Difference between revisions of "M41A1"

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== 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}} American light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced at the same time as the American ground tree in [[Update 1.45 "Steel Generals"]]. A large improvement over its predecessor, the [[M24|M24 Chaffee]], it features a gun that can more adequately fight the tanks at its tier with an APDS round and has very good mobility and low profile to move quickly against the enemy.
+
 
 +
Following the experience of using light tanks in World War II, the US wanted a more airmobile light tank armed with a high-velocity 76 mm cannon to allow the vehicle to better fend for itself. The design became designated as the ''M41'' with the nickname "Walker Bulldog", named after General Walton Walker who died during the Korean War. Further improvements led to the '''M41A1''' variant with a hydraulic turret traverse system and more ammo stowage. Despite being considered an improvement over the preceding M24 Chaffee, the M41 was still too heavy for airmobile operations, especially for an air-drop. The M41 would still see use with the US and its allies but would be replaced by the [[M551]].
 +
 
 +
Introduced alongside the initial American ground tech tree in [[Update 1.45 "Steel Generals"]], the M41A1 is a light tank that gives a very powerful punching 76 mm M32 gun, especially with its APDS ammunition. The good mobility, low profile, and high firepower makes the M41A1 ideal as a scout and flanker for the team. The M41A1 has a relatively low top speed so it may not be the fastest vehicle to get to a destination. However, it has a high acceleration which means that the M41 can get to its top speed pretty quickly for speedy advances or retreats.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 65 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 34.27 || 47.44 || 57.60 || 63.69 || 67.76 || rowspan="2" | 7.67 || rowspan="2" | 6.79 || rowspan="2" | 6.25 || rowspan="2" | 5.90
+
| rowspan="2" | 65 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 7.67 || rowspan="2" | 6.79 || rowspan="2" | 6.25 || rowspan="2" | 5.90
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 21.42 || 25.20 || 30.60 || 33.84 || 36.00
+
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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==== [[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: 2.5.0.23''' -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.27.1.50''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''65''' || 33&nbsp;''(+32)'' || 12&nbsp;''(+53)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+64)'' || No
+
| '''65''' || 45&nbsp;''(+20)'' || 12&nbsp;''(+53)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+64)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 +
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 +
* Rack 3 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 11 shells and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
 +
* This rack is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 3 - 1 - 2.
 +
* If you pack 15&nbsp;''(+50)'' shells, it will keep most of the hull empty of ammo.
 +
* Full reload speed will be realized as long as shells are available in the ready rack 3. If the ready rack is empty, a penalty to reload speed will occur.
 +
* Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-3 into rack 3. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Pintle || 2,200 (200) || 577 || -10°/+70° || ±60°
+
| Pintle || 2,200 (200) || 575 || -10°/+70° || ±60°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 111: Line 122:
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 5,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 5,000 (250) || 500 || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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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).'' -->
−
Like the tanks that come before it, the Bulldog should be used as a rapid-deployment support vehicle in conjunction with heavier vehicles like the [[T32|T32]]. It is best used to run rapid insertion and flanking operations while allowing the heavier tanks to absorb the brunt of the enemy attack. The Walker Bulldog works well with [[M26|M26 Medium tanks]] as the M26 has a harder hitting gun to support the light tank's advance, but the M41A1 maintains a much better climb rate for hills and a much faster acceleration. The Bulldog's top speed does cap off-road, requiring good knowledge of the map to make the most of the terrain.  
+
Like the tanks that come before it, the Bulldog should be used as a rapid-deployment support vehicle in conjunction with heavier vehicles like the [[T32|T32]]. It is best used to run rapid insertion and flanking operations while allowing the heavier tanks to absorb the brunt of the enemy attack. The Walker Bulldog works well with [[M26|M26 Medium tanks]] as the M26 has a harder hitting gun to support the light tank's advance, but the M41A1 maintains a much better climb rate for hills and a much faster acceleration. The Bulldog's top speed does cap off-road, requiring good knowledge of the map to make the most of the terrain.
  
 
Always remember that the Bulldog lacks any effective armour. In a frontal attack, it will be easily penetrated by almost anything the enemy throws at it. Try to use the terrain to hide the tank and relocate after shots. Also, attempt to engage targets who are busy or already engaged with teammates. The Bulldog's 76 mm gun has great penetration, but due to the solid shot armour-piercing rounds it has it is necessary to make each shot count by hitting either ammo racks or fuel tanks/engines to disable and or destroy an enemy vehicle. Equipping HVAP rounds, later on, makes it easier to destroy vehicles with better side armour such as the [[IS-3]] which has a fairly strong side profile. Finally, avoid using the APCR rounds unless the APDS module has not yet been unlocked.
 
