War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

AUBL/74

2021-01-17T01:09:04Z

U11122557: /* History */

{{Specs-Card
|code=it_fiat_6616_cockerill
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_AUBL_74.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]]. It features good mobility and a low pressure Cockerill Mk. III 90 mm gun.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}

'''Armour Type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
* Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet)
* Wheel (tires)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
|Hull|| 8 mm (74°) ''Upper Glacis'' 8 mm (29-36°) ''Driver viewport glacis'' 8 mm (44°) ''Lower Glacis'' || 8 mm (36-46°) ''Top'' 5 mm (39°) ''Engine vents'' 8 mm (22-30°) ''Bottom'' 8 mm ''Wheelwells'' || 8 mm (11°) ''Upper plate'' 8 mm (44°) ''Lower glacis'' || 8 mm (16°) ''Front glacis'' 8 mm (spherical) ''Driver hatch 8 mm ''Centre'' ''8 mm (4°) ''Rear''
|-
|Turret || 15 mm (24°) ''Turret front'' 8 mm (13°) ''Turret Cheeks'' 15 mm (8-50°) ''Gun Mantlet'' || 8 mm (33°) 15 mm (cylindrical) ''Cupola well'' 8 mm (68-72°) ''Turret underside'' || 8 mm (11°) || 8 mm (85°) ''Front'' 8 mm ''Centre & Rear''
|-
| Cupola || colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | 15 mm (cylindrical) || 8 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* The tires are 10 mm thick and the suspension rods are 1 mm thick.
* The side engine grilles are only 5 mm thick, so make sure to protect those weak points.
* There is an engine grille on the roof which is also only 5 mm thick. A weak point planes might look to take advantage of.
* This vehicle unfortunately hull breaks quite easily.
* A tightly spaced crew of three makes it easily taken out by machine guns and autocannons.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=248|rbMinHp=142}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|Cockerill Mk.3 (90 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Cockerill Mk.3 (90 mm)|90 mm Cockerill Mk.3]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 32 || rowspan="2" | -9°/+27° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A ||28.6||39.5||48.0||53.1||56.5|| rowspan="2" |7.80|| rowspan="2" |6.90|| rowspan="2" |6.36|| rowspan="2" |6.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
|17.9||21.0||25.5||28.2||30.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| M620A1 || HEATFS || 250 || 250 || 250 || 250 || 250 || 250
|-
| M625A1 || HESH || 102 || 102 || 102 || 102 || 102 || 102
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| M620A1 || HEATFS || 890 || 4.10 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 890.4 || 65° || 72° || 77°
|-
| M625A1 || HESH || 800 || 4.50 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 1,200 || 73° || 77° || 80°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
|-
! Ammunition
! Velocity (m/s)
! Projectile Mass (kg)
! Screen radius (m)
! Screen deploy time (s)
! Screen hold time (s)
! Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
|-
| M618A1 || 714 || 5.3 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks AUBL-74.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''32''' || 13 ''(+19)'' || 1 ''(+31)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Notes''':

* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
* Rack 2 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 12 shells and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
* This rack is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 2 - 1.
* Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1 into rack 2. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.



=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}

{{main|Beretta MG42/59 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Beretta MG42/59 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm Beretta MG42/59]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 800 (200) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


AUBL/74 is strongest in a scout and support role playing from visual or hard cover. The HEAT shell can penetrate almost any enemy but the post-penetration damage is quite weak meaning most shots on spread out crews are only disabling shots. With the vehicle's slower than average reload speed, an enemy with a high crew agility and expert qualification can get their gunner back and shoot before you reload, so it is best to aim for ammunition or take out the enemy's barrel or breech. The greater than average speed allows you to get a good over-watch position early leaving you able to scout the enemy easily and take pot shots if the opportunity arises. Playing this vehicle like an [[M18 GMC|M18]] Hellcat or any other fast vehicles with good post-penetration is ill-advised as you won't often be able to kill flanked enemies in one shot, leaving you open to fire.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* 90 mm HEATFS comes stock - HESH and smoke shells are unlockable later
* Rather good traverse and elevation rates allowing for quick reaction to incoming enemies
* Fast on road and medium terrain
* Recoil is not too strong, making aiming the follow-up shot much easier than other light tanks
* Can repair friendly units
* Good multi-purpose tank, both for scouting, ambushing, and side shots
* Can swim!

