War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

TIS MA

2024-09-29T01:40:03Z

U79942984: Updated NS-45 description, rewrote some paragraphs.

{{Specs-Card
|code=tis_ma
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|market=TIS MA (USSR)
}}

== Description ==

Known originally as Polikarpov TIS, it was a heavy fighter developed during the 1940s competing with the Grushin Gr-1, Mikoyan-Gurevich DIS and the Tairov Ta-3. The TIS MA was the name given to the second prototype, this one featured a heavily modified armament. Two ShVAK cannon replaced the nose ShKAS machine guns and a UBT machine gun in a VUB-1 mount replaced the dorsal ShKAS, while the ventral machine gun was removed entirely. Two 37 mm (1.5 in) Shpitalny Sh-37 or 45 mm (1.8 in) 111P cannon replaced the wing root guns. The originally planed engines were not available and the AM-38F had to be used instead. The aircraft was tested in 1944 with successful test results. However, two accidents, one brake failure and a crash destroyed all hopes on the TIS program, and later, Polikarpov design bureau was closed.

It was introduced during [[Update 1.95 "Northern Wind"]] in the [[wt:en/news/6521-special-operation-f-r-o-s-t-en|Operation F.R.O.S.T.]] event. One of the last projects of the Polikarpov design bureau, the TIS MA is a unique and deadly aircraft. Its general configuration is similar to the famous [[Pe-2 (Family) |Pe-2]]/[[Pe-3 (Family)|3]] "Peshka", having two inline engines slung under the wings, a gunner in the back of the cockpit, and twin vertical stabilizers mounted at the ends of the horizontal stabilizers. However the TIS MA is a different animal compared to the Pe-3 heavy fighter. While the Pe-3 was a hastily adapted variant of the Pe-2 dive bomber, the TIS MA was a purpose designed heavy fighter. It is smaller and slimmer, leading to a less bulbous and more insectoid appearance. More importantly, its flight characteristics and firepower are much improved; pilots who struggled with the Peshkas's poor manoeuvrability and mediocre armament will be pleasantly surprised by the TIS MA's decent handling and burning hatred for any enemies foolish enough to find themselves in front of it.

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


The TIS MA's speed is not very impressive for its rank, but it is still faster than the [[Pe-3bis]] and is quite speedy at low altitudes, where its twin AM-38F engines (the same type used on the IL-2s) have impressive power output. The engines are essentially immune to overheating when undamaged and WEP can be sustained indefinitely, which aids in recovering speed after diving and hard manoeuvres. The TIS MA has a good roll and turn rate for a twin engine fighter. This is helpful when attacking ground targets since the former makes it easier to line up strafing or bombing runs and the latter allows the pilot to recover and not strike the ground. Getting into extended dogfights with single engined fighters is not advisable, but with good energy management, use of combat flaps, and some teammate support, it is still possible to get a firing solution.

If using Manual Engine Controls, turn up the propeller pitch for maximum thrust and open the radiators by a tiny amount, no more than single digit percentages. This is all that the TIS MA needs in low altitude combat.

Note that like the IL-2s it shares engines with, the TIS MA only has good performance at low altitudes. The engines will quickly asphyxiate at more than 2,000 m and as a result the climb rate and acceleration will be impacted significantly. Avoid exceeding those altitudes when enemy attack is a concern.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 1,660 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
| 512 || 494 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 25.1 || 25.9 || 6.8 || 6.8 || rowspan="2" | 420
|-
! Upgraded
| 557 || 534 || 23.0 || 24.0 || 14.5 || 10.3
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || 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 !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 386 || 367 || 270 || ~10 || ~8
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 380 || < 380 || < 420 || > 329
|-
|}

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


* 8.5 mm steel pilot seat

Fuel tanks are self sealing and located in the wing roots and middle fuselage.

The TIS MA is a fragile plane. The pilot's seat is the only armour available and the cockpit does not even have bulletproof glass, so enemies with rapid fire guns can often knock out the pilot. The fuel tanks are large, and although they are self sealing, they do not have the neutral gas pressurization system featured by the Pe-3bis and can be ignited by damage. The rest of the plane is decently sturdy and it can fly on one engine, so it can sustain considerable amounts of superficial damage and still return home.

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

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

{{main|NS-45 (45 mm)|NS-37 (37 mm)|ShVAK (20 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 2 x 37 mm NS-37 cannons, wing-mounted (75 rpg = 150 total) + 2 x 20 mm ShVAK cannons, nose-mounted (150 rpg = 300 total)
** 2 x 45 mm NS-45 cannons, wing-mounted (50 rpg = 100 total) + 2 x 20 mm ShVAK cannons, nose-mounted (150 rpg = 300 total)

The twin ShVAK guns are mounted right next to each other in the nose, and their tight clustering ensures that their accuracy is high and convergence is not an issue. While the ShVAK is a fairly weak weapon by itself, having two of them compensates for its faults. They are also unsynchronized since there is no central propeller to fire through, leading to a slightly higher burst mass than on the [[La-5]] series. The best belts for the ShVAK are Default or Armoured Targets, though some players use Tracers. While the ShVAKs are definitely not as powerful as the TIS MA's other cannons, their extreme accuracy is helpful in tail chase or head-on engagements where the convergence and bloom on the high calibre guns can be an issue.

The high calibre guns are mounted in the wing roots and the convergence should be tailored towards these instead. They are still mounted more closely than on the [[IL-2-37]], so players familiar with that aircraft will have an easier time.

The NS-37 cannons, famous for their use on the [[Yak-9T]] and several Soviet attacker aircraft, are very deadly weapons indeed. They have a high muzzle velocity of about 900 m/s and a good rate of fire for a large calibre weapon. They are accurate in short bursts but will easily overheat, lose accuracy, and jam if fired continuously. For ground striking the Armoured Targets belt is the best, as it consists entirely of AP-T rounds capable of penetrating 60 mm of armour at point-blank range. While in practice this maximum value is not achievable due to distance and angle issues, it is still capable of perforating light vehicles and going through the roofs and engine decks of medium or heavy tanks, sometimes even the sides as well. In Air RB it will take out Light Pillboxes in short order. The AP rounds are also highly effective against aircraft, capable of igniting fuel tanks and shearing off tails/wings (sometimes all at the same time), making it the best general purpose belt. On occasion, the AP-T rounds will pass through aircraft with little damage. For those who prefer more explosive effects, the Air Targets belt consists of only HEFI-T rounds and is somewhat more consistent versus aircraft, but ineffective against ground targets.

The alternative NS-45 cannons, as seen on the infamous [[Yak-9K]], are ludicrously powerful against aircraft and certainly look intimidating when mounted, muzzle brake and all. A single good hit with 80 g of TNT can destroy a heavy bomber and smaller aircraft will be dismembered. That said, the cannons have several unfavourable characteristics. The muzzle velocity is lower than the NS-37 and the accuracy tends to be somewhat worse, so in air battles it may be more practical, if less fun, to fling more NS-37 rounds at a target from farther away than to wait until closer to use the NS-45 in sparser salvos. In ground battles the NS-45's power becomes much more obvious; as of [[Update "Dance of Dragons"]], it now has access to APHE rounds with 29 g of TNT equivalent and up to 59 mm of penetration. The huge improvement in post-penetration damage, which can often one-shot smaller vehicles, allows the TIS MA to terrorize ground targets in permissive airspace. A HVAP-T round with higher flat penetration is also available but should be disregarded.

Another notable feature is the TIS MA's large ammunition capacity. The NS-37 cannons carry 75 rounds each, which is more than twice as much as the Yak-9T, and the NS-45 cannons carry 50 rounds each, still more than the Yak-9K's meager 29 rounds. This gives the TIS MA more staying power and one can afford to unload many rounds against difficult air targets.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|FAB-100sv (100 kg)|FAB-250sv (250 kg)|FAB-500sv (500 kg)|RBS-132|RS-132}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 100 kg FAB-100sv bombs (200 kg total)
* 2 x 250 kg FAB-250sv bombs (500 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg FAB-500sv bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 8 x RS-132 rockets
* 8 x RBS-132 rockets

The TIS MA's firepower is not limited to its gun armament. Its bomb and rocket armaments are actually better than the IL-2s and Pe-3s; unlike the former, it has access to the powerful FAB-500 bombs, and unlike the latter it can carry 2 more RS/RBS-132 rockets. The bombs are mounted externally under the center wing and drop individually, while the rockets are mounted outboard of the engines and can be tricky to aim as a result. External ordnance will affect the flight performance noticeably, but as a heavy twin engine fighter, it will not become a complete brick.

=== Defensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}

{{main|Berezin UB (12.7 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:

* 1 x 12.7 mm Berezin UB machine gun, dorsal turret (200 rpg)

The rear gunner has useful armament and should not be disregarded. Enemies tailing the TIS MA may be surprised with an onslaught of heavy machine gun fire. The Berezin UB is a good weapon, and when equipped with the Universal belt it can ignite enemies quite nicely. Alternatively the Armoured Targets belt includes cermet cored rounds that can knock out engines and pilots more easily. Both are good options.

== Usage in battles ==


A versatile plane, the TIS MA lends itself to several roles, mainly limited by its bad high altitude performance and the fact that it's still a twin-engined, heavy aircraft. Throwing oneself incautiously at lightweight planes with superior turning or climbing capabilities will often not end well.

In Air RB, the TIS MA is best used in one of two ways:

'''Opportunistic Low-Level Interceptor'''

For this role, equip the NS-37s with the Air Targets belt. Take off, set throttle to WEP, and don't ever turn off WEP. Climb to around 2,000 m, and look for fighters, attackers, and bombers nearby that are nearby and at low altitudes, preferably near allies. When a suitable target is located, dive and try to deal crippling damage in the first pass. If they survive, there are 2 choices: if they are more manoeuvrable, then climb away, and if not, turn around and set up another shot. When the enemy is destroyed, regain altitude and repeat. Watch out for enemies diving from above and be prepared to break hard to dodge them. If an engagement is unfavourable, extend away towards allies and spray the target with the rear gunner if they pursue, making dodging fire if necessary.

Note that using the Air Targets belt for the NS-37s and not taking ordnance will make attacking ground targets difficult. Using the Armoured Targets belt for the ShVAKs offers a secondary weapon for taking out AAA and light vehicles, but the low ammo capacity makes this hard to sustain. Loading the NS-37s with Armoured Targets belts instead may be a better choice if the team is short on attackers.

'''Attacker'''

Though the TIS MA has the weaponry and performance for ground attack, its fragility and the lack of an airspawn pose some issues. The RBS-132 rockets are probably the best option, as with careful aim a single hit can destroy a Light Pillbox. Alternatively the FAB-500 bombs can destroy heavy and medium tanks, though since only two are available this may be better left to planes with more payload. Armoured Targets belts for the NS-37 are a must as they can destroy all sorts of vehicles and emplacements. ShVAK belts are up to personal preference but the Armoured Targets belt may be helpful in a pinch if the NS-37s run dry (though at that point it is usually a better idea to RTB and resupply).

Take off and stay at relatively low altitudes. One will likely arrive at the front lines not long after the IL-2s do. Use up the ordnance first to avoid being overburdened if attacked by enemies later on and keep an eye out for AAA emplacements, as the TIS MA's lack of armour and large size do it no favors. When enemy ground strikers arrive, it may be tempting to go for head-ons immediately, but since such engagements tend to be mutual kills, another option is to circle around, climb a bit, and attack from a less hazardous angle. Twin-engined aircraft are large targets and can be shredded by the NS-37s effectively. Around this time, furballs of fighters often will have developed. If an enemy fighter approaches from a high energy state, it can be fruitful to bait them into a head-on, fire a few cannon salvos from a distance, and then break off early to avoid the brunt of the incoming fire; unlike an IL-2, the TIS MA cannot afford to take hits. If the enemy is diving and head-ons are not possible, try to break hard and dodge them, then either dogfight or extend away towards teammates depending on the situation, as mentioned previously.

With the TIS MA it is tempting to bite off more than one can chew. Though the excellent armament means that risky moves can still yield kills, if one wishes to avoid becoming an additional flaming wreck on the battlefield, caution should still be exercised. Also, while the TIS MA can really dish out pain, there are some aircraft it can meet in uptiers that are equally good or better at this. The German [[He 219 A-7]] has incredible burst mass and is far faster, and the [[Ta 154 A-1]] still packs a huge punch while having all-round superior performance. Other twin-engined fighters that have tightly clustered armament are hazardous as well due to the TIS MA's lack of pilot protection. Think carefully before entering head-ons with aircraft like these.

'''Ground RB'''

In Ground RB, the TIS MA really shines. Here, it has an airspawn and there are fewer enemy fighters to worry about, allowing the user to focus on attacking enemy tanks. Definitely use the NS-37s loaded with Armoured Targets belts. The FAB-500 bombs are generally the best choice of ordnance since they have a large blast radius and drop individually. Those who have been disappointed by the FAB-250s mounted on the IL-2s will be happy with these, and they can take out multiple opponents clustered together at choke points, objective locations, or sniping zones. Be sure to set a generous fuse delay to avoid being caught in the blast radius. The RBS-132 rockets are also viable if one is comfortable with aiming them, as they theoretically offer up to 4 kills. They boast around 80 mm of penetration, which is enough to penetrate light tanks with ease, whereas medium or heavy tanks will usually require hits to the side, rear, or roof. A successful penetration will almost certainly annihilate the target because each rocket packs 1.35 kg of TNT. While the early IL-2s also have this rocket loadout, the TIS MA's flight performance is better and lining up good rocket salvos can be easier.

The NS-37s will chew up lightly armoured targets. Against medium and heavy tanks, the effects are less catastrophic, but good hits can still knock out engines and important crew members. Watch out for SPAAs when doing extended or repeated gun runs, as these behaviors will make the TIS MA a slower and more predictable target. Using rockets against SPAAs can be a good idea, as they are effective at a distance (though aiming is tricky) and the pilot can immediately break off after releasing them. Otherwise, do not attack SPAAs unless they are obviously distracted; an IL-2 can survive some incoming fire, the TIS MA will have a much harder time.

Keep an eye on the sky. If there are enemy attackers in the area, consider going after them after unloading ordnance. Freshly spawned enemies can be baited into head-ons, and opponents will often fall for this. Due to the lack of markers in Ground RB, they may see the silhouette of a Soviet twin-engine fighter, not notice the distinctive camouflage, and assume it is a Peshka or some other plane not known for powerful forward armament. Their mistake can be corrected promptly by ripping their aircraft apart with the NS-37s. Again, if a mutual kill is not desired, fly cautiously. The rear gunner is obviously useful for hosing down pursuing fighters, and another creative usage is to fire at a soft target like an SPAA after completing a gun run and pulling up.

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|-
| Controllable || Controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful armament layouts with decent ammo capacities
* Both the 37 mm cannons and 45 mm cannons have high muzzle velocity are quite accurate in short bursts
* Reasonable manoeuvrability and acceleration for a twin-engined fighter
* Decent speed, but lower than most fighters it will encounter
* Tightly clustered armament
* Can mount bombs and rockets for ground-pounding, including a pair of powerful 500 kg bombs
* Very good engine cooling, will almost never overheat
* Premium rewards

'''Cons:'''

* Slower than contemporary aircraft
* Lack of bulletproof glass makes the pilot prone to snipes, also vulnerable to head-on attacks
* Extremely prone to fires
* Large target, easy for enemy fighters and SPAA to hit
* Bad high altitude performance

== History ==


The TIS A (and the improved MA) were designed to a 1938 specification for a heavy fighter - but work did not begin until 1940 due to resources being devoted to the I-180 and SPB projects.

The TIS A was an all metal monocoque monoplane with a very heavy forward facing armament of some mix of 2 x 37 mm, 2 x 20 mm cannon; and 2 x 12.7 mm UB + 4 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns, or 6 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns - sources vary on the exact nature of armament for the prototype<ref>http://www.airpages.ru/eng/ru/tis.shtml Aviation of WW2</ref><ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polikarpov_TIS Wikipedia article</ref>. The single rear gunner had 2 ShKAS machine guns - 1 mounted to fire from a dorsal position, the other mounted to shoot through a ventral hatch. It was fitted with Mikulin AM-39 engines, but these had protracted development problems - they were unreliable and vibrated above 5,000 m altitude.

By 1942 flight testing showed several problems, and a major redesign was conducted - radiators were moved to the wings, the machine guns in the nose were replaced by 2 x ShVAK 20 mm cannon, and 2 x 45 mm 11P guns were fitted in the wing roots. The gunner's 2 x ShKAS were replaced by a single 12.7 mm UBT machine gun. Engine reliability was not improved, so AM-38F engines (as fitted to Il-2s) were fitted instead - and these had much lower output resulting in predictably lower performance, especially at higher altitudes due to the AM-38's single stage supercharger optimised for lower altitudes.

This configuration was renamed the TIS-MA.

Flight testing of the TIS-MA from June-September 1944 found it performed as expected with the new engines - being generally disappointing at altitude. Calculations showed much better performance if the desired AM-39s could be fitted. However fate intervened - Polikarpov died on 30 July of stomach cancer, and when the TIS-MA crashed on 15 September it spelled the end of the program - his design bureau was being shut down and none of the others could or would take it on.

== Media ==


;Skins

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

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|VHJN6ZWOmnY|'''The bane of tanks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 2:12 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==


* [[Pe-3 (Family)]]

== External links ==


=== References ===
<references />

{{AirManufacturer Polikarpov}}
{{USSR strike aircraft}}
{{USSR premium aircraft}}
{{Winter Event}}

Al-Khalid-I

2024-09-29T00:00:46Z

U79942984: Wrote armour and usage in battles.

{{About
| about = premium Chinese medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the premium British medium tank
| link = Khalid
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_al_khalid_1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|store=13679
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (Urdu: الخال; lit. eternal) is the Pakistani upgraded variant of NORINCO's [[MBT-2000|MBT2000]] by 2020s retrofitted by Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT). After the development of Sino-Pakistani MBT2000 passed for certification by both PLAGF and Pakistan Army, the first series Al-Khalid joined Pakistan Army in 2001 as their new MBT alongside with imported Ukrainian T-80UD against foes; while the MBT received very positive opinion from its operators, the tank would still require further upgrades to keep up with the mainstream of MBT development, especially against Indian Army which have received [[Bhishma TWMP|T-90S]] and planned for the T-90SM. With sufficient supply engine pack from Ukrainian KMDB and experiences gained on T 85-IIAP's production, Al-Khalid-I eventually received FCS and ergonomic upgrades by 2010s; officially introduced on 28th July 2020, the upgraded tank is now replacing the previous fleet of T 59/69 and further boosting the national defense capability of Pakistan with plans to further upgrade the vehicle with Chinese powerpack and redesigned turret in progress.

Introduced in [[Update "Dance of Dragons"]] as a new premium pack for Chinese tech tree, players of the MBT-2000 would soon get the grip on Al-Khalid-I with identical handling, firepower and protection. For new players, the tank features a powerful 1,200 hp engine with great reverse speed, while the mobility can make sure players can invade the flanks of enemies and delivery fatal blow to them; while the protection might not be the best of its tier, it can still sometimes save the tank from total destruction.

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


The Al-Khalid-I's armour layout is very similar to the original MBT2000 but still has some changes. The base steel and composite armour is completely identical. Cosmetically, the FY-2 ERA is installed in the form of smaller tiles. This doesn't make any difference on the turret cheeks because the entire damage model is grouped together. Looking at the hull, on the sloped upper glacis, the ERA tile groups are smaller and slightly more numerous, which makes them more resistant to being stripped away by repeated attacks, but the bottom row of ERA that used to help cover the flat "lip" of the glacis housing the headlights is now missing, replaced by a couple of track segments. This is a bit of a letdown because that segment of the composite armour is not completely resistant to 3BM42-class APFSDS without FY-2 covering it, and makes the Al-Khalid-I's hull weak spots larger than the MBT2000's.

The main advertised difference is that FY-2 is installed on the front and sides of the storage racks on the sides of the turret bustle. The flush FY-2 tiles on the sides of the turret cheeks have been removed. The effects of this change are mostly positive but also slightly mixed. The storage racks are now capable of blocking HEAT-FS rounds, autocannon rounds, and weak ATGMs even in direct side attacks, but the less protected turret cheek sides can sometimes allow attacks from the front-side arcs to damage the turret crew.

Although it has no bearing on the actual protection, another cosmetic difference is that the Al-Khalid-I has two tall and unusually thick radio antennas, which can be more easily noticed by enemies when hiding behind cover.

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


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

The Al-Khalid-I retained the Ukrainian Kharkov 6TD-2 engine pack as its power source for mobility and logistical reasons. Thanks to the revised transmission with additional side gears, this enables the tank to reverse at up to -31 km/h, more than enough to retreat from danger.

{{tankMobility}}

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

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

{{main|ZPT98 (125 mm)}}

As 125 mm calibre has been selected as the calibre for Pakistan Army and the vehicle was developed mostly by NORINCO of Mainland China, Al-Khalid-I also selected the same cannon as ZTZ99 series - the ZPT98 cannon. All the specifications and ammunition options are totally identical to its Chinese cousins aside from having 49 spare ammo as demanded by Pakistan; while the traverse is sufficient at its tier at a much higher speed than Soviet/Russian serial production MBTs, be sure to turn the turret beforehand just in case - NATO tanks mostly have better traverse rate than Al-Khalid.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[ZPT98 (125 mm)|125 mm ZPT98]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced !! Autoloader
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 49 || rowspan="2" | -6°/+14° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 28.6 || 39.5 || 48.0 || 53.1 || 56.5 || rowspan="2" | 7.10
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 17.9 || 21.0 || 25.5 || 28.2 || 30.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:ZPT98 (125 mm)/Ammunition|DTP-125, DTB-125, Type 1985-I APFSDS, DTC10-125, DTB12-125}}'''''Note: As premium vehicle, all ammunition is researched once purchased'''''

'''DTP-125, HEAT-FS, Stock''' - DTP-125 has been a long-time friend to the Chinese 125 mm gun and is one of the stock shells for the Al-Khalid-I; like many HEATFS of its tier, due to ERA and composite armour being commonplace at its tier, hitting enemies from the front would very likely be fruitless. So if opting for HEATFS to take out enemies, make sure to aim for non-ERA/composite covered parts or by flanking enemies if possible; remembering where their ammunition is located can earn players a quick kill against enemies. It is still a versatile shell to have against all types of ground target.

'''DTB-125, HE-FS, Stock''' - DTB-125 is also available as the other stock shell; HEFS can serve as a makeshift anti-tank shell by hitting enemy optics or top plates with low protection and possibly triggering overpressure, dooming the crew and internal compartments of enemy vehicles. This also enables the tank to do "top-down" attacks against tanks behind cover, notably NATO tanks with higher profile and CITV. Thanks to the high explosive content, it is also a better option to knock-out light vehicles right away than the HEATFS.

'''125-I, APFSDS, Tier I''' - 125-I (aka 一期弹 or officially, the 一步弹; Phrase/Stage I ammunition) has already been a familiar APFSDS for Chinese MBTs with 125 mm gun, players from ZTZ96 series can soon get on hand with the APFSDS with its good ballistic performance and penetration (the highest for 125 mm APFSDS <500 mm penetration), helping players to go through the stock stages; aim for different weak spots accordingly if facing higher-tier NATO/Warsaw-Pact tanks.

'''DTC10-125, APFSDS, Tier IV''' - as the main APFSDS of PLAGF and one of the highest-penetration (non-DU) export APFSDS for 125 mm guns, DTC10-125 (aka 三期弹 or officially, the 三步弹; Phrase/Stage III ammunition; DTC10E when export) can make sure it can also utilize its very high velocity to defeat most enemies it face without problem, this also enables Al-Khalid-I to defeat more advanced MBTs at higher-tier even at long range.

'''DTB12-125, HE-FS (VT), Tier IV''' - Unlike Soviet/Russian HE-FS with timed fuse, DTB12 is currently the only HE-VT for its calibre; not only can it still be used as "anti-tank" shells like its stock counterpart albeit with lesser explosive content, enemy aircraft will have to face a 125 mm makeshift AA gun with 7 m trigger radius - it is never a good idea getting hit by such a huge shell.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!'''Fullammo'''
!'''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'''
!'''10th rack empty'''
!'''11th rack empty'''
!'''Visual discrepancy'''
|-
| '''49''' || 48 ''(+1)'' || 45 ''(+4)'' || 42 ''(+7)'' || 38 ''(+11)'' || 35 ''(+14)'' || 32 ''(+17)'' || 29 ''(+20)'' || 25 ''(+24)'' || 24 ''(+25)'' || 23 ''(+26)'' || 1 ''(+48)'' || No
|-
|}
For sustained combat endurance and demands from Pakistan, the Al-Khalid-I has 49 shells and its propellant onboard scattered around the chassis, mostly concentrated around the turret carousel. While having so many ammunition means missed shots can be compensated by subsequent shots (given the autoloader is not damaged), this also turns the tank into a walking powder keg at full-load, turning the tank into a firework show is never the best idea to end a battle; 23 shells in the autoloader and pre-load of breech are more than enough to finish the battle with relatively ease.

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|QJC88A (12.7 mm)|Type 86 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" |[[QJC88A (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm QJC88A]]
|-
!Mount!!Capacity (Belt)!!Fire rate!!Vertical!!Horizontal
|-
|Pintle||750 (150)||600||-6°/+85°||±180°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Type 86 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm Type 86]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
|Coaxial||4,000 (250)||700||-||-
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


Although it has a number of small differences in terms of protection and appearance, the Al-Khalid-I plays mostly like a slightly improved MBT2000 with better thermal optics - the gunner enjoys an improvement in resolution and the commander receives brand new thermals on the CITV of the same resolution (however it is still saddled with a fixed 6x zoom, unlike the variable 3x-10.7x CITV zoom of the ZTZ99s). Like the MBT2000, it has a very nice reverse speed and responsive handling by Soviet/Chinese standards because of its powerpack, and the overall protection is quite good, less so for the hull but above average on the turret. It can be played as a mobile flanker or midfielder. The reverse speed allows it to move beyond solid cover and perform shoot-and-scoot tactics much more easily than other Chinese tanks and the combination of both low and high zoom settings on the gunner optics is comfortable for brawling and sniping. Do note that the inherent protection is inferior to the ZTZ99s, as the composite armour is rather weaker and FY-2 is not as strong as FY-4, so take advantage of the mobility to move between good positions and avoid keeping the hull exposed to enemy fire.

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

* Slightly improved protection with larger ERA coverage at turret front and additions on turret baskets
* Powerful main cannon with varieties of ammunition
* Commander override of turret for retaliation
* Excellent mobility
** 1,200 hp engine with sufficient T/W ratio for flanking tactics
** Revised transmission enables pseudo-neutral steering and high reverse speed
* Two different magnifications for different engage range with large FOV
* Upgraded with 3rd generation TVD for both gunner and CITV
* Thick turret protection

'''Cons:'''

* Fixed 7.1 second reload and infamous AZ-172 autoloader with high detonation rate once being hit
* Inconsistent protection
** Cast-welded mantle still haunts the frontal protection
** Insufficient protection at its tier, especially compared to ZTZ99 or T-90 series
* Slow gun vertical traverse due to hydraulic drive
* Engine deck with raised-up plates that blocks rear arc of fire
* Cramped crew layout and densely packed ammunition onboard

== 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 ==

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

== See also ==


* [[MBT-2000]] - its ancestor, aka '''Al-Khalid''' or VT-1

== External links ==

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

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

{{China medium tanks}}
{{China premium ground vehicles}}

JF-17

2024-09-28T22:50:57Z

U79942984: Wrote armaments and pros/cons.

{{Specs-Card
|code=jf_17
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a squadron rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Dance of Dragons"]].

== 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 _,___ 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
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== 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 || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 450 || 450 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| 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="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Klimov RD-93 || 1
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | 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
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
|-
| 1,050 kg || colspan="2" | Jet
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ 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="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 3,630 kgf || 6,590 kgf
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf (_ km/h) || ___ kgf (_ km/h)
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

=== 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="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! EEGS
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|Type 23-3 (23 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 23 mm Type 23-3 cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)
* 64 x large calibre countermeasures

The JF-17 is armed with a copy of the Soviet GSh-23L autocannon with 200 rounds of ammunition, familiar to any pilots who have flown the MiG-23 Flogger or J-8 Finback. It has a quick rate of fire with no spool-up time, but its low muzzle velocity and ammo count leaves something to be desired on an aircraft that routinely fights agile fourth-generation fighters. Making matters more difficult is that the gun placement underneath the left air intake is quite off-center and the JF-17 currently does not have an EEGS system like the [[J-8F]]. Less experienced users may be better off reserving the gun for low-speed engagements or anti-helicopter/anti-ground activities.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


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

* 1 x 800 l drop tank + 2 x 1,100 l drop tanks
* 2 x PL-5EII missiles + 2 x SD-10(A) missiles
* 4 x PL-5EII missiles
* 4 x SD-10(A) missiles
* 114 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
* 64 x Fire Snake 90A missiles
* 7 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 5 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (5,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 6 x 277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs (1,662 kg total)
* 4 x 1,092 lb GBU-16 Paveway II bombs (4,368 lb total)
* 2 x 957 kg GBU-10 Paveway II bombs (1,914 kg total)
* 4 x 290 kg LS-6 250 bombs (1,160 kg total)
* 4 x 630 kg LS-6 500 bombs (2,520 kg total)
* 4 x 260 kg GB250 bombs (1,040 kg total)
* 4 x 570 kg GB500 bombs (2,280 kg total)
{{Navigation-End}}

While the JF-17 as an aircraft can't be said to have remarkable performance or features, the JF-17's arsenal is very impressive in capabilities and variety. As with the [[A-5C]], the Pakistani-operated JF-17 has a mix of Chinese and American weapons, and interestingly uses a Turkish ASELPOD targeting pod for precision strike.

