Difference between revisions of "T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br.)"

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{{Specs-Card|code=ussr_t_26_1940_1st_GvTBr}}
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{{About
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| about = Soviet light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other versions
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| link = T-26 (Family)
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}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=ussr_t_26_1940_1st_GvTBr
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
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}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
<!--In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.-->
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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.'' -->
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.41#19.06.2014 - 1.41.27.12|Update 1.41.27]].  
{{break}}
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The '''{{specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{specs|rank}} Soviet light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.41#19.06.2014 - 1.41.27.12|Update 1.41.27]]. Essentially a premium version of the [[T-26|original T-26]], it boasts all its benefits and weaknesses. It costs 250 [[Golden_Eagles|Golden Eagles]]
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The T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br) is a premium version of the [[T-26]] and is identical to it mechanically. Cosmetically, this vehicle features the unique winter camouflage of a T-26 of the 1st Guards Tank Brigade during the Battle of Moscow.
  
 
== 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?
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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? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
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[[File:T-26 3.jpg|thumb]]
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The armor of the T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br) is flat and relatively thin on all sides of the vehicle. It is not recommended to expose yourself to enemy fire because there are a variety of weapons that are able to destroy the vehicle. Tank cannons, autocannons, heavy machine guns, high-explosive munitions and artillery are all threats to the vehicle. If the hull is penetrated by an enemy vehicle using armor-piercing, high explosive (APHE) ammunition, the entire crew could be knocked out in one shot due to the confined fighting compartment. It is recommended for players to be wary of aircraft as they will usually carry a combination of powerful weapons and can attack from unexpected positions.
  
If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.-->
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Although the armor of the T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br) is thin, enemy rounds could strike trickier components such as the road wheels, gun mantlet, or the hull's significantly angled front glacis. Highly angled armor has the potential of deflecting incoming rounds and preventing significant damage to the modules behind it. It is not recommended to rely on these relatively small sections of armor to protect the vehicle.
This is definitively the worst characteristic of this vehicle: armour is flat and thin on all sides. Do not expose yourself to enemy fire. Crew placement is not lined up from the front, meaning shells without HE filler can take up to 3 shots before being destroyed. Beware HMG and autocannons.
 
  
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
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! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
| Hull || 15 mm (22°) ''Front plate'' <br> 7 mm (64-80°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 15 mm (6-52°) ''Lower glacis'' || 15 mm (21-23°) ''Top'' <br> 15 mm (0°) ''Bottom'' || 15 mm (0°) ''Top'' <br> 15 mm (12°) ''Bottom'' || 10 mm ''Hull'' <br> 6 mm ''Rear''  
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| Hull || 15 mm (22°) ''Front plate'' <br> 7 mm (64-80°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 15 mm (6-52°) ''Lower glacis'' || 15 mm (21-23°) ''Top'' <br> 15 mm ''Bottom'' || 15 mm ''Top'' <br> 15 mm (12°) ''Bottom'' || 10 mm ''Hull'' <br> 6 mm ''Rear''
 
|-
 
|-
| Turret || 15 mm (13-15°) ''Turret front'' <br> 15 mm (5-44°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 15 mm (17-19°) || 15 mm (17°) || 10 mm  
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| Turret || 15 mm (13-15°) ''Turret front'' <br> 15 mm (5-44°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 15 mm (17-19°) || 15 mm (17°) || 10 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
<!--Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.-->
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{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
While being a light tank, its mobility is one of a medium. It will carry you where you want to be, provided you choose your route well and avoid tricky manoeuvres. Reverse speed, while not great (-6 km/h), can save you from some bad situations, provided cover is not too far behind.
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<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
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 +
While being a light tank, the T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br)'s mobility is similar to a medium tank. Its top speed is low for a light tank, and combined with its relatively low power to weight ratio, the vehicle has poor acceleration on most surfaces. The T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br)'s narrow tracks reduce its off-road mobility in muddy, sandy or snowy maps compared to vehicles with access to wide tracks like the [[Pz.III E]]. It can reach around 30 km/h but only on hard, flat surface, after a long, uninterrupted acceleration period. Speed will drop significantly if encountering obstactles such as walls and trees. To turn this vehicle while in a stopped position, it may be necessary to accelerate forward or backwards before attempting to turn because of the relatively slow hull traverse.
 +
 
