Difference between revisions of "OF-40 (MTCA)"
Inceptor57 (talk | contribs) (Added image and intro description, Added shop announcement) |
Colok76286 (talk | contribs) (Edits) |
||
(39 intermediate revisions by 16 users not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
+ | {{About | ||
+ | | about = premium Italian medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
+ | | usage = other versions | ||
+ | | link = OF-40 (Family) | ||
+ | }} | ||
{{Specs-Card | {{Specs-Card | ||
|code=it_of_40_mtca | |code=it_of_40_mtca | ||
− | | | + | |images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}} |
}} | }} | ||
== 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 OF-40 MTCA is based on the [[OF-40 Mk.2A]], also made by OTO Melara, and fitted with a new Fiat MTCA V-12 1,000 hp engine, greatly improving mobility of the vehicle. |
− | + | ||
− | The | + | Introduced in [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]], the MTCA can reach to spots on the maps much quicker than other vehicles at its battle rating, so playing aggressively or even flanking with this tank can be effective. However, the same weakspots of the previous OF-40's remain. It also does not have access to thermals but does have access to NVD. The MTCA also comes with a unique skin based on OF-40s exported to the UAE. |
+ | |||
+ | The OF-40 MTCA was removed from [[wt:en/news/6201-shop-of-40-mk-2-mtca-pre-order-en|sale]] in the Gaijin store after the [[wt:en/news/7674-shop-may-sale-en|2022 May sale]], and was reintroduced as a Golden Eagle {{ge}} premium in [[Update "Danger Zone"]]. | ||
== General info == | == General info == | ||
=== Survivability and armour === | === Survivability and armour === | ||
− | ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?'' | + | {{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.'' --> | ||
+ | The OF-40 (MTCA) has very little in the way of armour - effectively identical to both OF-40 models in the tech tree - with just enough to protect its crew from most frontal attacks from light autocannons - however even then the turret ring and some other small weak spots are reasonably vulnerable. Despite this, the OF-40's steep constructional angles may on occasion bounce even APFSDS rounds, while the (minimalist) spaced armour in the turret may absorb some less-powerful chemical rounds. Regardless, the safest approach is to avoid enemy fire whenever possible. | ||
− | '' | + | The OF-40's survivability is comparable to the [[Leopard A1A1 (L/44)]], as most of the vehicle's ammunition is stored in the hull adjacent to the driver, with a small portion of the ammunition being placed in primary stowage below the loader. The unfortunate result is that almost any hull penetration in the front half of the vehicle is liable to destroy ammunition with a high chance of detonation. Additionally, the turret crew are very poorly spaced and a well-placed round can easily knock out the entire crew simultaneously. |
+ | |||
+ | The result of the lack of survivability and armour is that the OF-40 (MTCA) is not viable as a front-line MBT, but rather should be played in flanking or sniping roles. | ||
+ | |||
+ | '''Armour type:''' | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Rolled Homogeneous Armour - Hull and Turret | ||
+ | * High Hardness Rolled Armour - Turret | ||
+ | * Rubber-Fabric Screens - Sideskirts | ||
+ | |||
+ | {| class="wikitable" | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | Hull || 70 mm (68°) ''Upper Glacis'' <br> 50 mm (50°) ''Lower Glacis'' || 35 mm ''Upper Crew Compartment'' <br> 25 mm ''Upper Engine Compartment'' <br> 30 mm ''Lower'' || 25 mm || 15 - 30 mm | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |Turret || 30 - 68 mm (Various Angles) ''Turret front'' <br> 30 mm (~58°) + 45 mm (Curved) ''Gun mantlet'' || Spaced: 30 mm + 80 mm air + 35 mm ''Forward'' <br> Spaced: 12 mm + 120 mm + 35 mm ''Rearward'' || 30 mm || 20 - 40 mm | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |} | ||
+ | '''Notes:''' | ||
+ | |||
+ | * The turret sides use spaced armour, and are therefore stronger than they appear in the armour viewer. | ||
+ | * Beneath the angled outer portion of the gun mantlet is a curved 45 mm plate. | ||
+ | * There are 10 mm rubber-fabric screens protecting the upper suspension. | ||
+ | * The rear of the turret has 5 mm of structural steel in addition to the base armour. | ||
=== Mobility === | === Mobility === | ||
− | ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' | + | {{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.'' --> | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,550|rbMinHp=884}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | The OF-40 (MTCA) has an improved engine over its tech tree predecessors, offering its driver a notably improved power-to-weight ratio of 23.26 hp/ton (RB, spaded), relative to the [[OF-40 Mk.2A|Mk.2A]]'s 19.3. This is a significant improvement that is easily noticeable, and the MTCA comfortably displays better mobility characteristics than most of its contemporaries. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Modifications and economy === | ||
