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Falcon

2024-01-16T11:45:48Z

U145142441: /* History */ I added a paragraph

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

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicle {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]]. While being an anti-aircraft vehicle, the Falcon has optimal performance against everything, assuming you have enough modifications. Some self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicles have a high fire rate, which allows them to destroy planes instantly or harass them from great distances, although they may have problems with standard ground vehicles due to armour. There are others which can destroy tanks by using high penetration ammunition but have difficulty taking down aircraft due to a lack of explosive filler. The Falcon has the ability to perform both of these roles with a high degree of efficiency.

The Falcon has the appearance of a light tank with a slightly sloped round turret on the back. It is easy to recognize the Falcon due to its unique features as there are not many vehicles like it on a field at its battle rating.

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


The armour on the Falcon is not very effective, as it can only reliably protect against rifle-calibre machine guns. Aircraft that are armed with heavy machine guns and cannons are able to destroy it, but the Falcon is quick and highly manoeuvrable compared to most other vehicles which can allow it to escape into cover.

Important to note that some full calibre APHE shells do not detonate upon impacting the Falcon's armour, granting it some chances to make narrow escapes.

Many of the tanks at the battle rating of the Falcon also carry 12.7 mm or 14.5 mm heavy machine guns and will fire them at the Falcon. These machine guns are easily capable of defeating the armour and will devastate the interior of the vehicle, so as long as the mobility of the vehicle is not hampered it is advisable to keep moving and find cover.

Chemical rounds, such as HEAT-FS and HESH, will obliterate the Falcon, and artillery can also quickly bring a swift end to the Falcon.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 10 mm (80°), 12.7 mm (2-19°) ''Front glacis'' 12.7 mm (37°) ''Lower glacis'' || 12.7 mm ''Top'' 12.7 mm (13°) ''Bottom'' || 10 mm (2°) || 10 mm
|-
| Turret || 10 mm (4-64°) || 10 mm (14-26°) || 10 mm (2°) || 6 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 10 mm thick while tracks are 15 mm thick.
* The general armour on the Falcon is extremely thin, which allows some full calibre APHE shells to pass through without detonating.
* Heavy machine guns are able to defeat the armour protection of the Falcon.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=303|rbMinHp=188}}

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

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

{{main|HSS 831L (30 mm)}}

The Falcon carries two 30 mm autocannons with a high rate of fire. Together, they can shred tanks and planes apart in mere seconds.

Autocannons can overheat if continuously fired, so short bursts work best. Firing for more than 6 seconds can cause overheating and jamming and it is advised to refrain from extended firing unless absolutely necessary. The recoil from guns slows the tank down and pushes it back. If attempting a flanking attack, try to fire over the the side of the vehicle, as otherwise, the opponent's turret might catch up.

Ammunition is stored in two identical belts (one for each cannon), which ensures uniformity of ammunition but does have several disadvantages. For example, rearming the belt is only possible when all ammunition is expended. This takes an extended period of time (20 seconds) and then the Falcon must also reload for 4 seconds; if team lacks any control over the map it may be impossible. Lack of a backup belt also allows aircraft to easily take it out if they are aware of this weakness and see it standing on a capture point.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[HSS 831L (30 mm)|30 mm HSS 831L]] (x2) || 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" | 620 (310) || rowspan="2" | 600 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 70.4 || 97.5 || 118.4 || 130.9 || 139.3 || rowspan="2" | 65.00 || rowspan="2" | 57.50 || rowspan="2" | 53.00 || rowspan="2" | 50.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 47.6 || 56.0 || 68.0 || 75.2 || 80.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|SAP-I|Semi-armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}} - General combat. Avoid heavily armoured vehicles at all costs, but can punish other SPAA and light tanks.
* '''30x170 HE-I-T:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI*|High-explosive incendiary (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI*|High-explosive incendiary (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|SAP-I|Semi-armour-piercing incendiary}} - Belt adapted to hunt down planes. Damage to SPAA and light tanks is reduced severely.
* '''30x170 APHE-I:''' {{Annotation|SAP-I|Semi-armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|SAP-I|Semi-armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|SAP-I|Semi-armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}} - Belt adapted to hunt down light tanks. Damage to planes is reduced, but still adequate.
* '''30x170 APDS-T:''' {{Annotation|SAP-I|Semi-armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|SAP-I|Semi-armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}} - Anti-tank belt. Flank and destroy careless MBTs, damage heavy tanks, while doing AA duty. May not cause fatal damage immediately due to APDS not being the first shell in the belt.

