nowiki>Similar vehicles with large-calibre gun/launcher systems:</nowiki>
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[M551]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on tank;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''-->
 
  
−
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5536-development-xm803-the-second-chance-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> XM803: The Second Chance]
+
* [[wt:en/news/5536-development-xm803-the-second-chance-en|[Devblog] XM803: The Second Chance]]
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer GM}}
 
{{USA medium tanks}}
 
{{USA medium tanks}}
 
[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]
 
[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 09:16, 4 October 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
XM803
us_xm_803.png
GarageImage XM803.jpg
ArtImage XM803.png
XM803
USA flag.png USA
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
8.7 9.0 9.0
Class:
Research:190 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:520 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Tank, Combat, Full-Tracked, 152 mm Gun/Launcher XM-803, developed from the MBT-70, was part of the abandoned collaborative U.S. and West German initiative to develop a new main battle tank to replace the existing M60 family of MBT during the 1960s. The program experienced significant challenges from the start, with the United States Army and the German Bundeswehr having diverging doctrines that were not coordinated and were not resolved before the project was too far along to be modified. By the late 1960s, West Germany abandoned the project and the U.S. solely funded the project for the next few years. The MBT-70 was redesigned and designated the XM-803, as an attempt to modify the MBT-70 design into a low-cost substitution using entirely U.S.-made components, resulting in the strikingly similar XM-803 prototype. The biggest cost savings came from switching to less expensive steel armour plates. Costs were also decreased by using an engine built in the U.S. instead of West Germany. The prototype was a little heavier and a little slower compared to the original MBT-70. Despite these savings, the XM-803 design began to match the MBT-70 in sophistication as development progressed and was ultimately terminated. The XM-803 program was cancelled by Congress in December 1971, and work on a new tank program began, the XM-1, which ultimately resulted in the production-model M1 Abrams MBT.

Introduced in Update 1.79 "Project X", the XM-803 offers players unique insights into the pathway of U.S. tank development that ultimately leads to the current-day M1 Abrams MBT. Despite the program's eventual demise, the XM-803 gives several unique capabilities for Cold War U.S. Army ground forces players, particularly the capacity to launch anti-tank guided missiles from the gun barrel, which is unusual in Western MBTs but prevalent in Soviet MBTs. The XM-803 performs very similarly to its ancestor, the MBT-70; however, it suffers from a slightly lower top speed and lacks the original 20 mm cannon mounted on the turret roof. Overall, the MBT strikes a good balance between protection, speed, and firepower, allowing players to easily engage most threats.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull89 / 35 / 25
Turret203 / 165 / 25
Crew3 people
Visibility86 %

The XM-803's frontal armour is only effective versus full-calibre AP and APHE rounds and certain APDS rounds. Almost all large calibre (76 mm and up) sabot rounds will have no trouble slicing through it, even when hitting the frontal armour at an angle. Large calibre HEAT-FS has no problem going through it too, although the large fuel tank behind the frontal hull armour can sometimes absorb a lot of the damage. The fuel tank is also completely separate from the rest of the tank, and as a result, often burns out without damaging the rest of the vehicle. The spaced armour proves effective against HESH rounds as the spall generated upon detonation on the external armour will be soaked by the underlying layers, significantly reducing the damaging effect of the round. One big weak spot on the turret is the left turret cheek (the right from the view of the tank commander). This is because this part of the turret is not protected by spaced armour and only consists of a 177.8 mm thick CHA plate, which most chemical and kinetic energy projectiles can penetrate with ease.

Armour type:

  • Spaced armour (Hull front, Turret front)
  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 38.1 mm (64°) Front glacis
76 mm (63°) Lower glacis 		35 mm Top
25.4 mm Bottom 		25.4 mm (12°) Top
25.4 mm (67°) Bottom
5 mm (13°) Engine exhaust 		25.4 mm Front
5-12.7 mm Engine deck
Turret 38.1-203 mm (0-75°) 12.7-38.1* mm (29-34°) 12.7* mm (27-84°) 25.4-76 mm Front
12.7 mm Rear turret
Cupola 25.4 mm 25.4 mm 25.4 mm 25.4 mm
Spaced armour* Front Sides Rear
Hull 250 mm Kinetic
240 mm Chemical 		N/A N/A
Turret 270-300 mm Kinetic
220-350 mm Chemical 		38 mm sections:
200 mm Kinetic
220 mm Chemical
12.7 mm sections:
50 mm Kinetic
60 mm Chemical 		30 mm Kinetic
40 mm Chemical

Notes:

  • Road wheels are 20 mm thick and tracks are 30 mm thick.
  • A 6.35 mm RHA plate separates the engine from the crew compartment
  • The crew is protected by a 6.35mm thick turret basket
  • Hull spaced armour configuration is 38 mm RHA + 127 mm air + 51 mm RHA.
  • Turret spaced armour configuration is 38 mm RHA + 127 mm air + 127 mm CHA.
  • Turret rear side spaced armour configuration is 12.7 mm RHA + 38 mm air + 25.4 mm RHA
  • Turret rear spaced armour configuration is 12.7 mm RHA + 38 mm air + 12.7 mm RHA.