+ | {{Specs-Economy}} | ||
== Armaments == | == Armaments == | ||
+ | {{Specs-Tank-Armaments}} | ||
=== Main armament === | === Main armament === | ||
− | ''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.'' | + | {{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}} |
+ | <!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' --> | ||
+ | {{main|OTO Melara 105/52 (105 mm)}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%" | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! colspan="5" | [[OTO Melara 105/52 (105 mm)|105 mm OTO Melara 105/52]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds) | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer | ||
+ | ! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced | ||
+ | ! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! ''Arcade'' | ||
+ | | rowspan="2" | 61 || rowspan="2" | -9°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 38.1 || 52.7 || 64.0 || 70.8 || 75.3 || rowspan="2" | 8.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.70 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 6.70 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! ''Realistic'' | ||
+ | | 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Ammunition ==== | ||
+ | {{:OTO Melara 105/52 (105 mm)/Ammunition|M392A2, M393A2, M456, DM23, M416}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== [[Ammo racks]] ==== | ||
+ | <gallery mode="packed" heights="300"> | ||
+ | File:Ammoracks OF-40 Mk.2a (1).jpg|Ammoracks 1-9 | ||
+ | File:Ammoracks OF-40 Mk.2a (2).png|Ammoracks 10-12 | ||
+ | </gallery> | ||
+ | <!-- '''Last updated:''' --> | ||
+ | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! Full<br>ammo | ||
+ | ! 1st<br>rack empty | ||
+ | ! 2nd<br>rack empty | ||
+ | ! 3rd<br>rack empty | ||
+ | ! 4th<br>rack empty | ||
+ | ! 5th<br>rack empty | ||
+ | ! 6th<br>rack empty | ||
+ | ! 7th<br>rack empty | ||
+ | ! 8th<br>rack empty | ||
+ | ! 9th<br>rack empty | ||
+ | ! 10th<br>rack empty | ||
+ | ! 11th<br>rack empty | ||
+ | ! 12th<br>rack empty | ||
+ | ! Visual<br>discrepancy | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | '''61''' || 55 ''(+6)'' || 54 ''(+7)'' || 47 ''(+14)'' || 46 ''(+15)'' || 39 ''(+22)'' || 38 ''(+23)'' || 31 ''(+30)'' || 30 ''(+31)'' || 23 ''(+38)'' || 20 ''(+41)'' || 16 ''(+45)'' || 1 ''(+60)'' || No | ||
+ | |} | ||
+ | '''Notes:''' | ||
− | === | + | *Racks 11 and 12 are first stage ammo racks, meaning they will deplete when shots are fired but will then replenish from the other racks in the order from 1-9. Rack 11 depletes before rack 12, which is the last rack to deplete. |
− | + | <!--==== [[Optics]] ==== | |
+ | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
+ | ! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} Optics | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! | ||
+ | ! Default magnification | ||
+ | ! Maximum magnification | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! Main Gun optics | ||
+ | | X8.0 || X16.1 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! Comparable optics | ||
+ | | colspan="2" | ___ | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |}--> | ||
=== Machine guns === | === Machine guns === | ||
− | ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' | + | {{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}} |
+ | {{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}} | ||
+ | <!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' --> | ||
+ | {{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|FN MAG 60-40 (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 || 1,200 (200) || 577 || -10°/+65° || ±180° | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |} | ||
+ | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%" | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! colspan="5" | [[FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40]] | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | Coaxial || 4,000 (200) || 600 || N/A || N/A | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |} | ||
== 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).'' --> |
+ | |||
+ | With an upgraded 1,000 hp engine, the OF-40 (MTCA) is more manoeuvrable, similarly to other third generation main battle tanks. The OF-40 (MTCA) will get you to a better position than the rest of the tanks if not in an uptier situation. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The main weaponry on this tank is the same as the [[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard I family]]. DM23 APFSDS shells are recommended for engaging armoured targets while you should also carry several M456 HEATFS and M416 smoke shells for special purposes. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The armour is not upgraded from the rest of OF-40 family. Although the OF-40 family has spaced armour all around the turret, you will not want to use this feature. While it is significantly more effective than the Leopard 1's turret armour, all main battle tanks can still penetrate you from all angles with ease using kinetic energy shells. The hull is as fragile as other Leopards I, which is another reason why you don't want to take a shot. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Although the OF-40 (MTCA) has night vision devices, it lacks thermal sights for both the gunner and the commander. You might want to get in cover such as bushes and buildings first before opening fire. Avoid sitting in the opening at all time, always get in cover after shooting. | ||
