Difference between revisions of "FCM.36"

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{{Specs-Card|code=fr_fcm_36}}
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{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=fr_fcm_36
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage2_{{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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''{{specs|name}}''' (Light support tank FCM.36) is a Rank {{specs|rank}} French light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]]. Though affectionately nicknamed the "Cone" due to the turret's shape. The FCM.36 was removed as a researchable vehicle from the main tech tree during [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]] after the ammo update that rendered its armament impotent, though it is still unlockable after reaching rank II French ground vehicles.
 
  
−
Generally speaking, what used to be the main reason you'd play the FCM.36 is so it can unlock better vehicles like the [[AMR.35 ZT3]] to have better firepower at the rank. Bearing the awful [[SA18 L/21 (37 mm)|37 mm SA18 L/21]] cannon as the main armament with 40 mm of armour all around and bad mobility, this tank resembles the [[H.35]] in many ways. However, the FCM.36 does have well-sloped armour for the rank to be a tad useful during long range engagements, but the underperforming gun makes the FCM.36 act more like a shield rather than a spear.
+
In 1933, the French military sought for the creation of a new infantry tank to replace the Renault FT. The requirements called for a simple tank that was of 6 ton weights and used a cast turret design produced by the government APX workshop. The firm that won the requirement in 1934 was the Renault ZM design that would become the [[R.35_(SA38)|Renault R.35]], however the design by FCM proved promising enough due to its welded construction and better turret design that the French army also provided them a production model in 1936. However, production complications due to the relatively advanced welding construction and other production priorities at FCM for the [[B1_bis|Char B1 bis]] meant late deliveries and high unit cost that the design had its production halted in 1940. Two battalions in the French army would use the FCM.36, the 4e and 7e, and they would be committed in the Battle of France against the German invasion, most notably seeing use in challenging a German bridgehead over the Meuse river. Upon the capitulation of France, the Germans would utilize the FCM.36 in their military, with one notable use being the conversion of several hulls into the Marder I with a 75 mm PaK 40 cannon as the ''7.5cm PaK40(Sf) auf Geschützwagen FCM(f)''.
  
−
Compared to the [[H.35]], the {{PAGENAME}} features a design with "better" armour and a more powerful engine, bringing the power ratio to a more manageable 12.4 HP/ton. With wider tracks than the H.35, this tank feels faster than other BR 1.0 French tanks. It turns quite smoothly and reaches its top speed fairly easily on road. 40 mm all around is enough to survive incoming rounds at long distances (~ 500+ m) but its bad angling makes it unreliable at close range, whereas your gun enters its actual combat ranges. Keeping the awful SA18 L/21 canon as the main armament, this gun is what makes an otherwise good tank so bad as it is. As the Devblog claims: "Wait Until You See The Whites of Their Eyes!", you will have to get up close and personal with this tank in order to penetrate another tank. With -17° of gun depression, this is actually a depressing gun.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]], the FCM.36 compares more so to the [[H.35]] tank with similarily poor firepower, but the FCM.36 has better protection with 40 mm sloped armour all-around. The FCM.36's well-sloped armour makes it a tad beneficial for long-range combat, but the underperforming gun makes the FCM.36 act more like a shield rather than a spear. The FCM.36 does have marginally better mobility than the H.35 with better handling and a more powerful engine, allowing it to turn smoothly and reach its top speed fairly easily (even if its top speed is still a relative crawl). However, the difficulty in finding a good position to make the most use of its gun and armour makes the FCM.36 a hard challenge to use against players to begin scratching their armour.
 +
 
 +
At its introduction, the FCM.36 left a favorable impression in the community due to its unique turret shape, earning the nickname "Cone". However, due to its disappointing firepower capabilities, the FCM.36 was removed as a researchable vehicle from the main tech tree during[[ Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]], though it is still unlockable after reaching rank II French ground vehicles.
  
