Hello everyone. There are many different light tanks in Broken Arrow. Loosely they can be divided into three camps, armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles, and traditional light tanks. Defining Light Tanks (LT) Why use a Light Tank?? 1) Deep Strike. Use mobility to push into rear line units and kill support units. 2) Fire Brigade. Use mobility to reinforce collapsing zones. 3) Infantry fire support. Provides supplementary firepower for engaged infantry units. 4) Provide suppression damage. 5) Provide long range standoff capabilities. 6) Fight for recon. What is a Light Tank? A light tank can be defined by two characteristics, doctrine and design. What does "Doctrine" entail? Doctrine entails how an object is used. For this guide, "Light tanks are front-line combat vehicles for fighting weakly armored units" What does "Design" entail? Design denotes key features of the vehicle which impact effectiveness. For this guide, "Light tanks are armored tracked combat vehicles, with direct fire cannons/autocannons" For this guide, - Armored personnel carriers (APC) and infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) must be specifically modified to be considered a light tank. They should be fitted with armament specifically designed to fulfill the doctrine and design criteria. - A maximum cost of (155 pts) is the cut off from when a vehicle is no longer a light tank. - They should be fitted with at least (40mm) of frontal kinetic armor to make them immune heavy machine guns (HMG) from the front. Traditional Light Tanks (LT) There are not many purebred light tanks in Broken Arrow. This is contrasted against other games like Wargame Red Dragon, which has many different options for vehicles that fulfill the role of light tanks. Below lists the traditional light tanks. - M8 Armored Gun System - M551 Sheridan - M10 Booker - Sprut SD Another group which will be evaluated is the cheapest tanks, which function as expensive light tanks, they will be referred to as the "Light Tanks by Economics". - M60A1 Patton - T-72 - T-80BV Many of the different light tanks are actually modifications of other vehicle types. This guide will evaluate them with their best modifications. This guide will also discuss ersatz Light Tanks. They can be created from either (IFV)'s or from (APC)'s. Ersatz Light Tanks. (IFV) specific roles - Deep Strike. Use mobility to push into rear line units and trade up. - Fire Brigade. Use mobility to relocate to positions which are collapsing. - Infantry fire support. Provides supplementary firepower for engaged infantry units. - Deliveroo Driver. Move infantry safely to a position. - Provide suppression damage to slow down enemy tank reloads, and cause critical damage. - Provide standoff missile capabilities for friendly armored units. - Fight for recon and information. Because of this versatility, they are typically quite expensive. This can cause players to use them for roles they are not designed for, resulting in losses. (IFV)'s can be good choices for making (LT)'s. - However they will incur a point premium for the infantry slots, If you are not using those infantry slots, it is just wasted points. - Typically they will also be in the "Infantry" tab, which can make them hard to fit into a deck. - Heavy weapon teams such as MANPADS or ATGM infantry offer dramatic synergies, but for this guide will not be considered. Please let me know if in the future you would want an analysis of that. Primary (APC) Roles - Infantry fire support. Provides supplementary firepower for engaged infantry units. - Cope Box. Move infantry safely to a position. > They usually can carry between 8-15 infantrymen, as opposed to the 8-3 of (IFV)'s > Infantry capacity only being rivaled by more expensive support vehicles > Unlike support vehicles, they cannot carry supplies, for equal inf. cap. they cost less Due to their infantry capacity, it is quite expensive to modify (APC)'s into light tanks. Some units are able to accomplish both missions, but typically for more points. Specialization allows for lower total costs, while still permitting both objectives. If trying to use (APC)'s as (LT)'s, the user must pay a significant premium for the privilege to fill it with troops. If the troops inside are required, a gold-plated (APC) will cost more than a light tank along with a default (APC) or support vehicle. It is usually more costly to convert an (APC) into a light tank (LT). Russian Light Tanks (LT)'s Overview I would consider many of the Russian light tanks to be excellent. They focus primarily on firepower, and economical design. They also tend to make use of longer range ammo or gun launched anti-tank guided missiles (GLATGM's). They usually use ersatz (modified) light tanks, rather than purebred designs. This adds a noticeable