Difference between revisions of "M2A4 (1st Arm.Div.)"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Visual (beta)Wikitext
(Edits)
(Undo revision 176845 by U143246777 (talk))
 
(11 intermediate revisions by 5 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = premium American light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = premium American light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = other uses
+
| other
−
| link = M2 (Disambiguation)
+
| usage-1 = the regular version
 +
| link-1 = M2A4
 +
| usage-2 = other uses
 +
| link-2 = M2 (Disambiguation)
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=us_m2a4_1st_armor_div
 
|code=us_m2a4_1st_armor_div
−
|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 premium rank {{Specs|rank}} American light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.45 "Steel Generals"]].
+
Based on the armoured warfare lessons learned from the Spanish Civil War, the M2A4 light tank began to be designed to introduce thicker armour and a cannon to the tank. 375 of the M2A4 tanks began production in May 1940 and lasted until April 1942, with 375 tanks produced between two companies. Although the M2A4 saw combat within the US Marine Corps, the US Army issued the M2A4 only for training purposes to armoured units, including the 1st Armored Division. The 1st Armored Divison retained the M2A4 until it was replaced by the succeeding [[M3 Stuart]] light tank just before the division was sent to participate in Operation Torch in November 1942.
 +
 
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''', a premium light tank available in War Thunder since its introduction in [[Update 1.45 "Steel Generals"]], is quite similar to the reserve [[M2A4]] version found in the tech tree. As a premium, the {{PAGENAME}} provides benefits in {{rp}} Research Point and {{sl}} Silver Lion gain for new players in War Thunder. With a dashing mobility and a sufficient 37 mm gun, the {{PAGENAME}} in the right hands can help players pick off enemies and capture objective points to help gain extra points for a higher reward output.  
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 26: Line 31:
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 25.4 mm (19°) ''Front plate''<br> 15.8 mm (69°) ''Front Glacis'' <br> 25.4 mm (20°) ''Lower glacis'' || 25.4 mm || 25.4 mm ''Top'' <br> 25.4 mm (18°) ''Bottom'' || 6.35 mm
+
| Hull || 25.4 mm (19°) ''Front plate'' <br> 15.8 mm (69°) ''Front Glacis'' <br> 25.4 mm (20°) ''Lower glacis'' || 25.4 mm || 25.4 mm ''Top'' <br> 25.4 mm (18°) ''Bottom'' || 6.35 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Turret || 25.4 mm (11°) ''Turret front'' <br> 25.4 mm (12-65°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 25.4 mm || 25.4 mm || 6.35 mm
 
| Turret || 25.4 mm (11°) ''Turret front'' <br> 25.4 mm (12-65°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 25.4 mm || 25.4 mm || 6.35 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
+
| Cupola || 25.4 mm || 25.4 mm || 25.4 mm || 6.35 mm
−
|-
 
−
| Cupola || 25.4 mm || 6.35 mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 45: Line 48:
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=406|rbMinHp=232}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=406|rbMinHp=232}}
  
−
The overall mobility is decent. The top speed is great, easily getting to around 50 kph on solid roads which is faster than most of the reserve tanks like Pz.II, T-26. However, wheeled vehicles like the Sd.kfz. 140/1 can easily outrun the M2A4 on road. On softer roads like grassland and sand, it remains around 30 kph which is still quite fast.
+
The overall mobility is decent. The top speed is great, easily getting to around 50 km/h on solid roads which is faster than most of the reserve tanks like the [[Pz.II (Disambiguation)|Pz.II]] or the [[T-26]]. However, wheeled vehicles like the [[Sd.Kfz. 140/1]] can easily outrun the M2A4 on road. On softer roads like grassland and sand, it remains around 30 km/h which is still quite fast.
  
 
The hull traverse brings the overall mobility down quite a bit, since when the tank is still it turns very sluggishly, especially on soft terrain. The hull traverse gets faster when the tank is moving, but in full speed, it starts to snake around like a wheeled vehicle which makes it hard to control. Thus you must get used to this handling.
 
The hull traverse brings the overall mobility down quite a bit, since when the tank is still it turns very sluggishly, especially on soft terrain. The hull traverse gets faster when the tank is moving, but in full speed, it starts to snake around like a wheeled vehicle which makes it hard to control. Thus you must get used to this handling.
  
