Difference between revisions of "T32E1"

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{{Specs-Card|code=us_t32e1}}
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{{About
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|about= American heavy tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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|usage= other versions
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|link= T32 Heavy Tank (Family)
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}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=us_t32e1
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
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}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
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<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.83 "Masters of the Sea"]].
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{{break}}
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.83 "Masters of the Sea"]].
+
Being the next stage of its development cycle, the T32E1 is essentially the same as the [[T32]] except the designers replaced the cast homogeneous plates of the front hull in favour of simpler rolled homogeneous ones, deleting the hull machine gun port in the process.  This not only removes an obvious weakness from the design, but it also strengthened the front hull plate from penetrations.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
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<!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?''
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
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''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
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<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 +
 
 +
[[File:T32E1 weak spots.png|right|thumb|350px|Green area = easy chance of penetration; yellow area = medium chance of penetration]]
 +
 
 +
The T32E1 uses the same turret as its predecessor, the [[T32]], with 289.4 mm cast homogeneous armour in the gun mantlet and turret cheeks that makes it almost impenetrable by full calibre (AP, APC, APCBC) and sub-calibre (APCR) rounds; the only ammunition capable of defeating its protection are high velocity kinetic (APDS, APFSDS), and chemical (HEAT, HEATFS) shells.
 +
 
 +
The biggest improvement is the new hull that eliminates weak spots from the T32 hull, such as the machine gunner port. The new roof has 66.6 mm of rolled homogeneous armour, making it invulnerable from high-explosive rounds, while the frontal hull has the same thickness as the T32 (127 mm on the top and 95.25 mm on the bottom) but with a slightly sloped armour that varies from 54° to 56°.
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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!Armour
 
−
!Front (Slope Angle)
 
−
!Sides
 
−
!Rear
 
−
!Roof
 
 
|-
 
|-
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|Hull
+
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
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|127 mm (54-70 degrees) Upper Glacis
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|-
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95.25 mm (26-46 degrees) Lower Glacis
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| Hull || 127 mm (58°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 127mm (18°) + 95.3 (58°) mm ''Seam'' <br> 95.3 mm (40-59°) ''Lower glacis'' || 76.2 mm || 50.8 mm || 66.6 mm ''Crew compartment'' <br> 25.4 mm ''Engine compartment''
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|76.2 mm
+
|-
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|50.8 mm
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| Turret || 298.4 mm (8-21°) ''Turret front'' <br> 298.4 mm (0-80°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 152.4 - 196 mm (3-42°) || 152.4 mm (0-72°) || 25.4 mm
−
|38.1 mm
+
|-
 +
| Cupola || 152 mm || 152 mm || 152 mm || 25 mm
 
|-
 
|-
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|Turret
 
−
|298.4 mm (8-21 degrees) Turret front
 
−
298.4 mm (0 - 80 degrees) Gun mantlet.
 
−
|152.4 - 196 mm (3-42 degrees)
 
−
|152.4 mm (0-72 degrees)
 
−
|25.4 mm
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability as well as the maximum speed forward and backwards.''
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{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
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<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=994|rbMinHp=681}}
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
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<!--''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
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<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
{{main|T15E2 (90 mm)}}
 
{{main|T15E2 (90 mm)}}
  
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''1 x T15E2 90 mm gun''
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
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! colspan="5" | [[T15E2 (90 mm)|90 mm T15E2]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 +
|-
 +
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
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! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
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! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
|-
 +
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 54 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 19.4 || 26.9 || 32.6 || 36.1 || 38.4 || rowspan="2" | 18.85 || rowspan="2" | 16.68 || rowspan="2" | 15.37 || rowspan="2" | 14.50
 +
|-
 +
! ''Realistic''
 +
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
* ''Reload speed: 15-18 seconds.''
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==== Ammunition ====
 +
{{:T15E2 (90 mm)/Ammunition|T43 shot, T42 shell, T41, T44 shot}}
  
