Difference between revisions of "M15 CGMC"
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== Description == | == Description == | ||
| − | <!-- | + | <!--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_M15A1CGMC.jpg|420px|thumb|left]] | [[File:GarageImage_M15A1CGMC.jpg|420px|thumb|left]] | ||
{{break}} | {{break}} | ||
| − | The ''' | + | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American self-propelled anti-aircraft gun {{Battle-rating}}. It is one of the first American tanks to be released with the American ground tree in [[Update 1.45 "Steel Generals"]]. |
| − | Comparing the M15 CGMC to the previous [[M16 MGMC|M16]] and [[M13 MGMC|M13]], they first appear similar. The same maneuverability and mobility is still passed on. All feature, [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning]] heavy machine guns. But at this point the similarities end. Both M13 and M16 have only one weapon system making long range shots easier to hit with all weapons. They also carry plenty of ammo (both 4800 rounds or 12 / 6 reloads) and will fire long after the M15 ran out of 37 mm and 12.7 mm rounds. Of course the Combination Gun Motor Carriage has some advantages to the machine gun only armed versions: A nasty cannon and actual armour, the M15A1 is entrusted with the ability to engage at a longer distance down aircraft faster, and most importantly, survive much longer. However, the price paid is the inability for the armament to cover the vehicle's front and a slower turret rotation. The latter can be addressed by driving backwards while in a combat zone. | + | Comparing the M15 CGMC to the previous [[M16 MGMC|M16]] and [[M13 MGMC|M13]], they first appear similar. The same maneuverability and mobility is still passed on. All feature, [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning]] heavy machine guns. But at this point the similarities end. Both M13 and M16 have only one weapon system making long range shots easier to hit with all weapons. They also carry plenty of ammo (both 4800 rounds or 12 / 6 reloads) and will fire long after the M15 ran out of 37 mm and 12.7 mm rounds. Of course the Combination Gun Motor Carriage has some advantages to the machine gun only armed versions: A nasty cannon and actual armour, the M15A1 is entrusted with the ability to engage at a longer distance down aircraft faster, and most importantly, survive much longer. However, the price paid is the inability for the armament to cover the vehicle's front and a slower turret rotation. The latter can be addressed by driving backwards while in a combat zone. |
A noteworthy issue the gun layout: The secondary anti-air weapons (the M2 Brownings) can only be fired with the machine gun key. They do not activate when pressing the secondary weapon key. | A noteworthy issue the gun layout: The secondary anti-air weapons (the M2 Brownings) can only be fired with the machine gun key. They do not activate when pressing the secondary weapon key. | ||
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== General info == | == General info == | ||
=== Survivability and armour === | === Survivability and armour === | ||
| − | <!-- | + | <!--Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? |
| + | |||
| + | If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.--> | ||
| − | |||
'''Armour type:''' | '''Armour type:''' | ||
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| Hull || 6.35 mm (31°) ''Front Hood'' <br> 6.35 mm (83-84°) ''Hood top'' || 6.35 mm || 6.35 mm || N/A | | Hull || 6.35 mm (31°) ''Front Hood'' <br> 6.35 mm (83-84°) ''Hood top'' || 6.35 mm || 6.35 mm || N/A | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | Turret || 12.7 mm || N/A || N/A || N/A | + | | Turret || 12.7 mm || N/A || N/A || N/A |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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=== 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.--> |
| + | |||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
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== Armaments == | == Armaments == | ||
| − | |||
=== Main armament === | === Main armament === | ||
| − | <!-- | + | <!--Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.--> |
{{main|M1A2 (37 mm)}} | {{main|M1A2 (37 mm)}} | ||
| + | |||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
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! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif. | ! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif. | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | ''Arcade'' || | + | | ''Arcade'' || 22.02 || 30.47 || __._ || __._ || 43.53 |
|- | |- | ||
| − | | ''Realistic'' || 14. | + | | ''Realistic'' || 14.88 || 17.50 || __._ || __._ || 25.00 |
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds) | ! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds) | ||
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! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif. | ! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif. | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | | + | | 2.60 || __._ || __._ || 2.00 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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! 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''''' '''@ | + | ! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack''' |