Mobility

 
Controlled suspension
It is possible to adjust the ground clearance or more complex suspension positions
Speedforward / back
AB72 / 33 km/h
RB and SB64 / 30 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
6 back
Weight51.7 t
Engine power
AB2 385 hp
RB and SB1 250 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB46.1 hp/t
RB and SB24.2 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 72 33 51.7 1,937 2,385 37.47 46.13
Realistic 64 30 1,106 1,250 21.39 24.18

The mobility of the XM803 is worse than that of the MBT-70. In its stock configuration, it has a horsepower/ton ratio of 21.39, while with all upgrades this increases to 24.08 HP/t. The top speed (both forward and reverse) is 64 km/h (40 mph) with 8 gears for both directions. The tank can reach its top speed quickly on flat roads, while on more difficult terrain the top speed drops by around 20 km/h. The tank has neutral steering and good turning ability on all terrains.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 515 → 6 230 Sl icon.png
RB4 520 → 6 237 Sl icon.png
SB5 775 → 7 969 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications160 400 Rp icon.png
268 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 600 Ge icon.png
Crew training150 000 Sl icon.png
Experts520 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces950 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 200 / 230 % Sl icon.png
220 / 220 / 220 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
530 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
530 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement us.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
152mm_XM410E1_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
152mm_usa_XM578E1_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
530 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
530 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder

Main armament

152 mm XM150E6 gun/launcher
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Autoloader
Automatically feeds projectiles into the breech. The speed does not depend on the skills of the loader
Ammunition53 rounds
First-order25 rounds
Reload7.5 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
152 mm XM150E5 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate rounds (seconds) Reloading rate ATGM (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Autoloader Autoloader
Arcade 53 -10°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 40.0 55.4 67.2 74.3 79.1 7.50 10.00
Realistic 25.0 29.4 35.7 39.5 42.0

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
XM578E1 APFSDS 285 281 270 254 239 223
M409A1 HEAT 380 380 380 380 380 380
MGM-51C ATGM 431 431 431 431 431 431
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%
XM578E1 APFSDS 1,509 3.79 - - - 78° 80° 81°
M409A1 HEAT 754 18.9 0.05 0.1 3.73 62° 69° 73°
Missile details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Range
(m) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
MGM-51C ATGM 286 3,200 27.8 0.05 0.1 5.72 80° 82° 90°
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)
XM410E1 754 18.9 21 5 30 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the XM803
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
53 48 (+5) 46 (+7) 34 (+19) 27 (+26) 1 (+52) No

Notes:

  • Rack 5 is a first-stage ammo rack, meaning it depletes first but refills from the other racks in the order they are listed. As such, it is the last rack to deplete.

Machine guns

12.7 mm M85 machine gun
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition1 080 rounds
Belt capacity180 rounds
Reload8.0 s
Fire rate626 shots/min
Vertical guidance-15° / 60°
7.62 mm M73 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition6 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reload8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
12.7 mm M85
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 1,080 (180) 626 -15°/+60° ±180°
7.62 mm M73
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 6,000 (250) 500 - -

Usage in battles

XM803 represents a change in direction when compared to previous US tanks. Previous tanks in the tech tree like the M4s and M60s serve much more as jack-of-all-trade vehicles. Their mobility, guns and armour are all average and do not have especially potent features that user can exploit. This, however, is completely flipped on its head with the transition to the XM803. The survivability, on paper, is extremely poor. It will not survive many hits, if any, from ATGMs or cannon fire thanks to only a three-man crew layout. However, this can be completely disregarded by focusing on the mobility instead. The XM803 has almost twice the horsepower of M60s, and weighs significantly less. This makes the tank extremely fast and agile, sometimes even faster than light tanks at the same BR.