−
The reverse speed is only adequate to dodge shots from a distance. Do not expect to quickly reverse back to cover like a Puma.<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
+
The reverse speed is only adequate to dodge shots from a distance. Do not expect to quickly reverse back to cover like a [[Sd.Kfz.234 (Family)|Sd.Kfz.234]].
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 61: Line 64:
 
{{main|M5 (37 mm)}}
 
{{main|M5 (37 mm)}}
  
−
The overall firepower is decent at 1.0. The main cannon has an adequate penetration of about 60 mm which is more than enough to go through most tanks below 2.0, for example, T-26, Pz.III and Pz.35t. Although the available ammunition is all solid shells, they still make quite a bit shrapnel when penetrated which is enough to one-shot compact tanks like T-26 and Pz.35t. For larger tanks like the LVT(A), accurate shots pinpointing the crew are required which might be a little hard for new players. The cannon has enough accuracy to precisely knock out the enemy's crew within 500m. If one shot misses, the reload time of around 3.5 seconds allows quick following shots.
+
The overall firepower is decent at its BR. The main cannon has an adequate penetration of about 60 mm which is more than enough to go through most tanks below BR 2.0, for example, [[T-26]], [[Panzer III (Family)|Pz.III]] and [[Pz.35(t)]]. Although the available ammunition is all solid shells, they still make quite a bit shrapnel when penetrated which is enough to knock out compact tanks like T-26 and Pz.35(t) with a single shot. For larger tanks like the [[LVT (Family)|LVT(A)]], accurate shots pinpointing the crew are required which might be a little hard for new players. The cannon has enough accuracy to precisely knock out the enemy's crew within 500 m. If one shot misses, the reload time of around 3.5 seconds allows quick following shots.
  
−
There is a nice stabiliser for the cannon which is a big advantage when exchanging fire, as it allows you to move out of cover and fire (usually before the enemy) without having to wait for your tank to stop wobbling. The stabiliser should be utilised to maximise your chance of surviving and killing. Note that it only works below 10 kph, so remember to slow down or it will not stabilise the gun.
+
There is a nice stabiliser for the cannon which is a big advantage when exchanging fire, as it allows you to move out of cover and fire (usually before the enemy) without having to wait for your tank to stop wobbling. The stabiliser should be utilised to maximise your chance of surviving and taking out enemy tanks. Note that it only works below 10 km/h, so remember to slow down or it will not stabilise the gun.
  
−
Targets like the 15cm sIG 33 B Sfl or M3 GMC (mixed battle) can be quite hard to destroy, as their armour is thin enough to create little shrapnel, but are also thick enough to stop MG bullets. Against them, you can only rely on you fire rate, accuracy and of course your knowledge of their crew position to knock out their crew one by one. Always go for the gunners or drivers first, if you failed then they can always fight back and one-shot you.
+
Targets like the [[15cm sIG 33 B Sfl]] or [[M3 GMC]] (in mixed ground battles) can be quite hard to destroy, as their armour is thin enough to create little shrapnel, but are also thick enough to stop MG bullets. Against them, you can only rely on you fire rate, accuracy and of course your knowledge of their crew position to knock out their crew one by one. Always go for the gunners or drivers first, if you failed then they can always fight back and knock your tank out with a single shot.
  
−
The main cannon is only effective in close quarter combat (usually within 200m) or against weakly armored targets, since the penetration drops drastically as the range increases, plus the small caliber makes the shells easy to ricochet. When encountering fairly well armored tanks like the M13/40 or H.35, try and break their gun barrels first or track them. If they are too far away, pin them on the map and call teammates to help.
+
The main cannon is only effective in close quarter combat (usually within 200 m) or against weakly-armoured targets, since the penetration drops drastically as the range increases, plus the small calibre makes the shells easy to ricochet. When encountering fairly well armoured tanks like the [[M13/40 (Family)|M13/40]] or [[H.35]], try and break their gun barrels first or track them. If they are too far away, pin them on the map and call teammates to help.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
Line 78: Line 81:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 103 || rowspan="2" | -6°/+19° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Vertical || 19.5 || 27.0 || 32.8 || 36.3 || 38.6 || rowspan="2" | 3.77 || rowspan="2" | 3.33 || rowspan="2" | 3.07 || rowspan="2" | 2.90
+
| rowspan="2" | 103 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Shoulder|up to 10 km/h}} || 19.5 || 27.0 || 32.8 || 36.3 || 38.6 || rowspan="2" | 3.77 || rowspan="2" | 3.33 || rowspan="2" | 3.07 || rowspan="2" | 2.90
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
Line 86: Line 89:
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:M5 (37 mm)/Ammunition|M74 shot, M51B1}}
−
! 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
 