 +
Reverse speed is also relatively poor at -4 km/h. It is recommended to visually clear areas before entering them as the T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br) may not be able to reverse out of danger quickly enough to avoid destruction.
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 +
Overall, the T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br) will eventually take the player where they want to be, provided that they are patient and mindful about the route they are taking.
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 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=141|rbMinHp=80}}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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=== Modifications and economy ===
|-
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{{Specs-Economy}}
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
 
|-
 
! Weight (tons)
 
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armor<br>weight (tons)
 
! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
 
|-
 
| rowspan="2" | 9.8 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 33 (AB)
 
|-
 
|30 (RB/SB)
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
 
|-
 
! colspan="1" | Mode
 
!Stock
 
!Upgraded
 
|-
 
|''Arcade''
 
|141
 
|174
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|80
 
|91
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 
|-
 
! colspan="1" | Mode
 
!Stock
 
!Upgraded
 
|-
 
|''Arcade''
 
|14.39
 
|17.75
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|8.16
 
|9.28
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-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.-->
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
{{main|20-К (45 mm)}}
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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 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.'' -->
 +
[[File:T-26 2.jpg|thumb]]
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{{main|20-K (45 mm)}}
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 +
The 45 mm 20-K is a gun that will be familiar to players around Rank I of the Soviet tech tree. With decent velocity and power, this weapon is an excellent all-rounder gun against most targets the T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br) will face.
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The APHEBC round has a decent amount of HE filler, meaning penetrating shells will do a decent amount of damage, sometimes even knocking the target out with a single shot. It is recommended to bring around 10-15 BR-240SP shells for heavier targets. These pure armor piercing rounds will be able to more easily penetrate vehicles with thicker armor. At longer ranges, shells will begin to lose penetration and accuracy due to their relatively small caliber. This may prevent the gun from defeating vehicles with a moderate amount of armor.
  
The [[20-K (45 mm)|20-K]] is the typical Soviet rank 1 gun, players should get used to it since it will be your main armament up until rank 2. This gun has a good amount of HE filler, meaning penetrating shells will do good damage, sometimes even one-shot enemies. In longer ranges, shells begin to lose penetration and accuracy: it is not made for sniping. Try to bring ~10-15 BR-240SP (pure AP shells) for heavier targets. This gun is very forgiving to beginners since it has very fast reload speed and turret traverse.
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A significant advantage of the 45 mm 20-K cannon is its quick reloading rate. This can be very useful in dealing with larger targets that may not be destroyed in one, two, or even three rounds. Its reloading rate allows for quick follow-up shots to ensure destruction of the enemy.
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
 
! colspan="6" | [[20-К (45 mm)|45 mm 20-K]]
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
|-
 
| colspan="3" | 205 || -5°/+28° || ±180° || N/A
 
|-
 
! 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'' || 9.50 || 13.20 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
 
 
|-
 
|-
| ''Realistic'' || 9.50 || 11.20 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
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! colspan="5" | [[20-K (45 mm)|45 mm 20-K]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
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! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
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! ''Arcade''
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
+
| rowspan="2" | 205 || rowspan="2" | -6°/+22° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 15.23 || 21.08 || 25.60 || 28.31 || 30.12 || rowspan="2" | 3.77 || rowspan="2" | 3.34 || rowspan="2" | 3.07 || rowspan="2" | 2.90
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 3.80 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
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! ''Realistic''
 +
| 9.52 || 11.20 || 13.60 || 15.04 || 16.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
===== Ammunition =====
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==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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{{:20-K (45 mm)/Ammunition|BR-240, BR-240SP}}
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
 
|-
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==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
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[[File:Ammoracks_T-26.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
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<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
 
