War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

Pe-8

2022-06-06T02:11:08Z

U120541338: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=pe-8_m82
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet heavy bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.53 "Firestorm"]].

The Petlyakov {{PAGENAME}} was an early design Soviet heavy bomber which debuted in 1936. This monster of a bomber was the only four-engine bomber produced by the Soviet Union during World War II. Though impressive as it was, it was only produced in limited numbers and was reserved for special occasions called "morale raids" to encourage and raise the spirits of the Soviet population by hitting important German targets deep behind enemy lines to include bombing Berlin in mid-1941. Other prime targets included the nighttime bombing of factories, German airfields and rail yards. As such an important aircraft to the Soviet people, it became a priority target for the German Luftwaffe pilots to go after. By 1944 all remaining {{PAGENAME}}s were removed from service but were retrofitted for other jobs such as VIP transport and operations up into the arctic circle.

The {{PAGENAME}} though a large and tempting target, it is not without its merits. The huge bomber has a nose gunner, tail gunner, rear-facing dorsal turret and two rear-facing underwing gun pods. Attacking this aircraft especially from the rear whether above, below or directly from the rear is a bad choice as, like with the [[BV 238]], there are many defensive guns which can hit and hit hard. These defensive weapons are critical to protecting the bomber against inbound enemy fighter especially because of the bomb payload which it can carry. Options can range between 2,000 and 5,000 kg bomb loads with as many as 40 x 50 kg or 100 kg bombs, or fewer but heavier bombs such as 6 x 500 kg bombs or a single massive 5,000 kg FAB-5000 bomb.

It is easy to see why the {{PAGENAME}} would be a prime target to eliminate as if left unchecked, it could easily wipe out the enemy bases without flinching and move onto the next. Other payload options are useful for carpet bombing areas where clusters of lighter vehicles or fixed anti-aircraft targets may sit. Fleet vessels are not to discount this bomber as it has the means to destroy ships with its accurate bomb site, pending the pilot slowing the aircraft down enough to let the bombardier line up the target and release the necessary ordnance. For the pilot of the {{PAGENAME}}, fly high and drop as much as you can on the targets, as a fighter trying to take out the {{PAGENAME}} set up your run so that in the event you lose control of your aircraft, it has a good chance of ramming the bomber causing it to crash as this aircraft has a good propensity to soak up bullets.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


The Pe-8 has poor flight characteristics: the plane is very heavy for its engines and thus is slow. This limits its top speed as well as its climb rate. The wings being massive, the turn radius is large and the bomber's manoeuvrability is mediocre. Combined with a short tail, this creates instability and causes the Pe-8 to wobble when changing directions. The bomber usually compresses and wobbles after doing sharp turns, which can be very lethal at low altitude. It can take the pilot a certain time to regain control of the bomber. When engaged in a steep dive, the same phenomenon (compressing and wobbling) takes place, restricting it only to a level bombing role.

Note for new Pe-8 pilots - Since this plane's control surfaces are huge and rotate very slowly, they will have lots of inertia: after you release a keyboard button for rolling, the ailerons will keep deflecting for a second or two before stopping, which is unlike the controls of smaller aircraft where the control surfaces stop deflecting immediately as soon as you release the button. Therefore it is a good practice to release the button a second before the Pe-8 is at an optimal position, as the control surfaces' inertia will do the job after letting go the keyboard input.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 5,900 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 402 || 387 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 36.9 || 37.6 || 4.9 || 4.9 || rowspan="2" | 1,500
|-
! Upgraded
| 445 || 422 || 35.1 || 36.0 || 10.2 || 7.2
|-
|}

==== Details ====
[[File:Pe-8 lunarrainbow 001.jpg|450px|thumb|right|]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 460 || 434 || 280 || ~4 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 320 || < 350 || < 380 || > 341
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


The Pe-8 has a durable airframe, meaning the bomber can take some damage, still complete its mission and make it home. Even if its fuel tanks are self-sealing, fires tend to be devastating for the structural integrity of the wings.

