War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

AJ37

2024-07-18T09:29:40Z

U68014846: /* Suspended armament */ adding new countermeasures pods from 16.07.24

{{About
| about = Swedish strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = SAAB 37 Viggen (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=saab_aj37
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was the ground attack variant of the SAAB 37 Viggen. The aircraft received precision guided ground weaponry, like RB 04 Anti-Ship missiles and RB 05 air to surface missiles, which will later be replaced by the AGM-65 Maverick for dealing with fortifications and enemy armour, the aircraft also received the ability to carry bombs and rockets, while retaining its capability to carry AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles for self defence. A total of 108 units were built with deliveries starting in mid 1971.

It was introduced in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].The Swedish AJ37 is a relatively capable fighter for air battles but it is much more capable at dealing with ground targets. It features external cannons and 2 x RB24J missiles for self defence, the issue being that the cannons occupy the slots used to carry countermeasures. For ground battles, the aircrafts best weapon is the RB75 (AGM-65B Maverick) which is a very capable long range TV guided missile used against armoured units. For air battles, it has a decent flight performance, but being a very heavy airframe it suffers at low speeds, thus is very recommended staying at high speeds and only turn in favourable situations.

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


Entering service in 1971, the {{PAGENAME}} is almost 10 years older than the [[JA37C]] found in the fighter line beside it. Despite being almost indistinguishable from each other visually, both aircraft differ heavily in flight performance. The {{PAGENAME}} is noticeably more primitive than its fighter brethren, requiring suspended ordnance to compensate for the lack of internal weapons. This, combined with the weaker powerplant, makes the {{PAGENAME}} feel a lot heavier when fully kitted out. Despite this, the performance is not something to underestimate, as the Viggen platform still offers almost unmatched 'jack of all trades' performance, with excellent manoeuvrability, acceleration, and top speed.
[[File:AJ37 Scenery.png|left|thumb|350px|AJ37 viewed from behind, making a right turn.]]
For better or worse, flying the {{PAGENAME}} is comparable to the Draken family of fighters preceding it. The overall flight performance is so extreme that most opponents the {{PAGENAME}} comes across cannot keep up with it. But a trade-off is still the lack of significant energy retention. When flown recklessly, the {{PAGENAME}} has a hard time keeping its speed up, which can be exploited by more powerful opponents. However, an opponent that does commit to these low speeds is likely to lose due to the low-speed handling of the Viggen. All variants, including the {{PAGENAME}}, come fit with flap systems designed to push air under the main wing, allowing the aircraft to manoeuvre efficiently even when stalling. Because of this, dogfighting often comes down to managing your speed, and ensuring that your manoeuvrability is better than your opponent's, either by forcing an overshoot, or baiting them into committing to a low-speed engagement.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 9,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,868 || 1,822 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.1 || 26.2 || 156.2 || 144.7 || rowspan="2" | 900
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,017 || 1,948 || 23.9 || 25.0 || 225.4 || 190.0
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,536  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || 400 || ~12 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 865 || < 700 || < 520 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Svenska Flygmotor RM8A || 1
| colspan="3" | 11,015 kg || colspan="3" | 309 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 15m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 51m fuel
|-
| 2,350 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 12,341 kg || 12,727 kg || 13,583 kg || 14,867 kg || 15,435 kg || 19,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 15m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 51m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,386 kgf || 10,520 kgf
| 0.85 || 0.83 || 0.77 || 0.71 || 0.68 || 0.55
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 6,386 kgf (0 km/h) || 15,255 kgf (1,250 km/h)
| 1.24 || 1.20 || 1.12 || 1.03 || 0.99 || 0.80
|-
|}

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

[[File:AJ37 Countermeasures.png|thumb|350px|AJ37 dispensing countermeasures]]
Although designed with air-to-ground missions in mind, the {{PAGENAME}} does not come equipped with pilot protection. Despite its size, the {{PAGENAME}} is not well-suited for handling incoming damage. The fuselage is noticeably tanky, but due to the large engine and control surfaces, the likelihood of surviving hits without consequence is fairly small.

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

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
| rowspan="10" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[Akan m/55 (30 mm)|30 mm Akan m/55]] cannons (150 rpg)
| 1 || || || || 1
|-
! [[m/71 (120 kg)|120 kg m/71]] bombs
| 4 || 4 || || 4 || 4
|-
! [[psrak m/70]] rockets
| 6 || 6 || || 6 || 6
|-
! [[RB24]] missiles
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[RB24J]] missiles
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[RB 75]] missiles
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[Rb05A]] missiles
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! Countermeasures
| 24
320(chaff)
| || || || 24
320(chaff)
|-
! 1,250 l drop tanks
| || || 1 || ||
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* 1 x 1,250 l drop tank + 2 x 30 mm Akan m/55 cannons (150 rpg = 300 total)
* 2 x RB24J missiles
* 2 x RB24 missiles
* 24 x psrak m/70 rockets
* 2 x Rb05A missiles
* 2 x RB 75 missiles
* 16 x 120 kg m/71 bombs (1,920 kg total)
* 48 x countermeasures; 680 x chaff
{{Navigation-End}}

The stock loadouts on the {{PAGENAME}} allow for either gunpods or air-to-air missiles. The performance of the RB24J often allows two guaranteed air kills, which can be important when spading the aircraft. However, more skilled pilots might find more use out of the Akan gun pods as they can down significantly more aircraft in one go and still engage ground targets if needed. They can be somewhat tricky to get used to, however, as they are spaced out from the center of the aircraft, both horizontally and vertically.

