Difference between revisions of "M41A1 (Japan)"

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{{Specs-Card
 
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|code=jp_m41_walker_bulldog
 
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
−
}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = other uses
+
| usage = other versions
 
| link = M41 Walker Bulldog (Family)
 
| link = M41 Walker Bulldog (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=jp_m41_walker_bulldog
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was part of the second defense build-up plan, introduced to enhance the self defense capability of the JSDF. Japan also developed its own domestic tanks, such as the [[Type 61|Type 61 MBT]] and the [[Type 60 ATM|Type 60 APC]]. The M41s were supplied by the Americans to replace the obsolete [[M24 (Japan)|M24]], while the Type 61 took over the role of the [[M4A3 (76) W (Japan)|M4A3 (76) W]].
−
{{Break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]] along with the rest of the initial Japanese Ground Forces Tree. It shares its performance with the American [[M41A1|M41 Walker Bulldog]].
 
  
−
The play style of the M41A1 returns to the M24 after the previous medium tank in the line, the M4A3: shoot and scoot. The 'Bulldog' is best utilized as a flanker with its respectable 76mm gun and high speed and maneuverability. Since the ammunition available is solid shot (no explosive filler), an idea of the internal layouts of the tanks it faces is necessary to make the shots count. At its current BR, it will regularly face American, British, Russian, and in arcade battles, German heavy tanks, and anything it meets, including self propelled anti-aircraft vehicles will be able to reliable penetrate the M41A1's armour, so utilization of the terrain to maximize cover and good situational awareness is a must.
+
It was introduced in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]] along with the rest of the initial Japanese Ground Forces Tree. It shares its performance with the American [[M41A1|M41 Walker Bulldog]]. The playstyle of the M41A1 returns to the M24 after the previous medium tank in the line, the M4A3: shoot and scoot. The 'Bulldog' is best utilized as a flanker with its respectable 76 mm gun and high speed and manoeuvrability. Since the ammunition available is solid shot (no explosive filler), an idea of the internal layouts of the tanks it faces is necessary to make the shots count. At its current BR, it will regularly face American, British, Soviet, and in arcade battles, German heavy tanks, and anything it meets, including self propelled anti-aircraft vehicles will be able to reliable penetrate the M41A1's armour, so utilization of the terrain to maximize cover and good situational awareness is a must.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 30: Line 28:
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle)!! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle)!! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 25.4 mm (60°) ''Front glacis''<br /> 31.7 mm (41-46°) ''Bottom glacis'' || 25.4 mm (0-48°) ''Front'' <br /> 19 mm (0-48°) ''Back''|| 12.7 mm (57°) ''Top'' <br /> 19 mm (33-38°) ''Bottom'' || 19 mm
+
| Hull || 25.4 mm (60°) ''Front glacis''<br> 31.7 mm (41-46°) ''Bottom glacis'' || 25.4 mm (0-48°) ''Front'' <br> 19 mm (0-48°) ''Back''|| 12.7 mm (57°) ''Top'' <br> 19 mm (33-38°) ''Bottom'' || 19 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Turret || 25.4 mm (1-68°) ''Turret front'' <br> 31.7 mm (1-53°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 25.4 mm (2-29°) || 25.4 mm (1-25°) || 19 mm
 
| Turret || 25.4 mm (1-68°) ''Turret front'' <br> 31.7 mm (1-53°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 25.4 mm (2-29°) || 25.4 mm (1-25°) || 19 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
+
| Cupola || 31.7 mm || 31.7 mm || 31.7 mm || 19 mm
−
|-
 
−
| Cupola || 31.7 mm || 19 mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 44: Line 40:
 
* Belly armour is 9.5 mm thick
 
* Belly armour is 9.5 mm thick
  
−
There aren't any specific targets worth noting as the M41A1 will be hurt by pretty much anything. Be extra careful with [[:Category:Anti-aircraft_vehicles|SPAAs]] as they can knock out the ''Walker Bulldog's components with ease and even destroy the tank.''
+
There aren't any specific targets worth noting as the M41A1 will be hurt by pretty much anything. Be extra careful with [[:Category:Anti-aircraft_vehicles|SPAAs]] as they can knock out the Walker Bulldog's components with ease and even destroy the tank.
  