−
|-
 
−
| M74 shot || AP || 67 || 65 || 55 || 46 || 38 || 32
 
−
|-
 
−
| M51 shot || APCBC || 75 || 72 || 62 || 51 || 43 || 35
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| 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%
 
−
|-
 
−
| M74 shot || AP || 792 || 0.87 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M51 shot || APCBC || 792 || 0.87 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
[[File:Ammoracks_M2A4.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the M2A4]]
 
[[File:Ammoracks_M2A4.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the M2A4]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 137: Line 109:
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
−
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|4}}
 
−
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|5}}
 
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
−
The machine gun is only enough to destroy poorly protected vehicles such as AS 42, FlakPz I and GAZ-AAA. The penetration of around 10mm is not enough to go through the frontal armour of those not-so-weakly-armoured tanks like SU-5-1, Panzerjager 1 or 15cm sIG 33 B Sfl. If you are skilled the two MG can effectively damage low-flying biplanes.
+
The machine gun is only enough to destroy poorly protected vehicles such as the [[AS 42]], [[Flakpanzer I]], [[GAZ-AAA (4M)]], and [[GAZ-AAA (DShK)]]. The penetration of around 10 mm is not enough to go through the frontal armour of those not-so-weakly-armoured tanks like the [[SU-5-1]], [[Panzerjäger I]] or [[15cm sIG 33 B Sfl]]. If you are skilled, the two MG can effectively damage low-flying biplanes.
  
−
The fixed MG in the hull are useless most of the times, as they have absolutely no traverse. It is very hard to point the hull directly at a target given the poor hull traverse of the M2A4
+
The fixed MG in the hull are useless most of the times, as they have absolutely no traverse. It is very hard to point the hull directly at a target given the poor hull traverse of the M2A4.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
Line 163: Line 133:
 
The M2A4 light tank is the reserve tank for the USA. As such, it is very manoeuvrable and fast, being a light tank. However, it has many distinguishing features that make it a forgiving beginners tank.
 
The M2A4 light tank is the reserve tank for the USA. As such, it is very manoeuvrable and fast, being a light tank. However, it has many distinguishing features that make it a forgiving beginners tank.
  
−
The M2A4 is most comparable to a cross between a BT-5 and T-26. The M2 has slightly less mobility than the BT-5 while being a larger target and having better armour, like the T-26. The M2A4 also has a fast-firing 37 mm M5 cannon that can fire M74 or M51 shot, as well as the M61 shell.
+
The M2A4 is most comparable to a cross between a [[BT-5]] and [[T-26]]. The M2A4 has slightly less mobility than the BT-5 while being a larger target and having better armour, like the T-26. The M2A4 also has a fast-firing 37 mm M5 cannon that can fire M74 or M51 shots, as well as the M61 shell.
  
−
Its gun has better accuracy than the majority of tanks on its rank, and it's APC ammo retains its penetration at most ranges. This ability to hit rapidly from range and still penetrate in part makes up for the somewhat anaemic damage of the 37mm gun.
+
Its gun has better accuracy than the majority of tanks on its rank, and its APC ammo retains its penetration at most ranges. This ability to hit rapidly from range and still penetrate in part makes up for the somewhat anaemic damage of the 37 mm gun.
  
−
Like all tanks of this rank, it is lightly armoured and can be damaged or knocked out by any other vehicle from anywhere on the map. A useful tactic is to make use of its speed by engaging at range and then relocating when the fire gets too heavy around you.
+
Like all tanks of this rank, it is lightly-armoured and can be damaged or knocked out by any other vehicle from almost anywhere on the map. A useful tactic is to make use of its speed by engaging at range and then relocating when enemy presence gets too heavy around you.
  
