Difference between revisions of "M3A3 Stuart (China)"

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{{Specs-Card|code=cn_m3a3_stuart}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
|other
 
|other
−
|usage-1 = other uses
+
|usage-1 = other versions
−
|link-1 = M3 (Disambiguation)
+
|link-1 = M3 Stuart (Family)
−
|usage-2 = other vehicles of the family
+
|usage-2 = other uses
−
|link-2 = M3 Stuart (Family)
+
|link-2 = M3 (Disambiguation)
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=cn_m3a3_stuart
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
 +
 
== 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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''M3A3 Stuart''' is the third variant of the [[M3 Stuart (Family)|Light Tank M3 (Stuart) family]]. It features hull improvements inspired by the new [[M5 Stuart (Family)|Light Tank M5 (Stuart) family]], which was developed from the Light Tank M3 (Stuart) family (the M3A2 Stuart was never produced). Other enhancements to the original M3 light tank included a turret with a rear overhang to accommodate the SCR-508 radio and a welded hull with sloping armour 20° from the vertical on the front and sides. During World War II, the Chinese Kuomintang government equipped 48 such tanks through the lend-lease program and established the first tank battalion under the "China-U.S. First Temporary Tank Group" stationed in India. It is still painted in the typical olive green of the U.S. military. Since the troops stationed in India were fighting abroad and their equipment was leased from the U.S. and Britain, the heavy weaponry stationed in India was not imprinted with the Kuomintang's blue sky and white sun emblem. After World War II, the Chinese Nationalist Army deployed them all in the Chinese Civil War (primarily the Huai Hai campaign, specifically the Xubeng area), and many of them were captured by the Chinese People's Liberation Army. They became one of the primary armoured forces of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and served until they were decommissioned by the end of the 1950s.
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{{break}}
+
 
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]], the M3A3 light tank is a continuation of the M3 Stuart family that shares many similarities with other U.S. Army light tanks of rank I. Given the presence of sloping armour, the M3A3 provides significantly better protection than other light tanks in its rank. It improves survivability by preventing some small calibre shells from penetrating its frontal armour. However, since it is still a light tank, players should not rely heavily on its armour to exchange shots with adversaries.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
  
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
|Hull || 25 mm (46-49°) ''Front Glacis - upper plate'' <br> 20 mm (spherical) ''MG port'' <br> 50 mm (24-27°) ''Front Glacis - joint plate'' <br> 50 mm (44-46°) ''Front Glacis - lower plate'' <br> 44.4 mm (25-43°) ''Lower Glacis'' || 25.4 mm || 25.4 mm (1-26°) ''Upper part'' <br> 25.4 mm (21°) ''Lower part'' || 12.7 mm
−
|-
 
−
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
+
|Turret || 38.1 mm (12-14°) ''Turret front'' <br> 50.8 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 31.75 mm <br> 15 mm ''Add-on tracks'' || 31.75 mm || 12.7 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
+
'''Notes:'''
−
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
 
  
 +
* Suspension wheels, tracks and bogies are 15 mm thick.
 +
* Mudguards and rear storage box are 4 mm thick
  
−
The frontal armor on the {{Specs|pseudonym}} is pretty tough for a light tank with 25 mm on the front & sides of the hull, and a large, 50 mm thick gun mantlet covering up most of its frontal turret. When angled correctly it can bounce off quite a few shots. However it can still be easily penetrated by average guns on its BR. From the front the 4 crews are sitting pretty close together, thus making it highly possible to get one-shot by shells with explosives like the Soviet 45 mm AP or the German short 75 mm APHE. The transmission and the engine are all quite small and low, and the ammoracks are also small, reducing the chance of being immobile or ammoracked. There is also an empty area under the turret crews and in front of the driving compartment, which will absorb those shells with weak damage.
+
The frontal armour on the {{Specs|pseudonym}} is pretty tough for a light tank with 25 mm on the front & sides of the hull, and a large, 50 mm thick gun mantlet covering up most of its frontal turret. When angled correctly it can bounce off quite a few shots. However it can still be easily penetrated by average guns on its BR. From the front the 4 crews are sitting pretty close together, thus making it highly possible to get knocked out by shells with explosives like the Soviet 45 mm AP or the German short 75 mm APHE. The transmission and the engine are all quite small and low, and the ammoracks are also small, reducing the chance of being immobile or ammoracked. There is also an empty area under the turret crews and in front of the driving compartment, which will absorb those shells with weak damage.
  
 
=== 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= 406|rbMinHp= 232}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=406|rbMinHp=232}}
 +
 
 +
One of the best aspects of the {{Specs|pseudonym}} is its superior mobility. It has a top speed of 58 km/h and doesn't lose too much speed on soft terrain, making it one of the fastest tanks at the BR alongside with the famous BT series tanks. The tracks are quite large and grant you a good mobility on hard (solid ground, roads) and soft terrain (mud, snow, sand).
 +
 
 +
As it benefits from regenerative steering, turning on the spot with the {{PAGENAME}} is easier than for most tanks at the same BR. Regenerative steering consists in letting the unsolicited track rotate when the tank is turning instead of locking it. The hull is also short and wide enough, allowing it to turn agilely. The reverse speed is average: it will not get you out of a dangerous situation quickly but isn't a handicap either. The {{Specs|pseudonym}} reaches 18 km/h when fording and 16 km/h when driving uphill.
 +
 
 +
While its high speed is an advantage, it can turn into a disadvantage when manoeuvring at high speed: the {{Specs|pseudonym}} starts skidding uncontrollably if you take a sharp turn. Be aware of this before rushing towards the frontline: limit your maximum speed, know the terrain and anticipate the braking phases.
 +
 
 +
The acceleration is also so powerful that it causes you hull to rock back and forth during acceleration or braking phases. This effect is however nullified by the gun stabilizer when driving under 10 km/h.
 +
 
 +
Light and medium obstacles (fences, posts, bushes and small trees) are not a problem for the {{Specs|pseudonym}} but large obstacles will reduce your mobility: avoid them.
  