{{:HSS 831L (30 mm)/Ammunition|SAP-I, HEI-T*, HEI*, APDS}}

==== [[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
|-
| '''620''' || 310 ''(+310)''|| 0 ''(+620)''|| No
|-
|}

==== Optics and night vision ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="7" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
|-
! rowspan="3" |Type of optic
! rowspan="3" |Magnification
! colspan="5" |[[Night Vision Devices]]
|-
! colspan="3" |Image Intensifier
! rowspan="2" |{{Annotation|Thermal Imager Resolution|The higher the resolution the clearer and more detailed the image is}}
! rowspan="2" |Notes
|-
! {{Annotation|Resolution|The higher the resolution the clearer and more detailed the image is}}
! {{Annotation|Light Mult|By how much the image intensifier amplifies the existing light, primarily useful for comparing image intensifiers}}
! {{Annotation|Noise Level|How much noise is present in the image (how grainy the image is)}}
|-
! Gunner's Sight
| X1.8 - X3.5 || N/A || N/A || N/A || Not Fitted ||
|-
! Commander's View
| X6 || N/A || N/A || N/A || Not Fitted ||
|-
! Driver's View
| X1 / 3PV || 800X600 || ? || high || Not Fitted || Only useable with tier 4 upgrade
|-
|}

Use night vision to avoid hostile tanks or to fight them at close range at night. The image intensifier is not installed for gunner or commander, so be cautious when shifting between third person and other views during night.

== Usage in battles ==


;Combat tactics

Generally, Falcon drives around the battlefield, trying to hide in hard to notice flank positions or behind houses and shoots at planes. In case if someone drives by - flanks them and destroys them, if the AP belt is equipped.

It's generally better to stay out of sight, using terrain elevation or houses. You only can choose one belt, AP belt is adequate for any work. If you want to shoot just planes you can take explosive ammo, but then you are almost completely useless against armour. APDS belt allows harassing even heavily armoured vehicles from sides. You won't need to reload until you are done.

In case if some tank noticed you and wants to destroy you, you can use the fact, that tanks turrets are usually far from the front of the tank. Bait enemy towards your cover, stand far enough away from the corner to see enemy tracks, but not to see an enemy turret, and shoot cannons at the track that is '''further away from you'''. That will force the moving tank to topple over and mess with the enemy aim. Before enemy realized what has just happened shred their side armour and destroy them. If that failed - run, they won't be able to get you anyway. You can do that in duels as well, however, just destroying them is better at that point.

In RB, it's possible to hide in forests, waiting for relatively poorly armoured German medium tanks, light tanks and alike, however, if they notice your vehicle first you probably won't do enough damage to stop them from firing again.

In AB, it's possible to just drive around and shoot at everyone, since it's even faster there, however, people dislike being shot at by autocannons, and someone will certainly notice the noise and kill-feed, so don't expect to live long, especially against Soviets, who have lots of frontal armour and BMPs, which are superior to you in every way.

Some enemies to be concerned about:

* ATGM: These are worse than any tanks because they won't accidentally hit your loader with AP shell, they will just explode you. Attack only when having the upper hand, be that long range, cover, or surprise.
* [[Maus]]: It's invulnerable to you and has 2 cannons. Even the [[IS-7]] technically can be defeated in point blank duel with APDS belt, but not the Maus. In AB this means, that you can't drive anywhere it can look and fire at.
* American and Soviet tanks, heavy tanks in general: A lot of them have heavy machine guns, which can penetrate the Falcon. They also have superior frontal armour, so try to be careful around them.

