Difference between revisions of "M16 MGMC"

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{{Specs-Card|code=us_halftrack_m16}}
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{{About
 +
| about = American SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other half-track vehicles based on the M3
 +
| link = M3 Half-Track (Family)
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}}
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{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=us_halftrack_m16
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|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 '''M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage (MGMC)''' is the second variant of the M3 half-track-based self-propelled anti-aircraft gun family. It was armed with four M2HB Browning heavy machine guns mounted on an M45 Quadmount. From May 1943 to March 1944, White Motor Company produced approximately 2700 units. As aircraft became more advanced, the utility of this vehicle diminished. During the Korean War, it was primarily used for ground support and was phased out of the U.S. Army in 1954. It was nicknamed the "Meat Chopper" due to its effectiveness against enemy low-flying aircraft and infantry, making it extremely popular among soldiers.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update 1.45 "Steel Generals"]], the M16 MGMC plays similarly to the [[M13 MGMC]]. Since it is lightly armoured, it is best not to engage enemy ground units directly. Concentrate on enemy aircraft, but do not engage until the plane is close enough for direct hits. The main armament is extremely powerful, frequently igniting planes. Always reposition yourself after firing to improve your chances of survival.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 +
'''Armour type:'''
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
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*Rolled homogeneous armour
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 6.35 mm (31°) ''Hood front'' <br> 12.7 mm (31°) ''Driver port'' || 6.35 mm || 6.35 mm || N/A
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 12.7 mm || N/A || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
 +
* Suspension bogies are 10 mm thick, suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, and tracks are 7 mm thick. Front wheels provide 2 mm armour.
  
 
=== 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=210|rbMinHp=131}}
 +
 
 +
As a half-track, the {{PAGENAME}} is light and thus agile. While it has a high top speed, the acceleration is quite slow: expect a cruise speed between 40 and 45 km/h instead. The reverse speed is good, allowing you to pull out of dangerous situations. Like all WW2 wheeled vehicles, you can not turn on the spot and always need space to change direction. However, thanks to the rear tracks, your turn radius remains small at small speed. But remember that the faster you drive, the bigger the turn radius will be. Changing directions in a cramped street can be difficult with the {{PAGENAME}}. The lack of neutral steering makes turning on the spot slow (4 km/h): make sure to build a little speed before turning and you'll turn faster (12 km/h). The offroad mobility is average: the {{PAGENAME}} reaches 14 km/h when fording and 18 km/h when driving uphill.  The {{PAGENAME}} has a very high cruise speed on hard surfaces (solid ground, roads). While its high speed is an advantage, it can turn into a disadvantage when manoeuvring at high speed: the {{PAGENAME}} starts oversteering when you turn because of its high centre of gravity and ends up skidding uncontrollably. Be aware of this before gunning towards the frontline: limit your maximum speed and anticipate the braking phases. As it is equipped with front tires, the {{PAGENAME}} struggles on soft terrain (sand, mud, snow). Light obstacles (fences and bushes) will make you bleed speed and medium to large obstacles (posts, trees, concrete blocks and parked vehicles) will stop your vehicle: avoid them.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
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 +
After unlocking parts and FPE, the best course of action is getting the API belt, offering about 30 mm of penetration and a full belt of incendiary munition which will cause havoc among planes and lightly-armoured vehicles alike. After unlocking the API belt, turret adjustments and mobility upgrades can be chosen at player's discretion.
  
 
== 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|M2HB (12.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
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! colspan="6" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]] (x4) || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 +
|-
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! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
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! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
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|-
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! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 4,800 (200) || rowspan="2" | 577 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+90° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 52.84 || 73.13 || 88.80 || 98.20 || 104.47 || rowspan="2" | 18.20 || rowspan="2" | 16.10 || rowspan="2" | 14.84 || rowspan="2" | 14.00
 +
|-
 +
! ''Realistic''
 +
| 35.70 || 42.00 || 51.00 || 56.40 || 60.00
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Ammunition ====
 +
 
 +
* '''Common:''' {{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|I|M1 incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - These rounds work well until the others are researched.
 +
* '''API:''' {{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I|M8 armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - These are absolutely devastating in the AA role with slightly less performance against enemy tanks than AP.
 +
* '''AP:''' {{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - These are best against enemy tanks at close range and do good damage to planes.
 +
* '''APIT:''' {{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - Better than API in all regards but not as good against tanks as AP, this is the belt of choice in almost all situations. Since every bullet is a tracer, it makes destroying aircraft much easier and detectability is not greatly increased over AP-I, however is increased a bit over AP.
  
