Difference between revisions of "TCM-20"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=il_tcm_20
 
|code=il_tcm_20
−
|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 SPAA {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]].
+
The '''TCM-20''' was an Israeli SPAA built on the chassis of the M3 half-track. After World War II, the Israel Defence Forces used various weaponry imported from the USA, including [[M16 MGMC|M3 half-tracks equipped with the M45 machine gun mount]]. However, the firepower of the .50 cal M2 Browning machine guns used in them was no longer satisfactory for the military. In 1969, to increase the firepower of these vehicles, Israeli forces modified the machine gun mount, replacing the machine guns with two Hispano-Suiza HS.404 20 mm cannons repurposed from decommissioned IAF aircraft. Production continued throughout the 1970s, with a total of 370 to 500 units produced. Besides the M3 half-track, the gun mounts were also installed on the Soviet [[BTR-152A|BTR-152]].
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]] alongside the initial Israeli ground tree, the TCM-20 is a compact SPAA with good manoeuvrability, and armed with fast-firing 20 mm cannons which allows it to effectively deal with both late piston-engine and early jet aircraft at low altitudes. Furthermore, the presence of armour-piercing belts makes the TCM-20 an effective hunter of lightly armoured vehicles. However, the TCM-20 itself has rather light armour.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{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 M3 half-track has been a staple of the US Army since the 1940s as one of the most widely-used half-tracks during the WWII alongside the Wehrmacht's Sd.Kfz series; these vehicles are a universal chassis which could be converted for different missions i.e. anti-aircraft. In Israel's case, the overall appearance of the TCM-20 is very similar to the [[M13 MGMC]], but the larger guns and additional .30 cal M1919A4 gives its identity away. The vehicle is not rated for even rifle-calibre firearms at close distance. The thickest armour plate is the windshield, but do not expect it to stop HMG fire, even from afar. The engine block may absorb oncoming fire when head-on with enemies. In most cases, never, ever run into enemy fire lines or become targeted by aircraft, as these will end your career quickly; do also beware of high explosive shells or shrapnel, sometimes even close-calls could bring an end to the TCM-20.
  
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
 
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
 
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
 
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
 
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
 +
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Hull || 6.35 mm (28-83°)<br> 12.7 mm (1-27°) ''Driver windshield'' || 6.35 mm || 6.35 mm || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Turret || 6.35 mm (0-77°) ''Turret front'' || 6.35 mm || N/A || N/A
−
|-
 
−
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
 
'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
 
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
 
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
 +
 +
* Tracks are 15 mm thick
 +
* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, with the bogie being 10 mm thick.
 +
* Belly armour is 6.35 mm thick.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 
{{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.''
+
M3 half-tracks share the same White 160AX petrol engine which could output up to 148 hp and the transmission could ensure its mobility both forwards and backwards; it can still retain the speed of all-wheel vehicles while crossing complicated terrain with ease.
  