 
If at all possible, try only to expose the turret. If using the terrain to the M41A1's advantage, it'll usually be able to fire one to three shots, then start moving forwards and backwards, thus making it a lot harder for the enemy to hit the tank. Generally, the M41A1 be able to get in two shots on most targets before they can fire back, and the M41A1 accelerates from 0 to 30 km/h fast enough to become a hard target to hit if only the turret is exposed!
 
If at all possible, try only to expose the turret. If using the terrain to the M41A1's advantage, it'll usually be able to fire one to three shots, then start moving forwards and backwards, thus making it a lot harder for the enemy to hit the tank. Generally, the M41A1 be able to get in two shots on most targets before they can fire back, and the M41A1 accelerates from 0 to 30 km/h fast enough to become a hard target to hit if only the turret is exposed!
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 65 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 34.27 || 47.43 || 57.60 || 63.69 || 67.76 || rowspan="2" | 7.67 || rowspan="2" | 6.79 || rowspan="2" | 6.25 || rowspan="2" | 5.90
+
| rowspan="2" | 65 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 7.67 || rowspan="2" | 6.79 || rowspan="2" | 6.25 || rowspan="2" | 5.90
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 21.42 || 25.20 || 30.60 || 33.84 || 36.00
+
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:M32 (76 mm)/Ammunition|M339 shot, M352 shell, M319 shot, M331A2 shot, M361}}
−
! 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
 
−
|-
 
−
| M339 shot || AP || 177 || 173 || 159 || 143 || 129 || 116
 
−
|-
 
−
| M352 shell || HE || 12 || 12 || 12 || 12 || 12 || 12
 
−
|-
 
−
| M319 shot || APCR || 206 || 200 || 174 || 146 || 122 || 103
 
−
|-
 
−
| M331A2 shot || APDS || 232 || 231 || 212 || 193 || 163 || 137
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| 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%
 
−
|-
 
−
| M339 shot || AP || 975 || 6.60 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M352 shell || HE || 732 || 6.80 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 867.22 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M319 shot || APCR || 1,234 || 3.20 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M331A2 shot || APDS || 1,231 || 1.49 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 75° || 78° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| 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)
 
−
|-
 
−
| M361 || 713 || 7.1 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
[[File:Ammoracks M41A1.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo rack]] of the M41A1 Walker Bulldog]]
+
[[File:Ammoracks_M41A1.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.27.1.50''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 147: Line 90:
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''65''' || 55 ''(+10)'' || 39 ''(+26)'' || 1 ''(+64)'' || No
+
| '''65''' || 45&nbsp;''(+20)'' || 12&nbsp;''(+53)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+64)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 +
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 +
* Rack 3 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: 3 - 1 - 2.
 +
* If you pack 15&nbsp;''(+40)'' shells, it will keep most of the hull empty of ammo.
 +
* Full reload speed will be realized as long as shells are available in the ready rack 3. If the ready rack is empty, a penalty to reload speed will occur.
 +
* Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-3 into rack 3. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.
  
 
==== Optics ====
 
==== Optics ====
Line 180: Line 131:
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Pintle || 2,175 (200) || 576 || -10°/+70° || ±60°
+
| Pintle || 2,200 (200) || 575 || -10°/+70° || ±60°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 189: Line 140:
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 4,900 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 5,000 (250) || 500 || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 195: Line 146:
 
== 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).'' -->
−
Like the tanks that come before it, the ''Bulldog'' should be used as a rapid-deployment support vehicle in conjunction with heavier vehicles. It is best used to run rapid insertion and flanking operations while allowing the heavier tanks absorb the brunt of the enemy attack. The ''Bulldog's'' top speed does cap off-road, requiring good knowledge of the map to make the most of the terrain.
+
Like the tanks that come before it, the Bulldog should be used as a rapid-deployment support vehicle in conjunction with heavier vehicles. It is best used to run rapid insertion and flanking operations while allowing the heavier tanks absorb the brunt of the enemy attack. The Bulldog's top speed does cap off-road, requiring good knowledge of the map to make the most of the terrain.
  
