Difference between revisions of "BT-7A (F-32)"

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(Fixed some errors and added mobility and armor sections)
(Main armament)
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{{Specs-Card|code=ussr_bt_7a_f32}}
+
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=ussr_bt_7a_f32
 +
|market=BT-7 (F-32) (USSR)
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
<!--[[File:GarageImage BT-7 (F-32).jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
{{break}}-->
+
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
The '''{{specs|name}}''' is a rank {{specs|rank}} Soviet light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update 1.89 "Imperial_Navy"]] as one of the rewards for Operation H.E.A.T. It uses the same chassis as the [[BT-7]] and as such posses the same armor, engine and crew layout but adds a new turret fitted with the F-32 76mm gun.
+
{{Break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]] as one of the rewards for Operation H.E.A.T. It uses the same chassis as the [[BT-7]] and as such, possesses the same armour, engine and crew layout but adds a new turret fitted with the F-32 76 mm gun.
  
The BT-7 (F-32) is a fast tank with thin armour for its BR. It should be used to flank and spot enemy tanks, taking advantage of it's very high top speed. The armour is very well angled at certain points, however being as thin as it is, don't count on it to protect you very well; your speed can be your best defense, so move fast and try to zig-zag a bit to make yourself a more difficult target for tanks farther away (not too much though, or you'll bleed off too much speed).
+
The BT-7 (F-32) is a fast tank with thin armour for its BR. It should be used to flank and spot enemy tanks, taking advantage of its very high top speed. The armour is very well angled at certain points, however being as thin as it is, don't count on it to protect you very well. Your speed can be your best defence, so move fast and try to zig-zag a bit to make yourself a more difficult target for tanks farther away (not too much though, or you'll bleed off too much speed).
  
The BT-7 (F-32) uses the Christie suspension of the BT-7. Closer to a race-car than a tank, this lightning on tracks is fun to drive, but not particularly easy. With its high top speed and lightweight, this tank will drift in turns. For maximum control in turns, reduce throttle beforehand and the only tip/nudge the turn-keys. It needs some time to get used to, however, it does prepare you for the T-34s break-turns. It is important to note that the tank as an impressive inertia when turning on the move, as such it will continue to turn after you released the command.
+
The BT-7 (F-32) uses the Christie suspension of the BT-7. Closer to a race-car than a tank, this lightning on tracks is fun to drive, but not particularly easy. With its high top speed and light weight, this tank will drift in turns. For maximum control in turns, reduce throttle beforehand and only tip/nudge the turn-keys. It needs some time to get used to, however, it does prepare you for the T-34s break-turns. It is important to note that the tank has impressive inertia when turning on the move, as such it will continue to turn even after you have released the command.
  
Off-road behaviour is good and the aforementioned drifts aren't as extreme as on city-roads. Top speed is not reduced as well, making the BT-7 (F-32) one of the fastest light tanks of its BR due to its very wide tracks. It has the best Power to Weight ratio when compared to the [[M24]], [[Crusader Mk III]], [[Sd.Kfz.234/2]] and [[M5A1]] but offers the second worst reverse speed behind the Crusader.
+
Off-road behaviour is good and the aforementioned drifts aren't as extreme as on city-roads. Top speed is not reduced as well, making the BT-7 (F-32) one of the fastest light tanks of its BR due to its very wide tracks. It has the best Power to Weight ratio when compared to the [[M24]], [[Crusader Mk III]], [[Sd.Kfz.234/2]] and [[M5A1]] but offers the second-worst reverse speed behind the Crusader.
  
The crew compartment is very small and inhabited by the driver, a Loader and a Gunner. The turret crew opperate in a very small environnement as such it is very rare that only one of them would die from a shot. "Not getting shot at" is the best advice for the crew to survive.
+
The crew compartment is very small and inhabited by the driver, a loader and a gunner. The turret crew operate in a very small environment, so it is very rare that only one of them would die from a shot. "Not getting shot at" is the best advice for the crew to survive.
  
The BT-7 (F-32)Tank's successor would be the famous T-34 medium tank, introduced in 1940, which would replace all of the Soviet fast tanks, infantry tanks, and medium tanks then in service.
+
The BT-7 (F-32) tank's successor would be the famous T-34 medium tank, introduced in 1940, which would replace all of the Soviet fast tanks, infantry tanks, and medium tanks then in service.
  
