Difference between revisions of "LVT(A)(1)"

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{{Specs-Card|code=us_lvt_a_1}}
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{{About
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| about = American light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other versions
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| link = LVT (Family)
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}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=us_lvt_a_1
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
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}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
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<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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The '''Amphibious Vehicle, Tracked, Amoured, Mark 1 - LVT(A)(1)''' is the first (armoured, infantry support) variant of the [[LVT (Family)|Amphibious Vehicle, Tracked (LVT) family]]. Originally designed and used as cargo ship carriers for ship-to-shore operations to transport personnel and materials, they gradually evolved into amphibious fire support vehicles, as well as other amphibious assault landing variants. The first armoured, infantry support variant of the LVT was the LVT(A) Mark 1. With the first combat experience of Pacific amphibious operations for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines, it was evident that more firepower than the M2HB Browning heavy machine gun commonly utilized by the U.S. Marines was required. It had a turret similar to the [[M3 Stuart|M3]] – a 37 mm M6 tank gun on an M44 mount and a coaxial 7.62 mm M1919A4 light machine gun, with two extra 7.62 mm M1919A4 light machine guns mounted on ring mounts on the aft deck behind the turret. A vertical stabilizer was integrated into the main gun mount to allow the LVT(A)s to engage enemy positions while still moving in the water. Throughout the war, a total of 509 units were produced. These vehicles were intended to provide direct fire support to attacking Marines as they established a beachhead against their adversaries' defences.
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Introduced in [[Update 1.59 "Flaming Arrows"]], the LVT(A)(1) is a beginner light tank under the U.S. Army ground forces. It has similar firepower to the [[M3 Stuart|M3]] but has the unique ability to traverse across water, which most other tanks do not have. To keep afloat in the water, the tank is made of relatively thin steel plates and provides little protection against anything heavier than light machine gun fire. Nonetheless, it provides a completely different experience and viable techniques in the accumulation of light tanks in the U.S. Army ground forces that inexperienced players can easily explore.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
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''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpfull for survival in combat?''
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
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<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
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Its large and spacious hull might seem hard to knock out all of its crew, but that's only true when you are getting shot from the side. From your side, there is a huge empty area between the driving compartment and the fighting compartment that will absorb any shell, regardless of their explosive fillers. However an experienced player will know to shoot at these two compartments and avoid the empty space. From the front, the spacious hull does not help to keep the crew safe as a penetrating shell will travel through the empty space and hit any crew at the back, so you could die sooner than you expected. Avoid tanks with solid shots, for example British/Swedish tanks.
 +
The deadliest threats are HMG and autocannon mounted vehicles such as the Pz.IIs, T-60, and AA guns. They can quickly chew through all of the crew.
  
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''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
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'''Armour type:'''
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 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour
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* Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet, Machine gun shield)
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 +
{| class="wikitable"
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|-
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle°) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
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|-
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| Hull || 12.7 mm (30°) ''Front plate'' <br> 6.35 mm (83-84°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 6.35 mm (41-81°) ''Lower glacis'' || 6.35 mm (11-51°) ''Top'' <br> 6.35 + 6.35 mm ''Bottom'' || 6.35 mm ''Top'' <br> 6.35 mm (62°) ''Bottom'' || 6.35 mm (7°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 6.35 mm <br> 5 mm ''Engine vent''
 +
|-
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| Turret || 12.7 mm (10°) ''Turret front'' <br> 50.8 mm (1-81°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 12.7 mm || 12.7 mm || 6 mm (16°) ''Front'' <br> 6 mm ''Rear''
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|-
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|}
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'''Notes:'''
 +
 
 +
* Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick.
 +
* Belly armour is 6.35 mm thick.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''
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{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
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<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 387|rbMinHp= 221}}
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The LVT's mobility is adequate. On hard surfaces it easily reaches its top speed of around 38 km/h. On soft surfaces it needs more time to accelerate, and the top speed is lowered. The reverse speed is extremely poor, which can cause you to take unnecessary hits. The hull traverse is great, allowing you to quickly change direction, however a downside is that when you turn the hull to aim, you might over-turn and swing the gun past the target, increasing the aiming time which can be fatal.
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Due to its big and tall tracks, the LVT can drive over some obstacles that are too tall for normal-sized tanks.
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=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
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''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibilty of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
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<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
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{{main|M6 (37 mm)}}
  
