World of tank bulldog what is better to upgrade. M41 "Bulldog Walker" - description, guide, characteristics, recommendations and reviews

is an American light tank of the seventh level, which will appear in the game in patch 0.9.3. US aircraft can surprise with their original weapons, and this machine did not stand aside. Do you want to know what's so interesting about him? Details inside

Updated: from 2014-09-03 - the article was written during update 0.9.2 (test server 0.9.3)

The branch of US light tanks is very reminiscent of a friendly family, where all the tanks from Chaffee (level 5) to T49 (level 8) are like brothers, and their level is responsible for the age of each family member :). The fact is that all the characteristics of the car from each new car increase and distinctive features one can only name their weapons. so the M41 Walker Bulldog has such an interesting gun :)

Main characteristics:

• Level - 7;
• Balance weight - 32.4;
• Durability - 910 HP;
• Maximum speed forward/backward - 72/24 km/h;
• View radius - 400 m;
• Communication range - 745 m;
• Weight - 23,246 kg;
• Experience required for leveling up is 56,300 XP;
• Price - 1,370,000 silver.

The Bulldog is closest in playing style to the AMX 13-75. Light tank Level 7, has good driving characteristics of a firefly and at the same time is not deprived in terms of weapons. Logically, the M 41 is a logical continuation of the T37, so we get a very similar car, but with all the characteristics improved
More details about the main characteristics:
Gun 76 mm GunM32 late:
. Damage - 150 units.
. Rate of fire - 17.14 rounds/minute.
. Accuracy - 0.38 m.
. Mixing time - 1.9 s.
76 mm Gun T91E5 gun:
. Armor penetration - 175 mm.
. Damage - 150 units.
. Reload time for one projectile is 2 seconds.
. Full recharge time - 32 seconds.
. There are 10 shells in the magazine.
. Mixing time - 2.1 s.
. Accuracy - 0.4 m.
Engine:
. Power - 550 l/s.
. Maximum speed - 72 km/h.
Recommended equipment:
Depending on the playing style, there may be several options, but the most universal option is: “Vertical aiming stabilizer”, “Coated optics”, “Improved ventilation”.
Ventilation will be useful for any tank. Optics is a plus of 40 meters to your wonderful view. The stabilizer will make it easier to destroy any target, because shooting on the move is not an easy task, and most often the tank stops only before entering the hangar.
Equipment.
The set of equipment is the most standard: first aid kit, repair kit and fire extinguisher. Of course, at your own peril and risk, you can replace the fire extinguisher with a box of cola.
Crew.
. The commander has a sixth sense for warning of light and an eagle eye for increased visibility.
. Gunner - smooth turret rotation, sniper (alternatively, sniper can be learned first. With your rapid-fire gun, this perk will be of real use).
. The driver is the king of the off-road, smooth ride.
. Loader - non-contact ammo rack (very important! Since it is in the forehead, it is criticized often.)
The third ability is better to learn “Combat Brotherhood”, although camouflage upgraded for the entire crew will not hurt.
Weaknesses of the M41 Walker Bulldog.
An important disadvantage for any LT is its large dimensions. Although, you should have already gotten used to it while riding the T37. There is also practically no armor and everything that hits the bulldog causes damage to it. Another disadvantage is the extremely long reload time of the drum gun. Because of this, it is an order of magnitude inferior to the second top one in terms of DPM.
Strengths of the M41 Walker Bulldog.
It’s very nice that there are significantly more pros than cons. This is a wonderful tank, quite comfortable in the game. Has good maximum speed 72 km/h and agility of 56 degrees per second. Equipped with good weapons. Or rather, a choice of two weapons. One with an excellent loading drum, and the second is more comfortable, accurate, with a large DPM, but without a drum. Also, an excellent view of 400 meters gives you the right to the first shot. Although sometimes it is not necessary to shoot, the M41 very successfully serves as a light on the battlefield.
Combat tactics for the M41 Walker Bulldog.
The first part of the battle we play the role of active or passive light. We reconnoiter the positions of enemy tanks and transmit their coordinates to our allies to inflict damage. Towards the end of the battle (or maybe even towards the middle) we are planning a breakthrough to the artillery. In some situations, a bulldog can significantly help to hold back or push through an incredibly strong flank, going behind the defending opponents. For example, T 95 in the Himmsdorf banana, which holds back 3-4 heavy tank allies, without good support it can become just an easy frag for a nimble light tank. You just need to wait for the turtle to shoot and, while reloading, rush towards its stern.
By the way, if, by the will of randomness, you were thrown into the minimum level of battles, and for the M41 this is the 8th, then no one will forbid you to play the role of a medium tank. The only thing that distinguishes you from representatives of this class is the complete lack of armor (although STs do not boast of this indicator) and not so much damage from a shot. However, this doesn’t bother the same 13-75, and it shouldn’t bother you.

