Difference between revisions of "T29"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
''In the description, the first part needs to 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 the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
+
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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 the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
 +
[[File:GarageImage_T29.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''Heavy Tank T29''' is a gift Rank IV American heavy tank with a battle rating 6.7. The T29 was introduced in the [[Update 1.59 "Flaming Arrows"]] as a gift vehicle and was available on the Gaijin store for pre-order before the update. The T29 is a formidable heavy tank that introduces the 105 mm T5 cannon in a rotating turret rather than in the fixed case-mate setting on the [[T95]], with a tougher-than-average gun mantlet, and a sloped, but slightly thin hull.
 +
 
 +
The T29 is perhaps one of the most formidable heavy tanks at Rank IV, right up there with the [[IS-2 mod. 1944|IS-2]] and [[Tiger II]]s. With the 105 mm cannon, the T29 can engage most enemies it faces on the battlefield from the front, often destroying an enemy tank with a single shot with the extremely powerful T13 APCBC rounds, and with armor thick enough to block most incoming rounds. The T29 can act as the "damage sponge" of the team by directing most of the enemy fire towards it. It can also act as a sniping tank by setting it in the back or sides and fire at any unsuspecting enemy tank. A simple APCBC round can destroy even the strongest tank if it penetrates the side armor. Another useful advantage is that the tank is well rounded, but is directed to being a heavy tank in arcade, making it especially powerful. It has average mobility for the heavy tank class, but has a lower top speed than it's main rivals, the IS-2 mod. 1944 and the Tiger IIs, better than only than the Caernarvon. However, it possesses above average acceleration, making it more suited for dense environments. It's gun also possesses a high muzzle velocity, making sniping a viable option.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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 helpfull for survival in combat?''
+
<!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpfull for survival in combat?''
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
+
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull sides, Hull rear)
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 102 mm (52-56°) ''Front Glacis'' <br> 70.25 mm (26-59°) ''Bottom Glacis'' <br> 102 mm (6-81°) ''Machine gun port'' || 76.2 mm ''Front'' <br> 51 mm ''Rear'' || 51 mm (9°) ''Upper'' <br> 19 mm (11-66°) ''Lower'' || 38.1 mm
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 158.7 mm (18-31°) ''Turret front'' <br> 203 mm (0-9°) ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 305 mm (1-57°) ''Gun mantlet border'' || 158.7 mm (3-42°) || 102 mm (1-20°) ''Rear'' <br> 50 mm (63-84°) ''Bottom of turret overhang'' || 38.1 mm
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Cupola || 152.4 mm || 38.1 mm
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
* Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick while tracks are 30 mm thick.
 +
* Front belly armour is 25.4 mm thick while the rear is 13 mm.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
−
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''
+
<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''-->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
 +
|-
 +
! Weight (tons)
 +
!colspan="1" | Add-on Armor<br>weight (tons)
 +
!colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
|rowspan="2" | 64.2 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 37 (AB)
 +
|-
 +
|35 (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="1" | Mode
 +
!Stock
 +
!Upgraded
 +
|-
 +
|''Arcade''
 +
|994
 +
|1,224
 +
|-
 +
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 +
|681
 +
|770
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="1" | Mode
 +
!Stock
 +
!Upgraded
 +
|-
 +
|''Arcade''
 +
|15.48
 +
|19.06
 +
|-
 +
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 +
|10.61
 +
|11.99
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibilty of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
+
<!--''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibilty of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
 +
{{main|T5E2 (105 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | [[T5E2 (105 mm)|105 mm T5E2]]
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="4" | 63 || -10°/+15° || ±180°
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
 +
|-
 +
! style="width:4em" |Mode
 +
! style="width:4em" |Stock
 +
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 +
|-
 +
| ''Arcade'' || 10.71 || 14.80 || 18.00 || 19.90 || 21.20
 +
|-
 +
| ''Realistic'' || 10.71 || 12.60 || 15.30 || 16.90 || 18.00
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 +
|-
 +
| 16.25 || 14.38 || 13.25 || 12.50
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===== Ammunition =====
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 +
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 +
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
 +
|-
 +
! 10m
 +
! 100m
 +
! 500m
 +
! 1000m
 +
! 1500m
 +
! 2000m
 +
|-
 +
| T32 || APCBC || 258 || 248 || 218 || 190 || 178 || 155
 +
|-
 +
| T13 || APCBC || 219 || 217 || 207 || 193 || 181 || 171
 +
|-
 +
| T29E3 || APCR || 315 || 310 || 285 || 251 || 223 || 196
 +
|-
 +
| T30E1 || HE || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 +
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
 +
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
 +
''in m:''
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
 +
''in mm:''
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 +
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 +
|-
 +
! 0%
 +
! 50%
 +
! 100%
 +
|-
 +
| T32 || 975 || 18 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 +
|-
 +
| T13 || 899 || 19 || 1.2 || 20 || 177.38 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 +
|-
 +
| T29E3 || 1128 || 11 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 66° || 70° || 72°
 +
|-
 +
| T30E1 || 945 || 15 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 1,550 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
=== Additional armament ===
+
===== [[Ammo Racks|Ammo racks]] =====
−
''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Ammo<br/>Part
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |6th<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |7th<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |8th<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |9th<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
|| '''63''' || style="text-align:right" | ''Projectiles''<br />''Propellants'' || 62&nbsp;''(+1)''<br />62&nbsp;''(+1)'' || 56&nbsp;''(+7)''<br />56&nbsp;''(+7)'' || 48&nbsp;''(+15)''<br />48&nbsp;''(+15)'' || 41&nbsp;''(+22)''<br />41&nbsp;''(+22)'' || 34&nbsp;''(+29)''<br />34&nbsp;''(+29)'' || 27&nbsp;''(+36)''<br />27&nbsp;''(+36)'' || 17&nbsp;''(+46)''<br />17&nbsp;''(+46)'' || 7&nbsp;''(+56)''<br />7&nbsp;''(+56)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+62)''<br />1&nbsp;''(+62)'' || style="text-align:left" | no
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
−
''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|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="4" | 1,000 (200) || 576 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount #1''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="4" | 1,200 (200) || 576 || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount #2''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="4" | 1,200 (200) || 576 || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
== Usage in the battles ==
 
