Difference between revisions of "M-51"

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{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = Israeli medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = Israeli medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| other
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| usage = the premium version
−
| usage-1 = the premium version
+
| link = M-51 (W)
−
| link-1 = M-51 (W)
 
−
| usage-2 = other M4 versions
 
−
| link-2 = M4 Sherman (Family)
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=il_m_51
 
|code=il_m_51
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|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 should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Israeli medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]].
+
After the establishment of the Israeli State in 1948, the IDF faced numerous conflicts with various nations, and needed a cheap way to create a capable armoured force. Various modifications of the M4 Sherman had been supplied from France in the 1950s, but these were rather outdated by this point. Thus, the M-50 was developed, combining the chassis of the [[M4A1]] and a 76 mm cannon. However, this proved inadequate against more modern tanks like the T-54/55 that appeared in subsequent years. Consequently, the '''M-51''' was developed, equipped with a 105 mm rifled cannon (the same used by the [[AMX-30]]). The tank saw action during the Yom Kippur War alongside [[Sho't|Centurions]] and [[Magach 1|Patton]] tanks. The M-51, with its HEAT shell, proved more capable against the T-55 and T-62's armour; however, it suffered from poor engine reliability, mediocre off-road mobility, and minimal protection against enemy tanks, ATGMs, or RPGs. Eventually, the tanks were sold to Chile, where they became known as the M-60.
 +
 
 +
The M-51, introduced in Update "Wind of Change", boasts a powerful 105 mm cannon; however, unlike other Shermans, it lacks a stabiliser. Its HEAT shell is powerful enough to penetrate virtually every enemy at its BR, even the [[Maus]]. However, this is balanced by limited mobility and extremely weak armour; most times, the vehicle will be destroyed from a single hit. Moreover, its off-road mobility and reverse speed are subpar for its BR, even when compared to heavy tanks. Therefore, it excels in ambushes or a defensive playstyle. Rushing and remaining on the frontlines is ill-advised; instead, adopt a cautious approach and utilise the cover provided by your teammates.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 20: Line 19:
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
−
''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
+
 
 +
The hull armour is mostly inadequate. Almost every popular tank in the BR range can penetrate the tank's front with ease even when it is presented at an extreme angle, short of light tanks and SPAAs. Still, frontal armour can protect the tank from bombs and rockets. The side armour is quite weak and is arguable the weakest part of the tank, as even SPAA can penetrate it at various angles. The rear is technically the best protected side when it comes to hopeless situations - if the opponent hits too high, then shell bounces into tough turret and does nothing; if opponent hits too low, then engine might stop the shell. Unfortunately, tank's awful reverse speed does not allow it to charge with rear forward, so it can only be used defensively.
 +
 
 +
The turret armour is bad and good. Turret sides are unlikely to protect from anything but 20 mm SPAA, but the front is decent. The gun mantlet actually allows the turret to deflect stray shots and can allow the tank to fight in hulldown position, but the turret's top is not cut off on the "mask" level, but higher. The actual roof is connected to it with 26 mm RHA plate, which is not even angled enough to bounce shells in the first place, and most of opponents in tank's rank are either extremely tall, have angle negating shells, or both. Because of this, if the M-51 is charging into high ground, it is easily destroyed before it can even fire, especially in AB. By keeping distance and vertical angle, the tank can reduce the probability of being penetrated.
  
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 63.5 mm (44°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 63.5 mm (cylindrical) ''Transmission housing'' <br> 38.1 mm ''Hull corners'' || 38 mm (2-15°) ''Top'' <br> 38 mm ''Bottom'' || 38 mm (14°) || 63.5 mm (46°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 19.5 mm ''Crew compartment'' <br> 20 mm ''Engine compartment'' <br> 9.5-9.5+4 mm ''Engine vents''
+
| Hull || 63.5 mm (44°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 63.5 mm (cylindrical) ''Transmission housing'' <br> 38.1 mm ''Hull corners'' || 38 mm (2-15°) ''Top'' <br> 38 mm ''Bottom'' || 38 mm (14°) || 63.5 mm (46°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 19.5 mm ''Crew compartment'' <br> 20 mm ''Engine compartment'' <br> 9.5-9.5+4 mm ''Engine vents''
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Turret || 55 mm (12°) ''Turret front'' <br> 80 - 250 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 51 mm (10-17°) || 51 mm <br> 51 mm (65°) ''Bustle'' || 25.4 mm
 
| Turret || 55 mm (12°) ''Turret front'' <br> 80 - 250 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 51 mm (10-17°) || 51 mm <br> 51 mm (65°) ''Bustle'' || 25.4 mm
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{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
−
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''
 
