Difference between revisions of "M26E1"
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{{About | {{About | ||
| about = American medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | | about = American medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
− | | usage = other | + | | usage = other variants |
| link = M26 (Family) | | link = M26 (Family) | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{Specs-Card | ||
+ | |code=us_m26e1_pershing | ||
+ | |images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
− | <!--In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.--> | + | <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' --> |
− | [[ | + | When the [[M26|M26 Pershing]] was developed, it was already recognized to be lacking in comparable firepower to the German counterparts, which had the long-barreled 88 mm KwK 43 cannon on the Tiger II tanks. The US attempted to remedy this issue with the 90 mm T15 cannon with the [[T26E1-1|T26E4 tanks]], but these were considered cumbersome due to their extremely large cartridges, hindering the reload process within the tank. Further development led to the 90 mm T54 cannon, which had comparable firepower to the T15 cannon, but with a smaller ammunition for easier reloading within the tank. This new gun was installed into a prototype designated '''M26E1''', however the post-war environment in terms of budget cuts and lack of need to produce new tanks led to the project's discontinuation and none of the tanks were considered. |
− | + | ||
− | + | Introduced in [[Update 1.47 "Big Guns"]], the M26E1 has a very similar profile to the M26 aside from its very long L/73 90 mm Gun T54. However, this allows the M26 medium tank profile to have similar firepower to the T26E1-1 "Super Pershing" and [[T32]] heavy tank to be able to compete against Rank IV vehicles at a faster reload rate. That said, the extra long barrel length compared to the hull can be a weak spot as enemies can snipe the tank barrel poking out of cover and disable the M26E1's firepower. The armour and mobility remains similar, if not the same, as the standard M26. | |
− | + | Originally an in-game premium vehicle purchasable with Golden Eagles {{ge}}, it has since been removed from in-game sale after the [[wt:en/news/7408-news-happy-birthday-war-thunder-en|9th Anniversary Sale]]. | |
== General info == | == General info == | ||
=== Survivability and armour === | === Survivability and armour === | ||
− | <!--Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? | + | {{Specs-Tank-Armour}} |
− | + | <!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' --> | |
− | If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.--> | ||
'''Armour type:''' | '''Armour type:''' | ||
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| Turret || 101.6 mm (9-73°) ''Turret front'' <br> 114.3 mm (1-84°) ''Gun mantlet''|| 76.2 mm (2-54°) || 76.2 (0-79°) + 100 mm (2°) || 25.4 mm | | Turret || 101.6 mm (9-73°) ''Turret front'' <br> 114.3 mm (1-84°) ''Gun mantlet''|| 76.2 mm (2-54°) || 76.2 (0-79°) + 100 mm (2°) || 25.4 mm | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | | Cupola || 76.2 mm || 76.2 mm | |
− | | | + | |76.2 mm |
− | | | + | |25.4 mm |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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Any tactic that works with the M26 Pershing can work with the M26E1. While its gun is quite potent, it also has quite a lengthy reload time after firing, minimum 11 seconds with an ace crew. As such, an M26E1 that fired is a great opportunity to pounce on provided no other enemies are around that remains a threat. | Any tactic that works with the M26 Pershing can work with the M26E1. While its gun is quite potent, it also has quite a lengthy reload time after firing, minimum 11 seconds with an ace crew. As such, an M26E1 that fired is a great opportunity to pounce on provided no other enemies are around that remains a threat. | ||
− | The M26E1 has the same armour as the M26 Pershing, so any weapons that can cleave through one's armour can go through the | + | The M26E1 has the same armour as the M26 Pershing, so any weapons that can cleave through one's armour can go through the other's. The best target is for a straight-on hit on the front glacis as the direct effective thickness is 146 mm of cast armour (137 mm when applying the cast armour modifier of x0.94.). Side armour is also quite thin, ranging from 50 to 76 mm and can thus be easily pierced by most weapons at the BR. |
=== Mobility === | === Mobility === | ||
+ | {{Specs-Tank-Mobility}} | ||
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' --> | <!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' --> | ||
− | {{tankMobility|abMinHp= 775|rbMinHp= 442 | + | {{tankMobility|abMinHp=775|rbMinHp=442}} |
+ | |||
+ | === Modifications and economy === | ||
+ | {{Specs-Economy}} | ||
== Armaments == | == Armaments == | ||
+ | {{Specs-Tank-Armaments}} | ||
=== Main armament === | === Main armament === | ||