'''Cons:'''

* Light armour is vulnerable to .50 calibre even at medium ranges
* Bad soft terrain speed, can barely break 25 km/h
* Very prone to being moved by both enemy units and explosions; a bomb going off nearby can flip the vehicle entirely

== History ==
The AUBL/74 is built upon the FIAT 6616 chassis. Rather than equipping the standard 20mm, it could be equip with a 90mm or a 60mm HVG gun to fit the Italian army requirements. The project was a collaboration between FIAT and OTO Melara and saw extensive use for peace keeping operations.

Its engine, radiators, and transmission were separated behind a fireproof bulkhead to provide additional survivability to the crew. It also featured NBC filters and run-flat tires. Its most common variant was armed with a 20mm cannon with an optional 9M14 Malyutka ATGM.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=italy&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=light_tank&vehicle=it_fiat_6616_cockerill Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|R3rRcKLqiLg|'''Do you know what skill is required to play this tank? It's LUCK! (Good luck with that) {{PAGENAME}}''' - ''HowToPlay1337''}}

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

* [[AUBL/74 HVG]]

;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[AML-90]]

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Italy light tanks}}

AUBL/74

2021-01-17T01:08:28Z

U11122557: /* History */

{{Specs-Card
|code=it_fiat_6616_cockerill
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_AUBL_74.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]]. It features good mobility and a low pressure Cockerill Mk. III 90 mm gun.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}

'''Armour Type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
* Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet)
* Wheel (tires)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
|Hull|| 8 mm (74°) ''Upper Glacis'' 8 mm (29-36°) ''Driver viewport glacis'' 8 mm (44°) ''Lower Glacis'' || 8 mm (36-46°) ''Top'' 5 mm (39°) ''Engine vents'' 8 mm (22-30°) ''Bottom'' 8 mm ''Wheelwells'' || 8 mm (11°) ''Upper plate'' 8 mm (44°) ''Lower glacis'' || 8 mm (16°) ''Front glacis'' 8 mm (spherical) ''Driver hatch 8 mm ''Centre'' ''8 mm (4°) ''Rear''
|-
|Turret || 15 mm (24°) ''Turret front'' 8 mm (13°) ''Turret Cheeks'' 15 mm (8-50°) ''Gun Mantlet'' || 8 mm (33°) 15 mm (cylindrical) ''Cupola well'' 8 mm (68-72°) ''Turret underside'' || 8 mm (11°) || 8 mm (85°) ''Front'' 8 mm ''Centre & Rear''
|-
| Cupola || colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | 15 mm (cylindrical) || 8 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* The tires are 10 mm thick and the suspension rods are 1 mm thick.
* The side engine grilles are only 5 mm thick, so make sure to protect those weak points.
* There is an engine grille on the roof which is also only 5 mm thick. A weak point planes might look to take advantage of.
* This vehicle unfortunately hull breaks quite easily.
* A tightly spaced crew of three makes it easily taken out by machine guns and autocannons.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=248|rbMinHp=142}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|Cockerill Mk.3 (90 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Cockerill Mk.3 (90 mm)|90 mm Cockerill Mk.3]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 32 || rowspan="2" | -9°/+27° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A ||28.6||39.5||48.0||53.1||56.5|| rowspan="2" |7.80|| rowspan="2" |6.90|| rowspan="2" |6.36|| rowspan="2" |6.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
|17.9||21.0||25.5||28.2||30.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| M620A1 || HEATFS || 250 || 250 || 250 || 250 || 250 || 250
|-
| M625A1 || HESH || 102 || 102 || 102 || 102 || 102 || 102
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| M620A1 || HEATFS || 890 || 4.10 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 890.4 || 65° || 72° || 77°
|-
| M625A1 || HESH || 800 || 4.50 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 1,200 || 73° || 77° || 80°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
|-
! Ammunition
! Velocity (m/s)
! Projectile Mass (kg)
! Screen radius (m)
! Screen deploy time (s)
! Screen hold time (s)
! Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
|-
| M618A1 || 714 || 5.3 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks AUBL-74.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''32''' || 13 ''(+19)'' || 1 ''(+31)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Notes''':

* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
* Rack 2 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 12 shells and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
* This rack is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 2 - 1.
* Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1 into rack 2. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.



=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}

{{main|Beretta MG42/59 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Beretta MG42/59 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm Beretta MG42/59]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 800 (200) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


AUBL/74 is strongest in a scout and support role playing from visual or hard cover. The HEAT shell can penetrate almost any enemy but the post-penetration damage is quite weak meaning most shots on spread out crews are only disabling shots. With the vehicle's slower than average reload speed, an enemy with a high crew agility and expert qualification can get their gunner back and shoot before you reload, so it is best to aim for ammunition or take out the enemy's barrel or breech. The greater than average speed allows you to get a good over-watch position early leaving you able to scout the enemy easily and take pot shots if the opportunity arises. Playing this vehicle like an [[M18 GMC|M18]] Hellcat or any other fast vehicles with good post-penetration is ill-advised as you won't often be able to kill flanked enemies in one shot, leaving you open to fire.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* 90 mm HEATFS comes stock - HESH and smoke shells are unlockable later
* Rather good traverse and elevation rates allowing for quick reaction to incoming enemies
* Fast on road and medium terrain
* Recoil is not too strong, making aiming the follow-up shot much easier than other light tanks
* Can repair friendly units
* Good multi-purpose tank, both for scouting, ambushing, and side shots
* Can swim!

'''Cons:'''

* Light armour is vulnerable to .50 calibre even at medium ranges
* Bad soft terrain speed, can barely break 25 km/h
* Very prone to being moved by both enemy units and explosions; a bomb going off nearby can flip the vehicle entirely

== History ==
The AUBL/74 , is built upon the FIAT 6616 chassis. Rather than equipping the standard 20mm, it could be equip with a 90mm or a 60mm HVG gun to fit the Italian army requirements. The project was a collaboration between FIAT and OTO Melara and saw extensive use for peace keeping operations.

Its engine, radiators, and transmission were separated behind a fireproof bulkhead to provide additional survivability to the crew. It also featured NBC filters and run-flat tires. Its most common variant was armed with a 20mm cannon with an optional 9M14 Malyutka ATGM.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=italy&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=light_tank&vehicle=it_fiat_6616_cockerill Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|R3rRcKLqiLg|'''Do you know what skill is required to play this tank? It's LUCK! (Good luck with that) {{PAGENAME}}''' - ''HowToPlay1337''}}

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

* [[AUBL/74 HVG]]

;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[AML-90]]

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Italy light tanks}}

Ru 251

2019-05-08T18:58:19Z

U11122557: /* Tactics */

{{Specs-Card|code=germ_ru251}}

==Description==

[[File:GarageImage Ru251.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''Spähpanzer Ru 251''' is a premium Rank IV German light tank with a battle rating of 6.7. It was introduced in [[Update 1.67 "Assault"]]. A very mobile light tank developed for the Bundeswehr to replace their [[M41A1|M41 Walker Bulldogs]], the Ru 251 boasts great mobility and firepower for its users.

The Ru-251 has a relatively small profile for a tank, but for a light tank its profile is average. The Ru-251 utilizes a 90 mm [[BK 90 (90 mm)|BK-90]], the same gun as on the [[JPz 4-5|Kanonenjagdpanzer]]. It is capable of firing HEAT-FS, a potent round, and has a reasonably quick reload. Best for medium range engagements, but can fulfill close range and long range applications as well. Similarly to the Leopards, it has a raised engine deck at the rear, which messes with the gun depression. While it has 9 degrees of gun depression for about 130 degrees of turret rotation to the left or right (Gun pointing straight ahead), for the rear 100 degrees of angle, the gun depression is only a degree or two.

