Difference between revisions of "M15/42"

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{{Specs-Card|code=it_m15_42}}
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{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=it_m15_42
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_M15_42.jpg|ArtImage_M15-42.png}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_M15 42.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]]. The M15/42 is the last tank before getting to the P40 and foreign medium tanks and is the final version of the Carro Armato, thus giving some notable improvements over the previous models.
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{{break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]]. The M15/42 is the last tank before getting to the P40 and foreign medium tanks and is the final version of the Carro Armato, thus giving some notable improvements over the previous models.  
 
  
 
== 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.'' -->
  
−
If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.-->
+
'''Armour type:'''
  
−
The best way to describe the overall armour on the M15/42 is "Adequate".
+
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet, MG port)
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 50 mm (12°) ''Upper plate'' <br> 30 mm (12°) + 30 mm (spherical) ''MG port'' <br> 25 mm (80°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 30 mm (cylindrical) ''Lower plate'' || 25 mm (8°) ''Top'' <br> 25 mm ''Bottom'' <br> 30 mm (9-12°) ''MG bulge'' || 25 mm ''Upper part'' <br> 25 mm (15°) ''Lower part'' || 25 mm (10°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 25 mm ''Crew compartment'' <br> 8 mm (15°) ''Rear section - Engine'' <br> 5-25 mm (8°) ''Rear section - Radiator vents''
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 30 + 40 mm (cylindrical) ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 45 mm (13°) ''Turret front'' <br> 50 mm ''Turret ring'' || colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 25 mm (20°) <br> 50 mm ''Turret ring'' || 15 mm (5°)
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
 +
* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick and bogies 10 mm thick.
 +
* The {{PAGENAME}}'s belly is 14 mm thick.
 +
* Mudguards are 4 mm thick.
  
 
;Turret
 
;Turret
  
−
* The turret is only 25 mm at the side, but due to the roundness and the slope of the armour at the front of the tank, it has an effective thickness of ~70 mm which can bounce poorly aimed shots. The Manlet has two layers of armour stacked on top of each other, giving an effective thickness of 75 mm, however, it has a shot trap on the left side which only has a thickness between 29 mm and 49 mm however due to the low battle rating, most new players won't know to shoot there. Despite the shot trap, the combination of good, sloped and rounded turret armour can make the M15/42 effective at hull-down positions.
+
The turret is only 25 mm at the side, but due to the roundness and the slope of the armour at the front of the tank, it has an effective thickness of ~70 mm which can bounce poorly aimed shots. The mantlet has two layers of armour stacked on top of each other, giving an effective thickness of 75 mm, however, it has a shot trap on the left side which only has a thickness between 29 mm and 49 mm however due to the low battle rating, most new players won't know to shoot there. Despite the shot trap, the combination of good, sloped and rounded turret armour can make the {{PAGENAME}} effective at hull-down positions.
  
 
;Hull
 
;Hull
  
−
* The top of the hull has decent protection in the form of a 50 mm frontal plate and a ludicrously sloped 80° 20 mm plate which has an effective thickness of ~75 mm. However, the lower Glacis plate only has a thickness of 30 mm and is directly in front of the transmission, so shots there will cripple the tank's mobility and possible result in the player's destruction.
+
The top of the hull has decent protection in the form of a 50 mm frontal plate and a ludicrously sloped (80°) 20 mm plate which has an effective thickness of ~75 mm. However, the lower glacis plate only has a thickness of 30 mm and is directly in front of the transmission, so shots there will cripple the tank's mobility and possible result in its destruction.
  
 
=== 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 forwards and backwards.-->
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{{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= 287|rbMinHp= 164}}
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} is not a shining star on the battlefield, however, when it comes to mobility, this medium tank can get around. While being understandably significantly slower than most light tanks encountered at this battle rating, it can hold its own over most terrain as a medium tank, sacrificing armour for mobility.
  
