Difference between revisions of "M113A1 (TOW)"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(TBH i still feel like those "overpen" comments are just luck or stray APDS shots, which cannot explode anyway.)
(Edits.)
Line 5: Line 5:
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} Italy tank destroyer {{Battle-rating|1}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].  
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} Italy tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].  
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 13: Line 13:
 
''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.''-->
  
The vehicle profile is literally a rectangle. Only the front is slightly sloped, to increase protection from machine gun fire. There isn't much else worth firing at, but launcher, machine gun and vehicle itself.
+
The vehicle profile is a basic rectangle with a slightly sloped front which increases protection from machine gun fire. The main areas of the vehicle to target when attacking is the missile launcher, machine gun to disable its attack capability or a main vehicle shot.
  
Armour of M113A1 barely stops 12 mm machine gun fire, since it's made of aluminium alloy. Anything of higher caliber will very likely penetrate it.
+
The M1113A1 is meant to be a stand-off vehicle, which is due to its role on the battlefield, it is not built to be on the front line. The aluminium alloy armour will not stand up to much and as is will barely stop 12 mm machine gun fire. Anything of higher calibre are almost guaranteed to penetrate.
  
Gunner is standing outside of vehicle, directing the launcher, and thus can be hit. In fact, if someone accidentally hits rangefinder (near to launcher) with APHE, it may detonate right into their face.
+
The gunner is exposed outside of the vehicle when directing the launcher and can be hit. Be aware, accidentally initiating rangefinder (near to launcher) with APHE, it may detonate right into the gunner's face.
  
Since armour is very thin it often does not detonate shells, and armour-ripping shells cause less than fatal damage. However, only '''very''' high caliber shells wont detonate, and you should avoid being hit at all. Vehicle also seems to not have hull break, as ATGM hits to the side in arcade mode only set it on fire.
+
Since the vehicle's armour is very thin it often does not detonate shells while armour-ripping shells cause less than fatal damage. However, only '''very''' high calibre shells won't detonate, the main key here is to avoid being hit at all. Vehicle also seems to not have hull break, one example is when an ATGM hits to the side of the vehicle in arcade mode will only set it on fire.
  
All in all, it's best to just get out of the way of other tanks and sneak around.
+
All in all, it's best to just get out of the way of other tanks and sneak around, this is a vehicle of strategy, not brute force.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''-->
+
<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability as well as the maximum speed forward and backwards.''-->
  
While stats say top speed of this vehicle is about 64-71 km/h, in reality it's driving for about 30-40, which is rather slow. The turn rate of vehicle also isn't that amazing, which is further decreasing your ability to react on sudden enemy appearance.
+
While game stats state the top speed of this vehicle is about 64-71 km/h, in reality, it seems to manage around 30-40 km/h, which compared to other vehicles in its rank is rather slow. The turn rate of the vehicle also isn't that amazing, which can be a problem in an ambush or an immediate change of direction is needed.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
Line 32: Line 32:
 
<!--''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.''-->
 
<!--''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.''-->
  
Vehicle is using TOW missile launcher on it's back to attack enemy. It only has 10 shots.
+
The M113A1 is a specialized vehicle which has a TOW missile launcher mounted onto the top of the vehicle. The firing tubes plus storage only contain 10 rockets to use before it needs to reload or resupply.
  
ATGMs loaded in this launcher have 2 purposes: Be extremely fast, and attack at absurd ranges. As such, of all ATGMs at it's BR, this one is probably one of the fastest with launch and top speed of 300 m/s. It can be easily beaten by hybrid tank ATGMs, but they're mostly used since BR of 9, aside from [[M551]] and [[T-55AM-1]], which is premium.
+
Anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) loaded in the launcher have two purposes: Be extremely fast and attack at from range across the battlefield much like artillery cannons. As such, of all ATGMs at its battle rating, the M113A1 is probably one of the fastest with both launch and a top speed of 300 m/s. Be aware, this vehicle can easily be beaten by hybrid tank ATGMs, however, they're typically found at battle rating IX, aside from [[M551]] and [[T-55AM-1]], which are premium vehicles.
  
