Difference between revisions of "M18 (Italy)"

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{{About
 
{{About
−
| about = Italian tank destroyer '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = Italian light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = other uses
+
| usage = other versions
 
| link = M18 Hellcat (Family)
 
| link = M18 Hellcat (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=it_m18_hellcat
 
|code=it_m18_hellcat
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|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.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]]. The M18 "Hellcat" was the epitome of the American tank destroyer doctrine, it was very fast, very mobile, and has a powerful gun, though with a large trade-off with only 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) of armour.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].
  
−
The M18 "Hellcat" compensates the lack of anti-tank capability by having absurdly fast maneuverability. While it looses access to APCR, this is justified seeing how it doesn't face very armored vehicles, the likes of [[Panther D|Panther D]], [[Tiger H1|Tiger H1]].
+
The M18 "Hellcat" was the epitome of the American tank destroyer doctrine, it was very fast, very mobile, and has a powerful gun, though with a large trade-off with only 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) of armour.
  
−
Unlike the other tank destroyers known in the game, the M18 "Hellcat" has access to a 360° traversable turret, allowing players to have a greater arc of fire than a typical casemate tank destroyer like the [[StuG III G|StuG III]], but at the expense of a slightly higher profile. Americans tank destroyers also have very high maneuverability compared to other nation's tank destroyers, allowing it to flank the enemy.
+
The M18 "Hellcat" compensates the lack of anti-tank capability by having absurdly fast manoeuvrability. While it loses access to APCR, this is justified seeing how it doesn't face very armoured vehicles, the likes of [[Panther D|Panther D]], [[Tiger H1|Tiger H1]].
  
−
The main weak point of M18 is its very thin armor, a feature that actually allows the M18 to reach its high speed. The thin armour makes it possible for any enemy tanks to penetrate the vehicle. A single hit would destroy many critical components in the M18 or cripple the crew.  The only saving grace with this extremely thin ammunition is that standard AP rounds may over-penetrate the armor, doing minimal damage to the internals. Thus, when facing the M18, it's best to use AP rounds with explosive fillers or HE and HEAT rounds while avoiding usage of pure AP rounds.
+
Unlike the other tank destroyers known in the game, the M18 "Hellcat" has access to a 360° traversable turret, allowing players to have a greater arc of fire than a typical casemate tank destroyer like the [[StuG III G|StuG III]], but at the expense of a slightly higher profile. Americans tank destroyers also have very high manoeuvrability compared to other nation's tank destroyers, allowing it to flank the enemy.
 +
 
 +
The main weak point of M18 is its very thin armour, a feature that actually allows the M18 to reach its high speed. The thin armour makes it possible for any enemy tanks to penetrate the vehicle. A single hit would destroy many critical components in the M18 or cripple the crew.  The only saving grace is that standard AP rounds may over-penetrate the armour, doing minimal damage to the internals. Thus, when facing the M18, it's best to use AP rounds with explosive fillers or HE and HEAT rounds while avoiding usage of pure AP rounds.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-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?''
+
<!-- ''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.''-->
 
 
The {{PAGENAME}} has extremely thin armour throughout its construction. As such, a player with the M18 should throw away any notion of trying to survive a shot and instead aim to avoid being hit at all. With an open-top construction and the placement of certain crew members, even enemy machine gun rounds can knock out the crew members inside and lower combat efficiency.
 
The {{PAGENAME}} has extremely thin armour throughout its construction. As such, a player with the M18 should throw away any notion of trying to survive a shot and instead aim to avoid being hit at all. With an open-top construction and the placement of certain crew members, even enemy machine gun rounds can knock out the crew members inside and lower combat efficiency.
  
−
The thin armour is also both a blessing and a curse for the vehicle. It is a curse as it means the vehicle can suffer through the hull-break mechanics. A single shell has the potential of knocking out the M18 instantly regardless of how many crew member it defeats. The blessing is that if the enemy kinetic round hits the M18 and does not meet the requirements for a hull-break, the M18 may end up with minimum critical damage such as a damaged module or crew member. As such, there can be second chances for this vehicle, but as mentioned, this should not be relied upon as a combat strategy.
+
The thin armour is also both a blessing and a curse for the vehicle. It is a curse as it means the vehicle can suffer through the overpressure damage mechanics. A single HE shell has the potential of knocking out the M18 instantly regardless of its calibre. The blessing is that if the enemy kinetic round hits the M18 without triggering the fuze, the M18 may end up with minimum critical damage such as a damaged module or crew member. As such, there can be second chances for this vehicle, but this should not be relied upon as a combat strategy.
  
 
With five crew members, the M18 has a standard amount of crew to survive off of. Three are essential for combat efficiency: the gunner, loader, and driver. The commander operates the cupola machine gun and if knocked out will cause the machine gun to no longer function. This will be a constant occurrence due to the position of the commander model with the torso exposed above the turret, and so enemy machine gun rounds can hit and incapacitate the commander from the vehicle's functions.
 
