Difference between revisions of "ST-A1"

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{{Specs-Card|code=jp_st_a1}}
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{{About
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| about = Japanese medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| and
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| usage = other versions
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| link-1 = ST-A2
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| link-2 = ST-A3
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}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=jp_st_a1
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
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}}
  
 
== 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.''
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<!-- ''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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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was Japan's first indigenous tank design after the war, being the first prototype towards the later [[Type 61]] MBT. It was mainly based on the [[M46|M46 Patton]], carrying the 90 mm M3 cannon capable of firing HEAT-FS to defeat contemporary Soviet armour.
 +
 
 +
It was introduced along with the initial Japanese Ground Forces tree in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]]. The ST-A1, similar to most Japanese tanks, is lightly armoured. Combined with the tight placement of crew, modules, and ammo, the ST-A1 is easily taken out in a single shot. The ST-A1 can serve as a sniper or flanker (although it does not have the best speed), however, full utilization of the terrain is essential for survival - due to its powerful gun and low profile, the tank is able to fire off long-range shots without exposing itself. The excellent reverse speed should also be taken advantage of to quickly retreat into cover.
  
 
== 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 helpfull for survival in combat?''
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
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 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret)
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 75 mm (52°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 75 mm (47°) ''Lower glacis'' || 25 mm (45°) ''Top'' <br> 25 mm ''Bottom'' || 15 mm (15-44°) ''Top'' <br> 15 mm ''Bottom'' || 15 mm
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 75 mm (5-55°) ''Turret front'' <br> 50 mm (8-65°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 40 mm (16-32°) || 25 mm (7-10°) || 15 mm
 +
|-
 +
| Cupola || 40 mm || 40 mm || 40 mm || 15 mm
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
 +
* Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.
 +
 
 +
When facing the ST-A1, the left side of the turret holds the gunner and commander whereas the right side holds the ammunition. A well-placed shot into the turret will result in a catastrophic explosion or a possible double crew knock out with a solid shot. If unable to disable the gunner, the breech which is the largest thing in the turret will do as a target due to the repair time is close to one minute (or less depending on the crew skills) giving enough time for the attacker to reload and finish off the tank.
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
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However, in arcade battles, if all of turret crew members knocked out, the "last stand" is very forgiving and the tank seems to soak up damage as if gunner is not even present in the turret. As long as the vehicle doesn't take full ammunition load and spends all of their pre-loaded ammunition, the turret can tank AP and HEAT shots while only likely to lose the gun breech. This makes the tank extremely hard to destroy from a distance, especially from the left side as long as the hull is not hit. Caution must be taken with the turret to avoid being shot directly with APHE or HESH. Close range combat with multiple tanks should be avoided.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''
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{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
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<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
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 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=775|rbMinHp=442}}
 +
 
 +
Its offroad speed is about (AB/RB) 40/33 km/h forward and -18/-15 km/h backwards, and its top speed is 50/45 forward and -20/-17 backwards, reached by driving in one direction for a long time.
 +
 
 +
Suspension of {{PAGENAME}} allows it to stay on rather high hills, but without mobility upgrades it will still slide off them eventually. It also cannot rush steep hills even in Arcade mode, even at maximum speed, unless you researched everything (And even then it may slide back down at the last moment).
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
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 +
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 +
=== 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 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.'' -->
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{{main|M3A1 (90 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[M3A1 (90 mm)|90 mm M3A1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 +
|-
 +
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
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|-
 +
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 40 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+13° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 22.85 || 31.62 || 38.40 || 42.47 || 45.18 || rowspan="2" | 9.75 || rowspan="2" | 8.63 || rowspan="2" | 7.95 || rowspan="2" | 7.50
 +
|-
 +
! ''Realistic''
 +
| 14.28 || 16.80 || 20.40 || 22.56 || 24.00
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
While gun performs at an acceptable level at its battle rating, the module "Adjustment of fire" should be the first module upgraded as well as the available ammunition upgrades. The base ammunition is solely armour-piercing and low quality at that, so it is unsuited to fight other tanks from long range, unlocking other shells will provide the tank operator harder hitting shells.
 +
 
