Difference between revisions of "T-80"

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{{Specs-Card|code=ussr_t_80}}
 
{{Specs-Card|code=ussr_t_80}}
 +
{{Notice|''This page is about the Rank II light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''. For the Rank VI medium tank, see [[T-80B]]''}}
 +
== Description ==
 +
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
 +
[[File:GarageImage_T-80.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{specs|rank}} Soviet light tank {{Battle-rating|5}}. It was introduced in during the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41. An upgrade over the [[T-70]], the T-80 introduces better armour and an extra crew member to increase the tank's survivability in the battlefield.
  
== Description ==
+
Just like the previous [[T-70]], the T-80 boasts strong frontal armour and high mobility in a compact package. However, several notable upgrades are present. These upgrades include an increased crew count, fire rate, and cannon traverse range. The only downsides are that turret armour is reduced, and a somewhat large shot trap now exists all around the turret.
''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
 
  
 
== 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 helpfull for survival in combat?''
+
<!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpfull for survival in combat?''
  
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
+
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet)
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 35 mm (62°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 35 mm (33-71°) ''Driver's port'' <br> 45 mm (31°) ''Lower glacis''|| 25 mm || 15 mm (70°) ''Top'' <br> 25 mm (43°) ''Bottom'' || 15 mm
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 35 mm (4-67°) ''Turret front'' <br> 45 mm (12-59°) ''Gun mantlet''  || 35 mm (6-23°) || 35 mm (28°) || 15 mm
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
* Suspension wheels are 10 mm thick while tracks are 15 mm thick.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''
+
<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''-->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
 +
|-
 +
! Weight (tons)
 +
!colspan="1" | Add-on Armor<br>weight (tons)
 +
!colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
|rowspan="2" | 11.6 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 47 (AB)
 +
|-
 +
|42 (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="1" | Mode
 +
!Stock
 +
!Upgraded
 +
|-
 +
|''Arcade''
 +
|263
 +
|324
 +
|-
 +
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 +
|150
 +
|170
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="1" | Mode
 +
!Stock
 +
!Upgraded
 +
|-
 +
|''Arcade''
 +
|22.67
 +
|27.93
 +
|-
 +
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 +
|12.93
 +
|14.65
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
== 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 flexibilty of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
+
<!--''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibilty of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
 +
{{main|20-K (45 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | [[20-K (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" | 94 || -8°/+65° || ±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'' || 3.6 || 4.9 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
 +
|-
 +
| ''Realistic'' || 3.6 || 4.2 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 +
|-
 +
| 3.3 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
=== Additional armament ===
+
===== Ammunition =====
''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 +
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 +
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
 +
|-
 +
! 10m
 +
! 100m
 +
! 500m
 +
! 1000m
 +
! 1500m
 +
! 2000m
 +
|-
 +
| BR-240 || APHEBC || 62 || 59 || 45 || 35 || 29 || 26
 +
|-
 +
| O-240 || HE || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4
 +
|-
 +
| BR-240SP || AP || 73 || 68 || 51 || 35 || 25 || 17
 +
|-
 +
| BR-240P || APCR || 103 || 94 || 64 || 40 || 21 || 17
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 +
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 +
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
 +
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
 +
''in m:''
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
 +
''in mm:''
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 +
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 +
|-
 +
! 0%
 +
! 50%
 +
! 100%
 +
|-
 +
| BR-240 || APHEBC || 760 || 1.4 || 1.2 || 15 || 32.3 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 +
|-
 +
| O-240 || HE || 343 || 2.2 || 0.4 || 0.3 || 118 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 +
|-
 +
| BR-240SP || AP || 757 || 1.4 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1° || 47° || 60° || 65°
 +
|-
 +
| BR-240P || APCR || 985 || 0.85 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 66° || 70° || 72°
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_T-70.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the T-70 (identical to T-80).]]
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
|| '''94''' || 1&nbsp;''(+93)'' || style="text-align:left" | Yes
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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.''
+
<!--''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)}}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | [[DT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm DT]]
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity each)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="4" | 1,071 (63) || 600 || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
== Usage in the battles ==
 
