AE Phase I Review: a Fearsome Predator

OVERVIEW | ARMOR | MOBILITY | FIREPOWER | HOW TO PLAY | EQUIPMENT | CREW

Commanders!

The actual concept might not have made it past the blueprints, but that doesn’t mean the vehicle wouldn’t have worked on a battlefield. We took the idea developed by Associated Engineers Inc. and created the AE Phase I, a menacing American Tier IX heavy tank.

The AE Phase I is just one of three Tier IX reward tanks you can earn for free when you collect 12 Expedition tokens in the Frontline and Steel Hunter game modes.

Play through both events and you'll have the opportunity to unlock 2 out of 3 tanks. Need a hand to decide which reward tank suits your playstyle best? Read our guide below!

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

Main Characteristics
Firepower
Survivability
Mobility
AE Phase I
IX
Average Damage
400/400/515 HP
Average Penetration
258/340/60 mm
Hit Points
1,800 HP
Top Speed / Reverse Speed
35/12 km/h
Commander (Radio Operator)
Gunner
Driver
Loader
Firepower
Average Damage
400/400/515 HP
Ammunition
40 item(s)
Average Penetration
258/340/60 mm
Gun Reload Time
11 s
Dispersion at 100 m
0.38 m
Turret Traverse Speed
32 deg/s
Aiming Time
2.5 s
Gun Depression / Elevation Angles
10/15°
Shell Types
Shell Velocity
AP
1,067 m/s
HEAT Shell
1,067 m/s
HE Shell
1,067 m/s
Survivability
Concealment of Moving Vehicle
2.62%
Hit Points
1,800 HP
Concealment of Stationary Vehicle
5.24%
Hull Armor
120/88/38 mm
Signal Range
745 m
Turret Armor
292/101/50 mm
View Range
390 m
The vehicle’s armour matches its exterior: a solid turret and hull featuring armour plates placed at rational angles. When facing lower or same-Tier enemies, you can take maximum advantage of the vehicle’s armour (especially the turret). In clashes against enemies of higher Tiers, you should play somewhat more carefully and either use the gun’s wide depression angle in combination with the turret armour or fight from the second line.
Mobility
Engine Power
900 h.p.
Traverse Speed
30 deg/s
Specific Power
16.07 h.p./t
Top Speed / Reverse Speed
35/12 km/h
Weight / Load Limit
56/60 t
Although a modest 35 km/h, you can rely on the AE Phase I to accelerate quickly to its top speed, and maintain it.
   

It may sound obvious, but against Tier IXs and Xs, mindful play is required: pick your positions carefully, make smart use of terrain to score your shots, and stay on the second line rather than the first. Also, be wary of some of the potential adversaries you might encounter: tank destroyers like the Strv 103B or Jagdpanzer E 100 will make short work of your armor.

As always, be sure to play to your strengths: a solid gun with excellent damage per minute, good frontal turret armor, and great gun depression.

Equipment

Recommended Setup

Hover your cursor over the images for more information on each piece of equipment.

Check out the setup above to ensure the maximum performance of your gun. An even higher rate of fire, better dispersion values, and a general boost to many parameters will maximize your average amount of damage to take out your opponents even faster.

Crew Skills

Commander
Gunner
Driver
Loader

Hover your cursor over the images for more information on each crew skill or perk.

'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'.

For just 12 Expedition tokens, you'll become a real problem for your enemies!

Adrenaline Rush

Decreases the gun reload time by 10% if your vehicle's HP drops below 10%.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Brothers in Arms / Sisterhood of Steel

Increases the training level of your crew members by 5%.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100% for every single crew member.

Band of Brothers

Increases the training level of your crew members by 5%.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100% for every single crew member.

Also works if other crew members have Brothers in Arms / Sisterhood of Steel.

Call for Vengeance

Reports the enemy vehicles' location for two more seconds after the destruction of the own vehicle.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Clutch Braking

Increases the traverse speed of your vehicle.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Concealment

Increases the camouflage value of your vehicle.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Controlled Impact

Increases the ramming damage dealt and decreases damage taken by ramming.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Deadeye

Increases the chance of landing a critical hit.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Designated Target

Keeps targeted vehicles visible for two more seconds.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Eagle Eye

Allows you to identify damaged/destroyed modules as well as injured crew members of an enemy vehicle by hovering your mouse over it for several seconds.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Firefighting

Reduces the duration and damage taken by fire.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Intuition

Grants a slight chance of changing the shell type without having to reload again.

Doesn't work with autoloaders. Works also while reloading.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Jack of All Trades

Reduces the performance penalty of wounded crew members.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Mentor

Increases the Crew XP gained for each member apart from the commander.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Off-Road Driving

Increases the mobility on medium and soft terrain.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Preventative Maintenance

Reduces the chance of taking fire.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Recon

Increases the view range of your vehicle.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Relaying

Increases the signal range of your allies' vehicles within your signal range.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Repair

Reduces the repair time of destroyed modules.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Safe Stowage

Increases the durability of your vehicle's ammo rack.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Signal Boosting

Increases the signal range of your vehicle.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Situational Awareness

Increases the view range of your vehicle.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Sixth Sense

Shows a lightbulb three seconds after you've been spotted.

Works only if the skill progress has reached 100%.

Smooth Ride

Reduces the dispersion penalty while driving.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Snap Shot

Reduces the dispersion penalty of traversing the turret.

The higher the skill progress, the higher the effect.

Additional Grousers

Increases the mobility on soft and medium terrain.

Binocular Telescope

Increases the view range of your vehicle by 25%.

Your hull must stand still for at least 3 seconds.

Camouflage Net

Increases the camouflage value of your vehicle tremendously.

Your hull must stand still for at least 3 seconds.

Enhanced Gun Laying Drive

Reduces the aiming time of your gun by 10%.

Coated Optics

Increases the view range of your vehicle by 10%.

Tank Gun Rammer

Reduces the reload time of your gun by 10%.

Spall Liner

Decreases damage taken by ramming and high-explosive splash.

Toolbox

Decreases the repair time of destroyed modules.

Cumulative with the Repair skill.

Improved Ventilation

Increases the training level of your crew members by 5%.

Vertical Stabilizer

Reduces the dispersion penalties of hull and turret traverse, as well as driving by 20%.

"Wet" Ammo Rack

Increases the module HP of your ammo rack.

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