Difference between revisions of "T54E1"
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== Description == | == Description == | ||
− | <!--''In the description, the first part | + | <!-- ''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.'' --> |
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]] | [[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]] | ||
{{break}} | {{break}} | ||
− | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} American medium tank {{Battle-rating | + | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} American medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]]. |
At first glance this tank looks very similar to the M48 and M103, since it's built on an M48 hull, but with a rather different turret. The reason for this is because it is an oscillating turret, like the ones found on contemporary french tanks like the AMX-50. The main feature which sets this tank apart from other Rank V American tanks is the automatic loader. This tank features a drum-type automatic loader, similar to the ones found on french tanks like the AMX-50 and Lorraine 40t. | At first glance this tank looks very similar to the M48 and M103, since it's built on an M48 hull, but with a rather different turret. The reason for this is because it is an oscillating turret, like the ones found on contemporary french tanks like the AMX-50. The main feature which sets this tank apart from other Rank V American tanks is the automatic loader. This tank features a drum-type automatic loader, similar to the ones found on french tanks like the AMX-50 and Lorraine 40t. | ||
− | Thus, the T54E1 inherits the hull armour of the M48, but combines it with a powerful | + | Thus, the T54E1 inherits the hull armour of the M48, but combines it with a powerful 105 mm gun, with an automatic loader. |
== 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 | + | <!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' --> |
+ | '''Armour type:''' | ||
− | + | *Cast homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret) | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | *Cast homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret) | ||
*Rolled homogeneous armour (Rear (low), Roof) | *Rolled homogeneous armour (Rear (low), Roof) | ||
Line 29: | Line 27: | ||
| Turret || 90 - 127 mm (0-65°) ''Turret front'' || 64-127 mm (13-23°) || 51 mm (0-80°) || 25-100 mm | | Turret || 90 - 127 mm (0-65°) ''Turret front'' || 64-127 mm (13-23°) || 51 mm (0-80°) || 25-100 mm | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Armour !! Sides !! Roof | + | ! Armour !! Sides !! Roof |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Cupola || 64 mm || 25 mm | + | | Cupola || 64 mm || 25 mm |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
Line 38: | Line 36: | ||
* Parts of the turret side armour are also protected by an additional layer of 64 mm | * Parts of the turret side armour are also protected by an additional layer of 64 mm | ||
* The turret ring is 127 mm thick all-round | * The turret ring is 127 mm thick all-round | ||
− | * The | + | * The mantlet ring is 200 mm thick |
* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, and tracks are 20 mm. | * Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, and tracks are 20 mm. | ||
* Belly armour is 38 mm. | * Belly armour is 38 mm. | ||
=== Mobility === | === Mobility === | ||
− | + | ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forward and backwards.'' | |
+ | |||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! colspan="3" | Mobility | + | ! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristics |
|- | |- | ||
! Weight (tons) | ! Weight (tons) | ||
− | ! | + | ! Add-on armour<br>weight (tons) |
− | ! | + | ! Max speed (km/h) |
|- | |- | ||
− | | rowspan="2" | 54.4 || | + | | rowspan="2" | 54.4 || rowspan="2" | N/A |
+ | | 48 (AB) | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | |43 (RB/SB) | + | | 43 (RB/SB) |
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower) | ! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower) | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! Mode !! Stock !! Upgraded |
− | !Stock | ||
− | !Upgraded | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | |''Arcade'' | + | | ''Arcade'' || 1,255 || 1,545 |
− | | | ||
− | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | |''Realistic/Simulator'' | + | | ''Realistic/Simulator'' || 716 || 810 |
− | |716 | ||
− | |810 | ||
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton) | ! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton) | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! Mode !! Stock !! Upgraded |
− | !Stock | ||
− | !Upgraded | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | |''Arcade'' | + | | ''Arcade'' || 23.07 || 28.40 |
− | |23.07 | ||
− | |28.40 | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | |''Realistic/Simulator'' | + | | ''Realistic/Simulator'' || 13.16 || 14.89 |
− | |13.16 | ||
− | |14.89 | ||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
Line 88: | Line 76: | ||
== 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 flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Advise about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' --> | |
