Difference between revisions of "M47 (Japan)"

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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 rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]]. An M47 was sent by the US to Japan for trials to evaluate its potentials as the JGSDF was looking for a new medium tank design. The Japanese instead adopted the [[Type 61 (Family)|Type 61]], which took design inspiration from the Patton.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 40: Line 40:
 
* Turret bustle rack is 15 mm thick.
 
* Turret bustle rack is 15 mm thick.
  
−
At rank V, the M47 does not have suitable armour to survive direct hits from the numerous 88, 100, and 122 mm calibres fielded. Its best chance for survival is to flank enemies.
+
At Rank V, the M47 may not be able to survive direct hits from the 88, 100, and 122 mm calibre weapons often fielded by vehicles of the BR. It is recommended to flank enemies to survive.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
Line 180: Line 180:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
The {{PAGENAME}} comes with 2 M2HB .50 cal machine guns (1 coaxial and 1 roof-mounted), providing a concentrated stream of heavy machine-gun fire to target low-flying aircraft or lightly armoured vehicles.
+
The {{PAGENAME}} comes with 2 M2HB .50 cal machine guns (1 coaxial and 1 roof-mounted) that can provide a concentrated stream of heavy machine-gun fire against low-flying aircraft or lightly armoured vehicles.
  
 
== 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).'' -->
  
−
The M47 is very much a glass cannon. With a powerful gun, but weak armour, this vehicle should be played carefully, and out of sight of the enemy. As such, it is often beneficial to use an ambush or flanking-based play style. Attacking enemies without being seen will maximize this tank's capabilities. Tankers that already have experience with the ST-A's and to the same degree the Type 61 will be very familiar with this vehicle. The armour might be somewhat stronger than the previously mentioned vehicles but for the change in BR and rank, it's just as effective and relatively weaker firepower for the tanks it will encounter at 7.3.
+
The M47 is often considered a "glass cannon". With a powerful gun but poor armour, it is recommended to play this vehicle carefully and conservatively. As such, it is often beneficial to use an ambush or flanking-based playstyle. Attacking enemies from soft or hard cover without being seen can maximize this tank's capabilities.  
  
−
The stock APBC shell is quite weak compared to the shells used by the M47's enemies. While working towards the much better HEAT-FS shell, it is advisable to shoot for enemies' tracks and gun barrels if the main hull is too well protected for the APBC shell to penetrate. Doing so will help to incapacitate your enemies and support your better-armed teammates. Additionally, the M47 should never have any trouble dealing with soft targets. With two 12.7 mm machine guns in addition to the main cannon, light tanks and armoured cars can be dispatched with ease. (On a side note, these machine guns can be used to spot enemy targets, alerting your team to their presence.)
+
Tankers that have experience with the [[ST-A1]], [[ST-A2]] and to the same degree the [[Type 61]] and [[ST-A3]] will already be familiar with this vehicle's playstyle. The armour might be somewhat stronger than the previously mentioned vehicles but for the difference in BR and rank between them, it's about as effective against the tanks it will encounter at 7.3.
  
−
Once the HEAT-FS shell is unlocked, the M47 may be played more like a classic medium tank. There will be few vehicles that the upgraded shell cannot penetrate. It is recommended to play near friendly vehicles, in case support is needed--even with an upgraded shell, the M47 is not a lone wolf, and will suffer without the backup of its allies.
+
The stock M318A1 APBC shell is relatively weak compared to shells used by other vehicles. While working towards the improved M431 HEAT-FS shell, it is advisable to shoot at enemies' tracks and gun barrels if the main hull is too armored for the APBC shell to penetrate. Doing so will help to incapacitate your enemies and allow your better-armed teammates to destroy them. Additionally, the M47 shouldn't have trouble dealing with soft targets. With two .50 cal [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|M2HB]] machine guns in addition to the [[M36 (90 mm)|90 mm M36]] main cannon, [[:Category:Light tanks|Light Tanks]] and Armoured Cars can be dispatched with ease. (On a side note, these machine guns can be used to spot enemy targets, alerting your team to their presence.)
  