 
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
 
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
  
−
Specific enemy vehicles that bear mentioning are firstly any Germans with the [[KwK38 (20 mm)|20 mm KwK/FlaK38]] cannon, this gun might be small but can have up to 64 mm of penetration, which is enough to go through the M2A4 almost anywhere. These guns can also fire 10 rounds at 280 rounds/min before having to reload the clip, meaning that they will very easily take out your crew before you have a chance to respond. To counter, the best chance you have is to angle your frontal armour which can make it difficult for the PzGr 40 rounds to penetrate. The Russian [[T-50]] and [[T-126]] are vehicles you will also see commonly, these have fairly thick and angled frontal armour that will prevent you from easily getting through. These tanks can also carry an APHEBC round that will destroy you in one shot with little difficulty, so to counter you should use your speed to attempt to get a side shot into either the turret or engine. If the T-50 cannot move you can outrun its turret and finish it without much difficulty.
+
Specific enemy vehicles that bear mentioning are firstly any Germans with the [[KwK38 (20 mm)|20 mm KwK/FlaK38]] cannon, this gun might be small but can have up to 64 mm of penetration, which is enough to go through the M2A4 almost anywhere. These guns can also fire 10 rounds at 280 rounds/min before having to reload the clip, meaning that they will very easily take out your crew before you have a chance to respond. To counter, the best chance you have is to angle your frontal armour which can make it difficult for the PzGr 40 rounds to penetrate. The Soviet [[T-50]] and [[T-126]] are vehicles you will also see commonly, these have fairly thick and angled frontal armour that will prevent you from easily getting through. These tanks can also carry an APHEBC round that will destroy you in one shot with little difficulty, so to counter you should use your speed to attempt to get a side shot into either the turret or engine. If the T-50 cannot move you can outrun its turret and finish it without much difficulty.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 182: Line 152:
 
* Fair armour all around
 
* Fair armour all around
 
* Machine gun secondary armament allows for flexibility in taking out exposed SPAA and Tank Destroyers
 
* Machine gun secondary armament allows for flexibility in taking out exposed SPAA and Tank Destroyers
−
* Roof-mounted 30. calibre is quite effective at taking out unarmoured aircraft
+
* Roof-mounted .30 cal MG is quite effective at taking out unarmoured aircraft
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
Line 203: Line 173:
 
The idea of light tanks started with the Defense Act of 1920, which defined tanks as an infantry support weapon. However, multiple theorists brought up the idea of a cavalry role for the tanks to which the British were the first to incorporate with the ''cruiser tanks''. Limitation in American development leads to the establishment of light tanks as the ''combat cars''. The development team soon looked at the tank prototypes ''T1 light tank'' and the ''T2 medium tank'' from which they decided to use them as the basis for the light tank design.
 
The idea of light tanks started with the Defense Act of 1920, which defined tanks as an infantry support weapon. However, multiple theorists brought up the idea of a cavalry role for the tanks to which the British were the first to incorporate with the ''cruiser tanks''. Limitation in American development leads to the establishment of light tanks as the ''combat cars''. The development team soon looked at the tank prototypes ''T1 light tank'' and the ''T2 medium tank'' from which they decided to use them as the basis for the light tank design.
  
−
Modifications made onto the experimental tanks including installing the new Vertical Volute Spring Suspension (VVSS) which became the main suspension in future American tank development, made the tanks into the '''M2A1 light tank'''. The main version used before the war was designated the [[M2A2|'''M2A2''']] and had two turrets, both with a .50 calibre M2 Browning machine gun as their armament. However, the Spanish Civil War demonstrated that this kind of light tank was insufficient for the ever-evolving tank warfare. Revising the armament of the tank, the two M2 Browning turrets were removed and replaced with a turret outfitted with a 37 mm cannon and improved armour. This became the '''M2A4''' and served as the main light tank variant in US service prior to World War II.
+
Modifications made onto the experimental tanks including installing the new Vertical Volute Spring Suspension (VVSS) which became the main suspension in future American tank development, made the tanks into the '''M2A1 light tank'''. The main version used before the war was designated the [[M2A2]] and had two turrets, both with a .50 calibre M2 Browning machine gun as their armament. However, the Spanish Civil War demonstrated that this kind of light tank was insufficient for the ever-evolving tank warfare. Revising the armament of the tank, the two M2 Browning turrets were removed and replaced with a turret outfitted with a 37 mm cannon and improved armour. This became the '''M2A4''' and served as the main light tank variant in US service prior to World War II.
  