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=210|rbMinHp=131}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=210|rbMinHp=131}}
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{{main|HS.404 (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|HS.404 (20 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 modified M55 turret (now called TCM-20) houses two HS.404 20 mm autocannon, the same gun used in many early French aircraft, with the same configuration and ammo count. Thanks to the flat ballistic of HS.404, players will soon get to grips with the performance of the cannons. Not only can it take out aircraft as it was intended, it also ensures that light vehicles will have to think twice before appearing in front of a TCM-20, the rate of fire and penetration will make sure they will not get away with ease.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 720 (60) || rowspan="2" | 700 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+90° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 63.4 || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | 3.9 || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 720 (60) || rowspan="2" | 700 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+90° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 63.4 || 87.8 || 106.6 || 117.8 || 125.4 || rowspan="2" | 3.90 || rowspan="2" | 3.45 || rowspan="2" | 3.18 || rowspan="2" | 3.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 42.8 || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 42.8 || 50.4 || 61.2 || 67.7 || 72.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{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.''
+
To compensate for the lack of continuous firepower against infantry, TCM-20 installed a M1919A4 for the commander to suppress enemies; while it is ineffective against enemy armoured vehicles, there might be some occasions where enemies have exposed crews and the .30 cal could make short work of them.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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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).''
+
For players who have played the [[M13 MGMC]] in the US tech tree, it can be said that the TCM-20 is an successor to M13 to some extent, especially with its iconic twin gun configuration. However, when enemy aircraft get too close, they will find out the major difference: they would soon be shattered by the 20 mm HS.404 autocannons, recalling the memories from being chased by aircraft with these cannons. Such an "upgrade" is very welcomed as the 20 mm calibre is still more than enough to take out strafing fighters with ease, with overall 720 rounds onboard at 120 rounds per load, if players get used to the relatively straight ballistics and not being trigger-happy, the overall efficiency could be on-par with other SPAAs in other tech trees with their respective advantages. Most of all, the M3 chassis ensures that the TCM-20 can get to where it is needed as soon as possible thanks to its 72 km/h top speed, making it a viable option to flank enemies in some occasions; while the 13 km/h reverse speed could still make sure it can retreat to cover if masses of enemies/menacing aircraft rushing to where the vehicle is. As said, TCM-20 is still a half-track based SPAAG with minimal protection; in fact rifle-calibre firearms can harm the crew at around 200 m from the sides, let along HMGs and autocannons at even higher penetration, so be extra careful on where players should appear - rushing or running into a heated frontline is certainly a death sentence to the TCM-20. Overall, the TCM-20 is still a good AA half-track to handle different types of vehicles, whether it's on wheels, tracks or flying ones.
  
 
=== 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:'''
  
−
*
+
* Devastating 20 mm autocannon which works well against aircraft
 +
* Rather mobile, can swiftly changes its position if needed
 +
* Quick turret traverse speed for target acquisition
 +
* Spare .30 cal machine gun for occasion unprotected crews of enemy vehicles
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*
+
* Lightly protected up to rifle calibre firearms, also prone to overpressure
 +
* Relatively small ammo pool per load (60 per gun)
 +
* Insufficient penetration due to the battle rating
  
 
== 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).''
+
=== [[wt:en/news/7916-development-tcm-20-hail-of-bullets-en|Devblog]] ===
 +
 
 +
During the 1960s, Israeli engineers took to modifying the American M45 anti-aircraft turret in service with the IDF at the time, in order to increase its effectiveness against fast modern aircraft. As a result, the engineers replaced the original quadruple 12.7 mm machine guns with a pair of HS.404 20 mm cannons salvaged from obsolete French jet fighters of the IAF. This new anti-air turret became known as the TCM-20 of which several hundred were converted from the original M45 design.
 +
 
 +
As the anti-air platform was just a towed turret, the IDF began to seek ways of increasing its mobility. The answer was to equip the turret to light armored vehicles in service with the IDF at the time. After some initial models were fitted to captured Soviet vehicles, a more permanent solution was found in equipping the widely used M3 halftrack with the TCM-20 turret.
 +
 
 +
After entering service with the IDF in 1969, TCM-20 immediately had its baptism by fire by taking part in the ongoing War of Attrition. The TCM-20 SPAAG also took part in the subsequent Yom Kippur War as well as in the Invasion of Lebanon in 1982. During the latter conflict, the vehicle also saw extensive use in the ground support role. Following the introduction of more advanced SPAAGs into IDF service, TCM-20 was slowly being phased out of IDF service before ultimately being retired in the early 1990s.
  
 
== 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_tcm_20 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==

Latest revision as of 10:45, 25 August 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
TCM-20
il_tcm_20.png
GarageImage TCM-20.jpg
ArtImage TCM-20.png
TCM-20
Israel flag.png Israel
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.3 4.3 4.3
Class:
Research:46 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:155 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The TCM-20 was an Israeli SPAA built on the chassis of the M3 half-track. After World War II, the Israel Defence Forces used various weaponry imported from the USA, including M3 half-tracks equipped with the M45 machine gun mount. However, the firepower of the .50 cal M2 Browning machine guns used in them was no longer satisfactory for the military. In 1969, to increase the firepower of these vehicles, Israeli forces modified the machine gun mount, replacing the machine guns with two Hispano-Suiza HS.404 20 mm cannons repurposed from decommissioned IAF aircraft. Production continued throughout the 1970s, with a total of 370 to 500 units produced. Besides the M3 half-track, the gun mounts were also installed on the Soviet BTR-152.

