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Centurion Mk 3

2024-06-20T07:59:41Z

U58217070: grammar

{{About
|about = British medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage = other versions
|link = Centurion (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=uk_centurion_mk_3
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''Centurion Mk 3''' was the third variant of the [[Centurion (Family)|Centurion medium tank family]]. The 84 mm Ordnance QF 20-pounder tank gun was installed in this variant, which provided significantly superior accuracy thanks to a newly developed two-plane fully automatic stabilization system (modified from the [[Centurion Mk.2|Centurion Mk 2]]). This enabled the gunner to fire while moving and manoeuvring. The ammunition rounds were also significantly heavier, able to penetrate the frontal hull of Soviet T-34-85 medium tanks and IS-2/IS-3 heavy tanks. The second modification was the substitution of a much lighter conventional 7.62 mm Besa light machine gun for the 20 mm Polsten autocannon (which was included in the plans but not implemented, as it was deemed to have be an unnecessarily large calibre for dealing with normal infantry troops). There were also two stowage places on the glacis for track links. The Centurion Mk 3 was introduced in 1948, with more units produced than the Centurion Mk 2. They saw considerable service in the Korean War and were slightly more effective on the battlefield than the U.S. Army [[M26|M26 Pershing]] and [[M46|M46 Patton]].

Introduced in [[Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]], the Centurion Mk 3 is a tank with playstyles that are very similar to modern main battle tanks. With the two-plane fully automatic stabilization system, players never have to worry about opponents appearing around corners and stopping to take aim. The gun sights are effectively stabilized when manoeuvring, guaranteeing that the player always fires first upon spotting an enemy. The introduction of the 84 mm Ordnance QF 20-pounder tank gun, capable of penetrating as much as 384 mm of armour at point-blank range with armour-piercing discarding sabot (APDS) ammunition, greatly increases firepower. This effectively allows the player to attack the opponent's heavy tanks on their own terms, serving as a real ancestor to the main combat tank doctrine.

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

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret roof)
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 76.2 mm (58°) ''Front glacis'' 76.2 mm (47-48°) ''Lower glacis'' || 50.8 (12°) + 6 mm || 38 mm (8-12°) || 29 mm 8-14 mm ''Engine deck''
|-
| Turret || 152 mm (6-27°) ''Turret front'' 152 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 89 mm (5-12°) || 89 mm (1-18°) || 50.8 mm ''Border of turret'' 29 mm ''Center of turret''
|-
| Cupola || 152 mm || colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 90 mm || 29 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Tracks and suspension wheels are both 20 mm thick.
* The steel boxes around the turret and hull give a 4 mm additional protection, though this seems to be a negligible addition.
* Spaced armour plates are placed on the side of the Centurion, giving an additional 6 mm of side armour.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1007|rbMinHp= 575}}

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

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

{{main|20pdr OQF Mk.I (84 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[20pdr OQF Mk.I (84 mm)|84 mm 20pdr OQF Mk.I]] || 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" | 65 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 19.04 || 26.35 || 32.00 || 35.39 || 37.65 || rowspan="2" | 8.19 || rowspan="2" | 7.25 || rowspan="2" | 6.68 || rowspan="2" | 6.30
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 11.90 || 14.00 || 17.00 || 18.80 || 20.00
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:20pdr OQF Mk.I (84 mm)/Ammunition|Shot Mk.1, Shot Mk.3, Shell Mk.1, 20pdr Shell SS Mk.1}}

==== [[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
|-
| '''65''' || 63 ''(+2)'' || 61 ''(+4)'' || 53 ''(+12)'' || 45 ''(+20)'' || 37 ''(+28)'' || 29 ''(+36)'' || 9 ''(+56)'' || 5 ''(+60)'' || 1 ''(+64)'' || No
|-
|}
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
'''Notes''':

* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
* Racks 8 and 9 are first stage ammo racks. They total 8 shells and get filled first when loading up the tank.
* These racks are also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 8 - 9 - 1 - 2 - etc. until 7.
* If you pack 29 ''(+36)'' shells, it will keep most of the hull empty of ammo.
* Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-7 into racks 9 then 8. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.

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

{{main|BESA (7.92 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[BESA (7.92 mm)|7.92 mm BESA]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 3,600 (225) || 600 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The Centurion Mk. 3 is an effective medium tank if played to its strengths. If one wants to keep it simple, just use the powerful gun to snipe from distance. More advanced tankers can utilize the not too impressive max speed (35 km/h / 22 mph) to move with this medium tank into the flanks of enemy tanks (close to the border of a map) and search for positions like hills and ridges where one can make use of the amazing -10° gun depression to hide the vulnerable lower plate of this tank. Once in such a position, one should use the binoculars to scout for enemies without exposing the turret. If an enemy tank is spotted that could be a potential threat (dangerous tank / faced towards you) pop out a little bit and start to take out the enemies gunner/cannon barrel/cannon breech to prevent him from returning fire. Now utilize the quick reload to take out one crew member after the other to finish your opponent. If an enemy is spotted who is exposing their side or even the rear while not aiming towards you, shoot the engine first to immobilize and possibly even ignite the enemy tank, preventing him to take cover. The next shots should again disable the gun of the enemy, now finish your prey by shooting all crew members or if you feel lucky shoot an ammo rack.

The best choice to pierce enemy tanks is obviously the Shot Mk.3 (APDS) although it does somewhat less damage after penetrating. The Shot Mk.1 (APCBC) works in most situations as well but lacks penetration compared to the Mk.3 APDS shot. The amazing penetration characteristics of this APDS shot enables this gun to pierce front plates of all Panther models (apart from the Panther II) to ranges up to 2,000 m. T-44s and Panther IIs front plates can be penetrated to ranges up to almost 1,000 m. Keep in mind though that the front plate of the T-44 is angled at 60°, so it bounces even this powerful APDS shot quite often. Even the front plate of the mighty Tiger II is not able to stop this APDS shot if not angled and the range is shorter than 100 m.

In a head to head situation with an enemy tank approaching try to angle the centurion not more than 5° degrees to either side since the side armour is quite weak (50.8 mm), try to hide your lower front plate which is a massive weak spot, while reloading turn the turret 10° to the right to maximize chances of bouncing shots (right side of the turret front has some extra armour) and keeping the gunner alive.

When rounding a corner, it is best to only expose your frontal armour. Approach the corner at an angle to prevent your enemies from seeing your sides. When angled, the upper front plate will be able to resist or bounce most shells. This, in combination with your stabilizer, will allow you to get the drop on unsuspecting enemies in urban settings.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful and high penetrating gun, stock round is adequate enough to deal with any vehicle it faces and APDS can punch through anything it will face.
* Has a base reload time of 8.1 seconds, which can be lowered further to around 7.4 seconds (which is on average 2 seconds faster than its competitors).
* Excellent gun angles.
* Strong gun mantlet.
* Neutral steering, can turn on the spot without having to switch into gear 1.
* Good manoeuvrability.
* Good reverse speed.
* Gun stabilizer.
* Turret roof armour is resistant to aircraft guns.

'''Cons:'''

* Low top speed.
* Ammo rack in the front, penetration through the lower glacis will likely end up destroying or detonating the ammo rack.
* Top armour covering the engine compartments is not improved from the [[Centurion Mk 1|Mk 1]], still 8 mm which can be penetrated by most aircraft guns.
* Small internal compartment (only 4 crew members), easy to one shot.
* APDS shot causes only punctual damage (aim carefully).
* No explosive filler on any AP shells.
* Weak side armour, do not angle the hull too much.

== History ==

{{main|Centurion_Mk_1#History|l1=History of the Centurion Mk 1}}

===Development===
The tank's concept was made in 1943 when the Directorate of Tank Design, under Sir Claude Gibb, was asked to produce a new heavy cruiser tank for the General Staff under the designation ''A41'', which was to become the standard of a British "Universal Tank" to replace the separated "infantry" and "cruiser" tanks currently used. As World War II progressed and the Germans unveiled their heavier tanks with an [[KwK 36 (88 mm)|88 mm cannon]] like the [[Tiger H1|Tiger]], War Office made a revision to their design requirements to counter this threat. The requirements now include an increased durability and reliability, with the ability to protect itself against the 88 mm gun and mines, an agility similar to the [[Comet I|Comet tank]] and with good reverse speed, all while staying under a 40 ton weight.

