Difference between pages "C. 200 serie 3" and "ST-A2"

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{{Specs-Card|code=mc200_serie3_italy}}
+
{{Specs-Card|code=jp_st_a2}}
 
{{About
 
{{About
| about = Italian fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = Japanese medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| other
+
| usage = other variants
| usage-1 = the German version
+
| link = Type 61 (Family)
| link-1 = C.200 serie 3 (Germany)
 
| usage-2 = other uses
 
| link-2 = C.200 (Family)
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]] along with the initial Italian aviation tree, but a variant existed in the [[C.200 serie 3 (Germany)|German tech tree]] prior to the update.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced along with the initial Japanese Ground Forces tree in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]].
 +
 
 +
It is a sidegrade to [[ST-A1]], which takes sniping duty as its main work while neglecting most of the other roles. One can literally treat them as the same tank, but they have some minor quality of life differences, which will be mentioned here.
 +
 
 +
== General info ==
 +
=== 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 on ST-A2 is about the same as ST-A1, but there are some differences to its weaknesses.
 +
 
 +
For instance, the hull is now raised to engine deck level and slope goes all the way up the turret, resulting in turret being well above engine deck. The frontal armour is even more angled now, with effective thickness of about 90-100 mm, but it now also connected to engine deck, and in connection spot it's about 80 mm effective thickness like before. Most of tanks can still penetrate entire armour with no issues, so overall on tank's own BR it changes only rear gun depression and ability of certain tanks to just explode the tank with HE when it's hulldown.
 +
 
 +
Since hull is raised higher, there is less chances that enemy APHE will hit driver optics on accident or will be stopped by transmission and won't destroy the tank. Also, '''gunner's head''' is now above gun breech, so random shrapnel has a chance of hitting him, if enemy shell explodes above it, resulting in complete crew knockout, unlike with ST-A1.
 +
 
 +
For the turret, the commander cupolas was raised a bit and the pintle-mounted machine gun was removed. Overall it makes it harder to destroy tank with HE, but nothing more. However, the turret neck is no longer a weak spot for SPAA to exploit, but tank can still be destroyed by SPAA firing at MG port because their shells still cause spalling or explode and hit ammo rack despite it being rotated away from the weakspot. Still, it will definitely take them longer to deal with the tank that way.
 +
 
 +
Ammo rack in back of the turret is now facing turret and is much narrower a target, so the gun breech shields it entirely. Because of that, as long as the ST-A2 fires off first two rounds in first-stage rack, the chances of tank exploding due to ammo rack being hit through the turret is reduced. It came at a price, though, as it is now even easier to shoot the tank from the side or back. The block outside of turret's back isn't even modeled, so if HESH hits back of the turret, it's going to explode the entire tank.
 +
 
 +
=== Mobility ===
 +
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 775|rbMinHp= 442}}
 +
 
 +
The mobility of the {{PAGENAME}} is the same as predecessor, as well as their effective off-road and top speed - about (AB/RB) 40/33 km/h forward and -18/-15 km/h backwards off-road, with top speed being 50/45 forward and -20/-17 backwards .
  
The Macchi 200 is a standard fighter of the Italian tree. It is moderately armed for its rank, consisting of two 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns firing through the propeller arcs.
+
== Armaments ==
 +
=== 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|M3A1 (90 mm)}}
  
The M.C 200 is a fairly typical pre-war Italian design, moderate speed combined with good rates of turning, and high speed tolerance, while maintaining good control at all speeds. Furthermore, the MC 200 is a capable climber, easily matching a lot of planes that it will regularly meet in its BR range. Further, it's fairly tough, capable of taking hits and returning to the airfield for repairs. However it does have its issues as well, most notably the poor engine power which results in poor acceleration and, much like all Italian designs, it suffers from poor armament as well, although given the lower BR then the [[C.202|Folgore]], this is less of an issue.
+
The gun and the ammunition themselves are the same as the ones on ST-A1.
Furthermore, as of 1.55, its payload is not modelled, so it doesn't carry bombs, meaning it's a poor ground attacker, being only able to harm soft Ground targets.
 