{{main|T140E2 (105 mm)}} | {{main|T140E2 (105 mm)}} | ||
Line 95: | Line 83: | ||
! colspan="6" | [[T140E2 (105 mm)|105 mm T140E2]] | ! colspan="6" | [[T140E2 (105 mm)|105 mm T140E2]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! colspan=" | + | ! colspan="3" | Capacity |
− | ! | + | ! Vertical<br>guidance |
− | ! | + | ! Horizontal<br>guidance |
+ | ! Stabilizer | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | colspan=" | + | | colspan="3" | 36 || -8°/+13° || ±180° || N/A |
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) | ! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! Mode |
− | ! | + | ! Stock |
− | ! | + | ! Upgraded |
− | ! | + | ! Prior +<br>Full crew |
− | ! | + | ! Prior +<br>Expert qualif. |
− | ! | + | ! Prior +<br>Ace qualif. |
|- | |- | ||
| ''Arcade'' || 17.14 || 23.72 || 28.80 || 31.85 || 33.88 | | ''Arcade'' || 17.14 || 23.72 || 28.80 || 31.85 || 33.88 | ||
Line 116: | Line 105: | ||
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds) | ! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds) | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! Stock |
− | ! | + | ! Prior +<br>Full crew |
− | ! | + | ! Prior +<br>Expert qualif. |
− | ! | + | ! Prior +<br>Ace qualif. |
|- | |- | ||
| 5.00 || 5.00 || 5.00 || 5.00 | | 5.00 || 5.00 || 5.00 || 5.00 | ||
Line 125: | Line 114: | ||
|} | |} | ||
− | + | ==== Ammunition ==== | |
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%" | {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%" | ||
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics | ! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics | ||
|- | |- | ||
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition | ! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition | ||
− | ! rowspan="2 | + | ! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead |
− | ! colspan="6" | '''Penetration | + | ! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)''' |
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | | T182E1 || APBC || 265 || 262 || 245 || 226 || 208 || 191 | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | | T279 || APDS || 318 || 317 || 310 || 290 || 269 || 264 |
+ | |- | ||
+ | | T298E1 || HEATFS || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380 | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
|} | |} | ||
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%" | {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%" | ||
− | ! colspan=" | + | ! colspan="11" | Shell details |
|- | |- | ||
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition | ! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition | ||
− | ! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br | + | ! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead |
− | ! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br | + | ! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s) |
− | ! rowspan="2" | | + | ! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg) |
− | + | ! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m) | |
− | ! rowspan="2" | | + | ! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm) |
− | + | ! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g) | |
− | ! rowspan="2" | | + | ! rowspan="2" | Normalisation at 30°<br>from horizontal |
− | ! rowspan="2" | | + | ! colspan="3" | Ricochet |
− | ! colspan="3" | | + | |- |
+ | ! 0% !! 50% !! 100% | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | T182E1 || APBC || 1,067 || 15.9 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1.0° || 47° || 60° || 65° | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | | T279 || APDS || 1,554 || 6.2 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 75° || 78° || 80° | |
− | |||
− | |||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | | T298E1 || HEATFS || 1,128 || 10.2 || N/A || 0.1 || 1572 || +0.0° || 65° || 72° || 75° |
|- | |- | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
|} | |} | ||
− | + | ==== [[Ammo racks]] ==== | |
− | {| class="wikitable | + | [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] |
+ | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! Full<br>ammo |
− | ! | + | ! 1st<br>rack empty |
− | ! | + | ! 2nd<br>rack empty |
− | ! | + | ! 3rd<br>rack empty |
− | ! | + | ! 4th<br>rack empty |
− | ! | + | ! Visual<br>discrepancy |
|- | |- | ||
− | || '''36''' || 29 ''(+7)'' || 19 ''(+17)'' || 9 ''(+27)'' || 1 ''(+35)'' | | + | || '''36''' || 29 ''(+7)'' || 19 ''(+17)'' || 9 ''(+27)'' || 1 ''(+35)'' || No |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
+ | ==== [[Optics]] ==== | ||
+ | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
+ | ! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} Optics | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! | ||
+ | ! Default magnification | ||
+ | ! Maximum magnification | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! Main Gun optics | ||
+ | | X6.0 || X7.6 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! Comparable optics | ||
+ | | colspan="2" | ??? | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |} | ||
=== 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| | + | {{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}} |
