Review of the American branch of the Fri with a rotating turret. New branch of American tank destroyers US development tree in World of Tanks
On this moment in the World of Tanks game there are five full-fledged artillery branches. They include vehicles from the second to the tenth level. The USSR, Germany, USA, France and Great Britain have branches of artillery. China and Japan do not have them, although the developers plan to correct this shortcoming in the distant future. However, a newcomer to World of Tanks is unlikely to be ready to upgrade all the currently existing five (and even more in the future) artillery branches just to find out which one is the best.
Which branch of artillery or which nation from those available in World of Tanks is right for you, what are the criteria for choosing vehicles for upgrade, and finally, which branch of artillery should you prefer? These questions are answered in this guide.
Artillery in World of Tanks - which branch to choose?
IN Soviet branch cars, first it is worth mentioning the SU-26 (third level), which has a 360-degree rotating wheelhouse. It was once an extremely popular car, but after a series of nerfs it turned into a solid middling one. Next comes the SU-5, which does not have a wheelhouse or any acceptable firing range, but has a very steep trajectory, which allows it to throw shells over obstacles.
At the fifth and sixth levels there are fairly ordinary cars without noticeable pros and cons. But the situation changes radically at the seventh level, at which the USSR has two self-propelled guns (one opens with the KV-2). They are equipped with an extremely powerful weapon for their level, with a 102 mm penetration by a high-explosive projectile and a one-time damage of 1850 units. A direct hit on the roof can send heavy tank even a higher level straight into the hangar.
Soviet vehicles rarely shoot, often miss, but when they hit, they cause enormous damage.
Soviet artillery World of Tanks deals huge damage, but takes a long time to recharge. Source: wikimedia
But the price you pay for this is terrible accuracy and a reload time that lasts about 50 seconds. At the eighth and ninth levels, the weapon remains the same, only the characteristics are slightly improved. But the top branch (Vol. 261) represents a serious change in concept. Damage of 1700 units with a penetration of 102 mm is already difficult to surprise anyone, these are weak indicators for the tenth level, but we are pleased with the good aiming speed (6.5 seconds), and the accuracy is one of the best. And good mobility allows you to quickly change position, which cannot be said about the previous machines in the branch.
In general, the Soviet branch cannot be called monotonous. But most of the time you will have to play on slow machines that shoot extremely rarely, often miss, but direct hit cause huge damage. At the same time, mediocre horizontal aiming angles with long aiming forces you to spend a lot of time on aiming, and a long reload greatly increases the cost of each miss.
German artillery branch
The German artillery branch cannot be called monotonous either. For example, the horizontal aiming angles are constantly changing, they are best at the seventh level, this machine is generally distinguished by good accuracy and an acceptable rate of fire. But this is compensated by the average damage (1200 units) and penetration (88 mm) of a high-explosive projectile. But good mobility allows you to keep up with your allies and stay at the optimal distance from the enemy.
German vehicles are characterized by a good balance between accuracy and rate of fire, but are distinguished by their enormous size and terrible dynamics.
In general, up to the seventh level inclusive, German vehicles are comfortable to play and have a good balance between accuracy, damage and rate of fire. At the eighth level, the damage increases significantly (up to 2000 units for a high-explosive projectile), and penetration is 105 mm. A similar weapon is installed on vehicles of the ninth and tenth levels. But you have to pay for this simply with its huge size and terrible dynamics. Moving from flank to flank can take several minutes, often during this time the battle simply ends without your participation. However, for passive play when you are standing somewhere near the base, German artillery high levels are ideal.
American artillery branch
As for the American branch of vehicles, the top of the branch (T92) immediately catches your eye, which has a maximum damage of 2250 units (!) for a high-explosive projectile with a penetration of 120 mm. But the accuracy is also one of the worst in the game, the spread is 0.92. However, even a splash can remove 500 or more HP from weakly armored targets. But the rest of the machines in the branch are seriously different in concept.
American cars high level almost identical to representatives of the Soviet branch
Only vehicles of the eighth and ninth levels have significant one-time damage; here they are almost identical to the representatives of the Soviet branch. The vehicles that preceded them are solid averages, they are fairly balanced in terms of damage, reload speed and aiming, but, on the other hand, they are devoid of bright advantages, so you are unlikely to remember playing them. But, for example, the American level eight self-propelled gun is considered one of the best precisely because of the comfort of playing on it.
French artillery branch
Branch French self-propelled guns differs in that almost all the machines in it are made within the framework of a single concept. There are no sudden transitions, so it’s unlikely that you’ll have to completely relearn when you level up. But it is important to note that the top branch has a loading drum for 4 shells, this is a unique case in World of Tanks; there is no other artillery with a loading drum.
