Difference between revisions of "T34"

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{{Specs-Card|code=us_t34}}
 
{{About
 
{{About
|about= American heavy tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
|about=heavy tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage= other versions
+
|usage=other uses
|link= T-34 (Disambiguation)
+
|link=T-34 (Disambiguation)
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=us_t34
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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.''-->
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.67 "Assault"]]. A formidable heavy tank with thick armour and heavy gun, the T34 presents a radical new tank design, more so than any of its predecessors.
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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.67 "Assault"]]. A formidable heavy tank with thick armour and a heavy gun, the T34 presents a radically new tank design than any of its predecessors.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-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?
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
  
 +
If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.-->
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
  
Line 31: Line 30:
 
| Turret || 158.7 mm (18-31°) ''Turret front'' <br> 203 mm (0-9°) ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 305 mm (1-57°) ''Gun mantlet border'' || 158.7 mm (3-42°) || 101 + 102 mm (1-20°) ''Rear'' <br> 102 mm (63-84°) ''Bottom of turret overhang'' || 38.1 mm
 
| Turret || 158.7 mm (18-31°) ''Turret front'' <br> 203 mm (0-9°) ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 305 mm (1-57°) ''Gun mantlet border'' || 158.7 mm (3-42°) || 101 + 102 mm (1-20°) ''Rear'' <br> 102 mm (63-84°) ''Bottom of turret overhang'' || 38.1 mm
 
|-
 
|-
| Cupola || 152.4 mm || 152.4 mm || 152.4 mm || 38.1 mm
+
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Cupola || 152.4 mm || 38.1 mm
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
Line 39: Line 40:
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
+
<!--Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.-->
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
+
|-
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,046|rbMinHp=716}}
+
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
 
+
|-
Mobility is surprisingly decent for its size and weight, it's even on par with some medium tanks, and it will often reach its top speed, even off-road, although at lower speeds it can be quite sluggish to manoeuvre.
+
! Weight (tons)
 
+
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armor<br>weight (tons)
=== Modifications and economy ===
+
! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
{{Specs-Economy}}
+
|-
 +
| rowspan="2" | 65.8 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 35 (AB)
 +
|-
 +
|33 (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="1" | Mode
 +
!Stock
 +
!Upgraded
 +
|-
 +
|''Arcade''
 +
|1,046
 +
|____
 +
|-
 +
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 +
|716
 +
|810
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="1" | Mode
 +
!Stock
 +
!Upgraded
 +
|-
 +
|''Arcade''
 +
|15.90
 +
|__.__
 +
|-
 +
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 +
|10.88
 +
|12.31
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
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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.-->
<!-- ''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|T53 (120 mm)}}
 
{{main|T53 (120 mm)}}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | [[T53 (120 mm)|120 mm T53]]
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="3" | 34 || -10°/+15° || ±180° || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="5" | [[T53 (120 mm)|120 mm T53]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
 
|-
 
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
+
! style="width:4em" |Mode
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
+
! style="width:4em" |Stock
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
+
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
|-
! ''Arcade''
+
| ''Arcade'' || 19.42 || 26.88 || __.__ || __.__ || 38.40
| rowspan="2" | 34 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 14.6 || 20.2 || 24.5 || 27.1 || 28.8 || rowspan="2" | 19.37 || rowspan="2" | 17.14 || rowspan="2" | 15.79 || rowspan="2" | 14.90
 
 
|-
 
|-
! ''Realistic''
+
| ''Realistic'' || 14.28 || 16.80 || 20.4 || 22.60 || 24.00
| 10.7 || 12.6 || 15.3 || 16.9 || 18.0
+
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 +
|-
 +
| 19.37 || 17.14 || 15.79 || 14.90
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
==== Ammunition ====
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===== Ammunition =====
The APCBC shell still retains a lot of the penetration over very long ranges, still keeping over 150 mm penetration.
+
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
+
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
{{:T53 (120 mm)/Ammunition|T14E3, T17E1, M73}}
+
|-
 
