Difference between revisions of "BT-7A (F-32)"

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{{About
 +
| about = gift Soviet light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = BT-7 (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=ussr_bt_7a_f32
 
|code=ussr_bt_7a_f32
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
|market=BT-7 (F-32) (USSR)
 
|market=BT-7 (F-32) (USSR)
 
}}
 
}}
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== 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 premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]] as one of the rewards for Operation H.E.A.T. It uses the same chassis as the [[BT-7]] and as such, possesses the same armour, engine and crew layout but adds a new turret fitted with the F-32 76 mm gun.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]] as one of the rewards for Operation H.E.A.T. It uses the same chassis as the [[BT-7]] and as such, possesses the same armour, engine and crew layout but adds a new turret fitted with the 76 mm F-32 gun.
  
−
The BT-7 (F-32) is a fast tank with thin armour for its BR. It should be used to flank and spot enemy tanks, taking advantage of its very high top speed. The armour is very well angled at certain points, however being as thin as it is, don't count on it to protect you very well. Your speed can be your best defence, so move fast and try to zig-zag a bit to make yourself a more difficult target for tanks farther away (not too much though, or you'll bleed off too much speed).
+
Like the BT-7 before it, it is very fast while having light armour, which at its BR can be penetrated by virtually all vehicles, meaning it must rely on stealth and speed even more than its predecessor. It comes armed with the much more powerful 76 mm F-32 cannon, which has higher penetration and explosive mass, allowing it to easily knock out larger tanks from the side with a single shot. It also comes with a pintle-mounted light machine gun, a rarity among early Soviet tanks, allowing it slightly more AA firepower.
−
 
 
−
The BT-7 (F-32) uses the Christie suspension of the BT-7. Closer to a race-car than a tank, this lightning on tracks is fun to drive, but not particularly easy. With its high top speed and light weight, this tank will drift in turns. For maximum control in turns, reduce throttle beforehand and only tip/nudge the turn-keys. It needs some time to get used to, however, it does prepare you for the T-34s break-turns. It is important to note that the tank has impressive inertia when turning on the move, as such it will continue to turn even after you have released the command.
 
−
 
 
−
Off-road behaviour is good and the aforementioned drifts aren't as extreme as on city-roads. Top speed is not reduced as well, making the BT-7 (F-32) one of the fastest light tanks of its BR due to its very wide tracks. It has the best Power to Weight ratio when compared to the [[M24]], [[Crusader Mk III]], [[Sd.Kfz.234/2]] and [[M5A1]] but offers the second-worst reverse speed behind the Crusader.
 
−
 
 
−
The crew compartment is very small and inhabited by the driver, a loader and a gunner. The turret crew operate in a very small environment, so it is very rare that only one of them would die from a shot. "Not getting shot at" is the best advice for the crew to survive.
 
−
 
 
−
The BT-7 (F-32) tank's successor would be the famous T-34 medium tank, introduced in 1940, which would replace all of the Soviet fast tanks, infantry tanks, and medium tanks then in service.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{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 crew compartment is very small and inhabited by the driver, a loader and a gunner. The turret crew operate in a very small environment, so it is very rare that only one of them would die from a shot. "Not getting shot at" is the best advice for the crew to survive.
  
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
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| Hull || 15 mm (61°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 20 mm (18°) ''Driver's hatch'' <br> 20 mm (cylindrical) ''Lower hull'' || 20 mm ''Front'' <br> 15 + 4 mm ''Rear'' || 10 mm (55°) ''Top'' <br> 13 mm (16°) ''Bottom'' <br> 13 mm (58°) ''Lower glacis'' || 10 mm <br> 4 mm ''Engine vents''
 
| Hull || 15 mm (61°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 20 mm (18°) ''Driver's hatch'' <br> 20 mm (cylindrical) ''Lower hull'' || 20 mm ''Front'' <br> 15 + 4 mm ''Rear'' || 10 mm (55°) ''Top'' <br> 13 mm (16°) ''Bottom'' <br> 13 mm (58°) ''Lower glacis'' || 10 mm <br> 4 mm ''Engine vents''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 15 mm (6-12°) ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 15 mm (cylindrical) ''Turret front'' <br> 15 mm ''MG port'' || 15mm ''Front'' <br> 13mm ''Rear'' || 13mm ''Rear'' <br> 15mm ''MG port'' || 10mm
+
| Turret || 15 mm (6-12°) ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 15 mm (cylindrical) ''Turret front'' <br> 15 mm ''MG port'' || 15 mm ''Front'' <br> 13 mm ''Rear'' || 13 mm ''Rear'' <br> 15 mm ''MG port'' || 10 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
 +
 