== Usage in the 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 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 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).''-->
 +
*'''Offensive:''' When playing offensively with the T29, there are two ways to do it. The more common and safer strategy in an offensive role is for the T29 to team up with another tank, preferably a heavy or medium tank. Move up to the enemy while covering each other, leap frog each time so one tank snipes at enemy while the other moves to a cover position with an advantageous firing position, then keep advancing at a safe pace. The other is to get right up in their face, only giving them shots at the T29's tough frontal armor. As aggressive this strategy is, it leaves the T29 open to attacks from the side and rear. This is a last ditch strategy generally. In either offense strategy, the biggest risk is getting too far ahead from the rest of the friendly team, leaving the T29 vulnerable and without any supporting fire.
 +
 
 +
*'''Defensive:''' Hull down, the T29 truly shines. Frontally, its turret is tough and the cheeks are sloped enough to bounce most shots. The only real target available would be the small cupola on the turret roof and the turret ring if it is not covered. While the gun barrel is vulnerable to being broken, a moderate crew can repair it in seconds. Although the gun depression isn't as great as other American tanks, it still provides an advantage in hilly terrain. When in the right spot, the player can devastate the enemy team with almost no risk to themselves by exposing only the gun barrel and the top of the mantlet. Do note that there are certain spots and ports in the mantlet that can be penetrated even by a Wirbelwind using Pz GR 40. Players experienced with American heavies can find a good spot that will provide them ample cover while they support the team. Wiggling the turret while reloading can make the enemy bounce, same tactics as seen with the IS-2. Be wary that some shots to the lower gun mantlet has the potential of bouncing the shot down into the thin hull roof.
 +
 
