Difference between revisions of "TAM"

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{{Specs-Card|code=germ_thyssen_henschel_tam}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = German light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = TAM (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=germ_thyssen_henschel_tam
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''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.''-->
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg ‎|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (shortened to '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''', English translated as: ''Argentinian Medium Tank'') is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]].
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (shortened to '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''', English translated as: ''Argentine Medium Tank'') is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German light tanks {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]].
 
  
−
It's arguably the best BR 8.7 tank that Germany has to offer, with slightly better mobility than the A1A1 and the ability to scout. The minimal armour and hullbreak detract from it though. Similar to the A1A1, it shares a horrible stock grind against the hordes of new 8.7 premiums, but holds its own very nicely once APFSDS is unlocked.
+
It's one of the best tanks Germany has to offer at this battle rating, with slightly better mobility than the A1A1 and the ability to scout. The minimal armour and overpressure vulnerability are downsides. Similar to the A1A1, it struggles when stock but holds its own very nicely once APFSDS is unlocked.
  
 
== 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 armour is composed of welded steel, providing protection up to 32 mm. The front can defend against 12.7 mm machine gun ammo, but the side armour is only proof against standard machine guns of 7.62 mm. However, most enemies that can be faced will usually have a 12.7 mm machine gun or larger in their possession, making it so even a burst of bullets could riddle the TAM with holes. With this in mind, take caution when flanking a tank with a disabled gun to get a side shot, as you can easily lose a few crew members to machine gunfire. This becomes less of an issue after unlocking the APFSDS round when side shots are rarely as necessary. The TAM also is vulnerable to overpressure, so large-calibre HE rounds have a chance of instantly destroying the vehicle.
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
+
'''Armour type:'''
−
The armour is composed of welded steel, providing protection up to 32 mm.
 
  
−
The front can defend against 12.7 mm machine gun ammo, but the side armour is only proof against standard machine guns of 7.62 mm. However, most enemies that can be faced will usually have a 12.7 mm machine gun or larger in their possession, making it so even a burst of bullets could riddle the TAM with holes. With this in mind, take caution when flanking a tank with a disabled gun to get a side shot, as you can easily lose a few crew members to machine gunfire. This becomes less of an issue after unlocking the APFSDS round when side shots are rarely as necessary.
+
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
−
+
* Cast homogeneous armour (gunner periscope)
−
The TAM also is hull-breakable, and so rounds that hit have a chance of instantly destroying the vehicle.
+
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 11 mm (77°) ''Upper glacis - Engine access panel'' <br> 32 mm (77°) ''Upper glacis - Sides'' <br> 32 mm (29°) ''Lower glacis - Top'' <br> 32 mm (60°) ''Lower glacis - Bottom'' || 15 mm (30°) ''Top'' <br> 15 mm ''Bottom'' || 11 mm (23°) ''Upper plate'' <br> 11 mm (27°) ''Lower plate''|| 11-32 mm (13°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 11 mm ''Crew compartment'' <br> 5 mm ''Radiator vents''
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 50 mm (5-35°) ''Turret front'' <br> 30 mm + 30 mm (51-63°) ''Mantlet Front'' <br> 25 mm (7-10°) ''Mantlet Sides'' <br> 20 mm (79°) ''Roof glacis'' <br> 30 mm (cylindrical) ''Gunner periscope'' || 25 mm (24-27°) ''Crew Compartment'' <br> 15 mm (27°) ''Bustle'' <br> 25 mm ''Cupola well'' || 15 mm (22°) <br> 11 mm (79°) ''Turret underside''|| 20 (11°) ''Roof glacis'' <br> 11 mm
 +
|-
 +
| Cupola || colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | 35 mm (cylindrical) || 35 mm ''Outer ring'' <br> 11 mm ''Centre''
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
 +
* Suspension wheels, tracks and torsion bars are 20 mm thick.
 +
* The belly is 11 mm thick.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1116|rbMinHp= 637|<!--AoAweight=(optional) -->}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,116|rbMinHp=637}}
 +
 