== Usage in the battles ==
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
 +
The T-80 is a little different from most light tanks. Like all light tanks, it has excellent speed and mobility. Unlike most light tanks it has great, sloped frontal armour and good turret armour, making it highly resistant to most tier 1 gun. Pair this with its fast firing 45mm gun and it becomes an excellent vehicle for hunting lightly armoured foes. The addition of APCR allows you to fight more heavily armoured vehicles. You may come across Matilda and Valentine tanks, which are highly resistant to the APHEBC round but can be more easily penetrated by the APCR (at the expense of less damage).
 +
 
 +
In order to take full advantage of this tank's strengths, you should aim to use one of two distinct tactical options. Option one is to operate as a frontline tank in urban combat. Your frontal armour is of great use here. However, this strategy should be avoided if you are not near or at the top of this tank's matchmaking range. The other option is to work as a flanking tank. Your gun is more than capable in this role, and unlike most flanking role tanks, the surprise isn't always necessary for survival. Thanks to your strong frontal armour, you can do well under incoming fire if your attempt at flanking is discovered, or if your opponent is determined to survive and providing stiff resistance. Few tanks offer the level of flexibility in terms of combat approach that is granted to the T-80.
 +
 
 +
When taking the tank into battle, a mix of APHEBC and APCR is favourable. The BR-240 AP shells against flanked opponents and structural weaknesses (e.g. [[Pz.IV_E|Pz.4 E]] turret), while the BR-240P APCR role is for close range combat (<400m, due blunt nose cone) and engaging heavy armoured box tanks, especially the [[M3 Stuart|M3 Lee]], [[StuG III A|StuG]] and up-armoured [[T-28E]]. As usual, having a few rounds of pure HE is great against any [[:Category:Anti-aircraft_vehicles|SPAAG]].
 +
 
 +
In battle, you must beware of some of the high calibre guns found at the tier. Tank Destroyers such as the Panzerjäger I, 75mm Gun Motor Carriage M3 and the Japanese Ho-Ni will all be able to take the T-80 out easily. SPGs armed with howitzer type guns like the Type 4 Ho-Ro also pose a high threat. Also, beware German vehicles armed with the long barreled 50mm gun, like the Panzer III J and Sd.Kfz. 234/2 Puma. The best way to play the T-80 is to use it as a light tank. Do not be overconfident. Avoid direct combat and assume that enemy tanks will be able to penetrate you. Attacking from an advantageous position will allow your tanks great armour and gun to shine.
 +
 
 +
===Modules===
 +
The T-80 is damaged very easily, and, as such, having the "parts" modification should be the first priority. After that, researching AP and APCR rounds is very useful, since it allows the tanker to be much more of a threat to well-armoured opponents, being much more versatile.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
 
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
*
+
* Fastest reload speed in the game for a non-automated cannon
 
+
* Small target
 +
* Co-axial MG suitable against unarmoured vehicles
 +
* Capability to shoot APCR rounds
 +
* Frontal turret and hull armour is suprisingly good, and can easily bounce shots from same Br opponents
 +
* First soviet light tank to feature more than two crew, meaning you can now afford to lose a crew member
 +
* Awesome vertical traverse limit of 65 degrees, allows for some anti air potential, though it is unreliable in this role
 +
* Some guns will really struggle to penetrate your armour at this tier. Japanese 37/57mm and other 45mm guns (without APCR) pose very little threat.
 +
* Often underestimated. Many players will aim poorly and their shells will ricochet. 
 +
* Ability to scout in low rank.
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
*
+
* Very slow traverse speed for turret (hand cranked)
 +
* Slow gun elevation speed
 +
* Front shot trap, although deciently protected, is a serious weak point
 +
* Low calibre gun
 +
* Easily damaged by careless driving
 +
* Gun is inaccurate at long range.
 +
* Tank wobbles when you stop, meaning you will have to wait a few seconds before you can fire accurately.
 +
* Easily one-shotted due to the crew number.
  