See also guides for other tanks.

Development of the American M41 light tank began shortly after World War II. Several prototypes were manufactured under the designation T37, and then T41. In mid-1950, the tank was put into service (standardized, as it is called in the USA) under the designation M41. The tank was originally named "Little Bulldog", which contradicted the American practice of naming tanks after generals. Therefore, a little later the name was changed to “Walker Bulldog” in honor of the American General Walton Walker, who died in Korea in early 1951. The first production M41s rolled off the General Motors assembly line in mid-1951.

Production was carried out by GMC's Cadillac division at a new facility in Cleveland. This once aircraft factory and then warehouse was reconstructed by the company specifically for the production of the M41 and renamed the Cleveland Tank Arsenal. In total, about 5,500 units were produced. The tank went through three stages of modernization, successively receiving the indices M41A1, M41A2 and M41AZ.

The M41 tank had a rear-mounted engine and transmission compartment (MTO). The crew was four people: the driver was in the control compartment, the tank commander, gunner and loader were in the turret, the first two to the right of the gun, the last to the left, which allowed him to load the gun with his right hand. Five glass blocks were installed in the non-rotating commander's cupola for all-round visibility. In addition, the commander and gunner had an M20A1 periscope device that rotated 360°. The engine, transmission and fighting compartments were separated by a fire-resistant partition.

The tank hull was welded from rolled steel armor, the turret was welded from cast and rolled armor parts. The armor thickness was: turrets - from 12.7 (roof) to 38 (gun mantlet) mm, hull nose parts - 50 mm, hull sides - 12-15 mm, front bottom - 32, rear - 9.25 mm. There were no special means of protection against weapons of mass destruction. A fire-fighting equipment system was installed in the MTO, which was activated from the driver’s seat.

The main armament of the tank was the 76-mm M32 (T91E3) rifled gun, which was replaced during modernization by the M32A1. Its ammunition included shots with armor-piercing tracer, cumulative, high-explosive fragmentation shells, shells with ready-made lethal elements, smoke and others. In 1982, an armor-piercing finned sabot projectile was developed for the M32 cannon. Initially, the tank carried 57 unitary rounds; after modernization, starting with the M41A1 modification, the ammunition load was increased to 65 rounds. Coaxed with the cannon was a 7.62 mm machine gun with 5,000 rounds of ammunition. An anti-aircraft 12.7-mm M2 machine gun (2175 rounds of ammunition) was installed on the roof of the turret near the commander's hatch. The weapon was controlled by the gunner and tank commander using electro-hydraulic guidance drives. Vertical angles guidance ranged from -9° to +19°45". There was no weapon stabilizer or rangefinder on the tank.

The gunner and tank commander used their M20A1 periscopic devices, which had two optical channels: single for orientation, 6-fold for shooting. The gunner also used an M97 telescopic sight with 3x magnification. Night vision devices were not installed on the base model of the tank, but during the modernization such devices and an IR spotlight (modification M41AZ) were introduced.

