Difference between revisions of "Matilda Hedgehog"
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| + | {{About | ||
| + | | about = British heavy tank '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
| + | | usage = other versions | ||
| + | | link = Matilda (Family) | ||
| + | }} | ||
{{Specs-Card | {{Specs-Card | ||
|code=uk_matilda_hedgehog | |code=uk_matilda_hedgehog | ||
| − | |images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}} | + | |images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}} |
| + | |market=items_Matilda Hedgehog (Britain) | ||
}} | }} | ||
== 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 ''' | + | The '''Matilda Hedgehog''' was an Australian late-war experiment of the early but legendary Matilda infantry tank. Developed in early 1944, it was equipped with the Hedgehog anti-submarine spigot mortar. The tank was needed after the Australian Forces encountered difficulties dealing with Japanese bunkers in the jungles of the Asian front. The Matilda II was chosen to be the carrier of this weapon since it was already a combat proven infantry tank. However, testing of the new design went too far, even considering not using the Matilda and instead using the M3 Lee, thus the war ended before the tank was ready for frontline service. |
| + | |||
| + | It was introduced during [[Update "New Power"]] as a reward for [[Battle Pass: Season I]]. The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a very interesting design, the most notable difference from other Matildas is the presence of a new type of armament in the rear; a Spigot system fitted with Hedgehog mortars. This mortar was commonly used in naval warfare as an anti-submarine weapon and as such is very lethal weaponry if used correctly against tanks. One of the flaws of the Matilda Hedgehog over other variants is the reduced combat readiness and versatility. This is because the Hedgehog mortar is a situational and limited weapon in tank warfare. The vehicle also loses its smoke grenade launchers and receives a large weak spot in its rear, since the Hedgehog launcher acts as a large unprotected ammo rack. | ||
== 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? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' | + | <!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' --> |
| + | The uneven and sloped armour protection is generally useful versus most low to medium calibre (40-75 mm) guns in the rank; the farther from the target makes it better for the armour. The irregular front and sloped side armour configuration on the turret makes it perfect to bounce some poorly aimed shots, yet some areas are not sloped at all and can be easily penetrated by shells of over 80 mm of penetration in close ranges. This armour has not changed drastically since the Matilda III, however, some noteworthy areas did receive an increase in protection: the turret ring received an additional armour plate of 40 mm. Extended from the front to the sides and partially reaching the back of the turret ring area. Effectively concealing a good portion of the previously vulnerable turret ring. This armour acts also as spaced armour since the shell needs to penetrate the first plate and then will likely shatter before colliding with the turret ring armour. Flanking tanks like the [[Sd.Kfz.234/2]] will be troubled when firing at this area from the sides or the rear, yet will be easier to just penetrate the turret side armour. Anti-tank assault guns like the [[StuG III F]] will struggle equally when firing at the turret ring. The area under the gun mantlet remains only protected with a sloped armour prone to bounce shells. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The commander cupola has been lowered. This reduces effectively the previously noticeable large weak spot on the turret of the Matilda III. While the 75 mm of armour remains unchanged, the flatter cupola is difficult to penetrate. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Aside from these changes, minor structural armour has been added as fenders and the structure for the Hedgehog mortar system in the rear. This armour is barely effective in countering armour-piercing shells, and might just protect versus powerful HE shells as those on the [[15cm sIG 33 B Sfl]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{Notice|Increasing the "Vitality" feature of the tank crew can increase survivability against spalling and shrapnel.}} | ||
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations --> | '''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations --> | ||
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| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm | | Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | Cupola || | + | | Cupola || 75 mm ''All-around'' <br>25 mm ''Base'' || 75 mm <br> 25 mm ''Base'' || 75 mm <br> 25 mm ''Base'' || 75 mm |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
| − | '''Notes:''' | + | '''Notes:''' |
| − | + | ||
| + | * Unlike the Matilda III, the cupola roof is 75 mm thick | ||
| + | * The Hedgehog launcher structure is 5 mm thick | ||
=== Mobility === | === Mobility === | ||
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=294|rbMinHp=168}} | {{tankMobility|abMinHp=294|rbMinHp=168}} | ||