Responding to these requirements, the department developed a larger hulls by adapting the suspension on the Comet, lengthening with another road wheel and spacing between the wheels. The standard Christie suspension used on the previous cruiser tanks was replaced by the Horstmann suspension, which uses coil springs on two-wheel bogies on each side and is proven to be easier to maintain than the Christie suspension. The hull used a welded and sloped armour with a cast turret mounting the famous [[Ordnance QF 17-pounder (76 mm)|17-pounder cannon]]. The speed of the tank would be established by using the Rolls Meteor engine previously used on the Comet and [[Cromwell V|Cromwell]]. Despite these changes, the department concluded that the weight restriction would not allow the tank design to withstand the 88 mm rounds. The weight restriction was done so the tank would be able to be carried around in the Mk.I and Mk.II transport trailers, which had a 40-ton load. This restriction was rescinded to allow more freedom in the tank design, which showed potential to War Ministry. The heavier tank designs developed had armour equivalent to the heaviest infantry tanks like the [[Churchill Mk VII|Churchill tank]], yet with superior cross-country mobility due to improved suspension and engines.

The tank was given the name '''Centurion''' and the first mock-ups of the design was made by AEC and was presented in May 1944. After that, 20 pilot models were ordered with a various armament combinations. Ten had a 17-pounder and a 20 mm Polsten gun (5 with a machine gun in turret rear, 5 with an escape door instead), five had a 17-pounder and a BESA machine gun and an escape door, five more with the 77 mm HV gun with a driver operated hull machine gun. The prototypes of the 40-ton design, the Mk.1, had a 76 mm armour on the front glacis, which was made very powerful with the heavy sloping design on the tank. Added with a 152 mm thick turret armour, the Centurion became a very protected tank design, yet it was also very agile, outperforming the Comet tank in tests. The next Centurion model, Mk.2, featured a much thicker 118 mm front glacis armour and a thicker side armour. Production began for the Centurion Mk.2 in November 1945 for 800 tanks from Leyland Motors, Royal Ordnance Factories, and Vickers. The Mk.2 was put into service in the 5th Royal Tank Regiment in December 1946.

After the Centurion Mk.2 was put into service, Royal Ordnance developed the successor to the 17-pounder, the [[Ordnance QF 20-pounder Mk.I (84 mm)|84 mm 20-pounder]]. With this, the Centurion went through another upgrade to mount the 20-pounder. The 20 mm Polsten gun was removed and replaced by a BESA gun due to its questionable utility. The new upgrade, now the [[Centurion Mk 3]], also featured an automatic stabilization system that improved firing accuracy while on the move. The tank was first produced in 1948 and overtook the previous Mk.1 and Mk.2 in service. However, the 20-pounder also did not stay in service for long and were replaced by the more powerful [[L7A1 (105 mm)|105 mm L7 gun]] from Royal Ordnance Factories. All Centurions versions after Mark 5/2 used the L7 gun, including the [[Centurion Mk 10]], which also featured additional armour with the new gun.

===Combat usage===
The Centurion first saw combat in the Korean war in 1950 in the British 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars. The Centurion Mk.3 issued to them had to be cared for in the winter conditions of Korea. Steps such as parking the tank on straw, starting the engine every half-hour, and keeping the gear engaged has to be done to keep the tank from becoming frozen in place. The Centurions made a great impact in the battlefield, covering the withdrawal of the 29th Brigade. In 1953, the Centurion saw part in the battle of the Hook in the 1st Royal Tank Regiment, repelling the swarming Chinese infantry. General John O'Daniel from the US 1st Corps praised the Centurion's mobility throughout the mountain terrains.

After the Korean War, the Centurions saw service again during the Vietnam War in the Royal Australian Armoured Corps after complaints were made on the thin armour of their armoured vehicles. The Centurions landed on 28 February 1968. Headed by Colonel Donald Dunstan, he ordered the Centurions to reinforce firebases at Coral and Balmoral. The use of the Centurions by the 1st Australian Task Force helped them in the Battle of Coral-Balmoral that caused massive casualties in two infantry regiments among the enemy with no known tank losses. After the battle, more Centurions landed into Vietnam, with a total of 58 Centurions in the country at once in the span of three and a half years. In this time period, 42 suffered damages, two were written off, and two crewmen were killed in action.

The Centurions also made up the bulk of India's tank forces, to which they used against Pakistan in the conflicts that occur in 1965 and 1971. In the middle east, the Centurions were supplied to Israel and Jordan in the 1950s. At the time of the Six-Day war, Israel had 293 Centurion tanks and Jordan had 90 Centurions. Both countries used the Centurions against each other in the war. Sometime in early 1970s, the Centurions on both side were upgraded with the 105 mm L7 gun. Both Jordan and Israel used the Centurion again in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, where the Israel establish the Centurion's prowess in battle during the Battle of Golan Heights, where 100 or so Centurions are able to beat back 500 or more Syrian [[T-54 (1951)|T-55]] and T-62 tanks. While the Centurion still see use in Jordan today, the Centurions in Israel were retired in the 1990s, only staying as armour personnel carriers and armour recovery vehicles. In the middle east, the British used the Centurions again during the 1991 Gulf War against Iraq, though only as an AVRE in the 32 Armoured Engineer Regiment. Three were lost in training incidents with no deaths among the crew.

Sweden and South Africa also used the Centurions, buying them from Britain after World War II. The Centurions in South Africa were retained and upgraded due to their superiority over anything their neighbors had at the time, with a focus on the upgrade to the 105 mm gun and belly armour to protect itself against mines. Sweden bought the Centurions in an attempt to standardize their tank forces as it was the most cost-effective method, plus the Centurions have a huge upgrade potential to counter future threats. The British offered to sell the Centurion in late 1952, to which 80 were ordered by Sweden. The first deliveries were made in April 1953, followed by more orders and more deliveries until about 350 Centurion tanks ranging from Mk.3, Mk.5, and Mk.10 were in Sweden. The Swedish military used the Centurions until 1990s, modernizing the tanks with upgrades in equipment and internal mechanics. They replaced the Centurions with [[Leopard 2A4|Leopard 2s]].

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_centurion_mk_3 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|bJULfPFytPE|'''Centurion Mk 3 - Hull Down Flanker''' - ''Napalmratte''|90Ym2RDKoJM|'''For Queen and Country - Centurion Mk 3''' - ''Virus''}}

== 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 ==


* [[wikipedia:Centurion (tank)|[Wikipedia] Centurion]]
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/UK/FV-4200_Centurion <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> FV4007 Centurion]

{{TankManufacturer Department of Tank Design}}
{{Britain medium tanks}}

Hovet

2024-06-19T09:57:55Z

U58217070: grammar

{{Specs-Card
|code=il_m163_vulcan
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (חובט, lit. batsman) represent the [[M163|M163 VADS]] in IDF service. According to the records of the IDF, the vehicle joined the Israeli Air Defense Command in 1975 as a new air defense weapon, alongside the MIM-72 Chaparral which was introduced a year earlier. The Hovet, however, waited 7 years until it earned its first victory against an enemy target, in the 1982 Lebanese War, and further served in the IDF for more than 2 decades until the IADC was disbanded, leading to the decommission of the Hovet and its modernized variant, [[Machbet]], which was upgraded with TVD and 4 FIM-92 Stingers.

Introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]] along with the initial Israeli tech tree, the Hovet performs identically to its US Army cousin. Although the lack of search radar and its M113 chassis with minimal protection due to the aluminium alloy armour plates could cause problems when duelling with targets, the six-barrel M168 Vulcan can still strike fear into enemy aerial targets or vehicles with its high rate-of-fire and iconic sound.

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

Armour is thin enough and can be destroyed by 12.7 mm machine gun fire from the sides and rear, and by any cannon calibre from the front. The turret is partially open, leaving the crew vulnerable to enemy small arms fire. If attacked, the best bet for taking a hit and surviving is to point the engine towards the enemy and hope it absorbs the shot.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour

{| class="wikitable"
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 38+6 mm (45°) ''Upper Glacis'' 38 mm (26°) ''Lower Glacis'' 29 mm (45°) ''Engine Maintenance Hatch'' || 44+6 mm ''Top'' 32 mm ''Bottom'' || 38 mm || 38 mm
|-
|Turret || 17 mm ''Turret Front'' 150 mm ''Gun Mantlet'' || 17 mm || 17 mm
!
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


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

The Hovet suffers from a low power-to-weight ratio and low top speed. One of its upsides is the good acceleration

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=301|rbMinHp=188}}

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

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

{{main|M168 (20 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[M168 (20 mm)|20 mm M168]] || 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" | 2,200 (1,100) || rowspan="2" | 3,000 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+80° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 66.0 || 91.4 || 111.0 || 122.8 || 130.6 || rowspan="2" | 26.00 || rowspan="2" | 23.00 || rowspan="2" | 21.20 || rowspan="2" | 20.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 44.6 || 52.5 || 63.8 || 70.5 || 75.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T|High-explosive incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
* '''HEI:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T|High-explosive incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}
* '''AP-I:''' {{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}

{{:M168 (20 mm)/Ammunition|AP-I, API-T, HEF-I, HEI-T}}

==== [[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
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''2''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The Hovet has an amazing rate of fire with the M168 gun, thus it has amazing damage output. In an anti-aircraft role, it is best used as a point-defence SPAA, defending a group of allies/cap zone from air attack. Its range isn't as good as the M247, so it's best to keep in mind the approximate 1 km targeting zone of the Hovet.

