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Chi-Nu II

2022-05-02T06:51:30Z

U122946199:

{{About
|about=premium Japanese medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage=the regular version
|link=Chi-Nu
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=jp_type_3_chi_nu_75cm_type_5
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced with the initial Japanese Ground Forces tree in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]], but was released once all the rank III Japanese tanks were available to the public in the Closed Beta Test. The Chi-Nu II is essentially the [[Chi-Nu|Chi-Nu]] body with the turret from the [[Chi-To|Chi-To]], giving the tank access to the high-power [[Type II Model II (75 mm)|Type II Model II 75 mm]].

The Chi-Nu II is a combination between two vehicles, the Type 3 Chi-Nu and the Type 4 Chi-To. It has the armour of the former, but the gun of the latter. Thus, while presenting itself as a more vulnerable body with only around 50 mm of armour, it has slightly better mobility than the Chi-To, a smaller profile, yet carries the same gun. Like the Chi-To, the Chi-Nu II should be played in a sniper-like format from a distance rather than up-close to the enemy and fighting them in close-quarters.

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

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 50 mm (15°) ''Front plate'' 12 mm (76°) ''Front glacis'' 50 mm (20°) ''Joint plate'' 8.5 mm (65°) ''Lower glacis'' || 20 mm (15-30°) ''Top'' 25 mm ''Bottom'' || 20 mm (0-20°) ''Top'' 8.5 mm (63°) ''Bottom'' || 12 mm
|-
| Turret || 50 mm (16°) ''Turret front'' 50 mm (10°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 25 mm (9-10°) || 25 mm || 12 mm
|-
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
|-
| Cupola || 50 mm || 12 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

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

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=372|rbMinHp=212}}

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

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

{{main|Type II Model II (75 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Type II Model II (75 mm)|75 mm Type II Model II]] || 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" | 48 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 15.7 || 21.7 || 26.4 || 29.2 || 31.1 || rowspan="2" | 7.67 || rowspan="2" | 6.79 || rowspan="2" | 6.25 || rowspan="2" | 5.90
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 9.8 || 11.5 || 14.0 || 15.5 || 16.5
|-
|}

==== 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
|-
| Type 1 APHE || APHE || 149 || 146 || 133 || 118 || 105 || 93
|-
| Type 4 Kou || APHE || 151 || 148 || 137 || 124 || 112 || 101
|-
| Type 90 HE || HE || 8 || 8 || 8 || 8 || 8 || 8
|-
|}
{| 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%
|-
| Type 1 APHE || APHE || 865 || 6.56 || 1.3 || 15 || 84.8 || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
| Type 4 Kou || APHE || 865 || 6.75 || 1.2 || 14 || 80.64 || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
| Type 90 HE || HE || 830 || 6.17 || 0 || 0.1 || 490 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.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
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''48''' || 17 ''(+31)'' || 13 ''(+35)'' || 1 ''(+47)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Note''':

* Turret empty: 17 ''(+31)'' shells.

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|Type 97 (7.7 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Type 97 (7.7 mm)|7.7 mm Type 97]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 1,000 (20) || 498 || -10°/+70° || ±60°
|-
| Hull || 3,000 (20) || 498 || -7°/+10° || ±19°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The Chi-Nu II is one of the best bargains you can get for the price, it has a high penetrating Type 5 cannon at a lower BR of the regular tanks carrying it ([[Chi-To]], [[Chi-Ri II]]) in a tight package of the [[Chi-Nu]], this comes with a somewhat weaker engine (compared to the heavier Chi-To & Chi-Ri) but the pro's outweigh the con's.

One may consider the Chi-Nu II a glass cannon, and a great one at that, the armor isn't much to write home about, but it isn't paper thin either. It's a very well rounded medium tank in playstyle and can be compared and played like a [[Pz.IV F2#Usage in battle|Pz.IV F2]], it can destroy anything, but anything can destroy it. But unlike the Pz.IV, reload speeds are longer in exchange for a faster turret rotation.

Against the medium tanks, its simply getting the first shot off first as the 75 mm Type 5 cannon on the Chi-Nu could penetrate most through the front hull armour, with some levels of difficulty on the turret. Of course, for maximizing the Chi-Nu's own survival, attack from the sides and make sure the enemy is unaware of the Chi-Nu's presence.

The Chi-Nu II can meet heavy tanks, but will most likely be the 76 mm [[KV-1 (L-11)|KV-1]] [[KV-1S|series]] [[KV-1 (ZiS-5)|tanks]], which the 75 mm can easily punch through the front armour. The Chi-Nu II can still meet the British [[Churchill Mk VII]], which is impervious to the high-penetrating 75 mm from the front, so beware if caught in a frontal engagement.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful 75 mm cannon with good penetration and very low shell drop-off
* Decent gun depression which enables it to snipe from hills
* Good handling
* Above average mobility
* Narrow chassis allows access through areas inaccessible by wider tanks

'''Cons:'''

* Packed crew due to narrow chassis leads to poor survivability against all shells
* Poor armour all around, can be easily penetrated by any tank even in full downtiers
* Sluggish turret traverse
* Reload rate quite slow

== History ==

===Development===
The lackluster performance of Japanese tanks in World War II called for the development of newer medium tanks in the Imperial Japanese Army. The standard tank of the time was the [[Chi-Ha|Type 97 Chi-Ha]], which has its chassis used in many expedient models to provide a bigger gun for the Japanese inventory such as the [[Chi-Ha Kai|Chi-Ha Kai]], [[Chi-He|Type 1 Chi-He]], [[Ho-I|Type 2 Ho-I]], and [[Chi-Nu|Type 3 Chi-Nu]]. Two new sophisticated tanks were also in development, the [[Chi-To|Type 4 Chi-To]] and the [[Chi-Ri II|Type 5 Chi-Ri]], both fielding the powerful Type 5 75 mm gun. However, these two tanks still needed time to iron out some design bugs, time that the Japanese did not have while being stared down by the Allied powers. To get the Type 5 gun out to their forces as fast as possible, designers sought a way to get the gun onto a vehicle as fast as possible. The solution laid on the Type 3 Chi-Nu, regarded as one of Japan's best tank since its production start date in 1943.<ref name="SenshaManualChiNuII">Sun, Eun Ae. ''[WT] Type3 Chi-Nu II'' SENSHA. Blogger.com, 15 Jan. 2017. Web. 24 Jan. 2017. [http://sensha-manual.blogspot.com/2017/01/wt-type3-chi-nu-ii.html Website]</ref>

The Chi-To's prototype models had larger turrets that were different from the main production model. Instead of wasting these turrets, the Japanese decided to use them on the Chi-Nu body. In March 1945, a Chi-To prototype turret was attached onto Chi-Nu chassis #37. This upgraded Chi-Nu, along the line of the Chi-Ha's upgrade, was informally labeled the ''Chi-Nu Kai''. The design was tested on the Irago Firing Grounds on March 19th and proved itself very satisfactory in combat roles. The final design was to equip the Chi-Nu with production model Chi-To turret to increase production levels and it was to help improve Japan's armoured forces to stand up against the Allies' might. This Chi-Nu with the production Chi-To turret was known as '''Chi-Nu II'''.<ref name="SenshaManualChiNuII" />

===War's end===
Like most of the Japanese late-war tanks developed and retained in the home island for the "final defense", the modified Chi-Nu and its counterparts never saw battle against Allied armour. Japan surrendered in September 1945, effectively ending World War II. A few Chi-Nu IIs were made before the end, but they are most likely sent to the scrap yard along with most of the other Japanese equipment with their demilitarization.<ref name="SenshaManualChiNuII" />

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=jp_type_3_chi_nu_75cm_type_5 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|aTqPFjW2K-o|'''The Shooting Range #177''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|oa26g25qqP4|'''Best medium tanks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 2:33 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== 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 ==


* [[wt:en/news/4428-development-type-3-chi-nu-ii-crouching-tiger-en|[Devblog] Type 3 Chi-Nu II - Crouching Tiger]]
* [[wt:en/news/4468-a-new-japanese-premium-tank-the-chi-nu-ii-is-now-available-for-purchase-en|[News] A new Japanese premium tank, the Chi-Nu II is now available for purchase]]

=== References ===
<references />

{{Japan medium tanks}}
{{Japan premium ground vehicles}}

S.81

2022-03-28T07:18:40Z

U122946199: Tried it for a spin again, and god this thing a monster. Eliminated 3 bases with it!

{{Specs-Card
|code=s_81_ar125
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]].

The S.81 is distinctive with its three engines, two on the wings and one in the nose. This provides a level of redundancy with the nose engine unlikely to be disabled except from a head-on or a diving attack. Although, each engine is less powerful than contemporaries on other aircraft so each engine loss will heavily impact the aircraft's speed, causing it to lose altitude. Losing one engine on the wing would also cause the aircraft to start rolling over to the weakened end. However, if you manage to land your plane after losing an engine, you will be able to taxi back to base at 100% power. It will be slow though, as you can only reach speeds up to 14 km/h.

The plane in its default state is covered in a light green paint with black splotches around to break up the solid figure. A huge white band stretch out at the mid-section of the fuselage, right around the beam turrets, which could serve as reference points for enemies to knockout the beam and ventral turret gunners. On the tail's vertical stabilizer, a large white cross is also present with the logo of the ''Regia Aeronautica'' in the upper centre point of the paint. On the wings, the ''Regia Aeronautica'' roundels were also present to make the vehicle certainly belonging to the Italian tech tree.

Three types of turrets are available on the S.81, a dorsal turret on top, a ventral turret on the bottom, and two beam turrets for both sides of the fuselage. All the turrets provide an excellent arc of fires on their sectors, with mutual machine gun fire from more than one turret able to be met in most areas. Unfortunately, all the turrets used a 7.7 mm machine gun and while sustained fire could cause sufficient damage, they lack the quick stopping power needed to prevent fighters from strafing the bomber, and taking down enemy fighters quickly is crucial as the S.81 lacks any sort of armour for itself and the crew except self-sealing fuel tanks. Enemy machine-gun fire will quickly go through, damaging modules and crew members.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,000 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
| 321 || 310 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 30.1 || 31.3 || 3.9 || 3.9 || rowspan="2" | 450
|-
! Upgraded
| 351 || 335 || 28.0 || 29.0 || 9.4 || 6.3
|-
|}

==== 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 !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 369 || 348 || 241 || ~4 || ~2
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 260 || < 270 || < 270 || > 330
|-
|}

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


* No armour plating
* No armour glazing
* Critical components located at front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
* More fuel tanks located in wings near fuselage

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

When grinding this plane for improvements and modules, focus on the payload first, then the plane performance. Ignore the defensive firepower upgrades as the defensive firepower upgraded is still extremely weak until its the last upgrades you have to get.

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

{{main|GP 50 (50 kg)|GP 100 (100 kg)|GP 250 (250 kg)|GP 500 (500 kg)}}

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

* 28 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (1,400 kg total)
* 16 x 100 kg GP 100 bombs (1,600 kg total)
* 4 x 250 kg GP 250 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 4 x 500 kg GP 500 bombs (2,000 kg total)

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

{{main|Breda-SAFAT (7.7 mm)|Lewis (7.7 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, dorsal turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
* 2 x 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, ventral turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
* 1 x 7.7 mm Lewis machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (500 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==


S.81 is a well armed beginner bomber for Italy, being able to carry a heavy load of bombs in different sizes. Though it doesn't possess the greatest speed, it's still a bomber for the enemy team to recognize as a threat for its carrying capacity of bombs. Being mixed up with bombers from other nations like [[He 111 H-3]], [[F.222.2]], or [[TB-3M-17-32]], they can easily wipe out enemy bases and airfield.

S.81 is armed with 6 x 7.7 mm machine guns: 2 x [[Lewis (7.7 mm)]] and 4 x [[Breda-SAFAT (7.7 mm)]] which is pretty well armed for a low tier bomber. The two Lewis machine guns are placed at the middle rear of the plane in the sides, where they can cover if enemy planes are flying level next to the S.81. Meanwhile, the 4 x Breda machine guns are placed in two turrets that have 360° coverage above and below the bomber, being able to defend it from most angles. It is able to defend itself pretty well against biplanes from reserve ranks, but can have tougher opponents like [[I-16 type 24]], [[Yak-2 KABB]], [[P-36G]], [[He 100 D-1]], [[Potez 631]], and [[J22-A]] that can make quick work of the S.81 as they are faster, more agile, and usually have more firepower than the S.81.

S.81 is able to carry 28 x 50 kg bombs, 16 x 100 kg bombs, 4 x 250 kg bombs or 4 x 500 kg bombs. Bombloads like 28 x 50 kg and 16 x 100 kg are excellent for carpet bombing convoys and knocking out light targets, meanwhile heavier bombloads like 4 x 250 kg and 4 x 500 kg are excellent for destroying bombing points and damaging airfields. They are all useful in ground battles.

Best use of S.81 in Air Battles is on clean up duty after other bombers that are way faster and might not have the bombload to take out bombing points in one go, or S.81 can go for stationary targets like pillboxes, light pillboxes, AA emplacements and artillery positions to bleed the enemy team's tickets.

In ground battles the S.81 can be good air support for allied ground units, protecting points that are being captured by hostile forces and with good communications with the ground teammates it can wipe out entrenched enemies that are likely to be protecting points or certain roads or areas of the map. But beware of enemy SPAA units, S.81's slow speed makes it an easy target for most SPAA vehicles at its battle rating.

=== 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 || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great payload, can carry up to 2,000 kg of ordnance which can destroy 3 bases with ease
* Machine gun turrets can reach all sides of the bomber
* Potent, fast-firing defensive armament for its tier, with incendiary bullets that can easily set fabric-covered low-tier planes on fire.

'''Cons:'''

* Slow and sluggish
* No armour or bulletproof glass for protection
* Loss of a single engine will hamper the plane's ability to stay in the air
* Low maximum altitude

== History ==

Under the need to have an aircraft capable reaching the far reaches of the Italian colonies in Africa, a project was made to develop an aircraft able to suit the Regia Aeronautica. Approaching manufacturer Savoia-Marchetti, chief designer Alessandro Marchetti developed the aircraft based on the Savoia's SM.73 airliner and militarized the vehicle for its intended use.<ref name="MFS.81">Military Factory. "Savoia-Marchetti SM.81 Pipistrello (Bat) Medium Bomber / Transport Aircraft." Military Factory, 31 May 2017, [http://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=811 Website].</ref> The first prototype was built and flown in early 1935, approximately six months after the SM.73 debuted.<ref name="CenturyS.81">Century of Flight. "Savoia Marchetti S.M.81 Pipistrello." Italian Aircraft of World War Two, 11 Nov 2007, [https://web.archive.org/web/20121102170519/https://www.century-of-flight.net/Aviation%20history/photo_albums/timeline/ww2/Savoia%20Marchetti.htm Web Archive].</ref> This aircraft was then known as the '''SM.81 "Pipistrello"''' ('''"Bat"'''). The aircraft was accepted for service in the same year with mass-production slated, with different engines used throughout the production life. 534 SM.81 would be produced in the time span between 1935 to 1944.<ref name="MurphyS.81">Murphy, Justin D., and Matthew A. McNiece. Military Aircraft, 1919-1945: an Illustrated History of Their Impact. ABC-CLIO, 2009.</ref>

===Combat usage===
At its inception, the SM.81 was considered one of the better medium bombers of the era with its top speed of 211 miles, long range of 1,336 miles, well armed with six machine gun positions and able to carry a payload of up to 2,205 lbs.<ref name="MurphyS.81" /> The SM.81 found a versatile use on the battlefield, being used in a transport, bombing, ground attack, and a reconnaissance role, ensuring its relevancy even later in the war. One was procured by Benito Mussolini to be used as his private aircraft, the aircraft being nicknamed "Taratuga" ("Turtle") for its sluggish speed.

The SM.81 was first used in the Second Italo-Ethiopian War (also known as the Second Italo-Abyssinian War), lasting from 03 October 1935 to May 1936, quickly putting the SM.81 into action. Their versatile performed well in their support of the Italian troops, culminating with the annexation of Ethiopia into Italy's East African colonies. The SM.81 saw use again in the Spanish Civil War to aid the Spanish Nationalists in the Aviazione Legionaria, where they were used to the same degree as in Ethiopia. Though 12 were sent on a 705-mile flight on 29 July 1936 to Spanish-controlled Morocco, complexity in the flight had only nine arrive. These nine bombers provided a great asset in the Strait of Gibraltar as more aircraft arrived, keeping the Spanish Republican's Navy at bay. As the Nationalists push closer to Madrid, the SM.81, working alongside the German Condor Legion, bombed the Spanish capital almost daily. Though the SM.81 sometimes flew with escorting [[CR.32_(Family)|C.R.32]] biplanes, flying unescorted with tight formations was also possible due to the mutual machine gun protection with each other.<ref name="SmithS.81">Smith, Richard K., and R. Cargill. Hall. Five down, No Glory: Frank G. Tinker, Mercenary Ace in the Spanish Civil War. Naval Institute Press, 2011.</ref> However, when Soviet [[I-15_M-22|I-15]] and [[I-16 type 5|I-16]] appeared, flights started to be conducted at night to avoid losing precious bombers. When Italy left Spain at the conclusion of the war, around 64 SM.81 was left behind for the Spanish Air Force.

By the outbreak of World War II, the SM.81 was showing its age, though 300 units still remained in the Regia Aeronautica's inventory.<ref name="MFS.81" /> With the faster and more powerful [[S.M.79_(Family)|SM.79]] beginning to see service in 1936, the SM.81's roles was supplemented. The SM.81 still saw service in secondary roles and so deliveries still continued. It was used in the African theater as the main bomber against British forces in East Africa, but British [[Gladiator_Mk_II|Gladiators]] and [[Hurricane_(Family)|Hurricanes]] posed a major threat. Due to this the SM.81 was relegated as a night bomber in North Africa, with the darkness as cover against the enemy fighters. 80 SM.81 were also produced into a dedicated transport aircraft, known as ''SM.81T'', which proved vital in transporting troops and material to Rommel's Afrika Korps.<ref name="MurphyS.81" />

Even after Italy's surrender to Allied forces in September 1943, the SM.81 still saw service in North Italy's Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana and South Italy's Aviazione Cobelligerante Italiana. Though South Italy soon removed them from service, North Italy used them until the end of the war.<ref name="MFS.81" /> In the conclusion of World War II, several SM.81 were still in service with the post-war Aeronautica Militare Italiana, sticking around until 1950 when they were all officially retired.

===Other developments===
Two main variants of the SM.81 existed, the SM.81 as a bomber/transport variant and the SM.81T as a dedicated transport aircraft, both using various engines as propulsion. A project was done known as the ''SM.81B'', which used a two-engine configuration. This provided inadequate performance compared to the three-engine configurations and so the project was discontinued.

Though the SM.81 saw use in the various Italian air forces and in Spain, three were also sent to the Chinese Nationalist forces, arriving at an unknown date. However, all three samples were destroyed in training exercises in early 1938.<ref name="MFS.81" />

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=s_81_ar125 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|9_txEPailKc|'''The Shooting Range #92''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 06:20 discusses the S.81.}}

== 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 ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/379608-s81/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== References ===
<references />

{{AirManufacturer SM}}
{{Italy bombers}}

B7A2

2022-03-19T05:13:07Z

U122946199:

{{Specs-Card
|code=b7a2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.37]].

The Allied reporting name for this aircraft was "Grace".

The B7A2 was designed as a carrier-based dive/torpedo bomber. For an aircraft of its size, it has exceptionally good manoeuvrability, on par with the A6M Zero. Therefore it can be used in the fighter role as well, since its two 20 mm cannons perform very well against all other aircraft. When using the B7A2 in either dive or torpedo bombing, it is important to not rely on the B7A2's defensive gunner if an enemy is approaching. The B7A2 can quickly outmanoeuvre most American and Soviet aircraft so use this to your advantage if you're being intercepted. You will then be able to quickly tail your enemy, and be able to engage them with your forward firing cannons. As the aircraft is seen, it is a very big target, with minimal armour. This is why it is important to not rely on your defensive gunner. In addition, the B7A2 does not have a very good climb rate, and works best at lower altitudes. Getting your guns on target can also be a pain, especially when traveling at higher speeds since the B7A2's roll rate is very poor. Most enemies are able to easily out roll the B7A2, giving them a distinct advantage in a dogfight. Nonetheless, many pilots do not expect death to come from a dive bomber.

The B7A2 wields two 20 mm Type 99 mk 2 cannons placed in the wings. Since the B7A2 can be used as a multi-purpose aircraft, the B7A2's weapons will also serve those roles. Equipping the ground targets belt for the 20 mm cannons can be helpful if attacking targets like light pillboxes or light tanks. The Ryusei is also capable of equipping the "Stealth" belt which is composed entirely of HEF and API shells. This belt is the best choice for air to air combat. The B7A2 pilot should remember to set his or her gun convergence lower than 400 meters to take down enemy fighters effectively. Since the cannons themselves are a fair ways apart from each other on the actual aircraft, having a low gun convergence ensures each round hits a single point on a target.

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

Designed to carry most of its payload internally, the B7A2 is much bulkier than its predecessor, the [[B6N (Family)|B6N]] series, as well as equipped with a less powerful Homare 12 engine. Thus the Ryusei is a bit slow to accelerate and somewhat sluggish at low speed, thought the WEP should comes in handy as the engine can cool down relatively quickly.

Once the Ryusei reaches 300 km/h, however, its manoeuvrability is significantly increased. Between 300 and 500 km/h, the Ryusei is capable of out-turning most of the enemy fighters it faces. With a help of WEP, it barely loses any energy while turning and can keep up on the enemy's tails.

However, when the Ryusei's speed is above 500 km/h, the plane will slowly lose its controllability and lock up when reaches 600 km/h. This can be counterproductive for the plane's usage as a dive bomber, as it may results in a lethal failed pull-ups. Here is where your airbrakes comes into rescue, as it will help to restore the Ryusei's controllability and safely pull out from a dive.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,550 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
| 542 || 525 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 28.8 || 29.6 || 7.3 || 7.3 || rowspan="2" | 270
|-
! Upgraded
| 594 || 565 || 26.7 || 28.0 || 17.7 || 10.4
|-
|}

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

{| 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}} || 457 || 428 || 280 || ~15 || ~15
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 380 || < 380 || < 450 || > 312
|-
|}

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


* 13 mm steel plate in the nose
* Fuel tanks are not self-sealing (3 in each wing)

Although the B7A2's airframe is fairly durable, the pilot and gunner is exposed to an attack from any angle except frontally due the lack of bulletproof glass and armour. As the Ryusei lacks any self-sealing fuel tank, fire damage will be a death sentence for the plane.

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

Since the B7A2 is a multi-role aircraft any module research path is viable. Unlocking performance modules will boost survivability and damage potential in dogfights, whereas unlocking armament modules will help with the ground attack. Some of the best modules to unlock are the "Engine injection" and "Offensive 20 mm belts".

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

{{main|Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannons, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)

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

{{main|Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)|Navy Type 98 Number 25 (250 kg)|Navy Type Number 80 Model 1 (800 kg)|Type 91 Model 3 (850 kg)}}

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

* 10 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (600 kg total)
* 2 x 250 kg Navy Type 98 Number 25 bombs + 4 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (740 kg total)
* 1 x 800 kg Navy Type Number 80 Model 1 bomb (800 kg total)
* 1 x 850 kg Type 91 Model 3 torpedo

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

{{main|Type 2 (13 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 13 mm Type 2 machine gun, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==

The Ryusei is best utilized as a multi-role aircraft, similar to the role the [[Ju 87 D-5]] plays. Once its payload is dropped, the B7A2 becomes a low altitude, low-speed dogfighter similar to an A6M. In realistic battles, the B7A2 is often paired with aircraft such as the [[A6M3]], [[A6M3 mod. 22]], and [[A6M3 mod. 22Ko]]. If unable to shake an enemy off your tail, these "Zeroes" can be relied on as they have impressive low altitude capabilities.

Payload choice is dependent on target choice. If the target is a light pillbox, for instance, one does not need an 800 kg bomb. Instead, equip either of the other bomb loadout options. The same goes for most ground units, apart from arcade mini bases. The Ryusei is similar to aircraft such as the [[Ki-49-IIa]] in that it can "hover" above an enemy base or airfield, rapidly dropping its payload and diving up to altitude again. Since the B7A2 is a dive bomber, it does not have to be level to drop its payload accurately. The Ryusei's ability to "hover" above enemy mini bases and airfields can be a great help to any arcade battles team. Upgrading the crew reload speed makes this aircraft a potential game-winner, especially when in a squad.

Similar to the [[Ju 87 D-5]], the Ryusei's airspeed is not on par with the aircraft it faces, no matter the game mode. This handicaps the B7A2 to playing solely a support role, only being able to engage the aircraft it can catch. Nonetheless, having a B7A2 on any team, no matter the game mode, never hurts.

=== 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 ===


'''Pros:'''

* '''B'''7A for Carrier-based torpedo bomber
** Bomber spawn
** 1x [[Type 91 Model 3 (850 kg)|Type 91 Aerial Torpedo]]
*** Torpedo has the highest drop speed in the game at {{Annotation|580 km/h|350 mph}} and is one of the most feared torpedoes in Naval Battles
** 10x [[Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)|Type 97 No.6 Land Bomb (60kg)]]
*** Gets a bomb bay of 6 x 60 kg bombs which can be used to hit multiple targets (+4 on the wings that drop in pairs)
** 1x [[Navy Type Number 80 Model 1 (800 kg)|No.80 Land Bomb (800kg)]]
*** Heaviest bomb Japanese Navy can offer
* Common Navy plane construction:
** Excellent manoeuvrability
* '''{{PAGENAME}}''' specific
** Airbrakes
** Short take-off and landing distance
** 2x wing mounted [[Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)]]
** 1x tail defensive [[Type 2 (13 mm)]] with good coverage
** Bomb sight which enhances bombing accuracy

'''Cons:'''

* '''B'''7A for Carrier-based torpedo bomber
** Relatively Large target
* Common Navy plane construction:
** Little armour, and no self-sealing fuel tanks
** Exposed tail gunner
* Easily compress when exceeding 600 km/h
* Mediocre roll rate

== History ==

Two-seat carrier-based Aichi B7A2 Ryusei "Shooting Star" or "Meteor" Torpedo/Dive Bomber (Allied reporting name: Grace). The B7A was an answer to a specification for a carrier-based torpedo/dive bomber in 1941. It was intended to replace B6N and D4Y, having an internal and external payload, increased speed and long-range. Some of the design features of the B7A include; inverted gull-wings, conventional fuselage, and tail unit and a four-bladed propeller. During its development, it went through a series of shortcomings, such as the delivery of engines, and an accidental earthquake which destroyed the main factory housing most of the B7A's. Thus not seeing active service until 1944. By this time, there were no aircraft carriers capable of operating the B7A. The last aircraft carrier being the Shinano was sunk 10 days after its commission. The B7A2 was then forced to operate in home defence operations, seeing limited service.

Known as the AM-23 within Aichi, the first prototype was completed and flown in May 1942 which was designated the B7A1 by the Navy. The B7A used the Nakajima NK9C 12 Model radial engine, producing 1,825 hp. This gave the aircraft exceptionally good speed, even when fully loaded with ammunition and bombs. During flight testing, the Navy was very impressed with its performance. Despite it being a very large light bomber, the B7A1 displayed handling and performance comparable to the Mitsubishi's A6M Zero and a further 8 prototypes were ordered. However, with more testing underway, it was noted that the engine (which was experimental as well) suffered teething problems, and the airframe of the aircraft needed modifying structurally. It was not until two years later that the B7A would begin production in 1944.

Up until May 1945, 80 B7A2's had been completed. But soon after, a severe earthquake occurred, destroying the factory housing the aircraft that were being assembled. A further 25 more examples were completed by another factory. Throughout the B7A2's service, different variants were planned. Firstly, was an experimental production B7A2, that was fitted with the Nakajima Homare 23 radial engine, producing 2,000 hp. Only 1 was built. Secondly, came the B7A3 Ryusei-Kai. This was to use the Mitsubishi Ha-43 radial engine producing 2,200 hp but it was not built. Lastly, came the B8A1 Mokusei "Planet". This was to have no carrier equipment and no gull wings. In addition, 2 x Type 99 20mm cannons were to be replaced with 2 x Type 5 30mm cannons. The B8A remained on the drawing board before the war ended, with no mock-up even though it was accepted to be built.

In all, 9 B7A1's, and 105 B7A2's were produced. 114 in total.

Katori Naval Air Base, Chiba-Prefecture, Japan, May 1945
 - ''752nd Naval Air Group''

Kanogawa-Prefecture, Japan, April 1945
 - ''Yokosuka Naval Air Group''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=b7a2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== 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 ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/87947-aichi-b7a2/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* [http://www.aviastar.org/air/japan/aichi_b7a.php <nowiki>[aviastar.org]</nowiki> Aichi B7A Ryusei / Grace]
* [http://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=442 <nowiki>[MilitaryFactory.com]</nowiki> Aichi B7A Ryusei (Grace)]
* [https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/aichi-b7a2-ryusei-shooting-star-grace/nasm_A19630360000 <nowiki>[Smithsonian NASM]</nowiki> Aichi B7A2 Ryusei (Shooting Star) GRACE]
* [http://www.hyperscale.com/features/2000/graceir_1.htm <nowiki>[HyperScale.com]</nowiki> Aichi B7A2 Ryusei Kai "Grace"]
* [http://www.hyperscale.com/2013/reviews/kits/sword72069reviewmd_1.htm <nowiki>[HyperScale.com]</nowiki> Aichi B7A2 Ryusei Kai (Grace)]

{{AirManufacturer Aichi}}
{{Japan bombers}}

A6M5 Ko

2022-03-18T11:02:00Z

U122946199:

{{About
| about = Japanese gift fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = A6M (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=a6m5ko
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
|store=3296
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. This plane is nearly identical to the tech tree counterpart [[A6M5]] with an exception of extra 50 rounds of ammunition for its 20 mm guns.

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


As with the other A6M5 variants, the A6M5 Ko features an improved exhaust system that gives the plane more thrust and acceleration. While this does not help the Zero to catch up with any enemy fighters, it helps to retain the plane's energy rather well which will certainly be a great asset in a dogfight.

Although this variant of Zero has a good climb rate, the Zero's limited top speed and frail airframe makes it ill-suited for bomber hunting and boom-and-zoom tactics. The aforementioned weak airframe also worsens the Zero's manoeuvrability when the plane reaches a speed of 600 km/h in a dive.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,000 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
| 521 || 503 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 16.6 || 17.2 || 13.4 || 13.4 || rowspan="2" | 190
|-
! Upgraded
| 563 || 540 || 15.8 || 16.0 || 21.4 || 16.9
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || 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}} || 397 || 368 || 220 || ~14 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 280 || < 420 || < 410 || > 336
|-
|}

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


* No armour protection
* Non-self-sealing fuel tanks

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

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

{{main|Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)|Type 97 navy (7.7 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannons, wing-mounted (125 rpg = 250 total)
* 2 x 7.7 mm Type 97 navy machine guns, nose-mounted (700 rpg = 1,400 total)

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

{{main|Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)|Navy Type Number 25 Model 2 (250 kg)}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (120 kg total)
* 1 x 250 kg Navy Type Number 25 Model 2 bomb (250 kg total)

== Usage in battles ==


The Zero is outclassed by everything it faces in terms of speed. The only thing left to hang on to is its famous manoeuvrability. More than ever, the key is to exploit its nimbleness to force the enemy to make mistakes. Every single aircraft in this battle-rating is faster - the [[P-47N-15]] is both faster in a straight line and in a dive - meaning the slow {{PAGENAME}} will have limited opportunities to engage. It is not common to see enemies turn fight with a Zero, but most will break away and attempt to flee. As such, the {{PAGENAME}}'s best bet is to try and end the fight quickly with good shot placement and lead so that the A6M5 Ko can dis-engage before its target flees. During the downtime if the enemy plane continues fleeing or was shot down, start re-climbing to prepare for engaging new targets that approaches the {{PAGENAME}}.

The Zero's infamous reputation for catching fire after being shot by any incendiary rounds continue - the lack of armour is detrimental to the Zero meaning if it gets hit, it's likely going to be fatal. This means the pilot needs to do their best to dodge all shots coming the {{PAGENAME}}'s way by utilizing the Zero's incredible manoeuvrability. Remember to turn into the enemy to spoil their aim. With good shot placement, the {{PAGENAME}}'s weaponry can dispatch foes as they pass by due to the amazing turn time on the Zero. Then, it's a simple matter of getting onto their six and taking small, accurate bursts at the opponent. The {{PAGENAME}} can also frustrate its enemies by constantly evading all of their attempts to force head-ons, or the A6M5 Ko can dive down on unsuspecting pilots as the Zero still has quite a good climb rate compared to other aircraft of its battle rating.

* In Simulator, the A6M Zero is overall a great plane to fly. Its advantages include the extremely smooth handling, impressive turn rate, low stall speed, the ability to not enter spins in extreme manoeuvres, decent rear visibility, and increased cannon ammo capacity. It is able to pull really tight turns or barrel rolls without losing control or going into a spin, allowing the player to use this stability to their advantage. Its disadvantages, however, are the fragile protection, wing-mounted guns, and the cockpit scattered with frames. Although not thick, these frames can still be obstructions in a fight. Also the gunsight is small and mounted very low, resulting in inadequate visibility over the nose. This can limit the player's ability to see the target in a turn fight since to lead the target, the player must cut inside its turn, meaning the nose will now block the target. The A6M can perform dogfighting, some ground pounding and some intercepting.

* You can bring the minimum amount of fuel (29 minutes) since this model of the Zero only has a 100-round drum per cannon, as a result you might need to constantly return to airfield to reload so there is no need to bring more fuel. Set the convergence to 150-300 m. When taking off, the A6M will shift severely to the left so it is best to set separate keybind for left and right brakes to counter the torque.
* For dogfighting, it is better to engage with an altitude advantage so climb to around 2,500 m. Track the opponent using lead or pure pursuit, as with lag pursuit you will eventually end up at the 6'o clock of the target aircraft whose fuselage will soak up most of your MG bullets, and your wing mounted cannons will become really awkward to aim. With the amazing stableness the aim should be easy. Target their wings or nose and avoid the back half of the fuselage as there is usually nothing in there. You can turn with most planes with your combat/takeoff flaps deployed. Note that it is best to fire in 10-round/one-second bursts to avoid wasting cannon rounds. Once the cannons are out, the leftover 7.7 mm MGs can only effectively damage single engine fighters.

* For ground pounding with bombs, look for tanks and pillboxes. First you need some separation between you and the target so you have enough time to line-up the drop. Dive at the target at a rather shallow angle, and release the 60 kg bombs when you are very close, with the target below the gunsight and filling up around half of it. For the 250kg, drop it with the gunsight slightly more above the target. If you only use the MGs, your targets are trucks, AAA and howitzers. Dive at it and stabilise the plane so the gunsight stays overall still at the target. Then, once the target fills out around 1/6 of the gunsight, open fire. If your aim is accurate you can destroy one target in a single pass. However, it is very recommended to set keybind for firing MG only as you can definitely not waste the valuable cannon rounds. Save them for any unexpected dogfights.
* Landing is easy thanks to the low stall speed and lovely handling. Line up and approach the airstrip at treetop, decrease speed to at most 210 km/h and deploy combat, takeoff and landing flaps in order. Further decelerate so the touchdown speed is no more than 180 km/h to avoid bouncing up. Keep braking until the plane reaches a full stop, you don't have to worry about the nose dipping down and causing a propeller strike.

'''Enemies worth noting:'''

* P-61: this plane is one tough nut to crack. It is quite fast, packs a fatal punch, has a searching radar, and a deadly turret on top. The turret consists of 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns that cover the upper half of the plane, and most P-61 players tend to fly low or get you into their upper half to target you with the turret. Avoid being above them at all costs, utilise the Zero's manoeuvrability and sneak under their belly. Its appearance resembles a P-38: a center fuselage with two engine nacelles extending backwards and forming the twin tail like a frame, you will know it is a Black Widow and not a Lightning when red tracer bullets start shooting out from it.

* F4U, F6F, P-47, etc: these planes are a huge threat to the late Zeros as they have superior firepower, speed, dive acceleration and robust airframes. Their 12.7 mm MGs can easily tear you apart or simply pilot-snipe you even when they are far away, as the M2 Brownings have great velocity and trajectory. They can also set you aflame easily. Start a turnfight whenever you see these stubby planes. The F4U has a long cylindrical nose and the iconic inverted gull wing. The P-47 has a huge, jug-like fuselage, bubble canopy and elliptical trailing edge that usually have invasion stripes painted on them. The F6F, on the other hand, might get confused with other planes as it looks rather average.

* Spitfires: their turn time will come close to the A6M5. They are fast, and can boom and zoom. To avoid them, don't panic when they are spotted trying to boom and zoom. Counter by pretending that they have not been noticed, lulling them into a false sense of security. Then, just as they fire the first shots, dodge them, and head upwards and loop around to take the shot on them. The Spitfires have a streamlined nose with the iconic large, elliptical wings.
* P-51: their machine guns can do severe damage to the A6M5. However, a common tendency of novice P-51 pilots is to get into a manoeuvring fight with the A6M5. Simply dodge their attacks, do a loop to get on their tail, and take shots at the opportune moments. Even better, when beating them in a turn fight, their aircraft's top profile are fully exposed, allowing for a larger surface area to be shot up and even the cockpit to hit the pilot inside.
* Yak 3/9: their 20 mm cannons are devastating if they hit. Do not try to head on them, just dodge the attacks by looping around the bullets, get on their tail, and shoot them before they get away!

=== 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 Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable 2 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* '''A'''6M for Carrier-based fighter:
** Strictly air-to-air role
*** Gets 2x [[Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)|Type 97 No.6 Land Bomb (60kg)]], but strongly ill-advised for air-battles
** Decent cannon armament
** Extremely manoeuvrable
*** Excellent turn rate
*** Excellent roll rate
** Very short takeoff distance

* Common Navy plane construction:
** Decent offensive armament: [[Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)|20 mm Type 99 Model 2 Cannon]]
*** ''Ground Targets'': Great for Ground battles
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
:::* AP-I:
::::* Shreds soft targets, and can weaken / destroy weak top armored tanks, especially engine decks
::::* Easily sets fire to air targets
:::* HEF(T):
::::* Tracer can help you aim on target
::::* The few rounds in the belt can still wreck havoc on enemy planes with their HE filler
</div>

::* ''Stealth'': Great for Air battles
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
:::* No tracers
:::* HEF:
::::* Near full HE belt
::::* Wrecks havoc on enemy planes with HE filler
:::* AP-I:
::::* Easily sets fire to air targets
</div>

:* Excellent manoeuvrability
:* Nose mounted armament
:* Small radiator drag

* '''A6M5''' specific:
** Good climb rate
** Can mount a bomb rack for a single 250 kg bomb, still strongly ill-advised for air-battles

'''Cons:'''

* '''A'''6M for Carrier-based fighter:
** Strictly air-to-air role
** Limited ammo
** Slow
** Low dive speed, and easily compressed in a dive

* Common Navy plane construction:
** Poor MG offensive armament: [[Type 97 navy (7.7 mm)|7.7 mm Type 97 MG]]
** Poor offensive armament when stock: [[Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)|20 mm Type 99 Model 2 Cannon]]
*** No HE filler
*** T & FI rounds usually do nothing
** Fragile, nonexistent armour, and no self-sealing fuel tanks

== History ==


=== In-game description ===
Mitsubishi Type 0 Model 52 "Kou" (A6M5 Model 52a, reporting names: Zeke/Hamp/Zero) single-engine carrier-based fighter

In the middle of 1942, the Allies in the Pacific Ocean Theatre took the offensive, while the Japanese were more and more often on the defensive. In 1943, new types of high-speed fighters entered service with the USAAF and the USNAF, and they outperformed the Zeros in many respects. Low survivability, the main disadvantage of the Japanese aircraft, was made clear in the fierce air duels between the planes. The fighter's flight characteristics also required some improvement, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries designers began to upgrade the A6M again in August 1943.

The Zero received a smaller-area wing (with a span of only 11 m) with rounded tips. The wing folding mechanism was removed. To increase the plane's allowable diving speed, its wing surface skin was reinforced.

Since more powerful engines were not yet available, the designers had to make the most of a Nakajima Sakae 21 engine. Every pair of cylinders was given an individual exhaust pipe instead of a common heavy exhaust manifold. This added exhaust gas thrust to the propeller thrust, which resulted in a higher aircraft speed. The fuselage skin had to be reinforced with steel sheets in the area of the pipes, since the hot exhaust gases quickly burned through thin duralumin.

The new version of the aircraft was designated Model 52 (A6M5 Model 52). The plane became slightly heavier, but its maximum speed at a height of 6,000 m reached 565 km/h. This was the speed limit for the Zero, since all further modifications made to the machine only increased its weight and, consequently, reduced its maximum speed.

The next stage in upgrading the Zero was the Model 52 "Kou" (A6M5a Model 52a). This improvement significantly reinforced the plane's armament by replacing the wing-mounted Type 99-2 Model 3 drum-fed cannons (with 100 rounds each) with Type 99-2 Model 4 belt-fed cannons (with 125 rounds). This added 25 rounds per cannon and slightly improved the plane's rate of fire. Now the fighter's armament consisted of two synchronous 7.7 mm Type 97 machine guns with 500 rounds each plus two wing-mounted 20 mm Type 99-2 Model 4 cannons with 125 rounds each.

The A6M5a fighter could carry bombs: two 60 kg (132 lb) bombs suspended under the wing and one weighing 250 kg (551 kb) under the fuselage.

In addition, the A6M5a's wing structure was reinforced yet again, which resulted in a maximum allowable diving speed of 740 km/h. However, this was still inferior to the diving speed of the American F4U fighter.

Mass production of the A6M5a variant began in March 1944. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries manufactured 391 machines. An additional unknown quantity of this variant was built by Nakajima Aircraft.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=a6m5ko Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|V_5hzA-h2eI|'''In Allied Skies - A6M5 Ko''' - ''Napalmratte''|YADf8ptP77A|'''Premium Review: A6M5 Ko [Turn & Burn Baby]''' - ''Jengar''}}

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Vought [[F4U (Family)|F4U]] Corsair
* Reggiane [[Re.2001 (Family)|Re.2001]]
* Supermarine [[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfire]]
* Hawker [[Hurricane (Family)|Sea Hurricane]]

== External links ==


* [[Wikipedia:Mitsubishi_A6M_Zero#A6M5_Type_0_Model_52|[Wikipedia] A6M5 Type 0 Model 52]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/295065-mitsubishi-a6m5/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Mitsubishi}}
{{Japan fighters}}
{{Japan premium aircraft}}

Bf 110 G-4 (Italy)

2022-03-02T07:47:47Z

U122946199:

{{About
| about = strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Bf 110 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=bf_110g_4_hungary
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Raining Fire"]].

The Bf 110 G-4 is a multi-role aircraft, but is mainly used as an interceptor thanks to its radar and its armament perfect for shooting down enemy aircraft but also another role that is the CAS, in fact the Bf 110 G-4 can carry a wide variety of weapons that can be used against land and naval targets such as the [[SC1000L2 (1,000 kg)|1000 kg SC1000L2]] bomb, or four [[Wfr.Gr.21]] rockets.

== General info ==
The Bf 110 G-4 is a fighter-interceptor and a CAS plane, with its payload it can destroy different enemies like heavy tanks, light vehicles, but also big ships, and it is very good against enemy bombers.

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,200 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
| 569 || 552 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.2 || 27.2 || 9.3 || 9.3 || rowspan="2" | 450
|-
! Upgraded
| 615 || 591 || 23.8 || 25.0 || 16.5 || 12.5
|-
|}

==== 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 745  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 467 || 438 || 290 || ~12 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 360 || < 350 || < 370 || > 715
|-
|}

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

The Bf 110 G-4 is a very robust and resistant aircraft, like the rest of the 110 series. It can withstand hits of up to 20 mm calibre cannons without problems, obviously depending on where it is hit, for example if it is hit the engines or tanks, let's say that it will not resist much because they are critical points of the aircraft. The level of survival is also very good, the "vital" area of the aircraft is all in the middle, fuel tanks and crew. As we find 3 members, the pilot and the two gunners, a tail gunner and a gunner for the cannons positioned above the aircraft.

* 5 mm steel underneath pilot
* 6 mm steel underneath gunner
* 6 mm steel above and below liquid cooling systems
* 6 mm steel in front of engines
* 8.5 mm steel in front of gunner (note that the gunner is rear-facing)
* 8.5 mm steel in front of radar equipment in cockpit
* 8.5 mm steel between radar antennae and nose-mounted cannon ammunition
* 10.5 mm steel beside and in front of pilot's controls
* 10.5 mm steel behind pilot's head
* 58 mm bulletproof glass in front of pilot
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (2 in each wing)

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

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

{{main|MK 108 (30 mm)|MG FF/M (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 2 x 30 mm MK 108 cannons, nose-mounted (120 rpg left + 135 rpg right = 255 total)
* 2 x 20 mm MG FF/M cannons, Schräge Musik-style in front of gunner (240 rpg = 480 total)

The offensive armament consists of two 30 mm MK 108 and two 20 mm MG 151 cannons. The 30 mm belts contain mainly HEI-T and I rounds, which cause severe damage to enemy aircraft and open-topped ground vehicles, while the MG 151 belts are very good for destroying enemy aircraft and light vehicles.

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

{{main|SC50JA (50 kg)|SC250JA (250 kg)|SC500K (500 kg)|SC1000L2 (1,000 kg)}}
{{main|Wfr.Gr.21|MG 151 (20 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, belly-mounted (400 rpg left + 350 rpg right = 750 total)
* 12 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs + 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons (600 kg total)
* 2 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs + 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons (500 kg total)
* 1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb + 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons (500 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg SC500K bombs + 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons (1,000 kg total)
* 1 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bomb + 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons (1,000 kg total)
* 1 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bomb + 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb + 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons (1,250 kg total)
* 4 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons
* 4 x Wfr.Gr.21 rockets + 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons
* 4 x Wfr.Gr.21 rockets + 4 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons

One of the most convenient and effective payloads for the Bf 110 G-4 is the two 20 mm cannons and the two 500 kg bombs. The two MG 151s are super effective to fight other aircraft for example in frontal attacks or to cause serious damage to bombers. With these two additional cannons you will be able to perform an important task of air superiority, but thanks to these 20 mm you will also be able to do a great job as CAS. With the two 500 kg bombs feel free to use them as you wish, you can use them against everything, from bombing bases, to bombing ships and tanks. You can even use them to get an enemy off your tail by going low to the ground and dropping them, the 500 kg bomb is powerful enough to do critical damage to light aircraft following you.

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

{{main|MG 81 (7.92 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 7.92 mm MG 81 machine guns, dorsal turret (750 rpg = 1,500 total)

The defensive armament is positioned behind the pilot's cabin and consists of two [[MG 81 (7.92 mm)|MG 81 7.92 mm machine guns]] with an excellent rate of fire of 1600 rounds/min and thanks to this rate of fire you can cause extensive damage to bombers and enemy aircraft that are in the rear. The best belt to use is AP-T, with two AP-I and two AP-T rounds.

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:Bf 110 G-4 (Italy) in a dive.png|thumb|Nosedive on two panthers]]
The Bf 110 G-4 is an excellent aircraft to perform almost any task. It can be used to defend allied bombers, or it can simply act as a support aircraft thanks to its two rear machine guns. It is an excellent aircraft to destroy ground targets and provide cover for allied tanks, but it can also be used as a heavy fighter and thus provide air superiority in a very effective way, if accompanied by some fighters. It is recommended to use it according to the needs of the team. If the squadron needs more of a CAS aircraft, the various payload options allow it to perform the task as a CAS aircraft, if bombers need cover then do not equip external payload and gain the necessary altitude to fight. It is a very versatile aircraft to play.

===Radars===
{{main|FuG-220}}

The Bf 110 G-4 is equipped with a [[FuG-220]] search radar, located in the nose of the aircraft; a control box which is part of the radar damage model is located behind the pilot.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | [[FuG-220]] - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed Detection Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
|-
| 5,000 m || 5,000 m || ±35° || -55°/+20°
|-
|}

=== 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 Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful offensive armament, including additional 20 mm cannons
* Has 20 mm Schräge Musik cannons
* Great variety of payload options
** Can carry the large 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bomb
** Can carry powerful Wfr.Gr.21 rockets
* Has a radar
* Combat flaps make turning easier

'''Cons:'''

* Not very manoeuvrable
* Rockets are hard to aim (they fire in an upwards arc meaning you will have to fire them at ground targets while shallow diving)
* Extra crew member means more weight than other Bf 110s
* Schräge Musik takes time to get used to

== History ==

The [[Bf 110 (Family)|Messerschmitt Bf 110]] was developed, starting in the second half of the 1930s, to provide the Luftwaffe with a twin-engine heavy fighter capable of long-range deployment and capable of performing multi-role missions of fighter, tactical bomber, and close support.

The Bf 110 entered service in 1939 and 1940 with the role of air support to German ground forces, escort fighter, and tactical bomber, then around 1943 the Bf 110 continued to fight and was used as a defense aircraft and interceptor. The Bf 110 had several variants including:

* Bf 110 A
* Bf 110 B
* Bf 110 C ([[Bf 110 C-6]], [[Bf 110 C-7]])
* Bf 110 D
* Bf 110 E
* Bf 110 F ([[Bf 110 F-2]])
* Bf 110 G ([[Bf 110 G-2]], [[Bf 110 G-4]])
* Bf 110 H

[[File:Bf 110 G-4 (Italy) close up.png|thumb|The Bf 110 G-4 seen from the front]]
The Messerschmitt Bf 110 G entered service in May 1942 and was characterized, compared to the previous versions, by the adoption of two 1,475 hp Daimler Benz DB 605 engines capable of allowing the aircraft to reach a speed of 595 km/h. In particular the G-4 version assumed the role of heavy night fighter with the task of countering the Allied bombers' incursions in the skies over Germany. Heavily armed, thanks also to the possibility of installing a gun pod with two [[MK 108 (30 mm)|MK 108 30 mm]] cannons, and equipped with a [[FuG-202|FuG-202 radar system]] optimized for night hunting, it became a valid adversary of the British [[Lancaster B Mk I|Lancaster]] bombers or the American [[B-17 (Family)|B-17]] "Flying Fortresses".

Bf 110s were withdrawn from service at the end of World War II in 1945.

=== Hungary ===
Hungarian Air Force in December 1944 received at least 6 Bf 110 G-4s, later assigned to a night fighter squadron based at Veszprém, not much is known about their service.

=== Italy ===
The Regia Aeronautica in July 18, 1942 requested Bf 110s from the Luftwaffe to defend Milan and northern cities from Allied bombers. But eventually it received some Bf 110 C-3s which were assigned to the 235a Squadriglia del 41°Stormo B.T., after the formation of the RSI, the Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana (ANR) received in the spring of 1944 two Bf 110 G-4/R3 assigned then to the 170a Squadriglia caccia notturna.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=bf_110g_4_hungary Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== 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 ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/497246-bf-110g-4/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer BFW}}
{{Italy strike aircraft}}
{{Italy premium aircraft}}

Bf 110 G-4 (Italy)

2022-02-28T08:48:07Z

U122946199:

{{About
| about = strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Bf 110 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=bf_110g_4_hungary
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Raining Fire"]].

The Bf 110 G-4 is a multi-role aircraft, but is mainly used as an interceptor thanks to its radar and its armament perfect for shooting down enemy aircraft but also another role that is the CAS, in fact the Bf 110 G-4 can carry a wide variety of weapons that can be used against land and naval targets such as the [[SC1000L2 (1,000 kg)|1000 kg SC1000L2]] bomb, or four [[Wfr.Gr.21]] rockets.

== General info ==
The Bf 110 G-4 is a fighter-interceptor and a CAS plane, with its payload it can destroy different enemies like heavy tanks, light vehicles, but also big ships, and it is very good against enemy bombers.

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,200 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
| 569 || 552 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.2 || 27.2 || 9.3 || 9.3 || rowspan="2" | 450
|-
! Upgraded
| 615 || 591 || 23.8 || 25.0 || 16.5 || 12.5
|-
|}

==== 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 745  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 467 || 438 || 290 || ~12 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 360 || < 350 || < 370 || > 715
|-
|}

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

The Bf 110 G-4 is a very robust and resistant aircraft, like the rest of the 110 series. It can withstand hits of up to 20 mm calibre cannons without problems, obviously depending on where it is hit, for example if it is hit the engines or tanks, let's say that it will not resist much because they are critical points of the aircraft. The level of survival is also very good, the "vital" area of the aircraft is all in the middle, fuel tanks and crew. As we find 3 members, the pilot and the two gunners, a tail gunner and a gunner for the cannons positioned above the aircraft.

* 5 mm steel underneath pilot
* 6 mm steel underneath gunner
* 6 mm steel above and below liquid cooling systems
* 6 mm steel in front of engines
* 8.5 mm steel in front of gunner (note that the gunner is rear-facing)
* 8.5 mm steel in front of radar equipment in cockpit
* 8.5 mm steel between radar antennae and nose-mounted cannon ammunition
* 10.5 mm steel beside and in front of pilot's controls
* 10.5 mm steel behind pilot's head
* 58 mm bulletproof glass in front of pilot
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (2 in each wing)

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

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

{{main|MK 108 (30 mm)|MG FF/M (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 2 x 30 mm MK 108 cannons, nose-mounted (120 rpg left + 135 rpg right = 255 total)
* 2 x 20 mm MG FF/M cannons, Schräge Musik-style in front of gunner (240 rpg = 480 total)

The offensive armament consists of two 30 mm MK 108 and two 20 mm MG 151 cannons. The 30 mm belts contain mainly HEI-T and I rounds, which cause severe damage to enemy aircraft and open-topped ground vehicles, while the MG 151 belts are very good for destroying enemy aircraft and light vehicles.