−
The M47 has above-average mobility, and achieving flanking positions should not pose too much difficulty. However, the tank does have a high-profile, making it easily spotted. Combined with the vehicle's poor armour, this makes it especially important to stay out of the enemy's sight.
+
Once the HEAT-FS shell is unlocked, the M47 can be played more like a classic medium tank. There will be few vehicles that the upgraded shell cannot penetrate. It is recommended to play near friendly vehicles in case support is needed--even with an upgraded shell, the M47 is not a lone wolf and can suffer without the backup of its allies.
 +
 
 +
The M47 has above-average mobility, and achieving flanking positions should not pose too much difficulty. However, the tank does have a high profile, which can allow it to be spotted more easily. Combined with the vehicle's poor armour, this makes it especially important to stay out of the enemy's sight.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 200: Line 202:
 
* Good mobility, same handling as the [[M46]]
 
* Good mobility, same handling as the [[M46]]
 
* Great turret traverse speed once upgraded
 
* Great turret traverse speed once upgraded
−
* Decent front armour, more sloped than the M46
+
* Decent frontal armour, thicker and more sloped than the [[ST-A3]]
−
* 320 mm HEATFS ammunition once unlocked
+
* The main gun penetrate up to 320 mm of armor with HEATFS ammunition
−
* Gun depression of -10° is usually sufficient
+
* Gun depression of -10° is usually sufficient to position behind short obstacles and hills
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Overall bad armour for Rank V matches, especially in the turret
+
* Overall poor armour for the rank, especially in the turret
−
* The gun is not very good with stock ammo, recommended to unlock HEATFS as soon as possible
+
* The gun is not very good with stock ammo APBC/APCR
−
* Mobility is limited or even rather poor until modifications are purchased.
+
* HEATFS is unable to be unlocked until the rank is reached and all previous ammunition choices are researched
 +
* Mobility is limited until engine, filter and transmission modifications are researched
  
 
== 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).'' -->
 
{{Main|M47 (Family)|Type 61 (Family)}}
 
{{Main|M47 (Family)|Type 61 (Family)}}
−
As Japan started redeveloping its military in the form of the JSDF (Japanese Self Defence Forces). While it was previously issued with surplus Shermans, Chaffees and other American equipment, the JGSDF (Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces) would want to step up in tank development as the communist threat in Korea started looming over Japan. They would attempt to get their hands on the new American tank that would be the staple of the cold war, the M47 'Patton II' but assembly lines would be backlogged with foreign orders primarily from West Germany.
+
Japan started redeveloping its military in the form of the JSDF (Japanese Self Defence Forces). Previously issued with surplus WWII-era American vehicles like [[M4A3 (76) W (Japan)|M4A3 Shermans]], [[M24 (Japan)|M24 Chaffees]], M15A1 CGMCs and other equipment, the JGSDF (Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces) would want to gain a step up in tank development as the communist threat in Korea loomed close to the Japanese homeland. The JGSDF would attempt to get their hands on a new American medium tank that would become a staple of the Cold War, the M47 'Patton II'. Unfortunately for the Japanese, the American assembly lines for the tank were already backlogged with various other foreign orders, primarily from West Germany.
 +
 
 +
Due to the situation, the JGSDF started working on the prototype [[Type 61 (Family)|STA]] medium tank series which eventually culminated in the [[Type 61]] MBT. During development, a single [[M47|M47 'Patton II']] was eventually sent to Japan for comparison to the domestic ST-A models. It isn't properly documented when this vehicle arrived in Japan but it has been speculated to have done so sometime in-between the completion of the [[ST-A1]]/[[ST-A2|2]] (1957) and the development of the [[ST-A3]]/4 (1960). After Japan was done with prototyping and adopting the Type 61, the M47 lost its purpose in the JGSDF and was sent to be scrapped.  
  