−
=== In-game description ===
+
{{break}}
−
The M2 series traced its family tree back to the experimental T2s, with the M2A4 ending up the largest and most successful modification. Development began in 1939 after running trials for light tanks designed for infantry support as well as the M1 series. The M2 infantry tank was used as the base for construction, a model that was to undergo significant modification. The turret armor as well as the front end were thickened to 25 mm, capable of withstanding hits by light cannons and high-caliber machine guns. The tank's weaponry was also improved with the installation of an M5 37 mm cannon paired with a 7.62 mm machine gun in the single turret.  
+
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
The M2 series traced its family tree back to the experimental T2s, with the M2A4 ending up the largest and most successful modification. Development began in 1939 after running trials for light tanks designed for infantry support as well as the M1 series. The M2 infantry tank was used as the base for construction, a model that was to undergo significant modification. The turret armour as well as the front end were thickened to 25 mm, capable of withstanding hits by light cannons and high-calibre machine guns. The tank's weaponry was also improved with the installation of an M5 37 mm cannon paired with a 7.62 mm machine gun in the single turret.
  
 
Another 7.62 mm machine gun was mounted in the front hull plate, with two more on the sides. An antiaircraft machine gun could be mounted on the top of the turret, and additional viewing slits were cut out of the turret and cupola. Most tanks featured the 360 hp Continental W-670-9A engine, which pushed their top speed to 56 km/h. Several tanks in the series were equipped with Guiberson T1020 diesel engines.
 
Another 7.62 mm machine gun was mounted in the front hull plate, with two more on the sides. An antiaircraft machine gun could be mounted on the top of the turret, and additional viewing slits were cut out of the turret and cupola. Most tanks featured the 360 hp Continental W-670-9A engine, which pushed their top speed to 56 km/h. Several tanks in the series were equipped with Guiberson T1020 diesel engines.
Line 213: Line 185:
  
 
The tanks only saw action on Guadalcanal and other Pacific islands. A few others were shipped to the UK via Lend-Lease and used there to train M3 medium tank crews.
 
The tanks only saw action on Guadalcanal and other Pacific islands. A few others were shipped to the UK via Lend-Lease and used there to train M3 medium tank crews.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 218: Line 191:
  
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=light_tank&vehicle=us_m2a4_1st_armor_div Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_m2a4_1st_armor_div Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
Line 228: Line 201:
 
* ''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
+
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
−
* [[M2A2]]
 
 
* [[M2A4]]
 
* [[M2A4]]
−
 
−
;Vehicles equipped with the same gun
 
−
* [[M3 Stuart]]
 
−
* [[Stuart I]]
 
−
* [[M3 Medium (Family)]]
 
−
 
−
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 
 
* [[M3 Stuart (Family)]]
 
* [[M3 Stuart (Family)]]
  
Line 244: Line 209:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
 
+
* [[wt:en/news/2749--en|2014 "Winter Holiday Specials" mini-event]] when the M2A4 was given out as a gift
 
* [[wt:en/news/2917/current|[Vehicle Profile] M2A4 Light Tank]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/2917/current|[Vehicle Profile] M2A4 Light Tank]]
 +
* [[wt:en/news/3257--en|[Ground Forces] 1st Armored Division (US Army)]]
 
* [[wikipedia:M2_light_tank|[Wikipedia] M2 light tank]]
 
* [[wikipedia:M2_light_tank|[Wikipedia] M2 light tank]]
 
* [https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/US/M2_Light_Tank.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> M2 Light Tank]
 
* [https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/US/M2_Light_Tank.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> M2 Light Tank]

Latest revision as of 16:40, 15 November 2023

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the premium American light tank M2A4 (1st Arm.Div.). For the regular version, see M2A4. For other uses, see M2 (Disambiguation).
M2A4 (1st Arm.Div.)
us_m2a4_1st_armor_div.png
GarageImage M2A4 (1st Arm.Div.).jpg
ArtImage M2A4 (1st Arm.Div.).png
M2A4 (1st Arm.Div.)
USA flag.png USA
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:250 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game

Description

Based on the armoured warfare lessons learned from the Spanish Civil War, the M2A4 light tank began to be designed to introduce thicker armour and a cannon to the tank. 375 of the M2A4 tanks began production in May 1940 and lasted until April 1942, with 375 tanks produced between two companies. Although the M2A4 saw combat within the US Marine Corps, the US Army issued the M2A4 only for training purposes to armoured units, including the 1st Armored Division. The 1st Armored Divison retained the M2A4 until it was replaced by the succeeding M3 Stuart light tank just before the division was sent to participate in Operation Torch in November 1942.

