Difference between revisions of "Valentine IX"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(Updated Media: , See Also: and External links: & moved subsection References to correct place)
(Edits)
Line 2: Line 2:
  
 
== Description ==
 
== 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.''-->
+
<!-- ''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]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
+
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} British medium tank {{Battle-rating|5}}. It was released along with the initial British tree line in [[Update_1.55_"Royal_Armour"|Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced along with the initial British tree line in [[Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]].
  
 
The general style of play that best works with  the Valentine Mk.IX changes depending on the battle ratings of the current match. If you find yourself at the higher end of the spectrum, the armour is still very viable and you can play much like a standard heavy tank. If you find yourself on the lower end of the spectrum your armour is of less value, and many tanks will be able to penetrate you reliably, this often means its best to play in a supporting role of other tanks. Unlike the first Valentine the Mk.IX can engage most other tanks somewhat reliably at longer ranges and with more reliability due to being significantly up gunned from the former model.
 
The general style of play that best works with  the Valentine Mk.IX changes depending on the battle ratings of the current match. If you find yourself at the higher end of the spectrum, the armour is still very viable and you can play much like a standard heavy tank. If you find yourself on the lower end of the spectrum your armour is of less value, and many tanks will be able to penetrate you reliably, this often means its best to play in a supporting role of other tanks. Unlike the first Valentine the Mk.IX can engage most other tanks somewhat reliably at longer ranges and with more reliability due to being significantly up gunned from the former model.
Line 11: Line 11:
 
== 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 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 36: Line 34:
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 256|rbMinHp= 146}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=256|rbMinHp=146}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
Line 68: Line 66:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
 
| Shell Mk.10 || HE || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Shot Mk.5 || AP || 101 || 97 || 82 || 66 || 53 || 43
 
| Shot Mk.5 || AP || 101 || 97 || 82 || 66 || 53 || 43
Line 78: Line 74:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Shot Mk.9 || APCBC || 122 || 118 || 101 || 84 || 70 || 58
 
| Shot Mk.9 || APCBC || 122 || 118 || 101 || 84 || 70 || 58
 +
|-
 +
| Shell Mk.10 || HE || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="11" | Shell details
+
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
|-
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
Line 90: Line 88:
 
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
! rowspan="2" | Normalisation at 30°<br>from horizontal
 
 
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
|-
 
|-
 
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
|-
 
|-
| Shell Mk.10 || HE || 655 || 2.72 || 0.1 || 0.1 || 590 || +0.0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
+
| Shot Mk.5 || AP || 815 || 2.8 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
|-
 
|-
| Shot Mk.5 || AP || 815 || 2.8 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1.0° || 47° || 60° || 65°
+
| Shot Mk.5 HV || AP || 853 || 2.8 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
|-
 
|-
| Shot Mk.5 HV || AP || 853 || 2.8 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1.0° || 47° || 60° || 65°
+
| Shot Mk.8 || APC || 853 || 2.87 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
|-
 
|-
| Shot Mk.8 || APC || 853 || 2.87 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +4.0° || 48° || 63° || 71°
+
| Shot Mk.9 || APCBC || 801 || 3.23 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
|-
 
|-
| Shot Mk.9 || APCBC || 801 || 3.23 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +4.0° || 48° || 63° || 71°
+
| Shell Mk.10 || HE || 655 || 2.72 || 0 || 0.1 || 590 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the Valentine Mk IX.]]
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
+
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
+
! Full<br>ammo
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br /> rack empty
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br /> rack empty
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br /> rack empty
+
! 3rd<br>rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br /> rack empty
+
! 4th<br>rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th<br /> rack empty
+
! 5th<br>rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
+
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
|| '''53''' || 43&nbsp;''(+10)'' || 32&nbsp;''(+21)'' || 21&nbsp;''(+32)'' || 11&nbsp;''(+42)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+52)'' || style="text-align:left" | no
+
| '''53''' || 43&nbsp;''(+10)'' || 32&nbsp;''(+21)'' || 21&nbsp;''(+32)'' || 11&nbsp;''(+42)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+52)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 126: Line 124:
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]  
+
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Which ones
 