The m/70 rockets are the only air-to-ground ordnance shared with the JA37C. The rockets allow for great precision attacks from far range thanks to the ballistic computer, and due to the large explosive filler, a single accurate hit is more than enough to deal with any armoured threat. The rocket placement can be somewhat tricky as they are not centred with the aircraft, similar to the gun pods.

[[File:AJ37 bombs.png|thumb|350px|AJ37 bombing targets]]
The Rb05A is unique in its class, as this manually guided air-to-ground missile features a proximity fuze for attacking airborne threats. Although very unconventional to use, this missile is highly potent in ground battles, as the explosive can kill any tank it hits, while also destroying helicopters with ease if needed.

The RB 75 is identical to the [[AGM-65A]] found on other aircraft and performs equally well. This air-to-ground missile uses optical guidance to distinguish targets, allowing it to guide itself after launch. Since the missile is capable of gliding up to 20 km of distance, altitude is preferred when deploying for the best distance and target visibility. When employed correctly, the {{PAGENAME}} can safely stay away from SAM systems while engaging ground vehicles.

The countermeasures used by the {{PAGENAME}} are carried in two pods, one on each wing. Both come equipped with 24 slots each, dispensing in unison when activated. These flares require some manoeuvring and throttle management to deploy efficiently, especially since the direction they dispense is straight behind the nozzle. Cutting afterburner and banking slightly is always optimal when flaring, and will throw off most heat-seeking missiles.

The 120 kg m/71s are the only type of bombs found on this aircraft. Carried in groups of four, these bombs are dispensed singularly starting from the left. Their limited explosive mass makes them fairly inefficient at destroying bases in air battles. However, the precision offered by the ballistic computer allows for plenty of stopping power against ground vehicles. These bombs are also a lot safer to use than unguided rockets, as they do not require the pilot to look directly at the target.

== Usage in battles ==


'''Air Realistic Battles'''

* Always carry RB24Js, flares, and guns
* Take as much fuel as possible
* Avoid higher altitudes
* Stay as fast as possible when engaging aircraft
* Use RWR to notch enemy radar missiles when uptiered
* Use flares reinforced

[[File:AJ37 Climb.png|thumb|350px|AJ37 seen climbing]]
The {{PAGENAME}} has no limitations when it comes to flight performance. The acceleration, manoeuvrability, and top speed outclasses almost any aircraft it faces, giving it plenty of wiggle room for engaging anything it wants. With the addition of custom loadouts, the AJ37 is now able to carry a gunpod and flare pod simultaneously. The downside lies in the suspended weaponry, which is very limited for a plane its size. These downsides are entirely dependent on the opponents a pilot is going against, as some aircraft might have even less to work with than the {{PAGENAME}}, making them easy prey. In downtiers, the {{PAGENAME}} can become unstoppable as the armament becomes secondary. Since the {{PAGENAME}} is one of the best handling supersonic aircraft, facing subsonic and transonic opponents is a walk in the park. When facing these sorts of aircraft, firepower should always be prioritized to maximize the amount of damage the plane can put out. Here, a pilot should focus on going straight in, keeping opponents busy for allied teammates.

When facing more potent opponents, however, especially those at higher tiers, the lacklustre weaponry becomes apparent. The {{PAGENAME}} carries half the expected amount of missiles and has no all-aspect capability. On top of this, opponents at this tier often carry potent missiles that require flares to properly avoid. A loadout with flares, RB24J missiles, and a gun pod is necessary. In these matches, it's imperative to stick to teammates or focus on a lone enemy plane.

'''Ground Realistic Battles'''

* Use countermeasures when facing SAM systems
* Use suspended weaponry of your choice
* Gain altitude quickly when using RB 75
* Stay as low and fast as possible when using rockets, bombs, cannons, or the Rb05As

Using the AJ37 for its intended purpose can sometimes be trickier than fighting aircraft, especially due to the prominent threat of SAM systems. The AJ37 is much more potent compared to the earlier [[A32A]] in almost every regard, but that does not make it immune to anti-air equipment. The best way to counter SAM systems is by flying at high speeds while deploying chaff simultaneously. This forces radar locks to reset, allowing for short timeframes of efficient ground striking. Staying above Mach is almost a requirement, unless terrain can be worked with to avoid sightlines with the SAM launcher. A more daring tactic is to forego countermeasures altogether, and focusing on destroying the SAM system before it even locates the aircraft. This allows for more variety in the suspended ordnance, doubling the number of bombs or rockets, or allowing the use of Akans to combat air targets at the same time.

This mentality does not apply when using the RB 75, as this missile allows for much further distance when engaging. With over 20 km of launch range, the Maverick missile is able to stay out of the range of ground-based SAM equipment, while still engaging ground targets. The optimal strategy here is to gain altitude directly after spawning, trying to separate a great distance from the battlefield. A great way to check for optimal distance is watching the capture-point marker that tells distance, as it gives a rough estimate of your current range. When beyond 12 km, the average distance a SAM system can reach, a pilot can begin checking for targets on the ground through the sight. Once a target is acquired, turn back and repeat the process. Due to the limited armament, it can be quite handy to carry a second ordnance option or to simply climb near the airfield for quick rearming.