The air-to-air arsenal is very simple with only two options for missiles. The IR offering is the PL-5EII, a later descendant of the [[PL-5B]] and [[PL-5C]] missiles arming previous Chinese aircraft. The EII model retains the well-loved high acceleration and short motor burn time of the PL-5C, and in fact has a slightly higher top speed and overload to boot, but most notably features a modern seeker with IRCCM capabilities. The IRCCM is modeled with the same gate-width method as the [[Matra R550 Magic 2|Magic 2]] and [[R-73]] instead of the seeker-shutoff method of the [[AIM-9M]]. This fixes the PL-5C's flaw of being easily spoofed by flares and the PL-5EII is a very solid counterpart overall to the Magic 2 and AIM-9M for dogfights and sneak attacks. It can be mounted on the reserved wingtip hardpoints and also on the outer underwing hardpoints for a maximum capacity of four.

For medium and long range attacks, the SD10(A) active-radar missile, essentially an export version of the [[PL-12]] with identical performance, is a competitive offering to its peers and should be familiar to pilots who have used the J-8F. The SD-10A is only available on the outer underwing hardpoints but can be double-racked for a maximum capacity of four.

The rest of the weapons are for ground attack. Unguided weapons are all American and consist of iron bombs ranging from 500 to 2000 lbs (in decent quantities but not matching the [[F-16A]]) and Hydra-70 M247 unguided rockets. The precision weapons are more numerous and more interesting. The JF-17 has access to both Chinese and American laser-guided bombs mounted on the four underwing pylons. Ordered from lowest to highest TNT equivalent, they are:
* GB250 - Chinese lightweight LGB with only 91 kg TNT, but IOG capability and an extra long 80 second guidance time
* GBU-12 Paveway II - American lightweight LGB with 117.59 kg TNT, can be double-racked on the mid-wing pylons
* GB500 - Chinese medium weight LGB with 220 kg TNT
* GBU-16 Paveway II - American medium weight LGB with 272.43 kg TNT
* GBU-10 Paveway II - American heavy weight LGB with 578.75 kg TNT

The GB500 is outperformed by the GBU-16. The GB250 and GBU-12 have different tradeoffs of better guidance versus better capacity.

The JF-17 brings a couple of new Chinese precision weapons to the table as well. The Fire Snake 70A (also designated BRM1) laser-guided HEAT rockets are comparable to [[CIRIT]] rockets used by the [[T129]] attack helicopter but come in generous pods of 16 rounds each and have an effective range of around 8 km. They hit hard enough to dispatch light vehicles in several strikes and can be salvo fired such that SPAAs will have difficulties intercepting them. BRM1s may not be fast enough to reliably joust long-range SAMs, but they are good supplements for other CAS weapons.

The LS-6 glide bombs with satellite guidance are a very different type of weapon. They come in 250 kg and 500 kg sizes and feature unfolding wings that extend their range and increase their maneuverability compared to other satellite-guided bombs such as the American JDAM or the Russian KAB-500S. It's possible to lob LS-6s towards the battlefield well outside of the range of enemy air defense, as the battery lasts for up to 5 minutes, and then turn around and return to base. While this sounds very impressive on paper, the complete inability of satellite-guided bombs to adjust their destination after release means that they're only effective for hitting inattentive, static targets. Teammate assistance is helpful for identifying targets, especially from long distances where tanks may not render properly even through the targeting pod.

== 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 agility and good acceleration, pleasant flying qualities
* Good radar
* Powerful IR and active radar missiles
* Wide variety of ground-attack weapons, including unique laser-guided rockets and satellite glide bombs

'''Cons:'''

* Lower top speed compared to peers, cannot reach Mach 2
* No EEGS or HMS, technological disadvantage in dogfights
* No air-to-ground missiles

== 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 ==

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

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/9040-development-squadron-vehicles-jf-17-thunder-en|[Devblog] Squadron Vehicles: JF-17 Thunder]]

{{AirManufacturer PAC}}
{{China jet aircraft}}
{{Squadron aircraft}}

PGZ09

2024-07-29T00:38:14Z

U79942984: Added AHEAD discussion to usage in battles.

{{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 before the 1993 sanctions to PLA; the licensed PG90 was then redeveloped into the newer PG99-35-2 systems comparable with the GDF-003 system. Meanwhile, to fill the need for a slightly long-range SPAA with the accuracy of 35 mm autocannon and arming with pairs of SAMs, PLAGF first foreseen [[2S6|2S6 Tungska]] as the import solution for this mission; then projects based on the chassis of NORINCO's new wheeled chassis were also developed as the technological demonstrator for the turret system. This eventually lead to a domestic solution with new universal artillery platform and provisions for 2 pairs or IR AAMs on the side of turret, to unknown reason, the production model of the new SPAA lacked the missiles from both the prototype turret by a certain university in Mainland China and its production model which would soon to be known as the PGZ09 ''(referred as PGZ07 before clarification in 2015)''; first spotted during military exercise and officially debuted in 2009 and 2015's military parade respectively, the PGZ09 serves as the alternative platform to utilize domestic AHEAD rounds to intercept oncoming missiles or unguided projectiles within detection range, while the earlier [[PGZ04A]] would serve as the very last layer of defense if the target breaches all lines of defense.

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, 2nd gen thermal sight, as well as being the very first SPAA to introduce 35 mm AHEAD, 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; what makes PGZ09 unique among any 35 mm SPAAs is the '''AHEAD''' ('''Advanced hit efficiency and destruction''') thanks to the installation of coils in the muzzle break to control the fuse. 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 like its counterparts 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)}}
* '''PMD062:''' {{Annotation|Ahead|Shrapnel with time fuse}}{{-}}{{Annotation|Ahead|Shrapnel with time fuse}}{{-}}{{Annotation|Ahead|Shrapnel with time fuse}}{{-}}{{Annotation|Ahead|Shrapnel with time fuse}}
* '''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}}

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

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 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 more precise lead that won't float around, get interfered by ground clutter or notching, 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, and compared to the track radar it has a smaller acquisition FOV and will be obscured by trees and foliage. Aside from all the conventional NATO equivalent 35 mm ammunition, PGZ09 also introduced AHEAD for SPAAs, a first since the introduction of PUMA in Bundeswehr service; the IRST tracking will also serve as a much better way to rangefinding the enemy aircraft with great accuracy, be sure to lead-in slightly more ahead than the indicator does for maximum damage and efficiency - it is not a good idea to waste ammo on just one aircraft with all 440 rounds in the main magazine.

The AHEAD shells do fairly little damage on an individual basis. They will not blast chunks off of enemy aircraft like the WZ305's 57 mm HE-VT shells and typically a solid chain of nearby detonations is required to down a target. However, the PGZ09's excellent volume of fire compared to the [[PUMA]] and [[KF41]] makes this much more attainable. A potential benefit of the AHEAD shells is that they have no tracers whatsoever, and although this makes it somewhat more difficult to correct their trajectory for maximum damage, this means that targets will have little to no indication that they are being fired upon (especially when using the IRST tracker) until the airburst clouds start showing up, at which point it might be too late to evade. They are also very helpful against helicopters, which are typically small targets that can easily spot and dodge SPAA tracer fire outside a couple of kilometers: with AHEAD, they may find themselves exploding in a cloud of shrapnel with no warning.

The AHEAD shells still have some penetration to dispatch lightly armoured ground vehicles in a pinch, but they are much less effective than the API-T rounds for this role. Since the PGZ09 can only carry one ammo type for the main 440-round belt, taking AHEAD means specializing more in air defense, while the majority-API-T belt has flexibility for players who want to be able to hunt ground vehicles.

'''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
* AHEAD airburst shells for convenient and stealthy attacks against aircraft

'''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}}

ZTZ96

2024-07-29T00:03:46Z

U79942984: General edits, rewrote part of History.

{{About
| about = Chinese medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = ZTZ96 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_ztz_96
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (Chinese: ZTZ96式主战坦克; industry code WZ122H) is one of the MBTs in PLAGF service since late 1990s. After the introduction of ZTZ88 by early 1990s, there were plans to fuse the hull of ZTZ88 with the successful turret from Type 85-IIM exported to Pakistan with domestic FCS. The development of such tank went on successfully as the WZ122H in PLAGF service and it has humbly served the PLAGF for almost 3 decades and possibly received upgrades to current standards due to being unable to upgrade from older tanks to the new [[ZTZ96A]] in service with ERA packages.

Introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]] as the first Chinese tank in the game not directly based on or modified from a foreign design and one of the first MBT-equivalent tanks in PLAGF service, the ZTZ96 has a more distinctive appearance and introduces several features not seen in previous Chinese medium tanks. The general layout is reminiscent of the [[T-72A|Soviet T-72]] but features major differences in the design of the turret and hull. The welded turret is flat and angular compared to the dome shape traditionally favoured by the Soviet Union and China. The ZTZ88-derived hull departs from the traditional T-54 chassis with smaller roadwheels, different angles, and larger dimensions. Composite armour is present in the turret cheeks and upper glacis.

Like the T-72, the ZTZ96 features a 125 mm smoothbore cannon with an autoloader. Its shell selection is somewhat limited but the APFSDS and HE shells are excellent and can handle most ground targets. The protection and mobility are average at best, but those familiar with previous Chinese tanks will be used to these faults. ZTZ96 users can enjoy the great firepower and look forward to the succeeding [[ZTZ96A]], a modernized and much-improved variant with thermal sights and ERA protection.

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

The ZTZ96's armour is a significant improvement over previous Chinese tanks like the [[CM11]] and [[ZTZ59D1]] but is not especially competitive for its rank. It has a significant amount of chemical protection in the turret cheeks (~520-530 mm) and upper glacis (~460-480 mm). The turret can resist most HEAT-FS rounds fired by enemy tanks but the hull might be penetrated on occasion by 120 mm HEAT-FS as used by the [[Leopard 2K]] and [[Leopard A1A1 (L/44)]] for example. Contemporary ATGMs will usually go right through.

Kinetic protection is decent but not spectacular, at about 390 mm for the turret cheeks and 360 mm for the hull depending on what round is used for testing. This is enough to stop early APFSDS rounds like the 105 mm DM23 fired by the [[Leopard A1A1]], but many enemies at its rank can punch through it with their top rounds like 105 mm DM33/Type 93. Due to having a battle rating, the ZTZ96 has some measure of isolation against top-tier guns. Contemporary US tanks like the [[MBT-70]] or [[XM-1 (GM)]] will struggle to penetrate its composite armour and surprisingly even the British Challenger 1 series will have some difficulties. Overall, though the ZTZ96 has similarities to the [[T-72A]], its armour protection is worse. The turret is weaker and the hull is comparable if the T-72's add-on armour upgrade is accounted for, slightly better otherwise.

As with other modern MBTs, the gun mantlet is highly susceptible to incoming fire, which can knock out the breech or hurt the crew. The lower glacis is also a weak point and should be hidden from enemy view when possible. However, due to the design of the upper glacis (which more closely resembles the T-54), there is no driver's viewport weak spot that plagues the contemporary T-64/72/80 tanks. This might surprise enemies with weaker rounds who shoot that area out of habit.

The post-penetration survivability leaves much to be desired. The autoloader uses the same layout as the T-72A; a penetrating shot to the lower glacis or hull side has a high likelihood of detonating the ammunition and instantly destroying the tank. Granted, this is slightly less likely to happen than in the T-64/80 since the propellant charges are stacked horizontally instead of vertically. In addition, with 3 only crew members, it is easier to knock out the tank with a good shot, particularly since the driver and gunner are lined up when the turret is facing forwards.

While hull penetrations tend to be fatal, this is not necessarily the case for turret penetrations. It is possible to empty the turret of spare ammunition by taking fewer rounds (22 + 1 for a full autoloader carousel and one in the gun). If an enemy shoots a turret cheek, usually only one crew member will perish. This will give the player time either to retaliate or to retreat. With duplicate fire controls, the commander can take control of the cannon and fire it when the gunner is down. The autoloader ensures that the gun is loaded during this time.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
* Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet, commander cupola)
* Rubber-fabric screens (side skirts)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 20 mm (69°) ''Outer UFP'' 100 mm (67°) ''Inner UFP'' 60 mm (51°) ''LFP'' || 50 mm || 45 mm (52°) ''Top '' 45 mm (15°) ''Bottom'' || 20-30 mm
|-
| Turret || 220 mm ''Turret front'' 310 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 50-80 mm || 20 mm || 30 mm
|-
| Cupola || colspan="3" | 30 mm (cylindrical) || 30 mm (spherical)
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable"
! Composite armour !! Front (Slope angle)
|-
| Hull || '''Upper glacis: '''350 mm ''Kinetic'' 480 mm ''Chemical''
|-
| Turret ||'''Turret front:''' 400 mm ''Kinetic'' 520 mm ''Chemical''
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels, tracks, and torsion bars are 20 mm thick.
* Belly armour is 20 mm thick.
* Side skirts are 8 mm thick.
* Mudguards and storage boxes are 4 mm thick.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,131|rbMinHp=646}}

The mobility of the {{PAGENAME}} is not particularly impressive. It uses the same engine and transmission as the ZTZ88A/B but weighs 2.5 tons more from the composite armour and heavier gun. It has 17.8 hp/ton when fully upgraded compared to the [[T-72A]]'s 19.02 hp/ton. The reverse speed of -9 km/h is slow but better than the agonizing 4 km/h of the Soviet T-64/72. Do not count on being able to retreat from danger rapidly. In general the {{PAGENAME}} will be among the last to arrive on the battlefield. However, the tank is still quite manoeuvrable and agile in its hull traverse, allowing it to weave through dense forests and urban areas with relative ease and react quickly to threats.

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

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

{{main|Type 88C (125 mm)}}

The ZTZ96 makes up for its drawbacks in protection and mobility with a superb gun. The 125 mm Type 88C smoothbore gun is capable of firing APFSDS, HE and HEAT-FS ammunition. Although the ZTZ96 uses a similar autoloader system to the T-72s with 7.1 second reload rate, which is already on the long side for its rank. The turret rotation speed is noticeably improved over the T-72, topping out at 30 degrees/sec like the [[Type 90]].

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Type 88C (125 mm)|125 mm Type 88C]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Autoloader
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 40 || rowspan="2" | -6°/+14° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 28.6 || 39.5 || 48.0 || 53.1 || 56.5 || rowspan="2" | 7.10
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 17.9 || 21.0 || 25.5 || 28.2 || 30.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:Type 88C (125 mm)/Ammunition|DTP-125, DTB-125, 125-I}}

The DTP-125 HEATFS round is nothing particularly special. It has the same penetration as the standard NATO 120 mm HEATFS (e.g. 120 mm DM12) and the same ballistics as the Soviet 3BK12M used by the [[T-72A]] or [[T-64A (1971)|T-64A]]. As a stock round, it is alright. It contains above average explosive mass for a 120/125 mm HEATFS shell, enough to trigger pressure damage against light targets and sometimes even against MBTs if hit right at the turret ring. The penetration can dispatch targets with steel or spaced armour, which are still somewhat common at the ZTZ96's battle rating. However it falls short against targets with ERA or composite armour. For example, the [[XM-1 (GM)]]'s turret front can resist DTP-125. Soviet tanks tend to be tough nuts to crack outside of the T-64A, as their turrets are immune and their hulls are at least quite resistant if not outright immune as well.

The DTB-125 HE round is of the Soviet-style, packing a whopping 5.46 kg of TNT equivalent that can deal devastating damage if aimed correctly, either through detonating ammo racks or triggering overpressure damage. Light tanks can typically be shot anywhere and the resulting overpressure damage will wipe out their crew. Against MBTs, the best targets are typically the turret ring, hull roof, or turret roof. The [[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard I]], [[AMX-30 (Family)|AMX-30]], [[OF-40 (Family)|OF-40]], and [[Type 74 (Family)|Type 74]] have thin hull side armour and a HE round there is usually a guaranteed knockout if one takes care to avoid hitting the tracks or side skirts. The HE round has essentially the same unimpressive ballistics as the HEATFS round and is easiest to use at closer ranges, but practice and/or use of the laser rangefinder can make it viable at medium to long range, particularly against static enemies.

The 125-I APFSDS shell is a Tier 3 modification and the ZTZ96's only choice of kinetic ammunition. It can be considered the Chinese counterpart to the Soviet 3BM42 "Mango" round, having slightly better penetration and muzzle velocity in exchange for a lower projectile mass. For its battle rating, 125-I performs very well, offering 466 mm of flat penetration at point-blank and dropping only to 434 mm at 2 km. Its angled performance of 269 mm at 60 degrees is comparable to Western long-rod sabot rounds such as DM33. Almost all of the ZTZ96's enemies can be dispatched easily with a center mass shot to the hull. The high muzzle velocity makes it easy to use at long range even without using the laser rangefinder.

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! Ammo part
! 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
|-
| '''40''' || ''Projectiles'' ''Propellants'' || 40 ''(+0)'' 39 ''(+1)'' || 38 ''(+2)'' 38 ''(+2)'' || 37 ''(+3)'' 37 ''(+3)'' || 35 ''(+5)'' 31 ''(+9)'' || 32 ''(+8)'' 27 ''(+13)'' || 29 ''(+11)'' 23 ''(+17)'' || 24 ''(+16)'' 39 ''(+1)'' || 23 ''(+17)'' N/A || 39 ''(+1)'' N/A || No
|-
|}
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x450px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
'''Notes''':

* The 9th projectile rack and the 7th propellant rack are a mechanized first stage ammo rack. The mechanized nature indicates the tank has a fixed reload as it uses an autoloader to reload the main gun, as such the main gun cannot be reloaded when the ammo rack is empty.
* It takes around 25s per shell to reload the first stage ammo rack. Additionally, there is a 10s interval between the gun is fully loaded and the crew starts to reload the first stage ammo rack.

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|QJC88A (12.7 mm)|Type 86 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[QJC88A (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm QJC88A]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 600 (150) || 600 || -6°/+85° || ±180°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Type 86 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm Type 86]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 2,500 (250) || 700 || - || -
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


Like preceding Chinese MBTs, the ZTZ96 is not suited for rapid assaults due to its substandard mobility and should be played conservatively. Let speedier teammates charge first into combat while you cover them and move to good overwatch positions. Situational awareness is key since faster opponents may arrive earlier and the tank lacks thermal sights. The gun handling is a bit better than contemporary Soviet MBTs but it still has a slow vertical traverse speed. The ZTZ96's composite armour is not amazing but still enough to shrug off some incoming fire, and staying close to cover is helpful. Try to hide the lower glacis since that is the ZTZ96's most dangerous weak spot. The ZTZ96's extra two degrees of gun depression compared to previous PRC tanks are helpful for peeking over small hills. Be on the lookout for flankers since the ZTZ96 has weaker side armour than Soviet tanks and 25-30 mm IFV autocannons can penetrate it.

Before the APFSDS is unlocked, the only ammunition options are the stock HEAT-FS and HE. Neither of these ammo types is particularly good for sniping due to their mediocre muzzle velocities, so it is best to stay at close to medium range. Once the APFSDS is unlocked, it should be effective against the majority of the tanks seen at the ZTZ96's rank and is well suited for the ZTZ96's recommended laid-back playstyle. It is still a good idea to take some HE shells due to their utility and instant-knockout capability. Light vehicles can often be sent back to the hangar with a single hit, and even heavy MBTs with strong composite armour are still vulnerable to well-placed HE shells.

The ZTZ96 has duplicate fire control, meaning that the commander can take control of the cannon and fire in the event the gunner is knocked out, enhancing the tank's capabilities to return fire in heat of battle, even after a successful penetration on the gunner side. Do note that the commander's sight, while fairly steady, is not stabilized, so try not to drive quickly when using the override.

===Assault mode===

For players grinding the APFSDS in assault mode, it is recommended to bring full ammo, with around half HEAT and half HE. As the countdown goes at the start of the match, quickly find a spot where you will not get shot from every direction and stay there until you run out of ammo or die. The HEAT is great at knocking out with a single shot weakly-armoured Cold War tanks that spawn at the early stages of the match, while the HE is capable of killing those heavily protected top tier MBT who spawn later. Given that you do not have APFSDS, therefore, lacking the ability to knock out some AI frontally, you will have to rely on assists to get scores. Firing HEAT / HE at tracks, roof-mounted MG, turret ring, cannon barrel, etc can at least immobile / disarm the AI, granting you an assist. The 7.1 second reload will be quite slow when facing a huge wave of AI so you must aim each shot carefully, but other times it is generally fast enough. The ZTZ96's armour can take quite some beating but is also prone to ammo rack explosion, or penetrating shots from the lower front plate and gun mantlet. Note that the ZTZ96 can be easily destroyed by rockets/bombs from AI planes too so it will be great to have a teammate with helicopter/SPAA covering the team.

'''Enemies worth noting:'''

* [[Leopard 2A5|Leopard 2 A5]]: this is the most protected Leopard you will see in an assault, usually in Mozdok and Fulda. When facing it frontally or with slight angles, load HE and aim for its turret ring where the crosshair is green. It is very likely to destroy it instantly. When facing its side, load HEAT and aim for its central hull. Don't expect to block any of its shells as its APFSDS can easily go through the ZTZ96's frontal armour, or the AI can just target your weak spots.
* [[M1A2 Abrams|M1A2]]: you will see it mostly in Fulda and Ardennes. When facing it frontally or with slight angles, load HEAT and aim for its turret ring where the crosshair is green. It is very likely to destroy it instantly. HE might not work here since it cannot effectively hurt the turret crew. But HE works great when aiming at the M1's turret roof. Items like the MG and the optics will all detonate the HE, causing the downward shrapnel to kill all the crew. When facing its side, load HEAT and aim for its central hull.
* [[Challenger 2 (2F)|Challenger 2F]]: you will see it mostly in Sands of Sinai. It is one of the toughest AI to destroy, especially when there are waves of them. When facing it frontally or with slight angles, load HE and aim for the hull side above the tracks where the crosshair is green. It is very likely to detonate random ammo inside. When facing its side, still load HE and aim for its central hull for an ammo detonation. The Challenger 2F's sides are covered with ERA blocks thus HEAT will get absorbed.
* [[Type 16]], [[Centauro ROMOR]], [[Radkampfwagen 90|Radkamfwagen 90]]: Despite being armed with 105 mm guns, these tanks get access to DM33 rounds that can penetrate your turret cheeks within 400 m. In addition, their high speed means that it is incredibly easy to get flanked by them, frequently resulting in side-shots. This is only made worse by the weakened side armour of the ZTZ96 compared to its Soviet counterparts, resulting in light autocannon easily being able to penetrate the ZTZ 96's side armour from afar.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful gun with access to high-penetrating APFSDS
** 3BM42 counterpart when T-72A/T-72M1 only have 3BM22
* Autoloader reloads the cannon even when putting out fires or replacing crew members
* Most powerful HE shell of any tech tree MBT, can cripple or outright destroy enemies with a good shot
* First Chinese tank equipped with composite armour in both turret and hull, resistant to early APFSDS rounds
* Relatively-faster turret rotation speed compared to contemporary Soviet tanks
* Enjoys commander takeover of cannon, which helps to fight back in the heat of battle

'''Cons:'''

* Mobility is below average at its rank
* Sub-par armour compared to other tanks
* Autoloader carousel is a giant ammo rack and can be disabled by shrapnel
* No thermal sights, a disadvantage against other thermal-equipping tanks
* Only 3 crew members makes it easily destroyed
* No ATGM capability, unlike the T-64B and T-72B

== History ==


The People's Liberation Army relied on the [[Type 59]] as its primary main battle tank for most of the Cold War. While cheap, reliable, and quite upgradeable, its design began to shows its age over the decades. The [[Type 69]] series differed little from the Type 59 in terms of appearance and was not used in quantity by the PLA. After relations with the Western world improved in the late 1970s, foreign technology was purchased and used to [[ZTZ59D1|upgrade the PLA's stock of existing tanks]]. However, there was only so much that could be done to bring the Type 59 up to a competitive level and more efforts were devoted to domestic tank development.

The new [[ZTZ88A|Type 80/88]] tank family retained the general appearance of the Type 59 but had a heavily redesigned chassis, featuring a new suspension, a licensed German engine, and other to improve the mobility and driving experience. The turret retained the cast dome design but a 105 mm gun and a much more sophisticated fire control system were installed. They represented a step forward in Chinese tank design, but work still remained to catch up to contemporary standards of firepower and protection in an era where the [[Leopard 2 (Family)|Leopard 2]], [[M1 Abrams (Family)|M1 Abrams]], and [[T-80 (Family)|T-80]] were already entering service.

As with other PRC tank models, development continued for a long time and a large number of variants were made. The Type 85 branch featured welded turrets; the initial Type 85-1 "Storm" and Type 85-II were intended for export, but no orders were placed from the PLA or export customers. A more radical development was the Type 85-IIM, which featured a welded turret equipped with an autoloaded 125mm gun derived from the T-72. It also featured composite armour. This variant was exported to Pakistan under the designation of Type 85-IIAP as an initial counter to Indian T-72s, supplemented not long after by the more capable [[MBT2000]]/"Al-Khalid".

The Type 85-IIM was later procured for domestic use, with some changes, as the Type 88C or '''Type 96/ZTZ96''', spurred by the poor performance of the Iraqi Army's Type 79 tanks (which featured comparable protection to the 80/88) in the Gulf War. As can be expected, this was further developed into the [[ZTZ96A|Type 96A]] and 96B variants. The 96A introduced applique "arrowhead" armour on the front turret face with provisions for ERA, improving protection significantly, and the electronics were improved to a standard approaching the top-line [[ZTZ99|Type 99 tank]], including a gunner's thermal sight and FCS upgrades. The 96A has participated in Tank Biathlons, where it scored well in gunnery but was let down by its underpowered engine. The ultimate 96B variant appeared in 2016 and features comprehensive upgrades to mobility with a much more powerful 1130 hp engine and a modern transmission. Finally, an export variant called the VT-2 has been showcased by Norinco, generally similar to the Type 96A.

At present the Type 96 series can be considered a backbone of the PLA's tank forces, featuring good protection and firepower with a relatively low weight and cost, comparable in role to the Russian [[T-72B3]]. Elite units are issued the more advanced and heavier [[ZTZ99|Type 99]], but cost and terrain reasons have limited its deployment. While tanks under the Type 96 designation have not been directly exported and the VT-2 is only known to have attracted interest for evaluation, the Type 85-IIM it was developed from has been a modest export success. Pakistan's Type 85-IIAPs have received domestic upgrades and other -IIM customers include Uganda and Sudan. Sudan's units have reportedly destroyed several South Sudanese T-72s in some of the few known combat uses of the greater Type 85/88 family.

===[[wt:en/news/6445-development-ztz96-top-tier-chinese-en|Devblog]]===
Work on the ZTZ96 began in the early 1990s, as new Chinese MBT with larger 125mm smoothbore cannon supported by an autoloading mechanism and new composite armour protection. The first prototype was built in May 1991 and underwent successful testing until January of the following year. Having received the official designation ZTZ85-IIAP, production of the vehicle commenced, with the Pakistani army receiving its first units shortly afterwards.

Several years later, the decision was made to adopt the ZTZ85-IIAP for domestic use as a stopgap measure to equip the PLA with a capable combat vehicle. In 1996, the vehicles destined for PLA use were formally redesignated into ZTZ96 and production of the type began in 1998.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_ztz_96 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:ZTZ-96 WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:ZTZ-96 WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:ZTZ-96 WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
File:ZTZ-96 WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
File:ZTZ-96 WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
File:ZTZ-96 WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
File:ZTZ-96 WTWallpaper 07.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|Ftqpt1gijlA|'''Type96 "Not so Meta"''' - ''JustinPlaysYT''|D3MA3J4FGNQ|'''ZTZ96 - A High Explosive Match!''' - ''Napalmratte''|AKxlwtWIlSI|'''The Shooting Range #173''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the ZTZ96.}}

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

* [[ZTZ96A]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6445-development-ztz96-top-tier-chinese-en|[Development] ZTZ96: Top-Tier Chinese]]
* [[wikipedia:Type_96_tank|[Wikipedia] Type 96 tank]]
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/modern/China/Type-96.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Norinco Type 96 MBT]

{{TankManufacturer Norinco}}
{{China medium tanks}}

ZTZ59D1

2024-07-28T22:42:12Z

U79942984: /* Ammunition */ Added BTM1 and description.