Initially, the M41 tank was equipped with a 6-cylinder Continental AOS 895-3 air-cooled gasoline engine with an opposed cylinder arrangement. In 1956, it was replaced by an AOS 895-5 gasoline engine with direct fuel injection. Both engines had a power of 500 liters .s. In both cases, a hydromechanical transmission of the "Cross Drive" type CD-500-3 from Allison was used. The transmission had: a complex cylindrical input gearbox with an automatically locked clutch, a torque converter, a planetary gearbox, a differential double-flow rotation mechanism with metal-ceramic brakes discs running in oil.

The tank's suspension is individual: torsion bar. Hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers were installed on the first, second and fifth suspension units. The torsion bars of the first and fifth suspension units are larger in diameter than all the others. The support rollers are rubberized gable. Not each side had three support rollers. Tracks with rubber-metal joints of a sequential type and removable rubber cushions. The chassis used a lever compensating device to ensure constant track tension.

In addition, the tank was equipped with an auxiliary engine GMC model A41-1 with a charging unit to warm up the main engine during winter time. Standard equipment included: a torch-type heater for the crew, devices for overcoming deep fords and an electric bilge pump.

The tank's communications equipment consisted of two radio stations, a TPU and a telephone for communication between the infantry (landing force) and the crew.

Deliveries of new tanks to the troops began in 1953. "Bulldogs" replaced the outdated M24. The first production M41s went to American units stationed in Europe, and the rest went to the reserves and the National Guard. Several M41s were sent to Korea for front-line testing. However, they did not have to take part in hostilities - the war ended.

The Walker Bulldog was a fairly popular vehicle among American tankers. It turned out to be reliable and easy to operate and fully corresponded to the tasks assigned to it for reconnaissance, communications and combat security.

The long-barreled 76mm gun would have been quite effective against many heavier tanks, but the M41's weak armor prevented it from engaging them in combat.

However, American troops did not fight anywhere with the participation of “bulldogs”. These tanks were late for Korea, and the newest M551 Sheridan were sent to Vietnam. The only major, but rather political than combat, operation in which the M41 participated was the entry of American troops into Thailand in the early 60s. Without fighting at all against an external enemy, the “forty-first” took part in suppressing riots in several American cities in the 60s.

M41 Walker Bulldog tanks were widely exported. They were in service with many NATO member states in Africa, Asia and Latin America. They were actively used in combat by South Vietnamese troops from 1965 until the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. A number of combat vehicles of this type were subsequently in service with the Vietnamese People's Army. Apparently, the last combat episode involving the M41 occurred during the Falklands conflict between Great Britain and Argentina. Several Argentine Bulldogs delivered to the islands were quickly destroyed by the British.

Currently, M41 light tanks of various modifications are still in service with the armies of Brazil, Denmark, Taiwan, Chile, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay.

IN various countries steps are being taken to modernize Walker Bulldog tanks in order to extend their service life and increase tactical technical characteristics. In particular, at the beginning of 1986, Germany proactively developed a program for the modernization of light M41 tanks, called GTI (German Tank Improvement). The main contractor in the development of the program was the GLS company (Munich).

According to the program, the gasoline engine is replaced with a diesel engine MB 833Aa-501 with a power of 450 hp, which is connected to the existing transmission using a transfer case. This power unit is easily replaced in the field. It also includes cooling systems, air purification systems and an alternating current generator (9 kW).

The use of a more economical diesel engine allows you to increase the range from 160 to 600 km, although the capacity of the fuel tanks only increases from 530 to 800 liters. Four new fuel tanks are located in the hull, and two more armored fuel tanks are located in the rear on the fenders. The suspension uses new torsion shafts and double-acting hydraulic shock absorbers. In addition, I install hydraulic travel limiters for the road wheels. The caterpillar is being replaced with a new one from Diehl. Screens are mounted on the sides of the hull.

The experimental modernized model retained the 76-mm cannon, but, at the customer’s request, a 90- or 105-mm cannon could be installed. Weapon stabilization has been introduced, electro-hydraulic guidance drives have been replaced with electric ones. The fire control system included: a digital ballistic computer, a laser rangefinder, sensors for trunnion inclination and gun elevation, weather conditions, and more. The gunner's periscope day/night sight was combined into a single unit with a laser rangefinder. The commander and gunner fired effectively from a place and on the move at moving and stationary targets.

