Difference between revisions of "MK-II "Matilda" (USSR)"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=ussr_a_12_mk_2_matilda_2A_F96
 
|code=ussr_a_12_mk_2_matilda_2A_F96
|market=Matilda Mk II (USSR)}}
+
|market=Matilda Mk II (USSR)
 +
}}
  
 
== 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.''-->
+
<!-- ''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 MK-II 'Matilda' (USSR).jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
[[File:GarageImage_MK-II_'Matilda'_(USSR).jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{Break}}
 
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. This tank was introduced in [[Update 1.67 "Assault"]] during the 2017 World War Two: Chronicle events, unlocked after obtaining 6 Chronicle Awards. This is a British Matilda supplied to the Soviets through the Lend-Lease program whose turret was modified to receive a 76mm cannon.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update 1.67 "Assault"]] as a reward for the 2017 World War Two: Chronicle events, unlocked after obtaining 6 Chronicle Awards. This is a British Matilda supplied to the Soviets through the Lend-Lease program whose turret was modified to receive a 76mm cannon.
  
 
== 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.'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
+
<!-- ''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:'''
 +
 
* Cast homogeneous armour (hull front, turret, gun mantlet, cupola, hull sides top -above the tracks-)
 
* Cast homogeneous armour (hull front, turret, gun mantlet, cupola, hull sides top -above the tracks-)
 
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull sides bottom -tracks compartment-, hull rear, hull roof, turret roof, cupola roof, gun breech, side skirts).
 
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull sides bottom -tracks compartment-, hull rear, hull roof, turret roof, cupola roof, gun breech, side skirts).
Line 30: Line 32:
  
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
* Suspension wheels and tracks are both 20 mm thick.
 
* Suspension wheels and tracks are both 20 mm thick.
 
* Openings in the center area of side skirts are 13 mm thick (54°).
 
* Openings in the center area of side skirts are 13 mm thick (54°).
* The gun breech is very prominent and only 45mm thick, making it a weak spot.
+
* The gun breech is very prominent and only 45 mm thick, making it a weak spot.
 
* The sides of the joint area on the front glacis also are weak spots with only 22 mm of thickness.
 
* The sides of the joint area on the front glacis also are weak spots with only 22 mm of thickness.
* 2 smoke launchers are installed on the right side of the turret. Both smoke grenades are launched simultaneously in the direction the gun is pointing at, 30m away from your tank.
+
* 2 smoke launchers are installed on the right side of the turret. Both smoke grenades are launched simultaneously in the direction the gun is pointing at, 30 m away from your tank.
 
* Smoke shells can also be used as protection but the absence of gun depression will prevent to shoot them close to your vehicle.
 
* Smoke shells can also be used as protection but the absence of gun depression will prevent to shoot them close to your vehicle.
  
 
=== 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.'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
+
<!-- ''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=245|rbMinHp=168}}
  
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 245|rbMinHp= 168}}
+
Originally designed as an infantry support, the {{PAGENAME}} is underpowered and sluggish when compared to other tanks at the same battle rating. With a maximum speed of only 23-25 km/h, the {{PAGENAME}} always needs time to get in position and inevitably arrives last.
Originally designed as an infantry support, the {{PAGENAME}} is underpowered and sluggish when compared to other tanks at the same battle rating.
 
With a maximum speed of only 23-25 km/h, the {{PAGENAME}} always needs time to get in position and inevitably arrives last.
 
  
The acceleration is good: the maximum speed is reached in seconds. The braking is good as well, as the tank is heavy and the maximum speed poor.
+
The acceleration is good: the maximum speed is reached in seconds. The braking is good as well, as the tank is heavy and the maximum speed poor. The reverse speed is too poor to retreat quickly from an unexpected situation or allow any type of overextend tactic.
The reverse speed is too poor to retreat quickly from an unexpected situation or allow any type of overextend tactic.
 