{{About
| about = Chinese medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = ZTZ59 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_type_59d
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (Chinese: ZTZ59D1式中型坦克; industry code WZ120C) is the proof-of-concept of what would later become the ZTZ59D in PLAGF service. Although PLAGF has already upgraded some of their fleet of Type 59s with now-domestic 105 mm cannons, there were still plans to further upgrade its protection against enemies and its FCS at a more economic price, including FY-1/2 ERA for different types of threats and new digitalized FCS. The modified tanks, now under the designation of WZ120C passed for certifications in April 1995 with the technologies used on ZTZ59D aside from the main cannon. These tanks have been part of the PLAGF armored corps until they are eventually replaced by wheeled assault guns or ZTQ15 with overall superior performance.

It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]] alongside with the Chinese tech-tree, the ZTZ59D1 is a comprehensive upgrade of the venerable [[Type 59]]. It includes a large number of modern features on a old chassis, rather like an AK-47 decked out with modern furniture and accessories. The most noticeable difference at a first glance are the ERA arrays on the hull and turret cheeks. The original 100 mm Type 59 cannon has been replaced with a licensed copy of the ubiquitous Royal Ordnance 105 mm L7 cannon, and the installation of night vision and a laser rangefinder give the tank impressive firepower. Unfortunately it still suffers from many of the Type 59's weaknesses, namely subpar mobility and gun handling. While it is not very suited to the high-speed combat common at its rank, a skilled and careful tanker can still enjoy it as a formidable sniper.

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


'''Armour type:'''

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

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 100 mm (60°) ''Front glacis'' 100 mm (54°) ''Lower glacis'' || 80 mm || 45 mm (16°) ''Upper'' 30 mm (72°) ''Lower'' || 30 mm ''Front'' 20 mm ''Back''
|-
| Turret || 160 mm (14-39°) ''Turret front'' 200 mm (4-78°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 115 mm (45-50°) ''Upper'' 155 mm (10-30°) ''Lower'' || 65 mm (9-35°) || 30 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick

The base armour of the ZTZ59D1 is exactly the same as the [[Type 59]]. The hull and turret armour are quite thick, but the original T-54 armour was designed to counter WWII-era German cannons, and at the ZTZ's rank it will not hold up against sabot or HEAT rounds. It is capable of stopping all autocannon fire from the front and resisting most autocannon fire from the sides, which is helpful. The ERA arrays on the turret use ERA comparable to the Soviet Kontakt-1 and have good protection against chemical rounds; unfortunately they do not have very good coverage, and the area around the gun mantlet is heavily exposed.

The ERA arrays on the upper glacis have an interesting setup: two layers of ERA separated by an air gap. While the hull coverage is spotty due to the tow cable attachment points, the ERA setup boasts 120 mm of kinetic protection. This is not quite enough against the common 105 mm DM23 APFSDS considering that the ZTZ59D1 lacks composite armour to back the ERA up, but it will stop all 105 mm APDS rounds. Certain APFSDS rounds with especially poor angled penetration like the [[T-55A]]'s 3BM25 and the [[T95E1]]'s T320 will fail to penetrate even at point-blank range. Even the [[T-62]]'s sizeable 115 mm APFSDS rounds can be stopped. The US 105 mm M735 and 152 mm XM578E1 will occasionally be blocked given some distance and angling. The hull ERA's chemical protection is not as strong as the turret ERA due to the less drastic sloping from the front profile and 120 mm HEAT-FS as fired by the [[Leopard A1A1 (L/44)]] will be able to penetrate.

Post-penetration survivability is not ideal. There is an ammo rack behind the fuel tank next to the driver, but unlike the comparable [[T-55AM-1]], it is not "wet" and can be easily detonated by penetrating hits. Loose ammunition is stowed in various corners of the crew compartment. It is a good idea to minimize the number of rounds carried.

Sometimes, if you are lucky, you will survive a penetrating shot that knocked out your gunner / driver, and your fate depends on whether if you can fight back / retreat before the enemy loads the second shell. If your crew cannot replace the dead gunner / driver on time, a split second late and you will certainly get destroyed by the next shell. Therefore it is recommended to max out the "Agility" skill on every crew, it might save your life one day.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 806|rbMinHp= 460}}

Speed is definitely not a strength for the {{PAGENAME}}. The original [[Type 59]] was not a speedster to begin with and the upgrades on this tank add an extra ton of weight without any increase in engine power. It is also incapable of turning in place and has a poor reverse speed of only -7 km/h.

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

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

{{main|Type 83 (105 mm)}}

The Type 83 cannon is a Chinese produced version of the tried-and-true Royal Ordnance L7 gun used by numerous contemporary tanks. Unfortunately, since it's mounted in the cramped confines of the Type 59 chassis, the reload speed is about 1 seconds slower than Nato tanks with L7 gun. The ZTZ59D1 also does not have an upgraded turret drive and the turret rotation speed of at most 10 degrees per second is exceptionally bad for the battle rating. It at least maintains the vertical stabilizer.

The -4.5° gun depression might look too poor, but due to the low height of the vehicle it is actually enough for quite some not-so-hilly terrains. On gentle hills the ZTZ59D1 can peek over safely, exposing only the turret for hull down, for example in certain spots on Jungle and Frozen Pass. However, this gun depression is still not great in very hilly maps like Karelia, forcing the player to ditch the hull down tactic.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Type 83 (105 mm)|105 mm Type 83]] || 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" | 37 || rowspan="2" | -4°/+18° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Vertical|up to 40 km/h}} || 9.5 || 13.2 || 16.0 || 17.7 || 18.8 || rowspan="2" | 9.75 || rowspan="2" | 8.63 || rowspan="2" | 7.95 || rowspan="2" | 7.50
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 5.9 || 7.0 || 8.5 || 9.4 || 10.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
The ZTZ59D1's ammunition mostly consists of the typical set for 105 mm guns. The stock Type 83-HEAT is a HEATFS round with 400 mm of penetration at any distance that struggles against enemies with ERA or composite armour but is adequate against steel or spaced armor. It is a slight improvement over the Type 1973 HEAT-FS used by the previous [[Type 69]] but still functions much the same. Use it as an interim round until APFSDS is unlocked. It is a good idea to still bring a few HEATFS afterwards since it can trigger overpressure damage against light tanks and SPAAs on occasion and has better ballistics than the HESH round.

The Type-83 HESH round causes a wide but shallow cone of damage and practically ignores slopes, but only works against thinner plates of conventional armour and has poor ballistics. It may be helpful once in a while to finish off targets that only have a slight portion of their tank exposed, such as splashing the turret roof of an enemy hiding behind cover, but for the most part it should be ignored.

The BTM1 anti-concrete shell is a bit of an oddity with no equivalents from other nations in this caliber. It has about the same penetration as the [[M4A4 (China)|M4 Sherman]]'s 75 mm gun, which at Rank VI can be compared to an APDS round from a 25/30 mm autocannon - not very high, but enough to attack lighter targets and side armour. When it does penetrate a target, the 2.31 kg of TNT equivalent will virtually guarantee an instant knockout if it detonates inside the crew compartment. While it's effective at one-shotting light targets like an APHE round and finishing off opponents that are only slightly sticking out of cover, there is a catch - it has a 19 mm fuse sensitivity like those of high-caliber APHE rounds, making it underwhelming when fired at very thin armour. Thus, targets with paper-thin armour are more vulnerable to HESH, and even when fighting IFVs it's good to pay slight attention to shot placement to ensure that the round will fuse properly.

The Type-83 APDS is, despite its name, an APFSDS round with identical performance to the common 105 mm DM23 used by the [[Leopard A1A1]] for example. The flat penetration is nothing special but the angled penetration is good, which can be helpful for side-shots or penetrating certain tanks with composite armor. It is easy to aim due to its high muzzle velocity, has consistent post-penetration damage, and should be the round of choice once unlocked. Exercise some caution when fighting Soviet MBTs from the [[T-72A]] onwards because the APFSDS does not have enough angled penetration to casually penetrate the hull armor of a spaded T-72A. In a frontal engagement it is best to aim for the driver's viewport or lower glacis, which are weak spots on all Soviet T-64/72/80 series tanks. Other opponents worth noting are the British [[Chieftain Mk 10]] and [[Challenger Mk.2]]/[[Challenger Mk.3|Mk.3]] with strong turrets but weak hulls.

{{:Type 83 (105 mm)/Ammunition|Type-83 HEAT, Type-83 HESH, BTM1, Type-83 APDS}}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! 7th* rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''37''' || 36 ''(+1)'' || 31 ''(+6)'' || 30 ''(+7)'' || 26 ''(+11)'' || 23 ''(+14)'' || 21 ''(+16)'' || 1 ''(+36)'' || No
|-
|}

Notes:

* The 7th rack serves as first-stage ammo stowage.
* It is recommended to carry at most 31 ''(+6)'' rounds as to empty the turret's ammo racks.

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|Type 54 (12.7 mm)|Type 59 (7.62 mm)}}

The ZTZ59D1 features two MGs: one roof-mounted 12.7 mm heavy MG, and a 7.62 mm coaxial MG. The 12.7 mm MG, with its maximum penetration of around 30 mm, can do quite well against lightly armoured vehicles such as the [[R3 T20 FA-HS|R3 T20]] / [[R3 T106 FA|T106]] and the [[AUBL/74]]. It can also damage or even destroy the opponent's gun barrel or track with around 5 seconds of continuous fire. Against low-flying aircraft it can easily get you some critical hits with the correct lead. However its magazine empties very quickly and it does not carry enough ammo for prolonged MG fire comparing to the infamous M2HB.

The 7.62 mm, on the other hand, can only damage fully exposed crew which are not commonly seen at this BR, or clear up light obstacles. Its low penetration greatly limits its usage in battles.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Type 54 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Type 54]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 250 (50) || 600 || -4°/+82° || ±180°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Type 59 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm Type 59]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 3,500 (250) || 600 || - || -
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


The ZTZ59D1 might have a lot of modern features, but there is really no disguising the fact that it is a Type 59 at heart. The Type 59 at a lower BR already struggled with its poor gun handling and the ZTZ59D1 is struggling as well. It will almost entirely face enemies with two-plane stabilizers and superior mobility. The ZTZ59D1 is best used as a support tank or sniper to take advantage of its good firepower, low profile, and decent protection while minimizing the effects of its poor gun handling and mobility. Ideally one can stay behind the front lines, moving up when prudent, and allow other teammates to push forwards. Enemies that appear or reveal themselves can then be dispatched at a safe distance. However one must be on the lookout for flanking enemies, as the gun handling is not adequate for responding quickly to unexpected threats. For this reason close range brawling should also be avoided. The mobility is also quite poor for its rank and it pays to be vigilant when moving up to sniping positions - enemies may be already present.

Situational awareness is very important on the ZTZ59D1 to compensate for its poor gun handling and reload. The ZTZ59D1 retains the zoom settings of the original Type 59's optics and it has a 3.5x zoom setting with a 21 degree field of view, so tunnel vision is less of an issue at close to medium range compared to other tanks. Make good use of the laser rangefinder at long distances, missed shots are a major hassle on the ZTZ59D1 because of its slow reload.

The ZTZ59D1 has better protection than the average MBT at its BR, but it is by no means immune or even consistently resistant to enemy fire. Poorly aimed 105 mm HEAT-FS can be resisted by the hull and turret ERA and very poorly aimed 105 mm APDS or weak APFSDS can be resisted by the hull ERA. The turret is vulnerable to any kind of kinetic round, though turret penetrations are less likely to knock out the tank in one hit. Count yourself lucky if you survive a hit from any tank cannon and treat it as a second chance.

Helicopters are a major threat to the ZTZ59D1. ATGMs will typically go right through its ERA and even helicopters with unguided rockets, which typically need to fly closer to the battlefield, are difficult to destroy given the ZTZ59D1's bad gun handling. Stay out of sight if possible and take advantage of the smoke grenades if caught in the open. Lightly armoured helicopters can be harassed with the heavy machine gun at closer distances.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful 105 mm gun with a solid APFSDS round is a major step up from the [[Type 69]]'s cannon
* Equipped with ERA on the turret and upper glacis, resistant to chemical munitions
* Hull ERA setup offers some kinetic protection
* Has a vertical stabilizer
* Access to smoke grenades, NVD, and laser rangefinder
* Top mounted Type 54 heavy machine gun is helpful against light targets and aircraft
* Low profile

'''Cons:'''

* Mobility is slightly worse than the original [[Type 59]], quite inadequate at its match-making position
* Turret traverse and base armour are the same as the Type 59, gun handling is painful in close quarters and APFSDS will go straight through much of the tank
* ERA coverage is sparse, significant gaps around the gun and on the upper glacis
* Turret ERA will get destroyed in large patches, not piece by piece, upon getting hit by chemical rounds
* Not particularly mobile; reverse speed in particular is quite slow
* Poor gun depression greatly limits its capacity in hilly terrain
* Slow reload compared to Western MBTs
* No wet ammo storage

== History ==


The [[Type 59]] tank was the primary tank of the People's Liberation Army in the Cold War era. While reliable, easy to manufacture, and available in large numbers, the design began to show its age as time went on. Improved derivatives like the [[Type 69]] were not used extensively by the PLA. In the 1980s the large inventory of old Type 59s was in need of modernization, but defrosting relations with the Western world around that time allowed the purchase, use, and study of foreign technology, greatly aiding in the improvement of existing vehicles and development of future models. The first Type 59 model to benefit from these upgrades was the Type-59-II, which boasted a 105mm rifled gun based on the ubiquitous Royal Ordnance L7 and improved vision systems. The '''Type 59D1''' variant was a further development, adding on modern computerized fire-control systems, passive night vision devices, an improved gun with thermal sleeve, and explosive reactive armour. Other variants of note include the similar Type 59D, which has a longer gun and support for gun-launched ATGMs, the Type 59G, an export overhaul featuring a welded turret and 125mm gun similar to the modern [[ZTZ96|Type 96]], and the Jaguar, a joint Sino-American project with a heavily modified turret, hull, and powertrain.

Later Type 59 variants are still present in the inventory of the PLA at present, though they have been replaced over time by the [[ZTZ99|Type 99]] and [[ZTZ96|Type 96]] tanks. While outdated, they are still useful for reserve or training purposes.

The designation/acronym "ZTZ" is used at times by the Chinese military for its main battle tanks. In Mandarin, the first Z stands for "armoured vehicle" or "armour", the T stands for "tank", and second Z stands for "main battle". This term is generally used to describe modern Chinese MBTs, but for the most part it can be interchanged freely with "Type".

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_type_59d Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|B6ZsuPjSuNo|'''T-54/T-55 family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 6:24 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

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

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

{{China medium tanks}}

ZTZ88A

2024-07-28T21:05:36Z

U79942984: Added description of BTM1

{{About
| about = Chinese medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = ZTZ88B
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_ztz_88a
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (88A式主战坦克, coded WZ122G) is the 2nd revision of the ZTZ88 MBT in late-1990s; by the time of Mainland China's economic reform and military modernization, PLAGF has dire need for a new MBT before the future [[ZTZ99 (Family)|ZTZ99]] series (Project 784) made into commission. To replace the fleet of ZTZ59 derivatives and utilize the imported 105 mm cannon production line, the Fifth Ministry of Machine Building reused the design of WZ1225 during the Project 122 development from 1970s and built the first Chinese MBT known as the ZTZ80; after around a decade of further development on FCS and better powerplant thanks to the BK122 (Type 85) series, these equipment were soon installed onto the ZTZ80 platform and renamed as the ZTZ88. The A variant replaced the original ZPL83 with a new, longer ZPL94 105 mm cannon and experimented with an applique composite armor pack as the evaluation for future PLAGF composite armor; although deemed obsolete by its introduction by late-1990s with ZTZ99 and ZTZ96 ready for commission, some 700 tanks were built alongside with its base model, ZTZ88B and been seen as late as the 2020s Sino-Indo LAC confrontation.

Introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]] as a threshold between the ZTZ59/69 series and future ZTZ96 series, ZTZ88A introduced a better FCS, a long barrel 105 mm cannon, as well as new powerplant which would inherit to the future ZTZ96 series; with the experimental applique composite armor and improved mobility over any T-54 family, although it lacks the flexibility of NATO MBTs or the kinetic protection of Soviet MBTs, the tank will come as a lead-in training vehicle for future PLAGF MBTs.

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

At first glance, the ZTZ88A still resembles a T-54 or its Chinese domestic counterpart, ZTZ59, but with a closer look at its hull, players will find that it is a new design. The UFP is more angled than the T-54's (67° vs 60°), so the base protection is slightly better than that of the T-54/T-62. Furthermore, thanks to the advancement in composite armour in China, it is also the first Chinese vehicle to be equipped with composite armour as an applique on UFP. Compared to similar hull armour seen on the Soviet [[T-55AM-1]] and [[T-62M-1]], the ZTZ88A has less chemical protection (around 380-420 mm) and 105 mm HEATFS may sometimes be able to damage the driver and fuel tanks towards the lower portion of the UFP. Angling the hull slightly can help mitigate this. Surprisingly, it has better kinetic protection than its Soviet contemporaries: the UFP can resist APFSDS rounds with less than around 180 mm of 60° penetration, so some US and Soviet offerings like 100 mm 3BM25, 105 mm M735, and even 125 mm 3BM15 are blocked. Unfortunately the ubiquitous 105 mm DM23/M111 round used by the [[Leopard A1A1]] for example will penetrate with few issues, but still, the ZTZ88A has one of the most protected hulls at its tier.

The side armour was reduced to 60 mm, so do be aware of any vehicles with autocannons - at the tier, most autocannons have APDS or APFSDS at their disposal. The side skirts can help somewhat at angles.

The turret, on the other hand, is poorly protected comparing to the hull. It is very similar to previous Soviet/Chinese dome-shaped turret designs with only slightly greater thickness. Unlike the [[ZTZ59D1]] and [[T-69 II G]], the ZTZ88A's turret does not have any ERA coverage, leaving it extremely vulnerable to stock HEATFS rounds as well as ATGMs, which are all commonly found at this tier. Thus the uncovered steel armour cannot provide much protection, if any, against ammunitions like APFSDS or HEATFS. Tanks that mainly use chemical rounds are especially more threatening, such as [[M551]] and [[BMP-1 (Family)|BMP-1]].

Like the previous Soviet/Chinese designs, the crew of 4 tankers is packed in a slightly bigger but still confined space. Although the ammo rack is protected by fuel tanks, the abundance of APFSDS or HEAT at the tier isn't really concerned about these improvements. Be very careful when moving on the battlefield, a penetrating shot will very likely result in a knockout of the crew or ammunition detonation.

'''Armour type:'''

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

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 100 + 20 mm (67°) ''Upper'' 80 mm (52°) ''Lower''
| 60 mm ''Top'' 50 mm ''Bottom'' || 45 mm (3°) || 30 mm (89°)
|-
| Turret || 200-300 mm ''Turret front'' (Volumetric) 70-400 mm ''Gun mantlet'' (Volumetric) || 165-250 mm (Volumetric) || 60-100 mm (Volumetric) || 30 mm (87°)
|-
| Cupola || colspan="3" | 80 mm (cylindrical) ||30 mm
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Composite armour !! Frontal effective protection !! Sides
|-
| Hull || '''Upper glacis:''' 280 mm ''Kinetic'' / 380 mm ''Chemical'' || N/A
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Tracks and suspension wheels are 20 mm thick

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

Thanks to improvements during the early 1980s, the ZTZ88A is equipped with a NORINCO 12150ZL engine with 730 hp, the same as the succeeding [[ZTZ96]], and the chassis has a new suspension offering a smoother ride. The 10% increase in weight compared to the [[ZTZ59D1]] is more than compensated by the 40% increase in engine power. This gives the ZTZ88A a vast improvement in power-weight ratio to about 19.0 hp/ton and thus better a top speed at 57 km/h compared to its predecessors. Although it is not quite as fast as NATO counterparts at similar tier, it is certainly a very welcome improvement. For comparison, the [[Leopard A1A1]] has about 19.6 hp/ton, the [[T-62M-1]] has about 16.4 hp/ton, and the [[M60A1 RISE (P)]] only has 14.1 hp/ton. Thanks to the improved horsepower, the ZTZ88A has a considerably faster hull traverse comparing to older tanks like the ZTZ59D1, which is helpful to angle the hull quickly or to wiggle through tight spaces.

The reverse speed however is slightly better at a -9 km/h, it might sound nowhere fast enough like its more agile foes (e.g. [[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard 1]], [[AMX-30 (Family)|AMX-30]], etc.), but it's at least some improvement over the T-54 family. This can be quite risky, meaning that the player must think carefully before peeking out of a cover/hill.

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1131|rbMinHp=646}}

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

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

{{main|ZPL94 (105 mm)}}

The introduction of the Royal Ordnance 105 mm L7 cannon marked the transformation of PLAGF from Warsaw Pact armaments to Western ones. The ZPL94 mounted on the ZTZ88A has one of the longest barrels in the L7 family, giving it a higher muzzle velocity over its Western counterparts. While ZTZ88A still doesn't reload quite as quickly as NATO tanks, the gap is significantly smaller.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[ZPL94 (105 mm)|105 mm ZPL94]] || 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" | 45 || rowspan="2" | -4°/+18° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 19.0 || 26.4 || 32.0 || 35.4 || 37.6 || rowspan="2" | 9.75 || rowspan="2" | 8.63 || rowspan="2" | 7.95 || rowspan="2" | 7.50
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 11.9 || 14.0 || 17.0 || 18.8 || 20.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:ZPL94 (105 mm)/Ammunition|Type-83 HEAT, DTB-1, Type-83 HESH, BTM1, Type-83 APDS}}

The ZTZ88A offers a range of shells at the player's disposal, and players who already own the [[T-69 II G]] will be very familiar with them as both tanks share the same shells.

The first option that comes stock is the Type 83 HEAT having identical performance to NATO's DM13 HEAT. At its tier, it is still sufficient to penetrate most tanks without ERA or composite armour and its explosive mass is enough to knock out lighter vehicles with overpressure on occasion. Some opponents to watch out for include the [[Sho't Kal Dalet (Great Britain)|Sho't Kal Dalet]], [[T-55AM-1]]/[[T-62M-1]], and [[M60A1 RISE (P)]].

The DTB-1 is very different from most HE shells at its tier - it is a VT shell, meaning that the shell detonates when it is close to other vehicles, including aircraft; this is a trait that the ZTZ88A's NATO counterparts don't have. It has 1.66 kg of explosive mass, which can sometimes knock out lighter vehicles like SPAAs, but its real utility lies in its anti-air potential. It is suggested to use to target aircraft or helicopters which happen to be within your elevation angle - a hit from DTB-1 is very lethal to aircraft.

The Type 83 HESH is another story. It is a common HESH found on NATO vehicles - a solid hit on vehicles can trigger a lethal post-penetration effect, but the results of HESH is mixed. It generates a wide cone of shrapnel but the effects tend to be rather shallow or inconsistent. It is still possible to snipe stationary vehicles hiding behind cover with Type 83 HESH in some cases so bring some if desired - the laser rangefinder will certainly help with this.

The BTM1 SAP shell is an interesting option returning from the [[ZTZ59D1]]. It can't be said to have high penetration by Rank VI standards (and currently doesn't benefit from the ZPL94 cannon's increased muzzle velocity), but its instant-knockout ability can be entertaining for attacks of opportunity, especially when using the ZTZ88A's good mobility and gun handling compared to previous Chinese tanks.

The last round available is Type 83 APDS, which is actually an APFSDS round. Thanks to the longer barrel of the ZPL94, the overall penetration is slightly higher than M111/DM23 APFSDS at 351 mm point-blank; this is the go-to shell for the ZTZ88A. It might not have the highest penetration at its tier, especially compared to the [[PTL02]] and [[PTZ89]], but it can still hit enemies hard. There are a few opponents to watch out for in uptiers: the British [[Chieftain Mk 10]] and [[Challenger Mk.2]]/[[Challenger Mk.3|Mk.3]] have tough turrets, and the Soviet [[T-72A]] (when spaded), [[T-72AV (TURMS-T)]], [[T-64B]], and [[T-72B]] have tough turret and UFP armour that the ZTZ88A cannot penetrate without aiming for weak spots.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''45''' || 40 ''(+5)'' || 23 ''(+22)'' || 1 ''(+44)'' || No
|-
|}

Although there are 23 shells in the ready rack, only 19 of them are protected by the fuel tanks, not the 4 shells on the left side; so it is suggested to bring only 20 shells into battle (19 in the rack + 1 preloaded in the breech).

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|Type 54 (12.7 mm)|Type 59 (7.62 mm)}}

The ZTZ88A still uses the same machine guns from the obsolete T-54s despite its introduction date in the early 1990s. The Type 54 (DShK) is still sufficient to gun down strafing aircraft/helicopters or lighter vehicles but suffers from a small 50 round belt capacity, while the Type 59 (SGMT) is only good for harassing enemies or sometimes targeting exposed crews.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Type 54 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Type 54]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 500 (50) || 600 || -4°/+82° || ±180°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Type 59 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm Type 59]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 2,500 (250) || 600 || - || -
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

For Soviet or Chinese players, the ZTZ88A would feel like a faster [[T-55A]] or [[ZTZ59D1]], which is indeed true thanks to its 730 hp engine, giving it higher mobility over them. It might not be the fastest tank at its tier, but the ZTZ88A can still follow the main forces with its speed. For those who are playing against the ZTZ88A, the tank looks very similar to T-55s but they may be surprised when they don't penetrate its UFP thanks to the applique armour. As discussed, it might not stop all contemporary APFSDS or HEATFS, but it certainly helps stop earlier shells and it can still surprise common tanks like the [[XM-1 (GM)]] that lack good angled penetration. The turret is another story however - although it is slightly thicker than the T-55s, it will not stop any well-placed shots at its tier. Overall, the ZTZ88A's additional hull armor reduces the likelihood of being destroyed in one shot, but it should not be considered a consistently well-protected tank for advancing straight into enemy fire or peeking out of a hull-down position.

The firepower of the ZTZ88A is certainly sufficient thanks to the longer barrel ZPL94 gun with a variety of shells, faster reload, and improved gun handling over previous PRC tanks; but like many Eastern Bloc/Chinese tanks, it doesn't quite have the reaction time of NATO counterparts and the gunsight is fixed at 8x magnification, so sniping with this gun may be a problem. It also lacks thermal sights from the gunner. Thus, good situational awareness is required.

The ZTZ88A is the earliest non-premium Chinese vehicle with access to the DTB-1 HE-VT round. Players who do not own the [[T-69 II G]] or [[WMA301]] may find it a nifty surprise, but there are some limitations to be aware of. It has a considerable explosive content for an anti-air shell but the muzzle velocity of 825 m/s is rather slow by Rank VI standards and it takes 500 m of travel distance to arm. The ZTZ88A also does not have very good vertical elevation angles. With these factors in mind, DTB-1 is best used against helicopters, particularly those that are hovering or moving in straight lines and not paying attention. The laser rangefinder helps immensely for vertical aim adjustment but it is up to the user to provide the proper lead against moving targets.

Overall, the ZTZ88A provides a more mobile and higher firepower alternative for the PLAGF compared to NATO or Soviet counterparts but still has some flaws. It is best used in a more aggressive midfielding role where its significantly better speed compared to the [[ZTZ59D1]], [[M60A3 TTS (China)|M60A3 TTS]], and [[PTZ89]] can be used to rush to objective points and overwatch positions, and its heavier armour and lower profile compared to the [[PTL02]] or [[WMA301]] allows it to survive attacks from IFVs, aircraft, and artillery more easily. DTB-1 gives it some ability to counter early-game helicopter rushes or ATGM helicopters later on. Assess the battlefield to determine if better sniping capabilities, bigger guns, or greater speed are needed on the next spawn. But as one of the most flexible options available in the Chinese lineup at this BR, there is rarely a poor time to bring out the ZTZ88A.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Satisfactory frontal arc protection for its tier, UFP can stop some APFSDS
* Long barrel L7 with a variety of shells at its disposal
* Improved reload and gun handling compared to the [[ZTZ59D1]]
* HE-VT shell offers basic anti-air capabilities, especially against helicopters
* Improved engine with a higher output than its predecessors, leading to better agility than [[ZTZ59D1]] and [[T-69 II G]]

'''Cons:'''

* Tightly packed crew and components
* Poor gun depression and fixed zoom gunsight
* Only has composite armour on the UFP, turret is completely unprotected
* No thermal sights, disadvantaged against thermal-equipped tanks like [[Type 74 (G)|Type 74G]]
* No ERA, turret is especially vulnerable to missiles and HEAT shells
* Slow reverse speed can be fatal in some scenarios

== History ==

After the Damansky/Zhenbao Island (珍宝岛) incident where the PLAGF [[T-62 545 (China)|captured a T-62]] from the Soviet border guards, they soon realized that the existing [[ZTZ59 (Family)|ZTZ59s]] and later WZ121 ([[ZTZ69 (Family)|ZTZ69]]) were nowhere near comparable with the masses of the latest Soviet MBTs. The Commission for Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (国防科学技术委员会, COSTIND) and Fifth Ministry of Machine Building (第五机械工业部;五机部) accelerated their project coded "Project 2-4" (二四会战; established on 1970/2/4) for a new MBT which would be known as Project 122 (122工程). The project was dropped a few years later after revisions on the development route but this trained new batches of tank designers and engineers for future projects.