 
== 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:'''
  
Line 38: Line 39:
  
 
=== 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= 163|rbMinHp= 93}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 163|rbMinHp= 93}}
 +
 +
=== 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|SA18 L/21 (37 mm)}}
 
{{main|SA18 L/21 (37 mm)}}
Line 49: Line 56:
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[SA18 (37 mm)|37 mm SA18 L/21]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! colspan="5" | [[SA18 L/21 (37 mm)|37 mm SA18 L/21]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
Line 64: Line 71:
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:SA18 L/21 (37 mm)/Ammunition|Mle1937}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! 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
 
−
|-
 
−
| Mle1937 || APCR || 36 || 33 || 24 || 16 || 8 || 5
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| 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%
 
−
|-
 
−
| Mle1937 || APCR || 600 || 0.5 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
Line 104: Line 83:
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
|| '''102''' || 38&nbsp;''(+64)'' || N/A || Yes
+
| '''102''' || 38&nbsp;''(+64)'' || N/A || Yes
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
Notes:
+
'''Notes''':
 +
 
 
* The visual discrepancy concerns the number of shells per rack:
 
* The visual discrepancy concerns the number of shells per rack:
 
** Rack 1 is modeled as 60 shells but contains 65 shells.
 
** Rack 1 is modeled as 60 shells but contains 65 shells.
Line 114: Line 94:
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
<!-- ''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|MAC 31 (7.5 mm)}}
 
{{main|MAC 31 (7.5 mm)}}
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 3,000 (150) || 1,350 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 3,000 (150) || 551 || 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 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).'' -->
−
'''Bullet magnet''':
+
'''Bullet magnet'''
  
−
Sit down in an open field, angle yourself and stay at a good distance (500+ m) from any threat. Watch enemy shells ricochet of your armour, spot enemies for the team. Whenever a potent gun comes your way, '''flee''' and hope not to get shot at. Blind such big guns with your good MAC 31 coaxial machine gun and attempt a few shots on the move (big guns generally means poor armour at this BR).  
+
Sit down in an open field, angle yourself and stay at a good distance (500+ m) from any threat. Watch enemy shells ricochet of your armour, spot enemies for the team. Whenever a potent gun comes your way, take cover and hope not to get shot at. Blind such big guns with your good MAC 31 coaxial machine gun and attempt a few shots on the move (big guns generally means poor armour at this BR).
  
−
If you intend to play in RB or SB, use brush or other objects to obscure your vehicle's outline, so that the enemy doesn't entirely know what you are, and therefore have a chance of not taking shots at your weak points such as your gun mantle or driver port.
+
If you intend to play in RB or SB, use bushes or other objects to obscure your vehicle's outline, so that the enemy doesn't entirely know what you are, and therefore have a chance of not taking shots at your weak points such as your gun mantlet or driver port.
  
 
One notable recent change is that due to the new volumetric shells, it is nearly impossible to hit the FCM.36's vulnerable turret ring. In addition, it is much harder to actually damage anything from shooting through the weak spot on the mantlet; The commander's right side is protected by the large drum of the MAC 31, and hits to his left will now often hit the breech. This makes the FCM much more well protected. Shots that penetrate will usually be absorbed by various parts inside the turret.
 
One notable recent change is that due to the new volumetric shells, it is nearly impossible to hit the FCM.36's vulnerable turret ring. In addition, it is much harder to actually damage anything from shooting through the weak spot on the mantlet; The commander's right side is protected by the large drum of the MAC 31, and hits to his left will now often hit the breech. This makes the FCM much more well protected. Shots that penetrate will usually be absorbed by various parts inside the turret.
  
−
'''"Brawler":'''
+
'''Brawler'''
  
−
''Never'' engage an enemy upfront: assist your allies in flanking manœuvres and don't bother stealing a score since it's all you can get with such a poor cannon. Feel free to turn you back anytime and flee when allies are lacking, go find friends and act as a bullet magnet for them as they attempt to flank enemies.
+
Never engage an enemy upfront: assist your allies in flanking manoeuvres and don't bother stealing a score since it's all you can get with such a poor cannon. Feel free to fall back when allies are lacking, go find friends and act as a bullet magnet for them as they attempt to flank enemies.
−
 
 
−
'''Not the size that matters its the technique'''
 
  
 
In the right hands, this tank can be used correctly to a degree. Practice with the gun along with knowledge of enemy armour, it can pen most enemy vehicles but anything above rank II tanks is nearly impossible to pen.
 