 +
===Specific enemies worth noting===
 +
<!--Some concerning vehicles to worry about if playing this tank and how to fight them in an encounter. (i.e. Tiger II - shoot the turret cheeks)-->
 +
* [[Tiger II (P)]] and [[Tiger II (H)|(H)]]: These are going to be the most common and equal enemy in the T29. While most of the T29's front armor can take on the 88 mm APCBC round, APCR can penetrate the front mantlet of the turret. It can also aim for the lower glacis on the hull, which will knock-out the driver and can repeatedly do this until the entire crew gets knocked out. To fight the Tiger II's, aim at the "cheeks" of the turret with any ammo, preferably the right as that is where the gunner sits. Using the T32 APBC ammo, there is a chance that it can penetrate the Tiger II's front glacis at close range (less than 100 meters) and the lower glacis from even further, making the T32 round probably the most preferable round to use against the Tiger II's front. If the T29 can get the Tiger's side though, a simple T13 APCBC round can turn a Tiger II into a fiery ball of fire.
 +
* [[Pz.Kpfw. VI Ausf. B mit 10.5cm KwK L/68|Tiger II 10.5 cm]]: Though the same rule applies to the 88 mm Tiger II, take extreme caution as the 10.5 cm cannon can devastate the T29's interior if it penetrates, and it can from the front.
 +
* [[Jagdpanther]]: Equipped with the same 88 as on the Tiger II, this TD can do some damage if it can get a good shot off the T29. However, the T29's 105 mm cannon can easily penetrate through its front glacis, just don't shoot too close to the gun or the gun mantlet may bounce it.
 +
* [[Ferdinand]]: The greater armor on this tank destroyer makes it harder to fight in a long-range engagement. However, if the T29 can get closer, the flat armor space on the top superstructure and the hull front can prove more vulnerable. Of course, getting to the side of this tank destroyer is a guaranteed point if an APCBC round can be landed into it.
 +
* [[SU-152|SU]]/[[ISU-152|ISU-152]]: While easily destroyed by one shot of the 105 mm cannon, the 152 mm howitzer still can do unspeakable damage if it hits the T29's vulnerable turret and hull roof.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
−
 
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
* Powerful 105 mm gun, similar to the [[T95]].
−
 
+
* Fast reload time compared to Soviet 122 mm & German 105 mm (12.5 seconds by Ace crew).
 +
* Fast turret traverse speed (up to 18°/second) with good vertical gun guidance speed.
 +
* Has U.S. standard gun depression: -10°.
 +
* T32 APBC can penetrate heavily armored target (such as the [[Panther II]] upper glacis in which the T13 APCBC-HE cannot penetrate).
 +
* T13 APCBC has big amount of HE filler (177 gr TNT-equivalent), every successful penetration is devastating.
 +
* T29E3 APCR can penetrate [[Jagdtiger]]'s superstructure quite easily from dead ahead.
 +
* Heavily armored turret with 203 mm thick mantlet combined with 20 mm spall shield.
 +
* Good overall frontal hull armor with spare tracks to protect it from first strike.
 +
* Center lower glacis can bounce shots if angled correctly (59° constructional armor slope + hull angling).
 +
* Wide tracks can absorb enemy shells if lucky.
 +
* Explosive-resistant propellant rack.
 +
* Maneuverable for its weight (64 tons).
 +
* Reaches top speed easily (35 km/h top speed).
 +
* Good acceleration 19.8 MPH (32 km/h) and reverse speed -7.4 MPH (-12 km/h).
 +
* 3x .50 cal machine guns are perfect for lightly armored vehicles & disrupting enemy's gun scope.
 +
* 3x .50 cal machine guns can destroy tank tracks with sustained firing.
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
* Relatively big size, easy to identify on contact (although comparable to King Tiger by overall size).
 +
* The gun is frequently damaged by enemy fire due to wide muzzle brake.
 +
* T32 APBC lacks damage due to poor solid AP performance mechanics.
 +
* T13 APCBC-HE has below than average penetration (with muzzle velocity of 899 m/s).
 +
* T29E3 APCR lacks damage due to poor solid AP performance mechanics.
 +
* The gun optic is a weakspot. Although the additional spall shield can protect it short from autocannon HVAP shot.
 +
* Thin turret roof armor (38 mm) that can be shot by tanks with high angle gun position.
 +
* Has U.S. standard side armor thickness (76 mm), using the hull armor to deflect shots is not recommended.
 +
* Lightly armored lower glacis for its BR, [[Pz.Kpfw. VI Ausf. E|Tiger I]] can penetrate it by shooting at the side end of its glacis.
 +
* Storing additional ammo will store the projectile in the turret, will explode violently if penetrated.
 +
* Contrary to popular beliefs, the 2x coaxial .50 cal machine guns are not supported as anti-aircraft weapon.
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
 +
===Development===
 +
Projects for a dedicated heavy tank for the U.S. Armed Forces began in March 1944 as a response to the German heavy tanks that have been popping up in Europe. While the T26E3 tank, later known as the [[M26 Pershing]] was slated to be the next-generation American tank, it was still considered unsuitable against the even heavier [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II]]. A project to increase the armour and firepower commenced to counter this problem, the project titled '''Heavy Tank T29'''. Using design elements from the T26E3 with thicker armour and lengthened hull, the T29 also was equipped with the [[105 mm Gun T5]], a gun in development alongside the heavy assault tank [[105mm Gun Motor Carriage T95|T95]]. Other features included a 770 hp Ford GAC engine, armour thickness up to 279 mm effective, and a coincidence range-finder. The heavy armour and armament made the tank weigh about 64 tons, making it a close match to the Tiger II.
 +
 
