Difference between revisions of "M42"

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{{Specs-Card|code=us_m42_duster}}
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = American SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = American SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| other
 
| other
−
| usage-1 = other versions
+
| usage-1 = the version in the Japanese tree
−
| link-1 = M42 (Family)
+
| link-1 = M42 (Japan)
−
| usage-2 = other uses
+
| usage-2 = the Italian SPAA with a similar name
−
| link-2 = M42 (Disambiguation)
+
| link-2 = M42 (Italy)
−
}}
 
−
{{Specs-Card
 
−
|code=us_m42_duster
 
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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<!-- ''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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<!--''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.''-->
−
The '''M42 "Duster"''' is a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun mounted on the [[M41 Walker Bulldog (Family)|M41 Walker Bulldog]] chassis used by the U.S. Army during World War II. It is an easily transported, lightly armoured vehicle that was constructed for the U.S. Army between 1952 and December 1960 and remained operational until 1988. General Motors Corporation's tank division was in charge of producing the M42 "Duster". The primary armament is comprised of two fully automatic 40 mm M2A1 Bofors autocannons. In the Vietnam War, it proved to be effective against unarmored ground forces despite its original design for anti-aircraft use.
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[[File:GarageImage_M42.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank4}} American Self-Propelled Anti-Aicraft (SPAA) gun {{Battle-rating}}. The M42 was released in [[Update 1.47 "Big Guns"]]. It is currently the third to last tank on the American SPAA line up, preceding the [[M163|M163 Vulcan]] and [[M247|M247 Sergeant York]]. While armed with the same turret and cannons from its predecessor the [[M19]], it has enhanced mobility by using the chassis of the [[M41A1|M41A1 Walker Bulldog]] light tank.
  
−
Introduced in [[Update 1.47 "Big Guns"]], the M42 "Duster" is a highly mobile and lightly armoured vehicle. Avoid taking on opponents that have enough armour to withstand your shots. Utilize your exceptional mobility to execute flanking manoeuvres early in the fight to strike the flanks of the adversary. The primary armament works just as well against aircraft. Even the largest plane can be brought down with a single direct hit. Please note, nonetheless, that most crews are in complete exposure without any protection. Remain under cover at all times and be aware of plane strafing.
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The M42 "Duster" is a '''s'''elf '''p'''ropelled '''a'''nti-'''a'''ir vehicle. Not much more to say. Stay behind and close to allies, but outside the enemies view-range and with a clear line of sight to the horizon for low aircraft.
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 +
Compared to certain other SPAAs ([[ZSU-37]], [[Wirbelwind]], [[M13 MGMC|Multiple Gun Motor Carriage M13]], etc.) the M42 cannot be used effectively in an anti-vehicle role. The average [[Battle ratings|battle-rating]] is too high and the penetration value of the AP shells too low. The armour is not strong enough against the devastating tank HE shells. However the armour performs okay versus machine gun fire from aircraft, but auto-cannon fire is a problem. Thankfully the fuses of most tank APHE shells are not very sensitive, rendering the HE content useless and the entire shell into a mere AP solid shot. But, the machine is tiny and damage still very likely.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
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<!--''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?''
−
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
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Armour may as well be non-existent on the M42. Built off the chassis of the [[M41A1|M41 Walker Bulldog]], the SPAA can be penetrated by anything in the game, except for those few tanks armed with only machine guns, of course. In this tank, speed is your armour. A stationary Duster is a scrapped Duster unless you're firing on an aircraft, in which you should stop behind some cover.
 
  
−
'''Armour type:'''
+
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 +
'''Armour type:'''  
  
−
* Rolled homogeneous armour
+
* Rolled homogeneous armour  
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
Line 42: Line 42:
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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=710|rbMinHp=442}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 710|rbMinHp= 442|<!--AoAweight=(optional) -->}}
−
 
 
−
This tank can go about 72 km/h forwards and -20 km/h backwards. Either way, it's fast. Being built with neutral steering and lighter than the M41A1. It should have no difficulty getting out of a situation in a pinch.
 