In the right hands, this tank can be used correctly to a degree. Practice with the gun along with knowledge of enemy armour, it can pen most enemy vehicles but anything above rank II tanks is nearly impossible to pen.
  
−
=== Modules ===
+
=== Pros and cons ===
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
<!-- ''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".'' -->
−
!Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" |Mobility
 
−
!Protection
 
−
!Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
|I
 
−
|Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
|Parts
 
−
|Horizontal Drive
 
−
|-
 
−
|II
 
−
|Suspension
 
−
|Brake System
 
−
|FPE
 
−
|Adjustment of Fire
 
−
|-
 
−
|III
 
−
|Filters
 
−
|
 
−
|Crew Replenishment
 
−
|Elevation Mechanism
 
−
|-
 
−
|IV
 
−
|Transmission
 
−
|Engine
 
−
|
 
−
|Artillery Support
 
−
|}
 
  
−
=== 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. Try not to 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".''-->
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
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* -17° of gun depression angle
 
* -17° of gun depression angle
 
* Turret is 40 mm thick all-around
 
* Turret is 40 mm thick all-around
−
* Shoulder stabiliser makes stop-and-shoot tactic easier.
+
* Shoulder stabiliser makes stop-and-shoot tactic easier
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Very bad penetration power
 
* Very bad penetration power
−
* Very poor mobility:
+
* Very poor mobility: weak engine, slow top speed, and bad reverse speed
−
** Weak engine
 
−
** Slow top speed
 
−
** Bad reverse speed : -3 km/h
 
 
* Cannot angle properly without exposing a flat surface
 
* Cannot angle properly without exposing a flat surface
−
* Only 2 crew members, cramped and sitting in line.
+
* Only 2 crew members, cramped and sitting in line
 +
* Tall silhouette
  
 
== 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 "/ 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
In 1934, the FCM company received an order from the French army to design a modern tank for their light tank regiments. FCM was an experienced tank manufacturer, having proved themselves with work on previous projects (such as the Char 2C and Char B1), and quickly developed a new light tank design. Just over a year after the initial wooden mockup was presented and approved by the Army, the first prototype was tested in April 1935. During the one year testing period, multiple changes were made to make the vehicle more reliable, lighter, and better protected.
 
In 1934, the FCM company received an order from the French army to design a modern tank for their light tank regiments. FCM was an experienced tank manufacturer, having proved themselves with work on previous projects (such as the Char 2C and Char B1), and quickly developed a new light tank design. Just over a year after the initial wooden mockup was presented and approved by the Army, the first prototype was tested in April 1935. During the one year testing period, multiple changes were made to make the vehicle more reliable, lighter, and better protected.
  
 
In July 1936, the FCM 36 was declared the best of three competing vehicles (which included the Hotchkiss H35 and Renault R35), although all three vehicles were still produced. But due to the Rhineland crisis in May 1936, the FCM company received orders for 100 of the FCM 36 tanks before it was even proclaimed the winner of the competition. Production of the FCM 36 did not begin until 1937, after tests of an improved version failed to produce the desired results. The first FCM 36 tanks left the factory floor in May 1938, and joined the ranks of the Army the following year. After the initial order of 100 vehicles was fulfilled, production was discontinued in favour of the Char B1, (also manufactured by FCM).
 
In July 1936, the FCM 36 was declared the best of three competing vehicles (which included the Hotchkiss H35 and Renault R35), although all three vehicles were still produced. But due to the Rhineland crisis in May 1936, the FCM company received orders for 100 of the FCM 36 tanks before it was even proclaimed the winner of the competition. Production of the FCM 36 did not begin until 1937, after tests of an improved version failed to produce the desired results. The first FCM 36 tanks left the factory floor in May 1938, and joined the ranks of the Army the following year. After the initial order of 100 vehicles was fulfilled, production was discontinued in favour of the Char B1, (also manufactured by FCM).
  
