Difference between revisions of "ST-A3"

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{{Specs-Card|code=jp_st_a3}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = Japanese medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other variants
 +
| link = Type 61 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=jp_st_a3
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{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 '''{{Specs|name}}''' was the third and last finished prototype for the [[Type 61]]. Being part of the second phase of development for the Type 61, together with the ST-A4 it overcame the transmission problems the ST-A1/2 had, and the overall vehicle design was pretty much the same as the final production model. While the ST-A4 was a later prototype, it was completed earlier than the ST-A3, and due to the ease of manufacturing and enlarged cupola became the basis for the Type 61 MBT. This left the ST-A3 behind as a promising prototype incorporating an autoloader.
−
{{Break}}
+
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Hot Tracks"]].
+
The ST-A3 was introduced in [[Update "Hot Tracks"]]. While very similar to the final product being the [[Type 61]] MBT, it comes with a 6-second autoloader with a first-stage of 11 shells, which makes it essentially a Type 61 with a 1-second faster reload regardless of crew damage. For tank combat, the ST-A3 in War Thunder has a commander cupola that is less at risk of being hit due to its small profile, the machine gun coming with a gun shield offers some spalling protection to the HMG and offers slightly higher elevation making for a better anti-air defense.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
 
  
−
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
+
'''Armour type:'''
−
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
+
 
−
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
+
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret)
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
Line 20: Line 29:
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
|Hull||45 mm (49-61°) ''Front glacis''<br>50 mm (54°) ''Lower glaics''
 +
|30 mm (30°) ''Top''<br>35 mm ''Bottom''
 +
|25 mm (13°) ''Top''<br>20 mm (30°), 10 mm (59°) ''Bottom''
 +
|12 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
|Turret||40 mm (4-78°) ''Turret front''<br>80 mm (0-68°) ''Gun mantlet''
 +
|40-60 mm (0-38°)||35 mm||18 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
+
| Cupola || colspan="3" | 30 mm || 18 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 are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick.
 +
 
 +
Due to its weak armour nearly every tank is a serious threat to the ST-A3, as well as a number of SPAA vehicles, however fast medium tanks such as the [[T-44]], [[M46]]/[[M47]] Patton or [[Panther II]] which can match its mobility are a painful to avoid, while anything with heavy armour ([[T29]], [[T32]], [[T34]] and [[Tiger II (Family)|Tiger II]]s) forces the reliance on the M431 shell HEAT-FS to punch through frontally, requiring multiple shots to overcome.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
−
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->{{tankMobility|abMinHp=883|rbMinHp=504}}
+
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 +
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,007|rbMinHp=575}}
 +
 
 +
=== 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|Type 61 (90 mm)}}
 
{{main|Type 61 (90 mm)}}
−
''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.''
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[Type 61 (90 mm)|90 mm Type 61]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! colspan="5" | [[Type 61 (90 mm)|90 mm Type 61]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
−
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
+
! Autoloader
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 40 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+13° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | 6.00 || rowspan="2" | 6.00 || rowspan="2" | 6.00 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
+
| rowspan="2" | 40 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+13° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:Type 61 (90 mm)/Ammunition|M318A1 shot, M82 shot, M431 shell, M71 shell, M313}}
−
! 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
 
−
|-
 
−
| M318A1 shot || AP ||192||189||176||161||147||135
 
−
|-
 
−
| M82 shot || APCBC ||185||182||170||155||142||130
 
−
|-
 
−
| M431 shell || HEATFS ||320||320||320||320||320||320
 
−
|-
 
−
| M71 shell || HE ||13||13||13||13||13||13
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| 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%
 
−
|-
 
−
| M318A1 shot || AP ||912||10.91||N/A||N/A||N/A||47°||60°||65°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M82 shot || APCBC ||853||10.94||1.20||14.0||137.20||48°||63°||71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M431 shell || HEATFS ||1216||5.80||0.05||0.1||712.64||65°||72°||77°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M71 shell || HE ||823||10.55||0.00||0.1||925.00||79°||80°||81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! Ammunition
 
−
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! Screen radius<br>(m)
 
−
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
 
−
! Screen hold time<br>(s)
 
−
! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
|-
 
−
|M313||821||10.7||13||5||20||50
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[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:''' -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.7.0.153''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 123: Line 92:
 
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
−
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''40''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| '''40''' || 32&nbsp;''(+8)'' || 20&nbsp;''(+20)'' || 12&nbsp;''(+28)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+39)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 +
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 +
* Rack 4 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 11 shells and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
 +
* This rack is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 4 - 1 - 2 - 3.
 +
* If you pack 20&nbsp;''(+20)'' shells, it will keep most of the hull empty of ammo.
 +
* Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-3 into rack 4. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.
  