+
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
+
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
+
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
+
|-
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
! 10m
 +
! 100m
 +
! 500m
 +
! 1000m
 +
! 1500m
 +
! 2000m
 +
|-
 +
| T14E3 || AP || 282 || 279 || 263 || 243 || 225 || 209
 +
|-
 +
| T17E1 || APCR || 324 || 319 || 293 || 258 || 229 || 201
 +
|-
 +
| M73 || HE || 45 || 45 || 44 || 44 || 43 || 43
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| 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%
 +
|-
 +
| T14E3 || APCBC || 960 || 22.6 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 +
|-
 +
| T17E1 || APCR || 1264 || 12.7 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 66° || 70° || 72°
 
|-
 
|-
! Full<br>ammo
+
| M73 || HE || 944 || 22.5 || 0.1 || 0.1 || 2,380 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
! Ammo<br>part
 
! 1st<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
 
|-
 
|-
| '''34''' || ''Projectiles''<br>''Propellants'' || 33&nbsp;''(+1)''<br>31&nbsp;''(+3)'' || 28&nbsp;''(+6)''<br>29&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+11)''<br>23&nbsp;''(+11)''
+
|}
 +
 
 +
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_T34.png|right|x250px|thumbnail|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the T34.]]
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! 4th<br>rack empty
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
! 5th<br>rack empty
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Ammo<br />Part
! 6th<br>rack empty
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br />  rack empty
! 7th<br>rack empty
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br />  rack empty
! Visual<br>discrepancy
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br /> rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th<br /> rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |6th<br /> rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |7th<br /> rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
| 21&nbsp;''(+13)''<br>15&nbsp;''(+19)'' || 13&nbsp;''(+21)''<br>9&nbsp;''(+25)'' || 7&nbsp;''(+27)''<br>1&nbsp;''(+33)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+33)''<br>N/A || No
+
|| '''34''' || style="text-align:right" | ''Projectiles''<br />''Propellants'' || 33&nbsp;''(+1)''<br />31&nbsp;''(+3)'' || 28&nbsp;''(+6)''<br />29&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+11)''<br />23&nbsp;''(+11)'' || 21&nbsp;''(+13)''<br />15&nbsp;''(+19)'' || 13&nbsp;''(+21)''<br />9&nbsp;''(+25)'' || 7&nbsp;''(+27)''<br />1&nbsp;''(+33)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+33)''<br />&nbsp; || style="text-align:left" | no
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
'''Note''':
 
  
* Turret empty: 23&nbsp;(+11) shells.
+
Turret empty: 23&nbsp;(+11)
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
+
<!--''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.''-->
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|4}}
 
<!-- ''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|M2HB (12.7 mm)}}
 
{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)}}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
+
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount''
 
|-
 
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
+
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
|-
 
|-
| Pintle || 1,000 (200) || 577 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
+
| colspan="4" | 1,000 (200) || 576 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
 
|-
 
|-
| Coaxial || 1,200 (200) || 577 || N/A || N/A
+
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount'' (x2)
 
|-
 
|-
| Coaxial || 1,200 (200) || 577 || N/A || N/A
+
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="4" | 1,200 (200) || 576 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
== 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).'' -->
+
<!--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 T34 is a very strong tank and few tanks have the guns to take it out effectively from the battlefield. If you're fighting tanks of your own BR or lower, the German long 88 mm guns (whether it be PaK or KwK guns) will be able to contest your armour at close range if used well. This includes the [[Waffentrager]], [[Tiger II (P)]] and [[Tiger II (H)|(H)]] models, the [[Nashorn]], the [[Ferdinand]], and the [[Jagdpanther]]s. There is also the threat of the occasional [[Ru 251]], which packs a 320 mm penetration HEATFS shell. The Soviets also have a few cannons that can be effective against the T34, be on the lookout for tanks which utilize the 100 mm, such as the [[T-44-100]], [[SU-100P]], or [[SU-100]]. These 100 mm shells will not struggle too much against your hull or turret, at least at close range. The same can be applied to the ISU variants. (The [[ASU-85]]) does get a HEATFS shell which defeats your armour most of the time, more on that below.) The tanks mentioned above can be dealt with against with relative ease at medium range with the 120 mm cannon. Another country which catches most people off guard is France. The [[AMX-50]] and [[Lorraine 40t]] with their magazine systems will shred your armour given if they have the time to aim properly. Their shot rounds will break your gun breech quickly, but if you play well the T34's armour will hold up.
+
The T34 is a very strong tank and few tanks have the guns to take it out effectively from the battlefield. If you're fighting tanks of your own BR or lower, the German long 88 mm guns (whether it be PaK guns or KwK guns) will be able to contest your armour at close range if used well. This includes the [[Waffentrager]], [[Tiger II (P)]] and [[Tiger_II_(H)|(H)]] models, the [[Nashorn]], the [[Ferdinand]], and the [[Jagdpanther]]s. There is also the threat of the occasional [[Ru 251]], which packs a 320 mm pen HEAT-FS shell. The Russians also have a few weaponry that can be used against the T34, be on the lookout for tanks which utilize the 100 mm, such as the [[T-44-100]], [[SU-100P]], or [[SU-100]]. These 100 mm shells will not struggle ''too'' much against your hull or turret, at least at close range. The same can be applied to the ISU variants. (The [[ASU-85]]) does get a HEATFS shell which defeats your armour most of the time, more on that below.) The tanks mentioned above can be dealt with against with relative ease at medium range with the 120 mm cannon. Another country which catches most people off guard is France. The [[AMX-50]] and [[Lorraine 40t]] with their magazine systems will shred your armour given if they have the time to aim properly. Their shot rounds will break your gun breech quickly, but if you play well the T34's armour will hold up.  
  