;Counter-tactics


''Ground:''

AP and APDS belts are most effective when fired at your side armour or the back of the turret. If you are attacked by a Falcon, just turn both hull and turret to take better angle against them.

It's best to not let them get a jump on you at all, since it may be able to destroy 2 tanks before anyone even realizes what's going on. Just don't stand with your sides open towards flank directions, instead, turn your hull's front and back there, if the enemy you are currently fighting cannot fire at your hull anyway.

On rare occasions, ramming the Falcon damages it's guns. Ramming at full speed often damages tracks or at least temporarily stops it.

''Air:''

The Falcon has questionable accuracy at 2 km range, but it still can force you to disengage just by firing in your general direction. It's still better to not mess with the Falcon and avoid flying too much near to buildings if you know it's there, since its users often fire in the back of planes passing by.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Very quick and highly manoeuvrable which allows it to easily flank enemies
* High penetrating APDS rounds can actually do some major damage at the tier
* Very high one-second burst mass
* Fast turret traverse speed
* Only has one ammo belt per gun so no need to reload
* Has a 2-plane stabilizer for both cannons, meaning you can shoot accurately on the move
* All belts contain APHE Shells with 53 mm of penetration
* Commander has Night Vision Device

'''Cons:'''

* Weak armour
* Average speed without an experienced driver is 30-35km/h
* Shotgun effect when fired continuously for more than 10 seconds. Will most likely overheat at that point, too
* Approximately 30 seconds worth of ammo before needing to rearm at a capture circle, which might be not possible
* HEAT and HESH rounds will knock the Falcon out in one hit

== History ==
Based on the Abbot hull, this vehicle had a two man powered turret mounting twin 30 mm Hispano Suiza stabilised cannon with a rate of fire of 1,300 rounds per minute and an effective range of approximately 3,000 metres. The vehicle was an experimental working prototype only. Development was ceased, principally due to insufficient ammunition stowage.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20091028175239/http://geocities.com/Pentagon/Quarters/7413/FV433Abbot.html</ref>

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_falcon 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 vehicles;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/devblog/current/866/|[Devblog] Falcon AA: Britain's foremost anti-air gun]]

{{Britain anti-aircraft vehicles}}

Archer

2023-11-22T15:35:01Z

U145142441: Added some tactics

{{Specs-Card
|code=uk_sp_17_pdr_valentine
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_Archer_Front.jpg|GarageImage_Archer_Rear.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (also known as just the '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''') is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was released along with the entire British tree line in [[Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]]. The Archer is a unique tank destroyer, as its gun faces the rear of the tank. The Archer can be good at both close combat- so long as you have somewhere to retreat to- and is also good at sniping. In a sense, you might consider the Archer to have two forward directions.

The Archer's armament is very good at this battle rating. The same cannon is even used on Rank III and IV tanks like the [[Sherman Firefly]] and the [[A.C.IV]]. Its reload speed is not bad, but there are faster firing cannons at this rank. However, the Archer can destroy many enemy tanks in one shot, and if it doesn't destroy them it will incapacitate them. If the enemy is not destroyed and they can shoot you, retreat and reload. Once reloaded, you can try to destroy the enemy tank, but if it's aiming in your direction you can try sneaking up on it. The Archer does not have a turret, but its gun can traverse further left and right than most non-turreted tank destroyers, including the [[StuG III F]] and [[SU-122]]. While these tank destroyers have a different battle rating, you may still encounter them.

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


The Archer's armour will not protect against close range fire, and the gun shield is especially vulnerable to fire from heavy machine guns and autocannons. When in a firing position, the engine block can work as extra protection. Generally speaking, don't expect to survive prolonged exchanges with enemy tanks.