;Armour plates

* 8 mm Steel - Plate behind pilot's seat
* 8 mm Steel - Plate behind copilot's seat
* 8 mm Steel - Plate for underwing nacelle gunners x 2
* No armour glazing

;Critical components

* The pilot and the controls are located in front of the aircraft
* Engines and fuel tanks located throughout the wings
* Fuel tanks are self-sealing

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
[[File:Pe-8 *jermster 91 001.jpg|450px|thumb|right|]]
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|FAB-50sv (50 kg)|FAB-100sv (100 kg)|FAB-250sv (250 kg)|FAB-500sv (500 kg)|FAB-1000 (1,000 kg)}}
{{main|FAB-5000 (5,000 kg)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* 40 x 50 kg FAB-50sv bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 40 x 100 kg FAB-100sv bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 12 x 250 kg FAB-250sv bombs (3,000 kg total)
* 6 x 500 kg FAB-500sv bombs (3,000 kg total)
* 4 x 1,000 kg FAB-1000 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 1 x 5,000 kg FAB-5000 bomb (5,000 kg total)

The Pe-8 can carry the FAB-5000 bomb, the largest bomb in-game, with over 5 tons of TNT equivalent, which proves extremely deadly in ground RB and naval battles. The 40 x 100 kg bombs loadout is suitable for carpet bombing against columns of vehicles and occasionally base bombing while the 4 x 1000 kg bombs loadout is best suited for destroying bases and airfields, and 2 bombs are required to destroy a base. The stock payload of 40 x 50 kg bombs has very little efficiency against ground targets due to lack of explosive power and is ill-suited for base bombing.

=== Defensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}

{{main|ShVAK (20 mm)|Berezin UB (12.7 mm)|ShKAS (7.62 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:

* 1 x 20 mm ShVAK cannon, dorsal turret (200 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm ShVAK cannon, tail turret (230 rpg)
* 1 x 12.7 mm Berezin UB machine gun, 2 x engine nacelle turrets (200 rpg)
* 2 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns, nose turret (750 rpg = 1,500 total)

The rear-facing 20 mm ShVAK cannon turrets are quite accurate and easy to aim, they will deal with any enemy fighter daring to come close. The 12.7 mm Berezin MGs in the engine nacelle turrets provide extra coverage from behind. While the defensive armament can be powerful, it is still ridden with weaknesses: the turrets lack any kind of armour, so your gunners can be knocked out easily and each turret has a low ammo count, resulting in frequent reloads that essentially leave you defenceless. The frontal 7.62 mm ShKAS MGs lack power to deal with fighters flying towards the Pe-8 head-on. Aircraft coming from high altitude can also avoid defensive firepower by exploiting their dead angles.

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:Pe-8 the interceptor 002.jpg|450px|thumb|right|]]

The Pe-8, as mentioned earlier, is in essence a Soviet Death Star (a.k.a Tu-4 at a lower tier). It both boasts a very effective cannon armament and a high bomb load, able to kill two bases in one pass. Its 5,000 kg bomb is especially useful in Ground Battles as a "tactical nuke" of sorts, able to wipe out large concentrations of enemy tanks.

However, the FAB-5000's practicality ends there. In Air Battles, the FAB-5000 is woefully overpowered against most targets and makes it inferior to most of the plane's other bomb loadout combinations. In addition, it peculiarly does less damage against an airfield than the 4 x 1,000 kg payload, further decreasing its usefulness. Instead, use the other payloads. The stock payload of 40 x 100 kg bombs, while difficult to aim, can still be used to base bomb, simply drop 12 on a base to destroy it (remember that the first 16 are pylon mounted meaning they drop in pairs, so the first base will require only 6 presses of the bomb release button). Keep using this payload for base bombing until you unlock the 4 x 1,000 kg modification, as all the other payloads yield less damage. You can use your bombs to destroy ground targets as well, however, be sure to be high enough or use a timer so that the bomb's splash damage doesn't kill you.

Try to side climb around the main battle when going after bases, though your defensive armament is powerful, you will be an easy target for experienced players, heavy fighters, and groups of fighters that encounter you. If you see an enemy, always turn the plane to make sure the rear cannon-armed guns face the pursuer so you can focus as much of your defensive firepower on them as possible while also increasing the time you can put your guns on the target. Make sure to fire in bursts as your guns will jam if fired for too long.

===Ground RB===
In Ground Realistic mode, the Pe-8 can be used as a CAS aircraft to a devastating effect. If there are no fighter aircraft or few SPAA, try to find the largest group of enemies and drop the FAB-5000 as fast as you can. This usually results in 1-2 kills, but can easily net many more. Try to spawn early game, as there will be less fighter aircraft and SPAA. Let it be noted that there is a certain terror from seeing a FAB-5000 slam into the ground next to your tank that is not easily replicated elsewhere in War Thunder.