 
== 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 helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 +
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
+
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
* Rolled homogeneous armour
+
* Cast homogeneous armour (MG port)
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
!Armour
 
!Front
 
!Sides
 
!Rear
 
!Roof
 
 
|-
 
|-
|Hull
+
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|15 mm (61°) ''Front glacis''  
+
|-
20 mm (18°) ''Driver's hatch''  
+
| Hull || 15 mm (61°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 20 mm (18°) ''Driver's hatch'' <br> 20 mm (cylindrical) ''Lower hull'' || 20 mm ''Front'' <br> 15 + 4 mm ''Rear'' || 10 mm (55°) ''Top'' <br> 13 mm (16°) ''Bottom'' <br> 13 mm (58°) ''Lower glacis'' || 10 mm <br> 4 mm ''Engine vents''
20 mm (5-59°) ''Lower hull''
+
|-
|20 mm ''Front''  
+
| Turret || 15 mm (6-12°) ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 15 mm (cylindrical) ''Turret front'' <br> 15 mm ''MG port'' ||  15mm ''Front'' <br> 13mm ''Rear'' || 13mm ''Rear'' <br> 15mm ''MG port'' || 10mm
15 mm ''Rear''
 
|10 mm (55°) ''Top''  
 
13 mm (16-58°) ''Bottom''
 
|10 mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
|Turret
 
|15 mm (7-53°) ''Gun mantlet''
 
15 mm (13-14°) ''Turret front''
 
 
13mm ''Mg port''
 
|15mm ''Front''
 
13mm ''Rear''
 
|13mm ''Rear''
 
15mm ''Mg port''
 
|10mm
 
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
 +
* Suspension wheels, tracks and torsion bars are 15 mm thick.
 +
* Belly armour is 6 mm thick and mudguards are 4 mm thick.
 +
* There is an inner wall (4 mm thick) acting as spaced armour along the flanks of the tanks and separating the engine compartment from the crew compartment.
  
Tracks and suspension wheel are both 15 mm thick.
+
Being lightly armoured, the {{PAGENAME}} is very vulnerable to nearby ammo rack detonations and bomb blasts.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
{| class="wikitable"
+
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
!
+
 
!Mobility characteristic
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 620|rbMinHp= 354}}
!
 
|-
 
!Weight (tons)
 
!Add-on Armor
 
weight (tons)
 
!Max speed (km/h)
 
|-
 
|13.7
 
|N/A
 
|60 (AB)
 
  
54 (RB/SB)
+
As a light tank, the {{PAGENAME}} is very agile and has a very high top speed. Due to its high HP ratio, the acceleration is outstanding: 59 km/h in about 6 seconds off-road. The brakes are powerful and will make it skid rather than slow down when travelling at maximum speed. The reverse speed is good (-11 km/h): it will get you out of a dangerous situation quickly. While the {{PAGENAME}} lacks neutral steering, the turning speed on the spot is still good (8 km/h). It reaches 20 km/h when fording, 27 km/h when driving uphill with some speed built-up but only 13 km/h uphill from a stop. The narrow tracks will grant you a decent mobility on hard terrain (solid ground, roads) but poor mobility on soft terrain (mud, snow, sand), especially when changing direction as the tracks are long and close to one another. Light obstacles (fences and bushes) are not a problem but medium to large obstacles (posts, trees, concrete blocks and parked vehicles) will reduce your mobility: avoid them.
|-
 
!
 
!Engine power (horsepower)
 
!
 
|-
 
!Mode
 
!Stock
 
!Upgraded
 
|-
 
|''Arcade''
 
|620
 
|763
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|354
 
|400
 
|-
 
!
 
!Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 
!
 
|-
 
!Mode
 
!Stock
 
!Upgraded
 
|-
 
|''Arcade''
 
|45.25
 
|55.69
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|25.84
 
|29.20
 
|}
 
  
 
== 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. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
{{main|F-32 (76 mm)}}
 
{{main|F-32 (76 mm)}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="6" | [[F-32 (76 mm)|76 mm F-32]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[F-32 (76 mm)|76 mm F-32]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
+
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
+
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
+
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan="3" | 50 || -6°/+25° || ±180° || N/A
+
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 50 || rowspan="2" | -6°/+25° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 15.23 || 21.08 || 25.6 || 28.31 || 30.12 || rowspan="2" | 8.19 || rowspan="2" | 7.25 || rowspan="2" | 6.68 || rowspan="2" | 6.30
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
+
! ''Realistic''
|-
+
| 9.52 || 11.20 || 13.60 || 15.04 || 16.00
! 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'' ||15.23||21.08|| _.__ || _.__ || _.__
 
|-
 
| ''Realistic'' ||9.52||11.2|| _.__ || _.__ || _.__
 
|-
 
! 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.
 