At long range, tanks with the long 88 mm guns will only be able to penetrate with the APCR at you, which in effect makes your upper hull armour very good, since APCR does not fare well against slopes. The flat turret face can put you at a disadvantage most of the time. Specific enemies worth noting when fighting the Germans at your BR are Waffenträger, Tiger II (P) and (H) models, Nashorn, the Jagdpanthers, and even the Sturer Emil with its 230 mm of penetration with its monstrous 128 mm armament. Most of these tanks (except for the Sturer Emil) can fire APCR at you and penetrate if they are good shots and hit your gun shield. When engaging the Soviets at long range, the ASU-85 will be your most dangerous enemy at your own BR. The HEATFS shell it packs penetrates 300 mm of armour, making your armour more often than not obsolete against it. One more tank you must be aware of that most people forget about is the [[Type-62]]. It gets the same gun as the [[T-44]], but with better shells, utilizing a strong HEATFS round on a turreted, fast light tank.
+
At long range, tanks with the long 88 mm guns will only be able to penetrate with the APCR at you, which in effect makes your upper hull armour very good, since APCR does not fare well against slopes. The flat turret face can put you at a disadvantage most of the time. Specific enemies worth noting when fighting the Germans at your BR are Waffentrager, Tiger II (P) and (H) models, Nashorn, the Jagdpanthers, and even the Sturer Emil with its 230 mm of penetration with its monstrous 128 mm armament. Most of these tanks (except for the Emil) can fire APCR at you and penetrate if they are good shots and hit your gun shield. When engaging the Russians at long range, the ASU-85 will be your most dangerous enemy at your own BR. The HEATFS shell it packs penetrates 300 mm of armour, making your armour more often than not obsolete against it. One more tank you must be aware of that most people forget about is the [[Type-62]]. It gets the same gun as the [[T-44]], but with better shells, utilizing a strong HEATFS round on a turreted, fast light tank.
  
When you're fighting in an uptier (which can happen quite frequently), your enemies as previously mentioned stay the same except for more prevalent Rank V vehicles like the [[Leopard I]]. The Leopard I is everything you are not: fast, stealthy, good rate of fire and a punchy good gun at any range. With its DM13 APDS round that can penetrate 303 mm of armour straight up, life is not easy against it. The round can still penetrate 257 mm of armour at 1,500 m, which is still very easy against your turret shield. The Leopards also packs a DM12 HEATFS round which can tear through 400 mm of armour with ease with 1,173 m/s shell velocity. If at all possible, do not engage Leopards at long range without doing it smartly. Remember: they can penetrate you regardless of angling or range.
+
When you're fighting at a maximum BR up-tier of 7.7 (which can happen quite frequently), your enemies as previously mentioned stay the same except for more prevalent Rank V vehicles like the [[Leopard_I|Leopard 1A0]]. The Leopard I is everything you are not: fast, stealthy, good rate of fire and a punchy good gun at any range. With its DM13 APFSDS round that can penetrate 303 mm of armour straight up, life is not easy against it. The round can still penetrate 257 mm of armour at 1,500 meters, which is still very easy against your turret shield. The Leopards also packs a DM12 HEATFS round which can tear through 400 mm of armour with ease with 1,173 m/s shell velocity. If at all possible, do not engage Leopards at long range without doing it smartly. Remember: They can penetrate you regardless of angling or range.
  