! Which ones
Line 133: Line 131:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Main Gun optics
 
! Main Gun optics
| x1.85 || x3.5 <!--Sometimes the actual value may not be known and here it should be referenced if the optic values are an estimate such as with an "X8.3 (estimated)" notation or something else that way the user will then be able to look to the comparable optics section and see a referenced optic which will have actual in-game data to back up the claim.-->
+
| x1.85 || x3.5
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Comparable optics
 
! Comparable optics
| colspan="2;" style="text-align:center;" | [[M4A1]]
+
| colspan="2" | [[M4A1]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
== 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 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).''-->'''Overview:'''
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
'''Overview:'''
  
The Valentine Mk. IX is an interesting vehicle. The armor can be useful against most enemy cannons if you angle properly, but the mobility is sub par. The 6 pounder gun provides excellent penetration with a fast velocity, not to mention the reload rate and semi stabilization. The best way to play the Valentine Mk. IX is to play around cover and play carefully. The benefit of being slow is it gives Valentine commanders time to think before they act. The Valentine will be the last to the fight in most situations, so make sure to pay attention to your allies and enemy positions as they reveal themselves. With careful planning, the Valentine can preform very well. Because it is so slow, it is important to play with your team. Use the map to point out enemy positions and pay attention when your allies do the same. Also be careful not to come too close to the enemy spawn, as the Valentine will struggle to leave in a timely manner. Another weakness to consider with the Valentine Mk. IX specifically is the lack of a machine gun. While the MGs on most tanks are not often used, lacking one is still a disadvantage.
+
The Valentine IX is an interesting vehicle. The armour can be useful against most enemy cannons if you angle properly, but the mobility is sub par. The 6 pounder gun provides excellent penetration with a fast velocity, not to mention the reload rate and semi stabilization. The best way to play the Valentine IX is to play around cover and play carefully. The benefit of being slow is it gives Valentine commanders time to think before they act. The Valentine will be the last to the fight in most situations, so make sure to pay attention to your allies and enemy positions as they reveal themselves. With careful planning, the Valentine can preform very well. Because it is so slow, it is important to play with your team. Use the map to point out enemy positions and pay attention when your allies do the same. Also be careful not to come too close to the enemy spawn, as the Valentine will struggle to leave in a timely manner. Another weakness to consider with the Valentine IX specifically is the lack of a machine gun. While the MGs on most tanks are not often used, lacking one is still a disadvantage.
  
 
'''Notable Enemies:'''
 
'''Notable Enemies:'''
  
The most notable enemies for the Valentine Mk. IX are the Panzer IV F2, and any T-34. The Panzer IV F2 will make short work of the Valentine, regardless of armor angling. The T-34 is very difficult to kill in the Valentine because the 6 pounder gun struggles against angled armor. Against the T-34, shoot for the turret or machine gun port. Against the Panzer IV F2, just make sure you shoot first.
+
The most notable enemies for the Valentine IX are the Panzer IV F2, and any T-34. The Panzer IV F2 will make short work of the Valentine, regardless of armour angling. The T-34 is very difficult to kill in the Valentine because the 6 pounder gun struggles against angled armour. Against the T-34, shoot for the turret or machine gun port. Against the Panzer IV F2, just make sure you shoot first.
  
 
'''Differences AB vs RB:'''
 
'''Differences AB vs RB:'''
  
While the slow speed can be an advantage in RB, allowing Valentine commanders to play more cautiously, it AB it is a simple disadvantage. However the other qualities of the Valentine allow it to be a somewhat competitive front line medium tank in AB, using its angled armor and firepower to bounce a few shots and easily dispatch most enemy vehicles.
+
While the slow speed can be an advantage in RB, allowing Valentine commanders to play more cautiously, it AB it is a simple disadvantage. However the other qualities of the Valentine allow it to be a somewhat competitive front line medium tank in AB, using its angled armour and firepower to bounce a few shots and easily dispatch most enemy vehicles.
  