| + | With a rounded heavyweight of over 27 tons, the Matilda isn't the fastest vehicle, but one of the heaviest. However, the tank has a double Leyland diesel powerplant that provides 190 HP and is just enough to boost the tank through regular terrain. Maps with lots of slopes and rocks will be difficult to overcome because of the outpowered engine; is best to avoid intricate shortcuts since if stuck, the Matilda won't be able to get out - Maps like [[Karelia (Ground Forces)|Karelia]] or [[Stalingrad (Ground Forces)|Stalingrad Factory]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Fortunately because of the weight, in flat ground, the vehicle keeps a lot of traction and can reach top speed in approximately 17 seconds. This slow top speed suits Matilda's gun stabilization, effectively firing on the move while on cruise gear 1. As most British tanks on the rank, the reverse leaves a lot to desire. Still, the lack of any smoke cover means using the reverse gearbox is the only way to effectively retreat from frontal engagements without angling. The sluggish nature of the Matilda also sets up the tank for ambushes. | ||
=== Modifications and economy === | === Modifications and economy === | ||
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=== Main armament === | === Main armament === | ||
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}} | {{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}} | ||
| − | |||
<!-- ''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|QF 2-pounder (40 mm)}} | {{main|QF 2-pounder (40 mm)}} | ||
| + | With an average reload of 3.6 seconds, the 40 mm 2-pounder remains a threat for most tanks at the rank. The also decent penetration values and ballistics make Matilda a capable heavy tank in frontal engagements. Despite the effectiveness of the gun, the small calibre will usually require a follow-up shot to knock out a tank. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The recommended ammunition is the Shot Mk.IXB APCBC/T. Because of the overall better penetration values and ballistics. With the auxiliary ammo being either the Shell Mk.2 or the Shell Mk.1 AP/T to counter light targets as anti-air trucks or exposed crew, which are quite common at the rank. | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%" | ||
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==== Ammunition ==== | ==== Ammunition ==== | ||
| − | { | + | {{:QF 2-pounder (40 mm)/Ammunition|Shot Mk.1 AP/T, Shell Mk.2, Shot Mk.IXB APCBC/T, Shot Mk.1 APHV/T, Shell Mk.1 AP/T}} |
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| − | | Shot Mk.1 AP/T | ||
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==== [[Ammo racks]] ==== | ==== [[Ammo racks]] ==== | ||
| − | + | [[File:Ammoracks_Matilda_III.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the Matilda III (identical).]] | |
| − | <!-- '''Last updated:''' --> | + | <!-- '''Last updated: 2.5.1.106''' --> |
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
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! 5th<br>rack empty | ! 5th<br>rack empty | ||
! 6th<br>rack empty | ! 6th<br>rack empty | ||
| + | ! 7th<br>rack empty | ||
| + | ! 8th<br>rack empty | ||
! Visual<br>discrepancy | ! Visual<br>discrepancy | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | '''93''' || | + | | '''93''' || 86 ''(+7)'' || 78 ''(+15)'' || 63 ''(+30)'' || 52 ''(+41)'' || 40 ''(+53)'' || 28 ''(+65)'' || 14 ''(+79)'' || 0 ''(+93)'' || No |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
| + | '''Notes:''' | ||
| + | |||
| + | * Racks disappear after you've fired all shells in the rack. | ||
| + | * Turret empty: 52 ''(+41)'' shells. | ||
=== Additional armament === | === Additional armament === | ||
| + | {{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}} | ||
<!-- ''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.'' --> | <!-- ''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.'' --> | ||
{{main|Hedgehog}} | {{main|Hedgehog}} | ||
| + | Baptized by its name, the Matilda Hedgehog features an experimental spigot mortar system launching Hedgehog depth charges. These mortars can be widely found in ships like the [[Town (L45)|Town class]] because they were designed for anti-submarine warfare. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The Hedgehog mortar now placed behind the Matilda offers lethal explosive ordnance. Yet the death from above by the Hedgehog will be challenging to accomplish. Firstly, the Hedgehog is ''only effective in a default distance of 190 m or less''. The launcher can be raised by aiming upward, lowering the horizontal distance the mortar will travel from the tank. Secondly, the mortars will be launched individually from right to left. Yet they will fall quite close to each other. Depending on the intentions of the player, they might turn the hull while deploying the Hedgehog, to spread the fire. Lastly, there is available a limited number of mortars (7) and the eventual reload of more inside a capture point will be tediously slow and dangerous. This means the mortar is likely to be a piece of single-use equipment. The mortar rack is also poorly shielded and vulnerable to machine gun fire. If hit, the mortars will likely detonate and disable all of them. | ||
| + | |||
| + | In more positive regards, a single hit of the mortar atop enemy tanks will be destructive. Acting as a small bomb, the mortar will be effective versus light or unarmoured vehicles as half-tracks and open-top vehicles. Armour thickness will not be an issue, since the 80 mm of penetration are enough to take down most tanks in the rank. | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! colspan=" | + | ! colspan="4" | [[Hedgehog]] |
|- | |- | ||
! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer | ! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer | ||
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==== Ammunition ==== | ==== Ammunition ==== | ||
| − | { | + | {{:Hedgehog/Ammunition|Hedgehog projectile}} |
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| − | | Hedgehog projectile | ||
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==== [[Ammo racks]] ==== | ==== [[Ammo racks]] ==== | ||