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{| class="wikitable"
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==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
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!Type of Shell
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[[File:Ammoracks_T32.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the T32 (identical)]]
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!Penetration at 100 m
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<!-- '''Last updated: 1.101.1.16''' -->
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!Muzzle velocity
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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!Explosive Filler (in grams)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|
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! Full<br>ammo
−
|
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! Ammo<br>part
−
|
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! 1st<br>rack empty
−
|
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! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! 4th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
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|T41 APCBC
+
| '''54''' || ''Projectiles'' <br> ''Propellants'' || 50&nbsp;''(+4)'' <br> 28&nbsp;''(+26)'' || 45&nbsp;''(+9)'' <br> 1&nbsp;''(+53)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+31)'' <br> ''N/A'' || 1&nbsp;''(+53)'' <br> ''N/A'' || No
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|204 mm
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 +
* The {{PAGENAME}} uses two-piece ammunition, composed of projectiles (yellow) and propellant bags (orange). Both have separate racks.
 +
* Packs 23&nbsp;''(+31)'' shells to have the turret and left flank racks empty.
  
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=== Additional armament ===
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The cannon takes two-piece ammunition, which explains why it takes so long for the cannon to load despite its 90 mm calibre. The propellant stowage covers the entire floor of the fighting compartment three times over. The projectiles themselves are kept in four racks, two lining both sides of the hull's fighting compartment, and two smaller ones on the port side of the turret in front of the loader.
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''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and advise on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Advise about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
 
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
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''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.''
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
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<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 +
{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
 +
|-
 +
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
 +
| Pintle || 1,000 (200) || 577 || -10°/+35° || ±120°
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
 +
|-
 +
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
 +
| Coaxial || 4,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
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''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
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<!-- ''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 playstyle of the T32E1 is vastly different in each game mode, due to the nature of the gameplay available in Ground Forces:
 +
 
 +
'''Arcade battles'''
 +
 
 +
* Player, ally, and enemy position will be immediately spotted upon detection with their name indicator visible above their vehicle and on the minimap
 +
* Aim assist is present to help accurate aiming at a target
 +
* Player and enemy team tank's nationality are mixed
 +
 
 +
The T32E1 shouldn't be exposed to the enemy at a prolonged time at close range engagement since the enemies will use aim assist to take out the T32E1 from either lower plate tips or lower turret. On the other hand, the T32 can also utilize these features against the enemy, albeit with much harder difficulty due to rather sub-par penetration against other tanks in Rank IV to reliably achieve first penetration in arcade tank combat. Exercise caution
 +
 
 +
'''Realistic and Simulator battles'''
 +
 
 +
* No visible name indicator
 +
* Manual range calculation
 +
* Player and enemy team tank's nationality are not mixed
 +
 
 +
The T32E1 can safely mobilize itself due to the dissipation of name indicator above the vehicle, especially with its low profile. In Realistic Battle, the T32E1 can do almost anything on its own, especially with flanking enemies to deliver a striking blow to the enemy formations, since the sub-par penetration of the M82 APCBC is negated by the enemies' side armour weakness (be aware with [[IS-4M]] as it has 160 mm of side armour, expect to use both APCBC and APCR). As mentioned earlier, the T32E1 excels better at flanking than other roles due to characteristics of its gun performance, mobility, and protection.
 +
 
 +
Other considerations in Simulator mode is the different gun sight placement and 3rd person perspective. The gun sight is tough to control, located on the left side of mantlet. The 3rd person perspective, now in the commander's cupola area, helps the T32E1 by restricting the enemy's field of vision (although the player is as well) and allow the T32E1 to move stealthily more easily.
 +
 
 +
=== Combat tactics ===
 +
The T32E1 can fulfil major roles in battle due to its flexibility at any kind of operation, known as "Jack-of-all-Trades". Its role is not far different than the well-known [[M26|M26 Pershing]]. There are 5 known roles that can be used in battle, which are Assault, Flank, Snipe, Support, and the last but not least, Ambush:
 +
 