 +
Progression goes as follows:
 +
 
 +
;Stock:
 +
 
 +
* Able to fight light tanks and some medium tanks within about 500 m. Without upgrades, the main gun tends to miss a lot and even if you hit the target the round may ricochet. Attacking heavy tanks is really not recommended with the default ammunition due to the poor quality and low damage.
 +
 
 +
;APHE and adjustment of fire:
 +
 
 +
* Able to fight heavy tanks of your own battle rating like the [[IS-2]] or [[Tiger II (P)]] by firing at their frontal turret weak spot at relatively close range and snipe certain medium tanks, although anything of higher battle rating like [[Centurion Mk 3]] should not be attacked directly due to their protective armour. Many tanks will still bounce your long-range shots, because APHE flies at a high angle since 700 m, and in up-tier, the rounds will not affect any of the heavy tanks. However, you can take flanking snipe routes and use your high-level zoom to snipe them from great distance into their sides where the armour is weaker and with APHE, unlike normal AP, will definitely destroy their entire tank for you as long as it penetrates.
 +
 
 +
;APCR and elevation mechanism:
 +
 
 +
* Many will be puzzled by a tank which carries into battle two different APCR rounds. Though the M304 and M332 rounds have different masses, they effectively do the same amount of damage. The larger M304 is a blunt force shell and due to its weight, the main gun must be angled up to ensure the heavy shell reaches its target. Unfortunately, with the higher angle of attaching, the shell does lose some penetration power. The M332, on the other hand, is a smaller mass round, however, it can be fired more like a rifle round almost level at the target. This smaller round impacts its targets at a higher velocity breaching heavily armoured tanks from longer distances with a minimal chance of ricochet. With the smaller mass comes smaller damage, but because of this, the M304 and M332 are doing roughly the same damage. It may still knock out cramped-quarter tanks with a single shot if you shoot straight through the middle of them or aim for the crew specifically. Most of enemy heavy SPGs and some uptier superheavies will still ignore your shots and attempt to knock you out with a single shot in return so you will find yourself constantly using both APHE and APCR, trying to adapt to your current enemy.
 +
 
 +
;HEATFS:
 +
 
 +
* With M348 unlocked, you can now simply destroy [[T-44]] by firing at the left of their tank (right for you if head-on) and [[IS-2]] by firing straight at the middle of their hull. You also can destroy all the enemy SPG and heavy tanks which were bullying you this entire time from any range, for example, you can destroy a [[Jagdtiger]] with two shots by crew knockout, destroy [[T32E1]] which is normally a pain to hit into hull weak spot with APHE even with X16 zoom, and, if playing AB, you can now destroy the superior [[Leopard I]] without any issues. It's worth remembering though, that certain rare tanks like [[Centurion Mk.5 AVRE]] and [[T95]] are highly resistant to HEAT or just damage in general, requiring you to aim very well or retreat, and HEAT often explodes if touches anything on its flight path, so kinetic shells are still required.
 +
 
 +
At all progression stages it is important to remember that your engine deck blocks your gun from depressing to -10 degrees and any tank with low profile can exploit this weakness, if they have to.
  
−
== Weaponry ==
+
==== Ammunition ====
−
=== Main weaponry ===
+
{{:M3A1 (90 mm)/Ammunition|M318 shot, M82 shot, M304 shot, M332 shot, M348 shell, M71 shell, M313}}
−
''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.''
 
  
−
=== Additional weaponry ===
+
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
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[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.23.0.82''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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|-
 +
! Full<br>ammo
 +
! 1st<br>rack empty
 +
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
| '''40''' || 12&nbsp;''(+28)'' || 10&nbsp;''(+30)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+39)'' || 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}}
 +
{{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.'' -->
 +
{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The machine guns of ST-A1 can be used to destroy super light SPG like [[M56]] and 12 mm MG is capable of destroying [[AUBL/74]] and similar vehicles. They also can be used to fire at planes, though the damage is minimal.
 +
 