+ | |||
+ | In summary, OF-40 MTCA is a mixture of the OF-40 Mk. 2 and the TAM: it is a great tank in mobility and fire power. However, lacking armour and thermal camera limits its usage on certain maps around open areas. | ||
=== 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".'' --> |
'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
− | * | + | |
+ | * One of the most mobile and speedy main battle tanks of its rank; notably more mobile than the Leopard A1A1 and L/44. | ||
+ | * Great gun handling - vertical and horizontal turret/gun speeds are some of the best | ||
+ | * Laser rangefinder and excellent optics permit easy sniping and long-range shots | ||
+ | * Plentiful selection of ammo; APDS, APFSDS, HESH, HEATFS, and smoke shells, handy for marking enemies or blocking their line of sight | ||
+ | * Spaced turret armour can save you from some autocannon fire, the front and sides are immune to HESH, and AP shot can bounce if angled | ||
+ | * 12.7 mm (.50 cal) commander's roof gun with 1,080 round ammo count is great for disabling light vehicles and fending off harassing planes and helicopters | ||
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
− | * | + | |
+ | * Rather large profile; the turret is quite large while peeking over a hilltop or ridgeline | ||
+ | * Low ready rack capacity; if carrying more than 20 shells, the spare rounds are placed next to the driver in the lightly-armoured hull | ||
+ | * Not having thermals at its high BR limits its potential in night battles as most of the opposition has access to thermals | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
− | ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the | + | <!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --> |
+ | |||
+ | The history of the OTO Melara OF-40 began during the late stages of the Cold War. Italy had begun to develop a new MBT for the first time since the Second World War, known as the OTO Melara 'Leone'. This tank was being jointly co-developed by Italy and Germany, based on the Leopard but with some notable differences, such as the turret and armament being made by OTO Melara. The design didn't generate enough interest and ultimately the project wouldn't go further than a single prototype. However, this would kickstart OTO Melara to begin developing tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles once again. One of their earliest being the OF-40, O standing for OTO, F standing for Fiat and 40 standing for the approximate weight of the tank in tons. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Unlike what many people believe, this tank was not based on any sort of Leopard, although it's evident by some of the design features that it would incorporate, that it at least drew inspiration from the Leopard. OTO Melara dealt with the armament, turret and FCS, whilst Fiat dealt with the hull, engine and transmission. In regards to the armament, it used a OTO Melara 105 mm rifled gun which was able to shoot most NATO standard ammunition, which included various HEAT, APDS, and HE rounds. Other armament included machine guns installed on top of the turret, either 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm. In terms of armour, the vehicle would offer slightly better protection than the Leopard tanks of the era, but it wasn't anything special. It also had access to smoke dischargers in case there was a need to disengage from a firefight. The base variant of the vehicle would use an MTU MB 838 KA 50 diesel engine, which allowed the vehicle to reach speeds of up to 60 km/h. | ||
+ | |||
+ | After a few prototypes were completed, it was time to market the vehicle. Initially they attempted to sell it to the Italian army, however it didn't go well due to them already having access to many Leopard MBTs in service. So they instead began to market the vehicle to various Middle Eastern nations, one being the UAE. The UAE at the time didn't really have any decent main battle tank force, and although the OF-40 might not have been the best during the era, they still ended up buying the vehicle and putting it in service. The tank would finally go ahead for full-scale production. According to some sources, the UAE ended up getting up to 100 units in total, alongside a new variant of the vehicle in the ARV variant. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Over time, the OF-40 Mk.1 began to show its age, thus a new variant was created which would be known as the OF-40 Mk.2. This vehicle would have a set of upgrades from the base variant, including the addition of a stabilizer, an LLTV and also new sensors and updates to the FCS (updated to use the Galileo OG14L2A), such as the addition of a ballistic computer. The commander sight however was kept from the previous variant, being the French-made SFIM VS 580-B. The OF-40 Mk.2 would also serve in the UAE, where all previous Mk.1 variants would be retrofitted to the more modern variant. | ||