The Hovet wields about 60 mm of penetration, which is enough to mortally wound/destroy many lightly-armoured vehicles such as the Leopard, AUBL, and Centauro. The high rate of fire also allows the Hovet a sort of CIWS (Close-In Weapon System) type of role, as it can easily spray in the direction of an incoming bomb, thus destroying it and saving nearby allies. This is especially easy against the infamous FAB-5000 bomb from the Soviet Pe-8, as the bomb is large and easy to track.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Can be used as a last resort weapon to shoot down incoming bombs and rockets
* Cannot be easily killed by .50 cal MGs, meaning you are stronger against strafing aircraft
* High rate of fire

'''Cons:'''

* Long reload time
* The 20 mm shells lose velocity quickly, making it very difficult to attack fast planes past 2 km or light tanks past 1 km
* No passive radar search
* The gun overheats rather quickly
* Low penetration

== History ==

According to the description from Israel Air Force, the M163 VADS (which consists of 2 batteries per unit) joined the Israeli Air Defense Command in 1975; these batteries would usually deployed near the northern border of Israel where the Purple Line (post-1967 ceasefire line between Israel-Syria by the Golan Heights) sit during peaceful times; but as soon as there was any need for armed conflicts, the vehicles would redeploy with the ground forces. After 7 years of service, the system achieve 3 victories including the first victory of M163 VADS against jet aircrafts in 1982. On 1982/6/10, an battery commanded by Lt. Dobi Amitai was having conflicts with insurgents during the 1982 Lebanese War (Operation Peace for Galilee) at Douha near Beirut, where Sgt. Yoav Weinkert spotted a Syrian MiG-21; the other battery commanded by Roni Kovertovsky spotted the same jet from the eyes of gun director Tamir Mor. Both batteries, now at 4 vehicles, fired upon the jet while covering each other as they were taking fire from insurgents at the same time; 15 seconds later, the jet was shot down by the batteries.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20120310140629/http://www.iaf.org.il/239-18136-he/IAF.aspx?indx=1</ref>

Some of the M163 were also converted into the Machbet (מחבט, lit. racquet) with upgrades including opto-electronic tracker, TVD and 4 FIM-92 Stingers mounted next to the turret. After the disbandment of the IADC in 2006, these vehicles were decommissioned.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=il_m163_vulcan Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;[[M113 (Family)|Related development]]

* [[M163]]
* [[Machbet]]

== External links ==

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

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

{{Israel anti-aircraft vehicles}}
<references />

VEAK 40

2024-06-19T09:55:50Z

U58217070: grammar

{{Specs-Card
|code=sw_veak_40
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|VEAK 40 main.png|VEAK 40 driving 3.png}}
}}

== Description ==

[[File:VEAK 40 vinter.png|350px|thumb|left|A {{PAGENAME}} keeping the skies clear over Northern Europe.]]
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' was developed by the Swedish arms manufacturer Bofors by request of the Swedish army as a 1960s next generation Swedish SPAA following the 1940s limited production Lvkv fm/43 SPAA and failed 1950s [[Lvkv 42]] prototype SPAA. A single prototype based on the [[Strv 103 (Family)|Strv 103]] chassis was built and delivered for testing in 1964. The project was delayed at this point but testing commenced and the vehicle proved to be ahead of its time regarding armament and fire control system. This however made the vehicle too costly and in the end the project had to be scrapped due to resources going to the Swedish air force rather than the Swedish air defense. The name {{PAGENAME}} follows Bofors naming scheme, not the Swedish army's naming scheme. Its full historical Bofors-name was Bofors VEAK 40 X 60, VEAK indicating type (tracked vehicle with FC-radar and autocannons), 40 indicating calibre (40 mm) and 60 indicating year of design (1960).

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (English: "Wagon Fire-control AutoCannon 40"), or '''{{PAGENAME}}''' for short, was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]]. It's armed with two 40 mm Bofors L/70 autocannons (Swedish designation: [[lvakan m/48 (40 mm)|lvakan m/48]]) which each have a fire rate of 300 rounds per minute. It has mediocre mobility and subpar protection but does feature excellent vertical and horizontal traverse speed for the guns. It also comes equipped with a tracking and search radar that allows the player to find and track airborne targets within a 12 km radius.

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

{| class="wikitable floatright"
|-
| [[File:Veak40external.png|centre|x250px]] || [[File:Veak40internal.png|centre|x250px]]
|-
| style="text-align: center;" | External armour on the {{PAGENAME}} || style="text-align: center;" | Internal armour on the {{PAGENAME}}
|-
|}
The frontal armour of the {{PAGENAME}} is roughly 15 mm thick all around with very limited sloping angles to back it up. The gun mantlet, roof of both hull and turret, as well as the back are 5 mm thick and vulnerable even to 40 mm HE, as well as 7.62 mm MG at flat angles.

Heavy machine guns can knock it out by firing at the turret from all directions. The turret is also very big and boxy and also houses all of the vehicles ammunition and crew, thus a shot there usually results in an ammo rack detonation.

The hull however is fairly empty of components and only houses the transmission and engine which are located in their own compartment, resulting in tons of empty space in the hull under the turret. There is also a small internal screen to protect the turret compartment from stray shots. Attack to the lower hull usually leaves the vehicle combat capable.

The radar is placed too high to let vehicle hide behind a hill line, but it can be turned off and hidden behind the SPAA to reduce probability of a hit.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour
* Cast homogeneous armour (Cupolas)
* Structural steel (Radar mast, Radar dish, Mud skirts, Suspension)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope°) !! Sides [Internal] (Slope°) !! Rear (Slope°) !! Roof (Slope°)
|-
| Hull || 5-15 mm (77°) ''Front glacis'' 15 mm (18-71°) ''Lower glasis'' || 5-15 mm [+5 mm] ''Upper sides'' 15 mm ''Lower sides'' || 15 mm ''Upper rear'' 15 mm (13°) ''Lower rear'' || 15 mm (90°) ''Roof'' 4 mm (29-77°) ''Mud skirts''
|-
| Turret || 15 mm (25°) ''Upper right sheek'' 15 mm ''Upper left sheek'' 15 mm (26°) ''Upper right front'' 15 mm (41°) ''Upper left front'' 15 mm (17°) ''Lower front'' || 5 mm (74°) ''Upper sides'' 15 mm ''Forward sides'' 5 mm ''Backward sides'' || 5 mm (73°) ''Upper rear'' 5 mm ''Lower rear'' || 5 mm ''Roof'' 15 mm (0-35°) ''Radar mast'' 15 mm (0-68°) ''Radar dish''
|-
| Cupola || 15 mm || 15 mm || 15 mm || 15 mm (44-83°) ''Cupola dome''
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels, tracks and torsion bars are 20 mm thick.

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

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=767|rbMinHp=478}}
[[File:VEAK 40 driving 1.png|thumb|450px|The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' moving through though thick snow.]]
The mobility of the {{PAGENAME}} is excellent. The vehicle is based on the chassis of the [[Strv 103A]] and features the same transmission and engine (although currently lacking turbine engine sound) while being 7.9 tons lighter. The engine gives out 540 hp in realistic when fully upgraded, giving this 29 ton vehicle a power to ton ratio of 18.62. This gives the tank great acceleration on shorter distances and allows it to effectively move around the battlefield like the average speedy light tank.

'''Mobility times on flat paved terrain (realistic)'''

*Time to 60 km/h (max effective) forward: > 25 s
*Time to 20 km/h forward: > 2 s
*Time to 18 km/h (max effective) reverse: > 2 s
*Time to rotate 360°: < 8 s

'''Mobility times on flat grass terrin (realistic)'''

*Time to 40 km/h (max effective) forward: < 11 s
*Time to 20 km/h forward: > 2 s
*Time to 18 km/h (max effective) reverse: > 2 s
*Time to rotate 360°: < 8 s

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
[[File:VEAK 40 firing.png|thumb|right|x300px|Two {{PAGENAME}} combating air targets.]]
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|lvakan m/48 (40 mm)}}
The {{PAGENAME}} uses two '''Bofors 40 mm anti-aircraft autocannon L/70''' guns, in Swedish service designated [[lvakan m/48 (40 mm)|40 mm lvakan m/48]]. These have extremely good stats in all regards. Excellent rate of fire, excellent velocity and excellent effect against both aircraft and tanks.