 +
Despite of them being useful, it's better to rely on your main gun first, as light vehicles at BR of 6.3 are capable of dishing out unexpected fatal damage and they should be destroyed the very moment you spot them.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
 +
|-
 +
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
 +
| Pintle || 800 (200) || 577 || -10°/+30° || ±180°
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
 +
|-
 +
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
 +
| Coaxial || 4,500 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
 
 +
As the ST-A1 is Japan's first tank for a new era of tank development, it shows the same gameplay issues as the [[Chi-Ha#Usage in battles|Chi-Ha]]. The weak armour, the slow to mediocre turret rotation speed, quite a long hull and high drop-rate of shells.
 +
 
 +
But its not just all negatives, the mobility is good for what it is, has adequate gun depression and the ST-A1 even comes with HEAT like the [[Chi-Ha]], this time in the form of M348 HEATFS researchable as tier IV modification.
 +
 
 +
Other than the similarities to the Chi-Ha, the ST-A has its own factors good and bad which should be kept in mind when playing. From the very good reverse speed, great zoom factor, the additional .50 cal as roof mount and many shell options to large ammo racks that are bound to be set off, the elevated engine deck not allowing to shoot behind the tank.
 +
 
 +
=== Gameplay ===
 +
The plan is simple and similar to the Chi-Ha & other early Japanese medium tanks, you want to stay either near or behind your allies and not rush forward, you can't take much damage, but you can deliver a punch. Pre-aim the turret and guide the enemy tanks into the sights as the rotation speed isn't of the fastest.
 +
 
 +
The further you are from your enemy the better for the inadequate armour, The ST-A comes with an amazing zoom factor and allows for clear sniping, but do keep in mind the shell drop-off are rather high.
 +
 
 +
Before you have your hands on the HEATFS, the safest bet is to exploit the flanks of the enemy, especially when starting with only AP, frontal penetrations won't happen reliable with the tanks the ST-A faces, try aiming for ammo racks, put a solid round into cramped crew members while trying to get the M82 shot and back up into cover or behind corners as the crew reloads the shell.
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
After unlocking the M82 APHE, placing shots is less important, once it penetrates, it's most likely to blow up good. It will come at the cost of the extra penetration, but when aiming for the sides, extra penetration isn't required. It's still a good idea to bring some AP shells with the tank just in-case you have to fight in a frontal engagement and the APHE fails to penetrate.
−
''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).''
+
 
 +
With the HEATFS finally unlocked, you can fully make use of the punches you can deal and the zoom you have, help your allies out with the toughest of enemies and simply frontally penetrate them.
  
 
=== 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. 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".''
+
<!-- ''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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Vehicle body is thin and low = small front profile
 +
* Adequate gun depression of -10°
 +
* 90 mm gun that allows for combat against contemporary medium tanks
 +
* .50 cal machine gun allows for AA defence
 +
* Good speed, OK mobility
 +
* Very good reverse speed
 +
* Access to HEATFS shells
 +
* Has x16 zoom as maximum with competition generally using x8 at best
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
 
  
−
== Historical part ==
+
* Elevated engine deck prevents rear gun depression
−
''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.''
+
* Large ammo rack all over the turret, especially left side (Aiming right side), if you take more than 29 shells and don't spend the "first stage" rack fast
 +
* Inadequate hull raw armour of 75 mm at the front, relies on slopes and bounces for resistance against shots
 +
* Even more inadequate turret armour of around 40-75 mm overall
 +
* Gun sub-par against the heavy tanks like the [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II]]
 +
* Miserable accuracy without modifications; even short range shots are quite difficult
 +
* High drop-rate of shells make long-range engagements difficult
 +
* 15 mm of armour on top of the turret and engine deck make it easy to penetrate for Strafing Air and Artillery
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
{{main|Type 61 (Family)|l1=History of the Type 61 MBT}}
 +
 
