STB-2

STB-2

▅M47

Type 74 (C)

STB-2

▅M47

Type 74 (C)

Japan

V Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
8.3	8.3	8.3

Class:

Medium tank

Research:105 000

Purchase:300 000

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Description

The STB-2 is a Rank V Japanese medium tank with a battle rating of 8.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced along with the entire Japanese Ground Forces tree in Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai". The prototype of the Type 74, the STB-1 presents many features that would be in the final design.

The STB-1 is the first researchable tank in Japan's Ground Forces Rank V. Despite having considerable more armour than its comparable counterparts the Leopard 1 and Leopard A1A1, as well as comparable mobility, it is not recommended as a front-line tank like the 'Allied' counterparts. Instead, a cautious hit-and-run tactic like the Leopards should always be employed. Using the tank's hydropneumatic suspension correctly can help with the tank's depression, and in some cases, aid in survivability. Do note that the L7 on this tank reloads significantly longer than other L7-equipped tanks.

The STB-1 is unique among being one of the only Japanese tanks that can take a hit, like the Type 4 Chi-To Late and Type 5 Ho-Ri Production. It has thick frontal hull armour that can bounce shots effectively, but should not be relied on. The tank is quite fast and is further aided by the Hydropneumatic suspension, which allows this tank to manoeuvre the battlefield much like a Leopard, however the abundance of larger, more open maps at higher ranks means that getting from point A to B - and not getting shot - is not a simple as it sounds.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour	Front	Sides	Rear	Roof
Hull	40-80 mm (64-73°) Front glacis 100 (26°), 80 mm (58-66°)Lower glacis	35-40 mm (44°) Top 40 mm (0-55°) Bottom	25 mm (1-46°)	20 mm
Turret	132 mm (12-66°) Turret front 100-200 mm (1-66°) Gun mantlet	132 mm (1-54°) 75 mm (26-61°) Rear	40 mm (1-64°) 40 mm (36-82°) Turret underside	67 mm Front 20 mm Rear
Armour	Sides	Roof
Cupola	30 mm	30 mm

Notes:

• Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.
• Driver's vision port on the front glacis are only 50 mm thick.
• Hull roof is rated to be 54 mm effective against HE.

Mobility

Mobility characteristic
Weight (tons)	Add-on Armour weight (tons)	Max speed (km/h)
37.8	N/A	59 (AB)
		53 (RB/SB)
Engine power (horsepower)
Mode	Stock	Upgraded
Arcade	1,162	1,431
Realistic/Simulator	663	750
Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Mode	Stock	Upgraded
Arcade	30.74	37.86
Realistic/Simulator	17.54	19.84

Armaments

Main armament

105 mm L7A3
Capacity			Vertical guidance	Horizontal guidance	Stabilizer
50			-6°/+9°	±180°	Two-plane
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode	Stock	Upgraded	Prior + Full crew	Prior + Expert qualif.	Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade	22.85	37.9	38.4	42.5	__.__
Realistic	14.28	16.8	20.4	22.6	__.__
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock	Prior + Full crew	Prior + Expert qualif.	Prior + Ace qualif.
10.8	9.6	8.8	__.__

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition	Type of warhead	Penetration in mm @ 90°
		10m	100m	500m	1000m	1500m	2000m
M392A2	APDS	303	302	296	277	257	252
M393	HESH	127	127	127	127	127	127
M456	HEATFS	400	400	400	400	400	400

Shell details
Ammunition	Type of warhead	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%
M392A2	APDS	1,478	5.8	N/A	N/A	N/A	+1.5°	75°	78°	80°
M393	HESH	730	15	0.4	0.1	4,310	+0°	73°	77°	80°
M456	HEATFS	1,173	11	0.0	0.1	1,270	+0°	65°	72°	75°

Ammo racks

Full ammo	1st rack empty	2nd rack empty	3rd rack empty	4th rack empty	Visual discrepancy
50	44 (+6)	16 (+34)	10 (+40)	1 (+49)	No

Hull floor empty: 44 (+6)

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB
Pintle mount
Capacity (Belt capacity)				Fire rate (shots/minute)	Vertical guidance	Horizontal guidance
660 (200)				577	-10°/+40°	±180°

7.62 mm M1919A4
Coaxial mount
Capacity (Belt capacity)				Fire rate (shots/minute)	Vertical guidance	Horizontal guidance
4,500 (250)				500	N/A	N/A

Usage in the battles

The STB-1, while often compared as a 'better' Leopard 1, should still be treated carefully as a tank. Aggressive play is not unsafe and can be very rewarding at times. Keep in mind the STB-1 has a chance of bouncing, but most shots in the turret result in loss of horizontal turret drive, cannon breech, or essential crew.

The STB's biggest threats are agile vehicles with fast reloads. Due to a reload that is longer than many other tanks you want your first shot to disable their gun.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Highly mobile, comparable to the German Leopard I.
• More armour than the German Leopard (around 100m hull and turret).
• 105 mm L7 cannon found on other NATO tanks.
• May bounce APHE shells.
• Low profile.
• Utilization of hydropneumatic suspension allows for various offensive and defensive options.
• 12.7 mm Browning Machine Gun.

Cons:

• Other areas are lightly armoured, vulnerable to high penetrating SPAA.
• Reload and top speed slower than Leopard.
• Small gun elevation angle.
• Engine vulnerable to some aircraft with powerful guns.

History

The prototype for the Type 74. Known in Japanese as 74式戦車の試作車STB-1 (ななよんしきせんしゃのしさくしゃSTB-1). Created in September 1969 along with STB-2 in the STT program. Due to issues with cost effectiveness these two prototypes were not considered for the replacement of the Type 61. In a bid to reduce costs STB-3, STB-4, STB-5 and STB-6 were produced between April 1970 to December 1971. The final judgement for the STT program was held in November 1973 which lead the line to be completed in 1974. And, production started the following year in 1975 for the Type 74.

Media

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

Read also

• [Profile] STB-1: Steel Ninja

Sources

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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