 +
;Assault:
 +
 
 +
Leading an assault directly into the enemy forces is the most frequently used tactic, especially in urban areas. It's quite capable to abuse the enemy shots with angling, but not entirely, since battle will mostly take place at very close range (below 100 m). A strike team is needed to carry out an assault since T32E1 can't cover its side armour and slow reload time alone. In most cases, a T32E1 will likely to initiate flanking role to the enemy once it comes up-close to increase the chance of incapacitating a vehicle with a single strike in quick succession.
 +
 
 +
;Flank
 +
 
 +
Flanking is the most effective role for the T32E1. Its characteristics and performances are highly orientated for flanking purpose. At given destructive penetrating power of the M82 Shell from close range, the T32E1 can critically damage, if not outright knocking out everything from the side. Be aware when initiating the operation, since someone might be trying to flank the flanker. Flanking is also a part of the assault role, albeit with a more focused objective on manoeuvring on the enemies' side. At this rate, the enemies will likely to scatter around to evade, so eliminating any available threat is required to continue the tactic. The armour will greatly aid in this tactic, as return fire is commonly a hasty act, yet be wary of the tank's weak spots! On open terrain keep manoeuvring during reload to throw of aim, alternatively on distances above 400 m drive slightly angled forwards and backwards.
 +
 
 +
;Sniper:
 +
 
 +
Sniping is frequently used by the T32E1 when encountering enemies in a large, open map such as Kursk and Mozdok. The T44 APCR is a good option when the target is too far and very fast since the M82 APCBC travels slower than APCR. Locating target is much harder than engaging at close range, since most of the enemies will also be sniping from afar, especially when sharpshooting against [[:Category:Germany ground vehicles|German tanks]]. Fortunately, almost no T32E1's frontal weak spot will be a viable target when sniping, since the weak spots are much more protected at longer range. It is suggested, if having to play on wide open terrain found on Tunisia, Kursk and Mozdok, to take full ammo load and 50/50 of APCR and APHE.
 +
 
 +
;Support:
 +
 
 +
Supporting the allies to attack the enemies is a backup plan used to increase the allied forces firepower when attacking the enemies, such as providing covering fire for smaller tank such as [[T-44]] or to increase the combat effort alongside the other heavy tank like [[Tiger II (Family)|Tiger II]].
 +
 
 +
;Ambush
 +
 
 +
Ambush is preferable when enemies are unaware of the presence of a concealing T32E1. It should be commenced at a strategic choke point where the enemies will likely to mobilize their armours from there. Be aware that ambush is only used when the enemies are already identified by allies and heading to the choke point. Otherwise, sitting still and waiting for nothing can burden the team. Keep in mind that 90 mm T15E2 is L/73 length gun (aka very long), so make sure the gun barrel is hidden from the enemy if planning to catch them by surprise.
 +
 
 +
;"Hunker down"-Support:
 +
 
 +
Move up to an distant open spot, visible from the enemy spawn or main route of attack and begin firing machine guns to draw in attention. The idea is caught the enemies attention and with this bind enemy firepower on something they can physically not destroy from the distance. Both the hostile force and the T32E1 will be pinned down in a stalemate, subtracting from each team's firepower. Therefore keep in mind the enemy's tank value. If it is only an M26, the T32E1 may be better off in the Support role, but if it is an IS-4 or several other evenly ranked tanks, then pursuing the hunker down tactic is worthwhile to the team's success.
 +
 
 +
;Conclusion:
 +
 
 +
Overall, the T32E1 is a versatile heavy tank with an impressive performance in the game, but since it's not invincible with a fair amount of potential weaknesses, it requires specific knowledge with this tank to survive. The T32E1 will lead to the pinnacle of the U.S. heavy tank branch – the [[M103]].
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using certain definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
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<!-- ''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:'''
  