 +
Though the T29 was monstrous itself, side projects involving the T29 crafted the ''T30 Heavy Tank''. Itself similar to the T29 in terms of armour, but featured a monstrous 155 mm Gun T7 with a more powerful engine and an extra crew member to facilitate loading the gun.
 +
 
 +
===Effect in World War II===
 +
Throughout World War II, the T29 and the T30 stayed in development under priority "limited procurement". Eventually, the war in Europe ended in May 1945, but the small ordered stayed in hope it may be useful in the Japan invasion in Operation Downfall. That hope was smashed as well when Japan surrendered in September 1945, ending World War II. Even if an operation commenced that used these vehicle, the Army Ground Forces objected to the use of such heavy equipment due to the lack of adequate transporters. Further production was cancelled in the post-war demilitarization.
 +
 
 +
===Post World War Effect===
 +
The heavy tank concept didn't end with the war and a final attempt was made to remake the T29 into a more modern, lethal weapon system. This produced the ''[[Heavy Tank T34|T34 Heavy Tank]]'', which mounted a 120 mm gun based on the M1 anti-aircraft gun. The caliber made an adequate balance of firepower and loading ease between the 105 mm and the 155 mm used in the T29 and T30. In fact, the two T34 pilot models made were a converted T29 and T30. However, the demilitarization took down the T34 program as well, but the experience in this project help engineers in the development of the ''[[120 mm Gun Tank M103|M103 Heavy Tank]]''.
 +
 
 +
Today, there are a few T29s still in display across the United States, most of them residing in storage at Fort Benning, Georgia where they will be used as display in the future National Armor and Cavalry Museum.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
 
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
 +
 +
==References==
 +
<references />
  
 
== Read also ==
 
== Read also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
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[http://warthunder.com/en/news/3731-development-t29-the-experimental-monster-video-added-en/ [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> T29: The Experimental Monster + video added]
  
 
== Sources ==
 
== Sources ==
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
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{{USA heavy tanks}}
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{{USA premium ground vehicles}}

Revision as of 20:17, 12 October 2018

T29
us_t29.png
T29
USA flag.png USA
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
7.0 7.0 6.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
STORE

Description

GarageImage T29.jpg


The Heavy Tank T29 is a gift Rank IV American heavy tank with a battle rating 6.7. The T29 was introduced in the Update 1.59 "Flaming Arrows" as a gift vehicle and was available on the Gaijin store for pre-order before the update. The T29 is a formidable heavy tank that introduces the 105 mm T5 cannon in a rotating turret rather than in the fixed case-mate setting on the T95, with a tougher-than-average gun mantlet, and a sloped, but slightly thin hull.