| − | + | [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}_secondary.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] | |
| − | <!-- '''Last updated:''' --> | + | <!-- '''Last updated: 2.5.1.106''' --> |
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
! Full<br>ammo | ! Full<br>ammo | ||
| − | |||
! Visual<br>discrepancy | ! Visual<br>discrepancy | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | '''7''' || | + | | '''7''' || No |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
| + | '''Notes:''' | ||
| + | |||
| + | * It is not possible to select how many mortar projectiles to bring into battle. | ||
| + | * Missiles are fired from right to left when looking from behind (see image). | ||
=== Machine guns === | === Machine guns === | ||
| Line 192: | Line 157: | ||
<!-- ''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|BESA (7.92 mm)}} | {{main|BESA (7.92 mm)}} | ||
| + | Albeit relegated to obstacle clearing and last resort anti-air armament, the machine gun can be handy when fighting enemies with exposed crew members, e.g, the [[Sd.Kfz. 6/2]], [[CCKW 353 (M45)]], [[Lvtdgb m/40]] or [[ZiS-30]]. | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%" | ||
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal | ! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | Coaxial || 4, | + | | Coaxial || 4,050 (225) || 600 || N/A || N/A |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
== 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).'' --> |
| + | Matilda should be played as a support tank. While is unlike to be the first tank in the line, Matilda Hedgehog should advance to take place in the vanguard or rearguard of the joint attacking force. Pushing slowly towards the enemy positions with support from team members; halt or reduce the speed to fire at any target that reveals itself. When moving and firing with the stabilizer, Matilda's armour weakness is not only harder to pinpoint, but more prone to bouncing shells. Additionally, players should keep in mind the importance of smart positioning and proximity to allies since if ambushed by the sides or the rear, the Matilda will likely be eliminated. | ||
| + | |||
| + | When defending, find distance away from choke points near vital areas and blast enemies as they try to enter; the excellent depression will be handy during these defensive stances. Procure to keep a safe distance from the enemy to maximise the effectiveness of the armour so Matilda will be very hard to destroy. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Close-distance fighting is ill-advised and tricky as opponents will be able to easily penetrate the front armour or find those weak points; such as the loaded Hedgehog mortar rack in the rear. Therefore, open and vast maps are the forte for Matilda's armour and main gun. Although this is contradictory to the novelty of this variant: the Hedgehog mortar. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Considering the launching range of the Hedgehog is quite limited, a possible tactic to deliver a mortar rain more effectively is to reach capture zones within 190 m away then fire the mortars if the enemy is in the vicinity or inside the perimeter of the zone. This is effective on urban maps like [[Eastern Europe (Ground Forces)|Eastern Europe]] and [[Berlin (Ground Forces)|Berlin]], but on vast areas as those on maps like [[Maginot Line (Ground Forces)|Maginot]], the Hedgehog becomes quite ineffective. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Players should decide depending on the map if it is reasonable and useful to load the Hedgehog mortars. Also acknowledging the very capable 40 mm QF gun remains the principal weapon. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Enemies worth noting === | ||
| + | Opponents that deserve extra attention are the tank destroyers. Most tank destroyers at the rank were designed exactly to counter the heavy frontal armour of tanks like the Matilda. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Germany ▀ ==== | ||
| + | The two German Marders carry a gun that can easily knock you out at long range, especially the [[Marder III H|Marder III (H)]], but those have thin armour, so use that to your advantage. The more armoured German TD, the StuG III, is even more dangerous. The [[StuG III A]] carry the [[KwK37 (75 mm)|short 75 mm]] that can fire high-penetrating HEAT rounds while its front armour can resist the 2-pounder's shots from a longer distance. The [[StuG III F]] is a bigger problem with its [[StuK40 L43 (75 mm)|longer 75 mm gun]] and thicker armour, but its higher battle rating should make this an uncommon sight. The Matilda will have a hard time fighting the StuGs due to the front armour and inability to manoeuvre to hit the side armour, thus it would be better to leave that to more manoeuvrable team members. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Medium tanks ==== | ||
| + | Other tanks to worry about are the more common medium tanks each nation carries from the [[M4A1|M4 Shermans]], [[Pz.IV F2|Panzer IVs]], and [[T-34 (1941)|T-34s]]. These medium tanks have frontal armour able to resist Matilda's 2-pounder rounds and easily outmanoeuvre it as well. The most noteworthy tank to worry about is the Panzer IV with the [[KwK40 L43 (75 mm)|long 75 mm guns]], which can easily destroy your frontal armour. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Counter tactics === | ||