−
 
 
−
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
−
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
−
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
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<!--''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.''-->
−
=== Main armament ===
+
{{main|Bofors (40 mm)}}
−
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
−
<!-- ''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|Dual Automatic Gun M2 (40 mm)}}
 
  
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The M42 Duster is armed with two [[Dual Automatic Gun M2 (40 mm)|40 mm Dual Automatic Gun M2]] anti-aircraft guns. They have a decent rate of fire and you will seldom have to stop and wait for a reload - more likely, you'll have to wait for the gun barrel to cool down. Against aircraft, these guns are deadly. A shot or two will be more than enough to shoot down an enemy. They are also quite deadly against lightly armoured vehicles, such as enemy SPAAs or light tanks such as the [[Ru 251|Spähpanzer Ru 251]] or [[M41A1|M41 Walker Bulldog]], and you can penetrate the side of [[Panther A|Panthers]], too. However, they require direct hits. Against the Soviet heavy or British medium tanks you are likely to encounter, however these guns will do nothing for you. You will rarely get an opportunity to use the Bofors on another tank, as they simply lack the penetration to do so - 72 mm doesn't get you very far at Rank IV. If you can get the guns to hit, you should have no trouble knocking aircraft out of the sky.
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | [[Bofors (40 mm)|40 mm Bofors]] (x2)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity each)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="3" | 480 (8) || 120 || -3°/+85° || ±180°
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
 +
|-
 +
! style="width:4em" |Mode
 +
! style="width:4em" |Stock
 +
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 +
|-
 +
| ''Arcade'' || 23.8 || 32.9 || 40.0 || 44.2 || 47.0
 +
|-
 +
| ''Realistic'' || 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 +
|-
 +
| 0.65 || 0.58 || 0.53 || 0.50
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
=== Ammunition ===
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | [[Dual Automatic Gun M2 (40 mm)|40 mm Dual Automatic Gun M2]] (x2) || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 +
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 +
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
+
! 10m
−
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
+
! 100m
−
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
+
! 500m
 +
! 1000m
 +
! 1500m
 +
! 2000m
 
|-
 
|-
−
! ''Arcade''
+
| Mk.II || HEFI-T* || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3
−
| rowspan="2" | 480 (8) || rowspan="2" | 120 || rowspan="2" | -3°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A ||35.22||48.75||59.20||65.47||69.65|| rowspan="2" | 0.65 || rowspan="2" | 0.58 || rowspan="2" | 0.53 || rowspan="2" | 0.50
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! ''Realistic''
+
| M81A1 || AP-T || 76 || 74 || 62 || 45 || 33 || 24
−
| 23.80 || 28.00 || 34.00 || 37.60 || 40.00
+
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 +
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 +
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
 +
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
 +
''in m:''
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
 +
''in mm:''
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 +
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 +
|-
 +
! 0%
 +
! 50%
 +
! 100%
 +
|-
 +
| Mk.II || HEFI-T* || 874 || 0.86 || 0.2 || 0.1 || 63 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 +
|-
 +
| M81A1 || AP-T || 874 || 0.88 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1° || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
==== Ammunition ====
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===Belt types===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
| '''Belts''' || '''Shell composition''' || '''Combat usage'''
 +
|-
 +
| align="left" |''Default'' || align="left" | '''AP-T''' / '''HEFI-T*''' || align="left" | These work fine, a hit on an aircraft means instant disassembly for it and still is able to hurt ground vehicles, especially if it is side into the side of a enemy tank. These seem like a good I don't know what i will run into belt.
 +
|-
 +
| align="left" |''Mk.II'' || align="left" | '''HEFI-T*''' || align="left" | These mean bad news for aircraft, what should be used for AA work.
 +
|-
 +
| align="left" |''M81A1'' || align="left" | '''AP-T''' || align="left" | These are the worst belts against airplanes. however, they are able to hurt ground vehicles especially if it is side into the side of a enemy tank. If you plan on penetrating tanks, load this and flank, since side shots are almost a necessity.
 +
|}
  
−
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|FI-T*|Fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}} - These work fine, a hit on an aircraft means instant disassembly for it and still is able to hurt ground vehicles, especially if it is side into the side of a enemy tank.
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=== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] ===
−
* '''Mk.II:''' {{Annotation|FI-T*|Fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}} - These mean bad news for aircraft, what should be used for AA work.
+
[[File:Ammoracks_M42.png|right|thumbnail|300px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the M42 Duster.]]
−
* '''M81A1:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}} - These are the worst belts against airplanes. However, they are able to hurt ground vehicles especially if shot into the side of an enemy tank. If you plan on penetrating tanks, load this and flank, since side shots are almost a necessity.
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{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
−
 