Always remember that the Bulldog lacks any effective armour. In a frontal attack, it will be easily penetrated by almost anything the enemy throws at it. Try to use the terrain to hide the tank and relocate after shots. Also, attempt to engage targets who are busy or already engaged with teammates. The Bulldog's 76 mm gun has great penetration, but due to the solid shot armour-piercing rounds it has it is necessary to make each shot count by hitting either ammo racks or fuel tanks/engines to disable and or destroy an enemy vehicle. Equipping HVAP rounds, later on, makes it easier to destroy vehicles with better side armour such as the [[IS-3]] which has a fairly strong side profile. Finally, avoid using the APCR rounds unless the APDS module has not yet been unlocked.
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The Bulldog is best playing a mobile role; trail the outskirts of the map and take shots at the enemy from a distance and keep relocating. Don't stand still for too long as one or two hits are usually enough to completely disable the tank.
 
The Bulldog is best playing a mobile role; trail the outskirts of the map and take shots at the enemy from a distance and keep relocating. Don't stand still for too long as one or two hits are usually enough to completely disable the tank.
  
−
While playing this tank, the biggest concern should be not to get hit by anything. Given its thin armour, anything that the Bulldog is facing will be able to deal heavy damage. In summary, the Bulldog is a very manoeuvrable tank and with practice is a very potent threat to enemies.
+
While playing this tank, the biggest concern should be not to get hit by anything. Given its thin armour, anything that the Bulldog is facing will be able to deal heavy damage. In summary, the Bulldog is a very manoeuvrable tank and with practice is a very potent threat to enemies. In this sense, it plays a similar role to the previous M18 and M24 light tanks but with a much faster turret traverse and access to APDS.
  
 
If up against heavy tanks, such as the [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II H]], don't bother trying to hit its front chassis armour even with APDS. The chances to penetrate this tank's upper glacis are very low. It is better to try and either ignoring him or aiming for his lower glacis and turret. Should the round penetrate the lower glacis, the transmission is likely to catch on fire. When attacking the turret, aim for the gunner on the left (player's right) of the gun. After that, disengage as the gunner will be replaced faster than the M41A1 can reload. Fighting off heavily armoured targets takes a lot of practice, but the gun's accuracy and good penetration can be used to the M41A1's advantage. Ambushing tanks as such as the Panther V series which many variants have slow slew rates will be highly effective as you can get two-three shots off and disable the gunner when you get a flank.
 
If up against heavy tanks, such as the [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II H]], don't bother trying to hit its front chassis armour even with APDS. The chances to penetrate this tank's upper glacis are very low. It is better to try and either ignoring him or aiming for his lower glacis and turret. Should the round penetrate the lower glacis, the transmission is likely to catch on fire. When attacking the turret, aim for the gunner on the left (player's right) of the gun. After that, disengage as the gunner will be replaced faster than the M41A1 can reload. Fighting off heavily armoured targets takes a lot of practice, but the gun's accuracy and good penetration can be used to the M41A1's advantage. Ambushing tanks as such as the Panther V series which many variants have slow slew rates will be highly effective as you can get two-three shots off and disable the gunner when you get a flank.
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Extremely agile tank
+
* Extremely agile and responsive tank with quick acceleration, neutral steering, and reverse
−
* Good top speed 72 km/h (average speed is more around 35-40 km/h)
+
* Good top speed of 72 km/h (average speed is more around 35-40 km/h)
−
* Manually controlling the gears will give you a good advantage(1st level: up to gear two and 19 km/h & 2nd level up to gear three and 39 km/h)
+
* Fast turret traverse and reload rate
−
* Fast turret traverse
+
* Respectable firepower:
−
* Fast reload rate
+
** AP is highly lethal to most tanks of all-tiers post pen
−
* Respectable firepower when loaded with APDS, can penetrate tough targets such as Panther's upper frontal glacis
+
** APDS has high muzzle velocity, easy-to-hit targets at longer ranges & more heavily armoured targets
−
* APDS has high muzzle velocity, easy to hit targets at longer ranges
 