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! colspan=" | + | ! colspan="4" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]] |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! colspan=" | + | ! colspan="4" | ''Commander cupola mount'' |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! Capacity<br>(Belt capacity) |
− | ! | + | ! Fire rate<br>(shots/minute) |
− | ! | + | ! Vertical<br>guidance |
− | ! | + | ! Horizontal<br>guidance |
|- | |- | ||
− | + | | 600 (200) || 576 || -10°/+30° || ±60° | |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! colspan=" | + | ! colspan="4" | [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]] |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! colspan=" | + | ! colspan="4" | ''Coaxial mount'' |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! Capacity<br>(Belt capacity) |
− | ! | + | ! Fire rate<br>(shots/minute) |
− | ! | + | ! Vertical<br>guidance |
− | ! | + | ! Horizontal<br>guidance |
|- | |- | ||
− | + | | 3,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A | |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
== Usage in battles == | == Usage in battles == | ||
− | ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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).'' --> |
+ | Since this tank is based on the hull of the M48, it inherits that tank's mediocre armour and top speed. But unlike the M48, this tank features a powerful 105 mm gun, meaning you'll have no problem penetrating the armour of enemy tanks. Unlike tanks with the 105 mm L7/M68 gun, this tank also has a powerful APBC round, which can be used to destroy opponents with weaker armour, like the Leopard I, or when shooting tanks from the side. This round, when it penetrates, is much more damaging than the HEAT-FS round because it creates much more spalling. For opponents with armour the APBC round can't pen, like the frontal armour on most Russian tanks, the HEAT-FS round is the most effective. Thanks to its very fast automatic loader this reloads almost twice as fast as most manually loaded tanks, meaning you'll be able to dish out serious damage in a very short time. It also means you're much better at recovering from a missed shot, since you'll be able to shoot again in just five seconds. You will have to make sure you won't empty the drum magazine of the automatic loader, since it takes more than 20 seconds to reload a single round from one of the other ammunition racks into the autoloader. | ||
− | + | Knowing this, this tank is best played in a support role, destroying tanks for your teammates, but not actively participating in close-range brawls with enemy tanks. It can be used in a flanking role, but due to its mediocre top speed it's vulnerable to being flanked itself and isn't capable of reaching good ambush positions before the enemy does. | |
− | + | === Modules === | |
+ | {| class="wikitable" | ||
+ | ! Tier | ||
+ | ! colspan="2"|Mobility | ||
+ | ! Protection | ||
+ | ! colspan="3"|Firepower | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | I | ||
+ | | Tracks | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | | Parts | ||
+ | | Horizontal Drive | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | II | ||
+ | | Suspension | ||
+ | | Brake System | ||
+ | | FPE | ||
+ | | Adjustment of Fire | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | III | ||
+ | | Filters | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | | Crew Replenishment | ||
+ | | Elevation Mechanism | ||
+ | | T298E1 | ||
+ | | NVD | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | IV | ||
+ | | Transmission | ||
+ | | Engine | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | | Artillery Support | ||
+ | | T279 | ||
+ | | Rangefinder | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |} | ||
=== Pros and cons === | === Pros and cons === | ||
− | '' | + | <!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' --> |
'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
Line 235: | Line 272: | ||
* High-penetrating HEAT-FS plus a hard-hitting solid shot round | * High-penetrating HEAT-FS plus a hard-hitting solid shot round | ||
* Good acceleration | * Good acceleration | ||
− | * The APDS round is slightly better than the ones found on the M60 and other | + | * The APDS round is slightly better than the ones found on the M60 and other 105 mm L7/M68 armed tanks |
* Like most other American tanks, this tank is fitted with a 50 cal machine gun, which is effective against lightly armoured vehicles and planes | * Like most other American tanks, this tank is fitted with a 50 cal machine gun, which is effective against lightly armoured vehicles and planes | ||
Line 241: | Line 278: | ||
* Once the first-stage ammunition stowage has been depleted, the reload time increases drastically. This can be avoided by reloading at a capture point, since rounds replenished on a capture point automatically go into the first stage ammunition rack | * Once the first-stage ammunition stowage has been depleted, the reload time increases drastically. This can be avoided by reloading at a capture point, since rounds replenished on a capture point automatically go into the first stage ammunition rack | ||