 
== 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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
 +
The '''T-80''' light tank was a redesign of the [[T-70]] light tank in an attempt to make the design relevant again.
 +
 
 +
During World War II, the concept of the light tank was deemed obsolete, they were too lightly armoured, too lightly armed, and sometimes don't go that much faster than the 1940s medium tank designs which had better armour and guns. Plus, the smaller profile of the tank meant that the crew are not necessarily given enough comfort room and the constraint would force turret design to be a one or two-man turret, restricting the commander to perform other duties as well.
 +
 
 +
The T-80 tried to remedy this by giving the tank more armour and a two-man turret so the commander could coordinate more efficiently than the one-man turret on the T-70. However, the role of the light tank in Soviet Union could be fulfilled by the incoming supplies of Lend-Lease equipment available from Britain and America in the form of [[M3 Stuart|M3 Stuarts]] and [[Valentine Mk I|Valentine]] tanks, which are better than the T-70 and T-80 designs. In October of 1943, the light tank production were all cancelled, resulting in only 120 T-80s being produced in its brief production life.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
[https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=ussr&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=light_tank&vehicle=ussr_t_80 '''Skins''' and '''camouflages''' for the T-80 from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== Read also ==
 
== Read also ==
Line 50: Line 252:
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
 
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
 +
 +
{{USSR light tanks}}

Revision as of 23:53, 10 February 2019

VTOL | Rank 5 USA
AV-8A Harrier Pack
T-80
ussr_t_80.png
T-80
AB RB SB
2.0 2.3 2.3
Class:
Research:7 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:10 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
Msg-info.png This page is about the Rank II light tank T-80. For the Rank VI medium tank, see T-80B

Description

GarageImage T-80.jpg


The T-80 is a Rank II Soviet light tank with a battle rating of 2.0 (AB) and 2.3 (RB/SB). It was introduced in during the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41. An upgrade over the T-70, the T-80 introduces better armour and an extra crew member to increase the tank's survivability in the battlefield.

Just like the previous T-70, the T-80 boasts strong frontal armour and high mobility in a compact package. However, several notable upgrades are present. These upgrades include an increased crew count, fire rate, and cannon traverse range. The only downsides are that turret armour is reduced, and a somewhat large shot trap now exists all around the turret.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet)
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 35 mm (62°) Front glacis
35 mm (33-71°) Driver's port
45 mm (31°) Lower glacis
25 mm 15 mm (70°) Top
25 mm (43°) Bottom
15 mm
Turret 35 mm (4-67°) Turret front
45 mm (12-59°) Gun mantlet
35 mm (6-23°) 35 mm (28°) 15 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 10 mm thick while tracks are 15 mm thick.

Mobility

Mobility characteristic
Weight (tons) Add-on Armor
weight (tons)
Max speed (km/h)
11.6 N/A 47 (AB)
42 (RB/SB)
Engine power (horsepower)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 263 324
Realistic/Simulator 150 170
Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 22.67 27.93
Realistic/Simulator 12.93 14.65

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: 20-K (45 mm)
45 mm 20-K
Capacity Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
Stabilizer
94 -8°/+65° ±180° N/A
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade 3.6 4.9 _.__ _.__ _.__
Realistic 3.6 4.2 _.__ _.__ _.__
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
3.3 _.__ _.__ _.__
Ammunition
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration in mm @ 90°
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
BR-240 APHEBC 62 59 45 35 29 26
O-240 HE 4 4 4 4 4 4
BR-240SP AP 73 68 51 35 25 17
BR-240P APCR 103 94 64 40 21 17
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
in m/s
Projectile
Mass in kg
Fuse delay

in m:

Fuse sensitivity

in mm:

Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent):
Normalization At 30°
from horizontal:
Ricochet:
0% 50% 100%
BR-240 APHEBC 760 1.4 1.2 15 32.3 +4° 48° 63° 71°
O-240 HE 343 2.2 0.4 0.3 118 +0° 79° 80° 81°
BR-240SP AP 757 1.4 N/A N/A N/A -1° 47° 60° 65°
BR-240P APCR 985 0.85 N/A N/A N/A +1.5° 66° 70° 72°
Ammo racks
Ammo racks of the T-70 (identical to T-80).
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
94 (+93) Yes

Machine guns

Main article: DT (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm DT
Coaxial mount
Capacity (Belt capacity each) Fire rate
(shots/minute)
Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
1,071 (63) 600 N/A N/A

Usage in the battles

The T-80 is a little different from most light tanks. Like all light tanks, it has excellent speed and mobility. Unlike most light tanks it has great, sloped frontal armour and good turret armour, making it highly resistant to most tier 1 gun. Pair this with its fast firing 45mm gun and it becomes an excellent vehicle for hunting lightly armoured foes. The addition of APCR allows you to fight more heavily armoured vehicles. You may come across Matilda and Valentine tanks, which are highly resistant to the APHEBC round but can be more easily penetrated by the APCR (at the expense of less damage).