  
−
{{tankMobility}}
+
Without upgrades, even in AB the tank will never be able to take initiative from opponents, as it accelerates poorly and loses a lot of momentum when turning at low/zero crew level - opponents will always be first to the capture point and almost always will react faster in combat.
 +
 
 +
With all the upgrades, it is still slower than most of other tanks, but it will feel far less clunky to drive and will more often reach maximum speed. It will also accelerate surprisingly fast, for how it performed before.
 +
 
 +
Remember, the reverse speed on this tank is only 3-5 km/h, combined with poor hull plating it requires the commander to make decisions count, or to not rely on mobility at all.
 +
 
 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=713|rbMinHp=407}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{main|M-51 (105 mm)}}
 
{{main|M-51 (105 mm)}}
  
−
''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
+
The gun fires HEAT and HE with characteristics typical of a rank IV SPG, but its velocity is very close to the default APHE (usually a bit slower), which makes learning curve less strict than it normally is. The tank is also reasonably tall, so HEAT does not lose a lot of power like with the SPG of the rank, which struggle with heavy tanks due to an insane angle of attack.
 +
[[File:M51 heat long range attack over cover.jpg|thumb|right|At medium to long range, the minor difference in HEAT and APHE velocity may allow M51 to outplay superior tanks]]
 +
Gun accuracy is great even without the gun adjustment upgrade and with zero crew experience, but its vertical elevation speed is awful, and the gun is constantly tilted by changes of movement pace, which makes handling it difficult. This makes personal user skill to fire on move without braking a necessity.
 +
 
 +
The only way to reduce the tilt is to upgrade movement modules, as it reduces the tilt threefold. Due to the low gun elevation speed, the elevation mechanism upgrade is a must have, and it is generally a good idea to pull the gun up before charging downhill, as to not disarm the tank in process, particularly at low crew level.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 56 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 56 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 9.75 || rowspan="2" | 8.63 || rowspan="2" | 7.95 || rowspan="2" | 7.50
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:M-51 (105 mm)/Ammunition|OCC 105 F1, OE 105 F1 Mle.60, OFPH 105 F1}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
 
−
|-
+
HEAT shells destroy any tank regardless of its armour. They can be used at point blank range to knock out [[Panther tank (Family)|Panthers]] with a single shot by hitting their hull straight to the middle. They can also be used in typical HEAT fashion to bombard any enemy 600 m away over a hill, even without direct sight - returned APHE fire will not hit the tank back, since it's generally a bit faster, and even if there is an artillery genius on the other side, the gun mask should be able to handle it.
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
+
The HE shell is nice to have. Even if it's difficult to memorize which tank's roofs it can penetrate, the HE can be used to bully sneaky light tanks and beat certain SPGs like the [[Type 75 SPH]].
−
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| OCC 105 F1 || HEAT || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400
 
−
|-
 
−
| OE 105 F1 Mle.60 || HE || 25 || 25 || 25 || 25 || 25 || 25
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| OCC 105 F1 || HEAT || 800 || 10.95 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 1,020 || 62° || 69° || 73°
 
−
|-
 
−
| OE 105 F1 Mle.60 || HE || 800 || 12.1 || 0 || 0.1 || 2,000 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! Ammunition
 
−
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! Screen radius<br>(m)
 
−
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
 
−
! Screen hold time<br>(s)
 
−
! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
|-
 
−
| OFPH 105 F1 || 600 || 11.4 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.15.1.22''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 136: Line 105:
 
