Difference between revisions of "M2A2"
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{{Specs-Card|code=us_m2a2}} | {{Specs-Card|code=us_m2a2}} | ||
| − | {{ | + | {{About |
| + | | about = American light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
| + | | usage = other uses | ||
| + | | link = M2 (Family) | ||
| + | }} | ||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
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The '''{{Specs|name}} is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory"|Update 1.49 (1.70.1945) "Weapons of Victory"]]. | The '''{{Specs|name}} is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory"|Update 1.49 (1.70.1945) "Weapons of Victory"]]. | ||
| − | The most common and most used American tank in pre-war years. The M2A2 was armed with a .50 and .30 | + | The most common and most used American tank in pre-war years. The M2A2 was armed with a .50 and .30 calibre machine gun. The Spanish Civil War showed that tanks with MG main armament were ineffective. This led to the upgrade to the [[M2A4]]. In the game, the M2A2 is lightning fast, with very weak armour and a subpar armament. |
== General info == | == General info == | ||
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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 whole | + | The whole armour is made out of '''rolled homogeneous armour ''' plates. Tracks provide 15 mm of armour. |
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| Line 31: | Line 35: | ||
=== Mobility === | === Mobility === | ||
| − | <!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability as well as the maximum speed | + | <!--''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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=== Machine guns === | === Machine guns === | ||
| − | <!--''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft | + | <!--''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)}} | {{main|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}} | ||
| − | The M2A2 is armed with a secondary 30 cal. machine gun in a separate turret. This leads to it and the main turret to be unable to rotate 360 degrees. The 30 cal can be somewhat useful against very lightly | + | The M2A2 is armed with a secondary 30 cal. machine gun in a separate turret. This leads to it and the main turret to be unable to rotate 360 degrees. The 30 cal can be somewhat useful against very lightly armoured AA vehicles and can be used as a distraction for enemy tanks. |
== Usage in 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 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 M2A2 is a strange vehicle as a twin-turreted machine-gun armament only vehicle. It is however, fast, and could be sped around as a scout tank to get on the enemy's side. The .50 cal main armament makes the necessary as it could only penetrate ~20 mm at standard ranges, meaning that it was only effective against the reserves of other nations, and even so the machine guns may only be effective when shot at the sides. It is best to not go around the map without a buddy with a cannon to provide a substantial upgrade in firepower should it come face to face with the enemy. | + | The M2A2 is a strange vehicle as a twin-turreted machine-gun armament only vehicle. It is, however, fast, and could be sped around as a scout tank to get on the enemy's side. The .50 cal main armament makes the necessary as it could only penetrate ~20 mm at standard ranges, meaning that it was only effective against the reserves of other nations, and even so the machine guns may only be effective when shot at the sides. It is best to not go around the map without a buddy with a cannon to provide a substantial upgrade in firepower should it come face to face with the enemy. |
| − | Another way to use the M2A2 is as | + | Another way to use the M2A2 is as an SPAA. The turrets have decent gun elevation so hitting aircraft is quite easy. The .30 and .50 cal machine guns are very good at destroying any planes at its BR or at least will cripple them. It is recommended to turn the hull with the turrets so you can fire both guns and will not end up only firing one. |
=== Pros and cons === | === Pros and cons === | ||
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* Cramped crew. | * Cramped crew. | ||
* Two non-fully rotating turrets. | * Two non-fully rotating turrets. | ||
| − | * In an event in which the .50 gunner is knocked out, the only effective gun will be | + | * In an event in which the .50 gunner is knocked out, the only effective gun will be useless .30 machine gun. |
| − | * Any collision can result in the driver and co- | + | * Any collision can result in the driver and co-drivers knockout, or worse the entire crew. |
* Terrible steering, not adequate under gear 2. | * Terrible steering, not adequate under gear 2. | ||
| Line 164: | Line 168: | ||
The '''M2 Light Tank''' series was an American pre-World War II design as their answer to a fast, effective tank in a cavalry role. | The '''M2 Light Tank''' series was an American pre-World War II design as their answer to a fast, effective tank in a cavalry role. | ||