− | <!--Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.--> | + | {{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}} |
+ | <!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' --> | ||
{{main|T54 (90 mm)}} | {{main|T54 (90 mm)}} | ||
− | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%" |
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− | | | + | ! colspan="5" | [[T54 (90 mm)|90 mm T54]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds) |
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer | |
+ | ! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced | ||
+ | ! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! ''Arcade'' |
+ | | rowspan="2" | 41 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 20.0 || 27.7 || 33.6 || 37.2 || 39.5 || rowspan="2" | 14.43 || rowspan="2" | 12.76 || rowspan="2" | 11.77 || rowspan="2" | 11.10 | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! ''Realistic'' |
− | + | | 12.5 || 14.7 || 17.9 || 19.7 || 21.0 | |
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− | | 14. | ||
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|} | |} | ||
− | + | ==== Ammunition ==== | |
− | { | + | {{:T54 (90 mm)/Ammunition|AP Shot, HE Shell, T41, HVAP Shot}} |
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− | | AP Shot | ||
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− | + | ==== [[Ammo racks]] ==== | |
− | [[File: | + | [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}. Turret storage (1) is a 5 round ready rack. Floor storage (2) is consumed from left to right.]] |
− | ''Last | + | <!-- '''Last updated: 1.93.0.35''' --> |
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! Full<br>ammo |
− | ! | + | ! 1st<br>rack empty |
− | !2nd | + | ! 2nd<br>rack empty |
− | rack empty | + | ! Visual<br>discrepancy |
− | ! | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | '''41''' || 5 ''(+36)'' | + | | '''41''' || 5 ''(+36)'' || 1 ''(+40)'' || Yes |
− | |1 ''(+40)''| | ||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
=== 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|M2HB (12.7 mm)}} | {{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)}} | ||
− | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%" |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! colspan=" | + | ! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]] |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal |
|- | |- | ||
− | + | | Pintle || 600 (200) || 577 || -10°/+70° || ±60° | |
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|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | | Coaxial || 600 (200) || 577 || N/A || N/A |
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|} | |} | ||
== Usage in battles == | == Usage in battles == | ||
− | <!--Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).--> | + | <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' --> |
− | The M26E1 was a post-World War II modification of the standard [[M26|M26 Pershing]]. This modification changes the barrel length to 73 calibres long with the new [[T54 (90 mm)|90 mm T54 gun]]. The gun offers some of the most powerful penetration in-game for Rank IV and is equipped with AP, HE, APCBC and HVAP Rounds. The M26E1 suffers from a very weak side and rear | + | The M26E1 was a post-World War II modification of the standard [[M26|M26 Pershing]]. This modification changes the barrel length to 73 calibres long with the new [[T54 (90 mm)|90 mm T54 gun]]. The gun offers some of the most powerful penetration in-game for Rank IV and is equipped with AP, HE, APCBC and HVAP Rounds. The M26E1 suffers from a very weak side and rear armour, though this is a common weakness on every tank. The front and front part of the turret is able to bounce some enemy shots but can be penetrated by most other tanks in its 6.7 [[Battle_ratings|Battle Rating]] range so beware. |
Playing the M26E1 is similar to the [[M26|M26 Pershing]]. Armour and mobility of the two tanks are the same. The only advantage sticking out is the M26E1's more powerful gun due to the longer length. Though more powerful, the reload time is also longer than the normal M26 Pershing, so the playstyle should be more conservative to avoid being caught in an attack while reloading. | Playing the M26E1 is similar to the [[M26|M26 Pershing]]. Armour and mobility of the two tanks are the same. The only advantage sticking out is the M26E1's more powerful gun due to the longer length. Though more powerful, the reload time is also longer than the normal M26 Pershing, so the playstyle should be more conservative to avoid being caught in an attack while reloading. | ||
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* [[IS-2 (1944)|IS-2]]: The IS-2 tank's 122 mm cannon can make short work of the M26E1, thus it is best to avoid being shot at in the first place. If in the situation where a fight with the IS-2 must be head on, fire a round through the turret cheeks and incapacitate the gunner for a more opportune moment to aim to destroy the tank. Shooting a lower glacis also works and if lucky may even knock out the tank. | * [[IS-2 (1944)|IS-2]]: The IS-2 tank's 122 mm cannon can make short work of the M26E1, thus it is best to avoid being shot at in the first place. If in the situation where a fight with the IS-2 must be head on, fire a round through the turret cheeks and incapacitate the gunner for a more opportune moment to aim to destroy the tank. Shooting a lower glacis also works and if lucky may even knock out the tank. | ||