−
With this situation, the JGSDF started prototyping with the ST-A series to work towards the Type 61. During development, a single M47 'Patton II' was eventually sent to Japan for comparison to its domestic ST-A models. It isn't for certain when this vehicle arrived in Japan but it's high likely to be in between the completion of the ST-A1/2 (1957) and the development of the ST-A3/4 (1960).
+
Remarkably, however, it was purchased by a private collector and the tank was saved before it could be destroyed. While they may not have been the original collector as said person or organization was never specified, the M47 ended up in the private collection of Nakata Shoten Shop. Located in one of their warehouses in the Tokyo Metropolis, the "Patton II" resides alongside several other vehicles used as evaluation and service vehicles in the JSDF: an M37 HMC, an [[M36 GMC]], an [[M41A1 (Japan)|M41A1]], and an M59 APC.  
  
−
After Japan was done with prototyping and adopted the Type 61, the M47 lost its purpose and it was sent to be scrapped. However, it was saved by a private collector as the tank was obtained before it could be destroyed. While this may not have been the original collector as it is never specified, it ended up in the private collection of Nakata Shoten Shop, located in one of their warehouses, in the Tokyo Metropolis along with several other vehicles used as evaluation models and service vehicles: an M37 HMC, an M36 GMC, an M41, and an M59 APC. While it's likely the other tanks also had been deactivated due to weapons being banned, at least for the M47 it is known that it can no longer move or fire. This was due to numerous changes including: the breech being cut, the transmission and engine have been removed, and there are many 10 centimetre-wide hulls that had been drilled into the floor of the tanks.
+
While it's likely that the other vehicles were also deactivated due to Japanese civilian weapon control laws, the M47 in Tokyo is known to have been modified in ways that prevent it from being able to move or fire. Some of the changes include the breech being cut, the transmission and engine being removed, and multiple 10 centimetre-wide holes being drilled into the floor.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWX9nFcFzpw
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 227: Line 232:
 
* ''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.'' -->
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
* [[M47]]
−
 
+
* [[MKPz M47 G]]
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
* [[M47 (105/55)]]
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Revision as of 20:17, 23 March 2022

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the medium tank M47 (Japan). For other versions, see M47 (Family).
▅M47
jp_m47_patton_ii.png
GarageImage M47 (Japan).jpg
ArtImage M47 (Japan).png
▅M47
Japan flag.png Japan
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
7.3 7.3 7.3
Class:
Research:95 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:270 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The 90 mm Gun Tank M47 Patton II is a rank V Japanese medium tank with a battle rating of 7.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update "Red Skies". An M47 was sent by the US to Japan for trials to evaluate its potentials as the JGSDF was looking for a new medium tank design. The Japanese instead adopted the Type 61, which took design inspiration from the Patton.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull101 / 76 / 60
Turret121 / 63 / 76
Crew5 people
Visibility120 %

Armour type:

  • Cast homogeneous armour (Front hull, turret, cupola)
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull sides, rear and roof, turret roof, cupola roof)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 101.6 mm (59°) Upper glacis
75 mm (24-76°) MG port bulge
170 mm MG port housing
40 mm MG port
90 mm (52°) Lower glacis - Top
76.2 mm (27-54°) Lower glacis - Bottom 		85 mm Top - Front
38-50.8 mm Top - Rear
25.4 mm (67°) Bottom 		60 mm Upper plate - Centre
22.2 mm (60°) Lower glacis - Centre
38-50.8 mm Sides 		22.2 mm (0-16°)
25.4 mm (spherical) Front hatches
Turret 121 mm (spherical) Turret front - Centre and Bottom
101.6 mm Turret front - Top
62-74 mm Gun mantlet 		63.5 mm (22-27°)
16 mm (spherical) Optics port 		76.2-90 mm 25.4 mm
Cupola 76.2 mm (cylindrical) 76.2 mm (conical) Outer ring
25.4 mm Centre

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick and tracks are 30 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 25.4 mm thick.
  • Storage boxes and mudguards are 5 mm thick.
  • Turret bustle rack is 15 mm thick.