+ | |||
+ | A very rare and obscure variant would be the OF-40 MTCA. The OF-40 (Mk.2) MTCA would be modified to allow for the installation of the Fiat MTCA V-12 1,000 hp engine, which increased the tank's speed by quite a lot. Only one OF-40 would receive such a package, it is unknown what happened after the tests. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Other variants include the Palmaria and OTOMATIC, both based on a modified OF-40 hull. There was also the OF-40 Thetis, an OF-40 Mk.2 fitted with thermal imaging devices and extra armour, and lastly there was also the OF-40 Mk.3, an OF-40 which used the Palmaria hull with the Ariete preserie turret. Currently, all OF-40s in service with the UAE have been put into storage. One was converted to an HIFV by a company known as Sabiex. The UAE said that they wanted to donate these tanks to Kosovo but nothing materialized. Other OF-40 tanks and their variants currently reside in the 'Museo Della Melara' in La Speiza, Italy. | ||
== 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.'' --> |
+ | |||
+ | ;Skins | ||
+ | |||
+ | * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=it_of_40_mtca 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.'' --> |
+ | |||
+ | ;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role | ||
+ | |||
+ | * [[Leopard 1 (Family)]] | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
− | <!--Paste links to sources and external resources, such as: | + | <!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' |
* ''topic on the official game forum;'' | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
− | + | * ''other literature.'' --> | |
− | * ''other literature.''--> | + | |
− | * [[wt:en/news/6201-shop-of-40-mk-2-mtca-pre-order-en|[Shop | + | * [[wt:en/news/6201-shop-of-40-mk-2-mtca-pre-order-en|[Shop] OF-40 Mk.2 MTCA pre-order]] |
+ | * https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/391690-oto-melara-of-40-variants-and-derivatives/ | ||
+ | * https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/474469-of-40-thetis-mirabilandia-of-40/ | ||
+ | * https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/277682-of-40-or-leopard-a5-for-new-top-tier-position/ | ||
+ | {{TankManufacturer OTO Melara}} | ||
{{Italy medium tanks}} | {{Italy medium tanks}} | ||
{{Italy premium ground vehicles}} | {{Italy premium ground vehicles}} |
Latest revision as of 17:12, 14 May 2024
This page is about the premium Italian medium tank OF-40 (MTCA). For other versions, see OF-40 (Family). |
Contents
Description
The OF-40 MTCA is based on the OF-40 Mk.2A, also made by OTO Melara, and fitted with a new Fiat MTCA V-12 1,000 hp engine, greatly improving mobility of the vehicle.
Introduced in Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy", the MTCA can reach to spots on the maps much quicker than other vehicles at its battle rating, so playing aggressively or even flanking with this tank can be effective. However, the same weakspots of the previous OF-40's remain. It also does not have access to thermals but does have access to NVD. The MTCA also comes with a unique skin based on OF-40s exported to the UAE.
The OF-40 MTCA was removed from sale in the Gaijin store after the 2022 May sale, and was reintroduced as a Golden Eagle premium in Update "Danger Zone".
General info
Survivability and armour
The OF-40 (MTCA) has very little in the way of armour - effectively identical to both OF-40 models in the tech tree - with just enough to protect its crew from most frontal attacks from light autocannons - however even then the turret ring and some other small weak spots are reasonably vulnerable. Despite this, the OF-40's steep constructional angles may on occasion bounce even APFSDS rounds, while the (minimalist) spaced armour in the turret may absorb some less-powerful chemical rounds. Regardless, the safest approach is to avoid enemy fire whenever possible.
The OF-40's survivability is comparable to the Leopard A1A1 (L/44), as most of the vehicle's ammunition is stored in the hull adjacent to the driver, with a small portion of the ammunition being placed in primary stowage below the loader. The unfortunate result is that almost any hull penetration in the front half of the vehicle is liable to destroy ammunition with a high chance of detonation. Additionally, the turret crew are very poorly spaced and a well-placed round can easily knock out the entire crew simultaneously.
The result of the lack of survivability and armour is that the OF-40 (MTCA) is not viable as a front-line MBT, but rather should be played in flanking or sniping roles.