===Naval Battles===
In Naval Battles, the Pe-8's FAB-5000 is capable of destroying any ship. Due to its huge explosive mass, the FAB-5000 is able to create a massive shockwave from underwater explosion that can cause an ammunition detonation to nearby ships (~ 50 m from explosion radius), this means it does not require a direct hit to deal a crippling blow to the enemy.

However, delivering the FAB-5000 to the targets can be a bit tricky as anti-aircraft fire in Naval battles is much more accurate, hard-hitting, and plentiful. One would try to compensate for this by flying high up, but you will find that it is hard to aim the FAB-5000 from these altitudes. Thus, it is more effective to bring the Pe-8 to higher-tier battles with less manoeuvrable, usually slower ships.

To drop the bomb accurately, start by set the bomb fuse to 1 second to ensure that the enemy will not get away from the explosion radius, then fly up to an altitude of at least 1,800 m to avoid most of short range AA barrages (around 2,500-3,000 m is a suitable altitude for accurate and relatively safe drop), select an isolated or a slow target which has a few escorts, then approach them. Make sure to watch the long range flak barrages while flying to ensure that they will not hit you, while getting close. Take a look at the water trail left behind the target to get an idea of their trajectory and speed. Then aim the bomb sight, make a compensation and drop the bomb. You can use the bomb tracking camera to see where the bomb dropped and adjust your aim for the next drop in case the shockwave wasn't able to kill the target.

====Counter-tactics====

When pursuing the Pe-8, try to go for a head-on - nearly all the time there is critical damage and "pilot snipes" to down the aircraft - with the added bonus that the front is the least defended area of the Pe-8. Use your mobility to do so. When in a not so optimal position, try to come up at a angle above the Pe-8 - with a sharp enough angle, you will stop the 12.7 mm MGs from reaching you, and with a bit of luck, you will make it past the single 20 defending the plane.

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|-
| Controllable || Controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Separate || Controllable 2 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:Pe-8 the interceptor 001.jpg|450px|thumb|right|Inbound bogie as seen by the nose gunner somewhere over the Eastern Front.]]

'''Pros:'''

* Good payload options for various mission types, including a massive 5,000 kg bomb
* Powerful defensive armament
* Durable airframe, can take some damage and make it home

'''Cons:'''

* Poor flight performance
** Large, heavy, and slow
** Poor climb rate, top speed and manoeuvrability (large turn radius, wobbling effect)
* Prone to devastating fires
* Stock payload is mediocre
* Defensive armament is poorly protected
* In combined ground battles, the very large blast radius of the FAB-5000 bomb can easily cause accidental teamkills

== History ==
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=pe-8_m82 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150">
Image:Pe-8 hammer 91 001.jpg
Image:Pe-8 *jermster 91 002.jpg
Image:Pe-8 hammer 91 002.jpg
Image:Pe-8 the interceptor 003.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|ZRRbMZ12LHQ|'''The Shooting Range #241''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:34 discusses the Pe-8.}}

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Boeing [[B-17 (Family)|B-17]] Flying Fortress
* Messerschmit [[Me 264]]
* Short [[Stirling B Mk I|Stirling]]
* Nakajima [[G5N1|G5N]]
* Piaggio [[P.108B serie 1|P.108]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/272434-petlyakov-pe-8-m-82a/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Petlyakov}}
{{USSR bombers}}

Fw 200 C-1

2022-06-06T02:04:06Z

U120541338: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=fw_200c_1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.47 "Big Guns"]].

The Focke-Wulf Fw 200 C-1 is a long-range maritime patrol bomber. It is optimised for bombing stationary targets, such as bases and pillboxes, from medium to high altitudes.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

The Condor handles, as all long range bombers, like a flying brick. Its turns are cumbersome and it is best to climb gradually, slowly gathering speed. Once at an altitude of 4,000-5,000 metres it is best to fly straight and level to the target. Always keep a significant distance between yourself and any enemies. If you miss a base always fly for a short distance before turning to have another go, as the large turning circle could cause you to miss again. Once you have expended all your bombs, reduce throttle to 0% and gradually descend towards your base. Keep an eye on your speed so you don't rip your wings off. Despite its size the Condor is surprisingly easy to land, but make sure you aren't going too fast and you have enough runway.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 1,500 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 363 || 350 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 30.7 || 31.3 || 1.7 || 1.7 || rowspan="2" | 700
|-
! Upgraded
| 396 || 378 || 29.3 || 30 || 6.9 || 4.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 450  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 333 || 311 || 200 || ~2 || ~2
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 260 || < 230 || < 260 || > 290
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* 8 mm steel - pilots seat
* Fuel tanks located between wing root and out-most engine, as well as taking up most of the fuselage