−
One of the best aspect of the {{Specs|pseudonym}} is its superior mobility. It has a top speed of 58 km/h and doesn't lose too much speed on soft terrains as it's tracked, making it one of the fastest tanks at the BR alongside with the famous BT series tanks. The turning ability is also amazing, since the hull is short and wide enough, allowing it to turn agilely. However, when trying to stop the tank while it is travelling at full speed, the brakes tend to be inefficient, giving it a long braking distance and making it very sluggish when stopping.
+
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
 +
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|M6 (37 mm)}}
 
{{main|M6 (37 mm)}}
 +
 +
The {{Specs|pseudonym}} is armed with a 37 mm cannon as its main armament, the same gun as the preceding [[M8 LAC (China)|M8]]. While being at a BR 1.3 higher, the gun still packs a fierce punch if aiming at the correct area and firing at the correct distance. It is a small calibre fast-firing gun with a maximum penetration of 84 mm at 100 m (M51B1 shell), being able to penetrate most of the opponents it will face. The penetration power and gun accuracy drop a lot beyond 500 m and become unreliable past 700 m. The gun is equipped with a vertical stabiliser, giving the {{Specs|pseudonym}} a huge advantage in some cases as you can fire precisely while moving, but keep in mind that it activates only when the tank is driving under 10 km/h.
 +
 +
While it lacks the post-penetration damage to disable most enemies in one shot, it can quickly finish them off with its fast reload. However, the gun can overheat from shooting several shots without interruption and cause a loss of accuracy noticeable even at 200 m distance. A short pause between shots will prevent this from happening.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 174 || rowspan="2" | -__°/+__° || rowspan="2" | ±___° || rowspan="2" | __ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 174 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Vertical|up to 16 km/h}} || 19.04 || 26.4 || 32.0 || 35.4 || 37.7 || rowspan="2" | 3.77 || rowspan="2" | 3.34 || rowspan="2" | 3.07 || rowspan="2" | 2.90
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
+
| 11.9 || 14.0 || 17.0 || 18.8 || 20.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
The {{Specs|pseudonym}} is armed with an [[M6 (37 mm)|37 mm M6]] cannon as its main armament, the same gun as the preceding [[M8 LAC (China)|M8]]. While being 1.3 BR higher than the M8, the {{Specs|pseudonym}}'s gun still packs a fierce punch if aiming at the correct area and firing at the correct distance. It is a small caliber fast-firing gun with a maximum penetration of 84 mm at 100 m (M51B1/B2 shell), being able to penetrate most of the opponents it will face. While it lacks the post-penetration damage to one-shot most enemy, it can quickly finish them off with its fast reload. The penetration and trajectory drops a lot beyond 500 m. Note that the gun has a vertical stabiliser, giving the player a huge advantage in some cases, but keep in mind that the stabiliser only works when the tank is slower than 10 km/h.
+
==== Ammunition ====
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} has a limited choice of ammunition, focused on dealing with armoured vehicles:
 +
 
 +
* '''M74B1''': AP; a solid shot with good penetration but no explosive filler.
 +
* '''M51B1''': APCBC; a solid shot with an even better penetration thanks to the ballistic cap but no explosive filler.
  
−
==== Ammunition ====
+
Knowledge of enemy vehicle layouts is essential with ammunition lacking post-penetration explosive damage. Make sure to target modules and crew positions to maximise the damage. Disabling the enemy gunner on your first shot will be critical to win engagements as you'll most likely need several shots to destroy an enemy vehicle.
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
 
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
{{:M6 (37 mm)/Ammunition|M74B1, M51B1}}
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| ___ || ___ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| ___ || ___ || ___ || _.__ || __ || _._ || ___ || __° || __° || __°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 
Notes:
 
Notes:
 +
 
* Only 144 shells are modeled in the racks 1 to 4.
 
* Only 144 shells are modeled in the racks 1 to 4.
 
* The 1st rack contains 13 shells but empties after having fired 43 shells.
 