Armour type:
- Rolled Homogeneous Armour - Hull and Turret
- High Hardness Rolled Armour - Turret
- Rubber-Fabric Screens - Sideskirts
Armour | Front (Slope angle) | Sides | Rear | Roof |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hull | 70 mm (68°) Upper Glacis 50 mm (50°) Lower Glacis |
35 mm Upper Crew Compartment 25 mm Upper Engine Compartment 30 mm Lower |
25 mm | 15 - 30 mm |
Turret | 30 - 68 mm (Various Angles) Turret front 30 mm (~58°) + 45 mm (Curved) Gun mantlet |
Spaced: 30 mm + 80 mm air + 35 mm Forward Spaced: 12 mm + 120 mm + 35 mm Rearward |
30 mm | 20 - 40 mm |
Notes:
- The turret sides use spaced armour, and are therefore stronger than they appear in the armour viewer.
- Beneath the angled outer portion of the gun mantlet is a curved 45 mm plate.
- There are 10 mm rubber-fabric screens protecting the upper suspension.
- The rear of the turret has 5 mm of structural steel in addition to the base armour.
Mobility
Game Mode | Max Speed (km/h) | Weight (tons) | Engine power (horsepower) | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Forward | Reverse | Stock | Upgraded | Stock | Upgraded | ||
Arcade | 73 | 28 | 43 | 1,550 | 1,908 | 36.05 | 44.37 |
Realistic | 66 | 26 | 884 | 1,000 | 20.56 | 23.26 |
The OF-40 (MTCA) has an improved engine over its tech tree predecessors, offering its driver a notably improved power-to-weight ratio of 23.26 hp/ton (RB, spaded), relative to the Mk.2A's 19.3. This is a significant improvement that is easily noticeable, and the MTCA comfortably displays better mobility characteristics than most of its contemporaries.
Modifications and economy
Armaments
Main armament
105 mm OTO Melara 105/52 | Turret rotation speed (°/s) | Reloading rate (seconds) | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mode | Capacity | Vertical | Horizontal | Stabilizer | Stock | Upgraded | Full | Expert | Aced | Stock | Full | Expert | Aced |
Arcade | 61 | -9°/+20° | ±180° | Two-plane | 38.1 | 52.7 | 64.0 | 70.8 | 75.3 | 8.71 | 7.70 | 7.10 | 6.70 |
Realistic | 23.8 | 28.0 | 34.0 | 37.6 | 40.0 |
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 | ||
M392A2 | APDS | 350 | 347 | 333 | 317 | 302 | 287 |
M393A2 | HESH | 127 | 127 | 127 | 127 | 127 | 127 |
M456 | HEATFS | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 |
DM23 | APFSDS | 337 | 335 | 330 | 322 | 314 | 306 |
Shell details | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ammunition | Type of warhead |
Velocity (m/s) |
Projectile mass (kg) |
Fuse delay (m) |
Fuse sensitivity (mm) |
Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (kg) |
Ricochet | |||||
0% | 50% | 100% | ||||||||||
M392A2 | APDS | 1,478 | 4 | - | - | - | 75° | 78° | 80° | |||
M393A2 | HESH | 732 | 11.2 | 0.1 | 4 | 4.31 | 73° | 77° | 80° | |||
M456 | HEATFS | 1,174 | 10.5 | 0.05 | 0.1 | 1.27 | 65° | 72° | 77° | |||
DM23 | APFSDS | 1,455 | 4.2 | - | - | - | 78° | 80° | 81° |
Smoke shell characteristics | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ammunition | Velocity (m/s) |
Projectile mass (kg) |
Screen radius (m) |
Screen deploy time (s) |
Screen hold time (s) |
Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (g) |
M416 | 732 | 11.6 | 16 | 5 | 25 | 50 |
Ammo racks
Full ammo |
1st rack empty |
2nd rack empty |
3rd rack empty |
4th rack empty |
5th rack empty |
6th rack empty |
7th rack empty |
8th rack empty |
9th rack empty |
10th rack empty |
11th rack empty |
12th rack empty |
Visual discrepancy |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
61 | 55 (+6) | 54 (+7) | 47 (+14) | 46 (+15) | 39 (+22) | 38 (+23) | 31 (+30) | 30 (+31) | 23 (+38) | 20 (+41) | 16 (+45) | 1 (+60) | No |
Notes:
- Racks 11 and 12 are first stage ammo racks, meaning they will deplete when shots are fired but will then replenish from the other racks in the order from 1-9. Rack 11 depletes before rack 12, which is the last rack to deplete.