−
The M15/42 is not a shining star on the battlefield, however, when it comes to mobility, this medium tank can get around. While being understandably significantly slower than most light tanks encountered at this battle rating, it can hold it's own over most terrain as a medium tank, sacrificing armour for mobility.
+
=== 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|47/40 mod.38 (47 mm)}}
 
{{main|47/40 mod.38 (47 mm)}}
  
−
The 47/40 mod.38 is quite the powerhouse at this rank, especially due to the effective shells at its disposal. The Mod.39 shell has a decent muzzle velocity of 755 m/s, good post-penetration damage and adequate penetration at close ranges. However, it quickly loses effectiveness at longer ranges. This encourages the player to fight in the mid-range area, almost always in a hull-down position.
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
 
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | [[47/40 mod.38 (47 mm)|47 mm 47/40 mod.38]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[47/40 mod.38 (47 mm)|47 mm 47/40 mod.38]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
+
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
+
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
+
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
−
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="3" | 111 || -10°/+20° || ±180° || N/A
+
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 111 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 13.3 || 18.5 || 22.4 || 24.8 || 26.4 || rowspan="2" | 3.77 || rowspan="2" | 3.33 || rowspan="2" | 3.07 || rowspan="2" | 2.90
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
+
! ''Realistic''
−
|-
+
| 8.3 || 9.8 || 11.9 || 13.2 || 14.0
−
! style="width:4em" |Mode
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Stock
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
−
|-
 
−
| ''Arcade'' || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
 
−
|-
 
−
| ''Realistic'' || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
−
|-
 
−
| __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== Ammunition =====
+
The 47/40 mod.38 cannon is quite the powerhouse at this rank, especially due to the effective shells at its disposal. The mod.39 shell has a decent muzzle velocity of 755 m/s, good post-penetration damage and adequate penetration at close ranges. However, it quickly loses effectiveness at longer ranges. This encourages the player to fight in the mid-range area, almost always in a hull-down position.
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
 
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
==== Ammunition ====
−
|-
+
The shells available for the {{PAGENAME}} are limited:
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
 
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
+
* '''Granata mod.35''': HE; a high-explosive useful for destroying open and lightly armoured vehicles. It however is a very slow shell travelling (twice slower than the other projectile). You can pack a few of those as you lack a heavy machine gun.
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
+
* '''Granata Perforante mod.39''': APBC; a solid shot with an average penetration and good explosive filler. Make sure to target modules and crew positions to maximise the damage. A single shot may be effective against armoured cars and smaller or cramped vehicles but disabling the enemy gunner on your first shot will be critical to win engagements against bigger opponents as you'll most likely need several shots. This shell should be your default ammunition.
−
|-
 
−
! 10m
 
−
! 100m
 
−
! 500m
 
−
! 1000m
 
−
! 1500m
 
−
! 2000m
 
−
|-
 
−
| Granata mod.35 || HE || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| Granata Perforante mod.39 || APBC  || 69 || 67 || 59 || 50 || 43 || 36
 
−
|-  
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
 
−
''in m:''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
 
−
''in mm:''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 
−
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0%
 
−
! 50%
 
−
! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| Granata mod.35 || HE || 250 || 2.4 || 2 || 0.1 || 150 || ° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Granata Perforante mod.39 || APBC || 755 || 1.4 || 1.2 || 15 || 30 || ° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
+
{{:47/40 mod.38 (47 mm)/Ammunition|Granata mod.35, Granata Perforante mod.39}}
−
[[File:Ammoracks M15 42.jpg|thumb|462x462px|Ammo racks of the M15/42.]]
 
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
+
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks M15-42.jpg|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 1.101.1.33''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
+
! Full<br>ammo
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br /> rack empty
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br /> rack empty
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br /> rack empty
+
! 3rd<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
+
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
|| '''111''' || 102&nbsp;''(+9)'' || 93&nbsp;''(+18)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+110)'' || style="text-align:left" | No
+
| '''111''' || 104&nbsp;''(+7)'' || 95&nbsp;''(+16)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+110)'' || Yes
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
Notes:
 +
 +
* The visual discrepancy concerns rack 1, which is modeled as 9 shells each but will disappear after you've fired 8 shells from it.
 +
* As they are modeled by sets of 2 to 5 shells, sets disappear from the rack only after you fire all shells in the set.
 +
* The massive rack 3 depletes from the centre outwards.
  
 
=== 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|Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)}}
 
{{main|Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="7" | [[Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)|8 mm Breda Mod. 38]]
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="4" | 1,524 (24) || 600 || N/A || N/A
+
! colspan="5" | [[Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)|8 mm Breda Mod. 38]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount''
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
| Coaxial || 288 (24) || 600 || N/A || N/A
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="4" | 288 (24) || 600 || __° || __°
+
| Pintle || 1,536 (24) || 600 || -10°/+20° || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
The small calibre of the Breda Mod. 38 machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight. The pintle-mounted MG can not pivot independently from the turret. Two additional hull-mounted Breda machine guns are modeled but not usable.
  
