Difference between revisions of "MBT-70"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Visual (beta)Wikitext
 
(47 intermediate revisions by 17 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{Specs-Card|code=us_mbt_70}}
+
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=us_mbt_70
 +
|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.'' -->
 +
The '''152-mm Gun-Launcher Main Battle Tank 70''' (MBT-70), also known as the [[KPz-70]] in Germany, was a collaborative U.S. and West German initiative to develop a new main battle tank to replace the existing [[M60 (Family)|M60 family of MBT]] during the 1960s. This was intended to combat the new generation of tanks designed by the Soviet Union for the Warsaw Pact. The new tank was planned to have sophisticated features like newly designed hydropneumatic suspension, dual-layer spaced armour, and a 152 mm XM150E5 gun/launcher that could fire both conventional ammunition and the Shillelagh missile for long-range engagement. The tank additionally featured a remotely controlled 20 mm weapon station on the turret roof. Overall, the tank provided nuclear, biological, and chemical protection for the tank crews (NBC protection capability). The tank was anticipated to remain in service into the 1990s, however the program experienced significant challenges from the start, with the United States Army and the German Bundeswehr having diverging doctrines that were not coordinated and were not resolved before the project was too far along to be modified. The Germans were sceptical of the combined gun and missile launcher, and the U.S. Congress was frustrated by the program's increasing budget without results. By the late 1960s, the MBT-70's development had gone far over the allocated funds, prompting West Germany to abandon the project in 1969. The U.S. continued development of the MBT-70 with the [[XM-803]], a project intended to cut down on the costs of the MBT-70 by only utilising American components; however, this was also finally abandoned in 1971. Data and technology from the MBT-70/XM-803 project transferred to the development of the [[M1 Abrams]], while West Germany built the [[Leopard 2 (Family)|Leopard 2]] as its main battle tank.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]], the MBT-70 offers players unique insights into the collaboration of tank development efforts by both the U.S. and West Germany. Despite the program's eventual demise, the MBT-70 gives several unique capabilities for Cold War U.S. Army ground forces players, particularly the capacity to launch anti-tank guided missiles from the gun barrel, which is unusual in Western MBTs but prevalent in Soviet MBTs. Overall, the MBT strikes a good balance between protection, speed, and firepower, allowing players to easily engage most threats.
  
 
== 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 helpfull 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.'' -->
 +
Unlike the Soviet T-64A (its main rival), the MBT-70 does not utilise composite armour, but an air gap that forces munitions penetrating the initial layers to lose their mass by fragmenting apart before moving to the next layer of armour. This general design concept has been in use as far back as World War II and is even used to this day on modern fighting vehicles.
 +
 
 +
[[Armour#Sloped_armour|Spaced armour]] works wonderfully well against shaped charge munitions or any other munition with explosive filler provided it is of a stronger protection rating. Proceeding weapons and munitions development has seen this benefit decreased with either more powerful or tandem-charge warheads and can be seen in-game against weapons that proceeded different designs of spaced armour. As such, the MBT-70 will find itself against weapons that were designed to defeat spaced armour such as the HOT-K3S ATGM and [[Swingfire|BAE Swingfire]] system that will penetrate it. However, the spaced armour in the MBT-70 works exactly as it was designed to do against older anti-tank missiles, HEAT, HE, and HESH munitions.
 +
 
 +
The tank mounts no external spaced armour. The armour on the side and rear of the tank is not worth mentioning as it will only stop light machine gun fire and some cannon fire on the turret. Adversary sabot rounds will penetrate clear through the engine and into the crew compartment most likely destroying the MBT-70 if engaged from behind.
 +
 
 +
An unconventional feature at the time was that the MBT-70 was designed to house all the crew members in the turret. Because of the autoloading system, the need for a loader was eliminated and due to an attempt to further lower the tanks silhouette, the driver was located to the turret with the gunner and commander. This can have potentially devastating consequences on the battlefield as the crew can easily be injured or knocked out by penetrating munitions entering the crew compartment.
 +
 
 +
For defensive countermeasures, the tank is equipped with two quad barrel externally mounted smoke canister launchers on both sides of the turret, which can provide either a defensive screen for itself or friendly forces. These launchers can be fired in pairs of two. Keep in mind the smoke grenade launchers are operated by the gunner so should the gunner become incapacitated in a fight, the smoke will be unlaunchable until the gunner is replaced by another crew member or by the crew replenishment consumable.
 +
 
 +
Due to its low profile and effective array of camouflage options, the MBT-70 scores high marks in the concealability category. The addition of various foliage can further increase the ability to conceal the tank.
 +
 