With five crew members, the M18 has a standard amount of crew to survive off of. Three are essential for combat efficiency: the gunner, loader, and driver. The commander operates the cupola machine gun and if knocked out will cause the machine gun to no longer function. This will be a constant occurrence due to the position of the commander model with the torso exposed above the turret, and so enemy machine gun rounds can hit and incapacitate the commander from the vehicle's functions.
  
−
The M18's module configuration is rather standard with the transmission in front and engine in the back. The spread out nature means there are more "wiggle room" for kinetic shells to hit and pass through around the modules, but it also means that any part of the M18 exposed can be hit and induce a hull-break.
+
The M18's module configuration is rather standard with the transmission in front and engine in the back. The spread out nature means there are more "wiggle room" for kinetic shells to hit and pass through around the modules.
  
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 12.7 mm (39-64°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 12.7 mm (23-52°) ''Lower glacis'' || 12.7 mm (23-26°) ''Top'' <br> 12.7 mm ''Bottom'' || 12.7 mm (12°) ''Top'' <br> 12.7 mm (36°) ''Bottom'' || 8 mm  
+
| Hull || 12.7 mm (39-64°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 12.7 mm (23-52°) ''Lower glacis'' || 12.7 mm (23-26°) ''Top'' <br> 12.7 mm ''Bottom'' || 12.7 mm (12°) ''Top'' <br> 12.7 mm (36°) ''Bottom'' || 8 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Turret || 25.4 mm (15-26°) ''Turret front'' <br> 19 mm + 25.4 mm (0-55°) ''Gun mantlet''|| 12.7 mm (1-21°) || 12.7 mm (7°) || N/A ''Open-top'' <br> 8 mm ''Bustle and Front''
 
| Turret || 25.4 mm (15-26°) ''Turret front'' <br> 19 mm + 25.4 mm (0-55°) ''Gun mantlet''|| 12.7 mm (1-21°) || 12.7 mm (7°) || N/A ''Open-top'' <br> 8 mm ''Bustle and Front''
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<!-- ''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= 653|rbMinHp= 407|<!--AoAweight=(optional) -->}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=620|rbMinHp=354}}
  
 
Though the previous section on armour may imply poor survivability, the {{PAGENAME}}'s shining trait will be in its mobility. It produces enough engine horsepower to become a speed demon on the battlefield, quickly traversing through rough terrain to get to advantageous positions to ambush enemies that are just starting to get to the fight.
 
Though the previous section on armour may imply poor survivability, the {{PAGENAME}}'s shining trait will be in its mobility. It produces enough engine horsepower to become a speed demon on the battlefield, quickly traversing through rough terrain to get to advantageous positions to ambush enemies that are just starting to get to the fight.
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{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
−
As with every ground vehicle Parts and FPE are an absolute top priority. Following that, depending on player preferences, one of 3 should be researched: Horizontal Drive (close-range, flanking), Suspension (medium-range) or Adjustment of Fire (long-range of a typical engagements). Following this the goal is to get rank IV mobility improvements in order Filters -> Engine -> Transmission. On rank III, along the way, the Crew Replenishment should be prioritized, as its an open-top vehicle, so it will suffer significant causalities from enemy airplanes. If your preferred engagement range is above 700m then the Elevation Mechanism should be researched. Otherwise: Mobility upgrades are the most important, shells are the lowest priority, as even the situational advantage of the M93 shot is not worth researching over improved mobility, or even accuracy.
+
As with every ground vehicle Parts and FPE are an absolute top priority. Following that, depending on player preferences, one of 3 should be researched: Horizontal Drive (close-range, flanking), Suspension (medium-range) or Adjustment of Fire (long-range of a typical engagements). Following this the goal is to get rank IV mobility improvements in order Filters -> Engine -> Transmission. On rank III, along the way, the Crew Replenishment should be prioritized, as its an open-top vehicle, so it will suffer significant causalities from enemy airplanes. If your preferred engagement range is above 700 m then the Elevation Mechanism should be researched. Otherwise: Mobility upgrades are the most important, shells are the lowest priority, as even the situational advantage of the M93 shot is not worth researching over improved mobility, or even accuracy.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
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=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
{{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|M1 (76 mm)}}
 
{{main|M1 (76 mm)}}
−
76 mm M1 is an extremely capable gun with a high damage potential and a very good gun handling. It can be found on tanks used up to battle rating 6.0, making it one of the most widely used guns throughout the battle ratings and with M18 being the first tanks to use it - it gives it a very high staying power throughout battle ratings. Once upgraded, the turret has very fair guidance in both: horizontal and vertical axis allowing to quickly catch pot-shots, though given exceptional mobility of the platform even it struggles to catch up with the near-instant hull rotation.
+
 
 +
The 76 mm M1 is an extremely capable gun with a high damage potential and a very good gun handling. Once upgraded, the turret has very fair guidance in both: horizontal and vertical axis allowing to quickly catch pot-shots, though given exceptional mobility of the platform even it struggles to catch up with the near-instant hull rotation.
 +
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[M1 (76 mm)|76mm M1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! colspan="5" | [[M1 (76 mm)|76 mm M1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 45 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 21.13 || 29.25 || 35.50 || 39.30 || 41.79 || rowspan="2" | 7.93 || rowspan="2" | 7.02 || rowspan="2" | 6.47 || rowspan="2" | 6.10
+
| rowspan="2" | 45 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 7.93 || rowspan="2" | 7.02 || rowspan="2" | 6.47 || rowspan="2" | 6.10
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 14.28 || 16.80 || 20.40 || 22.60 || 24.00
+
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
===== Ammunition =====
 
−
M18 comes with an exceptionally good stock shell, allowing it to unleash its full potential pretty much right off the bat. Additional unlocks are more specialized.
 