 
=== 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|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}
 +
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 140: Line 117:
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Pintle|| 660 (200) ||577|| -5°/+90° || ±180°
+
| Pintle || 800 (200) || 575 || -5°/+50° || ±180°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 149: Line 126:
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Coaxial|| 4500 (250) ||500||N/A||N/A
+
| Coaxial || 4,500 (250) || 500 || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 155: Line 132:
 
== 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).'' -->
−
''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).''
+
[[File:ST-A3 (1).png|420px|thumb]]
 +
As the last built ST-A project (ST-A4 was completed earlier) before it resolved into the [[Type 61]], the ST-A3 shouldn't come as a surprise as to how similar it is to its end-product. While the turret has a different commander cupola and a .50 gun shield; the main surprise of this prototype lies in its auto-loader. Ramming shells into the breech with a 6-second reload, it achieves a faster reload rate compared to all its other brothers in pursuit to become the [[Type 61]] and even overcome the [[Type 61]] as it would adopt from the ST-A4 which would have more ammo load and be a less expensive tank to produce.
 +
 
 +
Because of this addition of an auto-loader, it still plays very similar to a [[Type 61]] with a constant reload rate of 6 seconds, regardless of crew status unless the auto-loader rack of 11 rounds is empty. The ST-A3 has excellent horizontal traverse and gun depression combined with a fairly mobile chassis, making it a good choice for progressing from turret down, to hull down and firing at the opposition before retreating back to turret down cover.
 +
 
 +
Its mobility is quite good at getting it to position, where it can ambush tanks early in the game or change position when required, particularly when disengaging when its position is discovered.
 +
 
 +
Its lack of armour and the decent but not overwhelmingly powerful gun means it is not a wonderful frontline tank to hold a defensive position when the opposition knows its position, as its armour is unlike to prevent any opposition rounds from penetrating and dealing damage, leaving the user to more often than not, rely on luck when engaging opposition frontally.
 +
 
 +
The biggest issue with the [[Type 61 (Family)]] is shot selection; Should one choose the M431 shell HEAT-FS which will punch through most opposition tanks, but do little damage? Or use the M318A1 AP round, M82 shot APHE rounds for more damage, but will struggle to penetrate opposition frontally at times?
  
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
!Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" |Mobility
 
−
!Protection
 
−
! colspan="2" |Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
|I
 
−
|Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
|Parts
 
−
|Horizontal Drive
 
−
|M82 shot
 
−
|-
 
−
|II
 
−
|Suspension
 
−
|Brake System
 
−
|FPE
 
−
|Adjustment of Fire
 
−
|M431 shell
 
−
|-
 
−
|III
 
−
|Filters
 
−
|
 
−
|Crew Replenishment
 
−
|Elevation Mechanism
 
−
|Rangefinder
 
−
|-
 
−
|IV
 
−
|Transmission
 
−
|Engine
 
−
|
 
−
|Artillery Support
 
−
|M313
 
−
|}
 
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''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".'' -->
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
 
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
*
+
* 6 second autoloader, compared to the 7.5 second ace reload on any other [[Type 61 (Family)|ST-A]] or [[Type 61]]
 +
* Fast turret rotation
 +
* Excellent gun depression
 +
* Good forward speed and mobility
 +
* Good acceleration
 +
* Shell choice:
 +
** Great post-penetration damage on the M82 APCBC shell
 +
** High penetration M431 HEAT-FS shell for tougher targets
 +
* Smaller cupola profile in exchange for a slightly more noticeable .50 gunshield compared to the [[Type 61]] tank
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*
+
* 90 mm Type 61 cannon can struggle to overcome certain opposing tanks frontally without relying on M431 HEAT-FS shell
 +
* Very thin overall armour, any tank gun will make short work of the ST-A3, and even certain SPAAs can give the tank trouble
 +
* The reverse speed of -8 km/h can hinder the tank at times
 +
* Outer rear part of the engine deck prevent the gun from depressing
 +
* Tall profile due to the gunshield covering the top .50 cal - taller than the Type 61
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
=== [[wt:en/news/6979-development-st-a3-the-fastest-gunslinger-in-the-east-en|'''Devblog''']] ===
+
{{main|Type 61 (Family)|l1=History of the Type 61 MBT}}
−
Following Japan’s remilitarization in the wake of the outbreak of the Korean War, Japanese engineers began working on the first domestic postwar tank designs. Taking on board the experience of working with American WWII tanks in service at the time, as well as incorporating some of the lessons learned from the Korean conflict, Japanese tank designers came up with a series of prototypes in the late 1950s.
+
 