Meanwhile, one of the "fail-safe" versions of the designs in Project 122, WZ1225 with the newly-imported 105 mm gun and improved engine, designed by Fang Weixian (方慰先, designer of later ZTZ85, 88, and 96) passed state evaluation and inherited the industrial code WZ122. The later revised design of WZ1225 would become the basis of the later domestically designed ZTZ80 (80式主战坦克) tanks.

The ZTZ88 series was a hybrid of the ZTZ85 (85式主战坦克) which was aimed for export with a redesigned hull and the turret from ZTZ80, aka ZTZ80-I. The ZTZ88A was the improved version with a ZPL94 105 mm gun. What was achieved in ZTZ85 and ZTZ88A would later be used in the new 2nd generation MBT of PLAGF - the [[ZTZ96]] (ZTZ88C). Although it wasn't seen among the tanks at the 1999 National Day parade like its predecessor ZTZ88B was, the ZTZ88A could be seen in pictures from PLA media and they were last seen in large scale during the ongoing Sino-Indo Border Conflicts where numbers of them were deployed near the LAC.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_ztz_88a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|M_EnuM2MoQ8|'''The Shooting Range #296''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:28 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== 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 ==

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

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

{{TankManufacturer Norinco}}
{{China medium tanks}}

F-100A (China)

2024-07-28T08:21:46Z

U79942984: Removed mention of J57P7 engine - looks like this has been patched

{{About
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-100 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-100a_china
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (known as the 超級軍刀機 in ROCAF) was an early variant of the famous "Super Sabre". In Taiwanese service, it received a number of upgrades to bring it up to par with later models from the USAF, replacing the vertical stabilizer and avionics to [[F-100D]] standard. Compared to the fighter-bomber F-100D, it has a smaller wing with a straight trailing edge, fewer hardpoints, and no flaps. Due to the end of major aerial combats of the Taiwan Strait Crisis, the jets were usually used during main island CAP flights or training missions; although still being a valuable supersonic fighter in ROCAF fleet, after a severe loss of maintenance crews in a plane crash in 1979 (of which most of the crew were those who had received training for F-100 maintenances), lack of spare parts, and 3 consecutive crashes involving F-100s, these jets were quickly withdrawn in 1984 and replaced by the [[F-104G (China)|F-104G]] and [[F-5E (China)|F-5E]].

Introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]], the F-100A's handling generally feels lighter than the F-100D and it enjoys a better roll rate, though the lack of flaps impacts low speed manoeuvrability. The weapons selection is inferior: while it can still has access to options like the AGM-12B Bullpup and the AIM-9E Sidewinder, its bomb selection is far more limited and it lacks access to unguided rockets. Still, it has a very solid gun armament of four 20 mm M39A1 cannons. With careful speed management, the F-100A can swoop in and swiftly take down its enemies.

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


As mentioned earlier, the F-100A handles like a lighter version of the F-100D. The acceleration is decent for an early supersonic jet but falls behind some contemporary 9.7 jets such as the [[J-6A]] and [[Q-5A]], not to mention the [[J-7II]] (9.3 in RB). The top speed is about the same as the [[Q-5 early]] and lower than the F-100D. Turning performance is generally similar or improved compared to the F-100D. It can pull harder, which is helpful for snapshots, but there is also a risk of snapping the wings off in hard turns at high speed. The roll rate is improved. Controls stiffen at supersonic speeds. The low speed handling is poor and there are no flaps to help out. Turning energy retention is quite good at high subsonic speeds and not great elsewhere.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 10,671 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
| 1,444 || 1,436 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.5 || 30.1 || 113.9 || 104.3 || rowspan="2" | 900
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,476 || 1,458 || 28.5 || 29.0 || 151.9 || 132.0
|-
|}

==== 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 !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || - || - || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 640 || < 540 || < 610 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney J57P21 || 1
| colspan="2" | 9,139 kg || colspan="2" | 317 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | 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
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 29m fuel
|-
| 2,361 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 9,797 kg || 10,637 kg || 11,332 kg || 12,401 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="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 29m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,424 kgf || 5,823 kgf
| 0.59 || 0.55 || 0.51 || 0.47
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,424 kgf (0 km/h) || 8,364 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 0.85 || 0.79 || 0.74 || 0.67
|-
|}

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


* 64 mm bulletproof glass: windscreen
* 12.7 mm steel: behind pilot

For post-war fighter jets wanted to take advantage of the newer jet technology and maximize both speed and ordnance carried. To keep up speed and maximize ordnance, something had to give and that came with pilot survivability. The idea is to be faster than the enemy which would make it really difficult for them to get a targeting solution on you. Though the F-100A does have protection for the pilot, it isn't much and leaves the rest of the critical components virtually unprotected with armour. For the pilot, the back of the seat and headrest maintains a continuous piece of steel at 12.7 mm thick and the windscreen is rated at 64 mm bulletproof windscreen. Typically this type of protection is meant more for protection from defensive turret attacks from bombers rather than gun attacks from other aircraft.

The F-100A is a relatively sturdy aircraft and can take a beating before critical components begin to fail. While the engine and the pilot are important to protect as much as possible (without the engine you don't go and without the pilot…you don't go…) the wings are another critical component which you must protect as hits to the wings can make flying very difficult or send you to the respawn point. If being tailed by another aircraft try to speed away because if you try to pull up, turn to the side or pull-down, you risk exposing increased surface area of the skin, giving the enemy pilot more to shoot at and a greater opportunity of taking out a wing. If possible, increase speed and sway back and forth, even some very shallow elevator dips up and down maybe enough to throw off the sighting of the enemy pilot and spray his bullets all around you without exposing very much surface area of the jet, however, if there is a missile launch, take evasive action to avoid the missile and worry about the guns later.

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

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

{{main|M39A1 (20 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 20 mm M39A1 cannons, chin-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)

The M39A1 cannons are one of the F-100A's main selling points. They are revolver cannons with a rapid rate of fire, high muzzle velocity, and good stopping power. The four of them together provide a burst mass that approaches the [[M61 (20 mm)|M61 Vulcan]] without any spool-up delay and the ammo supply of 200 rounds per gun is quite generous.

The Ground Targets belt is a good all-round choice. Its AP-I rounds deal heavy kinetic damage with a high fire chance and the sheer volume of bullets will make short work of air targets. Thinly armoured ground targets such as light tanks and SPAAs are also easy prey. Other belts are still good options against air targets for those desiring HE rounds and explosive damage.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="20%" | 1 !! width="20%" | 2
| rowspan="9" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| 1 || 1
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| 1 || 1
|-
! [[M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|750 lb M117 cone 45]] bombs
| 1 || 1
|-
! [[AN-M65A1 Fin M129 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb AN-M65A1 Fin M129]] bombs
| 1 || 1
|-
! [[M116A2 incendiary]] bombs
| 1 || 1
|-
! [[AGM-12B Bullpup]] missiles
| 1 || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1, 2 || 1, 2
|-
! [[AIM-9E Sidewinder]] missiles
| 2 || 2
|-
|}

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

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 2 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (1,000 lb total)
* 2 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 Fin M129 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (1,000 lb total)
* 2 x M116A2 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

The F-100A can be equipped with AIM-9B and AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles for air-to-air combat. They have poor tracking and manoeuvrability, so an attentive opponent can dodge them with a single well-timed turn. Still, they are helpful on occasion and give the F-100A more flexibility. Up to 4 can be carried, which is a capacity advantage over the J-6A and J-7II.

The F-100A does not have many options for ground attack, which reflects its status as a dedicated fighter model retrofitted with new ordnance as opposed to the F-100D, which was designed from the outset to lug around literal tons of bombs and rockets. The two hardpoints can carry two bombs or two AGM-12B air-to-ground missiles. In the bomb department, neither the 750 lb nor 1000 lb bombs are adequate for serious base-bombing in Air RB, but the latter can do some decent work against ground vehicles. The Bullpups are keyboard-guided MCLOS missiles that are a common sight on US jet aircraft. They take some practice to use, but once mastered they allow the F-100A to engage enemy tanks and ground vehicles from several kilometers away for precise and safe kills. Many of the later ROCAF aircraft such as the [[F-104G (China)|F-104G]] also feature Bullpups, so the F-100A offers a good platform to get familiar with them.

== Usage in battles ==

'''Air Battles'''
The F-100A is an early supersonic jet. Its speed, acceleration, and high speed handling are not the greatest for its battle rating, where it often faces much more advanced aircraft, but it does have lethal weapons and enough good qualities to get by. It is important to know the strengths and weaknesses of its opponents.

The general playstyle for the Super Sabres is to build up speed and try to maintain it, because once it is gone, the poor low-speed handling becomes a major issue and the subpar acceleration makes it hard to recover quickly. At the start of the match, it is generally a good idea to fly to the side and avoid entering battle directly. This gives the F-100A time to build speed, altitude, and energy without getting surprised by fast or airspawned opponents. Enter combat at high speed and look for vulnerable targets. Enemies that are flying in straight lines can be surprised with an AIM-9B. If they are manoeuvring and/or aware of your position, the guns might work better. The F-100A can turn well enough in the short term to credibly threaten most opponents and the excellent guns will seal the deal if you can outplay them, but remember to manage its speed as the situation requires: fly too quickly and there will be issues with control compression and wing overload, fly too slowly and the F-100A will be in trouble as stated before. Take advantage of the improved roll rate compared to the F-100D in rolling scissors manoeuvres.

Air-to-air missiles are an issue because the F-100A has no countermeasures. Early missiles like the AIM-9B and R-3S are easy to dodge by turning, but doing so will force the F-100A to lose some speed and energy. The F-100A can outrun missiles if they are launched from some distance away, so this is another reason to maintain speed. Perform some light manoeuvres to drain the missile's energy as necessary. Be wary of opponents with deadly missiles, such as the [[Su-25]]/[[Su-25K|K]] with all-aspect, highly agile R-60Ms, and avoid engaging them in head-ons.

'''Ground Battles'''

The F-100A is a handy accompaniment to ground lineups as well. It is the first aircraft in the Chinese tech tree with access to air-to-ground missiles and its supersonic speed makes it easier to dodge gunfire and fly to and from the airfield in between sorties. The two Bullpups can destroy enemies from safe distances (2-3 km away) upon a direct hit or near miss. This does require some good eyesight or spotting assistance by friendly light tanks. The missile capacity is low, but the F-100A can stick around for gun runs if there are no SPAAs around or otherwise quickly return to base to restock. Despite not being an attacker aircraft, the F-100A is more practical for CAS than the PLAAF [[Q-5 early]]. The [[Q-5A]] is somewhat superior with its ballistic computer, countermeasures, and larger payload, but the F-100A's Bullpups are still the best for precise and powerful long-range attacks.

Be on the lookout for SAM vehicles because they may be able to engage the F-100A even from long distances, and the F-100A cannot drop chaff to disrupt radar locks or spoof IR missiles. If you spot a missile launch, perform evasive manoeuvres and try to keep a low profile while the vehicle is still around.

=== Radars ===

The F-100A is equipped with an AN/APG-30 rangefinding radar, located in the nose of the aircraft.
It will automatically detect other planes within the scanning area and display the range to the closest target. It is linked with a gyro gunsight and can help with aiming at close range.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/APG-30 - Rangefinding 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}}
|-
| 2,750 m || 300 m || ±9° || ±9°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent guns that have both high muzzle velocity, rate of fire, plenty of ammo (200 rpg), and pack a good punch with high-explosive and armour-piercing shells
* Can carry up to four AIM-9E missiles
* Access to AGM-12B Bullpup missiles for standoff ground attack
* Fast and out-accelerates both MiG-15s and MiG-17s
* Good manoeuvrability for a large supersonic jet
* Radar warning receiver improves situational awareness, especially in Ground RB

'''Cons:'''

* Sluggish at slow speeds, no flaps
* Acceleration is not very fast in its class
* Suffers from severe lock-up past Mach 1
* Loses a lot of energy when trying to turn around at high speed
* No countermeasures

== History ==


In the early Cold War era, the Republic of China Air Force was equipped with US jet aircraft like the [[F-86F-30 (China) | F-86 Sabre]] and [[F-84G-21-RE_(China) | F-84 Thunderjet]], which were used in clashes with the People's Republic of China over the Taiwan Straits. Amid growing conflict in 1958, a number of assorted F-100 Super Sabres were delivered to Taiwan, including the F-100A, the two-seat F-100F, and the reconnaissance RF-100A. The former were upgraded with a number of features from the latest F-100D, such as a taller vertical tail fin and wiring for Sidewinder missiles. Another batch of F-100s was delivered in the 1970s and the type remained in service until the 1980s.

The F-100 was not an easy aircraft to handle and several were lost in accidents. The details of their combat experiences are unclear. They may have fought with PLAAF jets but it is unknown if any kills or losses were scored. The RF-100As in particular were only used for about two years before being returned to the United States due to unsatisfactory capabilities and maintenance issues. The ROCAF was the only foreign user of the F-100A.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-100a_china 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 ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/479186-f-100a-super-sabre/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer NAA}}
{{China jet aircraft}}

T-80UD

2024-05-27T07:40:09Z

U79942984: Wrote intro/mobility/armaments/usage/pros&cons, expanded armour

{{About
| about = Soviet medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = T-80 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=ussr_t_80ud
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Alpha Strike"]]. The T-80UD "Bereza" (Береза, "Birch") is a development of the famous [[T-80U]] main battle tank. The T-80U was intended to be a high-tech, high-performance MBT for the Soviet ground forces, featuring advanced fire control systems, strong protection, and high mobility courtesy of a compact but powerful gas turbine engine. However, the latter proved to have notable flaws in service such as poor fuel efficiency, and Soviet planners were interested in an alternative model with a diesel engine. The T-80UD emerged in 1985 with a 1000 hp 6TD opposed-piston diesel engine originally designed as an upgrade for the [[T-64B|T-64]] and entered service alongside its turbine sibling before the fall of the Soviet Union. After 1991, as the design bureau and factory responsible for the T-80UD were located in the former Ukrainian SSR, the T-80UD served as the basis for a number of new tank designs in the Ukrainian T-84 family.

In War Thunder, the T-80UD is effectively a downgraded T-80U. It looks nearly identical from the front aside from minor details such as the mudflaps and the arrangement of the turret roof ERA, but from the rear it's clear that the engine compartment takes after the fellow opposed-piston-engined T-64s. The replacement of the GTD-1250 turbine results in a noticeable drop in mobility from 27 hp/ton to about 22, not even matching the older [[T-80B]], but it's still more mobile than the [[T-72B]]. It also has not been provided thermal optics or the top 3BM46 "Svinets" APFSDS. In other regards it is essentially still a T-80U, and its lower battle rating puts it on par with the T-72B where its strong armour, fast reload, and decent mobility make it a competitive option for the battlefield.

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


The T-80UD's armour scheme is generally quite similar to the original T-80U. The turret has been slightly revised compared to the original T-80U but aside from better coverage of Kontakt-5 on the roof, it is currently modeled in-game with identical composites and armour layout. The turret has strong kinetic protection in general and is virtually immune to contemporary APFSDS. However, note that the space occupied by the IR searchlight to the right of the gun does not have Kontakt-5, and there is no thermal upgrade as on the T-80U that would replace it with an extra section of ERA. Since the composite armour alone doesn't have amazing chemical protection, ATGMs with at least 600 mm of penetration can punch through that spot and knock out the commander.

The frontal hull has few external differences from the T-80U, but a look in the X-Ray viewer shows that the composition of the composite armour is a 50-30-'''35'''-30-50 stackup of alternating HHRA and textolite, compared to the normal T-80U's 50-30-'''50'''-30-50. It provides somewhat less protection as a result, but still holds up well given the decreased battle rating. Just be more cautious during full uptiers or if battle damage has stripped away the Kontakt-5.

Typical Soviet MBT weakspots still apply; LFP, driver's viewport, etc. Fuel tanks are prone to exploding when hit. The small number of crew (3 crew members) drastically reduces the tank's survivability as a shot through the driver's viewport is likely to knock out the driver and one turret crew. The autoloader is located right underneath the turret crew and ammo detonation is very likely when a round penetrates. Side armour is negligible with small pockets of Kontakt-5 near the front offering protection against weaker HEAT rounds and miniscule protection against kinetic rounds.

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,550|rbMinHp=884}}

The T-80UD's mobility is a few steps back from the T-80U, and even the earlier T-80B given the 25% loss in engine horsepower. The new power-to-weight ratio of 21.7 hp/ton (about the same as the [[T-90A]]) is still quite good when compared to the the likes of the [[T-72B (1989)]], [[Challenger Mk.2]], and [[ZTZ96A]], but a new drawback is that it also doesn't use the standard T-80 transmission with up to -11 km/h in reverse anymore. Instead, it has a pitiful -5 km/h reverse speed just like the T-72s and T-64s.

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

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

{{main|2A46M-1 (125 mm)}}

The T-80UD still uses the standard 125 mm 2A46M-1 cannon, but a nice perk is that it retains the faster 6.5 second reload of the T-80U as opposed to the 7.2 second reload of the T-72s, T-64s, and T-80B. It also keeps the comfortable optics and commander override, which are nice quality of life and survivability improvements.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[2A46M-1 (125 mm)|125 mm 2A46M-1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Autoloader
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 45 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 6.50
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:2A46M-1 (125 mm)/Ammunition|3BK18M, 3OF26, 3BM42, 9M119}}

Besides lacking the top 3BM46 Svinets APFSDS, the T-80UD has access to the remainder of the T-80U's arsenal, putting it on par with the T-72B but enjoying a speedier reload. As a premium vehicle, all ammunition types are unlocked from the start and generally the most worthwhile choices are the standard 3BM42 Mango APFSDS for general anti-armour duties and the 9M119 Refleks gun-launched ATGM for special cases. The single-charge 9M119 can't boast especially high penetration and can often be blocked by NATO composite armour, but its 5.72 kg explosive mass actually exceeds that of the 3OF26 HE shell. It's useful for cleaning up light targets, harassing nearby (within 4 km) helicopters, and splashing enemy MBTs with overpressure damage when the opportunity arises. However, it may not always detonate on CITVs and other peripherals as consistently as the HE shell would and targets might notice the missile in flight.

==== [[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
|-
| '''45''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|NSVT (12.7 mm)|PKT (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[NSVT (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm NSVT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 400 (100) || 700 || -3°/+66° || -40°/+55°
|-
|}
{| 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 || 1,250 (250) || 700 || - || -
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


The T-80UD loses many of the main selling points of the T-80 family in terms of mobility and access to thermal sights, but it also brings many of the T-80U's strengths down to a lower battle rating. It can be compared and contrasted to its closest stablemate, the [[T-72B (1989)]]. The two Soviet tanks have the same ammunition and are both protected with Kontakt-5 ERA, but the elite T-80UD is advantaged in mobility (~22 hp/ton vs ~19 hp/ton), reload speed (6.5 seconds vs 7.2 seconds), gunner optics (low and high zoom levels versus fixed 8x magnification), and fire control (proper commander sight with override vs a simple periscope). Surprisingly, where the humble T-72 has a slight edge is in hull protection. The T-72B upper glacis design, nearly entirely made of spaced steel plates, offers more kinetic defense than the T-80UD's steel and textolite sandwich, and the horizontal autoloader is less likely to be hit by incoming fire than the T-64/T-80 arrangement. But on both tanks, the combination of Kontakt-5 and composite is enough to stop almost all contemporary darts anyway and it's more likely that damaging hits would have gone through weak points.

With both good forward mobility, solid protection, and good optics, the T-80UD can be used for both rushing attacks and sniping. In either case, keep an eye on the battlefield when leaving cover and be careful not to overextend — the standard T-80 reverse speed of -11 km/h could never have been considered fast and the T-80UD's -5 km/h is less than half of that. T-64 and T-72 veterans will obviously be familiar with this drawback, but the T-80UD's imbalance of forward versus backward mobility normally isn't seen in the tech tree until the [[T-90A]]. In addition, the lack of thermal sights can be a handicap on maps with lots of cover and foliage when most tanks of other nations have them as standard; the [[T-72AV (TURMS-T)]] is a contemporary of the T-80UD despite being grossly inferior in many respects specifically because of its great gunner and commander thermals. The T-80UD's armour allows it to charge straight into combat with less concern than most other tanks but it pays to maintain situational awareness, as there are more than a few vehicles that can send an overconfident or unsuspecting "Bereza" back to the hangar: for all its strengths, Kontakt-5 doesn't mean much to a tandem-warhead ATGM.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Strong protection with Kontakt-5 ERA
* Better mobility and reload speed than contemporary Soviet MBTs
* Good gunner and commander optics, with commander override
* Wide variety of ammunition

'''Cons:'''

* No thermal sights
* Weaker hull armour than the original T-80U
* Lowest mobility of all T-80s

== 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 ==

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

== External links ==

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

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

{{USSR medium tanks}}
{{USSR premium ground vehicles}}
[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]

Merkava Mk.3C

2024-05-26T23:53:51Z

U79942984: Wrote usage in battles.

{{About
| about = Israeli medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Merkava (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=il_merkava_mk_3c
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''Merkava Mk.3C''' is the second subvariant of the Merkava Mk.3, which is the third variant of the [[Merkava (Family)|Merkava main battle tank family]]. The Merkava Mk.3C received the new Barak Zoher fire control system, which can be distinguished by the inclusion of a commander-independent sight on the turret roof, beginning in 1995. This adds hunter-killer capabilities to the Merkava Mk.3C, a trait that is desperately needed in modern conflict. The new fire control system can now automatically track targets and even low-flying helicopters. Other small upgrades, such as the insertion of composite screens into portions of the hull, were also implemented, mostly to defend the tank from rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) launched from elevated positions.

Introduced in [[Update "Drone Age"]], the Merkava Mk.3C received yet another important upgrade: the commander's independent sight. With the addition of hunter-killer capabilities, players can search for possible adversaries while remaining behind low obstacles and rocky terrain. Furthermore, the commander can override controls for the main gun, allowing players to engage opponents more effectively. Together with the [[Merkava Mk.3B]]'s improved weaponry, the Merkava Mk.3C is a truly modern main battle tank that combines outstanding situational awareness, protection, and firepower.

== 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:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,860|rbMinHp=1,061}}

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

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

{{main|IMI MG251 (120 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[IMI MG251 (120 mm)|120 mm IMI MG251]] || 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" | 46 || rowspan="2" | -7°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 32.4 || 44.8 || 54.4 || 60.2 || 64.0 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 20.2 || 23.8 || 28.9 || 32.0 || 34.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:IMI MG251 (120 mm)/Ammunition|M325, M339, M322}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_Merkava_Mk.3B.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
|-
| '''46''' || 45 ''(+1)'' || 43 ''(+3)'' || 42 ''(+4)'' || 24 ''(+22)'' || 6 ''(+40)'' || 1 ''(+45)'' || No
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|4}}

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 1,000 (200) || 577 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 6,000 (200) || 600 || N/A || N/A
|-
| Pintle (loader) || 1,800 (200) || 600 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
|-
| Pintle (commander) || 1,800 (200) || 600 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


The Merkava Mk.3C is virtually the same vehicle as the previous Mk.3B aside from the new commander optics and can be used identically. With sluggish mobility, inconsistent protection, and a punchy gun, the Merkava is best used as a sniper in entrenched positions where its good damage control makes it difficult to dislodge and its high-velocity, high-mass APFSDS can make short work of exposed targets. Be careful of sustained combat because the ready rack can be depleted very quickly and the Merkava's large size and unmistakable profile tend to attract attention. The quartet of machine guns and time-fused HE shell offer a measure of anti-helicopter capability against rushing and hovering helicopters, respectively.

The commander sight doesn't have a thermal imager and can't be considered a major improvement in itself, but it does open up some new opportunities in combat. With two-plane stabilization and improved fields of view compared to the previous basic periscope, the commander's ability to override the main gun becomes much more viable. It also helps that the commander sight is placed very close to the gunner's sight, reducing the amount of added parallax in Sim battles. Though it's not a very common situation to lose the gunner from incoming fire but not the commander, having a credible way to fire back when damaged further improves the Merkava's survivability.

A small quirk worth noting with the increased relevance of the commander override is that using the laser rangefinder in the commander's sight does not prime the time fuse of the M339 HE-TF shell. This means that the commander override can't take advantage of the airburst feature, but makes it slightly easier to use M339 as a direct-impact weapon at long distances. In exchange for lower optical zoom and a bit of uncertainty due to parallax, there is no need to switch to a different shell type and back (which might be forgotten in the heat of battle or impossible if APFSDS and HEAT are depleted) after ranging to clear the time fuse as would be required in the gunner's sight.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good armor against most HEAT and some APFSDS rounds

* Excellent post-penetration survivability with good ammo storage and crew layout
* Generous quantity of smoke grenades
* APFSDS round is one of the best sabot rounds for the battle rating

'''Cons:'''

* Overall armor layout is vulnerable to APFSDS, able to be penetrated with ease from most places
* Mediocre mobility
* Large/tall profile, easily spotted

== 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=il_merkava_mk_3c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==

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

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

{{TankManufacturer Israeli Ordnance Corps}}
{{Israel medium tanks}}

Merkava Mk.3B

2024-05-26T22:51:55Z

U79942984: /* Armaments */ Wrote gun and ammo descriptions.

{{About
| about = Israeli medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Merkava (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=il_merkava_mk_3b
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''Merkava Mk.3B''' is the first subvariant of the Merkava Mk.3, which is the third variant of the [[Merkava (Family)|Merkava main battle tank family]]. The Merkava Mk.3 variant debuted in December 1989 and remained in production until 2003. The Merkava 3 variant is by far the most numerous tank in frontline Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) duty as of 2016. It has improvements to the drivetrain, powerplant, weaponry, and electronic systems over the Merkava Mk.2 variant. The inclusion of the domestically designed 120 mm IMI L/44 tank gun (no relation to the 120 mm Rheinmetall L/44 tank gun) was the most noticeable upgrade. This gun is capable of firing all standard NATO 120 mm ammunition. Historically, it can fire gun-launched LAHAT anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) like regular rounds directly from the 120 mm cannon. The vehicle has 50 rounds for the main tank gun and ammunition is kept in its own fireproof canisters. The tank gun and a more powerful 1,200-horsepower Continental AVDS-1790-9AR diesel engine increased the tank's total weight to 65 tonnes; however, the larger engine also increased the maximum cruising speed to 60 kilometres/hour. The turret was also redesigned to move independently of the tank chassis, allowing it to track a target regardless of how the tank moved. The Merkava Mk.3B subvariant received an upgrade that included the installation of modular composite armour across the turret roof to provide protection against anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) fired from elevated positions. It was implemented in 1994 and was kept in all further upgrades.

Introduced in [[Update "Danger Zone"]], the Merkava Mk.3B has significantly more firepower than prior variants. The Merkava Mk.3B is the first Merkava main battle tank to be equipped with the potent 120 mm IMI L/44 tank gun which has an excellent APFSDS round. The far more powerful 1,200-horsepower Continental AVDS-1790-9AR diesel engine improves mobility significantly. This enables players to reach crucial positions considerably faster than before, allowing players to get into position first and giving them a significant advantage in the fast-paced battles of modern warfare.

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

Despite the hull armour being rather weak, the large engine, transmission and fuel tank along with the plethora of additional internal armour will reduce spall from enemy APFSDS rounds and decrease the damage of chemical rounds significantly. The turret also features armour that can easily bounce enemy darts and protect your vehicle from fragmentation shells due to the extreme angle of the armour as well as the 50 mm composite armour all over the front part of the roof.

The rear of the vehicle is also rather strong, featuring two 30 mm plates with an external fuel tank between them that can sometimes minimize the spalling of incoming rounds or stop low calibre APDS shells (e.g. autocannons), giving players a short amount of time to react and address the threat.

The turret also features a layout that even when penetrated can save the gunner or loader from getting hit by spall because of how low they are placed. The commander will usually be the first crew member to be knocked out, being the most exposed crew member of your tank. The turret ring is a very large weakspot with a well-placed shot under the gun having the potential of knocking out the crew.