* Mediocre top speed, most contemporary tanks outpace it | * Mediocre top speed, most contemporary tanks outpace it | ||
− | * The armour doesn't really protect against HEAT-FS and APDS, both of which it'll commonly face | + | * The armour doesn't really protect against HEAT-FS and APDS, both of which it'll commonly face |
* No stabilizer, making aiming while on the move difficult | * No stabilizer, making aiming while on the move difficult | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
− | <!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the | + | <!-- ''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).'' --> |
− | No sooner than the M48 Patton began being issued to armored units, American engineers already started working on potential improvements to its design. In particular, engineers focused on upgrading the | + | No sooner than the M48 Patton began being issued to armored units, American engineers already started working on potential improvements to its design. In particular, engineers focused on upgrading the vehicle's firepower. This in turn, lead to the creation of the T54, a new vehicle based on the M48’s chassis. |
− | Initially, two versions of prototypes were planned, but a lighter and cheaper third one was proposed in 1952. All three versions of the T54 were armed with a modified version of the T5 | + | Initially, two versions of prototypes were planned, but a lighter and cheaper third one was proposed in 1952. All three versions of the T54 were armed with a modified version of the T5 105 mm gun, but featured different turrets and gun loading methods. The T54E1 was the second prototype, equipped with an oscillating turret similar to the ones found on contemporary French tanks, and a drum-fed autoloading mechanism with a capacity of 9 rounds. |
By 1957, all three prototype versions had undergone comprehensive testing at Fort Knox and the Aberdeen proving grounds. However, as the interest of the Army shifted towards the more promising T95 project, the decision was made to cancel the T54 project in 1957. A total of less than a dozen T54s were constructed, of which two were T54E1s. | By 1957, all three prototype versions had undergone comprehensive testing at Fort Knox and the Aberdeen proving grounds. However, as the interest of the Army shifted towards the more promising T95 project, the decision was made to cancel the T54 project in 1957. A total of less than a dozen T54s were constructed, of which two were T54E1s. | ||
Line 255: | Line 292: | ||
== Media == | == Media == | ||
− | '' | + | ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' |
== See also == | == See also == | ||
Line 263: | Line 300: | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
− | <!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | + | <!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' |
* ''topic on the official game forum;'' | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
− | * ''encyclopedia page on tank;'' | + | * ''encyclopedia page on the tank;'' |
− | * ''other literature.''--> | + | * ''other literature.'' --> |
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5762-development-t54e1-the-gunslinger-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> T54E1: The Gunslinger] | * [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5762-development-t54e1-the-gunslinger-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> T54E1: The Gunslinger] | ||
{{USA medium tanks}} | {{USA medium tanks}} | ||
{{USA premium ground vehicles}} | {{USA premium ground vehicles}} |
Revision as of 21:04, 18 October 2019
Contents
Description
The T54E1 is a premium rank V American medium tank
with a battle rating of 8.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.81 "The Valkyries".
At first glance this tank looks very similar to the M48 and M103, since it's built on an M48 hull, but with a rather different turret. The reason for this is because it is an oscillating turret, like the ones found on contemporary french tanks like the AMX-50. The main feature which sets this tank apart from other Rank V American tanks is the automatic loader. This tank features a drum-type automatic loader, similar to the ones found on french tanks like the AMX-50 and Lorraine 40t.
Thus, the T54E1 inherits the hull armour of the M48, but combines it with a powerful 105 mm gun, with an automatic loader.
General info
Survivability and armour
Armour type:
- Cast homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret)
- Rolled homogeneous armour (Rear (low), Roof)
Armour | Front (Slope angle) | Sides | Rear | Roof |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hull | 85-200 mm (59-74°) Front glacis 63-200 mm (13-60°) Lower glacis |
76 mm (8-43°) Front 51 mm (0-43°) Rear |
35 mm (26-32°) Top 25 mm (61-62°) Bottom |
25.4-57 mm |
Turret | 90 - 127 mm (0-65°) Turret front | 64-127 mm (13-23°) | 51 mm (0-80°) | 25-100 mm |
Armour | Sides | Roof | ||
Cupola | 64 mm | 25 mm |
Notes:
- Parts of the turret side armour are also protected by an additional layer of 64 mm
- The turret ring is 127 mm thick all-round
- The mantlet ring is 200 mm thick
- Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, and tracks are 20 mm.