|-
 
| 8.1 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
===== Ammunition =====
+
The F-32 gun offers a good penetration power at its battle rating. Its below-average muzzle velocity still allows for pretty flat firing trajectories. The accuracy drop is noticeable from 1,000 m distance and becomes a handicap over 1,300 m. The rotation speed of the turret is rather slow but average compared to other tanks at the same rank or battle rating. The elevation angle of the gun is important, allowing you to fire at an elevated position but the depression angle is poor, making it impossible to fire from behind a ridge. Lacking a stabilizer, the tank can't reliably fire on the move. The reload time of the gun is rather long but in line with other tanks equipped with a 76 mm cannon at the same BR. The gun recoil is average for a Soviet vehicle and not important enough to throw your gun off target after firing.
 +
 
 +
==== Ammunition ====
 +
The available ammunition allows for engaging all types of targets:
 +
 
 +
* '''BR-350A (MD-5 fuze)''': APHEBC; an armour-piercing shell with high explosive mass that will destroy any tank it penetrates but has an average penetration power.
 +
* '''BR-350B (MD-8 fuze)''': APHEBC; the same shell but with an increased penetration power at the cost of slightly less explosive filler.
 +
* '''OF-350M''': HE; useful for destroying open and lightly armoured vehicles.
 +
* '''Sh-354T''': Shrapnel; useful against vehicles that are resistant to the HE shells but too thinly armoured to trigger the fuzes of AP shells.
 +
* '''D-350A''': Smoke; useful to blind enemy vehicles that are too remote for you to disable so that you can progress towards objectives.
 +
 
 
{| 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" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
+
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
+
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
|-
 
|-
! 10m
+
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
! 100m
 
! 500m
 
! 1000m
 
! 1500m
 
! 2000m
 
 
|-
 
|-
| BR-350A || APHEBC ||78||76||69||61||53||47
+
| BR-350A (MD-5 fuze) || APHEBC || 78 || 76 || 69 || 61 || 53 || 47
 
|-
 
|-
| BR-350B || APHEBC ||86||84||76||67||59||52
+
| BR-350B (MD-8 fuze) || APHEBC || 86 || 84 || 76 || 67 || 59 || 52
|-  
+
|-
| OF-350M || HE ||10||10||10||10||10||10
+
| OF-350M || HE || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10
|-  
+
|-
| Sh-354T || Shrapnel || 37 || 35 || 29 || 25 || 20 || 17  
+
| Sh-354T || Shrapnel || 37 || 35 || 29 || 25 || 20 || 17
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="11" | Shell details
+
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
|-
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
+
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
+
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
+
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
+
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
''in m:''
+
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
+
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
''in mm:''
+
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 
 
|-
 
|-
! 0%
+
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
! 50%
 
! 100%
 
 
|-
 
|-
| BR-350A || APHEBC || 615 || 6.3 || 0.15 || 10.0 || 150 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
+
| BR-350A (MD-5 fuze) || APHEBC || 615 || 6.3 || 1.2 || 14 || 150 || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
|-
 
|-
| BR-350B || APHEBC || 615 || 6.8 || 0.9 || 15 || 108.8 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
+
| BR-350B (MD-8 fuze) || APHEBC || 615 || 6.3 || 0.9 || 14 || 98.56 || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-  
+
|-
| OF-350M || HE || 615 || 6.2 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 621 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
+
| OF-350M || HE || 615 || 6.2 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 621 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-  
+
|-
| Sh-354T || Shrapnel || 615 || 6.2 || 0.5 || 8.0 || 85 || +0° || 62° || 69° || 73°
+
| Sh-354T || Shrapnel || 615 || 6.2 || 0.5 || 8 || 85 || 62° || 69° || 73°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="7" | Smoke characteristic
+
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Ammunition
 