|- | |- | ||
! 10m | ! 10m | ||
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| M54 Shell || HEFI-T* || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 | | M54 Shell || HEFI-T* || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | M59A1 Shot || | + | | M59A1 Shot || APC || 47 || 46 || 39 || 33 || 27 || 22 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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| M54 Shell || HEFI-T* || 792 || 0.61 || 0.0 || 0.5 || 65.25 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81° | | M54 Shell || HEFI-T* || 792 || 0.61 || 0.0 || 0.5 || 65.25 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81° | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | M59A1 Shot || | + | | M59A1 Shot || APC || 625 || 0.87 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71° |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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| '''Belts''' || '''Shell composition''' || '''Combat usage''' | | '''Belts''' || '''Shell composition''' || '''Combat usage''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | align="left" |''M59A1 shot'' || align="left" | ''' | + | | align="left" |''M59A1 shot'' || align="left" | '''APC''' / '''HEFI-T*''' || align="left" | These work fine, a hit on an aircraft means certain destruction for it and still is able to hurt '''some''' ground vehicles. |
|- | |- | ||
| align="left" |''M54 shell'' || align="left" | '''HEFI-T*''' || align="left" | These are best for against aircraft. | | align="left" |''M54 shell'' || align="left" | '''HEFI-T*''' || align="left" | These are best for against aircraft. | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | align="left" |''M59A1 shot'' || align="left" | ''' | + | | align="left" |''M59A1 shot'' || align="left" | '''APC''' || align="left" | These are the worst belts against airplanes and even tho they are able to hurt '''some''' ground vehicles, loading them in a RB match is usually a mistake. |
|} | |} | ||
=== 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.--> |
{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)}} | {{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)}} | ||
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|- | |- | ||
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition | ! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition | ||
| − | ! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ | + | ! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0 Angle of Attack°''' |
|- | |- | ||
! 10m | ! 10m | ||
| Line 210: | Line 212: | ||
! 2000m | ! 2000m | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | AP || 26 || 25 || 19 || 12 || 7 || | + | | AP || 26 || 25 || 19 || 12 || 7 || 5 |
|- | |- | ||
| I || 2 || 2 || 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 | | I || 2 || 2 || 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 | ||
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| AP-I || 887 || 0.04 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 56° || 65° | | AP-I || 887 || 0.04 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 56° || 65° | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | APIT || | + | | APIT || 887 || 0.04 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 56° || 65° |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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| '''Belts''' || '''Shell composition''' || '''Combat usage''' | | '''Belts''' || '''Shell composition''' || '''Combat usage''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | align="left" |'' | + | | align="left" |''Universal'' || align="left" | '''API-T''' / '''I''' / '''AP''' / '''API-T''' || align="left" | These rounds work well until the others are researched. |
|- | |- | ||
| align="left" |''API'' || align="left" | '''API-T''' / '''AP-I''' / '''API-T''' || align="left" | These are absolutely devastating in the AA role with slightly less performance against enemy tanks than AP. | | align="left" |''API'' || align="left" | '''API-T''' / '''AP-I''' / '''API-T''' || align="left" | These are absolutely devastating in the AA role with slightly less performance against enemy tanks than AP. | ||
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|} | |} | ||
| − | === | + | === Ammo racks|Ammo racks === |
| − | [[File:Ammoracks_M15A1CGMC.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|Ammo racks of the M15A1 CGMC.]] | + | [[File:Ammoracks_M15A1CGMC.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the M15A1 CGMC.]] |
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|} | |} | ||
| − | == Usage in | + | == 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).--> |
| + | |||
Compared to certain other SPAAs ([[ZSU-37]], [[Wirbelwind]], [[M13 MGMC|M13]], etc.) the M15 cannot be used effectively in an anti-vehicle role. The average [[BR|battle-rating]] is too high and the penetration value of the AP shells to low. While it does have increased armour compared to earlier models, it is still not strong enough against the devastating tank HE shells. However the armour performs well versus the average aircraft armament. | Compared to certain other SPAAs ([[ZSU-37]], [[Wirbelwind]], [[M13 MGMC|M13]], etc.) the M15 cannot be used effectively in an anti-vehicle role. The average [[BR|battle-rating]] is too high and the penetration value of the AP shells to low. While it does have increased armour compared to earlier models, it is still not strong enough against the devastating tank HE shells. However the armour performs well versus the average aircraft armament. | ||