When facing the Archer's gun, consider firing onto the right side of the gun shield, as that will eliminate the gunner and prevent the Archer from firing back. Avoid firing directly on the front of the vehicle, as you are unlikely to kill the crew in an efficient amount of time. Instead get shots on the side or concentrate fire on the gun compartment.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 20 mm (32-33°) ''Front glacis'' 20 mm (27°) ''Lower glacis'' || 20 mm || 20 mm (23°), 14 mm (60°) ''Top'' 20 mm (0°), 14 mm (65°) ''Bottom'' || 10 mm
|-
| Superstructure || 20 mm (32-33°) ''Same as hull front'' || 20 mm (13-18°) || 20 mm (16-57°) ''Gun shield'' 100 mm ''Gun breech'' || N/A
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* The front of the vehicle is the direction the driver is facing.
* Suspension wheels, bogies, and tracks are 20 mm thick.
* Belly armour is 10 mm thick.
* A 9-12 mm RHA plate separate the crew compartment from the engine

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=273|rbMinHp=170}}

=== 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" | 39 || rowspan="2" | -7°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±22° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 2.2 || 3.0 || 3.7 || 4.1 || 4.4 || rowspan="2" | 6.11 || rowspan="2" | 5.41 || rowspan="2" | 4.98 || rowspan="2" | 4.70
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 1.5 || 1.7 || 2.1 || 2.4 || 2.5
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:QF 17-pounder (76 mm)/Ammunition|Shot Mk.6, Shell Mk.1, Shot Mk.4, Shot Mk.8, 17pdr Shell SS Mk.1}}

==== [[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
! 4th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''39''' || 30 ''(+9)'' || 27 ''(+12)'' || 14 ''(+25)'' || 1 ''(+38)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Note''':

* Racks disappear after you've fired all shells in the rack.

== Usage in battles ==

You should use the true forward direction (opposite of the gun) to travel from place to place as its reverse speed is low. You should travel in the direction of the gun when approaching an enemy or an area with combat taking place. Once you can shoot the enemy, fire around at them and quickly go in the true forward direction to retreat. The same applies to when you're sniping, fire a shot and retreat. Again, the Archer can be played in both close combat and sniping, but be sure not to get too close.

The Archer has an open top, so you will need to be careful about machine guns and artillery. Its faster forward speed can allow you to escape from planes who are attacking you. You should also note that the Archer is faster than all three Valentines. While it is based on a Valentine, its reverse speed is about double the reverse speed of a Valentine, and its forward speed is about 9 km/h faster.

Whenever facing tanks of any battle rating and rank, always be on alert and always have a backup plan as most tanks may be able to knock out the Archer in one shot. Do not worry, always play safely and stay at a reasonable distance from the cap circle or in an area which can be a checkpoint for the enemy team. Always make sure you are in an area where they have to face the tank from in the cannon's arc to always have a first shot opportunity and have the enemy back off from charging straight into the Archer's field of fire. If a plane or tank starts strafing the Archer, pull out and find a new location as that place is now compromised and a wary pilot or flanking enemy could put an end to the Archer's career.

Remember to not attack head on, the Archer is not a heavy tank nor is it an medium tank it is a ambush predator. It is best to get a good spot (typically in view of a choke point) and stay there until you fire after which retreating is very advisable. It would be advisable to stay under cover and try not to be detected by planes as they would try to target the Archer due to its lack of armor

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Ability to move faster in the opposite direction of the gun allows for a quick retreat
* The QF 17-pounder is amazing at causing damage and offers easy ballistic trajectory
* The direction configuration can confuse or surprise enemies
* Very stealthy when in hull-down position
* Engine can double as armour: some shots will be absorbed, protecting the crew
* Smooth handling despite strange design
* Decent speed for a SPG, allowing it to keep pace with teammates

'''Cons:'''