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=== Additional armament ===
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
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|-
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! colspan="5" | [[M6 (37 mm)|37 mm M6]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
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|-
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! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
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! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
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! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
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|-
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! ''Arcade''
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| rowspan="2" | 104 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+25° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Vertical|up to 16 km/h}} || 22.85 || 31.62 || 38.40 || 42.50 || 45.18 || rowspan="2" | 3.77 || rowspan="2" | 3.33 || rowspan="2" | 3.07 || rowspan="2" | 2.90
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|-
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! ''Realistic''
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| 14.28 || 16.80 || 20.40 || 22.60 || 24.00
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|-
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|}
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==== Ammunition ====
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{{:M6 (37 mm)/Ammunition|M74B1, M51B1}}
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==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
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[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
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<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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|-
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! Full<br>ammo
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! 1st<br>rack empty
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! 2nd<br>rack empty
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! 3rd<br>rack empty
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! 4th<br>rack empty
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! 5th<br>rack empty
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! Visual<br>discrepancy
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|-
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| '''104''' || 92&nbsp;''(+12)'' || 69&nbsp;''(+35)'' || 46&nbsp;''(+58)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+81)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+103)'' || No
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|-
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|}
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
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''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft, but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|4}}
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<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
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{{main|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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|-
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! colspan="5" | [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
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|-
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
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|-
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| Rear-facing || 3,000 (250) || 500 || -10°/+40° || ±60°
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|-
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| Rear-facing || 3,000 (250) || 500 || -10°/+40° || ±60°
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|-
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| Coaxial || 3,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
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|-
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|}
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The M1919 machine guns are mostly an afterthought on the LVT. The rear machine gunners are exposed to bullets and are most likely the first knocked out in engagements. The bullets are only useful against some light tanks and open-topped vehicles. The LVT can double as an anti-aircraft platform as well, because the elevation on the coaxial and rear machine guns is better suited for this task.
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== Usage in battles ==
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<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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).'' -->
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A tactic is to try facing down a street while hiding the massive unarmoured hull. Try to only have the small turret stick out from behind the cover or angle the tank's hull such that only the turret and a small part of the hull/crew is exposed. Next, patiently wait for a target to turn onto the street then use the quick firing and accurate 37 mm to destroy them. As the 37 mm gun has little explosive filler, it will most often take a minimum of 2 shots to destroy a tank, so try to immobilise the enemy first and then take out the crew. When the gunner gets taken out by return fire, the best case scenario is to retreat back to cover if available, or else sit it out and call for artillery in the meantime. Always prioritise [[15cm sIG 33 B Sfl]], [[Chi-Ha]] and [[Pz.IV C]] when there are multiple enemies as these tanks are the bane of the LVT(A)(1). If under artillery fire, immediately get out of the area as the splash damage from the artillery will destroy the tank. When there are no enemies, always clear the frontage with the main gun and the machine guns so as to spot the enemy first and have the first shot advantage.
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Another tactic is to use the LVT(A)(1)'s ability to sneak up waterways to work around the enemy lines, and ambush when possible. If that is not a option, come at them head on, either taking their vehicle out or disabling it long enough to get around and finish it with a side shot. Once done, do not take the waterways back as the LVT(A)(1) is much faster on land.
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This tank has the capability to work as an early assault tank, not as fast as the Stuarts, BTs and other light tanks.
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Another tactic that can be done against lightly armoured vehicles is to drive backwards towards the enemy. The combined firepower of 3 machine guns and the cannon increases the chance of take out the enemy before they can take out the LVT(A)(1).
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 +
The big thing to keep in mind is that the LVT(A)(1) is big. It is a large target that is hard to hide, but the spacious interior makes it harder for enemies to take out all of the crew members.
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 +
At the same time, keep in mind that the LVT(A)(1) is an easy target for aircraft, as the vehicle presents as very easy target for anything .50 cal and up.
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 +
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
  
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== Usage in the battles ==
+
* [[15cm sIG 33 B Sfl]] - Armed with a massive 15cm calibre gun that will obliterate the LVT(A)(1) if the shell lands a hit on any part of the tank. When facing this tank frontally, always aim for the right side of the gun to take out the gunner. Use the quick firing gun to then take out any remaining crew.
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''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
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 +
* [[Chi-Ha]] - The stock APHE with its abysmal penetration will take out the tank in one shot not to mention the upgraded HEAT shell. Immediate priority is to take out the gunner.
 +
 