{{Notice|Remember to check for helicopters when using the Rb05A missile! The proximity fuze allows for them to be easily taken down.}}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful 30 mm guns in gun pods
* Excellent top speed, especially at lower altitudes
* Access to RB 75 air-to-ground missiles ([[AGM-65A]] equivalent)
* Access to RB24J ([[AIM-9P]] equivalent performance)
* Incredible manoeuvrability at all speeds
* Powerful radar
* Easy to land - Access to thrust reversing

'''Cons:'''

* Limited armament options - Only able to carry up to two weapon types, on four pylons
* Poor energy retention at lower speeds
* Countermeasure pod replaces a weapon pylon
* Only small bombs are available
* Limited burst mass and range on 30 mm Akan - Outclassed by 20 mm Vulcan
* Awkward cannon placement - Suspended gun pods are spread out and low mounted
* No radar missiles are available
* Afterburner drains fuel quickly (1:10 ratio)

== History ==

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

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=saab_aj37 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|KCocfMGuCKw|'''AJ-37 Viggen: A Quick Review''' - ''Tims Variety''}}

== See also ==

'''Swedish Delta-winged Aircraft'''

* [[JA37C]] - Fighter variant of the {{PAGENAME}}
* [[J35D]]
* [[J35A]]

'''Comparable aircraft'''

* [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)]]
* [[Mirage III (Family)]]
* [[Jaguar (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/538755-aj-37/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Saab}}
{{Sweden jet aircraft}}

AJS37

2024-07-18T09:27:50Z

U68014846: implement of the new countermeassure pod update 16.07.2024

{{About
| about = Swedish strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = SAAB 37 Viggen (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=saab_ajs37
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

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

The AJS37 was a Swedish fighter-bomber aircraft which originated from the [[AJ37]] due to a decision in 1992 to upgrade the AJ37, SH37, and SF37 to give them an extended service-life and limited JAS-capabilities. The majority of the upgrade was to the avionics in the Central Calculator, which received extensive modification. Giving more powerful computer power gave it the ability to carry new ordnance such as [[RB 74]] air-to-air missiles, RB 15F anti-ship missiles, and BK 90 cluster munitions. After the modification, the AJ 37 was redesignated to AJS 37. The AJS remained in service until 2001 when it was phased out in favour of the JAS 39 Gripen.

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

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 11,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,873 || 1,827 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.1 || 26.4 || 158.4 || 147.8 || rowspan="2" | 500
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute !! Thrust reversal
|-
| X || X || ✓ || ✓ || X || X || {{Annotation|✓*|Only when landed}} 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,536  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || - || 400 || ~12 || ~4
|-
|}

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

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Svenska Flygmotor RM8A || 1
| colspan="3" | 12,315 kg || colspan="3" | 334 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 48m fuel
|-
| 2,350 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 13,635 kg || 14,119 kg || 15,021 kg || 16,374 kg || 16,715 kg || 19,849 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 48m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,795 kgf || 11,375 kgf
| 0.83 || 0.81 || 0.76 || 0.69 || 0.68 || 0.60
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 6,795 kgf (0 km/h) || 16,498 kgf (1,250 km/h)
| 1.21 || 1.17 || 1.10 || 1.01 || 0.99 || 0.87
|-
|}

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

''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

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

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
| rowspan="10" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_JA37D.png]]</div>
|-
! [[Akan m/55 (30 mm)|30 mm Akan m/55]] cannons (150 rpg)
| || 1 || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[m/71 (120 kg)|120 kg m/71]] bombs
| || 4 || 4 || || 4 || 4 ||
|-
! [[psrak m/70]] rockets
| || 6 || 6 || || 6 || 6 ||
|-
! [[RB24J]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[RB 74]] missiles
| || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[RB 75]] missiles
| || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[Rb05A]] missiles
| || || 1 || || 1 || ||
|-
! Countermeasures
| || 24
320(chaff)
| || || || 24
320(chaff)
|
|-
! 1,250 l drop tanks
| || || || 1 || || ||
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* 2 x RB24J missiles + 2 x 30 mm Akan m/55 cannons (150 rpg = 300 total) + 1 x 1,250 l drop tank
* 6 x RB24J missiles
* 4 x RB 74 missiles
* 16 x 120 kg m/71 bombs (1,920 kg total)
* 2 x Rb05A missiles
* 48 x countermeasures; 680 x chaff
* 24 x psrak m/70 rockets
* 4 x RB 75 missiles
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

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

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* High top speed at sea level
* Responsive flight controls with great turning rate
* Can be equipped with a drop tank
* Reverse Thrust for fast braking after touching down
* Access to strong RB74 IR missiles

'''Cons:'''

* Substandard energy retention during turns, made worse by the mediocre acceleration at low speeds
* Afterburner consumes a lot of fuel
* Mediocre airbrakes
* No internal mounted cannon, only external 30 mm cannons
* Flaps only useful during landings
* Very limited loadout options as guns, countermeasures, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles all compete for the same slots
* AGM-65A as only guided air-to-ground ordnance, with a lock-on-range on moving targets of only 4km or less

== History ==

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

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=saab_ajs37 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


