M3 Halftrack
From RelicWiki
This article refers to a vehicle from the game Company of Heroes
The M3 Halftrack is the allied Armored Personnel Carrier. Decently armored, and fast, it is useful for transporting troops deep into enemy territory and reinforcing units on the field. However, for 100 munitions, they can be upgraded with a quad caliber 50 gun that dishes out some serious damage to infantry.
M3 Halftracks can be built from the allied motor pool.
Vehicle Statistics
Built in: Motor Pool
Build time: 40 seconds.
Hit Points: 315
Carrying Capacity: 12
MP Cost: 220
Fuel Cost: 40
Upgrades: Quad .50 cal Maxson Mount
Abilities: N/A
Damage rating: 4 vs. infantry
Veterancy Upgrades: Rank 1: Max Speed increased by 25%. Rank 2: Weapon accuracy increased by 25%. Rank 3: Weapon damage increased by 25%.
Uses
Useful for transporting troops that may come under fire, and can also be a mobile troop reinforcement point, saving you from having to run all the way back to your Headquarters. Used in the APC rush. It can be outfitted with a powerful .50 cal turret, but this removes its ability to transport troops. The car comes with a turret, but it can only fire when there are troops garissoned inside of it.
An early M3 with the quad gun on the battlefield can pose some serious problems for your opponent. With a decent income, it is easily possible to have a quad way before the enemy can have a counter vehicle. You only have to watch out for Volksgrenadiers with their Panzerfaust ability, about the only early ability that can harm the M3. If the Axis player fields Grenadiers with Panzerschrecks, it's also wise to stay clear from these.
The quad has long reload times, but when it fires, it can drop infantry at an alarming rate. When you are closer to infantry, then its accuracy doubles, so when going up against MGs, this may be a good idea. However, try to keep it stationary while firing to avoid high accuracy penalties on the move and preferably relocate when the guns are being reloaded.
The quad is also very good at cleaning garrisoned buildings. The rate at which it clears the building depends on the size of the house. If you are quick at getting the quad, it may also be worth paying the axis base a visit. If you are lucky, then he has no Sturm Armory up yet and you can seriously delay its construction by killing pioneers attempting to build one. This can be a game decider.
To get out a quad as early as possible, maintain a good fuel and munitions income, then, a bit before reaching 50 fuel, retreat some engineers and get your supply depot up. If you have good fuel income, it may be worth double building it. Quickly follow up by a motor pool and your M3. As soon as it's out, get the quad upgrade (which takes a minute to finish) and once it kicks in, you are good to go.
Counters
Not a very strong vehicle, pretty much anything with anti tank capability should be able to knock it out.