 +
The mobility is not bad, with a max of 75 km/h (RB) on the road in forward and -50 km/h in reverse. Off-road mobility is quite average, especially on flat terrain, but there is a poor steering response. The TAM is powered by a MTU (Motoren- und Turbinen-Union Friedrichshafen GmbH) MB 833 Ka-500 520 kW (720 hp) that produces a good 720 hp at 2,400 rpm.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
−
The mobility is not bad, with a max of 75 km/h (RB) on the road in forward and -50 km/h in reverse. Off-road mobility is quite average, especially on flat terrain, but there is a poor steering response.
+
After Parts and FPE, the most important modules are the DM23 shell and the NVD upgrade. After that, the focus should be on the Laser rangefinder or mobility upgrades, depending on personal preference.
  
 
== 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|FMK.4 Modelo 1L (105 mm)}}
 
{{main|FMK.4 Modelo 1L (105 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" | [[FMK.4 Modelo 1L (105 mm)|105 mm FMK.4 Modelo 1L]]
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
−
|-
 
−
| colspan="3" | 50 || -7°/+18° || ±180° || Two-plane
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
 
−
|-
 
−
! 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'' || 22.8 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Realistic'' || 14.28 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
+
! colspan="5" | [[FMK.4 Modelo 1L (105 mm)|105 mm FMK.4 Modelo 1L]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
+
! ''Arcade''
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
+
| rowspan="2" | 50 || rowspan="2" | -7°/+18° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 8.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.70 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 6.70
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 8.7 || 7.7 || 7.1 || 6.7
+
! ''Realistic''
 +
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== Ammunition =====
+
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:FMK.4 Modelo 1L (105 mm)/Ammunition|DM13, DM512, DM12, DM23, M416}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
 
−
|-
+
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
[[File:Ammoracks_TAM_2IP.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the [[TAM 2IP]] (identical)]]
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.15.1.65''' -->
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
|-
 
−
! 10m
 
−
! 100m
 
−
! 500m
 
−
! 1000m
 
−
! 1500m
 
−
! 2000m
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| DM13|| APDS || 303 || 302 || 296 || 277 || 257 || 252
+
! Full<br>ammo
 +
! 1st<br>rack empty
 +
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! 4th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| DM502 || HESH || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127
+
| '''50''' || 41&nbsp;''(+9)'' || 30&nbsp;''(+20)'' || 21&nbsp;''(+29)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+49)'' || No
−
|-
 
−
| DM12 || HEATFS || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM23 || APFSDS || 337 || 335 || 330 || 322 || 314 || 306
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| 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%
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM13|| APDS || 1,478 || 4.00 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 75° || 78° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM502 || HESH || 730 || 14.85 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 4,310 || +0° || 73° || 77° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM12 || HEATFS || 1,173 || 10.50 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 1,270 || +0° || 65° || 72° || 75°
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM23 || APFSDS || 1,455 || 3.79 || N/A || N/A || N/A || ? || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke characteristic
 
−
|-
 
−
! Ammunition
 
−
! Velocity <br /> in m/s
 
−
! Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 
−
! ''Screen radius <br /> in m''
 
−
! ''Screen time <br /> in s''
 
−
! ''Screen hold time <br /> in s:''
 
−
! ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 
−
|-
 
−
| M416 || 730 || 11.4 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
 +
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 +
* Racks 3 and 4 are first stage ammunition racks (29 shells total), meaning they will deplete first (in the order of 3 then 4) but will replenish from the other racks, starting with rack 1 and then rack 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|FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)}}
  
−
The TAM is equipped with two machine guns with a total of 4,000 rounds.
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
−
 
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="7" | [[FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40]]
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
! colspan="5" | [[FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40]]
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="4" | 2,000 (200) || 600 || N/A || N/A
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount''
+
| Coaxial || 2,000 (200) || 600 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
| Pintle || 2,000 (200) || 600 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
−
|-
 
−
| colspan="4" | 2,000 (200) || 60 || -__°/+__° || ±__°
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
The small calibre of the FN MAG 60-40 machine guns make them largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. They still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.
  