! Ammunition
! Velocity <br /> in m/s
+
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
! Projectile<br />Mass in kg
+
! Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
! ''Screen radius <br /> in m''
+
! Screen radius<br>(m)
! ''Screen time <br /> in s''
+
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
! ''Screen hold time <br /> in s:''
+
! Screen hold time<br>(s)
! ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
+
! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
|-
 
|-
| D-350A || 680 || 6.45 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50  
+
| D-350A || 680 || 6.45 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
+
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
'''Last updated: 1.101.0.75'''
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
+
! Full<br>ammo
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br /> rack empty
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br /> rack empty
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br /> rack empty
+
! 3rd<br>rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br /> rack empty
+
! 4th<br>rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
+
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
|| '''50''' ||47 (+3)||39 (+11)||31 (+19)||1 (+49)|| style="text-align:center" | Yes
+
| '''50''' || 47&nbsp;''(+3)'' || 39&nbsp;''(+11)'' || 31&nbsp;''(+19)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+49)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Turret and sides empty: 31 (+19)
+
Notes:
 
+
* Racks are modeled by sets of 2 shells. They disappear from the rack once all shells in the set have been loaded/fired.
=== Machine guns ===
+
* Turret and sides empty: 31 (+19)
''Main article'': '''''[[DT (7.62 mm)]]'''''
 
  
 +
<!--
 +
==== [[Optics]] ====
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} Optics
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="7" | [[DT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm DT]]
+
!
 +
! Default magnification
 +
! Maximum magnification
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
+
! Main Gun optics
 +
| X1.9 || X3.5
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
! Comparable optics
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
+
| colspan="2;" style="text-align:center;" | ???
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan="4" | 1,890 (63) || 600 || N/A || N/A
+
|}
 +
-->
 +
 
 +
=== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{main|DT (7.62 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[DT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm DT]]
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount''
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
| Coaxial || 1,890 (63) || 600 || N/A || N/A
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan="4" | 1,890 (63) || 600 || N/A || N/A
+
| Pintle mount || 1,890 (63) || 600 || -10°/+15° || ±180°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
The small caliber of the DT machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help. The clip capacity of the machine gun is quite poor, as it relies on a magazine of 63 bullets instead of a belt like similar machine guns from other nations.
 +
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
 +
;Combat tactics
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} is a light tank and should be played as such: flank the opposing forces, surprise the enemy, take a shot before they can react and get to cover before other enemy tanks come to help and engage your light tank.
  
== Usage in the battles ==
+
* Avoid rushing into the enemy head-on, staying in the open and exposing yourself.
The BT-7 (F-32) is a light tank and should be played as such, try to suprise the enemy, take a shot before he can react and get to cover before his teammates sends you to the hangar.
+
* Prioritise flanking, taking the least traveled path and "sneak-peek" attacks.
 +
* Always be on the move: change positions after having destroyed an enemy and retreat if needed. Mobility is key to your survival.
 +
* Use your light tank's abilities to spot hiding enemies and help with repairs.
  
Avoid rushing into a group of enemy head on and exposing yourself for too long instead prioritise flanking and "sneek peek" attacks.
+
;Notable enemies:
 +
Any tank is capable of easily penetrating your thin armour.
 +
Here is the ammunition type by order of lethality:
 +
* shells with explosive damage (HEAT, HE);
 +
* shells with post-penetration damage (APHE, APCBC);
 +
* autocannon rounds (API-T, HVAP, etc.);
 +
* heavy caliber MG rounds.
  
Stay away from intense enemy fire and common AA such as the [[Wirbelwind]] and [[R3 T20 FA-HS]] who can easily shred through your paper thin armor.
+
;Defeating a {{PAGENAME}}
 +
* With a limited crew of 3, any penetrating shot with good post-penetration damage in the crew compartment means the destruction of your vehicle.
 +
* In a frontal encounter, aim for the driver's hatch / pike nose under the turret.
 +
* When flanking, aim for the flanks right under the turret. Follow up with a shot at the driver's position if it survives.
  
Use your light tanks abilities to spot targets and help with teammates repairs.
+
=== Modules ===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Tier
 +
! colspan="2"|Mobility
 +
! Protection
 +
! colspan="3"|Firepower
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Tracks
 +
|
 +
| Parts
 +
| Horizontal Drive
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
| Suspension
 +
| Brake System
 +
| FPE
 +
| Adjustment of Fire
 +
| Airstrike
 +
| BR-350B (MD-8 fuze)
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Filters
 +
|
 +
| Crew Replenishment
 +
| Elevation Mechanism
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
| Transmission
 +
| Engine
 +
|
 +
| Artillery Support
 +
| Improved optics
 +
| D-350A
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" |This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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 certain definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 +
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
 