Machine guns
12.7 mm M2HB | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Mount | Capacity (Belt) | Fire rate | Vertical | Horizontal |
Pintle | 1,200 (200) | 577 | -10°/+65° | ±180° |
7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Mount | Capacity (Belt) | Fire rate | Vertical | Horizontal |
Coaxial | 4,000 (200) | 600 | N/A | N/A |
Usage in battles
With an upgraded 1,000 hp engine, the OF-40 (MTCA) is more manoeuvrable, similarly to other third generation main battle tanks. The OF-40 (MTCA) will get you to a better position than the rest of the tanks if not in an uptier situation.
The main weaponry on this tank is the same as the Leopard I family. DM23 APFSDS shells are recommended for engaging armoured targets while you should also carry several M456 HEATFS and M416 smoke shells for special purposes.
The armour is not upgraded from the rest of OF-40 family. Although the OF-40 family has spaced armour all around the turret, you will not want to use this feature. While it is significantly more effective than the Leopard 1's turret armour, all main battle tanks can still penetrate you from all angles with ease using kinetic energy shells. The hull is as fragile as other Leopards I, which is another reason why you don't want to take a shot.
Although the OF-40 (MTCA) has night vision devices, it lacks thermal sights for both the gunner and the commander. You might want to get in cover such as bushes and buildings first before opening fire. Avoid sitting in the opening at all time, always get in cover after shooting.
In summary, OF-40 MTCA is a mixture of the OF-40 Mk. 2 and the TAM: it is a great tank in mobility and fire power. However, lacking armour and thermal camera limits its usage on certain maps around open areas.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- One of the most mobile and speedy main battle tanks of its rank; notably more mobile than the Leopard A1A1 and L/44.
- Great gun handling - vertical and horizontal turret/gun speeds are some of the best
- Laser rangefinder and excellent optics permit easy sniping and long-range shots
- Plentiful selection of ammo; APDS, APFSDS, HESH, HEATFS, and smoke shells, handy for marking enemies or blocking their line of sight
- Spaced turret armour can save you from some autocannon fire, the front and sides are immune to HESH, and AP shot can bounce if angled
- 12.7 mm (.50 cal) commander's roof gun with 1,080 round ammo count is great for disabling light vehicles and fending off harassing planes and helicopters
Cons:
- Rather large profile; the turret is quite large while peeking over a hilltop or ridgeline
- Low ready rack capacity; if carrying more than 20 shells, the spare rounds are placed next to the driver in the lightly-armoured hull
- Not having thermals at its high BR limits its potential in night battles as most of the opposition has access to thermals
History
The history of the OTO Melara OF-40 began during the late stages of the Cold War. Italy had begun to develop a new MBT for the first time since the Second World War, known as the OTO Melara 'Leone'. This tank was being jointly co-developed by Italy and Germany, based on the Leopard but with some notable differences, such as the turret and armament being made by OTO Melara. The design didn't generate enough interest and ultimately the project wouldn't go further than a single prototype. However, this would kickstart OTO Melara to begin developing tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles once again. One of their earliest being the OF-40, O standing for OTO, F standing for Fiat and 40 standing for the approximate weight of the tank in tons.
Unlike what many people believe, this tank was not based on any sort of Leopard, although it's evident by some of the design features that it would incorporate, that it at least drew inspiration from the Leopard. OTO Melara dealt with the armament, turret and FCS, whilst Fiat dealt with the hull, engine and transmission. In regards to the armament, it used a OTO Melara 105 mm rifled gun which was able to shoot most NATO standard ammunition, which included various HEAT, APDS, and HE rounds. Other armament included machine guns installed on top of the turret, either 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm. In terms of armour, the vehicle would offer slightly better protection than the Leopard tanks of the era, but it wasn't anything special. It also had access to smoke dischargers in case there was a need to disengage from a firefight. The base variant of the vehicle would use an MTU MB 838 KA 50 diesel engine, which allowed the vehicle to reach speeds of up to 60 km/h.
After a few prototypes were completed, it was time to market the vehicle. Initially they attempted to sell it to the Italian army, however it didn't go well due to them already having access to many Leopard MBTs in service. So they instead began to market the vehicle to various Middle Eastern nations, one being the UAE. The UAE at the time didn't really have any decent main battle tank force, and although the OF-40 might not have been the best during the era, they still ended up buying the vehicle and putting it in service. The tank would finally go ahead for full-scale production. According to some sources, the UAE ended up getting up to 100 units in total, alongside a new variant of the vehicle in the ARV variant.