 
== 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 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).'' -->
−
The TAM could be played as an assassin, scout, or as a support vehicle on the battlefield. This variety of role is capable due to the powerful 105 mm cannon with an ammunition variety akin to the [[Leopard A1A1]], at the same time the thin armour prohibits any head-on combat which encourages fighting behind the front lines or from the flanks. Keep an eye out as an enemy that can be faced will be able to destroy the TAM if they so much as get a bead on with their armaments.
+
The TAM is a classic light tank, in that it has high mobility and a powerful armament with thin armour, but lacks gunner-sight NVD.
 +
 
 +
'''Characteristics'''
 +
 
 +
The mobility of the TAM is quite good, allowing it to out accelerate allies and enemies alike, as well as to reach the battle much quicker. This comes with a drawback though; the TAM has very little to speak of in terms of armour. Nearly every shot will penetrate the armour. Heavy machine gun rounds can even penetrate the side of the tank, and aircraft with cannons or machine guns are a great threat. Many autocannons from tanks or SPAAGs are able to penetrate the TAM from the front, although the steep slope of the upper glacis is able to bounce rounds.
 +
 
 +
DM23 APFSDS can penetrate most - if not all - enemies that can be faced by the TAM, making it the main ammunition choice of most TAM commanders. Despite having access to a decently powerful APFSDS round, there is more ammunition that should be considered. The DM12 HEATFS round has a penetration of 400 mm - enough to penetrate anything but composite armour or ERA. The DM502 HESH round is probably the least useful of the ammunition choices, due to it being situational. It can be useful, but will often have trouble penetrating the front of enemy tanks; it is best used to hit the roof of a tank to splash down into the crew compartment. The M416 smoke round, while nearly useless against enemy tanks, can be incredibly useful in the right situation. It can be used to lay down visual cover for teammates or the TAM itself, to blind the enemy, or to lay a path to a well defended capture point. The -7° of gun depression is usable, but the commander must be careful not to put the TAM in a position where it has insufficient gun depression to fire without exposing too much of the tank.
 +
 
 +
'''Playstyle'''
  
−
The best way to use the TAM is to exploit the scouting ability to mark enemies on the map, then call in friendlies to do the heavy fighting against them. While the team keeps the enemy busy, take pot shots with the 105 mm to also pick off the enemy as their attention is diverted from the TAM.
+
Due to its characteristics, the TAM is a very versatile tank. The flanking and scouting gameplay style uses all the advantages of the TAM, while negating the disadvantages, making it one of the best ways to drive the TAM. The TAM's high mobility allows it to assume strong, advanced positions before the enemy expects it to. From there, the scouting ability and powerful armament can be used to mark enemy tanks on the map for friendly tankers to be aware of, or to annihilate them tanks from the side or front. It can do this either by sniping from longer ranges or by ambushing at closer ranges. The versatile ammunition selection allows practically any enemy tank to be engaged effectively from any angle. In closer range areas of a map, the TAM can use its high mobility to hit the enemy where they don't expect it or before they expect it. Hit and run tactics are good because it helps to prevent the enemy from honing in on the TAM's location to knock it out. Due to the low armour of the TAM, the best way to ensure survival is to not be hit. This is why ambushes, sniping, or flanking are the safest and most successful tactics, although aggressive pushes can work as well. Overall, the heavy firepower, scouting ability, and good mobility allow the TAM to be successful in any sort of map or situation. Be aware the TAM lacks gunner or commander's sight NVD.
−
===Modules===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
!Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" |Mobility
 
−
!Protection
 
−
! colspan="3" |Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
|I
 
−
|Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
|Parts
 
−
|Horizontal Drive
 
−
|Laser rangefinder
 
−
|DM502
 
−
|-
 
−
|II
 
−
|Suspension
 
−
|Brake System
 
−
|FPE
 
−
|Adjustment of Fire
 
−
|Airstrike
 
−
|DM12
 
−
|-
 
−
|III
 
−
|Filters
 
−
|
 
−
|Crew Replenishment
 
−
|Elevation Mechanism
 
−
|M416
 
−
|NVD
 
−
|-
 
−
|IV
 
−
|Transmission
 
−
|Engine
 
−
|Smoke grenade
 
−
|Artillery Support
 
−
|Improved optics
 
−
|DM23
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
After Parts and FPE, the most important modules are the DM23 shell and the NVD upgrade. After that, the focus should be on the Laser rangefinder or mobility upgrades, depending on personal preference.
 