 +
Following Japan's remilitarization in the wake of the outbreak of the Korean War, Japanese engineers began working on the first domestic postwar tank designs. Taking on board the experience of working with American WWII tanks in service at the time, as well as incorporating some of the lessons learned from the Korean conflict, Japanese tank designers came up with a series of prototypes in the late 1950s.
 +
 
 +
The ST-A3 was created as one of the later prototypes and was based on the previous design - the ST-A2. Featuring a 90 mm cannon coupled with an autoloading mechanism in the rear of the turret, the design was considered successful, but ultimately wasn't ordered into production due to concerns over its cost. As a result, the ST-A3 was modified into the ST-A4 by having its autoloading mechanism removed and eventually entered production as the Type 61 medium tank in 1961.
 +
 
 +
Only two ST-A3 prototypes were constructed and closely resembled the later production model Type 61 visually.
 +
 
 +
''- From [[wt:en/news/6979-development-st-a3-the-fastest-gunslinger-in-the-east-en|Devblog]]''
  
−
The ST-A3 was created as one of the later prototypes and was based on the previous design - the ST-A2. Featuring a 90 mm cannon coupled with an autoloading mechanism in the rear of the turret, the design was considered successful, but ultimately wasn’t ordered into production due to concerns over its cost. As a result, the ST-A3 was modified into the ST-A4 by having its autoloading mechanism removed and eventually entered production as the Type 61 medium tank in 1961. Only two ST-A3 prototypes were constructed and closely resembled the later production model Type 61 visually.
 
 
== 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=jp_st_a3 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
 +
File:ST-A3 (3).png|
 +
File:ST-A3 (2).png|
 +
File:ST-A3 (4).png|
 +
</gallery>
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 218: Line 195:
 
* ''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;''
+
;Related development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* [[Type 61 (Family)]]
 +
 
 +
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 +
* [[File:USA flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Patton (Disambiguation)]]
 +
** [[File:USA flag.png|30px|link=]] [[M46]]
 +
** [[File:USA flag.png|30px|link=]] [[M47]]
 +
** [[File:USA flag.png|30px|link=]] [[M48A1|M48]]
 +
 
 +
* [[File:USSR flag.png|30px|link=]] [[T-54/55 (Family)|T-54 (Family)]]
 +
* [[File:France flag.png|30px|link=]] [[AMX-30 (1972)]]
 +
* [[File:France flag.png|30px|link=]] [[AMX-13-90]]
 +
* [[File:Israel flag.png|30px|link=]] [[M-51]]
 +
* [[File:FRG flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Ru 251]]
 +
* [[File:Sweden flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Ikv 91]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 227: Line 216:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [[wt:en/news/6979-development-st-a3-the-fastest-gunslinger-in-the-east-en|[Devblog] ST-A3: The Fastest Gunslinger in the East]]
−
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{Japan medium tanks}}
 
{{Japan medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 16:00, 27 June 2024

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the Japanese medium tank ST-A3. For other variants, see Type 61 (Family).
ST-A3
jp_st_a3.png
GarageImage ST-A3.jpg
ArtImage ST-A3.jpg
ST-A3
Japan flag.png Japan
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.7 6.7 6.7
Class:
Research:35 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:210 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The ST-A3 was the third and last finished prototype for the Type 61. Being part of the second phase of development for the Type 61, together with the ST-A4 it overcame the transmission problems the ST-A1/2 had, and the overall vehicle design was pretty much the same as the final production model. While the ST-A4 was a later prototype, it was completed earlier than the ST-A3, and due to the ease of manufacturing and enlarged cupola became the basis for the Type 61 MBT. This left the ST-A3 behind as a promising prototype incorporating an autoloader.