French technology is distinguished by good accuracy and fast convergence, as well as excellent dynamics, allowing you to quickly change position
But the drum takes a long 80 (!) seconds to recharge, during which your team can easily lose. Or win, nothing depends on you during these 80 seconds. Also saddening is the lowest one-time damage among tier ten SPGs (1250 units) with mediocre penetration (95 mm), but you can shoot four times in 18 seconds. All other vehicles in the loading drum branch do not have a loading drum, but low one-time damage compared to other same-level self-propelled guns is characteristic of almost all French artillery.
This is compensated by both good accuracy and fast mixing. Add here also excellent dynamics, for example, the top line is capable of reaching a speed of 62 km/h, this allows you to change position extremely quickly. At all French artillery involves active gameplay, as far as possible on self-propelled guns. You need to change your position more often in order to shoot your opponents on the side or even the stern. This will have to be done, because low penetration and one-time damage do not allow you to seriously damage most opponents when hit head-on.
British artillery
Finally, the British artillery branch is characterized by the steepest trajectory in World of Tanks, which allows you to throw landmines even over relatively high obstacles. But this is where the similarity between the cars of the entire branch ends. At low levels there are self-propelled guns, which do not stand out in anything remarkable; they are strong middle peasants. But on the sixth level is the famous FV304, perhaps the most unusual self-propelled gun in the game.
British vehicles are miniature and quick-firing, but single-shot damage and penetration are low. As the level increases, the damage increases, but the hit accuracy remains relatively low.
It has good dynamics, miniature dimensions (like a light tank) and an extremely weak but fast-firing gun. It fires approximately every 13 seconds, but the one-time damage (450) and penetration (57 mm) of a high-explosive shell are extremely small. Moreover, the shooting range is so limited that you have to constantly move behind allied tanks to deal damage. But the trajectory of the projectile is such that it allows you to “smoke out” opponents from positions beyond which other artillery cannot reach them.
The seventh level car is a strong average car, its only striking feature is its greater speed backwards than forwards, but you get used to it after a couple of battles. And vehicles from the eighth to the tenth level are distinguished by high one-time damage with mediocre accuracy. The top branch in terms of one-time damage (2200 units) and penetration (117 mm) of a high-explosive projectile is slightly behind the T92, and its accuracy is even worse (the spread is as much as 1.1). Probably, such terrible accuracy also compensates for the steep trajectory, which allows you to throw shells even behind houses.
Your choice?..
So, which branch of artillery should you upgrade? It’s difficult to answer; a lot depends on personal preferences. If you are just starting to play World of Tanks, then, perhaps, the German and Soviet branches are most suitable, they are the most “classic”, you can also recommend the American branch, although the top is quite specific due to its terrible accuracy.
Start with the “classics” - the German or Soviet branches of tanks and artillery. But later go to French branch artillery.
If you have been playing World of Tanks for a long time and understand the game mechanics well, then you can recommend the French, they are the least dependent on FBR, and excellent dynamics allow you to quickly change position, which, with a good knowledge of the maps, allows you to take comfortable positions. The British, in general, are quite specific; the steep trajectory, of course, allows you to throw shells behind high covers, but its downside is the most big time projectile flight, it is not easy to shoot with anticipation.
Post Views: 10,829
With the new patch 0.7.2 American tanks A new alternative branch of tank destroyers appears. For descriptions, screenshots, cost of research and performance characteristics, see this news.
The first tank destroyer of the alternative American branch is the M8A1 tier 4 vehicle.
The stock PT most closely resembles the M3 or M5:
As we install all sorts of new gadgets, it looks like this:
For those - who don’t remember - the current review is 420 m. - the new one is 370 m. - don’t forget!
M8A1 opens for only 2350 experience through T82:
But with full tree development is already more interesting. Firstly, two NEW radio stations appear - they go to PT and artillery, and secondly - of course, a harp, a tower and a 2nd gun:
This PT has only one new gun of its own - everything else is from the T82 and T40. At the same time, do not forget that the performance characteristics on the screenshots - and in the current version - are DIFFERENT.
It's the same thing though. For example, the same 57 mm. the accuracy is certainly not 0.39 - but 0.34 - and the rate of fire is higher, and this applies to other guns - certainly not 0.41 or 0.43 - but about 0.38 - 0.36 in the old way. So when you see 0.39, don’t be alarmed - in the old way it’s 0.34.
The only thing that is completely incomprehensible is why there are SUCH radios on the 4th level PT? It's like working like a mega firefly!
The second American tank destroyer T49.
A rather incomprehensible level 5 tank tank - in terms of performance characteristics, of course. There is no armor, but for some reason the top turret has a visibility of not 420 - but 380 ACCORDING TO CURRENT PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS, and how to sew a PT is still unclear. As an ST - yes, normal. The 76 mm cannon from the M10 penetrates everyone at levels 5 and 6. It's not PT, it's anything - but not PT. Some kind of light, specific CT with a powerful gun, but not a PT!