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=== Pros and cons === | === Pros and cons === | ||
| − | <!-- | + | <!--Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".--> |
'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
| − | * Decent armour, compared to its predecessors | + | * Decent armour, compared to its predecessors |
| − | * Armour to an extent can soak up 12.7 mm rounds, something the previous vehicles could not do | + | * Armour to an extent can soak up 12.7 mm rounds, something the previous vehicles could not do |
| − | * Heavy armament setup | + | * Heavy armament setup |
| − | * Guns are fired separately, allowing for shots between reloading guns or tricking the enemy into misidentifying the vehicle as a M13 MGMC | + | * Guns are fired separately, allowing for shots between reloading guns or tricking the enemy into misidentifying the vehicle as a M13 MGMC |
| − | * 37 mm can attack other tanks if necessary, though this is not recommended due to low penetration | + | * 37 mm can attack other tanks if necessary, though this is not recommended due to low penetration |
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
| − | * Low ammo count, will run out easily | + | * Low ammo count, will run out easily |
| − | * Split armament causes different ballistics between them | + | * Split armament causes different ballistics between them |
| − | * Different velocities for the cannon and machine guns | + | * Different velocities for the cannon and machine guns |
| − | * Open top turret, so the Turret crew is exposed | + | * Open top turret, so the Turret crew is exposed |
| − | * Vulnerable against explosions | + | * Vulnerable against explosions |
| − | * Very uneven center of gravity, may tip over in tight turns | + | * Very uneven center of gravity, may tip over in tight turns |
| − | * 37 mm ammunition is stored in the turret walls, it is easy to hit and is lethal to the crew and tank | + | * 37 mm ammunition is stored in the turret walls, it is easy to hit and is lethal to the crew and tank |
| − | * Cannot cover the front of the vehicle | + | * Cannot cover the front of the vehicle |
| − | * Lacks rapid reload on German and Russian counterparts | + | * Lacks rapid reload on German and Russian counterparts |
== 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 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).--> |
| + | |||
===Development=== | ===Development=== | ||
The history of the M15 CGMC, or Combination Gun Motor Carriage, vehicle is derived from the prototype T28 CGMC. The T28 prototype was itself developed from the US Army Coast Artillery Corps T1A2 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage project, which was designed around the current Army 37mm M1A2 Autocannon to be flanked with two .50 caliber M2 Browning machine guns on an M2 half-track. This vehicle was designated the T28, but failed evaluations in Aberdeen Proving Grounds due to the heavy recoil, causing the project to be cancelled in 1942. But the US Army Armored Forces required a mobile anti-aircraft system to support their tanks in combat, so the T28 was revitalized with modifications, using the larger M3 half-tracks as the basis instead with a newer sight for target spotting, this modified variant was the T28E1 CGMC, and 81 of these were built from July to August of 1942 by White Motor Company. These vehicles did not have an armoured mount for the crew, leaving the gun and crew exposed to enemy fire, but after initial production, the vehicle was given an armoured shield and this was now designated the '''M15 CGMC'''. | The history of the M15 CGMC, or Combination Gun Motor Carriage, vehicle is derived from the prototype T28 CGMC. The T28 prototype was itself developed from the US Army Coast Artillery Corps T1A2 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage project, which was designed around the current Army 37mm M1A2 Autocannon to be flanked with two .50 caliber M2 Browning machine guns on an M2 half-track. This vehicle was designated the T28, but failed evaluations in Aberdeen Proving Grounds due to the heavy recoil, causing the project to be cancelled in 1942. But the US Army Armored Forces required a mobile anti-aircraft system to support their tanks in combat, so the T28 was revitalized with modifications, using the larger M3 half-tracks as the basis instead with a newer sight for target spotting, this modified variant was the T28E1 CGMC, and 81 of these were built from July to August of 1942 by White Motor Company. These vehicles did not have an armoured mount for the crew, leaving the gun and crew exposed to enemy fire, but after initial production, the vehicle was given an armoured shield and this was now designated the '''M15 CGMC'''. | ||