 
== 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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Combat tactics
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} is basically a M14/41 tank boasting a better gun, a more powerful engine and thus sitting at a higher battle rating. With the BR increase, the competition gets also tougher. That's why the {{PAGENAME}} features henceforth average armour for its rank, especially the sides and around the turret. Frontally, the massive 50 mm front plate is the biggest weak spot: flat, hard to miss and a penetrating shot through this plate will kill the driver and the gunner that sits behind him. To avoid this, you can angle your tank about 30 degrees to the left to hide your flat plate and present instead the MG bulge that could absorb some shots. This however is not a durable strategy, any expert tanker won't fall for that trick.
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}}'s top speed of 38 km/h limits its opportunities as a flanker. Its flat armour also limits its capacity to advance exposed in the open and its rather slow turret rotation prevents it from reacting quickly to 360° threats as a frontline tank. Its solid 47 mm gun on the other hand coupled with 15 degrees of gun depression makes the {{PAGENAME}} a good support tank. Stay behind cover at a distance (500 to 700 m) from the frontline to support spearheading tanks, this will also increase your armour advantage. On top of that, the {{PAGENAME}} sports with a crew of 4 (and 1 spare) a longer durability than most tanks at its BR. When being focused on the action, it is imperative to always check for 2 main threats: flanking enemies who could reach you quickly from the frontline and tank destroyers with a high penetration power lurking at a safe distance. If you're flanked, your turret doesn't turn all too fast: rotate your hull instead. Pivot turning in the {{PAGENAME}} will always be faster than turning your turret. If you spot a tank destroyer aligned on your position, retreat or get behind cover.
 +
 
 +
;Notable enemies
 +
 
 +
* Heavy tanks like B1 bis or B1 ter whose armour is too strong for your gun,
 +
* Tank destroyers with powerful guns like the Marder III, ZiS-30, Ho-Ni I, Ho-Ni III, Chi-Ha LG or the LVT(A)(4) (ZiS-2) (China),
 +
* Tanks with HEAT shells like the Pz. IV E, F1, the StuG III A or the StuH 42 G,
 +
* Tanks with APDS shells like the Strv m/40L, the Strv m/41 S-II or the Lago I,
 +
* Tanks with many crew members like the M3 Lee, the Grant I, the T-28 or the T-28E whose durability is high.
 +
 
 +
;How to defeat a {{PAGENAME}}
 +
 
 +
Rule of thumb is to get as close as possible as you can to maximise your penetration power as its armour is flat.
 +
 
 +
* In a frontal encounter, shoot right in the middle of the front plate if the {{PAGENAME}} did not angle its hull. This will knock out the gunner and the driver.
 +
* If it is hull down, aim at the turret cheeks.
 +
* If its hull is angled, aim at the flat corners of the hull.
 +
* If you manage to flank the {{PAGENAME}}, aim for the hull spot right under the center of the turret or the turret itself.
 +
* From the rear, target the turret first and then the crew compartment right under the turret (avoid shooting in the engine compartment: it will absorb shots with little damage to the crew).
  
 
=== 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:'''
  
−
* Solid frontal armour  
+
* Decent frontal armour, especially when angled or in a hull-down position
 
* Decent mobility
 
* Decent mobility
 
* The Mod.39 shell has effective penetration for the BR and quite good post-penetration damage
 
* The Mod.39 shell has effective penetration for the BR and quite good post-penetration damage
Line 173: Line 164:
 
* Adequate turret traverse
 
* Adequate turret traverse
 
* Due to the 80° angle the upper glacis is angled at, it can be a very good shot-bouncer
 
* Due to the 80° angle the upper glacis is angled at, it can be a very good shot-bouncer
−
* Hard to kill from the front, especially when in a hull-down position
 
 
* Decent muzzle velocity
 
* Decent muzzle velocity
  
Line 180: Line 170:
 
* Crew is cramped
 
* Crew is cramped
 
* Mod.39 shell rapidly loses effectiveness at range
 
* Mod.39 shell rapidly loses effectiveness at range
−
* Frontal plate is almost flat
+
* Although better than previous italian medium tanks, giant flat plate on the hull front provides a massive weakspot
 
* Rest of the armour is mediocre at best
 
* Rest of the armour is mediocre at best
 
* Shots to the lower glacis almost always result in the transmission breaking
 
* Shots to the lower glacis almost always result in the transmission breaking
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
The last version of the M13 series. The M15/42 was slightly longer than the preceding models and had a higher-velocity 47mm gun, a more powerful engine, and improved armour. In total 112 were built, before production was switched to the tank destroyer version (the Semovente M42 da 75/18). By September 1943 when Italy surrendered, 82 of those had been issued to army units, in five-tank platoons. Their only use in combat by an Italian Army unit was actually against the Germans that month, in particular by the 135th "Ariete II" Division in the defence of Rome.
 
