Difference between revisions of "T26E1-1"

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(Undo revision 193552 by U163491175 (talk))
m (→‎Ammo racks: Corrected minor mistake, currently you must load only 15 shells to empty all but 1 floor track.)
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{{About
+
{{Specs-Card|code=us_t26e4_superpershing}}
−
| about = American heavy tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
−
| usage = the other T26
 
−
| link = T26E5
 
−
}}
 
−
{{Specs-Card
 
−
|code=us_t26e4_superpershing
 
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
−
}}
 
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
+
<!--''In the description, the first part 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.''-->
−
With the development of the [[M26|T26E3 Pershing]] tank, the US Army found themselves with an adequate heavy tank for the European theater, but it was still not on par with the latest German heavy tank, the [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II]]. The [[KwK43 (88 mm)|long 88 mm KwK43 cannon]] proved superior to the [[M3 (90 mm)|90 mm M3]] cannon on the Pershing, and so the US Army Ordnance Department developed a new gun to improve the 90 mm cannon's penetration capability, the [[T15E1 (90 mm)|90 mm T15]]. This was successfully installed into a T26E1 prototype, informally designated '''T26E1-1'''. The vehicle found itself sent to Europe for combat trials in March 1945. The soldiers of the 3rd Armored Division received the tank and provided additional protection with add-on armour plates on the turret and hull. Seeing some combat service against the Germans, the tank would serve until the end of the war, when it was scrapped sometime in the post-war period.
+
[[File:GarageImage_T26E1-1.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
−
 
+
{{break}}
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]] and while it takes the basis of a normal [[M26|M26 Pershing]], it is presented with an increase in armour and firepower. While the T26E1-1 is weighed down by the additional armour, the 90 mm T15E1 gun can allow the vehicle to knock out even the heaviest tanks it faces at its battle rating. However, the long reload means that one cannot be too careless with how they use the cannon, so take care not to take the vehicle into close quarters brawling situations.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. The T26E1-1 was added with [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]]. The tank takes the basis of a normal [[M26|M26 Pershing]], then increases its armour with welded-on metal slabs and up-guns it with a [[T15E1 (90 mm)|T15E1 cannon]], which is nearly identical to the one in the [[T32|T32]]. This gives the tank a much appreciated armour protection and firepower for the battle rating and is comparable with the premium [[M26E1|M26E1]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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 helpfull for survival in combat?''
−
<!-- ''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.'' -->
+
 
 +
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
  
Line 29: Line 22:
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 101.6 (42-46°) + 38.1 (47°) + 38.1 mm (57°)<br>''Front glacis'' <br> 162.5 (25-60°) + 38.1 (47°) + 38.1 mm (57°)<br>'' Upper front glacis'' <br> 76.2 mm (53°) + 38.1 (41°) + 38.1 mm (48°)<br>''Lower glacis'' || 76.2 mm ''Front'' <br> 50.8 mm (0-2°) ''Rear''|| 50.8 mm (4°) ''Top'' <br> 22.2 mm (68°) ''Lower'' || 22.2 mm
+
| Hull || 101.6 (42-46°) + 38.1 (47°) + 38.1 mm (57°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 162.5 (25-60°) + 38.1 (47°) + 38.1 mm (57°) '' Upper front glacis'' <br> 76.2 mm (53°) + 38.1 (41°) + 38.1 mm (48°) ''Lower glacis'' || 76.2 mm ''Front'' <br> 50.8 mm (0-2°) ''Rear''|| 50.8 mm (4°) ''Top'' <br> 22.2 mm (68°) ''Lower'' || 22.2 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Turret || 101.6 mm (1-55°) ''Turret front'' <br> 114.3 (1-84°) + 80 mm (3°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 76.2 mm (2-54°) || 76.2 (0-79°) + 100 mm (3°) || 25.4 mm
 
| Turret || 101.6 mm (1-55°) ''Turret front'' <br> 114.3 (1-84°) + 80 mm (3°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 76.2 mm (2-54°) || 76.2 (0-79°) + 100 mm (3°) || 25.4 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || 76.2 mm || 76.2 mm || 76.2 mm || 25.4 mm
+
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Cupola || 76.2 mm || 25.4 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
'''Notes''':
+
'''Notes:'''
  
 
* Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.
 
* Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.
Line 42: Line 37:
 
* The "ear flaps" on the turret provide 38.1 mm of armour. The steel on the gun mantlet gives an additional 80 mm of armour.
 
* The "ear flaps" on the turret provide 38.1 mm of armour. The steel on the gun mantlet gives an additional 80 mm of armour.
 
* Front glacis have sheets of 38.1 mm armour added on, sloped at varying angles.
 