−
* Good flanker
 
 
* Good suspension; can drive away from steep downhills and jumps
 
* Good suspension; can drive away from steep downhills and jumps
 
* .50 cal AA machine gun with good coverage
 
* .50 cal AA machine gun with good coverage
−
* AP is highly lethal to most tanks of all-tiers post pen
+
* Has access to night vision devices (NVD) for the driver (while in third-person view or driver view)
−
* Similar silhouette as the M47
+
* Has access to duplicate commander fire control and sights, allowing the commander to fire the gun even when the gunner is knocked out
−
* Access to night vision device (NVD)
 
−
* Plays similarly to the M24 and the M18, but with a much better gun
 
−
* Access to some unique light tanks upgrades such as airstrike and improved optics
 
−
* Decent acceleration
 
−
* Access to duplicate commander fire control, allowing the commander to fire the gun even when the gunner is knocked out (this makes the M41A1 is slightly more survivable than its counterparts)
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Low torque, without downhill the tank won't reach higher speeds than 50 km/h
+
* Cannot reach speeds 50 km/h unless moving downhill
−
* SPAA can be a threat but not as apparent
 
 
* Thin armour is still thick enough to trigger most APHE/APCBC shell fuses
 
* Thin armour is still thick enough to trigger most APHE/APCBC shell fuses
−
* NVD is only available for driver (3rd person or driver view)
+
* NVD is not available for the gunner or commander
−
* Due to weak engine, unsuitable for scouting unit
 
−
* Scouting requires map knowledge
 
 
* Ammo storage in the front, next to the driver
 
* Ammo storage in the front, next to the driver
 +
** This can be mitigated by not taking more than 15 rounds
 
* No APHE shells that can be quite handy at times
 
* No APHE shells that can be quite handy at times
−
* APDS shot causes only puncture damage; due to small spall effect after penetration, typically only modules and equipment directly in the path of the shot are damaged
+
* Lackluster post-pen damage with APDS
−
* No explosive filler on any AP shells
+
* Large size for a light tank
−
* Larger than the typical light tank
+
* Lacks a stabilizer
−
* The absence of stabilizer makes it extremely difficult to aim while moving and even worse when breaking
+
* Lacks smoke grenades
−
* Unlike the German LekPz M41, the A1 variant doesn't have HEAT-FS and smoke grenade launcher.
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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;Skins
 
;Skins
 +
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_m41_walker_bulldog Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_m41_walker_bulldog Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''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.''

Latest revision as of 20:19, 3 July 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the American light tank M41A1. For other versions, see M41 Walker Bulldog (Family).
M41A1
us_m41_walker_bulldog.png
GarageImage M41A1.jpg
ArtImage M41A1.png
M41A1
USA flag.png USA
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.0 6.3 6.3
Class:
Research:46 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:155 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

Following the experience of using light tanks in World War II, the US wanted a more airmobile light tank armed with a high-velocity 76 mm cannon to allow the vehicle to better fend for itself. The design became designated as the M41 with the nickname "Walker Bulldog", named after General Walton Walker who died during the Korean War. Further improvements led to the M41A1 variant with a hydraulic turret traverse system and more ammo stowage. Despite being considered an improvement over the preceding M24 Chaffee, the M41 was still too heavy for airmobile operations, especially for an air-drop. The M41 would still see use with the US and its allies but would be replaced by the M551.

Introduced alongside the initial American ground tech tree in Update 1.45 "Steel Generals", the M41A1 is a light tank that gives a very powerful punching 76 mm M32 gun, especially with its APDS ammunition. The good mobility, low profile, and high firepower makes the M41A1 ideal as a scout and flanker for the team. The M41A1 has a relatively low top speed so it may not be the fastest vehicle to get to a destination. However, it has a high acceleration which means that the M41 can get to its top speed pretty quickly for speedy advances or retreats.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull31 / 25 / 19
Turret25 / 25 / 25
Crew4 people
Visibility88 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet, Lower glacis)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 28.5 mm (49°) Front glacis
63.5 mm (33-37°) Lower glacis 		28.5 mm 28.5 mm (46°) Top
25.4 mm (1°) Middle
25.4 mm (20°) Bottom 		12.7 mm
Turret 44.4 mm (11-13°) Turret front
50.8 mm (2-43°) Gun mantlet 		31.75 mm (1°) 31.75 mm (1°) 12.7 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels, bogies, and tracks are 15 mm thick.
  • An extra 12.7 mm RHA metal plate is present on the right side of the turret near the pintle 7.62 mm machine gun.
  • A 4 mm Structural steel box is present, mounted on the vehicle rear turret.