The bigger the map (provided it has cover), the more successful the Ru-251 will be. This is because it can use its speed to reach places early in battle that the enemy would not suspect an enemy tank already occupying.

The smaller the map (Even with cover), the less successful the Ru-251 will be. This is because it cannot make use of the single biggest advantage it has, speed. Essentially it will be forced into slugging matches, and the enemy will always have a pretty good idea of where the Ru-251 will be.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret hatches)
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Driver's bulge)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 30 mm (60°) ''Frontal glacis'' 30 mm (38°), 12.7 mm (69°) ''Lower glacis'' || 20 mm (35°) ''Top'' 20 mm ''Bottom'' || 8 mm (45°) ''Top'' 8 mm (41°) ''Bottom'' || 10 mm
|-
| Turret || 20 mm (23-38°) ''Turret front'' 15 + 30 mm (12-37) ''Gun mantlet'' 30 mm (0-78°) ''Gun mantlet border'' || 20 mm (30-35°) || 20 mm (30-32°) || 10 mm
|-
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
|-
| Cupola || 30 mm || 30 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels, torsion bars, and tracks are 15 mm thick
* Lower part of gun mantlet have additional 20 mm underneath
* Belly armour is 9.5 mm thick.

=== Mobility ===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
|-
! Weight (tons)
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armour weight (tons)
! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
|-
| rowspan="2" | 25.5 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 89 (AB)
|-
|80 (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|1,023
|1,259
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|584
|660
|-
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|40.12
|49.37
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|22.90
|25.88
|-
|}

== Armaments ==
=== Main armament ===

{{main|BK 90 (90 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[BK 90 (90 mm)|90 mm BK 90]]
|-
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
|-
| colspan="3" | 61 || -10°/+20° || ±180° || N/A
|-
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
|-
! style="width:4em" |Mode
! style="width:4em" |Stock
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
|-
| ''Arcade'' || 14.30 || 19.76 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
| ''Realistic'' || 14.30 || 16.80 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
|-
| 9.75 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

===== Ammunition =====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
|-
! 10m
! 100m
! 500m
! 1000m
! 1500m
! 2000m
|-
| DM502 || HESH || 102 || 102 || 102 || 102 || 102 || 102
|-
| M71 shell || HE || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13
|-
| M431 shell || HEATFS || 320 || 320 || 320 || 320 || 320 || 320
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="11" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" |Velocity in m/s
! rowspan="2" |Projectile Mass in kg
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
''in m:''
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
''in mm:''
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g (TNT equivalent):''
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° from horizontal:''
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
|-
! 0%
! 50%
! 100%
|-
| DM502 || HESH || 853 || 11.0 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 3,050 || +0° || 73° || 77° || 80°
|-
| M71 shell || HE || 823 || 11.0 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 925 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| M431 shell || HEATFS || 1216 || 5.8 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 712.64 || +0° || 65° || 72° || 75°
|-
|}

===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
'''Last updated: 1.77.1.40'''
[[File:Ammoracks_Ru251.png|right|x250px|thumbnail|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the Ru 251]]
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full ammo
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |6th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |7th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual discrepancy
|-
|| '''61''' || 57 ''(+4)'' || 51 ''(+10)'' || 41 ''(+20)'' || 31 ''(+30)'' || 21 ''(+40)'' || 11 ''(+50)'' || 1 ''(+60)'' || style="text-align:left" | No
|-
|}

Turret empty: 51 ''(+10)''

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | [[MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm MG 3A1]]
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate (shots/minute)
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 2,500 (1,000) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount''
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate (shots/minute)
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 2,500 (1,000) || 1,200 || -10°/+25° || ±60°
|-
|}

== Usage in the battles ==

The Ru-251 is a very quick light tank, but it is not always fast. While it is true that the tank has a very high road speed, it can only make use of it in certain situations, much like the [[M18 GMC|M18 Hellcat]]. That being said, thanks to almost 26 horsepower per ton, it can maneuver much more quickly over smooth and rough terrain than most other tanks. An important thing to remember is that just because the Ru 251 has the capability of covering large distances quickly, doesn’t mean it is advisable. This tank, like many german post-war vehicles, has virtually no armour, and a huge ammo rack located in the front of the hull.