The stock version is quite incomprehensible - an open tower with a view of 420m. (according to the new performance characteristics 370m.) and accurate 57 mm. gun... but... we don't have an M7? The top tower has 380 meters according to the old one (330m according to the new one) and not so accurate 76 mm.
Stock option:
The T49 upgrade tree is the MOST AVAILABLE OF ALL tier 5 TANKS!! If you have M10 open, it will be even easier:
That is, to bring T49 to the top from scratch, you only need 5050 experience! That's all! Top tank level 5 is ready! Top gun - pre-top gun - on the M10. This is the same penetration as the top - the average is 128 mm. - but the rate of fire and accuracy are slightly lower.
Here is the tank at the top:
It is not yet clear how exactly it is better to use this unit - as a PT, as a ST - or as a light? Of course, the view of the top turret is reduced from 420 to 380... But the same Shtug has 350? Can the T49 really be used as an ST? He gets to the top in 2-3 fights - what more is needed! In terms of performance characteristics, it’s even better than the M4. Something to think about!
The third American tank destroyer is the Witch (M18 Hellcat).
Perhaps the most obscure - and at the same time the fastest tank destroyer of the 6th level, with a Slugger top gun and a speed of 72 km/h.
The cost of the M18 is less than that of the Slugger:
In stock it doesn’t present much of a picture - although it is quite possible to drive a stock car and win normally:
Development tree:
If you open Slugger, almost everything is open. 9700 experience - and the car is in the top:
At the beginning, the speed didn’t make much of an impression on me - well, yes, it was fast - but not great. It turns out I forgot to install the engine, but with the top engine the full PPC begins. This is something! It’s just not clear what this is - preparation before T20? analogue of Sherman? so this tank destroyer is faster and more dynamic than them. This PT needs to chase after the T-50-2 - that’s it! Install the fastest 76 mm. - and bring down the whole world. What else? Unlike Slugger, he does not have armor. Absolutely not. Quietly PT-sew in the bush? Why then such dynamics? Thoughtful. The gun is accurate and penetrating, i.e. Perhaps it will be a hit precisely because of its mobility.
Top option:
Opening experience and purchase cost:
The top gun is the same as the Slugger's - the accuracy is 0.32 according to the old one - or 0.31 - the accuracy is less according to the new one. Quite good at level 6.
The fourth American tank destroyer is T25/2.
Analogous to T25 AT. Has a tower and greater visibility. These are perhaps the only advantages. What is it - the better - worse T25 - lower.
Development tree:
The most annoying thing is that there is no top level 9 gun, which is present on the T25 AT!
Experience to open and money to buy - very little experience to open:
Top gun:
It still has a little more visibility than the T25 AT, but the gun is clearly rather weak for level 7 battles.
American tier 8 tank destroyer T28 Prototype.
The forehead and turret have armor for 200. If not for the relatively low HP, I would have become a level 8 heavy. And it’s just a tank destroyer - a heavy vehicle with a good level 10 gun.
Research experience and cost:
Stock option:
The PT itself is good. The unusually slow speed is a little annoying - but you get used to it quickly. The most pleasant thing is the tower - you can feel like a heavy weight, and if you are at the top... you can calmly roll towards the enemy. At long distances over 200 mm. Almost no one penetrates the armor. We can get into close combat, but our speed is low.
The top gun makes me happy. Of course - to 105 mm. you get used to it. Especially to its rate of fire. At 120 mm. Reload time is longer - but penetration is also higher. Yes, and damage!
What do you like:
Still, there is armor, you can safely exchange fire with some distant tanks. These are not even American heavyweights, the only thing that can’t penetrate their forehead is the turret. Here the front of the hull itself is more than 200 mm. and with a slope. That is, only the top or gold will penetrate you.
The top tank destroyer of the new American branch is the T30.
A new top American tank tank - which will most likely completely replace the T95 and will be a good competitor to the Object and the JagdTiger.
Development tree:
Almost everything has already been studied, but the most important thing is that the top cannon + ventilation and pipe fit onto the drain of the caterpillar:
For this tank there are 2 level 10 guns - 120 mm. crap from the T28 (it has a higher rate of fire on the T30!) and a whopper of 155 mm.
155 mm, of course, has more damage and penetration, but mixing... how much more is that? get into close combat? so the first thing they will do is carry us out. Not at the tower, of course, but at the forehead. The alpha damage is certainly impressive, so we will use 155 mm, but we will have to play around with the choice of skills.
In general, the Americans have developed a very interesting thread. There are a lot of interesting technologies, analogues that have not yet been seen in the game.
You can switch from the main branch to the alternative one in 2 ways: from T82 to M8A1 for 2350 experience or from M10 Wolverine directly to M18 Hellcat for 19500 experience. The second option is more attractive to me, especially since I have the M10 open. You can gain experience in advance and wait for the release of the patch that is about to come out.