* The 1st rack contains 13 shells but empties after having fired 43 shells.
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=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 +
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}
 +
 +
The {{Specs|pseudonym}} has two 7.62 mm M1919A4 machine guns, one being coaxial to the main gun and the other roof mounted on the right side of the turret. The two machine guns can quickly incapacitate the exposed crews on some vehicles or do some serious damage to those low-passing planes. However it lacks the ability to effectively damage even lightly armoured vehicles due to its low penetration of only 10 mm.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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! colspan="5" | [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
 
! colspan="5" | [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mount
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
−
! Capacity (Belt)
 
−
! Fire rate
 
−
! Vertical
 
−
! Horizontal
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 3200 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 3,250 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Pintle || 3200 (250) || 500 || -__°/+__° || ±__°
+
| Pintle || 4,500 (250) || 500 || -10°/+70° || -60°/+15°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
 
−
The {{Specs|pseudonym}} has two 7.62 mm M1919A4 machine guns, one being coaxial to the main gun and the other roof mounted. The two machine guns can quickly incapacitate the exposed crews on some vehicles or do some serious damage to those low-passing planes. However it lacks the ability to effectively damage even lightly armored vehicles due to its low penetration of only 10 mm.
 
  
 
== 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 {{Specs|pseudonym}} is best used as a point-capper and a hit-n-run tank. Its extreme mobility gives the player uncountable ways to play with the enemy. At the start of a battle, it can quickly cap a nearby point first, but note that some wheeled vehicles, like the [[Sd.Kfz.234/2|Sd.kfz.234]] series, can still outrun the M3 on-road, therefore posing a great threat. Or it can get to an ambush position near the point and wait until the prey comes. With its reliable gun, the M3 should be able to destroy the first wave of enemies easily and quickly.
+
The {{Specs|pseudonym}} is best used as a point-capper and a hit-n-run tank. Its extreme mobility gives the player uncountable ways to play with the enemy. At the start of a battle, it can quickly cap a nearby point first, but note that some wheeled vehicles, like the [[Sd.Kfz.234/2|Sd.Kfz.234]] series, can still outrun the M3 on-road, therefore posing a great threat. Or it can get to an ambush position near the point and wait until the prey comes. With its reliable gun, the M3 should be able to destroy the first wave of enemies easily and quickly.
  
 
In the middle stages of a battle, the M3 can utilise its excellent mobility and get to wherever needs help while carefully looking around. If the {{Specs|pseudonym}} unexpectedly encounters an enemy in its path, don't panic! Circle around the enemy and try to force it to turn, this way it usually cannot aim at the {{Specs|pseudonym}} accurately, then reduce the {{Specs|pseudonym}}'s speed down under 10 km/h and keep moving. Now the {{Specs|pseudonym}}'s stabiliser will give the tank a great chance to hit while on the move as it stabilises the gun when the tank is under 10 km/h, making it easier time to put the gun on target while moving compared to the enemy.
 
In the middle stages of a battle, the M3 can utilise its excellent mobility and get to wherever needs help while carefully looking around. If the {{Specs|pseudonym}} unexpectedly encounters an enemy in its path, don't panic! Circle around the enemy and try to force it to turn, this way it usually cannot aim at the {{Specs|pseudonym}} accurately, then reduce the {{Specs|pseudonym}}'s speed down under 10 km/h and keep moving. Now the {{Specs|pseudonym}}'s stabiliser will give the tank a great chance to hit while on the move as it stabilises the gun when the tank is under 10 km/h, making it easier time to put the gun on target while moving compared to the enemy.
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'''Enemies worth noting:'''
 
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
  
−
Specific enemy vehicles that bear mentioning are firstly any Germans with the [[KwK38 (20 mm)|20 mm KwK/FlaK38]] cannon, this gun might be small but can have up to 64 mm of pen, which is enough to go through the {{Specs|pseudonym}} almost anywhere. These guns can also fire 10 rounds at 280 rounds/min before having to reload the clip, meaning that they will very easily take out your crew before you have a chance to respond. To counter, the best chance you have is to angle your frontal armour which can make it difficult for the PzGr 40 rounds to penetrate. The Russian [[T-50]] and [[T-126]] are vehicles you will also see commonly, these have fairly thick and angled frontal armour that will prevent you from easily getting through. These tanks can also carry an APHEBC round that will destroy you in one shot with little difficulty, to counter you should use your speed to attempt to get a side shot into either the turret or engine. If the T-50 cannot move you can outrun its turret and finish it without much difficulty.
+
Specific enemy vehicles that bear mentioning are firstly any Germans with the [[KwK38 (20 mm)|20 mm KwK/FlaK38]] cannon, this gun might be small but can have up to 64 mm of penetration, which is enough to go through the {{Specs|pseudonym}} almost anywhere. These guns can also fire 10 rounds at 280 rounds/min before having to reload the clip, meaning that they will very easily take out your crew before you have a chance to respond. To counter, the best chance you have is to angle your frontal armour which can make it difficult for the PzGr 40 rounds to penetrate. The Russian [[T-50]] and [[T-126]] are vehicles you will also see commonly, these have fairly thick and angled frontal armour that will prevent you from easily getting through. These tanks can also carry an APHEBC round that will destroy you in one shot with little difficulty, to counter you should use your speed to attempt to get a side shot into either the turret or engine. If the T-50 cannot move you can outrun its turret and finish it without much difficulty.
  