point premium which must be paid to bring them onto the field. It also places them into tabs other than the vehicle tab, which makes it more difficult to bring them in standard decks. They also have much more variety, since they use far more unique designs. They feature unique weapons systems far more often. The following short list is the different cannons used by the Russian light tanks. - (2A28), Main cannon on the BMP-1, (73mm) - (2A72), Main cannon on the BMP-2 (30mm) - (2A42) Secondary cannon on BMP-3/BMD-4M, (30mm) - (2A70), Main cannon on the BMP-3/BMD-4M, (100mm) - (2A90), Main cannon on BRM-3K (57mm) - (2A94), Main cannon on B-15 Kurganets (57mm Kurz) - (2A46M), Main cannon on the T-72/T-80 (125mm) - (AU-220M), Main cannon on PT-76-57 and T-15 Barbaris (57mm) - (ZU-23-2M), Main cannon for BTR-MDM Skrezhet (23mm) Almost all Russian light tanks feature (2) smoke charges, while all bradleys and many light tanks from America only have (1) smoke charge. American Light Tanks (LT)'s Overview American light tanks are competitive in all major roles. Each traditional American light tank is good, but generally not at each role. For their niche they tend to be quite impressive. The (IFV)'s from America almost all feature ATGM capability, this is useful but builds in a premium which is not always required. - Ersatz light tanks all use the Bushmaster I and Bushmaster II autocannons, which are mediocre. - The traditional light tanks each use unique weapon systems, such as the (50mm Autocannon). - They also tend to have better optics and survivability, but inferior mobility. Russian Light Tanks, BMP-1 Family Light Tank Roles 1) Deep Strike. 2) Fire Brigade. 3) Infantry fire support. 4) Provide suppression damage. 5) Provide long range standoff capabilities. 6) Fight for recon. BMP-1 (Obiekt 765) The BMP-1 is the star in the excellent song, "Time to Go Home" by Sektor Gaza. It is also a piece of ♥♥♥♥ in this game. The most successful version is the mixed master, the BMP-1PG. This is because the weapons are quite poor on their own, but are quite cheap. An ATGM launcher with only (1200m) of range is not enough to fight tanks at range, but is enough to kill (APC)'s. The Grom and AGS combination provides decent burst damage and sustained dps. All in all, I would not recommend using the BMP-1 as a light tank, since it simply cannot do most of the roles. - Economical ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥, (60 pts) in ideal form. (BMP-1PG,Up-Armored) - The low pressure (2A28) GROM "Thunder" is rather underwhelming - Terrible (800m) range, poor damage of (7), interceptable, and mediocre reload (7 seconds). - ATGM is slow (540m/s), poor range (1200m), poor pen (450mm), and mediocre damage (10). - ATGM features only (4) missiles. - Grenade launcher when paired with Grom can provide decent fire support. - ATGM paired with Grom can saturate active protection systems. - Chassis has a poor forward speed of (65), terrible reverse speed of (20). - Decent frontal armor (100mm) and slightly above average (60mm) side armor. - Competitive health (16) with (Up-Armored) modification. - Poor optics, (1200m), mediocre stealth rating (1). BRM-1K (Obiekt 676) Basically a BMP-1AM, but with recon upgrades. Shares same (2A72) autocannon as the BMP-2. - Ideal version is the (BRM-1k obr.21, Up-Armored), for (80 pts) - Standard BMP-1 armor, (100mm) frontal, (60mm) side armor. - Improved sight range, (1200m) -> (2000m), and improved stealth, (1) -> (1.25). - It is in the (Recon) tab, and thus is difficult to get in. BMO-1 Basically a BMP-1AM. Features the venerable (2A72) autocannon. Incapable of performing light tank roles such as (5). - Relatively expensive, (60 pts) in ideal form (Up-Armored). - Standard BMP-1 armor, (100mm) frontal, (60mm) side armor. - Features same mobility, (65) forward, (20) reverse. - Same (1200m) view range, and mediocre stealth rating of (1). - (2A72) features (50mm-100mm) of penetration, with a mediocre max range of (1000m). - Features (1.5) damage on kinetic rounds, but (3) on HE rounds. - No high caliber machine gun, only a PKT with (600m) range and (0.75) damage. BMP-2 (Obiekt 675) The BMP-2 is a very famous vehicle. It uses the prolific (2A72) autocannon, and the Konkurs-M ATGM. It can perform any of the light tank roles, though is not particularly special. - Modestly expensive, (65 pts) in ideal form (Default, Up-Armored). - Standard BMP-1 armor, (100mm) frontal, (60mm) side armor. - Features same mobility, (65) forward, (20) reverse. - Same (1200m) view range, and mediocre stealth rating of (1). - (2A72) features (50mm-100mm) of penetration, with a mediocre max range of (1000m). - Features (1.5) damage on kinetic rounds, but (3) on HE rounds. - Konkurs-M ATGM features good range (1600m), great damage (11), and (4) missiles. - ATGM has decent flight speed (720 m/s), and (750mm) of penetration. - No high caliber machine gun, only a PKT with (600m) range and (0.75) damage. Russian Light Tanks, BMP-2 Family BMP-2 (Obiekt 675) The BMP-2 is a very famous vehicle. It uses the prolific (2A42) autocannon, and the Konkurs-M ATGM. It can perform any of the light tank roles, though is not particularly special. - Modestly expensive, (65 pts) in ideal form (Default, Up-Armored). - Standard BMP-1 armor, (100mm) frontal, (60mm) side armor. - Features same mobility, (65) forward, (20) reverse. - Same (1200m) view range, and mediocre stealth rating of (1). - (2A72) features (50mm-100mm) of penetration, with a mediocre max range of (1000m). - Features (1.5) damage on kinetic rounds, but (3) on HE rounds. - Konkurs-M ATGM features good range (1600m), great damage (11), and (4) missiles. - ATGM has decent flight speed (720 m/s), and (750mm) of penetration. - No high caliber machine gun, only a PKT with (600m) range and (0.75) damage. Russian Light Tanks, BMP-3 Family Light Tank Roles 1) Deep Strike. 2) Fire Brigade. 3) Infantry fire support. 4) Provide suppression damage. 5) Provide long range standoff capabilities. 6) Fight for recon. BMP-3 (Obiekt 688) An excellent light tank, versatile and affordable. Features an increased amount of GLATGM's compared to contemporary designs. Mobility is inferior compared to other options. It offers multiple different variants, for fulfilling maximum roles for least cost, use the economical version. If you need just pure long range fire support, use the Epokha Module. - Mediocre forward mobility (70), poor reverse speed (25). - Competitive health with reactive armor (16), good frontal armor (120mm), and good (80mm) side. - Features (2) smoke charges on upgraded variants. - Mediocre stealth (1) and mediocre spotting (1400) range. Economy Version is (BMP-3M Turret, Reactive Armor) for (105 pts). - Offers (30%) ECM, via Shtora Dazzlers, along with improving the spotting range, (1200->1400) - Features (2A72) and (2A70) mentioned earlier, to recap, - (2A70) features long range GLATGM, (1600m) with (8) missiles rather than the standard of (3). - GLATGM only has (750mm) of heat penetration. Reduced damage (8.5), compared to (9). - Excellent missile velocity (830 m/s). - Phenomenal range on the standard (2A70), (1300m), with (10) damage HE shells. - Lacks kinetic rounds for the (2A70) low pressure gun, but features (6 second) autoloader. - (2A72) makes up for the drawbacks of the (2A70), Mediocre penetration, (50-100mm). - (2A72) Has mediocre max range, (1000m). Great damage (1.5) per shot. Expensive Version is (Epokha Module, Reactive Armor) for (120 pts). - Features improved spotting range, (1200->1400) - Competitive weapons load, identical to B-15 Kurganets Epokha Module (See B-15). - Compared to the B-15 Kurganets, it features notably less mobility - It trades the APS charges for a higher maximum health, and lower total cost, (20pts) lower. BMP-3F Similar to the BMP-3M, the BMP-3F lacks some of the upgrade options. It is noticably weaker due to the lower maximum health, but for infantry support and suppression it performs equally as well. - Ideal version is (Sodema, Shtora), for (90 pts) - Sodema modification makes HE shells have (1300m) range rather than the default (1200m) - Arkan missile damage increased, from (7.5) -> (8.5) damage. Still only has (8) missiles. - GLATGM features standard (1600m) range, but only (750mm) penetration. - (2A70) features a (6 second) autoloader, quite good. - Features secondary (2A72) autocannon, which improves fire support capabilities. - Mediocre forward mobility (70), poor reverse speed (25). - Poor health (14), mediocre frontal armor (100mm), and side armor (60mm). - Features (2) smoke charges and (30%) ECM with (Shtora) modification. - Mediocre stealth (1) and mediocre spotting (1200) range. BRM - 3K A phenomonal modernization package for the humble BRM-3. - Ideal version is the (57mm Gun/Ataka ATGM, Reactive Armor), Costs (140pts) - Features excellent turret system from T-15 Barbaris-57. - (120mm/180mm) penetration is unparalleled, along with the improved (1100m) range. - Improved optics compared to BMP-3, (1400m) -> (1750m) - Features best in class ATGM, top speed is incredible, (1190 m/s), range outstanding (1800m) - Incredible damage (11), and decent penetration (950mm) - Only (2) atgms - Excellent stealth, (1.25) - Mediocre forward mobility (70), poor reverse speed (25). - Competitive health with reactive armor (16), good frontal armor (120mm), and good (80mm) side. - Features only (1) smoke charge Sprut-SDM A modification of the BMP-3. Overall, the Sprut-SDM is an excellent light tank, featuring above average armor, competitive firepower, and excellent range. It is held back primarily by the