 
=== Modules ===
 
=== Modules ===
Line 195: Line 194:
  
 
=== 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".''-->
+
<!-- ''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:'''
  
Line 216: Line 216:
  
 
== 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 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===
 
The experiences taken from the development of the A9, A10 cruiser tanks and the A11 infantry tank prompted Vickers-Armstrongs to begin development of a new tank. As a private venture, the design did not receive any designations from the British General Staff during its creation. The designing of the tank focused on the tank having the weight of a cruiser, but with the armour comparable to the infantry tanks. The basis was to have the vehicle with 60 mm of frontal armour and a 2-pounder gun in a two-man turret. To make it as light as possible, it was small and featured a cramped interior. The design used features taken from the A9 and A10 tanks so the design was easier to produce and cheaper to make. Vickers unveiled the design to War Office at February 10, 1938. While they initially viewed it unfavorably for its tiny two-man turret, they took it in April 1939 due to the growing tense situation in Europe with Nazi Germany, with the first order coming in May 1940 after the losses suffered by the British Expeditionary Forces in the Battle of France. The name '''Valentine''' was given to the tank sometime between its introduction to War Office and its adoption. The origin of the name is disputed, some say it was due to its introduction on February 14 in 1938 or 1940, other say it was the middle name of Sir John V. Carden, who helped design the Valentine's predecessors. Other sources say it is a name from the Vickers' company full name (Vickers-Armstrong Ltd Elswick & [Newcastle-upon] Tyne), and David Fletcher from Bovington Tank Museum say that "Valentine" was a code name used by the company for its development.
 
The experiences taken from the development of the A9, A10 cruiser tanks and the A11 infantry tank prompted Vickers-Armstrongs to begin development of a new tank. As a private venture, the design did not receive any designations from the British General Staff during its creation. The designing of the tank focused on the tank having the weight of a cruiser, but with the armour comparable to the infantry tanks. The basis was to have the vehicle with 60 mm of frontal armour and a 2-pounder gun in a two-man turret. To make it as light as possible, it was small and featured a cramped interior. The design used features taken from the A9 and A10 tanks so the design was easier to produce and cheaper to make. Vickers unveiled the design to War Office at February 10, 1938. While they initially viewed it unfavorably for its tiny two-man turret, they took it in April 1939 due to the growing tense situation in Europe with Nazi Germany, with the first order coming in May 1940 after the losses suffered by the British Expeditionary Forces in the Battle of France. The name '''Valentine''' was given to the tank sometime between its introduction to War Office and its adoption. The origin of the name is disputed, some say it was due to its introduction on February 14 in 1938 or 1940, other say it was the middle name of Sir John V. Carden, who helped design the Valentine's predecessors. Other sources say it is a name from the Vickers' company full name (Vickers-Armstrong Ltd Elswick & [Newcastle-upon] Tyne), and David Fletcher from Bovington Tank Museum say that "Valentine" was a code name used by the company for its development.
Line 223: Line 223:
  
 
===Variants===
 
===Variants===
The Valentine is one of the most modified British tank in World War II, up to eleven variants were made during its entire production life.  
+
The Valentine is one of the most modified British tank in World War II, up to eleven variants were made during its entire production life.
  