−
Always remember that the ''Bulldog'' lacks any effective armour. In a frontal attack, it will be easily penetrated by almost anything the enemy throws at it. Try to use the terrain to hide the tank and relocate after shots. Also, attempt to engage targets who are busy or already engaged with a teammates. The ''Bulldog's'' 76 mm gun has great penetration, but due to the solid shot AP rounds it has it is necessary to make each shot count by hitting either ammo racks or fuel tanks/engines to disable and or destroy an enemy vehicle. Equipping HVAP rounds later on makes it easier to destroy vehicles with better side armour such as the [[IS-3]] which has a fairly strong side profile.
+
Always remember that the Bulldog lacks any effective armour. In a frontal attack, it will be easily penetrated by almost anything the enemy throws at it. Try to use the terrain to hide the tank and relocate after shots. Also, attempt to engage targets who are busy or already engaged with a teammates. The Bulldog's 76 mm gun has great penetration, but due to the solid shot AP rounds it has it is necessary to make each shot count by hitting either ammo racks or fuel tanks/engines to disable and or destroy an enemy vehicle. Equipping HVAP rounds later on makes it easier to destroy vehicles with better side armour such as the [[IS-3]] which has a fairly strong side profile.
  
 
===Tactics===
 
===Tactics===
−
The ''Bulldog'' is best playing a mobile role; trail the outskirts of the map and take shots at the enemy from a distance and keep relocating. Don't stand still for too long as one or two hits are usually enough to completely disable the tank.
+
The Bulldog is best playing a mobile role; trail the outskirts of the map and take shots at the enemy from a distance and keep relocating. Don't stand still for too long as one or two hits are usually enough to completely disable the tank.
  
−
While playing this tank, the biggest concern should be not to get hit ''by anything''. Given its thin armour, anything that the Bulldog is facing will be able to deal heavy damage. In summary, the ''Bulldog'' is a very maneuverable tank and with practice is a very potent threat to enemies.
+
While playing this tank, the biggest concern should be not to get hit by anything. Given its thin armour, anything that the Bulldog is facing will be able to deal heavy damage. In summary, the Bulldog is a very manoeuvrable tank and with practice is a very potent threat to enemies.
  
−
If up against heavy tanks, such as the [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II H]], don't bother trying to hit its front chassis armour even with APDS. The chances to penetrate this tank's upper glacis are very low. It is better to try and either ignoring him or aiming for his lower glacis and turret. Should the round penetrate the lower glacis, the transmission is likely to catch on fire. When attacking the turret, aim for the gunner on the left (player's right) of the gun. After that, disengage as the gunner will be replaced faster than the M41A1 can reload. Fighting off heavily armoured targets takes a lot of practice, but the gun's accuracy and good penetration can be used to the M41A1's advantage.
+
If up against heavy tanks, such as the [[Tiger II (H)]], don't bother trying to hit its front chassis armour even with APDS. The chances to penetrate this tank's upper glacis are very low. It is better to try and either ignoring him or aiming for his lower glacis and turret. Should the round penetrate the lower glacis, the transmission is likely to catch on fire. When attacking the turret, aim for the gunner on the left (player's right) of the gun. After that, disengage as the gunner will be replaced faster than the M41A1 can reload. Fighting off heavily armoured targets takes a lot of practice, but the gun's accuracy and good penetration can be used to the M41A1's advantage.
−
 
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Mobility
 
−
! Protection
 
−
! colspan="3" | Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Horizontal Drive
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Suspension
 