This tank is highly effective in ambushes, and sniping from cover and the sides of maps. As mentioned prior, this vehicle is not being played to its fullest extent when the enemy knows where it is, or in slugging matches.

Because the Ru-251 enjoys a gun similar to the [[M47|M47 Patton]] and [[JPz 4-5|Jagdpanzer 4-5]] that utilizes HEAT-FS, HESH, and HE, which are extremely potent at 6.7. There are virtually no enemies that can withstand the power of the HEAT-FS, even if it only penetrates 320mm of armour compared to later HEAT-FS that can penetrate 380 mm of armour or even more.

It should be noted that thanks to the transmission in the Ru-251, it can travel as fast forward as it can backwards. As many German tanks have poor reversing speed, this is a welcome change. Another wonderful feature of the transmission is the neutral steer. Unlike other tanks that are sluggish in their neutral-steering abilities, the Ru-251 will turn quickly when the input is made (Unlike the M41, which feels sluggish when neutral-turning, and at times feels hesitant).

===Tactics===
Even though the Ru-251 is a light tank, it utilizes advanced HEAT-FS that allows it to penetrate even the most challenging of opponents, such as the Maus. Upon contact with ammo racks and fuel tanks, serious damage will be done, if it does not outright destroy the opponent.

Before all, avoid colorful or bright decals. Camouflage is an essential part of defense. The characteristics for good performance in battle are: be "invisible", fast and effective. The Ru 251 speed is its best ally. This speed has to be used for flanking maneuvers and relocate. Not for trying to cross open field. That`s a poor tactic.

'''Relocate:''' The Ru 251 will have to do this movement again and again. Choose a good spot wisely, if trees needed to be cleared for visibility, use the machine gun in short bursts. Remember, tracers can easily reveal anyone's position. When in a shooting spot, use the gun depression and keep the hull down until a target is found. Once a target is acquired, aim at critical components by firing into the fuel tanks or the ammo storage. If the shot misses, but are sure the enemy hasn't discovered where it came from, try another shot. Keep in mind, even if the target is oblivious, other members of the enemy team may have seen the firing location, so be careful. If detected, hide immediately! Relocation after being spotted is always advisable, but if relocation is not possible, wait until the enemy has become preoccupied with other team members.

'''Flanking:''' Flanking is the most dangerous maneuver of all because at times the Ru 251 has to expose itself to get to the enemy's rear but it’s very effective when orchestrated properly. Early on in the battle, often enemy units are preoccupied with trying to get to their positions that they might not notice someone flanking, depending on the map and route taken. If a flank is attempted later on, be sure that all enemy vehicles are focused away from, or cannot see the path that is used to flank. When flanking, attacking lone targets will yield the best results. If firing carelessly into a group of tanks, they will locate the flank position and likely highlight the Ru 251 for the entire team to see. On the other hand, if targeting a lone tank, they typically do not tell their teams where they were shot from, and this gives some degree of protection. If they happen to spawn again, be sure to watch likely avenues of approach from the closest spawn and listen for aircraft, as they likely are trying to get vengeance.

Due to your quick speed, you may find yourself outnumbered by enemies. If this is the case, try to remain concealed and use the spotting feature to mark the tanks for your allies. Not only does this help you better keep track of the tanks, but it also helps your team know where the enemies are to give you a better chance of coming out a nasty situation alive.