 +
Once Japan acknowledged defeat in World War II, its military institutions had to be reformed with new systems and production methods. The country was prohibited from having an official military, and was instead permitted to create a paramilitary national police force. During this time they used American tanks lent to them by the US. Later, as the Korean war intensified, the United States allowed Japan to have its own defense force in the face of increased tensions. By the mid 50s, it became clear that the Self-Defense Force required their own tank development to fit the terrain of the country. New lightweight Japanese tanks were planned to be compact and manoeuvrable, making them able to be transported cross-country through mountainous terrain. The vehicles borrowed from the main armament of the American 90 mm calibre gun, familiar and favoured by War Thunder players as the main armament of the American M46 and M47 tanks.
 +
 
 +
To fulfill the military's requirements, tank designers offered several promising projects, the first of which was the ST-A1. The tank ended up quite compact, with a height of only 2.2 m. This allowed it to have excellent cover abilities, with a cast turret and traditional Japanese tank layout: the engine installed behind the transmission. Two finished vehicles of this model were built. Despite the fact that the ST-A1 series did not continue, it was a starting point for the future of Japanese tank development.
 +
 
 +
''- From [[wt:en/news/4334-development-st-a1-stepping-into-a-new-era-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
  
−
== Read also ==
+
;Skins
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=jp_st_a1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
== 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.''
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
;Related development
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
* [[Type 61 (Family)]]
 +
 
 +
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 +
* [[File:USA flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Patton (Disambiguation)]]
 +
** [[File:USA flag.png|30px|link=]] [[M46]]
 +
** [[File:USA flag.png|30px|link=]] [[M47]]
 +
** [[File:USA flag.png|30px|link=]] [[M48A1|M48]]
 +
 
 +
* [[File:USSR flag.png|30px|link=]] [[T-54/55 (Family)|T-54 (Family)]]
 +
* [[File:France flag.png|30px|link=]] [[AMX-30 (1972)]]
 +
* [[File:Israel flag.png|30px|link=]] [[M-51]]
 +
* [[File:FRG flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Ru 251]]
 +
* [[File:Sweden flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Ikv 91]]
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [[wt:en/news/4334-development-st-a1-stepping-into-a-new-era-en|[Devblog] ST-A1: Stepping into a New Era]]
 +
 
 +
{{Japan medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 16:00, 27 June 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the Japanese medium tank ST-A1. For other versions, see ST-A2 and ST-A3.
ST-A1
jp_st_a1.png
GarageImage ST-A1.jpg
ArtImage ST-A1.png
ST-A1
Japan flag.png Japan
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.3 6.3 6.3
Class:
Research:54 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:185 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The ST-A1 was Japan's first indigenous tank design after the war, being the first prototype towards the later Type 61 MBT. It was mainly based on the M46 Patton, carrying the 90 mm M3 cannon capable of firing HEAT-FS to defeat contemporary Soviet armour.

It was introduced along with the initial Japanese Ground Forces tree in Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai". The ST-A1, similar to most Japanese tanks, is lightly armoured. Combined with the tight placement of crew, modules, and ammo, the ST-A1 is easily taken out in a single shot. The ST-A1 can serve as a sniper or flanker (although it does not have the best speed), however, full utilization of the terrain is essential for survival - due to its powerful gun and low profile, the tank is able to fire off long-range shots without exposing itself. The excellent reverse speed should also be taken advantage of to quickly retreat into cover.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull45 / 35 / 20
Turret75 / 60 / 35
Crew4 people
Visibility96 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Turret)
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 75 mm (52°) Front glacis
75 mm (47°) Lower glacis 		25 mm (45°) Top
25 mm Bottom 		15 mm (15-44°) Top
15 mm Bottom 		15 mm
Turret 75 mm (5-55°) Turret front
50 mm (8-65°) Gun mantlet 		40 mm (16-32°) 25 mm (7-10°) 15 mm
Cupola 40 mm 40 mm 40 mm 15 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.

When facing the ST-A1, the left side of the turret holds the gunner and commander whereas the right side holds the ammunition. A well-placed shot into the turret will result in a catastrophic explosion or a possible double crew knock out with a solid shot. If unable to disable the gunner, the breech which is the largest thing in the turret will do as a target due to the repair time is close to one minute (or less depending on the crew skills) giving enough time for the attacker to reload and finish off the tank.

