War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

Ka-52

2021-03-24T12:14:55Z

U15251063: Corrected "Bean riding" -> "Beam riding"

{{Specs-Card
|code=ka_52
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]].

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 1,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 315 || 289 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
|-
! Upgraded
| 320 || 310
|-
|}

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


*Bullet proof glass covers only the front windscreen of the helicopter - 44 mm thick.
*Aluminium alloy covers only the sides of the helicopter located on each side of the cockpit - 20 mm thick.
*Aluminium alloy covers only the bottom of the self-sealing fuel tanks - 20 mm thick.

The helicopter has four separate fuel tanks, three at the rear of the fuselage and one just behind the cockpit. Engines are placed above the auto-cannon with the fuel tanks, spaced out around it.

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

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

{{main|2A42 (30 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 30 mm 2A42 cannon, right fuselage-mounted (460 rpg)

The 30mm 2A42 cannon can be equipped with mixed belt, belt for air targets or ground targets

* Default belt: ''{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-Piercing Tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-Explosive Fragmentation - Incendiary (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-Explosive Fragmentation - Incendiary (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-Piercing Tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-Piercing Tracer}}'' - max penetration: 62 mm at 100 m.
* Ground targets belt: ''{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-Piercing Tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-Piercing Discarding Sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-Piercing Discarding Sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-Piercing Discarding Sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-Piercing Discarding Sabot}}'' - max penetration: 81 mm at 100 m.
* Air targets belt: ''{{Annotation|HEF-T|High-Explosive Fragmentation - Tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-Explosive Fragmentation - Incendiary (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-Explosive Fragmentation - Incendiary (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-Explosive Fragmentation - Incendiary (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-Explosive Fragmentation - Incendiary (self-destroying)}}'' - max penetration: 3 mm at any distance.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}

{{main|OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|FAB-500M-54 (500 kg)|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}
{{main|9K127 Vikhr|9M39 Igla|9M120M Ataka|S-8KO|S-13DF}}

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

* Without load
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
* 20 x S-13DF rockets
* 4 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-54 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
* 4 x 9M39 Igla missiles + 80 x S-8KO rockets
* 4 x 9M39 Igla missiles + 20 x S-13DF rockets
* 4 x 9M39 Igla missiles + 12 x 9M120M Ataka missiles
* 4 x 9M39 Igla missiles + 12 x 9K127 Vikhr missiles
* 4 x 9M39 Igla missiles + 4 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 4 x 9M39 Igla missiles + 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-54 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 4 x 9M39 Igla missiles + 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons
* 12 x 9M120M Ataka missiles + 40 x S-8KO rockets
* 12 x 9M120M Ataka missiles + 40 x S-8KO rockets + 4 x 9M39 Igla missiles
* 12 x 9M120M Ataka missiles + 10 x S-13DF rockets
* 12 x 9M120M Ataka missiles + 10 x S-13DF rockets + 4 x 9M39 Igla missiles
* 12 x 9M120M Ataka missiles + 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons
* 12 x 9M120M Ataka missiles + 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 4 x 9M39 Igla missiles
* 12 x 9K127 Vikhr missiles + 40 x S-8KO rockets
* 12 x 9K127 Vikhr missiles + 40 x S-8KO rockets + 4 x 9M39 Igla missiles
* 12 x 9K127 Vikhr missiles + 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons
* 12 x 9K127 Vikhr missiles + 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 4 x 9M39 Igla missiles
* 12 x 9K127 Vikhr missiles + 10 x S-13DF rockets
* 12 x 9K127 Vikhr missiles + 10 x S-13DF rockets + 4 x 9M39 Igla missiles

=== Defensive systems ===

The Ka-52 has a HIRSS - hover infrared suppressor subsystem, a MAW - Missile Approach Warning system and 128 Flares

* 128 Flares are installed on tips of the wings, in those two pods.
* The HIRSS is a shield that hides the heat from the exhaust, reducing the possibility of successfully locking on with a Heat-seeking missile.
* The Missile Approach Warning (MAW) detects the incoming missile and notifies you about them as well deploying the flares automatically.