The Light Tank M2A4 (1st Arm.Div.), a premium light tank available in War Thunder since its introduction in Update 1.45 "Steel Generals", is quite similar to the reserve M2A4 version found in the tech tree. As a premium, the M2A4 (1st Arm.Div.) provides benefits in Rp icon.png Research Point and Sl icon.png Silver Lion gain for new players in War Thunder. With a dashing mobility and a sufficient 37 mm gun, the M2A4 (1st Arm.Div.) in the right hands can help players pick off enemies and capture objective points to help gain extra points for a higher reward output.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull25 / 25 / 25
Turret25 / 25 / 25
Crew4 people
Visibility79 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 25.4 mm (19°) Front plate
15.8 mm (69°) Front Glacis
25.4 mm (20°) Lower glacis 		25.4 mm 25.4 mm Top
25.4 mm (18°) Bottom 		6.35 mm
Turret 25.4 mm (11°) Turret front
25.4 mm (12-65°) Gun mantlet 		25.4 mm 25.4 mm 6.35 mm
Cupola 25.4 mm 25.4 mm 25.4 mm 6.35 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, tracks are 10 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB64 / 8 km/h
RB and SB58 / 7 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight11.5 t
Engine power
AB500 hp
RB and SB262 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB43.5 hp/t
RB and SB22.8 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 64 8 11.5 406 500 35.3 43.48
Realistic 58 7 232 262 20.17 22.78

The overall mobility is decent. The top speed is great, easily getting to around 50 km/h on solid roads which is faster than most of the reserve tanks like the Pz.II or the T-26. However, wheeled vehicles like the Sd.Kfz. 140/1 can easily outrun the M2A4 on road. On softer roads like grassland and sand, it remains around 30 km/h which is still quite fast.

The hull traverse brings the overall mobility down quite a bit, since when the tank is still it turns very sluggishly, especially on soft terrain. The hull traverse gets faster when the tank is moving, but in full speed, it starts to snake around like a wheeled vehicle which makes it hard to control. Thus you must get used to this handling.

The reverse speed is only adequate to dodge shots from a distance. Do not expect to quickly reverse back to cover like a Sd.Kfz.234.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB322 Sl icon.png
RB172 Sl icon.png
SB91 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications5 020 Rp icon.png
500 Sl icon.png
Crew training150 Sl icon.png
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces20 Ge icon.png
Research Aces145 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 20 / 20 / 20 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 75 / 75 / 75 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
450 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
960 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Mods tank reinforcement us.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
450 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
37mm_usa_m3_APC_ammo_pack
Research:
450 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
750 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
960 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

37 mm M5 cannon
Shoulder stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in one plane while moving
Ammunition103 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
3.7 → 2.9 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: M5 (37 mm)

The overall firepower is decent at its BR. The main cannon has an adequate penetration of about 60 mm which is more than enough to go through most tanks below BR 2.0, for example, T-26, Pz.III and Pz.35(t). Although the available ammunition is all solid shells, they still make quite a bit shrapnel when penetrated which is enough to knock out compact tanks like T-26 and Pz.35(t) with a single shot. For larger tanks like the LVT(A), accurate shots pinpointing the crew are required which might be a little hard for new players. The cannon has enough accuracy to precisely knock out the enemy's crew within 500 m. If one shot misses, the reload time of around 3.5 seconds allows quick following shots.

There is a nice stabiliser for the cannon which is a big advantage when exchanging fire, as it allows you to move out of cover and fire (usually before the enemy) without having to wait for your tank to stop wobbling. The stabiliser should be utilised to maximise your chance of surviving and taking out enemy tanks. Note that it only works below 10 km/h, so remember to slow down or it will not stabilise the gun.

Targets like the 15cm sIG 33 B Sfl or M3 GMC (in mixed ground battles) can be quite hard to destroy, as their armour is thin enough to create little shrapnel, but are also thick enough to stop MG bullets. Against them, you can only rely on you fire rate, accuracy and of course your knowledge of their crew position to knock out their crew one by one. Always go for the gunners or drivers first, if you failed then they can always fight back and knock your tank out with a single shot.

The main cannon is only effective in close quarter combat (usually within 200 m) or against weakly-armoured targets, since the penetration drops drastically as the range increases, plus the small calibre makes the shells easy to ricochet. When encountering fairly well armoured tanks like the M13/40 or H.35, try and break their gun barrels first or track them. If they are too far away, pin them on the map and call teammates to help.