−
=== Additional armament ===
+
{{:M2HB (12.7 mm)/Ammunition|AP, I, API-T, AP-I}}
−
''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.''
 
  
−
=== Machine guns ===
+
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
''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.''
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 1.101.0.75''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! Full<br>ammo
 +
! 1st<br>rack empty
 +
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
| '''24''' || 12&nbsp;''(+12)'' || 0&nbsp;''(+24)'' || Yes
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
* Although there are 24 ammo boxes, only 10 are modeled including 4 loaded on the machine guns.
−
''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).''
+
* Since there are four .50 M2HB machine guns, each reload will load 4 ammo boxes onto the guns with each box containing 200 rounds.
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
First of all go to a good open spot, most times it is enough to stay in the spawn point. Best ammunition for this vehicle are API (Armour Piercing Incendiary bullet) or APIT (Armour Piercing Incendiary Tracer bullet), as the specialized AP belt doesn't offer a significant advantage.
 +
 
 +
"The Meat Chopper" is inaccurate when enemy planes are operating at high altitudes, but in these cases, its function is more psychological than effective. Shooting short bursts at enemy planes at high altitudes will show them that the team is always covered by AA fire and it won't be an easy task a ground attack.
 +
 
 +
When an enemy is diving, the best way to defend the attack is by creating a thick fire curtain with prolonged bursts.
 +
The most vulnerable moment for aircraft is when they just dropped bombs or rockets and climb again. They're flying very slow and become easy targets.
 +
Take care if planes are attacking. Fighters with their MG's and cannons are a great menace. So start moving while firing and take cover behind trees or even buildings.
 +
 
 +
Watch out for remaining ammunition. The {{PAGENAME}} has 800 rounds to shoot but reloading is very slow, making the {{PAGENAME}} and the team vulnerable in the worst moments. More than 200 rounds is a good margin.
 +
 
 +
Don't try to do anti-tank tasks, the {{PAGENAME}} is equipped with 50 cal. Machine guns are not as effective as cannons at fighting more armoured vehicles, as they have much less penetration, so stay at the spawn point and do anti-aircraft work. The machine gun tracers can reveal enemy snipers position shooting, allowing teammates to see them, but it's not advisable.
 +
 
 +
In addition, artillery barrages are very dangerous, move immediately and relocate.
  
 
=== 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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Powerful guns that can shred planes with well-aimed bursts within 1 km
 +
* API shells are powerful enough to damage or even destroy enemy light tanks and other SPAAs
 +
* Fast on flat ground and can remarkably speed through terrain that would impede wheeled vehicles
 +
* Can turn in place, compared to other wheeled SPAA
 +
* Fast turret traverse allows following aircraft easily
 +
* Can shrug off rifle calibre ammunition (<7.92 mm) quite easily
 +
* Fast reverse speeds, can evacuate an area quickly if necessary
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Poor survivability against all shells, bombs, and rockets due to thin armour and 3-men crew
 +
* Fighter aircraft can destroy this vehicle, especially cannon-armed fighters
 +
* Can not hurt vehicles to a full extent of its BR due to the bullets' lacklustre penetration
 +
* No weight to pull: Towing or pushing allies is nearly impossible unless it is a lighter vehicle
 +
* Prone to tipping over when turning at high speeds or travelling across steep inclines
 +
* Vulnerable to artillery barrages since it has an open top
  
 
== 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).'' -->
 +
===Development===
 +
The role of a mobile anti-aircraft vehicle in the US Army was seen as necessary in order to protect ground troops from enemy aircraft at any place of their deployment. The first such development was the [[M13 MGMC|M13 MGMC]], which was an anti-aircraft system of two .50 cal machine gun on the back of an M3 Half-Track car. The M13 served with some success, but by 1943 an upgraded version was in production.
 +
 