The T29 is perhaps one of the most formidable heavy tanks at Rank IV, right up there with the IS-2 and Tiger IIs. With the 105 mm cannon, the T29 can engage most enemies it faces on the battlefield from the front, often destroying an enemy tank with a single shot with the extremely powerful T13 APCBC rounds, and with armor thick enough to block most incoming rounds. The T29 can act as the "damage sponge" of the team by directing most of the enemy fire towards it. It can also act as a sniping tank by setting it in the back or sides and fire at any unsuspecting enemy tank. A simple APCBC round can destroy even the strongest tank if it penetrates the side armor. Another useful advantage is that the tank is well rounded, but is directed to being a heavy tank in arcade, making it especially powerful. It has average mobility for the heavy tank class, but has a lower top speed than it's main rivals, the IS-2 mod. 1944 and the Tiger IIs, better than only than the Caernarvon. However, it possesses above average acceleration, making it more suited for dense environments. It's gun also possesses a high muzzle velocity, making sniping a viable option.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour type:

  • Cast homogeneous armour
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull sides, Hull rear)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 102 mm (52-56°) Front Glacis
70.25 mm (26-59°) Bottom Glacis
102 mm (6-81°) Machine gun port 		76.2 mm Front
51 mm Rear 		51 mm (9°) Upper
19 mm (11-66°) Lower 		38.1 mm
Turret 158.7 mm (18-31°) Turret front
203 mm (0-9°) Gun mantlet
305 mm (1-57°) Gun mantlet border 		158.7 mm (3-42°) 102 mm (1-20°) Rear
50 mm (63-84°) Bottom of turret overhang 		38.1 mm
Armour Sides Roof
Cupola 152.4 mm 38.1 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick while tracks are 30 mm thick.
  • Front belly armour is 25.4 mm thick while the rear is 13 mm.

Mobility

Mobility characteristic
Weight (tons) Add-on Armor
weight (tons) 		Max speed (km/h)
64.2 N/A 37 (AB)
35 (RB/SB)
Engine power (horsepower)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 994 1,224
Realistic/Simulator 681 770
Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 15.48 19.06
Realistic/Simulator 10.61 11.99

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: T5E2 (105 mm)
105 mm T5E2
Capacity Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance
63 -10°/+15° ±180°
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade 10.71 14.80 18.00 19.90 21.20
Realistic 10.71 12.60 15.30 16.90 18.00
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
16.25 14.38 13.25 12.50
Ammunition
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration in mm @ 90°
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
T32 APCBC 258 248 218 190 178 155
T13 APCBC 219 217 207 193 181 171
T29E3 APCR 315 310 285 251 223 196
T30E1 HE 20 20 20 20 20 20
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
in m/s 		Projectile
Mass in kg 		Fuse delay

in m:

Fuse sensitivity

in mm:

Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent): 		Normalization At 30°
from horizontal: 		Ricochet:
0% 50% 100%
T32 975 18 N/A N/A N/A +4° 48° 63° 71°
T13 899 19 1.2 20 177.38 +4° 48° 63° 71°
T29E3 1128 11 N/A N/A N/A +1.5° 66° 70° 72°
T30E1 945 15 0.1 0.5 1,550 +0° 79° 80° 81°
Ammo racks
Full
ammo 		Ammo
Part 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		7th
rack empty 		8th
rack empty 		9th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
63 Projectiles
Propellants 		62 (+1)
62 (+1) 		56 (+7)
56 (+7) 		48 (+15)
48 (+15) 		41 (+22)
41 (+22) 		34 (+29)
34 (+29) 		27 (+36)
27 (+36) 		17 (+46)
17 (+46) 		7 (+56)
7 (+56) 		1 (+62)
1 (+62) 		no

Machine guns

Main article: Browning M2 (12.7 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB
Pintle mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute) 		Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance
1,000 (200) 576 -10°/+50° ±120°
Coaxial mount #1
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute) 		Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance
1,200 (200) 576 N/A N/A
Coaxial mount #2
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute) 		Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance
1,200 (200) 576 N/A N/A