37 mm M5 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 103 -10°/+20° ±180° Shoulder 19.5 27.0 32.8 36.3 38.6 3.77 3.33 3.07 2.90
Realistic 12.2 14.3 17.4 19.3 20.5

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
M74 shot AP 77 74 64 53 44 36
M51B1 APCBC 86 83 71 59 49 40
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
M74 shot AP 870 0.87 - - - 47° 60° 65°
M51B1 APCBC 870 0.87 - - - 48° 63° 71°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M2A4
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
103 69 (+34) 35 (+68) 1 (+102) No

Machine guns

4 x 7.62 mm M1919A4 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition21 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
7.62 mm M1919A4 machine gun
Ammunition3 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min

The machine gun is only enough to destroy poorly protected vehicles such as the AS 42, Flakpanzer I, GAZ-AAA (4M), and GAZ-AAA (DShK). The penetration of around 10 mm is not enough to go through the frontal armour of those not-so-weakly-armoured tanks like the SU-5-1, Panzerjäger I or 15cm sIG 33 B Sfl. If you are skilled, the two MG can effectively damage low-flying biplanes.

The fixed MG in the hull are useless most of the times, as they have absolutely no traverse. It is very hard to point the hull directly at a target given the poor hull traverse of the M2A4.

7.62 mm M1919A4
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 3,000 (250) 500 -10°/+45° ±90°
Coaxial 5,250 (250) 500 N/A N/A
Hull (x3) 15,750 (250) 500 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

The M2A4 light tank is the reserve tank for the USA. As such, it is very manoeuvrable and fast, being a light tank. However, it has many distinguishing features that make it a forgiving beginners tank.

The M2A4 is most comparable to a cross between a BT-5 and T-26. The M2A4 has slightly less mobility than the BT-5 while being a larger target and having better armour, like the T-26. The M2A4 also has a fast-firing 37 mm M5 cannon that can fire M74 or M51 shots, as well as the M61 shell.

Its gun has better accuracy than the majority of tanks on its rank, and its APC ammo retains its penetration at most ranges. This ability to hit rapidly from range and still penetrate in part makes up for the somewhat anaemic damage of the 37 mm gun.

Like all tanks of this rank, it is lightly-armoured and can be damaged or knocked out by any other vehicle from almost anywhere on the map. A useful tactic is to make use of its speed by engaging at range and then relocating when enemy presence gets too heavy around you.

Enemies worth noting:

Specific enemy vehicles that bear mentioning are firstly any Germans with the 20 mm KwK/FlaK38 cannon, this gun might be small but can have up to 64 mm of penetration, which is enough to go through the M2A4 almost anywhere. These guns can also fire 10 rounds at 280 rounds/min before having to reload the clip, meaning that they will very easily take out your crew before you have a chance to respond. To counter, the best chance you have is to angle your frontal armour which can make it difficult for the PzGr 40 rounds to penetrate. The Soviet T-50 and T-126 are vehicles you will also see commonly, these have fairly thick and angled frontal armour that will prevent you from easily getting through. These tanks can also carry an APHEBC round that will destroy you in one shot with little difficulty, so to counter you should use your speed to attempt to get a side shot into either the turret or engine. If the T-50 cannot move you can outrun its turret and finish it without much difficulty.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Fast and agile
  • Acceptable gun
  • Fair armour all around
  • Machine gun secondary armament allows for flexibility in taking out exposed SPAA and Tank Destroyers
  • Roof-mounted .30 cal MG is quite effective at taking out unarmoured aircraft

Cons:

  • Uneasy handling, prone to slide at high speeds
  • Quite flammable, even when hitting from the front
  • Terrible steering, not adequate under 2nd gear
  • Driving this straight into a wall at a fast speed can result in a crew knock out
  • Can struggle to destroy larger vehicles due to lack of explosive filler
  • One of the weakest tank in the USA lineup
  • Easily penetrated by others
  • While fast on flat ground, it has problems with climbing steep hills
  • Becoming immobilised renders tank as sitting duck, easily eliminated

History

Development

The M2 Light Tank series was an American pre-World War II design as their answer to a fast, effective tank in a cavalry role.

