Difference between pages "T-44" and "ST-A2"

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{{Specs-Card|code=ussr_t_44}}
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{{Specs-Card|code=jp_st_a2}}
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+
{{About
 +
| about = Japanese medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other variants
 +
| link = Type 61 (Family)
 +
}}
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part 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.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_T-44.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41. A vastly improved tank over the T-34 series, the T-44 features similar mobility with much better frontal armour protection.
+
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"]].
  
−
As a direct successor of the [[T-34-85]], the T-44 truly was a pioneering tank construction, paving the way for many modern Soviet tanks. It provides great mobility and a good degree of armour protection. Veteran players with the T-34-85 will instantly recognize the turret and the gun, as the T-44 is armed with the same ZiS-S-53 85 mm gun as the T-34-85, but there are no more further similarities between the two. The T-44 expresses a different and more modern-looking layout of the tank compared to the T-34, with the turret now in the middle of the hull, and the tank is noticeably lower to the ground, with an extremely sloped frontal armour plate. The resulting silhouette is nearly half of the T-34-85, making the T-44 a much smaller target. These changes were made possible mainly by one important aspect of the construction - the relocation of the engine, a V-44 V12 diesel engine producing 500 horsepower, to a position perpendicular to the axis of the tank. This change, along with the removal of hull sponsons, allowed the crew compartment to be built with more space, and subsequently more comfortable for the crew even for a smaller tank.
+
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.
−
 
 
−
Off-road performance and mobility drops compared to the T-34-85 due to the T-44's increased weight. However, the T-44 inherits a great degree of mobility from the T-34 thanks to its wide tracks. On paved surfaces, the T-44 reaches a top speed up to 60 kph, has very good acceleration and, with a trained driver, is pleasantly agile as well. Combine this with the mentioned low profile and the T-44 can zip around the map and reach a desirable firing position quickly. Use its speed and impressive agility to worm into unexpected places and fire on the enemies' sides. However, be careful when engaging enemies frontally, particularly heavy opponents, as the ZiS-S-53 is no longer a powerful armament at 6.3. This makes it difficult, if not impossible, to penetrate more heavily-armoured opponents frontally.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
<!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpfull for survival in combat?''
+
<!--Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
+
If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.-->
−
'''Armour type:'''
 
  
−
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret roof, Gun mantlet)
+
Armour on ST-A2 is about the same as ST-A1, but there are some differences to its weaknesses.
−
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret)
 
  
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
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.
−
|-
 
−
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
−
|-
 
−
| Hull || 90 mm (64°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 90 mm (44°) ''Lower glacis'' || 75 mm || 45 mm (19°) ''Upper'' <br> 15 mm (73°) ''Lower'' || 20 mm
 
−
|-
 
−
| Turret || 120 mm (1-79°) ''Turret front'' <br> 120 mm (3-69°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 100 mm (14-21°)|| 75 mm (7°) || 15 mm
 
−
|-
 
−
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
 
−
|-
 
−
| Cupola || 120 mm || 15 mm
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
'''Notes:'''
 
  
−
* Suspensions wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.
+
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.
−
* Tracks covering the hull of the tank gives an additional 18 mm of protection at their locations.
 
−
* Belly armour is 15 mm thick.
 
−
* The left side of the turret have a small protrusion around the gunner area.
 
  
−
The T-44 sports a 90 mm thick frontal plate sloped under at 64°. Compared to the 45 mm thick armour of the T-34, the T-44 offers twice as much effective frontal armour thickness, and even surpasses the frontal hull armour protection of the equally ranked Centurion Mk.3 or the Panther Ausf.F tanks. We also should not forget the low profile, which allows the tank to use the terrain to either provide hardcover or to conceal the T-44's movement. However, the lower profile of Soviet tanks came at a cost of poor gun depression, and the T-44 is no exception, limiting possible hull-down positions considerably.
+
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.
  