  
For the guns, the same applies to all other Italian aircraft, generally you want to use Tracers, Anti-air or Stealth since they are the belts that deal the most damage. They suffer above 300 meters, so fire only at or below that range for the best effects. Furthermore, much like the other Italian fighters the armament is woefully inadequate to deal with bombers, hence it is best to avoid them entirely, or focus on taking out the engines. The only exceptions are the very early biplane bombers, such as [[Swordfish Mk I|Swordfish]], [[Po-2]] and the like.
+
As with ST-A1, one must unlock APHE as the very first module and then try to get aim adjustment as soon as possible, leveling it same way as the predecessor, as otherwise it is very hard to defeat opposing tanks and earn research points on this tank.
[[File:FighterImage_MC200s7vsP36C.jpg|thumbnail|right|[[C.200 serie 7|M.C.200]] vs [[P-36C|P-36C ''Hawk'']] over industrial zone in Ruhr.]]
 
  
== General info ==
+
Due to turret being elevated above engine deck, the gun can now depress enough to fire at tanks behind it, no matter how low their profile is, as long as they stay on even ground.
=== Flight Performance ===
 
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
+
! colspan="6" | [[M3A1 (90 mm)|90 mm M3A1]]
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
+
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,500 m)
+
| colspan="3" | 40 || -10°/+13° || ±180° || N/A
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
 
|-
 
|-
! AB
+
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 483 || 467 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 16.2 || 17.6 || 15 || 15 || 280
+
! 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.
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
| ''Arcade'' || 22.85 || 31.62 || 38.40 || 42.47 || 45.18
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,500 m)
+
| ''Realistic'' || 14.28 || 16.8 || 20.40 || 22.56 || 24.0
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
 
|-
 
|-
! AB
+
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 532 || 504 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 15.2 || 16.0 || 22 || 18 || 280
+
! 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.
 +
|-
 +
| 9.75 || 8.63 || 7.95 || 7.5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
==== Details ====
+
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
===== 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''''' '''@ 0°'''
 +
|-
 +
! 10m
 +
! 100m
 +
! 500m
 +
! 1000m
 +
! 1500m
 +
! 2000m
 +
|-
 +
| M318 shot || AP ||174||171||159||149||133||122
 +
|-
 +
| M71 shell || HE || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13
 +
|-
 +
| M82 shot || APCBC ||182||180|| 168 || 153 || 140 || 128
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
+
| M304 shot || APCR || 264 || 260 || 245 || 226 || 210 || 191
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat flaps
+
| M332 shot || APCR || 271 || 270 || 245 || 217 || 192 || 170
! Take-off flaps
 
! Landing flaps
 
! Air brakes
 
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
| || || || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
+
| M348 shell || HEATFS || 305 || 305 || 305 || 305 || 305 || 305
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
+
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 +
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 +
! 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%
 +
|-
 +
| M318 shot || AP || 853 || 11 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +4° ||47°|| 60° || 65°
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
| M71 shell || HE || 823 || 11 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 925 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 +
|-
 +
| M82 shot || APCBC || 853 || 11 || 1.2 || 14 || 137.2 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
| M304 shot || APCR || 1021 || 7.6 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 66° || 70° || 72°
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
 
|-
 
|-
! +
+
| M332 shot || APCR || 1178 || 5.6 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 66° || 70° || 72°
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 600 || ~15 || ~7
+
| M348 shell || HEATFS || 853 || 6.5 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 926.17 || +0° || 65° || 72° || 75°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
+
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
! colspan="7" | Smoke characteristic
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! Ammunition
 +
! Velocity <br /> in m/s
 +
! Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 +
! ''Screen radius <br /> in m''
 +
! ''Screen time <br /> in s''
 +
! ''Screen hold time <br /> in s:''
 +
! ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 
|-
 
|-
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
| M313 || 821 || 11 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
|-
 
| < 400 || < 270 || < 550 || > 300
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
=====Optics=====
|-
+
<!--
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
+
''Explain how the optic's status can affect the tank's gameplay in any unique or meaningful way. A comparison to rival tanks of the rank is welcome.''
 +
 
 +
''If you are having problems with it, refer to the [[Optics|optics gallery]] page for examples.''-->
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
+
! Which ones
 +
! Default magnification
 +
! Maximum magnification
 
|-
 
|-
! Optimal altitude
+
! Main Gun optics
! 100% Engine power
+
| x8 || x16 <!--Sometimes the actual value may not be known and here it should be referenced if the optic values are an estimate such as with an "X8.3 (estimated)" notation or something else that way the user will then be able to look to the comparable optics section and see a referenced optic which will have actual in-game data to back up the claim.-->
! WEP Engine power
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 3,800 m || 815 hp || 956 hp
+
! Comparable optics
 +
| colspan="2;" style="text-align:center;" | [[JPz 4-5]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
=== Survivability and armour ===
+
ST-A2 optics are identical to ST-A1. As usual, the user should exploit the superior magnification to target out enemy weaknesses or to snipe unsuspecting opponents from afar.
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
 