The last version of the M13 series. The M15/42 was slightly longer than the preceding models and had a higher-velocity 47mm gun, a more powerful engine, and improved armour. In total 112 were built, before production was switched to the tank destroyer version (the Semovente M42 da 75/18). By September 1943 when Italy surrendered, 82 of those had been issued to army units, in five-tank platoons. Their only use in combat by an Italian Army unit was actually against the Germans that month, in particular by the 135th "Ariete II" Division in the defence of Rome.
  
Line 190: Line 181:
  
 
== 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_m15_42 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|ws-6J_mSBtw|'''Carro Armato {{PAGENAME}}, Italian, Tier-2, Medium Tank''' - ''Angry Nerd Gaming''|HK2D0Kto0DE|'''{{PAGENAME}} Review, Decent, just constant uptiers!''' - ''Joseph 2000''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
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;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* [[75/34 M42]]
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;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
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* [[M14/41]] / [[M14/41 (47/40)]]
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* [[Chi-He]] / [[Chi-He (5th Regiment)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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* [[wikipedia:M15/42_tank|[Wikipedia] M15/42 tank]]
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* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
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* [https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/italy/Carro_Armato_Medio_M15-42.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Carro Armato Medio M15/42]
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* ''other literature.''
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* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=265 <nowiki>[Military Factory]</nowiki> Carro Armato M15/42]
  
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{{TankManufacturer FIAT-Ansaldo}}
 
{{Italy medium tanks}}
 
{{Italy medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 13:18, 28 January 2023

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
M15/42
it_m15_42.png
GarageImage M15 42.jpg
ArtImage M15-42.png
M15/42
Italy flag.png Italy
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.7 2.7 2.7
Class:
Research:7 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:10 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Fiat-Ansaldo M15/42 is a rank II Italian medium tank with a battle rating of 2.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.85 "Supersonic". The M15/42 is the last tank before getting to the P40 and foreign medium tanks and is the final version of the Carro Armato, thus giving some notable improvements over the previous models.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull50 / 25 / 25
Turret45 / 25 / 25
Crew4 people
Visibility82 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet, MG port)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 50 mm (12°) Upper plate
30 mm (12°) + 30 mm (spherical) MG port
25 mm (80°) Front glacis
30 mm (cylindrical) Lower plate 		25 mm (8°) Top
25 mm Bottom
30 mm (9-12°) MG bulge 		25 mm Upper part
25 mm (15°) Lower part 		25 mm (10°) Front glacis
25 mm Crew compartment
8 mm (15°) Rear section - Engine
5-25 mm (8°) Rear section - Radiator vents
Turret 30 + 40 mm (cylindrical) Gun mantlet
45 mm (13°) Turret front
50 mm Turret ring 		25 mm (20°)
50 mm Turret ring 		15 mm (5°)

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick and bogies 10 mm thick.
  • The M15/42's belly is 14 mm thick.
  • Mudguards are 4 mm thick.
Turret

The turret is only 25 mm at the side, but due to the roundness and the slope of the armour at the front of the tank, it has an effective thickness of ~70 mm which can bounce poorly aimed shots. The mantlet has two layers of armour stacked on top of each other, giving an effective thickness of 75 mm, however, it has a shot trap on the left side which only has a thickness between 29 mm and 49 mm however due to the low battle rating, most new players won't know to shoot there. Despite the shot trap, the combination of good, sloped and rounded turret armour can make the M15/42 effective at hull-down positions.