 +
* [[Pz.IV C]] - Will one shot the LVT(A)(1) with any shell. Aim for the flat hull armour plate directly below the turret to take out the gunner.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
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<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Very fast and manoeuvrable on most terrain
 +
* 6 crew members
 +
* Fast-firing and accurate 37 mm gun
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* Crew members are spread out, less likely to get knocked out in one shot
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* Great gun depression at the side and front
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* Heavily armoured gun mantlet
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* 2 machine gunners that can fire at high angles, enabling anti-air
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* Small engine makes it hard to hit
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* Reserve tank (no repair costs)
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* Amphibious (the first reserve floating tank)
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* Most of the interior is empty space meaning that most tanks will need a few shots to knock out this tank
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Huge target
 +
* Barely any armour to speak about
 +
* Exposed lower glacis
 +
* Weak armour and huge size makes it vulnerable to artillery
 +
* Can easily be destroyed by HE shells (overpressure)
 +
* Very slow reverse speed can prevent it from retreating back to cover in time
 +
* Unstable aim while moving
 +
* Bad suspension makes it unstable at humps
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* Very slow speed when traveling in water
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* Water rocks the tank when moving, making it unstable during and a while after movement in the water
 +
* Poor gun depression in the rear in combination with its size makes it hard to hit smaller tanks who attack from the rear
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
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<!-- ''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).'' -->
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===Development===
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[[File:Roebling Alligator tractor - DM-SN-82-02381.jpeg|x200px|right|thumb|Roebling's "Alligator" that would serve as the basis for the LVTs.]]
 +
The vehicle's origins is from a swamp-access vehicle called the "Alligator" made for civilians. Donald Roebling, its developer, built an improved version of his vehicle with better speed in water. The United States Marine Corps became interested in this amphibious design as they began drawing up their amphibious warfare doctrine. They requested a more sea-worthy version of the vehicle for use in their military operations. Though Roebling and the Navy were reclusive on that idea (the Navy believes they have the current vehicle in store already), the idea brought fruit when World War II broke out in Europe and Roebling created a military version. After a few trials with improvements like a stronger engine, the Bureau of Ships placed a contract for 100 of these vehicles with all-steel armour. The first ones arrive in July 1941, with 200 more ordered before the initial contract was finished. The vehicle design was adopted and designated the LVT, with many different variants of the vehicle being produced throughout the war.
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 +
===Variants===
 +
[[File:LVT_amphibian_tractors_Guadalcanal_in_August_1942  - NH 97749.jpg|left|x300px|thumb|none|USMC LVT-1s as part of the Guadalcanal landings in August 1942.]]
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The first version of the LVT, the LVT-1, could carry 18 men or 4,500 pounds of equipment. The Marines first used the LVT-1 in Guadalcanal with 128 available to 1st Marine Division. Usage in the field revealed that the LVT was too thinly armoured for a rapid deployment back and forth the ships and landing site, but the Marines saw the vehicle's potential as an assault vehicle. So in June 1941, the Marines push forward with a Roebling design of the LVT armed with a gun turret. In order for this to be possible, the LVT underwent a redesign into the LVT-2 "Buffalo", which had a new powertrain and suspension to allow better performances on land and able to carry up to 6,950 pounds in equipment. It was this design that the turret-equipped LVTs were created. The LVT-2s were armed with turrets from the [[M3A1_Stuart|Stuart series]] and [[M8_Scott|M8 howitzer motor carriages]]. These two turret variants are designated [[LVT(A)(1)|LVT(A)-1]] and [[LVT(A)(4) ZIS-2 (USA)|LVT(A)-4]] respectively. The (A) standing for "armoured" as the LVT was built with additional armour to withstand small arms fire. 510 of the LVT(A)-1 were created while 1,890 of the LVT(A)-4 were created.
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 +
Other variants of the LVT were produced featuring redesigns for its purpose of infantry fire support and cargo-bearing. Some of the significant ones was the LVT-4 in August 1943 that moved the engine forward and had a rear ramp door, which increased capacity from 18 soldiers to 30, making previous load-carrying LVTs obsolete. The LVT-4 was the most numerous of the LVT variants at 8,351 units.
 +
 
