[Coming Soon] HSTV-L: The Flank King

Historical note

In the mid-1970s, the United States launched a program to develop advanced vehicles to replace the M551 Sheridan and M50 Ontos. One of the most ambitious designs was the HSTV-L (High Survivability Test Vehicle – Light), a compact, highly mobile platform built around an extremely low silhouette. Its defining feature was the 75 mm XM274 smoothbore cannon with an autoloader, capable of delivering up to 60 rounds per minute.

Testing of the prototype between 1979 and 1981 revealed both strengths and limitations in the design. The XM274 cannon delivered excellent accuracy thanks to its stabilizer and modern fire-control system. However, its armor penetration was inadequate against the frontal armor of Soviet T-64 and T-72 tanks. The vehicle also proved difficult to adapt to US Marine Corps requirements, as airborne deployment and coastal operations demanded additional modifications. These challenges led to the project’s cancellation in 1981. Even so, several innovations from the HSTV-L program were later incorporated into the M8 AGS and other advanced combat vehicle projects.

HSTV-L (Rank XIII)

SWOT Analysis

• Strengths: Stabilized 75 mm cannon, very high rate of fire, excellent mobility, and excellent gun depression.
• Weaknesses: Low survivability.
• Opportunities: Effective use of terrain, active scouting, and flanking maneuvers.
• Threats: Vulnerable to nearly all incoming fire except machine guns.

In battle

A truly unique American combat vehicle arrives at Rank XIII in War Thunder Mobile. The HSTV-L excels in reconnaissance and ambush roles, is built on a fast, highly maneuverable low-profile chassis and is equipped with a rapid-fire 75 mm cannon capable of firing APFSDS rounds.

In the game, the experimental HSTV-L is a light tank that blends high mobility with potent armament. Its 75 mm smoothbore cannon features an autoloader capable of firing every second. However, its limited ammunition supply of 26 rounds means each shot must be used wisely. The XM885 Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding-Sabot (APFSDS) round can penetrate most targets at its battle rank, but it demands precise aim, especially when engaging heavy or main battle tanks. The second shell option, the High-Explosive Variable Time (HE-VT) fuse, is especially useful against targeting low-flying aircraft.

The HSTV-L’s effectiveness comes from leveraging its key strengths: compact size, high mobility, and exceptional rate of fire. Success depends on staying mobile and using the terrain for concealment. It excels at “shoot-and-scoot” engagements, setting up unexpected ambushes, and executing bold flanking attacks.

Avoid frontal duels with heavily armored opponents. Use terrain to move across the map undetected, approach from the sides or rear, and eliminate targets with sustained fire.

Premium version of the HSTV-L (Rank XIII)

The Premium variant is an extra tank for your hangar! The premium tank maintains the same performance as the standard variant, though it comes in a unique camouflage. With this premium tank you’ll be able to enjoy faster Silver Lion and Research Point gains, and earn some Golden Eagles in your battles.

If you’re lucky enough to unlock both the premium and the standard variants, you will be able to use them both in the same battle!

*Vehicle specifications and camouflages are still work in progress and may differ on release.

The HSTV-L (Rank XIII) can be obtained in War Thunder Mobile (WTM) from Medium or Big Trophies in the Tank Campaign with the start of the new Season.