On the sides of the tower there were six smoke grenade launchers, from which, if necessary, it was possible to fire high-explosive fragmentation grenades. The tank used a system of collective protection against weapons of mass destruction and new means of communication.

In the mid-80s, the Danish army decided to modernize the American M41 tanks, received back in the 50s, in order to maintain their combat and technical characteristics at the level necessary for use in modern conditions. Work to modernize all existing M41 tanks was completed in 1988. The cars received the M41 DK-1 index.

Over 70 different changes were made to the design of the tank. First of all, instead of a gasoline engine, a more economical VTA-903T diesel engine from Cummins with a power of 465 hp is installed. An armor-piercing finned sub-caliber projectile was introduced into the cannon's ammunition load. The ammunition rack was changed, electric drives were used to aim the weapon, a gunner's thermal imaging sight and a laser rangefinder were installed, and a halogen searchlight was mounted on the gun mantlet. The commander and driver had night vision devices. The 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun was replaced with a 7.62 mm one. A system of protection against weapons of mass destruction was introduced, side screens and a modern fire protection system were installed, and four smoke grenade launchers were mounted on the turret on both sides of the gun. The weight of the tank after modernization increased to 25 tons.

A major modernization of M41 tanks was carried out by Brazil, whose army has over 400 combat vehicles of this type.

The gasoline engine was replaced with an 8-cylinder diesel DS-14A 04 Saab Scania with a power of 405 hp, combined into a unit with an Allison CD-500-3 transmission. Installation

The new engine and transmission unit led to a slight lengthening of the body and a change in the cooling system - a new radiator and two 12-blade fans are now used. In addition, the design of the fuel tanks, driver's instrument panel, and power supply system have been changed. The maximum speed has increased to 70 km/h.

The armament of the tanks has also been modernized. The first 20 vehicles retained the standard 76-mm M32 cannon. One test sample was equipped with a 90-mm Cockerill Mk III cannon. Subsequent vehicles were equipped with Ca 76/90 M32 BR1 cannons - these are M32s bored out to 90 mm caliber and designed to use Mk III Kokkeril cannon ammunition. The rearmed tanks received the designation M41B. Since 1984, the second stage of modernization was carried out, during which a new Ca 76/90 M32 BR2 gun with a thermal protective casing and a finned sabot projectile was installed in the ammunition load. The fire control system includes a laser range finder connected to the gunner's sight and a set of night vision devices.

Tanks designated M41C are equipped with additional spaced armor for the front part of the hull and turret, and four smoke grenade launchers are installed on each side of the turret.

The Belgian company Kokkeril proposed a version of the tank armed with its 90-mm Mk IV cannon, the ammunition of which included cumulative, armor-piercing with a flattened warhead, high-explosive and smoke rounds, as well as rounds with ready-made lethal elements. This model has been adopted by Uruguay.

Another model was also developed, which used a two-man LCTS turret with a 90 mm Kokkeril Mk IV cannon, a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and new power drives. At the customer's request, a 7.62 mm anti-aircraft machine gun was installed.

The Israeli company NIMDA also unveiled a package of proposals for modernizing the M41. It included: replacing the M32 cannon with a new Israeli 60-mm HVWS automatic cannon, the gasoline engine with a Detroit Diesel 8V-71T or 6V-92T 470 hp each, improving the fire control system, suspension and reinforcement armor protection.

Finally, the Cadillac Gage company, on its own initiative, developed for testing a sample of the M41 tank with a low-impulse 105-mm cannon, the same as on light tank"Stingray" and BKM V-600.

M. BARYATINSKY
"Modeler-constructor" No. 9 "2000

25-03-2016, 14:36

Good day to all fans Games World of Tanks! Now we will talk about one of the best light tanks of our favorite game, a fast, maneuverable, rapid-firing and dangerous vehicle - this is the M41 Walker Bulldog guide or simply Bulldog, as most players call it.