 +
===Combat usage===
 +
The first usage of the LVT family is as a cargo carrier in Guadalcanal, it was unarmoured at the time and only had machine guns as their main armaments. Their next usage was in Tarawa, which saw the first usage of the newly designed LVT-2. The vehicles in both cases carried ammunition, troops, and wounded back and forth the ships and the beach. After Tarawa, the LVT inventory increased by the battalion, as well as the appearance of the gun-armed LVT(A)-1 and LVT(A)-4. The LVT family continued to see service in Bougainville, the Marshall Islands, Saipan, Peleliu, Leyte (its largest usage in the war), Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. The LVTs also saw use in South East Asia in use by the British, but they never saw combat action.
 +
[[File:LVT(A)-1 amphibious vehicle at sea c1944.jpg|x250px|right|thumb|none|A LVT(A)(1) at sea.]]
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 +
Outside the Pacific, the LVT also saw use in the European Theater of Operations. Their first usage was in North Africa in November 1942 during Operation Torch to land troops, where its best usage was to get stranded landing boats back into action. The LVTs were also given to the British as part of Lend-Lease. The LVTs were used in the Normandy landings and other operations in Europe such as crossing the Rhine River in Germany and Po River in Italy.
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 +
After World War II, the LVTs continued to see action in the multiple conflicts in the world. A number were given to the Chinese Nationalists in the Chinese Civil War by America. Many of these were captured by the Chinese PLA, with some converted to use a 75 mm howitzer or a [[ZiS-2_(57_mm)|ZIS-2]] anti-tank gun. The Americans used a number of LVT vehicles in the Korean War, notably the landing at Inchon and the attack on Seoul. The French also used American-supplied LVTs during the Indochina War and the Suez Crisis.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
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<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
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;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_lvt_a_1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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;Videos
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{{Youtube-gallery|Ms-q-FoVYo4|'''Survival Guide - The LVT (A)(1) - A Thin Skinned Behemoth''' - ''IllusiveThunder''|SJoW-2_6J6o|'''Amphibious tanks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:16 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|p9_XD0TgdiA|'''TOP 5 Reserve Tanks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 1:00 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
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== Read also ==
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== See also ==
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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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<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
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''ETC.''
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 +
;Related development
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* [[LVT (Family)]]
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;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
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* [[Ka-Mi]]
  
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== Sources ==
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== External links ==
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''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
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* ''other literature.''
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 +
* [[wt:en/news/3755-development-lvt-a-1-en/|[Devblog] LVT(A)-1]]
 +
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/US/LVTA-1_Amtrack.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> LVT(A)1 Amtrack]
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{{TankManufacturer Food Machinery Corporation (FMC)}}
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{{USA light tanks}}

Latest revision as of 21:00, 1 April 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the American light tank LVT(A)(1). For other versions, see LVT (Family).
LVT(A)(1)
us_lvt_a_1.png
GarageImage LVT(A)(1).jpg
ArtImage LVT(A)(1).png
LVT(A)(1)
USA flag.png USA
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Class:
Research:Free
Purchase:Free
Show in game

Description

The Amphibious Vehicle, Tracked, Amoured, Mark 1 - LVT(A)(1) is the first (armoured, infantry support) variant of the Amphibious Vehicle, Tracked (LVT) family. Originally designed and used as cargo ship carriers for ship-to-shore operations to transport personnel and materials, they gradually evolved into amphibious fire support vehicles, as well as other amphibious assault landing variants. The first armoured, infantry support variant of the LVT was the LVT(A) Mark 1. With the first combat experience of Pacific amphibious operations for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines, it was evident that more firepower than the M2HB Browning heavy machine gun commonly utilized by the U.S. Marines was required. It had a turret similar to the M3 – a 37 mm M6 tank gun on an M44 mount and a coaxial 7.62 mm M1919A4 light machine gun, with two extra 7.62 mm M1919A4 light machine guns mounted on ring mounts on the aft deck behind the turret. A vertical stabilizer was integrated into the main gun mount to allow the LVT(A)s to engage enemy positions while still moving in the water. Throughout the war, a total of 509 units were produced. These vehicles were intended to provide direct fire support to attacking Marines as they established a beachhead against their adversaries' defences.