−
During the Invasion of France in 1940, the 100 FCM 36s in service with the French army saw limited success against the latest German armour—most notably the Panzer III. Although both vehicles offered similar overall performance, long tank battles against the Panzer III often resulted with neither vehicle able to achieve a fatal blow against the other. Unfortunately, the welds of the FCM 36’s heavily angled and complex armour would eventually break from extensive and repeated battle damage, which left the Panzer III as the victor in the long run. During the German occupation, the FCM 36 was initially used by the German army as a training or reserve vehicle. In 1943/44, 37 captured FCM 36s were converted into tank destroyers or self-propelled artillery pieces.
+
During the Invasion of France in 1940, the 100 FCM 36s in service with the French army saw limited success against the latest German armour—most notably the Panzer III. Although both vehicles offered similar overall performance, long tank battles against the Panzer III often resulted with neither vehicle able to achieve a fatal blow against the other. Unfortunately, the welds of the FCM 36's heavily angled and complex armour would eventually break from extensive and repeated battle damage, which left the Panzer III as the victor in the long run. During the German occupation, the FCM 36 was initially used by the German army as a training or reserve vehicle. In 1943/44, 37 captured FCM 36s were converted into tank destroyers or self-propelled artillery pieces.
  
−
''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5190-development-fcm-36-wait-until-you-see-the-whites-of-their-eyes-en Devblog]''
+
''- From [[wt:en/news/5190-development-fcm-36-wait-until-you-see-the-whites-of-their-eyes-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 +
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
 +
File:ArtImage FCM.36.png
 +
</gallery>
  
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=france&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=light_tank&vehicle=fr_fcm_36 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fr_fcm_36 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
−
{{Youtube-gallery|e2ye8281W3I|'''What Is The Definition Of Insanity - {{PAGENAME}}''' - ''Virus''|rpvKhy22Erc|'''The Shooting Range #85''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:54 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|Gb_o29aOZHY|'''{{PAGENAME}}, French, Tier-1, Light Tank''' - ''Angry Nerd Gaming''|6_r3zPh8vjQ|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|e2ye8281W3I|'''What Is The Definition Of Insanity - FCM.36''' - ''Virus''|rpvKhy22Erc|'''The Shooting Range #85''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:54 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|Gb_o29aOZHY|'''FCM.36, French, Tier-1, Light Tank''' - ''Angry Nerd Gaming''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
''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.''
−
 
 
−
;Vehicles equipped with the same gun
 
−
* [[H.35]]
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 233: Line 183:
 
* [https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/france/FCM-36.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Char FCM 36]
 
* [https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/france/FCM-36.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Char FCM 36]
  
 +
{{Manufacturer FCM}}
 
{{France light tanks}}
 
{{France light tanks}}

Latest revision as of 20:50, 14 September 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
FCM.36
fr_fcm_36.png
GarageImage FCM.36.jpg
ArtImage2 FCM.36.png
FCM.36
France flag.png France
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Class:
Research:2 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:700 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

In 1933, the French military sought for the creation of a new infantry tank to replace the Renault FT. The requirements called for a simple tank that was of 6 ton weights and used a cast turret design produced by the government APX workshop. The firm that won the requirement in 1934 was the Renault ZM design that would become the Renault R.35, however the design by FCM proved promising enough due to its welded construction and better turret design that the French army also provided them a production model in 1936. However, production complications due to the relatively advanced welding construction and other production priorities at FCM for the Char B1 bis meant late deliveries and high unit cost that the design had its production halted in 1940. Two battalions in the French army would use the FCM.36, the 4e and 7e, and they would be committed in the Battle of France against the German invasion, most notably seeing use in challenging a German bridgehead over the Meuse river. Upon the capitulation of France, the Germans would utilize the FCM.36 in their military, with one notable use being the conversion of several hulls into the Marder I with a 75 mm PaK 40 cannon as the 7.5cm PaK40(Sf) auf Geschützwagen FCM(f).

Introduced in Update 1.75 "La Résistance", the FCM.36 compares more so to the H.35 tank with similarily poor firepower, but the FCM.36 has better protection with 40 mm sloped armour all-around. The FCM.36's well-sloped armour makes it a tad beneficial for long-range combat, but the underperforming gun makes the FCM.36 act more like a shield rather than a spear. The FCM.36 does have marginally better mobility than the H.35 with better handling and a more powerful engine, allowing it to turn smoothly and reach its top speed fairly easily (even if its top speed is still a relative crawl). However, the difficulty in finding a good position to make the most use of its gun and armour makes the FCM.36 a hard challenge to use against players to begin scratching their armour.