− | === | + | === Pros and cons === |
− | + | <!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' --> | |
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'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
− | * | + | * Armed with the long 90 mm gun seen on the [[T26E1-1]], the [[T32]] or the [[T32E1]] |
− | * T41 | + | * The gun's optics have a magnification level of 5x, making it good at both close range target acquisition and long range sniping |
− | * APCR | + | * The T41 APCBC shell is comparable to the Tiger II's APCBC shell; presenting great accuracy, velocity, penetration values, and damage potential |
− | * 10 degrees of gun depression | + | * Fires one of the best APCR shells in the game. Has high penetration values that can cut right though the front of the Jagdtiger's superstructure at ranges exceeding 500 m |
− | * Armed with two .50 cal machine guns that are | + | * 10 degrees of gun depression give the ability to fight hull down and shoot from ridge lines |
− | * | + | * Armed with two .50 cal machine guns that are good at damaging lightly-armoured vehicles |
− | + | * The M26E1 is routinely underestimated by the enemy team. Many players will think this tank is just a mere M26, not realizing that this tank has the same firepower as a Super Pershing or a T32 | |
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
− | * | + | * The reload rate is mediocre, several seconds slower than the Tiger II's 88 mm |
− | * Frontal | + | * Frontal armour is not adequate against its competition, with long 88 mm and 122 mm shells able to slice right through it at ranges exceeding 1,000 m |
− | * Despite the good gun depression, the turret | + | * Small crew compartment. Enemy APHE shells that enter the tank will kill the entire crew with ease |
− | * Underwhelming top speed for a medium | + | * Despite the good gun depression, the turret armour is mediocre at best. Continued turret exposure is ill-advised |
− | * Low ammunition count for the 90 mm gun | + | * Underwhelming top speed for a medium tank |
− | * Players | + | * Low total ammunition count for the 90 mm gun, and a small first stage ammo rack that only holds 5 shells |
+ | * Players mistaking this tank for a mere M26 is a double-edged sword, as many enemy players will just engage the M26E1 like a M26 | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
− | <!--Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the | + | <!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --> |
− | The '''M26E1''' was a post-war variant of the [[M26|M26 Pershing]] with the intent on increasing its firepower. During World War II, the 90 mm M3 mounted on the original M26 Pershing was equivalent to the German | + | The '''M26E1''' was a post-war variant of the [[M26|M26 Pershing]] with the intent on increasing its firepower. During World War II, the 90 mm M3 mounted on the original M26 Pershing was equivalent to the German 88 mm KwK36 on the [[Tiger H1|Tiger I]]. But looking for an upgrade, Ordnance developed the T15E1 90 mm gun, which was equivalent to the 88 mm KwK43 on the [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II]]. This cannon was mounted on the then development model ''T26E1'' to make the [[T26E1-1]] tank. The T15E1 90 mm cannon was visibly much longer than the original 90 mm M3, with the length of 73 calibres compared to the 53 calibres of the M3 cannon. This allowed the cannon to have a much larger ammo charge and muzzle velocity. The first T26E1-1 model made was the only "Super Pershing" model sent to Europe. |
A second version was made from the T26E3 model, the production model of the T26E1, with a modified gun to use two-piece ammunition rather than a one-piece version, plus a new gun mounting to remove the stabilizer springs required to hold the gun. 25 of these tanks were built and were designated the ''T26E4''. | A second version was made from the T26E3 model, the production model of the T26E1, with a modified gun to use two-piece ammunition rather than a one-piece version, plus a new gun mounting to remove the stabilizer springs required to hold the gun. 25 of these tanks were built and were designated the ''T26E4''. | ||