The ST-A3 was introduced in Update "Hot Tracks". While very similar to the final product being the Type 61 MBT, it comes with a 6-second autoloader with a first-stage of 11 shells, which makes it essentially a Type 61 with a 1-second faster reload regardless of crew damage. For tank combat, the ST-A3 in War Thunder has a commander cupola that is less at risk of being hit due to its small profile, the machine gun coming with a gun shield offers some spalling protection to the HMG and offers slightly higher elevation making for a better anti-air defense.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull50 / 35 / 20
Turret40 / 60 / 35
Crew4 people
Visibility96 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Turret)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 45 mm (49-61°) Front glacis
50 mm (54°) Lower glaics 		30 mm (30°) Top
35 mm Bottom 		25 mm (13°) Top
20 mm (30°), 10 mm (59°) Bottom 		12 mm
Turret 40 mm (4-78°) Turret front
80 mm (0-68°) Gun mantlet 		40-60 mm (0-38°) 35 mm 18 mm
Cupola 30 mm 18 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick.

Due to its weak armour nearly every tank is a serious threat to the ST-A3, as well as a number of SPAA vehicles, however fast medium tanks such as the T-44, M46/M47 Patton or Panther II which can match its mobility are a painful to avoid, while anything with heavy armour (T29, T32, T34 and Tiger IIs) forces the reliance on the M431 shell HEAT-FS to punch through frontally, requiring multiple shots to overcome.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB51 / 9 km/h
RB and SB46 / 9 km/h
Number of gears7 forward
2 back
Weight35.0 t
Engine power
AB1 240 hp
RB and SB650 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB35.4 hp/t
RB and SB18.6 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 51 9 35 1,007 1,240 28.77 35.43
Realistic 46 9 575 650 16.43 18.57

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 514 → 4 603 Sl icon.png
RB4 111 → 5 385 Sl icon.png
SB5 351 → 7 009 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications61 600 Rp icon.png
102 700 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training61 000 Sl icon.png
Experts210 000 Sl icon.png
Aces890 Ge icon.png
Research Aces570 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
120 / 180 / 210 % Sl icon.png
178 / 178 / 178 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
2 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
2 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 300 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 300 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 300 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement jp.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 300 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_jp_M82_APCBC_ammo_pack
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
2 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_jp_M431_HEAT_ammo_pack
Research:
2 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 300 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank rangefinder.png
Rangefinder
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 300 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 300 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_us_M313_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 300 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png

Armaments

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

Main armament

90 mm Type 61 cannon
Autoloader
Automatically feeds projectiles into the breech. The speed does not depend on the skills of the loader
Ammunition40 rounds
First-order11 rounds
Reload6.0 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 13°
Main article: Type 61 (90 mm)
90 mm Type 61 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Autoloader
Arcade 40 -10°/+13° ±180° - 22.8 31.6 38.4 42.5 45.2 6.00
Realistic 14.3 16.8 20.4 22.6 24.0

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
M318A1 shot APBC 194 190 177 162 148 136
M82 shot APCBC 185 182 170 155 142 130
M431 shell HEATFS 320 320 320 320 320 320
M71 shell HE 20 20 18 17 15 14
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%
M318A1 shot APBC 914 10.98 - - - 47° 60° 65°
M82 shot APCBC 853 10.94 1.2 14 137.2 48° 63° 71°
M431 shell HEATFS 1,216 5.8 0.05 0.1 712.64 65° 72° 77°
M71 shell HE 823 10.55 0.2 0.1 925 79° 80° 81°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Screen radius
(m) 		Screen deploy
time (s) 		Screen hold
time (s) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
M313 821 10.7 13 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the ST-A3
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
40 32 (+8) 20 (+20) 12 (+28) 1 (+39) No

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Rack 4 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 11 shells and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
  • This rack is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 4 - 1 - 2 - 3.
  • If you pack 20 (+20) shells, it will keep most of the hull empty of ammo.
  • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-3 into rack 4. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Ammunition800 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reload8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-5° / 50°
7.62 mm M1919A4 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition4 500 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reload8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
Main articles: M2HB (12.7 mm), M1919A4 (7.62 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 800 (200) 575 -5°/+50° ±180°
7.62 mm M1919A4
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,500 (250) 500 - -

Usage in battles

ST-A3 (1).png

As the last built ST-A project (ST-A4 was completed earlier) before it resolved into the Type 61, the ST-A3 shouldn't come as a surprise as to how similar it is to its end-product. While the turret has a different commander cupola and a .50 gun shield; the main surprise of this prototype lies in its auto-loader. Ramming shells into the breech with a 6-second reload, it achieves a faster reload rate compared to all its other brothers in pursuit to become the Type 61 and even overcome the Type 61 as it would adopt from the ST-A4 which would have more ammo load and be a less expensive tank to produce.