 
It is likely that the M3 will encounter some rough heavies, like the [[Matilda III]] and the [[B1 bis]]. The best tactic against these types of targets is to use the {{Specs|pseudonym}}'s fast speed, get within 200 m from them and attack, with shooting at point-blank range being the most effective way. Before conducting an attack, check the {{Specs|pseudonym}}'s and the enemy's surroundings to make sure no one will ambush the {{Specs|pseudonym}}. While charging, use the {{Specs|pseudonym}}'s quick turns to suddenly change direction to avoid being shot if they are aiming and firing at the {{Specs|pseudonym}}. Once the tank is at the ideal distance, manoeuvre so that the gun is vertical to their armour. Do not shoot if the enemy is angling! The small calibre 37 mm gun is very likely to bounce off or not penetrate against sloped armour.
 
It is likely that the M3 will encounter some rough heavies, like the [[Matilda III]] and the [[B1 bis]]. The best tactic against these types of targets is to use the {{Specs|pseudonym}}'s fast speed, get within 200 m from them and attack, with shooting at point-blank range being the most effective way. Before conducting an attack, check the {{Specs|pseudonym}}'s and the enemy's surroundings to make sure no one will ambush the {{Specs|pseudonym}}. While charging, use the {{Specs|pseudonym}}'s quick turns to suddenly change direction to avoid being shot if they are aiming and firing at the {{Specs|pseudonym}}. Once the tank is at the ideal distance, manoeuvre so that the gun is vertical to their armour. Do not shoot if the enemy is angling! The small calibre 37 mm gun is very likely to bounce off or not penetrate against sloped armour.
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For the B1, either aim for the near-vertical frontal armour plate at the right side of the hull, or the turret ring to incapacitate the commander/gunner, or simply move to its side and knock out the crews one by one by hitting its flat side armour.
 
For the B1, either aim for the near-vertical frontal armour plate at the right side of the hull, or the turret ring to incapacitate the commander/gunner, or simply move to its side and knock out the crews one by one by hitting its flat side armour.
−
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Mobility
 
−
! Protection
 
−
! colspan="2" | Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Horizontal Drive
 
−
| M51B1/B2
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Suspension
 
−
| Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Filters
 
−
|
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| Elevation Mechanism
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Transmission
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Artillery Support
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Great cannon with good penetration, excellent rate of fire and gun depression; it can effectively penetrate common opponents like the [[Pz.II (Disambiguation)|Pz.II]] and [[Chi-Ha (Family)|Chi-Ha]], as well as heavy targets like the [[B1 bis]] or [[Matilda III]]
+
* Great cannon with good penetration, excellent rate of fire and gun depression; it can effectively penetrate common opponents like the [[Pz.II (Family)|Pz.II]] and [[Chi-Ha (Family)|Chi-Ha]], as well as heavy targets like the [[B1 bis]] or [[Matilda III]]
 
* Excellent acceleration, top speed and turning ability on all terrains; easily outruns slower opponents like the [[Pz.III (Disambiguation)|Pz.III]]
 
* Excellent acceleration, top speed and turning ability on all terrains; easily outruns slower opponents like the [[Pz.III (Disambiguation)|Pz.III]]
 
* Access to a vertical stabiliser which most tanks don't have, it is an advantage in close quarter encounters
 
* Access to a vertical stabiliser which most tanks don't have, it is an advantage in close quarter encounters
−
* Respectable frontal armour that, if angled, might bounce some shells from a distance (eg. Japanese 37 mm/German 20 mm)
+
* Respectable frontal armour that, if angled, might bounce some shells from a distance (e.g. Japanese 37 mm/German 20 mm)
 
* Small turret profile makes it harder to get hit when hull-down
 
* Small turret profile makes it harder to get hit when hull-down
 
* Empty space below the turret crew can absorb poorly aimed shots, they tend to not do much damage
 
* Empty space below the turret crew can absorb poorly aimed shots, they tend to not do much damage
 +
* Access to smoke grenades
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Weak armour against high-penetration shells like 50 mm Kwk 39 or 76 mm F-34
+
* Weak armour against high-penetration shells like 50 mm KwK39 or 76 mm F-34
 
* Its shells do not have explosive filler, severely limiting the post-penetration effect especially against spacious tanks like the [[LVT(A)(1)]]
 
* Its shells do not have explosive filler, severely limiting the post-penetration effect especially against spacious tanks like the [[LVT(A)(1)]]
 
* Inefficient brakes when trying to stop the tank at full speed
 
* Inefficient brakes when trying to stop the tank at full speed
Line 222: Line 186:
  
 
The use of this tank would continue post-war into the Chinese civil war. M3A3 Stuarts served with both Kuomintang and Communist Party forces until at least 1949 when the Civil war concluded in Communist Party victory. The Kuomintang were able to transport tanks over the East China Sea as they escaped to Taiwan.<ref name=":0" /> Some of these tanks remain today in museums in both China and Taiwan.
 