 
* Very fast and nimble
 
* Very fast and nimble
 
* Excellent offroad capability
 
* Excellent offroad capability
 
* Powerful engine and wide tracks make the BT-7 a good climber
 
* Powerful engine and wide tracks make the BT-7 a good climber
* Excellent cannon with a good rate of fire and 150g explosive shell.
+
* Excellent cannon with a good rate of fire and 150 g explosive shell
* Performs well even when uptiered
+
* Performs well even when up-tiered
* Slighly better gun depression than other 76mm counterparts (-6° over -5°)
+
* Slightly better gun depression than other 76mm counterparts (-6° over -5°)
 +
* Features active scouting, repair assistance unlike other BT tanks
 +
* Additional DT machine gun on pintle mount useful for spotting, attacking open-topped vehicles
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 
 
* Exposed tracks and suspensions are prone to be damaged
 
* Exposed tracks and suspensions are prone to be damaged
* Very thin armor and packed crew expecialy for 3.0
+
* Very thin armour and packed crew especially for 3.0
 
* Pretty large and difficult to hide
 
* Pretty large and difficult to hide
 
* Difficult to drive with precision - can slew on turns and bounces a lot after braking.
 
* Difficult to drive with precision - can slew on turns and bounces a lot after braking.
 
* More flat un-angled areas than BT-5
 
* More flat un-angled areas than BT-5
* Vulnerable to heavy  machine gun fire
+
* Vulnerable to heavy  machine gunfire
 
* Sometimes stalls on turns on soft terrain
 
* Sometimes stalls on turns on soft terrain
 
*
 
  
 
== 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).'' -->
 
=== Development ===
 
=== Development ===
 
The success of the [[BT-5|BT light tanks]] in Soviet service prompted additional upgrades and other developmental projects done on the design to increase its service life. The development led to the final model of the BT light tank series, the '''BT-7'''. The tank differed from the older BT-5 tank with a welded hull, redesigned hull front, and a new engine in the Model 1935 version. The '''Model 1937''' version of the BT-7 added a redesigned turret that featured sloping armour.
 
The success of the [[BT-5|BT light tanks]] in Soviet service prompted additional upgrades and other developmental projects done on the design to increase its service life. The development led to the final model of the BT light tank series, the '''BT-7'''. The tank differed from the older BT-5 tank with a welded hull, redesigned hull front, and a new engine in the Model 1935 version. The '''Model 1937''' version of the BT-7 added a redesigned turret that featured sloping armour.
  
The BT-7 (F32) is a modification of the BT-7 Artillery model sometimes called BT-7A. The artillery model took the design of the T-26-4 turret fitted with a KT-28 short-barrelled howitzer and mounted a 76 mm (3 in) CT short-barrelled howitzer. Due to the extra weight of the turret the BT lost its ability to drive on the road wheels. 155 BT-7A model were created, 11 converted into command version and only a few were tested with a bigger 76 mm gun, the F-32 gun designed by the infamous Soviet Weapon designer, Vasily Grabin.
+
The BT-7 (F32) is a modification of the BT-7 Artillery model sometimes called BT-7A. The artillery model took the design of the T-26-4 turret fitted with a KT-28 short-barrelled howitzer and mounted a 76 mm (3 in) CT short-barrelled howitzer. Due to the extra weight of the turret, the BT lost its ability to drive on the road wheels. 155 BT-7A model was created, 11 converted into command version and only a few were tested with a bigger 76 mm gun, the F-32 gun designed by the infamous Soviet weapon designer, Vasily Grabin.
  
The tanks saw limited service during the early stages of Second World War, or “Great Patriotic War”. The last reported action of the vehicles was in the Kiev district and Moscow in 1941. The tanks were also reportedly used in Manchuria against the Japanese.
+
The tanks saw limited service during the early stages of the Second World War, or "Great Patriotic War". The last reported action of the vehicles was in the Kiev district and Moscow in 1941. The tanks were also reportedly used in Manchuria against the Japanese.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
[https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_bt_7a_f32 Skins and camouflages for the BT-7 (F-32) from live.warthunder]
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=ussr&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=light_tank&vehicle=ussr_bt_7a_f32 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|yNt_CfnoyCw|'''The Shooting Range #161''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:35 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|SA4z2cWvcHg|'''{{PAGENAME}}, Soviet, Tier-2, Light Tank, Operation HEAT Reward''' - ''Angry Nerd Gaming''|eKVYCmjw5jM|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''Napalmratte''}}
 +
 