The downside compared to 35 mm counterparts is the questionable accuracy. It is also really easy to spend half of the ammunition without even noticing - each gun consumes a clip every 10 shots, but the UI presents it as 20 shots in the same box, which might be confusing. To avoid confusion, always divide current amount of clips by 2.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[lvakan m/48 (40 mm)|40 mm lvakan m/48]] (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" | 420 (10) || rowspan="2" | 300 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 74.9 || 103.6 || 125.8 || 139.1 || 148.0 || rowspan="2" | 0.65 || rowspan="2" | 0.58 || rowspan="2" | 0.53 || rowspan="2" | 0.50
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 50.6 || 59.5 || 72.2 || 79.9 || 85.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
The ammunition of the {{PAGENAME}} is below average for its type. The penetration values even of the {{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}} ammunition is too low to penetrate any heavy tank, but it can penetrate lighter tanks through weak spots in the majority of situations.

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|SAPHEI|Semi armour-piercing high-explosive incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
* '''slsgr m/36C:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|SAPHEI|Semi armour-piercing high-explosive incendiary}}
* '''slpprj m/42B:''' {{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}

{{:lvakan m/48 (40 mm)/Ammunition|SAPHEI, HEFI-T, AP}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''42''' || 30 ''(+12)'' || 11 ''(+31)'' || No
|-
|}

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

{{main|ksp 58 (7.62 mm)}}
Beyond its main weaponry, the {{PAGENAME}} also features a cupola mounted 7,62 mm FN MAG machine gun, in Swedish service designated [[ksp 58 (7.62 mm)|7,62 mm ksp m/58B]]. This is extremely rare for SPAAs and makes it one of two SPAAs that has a secondary machine gun (the other one being the [[Lvkv 9040C]]). Due to the characteristics of its main weaponry there is rarely a need to use the secondary machine gun, but it can be used when suppressing ATGM carriers, not that the Bofors are unable to accomplish this.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[ksp 58 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm ksp 58]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 1,000 (250) || 600 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==
[[File:VEAK 40 driving 2.png|thumb|right|450px|Two {{PAGENAME}} driving in a convoy.]]

The {{PAGENAME}} is a fairly basic tier 5 SPAA. It has a radar and anti air guns that can take out any aircraft within 3 km. The guns also have fairly high penetration on its armour-piercing ammo and will easily take out lightly armoured vehicles in the front and the majority of vehicles in the side. Its protection is more or less non-existent and the {{PAGENAME}} can even be dealt with using regular low-calibre machine guns.

When playing the {{PAGENAME}} it is best to stay in spawn and shoot at incoming aircraft, or using the great mobility to follow team-mates into battle and support them with suppressive fire and anti-aircraft support. If there are no aircraft to shoot at then it is viable to cruise around the map at high speeds and hunt lightly armored targets and capture points.

Due to the large profile of the turret there are rarely options for hiding behind cover and thus it is best to play aggressively and using your high speed, stabilized guns and high fire rate to defeat enemy tanks. The radar mast retracts behind the turret like on a lot of other radar SPAAs when turned off, allowing you to become slightly less visible. Turning it off may be a good choice, if you are not looking to be spotted as easily if you believe enemies may be nearby.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Twin 40 mm lvakan m/48 cannons are very effective against air units
* Has a lot of meaningful options for ammo belts:
** Has SAPHEI/HE belt like the early Swedish SPAA to obliterate poorly armoured vehicles and exploit weak spots
** AP belt has 3/1 composition and can penetrate medium battle tanks hulls from the side with some effort given
* Has a pintle-mounted machine gun for maximum suppressing fire, unlike other SPAA
* Radar is a Combined Search and Tracking radar, can track targets through a full 360°, will not randomly alert other aircraft while focusing on one
* Radar folds back when turned off, reducing profile

'''Cons:'''

* Inaccurate
* Both guns use the same belts, meaning ammo will run out twice as fast than what UI tries to convey
* Very easy to destroy since all the ammo and the crew are located in the turret
* The turret's armour is very thin (only 5 mm covering mantlet, roof and sides)
** Can be taken out by even rifle-calibre machine guns
* Radar has poor range, compared to others of its type, prone to collisions when fighting multiple aircraft in close proximity
* Can be easily spotted due to a large turret profile and tall radar mast
* Engine is very loud, can easily give away your position while moving
* Not as versatile as the ItPsV 90, with its poor silhouette, speed, and AP options it generally ends up being used solely as AA

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

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=sw_veak_40 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[M247]]
* [[AMX-30 DCA]]

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

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

{{TankManufacturer AB Bofors}}
{{Sweden anti-aircraft vehicles}}

BTR-80A

2024-06-18T10:39:53Z

U58217070: Usage in battles

{{About
| about = Soviet light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = BTR-80A (Italy)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=ussr_btr_80a
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

In the post-World War II environment, the Soviet sought to provide their infantry with a method to remain mobile on the battlefield. While armoured units received [[BMP-1|BMPs]] to keep the armoured infantry mobile with the tanks, motorizing rifle divisions required a cheaper, more numerous transport to house all the infantry. The BTR series of armoured cars would first be modernized with the 8x8 wheeled BTR-60 in the 1960s, with updates into the BTR-70 and BTR-80 in their respective decades. The BTR-80 was distinguished from the preceding two variants with the usage of a diesel engine and turret modifications that allowed it to elevate the main armament to a high degree to engage in mountainous terrain or urban areas. The BTR-80 would receive an update in the 1990s that added the 30 mm 2A72 autocannon as its main armament in a new turret designated BPPU.

The '''{{Specs|name}}''', introduced in [[Update "La Royale"]], follows the trend of a light tank with an autocannon armament that can shred apart medium tanks in ambushes. Unlike its contemporaries like the [[Wiesel 1A4]], the BTR-80A is a rather large vehicle, quite similar to the BMPs. Not to mention the wheeled design can interfere with cross-country mobility so that finding a good place to hide outside of urban terrain can be difficult. As such, finding a suitable hiding place to ambush the enemies with the autocannon can be complicated by the BTR-80A's size and wheeled performance. That said, the 30 mm 2A72 autocannon that is found on the [[BMP-3]] packs a much higher punch with its APDS rounds. This allows the BTR-80A the ability to attack more enemies from a farther away distance with the 30 mm and should be exploited by watching common enemy travel routes from a distance to riddle their side armour to shreds.

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

''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''

'''Armour type:'''



* High hardness rolled armor (Front, sides, rear, roof, turret)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 10 mm (57°) ''Upper plate''
12mm (55°) ''Lower plate''
| 8 mm (36°)''Top'' 8 mm ''Bottom'' || 6 mm || 8 mm - 6 mm
|-
| Gun mount || 23 mm - 19mm ''Base front'' (35°) || 23 mm || 12 mm - 13 mm || 23 mm
|-
| Cupola || 19 mm ''Cupola is turret front'' || - mm || - mm || 19 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


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

While quite large and somewhat heavier than most other light IFVs such as the Wiesel, the BTR-80A boasts a very high top speed of 87 km/h which can be reached quite quickly on roads and trails. The downside of the 8 wheel design is its poor off-road mobility, however it is still quite nimble even on rough ground. It is very common to see BTR-80s rushing caps due to their high speed; they can capture points quite safely and then reposition to either scout or ambush enemy light/medium armour.

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=403|rbMinHp=230}}

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

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

{{main|2A72 (30 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[2A72 (30 mm)|30 mm 2A72]] || 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" | 300 (150) || rowspan="2" | 330 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+70° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 28.6 || 39.5 || 48.0 || 53.1 || 56.5 || rowspan="2" | 1.30 || rowspan="2" | 1.15 || rowspan="2" | 1.06 || rowspan="2" | 1.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 17.9 || 21.0 || 25.5 || 28.2 || 30.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary (self-destroying)}}
* '''30 mm HEI:''' {{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|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}
* '''30 mm APT:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T*|High-explosive fragmentation tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''30 mm APDS:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T*|High-explosive fragmentation tracer (self-destroying)}}

{{:2A72 (30 mm)/Ammunition|HEF-I*, AP-T, HEF-T*, APDS}}

==== [[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
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''2''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

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

{{main|PKT (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[PKT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm PKT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 2,000 (250) || 700 || - || -
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The BTR-80A works very well as a flanker, the great speed allows it to get a jump on any light vehicles intending to do the same, however its lack of armor makes it prone to oneshots, especially as many modern light tanks have HEAT rounds by default. Most medium tanks you find will be completely impenetrable from the front, requiring you to either ambush them from the sides, or incapacitate them by destroying their gun and tracks before moving to their vulnerable sides. Despite this the BTR is still vulnerable to machine gun fire, making an ambush on a group of enemies, even from a side, ill-advised, unless you can dispatch them quickly.