Another enemy at an uptier to worry about is the [[Object 120]]. It possesses a shell that presents 405 mm of penetration APFSDS with 1,710 m/s shell. The drawback of the Object is its lack of gun depression and armour that even .50 cal machine guns can destroy it. Almost all of the Taran users will choose that shell instead of the HEATFS it packs simply because of the shell velocity. The HEATFS shell in question can penetrate 480 mm of armour. A good rule of thumb when fighting these tanks: if you can avoid being hit, do so quickly; your armour will not save you.
+
Another enemy at an up-tier to worry about is the [[Object 120|Object 120 "Taran"]]. The Object 120 posses a shell that presents 405 mm of pen APFSDS with 1,710 m/s shell. The drawback of the Object is its lack of gun depression and armour that even .50 cal machine guns can destroy it. Almost all of the Taran users will choose that shell instead of the HEATFS it packs simply because of the shell velocity. The HEATFS shell in question can penetrate 480 mm of armour. A good rule of thumb when fighting these tanks: if you can avoid being hit, do so quickly; your armour will not save you.
  
Other enemies worth noting is the [[IS-3]]. It is almost impossible to injure it from the front, much less destroy it in one shot. The only shot you can make is the turret ring (which is tough sometimes) or the extremely small flat pieces of armour on the sides of the gun barrel on the turret: other than that, try to flank it. The [[Maus]] is also a significant threat to the T34 for much the same reason as the IS-3, but with greater firepower due to its 128 mm armament. Trying to penetrate a Maus without the use of the APCR the T34 gets is a fool's folly: it can't be done against an angling Maus tank. The Tiger II (H) 10.5cm heavy tank is also able to contest you better than the Tiger II (P) and (H) simply because of the gun and power behind it, but not to a dangerously high degree like the Leopards. The Jagdtiger packs much the same gun with albeit slightly less armour and no turret, but it makes this tank no less dangerous. The Jagdpanzer 4-5, on the other hand, is quite stealthy with the same gun and ammo as the RU 251, with albeit no turret but a better reload makes this tank good at contesting your armour at any range. One more enemy you will undoubtedly face are the Italian armoured cars who with their recoil-less rifles and very good mobility can prove to be very dangerous to you despite their size and low amount of armour. Another thing to watch while playing this tank is the possibility to be killed very fast by facing someone who can hit your cupola on you turret beware of German and Soviet 88, 105, and 122 mm APHE shells which might be able to knock you out through your cupola. While its a hard target at distance closer up it will be a very easy target so keep it hidden.
+
Other enemies at 7.7 (or 7.3, or even 7.0) worth noting is the [[IS-3]]. It is almost impossible to injure it from the front, much less destroy it in one shot. The only shot you can make is the turret ring (which is tough sometimes) or the ''extremely small'' flat pieces of armour on the sides of the gun barrel on the turret: other than that, try to flank it. The [[Maus]] is also a significant threat to the T34 for much the same reason as the IS-3, but with greater firepower due to its 128 mm armament. Trying to penetrate a Maus without the use of the APCR the T34 gets is a fool's folly: it can't be done against an angling Maus tank. The Tiger II (H) 10.5cm heavy tank is also able to contest you better than the Tiger II (P) and (H) simply because of the gun and power behind it, but not to a dangerously high degree like the Leopards. The Jagdtiger packs much the same gun with albeit slightly less armour and no turret, but it makes this tank no less dangerous. The Jadgpanzer 4-5, on the other hand, is quite stealthy with the same gun and ammo as the RU 251, with albeit no turret but a better reload makes this tank good at contesting your armour at any range.
  