'''Avoid flat terrain:''' Flat terrain means that the Ru-251 will become an easy target for virtually any vehicle by exposure, especially when not moving or when moving in a straight line. Open plains are the bane of the Ru-251. Whenever possible, one should try to stay amongst hills or within buildings.

'''Engaging:''' Unlike most German tanks, the Ru-251 does not possess APHE to reliably one shot its opponents. Thus, prioritize ammo locations of tanks before and learn their internal crew layout. Its HEAT-FS round will likely penetrate all vehicles at its battle rating reliably, thus, learning internal crew layout is more important than analyzing the armour. If you are unsure where to shoot the enemy, going of the breach is the safest bet. Not only will this prevent the enemy from firing back, it will also force them to relocate and repair.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

*As with all premium vehicles, the Ru-251 is fully upgraded, and comes with a talisman.
*Is very, very quick, and has great maneuverability.
*Utilizes a very similar gun to the one found on the M47, however is at BR 6.7, not 7.3.
*Has (likely) the fastest reverse speed in the game.
*Reload (With full crew + Expert training) is very quick for the caliber and potency of gun.
*Little armour (Advantageous for BR 7.0+ battles, where mobility is favored).

'''Cons:'''

*While acceleration is quick, it is not necessarily fast.
*Huge ammo rack that sits at the front of the hull
*Little armour (Disadvantageous for BR 6.3- battles, where more armour can lead to bouncing).
*Has very poor top armour, extremely vulnerable to artillery.
*Has the least lions reward of all the other Rank IV German Premiums (390% vs 420%).
*Differential steering without initial momentum does not traverse the tank quickly.

== History ==


== Media ==
[https://warthunder.com/en/news/4524-development-sp%C3%A4hpanzer-ru-251-the-fastest-on-land-en/ [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Spähpanzer Ru 251: The Fastest on land]

== Read also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''

* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

''ETC.''

== Sources ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Germany light tanks}}
{{Germany premium ground vehicles}}

Ru 251

2019-05-08T18:48:22Z

U11122557: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card|code=germ_ru251}}

==Description==

[[File:GarageImage Ru251.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''Spähpanzer Ru 251''' is a premium Rank IV German light tank with a battle rating of 6.7. It was introduced in [[Update 1.67 "Assault"]]. A very mobile light tank developed for the Bundeswehr to replace their [[M41A1|M41 Walker Bulldogs]], the Ru 251 boasts great mobility and firepower for its users.

The Ru-251 has a relatively small profile for a tank, but for a light tank its profile is average. The Ru-251 utilizes a 90 mm [[BK 90 (90 mm)|BK-90]], the same gun as on the [[JPz 4-5|Kanonenjagdpanzer]]. It is capable of firing HEAT-FS, a potent round, and has a reasonably quick reload. Best for medium range engagements, but can fulfill close range and long range applications as well. Similarly to the Leopards, it has a raised engine deck at the rear, which messes with the gun depression. While it has 9 degrees of gun depression for about 130 degrees of turret rotation to the left or right (Gun pointing straight ahead), for the rear 100 degrees of angle, the gun depression is only a degree or two.

The bigger the map (provided it has cover), the more successful the Ru-251 will be. This is because it can use its speed to reach places early in battle that the enemy would not suspect an enemy tank already occupying.

The smaller the map (Even with cover), the less successful the Ru-251 will be. This is because it cannot make use of the single biggest advantage it has, speed. Essentially it will be forced into slugging matches, and the enemy will always have a pretty good idea of where the Ru-251 will be.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret hatches)
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Driver's bulge)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 30 mm (60°) ''Frontal glacis'' 30 mm (38°), 12.7 mm (69°) ''Lower glacis'' || 20 mm (35°) ''Top'' 20 mm ''Bottom'' || 8 mm (45°) ''Top'' 8 mm (41°) ''Bottom'' || 10 mm
|-
| Turret || 20 mm (23-38°) ''Turret front'' 15 + 30 mm (12-37) ''Gun mantlet'' 30 mm (0-78°) ''Gun mantlet border'' || 20 mm (30-35°) || 20 mm (30-32°) || 10 mm
|-
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
|-
| Cupola || 30 mm || 30 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels, torsion bars, and tracks are 15 mm thick
* Lower part of gun mantlet have additional 20 mm underneath
* Belly armour is 9.5 mm thick.