* Front glacis have sheets of 38.1 mm armour added on, sloped at varying angles.
 +
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
−
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
+
<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''-->
−
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
 
+
|-
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=646|rbMinHp=442}}
+
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
−
 
+
|-
−
=== Modifications and economy ===
+
! Weight (tons)
−
{{Specs-Economy}}
+
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armor<br>weight (tons)
−
 
+
! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
−
As with every ground vehicle, Parts and FPE are an absolute top-priority. Following that both types of shells should be researched. Either Adjustment of Fire or Suspension should be researched as the second module in tier II, depending on playstyle. If undecided choose Adjustment of Fire. Mandatory modifications in tier III are T44 shot and Crew Replenishment. After that: Filters, then Engine, then Transmission for improved mobility, in that particular order due to the efficiency in {{rp}}RP/hp increase. Further modifications at will.
+
|-
 +
| rowspan="2" | 49.9 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 43 (AB)
 +
|-
 +
|40 (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="1" | Mode
 +
!Stock
 +
!Upgraded
 +
|-
 +
|''Arcade''
 +
|646
 +
|795
 +
|-
 +
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 +
|442
 +
|500
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="1" | Mode
 +
!Stock
 +
!Upgraded
 +
|-
 +
|''Arcade''
 +
|12.94
 +
|15.93
 +
|-
 +
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 +
|8.86
 +
|10.02
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
−
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
{{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 flexibilty 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|T15E1 (90 mm)}}
 
{{main|T15E1 (90 mm)}}
  
−
The {{PAGENAME}} utilizes a very powerful 90 mm T15E1 cannon, nearly identical to the gun on the [[T32]]. The gun's greatest weakness is its reload time, allowing more than sufficient time for the enemy to move out of their cover, aim, and take a shot. Therefore, staying in cover between shots and near friendlies is advantageous. A mix of T41 APCBC and T44 APCR shells is recommended as a typical load-out.
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | [[T15E1 (90 mm)|90 mm T15E1]]
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="4" | 42 || -10°/+20° || ±180°
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
 +
|-
 +
! 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'' || 14.28 || 19.80 || 24.0 || 26.60 || 28.24
 +
|-
 +
| ''Realistic'' || 14.28 || 16.80 || 20.4 || 22.60 || 24.00
 +
|-
 +
! 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.
 +
|-
 +
| 16.25 || 14.38 || 13.25 || 12.50
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
===== Ammunition =====
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 +
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 +
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
 +
|-
 +
! 10m
 +
! 100m
 +
! 500m
 +
! 1000m
 +
! 1500m
 +
! 2000m
 +
|-
 +
| T43 shot || AP || 217 || 216 || 202 || 186 || 172 || 164 ||
 +
|-
 +
| T42 shell || HE || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13
 +
|-
 +
| T41 || APCBC || 204 || 202 || 196 || 181 || 165 || 152
 +
|-
 +
| T44 shot || APCR || 270 || 266 || 250 || 231 || 214 || 195
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| 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:''
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[T15E1 (90 mm)|90 mm T15E1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! 0%
 +
! 50%
 +
! 100%
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
+
| T43 shot || 975 || 11 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1° || 47° || 60° || 65°
−
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
−
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! ''Arcade''
+
| T42 shell || 975 || 11 || 0.4 || 0.5 || 925 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
−
| rowspan="2" | 42 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 19.4 || 26.9 || 32.6 || 36.1 || 38.4 || rowspan="2" | 16.25 || rowspan="2" | 14.38 || rowspan="2" | 13.25 || rowspan="2" | 12.50
+
|-
 +
| T41 || 975 || 11 || 1.2 || 20 || 137.2 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
|-
 
|-
−
! ''Realistic''
+
| T44 shot || 1143 || 7.6 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 66° || 70° || 72°
−
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
==== Ammunition ====
+
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
−
For less mobile tanks usually a mix shells is recommended, with the T26E1-1 being no different. For Arcade Battles, 15 shells is typically sufficient, majority APCBC with roughly 3-5 APCR shells dedicated to enemies with tougher armour. The APCBC shell is a good default for a majority of targets, it typically should be loaded when venturing towards the unknown.
+
'''Last updated: 1.77.2.68'''
−
 
+
[[File:Ammoracks_T26E1-1.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the T26E1-1.]]
−
* T43 shot - {{Annotation|APBC|Armour-Piercing Ballistic Capped}} - Acceptable performance against majority of targets
+
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
−
* T42 shell - {{Annotation|HE|High-Explosive fragmentation shell}} - Usable nearly exclusively against soft targets. Due to long reload time it's typically safer to use other shells than committing to the HE, and simply using the .50 cal machine gun on soft targets.
 
−
* T41 - {{Annotation|APCBC|Armour-Piercing Capped Ballistic Capped}} - Deadliest round, very wide spalling effect post-penetration.
 
−
* T44 shot - {{Annotation|APCR|Armour-Piercing Composite Rigid shell}} - Much higher penetration, suitable against more heavily-armoured targets, however it has the narrowest cone of post-penetration shrapnel leading to potentially reduced lethality, depending on shot placement.
 
