Ramming Speed!: A guide to T72 vs Abrams Encounters

In tank duels, positioning is key. Even in a weaker tank like a T72, having a good angle from a concealed location to surprise the enemy and win an engagement before the enemy tank can even fire back.

However, in urban areas or on close capture points, distances can go from 1000 metres down to 100 metres very quickly. In close engagements people panic and make stupid choices, such as ramming an enemy tank when their turret has been knocked out.

Ramming provides a last ditch effort in close tank battles and is a simple, low stress tactic compared to running back to main and hiding like a nerd. This takes advantage of the smaller size of the T-72.

It is as simple as holding "W" and reciting a prayer. However, more nuance can be added to ensure success. Firstly, there are multiple aspects to consider such as:

1. Speed of your tank
2. Position of enemy tank
3. Angle of Attack (AoA) when ramming an enemy tank
4. Speed of the enemy's tank
5. Visibility

1: Speed of your tank
Through testing, a certain momentum is needed to successfully ram and enemy tank. Ramming the enemy is not as simple as charging and pushing them, optimally, you will flip the tank at the front and have a clear shot at either a turret ring or the underbelly.

To flip an Abrams from the front at a 0 AoA, a speed of at least 45 km/h is recommended. To get to 45 km/h from stopped requires at least 60 metres but 100 metres is more reliable.

2. Position of enemy tank
When ramming, seek level ground and clear of obstacles. A wall behind the enemy might help you get leverage, otherwise any inclines can impede the process of flipping.

3. AoA
As pictured below, a 45 AoA to the front hull of an Abrams successfully prevents a flip. This provides a quick and simple counter. The success of a ram comes from being unexpected. NOTE: RAMMING AN ABRAMS PERPENDICULAR TO THE HULL WILL NOT EVEN BUDGE THE ABRAMS AT 45 KM/H

4. Speed of enemy tank
   If they are charging towards you too, you are going to increase the odds of one of you flipping. As a T-72 it is easier to be pushed by the girthquake Abrams, so it best to avoid this as you will see the results later.

5. Visibility
You want limited visibility by the enemy when closing the distance. Use smokes, cover, concealment and try to be conscious of the gunner POV for both your tank and the enemy.

Visuals provided further down.

Both above images display the results of a front ram, 0 AoA at 45km/h at point of impact. This results in the Abrams being "flipped" up at the front. This results in the following POV for the Abrams gunner. (Turret is aimed at max depression)
However, if a flip fails, the Abrams gunner will see this:
(Note: T72 sustained top hit to turret, did 50% of hull strength with no module damage, 1 round APFDS from Abrams) When a successful flip occurs, a clear shot at the underbelly is given. 1 round of APFDS from the T-72 produces the following:
(note: Still requires 2 shots to penetrate ammo, but Abrams cannot fire back.

What if you fail to flip the Abrams?

It is not over yet. You still have a good shot at the weak turret ring of the Abrams.

However, the enemy gunner will have depression on you and is in a position to 2-shot you via the top of the T-72 turret.

What if an Abrams rams me?

On the opposing force, ramming a T-72 is more just bad manners but is still very fun. Due to the higher mass and better speed of the Abrams, you go through the T-72 like a hockey player going through a starving child with their back turned.

The T-72, if hit from 0 AoA at the front or rear will be tossed graciously over the Abrams' hull exposing the underbelly for a shot before it is left to pathetically flop and roll onto its side, a mobility kill in the worst sense.

So how do you actually use all of this information?

Simple.

• 45 km/h for speed
  
• approach head on at close range
  
• minimise your window of exposure
  
• already be desperate
  
• try to flip

Whilst not a good idea at all, you can also surprise ram the rear of the Abrams. This requires less speed and is brutal as if the Abrams is tracked, there is no way to return fire and they have to rotate their turret 180.
This should be another tool in the tool belt, a last ditch tactic for when going kamikaze is your only choice.

***ALL TESTING WAS DONE ON JENSEN'S RANGE, ACTUAL IN GAME TESTING HAS SHOWN THAT THIS CAN WORK, THIS GUIDE IS TO MAXIMISE THE CHANCES OF A GOOD RAM***