=== References ===
<references />

{{AirManufacturer Saab}}
{{Sweden jet aircraft}}

PG99-35-2 (35 mm)/Ammunition

2024-07-09T10:01:54Z

U68014846: AHEAD ammunition from 2.37 added

<nowiki/>{{#vardefine: HEI-T* penetration | HEI-T* & 11 & 11 & 9 & 8 & 6 & 5}}{{#vardefine: API-T* penetration | API-T* & 68 & 66 & 57 & 47 & 39 & 32}}{{#vardefine: APDS penetration | APDS & 127 & 125 & 118 & 110 & 102 & 95}}{{#vardefine: AHEAD penetration | AHEAD & 59 & 57 & 51 & 44 & 38 & 33}}{{#vardefine: HEI-T* details | HEI-T* & 1,175 & 0.55 & 0.1 & 0.1 & 204 & 79° & 80° & 81°}}{{#vardefine: API-T* details | API-T* & 1,175 & 0.55 & 1.2 & 9 & 37.4 & 47° & 60° & 65°}}{{#vardefine: APDS details | APDS & 1,400 & 0.38 & - & - & - & 75° & 78° & 80°}}{{#vardefine: AHEAD details | AHEAD & 1,050 & 0.75 & 0.2 & 1.5 & 1.27 & 79° & 80° & 81°}}<includeonly>{{AmmoPenetrationTable|{{{1|}}}|unnamed=true}}{{AmmoDetailsTable|{{{1|}}}|unnamed=true}}</includeonly><noinclude>{{AmmoTablePage|HEI-T*, API-T*, APDS, AHEAD}}</noinclude>
[[Category:Ammunition tables]]

PG99-35-2 (35 mm)

2024-07-09T09:58:58Z

U68014846: Added the AHEAD ammunition from the 2.37 update

== Description ==

The '''35 mm PG99-35-2''' (PG99式35毫米防空炮) is a Chinese anti-aircraft gun. It is the domestic upgraded version based of the 35 mm Oerlikon KDA GDF-002.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|cn_pgz_09}}

== General info ==

The PG99-35-2 has a high muzzle velocity and high penetration thanks to the APDS rounds. Its rate of fire is adequate and identical to other SPAAGs equipped with a similar calibre.

=== Available ammunition ===


* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''DKG01A:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''DKP01A:''' {{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''DM23:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}
* '''PMD062:''' {{Annotation|Ahead|Shrapnel with time fuse}}

Note: the shells are identical to NATO counterparts.

{{:PG99-35-2 (35 mm)/Ammunition|HEI-T*, API-T*, APDS}}

=== Comparison with analogues ===

The PG99-35-2 shares the same design as the Swiss [[Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)|Oerlikon KDA]] cannon, which was licensed back in the late 1980s. Therefore, it has the same performance as the Oerlikon KDA found on different NATO SPAAGs.

The selection of ammunition is identical as well, thus having the same high velocity and penetration with APDS; while having a faster rate of fire than the [[M266 (40 mm)|40 mm M266]] found on the [[M247]], the [[2A11 (37 mm)|37 mm 2A11]] found on the [[ZSU-37-2]] and the [[Akan m/70B (40 mm)|40 mm akan m/70B]] found on the [[Lvkv 9040C]].

== Usage in battles ==

The straight ballistics and high explosive mass from the DKG01A belt means it can reliably shoot down aircraft at its BR and the penetration on the DKP01A and DM23 belts is enough to gun down MBTs at similar BR. The PG99-35-2 however has a lower ammo count than his NATO SPAAGS counterparts so the overall firing time is shorter: it is not a good idea to be trigger-happy with the PG99-35-2. The limited -2° depression angle can be embarrassing during close-quarter fights or uneven terrain.

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

* High explosive mass
* Sufficient rate of fire with straight ballistic
* APDS available for gunning down heavier targets

'''Cons:'''

* Lower ammo count than NATO counterparts
* Limited -2° depression angle

== History ==

During the late 1980s, after attempts to make their own AA guns to replace the obsolete Soviet 37 mm, the PLA sought instead to purchase the renowned Swiss Oerlikon 35 mm GDF-002 cannon. In 1987, a deal was made and examples were imported along with the Skyguard system, and in 1990, China got a license for domestic production under the name PG90. When the arms embargo later in the 1990s stopped additional importation, Chinese-made domestic upgrades resulted in the PG99, which is said to be on-par with the GDF-003.

The PG99-35-2 is usually seen on field tow guns, while the later [[PGZ09]] gives this gun mobility and it serves as one of the cornerstone of close range air-defense network, gunning down aircraft with conventional shells or cruise missiles with AHEAD programmable shells.

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

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

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

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

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

{{China anti-aircraft guns}}

[[Category:Anti-aircraft guns]]

PG99-35-2 (35 mm)/Ammunition

2024-07-09T09:56:22Z

U68014846:

PGZ09

2024-07-09T09:05:12Z

U68014846: /* Ammunition */

{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_pgz_09
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (Chinese: PGZ09式自行高射炮; industry code WA3001) has been in PLAGF service since the late 2000s, alongside previous systems and SAM systems for field and infrastructure defense. The Oerlikon KDA (GDF-001) was introduced to Mainland China during the late 1980s and was licensed to be built domestically in 1990 as the PG90. With the introduction of AHEAD ammunition for the 35 mm autocannons by the mid-2000s, there were also plans to built a new SPAAG with such capabilities on a variety of chassis ranging from wheeled APC to the latest artillery chassis; alternative plans to introduce the 2S6 Tunguska were also proposed. The prototype using the latest artillery chassis eventually won the bidding; although there were plans to install SAMs on the sides, the finalized prototype only has a new FCS installed and the armament consisted of only a pair of 35 mm autocannons.

Introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]], PGZ09 is a Chinese counterpart to the Flakpanzer [[Gepard]] and [[Type 87]] designed to intercept incoming aerial targets such as helicopters, drones, or cruise missiles. With its high off-road speed, advanced electronic system with separated search/tracking radar, electro-optical tracking system, as well as a 2nd gen thermal sight, it can prove deadly to both careless aerial and ground targets and provide field air-defense to its allies wherever they are with its mobility.

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

The chassis provides sufficient protection to the crew against small-calibre guns and shrapnel from explosions. As it is a SPAA, only the hull front is sufficient to stop HMGs and maybe some autocannons, while the turret itself offers little protection with only 8 mm of armour. Vulnerable to overpressure damage, the PGZ09 cannot survive artillery strikes, bombs, rockets or high-calibre HE shells. Its tall search radar is very visible and therefore likely to attract fire. If it is hit by anything with explosive filler it will be broken, the shrapnel and blast will also pass down the thin turret roof and damage/destroy components like the targeting radar and crew. Thus you need to be aware of whether the search radar antenna is exposed even when the tank is behind cover.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 10 mm Upper front (74°) 12 mm Lower front(25°)
| 8 mm ''Top'' 10 mm ''Bottom'' || 10 mm || 8 mm
|-
| Turret || 8 mm || 8 mm || 8 mm || 8 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.
* Mudguard and side skirts are 5 mm thick.
* Tracking radar is 15 mm of structural steel.

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

Thanks to the powerful 8V150 engine producing almost 800 hp, this turbocharged diesel engine lets the PGZ09 have a satisfying top speed of 65 km/h, a vast improvement over the [[WZ305]] and making it one of the fastest tracked SPAAGs along with the [[Gepard]], [[AMX-30 DCA]] and [[VEAK 40]]. It can follow teammates with ease and retreat to a safe position if anything comes at you with its -15 km/h reverse (only its tech-tree successor PGZ04A, ZTZ99A has higher reverse)

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1136|rbMinHp=708}}

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

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

{{main|PG99-35-2 (35 mm)}}

As a variant of the Swiss Oerlikon GDF-002, the PG99-35-2 shares the same traits as the [[Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)|35 mm Oerlikon KDA]] guns found on other nations' SPAAs: high rate of fire, high muzzle velocity, and sufficient penetration to tear down most vehicles from the sides with ease. But due to the internal design of the PGZ09, it has lower ammo count than its Western and Japanese counterparts, carries only 40 APDS rounds as emergency anti-armour and most of all: its inferior -2° depression angle where it will be a major problem at complicated terrain.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[PG99-35-2 (35 mm)|35 mm PG99-35-2]] (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" | 480 (220 + 20) || rowspan="2" | 550 || rowspan="2" | -2°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 79.3 || 109.7 || 133.2 || 147.3 || 156.7 || rowspan="2" | 1.30 || rowspan="2" | 1.15 || rowspan="2" | 1.06 || rowspan="2" | 1.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 53.5 || 63.0 || 76.5 || 84.6 || 90.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''DKG01A:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''DKP01A:''' {{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''DM23:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}
* '''PMD062:''' {{Annotation|Ahead|Shrapnel with time fuse}}

{{:PG99-35-2 (35 mm)/Ammunition|HEI-T*, API-T*, APDS, AHEAD}}

==== [[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
|-
| '''4''' || 2 ''(+2)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Note''':

* Ammo racks disappear after 40 rounds from each belt have been fired.

== Usage in battles ==

Like its counterparts in NATO and Japan, speed is your friend and the PGZ09 is among the fastest ones, as an SPAA, your first priority should be aircraft and helicopters. At its BR range, few aircraft come with an RWR, so there should no worries on keeping the radar always on. If brought to a higher BR, do not keep your radar on for extended periods of time, as it will give yourself away to aircraft with RWR, so turn it off and only utilize the tracking radar after enemies have been spotted; alternatively, it comes with optoelectronic tracking system which helps concealing yourself from RWR-equipped aircraft (hotkey Y-1-4 by default changes between its tracking systems) or tracking low-flyers with excellent accuracy; another thing worth mention is that it's the only Oerlikon GDF-002 equipped SPAAG that comes with a thermal gunner sight (2nd generation), further accelerate your speed on spotting enemies from the background. Keep in mind your subpar ammunition count, so unless in emergency or fast-and-close targets, trigger-happy firing is not an option.

The PGZ09 can also be used in an anti-armour role to a certain extent thanks to the good penetration of 35 mm shells, these rounds are lethal to lightly armoured vehicles and the sides of Cold War MBTs, albeit the PGZ09 has the worst gun depression among SPAAs (at a mere -2°), making it struggle in even slightly uneven terrain, so keep some distance from land-based enemies if you're in a gunfight. Additionally, it has only 40 rounds of APDS at disposal so think twice before unleashing them on enemies. Do remember that those 8-10 mm of steel all-around won't help you too much on stopping some higher calibre machine guns, autocannons and anything with explosive fillers.

Note: when using the PGZ09 in the anti-armour role with thermals on, avoid placing the target at the front-right side of the hull. This is the location of the engine exhaust pipe, to the right of the driving compartment. Its heat will glare the gunner's thermal optic and heavily disrupt your aim.