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Spaced armour (Hull front, Turret front)
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 34* mm (57°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 76.2 mm (65°) ''Lower glacis'' || 23-34 mm (0-55°) ''Top'' <br> 23-35 mm ''Bottom'' || 25.4 mm (12°) ''Top'' <br> 25 mm (60°) ''Bottom'' <br> 12.7 mm (29-45°) ''Engine exhaust'' || 20 mm ''Front'' <br> 12.7 mm ''Engine deck''
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 50-200 mm (0-75°) || 12.7-38* mm (29-34°) || 12.7* mm (27-80°) || 20-50 mm ''Front'' <br> 12.7 mm ''Rear turret''
 +
|-
 +
| Cupola || 25 mm || 25 mm || 25 mm || 25 mm
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Spaced armour* !! Front !! Sides !! Rear
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 200 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 170 mm ''Chemical'' || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 320 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 280 mm ''Chemical'' || '''38 mm sections:''' <br> 320 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 280 mm ''Chemical'' <br> '''12.7 mm sections:''' <br> 35 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 40 mm ''Chemical'' || 35 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 40 mm ''Chemical''
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
 +
* Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick and tracks are 30 mm thick.
 +
* Belly armour is 16 mm thick.
 +
* Gun mantlet ring around the gun barrel is 305 mm thick.
 +
* A 16 mm RHA plate separates the engine from the crew compartment
 +
* Hull spaced armour configuration is 34 mm RHA + 127 mm air + 46 mm RHA.
 +
* Turret spaced armour configuration is 38 mm RHA + 127 mm air + 130-33 mm RHA.
 +
* Turret rear spaced armour configuration is 13 mm RHA + 38 mm air + 19 mm RHA.
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
+
The MBT-70 is still an average medium tank with weak side armour. Thus, flanking is a good strategy to take for a shot at the weak spots. Go for the ammo, which is located in front of the engine, or in the protruding end of the turret. If in a head on engagement, shoot it directly below the gun, but above the upper glacis. This spot has 250 mm of armour with no composite armour. This shot, if successful, should knock out most of the crew, and maybe even the horizontal drive, allowing for a flank in a fast vehicle.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
−
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''
+
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 +
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,286|rbMinHp=1,305}}
 +
 
 +
The MBT-70 handles like virtually no other vehicle (barring the [[KPz-70]], its German twin) in the game in terms of its ability to pick up and maintain speed over various terrains. Its cross-country mobility is arguably the best currently available in the game, and is one of the many traits that makes the MBT-70 stand out.
 +
 
 +
The MBT-70 is equipped with a 1,470 horsepower air-cooled Continental V-12 diesel engine. This engine pack produces slightly less power compared to its German counterpart, but both vehicles handle essentially the same.
 +
 
 +
A highly advantageous feature is the hydropneumatic suspension system which not only provides great cross country mobility but allows the crew to position the vehicle in such a way to only expose the strongest armour at an enemy threat. The suspension can also be used to gain further gun depression by raising the rear of the tank and lowering the front, improving the tank's performance in hull-down scenarios.
 +
 
 +
The MBT-70 features the standard NATO track and rubber block design. The rubber track blocks provide great traction both off-road and on-road, and minimize sliding during a short halt or drifting.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 
 +
'''<big>Unlock order recommendations</big>'''
 +
 
 +
'''Tier 1'''
 +
 
 +
The first modification you should research is Parts, as only one module is needed to unlock Tier 2, and the other Tier 1 modules aren't needed immediately.
 +
 
 +
'''Tier 2'''
 +
 
 +
The first Tier 2 modifications you should research are FPE and the XM578A1 APFSDS shell. The MBT-70 catches fire often when hit, and even though teammates can assist you in extingushing it, playing without FPE is still painful. The other important module is the XM578E1 APFSDS shell. While the stock HEAT round may have more penetration, the APFSDS is more consistent damage-wise and doesn't catch on bushes, trees, and fences.
 +
 
 +
'''Tier 3'''
 +
 
 +
Three modifications are required to unlock Tier 4, and none of the Tier 3 modules are super important, so the order in which you research them doesn't matter as much. The recommended modules are Crew Repenishment, Smoke Grenades, and Elevation Mechanism. Filters can be swapped in for Elevation Mechanism, but doesn't add much and can be researched later.
 +
 
 +
'''Tier 4'''
 +
 
 +
Tier 4 contains the last two essential modifications, the Laser Rangefinder and NVD, which should be researched in that order. The MBT-70 unfortunately does not get access to a thermal imager, making the NVD module less important but still useful. Artillery Support is also helpful but doesn't affect the tank's performance much, so don't go straight for it.
 +
 
 +
'''Finishing Up'''
 +
 
 +
The rest of the modifications can be researched in any order, as none of the remaining modules are particularly influential. The least helpful modules, XM410E1, Brake System and Suspension can be left for last.
  
 
== 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 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.''
+
{{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|XM150E5 (152 mm)}}
  
−
=== Additional armament ===
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
''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.''
+
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[XM150E5 (152 mm)|152 mm XM150E5]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate rounds (seconds) || Reloading rate ATGM (seconds)
 +
|-
 +
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Autoloader !! Autoloader
 +
|-
 +
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 48 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 34.3 || 47.4 || 57.6 || 63.7 || 67.8 || rowspan="2" | 7.50 || rowspan="2" | 10.00
 +
|-
 +
! ''Realistic''
 +
| 21.4 || 25.2 || 30.6 || 33.8 || 36.0
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
One of the most important facets of a tank is its firepower. In this department, the MBT-70 is no slouch. The 152 mm gun launcher system is very similar to the one used on the [[M551|M551 Sheridan]], the main difference being a longer barrel. This change increases the MBT-70's accuracy at range and allows rounds to leave the barrel at higher velocities, thus improving their penetration and overall damage when compared to the Sheridan. The MBT-70 also has access to two experimental rounds unavailable to the Sheridan, which are an APFSDS round and a [[Smoke screen|smoke]] round, as well as the M409A1 HEAT shell and MGM-51C Shillelagh ATGM shared with the Sheridan and [[M60A2|M60A2 Starship]]. This wide range of munition choices gives the operator many options in pre-combat configuration which can either hinder or enhance the tanker's capability on the battlefield.
 +
 