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

First, obtain the bomb upgrade (ITC PVC/II). This will allow the installation of 6 x 500 kg bombs, the best payload for base bombing, since it allows the destruction of two bases in one pass. There will be no need to hurry with the second upgrade. The 2 x 1,000 kg + 2 x 500 kg loadout is only ideal for taking out airfields or carriers. Flight performance upgrades come next in the priority list, as the aircraft is heavy and slow. The ammo belts are of a lesser priority, since the upgraded belts don't make a considerable difference.

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|SC250JA (250 kg)|SC500K (500 kg)|SC1000L2 (1,000 kg)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* 6 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (1,500 kg total)
* 6 x 500 kg SC500K bombs (3,000 kg total)
* 2 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 2 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bombs + 4 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (3,000 kg total)
* 2 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bombs + 2 x 500 kg SC500K bombs (3,000 kg total)

=== Defensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}

{{main|MG 15 (7.92 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:

* 1 x 7.92 mm MG 15 machine gun, nose turret (2,250 rpg)
* 1 x 7.92 mm MG 15 machine gun, chin turret (1,500 rpg)
* 1 x 7.92 mm MG 15 machine gun, dorsal turret (1,125 rpg)
* 1 x 7.92 mm MG 15 machine gun, ventral turret (1,125 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==

The graceful looks of the Condor belie a very vulnerable and slow aircraft. Essentially a converted civilian airliner, the Condor has a very weak airframe and large fuel tanks scattered throughout the aircraft, making it vulnerable to even rifle-calibre bullets.

To make things worse, the Condor is rather underpowered, despite having four engines. It is outrun by biplane fighters and has a very poor climb rate. The defensive armament is also very poor, consisting of only 7.92 mm machine guns with blind spots in the coverage. If caught by enemy fighters, it has virtually no chance of survival.

The one redeeming factor of the Condor is its massive payload of 3,000 kg bombs. It is one of the heaviest bomb loads carried by any non-premium German bomber, except for the Dornier Do 217 series, the Messerschmitt Me 264, and the He 177. If the Condor can penetrate enemy air defences, it is capable of inflicting massive damage to bases.

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|-
| Not controllable || Controllable Not auto controlled || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Combined || Not controllable 1 gear || Auto controlled
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Large bomb payloads
* Large fuel capacity

'''Cons:'''

* Very slow top speed
* Ineffective defensive weaponry
* Slow acceleration
* Weak airframe gets damaged easily
* Large fuel capacity increases chances of fire

== History ==

The Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor is best remembered as a long-range reconnaissance aircraft that searched for Allied convoys over the North Atlantic during World War II. Its mission was to either attack the convoys directly with bombs or communicate their location to the packs of German U-boats below. The Condor started as a transatlantic airliner that first flew in July of 1937. By September of 1939, over 250 Condors had entered military service. The Condor spawned many sub-variants that included different armament, radar, missile carriage and guidance systems, and transport. A handful of these aircraft were used for VIP transports.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fw_200c_1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|hZkupQZmfyc|'''The Shooting Range #163''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:44 discusses the Fw 200.}}

== See 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 aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Focke-Wulf}}
{{Germany bombers}}

Pz.III J1 TD

2021-10-17T21:05:11Z

U120541338: I just changed some phrasing

{{Specs-Card
|code=germ_pzkpfw_III_ausf_J_td
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "New Power"]] as a [[wt:en/news/6961-twitch-drops-are-back-en|reward for watching War Thunder streams on Twitch.tv]] along with a unique skin for the vehicle.

The Pz.III J1, compared to its predecessor - [[Pz.III J]], features only few, but very important upgrades.

Most importantly, the J1 variant is the first Panzer III to have the long barreled KwK 39 L/60 50mm tank gun. This gun offers 96mm of armour penetration at a range of 100 m and 79 mm at 500 m. In a practical sense, it is just enough to deal with most tanks at this BR, although targeting weakspots, or side/rear armour is often necessary, especially against well-armoured heavy tanks like the KV-1 but that is why you have APCR ammunition. APCR comes in two sets, PzGr40 and PzGr40/1. PzGr40 has the highest penetration - 150mm at close range, but loses penetration quite rapidly when shooting far targets and is also a higher tier modification. ''(->More info can be found below in the "Ammunition" section.)''