#''[[Valentine Mk I|Mark I]]'': The first one, it was built with a rivet construction, a 135 hp petrol engine, and a 2-pounder, but was not sent to combat due to mechanical problems.  
+
#''[[Valentine Mk I|Mark I]]'': The first one, it was built with a rivet construction, a 135 hp petrol engine, and a 2-pounder, but was not sent to combat due to mechanical problems.
#''Mark II'': Uses a 131 hp diesel engine and has an auxiliary fuel tank added to the left hull.  
+
#''Mark II'': Uses a 131 hp diesel engine and has an auxiliary fuel tank added to the left hull.
#''Mark III'': Has a slightly thinner side armour (60 mm to 50 mm) and a modified turret design, giving room for a loader in the tank, freeing the commander to do his job.  
+
#''Mark III'': Has a slightly thinner side armour (60 mm to 50 mm) and a modified turret design, giving room for a loader in the tank, freeing the commander to do his job.
#''Mark IV'' A modified Mk.II using an American 138 hp GMC diesel engine and an American-produced transmission, making the tank more reliable.  
+
#''Mark IV'' A modified Mk.II using an American 138 hp GMC diesel engine and an American-produced transmission, making the tank more reliable.
#''Mark V'': The same as Mk.IV, except using the Mk.III as the basis.  
+
#''Mark V'': The same as Mk.IV, except using the Mk.III as the basis.
#''Mark VI'': A Canadian built Valentine, using Canadian and American parts and a GMC diesel engine, plus later switching the BESA machine gun into a Browning machine gun.  
+
#''Mark VI'': A Canadian built Valentine, using Canadian and American parts and a GMC diesel engine, plus later switching the BESA machine gun into a Browning machine gun.
#''Mark VII'': A Canadian Mk.VI with a new radio set and a modified interior. Another Mk.VII named the ''Mark VIIA'' has jettisonable fuel tanks and new tracks, oil cooler, and headlights.  
+
#''Mark VII'': A Canadian Mk.VI with a new radio set and a modified interior. Another Mk.VII named the ''Mark VIIA'' has jettisonable fuel tanks and new tracks, oil cooler, and headlights.
# ''Mark VIII'': Uses a British AEC diesel engine and a modified turret to use the 6-pounder. The modification eliminated the coaxial machine gun from the design.  
+
# ''Mark VIII'': Uses a British AEC diesel engine and a modified turret to use the 6-pounder. The modification eliminated the coaxial machine gun from the design.
#''[[Valentine Mk IX|Mark IX]]'': A Mk.V modified to take the 6-pounder as well, but with an armour reduction. Later version also had a stronger 165 hp GMC diesel engine installed.  
+
#''[[Valentine Mk IX|Mark IX]]'': A Mk.V modified to take the 6-pounder as well, but with an armour reduction. Later version also had a stronger 165 hp GMC diesel engine installed.
 
#''Mark X'': Features another modified turret design using the 6-pounder, but made it able to use a coaxial machine gun again and still uses the 165 hp diesel engine. Uses a welded construction
 
#''Mark X'': Features another modified turret design using the 6-pounder, but made it able to use a coaxial machine gun again and still uses the 165 hp diesel engine. Uses a welded construction
 
#''[[Valentine Mk XI|Mark XI]]'': The Mk.X using the QF 75 mm gun instead of a 6-pounder, with the 210 hp diesel engine. However, these tanks only served as a command tank in the battlefield. Uses a welded construction
 
#''[[Valentine Mk XI|Mark XI]]'': The Mk.X using the QF 75 mm gun instead of a 6-pounder, with the 210 hp diesel engine. However, these tanks only served as a command tank in the battlefield. Uses a welded construction
Line 275: Line 275:
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
===References===
 
<references />
 
  
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}

Revision as of 13:24, 28 November 2020

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
uk_valentine_mk_9.png
Valentine IX
AB RB SB
3.0 3.0 3.0
Class:
Research:5 600 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:22 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage Valentine IX.jpg


The Tank, Infantry, Valentine IX is a rank II British medium tank with a battle rating of 3.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced along with the initial British tree line in Update 1.55 "Royal Armour".

The general style of play that best works with the Valentine Mk.IX changes depending on the battle ratings of the current match. If you find yourself at the higher end of the spectrum, the armour is still very viable and you can play much like a standard heavy tank. If you find yourself on the lower end of the spectrum your armour is of less value, and many tanks will be able to penetrate you reliably, this often means its best to play in a supporting role of other tanks. Unlike the first Valentine the Mk.IX can engage most other tanks somewhat reliably at longer ranges and with more reliability due to being significantly up gunned from the former model.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet)
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 60 mm (1°) Front plate
30 mm (65-67°) Front glacis
20 mm (73°), 60 mm (24°) Lower glacis
50 mm 17 mm (58-59°) Top
20 mm (65°), 60 mm (1°) Bottom
20 mm
Turret 65 mm (0-66°) Turret front
65 mm (0-62°) Gun mantlet
60 mm 65 mm (1-57°) 20 mm

Note:

  • Suspension wheels, bogies, and tracks are 20 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 20 mm thick.