Although it is not its main purpose, the BTR-80A, especially with its HE rounds, is able to shoot down enemy planes quite easily. But its lack of radar, armor, relatively slow gun handling and limited ammo makes it unsuitable for a dedicated AA role.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Effective 2A72 30 mm autocannon, the same one used on the BMP-3 and BMD-4
** APDS is great for fighting against light vehicles and MBTs' sides
* Fairly mobile and thus very good at flanking
* Amphibious
* Quiet engine

'''Cons:'''

* Huge profile
* Poor survivability due to thin armour, minimal crew number and large size
* -5° gun depression and slow gun handling
* Has no stabiliser
* Relatively low power-to-weight ratio
* Can be destroyed by most heavy machine guns

== History ==

The BTR-80 armored personnel carrier was developed with experience from using the previous vehicles of the series, BTR-60 and BTR-70, in peacetime and combat operations of the Afghan war. The vehicle received a new 260 hp engine, reinforced armor, improved fire ports for the small arms of the troops inside, as well as other improvements. The main gun of the BTR-80 remained a heavy machine gun, however, due to the low efficiency of machine gun fire against modern lightly armored targets, an improved version of the vehicle with a 30mm 2A72 autocannon appeared in 1993, designated as BTR-80A. Vehicles of the BTR-80 family took part in all major armed conflicts in the territory of the former USSR and a number of other countries. Despite the commissioning of more advanced APCs, the BTR-80A is still in service with the Russian Army to this day.

''- From [[wt:en/news/8268-development-btr-80a-post-soviet-vibe-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_btr_80a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[BTR-80A (Italy)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8268-development-btr-80a-post-soviet-vibe-en|[Devblog] BTR-80A: Post-Soviet Vibe]]

{{USSR light tanks}}
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

ZSU-57-2

2024-06-18T06:51:46Z

U58217070: added more info and commas

{{About
| about = Soviet SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = ZSU-57-2 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=ussr_zsu_57_2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicle {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.43]].

An SPAA built on a heavily-modified T-54 chassis, the ZSU-57-2 features two powerful 57 mm guns, good mobility, and very light armour. It has proven to be more of a menace to ground vehicles than aircraft with its high-velocity cannons, but low sustained rate of fire and poor accuracy.

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


'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 13.5 mm (61°) ''Front glacis'' 15 mm (53°) ''Lower glacis'' || 15 mm || 10 mm (17-49°) ''Top'' 6 mm (73°) ''Bottom'' || 15 mm
|-
| Turret || 15 mm (14-57°) ''Turret front'' 15 mm (25-64°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 13.5 mm (9-61°) || 13.5 mm (4-59°) || N/A
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.
* Belly armour is 13.5 mm thick.
* A 6 mm RHA plate separates the engine compartment from the crew.
* Hatches and air intake are 6 mm thick.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=739|rbMinHp=460}}

The ZSU-57-2's mobility is rather good. It is faster than most medium tanks, while weighing 28 tons and having a 520 hp engine at 2,000 RPM. Manoeuvrability is good at all speeds, as its a relatively light tank with a powerful engine. It bleeds a lot of speed while turning, but the turning is fast and responsive, even though it does not have neutral steering. The maximum speed is limited by the transmission to 51 km/h forwards and -8 km/h in reverse for RB, and 55/-9 km/h for AB.

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

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

{{main|S-68 (57 mm)}}

Although this is an AA vehicle, its twin 57 mm cannons are still equally deadly against ground units. When stock, their accuracy isn't good so the shells fly all over the place as the distance increases, and the belt is made up of half AP, half HE, meaning it is not efficient when dealing with either planes or tanks. Therefore the best tactic for a fully stock ZSU-57-2 is to shoot the enemies' side up close or to target low-flying helicopters.

When the BR-281 belt (full APHE) is available, the player can go into full anti-tank mode as this shell packs quite a punch, and it can penetrate pretty much any tank's side armour (excluding the Maus, in which case take out its gun barrels) and some tanks' frontal armour. In a flank the ZSU-57-2 can finish off a group of opponents at an unbelievable speed. Two shells will slice through their side armour and explode, so theoretically one clip is enough to wipe out four tanks in a row (aiming at the crew compartment only, of course). A few seconds later, another clip will be loaded, ready to hunt more prey. Be aware that each clip only contains 8 rounds (4 for each of the two cannons), so do not waste your shots.

This shell also performs alright in the AA role, since its calibre is quite large for planes, and a direct hit usually critically damages the plane, if not killing it instantly. However, unlike its Chinese brother, WZ305, the ZSU-57-2 does not have access to any VT shells so it is always beneficial to lead with extra care and only open fire if the plane is close enough.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[S-68 (57 mm)|57 mm S-68]] (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" | 296 (4) || rowspan="2" | 120 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 52.8 || 73.1 || 88.8 || 98.2 || 104.5 || rowspan="2" | 2.60 || rowspan="2" | 2.30 || rowspan="2" | 2.12 || rowspan="2" | 2.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 35.7 || 42.0 || 51.0 || 56.4 || 60.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|HE*|High-explosive fragmentation (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APCBC|Armour-piercing capped ballistic capped}} - Half the rounds in this belt are useless against tanks or planes. However, against other SPAA this belt can reliably take out crew, armament, ammo and engine. Having one belt in reserve can help.
* '''BR-281SP:''' {{Annotation|APCBC|Armour-piercing capped ballistic capped}} - An anti-tank belt, it is comprised of APCBC shells that can penetrate most tanks from the side. However, the shells do not contain any explosive filler, so it is recommended to upgrade to the BR-281U belt when possible.
* '''OR-281U:''' {{Annotation|HE*|High-explosive fragmentation (self-destroying)}} - For use against planes. One or two hits usually gets the job done. Heavy armoured attackers and bombers may require more though.
* '''BR-281U:''' {{Annotation|APCBC|Armour-piercing capped ballistic capped}} - Very similar to the preceding BR-281SP belt; however, the shells now have a small amount of explosive filler, making them slightly more efficient against ground vehicles.

{{:S-68 (57 mm)/Ammunition|BR-281SP, OR-281U, BR-281U}}

==== [[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
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! 7th rack empty
! 8th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''74''' || 74 ''(+0)'' || 70 ''(+4)'' || 38 ''(+36)'' || 32 ''(+42)'' || 28 ''(+46)'' || 24 ''(+50)'' || 18 ''(+56)'' || N/A || Yes
|-
|}
'''Notes''':

* Visual discrepancy: the 8th ammo rack never empties, even with all ammunition spent.

== Usage in battles ==

Versatile in the anti-aircraft and anti-tank role this heavily modified [[T-54 (1947)|T-54]] chassis delivers two heavy 57 mm punches. The ZSU-57-2 can be used for two roles.

;Anti-air role

Even though the ZSU-57-2 was designed as an SPAA, it is not very good at destroying planes compared to other SPAA vehicles at similar battle ratings, which often have a significantly higher rate of fire or even radar. However, this is compensated for by its comparatively massive firepower compared to similar SPAA platforms. The large 57 mm cannons will often disable, or more likely destroy a plane with its first hit. It is also extremely effective in an anti-helicopter role, as helicopters are much slower than planes.

;Tank Destroyer

Using the 57 mm cannons in an anti-tank role is possible and have been exploited by many players. Using BR-281 ammo, the guns can effectively pierce the sides and rear of any tank (excluding the Maus). Remember the ZSU-57-2's armour does not compare to other tanks armour so one shot could be the end of the SPAA. Play cat-and-mouse and wait for the enemy to go into an engagement with another target and then jump out into the open and fire upon them while they are distracted. It is recommended to the first aim for their rear to disable their engine and cause a fire, they will have to stop what they are doing and put it out. During this time they won't be able to move or fire upon the ZSU-57-2, allowing a chance to finish off the crewmen inside by unloading the 57 mm cannons into the side of the enemy tank. Any shot from the 57 mm cannons into an enemies' ammo load will also instantly kill them. Almost all British tanks have very weak side armour, and your BR-281 ammo will easily rip through even at an angle. Aim for the front portion of their tank, where their driver is. Their ammo rack is located right next to the driver, meaning that you can easily ammo rack them.