Thanks to the extremely good mobility, it can be incredibly difficult for opponents to keep track of it in close range brawls. Thanks to this, the first priority of the user would be to catch single or small groups of enemies off-guard, destroy them, and run away. In the opening stages of a match, it may be tempting to drive in guns-blazing to try and snatch a couple of free kills, however the distribution of enemies across the map and the sheer number of them will mean that they will simply hunt the user down. To avoid a premature and frankly embarrassing demise, move into the centre of the map and wait behind solid cover. Use visual and audio-cues to take note of the number of enemies. If there are lots of enemies, use the solid cover to remain hidden and allow them to prepare for an engagement with your teammates first and pick them off. Avoid getting shot during this time, as the longer into the match the XM803 lasts, the better it will perform. After this, the latter parts of the game are simply a point-and-click adventure.

The APFSDS round has decent penetration and will defeat most foes easily. It also has very high muzzle velocity, almost 1,500 m/s, making aiming at longer ranges easy. The ATGM which comes stock can be very useful, especially when first unlocking the vehicle. Though it has an increased reload time of 12 seconds, it can extend your engagement distance significantly if you lack the necessary means otherwise.

When faced with an enemy around a corner, one can attempt to bait shots by only exposing the frontal hull - opponents will often shoot this, only to find, much to their dismay, that there is nothing of value inside and you may not even have to use your fire extinguisher to put it out due to the fact that it is separate from the rest of the tank. If this is not desirable, one can simply 'pop smoke' and simply reverse out of the way using the exceptional reverse gears.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good selection of ammunition types (Stock ATGM, stock HEAT shell, APFSDS)
  • The ATGMs can be fired at any time, even when not stationary.
  • Good mobility and acceleration, high speed both forwards and backwards
  • Top mounted .50 cal can allow you to damage low-flying aircraft
  • Frontal Fuel tank behind the spaced armour which can sometimes absorb enemy chemical effect rounds
  • Steady reload time thanks to the autoloader: losing a crew member will not impact the reload speed, and it still functions when putting out a fire
  • Has smoke grenade launchers
  • Turret mantlet is strong, can even resist certain APFSDS rounds
  • Features a hydropneumatic suspension which can have its clearance raised or lowered
  • Excellent dual zoom of 8x and 12x

Cons:

  • The spaced armour is not composite armour and cannot provide adequate protection against most guns of its rank
  • Frontal armour can be penetrated even by some APHE rounds
  • Weak sides and LFP
  • Only the clearance can be adjusted with the hydropneumatic suspension
  • Ammo racks are large, can be easily hit, and do not have blowout panels
  • Vulnerable to the rear due to raised engine deck
  • Cramped interior, loss of more than one crew member more likely when penetrated
  • Poor roof armour protection on the ammo and engine section
  • Chemical projectiles (HEAT and ATGM) will struggle a lot at this battle rating as vehicles with ERA protection are common, especially on Soviet vehicles.
  • Reload rate of 7.5s is terrible.

History

Once it became apparent that the MBT-70 project was doomed to fail in the early '70s due to high costs and reliability issues, the U.S. Congress decided to cut their losses on the project by cancelling the MBT-70, and instead, diverted funding to the development of a new project called XM803.

The XM803 was, in essence, envisioned to be a "budget version" of the MBT-70. Although the new vehicle would heavily be based on the MBT-70, inheriting many of its design solutions, it would also try to drastically reduce production costs by using more conventional and only American-made parts. Although this meant that the XM803 had to give up some of its high-tech equipment in favour of lower production costs, it was projected that the influence of these changes on the XM803's combat performance would be minimal.

Despite showing favourable performance and being seen as a promising design by the Army, the XM803 still remained a comparably expensive tank to produce even with the applied changes over the MBT-70. Moreover, neither the MBT-70 nor the XM803 seemed to offer any substantial increase in combat performance over the already in service M60 Patton to justify the high production cost. This ultimately led to the Congress cancelling work on the XM803 only a short while after the cancellation of the MBT-70. In the late 1970s, some funding of the two failed projects would, later on, find its way to support the development of an entirely new, but this time around, more conventional tank project. That tank, of course, being the legendary M1 Abrams itself.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #104 - Metal Beasts section at 00:32 discusses the XM-803.
The Shooting Range #106 - Pages of History section at 12:39 discusses the XM-803.

See also

Related development
Similar vehicles with large-calibre gun/launcher systems:

External links


General Motors Company (GM)
MBTs 
MBT-70  MBT-70* · XM803
XM-1  XM1 (GM)
  *Designed in collaboration with the Deutsche Entwicklungsgesellschaft.
Tank Destroyers  T114
Export 
GMC CCKW  CCKW 353 (M45) · CCKW 353 AA
Note  General Motors has several divisions, including Buick, Cadillac, and Chevrolet.

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

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