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
−
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''56''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| '''56''' || 33&nbsp;''(+23)'' || 9&nbsp;''(+47)'' || 4&nbsp;''(+52)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+55)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|M1919A4 (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.''
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| Pintle || 750 (250) || 500 || -10°/+60° || ±180°
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| Coaxial || 4,750 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
The M-51 has poor armour for its BR, which is why you should never get into a brawl. Even though the overall armour might not be suited for close-range engagements, the hull armour is kind of decent at long ranges but is really good against bombs and rockets. Pick off targets from long range and avoid being spotted so do not hang around in one spot for too long. Your eather thin armour means that you cannot risk taking even a single hit especially from the side as you will be destroyed instantly. Aerial opponents are also a threat.
 +
 
 +
;Enemies worth noting
 +
 
 +
* [[Panther D]] - If the Panther presents its front, then shoot the left side of the mantlet where the gunner and the commander sits, which will effectively disable it. You can then try and shoot the front to knock out the rest of the crew.
 +
* [[IS-2]] - This Soviet tank has better armour than you but your excellent 105 mm gun with HEAT shells should have no problem penetrating it. However, you must make sure that you shoot first to disable its gunner. Shoot at the turret if the IS-2 is presenting its front. The IS-2 has poor gun depression which can be used against it on hilly maps when it attempts to climb up a hill.
  
 
=== 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".'' -->
 
<!-- ''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".'' -->
−
''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:'''
  
−
*
+
* 400 mm penetration HEAT launcher is a death sentence for any tank
 +
* Gun mantlet can block or bounce inaccurate shots, decent for hulldown tactics
 +
* The gun is reasonably accurate even when stock and with untrained crew
 +
* There are three of them, which means you only have to pay for the repair once (there are also free repairs several times)
 +
* Gun scope has great zoom
 +
* Decent gun depression
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*
+
* Very bouncy gun; paired with the poor vertical gun elevation speed any panic on commander's side is fatal
 +
* HEAT rounds are highly unreliable with mostly poor post-penetration damage
 +
* No .50 cal heavy machine gun
 +
* Fire-on-the-move techniques take time to be fully mastered
 +
* Turret armour has a fatal flaw which makes it weak when charging into high ground (or in general against good snipers in AB)
 +
* The hull armour offers little protection at the rank, giving the vehicle a low survivability
 +
* When initially unlocked, must be used with a level 1 crew with no expert training against elite crews of other nations - very high personal skill requirement or patience strain
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
The M-51 was developed from an M-50 tank, whose project started in 1954 after Israel bought several AMX-13 tanks from France, although their armour protection was deemed inadequate. Israel purchased a number of 75 mm guns in order to fit them onto M4 Sherman hulls, as they constituted the backbone of the IDF tank force at that time. In 1955, a prototype turret was sent from France to Israel, and Israeli Ordnance Corps military facilities began to up-gun the Sherman tanks with the French guns. The first 50 M-50 tanks were based on an M4A4 hull with a Continental R-975 gasoline engine and VVSS suspension. However, the increased weight and narrow tracks of the tank led to poor off-road mobility, so the rest of the M-50s used M4A1 hulls with HVSS suspension and a Cummins VT-8-460 diesel engine instead. In total, about 300 M-50 Shermans were built by 1964.
 +
 
 +
In the 1960s, 180 M-50 Shermans were fitted with a shortened French 105 mm Modèle F1 gun with a barrel shortened to 51 calibres from the original 56. It was also equipped with a unique double-baffle muzzle brake and ammunition had to be altered to use a smaller cartridge. M4A1 hulls and T23 turrets from 76 mm gun-armed Shermans were used for the conversion. Both the M-50 and M-51 saw action during the Six-Day War, fighting WWII-era armour such as the T-34-85 of the Egyptian Army and newer tanks like the T-54/T-55 and T-62 series. The tanks saw action also in the 1973 Yom Kippur War alongside Israeli-upgraded Centurion and M48/M60 tanks. The M-51's gun was capable of penetrating its adversaries thanks to HEAT ammunition. M-50s with diesel engines and M-51s were retired between the 1970s and 1980s.
 +
 