Usage in the battles

  • Offensive: When playing offensively with the T29, there are two ways to do it. The more common and safer strategy in an offensive role is for the T29 to team up with another tank, preferably a heavy or medium tank. Move up to the enemy while covering each other, leap frog each time so one tank snipes at enemy while the other moves to a cover position with an advantageous firing position, then keep advancing at a safe pace. The other is to get right up in their face, only giving them shots at the T29's tough frontal armor. As aggressive this strategy is, it leaves the T29 open to attacks from the side and rear. This is a last ditch strategy generally. In either offense strategy, the biggest risk is getting too far ahead from the rest of the friendly team, leaving the T29 vulnerable and without any supporting fire.
  • Defensive: Hull down, the T29 truly shines. Frontally, its turret is tough and the cheeks are sloped enough to bounce most shots. The only real target available would be the small cupola on the turret roof and the turret ring if it is not covered. While the gun barrel is vulnerable to being broken, a moderate crew can repair it in seconds. Although the gun depression isn't as great as other American tanks, it still provides an advantage in hilly terrain. When in the right spot, the player can devastate the enemy team with almost no risk to themselves by exposing only the gun barrel and the top of the mantlet. Do note that there are certain spots and ports in the mantlet that can be penetrated even by a Wirbelwind using Pz GR 40. Players experienced with American heavies can find a good spot that will provide them ample cover while they support the team. Wiggling the turret while reloading can make the enemy bounce, same tactics as seen with the IS-2. Be wary that some shots to the lower gun mantlet has the potential of bouncing the shot down into the thin hull roof.

Specific enemies worth noting

  • Tiger II (P) and (H): These are going to be the most common and equal enemy in the T29. While most of the T29's front armor can take on the 88 mm APCBC round, APCR can penetrate the front mantlet of the turret. It can also aim for the lower glacis on the hull, which will knock-out the driver and can repeatedly do this until the entire crew gets knocked out. To fight the Tiger II's, aim at the "cheeks" of the turret with any ammo, preferably the right as that is where the gunner sits. Using the T32 APBC ammo, there is a chance that it can penetrate the Tiger II's front glacis at close range (less than 100 meters) and the lower glacis from even further, making the T32 round probably the most preferable round to use against the Tiger II's front. If the T29 can get the Tiger's side though, a simple T13 APCBC round can turn a Tiger II into a fiery ball of fire.
  • Tiger II 10.5 cm: Though the same rule applies to the 88 mm Tiger II, take extreme caution as the 10.5 cm cannon can devastate the T29's interior if it penetrates, and it can from the front.
  • Jagdpanther: Equipped with the same 88 as on the Tiger II, this TD can do some damage if it can get a good shot off the T29. However, the T29's 105 mm cannon can easily penetrate through its front glacis, just don't shoot too close to the gun or the gun mantlet may bounce it.
  • Ferdinand: The greater armor on this tank destroyer makes it harder to fight in a long-range engagement. However, if the T29 can get closer, the flat armor space on the top superstructure and the hull front can prove more vulnerable. Of course, getting to the side of this tank destroyer is a guaranteed point if an APCBC round can be landed into it.
  • SU/ISU-152: While easily destroyed by one shot of the 105 mm cannon, the 152 mm howitzer still can do unspeakable damage if it hits the T29's vulnerable turret and hull roof.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful 105 mm gun, similar to the T95.
  • Fast reload time compared to Soviet 122 mm & German 105 mm (12.5 seconds by Ace crew).
  • Fast turret traverse speed (up to 18°/second) with good vertical gun guidance speed.
  • Has U.S. standard gun depression: -10°.
  • T32 APBC can penetrate heavily armored target (such as the Panther II upper glacis in which the T13 APCBC-HE cannot penetrate).
  • T13 APCBC has big amount of HE filler (177 gr TNT-equivalent), every successful penetration is devastating.
  • T29E3 APCR can penetrate Jagdtiger's superstructure quite easily from dead ahead.
  • Heavily armored turret with 203 mm thick mantlet combined with 20 mm spall shield.
  • Good overall frontal hull armor with spare tracks to protect it from first strike.
  • Center lower glacis can bounce shots if angled correctly (59° constructional armor slope + hull angling).
  • Wide tracks can absorb enemy shells if lucky.
  • Explosive-resistant propellant rack.
  • Maneuverable for its weight (64 tons).
  • Reaches top speed easily (35 km/h top speed).
  • Good acceleration 19.8 MPH (32 km/h) and reverse speed -7.4 MPH (-12 km/h).
  • 3x .50 cal machine guns are perfect for lightly armored vehicles & disrupting enemy's gun scope.
  • 3x .50 cal machine guns can destroy tank tracks with sustained firing.