Hull

The top of the hull has decent protection in the form of a 50 mm frontal plate and a ludicrously sloped (80°) 20 mm plate which has an effective thickness of ~75 mm. However, the lower glacis plate only has a thickness of 30 mm and is directly in front of the transmission, so shots there will cripple the tank's mobility and possible result in its destruction.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB43 / 4 km/h
RB and SB39 / 4 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight15.0 t
Engine power
AB353 hp
RB and SB185 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB23.5 hp/t
RB and SB12.3 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 43 4 15 287 353 19.13 23.53
Realistic 39 4 164 185 10.93 12.33

The M15/42 is not a shining star on the battlefield, however, when it comes to mobility, this medium tank can get around. While being understandably significantly slower than most light tanks encountered at this battle rating, it can hold its own over most terrain as a medium tank, sacrificing armour for mobility.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB392 → 530 Sl icon.png
RB433 → 585 Sl icon.png
SB520 → 703 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications6 910 Rp icon.png
6 740 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost530 Ge icon.png
Crew training3 000 Sl icon.png
Experts10 000 Sl icon.png
Aces115 Ge icon.png
Research Aces160 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
30 / 40 / 40 % Sl icon.png
112 / 112 / 112 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
460 Rp icon.png
Cost:
450 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
380 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
380 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
420 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
750 Rp icon.png
Cost:
730 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
750 Rp icon.png
Cost:
730 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
460 Rp icon.png
Cost:
450 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
380 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement it.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
420 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
460 Rp icon.png
Cost:
450 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
380 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
420 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
420 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
750 Rp icon.png
Cost:
730 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

47 mm 47/40 mod.38 cannon
Ammunition111 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
3.8 → 2.9 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: 47/40 mod.38 (47 mm)
47 mm 47/40 mod.38 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 111 -10°/+20° ±180° N/A 13.3 18.5 22.4 24.8 26.4 3.77 3.33 3.07 2.90
Realistic 8.3 9.8 11.9 13.2 14.0

The 47/40 mod.38 cannon is quite the powerhouse at this rank, especially due to the effective shells at its disposal. The mod.39 shell has a decent muzzle velocity of 755 m/s, good post-penetration damage and adequate penetration at close ranges. However, it quickly loses effectiveness at longer ranges. This encourages the player to fight in the mid-range area, almost always in a hull-down position.

Ammunition

The shells available for the M15/42 are limited:

  • Granata mod.35: HE; a high-explosive useful for destroying open and lightly armoured vehicles. It however is a very slow shell travelling (twice slower than the other projectile). You can pack a few of those as you lack a heavy machine gun.
  • Granata Perforante mod.39: APBC; a solid shot with an average penetration and good explosive filler. Make sure to target modules and crew positions to maximise the damage. A single shot may be effective against armoured cars and smaller or cramped vehicles but disabling the enemy gunner on your first shot will be critical to win engagements against bigger opponents as you'll most likely need several shots. This shell should be your default 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
Granata mod.35 HE 5 5 5 5 5 5
Granata Perforante mod.39 APBC 62 61 53 46 39 33
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%
Granata mod.35 HE 364 2.37 0.1 0.1 150 79° 80° 81°
Granata Perforante mod.39 APBC 755 1.44 1.2 9 30 47° 60° 65°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M15/42
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
111 104 (+7) 95 (+16) 1 (+110) Yes

Notes:

  • The visual discrepancy concerns rack 1, which is modeled as 9 shells each but will disappear after you've fired 8 shells from it.
  • As they are modeled by sets of 2 to 5 shells, sets disappear from the rack only after you fire all shells in the set.
  • The massive rack 3 depletes from the centre outwards.

Machine guns

8 mm Breda Mod. 38 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition288 rounds
Belt capacity24 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
8 mm Breda Mod. 38 machine gun
Ammunition1 536 rounds
Belt capacity24 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main article: Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)
8 mm Breda Mod. 38
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 288 (24) 600 N/A N/A
Pintle 1,536 (24) 600 -10°/+20° N/A

The small calibre of the Breda Mod. 38 machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight. The pintle-mounted MG can not pivot independently from the turret. Two additional hull-mounted Breda machine guns are modeled but not usable.

Usage in battles

Combat tactics

The M15/42 is basically a M14/41 tank boasting a better gun, a more powerful engine and thus sitting at a higher battle rating. With the BR increase, the competition gets also tougher. That's why the M15/42 features henceforth average armour for its rank, especially the sides and around the turret. Frontally, the massive 50 mm front plate is the biggest weak spot: flat, hard to miss and a penetrating shot through this plate will kill the driver and the gunner that sits behind him. To avoid this, you can angle your tank about 30 degrees to the left to hide your flat plate and present instead the MG bulge that could absorb some shots. This however is not a durable strategy, any expert tanker won't fall for that trick.