  
−
* M62 shell - {{Annotation|APCBC|Armour-Piercing Capped Ballistic Capped}} - The best anti-tank shell, also the stock round. It has very good penetration and an excellent post-penetration effect.
+
==== Ammunition ====
−
* M42A1 shell - {{Annotation|HE|High-Explosive fragmentation shell}} - The best round for dealing with unarmored targets or unarmored sections of vehicles. It should be used carefully, as everything over 10 mm armour can negate its effects. Typically M62 is superior.
 
−
* M79 shot - {{Annotation|AP|Armour-Piercing}} - Round inferior in every way to the M62, it's in-game largely for historical reasons.
 
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
* M79 shot - {{Annotation|AP|Armour-Piercing}} - Stock round, has decent penetrative power but no explosive filler. Replace with the M62 shell as soon as possible.
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
* M42A1 shell - {{Annotation|HE|High-Explosive fragmentation shell}} - The best round for dealing with unarmoured targets or unarmoured sections of vehicles. It should be used carefully, as everything over 10 mm armour can negate its effects. Typically M62 is superior.
−
|-
+
* M62 shell - {{Annotation|APCBC|Armour-Piercing Capped Ballistic Capped}} - The best anti-tank shell. It has very good penetration and an excellent post-penetration effect.
−
! 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
 
−
|-
 
−
| M62 shell || APCBC || 149 || 146 || 133 || 119 || 106 || 95
 
−
|-
 
−
| M42A1 shell || HE || 7 || 7 || 7 || 7 || 7 || 7
 
−
|-
 
−
| M79 shot || AP || 134 || 132 || 121 || 109 || 99 || 89
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:M1 (76 mm)/Ammunition|M79 shot, M42A1 shell, M62 shell, M88}}
−
! 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%
 
−
|-
 
−
| M62 shell || APCBC || 792 || 7.0 || 1.2 || 14 || 63.7 || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M42A1 shell || HE || 800 || 5.84 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 390 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M79 shot || AP || 792 || 6.8 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
{| 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)
 
−
|-
 
−
| M88 || 274 || 3.44 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
+
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
[[File:Ammoracks_M18GMC.png|right|thumbnail|300px|Ammo racks of the {{PAGENAME}}.]]
+
[[File:Ammoracks_M18_GMC.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Note''':
  
−
Turret empty: 37 ''(+8)''
+
* Turret empty: 37 ''(+8)'' shells.
−
 
+
* When fighting in downtiers it's best to take only 17 shells, which allows the turret and sides of the tank to be empty of shells, notably increasing survivability.
−
When fighting in downtiers it's best to take only 17 shells, which allows the turret and sides of the tank to be empty of shells, notably increasing survivability. Otherwise, it doesn't matter how many rounds are loaded, as most hits against the tank will prove deadly regardless.
 
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
{{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|M2HB (12.7 mm)}}
 
{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="7" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount''
+
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="4" | 800 (200) || 576 || -10°/+70° || ±60°
+
| Pintle || 1,000 (200) || 577 || -10°/+70° || ±60°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
== 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).'' -->
 
Before all, avoid colourful or bright decals. Camouflage is the main part of the M18's defence. Chances for good performance in battle are: be "invisible", fast and effective.
 
Before all, avoid colourful or bright decals. Camouflage is the main part of the M18's defence. Chances for good performance in battle are: be "invisible", fast and effective.
 
The M18's speed is its best ally. This speed has to be used for flanking manoeuvres and relocate. Not for trying to cross an open field, that will leave it open to enemy fire, speed is not a substitute for armour.
 
The M18's speed is its best ally. This speed has to be used for flanking manoeuvres and relocate. Not for trying to cross an open field, that will leave it open to enemy fire, speed is not a substitute for armour.
  
−
'''Relocate:'''  
+
'''Relocate:''' - This movement will have to be done again and again. Choose a good spot wisely, remove the foliage if necessary to get a clear field of fire. When in the fire spot, use the gun depression and stay in a hull-down position until a target is located. Once a target is locked on, aim at critical components. Try to immobilize the enemy by firing at the engine or transmission, or remove their firepower by shooting the gun or breech, or for instant destruction with a shot to the ammo storage. The last option can work very well or not, as skilled players only carry a few rounds of ammo. If positive that the enemy hasn't discovered the firing spot, go for another shot. Stay attentive that none of the enemy's teammates has also located the firing spot. If detected, hide immediately and relocate.
  