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After World War II, two military model M26 Pershings were converted to mount the T54 gun, which was essentially the same 90 mm cannon as the T15E1 but had ammunition which was shorter and fatter than the previous versions. The muzzle brake was shaved down from two to one baffle to compensate for the smaller chamber the cannon presented. This M26 Pershing with the T54 cannons was designated the '''M26E1 Medium Tank''', but production was never reached due to budget constraints. | After World War II, two military model M26 Pershings were converted to mount the T54 gun, which was essentially the same 90 mm cannon as the T15E1 but had ammunition which was shorter and fatter than the previous versions. The muzzle brake was shaved down from two to one baffle to compensate for the smaller chamber the cannon presented. This M26 Pershing with the T54 cannons was designated the '''M26E1 Medium Tank''', but production was never reached due to budget constraints. | ||
− | + | {{break}} | |
− | Two models of the M26E1 medium tank were built. They were equipped with long-barreled, single-load | + | {{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}} | ||
+ | Two models of the M26E1 medium tank were built. They were equipped with long-barreled, single-load 90 mm cannons that were supposed to be statistically superior to German 88 mm guns with 71-calibre barrels. The project became irrelevant when the war ended and was abandoned. | ||
+ | {{Navigation-End}} | ||
== Media == | == Media == | ||
− | ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' | + | <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --> |
+ | |||
+ | ;Skins | ||
+ | * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_m26e1_pershing Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.] | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
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* ''topic on the official game forum;'' | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
− | |||
* ''other literature.'' | * ''other literature.'' | ||
+ | {{TankManufacturer Ordnance Department}} | ||
{{USA medium tanks}} | {{USA medium tanks}} | ||
{{USA premium ground vehicles}} | {{USA premium ground vehicles}} |
Latest revision as of 13:52, 14 January 2024
This page is about the American medium tank M26E1. For other variants, see M26 (Family). |
Contents
Description
When the M26 Pershing was developed, it was already recognized to be lacking in comparable firepower to the German counterparts, which had the long-barreled 88 mm KwK 43 cannon on the Tiger II tanks. The US attempted to remedy this issue with the 90 mm T15 cannon with the T26E4 tanks, but these were considered cumbersome due to their extremely large cartridges, hindering the reload process within the tank. Further development led to the 90 mm T54 cannon, which had comparable firepower to the T15 cannon, but with a smaller ammunition for easier reloading within the tank. This new gun was installed into a prototype designated M26E1, however the post-war environment in terms of budget cuts and lack of need to produce new tanks led to the project's discontinuation and none of the tanks were considered.
Introduced in Update 1.47 "Big Guns", the M26E1 has a very similar profile to the M26 aside from its very long L/73 90 mm Gun T54. However, this allows the M26 medium tank profile to have similar firepower to the T26E1-1 "Super Pershing" and T32 heavy tank to be able to compete against Rank IV vehicles at a faster reload rate. That said, the extra long barrel length compared to the hull can be a weak spot as enemies can snipe the tank barrel poking out of cover and disable the M26E1's firepower. The armour and mobility remains similar, if not the same, as the standard M26.
Originally an in-game premium vehicle purchasable with Golden Eagles , it has since been removed from in-game sale after the 9th Anniversary Sale.
General info
Survivability and armour
Armour type:
- Cast homogeneous armour (Front, turret)
- Rolled homogeneous armour (Side, Rear, Roof)
- Structural steel (Exterior boxes, Rear counterweight)
Armour | Front (Slope angle) | Sides | Rear | Roof |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hull | 101.6 mm (12-46°) Front glacis 162.5 mm (25-60°) Upper front glacis 76.2 mm (28-53°) Lower glacis |
76.2 mm Front 50.8 mm (0-3°) Rear |
50.8 mm (7°) Top 22.2 mm (71°) Bottom |
22.2 mm |
Turret | 101.6 mm (9-73°) Turret front 114.3 mm (1-84°) Gun mantlet |
76.2 mm (2-54°) | 76.2 (0-79°) + 100 mm (2°) | 25.4 mm |
Cupola | 76.2 mm | 76.2 mm | 76.2 mm | 25.4 mm |
Notes:
- Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.
- Belly armour is 25.4 mm thick.
- Counterweight on the turret rear is made of structural steel.
Any tactic that works with the M26 Pershing can work with the M26E1. While its gun is quite potent, it also has quite a lengthy reload time after firing, minimum 11 seconds with an ace crew. As such, an M26E1 that fired is a great opportunity to pounce on provided no other enemies are around that remains a threat.
The M26E1 has the same armour as the M26 Pershing, so any weapons that can cleave through one's armour can go through the other's. The best target is for a straight-on hit on the front glacis as the direct effective thickness is 146 mm of cast armour (137 mm when applying the cast armour modifier of x0.94.). Side armour is also quite thin, ranging from 50 to 76 mm and can thus be easily pierced by most weapons at the BR.