−
The frontal armour is, however, far from invincible! The frontal glacis is very bouncy, but can still be penetrated by some guns and, as the fuel tank is located directly beneath the frontal plate, frontal penetration will likely result in fuel fire or even detonation of the fuel tank. The front of the turret is only 120 mm thick and despite it being oblique, it will be still penetrated by nearly any tank gun at the given BR spread, with some being able to penetrate the turret even at long range. Here, it is suggested to lower the ammunition load to empty the ready rack, located at turret’s rear - this will prevent ammunition detonation in case of turret penetration.
+
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 ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|<!--AoAweight=(optional) -->}}
+
{{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 .
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
<!--''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibilty of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
+
<!--Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the 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|ZiS-S-53 (85 mm)}}
+
{{main|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.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | [[ZiS-S-53 (85 mm)|85 mm ZiS-S-53]]
+
! colspan="6" | [[M3A1 (90 mm)|90 mm M3A1]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
Line 64: Line 56:
 
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="3" | 58 || -5°/+20° || ±180° || N/A
+
| colspan="3" | 40 || -10°/+13° || ±180° || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
 
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Line 75: Line 67:
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Arcade'' ||23.80||32.94||40.00||44.24||47.06
+
| ''Arcade'' || 22.85 || 31.62 || 38.40 || 42.47 || 45.18
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Realistic/Simulator'' ||14.88||17.50||21.25||23.50||25.00
+
| ''Realistic'' || 14.28 || 16.8 || 20.40 || 22.56 || 24.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
Line 86: Line 78:
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
|-
−
|9.62||8.51||7.84||7.40
+
| 9.75 || 8.63 || 7.95 || 7.5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
The armament of the T-44 is identical to the T-34-85’s gun. The ZiS-S-53 85 mm tank gun offers up to 142 mm of penetration with the basic BR-365A APHEBC ammunition, while the top BR-367 APCBC post-war round offers up to 159 mm of penetration. While this is an improvement over the BR-365A APHE round (aka the top round of the T-34-85), it is still overshadowed by other medium tank guns at the given BR spread, such as the KwK 42 L/70 on the Panther, the 90mm M3 gun on the T25, or the British OQF 20-pounder gun on the Centurion Mk.3. Interestingly, the BR-365A shell actually sports significantly more HE filler and better-sloped performance, making it a better round in general. Penetration can be boosted up to 230 mm by using BR-367P APCR rounds, but against sloped armour, this round will struggle to penetrate like any APCR round in the game. That said, it is obvious the firepower is not exactly the strongest trait of the T-44. In fact, it was this very problem which in real life that led Soviet engineers to develop upgunned T-44-100 and T-44-122 prototypes, armed with 100 mm and 122 guns respectively.
 
  
 
===== Ammunition =====
 
===== Ammunition =====
Line 98: Line 89:
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
+
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0°'''
 
|-
 
|-
 
! 10m
 
! 10m
Line 107: Line 98:
 
! 2000m
 
! 2000m
 
|-
 
|-
−
| BR-365A || APHEBC || 142 || 139 || 123 || 105 || 91 || 81
+
| M318 shot || AP ||174||171||159||149||133||122
 
|-
 
|-
−
| BR-365K || APHE || 145 || 142 || 125 || 107 || 92 || 78
+
| M71 shell || HE || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
| BR-365P || APCR || 180 || 175 || 136 || 100 || 73 || 54
+
| M82 shot || APCBC ||182||180|| 168 || 153 || 140 || 128
−
|-  
+
|-
−
| BR-367 || APCBC || 159 || 155 || 143 || 131 || 122 || 110
+
| M304 shot || APCR || 264 || 260 || 245 || 226 || 210 || 191
−
|-  
+
|-
−
| BR-367P || APCR || 230 || 229 || 202 || 173 || 147 || 125
+
| M332 shot || APCR || 271 || 270 || 245 || 217 || 192 || 170
 +
|-
 +
| M348 shell || HEATFS || 305 || 305 || 305 || 305 || 305 || 305
 
|-
 
|-
−
| O-365K || HE || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9
 
−
|-
 
 
|}
 
|}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
Line 139: Line 130:
 
! 100%
 
! 100%
 
|-
 
|-
−
| BR-365A || APHEBC || 792 || 9.2 || 1.2 || 15 || 164 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
+
| M318 shot || AP || 853 || 11 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +4° ||47°|| 60° || 65°
 
|-
 
|-
−
| BR-365K || APHE || 792 || 9.2 || 1.2 || 15 || 81.6 || -1° || 47° || 60° || 65°
+
| M71 shell || HE || 823 || 11 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 925 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
|-  
 
|-  
−
| BR-365P || APCR || 1030 || 5.4 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 66° || 70° || 72°
+
| M82 shot || APCBC || 853 || 11 || 1.2 || 14 || 137.2 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
−
|-  
+
|-
−
| BR-367 || APCBC || 792 || 9.2 || 1.2 || 15 || 74.8 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
+
| M304 shot || APCR || 1021 || 7.6 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 66° || 70° || 72°
−
|-  
+
|-
−
| BR-367P || APCR || 1020 || 5.4 || 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°
 
|-
 
|-
−
| O-365K || HE || 780 || 9.5 || 0.1 || 0.3 || 646 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
 
|}
 
|}
−
 
−
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
 
−
[[File:Ammoracks T-44.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the T-44.]]
 