−
* This movement will have to be done again and again. Choose a good spot wisely, remove the foliage if necessary to get a clear field of fire. When in the fire spot, use the gun depression and stay in a hull-down position until a target is located. Once a target is locked on, aim at critical components. Try to immobilize the enemy by firing at the engine or transmission, or remove their firepower by shooting the gun or breech, or for instant destruction with a shot to the ammo storage. The last option can work very well or not, as skilled players only carry a few rounds of ammo.
+
'''Flanking:''' is the most dangerous manoeuvre of all because the vehicle will have to be exposed as it moves to the enemy's rear, but it is very effective when it's coordinated with other vehicles. A distraction is needed to gain the enemy's attention while the M18 makes its move. Isolated enemy units are very vulnerable to this tactic. Using the M18 speed to get to the rear and as the enemy heads toward the objective, the firing perspective should give a very clear view of the enemy's side armour. A good shot with the M62 APCBC shell could knock out the enemy rather quickly, but if using solid AP shots like the M79, aim at critical components on mobility and firepower before knocking out the crew or ammo stowage.
  
−
* If positive that the enemy hasn't discovered the firing spot, go for another shot. Stay attentive that none of the enemy's teammates has also located the firing spot. If detected, hide immediately and relocate.
+
'''Avoid flat terrain''' - Flat terrain means that the Hellcat will become an easy target for virtually any vehicle by exposure, especially when not moving or when moving in a straight line. Open plains are the bane of the Hellcat. Whenever possible, one should try to stay amongst hills.
  
−
'''Flanking:'''
+
=== 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".'' -->
−
* Flanking is the most dangerous manoeuvre of all because the vehicle will have to be exposed as it moves to the enemy's rear, but it is very effective when it's coordinated with other vehicles. A distraction is needed to gain the enemy's attention while the M18 makes its move. Isolated enemy units are very vulnerable to this tactic. Using the M18 speed to get to the rear and as the enemy heads toward the objective, the firing perspective should give a very clear view of the enemy's side armour. A good shot with the M62 APCBC shell could knock out the enemy rather quickly, but if using solid AP shots like the M79, aim at critical components on mobility and firepower before knocking out the crew or ammo stowage.  
 
−
 
 
−
'''Avoid flat terrain'''  
 
−
 
 
−
* Flat terrain means that the Hellcat will become an easy target for virtually any vehicle by exposure, especially when not moving or when moving in a straight line. Open plains are the bane of the Hellcat. Whenever possible, one should try to stay amongst hills.
 
  
−
=== Pros and cons ===
+
'''Pros:'''
−
<!--''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 - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''-->'''Pros:'''
 
  
 
* Overall mobility is superb, with very responsive manoeuvring that allows the Hellcat to excel in flanking manoeuvres
 
* Overall mobility is superb, with very responsive manoeuvring that allows the Hellcat to excel in flanking manoeuvres
 
* Fast reload speed and turret traverse
 
* Fast reload speed and turret traverse
−
* Stock APCBC round has great penetration and lots of explosive fillers, rarely requiring more than one penetrating shot to kill common tanks like T-34-85, M4A3, Cromwell, [[IS-1]] and [[IS-2 (Family)|IS-2]]
+
* M62 APCBC round has great penetration and lots of explosive fillers, rarely requiring more than one penetrating shot to kill common tanks like T-34-85, M4A3, Cromwell, [[IS-1]] and [[IS-2 (Family)|IS-2]]
 
* Low profile, reducing target size and allows it to hide behind small bushes or rocks easily
 
* Low profile, reducing target size and allows it to hide behind small bushes or rocks easily
−
* The nature of its thin armour means AP rounds have a tendency to pass straight through without damaging modules, and an APHE fuze may not even be triggered. For example the Russian 122mm tend to over-penetrate, dealing little damage.
+
* The nature of its thin armour means AP rounds have a tendency to pass straight through without damaging modules, and an APHE fuse may not even be triggered. For example the Soviet 122 mm tend to overpenetrate, dealing little damage
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Thin armour means rapid-fire autocannons, heavy machine guns, and aerial weapons could easily shred it. Beware of the [[ZSD63]] and the GAZ trucks!
+
* Thin armour means rapid-fire autocannons, heavy machine guns, and aerial weapons could easily shred it. Beware of the [[ZSD63]] and the GAZ trucks
−
* Commander is exposed at the 0.50 calibre machine gun mount, and knocking him out would render the weapon useless
+
* Commander is exposed at the 0.50 cal machine gun mount, and knocking him out would render the weapon useless
−
* Open-top construction means aerial strikes and artillery could rain havoc onto the crew
+
* Open-top construction means the crew is vulnerable to to aircraft strafing and overpressure: artillery strikes and chemical shells can knock out easily the vehicle
−
* Gun has poor penetration in an uptier, often can't penetrate anything frontally unless hitting a weak spot. The [[M4A3E2]] and [[M26 (Family)|M26]] are frontally immune to this 76mm M1.
+
* Gun has poor penetration in an uptier, often can't penetrate anything frontally unless hitting a weak spot. The [[M4A3E2]] and [[M26 (Family)|M26]] are frontally immune to this 76 mm M1
−
* Doesn't have access to APCR unlike its American counterpart.
+
* Doesn't have access to APCR unlike its American counterpart
−
* Rarely reaches 50 km/h in Realistic Battles, even in a straight line, therefore can be outran by the Sd.kfz.234 series
+
* Rarely reaches 50 km/h in Realistic Battles, even in a straight line, therefore can be outran by the Sd.Kfz.234 series
 