At Rank V, the M47 may not be able to survive direct hits from the 88, 100, and 122 mm calibre weapons often fielded by vehicles of the BR. It is recommended to flank enemies to survive.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB54 / 22 km/h
RB and SB49 / 20 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
2 back
Weight46.2 t
Engine power
AB1 545 hp
RB and SB810 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB33.4 hp/t
RB and SB17.5 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 54 22 46.2 1255 1,545 27.16 33.44
Realistic 49 20 716 810 15.5 17.53

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 167 → 5 458 Sl icon.png
RB4 708 → 6 167 Sl icon.png
SB6 635 → 8 691 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications77 300 Rp icon.png
129 500 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 000 Ge icon.png
Crew training78 000 Sl icon.png
Experts270 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces670 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
130 / 200 / 220 % Sl icon.png
190 / 190 / 190 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 500 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 500 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
5 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 400 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
5 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 400 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 500 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement jp.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 500 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 500 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_us_M82_APCBC_ammo_pack
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 500 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_us_M304_APCR_ammo_pack
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 500 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_us_M332_APCR_ammo_pack
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 500 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank rangefinder.png
Rangefinder
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 500 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
5 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 400 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_us_T108_HEAT_ammo_pack
Research:
5 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 400 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_us_M313_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
5 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 400 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder

Main armament

90 mm M36 cannon
Ammunition71 rounds
First-order11 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
9.7 → 7.5 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 19°
Main article: M36 (90 mm)
90 mm M36 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 71 -10°/+19° ±180° N/A 34.3 47.4 57.6 63.6 67.8 9.75 8.63 7.95 7.50
Realistic 21.4 25.2 30.6 33.8 36.0

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
M318A1 shot APBC 193 190 177 162 148 136
M82 shot APCBC 185 182 170 155 142 130
M304 shot APCR 287 281 259 234 211 191
M332 shot APCR 321 316 292 265 240 218
M431 shell HEATFS 320 320 320 320 320 320
M71A1 shell HE 13 13 13 13 13 13
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%
M318A1 shot APBC 912 10.98 N/A N/A N/A 47° 60° 65°
M82 shot APCBC 853 10.94 1.2 14 137.2 48° 63° 71°
M304 shot APCR 1,021 7.62 N/A N/A N/A 66° 70° 72°
M332 shot APCR 1,249 5.7 N/A N/A N/A 66° 70° 72°
M431 shell HEATFS 1,216 5.8 0.05 0.1 712.64 65° 72° 77°
M71A1 shell HE 732 10.55 0 0.1 925 79° 80° 81°
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)
M313 821 10.7 13 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M47 (Japan)
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
71 42 (+29) 12 (+59) 10 (+61) 7 (+64) 1 (+70) No

Notes:

  • As they are modeled by sets of 2, shells disappear from the rack only after you fire both shells in the set.
  • Shells are modeled by sets of 2 and disappear from the rack after both shells in the set having been shot or loaded.
  • Racks 3 to 5 are first stage ammo racks. They total 11 shells and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
  • These racks are also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 3 - 4 - 5 - 1 - 2.
  • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-6 into racks 8 then 7. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition1 800 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Ammunition1 600 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 30°
Main article: M2HB (12.7 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 2,200 (200) 577 N/A N/A
Pintle 1,000 (200) 577 -10°/+30° ±180°

The M47 (Japan) comes with 2 M2HB .50 cal machine guns (1 coaxial and 1 roof-mounted) that can provide a concentrated stream of heavy machine-gun fire against low-flying aircraft or lightly armoured vehicles.

Usage in battles

The M47 is often considered a "glass cannon". With a powerful gun but poor armour, it is recommended to play this vehicle carefully and conservatively. As such, it is often beneficial to use an ambush or flanking-based playstyle. Attacking enemies from soft or hard cover without being seen can maximize this tank's capabilities.

Tankers that have experience with the ST-A1, ST-A2 and to the same degree the Type 61 and ST-A3 will already be familiar with this vehicle's playstyle. The armour might be somewhat stronger than the previously mentioned vehicles but for the difference in BR and rank between them, it's about as effective against the tanks it will encounter at 7.3.

The stock M318A1 APBC shell is relatively weak compared to shells used by other vehicles. While working towards the improved M431 HEAT-FS shell, it is advisable to shoot at enemies' tracks and gun barrels if the main hull is too armored for the APBC shell to penetrate. Doing so will help to incapacitate your enemies and allow your better-armed teammates to destroy them. Additionally, the M47 shouldn't have trouble dealing with soft targets. With two .50 cal M2HB machine guns in addition to the 90 mm M36 main cannon, Light Tanks and Armoured Cars can be dispatched with ease. (On a side note, these machine guns can be used to spot enemy targets, alerting your team to their presence.)

