Pre-order: Stingray II — The Upgraded Commando

Meet the Stingray II, a further development of the American Commando Stingray light tank!

**Stingray II: **A Premium (Pre-order) Light Tank for the US at Rank VI

At a glance:

• Thermal imager

• DM33 rounds

• Improved armor protection

• Good mobility

• Low reverse speed

Pre-order — Stingray II Pack

To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store.

This pack includes:

• Stingray II (Rank VI, USA)

• Premium account for 15 days

• 2000 Golden Eagles

• Pre-order bonus: unique “Sting like a ray” title

• Pre-order bonus: unique "Bluespotted ribbontail ray" decal

59.99

Introducing the Stingray II

[p align="justify"]Hi everyone! Today, pre-orders for the Stingray II light tank have started! This light vehicle is nimble and fast with a wide range of ammunition. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect!

Using the Stingray II in Battle

Right, as you might expect, the Stingray successfully combines all of the key qualities of a modern light tank. It has a high power-to-weight ratio making it fast and nimble in battle, with a top speed of 71 km/h, allowing you to reach advantageous positions in a jiffy. To help maintain good fire control, the Stingray II features a stabilized 105 mm gun, capable of firing strong APFSDS rounds, allowing it to effortlessly penetrate the side armor of any opponent at its rank. If you’d prefer long range sniping, the Stingray II has a thermal imager that makes spotting targets significantly easier, plus a laser rangefinder that provides instant range adjustments, even at really far distances. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows though, as the Stingray II does have one major drawback. It reverses slowly, which will hinder your ability to quickly retreat into cover after taking a shot. Keep this in mind when you’re on the attack.

Feature Spotlight: The Ideal Light Tank Formula

[p align="justify"]The Stingray II is a direct evolution of the Commando Stingray light tank, designed for the export market. Its most significant upgrade over its predecessor is the addition of a thermal imager to the gun. This allows for target detection in any weather, which is significant given its role as a mobile light tank. Its armor is not perfect, but the enhanced protection is another key advantage of the Stingray II. Its front armor can withstand fire from several small-caliber automatic cannons. Compared to the Commando Stingray, its side protection has also been improved, though it does remain vulnerable to heavy machine gun fire. Furthermore, a new engine compensates for the increased weight, making the Stingray II slightly faster than the original version.

[p align="justify"]**Developer comment: **The Stingray II will be the first American rank VI premium light tank. Overall, while it does not differ drastically from the original version, it provides American commanders with a solid premium scout vehicle for their rank VI lineup: one that will help accelerate the research of all vehicles up to and including rank VII.

Vehicle History

[p align="justify"]In 1992, the American company Cadillac Gage (now a division of Textron Marine & Land Systems) initiated the development of the Stingray II, a light export tank that evolved from the earlier Commando Stingray model designed in the 1980s. The original Commando Stingray was produced for the Royal Thai Army. Improvements for the new version focused primarily on enhanced protection and increased combat capabilities, achieved through the integration of a modern fire-control system.

The first and only prototype of the Stingray II was built in 1994. It was actively marketed for export to various countries but ultimately failed to secure any orders. By around 2000, Cadillac Gage ceased efforts to promote the tank on the international market.

That’s all for this one! Pre-orders for the Stingray II have started today, where you’ll be able to get yourself the tank, Golden Eagles and premium account time. Until the next blog, have fun in your battles!

[p align="center"]Please note that vehicle specifications may be subject to revision and change before being added to the game.