| + | Unlike Matilda III, this tank has a Hedgehog 183 mm launcher on its back. While it can be useful against clusters of unmoving vehicles, it is inaccurate and takes time or skills to get used to. It also makes the Matilda Hedgehog much more vulnerable to flanking attacks since the backwards firing arc of the 40 mm gun is now limited and blinded by the mortar structure. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The launcher can be shot easily and results in an ammo rack explosion, possibly getting the tank destroyed even by SPAA vehicles or more commonly, burning off most Hedgehog mortars. If impossible to flank, an easy area to target is the thin armour located on each extremity of the lower front glacis (on either side of the driver's position). | ||
=== Pros and cons === | === Pros and cons === | ||
| − | <!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' --> | + | <!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' --> |
'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
| − | + | * Identical 40 mm gun to [[Matilda III]], meaning same excellent gun depression, rate of fire and armour penetration | |
| − | * Identical gun to | + | * Hedgehogs are lethal versus clusters of immobile or light vehicles; such as those in close quarters battles |
| − | * | + | * Frontal armour weak spots as the commander's cupola and the turret ring have been reinforced |
| + | * An empty Hedgehog launcher doubles as rear protection for the turret | ||
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
| − | * Poor mobility on | + | * Poor mobility on all terrains, something retained from its predecessor, the [[Matilda III]] |
| − | * | + | * Hedgehog launcher cannot be stowed or independently aimed; this means some corrections may be needed when firing |
| − | * Hedgehog launcher | + | * Tank layout is identical to the Matilda III, but rearward firing arc is limited by the Hedgehog launcher mounting |
| − | * | + | * No smoke grenades |
| + | * The launcher acts as an external ammunition rack, meaning even machine gun fire and artillery shrapnel can cause a detonation | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
| − | ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' | + | <!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --> |
| + | Although the Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC) had been developing their own tanks, there were also numbers of British tanks in RAAC service, and the A12 Matilda II was among them; around 440 Matilda IIs were in RAAC service from 1942 all the way to the last days of WWII. | ||
| + | |||
| + | In the European theatre, the Matilda II was absolutely obsolete due to its design philosophy of being an infantry tank; however, this would not be the case for the Pacific theatre where neither IJA or IJN marines had the required firepower to take the Matilda out without resorting to kamikaze attacks, traps, or bombing runs. A common problem in the Pacific theatre was the existence of Japanese fortifications which could level extensive firepower against the attacking Allied troops, as well as extensive trench and tunnel networks; this called for a durable vehicle which could deliver devastating offense upon such infrastructure. | ||
| + | |||
| + | An unusual idea was proposed: a tank with a "Hedgehog" ASW launcher installed at the rear by the engine deck to demolish fortifications from a safe distance. The result of this idea was the Matilda Hedgehog. While field tests on mainland Australia proved successful, by the time it would have been commissioned in RAAC service, the war had ended, thus leaving the tank useless. | ||
| + | |||
| + | One of six modified tanks likely intended to be used by the 6th Divisional Calvary Regiment of RAAC, numbered 35357 and nicknamed "Bullpup", is now displayed at the RAAC Memorial and Army Tank Museum at Puckapunyal, Victoria. | ||
== 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=uk_matilda_hedgehog Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ;Images | ||
| + | <gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150"> | ||
| + | Image:Matilda Hedgehog Devblog Image 001.jpg|<small>Matilda Hedgehog devblog image.</small> | ||
| + | </gallery> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ;Videos | ||
| + | {{Youtube-gallery|yuMkZYEs1H4|'''Matilda Hedgehog - Getting Gaijined Again [War Thunder]''' - ''Napalmratte''|dxCO6tn53jY|'''Matilda Hedgehog Very Quick Mortar Tutorial''' - ''PhantomRiderWT''}} | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
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== External links == | == External links == | ||
| − | ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | + | <!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' |
| + | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
| + | * ''other literature.'' --> | ||
| − | * | + | * [[wt:en/news/6967-special-battle-pass-in-war-thunder-en|[Special] Battle Pass in War Thunder!]] |
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{{Britain heavy tanks}} | {{Britain heavy tanks}} | ||
{{Britain premium ground vehicles}} | {{Britain premium ground vehicles}} | ||
Latest revision as of 16:42, 29 November 2023
| This page is about the British heavy tank Matilda Hedgehog. For other versions, see Matilda (Family). |
Contents
Description
The Matilda Hedgehog was an Australian late-war experiment of the early but legendary Matilda infantry tank. Developed in early 1944, it was equipped with the Hedgehog anti-submarine spigot mortar. The tank was needed after the Australian Forces encountered difficulties dealing with Japanese bunkers in the jungles of the Asian front. The Matilda II was chosen to be the carrier of this weapon since it was already a combat proven infantry tank. However, testing of the new design went too far, even considering not using the Matilda and instead using the M3 Lee, thus the war ended before the tank was ready for frontline service.