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

{{main|SC50JA (50 kg)|SC250JA (250 kg)|SC500K (500 kg)|SC1000L2 (1,000 kg)}}
{{main|Wfr.Gr.21|MG 151 (20 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, belly-mounted (400 rpg left + 350 rpg right = 750 total)
* 12 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs + 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons (600 kg total)
* 2 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs + 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons (500 kg total)
* 1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb + 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons (500 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg SC500K bombs + 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons (1,000 kg total)
* 1 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bomb + 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons (1,000 kg total)
* 1 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bomb + 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb + 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons (1,250 kg total)
* 4 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons
* 4 x Wfr.Gr.21 rockets + 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons
* 4 x Wfr.Gr.21 rockets + 4 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons

One of the most convenient and effective payloads for the Bf 110 G-4 is the two 20 mm cannons and the two 500 kg bombs. The two MG 151s are super effective to fight other aircraft for example in frontal attacks or to cause serious damage to bombers. With these two additional cannons you will be able to perform an important task of air superiority, but thanks to these 20 mm you will also be able to do a great job as CAS. With the two 500 kg bombs feel free to use them as you wish, you can use them against everything, from bombing bases, to bombing ships and tanks. You can even use them to get an enemy off your tail by going low to the ground and dropping them, the 500 kg bomb is powerful enough to do critical damage to light aircraft following you.

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

{{main|MG 81 (7.92 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 7.92 mm MG 81 machine guns, dorsal turret (750 rpg = 1,500 total)

The defensive armament is positioned behind the pilot's cabin and consists of two [[MG 81 (7.92 mm)|MG 81 7.92 mm machine guns]] with an excellent rate of fire of 1600 rounds/min and thanks to this rate of fire you can cause extensive damage to bombers and enemy aircraft that are in the rear. The best belt to use is '''AP-T''', with two AP-I and two AP-T rounds.

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:Bf 110 G-4 (Italy) in a dive.png|thumb|Nosedive on two panthers]]
The Bf 110 G-4 is an excellent aircraft to perform almost any task. It can be used to defend allied bombers, or it can simply act as a support aircraft thanks to its two rear machine guns. It is an excellent aircraft to destroy ground targets and provide cover for allied tanks, but it can also be used as a heavy fighter and thus provide air superiority in a very effective way, if accompanied by some fighters. It is recommended to use it according to the needs of the team. If the squadron needs more of a CAS aircraft, the various payload options allow it to perform the task as a CAS aircraft, if bombers need cover then do not equip external payload and gain the necessary altitude to fight. It is a very versatile aircraft to play.

===Radars===
{{main|FuG-220}}

The Bf 110 G-4 is equipped with a [[FuG-220]] search radar, located in the nose of the aircraft; a control box which is part of the radar damage model is located behind the pilot.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | [[FuG-220]] - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed Detection Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
|-
| 5,000 m || 5,000 m || ±35° || -55°/+20°
|-
|}

=== 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 Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great variety of payload options, such as the fearsome SC1000L2 bomb for Ground Realistic
* Extremely powerful armaments, including 30mm and 20mm cannons which fire high-explosive rounds
* Has Schräge Musik cannons
* Can carry powerful Wfr.Gr.21 rockets
* Has radar
* A cheap tier 3 premium, effective as a tree grinder

'''Cons:'''

* Not very manoeuvrable
* Rockets are hard to aim (they fire in an upwards arc meaning you will have to fire them at ground targets while shallow diving)
* Extra crew member means more weight than other Bf 110s

== History ==

The [[Bf 110 (Family)|Messerschmitt Bf 110]] was developed, starting in the second half of the 1930s, to provide the Luftwaffe with a twin-engine heavy fighter capable of long-range deployment and capable of performing multi-role missions of fighter, tactical bomber, and close support.

The Bf 110 entered service in 1939 and 1940 with the role of air support to German ground forces, escort fighter, and tactical bomber, then around 1943 the Bf 110 continued to fight and was used as a defense aircraft and interceptor. The Bf 110 had several variants including:

* Bf 110 A
* Bf 110 B
* Bf 110 C ([[Bf 110 C-6]], [[Bf 110 C-7]])
* Bf 110 D
* Bf 110 E
* Bf 110 F ([[Bf 110 F-2]])
* Bf 110 G ([[Bf 110 G-2]], [[Bf 110 G-4]])
* Bf 110 H

[[File:Bf 110 G-4 (Italy) close up.png|thumb|The Bf 110 G-4 seen from the front]]
The Messerschmitt Bf 110 G entered service in May 1942 and was characterized, compared to the previous versions, by the adoption of two 1,475 hp Daimler Benz DB 605 engines capable of allowing the aircraft to reach a speed of 595 km/h. In particular the G-4 version assumed the role of heavy night fighter with the task of countering the Allied bombers' incursions in the skies over Germany. Heavily armed, thanks also to the possibility of installing a gun pod with two [[MK 108 (30 mm)|MK 108 30 mm]] cannons, and equipped with a [[FuG-202|FuG-202 radar system]] optimized for night hunting, it became a valid adversary of the British [[Lancaster B Mk I|Lancaster]] bombers or the American [[B-17 (Family)|B-17]] "Flying Fortresses".

Bf 110s were withdrawn from service at the end of World War II in 1945.

=== Hungary ===
Hungarian Air Force in December 1944 received at least 6 Bf 110 G-4s, later assigned to a night fighter squadron based at Veszprém, not much is known about their service.

=== Italy ===
The Regia Aeronautica in July 18, 1942 requested Bf 110s from the Luftwaffe to defend Milan and northern cities from Allied bombers. But eventually it received some Bf 110 C-3s which were assigned to the 235a Squadriglia del 41°Stormo B.T., after the formation of the RSI, the Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana (ANR) received in the spring of 1944 two Bf 110 G-4/R3 assigned then to the 170a Squadriglia caccia notturna.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=bf_110g_4_hungary Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== 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 ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/497246-bf-110g-4/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer BFW}}
{{Italy strike aircraft}}
{{Italy premium aircraft}}

F-104G (Italy)

2022-02-25T03:46:21Z

U122946199:

{{Specs-Card
|code=f-104g_italy
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]].

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 15,240 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
| 2,341 || 2,315 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 34.5 || 35.1 || 230.3 || 222.2 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,433 || 2,387 || 33.5 || 34.0 || 292.1 || 260.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| 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}} || N/A || 827 || 444 || ~12 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 720 || < 950 || < 800 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-11 || 1
| colspan="2" | 6,552 kg || colspan="3" | 532 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 35m fuel
|-
| 1,615 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 7,344 kg || 8,057 kg || 8,809 kg || 9,194 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 35m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,128 kgf || 6,357 kgf
| 0.87 || 0.79 || 0.72 || 0.69 || 0.26
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,128 kgf (0 km/h) || 8,391 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.14 || 1.04 || 0.95 || 0.91 || 0.35
|-
|}

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


The F-104G has no armour; be it in the form of armour plates or armoured glass. Fuel tanks are self-sealing, which is pretty much a standard feature at this rank. The F-104G also has access to countermeasures as a tier I modification (unlike [[F-104G (China)|Chinese F-104G]]) and Radar Warning Receiver as a tier IV modification.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, chin-mounted (725 rpg)
** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, chin-mounted (750 rpg) + 60 x countermeasures

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

{{main|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9J Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
* 3 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (2,250 lb total)
* 3 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 3 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (2,250 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 3 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 3 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (2,250 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 3 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good top speed.
* Great rate of climb; even the F-4 Phantom may struggle to match it.
* Decent high-speed manoeuvrability.
* Good roll rate for a plane with tiny wings.
* M61 Vulcan cannon can do some serious damage to an enemy plane.
* Wide selection of secondary ordnance; much better than early F-104s.
* High thrust to weight ratio.
* Access to countermeasures

'''Cons:'''

* Lousy low-speed manoeuvrability.
* Bleeds energy quickly in sustained turn-fights.
* Large turning radius due to small wing surface and high speed.
* High takeoff and landing speeds.
* Only 2 IR missiles

== History ==


The story of the Italian F-104G originally began in America. In February of 1954 at the Lockheed facilities in America, the first 2 prototypes of the F-104 would take flight for the first time. America was looking to develop a new aircraft to combat the Soviet's new age of supersonic jet fighters. The aircraft would incorporate the smallest possible airframe with the most technologically advanced turbojet at the time, to create the base of what would become the F-104. Although the program would have some minor setbacks, such as the intended engine not being available during the beginning, development would continue and would lead to the first variant of the F-104, the F-104A. From the base variant of the F-104 many variants would begin to be developed, such as the F-104C, the F-104S and in this case, the F-104G.
[[File:F-104G MM.6546 Ferrari .png|thumb|'''''F-104G (MM.6546) for the Ferrari competition''''']]
The main differences of the G variant compared to the others would be a reinforced airframe, larger vertical stabilizer, updated turbofans, and improved electronics. Due to these changes, the F-104G would be known as the "definitive" variant of the Starfighter. The G would first take flight on October of 1960, it would initially be built for the German Luftwaffe as at the time they were looking for a fast aircraft which would be able to deliver nuclear payloads, however that didn't stop it from generating enough interest to be exported and licence-produced in many countries, such as in Italy. The aircraft's licensing was handled by multiple manufacturers, notably Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB), FIAT Aviazione, Fokker, and Sociétés Anonyme Belge de Constructions Aéronautiques (SABCA).
[[File:F-104G 4°Stormo.png|thumb|'''''F-104G of the 4°Stormo''''']]
The first aircraft (MM 6501) was delivered to Italy on March 3rd of 1961. It was built by Lockheed, however after being transferred to Italy it was dismantled and used as a model for the construction under license of the 105 units ordered by the Italian Air Force. Aeritalia ended up producing a total of 230 Starfighters in different versions, of which 124 would be made for the Italian Air Force. The F-104G in Italian service was mainly used as an all-weather interceptor armed with AIM-9B Sidewinder infrared guided air-to-air missiles. Other departments instead used the F-104G as a conventional or strike fighter-bomber. The F-104G would eventually be replaced in these roles by the "Tornado IDS", the F-104Gs were concentrated at the 3rd Aerobrigata (later 3rd Stormo) which already used the RF-104G reconnaissance variant. A unit of F/RF-104G of the 3rd Wing took part in the 1991 Gulf War, operating from the Turkish base of Incirlik. Most of the F-104G's would be turned into static displays or kept in museums, for example one resides in Vigna di Valle Airforce museum, this one was the first entirely Italian-built F-104G which first flew on the 5th October of 1962.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-104g_italy Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


* [[F-104 (Family)]]
** [[F-104S]]

== External links ==

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Fiat}}
{{Italy jet aircraft}}

Bf 110 G-4 (Italy)

2022-02-25T00:44:32Z

U122946199:

{{About
| about = strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Bf 110 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=bf_110g_4_hungary
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Raining Fire"]].

The Bf 110 G-4 is a multi-role aircraft, but is mainly used as an interceptor thanks to its radar and its armament perfect for shooting down enemy aircraft but also another role that is the CAS, in fact the Bf 110 G-4 can carry a wide variety of weapons that can be used against land and naval targets such as the [[SC1000L2 (1,000 kg)|1000 kg SC1000L2]] bomb, or can use four [[Wfr.Gr.21]] rockets.

== General info ==
The Bf 110 G-4 is a fighter-interceptor and a CAS plane, with its payload it can destroy different enemies like heavy tanks, light vehicles, but also big ships, and it is very good against enemy bombers.

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,200 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
| 569 || 552 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.2 || 27.2 || 9.3 || 9.3 || rowspan="2" | 450
|-
! Upgraded
| 615 || 591 || 23.8 || 25.0 || 16.5 || 12.5
|-
|}

==== 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 745  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 467 || 438 || 290 || ~12 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 360 || < 350 || < 370 || > 715
|-
|}

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

The Bf 110 G-4 is a very robust and resistant aircraft, like the rest of the 110 series. It can withstand hits of up to 20 mm calibre cannons without problems, obviously depending on where it is hit, for example if it is hit the engines or tanks, let's say that it will not resist much because they are critical points of the aircraft. The level of survival is also very good, the "vital" area of the aircraft is all in the middle, fuel tanks and crew. As we find 3 members, the pilot and the two gunners, a tail gunner and a gunner for the cannons positioned above the aircraft.

* 5 mm steel underneath pilot
* 6 mm steel underneath gunner
* 6 mm steel above and below liquid cooling systems
* 6 mm steel in front of engines
* 8.5 mm steel in front of gunner (note that the gunner is rear-facing)
* 8.5 mm steel in front of radar equipment in cockpit
* 8.5 mm steel between radar antennae and nose-mounted cannon ammunition
* 10.5 mm steel beside and in front of pilot's controls
* 10.5 mm steel behind pilot's head
* 58 mm bulletproof glass in front of pilot
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (2 in each wing)

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

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

{{main|MK 108 (30 mm)|MG FF/M (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 2 x 30 mm MK 108 cannons, nose-mounted (120 rpg left + 135 rpg right = 255 total)
* 2 x 20 mm MG FF/M cannons, Schräge Musik-style in front of gunner (240 rpg = 480 total)

The offensive armament consists of two [[MK 108 (30 mm)|30 mm MK 108]] and two [[MG 151 (20 mm)|20 mm MG 151]]. The two [[MK 108 (30 mm)|MK 108 30 mm]] contains mainly in the belts '''HEI-T''' and '''I''', these bullets cause severe damage to enemy aircraft and open ground vehicles, while the two [[MG 151 (20 mm)|MG 151 20 mm]] are very good for destroying enemies and light vehicles, I recommend the belts anti-aircraft to both armament

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

{{main|SC50JA (50 kg)|SC250JA (250 kg)|SC500K (500 kg)|SC1000L2 (1,000 kg)}}
{{main|Wfr.Gr.21|MG 151 (20 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, belly-mounted (400 rpg left + 350 rpg right = 750 total)
* 12 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs + 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons (600 kg total)
* 2 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs + 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons (500 kg total)
* 1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb + 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons (500 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg SC500K bombs + 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons (1,000 kg total)
* 1 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bomb + 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons (1,000 kg total)
* 1 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bomb + 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb + 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons (1,250 kg total)
* 4 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons
* 4 x Wfr.Gr.21 rockets + 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons
* 4 x Wfr.Gr.21 rockets + 4 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons

One of the most convenient and effective payloads for the Bf 110 G-4 is the two 20 mm cannons and the two 500 kg bombs. The two MG 151s are super effective to fight other aircraft for example in frontal attacks or to cause serious damage to bombers. With these two additional cannons you will be able to perform an important task of air superiority, but thanks to these 20 mm you will also be able to do a great job as CAS. With the two 500 kg bombs feel free to use them as you wish, you can use them against everything, from bombing bases, to bombing ships and tanks. You can even use them to get an enemy off your tail by going low to the ground and dropping them, the 500 kg bomb is powerful enough to do critical damage to light aircraft following you.

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

{{main|MG 81 (7.92 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 7.92 mm MG 81 machine guns, dorsal turret (750 rpg = 1,500 total)

The defensive armament is positioned behind the pilot's cabin and consists of two [[MG 81 (7.92 mm)|MG 81 7.92 mm machine guns]] with an excellent rate of fire of 1600 rounds/min and thanks to this rate of fire you can cause extensive damage to bombers and enemy aircraft that are in the rear. The best belt to use is '''AP-T''', with two AP-I and two AP-T rounds.

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:Bf 110 G-4 (Italy) in a dive.png|thumb|Nosedive on two panthers]]
The Bf 110 G-4 is an excellent aircraft to perform almost any task. It can be used to defend allied bombers, or it can simply act as a support aircraft thanks to its two rear machine guns. It is an excellent aircraft to destroy ground targets and provide cover for allied tanks, but it can also be used as a heavy fighter and thus provide air superiority in a very effective way, if accompanied by some fighters. It is recommended to use it according to the needs of the team. If the squadron needs more of a CAS aircraft, the various payload options allow it to perform the task as a CAS aircraft, if bombers need cover then do not equip external payload and gain the necessary altitude to fight. It is a very versatile aircraft to play.

===Radars===
{{main|FuG-220}}

The Bf 110 G-4 is equipped with a [[FuG-220]] search radar, located in the nose of the aircraft; a control box which is part of the radar damage model is located behind the pilot.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | [[FuG-220]] - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed Detection Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
|-
| 5,000 m || 5,000 m || ±35° || -55°/+20°
|-
|}

=== 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 Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great variety of payload options
* Very powerful armament
* Has Schräge Musik cannons
* Can carry powerful Wfr.Gr.21 rockets
* Can carry the large SC1000L2
* Has radar

'''Cons:'''

* Not very manoeuvrable
* Rockets are hard to aim (they fire in an upwards arc meaning you will have to fire them at ground targets while shallow diving)
* Extra crew member means more weight than other Bf 110s

== History ==

The [[Bf 110 (Family)|Messerschmitt Bf 110]] was developed, starting in the second half of the 1930s, to provide the Luftwaffe with a twin-engine heavy fighter capable of long-range deployment and capable of performing multi-role missions of fighter, tactical bomber, and close support.

The Bf 110 entered service in 1939 and 1940 with the role of air support to German ground forces, escort fighter, and tactical bomber, then around 1943 the Bf 110 continued to fight and was used as a defense aircraft and interceptor. The Bf 110 had several variants including:

* Bf 110 A
* Bf 110 B
* Bf 110 C ([[Bf 110 C-6]], [[Bf 110 C-7]])
* Bf 110 D
* Bf 110 E
* Bf 110 F ([[Bf 110 F-2]])
* Bf 110 G ([[Bf 110 G-2]], [[Bf 110 G-4]])
* Bf 110 H

[[File:Bf 110 G-4 (Italy) close up.png|thumb|The Bf 110 G-4 seen from the front]]
The Messerschmitt Bf 110 G entered service in May 1942 and was characterized, compared to the previous versions, by the adoption of two 1,475 hp Daimler Benz DB 605 engines capable of allowing the aircraft to reach a speed of 595 km/h. In particular the G-4 version assumed the role of heavy night fighter with the task of countering the Allied bombers' incursions in the skies over Germany. Heavily armed, thanks also to the possibility of installing a gun pod with two [[MK 108 (30 mm)|MK 108 30 mm]] cannons, and equipped with a [[FuG-202|FuG-202 radar system]] optimized for night hunting, it became a valid adversary of the British [[Lancaster B Mk I|Lancaster]] bombers or the American [[B-17 (Family)|B-17]] "Flying Fortresses".

Bf 110s were withdrawn from service at the end of World War II in 1945.

=== Hungary ===
Hungarian Air Force in December 1944 received at least 6 Bf 110 G-4s, later assigned to a night fighter squadron based at Veszprém, not much is known about their service.

=== Italy ===
The Regia Aeronautica in July 18, 1942 requested Bf 110s from the Luftwaffe to defend Milan and northern cities from Allied bombers. But eventually it received some Bf 110 C-3s which were assigned to the 235a Squadriglia del 41°Stormo B.T., after the formation of the RSI, the Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana (ANR) received in the spring of 1944 two Bf 110 G-4/R3 assigned then to the 170a Squadriglia caccia notturna.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=bf_110g_4_hungary Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== 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 ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/497246-bf-110g-4/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer BFW}}
{{Italy strike aircraft}}
{{Italy premium aircraft}}

I-15bis

2022-02-17T06:16:30Z

U122946199:

{{About
| about = Soviet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = I-15 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=i-15bis
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_i-15bis.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.31]].

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,000 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
| 368 || 356 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 10.9 || 11.7 || 10.6 || 10.6 || rowspan="2" | 125
|-
! Upgraded
| 394 || 380 || 10.3 || 10.5 || 19.1 || 14.2
|-
|}

==== 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 || X || 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}} || N/A || N/A || N/A || ~14 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 180 || < 360 || < 260 || > 309
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 2,900 m || 750 hp || 830 hp
|-
|}

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


The I-15bis does not have significant armour protection. All the important modules are located in the front half of the fuselage, and the large fuel tank is not self-sealing. With all the important modules packed together, well aimed shots will have little trouble causing significant damage very quickly. As such, the I-15bis must rely on other factors, such as manoeuvrability, in order to increase its survivability.

* 8 mm Steel - Behind Pilot's Seat
* Non-Self-Sealing Fuel Tanks

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

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

{{main|PV-1 (7.62 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 4 x 7.62 mm PV-1 machine guns, nose-mounted (1,100 rpg upper + 425 rpg lower = 3,050 total)

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

{{main|FAB-50 (50 kg)|RS-82|RBS-82}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 50 kg FAB-50 bombs (100 kg total)
* 6 x RS-82 rockets
* 6 x RBS-82 rockets

== Usage in battles ==


Like other I-15 models, try not to go face-to-face against enemies and instead manoeuvre around and dogfight the enemy from advantageous positions. With 3,050 rounds in the four machine guns, greater firing time can be afforded to lead shots into the enemy. As such, the aircraft is quite friendly to beginners with low gun accuracy.

Keep in mind the {{PAGENAME}} has a slightly slower turn time than the preceding I-15 models. As such, be wary of rival biplanes that could begin out-turning the {{PAGENAME}}.

The {{PAGENAME}} can also equip six rockets, which can be used to ground-pound targets like light tanks or light-skinned vehicles, or activate the timed fuses and try to down larger aircraft like bombers, or even time it to destroy a fighter in a head-on.

'''Simulator:'''

The I-15 can be used in turnfighting, bomber intercepting and ground pounding. Like in AB and RB, it is excellent in turning tightly and continuously, and it has lovely low-speed handling and low stall speeds (unlike its successor I-16), making it a great starter plane for sim. However it does have its drawbacks: the rather big nose blocks the visibility a lot, offering very poor over-the-nose visibility which is a disadvantage in a turn fight, because when leading a shot the enemy will always get obstructed by the engine, making the player guess the shot. Also its upper wings will get in the way when you look aside. Plus, it has an awful telescope-like gunsight, so when zoomed in the I-15's nimbleness is magnified, making the aim super wobbly. You cannot see anything around which greatly reduces your situational awareness.

Note: it is recommended to set the convergence within 300m, with vertical convergence on, because the majority of turnfights happen at that range or closer.

Note 2: in a turnfight you must get used to shooting without zooming in, as you really can't see anything with its awkward scope when zoomed it. However when tailing a straight-flying plane that scope doesn't seem that bad

Before engaging a fight, it is better to have an altitude advantage first. When approaching the fight try to figure out which is your teammate and which is the enemy, to avoid going for a second pass, as the energy retention of the I-15 is rather slow. Also pick your target carefully. For easier aiming, you want to go for those unmanoeuvrable twin engine aircraft like [[Ju 88 (Family)|Ju 88]] or [[Ki-45 (Family)|Ki-45]], or bombers if there are any. Given the bad forward visibility of the I-15, these are the best options as they are quite slow and sluggish, and are a bigger target to hit. However getting hits on them doesn't mean good damage, so you must be patient. When dealing with fighters, it is way harder to aim. The elevator control of the I-15 is extremely sensitive, giving it good manoeuvrability, but at the same time, bad handling. The I-15 will respond in a very fast turn upon moving your stick / mouse by a little bit, which makes tracking nimble planes quite hard. But once you get used to it, try to lure every enemy into a turnfight, as that is where the I-15 shines. Quite a bit of bullets are required to effectively damage the enemy so you must be patient. If you find an enemy at your 6, utilise your great roll rate to do defensive manoeuvres like scissors to make them overshoot. Or you can simply do tight turns, most monoplanes won't be able to cut inside your turn and they might disengage.

If you are not very experienced in sim, you can also go for even bigger targets (bombers) for easier aiming. However you want to be more careful when hunting bombers, since with the Sim control (whether it be mouse joystick or a real stick) the plane will manoeuvre much more gently, making itself a great target for the bomber's gunners. Do not follow behind a bomber's 6 unless you are sure that its tail gunners are unconscious. Chasing behind a bomber makes yourself stationary for the tail gunners, and you will be showered with bullets. Your big radial engine will usually get damaged. Instead, before attacking, get an altitude advantage over the bomber by flying around 2 km above it. The bomber should only fill up about 1/6 of your gunsight. The best position for an attack is at the bomber's high 6 so you can adjust the lead much easier. Dive at the bomber, but not directly at it, try to predict where you two will crash by imagining yourself as a missile, that's where you should aim at (deflection shooting). To maximise the damage it is better to aim for their wings and engines, as the fuselage usually soaks up quite some bullets. Only fire when the bomber passes in front of your guns. This short window might seem inadequate to do anything, but with a accurate burst on the engine the 4 MG can at least damage it. With an engine damaged most bombers cannot go far.

Ground pounding ability is average as there are only few bombs and rockets. The 6 rockets, with accurate aiming, can destroy 3 targets, whether them be tanks or pillboxes. The small 50kg bombs can be used on light pillboxes. Once the suspended armaments are gone, the 4 MG are good for killing soft targets like trucks, artillery and AA cars.

'''Enemies worth noting:'''

* [[Ki-27 otsu|Ki-27]], [[N1K1]], [[He 51 (Family)|He 51]], [[Gladiator (Family)|Gladiator]], etc. - Those commonly seen planes are equally good at turnfights and will be a hard target to down since they are very small and agile. To deal with them you need to practice leading and deflection shots, plus manoeuvres like barrel rolls and scissors. They still need plenty of bullets to get damaged, so these kind of targets are the hardest to kill and requires great skills from the player.

* [[Do 17 Z-2]] - This early twin engine plane always shows up as an AI controlled recon aircraft that you have to down, which is a good news as AI won't manoeuvre aggressively. However this plane is extremely durable for the I-15's weak MGs. When it shows up as an AI, deflection shots are not recommended as the small shooting windows really does nothing. Instead, try disabling its 2 gunners first, then just sit behind it and burst on its wings and engines. When attacking the gunners try to not get your engine damaged by pulling evasive manoeuvres as soon as the bullets come close, since the Do 17 can outrun the I-15 in a level flight. Another solution is to mount the devastating RS-82 rockets which will down the heavy Dornier with relative ease.

=== 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 || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Combined || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Decent firepower: 4 x 7.62 mm PV-1 MG has good destruction; with 3,050 rounds fire saturation is great even with low beginner's accuracy
* Amazing turnfighting capacities at almost all speed, making it one of the best turnfighters in-game
* Able to perform ground pounding: can carry 6 x rockets to destroy light tanks or even aircraft with timed fuses, or 2 x 50 kg bombs
* Lovely low stall speed and low speed handling, meaning it performs well in manoeuvres like spiral climb
* Fixed gear means that the player does not have to worry about extending/retracting gears in RB/SB
* Good rate of climb
* Small silhouette meaning you are harder to hit
* Very short take off distance
* Open cockpit allows you to easily hear nearby aircraft in Simulator
* Nose-mounted MGs means no need to worry about convergence distances
* Good manoeuvrability combined with fast rockets makes this aircraft lethal against both ground and air targets

'''Cons:'''

* Very slow speed: cannot keep up with early monoplane fighters (eg [[He 112 (Family)|He 112]]) or even some bombers such as [[Do 17 E-1]]
* No combat flaps which limits its sharp-turning potential
* Awful gunsight for SB: too much zoom makes aiming very wobbly and frustrating
* Bad over-the-nose visibility makes turnfighting and leading hard in SB
* {{PAGENAME}}'s turn time is relatively higher compared to previous I-15s
* Will quickly lose speed gathered in a dive
* Average roll rate
* Side views are obstructed by the upper wings and supporting structures
* Very wobbly with Simulator controls, making it hard to aim precisely

== History ==


=== In-game description ===
A single-seat biplane fighter with a composite construction, open cockpit and fixed landing gear designed in N.N. Polikarpov's TsKB (Central Design Bureau). The plane was a modernized version of the I-15 fighter. The developmental prototype of the TsKB-3bis underwent state testing in July 1937, and went into series production in October of the same year at the No. 1 Aircraft Works in Moscow.

Apart from its new upper wing center section, increased fuel capacity and upgraded armament, the I-15bis differed from its predecessor in its new, longer engine housing, which not only covered the engine, but also the entire frontal section of the fuselage to the landing gear unit.

Wind tunnel testing showed that this housing improved the plane's streamlining and increased its speed. A large semi-circular propeller spinner covering the plane's rotor head provided additional improvements to its aerodynamics. A ratchet passed through it for the self-starter.

The plane was equipped with the 750 hp 12-cylinder air-cooled M-25V radial engine (a licensed uprated version of the American Wright Cyclone SGR-1820 engine).

The plane's armament consisted of four synchronized 7.62 mm PV-1 machine guns (the "Pulemyot Vozdushnyj", or "Airborne Machine Gun" was a reduced-weight model of the famous "Maxim" machine gun, redesigned with an air-cooled barrel and a disintegrating metal ammunition belt).

The upper machine guns were equipped with 1,100 rounds each, and the lower guns – 425 rounds each. The rounds were housed in belts and located in the central fuselage directly behind the fuel tank. The used chain-link collectors were located in the same place. Spent cases were ejected outside and downwards.

In addition, the majority of series-produced I-15bis planes were equipped with four DER-31 bomb containers under the lower wing, rated for a maximum load of 150 kg (two FAB-50 bombs and two AO-25 bombs). Some of the planes were additionally equipped with four to six RO-82 launchers designed to fire RS-82 rockets. With the installation of the DER-32 bomb containers, it was also possible to install suspended VAP-6 spraying devices.

The I-15bis was in service with the USSR and China from the beginning of 1938 and with Spain from January 1939. It was used in Spain from February 1939. It participated in the Battles of Khalkhin Gol in May – September, and in the Winter War in the winter of 1939–1940. It saw use as a fighter and assault plane on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War in 1941–1942. Air defense logistics units used it right up to the end of 1944, particularly in the Far East. Production was ceased in 1939.

In total, 2408 I-15bis aircraft were built.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=i-15bis Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|rpp-GqXiaKg|'''The Shooting Range #214''' - ''Air Triathlon'' section at 09:59 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== 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 ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/272053-polikarpov-i-15bis/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Polikarpov}}
{{USSR fighters}}

Cannone Ansaldo da 105/25 (105 mm)

2022-02-16T03:25:38Z

U122946199:

Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)

2022-02-12T11:42:26Z

U122946199:

== Description ==

[[File:Type 99 Mark 2 Auto-Cannon.jpg|thumb|left|400x400px|Type 99 Model 2 Mark 3]]

The '''Type 99 Model 2''' was the main 20 mm aircraft cannon for the Imperial Japanese Navy during WW2, replacing the earlier drum-fed [[Type 99 Model 1 (20 mm)|Type 99 Model]]. It was mounted on nigh every IJN aircraft in a pair or quad setup, allowing for a significant firepower boost that helped the fighters of the time compete with the exceedingly well-armed American aircraft that they faced.

The principal differences between Model 2 and Model 1 consist of a longer barrel and a longer chamber. The barrel protrudes 18 inches beyond the leading edge when mounted in the wings of fighter aircraft. The projectiles used are identical to the Model 1, but the cartridge employed contains approximately 40% more propellant than the older type, thereby increasing the velocity of the Model 2 to a respectable 750 m/s opposed to the Model 1's 600 m/s.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===

{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Fighters'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|A6M}}{{Specs-Link|a6m3_mod22ko_zero}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a6m5_zero}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a6m5ko}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a6m5otsu}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a6m5hei}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a6m6c}}
{{Navigation-Line|A7M}}{{Specs-Link|a7m1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a7m2}}
{{Navigation-Line|J2M}}{{Specs-Link|j2m2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|j2m3}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|j2m4_kai}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|j2m5}}
{{Navigation-Line|J6K}}{{Specs-Link|j6k1}}
{{Navigation-Line|N1K}}{{Specs-Link|n1k1_ja}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|n1k2_j}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|n1k2_jko}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Twin-engine fighters'''}}{{Specs-Link|j1n1_mod11_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|j5n1}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Bombers'''}}{{Specs-Link|b7a2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|g8n1}} (Defensive)

{{Navigation-End}}

== General info ==


The Model 2 cannons have a rate of fire of 490 RPM, implying the variant in game is the Model 2 Mark 3, as the later Model 2 Mark 5 cannon had a sustained rate of fire of 620 RPM. Muzzle velocity is average, between 700 m/s and 750 m/s depending on the shell. It is of note that the Model 2 cannons typically hold a large amount of rounds per gun, ranging from 150 to 250, which allows for a significantly large ammunition pool in its traditional quad or double mount setup.

=== Available ammunition ===


* T - Standard tracer shell
* FI - Fragmentation Incendiary shell
* AP-I - Armour Piercing Incendiary shell, second most common among belt setups
* HEF - High Explosive Fragmentation shell, most common among belt setups
* HEF-T - Tracer variant of HEF shell, slightly higher muzzle velocity but lower explosive power

'''Belts:'''

* Default: T, FI, FI, API
* Universal: HEF-T, HEF, HEF, AP-I
* Ground Targets: AP-I, AP-I, AP-I, AP-I, HEF, HEF-T
* Tracers: HEF-T, HEF-T, HEF-T, HEF-T
* Stealth: HEF, HEF, HEF, AP-I, AP-I

=== Comparison with analogues ===


{| class="wikitable"
!Name
!Cartridge
!Projectile weight
!Rate of fire
!Muzzle velocity
!Gun weight
|-
| colspan="2" |
|(grams)
|(rpm)
|(m/s)
|(kg)
|-
! colspan="6" |France
|-
|[[Hispano 404 (20 mm)|Hispano 404]]
|20 × 110
|130
|700
|880
|60
|-
! colspan="6" |Germany
|-
|[[MG FF (20 mm)|MG FF]]
|20 × 80RB
|134
|520
|600
|28
|-
|[[MG FF/M (20 mm)|MG FF/M]]
|20 × 80RB
|92/115
|540/520
|700/585
|28
|-
|[[MG 151 (20 mm)|MG 151/20]]
|20 × 82
|92/115
|750–800
|800/720
|42
|-
! colspan="6" |Japanese Army
|-
|[[Ho-1 (20 mm)|Ho-1]]
|20 × 125
|144
|400
|805
|45
|-
|[[Ho-3 (20 mm)|Ho-3]]
|20 × 125
|144
|400
|805
|45
|-
|[[Ho-5 (20 mm)|Ho-5]]
|20 × 94
|96
|750–850
|715
|37
|-
! colspan="6" |Japanese Navy
|-
|Type 99 Mark 1 Model 2~3
|20 × 72RB
|129
|520~550
|600
|23~27
|-
|Type 99 Mark 2 Model 3~5
|20 × 101RB
|129
|480~720
|750
|35~38
|-
! colspan="6" |Great Britain
|-
|[[Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)]]
|20 × 110
|130
|600
|880
|50
|-
|[[Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)]]
|20 × 110
|130
|750
|840
|42
|-
! colspan="6" |USSR
|-
|[[ShVAK (20 mm)|ShVAK]]
|20 × 99R
|95
|800
|750–770
|42
|-
|[[B-20 (20 mm) (Family)|B-20]]
|20 × 99R
|95
|800
|750–770
|25
|-
|[[VYa-23 (23 mm)|VYa-23]]
|23 × 152B
|200
|550
|880
|69
|-
|[[NS-23 (23 mm)|NS-23]]
|23 × 115
|200
|550
|690
|37
|-
! colspan="6" |United States
|-
|[[AN/M2 (20 mm)|AN/M2]]
|20 × 110
|130
|600–700
|870
|51
|-
|[[M3 (20 mm)|M3]]
|20 × 110
|130
|600–750
|840
|54
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The Type 99 Mark 2's are very "middle of the road" cannons in War Thunder, as they are not amazing at anything but not bad at anything either. Although they have gotten a bad reputation for poor damage output, the Mark 2's raw damage is quite respectable when aimed well. Being middle of the road weapons means that you can use them in many scenarios and they will perform their job amicably, but the usage style changes depending on what aircraft one is approaching. When engaging fighter aircraft, a quick burst to the cockpit or tail is generally enough to get the job done, but you might have to use more ammunition for heavier aircraft such as twin-engined fighters or attackers. When engaging bombers, the pilot must take a more reserved approach when attacking as a good amount of bombers that one will face can soak up damage like a sponge, so aiming at the engines and wings are crucial for preserving ammunition.

Your belt of choice should be the reliable Universal belt, as it provides the most balanced ammunition spread and a tracer for aiming. However, if you are familiar with the Mark 2's ballistics, the Stealth belt is an excellent choice due to the removal of the tracer round and an additional AP-I shell, allowing you to sneakily strike unaware enemies.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good all-rounder weapons that deal decent damage to all targets
* Typically carries a large ammunition load
* Lower rate of fire allows for forced conservation of ammunition
* Hard to jam, able to fire continuously for nearly 10 seconds with crew skills
* Reasonably accurate
* Seems to excel in starting fires
* HEF shell is excellent and deals great damage
* Tracer round is full of HEF-T belts, perfect for beginners to use high-explosive power

'''Cons:'''

* Has a tendency to spark
* Low rate of fire, nearly half of contemporaries
* Guns are usually mounted on the wings, creating significant convergence
* Its stock belt sports a significantly inferior FI shell instead of a HEF-I shell on the Type 99 Model 1
* Mediocre ballistics

== History ==

Around early 1935, Japan noticed that it was starting to fall behind in armaments as the 7.7 mm Type 97 and Type 87 machine guns became obsolete, and as such turned their gaze northwest to search for a solution. The Japanese Army sought to upscale their M2 Browning derived Ho-103 machine gun, which became the excellent Ho-5, but the Navy searched for a lighter cannon due to the emphasis on weight saving in aircraft. The Oerlikon FF became the weapon of choice and the IJN negotiated to produce the cannon in Japan, which was designated simply as ''E-Shiki''. The ''E-Shiki'' was continuously refined and improved until 1941, when it received the Type 99 designation. Although inferior to the Army's Ho-5, it was the lightest aircraft cannon of the war at a mere ~23-27 kilograms thanks to its APIB action, making it the first choice for the Navy's new lightweight, carrier-borne fighter aircraft that would become the legendary A6M Zero. The early Model 1 cannon was based on the Oerlikon FF and was fed by a 60 round drum magazine, although this changed to a higher capacity 100-round drum magazine around 1942.

The Model 2 cannon emerged mid-1942 as a heavier alternative based on the Oerlikon FFL in response to the larger and stronger airframes of later Japanese aircraft that could accommodate larger weapons. The larger size, weight and more efficient cyclic action allowed for a significant increase in muzzle velocity, from 600 m/s to 750 m/s at the cost of a slightly lower rate of fire of 490 RPM in the earlier marks (something that was remedied in the later marks). The first mark used the same 60-100 round drum magazines as the Model 1 cannon, but this was changed to proper belt feeds that allowed for significantly more ammunition to be carried in mark 3, the most common of the versions. The last mark to see service was the Mark 5, which introduced a number of improvements and innovations in the bolt and belt feed systems to achieve a much higher rate of fire of 750~850 RPM but saw limited use due to its late introduction in May of 1945.

== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article would be a video guide, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''

== 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 article about the variant of the cannon/machine gun;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

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

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

{{Japan aircraft cannons}}

[[Category:Aircraft cannons]]

MG 17 (7.92 mm)

2022-02-11T01:37:46Z

U122946199:

== Description ==

Named MG 17 to fool the allies to believing it was a late-war design thus not being in violation of the Treaty of Versailles that prohibited the development of machine guns.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Fighters'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|Bf 109 A}}{{Specs-Link|bf-109a_1}}
{{Navigation-Line|Bf 109 B}}{{Specs-Link|bf-109b_2}}
{{Navigation-Line|Bf 109 E}}{{Specs-Link|bf-109e-1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|bf-109e-3}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|bf-109e-4}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|bf-109e-3_japan}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|bf-109e-7}}
{{Navigation-Line|Bf 109 F}}{{Specs-Link|bf-109f-1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|bf-109f-2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|bf-109f-4}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|bf-109f-4_usa}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|bf-109f-4_trop}}
{{Navigation-Line|Bf 109 G}}{{Specs-Link|bf-109g-2_romania}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|bf-109g-2_hungary}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|bf-109g-2}}
{{Navigation-Line|Fw 190 A}}{{Specs-Link|fw-190a-1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|fw-190a-4}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|fw-190a-5_cannons}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|fw-190a-5|Fw 190 A-5/U12}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|fw-190a-5_japan}}
{{Navigation-Line|Fw 190 C}}{{Specs-Link|fw-190c}}
{{Navigation-Line|He 51}}{{Specs-Link|he51a1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|he51b1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|he51b_2w}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|he51c1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|he51c1_late}}
{{Navigation-Line|He 100}}{{Specs-Link|he_100d_1}}
{{Navigation-Line|He 112}}{{Specs-Link|he_112b_0}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a7he1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|he_112b_1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|he_112b_2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|he_112v_5}}
{{Navigation-Line|S-199}}{{Specs-Link|s_199}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Twin-engine fighters'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|Do 17}}{{Specs-Link|do_17z_7}}
{{Navigation-Line|Do 217}}{{Specs-Link|do_217j_1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|do_217j_2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|do_217n_1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|do_217n_2}}
{{Navigation-Line|Ju 88}}{{Specs-Link|ju-88c-6}}
{{Navigation-Line|Me 410}}{{Specs-Link|me-410a-1_u2}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Strike aircraft'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|Bf 110}}{{Specs-Link|bf-110c-6}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|bf-110c-4}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|bf-110f-2}}
{{Navigation-Line|Hs 129}}{{Specs-Link|hs-129b-2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|hs-129b-2_romania}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|hs-129b-2_romania_italy}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|hs-129b-3}}
{{Navigation-Line|Me 410}}{{Specs-Link|me-410a-1}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Bombers'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|Ar 196}}{{Specs-Link|arado-196a-3}}
{{Navigation-Line|Fw 189}}{{Specs-Link|fw-189a-1}}
{{Navigation-Line|He 111}}{{Specs-Link|he-111h-6}} (Defensive)
{{Navigation-Line|Hs 123}}{{Specs-Link|hs-123a-1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|hs-123a-1_china}}
{{Navigation-Line|Ju 87}}{{Specs-Link|ju-87b-2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ju-87d-3}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ju-87d-3_italy}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ju-87r-2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ju-87r-2_italy}}

{{Navigation-End}}

== General info ==
''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the cannon or machine gun.''

=== Available ammunition ===

Starter belt for either role:

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|Ball|Omni-purpose}}{{-}}{{Annotation|Ball|Omni-purpose}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AI|Adjustment incendiary}}

Offensive belts:

* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AI|Adjustment incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}
* '''Tracers:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}
* '''Stealth:''' {{Annotation|AI|Adjustment incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AI|Adjustment incendiary}}

Defensive belts:

*'''Armoured targets:''' {{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}
* '''AP-T:''' {{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="7" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| AI || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3
|-
| AP || 13 || 12 || 7 || 2 || 1 || 1
|-
| AP-I || 10 || 9 || 7 || 4 || 1 || 1
|-
| AP-T || 13 || 12 || 7 || 2 || 1 || 1
|-
| Ball || 5 || 4 || 2 || 1 || 0 || 0
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! 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)
! rowspan="2" | Normalisation at 30° from horizontal
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| AI || 870 || 0.0109 || N/A || 3.0 || N/A || +2.0° || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
| AP || 855 || 0.0115 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +2.0° || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
| AP-I || 880 || 0.0102 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +2.0° || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
| AP-T || 905 || 0.01 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +2.0° || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
| Ball || 855 || 0.01 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +2.0° || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
|}

=== Comparison with analogues ===


* [[MG 15 (7.92 mm)]]
* [[MG 34 (7.92 mm)]]
* [[MG 42 (7.92 mm)]]
* [[Vickers (7.7 mm)]]

== Usage in battles ==

In the game, this machine gun works as all of the other rifle-calibre machine guns allowing for easier learning of ballistics.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* High muzzle velocity
* Common round with other machine guns
* Respectable fire rate

'''Cons:'''

* Less damaging compared to Russian counterparts
* Easily jams

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon 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 weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-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>.''

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== 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 article about the variant of the cannon/machine gun;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

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

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

{{Aircraft machine guns}}

[[Category:Aircraft machine guns]]

Flegel's Bf 109 A

2022-02-09T07:18:50Z

U122946199:

{{About
| about = premium German fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Bf 109 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=bf-109a_1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

'''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} German fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]]. The plane is painted after the camouflage scheme of Luftwaffe pilot Norbert Flegel in the Condor Legion of the Spanish Civil War. While available in-game for purchase with GE {{GE}}, Flegel's Bf 109A was given away during the [[wt:en/news/4994-special-german-unity-day-en|2017 German Unity Day]] event.

Though capable in engagements against aircraft of similar BR, Flegel's Bf 109 A finds itself lacking in power, handling, and armament. As with later 109s, energy preservation is a must, and this aircraft should be used as a Boom and Zoom fighter against larger targets. This early Bf 109 is a definite collector's vehicle. With a two bladed wooden prop and a distinctive camouflage, this plane's visual looks give it most of its appeal to its owners. With an underwhelming armament of 2 x 7.92 mm MG 17 guns, it will find itself struggling to bring down heavy aircraft.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,000 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
| 424 || 415 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.2 || 22.4 || 6.6 || 6.6 || rowspan="2" | 210
|-
! Upgraded
| 459 || 444 || 18.9 || 20.0 || 12.5 || 9.3
|-
|}

==== 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 !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 387 || 371 || 250 || ~12 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 450 || < 390 || < 450 || > 312
|-
|}

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


* No armour plating
* No armour glazing
* Critical components located at front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
* Non-self-sealing fuel tanks (1 behind pilot)

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

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

{{main|MG 17 (7.92 mm)}}

'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 2 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 1,000 total)

The two machine guns are arranged with both mounted in the upper fuselage, just in front of the cockpit. Each are armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that both guns will fire together until empty.

== Usage in battles ==

As with the other 109s, Flegel's aircraft should be used as a high-energy fighter. Long turning engagements will almost always result in a loss. Side climb for the first bit of the match until the plane attains at least 2,000 meters of altitude and build airspeed before engaging targets.

Enemy biplanes will outperform the Bf 109 A in turning engagements, and many outgun the Bf 109 by wielding more machine guns than the Bf 109 A. Japanese and Soviet monoplanes will also outperform the Bf 109 A at low speed, making them dangerous targets to engage.

Keep the plane's speed high and altitude higher. Energy is the aircraft's best friend, as the less than heavy armament will often require the plane to make more than one pass, especially against bombers, to destroy the enemy aircraft.

'''Simulator Battles'''

In Simulator, the Bf 109 A is quite a friendly fighter that fights well. It offers great flight performance with its smooth handling, adequate speed against biplanes, and impressive climb rate and turn rate. Its nose-mounted MGs have plenty of ammo and do not require any convergence setting, making it very easy to aim. The nose gently slopes down from the windscreen, offering great over-the-nose vision. Despite having a razorback, the A model actually has great visibility towards the tail, increasing the pilot's situational awareness. Finally, the engine is not as powerful as the later models, making takeoff easier. However the A model does suffer from poor firepower given by the mere 2 x 7.92 mm MGs. Shooting windows in SB are way smaller than in RB, which reduces its effectiveness even more.

Bring at least 30 minutes of fuel for prolonged patrolling and fighting. The convergence does not really matter, it might be anywhere between 250-600 m. A player can also set keys for vertical head movement, as lifting up the pilot's head a little helps improving the over-the-nose visibility.

Dogfighting in SB involves everyday RB tactics. Utilise common manuevers such as Immelmann, Split-S, scissor, barrel roll, etc. Note: the Bf 109 handles very sluggishly in the roll axis at low speed, so take this into account if dogfighting at low speed/altitude. A pilot can even pull the elevator fully for maximum agility, but only if they pull gently and gradually will the 109 to manoeuvre as one wish. If maximum elevator input is harsh and sudden, the plane will start swaying around and enter a flat spin. The aircraft can quite easily recover from a flat spin by fully deflecting elevators downward and rudder to the opposite side of which the plane is spinning, and wait until it starts a dive and gather some speed to pull up.

Landing may need practice for some. It is easy at first: decelerate and descent towards the runway, deploy combat, takeoff, landing flaps and gears in order, fly at ~190 km/h before touchdown. If the plane bounces up with landing flaps, use takeoff/combat flaps instead to reduce lift. Note that a landing pilot must align the plane with the airstrip correctly prior to touchdown and do not yaw/break one side too much when breaking, as the main landing gears are so close together that they cannot support such sideways force, causing the plane to wobble dangerously or even tilt towards one side, striking a wingtip into the ground.

=== 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 || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Combined || Not controllable 2 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good energy retention
* Performance at altitude remains decent compared to its contemporaries

'''Cons:'''

* Two-bladed wooden prop limits acceleration
* Offensive armament is underwhelming, especially against heavily defended targets
* Inadequate armament, only two small-caliber machine guns. Although it has a respectable fire rate, its damage potential is nothing spectacular.

== History ==

The Bf 109 had an important role participating during the Spanish Civil War and was under placed under the command of the "Legion Condor", the plane was the most advanced at the moment since it had characteristics that made it very special that differentiated it from the aircraft enemies. These characteristics were: totally metallic monocoque construction, enclosed cabin and retractable landing gear. Despite being a good plane, it was opaque due to the airplane on the Republican side Polikarpov I-16 and this was a great rival. During the Spanish civil war, several variants were created, each with different engines or models, after showing the good role played by the Bf 109, the German air ministry decided to mass-produce the plane, variants of which remained in service with the Luftwaffe until the end of the war in Europe, and with foreign operators until the 1960s.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=bf-109a_1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
Image:First battle bf 109a 1.jpg|Flegel's BF-109 A - A first battle graphic.
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|64pFRhfyWzY|'''Premium Review. Flegel's BF-109 A. NOT new player friendly!''' - ''Joseph 2000''|iXD1ZtWsq28|'''Sub's Choice Ep 34: Bf 109A Flegel [Least Favorite]''' - ''Jengar''}}

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
* Heinkel [[He 112 (Family)|He 112]]
* Lavochkin [[LaGG-3 (Family)|LaGG-3]]
* Yakovlev [[Yak-1]]
* Kawasaki [[Ki-61 (Family)|Ki-61]]
* Macchi [[C.202]]
* Dewoitine [[D.520]]
* Morane-Saulnier [[M.S.406C1|MS.406]]
</div>

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/364955-bf-109a/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer BFW}}
{{Germany fighters}}
{{Germany premium aircraft}}

Ansaldo 75 L/34 (75 mm)

2022-02-08T04:35:54Z

U122946199:

== Description ==
''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Make an air or ground vehicles list on which this weapon is installed in our game.''

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|it_p_40}}
* {{Specs-Link|it_p_26_40}}
* {{Specs-Link|it_semovente_m43_75_34}}

== General info ==
''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the cannon or machine gun.''

=== Available shells ===
''Describe the shells that are available for the cannon and their features and purpose. If it concerns autocannons or machine guns, write about different ammo belts and what is inside (which types of shells).''

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of cannons/machine guns, that have firepower equal to these type of weapons.''

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the cannon/machine gun in the game - its distinctive features, tactics of usage against the main opponents. Please don't write a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought.''

=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.''

'''Pros:'''

* High explosive mass on APCBC round, enables frequent one-shots
* Short reload time for its caliber
* Has HEAT round to penetrate thicker armor

*

'''Cons:'''

* Unappealing penetration
* Relatively mediocre muzzle velocity

*

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of this weapon. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(weapon-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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''

== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article would be a video guide, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''

== 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 article about the variant of the cannon/machine gun;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

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

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

{{Italy tank cannons}}

[[Category:Tank cannons]]

F.C.20 Bis

2022-01-26T03:25:15Z

U122946199:

{{Specs-Card
|code=fc_20_bis
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "New Power"]].

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 3,700 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
| 425 || 410 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.0 || 27.2 || 4.8 || 4.6 || rowspan="2" | 600
|-
! Upgraded
| 456 || 439 || 24.1 || 25.0 || 8.1 || 6.4
|-
|}

==== 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 || 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}} || N/A || 320 || 260 || ~9 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 280 || < 280 || < 410 || > 250
|-
|}

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


* 8 mm of steel in the nose in front of the pilot
* 8 mm of steel in the floor of the cockpit
* 8 mm of steel of the pilot seat
* 8 mm of steel in rear fuselage
* 38 mm bulletproof glass in front of pilot
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (2 in each wing)

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

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


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 37 mm Breda Model 39 37/54 cannon, nose-mounted (42 rpg)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, wing-mounted (350 rpg = 700 total)

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

{{main|GP 50 (50 kg)|GP 100T (100 kg)|SAP 100M (100 kg)|A.P 160 (160 kg)}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (100 kg total)
* 2 x 100 kg GP 100T bombs (200 kg total)
* 2 x 100 kg SAP 100M bombs (200 kg total)
* 2 x 160 kg A.P 160 bombs (320 kg total)

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

{{main|Scotti (12.7 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 12.7 mm Scotti machine gun, turret (650 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==

''Air battles''

The F.C.20 Bis is an attacker, very good at its BR. At the beginning of the battle, attack ground targets or climb to altitude and attack bombers, attackers and interceptors. Your 37 mm cannon is very powerful, even one shot can destroy a plane, in fact the 37 mm cannon can be used against ground targets with armour. If an enemy plane is approaching to attack you from behind, use your rear [[Scotti (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Scotti machine gun]] with the universal belt that contains 2 AP-I bullets and 2 API-T bullets per belt.

Use the tracer ammunition belt that contains 4 API-T bullets per belt for the [[Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT]] offensive machine gun. For the [[Breda Model 39 37/54 (37 mm)|37 mm Breda Model 39 37/54]], use the air targets belt that contains 4 HEF-T bullets per belt against enemy aircraft, and the armored targets belt that contains 4 APHE bullets per belt against ground targets. The later belt is good because it has a post-penetration damage that increases the damage caused by these shots.

''Ground battles''

When using the F.C.20 Bis in mixed ground battles, use the following payloads: 2 x [[SAP 100M (100 kg)|SAP 100M]] or 2 x AP 160. After spawning with the F.C.20 Bis, increase your altitude and dive to drop your bombs with greater accuracy. Set the fuse on the bombs to a minimum of 1 to 1.5 seconds.. After delivering your bombs, gain some altitude and perform dive attacks with the Breda Model 39 37/54 to shoot through the top of ground vehicles where you can easily penetrate them and cause damage or destroy them.

''Naval battles''

You can use the F.C.20Bis in land mode, use the following payloads: 2x [[SAP 100M (100 kg)|SAP 100M]] or 2x AP 160. Set the fuse on the bombs to assault fuse, after you spawn with the F.C.20 Bis, increase your altitude and choose a naval target. After selecting it, fly in its direction until you're above, perform a vertical dive attack. While you are diving, evade the AA shots and after positioning yourself perpendicularly on the enemy ship, try to drop the bombs in the vital points of the ship (turrets, bridge, engine bay), then fly away, dodging anti-aircraft fire.