 +
The new vehicle in development was an improvement over the M13 MGMC from replacing the two .50 cal machine guns with four instead, while still based off the M13 design by using the M3 Half-Track as the chassis. The prototype was called the ''T61 MGMC'', but once accepted at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, it was designated the '''M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage'''. During the evaluations, some changes to the design were made, including the addition of a gun shield. Production started in May 1943 and continued on until March 1944 with the production of 2,877 M16 MGMC vehicles by White Motor Company. An additional 568 M13 and 109 T10 Half-tracks were also converted into M16 vehicles for a total of about 3,550 M16 units made.
 +
 
 +
===Combat usage===
 +
The M16 MGMC saw service in early 1944, replacing the M13 that came before it. Deployment of the M16 MGMC is usually alongside the [[M15A1 CGMC|M15 CGMC]], another anti-aircraft weapon equipped with a 37 mm autocannon as well as two .50 machine guns. The M16 MGMC was very popular with the troops as not only was it able to take down low-flying aircraft with relative ease, it was also used in an infantry support role where it earns the nickname "The Meat Chopper". The ability to provide covering fire with its four .50 calibre machine guns give the M16 a huge firepower advantage over the standard infantry and in some cases, were used to cut down trees where snipers were suspected to be hiding. The M16 also saw service with the Allies in the British Commonwealth and the Soviet Union, where they make use of it in the same way America did in anti-aircraft and ground support roles. The M16 saw service in the Italian Campaign, the French Campaign, and the Battle of the Bulge.
 +
 
 +
After World War II, the M16 MGMC still saw service in American forces in the Korean War, as well as by their South Korean allies. While still superb at a ground support role (in most cases, anti-infantry), the advancing technology in aircraft make them more advanced and durable to the .50 calibre machine guns and so its effect as an anti-aircraft gun has diminished. By late 1951, the M16 MGMC was declared a "limited standard" and were gradually retired from US service, though they continued to serve until the end of the US involvement in the Korean War. The M16 MGMC was finally declared obsolete by 1958.
 +
 
 +
{{break}}
 +
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
The W.L. Maxson Corporation developed the M45 turret emplacement, which was equipped with four 12.7 mm Browning M2HB machine guns, to meet troop requirements for more concentrated defensive fire. The new turret was tested on the M2 half-track personnel carrier chassis, later moving to the M3 chassis.
 +
 
 +
The self-propelled AA weapon with the new turret went through trials and was accepted as the M16 MGMC.
 +
 
 +
The new vehicles were produced by the White Motor Company beginning in May 1943, continuing through 1943 and into 1944. In all, 2,877 units were assembled.
 +
 
 +
Almost all of the M16 MGMCs served in the US army's AA divisions, while an additional 70 were sent to the Free French army. The model was used primarily in the European theater to go along with a small number that saw action in the Philippines.
 +
 
 +
The M16 MGMC was successfully used against both air and ground targets, as well as to take out enemy infantry. It was also used somewhat widely by US army divisions during the Korean War, after which it was removed from service.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== 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_halftrack_m16 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
== 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.'' -->Export versions
−
''ETC.''
+
 
 +
* [[M16 MGMC (Japan)]]
 +
 
 +
Similar vehicles with the M45 Quadmount
 +
 
 +
* [[CCKW 353 (M45)]]
 +
* [[CM52]]
 +
 
 +
Similar vehicles based on the M3 Half-Track
 +
 
 +
* [[M13 MGMC]]
 +
* [[M15 CGMC]]
 +
* [[TCM-20]]
  
−
== 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/devblog/current/677/|[Devblog] Steel Generals: M16 Halftrack]]
 +
* [[wt:en/devblog/current/719/|[Devblog] Developers about the M16 MGMC]]
 +
* [[wt:en/news/3511/current/|[Vehicle Profile] M16 MGMC - The Meat Chopper]]
 +
* [[wikipedia:M16_Multiple_Gun_Motor_Carriage|[Wikipedia] M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage]]
 +
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/US/M3_Halftrack.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Half Track Car M3]
 +
* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=935 <nowiki>[Military Factory]</nowiki> M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage (MGMC)]
 +
 
 +
{{TankManufacturer White Motor Company}}
 +
{{USA anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 +
[[Category:Half-tracks]]