It was introduced during Update "New Power" as a reward for Battle Pass: Season I. The Matilda Hedgehog is a very interesting design, the most notable difference from other Matildas is the presence of a new type of armament in the rear; a Spigot system fitted with Hedgehog mortars. This mortar was commonly used in naval warfare as an anti-submarine weapon and as such is very lethal weaponry if used correctly against tanks. One of the flaws of the Matilda Hedgehog over other variants is the reduced combat readiness and versatility. This is because the Hedgehog mortar is a situational and limited weapon in tank warfare. The vehicle also loses its smoke grenade launchers and receives a large weak spot in its rear, since the Hedgehog launcher acts as a large unprotected ammo rack.
General info
Survivability and armour
The uneven and sloped armour protection is generally useful versus most low to medium calibre (40-75 mm) guns in the rank; the farther from the target makes it better for the armour. The irregular front and sloped side armour configuration on the turret makes it perfect to bounce some poorly aimed shots, yet some areas are not sloped at all and can be easily penetrated by shells of over 80 mm of penetration in close ranges. This armour has not changed drastically since the Matilda III, however, some noteworthy areas did receive an increase in protection: the turret ring received an additional armour plate of 40 mm. Extended from the front to the sides and partially reaching the back of the turret ring area. Effectively concealing a good portion of the previously vulnerable turret ring. This armour acts also as spaced armour since the shell needs to penetrate the first plate and then will likely shatter before colliding with the turret ring armour. Flanking tanks like the Sd.Kfz.234/2 will be troubled when firing at this area from the sides or the rear, yet will be easier to just penetrate the turret side armour. Anti-tank assault guns like the StuG III F will struggle equally when firing at the turret ring. The area under the gun mantlet remains only protected with a sloped armour prone to bounce shells.
The commander cupola has been lowered. This reduces effectively the previously noticeable large weak spot on the turret of the Matilda III. While the 75 mm of armour remains unchanged, the flatter cupola is difficult to penetrate.
Aside from these changes, minor structural armour has been added as fenders and the structure for the Hedgehog mortar system in the rear. This armour is barely effective in countering armour-piercing shells, and might just protect versus powerful HE shells as those on the 15cm sIG 33 B Sfl.
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Increasing the "Vitality" feature of the tank crew can increase survivability against spalling and shrapnel. |
Armour type:
| Armour | Front (Slope angle) | Sides | Rear | Roof |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hull | ___ mm | ___ mm Top ___ mm Bottom |
___ mm | ___ - ___ mm |
| Turret | ___ - ___ mm Turret front ___ mm Gun mantlet |
___ - ___ mm | ___ - ___ mm | ___ - ___ mm |
| Cupola | 75 mm All-around 25 mm Base |
75 mm 25 mm Base |
75 mm 25 mm Base |
75 mm |
Notes:
- Unlike the Matilda III, the cupola roof is 75 mm thick
- The Hedgehog launcher structure is 5 mm thick
Mobility
| Game Mode | Max Speed (km/h) | Weight (tons) | Engine power (horsepower) | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward | Reverse | Stock | Upgraded | Stock | Upgraded | ||
| Arcade | 26 | 5 | 27.3 | 294 | 363 | 10.77 | 13.3 |
| Realistic | 24 | 4 | 168 | 190 | 6.15 | 6.96 | |
With a rounded heavyweight of over 27 tons, the Matilda isn't the fastest vehicle, but one of the heaviest. However, the tank has a double Leyland diesel powerplant that provides 190 HP and is just enough to boost the tank through regular terrain. Maps with lots of slopes and rocks will be difficult to overcome because of the outpowered engine; is best to avoid intricate shortcuts since if stuck, the Matilda won't be able to get out - Maps like Karelia or Stalingrad Factory.