'''Fighting the ZSU-57-2'''

If you spot a ZSU-57-2, do not ignore it. It is a very real threat and can make short work of you side armour. If you have the advantage of surprise, aim for the turret, as this has a chance to take out the gunner, cannon breeches and detonate the ammunition, even against machine guns, the turret armour of the ZSU does not provide much protection. If none of these are destroyed with the first shot, retreat quickly, unless you are sure that the 57mm guns cannot penetrate your frontal plate. If you do not have the advantage of surprise and have less than 151mm of frontal armour including weak spot, do not peak out. Try to disengage. If this is not possible, call artillery fire on the ZSU's location, and/or mark their position on the map for better positioned teammates to deal with.
=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Multi-role weaponry able to fight both planes and tanks
* Excellent turret rotation speed
* 57 mm guns will destroy or cripple aircraft with one hit, and can easily take out tanks from the sides too
* Very high penetration for an SPAA at 151 mm
* Very effective against lightly armoured vehicles like the [[Leopard 1]] or [[AMX-30]]

'''Cons:'''

* Large vehicle size
* Very vulnerable turret (ammo on all sides of turret + very thin armour)
* Crew is very crowded in the turret (1 shot has the potential to knock out 5 crew members with ease)
* Shells have bad accuracy after consecutive shots
* Sub-par anti-air capability due to low rate of fire and poor accuracy

== History ==

===Development===
The course of World War II revealed to the Soviets how dangerous the air power has become to their ground forces. It was determined that the best method of fighting these aircraft was to have ready vehicles in the front-lines with dedicated anti-aircraft roles to take out these assault aircraft. Experiences from other countries, such as the United States with their [[M3 Half-Track (Family)|M3 half-tracks]] equipped with anti-aircraft armament and Germany with their [[Wirbelwind]] and [[Ostwind]] anti-aircraft vehicles showed that the role of the self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) makes a positive effect on the battlefield for the protection of the ground forces. The Soviet development of SPAAGs came as simple, truck-mounted weapons and armoured variants of SPAAG were scarce to begin. The first put into production was the [[ZSU-37]], which did not see the majority of World War II as it was put into production on February 1945, with production lasted only until 1948 and retired not long after that. The single 37 mm gun on the ZSU-37 was also reported on no longer being efficient against aircraft, so a major development project was initiated for a new SPAAG in Soviet service.

Few projects were started on the SPAAG concept following right after World War II. One was just a [[BTR-152A|BTR-152 armoured personnel carrier armed with two or four 14.5 mm KPV heavy machine guns]]. About two different vehicle development was made for the SPAAG role, designated the ZTPU-2 and ZTPU-4. Development, while slow at first, took up a large focus after the realization that the Soviet Union's enemy, the United States, posses a large air force power that could take the air supremacy of the battlefield anywhere. This causes the Soviets to begin investing in a SPAAG in order to fight against this. The first of such was in February 1946 where the design bureau at Works No. 174 at Omsk along with Research Institute No. 58 at Kaliningrad submitted their joint design of a SPAAG based off the [[T-34 (1942)|T-34]] chassis. The design had four 37 mm AA guns attached, but the design did not proceed as new tank production at the time had the High Command prioritize on the new tank chassis that was going to be produced.

Research Institute No. 58 during this time developed a twin 57 mm anti-aircraft gun under the guidance of Vasiliy G. Grabin. The 57 mm gun was based off the previous 57 mm S-60 gun from 1947 and the new one was called the S-68, which was ready by 1948. This armament is then chosen to be mounted onto the new SPAAG project currently known as ''Object 500'', but the designation for such vehicle would be called '''ZSU-57-2''' ("57" for the armament calibre and "2" for the twin armament). The project design finished in 1948 with the S-68 gun mounted onto the new [[T-54 (1949)|T-54]] tank chassis. The first prototype was completed in June 1950 and testings for the vehicle lasted from 27 January 1951 to 15 March 1951, which had the vehicle drive 1,500 km and fire 2,000 rounds. More prototypes were built for testings and had improvements built into their design such as more ammunition storage. Service update tests started in 1954 after much delays in deliveries of the S-68 guns and parts for it, but the ZSU-57-2 was finally put into service on 14 February 1955. First vehicles were completed by 1957 and a total of 2,023 ZSU-57-2s were completed by the time production ended at the end of the 1950s.

===Design===
The ZSU-57-2 used a modified T-54 chassis for its basis, the T-54 chassis uses four road wheels per side rather than five and uses thinner armour. However, the interior is nearly the same as the T-54, with more space due to the thinned armour. There are three crew compartments in the tank, the driver in the front, the fighting in the middle, and the engine in the back. The driver's position has been moved slightly forward and to the left and has accommodations for an infrared vision device. The vehicle has a maximum road speed of 50 km/h and is considerably much faster than the T-54 due to the lighter weight while still powered by the same V-54 4-stroke diesel V12 engine.

The fighting compartment uses an open-topped turret that mounted the dual 57 mm S-68 gun. The gun is aimed via a sighting system that is adjusted based on the target's speed, direction, and range by the sight adjuster crew member. While the speed and direction must be estimated, the range can be found via a rangefinder or estimated. Two loaders are needed to load the two gun and a gunner fires using a trigger that fires both barrels or one of the two-foot pedals that fire either barrel independently. The gun is able to reach a firing rate of 240 rounds per minute with, but the practical rate of fire is about 140 rpm to maximize the barrel cooling rate and firing sustainability. Shells available for the gun are fragmentation and armour-piercing tracer, the fragmentation comes with a safety-destructor that causes the shell to explode after a certain amount of time so the rounds do not come back to the surface and do harm. The 57 mm shells were considered to be the most powerful anti-aircraft armament at the time and can very quickly destroy an aircraft if a shell connects.

A huge disadvantage of the ZSU-57-2 was the lack of fire-control radar, so it must rely on optical vision in order to find and eliminate targets. A ZSU-57-2 battery of four vehicles was less effective than a battery of six towed 57 mm S-60 anti-aircraft guns due to the latter having a fire control radar. The reliance on radar has been due to the increased proficiency of jets, which makes an estimation of distance and speed a very difficult process. Other disadvantages were its low firing rate due to the manual loading by loaders per gun, the air-cooled barrels heated up too quickly, and the turret traverse could not keep up with the newer and faster jet aeroplanes as well.

===Combat usage===
Entering service in 1955, the ZSU-57-2 replaced the older BTR-40As and BTR-152As in 1957 and was revealed to the public in November 1958 during a military parade. The ZSU-57-2 was issued out to tank regiments in one battery, which contained four ZSU-57-2s. This was later changed to two batteries per regiment, increasing the number of SPAAGs available. Some ZSU-57-2s saw service in motor rifle regiments as well as one battery. Despite its superior armament, the ZSU-57-2's performance among the newer aircraft technology along with jets causes the ZSU-57-2 to be considered unsatisfactory and obsolete by the early 1960s but stayed until the early 1970s as it was replaced by the [[ZSU-23-4]] Shilkas, which has radar-guided abilities. The remaining ZSU-57-2s were put into reserves, stored, repurposed into other roles, or scrapped.

Like much of the Soviet hardware, the ZSU-57-2 was also given out to the Soviet allies in the Warsaw Pact. Countries that bought the ZSU-57-2 range Poland, East Germany, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Cuba, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Syria, North Korea, and North Vietnam. These countries used the ZSU-57-2 to a greater extent than the Soviets did. East Germany was the first foreign operator to own the ZSU-57-2, which received 129 vehicles. Poland also received 129 units as well. Yugoslavia ordered 100 units, Slovenia owned a few for the 44th Armoured-mechanized battalion, Finland imported 12 units, and Cuba received 25 units during the missile crisis in 1962. Iraq, Iran, and Egypt ordered 100 units for deliveries, their use in conflicts would also end with the Israelis owning a few as well. North Korea developed its own units by using the Chinese Type 59 (a copy of the Soviet T-54A) tank chassis and bought the turrets to mount on them, about 250 were made like this. China created a copy of the ZSU-57-2 for Iraq by their request, using a reverse-engineered turret on a Type 69 chassis, which became the [[WZ305|Type 80 SPAAG]], though China is more well known for modernizing the S-68 ammunition with a proximity-fuze round.

The ZSU-57-2 saw use in many Cold-War conflicts in the hands of foreign operators. It saw action in the Vietnam War by the North Vietnamese and was used as air defence for tank regiments and against ground targets. The ZSU-57-2 also saw conflicts in the Middle East such as in the Six-Day War and Yom Kippur War against Israel by Syria and Egypt. These were used to defend the El-Arish airstrip, but they were not very successful and many were captured by the Israelis. Syria also used the vehicle again in the Lebanon War of 1982 against Israel, where they failed against the Israeli air force, but fair much better against ground targets. Iraq and Iran used the ZSU-57-2 against each other in the Iran-Iraq War, though Iraqi forces had access to Chinese copies and the benefit of radio information for their vehicles. Iraqi ZSU-57-2s also saw use in the Gulf War against the United States coalition where it manages to successfully shoot down a Tornado GR1 aircraft by the British, three more were reported to be heavily damaged as well. The Iraqis still used them up until the Second Gulf War. The ZSU-57-2s were used by many factions in the Yugoslav Wars and had air defence roles against the NATO air raids. The most recent usage of the ZSU-57-2 is in the Syrian Civil War, where 10 are still active in the Syrian Army, these are probably used exclusively against ground targets today.

{{break}}
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
In 1947 at the NII-58 research institute plans were made under the direction of B.G. Grabin to pair a 57 mm automatic cannon with a C-68 anti-air cannon on the basis of the C-60. It was intended to be installed on either a track-based chassis or a body with wheels.