== Usage in battles ==



The KA-52 is a true demonic gladiator of the sky, when it comes to helicopters, it excel's in any type of combat scenario. It can be equipped with a combination of rockets, bombs and missiles, it has 24 different armament loadouts. The KA-52, excels at air-to-air & air-to-ground combat. It's two almighty Kilmov TV3-117VMA, each providing 2350 BHP, 210 KGF of thrust - makes this 10,400 kg elephant dance in the sky, like a ballerina dancing on a cloud.

The KA-52 has a 25% more wing capability, which mean's each wing can carry 25% more wing mounted ordnance compared to any other helicopter in the game. The Ka-52 has six wing hard points, which totals three hard points on each wing.

===Air to Air===
====Ka-52 Vs. Helicopters====

The Ka-52 in helicopter to helicopter combat requires, tactics and understanding of the enemy helicopters which it can encounter in battle. If no tactics are used, the KA-52 will become a RP & SL Piñata for the enemy team.

'''Using the [[2A42_(30_mm)|2A42 Auto-cannon:]]'''

A Ka-52 can dominate the sky, if played well. A Ka-52 is still equipped with it's legendary '''''[[2A42_(30_mm)|2A42 Auto-cannon]]''''' the same cannon installed on the '''''[[Ka-50]]''''' and '''''[[BMP-2|BMP-2's]].'''''  This auto-cannon is able to fire the same type of ammunition as fired on the '''''[[BMP-2]]'''''. The '''''[[2A42_(30_mm)|2A42 Auto-cannon]]''''' is able to destroy, pillboxes, tanks, helicopters and jets with ease.

It's very important to keep the speed high, which in turn which increase the agility. The KA-52 can achieve this easily, just point the noise of the helicopter towards the enemy unit. However, make sure to adjust for the location of the auto-cannon, it is not mounted below or on the wings but instead on the right hand side of the fuselage. The '''''[[2A42_(30_mm)|2A42 Auto-cannon]]''''' only has a limited traverse of 30 degrees and not a full traverse as on the previous line of [[Mi-24_(Family)|Mi-24's.]]

Since the KA-52 only has 460 rounds of ammunition, always aim for the critical elements of the enemy helicopter which are:

* the flight deck
* the engine
* the tail and tail Rotor

This is important because it allows ammunition to be conserved which in turn allows for more enemies to be knocked out and more RP & SL to be earned during the game.

'''Using the ATGM & air-to-air missiles to terminate enemy helicopters'''

At first when unlocking the iconic, lethal & legendary '''''[[9K127_Vikhr|9k121 Vikhr missiles]]''''' which have made the '''''[[Ka-50]]''''' a prominent & terrifying experience to be fighting against. '''''[[9M120M_Ataka|9M120M Ataka Beam riding missiles]]''''' are used before, these are the same missiles which are used on the '<nowiki/>'''''[[Mi-35M]]'''''' and '''''[[Mi-28N]]''''' offer up to 950mm penetration .

To get the best chance of having them hit the target, position the Ka-52 well, keep enough space in the gunner's field of view rectangle for any adjustments which may have to be made. Unlike the '''''[[Ka-50]]''''', the Ka-52 has a smaller rectangle which makes for tracking the target alot harder if it is moving. This will require the Ka-52 to be adjusted in flight, which can cause the missiles to overshoot or miss due to the corrective actions.

'''Using the [[9M120M_Ataka|9M120M Ataka missiles:]]'''

The '''''[[9M120M_Ataka|9M120M Ataka missiles]]''''' travel at 550 meters a second, they are not as fast nor do they have a proximity fuse as the '''''[[9K127_Vikhr|9k121 vikhr missiles:]]'''''. The '''''[[9M120M_Ataka|9M120M Ataka missiles]]''''' requires a direct hit on the enemy, it is best to manoeuvre the KA-52 into a position where the enemy helicopter is fully exposed and as close as possible around 5 to 8 Km. Make sure it is the middle of the gunner's field of view rectangle for the tracking to follow it, when it has been fired.

A main challenge of using the '''''[[9M120M_Ataka|9M120M Ataka missile]]:''''' is, if the helicopter has been engaged head-on at distance, the enemy player only has to dodge it. This exposes your position and allows the enemy to fire back at you, possibly knocking you out of the match. Unlike the '''[[9K127_Vikhr|9k121 vikhr missiles]]''' which have a proximity fuse.