'''Armour type:'''

* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Hull front, Gun mantlet)
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull sides and rear)
* Composite screens (Turret front and sides, Hull front and sides)
* External composite armour with NERA elements (Hull front)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 60 mm (66-84°) ''Front glacis'' 50-90 mm (36-60°) ''Lower glacis'' || 50 (12°) + 10 mm ''Top'' 50 mm (12°) ''Bottom'' || 30 mm (0-39°) || 20 - 60 mm
|-
| Turret || 150 - 300 mm ''Turret front'' ~150 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 50-60 mm || 40-45 mm || 20-40 mm
|-
| Cupola || 30 mm || 30 mm || 30 mm || 30 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Tracks and roadwheels consist of 20 mm of structural steel of chassis.
* Front of the turret composite screen armour features 40 mm of NERA elements.
* Side of the turret composite screen armour features 250 mm of NERA elements.
* 50 mm Additional composite screens at the top of the turret.
* 10 mm of internal armour are located in front and behind the engine and transmission.
* ~60 mm Composite screens covering the top of the tracks and suspension.
* Two 30 mm plates spaced 900 m from each other at the rear of the hull.
* First stage ammunition storage is inside a 10 mm thick fireproof container.
* Ammo is stored in 10 mm canisters.

A plus of having the ammunition stored the fireproof canisters is that the ammunition will not "cook-off" and explode when the tank is on fire. However, do not forget the importance of extinguishing a fire, or else the vehicle will burn out after a surprisingly short amount of time.

The composite screens on the sides of the tank can be useful for absorbing autocannon fire, albeit for a very short amount of time.

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


Despite the rather large size of the vehicle, it is quite mobile. It features a 1200 horsepower engine featuring an 18.5 horsepower/ton ratio that allows it to accelerate to its top speed of 60 km/h on a paved road within 20 seconds. The vehicle also features two reverse gears with a top reverse speed of 26 km/h, which is useful for getting out of a sticky situation quickly. The vehicle features neutral steering ~15 seconds for a full 360 degree turn on the spot.

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,860|rbMinHp=1,061}}

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

Prioritize the researching of the "Parts" modification first, LWR/LR, FPE, M322 (APFSDS), NVD, and then the remainder of the gun/performance upgrades.

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

{{main|IMI MG251 (120 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[IMI MG251 (120 mm)|120 mm IMI MG251]] || 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" | 46 || rowspan="2" | -7°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 32.4 || 44.8 || 54.4 || 60.2 || 64.0 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 20.2 || 23.8 || 28.9 || 32.0 || 34.0
|-
|}

The 120 mm MG151 cannon is the main selling point of the third generation Merkavas. Distinct from the Rheinmetall 120 mm gun used by NATO MBTs with a larger breech and fume extractor, it's capable of firing very powerful APFSDS rounds and a unique time-fused HE. However, the Merkava installation has less gun depression than the Abrams or Leopard 2 at -7 degrees, a small ready rack of only 5 rounds, and a reload speed topping out at 6 seconds that makes it a less efficient pure gun platform than the contemporary [[M1A1 Abrams]] for example.

==== Ammunition ====
{{:IMI MG251 (120 mm)/Ammunition|M325, M339, M322}}

The Merkava Mk.3B has three choices of 120 mm rounds that are part of the arsenal of all subsequent Merkavas. The stock M325 HEAT-FS has the same penetration and TNT equivalent as the standard NATO DM12 shell with a slightly lower muzzle velocity. It has acceptable performance against soft targets but struggles against contemporary ERA and composite armour, and thus should be used for opportunistic attacks during the stock grind. Soviet MBTs with side ERA can be especially difficult to deal with because even basic Kontakt-1 can stop M325's 480 mm of HEAT penetration from angled side shots. 2.36 kg of TNT equivalent is enough to trigger overpressure damage on thin-skinned vehicles.

The M332 APFSDS (also exported as CL3143 and slpprj m/95) is the main anti-tank tool. 589 mm of flat penetration and 340 mm at 60 degrees is commendable, and while it falls slightly short of the M1A1 Abram's M829A1, the difference is small and M332 holds tangible advantages in other respects. Among NATO darts, the 1705 m/s muzzle velocity is one of the fastest and the 5.6 kg projectile mass is in top place. M332 still doesn't have enough penetration to simply point-and-click against the frontal armour of contemporary tanks without thinking about weak spots, but it is likely to generate lots of spalling whenever it penetrates a target.

The M339 HE-TF is a unique and interesting shell. The majority of NATO MBTs in War Thunder are not given HE shells at all and the time fuse set with the laser rangefinder might seem like a gimmick for swatting hovering helicopters and harassing soft targets hidden behind cover. But M339 has a few fun features: first, it has a delayed impact fuse that allows it to penetrate up to 65 mm of RHA through kinetic effects only before the HE fragment penetration is factored in. Second, the 4.77 kg of TNT equivalent is the highest of any NATO HE round, leading to fragment penetration of 39 mm (still less than Soviet/Chinese HE shells but not bad) and increasing the power of airburst detonations. Third, it has a long fuse delay of 1.5 meters. Because of these factors, M339 is deceptively powerful against armoured targets despite what the statcard might suggest: it can be used as a oversize SAP shell, punching through side skirts, roadwheels, and thin side armour to detonate inside a target, at which point it will wipe out everything inside. Even if angling prevents the round from penetrating the crew compartment, the explosion's 39 mm of penetration triggering on impact with the side armour can still cause overpressure knockouts. M339 can destroy heavily protected MBTs by shooting roadwheels from almost any angle, sometimes even from the front through the tracks.

==== [[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
|-
| '''46''' || 45 ''(+1)'' || 43 ''(+3)'' || 42 ''(+4)'' || 24 ''(+22)'' || 6 ''(+40)'' || 1 ''(+45)'' || No
|}

The ammunition should be relatively safe from enemy tanks as the majority of the rounds are stored at the very back of the tank in two large ammo racks. Carrying 20 APFSDS for tanks and 4 HE-VT rounds for helicopters should be good enough for the average battle. Carry more APFSDS if fighting on an open, long-range map that requires more sniping (Maginot Line, 2nd Battle of El Alamein, etc.)

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|4}}

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)}}

The 12.7 mm machine gun is mounted directly above the 120 mm cannon. It is useful for lightly armoured vehicles, taking out low-flying planes and helicopters, and disabling the tracks on enemy tanks. Note that the commander does not have to be alive to control the 12.7 mm (not commander-mounted) so you can fire even with a crew of 2-3 members.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 1,000 (200) || 575 || - || -
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 6,000 (200) || 960 || - || -
|-
| Pintle (loader) || 1,800 (200) || 960 || -10°/+50° || -120°/+90°
|-
| Pintle (commander) || 1,800 (200) || 960 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

'''Ground Realistic Battles'''

In RB, this vehicle can be used effectively to snipe (ideally in a hull-down position) using its amazing penetration at all ranges, laser rangefinder, generation 1 thermal optics and amazing zoom (gunner and commander), while exposing your turret and hiding your rather weak hull increases your survivability significantly.

The vehicle's good gun handling and mobility also allow for close quarters fights but your turret being placed so far back can lead to you being trapped having your front exposed to an enemy unable to shoot back and also your gun reload (6.7 seconds max crew) being slower than others of its type (6 seconds max crew) can lead to situations where you might not be able to shoot back fast enough if the first shot was not enough.

Do not be afraid to use the 12 smoke grenades you have available in 6 salvos of two in two launchers located at the front of the turret which are airburst-capable and 30 smoke grenades in a single smoke grenade launcher located over your loader. The Merkava also has an ESS which can provide a large smoke screen, but keep in mind that thermals will be able to "see" through ESS, leaving the tank vulnerable.

The good crew placement of the Merkava allows for a little wiggle room when being shot, chances are if the enemy tank shoots "centre of mass" or at the driver/engine the tank will still have 2-3 crew left to fight back. Cooperate with teammates so they can help you repair if needed.

Do not forget that your vehicle also features a total of four machine guns, one of them being a .50 calibre M2 Browning mounted over your main gun with a generous supply of ammunition that are more than capable of sending enemy helicopters and low flying aircraft to the hangar while also being able to inflict damage to tracks of other vehicles and being able to knock out light vehicles from the side or rear. The other 3 machine guns are only 7.62mm in calibre and most of the time only useful for clearing obstructions or marking enemies.

'''Ground Arcade Battles'''

The Merkava has a higher top speed and quicker reaction time in Arcade battles where mobility stats and gun traverse/elevation speeds are increased, while repair speeds are decreased. The penetration indicator will assist you showing where you need to shoot and there is an aiming indicator compensating for distance. However, you will be shown on the minimap and enemies will be able to spot the tank faster as players are marked with their username above the tank. Shoot first, and don't miss. The crew placement will also allow you to survive some shots as inexperienced enemies will see that the entire front of the hull is "penetrable" and shoot there, not knowing that the main gun/gunner will not be damaged.

Most of the strategies used in Realistic battles will also apply to Arcade battles.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* 120 mm IMI L/44 cannon is a significant upgrade from previous 105mm armed tanks.
* APFSDS easily penetrates enemies (589mm max) and produces more spall compared to the 105mm armed Merkavas.
* Good optics, helpful when sniping from long ranges.
* Crew placement increases survivability, decreasing the chance of a full knockout from one shot.
* M2 Browning does not require the commander to be alive to fire.
* Lot of smoke grenades to provide quick and effective cover from enemies.

'''Cons:'''

* Weak armour throughout, excellent survivability comes with the cost of armour protection
* Frontal engine placement, inconvenient to repair and will usually be one of the first things to be damaged when shot.
* Turret ring is a huge weak spot and any round that penetrates here will usually knockout the tank.
* Rear turret placement; being shot sometimes leaves the front of the tank exposed but the turret blocked behind an obstacle (peeking around a corner).
* No thermals for the commander sight.

== 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=il_merkava_mk_3b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


* [[Merkava (Family)|Merkava family of tanks]]

== External links ==


* [[wikipedia:Merkava|Merkava family on Wikipedia]]
* [[wikipedia:IMI_120_mm_gun|120mm IMI L/44 cannon on Wikipedia]]
* [[wikipedia:LAHAT|LAHAT ATGM on Wikipedia]]

{{TankManufacturer Israeli Ordnance Corps}}
{{Israel medium tanks}}

AH-1W

2024-04-28T08:51:42Z

U79942984: Wrote intro, flight performance, armor, armaments, usage in battles.

{{About
| about = American attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other variants
| link = AH-1 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=ah_1w
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Alpha Strike"]]. The "Super Cobra" or "Whiskey Cobra" is a 1980s member of the greater Cobra attack helicopter family. Externally, the main difference from the [[AH-1G]]/[[AH-1F]] is the use of two engines; this evolution came from the preference of the US Marine Corps and resulted in the AH-1J Sea Cobra, of which the AH-1W is a weapons and electronics upgrade. A battle-tested veteran of the US Marines, the AH-1W was developed into the modernized [[AH-1Z|AH-1Z Viper]] but continued to serve alongside its replacement until 2020.

In War Thunder, the AH-1W is a sort of missing link behind the AH-1F and the AH-1Z. Like the former, it has access to vintage wire-guided TOW missiles and relies quite heavily on its gun and rockets as secondary weapons for rushing attacks. But it has similar offensive capabilities to the Viper as well: thermal optics and an auto-tracker, AGM-114B Hellfire laser-guided missiles, and AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles for more methodical play. It also boasts a unique access to high-caliber Zuni rockets normally seen on fixed-wing aircraft, giving US helicopter pilots a chance to indulge in high-explosive mayhem.

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


The AH-1W generally has good flight performance. It has the same engines as the later AH-1Z but doesn't have the Viper's four-blade propeller. The top speed is slightly improved over the AH-1F and it's still a good performer for treetop skimming. The handling may be slightly unstable at times, so try to keep the collective up when moving at high speeds and practice sharp maneuvers before trying them in combat.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at _,___ m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___
|-
|}

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


The AH-1W has a similar level of armour protection to the AH-1F: the two crew members have armoured seats and the engines are protected from the side by two 12 mm steel plates. This helps protect the crew somewhat from small arms fire and shrapnel but will do little against cannon fire, or even multiple hits from heavy machine guns. Notably, there is no bulletproof glass in the front canopy.

With two engines, the AH-1W has a better chance of limping home after sustaining incoming damage than the US Army Cobra models, but it will be difficult to do any combat maneuvering when running on half the engine power.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}

{{main|M197 (20 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon (750 rpg) + 120 x countermeasures
** 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon + 120 x countermeasures + IRCM + 120 x countermeasures

The AH-1W retains the M197 cannon from the AH-1F, essentially a three-barrel version of the M61 Vulcan gatling gun, mounted in a chin turret with 750 rounds of ammunition. With the assistance of the AH-1W's auto-tracker, the M197 is effective at spraying down other aircraft thanks to its great rate of fire and high muzzle velocity. Against ground targets, it's not quite as capable as the 30 mm cannons of the [[AH-64A|Apache]] or [[Mi-28N|Havoc]] as its maximum penetration is only 40 mm, but this is enough to perforate SPAAs and hose down many light tanks from the sides or top.

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


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

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 16 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 x BGM-71D TOW-2 missiles
* 8 x BGM-71D TOW-2 missiles
* 4 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
* 8 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
* 4 x 20 mm M197 cannons (300 rpg = 1,200 total)
{{Navigation-End}}

The AH-1W has a large arsenal in terms of variety, but less so in terms of capacity; it only has four pylons, unlike the six of the Viper or Apache. Beginning with ATGMs, the stock option is the familiar BGM-71D TOW-2 wire-guided missile. It is less than impressive at the AH-1W's battle rating, having a range of only 3.75 km and no tandem warhead. The top option is the AGM-114B Hellfire missile well known on later US helicopters, boasting great improvements in range, speed, and firepower. As a semi-active laser homing missile, it requires more supervision in use and can alert targets with laser warning receivers, but most of the time it's the more viable missile. All ATGMs are mounted on the outboard pylons only for a maximum capacity of eight.

Two types of rockets are available and can be mounted on all four pylons. The FFAR Mighty Mouse is a classic low-caliber HEAT rocket with low penetration but high capacity. It's sufficient for cleaning up light targets but modern MBTs are resistant to frontal attacks. The Mk 32 Mod 0 Zuni rocket is a more exciting option: coming in pods of four, each Zuni has 457 mm of HEAT penetration, and more importantly, 8.91 kg of TNT equivalent. This is fairly close to the explosive yield of S-13OF rockets used by Soviet helicopters and can overpressure enemy tanks on direct hits and splash SPAAs with near-misses.

The AH-1W also has access to all-aspect AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles, giving it another potent tool to combat aircraft besides the internal cannon. Highly maneuverable, they can easily shoot down unaware jets. The main issue is that that they can only be mounted singly on the outboard pylons for a total of two, so not only is the overall capacity small, but they also compete for pylon space with the ATGMs.

The last option is the GPU-2/A gun pod containing a standalone M197 cannon with 1200 rounds of ammunition. It can be mounted on any pylon for additional gunfire, but is more of a novelty than a practical weapon as the internal EEGS-assisted M197 is much more efficient at swatting planes and light vehicles without occupying valuable hardpoint space.

== Usage in battles ==


The AH-1W can be played in many ways. It can be used as a classic early-game rocket rusher like previous Cobra models, relying on its speed and low profile, but it is not significantly more effective in this role than the basic AH-1F because the Zuni rockets require additional spawn points. At the Whiskey Cobra's battle rating even many non-SPAA vehicles have tools to shoot down nearby helicopters. On a second spawn, Zunis are much more powerful and can potentially one-shot enemies that aren't expecting such a bold approach, but by then it's likely that there will be at least some SPAA up. Use cover when possible to move around the outskirts of the battlefield undetected.

As an ATGM slinger, the AH-1W can do some good work with up to eight AGM-114B Hellfires. However, it has one peculiar drawback compared to other Hellfire-equipped helicopters: the optical zoom is unusually low, topping out at only 13x. It becomes very difficult to precisely adjust the aim point of the laser designator beyond a few kilometers of distance from the target. As a result, the damage of Hellfire impacts on armoured targets can be somewhat random; a lucky hit could strike turret roof armour and trigger overpressure for an instant knockout, an unlucky one might just take out an unimportant module or crew member. As such, eight Hellfires will not always translate to a similar number of tanks destroyed. In some situations it may be fruitful to use Hellfires to take out SPAAs (with caution, as low zoom makes it harder to find and target them) and light targets first, then move in closer to use Zunis.

The AH-1W lacks the AH-1Z's wingtip Sidewinder hardpoints and must sacrifice ATGMs to mount them. Even just one Sidewinder will halve the ATGM capacity to a meager four, so many pilots might opt to ignore AAMs when the main focus is tank busting. A loadout of two Sidewinders and two rocket pods can be reserved as a low-SP option for light air defense and light ground attack.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Thermal optics and auto-tracker for easier targeting than previous Cobras
* Can carry up to eight AGM-114B Hellfire missiles or two AIM-9L Sidewinders
* Currently the only helicopter with access to Zuni rockets
* Small profile

'''Cons:'''

* Limited protection
* Only four hardpoints, ATGMs and AAMs conflict with each other
* Unusually low optical zoom

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter 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).''

=== [[wt:en/news/8811-development-ah-1w-super-cobra-the-venomous-marine-en|Devblog]] ===
As the AH-1 Cobra entered service with the Army, the USMC expressed their interest in acquiring Cobras for their own use. However, these Cobras would have to be twin-engined and possess a more capable primary armament to meet the Marines’ service requirements. Despite initial hesitation from the Department of Defense, the Marines received the go-ahead and proceeded with awarding Bell with a contract to produce 49 AH-1J Sea Cobras in May 1968.

Similarly to the Army, the USMC also perceived the AH-1 as an interim vehicle, until a more suitable replacement could be found. Whilst this replacement would come to the Army in the form of the AH-64 Apache, the USMC’s request to upgrade their fleet with a naval version of the Apache would be met with disapproval by the Congress in 1981, thus forcing the Marines to look into other options. The decision was therefore made to upgrade the existing fleet with new AH-1W Super Cobras, which featured an improved fire control system and the ability to carry more advanced ordnance.

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

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8811-development-ah-1w-super-cobra-the-venomous-marine-en|[Devblog] AH-1W Super Cobra: The Venomous Marine]]

{{AirManufacturer Bell}}
{{USA helicopters}}

Z-9WA

2024-04-28T01:54:46Z

U79942984: Updated armaments, usage in battles now that it has AKD-9s and an auto-tracker.

{{About
| about = Chinese attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = Z-9W
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=z_9wa
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Drone Age"]].

The Harbin Z-9 is commonly known to the Chinese community as 海豚 "Haitun" (Dolphin) as it is based on the French Eurocopter AS365 ''Dauphin''. This revised version of the Z-9W comes with better avionics and upgraded firepower thanks to a set of revised pylons. While it still lag behind counterparts at its BR due to its original design as a transport helicopter, the armament onboard is available in greater numbers and allows the Z-9WA to still stand a chance against enemy targets with better ATGMs and more AAMs.

The overall appearance of the Z-9WA is quite similar to the previous Z-9W other than the shiny black camouflage, rearranged optical trackers (from the top of cockpit to a position under the nose), and redesigned details in the cabin and cockpit. On top of the upgraded weapons and payload capacity, the Z-9WA has new systems such as thermal optics, MAWS, and countermeasures that make it better at hunting tanks and more slippery against enemy air defenses.

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

The Z-9WA shares a similar mobility to the Z-9W as it didn't receive a powerplant upgrade. It does not have the speed of dedicated attack helicopters but still retains the classic high agility of the Z-9 family. The installation of the new armament and electronics does not cause significant performance reduction, and it can still be utilized to sneak behind enemy lines and strike them from the rear.

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

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

Players of the previous Z-9s will be extremely familiar with the overall protection of the Z-9WA: this version still doesn't provide any extra protection against projectiles or shrapnel from enemies. Any hit will very likely cause damage to component or the pilots; but it still comes with self-sealing fuel tanks that might help survive if set ablaze.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}


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

* A choice between two presets:
** Without offensive armament
** 72 x countermeasures

The Z-9WA is the first Chinese helicopter to have flare/chaff countermeasures, and the supply of 72 is in fact more generous than the later [[Z-19]] and [[Z-10]]. An onboard MAWS makes it easier to use these countermeasures.

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="20%" | 1 !! width="20%" | 2
| rowspan="9" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[Type 23-1 (23 mm)|23 mm Type 23-1]] cannons (240 rpg)
| 1 || 1
|-
! [[QJK99-12.7-1 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm QJK99-12.7-1]] machine guns (1,000 rpg)
| 1 || 1
|-
! [[Type 57-1]] rockets
| 18 || 18
|-
! [[Type 90-1]] rockets
| 7 || 7
|-
! [[HJ-8E]] missiles
| 4 || 4
|-
! [[HJ-8H]] missiles
| 4 || 4
|-
! [[AKD-9]] missiles
| 4 || 4
|-
! [[TY-90]] missiles
| 4 || 4
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
* 36 x Type 57-1 rockets
* 2 x 12.7 mm QJK99-12.7-1 machine guns (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
* 4 x HJ-8E missiles
* 14 x Type 90-1 rockets
* 8 x HJ-8E missiles
* 8 x HJ-8H missiles
* 8 x AKD-9 missiles
* 8 x TY-90 missiles
* 2 x 23 mm Type 23-1 cannons (240 rpg = 480 total)
{{Navigation-End}}

The Z-9WA's primary weapons resemble the previous Z-9W, the main differences coming from the doubled missile capacity and improved ATGM models.

The HJ-8 missile now comes in two improved variants. The stock HJ-8E is a significant improvement over the humble HJ-8A used by previous helicopters: it has the same warhead as the HJ-8C with a tandem charge and 590 mm of penetration, and now an improved rocket motor that boosts the range to 4 km and improves the flight speed slightly to 260 m/s. The HJ-8E packs an adequate punch against tanks with steel or reactive armour but might have issues against composite armour because of its below average raw penetration. The unlockable HJ-8H has an improved warhead with 750 mm of penetration that largely fixes this issue, and also has improved TNT equivalent for destroying light targets through overpressure. Among contemporary helicopter ATGMs, the HJ-8H is most similar to the [[HOT-2 TOW]]: both have good ranges (greater than [[BGM-71D TOW-2]], less than [[9M114 Shturm]]), slow flight speeds (less than TOW-2 and half that of the Shturm), and powerful warheads. The HJ-8H has 150 mm less raw penetration than the HOT-2, but the tandem charge allows it to consistently destroy common Soviet ERA-equipped tanks like the [[T-72B]] and [[T-72AV (TURMS-T)]], very impressive for a missile that only weighs 13 kg.

A newer offering added after the Z-9WA's initial introduction is the AKD-9 semi-active laser homing missile, giving pilots a taste of what to expect on the later [[Z-19]]. Though it isn't a major upgrade over the HJ-8H in terms of damage, it flies significantly faster and has enhanced range, making it the Haitun's most effective ATGM overall.

The TY-90 returns as a highly effective air-to-air missile that can take down even manoeuvring fighters. If the Z-9W's capacity of four TY-90s was enough to act as a "flying SPAA", the Z-9WA's eight TY-90s are often enough to suppress enemy aircraft for an entire match. It is also effective against helicopters, but it is important to remember that many of the Z-9WA's contemporaries have HIRSS or IRCM systems that make them more difficult to lock and boast anti-air weapons of their own.

The other armament options of unguided rockets, machine gun pods, and cannons are the same as on the Z-9W. However they should only be seriously considered for the initial stock grind when only one hardpoint of HJ-8Es is available. The Z-9WA is still not suitable for close-range combat due to its fragility, limited hardpoints, and lack of an internal cannon, especially since it can face advanced SPAA vehicles.

== Usage in battles ==


Players will easily get on hand with the WA variant thanks to its mostly identical flight performance and similar weaponry to the Z-9W. The Z-9WA has an unrivaled TVD camera with very high magnification at x81, which is very helpful for those who struggle to find targets in an intense battlefield, compounded by bad weather or night conditions. It also now has an auto-tracker for much easier targeting, though it is currently implemented as a TV system as opposed to an IRST and therefore does not function in night battles. The Z-9WA's main drawback when it comes to tank hunting is its ATGMs; the HJ-8s are both slow and limited in range, and the AKD-9s are better but generally worse in performance than the contemporary AGM-114B Hellfire. It's important to make good use of the high optical zoom to target the weak spots of enemy tanks.

The TY-90 is the same as all its predecessor/successors with its extremely good manoeuvrability. Though the missile hasn't changed, at the Z-9WA's higher battle rating it's common to face supersonic jets with countermeasures, so some additional consideration is required when using it. The 20 G raw overload is now below average and it maintains competitive agility by having gradual acceleration and a long motor burn time, giving it ample time to course correct and keep up with a moving target. However, this means that it's not difficult for a contemporary jet to simply outrun the TY-90 if they are at high speed and it was launched from more than a few kilometers away. The seeker features a moderate amount of ECCM that, while not so foolproof as an [[AIM-9M]]'s, still helps to avoid being spoofed by flares. Keep the TY-90's drawbacks in mind and try to keep an initially low profile versus aircraft, biding time until an opportune shot that the target will not be able to easily outrun or dodge.

While there are rocket pods and gunpods at your disposal, they are more efficient at helicopter EC for light targets such as recoilless guns, light tanks, APCs, etc.

Like the Z-9W, make sure to sneak around in the battlefield for maximum survivability as it is still unprotected; but thanks to better avionics, it will have a faster searching time than predecessors and helps a lot for staying out of the battlefield. Alternatively it can still serve as another "flying SPAA" and make sure that enemy aircraft will hit the ground before they have the chance to do damage to your team. The Z-9WA can also be a serious multirole helicopter because of its enhanced payload: for pilots who want to be prepared for anything, one pylon of four ATGMs and one pylon of four TY-90s is enough to perform some solid anti-aircraft work while being a credible tank hunter.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Decent manoeuvrability
* Can carry up to 8 ATGMs or AAMs
* Access to faster, longer range, and more powerful HJ-8E, HJ-8H and AKD-9 anti-tank missiles
* TY-90 AAMs are very effective against air targets
* Has access to flares, MAWS, and LWS
* Excellent optics with thermal sights and TV auto-tracker for easy targeting

'''Cons:'''

* Slow top speed
* Very little armour
* No internal gun

== History ==

The Z-9WA is the upgraded version of the Z-9W with revised pylon that was bolted onto the airframe instead of going through the main airframe itself, a new 3-in-1 tracker with daytime/TVD/laser tracking and some revision on the nose of the helicopter. The project was started in November 2001 and contracts were signed in January next year, first seen as part of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison Aviation Corps at Shek Kong Airfield (石崗機場) in the early 2000s. The Z-9WA was the dedicated attack helicopter of PLAGF Aviation Corps before Project 941 (Z-10) until the Z-9WA's successor, the Z-19, came into service.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=z_9wa 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 helicopter;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Harbin}}
{{China helicopters}}

MH-60L DAP

2024-03-26T18:54:12Z

U79942984: Wrote intro, flight performance, armor, armaments, pros & cons

{{Specs-Card
|code=mh_60l_dap
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Kings of Battle"]]. This distinctive vehicle is a representative of the famous Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopter family. Designed to replace the [[UH-1 (Family)|Bell UH-1]] in US Army service, the Black Hawk is a sleek, heavy helicopter with better performance and nearly three times the Huey's takeoff weight. Reliable and versatile, it has a long list of variants and operators in both civilian and military roles and is one of the most recognizable helicopter models in the world.

The MH-60L DAP ("MH-60" denoting a special purpose model and "DAP" meaning "Direct Action Penetrator") is a specialized gunship or attack variant used by US Army special forces. It still looks largely like a utility helicopter with an unmodified crew cabin but features large stub wings with four reinforced pylons. In War Thunder, the DAP has a very similar arsenal and payload to the [[AH-64D|AH-64D Apache]], mainly relying on powerful AGM-114K Hellfire II ATGMs, APKWS guided rockets, and ATAS air-to-air missiles at a slightly lower battle rating than the Longbow Apache. Although it obviously lacks the armour protection and internal gun of a purpose-designed attack helicopter, the DAP has some armament and subsystem advantages over the contemporary [[AH-64A|A-model Apache]] and is a solid, memorable option for helicopter fans.

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


The MH-60 has generally pleasant flight performance and handling. The top speed is lower than the Apache and most other top rank attack helicopters, but this typically won't make a difference in gameplay outside of close-range rushing attacks.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at _,___ m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___
|-
|}

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


The MH-60L has very limited armour protection, only boasting protected composite seats for the two crew members. There is no bulletproof glass to speak of and the Black Hawk's wide transport cabin is a bigger target for gunfire than the slim profile of the [[AH-1W]] for example. Most of the cabin is empty, so a spray of incoming machine gun fire might not hit much of importance if the crew is unscathed, but there are a pair of large fuel tanks at the rear that are vulnerable to damage.

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

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


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

* A choice between two presets:
** 90 x countermeasures
** 90 x countermeasures + IRCM

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

{{main|ATAS (AIM-92)|APKWS II (M151)|APKWS II (M282)|AGM-114K Hellfire II}}
{{main|Hydra-70 M247}}
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

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

* Without load
* 8 x ATAS (AIM-92) missiles
* 28 x APKWS II (M151) missiles
* 28 x APKWS II (M282) missiles
* 4 x AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles
* 8 x AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles
* 16 x AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles
* 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets + 4 x AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles
* 76 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
* 2 x LR30 cannon
* 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun
* 2 x 12.7 mm GAU-19 machine gun

{{Navigation-End}}

The DAP has very similar armament to other top-tier US helicopters for the most part. Pilots who have flown and spaded the previous [[OH-58D]] will in fact recognize all of the options here, in which case the principle difference is that the DAP has much better capacity than the Kiowa or [[AH-6M]] with four reinforced wing hardpoints.