* A moment of immobility due to a damaged engine or transmission could be a sign of impending doom for the M18
 
* A moment of immobility due to a damaged engine or transmission could be a sign of impending doom for the M18
−
* Hull-break mechanics mean any explosions, HEAT or well-aimed AP round could instantly destroy the vehicle
 
  
 
== 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 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</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).'' -->
 
{{main|M18_GMC#History|l1=History of the M18 GMC}}
 
{{main|M18_GMC#History|l1=History of the M18 GMC}}
  
−
===Procurement===
+
Throughout the Second World War, the USA would be experimenting with many different tanks and military vehicles, in the hopes they'd be put into service to help the war effort. In December of 1941, a new requirement from the US high command would initially request a vehicle which incorporated the Christie suspension system, and armed with a 37 mm gun. Considering that during those times, for most new vehicles, they were often derived from a previous existing design, mainly done to save time and money, this requirement instead called for a radical new tank design rather than a derivative of an existing tank, such as the [[M4|M4 Sherman]]. Whilst the war was ongoing, the US high command would begin to alter the requirements, mainly due to more powerful enemy vehicles showing up on the battlefield. One of the first changes done during the development was to introduce the new and innovative Torsion bar suspension made by the Buick Motor Division, who were part of General Motors. Later another change was to mount the British made [[Ordnance QF 6-pounder Mk.III (57 mm)|QF 6-pounder gun]] which at the time would be in use on the British [[Churchill Mk III]] tanks. This would lead to one of the prototype vehicles to be made, which would be called T49 GMC. Tests proved to yield adequate results but still weren't up to standard, the US Army wanted the heavier [[M3 (75 mm)|75 mm gun]] which at the time would be mainly used on the various Shermans in service. In the end this lead to the T67 GMC prototype, this got closer to the requirements but the US high command felt that more could be done. Finally, the US army decided to mount the [[M1 (76 mm)|76 mm gun]] also in development for the Sherman onto the prototype, which now was known as the T70 GMC. Obviously changes to hull shape and turret had to be done, mainly to accommodate all the new requirements and armament set out by the US high command. After some refinement in the design, the US high command eventually approved the prototype for service and finally designated the vehicle as the M18 GMC. The vehicle started production in mid-1943, which went on until October 1944 with a grand total 2,507 units produced. They'd be extensively used, and would yield great results for the most part.
−
In the post-war period, many European countries had to deal with the reconstruction of their national defence forces. The immediate solution for the USA and the European countries was the surplus of equipment that the US Army still had available, either remaining from wartime production or from the contingent of occupying forces in Europe when those materials were replaced and phased out. The M18 Hellcat was thus proposed to and bought by several countries in Europe: France, Italy, Yugoslavia, etc. In that context, the Italian Armed Forces received 130 of them in July 1952.
 
  
−
===Combat usage===
+
The story of the Italian M18, also known as the 'Semovente da 76/52', would officially start in the post-war period. The Italian army, and its armoured divisions for the most part ceased to exist, although the US and other allied countries would slowly begin to re-equip the Italian army with surplus equipment. Italy would also begin to restore some of their own WW2 era equipment which managed to survive the war into working order and promptly put them into service. As the early dawn of the Cold War was looming, and the Italian armed forces being fairly weak, it was decided that a series of rearmament programs begin. Luckily, the USA had a lot of surplus equipment that they did not need anymore and were willing to invest heavily in rearming the Italian army through the 'MAP' (Military Assistance Program). It was decided that Italy would receive a total of 130 M18 GMCs, which would all be finally delivered during July of 1952. The M18 Hellcats were renamed to 'Semovente da 76/52', re-painted, and as many Italian vehicles, had the side-skirts removed. In terms of service, the Semovente da 76/52 would be allocated to the 155th Artillery Regiment of the 5th Army Corps which garrisoned the regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia near the Eastern border. They'd have a good reputation, and loosely followed standard Italian doctrine, which usually entails light vehicles with a good gun. Although they would have likely been in the front lines if a war between East and West ever broke out, they never saw combat action. During training, some Italian versions of the vehicle would install a machine gun, usually a Browning of some sort, onto the cannon. They'd be slowly be phased out for more modern designs who could be used as tank destroyers as the Cold War raged on.
−
The Hellcats were allocated to the 155th Artillery Regiment of the 5th Army Corps which garrisoned the regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia near the Eastern border and never saw combat action.
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
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+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
  
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=italy&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=tank_destroyer&vehicle=it_m18_hellcat Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=it_m18_hellcat Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
  
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
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{{Italy tank destroyers}}
+
{{TankManufacturer Buick}}
 +
{{Italy light tanks}}

Latest revision as of 22:09, 24 January 2023

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the Italian light tank M18 (Italy). For other versions, see M18 Hellcat (Family).
▄M18
it_m18_hellcat.png
GarageImage M18 (Italy).jpg
ArtImage M18 (Italy).png
▄M18
Italy flag.png Italy
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.3 6.0 6.0
Class:
Research:54 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:185 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Cannone da 76/52 Semovente M18 is a rank IV Italian light tank with a battle rating of 5.3 (AB) and 6.0 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update "Starfighters".