Introduced in Update "Fire and Ice" alongside the initial Israeli ground tree, the TCM-20 is a compact SPAA with good manoeuvrability, and armed with fast-firing 20 mm cannons which allows it to effectively deal with both late piston-engine and early jet aircraft at low altitudes. Furthermore, the presence of armour-piercing belts makes the TCM-20 an effective hunter of lightly armoured vehicles. However, the TCM-20 itself has rather light armour.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull6 / 6 / 6
Turret12 / 6 / 6
Crew4 people
Visibility75 %

The M3 half-track has been a staple of the US Army since the 1940s as one of the most widely-used half-tracks during the WWII alongside the Wehrmacht's Sd.Kfz series; these vehicles are a universal chassis which could be converted for different missions i.e. anti-aircraft. In Israel's case, the overall appearance of the TCM-20 is very similar to the M13 MGMC, but the larger guns and additional .30 cal M1919A4 gives its identity away. The vehicle is not rated for even rifle-calibre firearms at close distance. The thickest armour plate is the windshield, but do not expect it to stop HMG fire, even from afar. The engine block may absorb oncoming fire when head-on with enemies. In most cases, never, ever run into enemy fire lines or become targeted by aircraft, as these will end your career quickly; do also beware of high explosive shells or shrapnel, sometimes even close-calls could bring an end to the TCM-20.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 6.35 mm (28-83°)
12.7 mm (1-27°) Driver windshield 		6.35 mm 6.35 mm N/A
Turret 6.35 mm (0-77°) Turret front 6.35 mm N/A N/A

Notes:

  • Tracks are 15 mm thick
  • Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, with the bogie being 10 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 6.35 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB83 / 19 km/h
RB and SB76 / 18 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
2 back
Weight10.0 t
Engine power
AB282 hp
RB and SB148 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB28.2 hp/t
RB and SB14.8 hp/t

M3 half-tracks share the same White 160AX petrol engine which could output up to 148 hp and the transmission could ensure its mobility both forwards and backwards; it can still retain the speed of all-wheel vehicles while crossing complicated terrain with ease.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 83 19 10 210 282 21 28.2
Realistic 76 18 131 148 13.1 14.8

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 824 → 3 634 Sl icon.png
RB2 285 → 2 940 Sl icon.png
SB3 295 → 4 240 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications40 400 Rp icon.png
78 400 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
110 / 140 / 210 % 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:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
110 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:
4 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 500 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
4 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 500 Sl icon.png
270 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:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
110 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 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
20mm_Oerlikon_HE_ammo_pack
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods aa cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_Oerlikon_AP_ammo_pack
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
110 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:
4 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 500 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

2 x 20 mm HS.404 cannon
Ammunition720 rounds
Belt capacity60 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
3.9 → 3.0 s
Fire rate701 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 90°
Main article: HS.404 (20 mm)

The modified M55 turret (now called TCM-20) houses two HS.404 20 mm autocannon, the same gun used in many early French aircraft, with the same configuration and ammo count. Thanks to the flat ballistic of HS.404, players will soon get to grips with the performance of the cannons. Not only can it take out aircraft as it was intended, it also ensures that light vehicles will have to think twice before appearing in front of a TCM-20, the rate of fire and penetration will make sure they will not get away with ease.