The second important upgrade is the electric turret drive - greatly improving the turret traverse speed, and removing the long present weakness of all older Panzer III variants.

Optimal combat distance for this vehicle is somewhere between medium to close range. But don't be mistaken, the Panzer III J1 is not an frontline tank. You should be always on the move and harass the enemy without rest as any return fire will be lethal. Don't trust your armour and instead rely on your mobility. Flanking is the best option for J1 as you can use the high RoF for good effect and hopefully avoid the incoming retribution. You don't have the best mobility for a medium tank, but you definitely remain competitive against most enemy tanks you may encounter. Always try to find some good firing positions, with available cover, and if necessary, pull back and relocate. Always avoid direct close range confrontations with main enemy force; never try to fight more than 1 enemy at the time. However - playing purely as support/sniper tank isn't optimal either, because of your lower armour penetration.

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

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour
* Cast homogeneous armour (Barrel shroud, Cupola)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 50 mm (12°) ''Front plate'' 25 mm (86°), 50 mm (53°) ''Front glacis'' 50 mm (23-69°) ''Lower glacis'' || 30 mm || 50 mm (15-41°) ''Top'' 50 mm (11-66°) ''Bottom'' || 15 mm
|-
| Turret || 50 mm (12-25°) ''Turret front'' 50 mm (12-46°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 30 mm (22-25°) || 30 mm (13-16°) || 10 mm
|-
| Cupola || 50 mm || 10 mm
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=465|rbMinHp=265}}

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

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

{{main|KwK39 (50 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[KwK39 (50 mm)|50 mm KwK39]] || 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" | 84 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 13.3 || 18.4 || 22.4 || 24.8 || 26.4 || rowspan="2" | 4.81 || rowspan="2" | 4.26 || rowspan="2" | 3.92 || rowspan="2" | 3.70
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 8.3 || 9.8 || 11.9 || 13.2 || 14.0
|-
|}

==== 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
|-
| PzGr 39 || APC || 106 || 102 || 85 || 68 || 54 || 43
|-
| PzGr 40/1 || APCR || 130 || 121 || 90 || 62 || 43 || 29
|-
| PzGr 40 || APCR || 137 || 126 || 88 || 56 || 36 || 23
|-
| Sprgr. 38 || HE || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5
|-
|}
{| 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%
|-
| PzGr 39 || APC || 835 || 2.05 || 1.2 || 9 || 28.9 || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| PzGr 40/1 || APCR || 1,130 || 1.07 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
|-
| PzGr 40 || APCR || 1,180 || 0.9 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
|-
| Sprgr. 38 || HE || 550 || 1.81 || 0 || 0.1 || 170 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_Pz.III_J1.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''84''' || 70 ''(+14)'' || 62 ''(+22)'' || 34 ''(+50)'' || 1 ''(+83)'' || No
|-
|}

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

{{main|MG34 (7.92 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[MG34 (7.92 mm)|7.92 mm MG34]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 3,750 (150) || 900 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

'''Offensive'''

With this tank, you have essentially a "jack of all trades, somewhat good at all of them" kind of options set. You can stick with friendly tanks, and use the cannon's high rate-of-fire and excellent stats with APCR to nab scores from either destroying the enemy or getting team assists. Another way to go on the offensive is to go for a flanking move since at practical distances (400-1000m) the gun's penetration statistics are far less than the maximum advertised. However, the cannon still has enough power at those ranges to at least immobilize particularly important enemy tanks like a [[KV-1 (L-11)|KV-1]] or [[Churchill Mk I|Churchill]] with a drivetrain shot. You can attempt multiple shots to destroy enemies, but by that point, you will begin receiving "responsive fire", and your tank's armour is not good enough to withstand more than 1-2 hits before being taken out.

A possible solution is to use "shoot and scoot" manoeuvres, popping out to fire and then scurrying to a different spot, but this poses issues if the terrain won't allow you to have a consistent cover (which may result in a downed tank between cover) or if there simply isn't much of any cover (like on the [[Kursk (Ground Forces)|Kursk map's]] outer capture points).

