The M61A5 MBT, also known as the Type 61 A+, was a variant of the Type 61 Tank employed by the Earth Federation Forces. It was introduced in Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team.
Technology & Combat Characteristics[]
An improved variant of the Type 61 Tank, the Type 5 swapped its predecessor's 150mm cannons for a pair of 155mm smoothbore cannons. In addition, due to increased automation, it was able to be crewed by only two people, a commander/gunner and a driver. Finally, thanks to a satellite-based datalink system, it was able to share data with other vehicles, dramatically improving its accuracy at long-range.[1]
Unfortunately, following the beginning of the One Year War, the Principality of Zeon military's use of Minovsky particles interfered with electronics and restricted combat to visual range only. Under Minovsky particle interference, the M61A5 could only observe its surroundings using external cameras and its periscope, giving it a bad field of vision, especially at night. Its datalink system was also rendered unusable, reducing its ability to coordinate with other vehicles. Finally, though its armor was tough, it was vulnerable against top attacks, making it especially defenseless against mobile suits.[1]
Despite these setbacks, the M61A5's powerful engine allowed it to keep up with a Zaku's walking speed. Its 155mm cannons, the most powerful among Federation ground weapons at the time, could penetrate a Zaku's armor depending on the range. These factors combined meant that it was one of the few Federation ground weapons capable of facing mobile suits head-on during the early stage of the war.[1]
Armaments[]
- 155mm Smoothbore Cannon
- The main dual cannons of the M61A5 have been upgraded to 155mm smoothbore cannpns capable of firing a variety of ammunition including APFSDS, flash rounds, concussion rounds, and HEI.
- 7.62mm Coaxial Machine Gun
- Two 7.62mm coaxial machine guns are mounted in the tank's turret.
- 13.2mm M60 Heavy Machine Gun
- A heavy machine gun is mounted on the tank commander's cupola.
- 5.56mm M299 Machine Gun
- The stowage basket at the turret's rear can serve as a platform for an additional 5.56mm M299 machine gun, though its operator is positioned completely outside of the tank and thus vulnerable to attack.
Special Equipment & Features[]
- Smoke Dischargers
- Four simple, mortar-like grenade launchers are mounted on each flank of the tank's turret. These launchers fire special grenades that generate smoke upon detonation in mid-air to conceal the tank from its opponent's line of sight. The smoke could also be used as a means to communicate with allies.
History[]
Early in the war, a large number of M61A5 was deployed to Europe and North America.[1]
Gallery[]
Gunpla[]
References[]
External links[]
| MS IGLOO 2 Mechanics | |
|---|---|
| edit | |
| Earth Federation | |
| Mobile Weapon | |
| Mobile Suit RGM-79［G］ GM Ground Type | RTX-440 Ground Assault Type Guntank | |
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| |
| Support Weapon M-101A3 Regina | |
| Land Vehicle 6×6 Cargo Truck | M353A4 Bloodhound | M72 Lakota | M61A5 MBT | |
| Land Battleship Big Tray-class | Heavy Fork-class | |
| Aircraft / Spacecraft Dragonfly | FF-X7 Core Fighter | |
| Cruiser Salamis-class | |
| Principality of Zeon | |
| Mobile Weapon | |
| Mobile Suit MS-05B Zaku I | MS-06J Zaku II Ground Type | MS-07B-3 Gouf Custom | MS-09B Dom | |
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| |
| Land Vehicle B.M.C. Z78/2 | Magella Attack | Magella Eins | PVN.3/2 Sauropelta | PVN.44/1 Weasel | Russel 1/12 Zebu | |
| Land Battleship Dobday-class | |
| Aircraft Dopp | PVN.4/3 Wappa | |
| Transporter / Supply Ship H.L.V. | Komusai | Papua-class | |
| Cruiser / Mother Ship Gaw | Musai-class | |