The track-based chassis was based on aggregates of the T-54 medium tank. The self-propelled version of the vehicle received the factory designation of Object 500 and the military designation of ZSU-57-2.

The ZSU-57-2 underwent comprehensive testing from 1950-1954. In 1955 the ZSU-57-2 was accepted into the arsenal of the Soviet Army. It was produced at factory #174 in Omsk from 1955 to 1960. A total of 857 ZSU-57-2s were produced.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_zsu_57_2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|HdY1bQ65ih4|'''SPAA versus TANK. Is there a place for such vehicles in War Thunder at all? ZSU-57-2''' - ''HowToPlay1337''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[ZSU-57-2 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wikipedia:ZSU-57-2|[Wikipedia] ZSU-57-2]]
* [https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/USSR/ZSU-57-2.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> ZSU-57-2]

{{TankManufacturer Omsktransmash}}
{{USSR anti-aircraft vehicles}}

ZSU-37-2

2024-06-18T06:44:58Z

U58217070: small grammar changes

{{About
| about = Soviet SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the single-barrelled version
| link = ZSU-37
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=ussr_zsu_37_2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' ''Yenisei'' was a late 1950s Soviet self-propelled anti-aircraft gun. The development of the Yenisei started in April 1957 as it was obvious that the then new [[ZSU-57-2]] was not a very capable SPAA, especially lacking accuracy and search-and-track radar. A modified SU-100P tank destroyer chassis was chosen as the basis of the vehicle. The Yenisei was codeveloped together with the [[ZSU-23-4|ZSU-23-4 ''Shilka'']], although the Shilka's role was to protect mechanized infantry regiments from aircraft up to 1,500 m of altitude, while the Yenisei was tasked with protecting tank divisions and regiments and engaging targets up to 3,000 m of altitude. During trials, the Yenisei proved capable of firing on the move up to speeds of 25 km/h on even and flat terrain. The accuracy of the 37 mm 2A12 was also 2.5x higher than that of the ZSU-57-2. After the trials, the Yenisei was retasked with protecting 2K11 Krug and 2K12 Kub SAM systems from attacks inside the missile launcher dead zones. The Yenisei was recommended to be accepted into service, however on 5th September 1962, the Council of the Ministers only accepted the Shilka into service. All work on the Yenisei was stopped shortly after.

The Yenisei was introduced in [[Update "Hot Tracks"]]. Over the Shilka, the Yenisei offers greater range against aerial targets and higher penetration values against ground targets at the cost of rate of fire. The Yenisei is also much more agile and faster than the Shilka, while also being on a chassis with a lower silhouette. The radar however is not very good, and due to the very narrow scan pattern (only 15 degrees vertical) has issues detecting higher flying targets, and aiming must be relatively precise when locking onto targets.

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

Sharing the same hull of the [[SU-100P]], the hull is protected enough for heavy machine gun fire but lacks protection against everything else. However, the turret is barely armoured for low calibre machine gun fire (with only 8.9 mm of thickness), it has little survivability against everything it will face and will be destroyed by overpressure with most CE ammunition (HE, ATGM, rockets, bombs, etc.).

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 9.4 mm (72°) || 9.4 mm ''Top'' 9.4 mm ''Bottom'' || 9.4 mm || 9.4 mm
|-
| Turret || 8.9 mm ''Turret front'' 8.9 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 8.9 mm || 8.9 mm || 8.9 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 10 mm thick, tracks are 15 mm thick, and torsion bars are 22 mm thick.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=568|rbMinHp=354}}

Since it is mounted on the SU-100P chassis, it has good mobility with a top speed of 70 km/h on a flat road capable of getting you into good firing positons early-on in the battle. It does benefit from regenerative steering, reducing the speed loss when turning but not as much as with neutral steering. The reverse speed is good enough to enable you to disengage easily and play peek-a-boo with the enemy.

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

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

{{main|2A11 (37 mm)}}

This tank has access to a twin mount of Shipunov 2A11 37 mm autocannon, a very versatile weapon, considering its vertical guidance, traverse speed, and selection of ammo belts. It is similar to the one seen on the [[BMP-2]]. Due to being a twin mount, it has an RPM of 1,000. It is devastating against both aircraft and ground vehicles even with the standard AP round. It does not get access to APDS belts like on the 2A45 30 mm autocannon, but the AP belts are more than enough to disable and destroy modules from all angles, as well as destroy enemy tanks from the sides.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[2A11 (37 mm)|37 mm 2A11]] (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" | 540 (270) || rowspan="2" | 500 || rowspan="2" | -1°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Two-plane|up to 25 km/h}} || 52.8 || 73.1 || 88.8 || 98.2 || 104.5 || rowspan="2" | 6.50 || rowspan="2" | 5.75 || rowspan="2" | 5.30 || rowspan="2" | 5.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 35.7 || 42.0 || 51.0 || 56.4 || 60.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''UO-167:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''BR-167:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}

{{:2A11 (37 mm)/Ammunition|HEFI-T*, AP-T}}

==== [[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
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''2''' || 0 ''(+2)'' || No
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The ZSU-37-2 should be played entirely as an AA vehicle. Do not go tank hunting in this vehicle, as you do not have the armour. Focus on keeping the skies clear, something that this vehicle does very well. A high rate of fire and very fast turret traverse means that you should be able to target and destroy even the fastest jets.

You have a high ammo count with this vehicle, meaning that you can afford to find a good spot away from the main fight in order to pick off enemy planes. Unless you need to reload your ammo, avoid capture points. They are usually the hub of most of the fighting and going to them will put you in the firing line.

While it is fully enclosed, the ZSU-37-2 has armour which makes the M18 Hellcat look like a heavy tank. Even 7.62 mm machine guns stand a fair chance of penetrating this vehicle. This makes you a primary target for aircraft, which are usually armed with cannons or high penetration machine guns and will easily take you out.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* High rate of fire allows for area saturation
* Relatively high top speed
* High ammo count
* Fast turret traverse
* Can penetrate most vehicles from the side
* Radar-assisted fire control

'''Cons:'''

* Thin armour: aircraft cannons will cause severe damage
* Radar has very low scan speed
* Can only carry one type of ammunition, so bringing the HEFI-T rounds will leave you vulnerable to ground units

== History ==

The ZSU-37-2 was the long range counterpart of the ZSU-23-4, it entered development at the same time the ZSU-23-4 did and each one fullfilled different roles. It was developed by Uralmashzavod based on the SU-100P chassis designated Object 119. The ZSU-37-2 was meant to counter targets at 3 km. A single prototype vehicle was built and was tested on December 1960, both ZSU-23-4 and ZSU-37-2 were accepted for service. It never saw service as the ZSU-23-4 was preferred as an SPAA

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_zsu_37_2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|fIlUeGLTF7w|'''The Shooting Range #238''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:30 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|10seZ_m4t-k|'''ZSU-37-2 - When Gaijin Cheaps Out Again''' - ''Napalmratte''|XI561HYbJPc|'''ZSU-37-2 [Profile]''' - ''BaconGaming''}}

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

* [[SU-100P]]
* [[Object 120]]

;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[ZSU-23-4]]

== External links ==


* [https://en.topwar.ru/5760-zsu-37-2-enisey-ne-shilkoy-edinoy.html <nowiki>[Topwar.ru]</nowiki> ZSU-37-2 "Yenisei". Not a "Shilka" single]

{{USSR anti-aircraft vehicles}}

ZSU-23-4

2024-06-18T06:38:40Z

U58217070: added information about the slightly better armor thanks to angle over the 37-2 and fixed grammar

{{About
| about = Soviet SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other versions
| link = ZSU-23-4 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=ussr_zsu_23_4
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==


Arguably the single most iconic self-propelled anti-aircraft gun of the Soviet Union during the Cold War, the '''ZSU-23-4 ''Shilka''''' is a force to be reckoned with. First fielded in 1965, the Shilka completely superseded its predecessor, the antiquated [[ZSU-57-2]] by the 1970s. Notable upgrades were a radar fire control system to assist gunners in aiming the gun, a gun stabilizer to enable firing on the move, as well as the search radar itself which greatly assisted in awareness. Designed on the [[ASU-85]] hull, the Shilka was almost fielded alongside its competitor, the [[ZSU-37-2]] Yenisei, but the Yenisei was cancelled during a hearing and the Shilka became the backbone of the Soviet air defense suite. The Shilka served a long and illustrious career with the Soviet Armed Forces and many other militaries around the world, seeing combat across the globe. One notable use was in the Soviet-Afghan War, where Shilkas had their radars removed and additional ammunition was added and were used against enemy guerilla fighters to devastating effect.