'''Defensive'''

When on the defense, you have a number of advantages and some severe disadvantages - being able to hunker down and hammer in shots with the long 5 cm cannon away from the immediate frontlines mean that most tanks that you will face will likely be more focused on more offensive-oriented players in your team, which may cause them to unintentionally show their hull sides towards the Panzer III J1's position. This scenario, combined with your excellent rate of fire and penetration statistics, means you can make quick work of an unsuspecting light or medium tank, assuming you can find cover in a location the enemy will not be looking at.

If detected or ranged by a tank or tank destroyer (assuming they have an angle that negates your cover's protection), your armour will not protect you from very much, as even 20mm AP rounds can penetrate the armour plates if close enough. If you simply find yourself stuck behind cover because the enemy has your position, it is advised to pop smoke (as you have multiple use smoke-grenade launchers) and use the smoke to full effect, making it as difficult as possible for enemy tanks to get an exact bearing on your position as you try to move to better or another cover in general.

=== Pros and cons ===
'''Pros:'''

* High rate of fire
* High shell velocity
* Mobile and fast
* Excellent gun depression
* APCR ammo is great against moving targets
* Can be very durable at times when you angle the armour

'''Cons:'''

* Poor damage against modules and crew
* Gun lacks penetration at the range, is likely to bounce on armour slopes
* Overall weak armour
* Modules are sensitive to damage
* APCR is weak at long ranges and deals very little damage upon penetration

== History ==
===Development===
The '''Panzerkampfwagen III''' medium tank, or the '''Panzer III''' was developed in the 1930s. Starting in early 1934, Heinz Guderian set down some specifications for a new tank, which the Army Weapons Department took up to design the tank to weigh no more than 24,000 kilograms with a top speed of 35 km per hour. This tank's role was to be the main tank of the German army and was expected to destroy opposing tanks, as opposed to a tank made to destroy anti-tank guns and opposing infantrymen, which the [[Pz.IV C|Panzer IV]] served as.

Daimler-Benz, Krupp, MAN, and Rheinmetall produced prototypes meeting the specifications and the Daimler-Benz model was chosen after testing in 1936-1937. The Panzer III model used a leaf-spring suspension in its early models (Ausf. A - Ausf. D) before utilizing a six-wheeled torsion-bar suspension in the [[Pz.III E|Ausf. E]] and beyond. The Panzer III had a crew of five men, the commander, gunner, loader, driver, and assistant driver. The best feature of the Panzer III during its introduction that is the most overlooked was the three-man turret, which was not as common at the time. This frees the commander to be able to effectively command the tank while maintaining situational awareness, rather than be burdened by the role of a loader or gunner, improving combat effectiveness of the tank. The 37 mm (later 50 mm) anti-tank gun was also very effective against contemporary tanks. Despite this rather advanced design, the turret did not have a turret basket for the crew. It was a proven design and production began in May 1937. The total number of Panzer III tanks constructed in its production life was 5,774 units (excluding the far more produced [[StuG III F|StuG III]] variant).
===Design===
The '''Panzer III Ausf. J1''' features a much better 50 mm gun compared to its predecessors, the 50 mm KwK 39, which is an improvement over the 50 mm KwK 38 by its longer barrel that provided additonal accuracy. Longer cartridges with more propellant charge were used, providing extra velocity and penetration. This new 50 mm gun gives the Panzer III a fighting edge against [[T-34 (1941)|T-34]]s and [[M4|M4 Shermans]], which the older 50 mm KwK 38 had trouble fighting against. The Panzer III Ausf. J1 still featured the 50 mm armour thickness on the front and rear originally from the [[Pz.III J|Ausf. J]] variant, but later models had new offset armour on the front of the hull and turret that provide 20 mm of effective protection These armour also apply as spaced armour due to not being attached to the hull or turret mantlet. The spaced armour on the front helped defend the tank against Soviet anti-tank rounds or HEAT rounds fired at it on those plates, as it dissipates the penetration power before striking the hull.
===Combat usage===
The Panzer III J1 was only a stopgap design to integrate the 50 mm KwK 39 into service as fast as possible. The final designs in its later models were later redesignated the [[Pz.III L|Panzer III Ausf. L]] and [[Pz.III M|Panzer III Ausf. M]]. It saw service on the eastern front, where it performed poorly against superior [[T-34 (Family)|T-34]] and [[KV-1 (Family)|KV-1]] tanks. However, it also saw service in North Africa, where it would easily defeat allied light tanks such as the [[M3 Stuart]] and the [[Crusader Mk III|Crusader]], even when outnumbered. However, the introduction of more medium tanks by the allies in the African theater would prove to be problematic for the Panzer III. Those that survived the defeat in Africa would try to defend Sicily from the allied invasion of Italy.
===In-game description===
Then next modification to the Pz.Kpfw.III medium tank after Ausf. J, featuring an enhanced armament.