 
=== 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".'' -->
+
<!--Summarize 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 - they can be substituted with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".-->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
Line 143: Line 240:
 
* Great upper glacis armour
 
* Great upper glacis armour
 
* Good gun mantlet armour
 
* Good gun mantlet armour
* Powerful 120 mm gun; essentially a precursor to the M103
+
* Powerful 120 mm gun; essentially a pre-cursor to the M103
* Has three .50 calibre machine guns for shredding lightly-armoured vehicles or for warding off enemy aircraft
+
* Has three .50 calibre machine guns for shredding lightly armoured vehicles or for warding off enemy aircraft
 
* Decently fast on level ground
 
* Decently fast on level ground
* Good post-penetration damage for stock ammunition, when it hits in the right spot
+
* Good post-penetration damage for stock ammunition, given that it hits in the right spot
* Crew is quite far apart from each other, quite difficult to get knock out in one hit without ammo racking
 
* Has very good gun depression, 10°, like most american tanks, allowing for easy hull down situations
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 +
* Long reload time
 +
* Doesn't like to climb hills
 
* Gun mantlet can still be penetrated by 88 mm or 122 mm shells
 
* Gun mantlet can still be penetrated by 88 mm or 122 mm shells
* Side armour can be penetrated - even when angled sharply
+
* Side armour can be penetrated - apparently even when angled sharply
* Weak lower glacis
+
* High repair costs
* Propellant charges are located on the side of the turret, which for solid shot rounds is an easy ammorack
 
* Turning capabilities are quite bad for an american tank
 
* Sluggish when moving at lower speeds, especially when turning
 
* Doesn't like to climb hills
 
* Reload time is long, but shorter than some contemporary tanks
 
* Shells penetrating the turret will most often result in ammo racking
 
* Turret rotation isn't the best
 
* Gun is easily taken out because of its large size
 
* Not close combat friendly due to the weak UFP and gun mantlet
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
[[File:T34 Heavy Tank.jpg|400px|thumb|right|T34 Heavy Tank at Aberdeen Proving Grounds]]
+
<!--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 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 devblog entry (if applicable) and the ingame encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</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).'' -->
 
 
===Development===
 
===Development===
Projects for a dedicated heavy tank for the U.S. Armed Forces began in March 1944 as a response to the German heavy tanks that have been popping up in Europe. While the T26E3 tank, later known as the [[M26|M26 Pershing]] was slated to be the next-generation American tank, it was still considered unsuitable against the even heavier [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II]]. A project to increase the armour and firepower commenced to counter this problem, the project titled [[T29|Heavy Tank T29]]. Using design elements from the T26E3 with thicker armour and lengthened hull, the T29 also was equipped with the [[T5E1 (105 mm)|105 mm Gun T5]], a gun in development alongside the heavy assault tank [[T95]]. Other features included a 770 hp Ford GAC engine, armour thickness up to 279 mm effective, and a coincidence range-finder. The heavy armour and armament made the tank weigh about 64 tons, making it a close match to the Tiger II.
+
Projects for a dedicated heavy tank for the U.S. Armed Forces began in March 1944 as a response to the German heavy tanks that have been popping up in Europe. While the T26E3 tank, later known as the [[M26|M26 Pershing]] was slated to be the next-generation American tank, it was still considered unsuitable against the even heavier [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II]]. A project to increase the armour and firepower commenced to counter this problem, the project titled ''[[T29|Heavy Tank T29]]''. Using design elements from the T26E3 with thicker armour and lengthened hull, the T29 also was equipped with the [[T5E1 (105 mm)|105 mm Gun T5]], a gun in development alongside the heavy assault tank [[T95|T95]]. Other features included a 770 hp Ford GAC engine, armour thickness up to 279 mm effective, and a coincidence range-finder. The heavy armour and armament made the tank weigh about 64 tons, making it a close match to the Tiger II.
  
Though the T29 was monstrous itself, side projects involving the T29 crafted the [[T30|Heavy Tank T30]]. Itself similar to the T29 in terms of armour, but featured a monstrous 155 mm Gun T7 with a more powerful engine and an extra crew member to facilitate loading the gun.
+
Though the T29 was monstrous itself, side projects involving the T29 crafted the ''[[T30|Heavy Tank T30]]''. Itself similar to the T29 in terms of armour, but featured a monstrous 155 mm Gun T7 with a more powerful engine and an extra crew member to facilitate loading the gun.
  