Latest revision as of 10:32, 21 November 2023

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the American SPAA M16 MGMC. For other half-track vehicles based on the M3, see M3 Half-Track (Family).
M16 MGMC
us_halftrack_m16.png
GarageImage M16 MGMC.jpg
ArtImage M16 MGMC.png
M16 MGMC
USA flag.png USA
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.7 2.7 2.7
Class:
Research:7 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:10 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage (MGMC) is the second variant of the M3 half-track-based self-propelled anti-aircraft gun family. It was armed with four M2HB Browning heavy machine guns mounted on an M45 Quadmount. From May 1943 to March 1944, White Motor Company produced approximately 2700 units. As aircraft became more advanced, the utility of this vehicle diminished. During the Korean War, it was primarily used for ground support and was phased out of the U.S. Army in 1954. It was nicknamed the "Meat Chopper" due to its effectiveness against enemy low-flying aircraft and infantry, making it extremely popular among soldiers.

Introduced in Update 1.45 "Steel Generals", the M16 MGMC plays similarly to the M13 MGMC. Since it is lightly armoured, it is best not to engage enemy ground units directly. Concentrate on enemy aircraft, but do not engage until the plane is close enough for direct hits. The main armament is extremely powerful, frequently igniting planes. Always reposition yourself after firing to improve your chances of survival.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull6 / 6 / 6
Turret6 / 6 / 6
Crew3 people
Visibility80 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 6.35 mm (31°) Hood front
12.7 mm (31°) Driver port 		6.35 mm 6.35 mm N/A
Turret 12.7 mm N/A N/A N/A

Notes:

  • Suspension bogies are 10 mm thick, suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, and tracks are 7 mm thick. Front wheels provide 2 mm armour.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB83 / 19 km/h
RB and SB76 / 18 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
2 back
Weight8.6 t
Engine power
AB282 hp
RB and SB148 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB32.8 hp/t
RB and SB17.2 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 83 19 8.6 210 282 24.42 32.79
Realistic 76 18 131 148 15.23 17.21

As a half-track, the M16 MGMC is light and thus agile. While it has a high top speed, the acceleration is quite slow: expect a cruise speed between 40 and 45 km/h instead. The reverse speed is good, allowing you to pull out of dangerous situations. Like all WW2 wheeled vehicles, you can not turn on the spot and always need space to change direction. However, thanks to the rear tracks, your turn radius remains small at small speed. But remember that the faster you drive, the bigger the turn radius will be. Changing directions in a cramped street can be difficult with the M16 MGMC. The lack of neutral steering makes turning on the spot slow (4 km/h): make sure to build a little speed before turning and you'll turn faster (12 km/h). The offroad mobility is average: the M16 MGMC reaches 14 km/h when fording and 18 km/h when driving uphill. The M16 MGMC has a very high cruise speed on hard surfaces (solid ground, roads). While its high speed is an advantage, it can turn into a disadvantage when manoeuvring at high speed: the M16 MGMC starts oversteering when you turn because of its high centre of gravity and ends up skidding uncontrollably. Be aware of this before gunning towards the frontline: limit your maximum speed and anticipate the braking phases. As it is equipped with front tires, the M16 MGMC struggles on soft terrain (sand, mud, snow). Light obstacles (fences and bushes) will make you bleed speed and medium to large obstacles (posts, trees, concrete blocks and parked vehicles) will stop your vehicle: avoid them.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB487 → 626 Sl icon.png
RB385 → 495 Sl icon.png
SB593 → 763 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications6 920 Rp icon.png
6 730 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost530 Ge icon.png
Crew training3 000 Sl icon.png
Experts10 000 Sl icon.png
Aces115 Ge icon.png
Research Aces160 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
30 / 40 / 50 % Sl icon.png
112 / 112 / 112 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
350 Rp icon.png
Cost:
340 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
310 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
310 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
420 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
750 Rp icon.png
Cost:
730 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
750 Rp icon.png
Cost:
730 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
350 Rp icon.png
Cost:
340 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
310 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement us.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
420 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
12mm_usa_M2HB_API_ammo_pack
Research:
350 Rp icon.png
Cost:
340 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
350 Rp icon.png
Cost:
340 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
12mm_usa_M2HB_AP_ammo_pack
Research:
310 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods aa cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
310 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
12mm_usa_M2HB_APIT_ammo_pack
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
420 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
420 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
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Artillery Support
Research:
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Cost:
730 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png

After unlocking parts and FPE, the best course of action is getting the API belt, offering about 30 mm of penetration and a full belt of incendiary munition which will cause havoc among planes and lightly-armoured vehicles alike. After unlocking the API belt, turret adjustments and mobility upgrades can be chosen at player's discretion.