 +
About 150 M-51 tanks were sold to Chile in the early 1980s. In Chile, they were equipped with new FCS (fire control systems) called MSZ-2 from Elop of Israel, which consisted of new vision systems for the commander and gunner plus a laser rangefinder. These tanks were in service until 2006 when they were replaced by the new Dutch Leopard 1V.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=il_m_51 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|MjrWPIFOiBA|'''M-51 "Super Sherman", Israeli, Tier-4, Medium Tank''' - ''Angry Nerd Gaming''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 191: Line 182:
 
* ''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.'' -->
−
''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;''
+
* [[M-51 (W)]]
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 205: Line 194:
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer Israeli Ordnance Corps}}
 
{{Israel medium tanks}}
 
{{Israel medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 12:46, 16 November 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the Israeli medium tank M-51. For the premium version, see M-51 (W).
M-51
il_m_51.png
GarageImage M-51.jpg
ArtImage M-51.png
M-51
Israel flag.png Israel
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.0 6.0 6.0
Class:
Research:Free
Purchase:155 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
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Description

After the establishment of the Israeli State in 1948, the IDF faced numerous conflicts with various nations, and needed a cheap way to create a capable armoured force. Various modifications of the M4 Sherman had been supplied from France in the 1950s, but these were rather outdated by this point. Thus, the M-50 was developed, combining the chassis of the M4A1 and a 76 mm cannon. However, this proved inadequate against more modern tanks like the T-54/55 that appeared in subsequent years. Consequently, the M-51 was developed, equipped with a 105 mm rifled cannon (the same used by the AMX-30). The tank saw action during the Yom Kippur War alongside Centurions and Patton tanks. The M-51, with its HEAT shell, proved more capable against the T-55 and T-62's armour; however, it suffered from poor engine reliability, mediocre off-road mobility, and minimal protection against enemy tanks, ATGMs, or RPGs. Eventually, the tanks were sold to Chile, where they became known as the M-60.

The M-51, introduced in Update "Wind of Change", boasts a powerful 105 mm cannon; however, unlike other Shermans, it lacks a stabiliser. Its HEAT shell is powerful enough to penetrate virtually every enemy at its BR, even the Maus. However, this is balanced by limited mobility and extremely weak armour; most times, the vehicle will be destroyed from a single hit. Moreover, its off-road mobility and reverse speed are subpar for its BR, even when compared to heavy tanks. Therefore, it excels in ambushes or a defensive playstyle. Rushing and remaining on the frontlines is ill-advised; instead, adopt a cautious approach and utilise the cover provided by your teammates.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull63 / 38 / 38
Turret76 / 51 / 51
Crew5 people
Visibility122 %

The hull armour is mostly inadequate. Almost every popular tank in the BR range can penetrate the tank's front with ease even when it is presented at an extreme angle, short of light tanks and SPAAs. Still, frontal armour can protect the tank from bombs and rockets. The side armour is quite weak and is arguable the weakest part of the tank, as even SPAA can penetrate it at various angles. The rear is technically the best protected side when it comes to hopeless situations - if the opponent hits too high, then shell bounces into tough turret and does nothing; if opponent hits too low, then engine might stop the shell. Unfortunately, tank's awful reverse speed does not allow it to charge with rear forward, so it can only be used defensively.

The turret armour is bad and good. Turret sides are unlikely to protect from anything but 20 mm SPAA, but the front is decent. The gun mantlet actually allows the turret to deflect stray shots and can allow the tank to fight in hulldown position, but the turret's top is not cut off on the "mask" level, but higher. The actual roof is connected to it with 26 mm RHA plate, which is not even angled enough to bounce shells in the first place, and most of opponents in tank's rank are either extremely tall, have angle negating shells, or both. Because of this, if the M-51 is charging into high ground, it is easily destroyed before it can even fire, especially in AB. By keeping distance and vertical angle, the tank can reduce the probability of being penetrated.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull side bottom, hull roof - engine)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (hull, turret, cupola)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 63.5 mm (44°) Upper glacis
63.5 mm (cylindrical) Transmission housing
38.1 mm Hull corners 		38 mm (2-15°) Top
38 mm Bottom 		38 mm (14°) 63.5 mm (46°) Front glacis
19.5 mm Crew compartment
20 mm Engine compartment
9.5-9.5+4 mm Engine vents
Turret 55 mm (12°) Turret front
80 - 250 mm Gun mantlet 		51 mm (10-17°) 51 mm
51 mm (65°) Bustle 		25.4 mm
Cupola 63.5 mm (cylindrical) 25.4 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, tracks are 20 mm thick, and torsion bars are 10 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB43 / 6 km/h
RB and SB38 / 5 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight40.0 t
Engine power
AB878 hp
RB and SB460 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB22.0 hp/t
RB and SB11.5 hp/t

