War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

AEC Mk II

2024-05-30T06:41:19Z

U7394074: /* Usage in battles */ Correction of the cannon this vehicle uses, and it's difference compared to other 6pdr cannons.

{{Specs-Card
|code=uk_armored_car_aec_mk_2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|market=AEC Mk.II
}}

== Description ==

The AEC Armoured Cars were a series of vehicles developed during World War 2. After the British experience against Italian armoured cars in the Western Sahara, AEC decided to develop their own vehicle while the [[Daimler Mk II|Daimler Armoured Car]] was still in development. A total of 629 units were built and entered service in 1941. Early versions tried to have the same firepower and armour as other British cruiser tanks but they failed. The Mk.II version used a larger turret for a three-man crew with a 6-pounder gun, redesigned front hull, and a 158 hp (118 kW) diesel engine.

It was introduced during [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]] in the [[wt:en/news/5224-special-festive-quest-en|2017 "Festive Quest"]] that took place between 22 December 2017 to 22 January 2018. The AEC Mk II is similar to the [[AEC AA]], with a different turret housing a 57 mm 6-pounder cannon rather than two synchronized Oerlikon 20 mm anti-aircraft cannons. As such, the vehicle has a lower profile than its predecessor, which grants it more stealth capabilities. In addition, there is a 7.62 mm BESA machine gun for use, which is nice for dealing with lightly armoured targets such as open-topped anti-aircraft vehicles and SPGs.

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


'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour
* Structural steel (Sand skirts)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 25 mm (63-78°) ''Front glacis'' 10 mm (41°) ''Lower glacis'' 5 mm (49°) + 57 mm ''Joint plate'' || 16 mm (0-1°) || 16 mm (58°) ''Top'' 16 mm (13-14°) ''Bottom'' || 16 mm
|-
| Turret || 57 mm (0-1°) ''Turret front'' 31 mm (0-45°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 25 mm (0-1°) || 25 mm (0-60°) || 16 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Wheels are 2 mm thick.
* Chassis is 5 mm thick.

Being very thinly armoured, the {{PAGENAME}} is very vulnerable to heavy machine gun strafings, artillery strikes and even ammo rack detonations from nearby vehicles.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=256|rbMinHp=146}}

Being an armoured car, the {{PAGENAME}} is a light vehicle. It accelerates quickly and has a good cruise speed on hard surfaces (solid ground, roads). While your top speed is high, your cruise speed will be around 50 km/h. As it is equipped with tires, the {{PAGENAME}} struggles on soft terrain (sand, mud, snow). The reverse speed is also poor for a light armoured car.
The {{PAGENAME}} is average at fording: 17 km/h and loses quickly speed when driving uphill.
Another important point to take into account is the turn radius: like all WW2 wheeled vehicles, you can not turn on the spot and always need space to change direction. The bigger the speed, the bigger the turn radius. You will also need more distance to come to a full stop and braking while turning will cause your vehicle to go into an uncontrolled skid.

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

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

{{main|6pdr OQF Mk.V (57 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[6pdr OQF Mk.V (57 mm)|57 mm 6pdr OQF Mk.V]] || 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" | 60 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Shoulder || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 5.20 || rowspan="2" | 4.60 || rowspan="2" | 4.24 || rowspan="2" | 4.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:6pdr OQF Mk.V (57 mm)/Ammunition|Shot Mk.8, Shot Mk.5 HV, Shot Mk.9, Shell Mk.10}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''60''' || 45 ''(+15)'' || 39 ''(+21)'' || 31 ''(+29)'' || 23 ''(+37)'' || 10 ''(+50)'' || 1 ''(+59)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Notes''':

* To go into battle with the turret empty of ammo, pack 31 ''(+29)'' shells (racks 1 & 2 emptied).
* As they are modeled by sets of 2 or 3, shells disappear from the rack only after you fire all shells in the set.