 
* Removal of the hull MG port = one less weak spot to worry about
 
* Removal of the hull MG port = one less weak spot to worry about
−
* Same hard-hitting 90mm gun as on the original T32
+
* Same hard-hitting 90 mm gun as on the original T32
 
* Great turret armour; all but invincible when hull-down
 
* Great turret armour; all but invincible when hull-down
 
* Good hull armour; can take a hit or two, especially if angled correctly
 
* Good hull armour; can take a hit or two, especially if angled correctly
Line 98: Line 195:
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{Main|T32 Heavy Tank (Family)#History|l1=History of the T32 Heavy Tank family}}
 +
 
 +
'''Development'''
 +
 
 +
The T32 project began during the later stages of the Second World War when the US Army determined a need for a new heavy tank using as many components of the M26 Persing as possible. Four prototypes were ordered for construction on 8 February 1945. The first two pilots were delivered in January and April of 1946, designated as Heavy Tank T32.
 +
 
 +
T32 Pilots 3 and 4 were completed on 14 May 1946 and 19 June 1946 respectively. Number 3 was then shipped to Fort Knox for testing while number 4 was retained at the Detroit Arsenal. They had a few differences from the first and second pilots, and as such they were redesignated as Heavy Tank T32E1 on 9 August 1946.
 +
 
 +
The biggest difference was in the construction of the hull front. The T32E1 had a rolled rather than cast construction for the hull front and also omitted the bow ball-mounted machine gun. The driver and assistant driver/machine gunner roof hatches were changed from a hinged type to a pivot type and the hatch-mounted periscopes were moved to the roof in front of the hatches. These were the only differences between the T32 and T32E1.
 +
 
 +
'''Design'''
 +
 
 +
The T32E1 had a crew of five: the driver and assistant driver/machine gunner were located in the hull front and the commander, gunner, and loader were in the turret. The vehicle had a combat weight of 120,000 pounds. The hull was similar to that of the M26 but had thickened front armour, was lengthened, and had a redesigned engine compartment. The turret was a new design but still used components from the Pershing.
 +
 
 +
The hull was based on the Pershing's but had some changes. The front armour was of rolled construction and increased to 5 inches (127 mm) at 54 degrees on the upper glacis and 95 mm at 59 degrees on the lower glacis. The side armour remained at 3 inches (76.2 mm) and the rear armour stayed at 2 inches (50.8 mm). The driver and assistant driver/machine gunner positions each received a pivoting hatch and a wide-view periscope in the armour in front of the hatch. A .30 cal (7.62 mm) M1919A4 machine gun was ball-mounted in the hull front for the assistant driver/machine gunner to use.
 +
 
 +
The turret was of a new design, with armour ranging from 6 inches (152.4 mm) on the rear to 11¾ inches (298.45 mm) on the front. A 90 mm T15E2 high-velocity main gun was fitted. The T15E2 used two piece ammunition so the ammunition storage was redesigned from the M26. Elevation of the gun was 20 degrees and depression was 10 degrees. Secondary armament consisted of a coaxial .30 cal M1919A4 and a pintle-mounted .50 cal (12.7 mm) M2HB either mounted in front of the commander's cupola or at the rear of the turret roof. 54 rounds of 90 mm ammunition, 550 rounds of .50 cal ammunition, and 4,000 rounds of .30 cal ammunition were carried. There was also a radio located in the turret bustle.
 +
 
 +
Compared to the Pershing, the hull was extended and a seventh road wheel was added to the torsion bar suspension on each side. It used the same 23 inch T80E1 tracks as the Pershing but with 5 inch extended end connectors. The engine compartment was redesigned to fit a new powerplant consisting of a 770 horsepower Ford GAC V12 engine and a EX-120 cross-drive transmission, which had two forward and one reverse gear. With this Power plant the T32E1 could reach a speed of 22 mph (35.4 km/h).
 +
 