However, in arcade battles, if all of turret crew members knocked out, the "last stand" is very forgiving and the tank seems to soak up damage as if gunner is not even present in the turret. As long as the vehicle doesn't take full ammunition load and spends all of their pre-loaded ammunition, the turret can tank AP and HEAT shots while only likely to lose the gun breech. This makes the tank extremely hard to destroy from a distance, especially from the left side as long as the hull is not hit. Caution must be taken with the turret to avoid being shot directly with APHE or HESH. Close range combat with multiple tanks should be avoided.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB50 / 20 km/h
RB and SB45 / 18 km/h
Number of gears7 forward
2 back
Weight34.2 t
Engine power
AB1 049 hp
RB and SB550 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB30.7 hp/t
RB and SB16.1 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 50 20 34.2 775 1,049 22.66 30.67
Realistic 45 18 442 550 12.92 16.08

Its offroad speed is about (AB/RB) 40/33 km/h forward and -18/-15 km/h backwards, and its top speed is 50/45 forward and -20/-17 backwards, reached by driving in one direction for a long time.

Suspension of ST-A1 allows it to stay on rather high hills, but without mobility upgrades it will still slide off them eventually. It also cannot rush steep hills even in Arcade mode, even at maximum speed, unless you researched everything (And even then it may slide back down at the last moment).

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 787 → 3 586 Sl icon.png
RB3 328 → 4 283 Sl icon.png
SB4 279 → 5 507 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications47 200 Rp icon.png
85 800 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 500 Ge icon.png
Crew training52 000 Sl icon.png
Experts185 000 Sl icon.png
Aces710 Ge icon.png
Research Aces480 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
110 / 160 / 190 % Sl icon.png
166 / 166 / 166 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement jp.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_us_M82_APCBC_ammo_pack
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_us_M304_APCR_ammo_pack
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_us_M332_APCR_ammo_pack
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_us_T108_HEAT_ammo_pack
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_us_M313_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

90 mm M3A1 cannon
Ammunition40 rounds
First-order11 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
9.7 → 7.5 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 13°
Main article: M3A1 (90 mm)
90 mm M3A1 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 40 -10°/+13° ±180° N/A 22.85 31.62 38.40 42.47 45.18 9.75 8.63 7.95 7.50
Realistic 14.28 16.80 20.40 22.56 24.00

While gun performs at an acceptable level at its battle rating, the module "Adjustment of fire" should be the first module upgraded as well as the available ammunition upgrades. The base ammunition is solely armour-piercing and low quality at that, so it is unsuited to fight other tanks from long range, unlocking other shells will provide the tank operator harder hitting shells.

Progression goes as follows:

Stock
  • Able to fight light tanks and some medium tanks within about 500 m. Without upgrades, the main gun tends to miss a lot and even if you hit the target the round may ricochet. Attacking heavy tanks is really not recommended with the default ammunition due to the poor quality and low damage.
APHE and adjustment of fire
  • Able to fight heavy tanks of your own battle rating like the IS-2 or Tiger II (P) by firing at their frontal turret weak spot at relatively close range and snipe certain medium tanks, although anything of higher battle rating like Centurion Mk 3 should not be attacked directly due to their protective armour. Many tanks will still bounce your long-range shots, because APHE flies at a high angle since 700 m, and in up-tier, the rounds will not affect any of the heavy tanks. However, you can take flanking snipe routes and use your high-level zoom to snipe them from great distance into their sides where the armour is weaker and with APHE, unlike normal AP, will definitely destroy their entire tank for you as long as it penetrates.
APCR and elevation mechanism
  • Many will be puzzled by a tank which carries into battle two different APCR rounds. Though the M304 and M332 rounds have different masses, they effectively do the same amount of damage. The larger M304 is a blunt force shell and due to its weight, the main gun must be angled up to ensure the heavy shell reaches its target. Unfortunately, with the higher angle of attaching, the shell does lose some penetration power. The M332, on the other hand, is a smaller mass round, however, it can be fired more like a rifle round almost level at the target. This smaller round impacts its targets at a higher velocity breaching heavily armoured tanks from longer distances with a minimal chance of ricochet. With the smaller mass comes smaller damage, but because of this, the M304 and M332 are doing roughly the same damage. It may still knock out cramped-quarter tanks with a single shot if you shoot straight through the middle of them or aim for the crew specifically. Most of enemy heavy SPGs and some uptier superheavies will still ignore your shots and attempt to knock you out with a single shot in return so you will find yourself constantly using both APHE and APCR, trying to adapt to your current enemy.
HEATFS
  • With M348 unlocked, you can now simply destroy T-44 by firing at the left of their tank (right for you if head-on) and IS-2 by firing straight at the middle of their hull. You also can destroy all the enemy SPG and heavy tanks which were bullying you this entire time from any range, for example, you can destroy a Jagdtiger with two shots by crew knockout, destroy T32E1 which is normally a pain to hit into hull weak spot with APHE even with X16 zoom, and, if playing AB, you can now destroy the superior Leopard I without any issues. It's worth remembering though, that certain rare tanks like Centurion Mk.5 AVRE and T95 are highly resistant to HEAT or just damage in general, requiring you to aim very well or retreat, and HEAT often explodes if touches anything on its flight path, so kinetic shells are still required.