'''AB mode'''

In arcade mode, you can attack ground targets or you can dogfight with enemy planes with your manoeuvrability. Make sure that no one is behind you because if a fighter comes from behind you can not easily defend yourself.

=== 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 Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good ground attack capabilities
** Has a quick-firing 37 mm (with APHE shells to destroy ground targets and HE shells to destroy aircraft)
** Payloads can serve a variety of different purposes
* Defensive armament has incendiary and armor-piercing belts
* Defensive turret has a 180° turn radius, covering a wide range
* Low battle rating allows it to face reserve-tier biplanes

'''Cons:'''

* Mediocre climb rate
* Heavy plane
* Weak engines
* Catches fire easily
* Loses a lot of speed in turns
* Not very fast for its BR
* Defensive armament is limited by deadzones

== History ==

'''History'''

The multi-role attacker '''FIAT CANSA F.C.20''' was developed by the Giacomo Mosso, an Italian aeronautic engineer, after the experience made with Ing. Rosatelli on the CR.25, he decided, in order to reduce design time, to adopt for the new aircraft the side wings, engines and undercarriage of the twin-engine FIAT.

Thus the F.C.20 (FIAT CANSA 20) was built and was proposed to the Regia Aeronautica in competition with the Caproni-Bargamasche Ca.331, AUT.45 of the Aeronautica Umbra, Ambrosini SAI.9 and IMAM Ro.61.

The Aeronautical Administration ordered two examples of Ca.331, AUT.45 (later cancelled) and F.C.20, the order was communicated to CANSA and on 15 October 1938 the two prototypes were assigned serial numbers MM 403 and MM 404.

The F.C.20 continued its evaluation cycle at Guidonia, without arousing any particular enthusiasm and probably would have been abandoned if, at the request of the new Chief of Staff General Fouger, the competition for an assault and ground attack aircraft had not been announced together with that for a twin-engine dive-bombing aircraft.

CANSA immediately saw the chance to save its aircraft and immediately undertook the transformation of the two prototypes.

New versions of the F.C.20 were thus born, one of which, the '''F.C.20Bis''', was to be a a true remake of the original aircraft. The most noticeable renovations were in the fuselage, which underwent extensive structural and architectural modifications.

The crew area was protected by armoring the front fuselage, the rear turret, the floor and the pilot's seat. The crew was reduced to only two persons: pilot and gunner-radio operator.

The armament consisted of a Breda Model 39 37/54 gun from two [[Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT]] machine guns fixed in the fighter with 350 shots each, and a [[Scotti (12.7_mm)|12.7 mm "Scotti"]] mounted in a Caproni Lanciani Delta E dorsal turret with 500 shots.

In addition to the 250 kg wing attachments, the installation of a "Nardi" ventral splitter with 2 kg anti-personnel bombs was also planned, but it does not appear that this was installed.

Other variants:

* F.C.20
* F.C.20Ter
* F.C.20Quater

'''Italian military service'''

Few production FC.20Bis were built and it is known that three served the 174th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron in July 1943 but were not used operationally. Italian military operations ceased with the armistice of September 1943.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fc_20_bis Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* [[Ki-45 (Family)|Ki-45]]
* [[Bf 110 C-6]]
* [[XA-38]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/504173-cansa-fc20-bis/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Fiat}}
{{Italy strike aircraft}}

F.C.20 Bis

2022-01-26T03:24:50Z

U122946199: I killed 3 planes with defensive armament. Definitely not underwhelming.

{{Specs-Card
|code=fc_20_bis
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "New Power"]].

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 3,700 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
| 425 || 410 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.0 || 27.2 || 4.8 || 4.6 || rowspan="2" | 600
|-
! Upgraded
| 456 || 439 || 24.1 || 25.0 || 8.1 || 6.4
|-
|}

==== 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 || 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}} || N/A || 320 || 260 || ~9 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 280 || < 280 || < 410 || > 250
|-
|}

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


* 8 mm of steel in the nose in front of the pilot
* 8 mm of steel in the floor of the cockpit
* 8 mm of steel of the pilot seat
* 8 mm of steel in rear fuselage
* 38 mm bulletproof glass in front of pilot
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (2 in each wing)

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

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


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 37 mm Breda Model 39 37/54 cannon, nose-mounted (42 rpg)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, wing-mounted (350 rpg = 700 total)

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

{{main|GP 50 (50 kg)|GP 100T (100 kg)|SAP 100M (100 kg)|A.P 160 (160 kg)}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (100 kg total)
* 2 x 100 kg GP 100T bombs (200 kg total)
* 2 x 100 kg SAP 100M bombs (200 kg total)
* 2 x 160 kg A.P 160 bombs (320 kg total)

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

{{main|Scotti (12.7 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 12.7 mm Scotti machine gun, turret (650 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==

''Air battles''

The F.C.20 Bis is an attacker, very good at its BR. At the beginning of the battle, attack ground targets or climb to altitude and attack bombers, attackers and interceptors. Your 37 mm cannon is very powerful, even one shot can destroy a plane, in fact the 37 mm cannon can be used against ground targets with armour. If an enemy plane is approaching to attack you from behind, use your rear [[Scotti (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Scotti machine gun]] with the universal belt that contains 2 AP-I bullets and 2 API-T bullets per belt.

Use the tracer ammunition belt that contains 4 API-T bullets per belt for the [[Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT]] offensive machine gun. For the [[Breda Model 39 37/54 (37 mm)|37 mm Breda Model 39 37/54]], use the air targets belt that contains 4 HEF-T bullets per belt against enemy aircraft, and the armored targets belt that contains 4 APHE bullets per belt against ground targets. The later belt is good because it has a post-penetration damage that increases the damage caused by these shots.

''Ground battles''

When using the F.C.20 Bis in mixed ground battles, use the following payloads: 2 x [[SAP 100M (100 kg)|SAP 100M]] or 2 x AP 160. After spawning with the F.C.20 Bis, increase your altitude and dive to drop your bombs with greater accuracy. Set the fuse on the bombs to a minimum of 1 to 1.5 seconds.. After delivering your bombs, gain some altitude and perform dive attacks with the Breda Model 39 37/54 to shoot through the top of ground vehicles where you can easily penetrate them and cause damage or destroy them.

''Naval battles''

You can use the F.C.20Bis in land mode, use the following payloads: 2x [[SAP 100M (100 kg)|SAP 100M]] or 2x AP 160. Set the fuse on the bombs to assault fuse, after you spawn with the F.C.20 Bis, increase your altitude and choose a naval target. After selecting it, fly in its direction until you're above, perform a vertical dive attack. While you are diving, evade the AA shots and after positioning yourself perpendicularly on the enemy ship, try to drop the bombs in the vital points of the ship (turrets, bridge, engine bay), then fly away, dodging anti-aircraft fire.

'''AB mode'''

In arcade mode, you can attack ground targets or you can dogfight with enemy planes with your manoeuvrability. Make sure that no one is behind you because if a fighter comes from behind you can not easily defend yourself.

=== 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 Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good ground attack capabilities
** Has a quick-firing 37 mm (with APHE shells to destroy ground targets and HE shells to destroy aircraft)
** Payloads can serve a variety of different purposes
* Defensive armament has incendiary and armor-piercing belts
* Defensive turret has a 180° turn radius, covering a wide range
* Low battle rating allows it to face reserve-tier biplanes

'''Cons:'''

* Mediocre climb rate
* Heavy plane
* Weak engines
* Catches fire easily
* Loses a lot of speed in turns
* Not very fast for its BR

== History ==

'''History'''

The multi-role attacker '''FIAT CANSA F.C.20''' was developed by the Giacomo Mosso, an Italian aeronautic engineer, after the experience made with Ing. Rosatelli on the CR.25, he decided, in order to reduce design time, to adopt for the new aircraft the side wings, engines and undercarriage of the twin-engine FIAT.

Thus the F.C.20 (FIAT CANSA 20) was built and was proposed to the Regia Aeronautica in competition with the Caproni-Bargamasche Ca.331, AUT.45 of the Aeronautica Umbra, Ambrosini SAI.9 and IMAM Ro.61.

The Aeronautical Administration ordered two examples of Ca.331, AUT.45 (later cancelled) and F.C.20, the order was communicated to CANSA and on 15 October 1938 the two prototypes were assigned serial numbers MM 403 and MM 404.

The F.C.20 continued its evaluation cycle at Guidonia, without arousing any particular enthusiasm and probably would have been abandoned if, at the request of the new Chief of Staff General Fouger, the competition for an assault and ground attack aircraft had not been announced together with that for a twin-engine dive-bombing aircraft.

CANSA immediately saw the chance to save its aircraft and immediately undertook the transformation of the two prototypes.

New versions of the F.C.20 were thus born, one of which, the '''F.C.20Bis''', was to be a a true remake of the original aircraft. The most noticeable renovations were in the fuselage, which underwent extensive structural and architectural modifications.

The crew area was protected by armoring the front fuselage, the rear turret, the floor and the pilot's seat. The crew was reduced to only two persons: pilot and gunner-radio operator.

The armament consisted of a Breda Model 39 37/54 gun from two [[Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT]] machine guns fixed in the fighter with 350 shots each, and a [[Scotti (12.7_mm)|12.7 mm "Scotti"]] mounted in a Caproni Lanciani Delta E dorsal turret with 500 shots.

In addition to the 250 kg wing attachments, the installation of a "Nardi" ventral splitter with 2 kg anti-personnel bombs was also planned, but it does not appear that this was installed.

Other variants:

* F.C.20
* F.C.20Ter
* F.C.20Quater

'''Italian military service'''

Few production FC.20Bis were built and it is known that three served the 174th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron in July 1943 but were not used operationally. Italian military operations ceased with the armistice of September 1943.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fc_20_bis Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* [[Ki-45 (Family)|Ki-45]]
* [[Bf 110 C-6]]
* [[XA-38]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/504173-cansa-fc20-bis/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Fiat}}
{{Italy strike aircraft}}

Scotti (12.7 mm)

2022-01-26T03:19:08Z

U122946199:

== Description ==
''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.''

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|fc_20_bis}} (Defensive)
* {{Specs-Link|z_1007_bis_serie3}} (Defensive)
* {{Specs-Link|z_1007_bis_serie5}} (Defensive)

== General info ==
''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the cannon or machine gun.''

=== Available ammunition ===
''Describe the shells that are available for the weapon and their features and purpose. If it concerns autocannons or machine guns, write about different ammo belts and what is inside (which types of shells).''

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of cannons/machine guns that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the cannon/machine gun in the game - its distinctive features, tactics of usage against notable opponents. Please don't write a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought.''

=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.''

'''Pros:'''

* Incendiary belts easily light enemy planes on fire
* Decent rate of fire
* Armor-piercing belts can penetrate enemy plane cockpits

*

'''Cons:'''

*

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon 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 weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-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>.''

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== 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 article about the variant of the cannon/machine gun;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

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

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

{{Aircraft machine guns}}

[[Category:Aircraft machine guns]]

F.C.20 Bis

2022-01-24T13:09:04Z

U122946199:

{{Specs-Card
|code=fc_20_bis
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "New Power"]].

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 3,700 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
| 425 || 410 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.0 || 27.2 || 4.8 || 4.6 || rowspan="2" | 600
|-
! Upgraded
| 456 || 439 || 24.1 || 25.0 || 8.1 || 6.4
|-
|}

==== 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 || 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}} || N/A || 320 || 260 || ~9 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 280 || < 280 || < 410 || > 250
|-
|}

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


* 8 mm of steel in the nose in front of the pilot
* 8 mm of steel in the floor of the cockpit
* 8 mm of steel of the pilot seat
* 8 mm of steel in rear fuselage
* 38 mm bulletproof glass in front of pilot
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (2 in each wing)

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

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


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 37 mm Breda Model 39 37/54 cannon, nose-mounted (42 rpg)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, wing-mounted (350 rpg = 700 total)

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

{{main|GP 50 (50 kg)|GP 100T (100 kg)|SAP 100M (100 kg)|A.P 160 (160 kg)}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (100 kg total)
* 2 x 100 kg GP 100T bombs (200 kg total)
* 2 x 100 kg SAP 100M bombs (200 kg total)
* 2 x 160 kg A.P 160 bombs (320 kg total)

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

{{main|Scotti (12.7 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 12.7 mm Scotti machine gun, turret (650 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==

''Air battles''

The F.C.20 Bis is an attacker, very good at its BR. At the beginning of the battle, attack ground targets or climb to altitude and attack bombers, attackers and interceptors. Your 37 mm cannon is very powerful, even one shot can destroy a plane, in fact the 37 mm cannon can be used against ground targets with armour. If an enemy plane is approaching to attack you from behind, use your rear [[Scotti (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Scotti machine gun]] with the universal belt that contains 2 AP-I bullets and 2 API-T bullets per belt.

Use the tracer ammunition belt that contains 4 API-T bullets per belt for the [[Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT]] offensive machine gun. For the [[Breda Model 39 37/54 (37 mm)|37 mm Breda Model 39 37/54]], use the air targets belt that contains 4 HEF-T bullets per belt against enemy aircraft, and the armored targets belt that contains 4 APHE bullets per belt against ground targets. The later belt is good because it has a post-penetration damage that increases the damage caused by these shots.

''Ground battles''

When using the F.C.20 Bis in mixed ground battles, use the following payloads: 2 x [[SAP 100M (100 kg)|SAP 100M]] or 2 x AP 160. After spawning with the F.C.20 Bis, increase your altitude and dive to drop your bombs with greater accuracy. Set the fuse on the bombs to a minimum of 1 to 1.5 seconds.. After delivering your bombs, gain some altitude and perform dive attacks with the Breda Model 39 37/54 to shoot through the top of ground vehicles where you can easily penetrate them and cause damage or destroy them.

''Naval battles''

You can use the F.C.20Bis in land mode, use the following payloads: 2x [[SAP 100M (100 kg)|SAP 100M]] or 2x AP 160. Set the fuse on the bombs to assault fuse, after you spawn with the F.C.20 Bis, increase your altitude and choose a naval target. After selecting it, fly in its direction until you're above, perform a vertical dive attack. While you are diving, evade the AA shots and after positioning yourself perpendicularly on the enemy ship, try to drop the bombs in the vital points of the ship (turrets, bridge, engine bay), then fly away, dodging anti-aircraft fire.

'''AB mode'''

In arcade mode, you can attack ground targets or you can dogfight with enemy planes with your manoeuvrability. Make sure that no one is behind you because if a fighter comes from behind you can not easily defend yourself.

=== 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 Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good ground attack capabilities
** Has a quick-firing 37 mm (with APHE shells to destroy ground targets and HE shells to destroy aircraft)
** Payloads can serve a variety of different purposes
* Defensive turret has a 180° turn radius, covering a wide range
* Favorable battle rating allows it to face reserve-tier biplanes with presumably inexperienced players

'''Cons:'''

* Mediocre climb rate
* Heavy plane
* Weak engines
* Catches fire easily
* Rather underwhelming defensive armament
* Loses a lot of speed in turns
* Not very fast for its BR

== History ==

'''History'''

The multi-role attacker '''FIAT CANSA F.C.20''' was developed by the Giacomo Mosso, an Italian aeronautic engineer, after the experience made with Ing. Rosatelli on the CR.25, he decided, in order to reduce design time, to adopt for the new aircraft the side wings, engines and undercarriage of the twin-engine FIAT.

Thus the F.C.20 (FIAT CANSA 20) was built and was proposed to the Regia Aeronautica in competition with the Caproni-Bargamasche Ca.331, AUT.45 of the Aeronautica Umbra, Ambrosini SAI.9 and IMAM Ro.61.

The Aeronautical Administration ordered two examples of Ca.331, AUT.45 (later cancelled) and F.C.20, the order was communicated to CANSA and on 15 October 1938 the two prototypes were assigned serial numbers MM 403 and MM 404.

The F.C.20 continued its evaluation cycle at Guidonia, without arousing any particular enthusiasm and probably would have been abandoned if, at the request of the new Chief of Staff General Fouger, the competition for an assault and ground attack aircraft had not been announced together with that for a twin-engine dive-bombing aircraft.

CANSA immediately saw the chance to save its aircraft and immediately undertook the transformation of the two prototypes.

New versions of the F.C.20 were thus born, one of which, the '''F.C.20Bis''', was to be a a true remake of the original aircraft. The most noticeable renovations were in the fuselage, which underwent extensive structural and architectural modifications.

The crew area was protected by armoring the front fuselage, the rear turret, the floor and the pilot's seat. The crew was reduced to only two persons: pilot and gunner-radio operator.

The armament consisted of a Breda Model 39 37/54 gun from two [[Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT]] machine guns fixed in the fighter with 350 shots each, and a [[Scotti (12.7_mm)|12.7 mm "Scotti"]] mounted in a Caproni Lanciani Delta E dorsal turret with 500 shots.

In addition to the 250 kg wing attachments, the installation of a "Nardi" ventral splitter with 2 kg anti-personnel bombs was also planned, but it does not appear that this was installed.

Other variants:

* F.C.20
* F.C.20Ter
* F.C.20Quater

'''Italian military service'''

Few production FC.20Bis were built and it is known that three served the 174th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron in July 1943 but were not used operationally. Italian military operations ceased with the armistice of September 1943.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fc_20_bis Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* [[Ki-45 (Family)|Ki-45]]
* [[Bf 110 C-6]]
* [[XA-38]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/504173-cansa-fc20-bis/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Fiat}}
{{Italy strike aircraft}}

G.91 YS

2022-01-24T01:37:47Z

U122946199:

{{About
| about = Italian jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = G.91 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=fiat_g91_ys
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]].

The {{PAGENAME}} is a multi-role fighter which first debuted in 1966. Based largely on earlier Fiat G.91 fighters, the G.91 YS was a complete redesign but kept the basic shape of the G.91 series. The biggest difference between the two types was the conversion from a single-engine to two General Electric J85 turbojets outfitted with afterburners. This conversion alone resulted in a 60% increase in the aircraft's thrust, however, it was not enough for this jet to become supersonic even when in a dive.

In similar fashion to the earlier French fighter, the [[Super Mystere B2]], the {{PAGENAME}} was outfitted with dual 30 mm DEFA autocannons in the cheeks of the forward fuselage. Also in the same vein, the {{PAGENAME}} was built to be a multi-role fighter as a fighter-interceptor or a fighter-bomber. Due to the increased power of the dual engines, this fighter when acting in a bomber role has the ability to carry up to 4,000 lbs of bombs, though configurations as low as 1,000 lbs is available. FFAR Mighty Mouse unguided rockets are another good option for taking out softer ground targets in which the larger 500 – 1,000 lb bombs would otherwise be overkill.

The {{PAGENAME}} while lacking in the supersonic flight department is a feisty little fellow which can still hold its own in an air-to-air combat role. The dual autocannons can make quick work of any head-on attacks provided the pilot gets out of the way of incoming bullets in return. AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles prove themselves very effective especially against slower targets such as bombers and helicopters but are a bit more difficult to achieve success against other fighters due to their ability to pull high-G manoeuvres and break the missile lock and avoid them.

The pilot has the option to change up the load-out of the aircraft due to the map he finds himself on and what they are comfortable with. Air-to-air and ground-attack options are both viable and can help change the tide of the battle by loading up on what the team needs more.

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

[[File:G91YS Jermster 91 001.jpg|300px|thumb|right|A bird's eye view of a '''{{PAGENAME}}''' fighter.]]
The {{PAGENAME}} is a very good Boom & Zoom fighter, the only issue is confronting other jets with afterburner capabilities which make your Boom & Zoom attempt more difficult. The YS has a lower turn speed than the other G.91s (swapped for acceleration and a little bit more speed) it is also two high power engines, making it possible to return to base on one engine or even fight like that if you want. Sadly the G.91 isn't supersonic but it can get close in a steep dive, making it one of the best trans-sonic jets!

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! 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
| 1,114 || 1,109 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.5 || 30.7 || 60.4 || 54.6 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,131 || 1,123 || 28.6 || 29.0 || 91.8 || 75.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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}} || 592 || 556 || 371 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 800 || < 650 || < 660 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | Empty mass || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J85-GE-13A || 2
| colspan="3" | 4,350 kg || colspan="3" | 380 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 57m fuel
|-
| 271 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 5,114 kg || 5,246 kg || 5,688 kg || 6,351 kg || 6,882 kg || 8,500 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 57m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 1,230 kgf || 1,894 kgf
| 0.74 || 0.72 || 0.67 || 0.60 || 0.55 || 0.45
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 1,242 kgf (1,000 km/h) || 1,913 kgf (1,000 km/h)
| 0.75 || 0.73 || 0.67 || 0.60 || 0.56 || 0.45
|-
|}

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


* 40 mm bulletproof glass in the canopy windshield (angled to provide about 94 mm of protection)
* 6.5 mm steel behind pilot's seat

Like many later generation jet fighters (those built in the 1960s-70s) the {{PAGENAME}} traded armour for greater ordnance carrying capacity. Though not without all armour, the canopy windshield has an effective thickness of 94 mm to protect the pilot in the event of a head-on attack. Though the 6.5 mm of steel behind the pilot's seat seem to be on the thin side, bullets coming in from that direction will need to pass through the engine first. If the pilot is going to be hit by bullets it will most likely be through side angle shots or from above.
[[File:G91YS AgressiveRecon 001.jpg|700px|thumb|center|Aerial shot of a '''{{PAGENAME}}''' at altitude.]]

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
[[File:G91YS CrazyJow 001.jpg|400px|thumb|right|'''{{PAGENAME}}''' fighter with the sun setting behind it.]]
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|DEFA 552 (30 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552 cannons, nose-mounted (125 rpg = 250 total)

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

{{main|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|AIM-9B Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (1,000 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 2 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (1,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets

== Usage in battles ==

The G.91 YS has a lot of power and energy potential, keep that in mind before going into battle. To add to this fighters punch, it also utilises AIM 9B missiles and in capable hands, this fighter can be a monster on the battlefield. The YS also has the capability of mounting 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets which provide the potential of low-altitude Boom & Zooming on trucks, anti-aircraft artillery, light tanks and even enemy fighters attempting an airfield capture, though this does not come without a cost. When dropping in low on ground targets, the fighter sacrifices its speed and manoeuvrability for that ordnance. The YS also can outfit a few bombs so the YS can then be used as a base bomber following up by attacking enemy fighters, but even still it isn't always reliable and can be easily intercepted from any other supersonic fighter jets patrolling the area.

Your biggest threats will be F-4Cs, MiG-19S/PT, F-100D, Mitsubishi T2, J-6A, J-7II, Hunter F.6, mainly because they have superior speed and ordnance. The Hunter is probably the best-matched jet to the {{PAGENAME}}. The only top tier jet which should not be too much of a pain is the Super Mystere B2, and F-86K because they have limited speed and slow acceleration compared and will never win in a vertical climb against the {{PAGENAME}}.

=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:G91YS easterly0815 001.png |400px|thumb|right|'''{{PAGENAME}}''' popping its braking parachute upon landing.]]
'''Pros:'''

* Excellent acceleration and roll speed
* Able to carry [[AIM-9B]] air-to-air missiles
* Wide variety of payload options
* High rate of climb
* Deadly main armament
* Drag chute helps slow you down very quickly during landings

'''Cons:'''

* Slower than most planes it will face
* Limited ammo
* Slower turn rate compared to earlier G.91s
* Flaps and landing gear are prone to ripping off
* New booster module is a must to research in order to avoid crashing during a very fast and low-level dive
* AIM-9B is inferior to other AAMs in its BR

== History ==

[[File:G91YS Jermster 91 002.jpg|400px|thumb|right|'''{{PAGENAME}}''' heading into an active battle zone.]]
During the 1960s, Fiat began developing a successor to their previous G.91 fighter, which had thus far managed to obtain a favourable reputation with its operators. Fiat based their new aircraft heavily on the two-seat trainer version of the G.91 and decided outfit the aircraft with two General Electric J85 afterburning engines contrary to the preceding single-engine G.91.

Additionally, the aircraft's fuselage and wings were enlarged to accommodate 3 more fuel tanks (for a total capacity of 3200 liters), bigger powerplant and improve handling characteristics, while a slew of other tweaks and upgrades further enhanced the aircraft's overall design, including an automatic slat on the wing's leading edge. The new G.91Y performed its maiden flight in December 1966. Testing revealed minor aerodynamic issues which would be resolved on subsequent production aircraft with only minor redesigns. At high altitude extreme maneuvers at high angles of attack could lead to engines flame-out.

Production of the G.91Y began with an initial order for 20 pre-production machines, following the manufacturing of two prototypes. This order would eventually go up to 75 aircraft, although only 67 including the initial prototypes were delivered in the end. By the mid 1970s, all outstanding orders for the G.91Y were fulfilled and production had ceased for this variant.

The G.91Y served exclusively with Italian squadrons up until the early 1990s, before being replaced by a more modern counterpart.

The G.91YS was a single prototype conversion of the G.91Y, which followed a requirement issued by the Swiss Air Force. The aircraft allowed installation of American Sidewinder air-to-air missiles (adding 2 more sub-wing pylons) and a Swedish weapons control system. This special prototype first flew in October 1970, but was eventually not accepted into service by the Swiss. The prototype was converted back into service as a regular G.91Y.

''- From [[wt:en/news/6078-development-g-91ys-turning-and-burning-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:G91YS_WTWallpaper_001.jpg
File:G91YS_WTWallpaper_002.jpg
File:G91YS_WTWallpaper_003.jpg
File:G91YS_WTWallpaper_004.jpg
File:G91YS_WTWallpaper_005.jpg
File:G91YS_WTWallpaper_006.jpg
File:G91YS_WTWallpaper_007.jpg
</gallery>

== 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 ==


* [[wt:en/news/6078-development-g-91ys-turning-and-burning-en|[Devblog] G.91YS: Turning and Burning]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/445808-fiat-g91ys/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Fiat}}
{{Italy jet aircraft}}

Sherman Ic

2022-01-21T06:27:43Z

U122946199:

{{About
| about = Italian medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| other
| usage-1 = other versions
| link-1 = M4 Sherman (Family)
| usage-2 = other uses
| link-2 = M4 (Disambiguation)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=it_sherman_VII
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]]. Composito is translated as composite since this is a Firefly variant build on the Sherman I Composite hull or IC.

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


'''Armour type:'''

* Cast homogeneous armour (Hull Front, turret, turret cupola)
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull sides, rear and roof, add-on bustle, turret roof)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 50.8 mm (8-74°) ''Upper Glacis'' 50.8 mm (2-59°) ''Lower Glacis'' || 38.1 mm ''Lower'' 50.8 ''Upper Front'' 38.1 ''Upper Rear'' || 38.1 mm || 50.8 mm ''Front'' 19.05 mm ''Rear''
|-
|Turret || 50 mm - 76.2 mm (Varying Angles) ''Turret Front'' 38.1 + 38.1 mm (cylindrical) ''Gun mantlet'' || 50.8 mm || 63.5 mm ''Original Bustle'' 63.5 mm ''Add-on Bustle'' || 25.4 mm ''Crew Compartment'' 50.8 mm ''Original Bustle'' 25.4 mm ''Add-on Bustle''
|-
|Cupola || colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | 50.8 mm || 25.4 mm
|}
'''Notes:'''

* 25.4 mm Plates Cover Portions of the Hull Sides
* Tracks - 20 mm
* Suspension - 10 mm ''or'' 15 mm
* Fenders - 10 mm
* Main Gun - 20 mm
* Machine Guns - 10 mm

The {{PAGENAME}} has survivability similar to that of the American M4A1 Sherman. The armour is not strong for the battle rating and most enemies, save for SPAA, will go right through the front. If the tank is penetrated it is likely that at least two of the five crew will survive, depending on where the shot hits and how much HE filler it has. The gun breech is quite large, and it can often save the crew members on one side from the shrapnel of a penetration to the other side of the turret. Additionally, almost all the ammunition is stored in the hull floor, while a minority is stored in the turret basket; this means it is unlikely for the ammunition to explode under most circumstances. Despite these factors, almost every penetration will cause crippling damage - either immobilizing the tank or disabling the main gun, which allows the enemy to take a second finishing shot soon after. In summary, the survivability of the {{PAGENAME}} is not to be relied upon as it will rarely survive two shots and will almost never bounce a shot. As such, you should plan your route in order to avoid frontal engagements with the enemy.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=620|rbMinHp=354}}

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

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

{{main|QF 17-pounder (76 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[QF 17-pounder (76 mm)|76 mm QF 17-pounder]] || 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" | 71 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+25° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 7.67 || rowspan="2" | 6.79 || rowspan="2" | 6.25 || rowspan="2" | 5.90
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
|-
|}

==== 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
|-
| Shot Mk.6 || AP || 171 || 168 || 155 || 139 || 126 || 113
|-
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9
|-
| Shot Mk.4 || APC || 171 || 168 || 155 || 139 || 126 || 113
|-
| Shot Mk.8 || APCBC || 190 || 187 || 172 || 155 || 140 || 126
|-
|}
{| 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%
|-
| Shot Mk.6 || AP || 883 || 7.71 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 883 || 6.98 || 0 || 0.1 || 580 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| Shot Mk.4 || APC || 883 || 7.71 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| Shot Mk.8 || APCBC || 883 || 7.71 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
|}
{| 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)
|-
| 17pdr Shell SS Mk.1 || 229 || 8.44 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks M4A1 (75) W (China).png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the M4A1 (75) W (China) (identical)]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''71''' || 66 ''(+5)'' || 31 ''(+40)'' || 1 ''(+70)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Note''':

* Shells are modeled individually and disappear from the rack after having been shot or loaded.

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|L3A1 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 750 (200) || 577 || -10°/+15° || ±180°
|-
|}

The roof-mounted Browning .50 cal heavy machine gun is very good at knocking out tracks, punching through lightly armoured vehicles and shooting down low-flying aircraft.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[L3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm L3A1]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 5,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

The small calibre of the L3A1 machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.
A second hull-mounted .30 cal machine gun is modeled but not usable.

== Usage in battles ==


The {{PAGENAME}} is almost identical to the British Sherman Firefly, with minor cosmetic differences, an additional crew member, and a weaker overall gun mantlet. The player can be confidently rely on the mighty 17-pounder gun to effectively neutralize other tanks regardless of the angles (including the frontal armour of the Tiger or the T-34s). It excels at sniping from a distance and can also can spearhead an attack if needed.

'''Enemies worth noting:'''

R3 T20 FA-HS (AB / mixed RB):

This speedy wheeled vehicle can circle around you with ease and wipe out all your crew with its fast firing autocannon. In a close encounter, never expose your side to it, and do not even angle your hull. Face your hull directly to the R3, because on each side of the cast hull, above the inducer wheel there is a triangular area that blends and connects the upper front plate to the side. By angling the hull, this triangle becomes unangled to the R3, making it easily penetrated, and the driver / gunner will usually get knocked out first. It is harder for the R3 to penetrate your unangled hull thus giving you more time to react and destroy it.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Same 17-pdr armament as the [[Sherman Firefly]]
* Has a .50 cal for defence against pesky aircraft
* Good mobility, as with all variants of the Sherman

'''Cons:'''

* Armour can be penetrated by most enemies at its battle rating
* No HE filler in any of its AP shells at all, meaning that a shot either has to detonate the ammo rack of a target, or disable its ability to fire back, in order to allow a follow-up shot
* .50 cal machine gun can't elevate very high; can only engage low-flying aircraft
* The cast hull creates frontal weakspots with very little effective thickness, eg. the triangles between upper front plate and the side, and the curved hull hatches

== History ==

===Concept===
Around 1943 in World War II, the [[M4|M4 Sherman]] was one of the best tanks in use by the Allies. It superseded the German standard [[Pz.III J|Panzer IIIs]] and [[Pz.IV F1|Panzer IVs]] at the time. However, it was during the middle of 1943 that the Sherman design was beginning to wane in superiority with the reveal of newer German tanks in the front lines, namely the [[Tiger H1|Tiger I]] and the [[Panther D|Panther]] tanks.<ref name="ZalogaCh3Panther">Zaloga 2008, ''Chapter 3: The Panzer Nemesis: The Panther Threat''</ref> These tanks are able to not only take out the Sherman at a longer range than the Sherman can compete in, but could also withstand the 75 mm rounds fired from the Sherman with their frontal armour. In order to improve the Sherman's firepower against these better German tanks, the Americans decided to upgun their tanks with the better [[M1 (76 mm)|76 mm gun]]. The British, however, decide to up the ante with one of the Allies' most powerful anti-tank gun at the time, the 17-pounder.

The ''[[Ordnance QF 17-pounder (76 mm)|Ordnance QF 17-pounder]]'' was a 76.2 mm anti-tank gun developed by the United Kingdom around 1942, but was considered as far back as 21 November 1940.<ref name="Fletcher17">Fletcher 2008, ''The 17-pounder''</ref> The British predicted that the Germans would be increasing their tank armour gradually to make current anti-tank weapons ineffective in North Africa, a lesson learned when their issued [[Ordnance QF 2-pounder (40 mm)|2-pounder]], [[Ordnance QF 6-pounder Mk.III (57 mm)|6-pounder]], and [[Ordnance QF Mk.V (75 mm)|75 mm]] guns were meeting heavier armoured tanks, and even tanks with superior firepower like the [[KwK 40 (75 mm)|75 mm KwK 40]] on the [[Pz.IV F2|Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. F2]].<ref name="Fletcher17" /> The first prototype batch was completed in Spring 1942 and the design was finalized in 1943 and accepted into service that same year, where it would see great effect in the Italian Campaign as one of the best Allied anti-tank guns.<ref name="Hunnicutt17pdr">Hunnicutt 1978, pg. 303</ref> One of the reasons why the 17-pounder was so effective was the use of the APDS shot (Armour-Piercing Discarding-Sabot), which could penetrate up to 256 mm of armour at 500 meters distance; this is due to the smaller, but much faster projectile used that contains more kinetic energy than a full-sized shot. However, drawbacks with this ammunition was the lack of tracer to be able to adjust shots, the inaccuracy beyond 500 yards, and the less damage it could cause to the enemy tank.<ref name="FletcherAmmo">Fletcher 2008, ''Ammunition''</ref>

===Development===
====A kick-start====
The 17-pounder effectiveness against the new German tanks and the lackluster anti-armour firepower on British tanks brought upon the concept of mounting the 17-pounder onto tanks. The first mention of mounting the powerful gun onto a tank carriage was as early as 09 December 1941 by Tank Board, which prompted the design specification ''A29'', a 45-ton 17-pounder armed tank that was eventually cancelled for another design. The next design took the [[Cromwell V|Cromwell]] tank as its basis, with development proceeding in 1942 as the ''[[Challenger|A30]]'' (later known as the Challenger). While A30 was in development, the prolonged development time had Tank Board set up for two more 17-pounder projects, the [[Comet I|A34]] (Comet) for a short term project and [[Centurion Mk 1|A41]] (Centurion) for a long term one, in the summer of 1943.<ref name="Fletcher17" /> However, in the same year, a side project for a 17-pounder tank was conducted by two officers.

Royal Tank Regiment major George Brighty, based at the Royal Armoured Corps Gunnery School at Lulworth in Dorset, had the belief that the M4 Sherman was a better tank mount for the 17-pounder than the A30, which was being tested in Lulworth. He experimented around an acquired Sherman, though came to a conclusion that the turret size was too small for the 17-pounder's breech and recoil. Still, he persisted in his efforts and in a rather absurd solution, fitted the 17-pounder into the turret by locking the gun into the mounts and removing the lengthy recoil system, forcing the tank's mass and suspension to absorb the entirety of the 17-pounder recoil. Though this proved to have worked, the modification was far from ideal for any practical usage.<ref name="FletcherLulworth">Fletcher 2008, ''Developments At Lulworth''</ref>

During his trials, Brighty joined up with another major of the RTR by the name of George Witheridge. Witheridge was also convinced of the Sherman's virtues from his time at Fort Knox when advising on tank gunnery techniques. While he appreciated the dual-purpose usage the [[M3 (75 mm)|75 mm gun]] on the Sherman provided, he was concerned on improving the armour-piercing properties while retaining the same high-explosive charge. Witheridge arrived at Lulworth to Brighty's design, which he found unsuitable. In a statement on how confident such a design looked from the outside, Witheridge test-fired Brighty's 17-pounder Sherman from the outside three times before trying it out inside. Priority soon shifted to develop a recoil system for the Sherman-mounted 17-pounder. However, some time after Witheridge's arrival, the Department of Tank Design (DTD) sent a directive to the two lads to cease their development on the up-gunning of the Sherman, possibly to protect their A30 project. Witheridge, still keen to the idea of using the Sherman, tried to get this directive reversed by appealing to his connections, namely a man going by Major General Raymond Briggs. Briggs, Witheridge's commanding officer in North Africa and also enthusiastic about improving British tank firepower, put the word to Claude Gibb, Director General of Weapon and Instrument Production at Ministry of Supply, to which Gibb approved and the 17-pounder Sherman was back up. However, with the Ministry of Supply now involved with the project, the design was shifted from two enthusiastic officers to the engineers.<ref name="FletcherLulworth" />

====Professional's touch====
One person deemed responsible for completing the project was W.G.K. Kilbourn, a professional engineer at Vickers who was stationed at Chertsey when he was assigned the 17-pounder Sherman by the DTD.<ref name="FletcherDesign">Fletcher 2008, ''Designing The Firefly''</ref> He managed to fit the 17-pounder gun into the Sherman turret by extensively modifying the gun. He replaced the recoil cylinders with shorter ones mounted on the sides, opposite to each other top and bottom, on a special cradle, modified the gun barrel to fit onto the cradle for better support, and placed the gun breech to open horizontally (contrary to the statement that the gun was simply rotated 90 degrees sideways as the operators of the gun have not been rotated along with the breech).<ref name="MoransVideoPt2">Morans 2017, Time (3:00)</ref> The redesigned 17-pounder, named ''Mk IV'' was built on 11 November 1943 at the Royal Ordnance Factory and could fit into the Sherman turret,<ref name="FletcherDesign" /> but now the concern was on the crew inside. The large breech of the modified 17-pounder ate up a lot of internal space and isolated the loader on the left side of the gun and turret; the solution was to cut a hole on top of the loader's position and add a hatch. The radio, usually mounted on the rear of the turret, was deemed too close to the recoiling breech for comfort so an armoured box was welded to the turret rear for the radio and a hole cut into the turret rear for operating the radio away from the recoiling gun. The armoured box also had the benefit of acting as a counter-weight for the longer and heavier gun for the turret.<ref name="FletcherConversion">Fletcher 2008, ''The Conversion Programme''</ref> Finally, there was an issue of ammo stowage for the larger and heavier 17-pdr rounds, 6 inches longer than the 75 mm shells. The stowage on the tank was in bins in the turret for ready access, but a bulk of it was placed under the turret floor that could only be accessed when the turret was aligned a certain position for each bin, making them more for replenishing the ready racks during breaks in combat. To increase the stowage for more 17-pounder rounds, the bow machine gunner was removed along with his machine gun (the port welded over by a prominent wedge shaped armour) and a rack holding 15 rounds placed in his location, however the position for the rack was also impossible to reach during combat and one location on the rack was so hard to get to that it wasn't used, making the total stowage 14 rounds instead.<ref name="FletcherDesign" />

Kilbourn efforts and those of assisting engineers managed to finally fit the large 17-pounder gun into the constrained space of the Sherman turret intended to mount the 75 mm gun, as well as perform the necessary modifications to accommodate combat usage of the vehicle. It then moved onto the next stage of being approved for service.

====Conversions====
Inspection of the completed Sherman with the 17-pdr started on 06 January 1944, and the War Office wrote a requirement for up to 2,100 of the tanks to be upgunned. Not every Sherman could follow the conversion, whether by technical or logistics limitations, and only petrol-engined, M34A1 gun mounted, and have a hydraulic turret traverse system. This meant that the Shermans converted were the ''[[Firefly «Scorpion»|Sherman I]]'' ([[M4|M4]]),''Sherman I Hybrid'' (M4 "Composite") , and ''[[Sherman Firefly|Sherman V]]'' (M4A4). Technically the ''[[Sherman II]]'' ([[M4A1|M4A1]]) and Sherman III ([[M4A3 (76) W|M4A3]]) were also eligible for conversion with those standards, but information on the Sherman II are scarce and photographic evidence of cast hull converted Shermans usually turn out to be Sherman I Hybrids; Sherman III are all allocated to the U.S. Army as their mainstay tank so no M4A3 were even available in British service to convert.<ref name="FletcherConversion" /> Tanks armed with the 17-pounder were designated by a ''"C"'' in the name at the end of their mark number, leading to names such as the "Sherman VC" to denote a M4A4 with the 17-pounder conversion. Troops with the upgunned Sherman, as early as March 1944, were describing tank as a '''Firefly''', regardless of the type.<ref name="FletcherName">Fletcher 2008, ''What's in a Name?''</ref> How it got the name is debatable, but it is most likely due to the very prominent muzzle flash that the 17-pounder produces when firing.<ref name="ZalogaCh4British">Zaloga 2008, ''Chapter 4: The Future Sherman: Improve or Replace?: The British Approach''</ref>

Still, as D-Day approached for the Allied forces and the A30 Challenger was continually delayed, the eagerness of the troops to acquire the Firefly rose substantially. Four factories were prioritized for the conversion, two at London, one at Manchester and another at Nottingham. From the conversion period of 1944 to 1945, up to and between 2,100 to 2,200 Fireflies were converted, making it the most produced tank with the 17-pounder of the war. Allocation of the Fireflies was one troop per three Sherman troop (troop was an equivalent of platoon and consisted of 4 tanks), but even regiments that were equipped with Cromwells were supplemented with Fireflies until the A30 Challenger was fit for service. The Fireflies were also allocated to Canadian and Polish regiments.<ref name="FletcherConversion" /> Due to the relative newness of the Firefly, most of the training done on the utilization and deployment of the Fireflies were done on the combat field by each regiment.<ref name="FletcherDesign" />

===Combat usage===
====Fighting at the theaters====
The Firefly's first combat action on D-Day was not actually on the land of Normandy, but on the sea. The Firefly's were assigned an unusual role to, while on the LCT that would carry them to the beaches, would fire over the berm towards concrete fortifications and blast them with the 17-pdr. Six Fireflies were allotted, separated into pairs, to DD tank regiments of the British 13th/18th Hussars at Sword Beach, and the Canadians 1st Hussars and Fort Garry Horse at Juno. Though 13th/18th Hussars were reported to not have fired their Fireflies on the way in, 1st Hussars seemed to have good experiences with it in the rough weather. Once the LCT reached the shore, the Fireflies were ordered to disembark and head inland, finishing off obstacles and join their original tank regiments.<ref name="FletcherConcrete">Fletcher 2008, ''Concrete Busters''</ref>

The first non-DD tank regiment with Fireflies to land was the Staffordshire Yeomanry, which had at least 12 Sherman VC with 48 Sherman IIIs, however little information exists on how it performed on the opening days of the Normandy campaign. Other regiments were originally DD tanks with Fireflies, but were employed as regular tank regiments once inland.<ref name="FletcherConcrete" /> One of such regiments was the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry. It was they who, a few days after the landings, deduced that the Germans seemed to be targeting their Fireflies specifically for their longer guns. Though this deduction was not supported by evidence (19% of total Fireflies were lost, but 29% of regular tanks were lost as well), the concern of Firefly loss was great because of the supply issue. As illustrated that though 22 Fireflies were lost, by June 23 only six replacements had arrived. Experience from the ground and the density of heavy German tanks changed some initial organization of one Firefly troop per three Sherman troop into one Firefly per tank troop. Fireflies were in such high demand that some commanders have expressed thought of obtaining the [[Achilles|17-pdr armed M10]] as supplement.<ref name="FletcherAction">Fletcher 2008, ''The Firefly in Action''</ref> Still, the units acquiring the Fireflies appreciated what they had as it was the only tank in Normandy in the Summer of 1944 that had a reasonable chance of defeating a [[Panther G|Panther]] or [[Tiger E|Tiger]] at combat ranges in the front.<ref name="ZalogaCh6AmericanFirefly">Zaloga 2008, ''Chapter 6: To Paris and Beyond!: American Firefly Deferred''</ref> In fact, the Firefly is most likely the responsible tank that destroyed the Tiger tank containing the Tiger Ace Michael Wittmann on 08 August 1944.<ref name="ZalogaChampionFirefly">Zaloga 2015, ''Chapter 8: The 1944 Tank Contest''</ref>

Once Firefly supply to the Normandy campaign was satisfied in October 1944, Fireflies were allocated to the Italian theater, shared out to the Polish, Canadian, New Zealand, British, and South African regiments stationed there. With that, supply issue arose in that theater for the Firefly, causing the units that received the Fireflies to treasure them greatly. Heeding the comments on how Fireflies were singled out for their long guns, there were attempts to hide the prominent gun barrels, ranging from deceptive paint schemes, camouflage, and even dummy barrels on the back of the Firefly turret that would be pointed forward to mimic the short 75 mm gun.<ref name="FletcherAction" />

Still, the Firefly served in the British Armies in the European Theater of Operations up to and until May 1945, when they were retired along with the end of the war for the replacement of better designs like the [[Comet I|Comet cruiser tank]] and the [[Centurion Mk 1|Centurion tank]].

====Reception====
The Firefly's performance was very favorable for the troops that had to use them against the heavy German tanks. Though a good portion of Germany's armour in the Normandy front were Panthers, a good majority were still [[Pz.IV H|Panzer IVs]] and self-propelled guns,<ref name="ZalogaChampionFirefly" /> all of which were manageable even with the 75 mm guns. Field reports by a Colonel W.E.H. Grylls in 1945<ref name="FletcherAction" /> helped highlight the troop's sentiments on the Firefly in combat, and especially their deficiencies. The muzzle brake sometimes came loose from an inadequate locking design, the traverse gear also failed at times due to the extra turret weight from the gun, rain leaked into the radio box on some tanks, internal space for the Firefly turret crew was comparatively cramped to the Sherman's, the muzzle flash at the gun's muzzle brake can obscure the target enough that it is difficult to ensure the firing round hit it, and muzzle flash on the breech end of the gun inside the turret has a tendency to cause a fair share of discomfort and uneasiness for the crew. Grylls also highlighted the crew praise on how the Firefly tended to not catch fire as quickly as Shermans, though this is deduced to by the placement of the majority of ammunition on the bottom of the hull, like the "wet stowage" arrangement on the newer [[M4A1 (76) W|Sherman models]]. Some of the deficiencies were fixed, such as the flashback at the breech end by implementing a delayed action breech on the 17-pounder Mk.VII model, but all these faults never diminished the popularity of the Firefly, highlighted by the statements of Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery that he wished to have Fireflies replace all types of Shermans in British service.<ref name="FletcherAction" />

On the onset, the Americans were not enthusiastic about the Firefly because they believed they had a comparable design in the [[M1 (76 mm)|76 mm]] armed [[M4A1 (76) W|Shermans]]. It was not until Normandy when they were proven wrong and learned the 76 mm were unable to contend against Panthers from the front. Though they soon developed the HVAP ammunition, General Omar Bradley's 12th US Army Group on 13 August 1944 requested for Fireflies to be made until better American armament like the [[M3 (90 mm)|90 mm]] could be fielded.<ref name="FletcherAmerican">Fletcher 2008, ''The American Angle''</ref> Due to supply constraints, they never received any during that time period. Not that the American's own industries were making the situation easier for the British as when they discontinued their M4A4 Sherman and 75 mm gun production, there was a quick drop in Firefly conversions in the latter part of 1944 until they could supplement the production with enough Sherman I models.<ref name="FletcherSupply">Fletcher 2008, ''Supply and Demand''</ref> In the American's own program, it was advised that they try mounting the 17-pounder in the T23 turret made for the 76 mm gun, but also mounted on the [[M26|T26]] chassis.<ref name="FletcherAmerican" /> This advice did not make much progress. It wasn't until February 1945 when the British finally made time for conversions for the Americans. The first trials were converting two M4A3 Shermans to fit American specifications like fitting their larger radios, adding stowage brackets for the M2 machine gun, and attachment of a M9 elevating quadrant on the gun cradle.<ref name="FletcherAmerican" /><ref name="Zaloga76mmUpGun">Zaloga 2003, ''Upgunning the M4 Tank''</ref> A request of 160 Fireflies were specified on 11 March 1945 for completion on April 30, with the Americans shipping suitable tanks from France back to England for conversion. On April 7th, the initial order was halved to 80 due to the incoming end of the war and its demand ending with the lack of encountered German armour after the Ardennes Offensive.<ref name="ZalogaCh9Firefly">Zaloga 2008, ''Chapter 9: On to the Rhine!: Firepower Improvements''</ref> On the war's end, there were 100 tanks sitting in depots ready for conversion, with 86 converted tanks.<ref name="FletcherAmerican" /> The excess Shermans were given away and the leaders were left on what to do with these Fireflies they no longer needed. It was decided on May 26<ref name="FletcherAmerican" /> that these American Fireflies were to be retained in Europe for equipping the occupational force.<ref name="Zaloga76mmUpGun" /> No evidence exist on what happened to these Fireflies past that point.

===Legacy===
The Firefly's reputation during and after the war is a product of hindsight. The British understood the trend that was happening in German armoured forces and acted accordingly with the 17-pounder. It should be noted that the 17-pounder's super round, the APDS, did not appear in Firefly stowage until August 1944,<ref name="FletcherAmmo">Fletcher 2008, ''Ammunition''</ref> and in combat was really inaccurate past 500 yards and the round fouled the barrel that it affected follow-up shots with APCBC rounds. As such, APCBC round would still be standard usage and though the 17-pounder was still slightly more powerful than the 76 mm, it traded crew comfort and design quality in the Firefly in comparison to the 76 mm gun in the larger T23 turret. What solidified the Firefly's place in history in comparison to the 76 mm Shermans was that on the very first day that the Allies invaded Normandy, the British actually brought the Fireflies while the Americans left their 76 mm guns in English depots.<ref name="Zaloga76mmFrance">Zaloga 2003, ''Initial Deployment Problems''</ref> Thus, the British can claim with great confidence that on the opening days of Operation Overlord, they had a tank that could kill the German cats.

=== In Italian Service ===
[[File:M4 Tipo IC .png|thumb|M4 Tipo IC During parade]]
The Firefly first saw action in Italy in British, American and Polish hands in the Italian Campaign in 1944, but were ceased since heavy German armour proved to be a challenging opponent for the Firefly. After WW2, when Italy joined NATO, they were supplied by Firefly IC medium tank, designated as "M4 Tipo IC" (IC is the callsign of a M4 Sherman tank using a 17-pdr gun). They were supplied and commissioned in 1947 with other tanks, [[M4A4 (Italy)|M4A4]], [[Sherman Vc (Italy)|M4 Tipo VC]] and others... , at that time in italy was constituted the 1st nucleus for the formation of Tankers School and in the 1st of October was officially formed in the Military School Organization

The '''M4 Tipo IC''' was decommissioned and scrapped in 1952.

== Media ==


;Skins

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

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
File:The British Army in the Normandy Campaign 1944 .jpg|A British Firefly during the Normandy Campaign 1944<ref>http://www.theshermantank.com/sherman/the-firefly-the-teapot-with-teeth/</ref>
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|Ege0ylN0RCA|'''Lookback: {{PAGENAME}}''' - ''Orangefan''|YK_kiOv7cJo|'''{{PAGENAME}} Composito, Italian, Tier-3, Medium Tank''' - ''Angry Nerd Gaming''}}

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same gun & turret

* [[Sherman Firefly]]
* [[Sherman IC "Trzyniec"]]
* [[Sherman Vc (Italy)]]

;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[M4A1 (76) W]]
* [[M4A4 (SA50)]]

== External links ==


=== References ===
<references />

{{Italy medium tanks}}

F-104S

2022-01-21T01:35:16Z

U122946199:

{{About
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-104 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-104s
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_f-104s.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

The F-104S is an Italian supersonic interceptor based on the American [[F-104 (Family)|Lockheed F-104 "Starfighter"]] series. The external appearance is much the same besides the additional ventral fins, but as the final variant of the Starfighter family, it boasts the best speed and payload capacity of any F-104. It can be used as a high-speed ground attacker with a sizeable load of assorted bombs and rockets. Alternatively, it can be a deadly interceptor if equipped with air-to-air missiles. Unique among Starfighters is its ability to carry a pair of AIM-7E Sparrow semi-active radar homing missiles, the same variant used by the [[F-4E|F-4E Phantom II]].

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


The sleek and missile-like Starfighters are known for having excellent speed, climb rate, and acceleration, and the F-104S is no exception. Its J79-GE-19 engine has the highest thrust of all F-104 variants by a large margin: optimal thrust on afterburner is about 22% greater than the J79-GE-11 used by the [[F-104G]]. The F-104S will have few issues with outrunning or outclimbing its opponents. But this performance comes at the cost of very poor manoeuvrability, which has not been improved on this variant. The tiny wings and long body make for awful low-speed handling and there is only so much that the combat flaps can do to improve the turn rate. Avoid turning engagements when at all possible. That said, its handling at supersonic speeds is not so poor. Hard turns tend to bleed speed due to the low aspect ratio of the wings. The roll rate is good overall, which helps in defensive manoeuvres.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 15,240 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
| 2,345 || 2,319 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 34.5 || 34.7 || 225.6 || 216.8 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,431 || 2,387 || 33.5 || 34.0 || 297.3 || 260.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| 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}} || N/A || 827 || 444 || ~12 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 720 || < 950 || < 800 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic Mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-19 || 1
| colspan="2" | 6,850 kg || colspan="2" | 566 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 31m fuel
|-
| 1,740 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 7,706 kg || 8,752 kg || 9,798 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 31m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,992 kgf || 7,688 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.78 || 0.32
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,044 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 10,253 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.33 || 1.17 || 1.05 || 0.43
|-
|}

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


The F-104S is not equipped with any armour plating, and is therefore rather vulnerable to enemy fire, especially given the fact that most enemies at this rank sport high-calibre cannons. Taking any critical damage in the F-104S will almost instantly cripple it, to the point where you will have to fly back to base, or be a sitting duck for the enemy team. Taking a critical hit to the fuselage will disable you so badly you won't be able to reach supersonic speeds, which is your greatest advantage. The same goes for taking any sort of wing damage or tail damage: it will instantly result in a huge amount of drag on the air frame, reducing your already poor energy retention in maneuvers making you an easy target to pick off from afar and in effective gun range. Lastly, the engine is a massive target for guns and missiles alike. Having a slightly orange engine will effectively put you out of the fight. And with the already heavy weight of the F-104S, you require the engine power to stay in the fight.