The use of this tank would continue post-war into the Chinese civil war. M3A3 Stuarts served with both Kuomintang and Communist Party forces until at least 1949 when the Civil war concluded in Communist Party victory. The Kuomintang were able to transport tanks over the East China Sea as they escaped to Taiwan.<ref name=":0" /> Some of these tanks remain today in museums in both China and Taiwan.
 +
 +
In the South Shandong campaign in January 1947, the Shandong and Central China Field Army wiped out the 26th Division and the First Fast Column of the Kuomintang equipped with U.S. armaments, and captured one M3A3 light tank<ref>http://eng.jb.mil.cn/Collections/Cultural_1/Liberation/202005/t20200513_45144.html</ref>. The tank was later put into the East China Field Army tank unit and participated in the Jinan Campaign and the Huaihai Campaign. In the battle of Yonggumen in the Jinan Campaign, crew Shen Xu drove this tank and completed his combat mission successfully. After the war, this tank was awarded the title of "Memorial Tank" and Shen Xu was known as the "Iron Man Hero."<ref>http://www.jb.mil.cn/zgww/201710/t20171016_37067.html</ref>  In 1959, this M3A3 was transferred from the First Tank School to The Military Museum of The Chinese People's Revolution, where it is still on display today.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_m3a3_stuart Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|1yg1DAEbG8A|'''The Stuart Family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:43 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|UeWtClTh1ew|'''Spade Review, {{PAGENAME}}. An amazingly fun tank!''' - ''Joseph 2000''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 231: Line 203:
 
* ''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.'' -->
−
''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;''
+
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[M5 Stuart (Family)]]
 +
* [[M8 General Scott (Family)]]
 +
 
 +
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 +
 
 +
* [[A13 Mk II 1939]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
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''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
 
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [[wikipedia:M3_Stuart|[Wikipedia] M3 Stuart]]
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
+
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/US/M3_stuart.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Light Tank M3 Stuart]
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* [http://eng.jb.mil.cn/Collections/Cultural_1/Liberation/202005/t20200513_45144.html "M3A3 Light Tank Seized by East China Field Army in the Battle of Southern Shandong." ''Military Museum of Chinese People's Revolution'']
 +
* [http://www.jb.mil.cn/zgww/201710/t20171016_37067.html ''功勋坦克/Meritorious Tank''. www.jb.mil.cn/zgww/201710/t20171016_37067.html.]
  
 
=== References ===
 
=== References ===
 
<references />
 
<references />
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer Ordnance Department}}
 
{{China light tanks}}
 
{{China light tanks}}

Latest revision as of 03:17, 29 August 2023

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This page is about the light tank M3A3 Stuart (China). For other versions, see M3 Stuart (Family). For other uses, see M3 (Disambiguation).
␗M3A3 Stuart
cn_m3a3_stuart.png
GarageImage M3A3 Stuart (China).jpg
␗M3A3 Stuart
China flag.png China
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.3 2.7 2.7
Class:
Research:9 200 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:16 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The M3A3 Stuart is the third variant of the Light Tank M3 (Stuart) family. It features hull improvements inspired by the new Light Tank M5 (Stuart) family, which was developed from the Light Tank M3 (Stuart) family (the M3A2 Stuart was never produced). Other enhancements to the original M3 light tank included a turret with a rear overhang to accommodate the SCR-508 radio and a welded hull with sloping armour 20° from the vertical on the front and sides. During World War II, the Chinese Kuomintang government equipped 48 such tanks through the lend-lease program and established the first tank battalion under the "China-U.S. First Temporary Tank Group" stationed in India. It is still painted in the typical olive green of the U.S. military. Since the troops stationed in India were fighting abroad and their equipment was leased from the U.S. and Britain, the heavy weaponry stationed in India was not imprinted with the Kuomintang's blue sky and white sun emblem. After World War II, the Chinese Nationalist Army deployed them all in the Chinese Civil War (primarily the Huai Hai campaign, specifically the Xubeng area), and many of them were captured by the Chinese People's Liberation Army. They became one of the primary armoured forces of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and served until they were decommissioned by the end of the 1950s.

Introduced in Update 1.91 "Night Vision", the M3A3 light tank is a continuation of the M3 Stuart family that shares many similarities with other U.S. Army light tanks of rank I. Given the presence of sloping armour, the M3A3 provides significantly better protection than other light tanks in its rank. It improves survivability by preventing some small calibre shells from penetrating its frontal armour. However, since it is still a light tank, players should not rely heavily on its armour to exchange shots with adversaries.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull25 / 25 / 25
Turret38 / 31 / 31
Crew4 people
Visibility89 %
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 25 mm (46-49°) Front Glacis - upper plate
20 mm (spherical) MG port
50 mm (24-27°) Front Glacis - joint plate
50 mm (44-46°) Front Glacis - lower plate
44.4 mm (25-43°) Lower Glacis 		25.4 mm 25.4 mm (1-26°) Upper part
25.4 mm (21°) Lower part 		12.7 mm
Turret 38.1 mm (12-14°) Turret front
50.8 mm Gun mantlet 		31.75 mm
15 mm Add-on tracks 		31.75 mm 12.7 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels, tracks and bogies are 15 mm thick.
  • Mudguards and rear storage box are 4 mm thick

The frontal armour on the ␗M3A3 Stuart is pretty tough for a light tank with 25 mm on the front & sides of the hull, and a large, 50 mm thick gun mantlet covering up most of its frontal turret. When angled correctly it can bounce off quite a few shots. However it can still be easily penetrated by average guns on its BR. From the front the 4 crews are sitting pretty close together, thus making it highly possible to get knocked out by shells with explosives like the Soviet 45 mm AP or the German short 75 mm APHE. The transmission and the engine are all quite small and low, and the ammoracks are also small, reducing the chance of being immobile or ammoracked. There is also an empty area under the turret crews and in front of the driving compartment, which will absorb those shells with weak damage.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB65 / 8 km/h
RB and SB59 / 7 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight14.4 t
Engine power
AB500 hp
RB and SB262 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB34.7 hp/t
RB and SB18.2 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 65 8 14.4 406 500 28.19 34.72
Realistic 59 7 232 262 16.11 18.19

One of the best aspects of the ␗M3A3 Stuart is its superior mobility. It has a top speed of 58 km/h and doesn't lose too much speed on soft terrain, making it one of the fastest tanks at the BR alongside with the famous BT series tanks. The tracks are quite large and grant you a good mobility on hard (solid ground, roads) and soft terrain (mud, snow, sand).