The M18 "Hellcat" was the epitome of the American tank destroyer doctrine, it was very fast, very mobile, and has a powerful gun, though with a large trade-off with only 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) of armour.

The M18 "Hellcat" compensates the lack of anti-tank capability by having absurdly fast manoeuvrability. While it loses access to APCR, this is justified seeing how it doesn't face very armoured vehicles, the likes of Panther D, Tiger H1.

Unlike the other tank destroyers known in the game, the M18 "Hellcat" has access to a 360° traversable turret, allowing players to have a greater arc of fire than a typical casemate tank destroyer like the StuG III, but at the expense of a slightly higher profile. Americans tank destroyers also have very high manoeuvrability compared to other nation's tank destroyers, allowing it to flank the enemy.

The main weak point of M18 is its very thin armour, a feature that actually allows the M18 to reach its high speed. The thin armour makes it possible for any enemy tanks to penetrate the vehicle. A single hit would destroy many critical components in the M18 or cripple the crew. The only saving grace is that standard AP rounds may over-penetrate the armour, doing minimal damage to the internals. Thus, when facing the M18, it's best to use AP rounds with explosive fillers or HE and HEAT rounds while avoiding usage of pure AP rounds.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull12 / 12 / 12
Turret25 / 12 / 12
Crew5 people
Visibility82 %

The M18 (Italy) has extremely thin armour throughout its construction. As such, a player with the M18 should throw away any notion of trying to survive a shot and instead aim to avoid being hit at all. With an open-top construction and the placement of certain crew members, even enemy machine gun rounds can knock out the crew members inside and lower combat efficiency.

The thin armour is also both a blessing and a curse for the vehicle. It is a curse as it means the vehicle can suffer through the overpressure damage mechanics. A single HE shell has the potential of knocking out the M18 instantly regardless of its calibre. The blessing is that if the enemy kinetic round hits the M18 without triggering the fuze, the M18 may end up with minimum critical damage such as a damaged module or crew member. As such, there can be second chances for this vehicle, but this should not be relied upon as a combat strategy.

With five crew members, the M18 has a standard amount of crew to survive off of. Three are essential for combat efficiency: the gunner, loader, and driver. The commander operates the cupola machine gun and if knocked out will cause the machine gun to no longer function. This will be a constant occurrence due to the position of the commander model with the torso exposed above the turret, and so enemy machine gun rounds can hit and incapacitate the commander from the vehicle's functions.

The M18's module configuration is rather standard with the transmission in front and engine in the back. The spread out nature means there are more "wiggle room" for kinetic shells to hit and pass through around the modules.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 12.7 mm (39-64°) Front glacis
12.7 mm (23-52°) Lower glacis 		12.7 mm (23-26°) Top
12.7 mm Bottom 		12.7 mm (12°) Top
12.7 mm (36°) Bottom 		8 mm
Turret 25.4 mm (15-26°) Turret front
19 mm + 25.4 mm (0-55°) Gun mantlet		 12.7 mm (1-21°) 12.7 mm (7°) N/A Open-top
8 mm Bustle and Front

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 5 mm thick.
  • The hull underside right above the tracks are only 8 mm thick.
  • Tracks are attached the turret rear, granting some 15 mm in thickness.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB90 / 29 km/h
RB and SB81 / 26 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
2 back
Weight17.7 t
Engine power
AB878 hp
RB and SB460 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB49.6 hp/t
RB and SB26.0 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 90 29 17.7 620 878 35.03 49.6
Realistic 81 26 354 460 20 25.99

Though the previous section on armour may imply poor survivability, the M18 (Italy)'s shining trait will be in its mobility. It produces enough engine horsepower to become a speed demon on the battlefield, quickly traversing through rough terrain to get to advantageous positions to ambush enemies that are just starting to get to the fight.