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

The most important modules to research are the ''Flight performance'' modifications and the ''AIM-9B'' and ''AIM-9J'' air-to-air missiles. The ''Flight performance'' modifications capitalize on this vehicle's speed advantage, while the missiles greatly increase its ability to do damage to the enemy. Some modifications that may be saved for last are the ''G-suit'', ''Offensive 20 mm'', and ''New 20 mm cannons'', as well as the modifications that allow the plane to equip bombs (provided, of course, that the pilot does not wish to use the vehicle in a ground attack role).

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AIM-7E Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9J Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP}}
{{main|M61 (20 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon (750 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 7 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 7 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (5,250 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 6 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 6 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,750 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,750 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets

The M61 Vulcan is a powerful gatling cannon that may be a fun surprise to Italian pilots. A quick and accurate burst can send targets into flames and the incredible rate of fire allows for some spray-and-pray, which is especially helpful considering how difficult it can be to get guns on target in this aircraft. But it has several drawbacks: first, the gun needs to spool up momentarily before it will fire, and second, the ammunition supply of 750 rounds will be depleted in no time if fired continuously. The former makes tap firing the gun to conserve ammunition a difficult affair but the latter means that holding down the trigger is not optimal either—certainly an awkward situation! New pilots can be afford to be somewhat more trigger-happy as they get used to the gun.

The F-104S has a very wide range of ordnance. For attacking ground targets, the bombs and rockets should be adequate. The loadout with seven 750 lb bombs is the heaviest and can be used to bomb bases or carpet bomb enemy vehicles. The largest individual bomb the F-104S can carry is 2000 lbs, sufficient for clearing out a capture zone in mixed battles. Two types of rockets are available, 70 mm FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets and 130 mm Zuni rockets. The FFARs have a decent penetration of 290 mm but have small warheads with relatively low post-penetration damage. The Zunis are more potent but only 8 can be carried.

In the air-to-air missile department, the F-104S has access to AIM-9B and AIM-9J Sidewinders. The AIM-9B is disappointing at the F-104S's battle rating and is easily dodged or spoofed by a target who spots it coming. The AIM-9J, on the other hand, is one of the best IR missiles in the game, with good flight characteristics and high resistance to flares. They are very hard to dodge when launched correctly, even with efficient use of countermeasures. The F-104S can carry up to 6 of them, a record number of missiles for a Starfighter. The other option is the AIM-7E Sparrow, of which 2 can be carried, but cannot be taken in conjunction with the cannon. It requires a continuous radar lock to guide and will not work well at close distances or when looking towards the ground, but has very good range and can be fired at a target at any aspect.

Unlike the F-104G models available to [[F-104G|Germany]] and [[F-104G (China)|China]], the F-104S cannot carry guided air-to-ground missiles.

== Usage in battles ==


The F-104S does one thing extremely well: speed. This is the vehicle's greatest advantage, and can be used to great effect if the pilot is careful about choosing which engagements to pursue. It is recommended to keep up a high air-speed at all times, which will allow the F-104S to swoop in and out of the combat zone while evading enemies. Sometimes, it is even possible to outrun enemy air-to-air missiles.

However, the F-104S struggles with manoeuvrability. With such small wings, it simply can't produce the lift necessary to throw itself around the sky, and therefore has a very poor turning circle. This means that any turning engagement is most likely futile, and also re-emphasises the utility of a boom and zoom playstyle.

When used in conjunction with its speed, the available armaments really allow the F-104S to shine. The AIM-9Js, already difficult to dodge with their decent manoeuvrability and flare-resistance, become nigh-on impossible to avoid when launched at supersonic speeds, particularly against much slower targets. And with 6 of them, the pilot can be a little less frugal than would be the case with other aircraft. The AIM-7E Sparrows can also be a welcome addition in a high-altitude, long-range, all-aspect engagement, or the extremely accurate and powerful M61 Vulcan cannon can be used instead for quick head-ons and to mop any remaining opponents at close-range.

===Radars===

The F-104S is equipped with an NASARR search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | NASARR - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed Detection Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
|-
| 37,000 m (theoretical) || 18,000 m || ±45.0° || ±43.0°
|-
! colspan="4" | NASARR - Target Tracking Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
|-
| 18,500 m || 150 m || ±10.0° || ±10.0°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good top speed for its rank
* Great rate of climb
* Vulcan cannon can do some serious damage
* Significantly wider variety of payload options than early F-104s
* Decent high-speed manoeuvrability in spite of its tiny wings
* Good roll rate for a jet
* Can use either 4 AIM-9J and 2 AIM-7E missiles or 6 AIM-9J missiles with the M61 Vulcan cannon
* Has a radar warning receiver

'''Cons:'''

* Lousy manoeuvrability at low speeds
* Bleeds off airspeed easily in sustained turns.
* Only 750 rounds of cannon ammo, trigger discipline is a must
* No air-to-ground missiles
* No flares

== History ==


The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was a supersonic jet fighter known for its distinctive appearance, described as a "missile with a man in it". At the time of its introduction in 1958 with the US Air Force as an interceptor, the F-104 set multiple performance records and was the first production fighter capable of flying at twice the speed of sound. Flaws of the design included engine troubles, limited range, and poor handling characteristics that led to a poor safety record, earning it several morbid nicknames like "Widowmaker". The F-104G variant was modified for multi-role capabilities in line with German requirements and ultimately was adopted by several other NATO countries, including Italy.

The F-104G began to replace the [[CL-13 Mk.4|Canadair Sabre]] in Italian service beginning in 1963-1965. Although the airframes were not very old, the subsonic Sabres were already outdated compared to the new Mach-2 capable supersonic aircraft available to NATO and the Warsaw Pact. The Starfighters also supplanted the similarly outdated [[F-84G-21-RE (Italy)|F-84 Thunderjet]] fighter-bomber. As was the case for many foreign designs in Italian service, the F-104Gs were for the most part assembled locally by Fiat. They were configured in interceptor, strike, and reconnaissance variants. Trainer variants were also obtained. The original Lockheed ejection seats were replaced with Martin-Baker seats. In Italian hands, the F-104 earned the nickname of Spillone ("Hairpin"), no doubt due to its pointed, needle-like shape.

Despite its poor accident record, the F-104 proved to be popular with the Italian Air Force. In the mid 1960s, the Italian military began to look for new and more advanced aircraft. Options considered included the American [[F-4C|F-4 Phantom II]], British [[Lightning F.6|English Electric Lighting]], and French [[Mirage IIIC|Mirage III]]. Lockheed's proposal was an upgraded version of the Starfighter with the company designation of CL-901. This was to feature a new J79-GE-19 engine, slight modifications to the air intakes, improved avionics, extra pylons, and additional ventral fins. The CL-901 was ultimately selected due to its low price and the Italian industry's familiarity with the F-104, and it was produced as the '''F-104S'''. The first examples were modified from the F-104G.

Two configurations of the F-104S were produced. The F-104S/CI interceptor version replaced the internal cannon with additional avionics required to support the semi-active radar homing Sparrow missiles while the F-104S/CB fighter-bomber variant retained the gun. The two variants may have had different radars with features suited to their roles, though sources are unclear about this distinction.

A total of 246 examples of the F-104S were produced over ten years from 1969-1979. An upgrade program was carried out in the 1980s while the Italian military waited for the Eurofighter Typhoon, resulting in the F-104S-ASA-2, the F-104S-ASA-1 is differentiated by its lack of Apside SARH missiles. The avionics, countermeasure systems, and weapons were improved, and the cannon could now be carried along with the missile guidance equipment due to improvements in avionics. The Starfighters were updated once more beginning in 1995-1997 to the ASA/M standard. The changes were relatively minor and limited to overhauling the electrical system and adding new navigation features.

The only combat service seen by the F-104S was in Serbia as part of Operation Allied Force, where they flew combat air patrols. They were finally retired by Italy in 2004 when the Eurofighter Typhoon became operational, bringing the F-104's career worldwide to an end. The only other user of the F-104S was Turkey, who received 40 aircraft and used them alongside other F-104 models obtained from many countries. Turkey retired all its Starfighters by 1995.

The F-104 was a remarkable plane for its time and offered NATO countries a relatively simple aircraft with spectacular performance. Though Italy adopted the F-104 a few years after the United States and Germany, it used the F-104 for longer than any other country and the domestically produced F-104S was the most advanced variant built. Its service was marred by a frightening accident record, as over a third of all Italian F-104s were lost in crashes. By the time the F-104S was retired, 50 years had passed since the F-104's first flight in 1954.

A large number of F-104S Starfighters have survived today and are on display throughout Italy. A full list of survivors can be found [https://www.i-f-s.nl/preserved-f-104s/preserved-in-italy/ here].

== Media ==

'''Images'''
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:F-104S WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:F-104S WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:F-104S WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
File:F-104S WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
File:F-104S WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
File:F-104S WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
</gallery>

'''Videos'''

{{Youtube-gallery|6grJB3S7DDs|Italian F-104S in War Thunder - Naked Guns - OddBawZ}}

== 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 ==


* [[wt:en/news/6731-development-f-104-starfighter-the-manned-missile-en|[Devblog] F-104 Starfighter: The Manned Missile]]

{{AirManufacturer Fiat}}
{{Italy jet aircraft}}

S.81

2022-01-17T07:55:55Z

U122946199:

{{Specs-Card
|code=s_81_ar125
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]].

The S.81 is distinctive with its three engines, two on the wings and one in the nose. This provides a level of redundancy with the nose engine unlikely to be disabled except from a head-on or a diving attack. Although, each engine is less powerful than contemporaries on other aircraft so each engine loss will heavily impact the aircraft's speed, causing it to lose altitude. Losing one engine on the wing would also cause the aircraft to start rolling over to the weakened end. However, if you manage to land your plane after losing an engine, you will be able to taxi back to base at 100% power. It will be slow though, as you can only reach speeds up to 14 km/h.

The plane in its default state is covered in a light green paint with black splotches around to break up the solid figure. A huge white band stretch out at the mid-section of the fuselage, right around the beam turrets, which could serve as reference points for enemies to knockout the beam and ventral turret gunners. On the tail's vertical stabilizer, a large white cross is also present with the logo of the ''Regia Aeronautica'' in the upper centre point of the paint. On the wings, the ''Regia Aeronautica'' roundels were also present to make the vehicle certainly belonging to the Italian tech tree.

Three types of turrets are available on the S.81, a dorsal turret on top, a ventral turret on the bottom, and two beam turrets for both sides of the fuselage. All the turrets provide an excellent arc of fires on their sectors, with mutual machine gun fire from more than one turret able to be met in most areas. Unfortunately, all the turrets used a 7.7 mm machine gun and while sustained fire could cause sufficient damage, they lack the quick stopping power needed to prevent fighters from strafing the bomber, and taking down enemy fighters quickly is crucial as the S.81 lacks any sort of armour for itself and the crew except self-sealing fuel tanks. Enemy machine-gun fire will quickly go through, damaging modules and crew members.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,000 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
| 321 || 310 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 30.1 || 31.3 || 3.9 || 3.9 || rowspan="2" | 450
|-
! Upgraded
| 351 || 335 || 28.0 || 29.0 || 9.4 || 6.3
|-
|}

==== 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 !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 369 || 348 || 241 || ~4 || ~2
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 260 || < 270 || < 270 || > 330
|-
|}

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


* No armour plating
* No armour glazing
* Critical components located at front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
* More fuel tanks located in wings near fuselage

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

When grinding this plane for improvements and modules, focus on the payload first, then the plane performance. Ignore the defensive firepower upgrades as the defensive firepower upgraded is still extremely weak until its the last upgrades you have to get.

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

{{main|GP 50 (50 kg)|GP 100 (100 kg)|GP 250 (250 kg)|GP 500 (500 kg)}}

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

* 28 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (1,400 kg total)
* 16 x 100 kg GP 100 bombs (1,600 kg total)
* 4 x 250 kg GP 250 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 4 x 500 kg GP 500 bombs (2,000 kg total)

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

{{main|Breda-SAFAT (7.7 mm)|Lewis (7.7 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, dorsal turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
* 2 x 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, ventral turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
* 1 x 7.7 mm Lewis machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (500 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==


S.81 is a well armed beginner bomber for Italy, being able to carry a heavy load of bombs in different sizes. Though it doesn't possess the greatest speed, it's still a bomber for the enemy team to recognize as a threat for its carrying capacity of bombs. Being mixed up with bombers from other nations like [[He 111 H-3]], [[F.222.2]], or [[TB-3M-17-32]], they can easily wipe out enemy bases and airfield.

S.81 is armed with 6 x 7.7 mm machine guns: 2 x [[Lewis (7.7 mm)]] and 4 x [[Breda-SAFAT (7.7 mm)]] which is pretty well armed for a low tier bomber. The two Lewis machine guns are placed at the middle rear of the plane in the sides, where they can cover if enemy planes are flying level next to the S.81. Meanwhile, the 4 x Breda machine guns are placed in two turrets that have 360° coverage above and below the bomber, being able to defend it from most angles. It is able to defend itself pretty well against biplanes from reserve ranks, but can have tougher opponents like [[I-16 type 24]], [[Yak-2 KABB]], [[P-36G]], [[He 100 D-1]], [[Potez 631]], and [[J22-A]] that can make quick work of the S.81 as they are faster, more agile, and usually have more firepower than the S.81.

S.81 is able to carry 28 x 50 kg bombs, 16 x 100 kg bombs, 4 x 250 kg bombs or 4 x 500 kg bombs. Bombloads like 28 x 50 kg and 16 x 100 kg are excellent for carpet bombing convoys and knocking out light targets, meanwhile heavier bombloads like 4 x 250 kg and 4 x 500 kg are excellent for destroying bombing points and damaging airfields. They are all useful in ground battles.

Best use of S.81 in Air Battles is on clean up duty after other bombers that are way faster and might not have the bombload to take out bombing points in one go, or S.81 can go for stationary targets like pillboxes, light pillboxes, AA emplacements and artillery positions to bleed the enemy team's tickets.

In ground battles the S.81 can be good air support for allied ground units, protecting points that are being captured by hostile forces and with good communications with the ground teammates it can wipe out entrenched enemies that are likely to be protecting points or certain roads or areas of the map. But beware of enemy SPAA units, S.81's slow speed makes it an easy target for most SPAA vehicles at its battle rating.

=== 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 || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great payload, can carry up to 2,000 kg of ordnance which can destroy 2 bases with ease
* Machine gun turrets can reach all sides of the bomber
* Potent, fast-firing defensive armament for its tier, with incendiary bullets that can easily set fabric-covered low-tier planes on fire.

'''Cons:'''

* Slow and sluggish
* No armour or bulletproof glass for protection
* Loss of a single engine will hamper the plane's ability to stay in the air
* Low maximum altitude

== History ==

Under the need to have an aircraft capable reaching the far reaches of the Italian colonies in Africa, a project was made to develop an aircraft able to suit the Regia Aeronautica. Approaching manufacturer Savoia-Marchetti, chief designer Alessandro Marchetti developed the aircraft based on the Savoia's SM.73 airliner and militarized the vehicle for its intended use.<ref name="MFS.81">Military Factory. "Savoia-Marchetti SM.81 Pipistrello (Bat) Medium Bomber / Transport Aircraft." Military Factory, 31 May 2017, [http://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=811 Website].</ref> The first prototype was built and flown in early 1935, approximately six months after the SM.73 debuted.<ref name="CenturyS.81">Century of Flight. "Savoia Marchetti S.M.81 Pipistrello." Italian Aircraft of World War Two, 11 Nov 2007, [https://web.archive.org/web/20121102170519/https://www.century-of-flight.net/Aviation%20history/photo_albums/timeline/ww2/Savoia%20Marchetti.htm Web Archive].</ref> This aircraft was then known as the '''SM.81 "Pipistrello"''' ('''"Bat"'''). The aircraft was accepted for service in the same year with mass-production slated, with different engines used throughout the production life. 534 SM.81 would be produced in the time span between 1935 to 1944.<ref name="MurphyS.81">Murphy, Justin D., and Matthew A. McNiece. Military Aircraft, 1919-1945: an Illustrated History of Their Impact. ABC-CLIO, 2009.</ref>

===Combat usage===
At its inception, the SM.81 was considered one of the better medium bombers of the era with its top speed of 211 miles, long range of 1,336 miles, well armed with six machine gun positions and able to carry a payload of up to 2,205 lbs.<ref name="MurphyS.81" /> The SM.81 found a versatile use on the battlefield, being used in a transport, bombing, ground attack, and a reconnaissance role, ensuring its relevancy even later in the war. One was procured by Benito Mussolini to be used as his private aircraft, the aircraft being nicknamed "Taratuga" ("Turtle") for its sluggish speed.

The SM.81 was first used in the Second Italo-Ethiopian War (also known as the Second Italo-Abyssinian War), lasting from 03 October 1935 to May 1936, quickly putting the SM.81 into action. Their versatile performed well in their support of the Italian troops, culminating with the annexation of Ethiopia into Italy's East African colonies. The SM.81 saw use again in the Spanish Civil War to aid the Spanish Nationalists in the Aviazione Legionaria, where they were used to the same degree as in Ethiopia. Though 12 were sent on a 705-mile flight on 29 July 1936 to Spanish-controlled Morocco, complexity in the flight had only nine arrive. These nine bombers provided a great asset in the Strait of Gibraltar as more aircraft arrived, keeping the Spanish Republican's Navy at bay. As the Nationalists push closer to Madrid, the SM.81, working alongside the German Condor Legion, bombed the Spanish capital almost daily. Though the SM.81 sometimes flew with escorting [[CR.32_(Family)|C.R.32]] biplanes, flying unescorted with tight formations was also possible due to the mutual machine gun protection with each other.<ref name="SmithS.81">Smith, Richard K., and R. Cargill. Hall. Five down, No Glory: Frank G. Tinker, Mercenary Ace in the Spanish Civil War. Naval Institute Press, 2011.</ref> However, when Soviet [[I-15_M-22|I-15]] and [[I-16 type 5|I-16]] appeared, flights started to be conducted at night to avoid losing precious bombers. When Italy left Spain at the conclusion of the war, around 64 SM.81 was left behind for the Spanish Air Force.

By the outbreak of World War II, the SM.81 was showing its age, though 300 units still remained in the Regia Aeronautica's inventory.<ref name="MFS.81" /> With the faster and more powerful [[S.M.79_(Family)|SM.79]] beginning to see service in 1936, the SM.81's roles was supplemented. The SM.81 still saw service in secondary roles and so deliveries still continued. It was used in the African theater as the main bomber against British forces in East Africa, but British [[Gladiator_Mk_II|Gladiators]] and [[Hurricane_(Family)|Hurricanes]] posed a major threat. Due to this the SM.81 was relegated as a night bomber in North Africa, with the darkness as cover against the enemy fighters. 80 SM.81 were also produced into a dedicated transport aircraft, known as ''SM.81T'', which proved vital in transporting troops and material to Rommel's Afrika Korps.<ref name="MurphyS.81" />

Even after Italy's surrender to Allied forces in September 1943, the SM.81 still saw service in North Italy's Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana and South Italy's Aviazione Cobelligerante Italiana. Though South Italy soon removed them from service, North Italy used them until the end of the war.<ref name="MFS.81" /> In the conclusion of World War II, several SM.81 were still in service with the post-war Aeronautica Militare Italiana, sticking around until 1950 when they were all officially retired.

===Other developments===
Two main variants of the SM.81 existed, the SM.81 as a bomber/transport variant and the SM.81T as a dedicated transport aircraft, both using various engines as propulsion. A project was done known as the ''SM.81B'', which used a two-engine configuration. This provided inadequate performance compared to the three-engine configurations and so the project was discontinued.

Though the SM.81 saw use in the various Italian air forces and in Spain, three were also sent to the Chinese Nationalist forces, arriving at an unknown date. However, all three samples were destroyed in training exercises in early 1938.<ref name="MFS.81" />

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=s_81_ar125 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|9_txEPailKc|'''The Shooting Range #92''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 06:20 discusses the S.81.}}

== 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 ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/379608-s81/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== References ===
<references />

{{AirManufacturer SM}}
{{Italy bombers}}

Pz.II C (DAK)

2022-01-17T07:54:50Z

U122946199:

{{About
| about = German light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = Pz.II (Disambiguation)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=germ_pzkpfw_II_ausf_C_DAK
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} German light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41. During the [[wt:en/news/4994-special-german-unity-day-en|2017 "German Unity Day"]] event, the {{Specs|pseudonym}} could be earned for free.

The {{Specs|pseudonym}} is a premium version of the [[Pz.II C]], with a specific camouflage. DAK stands for "Deutsches Afrikakorps", the infamous German tank division commanded by Erwin Rommel in Northern Africa. It is a quick and nimble vehicle that does not have an enormous punch to follow up. While the 20 mm gun does not have a huge penetration, the armour-piercing rounds are capable of taking care of most of its reserve vehicle opponents.

This is a very quick little tank when fully developed. However, even completely undeveloped, it has a decent turn of speed. It has a high rate of fire which makes it very forgiving as far as aiming and hitting is concerned, and even allows a (relatively) accurate fire on the move capability, assuming the ground is not too rough.

On the rough ground the Pz.II pitches like a lifeboat in a storm, making firing on the move impossible. However, this is where you are able to hide in the furrows between rises, allowing you to sneak up on the enemy and attack from surprise. Its rate of fire is a problem, however, as reloading its magazine can take a rather long time when in combat, and if you change ammunition during a fight, the magazine will be changed out immediately after the next shot is fired, not when the magazine is emptied.

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

The Pz.II C has (on the surface) decent frontal armour, with 35 mm for the front plate with a section of heavily sloped 30 mm armour on the glacis, then a sloped lower glacis that has 35 mm as well. The side, rear, and hull roof armour are a paltry 15 mm, including the turret sides. The front turret face is 30 mm that do not overlap with the 30 mm thick gun mantlet well so it will be rare, if not impossible, for a chance at relying on a 60 mm overlapping area to deflect rounds.

Generally speaking, the Pz.II C does not have enough armour to defend itself unless fighting from an extreme range (which most early-ranked tanks can't reasonably do well), facing SPAA vehicles that are only using high-explosive shells or facing against some early-ranked French tanks.

Put shortly - do everything to ensure that the Pz.II C does not get hit, because even one well placed shot in the crew compartment will likely knock the Pz.II C out.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 35 mm (11°) ''Front plate'' 30 mm (73°) ''Front glacis'' 35 mm (36°) ''Bottom glacis'' || 15 mm || 15 mm || 15 mm
|-
| Turret || 30 mm ''Turret front'' 30 mm ''Gun Mantlet''|| 15 mm || 15 mm || 10 mm
|-
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
|-
| Cupola || 15 mm || 10 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 10 mm thick while tracks are 15 mm thick.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=217|rbMinHp=124}}

Mobility-wise, the Pz.II C is actually better than most of its peers, but the [[BT-5|BT]] series tanks and [[M3 Stuart (Family)|M3 Stuarts]] will still outpace it quite easily. Regardless, the Pz.II C can get around the battlefield quite respectably, and the vehicle's power-to-weight ratio makes it easy to go up steep inclines than larger, heavier vehicles. However, the Pz.II C is not going to outrun a pursuing enemy team, so locating good cover is immensely useful for its survival.

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

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

{{main|KwK30 (20 mm)}}

The main armament of the Pz.II C is the 20 mm KwK 30 automatic cannon. With the ability to access HVAP capable of penetrating 64 mm at point blank range, combined with its magazine-loaded rapid fire, the 20 mm can puncture through most enemy armour at this battle rating range like it is fabric.

The biggest problem with the 20 mm autocannon is the 10 round magazines combined with a 7.8 s stock reload time, meaning that the tank may successfully take out two or three enemy tanks with controlled bursts, but is likely to be taken out during the reload. Another problem to consider is in the powerful HVAP ammunition, in that its impressive penetration statistics can make the gun reach out to about 200-300 metres, but the penetrative power drops off rapidly after that due to velocity drop, even more so than the standard ''PzGr'' round.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[KwK30 (20 mm)|20 mm KwK30]] || 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" | 180 (10) || rowspan="2" | 280 || rowspan="2" | -9°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Vertical || 13.33 || 18.45 || 22.40 || 24.77 || 26.35 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 8.33 || 9.80 || 11.90 || 13.16 || 14.00
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}} - The belt composition means that 50% of the shells (HEFI-T*) are useless against tanks. However, this belt is reliable against open-topped or thin-skinned vehicles like SPAA vehicles. Since there are no dedicated high-explosive shells for the selection, having one belt of this in reserve does not hurt for those situations.
* '''PzGr:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - This belt offers a good transition from the Default to the PzGr 40 belt. The round offers decent damage against lightly armoured tanks, especially at close range. Due to lack of high-explosive filler, however, it is better to focus on the PzGr 40 belt to maximize penetration power.
* '''PzGr 40:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}} - Probably the best belt with the best penetrating shell for the vehicle. While the damage effects post-penetration can be quite poor, the rapid fire from the autocannon can mitigate this problem by following up quickly with another penetrating shot. In close combat, these shells should be used against modules and crew member to make the most of each shell. Against angled armour, however, the HVAP ammo may not be very effective. Unlike the Flakpanzer 1 and Flakpanzer 38, this belt is still 100% HVAP.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | 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 || 36 || 34 || 26 || 19 || 14 || 10
|-
| PzGr || 36 || 34 || 26 || 19 || 14 || 10
|-
| PzGr 40 || 64 || 63 || 26 || 8 || 3 || 1
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Belt details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
! 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 || API-T || 780 || 0.15 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
| PzGr 40 || HVAP-T || 1,050 || 0.1 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_Pz.II_C.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
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''18''' || 11 ''(+7)'' || 7 ''(+11)'' || 1 ''(+17)'' || No
|-
|}

* Right flank empty: 11 ''(+7)''

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

{{main|MG34 (7.92 mm)}}

Mounted opposite to the 20 mm autocannon is the MG 34, which is loaded with a 50-round belt with an AP-I/AP-I/AP-T ammo pattern. With 13 mm of maximum penetration at point blank range, this MG's high rate of fire will make short work of unarmoured vehicles like truck-based SPAA, as well as exposed enemy crewmen.

{| 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 || 1,800 (150) || 900 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The main key to success with this vehicle is to drive aggressively, trying to get shots at relatively close range (100-300 m or even less). Aiming for the enemy's weak spots, it is often possible to set your opponent on fire, allowing the Pz.II to take on vehicles beyond its battle rating.

Where possible, try to use the terrain to remain hull down. Even the smallest undulations are quite often enough to mask your hull, allowing you to take quick shots with minimal risk. However closing the distance quickly with your opponent is really the only way to reliably destroy the enemy, as your armour is not enough to bounce a shot in a close-quarters fight.

Alternatively, the Pz.II C can be played as a support vehicle, a second line tank, to say the least, to assist more armoured allies when pushing the cap. Use short bursts (2-4 rounds ideally) to disable enemy vehicles by targeting weak points like their transmission or turret crew, then use the remaining ammo to take out the rest of the enemy crew, or let friendly tankers take them out for assists. The Pz.II C lacks the mobility to disengage and run from tanks like the M3 Stuarts or BT series tanks, but if their transmission, driver, or tracks are taken out, they will be temporarily immobilized and the Pz.II C player has bought themselves time to scurry back to friendly lines, where more powerful guns and numbers can be brought to counter the enemy.

Also, as a light tank with decent speed and low profile, the Pz.II C can act as a spotter (unfortunately without the use of the [[Scouting|scout]] mechanics) to locate enemy tanks for allies to prioritize and hit with guns, artillery, or airstrikes.

Pz.II C driving through frozen pass

The biggest threat to the Pz.II C on the battlefield are tanks that have very good armour and firepower at the expense of their mobility. The [[Valentine Mk I|Valentine]], [[FCM.36]], and [[Matilda Mk II|Matilda]] are examples of tanks that will easily deflect even 20 mm ''PzGr 40'' shots, either due to their impressive frontal hull and turret armour, or just because they are so slow that the Pz.II C will engage them at ranges that render the shell penetration power ineffective. If one of these tanks are spotted trundling along in the distance, do not bother taking the shot because the 20 mm are unlikely able to do even cosmetic damages, while at the same time drawing their attention and revealing the Pz.II C's position due to the shell tracers.

Generally speaking, if the target is about the size of a coin when looking at it on max zoom in the gunner's sight, it is too far for effective fire and should not be engaged.

A more advanced method of playing this is to use it like an autoloading gun from higher BRs - fire only one or two shots per click at a given time. This helps avoid spraying uselessly at bigger, more stubborn targets.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Decent frontal armour: when angled it can be immune to common opponents like the [[BT-5]], [[BT-7]], [[M3A1 Stuart|M3A1]] and [[A13 (Family)|A13]]
* Overall superior firepower: autocannon shoots rapidly, resulting in denser fire, and with the PzGr 40 belt it can penetrate any tank, including the [[B1 bis]] when aiming correctly
* Fast top speed and good agility makes it a great flanker, it can easily out-manoeuvre slower tanks like [[T-26]] or [[H.35]]
* Curved turret armour of 30 mm plus -10 degrees gun depression allows it to hull-down on hills easily
* Small width means it can manoeuvre through or hide in narrow passages in urban maps, allowing it to ambush or flank unexpectedly
* Low profile makes it easy to hide behind bushes or cover
* In Simulator mode, friendly fire is less likely due to the very distinct shape and profile
* Shoulder stabilizer allows the Panzer to shoot while moving

'''Cons:'''

* Only performs well at close quarters combat, as both the AP and HVAP penetration drop below 30 mm past 500 m, making it struggle to penetrate common opponents such as the [[M3 Stuart (Family)|M3]]/[[M5 Stuart (Family)|M5]] Stuart and B1 bis
* Magazine-loaded armament means there is lengthy downtime for reloading where you are vulnerable
* Survivability is still inadequate: unsloped armour plus closely-packed crew of 3 means it is very vulnerable to [[T-26]], BT-5 or [[M8 General Scott (Family)|M8 Scott]] which all have explosive AP
* Although top speed is good, it is still slower than other light tanks like the infamous BT-5, [[M8 Greyhound (Family)|M8 Greyhound]] and M3/M5

== History ==


===Development===
In 1934, the development of the new German tanks, which would be the [[Pz.III E|Panzer III]] and [[Pz.IV E|Panzer IV]], was falling behind schedule despite an urgent need for tanks. As a stopgap solution until the designs was finalized, the Germany Army submitted a request for a new tank, giving the responsibility of designing to Krupp, MAN, Henschel, and Daimler-Benz.

The product was a design that is based off the German Panzer I light tank, but was larger with the addition of an extra bogie wheel and had a 20 mm autocannon as its main armament. The finished tank was designated the '''Panzer II''' and production was to start in 1935 but did not start delivering tanks until 18 months later. At this time, it was in a low rate production status by 1936 in the '''[[Pz.II C|Panzer II Ausf. C]]''' variant. In the 1940s, the Panzer II was upgraded to the '''[[Pz.II F|Panzer II Ausf. F]]''', which entered into production in 1941 with increased armour and a torsion bar suspension system. A total of 524 Ausf. F were produced between March 1941 to December 1942.

The Panzer II Ausf. F had a 35 mm front armour and 20 mm side armour compared to the 14 mm all-around armour on the Ausf. C. The 20 mm autocannon on the turret was the same, based off the 20 mm FlaK 30 then in use with a firing rate of 600 rpm from a 10-round magazine. The tank also came with a coaxial machine gun as well. The turret was hand cranked by the commander, who doubled as the gunner of the tanks. The crew of the Panzer II consist of three people, the driver, commander, and loader who doubled as a radio operator. The Panzer II Ausf. C could reach a speed of 33 mph with its torion-bar suspension

===Combat usage===
The Panzer II would serve in the initial stages of World War II in the Battle of Poland, France, and Operation Barbarossa as Germany's most numerous tank (By May 1940, there were about a thousand Panzer Is and IIs, but only 381 Panzer III and 290 Panzer IVs). The Panzer II also saw service in the German Afrika Korps (Deutsches Afrikakorps, "DAK") during the Northern Africa campaign. By 1941, it was clear that the Panzer II was starting to become obsolete, and with the increasing quantity of Panzer IIIs and IVs, the Panzer II was relegated to reconnaissance duties when going against the Allies.

Despite the up-armouring in the different Panzer II variants, the Panzer II could still be penetrated by the most towed anti-tank weapon in service at the time, leaving the crew at risk to enemy fire. By 1942, it was largely removed from front lines and production ceased by 1943. The turrets of these obsolete tanks were used as gun turrets on defensive bunkers on the Atlantic Wall, and the chassis stayed in use for other purposes, such as a self-propelled gun and tank destroyer in the ''Wespe'' and ''Marder II'' respectively.

=== In-game description ===
Some of the Pz.Kpfw IIs were sent to Africa, where they were used by the German Afrika Korps (DAK). In Africa they were given secondary tasks such as guard duty and scouting. The tank is shown with desert camouflage and the famous symbol of the African Corps, the palm tree.

== Media ==


;Skins

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

;Sights

* [https://live.warthunder.com/post/675135/en/ RideR2's Realistic gunsight (TZF4a, TZF 5a/b/d/e/f/f2, TZF 9b/b1/c/d, TZF 12/a) for Pzkpfw II, Pzkpfw III, Pzkpfw IV, Pzkpfw V, Pzkpfw VI]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="300">
File:Pz.IIС(DAK) Roof Image.jpg|Panzer II DAK's roof, showing the Afrika Korps symbol.
</gallery>

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[Pz.II C]] - The equivalent tech tree variant
* [[Pz.II F]] - A later Panzer II variant

;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[Sd.Kfz. 140/1]]
* [[T-60]]
* [[M2A2]]
* [[Pvlvv fm/42]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/2778/current/|[Vehicle Profile] PzKpfw II Ausf C/F and DAK]]

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

CR.42

2022-01-17T07:48:43Z

U122946199:

{{About
| about = Italian fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = C.R.42 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=fiat_cr42_italy
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_fiat_cr42_italy.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]] along with the initial Italian aviation tree, though a variant existed in the German aircraft tech tree prior to the update.

The CR.42 possesses exceptional manoeuvrability, speed, and durability, especially for a biplane. Its armament, which is two Breda-SAFAT .50 calibre machine guns, is quite good as well. However, due to its BR, the majority of aircraft the CR.42 will engage will be faster and more heavily armed. The best bet for survival, and getting scores, is to climb to medium altitude and lure fighters into turn fighting. An overwhelming majority of pilots are unwilling to run from a lowly biplane, allowing you to score critical damage before they realize that they have expended all their energy and must extend away from you. By that time, the damage is usually severe enough that they will not be able to accelerate away from you quickly enough to escape further damage.

Fighting other biplanes is a whole other issue. Being lighter and thusly having lower stall speeds, they initially perform better in tight turns. Yet all is not lost as the hostile (lower tier) biplane will lose speed (and thusly energy) doing so. Here the CR.42 can find its figthing edge. Being slightly more aerodynamic and heavier which fortunately offset by a stronger engine, the CR.42 can either power through the early turns taking a few hits in the process, ''or'' perform advanced aerobatic manoeuvres. Such include a combination of high and low Yo-Yos to abuse the superior energy retention, or a Split-S to gain speed for altitude, hoping that the enemy biplane either reaches terminal speeds (RB and SB only), has their controls locked up, or yourself can run away safely to initiate a new attack. Due to the excellent stall characteristics of many biplanes, Boom and Zoom tactics can quite literally 'back' fire.

For the armament belts, the same applies to all other Italian aircraft; generally, you want to use ''Tracers'', ''Anti-air'', or ''Stealth'' since these are the belts that deal the most damage. Shell velocity is low, hence your shots will be increasingly difficult to aim over 300m from the enemy. Only fire at enemies at or below this distance to ensure that your shots will consistently hit. Furthermore, much like the other Italian fighters, the armament is woefully inadequate to deal with bombers, hence it is best to avoid them entirely. If you find yourself the situation where you are attacking bombers, focus on taking out the engines. The only exception to this rule is the very early biplane bombers, such as the [[Swordfish Mk I|Swordfish]] and [[Po-2]].

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

As one of the last generation of biplane fighters, the CR.42 incorporates many advantages , but also disadvantages of said built. Notably a low stall speed, predicating it for Turn Fights. Climb speed is good to great, but cannot compare to many later fighters ([[:Category:Second_rank_aircraft|Rank II]]). Another advantage gained is the ''relatively'' high break speeds of ~570 km/h IAS and the late lock up speed of 450 km/h IAS for the elevator. The top speed is good for [[:Category:First_rank_aircraft|Rank I]], but only reached after a short dive and quickly dwindles with damage received.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 5,200 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
| 413 || 402 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.0 || 20.6 || 14.2 || 14.2 || rowspan="2" | 294
|-
! Upgraded
| 448 || 429 || 18.5 || 19.2 || 21.1 || 17.2
|-
|}

==== 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 || X || 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}} || N/A || N/A || N/A || ~16 || ~7
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 280 || < 240 || < 450 || > 250
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Compressor
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
! Setting 1
| 4,300 m || 828 hp || 973 hp
|-
|}

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

Biplanes by design have a lot of surface and consequently have plenty of aircraft to be shot at. This makes them feel more vulnerable than they really are, although again: They are fairly big, hard to miss targets, so the feeling ''is'' justified. Even more so as the fabric skin is easily damaged by small arms fire. The change to a aluminium monocoque fuselage design was linked with an increase in armament size for a reason. However, here lies a great advantage: Many explosive triggers and fuses have their detonation sensitivies set to metall skins, not fabric ones, so they may just whizzle through your craft, leaving only two 20 mm sized holes.

The CR.42 in itself features no armour. Only the air cooled rotary engines is rather durable due to lacking any water-cooling and by design.

Ace tip: ''Don't get shot!''

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

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

{{main|Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 2 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, nose-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)

The two machine guns are both mounted on the upper fuselage just in front of the pilot and fire through the propeller arc. Each is armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all guns will fire together until empty.

The center lined armament is always a great advantage. However compared to other nation's fighter crafts with their fast firing 7.7 mm machine guns, the BREDA's slower rate of fire offsets the gained advantage in claibre size and explosive ammunition (IAI).

== Usage in battles ==

=== Arcade Battles ===
The CR.42 is nothing more than a point-and-shoot arcade-style plane. There is little skill involved at these early rank matches. Therefore, turning is the most appropriate tactic. However, due to the high climb rate, BnZ can be effective strategy in this gamemode. Most monoplanes cannot climb nearly as fast as the CR.42, so you will be able to hold the altitude advantage on them.

=== Realistic and Simulator Battles ===
In Realistic Battles (RB) and Simulator Battles (SB), as in real life, the Falco faces off against advanced mono-wing designs. While this may seem daunting at first, the CR.42 is the pinnacle of biplane evolution, only rivalled by the up-gunned [[I-153P|Chaika]] series. This aircraft begins to show the playstyle that Italian pilots will use for the rest of their in-game career; a situationally dependent switch between Energy-fighting (Boom & Zoom) and turn-fighting.

When flying in simulator battles, visibility is normal for a biplane. Rearward vistas are non-existent while forward vision is hampered by the second strut/wing. The open cockpit does provide decent visibility in general, though.

=== General Usage ===
Something that applies to this plane in all battle modes is its engine. Unlike most other biplanes and the CR.32 before it, this aircraft has a radial engine. This offers several advantages. First, it is able to offer moderate performance at all altitudes. Second, hits to the cooling system are not as damaging as they are to aircraft that have in-line engines. In-line engines will suffer from hits to their water (fluid) cooling systems - even the slightest of hits at all tiers and BRs will either outright disable the engine or make it overheat very fast, and leading to the engine's death. The engine is well-cooled and has no WEP limit, so beginner pilots will not have to worry about cooling issues or rationing Manual Engine Control.

Monoplane opponents are faster and have a superior armament. You will not be able to face these planes in head-ons, nor will you be able to disengage using a high-speed dash. Once you have engaged or been engaged by a monoplane, you '''must''' bring the engagement to an end yourself. The aircraft you have is highly agile, and can easily out-manoeuvre any monoplane it will meet- these primarily being the [[Hurricane (Family)|Hurricane family]], [[LaGG-3-11]]<nowiki/>s, the [[P-36 (Family)|P-36 family]], and the [[M.S.405C1]]. This plane can effectively rope-a-dope these aircraft by remaining outside their reach, while continually staying in a sustained, slow, spiral climb that allows it to preserve its speed while forcing the enemy to constantly lose it. Eventually, the enemy will stall, and you will be able to easily pick it off. Stall-fighting is one of this plane's best tactics.

Even Boom & Zoom is feasible, as altitude can be gained quickly; however, the lack of cannon armament forces the pilot to use significant trigger control as well as aiming when diving and attacking opponents at a lower level.
If booming and zooming, watch your speed in a dive. The CR.42 has a speed limit of around 440 - 480 km/h (274 - 300 mph) before the wings begin shaking (i.e. you begin to hear rattling noises, and flashing red text appears on your screen) and eventually completely rip off.

The [[Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)]] is actually very effective for their battle rating. Tracers are by far the best belt at this BR for fighter-on-fighter combat, due to the presence of only API-T rounds, which easily set fire to enemy biplanes and provide good penetration + damage capability. Due to the machine guns being placed in the centre cowl, they provide heavy damage when the fire is focused on your opponent's wings or engine. However, when taking on bigger game such as monoplanes or bombers, it is better to take the Air Targets belt, since it has a belt composition of API-T-API-IAI that allows it to do large amounts of damage when, again, focused on critical modules such as the engines or wings. Thanks to the relatively high rate of climb and ammo pool, this aircraft is good at intercepting twin-engine bombers that begin appearing. However, it is not recommended to attempt this as a beginner pilot. The 12.7 mms will require some experience to aim at the engines of enemy bombers, and in addition, the lack of armour leaves a good possibility for pilot-snipes and critical hits by enemy bombers.

In summary, the CR.42 Falco is a good introduction to the situational hybrid fighting style of later aircraft. It is a severely underappreciated aircraft that deserves more love and usage by pilots and is a forgiving aircraft for beginners to fly.

=== 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 || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* High speed for a biplane
* Good ammunition count
* Manoeuvrability is sufficient to out turn nearly all non-biplane opponents
* Well armed for a biplane
* Ammo belts use heavy amounts of incendiary and high-explosive ammo

'''Cons:'''

* Poor Energy Retention
* Lightly armed compared to most of the opposition it is faced with
* No options for striking heavy targets
* Turn rate is worse than that of most biplanes
* Poor armour protection

== History ==

The CR.42 was Fiat's attempt at modernising their CR.32 design, which was deployed during the Spanish Civil War with great success. The new fighter would be of all-metal construction, with Fiat's new, homegrown A.74 supercharged radial engine. The result was a fast, accurate, and manoeuvrable platform, that, while outdated at the onset of World War II, would be almost the pinnacle of biplane design.

Early in the war, CR.42's were used with some success as escorts, night fighters, and even interceptors. Against the early Hurricanes and Spitfires, Italian and German pilots both were delighted to find that the manoeuvrability of the Falco put it, at the least, on par in a dogfight. However as the war dragged on, and enemy aircraft became faster, the CR.42 was relegated to night harassment, light ground attack, and sparingly used as night fighters.

The CR.42 is also credited with the world's last aerial combat biplane kill. A group of CR.42's based in Croatia under the command of ''Nachtschlachtgruppe 7'' were directed to Grabovica Airfield for a strafing mission. However, the flight was redirected at the last moment to a harassment mission northwest of Sisak, where they were intercepted by P-38's of the 14th Fighter Group. Three Fiats were lost for two P-38's, one of which was claimed by an unknown German pilot.

Over 1,780 were built. The plane was designed by Fiat's Celestino Rosatelli, who was also behind the CR.32 and the B.R. 20. He replaced the 32's inline engine with a less vulnerable air-cooled radial engine. Foreign orders came from Hungary (50), Belgium (34), and Sweden (72). It entered combat service with the Italian 53rd Gruppe in May 1939. At the start of the war, it was the backbone of Italy's fighter force.

Belgium's CR. 42s were the first to see action in May 1940, claiming 3 aerial victories, but losing most of their fighters on the ground. Italy used them in the 1940 French campaign, the Battle of Britain, and over Greece, the Mediterranean, and Africa, where they sparred with another biplane, the Gloster Gladiator, until the arrival of British Hurricanes and Spitfires. 113 were still in service when Italy surrendered in September 1943.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fiat_cr42_italy Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|rpp-GqXiaKg|'''The Shooting Range #214''' - ''Air Triathlon'' section at 09:59 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|ct0W4y6evng|'''History of CR.42 (sub eng)''' - ''Pazzo1972 & Miki'' }}

== 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 ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/445727-fiat-cr42/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Fiat}}
{{Italy fighters}}

F.C.20 Bis

2022-01-17T07:47:19Z

U122946199:

{{Specs-Card
|code=fc_20_bis
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "New Power"]].

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 3,700 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
| 425 || 410 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.0 || 27.2 || 4.8 || 4.6 || rowspan="2" | 600
|-
! Upgraded
| 456 || 439 || 24.1 || 25.0 || 8.1 || 6.4
|-
|}

==== 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 || 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}} || N/A || 320 || 260 || ~9 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 280 || < 280 || < 410 || > 250
|-
|}

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


* 8 mm of steel in the nose in front of the pilot
* 8 mm of steel in the floor of the cockpit
* 8 mm of steel of the pilot seat
* 8 mm of steel in rear fuselage
* 38 mm bulletproof glass in front of pilot
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (2 in each wing)

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

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


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 37 mm Breda Model 39 37/45 cannon, nose-mounted (42 rpg)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, wing-mounted (350 rpg = 700 total)

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

{{main|GP 50 (50 kg)|GP 100T (100 kg)|SAP 100M (100 kg)|A.P 160 (160 kg)}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (100 kg total)
* 2 x 100 kg GP 100T bombs (200 kg total)
* 2 x 100 kg SAP 100M bombs (200 kg total)
* 2 x 160 kg A.P 160 bombs (320 kg total)

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

{{main|Scotti (12.7 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 12.7 mm Scotti machine gun, turret (650 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==

''Air battles''

The F.C.20 Bis is an attacker, very good at its BR. At the beginning of the battle, attack ground targets or climb to altitude and attack bombers, attackers and interceptors. Your 37 mm cannon is very powerful, even one shot can destroy a plane, in fact the 37 mm cannon can be used against ground targets with armour. If an enemy plane is approaching to attack you from behind, use your rear [[Scotti (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Scotti machine gun]] with the universal belt that contains 2 AP-I bullets and 2 API-T bullets per belt.

Use the tracer ammunition belt that contains 4 API-T bullets per belt for the [[Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT]] offensive machine gun. For the [[37 mm/54 Breda Mod.39 (37 mm)|37 mm 37/45 Breda Mod.39]], use the air targets belt that contains 4 HEF-T bullets per belt against enemy aircraft, and the armored targets belt that contains 4 APHE bullets per belt against ground targets. The later belt is good because it has a post-penetration damage that increases the damage caused by these shots.

''Ground battles''

When using the F.C.20 Bis in mixed ground battles, use the following payloads: 2 x [[SAP 100M (100 kg)|SAP 100M]] or 2 x AP 160. After spawning with the F.C.20 Bis, increase your altitude and dive to drop your bombs with greater accuracy. Set the fuse on the bombs to a minimum of 1 to 1.5 seconds.. After delivering your bombs, gain some altitude and perform dive attacks with the 37/45 Breda Mod.39 to shoot through the top of ground vehicles where you can easily penetrate them and cause damage or destroy them.

''Naval battles''

You can use the F.C.20Bis in land mode, use the following payloads: 2x [[SAP 100M (100 kg)|SAP 100M]] or 2x AP 160. Set the fuse on the bombs to assault fuse, after you spawn with the F.C.20 Bis, increase your altitude and choose a naval target. After selecting it, fly in its direction until you're above, perform a vertical dive attack. While you are diving, evade the AA shots and after positioning yourself perpendicularly on the enemy ship, try to drop the bombs in the vital points of the ship (turrets, bridge, engine bay), then fly away, dodging anti-aircraft fire.

'''AB mode'''

In arcade mode, you can attack ground targets or you can dogfight with enemy planes with your manoeuvrability. Make sure that no one is behind you because if a fighter comes from behind you can not easily defend yourself.

=== 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 Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good ground attack capabilities
** Has a quick-firing 37 mm (with APHE shells to destroy ground targets and HE shells to destroy aircraft)
** Payloads can serve a variety of different purposes
* Defensive turret has a 180° turn radius, covering a wide range

'''Cons:'''

* Mediocre climb rate
* Heavy plane
* Weak engines
* Catches fire easily
* Rather underwhelming defensive armament
* Loses a lot of speed in turns
* Not very fast for its BR

== History ==

'''History'''

The multi-role attacker '''FIAT CANSA F.C.20''' was developed by the Giacomo Mosso, an Italian aeronautic engineer, after the experience made with Ing. Rosatelli on the CR.25, he decided, in order to reduce design time, to adopt for the new aircraft the side wings, engines and undercarriage of the twin-engine FIAT.

Thus the F.C.20 (FIAT CANSA 20) was built and was proposed to the Regia Aeronautica in competition with the Caproni-Bargamasche Ca.331, AUT.45 of the Aeronautica Umbra, Ambrosini SAI.9 and IMAM Ro.61.

The Aeronautical Administration ordered two examples of Ca.331, AUT.45 (later cancelled) and F.C.20, the order was communicated to CANSA and on 15 October 1938 the two prototypes were assigned serial numbers MM 403 and MM 404.

The F.C.20 continued its evaluation cycle at Guidonia, without arousing any particular enthusiasm and probably would have been abandoned if, at the request of the new Chief of Staff General Fouger, the competition for an assault and ground attack aircraft had not been announced together with that for a twin-engine dive-bombing aircraft.

CANSA immediately saw the chance to save its aircraft and immediately undertook the transformation of the two prototypes.

New versions of the F.C.20 were thus born, one of which, the '''F.C.20Bis''', was to be a a true remake of the original aircraft. The most noticeable renovations were in the fuselage, which underwent extensive structural and architectural modifications.

The crew area was protected by armoring the front fuselage, the rear turret, the floor and the pilot's seat. The crew was reduced to only two persons: pilot and gunner-radio operator.

The armament consisted of a Breda 37/45 gun from two [[Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT]] machine guns fixed in the fighter with 350 shots each, and a [[Scotti_(12.7_mm)|12.7 mm "Scotti"]] mounted in a Caproni Lanciani Delta E dorsal turret with 500 shots.

In addition to the 250 kg wing attachments, the installation of a "Nardi" ventral splitter with 2 kg anti-personnel bombs was also planned, but it does not appear that this was installed.

Other variants:

* F.C.20
* F.C.20Ter
* F.C.20Quater

'''Italian military service'''

Few production FC.20Bis were built and it is known that three served the 174th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron in July 1943 but were not used operationally. Italian military operations ceased with the armistice of September 1943.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fc_20_bis Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* [[Ki-45 (Family)|Ki-45]]
* [[Bf 110 C-6]]
* [[XA-38]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/504173-cansa-fc20-bis/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Fiat}}
{{Italy strike aircraft}}

M42 (Italy)

2022-01-11T08:47:36Z

U122946199: Despite the name, the M42 Contraeraeo hull is more similar to the one on the M14/41's due to similar armor values and camouflage.

{{About
| about = Italian SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = M42 (Disambiguation)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=it_m15_42_contraereo
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (shortened as just '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''', also nicknamed "Quadruplo") 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:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret, turret frame)
* Gun steel (guns)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 50 mm (12°) ''Upper plate'' 25 + 30 mm (12°) ''MG bulge'' 25 mm (80°) ''Front glacis'' 30 mm (15°) ''Lower plate'' || 25 mm (8°) ''Top'' 25 mm ''Bottom'' 30 mm (9-12°) ''MG bulge'' || 25 mm ''Upper part'' 25 mm (15°) ''Lower part'' || 25 mm (10°) ''Front glacis'' 25 mm ''Crew compartment'' 8 mm (15°) ''Rear section - Engine'' 5-25 mm (8°) ''Rear section - Radiator vents''
|-
| Turret || 15 mm ''Turret front'' 25 + 15 mm ''Turret ring'' || 15 mm (14°) 25 + 15 mm ''Turret ring'' || 15 mm (17°) 25 + 15 mm ''Turret ring''
!
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick and bogies 10 mm thick.
* The belly is 14 mm thick and mudguards are 4 mm thick.
* The turret is reinforced with a 10 mm thick framing supporting the quadruple gun mount.
* The hull-mounted MG has been removed and the port has been obturated.

The {{PAGENAME}} is based off the M15/42 hull, with an opened top turret surrounding the crew members. The gunner does have an exposed spot in the front, and if shown to the enemy, can be machine-gunned easily without them to have to fire their main cannon. The turret may protect you from small rifle-calibre bullets, but .50 calibre and up, especially on the M4 Sherman will be able to penetrate your turret from anywhere, as it is generally weak against them. The hull armour is decent, still keeping the armour from the M15/42 hull, but don't expect to tank a lot of shots, as most of your enemies will have better calibre weapons, mostly encountering 75 mm and Russian 76.2 mm cannons. You may be able to bounce some smaller calibre shells like the 37 mm cannons but don't rely on your hull armour as your turret will most likely be targeted by the enemy. You have a small crew count of 3 members, and with two in the turret, and having okay armour, you'll usually die in one hit.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=263|rbMinHp=164}}

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

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

{{main|Scotti-IF 20/70 mod.41 (20 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[Scotti-IF 20/70 mod.41 (20 mm)|20 mm Scotti-IF 20/70 mod.41]] (x4) || 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" | 640 (160) || rowspan="2" | 600 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+90° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 52.8 || 73.1 ||88.8||98.2|| 104.5 || rowspan="2" | 5.20 || rowspan="2" |4.60|| rowspan="2" |4.24|| rowspan="2" | 4.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 35.7 || 42.0 || 51.0 || 56.4 || 60.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}} - The standard belt fits the anti-aircraft role.
* '''Granata mod.35:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - This belt is perfect for shooting at aircraft.
* '''Perforante mod.35:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}} - This belt is adapted to destroy lightly armoured targets.
* '''PzGr 40:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - This is the most powerful belt that can help you even take on armoured targets, although you lose almost all your penetrating power above 500 m so use it in CQC.