=== Mobility ===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
|-
! Weight (tons)
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armour weight (tons)
! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
|-
| rowspan="2" | 25.5 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 89 (AB)
|-
|80 (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|1,023
|1,259
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|584
|660
|-
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|40.12
|49.37
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|22.90
|25.88
|-
|}

== Armaments ==
=== Main armament ===

{{main|BK 90 (90 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[BK 90 (90 mm)|90 mm BK 90]]
|-
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
|-
| colspan="3" | 61 || -10°/+20° || ±180° || N/A
|-
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
|-
! style="width:4em" |Mode
! style="width:4em" |Stock
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
|-
| ''Arcade'' || 14.30 || 19.76 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
| ''Realistic'' || 14.30 || 16.80 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
|-
| 9.75 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

===== Ammunition =====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
|-
! 10m
! 100m
! 500m
! 1000m
! 1500m
! 2000m
|-
| DM502 || HESH || 102 || 102 || 102 || 102 || 102 || 102
|-
| M71 shell || HE || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13
|-
| M431 shell || HEATFS || 320 || 320 || 320 || 320 || 320 || 320
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="11" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" |Velocity in m/s
! rowspan="2" |Projectile Mass in kg
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
''in m:''
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
''in mm:''
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g (TNT equivalent):''
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° from horizontal:''
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
|-
! 0%
! 50%
! 100%
|-
| DM502 || HESH || 853 || 11.0 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 3,050 || +0° || 73° || 77° || 80°
|-
| M71 shell || HE || 823 || 11.0 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 925 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| M431 shell || HEATFS || 1216 || 5.8 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 712.64 || +0° || 65° || 72° || 75°
|-
|}

===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
'''Last updated: 1.77.1.40'''
[[File:Ammoracks_Ru251.png|right|x250px|thumbnail|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the Ru 251]]
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full ammo
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |6th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |7th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual discrepancy
|-
|| '''61''' || 57 ''(+4)'' || 51 ''(+10)'' || 41 ''(+20)'' || 31 ''(+30)'' || 21 ''(+40)'' || 11 ''(+50)'' || 1 ''(+60)'' || style="text-align:left" | No
|-
|}

Turret empty: 51 ''(+10)''

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | [[MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm MG 3A1]]
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate (shots/minute)
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 2,500 (1,000) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount''
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate (shots/minute)
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 2,500 (1,000) || 1,200 || -10°/+25° || ±60°
|-
|}

== Usage in the battles ==

The Ru-251 is a very quick light tank, but it is not always fast. While it is true that the tank has a very high road speed, it can only make use of it in certain situations, much like the [[M18 GMC|M18 Hellcat]]. That being said, thanks to almost 26 horsepower per ton, it can maneuver much more quickly over smooth and rough terrain than most other tanks. An important thing to remember is that just because the Ru 251 has the capability of covering large distances quickly, doesn’t mean it is advisable. This tank, like many german post-war vehicles, has virtually no armour, and a huge ammo rack located in the front of the hull.

This tank is highly effective in ambushes, and sniping from cover and the sides of maps. As mentioned prior, this vehicle is not being played to its fullest extent when the enemy knows where it is, or in slugging matches.

Because the Ru-251 enjoys a gun similar to the [[M47|M47 Patton]] and [[JPz 4-5|Jagdpanzer 4-5]] that utilizes HEAT-FS, HESH, and HE, which are extremely potent at 6.7. There are virtually no enemies that can withstand the power of the HEAT-FS, even if it only penetrates 320mm of armour compared to later HEAT-FS that can penetrate 380 mm of armour or even more.