 +
Additionally, the 152 mm gun launcher is auto-loaded, greatly reducing its time between followup shots on a target.
 +
For targeting, the option to equip a laser range finder is available. Additionally the 7.62 mm machine gun mounted in the turret can be used for range finding as well.
 +
 
 +
Because of the elevated engine deck, gun depression is significantly worse when firing or aiming the gun over the rear of the tank, but can be counteracted by raising the front of the tank using the hydropneumatic suspension.
 +
 
 +
==== Ammunition ====
 +
{{:XM150E5 (152 mm)/Ammunition|XM578E1, M409A1, XM410E1, MGM-51C}}
 +
 
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! Full<br>ammo
 +
! 1st<br>rack empty
 +
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! 4th<br>rack empty
 +
! 5th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
| '''48''' || 44&nbsp;''(+4)'' || 33&nbsp;''(+15)'' || 25&nbsp;''(+23)'' || 7&nbsp;''(+41)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+47)'' || No
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 
 +
* Hull empty: 25&nbsp;''(+23)'' shells.
 +
* Racks 4 and 5 deplete top row together first before emptying in the second row.
 +
* The MBT-70 can carry only 6 missiles.
  
 
=== 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|Rh202 (20 mm)|M73 (7.62 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The Rheinmetall Rh 202 20 mm auto cannon is highly effective at dealing with light armoured battlefield threats and on some tanks exposed sides or rears. In some situations, it may be more beneficial to utilise the 20 mm as it will allow the tank to deal damage rapidly while conserving the main cannon ammunition. The cannon is also highly effective at shooting down low flying attackers. Note that if the commander is knocked out, the 20 mm will be unable to be used.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[Rh202 (20 mm)|20 mm Rh202]]
 +
|-
 +
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
 +
| Pintle || 750 (750) || 900 || -9°/+65° || ±180°
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[M73 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M73]]
 +
|-
 +
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
 +
| Coaxial || 6,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
The tank plays very much like the [[M41A1|M41A1 Walker Bulldog]]. Players familiar with the hit and run play style will easily adapt to the MBT-70. Its fast speed, especially with full upgrades and aced crew, allows it to manoeuvre into spots not typically accessible by less mobile tanks. Utilize this to an advantage to set up ambushes as this is how the MBT-70 will get most victories. It's important to recognize when an engagement is not beneficial to the tank so that it can re-position itself or escape from the threat.
 +
 
 +
Despite the initial appearance of strong frontal armour, it's important to remember when compared to its counterparts at its rank, it is not nearly enough to defeat threats head on such as the [[T-64A (1971)|T-64A]]. Even ATGM from missile vehicles such as the [[RakJPz 2 (HOT)|Raketenjagdpanzer 2 HOT]] will penetrate the turret and upper glacis plate. Even other Rank V tanks can and will penetrate from the front. Because of the rather condensed placement of crew and ammunition, the MBT-70 will most likely be destroyed with one shot. Because of this, it is critical to get the first shot off in an engagement and ensure it is either an eliminating shot or one that cripples the threat to such a capacity that they either cannot engage, will instinctively panic and try to run to repair or determine the engagement location and direction.
 +
 
 +
The gun is especially versatile and powerful with a wide range of ammunition selection, but the cannon-launched ATGM's and sabot rounds will generally be able to get the job done in most situations. The 20 mm turret roof mounted cannon is great for taking out lightly armoured targets (to include some tanks, ATGM vehicles, etc), anti-air, and aircraft.
 +
 
 +
Essentially if this tanks is treated like a light tank or fast medium tank, the survivability will increase dramatically. The hydropneumatic suspension allows for positioning the tank in such ways that it can engage from non-conventional spots while exposing only the strongest armour at the threat. The low silhouette makes the tank especially difficult to hit at longer ranges and this can be further enhanced by the adjustable suspension depending on the situation. Because of the accurate cannon, the MBT-70 will also find it to be easy to engage at longer ranges, which will maximize the strengths while reducing the targets.
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
In summary, the MBT-70 is a great addition to any end game lineup as it provides great flexibility in almost all engagements and is well worth the time and investment to acquire.
−
''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).''
+
 
 +
===Tactics===
 +
Ambushing is the MBT-70's strength. As covered previously, utilize the speed to get into firing positions quickly and cause chaos and confusion among the enemy. In arcade battles, an MBT-70 can usually reach key positions quicker than even some 10.0 BR main battle tanks. This is only provided if it consistently drives in a linear format.
 +
 
 +
The MBT-70 can also quickly capture objective points and when used properly, it can hold these positions so long as it does not stay in them for too long.
 +
 