| − | The M15 CGMC had an M42 armoured weapon mount with two .50 caliber Browning machine guns side by side above the main 37 mm armament in the center. Initial versions produced in 1943 accounted for 680 M15s built before a modification with a lighter gun mount, lighter machine guns, and new sights. The M15s | + | The M15 CGMC had an M42 armoured weapon mount with two .50 caliber Browning machine guns side by side above the main 37 mm armament in the center. Initial versions produced in 1943 accounted for 680 M15s built before a modification with a lighter gun mount, lighter machine guns, and new sights. The M15s made from the M3A1 half-track chassis and were designated the ''M15A1 CGMC'', which accounted for 1,052 units produced in 1943, and another 600 in 1944. This lead to a total production of 2,332 vehicles produced in the span of 1942 to 1944. |
===Combat usage=== | ===Combat usage=== | ||
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After World War II, many M15s were given to Japan under the Military Aid Program to support their new military formation. The M15s saw service again in the Korean War as an anti-aircraft and ground support vehicle. However, the M15 was classified as "limited standard" like its M16 counterpart due to its lower efficiency against the newer planes present due to advances in technology. The M15 "Special" was taken up as an improved version of the M15 and adopted due to the larger quantity of 40 mm ammo than the 37 mm, this caused the modified M15s to be designated the ''T19'', then officially as the ''M34''. The M15 was declared obsolete in 1946 and retired some time after that, with the remaining ones given to Japan. | After World War II, many M15s were given to Japan under the Military Aid Program to support their new military formation. The M15s saw service again in the Korean War as an anti-aircraft and ground support vehicle. However, the M15 was classified as "limited standard" like its M16 counterpart due to its lower efficiency against the newer planes present due to advances in technology. The M15 "Special" was taken up as an improved version of the M15 and adopted due to the larger quantity of 40 mm ammo than the 37 mm, this caused the modified M15s to be designated the ''T19'', then officially as the ''M34''. The M15 was declared obsolete in 1946 and retired some time after that, with the remaining ones given to Japan. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===In-game description=== | ||
| + | Following the success enjoyed by the T28E1 CGMC in North Africa, US army command decided to launch full-scale production of a self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon with mixed armament. The weapon was standardized as the M15 CGMC. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The M15 was the M3 half-track personnel carrier with mixed cannon and machine gun weaponry: a 37 mm M1A2 cannon and two 12.7 mm Browning M2HB machine guns. The built-in gun mount was installed on a rotating, open-top turret on the floor of the personnel carrier's body. The mass-produced versions differed from the T28E1 in that they boasted an armored shield to protect the crew and had a Browning M2HB machine gun with air-cooled barrels (the T28E1 had water-cooled Browning M2WC machine guns). | ||
| + | |||
| + | The M15 CGMC AA mount was produced by the Autocar Company from February to April 1943. In that time 600 were assembled, after which the vehicle was pulled from production due to its low reliability and maneuverability. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The M15 CGMC fought as part of the American army's AA divisions in the European theater. The USSR received 100 units via Lend-Lease. | ||
== Media == | == Media == | ||
| + | <!--Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.--> | ||
[http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23m15 Camouflages, skins and paint patterns for the M15 Combination Gun Motor Carriage from live.warthunder.] | [http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23m15 Camouflages, skins and paint patterns for the M15 Combination Gun Motor Carriage from live.warthunder.] | ||
| − | == | + | == 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;'' | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
| − | * ''other literature.'' | + | * ''encyclopedia page on the tank;'' |
| + | * ''other literature.''--> | ||
| + | * [https://warthunder.com/en/news/3133/current/ [Vehicle Profile<nowiki>]</nowiki> M15 CGMC] | ||
{{USA anti-aircraft vehicles}} | {{USA anti-aircraft vehicles}} | ||
Revision as of 16:06, 22 May 2019
Contents
Description
The Combination Gun Motor Carriage M15 is a rank I American self-propelled anti-aircraft gun
with a battle rating of 2.0 (AB) and 1.7 (RB/SB). It is one of the first American tanks to be released with the American ground tree in Update 1.45 "Steel Generals".
Comparing the M15 CGMC to the previous M16 and M13, they first appear similar. The same maneuverability and mobility is still passed on. All feature, Browning heavy machine guns. But at this point the similarities end. Both M13 and M16 have only one weapon system making long range shots easier to hit with all weapons. They also carry plenty of ammo (both 4800 rounds or 12 / 6 reloads) and will fire long after the M15 ran out of 37 mm and 12.7 mm rounds. Of course the Combination Gun Motor Carriage has some advantages to the machine gun only armed versions: A nasty cannon and actual armour, the M15A1 is entrusted with the ability to engage at a longer distance down aircraft faster, and most importantly, survive much longer. However, the price paid is the inability for the armament to cover the vehicle's front and a slower turret rotation. The latter can be addressed by driving backwards while in a combat zone.