 
−
{{:Dual Automatic Gun M2 (40 mm)/Ammunition|Mk.II, M81A1}}
 
−
 
 
−
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
−
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
−
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.25.1.70''' -->
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Full<br>ammo
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
−
! 1st<br>rack empty
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! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br /> rack empty
−
! 2nd<br>rack empty
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! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br /> rack empty
−
! 3rd<br>rack empty
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! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br /> rack empty
−
! Visual<br>discrepancy
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! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br /> rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" width="10%" |Recommendations
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''60''' || 30&nbsp;''(+30)'' || 4&nbsp;''(+56)'' || 2&nbsp;''(+58)'' || Yes
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| '''60''' || 50&nbsp;''(+10)'' || 38&nbsp;''(+22)'' || 14&nbsp;''(+46)'' || 2&nbsp;''(+58)'' || style="text-align:center" | Keep Full || style="text-align:center" | Yes
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
'''Notes''':
 
  
−
* Ammunition is modeled as 60 clips of 8 rounds.
+
== Usage in the battles ==
−
* The visual discrepancy concerns the total number of rounds: 232 rounds are modeled (58 clips of 4 rounds) but you can pack 480 rounds (60 clips of 8 rounds).
+
<!--''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).''-->
−
{{Clear}}
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With the dual 40 mm Bofors the Duster has an excellent tool versus [[:Category:Bombers|bombers]] and [[:Category:Attackers|armoured attackers]]. Reserve the fire for certain hits. Against fighters, the same tactic should be applied. There is no reason to spam the fire unless sitting on cap-point for rearming.
−
 
 
−
== 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).'' -->
 
−
 
 
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This tank has no armour, but a lot of speed and guns that do nothing against anything with actual armour. Refrain from attacking enemies that can take a hit from you, though you can roam around the battlefield with your insane speed and act as a scout. You can still shoot enemies to mark them on the mini-map for all players to see, although it will also expose you. However, you could stay with your teammates and shoot down planes that will be harassing them. They know the danger of the Bofors guns, but for some pilots, that is a gamble they are willing to take. A good way to lure planes toward you is the act like you don't see them, shoot off at some distant (ground) target, at which the plane will notice you are "distracted" and as they begin to dive to attack you, quickly re-aim the cannons and fire.
 
  
 
=== 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".'' -->
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<!--''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:'''
  
 
* 40 mm cannons are devastating to planes
 
* 40 mm cannons are devastating to planes
−
* AP rounds able to penetrate roughly 60 mm can be used against most medium tank side armour it could face, like the [[T-34-85]], [[Chi-Ri II]], [[Panther A]]/[[Panther D|D]]
+
* AP rounds able to penetrate roughly 60 mm can be used against most medium tank side armour it could face
−
* Unsynchronized firing helps improve overall fire rate
+
* Unsynchronized firing helps improve overall fire rate to double that list
 
* Outside from default belts, the other belt options are made of a single type of shell that can be relied on
 
* Outside from default belts, the other belt options are made of a single type of shell that can be relied on
−
* Relatively fast vehicle with good mobility due to the [[M41A1]] light tank basis
+
* Relatively fast vehicle with good mobility due to the M41A1 light tank basis
 
* Fast turret traverse rate helps track aircraft
 
* Fast turret traverse rate helps track aircraft
−
* Improved mobility, protection and ammunition count compared to [[M19]]
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Despite 40 mm cannons and the unsynchronized firing, the overall fire rate is still lower than its contemporaries
 
* Despite 40 mm cannons and the unsynchronized firing, the overall fire rate is still lower than its contemporaries
−
* 40 mm AP rounds are not the best AP rounds to use overall due to relatively low penetration; cannot penetrate all-round protected heavy tanks like the [[IS-2]] or [[Tiger H1]]/[[Tiger E|E]]
+
* 40 mm AP rounds are not the best AP rounds to use overall due to relatively low penetration
−
* Relatively bad depression angles, a little worse than on the [[M19]], which means the {{PAGENAME}} has to expose itself to shoot over hills
 
 
* Open turret allows aerial attacks and machine guns to decimate the exposed crew
 