That's it, off to download!
Good day! This article completes the series dedicated to changes in game mechanics in patch 0.8.6. First of all, I offer my deepest apologies for the unfortunate mistake I made in the article about the Soviet development branch. In fact, the SU-122A self-propelled gun is at level V (as can be seen from the gluing of the development branch), and not at IV, as was written when detailed description characteristics of this art. As for the mechanics changes, in 0.8.6 test2 compared to 0.8.6 test1. With the exception of fixes for various bugs and the introduction of an assist for knocking down tracks, the art was affected by only two changes: 1) the absorption of anti-fragmentation lining has been increased, which is now 20, 25, 30 and 50%, for light, medium, heavy and super-heavy types of lining, respectively ; 2) the profitability of level 8,9 and 10 self-propelled guns has been reduced by 10-15%.
Now about the American branch itself. The following changes were made to the branch: M7 Priest and M37 were swapped, now M7 is level III, and M37 is level IV; added level IV M44 self-propelled gun; M12 and M40/M43 steel VII and VIII level respectively; added level IX self-propelled gun M53/M55; At level X there is a T92 self-propelled gun.
The ability to upgrade the M7 Priest with the M3 Lee has been removed, and the ability to upgrade the M44 with Chaffee has been added. After rearranging the M7 and M37 self-propelled guns, they are now more correctly located on the timeline. The top guns for both self-propelled guns are almost identical, but the M37 has a slightly faster and more accurate gun.
American branch of ART SPG.
Level II – T57 (140 experience 3,300 credits)
Level III – M7 Priest (1,130 experience 47,000 credits)
Level IV – M37 (3,150 experience 130,000 credits)\
Level V – M41 (13,150 experience 405,000 credits)
Level VI – M44 (33,800 experience 920,000 credits)
Level VII – M 12 (59,400 experience 1,400,000 credits)
Level VIII – M40/M43 (116,500 experience, 2,700,000 credits)
Level IX – M53/M55 (200,000 experience 3,550,000 credits)
Level X – T92 (271,000 experience 6,100,000 credits)
New cars:
M44.
Self-propelled gun based on the M41 light tank. Mass-produced in 1953-54.
Booking
Case – 12/12/12
Durability 280
The chassis turning speed is 20-22 degrees/sec.
Horizontal aiming speed – 10 degrees/sec.
Viewing range – 360m
Communication range – 500-750m
Weapons:
Crew: 5 people
M44 – stock with 155 mm Howitzer M1
M44 – top with 155 mm Howitzer M45
M44 is a slightly thicker (in terms of strength) twin brother of M41. As can be seen from the table above, the top gun differs from the stock one (which is the only one available for the M41) by only a meager increase in rate of fire and accuracy. The guns have the lowest penetration, one-time damage and accuracy at the level (only the SU-122A has worse accuracy), which they tried to compensate for by a high rate of fire and less aiming time (6 seconds versus 7 seconds for all other “classmates”). It should also be noted that this vehicle has rather mediocre mobility and maneuverability. In general, the self-propelled gun turned out to be somewhat dull and does not evoke practically any emotions, there is very little penetration for bending, as a result of which very often quite ridiculous damage comes out, the rather low accuracy does not allow effective shooting with cumulative bullets, all this is to some extent compensated for by one single plus – rate of fire.
M53/M55
SAU based on Patton. M53 is a self-propelled gun with a 155mm M47 howitzer, M55 is a self-propelled gun with a 203.2mm M48 howitzer. Were in service with the corps Marine Corps. They took part in hostilities in Vietnam.
Booking
Housing – 12/25/12
Tower – 12/12/12
Durability 450
The chassis turning speed is 22-24 degrees/sec.
The turret rotation speed is 10 degrees/sec.
View range – 30m5
Communication range – 500-750m
Weapons:
M53 – stock with 155mm Gun M46
M55 – top with 8-inch Howitzer M48
Unlike its dull brother, the M53/M55 is perhaps one of the best Tier IX self-propelled guns in the game. Wonderful weapons, both stock and top-end, allow you to confidently damage Tier X vehicles. Thanks to the presence of a fully armored tower, improved ventilation can be installed. The tower rotates by +30º..-30º, which allows you to control more than 50% of the map space if you choose the right location. In addition to the above advantages, the car is also quite mobile. I haven't found any annoying flaws yet.
Regarding the T92. The top American art remained virtually unchanged, still just as scary and terrible! Those. it still takes a terribly long time to converge and shoots terribly inaccurately. After M53/M55, the difference in gameplay simply drives you into a stupor. But this, as they say, is a matter of habit.
That's all. Good luck in your battles! Madspider.