==== Optics ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
|-
! Which ones
! Default magnification
! Maximum magnification
|-
! Main Gun optics
| x1.85 || x3.5
|-
! Comparable optics
| colspan="2" | [[M10 GMC]]
|-
|}

=== 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 || 3,375 (225) || 600 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

The small calibre of the BESA machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help.

== Usage in battles ==


The AEC Mk. II is to play mainly in the role of flanking and reconnaissance. Due to the high speed and thin armour, it is ill-advised to use this vehicle in frontal assaults. Added to the new mechanic of active scouting for light tanks, it is rewarding to be an effective scout by highlighting targets for allies, thus farming SP and experience from their assistance. However, the AEC isn't as small as a scout-like the American M22 Locust, so scouting and flanking can be risky if done incorrectly. The AEC is equipped with the 6pdr QQF MK.V which has higher velocity and penetration values compared to the MK.III found on all other british vehicles equipped with 6pdrs which doesn't seem like much but it is noticeable. Here are some methods for maximizing not only combat effectiveness but also the chances of surviving.

The first method of using this vehicle is for reconnaissance. Since the addition of the "active scouting" mechanic, light tanks have the ability to report the position of enemy vehicles to allies. When fulfilling the role of scouting in this vehicle, find a position that is concealed, but that gives a clear view sight of the battlefield. This is most helpful for farming Spawn Points and experience given that when an allied vehicle destroys an enemy player being actively scouted, granting a 50% reward of what the allied player was awarded. This can work best when paired with allied tank destroyers for dislodging stubborn enemy defenders holding down key positions.

The second method of using this vehicle is flanking. When using this as a flanker, try to use the terrain for the advantage and end up on the enemy's flank. Coupled with the AEC's fast speed, it shouldn't be too difficult to get up to speed if the terrain is favourable, as muddy terrain will severely inhibit the ability to manoeuvre. After all, the AEC is still a wheeled vehicle, so don't expect to speed overall terrains as in a tank. Nonetheless, when on the enemy's flank, ensure that it is a spot that isn't as exposed as others. Then, start pumping shots into the sides of the enemy tanks. It is highly recommended to fire a few shots then relocate, thus preventing the enemy from triangulating the AEC's firing location. It doesn't hurt to use "active scouting" as well, to notify allies of an incoming enemy armour movement.

With very light armour, this renders the AEC vehicle highly exposed to any form of enemy fire except machine gunfire. However, at its BR, there are some adversaries that deserve special note.

'''German Vehicles''' - The AEC's greatest adversary is most likely the [[Pz.IV F2|Panzer IV F2]], due to its long-barreled 75 mm cannon, which can punch right through the armour- even from long range. In addition, any later model of the [[Pz.III M|Panzer III]] is going to give severe problems due to their long-barreled 50 mm cannon, which has a rapid rate of fire. As laughable as it sounds, the [[Flakpanzer I]] and the [[Flakpanzer 38]] "Gepard" will also shred the AEC, as a result of their ability to use the HVAP-T round for their 20 mm cannons, which have a murderous rate of fire. In uptier matches, stay away from a Flakpanzer [[Wirbelwind]] at all costs, as the sheer volume of their fire will utterly obliterate the AEC, even if they do not have the HVAP-T round. The most dangerous opponent in respect to the AEC is the [[Sd.Kfz.234/2]] "Puma" due to its amazing speed and a high-velocity 50 mm cannon. The [[Marder III]] and [[Marder III H]] will also give issues, due to their high-velocity cannons.

'''Soviet Vehicles''' - The Soviets have the most tanks with heavy armour, which can make it difficult for even for the 6-Pounder to punch through. That being said, a [[KV-1 (Family)|KV-1]] is going to give a lot of problems, even at close ranges. In addition to that, the most abundant Soviet threat is going to be the [[T-34 (Family)|T-34]], due to its fast speed and sloping armour, which has the chances to bounce a shell, even at close range, if the tank is angled well enough. The most dangerous opponent is the [[SU-122]], due to the 122 mm howitzer it carries, which doesn't need to make a direct hit if firing High-Explosive shells. In addition, the [[YaG-10 (29-K)]] boasts a high-velocity 76 mm cannon, which will tear through the AEC's armour even at long ranges.