  
== Armaments ==
+
=== Machine guns ===
=== Offensive armament ===
+
<!--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.-->
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
+
{{main|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}
{{main|Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)}}
 
  
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
+
The 12.7 mm M2HB machine gun was removed, so ST-A2 only has [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]] in its turret. It still can be used to damage open-top SPG, but fighting light tanks with it is not possible. Planes are also harder to engage with it.
  
* 2 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, nose-mounted (370 rpg = 740 total)
+
On other hand, its trajectory is similiar to APHE shell up to 760 m, so you can use it to check your aim in RB, if necessary, which further confirms sniper specialization of ST-A2.
  
== Usage in battles ==
+
{| class="wikitable"
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a 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. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
+
! colspan="7" |[[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
It's recommended to climb as much as you can before engaging, a good 4,000 meters is important, as it can be used to get some extra speed when you need it.
+
|-
 +
! colspan="7" |''Coaxial mount''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
 +
! rowspan="1" |Fire rate
 +
 
 +
(shots/minute)
 +
! rowspan="1" |Vertical
  
In combat, the C.200 can engage in a wide array of moves. The decent energy retention and high speeds it can attain, about 800 km/h, before it begins to red-line, means it can be used for Boom & Zoom, or to get away. Furthermore it's a good turn-fighter, it out-turns a lot of planes it faces, notable exceptions being biplanes and Japanese aircraft. However, take care as the engine isn't the most powerful, and accelerating is problematic, so it's important to watch your speed carefully in combat. This becomes especially important since the engine is also quite prone to overheating when WEP is engaged, and it cools down slowly.
+
guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" |Horizontal
  
=== Manual Engine Control ===
+
guidance
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
 
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
! Oil
 
! Water
 
! Type
 
|-
 
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>1 gear || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 
 
|-
 
|-
 +
| colspan="4" |4,500 (250)
 +
|500
 +
|N/A
 +
|N/A
 
|}
 
|}
  
=== Modules ===
+
== 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).-->
 +
 
 +
As the ST-A is Japan's first tank project for a new era of tank development, it shows the same gameplay issues as the [[Chi-Ha]]. The weak armor, the slow to mediocre turret rotation speed, quite a long hull and high drop-rate of shells.
 +
 
 +
But its not just all negatives, the mobility is good for what it is, has adequate gun depression and the ST-A even comes with HEAT like the [[Chi-Ha]], this time in the form of M348 HEAT-FS researchable as tier IV modification.
 +
 
 +
Other than the similarities to the [[Chi-Ha]], the ST-A2 has its own factors good and bad which should be kept in mind when playing. From the very good reverse speed, great zoom factor and many shell options, the ST-A2 also has an angled front plate unlike the [[ST-A1]], which does place the turret higher, allowing it to shoot over the engine, at the cost of having a higher profile. Also unlike the [[ST-A1]], the .50 has been removed from the ST-A2 which will make it harder to deal with lighter vehicles and planes.
 +
===Gameplay===
 +
 
 +
The plan is simple and similar to the [[Chi-Ha]] & other early Japanese medium tanks, you want to stay either near or behind your allies and not rush forward, you can't take much damage, but you can deliver a punch. Pre-aim the turret and guide the enemy tanks into the sights as the rotation speed isn't of the fastest.
 +
 
 +
The further you are from your enemy the better for the inadequate armor, The ST-A comes with an amazing zoom factor and allows for clear sniping, but do keep in mind the shell drop-off are rather high.
 +
 
 +
Before you have your hands on the HEAT-FS, the safest bet is to exploit the flanks of the enemy, especially when starting with only AP, frontal penetrations won't happen reliable with the tanks the ST-A faces, try aiming for ammo racks, put a solid round into cramped crew members while trying to get the M82 shot and back up into cover or behind corners as the crew reloads the shell.
 +
 
 +
After unlocking the M82 APHE, placing shots is less important, once it penetrates, it's most likely to blow up good. It will come at the cost of the extra penetration, but when aiming for the sides, extra penetration isn't required. It's still a good idea to bring some AP shells with the tank just in-case you have to fight in a frontal engagement and the APHE fails to penetrate.
 +
 