Introduced in [[Update 1.63 "Desert Hunters"]], the "Shilka" presents a much higher rate of fire than its predecessor [[ZSU-57-2]], and allows the user to oversaturate a given area of the sky to increase the odds of hitting an enemy aircraft. The Shilka is unlocked after the [[ZSU-37-2]] Yenisei, its unproduced rival, and usage cases between the two differ. The Yenisei deals a heavier, crippling blow with its 37 mm cannon, but lacks the volume of fire of the Shilka to saturate an area, while the Shilka lacks comparative engagement range as well as the penetration to go through enemy armour from the side consistently. The Shilka is best used at sub-2 km ranges, when enemies have little room to manoeuvre from the sheer amount of shells being thrown in the air, and is second to none in this role.

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

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 9.4 mm (57°) || 9.4 mm || 9.4 mm (46°) ''Upper'' 9.4 mm (22°) ''Lower'' || 9.4 mm
|-
| Turret || 8.9 mm (23°) || 8.9 mm (8-10°) || 8.9 mm (1°) || 8.9 mm
|-
| Cupola || 8.9 mm || 8.9 mm || 8.9 mm || 8.9 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick while tracks are 15 mm thick.
* Belly armour is 9.4 mm thick.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=398|rbMinHp=248}}

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

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

{{main|AZP-23 (23 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[AZP-23 (23 mm)|23 mm AZP-23]] (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" | 2,000 (500) || rowspan="2" | 850 || rowspan="2" | -4°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 61.6 || 85.3 || 103.6 || 114.6 || 121.9 || rowspan="2" | 5.20 || rowspan="2" | 4.60 || rowspan="2" | 4.24 || rowspan="2" | 4.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 41.6 || 49.0 || 59.5 || 65.8 || 70.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}
* '''HEFI-T:''' {{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
* '''APIT:''' {{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}}

{{:AZP-23 (23 mm)/Ammunition|HEF-I, API-T, HEFI-T}}

==== [[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
|-
| '''4''' || 0 ''(+4)'' || 0 ''(+4)'' || 0 ''(+4)'' || 0 ''(+4)'' || No
|-
|}

=== Radars ===
{{main|1RL33}}
The ZSU-23-4 is equipped with a [[1RL33]] search and tracking radar, mounted on top of the turret, at the rear. The radar system lacks track while scan, but can track targets in a full 360° area around the turret (instead of just to the front of the turret). The radar has very slow scan speed.
{{Notice|By default the radar will scan a 60° arc, this can be changed to a 360° scan if desired, using the "change radar search mode" key.}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="5" | [[1RL33]] - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Detection Range|The range, below which, a target cannot be detected}}
! {{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)}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum relative speed|The minimum speed a target must be moving, relative to the radar, in order to be detectable by the radar}}
|-
| 20,000 m || 100 m || ±30° (optionally 360°) || -9°/+87° || 15 m/s (54 km/h)
|-
! colspan="5" | [[1RL33]] - 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}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum relative speed|The minimum speed a target must be moving, relative to the radar, in order to be tracked by the radar}}
|-
| 16,000 m || 100 m || 360° || -9°/+87° || 15 m/s (54 km/h)
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


The ZSU-23-4 should be played entirely as an AA vehicle. Do not go tank hunting in this vehicle, as you do not have the armour or the penetration. Focus on keeping the skies clear, something that this vehicle does very well. A high rate of fire and very fast turret traverse means that you should be able to target and destroy even the fastest jets.

You have a high ammo count with this vehicle, meaning that you can afford to find a good spot away from the main fight in order to pick off enemy planes. Unless you need to reload your ammo, avoid spawn points. They are usually the hub of most of the fighting and going to them will put you in the firing line.

While it is fully enclosed, the ZSU-23-4 has armour which makes the M18 Hellcat look like a heavy tank. Even 7.62mm machine guns stand a fair chance of penetrating this vehicle, although the slightly increased angle provides marginally better protection over the Yenisei. This makes you a primary target for aircraft, which at this vehicles BR are usually armed with cannons or high penetration machine guns, which will easily take you out.

Top rank helicopters and the FJ-4B VMF 232 are the greatest threat to your existence. They are both capable of sitting comfortably outside your firing range while firing lethal ATGMs at you. Hide from them until they are either dealt with by an allied plane or they come close enough to be dealt with by your 23 mm cannons.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* High rate of fire; allows for area saturation
* Relatively high top speed
* High ammo count
* Fast turret traverse
* Can penetrate lightly armoured vehicles (other SPAAs)
* Radar-assisted fire control; a lead indicator is shown in Realistic.

'''Cons:'''

* Thin armour; aircraft cannons will cause severe damage
* Low power to weight ratio; struggles with slopes and off-road
* Low penetration for 23 mm cannons; means troubles penetrating certain MBTs from the side
* Radar has very low scan speed

== History ==


===Development===
The main Soviet self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicle [[ZSU-57-2]], in service since 1955, did not perform satisfactory due to the lack of radar tracking, low rate of fire, and small ammo count for its high-power autocannons. Its firepower was supplemented by the ZPU and ZU series of anti-aircraft mounts using the 14.5 mm and 23 mm armaments respectively. The ZPU and ZU were towed or truck-mounted and had a high rate of fire, but suffered from low mobility when not on a truck and lack of protection if mounted on a truck for a mobile role. It became desirable to combine the traits of these two type of anti-aircraft weaponry together for a tracked anti-aircraft vehicle to be protected, have good mobility, contain a good amount of ammo, and deliver a high rate of fire with heavy-hitting calibre.

Development started in 1957 for this vehicle, ready to be evaluated in 1962. The vehicle went under the name '''ZSU-23-4 "Shilka"''', named after the Shilka River in South-Eastern Russia. The first set of digits signifies the calibre, 23 mm, and the second signifies the number of cannons, 4. Equipped with four water-cooled 23 mm autocannons, the ZSU-23-4 is aimed via manual optics or with a radar that can track aircraft up to 6 km away and guide the armaments to a estimated coordinate. The vehicle can carry up to 2,000 rounds of 23 mm ammunition and each cannon has a fire rate of between 850-1,000 rpm. The ZSU-23-4 was built on a GM-575 chassis, which itself is based off the [[PT-76B|PT-76]]. It was accepted for service by the Soviet Army in 1965 and proceeded to replace all the ZSU-57-2 still in stock by the 1970s. From the time period 1964 to 1982, up to 6,500 ZSU-23-4 were produced at the Mytishchi Engineering Works.

===Combat usage===
The Soviet Army used the ZSU-23-4 as their main anti-aircraft defense weapon. It was intended that the ZSU-23-4 only guard military bases and mechanized formations while the ZSU-37-2, a side development during the Shilka's development period, guard the low-altitude area unable to be hit by surface-to-air missiles. However, the ZSU-23-4 Shilka eventually replaced it to keep a logistics simple. From Soviet doctrine, the Shilkas were organized in anti-aircraft artillery batteries with two platoons of four vehicles each. Initially, one platoon was filled with ZSU-57-2's and the other with Shilkas, but the ZSU-57's were replaced in service by the Shilkas in the 1970s. In the 1970s, the batteries were also reorganized to one platoon of Shilkas and one platoon of anti-air missile systems, both meant to supplement the dead zone from the divisional surface-to-air missile systems. The Shilkas, being very lightly armoured, mainly stay behind the main forces and the front line, ranging between 400 to 1,000 m away from the fighting. Though each Shilka unit fought with their own radar system initially, the implementation of the PPRU-1 allowed for coordinated targeting between the Shilka and missile units against enemy aircraft. Despite their intended role as an anti-aircraft, the high rate of fire, heavy calibre, and ability to elevate the guns at a high angle made it a very popular ground support weapon. This utility made it a very useful weapon in the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, being able to fight the Mujaheddin ambushing from mountainous terrain. The Soviets also used it during the War against Chechnya, fighting the Chechens in the mountains. The ZSU-23-4 still sees use in the Russian Naval Infantry.

The ZSU-23-4 saw more usage in the hands of the Soviet Union's allies. 2,500 of the Shilkas produced were given out to up to 23 nations. It's most infamous records would come from the hands of the Arabs in the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Using the SA-6 surface-to-air missiles, they forced the Israeli planes to fly low to avoid missile detection and then blasted them away with the Shilkas. The Shilkas also saw use in the later part of the Vietnam War, where they are used nearly the same way by attacking aircraft forced low by missiles. Past that, the ZSU-23-4 saw usage in multiple conflicts in the Third World countries and are still in use today in the Syrian Civil War.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_zsu_23_4 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


'''Similar role in USSR'''

* [[BTR-ZD]]

'''Analogues in other nations'''

* [[M163]]
* [[SIDAM 25]]
* [[AMX-30 DCA]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/4243-development-zsu-23-4-shilka-river-of-fire-en/|[Devblog] ZSU-23-4 Shilka: River of Fire]]

{{USSR anti-aircraft vehicles}}