Introduced in Update 1.59 "Flaming Arrows", the LVT(A)(1) is a beginner light tank under the U.S. Army ground forces. It has similar firepower to the M3 but has the unique ability to traverse across water, which most other tanks do not have. To keep afloat in the water, the tank is made of relatively thin steel plates and provides little protection against anything heavier than light machine gun fire. Nonetheless, it provides a completely different experience and viable techniques in the accumulation of light tanks in the U.S. Army ground forces that inexperienced players can easily explore.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull12 / 6 / 6
Turret50 / 12 / 12
Crew6 people
Visibility133 %

Its large and spacious hull might seem hard to knock out all of its crew, but that's only true when you are getting shot from the side. From your side, there is a huge empty area between the driving compartment and the fighting compartment that will absorb any shell, regardless of their explosive fillers. However an experienced player will know to shoot at these two compartments and avoid the empty space. From the front, the spacious hull does not help to keep the crew safe as a penetrating shell will travel through the empty space and hit any crew at the back, so you could die sooner than you expected. Avoid tanks with solid shots, for example British/Swedish tanks. The deadliest threats are HMG and autocannon mounted vehicles such as the Pz.IIs, T-60, and AA guns. They can quickly chew through all of the crew.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet, Machine gun shield)
Armour Front (Slope angle°) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 12.7 mm (30°) Front plate
6.35 mm (83-84°) Upper glacis
6.35 mm (41-81°) Lower glacis 		6.35 mm (11-51°) Top
6.35 + 6.35 mm Bottom 		6.35 mm Top
6.35 mm (62°) Bottom 		6.35 mm (7°) Front glacis
6.35 mm
5 mm Engine vent
Turret 12.7 mm (10°) Turret front
50.8 mm (1-81°) Gun mantlet 		12.7 mm 12.7 mm 6 mm (16°) Front
6 mm Rear

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 6.35 mm thick.

Mobility

Amphibious
The design allows you to swim and control movement in the water
Speedforward / back
AB45 / 6 km/h
RB and SB40 / 5 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight14.9 t
Engine power
AB477 hp
RB and SB250 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB32.0 hp/t
RB and SB16.8 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 45 6 14.9 387 477 25.97 32.01
Realistic 40 5 221 250 14.83 16.78

The LVT's mobility is adequate. On hard surfaces it easily reaches its top speed of around 38 km/h. On soft surfaces it needs more time to accelerate, and the top speed is lowered. The reverse speed is extremely poor, which can cause you to take unnecessary hits. The hull traverse is great, allowing you to quickly change direction, however a downside is that when you turn the hull to aim, you might over-turn and swing the gun past the target, increasing the aiming time which can be fatal.

Due to its big and tall tracks, the LVT can drive over some obstacles that are too tall for normal-sized tanks.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
ABfree
RBfree
SBfree
Total cost of modifications3 730 Rp icon.png
174 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost190 Ge icon.png
Crew trainingfree
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces10 Ge icon.png
Research Aces80 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
10 / 10 / 10 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 Sl icon.png
35 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
720 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Mods tank reinforcement us.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 Sl icon.png
35 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
37mm_usa_m3_APC_ammo_pack
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 Sl icon.png
35 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
540 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
720 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

37 mm M6 cannon
Vertical stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in one plane while moving
Ammunition104 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
3.7 → 2.9 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 25°
Main article: M6 (37 mm)
37 mm M6 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 104 -10°/+25° ±180° Vertical 22.85 31.62 38.40 42.50 45.18 3.77 3.33 3.07 2.90
Realistic 14.28 16.80 20.40 22.60 24.00

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
M74B1 AP 79 76 65 54 45 37
M51B1 APCBC 87 84 73 60 50 41
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%
M74B1 AP 883 0.87 - - - 47° 60° 65°
M51B1 APCBC 883 0.87 - - - 48° 63° 71°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the LVT(A)(1)
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
104 92 (+12) 69 (+35) 46 (+58) 23 (+81) 1 (+103) No

Machine guns

2 x 7.62 mm M1919A4 machine gun
Ammunition6 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
7.62 mm M1919A4 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition3 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
Main article: M1919A4 (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm M1919A4
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Rear-facing 3,000 (250) 500 -10°/+40° ±60°
Rear-facing 3,000 (250) 500 -10°/+40° ±60°
Coaxial 3,000 (250) 500 N/A N/A

The M1919 machine guns are mostly an afterthought on the LVT. The rear machine gunners are exposed to bullets and are most likely the first knocked out in engagements. The bullets are only useful against some light tanks and open-topped vehicles. The LVT can double as an anti-aircraft platform as well, because the elevation on the coaxial and rear machine guns is better suited for this task.