Mobility
Game Mode | Max Speed (km/h) | Weight (tons) | Engine power (horsepower) | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Forward | Reverse | Stock | Upgraded | Stock | Upgraded | ||
Arcade | 54 | 18 | 42.9 | 775 | 954 | 18.07 | 22.24 |
Realistic | 49 | 16 | 442 | 500 | 10.3 | 11.66 |
Modifications and economy
Armaments
Main armament
90 mm T54 | Turret rotation speed (°/s) | Reloading rate (seconds) | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mode | Capacity | Vertical | Horizontal | Stabilizer | Stock | Upgraded | Full | Expert | Aced | Stock | Full | Expert | Aced |
Arcade | 41 | -10°/+15° | ±180° | N/A | 20.0 | 27.7 | 33.6 | 37.2 | 39.5 | 14.43 | 12.76 | 11.77 | 11.10 |
Realistic | 12.5 | 14.7 | 17.9 | 19.7 | 21.0 |
Ammunition
Penetration statistics | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ammunition | Type of warhead |
Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm) | |||||
10 m | 100 m | 500 m | 1,000 m | 1,500 m | 2,000 m | ||
AP Shot | APBC | 211 | 208 | 193 | 177 | 162 | 148 |
HE Shell | HE | 26 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 20 | 18 |
T41 | APCBC | 224 | 220 | 205 | 187 | 171 | 157 |
HVAP Shot | APCR | 336 | 330 | 304 | 274 | 248 | 223 |
Shell details | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ammunition | Type of warhead |
Velocity (m/s) |
Projectile mass (kg) |
Fuse delay (m) |
Fuse sensitivity (mm) |
Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (g) |
Ricochet | |||||
0% | 50% | 100% | ||||||||||
AP Shot | APBC | 975 | 10.9 | - | - | - | 47° | 60° | 65° | |||
HE Shell | HE | 975 | 10.6 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 925 | 79° | 80° | 81° | |||
T41 | APCBC | 975 | 10.91 | 1.2 | 14 | 137.2 | 48° | 63° | 71° | |||
HVAP Shot | APCR | 1,143 | 7.6 | - | - | - | 66° | 70° | 72° |
Ammo racks
Full ammo |
1st rack empty |
2nd rack empty |
Visual discrepancy |
---|---|---|---|
41 | 5 (+36) | 1 (+40) | Yes |
Machine guns
12.7 mm M2HB | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Mount | Capacity (Belt) | Fire rate | Vertical | Horizontal |
Pintle | 600 (200) | 577 | -10°/+70° | ±60° |
Coaxial | 600 (200) | 577 | N/A | N/A |
Usage in battles
The M26E1 was a post-World War II modification of the standard M26 Pershing. This modification changes the barrel length to 73 calibres long with the new 90 mm T54 gun. The gun offers some of the most powerful penetration in-game for Rank IV and is equipped with AP, HE, APCBC and HVAP Rounds. The M26E1 suffers from a very weak side and rear armour, though this is a common weakness on every tank. The front and front part of the turret is able to bounce some enemy shots but can be penetrated by most other tanks in its 6.7 Battle Rating range so beware.
Playing the M26E1 is similar to the M26 Pershing. Armour and mobility of the two tanks are the same. The only advantage sticking out is the M26E1's more powerful gun due to the longer length. Though more powerful, the reload time is also longer than the normal M26 Pershing, so the playstyle should be more conservative to avoid being caught in an attack while reloading.
Though equipped with a very powerful gun, the M26E1 suffers from the same M26 Pershing armour. Thus, it is very vulnerable to most tanks at its rank and so most of its combat life should be taking cover and avoiding large open spaces. The M26E1 presents the same mobility of the Pershing so this can be exploited in close quarters over the more cumbersome Panther, Tiger II, and IS-2's. Staying in cover and scooting out to take out the enemy from their weak points on the front or their vulnerable side armour should be the prime attack move for the M26E1 before retreating back into cover.
Fighting against medium tanks will be relatively easy due to the gun's penetration value. Unless bounced, the gun could even penetrate the front glacis of the Panther tanks. The main problem the tank will face is the Tiger II and T32 heavy tanks and the later IS tanks such as the IS-3 and IS-4M due to their thick front armour. Flanking may be necessary for these heavy tanks, but some accurate shots to some known weak points on the front of these tanks can also work.
- Tiger II (P) and (H): These are the more common German heavy tanks seen with the battle rating and are the most dangerous. The best tactic is to use the 90 mm gun to penetrate the turret cheeks and knock out the gunner. In the time period when the firing method is disabled, move in with the M26E1's mobility and hit it on the sides if possible.
- Jagdpanther: The 88 mm gun is a threat to the tank, but in close range, the 90 mm APCBC round can penetrate the front armour, and the APCR can be used if wanting a definite result.