* Suspension wheels, tracks and torsion bars are 15 mm thick.
 
* Suspension wheels, tracks and torsion bars are 15 mm thick.
 
* Belly armour is 6 mm thick and mudguards are 4 mm thick.
 
* Belly armour is 6 mm thick and mudguards are 4 mm thick.
 
* There is an inner wall (4 mm thick) acting as spaced armour along the flanks of the tanks and separating the engine compartment from the crew compartment.
 
* There is an inner wall (4 mm thick) acting as spaced armour along the flanks of the tanks and separating the engine compartment from the crew compartment.
  
−
Being lightly armoured, the {{PAGENAME}} is very vulnerable to nearby ammo rack detonations and bomb blasts.
+
Being lightly armoured, the BT-7A (F-32) is very vulnerable to nearby ammo rack detonations and bomb blasts.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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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= 620|rbMinHp= 354}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=620|rbMinHp=354}}
  
 
As a light tank, the {{PAGENAME}} is very agile and has a very high top speed. Due to its high HP ratio, the acceleration is outstanding: 59 km/h in about 6 seconds off-road. The brakes are powerful and will make it skid rather than slow down when travelling at maximum speed. The reverse speed is good (-11 km/h): it will get you out of a dangerous situation quickly. While the {{PAGENAME}} lacks neutral steering, the turning speed on the spot is still good (8 km/h). It reaches 20 km/h when fording, 27 km/h when driving uphill with some speed built-up but only 13 km/h uphill from a stop. The narrow tracks will grant you a decent mobility on hard terrain (solid ground, roads) but poor mobility on soft terrain (mud, snow, sand), especially when changing direction as the tracks are long and close to one another. Light obstacles (fences and bushes) are not a problem but medium to large obstacles (posts, trees, concrete blocks and parked vehicles) will reduce your mobility: avoid them.
 
As a light tank, the {{PAGENAME}} is very agile and has a very high top speed. Due to its high HP ratio, the acceleration is outstanding: 59 km/h in about 6 seconds off-road. The brakes are powerful and will make it skid rather than slow down when travelling at maximum speed. The reverse speed is good (-11 km/h): it will get you out of a dangerous situation quickly. While the {{PAGENAME}} lacks neutral steering, the turning speed on the spot is still good (8 km/h). It reaches 20 km/h when fording, 27 km/h when driving uphill with some speed built-up but only 13 km/h uphill from a stop. The narrow tracks will grant you a decent mobility on hard terrain (solid ground, roads) but poor mobility on soft terrain (mud, snow, sand), especially when changing direction as the tracks are long and close to one another. Light obstacles (fences and bushes) are not a problem but medium to large obstacles (posts, trees, concrete blocks and parked vehicles) will reduce your mobility: avoid them.
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|}
 
|}
  
−
The F-32 gun offers a good penetration power at its battle rating. Its below-average muzzle velocity still allows for pretty flat firing trajectories. The accuracy drop is noticeable from 1,000 m distance and becomes a handicap over 1,300 m. The rotation speed of the turret is rather slow but average compared to other tanks at the same rank or battle rating. The elevation angle of the gun is important, allowing you to fire at an elevated position but the depression angle is poor, making it impossible to fire from behind a ridge. Lacking a stabilizer, the tank can't reliably fire on the move. The reload time of the gun is rather long but in line with other tanks equipped with a 76 mm cannon at the same BR. The gun recoil is average for a Soviet vehicle and not important enough to throw your gun off target after firing.
+
The F-32 gun offers a good penetration power at its battle rating. Its below-average muzzle velocity still allows for pretty flat firing trajectories. The accuracy drop is noticeable from a 1,000 m distance and becomes a handicap over 1,300 m. The rotation speed of the turret is rather slow but average compared to other tanks at the same rank or battle rating. The elevation angle of the gun is important, allowing you to fire at an elevated position but the depression angle is poor, making it impossible to fire from behind a ridge. Lacking a stabilizer, the tank can't reliably fire on the move. The reload time of the gun is rather long but in line with other tanks equipped with a 76 mm cannon at the same BR. The gun recoil is average for a Soviet vehicle and not important enough to throw your gun off target after firing.
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
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* '''D-350A''': Smoke; useful to blind enemy vehicles that are too remote for you to disable so that you can progress towards objectives.
 