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 +
! colspan="7" | Smoke characteristic
 
|-
 
|-
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
+
! Ammunition
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br /> rack empty
+
! Velocity <br /> in m/s
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br />  rack empty
+
! Projectile<br />Mass in kg
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br /> rack empty
+
! ''Screen radius <br /> in m''
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br /> rack empty
+
! ''Screen time <br /> in s''
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th<br /> rack empty
+
! ''Screen hold time <br /> in s:''
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |6th<br /> rack empty
+
! ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|| '''58''' || 57&nbsp;''(+1)'' || 41&nbsp;''(+17)'' || 38&nbsp;''(+20)'' || 36&nbsp;''(+22)'' || 31&nbsp;''(+27)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+57)'' || style="text-align:left" | no
+
| M313 || 821 || 11 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
Turret empty: 41&nbsp;''(+17)''
+
=====Optics=====
 +
<!--
 +
''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.''  
  
−
=== Machine guns ===
+
''If you are having problems with it, refer to the [[Optics|optics gallery]] page for examples.''-->
−
<!--''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"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
 +
|-
 +
! Which ones
 +
! Default magnification
 +
! Maximum magnification
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | [[DT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm DT]]
+
! Main Gun optics
 +
| 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.-->
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
+
! Comparable optics
 +
| colspan="2;" style="text-align:center;" | [[JPz 4-5]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
|}
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
+
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
+
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.
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
+
 
 +
=== 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|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
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.
 +
 
 +
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.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! colspan="7" |[[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="4" | 1,890 (63) || 600 || N/A || N/A
+
! colspan="7" |''Coaxial mount''
 
|-
 
|-
 +
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
 +
! rowspan="1" |Fire rate
 +
 +
(shots/minute)
 +
! rowspan="1" |Vertical
 +
 +
guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" |Horizontal
 +
 +
guidance
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="4" |4,500 (250)
 +
|500
 +
|N/A
 +
|N/A
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
== Usage in the 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).-->
−
The T-44 is a tank that has great mobility and agility, somewhat bouncy but not impenetrable armour, and an 85mm cannon. This cannon may be effective at around [[BR]] 5.3, but will struggle at BR 6.3. All of these traits produce a recipe for a good flanker. In tight city maps such as Cologne or Stalingrad, the T-44 is great at out-circling lumbering heavies and placing shots in their flanks, as well as in capping target zones in Domination and Break modes. On large open maps such as Mozdok or Kursk, the T-44 can be used to outflank the enemy and either cap the enemy’s base (when playing Battle mode), or rush into the enemy rear and surprise any enemy tanks by shooting them from behind! Stay mobile as much as possible and engage only when penetration is assured - the T-44 is simply not sturdy enough to survive head-on shootouts with enemy heavy tanks and tank destroyers. Used properly, the T-44 will serve well as a highly mobile effective medium tank. Experiences earned with this tank is also easily transferable, as the next few Soviet tanks, the [[T-44-100]] and [[T-54 (1947)]], are played nearly the same way, except with a much stronger gun on the former, and better armour on the latter.
+
 
 +
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===
  
−
For RB and Head-on engagements:
+
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.
  
−
* [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II H]], [[Tiger II (10.5 cm Kw.K)|105]] and [[Tiger II (H) Sla.16|Sla.16]]: Load APCR with 230 mm of penetration and shoot at the right turret cheek to knock out the gunner, then load APHE and shot at the flat part below the turret to set of ammo racks.
+
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.
−
* All Panther models: Aim for the turret cheeks, against model [[Panther D|D]], [[Panther A|A]] and [[Panther G|G]] the shot trap can be used.
 
−
* [[Jagdpanther|Jagdpanther]]: Lower front plate, Upper front plate might be penetrated, but is prone to ricochets.
 
−
* [[Ferdinand|Ferdinand]]: Lower front plate with the Upgraded APHE shell (159 mm of penetration) works ''sometimes''. Shooting the part with the gun with APCR is more reliable though, aim for the right side.
 
−
* [[Jagdtiger|Jagdtiger]]: Head-on encounters should be avoided at all times. Only part which MIGHT be pentrated is the machine gun port at close range with the upgraded APHE shell with no angling, flanking is highly advised.
 