 +
Scoot and shoot tactics will benefit the MBT-70, as well as terrain masking techniques.
 +
 
 +
Should the MBT-70 have to fight in closer engagement ranges or in close quarters, it is critical to always remember that the armour will not protect the tank reliably; however, the speed, fast rotating turret, and manoeuvrability will. Provided the player utilise these traits to its advantage, the MBT-70 will be able to control the fight. Recognise when the MBT-70 is being baited into an ambush and avoid them as the MBT-70 doesn't stand a great chance of conducting a counter ambush due to the weak armour, which will allow the MBT-70 to be destroyed easily at close range.
 +
 
 +
If the MBT-70 finds itself a victim of an ambush from an opponent, launch a smokescreen, escape, and reassess for a counter ambush.
 +
 
 +
The MBT-70 benefits greatly from squad play. A skilled lone MBT-70 is most certainly a threat on the battlefield, but two or even three MBT-70's working in conjunction with each other in a squad is an extreme danger to the opposing team as the use of squad tactics in combination with the great strengths of the tank can almost completely control the momentum of the conflict.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using 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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Composite armour greatly enhances its survivability on the battlefield
 +
* Has access to APFSDS shells with mediocre close-range penetrating power.
 +
* Has a top mounted 20 mm anti-aircraft cannon installed which can also be used to defeat lightly armoured vehicles reliably with its 44 mm of penetration.
 +
* Has access to hydropneumatic suspension, useful for hull down engagements.
 +
* Extremely fast in both forwards and reverse.
 +
* Fast acceleration.
 +
* Autoloader means a consistent load rate of 7.5 seconds.
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Mediocre reload rate of 7.5 seconds, lower than that of the equal-tiered KPz-70.
 +
* Generally less protection from composite armour, relative to other Rank 6 tanks.
 +
* Weak side armour and LFP.
 +
* 20 mm AA gun overheats rather quickly with sustained firing.
 +
* Ammo racks are easy targets and are not entirely covered by its composite armour.
 +
* Vulnerable to the rear due to raised engine deck, it can be solved if hydropneumatic suspension are used.
 +
* Cramped interior, loss of more than one crew member more likely when penetrated.
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
In the early 1960s, West Germany and the United States began work on a joint project to create a standardized new MBT design that would meet specific requirements set by both nations. The cause for this, was the introduction of the powerful Soviet 115mm smoothbore cannon, mounted on the [[T-62]]. The new cannon presented a serious issue for the respective primary fighting vehicles of the two nations - the [[Leopard I|Leopard 1]] and [[M60]]. Thus, work on the joint project, designated MBT-70 in the US and KPz-70 in West Germany, began in 1964. Right from the start, development was plagued by disagreements between the numerous design team members, due to the differing engineering practices of the two sides. By the time the disagreements were settled, the project has already suffered from several delays, which in addition to other things, inflated the project's budget early on in its development life.
 +
 
 +
Nevertheless, the result of the combined effort of engineers from both sides was first put to the test in the mid '60s, after the first prototypes were manufactured. The KPz-70 MBT received an innovative design like no other tank before it, in addition to being equipped with some of the latest military equipment of the time, such as hydropneumatic suspension, an autoloading system and laser rangefinding, just to name a few.
 +
 
 +
However, whilst the MBT/KPz-70 did come equipped with some of the most high-tech equipment of its time, the vehicle did also come with its own set of unique problems. Considered to be way ahead of its time, the designers often faced challenges that neither the German or American side of the team was able to effectively address, making the vehicle quickly exceed both weight limitations as well as budget restrictions. Spiraling development costs and design disagreements eventually lead to the Germans backing out of the project in 1969 to continue work on one of their own designs, before the Americans also abandoned the project a couple years later in 1971, leaving a total of 14 prototypes built.
 +
 
 +
''- From [[wt:en/news/4923-development-kpz-70-mbt-70-a-warrior-of-two-armies-en/|Devblog]]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
  
−
== Read also ==
+
;Skins
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_mbt_70 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|uQCn8UpVtDc|'''MBT-70: Tank from the Future''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|POgsyKommVk|'''T-64A versus MBT-70''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|ly9JS6errQQ|'''Best secondary armaments''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 6:03 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|PosWOnOGkSo|'''Best experimental vehicles''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 5:27 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''ETC.''
+
 
 +
* [[KPz-70]] - German counterpart of the same vehicle.
 +
* [[XM-803]] - An American "budget" version of the vehicle.
  