{| 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 || 38 || 36 || 27 || 19 || 14 || 10
|-
| Granata mod.35 || 38 || 36 || 27 || 19 || 14 || 10
|-
| Perforante mod.35 || 38 || 36 || 27 || 19 || 14 || 10
|-
| PzGr 40 || 64 || 63 || 27 || 19 || 14 || 10
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.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
|-
| '''252''' || 204 ''(+48)'' || 4 ''(+248)'' || No
|-
|}
Notes:

* Belts are modeled in boxes containing 12 belts each.

== Usage in battles ==

In Realistic battles, the Quadruplo is best used in the support role when tank hunting, sticking with teammates, assisting them and potentially distracting the enemy. Your best bet of killing any tank, usually a Sherman, Cromwell or T-34, is from the side as the HVAP will pierce through their side armour, killing the tank. Light tanks such as M24s, Stuarts and Crusaders are able to be penetrated from the front, but usually this is only in close range engagements. T-50 and other slightly armoured light tanks will be tougher to kill, but you're still able to flank them. You can kill basically any SPAA you see, as you'll usually encounter trucks or armoured cars. Ambush and surprise tactics are good options to kill tanks effectively, as the enemy will stroll past you, usually showing their side armour. Aggressive play styles are suggested to get the most out of the Quadruplo, similar to playing a Wirbelwind when tank hunting. Try not to expose yourself too much and move from cover to cover, as one hit from a tank shell, usually APHE, will knock you out in one shot, or the machine guns pierce your turret armour and kill both your gunner and commander. When it comes to shooting down planes in the Quadruplo, it is best to get their attention so they try to strafe you, or surprise them as they come closer to you, when you have a good shot as they won't have enough reaction time to evade your shots if they connect. Be mindful that you are open-topped, and you're less likely to survive a strafe run. It should also be noted that shooting continuously will sway the hull back and forth, which will make your aim go up and down.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* PzGr 40 shells are great at penetrating tanks from the sides and knocking out modules
* High mobility when spaded
* Great armour for a SPAA
* Guns have a very high rate of fire
* Guns are placed very close together

'''Cons:'''

* PzGr 40 is tier IV modification
* Performance is inadequate when stock
* Gap in the gunner's position of the turret armour
* Turret can be penetrated by .50 cals heavy machine guns
* High rate of fire makes it more difficult to adjust fire against planes
* 2 of 3 crew members crammed inside the turret
* Hull rocks back and forth when firing causing some rounds to miss
* Low ammunition count compared to its high rate of fire

== History ==

{{main|M15/42#History|l1=History of the M15/42}}

;Development

The Semovente da 20/70 quadruplo was a SPAA developed to provide protection to Italian armoured units after the experience gathered in combat in North Africa. As a stop-gap solution, it was based on the M15/42 for the chassis and the Scotti-IF 20/70 mod.41 for the gun. The gun was the AA gun found in Italian infantry units and had to be adapted to accept belts with disintegrating links. The single prototype was captured by German forces upon Italy's surrender in September, 1943.

;Combat usage

The M15/42 Carro contraero never saw combat. There are however claims it served as an inspiration for the German Wirbelwind AA tank, which first saw service in mid-1944.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=it_m15_42_contraereo Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|_PxXdDCbHnI|'''Whirly Boi Moved To Italy - {{PAGENAME}} 600 Rounds/Min''' - ''PhlyDaily''}}

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

* [[M14/41]]

;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[Wirbelwind]]
* [[Crusader AA Mk II]]
* [[ZSD63]]

== External links ==


* [[wikipedia:Semovente_da_20/70_quadruplo|[Wikipedia] Semovente da 20/70 quadruplo]]

{{TankManufacturer FIAT-Ansaldo}}
{{Italy anti-aircraft vehicles}}

A7M1 (NK9H)

2022-01-03T04:00:45Z

U122946199:

{{About
| about = Japanese premium fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the regular version
| link = A7M2
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=a7m1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

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

The A7M1 Reppu is the prototype version of the A7M2 in the tech tree fitted with a NK9H engine. In game this fighter is a jack of all trades - excellent energy retention, amazing turn rate, and acceptable speed. These traits make the Reppu an excellent weapon for players who enjoy being the tip of the spear.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,900 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
| 594 || 578 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 15.7 || 16.2 || 13.6 || 13.6 || rowspan="2" | 250
|-
! Upgraded
| 643 || 617 || 14.8 || 15.0 || 21.0 || 16.9
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || 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}} || 484 || 451 || 280 || ~13 || ~10
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 400 || < 380 || < 380 || > 317
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 2,000 m || 1,875 hp || 2,089 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 6,000 m || 1,675 hp || 1,866 hp
|-
|}

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


* 13 mm steel plate behind seat, angled 13°
* 70 mm bulletproof glass forward of seat, angled 24°
* Self-sealing fuel tanks

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

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

{{main|Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)|Type 3 (13.2 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannons, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
* 2 x 13.2 mm Type 3 machine guns, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 600 total)

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

{{main|Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (120 kg total)

== Usage in battles ==

The A7M1 ''Reppu'' is a relatively heavy plane but still performs very similar to an [[A6M (Family)|A6M ''Zero'']] with the increased performance thanks to its high output engine. This engine however won't be the best outfitted on the A7M platform and a better can be found in the tech tree as the [[A7M2]] which boasts a Ha-43 engine with 200 hp extra.

The A7M1 that takes the best of the [[A6M (Family)|A6M]] and does it better also translates it in aerial combat. With its higher output, very similar manoeuvrability and higher rip-speeds, it can engage in all playstyles; whether the situation calls for it the A7M can either turn fight, Boom-&-Zoom, energy fight and others. Yet even with its NK9H engine, it is sometimes tricky to maintaining energy fights with enemies like the [[F6F-5]], [[P-51 (Family)|P-51]], etc.

The main focus of the A7M1 is a naval fighter, solidified by its only ordnance of 2 x 60 kg that only destroy vehicles at this rank with a direct hit. However, its strong armament of 13 mm and 20 mm machineguns makes it a hard-hitting fighter on most less-protected roof armors (<20 mm).

===Tactics===

;;Low altitude fighting

This is where the {{PAGENAME}} shines and players familiar with the [[A6M (Family)|A6M]] will feel right at home and. Newer players will become familiar with its playstyle quite easily due its better performance and more forgiving yet punchier gun-choice with plenty of ammo to spare.

Only couple of planes like Spitfires can be a challenging opponent at low altitudes, mainly because most planes will lose energy when fighting with the A7M1 at low altitudes when the A7M1 is able to outturn and be on their tail in couple seconds. The 13 mm and 20 mm armaments combined are very deadly and will tear down a plane in a good placed burst. Aim for center of mass when turn fighting, and tail when tailing, especially the elevators.

;;High altitude fighting

Turn fighting at high altitude is rather difficult since, the higher you go, the less air pressure there is. This means there will be less air to lift your plane when doing a hard turn compared to sea level, meaning the A7M1 will not be able to turn as fast as you do at sea level. This should be taken into consideration since most of the planes at high altitudes (4+ km) often have superchargers or turbochargers ([[Wyvern S4]] for example) and will make an easy prey out of you, as you do not maintain the same energy nor speed they maintain.

;;Bomber Interception

The drawbacks from high altitude does not stop the A7M1 from fighting in the clouds. One of the easiest targets for the A7M1 are bombers. They are big, have big wingspans and are often slow (unless they are dive bombers or strike fighters). They can be easily destroyed with the 13 mm and 20 mm armaments due to their sheer caliber and destructive ammunition. When engaging a bomber, aim for the engines or wings. With the right belts equipped, a few well placed shots the bombers will catch fire or even shred the wings.

Be careful when engaging bigger preys as they might turn into a predator if handled wrongly. Hit fast and hard, put bullets into the cockpit or make short work of their wings. Do not tail it, most bombers will shred the '''A7M''' badly and a fire is most guaranteed, which the '''A7M''' won't last long through.

=== 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 Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable 2 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* '''A'''7M for Carrier-based fighter:
** Arrestor hook
** Decent cannon armament
** Extremely manoeuvrable
*** Excellent turn rate
*** Excellent roll rate
** Very short takeoff distance
* Common Navy plane construction:
** Decent offensive armament: [[Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)|20 mm Type 99 Model 2 Cannon]]
*** ''Ground Targets'': Great for Ground battles
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
:::* AP-I:
::::* Shreds soft targets, and can weaken / destroy weak top armored tanks, especially engine decks
::::* Easily sets fire to air targets
:::* HEF(T):
::::* Tracer can help you aim on target
::::* The few rounds in the belt can still wreck havoc on enemy planes with their HE filler
</div>

::* ''Stealth'': Great for Air battles
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
:::* No tracers
:::* HEF:
::::* Near full HE belt
::::* Wrecks havoc on enemy planes with HE filler
:::* AP-I:
::::* Easily sets fire to air targets
</div>

:* Excellent manoeuvrability
:* Small radiator drag

* '''A7M''' specific:
** 70 mm bulletproof glass in front of the pilot
** Large ammunition pool
** Fields 13.2 mm machine guns unlike most other Japanese fighters using 7.7 mms

'''Cons:'''

* '''A'''7M for Carrier-based fighter:
** Low dive speed, and easily compressed in a dive

* '''A7M''' specific:
** Wing-mounted armament - requires precise gun convergence
*** Significantly increased size compared to [[A6M (Family)|A6M]]
**** Flimsy and large wings, easily damaged
**** Roll rate extremely slow, slow turn prep

* '''{{PAGENAME}}''' specific:
** Engine tends to overheat

== History ==

{{main|A7M_(Family)#History|l1=History of the A7M}}

In late 1940, just after the [[A6M (Family)|A6M]] started entering its production phase, the navy requested Mitsubishi to start development of a direct successor by 1941, but due engine choice for a high-output compact engine was scarce, and the development team having their hands filled with development of the [[A6M2|A6M2 Mod.21]] and developing the [[J2M (Family)|J2M]] made Mitsubishi decide to scrap the request.

By 1942 as development of the [[A6M3|A6M3 Mod.32]] and [[J2M2|J2M2 Mod.11]] have been finished, the navy once more ordered Mitsubishi and their team to design a direct successor which would be faster and as nimble as the Zero, but as before, engines which would suit the plane were still in development and the team had to design a plane while still having to wait on a viable engine.

As development of the A7M platform came to an end, the last set piece and main problem of the A7M development, being the engine, led to the first prototype to make use of the Nakajima NK9 "Homare". This singular plane would be the first A7M and respectively would become the [[A7M1 (NK9H)|A7M1]] and a trial flight would be performed on the 6th of May, 1944.

While the wingload was acceptable of 150 kg/m², manoeuvrability and handling were excellent but the engine was simply underpowered and couldn't meet the speed requirements the Navy were looking for and ended up in a disappointed cancel of the project.

But as Mitsubishi already got a greenlight to use Mitsubishi's home-made engine with the MK9 beforehand, the project sparked interest once more for the Navy with the [[A7M2#History|A7M2]].

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== 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 ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/272050-mitsubishi-a7m1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Mitsubishi}}
{{Japan fighters}}
{{Japan premium aircraft}}

Pz.II C (DAK)

2021-12-31T02:19:36Z

U122946199:

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

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} German light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41. A premium version of the [[Pz.II C|Panzer II C]], it costs 250 Golden Eagles {{ge}}. In the October 2017 [[wt:en/news/4994-special-german-unity-day-en|German Unity Day]] event, the {{Specs|pseudonym}} could be earned for free.

The {{Specs|pseudonym}} is equivalent to the [[Pz.II C]], making it a quick and nimble vehicle that does not have an enormous punch to follow up. The 20 mm gun does not have a huge penetration rating, however, the armour piercing types are capable of taking care of most of its reserve vehicle opponents.

This is a very quick little tank when fully developed. However, even completely undeveloped, it has a decent turn of speed. It has a high rate of fire which makes it very forgiving as far as aiming and hitting is concerned, and even allows a (relatively) accurate fire on the move capability, assuming the ground is not too rough.

On the rough ground the Pz.II pitches like a lifeboat in a storm, making firing on the move impossible. However, this is where you are able to hide in the furrows between rises, allowing you to sneak up on the enemy and attack from surprise. Its rate of fire is a problem, however, as reloading its magazine can take a rather long time when in combat, and if you change ammunition during a fight, the magazine will be changed out immediately after the next shot is fired, not when the magazine is emptied.

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

The Pz.II C has (on the surface) decent frontal armour, with 35 mm for the front plate with a section of heavily sloped 30 mm armour on the glacis, then a sloped lower glacis that has 35 mm as well. The side, rear, and hull roof armour are a paltry 15 mm, including the turret sides. The front turret face is 30 mm that do not overlap with the 30 mm thick gun mantlet well so it will be rare, if not impossible, for a chance at relying on a 60 mm overlapping area to deflect rounds.

Generally speaking, the Pz.II C does not have enough armour to defend itself unless fighting from an extreme range (which most early-ranked tanks can't reasonably do well), facing SPAA vehicles that are only using high-explosive shells or facing against some early-ranked French tanks.

Put shortly - do everything to ensure that the Pz.II C does not get hit, because even one well placed shot in the crew compartment will likely knock the Pz.II C out.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 35 mm (11°) ''Front plate'' 30 mm (73°) ''Front glacis'' 35 mm (36°) ''Bottom glacis'' || 15 mm || 15 mm || 15 mm
|-
| Turret || 30 mm ''Turret front'' 30 mm ''Gun Mantlet''|| 15 mm || 15 mm || 10 mm
|-
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
|-
| Cupola || 15 mm || 10 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 10 mm thick while tracks are 15 mm thick.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=217|rbMinHp=124}}

Mobility-wise, the Pz.II C is actually better than most of its peers, but the [[BT-5|BT]] series tanks and [[M3 Stuart (Family)|M3 Stuarts]] will still outpace it quite easily. Regardless, the Pz.II C can get around the battlefield quite respectably, and the vehicle's power-to-weight ratio makes it easy to go up steep inclines than larger, heavier vehicles. However, the Pz.II C is not going to outrun a pursuing enemy team, so locating good cover is immensely useful for its survival.

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

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

{{main|KwK30 (20 mm)}}

The main armament of the Pz.II C is the 20 mm KwK 30 automatic cannon. With the ability to access HVAP capable of penetrating 64 mm at point blank range, combined with its magazine-loaded rapid fire, the 20 mm can puncture through most enemy armour at this battle rating range like it is fabric.

The biggest problem with the 20 mm autocannon is the 10 round magazines combined with a 7.8 s stock reload time, meaning that the tank may successfully take out two or three enemy tanks with controlled bursts, but is likely to be taken out during the reload. Another problem to consider is in the powerful HVAP ammunition, in that its impressive penetration statistics can make the gun reach out to about 200-300 metres, but the penetrative power drops off rapidly after that due to velocity drop, even more so than the standard ''PzGr'' round.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[KwK30 (20 mm)|20 mm KwK30]] || 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" | 180 (10) || rowspan="2" | 280 || rowspan="2" | -9°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Vertical || 13.33 || 18.45 || 22.40 || 24.77 || 26.35 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 8.33 || 9.80 || 11.90 || 13.16 || 14.00
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}} - The belt composition means that 50% of the shells (HEFI-T*) are useless against tanks. However, this belt is reliable against open-topped or thin-skinned vehicles like SPAA vehicles. Since there are no dedicated high-explosive shells for the selection, having one belt of this in reserve does not hurt for those situations.
* '''PzGr:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - This belt offers a good transition from the Default to the PzGr 40 belt. The round offers decent damage against lightly armoured tanks, especially at close range. Due to lack of high-explosive filler, however, it is better to focus on the PzGr 40 belt to maximize penetration power.
* '''PzGr 40:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}} - Probably the best belt with the best penetrating shell for the vehicle. While the damage effects post-penetration can be quite poor, the rapid fire from the autocannon can mitigate this problem by following up quickly with another penetrating shot. In close combat, these shells should be used against modules and crew member to make the most of each shell. Against angled armour, however, the HVAP ammo may not be very effective. Unlike the Flakpanzer 1 and Flakpanzer 38, this belt is still 100% HVAP.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | 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 || 36 || 34 || 26 || 19 || 14 || 10
|-
| PzGr || 36 || 34 || 26 || 19 || 14 || 10
|-
| PzGr 40 || 64 || 63 || 26 || 8 || 3 || 1
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Belt details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
! 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 || API-T || 780 || 0.15 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
| PzGr 40 || HVAP-T || 1,050 || 0.1 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_Pz.II_C.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
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''18''' || 11 ''(+7)'' || 7 ''(+11)'' || 1 ''(+17)'' || No
|-
|}

* Right flank empty: 11 ''(+7)''

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

{{main|MG34 (7.92 mm)}}

Mounted opposite to the 20 mm autocannon is the MG 34, which is loaded with a 50 round belt with an AP-I/AP-I/AP-T ammo pattern. With 13 mm of maximum penetration at point blank range, this gun's 900 RPM rate of fire will make short work of unarmoured vehicles like truck-based SPAA, as well as exposed enemy crewmen.

{| 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 || 1,800 (150) || 900 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The main key to success with this vehicle is to drive aggressively, trying to get shots at relatively close range (100-300 m or even less). Aiming for the enemy's weak spots, it is often possible to set your opponent on fire, allowing the Pz.II to take on vehicles beyond its battle rating.

Where possible, try to use the terrain to remain hull down. Even the smallest undulations are quite often enough to mask your hull, allowing you to take quick shots with minimal risk. However closing the distance quickly with your opponent is really the only way to reliably destroy the enemy, as your armour is not enough to bounce a shot in a close-quarters fight.

Alternatively, the Pz.II C can be played as a support vehicle, a second line tank, to say the least, to assist more armoured allies when pushing the cap. Use short bursts (2-4 rounds ideally) to disable enemy vehicles by targeting weak points like their transmission or turret crew, then use the remaining ammo to take out the rest of the enemy crew, or let friendly tankers take them out for assists. The Pz.II C lacks the mobility to disengage and run from tanks like the M3 Stuarts or BT series tanks, but if their transmission, driver, or tracks are taken out, they will be temporarily immobilized and the Pz.II C player has bought themselves time to scurry back to friendly lines, where more powerful guns and numbers can be brought to counter the enemy.

Also, as a light tank with decent speed and low profile, the Pz.II C can act as a spotter (unfortunately without the use of the [[Scouting|scout]] mechanics) to locate enemy tanks for allies to prioritize and hit with guns, artillery, or airstrikes.

Pz.II C driving through frozen pass

The biggest threat to the Pz.II C on the battlefield are tanks that have very good armour and firepower at the expense of their mobility. The [[Valentine Mk I|Valentine]], [[FCM.36]], and [[Matilda Mk II|Matilda]] are examples of tanks that will easily deflect even 20 mm ''PzGr 40'' shots, either due to their impressive frontal hull and turret armour, or just because they are so slow that the Pz.II C will engage them at ranges that render the shell penetration power ineffective. If one of these tanks are spotted trundling along in the distance, do not bother taking the shot because the 20 mm are unlikely able to do even cosmetic damages, while at the same time drawing their attention and revealing the Pz.II C's position due to the shell tracers.

Generally speaking, if the target is about the size of a coin when looking at it on max zoom in the gunner's sight, it is too far for effective fire and should not be engaged.

A more advanced method of playing this is to use it like an autoloading gun from higher BRs - fire only one or two shots per click at a given time. This helps avoid spraying uselessly at bigger, more stubborn targets.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Decent frontal armour: when angled it can be immune to common opponents like the [[BT-5]], [[BT-7]], [[M3A1 Stuart|M3A1]] and [[A13 (Family)|A13]]
* Overall superior firepower: autocannon shoots rapidly, resulting in denser fire, and with the PzGr 40 belt it can penetrate any tank, including the [[B1 bis]] when aiming correctly
* Fast top speed and good agility makes it a great flanker, it can easily out-manoeuvre slower tanks like [[T-26]] or [[H.35]]
* Curved turret armour of 30 mm plus -10 degrees gun depression allows it to hull-down on hills easily
* Small width means it can manoeuvre through or hide in narrow passages in urban maps, allowing it to ambush or flank unexpectedly
* Low profile makes it easy to hide behind bushes or cover
* In Simulator mode, friendly fire is less likely due to the very distinct shape and profile
* Premium bonuses can increase research speed for other tanks
* Auto-unlock of modifications allows the tank to utilize the potent Pzgr. 40 round without stock-grinding

'''Cons:'''

* Only performs well at close quarters combat, as both the AP and HVAP penetration drop below 30 mm past 500 m, making it struggle to penetrate common opponents such as the [[M3 Stuart (Family)|M3]]/[[M5 Stuart (Family)|M5]] Stuart and B1 bis
* Magazine-loaded armament means there is lengthy downtime for reloading where you are vulnerable
* Survivability is still inadequate: unsloped armour plus closely-packed crew of 3 means it is very vulnerable to [[T-26]], BT-5 or [[M8 General Scott (Family)|M8 Scott]] which all have explosive AP
* Although top speed is good, it is still slower than other light tanks like the infamous BT-5, [[M8 Greyhound (Family)|M8 Greyhound]] and M3/M5
* Poor damage of 20 mm shells means that new players cannot effectively destroy spacious tanks like [[LVT(A)(1)]]
* Low penetration when not using HVAP-T rounds

== History ==


===Development===
In 1934, the development of the new German tanks, which would be the [[Pz.III E|Panzer III]] and [[Pz.IV E|Panzer IV]], was falling behind schedule despite an urgent need for tanks. As a stopgap solution until the designs was finalized, the Germany Army submitted a request for a new tank, giving the responsibility of designing to Krupp, MAN, Henschel, and Daimler-Benz.

The product was a design that is based off the German Panzer I light tank, but was larger with the addition of an extra bogie wheel and had a 20 mm autocannon as its main armament. The finished tank was designated the '''Panzer II''' and production was to start in 1935 but did not start delivering tanks until 18 months later. At this time, it was in a low rate production status by 1936 in the '''[[Pz.II C|Panzer II Ausf. C]]''' variant. In the 1940s, the Panzer II was upgraded to the '''[[Pz.II F|Panzer II Ausf. F]]''', which entered into production in 1941 with increased armour and a torsion bar suspension system. A total of 524 Ausf. F were produced between March 1941 to December 1942.

The Panzer II Ausf. F had a 35 mm front armour and 20 mm side armour compared to the 14 mm all-around armour on the Ausf. C. The 20 mm autocannon on the turret was the same, based off the 20 mm FlaK 30 then in use with a firing rate of 600 rpm from a 10-round magazine. The tank also came with a coaxial machine gun as well. The turret was hand cranked by the commander, who doubled as the gunner of the tanks. The crew of the Panzer II consist of three people, the driver, commander, and loader who doubled as a radio operator. The Panzer II Ausf. C could reach a speed of 33 mph with its torion-bar suspension

===Combat usage===
The Panzer II would serve in the initial stages of World War II in the Battle of Poland, France, and Operation Barbarossa as Germany's most numerous tank (By May 1940, there were about a thousand Panzer Is and IIs, but only 381 Panzer III and 290 Panzer IVs). The Panzer II also saw service in the German Afrika Korps (''Deutsches Afrikakorps, '''DAK''''') during the Northern Africa campaign. By 1941, it was clear that the Panzer II was starting to become obsolete, and with the increasing quantity of Panzer IIIs and IVs, the Panzer II was relegated to reconnaissance duties when going against the Allies.

Despite the up-armouring in the different Panzer II variants, the Panzer II could still be penetrated by the most towed anti-tank weapon in service at the time, leaving the crew at risk to enemy fire. By 1942, it was largely removed from front lines and production ceased by 1943. The turrets of these obsolete tanks were used as gun turrets on defensive bunkers on the Atlantic Wall, and the chassis stayed in use for other purposes, such as a self-propelled gun and tank destroyer in the ''Wespe'' and ''Marder II'' respectively.

=== In-game description ===
Some of the Pz.Kpfw II's were sent to Africa, where they were used by the German Afrika Korps (DAK). In Africa they were given secondary tasks such as guard duty and scouting. The tank is shown with desert camouflage and the famous symbol of the African Corps, the palm tree.

== Media ==


;Images

[[File:Pz.IIС(DAK) Roof Image.jpg|x300px|thumbnail|none|Panzer II DAK's roof, showing the Afrika Korps symbol.]]

;Sights

* [https://live.warthunder.com/post/675135/en/ RideR2's Realistic gunsight (TZF4a, TZF 5a/b/d/e/f/f2, TZF 9b/b1/c/d, TZF 12/a) for Pzkpfw II, Pzkpfw III, Pzkpfw IV, Pzkpfw V, Pzkpfw VI]

== See also ==


* [[Pz.II C|Panzer II Ausf. C]] - The equivalent tech tree variant.
* [[Pz.II F|Panzer II Ausf. F]] - A later Panzer II variant, found in the tech tree.
* [[Pz.Sfl.Ic]] - A premium light tank based on the Panzer II.
* [[15cm sIG 33 B Sfl]] - A self-propelled gun mounting a 150 mm gun on a lengthened Panzer II chassis.
* [[M2A4]], [[M3 Stuart (Family)|M3 Stuart]] - Equivalent American light tanks.
* [[T-26]], [[T-60]], [[T-70]] - Equivalent Soviet light tanks.
* [[Tetrarch Mk I]], [[M3 Stuart (Family)|Stuart Mk I]], [[A13 (Family)|A13]] - Equivalent British light tanks.

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/2778/current/|[Vehicle Profile<nowiki>]</nowiki> PzKpfw II Ausf C/F and DAK]]

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

M113A1 (TOW)

2021-12-30T08:01:13Z

U122946199:

{{About
| about = Italian tank destroyer '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = M113 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=it_m113a1_tow
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].

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

The M113 chassis is a reliable chassis for what it was designed for, armoured to withstand the firepower seen on the battlefield while deploying troops. It is able to withstand all machine gun fire (5.56 mm to 14.5 mm) and is able to withstand autocannon fire at moderate ranges from the front (more than 500 m with AP belts). It is far from being able to withstand calibres higher than 30 mm cannons and all chemical rounds (HEAT, ATGM, HESH, etc) will hull-break it instantly regardless of where it is hit.

'''Armour type:'''

* Aluminium alloy 5083 (hull, cupola)
* Structural steel (missile launcher, side skirts)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 38 mm (45°) ''Upper glacis'' 29 mm (40°) ''Engine access panel'' 38 mm (25°) ''Lower glacis'' || 44 mm ''Top'' 32 mm ''Bottom'' || 38 mm (10°) || 38 mm 5 mm ''Engine vents''
|-
| Driver cupola || colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | 25 mm (cylindrical) || 38 mm
|-
| Commander cupola || colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | 38 mm (cylindrical) || 38 mm
|-
|}
[[File:M113A1 gunner is hit.jpg|220px|thumb|right|Try to hide as best as you can, or not only the gunner will suffer consequences, but the entirety of the crew as well.]]
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels and torsion bars are 10 mm thick while tracks are 15 mm thick.
* The missile launcher is a 30-50 mm thick pylon (structural steel).
* The belly armour is 29 mm thick.
* Side skirts are 4 mm thick.

The vehicle profile is a basic rectangle with a slightly sloped front which increases protection from machine gun fire. Front has a hatch, which works as HESH screen. The main areas of the vehicle to target when attacking is the missile launcher, machine gun to disable its attack capability or a main vehicle shot.

The gunner is exposed outside of the vehicle when directing the launcher and can be hit. Be aware, as the launcher's base and sometimes even the rangefinder, located next to the launcher, can trigger APHE fuse and cause it to explode in front of the gunner's face, then the shrapnel flies back and shreds the virtually non-existent roof armour, taking out everyone in the middle of the vehicle. Also, since the gunner stands within the opened roof hatch, if a chemical warhead hits rangefinder, then payload can enter vehicle through it and take out loader as well.

Since the vehicle's armour is very thin, it sometimes does not detonate shells so armour-ripping shells causes less than fatal damage. However, only '''very''' high calibre shells with fuses of about 20-22 mm won't detonate, which are very rare at BR 8.3 battles, as almost everyone use 15 mm fuses at this point. The main key here is to avoid being hit at all, as if your tank will be angled during attack, the fuses would detonate anyway.

All in all, it's best to just get out of the way of other tanks and sneak around; this is a vehicle of strategy, not brute force.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 305|rbMinHp= 190}}

While game stats state the top speed of the {{PAGENAME}} is about 64-71 km/h, in reality it seems to manage around 30-40 km/h, which compared to other vehicles in its rank is rather slow. The turn rate of the vehicle also isn't that amazing, which can be a problem in an ambush or an immediate change of direction is needed.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}

{{main|BGM-71B TOW|BGM-71C I-TOW}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[BGM-71B TOW]] or [[BGM-71C I-TOW]] missile || 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" | 10 || rowspan="2" | -20°/+25° || rowspan="2" | ±45° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 26.4 || 36.6 || 44.3 || 49.0 || 52.1 || rowspan="2" | 13.00 || rowspan="2" | 11.50 || rowspan="2" | 10.60 || rowspan="2" | 10.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 17.9 || 21.0 || 25.5 || 28.2 || 30.0
|-
|}

The {{PAGENAME}} is a specialized vehicle which has a TOW missile launcher mounted onto the top of the vehicle. Ten missiles are onboard and can be fired before it needs to reload or resupply.

Anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) loaded in TOW launcher have two purposes: be extremely fast and attack at range across the battlefield, much like artillery cannons. As such, of all ATGMs at its battle rating, the {{PAGENAME}} is probably one of the fastest with both launch and a top speed of 300 m/s. Be aware, this vehicle can easily be beaten by hybrid tank ATGMs, however, they're typically found at battle rating 9.0, aside from US light tank [[M551]] and Soviet medium tank [[T-55AM-1]], which is also a premium vehicle.

When initially using the {{PAGENAME}}, the standard ATGM is available for use, which is a TOW which when fired can travel for approximately 3 km and has a 430 mm of penetration at 0 degrees or 214 mm of penetration at 60 degrees.

The first-tier ammunition upgrade unleashes the "I-TOW" which provides 630 mm of penetration at 0 degrees and 314 mm of penetration at 60 degrees with a range of approximately 3.75 km. The drawback to using this missile is that it does slightly less damage in realistic battle mode.

The placement of weapon is high enough to fire over cover, however, advantages also at times spawn disadvantages and in this case, with the vehicle gunner standing tall outside of the vehicle, he has no protection and can easily be hit, despite the rest of vehicle being concealed.

The launcher has a rather limited arc of fire - 45 degrees in either direction, which isn't compensated by missile's characteristics like in case of [[Swingfire]] or armour like in case of [[IT-1]]. If you want to fire over cover best bet is to stand far away from the enemy and cover, or right in front of the cover, however, this still probably won't protect the gunner.

==== 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
|-
| TOW || ATGM || 430 || 430 || 430 || 430 || 430 || 430
|-
| I-TOW || ATGM || 630 || 630 || 630 || 630 || 630 || 630
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="11" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Range (m)
! 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%
|-
| TOW || ATGM || 299 || 3,000 || 18.82 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 3,210 || 80° || 82° || 90°
|-
| I-TOW || ATGM || 296 || 3,750 || 19.05 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 2,720 || 80° || 82° || 90°
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''10''' || No
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* The player is unable to select the amount of ammo the {{PAGENAME}} can spawn with, as such the vehicle always spawns with full ammo and all its ammo racks filled.
* The vehicle has no ready rack: both reload speed and ammo placement remain unchanged throughout the use of the missiles.
* On the picture is shown in which order the missiles deplete.

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)}}

The single 12.7 mm machine gun can be effective when fighting against open-topped vehicles or to cause some confusion/distraction to the enemy vehicles as the M113A1 reloads.

At this battle rating, this vehicle is limited to keeping helicopters from getting too comfy, since they too have thin to no armour, other aircraft should be left to the designated anti-air vehicles. As a last resort, the ATGM can be also be used against air targets.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 1,000 (200) || 577 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The M113A1 TOW is best used as a surprise sniper and support vehicle, for this it is heavily recommended that you play in Ground Realistic battles, as in Arcade battles you'll be at a major disadvantage, due to enemies being able to spot you easier (as your name will be visible) and you'll mostly be seen on the mini-map which means that any form of surprise attack or ambush is nearly impossible. In Realistic battles however, the M113A1 TOW shines, the best way to play this vehicle is to hide in places where you're able to shoot from far away, whilst having a great view of the battlefield. Maps such as fields of Poland are really good if you position yourself somewhere were you have cover, a great view which you can easily take advantage of and turn the tide of battle into your teams favour.

The M113A1 TOW is not very fast, so keep that in mind when disengaging from enemies or moving to a new spot, as once you've gotten a kill or two from the spot you're shooting from, it is likely the enemy team knows of your presence. Due to this not only is it good to move as enemies will either not expose themselves to you anymore, or you'll be targeted by air targets who will easily take you out due to you not being armoured, and open top. The M113A1 TOW also has a very sluggish reload rate, the best way to prevail is to pick your targets tactically, as once you have shot your missile you are basically defenceless, your machine-gun can only really deal with lightly armoured vehicles and helicopters. You cannot fire on the move with the M113A1 TOW so there is no sense in moving with your team, it is always better if you stay away from the action, keep your distance and take out flanking enemies. One good upside about the M113A1 TOW is that it can traverse bodies of water, it is very slow and you're pretty much a sitting duck, but it is good to keep in mind if you get overrun and need somewhere to hide where most enemies might not check from. It is also good on certain maps where you can reach spots quicker by going on water, which is recommended as you need to suprise your enemy to be effective in this vehicle. The M113A1 does have access to night vision, so this will help greatly on night maps, it does not get access to thermals. Last but not least, one of its low tier modifications is the I-TOW missile, make sure to research this as it will give you a higher chance in one shotting enemies, or at least rendering them defenceless for enough time for you or a teammate to take them out.

'''Enemies worth noting:'''

* [[Helicopters]] eg. AH-1, UH-1, etc: helicopters are always a great threat to you. Although at the start of the match they cannot equip ATGMs, they are still able to carry lots of deadly rockets, posing a great threat to the M113's weak hull. When an enemy helicopter is roaming nearby and showering the ground with rockets, the safest option is to stay in cover or be stationary, to make it harder for the helicopter to see you. Your only effective defensive weapon against them is the 12.7 mm MG (unless you are very skilled and can manually guide the ATGM to hit them). Only open fire when the helicopter is extremely near, for example within 400 m. Your MG can only damage light helicopters like the UH-1 but not armoured ones. Continuously spray bullets at it until it starts to turn towards you, and quickly retreat back into cover as any helicopter can easily destroy you with a few rockets.
* [[M60A1 RISE (P)]], [[M60A3 TTS]]: these tanks are covered with ERA which are pretty much designed to counter chemical warheads like your TOW missiles. When the M113's TOW missile hits them, their ERA always detonate, leaving the tanks themselves unharmed, so it is not recommended to shoot them when their ERA are still present. If they are quite far away, you can choose to break their gun barrels or tracks to make them defenceless or immobile. If they are close enough, you can use your 12.7 mm MG to destroy their ERA first. Do not spray, fire in quick bursts and focus on a few ERA, as the bullets seem to spread out a lot in a continuous fire which will decrease the damage to the ERA you want to destroy. The MG is rather effective at destroying these modules. Once those ERA are gone use the TOW to hit the uncovered areas. The most straightforward method is to just fire a missile at them, destroying a bunch of ERA and fire another one at the uncovered area. However this method will give them more than 10 seconds of reaction time so make sure that you are well concealed and will not get spotted before the next missile.
* [[M901]]: this is a similar vehicle based on the M113 hull, with an interesting and unique TOW launcher. The launcher has 360 degrees horizontal rotation and 30 degrees gun depression meaning it adapts terrains better than the M113A1 (TOW). Furthermore, its gunner is not exposed which increases its fighting capacity, so you must deal with the M901 carefully. In a battle, your M113A1 (TOW) and the M901 might be at similar spots which is kind of a sniper vs sniper scenario. Do not get hit by it, as your gunner/launcher will detonate its missile and the shrapnel will splash down, knocking out all the crew or causing a hull break. Try to fire first or hide until his attention shifts.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Amazing 20 degrees depression of the missile allows the M113 to adapt to any rough terrain with ease
* Adequate mobility (64 km/h top speed) allows it to get to positions in time, not much slower than common MBTs like the [[T-54 (1947)|T-54]], [[M48 Patton (Family)|M48]], etc
* Stock ATGM penetrates up to 430 mm and can score kills at a very long range, up to 3 km
* Researchable I-TOW ATGM improves penetration to 630 mm, and range to 3.75 km
* Heavy MG can take out lightly armoured vehicles (eg. [[WZ305]]) and low-flying planes/helicopters

'''Cons:'''

* Fully exposed gunner is very vulnerable to everything, like MG fire, artillery strikes, and strafing planes
* Weak armour protection reduces survivability, especially against rapid-firing SPAAs like the [[Gepard]], [[M163]], [[Chieftain Marksman]], etc
* While not so slow, it can still get out-ran by lots of opponents like the [[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard 1]]s, [[Centauro]]s, etc.
* Is a big and soft target for strike aircraft, even for WW2 planes
* Cannot fire ATGM on the move, which can prove fatal in a sudden close quarters encounter
* Not so fast in a turn
* Gun depression is very limited above the MG

== History ==


At the end of the 1970's, Italy was able to acquire straight from their American allies the BGM TOW Anti-Tank Guided Missile launchers. This allowed Italy to equip itself with a potent long range weapon that would oppose the heavy armoured formations of the Warsaw Pact. The TOW had proven to be a wide success in the export market, and had several different versions that could be fired depending on the need. The TOW is still being used today in several countries and has been upgraded heavily which overall makes it a powerful weapon to be afraid of. After they had bought them, they would gradually be assigned to different parts of the armed forces. The Italian mechanized battalions were one of the main users and ended up installing the TOW system on several different vehicles, such as Land Rovers or in this case, the M113A1. These versions of the M113 differed from normal variants, due to the roof being able to be opened (to allow the TOW system to actually be installed) and a new GM 6V Diesel engine that produced up to 215 hp. This however turned out to be very dangerous for the crew, this variant had neither protection against ballistic threats, nor against the NBC ones. One of the many upsides was the ease at which the M113 was able to traverse through its environment and through bodies of water if needed. In terms of service, It was used all the way through the Cold War, and partook in several peacekeeping missions, such as in the Balkans and in Afghanistan. Overall, it was used in the majority of regiments of the Italian army, such as the Bersaglieri, who to this day apparently still have a few amount in service.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=italy&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=tank_destroyer&vehicle=it_m113a1_tow Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:M113A1 (TOW).png
File:M113A1 (TOW) - Front View.png
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|SJoW-2_6J6o|'''Amphibious tanks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 2:11 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|4_cJ1CpEatw|'''Best gun depression''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:43 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|WD7LGLhHbAk|'''Having crew members OUTSIDE of the vehicle is actually pretty useful... ▶️ M113A1 (TOW)''' - ''HowToPlay1337''}}

== 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.''

{{Italy tank destroyers}}

[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]

Dardo

2021-12-30T07:58:56Z

U122946199:

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

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]].

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

The survival of the Dardo is characterized by good armour and crew. The armour is made of rolled homogeneous armour and aluminum that make up an effective armour of 77 mm at the top of the hull, while at the bottom, the most vulnerable part, the armour amounts to 46 mm. This armour is very weak, it can barely defend against 20 mm shells.

Inside the Dardo there are 3 crew members: the driver, the commander and the gunner.

The engine is at the front of the vehicle and is separated from the driving area with a rolled homogeneous plate of 6 mm. This plate that separates the driver from the engine serves to increase the vehicle's resistance against shrapnel and fire.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour
* Aluminium alloy 5083 (Hull front, hull rear)
* Aluminium alloy 7039 (Turret, hull sides)
* Composite screen (Sideskirts)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 25 mm + 8 mm (78°) ''Upper'' 50 mm + 22 mm (38°) ''Lower'' || 25 mm (33°) ''Upper'' 25 mm, 52 mm, 32 mm ''Lower'' || 38 mm (30°) || 25 mm
|-
| Turret || 40 mm + 22 mm (18°) ''Turret front'' 40 mm + 6 mm (22°) ''Turret front sides'' 25 mm + 25 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 40 mm (22-25°) || 40 mm (26°) || 40 mm (80°) ''Front'' 25 mm ''Rear''
|-
| Cupola || colspan="3" | 40 mm (cylindrical) || 25 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Sideskirts are 10 mm thick
* Tracks are 15 mm thick, wheels are 10 mm thick

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

The Dardo has an Iveco V6 turbocharged diesel engine, capable of delivering 520 HP. This powerful engine is able to push the 23 ton Dardo to a speed of 70 km/h spread over 8 gears on almost any flat terrain: road, dirt, snow and sand. Its reverse gear is also good, -32 km/h. With this mighty engine it can climb slopes of up to 60%.

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=806|rbMinHp=460}}

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}

{{main|Oerlikon KBA B02 (25 mm)}}

The main armament of the Dardo is a 25 mm Oerlikon KBA autocannon. The 25 mm Oerlikon KBA is used as an anti-aircraft weapon in systems such as the sophisticated DIANA in a twin installation, or in armoured vehicles such as the Dardo IFV, the self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery [[SIDAM 25]] and others in single, twin, or quad installations and is also embarked on naval units where it is used as a CIWS.

In-game, this formidable gun is the second highest performing 25 mm gun. With its formidable cadence of 560 rounds per minute and a projectile that can pierce up to 92 mm of armour, the Dardo is capable of rapid and very effective attacks. It is recommended to engage enemies from the side for greater efficiency.

The ammunition includes 4 belts, the Default belt, composed of one APDS and 2 HEI-T; the M792 belt composed of 3 HEI-T; the M791 belt composed of 3 APDS and the last one, the PMB 09 belt composed of 3 APFSDS. The most effective against tanks is the last one while the most useful for aerial targets is the second one.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[Oerlikon KBA B02 (25 mm)|25 mm Oerlikon KBA B02]] || 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" | 400 (100) || rowspan="2" | 560 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+60° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 54.5 || 75.5 || 91.7 || 101.4 || 107.9 || rowspan="2" | 10.40 || rowspan="2" | 9.20 || rowspan="2" | 8.48 || rowspan="2" | 8.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 34.1 || 40.1 || 48.7 || 53.9 || 57.3
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''M792:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''M791:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}
* '''PMB 09:''' {{Annotation|APFSDS|Armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot}}

{| 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 || 80 || 79 || 73 || 67 || 61 || 55
|-
| M792 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3
|-
| M791 || 80 || 79 || 73 || 67 || 61 || 55
|-
| PMB 09 || 92 || 90 || 83 || 75 || 62 || 58
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Belt details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
! 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%
|-
| PMB 09 || APFSDS || 1,385 || 0.1 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|Ammo rack of 25 mm KBA of the VCC Dardo.]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''4''' || 3 ''(+1)'' || 2 ''(+2)'' || 1 ''(+3)'' || No
|-
|}

=== Additional armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|BGM-71 TOW}}

The BMG-71 TOW entered service in 1972 with the US Army during the Vietnam War. This ATGM was a real success both operationally and commercially. The missile is based on a 127 mm HEAT warhead capable of penetrating up to 600 mm with a velocity of 345 m/s.

The Dardo can be equipped with the TOW-2 and TOW-2B variants. The TOW-2 is present on the stock tank. It penetrates 800 mm and has a speed of 329 m/s, very effective against any vehicle that does not have explosive reactive armour.

The TOW-2B is a researchable modification. Unlike the TOW-2, the 2B has the ability to detonate above the tank and direct its explosive power downwards. This allows the missile to completely destroy the tank from above ignoring all the ERA and NERA armour that a conventional ATGM would face from the front. The TOW-2B however is much slower and less penetrating than the TOW-2, penetrating 430 mm and a velocity of 309 m/s.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[BGM-71 TOW]] missile || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Capacity (Belt) !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
| 8 (2) || -6°/+30° || N/A || N/A || 13.00 || 11.50 || 10.60 || 10.00
|-
|}

==== 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
|-
| TOW-2 || ATGM || 800 || 800 || 800 || 800 || 800 || 800
|-
| TOW-2B || ATGM || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="11" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Range (m)
! 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%
|-
| TOW-2 || ATGM || 329 || 3,750 || 21.45 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 4,100 || 80° || 82° || 90°
|-
| TOW-2B || ATGM || 309 || 3,750 || 22.59 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 3,140 || 80° || 82° || 90°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks {{PAGENAME}} ATGM.jpg|right|thumb|x250px|Ammo rack of ATGMs in the VCC Dardo.]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''4''' || 3 ''(+1)'' || 2 ''(+2)'' || 1 ''(+3)'' || No
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{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 || 1,200 (200) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


When playing the Dardo, one of the best playstyles for it is either using it as a support or as a flanker. You should attempt to always have a good line of sight where you can take enemies off guard, to maximise the effectiveness of your armaments. One example being that the Dardo at times can be used effectively in urban combat. If you pick a side street to set up, when the enemy goes past, hopefully without seeing you, you will be able to hit them in the side with either your main cannon or with your ATGM. At the start of a match it can prove to be a very effective first spawn in the hands of an experienced player, as enemy players might not expect such a vehicle to cause them troubles early during a match.

While stock, your main way to be effective is to scout enemy players and take them out from long ranges with the use of your TOW-2 ATGM. Once you research the important modifications for this vehicle (APFSDS, TOW-2B, Thermals) then you may begin to play more solo and without having to rely on your teammates too much. Such modifications allow the Dardo to really be a devastating IFV that at times the enemy team won't have a proper counter, to deal with the issue. With TOW-2 you are easily able to take out enemies with one good placed hit, but won't always be reliable as some enemies can prove to be tough, and will be able to withstand a hit. Thankfully the Dardo has 2 launchers which mean that you can fire in quick succession, hopefully being enough to allow you to continue staying in the battle.

However, with the TOW-2B modification unlocked, Dardo's offensive capabilities are greatly improved, as the ATGM has the ability to attack enemies from the top of their turret roof, where for most tanks the armour is at its lowest. It can also be used to easily compromise enemy sniper positions, since people hiding behind cover are no longer a threat and must seek a better position where your ATGM can't affect them. Enemy players will usually be taken off guard when presented with a TOW-2B and that can also be used as a distraction for you to push and take an enemy out when they are damaged or confused. It's also good to note that if you are playing in your support role, the Dardo's scouting ability will be extremely useful for both you and your team.

In terms of its main weapon, the Dardo has a 25 mm Oerlikon-Buhrle cannon, which is able to use APDS and APFSDS. Its stock round for the 25 mm cannon is not too good at dealing with enemies but once the APFSDS round is unlocked, the Dardo can easily make short work of MBTs and light vehicles frontally or from the sides. However due to the Dardo's poor survivability, it is best advised that you stick far away from enemies and try pick them off with your TOW-2B. Generally speaking, just act as if the vehicle can be killed from anywhere, by any round. Its main cannon should only ever be used when you are in immediate danger, such as when a enemy helicopter is above you or when another enemy team ground vehicle has breached your defences. Dardo doesn't carry a lot of ammunition for either of your weapon systems so pick your targets and evaluate what place is the best to take out your enemy whilst not consuming too much of your ammunition.

Other neat additions that will greatly aid you is the Dardo's thermal imaging device made by Kollsman. Although only available for the gunner, it is a great asset that you'll be able to use once unlocked to easily pick out and spot enemies. In terms of defence systems it has access to smoke dischargers, which at times can prove to be very useful. Another system the Dardo has is a laser warning receiver which will alert you when either an enemy ground/air vehicle is looking at you. This also should apply for all game modes, be aware that in Arcade battles the enemies are able to see your weak spots when they aim at you, so keep that in mind if you decide to go hull-down as an experienced player might just go for a different module, such as your cannon barrel or breech, and finish you off slowly.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Access to TOW-2 and TOW-2B ATGMs.
* High rate of fire for main 25 mm cannon.
* Potent APFSDS round, able to deal with most enemies from the sides.
* Mobility is adequate once engine upgrade installed.

'''Cons:'''

* Survivability is inadequate, can be taken out by majority of enemies you'll face.
* To fire ATGMs, you must be stationary.
* APFSDS and TOW-2B are high tier modifications, meaning it can take awhile to have access to them.

== History ==

During the late stages of the Cold War, OTO Melara, assisted by IVECO, had been designing a set of new multi-role armoured fighting vehicles in the hopes that enough interest would be generated to get the vehicles picked up either by the Italian army or by possible foreign customers. Several designs had been proposed (mainly to replace the ever-ageing M113 APC). The first attempt was the C-13 APC, which generated several variants, including an IFV and TUA version. It was ultimately never picked up likely due to political reasons, however what was used from the C-13 program would be re-used in future IFV projects, mainly the OTO Melara AV-90 and, the VCC-80 "Dardo".
[[File:IFV Dardo With Ariete.png|thumb|right|400px|IFV Dardo with Ariete PSO]]
The Dardo had a troubled development cycle. Originally OTO Melara had initially proposed an initial variant known as the 'VCL-80', which would have shared many aspects from the C-13. It originally was supposed to feature a MILAN ATGM launcher similar to the [[M3 Bradley]] series of vehicles. The VCL-80 stayed on paper, however shortly thereafter in the early 1980s a new and refined design came out, only known as the VCC-80 (not to be confused with the production VCC-80 "Dardo"). In 1982 the Italian army would place a contract for the VCC-80, which would be produced in very small pre-production/prototype batches, and underwent a series of changes during its development cycle. The VCC-80 would be tested with a high velocity medium support gun, the same gun tested years prior on the Fiat 6616. What would actually interest the Italian army would be the version fitted with a power-operated turret, mounted with a 25 mm Oerlikon-Buhrle cannon (capable of 600 rpm, and fed with 200 ready rounds stored in the turret, with extra rounds stored inside of the hull). In addition, it was also given the ability to equip itself with TOW ATGMs.

The general configuration of the VCC-80 would be conventional, being similar to other contemporary infantry fighting vehicles. What sets it out is the design, it being very well self proportioned and well executed. The hull as well as the turret of the VCC-80 is welded from plates of aluminium alloys (5083 and 7020 type). During its development, among the changes to the vehicle would be the fire control system, originally it had access to the Officine Galileo TURMS, present on the C1 Ariete and B1 Centauro. Eventually it was decided to use a mix, and the introduction of the Kollsman day/night sight which would be present on the the final version of the vehicle and subsequent production variants. The powerplant consists of an Iveco V6 turbo-charged after-cooled diesel, capable of 512hp (382.2 kW), coupled with an Iveco Fiat ZF type automatic transmission system with four forward/two reverse gears. The commander would be provided with six periscope sights, with 360° field of view. The cupola can be further fitted with 'JANUS' panoramic stabilized sight, although this is seen rarely. Additionally, a laser rangefinder and a thermal imager is provided for the gunner. Eventually the Italian army after extensive testing would order a grand total of 300 production units of the VCC-80 in 1988, designating it the VCC-80 "Dardo", and later downsized to 200 units due to the end of the Cold War. They'd be delivered through the following years and the final production vehicles would be delivered in the early 2000s.

Since then, the Italian army have not upgraded the vehicle much, in 2005 TOW-2B and TOW-2A ATGMs would be ordered to up-arm both the Dardo and the A129 Mangusta, mainly done due to the old TOW variants such as I-TOW being a bit too outdated for the modern setting. They would also at one point acquire a license from Germany to produce PBM-09 25 mm APFSDS to accompany the Dardo. Dardos are currently in use inside of the majority of the 'Bersalgiere' regiments. Since then, the VCC-80 "Dardo" has partaken in pretty much every theatre of war that Italy was involved in, such as in Afghanistan, as well as Italian United Nations missions in Lebanon. In terms of upgrade programs, there was an attempt once to do such thing. During Eurostatory of 2010, an international exhibition of the defense and security sector that takes place every two years in the Paris-Nord Villepinte exhibition center, would have Italy present their defense vehicles and items like usual, including the Dardo. This time however would be the first time the Dardo IFV was seen in the configuration CIO presented, this specific configuration would allow the Dardo IFV to have an unmanned HITFIST-OWS (Overhead Weapon Station) 30 mm cannon, which would also be able to be paired up with 2 Spike ATGM launchers (the launcher was also capable of using Kornet and INGWE). However following in-depth studies conducted jointly by the Army and industry, the poor cost/effectiveness ratio of the vehicle modernization emerged, and therefore, in 2016, the VCC-80 "Dardo" modernization program was abandoned in favour of a new platform that can respond to the needs of the Armed Forces.

== Media ==


;Skins

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

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
File:Italian Mix (1).png
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|X08w5IAydF4|'''The Shooting Range #258''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:28 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|n0mHQggtrzg|'''Dardo IFV - First Impressions Review''' - ''Sako Sniper''|dNduKJkRi2g|'''War Thunder - Dardo "The Future is Now, Old Man!"''' - ''Bo Time Gaming''}}

== See also ==


* [[M3A3 Bradley]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7188-development-dardo-ifv-first-hit-rights-en|[Devblog] Dardo IFV: first hit rights]]

{{TankManufacturer OTO Melara}}
{{Italy light tanks}}
[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]

Dardo

2021-12-29T02:51:38Z

U122946199:

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

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]].

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

The survival of the Dardo is characterized by good armour and crew. The armour is made of rolled homogeneous armour and aluminum that make up an effective armour of 77 mm at the top of the hull, while at the bottom, the most vulnerable part, the armour amounts to 46 mm. This armour is very weak, it can barely defend against 20 mm shells.

Inside the Dardo there are 3 crew members: the driver, the commander and the gunner.

The engine is at the front of the vehicle and is separated from the driving area with a rolled homogeneous plate of 6 mm. This plate that separates the driver from the engine serves to increase the vehicle's resistance against shrapnel and fire.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour
* Aluminium alloy 5083 (Hull front, hull rear)
* Aluminium alloy 7039 (Turret, hull sides)
* Composite screen (Sideskirts)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 25 mm + 8 mm (78°) ''Upper'' 50 mm + 22 mm (38°) ''Lower'' || 25 mm (33°) ''Upper'' 25 mm, 52 mm, 32 mm ''Lower'' || 38 mm (30°) || 25 mm
|-
| Turret || 40 mm + 22 mm (18°) ''Turret front'' 40 mm + 6 mm (22°) ''Turret front sides'' 25 mm + 25 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 40 mm (22-25°) || 40 mm (26°) || 40 mm (80°) ''Front'' 25 mm ''Rear''
|-
| Cupola || colspan="3" | 40 mm (cylindrical) || 25 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Sideskirts are 10 mm thick
* Tracks are 15 mm thick, wheels are 10 mm thick

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

The Dardo has an Iveco V6 turbocharged diesel engine, capable of delivering 520 HP. This powerful engine is able to push the 23 ton Dardo to a speed of 70 km/h spread over 8 gears on almost any flat terrain: road, dirt, snow and sand. Its reverse gear is also good, -32 km/h. With this mighty engine it can climb slopes of up to 60%.