 
===Effect in World War II===
 
===Effect in World War II===
Line 177: Line 264:
  
 
===Post World War Effect===
 
===Post World War Effect===
The heavy tank concept didn't die with the end of hostility and a final attempt was made to remake the T29 into a more modern, lethal weapon system. This produced the [[T34]], which mounted a 120 mm gun based on the M1 anti-aircraft gun. The calibre made an adequate balance of firepower and loading ease between the 105 mm and the 155 mm used in the T29 and T30. In fact, the two T34 pilot models made were a converted T29 and T30. However, the demilitarization took down the T34 program as well, but the experience in this project help engineers in the development of the [[M103|M103 heavy tank]].
+
The heavy tank concept didn't die with the end of hostility and a final attempt was made to remake the T29 into a more modern, lethal weapon system. This produced the [[T34]], which mounted a 120 mm gun based on the M1 anti-aircraft gun. The calibre made an adequate balance of firepower and loading ease between the 105 mm and the 155 mm used in the T29 and T30. In fact, the two T34 pilot models made were a converted T29 and T30. However, the demilitarization took down the T34 program as well, but the experience in this project help engineers in the development of the ''[[M103|M103 heavy tank]]''.
  
 
Today, there are a few T29s still in display across the United States, most of them residing in storage at Fort Benning, Georgia where they will be used as a display in the future National Armor and Cavalry Museum.
 
Today, there are a few T29s still in display across the United States, most of them residing in storage at Fort Benning, Georgia where they will be used as a display in the future National Armor and Cavalry Museum.
  
 
== 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/?vehicle=us_t34 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
 
 
;Videos
 
{{Youtube-gallery|RQ7dTh1w-_0|'''How to destroy the T34''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|9ayZTC2A6Ks|'''T34 vs Caernarvon''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|ly9JS6errQQ|'''Best secondary armaments''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 5:13 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
 
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!--''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;''
 
* ''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.''-->
 +
* Similar Vehicles:
 +
** [[T29]]
 +
** [[T30]]
 +
** [[M103]]
  
;[[T29 Heavy Tank (Family)|Related development]]
+
== External links ==
 +
<!--Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:
  
* [[T29]]
 
* [[T30]]
 
 
;Similar Vehicles:
 
 
* [[M103]]
 
 
== External links ==
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.'' -->
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 +
* ''other literature.''-->
  
* [[wt:en/news/4537-development-heavy-tank-t34-commanding-respect-en|[Devblog] Heavy Tank T34: Commanding Respect]]
+
* [http://warthunder.com/en/news/4537-development-heavy-tank-t34-commanding-respect-en/ [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Heavy Tank T34: Commanding Respect]
  
 
{{USA heavy tanks}}
 
{{USA heavy tanks}}

Revision as of 03:26, 10 June 2019

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
us_t34.png
T34
AB RB SB
7.0 6.7 6.7
Class:
Research:71 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:210 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the heavy tank T34. For other uses, see T-34 (Disambiguation).

Description

GarageImage T34.jpg


The Heavy Tank T34 is a rank IV American heavy tank with a battle rating of 7.0 (AB) and 6.7 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.67 "Assault". A formidable heavy tank with thick armour and a heavy gun, the T34 presents a radically new tank design than any of its predecessors.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour type:

  • Cast homogeneous armour
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull sides, Hull rear)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 102 mm (52-56°) Front Glacis
70.25 mm (26-59°) Bottom Glacis
102 mm (6-81°) Machine gun port
76.2 mm Front
51 mm Rear
51 mm (4°) Upper
51 mm (60°) Lower
38.1 mm
Turret 158.7 mm (18-31°) Turret front
203 mm (0-9°) Gun mantlet
305 mm (1-57°) Gun mantlet border
158.7 mm (3-42°) 101 + 102 mm (1-20°) Rear
102 mm (63-84°) Bottom of turret overhang
38.1 mm
Armour Sides Roof
Cupola 152.4 mm 38.1 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick while tracks are 30 mm thick.
  • Front belly armour is 25.4 mm thick while the rear is 13 mm.