−
 
 
−
{{:T15E1 (90 mm)/Ammunition|T43 shot, T42 shell, T41, T44 shot}}
 
−
 
 
−
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
−
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.15.1.70''' -->
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Full<br>ammo
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
−
! 1st<br>rack empty
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br /> rack empty
−
! 2nd<br>rack empty
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br /> rack empty
−
! 3rd<br>rack empty
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br /> rack empty
−
! 4th<br>rack empty
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br /> rack empty
−
! 5th<br>rack empty
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th<br /> rack empty
−
! 6th<br>rack empty
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |6th<br /> rack empty
−
! 7th<br>rack empty
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |7th<br /> rack empty
−
! 8th<br>rack empty
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |8th<br /> rack empty
−
! 9th<br>rack empty
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |9th<br /> rack empty
−
! Visual<br>discrepancy
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''42''' || 39&nbsp;''(+3)'' || 35&nbsp;''(+7)'' || 31&nbsp;''(+11)'' || 27&nbsp;''(+15)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+19)'' || 19&nbsp;''(+23)'' || 15&nbsp;''(+27)'' || 11&nbsp;''(+31)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+41)'' || No
+
|| '''42''' || 32&nbsp;''(+8)'' || 28&nbsp;''(+14)'' || 24&nbsp;''(+18)'' || 20&nbsp;''(+22)'' || 16&nbsp;''(+26)'' || 12&nbsp;''(+30)'' || 8&nbsp;''(+34)'' || 4&nbsp;''(+38)'' || 0&nbsp;''(+42)'' || style="text-align:left" | No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
  
−
* Ammo rack 9 is a ready rack, and takes priority in being filled at the beginning of the battle.
+
* Recommended ammo load is 15 to remove most ammo from the hull floor, leaving rack 9 intact.
−
* Full reload speed will be realized as long as ammo exists in the ready rack. If the ready rack is empty, a penalty to reload speed will occur.
+
* Ammo rack 1 is a ready rack, and takes priority in being filled at the beginning of the battle, then fills racks 9 through 2.
−
* Not firing when the gun is loaded will load ammo from racks 1-8 into rack 9, as long as there is ammo in racks 1-8. Firing will interrupt the loading of ready racks.
+
* Full reload speed will be realized as long as ammo exists in the ready rack. If the ready racks is empty, a penalty to reload speed will occur.
 +
* Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will load ammo from racks 2-9 into rack 1, as long as there is ammo in racks 2-9. Firing will interrupt the loading of the ready racks.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
−
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
+
<!--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|3}}
+
{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
−
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
−
{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}
 
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
+
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount''
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
+
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Pintle || 600 (200) || 577 || -10°/+70° || ±60°
+
| colspan="4" | 1,000 (200) || 576 || -10°/+70° || ±60°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | [[Browning (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
+
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
+
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 5,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
+
| colspan="4" | 4,500 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
== Usage in battles ==
+
== Usage in the 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 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 {{PAGENAME}} is a mid-range assault tank, perfect for pushing the enemy on offense, but far less capable when it comes to defensive action. It features strong frontal armour, bouncing nearly all of the shells found in its BR range, unless hit in one of several weak spots, or at an unlucky angle (e.g. lower frontal plate when going over the hill). The key to staying alive is staying on the move, even if only moving two metres front and back, making sure these small, but numerous weak spots remain difficult to hit. The vehicle's strong reverse gear helps with staying mobile. Unlike [[T34]], simply staying hull-down in the T26E1-1 is not viable due to weak spots on the top of the turret and bottom of the turret cheeks. It's best to hide the entire hull of the vehicle between shots, letting allies lure the attention of enemy vehicles.
+
This is not exactly a brawling tank. Try to take the shots that is positive to hit and then fall back into cover. Don't stay exposed too long as enemy shells will most likely penetrate the armour. Try to stick with an ally, going of alone can/will be suicide.
−
 
 
−
Due to the vehicle's low mobility, weak side armour, and very long reload time, the T26E1-1 is weakest when it is alone.  These traits leave the vehicle prone to being overwhelmed or flanked when it is without support from teammates. Situational awareness and map knowledge is key to effectively use this vehicle's strengths. While pushing in to enemy lines in the T26E1-1, it is best to utilize the vehicle's strong frontal armour by staying in the front line of your team's advance. You must however also be mindful of accidentally overextending to protect the weak side armour from enemy flanking manoeuvres. If need be, tactical retreats and relocation to more favorable positions is always the best choice, as a single penetration to the T26E1-1's weaker side armour can mean a loss of mobility, leaving the vehicle unable to turn its thicker armour to the enemy.
 
−
 
 
−
===Specific enemies worth noting===
 
−
 
 
−
* {{Specs-Link|ussr_t_44}} - The T-44's armour can be tricky to penetrate. Unless the side of the tank is exposed, it can be very difficult to penetrate the vehicle's hull from the front using any of the T26E1-1's ammunition, regardless the range or angle. If facing a T-44 from the front, the turret cheeks are likely the safest weak spot to target.
 
−
* {{Specs-Link|germ_pzkpfw_VI_ausf_b_tiger_IIh}} - At all ranges, the Tiger II(H)'s upper and lower frontal hull plates are impossible for any of the T26E1-1's shells to penetrate. The only large, reliable weak spots are the turret cheeks, though be warned, Tiger II(H)'s gun mantlet can make the cheeks difficult to hit. The machine gun port on the front of the hull is also a viable weak spot, though it can be unreliable.
 