Fortunately because of the weight, in flat ground, the vehicle keeps a lot of traction and can reach top speed in approximately 17 seconds. This slow top speed suits Matilda's gun stabilization, effectively firing on the move while on cruise gear 1. As most British tanks on the rank, the reverse leaves a lot to desire. Still, the lack of any smoke cover means using the reverse gearbox is the only way to effectively retreat from frontal engagements without angling. The sluggish nature of the Matilda also sets up the tank for ambushes.
Modifications and economy
2 × 40 / 60 / 80 % 2 × 118 / 118 / 118 % | Mobility | Protection | Firepower | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Armaments
Main armament
With an average reload of 3.6 seconds, the 40 mm 2-pounder remains a threat for most tanks at the rank. The also decent penetration values and ballistics make Matilda a capable heavy tank in frontal engagements. Despite the effectiveness of the gun, the small calibre will usually require a follow-up shot to knock out a tank.
The recommended ammunition is the Shot Mk.IXB APCBC/T. Because of the overall better penetration values and ballistics. With the auxiliary ammo being either the Shell Mk.2 or the Shell Mk.1 AP/T to counter light targets as anti-air trucks or exposed crew, which are quite common at the rank.
| 40 mm QF 2-pounder | Turret rotation speed (°/s) | Reloading rate (seconds) | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mode | Capacity | Vertical | Horizontal | Stabilizer | Stock | Upgraded | Full | Expert | Aced | Stock | Full | Expert | Aced |
| Arcade | 93 | ±20° | ±150° | Vertical | 16.2 | 22.4 | 27.2 | 30.1 | 32.0 | 3.64 | 3.22 | 2.97 | 2.80 |
| Realistic | 11.9 | 14.0 | 17.0 | 18.8 | 20.0 | ||||||||
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 | ||
| Shot Mk.1 AP/T | AP | 72 | 68 | 52 | 37 | 27 | 19 |
| Shell Mk.2 | HE | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Shot Mk.IXB APCBC/T | APCBC | 89 | 86 | 77 | 66 | 57 | 50 |
| Shot Mk.1 APHV/T | AP | 80 | 75 | 58 | 41 | 30 | 21 |
| Shell Mk.1 AP/T | APHE | 66 | 62 | 49 | 36 | 26 | 20 |
| 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% | ||||||||||
| Shot Mk.1 AP/T | AP | 792 | 1.08 | - | - | - | 47° | 60° | 65° | |||
| Shell Mk.2 | HE | 687 | 1.34 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 85 | 79° | 80° | 81° | |||
| Shot Mk.IXB APCBC/T | APCBC | 792 | 1.24 | - | - | - | 48° | 63° | 71° | |||
| Shot Mk.1 APHV/T | AP | 853 | 1.08 | - | - | - | 47° | 60° | 65° | |||
| Shell Mk.1 AP/T | APHE | 792 | 1.08 | 1.2 | 9 | 20.9 | 47° | 60° | 65° | |||
Ammo racks
| Full ammo |
1st rack empty |
2nd rack empty |
3rd rack empty |
4th rack empty |
5th rack empty |
6th rack empty |
7th rack empty |
8th rack empty |
Visual discrepancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93 | 86 (+7) | 78 (+15) | 63 (+30) | 52 (+41) | 40 (+53) | 28 (+65) | 14 (+79) | 0 (+93) | No |
Notes:
- Racks disappear after you've fired all shells in the rack.
- Turret empty: 52 (+41) shells.
Additional armament
Baptized by its name, the Matilda Hedgehog features an experimental spigot mortar system launching Hedgehog depth charges. These mortars can be widely found in ships like the Town class because they were designed for anti-submarine warfare.