When locking onto an air target using your fire control radar, the green square that captivates the target will gently float around, leading to the guns bobbing around as well. This can considerably decrease the accuracy of your bursts as your guns are not aiming at the exact centre of the target. The low accuracy is especially noticeable when the target is close to stationary, for example targeting a hovering helicopter 3 km away. The fire control radar will also give a wrong lead signal when the target is flying at treetop level. Therefore to counter these issues, you must switch to the optronic tracker. The PGZ09 is equipped with an optronic tracker just like that of the [[SIDAM 25]] that gives more accurate lead. Open the multifunction menu, then press 1 - 4 to switch to the optronic tracker. You will see that the original light green arc indicating your fire control radar scanning area decrease from 180° to ~30°. The optronic tracker gives a way more precise lead that won't float around or get interfered by ground clutter, and also allows you to target aircraft when the fire control radar is destroyed, making it the ideal targeting method against aircraft. You will however have to manually switch to it in every battle.

'''Enemies worth noting:'''

*[[SA 313B Alouette II (Germany)|SA 313B]], [[UH-1C]], etc. These early helicopters, despite being small and fragile, can give some nasty bites with their ATGMs. Experienced helicopter pilots tend to hover ~2-4 km away from the frontline firing missiles from afar, and at that distance it is somewhat difficult for the PGZ09 to effectively destroy them. If they are more than 3 km away and are slowly sliding sideways, hold your fire as the accuracy of your shells drop drastically and will be easily evaded, revealing your position. Instead, you should evade the helicopter, track its range with your radar, and once it gets within 3 km consider shooting it (still, remember that the closer the better). Note that with your gunner thermals you can clearly see the helicopter's missile, allowing you to take early action to try to avoid it.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good firepower:
** First Chinese SPAA with search and fire control radars, significantly boosting anti-air capabilities
** Autocannons are deadly against common aircraft like [[G.91 (Family)|G.91]]
** Fast gun targeting speed, can keep up with most targets
** Gunner thermal assists fighting in bad weather
** DM23 APDS allows it to fight back against MBTs such as [[XM-1 (GM)|XM-1]]
** Comes with optoelectronic tracking system that excels excellent accuracy and concealing yourself from RWRs.
* Good mobility:
** High speed, one of the fastest SPAAs in the game
** Adequate reverse speed of -15 km/h
* 2 salvos of smoke grenades can help conceal the vehicle for repositioning

'''Cons:'''

* Poor survivability:
** Search radar antenna is tall, can expose the location of the PGZ09
** Armour is only proof against small calibre machine gun bullets
* Poor weapon handling:
** Limited DM23 capacity of 40 rounds
** Extremely poor gun depression of only -2°, poor in even urban environment let alone hills
** Gun placement makes close-range aiming quite awkward

== History ==


During the late 1980s, after attempts to make their own AA guns to replace the obsolete Soviet 37 mm, the PLA sought instead to purchase the renowned Swiss Oerlikon 35 mm GDF-002 cannon. In 1987, a deal was made and examples were imported along with the Skyguard system, and in 1990, China got a license for domestic production under the name PG90. When the later arms embargo in the 1990s stopped additional importation, Chinese-made domestic upgrades resulted in the PG99, which is said to be on-par with the GDF-003.

It saw extensive use defending facilities and as a towed gun. The PLAGF found the need for a new SPAAG to replace the PGZ95 (later the [[PGZ04A]]) for mobile field air-defense, and made good use of the 35 mm cannon with modern electronics. Early prototypes of the vehicle featured a hull based on ZSD89 APC. PLAGF also proposed a wheeled version, but this was ditched due to difficulties in mounting all the equipment onto a wheel-based chassis. As plans to import the 2S6 Tunguska were also ditched, it was also planned to mount 4 additional missiles of unknown model for long-range engagements; the plans for missiles were also ditched due to unknown reasons and left the vehicle with only a pair of PG99 autocannons.

In 2011, a new type of SPAAG was seen on state television, designated "PGZ07" by observers, little was known about it until the Victory Day parade in 2015 where this SPAAG was officially revealed by the PLA, officially known as the PGZ09 and it shared the same universal chassis with PLZ05 SPH. Equipped with the latest doppler search radar and optoelectronic equipment onboard, AHEAD and airburst shells, and the ability to equip 4 surface-to-air missiles, it, along with its predecessor the PGZ04A, serve as the cornerstone of the PLAGF's field air-defense system.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_pgz_09 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)]]
** [[File:FRG flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Gepard]]
** [[File:Japan flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Type 87]]
** [[File:Britain flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Chieftain Marksman]]
** [[File:Finland flag.png|30px|link=]] [[ItPsV Leopard]]
** [[File:South Africa flag.png|30px|link=]] [[ZA-35]]
* [[File:Sweden flag.png|30px|link=]] [[VEAK 40]]
* [[File:France flag.png|30px|link=]] [[AMX-30 DCA]]
* [[File:USSR flag.png|30px|link=]] [[ZSU-37-2]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7201-development-pgz-09-short-bursts-en|[Devblog] PGZ-09: short bursts]]

{{China anti-aircraft vehicles}}

PGZ09

2024-07-09T09:04:45Z

U68014846: /* Ammunition */

{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_pgz_09
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (Chinese: PGZ09式自行高射炮; industry code WA3001) has been in PLAGF service since the late 2000s, alongside previous systems and SAM systems for field and infrastructure defense. The Oerlikon KDA (GDF-001) was introduced to Mainland China during the late 1980s and was licensed to be built domestically in 1990 as the PG90. With the introduction of AHEAD ammunition for the 35 mm autocannons by the mid-2000s, there were also plans to built a new SPAAG with such capabilities on a variety of chassis ranging from wheeled APC to the latest artillery chassis; alternative plans to introduce the 2S6 Tunguska were also proposed. The prototype using the latest artillery chassis eventually won the bidding; although there were plans to install SAMs on the sides, the finalized prototype only has a new FCS installed and the armament consisted of only a pair of 35 mm autocannons.

Introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]], PGZ09 is a Chinese counterpart to the Flakpanzer [[Gepard]] and [[Type 87]] designed to intercept incoming aerial targets such as helicopters, drones, or cruise missiles. With its high off-road speed, advanced electronic system with separated search/tracking radar, electro-optical tracking system, as well as a 2nd gen thermal sight, it can prove deadly to both careless aerial and ground targets and provide field air-defense to its allies wherever they are with its mobility.

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

The chassis provides sufficient protection to the crew against small-calibre guns and shrapnel from explosions. As it is a SPAA, only the hull front is sufficient to stop HMGs and maybe some autocannons, while the turret itself offers little protection with only 8 mm of armour. Vulnerable to overpressure damage, the PGZ09 cannot survive artillery strikes, bombs, rockets or high-calibre HE shells. Its tall search radar is very visible and therefore likely to attract fire. If it is hit by anything with explosive filler it will be broken, the shrapnel and blast will also pass down the thin turret roof and damage/destroy components like the targeting radar and crew. Thus you need to be aware of whether the search radar antenna is exposed even when the tank is behind cover.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 10 mm Upper front (74°) 12 mm Lower front(25°)
| 8 mm ''Top'' 10 mm ''Bottom'' || 10 mm || 8 mm
|-
| Turret || 8 mm || 8 mm || 8 mm || 8 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.
* Mudguard and side skirts are 5 mm thick.
* Tracking radar is 15 mm of structural steel.

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

Thanks to the powerful 8V150 engine producing almost 800 hp, this turbocharged diesel engine lets the PGZ09 have a satisfying top speed of 65 km/h, a vast improvement over the [[WZ305]] and making it one of the fastest tracked SPAAGs along with the [[Gepard]], [[AMX-30 DCA]] and [[VEAK 40]]. It can follow teammates with ease and retreat to a safe position if anything comes at you with its -15 km/h reverse (only its tech-tree successor PGZ04A, ZTZ99A has higher reverse)

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1136|rbMinHp=708}}

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

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

{{main|PG99-35-2 (35 mm)}}

As a variant of the Swiss Oerlikon GDF-002, the PG99-35-2 shares the same traits as the [[Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)|35 mm Oerlikon KDA]] guns found on other nations' SPAAs: high rate of fire, high muzzle velocity, and sufficient penetration to tear down most vehicles from the sides with ease. But due to the internal design of the PGZ09, it has lower ammo count than its Western and Japanese counterparts, carries only 40 APDS rounds as emergency anti-armour and most of all: its inferior -2° depression angle where it will be a major problem at complicated terrain.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[PG99-35-2 (35 mm)|35 mm PG99-35-2]] (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" | 480 (220 + 20) || rowspan="2" | 550 || rowspan="2" | -2°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 79.3 || 109.7 || 133.2 || 147.3 || 156.7 || rowspan="2" | 1.30 || rowspan="2" | 1.15 || rowspan="2" | 1.06 || rowspan="2" | 1.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 53.5 || 63.0 || 76.5 || 84.6 || 90.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''DKG01A:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''DKP01A:''' {{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''DM23:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}
* '''PMD062:'''{{Annotation|Ahead|Shrapnel with time fuse}}

{{:PG99-35-2 (35 mm)/Ammunition|HEI-T*, API-T*, APDS, AHEAD}}

==== [[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
|-
| '''4''' || 2 ''(+2)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Note''':

* Ammo racks disappear after 40 rounds from each belt have been fired.

== Usage in battles ==

Like its counterparts in NATO and Japan, speed is your friend and the PGZ09 is among the fastest ones, as an SPAA, your first priority should be aircraft and helicopters. At its BR range, few aircraft come with an RWR, so there should no worries on keeping the radar always on. If brought to a higher BR, do not keep your radar on for extended periods of time, as it will give yourself away to aircraft with RWR, so turn it off and only utilize the tracking radar after enemies have been spotted; alternatively, it comes with optoelectronic tracking system which helps concealing yourself from RWR-equipped aircraft (hotkey Y-1-4 by default changes between its tracking systems) or tracking low-flyers with excellent accuracy; another thing worth mention is that it's the only Oerlikon GDF-002 equipped SPAAG that comes with a thermal gunner sight (2nd generation), further accelerate your speed on spotting enemies from the background. Keep in mind your subpar ammunition count, so unless in emergency or fast-and-close targets, trigger-happy firing is not an option.

The PGZ09 can also be used in an anti-armour role to a certain extent thanks to the good penetration of 35 mm shells, these rounds are lethal to lightly armoured vehicles and the sides of Cold War MBTs, albeit the PGZ09 has the worst gun depression among SPAAs (at a mere -2°), making it struggle in even slightly uneven terrain, so keep some distance from land-based enemies if you're in a gunfight. Additionally, it has only 40 rounds of APDS at disposal so think twice before unleashing them on enemies. Do remember that those 8-10 mm of steel all-around won't help you too much on stopping some higher calibre machine guns, autocannons and anything with explosive fillers.