As it benefits from regenerative steering, turning on the spot with the M3A3 Stuart (China) is easier than for most tanks at the same BR. Regenerative steering consists in letting the unsolicited track rotate when the tank is turning instead of locking it. The hull is also short and wide enough, allowing it to turn agilely. The reverse speed is average: it will not get you out of a dangerous situation quickly but isn't a handicap either. The ␗M3A3 Stuart reaches 18 km/h when fording and 16 km/h when driving uphill.

While its high speed is an advantage, it can turn into a disadvantage when manoeuvring at high speed: the ␗M3A3 Stuart starts skidding uncontrollably if you take a sharp turn. Be aware of this before rushing towards the frontline: limit your maximum speed, know the terrain and anticipate the braking phases.

The acceleration is also so powerful that it causes you hull to rock back and forth during acceleration or braking phases. This effect is however nullified by the gun stabilizer when driving under 10 km/h.

Light and medium obstacles (fences, posts, bushes and small trees) are not a problem for the ␗M3A3 Stuart but large obstacles will reduce your mobility: avoid them.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB436 → 626 Sl icon.png
RB499 → 717 Sl icon.png
SB618 → 888 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications8 430 Rp icon.png
9 500 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost640 Ge icon.png
Crew training4 500 Sl icon.png
Experts16 000 Sl icon.png
Aces160 Ge icon.png
Research Aces190 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
30 / 40 / 40 % Sl icon.png
118 / 118 / 118 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
430 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
430 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
790 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
550 Rp icon.png
Cost:
620 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
550 Rp icon.png
Cost:
620 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
430 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement cn.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
790 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
550 Rp icon.png
Cost:
620 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
37mm_usa_m3_APC_ammo_pack
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
430 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
430 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
790 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
550 Rp icon.png
Cost:
620 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics
Research:
550 Rp icon.png
Cost:
620 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

37 mm M6 cannon
Vertical stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in one plane while moving
Ammunition174 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
3.7 → 2.9 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: M6 (37 mm)

The ␗M3A3 Stuart is armed with a 37 mm cannon as its main armament, the same gun as the preceding M8. While being at a BR 1.3 higher, the gun still packs a fierce punch if aiming at the correct area and firing at the correct distance. It is a small calibre fast-firing gun with a maximum penetration of 84 mm at 100 m (M51B1 shell), being able to penetrate most of the opponents it will face. The penetration power and gun accuracy drop a lot beyond 500 m and become unreliable past 700 m. The gun is equipped with a vertical stabiliser, giving the ␗M3A3 Stuart a huge advantage in some cases as you can fire precisely while moving, but keep in mind that it activates only when the tank is driving under 10 km/h.

While it lacks the post-penetration damage to disable most enemies in one shot, it can quickly finish them off with its fast reload. However, the gun can overheat from shooting several shots without interruption and cause a loss of accuracy noticeable even at 200 m distance. A short pause between shots will prevent this from happening.

37 mm M6 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 174 -10°/+20° ±180° Vertical 19.04 26.4 32.0 35.4 37.7 3.77 3.34 3.07 2.90
Realistic 11.9 14.0 17.0 18.8 20.0

Ammunition

The M3A3 Stuart (China) has a limited choice of ammunition, focused on dealing with armoured vehicles:

  • M74B1: AP; a solid shot with good penetration but no explosive filler.
  • M51B1: APCBC; a solid shot with an even better penetration thanks to the ballistic cap but no explosive filler.

Knowledge of enemy vehicle layouts is essential with ammunition lacking post-penetration explosive damage. Make sure to target modules and crew positions to maximise the damage. Disabling the enemy gunner on your first shot will be critical to win engagements as you'll most likely need several shots to destroy an enemy vehicle.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
M74B1 AP 79 76 65 54 45 37
M51B1 APCBC 87 84 73 60 50 41
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
M74B1 AP 883 0.87 - - - 47° 60° 65°
M51B1 APCBC 883 0.87 - - - 48° 63° 71°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M3A3 Stuart (China)
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
174 131 (+43) 87 (+87) 44 (+130) 1 (+173) Yes

Notes:

  • Only 144 shells are modeled in the racks 1 to 4.
  • The 1st rack contains 13 shells but empties after having fired 43 shells.
  • The 2nd rack contains 52 shells but empties after having fired 44 shells.
  • The 3rd rack contains 24 shells but empties after having fired 43 shells.
  • The 4th rack contains 55 shells but empties after having fired 44 shells.
  • To go into battle with the turret and the flanks empty of ammo, pack 44 (+130) shells (racks 1 to 3 emptied).

