The M36 Jackson is a Tier 6 American tank destroyer in World of Tanks, known for its potent combination of mobility, firepower, and decent armor for its class. It’s equipped with a powerful 90mm M3 gun, which delivers 240 alpha damage and has 160mm of penetration with standard rounds. This makes the M36 Jackson a formidable foe against both medium and heavy tanks of the same tier. It plays a critical role in supporting allied tanks from a distance, using its accuracy and firepower to cripple opponents before they close the gap.
In the current meta, the Jackson’s flexibility shines through its excellent firepower and decent gun depression, making it ideal for ridgeline fighting. While its frontal armor isn’t strong enough to brawl head-on with heavies, its speed allows players to relocate and reposition as needed, using terrain to their advantage. One of the key advantages of the M36 Jackson is its ability to deal significant damage quickly and retreat to a safer position before being targeted by enemies.
*Strengths:*
– Excellent penetration and damage for its tier.
– Good mobility for a tank destroyer.
– Effective gun depression for hull-down tactics.
– High DPM (damage per minute) potential.
*Weaknesses:*
– Weak hull armor, especially against higher-tier tanks.
– Limited camouflage values compared to other tank destroyers.
– Vulnerability to artillery due to low armor and open-top turret.
*Recommended Strategies:*
To maximize your effectiveness with the M36 Jackson, focus on maintaining distance between you and the enemy. Positioning is key, so use bushes and ridgelines to maximize your concealment and protect your vulnerable armor. Engage enemies from mid to long-range, where your gun can take full advantage of its penetration and alpha damage. Avoid close-quarters combat with heavy tanks, as they will quickly overpower you. Instead, prioritize flanking maneuvers and support your team by eliminating distracted enemies or soft targets.
When facing higher-tier opponents, consider using premium ammunition to compensate for the Jackson’s otherwise average penetration values. Always be aware of the map and relocate when necessary to avoid artillery or flanking maneuvers by the enemy team.
*Historical Overview:*
The M36 Jackson, also known as the M36 GMC (Gun Motor Carriage), was developed by the United States during World War II to provide a solution to the heavily armored German tanks, like the Panther and Tiger. The primary goal was to equip the U.S. forces with a tank destroyer that had enough firepower to penetrate the thick armor of these German tanks from a distance.
The development of the M36 began in 1942, when it became clear that the existing M10 Wolverine’s 3-inch gun was not adequate against the newest German tanks. To counter this, the U.S. mounted a more powerful 90mm gun on the M10’s chassis, giving birth to the M36 Jackson. The vehicle was introduced in 1944 and saw combat during the final stages of World War II, providing critical fire support in both Europe and the Pacific theaters.
While the M36 was not produced in as large numbers as other American tank destroyers, it proved to be highly effective in its role. After the war, the M36 remained in service in various countries and saw combat in conflicts like the Korean War, highlighting its enduring legacy as a reliable tank destroyer.
*Development Background:*
The need for a more powerful tank destroyer arose after the U.S. military encountered German heavy tanks, which could outmatch the firepower of the standard 3-inch gun on the M10. The main requirement was to mount a gun capable of penetrating heavy armor at range. The solution came in the form of the 90mm M3 gun, a significantly more powerful weapon. By utilizing the M10’s proven chassis and adding a redesigned turret for the 90mm gun, the M36 was born.
*Production Status:*
The M36 Jackson was mass-produced starting in 1944, with around 1,400 units built before the end of World War II. Its role as a tank destroyer was vital, especially in dealing with heavy tanks that other vehicles couldn’t engage effectively. Alongside the M36, other tank destroyers like the M18 Hellcat were fielded, offering a different balance of speed and firepower. While the M36 didn’t fully replace the M10, it became a critical asset for U.S. forces during the latter stages of the war.
Share Your World of Tanks Best Replays
Do you have a World of Tanks best replay that demonstrates your skills and mastery? Do you want to share it with the world and get featured on our platforms? Then don’t hesitate and submit your WoT replay link today! This World of Tanks Mastery Best Replay Video is one of the amazing examples in our WoT Best Replays section. To learn more about this 100% free service, read below and join our Discord Community where you can also find more awesome videos, gold events, World of Tanks news and much more.
How to Submit Your WoT Best Replays?
It’s easy! All you need to do is:
- Earn a Mastery Badge in World of Tanks including a minimum of 1500+ base XP (
Up to 2000 XP for very popular tanks (Bourrasque, etc.), Exceptions may be made for exceptional games including losses which always greatly reduces your XP - Upload your replay to one of the sites listed on our World of Tanks Best Replays page
- Paste the link in the comments section below
That’s it! You’re now eligible to have your WoT replay featured on HoKx YouTube channel, HoKx Facebook, HoKx Twitter, HoKx.com and on our HoKx Discord Community. Don’t miss this chance to share your World of Tanks best replays and help out other WoT players deciding whether the tank is worth picking up!