−
* {{Specs-Link|il_m_51}} - The M-51's stock OCC 105 F1 HEAT shell can reliably penetrate the T26E1-1 from any range, making it a very dangerous threat, despite being at a lower BR than the T26E1-1. Protracted long range engagements with the M-51 should be avoided.
 
−
* {{Specs-Link|ussr_is_2_1943}} - Due to the IS-2's hull shape, its armour can be penetrated by the T26E1-1, but not reliably. The IS-2's main gun has a far longer reload time the the T26E1-1, so once the IS-2 fires the T26E1-1 can close the distance to conveniently fire into a weak spot in the IS-2's armour, such as the lower plate, turret cheeks, and driver's view port. However, it should be noted that below 500 m range the IS-2 can reliably penetrate the T26E1-1's hull, and less reliably, the turret cheeks. Given the amount of explosive filler in the IS-2's shells, a single shell penetrating the T26E1-1 is likely to destroy the tank.
 
−
* Lightly-armoured vehicles - As the main gun on the T26E1-1 has a long reload time, vehicles that the [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|.50 cal]] machine gun can easily destroy, should be destroyed with said machine gun. With the notable exception of [[BMP-1 (Family)|BMPs]], the .50 cal is capable of quickly dealing with many lightly-armoured vehicles, and using it for such allows the main gun to be ready to deal with heavier targets.
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
+
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not 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".''-->
−
 
+
<!--What the pros and cons of the vehicle, compare it to similar vehicles likely to be on the battlefield. -->
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* The added spaced armour makes this tank very resilient to common guns like the Tiger II's 88 mm and even large calibre HE shells. Despite it's numerous weak points, the armour can be relied upon unless enemy is allowed time to carefully aim at the weak spots
+
* Same 90mm gun as the [[T32]] and the premium [[M26E1]].
−
* An excellent selection of shells:
+
* M82 APCBC shot is available that can mess up any penetrated tank's internals.
−
** Default shell has good penetration values and a decent post-penetration spalling effects despite being solid shot
+
* Thick sloped frontal armour.
−
** T41 is able to knock out or cripple most enemies while also having more than adequate penetration for the BR
+
* .50 on top of the turret is useful against low-flying aircraft and lightly armoured vehicles.
−
** The T44 APCR shell can penetrate up to 336 mm, rivalling or even beating some rank VI APFSDS ammunition
+
* 204 mm of penetration for the M82 shot makes Tiger IIs less of a threat when met dead-on.
−
* -10° gun depression is on par, if not better, than most other vehicles
+
* Front spaced armour can reduce effectiveness of HE and HESH rounds.
−
* The roof mounted .50 cal machine gun can deal with a number of lightly-armoured targets, an occasional low-flying aircraft, or the destruction of the tracks on other tanks
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Several weak spots on the armour allow enemies to penetrate it, if the tank is stationary:
+
* Despite the add-on armour, the armour is still inefficient for the BR.
−
** The weak armour on the top of the turret makes it difficult to engage in a long-range sniping, and forces the entire tank into hiding behind hard cover while the main gun is reloading
+
* Spaced armour doesn't help against HEAT.
−
** The vertical aiming drive can be damaged by simply shooting the two springs on the turret roof with machine guns
+
* The add-on armour has a negative impact on mobility on the already sluggish M26 it is based on.
−
** Penetration of the left side of the turret is likely to detonate ammunition the stored there, so extra-care should be taken to protect it
+
* Gun gets damaged quite often due to its long profile.
−
* Even with an aced crew, the gun will take 12.5 seconds to reload, being outmatched by a vast majority of vehicles at the same BR, thus trading shots with enemy tanks without ample hard cover is ill-advised
+
* Springs on top of the turret tend to deflect shells into the turret.
 +
* Hull machine gun port is a prominent weak spot.
 +
* 90mm gun takes a long time to reload compared to its competitors.
 +
* Slightly lower penetration in comparison to its adversaries like the [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II (H)]].
 +
* Due to over-matching mechanics, the layered front is more of a weakness than a bonus due to the plates being only 38 mm by themselves, despite the total thickness of the front being 177.8 mm.
  
 
== 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).'' -->
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<!--''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 "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
 