Once the HEAT-FS shell is unlocked, the M47 can be played more like a classic medium tank. There will be few vehicles that the upgraded shell cannot penetrate. It is recommended to play near friendly vehicles in case support is needed--even with an upgraded shell, the M47 is not a lone wolf and can suffer without the backup of its allies.

The M47 has above-average mobility, and achieving flanking positions should not pose too much difficulty. However, the tank does have a high profile, which can allow it to be spotted more easily. Combined with the vehicle's poor armour, this makes it especially important to stay out of the enemy's sight.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good mobility, same handling as the M46
  • Great turret traverse speed once upgraded
  • Decent frontal armour, thicker and more sloped than the ST-A3
  • The main gun penetrate up to 320 mm of armor with HEATFS ammunition
  • Gun depression of -10° is usually sufficient to position behind short obstacles and hills

Cons:

  • Overall poor armour for the rank, especially in the turret
  • The gun is not very good with stock ammo APBC/APCR
  • HEATFS is unable to be unlocked until the rank is reached and all previous ammunition choices are researched
  • Mobility is limited until engine, filter and transmission modifications are researched

History

Main articles: M47 (Family), Type 61 (Family)

Japan started redeveloping its military in the form of the JSDF (Japanese Self Defence Forces). Previously issued with surplus WWII-era American vehicles like M4A3 Shermans, M24 Chaffees, M15A1 CGMCs and other equipment, the JGSDF (Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces) would want to gain a step up in tank development as the communist threat in Korea loomed close to the Japanese homeland. The JGSDF would attempt to get their hands on a new American medium tank that would become a staple of the Cold War, the M47 'Patton II'. Unfortunately for the Japanese, the American assembly lines for the tank were already backlogged with various other foreign orders, primarily from West Germany.

Due to the situation, the JGSDF started working on the prototype STA medium tank series which eventually culminated in the Type 61 MBT. During development, a single M47 'Patton II' was eventually sent to Japan for comparison to the domestic ST-A models. It isn't properly documented when this vehicle arrived in Japan but it has been speculated to have done so sometime in-between the completion of the ST-A1/2 (1957) and the development of the ST-A3/4 (1960). After Japan was done with prototyping and adopting the Type 61, the M47 lost its purpose in the JGSDF and was sent to be scrapped.

Remarkably, however, it was purchased by a private collector and the tank was saved before it could be destroyed. While they may not have been the original collector as said person or organization was never specified, the M47 ended up in the private collection of Nakata Shoten Shop. Located in one of their warehouses in the Tokyo Metropolis, the "Patton II" resides alongside several other vehicles used as evaluation and service vehicles in the JSDF: an M37 HMC, an M36 GMC, an M41A1, and an M59 APC.

While it's likely that the other vehicles were also deactivated due to Japanese civilian weapon control laws, the M47 in Tokyo is known to have been modified in ways that prevent it from being able to move or fire. Some of the changes include the breech being cut, the transmission and engine being removed, and multiple 10 centimetre-wide holes being drilled into the floor.

Media

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWX9nFcFzpw

See also

External links


Japan medium tanks
Type 97  Chi-Ha · Chi-Ha Kai · Chi-Ha Kai TD · Chi-Ha Short Gun
Type 1  Chi-He · Chi-He (5th Regiment) · Ho-I
Type 3  Chi-Nu · Chi-Nu II
Type 4  Chi-To · Chi-To Late
Type 5  Chi-Ri II
Type 61 MBT  ST-A1* · ST-A2* · ST-A3* · Type 61
Type 74 MBT  ST-B2* · Type 74 (C) · Type 74 (E) · Type 74 (F) · Type 74 (G)
Type 90 MBT  Type 90 · Type 90 (B) · Type 90 (B) "Fuji"
Type 10 MBT  TKX (P)* · TKX* · Type 10
Other  Ka-Chi
USA  ▅M4A3 (76) W · ▅M47
  *Prototype

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