! 10m
 
! 100m
 
! 500m
 
! 1000m
 
! 1500m
 
! 2000m
 
|-
 
| BR-240 || APHEBC ||69||68||59||50||42||35
 
|-
 
| BR-240SP || AP || 73 ||71||62||52||44||37
 
|-
 
|}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
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! Full<br>ammo
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
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! 1st<br>rack empty
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
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! 2nd<br>rack empty
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
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! 3rd<br>rack empty
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
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! 4th<br>rack empty
''in m:''
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! 5th<br>rack empty
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
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! 6th<br>rack empty
''in mm:''
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! 7th<br>rack empty
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 
 
|-
 
|-
! 0%
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| '''205''' || 202&nbsp;''(+3)'' || 197&nbsp;''(+8)'' || 187&nbsp;''(+18)'' || 177&nbsp;''(+28)'' || 167&nbsp;''(+38)'' || 157&nbsp;''(+48)'' || 139&nbsp;''(+66)''
! 50%
 
! 100%
 
 
|-
 
|-
| BR-240 || APHEBC || 760 || 1.4 || 1.2 || 15 || 32.3 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
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! 8th<br>rack empty
 +
! 9th<br>rack empty
 +
! 10th<br>rack empty
 +
! 11th<br>rack empty
 +
! 12th<br>rack empty
 +
! 13th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 +
!
 
|-
 
|-
| BR-240SP || AP || 757 || 1.4 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1° || 47° || 60° || 65°
+
| 121&nbsp;''(+84)'' || 103&nbsp;''(+102)'' || 79&nbsp;''(+126)'' || 61&nbsp;''(+144)'' || 29&nbsp;''(+176)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+204)'' || No
 +
!
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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'''Note''':
  
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
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* Turret empty: 157&nbsp;''(+48)'' shells.
[[File:Ammoracks_T-26.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the T-26.]]
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
 
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br />  rack empty
 
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br />  rack empty
 
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br />  rack empty
 
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br />  rack empty
 
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th<br />  rack empty
 
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 
|-
 
|| '''205''' || 165&nbsp;''(+40)'' || 124&nbsp;''(+81)'' || 83&nbsp;''(+122)'' || 42&nbsp;''(+163)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+204)'' || style="text-align:left" | Yes
 
|-
 
|}
 
 
 
Turret empty: 124&nbsp;''(+81)''
 
  
 
=== 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.-->
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
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<!-- ''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)}}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="7" | [[DT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm DT]]
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! colspan="5" | [[DT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm DT]]
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
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| Coaxial || 1,890 (63) || 600 || N/A || N/A
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
|-
 
| colspan="4" | 1,890 (63) || 600 || N/A || N/A
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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The 7.62 mm DT machine gun is mounted coaxially, located in the turret alongside the main cannon. This weapon can be used against unarmored targets such as trucks and other vehicles with exposed crewmembers. Due to its traverse and small caliber, this machine gun will not be very effective against enemy aircraft and ground vehicles with enclosed armor.
  
 
== 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 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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<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
[[File:T-26 1.jpg|thumb]]
 +
A recommended strategy for the T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br) is to play in the support role, flanking the battlefield and finding a good position to support teammates from. The 45 mm cannon is able to deal a fair amount of damage to enemy vehicles from most ranges and its fast reload allowing for quick adjustment of aim between shots. With its short hull and gun depression of -6°, the T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br) can position hull-down behind hills which can prevent enemy fire from hitting the center of the vehicle.
  