 +
'''Production and Service'''
 +
 
 +
Neither the T32 nor T32E1 entered service due to their arrival after the war had ended, but the project did have some uses. Most notably, the T32s were the first tanks using the EX-120 transmission to be tested. The transmission ended up a failure but it led to the CD-850 series of transmissions which would later see production.<ref>Hunnicutt, R. P. (1988). ''Firepower: A History of the American Heavy Tank''. New York, NY: Presidio.</ref>
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_t32e1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|B2woWvJK4ew|'''Top 7 most armoured vehicles'''  discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 2:30  - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|oL-rul8T6-k|'''Front Towards Enemy - T32E1 Stock ''' - ''Virus''|PxVO64KfChU|'''T32E1 - Spooky Night Visions''' - ''Napalmratte''}}
  
−
== Read 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.''
  
−
''ETC.''
+
== External links ==
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+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
−
== Sources ==
+
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
=== References ===
−
* ''other literature.''
+
<references />
  
 
{{USA heavy tanks}}
 
{{USA heavy tanks}}

Latest revision as of 10:52, 29 February 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the American heavy tank T32E1. For other versions, see T32 Heavy Tank (Family).
T32E1
us_t32e1.png
GarageImage T32E1.jpg
ArtImage T32E1.png
T32E1
USA flag.png USA
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
7.7 7.7 7.7
Class:
Research:48 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:270 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Heavy Tank T32E1 is a rank V American heavy tank with a battle rating of 7.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.83 "Masters of the Sea".

Being the next stage of its development cycle, the T32E1 is essentially the same as the T32 except the designers replaced the cast homogeneous plates of the front hull in favour of simpler rolled homogeneous ones, deleting the hull machine gun port in the process. This not only removes an obvious weakness from the design, but it also strengthened the front hull plate from penetrations.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull127 / 76 / 50
Turret298 / 152 / 152
Crew5 people
Visibility108 %
Green area = easy chance of penetration; yellow area = medium chance of penetration

The T32E1 uses the same turret as its predecessor, the T32, with 289.4 mm cast homogeneous armour in the gun mantlet and turret cheeks that makes it almost impenetrable by full calibre (AP, APC, APCBC) and sub-calibre (APCR) rounds; the only ammunition capable of defeating its protection are high velocity kinetic (APDS, APFSDS), and chemical (HEAT, HEATFS) shells.

The biggest improvement is the new hull that eliminates weak spots from the T32 hull, such as the machine gunner port. The new roof has 66.6 mm of rolled homogeneous armour, making it invulnerable from high-explosive rounds, while the frontal hull has the same thickness as the T32 (127 mm on the top and 95.25 mm on the bottom) but with a slightly sloped armour that varies from 54° to 56°.

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 127 mm (58°) Upper glacis
127mm (18°) + 95.3 (58°) mm Seam
95.3 mm (40-59°) Lower glacis 		76.2 mm 50.8 mm 66.6 mm Crew compartment
25.4 mm Engine compartment
Turret 298.4 mm (8-21°) Turret front
298.4 mm (0-80°) Gun mantlet 		152.4 - 196 mm (3-42°) 152.4 mm (0-72°) 25.4 mm
Cupola 152 mm 152 mm 152 mm 25 mm

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB38 / 15 km/h
RB and SB36 / 14 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
2 back
Weight54.0 t
Engine power
AB1 469 hp
RB and SB770 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB27.2 hp/t
RB and SB14.3 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 38 15 54 994 1,469 18.41 27.2
Realistic 36 14 681 770 12.61 14.26

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB5 561 → 6 878 Sl icon.png
RB5 911 → 7 311 Sl icon.png
SB9 417 → 11 648 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications77 000 Rp icon.png
129 600 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 000 Ge icon.png
Crew training78 000 Sl icon.png
Experts270 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces670 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
140 / 200 / 230 % Sl icon.png
190 / 190 / 190 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 500 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 300 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 300 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 100 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 500 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 300 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement us.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 100 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 500 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_us_M82_APCBC_ammo_pack
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 500 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 300 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 100 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_us_T44_APCR_ammo_pack
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 100 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