Which is planned for February 2012, the developers of the MMO game “World of Tanks” plan to introduce part of an alternative tank destroyer with rotating turrets, namely:
- M8A1 (IV level);
- T49 (V level);
- M18 (Hellcat) (Tier VI);
- T25-2 (VII level);
- T30 (level IX).
What the gaming characteristics of these undoubtedly interesting combat vehicles will be will be known later. And now it’s a little less tiring stories and real photos:
.
M8A1 (tier IV)
75 mm self-propelled howitzer M8 (eng. 75 mm Howitzer Motor Carriage M8) - light self-propelled artillery installation USA during World War II. Created in 1941-1942 on the basis of the M5 Stuart light tank. During serial production From 1942 to 1944, 1,778 M8 self-propelled guns were produced, which turned out to be a successful use of the outdated tank's chassis. The M8 saw active use in combat in Europe from 1943 to 1945, although by 1945 it was largely replaced by the M4 Sherman tank variant with a 105mm howitzer. Based on the test results, I can say that driving the M8A1 is similar, the same sensations, the same action and drive. I recommend!
M8A1 - modification based on the M5A1 Stuart light tank
.
T49 (V level)
T49 Gun Motor Carriage: Prototype with 57 mm M1 gun - the first prototype of the M18 Hellcat anti-tank self-propelled gun with reduced armor protection, but high mobility. 
.
M18 Hellcat (Witch) (Tier VI)
M18 Hellcat (Witch) - M18 Gun Motor Carriage - anti-tank self-propelled gun, “tank destroyer”, with reduced armor protection, but high mobility. It was armed with a 76mm M1A1C gun. Designed on the basis of the M-39 armored personnel carrier (AUV). 
.
T25-2 (VII level)
A tank destroyer project based on the T23 tank, which never made it past the mock-up stage. The vehicle is a kind of American answer to the JagdPanther - somewhat worse weapons are compensated by a lower silhouette and better mobility. Serb: The scheme of the American PT level 7 (the only one available in the sources) will terrify you. At the same time, in order to ensure that a more powerful gun than the standard 90mm one would not outweigh the tank, we also moved the wheelhouse towards the stern. Well, of course, the reservation was added. You will see the result soon.
There is no photo of this tank destroyer.
.
Captain Jack Daniels: Americans use the word pilot (pilot), not prototype (prototype). That’s why the name T28 Prototype doesn’t even look American. The T28 turret never existed. It was originally created without a turret, with a cannon in the front hull. The tower had only a conceptual sketch and nothing more. The purpose of such sketches is to show interested parties approximately (very approximately) what is to be created. If the interested parties agree in principle, then the terms of reference or at least the basic requirements for which the prototype is created are jointly formed. The prototype was already without a tower.
There is no photo of this tank destroyer.
There are not many American tanks in World of Tanks, for example, German or Soviet vehicles
Heavy tanks
So, let's start with the heavy tanks branch. On the fifth and sixth levels are T1 Heavy And M6, which are, in general, pass-through machines. You still can’t call them bad, but they aren’t outstanding either. They are distinguished by good mobility, a tall silhouette, mediocre armor for their class, and fast-firing guns. The one-time damage of T1 is only 115 units, which forces you to constantly maintain fire contact with the enemy. In general, these are classic support vehicles, in which you have to stay somewhere on the second line and not push too far forward.
T29, which is on the seventh level, is radically different from them. He has an almost impenetrable turret, which can tank a huge amount of damage. And good vertical aiming angles (-10 and +15) allow you to successfully use hills. Behind some hill you can easily hold back superior enemy forces, unless you are covered by artillery. Also pleasing is the gun, which can penetrate 198 mm with a regular shell and does 320 units of damage per shot. You have to pay for such advantages with poor mobility, large size and a cardboard body, which can be penetrated by the enemy without any problems.
On the eighth level is T32, which inherited a gun from its predecessor, good elevation angles and an impenetrable turret forehead. Although tank destroyers of the tenth level can penetrate T32 directly into the mask, he rarely encounters them. A penetration of 198 mm is frankly not enough for the eighth level. It is also worth noting the vulnerable observation devices (in the T29 they are located in the rear of the turret, they are more difficult to target), which are shot at by experienced opponents. The dynamics have improved significantly when compared with its predecessor. The T32 accelerates well, but, unfortunately, it loses a lot of speed when cornering. On soft soils, the dynamics deteriorate greatly; its chassis cross-country ability is one of the lowest.
M103, about which players respond rather controversially. Some praise it for its good dynamics (15 hp per ton) and penetrating gun (258 mm penetration with a conventional projectile and 340 mm cumulative), others criticize it for its low one-time damage (400 units) and rather weak armor for its class. Firstly, the thickness of the sides is only 45 mm, so it is better not to use a diamond. Secondly, although there are strong places in the forehead (gun mask, most of upper frontal part), but there are also those that break through literally everything (lower frontal part, large observation devices). The “cheeks” of the turret are quite good at breaking through; many tank destroyers sew M103 directly into the upper frontal part (the area directly under the turret is especially vulnerable). You can play it “from armor”, but for this you need to constantly move and make it difficult for the enemy to aim.