−
* [[T25|T25]]: LFP with upgraded APHE, UFP and machine gun port.
 
−
* [[M26|M26]] and [[M46|M46]]: LFP sometimes, machine gun port, UFP.
 
−
* [[M47|M47]]: LFP with upgraded APHE and machine gun port.
 
−
* [[T32|T32]]: LFP sometimes with upgraded APHE and machine gun port.
 
−
* [[T34|T34]]: Some parts of the LFP and machine gun port.
 
−
* [[T26E1-1|T26E1-1]]: Bounces a lot of shells. Aim for the machine gun port.
 
−
* [[T95|T95]]: Hit the cupola.
 
−
* [[Caernarvon|Caernarvon]]: Hit the lower front plate.
 
  
−
=== Modules ===
+
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"
 
!Tier
 
!Tier
 
! colspan="2" |Mobility
 
! colspan="2" |Mobility
 
!Protection
 
!Protection
−
! colspan="2" |Firepower
+
! colspan="3" |Firepower
 
|-
 
|-
 
|I
 
|I
−
|Tracks
+
|Tracks||
−
|
 
 
|Parts
 
|Parts
 +
|M82 shot
 
|Horizontal Drive
 
|Horizontal Drive
−
|BR-365A
+
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|II
 
|II
−
|Suspension
+
|Suspension||Brake System
−
|Brake System
 
 
|FPE
 
|FPE
 +
|M304 shot
 
|Adjustment of Fire
 
|Adjustment of Fire
−
|BR-367
+
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|III
 
|III
−
|Filters
+
|Filters||
−
|
 
 
|Crew Replenishment
 
|Crew Replenishment
 +
|M332 shot
 
|Elevation Mechanism
 
|Elevation Mechanism
−
|BR-365P
+
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|IV
 
|IV
−
|Transmission
+
|Transmission||Engine
−
|Engine
 
 
|
 
|
 +
|M348 shell
 
|Artillery Support
 
|Artillery Support
−
|BR-367P
+
|M313
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
=== Pros and cons ===
 +
<!--Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. 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".-->
  
−
Research ''Parts'' and ''FPE'' first. Follow this with various gun upgrades, especially the BR-367, since it eases combat and allows one, in combination with BR-367P, to combat the [[Tiger II (H)]] effectively. Useful Performance modules are all located in tier III and IV; all three provide more horsepower, and henceforth improved acceleration and agility.
 
−
 
−
=== Pros and cons ===
 
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* 90 mm upper glacis is invulnerable to most enemy fire due to its ~60° sloping
+
*Overall better sniper qualities than ST-A1 (but they only really matter in RB)
−
* High acceleration and top speed for a medium tank
+
*Can defend itself against other tanks in case of a rear flank, unlike ST-A1
−
* Small profile
+
*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:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Gun may prove insufficient until the better shells are researched
+
*Worse against light tanks than predecessor due to lack of 12.7 mm MG
−
* Limited gun depression of -5°
+
*Still can be destroyed in one shot by nearly anything on battlefield via crew knockout, as long as they have APHE or HESH
−
* Front armour has small driver's port as a weak point
+
*Raised turret still cannot use certain hull down spots, but raises tank's profile
−
* Gun mantlet and turret cheeks are only 120 mm thick, and are able to be easily penetrated by any tank at its rank
+
*Hull weak spot is even more relevant now
−
* Fuel tank and ammo storage in the front may prove fatal in case of a frontal penetration
 
−
* 4 crew members and cramped interior can lead to one-hit knockouts from a penetration
 
−
* Bouncy suspension leads to unstable hull movement, hindering accuracy when moving and stopping
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
+
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to 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).''
−
===Predecessors===
 
−
The Soviet Union tank [[T-34 (1940)|T-34]] began production at the end of 1940, but there were already plans to upgrade the T-34 design as early as 1941 by incorporating modern technology.<ref name="ZalogaModernSoviets">Zaloga Steven. ''Modern Soviet Combat Tanks'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 1984</ref> The first of these projects was the ''T-34M'', which would have better armour, a three-man turret, torsion bar suspension, road wheels with shock absorbers, increased fuel capacity, and more ammo storage. The design also had the driver and assistant driver spots switched, but still retaining the large driver hatch on the front glacis. Four return rollers were also added and a 12-cylinder diesel engine producing 600 horsepower was used along with an 8-speed transmission system. The design used a traverse engine placement, making the design smaller than the original T-34, yet giving the crew more workspace in the tank. While the development underway to constructing armour plates, the project was placed on hold with Nazi Germany's invasion in Operation Barbarossa and all production facilities were mass-producing the T-34s to counter the invasion.
 