A noteworthy issue the gun layout: The secondary anti-air weapons (the M2 Brownings) can only be fired with the machine gun key. They do not activate when pressing the secondary weapon key.
As being a half truck and tank it will turn well in all speeds compared to other SPAA.
The M15 CGMC is a self propelled anti-air vehicle. This machine is a very simple deal: More armour and a cannon in change for less ammo and more difficult aiming. Not much more to say. Stay behind and close to allies, but outside the enemies view-range and with clear line of sight to the horizon for low aircraft, and try to keep the turret facing rear of the vehicle.
General info
Survivability and armour
Armour type:
- Rolled homogeneous armour
| Armour | Front (Slope angle) | Sides | Rear | Roof |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hull | 6.35 mm (31°) Front Hood 6.35 mm (83-84°) Hood top |
6.35 mm | 6.35 mm | N/A |
| Turret | 12.7 mm | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Open top, open rear and only 12 mm (0.5 inch) all around? SU-152's and M4 (105)'s HE shells will always be happy to obliterate the M15A1. On the other hand those nasty aircraft cannot damage it easily with their machine gun fire and Armour-piercing rounds are usually not fielded by fighters. Something to be aware of though is the 37 mm ammo location: The turret bin's walls. Easy to hit and even easier to detonate by tanks.
Mobility
| Mobility characteristic | ||
|---|---|---|
| Weight (tons) | Add-on Armor weight (tons) |
Max speed (km/h) |
| 9.0 | N/A | 79 (AB) |
| 73 (RB/SB) | ||
| Engine power (horsepower) | ||
| Mode | Stock | Upgraded |
| Arcade | 210 | 259 |
| Realistic/Simulator | 131 | 148 |
| Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton) | ||
| Mode | Stock | Upgraded |
| Arcade | 23.33 | 28.78 |
| Realistic/Simulator | 14.55 | 16.44 |
Armaments
Main armament
| 37 mm M1A2 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity (Belt capacity) | Fire rate (shots/minute) |
Vertical guidance |
Horizontal guidance |
Stabilizer | |
| 240 (10) | 120 | -5°/+85° | ±180° | N/A | |
| Turret rotation speed (°/s) | |||||
| Mode | Stock | Upgraded | Prior + Full crew | Prior + Expert qualif. | Prior + Ace qualif. |
| Arcade | 22.02 | 30.47 | __._ | __._ | 43.53 |
| Realistic | 14.88 | 17.50 | __._ | __._ | 25.00 |
| Reloading rate (seconds) | |||||
| Stock | Prior + Full crew | Prior + Expert qualif. | Prior + Ace qualif. | ||
| 2.60 | __._ | __._ | 2.00 | ||
Ammunition
| Penetration statistics | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ammunition | Type of warhead |
Penetration in mm @ 0° Angle of Attack | |||||
| 10m | 100m | 500m | 1000m | 1500m | 2000m | ||
| M54 Shell | HEFI-T* | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| M59A1 Shot | APC | 47 | 46 | 39 | 33 | 27 | 22 |
| 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% | ||||||||
| M54 Shell | HEFI-T* | 792 | 0.61 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 65.25 | +0° | 79° | 80° | 81° |
| M59A1 Shot | APC | 625 | 0.87 | N/A | N/A | N/A | +4° | 48° | 63° | 71° |
Belt types
| Belts | Shell composition | Combat usage |
| M59A1 shot | APC / HEFI-T* | These work fine, a hit on an aircraft means certain destruction for it and still is able to hurt some ground vehicles. |
| M54 shell | HEFI-T* | These are best for against aircraft. |
| M59A1 shot | APC | These are the worst belts against airplanes and even tho they are able to hurt some ground vehicles, loading them in a RB match is usually a mistake. |
Machine guns
| 12.7 mm M2HB | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coaxial mount(x2) | ||||||
| Capacity (Belt capacity each) | Fire rate (shots/minute) |
Vertical guidance |
Horizontal guidance | |||
| 3,400 (200) | 577 | N/A | N/A | |||
Ammunition
| Penetration statistics | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ammunition | Penetration in mm @ 0 Angle of Attack° | ||||||
| 10m | 100m | 500m | 1000m | 1500m | 2000m | ||
| AP | 26 | 25 | 19 | 12 | 7 | 5 | |
| I | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| AP-I | 23 | 22 | 16 | 10 | 6 | 5 | |
| APIT | 23 | 22 | 16 | 10 | 6 | 5 | |
| Shell details | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ammunition | 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% | |||||||
| AP | 856 | 0.05 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 47° | 56° | 65° | |
| I | 944 | 0.04 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 47° | 56° | 65° | |
| AP-I | 887 | 0.04 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 47° | 56° | 65° | |