'''Using the [[9K127_Vikhr|9k121 vikhr missiles:]]'''

The lethal & legendary '''''[[9K127_Vikhr|9k121 vikhr missiles]]''''' only needs to be in proximity to an enemy helicopter unlike the '''''[[9M120M_Ataka|9M120M Ataka missiles]]''''' which must hit the target, for it to terminate it. When using a '''''[[9K127_Vikhr|9k121 vikhr missile]]''''' it is possible to lock them on, lock them on and manually control it, adjusting it for any correction or evasion tactics which are in play, to hit the target. Finally manually controlling it without locking on to the enemy vehicle, which would provide no warning to them allowing them to be unaware of it, until it is to late.

Unlike the challenge with '''''[[9M120M_Ataka|9M120M Ataka missile]]''''' the '''''[[9K127_Vikhr|9k121 vikhr missiles]]''''' are able to knock enemy helicopters out from the front even if they try to evade, as-long as it is close to them, it will explode either causing them to explode or scoring a critical hit.

'''Using the [[9M39_Igla|9M39 Igla missiles:]]'''

The Ka-52 carries up to four '''''[[9M39_Igla|9M39 Igla missiles,]]''''' on top of it's 12 '''''[[9M120M_Ataka|9M120M Ataka missile]]''''' or '''''[[9M120M_Ataka|9M120M Ataka missiles]]''''' payloads. Each '''''[[9M39_Igla|9M39 Igla missiles]]''''' is able to destroy one enemy helicopter with ease. The '''''[[9M39_Igla|9M39 Igla missiles]]''''' are one of the fastest and most lethal air-to-air missiles in this game, it's top speed of mach 1.7 and a max range of 5 Km, with ECCM. It is able to down any enemy helicopter which it encounters, if the rival is a skilled a player and uses flares. It could miss. The best postilion, to launch the '''''[[9M39_Igla|9M39 Igla missile]]''''' is either when they have exposed their broadside or from the rear. It is possible to fire it head-on, but if they use flares it will reduce the odds of it hitting in this combat scenario.

====Ka-52 Vs. Fighters====

A Ka-52 is equipped with up to four '''''[[9M39_Igla|9M39 Igla missiles,]]''''' these are able to destroy any enemy air contact. whether that be fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft. The ideal firing solution is to have the enemy aircraft approaching you head-on. This allows the Ka-52 to quickly lock the target, once fired to see that aircraft going down on fire towards the deck. If the enemy has fired, the enemy missile can be evaded easily.

If an enemy aircraft has locked on and has fired on you, fire flares and descend the Ka-52 rapidly to the deck and pull up sharply. Once you have pulled up, lock on to the enemy aircraft and fire. The '''''[[9M39_Igla|9M39 Igla missile]]''''' will track and destroy it. In the event that the enemy aircraft evades it, the aircraft will either break-off the attack and find a new target. Or it will come back around and try again, employ the same tactics, you have up to four '''''[[9M39_Igla|9M39 Igla missiles]]'''''.

===Air to Ground===

====Ka-52 Vs. SPAA====

=====Engaging at long range:=====
The first target, which should be knocked out is the enemy SPAA, switch to thermals and profile the enemy vehicles for any SPAA. When located, fire one of your ATGM's and glide it on target until it hit's and destroys it.

=====Defeating/Evading the missile:=====
The enemy SPAA, has spotted and fired on you, deploy flairs and drop to the deck fly 20 meters above the ground, and the enemy missiles which have just been fired, will be unable to use the proximity fuse to knock you out.

=====Engaging at close range:=====
Using the autocannon, a few well placed shots, in the turret of the SPAA will destroy it.
Using the rockets from the rocket pods, a couple of hits will knock it out. However, a single well placed hit to the turret will knock it out in one blow.

====Ka-52 Vs. Tanks====
Engaging tanks, if engaging from the front it is best to assume that you will need to fire two ATGM's to knock it out - since the ERA plates and armour will reduce the explosive energy of your missiles. However, if the enemy tank is being engaged from the side, a single well place shot just in front of the engine and behind the turret will see it exploding like a magical firework on the legendary St. Petersburg victory day celebration.