| − | The idea of light tanks started with the Defense Act of 1920, which defined tanks as an infantry support weapon, but the idea of a cavalry role for the tanks | + | The idea of light tanks started with the Defense Act of 1920, which defined tanks as an infantry support weapon, but the idea of a cavalry role for the tanks was brought up by multiple theorists, to which the British were the first to incorporate with the ''cruiser tanks''. Limitation in American development leads to the establishment of light tanks as the ''combat cars''. The development team soon looked at the tank prototypes ''T1 Light Tank'' and the ''T2 medium tank'' and decide to use them as the basis for the light tank design. |
| − | Modifications made onto the experimental tanks, mostly installing the new Vertical Volute Spring Suspension (VVSS) that would be the main suspension in future American tank development, made the tanks into the '''M2A1 Light Tank'''. The main version used before the war was designated the '''M2A2''', which had two turrets, both with a .50 | + | Modifications made onto the experimental tanks, mostly installing the new Vertical Volute Spring Suspension (VVSS) that would be the main suspension in future American tank development, made the tanks into the '''M2A1 Light Tank'''. The main version used before the war was designated the '''M2A2''', which had two turrets, both with a .50 calibre M2 Browning as its armament. However, the Spanish Civil War showed that this kind of tank is insufficient in tank warfare, so initially the design was revised with improved armour up to 22 mm ('''M2A3''') and then with one turret with a 37 mm cannon, this would become the [[M2A4|'''M2A4''']], which would be the main light tank variant in US service before World War II broke out. |
===Combat usage=== | ===Combat usage=== | ||
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A unique feature on the M2 Light tank was the number of machine guns it could house. Aside from the coaxial and the bow gunner's ball mounted one, two machine guns were fixed facing forward on the sides of the hull, fired by the driver. Another M1919 Browning machine gun could be mounted on the turret top for anti-aircraft use. | A unique feature on the M2 Light tank was the number of machine guns it could house. Aside from the coaxial and the bow gunner's ball mounted one, two machine guns were fixed facing forward on the sides of the hull, fired by the driver. Another M1919 Browning machine gun could be mounted on the turret top for anti-aircraft use. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === In-game description === | ||
| + | The M2A2 light tank developed and built by Rock Island Arsenal (RIA). A total of 239 of these tanks were built in 1935. The M2A2 was used to train tank operators, who gave it the unofficial nickname “Mae West.” It was never used in combat. | ||
== Media == | == Media == | ||
Revision as of 14:30, 23 May 2019
Contents
| This page is about the American light tank M2A2. For other uses, see M2 (Family). |
Description
The Light Tank M2A2 is a Rank I American light tank
with a battle rating of 1.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.49 (1.70.1945) "Weapons of Victory".
The most common and most used American tank in pre-war years. The M2A2 was armed with a .50 and .30 calibre machine gun. The Spanish Civil War showed that tanks with MG main armament were ineffective. This led to the upgrade to the M2A4. In the game, the M2A2 is lightning fast, with very weak armour and a subpar armament.
General info
Survivability and armour
The whole armour is made out of rolled homogeneous armour plates. Tracks provide 15 mm of armour.
| Armour | Front (Slope angle) | Sides | Rear | Roof |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hull | 15.8 mm (20°) Driver port 15.8 mm (71°) Front Glacis 15.8 mm (18-59°) Lower Glacis |
12.7 mm | 6.35 mm (2-61°) | 6.35 mm |
| Turret | 15.8 mm (0-2°) Turret front 15.8 mm (2°) Gun mantlet' |
15.8 mm (0-1°) | 15.8 mm (2°) | 6.35 mm |
| Armour | Sides | Roof | ||
| Cupola | 15.8 mm (2°) | 6.35 mm |
Mobility
| Mobility characteristic | ||
|---|---|---|
| Weight (tons) | Add-on Armor
weight (tons) |
Max speed (km/h) |
| 8.7 | N/A | 80 (AB) |
| 72 (RB/SB) | ||
| Engine power (horsepower) | ||
| Mode | Stock | Upgraded |
| Arcade | 308 | 379 |
| Realistic/Simulator | 232 | 262 |
| Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton) | ||
| Mode | Stock | Upgraded |
| Arcade | 35.40 | 43.56 |
| Realistic/Simulator | 26.67 | 30.11 |
Armaments
Main armament
| 12.7 mm M2HB | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity (Belt capacity) | Fire rate (shots/min) |
Vertical guidance |
Horizontal guidance |
Stabilizer | |
| 1,400 (200) | 577 | -10°/+20° | -170°/+20° | N/A | |
| Turret rotation speed (°/s) | |||||
| Mode | Stock | Upgraded | Prior + Full crew | Prior + Expert qualif. | Prior + Ace qualif. |
| Arcade | 18.90 | 19.76 | __.__ | __.__ | 28.24 |
| Realistic | 8.93 | 10.5 | __.__ | __.__ | 15.00 |
| Reloading rate (seconds) | |||||
| Stock | Prior + Full crew | Prior + Expert qualif. | Prior + Ace qualif. | ||
| 10.4 | __.__ | __.__ | 8.00 | ||
Ammo racks
| Full ammo |
1st rack empty |
2nd rack empty |
Visual discrepancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 4 (+3) | 6 (+1) | No |
Machine guns
The M2A2 is armed with a secondary 30 cal. machine gun in a separate turret. This leads to it and the main turret to be unable to rotate 360 degrees. The 30 cal can be somewhat useful against very lightly armoured AA vehicles and can be used as a distraction for enemy tanks.