  
While the tank weighs only 28.5 tons for heavy tank (that's the average weight of a T-34 at the same BR), its narrow tracks make driving on soft terrain difficult (sand, snow, mud). Turning when moving is good and turning 180° on flat terrain only takes a few seconds. But turning from idling is very slow as there is no neutral steering. This also causes noticeable gun wobbling. Finally, going uphill is always difficult as the {{PAGENAME}} loses speed very quickly.
+
While the tank weighs only 28.5 tons for heavy tank (that's the average weight of a T-34 at the same BR), its narrow tracks make driving on soft terrain difficult (sand, snow, mud). Turning when moving is good and turning 180° on flat terrain only takes a few seconds. But turning from idling is very slow as there is no neutral steering. This also causes noticeable gun wobbling. Finally, going uphill is always difficult as the {{PAGENAME}} loses speed very quickly.
  
 
== 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.'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
+
<!-- ''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|F-96 (76 mm)}}
 
{{main|F-96 (76 mm)}}
 +
 +
The gun accuracy starts dropping at 800 m and becomes a handicap over 1000 m. The muzzle velocity is good and offers rather flat trajectories. While the turret rotation speed is good, the poor depression clearly is a handicap: the gun is situated very high due to the profile of the Matilda. This can make targeting an enemy close to you very difficult, especially if there is a little slope putting the enemy tank slightly under your level. The recoil is minimal and does not impact targeting quality. The reload time is a little longer than most of your opponents but the same as any T-34 tank at the same BR. The penetration values are good, like the T-34s.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 54 || rowspan="2" | -2°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 16.18 || 22.4 || __.__ || __.__ || 32.0 || rowspan="2" | 8.97 || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | 6.9
+
| rowspan="2" | 54 || rowspan="2" | -2°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 16.18 || 22.40 || 27.20 || 30.08 || 32.00 || rowspan="2" | 8.9 || rowspan="2" | 7.9 || rowspan="2" | 7.3 || rowspan="2" | 6.9
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
| 11.9 || 14.0 || __.__ || __.__ || 20.0
+
| 11.90 || 14.00 || 17.00 || 18.80 || 20.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
The gun accuracy starts dropping at 800m and becomes a handicap over 1000m.
 
The muzzle velocity is good and offers rather flat trajectories.
 
While the turret rotation speed is good, the poor depression clearly is a handicap: the gun is situated very high due to the profile of the Matilda.
 
This can make targeting an enemy close to you very difficult, especially if there is a little slope putting the enemy tank slightly under your level.
 
The recoil is minimal and does not impact targeting quality.
 
The reload time is a little longer than most of your opponents but the same as any T-34 tank at the same BR.
 
The penetration values are good, like the T-34s.
 
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
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* '''BR-350SP''': APBC; a solid shot with the best penetration but no explosive filler.
 
* '''BR-350SP''': APBC; a solid shot with the best penetration but no explosive filler.
 
* '''OF-350M''': HE; useful for destroying open and lightly armoured vehicles.
 
* '''OF-350M''': HE; useful for destroying open and lightly armoured vehicles.
* '''Sh-354T''': Shrapnel; useful against vehicles that are resistant to the HE shells but too thinly armoured to trigger the fuzes of AP shells.
+
* '''Sh-354T''': Shrapnel; useful against vehicles that are resistant to the HE shells but too thinly armoured to trigger the fuses of AP shells.
 
* '''D-350A''': Smoke; useful to blind enemy vehicles that are too remote for you to penetrate.
 
* '''D-350A''': Smoke; useful to blind enemy vehicles that are too remote for you to penetrate.
  