* '''D-350A''': Smoke; useful to blind enemy vehicles that are too remote for you to disable so that you can progress towards objectives.
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:F-32 (76 mm)/Ammunition|BR-350A (MD-5 fuze), BR-350B (MD-8 fuze), OF-350M, Sh-354T, D-350A}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-350A (MD-5 fuze) || APHEBC || 78 || 76 || 69 || 61 || 53 || 47
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-350B (MD-8 fuze) || APHEBC || 86 || 84 || 76 || 67 || 59 || 52
 
−
|-
 
−
| OF-350M || HE || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10
 
−
|-
 
−
| Sh-354T || Shrapnel || 37 || 35 || 29 || 25 || 20 || 17
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-350A (MD-5 fuze) || APHEBC || 615 || 6.3 || 1.2 || 14 || 150 || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-350B (MD-8 fuze) || APHEBC || 615 || 6.3 || 0.9 || 14 || 98.56 || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| OF-350M || HE || 615 || 6.2 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 621 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Sh-354T || Shrapnel || 615 || 6.2 || 0.5 || 8 || 85 || 62° || 69° || 73°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| 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)
 
−
|-
 
−
| D-350A || 680 || 6.45 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
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|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
Notes:
+
'''Notes''':
 +
 
 
* Racks are modeled by sets of 2 shells. They disappear from the rack once all shells in the set have been loaded/fired.
 
* Racks are modeled by sets of 2 shells. They disappear from the rack once all shells in the set have been loaded/fired.
−
* Turret and sides empty: 31 (+19)
+
* Turret and sides empty: 39&nbsp;''(+11)'' shells.
  
 
<!--
 
<!--
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=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 +
{{main|DT (7.62 mm)}}
  
−
{{main|DT (7.62 mm)}}
+
The small calibre of the DT machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help. The clip capacity of the machine gun is quite poor, as it relies on a magazine of 63 bullets instead of a belt like similar machine guns from other nations.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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| Coaxial || 1,890 (63) || 600 || N/A || N/A
 
| Coaxial || 1,890 (63) || 600 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Pintle mount || 1,890 (63) || 600 || -10°/+15° || ±180°
+
| Pintle || 1,890 (63) || 600 || -10°/+15° || ±180°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
The small caliber of the DT machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help. The clip capacity of the machine gun is quite poor, as it relies on a magazine of 63 bullets instead of a belt like similar machine guns from other nations.
 
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
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* Avoid rushing into the enemy head-on, staying in the open and exposing yourself.
 
* Avoid rushing into the enemy head-on, staying in the open and exposing yourself.
−
* Prioritise flanking, taking the least traveled path and "sneak-peek" attacks.
+
* Prioritise flanking, taking the least travelled path and "sneak-peek" attacks.
 
* Always be on the move: change positions after having destroyed an enemy and retreat if needed. Mobility is key to your survival.
 
* Always be on the move: change positions after having destroyed an enemy and retreat if needed. Mobility is key to your survival.
 
* Use your light tank's abilities to spot hiding enemies and help with repairs.
 
* Use your light tank's abilities to spot hiding enemies and help with repairs.
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* shells with post-penetration damage (APHE, APCBC);
 
* shells with post-penetration damage (APHE, APCBC);
 
* autocannon rounds (API-T, HVAP, etc.);
 
* autocannon rounds (API-T, HVAP, etc.);
−
* heavy caliber MG rounds.
+
* heavy calibre MG rounds.
  