−
== Sources ==
+
== 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;''
−
* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [[wt:en/news/4923-gamescom-kpz-70-mbt-70-a-warrior-of-two-armies-en|[Devblog] KPz-70 & MBT-70 - A Warrior of Two Armies]]
 +
 
 +
{{TankManufacturer GM}}
 +
{{USA medium tanks}}
 +
[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 00:27, 4 November 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
MBT-70
us_mbt_70.png
GarageImage MBT-70.jpg
ArtImage MBT-70.png
MBT-70
USA flag.png USA
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
9.0 9.3 9.3
Class:
Research:110 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:620 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The 152-mm Gun-Launcher Main Battle Tank 70 (MBT-70), also known as the KPz-70 in Germany, was a collaborative U.S. and West German initiative to develop a new main battle tank to replace the existing M60 family of MBT during the 1960s. This was intended to combat the new generation of tanks designed by the Soviet Union for the Warsaw Pact. The new tank was planned to have sophisticated features like newly designed hydropneumatic suspension, dual-layer spaced armour, and a 152 mm XM150E5 gun/launcher that could fire both conventional ammunition and the Shillelagh missile for long-range engagement. The tank additionally featured a remotely controlled 20 mm weapon station on the turret roof. Overall, the tank provided nuclear, biological, and chemical protection for the tank crews (NBC protection capability). The tank was anticipated to remain in service into the 1990s, however the program experienced significant challenges from the start, with the United States Army and the German Bundeswehr having diverging doctrines that were not coordinated and were not resolved before the project was too far along to be modified. The Germans were sceptical of the combined gun and missile launcher, and the U.S. Congress was frustrated by the program's increasing budget without results. By the late 1960s, the MBT-70's development had gone far over the allocated funds, prompting West Germany to abandon the project in 1969. The U.S. continued development of the MBT-70 with the XM-803, a project intended to cut down on the costs of the MBT-70 by only utilising American components; however, this was also finally abandoned in 1971. Data and technology from the MBT-70/XM-803 project transferred to the development of the M1 Abrams, while West Germany built the Leopard 2 as its main battle tank.

Introduced in Update 1.71 "New E.R.A.", the MBT-70 offers players unique insights into the collaboration of tank development efforts by both the U.S. and West Germany. Despite the program's eventual demise, the MBT-70 gives several unique capabilities for Cold War U.S. Army ground forces players, particularly the capacity to launch anti-tank guided missiles from the gun barrel, which is unusual in Western MBTs but prevalent in Soviet MBTs. Overall, the MBT strikes a good balance between protection, speed, and firepower, allowing players to easily engage most threats.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull80 / 46 / 25
Turret168 / 168 / 35
Crew3 people
Visibility86 %

Unlike the Soviet T-64A (its main rival), the MBT-70 does not utilise composite armour, but an air gap that forces munitions penetrating the initial layers to lose their mass by fragmenting apart before moving to the next layer of armour. This general design concept has been in use as far back as World War II and is even used to this day on modern fighting vehicles.

Spaced armour works wonderfully well against shaped charge munitions or any other munition with explosive filler provided it is of a stronger protection rating. Proceeding weapons and munitions development has seen this benefit decreased with either more powerful or tandem-charge warheads and can be seen in-game against weapons that proceeded different designs of spaced armour. As such, the MBT-70 will find itself against weapons that were designed to defeat spaced armour such as the HOT-K3S ATGM and BAE Swingfire system that will penetrate it. However, the spaced armour in the MBT-70 works exactly as it was designed to do against older anti-tank missiles, HEAT, HE, and HESH munitions.

The tank mounts no external spaced armour. The armour on the side and rear of the tank is not worth mentioning as it will only stop light machine gun fire and some cannon fire on the turret. Adversary sabot rounds will penetrate clear through the engine and into the crew compartment most likely destroying the MBT-70 if engaged from behind.

An unconventional feature at the time was that the MBT-70 was designed to house all the crew members in the turret. Because of the autoloading system, the need for a loader was eliminated and due to an attempt to further lower the tanks silhouette, the driver was located to the turret with the gunner and commander. This can have potentially devastating consequences on the battlefield as the crew can easily be injured or knocked out by penetrating munitions entering the crew compartment.

For defensive countermeasures, the tank is equipped with two quad barrel externally mounted smoke canister launchers on both sides of the turret, which can provide either a defensive screen for itself or friendly forces. These launchers can be fired in pairs of two. Keep in mind the smoke grenade launchers are operated by the gunner so should the gunner become incapacitated in a fight, the smoke will be unlaunchable until the gunner is replaced by another crew member or by the crew replenishment consumable.

Due to its low profile and effective array of camouflage options, the MBT-70 scores high marks in the concealability category. The addition of various foliage can further increase the ability to conceal the tank.

Armour type:

  • Spaced armour (Hull front, Turret front)
  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 34* mm (57°) Front glacis
76.2 mm (65°) Lower glacis 		23-34 mm (0-55°) Top
23-35 mm Bottom 		25.4 mm (12°) Top
25 mm (60°) Bottom
12.7 mm (29-45°) Engine exhaust 		20 mm Front
12.7 mm Engine deck
Turret 50-200 mm (0-75°) 12.7-38* mm (29-34°) 12.7* mm (27-80°) 20-50 mm Front
12.7 mm Rear turret
Cupola 25 mm 25 mm 25 mm 25 mm
Spaced armour* Front Sides Rear
Hull 200 mm Kinetic
170 mm Chemical 		N/A N/A
Turret 320 mm Kinetic
280 mm Chemical 		38 mm sections:
320 mm Kinetic
280 mm Chemical
12.7 mm sections:
35 mm Kinetic
40 mm Chemical 		35 mm Kinetic
40 mm Chemical

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick and tracks are 30 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 16 mm thick.
  • Gun mantlet ring around the gun barrel is 305 mm thick.
  • A 16 mm RHA plate separates the engine from the crew compartment
  • Hull spaced armour configuration is 34 mm RHA + 127 mm air + 46 mm RHA.
  • Turret spaced armour configuration is 38 mm RHA + 127 mm air + 130-33 mm RHA.
  • Turret rear spaced armour configuration is 13 mm RHA + 38 mm air + 19 mm RHA.