  
 
=== 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. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "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:'''
  
−
* Good firepower for such a light vehicle
+
* Good firepower
−
* Very accurate gun, lands rounds with pinpoint accuracy
 
 
* Faster and more manoeuvrable than the Begleitpanzer 57
 
* Faster and more manoeuvrable than the Begleitpanzer 57
−
* Wide variety of ammo - APFSDS, APDS, HEAT-FS, HESH, and smoke shells  
+
* Wide variety of ammo - APFSDS, APDS, HEAT-FS, HESH, and smoke shells
−
* Unlike other tanks, the gun doesn't bounce at high speed - very good stabilizator
 
 
* Commander's machine gun has a very high elevation limit, letting you shoot at planes and helicopters passing by
 
* Commander's machine gun has a very high elevation limit, letting you shoot at planes and helicopters passing by
 
* Little armour sometimes lets you survive AP shots as they pass through the tank without dealing much damage
 
* Little armour sometimes lets you survive AP shots as they pass through the tank without dealing much damage
−
* Absurdly fast traverse and elevation rates
 
 
* Turret is on the back, by reversing out of cover, you don't expose the whole vehicle
 
* Turret is on the back, by reversing out of cover, you don't expose the whole vehicle
 
* First ammo rack has more than enough shells for a battle
 
* First ammo rack has more than enough shells for a battle
−
* Cheap repair cost
+
* By loading 21 shells all ammo racks except the one in the turret rear can be emptied
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Very thin armour providing little to no protection
 
* Very thin armour providing little to no protection
−
* Ammunition price is quite high (APFSDS shells are 600 Silver Lions each), each round fired from the TAM is much more expensive than the same shell from a Leopard A1A1
 
 
* Impossible to depress the gun when facing backwards
 
* Impossible to depress the gun when facing backwards
−
* Difficult stock grind due to incredibly high module costs
 
 
* Turret is on the back, in some situations, you will have to expose the whole tank to shoot, especially if you need gun depression (engine deck stops the gun from depressing)
 
* Turret is on the back, in some situations, you will have to expose the whole tank to shoot, especially if you need gun depression (engine deck stops the gun from depressing)
−
* Unlike other German tanks, {{PAGENAME}} does not have a great zoom capability (just x8.00)
+
* No thermals, only NVD
  
 
== 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 "/ 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them 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).'' -->
 
During the 1960s, Argentina was looking far and wide for offers to update its ageing fleet of WW2-era tanks. After obtaining some vehicles, the U.S. refused to make further vehicle sales. This forced Argentina to shift their attention towards the European market, resulting in the purchase of a number of French AMX-13s and its variants.
 
During the 1960s, Argentina was looking far and wide for offers to update its ageing fleet of WW2-era tanks. After obtaining some vehicles, the U.S. refused to make further vehicle sales. This forced Argentina to shift their attention towards the European market, resulting in the purchase of a number of French AMX-13s and its variants.
  
 
In 1973 however, the Ministry of Defense drew up a set of requirements for a completely new combat vehicle that would be produced domestically and would to enter service by 1980. Despite knowing what they wanted, Argentinian engineers lacked the technical know-how in order to actually design and produce such a vehicle. Faced with this problem, the Argentinian government sought collaboration with a foreign company in order to design and build the vehicle they wanted. Eventually, a contracted was signed with the German Thyssen-Henschel company, a joint development effort soon ensued.
 
In 1973 however, the Ministry of Defense drew up a set of requirements for a completely new combat vehicle that would be produced domestically and would to enter service by 1980. Despite knowing what they wanted, Argentinian engineers lacked the technical know-how in order to actually design and produce such a vehicle. Faced with this problem, the Argentinian government sought collaboration with a foreign company in order to design and build the vehicle they wanted. Eventually, a contracted was signed with the German Thyssen-Henschel company, a joint development effort soon ensued.
  