These tanks, which were armed with KwK38 L/42 cannons, were unable to fight successfully against Soviet T-34 and KB tanks, whose armor could withstand the impact of projectiles fired by the short-barreled cannon. The tank's armament had to be enhanced. The new weapon selected was the long-barreled KwK39 L/60, which featured high ballistic characteristics. However, despite these enhanced characteristics, fighting Soviet tanks remained extremely difficult. Tanks with the new armament began to be released in December, 1941. A total of 1,067 tanks with the Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.J modification and KwK39 L/60 cannon were produced.

== Media ==


;Skins

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

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|llQYBrYCAog|'''Twitch Drop tank Pz III J1 TD''' - ''8Bit Dane''}}

== See 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.''

== External links ==

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

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

{{Germany medium tanks}}

R3 T20 FA-HS

2021-10-17T07:29:11Z

U120541338: It is often targeted by enemies, as a result of its notoriety

{{Specs-Card
|code=it_oto_r3_t20_fa
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian self-propelled anti-aircraft gun {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].

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


'''Armour type:'''

* Aluminum alloy 7039 (hull)
* Armoured Glass (windows)
* Wheel (tires)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 33 mm (62°) ''Upper Glacis'' 33 (56°) ''Lower Glacis'' || 15 mm (27-31°) ''Top'' 15 mm (16-20°) ''Bottom'' 15 mm ''Wheelwells'' || 15 mm (70°) ''Engine access panel'' 15 mm ''Lower Plate'' 5 mm ''Engine vent'' 15 mm (54°) ''Lower Glacis''|| 33 mm (28°) ''Front Glacis'' 15 mm ''Crew compartment'' 15 mm (20°) ''Engine access panel''
|-
| Gun mount || colspan="4" style="text-align:center" | 15 mm
|-
| Cupola || colspan="4" style="text-align:center" | 15 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* All windows are 30 mm thick.
* The tires are 10 mm thick and the torsion bars are 1 mm thick.
* The belly is 15 mm thick.

The {{PAGENAME}} has light armour able to protect it against .50 cal heavy machine guns from the front and low calibre machine guns from the sides. Any autocannon or tank cannon is however able to shred easily through this armour. The R3 has an internal layout with the crew spread apart, allowing it to survive damage from non-explosive post-penetration damage. However, this tank is still very vulnerable to strafing aircraft. Bombs and rockets also deal heavy damage if the {{PAGENAME}} is standing in their destruction radius.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 135|rbMinHp= 84}}

The {{PAGENAME}} is very mobile, able to outmanoeuvre most tanks of its rank and is reliant on this to stay alive.

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

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

{{main|Oerlikon KAD (20 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[Oerlikon KAD (20 mm)|20 mm Oerlikon KAD]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 600 (120) || rowspan="2" | 997 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+60° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 39.63 || 54.85 || 66.60 || 73.65 || 78.35 || rowspan="2" | 9.10 || rowspan="2" | 8.05 || rowspan="2" | 7.42 || rowspan="2" | 7.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 26.78 || 31.50 || 38.25 || 42.30 || 45.0
|-
|}

The 20 mm Oerlikon cannon is able to fight both aircraft and lightly armoured targets from the front.

Upgraded, the gun has access to 20 mm rounds able to penetrate up to 50 mm of armour, enabling the tank to shred any tanks that expose their sides to this vehicle. Some heavier tanks are still too heavily armoured on the sides for the gun to penetrate, but these generally don't show up unless you are up-tiered.

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}} - The standard belt that can fulfill both roles (anti-air and lightly armoured vehicles) but with a lower rate of fire.
* '''M594:''' {{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}} - This belt is adapted for targeting aircraft with its high-explosive shells.
* '''M601:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}} - This belt is adapted for targeting lightly armoured vehicles with its armour-piercing rounds.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="7" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| Default || 57 || 52 || 37 || 24 || 15 || 10
|-
| M594 || 57 || 52 || 37 || 24 || 15 || 10
|-
| M601 || 57 || 52 || 37 || 24 || 15 || 10
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! Ammo type
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''5 600''' || ''Belts'' ''Rounds'' || 4 ''(+1)'' 480 ''(+120)'' || 3 ''(+2)'' 360 ''(+240)'' || 2 ''(+3)'' 240 ''(+360)'' || 1 ''(+4)'' 120 ''(+480)'' || 0 ''(+5)'' 0 ''(+600)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Note''':

* As the rate of fire is very high, pack the maximum ammunition.