'''Japanese Vehicles''' - Japanese vehicles may not have the strongest armour for their tanks, but their guns will make anyone think twice. Most notable of these is the [[Chi-Nu]] and the [[Ho-Ni III]], which have high-velocity 75 mm cannons, which will rip through most armour at medium to long-range. The [[So-Ki]] SPAA can also rip through the AEC due to the twin 25 mm cannons. In addition, the [[M24 (Japan)|M24 Chaffee (Self-Defense Force)]] boasts a 75 mm cannon and a .50 cal machine gun, which can bore through the thin armour.

'''French Vehicles''' - The French also have some vehicles that are heavily armoured. Most notable of them being the Char [[B1 bis]] and the Char [[B1 ter]]. The Char B1 ter is probably most notable of them, due to the ridiculous amount of armour from the front. The [[SAu 40]] is a viable threat, thanks to its 75 mm cannon. It is also plausible to face the [[M4A1 (France)|French M4A1 Sherman]], which not only has enough armour to possibly bounce the 6-pdr shells but a 75 mm cannon and a .50 cal machine gun, which is notorious for tearing through just about any lightly-armoured vehicle. It is also important to note that the 40 mm Bofors [[CCKW 353 AA]] truck is a major threat to the AEC, due to the Bofors 40 mm heavy Anti-Aircraft cannon it wields.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Stabilized 57 mm with fast reload and excellent spalling damage; also 12 degrees of gun depression
* Very mobile in all directions, especially over solid surfaces. At 87km/h it is one of the fastest vehicles in low ranked battles
* Turret has decent armour for an armoured car, can take some hits from autocannons and low-rank guns
* 7.92 mm BESA machine gun has a superb rate of fire and is effective against open-topped vehicles
* Smoke screen and scouting abilities; a great option at low rank for cooperative playstyle

'''Cons:'''

* Off-road performance is not on par with tracked vehicles (wheels bog down easily in mud, sand or snow)
* Cannot turn on the spot because of the wheels
* Only three crew members. A well-aimed APHE will take the AEC out instantly
* Aircraft, autocannons and artillery are a threat because of the low hull and rooftop armour

== History ==


The Associated Equipment Co. (AEC) Ltd. company, which made London's double-decker buses, put forth an unsolicited design for a heavy armoured car, based on their Matador MAT (medium artillery tractor). The army was disinclined at first, but Prime Minister Churchill intervened in AEC's favour. The Mark I model carried a 2-pounder in a Valentine tank turret. Some of these were sent for use in North Africa. The Mark II, which had increased horsepower and a new three-man turret with the 6-pounder, was only produced in small numbers. Approximately 24 were given to Yugoslavian partisans in late 1944.

This would be followed by the Mark III, mounting the British 75 mm gun, making it the most powerful armoured car of the war, and used in Western Europe alongside the 75 mm armed US M3 GMC half-track in the heavy troop of British armoured car squadrons. A total of 122 Mark Is and 507 Mark IIs/IIIs were built. Sometimes referred to as "Junies" or "Matadors."

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_armored_car_aec_mk_2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|-KhcG7ajFSw|'''The Shooting Range #80''' - ''War Machines'' section at 00:36 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|RGeu2yLGeTU|'''Best armored cars''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 1:39 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
{{Youtube-gallery|HIo58bnOz_U|'''Tank Chats #141 <nowiki>| AEC Armoured Car |</nowiki> The Tank Museum''' - ''The Tank Museum''}}

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

* [[AEC AA]]

;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[T18E2]]
* [[Sd.Kfz.234/2]]
* [[Eland 90 Mk.7]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/5221-aec-mk-ii-en|[News] AEC Mk.II]]