 
;Defeating a {{PAGENAME}}
 
;Defeating a {{PAGENAME}}
 
* With a limited crew of 3, any penetrating shot with good post-penetration damage in the crew compartment means the destruction of your vehicle.
 
* With a limited crew of 3, any penetrating shot with good post-penetration damage in the crew compartment means the destruction of your vehicle.
−
* In a frontal encounter, aim for the driver's hatch / pike nose under the turret.
+
* In a frontal encounter, aim for the driver's hatch/pike nose under the turret.
 
* When flanking, aim for the flanks right under the turret. Follow up with a shot at the driver's position if it survives.
 
* When flanking, aim for the flanks right under the turret. Follow up with a shot at the driver's position if it survives.
  
 
=== 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 certain 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:'''
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* Excellent cannon with a good rate of fire and 150 g explosive shell
 
* Excellent cannon with a good rate of fire and 150 g explosive shell
 
* Performs well even when up-tiered
 
* Performs well even when up-tiered
−
* Slightly better gun depression than other 76mm counterparts (-6° over -5°)
+
* Slightly better gun depression than other 76 mm counterparts (-6° over -5°)
 
* Features active scouting, repair assistance unlike other BT tanks
 
* Features active scouting, repair assistance unlike other BT tanks
 
* Additional DT machine gun on pintle mount useful for spotting, attacking open-topped vehicles
 
* Additional DT machine gun on pintle mount useful for spotting, attacking open-topped vehicles
Line 240: Line 187:
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 
* Exposed tracks and suspensions are prone to be damaged
 
* Exposed tracks and suspensions are prone to be damaged
−
* Very thin armour and packed crew especially for 3.0
+
* Very thin armour and packed crew
 
* Pretty large and difficult to hide
 
* Pretty large and difficult to hide
 
* Difficult to drive with precision - can slew on turns and bounces a lot after braking.
 
* Difficult to drive with precision - can slew on turns and bounces a lot after braking.
 
* More flat un-angled areas than BT-5
 
* More flat un-angled areas than BT-5
−
* Vulnerable to heavy machine gunfire
+
* Vulnerable to heavy machine gun fire
 
* Sometimes stalls on turns on soft terrain
 
* Sometimes stalls on turns on soft terrain
  
 
== 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).'' -->
 
=== Development ===
 
=== Development ===
 
The success of the [[BT-5|BT light tanks]] in Soviet service prompted additional upgrades and other developmental projects done on the design to increase its service life. The development led to the final model of the BT light tank series, the '''BT-7'''. The tank differed from the older BT-5 tank with a welded hull, redesigned hull front, and a new engine in the Model 1935 version. The '''Model 1937''' version of the BT-7 added a redesigned turret that featured sloping armour.
 
The success of the [[BT-5|BT light tanks]] in Soviet service prompted additional upgrades and other developmental projects done on the design to increase its service life. The development led to the final model of the BT light tank series, the '''BT-7'''. The tank differed from the older BT-5 tank with a welded hull, redesigned hull front, and a new engine in the Model 1935 version. The '''Model 1937''' version of the BT-7 added a redesigned turret that featured sloping armour.
  
−
The BT-7 (F32) is a modification of the BT-7 Artillery model sometimes called BT-7A. The artillery model took the design of the T-26-4 turret fitted with a KT-28 short-barrelled howitzer and mounted a 76 mm (3 in) CT short-barrelled howitzer. Due to the extra weight of the turret, the BT lost its ability to drive on the road wheels. 155 BT-7A model was created, 11 converted into command version and only a few were tested with a bigger 76 mm gun, the F-32 gun designed by the infamous Soviet weapon designer, Vasily Grabin.
+
The BT-7 (F32) is a modification of the BT-7 Artillery model sometimes called BT-7A. The artillery model took the design of the T-26-4 turret fitted with a KT-28 short-barrelled howitzer and mounted a 76 mm (3 in) ST short-barrelled howitzer. Due to the extra weight of the turret, the BT lost its ability to drive on the road wheels. 155 BT-7A models were created, 11 converted into command versions and a few were tested with a bigger 76 mm gun, the F-32 gun designed by famous Soviet weapon designer, Vasily Grabin.
  