At its introduction, the FCM.36 left a favorable impression in the community due to its unique turret shape, earning the nickname "Cone". However, due to its disappointing firepower capabilities, the FCM.36 was removed as a researchable vehicle from the main tech tree duringUpdate 1.85 "Supersonic", though it is still unlockable after reaching rank II French ground vehicles.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull40 / 20 / 20
Turret40 / 40 / 40
Crew2 people
Visibility88 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 40 mm (25-37°) Front plate
40 mm (71°) Upper glacis
40 mm (25°) Lower glacis 		20 mm (45°) Top quarter (sponson)
8 mm (45°) Radiator grille
20 mm (0-8°) + 20 mm (43-45°) Upper quarter
20 mm (0-8°) + 20 mm (43-45°) + 20 mm (41°) Lower quarter
20 (0°) + 20 mm (36-41°) Bottom quarter 		20 mm (50-65°) Upper glacis
8 mm (65°) Radiator grille
20 mm (30-65°) Lower glacis 		15 mm (89°)
Turret 40 mm (24-71°) Turret front
20 mm (4-45°) Gun mantlet
40 mm (18°) Cupola 		40 mm (12-28°) 40 mm (36°) 15 mm (77-89°)

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick while tracks are 30 mm thick.
  • Belly armor is 12 mm thick.
  • Turret ring is 34 mm thick.
  • Gun barrel is 10 mm thick plus a small 25 mm thick sleeve.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB27 / 4 km/h
RB and SB24 / 4 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight12.4 t
Engine power
AB200 hp
RB and SB105 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB16.1 hp/t
RB and SB8.5 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 27 4 12.4 163 200 13.15 16.13
Realistic 24 4 93 105 7.5 8.47

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB106 → 136 Sl icon.png
RB95 → 122 Sl icon.png
SB111 → 142 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications2 970 Rp icon.png
890 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost190 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 Sl icon.png
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces20 Ge icon.png
Research Aces96 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
10 / 10 / 20 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement fr.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

37 mm SA18 L/21 cannon
Shoulder stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in one plane while moving
Ammunition102 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
4.1 → 3.1 s
Vertical guidance-17° / 20°
Main article: SA18 L/21 (37 mm)
37 mm SA18 L/21 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 102 -17°/+20° ±180° Shoulder 13.3 18.5 22.4 24.8 26.4 4.03 3.56 3.28 3.10
Realistic 8.3 9.8 11.9 13.2 14.0

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
Mle1937 APCR 36 33 24 16 8 5
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Mle1937 APCR 600 0.5 - - - 66° 70° 72°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the FCM.36
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
102 38 (+64) N/A Yes

Notes:

  • The visual discrepancy concerns the number of shells per rack:
    • Rack 1 is modeled as 60 shells but contains 65 shells.
    • Rack 2 is modeled as 42 shells but contains only 37 shells. The shells in excess remain visible, so the rack 2 is never empty.
  • As they are modeled by sets of 5, shells disappear from the rack only after you fire all shells in the set.

Machine guns

7.5 mm MAC 31 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition3 000 rounds
Belt capacity150 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
6.5 → 5.0 s
Fire rate551 shots/min
Main article: MAC 31 (7.5 mm)
7.5 mm MAC 31
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,000 (150) 551 N/A N/A

The small calibre of the MAC 31 machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.

Usage in battles

Bullet magnet

Sit down in an open field, angle yourself and stay at a good distance (500+ m) from any threat. Watch enemy shells ricochet of your armour, spot enemies for the team. Whenever a potent gun comes your way, take cover and hope not to get shot at. Blind such big guns with your good MAC 31 coaxial machine gun and attempt a few shots on the move (big guns generally means poor armour at this BR).

If you intend to play in RB or SB, use bushes or other objects to obscure your vehicle's outline, so that the enemy doesn't entirely know what you are, and therefore have a chance of not taking shots at your weak points such as your gun mantlet or driver port.

One notable recent change is that due to the new volumetric shells, it is nearly impossible to hit the FCM.36's vulnerable turret ring. In addition, it is much harder to actually damage anything from shooting through the weak spot on the mantlet; The commander's right side is protected by the large drum of the MAC 31, and hits to his left will now often hit the breech. This makes the FCM much more well protected. Shots that penetrate will usually be absorbed by various parts inside the turret.