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|}
 
|}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="7" | Shell details
+
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
|-
 
|-
! Ammunition
+
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! Type of<br>warhead
+
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
+
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
! Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
+
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
! Fuse delay<br>(m)
+
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
! Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
+
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
+
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 +
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 +
|-
 +
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
|-
 
|-
| BR-350A (MD-5 fuze) || APHEBC || 662 || 6.3 || 1.2 || 14 || 150
+
| BR-350A (MD-5 fuze) || APHEBC || 662 || 6.3 || 1.2 || 14.0 || 150 || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
|-
 
|-
| BR-350SP || APBC || 655 || 6.78 || N/A || N/A || N/A
+
| BR-350SP || APBC || 655 || 6.78 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
|-
 
|-
| BR-350B (MD-8 fuze) || APHEBC || 655 || 6.3 || 0.9 || 14 || 98.56
+
| BR-350B (MD-8 fuze) || APHEBC || 655 || 6.3 || 0.9 || 14.0 || 98.56 || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
|-
 
|-
| OF-350M || HE || 680 || 6.2 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 621
+
| OF-350M || HE || 680 || 6.2 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 621 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
|-
| Sh-354T || Shrapnel || 680 || 6.2 || 0.5 || 8 || 85
+
| Sh-354T || Shrapnel || 680 || 6.2 || 0.5 || 8.0 || 85 || 62° || 69° || 73°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
|-
 
|-
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|}
 
|}
 
Notes:
 
Notes:
 +
 
* To go into battle with flank racks depleted, pack 31&nbsp;''(+23)'' shells.
 
* To go into battle with flank racks depleted, pack 31&nbsp;''(+23)'' shells.
 
* The visual discrepancy is the floor rack: 36 shells are modeled but it contains only 30 shells.
 
* The visual discrepancy is the floor rack: 36 shells are modeled but it contains only 30 shells.
  
 
=== 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.'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
+
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
{{main|DT (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|DT (7.62 mm)}}
 +
 +
The small calibre of the MG will only allow you to use it as a spotting gun or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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! colspan="5" | [[DT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm DT]]
 
! colspan="5" | [[DT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm DT]]
 
|-
 
|-
! Mount
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
! Capacity (Belt)
 
! Fire rate
 
! Vertical
 
! Horizontal
 
 
|-
 
|-
| Coaxial || 3150 (63) || 600 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 3,150 (63) || 600 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
The small caliber of the MG will only allow you to use it as a spotting gun or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your ligne of sight.
+
== 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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Offensive role
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} should be played as a support tank like the [[KV-1 (L-11)]], taking advantage of its good armour and good penetration power.
 +
When playing as a support tank, you will help friendly tanks successfully defeat enemy tanks in their frontline engagements. Stay in proximity of the frontline to rely on penetration power, all while staying at a reasonable distance from it to maximize your armour and avoid being flanked or swarmed. Once the enemy push destroyed, you move forward together with frontline tanks and help capturing objectives.
 +
 
 +
When engaging enemy tanks, position your lower glacis behind cover to protect it from incoming fire. Unexperienced players will most likely waste shots on your frontal armour. With the BR-350B (MD-8 fuze) shell, the {{PAGENAME}} easily can take on most opponents at this BR.
 +
 
 +
;Defensive role
 +
 
 +
In the event the spearhead tanks of your team get crushed by the enemy, you will then play a defensive role by containing enemy breakthrough attempts.
 +
It will fall upon you to stop enemy tanks dead in their tracks. Being at a distance from the frontline will force enemy tanks to drive in the open to get to you. Always play with a nearby obstacle you can use as cover if you get hit and need to repair. Have a planned escape plan as the enemy will try to use artillery or CAS to dislodge you from cover.
 +
A good player in a {{PAGENAME}} can lock a side of the battlefield, especially in corridor maps.
 +
 
 +
;Other roles
 +
 
 +
If you try to use the {{PAGENAME}} in a different role on the battlefield, you will quickly reach its limits:
 +
 
 +
* If you try to play the {{PAGENAME}} as a frontline tank, you will suffer from the tank's poor mobility and be easily flanked by light tanks or armored cars and, especially if they swarm you. Your turning speed is too poor to manoeuvre quickly and your reverse speed is too poor to get out of hot spots quickly.
 +
* If you attempt to play long range engagements, your gun will lack accuracy and penetration will drop over distance, while your silhouette will make you a target of choice for enemy counterfire. The absence of gun depression will prevent you from firing behind the cover of a ridge.
 +
 
 +
;Notable enemies:
 +
 
 +
Your worst enemies will be the ones equipped with long cannons, able to penetrate you easily from middle to long range.
  