{{TankManufacturer AEC}}
{{Britain light tanks}}
{{Britain premium ground vehicles}}
{{Winter Event}}
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

H-34

2023-12-11T21:41:25Z

U7394074: /* Usage in battles */ Described playstyles of the helicopter as well as added a point to the pros section of the pros and cons

{{About
| about = American utility helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = H-34 (France)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=h_34
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|market=H-34 (USA)
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]] as a reward for the 2019 [[wt:en/news/6409-special-operation-shipyard-en|Operation Shipyard]] event. It is a rare vehicle and currently only obtainable through the [[War Thunder Market]].

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 500 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 182 || 169 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
|-
! Upgraded
| 213 || 198
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}
''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. 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 systems.''

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

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

{{main|M3 (20 mm)|Mk 11 (20 mm)|M3 Browning (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|FFAR Mighty Mouse|HVAR}}

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

* 4 x 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns (500 rpg = 2,000 total) + 32 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x 20 mm M3 cannons (200 rpg = 400 total) + 2 x 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns (250 rpg = 500 total) + 4 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns (250 rpg = 1,000 total) + 40 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 2 x HVAR rockets
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 cannon (400 rpg) + 1 x AGM-12B Bullpup missile

== Usage in battles ==
The H-34 is a large target and is not very agile, so it can easily be spotted from a distance, and quickly be shot down. While this helicopter is not very well armored it makes up for it in great firepower. Compared to it's counterpart in the French tech tree, the US H-34 has a serious upgrade in firepower. With the two loadouts consisting of unguided rockets and many guns, you can take out a fair amount of ground targets while also being able to hunt down other helicopters and defend yourself effectively from planes, though for maximum effectiveness you should only use the loadout with the 8 guns and 42 rockets since the cost to spawn is the same as loudout with the 4 x .50cals and 32 rockets. One should try to stay low to the ground and flank around the battlefield and come in from behind the enemy to give you the element of surprise and increase your chances of surviving your attack run. Try to attack in a straight line to not bleed speed, so you can quickly flee since your speed is the closest thing you have to protection from gunfire. The H-34 also offers a more standoffish playstyle since it gets the AGM-12B. At the cost of having only one atgm and a single 20mm cannon, it makes up for it in range. At well over 6 miles (9.6 kilometers) You can safely fire atgms at the enemy without worry of SPAA fire reaching you since you can operate outside their range of effectiveness since it's BR is low enough to where it will not face missile spaa. The 20mm offers some protection from aircraft, but has limited ammo that the cannon will eat through due to it's high rate of fire, but it can be slowed down if preferred. It is currently one of the very few helicopters that sit at or below 8.0 depending on game modes, and in the right hands is a very lethal weapon that the enemy team should focus on taking out when seen in battle

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* ATGM is really useful
* Descends quickly, allowing you to dodge AA fire from afar
* Has heavy firepower for taking out air and ground targets

'''Cons:'''

* Poor flight characteristics, not as maneuverable as other American helicopters
* Will descend really fast at ~25 km/s if the col is at 0% for too long, which is a death sentence if low to the ground

== History ==

[[File:H-34 Landing.jpg|thumb|400x400px|H-34 Choctaw of the United States Army.]]
The Sikorsky H-34 Choctaw was an American utility, transport and ground attack helicopter. First flown in 1954, its versatility led to it being used by all branches of the American armed forces. As well, it enjoyed widespread use in the air forces of numerous other nations, including some aircraft converted into commercial airlift and transport vehicles. The helicopter also saw service in the Vietnam war, where it became one of the first helicopters utilized as a weapons platform and gunship. Roughly 1,800 Choctaws were produced.<ref name=":0">Dnewbold. (2016)</ref><ref name=":1">Staff Writer. (2018)</ref>