Armaments

Main armament

4 x 12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Ammunition4 800 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 90°
Main article: M2HB (12.7 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB (x4) Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 4,800 (200) 577 -10°/+90° ±180° N/A 52.84 73.13 88.80 98.20 104.47 18.20 16.10 14.84 14.00
Realistic 35.70 42.00 51.00 56.40 60.00

Ammunition

  • Common: API-T · I · AP · API-T - These rounds work well until the others are researched.
  • API: API-T · AP-I · API-T - These are absolutely devastating in the AA role with slightly less performance against enemy tanks than AP.
  • AP: AP · AP · API-T - These are best against enemy tanks at close range and do good damage to planes.
  • APIT: API-T - Better than API in all regards but not as good against tanks as AP, this is the belt of choice in almost all situations. Since every bullet is a tracer, it makes destroying aircraft much easier and detectability is not greatly increased over AP-I, however is increased a bit over AP.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
AP 31 29 21 14 9 6
I 7 7 6 5 3 3
API-T 29 27 19 12 7 5
AP-I 30 27 19 12 8 5
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
AP 894 0.05 - - - 47° 56° 65°
I 944 0.04 0 3 0 47° 56° 65°
API-T 929 0.04 - - - 47° 56° 65°
AP-I 929 0.04 - - - 47° 56° 65°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M16 MGMC
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
24 12 (+12) 0 (+24) Yes

Notes:

  • Although there are 24 ammo boxes, only 10 are modeled including 4 loaded on the machine guns.
  • Since there are four .50 M2HB machine guns, each reload will load 4 ammo boxes onto the guns with each box containing 200 rounds.

Usage in battles

First of all go to a good open spot, most times it is enough to stay in the spawn point. Best ammunition for this vehicle are API (Armour Piercing Incendiary bullet) or APIT (Armour Piercing Incendiary Tracer bullet), as the specialized AP belt doesn't offer a significant advantage.

"The Meat Chopper" is inaccurate when enemy planes are operating at high altitudes, but in these cases, its function is more psychological than effective. Shooting short bursts at enemy planes at high altitudes will show them that the team is always covered by AA fire and it won't be an easy task a ground attack.

When an enemy is diving, the best way to defend the attack is by creating a thick fire curtain with prolonged bursts. The most vulnerable moment for aircraft is when they just dropped bombs or rockets and climb again. They're flying very slow and become easy targets. Take care if planes are attacking. Fighters with their MG's and cannons are a great menace. So start moving while firing and take cover behind trees or even buildings.

Watch out for remaining ammunition. The M16 MGMC has 800 rounds to shoot but reloading is very slow, making the M16 MGMC and the team vulnerable in the worst moments. More than 200 rounds is a good margin.

Don't try to do anti-tank tasks, the M16 MGMC is equipped with 50 cal. Machine guns are not as effective as cannons at fighting more armoured vehicles, as they have much less penetration, so stay at the spawn point and do anti-aircraft work. The machine gun tracers can reveal enemy snipers position shooting, allowing teammates to see them, but it's not advisable.