−
The TAM (Tanque Argentino Mediano, eng: Argentinian Medium Tank), as it would be designated, was based off the German Marder IFV and equipped with a modification of the British, the Royal Ordnance L7A3 cannon that was produced in Germany. The first two prototypes of the TAM were built in 1976 and 1977 respectively and underwent extensive testing over the course of two years.
+
The TAM (Tanque Argentino Mediano, eng: Argentinian Medium Tank), as it would be designated, was based off the German Marder IFV and equipped with a modification of the British Royal Ordnance L7A3 cannon that was produced in Germany. The first two prototypes of the TAM were built in 1976 and 1977 respectively and underwent extensive testing over the course of two years.
  
 
After successfully passing testing, the TAM was put into mass production in 1979. The vehicles were armed with FMK.4 Modelo 1L cannons, which was a domestic licensed copy of the original German cannon. The government ordered 200 vehicles of the IFV variant. However, economic difficulties resulted in the order being only partially fulfilled before production was restarted later on. Argentina was also very keen on exporting the TAM to other countries, but despite interest and some contracts being signed, the TAM was never widely exported for various reasons.
 
After successfully passing testing, the TAM was put into mass production in 1979. The vehicles were armed with FMK.4 Modelo 1L cannons, which was a domestic licensed copy of the original German cannon. The government ordered 200 vehicles of the IFV variant. However, economic difficulties resulted in the order being only partially fulfilled before production was restarted later on. Argentina was also very keen on exporting the TAM to other countries, but despite interest and some contracts being signed, the TAM was never widely exported for various reasons.
  
−
A total of around 280 TAMs were built and most of them still serve in the Argentinian army, albeit with upgraded equipment. The TAM was never deployed in any combat operations to this date.
+
A total of around 280 TAMs were built and most of them still serve in the Argentinian army, albeit with upgraded equipment. The TAM has never been deployed in any combat operations to this date.
  
−
''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5740-development-tam-replacing-the-old-guard-en Devblog]''
+
''- From [[wt:en/news/5740-development-tam-replacing-the-old-guard-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== 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=germ_thyssen_henschel_tam Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Images
 
;Images
−
<div><ul>
+
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
−
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:TAM.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
+
File:TAM.jpg
−
</ul></div>
+
</gallery>
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
−
{{Youtube-gallery|XvCqay-RaPQ|'''The Shooting Range #123''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:10 discusses the TAM.}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|1Y935Ei_pBg|'''{{PAGENAME}} - Never Taken Lightly''' - ''JustinPlaysYT''|RGFSkEdQcTg|'''TAMing The Enemy Team - New BR Causes Sealclubbing''' - ''Napalmratte''|XvCqay-RaPQ|'''The Shooting Range #123''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:10 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
  
 
== 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;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[Leopard 1 (Family)]]
 +
* [[CV 90105 TML]]
  
 
== 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;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on tank;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''-->
 
  
−
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5740-development-tam-replacing-the-old-guard-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> TAM - Replacing The Old Guard]
+
* [[wt:en/news/5740-development-tam-replacing-the-old-guard-en|[Devblog] TAM - Replacing The Old Guard]]
−
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5714-development-tam-and-m247-sergeant-york-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> TAM and M247 Sergeant York]
+
* [[wt:en/news/5714-development-tam-and-m247-sergeant-york-en|[Devblog] TAM and M247 Sergeant York]]
 +
* [[wikipedia:Tanque_Argentino_Mediano|[Wikipedia] Tanque Argentino Mediano]]
 +
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/argentina/tanque_argentino_mediano.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Tanque Argentino Mediano (TAM)]
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer Thyssen-Henschel}}
 
{{Germany light tanks}}
 
{{Germany light tanks}}

Latest revision as of 21:08, 13 September 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the German light tank TAM. For other versions, see TAM (Family).
TAM
germ_thyssen_henschel_tam.png
GarageImage TAM.jpg
ArtImage TAM.png
TAM
Germany flag.png Germany
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
9.0 9.0 9.0
Class:
Research:160 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:450 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Tanque Argentino Mediano (shortened to TAM, English translated as: Argentinian Medium Tank) is a rank VI German light tank with a battle rating of 9.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.81 "The Valkyries".