== Usage in battles ==


The R3 is designated as an SPAA, and performs in this role extremely effectively. The autocannon has a rapid rate of fire and high velocity, allowing the R3 to tear aircraft to shreds. With accurate fire, a short burst will obliterate most aircraft in very little time. When the skies are clear and there are no more planes to shoot down, the R3 becomes a highly flexible vehicle, being able to zip around the map at high speed performing various tasks. Early game it makes an excellent recon vehicle, being able to capture points, oversee the battlefield and destroy enemy vehicles.

With over 50 mm of penetration and its exceptional speed, the R3 makes short work of British and American medium tanks from the side and will shred light tanks and other SPAA. The R3 does not have the penetration to handle heavy tanks and so tanks like the KV-1 and T34 should be avoided. When encountering an armoured vehicle: take out the gun barrel first, then tracks, and aim at the turret ring.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful M601 HVAP-T round
** High penetration, enough to penetrate many vehicles up close.
** High muzzle velocity, requiring little lead and little shell drop for engaging targets at range.
** Very high rate of fire
* Nimble fast wheeled vehicle
** Able to reach 100 km/h on roads with ease
** Fast enough to reach 50 km/h off-road
* Front plate has armour thickness sufficient to deflect most machine gun rounds.
* Has a two-plane stabilizer
** Completely negates recoil within effective speed / stationary
* Amphibious

'''Cons:'''

* Very little armour not counting the sloped front plates, maxing at 15 mm.
* As with many wheeled vehicles, soft terrain massively slows it down
* Hard collisions damage modules and can often injure or incapacitate the crew
* The gun only elevates up to 60° degrees
* Stabilizer only effective up to 25 km/h
* It is often targeted by enemies, as a result of its notoriety

== History ==

The '''OTO Melara R3 Capraia''' was a light reconnaissance vehicle which was developed as a private venture by OTO Melara of Italy. Derived from OTO Melara's R2.5 ''Gorgona'' armoured policing vehicle, the R3 ''Capraia'' was first presented at the 1982 Italian Naval Exhibition held in Genoa. The R3 shared its automotive parts with the R2.5, but had a body consisting of angled aluminium armour with in places a maximum thickness of 32 mm, providing enough protection against 7.62 mm NATO small arms fire and shell splinters.

A number of armament options were proposed by OTO Melara. These included:

* the R3 T12.7 FA, armed with an externally mounted 12.7 mm M2 HB machine gun in a turret with full 360° traverse and a maximum elevation of -10° to +50°;
* the R3 T7.65 FA, armed with an externally mounted 7.65 mm machine gun in a turret with full 360° traverse and a maximum elevation of -10° to +25°;
* the R3 T20 FA-HS, armed with an externally mounted Oerlikon KAD-B17 20 mm cannon in a turret with full 360° traverse and a maximum elevation of -10° to +60°;
* the R3 Folgore ×2 FA, armed with two externally mounted Breda Folgore anti-tank missiles and a secondary 7.65 mm machine gun;
* the [[R3 T106 FA]], armed with two externally mounted 106 mm M40 type recoilless rifles; and
* the R3 TOW, armed with an externally mounted launcher for a Hughes TOW ATGM system.

However, despite its high performance and the possibility of using various weapons, the Italian military did not express any interest in the OTO Melara R3 Capraia. Following the conclusion of its evaluation by the military, the R3 prototypes were disposed of.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=it_oto_r3_t20_fa Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|v-yW-GqoahE|'''Playing the Most Overpowered Vehicle in War Thunder - {{PAGENAME}}''' - ''theScottishKoala''|SscGZOwoK8U|'''I bet after you try this, light tanks will never feel the same to you - {{PAGENAME}}''' - ''HowToPlay1337''}}

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

* [[R3 T106 FA]]

== External links ==


* [https://en.topwar.ru/41170-broneavtomobili-oto-melara-gorgona.html <nowiki>[Topwar.ru]</nowiki> OTO Melara Gorgona R2.5 and R3 Capraia armored cars]

{{Italy anti-aircraft vehicles}}
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]