Finally, the crown of the branch is T110E5, which is similar in many ways to the M103. It has the same weapon (naturally, with an increased rate of fire and aiming speed), similar dynamics. The armor is better, but it is still greatly spoiled by large surveillance devices that penetrate everyone. One of the noticeable advantages of the T110E5 is not big sizes for your class. Combined with good dynamics, this allows you to avoid many shots. Some players consider it almost the best heavy tank of the tenth level, but it is probably only suitable for experienced players. Still, weak armor can make playing on it simply unbearable for a beginner.
T110E5
Medium tanks
The medium tank branch is not very popular. For example, the M48A1, which is at level ten, is perhaps one of the worst medium tanks: its large size and cardboard armor make the game very difficult. Nevertheless, there are also decent cars in the branch (even the majority of them), but first things first. We will not consider the second and third levels, since they are completed in literally a few battles. And on the fourth is the infamous M3 Lee, it does not have a turret, but it does have surveillance devices that will stick out from behind a small mound if you hide the body. This is not to say that the tank is unbalanced: for example, it has a good weapon with high one-time damage and acceptable damage per minute. But for beginners, the lack of a tower is a serious disadvantage.
On the fifth level is M4. He is not high maximum speed(48 km/h), it actually has no armor, and its accuracy leaves much to be desired (0.43). But the gun is quick-firing and very penetrating for its level, and it lowers by as much as 12 degrees! From the fifth level you will begin to get acquainted with the concept of American medium tanks: mediocre dynamics and weak armor are compensated by good vertical aiming angles and excellent visibility.
At the sixth level there are two medium tanks: M4A3E8 And M4A3E2. Their guns are identical, but the armor is radically different. The M4A3E8 is a continuation of the M4, that is, it is virtually devoid of armor, while the M4A3E2 in this regard is the complete opposite: in the front of the hull it has 100 mm at a good angle, the turret is even thicker (150 mm). This allows you to confidently tank most single-tier tanks. But, naturally, you have to sacrifice dynamics; the M4A3E2 is in many ways similar to a heavy tank.
Unfortunately, M4A3E2 did not receive a further continuation in the game; it is located at the seventh level T20, which is characterized by an almost complete absence of armor. Its dynamics, unfortunately, also cannot be called outstanding. This is compensated by good vertical aiming angles, a field of view of 390 meters and a powerful gun with a penetration of 160 mm by a conventional projectile and a one-time damage of 240 units. The gold sub-caliber penetrates 243 mm, which allows you to hit most tanks, even the ninth level, directly in the forehead.
On the eighth level is M26 Pershing. One-time damage also remained 240 units, but penetration by a conventional projectile increased to 180 mm (a sub-caliber projectile penetrates 268 mm in general). Good vertical aiming angles remained unchanged, both damage per minute and size increased. How is the latter compensated? The Pershing has an extremely strong gun mantlet, which is often not penetrated even by the T-54's cumulative guns. Unfortunately, the remaining areas of the tower's forehead do not withstand impact at all.
M26 Pershing
Located on the ninth level M46 Patton. Don't be fooled by the name; it looks very similar to Pershing. Unfortunately, the gun mantlet has become noticeably smaller, so it is much easier to hit Patton in the front of the turret than a tank at a lower level. But the one-time damage increased to 390 units, while the damage per minute remained quite decent. The M46 Patton was given a good upgrade in patch 9.2: accuracy was added (previously it was generally 0.42, now it has improved to 0.4). The result is a good tank that can deal damage from a distance and show good results in close combat.
M46 Patton
But with the tenth level everything is noticeably worse. М48А1 It is simply huge for a medium tank in size, with the only really strong point being the gun mantlet. But it’s rare to tank with it, since everyone immediately aims the observation devices, which are all called “caps” because of their shape. Wide tracks sometimes allow for good reverse diamond tanking, but this is where the advantages of the M48A1 actually end. But when it was introduced, this vehicle was a real hitch, largely due to the excellent stabilization of the gun, but several nerfs did their job, and now the M48A1 is significantly inferior to Soviet medium tanks in this parameter.
Tank destroyer
The American nation has two branches of tank destroyers (the division occurs at the fourth level). But it's not all surprises: many cars have a turret! Although it rotates slowly and often not 360 degrees. But first it’s worth talking about T18, which is only on the second level. This is a generally recognized weapon of its level, which has, firstly, excellent frontal armor, and secondly, good dynamics for a tank destroyer. But its biggest advantage is the choice of two magnificent weapons: you can install a “high explosive”, which often sends opponents to the hangar with one hit, and a rapid-fire “hole punch”, which pierces almost any enemy at any point.