Additionally the autocannon, is able to destroy the enemy tankers too! To best utilise this, approach from the rear, line up with the engine deck of the tank and set it on fire, that will force them to stop. However, do not leave them or stop firing, instead fly around them in a circle with the autocannon firing, aim for the roof of the turret, the rounds will be able to penetrate it and knock out the crew.
=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Highly agile, a true multi-role helicopter.
* Good level of armour protection around the flight deck.
* Very fast up to 320 km/h Vs. '''''[[AH-64D| AH-64D Apache 295 km/h]]'''''
* Is able to carry the lethal '''''[[9K127_Vikhr|9K127 Vikhr missiles]].'''''
* Six hard points. Thus allowing for 25% more weapons per wing to be carried over any other helicopter.
* Has the same auto cannon as found on the '''''[[BMP-2]].'''''
* 30 mm cannon with AP belt can penetrate up to 82mm of armour, meaning it can go through the roofs of most vehicles.

'''Cons:'''

* Small area for locking on with the Air to Air missiles.
* Small area for the gunner field of view, compared to '''''[[Ka-50|KA-50 Black Shark]].'''''
* Auto cannon is mounted on the right-hand side of the helicopter.
* Limited auto cannon firing arcs - Horizontal and Vertical angles.

== History ==


''Design Basis:'' [[Ka-50#History|Ka-50]]

'''Development'''

While the V-80 prototype (which would later become the Ka-50 "Black Shark") and Mi-28 attack helicopters were going through comparative tests, an idea for a dedicated battlefield reconnaissance and target designation helicopter was raised by the Kamov design team. Because of the Soviet economic downturn of the 1980's, it was decided to base the new helicopter on the Ka-50 attack helicopter. The new reconnaissance and target designation equipment required the addition of a second crew member, who would operate the new systems. A side-by-side seating arrangement was chosen in order to facilitate co-operation of the two crew members. This new helicopter was designated as the Ka-52 and it was given the name "Alligator".

'''Design'''

The Ka-52 features two radar antennas, rather than one like on the Ka-50. One is mounted in the nose - for ground targets - and one is mounted on a mast - for aerial targets. It also has two TV sighting systems; one under the nose and one above the cockpit. The Ka-52 has the same side-mounted cannons as on the Ka-50. It has six wing hardpoints, two more than the Ka-50. To reduce weight, the Ka-52s armor and cannon ammunition was reduced. Despite these measures, some performance was lost. To rectify this issue, the VK-2500 powerplant was fitted. The Ka-52 is approved for day, night, and adverse weather conditions.

'''Production and Testing'''

Construction of the first Ka-52 airframe began in 1996. Phase 1 of the testing was completed in December 2008, and phase 2 was authorized soon after. By the end of 2008, serial production had begun at the Progress Arsenyev Aviation Company plant in Arsenyev, Primorsky Krai. In 2010, eight Ka-52 helicopters were operated by the 696th Instructor and Research Helicopter Regiment, based at Torzhok Air Base. The eight helicopters were in varying states of capability and were used for testing purposes. Four more Ka-52 helicopters were delivered to the 44th Centre for Combat Training and Aircrew Conversion in December of 2010.

The Ka-52 entered service in May 2011 after completing all of the state trials; the first operational units received their Ka-52s in the same month. The first production contract was for 2 experimental Ka-52s and 24 serial Ka-52s by 2012. In 2011 the second contract was signed, worth 120 million rubles, for 146 Ka-52 helicopters by 2020. In February 2018, the Russian Defense Ministry expressed its desire to purchase 114 new Ka-52s for the State Armament Program for 2018–2027.

'''Service'''

The only major operational usage of the Ka-52 "Alligator" was during the Russian military intervention in the Syrian Civil War (2015). They were claimed to be used in the defense of the Russian base in Latakia. They were also used to escort search and rescue helicopters and to support Russian special forces. Theye were spotted for the first time near the town of Al-Qaryatayn, which had been recaptured from ISIS in April 2016. They were also used in the 2017 Palmyra offensive. Ka-52s took part in a Syrian paratrooper reconnaissance-strike mission on 12 August 2017.