== Usage in battles ==
+
* Tank destroyers: M10 GMC, Archer, 90/53 M41M, Na-To, Pvkv II, Pvkv m/43 (1946).
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
+
* Frontline tanks: M4, Pz. IV F2, T-34s, Chi-Nu.
''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).''
+
 
 +
;Defeating a {{PAGENAME}}
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} has a pretty strong hull and turret armour but several weak spots exist:
 +
 
 +
* In a frontal encounter, the gun breech is the easiest to target (under the gun). The sides of the lower glacis are also extremely weak (20mm).
 +
* If you have a very high penetrating power, aim for the turret: a successful penetration will most likely knock out 3 out of 4 crew members.
 +
* When flanking, aim for the turret ring (small area).
 +
 
 +
In case of a frontal attack, try blinding the {{PAGENAME}} with smoke and then swarm it with several fast tanks to saturate its defensive capacities. If you are alone, flanking a {{PAGENAME}} undetected remains your best chance to destroy it.
  
 
=== Modules ===
 
=== Modules ===
Line 209: Line 241:
 
| III
 
| III
 
| Filters
 
| Filters
|  
+
|
 
| Crew Replenishment
 
| Crew Replenishment
 
| Elevation Mechanism
 
| Elevation Mechanism
|
+
| Smoke grenade
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
 
| Transmission
 
| Transmission
 
| Engine
 
| Engine
|  
+
|
 
| D-350A
 
| D-350A
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="6" |This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase
+
! colspan="6" | This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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".'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
+
<!-- ''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".'' -->
''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:'''
*
+
 
 +
* Strong armour, comparable to the KV-1s.
 +
* Gun with sufficient penetration to oppose enemy threat.
 +
* Quick turret rotation for a heavy tank.
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
*
+
 
 +
* Poor mobility: slow (25 km/h max), can't outflank others and will take a long time just to get to the combat zone.
 +
* Insufficient gun depression.
 +
* Struggles going uphill and through uneven terrain.
 +
* 3 crew members in small size turret: a penetrating shot is more likely to incapacitate the tank.
 +
* Can easily be penetrated by projectiles with high penetrating power: HEAT or APCR shells.
  
 
== 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 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).'' -->
 +
{{main|Matilda_III#History|l1=History of the Matilda}}
 +
 +
;Lend-Lease
  
Britain and Canada provided the Soviet Union with around 5,200 tanks, of which 4,600 arrived, while they were recovering from the setbacks of 1941. The Soviets belittled these lend-lease AFVs, and tended to use them on secondary fronts, releasing their own tanks for the more important areas. While the Matilda II was the second-most-common British tank used by the Soviets, with over 1,000 delivered, it was disliked for its slow speed and poor winter performance and used primarily for infantry support. The remaining tanks were out of service by the end of 1943.
+
Matilda tanks were supplied to the Soviet Union as part of the Lend-Lease program. The Red Army received a third of the Matildas produced overall. Matilda heavy tanks were appreciated by the Soviet tank crews for their strong armour. A notable weak point of the tank however was its poor performance in snowy or icy conditions because of its narrow tracks.
 +
 