−
The tanks saw limited service during the early stages of the Second World War, or "Great Patriotic War". The last reported action of the vehicles was in the Kiev district and Moscow in 1941. The tanks were also reportedly used in Manchuria against the Japanese.
+
=== [[wt:en/news/6294/current|Devblog]] ===
 +
The pre-war Soviet BT-7s stood out as reliable, manoeuvrable vehicles that worked especially well when attacking in conjunction with infantry. However, the 45 mm cannon had insufficient destructive potential for combat with serious enemy fortifications. In 1939 two experimental BT-7 models were tested with a more powerful 76 mm cannon: the L-11, which was then installed on early KV-1s, and the F-32, the precursor to the gun mounted on the first T-34s. The L-11 turned out to be too large to be installed on the BT-7's small turret, but the F-32 not only fit well on the tank's turret, but also beat the competing gun in a number of tactical and technical characteristics. The committee unequivocally recommended the BT-7 (F-32) modification for serial production, but, due to a series of factors, the tank never saw mass production, and only the experimental model was ever produced.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 260: Line 208:
  
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=ussr&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=light_tank&vehicle=ussr_bt_7a_f32 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_bt_7a_f32 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
Line 269: Line 217:
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
 
−
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
 
−
* [[BT-7]]
 
−
 
−
;Vehicles equipped with the same gun
 
−
* [[KV-1E]] / {{Specs-Link|germ_kv_1B_finland}}
 
  
 
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 
* [[M24 (Family)]]
 
* [[M24 (Family)]]
−
* [[Sd.Kfz.234/2]]
 
 
* [[Crusader Mk III]]
 
* [[Crusader Mk III]]
 
* [[AMX-13 (FL11)]]
 
* [[AMX-13 (FL11)]]
Line 285: Line 226:
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
 
* [[wt:en/news/6294/current|[Devblog] BT-7 (F-32): Assault Scout]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/6294/current|[Devblog] BT-7 (F-32): Assault Scout]]
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer Morozov}}
 
{{USSR light tanks}}
 
{{USSR light tanks}}
 
{{USSR premium ground vehicles}}
 
{{USSR premium ground vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 13:16, 21 August 2023

RANK 5 FRANCE
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This page is about the gift Soviet light tank BT-7A (F-32). For other versions, see BT-7 (Family).
BT-7A (F-32)
ussr_bt_7a_f32.png
GarageImage BT-7A (F-32).jpg
ArtImage BT-7A (F-32).png
BT-7A (F-32)
USSR flag.png USSR
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.7 4.0 4.0
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
MARKET

Description

The BT-7A (F-32) is a premium gift rank II Soviet light tank with a battle rating of 3.7 (AB) and 4.0 (RB/SB). It was introduced during Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy" as one of the rewards for Operation H.E.A.T. It uses the same chassis as the BT-7 and as such, possesses the same armour, engine and crew layout but adds a new turret fitted with the 76 mm F-32 gun.

Like the BT-7 before it, it is very fast while having light armour, which at its BR can be penetrated by virtually all vehicles, meaning it must rely on stealth and speed even more than its predecessor. It comes armed with the much more powerful 76 mm F-32 cannon, which has higher penetration and explosive mass, allowing it to easily knock out larger tanks from the side with a single shot. It also comes with a pintle-mounted light machine gun, a rarity among early Soviet tanks, allowing it slightly more AA firepower.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull20 / 15 / 13
Turret15 / 15 / 13
Crew3 people
Visibility84 %

The crew compartment is very small and inhabited by the driver, a loader and a gunner. The turret crew operate in a very small environment, so it is very rare that only one of them would die from a shot. "Not getting shot at" is the best advice for the crew to survive.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (MG port)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 15 mm (61°) Front glacis
20 mm (18°) Driver's hatch
20 mm (cylindrical) Lower hull 		20 mm Front
15 + 4 mm Rear 		10 mm (55°) Top
13 mm (16°) Bottom
13 mm (58°) Lower glacis 		10 mm
4 mm Engine vents
Turret 15 mm (6-12°) Gun mantlet
15 mm (cylindrical) Turret front
15 mm MG port 		15 mm Front
13 mm Rear 		13 mm Rear
15 mm MG port 		10 mm

Notes

  • Suspension wheels, tracks and torsion bars are 15 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 6 mm thick and mudguards are 4 mm thick.
  • There is an inner wall (4 mm thick) acting as spaced armour along the flanks of the tanks and separating the engine compartment from the crew compartment.