poor optics (1400) and low dps against soft targets. - Ideal version is (95 pts), fitted with (Default,CageArmor), due to economics. - Cage Armor version features (100mm) of kinetic frontal armor, providing resistant against autocannons at long range. - Features (40mm) of side armor, which provides immunity to heavy machineguns, subpar. - Version is dependent on which role it is used for. - For all roles except 2 and 5, see list, take Sprut-SD with default modernization and cage armor. - If needing to fill 2nd or 5th roles, take Sprut-SDM. - Sprut-SDM has improved kinetic ammo, (375/600) -> (425/680) - Both feature the Invar GLATGM, with (1600m) range and (9) damage. - Both have standard (12) damage HE shell, great against soft targets. - Subpar reload, (7 seconds), though it is auto-loaded. - PKT's have (200m) less range, and only do (0.75) damage, since (7.62mm) not (12.7mm). - Mediocre stealth (1) and optics (1400m) - Mediocre forward mobility (70), phenomenal reverse speed (35) - Mediocre health (16) even with health upgrade - Only has (1) smoke grenade charge, a significant drawback. BTR-MDM Skrezhet A unique modification of BMP-3, the BTR-MDM which specializes in infantry fire support and anti air. It features phenomenal firepower, but completely lacks kinetic ammunition. Due to being an (APC) modification, it is quite expensive. It has space for (15) troops. - Ideal version is (ZU-23-2M), costs (70 pts) - It receives an extra (100m) of low altitude range, which is very useful for fighting helicopters. - Mediocre forward mobility (70), excellent reverse speed (35). - Incredible performance for role 3, but completely incapable of doing roles 1,2, or 5. - Gun system features two guns, which features a combined (2000 rpm), but only 25 round drums. - Each shell does (2.3) damage, providing an burst of (115) damage. - Mediocre range, (1000m). - Poor health, (14) means a T-15 Barbaris-57 will kill it in 5 rounds, regardless of range. - Weak frontal armor (60mm), Bushmaster (25x137mm) can fully penetrate at max range. - Weak side armor, (30mm), heavy machine guns can penetrate at (500m). Russian Light Tanks, Non-BMP BMD-4M A further modification of the BMD family, featuring the BMP-3 turret. It is an exceptional light tank. Features a unique weapons loadout, a 100mm rifled low pressure gun (2A70), and a 30mm autocannon (2A72). The BMD-4M is not a scout, so it is usually a good idea to use it alongside recon. It should be employed at maximum range whenever possible due to the fragile nature of the design. - Very economical, ideal version is (up-armored) costs (70 pts). - Mediocre health (15). - Mediocre forward mobility (70), excellent reverse speed (35). - Mediocre stealth (1) and optics (1400m) - (2A70) features long range GLATGM, (1600m) with (4) missiles rather than the standard of (3). - GLATGM only has (750mm) of heat penetration. Substandard damage (8.5), compared to (9) damage which is standard of GLATGMs on medium tanks. Excellent missile velocity, (830 m/s). - Phenomenal range on the standard (2A70), (1300m), with (10) damage HE shells. - Lacks kinetic rounds for the (2A70) low pressure gun, but features (6 second) autoloader. - (2A72) makes up for the drawbacks of the (2A70), featuring excellent firepower with (50-100mm) of penetration but reduced max range, (1000m). Great damage (1.5) per shot. - Only has (1) smoke grenade charge, a significant drawback. B-15 Kurganets The B-15 is a polarizing vehicle. It's weapons appear exceptional, it has great mobility, competitive armor, and even gets 4 charges of APS, all for (140 pts). Surely it is a great option right? As great as it sounds, it has a reason for being only (140 pts). - It only features (1) smoke charge, making it very easy to run down. - Poor health, (14) means autocannons will simply delete it. - The (57mm) on the T-15 Barbaris-57 will kill it in 5 rounds, regardless of range. - The (50mm) on the M10 Booker can kill it in 6 rounds, when within pen range. - While they are both much more expensive, they are very commonly used. - Even the Bushmaster II found on the ACV-30 only needs 10 rounds, when within pen range. - The autocannon is compromised. It is a shortened (57mm) cannon. Still has great (2.9) damage. - It features only (75/150mm) of kinetic pen, and only (1000m) of range. - The famous Barbaris-57 has (120/180mm) of pen, and (1100m) of range. It is not all compromised however, since the launchers are quite potent for the cost. - The Kornet-M is truly incredible, (1200mm) of explosive pen, superb (1800m) range, and (13) damage too. Good missile velocity of (720 m/s). Has (4) missiles rather than the standard (3). - Can frontally pen anything Russian except the T-90M, T-14, and T-15 - Can only frontally pen M10 Booker, M1A2, and M1A1 HC. - Bulat Launcher is a