Without upgrades, even in AB the tank will never be able to take initiative from opponents, as it accelerates poorly and loses a lot of momentum when turning at low/zero crew level - opponents will always be first to the capture point and almost always will react faster in combat.

With all the upgrades, it is still slower than most of other tanks, but it will feel far less clunky to drive and will more often reach maximum speed. It will also accelerate surprisingly fast, for how it performed before.

Remember, the reverse speed on this tank is only 3-5 km/h, combined with poor hull plating it requires the commander to make decisions count, or to not rely on mobility at all.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 43 6 40 713 878 17.83 21.95
Realistic 38 5 407 460 10.18 11.5

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 152 → 2 911 Sl icon.png
RB2 568 → 3 474 Sl icon.png
SB3 275 → 4 431 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications40 600 Rp icon.png
78 600 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 400 Ge icon.png
Crew training45 000 Sl icon.png
Experts155 000 Sl icon.png
Aces630 Ge icon.png
Research Aces440 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 150 / 180 % Sl icon.png
160 / 160 / 160 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 400 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 400 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement il.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 400 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_fr_CN105_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 400 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

105 mm M-51 cannon
Ammunition56 rounds
First-order8 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
9.7 → 7.5 s
Vertical guidance-8° / 20°
Main article: M-51 (105 mm)

The gun fires HEAT and HE with characteristics typical of a rank IV SPG, but its velocity is very close to the default APHE (usually a bit slower), which makes learning curve less strict than it normally is. The tank is also reasonably tall, so HEAT does not lose a lot of power like with the SPG of the rank, which struggle with heavy tanks due to an insane angle of attack.

At medium to long range, the minor difference in HEAT and APHE velocity may allow M51 to outplay superior tanks

Gun accuracy is great even without the gun adjustment upgrade and with zero crew experience, but its vertical elevation speed is awful, and the gun is constantly tilted by changes of movement pace, which makes handling it difficult. This makes personal user skill to fire on move without braking a necessity.

The only way to reduce the tilt is to upgrade movement modules, as it reduces the tilt threefold. Due to the low gun elevation speed, the elevation mechanism upgrade is a must have, and it is generally a good idea to pull the gun up before charging downhill, as to not disarm the tank in process, particularly at low crew level.

105 mm M-51 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 56 -8°/+20° ±180° N/A 22.8 31.6 38.4 42.5 45.2 9.75 8.63 7.95 7.50
Realistic 14.3 16.8 20.4 22.6 24.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
OCC 105 F1 HEAT 400 400 400 400 400 400
OE 105 F1 Mle.60 HE 25 25 25 25 25 25
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
OCC 105 F1 HEAT 800 10.95 0.05 0.1 1.02 62° 69° 73°
OE 105 F1 Mle.60 HE 800 12.1 0 0.1 2 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)
OFPH 105 F1 600 11.4 20 5 25 50

HEAT shells destroy any tank regardless of its armour. They can be used at point blank range to knock out Panthers with a single shot by hitting their hull straight to the middle. They can also be used in typical HEAT fashion to bombard any enemy 600 m away over a hill, even without direct sight - returned APHE fire will not hit the tank back, since it's generally a bit faster, and even if there is an artillery genius on the other side, the gun mask should be able to handle it.

The HE shell is nice to have. Even if it's difficult to memorize which tank's roofs it can penetrate, the HE can be used to bully sneaky light tanks and beat certain SPGs like the Type 75 SPH.