The vehicle displays great mobility when driving forwards and backwards, and so it can perform quick exits from a compromised position.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 099 → 2 863 Sl icon.png
RB2 703 → 3 686 Sl icon.png
SB3 174 → 4 329 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications46 900 Rp icon.png
85 400 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
100 / 150 / 190 % 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
195 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 900 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 900 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement it.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_usa_APCBC_ammo_pack
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 300 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 900 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_us_M88_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 900 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png

As with every ground vehicle Parts and FPE are an absolute top priority. Following that, depending on player preferences, one of 3 should be researched: Horizontal Drive (close-range, flanking), Suspension (medium-range) or Adjustment of Fire (long-range of a typical engagements). Following this the goal is to get rank IV mobility improvements in order Filters -> Engine -> Transmission. On rank III, along the way, the Crew Replenishment should be prioritized, as its an open-top vehicle, so it will suffer significant causalities from enemy airplanes. If your preferred engagement range is above 700 m then the Elevation Mechanism should be researched. Otherwise: Mobility upgrades are the most important, shells are the lowest priority, as even the situational advantage of the M93 shot is not worth researching over improved mobility, or even accuracy.

Armaments

Main armament

76 mm M1 cannon
Ammunition45 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
7.9 → 6.1 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: M1 (76 mm)

The 76 mm M1 is an extremely capable gun with a high damage potential and a very good gun handling. Once upgraded, the turret has very fair guidance in both: horizontal and vertical axis allowing to quickly catch pot-shots, though given exceptional mobility of the platform even it struggles to catch up with the near-instant hull rotation.

76 mm M1 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 45 -10°/+20° ±180° N/A 22.8 31.6 38.4 42.5 45.2 7.93 7.02 6.47 6.10
Realistic 14.3 16.8 20.4 22.6 24.0

Ammunition

  • M79 shot - AP - Stock round, has decent penetrative power but no explosive filler. Replace with the M62 shell as soon as possible.
  • M42A1 shell - HE - The best round for dealing with unarmoured targets or unarmoured sections of vehicles. It should be used carefully, as everything over 10 mm armour can negate its effects. Typically M62 is superior.
  • M62 shell - APCBC - The best anti-tank shell. It has very good penetration and an excellent post-penetration effect.

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
M79 shot AP 134 132 121 109 99 89
M42A1 shell HE 16 16 14 13 11 10
M62 shell APCBC 149 146 133 119 106 94
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%
M79 shot AP 792 6.8 - - - 47° 60° 65°
M42A1 shell HE 823 5.84 0.2 0.1 390 79° 80° 81°
M62 shell APCBC 792 7 1.2 14 63.7 48° 63° 71°
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)
M88 274 3.44 13 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M18 (Italy)
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
45 37 (+8) 27 (+18) 17 (+28) 9 (+36) 1 (+44) No

Note:

  • Turret empty: 37 (+8) shells.
  • When fighting in downtiers it's best to take only 17 shells, which allows the turret and sides of the tank to be empty of shells, notably increasing survivability.

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 70°
Horizontal guidance-60° / 60°
Main article: M2HB (12.7 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 1,000 (200) 577 -10°/+70° ±60°

Usage in battles

Before all, avoid colourful or bright decals. Camouflage is the main part of the M18's defence. Chances for good performance in battle are: be "invisible", fast and effective. The M18's speed is its best ally. This speed has to be used for flanking manoeuvres and relocate. Not for trying to cross an open field, that will leave it open to enemy fire, speed is not a substitute for armour.

Relocate: - This movement will have to be done again and again. Choose a good spot wisely, remove the foliage if necessary to get a clear field of fire. When in the fire spot, use the gun depression and stay in a hull-down position until a target is located. Once a target is locked on, aim at critical components. Try to immobilize the enemy by firing at the engine or transmission, or remove their firepower by shooting the gun or breech, or for instant destruction with a shot to the ammo storage. The last option can work very well or not, as skilled players only carry a few rounds of ammo. If positive that the enemy hasn't discovered the firing spot, go for another shot. Stay attentive that none of the enemy's teammates has also located the firing spot. If detected, hide immediately and relocate.

Flanking: is the most dangerous manoeuvre of all because the vehicle will have to be exposed as it moves to the enemy's rear, but it is very effective when it's coordinated with other vehicles. A distraction is needed to gain the enemy's attention while the M18 makes its move. Isolated enemy units are very vulnerable to this tactic. Using the M18 speed to get to the rear and as the enemy heads toward the objective, the firing perspective should give a very clear view of the enemy's side armour. A good shot with the M62 APCBC shell could knock out the enemy rather quickly, but if using solid AP shots like the M79, aim at critical components on mobility and firepower before knocking out the crew or ammo stowage.

Avoid flat terrain - Flat terrain means that the Hellcat will become an easy target for virtually any vehicle by exposure, especially when not moving or when moving in a straight line. Open plains are the bane of the Hellcat. Whenever possible, one should try to stay amongst hills.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Overall mobility is superb, with very responsive manoeuvring that allows the Hellcat to excel in flanking manoeuvres
  • Fast reload speed and turret traverse
  • M62 APCBC round has great penetration and lots of explosive fillers, rarely requiring more than one penetrating shot to kill common tanks like T-34-85, M4A3, Cromwell, IS-1 and IS-2
  • Low profile, reducing target size and allows it to hide behind small bushes or rocks easily
  • The nature of its thin armour means AP rounds have a tendency to pass straight through without damaging modules, and an APHE fuse may not even be triggered. For example the Soviet 122 mm tend to overpenetrate, dealing little damage