 +
== 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.'' -->
  
== Read also ==
+
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
'''Notable equivalents :'''
+
* [[BT-7]]
  
* [[m24]] American 3.3 light tank
+
;Vehicles equipped with the same gun
* [[Sd.Kfz.234/2]] German 2.7 light tank
+
* [[KV-1E]] / {{Specs-Link|germ_kv_1B_finland}}
* [[Crusader Mk III]] British 2.7 light tank
 
* [[AMX-13 (FL11)]] French 3.3 light tank
 
  
== Sources ==
+
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
* [[M24 (Family)]]
 +
* [[Sd.Kfz.234/2]]
 +
* [[Crusader Mk III]]
 +
* [[AMX-13 (FL11)]]
  
* http://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/soviet/bt-7-artillery
+
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 +
* ''other literature.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* [[wt:en/news/6294/current|[Devblog] BT-7 (F-32): Assault Scout]]
  
 
{{USSR light tanks}}
 
{{USSR light tanks}}
 +
{{USSR premium ground vehicles}}

Revision as of 02:19, 22 September 2020

BT-7A (F-32)
ussr_bt_7a_f32.png
BT-7A (F-32)
AB RB SB
3.7 3.7 3.7
Show in game
MARKET

Description

GarageImage BT-7A (F-32).jpg


The BT-7A (F-32) is a premium gift rank II Soviet light tank with a battle rating of 3.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced during Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy" as one of the rewards for Operation H.E.A.T. It uses the same chassis as the BT-7 and as such, possesses the same armour, engine and crew layout but adds a new turret fitted with the F-32 76 mm gun.

The BT-7 (F-32) is a fast tank with thin armour for its BR. It should be used to flank and spot enemy tanks, taking advantage of its very high top speed. The armour is very well angled at certain points, however being as thin as it is, don't count on it to protect you very well. Your speed can be your best defence, so move fast and try to zig-zag a bit to make yourself a more difficult target for tanks farther away (not too much though, or you'll bleed off too much speed).

The BT-7 (F-32) uses the Christie suspension of the BT-7. Closer to a race-car than a tank, this lightning on tracks is fun to drive, but not particularly easy. With its high top speed and light weight, this tank will drift in turns. For maximum control in turns, reduce throttle beforehand and only tip/nudge the turn-keys. It needs some time to get used to, however, it does prepare you for the T-34s break-turns. It is important to note that the tank has impressive inertia when turning on the move, as such it will continue to turn even after you have released the command.

Off-road behaviour is good and the aforementioned drifts aren't as extreme as on city-roads. Top speed is not reduced as well, making the BT-7 (F-32) one of the fastest light tanks of its BR due to its very wide tracks. It has the best Power to Weight ratio when compared to the M24, Crusader Mk III, Sd.Kfz.234/2 and M5A1 but offers the second-worst reverse speed behind the Crusader.

The crew compartment is very small and inhabited by the driver, a loader and a gunner. The turret crew operate in a very small environment, so it is very rare that only one of them would die from a shot. "Not getting shot at" is the best advice for the crew to survive.

The BT-7 (F-32) tank's successor would be the famous T-34 medium tank, introduced in 1940, which would replace all of the Soviet fast tanks, infantry tanks, and medium tanks then in service.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (MG port)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 15 mm (61°) Front glacis
20 mm (18°) Driver's hatch
20 mm (cylindrical) Lower hull
20 mm Front
15 + 4 mm Rear
10 mm (55°) Top
13 mm (16°) Bottom
13 mm (58°) Lower glacis
10 mm
4 mm Engine vents
Turret 15 mm (6-12°) Gun mantlet
15 mm (cylindrical) Turret front
15 mm MG port
15mm Front
13mm Rear
13mm Rear
15mm MG port
10mm

Notes

  • Suspension wheels, tracks and torsion bars are 15 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 6 mm thick and mudguards are 4 mm thick.
  • There is an inner wall (4 mm thick) acting as spaced armour along the flanks of the tanks and separating the engine compartment from the crew compartment.

Being lightly armoured, the BT-7A (F-32) is very vulnerable to nearby ammo rack detonations and bomb blasts.