−
| Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire
 
−
| Airstrike
 
−
| M319 shot
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Filters
 
−
|
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| Elevation Mechanism
 
−
| M331A2 shot
 
−
| NVD
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Transmission
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Artillery Support
 
−
| Improved optics
 
−
| M361
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 254: Line 164:
 
* Extremely agile tank
 
* Extremely agile tank
 
* Top speed of 72 km/h
 
* Top speed of 72 km/h
−
* Fast turret traverse ''(30.6°/S)''
+
* Fast turret traverse (30.6°/s)
 
* Fast reload rate
 
* Fast reload rate
 
* Respectable firepower when loaded with APDS
 
* Respectable firepower when loaded with APDS
Line 283: Line 193:
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=jp_m41_walker_bulldog Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 293: Line 206:
 
''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;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 
{{Japan light tanks}}
 
{{Japan light tanks}}

Latest revision as of 21:58, 12 August 2023

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the light tank M41A1 (Japan). For other versions, see M41 Walker Bulldog (Family).
▅M41A1
jp_m41_walker_bulldog.png
GarageImage M41A1 (Japan).jpg
ArtImage M41A1 (Japan).png
▅M41A1
Japan flag.png Japan
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.0 6.3 6.3
Class:
Research:54 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:185 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Light Tank M41 SDF was part of the second defense build-up plan, introduced to enhance the self defense capability of the JSDF. Japan also developed its own domestic tanks, such as the Type 61 MBT and the Type 60 APC. The M41s were supplied by the Americans to replace the obsolete M24, while the Type 61 took over the role of the M4A3 (76) W.

It was introduced in Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai" along with the rest of the initial Japanese Ground Forces Tree. It shares its performance with the American M41 Walker Bulldog. The playstyle of the M41A1 returns to the M24 after the previous medium tank in the line, the M4A3: shoot and scoot. The 'Bulldog' is best utilized as a flanker with its respectable 76 mm gun and high speed and manoeuvrability. Since the ammunition available is solid shot (no explosive filler), an idea of the internal layouts of the tanks it faces is necessary to make the shots count. At its current BR, it will regularly face American, British, Soviet, and in arcade battles, German heavy tanks, and anything it meets, including self propelled anti-aircraft vehicles will be able to reliable penetrate the M41A1's armour, so utilization of the terrain to maximize cover and good situational awareness is a must.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull31 / 25 / 19
Turret25 / 25 / 25
Crew4 people
Visibility88 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 25.4 mm (60°) Front glacis
31.7 mm (41-46°) Bottom glacis 		25.4 mm (0-48°) Front
19 mm (0-48°) Back		 12.7 mm (57°) Top
19 mm (33-38°) Bottom 		19 mm
Turret 25.4 mm (1-68°) Turret front
31.7 mm (1-53°) Gun mantlet 		25.4 mm (2-29°) 25.4 mm (1-25°) 19 mm
Cupola 31.7 mm 31.7 mm 31.7 mm 19 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and tracks are both 15 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 9.5 mm thick

There aren't any specific targets worth noting as the M41A1 will be hurt by pretty much anything. Be extra careful with SPAAs as they can knock out the Walker Bulldog's components with ease and even destroy the tank.

If at all possible, try only to expose the turret. If using the terrain to the M41A1's advantage, it'll usually be able to fire one to three shots, then start moving forwards and backwards, thus making it a lot harder for the enemy to hit the tank. Generally, the M41A1 be able to get in two shots on most targets before they can fire back, and the M41A1 accelerates from 0 to 30 km/h fast enough to become a hard target to hit if only the turret is exposed!