===Development===
 
===Development===
−
The [[M26|M26 Pershing]] helped the American armoured forces by bringing the 90 mm Gun M3 into service on a tank mount, as opposed to the M36 which entered service prior to the M26, but was not considered a tank by the US Army. The gun was similar in performance to the German's [[Tiger E|Tiger Is]] [[KwK36 (88 mm)|8.8 cm KwK36]] cannon, but Army Ordnance wanted something to match the more powerful [[KwK43 (88 mm)|8.8 cm KwK43]] cannon on the [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II]]. The development to match this cannon made the [[T15E1 (90 mm)|T15 90 mm gun]]. The gun was 73 calibres long, compared to the 90 mm Gun M3's 53 calibre length. The first produced guns were called the T15E1 and had large, fixed ammunition. To test the gun's viability in the tank, the gun was mounted onto the very first production T26, T26E1 tank serial #1, registration #0103292, with the conversions being done by the Wellman Engineering Company. This upgraded tank was titled the '''T26E1-1''' by means of a painted-on designation on the turret's left side to distinguish the design, although this title was not official, and few if any sources refer to it as such. The extreme length of the T15E1 gun barrel caused the manufacturers to add a very prominent counter balance on the mantlet, which could be seen on the left side of the turret when facing it. The T26E1-1 tank was sent to Aberdeen Proving Grounds on 12 January 1945 for testing purposes.<ref name="PershingHunnicutt">Hunnicutt, R.P. ''Pershing: A History of the Medium Tank T20 Series'' U.S.A.: Feist Publications, 1971</ref>
+
The [[M26|M26 Pershing]] helped the American armored forces by bringing in the heavy 90 mm Gun M3 into service on a tank mount. The gun was similar in performance to the German's [[Tiger E|Tiger I's]] [[KwK 36 (88 mm)|8.8 cm KwK 36]] cannon, but Army Ordnance wanted something to match the more powerful [[KwK 43 (88 mm)|8.8 cm KwK 43]] cannon on the [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II]]. The development to match this cannon made the [[T15E1 (90 mm)|T15 90 mm gun]]; the gun was 73 calibers long, compared to the 90 mm Gun M3's 53 calibers length. The first produced guns were called the ''T15E1'' and had large, fixed ammunition. To test the gun's viability in the tank, the gun was mounted onto the very first production T26, T26E1 tank serial #1, registration #0103292, with the conversions being done by the Wellman Engineering Company. This upgraded tank was titled the '''T26E1-1''' by means of a painted-on designation on the turret's left side to distinguish the design, although this title was not official, and few if any sources refer to it as such. The extreme length of the T15E1 gun barrel caused the manufacturers to add a very prominent counter balance on the mantlet, which could be seen on the left side of the turret when facing it. The T26E1-1 tank was sent to Aberdeen Proving Grounds on 12 January 1945 for testing purposes.<ref name="PershingHunnicutt">Hunnicutt, R.P. ''Pershing: A History of the Medium Tank T20 Series'' U.S.A.: Feist Publications, 1971</ref>
  
−
In March 1945, following the Aberdeen tests, the T26 tanks mounting the T15 gun was officially classified as the T26E4. As such, the mentioned T26E1-1 would be classified as the first of the T26E4 models, with an initial procurement plan for 1,000 more units. The first T26E4 (henceforth referred to as T26E1-1) would be the only M26 model with the T15 gun to see service in Europe. Among the troops, the T26E1-1 in Europe would be known by its eponymous name '''"Super Pershing"''' when compared alongside to the normal M26 Pershing.<ref name="PershingHunnicutt">Hunnicutt, R.P. ''Pershing: A History of the Medium Tank T20 Series'' U.S.A.: Feist Publications, 1971</ref>
+
In March 1945, following the Aberdeen tests, the T26 tanks mounting the T15 gun was officially classified as the ''T26E4''. As such, the mentioned T26E1-1 would be classified as the first of the T26E4 models, with an initial procurement plan for 1,000 more units. The first T26E4 (henceforth referred to as T26E1-1) would be the only M26 model with the T15 gun to see service in Europe. Among the troops, the T26E1-1 in Europe would be known by its eponymous name '''"Super Pershing"''' when compared alongside to the normal M26 Pershing.<ref name="PershingHunnicutt">Hunnicutt, R.P. ''Pershing: A History of the Medium Tank T20 Series'' U.S.A.: Feist Publications, 1971</ref>
  
 
===Combat usage===
 
===Combat usage===
−
The T26E1-1 "Super Pershing" was sent to Europe and arrived in 15 March 1945 and assigned to the 3rd Armored Division. In its introduction, the "Super Pershing" was given additional armour by the maintenance crew in hopes to keep it up to date against the heavier German tanks. The front hull had two large pieces of metal welded onto it, each 38 mm in thickness, with a space in between the metal pieces. These metal pieces were sloped more than the hull armour it was over. An additional armour piece was welded on the turret mantlet, the metal was taken from a Panther turret and was about 80 mm thick when welded onto the turret.<ref name="PershingHunnicutt">Hunnicutt, R.P. ''Pershing: A History of the Medium Tank T20 Series'' U.S.A.: Feist Publications, 1971</ref> The T15E1 gun had much promise to the crew when using the tank, as the gun could reliably penetrate the frontal hull of a [[Panther G|Panther]] tank, a feat not many other American tank gun could claim at the time.
+
The T26E1-1 "Super Pershing" was sent to Europe and arrived in 15 March 1945 and assigned to the 3rd Armored Division. In its introduction, the "Super Pershing" was given additional armour by the maintenance crew in hopes to keep it up to date against the heavier German tanks. The front hull had two large pieces of metal welded onto it, each 38 mm in thickness, with a space in between the metal pieces. These metal pieces were sloped more than the hull armour it was over. An additional armour piece was welded on the turret mantlet, the metal was taken from a Panther turret and was about 80 mm thick when welded onto the turret.<ref name="PershingHunnicutt">Hunnicutt, R.P. ''Pershing: A History of the Medium Tank T20 Series'' U.S.A.: Feist Publications, 1971</ref> The T15E1 gun has much promise to the crew when using the tank as the gun could reliably penetrate the frontal hull of a [[Panther G|Panther]] tank, a feat not many other American tank gun could claim at the time.
  