mixed bag. It has only (300mm) of explosive pen, subpar (1100m) of range, and a mediocre (9) damage. It is also quite slow at (505m/s). Has (8) missiles. - Can be used to saturate APS charges when working with other units. - If trying to trade missiles with atgm squads, keep in mind APS has a timer till it can activate again. Considering the capabilities of the vehicle, - The ideal version is (Epokkha Module, Afganit) for (140 pts). - It is able to fulfill any of the light tank roles. It performs best in role 5. - Mediocre stealth (1) and optics (1400m) - Excellent forward mobility (80), good reverse mobility (30). - Good armor, (120mm) front, (100mm) side. - (4) APS charges for only (35 pts) is solid. - Rather expensive, and is in (Infantry) tab which can make it difficult to bring in numbers. - Spec also has T-15 Barbaris-57 heavy tank, which exasperates this issue. PT-76-57 The PT-76-57 is an incredible vehicle. It features the same cannon as the T-15 Barbaris-57, but at only (100 pts)! It can feast on heavy (IFV)'s and (APC)'s, and costs almost the same amount. - Ideal version is (100 pts), (AU-220M 57mm autocannon, Up-Armored, Upgraded Engine) - The main drawback of the vehicle is the exceptionally poor survivability and mobility. - The upgrades cost a collective (15 pts), and address most of the main issues. - Survivability is improved as well, going from poor to mediocre, (14) -> (15) health. - Improved health means it takes 1 additional 57mm round to kill it. - Mobility is dramatically improved, (45) -> (60) forward, and (15) -> (20) reverse. - It features competitive recon range (1400m), but average stealth (1) - Cannon has (1100m) range, higher than average of (1000m) on most other vehicles. - Cannon features excellent damage (2.9) on kinetic, but mediocre (4.3) on explosive. - Keep in mind, Bushmaster has (1.25) on kinetic, and (2.5) on explosive. - Only has (1) smoke charge, and no APS, meaning it is exceptionally squishy. - Armor scheme is dreadful, the following vehicles pen at max range, >Bradley Bushmaster >ACV-30 Bushmaster II >M-10 Booker 50mm Autocannon >Barbaris 57mm Autocannon >B-15 Kurganets 57mm Kurz Autocannon - A fantastic light tank. T-80BV Incredible armor for the cost, competitive mobility, excellent health, excellent firepower. The main drawback of the vehicle is the temptation to use it like a medium tank. If you fight other tanks with this, it will explode. It is one of the best long range HE slingers, and excels at deleting (IFV) spam. - Only applicable version is the (default) version, (155 pts) - Penetration of gun is only (325mm/520mm), it CANNOT penetrate most enemy tanks frontally - Best in class reload, (6 seconds), autoloaded too, meaning no panic debuff. - Phenomenal damage HE shell, doing (12) damage. - Excellent range for light tanks, (1300m), but lacks the GLATGM on other tanks. - Full range Kord, (800m) range, (1) damage. Excellent value. - Mediocre stealth (1), poor optics (1200m), can be ambushed easily due to this. - Mediocre forward mobility (70) compared to light tanks (that is quite incredible) - Below average reverse speed (20). - Excellent health (16) and incredible armor for the cost >Frontally immune to (57mm) Barbaris kinetics at any range. >Frontally immune to (50mm) M-10 Booker kinetics at any range. >Immune from all (2A72) autocannons unless (0m) and side or rear aspect. >Immune from all Bushmaster kinetics unless within (350m) and side or rear aspect. - Do not use this against actual tanks or it will explode. T-72B Living up to expectations, the T-72B is solid, but in BA it is a light tank. Even cheaper cost, but worse mobility, and worse weapon statistics. I would recommend, just don't use it as a medium tank or it will explode. - Ideal version is (T-72B, K-1, Stock), costs (135 pts) - Excellent health (16) - Armor is identical to the T-80BV, but features (100mm) extra kinetic frontal armor. - Extra armor is not relevant for light tanks - Poor optics (1200m), mediocre stealth (1) - Below average forward mobility (60). - Below average reverse speed (15). - Gun has average reload (7 second) of all T-72 variants, still autoloaded. - Gun recieves GLATGM, which extends range to max of (1600m) - Gun has (1200m) range HE, and only (1200m) range KE. Retains (12) damage HE shell. American Light Tanks, Recon Bradleys Why use a Light Tank?? 1) Deep Strike. Use mobility to push into rear line units and kill support units. 2) Fire Brigade. Use mobility to reinforce collapsing zones. 3) Infantry fire support. Provides supplementary firepower for engaged infantry units. 4) Provide suppression damage. 5) Provide long range standoff capabilities. 