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB81 / 21 km/h
RB and SB73 / 19 km/h
Number of gears4 forward
2 back
Weight23.1 t
Engine power
AB954 hp
RB and SB500 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB41.3 hp/t
RB and SB21.6 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 81 21 23.1 775 954 33.55 41.3
Realistic 73 19 442 500 19.13 21.65

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 272 → 3 099 Sl icon.png
RB2 793 → 3 809 Sl icon.png
SB3 644 → 4 970 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications47 200 Rp icon.png
85 800 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 500 Ge icon.png
Crew training52 000 Sl icon.png
Experts185 000 Sl icon.png
Aces710 Ge icon.png
Research Aces480 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
110 / 140 / 180 % Sl icon.png
166 / 166 / 166 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement jp.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_usa_M32_APCR_ammo_pack
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_usa_M32_APDS_ammo_pack
Research:
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Cost:
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Artillery Support
Research:
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Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
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Improved optics
Research:
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Cost:
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210 Ge icon.png
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76mm_us_M361_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
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Cost:
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210 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

76 mm M32 cannon
Ammunition65 rounds
First-order11 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
7.6 → 5.9 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: M32 (76 mm)
76 mm M32 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 65 -10°/+20° ±180° - 22.8 31.6 38.4 42.5 45.2 7.67 6.79 6.25 5.90
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
M339 shot APBC 177 173 159 143 129 116
M352 shell HE 15 15 14 12 12 12
M319 shot APCR 206 200 174 146 122 103
M331A2 shot APDS 300 296 278 256 237 219
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%
M339 shot APBC 975 6.6 - - - 47° 60° 65°
M352 shell HE 732 6.8 0.2 0.1 867.22 79° 80° 81°
M319 shot APCR 1,234 3.2 - - - 66° 70° 72°
M331A2 shot APDS 1,257 2.81 - - - 75° 78° 80°
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)
M361 713 7.1 13 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M41A1 (Japan)
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
65 45 (+20) 12 (+53) 1 (+64) No

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Rack 3 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: 3 - 1 - 2.
  • If you pack 15 (+40) shells, it will keep most of the hull empty of ammo.
  • Full reload speed will be realized as long as shells are available in the ready rack 3. If the ready rack is empty, a penalty to reload speed will occur.
  • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-3 into rack 3. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.

Optics

M41A1 (Japan) Optics
Which ones Default magnification Maximum magnification
Main Gun optics X7.5 (Estimated) X8 (Estimated)
Comparable optics AMX-13 (SS.11) (X7.5) , AMX-30 (X8)

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Ammunition2 200 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 70°
Horizontal guidance-60° / 60°
7.62 mm M1919A4 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition5 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 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 2,200 (200) 575 -10°/+70° ±60°
7.62 mm M1919A4
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 5,000 (250) 500 - -

Usage in battles

Like the tanks that come before it, the Bulldog should be used as a rapid-deployment support vehicle in conjunction with heavier vehicles. It is best used to run rapid insertion and flanking operations while allowing the heavier tanks absorb the brunt of the enemy attack. The Bulldog's top speed does cap off-road, requiring good knowledge of the map to make the most of the terrain.

Always remember that the Bulldog lacks any effective armour. In a frontal attack, it will be easily penetrated by almost anything the enemy throws at it. Try to use the terrain to hide the tank and relocate after shots. Also, attempt to engage targets who are busy or already engaged with a teammates. The Bulldog's 76 mm gun has great penetration, but due to the solid shot AP rounds it has it is necessary to make each shot count by hitting either ammo racks or fuel tanks/engines to disable and or destroy an enemy vehicle. Equipping HVAP rounds later on makes it easier to destroy vehicles with better side armour such as the IS-3 which has a fairly strong side profile.

Tactics

The Bulldog is best playing a mobile role; trail the outskirts of the map and take shots at the enemy from a distance and keep relocating. Don't stand still for too long as one or two hits are usually enough to completely disable the tank.

While playing this tank, the biggest concern should be not to get hit by anything. Given its thin armour, anything that the Bulldog is facing will be able to deal heavy damage. In summary, the Bulldog is a very manoeuvrable tank and with practice is a very potent threat to enemies.