−
 
 
−
Despite the initial success with the T-34s against the Geman tanks, it was determined that a new medium tank was needed with better protection, yet staying around the same weight range. This program was the ''T-43'' and featured a new turret, shorter suspension, better gun, and more armour. However, logistics took over and the priority in mass-producing the already proven [[T-34 (1942)|T-34]] overruled the new development of a new tank. The T-43 was cancelled, but the turret was adapted onto the T-34 design to mount the 85 mm gun in the designated [[T-34-85]] tanks, fulfilling a specification to give more firepower to the armoured corps.
 
−
 
 
−
===Development===
 
−
In the autumn of 1943 at the Stalin Ural Tank Factory No. 183, the designers started working on a vehicle under orders of Stalin to have major improvements over the initial T-34s. The mobility of the T-34 medium tank was to be similar, but with more armour on it. In November, chief designer A. A. Morozov presented a design and model, and it was designated the '''T-44''' (Object 136). Compared to the T-34-85, the T-44 had the same road wheels, engine, and turret; but the suspension was replaced with a torsion bar suspension and a simpler hull shape for a smaller profile. The first prototype was completed on January the next year and two more in February. The first two prototypes are armed with the 85 mm D-5T gun with the designation T-44-85, while the last had a 122 mm D-25-44T cannon similar to the one on the [[IS-2]] tank (Though differing from one-piece ammunition and better muzzle brake) designated the [[T-44-122]]. Innovative design on the T-44 was the placement of the engine perpendicular to the axis of the tank. Mounting the engine sideways allows for reducing the overall hull length by maximizing the hull width to fit the engine. This allowed the hull to be made without sponsons, gave the crew a much bigger fighting compartment, had the turret placed on the centre of the vehicle and reduced the vehicle's overall length. However, the ammo stored on the left side of the tank was easily hit and could detonate, destroying the tank. The armour on the design featured 75 mm thick plate on the front, 90 mm on the turret mantlet, side armour is 45 mm thick with the capability of mounting an additional 30 mm of armour. These prototypes had a V-2IS diesel engine delivering 500 horsepower. The tank provided many advantages over the T-34 design, the gun accuracy on the T-44 design was arguably better, and the turret ring was more reliable. It presented more than double frontal armour without significantly affecting weight distribution. The increased fighting compartment meant that the turret floor ammunition storage on the T-34 could be removed. Tank height comparison, the T-44 was 300 mm lower than the T-34, and the driver's vision from his hatch is much better than on the T-34.
 
−
 
 
−
Trials with the first prototypes began in February 1944. One of the competition was against the German [[Panther G|Panther tank]]. The results indicated that the T-44 with the 122 mm gun was impractical and was discontinued while the T-44 with the 85 mm gun went on to further development after a few faults were discovered. By May, the next batch of prototypes arrived with improvements. The driver's position was moved slightly back so the hatch is now partly on the hull roof, and the vision flap on the hatch was simplified. Two prototypes were made, one with a splashboard on the glacis plate and the other with a smooth plate. One of these passed trials on June and July 1944, it weighed 31.3 tons, had an 85 mm cannon, and had an armour thickness of 115 mm effective on the front and 75 mm thick on the hull sides. The prototype went through improvements again and was designated the ''T-44A'', which had the front armour thickness increased to 90 mm and turret front armour increased to 120 mm, yet had a weight reduction to 30.7 tons. The vehicle had a new engine that delivers 520 hp and could travel at 60.5 km/h. The driver's hatch was also now entirely moved to the hull top with a vision slot cut on the glacis. The vehicle still retained the 85 mm cannon. The T-44 finally entered service on November 23, 1944, after a few more upgrades (upping the weight to 32 tons), but did not actually see any World War II service. Production started in 1944 at Factory No. 75 and continued building until 1947 with about 1,823 units produced.
 
−
 
 
−
===Usage===
 
−
Though the T-44 did not see combat in World War II, it was issued to tank brigades for training purposes. The Cold War that ensued after the end of World War II prompted the Soviets to keep the T-44 a secret, never shown publicly until the secrecy dropped in the 1960s, though some have been reported to be seen when the Soviet invaded Hungary in 1956. Some T-44 were upgraded with parts from the [[T-54 (1947)|T-54 main battle tank]] and was called the ''T-44M''. Some T-44s were reconfigured to other roles during its service life, such as armour recovery vehicles, command tanks, and engineer vehicles. The Soviets kept the T-44s around up until the end of the 1970s when it is retired. The T-44 was never exported to other countries in the Warsaw Pact, unusual behaviour for the Soviet Union.
 