In order to take full advantage of this tank's strengths, you should aim to use one of two distinct tactical options. Option one is to operate as a frontline tank in urban combat. Your frontal armour is of great use here. However, this strategy should be avoided if you are not near or at the top of this tank's matchmaking range. The other option is to work as a flanking tank. Your gun is more than capable in this role, and unlike most flanking role tanks, the surprise isn't always necessary for survival. Thanks to your strong frontal armour, you can do well under incoming fire if your attempt at flanking is discovered, or if your opponent is determined to survive and providing stiff resistance. Few tanks offer the level of flexibility in terms of combat approach that is granted to the T-80.

When taking the tank into battle, a mix of APHEBC and APCR is favourable. The BR-240 AP shells against flanked opponents and structural weaknesses (e.g. Pz.4 E turret), while the BR-240P APCR role is for close range combat (<400m, due blunt nose cone) and engaging heavy armoured box tanks, especially the M3 Lee, StuG and up-armoured T-28E. As usual, having a few rounds of pure HE is great against any SPAAG.

In battle, you must beware of some of the high calibre guns found at the tier. Tank Destroyers such as the Panzerjäger I, 75mm Gun Motor Carriage M3 and the Japanese Ho-Ni will all be able to take the T-80 out easily. SPGs armed with howitzer type guns like the Type 4 Ho-Ro also pose a high threat. Also, beware German vehicles armed with the long barreled 50mm gun, like the Panzer III J and Sd.Kfz. 234/2 Puma. The best way to play the T-80 is to use it as a light tank. Do not be overconfident. Avoid direct combat and assume that enemy tanks will be able to penetrate you. Attacking from an advantageous position will allow your tanks great armour and gun to shine.

Modules

The T-80 is damaged very easily, and, as such, having the "parts" modification should be the first priority. After that, researching AP and APCR rounds is very useful, since it allows the tanker to be much more of a threat to well-armoured opponents, being much more versatile.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Fastest reload speed in the game for a non-automated cannon
  • Small target
  • Co-axial MG suitable against unarmoured vehicles
  • Capability to shoot APCR rounds
  • Frontal turret and hull armour is suprisingly good, and can easily bounce shots from same Br opponents
  • First soviet light tank to feature more than two crew, meaning you can now afford to lose a crew member
  • Awesome vertical traverse limit of 65 degrees, allows for some anti air potential, though it is unreliable in this role
  • Some guns will really struggle to penetrate your armour at this tier. Japanese 37/57mm and other 45mm guns (without APCR) pose very little threat.
  • Often underestimated. Many players will aim poorly and their shells will ricochet.
  • Ability to scout in low rank.

Cons:

  • Very slow traverse speed for turret (hand cranked)
  • Slow gun elevation speed
  • Front shot trap, although deciently protected, is a serious weak point
  • Low calibre gun
  • Easily damaged by careless driving
  • Gun is inaccurate at long range.
  • Tank wobbles when you stop, meaning you will have to wait a few seconds before you can fire accurately.
  • Easily one-shotted due to the crew number.

History

The T-80 light tank was a redesign of the T-70 light tank in an attempt to make the design relevant again.

During World War II, the concept of the light tank was deemed obsolete, they were too lightly armoured, too lightly armed, and sometimes don't go that much faster than the 1940s medium tank designs which had better armour and guns. Plus, the smaller profile of the tank meant that the crew are not necessarily given enough comfort room and the constraint would force turret design to be a one or two-man turret, restricting the commander to perform other duties as well.

The T-80 tried to remedy this by giving the tank more armour and a two-man turret so the commander could coordinate more efficiently than the one-man turret on the T-70. However, the role of the light tank in Soviet Union could be fulfilled by the incoming supplies of Lend-Lease equipment available from Britain and America in the form of M3 Stuarts and Valentine tanks, which are better than the T-70 and T-80 designs. In October of 1943, the light tank production were all cancelled, resulting in only 120 T-80s being produced in its brief production life.

Media

Skins and camouflages for the T-80 from live.warthunder.com.

Read also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,

  • reference to the series of the vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

ETC.

Sources

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


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