Mobility

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 27 4 17.3 256 315 14.8 18.21
Realistic 25 3 146 165 8.44 9.54

Armaments

Main armament

57 mm 6pdr OQF Mk.III Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 53 -12°/+20° ±180° N/A 15.23 21.08 25.60 28.31 30.12 5.20 4.60 4.24 4.00
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
Shot Mk.5 AP 101 97 82 66 53 43
Shot Mk.5 HV AP 108 104 87 70 57 46
Shot Mk.8 APC 110 106 89 72 59 48
Shot Mk.9 APCBC 122 118 101 84 70 58
Shell Mk.10 HE 9 9 9 9 9 9
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%
Shot Mk.5 AP 815 2.8 N/A N/A N/A 47° 60° 65°
Shot Mk.5 HV AP 853 2.8 N/A N/A N/A 47° 60° 65°
Shot Mk.8 APC 853 2.87 N/A N/A N/A 48° 63° 71°
Shot Mk.9 APCBC 801 3.23 N/A N/A N/A 48° 63° 71°
Shell Mk.10 HE 655 2.72 0 0.1 590 79° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Valentine IX
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
53 43 (+10) 32 (+21) 21 (+32) 11 (+42) (+52) No

Optics

Valentine IX Optics
Which ones Default magnification Maximum magnification
Main Gun optics x1.85 x3.5
Comparable optics M4A1

Usage in battles

Overview:

The Valentine IX is an interesting vehicle. The armour can be useful against most enemy cannons if you angle properly, but the mobility is sub par. The 6 pounder gun provides excellent penetration with a fast velocity, not to mention the reload rate and semi stabilization. The best way to play the Valentine IX is to play around cover and play carefully. The benefit of being slow is it gives Valentine commanders time to think before they act. The Valentine will be the last to the fight in most situations, so make sure to pay attention to your allies and enemy positions as they reveal themselves. With careful planning, the Valentine can preform very well. Because it is so slow, it is important to play with your team. Use the map to point out enemy positions and pay attention when your allies do the same. Also be careful not to come too close to the enemy spawn, as the Valentine will struggle to leave in a timely manner. Another weakness to consider with the Valentine IX specifically is the lack of a machine gun. While the MGs on most tanks are not often used, lacking one is still a disadvantage.

Notable Enemies:

The most notable enemies for the Valentine IX are the Panzer IV F2, and any T-34. The Panzer IV F2 will make short work of the Valentine, regardless of armour angling. The T-34 is very difficult to kill in the Valentine because the 6 pounder gun struggles against angled armour. Against the T-34, shoot for the turret or machine gun port. Against the Panzer IV F2, just make sure you shoot first.

Differences AB vs RB:

While the slow speed can be an advantage in RB, allowing Valentine commanders to play more cautiously, it AB it is a simple disadvantage. However the other qualities of the Valentine allow it to be a somewhat competitive front line medium tank in AB, using its angled armour and firepower to bounce a few shots and easily dispatch most enemy vehicles.

Modules

Tier Mobility Protection Firepower
I Tracks Parts Horizontal Drive Shot Mk.5 HV
II Suspension Brake System FPE Shot Mk.8 Adjustment of Fire
III Filters Crew Replenishment Shot Mk.9 Elevation Mechanism Smoke grenade
IV Transmission Engine Artillery Support

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • 57mm gun has decent penetration
  • Upper glacis is sloped, can bounce a few shots
  • Low profile allows it to hide behind obstacles
  • Decent stock shells
  • Turret is angled and can bounce some shots
  • Fast reload speed

Cons:

  • No machine gun
  • Side armour is very weak
  • Slow top speed (22km/h)
  • Drivers port and the area around it is a major weakspot
  • No explosive filler in shells
  • Only 3 crew members (Crew can be knocked out very easily)
  • Thin top armour makes it vulnerable to air attacks

History

Development

The experiences taken from the development of the A9, A10 cruiser tanks and the A11 infantry tank prompted Vickers-Armstrongs to begin development of a new tank. As a private venture, the design did not receive any designations from the British General Staff during its creation. The designing of the tank focused on the tank having the weight of a cruiser, but with the armour comparable to the infantry tanks. The basis was to have the vehicle with 60 mm of frontal armour and a 2-pounder gun in a two-man turret. To make it as light as possible, it was small and featured a cramped interior. The design used features taken from the A9 and A10 tanks so the design was easier to produce and cheaper to make. Vickers unveiled the design to War Office at February 10, 1938. While they initially viewed it unfavorably for its tiny two-man turret, they took it in April 1939 due to the growing tense situation in Europe with Nazi Germany, with the first order coming in May 1940 after the losses suffered by the British Expeditionary Forces in the Battle of France. The name Valentine was given to the tank sometime between its introduction to War Office and its adoption. The origin of the name is disputed, some say it was due to its introduction on February 14 in 1938 or 1940, other say it was the middle name of Sir John V. Carden, who helped design the Valentine's predecessors. Other sources say it is a name from the Vickers' company full name (Vickers-Armstrong Ltd Elswick & [Newcastle-upon] Tyne), and David Fletcher from Bovington Tank Museum say that "Valentine" was a code name used by the company for its development.

The Valentine was put into service as quickly as possible under the designation Tank, Infantry, Mk.III. Vickers, Metropolitan-Cammell Carriage & Wagon, and Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company were all involved in the construction of this vehicle. During World War II, Canada was also contracted to build the Valentine to build up their own tank forces. The United Kingdom produced a total of 6,855 Valentines during the war between the three company while Canada built 1,420 Valentine tanks in their factories, for a total of 8,275 tanks produced, making the Valentine the most produced British tank in the entire war.

Variants

The Valentine is one of the most modified British tank in World War II, up to eleven variants were made during its entire production life.

  1. Mark I: The first one, it was built with a rivet construction, a 135 hp petrol engine, and a 2-pounder, but was not sent to combat due to mechanical problems.
  2. Mark II: Uses a 131 hp diesel engine and has an auxiliary fuel tank added to the left hull.
  3. Mark III: Has a slightly thinner side armour (60 mm to 50 mm) and a modified turret design, giving room for a loader in the tank, freeing the commander to do his job.
  4. Mark IV A modified Mk.II using an American 138 hp GMC diesel engine and an American-produced transmission, making the tank more reliable.
  5. Mark V: The same as Mk.IV, except using the Mk.III as the basis.
  6. Mark VI: A Canadian built Valentine, using Canadian and American parts and a GMC diesel engine, plus later switching the BESA machine gun into a Browning machine gun.
  7. Mark VII: A Canadian Mk.VI with a new radio set and a modified interior. Another Mk.VII named the Mark VIIA has jettisonable fuel tanks and new tracks, oil cooler, and headlights.
  8. Mark VIII: Uses a British AEC diesel engine and a modified turret to use the 6-pounder. The modification eliminated the coaxial machine gun from the design.
  9. Mark IX: A Mk.V modified to take the 6-pounder as well, but with an armour reduction. Later version also had a stronger 165 hp GMC diesel engine installed.
  10. Mark X: Features another modified turret design using the 6-pounder, but made it able to use a coaxial machine gun again and still uses the 165 hp diesel engine. Uses a welded construction
  11. Mark XI: The Mk.X using the QF 75 mm gun instead of a 6-pounder, with the 210 hp diesel engine. However, these tanks only served as a command tank in the battlefield. Uses a welded construction

Combat usage

The Valentine mostly saw service in the North African Campaign, where the crew reported on it very favorable as a reliable and well-protected tank. The first unit who saw action with the Valentine was the 8th Royal Tank Regiment in Operation Crusader, where it was in the process of replacing the Matilda II. The reliability is expressed when some Valentine were reported to have traveled a distance of 4,800 kilometers by the time the British reached Tunisia. The Valentine tanks soon saw wide-spread use by mid-1941 when they were issued out widely to armoured regiments due to the lack of cruiser tanks available to fill in the ranks.