It should be noted that thanks to the transmission in the Ru-251, it can travel as fast forward as it can backwards. As many German tanks have poor reversing speed, this is a welcome change. Another wonderful feature of the transmission is the neutral steer. Unlike other tanks that are sluggish in their neutral-steering abilities, the Ru-251 will turn quickly when the input is made (Unlike the M41, which feels sluggish when neutral-turning, and at times feels hesitant).

===Tactics===
Even though the Ru-251 is a light tank, it utilizes advanced HEAT-FS that allows it to penetrate even the most challenging of opponents, such as the Maus. Upon contact with ammo racks and fuel tanks, serious damage will be done, if it does not outright destroy the opponent.

Before all, avoid colorful or bright decals. Camouflage is an essential part of defense. The characteristics for good performance in battle are: be "invisible", fast and effective. The Ru 251 speed is its best ally. This speed has to be used for flanking maneuvers and relocate. Not for trying to cross open field. That`s a poor tactic.

'''Relocate:''' The Ru 251 will have to do this movement again and again. Choose a good spot wisely, if trees needed to be cleared for visibility, use the machine gun in short bursts. Remember, tracers can easily reveal anyone's position. When in a shooting spot, use the gun depression and keep the hull down until a target is found. Once a target is acquired, aim at critical components by firing into the fuel tanks or the ammo storage. If the shot misses, but are sure the enemy hasn't discovered where it came from, try another shot. Keep in mind, even if the target is oblivious, other members of the enemy team may have seen the firing location, so be careful. If detected, hide immediately! Relocation after being spotted is always advisable, but if relocation is not possible, wait until the enemy has become preoccupied with other team members.

'''Flanking:''' Flanking is the most dangerous maneuver of all because at times the Ru 251 has to expose itself to get to the enemy's rear but it’s very effective when orchestrated properly. Early on in the battle, often enemy units are preoccupied with trying to get to their positions that they might not notice someone flanking, depending on the map and route taken. If a flank is attempted later on, be sure that all enemy vehicles are focused away from, or cannot see the path that is used to flank. When flanking, attacking lone targets will yield the best results. If firing carelessly into a group of tanks, they will locate the flank position and likely highlight the Ru 251 for the entire team to see. On the other hand, if targeting a lone tank, they typically do not tell their teams where they were shot from, and this gives some degree of protection. If they happen to spawn again, be sure to watch likely avenues of approach from the closest spawn and listen for aircraft, as they likely are trying to get vengeance.

'''Avoid flat terrain:''' Flat terrain means that the Ru-251 will become an easy target for virtually any vehicle by exposure, especially when not moving or when moving in a straight line. Open plains are the bane of the Ru-251. Whenever possible, one should try to stay amongst hills or within buildings.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

*As with all premium vehicles, the Ru-251 is fully upgraded, and comes with a talisman.
*Is very, very quick, and has great maneuverability.
*Utilizes a very similar gun to the one found on the M47, however is at BR 6.7, not 7.3.
*Has (likely) the fastest reverse speed in the game.
*Reload (With full crew + Expert training) is very quick for the caliber and potency of gun.
*Little armour (Advantageous for BR 7.0+ battles, where mobility is favored).

'''Cons:'''

*While acceleration is quick, it is not necessarily fast.
*Huge ammo rack that sits at the front of the hull
*Little armour (Disadvantageous for BR 6.3- battles, where more armour can lead to bouncing).
*Has very poor top armour, extremely vulnerable to artillery.
*Has the least lions reward of all the other Rank IV German Premiums (390% vs 420%).
*Differential steering without initial momentum does not traverse the tank quickly.

== History ==


== Media ==
[https://warthunder.com/en/news/4524-development-sp%C3%A4hpanzer-ru-251-the-fastest-on-land-en/ [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Spähpanzer Ru 251: The Fastest on land]

== Read also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''

* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

''ETC.''

== Sources ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Germany light tanks}}
{{Germany premium ground vehicles}}