The AGM-114K Hellfire II is the standard US top tier helicopter ATGM. It's well rounded in terms of speed, power, and range and the DAP can carry up to 16 of them just like the [[AH-64D]], four times as many as the Kiowa. The contemporary [[AH-64A]] has the same capacity of AGM-114B Hellfires with slightly less TNT equivalent, slightly less penetration, and no tandem warhead, although in many cases the two Hellfire models will perform about the same.

The APKWS laser-guided rockets again come in two flavors: low-yield HE and even lower-yield SAP-HE, appropriate for taking out lightly armoured targets at a lower spawn cost and higher capacity than Hellfires.

The classic Hydra-70 rockets return, this time in generous 19-round pods. This allows the DAP to use rockets more freely than previous helicopters as a close quarters substitute for an internal gun.

The ATAS missiles come in twinned pairs and can be mounted on any of the four hardpoints, with a maximum capacity of eight (a new AAM record for US helicopters). However, the DAP doesn't have dedicated wingtip AAM hardpoints like the Apaches do, so taking Stingers will necessarily take away space from air-to-ground weapons.

In terms of guns, the DAP has some interesting options. There are two reserved mounts for M134 Miniguns that don't conflict with the other stores. While fun to shoot and better than having no guns, the rifle-caliber Miniguns are unlikely to do more than tickle ground targets. They're best used to spray down nearby helicopters, but keep in mind that they're less powerful than virtually any other top tier helicopter gun. The other two options are more lethal but don't have reserved hardpoints: the GAU-19 HMG-caliber gatling gun uses SLAP rounds with decent flat penetration but poor angled performance that can at least threaten thin-skinned targets and the LR30 cannons use the same 30 mm HEDP rounds as the Apache's chaingun with generally the best effect on ground vehicles out of the DAP's firearms.

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter 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:'''

* Good ordnance load, can carry a heavy load of AGM-114K Hellfire II ATGMs and Stinger AAMs for example
* MAWS, IRCM, and good flare capacity for self defense

'''Cons:'''

* No armour protection, larger profile than most attack helicopters
* No internal cannon and all options stronger than M134 Miniguns take space away from ordnance
* No dedicated AAM hardpoints
* Can't take Sidewinder missiles like the [[AH-64A]] or [[AH-1Z]]

== History ==

=== Devblog History ===
By the late 1960s, the U.S. Army began drawing up requirements for a new utility helicopter to replace the successful UH-1 Iroquois. Requesting design proposals in 1972, the Army was approached by several manufacturers, including Sikorsky, which put forward their S-70 design. Shortly afterward, Sikorsky received the order to construct several prototypes for comparative testing against the Boeing-Vertol’s rival design. Designated as YUH-60, the Sikorsky’s prototype first took to the skies in October 1974 before three units were delivered to the Army for trials in March 1976.

Being selected as the winning design by the Army later that year, the Sikorsky S-70 was ordered into production under the designation UH-60 and receiving the official nickname “Black Hawk”. After the first units rolled off the assembly line, the Black Hawk entered service with the Army in 1979. After entering service, the Black Hawk received many modifications and upgrades which negatively impacted its performance characteristics. Due to the degrading performance, in 1987 the Army ordered the development of an improved version, the UH-60L. Most notably, this variant introduced more powerful engines and allowed the Black Hawk to carry a substantially higher payload of offensive weapons.

== Media ==


;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|MqG0NU87Uj4|'''MH-60L DAP Black Hawk Ultimate Review''' - ''Bob Dickinson''}}

== 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 helicopter;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8553-development-mh-60l-black-hawk-air-cavalry-en|[Devblog] MH-60L Black Hawk: Air Cavalry!]]

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

BMD-4

2024-02-25T23:57:10Z

U79942984: Rewrote intro, streamlined pros & cons, expanded usage in battles

{{Specs-Card
|code=ussr_bmd_4
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|market=id50148_bmd_4_ussr
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet light tank {{Battle-rating}}. The BMD-4 is a Russian airborne infantry fighting vehicle developed after the collapse of the Soviet Union as a new entrant in the long-running BMD series. It uses the hull of the BMD-3, a limited production vehicle with a new chassis superior to the vintage BMD-1 chassis represented by the [[BTR-ZD]] in War Thunder, and a new Bakcha-U turret with the same 100 mm + 30 mm cannon armament used by the full-size [[BMP-3]] IFV, giving it an exceptionally heavy armament for its weight and role. Accepted into Russian service in 2004, BMD-4 production was stopped after a short initial production run due to economic difficulties. Years later, the streamlined BMD-4M with increased BMP-3 part commonality reentered production and service.

The BMD-4 was introduced during [[Update "Red Skies"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/7267-event-summer-landing-en|2021 Summer Landing event]]. In a simple comparison to its non-airborne relative with the same guns, the [[BMP-3]], the {{PAGENAME}} has less armour, higher mobility, and a faster ATGM reload. It is extremely speedy in both forward and reverse and can easily make it to lucrative flank or overwatch positions, splashing multiple targets with its tandem ATGMs or hosing them down with its autocannon, but suffers from incredibly light protection: while the BMP-3 can often shrug off autocannon fire from the front, the BMD-4's front armour is not even proof to heavy machine guns. As such, it's best reserved for fearsome ambush attacks against unaware or distracted enemies.

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


The BMD-4 is very poorly armoured. The front has an adequate armour thickness, but the upper front plate of the hull is more vulnerable than the turret or the lower front plate and allow for penetrations with 12.7 mm MG, even from afar. Autocannons are very likely to just shred this tank instantly, but how soon this happens depends on enemy attention span, autocannon rate of fire and where an enemy aims first.

Researching mobility modules adds some of them to the front of the tank, which reduces likelihood of taking overpressure damage from ATGMs and increases chances of blocking autocannon rounds when they hit the hull.

The roof is vulnerable to even HEAT overpressure and turret hits with chemical shells are very dangerous for this tank. It is easy for planes to strafe the BMD-4 from above for the same reason.

There are 3 crew members, both turret crew members can fire all weapons, so it is not enough to take out the gunner to stop BMD-4 and it will not just explode upon being hit like [[Shturm-S]], so at the very least it can return fire after being hit.

'''Armour type:'''

* Alloy ABT-102 (hull, turret)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 20 mm (62°) ''Upper glacis'' 40 mm (35°) ''Lower glacis - Top'' 23 mm (64°) ''Lower glacis - Bottom'' || 40 mm ''Top - Front'' 20 mm ''Top - Centre'' 10 mm ''Top - Rear'' 20 mm ''Bottom'' 20 mm (46°) ''Bottom - Belly junction'' || 10 mm || 10 - 12 mm
|-
| Turret || 40 mm (30-44°) ''Turret front'' 40 mm (cylindrical) ''Gun mantlet'' || 20 mm || 20 mm || 10-12 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels and torsion bars are 10 mm thick while tracks are 15 mm thick.
* Belly armour is 12 mm thick.

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


The BMD-4 somewhat resembles [[BMP-2]] in terms of mobility, but can drive equally fast in either direction and accelerates much faster.

It is possible to control the suspension on the BMD-4, but only a bit. Suspension controls allow to slightly tilt the BMD-4 forward or backwards or lower/raise the hull a bit. Tilting is mostly important for RB, where it helps the tank to gain more gun depression on a hill, but can also be used in AB to either hide the UFP or to prevent the gun from bouncing too high up while charging.

It also can swim, like other Soviet light tanks.

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=697|rbMinHp=398}}

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}

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

The 30 mm fires the same shells as the [[BMP-2]] autocannon does and is identical to the one on the [[BMP-3]]. There is only one rate of fire option for the cannon - which is relatively slow at 300 rounds per minute. Despite the low fire rate, it still fires faster than the one on the [[Warrior]] and if the player fires first, it can neutralize many light tanks at close to medium range before the BMD-4 is knocked out from their retaliatory fire.

The autocannon counts as the main weapon and 100 mm is fired with the "additional weapon" keybind. The aim assist and scope is, therefore, displayed for the 30 mm gun. While this is fine if the BMD-4 user uses an ATGM, but the only way to swap scope to acquire aim assist for the 100 mm gun to land precise hits with HE shells is to switch from the main weapon view to the secondary weapon view . This, unfortunately, breaks the weapon layout, and the 30 mm becomes unusable until the control scheme is reset.

{| 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" | 500 (250) || rowspan="2" | 330 || rowspan="2" | -6°/+60° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 57.1 || 79.1 || 96.0 || 106.2 || 112.9 || rowspan="2" | 1.30 || rowspan="2" | 1.15 || rowspan="2" | 1.06 || rowspan="2" | 1.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 35.7 || 42.0 || 51.0 || 56.4 || 60.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
* '''30 mm HE:''' {{Annotation|HEF-I*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T*|High-explosive fragmentation tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''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-T*, HEF-I*, AP-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''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

=== Additional armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|2A70 (100 mm)}}

The 100 mm of this tank is near identical to the one on the [[BMP-3]]. However, its autoloader can load ATGMs as well, removing the 28-second reload penalty which makes the BMP-3 unsuitable for skirmish, at a cost of 1 second of reload time overall.

While the gun is stabilized, it is not a very good idea to rush uphill at full speed until gun drives were upgraded as the gun has poor depression and kicks upwards when the tank drives uphill. Without upgrades, it will not put itself back on target in time, and the tank can't sustain even accidental hits unlike the BMP-3.

Gun itself can bring two different ammunition types into battle, although the choice are limited to chemical energy shells. The ammunition choices are: Slow HE (3OF70) , super slow HE (3OF32) and Tandem HEAT ATGM (9M117M1). It is only possible to take 4 ATGMs. Overall, it is similar to the BMP-3.

HE shells are mostly designed to be fired in a mortar fashion and for comfortable use it is necessary to install laser rangefinder or to play in AB mode. Unlike with the BMP-3, it is also necessary to swap primary weapon to "secondary weapon" to be able to aim HE precisely. The projectiles fall very slowly, but they are also very small and will often squeeze in-between ERA bricks and hit the enemy tank roof, causing overpressure damage and destroying the target. Overall, they can be used to harass other tanks out of cover (including ATGM carriers) or fired along with the autocannon to blow up light tanks in general melee range (although it is very awkward and slower than with the BMP-3).

The missiles are launched at near maximum speed from the get go, which makes them ones of the deadliest at the rank (as many missiles at the BR start at around 250 m/s at best), but also make them mostly unsuitable for trick shots of any kind and require direct launch. Tandem missiles usually do not even require user to aim any more than in the enemy tanks direction. Missiles also have huge area of the blast wave, but BMD-4 cannot just destroy all of the surrounding cover as it itself is fragile and needs it to survive, so some restraint should be kept, at least until you are sure that it's possible to get away with such behaviour.

Ammunition rearm for 100 mm on a capture point takes about 6 seconds, which means that this tank can almost indefinitely spam ATGM at incoming enemies if its user can hold the line. Make sure to choose ATGM as the top ammunition in ammo distribution UI, as otherwise HE will be rearmed first.

Weapons are not rearmed outside of the capture point in AB, even if it only uses ATGMs, so the tank cannot be used as a standoff sniper in AB for long, but is rather to be sacrificed in a deep flank.

In terms of what types of ammunition to bring in, two types of combination can be made between the standard HE shells and the ATGM, as {{PAGENAME}} can only bring two selected ammo into battle:
* ATGM + HE = the player can default to ATGM to react to armoured threats in a pinch, but switch over to HE shells to bombard the enemy from a distance if they are behind cover or in other similar situations. The HE shells can also be used to fight light tanks at close range, even if the BMD-4 runs out of ATGM. Slower HE can fire vertically at ranges as close as 400 m, but may fail to penetrate medium tanks and it is easier to see for moving targets, so the faster 3OF70 HE shell might be a better choice sometimes.
* HE + HE = Not recommended, as neither of the 100 mm HE shells could deal with most medium tanks directly. Enemies in general will show no mercy to a BMD-4 since they will always assume the BMD-4 is carrying a ATGM, so its best to respond to this threat with an ATGM rather than HE shells.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[2A70 (100 mm)|100 mm 2A70]] || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
| 38 || -6°/+60° || ±180° || Two-plane || 5.00 || 5.00 || 5.00 || 5.00
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:2A70 (100 mm)/Ammunition|3OF32, 3OF70, 9M117M1}}

==== [[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
|-
| '''38''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{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 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


'''Ground AB''':

There are two main ways to use BMD-4 efficiently, both involve using its high movement speed.

First way is to attack into a capture point by using ATGM based loadout. BMD-4 cannot sustain frontal damage and can only take one hit before exploding. It is necessary to have high reaction time, good crew and the element of surprise. Try to arrive at the fighting location first and take cover at a suitable fighting position. If you want to do something extra, it is possible to tinker with suspension to lower BMD-4 hull even more to hide as much of the hull as possible.

There is also an option of attacking not the capture point itself, but to rush past it and to attack the first encounter group, preferably from a side. If you manage to pounce on them, it is possible to take out three tanks before other enemy tanks notice that something is wrong and destroy the BMD-4.

The reason why rushing in such a fragile tank is even a viable option is because that way BMD-4 can quickly rearm after fighting and either attack by spamming ATGMs from the cap or continue its conquest elsewhere.

Second way is to deliberately give up working on a capture point and instead to do a deep flank around enemy team and unload BMD-4s entire arsenal onto enemy snipers. This works because BMD-4 moves insanely fast for a Soviet light tank and has ATGM which reloads almost as fast as the gun on the [[Object 906]], while being absolutely lethal regardless of the enemy tank armour level. If the range between your firing position and an enemy is more than 400 m, it is also possible to continue annoying them by launching 3OF32 at them over cover (swap main weapon towards 100 mm to acquire proper aim assist on the HE).

'''Ground RB'''

The BMD-4 is quite similar to the BMP-3 in terms of armament, but its ATGM autoloader and lightweight chassis lend it to more aggressive playstyles. 33 hp/ton and 70 km/h top speed in forward and reverse allow it to outrun almost any other tracked vehicle and it is not uncommon to be nearly halfway across the map by the time other vehicles have left their spawn zones. The best situation is to launch a surprise attack against enemies who are distracted by teammates and looking in other directions. Powerful, rapid-fire ATGMs and good optics allow the BMD-4 to clean up multiple targets before they understand what is happening and the BMD-4 can reverse out of trouble just as fast as it came the moment it attracts any attention. The reliable 30 mm autocannon is an effective supplement for side shots and light targets and should not be disregarded, especially as self protection when the ATGM is reloading. Knocking out a MBT's tracks, damaging its barrel, and destroying pintle-mounted HMGs will allow the BMD-4 to take its time with a follow up shot.

Avoid incoming fire at all costs. This is common advice for IFVs but even more so for the BMD-4, whose armour is not even completely immune to rifle-caliber machine guns. Just about any vehicle with an autocannon or HEAT rounds can knock out the BMD-4 instantly. This makes it less suitable for defensive roles than the BMP-3, whose decent frontal armour allows it to more comfortably engage targets aware of its presence.

Another factor to note is that the BMD-4 only carries four ATGMs total, compared to the capacity of eight for the BMP-3, and these can be depleted in potentially no time at all. Make every shot count, as the BMD-4 is much less formidable without its 9M117M1s, and head back to a capture point to reload before engaging in heated combat again.

Like the BMP-3, the BMD-4 can also be used as an ad-hoc mortar vehicle by using its HE shells for long-range indirect fire with the assistance of the scout UAV. When controlling the UAV, use the squad marker or drone target designation UI features to point at a static target of interest, then switch back to controlling the BMD-4 to line up the crosshairs with the bearing of the marker. Obtain an estimate of the distance by studying the game map or comparing the target position relative to the objective markers, then fire off a few HE rounds (typically 3OF70 due to its higher muzzle velocity and explosive yield) and return to the drone view to observe the impacts; make corrections for the next salvo as needed. Use cases where this method could be worth the effort include taking down SPAA vehicles hiding in the enemy spawn and light tanks/ATGM carriers that are entrenched in tricky positions. It may also be cathartic to rain shells on contested or occupied objective points because most of the distance is already known. The BMP-3 is slightly more effective for bombardment because its autoloader can reload HE shells in just 4 seconds compared to the BMD-4's 5 seconds, but the BMD could use its enhanced mobility to sneak into better or closer positions.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Moves quite fast even when stock, can drive equally fast in either direction unlike BMPs
* Autoloader with a speedy 5 second ATGM reload, faster than most conventional tank cannons as well
* ATGMs are quick, powerful, and can be fired on the move
* HE rounds can overpressure turret roofs or be used to bombard static targets with indirect fire
* Commander has CITV with thermal optics, can still fire weapons even if the gunner was shot
* Amphibious, safe if not particularly fast travel over waterways

'''Cons:'''

* Low armour protection, hull upper front plate can be penetrated even by a 12.7 MG until movement modules are researched, which will protect BMD-4 from some frontal shots or even block overpressure
* Autoloader HE reload is slightly slower than BMP-3
* Only 3 crew members
* In AB, ATGM cannot be rearmed outside of a capture point, as BMD-4 counts as a normal tank

== History ==

===[[wt:en/news/7262-development-summer-marathon-vehicles-bmd-4-en|Devblog]]===
A complex of research aimed at increasing the combat effectiveness of the Soviet airborne combat vehicle named "Bakhcha-U" was carried out in the Tula Instrument Design Bureau in the second half of the 90's. As a result of the research, the Volgograd Tractor Plant presented an experimental BMD-4 combat vehicle with the Bakhcha-U module, which was put into service on the last day of 2004. An experimental batch of 60 vehicles was delivered to the 137th Guard Paratrooper Regiment for testing. Compared to the BMD-3, the new vehicle significantly surpassed it in terms of combat effectiveness and technical characteristics.

Much attention was paid to the complex of anti-tank armament - a 100 mm cannon-launcher could use guided missiles, including missiles with a tandem warhead. During the tests of the pilot batch, the manufacturer went bankrupt and Kurganmashzavod continued work on the vehicle. During the modernization, an improved version of the IFV was created, which entered service with the Russian army under the name BMD-4M.

== Media ==


;Skins
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_bmd_4 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7262-development-summer-marathon-vehicles-bmd-4-en|[Devblog] Summer marathon vehicles: BMD-4]]

{{USSR light tanks}}
[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]

L-UMTAS

2024-02-22T08:22:58Z

U79942984: Wrote description, general info, usage in battle, pros and cons

== Description ==


The '''L-UMTAS''' is a Turkish air-to-ground missile. The UMTAS family was designed to arm attack helicopters and UCAVs and is a signature weapon of the Turkish [[T129]]. The L-UMTAS in particular is a variant with a semi-active laser homing warhead akin to the [[AGM-114B Hellfire]]. Appearance wise, it lacks the large rear fins of the Hellfire and looks something like a scaled-down [[PARS 3 LR]], and the weight is also somewhat less than the Hellfire. In War Thunder, the L-UMTAS has a surprisingly powerful and capable warhead for its weight but suffers from a very underwhelming flight speed of 180 m/s.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|t_129_atak}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" |Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 37 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || Laser + IOG
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 180 m/s
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 50 secs
|-
| '''Firing range''' || 8 km
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 6.88 kg TNTeq
|-
| '''Armour penetration''' || 1,100 mm
|-
| '''Warhead type''' || HEAT (Tandem)
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===


The L-UMTAS has a raw penetration of 1,100 mm, equal to the contemporary AGM-114B Hellfire, but has a tandem warhead that allows it to bypass ERA. This does not necessarily make an enormous difference because that much raw penetration is enough to blast through most forms of ERA, but it never hurts. The warhead also has 6.88 kg of TNT equivalent that, while less than the AGM-114B, compares favorably to most other helicopter ATGMs at its battle rating and can inflict overpressure damage when striking roof armour.

=== Comparison with analogues ===


* [[AGM-114B Hellfire]] - the L-UMTAS has equal range and relatively similar damage (tandem warhead in exchange for less TNT), but its maximum flight speed is less than half of the Hellfire's.

* [[AKD-9]] - this Chinese ATGM weighs even less than the L-UMTAS. Inferior in range and damage and not a speedster by any means, the AKD-9 still manages to fly twice as fast.

* [[9M120 Ataka]] - the Ataka is also inferior in range and damage but flies three times as fast - it's possible to score multiple Ataka hits before the L-UMTAS strikes once.

* [[Spike ER]] - only seen at significantly higher battle ratings than the L-UMTAS, but invites comparison because it also has a glacial 180 m/s flight speed and an 8 km range. The Spike has a weaker warhead but its infrared imaging seeker allows for complete fire-and-forget operation, so its pilot can disengage while the missiles make their way downrange.

== Usage in battles ==


The L-UMTAS is yet another semi-active laser homing missile that can generally be used like the Hellfire. Although it boasts a powerful tandem warhead at a relatively low battle rating before the [[AGM-114K Hellfire II]] becomes widely available, users must work around its very nearly worst-in-class flight speed — it will only outrun the ancient [[RB 53 Bantam]] (85 m/s max) and [[9M14M Malyutka]] (140 m/s max). This flight speed is a major downside because the pilot must generally maintain a line of sight while using the missile. When fired at max range it will take nearly 50 seconds for the missile to arrive, which is an eternity to spend dodging an enemy radar SAM. Even in the absence of enemy air defense it is very possible for a target to duck behind cover or get destroyed by other methods in the meantime.

If the L-UMTAS must be used for SAM hunting, the lock-after-launch functionality allows the user to hide for the majority of the flight duration and only pop up in the last few seconds of terminal guidance. However the T129 has [[CIRIT]] laser-guided rockets with an equal maximum range, vastly superior speed, and still enough damage to dispatch SAMs, so ironically it may be better to reserve the L-UMTAS for close quarters use where the flight time isn't overwhelming.

While Hellfire-type missiles are often used as ad-hoc AAMs due to their good range and ability to lead their targets, the L-UMTAS is so slow that it will likely lose to any other helicopter weapon in a joust. Against fixed-wing aircraft it tends to run out of energy trying to pull any horizontal lead and may even have trouble catching certain prop planes in a tail chase. Guns and MANPAD missiles are more reliable.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Commendable penetration, tandem warhead, solid TNT equivalent, good effect upon a hit
* SALH guidance allows for lock-after-launch and salvo firing

'''Cons:'''

* Exceptionally poor flight speed, worst among all SALH missiles
* Limited utility against flying targets because of its kinematics

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon 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 weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-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>.''

== 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 weapon;''
* ''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.''

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

9M123 Khrizantema

2024-02-20T03:46:52Z

U79942984: Wrote description, general info, usage in battle, pros & cons

== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage 9M123.png|thumb|left|420px|The 9M123 missile (the launch tube, missile with fist stage motor, and deployed missile are shown; scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a Russian beam-riding [[Anti-tank guided missiles|anti-tank guided missile]]. It exists in two variants: 9M123 and 9M123F, and was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

The Khrizantema was designed to replace the legacy Soviet [[9M120 Ataka]] and [[9M114 Shturm]] missile systems. Although it still has some visual resemblance to its forebears, the standard 9M123 variant is a heavier missile with a larger warhead boasting 50% more penetration than the Ataka. The 9M123F variant available to the ground-based launcher has a thermobaric warhead with as much explosive power as a 155 mm artillery shell. Damage effects aside, the Khrizantema maximum speed and effective range are the same as the Ataka.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|ussr_9p157}}
* {{Specs-Link|mi_28nm}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="display:inline-table;text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | 9M123
|-
| '''Type''' || Tandem
|-
| '''Calibre''' || 155 mm
|-
| '''Mass''' || 46 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || Beam-riding
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 550 m/s
|-
| '''Firing Range''' || 6 km
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 25 secs
|-
| '''Explosive''' || 6.16 kg TNTeq
|-
| '''Fuze sensitivity''' || 0.1 mm
|-
| '''Fuze delay''' || 0.4 m
|-
| '''Armour penetration''' || 1,200 mm
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="display:inline-table;text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | 9M123F
|-
| '''Type''' || HE
|-
| '''Calibre''' || 155 mm
|-
| '''Mass''' || 46 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || Beam-riding
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 550 m/s
|-
| '''Firing Range''' || 6 km
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 25 secs
|-
| '''Explosive''' || 9.24 kg TNTeq
|-
| '''Fuze sensitivity''' || 0.1 mm
|-
| '''Fuze delay''' || 0.2 m
|-
| '''Armour penetration''' || 61 mm
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===


The 9M123's large caliber warhead punches much harder than the Ataka it was designed to replace. 1200 mm of tandem-warhead penetration will obliterate just about any top tier tank with a hull impact, and if that wasn't enough, the 6.16 kg TNT equivalent adds potential for overpressure knockouts to the mix.

The thermobaric 9M123F lacks flat penetration but is capable of causing catastrophic overpressure damage even through hull roofs, so turret ring impacts will usually blow an MBT sky-high. It can sometimes destroy targets through hits to the road wheels as well.

=== Comparison with analogues ===


* [[9K127 Vikhr]] - among Russian helicopter missiles, the Vikhr still enjoys superior range, a higher flight speed, and a proximity fuse for targeting aircraft, but its warhead is much weaker than the Khrizantema

* [[AGM-114K Hellfire II]]/[[ZT-6 Mokopa]]/[[AKD-10]] - the Hellfire II and its peers have equal or better lethality and better range than the Khrizantema, but they take longer to reach a target and have more complicated guidance.

* [[PARS 3 LR]]/[[Spike ER]] - these fire-and-forget helicopter ATGMs with infrared imaging seekers have better range and are safer to use than the Khrizantema, but they also fly much more slowly (particularly the Spike at less than 200 m/s max) and don't hit as hard.

== Usage in battles ==


The 9M123 Khrizantema can simply be used as an improved Ataka. Although the range is still lacking for use with top-tier helicopters and it has no F&F, salvo firing, or lock-after-launch gimmicks compared to its contemporaries, the damage and flight speed are nothing to sneeze at if there aren't many enemy SAM systems up. On the ground-based Khrizantema-S, the 9M123 is arguably the most powerful and reliable ATGM for direct ground combat among its peers, and is more limited by the capabilities of its platform than anything else.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''
* Great penetration and good TNT equivalent
* Second-best flight speed among helicopter ATGMs
* Direct flight path and beam-riding guidance, easy to use and less likely to be spoofed by smoke than other missiles

'''Cons:'''
* Limited maximum range compared to other top helicopter ATGMs
* Must have constant line of sight to engage target

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon 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 weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-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>.''

== Media ==


;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|faKyQOTmzDw|'''Best guided missiles''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 2:49 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== 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 weapon;''
* ''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.''

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

9M120 Ataka

2024-02-19T07:03:16Z

U79942984: Wrote most sections (description, general info, usage in battles, pros & cons)

{{About
| about = Russian air-to-ground missile '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = 9M120-1 Ataka
}}
== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage 9M120 Helicopter.png|thumb|left|420px|The 9M120 Ataka missile with fins folded and deployed (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a Russian SACLOS-guided air-to-ground missile. It was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]].

The Ataka is a development of the earlier [[9M114 Shturm]] missile family with an improved warhead and booster. It looks almost identical as a result, the main difference being the prominent nose probe for the tandem charge. The Ataka largely fixes the flaws of the preceding "Kokon" with much greater lethality and adds an extra kilometer of range as well, resulting in a straightforward all-round missile.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|mi_28a_sweden}}
* {{Specs-Link|mi_28n}}
* {{Specs-Link|mi_35m}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 33 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || Semi-Automatic (SACLOS)
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 550 m/s
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 25 secs
|-
| '''Firing range''' || 6 km
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 4.48 kg TNTeq
|-
| '''Armour penetration''' || 800 mm
|}

=== Effective damage ===


The Ataka's 800 mm of flat penetration is quite good, equaling the TOW-2, and enough to punch holes in most contemporary ground targets. However many top-tier MBTs have strong composite armour in their turrets with more than 800 mm of chemical protection, so it's best to target hull armour. The tandem warhead allows it to remain effective against tanks with ERA, but not always - the ERA variants used by contemporary Chinese MBTs such as the [[ZTZ96A]] are immune to tandem warheads and the Ataka does not have enough penetration to brute force through. Compared to the 9M114, the Ataka has about half a kilogram of extra TNT equivalent for additional effectiveness against light targets.

=== Comparison with analogues ===
* [[AGM-114B Hellfire]] - functionally a very different missile from the Ataka, with semi-active laser guidance and a top attack profile. In terms of firepower, the Hellfire has much greater penetration and TNT equivalent, but it lacks a tandem warhead and takes longer to reach its target.

* [[HOT-3]] - a fellow high-tier SACLOS holdout, the HOT-3 is much more powerful than the Ataka with a tandem warhead penetrating 1,250 mm of RHA, but it has a 4.30 km max range and a paltry 250 m/s maximum flight speed that makes it very inconvenient to use.