It's one of the best tanks Germany has to offer at this battle rating, with slightly better mobility than the A1A1 and the ability to scout. The minimal armour and overpressure vulnerability are downsides. Similar to the A1A1, it struggles when stock but holds its own very nicely once APFSDS is unlocked.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull32 / 15 / 11
Turret30 / 25 / 15
Crew4 people
Visibility84 %

The armour is composed of welded steel, providing protection up to 32 mm. The front can defend against 12.7 mm machine gun ammo, but the side armour is only proof against standard machine guns of 7.62 mm. However, most enemies that can be faced will usually have a 12.7 mm machine gun or larger in their possession, making it so even a burst of bullets could riddle the TAM with holes. With this in mind, take caution when flanking a tank with a disabled gun to get a side shot, as you can easily lose a few crew members to machine gunfire. This becomes less of an issue after unlocking the APFSDS round when side shots are rarely as necessary. The TAM also is vulnerable to overpressure, so large-calibre HE rounds have a chance of instantly destroying the vehicle.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (gunner periscope)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 11 mm (77°) Upper glacis - Engine access panel
32 mm (77°) Upper glacis - Sides
32 mm (29°) Lower glacis - Top
32 mm (60°) Lower glacis - Bottom 		15 mm (30°) Top
15 mm Bottom 		11 mm (23°) Upper plate
11 mm (27°) Lower plate		 11-32 mm (13°) Front glacis
11 mm Crew compartment
5 mm Radiator vents
Turret 50 mm (5-35°) Turret front
30 mm + 30 mm (51-63°) Mantlet Front
25 mm (7-10°) Mantlet Sides
20 mm (79°) Roof glacis
30 mm (cylindrical) Gunner periscope 		25 mm (24-27°) Crew Compartment
15 mm (27°) Bustle
25 mm Cupola well 		15 mm (22°)
11 mm (79°) Turret underside		 20 (11°) Roof glacis
11 mm
Cupola 35 mm (cylindrical) 35 mm Outer ring
11 mm Centre

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels, tracks and torsion bars are 20 mm thick.
  • The belly is 11 mm thick.

Mobility

Reverse gearbox
Forward and backward movement is possible at the same maximum speed
Speedforward / back
AB84 / 84 km/h
RB and SB75 / 75 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
8 back
Weight30.5 t
Engine power
AB1 374 hp
RB and SB720 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB45.0 hp/t
RB and SB23.6 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 84 84 30.5 1,116 1,374 36.59 45.05
Realistic 75 75 637 720 20.89 23.61

The mobility is not bad, with a max of 75 km/h (RB) on the road in forward and -50 km/h in reverse. Off-road mobility is quite average, especially on flat terrain, but there is a poor steering response. The TAM is powered by a MTU (Motoren- und Turbinen-Union Friedrichshafen GmbH) MB 833 Ka-500 520 kW (720 hp) that produces a good 720 hp at 2,400 rpm.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 409 → 5 232 Sl icon.png
RB3 568 → 5 476 Sl icon.png
SB4 139 → 6 353 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications134 000 Rp icon.png
223 400 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 400 Ge icon.png
Crew training130 000 Sl icon.png
Experts450 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 000 Ge icon.png
Research Aces890 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
130 / 160 / 200 % Sl icon.png
214 / 214 / 214 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 400 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 400 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
7 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
7 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 400 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
7 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_usa_HESH_ammo_pack
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 400 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 400 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_us_M416_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 400 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_usa_M735_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
7 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics
Research:
7 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods scout streak.png
Scout UAV
Research:
7 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png

After Parts and FPE, the most important modules are the DM23 shell and the NVD upgrade. After that, the focus should be on the Laser rangefinder or mobility upgrades, depending on personal preference.