On the third level there is a completely passable machine, and on the fourth there is a division into two branches. T40 is a strong middle peasant, but М8А1 a tower appears. This vehicle also has excellent dynamics from a light tank, which allows you to change position extremely quickly. You have to pay for this with an almost complete lack of armor. The logical continuation is T49: excellent dynamics, miniature size, turret rotating 360 degrees, completely cardboard armor. A landmine can easily send you into a hangar with one hit. T49 is one of the best cars at the fifth level, but only if you know how to play from disguise. Unfortunately, the accuracy of the gun does not allow it to effectively hit targets from long distances, but the T49 does not need this. In another branch on the fifth level there is M10 Wolverine. Overall, this is a good vehicle (the M10 also has a turret and some armor in the front), but it is inferior to the T49 in all respects. In modern gaming realities, good dynamics allow you to show better results than good armor.
The same can be said about the sixth level. After T49 there is M18 Hellcat, one of the most impressive cars of the sixth level. It has no armor (for example, there is only 13 mm in the forehead of the body!), but the mask can withstand a blow quite well. The dynamics are simply magnificent, as is the weapon, which is similar to the one on T20. Only on the M18 it also converges faster, although the stabilization is noticeably worse. The M36 is located in another branch. Its dynamics are noticeably worse compared to the M18, but the front of the body is 114 mm. But here the situation is the same as at the fifth level: armor rarely saves, but the lack of dynamics is a critical drawback in most battles.
But at the seventh level everything changes. The continuation of M18 is T25/2(“T25 in half”), the penetration of a conventional shell for this tank destroyer is only 10 mm more than that of the sixth level (170 mm). The dynamics are noticeably worse, but the 360-degree rotating tower has not gone away. But the analogue from another branch of the T25 AT is noticeably better. Overall, this is a fairly standard tank destroyer without a turret. The armor leaves much to be desired, but the powerful weapon is pleasing, a typical projectile of which penetrates an average of 198 mm and deals 320 units of damage.
At the eighth level, the concept of American tank destroyers completely changes. If previously these were mostly fast vehicles or with weak armor, or with the virtual absence of it, then from the eighth level there are real assault tank destroyers, which in some situations can tank well. After T25 AT coming T28: a slow and clumsy vehicle without a turret, but there is good armor in the forehead, which allows you to often repel shells from tanks of the same level. One-time damage is 400 units, which is not enough for an eighth-level vehicle, but the high damage per minute (2600 units) is pleasing. The aiming is very fast (2.1 seconds), although the accuracy of 0.38 is not enough for long-range shootings.
An analogue from another branch is T28 Prototype, which is equipped with a tower. It does not rotate 360 degrees, but the angle of rotation is enough to shoot from around the corner. This tank destroyer has 203 mm in the forehead at a mediocre angle, so you can tank tanks of your level quite well. Unfortunately, the “cheeks” of the tower are easily penetrated, and the sides are extremely vulnerable. The T28 Prototype is a good combination of a heavy tank and a tank destroyer. If you are at the top of the list, then sometimes you can even lead the attack, but if you are thrown to the ninth and tenth levels, then you should play the role of a classic tank destroyer. The penetration of a conventional 248 mm projectile is enough to defeat almost any enemy. In general, American tank destroyers of the eighth level, although they are assault vehicles, also have a low silhouette, which means a high stealth coefficient.
T28 Prototype
At the ninth level after T28 there is the infamous T95. There is as much as 300 mm in the forehead of this car, even the sides can withstand impacts quite well, but you have to pay for it at simply terribly low speed (13 km/h). Unfortunately, surveillance devices are easily penetrated, so in close combat a thick forehead is of little value. Although in medium-range firefights the T95 is capable of repelling most projectiles from even level ten vehicles. An analogue from another branch is the T30, which has a turret with full rotation and a strong forehead (like the heavy tanks of this nation). Unfortunately, all other zones are penetrated without any problems. Another disadvantage of the T30 is the long convergence and poor stabilization on the move. The one-time damage of both vehicles is 750 units when penetrated by a conventional 276 mm projectile.
At the tenth level after T95 comes T110E3. In many ways, this is an underrated machine that most players simply don’t get to the level of because of the T28 and T95. T110E3 has a simply impenetrable forehead. If the T95 has vulnerable surveillance devices (and there are several of them), then the “cap” of a level ten vehicle has a front thickness of 300 mm. Most tanks, even with premium shells, have difficulty penetrating the lower frontal part, let alone the wheelhouse of the T110E3. This tank destroyer allows you to push through the flanks, but you need to make sure that no one comes in from the flank, since the sides can easily be penetrated even by low-level vehicles.