Because of this addition of an auto-loader, it still plays very similar to a Type 61 with a constant reload rate of 6 seconds, regardless of crew status unless the auto-loader rack of 11 rounds is empty. The ST-A3 has excellent horizontal traverse and gun depression combined with a fairly mobile chassis, making it a good choice for progressing from turret down, to hull down and firing at the opposition before retreating back to turret down cover.

Its mobility is quite good at getting it to position, where it can ambush tanks early in the game or change position when required, particularly when disengaging when its position is discovered.

Its lack of armour and the decent but not overwhelmingly powerful gun means it is not a wonderful frontline tank to hold a defensive position when the opposition knows its position, as its armour is unlike to prevent any opposition rounds from penetrating and dealing damage, leaving the user to more often than not, rely on luck when engaging opposition frontally.

The biggest issue with the Type 61 (Family) is shot selection; Should one choose the M431 shell HEAT-FS which will punch through most opposition tanks, but do little damage? Or use the M318A1 AP round, M82 shot APHE rounds for more damage, but will struggle to penetrate opposition frontally at times?

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • 6 second autoloader, compared to the 7.5 second ace reload on any other ST-A or Type 61
  • Fast turret rotation
  • Excellent gun depression
  • Good forward speed and mobility
  • Good acceleration
  • Shell choice:
    • Great post-penetration damage on the M82 APCBC shell
    • High penetration M431 HEAT-FS shell for tougher targets
  • Smaller cupola profile in exchange for a slightly more noticeable .50 gunshield compared to the Type 61 tank

Cons:

  • 90 mm Type 61 cannon can struggle to overcome certain opposing tanks frontally without relying on M431 HEAT-FS shell
  • Very thin overall armour, any tank gun will make short work of the ST-A3, and even certain SPAAs can give the tank trouble
  • The reverse speed of -8 km/h can hinder the tank at times
  • Outer rear part of the engine deck prevent the gun from depressing
  • Tall profile due to the gunshield covering the top .50 cal - taller than the Type 61

History

Main article: History of the Type 61 MBT

Following Japan's remilitarization in the wake of the outbreak of the Korean War, Japanese engineers began working on the first domestic postwar tank designs. Taking on board the experience of working with American WWII tanks in service at the time, as well as incorporating some of the lessons learned from the Korean conflict, Japanese tank designers came up with a series of prototypes in the late 1950s.

The ST-A3 was created as one of the later prototypes and was based on the previous design - the ST-A2. Featuring a 90 mm cannon coupled with an autoloading mechanism in the rear of the turret, the design was considered successful, but ultimately wasn't ordered into production due to concerns over its cost. As a result, the ST-A3 was modified into the ST-A4 by having its autoloading mechanism removed and eventually entered production as the Type 61 medium tank in 1961.

Only two ST-A3 prototypes were constructed and closely resembled the later production model Type 61 visually.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins
Images
  • ST-A3 (3).png
  • ST-A3 (2).png
  • ST-A3 (4).png

See also

Related development
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


Japan medium tanks
Type 97  Chi-Ha · Chi-Ha Kai · Chi-Ha Kai TD · Chi-Ha Short Gun
Type 1  Chi-He · Chi-He (5th Regiment) · Ho-I
Type 3  Chi-Nu · Chi-Nu II
Type 4  Chi-To · Chi-To Late
Type 5  Chi-Ri II
Type 61 MBT  ST-A1* · ST-A2* · ST-A3* · Type 61
Type 74 MBT  ST-B2* · Type 74 (C) · Type 74 (E) · Type 74 (F) · Type 74 (G)
Type 90 MBT  Type 90 · Type 90 (B) · Type 90 (B) "Fuji"
Type 10 MBT  TKX (P)* · TKX* · Type 10
Other  Ka-Chi
USA  ▅M4A3 (76) W · ▅M47
  *Prototype

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