The idea of light tanks started with the Defense Act of 1920, which defined tanks as an infantry support weapon. However, multiple theorists brought up the idea of a cavalry role for the tanks to which the British were the first to incorporate with the cruiser tanks. Limitation in American development leads to the establishment of light tanks as the combat cars. The development team soon looked at the tank prototypes T1 light tank and the T2 medium tank from which they decided to use them as the basis for the light tank design.

Modifications made onto the experimental tanks including installing the new Vertical Volute Spring Suspension (VVSS) which became the main suspension in future American tank development, made the tanks into the M2A1 light tank. The main version used before the war was designated the M2A2 and had two turrets, both with a .50 calibre M2 Browning machine gun as their armament. However, the Spanish Civil War demonstrated that this kind of light tank was insufficient for the ever-evolving tank warfare. Revising the armament of the tank, the two M2 Browning turrets were removed and replaced with a turret outfitted with a 37 mm cannon and improved armour. This became the M2A4 and served as the main light tank variant in US service prior to World War II.


Archive of the in-game description

The M2 series traced its family tree back to the experimental T2s, with the M2A4 ending up the largest and most successful modification. Development began in 1939 after running trials for light tanks designed for infantry support as well as the M1 series. The M2 infantry tank was used as the base for construction, a model that was to undergo significant modification. The turret armour as well as the front end were thickened to 25 mm, capable of withstanding hits by light cannons and high-calibre machine guns. The tank's weaponry was also improved with the installation of an M5 37 mm cannon paired with a 7.62 mm machine gun in the single turret.

Another 7.62 mm machine gun was mounted in the front hull plate, with two more on the sides. An antiaircraft machine gun could be mounted on the top of the turret, and additional viewing slits were cut out of the turret and cupola. Most tanks featured the 360 hp Continental W-670-9A engine, which pushed their top speed to 56 km/h. Several tanks in the series were equipped with Guiberson T1020 diesel engines.

Given that September 1939 saw a spike in orders, the Rock Island Arsenal was no longer able to keep up on its own with the demand being placed on it by the US army. A tender for an additional batch was announced and won by American Car & Foundry. In October 1939 a contract for 329 tanks was signed, though it was soon expanded to 365. The last ten were assembled in April 1941 by Baldwin Locomotive Works, meaning that 375 M2A4s were produced in 1940.

The tanks only saw action on Guadalcanal and other Pacific islands. A few others were shipped to the UK via Lend-Lease and used there to train M3 medium tank crews.


Media

Skins
Videos
Premium Series (Tanks), M2A4 (1st Arm.Div.). Team annihilated! - Joseph 2000

See also

Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


Rock Island Arsenal
Tanks 
Light Tank  Light Tank M2A2 · Light Tank M2A4
Medium Tank  Medium Tank M2

USA light tanks
LVT  LVT(A)(1) · ○LVT(A)(1) · LVT(A)(4)
M2  M2A2 · M2A4 · M2A4 (1st Arm.Div.)
M3/M5 Stuart  M3 Stuart · M3A1 Stuart · M3A1 (USMC) · M5A1 · M5A1 TD · ▃Stuart VI (5th CAD)
M22 Locust  M22
M24 Chaffee  M24 · M24 (TL)
M18 Hellcat  M18 GMC · M18 "Black Cat" · Super Hellcat
M41 Walker Bulldog  M41A1
M551 Sheridan  M551 · M551(76)
M3 Bradley  M3 Bradley · M3A3 Bradley
Wheeled  M8 LAC · T18E2 · M1128 · M1128 Wolfpack
Other  M8A1 GMC · T92 · T114 · HSTV-L · CCVL · XM8 · XM800T · AGS

USA premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  LVT(A)(4) · M2A4 (1st Arm.Div.) · M3A1 (USMC) · ▃Stuart VI (5th CAD) · M8 LAC · M8A1 GMC
  M18 "Black Cat" · Super Hellcat · T18E2 · M551(76) · T114 · M1128 Wolfpack
Medium tanks  ▃Grant I · M4A5 · Calliope · T20 · M26 T99 · M26E1 · M46 "Tiger" · T54E1 · T54E2 · ▃Magach 3 (ERA) · M728 CEV
  XM1 (GM) · XM1 (Chrysler) · M1 KVT · M1A1 Click-Bait
Heavy tanks  T14 · Cobra King · M6A2E1 · T29 · T30
Tank destroyers  T28 · T55E1

Retrieved from "https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=M2A4_(1st_Arm.Div.)&oldid=176857"