The T-26 is an excellent support and flanker type of tank. Other light tanks at this battle rating typically are faster but lack the bouncy and generally average armour. With this vehicle holding a point or pushing with your team is crucial as this vehicle is very good at that at its battle rating. With its gun, it can pack quite the punch while still remaining a good distance as its APHE shot will be your best friend. Try to not compete in closer combat as you will see how other tanks use their speed advantage to flank you and catch you off guard, instead try to stay at a relatively medium range where you have a chance to bounce a shot or two and the enemies manoeuvrability isn't that much of a worry. German tanks are your easiest targets, but also one of your worst enemy. Meanwhile, the American LVT can just eat your shot and is best to try to avoid them. In general, the best way to play this vehicle is to follow your teammates and support them or cover the flanks from any enemies.
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The T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br) is also usable at closer ranges and can brawl with enemy vehicles, however the thin armour on the may leave vital modules of your vehicle at risk of taking damage from many weapons, even heavy machine guns. The mobility of the T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br) is also lesser than many of its counterparts which could potentially put it at risk in a brawling scenario, especially if enemy vehicles are able to manoeuvre behind the tank.
 +
 
 +
The T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br)'s relatively low engine power means that it will often arrive to the battlefield after the fighting has already begun. Although usually a disadvantage, teammates will have spread out and identified many enemy targets for the T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br) to shoot at. Upon reaching capture points, it is recommended to be on the lookout for enemy vehicles that may be in the point or watching over it from a distance.  
 +
 
 +
In any situation, it is highly advised to be the vehicle that engages first as the T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br)'s firepower is greater than its survivability.
  
 
=== 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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<!-- ''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:'''
  
* Good penetration even at a distance
+
* Beginner-friendly main gun with decent performance and accuracy at most ranges
* Decent reload time
+
* Good ammunition choices with high penetration and high-explosive filler
* The ammo rack is difficult to destroy
+
* Fast reloading rate allows for quick follow-up shots
* Especially good camouflage when it is placed behind a bush on a winter map
+
* Massive ammo capacity
 +
* Premium bonuses for researching other vehicles
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Awful manoeuvrability
+
* Low survivability with thin armor and tightly packed crew
* Exposed driver, prone to be injured
+
* Poor overall mobility due to relatively low engine power
* Thin armour compared to the [[Pz.II C|PzKpfw II Ausf.C]]
+
* Slow reverse speed
* Tall profile compared to the [[Pz.II C|PzKpfw II Ausf.C]]
+
* Suggish hull traverse
* Very weak roof armour, vulnerable to machine-gun fire from aircraft
+
* Ammunition storage located inside the turret may detonate when hit
* Poor top speed, woeful reverse
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
<!--Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).-->
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<!-- ''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|T-26#History|l1=History of the T-26}}
  
===Development===
+
===Combat usage===
The '''[[T-26]]''' light tank was design is derived from the British Vickers 6-ton tank. In the early 1930s, a Soviet buying committee travelled to Britain and purchased tanks, tractors, and cars for use in the Soviet Union, of which the Vickers tank was chosen. Fifteen Twin-turreted Vickers tank arrived into the Soviet Union on May 1930, equipped with only machine guns. Four more Vickers were delivered at the end of 1930, these being the single-turret variants with a 47 mm gun, and the deliveries were finished by 1932. The Vickers-produced tanks were designated as the ''V-26''.
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A Soviet derivative of the British Vickers 6-ton light tank, the T-26 first saw combat in the Spanish Civil War where it showed its superiority over tanks fielded by Italy and Germany during that period. The T-26 then saw combat against the Japanese in the Soviet-Japanese border conflicts at Lake Khasan and Khalkhin Gol, which exposed some design defects of the vehicle such as poor armour welding and the disadvantages of riveted construction (the rivet could break off if impacted and could harm the crew inside). After that, the T-26 saw service in the Invasion of Poland and the Winter War against Finland.  
  