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=806|rbMinHp=460}}

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}

{{main|Oerlikon KBA B02 (25 mm)}}

The main armament of the Dardo is a 25 mm Oerlikon KBA autocannon. The 25 mm Oerlikon KBA is used as an anti-aircraft weapon in systems such as the sophisticated DIANA in a twin installation, or in armoured vehicles such as the Dardo IFV, the self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery [[SIDAM 25]] and others in single, twin, or quad installations and is also embarked on naval units where it is used as a CIWS.

In-game, this formidable gun is the second highest performing 25 mm gun. With its formidable cadence of 560 rounds per minute and a projectile that can pierce up to 92 mm of armour, the Dardo is capable of rapid and very effective attacks. It is recommended to engage enemies from the side for greater efficiency.

The ammunition includes 4 belts, the Default belt, composed of one APDS and 2 HEI-T; the M792 belt composed of 3 HEI-T; the M791 belt composed of 3 APDS and the last one, the PMB 09 belt composed of 3 APFSDS. The most effective against tanks is the last one while the most useful for aerial targets is the second one.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[Oerlikon KBA B02 (25 mm)|25 mm Oerlikon KBA B02]] || 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" | 400 (100) || rowspan="2" | 560 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+60° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 54.5 || 75.5 || 91.7 || 101.4 || 107.9 || rowspan="2" | 10.40 || rowspan="2" | 9.20 || rowspan="2" | 8.48 || rowspan="2" | 8.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 34.1 || 40.1 || 48.7 || 53.9 || 57.3
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''M792:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''M791:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}
* '''PMB 09:''' {{Annotation|APFSDS|Armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot}}

{| 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 || 80 || 79 || 73 || 67 || 61 || 55
|-
| M792 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3
|-
| M791 || 80 || 79 || 73 || 67 || 61 || 55
|-
| PMB 09 || 92 || 90 || 83 || 75 || 62 || 58
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Belt details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
! 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%
|-
| PMB 09 || APFSDS || 1,385 || 0.1 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|Ammo rack of 25 mm KBA of the VCC Dardo.]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''4''' || 3 ''(+1)'' || 2 ''(+2)'' || 1 ''(+3)'' || No
|-
|}

=== Additional armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|BGM-71 TOW}}

The BMG-71 TOW entered service in 1972 with the US Army during the Vietnam War. This ATGM was a real success both operationally and commercially. The missile is based on a 127 mm HEAT warhead capable of penetrating up to 600 mm with a velocity of 345 m/s.

The Dardo can be equipped with the TOW-2 and TOW-2B variants. The TOW-2 is present on the stock tank. It penetrates 800 mm and has a speed of 329 m/s, very effective against any vehicle that does not have explosive reactive armour.

The TOW-2B is a researchable modification. Unlike the TOW-2, the 2B has the ability to detonate above the tank and direct its explosive power downwards. This allows the missile to completely destroy the tank from above ignoring all the ERA and NERA armour that a conventional ATGM would face from the front. The TOW-2B however is much slower and less penetrating than the TOW-2, penetrating 430 mm and a velocity of 309 m/s.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[BGM-71 TOW]] missile || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Capacity (Belt) !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
| 8 (2) || -6°/+30° || N/A || N/A || 13.00 || 11.50 || 10.60 || 10.00
|-
|}

==== 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
|-
| TOW-2 || ATGM || 800 || 800 || 800 || 800 || 800 || 800
|-
| TOW-2B || ATGM || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="11" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Range (m)
! 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%
|-
| TOW-2 || ATGM || 329 || 3,750 || 21.45 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 4,100 || 80° || 82° || 90°
|-
| TOW-2B || ATGM || 309 || 3,750 || 22.59 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 3,140 || 80° || 82° || 90°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks {{PAGENAME}} ATGM.jpg|right|thumb|x250px|Ammo rack of ATGMs in the VCC Dardo.]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''4''' || 3 ''(+1)'' || 2 ''(+2)'' || 1 ''(+3)'' || No
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{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 || 1,200 (200) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


When playing the Dardo, one of the best playstyles for it is either using it as a support or as a flanker. You should attempt to always have a good line of sight where you can take enemies off guard, to maximise the effectiveness of your armaments. One example being that the Dardo at times can be used effectively in urban combat. If you pick a side street to set up, when the enemy goes past, hopefully without seeing you, you will be able to hit them in the side with either your main cannon or with your ATGM. At the start of a match it can prove to be a very effective first spawn in the hands of an experienced player, as enemy players might not expect such a vehicle to cause them troubles early during a match.

While stock, your main way to be effective is to scout enemy players and take them out from long ranges with the use of your TOW-2 ATGM. Once you research the important modifications for this vehicle (APFSDS, TOW-2B, Thermals) then you may begin to play more solo and without having to rely on your teammates too much. Such modifications allow the Dardo to really be a devastating IFV that at times the enemy team won't have a proper counter, to deal with the issue. With TOW-2 you are easily able to take out enemies with one good placed hit, but won't always be reliable as some enemies can prove to be tough, and will be able to withstand a hit. Thankfully the Dardo has 2 launchers which mean that you can fire in quick succession, hopefully being enough to allow you to continue staying in the battle.

However, with the TOW-2B modification unlocked, Dardo's offensive capabilities are greatly improved, as the ATGM has the ability to attack enemies from the top of their turret roof, where for most tanks the armour is at its lowest. It can also be used to easily compromise enemy sniper positions, since people hiding behind cover are no longer a threat and must seek a better position where your ATGM can't affect them. Enemy players will usually be taken off guard when presented with a TOW-2B and that can also be used as a distraction for you to push and take an enemy out when they are damaged or confused. It's also good to note that if you are playing in your support role, the Dardo's scouting ability will be extremely useful for both you and your team.

In terms of its main weapon, the Dardo has a 25 mm Oerlikon-Buhrle cannon, which is able to use APDS and APFSDS. Its stock round for the 25 mm cannon is not too good at dealing with enemies but once the APFSDS round is unlocked, the Dardo can easily make short work of MBTs and light vehicles frontally or from the sides. However due to the Dardo's poor survivability, it is best advised that you stick far away from enemies and try pick them off with your TOW-2B. Generally speaking, just act as if the vehicle can be killed from anywhere, by any round. Its main cannon should only ever be used when you are in immediate danger, such as when a enemy helicopter is above you or when another enemy team ground vehicle has breached your defences. Dardo doesn't carry a lot of ammunition for either of your weapon systems so pick your targets and evaluate what place is the best to take out your enemy whilst not consuming too much of your ammunition.

Other neat additions that will greatly aid you is the Dardo's thermal imaging device made by Kollsman. Although only available for the gunner, it is a great asset that you'll be able to use once unlocked to easily pick out and spot enemies. In terms of defence systems it has access to smoke dischargers, which at times can prove to be very useful. Another system the Dardo has is a laser warning receiver which will alert you when either an enemy ground/air vehicle is looking at you. This also should apply for all game modes, be aware that in Arcade battles the enemies are able to see your weak spots when they aim at you, so keep that in mind if you decide to go hull-down as an experienced player might just go for a different module, such as your cannon barrel or breech, and finish you off slowly.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Access to TOW-2 and TOW-2B ATGMs.
* High rate of fire for main 25 mm cannon.
* Potent APFSDS round, able to deal with most enemies from the sides.
* Mobility is adequate once engine upgrade installed.

'''Cons:'''

* Survivability is inadequate, can be taken out by majority of enemies you'll face.
* To fire ATGMs, you must be stationary.
* APFSDS and TOW-2B are high tier modifications, meaning it can take awhile to have access to them.

== History ==

During the late stages of the Cold War, OTO Melara, assisted by IVECO, had been designing a set of new multi-role armoured fighting vehicles in the hopes that enough interest would be generated to get the vehicles picked up either by the Italian army or by possible foreign customers. Several designs had been proposed (mainly to replace the ever-ageing M113 APC). The first attempt was the C-13 APC, which generated several variants, including an IFV and TUA version. It was ultimately never picked up likely due to political reasons, however what was used from the C-13 program would be re-used in future IFV projects, mainly the OTO Melara AV-90 and, the VCC-80 "Dardo".
[[File:IFV Dardo With Ariete.png|thumb|right|400px|IFV Dardo with Ariete PSO]]
The Dardo had a troubled development cycle. Originally OTO Melara had initially proposed an initial variant known as the 'VCL-80', which would have shared many aspects from the C-13. It originally was supposed to feature a MILAN ATGM launcher similar to the [[M3 Bradley]] series of vehicles. The VCL-80 stayed on paper, however shortly thereafter in the early 1980s a new and refined design came out, only known as the VCC-80 (not to be confused with the production VCC-80 "Dardo"). In 1982 the Italian army would place a contract for the VCC-80, which would be produced in very small pre-production/prototype batches, and underwent a series of changes during its development cycle. The VCC-80 would be tested with a high velocity medium support gun, the same gun tested years prior on the Fiat 6616. What would actually interest the Italian army would be the version fitted with a power-operated turret, mounted with a 25 mm Oerlikon-Buhrle cannon (capable of 600 rpm, and fed with 200 ready rounds stored in the turret, with extra rounds stored inside of the hull). In addition, it was also given the ability to equip itself with TOW ATGMs.

The general configuration of the VCC-80 would be conventional, being similar to other contemporary infantry fighting vehicles. What sets it out is the design, it being very well self proportioned and well executed. The hull as well as the turret of the VCC-80 is welded from plates of aluminium alloys (5083 and 7020 type). During its development, among the changes to the vehicle would be the fire control system, originally it had access to the Officine Galileo TURMS, present on the C1 Ariete and B1 Centauro. Eventually it was decided to use a mix, and the introduction of the Kollsman day/night sight which would be present on the the final version of the vehicle and subsequent production variants. The powerplant consists of an Iveco V6 turbo-charged after-cooled diesel, capable of 512hp (382.2 kW), coupled with an Iveco Fiat ZF type automatic transmission system with four forward/two reverse gears. The commander would be provided with six periscope sights, with 360° field of view. The cupola can be further fitted with 'JANUS' panoramic stabilized sight, although this is seen rarely. Additionally, a laser rangefinder and a thermal imager is provided for the gunner. Eventually the Italian army after extensive testing would order a grand total of 300 production units of the VCC-80 in 1988, designating it the VCC-80 "Dardo", and later downsized to 200 units due to the end of the Cold War. They'd be delivered through the following years and the final production vehicles would be delivered in the early 2000s.

Since then, the Italian army have not upgraded the vehicle much, in 2005 TOW-2B and TOW-2A ATGMs would be ordered to up-arm both the Dardo and the A129 Mangusta, mainly done due to the old TOW variants such as I-TOW being a bit too outdated for the modern setting. They would also at one point acquire a license from Germany to produce PBM-09 25 mm APFSDS to accompany the Dardo. Dardos are currently in use inside of the majority of the 'Bersalgiere' regiments. Since then, the VCC-80 "Dardo" has partaken in pretty much every theatre of war that Italy was involved in, such as in Afghanistan, as well as Italian United Nations missions in Lebanon. In terms of upgrade programs, there was an attempt once to do such thing. During Eurostatory of 2010, an international exhibition of the defense and security sector that takes place every two years in the Paris-Nord Villepinte exhibition center, would have Italy present their defense vehicles and items like usual, including the Dardo. This time however would be the first time the Dardo IFV was seen in the configuration CIO presented, this specific configuration would allow the Dardo IFV to have an unmanned HITFIST-OWS (Overhead Weapon Station) 30 mm cannon, which would also be able to be paired up with 2 Spike ATGM launchers (the launcher was also capable of using Kornet and INGWE). However following in-depth studies conducted jointly by the Army and industry, the poor cost/effectiveness ratio of the vehicle modernization emerged, and therefore, in 2016, the VCC-80 "Dardo" modernization program was abandoned in favour of a new platform that can respond to the needs of the Armed Forces.

== Media ==


;Skins

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

;Images

[[File:Italian Mix (1).png|thumb|none|400px]]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|X08w5IAydF4|'''The Shooting Range #258''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:28 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|dNduKJkRi2g|War Thunder - Dardo "The Future is Now, Old Man!"}}

== See also ==


* [[M3A3 Bradley]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7188-development-dardo-ifv-first-hit-rights-en|[Devblog] Dardo IFV: first hit rights]]

{{TankManufacturer OTO Melara}}
{{Italy light tanks}}
[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]

Re.2005 serie 0

2021-12-28T09:08:47Z

U122946199:

{{Specs-Card
|code=re_2005_serie0
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].

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

With spectacular turning capabilities, excellent energy retention, adequate roll rate and solid climb rate, the Re.2005 '''''Sagittario''''' is the definition of agile. It can turn on a dime and keep its speed through those turns, allowing it to be a fantastic dogfighter capable of out-turning almost everything - spare the occasional Japanese fighter - with the correct usage of the rudders and combat flaps. The main weakness of the 2005 is its comparatively mediocre speed for a prop aircraft at its battle rating, being worse than most of its German, American, British and certain Russian contemporaries. Despite this speed gap, it holds quite a high diving speed along with excellent acceleration, allowing you to catch up to faster targets quickly after an overshoot.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 7,000 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
| 627 || 612 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.9 || 20.6 || 12.5 || 12.5 || rowspan="2" | 165
|-
! Upgraded
| 675 || 650 || 18.2 || 19.0 || 20.4 || 16.0
|-
|}

==== 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 !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 454 || 421 || 250 || ~11 || ~8
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 350 || < 350 || < 380 || > 715
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 6,200 m || 1,250 hp || 1,407 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
[[File:Re.2005 Armor Schematic.png|thumb|400px|Armour diagram of the Re.2005 serie 0, corresponds to the list on the left]]
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


# 50 mm (63°) Bulletproof glass - Windscreen
# 8 mm Steel - Pilot's seat
# 8 mm Steel - Rear pilot shield

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

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

{{main|MG 151 (20 mm)|Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, nose-mounted (200 rpg)
* 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, nose-mounted (380 rpg = 760 total)

Two of the cannons are mounted in the wings with the remaining cannon being a nose-mounted ''Motorkanone'' that fires through the propeller spinner. Each cannon is armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all wing-mounted guns will fire together until empty. Never use the Bredas as the main weapon, as they do mediocre damage beyond 300 m and are only useful for lining up shots or forcing enemies to turn.

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

{{main|GP 50 (50 kg)|GP 100 (100 kg)|GP 250 (250 kg)|GP 500 (500 kg)}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (100 kg total)
* 2 x 100 kg GP 100 bombs (200 kg total)
* 1 x 250 kg GP 250 bomb (250 kg total)
* 1 x 250 kg GP 250 bomb + 2 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (350 kg total)
* 1 x 250 kg GP 250 bomb + 2 x 100 kg GP 100 bombs (450 kg total)
* 1 x 500 kg GP 500 bomb (500 kg total)
* 1 x 500 kg GP 500 bomb + 2 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (600 kg total)
* 1 x 500 kg GP 500 bomb + 2 x 100 kg GP 100 bombs (700 kg total)

== Usage in battles ==

The Re.2005 is a classic dogfighter, with surprisingly amazing manoeuvrability that can catch most enemies off guard and shred them with its excellent armament setup. While the aircraft can tailor to most forms of air combat, it should ideally be used as a mid-to-high altitude energy fighter or turn fighter where it can use its amicable energy retention and spectacular manoeuvrability to its advantage.
[[File:Example of the vertical spiral maneuver.jpg|thumb|Example of the Vertical spiral, which the Re.2005 can easily abuse]]
You should make use of energy-wasting manoeuvres such as vertical spirals and hammerheads to bleed the enemy of their speed advantage and force them to fight on your terms.

Of course, the large underslung payload available means the Re.2005 can be a decent ground-pounder as well, being able to drop its bombs quickly and engage the furball. While the Italian bombs are nothing spectacular, they can get the job done fairly well. However, it is worth noting that carrying the largest payload available has a noticeable impact on performance and forces the aircraft into the area it suffers the most in, that being low altitude where its once decent speed becomes extremely poor, compounded by the fact its carrying bombs.

'''''Specific enemies worth noting:'''''

* [[Bf 109 G-2/trop|Bf 109 G-2]], [[Bf 109 G-6|G-6]] and [[Bf 109 G-10|G-10]]. The ''Gustav'' series of the legendary Messerschmitt fighters are ones to be feared. They can fit themselves with powerful gun pods that match your firepower and hold a significant advantage over you with their speed and climb rate. However, you can turn circles around them and can potentially win a head-on if you fire around 1.5 km away then perform evasive manoeuvres. Your best bet is to engage one in a turn fight or dive on them while they're preoccupied with a teammate.
* [[P-51D-30]]. While not a major enemy and extremely uncommon due to the battle rating, the D-30 variant of the Mustang can be a very persistent thorn in your side. It'll blitz you in terms of speed and climb rate, and it has far superior performance above 5 km, and its sextuple Browning M2's will set your airframe ablaze in a few well-placed shots. Fortunately, its turning capabilities are very poor below medium speeds and you can easily destroy it with some well-aimed deflection shots.
* [[P-51H-5-NA]]. If the P-51D is a muscle car, the P-51H is a high-performance sports car. Arguably one of the best propeller-driven aircraft in the game as a result of its exceptionally high speed, climb rate and reasonable mobility, a well-flown P-51H will walk all over the poor 2005. It retains all of the advantages of its previous model and negates a few of its weaknesses, most notably its horrendous turning capabilities. It will outclimb you and outspeed you, but will still have troubles turning with you, so employ turn-heavy manoeuvres in order to get some deflection shots.
* [[Ki-84 otsu]] and [[Ki-84 hei|hei]]. These two are by far the most dangerous opponents you can come in contact with. The ''Hayate's'' boast impressive manoeuvrability that allows them to turn with you, high speed, and reasonably powerful armament on their platforms. While you can potentially win a turn fight versus them, it's never guaranteed so be safe and try to engage them with an energy advantage or in a head-on where their weak airframes will barely be able to take more than a few shells.
* [[Spitfire F Mk 24]]/[[Spitfire F Mk 22|Mk 22]]. The High-octane Griffon Spitfires will dance in the sky and wreck you easily with their ludicrous performance. Although earlier Spitfires are easy prey for the Reggiane, the Griffons hold significant speed, acceleration and climb rate advantages over it. However, this performance comes at the cost of manoeuvrability, allowing the Re.2005 to successfully outturn them and shred them. Make sure to engage a Griffon Spitfire on your terms, lest to get sent back to the hangar in a blazing wreck.
* [[Spitfire LF Mk IX]]. These Spitfires are extremely dangerous, especially with their ability to easily out-turn and out-climb this fighter, despite your decent climb and turn rate. However, they can be easy prey if you use boom and zoom tactics against them. They have mediocre weaponry as they either only have 2 x Hispano Mk IIs and two pairs of 7.7 mm Brownings or one pair of Browning 50 cals. Dogfighting a "Spacefire" is considered suicidal as you cannot outrun them, the Re.2005 is relatively slow in comparison to this Spitfire.

=== 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 Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful armament layout with a large ammo capacity
* Spectacular manoeuvrability
* Great acceleration that can keep up with faster opponents
* Solid rate of climb
* Wide selection of underslung bombs for ground pounding
* Excellent mid-to-high altitude performance
* Above average energy retention
* Can perform amicably in any dogfighting situation
* Decently high dive speed
* Surprisingly sturdy airframe
* Above-average roll rate
* Control surfaces do not compress badly at high speeds

'''Cons:'''

* Relatively slow compared to some of its opponents
* Poor low altitude performance
* Max payloads have a significant effect on flight performance
* The large payloads encourage a flying style that puts the Re.2005 at its most vulnerable area (low altitude, no way to escape from opponents)
* Manoeuvrability decreases at low airspeed
* Wings are very susceptible to damage during manoeuvres
* Expensive repair cost

== History ==

It has been called "the most beautiful fighter aircraft of the war" and "aerodynamically perfect". The Re. 2005 was the final version of the basic Reggiane fighter design that began with the Re. 2000 in 1939. The third of the ''Serie 5'' third-generation Italian fighters designed to take the DB 605 engine, it had numerous improvements over the company's previous models. Test flights on the prototype began in April 1942, three weeks behind the third-generation M.C. 205 and nine days behind Fiat's G.55. But only 29 of the planned 750 were ever built. Operational service began in May 1943 with the 362nd Squadron in Sicily, and then ''Capua'', until the armistice. A few are known to have flown in battle for the German Luftwaffe over Berlin in the final days of the War in Europe.

=== [[wt:en/news/6343-development-reggiane-re-2005-the-winged-archer-en|Devblog]] ===
Being the last of the three Italian Serie 5 fighters to be introduced to the game, the Re.2005 is simply a must-have for avid fighter pilots, not only due to its excellent flight characteristics but also due to, let's be honest here, its absolutely stunning visual appearance too!

Having touched on the subject of the Re.2005's flight characteristics, these are best described as a middle ground between the Spitfire and Bf 109 fighters. The Sagittario manages to successfully combine superb top speeds and climb rates with tight turn times and sharp roll rates, making it an overall highly versatile fighter with no distinct disadvantages.

In other words, or numbers to be more specific, the Re.2005 can reach a maximum top speed of 650 km/h at an altitude of 7,000 m while retaining an average climb rate of about 21,2 m/s, thanks to its 1,475 horsepower V-12 inline engine. This makes it an ideal energy fighter in the early stages of an air battle, while it's very good agility will also allow it to pull its own weight in intense manoeuvring engagements as the battle progresses.

While you'd be forgiven for thinking that such promising flight characteristics must come at a price of offensive capabilities, the Re.2005 will spare no time in proving you wrong. In fact, the Sagittario is quite formidably armed with a pair of 12.7mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, mounted underneath the engine cowling, in addition to three 20mm MG 151 cannons, with two being mounted in the wings and one installed through the propeller hub.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=re_2005_serie0 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<div><ul>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Re 2005 WTWallpaper 001.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Re 2005 WTWallpaper 002.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Re 2005 WTWallpaper 003.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Re 2005 WTWallpaper 004.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Re 2005 WTWallpaper 005.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Re 2005 WTWallpaper 006.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
</ul></div>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|ZRRbMZ12LHQ|'''The Shooting Range #241''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:28 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|EMDmiKbjuaM|'''The Spaghetti MONSTER! Re.2005 serie 0 - Italy - Review!''' - ''Jengar''}}

== See also ==


* [[Re.2001 (Family)]], the series of aircraft the Re.2005 was built off of

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6343-development-reggiane-re-2005-the-winged-archer-en|[Development] Reggiane Re.2005: The Winged Archer]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/462481-re-2005/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Reggiane}}
{{Italy fighters}}

F.C.20 Bis

2021-12-24T07:50:34Z

U122946199:

{{Specs-Card
|code=fc_20_bis
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "New Power"]].

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 3,700 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
| 425 || 410 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.0 || 27.2 || 4.8 || 4.6 || rowspan="2" | 600
|-
! Upgraded
| 456 || 439 || 24.1 || 25.0 || 8.1 || 6.4
|-
|}

==== 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 || 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}} || N/A || 320 || 260 || ~9 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 280 || < 280 || < 410 || > 250
|-
|}

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


* 8 mm of steel in the nose in front of the pilot
* 8 mm of steel in the floor of the cockpit
* 8 mm of steel of the pilot seat
* 8 mm of steel in rear fuselage
* 38 mm bulletproof glass in front of pilot
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (2 in each wing)

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

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


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 37 mm Breda Model 39 37/45 cannon, nose-mounted (42 rpg)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, wing-mounted (350 rpg = 700 total)

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

{{main|GP 50 (50 kg)|GP 100T (100 kg)|SAP 100M (100 kg)|A.P 160 (160 kg)}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (100 kg total)
* 2 x 100 kg GP 100T bombs (200 kg total)
* 2 x 100 kg SAP 100M bombs (200 kg total)
* 2 x 160 kg A.P 160 bombs (320 kg total)

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

{{main|Scotti (12.7 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 12.7 mm Scotti machine gun, turret (650 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==

''Air battles''

The F.C.20 Bis is an attacker, very good at its BR. At the beginning of the battle, attack ground targets or climb to altitude and attack bombers, attackers and interceptors. Your 37 mm cannon is very powerful, even one shot can destroy a plane, in fact the 37 mm cannon can be used against ground targets with armour. If an enemy plane is approaching to attack you from behind, use your rear [[Scotti (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Scotti machine gun]] with the universal belt that contains 2 AP-I bullets and 2 API-T bullets per belt.

Use the tracer ammunition belt that contains 4 API-T bullets per belt for the [[Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT]] offensive machine gun. For the [[37 mm/54 Breda Mod.39 (37 mm)|37 mm 37/45 Breda Mod.39]], use the air targets belt that contains 4 HEF-T bullets per belt against enemy aircraft, and the armored targets belt that contains 4 APHE bullets per belt against ground targets. The later belt is good because it has a post-penetration damage that increases the damage caused by these shots.

''Ground battles''

When using the F.C.20 Bis in mixed ground battles, use the following payloads: 2 x [[SAP 100M (100 kg)|SAP 100M]] or 2 x AP 160. After spawning with the F.C.20 Bis, increase your altitude and dive to drop your bombs with greater accuracy. Set the fuse on the bombs to a minimum of 1 to 1.5 seconds.. After delivering your bombs, gain some altitude and perform dive attacks with the 37/45 Breda Mod.39 to shoot through the top of ground vehicles where you can easily penetrate them and cause damage or destroy them.

''Naval battles''

You can use the F.C.20Bis in land mode, use the following payloads: 2x [[SAP 100M (100 kg)|SAP 100M]] or 2x AP 160. Set the fuse on the bombs to assault fuse, after you spawn with the F.C.20 Bis, increase your altitude and choose a naval target. After selecting it, fly in its direction until you're above, perform a vertical dive attack. While you are diving, evade the AA shots and after positioning yourself perpendicularly on the enemy ship, try to drop the bombs in the vital points of the ship (turrets, bridge, engine bay), then fly away, dodging anti-aircraft fire.

'''AB mode'''

In arcade mode, you can attack ground targets or you can dogfight with enemy planes with your manoeuvrability. Make sure that no one is behind you because if a fighter comes from behind you can not easily defend yourself.

=== 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 Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good ground attack capabilities
** Has a quick firing 37 mm (with 49 mm APHE penetration)
** Payloads can serve a variety of different purposes
* Defensive turret has a 180° turn radius, covering a wide range

'''Cons:'''

* Mediocre climb rate
* Heavy plane
* Weak engines
* Catches fire easily
* Rather underwhelming defensive armament
* Loses a lot of speed in turns
* Not very fast for its BR

== History ==

'''History'''

The multi-role attacker '''FIAT CANSA F.C.20''' was developed by the Giacomo Mosso, an Italian aeronautic engineer, after the experience made with Ing. Rosatelli on the ''CR.25'', he decided, in order to reduce design time, to adopt for the new aircraft the side wings, engines and undercarriage of the twin-engine FIAT.

Thus the '''F.C.20 (FIAT CANSA 20)''' was built and was proposed to the Regia Aeronautica in competition with the Caproni-Bargamasche ''Ca.331'', ''AUT.45'' of the Aeronautica Umbra, Ambrosini ''SAI.9'' and ''IMAM Ro.61''.

The Aeronautical Administration ordered two examples of ''Ca.331'', ''AUT.45'' (later cancelled) and '''F.C.20''', the order was communicated to CANSA and on 15 October 1938 the two prototypes were assigned serial numbers '''MM 403''' and '''MM 404'''.

The '''F.C.20''' continued its evaluation cycle at Guidonia, without arousing any particular enthusiasm and probably would have been abandoned if, at the request of the new Chief of Staff General Fouger, the competition for an assault and ground attack aircraft had not been announced together with that for a twin-engine dive-bombing aircraft.

CANSA immediately saw the chance to save its aircraft and immediately undertook the transformation of the two prototypes.

New versions of the '''F.C.20''' were thus born, one of which, the '''F.C.20Bis''', was to be a a true remake of the original aircraft. The most noticeable renovations were in the fuselage, which underwent extensive structural and architectural modifications.

The crew area was protected by armoring the front fuselage, the rear turret, the floor and the pilot's seat. The crew was reduced to only two persons: pilot and gunner-radio operator.

The armament consisted of a Breda 37/45 gun from two [[Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT]] machine guns fixed in the fighter with 350 shots each, and a [[Scotti_(12.7_mm)|12.7 mm "Scotti"]] mounted in a ''Caproni Lanciani Delta E'' dorsal turret with 500 shots.

In addition to the 250 kg wing attachments, the installation of a "Nardi" ventral splitter with 2 kg anti-personnel bombs was also planned, but it does not appear that this was installed.

Other variants:

* '''F.C.20'''
* '''F.C.20Ter '''
* '''F.C.20Quater'''

'''Italian military service'''

Few production '''FC.20Bis''' were built and it is known that three served the 174th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron in July 1943 but were not used operationally. Italian military operations ceased with the armistice of September 1943.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=italy&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=assault&vehicle=fc_20_bis Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* [[Ki-45 (Family)|Ki-45]]
* [[Bf 110 C-6]]
* [[XA-38]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/504173-cansa-fc20-bis/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Fiat}}
{{Italy strike aircraft}}

C. 202

2021-12-24T07:49:01Z

U122946199: Breda-SAFAT buff changes. Still has poor ballistics and not enough amounts of 50cal.

{{About
| about = Italian fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| other
| usage-1 = the German version
| link-1 = C.202 (Germany)
| usage-2 = the other version
| link-2 = C.202EC
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=mc-202_italy
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]], though a variant existed in the [[C.202 (Germany)|German tech tree]] prior to the update.

The {{PAGENAME}} ''"Folgore"'' (''Lightning'') is an Italian fighter which is best suited to attacking other fighters and unsuited to use as a fighter bomber due to not being able to carry bombs or rockets.

The advantages of the {{PAGENAME}} are the combination of good speed, very good rate of climb and rate of roll. Furthermore, it is fairly sturdy, being able to take a few hits and get back to base without many problems. The {{PAGENAME}} is a fairly speedy turner, preferring to turn at speeds. However, flat out turning is a bad idea at low speeds, unless you abuse the roll rate to get into an advantageous position.

A major issue the {{PAGENAME}} has is that its damage output is low: it needs extended bursts of fire to deal decent amounts of damage. Furthermore, the Breda-SAFAT's damage potential drops off when it's fired at ranges above 300 meters. The poor armament also makes it less than optimal at engaging bombers and heavy fighters. The consensus by the community is that the best belts are Air targets, Tracer or Stealth for the 12.7 mm's and Stealth and Universal for the 7.7's. These seem to do the most damage. While this is crippling at times, it is something to keep in mind.

[[File:FighterImage_C202.jpg|thumbnail|right|''Over the deserts of Africa'']]

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

In essence very similar to the [[Bf 109 F-4]]: Great climb rate and acceleration and with good top speed and turn rate. Dive performance is great, yet the control surfaces lock up hard above 600 km/h IAS. So leave plenty of space to pull out of a dive, it reaches said speeds rather quickly! Even so the locked controls prevent G-force failure of wings. A blessing in disguise for many new inexperienced RB/SB pilots. Energy retention in Zooms is good, too. This however, is mostly due to the aforementioned climb rate which is engine enabled. A damaged engine guts and severely hinders most flight characteristics.

Like its German brother at heart, the Folgore also features several downsides: the engine torque is significant and will roll the aircraft to the side when performing any kind of manoeuvre. Note the slightly longer left wing to at least neuter this effect in level flight, unlike the Bf 109 pilots who will have to permanently trim their ailerons on the runway. Further aiming and aligning yourself to the target can thusly be rather difficult, as the craft will twitch and shift significantly. As usual lead in deflection shots are the easiest approach. The control lock up was already mentioned and must always be considered.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 5,000 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
| 579 || 561 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.0 || 20.7 || 12.7 || 12.7 || rowspan="2" | 368
|-
! Upgraded
| 627 || 602 || 18.0 || 19.0 || 19.7 || 15.8
|-
|}

==== 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 !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 535 || 450 || 260 || ~15 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 400 || < 270 || < 550 || > 350
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Compressor
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
! Setting 1
| 4,500 m || 1,084 hp || 1,218 hp
|-
|}
[[File:C202_attacking_001.jpg|400px|thumb|right|A '''{{PAGENAME}}''' diving on an enemy bomber.]]

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

Quite vulnerable to all weapons fire. The engine and water coolers lack any protection and are often the first to go under fire. The pilot is not much better. While the windscreen is quite thick it is also very small and the 8 mm of steel will only stop a sneeze. Any calibre past 7 mm will kiss your pilot's cheek.

Ace Tip #1 applies: ''Don't get shot at!''

* 8 mm Steel - Armoured headrest
* 50 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen

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

The Folgore's focus on energy fighting should be reflected in the desired grind strategy. Compressor & Engine are the top priority, boosting the acceleration and climb to the maximum needed for most situations. The next upgrades are free to choose for you. New belts are always nice, but the default ones are decent.

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

{{main|Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)|Breda-SAFAT (7.7 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 2 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, nose-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)
* 2 x 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, wing-mounted (500 rpg = 1,000 total)

It is unfortunate that such a fast fighter is paired up with relatively weak armament of the 12.7 and 7.7 mm machine guns, however, all is not lost with this setup. Since the setup locates the two 12.7 mm machine guns in the nose and a single 7.7 mm machine gun in each wing, convergence is a must to be considered to make the shots count when the fighter engages. The punch of the machine gun ammunition starts to significantly drop beyond 400 m, therefore setting convergence between 150 and 300 m should help to concentrate all the ammunition into one area resulting maximum damage possible. The pilot must remember though, with convergence set this close, he will need to manoeuvre his fighter in close before opening up and then it is important to concentrate on critical components as just shooting into the fuselage will not do a whole lot of damage. Trying to shoot any aircraft down outside of the 400 m range may result in a "lucky" shot, but those will be few and far between.

== Usage in battles ==

The most important things the {{PAGENAME}} needs are speed and altitude. It is generally a good idea to climb to at least 4-5,000 meters before levelling out and gaining speed. From there on, it's Boom & Zoom, working your way from top to bottom. Priority should be given to [[P-39N-0|P-39 Airacobra's]], [[F6F-5|Hellcats]] and [[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfires]], as these are difficult opponents if they are allowed to engage on their terms. The Hellcat is a considerable problem for the {{PAGENAME}}, due to the fact it is considerably faster and climbs fairly well. The best way of dealing with them is to fight them at speeds above 400 km/h, where the Hellcat begins to stiffen up, but you retain your very good roll rate, which you can use to spoil his gun solution by constantly changing direction.

While diving on your chosen target, be mindful of your speed. The {{PAGENAME}}'s rate of roll becomes considerably worse when you hit 600 km/h. However, the elevator remains functional up until around 700 km/h, and the rip speed is passed at 800 km/h. When trying to lead an enemy plane that is making a hard break turn, try to avoid making high G turns or turns that burn a lot of speed, as this rapidly bleeds speed, forcing you to engage in a dogfight where your mediocre low-speed manoeuvrability can offer an advantage to the enemy. While dogfighting is very much possible against some planes, it is advisable to run by going into a shallow dive. Climbing is a possible alternate strategy, the rate of climb is one of the best at its BR, meaning that if you have a small speed advantage you can get some separation and climb away.

[[File:C202_and_LeO_bomber_001.jpg|400px|thumb|right|A '''{{PAGENAME}}''' diving on an enemy [[LeO 451 early|LeO 451]] bomber.]]

The weak guns make the {{PAGENAME}} unsuited to effectively engaging bombers, especially well-defended ones such as the [[B-25J-1|B-25]] and the [[A-20G-25|A-20]]. It is better to join up with your teammates and then try to attack them together if possible. Aim for the engines and wings, engaging them through Boom-and-Zoom tactics. The {{PAGENAME}} is unable to carry bombs, rendering it unable to be used in ground attack.

''Tracers'', ''Anti-air'' or ''Stealth'' belts are recommended as they deal the most damage, with a good mix of incendiary and shrapnel. The Breda-SAFAT's shell velocity is low and suffers above 400 meters range, so only fire at or below that range for best effects. Furthermore, the armament is inadequate to deal with bombers. It is best to avoid them entirely or focus on taking out the engines. The only exceptions are the very early biplane bombers, such as [[Swordfish_Mk_I|Swordfish]], [[Po-2]] and the likes.

=== 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 || Controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:C202_and_Bf_109_001.jpg|400px|thumb|right|A '''{{PAGENAME}}''' tailed by an enemy [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109]].]]

'''Pros:'''

* One of the fastest fighters compared to comparable fighters, rip speed is above 800 kph
* Good roll rate under 600 kph
* One of the best rates of climb compared to its contemporaries
* Decent performance on all altitudes
* Decent cockpit visibility, especially to the rear
* Decent energy retention in horizontal turns

'''Cons:'''

* Larger turn radius than the [[C.200 serie 3|C.200]], the C.202 is not as agile as its predecessor
* Dual 12.7s are inadequate compared to 20mm cannons or great amounts of 12.7s which are found on fighters from other nations
* Thick canopy framing can make spotting hard from the cockpit view
* Armament has poor ballistics thus requiring the pilot to close in on enemy aircraft
* Extreme instability when using rudder turns and at low speeds in SB due to asymmetrical wings

== History ==

[[File:FighterImage_Mc202folgore01.jpg|thumbnail|right|Folgore in an olive grove]]
The famed Italian ace Maggiore Adriano Visconti flew the Folgore, including the predecessor Macchi C.200 Saetta and the successor Macchi C.205 Veltro.

In late 1941 the newer and deadlier Macchi MC.202 Folgore (Thunderbolt) began to equip units of 7° Gruppo, and in early 1942 Visconti began flying the sleek, new fighter on photo reconnaissance sorties over Malta. Throughout these early years of the war, a near constant trickle of supplies was required to keep the strategically vital island of Malta alive and in allied hands: mid-June 1942 saw two of these convoys simultaneously attempt to resupply the island from different directions. Operation Harpoon – a convoy from Gibraltar – was coordinated with Operation Vigorous from Alexandria. Both convoys were opposed by axis forces and on June 15th, in the air battle above Operation Harpoon which would become known as the Battle of Pantelleria, Visconti shot down a Bristol Blenheim. On August 13th, whilst on a two aircraft reconnaissance sortie, Visconti and his wingman were jumped by four RAF Spitfires. Visconti engaged and shot down two Spitfires, allowing the second M.C.202 to complete the sortie. He was awarded another Medaglie d'Argento for his skill and courage.

Visconti served in Greece before being promoted to Capitano and taking command of 76a Squadriglia as 54° Stormo was deployed in Tunisia in March 1943. In the brief weeks of fighting which led up to the axis surrender in May, Visconti was credited with two Spitfires and a P-40, as well as several other probable victories. Sharing a cramped cockpit with a fellow pilot, Visconti escaped the allied advance by flying to Sicily. Given his wealth of experience carrying out high speed, daylight reconnaissance flights over Malta, Visconti was given command of 310a Squadriglia Caccia Aerofotografica, a newly formed reconnaissance squadron equipped with modified Macchi C.205 Veltros (Greyhounds) which were based east of Rome.<ref name="Visconti WT forum Ace of the Month">An excerpt from [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/291927-profile-ace-of-the-month-january-maggiore-adriano-visconti/ Ace of the Month - January - Maggiore Adriano Visconti], written by Mark Barber, War Thunder Historical Consultant alias Wafu Vasco.</ref>

Visconti remains a controversial figure due to his political alignment with Mussolini's Italian Social Republic.

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== 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 ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/291927-profile-ace-of-the-month-january-maggiore-adriano-visconti/ [Profile<nowiki>]</nowiki> Ace of the Month - January - Maggiore Adriano Visconti] from the War Thunder official forum.
* [[wt:en/news/4774-vehicle-profile-c-202-as-fast-as-lightning-en|[Devblog] C.202: As Fast As Lightning]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/365069-macchi-mc202-serie-ix/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== References ===
<references />

{{AirManufacturer Macchi}}
{{Italy fighters}}

Ro.43

2021-12-24T07:45:59Z

U122946199:

{{Specs-Card
|code=ro_43
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]] as a ship-launched reconnaissance aircraft.

'''Ships that carry the Ro.43'''

* [[RN Bartolomeo Colleoni]]
* [[RN Trento]]
* [[RN Pola]]
* [[RN Zara]]

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

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at _,___ 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
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

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

{| 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}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

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

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

''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

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

{{main|Breda-SAFAT (7.7 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 2 x 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 1,000 total)

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

{{main|Breda-SAFAT (7.7 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===

''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

*

'''Cons:'''

* Has no access to bombs, restricting its ability to damage ships
* Cumbersome for a biplane
* Light offensive armament

== 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 ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== 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.''

{{Ship-launched reconnaissance aircraft}}

M18 (Italy)

2021-12-24T05:21:08Z

U122946199: Hull Break no longer exists.

{{About
| about = Italian light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = M18 Hellcat (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=it_m18_hellcat
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

The M18 "Hellcat" was the epitome of the American tank destroyer doctrine, it was very fast, very mobile, and has a powerful gun, though with a large trade-off with only 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) of armour.

The M18 "Hellcat" compensates the lack of anti-tank capability by having absurdly fast manoeuvrability. While it loses access to APCR, this is justified seeing how it doesn't face very armoured vehicles, the likes of [[Panther D|Panther D]], [[Tiger H1|Tiger H1]].

Unlike the other tank destroyers known in the game, the M18 "Hellcat" has access to a 360° traversable turret, allowing players to have a greater arc of fire than a typical casemate tank destroyer like the [[StuG III G|StuG III]], but at the expense of a slightly higher profile. Americans tank destroyers also have very high manoeuvrability compared to other nation's tank destroyers, allowing it to flank the enemy.

The main weak point of M18 is its very thin armour, a feature that actually allows the M18 to reach its high speed. The thin armour makes it possible for any enemy tanks to penetrate the vehicle. A single hit would destroy many critical components in the M18 or cripple the crew. The only saving grace with this extremely thin ammunition is that standard AP rounds may over-penetrate the armour, doing minimal damage to the internals. Thus, when facing the M18, it's best to use AP rounds with explosive fillers or HE and HEAT rounds while avoiding usage of pure AP rounds.

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

The {{PAGENAME}} has extremely thin armour throughout its construction. As such, a player with the M18 should throw away any notion of trying to survive a shot and instead aim to avoid being hit at all. With an open-top construction and the placement of certain crew members, even enemy machine gun rounds can knock out the crew members inside and lower combat efficiency.

The thin armour is also both a blessing and a curse for the vehicle. It is a curse as it means the vehicle can suffer through the hull-break mechanics. A single shell has the potential of knocking out the M18 instantly regardless of how many crew member it defeats. The blessing is that if the enemy kinetic round hits the M18 and does not meet the requirements for a hull-break, the M18 may end up with minimum critical damage such as a damaged module or crew member. As such, there can be second chances for this vehicle, but as mentioned, this should not be relied upon as a combat strategy.

With five crew members, the M18 has a standard amount of crew to survive off of. Three are essential for combat efficiency: the gunner, loader, and driver. The commander operates the cupola machine gun and if knocked out will cause the machine gun to no longer function. This will be a constant occurrence due to the position of the commander model with the torso exposed above the turret, and so enemy machine gun rounds can hit and incapacitate the commander from the vehicle's functions.

The M18's module configuration is rather standard with the transmission in front and engine in the back. The spread out nature means there are more "wiggle room" for kinetic shells to hit and pass through around the modules, but it also means that any part of the M18 exposed can be hit and induce a hull-break.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour
* Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 12.7 mm (39-64°) ''Front glacis'' 12.7 mm (23-52°) ''Lower glacis'' || 12.7 mm (23-26°) ''Top'' 12.7 mm ''Bottom'' || 12.7 mm (12°) ''Top'' 12.7 mm (36°) ''Bottom'' || 8 mm
|-
| Turret || 25.4 mm (15-26°) ''Turret front'' 19 mm + 25.4 mm (0-55°) ''Gun mantlet''|| 12.7 mm (1-21°) || 12.7 mm (7°) || N/A ''Open-top'' 8 mm ''Bustle and Front''
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick.
* Belly armour is 5 mm thick.
* The hull underside right above the tracks are only 8 mm thick.
* Tracks are attached the turret rear, granting some 15 mm in thickness.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=620|rbMinHp=354}}

Though the previous section on armour may imply poor survivability, the {{PAGENAME}}'s shining trait will be in its mobility. It produces enough engine horsepower to become a speed demon on the battlefield, quickly traversing through rough terrain to get to advantageous positions to ambush enemies that are just starting to get to the fight.

The vehicle displays great mobility when driving forwards and backwards, and so it can perform quick exits from a compromised position.

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

As with every ground vehicle Parts and FPE are an absolute top priority. Following that, depending on player preferences, one of 3 should be researched: Horizontal Drive (close-range, flanking), Suspension (medium-range) or Adjustment of Fire (long-range of a typical engagements). Following this the goal is to get rank IV mobility improvements in order Filters -> Engine -> Transmission. On rank III, along the way, the Crew Replenishment should be prioritized, as its an open-top vehicle, so it will suffer significant causalities from enemy airplanes. If your preferred engagement range is above 700 m then the Elevation Mechanism should be researched. Otherwise: Mobility upgrades are the most important, shells are the lowest priority, as even the situational advantage of the M93 shot is not worth researching over improved mobility, or even accuracy.

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

{{main|M1 (76 mm)}}

The 76 mm M1 is an extremely capable gun with a high damage potential and a very good gun handling. It can be found on tanks used up to battle rating 6.0, making it one of the most widely used guns throughout the battle ratings and with M18 being the first tanks to use it - it gives it a very high staying power throughout battle ratings. Once upgraded, the turret has very fair guidance in both: horizontal and vertical axis allowing to quickly catch pot-shots, though given exceptional mobility of the platform even it struggles to catch up with the near-instant hull rotation.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M1 (76 mm)|76 mm M1]] || 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" | 45 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 7.93 || rowspan="2" | 7.02 || rowspan="2" | 6.47 || rowspan="2" | 6.10
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
M18 comes with an exceptionally good stock shell, allowing it to unleash its full potential pretty much right off the bat. Additional unlocks are more specialized.

* M62 shell - {{Annotation|APCBC|Armour-Piercing Capped Ballistic Capped}} - The best anti-tank shell, also the stock round. It has very good penetration and an excellent post-penetration effect.
* M42A1 shell - {{Annotation|HE|High-Explosive fragmentation shell}} - The best round for dealing with unarmoured targets or unarmoured sections of vehicles. It should be used carefully, as everything over 10 mm armour can negate its effects. Typically M62 is superior.
* M79 shot - {{Annotation|AP|Armour-Piercing}} - Round inferior in every way to the M62, it's in-game largely for historical reasons.

{| 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
|-
| M62 shell || APCBC || 149 || 146 || 133 || 119 || 106 || 95
|-
| M42A1 shell || HE || 7 || 7 || 7 || 7 || 7 || 7
|-
| M79 shot || AP || 134 || 132 || 121 || 109 || 99 || 89
|-
|}
{| 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%
|-
| M62 shell || APCBC || 792 || 7 || 1.2 || 14 || 63.7 || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| M42A1 shell || HE || 800 || 5.84 || 0 || 0.1 || 390 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| M79 shot || AP || 792 || 6.8 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
|}
{| 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)
|-
| M88 || 274 || 3.44 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_M18_GMC.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
! 5th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''45''' || 37 ''(+8)'' || 27 ''(+18)'' || 17 ''(+28)'' || 9 ''(+36)'' || 1 ''(+44)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Note''':

* Turret empty: 37 ''(+8)'' shells.
* When fighting in downtiers it's best to take only 17 shells, which allows the turret and sides of the tank to be empty of shells, notably increasing survivability. Otherwise, it doesn't matter how many rounds are loaded, as most hits against the tank will prove deadly regardless.

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

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 800 (200) || 576 || -10°/+70° || ±60°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

Before all, avoid colourful or bright decals. Camouflage is the main part of the M18's defence. Chances for good performance in battle are: be "invisible", fast and effective.
The M18's speed is its best ally. This speed has to be used for flanking manoeuvres and relocate. Not for trying to cross an open field, that will leave it open to enemy fire, speed is not a substitute for armour.

* '''Relocate:''' - This movement will have to be done again and again. Choose a good spot wisely, remove the foliage if necessary to get a clear field of fire. When in the fire spot, use the gun depression and stay in a hull-down position until a target is located. Once a target is locked on, aim at critical components. Try to immobilize the enemy by firing at the engine or transmission, or remove their firepower by shooting the gun or breech, or for instant destruction with a shot to the ammo storage. The last option can work very well or not, as skilled players only carry a few rounds of ammo.
* If positive that the enemy hasn't discovered the firing spot, go for another shot. Stay attentive that none of the enemy's teammates has also located the firing spot. If detected, hide immediately and relocate.
* '''Flanking:''' is the most dangerous manoeuvre of all because the vehicle will have to be exposed as it moves to the enemy's rear, but it is very effective when it's coordinated with other vehicles. A distraction is needed to gain the enemy's attention while the M18 makes its move. Isolated enemy units are very vulnerable to this tactic. Using the M18 speed to get to the rear and as the enemy heads toward the objective, the firing perspective should give a very clear view of the enemy's side armour. A good shot with the M62 APCBC shell could knock out the enemy rather quickly, but if using solid AP shots like the M79, aim at critical components on mobility and firepower before knocking out the crew or ammo stowage.
* '''Avoid flat terrain''' - Flat terrain means that the Hellcat 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 Hellcat. Whenever possible, one should try to stay amongst hills.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Overall mobility is superb, with very responsive manoeuvring that allows the Hellcat to excel in flanking manoeuvres
* Fast reload speed and turret traverse
* Stock APCBC round has great penetration and lots of explosive fillers, rarely requiring more than one penetrating shot to kill common tanks like T-34-85, M4A3, Cromwell, [[IS-1]] and [[IS-2 (Family)|IS-2]]
* Low profile, reducing target size and allows it to hide behind small bushes or rocks easily
* The nature of its thin armour means AP rounds have a tendency to pass straight through without damaging modules, and an APHE fuse may not even be triggered. For example the Soviet 122 mm tend to over-penetrate, dealing little damage.

'''Cons:'''

* Thin armour means rapid-fire autocannons, heavy machine guns, and aerial weapons could easily shred it. Beware of the [[ZSD63]] and the GAZ trucks!
* Commander is exposed at the 0.50 cal machine gun mount, and knocking him out would render the weapon useless
* Open-top construction means aerial strikes and artillery could rain havoc onto the crew
* Gun has poor penetration in an uptier, often can't penetrate anything frontally unless hitting a weak spot. The [[M4A3E2]] and [[M26 (Family)|M26]] are frontally immune to this 76 mm M1.
* Doesn't have access to APCR unlike its American counterpart.
* Rarely reaches 50 km/h in Realistic Battles, even in a straight line, therefore can be outran by the Sd.kfz.234 series
* A moment of immobility due to a damaged engine or transmission could be a sign of impending doom for the M18

== History ==

{{main|M18_GMC#History|l1=History of the M18 GMC}}

Throughout the Second World War, the USA would be experimenting with many different tanks and military vehicles, in the hopes they'd be put into service to help the war effort. In December of 1941, a new requirement from the US high command would initially request a vehicle which incorporated the Christie suspension system, and armed with a 37 mm gun. Considering that during those times, for most new vehicles, they were often derived from a previous existing design, mainly done to save time and money, this requirement instead called for a radical new tank design rather than a derivative of an existing tank, such as the [[M4|M4 Sherman]]. Whilst the war was ongoing, the US high command would begin to alter the requirements, mainly due to more powerful enemy vehicles showing up on the battlefield. One of the first changes done during the development was to introduce the new and innovative Torsion bar suspension made by the Buick Motor Division, who were part of General Motors. Later another change was to mount the British made [[Ordnance QF 6-pounder Mk.III (57 mm)|QF 6-pounder gun]] which at the time would be in use on the British [[Churchill Mk III]] tanks. This would lead to one of the prototype vehicles to be made, which would be called T49 GMC. Tests proved to yield adequate results but still weren't up to standard, the US Army wanted the heavier [[M3 (75 mm)|75 mm gun]] which at the time would be mainly used on the various Shermans in service. In the end this lead to the T67 GMC prototype, this got closer to the requirements but the US high command felt that more could be done. Finally, the US army decided to mount the [[M1 (76 mm)|76 mm gun]] also in development for the Sherman onto the prototype, which now was known as the T70 GMC. Obviously changes to hull shape and turret had to be done, mainly to accommodate all the new requirements and armament set out by the US high command. After some refinement in the design, the US high command eventually approved the prototype for service and finally designated the vehicle as the M18 GMC. The vehicle started production in mid-1943, which went on until October 1944 with a grand total 2,507 units produced. They'd be extensively used, and would yield great results for the most part.

The story of the Italian M18, also known as the 'Semovente da 76/52', would officially start in the post-war period. The Italian army, and its armoured divisions for the most part ceased to exist, although the US and other allied countries would slowly begin to re-equip the Italian army with surplus equipment. Italy would also begin to restore some of their own WW2 era equipment which managed to survive the war into working order and promptly put them into service. As the early dawn of the Cold War was looming, and the Italian armed forces being fairly weak, it was decided that a series of rearmament programs begin. Luckily, the USA had a lot of surplus equipment that they did not need anymore and were willing to invest heavily in rearming the Italian army through the 'MAP' (Military Assistance Program). It was decided that Italy would receive a total of 130 M18 GMCs, which would all be finally delivered during July of 1952. The M18 Hellcats were renamed to 'Semovente da 76/52', re-painted, and as many Italian vehicles, had the side-skirts removed. In terms of service, the Semovente da 76/52 would be allocated to the 155th Artillery Regiment of the 5th Army Corps which garrisoned the regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia near the Eastern border. They'd have a good reputation, and loosely followed standard Italian doctrine, which usually entails light vehicles with a good gun. Although they would have likely been in the front lines if a war between East and West ever broke out, they never saw combat action. During training, some Italian versions of the vehicle would install a machine gun, usually a Browning of some sort, onto the cannon. They'd be slowly be phased out for more modern designs who could be used as tank destroyers as the Cold War raged on.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=it_m18_hellcat Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|7wduPnPLORc|'''The M18 Tank Destroyer (Italy)''' - ''Orangefan''}}

== 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.''