There aren't any specific targets worth noting as the M41A1 will be hurt by pretty much anything. Be extra careful with SPAAs as they can knock out the Walker Bulldog's components with ease and even destroy the tank.

If at all possible, try only to expose the turret. If using the terrain to the M41A1's advantage, it'll usually be able to fire one to three shots, then start moving forwards and backwards, thus making it a lot harder for the enemy to hit the tank. Generally, the M41A1 be able to get in two shots on most targets before they can fire back, and the M41A1 accelerates from 0 to 30 km/h fast enough to become a hard target to hit if only the turret is exposed!

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB81 / 21 km/h
RB and SB73 / 19 km/h
Number of gears4 forward
2 back
Weight23.1 t
Engine power
AB954 hp
RB and SB500 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB41.3 hp/t
RB and SB21.6 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 81 21 23.1 775 954 33.55 41.3
Realistic 73 19 442 500 19.13 21.65

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 859 → 2 535 Sl icon.png
RB2 276 → 3 104 Sl icon.png
SB2 962 → 4 040 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications40 100 Rp icon.png
77 200 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 / 130 / 160 % Sl icon.png
160 / 160 / 160 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
2 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement us.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
2 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_usa_M32_APCR_ammo_pack
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_usa_M32_APDS_ammo_pack
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_us_M361_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

76 mm M32 cannon
Ammunition65 rounds
First-order11 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
7.6 → 5.9 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: M32 (76 mm)
76 mm M32 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 65 -10°/+20° ±180° - 22.8 31.6 38.4 42.5 45.2 7.67 6.79 6.25 5.90
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
M339 shot APBC 177 173 159 143 129 116
M352 shell HE 15 15 14 12 12 12
M319 shot APCR 206 200 174 146 122 103
M331A2 shot APDS 300 296 278 256 237 219
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%
M339 shot APBC 975 6.6 - - - 47° 60° 65°
M352 shell HE 732 6.8 0.2 0.1 867.22 79° 80° 81°
M319 shot APCR 1,234 3.2 - - - 66° 70° 72°
M331A2 shot APDS 1,257 2.81 - - - 75° 78° 80°
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)
M361 713 7.1 13 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M41A1
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
65 45 (+20) 12 (+53) 1 (+64) No

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Rack 3 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 11 shells and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
  • This rack is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 3 - 1 - 2.
  • If you pack 15 (+50) shells, it will keep most of the hull empty of ammo.
  • Full reload speed will be realized as long as shells are available in the ready rack 3. If the ready rack is empty, a penalty to reload speed will occur.
  • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-3 into rack 3. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Ammunition2 200 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 70°
Horizontal guidance-60° / 60°
7.62 mm M1919A4 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition5 000 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)
12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 2,200 (200) 575 -10°/+70° ±60°
7.62 mm M1919A4
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 5,000 (250) 500 - -

Usage in battles

Like the tanks that come before it, the Bulldog should be used as a rapid-deployment support vehicle in conjunction with heavier vehicles like the T32. It is best used to run rapid insertion and flanking operations while allowing the heavier tanks to absorb the brunt of the enemy attack. The Walker Bulldog works well with M26 Medium tanks as the M26 has a harder hitting gun to support the light tank's advance, but the M41A1 maintains a much better climb rate for hills and a much faster acceleration. The Bulldog's top speed does cap off-road, requiring good knowledge of the map to make the most of the terrain.

Always remember that the Bulldog lacks any effective armour. In a frontal attack, it will be easily penetrated by almost anything the enemy throws at it. Try to use the terrain to hide the tank and relocate after shots. Also, attempt to engage targets who are busy or already engaged with teammates. The Bulldog's 76 mm gun has great penetration, but due to the solid shot armour-piercing rounds it has it is necessary to make each shot count by hitting either ammo racks or fuel tanks/engines to disable and or destroy an enemy vehicle. Equipping HVAP rounds, later on, makes it easier to destroy vehicles with better side armour such as the IS-3 which has a fairly strong side profile. Finally, avoid using the APCR rounds unless the APDS module has not yet been unlocked.

Tactics

The Bulldog is best playing a mobile role; trail the outskirts of the map and take shots at the enemy from a distance and keep relocating. Don't stand still for too long as one or two hits are usually enough to completely disable the tank.