The Hedgehog mortar now placed behind the Matilda offers lethal explosive ordnance. Yet the death from above by the Hedgehog will be challenging to accomplish. Firstly, the Hedgehog is only effective in a default distance of 190 m or less. The launcher can be raised by aiming upward, lowering the horizontal distance the mortar will travel from the tank. Secondly, the mortars will be launched individually from right to left. Yet they will fall quite close to each other. Depending on the intentions of the player, they might turn the hull while deploying the Hedgehog, to spread the fire. Lastly, there is available a limited number of mortars (7) and the eventual reload of more inside a capture point will be tediously slow and dangerous. This means the mortar is likely to be a piece of single-use equipment. The mortar rack is also poorly shielded and vulnerable to machine gun fire. If hit, the mortars will likely detonate and disable all of them.
In more positive regards, a single hit of the mortar atop enemy tanks will be destructive. Acting as a small bomb, the mortar will be effective versus light or unarmoured vehicles as half-tracks and open-top vehicles. Armour thickness will not be an issue, since the 80 mm of penetration are enough to take down most tanks in the rank.
| Hedgehog | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Vertical | Horizontal | Stabilizer |
| 7 | +30°/+45° | N/A | N/A |
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 | ||
| Hedgehog projectile | Rocket | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| Shell details | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ammunition | Type of warhead |
Velocity (m/s) |
Projectile mass (kg) |
Fuse delay | Fuse sensitivity (mm) |
Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (kg) |
Ricochet | |||||
| 0% | 50% | 100% | ||||||||||
| Hedgehog projectile | Rocket | 340 | 29.5 | 0 | 0.1 | 25.28 | 79° | 80° | 81° | |||
Ammo racks
| Full ammo |
Visual discrepancy |
|---|---|
| 7 | No |
Notes:
- It is not possible to select how many mortar projectiles to bring into battle.
- Missiles are fired from right to left when looking from behind (see image).
Machine guns
Albeit relegated to obstacle clearing and last resort anti-air armament, the machine gun can be handy when fighting enemies with exposed crew members, e.g, the Sd.Kfz. 6/2, CCKW 353 (M45), Lvtdgb m/40 or ZiS-30.
| 7.92 mm BESA | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount | Capacity (Belt) | Fire rate | Vertical | Horizontal |
| Coaxial | 4,050 (225) | 600 | N/A | N/A |
Usage in battles
Matilda should be played as a support tank. While is unlike to be the first tank in the line, Matilda Hedgehog should advance to take place in the vanguard or rearguard of the joint attacking force. Pushing slowly towards the enemy positions with support from team members; halt or reduce the speed to fire at any target that reveals itself. When moving and firing with the stabilizer, Matilda's armour weakness is not only harder to pinpoint, but more prone to bouncing shells. Additionally, players should keep in mind the importance of smart positioning and proximity to allies since if ambushed by the sides or the rear, the Matilda will likely be eliminated.
When defending, find distance away from choke points near vital areas and blast enemies as they try to enter; the excellent depression will be handy during these defensive stances. Procure to keep a safe distance from the enemy to maximise the effectiveness of the armour so Matilda will be very hard to destroy.
Close-distance fighting is ill-advised and tricky as opponents will be able to easily penetrate the front armour or find those weak points; such as the loaded Hedgehog mortar rack in the rear. Therefore, open and vast maps are the forte for Matilda's armour and main gun. Although this is contradictory to the novelty of this variant: the Hedgehog mortar.
Considering the launching range of the Hedgehog is quite limited, a possible tactic to deliver a mortar rain more effectively is to reach capture zones within 190 m away then fire the mortars if the enemy is in the vicinity or inside the perimeter of the zone. This is effective on urban maps like Eastern Europe and Berlin, but on vast areas as those on maps like Maginot, the Hedgehog becomes quite ineffective.
Players should decide depending on the map if it is reasonable and useful to load the Hedgehog mortars. Also acknowledging the very capable 40 mm QF gun remains the principal weapon.
Enemies worth noting
Opponents that deserve extra attention are the tank destroyers. Most tank destroyers at the rank were designed exactly to counter the heavy frontal armour of tanks like the Matilda.
Germany ▀
The two German Marders carry a gun that can easily knock you out at long range, especially the Marder III (H), but those have thin armour, so use that to your advantage. The more armoured German TD, the StuG III, is even more dangerous. The StuG III A carry the short 75 mm that can fire high-penetrating HEAT rounds while its front armour can resist the 2-pounder's shots from a longer distance. The StuG III F is a bigger problem with its longer 75 mm gun and thicker armour, but its higher battle rating should make this an uncommon sight. The Matilda will have a hard time fighting the StuGs due to the front armour and inability to manoeuvre to hit the side armour, thus it would be better to leave that to more manoeuvrable team members.