Standart ATGM you have at beginning is TOW, which has 430 mm of pen at 0 degrees and 214 mm of pen at 60 degrees. It can fly for 3 km.
+
When initially using the M113A1, the standard ATGM is available for use, which is a TOW which when fired can travel for approximately 3 km and has a 430 mm of penetration at 0 degrees or 214 mm of penetration at 60 degrees.
  
The first-tier upgrade "I-TOW" changes missiles to have 630 mm of pen at 0 degrees and 314 mm of pen at 60 degrees, and also it's range is 3.75 km now. The drawback is, it does slightly less damage in RB.
+
The first-tier ammunition upgrade unleashes the "I-TOW" which provides 630 mm of penetration at 0 degrees and 314 mm of penetration at 60 degrees with a range of approximately 3.75 km. The drawback to using this rocket is that it does slightly less damage in realistic battle mode.
  
The placement of weapon is high enough to fire over cover, but problem is, since in case of this vehicle gunner stands tall outside of vehicle all the time and can be easily hit, it's hardly an advantage.
+
The placement of weapon is high enough to fire over cover, however, advantages also at time spawn disadvantages and in this case with the vehicle gunner standing tall outside of the vehicle, he has no protection and can easily be hit.
  
Launcher has rather limited arc of fire - 45 degrees in either direction, which isn't compensated by missile's characteristics, like in case of [[Swingfire]] or armour like in case of [[IT-1]]. If you want to fire over cover, you'll probably need to stand far away from the enemy and cover, or right in front of cover, which probably wont protect the gunner.
+
The launcher has a rather limited arc of fire - 45 degrees in either direction, which isn't compensated by missile's characteristics like in case of [[Swingfire]] or armour like in case of [[IT-1]]. If you want to fire over cover best bet is to stand far away from the enemy and cover, or right in front of the cover, however, this still probably won't protect the gunner.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
<!--''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''-->
 
<!--''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''-->
The single 12.7 mm machine gun can be effective when fighting against open-topped vehicles or to cause some confusion to your enemies as you reload your vehicle.  
+
The single 12.7 mm machine gun can be effective when fighting against open-topped vehicles or to cause some confusion/distraction to the enemy vehicles as the M113A1 reloads.  
  
Technically, you can use it against other poorly armored ATGM carriers, but the idea of them directly attacking your vehicle is rather ridiculous.
+
At this battle rating, this vehicle is limited to keeping helicopters from getting too comfy since they too have thin to no armour, the rest should be left to the designated anti-air vehicles. As a last resort, the AGTM can be used.
 
 
At your battle rating, all you can do with it against air vehicles is to keep helicopters from getting too comfy, the rest should be left to the designated anti-air vehicles or your main weapon, if necessary.
 
  
 
== Usage in the battles ==
 
== Usage in the battles ==
Line 60: Line 58:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* The obscene lack of armour makes it possible for over penetration (combined side armour amounts to less than the shell detonation value)
+
* The M113A1 is a mobile artillery platform with the power to stop tank
* It seems as if the vehicle was specifically designed for Realistic mode, where it's weaknesses don't really matter, and fast ATGMs can oneshot tanks before they can even react
+
* Fast, can get to covered locations and set up for ambushes
  
 
'''Cons:'''  
 
'''Cons:'''  
  
* Extremely vulnerable against anything better than a standard machine gun
+
* Extremely light armour - not suited for frontline duty
* Rather slow
+
* Rather slow at turning
* Gunner can be taken out by ''anything''
+
* Gunner is exposed, can easily be knocked out
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==

Revision as of 16:43, 25 April 2019

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
M113A1 (TOW)
it_m113a1_tow.png
M113A1 (TOW)
Research:135 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:380 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage M113A1 (TOW).jpg


The OTO Melara VTC M113A1 TOW is a Rank VI Italy tank destroyer with a battle rating of 8.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.85 "Supersonic".

General info

Survivability and armour

The vehicle profile is a basic rectangle with a slightly sloped front which increases protection from machine gun fire. The main areas of the vehicle to target when attacking is the missile launcher, machine gun to disable its attack capability or a main vehicle shot.