90 mm T15E2 cannon
Ammunition54 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
18.8 → 14.5 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: T15E2 (90 mm)
90 mm T15E2 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 54 -10°/+20° ±180° N/A 19.4 26.9 32.6 36.1 38.4 18.85 16.68 15.37 14.50
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
T43 shot APBC 211 208 193 177 162 148
T42 shell HE 26 25 24 22 20 18
T41 APCBC 224 220 205 187 171 157
T44 shot APCR 336 330 304 274 248 223
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%
T43 shot APBC 975 10.9 - - - 47° 60° 65°
T42 shell HE 975 10.6 0.2 0.1 925 79° 80° 81°
T41 APCBC 975 10.91 1.2 14 137.2 48° 63° 71°
T44 shot APCR 1,143 7.6 - - - 66° 70° 72°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the T32 (identical)
Full
ammo 		Ammo
part 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
54 Projectiles
Propellants 		50 (+4)
28 (+26) 		45 (+9)
1 (+53) 		23 (+31)
N/A 		1 (+53)
N/A 		No

Notes:

  • The T32E1 uses two-piece ammunition, composed of projectiles (yellow) and propellant bags (orange). Both have separate racks.
  • Packs 23 (+31) shells to have the turret and left flank racks empty.

The cannon takes two-piece ammunition, which explains why it takes so long for the cannon to load despite its 90 mm calibre. The propellant stowage covers the entire floor of the fighting compartment three times over. The projectiles themselves are kept in four racks, two lining both sides of the hull's fighting compartment, and two smaller ones on the port side of the turret in front of the loader.

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 35°
Horizontal guidance-120° / 120°
7.62 mm M1919A4 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition4 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 1,000 (200) 577 -10°/+35° ±120°
7.62 mm M1919A4
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,000 (250) 500 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

The playstyle of the T32E1 is vastly different in each game mode, due to the nature of the gameplay available in Ground Forces:

Arcade battles

  • Player, ally, and enemy position will be immediately spotted upon detection with their name indicator visible above their vehicle and on the minimap
  • Aim assist is present to help accurate aiming at a target
  • Player and enemy team tank's nationality are mixed

The T32E1 shouldn't be exposed to the enemy at a prolonged time at close range engagement since the enemies will use aim assist to take out the T32E1 from either lower plate tips or lower turret. On the other hand, the T32 can also utilize these features against the enemy, albeit with much harder difficulty due to rather sub-par penetration against other tanks in Rank IV to reliably achieve first penetration in arcade tank combat. Exercise caution

Realistic and Simulator battles

  • No visible name indicator
  • Manual range calculation
  • Player and enemy team tank's nationality are not mixed

The T32E1 can safely mobilize itself due to the dissipation of name indicator above the vehicle, especially with its low profile. In Realistic Battle, the T32E1 can do almost anything on its own, especially with flanking enemies to deliver a striking blow to the enemy formations, since the sub-par penetration of the M82 APCBC is negated by the enemies' side armour weakness (be aware with IS-4M as it has 160 mm of side armour, expect to use both APCBC and APCR). As mentioned earlier, the T32E1 excels better at flanking than other roles due to characteristics of its gun performance, mobility, and protection.

Other considerations in Simulator mode is the different gun sight placement and 3rd person perspective. The gun sight is tough to control, located on the left side of mantlet. The 3rd person perspective, now in the commander's cupola area, helps the T32E1 by restricting the enemy's field of vision (although the player is as well) and allow the T32E1 to move stealthily more easily.