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder

Main armament

105 mm FMK.4 Modelo 1L cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition50 rounds
First-order29 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
8.7 → 6.7 s
Vertical guidance-7° / 18°
Main article: FMK.4 Modelo 1L (105 mm)
105 mm FMK.4 Modelo 1L Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 50 -7°/+18° ±180° Two-plane 22.8 31.6 38.4 42.5 45.2 8.71 7.70 7.10 6.70
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
DM13 APDS 350 347 333 317 302 287
DM512 HESH 127 127 127 127 127 127
DM12 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%
DM13 APDS 1,478 4 - - - 75° 78° 80°
DM512 HESH 732 11.2 0.1 4 4.31 73° 77° 80°
DM12 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 20 5 25 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the TAM 2IP (identical)
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
50 41 (+9) 30 (+20) 21 (+29) 1 (+49) No

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Racks 3 and 4 are first stage ammunition racks (29 shells total), meaning they will deplete first (in the order of 3 then 4) but will replenish from the other racks, starting with rack 1 and then rack 2.

Machine guns

7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 001 shots/min
7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40 machine gun
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 001 shots/min
Main article: FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 2,000 (200) 600 N/A N/A
Pintle 2,000 (200) 600 -10°/+50° ±120°

The small calibre of the FN MAG 60-40 machine guns make them largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. They still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.

Usage in battles

The TAM is a classic light tank, in that it has high mobility and a powerful armament with thin armour, but lacks gunner-sight NVD.

Characteristics

The mobility of the TAM is quite good, allowing it to out accelerate allies and enemies alike, as well as to reach the battle much quicker. This comes with a drawback though; the TAM has very little to speak of in terms of armour. Nearly every shot will penetrate the armour. Heavy machine gun rounds can even penetrate the side of the tank, and aircraft with cannons or machine guns are a great threat. Many autocannons from tanks or SPAAGs are able to penetrate the TAM from the front, although the steep slope of the upper glacis is able to bounce rounds.

DM23 APFSDS can penetrate most - if not all - enemies that can be faced by the TAM, making it the main ammunition choice of most TAM commanders. Despite having access to a decently powerful APFSDS round, there is more ammunition that should be considered. The DM12 HEATFS round has a penetration of 400 mm - enough to penetrate anything but composite armour or ERA. The DM502 HESH round is probably the least useful of the ammunition choices, due to it being situational. It can be useful, but will often have trouble penetrating the front of enemy tanks; it is best used to hit the roof of a tank to splash down into the crew compartment. The M416 smoke round, while nearly useless against enemy tanks, can be incredibly useful in the right situation. It can be used to lay down visual cover for teammates or the TAM itself, to blind the enemy, or to lay a path to a well defended capture point. The -7° of gun depression is usable, but the commander must be careful not to put the TAM in a position where it has insufficient gun depression to fire without exposing too much of the tank.

Playstyle

Due to its characteristics, the TAM is a very versatile tank. The flanking and scouting gameplay style uses all the advantages of the TAM, while negating the disadvantages, making it one of the best ways to drive the TAM. The TAM's high mobility allows it to assume strong, advanced positions before the enemy expects it to. From there, the scouting ability and powerful armament can be used to mark enemy tanks on the map for friendly tankers to be aware of, or to annihilate them tanks from the side or front. It can do this either by sniping from longer ranges or by ambushing at closer ranges. The versatile ammunition selection allows practically any enemy tank to be engaged effectively from any angle. In closer range areas of a map, the TAM can use its high mobility to hit the enemy where they don't expect it or before they expect it. Hit and run tactics are good because it helps to prevent the enemy from honing in on the TAM's location to knock it out. Due to the low armour of the TAM, the best way to ensure survival is to not be hit. This is why ambushes, sniping, or flanking are the safest and most successful tactics, although aggressive pushes can work as well. Overall, the heavy firepower, scouting ability, and good mobility allow the TAM to be successful in any sort of map or situation. Be aware the TAM lacks gunner or commander's sight NVD.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good firepower
  • Faster and more manoeuvrable than the Begleitpanzer 57
  • Wide variety of ammo - APFSDS, APDS, HEAT-FS, HESH, and smoke shells
  • Commander's machine gun has a very high elevation limit, letting you shoot at planes and helicopters passing by
  • Little armour sometimes lets you survive AP shots as they pass through the tank without dealing much damage
  • Turret is on the back, by reversing out of cover, you don't expose the whole vehicle
  • First ammo rack has more than enough shells for a battle
  • By loading 21 shells all ammo racks except the one in the turret rear can be emptied