Performance characteristics of the Bulldog tank

The first and main advantage that we notice when considering the Bulldog's characteristics is speed. Like the vast majority of light tanks, that is, fireflies, this vehicle has excellent mobility, reaches its maximum speed very quickly, and also has good maneuverability.

It is thanks to the speed of 56 kilometers per hour that our lack of armor (clearly noticeable in the colijn model) becomes an insignificant disadvantage, after all, what firefly has armor? However, Bulldog World of Tanks does not have the smallest dimensions; our silhouette is quite high, so you always need to act carefully, clearly calculating your options, and not just rely on speed.

Another advantage of our tank is its excellent viewing range of 400 meters. Standing in the bushes and showing no signs of life, you can quite successfully shine a light on an enemy who has lower camouflage parameters and is just approaching a key position.

gun

Things with weapons are even more interesting than with general characteristics. The fact is that for the M41 Bulldog the gun is another huge advantage. As you can see, we were given 2 guns to choose from, each of which can be called top-end:
1. The first is a standard version with good penetration, fast reloading, pleasant accuracy and stabilization parameters, as well as increased one-time damage.
2. The second is a gun with a loading magazine. In the magazine we have 6 shells, which we spit out with amazing speed, after which we go on a very long 36-second reload, but this 900 damage is worth it.

The fact is that both Walker Bulldog guns have almost the same parameters, the only minor difference is that the first option is a little more accurate and can deal more damage, the rest you can see for yourself. Thus, you should choose a weapon based on your playing style and skill. However, a loading drum in skillful hands is not only a formidable weapon, but also a lot of fun, and a complete headache for the enemy.

By the way, like most American tanks, our gun has good tilt angles - 10 degrees down and 20 degrees up.

In general, for a player on the M41 Walker Bulldog World of Tanks it is much more effective to ride with a conventional gun, since it has much greater firepower and stability in terms of the ability to deal damage constantly, without having to go through a very long reload, during which we will very vulnerable.

Advantages and disadvantages of M41 Bulldog

So, we looked at the characteristics of the M41 Bulldog, we also figured out the gun, and now it’s time to sum up the first results.

For M41 Bulldog, an overview of the main strengths and weaknesses will look like this:

Pros:
1. Excellent mobility and maneuverability;
2. Good weapons;
3. Possibility to choose one of two types of guns;
4. Great review.

Minuses:
1. Lack of armor;
2. Bulldog WoT is demanding on skill.

Equipment M41 Walker Bulldog

For M41 Bulldog, equipment is a very important aspect, because it is a great way to highlight our already strong points, so the choice will be:
, , .

Our task is to ensure comfortable shooting while moving and during short stops, which is what we do. However, for those who want to focus as much as possible on the review, or if you do not have the appropriate perks, you can equip the M41 Bulldog tank, significantly increasing the viewing range.

Crew training

When choosing crew perks for the M41 Bulldog, we pursue the same goals as in the case of equipment - comfortable shooting even on the move. However, there are more options here, and the choice will be as follows:
Commander (radio operator) – , , , .
Gunner – , , , .
Driver mechanic - , , , .
Loader – , , , .

Equipment for M41 Bulldog

For the M41 Bulldog, equipment is selected according to the standard scenario: , and . If possible, all these consumables are replaced with premium ones, and regarding the last one, the fire extinguisher, it can be safely replaced, we rarely burn.

Tactics for playing the M41 Bulldog

What can you say about the tactics of playing firefly? Your task is to ensure competent illumination of enemy positions and movements of forces. But do not confuse this with a thoughtless rush forward, when, due to your speed, you burst into the enemy’s camp and quickly go to the hangar, there is no sense in this. M41 Bulldog tactics involve active use of terrain, as well as dense vegetation. Sometimes it makes more sense to stand in the bushes and stand there for a long time rather than waste precious hit points trying to actively shine.

If a “lamp” lights up above your head, quickly change your position and do not stop until 10-15 seconds have passed. Regarding the implementation of damage, it is better to shoot only in cases where you are sure that they cannot see you. The second option is to spin the enemy and shoot him on the move, this is always fun and gives you a feeling of self-worth. And if you choose a gun with a loading magazine, carefully monitor the number of shells and calculate the reload time.