* Open turret allows aerial attacks and machine guns to decimate the exposed crew
−
* Very thin armour hull, can be penetrated by .50 cal found on the [[M4]]
+
* Very thin armour hull
 +
* Is hull-breakable
 
* Careless driving can damage the vehicle
 
* Careless driving can damage the vehicle
 
* Ammo can be used up rather quickly due to the dual-gun firing, prolonged combat can find the ammo stowage run empty
 
* Ammo can be used up rather quickly due to the dual-gun firing, prolonged combat can find the ammo stowage run empty
 
* Easily ammo-racked due to racks scattered all around the turret, aerial autocannons could set it off if hit
 
* Easily ammo-racked due to racks scattered all around the turret, aerial autocannons could set it off if hit
−
* Bad mobility when stock
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the 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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
+
<!--''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.''-->
 
===Development===
 
===Development===
 
During late World War II and the Korean War, the US Army were using the [[M19|Twin Gun Motor Carriage M19]] as their main armoured forces anti-aircraft gun. However, during the Korean War, the US Army decides to phase out their M24 Chaffees and its variants, M19 included, in order to implement newer designs made in the time period. One of these newer designs was the development of the [[M41A1|M41 Walker Bulldog]] light tank. The 40 mm armament on the M19 was deemed effective enough to continue usage past the M19, so the turret of the M19 with the twin 40 mm cannons was taken off the chassis and modified to fit the chassis of the M41 light tank, which had a larger turret ring than the M24 Chaffee. This instalment of the anti-aircraft armament onto the M41 light tank was designated as the '''M42'''. The production of the vehicle began in early 1952 at the General Motors Cleveland Tank Plant and entered service in 1953, replacing the many other self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicles the army was fielding. Production continued from 1952 to December 1959, ending with a total number of 3,700 units. During the production, the M42 was upgraded in 1956 with a new engine and other upgrades common with the M41 light tank, this upgraded variant was the ''M42A1''.
 
During late World War II and the Korean War, the US Army were using the [[M19|Twin Gun Motor Carriage M19]] as their main armoured forces anti-aircraft gun. However, during the Korean War, the US Army decides to phase out their M24 Chaffees and its variants, M19 included, in order to implement newer designs made in the time period. One of these newer designs was the development of the [[M41A1|M41 Walker Bulldog]] light tank. The 40 mm armament on the M19 was deemed effective enough to continue usage past the M19, so the turret of the M19 with the twin 40 mm cannons was taken off the chassis and modified to fit the chassis of the M41 light tank, which had a larger turret ring than the M24 Chaffee. This instalment of the anti-aircraft armament onto the M41 light tank was designated as the '''M42'''. The production of the vehicle began in early 1952 at the General Motors Cleveland Tank Plant and entered service in 1953, replacing the many other self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicles the army was fielding. Production continued from 1952 to December 1959, ending with a total number of 3,700 units. During the production, the M42 was upgraded in 1956 with a new engine and other upgrades common with the M41 light tank, this upgraded variant was the ''M42A1''.
Line 147: Line 195:
 
After Vietnam, the M42 Dusters-equipped battalions were deactivated in late December 1971. These Dusters still in Vietnam were given to the ARVN forces. Training dusters at Fort Bliss were given back to the National Guard it was originally issued to, and multiple National Guard units were stationed with the M42 until it was officially retired in 1988, with the last unit retiring it be 2nd Battalion, 263 Air Defense Artillery.
 
After Vietnam, the M42 Dusters-equipped battalions were deactivated in late December 1971. These Dusters still in Vietnam were given to the ARVN forces. Training dusters at Fort Bliss were given back to the National Guard it was originally issued to, and multiple National Guard units were stationed with the M42 until it was officially retired in 1988, with the last unit retiring it be 2nd Battalion, 263 Air Defense Artillery.
  
−
{{break}}
+
=== In-game description ===
−
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
+
The M42 self-propelled 40mm anti-air mount built by General Motors (GM). It was based on the M41 light tank and was intended to replace the M19 self-propelled anti-air mount. The unofficial name “Duster” was also used for this installation. A total of 3,700 M42’s were produced between 1951 and 1959.
−
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
−
The M42 self-propelled 40 mm anti-air mount built by General Motors (GM). It was based on the M41 light tank and was intended to replace the M19 self-propelled anti-air mount. The unofficial name "Duster" was also used for this installation. A total of 3,700 M42's were produced between 1951 and 1959.
 