At all progression stages it is important to remember that your engine deck blocks your gun from depressing to -10 degrees and any tank with low profile can exploit this weakness, if they have to.

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
M318 shot APBC 175 173 161 147 135 123
M82 shot APCBC 185 182 169 155 142 130
M304 shot APCR 287 281 259 234 211 191
M332 shot APCR 291 286 264 240 217 197
M348 shell HEATFS 305 305 305 305 305 305
M71 shell HE 20 20 18 17 16 16
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
M318 shot APBC 853 10.98 - - - 47° 60° 65°
M82 shot APCBC 853 10.91 1.2 14 137.2 48° 63° 71°
M304 shot APCR 1,021 7.62 - - - 66° 70° 72°
M332 shot APCR 1,165 5.7 - - - 66° 70° 72°
M348 shell HEATFS 853 6.5 0.05 0.1 926.17 65° 72° 77°
M71 shell HE 823 10.55 0.2 0.1 1,210 79° 80° 81°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Screen radius
(m) 		Screen deploy
time (s) 		Screen hold
time (s) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
M313 821 10.7 9 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the ST-A1
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
40 12 (+28) 10 (+30) 1 (+39) No

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Ammunition800 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 30°
7.62 mm M1919A4 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition4 500 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
Main articles: M2HB (12.7 mm), M1919A4 (7.62 mm)

The machine guns of ST-A1 can be used to destroy super light SPG like M56 and 12 mm MG is capable of destroying AUBL/74 and similar vehicles. They also can be used to fire at planes, though the damage is minimal.

Despite of them being useful, it's better to rely on your main gun first, as light vehicles at BR of 6.3 are capable of dishing out unexpected fatal damage and they should be destroyed the very moment you spot them.

12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 800 (200) 577 -10°/+30° ±180°
7.62 mm M1919A4
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,500 (250) 500 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

As the ST-A1 is Japan's first tank for a new era of tank development, it shows the same gameplay issues as the Chi-Ha. The weak armour, the slow to mediocre turret rotation speed, quite a long hull and high drop-rate of shells.

But its not just all negatives, the mobility is good for what it is, has adequate gun depression and the ST-A1 even comes with HEAT like the Chi-Ha, this time in the form of M348 HEATFS researchable as tier IV modification.

Other than the similarities to the Chi-Ha, the ST-A has its own factors good and bad which should be kept in mind when playing. From the very good reverse speed, great zoom factor, the additional .50 cal as roof mount and many shell options to large ammo racks that are bound to be set off, the elevated engine deck not allowing to shoot behind the tank.

Gameplay

The plan is simple and similar to the Chi-Ha & other early Japanese medium tanks, you want to stay either near or behind your allies and not rush forward, you can't take much damage, but you can deliver a punch. Pre-aim the turret and guide the enemy tanks into the sights as the rotation speed isn't of the fastest.