Being lightly armoured, the BT-7A (F-32) is very vulnerable to nearby ammo rack detonations and bomb blasts.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB55 / 11 km/h
RB and SB50 / 10 km/h
Number of gears4 forward
1 back
Weight13.7 t
Engine power
AB763 hp
RB and SB400 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB55.7 hp/t
RB and SB29.2 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 55 11 13.7 620 763 45.26 55.69
Realistic 50 10 354 400 25.84 29.2

As a light tank, the BT-7A (F-32) is very agile and has a very high top speed. Due to its high HP ratio, the acceleration is outstanding: 59 km/h in about 6 seconds off-road. The brakes are powerful and will make it skid rather than slow down when travelling at maximum speed. The reverse speed is good (-11 km/h): it will get you out of a dangerous situation quickly. While the BT-7A (F-32) lacks neutral steering, the turning speed on the spot is still good (8 km/h). It reaches 20 km/h when fording, 27 km/h when driving uphill with some speed built-up but only 13 km/h uphill from a stop. The narrow tracks will grant you a decent mobility on hard terrain (solid ground, roads) but poor mobility on soft terrain (mud, snow, sand), especially when changing direction as the tracks are long and close to one another. Light obstacles (fences and bushes) are not a problem but medium to large obstacles (posts, trees, concrete blocks and parked vehicles) will reduce your mobility: avoid them.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB931 Sl icon.png
RB484 Sl icon.png
SB655 Sl icon.png
Crew training4 800 Sl icon.png
Experts32 000 Sl icon.png
Aces210 Ge icon.png
Research Aces440 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 50 / 60 / 80 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 124 / 124 / 124 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Mods tank reinforcement ussr.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_AP_1942_ammo_pack
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_ussr_Smoke_ammo_pack

Armaments

Main armament

76 mm F-32 cannon
Ammunition50 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
8.1 → 6.3 s
Vertical guidance-6° / 25°
Main article: F-32 (76 mm)
76 mm F-32 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 50 -6°/+25° ±180° N/A 15.23 21.08 25.6 28.31 30.12 8.19 7.25 6.68 6.30
Realistic 9.52 11.20 13.60 15.04 16.00

The F-32 gun offers a good penetration power at its battle rating. Its below-average muzzle velocity still allows for pretty flat firing trajectories. The accuracy drop is noticeable from a 1,000 m distance and becomes a handicap over 1,300 m. The rotation speed of the turret is rather slow but average compared to other tanks at the same rank or battle rating. The elevation angle of the gun is important, allowing you to fire at an elevated position but the depression angle is poor, making it impossible to fire from behind a ridge. Lacking a stabilizer, the tank can't reliably fire on the move. The reload time of the gun is rather long but in line with other tanks equipped with a 76 mm cannon at the same BR. The gun recoil is average for a Soviet vehicle and not important enough to throw your gun off target after firing.

Ammunition

The available ammunition allows for engaging all types of targets:

  • BR-350A (MD-5 fuze): APHEBC; an armour-piercing shell with high explosive mass that will destroy any tank it penetrates but has an average penetration power.
  • BR-350B (MD-8 fuze): APHEBC; the same shell but with an increased penetration power at the cost of slightly less explosive filler.
  • OF-350M: HE; useful for destroying open and lightly armoured vehicles.
  • Sh-354T: Shrapnel; useful against vehicles that are resistant to the HE shells but too thinly armoured to trigger the fuzes of AP shells.
  • D-350A: Smoke; useful to blind enemy vehicles that are too remote for you to disable so that you can progress towards objectives.