* [[AKD-9]] - the AKD-9 has the same penetration and range as the Ataka but functions like a slower Hellfire with less TNT equivalent. Generally outperformed by the Ataka outside of edge cases like lock-on-after launch.

* [[L-UMTAS]] - another Hellfire-like missile, the UMTAS has a powerful tandem warhead and good range for its battle rating but suffers from a glacial 180 m/s maximum speed that makes the HOT-3 seem fast and the Ataka seem hypersonic.

== Usage in battles ==


The Ataka is a straightforward, no-nonsense missile at a rank where many helicopter pilots of other nations have to learn the ropes of the Hellfire. With no laser designator to worry about, using it is as simple as locking on with the auto tracker and firing, making any desired adjustments to the auto-tracker aim point as the missile flies within the pilot's field of view. Since the missile directly follows the cursor, it's easier to keep track of a target that's moving between cover or bushes. This simplicity also precludes it from some of the Hellfire's advanced functions like salvo firing (for double taps or multi-target engagement) and lock-on-after launch (for hiding from SAMs). Instead of system management, the Ataka asks for some attention to detail in how to dispatch enemies, since a direct-fire missile with 800 mm of raw penetration isn't always effective against advanced MBTs from the front. Identify targets carefully and aim for weak points such as hull or side armour.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''
* Powerful tandem charge warhead is generally sufficient for frontal attacks against modern MBTs
* Retains fast flight speed from the Shturm, has longer range too
* Direct flight path means shorter time to target than Hellfire-like missiles

'''Cons:'''
* Outranged by the Hellfire
* No salvo firing capability, only one Ataka can be guided at a time
* No lock-on-after launch, user must be exposed for entire flight duration against SAMs
* Warhead isn't powerful enough for sturdy composite armour or advanced tandem-warhead-resistant ERA

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon 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 weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-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>.''

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

== See also ==


;Related development
* [[9M120-1 Ataka]]

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

9M114 Shturm

2024-02-19T05:24:58Z

U79942984: Wrote most sections (description, general info, usage in battles, pros & cons)

== Description ==

{|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| [[File:WeaponImage 9M114 Shturm.png|thumb|left|420px|The 9M114 missile (the launch tube, missile with first stage motor, and deployed missile are shown; scale is approximate)]]
| [[File:WeaponImage 9M120 Tank.png|thumb|left|420px|The 9M120 missile (the launch tube, missile with first stage motor, and deployed missile are shown; scale is approximate)]]
|-
|}
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a Soviet SACLOS-guided [[Anti-tank guided missiles|anti-tank guided missile]]. It was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]].

The 9M114 "Shturm" complex is a versatile missile system designed to be mounted on ground vehicles and helicopters. Its physical appearance is distinctive, with a relatively skinny 130 mm diameter, small fins at the rear, and a 1.625 meter length that makes it look more like a rocket than an ATGM, especially while still loaded in its canister. Although the 9M114 family can't exactly boast overwhelming firepower, particularly the basic "Kokon" model available to helicopters in War Thunder, all members are surprisingly quick in flight and have good effective ranges.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Tank Destroyers'''}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_9p149}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Attack helicopters'''}}{{Specs-Link|ka_29}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|mi_8amtsh}}
{{Navigation-Line|Mi-24}}{{Specs-Link|mi_24p}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|mi_24p_hungary}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|mi_24p_german}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|mi_24p_german_hfs80}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|mi_24v}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|mi_24v_hungary}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|mi_35m}}

{{Navigation-End}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Calibre''' || 130 mm
|-
| '''Mass''' || 31.4 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || Semi-Automatic (SACLOS)
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 550 m/s
|-
| '''Firing Range''' || 5 km
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 20 secs
|-
| '''Explosive''' || 3.93 kg TNTeq
|-
| '''Fuze sensitivity''' || 0.1 mm
|-
| '''Armour penetration''' || 560 mm
|-
|}

This information is relevant to the basic 9M114 "Kokon" variant used by Soviet helicopters. For the additional variants used by the [[Shturm-S]] ground vehicle, see [[9M114 Shturm/Ammunition]].

=== Effective damage ===


The basic 9M114 has rather underwhelming firepower. 560 mm of flat penetration is actually somewhat lower than the [[9M17M Falanga]] the Shturm was designed to replace and significantly inferior compared to the TOW-2 and HOT-2 used by contemporary NATO helicopters. 3.93 kg of TNT equivalent is not bad and enough to knock out light targets with overpressure. It is generally not effective against composite or reactive armour.

=== Comparison with analogues ===
* [[BGM-71D TOW-2]] - the TOW-2 has much better penetration, a higher TNT equivalent, and even IRCCM, making it a much deadlier missile. However it has a slower flight speed and a range of less than 4 kilometers.

* [[HOT-2]] - the HOT-2's 900 mm of penetration makes the 9M114 seem like a firecracker, however like the TOW it also has a shorter range. The HOT also suffers from an especially poor flight speed of 250 m/s.

* [[HJ-8C]] - the HJ-8C is plainly inferior to the Shturm in almost all categories, having a very disappointing 3 km range and an even slower flight speed than the HOT-2. Where it outshines the Shturm is its tandem warhead - although it might have problems against some types of composite armour at 590 mm of penetration, it has no problem with ERA.

== Usage in battles ==


The basic 9M114 can be counted on to provide a fast and long, if not very powerful punch. On helicopters, it's best used to take out priority targets like SPAA vehicles from a safe distance first. After creeping closer to the battlefield, it's easier to target weak points or switch to more powerful ordnance like heavy unguided rockets.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''
* Great flight speed
* Better range than comparable missiles
* Responsive to control inputs, easy to steer

'''Cons:'''
* Relatively weak warhead, easily stopped by composite or reactive armour

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon 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 weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-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>.''

== 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 weapon;''
* ''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.''

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

ZT-6 Mokopa

2024-02-19T04:30:33Z

U79942984: Fleshed out most of page (description, general info, usage in battles, pros & cons)

== Description ==


The ZT-6 Mokopa ("Black Mamba") is a South African air-to-ground missile with semi-active laser guidance in the same class as the American [[AGM-114K Hellfire II]] and the Chinese [[AKD-10]]. Appearance-wise it is a nondescript, cylindrical missile with small, stubby control surfaces and a green paint scheme. It shares many features with its counterparts: top-attack flight profile, tandem warhead, and inertial guidance (IOG) capability for lock-after-launch attacks.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|ah_2_rooivalk}}

== General info ==


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 49.8 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || Laser+IOG
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 530 m/s
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 50.0 secs
|-
| '''Firing range''' || 10 km
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 5.37 kg TNTeq
|-
| '''Armour penetration''' || 1,350 mm
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===


The Mokopa has a very powerful tandem-HEAT warhead penetrating up to 1,350 mm of RHA, which is in excess of the Hellfire II and a very close second to the AKD-10. All of these missiles have grossly excessive penetration for top attack profiles, but it never hurts to have extra flat pen if the impact point is a tricky piece of armour geometry. Even the [[Leopard 2A5]]'s signature turret prow can't always absorb a Mokopa.

However the Mokopa does suffer from a below average TNT equivalent at only 5.37 kg. This is still plenty for obliterating light targets but much less than the Hellfire II. In practice this means that it's slightly more likely for a target with roof ERA (e.g. Soviet tanks) to avoid the overpressure effects that would normally cause a one-hit knockout, and destroying light targets hiding in cover with splash damage is more difficult.

=== Comparison with analogues ===


The Mokopa compares quite favorably to the Hellfire II and AKD-10. The nearly best-in-class penetration is a nice perk, but its main power is the very strong kinematics: the 530 m/s top speed is the fastest of all Hellfire-style ATGMs in War Thunder and the 10 km maximum launch range is best-in-class, tied with the AKD-10. A Mokopa user can sit far behind the battlefield in relative safety and not have to wait an excessively long time for the missiles to arrive to their targets. This also makes the Mokopa effective for jousting with enemy helicopters, although the infamous Soviet [[9K127 Vikhr]] is still faster and has a proximity fuse to boot.

The Mokopa only has a few drawbacks: as mentioned earlier, the lesser TNT equivalent will sometimes lead to inconsistent lethality upon a successful hit, and the powerful rocket motor can sometimes backfire at closer engagement distances by not giving the missile enough room to maneuver.

== Usage in battles ==


The Mokopa can generally be used the same way as the Hellfire II. Be slightly more prudent with the laser designator aiming point when targeting tanks because pointing to a turret roof won't always lead to an overpressure knockout; a good hit should either hit unprotected roof armour or place ammo racks in the path of the HEAT jet. At close quarters, the Mokopa has a tendency to overshoot its targets due to its sheer speed. It's best to use unguided rockets for rushing attacks instead and maintain a comfortable distance otherwise.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''
* Highest flight speed, highest penetration, and best range of any Western helicopter ATGM
* Semi-active laser guidance allows for salvo firing and lock-after-launch

'''Cons:'''
* Below average TNT equivalent
* Unwieldy at short range

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon 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 weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-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>.''

== 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 weapon;''
* ''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.''

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

MiG-29SMT

2023-12-23T23:58:55Z

U79942984: /* Armaments */ Wrote armament descriptions.

{{About
|about = Soviet jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage = other versions
|link = MiG-29 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=mig_29smt_9_19
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

By the turn of the millennium, the Russian VVS had fallen behind its adversaries again in terms of air power, due to the financial issues of post-Soviet Russia. With lack of funding resulting in the failure of the Mikoyan MFI and the MiG 1.44 program to produce a 5th generation frontline fighter to replace the MiG-29, a new aircraft was required to act as a counter to the latest [[F-16 (Family)|F-16]] variants and new Eurocanard fighters such as the Typhoon, Rafale, and Gripen. RSK MiG decided to restart development of their MiG-29SMT (9.17) from the mid-90s, and presented the idea of a MiG-29 modernized for the 21st century to the Russian government. With the cost savings of updating a older airframe being the main advantage, the development of the MiG-29SMT was greenlit, and the MiG-29SMT was heavily updated and upgraded into the 9.18 and 9.19 variants. To recoup some of the development costs, both variants were almost exclusively intended for export, with a special and slightly downgraded variant of the 9.19 created exclusively for the Russian VVS to save costs. The development of the 9.19 was finalized in 2006 with pre-production aircraft performing regular test flights and air-show demonstrations to lure foreign buyers. In the following years, the MiG-29SMT (9.19) would enter mass production where it would find homes with the Russian VVS, the Algerian Air Force, and the Syrian Arab Air Force.

The '''{{Specs|name}}''', introduced in [[Update "Sons of Attila"]], brings a new taste to a formidable beast that most top-rank pilots in War Thunder are familiar with. While the flight performance feels significantly worse than its predecessor, the previous [[MiG-29|MiG-29 (9.13)]], the new MiG-29SMT brings to the table a completely game-changing set of weaponry, including some of the best air-to-air missiles in the game such as the R-73 and R-27E family. This, combined with the upgraded avionics, radar, and upgraded assortment of guided ground ordnance for precision CAS, makes the MiG-29SMT a very dangerous and formidable aircraft in the top ranks of War Thunder.

== 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 12,000 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
| 2,261 || 2,216 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 23.1 || 23.5 || 257.5 || 244.8 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,442 || 2,347 || 21.9 || 22.5 || 346.1 || 300.0
|-
|}

==== 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 || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,575  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 532 || 463 || ~10 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{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" | Klimov RD-33 Series 3 || 2
| colspan="2" | 11,670 kg || colspan="3" | 435 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | 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
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 40m fuel
|-
| 1,050 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 13,081 kg || 14,018 kg || 15,192 kg || 16,373 kg || 20,979 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="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 40m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 3,920 kgf || 6,816 kgf
| 1.04 || 0.97 || 0.90 || 0.83 || 0.65
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,430 kgf (1,575 km/h) || 12,445 kgf (1,575 km/h)
| 1.90 || 1.78 || 1.64 || 1.52 || 1.19
|-
|}

=== 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="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-30-1 (30 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon, cheek-mounted (150 rpg) + 60 x countermeasures
** 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon + 60 x countermeasures + 56 x large calibre countermeasures

Compared to the basic MiG-29, the SMT is capable of mounting supplementary large calibre countermeasures for better self-protection.

=== 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="20" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_MiG-29.png]]</div>
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| || 4 || 4 || || 4 || 4 ||
|-
! [[FAB-250M-54 (250 kg)|250 kg FAB-250M-54]] bombs
| || 1, 2 || 1, 2 || || 1, 2 || 1, 2 ||
|-
! [[FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|250 kg FAB-250M-62]] bombs
| || 1, 2 || 1, 2 || || 1, 2 || 1, 2 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
| || 1, 2 || 1, 2 || || 1, 2 || 1, 2 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500M-54 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-54]] bombs
| || 1 || 1, 2 || || 1, 2 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| || 1 || 1, 2 || || 1, 2 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
| || 1 || 1, 2 || || 1, 2 || 1 ||
|-
! [[KAB-500Kr-E (500 kg)|500 kg KAB-500Kr-E]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| || 20 || 20 || || 20 || 20 ||
|-
! [[S-13OF]] rockets
| || 5 || 5 || || 5 || 5 ||
|-
! [[Kh-29TD]] missiles
| || || 1 || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27R]] missiles
| || || 1 || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27T]] missiles
| || || 1 || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27ER]] missiles
| || || 1 || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27ET]] missiles
| || || 1 || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-73]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! 2,000 l drop tanks
| || || || 1 || || ||
|-
| colspan="8" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
|}

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

* 1 x 2,000 l drop tank
* 2 x R-73 missiles
* 6 x R-73 missiles
* 2 x R-27T missiles
* 2 x R-27R missiles
* 2 x R-27ET missiles
* 2 x R-27ER missiles
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
* 20 x S-13OF rockets
* 2 x Kh-29TD missiles
* 16 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (1,600 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 6 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (3,000 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 6 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (3,000 kg total)
* 4 x 500 kg KAB-500Kr-E bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 4 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

The MiG-29SMT's upgraded arsenal is one of its main selling points. The obsolete R-60M has been removed and replaced with the superior R-73, which Soviet pilots may have seen earlier on the [[Su-25T]]. The R-73 has a much better seeker with IRCCM, a higher overload, better range, and a thrust vectoring system for constant maneuvering. When combined with the MiG-29SMT's helmet-mounted display, they are a deadly option for dogfights and help compensate for the decreased maneuverability of the airframe.

The R-27 missiles return, this time with a new offering in the R-27ET extended-range IR guided variant. Although the R-27ER and R-27ET are both potent, the MiG-29SMT is still limited by the capacity of only two R-27s.

The ground attack arsenal sees a number of improvements. In terms of unguided weapons, the bomb loadout remains the same but the older S-24 HE rocket has been replaced with the podded S-13OF, which has somewhat less HE power but five times the capacity per pylon. The inner pylons can now mount TV-guided munitions in the form of the Kh-29TD (functionally identical to the Kh-29T seen on other Soviet jets) and the KAB-500Kr, which are nice to have in mixed battles for standoff attacks against SPAA. However the capacity of only two such munitions is much lower than comparable American jets like the [[F-16C]], which can not only carry three times as many air-to-ground missiles but also has a targeting pod and laser-guided bombs. Thus, while the MiG-29SMT is a useful multirole fighter, pilots shouldn't expect to be able to clear out an entire enemy team in one run.

== Usage in battles ==

'''Air Combat'''

While the MiG-29SMT has reduced manoeuvrability from the added fuel tank compared to the MiG-29, it's still extremely strong in air combat.

When it comes to BVR, the MiG-29SMT dominates with the R-27ER missiles that have long range and acceptable overload, and its powerful radar that has a lot of special features and acceptable range. This, along with the new SPO-150 RWR that increases situational awareness by giving information about the exact vehicle that's pinging the MiG-29SMT, makes it perfect for BVR combat.

The MiG-29SMT is also strong in close-range engagements. It carries the R-73, which is an extremely effective heat-seeking missile with 40G overload and great range for its type. You'll want to use it in unpredictable ways where the enemy won't expect it to track reliably to avoid being flared away by using the missile's wide gimbal limits.

'''CAS (Close Air Support)/Ground Attack'''

The MiG-29SMT has amazing ground ordnance that allows it to take down ground targets reliably. The TV guided KAB-500Kr-E bombs are incredibly useful, enough to take down several tanks with ease when multiple bombs are dropped. And if you mix the TV guided bombs with the new and improved Kh-29TD air-to-ground missiles, it becomes the perfect aircraft to attack ground targets while remaining viable as a fighter.

You can also select traditional dumb bombs and rockets that, if used with precision, can be lethal to anything that crosses their path.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Incredibly versatile weapon systems; some of the best air-to-air missiles in-game
* Very effective radar, IRST, and HMD targeting systems
* Unlike its predecessor, it has an improved digital RWR that increases awareness.
* Great upgrade in CAS capabilities over its predecessors
* "Rita" voice warning system

'''Cons:'''

* Increased weight over previous variants; heavily downgraded manoeuvrability and acceleration
* Bleeds energy dangerously fast during manoeuvres
* Less countermeasures than majority of its adversaries

== History ==

After the dissolution of the USSR, the Russian Federation sought to find a replacement for its aging older Su-27 and MiG-29 fighters, to match the 4+ and 5th generation capability of its NATO adversaries. The original program for a frontline fighter replacement for the MiG-29, the Mikoyan 1.44, failed due to lack of funding in post-Soviet Russia. Eventually, the Russian Federation would settle for heavily upgrading their existing MiG-29s into 4+ generation standards as a stop-gap solution not only for them, but also for export customers. The resulting project built upon Mikoyan's older ''Project 9.17A'', the original MiG-29SMT from 1996, upgrading it with 21st century avionics and equipment.
[[File:Mig-29smt.jpg|left|thumb|MiG-29SMT "02 Red" at Odintsovo, Russian Federation, circa 2009. This is the same aircraft that the default skin ingame is based on.]]
The "new" MiG-29SMT was split into two models, airframe numbers 9.18 and 9.19, and was developed throughout the early 2000s not only as Russia's new frontline fighter to replace the older MiG-29s, but also as a proper 4+ generation upgrade for export customers still using the older MiG-29A and MiG-29S, and as such was redesigned from the ground up. The new MiG-29SMT would incorporate a plethora of upgrades to differentiate it from all previous MiG-29s, and easily placing it on the same level of technological advancement as some other 4+ generation fighters. The MiG-29SMT, first and foremost, revamped the airframe and how it is controlled. The SMT received reinforced wings and fuel tanks to increase its range, and to account for the weight increase and changes in control, the aircraft features a hybrid control system of both mechanically linked hydraulics and fly-by-wire. The powerplant also included the option for uprated, higher thrust engines for export customers, as the Russian VVS opted out of this engine upgrade to keep unit costs down. One of the primary upgrades for the SMT was extending the poor range of previous MiG-29 variants. This was achieved by not only making the saddle fuel tank noticeably larger (giving the SMT its "hunchback" appearance), but by also adding a in-flight refueling probe on the portside of the nose, allowing for mid-air refueling. The 9.18 variant lacked the larger saddle tank to keep costs down and was marketed primarily for export to smaller countries where longer range was not a important factor. Yemen would be the only customer to purchase the 9.18.
[[File:Mig-29smt 2.jpg|thumb|MiG-29SMT "77 Green" demonstration at MAKS 2015]]
The MiG-29SMT also featured a full overhaul to its avionics suite, with the most important changes being the new Zhuk-M (N-010ME) radar, a modernized and heavily upgraded variant of the older N010 Zhuk originally intended for the [[Yak-141]], specific variants of the Su-27, and the MiG-29M modernization program. The new radar and fire control system were also linked to a new, state-of-the-art "Glass-cockpit" design, where instrumentation was either digitalized, or kept at a minimum for the sake of incorporating Color Multi-function Displays in the cockpit, to streamline the pilot's workload. The new radar and fire control system also allowed the new MiG-29SMT to carry a upgraded arsenal of weaponry, namely the R-74 and R-77 missiles, while also expanding upon the aircraft's CAS capabilities with new ground ordnance such as the [[Kh-29TD]], Kh-31, and [[KAB-500Kr-E (500 kg)|KAB-500Kr]]. The MiG-29SMT's fire control system also included software giving it compatibility with laser ordnance if a laser targeting pod was equipped, and compatibility with some NATO ordnance and targeting systems, intended for export customers' use with mixed hardware.

The MiG-29SMT (9.19) would first take to the skies in 2006, with deliveries to the Russian VVS starting in the following years. The 9.19 would also be exported to multiple countries throughout the 2010s, primarily Algeria and Syria, where it would see decent success in active combat with the latter country in the ongoing civil war. The same could not be said about Algeria, who had opted for the aforementioned option of having upgraded engines, but ended up returning some of the aircraft due to the engines being defective, and acquiring Su-30 aircraft instead to replace the defective MiG-29SMTs.

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

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8460-development-mig-29smt-strike-from-beyond-the-horizon-en|[Devblog] MiG-29SMT: Strike From Beyond The Horizon]]

{{AirManufacturer MiG}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}

Su-27

2023-12-23T23:44:58Z

U79942984: Wrote armament and ordnance descriptions.

{{Specs-Card
|code=su_27
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

Shortly after the Vietnam War, both the United States and the Soviet Union got to work on a new generation of fighter aircraft that favoured manoeuvrability and dogfight performance over top speed, after seeing how badly "missile truck" designs like the [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)|F-4 Phantom II]] performed against more nimble aircraft that were as much as 20 years older. In 1969, the Soviet Union received details through spies on the USAF's F-X program and the aircraft it was leading to, the [[F-15A|F-15 Eagle]]. As a result, the Soviets also decided to adopt a "Heavy support" doctrine with their new generation of fighters, with a smaller amount of a larger, more powerful aircraft supporting a larger amount of smaller, cheaper "frontline" aircraft just as the US was going to do with the F-15 and [[F-16 (Family)|F-16]] respectively. The design of the heavy fighter was handed to OKB Sukhoi, which quickly produced the T-10 prototype. The T-10 had many shortcomings, and after a lot of work with {{Annotation|TsAGI|Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute of Moscow}} to iron out the issues, the Su-27 would take to the skies for the first time in 1977. Development would continue further, and the first true "production models" would only enter service in 1985, beginning a fruitious life in Soviet service, and later in Chinese, Ethiopian, Vietnamese, Eritrian, Indonesian, Ukranian, Kazakh, Uzbekh, and Russian service with many aircraft of the type still seeing combat today.

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (NATO reporting name: ''Flanker'') was introduced in [[Update "Air Superiority"]] as the top-end heavy fighter for the USSR tree, capping off the Sukhoi line and beginning its transition from high speed fighter-bombers to the venerable Flanker family. The Su-27 is a jack of all trades yet a master of almost none, and that playstyle is its strongest suite. The Flanker carries a very generous amount of air to air missiles (ten), including up to six heat-seeking missiles with HMD targeting, and four of the infamous R-27ER coupled with the strong N001 Mech radar. The Flanker's lethal missile selection allows it to dispatch distracted many enemies at safe distances, and when push comes to shove, the Flanker's inherently unstable airframe and fly-by-wire control systems allows it to perform high angle-of-attack manoeuvres and partial post-stall manoeuvres at lower speeds, including the famed Cobra manoeuvres. All in all, the Su-27 should be played as a jack of all trades, and fits best into a very aggressive playable due to its lethal missiles, great avionics and sensors, and nimble flight performance. One must, however, be aware of various enemies you can encounter in the Flanker, such as all the aircraft that carry IRCCM missiles due to the Flanker's large heat signature as a result of the two massive AL-31 engines, but also be careful of dogfighting aircraft from the F-15 Eagle family, as the Eagle's superior TWR and high-speed handling as a result of the stable airframe will give F-15 players an advantage in some scenarios.

== 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 _,___ 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
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== 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 || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,540  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 652 || 600 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{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" | Saturn AL-31F || 2
| colspan="2" | 16,420 kg || colspan="3" | 417 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | 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
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 44m fuel
|-
| 1,520 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 19,240 kg || 20,614 kg || 22,711 kg || 25,820 kg || 33,798 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="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 44m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 7,219 kgf || 11,656 kgf
| 1.21 || 1.13 || 1.03 || 0.90 || 0.69
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 7,219 kgf (0 km/h) || 15,640 kgf (1,540 km/h)
| 1.63 || 1.52 || 1.38 || 1.21 || 0.92
|-
|}

=== 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="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-30-1 (30 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon, wing root-mounted (150 rpg)
* 96 x large calibre countermeasures

The Su-27 uses the same 30 mm autocannon as the MiG-29 with the same limited ammunition count of 150 rounds. Although it is not as forgiving as the American M61 Vulcan and demands precision, it has no spool up time and will deal heavy damage to any aircraft it hits. Something to note is that the Su-27's cannon is mounted on the right side of the fuselage, whereas the MiG-29's mount is on the left.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8 !! width="5%" | 9 !! width="5%" | 10
| rowspan="19" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| || 1 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|250 kg FAB-250M-62]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250-270 (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250-270]] bombs
| || 1 || 1, 2, 6 || 1, 5 || 1, 4 || 1, 2 || 1, 5 || 1, 2, 6 || 1 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| || || 20, 40 || || || || || 20, 40 || ||
|-
! [[S-13OF]] rockets
| || || 5, 10 || || || || || 5, 10 || ||
|-
! [[S-25O]] rockets
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[S-25OF]] rockets
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[S-25OFM]] rockets
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[R-27ER]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27ET]] missiles
| || || 1 || || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27R]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27T]] missiles
| || || 1 || || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-73]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 8,040 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
|}

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

* Without load
* 2 x R-73 missiles
* 6 x R-73 missiles
* 2 x R-27T missiles
* 6 x R-27R missiles
* 2 x R-27ET missiles
* 6 x R-27ER missiles
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
* 20 x S-13OF rockets
* 4 x S-25O rockets
* 38 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (3,800 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 30 x 250 kg OFAB-250-270 bombs (7,500 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

The Su-27 has a fairly wide arsenal. The air-to-air armaments are generally similar to the [[MiG-29SMT]], with highly agile R-73 IR missiles for short-range combat and various marks of R-27 missiles for medium to long range engagements. However it has a large advantage in capacity over the MiG-29; a full air superiority loadout consists of four R-73s and up to six R-27s, which makes it an excellent missile truck for BVR jousting.

The extended-range R-27ER and R-27ET are the most capable members of the R-27 family and should be used once unlocked. The R-27ET (and its less advanced R-27T) can only be mounted on the inboard wing pylons for a maximum capacity of two, but this is sufficient for a couple of long-range sneak attacks to round out the Su-27's engagement capabilities. The inboard pylons can also mount R-73s instead for pilots who want to bring as many dogfight missiles as possible.

The Su-27 is limited to only unguided bombs and rockets for ground attack, so unlike the MiG-29SMT it cannot use TV-guided missile or bombs for standoff engagements. One notable feature is that it can carry up to four S-25O heavy bunker-buster rockets made famous by the [[Su-25]], which can be a fun surprise for combined battles when enemy SAMs are suppressed or confused. All rockets are mounted in double racks on the inboard pylons, leaving the other pylons available for R-73s, R-27s, or bombs in a multirole loadout.

== Usage in battles ==

Created as as fighter to combat the F-15 Eagle, this aircraft can equip up to 6x R-27 SARH missiles, which are famous for being extremely effective. Along with this, a new, capable radar lets the Su-27 engage in BVR fights better than any soviet fighter before it.

Not only that, but you get access to the R-73, a 40G missile that is feared among oponnents for being unpredictable, and precise. You can use this missile to engage targets at close range, and if the fight transitions into a dogfight, do not worry. Although it's big, and mounts a lot of missiles, it's not slow or bulky. In fact, it's the opposite, as this aircraft can engage in short dogfights in a way never seen before: '''The Su-27 can pull extreme AOA without problems.'''

Even if you're struggling to get on the tail of the enemy, you can simply lead your nose with no problem even if it seems impossible to do so, allowing for quick usage of a dogfight missile (R-73).

However, watch out: The [[JAS39A|Gripen]], [[F-16C|F-16]] and even the [[MiG-29SMT|MiG-29]] will almost always outturn you, so if you're in a fight with any of them, and the dogfight starts getting too long, you'll have to start considering retreating from the fight.

=== Pros and cons ===

''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

* Can carry up to 10 powerful missiles, getting access both to the R-73 and R-27
* Capable of extreme maneuvers, due to the AOA tolerance
* Can stay in the air for a long time, thanks to the huge fuel load

'''Cons:'''

* Although it pulls extreme AOA, it can't stay in dogfights for too long
* The SPO-15 RWR doesn't provide information about the exact vehicle

== 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 ==

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

== External links ==

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Sukhoi}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}

JH-7A

2023-12-23T09:20:38Z

U79942984: /* Armaments */ Wrote armament descriptions.