The further you are from your enemy the better for the inadequate armour, The ST-A comes with an amazing zoom factor and allows for clear sniping, but do keep in mind the shell drop-off are rather high.

Before you have your hands on the HEATFS, the safest bet is to exploit the flanks of the enemy, especially when starting with only AP, frontal penetrations won't happen reliable with the tanks the ST-A faces, try aiming for ammo racks, put a solid round into cramped crew members while trying to get the M82 shot and back up into cover or behind corners as the crew reloads the shell.

After unlocking the M82 APHE, placing shots is less important, once it penetrates, it's most likely to blow up good. It will come at the cost of the extra penetration, but when aiming for the sides, extra penetration isn't required. It's still a good idea to bring some AP shells with the tank just in-case you have to fight in a frontal engagement and the APHE fails to penetrate.

With the HEATFS finally unlocked, you can fully make use of the punches you can deal and the zoom you have, help your allies out with the toughest of enemies and simply frontally penetrate them.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Vehicle body is thin and low = small front profile
  • Adequate gun depression of -10°
  • 90 mm gun that allows for combat against contemporary medium tanks
  • .50 cal machine gun allows for AA defence
  • Good speed, OK mobility
  • Very good reverse speed
  • Access to HEATFS shells
  • Has x16 zoom as maximum with competition generally using x8 at best

Cons:

  • Elevated engine deck prevents rear gun depression
  • Large ammo rack all over the turret, especially left side (Aiming right side), if you take more than 29 shells and don't spend the "first stage" rack fast
  • Inadequate hull raw armour of 75 mm at the front, relies on slopes and bounces for resistance against shots
  • Even more inadequate turret armour of around 40-75 mm overall
  • Gun sub-par against the heavy tanks like the Tiger II
  • Miserable accuracy without modifications; even short range shots are quite difficult
  • High drop-rate of shells make long-range engagements difficult
  • 15 mm of armour on top of the turret and engine deck make it easy to penetrate for Strafing Air and Artillery

History

Main article: History of the Type 61 MBT

Once Japan acknowledged defeat in World War II, its military institutions had to be reformed with new systems and production methods. The country was prohibited from having an official military, and was instead permitted to create a paramilitary national police force. During this time they used American tanks lent to them by the US. Later, as the Korean war intensified, the United States allowed Japan to have its own defense force in the face of increased tensions. By the mid 50s, it became clear that the Self-Defense Force required their own tank development to fit the terrain of the country. New lightweight Japanese tanks were planned to be compact and manoeuvrable, making them able to be transported cross-country through mountainous terrain. The vehicles borrowed from the main armament of the American 90 mm calibre gun, familiar and favoured by War Thunder players as the main armament of the American M46 and M47 tanks.

To fulfill the military's requirements, tank designers offered several promising projects, the first of which was the ST-A1. The tank ended up quite compact, with a height of only 2.2 m. This allowed it to have excellent cover abilities, with a cast turret and traditional Japanese tank layout: the engine installed behind the transmission. Two finished vehicles of this model were built. Despite the fact that the ST-A1 series did not continue, it was a starting point for the future of Japanese tank development.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins

See also

Related development
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


Japan medium tanks
Type 97  Chi-Ha · Chi-Ha Kai · Chi-Ha Kai TD · Chi-Ha Short Gun
Type 1  Chi-He · Chi-He (5th Regiment) · Ho-I
Type 3  Chi-Nu · Chi-Nu II
Type 4  Chi-To · Chi-To Late
Type 5  Chi-Ri II
Type 61 MBT  ST-A1* · ST-A2* · ST-A3* · Type 61
Type 74 MBT  ST-B2* · Type 74 (C) · Type 74 (E) · Type 74 (F) · Type 74 (G)
Type 90 MBT  Type 90 · Type 90 (B) · Type 90 (B) "Fuji"
Type 10 MBT  TKX (P)* · TKX* · Type 10
Other  Ka-Chi
USA  ▅M4A3 (76) W · ▅M47
  *Prototype

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