Machine guns

7.62 mm M1919A4 machine gun
Ammunition4 500 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
7.62 mm M1919A4 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition3 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
Main article: M1919A4 (7.62 mm)

The ␗M3A3 Stuart has two 7.62 mm M1919A4 machine guns, one being coaxial to the main gun and the other roof mounted on the right side of the turret. The two machine guns can quickly incapacitate the exposed crews on some vehicles or do some serious damage to those low-passing planes. However it lacks the ability to effectively damage even lightly armoured vehicles due to its low penetration of only 10 mm.

7.62 mm M1919A4
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,250 (250) 500 N/A N/A
Pintle 4,500 (250) 500 -10°/+70° -60°/+15°

Usage in battles

The ␗M3A3 Stuart is best used as a point-capper and a hit-n-run tank. Its extreme mobility gives the player uncountable ways to play with the enemy. At the start of a battle, it can quickly cap a nearby point first, but note that some wheeled vehicles, like the Sd.Kfz.234 series, can still outrun the M3 on-road, therefore posing a great threat. Or it can get to an ambush position near the point and wait until the prey comes. With its reliable gun, the M3 should be able to destroy the first wave of enemies easily and quickly.

In the middle stages of a battle, the M3 can utilise its excellent mobility and get to wherever needs help while carefully looking around. If the ␗M3A3 Stuart unexpectedly encounters an enemy in its path, don't panic! Circle around the enemy and try to force it to turn, this way it usually cannot aim at the ␗M3A3 Stuart accurately, then reduce the ␗M3A3 Stuart's speed down under 10 km/h and keep moving. Now the ␗M3A3 Stuart's stabiliser will give the tank a great chance to hit while on the move as it stabilises the gun when the tank is under 10 km/h, making it easier time to put the gun on target while moving compared to the enemy.

The frontal armour of this tank is also quite good at a distance. Find a building or a big rock as cover and angle the hull for about 40 degrees. When ready to fire, go out of cover and stop once the 37 mm gun is exposed, don't go out too much or the thin side armour will be exposed to be hit. Keep in mind that with this tactic the player should only engage the low-penetrating enemies at more than 400 m, as their penetration will drop significantly at that distance while the M3 can still penetrate 73 mm of armour, which is enough to go through most of its opponents like the Pz.IIIs.

Enemies worth noting:

Specific enemy vehicles that bear mentioning are firstly any Germans with the 20 mm KwK/FlaK38 cannon, this gun might be small but can have up to 64 mm of penetration, which is enough to go through the ␗M3A3 Stuart almost anywhere. These guns can also fire 10 rounds at 280 rounds/min before having to reload the clip, meaning that they will very easily take out your crew before you have a chance to respond. To counter, the best chance you have is to angle your frontal armour which can make it difficult for the PzGr 40 rounds to penetrate. The Russian T-50 and T-126 are vehicles you will also see commonly, these have fairly thick and angled frontal armour that will prevent you from easily getting through. These tanks can also carry an APHEBC round that will destroy you in one shot with little difficulty, to counter you should use your speed to attempt to get a side shot into either the turret or engine. If the T-50 cannot move you can outrun its turret and finish it without much difficulty.

It is likely that the M3 will encounter some rough heavies, like the Matilda III and the B1 bis. The best tactic against these types of targets is to use the ␗M3A3 Stuart's fast speed, get within 200 m from them and attack, with shooting at point-blank range being the most effective way. Before conducting an attack, check the ␗M3A3 Stuart's and the enemy's surroundings to make sure no one will ambush the ␗M3A3 Stuart. While charging, use the ␗M3A3 Stuart's quick turns to suddenly change direction to avoid being shot if they are aiming and firing at the ␗M3A3 Stuart. Once the tank is at the ideal distance, manoeuvre so that the gun is vertical to their armour. Do not shoot if the enemy is angling! The small calibre 37 mm gun is very likely to bounce off or not penetrate against sloped armour.

For the Matilda III, shoot at the middle of the near-vertical frontal plate to knock out the driver first, since the 37 mm shell is not enough to knock out the gunner after penetrating. Once it is immobile, go to its side and finish it by shooting its hull sides. Or, shoot the right side of the gun mantlet to disable its gunner. For best chance of penetration, do not shoot its turret side.

For the B1, either aim for the near-vertical frontal armour plate at the right side of the hull, or the turret ring to incapacitate the commander/gunner, or simply move to its side and knock out the crews one by one by hitting its flat side armour.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Great cannon with good penetration, excellent rate of fire and gun depression; it can effectively penetrate common opponents like the Pz.II and Chi-Ha, as well as heavy targets like the B1 bis or Matilda III
  • Excellent acceleration, top speed and turning ability on all terrains; easily outruns slower opponents like the Pz.III
  • Access to a vertical stabiliser which most tanks don't have, it is an advantage in close quarter encounters
  • Respectable frontal armour that, if angled, might bounce some shells from a distance (e.g. Japanese 37 mm/German 20 mm)
  • Small turret profile makes it harder to get hit when hull-down
  • Empty space below the turret crew can absorb poorly aimed shots, they tend to not do much damage
  • Access to smoke grenades

Cons:

  • Weak armour against high-penetration shells like 50 mm KwK39 or 76 mm F-34
  • Its shells do not have explosive filler, severely limiting the post-penetration effect especially against spacious tanks like the LVT(A)(1)
  • Inefficient brakes when trying to stop the tank at full speed
  • Hull is fairly tall for a light tank and the crews are closely packed, reducing its survivability