Mobility

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 55 11 13.7 620 763 45.26 55.69
Realistic 50 10 354 400 25.84 29.2

As a light tank, the BT-7A (F-32) is very agile and has a very high top speed. Due to its high HP ratio, the acceleration is outstanding: 59 km/h in about 6 seconds off-road. The brakes are powerful and will make it skid rather than slow down when travelling at maximum speed. The reverse speed is good (-11 km/h): it will get you out of a dangerous situation quickly. While the BT-7A (F-32) lacks neutral steering, the turning speed on the spot is still good (8 km/h). It reaches 20 km/h when fording, 27 km/h when driving uphill with some speed built-up but only 13 km/h uphill from a stop. The narrow tracks will grant you a decent mobility on hard terrain (solid ground, roads) but poor mobility on soft terrain (mud, snow, sand), especially when changing direction as the tracks are long and close to one another. Light obstacles (fences and bushes) are not a problem but medium to large obstacles (posts, trees, concrete blocks and parked vehicles) will reduce your mobility: avoid them.

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: F-32 (76 mm)
76 mm F-32 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 50 -6°/+25° ±180° N/A 15.23 21.08 25.6 28.31 30.12 8.19 7.25 6.68 6.30
Realistic 9.52 11.20 13.60 15.04 16.00

The F-32 gun offers a good penetration power at its battle rating. Its below-average muzzle velocity still allows for pretty flat firing trajectories. The accuracy drop is noticeable from 1,000 m distance and becomes a handicap over 1,300 m. The rotation speed of the turret is rather slow but average compared to other tanks at the same rank or battle rating. The elevation angle of the gun is important, allowing you to fire at an elevated position but the depression angle is poor, making it impossible to fire from behind a ridge. Lacking a stabilizer, the tank can't reliably fire on the move. The reload time of the gun is rather long but in line with other tanks equipped with a 76 mm cannon at the same BR. The gun recoil is average for a Soviet vehicle and not important enough to throw your gun off target after firing.

Ammunition

The available ammunition allows for engaging all types of targets:

  • BR-350A (MD-5 fuze): APHEBC; an armour-piercing shell with high explosive mass that will destroy any tank it penetrates but has an average penetration power.
  • BR-350B (MD-8 fuze): APHEBC; the same shell but with an increased penetration power at the cost of slightly less explosive filler.
  • OF-350M: HE; useful for destroying open and lightly armoured vehicles.
  • Sh-354T: Shrapnel; useful against vehicles that are resistant to the HE shells but too thinly armoured to trigger the fuzes of AP shells.
  • D-350A: Smoke; useful to blind enemy vehicles that are too remote for you to disable so that you can progress towards objectives.
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
BR-350A (MD-5 fuze) APHEBC 78 76 69 61 53 47
BR-350B (MD-8 fuze) APHEBC 86 84 76 67 59 52
OF-350M HE 10 10 10 10 10 10
Sh-354T Shrapnel 37 35 29 25 20 17
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%
BR-350A (MD-5 fuze) APHEBC 615 6.3 1.2 14 150 48° 63° 71°
BR-350B (MD-8 fuze) APHEBC 615 6.3 0.9 14 98.56 48° 63° 71°
OF-350M HE 615 6.2 0.05 0.1 621 79° 80° 81°
Sh-354T Shrapnel 615 6.2 0.5 8 85 62° 69° 73°
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)
D-350A 680 6.45 13 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the BT-7A (F-32)

Last updated: 1.101.0.75

Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
50 47 (+3) 39 (+11) 31 (+19) (+49) No

Notes:

  • Racks are modeled by sets of 2 shells. They disappear from the rack once all shells in the set have been loaded/fired.
  • Turret and sides empty: 31 (+19)


Machine guns

Main article: DT (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm DT
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 1,890 (63) 600 N/A N/A
Pintle mount 1,890 (63) 600 -10°/+15° ±180°

The small caliber of the DT machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help. The clip capacity of the machine gun is quite poor, as it relies on a magazine of 63 bullets instead of a belt like similar machine guns from other nations.

Usage in battles

Combat tactics

The BT-7A (F-32) is a light tank and should be played as such: flank the opposing forces, surprise the enemy, take a shot before they can react and get to cover before other enemy tanks come to help and engage your light tank.

