Overview
Let's start by taking a closer look at the physical appearance of the AE Phase I: well-sloped armor, fine detailing on the turret, and an unusual chassis. Although its four segmented tracks do not affect the gameplay, they certainly make this vehicle stand out on the battlefield!
Fans of American tanks, or anyone who would like to add a great all-rounder to their collection, should pay close attention. It is a great choice for beginners and more seasoned players alike, with a playstyle comparable to the AMX M4 51 or Conqueror.
Another plus point: The AE Phase I might be a Reward tank, but just like with any other Premium tank, you can easily transfer existing crew members from other American heavies without retraining.
And of course, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention its most unique feature—a built-in Large Repair Kit consumable, which adds a passive +15% bonus to module repair speed, instead of the usual 10%. That extra speed might just be the difference between life and death in your next battle!
The built-in Large Repair Kit can be installed on any of the vehicle's consumable slots, but can't be removed.
Armor
Players who prefer American heavy tanks will find many similarities between the AE Phase I and the M103 or the T110E5, especially when it comes to armor. However, our formidable fighter has a larger and better-protected turret than others of its nation—its frontal turret armor is 292 mm thick, with its only weak spot being the commander's small cupola. By comparison, the frontal turret armor of the T57 Heavy Tank is only 152 mm thick, while that of the T110E5 and M103 is 203 mm and 254 mm respectively.
Add the tank's excellent gun depression (–10°/15°) to these impressive numbers, and you will get an idea of how to play with this machine. That's right, the terrain is going to be your best friend.
You'll want to try to keep the sides of your turret turned away from the enemy though, as there's only 101 mm of protection there. But fear not! The AE Phase I has one of the best turret traverse speeds among Tier IX heavies: 32 deg/s.
As far as hull armor goes, things are not so good. Fortunately, the AE Phase I's 120 mm frontal armor presents some good angles that may help to bounce shots, while its side armor—thanks to the unique shape of the hull—is about 88 mm.
Taking these numbers into consideration, it’s worth looking for a place on the map where you can keep your hull well hidden or fight on the second line, where you can snipe from behind your better-armored comrades. This is especially true for battles with Tier Xs, as the AE Phase I only has 1,800 points of HP, so it's best to play safe.
Mobility
As previously mentioned, the AE Phase I has nothing to brag about when it comes to hull armor, so understanding your escape options when cornered is paramount. After all, what use is such a magnificent gun if you're going to get yourself kicked out straight away?
This tank's 900-horsepower engine is enough to secure a top speed of 35 km/h, though its reverse speed is much more modest—12 km/h. Its specific power of about 16 h.p./t hints that making sharp turns on the spot may not be possible. And as for view range, 390 m is an average figure for heavy tanks of its tier.
Firepower
Paired with the AE Phase I's 120 mm M58A gun, AP shells can overcome 258 mm of steel; HEAT—340 mm; HE—60 mm. It's no slouch in the alpha damage department either, hitting opponents for 400/400/515 HP of damage respectively.
The AE Phase I can fire 5.45 rounds/min, with dispersion at 100 m of 0.38, and aims in 2.5 seconds. As you can see, this is a gun that can take the shots, land the hits, and most importantly, dish out pain. Even in terms of damage per minute, everything is well in order with a more than capable figure of 2,182.
How to Play the AE Phase I
Crew Skills
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'Repair' is crucial as a first skill to remain in the game for longer. You shouldn't lead the charge or fight in the first line, but even in the second line, your tracks could be set on fire and you don't want to be caught without them. Make sure you are always ready for a quick escape or to change to a more advantageous position. The additional skills improve your gun and your general performance in battle, especially 'Brothers in Arms'.