 +
;Upgunning attempt
 +
 
 +
While the Red Army used the standard 2-pounder gun installed on Matildas from the beginning, the evolution of German armour made this gun less and less effective. In December 1941, plans were made to equip Matildas with the 76 mm of the KV-1. Only 1 prototype was built. Installing a 76 mm gun in an already cramped turret without modifying it brought major shortcomings: the quasi-absence of gun depression and the even more limited space for loaders to operate around the gun. This led the Red Army to scrap the project and concentrate on new KV-1 models instead.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23matilda_f96 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|F_WdjadFKp4|'''Matilda Mk II F-96 Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''|eQpmnqi82gA|'''Matilda Mk II F-96: Is it worth it?''' - ''Many Miles Away''|eYcfCbaIJqc|'''I've Received The Matilda Mk.II F-96! (Soviet Exclusive Heavy Tank)''' - ''Tigerfrost''}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|F_WdjadFKp4|'''Matilda Mk II F-96 Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''|eQpmnqi82gA|'''Matilda Mk II F-96: Is it worth it?''' - ''Many Miles Away''|eYcfCbaIJqc|'''I've Received The Matilda Mk.II F-96! (Soviet Exclusive Heavy Tank)''' - ''Tigerfrost''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 249: Line 299:
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
 
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
 
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
 
* [[Matilda III]]
 
* [[Matilda III]]
 
;Similar Soviet vehicles
 
* [[KV-1 (L-11)]]
 
* [[SMK]]
 
* [[KV-1E]]
 
* [[KV-1S]]
 
* [[KV-1 (ZiS-5)]]
 
 
;Other Soviet vehicles equipped with a 76mm gun
 
* [[T-34 (Prototype)]]
 
* [[T-34 (1940)]]
 
* [[T-34 (1941)]]
 
* [[T-34 (1942)]]
 
* [[T-34E]]
 
* [[T-34E STZ]]
 
  
 
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
* [[KV-IB (Germany)]]
+
* [[KV-1 (Family)]]
 
* [[Churchill Mk III]]
 
* [[Churchill Mk III]]
 
* [[ARL-44 (ACL-1)]]
 
* [[ARL-44 (ACL-1)]]
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* [[wt:en/news/4660-development-ww2-chronicles-vehicles-matilda-mk-2-f-96-a-soviet-lady-en|[Development] WW2 Chronicles vehicles: Matilda MK-2 F-96: A Soviet Lady]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/4660-development-ww2-chronicles-vehicles-matilda-mk-2-f-96-a-soviet-lady-en|[Development] WW2 Chronicles vehicles: Matilda MK-2 F-96: A Soviet Lady]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/4648-special-war-thunder-chronicles-en|[Special] War Thunder Chronicles]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/4648-special-war-thunder-chronicles-en|[Special] War Thunder Chronicles]]
* [[wikipedia:Matilda_II#Other_variants,_field_modifications_and_prototypes|Wikipedia - Matilda_II - Other variants, field modifications and prototypes]]
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* [[wikipedia:Matilda_II#Other_variants,_field_modifications_and_prototypes|[Wikipedia] Matilda II - Other variants]]
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/soviet/matilda-mk-iv-zis-5 Tanks Encyclopedia - Matilda II Mk.IV with ZiS-5 76mm]
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* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/soviet/matilda-mk-iv-zis-5 <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Matilda II Mk.IV with ZiS-5 76mm]
  
 
{{USSR heavy tanks}}
 
{{USSR heavy tanks}}
 
{{USSR premium ground vehicles}}
 
{{USSR premium ground vehicles}}

Revision as of 10:10, 13 August 2020

▂MK-II "Matilda"
ussr_a_12_mk_2_matilda_2a_f96.png
▂MK-II "Matilda"
AB RB SB
3.7 3.3 3.3
Show in game
MARKET

Description

GarageImage MK-II "Matilda" (USSR).jpg


The ▂Tank MK-II "Matilda" (F-96) is a premium gift rank II Soviet heavy tank with a battle rating of 3.7 (AB) and 3.3 (RB/SB). It was introduced during Update 1.67 "Assault" as a reward for the 2017 World War Two: Chronicle events, unlocked after obtaining 6 Chronicle Awards. This is a British Matilda supplied to the Soviets through the Lend-Lease program whose turret was modified to receive a 76mm cannon.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour type:

  • Cast homogeneous armour (hull front, turret, gun mantlet, cupola, hull sides top -above the tracks-)
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull sides bottom -tracks compartment-, hull rear, hull roof, turret roof, cupola roof, gun breech, side skirts).
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 75 mm (0-7°) Front plate
22-47 mm (69°) Front glacis
22-78 mm (12-46°) Joint area
22-45 mm (56°) Lower glacis
70 mm (21-26°) Top
40vmm + 25 mm Bottom
20 mm (32-79°) Top
55 mm (25°) Bottom
20 mm
35 mm Driver's port
Turret 75 mm (1-48°) Turret front
75 mm (0-22°) Gun mantlet
75 mm (0-22°) 75 mm 18 mm
Cupola 75 mm (6-7°) Cupola wall + 50mm Cupola base 18 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and tracks are both 20 mm thick.
  • Openings in the center area of side skirts are 13 mm thick (54°).
  • The gun breech is very prominent and only 45 mm thick, making it a weak spot.
  • The sides of the joint area on the front glacis also are weak spots with only 22 mm of thickness.
  • 2 smoke launchers are installed on the right side of the turret. Both smoke grenades are launched simultaneously in the direction the gun is pointing at, 30 m away from your tank.
  • Smoke shells can also be used as protection but the absence of gun depression will prevent to shoot them close to your vehicle.

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 26 5 28.5 245 363 8.6 12.74
Realistic 24 4 168 190 5.89 6.67

Originally designed as an infantry support, the MK-II "Matilda" (USSR) is underpowered and sluggish when compared to other tanks at the same battle rating. With a maximum speed of only 23-25 km/h, the MK-II "Matilda" (USSR) always needs time to get in position and inevitably arrives last.

The acceleration is good: the maximum speed is reached in seconds. The braking is good as well, as the tank is heavy and the maximum speed poor. The reverse speed is too poor to retreat quickly from an unexpected situation or allow any type of overextend tactic.

While the tank weighs only 28.5 tons for heavy tank (that's the average weight of a T-34 at the same BR), its narrow tracks make driving on soft terrain difficult (sand, snow, mud). Turning when moving is good and turning 180° on flat terrain only takes a few seconds. But turning from idling is very slow as there is no neutral steering. This also causes noticeable gun wobbling. Finally, going uphill is always difficult as the MK-II "Matilda" (USSR) loses speed very quickly.

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: F-96 (76 mm)

The gun accuracy starts dropping at 800 m and becomes a handicap over 1000 m. The muzzle velocity is good and offers rather flat trajectories. While the turret rotation speed is good, the poor depression clearly is a handicap: the gun is situated very high due to the profile of the Matilda. This can make targeting an enemy close to you very difficult, especially if there is a little slope putting the enemy tank slightly under your level. The recoil is minimal and does not impact targeting quality. The reload time is a little longer than most of your opponents but the same as any T-34 tank at the same BR. The penetration values are good, like the T-34s.

76 mm F-96 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 54 -2°/+20° ±180° N/A 16.18 22.40 27.20 30.08 32.00 8.9 7.9 7.3 6.9
Realistic 11.90 14.00 17.00 18.80 20.00

Ammunition

The available choice of ammunition offers a complete range to engage all types of targets:

  • BR-350A (MD-5 fuze): APHEBC; a shell with high explosive mass that will one-shot any tank that is penetrates but has an average penetration power.
  • BR-350B (MD-8 fuze): APHEBC; increased penetration at the cost of slightly less explosive filler.
  • BR-350SP: APBC; a solid shot with the best penetration but no explosive filler.
  • OF-350M: HE; useful for destroying open and lightly armoured vehicles.
  • Sh-354T: Shrapnel; useful against vehicles that are resistant to the HE shells but too thinly armoured to trigger the fuses of AP shells.
  • D-350A: Smoke; useful to blind enemy vehicles that are too remote for you to penetrate.
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
BR-350A (MD-5 fuze) APHEBC 87 85 76 67 59 52
BR-350SP APBC 102 100 91 81 72 64
BR-350B (MD-8 fuze) APHEBC 94 92 83 73 65 57
OF-350M HE 10 10 10 10 10 10
Sh-354T Shrapnel 37 35 29 25 20 17
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
Mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive Mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
BR-350A (MD-5 fuze) APHEBC 662 6.3 1.2 14.0 150 48° 63° 71°
BR-350SP APBC 655 6.78 N/A N/A N/A 48° 63° 71°
BR-350B (MD-8 fuze) APHEBC 655 6.3 0.9 14.0 98.56 48° 63° 71°
OF-350M HE 680 6.2 0.05 0.1 621 79° 80° 81°
Sh-354T Shrapnel 680 6.2 0.5 8.0 85 62° 69° 73°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
Mass (kg)
Screen radius
(m)
Screen deploy time
(s)
Screen hold time
(s)
Explosive Mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
D-350A 680 6.45 13 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the MK-II "Matilda" (USSR)
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
54 43 (+11) 31 (+23) (+53) Yes

Notes:

  • To go into battle with flank racks depleted, pack 31 (+23) shells.
  • The visual discrepancy is the floor rack: 36 shells are modeled but it contains only 30 shells.

Machine guns

Main article: DT (7.62 mm)

The small calibre of the MG will only allow you to use it as a spotting gun or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.

7.62 mm DT
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,150 (63) 600 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

Offensive role

The MK-II "Matilda" (USSR) should be played as a support tank like the KV-1 (L-11), taking advantage of its good armour and good penetration power. When playing as a support tank, you will help friendly tanks successfully defeat enemy tanks in their frontline engagements. Stay in proximity of the frontline to rely on penetration power, all while staying at a reasonable distance from it to maximize your armour and avoid being flanked or swarmed. Once the enemy push destroyed, you move forward together with frontline tanks and help capturing objectives.

When engaging enemy tanks, position your lower glacis behind cover to protect it from incoming fire. Unexperienced players will most likely waste shots on your frontal armour. With the BR-350B (MD-8 fuze) shell, the MK-II "Matilda" (USSR) easily can take on most opponents at this BR.

Defensive role

In the event the spearhead tanks of your team get crushed by the enemy, you will then play a defensive role by containing enemy breakthrough attempts. It will fall upon you to stop enemy tanks dead in their tracks. Being at a distance from the frontline will force enemy tanks to drive in the open to get to you. Always play with a nearby obstacle you can use as cover if you get hit and need to repair. Have a planned escape plan as the enemy will try to use artillery or CAS to dislodge you from cover. A good player in a MK-II "Matilda" (USSR) can lock a side of the battlefield, especially in corridor maps.

Other roles

If you try to use the MK-II "Matilda" (USSR) in a different role on the battlefield, you will quickly reach its limits:

  • If you try to play the MK-II "Matilda" (USSR) as a frontline tank, you will suffer from the tank's poor mobility and be easily flanked by light tanks or armored cars and, especially if they swarm you. Your turning speed is too poor to manoeuvre quickly and your reverse speed is too poor to get out of hot spots quickly.
  • If you attempt to play long range engagements, your gun will lack accuracy and penetration will drop over distance, while your silhouette will make you a target of choice for enemy counterfire. The absence of gun depression will prevent you from firing behind the cover of a ridge.
Notable enemies

Your worst enemies will be the ones equipped with long cannons, able to penetrate you easily from middle to long range.

  • Tank destroyers: M10 GMC, Archer, 90/53 M41M, Na-To, Pvkv II, Pvkv m/43 (1946).
  • Frontline tanks: M4, Pz. IV F2, T-34s, Chi-Nu.
Defeating a MK-II "Matilda" (USSR)

The MK-II "Matilda" (USSR) has a pretty strong hull and turret armour but several weak spots exist:

  • In a frontal encounter, the gun breech is the easiest to target (under the gun). The sides of the lower glacis are also extremely weak (20mm).
  • If you have a very high penetrating power, aim for the turret: a successful penetration will most likely knock out 3 out of 4 crew members.
  • When flanking, aim for the turret ring (small area).