Mobility

Mobility characteristic
Weight (tons) Add-on Armor
weight (tons)
Max speed (km/h)
65.8 N/A 35 (AB)
33 (RB/SB)
Engine power (horsepower)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 1,046 ____
Realistic/Simulator 716 810
Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 15.90 __.__
Realistic/Simulator 10.88 12.31

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: T53 (120 mm)
120 mm T53
Capacity Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
Stabilizer
34 -10°/+15° ±180° N/A
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade 19.42 26.88 __.__ __.__ 38.40
Realistic 14.28 16.80 20.4 22.60 24.00
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
19.37 17.14 15.79 14.90
Ammunition
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration in mm @ 0° Angle of Attack
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
T14E3 AP 282 279 263 243 225 209
T17E1 APCR 324 319 293 258 229 201
M73 HE 45 45 44 44 43 43
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%
T14E3 APCBC 960 22.6 N/A N/A N/A +4° 48° 63° 71°
T17E1 APCR 1264 12.7 N/A N/A N/A +1.5° 66° 70° 72°
M73 HE 944 22.5 0.1 0.1 2,380 +0° 79° 80° 81°
Ammo racks
Ammo racks of the T34.
Full
ammo
Ammo
Part
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
6th
rack empty
7th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
34 Projectiles
Propellants
33 (+1)
31 (+3)
28 (+6)
29 (+5)
23 (+11)
23 (+11)
21 (+13)
15 (+19)
13 (+21)
(+25)
(+27)
(+33)
(+33)
 
no

Turret empty: 23 (+11)

Machine guns

Main article: M2HB (12.7 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB
Pintle mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute)
Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
1,000 (200) 576 -10°/+50° ±120°
Coaxial mount (x2)
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute)
Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
1,200 (200) 576 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

The T34 is a very strong tank and few tanks have the guns to take it out effectively from the battlefield. If you're fighting tanks of your own BR or lower, the German long 88 mm guns (whether it be PaK guns or KwK guns) will be able to contest your armour at close range if used well. This includes the Waffentrager, Tiger II (P) and (H) models, the Nashorn, the Ferdinand, and the Jagdpanthers. There is also the threat of the occasional Ru 251, which packs a 320 mm pen HEAT-FS shell. The Russians also have a few weaponry that can be used against the T34, be on the lookout for tanks which utilize the 100 mm, such as the T-44-100, SU-100P, or SU-100. These 100 mm shells will not struggle too much against your hull or turret, at least at close range. The same can be applied to the ISU variants. (The ASU-85) does get a HEATFS shell which defeats your armour most of the time, more on that below.) The tanks mentioned above can be dealt with against with relative ease at medium range with the 120 mm cannon. Another country which catches most people off guard is France. The AMX-50 and Lorraine 40t with their magazine systems will shred your armour given if they have the time to aim properly. Their shot rounds will break your gun breech quickly, but if you play well the T34's armour will hold up.

At long range, tanks with the long 88 mm guns will only be able to penetrate with the APCR at you, which in effect makes your upper hull armour very good, since APCR does not fare well against slopes. The flat turret face can put you at a disadvantage most of the time. Specific enemies worth noting when fighting the Germans at your BR are Waffentrager, Tiger II (P) and (H) models, Nashorn, the Jagdpanthers, and even the Sturer Emil with its 230 mm of penetration with its monstrous 128 mm armament. Most of these tanks (except for the Emil) can fire APCR at you and penetrate if they are good shots and hit your gun shield. When engaging the Russians at long range, the ASU-85 will be your most dangerous enemy at your own BR. The HEATFS shell it packs penetrates 300 mm of armour, making your armour more often than not obsolete against it. One more tank you must be aware of that most people forget about is the Type-62. It gets the same gun as the T-44, but with better shells, utilizing a strong HEATFS round on a turreted, fast light tank.

When you're fighting at a maximum BR up-tier of 7.7 (which can happen quite frequently), your enemies as previously mentioned stay the same except for more prevalent Rank V vehicles like the Leopard 1A0. The Leopard I is everything you are not: fast, stealthy, good rate of fire and a punchy good gun at any range. With its DM13 APFSDS round that can penetrate 303 mm of armour straight up, life is not easy against it. The round can still penetrate 257 mm of armour at 1,500 meters, which is still very easy against your turret shield. The Leopards also packs a DM12 HEATFS round which can tear through 400 mm of armour with ease with 1,173 m/s shell velocity. If at all possible, do not engage Leopards at long range without doing it smartly. Remember: They can penetrate you regardless of angling or range.

Another enemy at an up-tier to worry about is the Object 120 "Taran". The Object 120 posses a shell that presents 405 mm of pen APFSDS with 1,710 m/s shell. The drawback of the Object is its lack of gun depression and armour that even .50 cal machine guns can destroy it. Almost all of the Taran users will choose that shell instead of the HEATFS it packs simply because of the shell velocity. The HEATFS shell in question can penetrate 480 mm of armour. A good rule of thumb when fighting these tanks: if you can avoid being hit, do so quickly; your armour will not save you.

