#medium_tanks
The T-34-57 (1943) is a premium Soviet medium tank. It boasts a hard-hitting 57 millimetre ZIS-4M gun and enhanced turret armour, up to 106 millimetres, compared to its counterpart, the techtree T-34-57. It bears a visual resemblance to the T-34 (1942 model) with a hexagon-shaped turret. It also retains the good sloped armour and speed of the T-34 family, whilst also having a lethal and quick reloading cannon, and is a must-have for any experienced Soviet player.
The Ersatz M10 was an attempt during the Ardennes Offensive in 1944, with the help of Operation “Greif,” to break through the Allied lines and disrupt their supply lines, as well as to take over and occupy strategic points such as bridges in order to secure the advance of the German troops. For this purpose, five Panther Ausf. G tanks were converted with thin sheet metal to resemble the M10 Wolverine, thus deceiving the Allied soldiers.
The OF-40 MTCA is an Italian main battle tank (MBT) manufactured by OTO Melara. It was intended to be a future MBT for the Italian army, but it was later marketed for the Middle Eastern export market due to the Italians already having the Leopard 1. In-game, the OF-40 relies on its stellar mobility and consistent main armament to compensate for its lack of armor. Players who enjoy fast MBTs that rely on speed and versatility instead of armor will find the OF-40 to be very enjoyable.
The T25 is an American prototype medium tank developed in 1944 for WW2, rejected for its complicated electric transmission. Without the Sherman’s stabilizer and Pershing’s armor, even in War Thunder this vehicle appears lacking. However, you can use its few strengths to great effect, as this tank has excellent reverse speed and a punchy gun. You surprise the enemy, annihilate the target, and disappear quickly. And to improve survivability, just fight backward! It’s not just a mini M26, it’s a mini killing machine. Let’s look further into this vehicle to transform it into an effective warrior.
The T-34-85 (D-5T) is a Soviet machine sitting at Rank III. The main difference between this vehicle and its later counterpart, the normal T-34-85, is that this was the earlier prototype armed with the D-5T cannon for testing. Eventually, this gun was swapped in favor of the ZIS-S-53 weapon. This vehicle possesses amazing mobility, easy-to-learn ballistics, and excellent one-shot capability. But how is this ascendent to a legend played?
The Type 74 (E) is a variant of the venerable Type 74 family. It features a thermal sleeve, a dozer blade, an improved Fire Control System for use with the Type 91 HEAT-FS round, and in-game, the new Type 93 APFSDS round. However, it still has poor reverse speed and rather poor armor, but can make up for it with its firepower and hydropneumatic suspension.
The STB-2 is one of the prototypes of the Type 74 program. Despite its appearance, it is a very formidable foe in all situations, equipped with a powerful engine while combining a very potent APDS round, a fully stabilized gun, and a laser rangefinder. Being a Japanese early MBT however, it suffers from a severe lack of armor, being vulnerable to most enemy fire.
The 120S is a modern upgrade built on a M60 hull with a M1A1 turret, marrying legacy design with contemporary firepower. With a powerful 120 mm M256 cannon and enhanced optics, it offers fresh tactical opportunities while retaining the familiar playstyle of its predecessor. Although the hull’s protection and mobility have limitations compared to fully modern designs, the 120S opens up new strategic possibilities on the battlefield.
The M60A3 TTS (Tank Thermal Sight) is the final evolution of the legendary M60 Patton series. Equipped with advanced optics, improved firepower, and enhanced survivability features, the M60A3 TTS remains a formidable force on the battlefield. While it may lack the speed and cutting-edge technology of modern MBTs, its robust armor and powerful 105mm cannon ensure it can still hold the line against contemporary threats.
The M-51 is an Israeli modification of the age-old Sherman armed with a HEAT-slinging 105mm gun designed by the French. It has a decently armored gun mantlet which is capable of withstanding some enemy fire, weak hull armor and a powerful cannon. The poor velocity and inconsistent damage of the gun combined with its poor mobility makes for a unique learning curve for anyone wanting to try out the Israeli tech tree.