| APIT | 887 | 0.04 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 47° | 56° | 65° | |
Belt types
| Belts | Shell composition | Combat usage |
| Universal | API-T / I / AP / API-T | These rounds work well until the others are researched. |
| API | API-T / AP-I / API-T | These are absolutely devastating in the AA role with slightly less performance against enemy tanks than AP. |
| AP | AP / AP / API-T | These are best against enemy tanks at close range and do good damage to planes. |
| APIT | API-T | Better than API in all regards but not as good against tanks as AP, this is the belt choose in almost all situations. Since every bullet is a tracer makes destroying aircraft much easier and detect-ability is not greatly increased over AP-I, however is increased a bit over AP. |
Ammo racks|Ammo racks
| Full ammo |
1st rack empty |
2nd rack empty |
3rd rack empty |
4th rack empty |
5th rack empty |
6th rack empty |
Recommendations | Visual discrepancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XX | XX (X+) | (+) | (+) | (+) | (+) | (+) | Turret empty: () | no |
Usage in battles
Compared to certain other SPAAs (ZSU-37, Wirbelwind, M13, etc.) the M15 cannot be used effectively in an anti-vehicle role. The average battle-rating is too high and the penetration value of the AP shells to low. While it does have increased armour compared to earlier models, it is still not strong enough against the devastating tank HE shells. However the armour performs well versus the average aircraft armament.
With the 37 mm cannon the CGMC has an good tool versus bombers and armoured attackers. The ammo is limited though. Reserve the fire for certain hits. Against fighters the same tactic should be applied, while now the 12.7 mm HMG should be used as well, their ammo is limited, too. Without firing discipline, the M15A1 ammo will run out very fast.
Unlike many other SPAA this vehicle can continue shooting once it is reloading the big gun (37 mm cannon or the smaller caliber M2 Browning guns). However, continued fire is not the strength of this machine. It simply lacks the ammo for it, 200 shells will earn some scores, but simply cannot compete with the constant rate of fire the German Sd.kfz 6/2 As it has an extremely short reload time. The Axis counter part has less armour overall, yet fire rate is 40 rounds a minute higher (~160 shells/min) and has 318 shots total instead of meager 200. In addition the German SPAA actually has efficient high-velocity rounds with 48 mm @ 100m (1.9 inches at 110 yards).
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Decent armour, compared to its predecessors
- Armour to an extent can soak up 12.7 mm rounds, something the previous vehicles could not do
- Heavy armament setup
- Guns are fired separately, allowing for shots between reloading guns or tricking the enemy into misidentifying the vehicle as a M13 MGMC
- 37 mm can attack other tanks if necessary, though this is not recommended due to low penetration
Cons:
- Low ammo count, will run out easily
- Split armament causes different ballistics between them
- Different velocities for the cannon and machine guns
- Open top turret, so the Turret crew is exposed
- Vulnerable against explosions
- Very uneven center of gravity, may tip over in tight turns
- 37 mm ammunition is stored in the turret walls, it is easy to hit and is lethal to the crew and tank
- Cannot cover the front of the vehicle
- Lacks rapid reload on German and Russian counterparts
History
Development
The history of the M15 CGMC, or Combination Gun Motor Carriage, vehicle is derived from the prototype T28 CGMC. The T28 prototype was itself developed from the US Army Coast Artillery Corps T1A2 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage project, which was designed around the current Army 37mm M1A2 Autocannon to be flanked with two .50 caliber M2 Browning machine guns on an M2 half-track. This vehicle was designated the T28, but failed evaluations in Aberdeen Proving Grounds due to the heavy recoil, causing the project to be cancelled in 1942. But the US Army Armored Forces required a mobile anti-aircraft system to support their tanks in combat, so the T28 was revitalized with modifications, using the larger M3 half-tracks as the basis instead with a newer sight for target spotting, this modified variant was the T28E1 CGMC, and 81 of these were built from July to August of 1942 by White Motor Company. These vehicles did not have an armoured mount for the crew, leaving the gun and crew exposed to enemy fire, but after initial production, the vehicle was given an armoured shield and this was now designated the M15 CGMC.