=== Design and development ===
The H-34 Choctaw was designed as a derivative of Sikorsky's earlier H-19 Chickasaw.<ref name=":1" /> The helicopter featured a new tail-dragger landing gear design, but retained most of its predecessor's features including the nose-mounted radial engine. The helicopter was flown by a crew of two, with an optional third machine gunner if carrying weapons.<ref name=":0" /> Powered by a Wright Cyclone radial engine, the helicopter could travel at a mediocre maximum speed of 198 km/h,<ref name=":0" /> and could carry up to 1,350 kilograms of cargo or 16 fully-loaded troops. The Choctaw made its first flight on March 8th, 1954.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

=== Operational history ===
After the completion of testing, the H-34 was ordered and used by the US Navy as an anti submarine warfare and transport helicopter.<ref name=":1" /> It was designated the HSS-1 Seabat in its anti-submarine configuration and HUS-1 Seahorse in its transport configuration.<ref name=":1" /> The US Army and Marine Corps also purchased the helicopter in 1955 and 1957, respectively; the Army was responsible for its name, "Choctaw".<ref name=":1" /> Following the introduction of the Tri-Service designation system, the helicopters were collectively known as the H-34; the Seabat became the SH-34, the Choctaw the CH-34 and the Seahorse the UH-34.<ref name=":1" />

The Choctaw went on to serve in the Vietnam war in a variety of roles, ranging from MEDEVAC to transport. The helicopter was highly popular due to its ruggedness and versatility, and was employed on a variety of missions. However, the role that would have the greatest impact on future helicopter design was the ground attack role. Some Choctaws were converted into offensive weapons platforms, carrying a mix of machine guns and rockets mounted outside the hull. These helis were known as 'Stingers'.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Though ineffective, the helicopter's design made it America's first attack helicopter. The weapons kits would eventually be inherited by the [[UH-1 (Family)|UH-1E]] Huey, and affected later designs such as the [[AH-1 (Family)|AH-1]] Cobra and [[AH-64A|AH-64]] Apache.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

The Choctaw also enjoyed extensive service with foreign countries, serving with the militaries of at least 27 different nations. However, its next two largest operators (after the United States) were France and the United Kingdom. France received [[H-34 (France)|134 Choctaws]] from the United States, and built many more; these aircraft served in the French-Algerian war where it was used as a troop transport.<ref name=":0" /> The United Kingdom also procured Choctaws, which were produced by Westland Aviation as the Westland Wessex.<ref name=":0" /> Many additional Choctaws were built for civilian use, including transport and airliner models.

Over 1,800 Choctaws were built between 1954 and 1970,<ref name=":0" /> while production continued even later with foreign-built helicopters. Though it has been largely retired from military service, a considerable amount of Choctaws remain in commercial service.<ref name=":1" /> Many Choctaws are held in museums and private collections, mostly in the United States but also abroad.<ref name=":1" />

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=h_34 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150px">
File:H-34 WTWallpaper 001.jpg
File:H-34 WTWallpaper 002.jpg
File:H-34 WTWallpaper 003.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|jjanlLrycGo|'''The Shooting Range #156''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:13 discusses the H-34.}}

== See also ==


;Related aircraft

* Sikorsky {{Specs-Link|h_34_france}} - 166 manufactured under license by Sud Aviation, for the French Army, Navy and Air Force

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Mil [[Mi-4AV]] Hound

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6403-operation-shipyard-h-34-and-whirlwind-p-9-en|[Development] Operation "Shipyard": H-34 and Whirlwind P.9]]

=== References ===

;Citations
<references />

;Bibliography

* Dnewbold. (2016, April 13). Arsenal - UH-34 Choctaw. Retrieved November 20, 2020, from <nowiki>https://www.historynet.com/arsenal-uh-34-choctaw.htm</nowiki>
* Staff Writer. (2018, May 19). Sikorsky H-34 / CH-34 Choctaw Transport / Close-Support Helicopter. Retrieved November 20, 2020, from <nowiki>https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=327</nowiki>

{{AirManufacturer Sikorsky}}
{{USA helicopters}}