Note: when using the PGZ09 in the anti-armour role with thermals on, avoid placing the target at the front-right side of the hull. This is the location of the engine exhaust pipe, to the right of the driving compartment. Its heat will glare the gunner's thermal optic and heavily disrupt your aim.

When locking onto an air target using your fire control radar, the green square that captivates the target will gently float around, leading to the guns bobbing around as well. This can considerably decrease the accuracy of your bursts as your guns are not aiming at the exact centre of the target. The low accuracy is especially noticeable when the target is close to stationary, for example targeting a hovering helicopter 3 km away. The fire control radar will also give a wrong lead signal when the target is flying at treetop level. Therefore to counter these issues, you must switch to the optronic tracker. The PGZ09 is equipped with an optronic tracker just like that of the [[SIDAM 25]] that gives more accurate lead. Open the multifunction menu, then press 1 - 4 to switch to the optronic tracker. You will see that the original light green arc indicating your fire control radar scanning area decrease from 180° to ~30°. The optronic tracker gives a way more precise lead that won't float around or get interfered by ground clutter, and also allows you to target aircraft when the fire control radar is destroyed, making it the ideal targeting method against aircraft. You will however have to manually switch to it in every battle.

'''Enemies worth noting:'''

*[[SA 313B Alouette II (Germany)|SA 313B]], [[UH-1C]], etc. These early helicopters, despite being small and fragile, can give some nasty bites with their ATGMs. Experienced helicopter pilots tend to hover ~2-4 km away from the frontline firing missiles from afar, and at that distance it is somewhat difficult for the PGZ09 to effectively destroy them. If they are more than 3 km away and are slowly sliding sideways, hold your fire as the accuracy of your shells drop drastically and will be easily evaded, revealing your position. Instead, you should evade the helicopter, track its range with your radar, and once it gets within 3 km consider shooting it (still, remember that the closer the better). Note that with your gunner thermals you can clearly see the helicopter's missile, allowing you to take early action to try to avoid it.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good firepower:
** First Chinese SPAA with search and fire control radars, significantly boosting anti-air capabilities
** Autocannons are deadly against common aircraft like [[G.91 (Family)|G.91]]
** Fast gun targeting speed, can keep up with most targets
** Gunner thermal assists fighting in bad weather
** DM23 APDS allows it to fight back against MBTs such as [[XM-1 (GM)|XM-1]]
** Comes with optoelectronic tracking system that excels excellent accuracy and concealing yourself from RWRs.
* Good mobility:
** High speed, one of the fastest SPAAs in the game
** Adequate reverse speed of -15 km/h
* 2 salvos of smoke grenades can help conceal the vehicle for repositioning

'''Cons:'''

* Poor survivability:
** Search radar antenna is tall, can expose the location of the PGZ09
** Armour is only proof against small calibre machine gun bullets
* Poor weapon handling:
** Limited DM23 capacity of 40 rounds
** Extremely poor gun depression of only -2°, poor in even urban environment let alone hills
** Gun placement makes close-range aiming quite awkward

== History ==


During the late 1980s, after attempts to make their own AA guns to replace the obsolete Soviet 37 mm, the PLA sought instead to purchase the renowned Swiss Oerlikon 35 mm GDF-002 cannon. In 1987, a deal was made and examples were imported along with the Skyguard system, and in 1990, China got a license for domestic production under the name PG90. When the later arms embargo in the 1990s stopped additional importation, Chinese-made domestic upgrades resulted in the PG99, which is said to be on-par with the GDF-003.

It saw extensive use defending facilities and as a towed gun. The PLAGF found the need for a new SPAAG to replace the PGZ95 (later the [[PGZ04A]]) for mobile field air-defense, and made good use of the 35 mm cannon with modern electronics. Early prototypes of the vehicle featured a hull based on ZSD89 APC. PLAGF also proposed a wheeled version, but this was ditched due to difficulties in mounting all the equipment onto a wheel-based chassis. As plans to import the 2S6 Tunguska were also ditched, it was also planned to mount 4 additional missiles of unknown model for long-range engagements; the plans for missiles were also ditched due to unknown reasons and left the vehicle with only a pair of PG99 autocannons.

In 2011, a new type of SPAAG was seen on state television, designated "PGZ07" by observers, little was known about it until the Victory Day parade in 2015 where this SPAAG was officially revealed by the PLA, officially known as the PGZ09 and it shared the same universal chassis with PLZ05 SPH. Equipped with the latest doppler search radar and optoelectronic equipment onboard, AHEAD and airburst shells, and the ability to equip 4 surface-to-air missiles, it, along with its predecessor the PGZ04A, serve as the cornerstone of the PLAGF's field air-defense system.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_pgz_09 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)]]
** [[File:FRG flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Gepard]]
** [[File:Japan flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Type 87]]
** [[File:Britain flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Chieftain Marksman]]
** [[File:Finland flag.png|30px|link=]] [[ItPsV Leopard]]
** [[File:South Africa flag.png|30px|link=]] [[ZA-35]]
* [[File:Sweden flag.png|30px|link=]] [[VEAK 40]]
* [[File:France flag.png|30px|link=]] [[AMX-30 DCA]]
* [[File:USSR flag.png|30px|link=]] [[ZSU-37-2]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7201-development-pgz-09-short-bursts-en|[Devblog] PGZ-09: short bursts]]

{{China anti-aircraft vehicles}}