Cons:

  • Very thin armour providing little to no protection
  • Impossible to depress the gun when facing backwards
  • Turret is on the back, in some situations, you will have to expose the whole tank to shoot, especially if you need gun depression (engine deck stops the gun from depressing)
  • No thermals, only NVD

History

During the 1960s, Argentina was looking far and wide for offers to update its ageing fleet of WW2-era tanks. After obtaining some vehicles, the U.S. refused to make further vehicle sales. This forced Argentina to shift their attention towards the European market, resulting in the purchase of a number of French AMX-13s and its variants.

In 1973 however, the Ministry of Defense drew up a set of requirements for a completely new combat vehicle that would be produced domestically and would to enter service by 1980. Despite knowing what they wanted, Argentinian engineers lacked the technical know-how in order to actually design and produce such a vehicle. Faced with this problem, the Argentinian government sought collaboration with a foreign company in order to design and build the vehicle they wanted. Eventually, a contracted was signed with the German Thyssen-Henschel company, a joint development effort soon ensued.

The TAM (Tanque Argentino Mediano, eng: Argentinian Medium Tank), as it would be designated, was based off the German Marder IFV and equipped with a modification of the British Royal Ordnance L7A3 cannon that was produced in Germany. The first two prototypes of the TAM were built in 1976 and 1977 respectively and underwent extensive testing over the course of two years.

After successfully passing testing, the TAM was put into mass production in 1979. The vehicles were armed with FMK.4 Modelo 1L cannons, which was a domestic licensed copy of the original German cannon. The government ordered 200 vehicles of the IFV variant. However, economic difficulties resulted in the order being only partially fulfilled before production was restarted later on. Argentina was also very keen on exporting the TAM to other countries, but despite interest and some contracts being signed, the TAM was never widely exported for various reasons.

A total of around 280 TAMs were built and most of them still serve in the Argentinian army, albeit with upgraded equipment. The TAM has never been deployed in any combat operations to this date.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins
Images
  • TAM.jpg
Videos
TAM - Never Taken Lightly - JustinPlaysYT
TAMing The Enemy Team - New BR Causes Sealclubbing - Napalmratte
The Shooting Range #123 - Pages of History section at 05:10 discusses the TAM.

See also

Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


Thyssen-Henschel
TAM  TAM · TAM 2C · TAM 2IP
Marder IFV  Marder A1- · Marder 1A3 · DF105
TH800  Class 3 (P)

Germany light tanks
Pz.II  Pz.II C · Pz.II C (DAK) · Pz.II C TD · Pz.II F · Pz.Sfl.Ic
Sd.Kfz.234  Sd.Kfz.234/1 · Sd.Kfz.234/2 · Sd.Kfz.234/2 TD
Marder  Marder A1- · Marder 1A3 · Begleitpanzer 57 · DF105
SPz PUMA  PUMA · PUMA VJTF
Wheeled  Sd.Kfz.221 (s.Pz.B.41) · Class 3 (P) · Radkampfwagen 90 · Boxer MGS
Other  Ru 251 · SPz 12-3 LGS
Argentina  TAM · TAM 2C · TAM 2IP · JaPz.K A2
Czechoslovakia  Pz.35(t) · Pz.38(t) A · Pz.38(t) F · Pz.38(t) n.A. · Sd.Kfz. 140/1
France  Pz.Sp.Wg.P204(f) KwK
Lithuania  Vilkas
USA  leKPz M41
USSR  SPz BMP-1

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