6) Fight for recon. M3A2 CFV A moderately expensive IFV, which specializes in long range saturation attacks. Poor mobility and mediocre suvivability makes this vehicle less frequently used. Great ambush vehicle. - Ideal version is (BUSK, None), for (90 pts) - Features (12) ATGMs, furing in salvos of (2). - (TOW-2A) ATGM feature (900mm) of penetration, not enough to go through most tanks frontally. - Solid (12) damage. - Mediocre missile velocity (720m/s), mediocre range (1600m). - Bushmaster autocannon features (60mm/120mm) of penetration, (1000m) range. - Subpar kinetic damage, (1.25) compared to Bushmaster II's (1.5) and (2A72)'s (1.5) - Excellent Health (16) for (90 pts) - Competitive Armor (100mm) on front and excellent side armor (80mm). - Armor provides frontal immunity to (2A72) until point blank. - Poor forward mobility (55) and poor reverse speed (20) makes it easy to catch and destroy. - Only has (1) smoke pop. - Incredible optics (1750m) and excellent stealth (1.25) M3A3/A4 CFV Addresses most issues with the M3A2 CFV, but is noticeably more expensive. It provides upgrades in pretty much all aspects, but is (10 pts) more expensive by default. Perfect counter to non-APS equipped vehicles. The ATGM will cut through anything. Ideal version is dependent on role. - For roles (1) and (2), use (BUSK3, none, Upgraded Engine), (120 pts) - For roles (4) and (6), use (BUSK3, None, Stock), (110 pts) - For roles (5) and (3), use (BUSK3, IronFist, Stock), (135 pts) - Depending on role, it can have many different variations. - All listed versions use the (BUSK3 Armor) package, which provides an impressive (17) health. - It also provides (120mm) of frontal armor, providing frontal immunity to (2A72) autocannons - Also provides frontal immunity until point blank for Bushmaster autocannon. - All versions use the upgraded (TOW-2B) ATGM. This features top attack capabilities. - Top attack means the missile attacks top armor, rather than frontal or side armor. - ATGM has (250mm) of penetration, meaning it penetrates any armor scheme. - ATGM has (12) missiles, which is quite good. Also has (720m/s) speed and (12) damage. - Still only has (1600m) of range, which is subpar for the cost. - Poor forward mobility (55) and poor reverse speed (20). Can take upgrade to remedy. - Upgraded Engine modification improves mobility to (70) forward, (25) reverse, competitive. - Still only (1) smoke pop, quite poor for the cost. - The APS only recieves (2) charges, rather than the standard of (4) - Bushmaster only has (1000m) range, quite poor for the cost. - Bushmaster also only does (2.5) damage with the HE shell, quite subpar. - Phenomenal optics, (2000m), and excellent stealth (1.25). M7A2 BFIST A hyper specialized recon bradley. It trades the ATGM launcher for a reduced cost. It performs well as a flank watcher, but struggles in the primary roles of a light tank. It features a laser designator for CAS or artillery support. Features same hull and armor scheme as M3A3 Bradley. Due to how spotting functions, higher spotting values have diminishing returns. Without the mod, - "Line" recon infantry, (70 pts) with (2.5) stealth, (1750m) optics, inf has (600m) stealth window. - "Spec" recon infantry, (75 pts) with (3.0) stealth, (2000m) optics, inf has (933m) stealth window. With the recon mod, - "Line" recon infantry, (70 pts) with (2.5) stealth, (1750m) optics, inf has (440m) stealth window. - "Spec" recon infantry, (75 pts) with (3.0) stealth, (2000m) optics, inf has (800m) stealth window. In effect, this means (70 pts) infantry unit will out spot the recon vehicle by a significant margin regardless of if a person pays the (5 pts) premium. - Ideal version is (BUSK, None, M7A2) - Bushmaster autocannon, but no ATGMs - Struggles with poor max range of (1000m), subpar kinetic damage (1.25). - Bushmaster also only does (2.5) damage with the HE shell, subpar. - Very slow by default, (55) forward makes it one of the slowest vehicles, (20) reverse is poor. - Phenomenal optics for the cost, (2000m), and excellent stealth (1.25). - Still only has (1) smoke charge. This vehicle deserves to have (2). - Has option to take (Iron Fist) modification, can be useful to improve lifespan against atgm teams. - The APS only recieves (2) charges, rather than the standard of (4) Quite an underwhelming vehicle, expensive, and difficult to use, not recommended. American Light Tanks, Infantry Bradleys Why use a Light Tank?? 1) Deep Strike. Use mobility to push into rear line units and kill support units. 2) Fire Brigade. Use mobility to reinforce collapsing zones. 3) Infantry fire support. Provides supplementary firepower for engaged infantry units. 4) Provide suppression damage. 5) Provide long range standoff capabilities. 