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
BR-350A (MD-5 fuse) APHEBC 78 76 70 62 56 50
BR-350B (MD-8 fuse) APHEBC 88 86 77 67 59 51
OF-350M HE 10 10 10 10 10 10
Sh-354T Shrapnel 35 34 30 26 22 19
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%
BR-350A (MD-5 fuse) APHEBC 615 6.3 1.2 14 150 48° 63° 71°
BR-350B (MD-8 fuse) APHEBC 615 6.5 0.9 14 100.1 48° 63° 71°
OF-350M HE 615 6.2 0.05 0.1 621 79° 80° 81°
Sh-354T Shrapnel 615 6.44 1.2 14 85 62° 69° 73°
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)
D-350A 615 6.45 13 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the BT-7A (F-32)
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
50 47 (+3) 39 (+11) 31 (+19) 1 (+49) No

Notes:

  • Racks are modeled by sets of 2 shells. They disappear from the rack once all shells in the set have been loaded/fired.
  • Turret and sides empty: 39 (+11) shells.


Machine guns

7.62 mm DT machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition1 890 rounds
Belt capacity63 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
7.62 mm DT machine gun
Ammunition1 890 rounds
Belt capacity63 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main article: DT (7.62 mm)

The small calibre of the DT machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help. The clip capacity of the machine gun is quite poor, as it relies on a magazine of 63 bullets instead of a belt like similar machine guns from other nations.

7.62 mm DT
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 1,890 (63) 600 N/A N/A
Pintle 1,890 (63) 600 -10°/+15° ±180°

Usage in battles

Combat tactics

The BT-7A (F-32) is a light tank and should be played as such: flank the opposing forces, surprise the enemy, take a shot before they can react and get to cover before other enemy tanks come to help and engage your light tank.

  • Avoid rushing into the enemy head-on, staying in the open and exposing yourself.
  • Prioritise flanking, taking the least travelled path and "sneak-peek" attacks.
  • Always be on the move: change positions after having destroyed an enemy and retreat if needed. Mobility is key to your survival.
  • Use your light tank's abilities to spot hiding enemies and help with repairs.
Notable enemies

Any tank is capable of easily penetrating your thin armour. Here is the ammunition type by order of lethality:

  • shells with explosive damage (HEAT, HE);
  • shells with post-penetration damage (APHE, APCBC);
  • autocannon rounds (API-T, HVAP, etc.);
  • heavy calibre MG rounds.
Defeating a BT-7A (F-32)
  • With a limited crew of 3, any penetrating shot with good post-penetration damage in the crew compartment means the destruction of your vehicle.
  • In a frontal encounter, aim for the driver's hatch/pike nose under the turret.
  • When flanking, aim for the flanks right under the turret. Follow up with a shot at the driver's position if it survives.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very fast and nimble
  • Excellent offroad capability
  • Powerful engine and wide tracks make the BT-7 a good climber
  • Excellent cannon with a good rate of fire and 150 g explosive shell
  • Performs well even when up-tiered
  • Slightly better gun depression than other 76 mm counterparts (-6° over -5°)
  • Features active scouting, repair assistance unlike other BT tanks
  • Additional DT machine gun on pintle mount useful for spotting, attacking open-topped vehicles

Cons:

  • Exposed tracks and suspensions are prone to be damaged
  • Very thin armour and packed crew
  • Pretty large and difficult to hide
  • Difficult to drive with precision - can slew on turns and bounces a lot after braking.
  • More flat un-angled areas than BT-5
  • Vulnerable to heavy machine gun fire
  • Sometimes stalls on turns on soft terrain

History

Development

The success of the BT light tanks in Soviet service prompted additional upgrades and other developmental projects done on the design to increase its service life. The development led to the final model of the BT light tank series, the BT-7. The tank differed from the older BT-5 tank with a welded hull, redesigned hull front, and a new engine in the Model 1935 version. The Model 1937 version of the BT-7 added a redesigned turret that featured sloping armour.