{{Italy light tanks}}

Tank ammunition

2021-12-22T09:35:57Z

U122946199:

Throughout the past century of tank development, a large range of ammunition types have been produced and seen combat. As time progressed, technology improved and rounds also improved in terms of lethality, accuracy and ballistic performance. Despite this, most rounds can be categorised under one of two primary categories: '''kinetic''' rounds and '''chemical''' rounds; and further under a variety of subcategories.

== Kinetic energy shells ==
'''Kinetic rounds''' penetrate and deal damage based on a number of factors; shell type, projectile mass, round velocity and material hardness. Mass, shell type and hardness are constants, but velocity reduces with distance travelled and as such at longer ranges kinetic rounds will lose penetration ability and in some cases post-penetration efficacy. Most kinetic rounds can hit targets through lighter obstacles - trees, walls and some buildings. Under the right circumstances, solid kinetic rounds can penetrate multiple vehicles along their trajectory.

=== Solid Armour-Piercing Rounds ===
Solid AP rounds are a kinetic munition that utilise a hardened metal (often steel) shell with full-calibre diameter. The result is a simple, yet effective anti-tank round that will punch through armour with high equivalent thickness values, while retaining reasonable post-penetration effects which, when well-placed, can deal significant internal damage to components and crew directly within the shrapnelling path. The amount of spalling generated by a successful AP penetration depends on the shell mass and thickness of the penetrated armour and modules. Generally, solid AP does not stop until it has exhausted all of its force and is capable of passing through an entire vehicle if this energy is not fully expended.
==== Armour-Piercing (AP) ====
[[File:Icon rnd ap.png|left|frameless]] Armour-Piercing is a basic solid steel shot which is entirely reliant on kinetic energy to penetrate and deal damage. Providing the round possesses enough energy to penetrate any given armour, it will deal internal damage from steel fragments and spalling of the internal surfaces which can damage vehicle components, stored ammunition and crew members.

''AP is a standard early World War II ammunition for many nations. In War Thunder, AP rounds should be used as a general use anti-armour round, with careful round placement to maximise post-penetration damage. Some nations, such as the British, have modified versions of AP, usually denoted by a "HV" in the name, which is launched at a higher velocity than standard AP rounds, resulting in higher penetration potential.''

==== Armour-Piercing, Capped (APC) ====
[[File:Icon rnd apc.png|left|frameless]] APC rounds have a nose cone (or cap) of softer metal which is fixed to the front of the solid shot. When this strikes the target armour the shock of the impact is transferred away from the tip of the round to the neck, helping prevent shattering. Additionally, the cap will collapse on contact with armour and the deformation will cause the round to angle towards the armour, more efficiently directing energy into the armour and improving the angled performance of the round. A downside of the cap is a decrease in long-range accuracy due to the cap interfering with the shell's aerodynamics.
[[File:APC Normalization.gif|thumb|Display of shell normalization as an effect of a capped (APC) shell (clickable gif)]]

''APC is commonly found as a mid-tier shell for both the British and French on their mid-to-late WW2 vehicles. In War Thunder, APC is best used as a short-to-mid range round for combatting angled armour that regular AP rounds may not easily penetrate.''

==== Armour-Piercing, Ballistic Capped (APBC) ====
[[File:Icon rnd apbc.png|left|frameless]] APBC rounds utilise a ballistic cap, designed to improve aerodynamic performance and hence round performance at longer ranges. The cap usually utilises a soft or brittle metal which collapses on impact and does not aid penetration or angled performance.

''APBC is found on some early Soviet vehicles, but is relatively uncommon otherwise compared to APCBC. In War Thunder, APBC is best used as a longer-range alternative to APC or APHE rounds which often exhibit less favourable ranged performance.''

==== Armour-Piercing, Capped, Ballistic Capped (APCBC) ====
[[File:Icon rnd apcbc.png|left|frameless]] APCBC rounds combine the standard cap and the ballistic cap, improving the round's aerodynamic and penetration performance. As such, APCBC rounds tend to exhibit the best all-round characteristics of any conventional kinetic rounds.

''APCBC is a common shell for British, French and American mid-to-late WW2 vehicles. US rounds usually have explosive filler, acting like an APHEBC shell, while British and French rounds don't. The APCBC should be the preferred option given a selection of full-calibre solid shot rounds, when available, and should be situationally switched for APHE rounds when they're available.''

=== HE-Filled Armour-Piercing Rounds ===
HE-Filled Armour-Piercing Rounds take the concept of armour-piercing rounds and add a deadly twist - a quantity of HE filler on a timed fuse, designed to explode after a successful penetration. While the concept sacrifices some structural integrity and thus penetrating power, the destructive ability of an APHE round is nearly unrivalled. The fuse only activates if the shell collides with a surface of reasonable thickness, mostly dictated by shell caliber - though there are exceptions with a slower or faster fuse. After the fuse activates, the contained explosive will be ignited after passing a specified distance, resulting in significantly increased internal damage to a target. Vehicles with rolled homogeneous armour side skirts of reasonable thickness can detonate fast fuse APHE early, sometime avoiding internal damage entirely. Tanks with large or numerous modules directly behind weak spots (for example, front-mounted transmissions) can block the entire round from further penetration, or simply block the post-penetration effect from passing. Keep this in mind, and try to aim for locations that will allow detonation as centrally within the target as possible.

==== Armour-Piercing, High-Explosive (APHE) ====
[[File:Icon rnd aphe.png|left|frameless]] APHE rounds utilise a similar form to AP rounds, but incorporate a small chamber of high-explosive filler within the round. This often slightly reduces the round's mass and construction strength and as such APHE rounds tend to exhibit slightly worse penetration performance than their solid shot counterparts. However, upon successful penetration, APHE rounds often cause significantly more damage within a vehicle. APHE rounds have a fuse which will only activate on sufficiently thick armour.

''APHE is primarily found on Soviet, German and Japanese vehicles earlier in the tech tree, and on a selection of earlier American vehicles. It should be prioritised for use when penetration is highly likely, or switched for AP or APCR if improved penetration is required.''

==== Armour-Piercing, High-Explosive, Ballistic Capped (APHEBC) ====
[[File:Icon rnd aphebc.png|left|frameless]] APHEBC rounds, similarly to APHE, utilise APBC concepts with the addition of high-explosive filler. Again, the rounds tend to exhibit slightly worse penetrative performance than their solid shot brethren, but significantly more post-penetration damage. APHEBC rounds have a fuse which will only activate on sufficiently thick armour.

''APHEBC is primarily found on Soviet and Italian vehicles earlier in the tech tree as a mid-tier round, and on some American and German vehicles. It's ideally used against targets where angled performance is required and HE filler is preferable.''

==== Armour-Piercing, High-Explosive, Capped, Ballistic Capped (APHECBC) ====
[[File:Icon rnd aphecbc.png|left|frameless]] APHECBC rounds utilise standard APCBC designs with added explosive filler. APHECBC is often referred to as 'APCBC' in-game, and can be identified instead by the graphic or the explosive filler content on the round's stat card. As with other APHE rounds, APHECBC significantly improves the post-penetration lethality over that of a standard APCBC round. APHECBC rounds have a fuse which will only activate on sufficiently thick armour.

''APHECBC is found throughout the Soviet tech tree as a high-tier round, and on some Japanese, American, Italian, and German vehicles. APHECBC should be used preferentially and interchangeably with a high-penetration round where available.''

==== Anti-Concrete (AC) ====
[[File:Icon_rnd_ac.png|left|54px|frameless]] AC rounds are designed as an anti-emplacement ammunition. Their intended role was to penetrate reinforced concrete and detonate inside the fortified positions (bunkers, pillboxes). It works like an APHE round but has an atypically high explosive filler capable of causing overpressure and severe spalling.

''The Anti-Concrete round is found on KV-2 heavy tanks and can be used like an APHE round.''

=== Sub-Calibre Armour-Piercing Rounds ===
Sub-Calibre AP rounds are, essentially, what they say on the label - the penetrator itself is of a smaller calibre than the gun barrel, using a 'sabot' to make up the calibre difference. How the sabot is handled is dependent on the type of round - it may be either discarding or non-discarding. Sub-calibre rounds sacrifice post-penetration effectiveness for high round velocities and high penetration values.

==== Armour-Piercing, Composite, Rigid (APCR) ====
[[File:Icon rnd apcr.png|left|frameless]] APCR rounds often use tungsten carbide or other extremely hard metals as a sub-calibre penetrator, wrapped within a softer full-calibre sabot - the APCR concept is essentially a predecessor to the APDS design. Upon impact, the soft shell will deform, allowing the hard metal penetrator contained within to penetrate the target's armour with force spread over a smaller surface area, resulting in significantly better penetration ability. APCR rounds often suffer due to their more concentrated post-penetration damage, as well as faster penetration drop-off over range than a standard AP round of the same calibre. Due to their design, APCR perform extremely poorly when fired upon angled armour, and will ricochet on much smaller angles than AP or APDS.

''APCR is found throughout most tech trees, most commonly available to vehicles from mid-WW2 through to early cold war vehicles. APCR rounds are best used against minimally angled armour, where other rounds will be unable to penetrate.''

==== Armour-Piercing, Discarding Sabot (APDS) ====
[[File:Icon rnd apds.png|left|frameless]] APDS rounds utilise a hard core as a sub-calibre penetrator, with a full calibre sabot. Unlike APCR rounds, APDS rounds discard their sabot after exiting the cannon barrel. The result is an extremely high-velocity round with particularly high penetration values and good ranged accuracy. Unlike APCR, APDS does not suffer when used against angled armour. APDS produces a minimal amount of post-penetration damage - this can be attributed to the shell degradation the thicker the armour it has to penetrate. The thicker the armour, the more it deteriorates and the less spalling it will cause. Once the round deteriorates far enough, it will shatter. This is especially apparent for small-calibre APDS, or when used against some extremely heavy vehicles. Due to this, careful aim is required when utilising APDS rounds to maximise their post-penetration effect.

''APDS is first made available on post-WW2 British vehicles as well as Swedish WW2 vehicles such as the Lago I, and is available to most vehicles in possession of an [[Royal Ordnance L7A1 (105 mm)|L7]]-derived cannon. In War Thunder, APDS is best used as a long-range round, with multiple shots often being a necessity due to the lack of post-penetration damage. APDS can be quite ineffective against lightly-armoured vehicles and the frontal armour of super heavy tanks.''

==== Armour-Piercing, Fin-Stabilised, Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) ====
[[File:Icon rnd apfsds.png|left|frameless]] APFSDS is the pinnacle of the kinetic anti-armour rounds. As with APDS, APFSDS utilises an extremely hard penetrator and a discarding sabot, however the penetrator is usually significantly longer than that of APDS and incorporates fins for improved long-range ballistics. The additional penetrator length improves the post-penetration damage effects. APFSDS rounds are the most powerful kinetic rounds available in-game.

''APFSDS is first made available to some late Rank V vehicles, and is rarely the primary round for most Rank VI or VII vehicles. Due to the extremely high velocity most APFSDS rounds are fired at, they are easy to aim and maintain their effective performance at even extreme ranges. APFSDS is quite ineffective against lightly-armoured vehicles and should be aimed at critical components to maximise their damage potential.''

== Chemical energy shells ==
'''Chemical energy shells''' deal damage based on a chemical reaction, and unlike kinetic shells, their ability to penetrate and deal damage are unaffected by the shell's velocity. This means that target distance often doesn't affect the round's effectiveness. However, this also means that enemy tanks spaced and composite armour can be much more effective at preventing the damage, depending on the shell type used. Many chemical shells utilise extremely sensitive fuses and will detonate upon touching anything, while almost none of them can be fired through solid obstacles. Many chemical rounds have a very low muzzle velocity, reducing their effective range but allowing the user to launch them over terrain.

=== High-Explosive Rounds ===
High-Explosive rounds are a simple shell packed full of a high-explosive material, primarily designed for anti-infantry and anti-emplacement applications. However, this translates surprisingly well when applied to light vehicles - significantly more so than armour-piercing rounds or in some cases even APHE rounds. Unfortunately, most HE-based rounds are relatively useless against well-armoured vehicles and force their user to target flaws in an enemy tank design.

==== High-Explosive (HE) ====
[[File:Icon rnd he.png|left|frameless]] High-Explosive rounds are primarily intended for use as an anti-infantry/anti-emplacement round. As such, HE rounds tend to have minimal armour-piercing capability and are better used against particularly lightly armoured vehicles, although on occasion it can prove effective against the sides of a vehicle. Particularly high-calibre HE rounds may cause enough area damage to destroy a tank regardless of the round placement.

''HE rounds are available to almost every vehicle in-game. However, low-calibre HE rounds are ineffective against all but the most lightly armoured targets, so this type of round should only be utilised by vehicles with large-calibre guns, such as the [[KV-2]] or [[Sturmpanzer II]].''

==== High-Explosive Time Fuse (HE-DF) ====
[[File:Icon rnd hevt.png|left|frameless]] HE-DF rounds use the simple concept of a timed fuse, resulting in an explosion at a pre-set range. While HE-DF rounds are no more effective than HE rounds against most heavy armour, they can be particularly effective against light vehicles with a known range or against aircraft (one of their original design uses).

''HE-DF rounds are available to a number of vehicles originally designed for anti-air purposes, such as the [[YaG-10 (29-K)]] and the [[8,8 cm Flak 37 Sfl.]]. They're best used against aircraft by rangefinding the aircraft in question, setting the fuse range to a reasonable assumption based on the result and leading sensibly. They can be extremely effective against aircraft if used correctly, but are mostly ineffective against armoured vehicles.''

==== High-Explosive Variable Time Fuse [Self-Destroying] (HE-VT*) ====
[[File:Icon rnd he prx.png|left|frameless]] HE-VT rounds are an advanced round fitted with a specialised proximity fuse, designed to detonate the round upon reaching close proximity with a target. These are usually designed for anti-air applications, and are generally ineffective against most ground targets.

''HE-VT rounds are available to some later anti-air vehicles, such as the [[OTOMATIC]], or some light tanks, like the [[Begleitpanzer 57]], and are capable of destroying aircraft or helicopters if the round passes within close proximity of the target. They are extremely effective against mid-ranged aircraft but cannot be relied upon for use against armour.''

==== High-Explosive Grenade ====
[[File:Icon grn he.png|left|frameless]] HE Grenades are specialised HE rounds designed to be fired from cannons which may not be otherwise capable of firing high-calibre rounds. They usually operate in a different manner to conventional cannon rounds, utilising a propellant rather than a charge, resulting in a relatively low round velocity and sub-par ballistics. However, this design has proven useful, as the low velocity can be used to 'sling' rounds over small terrain deformations, onto weak roof armour, or into trenches or bunkers.

''HE Grenades are available to vehicles with 'recoilless' cannon designs or other non-standard cannon designs. They are generally as effective as an equivalent HE round, however have significantly lower muzzle velocity and as such are extremely inaccurate at long ranges. HE Grenades are found on various vehicles, such as the [[BMP-1]].''

==== Anti-Personnel Fragmentation Grenade (VOG) ====
[[File:VOG Icon.png|left|frameless|30x30px]]
Anti-Personnel Fragmentation Grenades are grenades intended for use against infantry; they use a lightweight explosive charge alongside a thin casing to produce a large lethal radius via shrapnel.

''At the time of writing, the [[BMP-2M]]'' ''is the only IFV to have an automatic grenade launcher.'' ''VOGs are useful as a substitute to pintle-mounted machine guns, able to destroy terrain elements like bushes, trees, and buildings.'' They are almost completely ineffective against tanks, lacking the required explosive filler and muzzle velocity.
==== Rocket ====
[[File:Icon spr rocket.png|left|frameless]] Rockets are unguided high-explosive self-propelled rounds which are often significantly higher calibre than standard tank cannons. They can be mounted as ancillary weaponry on some vehicles, or in some cases mounted on specialised rocket-carrier vehicles.

''Rockets can be unreliable and inaccurate, but due to their often large calibre, large amounts of HE filler, and ability to continuously launch them until the ammo rack is empty, they can prove effective against some armoured vehicles. Rockets are either mounted ancillary, as on the [[Calliope]] or the [[M26 T99]], or on rocket carriers such as the [[BM-13N]].''

=== Anti-Emplacement Rounds ===
Anti-Emplacement rounds are designed specifically for combatting emplacements, however have proven to have some anti-tank value. They rely on different mechanics compared to normal rounds*, and can prove particularly ineffective against heavy armour.

==== Shrapnel ====
[[File:Shrapnel Round Icon.png|left|frameless]] Shrapnel rounds are a chemical round utilising a thin shell and a chamber of metal fillings or ball bearings with a small explosive charge. Upon successful penetration, shrapnel rounds cause a significant amount of damage. However, due to the thin outer shell, shrapnel rounds only perform well against particularly light armour and are completely ineffective when used against even moderately armoured targets.

''Shrapnel rounds are available exclusively to early Soviet vehicles. Shrapnel is exclusively useful against lightly armoured targets, and shouldn't be used against front-facing armour of any other tank.''

==== High-Explosive Squash Head (HESH) ====
[[File:Icon rnd hesh.png|left|frameless]] HESH rounds are designed as an anti-emplacement round. The 'squash head', usually comprised of some form of plastic explosive, is designed to squash onto a surface and detonate, causing the opposite side of the surface to rupture. If the given surface happens to be metal, this will often result in metal shards flying off the surface at high velocity. While in the past, HESH rounds have had improved performance on angled targets, their performance is now completely uniform at all ranges and angles. Recently due to the advent of "[[Damage mechanics#Overpressure|Overpressure]]", HESH has benefited an increase in performance and increased lethality, even when failing to hit the target directly. HESH also has relatively low fuse sensitivity, therefore it can be launched through some foliage and weak obstacles without detonating, unlike HE or HEAT.

''HESH rounds are available to most British vehicles from Rank V, and other vehicles in possession of an L7-derived gun. HESH should be primarily used against lighter armour or side armour, while specifically avoiding side skirts and any other forms of spaced armour, although occasionally the HE splash effect can cause unexpected results. HESH is completely ineffective against heavy armour or composite armour designs.''

=== High-Explosive Anti-Tank Rounds ===
High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) rounds make use of shaped charges to penetrate armour, forcing superplastic metal through into the crew compartment, damaging crew and modules. HEAT rounds prove particularly effective at long ranges, as their method of action does not lose effectiveness with range. Unfortunately though, the fuse on a HEAT round must be extremely sensitive, causing the rounds to detonate even on bushes and wooden fences that other chemical rounds of high calibre have a chance to pass through. All HEAT-derived rounds have concentrated post-penetration damage, similar to APDS, which travels in a tight cone from the impact point. This often works in favor of the shell when a direct hit is achieved, in some cases allowing it to burn through modules such as frontally-mounted transmissions, dealing further damage to the vehicle's internals. This same effect can prove troublesome when a round collides on a sub-par angle or after penetration there's simply nothing within its cone of effect.

==== High-Explosive, Anti-tank (HEAT) ====
[[File:Icon rnd heat.png|left|frameless]] HEAT rounds are designed specifically as an anti-tank round. They operate with a shaped charge that uses an explosive to force superplastic metal through a vehicle's armour, causing internal damage to crew and modules.

''HEAT rounds are available to a variety of WW2 German and Japanese vehicles, as well as higher-performance HEAT becoming available to some late French and American vehicles, as HEAT-FS rounds cannot be fired from rifled cannons. HEAT is limited in effectiveness and its usage should be carefully considered as many vehicles have armour it cannot penetrate. Due to its low velocity, HEAT often requires a high angle of attack and will arrive at a target on an angle - as such the often impressive 0° penetration statistics will often prove irrelevant, with angled penetration values being more accurate.''

==== High-Explosive, Anti-Tank, Fin-Stabilized (HEAT-FS) ====
[[File:Icon rnd heatfs.png|left|frameless]] HEAT-FS rounds are an improvement over the HEAT concept, using improved penetrative chemicals and utilising fins for improved ballistic performance. HEAT-FS rounds maintain their penetration values at all ranges, and are well-suited to long-range engagements. HEAT-FS rounds are particularly sensitive, and may detonate on light obstacles such as shrubs or fences.

''HEAT-FS rounds become available to many nations from Rank V, although notably the British do not receive HEAT-FS at any stage due to its incompatibility with rifled cannons. At late Rank VI and Rank VII, HEAT-FS may prove ineffective in many cases due to the prevalence of ERA and composite armour. Despite this, it can still be used for ranged engagements against light tanks and medium tanks with insufficient ERA or composite protection, as particularly late HEAT-FS rounds have extremely high penetration power. High-calibre HEAT-FS rounds will cripple light tanks, while APFSDS is not as effective at it.''

==== High-Explosive, Anti-Tank, Fin-Stabilised, Proximity Fuse [Self-Destroying] (HEAT-FS VT*) ====
[[File:Icon rnd heatfs.png|left|frameless]]HEAT-FS VT rounds are specialised HEAT-FS rounds which utilise a proximity fuse to detonate when in close proximity to a target. They can be used to destroy low-flying aircraft or helicopters, while maintaining their effectiveness against ground vehicles utilising normal HEAT-FS technology.

''HEAT-FS VT rounds are extremely specialised. As of Update 1.93, they are available to only the [[M1A2 Abrams]] and have an identical icon to the standard HEAT-FS. They combine the anti-armour power of a standard HEAT-FS round with the anti-aircraft effectiveness of a HE-VT round. Their proximity fuse will detonate only above a specified altitude, so they can be used normally against other armoured vehicles.''

==== High-Explosive, Anti-Tank Grenade ====
[[File:Icon grn heat.png|left|frameless]] HEAT Grenades are specialised HEAT rounds, designed for use where normal tank rounds may not be possible to utilise. They often use a propellant rather than a standard charge, and as such suffer from low velocity and sub-par round ballistics. Despite this, they can prove effective against tanks due to their HEAT technology.

''HEAT Grenades are available to vehicles with 'recoilless' cannons or other non-standard cannon designs. Their effectiveness is similar to that of an equivalent HEAT round, however due to their low muzzle velocity they can be inaccurate at long ranges. HEAT Grenades are found on various light vehicles, such as the [[BMP-1]], [[FIAT 6614]] and [[Type 60 SPRG (C)]].''

=== Guided Missiles ===
Guided missiles utilise a guidance system (of various types, such as MCLOS, SACLOS, Radar, Heat-Seeking) to accomplish their intended role. They sacrifice round velocity for long-range precision. Different missile types are effective in different applications - some have anti-tank properties, while others are effective against air targets.

==== Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) ====
{{main|Anti-tank guided missiles}}
[[File:Icon spr atgm.png|left|frameless]] ATGMs largely utilise the same concept as HEAT, however they integrate some form of propulsion and are usually guideable, either manually (MCLOS) or semi-automatically (SACLOS). ATGMs usually pack a large amount of explosive and often have particularly powerful shaped charges. However, they require specialised equipment to fire and tend to be heavy, often resulting in long reload times, especially for hybrid vehicles.

''ATGMs become available through Rank V, and are primarily carried by specialised ATGM carriers, although some tanks have ATGM-capable main cannons and some exceptional designs such as the [[Strv 81 (Rb.52)]] or the [[AMX-13 (HOT)]] mount ATGMs on ancillary pylons. ATGMs are powerful and SACLOS guided missiles are easily aimed, however they travel slowly and well-aware targets may be able to move into cover prior to the ATGM reaching them.''

==== Anti-Tank Guided Missile, Proximity Fuse [Self-Destroying] (ATGM-VT*) ====
[[File:Icon spr atgm prx.png|left|frameless]] Proximity ATGMs utilise proximity fuses to detonate when in close proximity to aircraft. This, combined with their guidance systems (SACLOS) allows them to be used effectively against low-flying aircraft or helicopters.

''Proximity Fuse ATGMs can prove extremely effective against low-flying aircraft or helicopters, and utilise a similar proximity fuse concept to SAM missiles - although often ATGMs pack significantly more HE filler than SAMs do. ATGM-VT missiles are available to specialised ATGM carriers such as the [[Shturm-S]].''

==== Anti-Tank Guided Missile, Tandem Charge (ATGM Tandem) ====
[[File:Icon spr atgm tandem.png|left|frameless]] Tandem ATGMs utilise a twin-stage warhead to overcome ERA - the first stage causes the ERA to detonate, while the second stage penetrates the armour below as normal. This concept does not work against NERA or composite armour.

''Tandem ATGMs are effective against ERA-protected vehicles, and often have very high penetration values. Tandem charge ATGMs are available to high-rank Soviet or Russian ATGM carriers such as the [[Shturm-S]] and [[BMP-3]].''

==== Anti-Tank Guided Missile, HE (ATGM-HE) ====
[[File:Icon spr atgm he.png|left|frameless]] HE ATGMs are a simplification of a standard ATGM; rather than a shaped HEAT charge, HE missiles simply utilise a large quantity of explosive to damage or destroy emplacements or light vehicles or other ATGM tanks.

''HE ATGMs are only effective against light vehicles and missile carriers in most cases, despite packing large quantities of HE filler. They are available to specialised ATGM carriers such as the [[Shturm-S]].''

==== Surface to Air Missile (SAM) ====
[[File:Icon spr sam.png|left|frameless]] SAMs are high-velocity anti-air missiles, designed specifically to combat aircraft using a variety of technologies; often including proximity fuses and radar or heat-seeking guidance.

''SAMs are very effective at long distances against aircraft, particularly helicopters. They are often extremely high velocity and pack a large amount of HE filler for a powerful airburst effect. SAMs are available to specialised anti-air vehicles such as the [[ZPRK 2S6|2S6 Tunguska]] or the [[ADATS]], which, notably, has multi-purpose missiles that are also effective against armoured vehicles. Most SAMs pack less HE filler than an HE ATGM and are only reliably effective against lightly armoured ground vehicles.''

=== Utility Rounds ===
Utility rounds are ineffective for use against other vehicles, but provide value in some sort of utility.

==== Smoke ====
{{main|Smoke screen|l1=Smoke}}
[[File:Icon rnd smoke.png|left|frameless]] Smoke shells are not designed as a damaging shell, and largely consist of chemicals designed to create a smoke screen. The produced smoke has a limited lifetime.

''Smoke shells are available to various vehicles throughout most tech trees, however their effectiveness is somewhat limited compared to dedicated smoke launchers. The main advantage of smoke shells is that unlike ESS or hull-mounted smoke canisters, they can be launched anywhere the equipped vehicle can aim, allowing for strategic placement for pushes or flanking manoeuvres, or simply firing at an enemy vehicle to force them to move from their position.''

== Media ==


;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|srKv5v9zoGA|'''The Shooting Range #216''' - ''Special'' section at 08:28 discusses Volumetric rounds.|CZqzMhbnvO4|'''Tank Shells Guide''' - War Thunder Official Channel|Qyr_aw3YTe8|'''The Shooting Range #2''' - ''Science of War'' section at 05:11 discusses HESH rounds.|6O3MBjdSsIk|'''Tank Shells Guide - War Thunder ammo types explained''' - ''HowToPlay1337''|ajeqij4_jwM|'''Ammo Types in War Thunder EXPLAINED''' - ''skDoger''|_xCgMBOiA8U|'''High-explosive power''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|lK9Ck3P6AvM|'''Top 7 best rounds''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|fCc_B-wm0wA|'''Post-War Heat Shells''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==


* [[Ammo racks]] - How all tank ammunition is stored within the tank

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7084-development-new-features-upcoming-with-the-ixwa-strike-update-en|[Devblog] New features upcoming with the "Ixwa Strike" update - Shell impact animations]]
* [[wt:en/news/6856-development-volumetric-shells-in-the-raining-fire-update-en|[Devblog] Volumetric shells in the "Raining Fire" update]]

[[Category:Ammunition]]

User:U122946199

2021-12-22T09:33:11Z

U122946199: Created page with "cat go meowwww"

cat go meowwww

S.81

2021-12-22T09:20:24Z

U122946199:

{{Specs-Card
|code=s_81_ar125
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]].

The S.81 is distinctive with its three engines, two on the wings and one in the nose. This provides a level of redundancy with the nose engine unlikely to be disabled except from a head-on or a diving attack. Although, each engine is less powerful than contemporaries on other aircraft so each engine loss will heavily impact the aircraft's speed, causing it to lose altitude. Losing one engine on the wing would also cause the aircraft to start rolling over to the weakened end. However, if you manage to land your plane after losing an engine, you will be able to taxi back to base at 100% power. It will be slow though, as you can only reach speeds up to 14 km/h.

The plane in its default state is covered in a light green paint with black splotches around to break up the solid figure. A huge white band stretch out at the mid-section of the fuselage, right around the beam turrets, which could serve as reference points for enemies to knockout the beam and ventral turret gunners. On the tail's vertical stabilizer, a large white cross is also present with the logo of the ''Regia Aeronautica'' in the upper centre point of the paint. On the wings, the ''Regia Aeronautica'' roundels were also present to make the vehicle certainly belonging to the Italian tech tree.

Three types of turrets are available on the S.81, a dorsal turret on top, a ventral turret on the bottom, and two beam turrets for both sides of the fuselage. All the turrets provide an excellent arc of fires on their sectors, with mutual machine gun fire from more than one turret able to be met in most areas. Unfortunately, all the turrets used a 7.7 mm machine gun and while sustained fire could cause sufficient damage, they lack the quick stopping power needed to prevent fighters from strafing the bomber, and taking down enemy fighters quickly is crucial as the S.81 lacks any sort of armour for itself and the crew except self-sealing fuel tanks. Enemy machine-gun fire will quickly go through, damaging modules and crew members.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,000 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
| 321 || 310 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 30.1 || 31.3 || 3.9 || 3.9 || rowspan="2" | 450
|-
! Upgraded
| 351 || 335 || 28.0 || 29.0 || 9.4 || 6.3
|-
|}

==== 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 !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 369 || 348 || 241 || ~4 || ~2
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 260 || < 270 || < 270 || > 330
|-
|}

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


* No armour plating
* No armour glazing
* Critical components located at front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
* More fuel tanks located in wings near fuselage

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

When grinding this plane for improvements and modules, focus on the payload first, then the plane performance. Ignore the defensive firepower upgrades as the defensive firepower upgraded is still extremely weak until its the last upgrades you have to get.

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

{{main|GP 50 (50 kg)|GP 100 (100 kg)|GP 250 (250 kg)|GP 500 (500 kg)}}

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

* 28 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (1,400 kg total)
* 16 x 100 kg GP 100 bombs (1,600 kg total)
* 4 x 250 kg GP 250 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 4 x 500 kg GP 500 bombs (2,000 kg total)

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

{{main|Breda-SAFAT (7.7 mm)|Lewis (7.7 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, dorsal turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
* 2 x 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, ventral turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
* 1 x 7.7 mm Lewis machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (500 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==


S.81 is a well armed beginner bomber for Italy, being able to carry a heavy load of bombs in different sizes. Though it doesn't possess the greatest speed, it's still a bomber for the enemy team to recognize as a threat for its carrying capacity of bombs. Being mixed up with bombers from other nations like [[He 111 H-3]], [[F.222.2]], or [[TB-3M-17-32]], they can easily wipe out enemy bomb points and airfield.

S.81 is armed with 6 x 7.7 mm machine guns: 2 x [[Lewis (7.7 mm)]] and 4 x [[Breda-SAFAT (7.7 mm)]] which is pretty well armed for a low tier bomber. The two Lewis machine guns are placed at the middle rear of the plane in the sides, where they can cover if enemy planes are flying level next to the S.81. Meanwhile, the 4 x Breda machine guns are placed in two turrets that have 360° coverage above and below the bomber, being able to defend it from most angles. It is able to defend itself pretty well against biplanes from reserve ranks, but can have tougher opponents like [[I-16 type 24]], [[Yak-2 KABB]], [[P-36G]], [[He 100 D-1]], [[Potez 631]], and [[J22-A]] that can make quick work of the S.81 as they are faster, more agile, and usually have more firepower than the S.81.

S.81 is able to carry 28 x 50 kg bombs, 16 x 100 kg bombs, 4 x 250 kg bombs or 4 x 500 kg bombs. Bombloads like 28 x 50 kg and 16 x 100 kg are excellent for carpet bombing convoys and knocking out light targets, meanwhile heavier bombloads like 4 x 250 kg and 4 x 500 kg are excellent for destroying bombing points and damaging airfields. They are all useful in ground battles.

Best use of S.81 in Air Battles is on clean up duty after other bombers that are way faster and might not have the bombload to take out bombing points in one go, or S.81 can go for stationary targets like pillboxes, light pillboxes, AA emplacements and artillery positions to bleed the enemy team's tickets.

In ground battles the S.81 can be good air support for allied ground units, protecting points that are being captured by hostile forces and with good communications with the ground teammates it can wipe out entrenched enemies that are likely to be protecting points or certain roads or areas of the map. But beware of enemy SPAA units, S.81's slow speed makes it an easy target for most SPAA vehicles at its battle rating.

=== 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 || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great payload, can carry up to 2,000 kg of ordnance which can bomb 2 bases with ease
* Machine gun turrets can reach all sides of the bomber
* Fast-firing defensive armament, with incendiary bullets that can easily set fabric-covered low-tier planes on fire

'''Cons:'''

* Slow and sluggish
* No armour or bulletproof glass for protection
* Abysmal defensive firepower
* Loss of a single engine will hamper the plane's ability to stay in the air
* Low maximum altitude

== History ==

Under the need to have an aircraft capable reaching the far reaches of the Italian colonies in Africa, a project was made to develop an aircraft able to suit the Regia Aeronautica. Approaching manufacturer Savoia-Marchetti, chief designer Alessandro Marchetti developed the aircraft based on the Savoia's SM.73 airliner and militarized the vehicle for its intended use.<ref name="MFS.81">Military Factory. "Savoia-Marchetti SM.81 Pipistrello (Bat) Medium Bomber / Transport Aircraft." Military Factory, 31 May 2017, [http://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=811 Website].</ref> The first prototype was built and flown in early 1935, approximately six months after the SM.73 debuted.<ref name="CenturyS.81">Century of Flight. "Savoia Marchetti S.M.81 Pipistrello." Italian Aircraft of World War Two, 11 Nov 2007, [https://web.archive.org/web/20121102170519/https://www.century-of-flight.net/Aviation%20history/photo_albums/timeline/ww2/Savoia%20Marchetti.htm Web Archive].</ref> This aircraft was then known as the '''SM.81 "Pipistrello"''' ('''"Bat"'''). The aircraft was accepted for service in the same year with mass-production slated, with different engines used throughout the production life. 534 SM.81 would be produced in the time span between 1935 to 1944.<ref name="MurphyS.81">Murphy, Justin D., and Matthew A. McNiece. Military Aircraft, 1919-1945: an Illustrated History of Their Impact. ABC-CLIO, 2009.</ref>

===Combat usage===
At its inception, the SM.81 was considered one of the better medium bombers of the era with its top speed of 211 miles, long range of 1,336 miles, well armed with six machine gun positions and able to carry a payload of up to 2,205 lbs.<ref name="MurphyS.81" /> The SM.81 found a versatile use on the battlefield, being used in a transport, bombing, ground attack, and a reconnaissance role, ensuring its relevancy even later in the war. One was procured by Benito Mussolini to be used as his private aircraft, the aircraft being nicknamed "Taratuga" ("Turtle") for its sluggish speed.

The SM.81 was first used in the Second Italo-Ethiopian War (also known as the Second Italo-Abyssinian War), lasting from 03 October 1935 to May 1936, quickly putting the SM.81 into action. Their versatile performed well in their support of the Italian troops, culminating with the annexation of Ethiopia into Italy's East African colonies. The SM.81 saw use again in the Spanish Civil War to aid the Spanish Nationalists in the Aviazione Legionaria, where they were used to the same degree as in Ethiopia. Though 12 were sent on a 705-mile flight on 29 July 1936 to Spanish-controlled Morocco, complexity in the flight had only nine arrive. These nine bombers provided a great asset in the Strait of Gibraltar as more aircraft arrived, keeping the Spanish Republican's Navy at bay. As the Nationalists push closer to Madrid, the SM.81, working alongside the German Condor Legion, bombed the Spanish capital almost daily. Though the SM.81 sometimes flew with escorting [[CR.32_(Family)|C.R.32]] biplanes, flying unescorted with tight formations was also possible due to the mutual machine gun protection with each other.<ref name="SmithS.81">Smith, Richard K., and R. Cargill. Hall. Five down, No Glory: Frank G. Tinker, Mercenary Ace in the Spanish Civil War. Naval Institute Press, 2011.</ref> However, when Soviet [[I-15_M-22|I-15]] and [[I-16 type 5|I-16]] appeared, flights started to be conducted at night to avoid losing precious bombers. When Italy left Spain at the conclusion of the war, around 64 SM.81 was left behind for the Spanish Air Force.

By the outbreak of World War II, the SM.81 was showing its age, though 300 units still remained in the Regia Aeronautica's inventory.<ref name="MFS.81" /> With the faster and more powerful [[S.M.79_(Family)|SM.79]] beginning to see service in 1936, the SM.81's roles was supplemented. The SM.81 still saw service in secondary roles and so deliveries still continued. It was used in the African theater as the main bomber against British forces in East Africa, but British [[Gladiator_Mk_II|Gladiators]] and [[Hurricane_(Family)|Hurricanes]] posed a major threat. Due to this the SM.81 was relegated as a night bomber in North Africa, with the darkness as cover against the enemy fighters. 80 SM.81 were also produced into a dedicated transport aircraft, known as ''SM.81T'', which proved vital in transporting troops and material to Rommel's Afrika Korps.<ref name="MurphyS.81" />

Even after Italy's surrender to Allied forces in September 1943, the SM.81 still saw service in North Italy's Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana and South Italy's Aviazione Cobelligerante Italiana. Though South Italy soon removed them from service, North Italy used them until the end of the war.<ref name="MFS.81" /> In the conclusion of World War II, several SM.81 were still in service with the post-war Aeronautica Militare Italiana, sticking around until 1950 when they were all officially retired.

===Other developments===
Two main variants of the SM.81 existed, the SM.81 as a bomber/transport variant and the SM.81T as a dedicated transport aircraft, both using various engines as propulsion. A project was done known as the ''SM.81B'', which used a two-engine configuration. This provided inadequate performance compared to the three-engine configurations and so the project was discontinued.

Though the SM.81 saw use in the various Italian air forces and in Spain, three were also sent to the Chinese Nationalist forces, arriving at an unknown date. However, all three samples were destroyed in training exercises in early 1938.<ref name="MFS.81" />

== Media ==


;Skins

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

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|9_txEPailKc|'''The Shooting Range #92''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 06:20 discusses the S.81.}}

== 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 ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/379608-s81/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== References ===
<references />

{{AirManufacturer SM}}
{{Italy bombers}}

AS 42

2021-12-22T09:19:10Z

U122946199:

{{Specs-Card
|code=it_as_42_metropolitana
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (shortened as just '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''') 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:'''

* Structural steel (chassis, gun breech, gun mount)
* Wheel (tires & spares)
* Gun Steel (cannon barrel)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Chassis || colspan="4" style="text-align:center" | 3 mm
|-
| Gun mount || colspan="3" | 150 mm ''Gun Breech'' 20 mm ''Gunner's Seat'' 20 mm ''Elevation and Traverse Mechanisms'' || N/A
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Tires are 10 mm thick. * There is a spare tire on the front and on the rear of the vehicle.
* Storage boxes, fuel containers and fenders are 3 mm thick.
* Storage Boxes and fuel Containers cover much of the flanks in addition to the chassis armour.
* The belly of the car is 3 mm thick.

The {{PAGENAME}} lacks in armour and is very vulnerable to attacks from the air. While the sloped 3 mm of armour may be sufficient against standard machine guns, most heavy machine guns are able to shred this vehicle and as such it is not recommended to engage in slugging matches.

Though the armour itself is not sufficient against heavy machine guns, it is possible to use the rear engine compartment as armour to protect the crew from the heavy machine guns projectiles. The ammunition compartments at the sides of the vehicle may stop machine guns from penetrating all the way through to harm the crew, but these have dubious protection values in the long run. However, due to these extreme thin armour thickness, standard armour-piercing rounds tend to penetrate straight through with minimal damage.

The {{PAGENAME}} has 2 crew with ammo located in the flanks of the car. In rare cases, the gun's armour can protect the gunner.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=156|rbMinHp=97}}

The tank has very high mobility with speeds exceeding 80 km/h on concrete and 35 km/h offroad.

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

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

{{main|Breda Mod.35 (20 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[Breda Mod.35 (20 mm)|20 mm Breda Mod.35]] || 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" | 1,200 (12) || rowspan="2" | 240 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+90° || rowspan="2" | ±150° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 30.8 || 42.7 || 51.8 || 57.3 || 60.9 || rowspan="2" | 3.90 || rowspan="2" | 3.45 || rowspan="2" | 3.18 || rowspan="2" | 3.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 20.8 || 24.5 || 29.8 || 32.9 || 35.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}} - The belt composition means that 75% of the shells (HEFI-T*) are useless against tanks. However, this belt is reliable against open-topped or lightly armoured targets like SPAA vehicles.

* '''Granata mod.35:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}} - This belt does little damage against armoured targets and should be used especially against aircraft or open-topped vehicles. The high-explosive filler is deadly to crew members.

* '''Perforante mod.35:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - This belt offers a good transition from the Default to the PzGr 40 belt. The round offers decent damage against lightly armoured tanks, especially at close range. Due to lack of high-explosive filler, however, it is better to focus on the PzGr 40 belt to maximize penetration power.

* '''PzGr 40:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - Probably the belt with the best penetrating shell for the vehicle. While the damage effects post-penetration can be quite poor, the rapid fire from the autocannon can remedy this problem by following up quickly with another penetrating shot. In close combat, these shells should be used against modules and crew member to make the most of each shell. Against angled armour, however, the HVAP ammo may not be very effective.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
! 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
|-
| Default || API-T/HEFI-T* || 38 || 36 || 27 || 19 || 14 || 10
|-
| Granata mod.35 || HEFI-T || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2
|-
| Perforante mod.35 || API-T || 38 || 36 || 27 || 19 || 14 || 10
|-
| PzGr 40 || HVAP-T/API-T || 64 || 63 || 27 || 19 || 14 || 10
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Belt details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
! 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%
|-
| Granata mod.35 || HEFI-T* || 830 || 0.14 || 0 || 0.1 || 3 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| Perforante mod.35 || API-T || 832 || 0.14 || 1.2 || 9 || 1.7 || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! 7th rack empty
! 8th rack empty
! 9th rack empty
! 10th rack empty
! 11th rack empty
! 12th rack empty
! 13th rack empty
! 14th rack empty
! 15th rack empty
! 16th rack empty
! 17th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''100''' || 94 ''(+6)'' || 88 ''(+12)'' || 82 ''(+18)'' || 76 ''(+24)'' || 70 ''(+30)'' || 64 ''(+36)'' || 58 ''(+42)'' || 52 ''(+48)'' || 46 ''(+54)'' || 40 ''(+60)'' || 34 ''(+66)'' || 28_ ''(+72)'' || 22 ''(+78)'' || 16 ''(+84)'' || 10 ''(+90)'' || 4 ''(+96)'' || 0 ''(+100)'' || Yes
|-
|}
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
'''Notes''':

* The visual discrepancy is the rack 17. It contains 4 clips whereas only one is modeled.
* Racks 1 to 16 contain 6 clips each.
* Clips are modeled by sets of 2 and disappear from the rack after you've fired/loaded both clips in the set.

== Usage in battles ==


;Combat tactics

The main role of the {{PAGENAME}} is as an anti-air asset. Position the vehicle in an open space to be able to detect aircraft from a distance, usually near your spawn point. You can move forward and stay close to your teammates to offer the best AA support but you'll then become target to enemy tanks (especially with artillery strikes and MG fire). Engage approaching aircraft only under 1,000 m to increase your chances of hitting (ideal distance is 500-700 m) and avoid being detected too early. Your fire rate is poor for an AA gun so you have to shoot precisely and make every shot count. Your vehicle's protection is non-existent: plan to have an obstacle nearby you can use as cover (building, rock formation, etc).

You can also play as a scout car on some maps: use your speed to flank enemy forces and ambush them. Retreat and relocate after destroying an enemy. Avoid frontal engagements at all cost as your vehicle and your crew are fully unprotected. Keep in mind that you have good mobility on hard terrain (solid ground, roads, etc.) but not on soft terrain (mud, sand, snow) because of your tires. The big turn radius of the {{PAGENAME}} also prevents it from sneaking through narrow passages in urban maps. Drive precisely: any obstacle will immobilize you very quickly if you don't pay attention and your mobility is key to your survival in this role.

;Notable enemies

Pretty much any enemy can destroy the {{PAGENAME}} in seconds. The most lethal enemies are:

* Strafing planes. The biggest threat is enemy aircraft, as even a 7.62 mm MG can kill your SPAA in one burst.
* Vehicles equipped with heavy machine guns. They will destroy you from 1 km distance in a heartbeat.
* Tanks firing HEAT or HE shells. The blast effect is deadly to your already limited and unprotected crew.
* Heavily armoured tanks that are immune to your gun, even if you catch them by surprise.

;How to defeat a {{PAGENAME}}

Being a vehicle without any armour, it remains a vehicle easy to destroy: the 2 quickest ways to deal with the {{PAGENAME}} are MG/autocannons and HEAT/HE projectiles. But any shell with explosive filler will do.
Avoid close quarters and engage from long distance to increase your armour advantage while decreasing the {{PAGENAME}}'s firepower.
You can also force your opponent to play on a terrain hindering its mobility (mud, snow, sand) to negate its main advantage. Aim for the driver or the engine to immobilize it, meaning almost certain death for a barely protected vehicle.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* High top speed
* Access to PzGr 40 rounds
* Sloped frontal armour, may deflect some rounds
* High penetration for the 20mm cannon
* Small size helps when flanking the enemy

'''Cons:'''

* Small magazine for SPAA
* Virtually no protection at all, even rifle rounds will penetrate the armour
* Only has two crew members
* Crew is exposed

== History ==


The AS (Autosahariana) 42 was derived from the AB 41 armoured car. It was, however, unarmoured and did not have the rear driver position. Designed for long-range reconnaissance in North Africa, it had a cross country range of almost 500 miles (800 km). It was also known as the Camionetta Desertica (Desert Weapons Carrier) mod. 42, or "la Sahariana" (the Saharan). The main armament varied: 20 mm anti-aircraft cannons, 20 mm anti-tank rifles, and machine guns were common alternatives. About 200 were built and saw service in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. After the armistice, some continued in use with Fascist Italian forces and Germany, including on the Eastern Front, and in the Ardennes in 1944-5.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=italy&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=spaa&vehicle=it_as_42_metropolitana Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|ND8CwYH8-io|'''{{PAGENAME}} Review: Great with the CR42 as backup! Not so much at taking hits...''' - ''Joseph 2000''|nR4lecy5CBA|'''Camionetta SPA-Viberti AS42 Light Italian Truck - The Italian Desert Raider''' - ''Tanks Encyclopedia''}}

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same gun

* [[AB 41]]
* [[L6/40]]

;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[Type 94]]
* [[Flakpanzer I]]
* [[Pvlvv fm/42]]

== External links ==


* [[wikipedia:SPA-Viberti_AS.42|[Wikipedia] SPA-Viberti AS.42]]
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/italy/Camioneta_AS-42_Sahariana.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Camionetta SPA-Viberti AS42]

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

75/34 M42

2021-12-22T09:17:34Z

U122946199:

{{About
| about = Italian tank destroyer '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = M42 (Disambiguation)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=it_semovente_m42_75_34
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_75_34_M42.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].

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


'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, casemate)
* Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 25 mm (80°) ''Front glacis'' 30 mm (cylindrical) ''Lower plate'' || 25 mm || 25 mm ''Upper part'' 25 mm (15°) ''Lower part'' || 25 mm (10°) ''Front glacis'' 10 mm (15°) ''Rear - Engine hood'' 5-10 mm (8°) ''Rear - Radiator vents''
|-
| Casemate || 50 mm (5°) ''Casemate front plate'' 50 + 50 mm (spherical) ''Gun mantlet'' 25 mm (60°) ''Plate connecting with hull'' || 25 mm (6-7°) || 25 mm || 15 mm (5°) ''Centre'' 15 mm (21-22°) ''Sides''
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick and bogies 10 mm thick.
* The belly is 15 mm thick.
* Mudguards are 4 mm thick.

The {{PAGENAME}} shares the same vulnerabilities as the [[75/18 M41]] and the [[75/32 M41]]: a rather weak vertical armour front plate, weak sides and an even weaker roof armour and a crew of only 3 sitting in a cramped space.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=263|rbMinHp=164}}

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

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

{{main|75/34 mod.39 (75 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[75/34 mod.39 (75 mm)|75 mm 75/34 mod.39]] || 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" | 45 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+22° || rowspan="2" | ±18° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 12.3 || 17.1 || 20.7 || 22.9 || 24.4 || rowspan="2" | 8.45 || rowspan="2" | 7.48 || rowspan="2" | 6.89 || rowspan="2" | 6.50
|-
! ''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
|-
| Granata Perforante 75/32 || APCBC || 79 || 78 || 71 || 64 || 58 || 52
|-
| EPS M42 || HEAT || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100
|-
| Granata 75/32 || HE || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9
|-
|}
{| 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%
|-
| Granata Perforante 75/32 || APCBC || 637 || 6.35 || 1.2 || 14 || 270 || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| EPS M42 || HEAT || 552 || 5.3 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 656.64 || 62° || 69° || 73°
|-
| Granata 75/32 || HE || 552 || 6.35 || 0 || 0.1 || 600 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks 75-34 M42.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
|-
| '''45''' || 24 ''(+21)'' || 1 ''(+44)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Note''':

* As they are modeled by sets of 2, 3 or 4, shells disappear from the rack only after you fire all shells in the set.

== Usage in battles ==


;Combat tactics

Thanks to its performant gun, the {{PAGENAME}} is effective as a tank destroyer at long range with the good penetration of its APCBC round. With a maximum penetration of 64 mm at 1,000 m, the vehicle will have no problem penetrating the angled front armour of many similar rank vehicles from a distance. Light tanks, armoured cars and SPAA are the easiest targets. The vehicle's effectiveness improves once the HEAT shell is unlocked, with 100 mm of penetration at all ranges. This allows for reliable penetration of practically all the Semovente's potential adversaries. Your most dangerous opponents are fast and agile light tanks such as the M22 that can easily flank the Semovente undetected and disable you from close range. Their speed and small size make those light tanks difficult to target for the Semovente's gun.

With the HEAT shell, the Semovente can make for an effective tank destroyer, provided you stay at a distance guaranteeing your survivability. The one thing to remember about the HEAT shell is that it sacrifices the one-shot capability of APCBC, meaning that larger tanks will often take multiple hits to disable while the reload time is pretty slow for the battle rating. Like the 75/32 M41, the HEAT shell has a good muzzle velocity making it capable to hit reliably targets at long range.

;Notable enemies:

Many tanks are capable of easily disabling you. By order of lethality:

* Tank destroyers with long guns
* Howitzers with powerful HE shells
* Tanks with HEAT shells
* Frontline tanks with APHE shells
* Light tanks or armoured cars with autocannons

;How to defeat a {{PAGENAME}}

The {{PAGENAME}} has several weak spots:

* In a frontal encounter, the vertical front plate is the easiest to target.
* Shoot the lower front plate to damage the transmission and immobilize the tank if you lack penetration power.
* When flanking, aim for the weak sides of the casemate.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Decent 75 mm gun with a respectable reload rate
* Low profile = harder to spot
* Has access to HEAT rounds
* Decent top speed
* 270g of explosives in APCBC round is more than capable of knocking out most tanks in one hit

'''Cons:'''

* Overall armour is not very good
* Is vulnerable to getting flanked due to being a casemate tank destroyer
* Thin top armour; can be vulnerable to strafing aircraft
* Acceleration leaves things to be desired
* Shells have low velocity

== History ==

{{main|M15/42#History|l1=History of the M15/42}}

;Development

Following the success of the Semovente da 75/18 in its anti-tank role, the Italian command ordered in October 1942 the development of an improved version of the Semovente based this time on the M15/42 chassis and a 75 mm L/34 Breda cannon, a gun with identical performance to the one equipped on the P26/40 tank. The new vehicle was accepted in April 1943 and production started in May 1943 with an order for 280 Semoventi. Due to wartime shortages of materials and manpower, only 93 tank destroyers were produced by the Italians before the Armistice and only 60 vehicles delivered to their combat units. The Germans then seized control of Northern Italy and continued its manufacture, completing 80 more units alongside 36 already confiscated ones.

;Combat usage

The {{PAGENAME}} saw shortly combat action on the Italian side during the battle of Rome in September 1943 and more extensively on the German side along with the other Semovente variants in Northern Italy and the Balkans in 1944.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=it_semovente_m42_75_34 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|hwZZvlooCQ0|'''Semovente da {{PAGENAME}}, Italian, Tier-2, Tank Destroyer''' - ''Angry Nerd Gaming''|t5VZ6gv_2dA|'''First 10 - {{PAGENAME}}''' - ''Orangefan''}}

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

* [[M15/42]]

;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[StuG III A]]
* [[75/34 M43]]

== External links ==


* [[Wikipedia:Semovente_da_75/34|[Wikipedia] Semovente da 75/34]]
* [https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/italy/Semovente_Da_75-34.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Semovente da 75/34]

{{TankManufacturer FIAT-Ansaldo}}
{{Italy tank destroyers}}

75/34 M42

2021-12-22T09:16:40Z

U122946199:

{{About
| about = Italian tank destroyer '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = M42 (Disambiguation)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=it_semovente_m42_75_34
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_75_34_M42.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].