In case of a frontal attack, try blinding the MK-II "Matilda" (USSR) with smoke and then swarm it with several fast tanks to saturate its defensive capacities. If you are alone, flanking a MK-II "Matilda" (USSR) undetected remains your best chance to destroy it.

Modules

Tier Mobility Protection Firepower
I Tracks Parts Horizontal Drive BR-350SP
II Suspension Brake System FPE Adjustment of Fire BR-350B (MD-8 fuze)
III Filters Crew Replenishment Elevation Mechanism Smoke grenade
IV Transmission Engine D-350A
This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Strong armour, comparable to the KV-1s.
  • Gun with sufficient penetration to oppose enemy threat.
  • Quick turret rotation for a heavy tank.

Cons:

  • Poor mobility: slow (25 km/h max), can't outflank others and will take a long time just to get to the combat zone.
  • Insufficient gun depression.
  • Struggles going uphill and through uneven terrain.
  • 3 crew members in small size turret: a penetrating shot is more likely to incapacitate the tank.
  • Can easily be penetrated by projectiles with high penetrating power: HEAT or APCR shells.

History

Lend-Lease

Matilda tanks were supplied to the Soviet Union as part of the Lend-Lease program. The Red Army received a third of the Matildas produced overall. Matilda heavy tanks were appreciated by the Soviet tank crews for their strong armour. A notable weak point of the tank however was its poor performance in snowy or icy conditions because of its narrow tracks.

Upgunning attempt

While the Red Army used the standard 2-pounder gun installed on Matildas from the beginning, the evolution of German armour made this gun less and less effective. In December 1941, plans were made to equip Matildas with the 76 mm of the KV-1. Only 1 prototype was built. Installing a 76 mm gun in an already cramped turret without modifying it brought major shortcomings: the quasi-absence of gun depression and the even more limited space for loaders to operate around the gun. This led the Red Army to scrap the project and concentrate on new KV-1 models instead.

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


USSR heavy tanks
KV-1  KV-1 (L-11) · KV-1 (ZiS-5) · KV-1E · KV-1S
KV-2  KV-2 (1939) · KV-2 (1940) · KV-2 (ZiS-6) · KV-220
Other KVs  KV-85 · KV-122
IS-1/2  IS-1 · IS-2 · IS-2 (1944) · IS-2 No.321 · IS-2 "Revenge" · Object 248
Other IS tanks  IS-3 · IS-4M · IS-6 · IS-7
T-10  T-10A · T-10M
Multi-turreted  T-35 · SMK
Other  Object 279
Lend-Lease  ▂MK-II "Matilda"

USSR premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  BA-11 · RBT-5 · BT-7A (F-32) · T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-26E · T-126 · PT-76-57 · 2S38
Medium tanks  T-34 (Prototype) · T-34 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-34E · T-34-57 (1943) · T-34-85E · T-34-100 · T-44-122 · TO-55 · T-55AM-1 · T-72AV (TURMS-T) · T-80UD
  ▂M3 Medium · ▂M4A2 · ▂T-III · ▂T-V · ▂МК-IX "Valentine"
Heavy tanks  SMK · T-35 · ▂MK-II "Matilda" · KV-1E · KV-2 (1940) · KV-2 (ZiS-6) · KV-122 · KV-220 · IS-2 "Revenge" · Object 248 · IS-6 · T-10A
Tank destroyers  BM-8-24 · BM-13N · BM-31-12
  SU-57 · SU-76D · SU-76M (5th Gv.Kav.Corps) · SU-85A · SU-100Y · SU-122P · Object 120
SPAA  ▂Phòng không T-34 · ZUT-37