T110E3
T110E4, the top tank destroyer of another branch, has a turret with incomplete rotation (90 degrees in each direction), but this comes at the cost of weakened armor compared to the T110E3. The observation devices, the lower frontal part, and even the “cheeks” of the turret, which are not covered by the gun mantlet, are also vulnerable. The T110E4 reminds many of a heavy tank, at least the presence of a turret greatly simplifies firefights from behind cover.
T110E4
Light tanks
It is worth mentioning separately Chaffee(M24 Chaffee), which represents light tank fifth level. As we said at the beginning, this is a “relic” of a bygone era, when the top fireflies were three light vehicles of the fifth level. But the T-50-2 was removed due to being too “motorcycle-like” (as one of the developers put it), the Leopard was noticeably nerfed and raised to a higher level. But Chaffee remained unchanged: 400 meters of visibility, not the best dynamics for its class and simply excellent stabilization on the move. Only some medium tanks of the tenth level have such stabilization! You can hit an enemy on the move from 100 meters without any problems. Of course, the light tank’s gun, to put it mildly, is not the most powerful (a typical shell penetrates an average of 137 mm of armor and deals 115 units of damage), but it is fast-firing. In battles with machines from the fifth to the seventh level, Chaffee is capable of showing simply amazing results; many players have the maximum result in terms of experience gained during the battle.
M24 Chaffee
Branch self-propelled guns We will not describe it in detail, because the gameplay on this class of equipment is not very different at all, if we consider different nations. It is only worth noting that American self-propelled guns in most cases they represent the “golden mean” in terms of accuracy, aiming speed, rate of fire and one-time damage. Only gets knocked out a lot T92, which is on the tenth level. Its gun has a simply huge dispersion (0.92!), but a single blast damage of 2250 units with a penetration of 120 mm with a direct hit very often sends it to the hangar. But, unfortunately, for one such hit there are several misses, but even covering with a splash often removes 500-700 points of safety from weakly armored targets.
Finally, we got to the drum branch, which was introduced relatively recently, although newcomers to World of Tanks did not catch this moment. This is a rather strange thread. On the fourth level is M5 Stuart, from which, by the way, Chaffee opens. M5 is a good fourth level firefly, on which you can put a landmine. It works just fine against weakly armored enemies of the fourth and fifth levels.
Further (fifth level) comes M7, which is a medium tank. This vehicle is often called a “cactus” due to its poor accuracy (0.43) and complete lack of armor. Moreover, the ammunition rack is located in the front, so if it is penetrated in the forehead, it will often be damaged. But the M7 has a good rate of fire and simply remarkable maneuverability. This tank is a pleasure to spin around clumsy opponents and shoot them at their vulnerable sides. But this can be difficult to do, so the tank as a whole is not for nothing considered a “cactus”. It requires a special approach.
On the sixth level is T21, which is a light tank. That is, first in the branch there is a light car (M5), then a medium one (M7), and then again a light one. This cannot be called logical, but nothing can be done. T21 is a lightweight version of T20, which is in the medium tanks branch. The T21 has better dynamics, but worse armor (although the T20 actually doesn’t have it) and a worse gun. Perhaps the main disadvantage of the T21 is still its dynamics: compared to the T20, it, of course, goes noticeably faster, but it does not reach other light tanks.
Finally, on the seventh level T71 a drum appears. In general, the appearance of American drums made some French tanks simply unnecessary, and this fully applies to the T71. He is better French tank in dynamics and visibility (400 meters). The drum holds six projectiles with a penetration of 175 mm for sub-caliber (this is the basic one for the T71) and one-time damage of 150 units. Thus, the damage from the drum is 900 units. Only the size of the light Frenchman is better, but this cannot be called a decisive advantage.
Next comes T69, who at one time was a real eighth-level imba. Then its cumulative shells penetrated 300 mm, and this was even before the mechanics of their action were changed (they did not work on screens). Now the T69 is a well-balanced machine. The top gun penetrates 173 mm with a regular shell (this is the lowest among medium tanks of this tier), but is equipped with a loading drum for 4 shells. The one-time damage is 240 units, so the damage from the entire reel is 960 units. HEAT shells penetrate 250 mm, but do not forget that any screen reduces their effectiveness to almost zero. It is worth noting that the drum reloads quite quickly (27 seconds) and the short time between shots inside the drum (2 seconds), so four shots can be fired in 6 seconds, which is almost 1000 damage.
On the ninth level is medium tank T54E1, which is a logical continuation of T69. Penetration by a conventional projectile has increased to 210 mm, but for the ninth level this is frankly not enough. Much more noticeable is the increase in one-time damage to 390 units. Instead of cumulative shells, sub-caliber shells with a penetration of 255 mm are now available. The reload time inside the drum is still 2 seconds, which is a big advantage. The T54E1 is a tier 9 medium tank that can deal almost 1600 damage in 6 seconds.