Cons:

  • Relatively big size, easy to identify on contact (although comparable to King Tiger by overall size).
  • The gun is frequently damaged by enemy fire due to wide muzzle brake.
  • T32 APBC lacks damage due to poor solid AP performance mechanics.
  • T13 APCBC-HE has below than average penetration (with muzzle velocity of 899 m/s).
  • T29E3 APCR lacks damage due to poor solid AP performance mechanics.
  • The gun optic is a weakspot. Although the additional spall shield can protect it short from autocannon HVAP shot.
  • Thin turret roof armor (38 mm) that can be shot by tanks with high angle gun position.
  • Has U.S. standard side armor thickness (76 mm), using the hull armor to deflect shots is not recommended.
  • Lightly armored lower glacis for its BR, Tiger I can penetrate it by shooting at the side end of its glacis.
  • Storing additional ammo will store the projectile in the turret, will explode violently if penetrated.
  • Contrary to popular beliefs, the 2x coaxial .50 cal machine guns are not supported as anti-aircraft weapon.

History

Development

Projects for a dedicated heavy tank for the U.S. Armed Forces began in March 1944 as a response to the German heavy tanks that have been popping up in Europe. While the T26E3 tank, later known as the M26 Pershing was slated to be the next-generation American tank, it was still considered unsuitable against the even heavier Tiger II. A project to increase the armour and firepower commenced to counter this problem, the project titled Heavy Tank T29. Using design elements from the T26E3 with thicker armour and lengthened hull, the T29 also was equipped with the 105 mm Gun T5, a gun in development alongside the heavy assault tank T95. Other features included a 770 hp Ford GAC engine, armour thickness up to 279 mm effective, and a coincidence range-finder. The heavy armour and armament made the tank weigh about 64 tons, making it a close match to the Tiger II.

Though the T29 was monstrous itself, side projects involving the T29 crafted the T30 Heavy Tank. Itself similar to the T29 in terms of armour, but featured a monstrous 155 mm Gun T7 with a more powerful engine and an extra crew member to facilitate loading the gun.

Effect in World War II

Throughout World War II, the T29 and the T30 stayed in development under priority "limited procurement". Eventually, the war in Europe ended in May 1945, but the small ordered stayed in hope it may be useful in the Japan invasion in Operation Downfall. That hope was smashed as well when Japan surrendered in September 1945, ending World War II. Even if an operation commenced that used these vehicle, the Army Ground Forces objected to the use of such heavy equipment due to the lack of adequate transporters. Further production was cancelled in the post-war demilitarization.

Post World War Effect

The heavy tank concept didn't end with the war and a final attempt was made to remake the T29 into a more modern, lethal weapon system. This produced the T34 Heavy Tank, which mounted a 120 mm gun based on the M1 anti-aircraft gun. The caliber made an adequate balance of firepower and loading ease between the 105 mm and the 155 mm used in the T29 and T30. In fact, the two T34 pilot models made were a converted T29 and T30. However, the demilitarization took down the T34 program as well, but the experience in this project help engineers in the development of the M103 Heavy Tank.

Today, there are a few T29s still in display across the United States, most of them residing in storage at Fort Benning, Georgia where they will be used as display in the future National Armor and Cavalry Museum.

Media

An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.

References


Read also

[Devblog] T29: The Experimental Monster + video added

Sources

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


USA heavy tanks
M4 Jumbo  M4A3E2 · Cobra King · M4A3E2 (76) W
M6  M6A1 · T1E1 · T1E1 (90) · M6A2E1
T26  T26E1-1 · T26E5
T29/30/34  T29 · T30 · T34
T32  T32 · T32E1
M103  M103
Others  T14

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

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