The BT-7 (F32) is a modification of the BT-7 Artillery model sometimes called BT-7A. The artillery model took the design of the T-26-4 turret fitted with a KT-28 short-barrelled howitzer and mounted a 76 mm (3 in) ST short-barrelled howitzer. Due to the extra weight of the turret, the BT lost its ability to drive on the road wheels. 155 BT-7A models were created, 11 converted into command versions and a few were tested with a bigger 76 mm gun, the F-32 gun designed by famous Soviet weapon designer, Vasily Grabin.

Devblog

The pre-war Soviet BT-7s stood out as reliable, manoeuvrable vehicles that worked especially well when attacking in conjunction with infantry. However, the 45 mm cannon had insufficient destructive potential for combat with serious enemy fortifications. In 1939 two experimental BT-7 models were tested with a more powerful 76 mm cannon: the L-11, which was then installed on early KV-1s, and the F-32, the precursor to the gun mounted on the first T-34s. The L-11 turned out to be too large to be installed on the BT-7's small turret, but the F-32 not only fit well on the tank's turret, but also beat the competing gun in a number of tactical and technical characteristics. The committee unequivocally recommended the BT-7 (F-32) modification for serial production, but, due to a series of factors, the tank never saw mass production, and only the experimental model was ever produced.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #161 - Metal Beasts section at 00:35 discusses the BT-7A (F-32).
BT-7A (F-32), Soviet, Tier-2, Light Tank, Operation HEAT Reward - Angry Nerd Gaming
BT-7A (F-32) Tank Review - Napalmratte

See also

Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


Kharkov Design Bureau for Mechanical Engineering named after A. A. Morozov
Light Tanks 
BT-5  BT-5 · RBT-5
BT-7  BT-7 · BT-7M · BT-7A (F-32)
Medium Tanks 
T-34-76  T-34 (Prototype) · T-34 (1940) · T-34 (1941) · T-34 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-34 (1942) · T-34E STZ · T-34E
T-34-57  T-34-57 · T-34-57 (1943)
T-34-85  T-34-85 (D-5T) · T-34-85 · T-34-85E
T-34-100  T-34-100
T-44  T-44 · T-44-100 · T-44-122
Main Battle Tanks 
T-54  T-54 (1947) · T-54 (1949) · T-54 (1951)
T-64  T-64A (1971) · T-64B
Export/Captured 
T-34  ▀T 34 747 (r) · ▄T-34 · ▄T-34-85 · ␗T-34 (1943) · ␗Т-34-85 (S-53)
T-54  ▄T-54
See Also  Uralmashzavod · Uralvagonzavod

USSR light tanks
T-26  T-26 · T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-26-4 · T-26E
BT  BT-5 · RBT-5 · BT-7 · BT-7 TD · BT-7M · BT-7A (F-32)
T-50  T-126 · T-50
T-70  T-70 · T-80
PT-76  PT-76B · PT-76-57 · Object 906
BMP  BMP-1 · BMP-2 · BMP-2M · BMP-3
BMD  BMD-4
2S25  2S25 · 2S25M
Wheeled  BA-11 · BTR-80A
Other  T-60 · Object 685 · 2S38
China  ▂Type 62

USSR premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  BA-11 · RBT-5 · BT-7A (F-32) · T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-26E · T-126 · PT-76-57 · 2S38
Medium tanks  T-34 (Prototype) · T-34 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-34E · T-34-57 (1943) · T-34-85E · T-34-100 · T-44-122 · TO-55 · T-55AM-1 · T-72AV (TURMS-T) · T-80UD · Т-80U-Е1
  ▂M3 Medium · ▂M4A2 · ▂T-III · ▂T-V · ▂МК-IX "Valentine"
Heavy tanks  SMK · T-35 · ▂MK-II "Matilda" · KV-1E · KV-2 (1940) · KV-2 (ZiS-6) · KV-122 · KV-220 · IS-2 "Revenge" · Object 248 · IS-6 · T-10A
Tank destroyers  BM-8-24 · BM-13N · BM-31-12
  SU-57 · SU-76D · SU-76M (5th Gv.Kav.Corps) · SU-85A · SU-100Y · SU-122P · Object 120
SPAA  ▂Phòng không T-34 · ZUT-37

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