According to some sources, a Ka-52 crashed near Mayadin due to a technical failure on 5 May 2018.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=ussr&vehicleType=helicopter&vehicleClass=attack_helicopter&vehicle=ka_52 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|M9zfP6ndAUA|'''KA-52 - Above All Else''' - ''JustinPlaysYT''|_mhSXtNN9Ko|'''The Shooting Range #200''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 01:04 discusses the Ka-52.}}

== See also ==


;Rotorcraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* [[AH-64D]] - An American attack helicopter at the same BR.
* [[EC-665 Tiger UHT]] - A German attack helicopter at the same BR.
* [[Ka-50]] - The Soviet attack helicopter used as the basis for the Ka-52.
* [[AH Mk.1]] - A British attack helicopter at the same BR.
* [[EC-665 Tiger HAD]] - A French attack helicopter at the same BR.

== External links ==


* [[wikipedia:Kamov_Ka-50#Ka-52_%22Alligator%22|[Wikipedia] Ka-52 "Alligator"]]
* [https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/ka52-alligator-attack-helicopter-russia/ <nowiki>[Air Force Technology]</nowiki> Ka-52 Alligator Attack Helicopter]
* [https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/kamovka52alligatorhe/ <nowiki>[Naval Technology]</nowiki> Kamov Ka-52 Alligator Helicopter]
* [http://www.military-today.com/helicopters/ka52_hokum_b.htm <nowiki>[Military-Today]</nowiki> Kamov Ka-52]
* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=1333 <nowiki>[MilitaryFactory]</nowiki> Kamov Ka-52 Alligator (Hokum-B)]

{{AirManufacturer Kamov}}
{{USSR helicopters}}

R3 T20 FA-HS

2021-02-27T17:50:25Z

U15251063: Removed duplicate points in pro/con section

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

== Description ==

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

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


'''Armour type:'''

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[Oerlikon KAD (20 mm)|20 mm Oerlikon KAD]] (x1) || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 600 (120) || rowspan="2" | 997 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+60° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 39.63 || 54.85 || 66.60 || 73.65 || 78.35 || rowspan="2" | 9.10 || rowspan="2" | 8.05 || rowspan="2" | 7.42 || rowspan="2" | 7.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 26.78 || 31.50 || 38.25 || 42.30 || 45.0
|-
|}

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

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

==== Ammunition ====

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

{| 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
|-
| Default || API-T/HEF-I || 53 || 49 || 35 || 22 || 15 || 9
|-
| M594 || HEF-I/HEF-I/API-T || 53 || 49 || 35 || 22 || 15 || 9
|-
| M601 || API-T/API-T/HEF-I || 53 || 49 || 35 || 22 || 15 || 9
|-
|}

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

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

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

== Usage in battles ==


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

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

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* API-T round is able to penetrate many tanks, including the sides of the Sherman and many low-rank British and Soviet tanks
* Very good two-plane gun stabilizer
* Insanely fast, often the first vehicle on the cap
* Wheels are very hard to destroy
* Front plate has armour thickness sufficient to deflect most machine gun rounds, and even certain light cannon rounds
* Immense fire rate, a 20 mm firing at 996 rounds per minute. Enough to quickly destroy even rank IV aircraft and lightly armoured vehicles!
* Very little lead is required to score hits on planes (very good ballistics)
* Somehow capable of righting itself even when flipped on its roof (because of the turret)
* By aiming backwards and down and firing while driving, the recoil can be used as a turbo to propel the light vehicle forward
* Amphibious, so it is able to swim

'''Cons:'''

* Very little side and roof armour, can be very easily dispatched by anything larger than a 7.7 mm
* Engine is very fragile and susceptible to machine gun fire from behind
* Reverse gear is inferior to forward gear
* Tips over ''very'' often, especially when firing
* As with many wheeled vehicles, sand massively slows it down
* Due to its size, can be very easily crushed
* Hard collisions damage modules and can often injure or incapacitate the crew
* The gun only elevates up to 70 degrees
* Overwhelming hated vehicle by everyone, you will be a primary target for both aircraft and ground vehicles
* Recoil will cause the suspension to sway, meaning that a continuous burst will have to be adjusted while firing
* Does not have access to full AP or full HE ammo belts
* KV-1s and Churchill heavy tanks are almost immune to the R3's 20 mm

== History ==

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

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

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

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

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=italy&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=spaa&vehicle=it_oto_r3_t20_fa Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

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

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

* [[R3 T106 FA]]

== External links ==


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

{{Italy anti-aircraft vehicles}}