The Vickers 6-ton tank competed with several Soviet designs for the "most suitable" tank design for Soviet use. One such competitor was the Soviet ''T-19'' light tank, which had advantages over the Vickers design, but also disadvantages. The T-19 designer, S. Ginzburg, suggested for a "hybrid" tank to be built off the features of the T-19 and the Vickers tank. But in January 1931, intelligence picked up that Poland bought up many foreign tanks from Britain and France with a license to mass-produce them. As Poland was considered an enemy to the state, the pressure caused by this intelligence caused the Soviet military council to adopt the foreign tanks into Soviet usage, thus the Vickers 6-ton tank, under the designation as the '''T-26''', was accepted into service in February 13, 1931 as the mainstay of the Red Army's armoured forces.  
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The Winter War effectively showed the Soviets that the T-26 was obsolete, as the 37 mm guns and anti-tank rifles and Finnish had could easily penetrate the light armour of the T-26. When World War II for the Soviet Union finally broke out in Operation Barbarossa, the T-26 proved inferior to the German's [[Pz.III F|Panzer IIIs]] and [[Pz.IV F1|Panzer IVs]]. Air supremacy established by the Luftwaffe also ensured that many tanks were lost in the opening stages of the engagement.
  
Although outclassed later in the war, it was considered one of the more successful and widely produced tank model in the 1930s. It, along with with the [[BT-7|BT]] light tanks, composed of the majority of Russia's armoured forces in the late 1930s. It weighed just a little under 10 tons, had 15 mm thick armour in front, with a 45 mm 20K gun, and had a crew of three people. The Bolshevik Factory in Leningrad was the first factory to start producing the T-26 from June 1931, and production of the tank lasted from then until 1941.
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At this point, T-26s were breaking down often and the lack of spare parts made repairs diffiucult, resulting in many lightly-damaged units being knocked out for being unrepairable. The T-26 was gradually phased from service by the new, venerable [[T-34 (Family)|T-34]] medium tanks in 1941 which itself caused some of the previously dominant German tank designs to become obsolete.  
  
===Variants===
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The T-26 would still see service during the rest of the war as a second-line unit, fighting during the Battle of Moscow in 1941, the Battle of Stalingrad in 1942, and the Invasion of Manchuria in 1945. Some T-26 saw action with the '''1st Guards Tank Brigade''' (1st Gv.T.Br.), but these were quickly replaced by T-34s as they became available.
During its production life, many variants of it were made for different purposes, up to '''53''' different ones to fit different roles, though only 23 would see service in production. Such designs included changes like a twin-turreted version (some with only machine guns and some with cannons), command tanks, added armour, artillery tanks (such as the [[T-26-4]]), flamethrower tanks, remote-controlled tanks, or just armoured carriers to tow artillery and such. Others were simply modified variants of the normal variants such as the [[T-26E]], which was the base single-turreted T-26 design with 30-40 mm applique armour made during the Winter War, which made them more resilient to the Finnish anti-tank weapons.
 
  
All these tanks produced in the span of 1931 to 1941 made up a total 10,300 tanks, and 1,701 other variants of it, for a total of 12,001 units produced.
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== Media ==
 
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<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
===Combat usage===
 
The T-26 first saw combat in the Spanish Civil War, where it showed its superiority over the current tanks of the period fielded by Italy and Germany. Then it saw combat against the Japanese in the Soviet-Japanese border conflicts at Lake Khasan and Khalkhin Gol, which exposed some of the design defects such as poor armour welding and the disadvantages of riveted constructions (the rivet would break off and could harm the crew inside). After that, the T-26 saw service in the Invasion of Poland and the Winter War against Finland. The Winter War effectively showed the Soviets that the T-26 was obsolete, as the 37 mm guns and anti-tank rifles and Finnish have could penetrate the light armour of the T-26. When World War II for Russia finally broke out in Operation Barbarossa, the T-26 proved inferior to the German's [[Pz.III F|Panzer IIIs]] and [[Pz.IV F1|Panzer IVs]], plus the air supremacy of the Luftwaffe ensured many tanks were lost in the opening stages of Barbarossa.
 
  
The T-26 at this point also was breaking down and the lack of spare parts made repairs hard, resulting in multiple T-26 units also being knocked out for being irrecoverable. The T-26 was gradually phased from service by the new, venerable [[T-34 (1941)|T-34]] medium tanks, which gave Germany a run for their money. The T-26 still saw service in the war as a second-line unit, as it was still fighting in the Battle of Moscow of 1941, Stalingrad of 1942, and in Manchuria in 1945. Some T-26 even saw action in the '''1st Guards Tank Brigade''' (1st Gv.T.Br.), but these were quickly replaced by the more venerable T-34.
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;Skins
  
===Survivors===
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_t_26_1940_1st_GvTBr Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
A number of survivors exist today in different museums, about 45 of them are still intact. A majority of them are in Russia, Spain, and Finland, where they saw most of their services.
 