 +
With the HEAT-FS finally unlocked, you can fully make use of the punches you can deal and the zoom you have, help your allies out with the toughest of enemies and simply frontally penetrate them.
 +
===Modules===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="1" | Tier
+
!Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
+
! colspan="2" |Mobility
! colspan="1" | Survivability
+
!Protection
! colspan="1" | Weaponry
+
! colspan="3" |Firepower
 
|-
 
|-
| I
+
|I
| Fuselage repair
+
|Tracks||
| Radiator
+
|Parts
 +
|M82 shot
 +
|Horizontal Drive
 
|
 
|
| Offensive 12 mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
| II
+
|II
|
+
|Suspension||Brake System
| Compressor
+
|FPE
| Airframe
+
|M304 shot
 +
|Adjustment of Fire
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
| III
+
|III
| Wings repair
+
|Filters||
| Engine
+
|Crew Replenishment
 +
|M332 shot
 +
|Elevation Mechanism
 
|
 
|
| New 12 mm MGs
 
 
|-
 
|-
| IV
+
|IV
|
+
|Transmission||Engine
| Engine injection
 
| Cover
 
 
|
 
|
 +
|M348 shell
 +
|Artillery Support
 +
|M313
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
 
=== 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 the 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".'' -->
+
<!--Summarize 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 - they can be substituted with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".-->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* Good rate of turn
+
*Overall better sniper qualities than ST-A1 (but they only really matter in RB)
* Good rate of climb
+
*Can defend itself against other tanks in case of a rear flank, unlike ST-A1
* Decent energy retention
+
*Harder to hit ammo rack in turret from the front, and overall better protection against autocannons, HEAT and pure AP in turret
* It's sturdy
+
*Harder to be destroyed by HE shot to the turret, can technically tank some attacker's plane assault with its front
* It has very good cockpit view, lack of canopy means superb view to the sides and above, while the slim head rest ensures a good view to the rear as well
+
*Harder to destroy by poorly aimed shot in down-tier
* Good control at most speeds
 
* Can dive well
 
  
'''Cons'''
+
'''Cons:'''
  
* Acceleration leaves something to be desired
+
*Worse against light tanks than predecessor due to lack of 12.7 mm MG
* The guns aren't exceptional, low rate of fire and ineffective above 300 meters.
+
*Still can be destroyed in one shot by nearly anything on battlefield via crew knockout, as long as they have APHE or HESH
* Engine is prone to overheating
+
*Raised turret still cannot use certain hull down spots, but raises tank's profile
* Its speed in level flight is nothing exceptional.
+
*Hull weak spot is even more relevant now
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft 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).'' -->
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''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 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's devblog entry (if applicable) and the ingame encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
The M.C.200 is a pre-war Italian monoplane manufactured by the Macchi aircraft company, its name is derived from its chief designer, Mario Castoldi, designer of the famous M.39 and M.C.72 racing planes.
 
 
 
The M.C.200 was a design put forward for the Regia Aeronautica's Series 0 tender set in 1934, a specification for a modern mono-wing interceptor. Of the Italian aeronautical industry, three firms submitted a prototype, the G.50 by Fiat, the Re 2000 by Reggiane and the M.C 200 by Macchi. Of the three designs, the M.C 200 won the tender, being the fastest and most advanced aircraft, although it did have issues that needed fixing before it could enter service, most notable its issues with auto-rotation and sudden, violent stalls. For this reason, the [[G.50 serie 2|Fiat G.50]], while inferior to the M.C 200, was chosen for production as well, as it would be able to enter service on short notice, the G.50 went on and served in the Spanish civil war, and for a time, alongside the M.C.200, which started production a few months after its former competitor, in the summer of 1939. At the start of the war, 144 were in service.
 
 
 
The best fighter Italy had at the start of the war, it remained the top-of-the-line front-line Italian fighter until the arrival of the M.C. 202 in 1941. Used on all Italian fronts, it was agile and sturdy but slow and poorly armed. A total of 1,151 were built before July, 1942. It performed well in the Greek campaign against RAF Hurricanes, and also fought in Africa and Russia. The arrival of the M.C. 202 pushed the M.C. 200 to attack, escort and homeland interceptor roles. 52 were still in service when Italy surrendered.
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
''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 aircraft;''
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
  
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
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* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
{{Italy fighters}}
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{{Japan medium tanks}}

Revision as of 00:15, 4 June 2020

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
ST-A2
jp_st_a2.png
ST-A2
AB RB SB
6.3 6.3 6.3
Class:
Research:31 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:200 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the Japanese medium tank ST-A2. For other variants, see Type 61 (Family).