The MBT-70 is still an average medium tank with weak side armour. Thus, flanking is a good strategy to take for a shot at the weak spots. Go for the ammo, which is located in front of the engine, or in the protruding end of the turret. If in a head on engagement, shoot it directly below the gun, but above the upper glacis. This spot has 250 mm of armour with no composite armour. This shot, if successful, should knock out most of the crew, and maybe even the horizontal drive, allowing for a flank in a fast vehicle.

Mobility

 
Controlled suspension
It is possible to adjust the ground clearance or more complex suspension positions
Reverse gearbox
Forward and backward movement is possible at the same maximum speed
Speedforward / back
AB72 / 72 km/h
RB and SB65 / 65 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
8 back
Weight51.7 t
Engine power
AB2 814 hp
RB and SB1 475 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB54.4 hp/t
RB and SB28.5 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 72 72 51.7 2,286 2,814 44.22 54.43
Realistic 65 65 1,305 1,475 25.24 28.53

The MBT-70 handles like virtually no other vehicle (barring the KPz-70, its German twin) in the game in terms of its ability to pick up and maintain speed over various terrains. Its cross-country mobility is arguably the best currently available in the game, and is one of the many traits that makes the MBT-70 stand out.

The MBT-70 is equipped with a 1,470 horsepower air-cooled Continental V-12 diesel engine. This engine pack produces slightly less power compared to its German counterpart, but both vehicles handle essentially the same.

A highly advantageous feature is the hydropneumatic suspension system which not only provides great cross country mobility but allows the crew to position the vehicle in such a way to only expose the strongest armour at an enemy threat. The suspension can also be used to gain further gun depression by raising the rear of the tank and lowering the front, improving the tank's performance in hull-down scenarios.

The MBT-70 features the standard NATO track and rubber block design. The rubber track blocks provide great traction both off-road and on-road, and minimize sliding during a short halt or drifting.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 516 → 6 232 Sl icon.png
RB4 490 → 6 196 Sl icon.png
SB5 824 → 8 037 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications182 100 Rp icon.png
306 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 700 Ge icon.png
Crew training175 000 Sl icon.png
Experts620 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 010 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 200 / 240 % Sl icon.png
226 / 226 / 226 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
520 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
520 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement us.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
152mm_XM410E1_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
152mm_usa_XM578E1_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
520 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
520 Ge icon.png

Unlock order recommendations

Tier 1

The first modification you should research is Parts, as only one module is needed to unlock Tier 2, and the other Tier 1 modules aren't needed immediately.

Tier 2

The first Tier 2 modifications you should research are FPE and the XM578A1 APFSDS shell. The MBT-70 catches fire often when hit, and even though teammates can assist you in extingushing it, playing without FPE is still painful. The other important module is the XM578E1 APFSDS shell. While the stock HEAT round may have more penetration, the APFSDS is more consistent damage-wise and doesn't catch on bushes, trees, and fences.

Tier 3

Three modifications are required to unlock Tier 4, and none of the Tier 3 modules are super important, so the order in which you research them doesn't matter as much. The recommended modules are Crew Repenishment, Smoke Grenades, and Elevation Mechanism. Filters can be swapped in for Elevation Mechanism, but doesn't add much and can be researched later.

Tier 4

Tier 4 contains the last two essential modifications, the Laser Rangefinder and NVD, which should be researched in that order. The MBT-70 unfortunately does not get access to a thermal imager, making the NVD module less important but still useful. Artillery Support is also helpful but doesn't affect the tank's performance much, so don't go straight for it.

Finishing Up

The rest of the modifications can be researched in any order, as none of the remaining modules are particularly influential. The least helpful modules, XM410E1, Brake System and Suspension can be left for last.

Armaments

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

Main armament

152 mm XM150E5 gun/launcher
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Autoloader
Automatically feeds projectiles into the breech. The speed does not depend on the skills of the loader
Ammunition48 rounds
First-order24 rounds
Reload7.5 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: XM150E5 (152 mm)
152 mm XM150E5 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate rounds (seconds) Reloading rate ATGM (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Autoloader Autoloader
Arcade 48 -10°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 34.3 47.4 57.6 63.7 67.8 7.50 10.00
Realistic 21.4 25.2 30.6 33.8 36.0

One of the most important facets of a tank is its firepower. In this department, the MBT-70 is no slouch. The 152 mm gun launcher system is very similar to the one used on the M551 Sheridan, the main difference being a longer barrel. This change increases the MBT-70's accuracy at range and allows rounds to leave the barrel at higher velocities, thus improving their penetration and overall damage when compared to the Sheridan. The MBT-70 also has access to two experimental rounds unavailable to the Sheridan, which are an APFSDS round and a smoke round, as well as the M409A1 HEAT shell and MGM-51C Shillelagh ATGM shared with the Sheridan and M60A2 Starship. This wide range of munition choices gives the operator many options in pre-combat configuration which can either hinder or enhance the tanker's capability on the battlefield.