  
== Media ==
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;Images
<!--Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.-->
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<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200px">
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File:T-26_(1st_Gv.T.Br.) Side.jpg|<small>Right side of the T-26, which shows the insignia of the 1st Guards Tank Brigade</small>
T-26_(1st_Gv.T.Br.) Side.jpg|Right side of the T-26, which shows the insignia of the 1st Guards Tank Brigade.
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Related development
  
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
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* [[T-26 (Family)]]
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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** [[T-26-4]]
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** [[SU-5-1]]
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;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
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;* [[Vickers Mk.E]]
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;* [[M13/40 (I)]]
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Vehicles with similar weapon systems
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* [[BT-7]]
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* [[BA-11]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 264: Line 218:
  
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
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{{TankManufacturer OKMO}}
 
{{USSR light tanks}}
 
{{USSR light tanks}}
 
{{USSR premium ground vehicles}}
 
{{USSR premium ground vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 16:22, 23 February 2024

Rank VI Israel | Premium | Golden Eagles
Merkava Mk.2D Pack
This page is about the Soviet light tank T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br.). For other versions, see T-26 (Family).
T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br.)
ussr_t_26_1940_1st_gvtbr.png
GarageImage T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br.).jpg
T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br.)
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Purchase:250 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game

Description

The T-26 mod. 1939 (1st Gv.T.Br.) is a premium rank I Soviet light tank with a battle rating of 1.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.41.27.

The T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br) is a premium version of the T-26 and is identical to it mechanically. Cosmetically, this vehicle features the unique winter camouflage of a T-26 of the 1st Guards Tank Brigade during the Battle of Moscow.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull15 / 15 / 15
Turret15 / 15 / 15
Crew3 people
Visibility75 %
T-26 3.jpg

The armor of the T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br) is flat and relatively thin on all sides of the vehicle. It is not recommended to expose yourself to enemy fire because there are a variety of weapons that are able to destroy the vehicle. Tank cannons, autocannons, heavy machine guns, high-explosive munitions and artillery are all threats to the vehicle. If the hull is penetrated by an enemy vehicle using armor-piercing, high explosive (APHE) ammunition, the entire crew could be knocked out in one shot due to the confined fighting compartment. It is recommended for players to be wary of aircraft as they will usually carry a combination of powerful weapons and can attack from unexpected positions.

Although the armor of the T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br) is thin, enemy rounds could strike trickier components such as the road wheels, gun mantlet, or the hull's significantly angled front glacis. Highly angled armor has the potential of deflecting incoming rounds and preventing significant damage to the modules behind it. It is not recommended to rely on these relatively small sections of armor to protect the vehicle.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 15 mm (22°) Front plate
7 mm (64-80°) Front glacis
15 mm (6-52°) Lower glacis
15 mm (21-23°) Top
15 mm Bottom
15 mm Top
15 mm (12°) Bottom
10 mm Hull
6 mm Rear
Turret 15 mm (13-15°) Turret front
15 mm (5-44°) Gun mantlet
15 mm (17-19°) 15 mm (17°) 10 mm

Notes

  • Suspension wheel are 10 mm thick while tracks are 15 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 6 mm thick

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB34 / 4 km/h
RB and SB31 / 4 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight9.8 t
Engine power
AB174 hp
RB and SB91 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB17.8 hp/t
RB and SB9.3 hp/t

While being a light tank, the T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br)'s mobility is similar to a medium tank. Its top speed is low for a light tank, and combined with its relatively low power to weight ratio, the vehicle has poor acceleration on most surfaces. The T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br)'s narrow tracks reduce its off-road mobility in muddy, sandy or snowy maps compared to vehicles with access to wide tracks like the Pz.III E. It can reach around 30 km/h but only on hard, flat surface, after a long, uninterrupted acceleration period. Speed will drop significantly if encountering obstactles such as walls and trees. To turn this vehicle while in a stopped position, it may be necessary to accelerate forward or backwards before attempting to turn because of the relatively slow hull traverse.