While playing this tank, the biggest concern should be not to get hit by anything. Given its thin armour, anything that the Bulldog is facing will be able to deal heavy damage. In summary, the Bulldog is a very manoeuvrable tank and with practice is a very potent threat to enemies. In this sense, it plays a similar role to the previous M18 and M24 light tanks but with a much faster turret traverse and access to APDS.

If up against heavy tanks, such as the Tiger II H, don't bother trying to hit its front chassis armour even with APDS. The chances to penetrate this tank's upper glacis are very low. It is better to try and either ignoring him or aiming for his lower glacis and turret. Should the round penetrate the lower glacis, the transmission is likely to catch on fire. When attacking the turret, aim for the gunner on the left (player's right) of the gun. After that, disengage as the gunner will be replaced faster than the M41A1 can reload. Fighting off heavily armoured targets takes a lot of practice, but the gun's accuracy and good penetration can be used to the M41A1's advantage. Ambushing tanks as such as the Panther V series which many variants have slow slew rates will be highly effective as you can get two-three shots off and disable the gunner when you get a flank.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Extremely agile and responsive tank with quick acceleration, neutral steering, and reverse
  • Good top speed of 72 km/h (average speed is more around 35-40 km/h)
  • Fast turret traverse and reload rate
  • Respectable firepower:
    • AP is highly lethal to most tanks of all-tiers post pen
    • APDS has high muzzle velocity, easy-to-hit targets at longer ranges & more heavily armoured targets
  • Good suspension; can drive away from steep downhills and jumps
  • .50 cal AA machine gun with good coverage
  • Has access to night vision devices (NVD) for the driver (while in third-person view or driver view)
  • Has access to duplicate commander fire control and sights, allowing the commander to fire the gun even when the gunner is knocked out

Cons:

  • Cannot reach speeds 50 km/h unless moving downhill
  • Thin armour is still thick enough to trigger most APHE/APCBC shell fuses
  • NVD is not available for the gunner or commander
  • Ammo storage in the front, next to the driver
    • This can be mitigated by not taking more than 15 rounds
  • No APHE shells that can be quite handy at times
  • Lackluster post-pen damage with APDS
  • Large size for a light tank
  • Lacks a stabilizer
  • Lacks smoke grenades

History

Development

The U.S. Army light tank in the later part of World War II, the M24 Chaffee, was a promising design but was deemed not effective for the future of armour encounters. Though its role as a scout was seen as needing the 75 mm gun, the army wanted a tank with a better gun to have a more equal chance against tanks. The project began as the T37 program in 1947 with the focus of being air-transportable with an anti-tank capability in the form of a 76 mm gun and a rangefinder. The adoption of a simplified rangefinder had the project designation changed to the T41. After testings and evaluations, the T41 model was accepted into service as the M41 Little Bulldog, with production starting at Cadillac Cleveland Tank Plant in 1951. The name Little Bulldog stayed until General Walton Walker, the first commander of the 8th US Army in Korea, died in a car accident, so the tank was renamed into the M41 Walker Bulldog in remembrance. Production went from 1953 to somewhere in the late 1960s with about 3,728 units produced.

The M41 light tank would go on to replace the M24 Chaffees by 1953. The M41 had a crew of four, commander, gunner, loader, and driver. The tank had a profile of under 9 feet and 19 feet long. The tank was lightweight at 23.5 tons and thus had rather thin armour, with the front armour only 25.4 mm thick (sloped at 60 degrees for about 50 mm effective). However, the tank was very agile with its torsion bar suspension and Continental AOS 895-3 series 6-cylinder gasoline engine of 500 hp which could deliver a road speed of 45 mph with a 100 miles operating range. Unfortunately, the tank was criticized for being noisy, a fuel-guzzler, rather heavy, and the American crewman found the Bulldog's interior to be quite cramped. Despite that, it delivered speed, firepower, and reliability in a light tank format. Several upgrades were made on the M41 with better technology, the M41A1 had a hydraulic turret traverse with more ammo storage, the M41A2 had a new fuel system, and the M41A3 are old M41A1 tanks with the new fuel system from the M41A2.