−
The T26E1-1's performance in battle is largely written in the accounts of John P. Irwin, who was the tank gunner of the only active "Super Pershing" in the war. He mentions of three prominent combat actions with the T26E1-1, each one destroying the enemy with little difficulty. Records show that the T26E1-1 destroyed a total of three tanks and captured one after an extended firefight that left the opposing tank out of ammunition. The T26E1-1 allegedly fought against a Tiger during the Battle of Dessau on April 21st, which ended when the Tiger commander had their tank climb debris, allowing gunner Corporal John P. Irwin to disable the German tank with one shot.<ref>Irwin, J. P. (2002). Chapter 9. In ''Another River, Another Town''.</ref> However, there is no supporting evidence to back up Irwin's claim that he encountered a Tiger in Dessau as the nearby Tiger tank units had been destroyed or surrendered by Irwin's encounter date.<ref>Zaloga, S.J. (2017). "The Super Pershing in Combat". In ''Pershing vs Tiger: Germany 1945''.</ref>
+
The T26E1-1's performance in battle is largely written in the accounts of John P. Irwin, who was the tank gunner of the only active "Super Pershing" in the war. He mentions of three prominent combat actions with the T26E1-1, each one destroying the enemy with little difficulty. Records show that the T26E1-1 destroyed a total of three tanks and captured one after an extended firefight that left the opposing tank out of ammunition. Thought it was hoped to have the T26E1-1 fight a Tiger II for a rather explosive comparison, the T26E1-1 never saw a Tiger II during its tour in Europe. After the war, the T26E1-1 was most likely scrapped in the post-war demobilization as the final image of the tank was it lying in a vehicle dump in Kassel, Germany.
  
 
===Legacy and similar vehicles===
 
===Legacy and similar vehicles===
−
The T26E1-1 continued as an idea long after the war was over, with the next development arming the long 90 mm cannon in the T26E3 tank models, but the cannons used the new two-piece ammunition gun T15E2 rather than the one-piece one in the T15E1 when it was found that the long 50 inch rounds made loading prohibitive in the M26 turret. 25 of these tanks were built and were designated the T26E4. Another development was to convert normal M26 Pershings to mounting the T54 cannon, another development of the T15E1 which featured shorter ammunition. These tanks were redesignated the [[M26E1|M26E1]], but work was halted due to issues with the guns and a cut in project funds.<ref name="PershingHunnicutt">Hunnicutt, R.P. ''Pershing: A History of the Medium Tank T20 Series'' U.S.A.: Feist Publications, 1971</ref>
+
The T26E1-1 "Super Pershing" gave the Americans a tank that excelled in anti-tank performance more than its younger brethren M26, it made a legend in the battlefield and a showcase of the new philosophy of how prepared the Americans were if come face to face with another superior enemy like they did with their Shermans against the Panthers. The T26E1-1 continued as an idea long after the war was over, with the next development arming the long 90 mm cannon in the ''T26E3'' tank models, but the cannons used the new two-piece ammunition gun T15E2 rather than the one-piece one in the T15E1 when it was found that the long 50 inch rounds made loading prohibitive in the M26 turret. 25 of these tanks were built and were designated the ''T26E4''. Another development was to convert normal M26 Pershings to mounting the T54 cannon, another development of the T15E1 which featured shorter ammunition. These tanks were redesignated the [[M26E1|M26E1]], but work was halted due to issues with the guns and a cut in project funds.<ref name="PershingHunnicutt">Hunnicutt, R.P. ''Pershing: A History of the Medium Tank T20 Series'' U.S.A.: Feist Publications, 1971</ref>
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
+
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
  
−
;Skins
+
==References==
−
 
+
<references />
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_t26e4_superpershing Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
  
−
;Videos
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== Read also ==
−
{{Youtube-gallery|sVCOipttDmg|'''The Shooting Range #265''' - ''Round Study'' section at 08:02 discusses how to penetrate the {{PAGENAME}}.|QoK9_NmswCo|'''The Shooting Range #35''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:27 discusses the T26E1-1.}}
+
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
−
 
 
−
== 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;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 +
''ETC.''-->
 +
[https://warthunder.com/en/devblog/current/879/ [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> T26E1-1 Super Pershing: Under a Panther Mask]<br />
  
−
* [[M26 (Family)]]
+
== Sources ==
 +
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
  
−
== External links ==
 
−
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''other literature.'' -->
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* ''other literature.''
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−
* [[wt:en/devblog/current/879/|[Devblog] T26E1-1 Super Pershing: Under a Panther Mask]]
 
−
 
 
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=== References ===
 
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<references />
 
  
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{{TankManufacturer Ordnance Department}}
 
 
{{USA heavy tanks}}
 
{{USA heavy tanks}}

Revision as of 03:40, 8 July 2019

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
T26E1-1
us_t26e4_superpershing.png
T26E1-1
USA flag.png USA
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.7 6.7 6.7
Class:
Research:31 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:200 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage T26E1-1.jpg