Combat tactics

The T32E1 can fulfil major roles in battle due to its flexibility at any kind of operation, known as "Jack-of-all-Trades". Its role is not far different than the well-known M26 Pershing. There are 5 known roles that can be used in battle, which are Assault, Flank, Snipe, Support, and the last but not least, Ambush:

Assault

Leading an assault directly into the enemy forces is the most frequently used tactic, especially in urban areas. It's quite capable to abuse the enemy shots with angling, but not entirely, since battle will mostly take place at very close range (below 100 m). A strike team is needed to carry out an assault since T32E1 can't cover its side armour and slow reload time alone. In most cases, a T32E1 will likely to initiate flanking role to the enemy once it comes up-close to increase the chance of incapacitating a vehicle with a single strike in quick succession.

Flank

Flanking is the most effective role for the T32E1. Its characteristics and performances are highly orientated for flanking purpose. At given destructive penetrating power of the M82 Shell from close range, the T32E1 can critically damage, if not outright knocking out everything from the side. Be aware when initiating the operation, since someone might be trying to flank the flanker. Flanking is also a part of the assault role, albeit with a more focused objective on manoeuvring on the enemies' side. At this rate, the enemies will likely to scatter around to evade, so eliminating any available threat is required to continue the tactic. The armour will greatly aid in this tactic, as return fire is commonly a hasty act, yet be wary of the tank's weak spots! On open terrain keep manoeuvring during reload to throw of aim, alternatively on distances above 400 m drive slightly angled forwards and backwards.

Sniper

Sniping is frequently used by the T32E1 when encountering enemies in a large, open map such as Kursk and Mozdok. The T44 APCR is a good option when the target is too far and very fast since the M82 APCBC travels slower than APCR. Locating target is much harder than engaging at close range, since most of the enemies will also be sniping from afar, especially when sharpshooting against German tanks. Fortunately, almost no T32E1's frontal weak spot will be a viable target when sniping, since the weak spots are much more protected at longer range. It is suggested, if having to play on wide open terrain found on Tunisia, Kursk and Mozdok, to take full ammo load and 50/50 of APCR and APHE.

Support

Supporting the allies to attack the enemies is a backup plan used to increase the allied forces firepower when attacking the enemies, such as providing covering fire for smaller tank such as T-44 or to increase the combat effort alongside the other heavy tank like Tiger II.

Ambush

Ambush is preferable when enemies are unaware of the presence of a concealing T32E1. It should be commenced at a strategic choke point where the enemies will likely to mobilize their armours from there. Be aware that ambush is only used when the enemies are already identified by allies and heading to the choke point. Otherwise, sitting still and waiting for nothing can burden the team. Keep in mind that 90 mm T15E2 is L/73 length gun (aka very long), so make sure the gun barrel is hidden from the enemy if planning to catch them by surprise.

"Hunker down"-Support

Move up to an distant open spot, visible from the enemy spawn or main route of attack and begin firing machine guns to draw in attention. The idea is caught the enemies attention and with this bind enemy firepower on something they can physically not destroy from the distance. Both the hostile force and the T32E1 will be pinned down in a stalemate, subtracting from each team's firepower. Therefore keep in mind the enemy's tank value. If it is only an M26, the T32E1 may be better off in the Support role, but if it is an IS-4 or several other evenly ranked tanks, then pursuing the hunker down tactic is worthwhile to the team's success.

Conclusion

Overall, the T32E1 is a versatile heavy tank with an impressive performance in the game, but since it's not invincible with a fair amount of potential weaknesses, it requires specific knowledge with this tank to survive. The T32E1 will lead to the pinnacle of the U.S. heavy tank branch – the M103.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Removal of the hull MG port = one less weak spot to worry about
  • Same hard-hitting 90 mm gun as on the original T32
  • Great turret armour; all but invincible when hull-down
  • Good hull armour; can take a hit or two, especially if angled correctly
  • T41 AP shell has outstanding post-penetration damage
  • Reasonably mobile for a heavy tank
  • Great gun depression; good for hull-down tactics

Cons:

  • Ammo rack in the middle of the tank; a shell strike and penetration there can result in instantaneous destruction
  • Long reload time of 15-18 seconds
  • Small but noticeable shot trap where the mantlet meets the hull; enemies may try to shoot there
  • Stock AP round doesn't have explosive filler, making killing enemy tanks somewhat difficult

History

Main article: History of the T32 Heavy Tank family

Development

The T32 project began during the later stages of the Second World War when the US Army determined a need for a new heavy tank using as many components of the M26 Persing as possible. Four prototypes were ordered for construction on 8 February 1945. The first two pilots were delivered in January and April of 1946, designated as Heavy Tank T32.