Usage in battles
The M2A2 is a strange vehicle as a twin-turreted machine-gun armament only vehicle. It is, however, fast, and could be sped around as a scout tank to get on the enemy's side. The .50 cal main armament makes the necessary as it could only penetrate ~20 mm at standard ranges, meaning that it was only effective against the reserves of other nations, and even so the machine guns may only be effective when shot at the sides. It is best to not go around the map without a buddy with a cannon to provide a substantial upgrade in firepower should it come face to face with the enemy.
Another way to use the M2A2 is as an SPAA. The turrets have decent gun elevation so hitting aircraft is quite easy. The .30 and .50 cal machine guns are very good at destroying any planes at its BR or at least will cripple them. It is recommended to turn the hull with the turrets so you can fire both guns and will not end up only firing one.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Very fast, can reach 60 km/h on a road in AB.
- Maneuverable(ish).
- Accurate in the long run
- High fire rate
Cons:
- Armour is only sufficient to protect itself against machine gun fire.
- Pathetic armament, which can be used only against anti-air vehicles and some sides or rears of tanks, but not all.
- Cramped crew.
- Two non-fully rotating turrets.
- In an event in which the .50 gunner is knocked out, the only effective gun will be useless .30 machine gun.
- Any collision can result in the driver and co-drivers knockout, or worse the entire crew.
- Terrible steering, not adequate under gear 2.
History
Development
The M2 Light Tank series was an American pre-World War II design as their answer to a fast, effective tank in a cavalry role.
The idea of light tanks started with the Defense Act of 1920, which defined tanks as an infantry support weapon, but the idea of a cavalry role for the tanks was brought up by multiple theorists, to which the British were the first to incorporate with the cruiser tanks. Limitation in American development leads to the establishment of light tanks as the combat cars. The development team soon looked at the tank prototypes T1 Light Tank and the T2 medium tank and decide to use them as the basis for the light tank design.
Modifications made onto the experimental tanks, mostly installing the new Vertical Volute Spring Suspension (VVSS) that would be the main suspension in future American tank development, made the tanks into the M2A1 Light Tank. The main version used before the war was designated the M2A2, which had two turrets, both with a .50 calibre M2 Browning as its armament. However, the Spanish Civil War showed that this kind of tank is insufficient in tank warfare, so initially the design was revised with improved armour up to 22 mm (M2A3) and then with one turret with a 37 mm cannon, this would become the M2A4, which would be the main light tank variant in US service before World War II broke out.
Combat usage
Although the M2 light tanks were promising in their introduction, they were soon succeeded by the M3 and M5 light tanks. The M2 light tanks were seen by armament as a stopgap solution for the dire need of tanks and a development project for tank improvements. By December 1941, the M2 light tanks were being used for training only in the US Army, but the Marine Corps used them in the Battle of Guadalcanal in the Pacific due to the lack of M3 light tanks available.
Britain ordered some M2 light tanks in early 1941 in part of the Lend-Lease Act, but only 36 were delivered before switching to the improved M3 light tanks.
A unique feature on the M2 Light tank was the number of machine guns it could house. Aside from the coaxial and the bow gunner's ball mounted one, two machine guns were fixed facing forward on the sides of the hull, fired by the driver. Another M1919 Browning machine gun could be mounted on the turret top for anti-aircraft use.
In-game description
The M2A2 light tank developed and built by Rock Island Arsenal (RIA). A total of 239 of these tanks were built in 1935. The M2A2 was used to train tank operators, who gave it the unofficial nickname “Mae West.” It was never used in combat.
Media
Skins and camouflages for the M2A2 from live.warthunder.com.
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 light tanks | |
|---|---|
| LVT | LVT(A)(1) · ○LVT(A)(1) · LVT(A)(4) |
| M2 | M2A2 · M2A4 · M2A4 (1st Arm.Div.) |
| M3/M5 Stuart | M3 Stuart · M3A1 Stuart · M3A1 (USMC) · M5A1 · M5A1 TD · ▃Stuart VI (5th CAD) |
| M22 Locust | M22 |
| M24 Chaffee | M24 · M24 (TL) |
| M18 Hellcat | M18 GMC · M18 "Black Cat" · Super Hellcat |
| M41 Walker Bulldog | M41A1 |
| M551 Sheridan | M551 · M551(76) |
| M3 Bradley | M3 Bradley · M3A3 Bradley |
| Wheeled | M8 LAC · T18E2 · M1128 · M1128 Wolfpack |
| Other | M8A1 GMC · T92 · T114 · HSTV-L · CCVL · XM8 · AGS |