* Thin armour means that heavy machine gun fire will penetrate armour plates quite easily
* Open-topped vehicle; vulnerable to planes, HE shells, and artillery strikes
* Vehicle immobilization can occur often
* Only travels about 4 km/h backwards, which makes it hard to move in the direction of your gun
* The Archer has a long reload time for its BR
* Very slow cannon traverse speed and average reload speed; high crew training is critical for maximum effectiveness
* Lightly-armoured tanks may get off easy from your shots, as the solid shots lack HE filler and produce little spalling
* It can be hard to master this vehicle as the gun does not face forward

== History ==


===Development===
The production of the 17-pounder anti-tank gun for British service gave the British military firepower capable of destroying the heavier German tanks, however, the gun's heavyweight and bulkiness presented a mobility issue for the crew. An attempt to make a mobile version was done in 1942, first with the [[Gun Carrier (3-in)]] as a self-propelled mount, then with the [[Achilles|M10 tank destroyer]] from the Americans which proved more successful. Another project done was to use obsolete tank chassis and convert them into mounts for use, like the [[Crusader Mk III|Crusader]] cruiser tanks and the [[Valentine Mk XI|Valentine]] infantry gun. The Valentine was chosen for further development as it was one of the more reliable tanks in British service and had the specifications needed to mount the gun. The modified Valentine, known as the '''Self Propelled 17pdr, Valentine, Mk.I, Archer''', was given a more powerful engine and a casemate superstructure on the front. The most distinctive feature of the Archer compared to any other tank destroyers in the war was that its gun is not facing forward, rather to the rear. This had a benefit of reducing the vehicle's length by making the gun stretch out over the rear hull of the vehicle, limiting the gun from extending over the vehicle. The rear gun mounting, despite its unorthodox method, allowed the Archer to become an excellent ambush weapon, by firing at targets with its gun and able to speed away forward at full speed rather than the reverse. The first prototype of the Archer was made in 1943, trials were carried out in April 1943, which concluded favourably and 800 were ordered from Vickers and accepted into service in October 1944. Vickers were able to complete 655 Archer tank destroyers from March 1943 to until the end of the war in May 1945.

===Combat usage===
The Archer was used in the Italian front and the European campaign against Germany. As a self-propelled gun, the Royal Artillery had authority over the tank destroyer just like other tank destroyers in British service. Reception to the Archer proved that the crews favour the Archer over the M10 Achilles due to the better tactics the Archer presented by shooting then speeding away before the enemy could discover them. Though the drawbacks of the crew positions, open-topped superstructure, and limited gun traverse limited the Archer's capabilities, this was mitigated by its role as a tank destroyer and was used in World War II until the end.

Britain continued to use the Archer up until the 1950s. Once retired, some were sold to the Egyptian Army, to which they reported using it during the Suez Canal crisis in 1956. After that, no further action reports are known with the Archers.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_sp_17_pdr_valentine Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|VFEv4q3G5Us|'''Most unusual vehicles''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:15 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|PSz-X-WvGeo|'''Reason why no one plays it? Weirdest tank construction! - Archer''' - ''HowToPlay1337''|OY1uqehXGKY|'''The SP 17pdr. Valentine "Archer", British Tier-2, Tank Destroyer''' - ''Angry Nerd Gaming''}}

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

* [[Valentine (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[Wikipedia:Archer_(tank_destroyer)|[Wikipedia] Archer (tank destroyer)]]
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/gb/Archer_17pdr_SPG.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Archer, Self Propelled 17 Pdr Anti-tank gun]

{{Manufacturer Vickers-Armstrongs}}
{{Britain tank destroyers}}

User:U145142441

2023-05-27T04:28:31Z

U145142441: Created page with "Someguy474 is a keter class scp know for disrupting games in Warthunder AVOID ALL CONTACT"

Someguy474 is a keter class scp know for disrupting games in Warthunder AVOID ALL CONTACT