- IS-2: The IS-2 tank's 122 mm cannon can make short work of the M26E1, thus it is best to avoid being shot at in the first place. If in the situation where a fight with the IS-2 must be head on, fire a round through the turret cheeks and incapacitate the gunner for a more opportune moment to aim to destroy the tank. Shooting a lower glacis also works and if lucky may even knock out the tank.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Armed with the long 90 mm gun seen on the T26E1-1, the T32 or the T32E1
- The gun's optics have a magnification level of 5x, making it good at both close range target acquisition and long range sniping
- The T41 APCBC shell is comparable to the Tiger II's APCBC shell; presenting great accuracy, velocity, penetration values, and damage potential
- Fires one of the best APCR shells in the game. Has high penetration values that can cut right though the front of the Jagdtiger's superstructure at ranges exceeding 500 m
- 10 degrees of gun depression give the ability to fight hull down and shoot from ridge lines
- Armed with two .50 cal machine guns that are good at damaging lightly-armoured vehicles
- The M26E1 is routinely underestimated by the enemy team. Many players will think this tank is just a mere M26, not realizing that this tank has the same firepower as a Super Pershing or a T32
Cons:
- The reload rate is mediocre, several seconds slower than the Tiger II's 88 mm
- Frontal armour is not adequate against its competition, with long 88 mm and 122 mm shells able to slice right through it at ranges exceeding 1,000 m
- Small crew compartment. Enemy APHE shells that enter the tank will kill the entire crew with ease
- Despite the good gun depression, the turret armour is mediocre at best. Continued turret exposure is ill-advised
- Underwhelming top speed for a medium tank
- Low total ammunition count for the 90 mm gun, and a small first stage ammo rack that only holds 5 shells
- Players mistaking this tank for a mere M26 is a double-edged sword, as many enemy players will just engage the M26E1 like a M26
History
The M26E1 was a post-war variant of the M26 Pershing with the intent on increasing its firepower. During World War II, the 90 mm M3 mounted on the original M26 Pershing was equivalent to the German 88 mm KwK36 on the Tiger I. But looking for an upgrade, Ordnance developed the T15E1 90 mm gun, which was equivalent to the 88 mm KwK43 on the Tiger II. This cannon was mounted on the then development model T26E1 to make the T26E1-1 tank. The T15E1 90 mm cannon was visibly much longer than the original 90 mm M3, with the length of 73 calibres compared to the 53 calibres of the M3 cannon. This allowed the cannon to have a much larger ammo charge and muzzle velocity. The first T26E1-1 model made was the only "Super Pershing" model sent to Europe.
A second version was made from the T26E3 model, the production model of the T26E1, with a modified gun to use two-piece ammunition rather than a one-piece version, plus a new gun mounting to remove the stabilizer springs required to hold the gun. 25 of these tanks were built and were designated the T26E4.
After World War II, two military model M26 Pershings were converted to mount the T54 gun, which was essentially the same 90 mm cannon as the T15E1 but had ammunition which was shorter and fatter than the previous versions. The muzzle brake was shaved down from two to one baffle to compensate for the smaller chamber the cannon presented. This M26 Pershing with the T54 cannons was designated the M26E1 Medium Tank, but production was never reached due to budget constraints.
Archive of the in-game description | |
---|---|
Two models of the M26E1 medium tank were built. They were equipped with long-barreled, single-load 90 mm cannons that were supposed to be statistically superior to German 88 mm guns with 71-calibre barrels. The project became irrelevant when the war ended and was abandoned. |
Media
- Skins
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;
- links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.
External links
Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:
- topic on the official game forum;
- other literature.
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 |
USA premium ground vehicles | |
---|---|
Light tanks | LVT(A)(4) · M2A4 (1st Arm.Div.) · M3A1 (USMC) · ▃Stuart VI (5th CAD) · M8 LAC · M8A1 GMC |
M18 "Black Cat" · Super Hellcat · T18E2 · M551(76) · T114 · M1128 Wolfpack | |
Medium tanks | ▃Grant I · M4A5 · Calliope · T20 · M26 T99 · M26E1 · M46 "Tiger" · T54E1 · T54E2 · ▃Magach 3 (ERA) · M728 CEV |
XM1 (GM) · XM1 (Chrysler) · M1 KVT · M1A1 Click-Bait | |
Heavy tanks | T14 · Cobra King · M6A2E1 · T29 · T30 |
Tank destroyers | T28 · T55E1 |