The M15/42's top speed of 38 km/h limits its opportunities as a flanker. Its flat armour also limits its capacity to advance exposed in the open and its rather slow turret rotation prevents it from reacting quickly to 360° threats as a frontline tank. Its solid 47 mm gun on the other hand coupled with 15 degrees of gun depression makes the M15/42 a good support tank. Stay behind cover at a distance (500 to 700 m) from the frontline to support spearheading tanks, this will also increase your armour advantage. On top of that, the M15/42 sports with a crew of 4 (and 1 spare) a longer durability than most tanks at its BR. When being focused on the action, it is imperative to always check for 2 main threats: flanking enemies who could reach you quickly from the frontline and tank destroyers with a high penetration power lurking at a safe distance. If you're flanked, your turret doesn't turn all too fast: rotate your hull instead. Pivot turning in the M15/42 will always be faster than turning your turret. If you spot a tank destroyer aligned on your position, retreat or get behind cover.

Notable enemies
  • Heavy tanks like B1 bis or B1 ter whose armour is too strong for your gun,
  • Tank destroyers with powerful guns like the Marder III, ZiS-30, Ho-Ni I, Ho-Ni III, Chi-Ha LG or the LVT(A)(4) (ZiS-2) (China),
  • Tanks with HEAT shells like the Pz. IV E, F1, the StuG III A or the StuH 42 G,
  • Tanks with APDS shells like the Strv m/40L, the Strv m/41 S-II or the Lago I,
  • Tanks with many crew members like the M3 Lee, the Grant I, the T-28 or the T-28E whose durability is high.
How to defeat a M15/42

Rule of thumb is to get as close as possible as you can to maximise your penetration power as its armour is flat.

  • In a frontal encounter, shoot right in the middle of the front plate if the M15/42 did not angle its hull. This will knock out the gunner and the driver.
  • If it is hull down, aim at the turret cheeks.
  • If its hull is angled, aim at the flat corners of the hull.
  • If you manage to flank the M15/42, aim for the hull spot right under the center of the turret or the turret itself.
  • From the rear, target the turret first and then the crew compartment right under the turret (avoid shooting in the engine compartment: it will absorb shots with little damage to the crew).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Decent frontal armour, especially when angled or in a hull-down position
  • Decent mobility
  • The Mod.39 shell has effective penetration for the BR and quite good post-penetration damage
  • Best shell is unlocked by standard
  • Decent gun depression of 10°
  • Adequate turret traverse
  • Due to the 80° angle the upper glacis is angled at, it can be a very good shot-bouncer
  • Decent muzzle velocity

Cons:

  • Crew is cramped
  • Mod.39 shell rapidly loses effectiveness at range
  • Although better than previous italian medium tanks, giant flat plate on the hull front provides a massive weakspot
  • Rest of the armour is mediocre at best
  • Shots to the lower glacis almost always result in the transmission breaking

History

The last version of the M13 series. The M15/42 was slightly longer than the preceding models and had a higher-velocity 47mm gun, a more powerful engine, and improved armour. In total 112 were built, before production was switched to the tank destroyer version (the Semovente M42 da 75/18). By September 1943 when Italy surrendered, 82 of those had been issued to army units, in five-tank platoons. Their only use in combat by an Italian Army unit was actually against the Germans that month, in particular by the 135th "Ariete II" Division in the defence of Rome.

Germany confiscated 92 on Italy's surrender and produced another 28 themselves. Some were turned over to Italian forces. While most remained in Italy, some were also employed by the German forces in Hungary.

Media

Skins
Videos
Carro Armato M15/42, Italian, Tier-2, Medium Tank - Angry Nerd Gaming
M15/42 Review, Decent, just constant uptiers! - Joseph 2000

See also

Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


FIAT-Ansaldo
Autoblindo  AB 41 · AB 43
Light Tanks  L6/40 · L6/40 (31 Rgt.)
Medium Tanks  Celere Sahariano
M11/39  M11/39
M13/40  M13/40 (I) · M13/40 (II) · M13/40 (III)
M14/41  M14/41 · M14/41 (47/40)
M15/42  M15/42
P40  P40 · P40 "G.C. Leoncello"
Tank Destroyers 
L3/33  L3/33 CC
Semovente L40  47/32 L40
Semovente M41  75/18 M41 · 75/32 M41 · 90/53 M41M
Semovente M42  75/34 M42
Semovente M43  105/25 M43 · M43 "G.C.Leoncello" · 75/34 M43 · 75/46 M43
SPAAs  M42 Contraereo

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

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