T32 Pilots 3 and 4 were completed on 14 May 1946 and 19 June 1946 respectively. Number 3 was then shipped to Fort Knox for testing while number 4 was retained at the Detroit Arsenal. They had a few differences from the first and second pilots, and as such they were redesignated as Heavy Tank T32E1 on 9 August 1946.

The biggest difference was in the construction of the hull front. The T32E1 had a rolled rather than cast construction for the hull front and also omitted the bow ball-mounted machine gun. The driver and assistant driver/machine gunner roof hatches were changed from a hinged type to a pivot type and the hatch-mounted periscopes were moved to the roof in front of the hatches. These were the only differences between the T32 and T32E1.

Design

The T32E1 had a crew of five: the driver and assistant driver/machine gunner were located in the hull front and the commander, gunner, and loader were in the turret. The vehicle had a combat weight of 120,000 pounds. The hull was similar to that of the M26 but had thickened front armour, was lengthened, and had a redesigned engine compartment. The turret was a new design but still used components from the Pershing.

The hull was based on the Pershing's but had some changes. The front armour was of rolled construction and increased to 5 inches (127 mm) at 54 degrees on the upper glacis and 95 mm at 59 degrees on the lower glacis. The side armour remained at 3 inches (76.2 mm) and the rear armour stayed at 2 inches (50.8 mm). The driver and assistant driver/machine gunner positions each received a pivoting hatch and a wide-view periscope in the armour in front of the hatch. A .30 cal (7.62 mm) M1919A4 machine gun was ball-mounted in the hull front for the assistant driver/machine gunner to use.

The turret was of a new design, with armour ranging from 6 inches (152.4 mm) on the rear to 11¾ inches (298.45 mm) on the front. A 90 mm T15E2 high-velocity main gun was fitted. The T15E2 used two piece ammunition so the ammunition storage was redesigned from the M26. Elevation of the gun was 20 degrees and depression was 10 degrees. Secondary armament consisted of a coaxial .30 cal M1919A4 and a pintle-mounted .50 cal (12.7 mm) M2HB either mounted in front of the commander's cupola or at the rear of the turret roof. 54 rounds of 90 mm ammunition, 550 rounds of .50 cal ammunition, and 4,000 rounds of .30 cal ammunition were carried. There was also a radio located in the turret bustle.

Compared to the Pershing, the hull was extended and a seventh road wheel was added to the torsion bar suspension on each side. It used the same 23 inch T80E1 tracks as the Pershing but with 5 inch extended end connectors. The engine compartment was redesigned to fit a new powerplant consisting of a 770 horsepower Ford GAC V12 engine and a EX-120 cross-drive transmission, which had two forward and one reverse gear. With this Power plant the T32E1 could reach a speed of 22 mph (35.4 km/h).

Production and Service

Neither the T32 nor T32E1 entered service due to their arrival after the war had ended, but the project did have some uses. Most notably, the T32s were the first tanks using the EX-120 transmission to be tested. The transmission ended up a failure but it led to the CD-850 series of transmissions which would later see production.[1]

Media

Skins
Videos
Top 7 most armoured vehicles discusses the T32E1 at 2:30 - War Thunder Official Channel
Front Towards Enemy - T32E1 Stock - Virus
T32E1 - Spooky Night Visions - Napalmratte

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

References

  1. ↑ Hunnicutt, R. P. (1988). Firepower: A History of the American Heavy Tank. New York, NY: Presidio.


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

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