However, the biggest weakness of the Valentine tank is the lack of high-explosive rounds for the 2-pounder, a weakness suffered by every other tank using the 2-pounder. This and the 2-pounder's growing deficiency against tank armour was remedied by the usage of the 6-pounder on the Valentine after the Mark VIII version, and then the QF 75 mm gun. However, these larger guns were harder to mount on the small Valentine turret and made for a cramped interior, even removing the established loader's position made in an enlarge turret for the 2-pounder. By the time these larger guns were introduced for the tank, better tanks were being introduced, such as the Churchill heavy tanks from Britain and the M4 Shermans from the Americans. Despite the better tanks, the Valentine's low height is able to exploit small cover on the battlefield and take up a good hull-down position behind hills.

Some Valentines were sent to the Soviet Union as part of the Lend-Lease program, most of the Valentines came from Canada's production lines. The Valentines saw use from the time of Battle of Moscow in 1941 all the way until the end of the war, though the Valentines saw use more as a second-line tank due to its relative weakness. It was criticized for its slow speed and weak gun, but was liked for its small size, reliability, and armour protection and thus the Soviet Supreme Command continue asking for it and its production to continue until the end of the war.

By 1944, the Valentine is mostly taken out from the front-line services and replaced by the newer tanks. A few were retained for special purposes and command vehicles for Archer units, which is a tank destroyer based off the Valentine chassis. The tank continue to see use in the Pacific in limited numbers until May 1945 in the 3rd New Zealand Division, some had their armaments changed to the larger 3-inch howitzer to use it stronger high-explosive ammunition against the Japanese. New Zealand kept the normal and modified Valentines all the way until 1955. The last known combat usage of the Valentine was on Cyprus in early 1960s when a turret-less Valentine was used by the Greek militia, added with a make-shift armour and a machine gunner position with a Bren gun.

Survivors

About forty Valentines and vehicles based off the Valentine chassis exist in various conditions in the world. Valentines in running condition exist in the Bovington Tank Museum and in private hands in New Zealand and United Kingdom. The Valentines survivors can be seen in UK, Canada, Belgium, France, Russia, Australia, and New Zealand.

Media

Skins
Videos

See 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.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the tank;
  • other literature.


Britain medium tanks
Valentine  Valentine I · Valentine IX · Valentine XI
Cromwell  Cromwell I · Cromwell V · Cromwell V (RP-3)
Cromwell derivatives  Challenger · Avenger · Comet I · Comet I "Iron Duke IV" · Charioteer Mk VII
Centurion  Centurion Mk 1 · Centurion Mk.2 · Centurion Mk 3 · Centurion Mk.5 AVRE · Centurion Mk 10 · Centurion Action X · FV4202
Vickers MBT  Vickers Mk.1 · Vickers Mk.3 · Vickers Mk.7
Chieftain  Chieftain Mk 3 · Chieftain Mk 5 · Chieftain Mk 10
Challenger 1  Challenger Mk.2 · Challenger Mk.3 · Challenger DS
Challenger 2  Challenger 2 · Challenger 2 (2F) · Challenger 2 TES · Challenger 2 OES · Challenger 2E · Challenger 2 Black Night
Challenger 3  Challenger 3 TD
Australia  A.C.I · A.C.IV · Centurion Mk.5/1
South Africa  Olifant Mk.1A · Olifant Mk.2 · TTD
India  Vijayanta · Bhishma TWMP
Israel  ▄Sho't Kal Dalet
Jordan  Khalid
Sweden  ▄Strv 81 (RB 52)
USA  Grant I · Sherman II · Sherman Firefly · Sherman IC "Trzyniec"