Reverse speed is also relatively poor at -4 km/h. It is recommended to visually clear areas before entering them as the T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br) may not be able to reverse out of danger quickly enough to avoid destruction.

Overall, the T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br) will eventually take the player where they want to be, provided that they are patient and mindful about the route they are taking.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 34 4 9.8 141 174 14.39 17.76
Realistic 31 4 80 91 8.16 9.29

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB322 Sl icon.png
RB280 Sl icon.png
SB422 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications5 020 Rp icon.png
500 Sl icon.png
Crew training150 Sl icon.png
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces20 Ge icon.png
Research Aces145 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 20 / 20 / 30 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 75 / 75 / 75 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
450 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
960 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Mods tank reinforcement ussr.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
450 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
45mm_AP_1942_ammo_pack
Research:
450 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
750 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
960 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

Ammunition205 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
3.8 → 2.9 s
Vertical guidance-6° / 22°
T-26 2.jpg
Main article: 20-K (45 mm)

The 45 mm 20-K is a gun that will be familiar to players around Rank I of the Soviet tech tree. With decent velocity and power, this weapon is an excellent all-rounder gun against most targets the T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br) will face.

The APHEBC round has a decent amount of HE filler, meaning penetrating shells will do a decent amount of damage, sometimes even knocking the target out with a single shot. It is recommended to bring around 10-15 BR-240SP shells for heavier targets. These pure armor piercing rounds will be able to more easily penetrate vehicles with thicker armor. At longer ranges, shells will begin to lose penetration and accuracy due to their relatively small caliber. This may prevent the gun from defeating vehicles with a moderate amount of armor.

A significant advantage of the 45 mm 20-K cannon is its quick reloading rate. This can be very useful in dealing with larger targets that may not be destroyed in one, two, or even three rounds. Its reloading rate allows for quick follow-up shots to ensure destruction of the enemy.

45 mm 20-K Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 205 -6°/+22° ±180° N/A 15.23 21.08 25.60 28.31 30.12 3.77 3.34 3.07 2.90
Realistic 9.52 11.20 13.60 15.04 16.00

Ammunition

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-240 APHEBC 70 67 58 47 39 32
BR-240SP APBC 73 70 60 50 41 34
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-240 APHEBC 760 1.43 1.2 9 29.26 48° 63° 71°
BR-240SP APBC 757 1.43 - - - 47° 60° 65°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br.)
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
6th
rack empty
7th
rack empty
205 202 (+3) 197 (+8) 187 (+18) 177 (+28) 167 (+38) 157 (+48) 139 (+66)
8th
rack empty
9th
rack empty
10th
rack empty
11th
rack empty
12th
rack empty
13th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
121 (+84) 103 (+102) 79 (+126) 61 (+144) 29 (+176) (+204) No

Note:

  • Turret empty: 157 (+48) shells.

Machine guns

Ammunition1 890 rounds
Belt capacity63 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main article: DT (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm DT
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 1,890 (63) 600 N/A N/A

The 7.62 mm DT machine gun is mounted coaxially, located in the turret alongside the main cannon. This weapon can be used against unarmored targets such as trucks and other vehicles with exposed crewmembers. Due to its traverse and small caliber, this machine gun will not be very effective against enemy aircraft and ground vehicles with enclosed armor.

Usage in battles

T-26 1.jpg

A recommended strategy for the T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br) is to play in the support role, flanking the battlefield and finding a good position to support teammates from. The 45 mm cannon is able to deal a fair amount of damage to enemy vehicles from most ranges and its fast reload allowing for quick adjustment of aim between shots. With its short hull and gun depression of -6°, the T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br) can position hull-down behind hills which can prevent enemy fire from hitting the center of the vehicle.