- Belly armour is 38 mm.
Mobility
Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forward and backwards.
Mobility characteristics | ||
---|---|---|
Weight (tons) | Add-on armour weight (tons) |
Max speed (km/h) |
54.4 | N/A | 48 (AB) |
43 (RB/SB) | ||
Engine power (horsepower) | ||
Mode | Stock | Upgraded |
Arcade | 1,255 | 1,545 |
Realistic/Simulator | 716 | 810 |
Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton) | ||
Mode | Stock | Upgraded |
Arcade | 23.07 | 28.40 |
Realistic/Simulator | 13.16 | 14.89 |
Armaments
Main armament
105 mm T140E2 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Capacity | Vertical guidance |
Horizontal guidance |
Stabilizer | ||
36 | -8°/+13° | ±180° | N/A | ||
Turret rotation speed (°/s) | |||||
Mode | Stock | Upgraded | Prior + Full crew |
Prior + Expert qualif. |
Prior + Ace qualif. |
Arcade | 17.14 | 23.72 | 28.80 | 31.85 | 33.88 |
Realistic | 10.71 | 12.6 | 15.3 | 16.92 | 18 |
Reloading rate (seconds) | |||||
Stock | Prior + Full crew |
Prior + Expert qualif. |
Prior + Ace qualif. | ||
5.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 |
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 | ||
T182E1 | APBC | 265 | 262 | 245 | 226 | 208 | 191 |
T279 | APDS | 318 | 317 | 310 | 290 | 269 | 264 |
T298E1 | HEATFS | 380 | 380 | 380 | 380 | 380 | 380 |
Shell details | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ammunition | Type of warhead |
Velocity (m/s) |
Projectile Mass (kg) |
Fuse delay (m) |
Fuse sensitivity (mm) |
Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g) |
Normalisation at 30° from horizontal |
Ricochet | ||
0% | 50% | 100% | ||||||||
T182E1 | APBC | 1,067 | 15.9 | N/A | N/A | N/A | -1.0° | 47° | 60° | 65° |
T279 | APDS | 1,554 | 6.2 | N/A | N/A | N/A | +1.5° | 75° | 78° | 80° |
T298E1 | HEATFS | 1,128 | 10.2 | N/A | 0.1 | 1572 | +0.0° | 65° | 72° | 75° |
Ammo racks
Full ammo |
1st rack empty |
2nd rack empty |
3rd rack empty |
4th rack empty |
Visual discrepancy |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
36 | 29 (+7) | 19 (+17) | 9 (+27) | 1 (+35) | No |
Optics
T54E1 Optics | ||
---|---|---|
Default magnification | Maximum magnification | |
Main Gun optics | X6.0 | X7.6 |
Comparable optics | ??? |
Machine guns
12.7 mm M2HB | |||
---|---|---|---|
Commander cupola mount | |||
Capacity (Belt capacity) |
Fire rate (shots/minute) |
Vertical guidance |
Horizontal guidance |
600 (200) | 576 | -10°/+30° | ±60° |
7.62 mm M1919A4 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Coaxial mount | |||
Capacity (Belt capacity) |
Fire rate (shots/minute) |
Vertical guidance |
Horizontal guidance |
3,000 (250) | 500 | N/A | N/A |
Usage in battles
Since this tank is based on the hull of the M48, it inherits that tank's mediocre armour and top speed. But unlike the M48, this tank features a powerful 105 mm gun, meaning you'll have no problem penetrating the armour of enemy tanks. Unlike tanks with the 105 mm L7/M68 gun, this tank also has a powerful APBC round, which can be used to destroy opponents with weaker armour, like the Leopard I, or when shooting tanks from the side. This round, when it penetrates, is much more damaging than the HEAT-FS round because it creates much more spalling. For opponents with armour the APBC round can't pen, like the frontal armour on most Russian tanks, the HEAT-FS round is the most effective. Thanks to its very fast automatic loader this reloads almost twice as fast as most manually loaded tanks, meaning you'll be able to dish out serious damage in a very short time. It also means you're much better at recovering from a missed shot, since you'll be able to shoot again in just five seconds. You will have to make sure you won't empty the drum magazine of the automatic loader, since it takes more than 20 seconds to reload a single round from one of the other ammunition racks into the autoloader.