20 mm HS.404 (x2) Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 720 (60) 700 -10°/+90° ±180° - 63.4 87.8 106.6 117.8 125.4 3.90 3.45 3.18 3.00
Realistic 42.8 50.4 61.2 67.7 72.0

Ammunition

  • Default: AP-T · HEF-I · AP-T
  • HET: HEFI-T · HEF-I · HEF-I
  • APT: AP-T

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
AP-T 38 35 23 14 9 5
HEF-I 4 4 3 3 3 3
HEFI-T 4 4 3 3 3 3
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
AP-T 830 0.14 - - - 47° 60° 65°
HEF-I 838 0.12 0 0.1 6 - - -
HEFI-T 838 0.12 0.1 0.1 5 79° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
12 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Machine guns

7.62 mm M1919A4 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
Main article: M1919A4 (7.62 mm)

To compensate for the lack of continuous firepower against infantry, TCM-20 installed a M1919A4 for the commander to suppress enemies; while it is ineffective against enemy armoured vehicles, there might be some occasions where enemies have exposed crews and the .30 cal could make short work of them.

7.62 mm M1919A4
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Commander 1,000 (250) 500 -10°/+10° -10°/+10°

Usage in battles

For players who have played the M13 MGMC in the US tech tree, it can be said that the TCM-20 is an successor to M13 to some extent, especially with its iconic twin gun configuration. However, when enemy aircraft get too close, they will find out the major difference: they would soon be shattered by the 20 mm HS.404 autocannons, recalling the memories from being chased by aircraft with these cannons. Such an "upgrade" is very welcomed as the 20 mm calibre is still more than enough to take out strafing fighters with ease, with overall 720 rounds onboard at 120 rounds per load, if players get used to the relatively straight ballistics and not being trigger-happy, the overall efficiency could be on-par with other SPAAs in other tech trees with their respective advantages. Most of all, the M3 chassis ensures that the TCM-20 can get to where it is needed as soon as possible thanks to its 72 km/h top speed, making it a viable option to flank enemies in some occasions; while the 13 km/h reverse speed could still make sure it can retreat to cover if masses of enemies/menacing aircraft rushing to where the vehicle is. As said, TCM-20 is still a half-track based SPAAG with minimal protection; in fact rifle-calibre firearms can harm the crew at around 200 m from the sides, let along HMGs and autocannons at even higher penetration, so be extra careful on where players should appear - rushing or running into a heated frontline is certainly a death sentence to the TCM-20. Overall, the TCM-20 is still a good AA half-track to handle different types of vehicles, whether it's on wheels, tracks or flying ones.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Devastating 20 mm autocannon which works well against aircraft
  • Rather mobile, can swiftly changes its position if needed
  • Quick turret traverse speed for target acquisition
  • Spare .30 cal machine gun for occasion unprotected crews of enemy vehicles

Cons:

  • Lightly protected up to rifle calibre firearms, also prone to overpressure
  • Relatively small ammo pool per load (60 per gun)
  • Insufficient penetration due to the battle rating

History

Devblog

During the 1960s, Israeli engineers took to modifying the American M45 anti-aircraft turret in service with the IDF at the time, in order to increase its effectiveness against fast modern aircraft. As a result, the engineers replaced the original quadruple 12.7 mm machine guns with a pair of HS.404 20 mm cannons salvaged from obsolete French jet fighters of the IAF. This new anti-air turret became known as the TCM-20 of which several hundred were converted from the original M45 design.

As the anti-air platform was just a towed turret, the IDF began to seek ways of increasing its mobility. The answer was to equip the turret to light armored vehicles in service with the IDF at the time. After some initial models were fitted to captured Soviet vehicles, a more permanent solution was found in equipping the widely used M3 halftrack with the TCM-20 turret.

After entering service with the IDF in 1969, TCM-20 immediately had its baptism by fire by taking part in the ongoing War of Attrition. The TCM-20 SPAAG also took part in the subsequent Yom Kippur War as well as in the Invasion of Lebanon in 1982. During the latter conflict, the vehicle also saw extensive use in the ground support role. Following the introduction of more advanced SPAAGs into IDF service, TCM-20 was slowly being phased out of IDF service before ultimately being retired in the early 1990s.

Media

Skins

See also

External links


Israel anti-aircraft vehicles
Half-track  TCM-20
M163 derivatives  Hovet · Machbet · Imp.Chaparral
Captured  ZSU-57-2 · ZSU-23-4

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