The T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br) is also usable at closer ranges and can brawl with enemy vehicles, however the thin armour on the may leave vital modules of your vehicle at risk of taking damage from many weapons, even heavy machine guns. The mobility of the T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br) is also lesser than many of its counterparts which could potentially put it at risk in a brawling scenario, especially if enemy vehicles are able to manoeuvre behind the tank.

The T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br)'s relatively low engine power means that it will often arrive to the battlefield after the fighting has already begun. Although usually a disadvantage, teammates will have spread out and identified many enemy targets for the T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br) to shoot at. Upon reaching capture points, it is recommended to be on the lookout for enemy vehicles that may be in the point or watching over it from a distance.

In any situation, it is highly advised to be the vehicle that engages first as the T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br)'s firepower is greater than its survivability.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Beginner-friendly main gun with decent performance and accuracy at most ranges
  • Good ammunition choices with high penetration and high-explosive filler
  • Fast reloading rate allows for quick follow-up shots
  • Massive ammo capacity
  • Premium bonuses for researching other vehicles

Cons:

  • Low survivability with thin armor and tightly packed crew
  • Poor overall mobility due to relatively low engine power
  • Slow reverse speed
  • Suggish hull traverse
  • Ammunition storage located inside the turret may detonate when hit

History

Main article: History of the T-26

Combat usage

A Soviet derivative of the British Vickers 6-ton light tank, the T-26 first saw combat in the Spanish Civil War where it showed its superiority over tanks fielded by Italy and Germany during that period. The T-26 then saw combat against the Japanese in the Soviet-Japanese border conflicts at Lake Khasan and Khalkhin Gol, which exposed some design defects of the vehicle such as poor armour welding and the disadvantages of riveted construction (the rivet could break off if impacted and could harm the crew inside). After that, the T-26 saw service in the Invasion of Poland and the Winter War against Finland.

The Winter War effectively showed the Soviets that the T-26 was obsolete, as the 37 mm guns and anti-tank rifles and Finnish had could easily penetrate the light armour of the T-26. When World War II for the Soviet Union finally broke out in Operation Barbarossa, the T-26 proved inferior to the German's Panzer IIIs and Panzer IVs. Air supremacy established by the Luftwaffe also ensured that many tanks were lost in the opening stages of the engagement.

At this point, T-26s were breaking down often and the lack of spare parts made repairs diffiucult, resulting in many lightly-damaged units being knocked out for being unrepairable. The T-26 was gradually phased from service by the new, venerable T-34 medium tanks in 1941 which itself caused some of the previously dominant German tank designs to become obsolete.

The T-26 would still see service during the rest of the war as a second-line unit, fighting during the Battle of Moscow in 1941, the Battle of Stalingrad in 1942, and the Invasion of Manchuria in 1945. Some T-26 saw action with the 1st Guards Tank Brigade (1st Gv.T.Br.), but these were quickly replaced by T-34s as they became available.

Media

Skins
Images

See also

Related development
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

Vehicles with similar weapon systems

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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


Experimental Design and Mechanical Engineering Department
Light Tanks 
T-26  T-26 · T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-26E · T-26-4
T-50  T-50 · T-126
Heavy Tanks  T-35
Tank Destroyers  SU-5-1 · SU-100Y
Export 
T-26  ␗T-26 · T-26 No.531
See Also  Omsk Transport Engineering Plant

USSR light tanks
T-26  T-26 · T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-26-4 · T-26E
BT  BT-5 · RBT-5 · BT-7 · BT-7 TD · BT-7M · BT-7A (F-32)
T-50  T-126 · T-50
T-70  T-70 · T-80
PT-76  PT-76B · PT-76-57 · Object 906
BMP  BMP-1 · BMP-2 · BMP-2M · BMP-3
BMD  BMD-4
2S25  2S25 · 2S25M
Wheeled  BA-11 · BTR-80A
Other  T-60 · Object 685 · 2S38
China  ▂Type 62

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