The Heavy Tank T26E1-1 "Super Pershing" is a Rank IV American heavy tank with a battle rating of 6.7 (AB/RB/SB). The T26E1-1 was added with Update 1.57 "Battle March". The tank takes the basis of a normal M26 Pershing, then increases its armour with welded-on metal slabs and up-guns it with a T15E1 cannon, which is nearly identical to the one in the T32. This gives the tank a much appreciated armour protection and firepower for the battle rating and is comparable with the premium M26E1.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour type:

  • Cast homogeneous armour (Front, Turret)
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Side, Rear, Roof, Turret appliqué armour)
  • Structural steel (Hull appliqué armour, Rear turret counterweight)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 101.6 (42-46°) + 38.1 (47°) + 38.1 mm (57°) Front glacis
162.5 (25-60°) + 38.1 (47°) + 38.1 mm (57°) Upper front glacis
76.2 mm (53°) + 38.1 (41°) + 38.1 mm (48°) Lower glacis 		76.2 mm Front
50.8 mm (0-2°) Rear		 50.8 mm (4°) Top
22.2 mm (68°) Lower 		22.2 mm
Turret 101.6 mm (1-55°) Turret front
114.3 (1-84°) + 80 mm (3°) Gun mantlet 		76.2 mm (2-54°) 76.2 (0-79°) + 100 mm (3°) 25.4 mm
Armour Sides Roof
Cupola 76.2 mm 25.4 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.
  • The left turret side has a few tracks welded on, providing an additional 30 mm of armour where they are.
  • The "ear flaps" on the turret provide 38.1 mm of armour. The steel on the gun mantlet gives an additional 80 mm of armour.
  • Front glacis have sheets of 38.1 mm armour added on, sloped at varying angles.


Mobility

Mobility characteristic
Weight (tons) Add-on Armor
weight (tons) 		Max speed (km/h)
49.9 N/A 43 (AB)
40 (RB/SB)
Engine power (horsepower)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 646 795
Realistic/Simulator 442 500
Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 12.94 15.93
Realistic/Simulator 8.86 10.02

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: T15E1 (90 mm)
90 mm T15E1
Capacity Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance
42 -10°/+20° ±180°
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade 14.28 19.80 24.0 26.60 28.24
Realistic 14.28 16.80 20.4 22.60 24.00
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
16.25 14.38 13.25 12.50
Ammunition
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration in mm @ 90°
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
T43 shot AP 217 216 202 186 172 164
T42 shell HE 13 13 13 13 13 13
T41 APCBC 204 202 196 181 165 152
T44 shot APCR 270 266 250 231 214 195
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
in m/s 		Projectile
Mass in kg 		Fuse delay

in m:

Fuse sensitivity

in mm:

Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent): 		Normalization At 30°
from horizontal: 		Ricochet:
0% 50% 100%
T43 shot 975 11 N/A N/A N/A -1° 47° 60° 65°
T42 shell 975 11 0.4 0.5 925 +0° 79° 80° 81°
T41 975 11 1.2 20 137.2 +4° 48° 63° 71°
T44 shot 1143 7.6 N/A N/A N/A +1.5° 66° 70° 72°
Ammo racks

Last updated: 1.77.2.68

Ammo racks of the T26E1-1.
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		7th
rack empty 		8th
rack empty 		9th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
42 32 (+8) 28 (+14) 24 (+18) 20 (+22) 16 (+26) 12 (+30) 8 (+34) 4 (+38) 0 (+42) No

Notes:

  • Recommended ammo load is 15 to remove most ammo from the hull floor, leaving rack 9 intact.
  • Ammo rack 1 is a ready rack, and takes priority in being filled at the beginning of the battle, then fills racks 9 through 2.
  • Full reload speed will be realized as long as ammo exists in the ready rack. If the ready racks is empty, a penalty to reload speed will occur.
  • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will load ammo from racks 2-9 into rack 1, as long as there is ammo in racks 2-9. Firing will interrupt the loading of the ready racks.

Machine guns

Main articles: Browning M2 (12.7 mm), Browning (7.62 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB
Pintle mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute) 		Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance
1,000 (200) 576 -10°/+70° ±60°
7.62 mm M1919A4
Coaxial mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute) 		Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance
4,500 (250) 500 N/A N/A

Usage in the battles

This is not exactly a brawling tank. Try to take the shots that is positive to hit and then fall back into cover. Don't stay exposed too long as enemy shells will most likely penetrate the armour. Try to stick with an ally, going of alone can/will be suicide.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Same 90mm gun as the T32 and the premium M26E1.
  • M82 APCBC shot is available that can mess up any penetrated tank's internals.
  • Thick sloped frontal armour.
  • .50 on top of the turret is useful against low-flying aircraft and lightly armoured vehicles.
  • 204 mm of penetration for the M82 shot makes Tiger IIs less of a threat when met dead-on.
  • Front spaced armour can reduce effectiveness of HE and HESH rounds.