Combat usage

The M41 Walker Bulldog first saw use in Korea in a limited combat run. The tanks, still labelled their experimental designation T41, were sent for field testing on design deficiencies. It is unknown what other purposes they served there except for the tests. Their first major conflict once adopted by the U.S. Army was in Vietnam, mainly by replacing the M24 Chaffees in service with the South Vietnamese army (ARVN) at the time. The M41A3 tanks arrived in January 1965 and were instantly popular; not only for their advantages, but the previously cramped interior for American crews were actually a perfect fit for the smaller Vietnamese armour crewman. The Bulldog went on to fight in the Vietnam War as a reliable war machine. The Bulldog had an advantage due to its lightweight in manoeuvring in the jungle terrain of the region. In 1971, Operation Lam Son 719, the disruption of the North Vietnamese Army supply lines had the M41 Bulldogs play a major role, accompanied by two airborne battalions and two cavalry regiments. Penetrating deep into enemy lines, the 17 M41 tanks engaged and destroyed six Soviet-designed T-54 tanks and other lighter armoured vehicles. This engagement came at a loss of 5 M41 and 25 armoured personnel carriers. By 1973, the ARVN still used about 200 M41 tanks while the transition of the American unit over to the M48A3 Patton tanks in Europe and Stateside. The M41 light tanks were also exported to various other countries. Today, Guatemala, Somalia, Taiwan, Uruguay, and Vietnam still use the M41 Walker Bulldog, some via upgrading the tanks to extend their service life.

The M41 Walker Bulldog design was advanced for the time, giving a relatively lightweight tank the firepower to take on other tanks of its time period. The chassis was even used on the M42 Duster Anti-Air gun and the M75 Armored Personnel Carrier. The drive, engine, transmission, and auxiliary engine also were used in the M44/M52 155 howitzer. By 1969, the US Army began replacing the M41 with the newer M551 Sheridan Armored Airborne Reconnaissance Assault Vehicle (officially not a "light tank") which had a 152 mm cannon that could fire shells and anti-tank missiles. The M551 Sheridan could be used in roles that the M41 Walker Bulldog couldn't do, such as be air-dropped and amphibious but was rather unreliable. This made the M41 Walker Bulldog to be the last American "light tank" produced and the last made before the classification between tank classes based on weight and role ended.


Archive of the in-game description

In 1946 the Americans began looking for a replacement for the M24 Chaffee. The design for the new tank was to lean on experiences drawn from the Second World War.

In 1953 deliveries of the M41 Walker Bulldog to the US army began, with 5,500 units ultimately released.

The M41 Walker Bulldog featured a traditional layout with a welded hull and rationally sloped frontal plates. The turret was welded from cast and rolled armor elements. The running gear on each side was made up of five road wheels and three track return rollers in addition to guiding and leading wheels. The road wheels were independent of the torsion bar suspension, while the suspension for the first, second, and fifth rollers was equipped with hydraulic shock absorbers. The 500 hp air-cooled Continental AOS-895-3 engine featured a fire extinguishing system.

The tank's armament consisted of a 76 mm M32 cannon, a coaxial 7.62 mm Browning M1919A4E1 machine gun, and a turret-mounted 12.7 mm Browning M2HB anti-aircraft gun. The weapon was not stabilized and was equipped with a muzzle brake to reduce recoil. The battle compartment featured 24 rounds for fast reloading, along with 33 more in the tank hull that were only accessible when the turret was rotated hard to the rear.

Practice showed that the new tanks were poorly suited for reconnaissance, and their heavy weight and large dimensions made them just as difficult to transport as medium tanks. Those removed from active duty were quickly handed over and sold to allies and dependent governments.

M41 Walker Bulldogs saw combat in Austria, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, the UK, North (captured) and South Vietnam, Guatemala, and Greece.


Media

Skins

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;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


USA light tanks
LVT  LVT(A)(1) · ○LVT(A)(1) · LVT(A)(4)
M2  M2A2 · M2A4 · M2A4 (1st Arm.Div.)
M3/M5 Stuart  M3 Stuart · M3A1 Stuart · M3A1 (USMC) · M5A1 · M5A1 TD · ▃Stuart VI (5th CAD)
M22 Locust  M22
M24 Chaffee  M24 · M24 (TL)
M18 Hellcat  M18 GMC · M18 "Black Cat" · Super Hellcat
M41 Walker Bulldog  M41A1
M551 Sheridan  M551 · M551(76)
M3 Bradley  M3 Bradley · M3A3 Bradley
Wheeled  M8 LAC · T18E2 · M1128 · M1128 Wolfpack
Other  M8A1 GMC · T92 · T114 · HSTV-L · CCVL · XM8 · XM800T · AGS

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