6) Fight for recon. M2A2 Bradley Budget version of the (M3A2 CFV). Features much worse stealth and optics and less ATGM's. It is not worth using unless it is not possible to take the (M3A2 CFV) - Costs (20 pts) less by default. Costs (70 pts) with (BUSK, None) - Poor optics, (1750m) -> (1200m) and mediocre stealth (1.25) -> (1) - Features fewer missiles, (12) -> (7), moderately fast, (720 m/s), mediocre range (1600m) - TOW-2A ATGM cannot pierce most medium tanks, and cannot pierce heavy tanks frontally. - Good damage when it does pierce (12), mediocre penetration (900mm). - Very slow by default, (55) forward makes it one of the slowest vehicles, (20) reverse is poor. - Excellent Health (16) for (70 pts) - Competitive Armor (100mm) on front and excellent side armor (80mm). - Armed with subpar Bushmaster. - Cannot take (BUSK II) or (Iron Fist) modifications. - Still only has (1) smoke charge, subpar. M2A2 Bradley ESV A special modification of the (M2A2 Bradley) which trades the (TOW-2A) for the (BLAAM), and further lowers the cost to a mythical (50 pts) default. One of the few vehicles where the health modification is of questionable value, due to. It is an excellent standoff fire support vehicle. Can fulfill all light tanks roles except (2), since it usually includes fighting medium and heavy tanks. - Ideal version is (Default, Default), for (50 pts) - Competitive Health (15) for (50 pts) - Competitive Armor (100mm) on front and excellent side armor (80mm). - Poor optics, (1200m) and mediocre stealth (1) - Very slow by default, (55) forward makes it one of the slowest vehicles, (20) reverse is poor. - ATGM has been modified to (BLAAM) standard, retaining the (7) missiles and (720m/s) velocity. - Retains range of (1600m), but damage is improved from (12) -> (15). - ATGM penetration is dramatically reduced, (900mm) -> (150mm). - ATGM can now target infantry, providing incredible utility. - With multiple units together, they can destroy infantry units in 1 missile barrage, from (1600m). - Cannot take (BUSK II) or (Iron Fist) modifications. - Still only has (1) smoke charge, subpar. M2A3 Bradley Budget version (90pts) -> (70 pts) by default, of the (M3A3/A4 CFV). It receives less ATGMs, worse optics, and stealth. It is also available in the infantry tab, similar to the previous non-recon bradleys. A solid choice for a light tank, on a budget. It has great versatility, but can get expensive if made into a generalist unit. Ideal version is dependent on role, similar to the recon version. - For roles (1) and (2), use (BUSK3, none, Upgraded Engine), (100 pts) - For roles (4) and (6), use (BUSK3, None, Stock), (90 pts) - For roles (5) and (3), use (BUSK3, IronFist, Stock), (115 pts) - If mobility is required, the (Upgraded Engine) improves forward mobility from (55) -> (70) - Reverse mobility can be improved from (20) -> (25) - (Iron Fist) modification provides only (2) APS charges. Should only be used sparingly. - (BUSK3 Armor) provides (17) health, quite impressive. - Armor is improved to (120mm) frontal, and (100mm) side, allowing for immunity from (2A72) - Features (TOW-2B) ATGM, (1600m) range, top attack, (12) damage. - Only has (7) missiles rather than the (12) of the recon variant. - Optics are reduced from (2000) -> (1400), making them average. - Stealth is reduced from (1.25) -> (1) making it average. - Still features Bushmaster autocannon with (1000m) range and ATGM is still (TOW-2B). - Still only has (1) smoke charge. Quite underwhelming. M2A3 Bradley ESV Modification of the M2A3/A4 Bradley, which replaces the (TOW-2B) with (BLAAM). Base cost is (55 pts). It should be compared with the (M2A2 ESV), not the (M2A3/A4). - Ideal version is (Default, Default, Upgraded Engine), for (65 pts) - Mediocre Health (15) for (65 pts) - Costs (5pts) more by default, but has (1400m) optics rather than (1200m) - Compared to M2A2 ESV, it is faster forward (55) -> (70), and in reverse (20) -> (25) - This can be useful when redeploying the unit between frontlines, but is otherwise limited utility. - The APS upgrade is not worth it, since it only receives (2) charges. - Still only has (7) missiles, (150mm) penetration, (720 m/s), (15) damage. - Standard stealth rating of (1) and still only (1) smoke charge. M1283 AMPV An (APC) modification of the Bradley, which replaces the manned turret with a larger superstructure and an unmanned turret. The standout feature of this design is the upgraded Bushmaster II. - Ideal version is (85 pts), features (Bushmaster II, Reactive Armor) - If standoff duties are required, for an additional (25 pts) it can mount a (Javalin) ATGM. - It features top attack, less range (1500m), slower speed (685m/s), less damage (10.5) - It also only has (4) missiles, which is quite poor, and must reload after every missile, not every 2. - It has mediocre spotting range (1200m), and mediocre stealth (1) - Good mobility (70) forward, (25) reverse. - Bushmaster II has improved kinetic performance, (50mm/125mm) ->(75mm/150mm) - Bushmaster II has