Additionally, the 152 mm gun launcher is auto-loaded, greatly reducing its time between followup shots on a target. For targeting, the option to equip a laser range finder is available. Additionally the 7.62 mm machine gun mounted in the turret can be used for range finding as well.

Because of the elevated engine deck, gun depression is significantly worse when firing or aiming the gun over the rear of the tank, but can be counteracted by raising the front of the tank using the hydropneumatic suspension.

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
XM578E1 APFSDS 285 281 270 254 239 223
M409A1 HEAT 380 380 380 380 380 380
MGM-51C ATGM 431 431 431 431 431 431
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%
XM578E1 APFSDS 1,509 3.79 - - - 78° 80° 81°
M409A1 HEAT 754 18.9 0.05 0.1 3.73 62° 69° 73°
Missile details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Range
(m) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
MGM-51C ATGM 286 3,200 27.8 0.05 0.1 5.72 80° 82° 90°
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)
XM410E1 754 18.9 21 5 30 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the MBT-70
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
48 44 (+4) 33 (+15) 25 (+23) 7 (+41) 1 (+47) No

Notes:

  • Hull empty: 25 (+23) shells.
  • Racks 4 and 5 deplete top row together first before emptying in the second row.
  • The MBT-70 can carry only 6 missiles.

Machine guns

20 mm Rh202 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Belt capacity750 rounds
Reload10.0 s
Fire rate900 shots/min
Vertical guidance-15° / 75°
7.62 mm M73 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition6 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reload8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
Main articles: Rh202 (20 mm), M73 (7.62 mm)

The Rheinmetall Rh 202 20 mm auto cannon is highly effective at dealing with light armoured battlefield threats and on some tanks exposed sides or rears. In some situations, it may be more beneficial to utilise the 20 mm as it will allow the tank to deal damage rapidly while conserving the main cannon ammunition. The cannon is also highly effective at shooting down low flying attackers. Note that if the commander is knocked out, the 20 mm will be unable to be used.

20 mm Rh202
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 750 (750) 900 -9°/+65° ±180°
7.62 mm M73
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 6,000 (250) 500 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

The tank plays very much like the M41A1 Walker Bulldog. Players familiar with the hit and run play style will easily adapt to the MBT-70. Its fast speed, especially with full upgrades and aced crew, allows it to manoeuvre into spots not typically accessible by less mobile tanks. Utilize this to an advantage to set up ambushes as this is how the MBT-70 will get most victories. It's important to recognize when an engagement is not beneficial to the tank so that it can re-position itself or escape from the threat.

Despite the initial appearance of strong frontal armour, it's important to remember when compared to its counterparts at its rank, it is not nearly enough to defeat threats head on such as the T-64A. Even ATGM from missile vehicles such as the Raketenjagdpanzer 2 HOT will penetrate the turret and upper glacis plate. Even other Rank V tanks can and will penetrate from the front. Because of the rather condensed placement of crew and ammunition, the MBT-70 will most likely be destroyed with one shot. Because of this, it is critical to get the first shot off in an engagement and ensure it is either an eliminating shot or one that cripples the threat to such a capacity that they either cannot engage, will instinctively panic and try to run to repair or determine the engagement location and direction.

The gun is especially versatile and powerful with a wide range of ammunition selection, but the cannon-launched ATGM's and sabot rounds will generally be able to get the job done in most situations. The 20 mm turret roof mounted cannon is great for taking out lightly armoured targets (to include some tanks, ATGM vehicles, etc), anti-air, and aircraft.

Essentially if this tanks is treated like a light tank or fast medium tank, the survivability will increase dramatically. The hydropneumatic suspension allows for positioning the tank in such ways that it can engage from non-conventional spots while exposing only the strongest armour at the threat. The low silhouette makes the tank especially difficult to hit at longer ranges and this can be further enhanced by the adjustable suspension depending on the situation. Because of the accurate cannon, the MBT-70 will also find it to be easy to engage at longer ranges, which will maximize the strengths while reducing the targets.

In summary, the MBT-70 is a great addition to any end game lineup as it provides great flexibility in almost all engagements and is well worth the time and investment to acquire.

Tactics

Ambushing is the MBT-70's strength. As covered previously, utilize the speed to get into firing positions quickly and cause chaos and confusion among the enemy. In arcade battles, an MBT-70 can usually reach key positions quicker than even some 10.0 BR main battle tanks. This is only provided if it consistently drives in a linear format.

The MBT-70 can also quickly capture objective points and when used properly, it can hold these positions so long as it does not stay in them for too long.

Scoot and shoot tactics will benefit the MBT-70, as well as terrain masking techniques.

Should the MBT-70 have to fight in closer engagement ranges or in close quarters, it is critical to always remember that the armour will not protect the tank reliably; however, the speed, fast rotating turret, and manoeuvrability will. Provided the player utilise these traits to its advantage, the MBT-70 will be able to control the fight. Recognise when the MBT-70 is being baited into an ambush and avoid them as the MBT-70 doesn't stand a great chance of conducting a counter ambush due to the weak armour, which will allow the MBT-70 to be destroyed easily at close range.