The M15 CGMC had an M42 armoured weapon mount with two .50 caliber Browning machine guns side by side above the main 37 mm armament in the center. Initial versions produced in 1943 accounted for 680 M15s built before a modification with a lighter gun mount, lighter machine guns, and new sights. The M15s made from the M3A1 half-track chassis and were designated the M15A1 CGMC, which accounted for 1,052 units produced in 1943, and another 600 in 1944. This lead to a total production of 2,332 vehicles produced in the span of 1942 to 1944.
Combat usage
The M15 CGMC were first used in Operation Torch as the T28E1, when the Americans and British forces invaded North Africa. Crew usage was for the .50 caliber machine guns to fire tracers to bring the gun up to aim with the intended target. Performance of the M15 CGMC accounted for more than one hundred downed aircraft during the North African and Italian campaigns. During the invasion of Sicily, 78 T28E1s were available to provide anti-air protection for the invading force against the German low-flying planes such as the Stuka dive bombers. The T28E1s were still used all the way until the end of the war despite the development of the more armoured M15 half-tracks.
The M15s were organized into anti-aircraft artillery companies in the US Armored Divisions. In one company, there were eight M15 CGMCs and eight M16 MGMCs. At higher levels, such as in the corps and army level, there were 32 of each vehicle available. The M15s accompanied its prototype in the Italian campaign, but also saw use in the Battle of Normandy and Operation Dragoon in France, and the rest of the fighting on the Western Front. Like the M16 MGMC, the M15 CGMC was used as both in an anti-aircraft role and a ground support role, supporting the infantry as they advance into territory where German aircraft prevalence becomes lower and lower. The M15 also served in the Pacific during the Philippines Campaign and the Battle of Okinawa in the same roles in the European theater. During World War II, the M15 CGMCs wre also given out in large numbers to allies, such as the Soviet Union. An attempt to upgrade the M15s to enhance firepower in the Korean War was done in Australia by converting the M15 CGMCs by removing the 37 mm and .50 caliber machine gun mount and instead replacing it with a single 40 mm Bofors cannon. This modified M15 was unofficially named the M15 "Special" and was used during the Battle of the Philippines.
After World War II, many M15s were given to Japan under the Military Aid Program to support their new military formation. The M15s saw service again in the Korean War as an anti-aircraft and ground support vehicle. However, the M15 was classified as "limited standard" like its M16 counterpart due to its lower efficiency against the newer planes present due to advances in technology. The M15 "Special" was taken up as an improved version of the M15 and adopted due to the larger quantity of 40 mm ammo than the 37 mm, this caused the modified M15s to be designated the T19, then officially as the M34. The M15 was declared obsolete in 1946 and retired some time after that, with the remaining ones given to Japan.
In-game description
Following the success enjoyed by the T28E1 CGMC in North Africa, US army command decided to launch full-scale production of a self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon with mixed armament. The weapon was standardized as the M15 CGMC.
The M15 was the M3 half-track personnel carrier with mixed cannon and machine gun weaponry: a 37 mm M1A2 cannon and two 12.7 mm Browning M2HB machine guns. The built-in gun mount was installed on a rotating, open-top turret on the floor of the personnel carrier's body. The mass-produced versions differed from the T28E1 in that they boasted an armored shield to protect the crew and had a Browning M2HB machine gun with air-cooled barrels (the T28E1 had water-cooled Browning M2WC machine guns).
The M15 CGMC AA mount was produced by the Autocar Company from February to April 1943. In that time 600 were assembled, after which the vehicle was pulled from production due to its low reliability and maneuverability.
The M15 CGMC fought as part of the American army's AA divisions in the European theater. The USSR received 100 units via Lend-Lease.
Media
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
| USA anti-aircraft vehicles | |
|---|---|
| M3 Half-track derivatives | M13 MGMC · M15 CGMC · M16 MGMC |
| M24 derivative | M19A1 |
| M41 derivative | M42 |
| Radar SPAAG | M163 · M247 |
| Missile SPAA | Imp.Chaparral · LAV-AD · XM975 |