Cons:

  • Thin armour means rapid-fire autocannons, heavy machine guns, and aerial weapons could easily shred it. Beware of the ZSD63 and the GAZ trucks
  • Commander is exposed at the 0.50 cal machine gun mount, and knocking him out would render the weapon useless
  • Open-top construction means the crew is vulnerable to to aircraft strafing and overpressure: artillery strikes and chemical shells can knock out easily the vehicle
  • Gun has poor penetration in an uptier, often can't penetrate anything frontally unless hitting a weak spot. The M4A3E2 and M26 are frontally immune to this 76 mm M1
  • Doesn't have access to APCR unlike its American counterpart
  • Rarely reaches 50 km/h in Realistic Battles, even in a straight line, therefore can be outran by the Sd.Kfz.234 series
  • A moment of immobility due to a damaged engine or transmission could be a sign of impending doom for the M18

History

Main article: History of the M18 GMC

Throughout the Second World War, the USA would be experimenting with many different tanks and military vehicles, in the hopes they'd be put into service to help the war effort. In December of 1941, a new requirement from the US high command would initially request a vehicle which incorporated the Christie suspension system, and armed with a 37 mm gun. Considering that during those times, for most new vehicles, they were often derived from a previous existing design, mainly done to save time and money, this requirement instead called for a radical new tank design rather than a derivative of an existing tank, such as the M4 Sherman. Whilst the war was ongoing, the US high command would begin to alter the requirements, mainly due to more powerful enemy vehicles showing up on the battlefield. One of the first changes done during the development was to introduce the new and innovative Torsion bar suspension made by the Buick Motor Division, who were part of General Motors. Later another change was to mount the British made QF 6-pounder gun which at the time would be in use on the British Churchill Mk III tanks. This would lead to one of the prototype vehicles to be made, which would be called T49 GMC. Tests proved to yield adequate results but still weren't up to standard, the US Army wanted the heavier 75 mm gun which at the time would be mainly used on the various Shermans in service. In the end this lead to the T67 GMC prototype, this got closer to the requirements but the US high command felt that more could be done. Finally, the US army decided to mount the 76 mm gun also in development for the Sherman onto the prototype, which now was known as the T70 GMC. Obviously changes to hull shape and turret had to be done, mainly to accommodate all the new requirements and armament set out by the US high command. After some refinement in the design, the US high command eventually approved the prototype for service and finally designated the vehicle as the M18 GMC. The vehicle started production in mid-1943, which went on until October 1944 with a grand total 2,507 units produced. They'd be extensively used, and would yield great results for the most part.

The story of the Italian M18, also known as the 'Semovente da 76/52', would officially start in the post-war period. The Italian army, and its armoured divisions for the most part ceased to exist, although the US and other allied countries would slowly begin to re-equip the Italian army with surplus equipment. Italy would also begin to restore some of their own WW2 era equipment which managed to survive the war into working order and promptly put them into service. As the early dawn of the Cold War was looming, and the Italian armed forces being fairly weak, it was decided that a series of rearmament programs begin. Luckily, the USA had a lot of surplus equipment that they did not need anymore and were willing to invest heavily in rearming the Italian army through the 'MAP' (Military Assistance Program). It was decided that Italy would receive a total of 130 M18 GMCs, which would all be finally delivered during July of 1952. The M18 Hellcats were renamed to 'Semovente da 76/52', re-painted, and as many Italian vehicles, had the side-skirts removed. In terms of service, the Semovente da 76/52 would be allocated to the 155th Artillery Regiment of the 5th Army Corps which garrisoned the regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia near the Eastern border. They'd have a good reputation, and loosely followed standard Italian doctrine, which usually entails light vehicles with a good gun. Although they would have likely been in the front lines if a war between East and West ever broke out, they never saw combat action. During training, some Italian versions of the vehicle would install a machine gun, usually a Browning of some sort, onto the cannon. They'd be slowly be phased out for more modern designs who could be used as tank destroyers as the Cold War raged on.

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The M18 Tank Destroyer (Italy) - Orangefan

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Buick Division of General Motors
Tank Destroyers  M18 GMC · M18 "Black Cat" · Super Hellcat
Export  ␗M18 GMC · ▄M18
Note  Buick is a division of General Motors (GM).

Italy light tanks
  Italy
L6/40  L6/40 · L6/40 (31 Rgt.)
M11/39  M11/39
Autoblindo  AB 41 · AB 43
Fiat 6614/6616  FIAT 6614 · AUBL/74 · AUBL/74 HVG
R3 Capraia  R3 T106 FA
Centauro  Centauro I 105 · Centauro I 105 R · Centauro I 120 · Centauro RGO · VRCC
Freccia  VBC (PT2) · Freccia
Dardo  Dardo · VCC-80/60 · VCC-80/30
Other  C13 T90
USA  ▄M3A3 · ▄M24 · ▄M18
  Hungary
WWII  Csaba · Toldi IIA
Post  ◔BTR-80A · KF41

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