Other enemies at 7.7 (or 7.3, or even 7.0) worth noting is the IS-3. It is almost impossible to injure it from the front, much less destroy it in one shot. The only shot you can make is the turret ring (which is tough sometimes) or the extremely small flat pieces of armour on the sides of the gun barrel on the turret: other than that, try to flank it. The Maus is also a significant threat to the T34 for much the same reason as the IS-3, but with greater firepower due to its 128 mm armament. Trying to penetrate a Maus without the use of the APCR the T34 gets is a fool's folly: it can't be done against an angling Maus tank. The Tiger II (H) 10.5cm heavy tank is also able to contest you better than the Tiger II (P) and (H) simply because of the gun and power behind it, but not to a dangerously high degree like the Leopards. The Jagdtiger packs much the same gun with albeit slightly less armour and no turret, but it makes this tank no less dangerous. The Jadgpanzer 4-5, on the other hand, is quite stealthy with the same gun and ammo as the RU 251, with albeit no turret but a better reload makes this tank good at contesting your armour at any range.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Great upper glacis armour
  • Good gun mantlet armour
  • Powerful 120 mm gun; essentially a pre-cursor to the M103
  • Has three .50 calibre machine guns for shredding lightly armoured vehicles or for warding off enemy aircraft
  • Decently fast on level ground
  • Good post-penetration damage for stock ammunition, given that it hits in the right spot

Cons:

  • Long reload time
  • Doesn't like to climb hills
  • Gun mantlet can still be penetrated by 88 mm or 122 mm shells
  • Side armour can be penetrated - apparently even when angled sharply
  • High repair costs

History

Development

Projects for a dedicated heavy tank for the U.S. Armed Forces began in March 1944 as a response to the German heavy tanks that have been popping up in Europe. While the T26E3 tank, later known as the M26 Pershing was slated to be the next-generation American tank, it was still considered unsuitable against the even heavier Tiger II. A project to increase the armour and firepower commenced to counter this problem, the project titled Heavy Tank T29. Using design elements from the T26E3 with thicker armour and lengthened hull, the T29 also was equipped with the 105 mm Gun T5, a gun in development alongside the heavy assault tank T95. Other features included a 770 hp Ford GAC engine, armour thickness up to 279 mm effective, and a coincidence range-finder. The heavy armour and armament made the tank weigh about 64 tons, making it a close match to the Tiger II.

Though the T29 was monstrous itself, side projects involving the T29 crafted the Heavy Tank T30. Itself similar to the T29 in terms of armour, but featured a monstrous 155 mm Gun T7 with a more powerful engine and an extra crew member to facilitate loading the gun.

Effect in World War II

Throughout World War II, the T29 and the T30 stayed in development under the priority "limited procurement". Eventually, the war in Europe ended in May 1945, but the small ordered stayed in hope it may be useful in the Japan invasion in Operation Downfall. That hope was smashed as well when Japan surrendered in September 1945, ending World War II. Even if an operation commenced that used these vehicles, the Army Ground Forces objected to the use of such heavy equipment due to the lack of adequate transporters. Further production was cancelled in the post-war demilitarization.

Post World War Effect

The heavy tank concept didn't die with the end of hostility and a final attempt was made to remake the T29 into a more modern, lethal weapon system. This produced the T34, which mounted a 120 mm gun based on the M1 anti-aircraft gun. The calibre made an adequate balance of firepower and loading ease between the 105 mm and the 155 mm used in the T29 and T30. In fact, the two T34 pilot models made were a converted T29 and T30. However, the demilitarization took down the T34 program as well, but the experience in this project help engineers in the development of the M103 heavy tank.

Today, there are a few T29s still in display across the United States, most of them residing in storage at Fort Benning, Georgia where they will be used as a display in the future National Armor and Cavalry Museum.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

External links


USA heavy tanks
M4 Jumbo  M4A3E2 · Cobra King · M4A3E2 (76) W
M6  T1E1 · M6A1 · M6A2E1
T26  T26E1-1 · T26E5
T29/30/34  T29 · T30 · T34
T32  T32 · T32E1
M103  M103
Others  T14