Usage in battles

A tactic is to try facing down a street while hiding the massive unarmoured hull. Try to only have the small turret stick out from behind the cover or angle the tank's hull such that only the turret and a small part of the hull/crew is exposed. Next, patiently wait for a target to turn onto the street then use the quick firing and accurate 37 mm to destroy them. As the 37 mm gun has little explosive filler, it will most often take a minimum of 2 shots to destroy a tank, so try to immobilise the enemy first and then take out the crew. When the gunner gets taken out by return fire, the best case scenario is to retreat back to cover if available, or else sit it out and call for artillery in the meantime. Always prioritise 15cm sIG 33 B Sfl, Chi-Ha and Pz.IV C when there are multiple enemies as these tanks are the bane of the LVT(A)(1). If under artillery fire, immediately get out of the area as the splash damage from the artillery will destroy the tank. When there are no enemies, always clear the frontage with the main gun and the machine guns so as to spot the enemy first and have the first shot advantage.

Another tactic is to use the LVT(A)(1)'s ability to sneak up waterways to work around the enemy lines, and ambush when possible. If that is not a option, come at them head on, either taking their vehicle out or disabling it long enough to get around and finish it with a side shot. Once done, do not take the waterways back as the LVT(A)(1) is much faster on land.

This tank has the capability to work as an early assault tank, not as fast as the Stuarts, BTs and other light tanks.

Another tactic that can be done against lightly armoured vehicles is to drive backwards towards the enemy. The combined firepower of 3 machine guns and the cannon increases the chance of take out the enemy before they can take out the LVT(A)(1).

The big thing to keep in mind is that the LVT(A)(1) is big. It is a large target that is hard to hide, but the spacious interior makes it harder for enemies to take out all of the crew members.

At the same time, keep in mind that the LVT(A)(1) is an easy target for aircraft, as the vehicle presents as very easy target for anything .50 cal and up.

Enemies worth noting:

  • 15cm sIG 33 B Sfl - Armed with a massive 15cm calibre gun that will obliterate the LVT(A)(1) if the shell lands a hit on any part of the tank. When facing this tank frontally, always aim for the right side of the gun to take out the gunner. Use the quick firing gun to then take out any remaining crew.
  • Chi-Ha - The stock APHE with its abysmal penetration will take out the tank in one shot not to mention the upgraded HEAT shell. Immediate priority is to take out the gunner.
  • Pz.IV C - Will one shot the LVT(A)(1) with any shell. Aim for the flat hull armour plate directly below the turret to take out the gunner.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very fast and manoeuvrable on most terrain
  • 6 crew members
  • Fast-firing and accurate 37 mm gun
  • Crew members are spread out, less likely to get knocked out in one shot
  • Great gun depression at the side and front
  • Heavily armoured gun mantlet
  • 2 machine gunners that can fire at high angles, enabling anti-air
  • Small engine makes it hard to hit
  • Reserve tank (no repair costs)
  • Amphibious (the first reserve floating tank)
  • Most of the interior is empty space meaning that most tanks will need a few shots to knock out this tank

Cons:

  • Huge target
  • Barely any armour to speak about
  • Exposed lower glacis
  • Weak armour and huge size makes it vulnerable to artillery
  • Can easily be destroyed by HE shells (overpressure)
  • Very slow reverse speed can prevent it from retreating back to cover in time
  • Unstable aim while moving
  • Bad suspension makes it unstable at humps
  • Very slow speed when traveling in water
  • Water rocks the tank when moving, making it unstable during and a while after movement in the water
  • Poor gun depression in the rear in combination with its size makes it hard to hit smaller tanks who attack from the rear

History

Development

Roebling's "Alligator" that would serve as the basis for the LVTs.