If up against heavy tanks, such as the Tiger II (H), don't bother trying to hit its front chassis armour even with APDS. The chances to penetrate this tank's upper glacis are very low. It is better to try and either ignoring him or aiming for his lower glacis and turret. Should the round penetrate the lower glacis, the transmission is likely to catch on fire. When attacking the turret, aim for the gunner on the left (player's right) of the gun. After that, disengage as the gunner will be replaced faster than the M41A1 can reload. Fighting off heavily armoured targets takes a lot of practice, but the gun's accuracy and good penetration can be used to the M41A1's advantage.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Extremely agile tank
  • Top speed of 72 km/h
  • Fast turret traverse (30.6°/s)
  • Fast reload rate
  • Respectable firepower when loaded with APDS
  • APDS has high muzzle velocity, easy to hit targets at longer ranges
  • Good flanker, but if the momentum is lost, it's over
  • Good suspension; can drive away from steep downhills and jumps
  • .50 cal AA machine gun with good coverage

Cons:

  • Low torque; without a downhill run, the tank won't reach higher speeds than 50 km/h
  • Thin armour, even SPAA tanks will take the M41A1 out given the opportunity
  • Its poor engine is its biggest weakness, makes it a bad scouting unit
  • Ammo storage in the front, next to the driver
  • APDS shot causes only punctual damage (aim carefully)
  • No explosive filler on any AP shells
  • Quite tall for a light tank

History

Development

The U.S. Army light tank in the later part of World War II, the M24 Chaffee, was a promising design but was deemed not effective for the future of armour encounters. Though its role as a scout was seen as needing the 75 mm gun, the army wanted a tank with a better gun to have a more equal chance against tanks. The project began as the T37 program in 1947 with the focus of being air-transportable with an anti-tank capability in the form of a 76 mm gun and a rangefinder. The adoption of a simplified rangefinder had the project designation changed to the T41. After testings and evaluations, the T41 model was accepted into service as the M41 Little Bulldog, with production starting at Cadillac Cleveland Tank Plant in 1951. The name "Little Bulldog" stayed until General Walton Walker, the first commander of the 8th US Army in Korea, died in a car accident, so the tank was renamed into the M41 Walker Bulldog in remembrance. Production went from 1953 to somewhere in the late 1960s with about 3,728 units produced.

The M41 light tank would go on to replace the M24 Chaffees by 1953. The M41 had a crew of four, commander, gunner, loader, and driver. The tank had a profile of under 9 feet and 19 feet long. The tank was lightweight at 23.5 tons and thus had rather thin armour, with the front armour only 25.4 mm thick (sloped at 60 degrees for about 50 mm effective). However, the tank was very agile with its torsion bar suspension and Continental AOS 895-3 series 6-cylinder gasoline engine of 500 hp which could deliver a road speed of 45 mph with a 100 miles operating range. Unfortunately, the tank was criticized for being noisy, a fuel-guzzler, rather heavy, and the American crewman found the Bulldog interior to be quite cramped. Despite that, it delivered speed, firepower, and reliability in a light tank format. Several upgrades were made on the M41 with better technology, the M41A1 had a hydraulic turret traverse with more ammo storage, the M41A2 had a new fuel system, and the M41A3 are old M41A1 tanks with the new fuel system from the M41A2.

Japanese Service

In 1961, the United States gave 150 M41 Walker Bulldog tanks to the Japanese Self Defense Force to supplement their new and heavier Type 61 main battle tank. These would see service all the way until 1981.

Media

Skins

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Japan light tanks
Type 89  I-Go Ko
Type 95  Ha-Go · Ha-Go Commander
Type 98  Ke-Ni
Other  Ka-Mi
IFV  Type 89
RCV  Type 87 RCV (P) · Type 87 RCV · RCV (P)
MCV  Type 16 (P) · Type 16 (FPS) · Type 16
USA  ▅M24 · ▅M41A1

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