In addition, artillery barrages are very dangerous, move immediately and relocate.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful guns that can shred planes with well-aimed bursts within 1 km
  • API shells are powerful enough to damage or even destroy enemy light tanks and other SPAAs
  • Fast on flat ground and can remarkably speed through terrain that would impede wheeled vehicles
  • Can turn in place, compared to other wheeled SPAA
  • Fast turret traverse allows following aircraft easily
  • Can shrug off rifle calibre ammunition (<7.92 mm) quite easily
  • Fast reverse speeds, can evacuate an area quickly if necessary

Cons:

  • Poor survivability against all shells, bombs, and rockets due to thin armour and 3-men crew
  • Fighter aircraft can destroy this vehicle, especially cannon-armed fighters
  • Can not hurt vehicles to a full extent of its BR due to the bullets' lacklustre penetration
  • No weight to pull: Towing or pushing allies is nearly impossible unless it is a lighter vehicle
  • Prone to tipping over when turning at high speeds or travelling across steep inclines
  • Vulnerable to artillery barrages since it has an open top

History

Development

The role of a mobile anti-aircraft vehicle in the US Army was seen as necessary in order to protect ground troops from enemy aircraft at any place of their deployment. The first such development was the M13 MGMC, which was an anti-aircraft system of two .50 cal machine gun on the back of an M3 Half-Track car. The M13 served with some success, but by 1943 an upgraded version was in production.

The new vehicle in development was an improvement over the M13 MGMC from replacing the two .50 cal machine guns with four instead, while still based off the M13 design by using the M3 Half-Track as the chassis. The prototype was called the T61 MGMC, but once accepted at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, it was designated the M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage. During the evaluations, some changes to the design were made, including the addition of a gun shield. Production started in May 1943 and continued on until March 1944 with the production of 2,877 M16 MGMC vehicles by White Motor Company. An additional 568 M13 and 109 T10 Half-tracks were also converted into M16 vehicles for a total of about 3,550 M16 units made.

Combat usage

The M16 MGMC saw service in early 1944, replacing the M13 that came before it. Deployment of the M16 MGMC is usually alongside the M15 CGMC, another anti-aircraft weapon equipped with a 37 mm autocannon as well as two .50 machine guns. The M16 MGMC was very popular with the troops as not only was it able to take down low-flying aircraft with relative ease, it was also used in an infantry support role where it earns the nickname "The Meat Chopper". The ability to provide covering fire with its four .50 calibre machine guns give the M16 a huge firepower advantage over the standard infantry and in some cases, were used to cut down trees where snipers were suspected to be hiding. The M16 also saw service with the Allies in the British Commonwealth and the Soviet Union, where they make use of it in the same way America did in anti-aircraft and ground support roles. The M16 saw service in the Italian Campaign, the French Campaign, and the Battle of the Bulge.

After World War II, the M16 MGMC still saw service in American forces in the Korean War, as well as by their South Korean allies. While still superb at a ground support role (in most cases, anti-infantry), the advancing technology in aircraft make them more advanced and durable to the .50 calibre machine guns and so its effect as an anti-aircraft gun has diminished. By late 1951, the M16 MGMC was declared a "limited standard" and were gradually retired from US service, though they continued to serve until the end of the US involvement in the Korean War. The M16 MGMC was finally declared obsolete by 1958.


Archive of the in-game description

The W.L. Maxson Corporation developed the M45 turret emplacement, which was equipped with four 12.7 mm Browning M2HB machine guns, to meet troop requirements for more concentrated defensive fire. The new turret was tested on the M2 half-track personnel carrier chassis, later moving to the M3 chassis.

The self-propelled AA weapon with the new turret went through trials and was accepted as the M16 MGMC.

The new vehicles were produced by the White Motor Company beginning in May 1943, continuing through 1943 and into 1944. In all, 2,877 units were assembled.

Almost all of the M16 MGMCs served in the US army's AA divisions, while an additional 70 were sent to the Free French army. The model was used primarily in the European theater to go along with a small number that saw action in the Philippines.

The M16 MGMC was successfully used against both air and ground targets, as well as to take out enemy infantry. It was also used somewhat widely by US army divisions during the Korean War, after which it was removed from service.


Media

Skins

See also

Export versions

Similar vehicles with the M45 Quadmount

Similar vehicles based on the M3 Half-Track

External links


White Motor Company
SPAAs  M13 MGMC · M15 CGMC · M16 MGMC
Export  ▅M16 MGMC

USA anti-aircraft vehicles
M3 Half-track derivatives  M13 MGMC · M15 CGMC · M16 MGMC
M24 derivative  M19A1
M41 derivative  M42
Radar SPAAG  M163 · M247
Missile SPAA  ADATS · Imp.Chaparral · LAV-AD · XM975

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