The vehicle's origins is from a swamp-access vehicle called the "Alligator" made for civilians. Donald Roebling, its developer, built an improved version of his vehicle with better speed in water. The United States Marine Corps became interested in this amphibious design as they began drawing up their amphibious warfare doctrine. They requested a more sea-worthy version of the vehicle for use in their military operations. Though Roebling and the Navy were reclusive on that idea (the Navy believes they have the current vehicle in store already), the idea brought fruit when World War II broke out in Europe and Roebling created a military version. After a few trials with improvements like a stronger engine, the Bureau of Ships placed a contract for 100 of these vehicles with all-steel armour. The first ones arrive in July 1941, with 200 more ordered before the initial contract was finished. The vehicle design was adopted and designated the LVT, with many different variants of the vehicle being produced throughout the war.

Variants

USMC LVT-1s as part of the Guadalcanal landings in August 1942.

The first version of the LVT, the LVT-1, could carry 18 men or 4,500 pounds of equipment. The Marines first used the LVT-1 in Guadalcanal with 128 available to 1st Marine Division. Usage in the field revealed that the LVT was too thinly armoured for a rapid deployment back and forth the ships and landing site, but the Marines saw the vehicle's potential as an assault vehicle. So in June 1941, the Marines push forward with a Roebling design of the LVT armed with a gun turret. In order for this to be possible, the LVT underwent a redesign into the LVT-2 "Buffalo", which had a new powertrain and suspension to allow better performances on land and able to carry up to 6,950 pounds in equipment. It was this design that the turret-equipped LVTs were created. The LVT-2s were armed with turrets from the Stuart series and M8 howitzer motor carriages. These two turret variants are designated LVT(A)-1 and LVT(A)-4 respectively. The (A) standing for "armoured" as the LVT was built with additional armour to withstand small arms fire. 510 of the LVT(A)-1 were created while 1,890 of the LVT(A)-4 were created.

Other variants of the LVT were produced featuring redesigns for its purpose of infantry fire support and cargo-bearing. Some of the significant ones was the LVT-4 in August 1943 that moved the engine forward and had a rear ramp door, which increased capacity from 18 soldiers to 30, making previous load-carrying LVTs obsolete. The LVT-4 was the most numerous of the LVT variants at 8,351 units.

Combat usage

The first usage of the LVT family is as a cargo carrier in Guadalcanal, it was unarmoured at the time and only had machine guns as their main armaments. Their next usage was in Tarawa, which saw the first usage of the newly designed LVT-2. The vehicles in both cases carried ammunition, troops, and wounded back and forth the ships and the beach. After Tarawa, the LVT inventory increased by the battalion, as well as the appearance of the gun-armed LVT(A)-1 and LVT(A)-4. The LVT family continued to see service in Bougainville, the Marshall Islands, Saipan, Peleliu, Leyte (its largest usage in the war), Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. The LVTs also saw use in South East Asia in use by the British, but they never saw combat action.

A LVT(A)(1) at sea.

Outside the Pacific, the LVT also saw use in the European Theater of Operations. Their first usage was in North Africa in November 1942 during Operation Torch to land troops, where its best usage was to get stranded landing boats back into action. The LVTs were also given to the British as part of Lend-Lease. The LVTs were used in the Normandy landings and other operations in Europe such as crossing the Rhine River in Germany and Po River in Italy.

After World War II, the LVTs continued to see action in the multiple conflicts in the world. A number were given to the Chinese Nationalists in the Chinese Civil War by America. Many of these were captured by the Chinese PLA, with some converted to use a 75 mm howitzer or a ZIS-2 anti-tank gun. The Americans used a number of LVT vehicles in the Korean War, notably the landing at Inchon and the attack on Seoul. The French also used American-supplied LVTs during the Indochina War and the Suez Crisis.

Media

Skins
Videos
Survival Guide - The LVT (A)(1) - A Thin Skinned Behemoth - IllusiveThunder
Amphibious tanks discusses the LVT(A)(1) at 3:16 - War Thunder Official Channel
TOP 5 Reserve Tanks discusses the LVT(A)(1) at 1:00 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Related development
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


Food Machinery Corporation (FMC)
Amphibious AFVs  LVT(A)(1) · LVT(A)(4)
IFVs  M3 Bradley · M3A3 Bradley

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

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