−
{{Navigation-End}}
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
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[http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23m42 '''Skins''' and '''camouflages''' for the M42 Duster from live.warthunder.com.]
  
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== Read also ==
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[https://warthunder.com/en/devblog/current/752/ [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> La-5FN and M42 Duster]
  
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_m42_duster Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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== Sources ==
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== See also ==
 
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;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 
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* [[M19]]
 
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{{USA anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 
{{USA anti-aircraft vehicles}}

Revision as of 19:53, 21 February 2020

Rank VI Israel | Premium | Golden Eagles
Merkava Mk.2D Pack
M42
us_m42_duster.png
M42
USA flag.png USA
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.0 4.3 4.7
Class:
Research:26 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:76 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the American SPAA M42. For the version in the Japanese tree, see M42 (Japan). For the Italian SPAA with a similar name, see M42 (Italy).

Description

GarageImage M42.jpg


The Twin 40 mm Self-Propelled Gun M42 Duster is a Rank American Self-Propelled Anti-Aicraft (SPAA) gun with a battle rating of 5.0 (AB), 4.3 (RB), and 4.7 (SB). The M42 was released in Update 1.47 "Big Guns". It is currently the third to last tank on the American SPAA line up, preceding the M163 Vulcan and M247 Sergeant York. While armed with the same turret and cannons from its predecessor the M19, it has enhanced mobility by using the chassis of the M41A1 Walker Bulldog light tank.

The M42 "Duster" is a self propelled anti-air vehicle. Not much more to say. Stay behind and close to allies, but outside the enemies view-range and with a clear line of sight to the horizon for low aircraft.

Compared to certain other SPAAs (ZSU-37, Wirbelwind, Multiple Gun Motor Carriage M13, etc.) the M42 cannot be used effectively in an anti-vehicle role. The average battle-rating is too high and the penetration value of the AP shells too low. The armour is not strong enough against the devastating tank HE shells. However the armour performs okay versus machine gun fire from aircraft, but auto-cannon fire is a problem. Thankfully the fuses of most tank APHE shells are not very sensitive, rendering the HE content useless and the entire shell into a mere AP solid shot. But, the machine is tiny and damage still very likely.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 12.7 mm (33°) Front glacis
25.7 mm (39°) Bottom glacis 		12.7 mm 12.7 mm Top
19 mm Bottom 		12.7 mm
Turret 12.7 mm 8 mm 8 mm N/A

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick.

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 79 21 22.5 710 954 31.56 42.4
Realistic 73 19 442 500 19.64 22.22

Armaments

Main article: Bofors (40 mm)
40 mm Bofors (x2)
Capacity (Belt capacity each) Fire rate
(shots/minute) 		Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance
480 (8) 120 -3°/+85° ±180°
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade 23.8 32.9 40.0 44.2 47.0
Realistic 23.8 28.0 34.0 37.6 40.0
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
0.65 0.58 0.53 0.50

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration in mm @ 90°
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
Mk.II HEFI-T* 3 3 3 3 3 3
M81A1 AP-T 76 74 62 45 33 24
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%
Mk.II HEFI-T* 874 0.86 0.2 0.1 63 +0° 79° 80° 81°
M81A1 AP-T 874 0.88 N/A N/A N/A -1° 47° 60° 65°

Belt types

Belts Shell composition Combat usage
Default AP-T / HEFI-T* These work fine, a hit on an aircraft means instant disassembly for it and still is able to hurt ground vehicles, especially if it is side into the side of a enemy tank. These seem like a good I don't know what i will run into belt.
Mk.II HEFI-T* These mean bad news for aircraft, what should be used for AA work.
M81A1 AP-T These are the worst belts against airplanes. however, they are able to hurt ground vehicles especially if it is side into the side of a enemy tank. If you plan on penetrating tanks, load this and flank, since side shots are almost a necessity.