If the MBT-70 finds itself a victim of an ambush from an opponent, launch a smokescreen, escape, and reassess for a counter ambush.

The MBT-70 benefits greatly from squad play. A skilled lone MBT-70 is most certainly a threat on the battlefield, but two or even three MBT-70's working in conjunction with each other in a squad is an extreme danger to the opposing team as the use of squad tactics in combination with the great strengths of the tank can almost completely control the momentum of the conflict.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Composite armour greatly enhances its survivability on the battlefield
  • Has access to APFSDS shells with mediocre close-range penetrating power.
  • Has a top mounted 20 mm anti-aircraft cannon installed which can also be used to defeat lightly armoured vehicles reliably with its 44 mm of penetration.
  • Has access to hydropneumatic suspension, useful for hull down engagements.
  • Extremely fast in both forwards and reverse.
  • Fast acceleration.
  • Autoloader means a consistent load rate of 7.5 seconds.

Cons:

  • Mediocre reload rate of 7.5 seconds, lower than that of the equal-tiered KPz-70.
  • Generally less protection from composite armour, relative to other Rank 6 tanks.
  • Weak side armour and LFP.
  • 20 mm AA gun overheats rather quickly with sustained firing.
  • Ammo racks are easy targets and are not entirely covered by its composite armour.
  • Vulnerable to the rear due to raised engine deck, it can be solved if hydropneumatic suspension are used.
  • Cramped interior, loss of more than one crew member more likely when penetrated.

History

In the early 1960s, West Germany and the United States began work on a joint project to create a standardized new MBT design that would meet specific requirements set by both nations. The cause for this, was the introduction of the powerful Soviet 115mm smoothbore cannon, mounted on the T-62. The new cannon presented a serious issue for the respective primary fighting vehicles of the two nations - the Leopard 1 and M60. Thus, work on the joint project, designated MBT-70 in the US and KPz-70 in West Germany, began in 1964. Right from the start, development was plagued by disagreements between the numerous design team members, due to the differing engineering practices of the two sides. By the time the disagreements were settled, the project has already suffered from several delays, which in addition to other things, inflated the project's budget early on in its development life.

Nevertheless, the result of the combined effort of engineers from both sides was first put to the test in the mid '60s, after the first prototypes were manufactured. The KPz-70 MBT received an innovative design like no other tank before it, in addition to being equipped with some of the latest military equipment of the time, such as hydropneumatic suspension, an autoloading system and laser rangefinding, just to name a few.

However, whilst the MBT/KPz-70 did come equipped with some of the most high-tech equipment of its time, the vehicle did also come with its own set of unique problems. Considered to be way ahead of its time, the designers often faced challenges that neither the German or American side of the team was able to effectively address, making the vehicle quickly exceed both weight limitations as well as budget restrictions. Spiraling development costs and design disagreements eventually lead to the Germans backing out of the project in 1969 to continue work on one of their own designs, before the Americans also abandoned the project a couple years later in 1971, leaving a total of 14 prototypes built.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins
Videos
MBT-70: Tank from the Future - War Thunder Official Channel
T-64A versus MBT-70 - War Thunder Official Channel
Best secondary armaments discusses the MBT-70 at 6:03 - War Thunder Official Channel
Best experimental vehicles discusses the MBT-70 at 5:27 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

  • KPz-70 - German counterpart of the same vehicle.
  • XM-803 - An American "budget" version of the vehicle.

External links


General Motors Company (GM)
MBTs 
MBT-70  MBT-70* · XM803
XM-1  XM1 (GM)
  *Designed in collaboration with the Deutsche Entwicklungsgesellschaft.
Tank Destroyers  T114
Export 
GMC CCKW  CCKW 353 (M45) · CCKW 353 AA
Note  General Motors has several divisions, including Buick, Cadillac, and Chevrolet.

USA medium tanks
M2  M2
M3  M3 Lee · ▃Grant I
M4  M4 · Calliope · M4A1 · M4A1 (76) W · M4A2 · M4A2 (76) W · M4A3 (105) · M4A3 (76) W · M4/T26
M26 Pershing  T20 · T25 · M26 · M26 T99 · M26E1
M46/47/48 Patton  M46 · M46 "Tiger" · M47 · M48A1 · T54E1 · T54E2
M60  M60 · M60A1 (AOS) · M60A1 RISE (P) · M60A2 · M60A3 TTS · M728 CEV · 120S
MBT-70  MBT-70 · XM803
M1 Abrams  XM1 (Chrysler) · XM1 (GM)
  M1 Abrams · M1 KVT · IPM1
  M1A1 · M1A1 HC · M1A1 Click-Bait
  M1A2 Abrams · M1A2 SEP · M1A2 SEP V2
Other  T95E1
Australia  M1A1 AIM
Canada  M4A5
Israel  ▃Magach 3 (ERA) · ▃Merkava Mk.1 · ▃Merkava Mk.2B · ▃Merkava Mk.3D
Turkey  M60 AMBT

Retrieved from "https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=MBT-70&oldid=194453"