Over time, the OF-40 Mk.1 began to show its age, thus a new variant was created which would be known as the OF-40 Mk.2. This vehicle would have a set of upgrades from the base variant, including the addition of a stabilizer, an LLTV and also new sensors and updates to the FCS (updated to use the Galileo OG14L2A), such as the addition of a ballistic computer. The commander sight however was kept from the previous variant, being the French-made SFIM VS 580-B. The OF-40 Mk.2 would also serve in the UAE, where all previous Mk.1 variants would be retrofitted to the more modern variant.
A very rare and obscure variant would be the OF-40 MTCA. The OF-40 (Mk.2) MTCA would be modified to allow for the installation of the Fiat MTCA V-12 1,000 hp engine, which increased the tank's speed by quite a lot. Only one OF-40 would receive such a package, it is unknown what happened after the tests.
Other variants include the Palmaria and OTOMATIC, both based on a modified OF-40 hull. There was also the OF-40 Thetis, an OF-40 Mk.2 fitted with thermal imaging devices and extra armour, and lastly there was also the OF-40 Mk.3, an OF-40 which used the Palmaria hull with the Ariete preserie turret. Currently, all OF-40s in service with the UAE have been put into storage. One was converted to an HIFV by a company known as Sabiex. The UAE said that they wanted to donate these tanks to Kosovo but nothing materialized. Other OF-40 tanks and their variants currently reside in the 'Museo Della Melara' in La Speiza, Italy.
Media
- Skins
See also
- Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
External links
- [Shop] OF-40 Mk.2 MTCA pre-order
- https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/391690-oto-melara-of-40-variants-and-derivatives/
- https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/474469-of-40-thetis-mirabilandia-of-40/
- https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/277682-of-40-or-leopard-a5-for-new-top-tier-position/
OTO Melara | |
---|---|
Light Tanks/IFVs | |
Centauro | Centauro I 105 · Centauro I 105 R · Centauro I 120 · VRCC |
Dardo | Dardo · VCC-80/30 · VCC-80/60 |
Other | C13 T90 · R3 T106 FA |
MBTs | |
OF-40 | OF-40 · OF-40 Mk.2A · OF-40 (MTCA) |
Ariete | Ariete (P) · Ariete · Ariete PSO · Ariete AMV |
Other | M47 (105/55) |
Tank Destroyers | M113A1 (TOW) |
SPAA | R3 T20 FA-HS · SIDAM 25 · SIDAM 25 (Mistral) · OTOMATIC |
Patrol Boats | |
Sparviero-class | Sparviero* |
See Also | OTO |
*Built by OTO Melara in La Spezia under the Alinavi S.p.A. consortium |
Italy medium tanks | |
---|---|
Italy | |
M13/40 | M13/40 (I) · M13/40 (II) · M13/40 (III) |
M14/41 | M14/41 · M14/41 (47/40) |
M15/42 | M15/42 |
M16/43 | Celere Sahariano |
P26/40 | P40 · P40 "G.C. Leoncello" |
OF-40 | OF-40 · OF-40 Mk.2A · OF-40 (MTCA) |
Ariete | Ariete (P) · Ariete · Ariete PSO · Ariete AMV |
Germany | ▄Pz.III N · ▄Pz.IV G · ▄Leopard 1A5 |
Allied powers | ▄Sherman I Composito · Sherman Ic · ▄Sherman Vc · ▄Sherman V · M26 "D.C.Ariete" · M26A1 · M47 (105/55) · M60A1 "D.C.Ariete" |
Hungary | |
Turán | Turan I · Turan II · Turan III |
Germany | ◔Leopard 2A4 · Leopard 2A7HU |
USSR | ◔T-72M1 |
Italy premium ground vehicles | |
---|---|
Light tanks | L6/40 (31 Rgt.) · Toldi IIA · AUBL/74 HVG · VRCC · Centauro RGO |
Medium tanks | M13/40 (II) · Turan II · M14/41 (47/40) · Celere Sahariano · P40 "G.C. Leoncello" · ▄Sherman I Composito · ▄Pz.IV G |
M26 "D.C.Ariete" · M60A1 "D.C.Ariete" · OF-40 (MTCA) | |
Heavy tanks | Tigris |
Tank destroyers | Breda 90/53 · M43 "G.C.Leoncello" · Zrinyi I |