The M1113A1 is meant to be a stand-off vehicle, which is due to its role on the battlefield, it is not built to be on the front line. The aluminium alloy armour will not stand up to much and as is will barely stop 12 mm machine gun fire. Anything of higher calibre are almost guaranteed to penetrate.

The gunner is exposed outside of the vehicle when directing the launcher and can be hit. Be aware, accidentally initiating rangefinder (near to launcher) with APHE, it may detonate right into the gunner's face.

Since the vehicle's armour is very thin it often does not detonate shells while armour-ripping shells cause less than fatal damage. However, only very high calibre shells won't detonate, the main key here is to avoid being hit at all. Vehicle also seems to not have hull break, one example is when an ATGM hits to the side of the vehicle in arcade mode will only set it on fire.

All in all, it's best to just get out of the way of other tanks and sneak around, this is a vehicle of strategy, not brute force.

Mobility

While game stats state the top speed of this vehicle is about 64-71 km/h, in reality, it seems to manage around 30-40 km/h, which compared to other vehicles in its rank is rather slow. The turn rate of the vehicle also isn't that amazing, which can be a problem in an ambush or an immediate change of direction is needed.

Armaments

Main armament

The M113A1 is a specialized vehicle which has a TOW missile launcher mounted onto the top of the vehicle. The firing tubes plus storage only contain 10 rockets to use before it needs to reload or resupply.

Anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) loaded in the launcher have two purposes: Be extremely fast and attack at from range across the battlefield much like artillery cannons. As such, of all ATGMs at its battle rating, the M113A1 is probably one of the fastest with both launch and a top speed of 300 m/s. Be aware, this vehicle can easily be beaten by hybrid tank ATGMs, however, they're typically found at battle rating IX, aside from M551 and T-55AM-1, which are premium vehicles.

When initially using the M113A1, the standard ATGM is available for use, which is a TOW which when fired can travel for approximately 3 km and has a 430 mm of penetration at 0 degrees or 214 mm of penetration at 60 degrees.

The first-tier ammunition upgrade unleashes the "I-TOW" which provides 630 mm of penetration at 0 degrees and 314 mm of penetration at 60 degrees with a range of approximately 3.75 km. The drawback to using this rocket is that it does slightly less damage in realistic battle mode.

The placement of weapon is high enough to fire over cover, however, advantages also at time spawn disadvantages and in this case with the vehicle gunner standing tall outside of the vehicle, he has no protection and can easily be hit.

The launcher has a rather limited arc of fire - 45 degrees in either direction, which isn't compensated by missile's characteristics like in case of Swingfire or armour like in case of IT-1. If you want to fire over cover best bet is to stand far away from the enemy and cover, or right in front of the cover, however, this still probably won't protect the gunner.

Machine guns

The single 12.7 mm machine gun can be effective when fighting against open-topped vehicles or to cause some confusion/distraction to the enemy vehicles as the M113A1 reloads.

At this battle rating, this vehicle is limited to keeping helicopters from getting too comfy since they too have thin to no armour, the rest should be left to the designated anti-air vehicles. As a last resort, the AGTM can be used.

Usage in the 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).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • The M113A1 is a mobile artillery platform with the power to stop tank
  • Fast, can get to covered locations and set up for ambushes

Cons:

  • Extremely light armour - not suited for frontline duty
  • Rather slow at turning
  • Gunner is exposed, can easily be knocked out

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 main template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.

Media

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

Read 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.

ETC.

Sources

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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


Italy tank destroyers
  Italy
M41  75/18 M41 · 75/32 M41 · 90/53 M41M
M42  75/34 M42
M43  105/25 M43 · M43 "G.C.Leoncello" · 75/34 M43 · 75/46 M43
Wheeled  Lancia 3Ro (100/17) · AS 42/47 · Breda 90/53 · Breda 501
Other  L3/33 CC · 47/32 L40
Germany  ▄StuG III G
USA  M36B1 · ▄M109G · M113A1 (TOW)
  Hungary
Zrínyi  Zrinyi I · Zrinyi II
USSR  ◔2S1