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


'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, casemate)
* Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 25 mm (80°) ''Front glacis'' 30 mm (cylindrical) ''Lower plate'' || 25 mm || 25 mm ''Upper part'' 25 mm (15°) ''Lower part'' || 25 mm (10°) ''Front glacis'' 10 mm (15°) ''Rear - Engine hood'' 5-10 mm (8°) ''Rear - Radiator vents''
|-
| Casemate || 50 mm (5°) ''Casemate front plate'' 50 + 50 mm (spherical) ''Gun mantlet'' 25 mm (60°) ''Plate connecting with hull'' || 25 mm (6-7°) || 25 mm || 15 mm (5°) ''Centre'' 15 mm (21-22°) ''Sides''
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick and bogies 10 mm thick.
* The belly is 15 mm thick.
* Mudguards are 4 mm thick.

The {{PAGENAME}} shares the same vulnerabilities as the [[75/18 M41]] and the [[75/32 M41]]: a rather weak vertical armour front plate, weak sides and an even weaker roof armour and a crew of only 3 sitting in a cramped space.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=263|rbMinHp=164}}

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

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

{{main|75/34 mod.39 (75 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[75/34 mod.39 (75 mm)|75 mm 75/34 mod.39]] || 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" | 45 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+22° || rowspan="2" | ±18° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 12.3 || 17.1 || 20.7 || 22.9 || 24.4 || rowspan="2" | 8.45 || rowspan="2" | 7.48 || rowspan="2" | 6.89 || rowspan="2" | 6.50
|-
! ''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
|-
| Granata Perforante 75/32 || APCBC || 79 || 78 || 71 || 64 || 58 || 52
|-
| EPS M42 || HEAT || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100
|-
| Granata 75/32 || HE || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9
|-
|}
{| 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%
|-
| Granata Perforante 75/32 || APCBC || 637 || 6.35 || 1.2 || 14 || 270 || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| EPS M42 || HEAT || 552 || 5.3 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 656.64 || 62° || 69° || 73°
|-
| Granata 75/32 || HE || 552 || 6.35 || 0 || 0.1 || 600 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks 75-34 M42.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
|-
| '''45''' || 24 ''(+21)'' || 1 ''(+44)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Note''':

* As they are modeled by sets of 2, 3 or 4, shells disappear from the rack only after you fire all shells in the set.

== Usage in battles ==


;Combat tactics

Thanks to its performant gun, the {{PAGENAME}} is effective as a tank destroyer at long range with the good penetration of its APCBC round. With a maximum penetration of 64 mm at 1,000 m, the vehicle will have no problem penetrating the angled front armour of many similar rank vehicles from a distance. Light tanks, armoured cars and SPAA are the easiest targets. The vehicle's effectiveness improves once the HEAT shell is unlocked, with 100 mm of penetration at all ranges. This allows for reliable penetration of practically all the Semovente's potential adversaries. Your most dangerous opponents are fast and agile light tanks such as the M22 that can easily flank the Semovente undetected and disable you from close range. Their speed and small size make those light tanks difficult to target for the Semovente's gun.

With the HEAT shell, the Semovente can make for an effective tank destroyer, provided you stay at a distance guaranteeing your survivability. The one thing to remember about the HEAT shell is that it sacrifices the one-shot capability of APCBC, meaning that larger tanks will often take multiple hits to disable while the reload time is pretty slow for the battle rating. Like the 75/32 M41, the HEAT shell has a good muzzle velocity making it capable to hit reliably targets at long range.

;Notable enemies:

Many tanks are capable of easily disabling you. By order of lethality:

* Tank destroyers with long guns
* Howitzers with powerful HE shells
* Tanks with HEAT shells
* Frontline tanks with APHE shells
* Light tanks or armoured cars with autocannons

;How to defeat a {{PAGENAME}}

The {{PAGENAME}} has several weak spots:

* In a frontal encounter, the vertical front plate is the easiest to target.
* Shoot the lower front plate to damage the transmission and immobilize the tank if you lack penetration power.
* When flanking, aim for the weak sides of the casemate.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Decent 75 mm gun with a respectable reload rate
* Low profile = harder to spot
* Has access to HEAT rounds
* Decent top speed
* 270g of explosives in APCBC round is more than capable of knocking out most tanks in one hit

'''Cons:'''

* Overall armour is not very good
* Is vulnerable to getting flanked due to being a casemate tank destroyer
* Thin top armour; can be vulnerable to strafing aircraft
* Acceleration leaves things to be desired

== History ==

{{main|M15/42#History|l1=History of the M15/42}}

;Development

Following the success of the Semovente da 75/18 in its anti-tank role, the Italian command ordered in October 1942 the development of an improved version of the Semovente based this time on the M15/42 chassis and a 75 mm L/34 Breda cannon, a gun with identical performance to the one equipped on the P26/40 tank. The new vehicle was accepted in April 1943 and production started in May 1943 with an order for 280 Semoventi. Due to wartime shortages of materials and manpower, only 93 tank destroyers were produced by the Italians before the Armistice and only 60 vehicles delivered to their combat units. The Germans then seized control of Northern Italy and continued its manufacture, completing 80 more units alongside 36 already confiscated ones.

;Combat usage

The {{PAGENAME}} saw shortly combat action on the Italian side during the battle of Rome in September 1943 and more extensively on the German side along with the other Semovente variants in Northern Italy and the Balkans in 1944.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=it_semovente_m42_75_34 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|hwZZvlooCQ0|'''Semovente da {{PAGENAME}}, Italian, Tier-2, Tank Destroyer''' - ''Angry Nerd Gaming''|t5VZ6gv_2dA|'''First 10 - {{PAGENAME}}''' - ''Orangefan''}}

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

* [[M15/42]]

;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[StuG III A]]
* [[75/34 M43]]

== External links ==


* [[Wikipedia:Semovente_da_75/34|[Wikipedia] Semovente da 75/34]]
* [https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/italy/Semovente_Da_75-34.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Semovente da 75/34]

{{TankManufacturer FIAT-Ansaldo}}
{{Italy tank destroyers}}

M15/42

2021-12-22T09:15:28Z

U122946199:

{{Specs-Card
|code=it_m15_42
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_M15_42.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]]. The M15/42 is the last tank before getting to the P40 and foreign medium tanks and is the final version of the Carro Armato, thus giving some notable improvements over the previous models.

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


'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
* Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet, MG port)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 50 mm (12°) ''Upper plate'' 30 mm (12°) + 30 mm (spherical) ''MG port'' 25 mm (80°) ''Front glacis'' 30 mm (cylindrical) ''Lower plate'' || 25 mm (8°) ''Top'' 25 mm ''Bottom'' 30 mm (9-12°) ''MG bulge'' || 25 mm ''Upper part'' 25 mm (15°) ''Lower part'' || 25 mm (10°) ''Front glacis'' 25 mm ''Crew compartment'' 8 mm (15°) ''Rear section - Engine'' 5-25 mm (8°) ''Rear section - Radiator vents''
|-
| Turret || 30 + 40 mm (cylindrical) ''Gun mantlet'' 45 mm (13°) ''Turret front'' 50 mm ''Turret ring'' || colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 25 mm (20°) 50 mm ''Turret ring'' || 15 mm (5°)
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick and bogies 10 mm thick.
* The {{PAGENAME}}'s belly is 14 mm thick.
* Mudguards are 4 mm thick.

;Turret

The turret is only 25 mm at the side, but due to the roundness and the slope of the armour at the front of the tank, it has an effective thickness of ~70 mm which can bounce poorly aimed shots. The mantlet has two layers of armour stacked on top of each other, giving an effective thickness of 75 mm, however, it has a shot trap on the left side which only has a thickness between 29 mm and 49 mm however due to the low battle rating, most new players won't know to shoot there. Despite the shot trap, the combination of good, sloped and rounded turret armour can make the {{PAGENAME}} effective at hull-down positions.

;Hull

The top of the hull has decent protection in the form of a 50 mm frontal plate and a ludicrously sloped (80°) 20 mm plate which has an effective thickness of ~75 mm. However, the lower glacis plate only has a thickness of 30 mm and is directly in front of the transmission, so shots there will cripple the tank's mobility and possible result in its destruction.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 287|rbMinHp= 164}}

The {{PAGENAME}} is not a shining star on the battlefield, however, when it comes to mobility, this medium tank can get around. While being understandably significantly slower than most light tanks encountered at this battle rating, it can hold its own over most terrain as a medium tank, sacrificing armour for mobility.

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

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

{{main|47/40 mod.38 (47 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[47/40 mod.38 (47 mm)|47 mm 47/40 mod.38]] || 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" | 111 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 13.3 || 18.5 || 22.4 || 24.8 || 26.4 || rowspan="2" | 3.77 || rowspan="2" | 3.33 || rowspan="2" | 3.07 || rowspan="2" | 2.90
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 8.3 || 9.8 || 11.9 || 13.2 || 14.0
|-
|}

The 47/40 mod.38 cannon is quite the powerhouse at this rank, especially due to the effective shells at its disposal. The mod.39 shell has a decent muzzle velocity of 755 m/s, good post-penetration damage and adequate penetration at close ranges. However, it quickly loses effectiveness at longer ranges. This encourages the player to fight in the mid-range area, almost always in a hull-down position.

==== Ammunition ====
The shells available for the {{PAGENAME}} are limited:

* '''Granata mod.35''': HE; a high-explosive useful for destroying open and lightly armoured vehicles. It however is a very slow shell travelling (twice slower than the other projectile). You can pack a few of those as you lack a heavy machine gun.
* '''Granata Perforante mod.39''': APBC; a solid shot with an average penetration but no explosive filler. Make sure to target modules and crew positions to maximise the damage. Disabling the enemy gunner on your first shot will be critical to win engagements as you'll most likely need several shots to destroy an enemy vehicle. This shell should be your default 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
|-
| Granata mod.35 || HE || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5
|-
| Granata Perforante mod.39 || APBC || 69 || 67 || 59 || 51 || 43 || 37
|-
|}
{| 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%
|-
| Granata mod.35 || HE || 364 || 2.37 || 0 || 0.1 || 150 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| Granata Perforante mod.39 || APBC || 755 || 1.44 || 1.2 || 9 || 30 || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks M15-42.jpg|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
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''111''' || 104 ''(+7)'' || 95 ''(+16)'' || 1 ''(+110)'' || Yes
|-
|}
Notes:

* The visual discrepancy concerns rack 1, which is modeled as 9 shells each but will disappear after you've fired 8 shells from it.
* As they are modeled by sets of 2 to 5 shells, sets disappear from the rack only after you fire all shells in the set.
* The massive rack 3 depletes from the centre outwards.

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)|8 mm Breda Mod. 38]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 288 (24) || 600 || N/A || N/A
|-
| Pintle || 1,524 (24) || 600 || -10°/+20° || N/A
|-
|}
The small calibre of the Breda Mod. 38 machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight. The pintle-mounted MG can not pivot independently from the turret. Two additional hull-mounted Breda machine guns are modeled but not usable.

== Usage in battles ==


;Combat tactics

The {{PAGENAME}} is basically a M14/41 tank boasting a better gun, a more powerful engine and thus sitting at a higher battle rating. With the BR increase, the competition gets also tougher. That's why the {{PAGENAME}} features henceforth average armour for its rank, especially the sides and around the turret. Frontally, the massive 50 mm front plate is the biggest weak spot: flat, hard to miss and a penetrating shot through this plate will kill the driver and the gunner that sits behind him. To avoid this, you can angle your tank about 30 degrees to the left to hide your flat plate and present instead the MG bulge that could absorb some shots. This however is not a durable strategy, any expert tanker won't fall for that trick.

The {{PAGENAME}}'s top speed of 38 km/h limits its opportunities as a flanker. Its flat armour also limits its capacity to advance exposed in the open and its rather slow turret rotation prevents it from reacting quickly to 360° threats as a frontline tank. Its solid 47 mm gun on the other hand coupled with 15 degrees of gun depression makes the {{PAGENAME}} a good support tank. Stay behind cover at a distance (500 to 700 m) from the frontline to support spearheading tanks, this will also increase your armour advantage. On top of that, the {{PAGENAME}} sports with a crew of 4 (and 1 spare) a longer durability than most tanks at its BR. When being focused on the action, it is imperative to always check for 2 main threats: flanking enemies who could reach you quickly from the frontline and tank destroyers with a high penetration power lurking at a safe distance. If you're flanked, your turret doesn't turn all too fast: rotate your hull instead. Pivot turning in the {{PAGENAME}} will always be faster than turning your turret. If you spot a tank destroyer aligned on your position, retreat or get behind cover.

;Notable enemies

* Heavy tanks like B1 bis or B1 ter whose armour is too strong for your gun,
* Tank destroyers with powerful guns like the Marder III, ZiS-30, Ho-Ni I, Ho-Ni III, Chi-Ha LG or the LVT(A)(4) (ZiS-2) (China),
* Tanks with HEAT shells like the Pz. IV E, F1, the StuG III A or the StuH 42 G,
* Tanks with APDS shells like the Strv m/40L, the Strv m/41 S-II or the Lago I,
* Tanks with many crew members like the M3 Lee, the Grant I, the T-28 or the T-28E whose durability is high.

;How to defeat a {{PAGENAME}}

Rule of thumb is to get as close as possible as you can to maximise your penetration power as its armour is flat.

* In a frontal encounter, shoot right in the middle of the front plate if the {{PAGENAME}} did not angle its hull. This will knock out the gunner and the driver.
* If it is hull down, aim at the turret cheeks.
* If its hull is angled, aim at the flat corners of the hull.
* If you manage to flank the {{PAGENAME}}, aim for the hull spot right under the center of the turret or the turret itself.
* From the rear, target the turret first and then the crew compartment right under the turret (avoid shooting in the engine compartment: it will absorb shots with little damage to the crew).

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Solid frontal armour
* Decent mobility
* The Mod.39 shell has effective penetration for the BR and quite good post-penetration damage
* Best shell is unlocked by standard
* Decent gun depression of 10°
* Adequate turret traverse
* Due to the 80° angle the upper glacis is angled at, it can be a very good shot-bouncer
* Hard to kill from the front, especially when in a hull-down position
* Decent muzzle velocity
* A menace to kill when this tank is downtiered, especially when angled

'''Cons:'''

* Crew is cramped
* Mod.39 shell rapidly loses effectiveness at range
* Frontal plate is almost flat
* Rest of the armour is mediocre at best
* Shots to the lower glacis almost always result in the transmission breaking

== History ==

The last version of the M13 series. The M15/42 was slightly longer than the preceding models and had a higher-velocity 47mm gun, a more powerful engine, and improved armour. In total 112 were built, before production was switched to the tank destroyer version (the Semovente M42 da 75/18). By September 1943 when Italy surrendered, 82 of those had been issued to army units, in five-tank platoons. Their only use in combat by an Italian Army unit was actually against the Germans that month, in particular by the 135th "Ariete II" Division in the defence of Rome.

Germany confiscated 92 on Italy's surrender and produced another 28 themselves. Some were turned over to Italian forces. While most remained in Italy, some were also employed by the German forces in Hungary.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=it_m15_42 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|ws-6J_mSBtw|'''Carro Armato {{PAGENAME}}, Italian, Tier-2, Medium Tank''' - ''Angry Nerd Gaming''|HK2D0Kto0DE|'''{{PAGENAME}} Review, Decent, just constant uptiers!''' - ''Joseph 2000''}}

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

* [[75/34 M42]]

;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[M14/41]] / [[M14/41 (47/40)]]
* [[Chi-He]] / [[Chi-He (5th Regiment)]]

== External links ==


* [[wikipedia:M15/42_tank|[Wikipedia] M15/42 tank]]
* [https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/italy/Carro_Armato_Medio_M15-42.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Carro Armato Medio M15/42]
* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=265 <nowiki>[Military Factory]</nowiki> Carro Armato M15/42]

{{TankManufacturer FIAT-Ansaldo}}
{{Italy medium tanks}}

AB 43

2021-12-22T09:14:00Z

U122946199:

{{Specs-Card
|code=it_ab_43
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (shortened as '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''') is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].

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


'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 8 mm (22°) ''Upper Plate'' 8 mm (44-68°) ''Upper Glacis'' 8 mm (19-50°) ''Lower Glacis'' || 8 mm || 8 mm (16°) ''Crew Compartment'' 5 mm (33°) ''Engine Compartment'' 8 mm (27°) ''Lower plate'' || 6 mm ''Crew Compartment'' 6 mm (18°) ''Engine Compartment - Centre'' 8 mm (39°) ''Engine Compartment - Sides''
|-
| Turret || 18 mm (16°) ''Turret front'' 37 mm (cylindrical) ''Gun mantlet'' || colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 8 mm (28-29°) || 8 mm
|}
'''Notes:'''

* The wheels are 10 mm thick while the torsion bars are 1 mm thick.
* The gun barrel is 10 mm thick while the coaxial machine gun is 5 mm thick.

As a thin-skinned armoured car, the {{PAGENAME}} offers very little in the way of real protection with 8 mm of armour all around, and a slightly thicker 35 mm gun mantlet. This struggles to keep out heavy machine gun fire at anything other than long range and remains extremely vulnerable to artillery and strafing aircraft. However, the vehicle's internal modules are relatively widely spaced, so that AP rounds will often not knock out the {{PAGENAME}} in a single hit. The car's low-mounted ammo racks also reduce the likelihood of ammunition detonation.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=170|rbMinHp=97}}

The {{PAGENAME}} offers outstanding mobility on flat smooth ground. As well as a very high top speed, the vehicle also has an excellent turning circle making it extremely agile on more urban maps. The car also has fantastic reverse speed, being almost as fast in reverse as it is going forward. This allows the {{PAGENAME}} to escape from a bad situation incredibly quickly when the need arises.

As with most wheeled vehicles, however, the {{PAGENAME}} loses much of its speed on soft ground. Sand, thick mud and water of almost any depth slow the car to a crawl making it extremely vulnerable to enemy fire.

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

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

{{main|47/40 mod.38 (47 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[47/40 mod.38 (47 mm)|47 mm 47/40 mod.38]] || 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" | 146 || rowspan="2" | -7°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 13.3 || 18.4 || 22.4 || 24.8 || 26.4 || rowspan="2" | 5.98 || rowspan="2" | 5.29 || rowspan="2" | 4.88 || rowspan="2" | 4.60
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 8.3 || 9.8 || 11.9 || 13.2 || 14.0
|-
|}

The 47/40 mod.38 gun offers an average penetration power at its battle rating. Its good muzzle velocity still allows for pretty flat firing trajectories. The accuracy drop is noticeable from 700 m distance and becomes a handicap over 1,000 m. The rotation speed of the turret is rather slow but average compared to other tanks at the same rank or battle rating. The elevation angle of the gun is important, allowing you to fire at an elevated position and the depression angle average, making it possible to fire only from behind mild ridges. Lacking a stabilizer, the tank can't reliably fire on the move. The reload time of the gun is long when compared with other tanks equipped with a 47 mm cannon at the same BR (twice longer in average). The gun recoil is important but it does not turn out to be a handicap as its effect is offset by the length of the reloading process.

==== Ammunition ====
The shells available for the {{PAGENAME}} are limited:

* '''Granata mod.35''': HE; a high-explosive useful for destroying open and lightly armoured vehicles. It however is a very slow shell travelling (twice slower than the other projectile). You can pack a few of those as you lack a heavy machine gun.
* '''Granata Perforante mod.39''': APBC; a solid shot with an average penetration but no explosive filler. Make sure to target modules and crew positions to maximise the damage. Disabling the enemy gunner on your first shot will be critical to win engagements as you'll most likely need several shots to destroy an enemy vehicle. This shell should be your default 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
|-
| Granata mod.35 || HE || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5
|-
| Granata Perforante mod.39 || APBC || 69 || 67 || 59 || 51 || 43 || 37
|-
|}
{| 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%
|-
| Granata mod.35 || HE || 364 || 2.37 || 0 || 0.1 || 150 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| Granata Perforante mod.39 || APBC || 755 || 1.44 || 1.2 || 9 || 30 || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.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
|-
| '''146''' || 74 ''(+72)'' || 1 ''(+145)'' || No
|-
|}
Notes:

* As they are modeled by sets of 3 or 4, shells disappear from the rack only after you fire all shells in the set.
* Both racks are massive and deplete from rear to front.

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

{{main|Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)|8 mm Breda Mod. 38]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 1,992 (24) || 600 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

The small calibre of the Breda Mod. 38 machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.

== Usage in battles ==

The AB 43 makes for an extremely effective vehicle at its BR, combining outstanding mobility with an effective gun. This allows the vehicle to scout extremely well for its team, while still having the firepower to punish enemies who allow it to flank. Urban maps give the vehicle a chance to use its speed and mobility to quickly enter caps and good flanking positions, and their close-range gives the car a chance to outmanoeuvre larger enemies and fire shots into their rear and side armour.

On larger rural maps the AB 43 will have to stick to roads in order to maintain its speed advantage, so players should be careful not to charge directly into enemy tanks. Players must be careful not to get caught out in the open, as the vehicles' tall profile makes it an easy target for enemies firing from a distance even when moving quickly.

The vehicle remains a fairly effective scout at higher battle ratings and can be a viable choice in higher-rank lineups if properly played. The 47 mm gun can still penetrate the side armour of most medium tanks up to 3.7, and its strong post-penetration effects give it good one-shot potential

The most consistently dangerous enemies for the AB 43 are those with fast traversing, fast-firing guns that can hit the car as it races around the map. Heavy tanks such as the KV-1 are effectively immune to the 47mm gun, but only appear if the AB 43 is teamed with higher-rank Italian tanks.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent speed and agility on flat ground, with an outstanding reverse speed
* Effective high-velocity gun against enemy contemporaries
* Speed and scouting ability remains useful in higher-rank lineups
* Surprisingly survivable due to spaced crew members and prevention of APHE spalling

'''Cons:'''

* Very poor armour and general survivability
* Extremely slow over poor terrain
* Large flat profile presents a good target for enemy guns
* The Italian tech tree lacks effective vehicles on par with AB 43's matchmaking, often forcing players to make a lineup with higher-rank tanks

== History ==

{{main|AB_41#History|l1=History of the AB 41}}

A prototype successor to the successful AB 41 armoured car. The turret was widened, with plans for a 47 mm gun (either the 47/32 or the new 47/40 to be used in the new M15/42 tanks) and a more powerful engine. The Germans seized the prototypes in the fall of Italy and ordered 102 made for their own use, which used the AB 41's 20 mm gun instead. These were sometimes designated AB 41/43s in German service.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=italy&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=light_tank&vehicle=it_ab_43 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|OQNlfAprZos|'''Hot Wheels, {{PAGENAME}} Armored Car''' - ''Joseph 2000''|eNOdDkA7ANc|'''Autoblinda 43 ({{PAGENAME}}), Italian, Tier-2, Armored Car''' - ''Angry Nerd Gaming''}}

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

* [[AB 41]]

;Vehicles equipped with the same gun

* [[M14/41 (47/40)]]
* [[M15/42]]

;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[Daimler Mk II]]

== External links ==


* [[wikipedia:Autoblindo_Fiat-Ansaldo|[Wikipedia] Autoblindo Fiat-Ansaldo]]
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/italy/autoblinda-ab41/ <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Autoblinda AB 41/43]
* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=379 <nowiki>[Military Factory]</nowiki> Autoblinda 40/41/43]

{{TankManufacturer FIAT-Ansaldo}}
{{Italy light tanks}}
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

47/40 mod.38 (47 mm)

2021-12-22T09:11:50Z

U122946199:

== Description ==
''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.''

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|it_ab_43}}
* {{Specs-Link|it_sahariano}}
* {{Specs-Link|it_m14_41_47_40}}
* {{Specs-Link|it_m15_42}}

== General info ==
''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the cannon or machine gun.''

=== Available 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
|-
| Granata mod.35 || HE || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5
|-
| Granata Perforante mod.39 || APBC || 69 || 67 || 59 || 51 || 43 || 37
|-
|}
{| 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%
|-
| Granata mod.35 || HE || 364 || 2.37 || 2.0 || 0.1 || 150 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| Granata Perforante mod.39 || APBC || 755 || 1.44 || 1.2 || 9.0 || 30 || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
|}

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of cannons/machine guns that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the cannon/machine gun in the game - its distinctive features, tactics of usage against notable opponents. Please don't write a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought.''

=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.''

'''Pros:'''

* Access to APBC rounds with effective post-penetration damage
* Relatively brief reload time - can recover quickly after a missed shot.

'''Cons:'''

* HE shell with very slow muzzle velocity

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon 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 weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-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>.''

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== 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 article about the variant of the cannon/machine gun;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

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

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

{{Italy tank cannons}}

[[Category:Tank cannons]]

Sd.Kfz.234/2

2021-12-21T09:30:06Z

U122946199:

{{About
| about = German light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Sd.Kfz.234 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=germ_sdkfz_234_2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_Sd.Kfz.234_2.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (also known as the '''{{PAGENAME}}''') is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]].

A respectable armoured car, the {{PAGENAME}} presents great speed and a significant 50 mm KwK.39/1 cannon. Due to its status as a light tank, and thus have the ability to recon, it should put more emphasis on its speed to put itself in an advantageous position to sight targets for allies, with its gun only for emergencies should an enemy vehicle try to get an upper hand of the vehicle.

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

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour
* Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet, Vision ports)
* Wheel (Tires)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 30 mm (40°) ''Front plate'' 15 mm (70°), 30 mm (55°) ''Front glacis'' 30 mm (35°) ''Lower glacis'' || 8 mm (34-35°) ''Top'' 8 (10-35°) + 4 mm || 10 mm (21°) ''Upper glacis'' 10 mm + 10 mm (46°) ''Lower glacis'' || 15 (20°) ''Driver compartment'' 5 mm ''Crew & engine compartments''
|-
| Turret || 30 mm (20°) ''Turret front'' 30 + 50 mm (conical) ''Gun mantlet'' || 14.5 mm (24-25°) || 14.5 mm (25°) 8 mm (22°) ''Pistol port'' || 8 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Torsion bars and wheels are 10 mm thick.
* Belly armour is 12.7 mm thick.
* Mudguards and storage boxes are 4 mm thick.
* Vision ports on car body are 10 mm thick.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=325|rbMinHp=186}}

The Puma can reach a speed of around 45 km/h on flat terrain. Thanks to its transmission, it can drive in reverse with the same speed and manoeuvrability. Due to its wheeled design, it struggles in sand, snow and mud. It is also hard to keep going straight in a line at high speeds. The game does offer some degree of compensation for this via the "Activate Cruise Mode" control binding under the "Tank Driving" subsection. When using Cruise Mode, hold down the desired key you bound its activation to, and steer with mouse movements, allowing pinpoint steering while retaining speed. However, you cannot shoot while using Cruise Mode, so use it wisely.

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

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

{{main|KwK39 (50 mm)}}

The Puma fields the KwK.39/1 cannon, a similar cannon to that seen in the late Panzer III models, as well as the same ammunition. The cannon was designed for a, anti-tank role and it does its job well. It can select from a 106 mm pen APC shell, which should be your main round, two APCR shells with 130 mm and 137 mm pen respectively (you should carry a few of the better ones, especially if you uptier the Puma so it might see KV-1s, as well for long range sniping), and an HE shell witch can be used against AA trucks. As the APC shell has no ballistic cap, it might struggle against angled armour, so it is best to go for side shots. With a reload of 4.1 seconds and high velocity shells, this tank can do the job both in close-quarters and at long range.

{| 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" | 55 || 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" | 4.25 || 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 || 2 || 0.1 || 170 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! 7th rack empty
! 8th rack empty
! 9th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''55''' || 33 ''(+22)'' || 29 ''(+26)'' || 25 ''(+30)'' || 21 ''(+34)'' || 17 ''(+38)'' || 13 ''(+42)'' || 9 ''(+46)'' || 5 ''(+50)'' || 1 ''(+54)'' || No
|-
|}
[[File:Ammoracks_Sd.Kfz.234-2.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

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

{{main|MG42 (7.92 mm)}}

The Puma has a coaxial MG42 that is only useful against exposed crew members.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[MG42 (7.92 mm)|7.92 mm MG42]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 1,850 (150) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


The Puma adopts a lot of typical light tank tactics. To play this vehicle well, you must shoot and scoot. Your fast reload times in combination with a very fast reverse speed makes it ideal for firing around a corner then backing up and flanking. The tank is very fast on road, however it has poor performance off-road so it is not recommended on desert maps and muddy maps where you can get slowed down by the terrain. Due to the fact that you have weak armour and a compact crew module, penetrative shots typically result in your destruction. It is advised to not brawl with tanks and to flank whenever possible, using your speed and mobility versus enemy tanks as your armour. Use the terrain to your advantage, firing over hills and making good use of your gun depression. Sidescrape corners and do not hold angles, as you will most likely be destroyed.

The tank's speed in combination with its low spawn cost in RB as a light tank makes it ideal to spawn in at the start of the game and capture the objective in 2 or 3 point domination. This guarantees you spawn points for a respawn and gives you opportunities to flank the enemy.

The real beauty of the Puma is its ability to flank around different parts of the map very quickly. It is extremely manoeuvrable and can traverse most types of terrain very quickly (avoid mud). You should take up a covert play style with this vehicle. Even if you see an enemy, you should only fire at the perfect moment, where you are guaranteed a score. This especially applies to T-34s and KV-1's, where hits to the side or rear are far more effective. This being said, the 5 cm gun is a great gun. It is easy to use, high velocity, accurate and has a good range of ammunition.

Notable enemies you will meet are the [[T-34 (1942)]] and [[M4]] Sherman, along with armoured tanks like the [[Churchill I]], [[Matilda III]], [[Valentine XI]], and the [[KV-1 (L-11)]] These tanks are difficult to penetrate and require advanced knowledge of weak spots, so it is advised to avoid these where possible. Medium tanks are easier to combat if flanked, however it is not always reliable due to the weak penetration of the PzGr 39 and the poor penetration to sloped armour for PzGr 40.

Out of all the enemies you will meet, the T-34s are probably the biggest threat. The sloped armour is difficult to penetrate and they have excellent mobility, meaning you will meet them often. The gun is also utterly devastating for the Puma. The high explosive filler and range of shells will make short work of your vehicle. If you encounter an T-34 (any variant), aim for the turret cheeks and take out the gunner. Aiming at the frontal hull armour is unreliable and often results in a ricochet. T-34s are also very, very mobile, so it is best to go for side shots on them if you insist on engaging them.

Shermans also present the problem of sloped frontal armour. The M4A1 isn't as much of a problem, but the M4/M4A2/M4A3 variants are more difficult to penetrate. From the side, Shermans have flat armour and tall profiles. They are easy to destroy when flanked, but they too have exceptionally good mobility, especially cross-country, so they can prove to be even more of a pain to deal with than T-34s. They also have short-stop stabilizers and .50 cals which make them even more of a threat.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Main cannon is powerful. It has great penetration, reload speed and nice trajectory. AP penetrates normal targets (T-34, M4) easily and APCR (up to 128 mm penetration) can also effectively pen heavy targets like the [[KV-1 (L-11)]]
* Extremely high forward and reverse speed makes it the fastest vehicle on road; can get to positions quickly or retreat fast
* Small and narrow frontal profile allows it to hide behind small bushes or rocks; it's also harder to get hit
* Can be a great scout vehicle in higher ranks due to its fast speed. Even the [[M18 GMC]] cannot easily outrun it
* Only 8 mm side armour meaning some shells will go straight through without being detonated
* Has a wide range of good-looking camouflage to unlock. Suitable for almost every terrain/map
* Has 6 smoke grenades that create a wide frontal screen when launched; very useful when trying to cover up a general area
* Surprisingly durable at times, due to inexperienced players shooting at the front, ignoring the crew member lying in the back
* Gun mantlet is thick and covers most of the turret, which makes the turret surprisingly durable

'''Cons:'''

* Thin armour overall, can get killed by almost anything including artillery strikes, strafing planes and [[M2 Browning (12.7 mm)|.50 cal M2 Browning]]
* Extremely slow turret rotation, combined with the sharp turns at high speed, it is hard to aim
* Relatively low calibre shells tend to bounce off angled armour, angled hull of the [[T-34 (Family)|T-34]] is almost impossible to penetrate
* Compact crew compartment, will be easily destroyed in one shot by a skilled player
* Starts to snake around at high speeds making it hard to control, needing counter-steering.
* Sluggish mobility on snowy and desert maps which take away its biggest advantage: mobility
* Cannot turn in place due to wheels
* Smoke grenades can only be launched all at once which limits its effectiveness
* Vulnerable to overpressure (HE shells, artillery strikes, bombs and rockets)
* Hard to control at top speed

== History ==

===Development===
The blitzkrieg tactics in Poland and France gave the Germans a new appreciation of mobile and lethal reconnaissance vehicles. The Germans especially valued the armoured cars due to their speed, firepower, and their pre-war build-up as they were not restricted by the Versailles Treaty. The Germans started with armoured cars like the Sd.Kfz.231 family, each with different armaments. However, these vehicles had its flaws and in August 1940, Germany sought a replacement following the conclusion of the Battle of France.

The new vehicle was built off an improved Sd.Kfz.232 chassis made in monocoque construction by Büssing-NAG, its armoured body was made by Deutsche Edelstahlwerke, the turret by Daimler-Benz and Schichau, and air-cooled diesel engines by Ringhoffer-Tatra-Werke AG. The monocoque chassis design was built with an eight-wheel steering system, six forward and reverse gears, as well as having an additional driver seat in the rear for quick reversal get-aways. This construction led to '''Sd.Kfz.234''' family. Vehicle construction first started in 1943 as the [[Sd.Kfz.234/2]], which had a turret originally intended for the VK 1602 Leopard mounting a [[KwK 39 (50 mm)|5 cm L/60]] gun, construction continued on this vehicle until mid-1944. The Sd.Kfz.234/2 earned the nickname "Puma" from the soldiers using it.

Production for Sd.Kfz.234/2 shifted towards other armaments in 1944 that replaced the original. This produced variants such as the [[Sd.Kfz.234/1]] which replaced the turret with an open-top one carrying a [[KwK 30 (20 mm)|2 cm KwK 38]], this was produced between mid-1944 to early 1945. Right besides that, the [[Sd.Kfz.234/3]] was produced with an open-top structure to mount a [[KwK 37 (75 mm)|75 mm howitzer]], this was produced from mid-1944 until the end of 1944. At the Sd.Kfz.234/3's production end, it was replaced by the [[Sd.Kfz.234/4]], also known as the "Pakwagen", that had the armament replaced by a [[PaK40/3 L46 (75 mm)|7.5 cm PaK40]] anti-tank gun. This last variant was produced from the end of 1944 to the capitulation of Germany in World War II. A total of 478 Sd.Kfz.234 armoured cars were produced, 200 of the 234/1, 101 of the 234/2, 88 of the 234/3, and 89 of the 234/4.

===Combat usage===
The Sd.Kfz.234 cars were originally intended for the conflicts in North Africa. However, the engine development took abnormally long to complete and by the time it was ready, the North African theater had concluded. Nevertheless, they served in the Western and Eastern front with success, but was impeded by its low production count.

The Sd.Kfz. 234/2 variant was arguably the most popular, as the staple of the 234 family. The vehicle served in the Panzer Lehr Division, 1st and 2nd SS Panzer Division, 2nd, 7th, 13th, and 20th Panzer Division. The Sd.Kfz.234 in the recon companies were allocated in 19 or 25 vehicles per division, further split into platoons up to six vehicles and one as the headquarters. However, due to their low production numbers, this allocation was rarely kept in full strength in the war,

The Sd.Kfz.234 first saw combat in Normandy after D-Day in the stationed Panzer Lehr and 2nd Panzer Division in the Sd.Kfz.234/2 variant. The divisions used these vehicles in recon roles until their withdrawal behind the Seine River, with Panzer Lehr having 8 Sd.Kfz.234/2 of the original 26 it had. These divisions were rebuilt in the fall of 1944 with the Sd.Kfz.234/1 and Sd.Kfz.234/3 after the 234/2 ceased production.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_sdkfz_234_2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Sights

* [https://live.warthunder.com/post/675135/en/ RideR2's Realistic gunsight (TZF4a, TZF 5a/b/d/e/f/f2, TZF 9b/b1/c/d, TZF 12/a) for Pzkpfw II, Pzkpfw III, Pzkpfw IV, Pzkpfw V, Pzkpfw VI] (Sd.Kfz.234/2 included)

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="250px">
File:Sdkfz. 2342 media 1.png|A {{PAGENAME}} engaging an M4A1 Sherman.
File:Sdkfz.2342 media 2.png|A {{PAGENAME}} and a T-50 performing a flanking attack on an M4A1 Sherman.
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|tpr7lZStsTs|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''}}

== See also ==


;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[T18E2]]
* [[AEC Mk II]]
* [[SARC MkVI (2pdr)]]
* [[SARC MkVI (6pdr)]]
* [[AB 43|AB43]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/4713-development-sd-kfz-234-2-puma-the-nimble-feline-predator-en|[Devblog] Sd.Kfz 234/2 Puma: The Nimble Feline Predator]]

{{Germany light tanks}}
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

47/40 mod.38 (47 mm)

2021-12-21T04:33:07Z

U122946199:

== Description ==
''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.''

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|it_ab_43}}
* {{Specs-Link|it_sahariano}}
* {{Specs-Link|it_m14_41_47_40}}
* {{Specs-Link|it_m15_42}}

== General info ==
''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the cannon or machine gun.''

=== Available 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
|-
| Granata mod.35 || HE || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5
|-
| Granata Perforante mod.39 || APBC || 69 || 67 || 59 || 51 || 43 || 37
|-
|}
{| 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%
|-
| Granata mod.35 || HE || 364 || 2.37 || 2.0 || 0.1 || 150 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| Granata Perforante mod.39 || APBC || 755 || 1.44 || 1.2 || 9.0 || 30 || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
|}

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of cannons/machine guns that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the cannon/machine gun in the game - its distinctive features, tactics of usage against notable opponents. Please don't write a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought.''

=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.''

'''Pros:'''

- Short reload

- Access to APHEBC rounds with effective post-penetration damage

- Somewhat high velocity

*

'''Cons:'''

- Average penetration

*

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon 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 weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-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>.''

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== 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 article about the variant of the cannon/machine gun;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

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

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

{{Italy tank cannons}}

[[Category:Tank cannons]]

Breda Model 39 37/54 (37 mm)

2021-12-20T11:50:54Z

U122946199: pros n' cons

== Description ==
''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.''

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|fc_20_bis}}

== General info ==
''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the cannon or machine gun.''

=== Available ammunition ===


* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|HEF-T*|High-explosive fragmentation tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APHE*|Armour-piercing high-explosive (self-destroying)}}
* '''Air targets:''' {{Annotation|HEF-T*|High-explosive fragmentation tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T*|High-explosive fragmentation tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''Armored targets:''' {{Annotation|APHE*|Armour-piercing high-explosive (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APHE*|Armour-piercing high-explosive (self-destroying)}}

{| 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 || 49 || 47 || 39 || 30 || 24 || 19
|-
| Air targets || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3
|-
| Armored targets || 49 || 47 || 39 || 30 || 24 || 19
|-
|}

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of cannons/machine guns that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the cannon/machine gun in the game - its distinctive features, tactics of usage against notable opponents. Please don't write a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought.''

=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.''

'''Pros:'''

- Rapid fire

- Access to lethal APHE rounds

*

'''Cons:'''

- Abysmal performance when stock - mix of inadequate HE and effective APHE shells

- Average penetration

*

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon 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 weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-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>.''

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== 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 article about the variant of the cannon/machine gun;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

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

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

{{Italy aircraft cannons}}

[[Category:Aircraft cannons]]

AB 43

2021-11-22T05:21:23Z

U122946199: /* Media */

{{Specs-Card
|code=it_ab_43
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (shortened as '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''') is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].

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


'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 8 mm (22°) ''Upper Plate'' 8 mm (44-68°) ''Upper Glacis'' 8 mm (19-50°) ''Lower Glacis'' || 8 mm || 8 mm (16°) ''Crew Compartment'' 5 mm (33°) ''Engine Compartment'' 8 mm (27°) ''Lower plate'' || 6 mm ''Crew Compartment'' 6 mm (18°) ''Engine Compartment - Centre'' 8 mm (39°) ''Engine Compartment - Sides''
|-
| Turret || 18 mm (16°) ''Turret front'' 37 mm (cylindrical) ''Gun mantlet'' || colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 8 mm (28-29°) || 8 mm
|}
'''Notes:'''

* The wheels are 10 mm thick while the torsion bars are 1 mm thick.
* The gun barrel is 10 mm thick while the coaxial machine gun is 5 mm thick.

As a thin-skinned armoured car, the {{PAGENAME}} offers very little in the way of real protection with 8 mm of armour all around, and a slightly thicker 35 mm gun mantlet. This struggles to keep out heavy machine gun fire at anything other than long range and remains extremely vulnerable to artillery and strafing aircraft. However, the vehicle's internal modules are relatively widely spaced, so that AP rounds will often not knock out the {{PAGENAME}} in a single hit. The car's low-mounted ammo racks also reduce the likelihood of ammunition detonation.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=170|rbMinHp=97}}

The {{PAGENAME}} offers outstanding mobility on flat smooth ground. As well as a very high top speed, the vehicle also has an excellent turning circle making it extremely agile on more urban maps. The car also has fantastic reverse speed, being almost as fast in reverse as it is going forward. This allows the {{PAGENAME}} to escape from a bad situation incredibly quickly when the need arises.

As with most wheeled vehicles, however, the {{PAGENAME}} loses much of its speed on soft ground. Sand, thick mud and water of almost any depth slow the car to a crawl making it extremely vulnerable to enemy fire.

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

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

{{main|47/40 mod.38 (47 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[47/40 mod.38 (47 mm)|47 mm 47/40 mod.38]] || 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" | 146 || rowspan="2" | -7°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 13.3 || 18.4 || 22.4 || 24.8 || 26.4 || rowspan="2" | 5.98 || rowspan="2" | 5.29 || rowspan="2" | 4.88 || rowspan="2" | 4.60
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 8.3 || 9.8 || 11.9 || 13.2 || 14.0
|-
|}

The 47/40 mod.38 gun offers an average penetration power at its battle rating. Its good muzzle velocity still allows for pretty flat firing trajectories. The accuracy drop is noticeable from 700 m distance and becomes a handicap over 1,000 m. The rotation speed of the turret is rather slow but average compared to other tanks at the same rank or battle rating. The elevation angle of the gun is important, allowing you to fire at an elevated position and the depression angle average, making it possible to fire only from behind mild ridges. Lacking a stabilizer, the tank can't reliably fire on the move. The reload time of the gun is long when compared with other tanks equipped with a 47 mm cannon at the same BR (twice longer in average). The gun recoil is important but it does not turn out to be a handicap as its effect is offset by the length of the reloading process.

==== Ammunition ====
The shells available for the {{PAGENAME}} are limited:

* '''Granata mod.35''': HE; a high-explosive useful for destroying open and lightly armoured vehicles. It however is a very slow shell travelling (twice slower than the other projectile). You can pack a few of those as you lack a heavy machine gun.
* '''Granata Perforante mod.39''': APBC; a solid shot with an average penetration but no explosive filler. Make sure to target modules and crew positions to maximise the damage. Disabling the enemy gunner on your first shot will be critical to win engagements as you'll most likely need several shots to destroy an enemy vehicle. This shell should be your default 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
|-
| Granata mod.35 || HE || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5
|-
| Granata Perforante mod.39 || APBC || 69 || 67 || 59 || 51 || 43 || 37
|-
|}
{| 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%
|-
| Granata mod.35 || HE || 364 || 2.37 || 0 || 0.1 || 150 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| Granata Perforante mod.39 || APBC || 755 || 1.44 || 1.2 || 9 || 30 || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.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
|-
| '''146''' || 74 ''(+72)'' || 1 ''(+145)'' || No
|-
|}
Notes:

* As they are modeled by sets of 3 or 4, shells disappear from the rack only after you fire all shells in the set.
* Both racks are massive and deplete from rear to front.

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

{{main|Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)|8 mm Breda Mod. 38]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 1,992 (24) || 600 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

The small calibre of the Breda Mod. 38 machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.

== Usage in battles ==

The AB 43 makes for an extremely effective vehicle at its BR, combining outstanding mobility with an effective gun. This allows the vehicle to scout extremely well for its team, while still having the firepower to punish enemies who allow it to flank. Urban maps give the vehicle a chance to use its speed and mobility to quickly enter caps and good flanking positions, and their close-range gives the car a chance to outmanoeuvre larger enemies and fire shots into their rear and side armour.

On larger rural maps the AB 43 will have to stick to roads in order to maintain its speed advantage, so players should be careful not to charge directly into enemy tanks. Players must be careful not to get caught out in the open, as the vehicles' tall profile makes it an easy target for enemies firing from a distance even when moving quickly.

The vehicle remains a fairly effective scout at higher battle ratings and can be a viable choice in higher-rank lineups if properly played. The 47 mm gun can still penetrate the side armour of most medium tanks up to 3.7, and its strong post-penetration effects give it good one-shot potential

The most consistently dangerous enemies for the AB 43 are those with fast traversing, fast-firing guns that can hit the car as it races around the map. Heavy tanks such as the KV-1 are effectively immune to the 47mm gun, but only appear if the AB 43 is teamed with higher-rank Italian tanks.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent speed and agility on flat ground, with an outstanding reverse speed
* Effective high-velocity gun against enemy contemporaries
* Speed and scouting ability remains useful in higher-rank lineups

'''Cons:'''

* Very poor armour and general survivability
* Extremely slow over poor terrain
* Large flat profile presents a good target for enemy guns
* The Italian tech tree lacks effective vehicles on par with AB 43's matchmaking, often forcing players to make a lineup with higher-rank tanks

== History ==

{{main|AB_41#History|l1=History of the AB 41}}

A prototype successor to the successful AB 41 armoured car. The turret was widened, with plans for a 47 mm gun (either the 47/32 or the new 47/40 to be used in the new M15/42 tanks) and a more powerful engine. The Germans seized the prototypes in the fall of Italy and ordered 102 made for their own use, which used the AB 41's 20 mm gun instead. These were sometimes designated AB 41/43s in German service.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=italy&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=light_tank&vehicle=it_ab_43 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|OQNlfAprZos|'''Hot Wheels, {{PAGENAME}} Armored Car''' - ''Joseph 2000''|eNOdDkA7ANc|'''Autoblinda 43 ({{PAGENAME}}), Italian, Tier-2, Armored Car''' - ''Angry Nerd Gaming''}}

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

* [[AB 41]]

;Vehicles equipped with the same gun

* [[M14/41 (47/40)]]
* [[M15/42]]

;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[Daimler Mk II]]

== External links ==


* [[wikipedia:Autoblindo_Fiat-Ansaldo|[Wikipedia] Autoblindo Fiat-Ansaldo]]
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/italy/autoblinda-ab41/ <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Autoblinda AB 41/43]
* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=379 <nowiki>[Military Factory]</nowiki> Autoblinda 40/41/43]

{{Italy light tanks}}
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

AB 43

2021-11-22T05:20:40Z

U122946199: /* Media */

{{Specs-Card
|code=it_ab_43
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (shortened as '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''') is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].

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


'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 8 mm (22°) ''Upper Plate'' 8 mm (44-68°) ''Upper Glacis'' 8 mm (19-50°) ''Lower Glacis'' || 8 mm || 8 mm (16°) ''Crew Compartment'' 5 mm (33°) ''Engine Compartment'' 8 mm (27°) ''Lower plate'' || 6 mm ''Crew Compartment'' 6 mm (18°) ''Engine Compartment - Centre'' 8 mm (39°) ''Engine Compartment - Sides''
|-
| Turret || 18 mm (16°) ''Turret front'' 37 mm (cylindrical) ''Gun mantlet'' || colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 8 mm (28-29°) || 8 mm
|}
'''Notes:'''

* The wheels are 10 mm thick while the torsion bars are 1 mm thick.
* The gun barrel is 10 mm thick while the coaxial machine gun is 5 mm thick.

As a thin-skinned armoured car, the {{PAGENAME}} offers very little in the way of real protection with 8 mm of armour all around, and a slightly thicker 35 mm gun mantlet. This struggles to keep out heavy machine gun fire at anything other than long range and remains extremely vulnerable to artillery and strafing aircraft. However, the vehicle's internal modules are relatively widely spaced, so that AP rounds will often not knock out the {{PAGENAME}} in a single hit. The car's low-mounted ammo racks also reduce the likelihood of ammunition detonation.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=170|rbMinHp=97}}

The {{PAGENAME}} offers outstanding mobility on flat smooth ground. As well as a very high top speed, the vehicle also has an excellent turning circle making it extremely agile on more urban maps. The car also has fantastic reverse speed, being almost as fast in reverse as it is going forward. This allows the {{PAGENAME}} to escape from a bad situation incredibly quickly when the need arises.

As with most wheeled vehicles, however, the {{PAGENAME}} loses much of its speed on soft ground. Sand, thick mud and water of almost any depth slow the car to a crawl making it extremely vulnerable to enemy fire.

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

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

{{main|47/40 mod.38 (47 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[47/40 mod.38 (47 mm)|47 mm 47/40 mod.38]] || 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" | 146 || rowspan="2" | -7°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 13.3 || 18.4 || 22.4 || 24.8 || 26.4 || rowspan="2" | 5.98 || rowspan="2" | 5.29 || rowspan="2" | 4.88 || rowspan="2" | 4.60
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 8.3 || 9.8 || 11.9 || 13.2 || 14.0
|-
|}

The 47/40 mod.38 gun offers an average penetration power at its battle rating. Its good muzzle velocity still allows for pretty flat firing trajectories. The accuracy drop is noticeable from 700 m distance and becomes a handicap over 1,000 m. The rotation speed of the turret is rather slow but average compared to other tanks at the same rank or battle rating. The elevation angle of the gun is important, allowing you to fire at an elevated position and the depression angle average, making it possible to fire only from behind mild ridges. Lacking a stabilizer, the tank can't reliably fire on the move. The reload time of the gun is long when compared with other tanks equipped with a 47 mm cannon at the same BR (twice longer in average). The gun recoil is important but it does not turn out to be a handicap as its effect is offset by the length of the reloading process.

==== Ammunition ====
The shells available for the {{PAGENAME}} are limited:

* '''Granata mod.35''': HE; a high-explosive useful for destroying open and lightly armoured vehicles. It however is a very slow shell travelling (twice slower than the other projectile). You can pack a few of those as you lack a heavy machine gun.
* '''Granata Perforante mod.39''': APBC; a solid shot with an average penetration but no explosive filler. Make sure to target modules and crew positions to maximise the damage. Disabling the enemy gunner on your first shot will be critical to win engagements as you'll most likely need several shots to destroy an enemy vehicle. This shell should be your default 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
|-
| Granata mod.35 || HE || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5
|-
| Granata Perforante mod.39 || APBC || 69 || 67 || 59 || 51 || 43 || 37
|-
|}
{| 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%
|-
| Granata mod.35 || HE || 364 || 2.37 || 0 || 0.1 || 150 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| Granata Perforante mod.39 || APBC || 755 || 1.44 || 1.2 || 9 || 30 || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.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
|-
| '''146''' || 74 ''(+72)'' || 1 ''(+145)'' || No
|-
|}
Notes:

* As they are modeled by sets of 3 or 4, shells disappear from the rack only after you fire all shells in the set.
* Both racks are massive and deplete from rear to front.

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

{{main|Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)|8 mm Breda Mod. 38]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 1,992 (24) || 600 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

The small calibre of the Breda Mod. 38 machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.

== Usage in battles ==

The AB 43 makes for an extremely effective vehicle at its BR, combining outstanding mobility with an effective gun. This allows the vehicle to scout extremely well for its team, while still having the firepower to punish enemies who allow it to flank. Urban maps give the vehicle a chance to use its speed and mobility to quickly enter caps and good flanking positions, and their close-range gives the car a chance to outmanoeuvre larger enemies and fire shots into their rear and side armour.

On larger rural maps the AB 43 will have to stick to roads in order to maintain its speed advantage, so players should be careful not to charge directly into enemy tanks. Players must be careful not to get caught out in the open, as the vehicles' tall profile makes it an easy target for enemies firing from a distance even when moving quickly.

The vehicle remains a fairly effective scout at higher battle ratings and can be a viable choice in higher-rank lineups if properly played. The 47 mm gun can still penetrate the side armour of most medium tanks up to 3.7, and its strong post-penetration effects give it good one-shot potential

The most consistently dangerous enemies for the AB 43 are those with fast traversing, fast-firing guns that can hit the car as it races around the map. Heavy tanks such as the KV-1 are effectively immune to the 47mm gun, but only appear if the AB 43 is teamed with higher-rank Italian tanks.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent speed and agility on flat ground, with an outstanding reverse speed
* Effective high-velocity gun against enemy contemporaries
* Speed and scouting ability remains useful in higher-rank lineups

'''Cons:'''

* Very poor armour and general survivability
* Extremely slow over poor terrain
* Large flat profile presents a good target for enemy guns
* The Italian tech tree lacks effective vehicles on par with AB 43's matchmaking, often forcing players to make a lineup with higher-rank tanks

== History ==

{{main|AB_41#History|l1=History of the AB 41}}

A prototype successor to the successful AB 41 armoured car. The turret was widened, with plans for a 47 mm gun (either the 47/32 or the new 47/40 to be used in the new M15/42 tanks) and a more powerful engine. The Germans seized the prototypes in the fall of Italy and ordered 102 made for their own use, which used the AB 41's 20 mm gun instead. These were sometimes designated AB 41/43s in German service.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=italy&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=light_tank&vehicle=it_ab_43 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|OQNlfAprZos|'''Hot Wheels, {{PAGENAME}} Armored Car''' - ''Joseph 2000''|eNOdDkA7ANc|'''Autoblinda 43 ({{PAGENAME}}), Italian, Tier-2, Armored Car''' - ''Angry Nerd Gaming''}}<nowiki>{{Youtube-gallery|uZXeB_QQdvA|War Thunder - AB43 "I'm a target!"}}</nowiki>

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

* [[AB 41]]

;Vehicles equipped with the same gun

* [[M14/41 (47/40)]]
* [[M15/42]]

;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[Daimler Mk II]]

== External links ==


* [[wikipedia:Autoblindo_Fiat-Ansaldo|[Wikipedia] Autoblindo Fiat-Ansaldo]]
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/italy/autoblinda-ab41/ <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Autoblinda AB 41/43]
* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=379 <nowiki>[Military Factory]</nowiki> Autoblinda 40/41/43]

{{Italy light tanks}}
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]