Description

GarageImage ST-A2.jpg


The ST-A2 is a Rank IV Japanese medium tank with a battle rating of 6.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced along with the initial Japanese Ground Forces tree in Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai".

It is a sidegrade to ST-A1, which takes sniping duty as its main work while neglecting most of the other roles. One can literally treat them as the same tank, but they have some minor quality of life differences, which will be mentioned here.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour on ST-A2 is about the same as ST-A1, but there are some differences to its weaknesses.

For instance, the hull is now raised to engine deck level and slope goes all the way up the turret, resulting in turret being well above engine deck. The frontal armour is even more angled now, with effective thickness of about 90-100 mm, but it now also connected to engine deck, and in connection spot it's about 80 mm effective thickness like before. Most of tanks can still penetrate entire armour with no issues, so overall on tank's own BR it changes only rear gun depression and ability of certain tanks to just explode the tank with HE when it's hulldown.

Since hull is raised higher, there is less chances that enemy APHE will hit driver optics on accident or will be stopped by transmission and won't destroy the tank. Also, gunner's head is now above gun breech, so random shrapnel has a chance of hitting him, if enemy shell explodes above it, resulting in complete crew knockout, unlike with ST-A1.

For the turret, the commander cupolas was raised a bit and the pintle-mounted machine gun was removed. Overall it makes it harder to destroy tank with HE, but nothing more. However, the turret neck is no longer a weak spot for SPAA to exploit, but tank can still be destroyed by SPAA firing at MG port because their shells still cause spalling or explode and hit ammo rack despite it being rotated away from the weakspot. Still, it will definitely take them longer to deal with the tank that way.

Ammo rack in back of the turret is now facing turret and is much narrower a target, so the gun breech shields it entirely. Because of that, as long as the ST-A2 fires off first two rounds in first-stage rack, the chances of tank exploding due to ammo rack being hit through the turret is reduced. It came at a price, though, as it is now even easier to shoot the tank from the side or back. The block outside of turret's back isn't even modeled, so if HESH hits back of the turret, it's going to explode the entire tank.

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 50 20 34.2 775 954 22.66 27.89
Realistic 45 18 442 500 12.92 14.62

The mobility of the ST-A2 is the same as predecessor, as well as their effective off-road and top speed - about (AB/RB) 40/33 km/h forward and -18/-15 km/h backwards off-road, with top speed being 50/45 forward and -20/-17 backwards .

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: M3A1 (90 mm)

The gun and the ammunition themselves are the same as the ones on ST-A1.

As with ST-A1, one must unlock APHE as the very first module and then try to get aim adjustment as soon as possible, leveling it same way as the predecessor, as otherwise it is very hard to defeat opposing tanks and earn research points on this tank.

Due to turret being elevated above engine deck, the gun can now depress enough to fire at tanks behind it, no matter how low their profile is, as long as they stay on even ground.

90 mm M3A1
Capacity Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
Stabilizer
40 -10°/+13° ±180° N/A
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade 22.85 31.62 38.40 42.47 45.18
Realistic 14.28 16.8 20.40 22.56 24.0
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
9.75 8.63 7.95 7.5


Ammunition
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration in mm @ 0°
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
M318 shot AP 174 171 159 149 133 122
M71 shell HE 13 13 13 13 13 13
M82 shot APCBC 182 180 168 153 140 128
M304 shot APCR 264 260 245 226 210 191
M332 shot APCR 271 270 245 217 192 170
M348 shell HEATFS 305 305 305 305 305 305
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%
M318 shot AP 853 11 N/A N/A N/A +4° 47° 60° 65°
M71 shell HE 823 11 0.1 0.5 925 +0° 79° 80° 81°
M82 shot APCBC 853 11 1.2 14 137.2 +4° 48° 63° 71°
M304 shot APCR 1021 7.6 N/A N/A N/A +1.5° 66° 70° 72°
M332 shot APCR 1178 5.6 N/A N/A N/A +1.5° 66° 70° 72°
M348 shell HEATFS 853 6.5 0.0 0.1 926.17 +0° 65° 72° 75°
Smoke characteristic
Ammunition Velocity
in m/s
Projectile
Mass in kg
Screen radius
in m
Screen time
in s
Screen hold time
in s:
Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent):
M313 821 11 13 5 20 50
Optics
ST-A2 Optics
Which ones Default magnification Maximum magnification
Main Gun optics x8 x16
Comparable optics JPz 4-5

ST-A2 optics are identical to ST-A1. As usual, the user should exploit the superior magnification to target out enemy weaknesses or to snipe unsuspecting opponents from afar.