Knowing this, this tank is best played in a support role, destroying tanks for your teammates, but not actively participating in close-range brawls with enemy tanks. It can be used in a flanking role, but due to its mediocre top speed it's vulnerable to being flanked itself and isn't capable of reaching good ambush positions before the enemy does.
Modules
Tier | Mobility | Protection | Firepower | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
I | Tracks | Parts | Horizontal Drive | |||
II | Suspension | Brake System | FPE | Adjustment of Fire | ||
III | Filters | Crew Replenishment | Elevation Mechanism | T298E1 | NVD | |
IV | Transmission | Engine | Artillery Support | T279 | Rangefinder |
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Very fast reload, thanks to its auto-loader this tank has a 5.0 second reload
- High-penetrating HEAT-FS plus a hard-hitting solid shot round
- Good acceleration
- The APDS round is slightly better than the ones found on the M60 and other 105 mm L7/M68 armed tanks
- Like most other American tanks, this tank is fitted with a 50 cal machine gun, which is effective against lightly armoured vehicles and planes
Cons:
- Once the first-stage ammunition stowage has been depleted, the reload time increases drastically. This can be avoided by reloading at a capture point, since rounds replenished on a capture point automatically go into the first stage ammunition rack
- Mediocre top speed, most contemporary tanks outpace it
- The armour doesn't really protect against HEAT-FS and APDS, both of which it'll commonly face
- No stabilizer, making aiming while on the move difficult
History
No sooner than the M48 Patton began being issued to armored units, American engineers already started working on potential improvements to its design. In particular, engineers focused on upgrading the vehicle's firepower. This in turn, lead to the creation of the T54, a new vehicle based on the M48’s chassis.
Initially, two versions of prototypes were planned, but a lighter and cheaper third one was proposed in 1952. All three versions of the T54 were armed with a modified version of the T5 105 mm gun, but featured different turrets and gun loading methods. The T54E1 was the second prototype, equipped with an oscillating turret similar to the ones found on contemporary French tanks, and a drum-fed autoloading mechanism with a capacity of 9 rounds.
By 1957, all three prototype versions had undergone comprehensive testing at Fort Knox and the Aberdeen proving grounds. However, as the interest of the Army shifted towards the more promising T95 project, the decision was made to cancel the T54 project in 1957. A total of less than a dozen T54s were constructed, of which two were T54E1s.
- From Devblog
Media
Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.
See also
Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:
- reference to the series of the vehicles;
- links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.
External links
USA medium tanks | |
---|---|
M2 | M2 |
M3 | M3 Lee · ▃Grant I |
M4 | M4 · Calliope · M4A1 · M4A1 (76) W · M4A2 · M4A2 (76) W · M4A3 (105) · M4A3 (76) W · M4/T26 |
M26 Pershing | T20 · T25 · M26 · M26 T99 · M26E1 |
M46/47/48 Patton | M46 · M46 "Tiger" · M47 · M48A1 · T54E1 · T54E2 |
M60 | M60 · M60A1 (AOS) · M60A1 RISE (P) · M60A2 · M60A3 TTS · M728 CEV · 120S |
MBT-70 | MBT-70 · XM803 |
M1 Abrams | XM1 (Chrysler) · XM1 (GM) |
M1 Abrams · M1 KVT · IPM1 | |
M1A1 · M1A1 HC · M1A1 Click-Bait | |
M1A2 Abrams · M1A2 SEP · M1A2 SEP V2 | |
Other | T95E1 |
Australia | M1A1 AIM |
Canada | M4A5 |
Israel | ▃Magach 3 (ERA) · ▃Merkava Mk.1 · ▃Merkava Mk.2B · ▃Merkava Mk.3D |
Turkey | M60 AMBT |
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 |