  • Avoid rushing into the enemy head-on, staying in the open and exposing yourself.
  • Prioritise flanking, taking the least traveled path and "sneak-peek" attacks.
  • Always be on the move: change positions after having destroyed an enemy and retreat if needed. Mobility is key to your survival.
  • Use your light tank's abilities to spot hiding enemies and help with repairs.
Notable enemies

Any tank is capable of easily penetrating your thin armour. Here is the ammunition type by order of lethality:

  • shells with explosive damage (HEAT, HE);
  • shells with post-penetration damage (APHE, APCBC);
  • autocannon rounds (API-T, HVAP, etc.);
  • heavy caliber MG rounds.
Defeating a BT-7A (F-32)
  • With a limited crew of 3, any penetrating shot with good post-penetration damage in the crew compartment means the destruction of your vehicle.
  • In a frontal encounter, aim for the driver's hatch / pike nose under the turret.
  • When flanking, aim for the flanks right under the turret. Follow up with a shot at the driver's position if it survives.

Modules

Tier Mobility Protection Firepower
I Tracks Parts Horizontal Drive
II Suspension Brake System FPE Adjustment of Fire Airstrike BR-350B (MD-8 fuze)
III Filters Crew Replenishment Elevation Mechanism
IV Transmission Engine Artillery Support Improved optics D-350A
This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very fast and nimble
  • Excellent offroad capability
  • Powerful engine and wide tracks make the BT-7 a good climber
  • Excellent cannon with a good rate of fire and 150 g explosive shell
  • Performs well even when up-tiered
  • Slightly better gun depression than other 76mm counterparts (-6° over -5°)
  • Features active scouting, repair assistance unlike other BT tanks
  • Additional DT machine gun on pintle mount useful for spotting, attacking open-topped vehicles

Cons:

  • Exposed tracks and suspensions are prone to be damaged
  • Very thin armour and packed crew especially for 3.0
  • Pretty large and difficult to hide
  • Difficult to drive with precision - can slew on turns and bounces a lot after braking.
  • More flat un-angled areas than BT-5
  • Vulnerable to heavy machine gunfire
  • Sometimes stalls on turns on soft terrain

History

Development

The success of the BT light tanks in Soviet service prompted additional upgrades and other developmental projects done on the design to increase its service life. The development led to the final model of the BT light tank series, the BT-7. The tank differed from the older BT-5 tank with a welded hull, redesigned hull front, and a new engine in the Model 1935 version. The Model 1937 version of the BT-7 added a redesigned turret that featured sloping armour.

The BT-7 (F32) is a modification of the BT-7 Artillery model sometimes called BT-7A. The artillery model took the design of the T-26-4 turret fitted with a KT-28 short-barrelled howitzer and mounted a 76 mm (3 in) CT short-barrelled howitzer. Due to the extra weight of the turret, the BT lost its ability to drive on the road wheels. 155 BT-7A model was created, 11 converted into command version and only a few were tested with a bigger 76 mm gun, the F-32 gun designed by the infamous Soviet weapon designer, Vasily Grabin.

The tanks saw limited service during the early stages of the Second World War, or "Great Patriotic War". The last reported action of the vehicles was in the Kiev district and Moscow in 1941. The tanks were also reportedly used in Manchuria against the Japanese.

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
Vehicles equipped with the same gun
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


USSR light tanks
T-26  T-26 · T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-26-4 · T-26E
BT  BT-5 · RBT-5 · BT-7 · BT-7 TD · BT-7M · BT-7A (F-32)
T-50  T-126 · T-50
T-70  T-70 · T-80
PT-76  PT-76B · PT-76-57 · Object 906
BMP  BMP-1 · BMP-2 · BMP-2M · BMP-3
BMD  BMD-4
2S25  2S25 · 2S25M
Wheeled  BA-11 · BTR-80A
Other  T-60 · Object 685 · 2S38
China  ▂Type 62

USSR premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  BA-11 · RBT-5 · BT-7A (F-32) · T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-26E · T-126 · PT-76-57 · 2S38
Medium tanks  T-34 (Prototype) · T-34 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-34E · T-34-57 (1943) · T-34-85E · T-34-100 · T-44-122 · TO-55 · T-55AM-1 · T-72AV (TURMS-T) · T-80UD
  ▂M3 Medium · ▂M4A2 · ▂T-III · ▂T-V · ▂МК-IX "Valentine"
Heavy tanks  SMK · T-35 · ▂MK-II "Matilda" · KV-1E · KV-2 (1940) · KV-2 (ZiS-6) · KV-122 · KV-220 · IS-2 "Revenge" · Object 248 · IS-6 · T-10A
Tank destroyers  BM-8-24 · BM-13N · BM-31-12
  SU-57 · SU-76D · SU-76M (5th Gv.Kav.Corps) · SU-85A · SU-100Y · SU-122P · Object 120
SPAA  ▂Phòng không T-34 · ZUT-37