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M42 Duster.
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		Recommendations Visual
discrepancy
60 50 (+10) 38 (+22) 14 (+46) 2 (+58) Keep Full Yes

Usage in the battles

With the dual 40 mm Bofors the Duster has an excellent tool versus bombers and armoured attackers. Reserve the fire for certain hits. Against fighters, the same tactic should be applied. There is no reason to spam the fire unless sitting on cap-point for rearming.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • 40 mm cannons are devastating to planes
  • AP rounds able to penetrate roughly 60 mm can be used against most medium tank side armour it could face
  • Unsynchronized firing helps improve overall fire rate to double that list
  • Outside from default belts, the other belt options are made of a single type of shell that can be relied on
  • Relatively fast vehicle with good mobility due to the M41A1 light tank basis
  • Fast turret traverse rate helps track aircraft

Cons:

  • Despite 40 mm cannons and the unsynchronized firing, the overall fire rate is still lower than its contemporaries
  • 40 mm AP rounds are not the best AP rounds to use overall due to relatively low penetration
  • Open turret allows aerial attacks and machine guns to decimate the exposed crew
  • Very thin armour hull
  • Is hull-breakable
  • Careless driving can damage the vehicle
  • Ammo can be used up rather quickly due to the dual-gun firing, prolonged combat can find the ammo stowage run empty
  • Easily ammo-racked due to racks scattered all around the turret, aerial autocannons could set it off if hit

History

Development

During late World War II and the Korean War, the US Army were using the Twin Gun Motor Carriage M19 as their main armoured forces anti-aircraft gun. However, during the Korean War, the US Army decides to phase out their M24 Chaffees and its variants, M19 included, in order to implement newer designs made in the time period. One of these newer designs was the development of the M41 Walker Bulldog light tank. The 40 mm armament on the M19 was deemed effective enough to continue usage past the M19, so the turret of the M19 with the twin 40 mm cannons was taken off the chassis and modified to fit the chassis of the M41 light tank, which had a larger turret ring than the M24 Chaffee. This instalment of the anti-aircraft armament onto the M41 light tank was designated as the M42. The production of the vehicle began in early 1952 at the General Motors Cleveland Tank Plant and entered service in 1953, replacing the many other self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicles the army was fielding. Production continued from 1952 to December 1959, ending with a total number of 3,700 units. During the production, the M42 was upgraded in 1956 with a new engine and other upgrades common with the M41 light tank, this upgraded variant was the M42A1.

Combat usage

The M42 was kept in US inventory past the Korean War, however, it was sometime between then and the 1960s that the US Army came to the conclusion that ordinary anti-aircraft guns are unable to engage the new aircraft age of jets. Thus, the M42 was to be retired in 1963 and replaced by the HAWK surface-to-air missile. Though, even after their retirement, the units stationed at the Panama Canal Zone kept their M42s until the 1970s.

Then in the 1960s, with the intensity of the Vietnam War brewing up, more American soldiers get stationed in the country. Experiences with the missile showed that the HAWK missile system suppose to engage the new jet planes performed badly in low-altitude defence. In order to ensure a tight grip on the airspace, the Army began to reissue the M42s to the Army in the air defence artillery battalions which contain four M42 batteries and one headquarters battery. These M42s start arriving in the fall of 1966 in three battalions, 1/44th, 5/2nd, and the 4/60th Battalions. Though, despite their role, no dire air threat was presented from the North Vietnamese to the South, so the M42s were relegated to ground support duties in a tradition shared by its past predecessors. The M42s in this role was deployed as on-point security, convoy escorts, or a perimeter defence; it was in these roles that the M42 earned its nickname "Duster" for its lethality and effectiveness in ground support roles against the infantry.

After Vietnam, the M42 Dusters-equipped battalions were deactivated in late December 1971. These Dusters still in Vietnam were given to the ARVN forces. Training dusters at Fort Bliss were given back to the National Guard it was originally issued to, and multiple National Guard units were stationed with the M42 until it was officially retired in 1988, with the last unit retiring it be 2nd Battalion, 263 Air Defense Artillery.

In-game description

The M42 self-propelled 40mm anti-air mount built by General Motors (GM). It was based on the M41 light tank and was intended to replace the M19 self-propelled anti-air mount. The unofficial name “Duster” was also used for this installation. A total of 3,700 M42’s were produced between 1951 and 1959.

Media

Skins and camouflages for the M42 Duster from live.warthunder.com.

Read also

[Devblog] La-5FN and M42 Duster

Sources

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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


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

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