Regarding whether the M41 Bulldog is worth taking or not, the answer is obvious - take it. The tank is really very strong and fun, and also opens up good prospects for further upgrades.

The Bulldog is closest in playing style to the AMX 13-75. A light tank of the 7th level, it has good driving characteristics of a firefly and at the same time is not deprived in terms of weapons. Logically, the M 41 is a logical continuation of the T37, so we get a very similar car, but with all the characteristics improved

More details about the main characteristics:

Gun 76 mm GunM32 late:

Armor penetration - 175 mm.

Damage - 150 units.

Rate of fire - 17.14 rounds/minute.

Accuracy - 0.38 m.

Mixing time - 1.9 s.

76 mm Gun T91E5 gun:

Armor penetration - 175 mm.

Damage - 150 units.

Reload time for one projectile is 2 seconds.

Full recharge time - 32 seconds.

There are 10 shells in the magazine.

Mixing time - 2.1 s.

Accuracy - 0.4 m.

Engine:

Power - 550 l/s.

Maximum speed - 72 km/h.

Depending on the playing style, there may be several options, but the most universal option is: “Vertical aiming stabilizer”, “Coated optics”, “Improved ventilation”.

Ventilation will be useful for any tank. Optics is a plus of 40 meters to your wonderful view. The stabilizer will make it easier to destroy any target, because shooting on the move is not an easy task, and most often the tank stops only before entering the hangar.

Equipment.

The set of equipment is the most standard: first aid kit, repair kit and fire extinguisher. Of course, at your own peril and risk, you can replace the fire extinguisher with a box of cola.

Crew.

The commander has a sixth sense for warning of light and an eagle eye for increased visibility.

Gunner - smooth turret rotation, sniper (alternatively, sniper can be learned first. With your rapid-fire gun, this perk will be of real use).

The driver is the king of the off-road, smooth ride.

Loader - non-contact ammo rack (very important! Since it is in the forehead, it is criticized often.)

The third ability is better to learn “Combat Brotherhood”, although camouflage upgraded for the entire crew will not hurt.

Weaknesses of the M41 Walker Bulldog.

An important disadvantage for any LT is its large dimensions. Although, you should have already gotten used to it while riding the T37. There is also practically no armor and everything that hits the bulldog causes damage to it. Another disadvantage is the extremely long reload time of the drum gun. Because of this, it is an order of magnitude inferior to the second top one in terms of DPM.

Strengths of the M41 Walker Bulldog.

It’s very nice that there are significantly more pros than cons. This is a wonderful tank, quite comfortable in the game. It has a good top speed of 72 km/h and agility of 56 degrees per second. Equipped with good weapons. Or rather, a choice of two weapons. One with an excellent loading drum, and the second is more comfortable, accurate, with a large DPM, but without a drum. Also, an excellent view of 400 meters gives you the right to the first shot. Although sometimes it is not necessary to shoot, the M41 very successfully serves as a light on the battlefield.

Combat tactics for the M41 Walker Bulldog.

The first part of the battle we play the role of active or passive light. We reconnoiter the positions of enemy tanks and transmit their coordinates to our allies to inflict damage. Towards the end of the battle (or maybe even towards the middle) we are planning a breakthrough to the artillery. In some situations, a bulldog can significantly help to hold back or push through an incredibly strong flank, going behind the defending opponents. For example, the T 95 in the Himmsdorf banana, which holds back 3-4 heavy allied tanks, without good support can simply become an easy frag for a nimble light tank. You just need to wait for the turtle to shoot and, while reloading, rush towards its stern.

By the way, if, by the will of randomness, you were thrown into the minimum level of battles, and for the M41 this is the 8th, then no one will forbid you to play the role of a medium tank. The only thing that distinguishes you from representatives of this class is the complete lack of armor (although STs do not boast of this indicator) and not so much damage from a shot. However, this doesn’t bother the same 13-75, and it shouldn’t bother you.

See also guides for other tanks.