improved damage, HE (2.5) -> (3), KE (1.25) -> (1.5). Good improvement. - Takes about 1 less round compared to Bushmaster to kill most enemies. - Retains same max range of (1000m) - Still only features (1) smoke pop, and no high caliber machinegun. - (Reactive Armor) modification increases health from (14) -> (16) for only (15 pts), worthy upgrade - Armor scheme is quite good, (120mm) frontal, (100mm) side. American Light Tanks, Non-Bradley M60A1 A solid light tank, which is often overlooked. It features excellent survivability when fighting light tanks, but poor mobility. It has noticeably less range than medium tanks, and much worse armor, rendering it vulnerable to them. - Ideal version is (M60A1, Stock Engine) for (105 pts) - Poor forward speed (50), and terrible reverse speed (15). - Can frontally pen any light tank at max range except T-72B, T-80BV. - Features free high caliber machine gun (800m) range, (1) damage, and coax, (600m), (0.75) dmg - Excellent shells for a light tank, (1200m) KE range, (325mm/520mm) KE penetration. - KE shell only does (5.5) rather than the standard (6) of other cannons like (M256). - HE shell is excellent, (11) damage is better than the abrams standard (9), only (1200m) range. - Incredible reload rate, (5 seconds), but not autoloaded, so panic will slow it down. - (300mm) of frontal armor, (100mm) of side armor. Provides frontal immunity to all autocannons. - Includes (1) smoke charge, below average - Includes (16) health by default, decent. - Mediocre optics (1200m) and (1) stealth. M551A1 Sheridan Squishy, Fast, Dangerous. - Ideal version is (Shillelagh), for (80 pts) - Excellent mobility (70) forward, (20) reverse. - Terrible survivability and mediocre armor, (80mm) frontal, (40mm) side, only (14) health. - Very bad reload rate, (8 second) reload. - High damage HE rounds, (15) damage, (155mm) pen, (1200m) range. - High damage HEAT rounds, (11) damage, (600mm) pen, (1200m) range. - High damage (12) GLATGM, but lower range, (1500m) and poor penetration (600mm) - Useful to knock out light tanks at long range. - GLATGM has a stabilizer, meaning they move and still fire, most ATGMs cannot do the same. - Free high caliber machine gun, (800m) range, (1) damage - Mediocre optics (1200m), mediocre stealth (1). When operating in wolf packs (2-3 units), they can rapidly move and fire, annihilating units. Excellent fire support. Can be useful fire support when using paradrops. M8 Thunderbolt The M8 is a perfect example of feature creep. The default version is excellent, featuring best in class reload (5 seconds), autoloaded, excellent HE shells, decent kinetic shells, and economical costs. The upgrades simply add on functionality which is not really required. Sure it is nice to have the ammo from a M1A2 Sep V3, but it is not required to fulfill the role of a light tank. - The ideal version is (M35 105mm Gun, Applique), for (100 pts) - This gives it enough armor to frontally resist common autocannons like the (2A72) at long range. - It also provides side immunity to heavy mg's, keeps the costs down, and enables paradrops. - Default gun has identical ballistics to the M60A1, which means it inherits the great HE shell. - It also keeps the decent range of (1200m), and decent KE shell. - (Applique) modification increases health to (15), decent. - Good optics, (1400m) and mediocre stealth (1). - Excellent mobility (70) forward, mediocre (25) reverse. - Finally has (2) smoke pops, APS is an option, but is quite expensive. M10 Booker (50mm) A rarely spotted vehicle from my experience, even less so in the most interesting version. The (50mm) modification pushes the M10 Booker firmly into the light tank camp. It specializes in destroying weakly armored vehicles rapidly, and punishing helicopter spammers. - Only applicable Light tank version is the (50mm, None), for (145 pts) - Features (50mm) Autocannon, with potent kinetic shells, (2.5) damage, (100mm/180mm) pen. - It has the standard heavy autocannon range, (1100m), but unfortunately only 40 KE rounds. - It also features HE shells which do an excellent (3.8) damage, with (50mm) HE pen. - They can be excellent for non-radar anti helicopter duty. - Excellent armor, (300mm) KE frontal means it is immune to all autocannons - Excellent side armor, (100mm) means many light autocannons struggle to pen. - Competitive survivability (16) and (2) smoke charges. - No long range missile armament means it can get caught out by GLATGMs, since it cannot reply. All in all, it is a unique vehicle, offering excellent performance, but in a niche role. I hope you enjoyed this guide. It took me a really long time to settle the definitions and to write out. Please let me know your feedback and recommendations in the comments. Logically, the next guide will be about all the Heavy Tanks.