Machine guns

Main article: M1919A4 (7.62 mm)

The 12.7 mm M2HB machine gun was removed, so ST-A2 only has 7.62 mm M1919A4 in its turret. It still can be used to damage open-top SPG, but fighting light tanks with it is not possible. Planes are also harder to engage with it.

On other hand, its trajectory is similiar to APHE shell up to 760 m, so you can use it to check your aim in RB, if necessary, which further confirms sniper specialization of ST-A2.

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 battles

As the ST-A is Japan's first tank project for a new era of tank development, it shows the same gameplay issues as the Chi-Ha. The weak armor, the slow to mediocre turret rotation speed, quite a long hull and high drop-rate of shells.

But its not just all negatives, the mobility is good for what it is, has adequate gun depression and the ST-A even comes with HEAT like the Chi-Ha, this time in the form of M348 HEAT-FS researchable as tier IV modification.

Other than the similarities to the Chi-Ha, the ST-A2 has its own factors good and bad which should be kept in mind when playing. From the very good reverse speed, great zoom factor and many shell options, the ST-A2 also has an angled front plate unlike the ST-A1, which does place the turret higher, allowing it to shoot over the engine, at the cost of having a higher profile. Also unlike the ST-A1, the .50 has been removed from the ST-A2 which will make it harder to deal with lighter vehicles and planes.

Gameplay

The plan is simple and similar to the Chi-Ha & other early Japanese medium tanks, you want to stay either near or behind your allies and not rush forward, you can't take much damage, but you can deliver a punch. Pre-aim the turret and guide the enemy tanks into the sights as the rotation speed isn't of the fastest.

The further you are from your enemy the better for the inadequate armor, The ST-A comes with an amazing zoom factor and allows for clear sniping, but do keep in mind the shell drop-off are rather high.

Before you have your hands on the HEAT-FS, the safest bet is to exploit the flanks of the enemy, especially when starting with only AP, frontal penetrations won't happen reliable with the tanks the ST-A faces, try aiming for ammo racks, put a solid round into cramped crew members while trying to get the M82 shot and back up into cover or behind corners as the crew reloads the shell.

After unlocking the M82 APHE, placing shots is less important, once it penetrates, it's most likely to blow up good. It will come at the cost of the extra penetration, but when aiming for the sides, extra penetration isn't required. It's still a good idea to bring some AP shells with the tank just in-case you have to fight in a frontal engagement and the APHE fails to penetrate.

With the HEAT-FS finally unlocked, you can fully make use of the punches you can deal and the zoom you have, help your allies out with the toughest of enemies and simply frontally penetrate them.

Modules

Tier Mobility Protection Firepower
I Tracks Parts M82 shot Horizontal Drive
II Suspension Brake System FPE M304 shot Adjustment of Fire
III Filters Crew Replenishment M332 shot Elevation Mechanism
IV Transmission Engine M348 shell Artillery Support M313

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Overall better sniper qualities than ST-A1 (but they only really matter in RB)
  • Can defend itself against other tanks in case of a rear flank, unlike ST-A1
  • Harder to hit ammo rack in turret from the front, and overall better protection against autocannons, HEAT and pure AP in turret
  • Harder to be destroyed by HE shot to the turret, can technically tank some attacker's plane assault with its front
  • Harder to destroy by poorly aimed shot in down-tier

Cons:

  • Worse against light tanks than predecessor due to lack of 12.7 mm MG
  • Still can be destroyed in one shot by nearly anything on battlefield via crew knockout, as long as they have APHE or HESH
  • Raised turret still cannot use certain hull down spots, but raises tank's profile
  • Hull weak spot is even more relevant now

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 the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's devblog entry (if applicable) and the ingame encyclopedia description (under === Encyclopedia Info ===, also if applicable).

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

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the tank;
  • other literature.


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