Medium tanks
Other tanks to worry about are the more common medium tanks each nation carries from the M4 Shermans, Panzer IVs, and T-34s. These medium tanks have frontal armour able to resist Matilda's 2-pounder rounds and easily outmanoeuvre it as well. The most noteworthy tank to worry about is the Panzer IV with the long 75 mm guns, which can easily destroy your frontal armour.
Counter tactics
Unlike Matilda III, this tank has a Hedgehog 183 mm launcher on its back. While it can be useful against clusters of unmoving vehicles, it is inaccurate and takes time or skills to get used to. It also makes the Matilda Hedgehog much more vulnerable to flanking attacks since the backwards firing arc of the 40 mm gun is now limited and blinded by the mortar structure.
The launcher can be shot easily and results in an ammo rack explosion, possibly getting the tank destroyed even by SPAA vehicles or more commonly, burning off most Hedgehog mortars. If impossible to flank, an easy area to target is the thin armour located on each extremity of the lower front glacis (on either side of the driver's position).
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Identical 40 mm gun to Matilda III, meaning same excellent gun depression, rate of fire and armour penetration
- Hedgehogs are lethal versus clusters of immobile or light vehicles; such as those in close quarters battles
- Frontal armour weak spots as the commander's cupola and the turret ring have been reinforced
- An empty Hedgehog launcher doubles as rear protection for the turret
Cons:
- Poor mobility on all terrains, something retained from its predecessor, the Matilda III
- Hedgehog launcher cannot be stowed or independently aimed; this means some corrections may be needed when firing
- Tank layout is identical to the Matilda III, but rearward firing arc is limited by the Hedgehog launcher mounting
- No smoke grenades
- The launcher acts as an external ammunition rack, meaning even machine gun fire and artillery shrapnel can cause a detonation
History
Although the Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC) had been developing their own tanks, there were also numbers of British tanks in RAAC service, and the A12 Matilda II was among them; around 440 Matilda IIs were in RAAC service from 1942 all the way to the last days of WWII.
In the European theatre, the Matilda II was absolutely obsolete due to its design philosophy of being an infantry tank; however, this would not be the case for the Pacific theatre where neither IJA or IJN marines had the required firepower to take the Matilda out without resorting to kamikaze attacks, traps, or bombing runs. A common problem in the Pacific theatre was the existence of Japanese fortifications which could level extensive firepower against the attacking Allied troops, as well as extensive trench and tunnel networks; this called for a durable vehicle which could deliver devastating offense upon such infrastructure.
An unusual idea was proposed: a tank with a "Hedgehog" ASW launcher installed at the rear by the engine deck to demolish fortifications from a safe distance. The result of this idea was the Matilda Hedgehog. While field tests on mainland Australia proved successful, by the time it would have been commissioned in RAAC service, the war had ended, thus leaving the tank useless.
One of six modified tanks likely intended to be used by the 6th Divisional Calvary Regiment of RAAC, numbered 35357 and nicknamed "Bullpup", is now displayed at the RAAC Memorial and Army Tank Museum at Puckapunyal, Victoria.
Media
- Skins
- Images
Matilda Hedgehog devblog image.
- Videos
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
| Britain heavy tanks | |
|---|---|
| Matilda | Matilda III · Matilda Hedgehog |
| Churchill | Churchill I · Churchill III · Churchill VII · Churchill Crocodile · Churchill NA75 · Black Prince |
| Post-war | Caernarvon · Conqueror |
| Other | Independent · Excelsior · TOG II |
| Britain premium ground vehicles | |
|---|---|
| Light tanks | A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.) · A13 Mk II 1939 · AEC Mk II · Crusader "The Saint" · Rooikat 105 |
| Medium tanks | A.C.I · Grant I · Cromwell V (RP-3) · Sherman IC "Trzyniec" · A.C.IV · Comet I "Iron Duke IV" |
| Centurion Mk.2 · ▄Strv 81 (RB 52) · Centurion Mk.5 AVRE · Centurion Mk.5/1 · ▄Sho't Kal Dalet · Centurion Action X | |
| Vijayanta · Khalid · Challenger DS · Challenger 2 OES | |
| Heavy tanks | Independent · Matilda Hedgehog · Excelsior · TOG II · Churchill Crocodile · Black Prince |
| Tank destroyers | Alecto I · Achilles (65 Rg.) · QF 3.7 Ram |