Brawler

Never engage an enemy upfront: assist your allies in flanking manoeuvres and don't bother stealing a score since it's all you can get with such a poor cannon. Feel free to fall back when allies are lacking, go find friends and act as a bullet magnet for them as they attempt to flank enemies.

In the right hands, this tank can be used correctly to a degree. Practice with the gun along with knowledge of enemy armour, it can pen most enemy vehicles but anything above rank II tanks is nearly impossible to pen.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Decent frontal armour with good sloping
  • -17° of gun depression angle
  • Turret is 40 mm thick all-around
  • Shoulder stabiliser makes stop-and-shoot tactic easier

Cons:

  • Very bad penetration power
  • Very poor mobility: weak engine, slow top speed, and bad reverse speed
  • Cannot angle properly without exposing a flat surface
  • Only 2 crew members, cramped and sitting in line
  • Tall silhouette

History

In 1934, the FCM company received an order from the French army to design a modern tank for their light tank regiments. FCM was an experienced tank manufacturer, having proved themselves with work on previous projects (such as the Char 2C and Char B1), and quickly developed a new light tank design. Just over a year after the initial wooden mockup was presented and approved by the Army, the first prototype was tested in April 1935. During the one year testing period, multiple changes were made to make the vehicle more reliable, lighter, and better protected.

In July 1936, the FCM 36 was declared the best of three competing vehicles (which included the Hotchkiss H35 and Renault R35), although all three vehicles were still produced. But due to the Rhineland crisis in May 1936, the FCM company received orders for 100 of the FCM 36 tanks before it was even proclaimed the winner of the competition. Production of the FCM 36 did not begin until 1937, after tests of an improved version failed to produce the desired results. The first FCM 36 tanks left the factory floor in May 1938, and joined the ranks of the Army the following year. After the initial order of 100 vehicles was fulfilled, production was discontinued in favour of the Char B1, (also manufactured by FCM).

During the Invasion of France in 1940, the 100 FCM 36s in service with the French army saw limited success against the latest German armour—most notably the Panzer III. Although both vehicles offered similar overall performance, long tank battles against the Panzer III often resulted with neither vehicle able to achieve a fatal blow against the other. Unfortunately, the welds of the FCM 36's heavily angled and complex armour would eventually break from extensive and repeated battle damage, which left the Panzer III as the victor in the long run. During the German occupation, the FCM 36 was initially used by the German army as a training or reserve vehicle. In 1943/44, 37 captured FCM 36s were converted into tank destroyers or self-propelled artillery pieces.

- From Devblog

Media

Images
  • ArtImage FCM.36.png
Skins
Videos
What Is The Definition Of Insanity - FCM.36 - Virus
The Shooting Range #85 - Pages of History section at 03:54 discusses the FCM.36.
FCM.36, French, Tier-1, Light Tank - Angry Nerd Gaming

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


Société Nouvelle des Forges et Chantiers de la Méditerranée (FCM)
Ships 
Destroyers 
Aigle-class  Vautour
Le Fantasque-class  Le Malin
Battleships 
Courbet-class  Paris
Tanks 
Light tank  FCM.36
Heavy tank  2C · 2C bis

France light tanks
AMC.34/35  AMC.34 YR · AMC.35 (ACG.1)
H.35/39  H.35 · H.39 · H.39 "Cambronne"
AMX-13  AMX-13 (FL11) · AMX-13-M24 · AMX-13 · AMX-13 (SS.11) · AMX-13-90 · AMX-13 (HOT)
Wheeled  AML-90 · AMX-10RC · Vextra 105
AMD.35  AMD.35 · AMD.35 (SA35)
E.B.R.  E.B.R. (1951) · E.B.R. (1954) · E.B.R. (1963)
Other  FCM.36 · R.35 (SA38) · Char 25t · MARS 15 · VBCI-2 (MCT30)
Austria  SK-105A2
Great Britain  ▄Crusader Mk.II
Netherlands  CV 9035NL
USA  LVT-4/40 · ▄M3A3 Stuart

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