−
 
 
−
The T-44 was an innovative new tank for the Soviet Armoured Forces, but it proved lacking in the coming age of tank technology. This was evident by its usage of an 85 mm gun, whereas the army requested a mounting of the more powerful 100 mm D-10 gun seen on the [[SU-100]]. An attempt to mount the 100 mm on the T-44 produced a vehicle designated ''[[T-44-100|T-44B]]'', which was also modified with thicker armour, different driver's hatch and vision slot, and a larger turret ring diameter, along with the 100 mm D-10TK gun. The weight was increased to 35.5 tons, which had the road speed reduced to 43.5 km/h. The trials proved positive and the decision was made to drastically modernize the tank before establishing production, as the larger turret ring diameter would require enlarging the hull so a redesign had to be made. The development of this project would eventually bring about the most-produced Soviet tank of all time, the [[T-54 (1947)|T-54 main battle tank]].
 
−
 
 
−
===Survivors===
 
−
Some T-44 models when they were unveiled from secrecy or when they were retired were given to various military museums in Russia. One went to Brest in Belarus, another to the Museum of the Great Patriotic War in Moscow, another in Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, and some to the Kubinka Tank Museum, including one of the two T-44 prototypes mounting the 100 mm D-10 cannon.
 
−
 
 
−
One T-44 in the Kubinka Tank Museum, with sponsorship from Gaijin Entertainment, has been restored to full, running condition in six months and painted in a parade camouflage style of the 29th Tank Corps of the 5th Guards Mechanized Army.
 
−
 
 
−
=== In-game description ===
 
−
"This tank was created in 1943-1944 by UZTM's design bureau and was designed to replace the T-34 as the Red Army's main tank. The new 500 hp B-44 engine was installed crosswise in the hull with modified water and oil pump positioning. This meant the tank's hull height and width were 300 mm smaller in comparison to the T-34, reducing its weight, which allowed its armour to be increased and a turret housing an 85 mm cannon to be placed on the centre of the hull. This allowed the hull's frontal armour to be increased to 90 mm thickness without overloading the front road wheels.
 
−
 
 
−
The thickness of the side and rear hull armour plates was also increased. The turret's front was 120 mm thick, and its rear 70-75 mm thick. In order to increase the thickness of the frontal hull plate, the driver's hatch was moved to the hull roof and the bow machine gun's ball mount was removed. The undercarriage's reliability was increased owing to the use of torsion-bar suspension on the road wheels.
 
−
 
 
−
The tank received all the newest achievements in fire control - an improved sight, an electric trigger button for the gun and machine gun, and combined manual and motor drive for turning the turret. All the tank's components and mechanisms were significantly improved. The tank's crew was reduced by a gunner/radio officer, as the tank's commander operated the radio. The bow machine gun was rigidly fixed to the frontal armour and operated by the driver. The space previously occupied by the gunner/radio officer was used for a fuel tank.
 
−
 
 
−
This tank came into service in 1944. By 1947, a total of 1,823 of these tanks were made, including 655 made during the war.
 
−
 
 
−
The Т-44's appearance led to the creation of the entirely new Т-54 combat vehicle.
 
−
 
 
−
The only armed conflict the T-44 took part in was the Hungarian Uprising of 1956."
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
<!--Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.-->
+
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
−
{{Youtube-gallery|-ndHK-sKUkw|Running T-44 at Kubinka on Warthunder Channel|FiEXsMxd5rc|'''The Shooting Range #56''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 02:57 discusses the T-44.|fyRkpUAoH5k|'''The Shooting Range #187''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:27 discusses the T-44.}}
 
  
−
==References==
+
== See also ==
−
<references />
+
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
  
−
== 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;''
 
* ''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.''
−
''ETC.''-->
 
−
[https://warthunder.com/en/news/3533/current/ [Vehicle Profile<nowiki>]</nowiki> Successor of a Legend: the T-44]
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 323: Line 303:
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
−
{{USSR medium tanks}}
+
{{Japan medium tanks}}

Revision as of 00:15, 4 June 2020

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
ST-A2
jp_st_a2.png
ST-A2
Japan flag.png Japan
IV Rank
Battle rating:
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

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