Cons:

  • Despite the add-on armour, the armour is still inefficient for the BR.
  • Spaced armour doesn't help against HEAT.
  • The add-on armour has a negative impact on mobility on the already sluggish M26 it is based on.
  • Gun gets damaged quite often due to its long profile.
  • Springs on top of the turret tend to deflect shells into the turret.
  • Hull machine gun port is a prominent weak spot.
  • 90mm gun takes a long time to reload compared to its competitors.
  • Slightly lower penetration in comparison to its adversaries like the Tiger II (H).
  • Due to over-matching mechanics, the layered front is more of a weakness than a bonus due to the plates being only 38 mm by themselves, despite the total thickness of the front being 177.8 mm.

History

Development

The M26 Pershing helped the American armored forces by bringing in the heavy 90 mm Gun M3 into service on a tank mount. The gun was similar in performance to the German's Tiger I's 8.8 cm KwK 36 cannon, but Army Ordnance wanted something to match the more powerful 8.8 cm KwK 43 cannon on the Tiger II. The development to match this cannon made the T15 90 mm gun; the gun was 73 calibers long, compared to the 90 mm Gun M3's 53 calibers length. The first produced guns were called the T15E1 and had large, fixed ammunition. To test the gun's viability in the tank, the gun was mounted onto the very first production T26, T26E1 tank serial #1, registration #0103292, with the conversions being done by the Wellman Engineering Company. This upgraded tank was titled the T26E1-1 by means of a painted-on designation on the turret's left side to distinguish the design, although this title was not official, and few if any sources refer to it as such. The extreme length of the T15E1 gun barrel caused the manufacturers to add a very prominent counter balance on the mantlet, which could be seen on the left side of the turret when facing it. The T26E1-1 tank was sent to Aberdeen Proving Grounds on 12 January 1945 for testing purposes.[1]

In March 1945, following the Aberdeen tests, the T26 tanks mounting the T15 gun was officially classified as the T26E4. As such, the mentioned T26E1-1 would be classified as the first of the T26E4 models, with an initial procurement plan for 1,000 more units. The first T26E4 (henceforth referred to as T26E1-1) would be the only M26 model with the T15 gun to see service in Europe. Among the troops, the T26E1-1 in Europe would be known by its eponymous name "Super Pershing" when compared alongside to the normal M26 Pershing.[1]

Combat usage

The T26E1-1 "Super Pershing" was sent to Europe and arrived in 15 March 1945 and assigned to the 3rd Armored Division. In its introduction, the "Super Pershing" was given additional armour by the maintenance crew in hopes to keep it up to date against the heavier German tanks. The front hull had two large pieces of metal welded onto it, each 38 mm in thickness, with a space in between the metal pieces. These metal pieces were sloped more than the hull armour it was over. An additional armour piece was welded on the turret mantlet, the metal was taken from a Panther turret and was about 80 mm thick when welded onto the turret.[1] The T15E1 gun has much promise to the crew when using the tank as the gun could reliably penetrate the frontal hull of a Panther tank, a feat not many other American tank gun could claim at the time.

The T26E1-1's performance in battle is largely written in the accounts of John P. Irwin, who was the tank gunner of the only active "Super Pershing" in the war. He mentions of three prominent combat actions with the T26E1-1, each one destroying the enemy with little difficulty. Records show that the T26E1-1 destroyed a total of three tanks and captured one after an extended firefight that left the opposing tank out of ammunition. Thought it was hoped to have the T26E1-1 fight a Tiger II for a rather explosive comparison, the T26E1-1 never saw a Tiger II during its tour in Europe. After the war, the T26E1-1 was most likely scrapped in the post-war demobilization as the final image of the tank was it lying in a vehicle dump in Kassel, Germany.

Legacy and similar vehicles

The T26E1-1 "Super Pershing" gave the Americans a tank that excelled in anti-tank performance more than its younger brethren M26, it made a legend in the battlefield and a showcase of the new philosophy of how prepared the Americans were if come face to face with another superior enemy like they did with their Shermans against the Panthers. The T26E1-1 continued as an idea long after the war was over, with the next development arming the long 90 mm cannon in the T26E3 tank models, but the cannons used the new two-piece ammunition gun T15E2 rather than the one-piece one in the T15E1 when it was found that the long 50 inch rounds made loading prohibitive in the M26 turret. 25 of these tanks were built and were designated the T26E4. Another development was to convert normal M26 Pershings to mounting the T54 cannon, another development of the T15E1 which featured shorter ammunition. These tanks were redesignated the M26E1, but work was halted due to issues with the guns and a cut in project funds.[1]

Media

An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Hunnicutt, R.P. Pershing: A History of the Medium Tank T20 Series U.S.A.: Feist Publications, 1971

Read also

[Devblog] T26E1-1 Super Pershing: Under a Panther Mask

Sources

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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


USA heavy tanks
M4 Jumbo  M4A3E2 · Cobra King · M4A3E2 (76) W
M6  M6A1 · T1E1 · T1E1 (90) · M6A2E1
T26  T26E1-1 · T26E5
T29/30/34  T29 · T30 · T34
T32  T32 · T32E1
M103  M103
Others  T14

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