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M-51
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
56 33 (+23) 9 (+47) 4 (+52) 1 (+55) No

Machine guns

7.62 mm M1919A4 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition4 750 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
7.62 mm M1919A4 machine gun
Ammunition750 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
Main article: M1919A4 (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm M1919A4
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 750 (250) 500 -10°/+60° ±180°
Coaxial 4,750 (250) 500 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

The M-51 has poor armour for its BR, which is why you should never get into a brawl. Even though the overall armour might not be suited for close-range engagements, the hull armour is kind of decent at long ranges but is really good against bombs and rockets. Pick off targets from long range and avoid being spotted so do not hang around in one spot for too long. Your eather thin armour means that you cannot risk taking even a single hit especially from the side as you will be destroyed instantly. Aerial opponents are also a threat.

Enemies worth noting
  • Panther D - If the Panther presents its front, then shoot the left side of the mantlet where the gunner and the commander sits, which will effectively disable it. You can then try and shoot the front to knock out the rest of the crew.
  • IS-2 - This Soviet tank has better armour than you but your excellent 105 mm gun with HEAT shells should have no problem penetrating it. However, you must make sure that you shoot first to disable its gunner. Shoot at the turret if the IS-2 is presenting its front. The IS-2 has poor gun depression which can be used against it on hilly maps when it attempts to climb up a hill.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • 400 mm penetration HEAT launcher is a death sentence for any tank
  • Gun mantlet can block or bounce inaccurate shots, decent for hulldown tactics
  • The gun is reasonably accurate even when stock and with untrained crew
  • There are three of them, which means you only have to pay for the repair once (there are also free repairs several times)
  • Gun scope has great zoom
  • Decent gun depression

Cons:

  • Very bouncy gun; paired with the poor vertical gun elevation speed any panic on commander's side is fatal
  • HEAT rounds are highly unreliable with mostly poor post-penetration damage
  • No .50 cal heavy machine gun
  • Fire-on-the-move techniques take time to be fully mastered
  • Turret armour has a fatal flaw which makes it weak when charging into high ground (or in general against good snipers in AB)
  • The hull armour offers little protection at the rank, giving the vehicle a low survivability
  • When initially unlocked, must be used with a level 1 crew with no expert training against elite crews of other nations - very high personal skill requirement or patience strain

History

The M-51 was developed from an M-50 tank, whose project started in 1954 after Israel bought several AMX-13 tanks from France, although their armour protection was deemed inadequate. Israel purchased a number of 75 mm guns in order to fit them onto M4 Sherman hulls, as they constituted the backbone of the IDF tank force at that time. In 1955, a prototype turret was sent from France to Israel, and Israeli Ordnance Corps military facilities began to up-gun the Sherman tanks with the French guns. The first 50 M-50 tanks were based on an M4A4 hull with a Continental R-975 gasoline engine and VVSS suspension. However, the increased weight and narrow tracks of the tank led to poor off-road mobility, so the rest of the M-50s used M4A1 hulls with HVSS suspension and a Cummins VT-8-460 diesel engine instead. In total, about 300 M-50 Shermans were built by 1964.

In the 1960s, 180 M-50 Shermans were fitted with a shortened French 105 mm Modèle F1 gun with a barrel shortened to 51 calibres from the original 56. It was also equipped with a unique double-baffle muzzle brake and ammunition had to be altered to use a smaller cartridge. M4A1 hulls and T23 turrets from 76 mm gun-armed Shermans were used for the conversion. Both the M-50 and M-51 saw action during the Six-Day War, fighting WWII-era armour such as the T-34-85 of the Egyptian Army and newer tanks like the T-54/T-55 and T-62 series. The tanks saw action also in the 1973 Yom Kippur War alongside Israeli-upgraded Centurion and M48/M60 tanks. The M-51's gun was capable of penetrating its adversaries thanks to HEAT ammunition. M-50s with diesel engines and M-51s were retired between the 1970s and 1980s.

About 150 M-51 tanks were sold to Chile in the early 1980s. In Chile, they were equipped with new FCS (fire control systems) called MSZ-2 from Elop of Israel, which consisted of new vision systems for the commander and gunner plus a laser rangefinder. These tanks were in service until 2006 when they were replaced by the new Dutch Leopard 1V.

Media

Skins
Videos
M-51 "Super Sherman", Israeli, Tier-4, Medium Tank - Angry Nerd Gaming

See also

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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


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

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

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