History

The M3A3 Stuart was a substantially exported tank from the United States. Due to its proven capabilities in all theatres of the Second World War, it found itself on the battlefields of Eastern Asia. The Republic of China were supplied with over one thousand M3A3 Stuarts, making them a prolific user of the Stuart.[1] Some tanks during the late war use were retrofitted with light up-armour packages to further protect the front and sides of the tank thus extending its service life.[1] By 1946, the Kuomintang Armoured Corps were still operating at least 116 Stuart light tanks.[2]

The use of this tank would continue post-war into the Chinese civil war. M3A3 Stuarts served with both Kuomintang and Communist Party forces until at least 1949 when the Civil war concluded in Communist Party victory. The Kuomintang were able to transport tanks over the East China Sea as they escaped to Taiwan.[1] Some of these tanks remain today in museums in both China and Taiwan.

In the South Shandong campaign in January 1947, the Shandong and Central China Field Army wiped out the 26th Division and the First Fast Column of the Kuomintang equipped with U.S. armaments, and captured one M3A3 light tank[3]. The tank was later put into the East China Field Army tank unit and participated in the Jinan Campaign and the Huaihai Campaign. In the battle of Yonggumen in the Jinan Campaign, crew Shen Xu drove this tank and completed his combat mission successfully. After the war, this tank was awarded the title of "Memorial Tank" and Shen Xu was known as the "Iron Man Hero."[4] In 1959, this M3A3 was transferred from the First Tank School to The Military Museum of The Chinese People's Revolution, where it is still on display today.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Stuart Family discusses the M3A3 Stuart (China) at 3:43 - War Thunder Official Channel
Spade Review, M3A3 Stuart (China). An amazingly fun tank! - Joseph 2000

See also

Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 http://www.tankarchives.ca/2017/05/light-tank-m3a3-american-emigrant.html
  2. ↑ https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/china/chinese-tanks-1925-1950/
  3. ↑ http://eng.jb.mil.cn/Collections/Cultural_1/Liberation/202005/t20200513_45144.html
  4. ↑ http://www.jb.mil.cn/zgww/201710/t20171016_37067.html


U.S. Army Ordnance Department/Corps*
Light tanks  T18E2 · M24 (Designed in collaboration with Cadillac)
M3 Stuart  M3 · M3A1 Stuart · M3A1 (USMC)
M5 Stuart  M5A1
Medium tanks  M3 Lee
M4 Sherman  M4 · M4A1 · M4A2 · M4A3 (105) · Calliope
  M4A1 (76) W · M4A2 (76) W · M4A3 (76) W
M26 Pershing  T20 · T25 · M26 · M26E1 · M26 T99
Patton Series  M46 · M46 "Tiger" · M47
Prototypes  T54E1 · T95E1
Heavy tanks  M103
M4 Jumbo  M4A3E2 · Cobra King · M4A3E2 (76) W
M6 Heavy  M6A1 · M6A2E1 · T1E1
M26 Pershing  T26E1-1 · T26E5
Prototypes  T14
T29  T29 · T30 · T34
T-32  T32 · T32E1
Tank destroyers  M3 GMC · M10 GMC · M56
M8 GMC  M8 HMC · M8A1 GMC
M36 GMC  M36 GMC · M36B2
Prototypes  T28 · T95
SPAAGs 
Production  M19 MGMC · M42
Export/Captured  ␗M8 HMC · SU-57
Stuart  Stuart I · Stuart III · ␗M3A3 Stuart · ␗M3A3 (1st PTG) · ▄M3A3 · ▄M3A3 Stuart · ▃Stuart VI (5th CAD) · ␗M5A1
Lee/Grant  ▂M3 Medium · ▃Grant I · Grant I
M4 Sherman  Sherman II · ▄M4A1 · ␗M4A1 (75) W · ▀M4 748 (a) · ▂M4A2 · ▄M4A3 (105) · ▅M4A3 (76) W · ▄M4A3E2
  ␗M4A4 · ␗M4A4 (1st PTG) · ▄Sherman V · ▄M4A4 · ▄Sherman I Composito
M26 Pershing  M26 "D.C.Ariete" · M26A1
M47 Patton  mKPz M47 G · ▅M47
M10 GMC  ␗M10 GMC · ▄M10 GMC
M36 GMC  ␗M36 GMC · M36B1 · ▅M36 · ▄M36B2
M19 MGMC  ▅M19A1
M42 MGMC  ▅M42 · ␗M42
  *The Ordnance Department was renamed to the Ordnance Corps after the Army Reorganization Act of 1950.

China light tanks
Type 63  Object 211 · Type 63 · ZTS63
Type 62  Type 62
WZ551  ZSL92 · PTL02 · WMA301
ZBL08  ZLT11
Type 86  ZBD86
WZ502  ZBD04A
ROC  M41D · M64
Type 59  QN506
USA  ␗M8 LAC · ␗M3A3 Stuart · ␗M3A3 (1st PTG) · ␗M5A1 · ␗M24 · ␗M18 GMC · ␗M41A3
USSR  ␗T-26 · T-26 No.531 · ␗PT-76

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