{{Specs-Card
|code=jh_7a
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

Due to the advent of the latest US and Russian strike aircraft projects of the time, such as the F-15E and the Su-34, China quickly realized their Q-5 fleet was technologically behind. Building a new supersonic heavy strike aircraft was no easy task, especially for China which had started the program lacking the required technological advancements to complete it. The development program began in the late 1980s as China aimed to bolster its naval aviation capabilities. This twin-engine, two-seat fighter-bomber was designed by the Nanchang Aircraft Corporation and later upgraded by the Xi'an Aircraft Corporation. The initial variant, the JH-7, first flew in 1988. It was equipped with a variety of systems, including the JL-10A radar and various electronic countermeasures, making it a versatile platform for ground attack and maritime strike missions. The JH-7 program faced many challenges, but by 1992, the first serial production variant of the JH-7, the '''JH-7A''', officially entered service, where it played a significant role in modernizing China's naval air forces and showcasing their ambitions in the world of military aviation. While not as famous as other strike aircraft of its era, the JH-7 series is a noteworthy example of China's incredible strides in defense technology.

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (歼轰-7A型歼击轰炸机; unified NATO reporting name: ''Flounder'') was introduced in [[Update "Kings of Battle"]]. Being a dedicated strike-fighter, the JH-7A specializes in the ground-strike role, and suffers in dedicated air-to-air combat at its battle rating, despite having access to the formidable [[PL-8]] and [[PL-5C]] all aspect missiles. As such, this aircraft can struggle in dedicated air modes, and instead shines the brightest in mixed battles thanks to its selection of precision ground ordnance and powerful targeting pod. The strong radar and all-aspect missiles can prove to be a strong form of self-defence in mixed battles if the need arises. All in all, the JH-7A serves as a major upgrade in technology and capability over its predecessors in the tech tree, namely the Q-5 family.

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

At first glance, players will see some similarities between the JH-7A and Jaguar, the latter being one of the targets the JH-7 aimed for during design (the other is Tornado IDS for its great payload). Due to the need to carry heavy ordnance such as AShMs and future provisions for AGMs, the JH-7A's size is still one of the largest among domestically designed PLANAF/PLAAF jets (even the largest J-20 is shorter than JH-7A by 2 metres). To mitigate the possible problems from its sheer size, the JH-7 series are powered by two FWS-9 Qinling turbofan engines (licensed Rolls-Royce Spey RB.168 Mk.202), with the JH-7A eventually using the completely domestic version. As such, it not only provides very high acceleration at any altitude, it can also maintain manoeuvrability when it has the need for occasional dogfights; thanks to the high wing design, it does have higher instantaneous AoA when facing manoeuvring targets. The very high acceleration also helps to push the jet to up to Mach 1.6 with only AAMs. It can still fly at supersonic speeds even at full-load; this also enables JH-7A to get to enemy bases as fast as it possible with sufficient payload for 2 bases.

However, the high wing design also brings a potentially fatal trait: poor low-speed and low-altitude manoeuvrability. This is a trait that also costed lives of PLAAF/PLANAF pilots as high wing jets will lose lift in the aforementioned scenarios, mostly during recovery from ground attacks or landing, thus players have to be more careful during such cases; if the terrain doesn't allow for a safe attack run, it's better to recover earlier and do not pull too much when doing so.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at _,___ 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
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== 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 || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,331  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 717 || 673 || 450 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| 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="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | _____ || _
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | 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
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
|-
| ___ kg || colspan="2" | ___
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ 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="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf (_ km/h) || ___ kgf (_ km/h)
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

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

Aside from self-sealing fuel tanks which are common for jets after the 1950s, due to the need for ground attack and potential AA threats, the cockpit is surrounded by armour plates at 10-16 mm (albeit not up front); while the front fuselage tank is also protected by an armour plate at 10 mm by the belly.

Meanwhile, the JH-7A has 84 countermeasures installed; for most cases, these large calibre countermeasures can allow it to easily evade incoming missiles, but players will still have to plan ahead and manoeuvre to maximize the efficiency of CMs.

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

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

{{main|Type 23-3 (23 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 23 mm Type 23-3 cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)
* 84 x large calibre countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

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

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

* Without load
* 2 x PL-5C missiles
* 4 x PL-5C missiles
* 4 x PL-5B missiles
* 2 x PL-8 missiles
* 16 x Type 130-2 rockets
* 42 x Type 90-1 rockets
* 22 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs (5,500 kg total)
* 22 x 250 kg 250-4 bombs (5,500 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg 500-3 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg 500-4 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 2 x Kh-29T missiles
* 4 x 260 kg GB250 bombs + 1 x K/ADC03A targeting pod (1,040 kg total)
* 4 x 570 kg GB500 bombs + 1 x K/ADC03A targeting pod (2,280 kg total)
* 4 x 1,090 kg GB1000 bombs + 1 x K/ADC03A targeting pod (4,360 kg total)

{{Navigation-End}}

As a fighter-bomber modernized into a precision strike fighter, the JH-7A has a wide variety of ordnance available to it in War Thunder.

Three types of air-to-air missiles are available. The familiar PL-5B returns as a highly maneuverable short-range IR missile with fantastic acceleration, but since it is only rear-aspect, the pilot may need to put in some maneuvering work to get in a firing position. The PL-5C is an all-aspect variant that fixes this flaw, although it has a very sensitive seeker that is easy to spoof with flares. The PL-8 as seen on the [[J-8F]] is a heavier IR missile with a superior seeker, a higher top speed, and better maneuverability. However, the PL-8 is not available on the wingtip pylons. The optimal air-to-air loadout thus consists of 2x PL-8 and 2x PL-5C. The latter are best used in situations that can take advantage of the PL-5's acceleration and short burn time (sneak attacks or brief snapshots) and the former are general purpose.

The two types of unguided rockets are the standard Type 90-1 HEAT and the Type 130-2 HE. The former are available on all six underwing pylons while the latter are limited to the middle and inboard pylons. At the JH-7A's battle rating, the HEAT rockets do not have enough penetration or capacity to be serious options for ground attack, but the HE rockets can still be used to blast lightly armoured ground targets when precision weapons are unavailable.

Unguided bombs are available in 250 kg and 500 kg sizes and the JH-7A can carry them in large numbers. The 500-4 high drag bombs have the highest explosive yield (325 kg of TNT) for their weight and are the best options for ground attack from a damage potential.

The JH-7A's signature ground attack weapons in War Thunder are its laser-guided bombs, available in three sizes. The 250 kg GB250 bombs return from the [[Q-5L]], and although they are not very powerful, they can be carried on all underwing pylons for a total of six. They also have an inertial guidance (IOG) capability that helps maintain their trajectory even when the laser designation is temporarily interrupted by clouds or terrain. The 500 kg GB500 bombs also return from the Q-5L and pack a bigger punch, but lack IOG and have a somewhat shorter guidance time. The real star of the show is the 1000 kg GB1000, which boasts 537.6 kg of TNT equivalent, a very long 105 second guidance time, and IOG capability; it has a real claim as the most powerful and capable laser-guided bomb in War Thunder. Note that the 500 kg and 1000 kg LGBs can only be mounted on the middle and inboard wing pylons for a maximum capacity of 4.

Added to the JH-7A's arsenal in [[Update "Air Superiority"]], the Soviet/Russian Kh-29T air-to-ground missile is the first TV-guided munition available to PLAAF aircraft. It is a bulky, heavy missile mounted on the inboard pylons for a maximum capacity of two. With a long flight range, a huge HE warhead, and fire-and-forget capabilities, it's a good choice for attacking SPAAs. Since it is a self-powered munition, it is not as reliant on the kinetics of the launch aircraft and is easier to use at low speeds and altitudes than LGBs. Compared to Soviet aircraft like the [[MiG-27K]] and [[MiG-29SMT]], the JH-7A enjoys having a dedicated targeting pod with thermal optics to make acquiring targets for the Kh-29T much easier.

== Usage in battles ==

The JH-7A vastly upgrades the arsenal of the PLAAF/PLANAF with its great selection of bombs and self-defense IR AAMs, as well as its great manoeuvrability thanks to its aerodynamic design and powerful turbofan engines. While pilots will need to be careful of the aircraft's sheer size and poor low-altitude manoeuvrability, most of the time both ground and aerial targets will have quite a bad day facing a well-piloted JH-7A.

==== Supersonic bomb truck ====
The JH-7A can be said to be the one and only dedicated attacker of the PLANAF/PLAAF that fits the description of a "bomb truck". While primarily designed to target surface warships, ground attack missions are also within its scope, boasting the highest payload of all Chinese jets (up to 22 x 250 kg unguided bombs). This high payload, combined with its speed, makes base bombing a breeze.

However, the JH-7 is also able to operate well in its dual role as a fighter, thanks to new composite materials, FBW, and its mostly well-designed aerodynamic features. While it will often encounter more advanced fighters like the MiG-29 series and F-16 series, which pose significant threats from longer ranges, the JH-7A excels against adversaries at its tier. Despite its considerable size, it has the ability to stick on the tail of enemy jets, pulling AoA for increased firing opportunities, while having the acceleration recover or disengage when necessary. The PL-5C and PL-8 IR AAMs are both strong missiles. However, only being able to carry two PL-8, it can be recommended to reserve them for engaging longer-range targets, and using the PL-5Cs for most other scenarios. The PL-5B, a rear-aspect missile, can also be effective against careless targets thanks to its impressive thrust and range.

To maximize the JH-7A's capabilities, it is crucial to bear in mind the manoeuvrability limitations inherent in high-wing aircraft. Pilots should exercise caution regarding altitude when engaging both ground and aerial targets, particularly during dogfights, where the JH-7A requires additional altitude for recovery.

==== The taste of one's own medicine ====
In combined battles, the JH-7A presents some advantages over alternative options such as the F-16A MLU and Q-5L. It has a vast arsenal of weaponry including up to six player-selected LGBs, scaling from 250 kg, 500 kg and 1 ton-class bombs, along with up to 22 unguided bombs for numerous devastating strikes. Images of recent years from PLA photographer also hinted the possibility to equip Russian Kh-29T AGM which further boost its engagement range; lastly, 90 mm or 130 mm rocket pods remain an option as well.

For Chinese tech-tree players, the JH-7A presents the opportunity to give enemies with more advanced multirole jets a taste of their own medicine. Equipped with the advanced K/ADC03A targeting pod with high-definition and zoom and a 2nd gen TVD for target acquisition, the JH-7A's life is made considerably easier when locating ground targets. Diving for the target and tossing bombs is effective, but for increased safety, pulling up after dropping bombs and flying sideways while maintaining a lock on the target is recommended. Depending on the quantity of enemy vehicles and their location, players can either pick six GB 250 for maximum efficiency, any precise hits within 3 m radius of enemy can terminate their service immediately; while bringing heavier GB 500/1000 will make sure enemies in a certain radius can face their ultimate demise, especially with GB 1000, which can be said as the ultimate solution against the toughest MBTs of its BR. Alternatively, thanks to FCS upgrades, JH-7A can also equip Russian Kh-29T; instead of HEAT warhead, Kh-29T is filled with explosives for maximum efficiency against ground targets, it is more akin to an universal missile against stationary targets and slow-moving vehicles. Make sure to check the weather of the map as TV cameras can be interfered by clouds and smog, as long as enemy targets did not take cover, a precise hit from the high ballistics of this missile can make sure it can neutralize designated targets.

Utilizing unguided bombs from low altitudes also remains a viable strategy; be sure to know where the locations of the enemy's major forces and avoid SPAAs, anti-air capable attack helicopters, and other jets at all costs. CCRP can aid in destroying stationary targets, provided the area is locked before bombs are released. Despite lacking long-range AGMs for the safest approach, the JH-7A can also employ unguided rockets as a little extra firepower against unaware SPAAs or light vehicles when bombs are depleted, supporting friendly jets and helicopters by eliminating potential threats.

The JH-7A can equip its full complement of air-to-air missiles with minimal overlap with bomb and rocket pylons, allowing it to defend against menacing enemy jets. The tactics will be very similar to air battles, while also having to be wary of enemy SPAAs: sneak up on enemies to deliver the fatal blow.

A crucial operational note for the JH-7A is to never even have the potential for close calls when evading terrain. The high-wing design necessitates additional altitude for recovery during ground assaults; it's better to abort the assault sooner rather than later, as a surviving jet can do way more damage than a jet that has slapped itself into the terrain.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent payload with varieties of bombs, AGM and rockets
* Great self-defense IR AAM options
* Great acceleration thanks to the FWS-9 turbofan engines
* Manoeuvrable for such a huge jet
* Advanced avionics
** KJ8602 RWR and MAWS for maximum situational awareness
** Digitalized cockpit with high integration for simulation battles
** Aerial-combat-capable multifunction Pulse-Doppler radar

'''Cons:'''

* Rather huge target
* Needs more altitude to recover due to high wing design
* Long learning curve for the placement of 23 mm autocannon

== History ==

==== What the Aviation Forces Lack ====
As Mainland China has already developed domestic attacker, namely the [[Q-5 (Family)|Q-5 series]] from Nanchang, there were already needs for a land-based naval aircraft for ship attacking operations i.e. Q-5Yi (强-5乙), probably the very last torpedo bomber ever designed. Soon after the Sino-Vietnamese (with RVN) conflicts of 1974, PLAN found a major piece of puzzle lacking for their South China Sea composition: an attacker capable of launching AShM for standoff operations while able to fly supersonic; while PLAAF also called for a new supersonic attacker to replace the H-5 fleet against the menacing Soviet forces. Thus Chinese military commands listed their requirements for the new attacker by 1976 where the CMC called for a new jet for both aviation forces under the same airframe and capable to defend itself from enemy interceptors while maintaining sufficiently high payload; with Chen Yijian 陈一坚 in lead, XAC was approved for the new bomber on October 1977, while the requirements were also given to SAC and NAMC respectively ''(note from editor: CAC was working on the J-9 program led by Song Wencong 宋文骢, future chief engineer of J-10)'', leading to a "civil-war" and probably the very first competition of aircrafts between Chinese manufacturers.

==== The Winner of the trio : JH-7 ====
As the program for new supersonic attacker went on, there were 3 schemes for PLAAF and PLAN command: the first one was the '''H-7 (轰-7)''' led by Chen Yijian with the design of JH-7 for the time being ''(the LRIP series of JH-7 of 1990s)''; '''JH-8 (歼轰-8)''' by SAC led by Gu Songfeng ''(顾诵芬, chief designer of J-8 series)'' with the iconic side intake of what-would-become J-8II in 1984 and the ambitious '''Q-6 (强-6)''' by Lu Xiaopeng ''(陆孝鹏, designer of Q-5 and J-12)'' with side intakes and variable swept wings inspired from the MiG-23MS acquired from Egypt. As for JH-8, the design would decrease its ceiling, radius wasn't considered a good idea for an attacker; while Q-6 was way too ambitious with its powerplant and structure, which were deemed not possible for Mainland China for the era especially during economic reforms where many new technologies have to give the way for the economy. Thus, the design from XAC, H-7, eventually won the competition with lower subsonic drag than the JH-8 design.

Due to the design philosophy differences between PLAAF and PLANAF (Side-by-side vs tandem cockpit), PLAAF eventually quit the H-7 program and PLANAF's scheme won the overall design for the new jet. The new jet would utilize the 50 imported, used RR Spey RB.168 MK.202 from Great Britain as the new powerplant ''(which was intended for the J-13 program)''; while a H-5 named "Eagle" (鹰式武器试验机) would test the Type 232H PD radar and the AShM for future aircrafts. By a certain exhibition in 1988, Ministry of Aviation Industry ''(soon AVIC)'' exhibited the B-7 prototype to the public at its 1/100th prototype; while its prototypes made it to the skies in 1990s with fatalities during test flight ''(085 prototype with the pilot duo)'', the new JH-7 joined PLANAF service by late 1990s during a certain Zhuhai Airshow as the '''FBC-1''' fighter-bomber with only provisions of 18 production aircrafts due to the engine supplies.

==== The Ultimate Form - JH-7A ====
As the introduction of Su-30MKK Flanker-H to PLANAF by late 1990s, PLANAF sought for utilizing the JH-7 platform for their latest AShM as well as provisions for BVR capabilities to fulfill the abbreviation "J" ''(歼, '''interceptors''')''; as well as the testbed of JL-10A radar as the alternative to CAC's J-10 program ''(which the Type 1473 was certified)''. This was also one of the new jets to utilize the PLAAF equivalent of NATO MIL-STD-1553B main data bus, MFDs and HUD; as well as a new FBW control as the backup for J-10, these features eventually become the foundations of the new JH-7A fighter-bomber utilizing CAD design via Dassault CATID V3, new pair of tail fins, as well as removed wing fences. First flown by early 2000s, JH-7A earned both the orders from PLANAF and PLAAF, distinguished by the red numberings (PLANAF) and yellow numbering (PLAAF) thanks to its multirole missions; although incidents have caused lives of PLA pilots through its service up to this date, it has still been a humble yet effective fighter-bomber for the aviation forces of PLA and a delivery platform (under the JH-7AII upgrade) of some latest airborne AShM, AGM or ALCM ''(air-launched cruise missile)'' platforms.

=== [[wt:en/news/8546-development-jh-7a-the-flying-leopard-en|Devblog]] ===
After several years of development, China finalized the development of its own fighter-bomber, the JH-7, which ticked all of the boxes that were set out by PLA command for an aircraft to replace the outdated Q-5. In 1999, following orders from the Central Military Committee, work began on creating an improved version of the JH-7. This extensive modernization program included 303 changes, which included improving the fire control system with the introduction of a digital electronic sighting system, as well as increasing the range of its suspended weapons. This updated fighter-bomber, now designated JH-7A made its first flight in 2002, and began entering service in October 2004. JH-7A aircraft are still currently serving in the Chinese Air Force.

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

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8546-development-jh-7a-the-flying-leopard-en|[Devblog] JH-7A: The Flying Leopard!]]

{{AirManufacturer Xi'an}}
{{China jet aircraft}}

J-11

2023-12-23T06:32:12Z

U79942984: Wrote armaments section.

{{Specs-Card
|code=j_11
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (歼-11型歼击机; NATO Codename: Flanker-B), aka '''Su-27SK''' by Sukhoi or '''苏-27''' in PLAAF manuals, is one of the main composition of modern PLAAF's interceptor fleet since the early 1990s as the overseas solution to upgrade the outdated-PLAAF. By 1989, soon after the improving of Sino-Soviet relationships and the nationwide riots during the economic reform, the only viable solution to upgrade PLAAF was from USSR due to the subsequence embargo imposed by NATO countries; a group of military staffs of PLAAF soon departed for USSR to import the latest interceptors of USSR. Initially, the VVS promoted the [[MiG-29]] to Chinese generals during their visit to Kubinka Airbase, but the generals soon spotted the state-of-the-art interceptor - [[Su-27|Su-27S]] - in the airbase and later crash of the Fulcrum during demonstration flight made PLAAF go for the Flanker. After series of meetings and an interesting behind-the-scene story, the deal was set to purchase the 38th and 39th batches of Su-27S at around USD $1 Billion for 24 jets (18 Su-27SK and 6 UBK twin-seater) and 22 jets respectively. After the fall of Soviet Union, PLAAF saw the possibilities to purchase the production license of Su-27SK in 1993. After threats for no further jets would be ordered from KnAAPO and a long negotiation with the now-Russia Federation, 200 Su-27SK would be assembled by SAC within 15 years since 1996; the licensed Su-27SK, now called J-11A would increase domestic production rate through the 5 batches. The design of Flanker alongside with its blueprints and punched tapes were further refined by Chinese engineers with the help of CAD, revising the redundancies on the original design and eventually set the foundation for J-11B (Flanker-L) and future Flanker derivatives.

Introduced in [[Update "Air Superiority"]] as part of the upgrade, J-11 shares identical performance to its Soviet counterpart even though being an export variant; thanks to its well refined aerodynamic design, power engines, loads of A-A weaponries and sufficiently powerful radar/IRST, J-11 leads PLAAF into the current apex of air battles. While its sheer size and inferior electronics can be a problem in different occasions, J-11 will not disappoint players with its iconic features.

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

In short words: the overall flight performance is identical to Soviet's Su-27. Thanks to the well-refined airframe which took almost a decade to design, Su-27 series is famous for its great maneuverability even at its huge size, to put it in perspective: Su-27/J-11 is almost 4 meters longer than MiG-29 series at 21 meters, while it is at very similar length to PLAAF's own J-8II series, the large, trapezium wing still makes it the overall largest PLAAF interceptor up to present day (including the domestic refined J-11B and later variants). In first glance, players might consider such a huge jet doesn't have as much maneuverability as MiG-29 series; when they eventually have the chance to fight J-11, they will soon know that it will be a hassle to handle, thanks to the FBW systems, airframe designs and two powerful AL-31F engine that gives almost average T/W ratio at 1.0, most earlier jets from lower BR will have major problem handling J-11. When players expect to see an stall-out Flanker, what they might see is that: their own jet will be the first one to stall out before the Flanker eventually stalls out, sometimes even performing the iconic Pugachev’s Cobra - where the jet can achieve up to 110° AOA at such speed while pulling the control stick and level out at the same altitude, therefore players might want to think twice before engaging J-11.

But just like what the introduction mentioned, the problem is also its sheer size. Considering for its 21x14 m size, it is also easy to land shots or missiles upon J-11 if players make an error during aerial dogfights; any damaged part of the airframe will significantly increase drag of Flanker and thus higher risk of being shot down. Be sure to utilize its maneuverability in solo fights, not gang fights with very little reaction time and room for errors - one wrong move can be its demise. As for the Pugachev's Cobra, it is more of aerobatics than a tactic to reverse the battle, it is never a good idea to show the largest possible surface area to enemy guns.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at _,___ 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
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== 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 || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,540  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 652 || 600 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{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" | Saturn AL-31F || 2
| colspan="2" | 16,990 kg || colspan="3" | 426 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | 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
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 44m fuel
|-
| 1,520 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 19,810 kg || 21,184 kg || 23,281 kg || 26,390 kg || 34,489 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="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 44m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 7,450 kgf || 12,028 kgf
| 1.21 || 1.14 || 1.03 || 0.91 || 0.70
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 7,450 kgf (0 km/h) || 15,640 kgf (1,540 km/h)
| 1.58 || 1.48 || 1.34 || 1.19 || 0.91
|-
|}

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

By 1980s, to further reduce the weight, most interceptors were not equipped with extra armor plates for both the pilot and critical components; this is no exception for the Flanker series, thus the pilot can face fatal hits from both autocannons or missile shrapnel.

Meanwhile, all the 5 fuel tanks onboard are self-sealed, meaning that with the help of researchable fire extinguishers, J-11 can save itself from fatal structural failure in case of a fire.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-30-1 (30 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon, wing root-mounted (150 rpg)
* 96 x large calibre countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8 !! width="5%" | 9 !! width="5%" | 10
| rowspan="19" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Su-27.png]]</div>
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| || 1 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|250 kg FAB-250M-62]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250-270 (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250-270]] bombs
| || 1 || 1, 2, 6 || 1, 5 || 1, 4 || 1, 2 || 1, 5 || 1, 2, 6 || 1 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| || || 20, 40 || || || || || 20, 40 || ||
|-
! [[S-13OF]] rockets
| || || 5, 10 || || || || || 5, 10 || ||
|-
! [[S-25O]] rockets
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[S-25OF]] rockets
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[S-25OFM]] rockets
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[R-27ER1]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27ET1]] missiles
| || || 1 || || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27R1]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27T1]] missiles
| || || 1 || || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-73E]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
|}

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

* Without load
* 2 x R-73E missiles
* 6 x R-73E missiles
* 2 x R-27T1 missiles
* 6 x R-27R1 missiles
* 2 x R-27ET1 missiles
* 6 x R-27ER1 missiles
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
* 20 x S-13OF rockets
* 4 x S-25O rockets
* 38 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (3,800 kg total)
* 30 x 250 kg OFAB-250-270 bombs (7,500 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

The J-11's arsenal is entirely Soviet, which presents interesting new opportunities for pilots used to Chinese top-tier aircraft. It is oriented as an air superiority fighter, lacking any guided air-to-ground munitions, but it has some tricks up its sleeve when the airspace is more permissive to CAS.

Two families of air-to-air missiles are available, the R-73 and the R-27. The R-73E is a functionally identical export version of the R-73 short-range, IR-guided missile seen on later Soviet aircraft like the [[MiG-29SMT]] and the [[Su-25T]]. It has a great 40 G overload, a thrust vectoring system that helps it maintain sustained hard turns, and ECCM to help resist flares. Compared to the domestic [[PL-8]], it's generally an all-round improvement aside from the lower top speed. R-73s can be mounted on any of the six wing hardpoints.

The R-27 comes in radar-guided (R-27R1 standard, R-27ER1 extended-range) and IR-guided (R-27T1 standard, R-27ET1 extended-range) flavors and are the J-11's main armament for medium and long range combat. The "1" suffix denotes export variants, but again they happen to perform identically. The R-27ER1 is the J-11's best weapon for BVR combat, as its extreme speed and long range allow it to win jousts against targets with slower missiles. The R-27ET1 is a great option for distant sneak attacks as it does not give any RWR warning to its target. R-27s can be mounted on any of the four fuselage pylons and also the inboard wing pylons, but the catch is that the IR-guided -T1 and -ET1 can only be mounted on the inboard wing pylons, and are thus limited to at most 2.

Three types of unguided rockets are available, all carried as double racks on the inboard wing pylons. The S-8KO HEAT rocket comes in large pods and is significantly better than its domestic Chinese equivalent (Type 90-1) with greater penetration, flight speed, and capacity. However at the J-11's battle rating, such weapons are rather questionable for jet fighters as they have issues harming MBTs from the front and have a limited effective range. The S-13OF can be considered a heavier and more powerful cousin to the Type 130-2 HE rocket with a bonus of one extra rocket per pod; it can destroy light targets through splash damage at fair distances and direct hits can still crack open MBTs with some luck. The S-25O heavy bunker-buster previously featured on the [[Su-25]] is a unique tool lacking any equivalent in the domestic Chinese arsenal; it carries only one shot per pod and packs more explosive content than a 100 kg bomb. It may seem like a crude weapon for an elegant air-superiority fighter, but in typical Soviet ground attack fashion the S-25O can blow anything on the ground to smithereens through brute force.

The J-11 is also an impressive bomb truck, ironically outclassing or matching the [[JH-7A]] fighter-bomber. Iron bombs are available in sizes of 100, 250, and 500 kg. Incendiary and high-drag bombs are available in the 500 kg size.

== 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 ===

''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

*

'''Cons:'''

*

== History ==

==== The Komsomolets from Far East ====
The [[Su-27]] (NATO: Flanker) series were one of the top secrets of the Soviet Union since its introduction in 1985 with the PVO (Su-27P interceptor), which was deemed not-for-sale during the early days of its service as the USSR promotes their [[MiG-29_(Family)|MiG-29 series]] to their allies and potential customers. By May 1989, Mikhail Gobachev made his historical visit to Mainland China amid Chinese's nationwide protests for reform; however, the protests soon escalated to riots and resulted with the sanctions from NATO countries for any further military projects. Yevgeny Shaposhnikov, the last Minister of Defense in future, saw the possibilities to sell fighter jets to Mainland China. After the halt of [[J-8B|J-8II]] Project 8-2 and the commence of Project 8-3, PLAAF has dire need for new interceptors to fill in the gap as ROCAF would soon acquire [[Mirage_2000-5F|Mirage 2000-5]] and [[F-16A_MLU_(China)|F-16A Block 20]]; a team of general staff led by Liu Huaqing (刘华清) went to USSR in May 1990 and for the purchase of Soviet fighter jets as the Project 90-6 (906工程). During the talks, Chinese knew the existence of PVO and VVS' Flankers and changed their mind as soon as the general staffs saw the Flanker in Kubinka Airbase; soon after the crash of a [[MiG-29]] during demonstration flight later in September, Flanker became the obvious choice for PLAAF general staffs.

''There was a very interesting story behind the negotiations: according to the memories from Lin Hu (林虎), the vice-commander of PLAAF at the time, to defeat the "Ustinov's Rule", named after Dmitriy Feodorovich Ustinov (ex-Minister of Defense of USSR) where Soviet general staffs would use vodka as a way to negotiate for military aids/sales, PLAAF general staff found an officer who is "immune to alcohol" and eventually "took down" all Soviet general staffs in Beijing, earning a discounted price for the Flankers.''

Soon after the negotiations, USSR general staffs said there were possibilities to export Flankers to Mainland China; before the collapse of the Red Giant, Soviet Union agreed for the sales of 18 Su-27SK and 6 of its twin-seater variant, Su-27UBK at US $1 billion as the 38th batch of Su-27 produced by KnAAPO (Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant); these jets were all delivered in November 1992. Soon after the introduction of Flankers in PLAAF service, PLAAF went for the production license of Su-27S and threatened the Russians with no further orders after the 39th batch (22 jets); this later led to a long negotiation since August 1993 and eventually set the deal in December 1996, where 200 Su-27SK would be produced by SAC within 15 years. SAC would receive the CKD kits of Su-27SK from KnAAPO to be assembled locally, while future jets would be SKD kits with progressive rate on domestic parts; the Project 11 (11号工程) lead by Li Ming (李明; chief engineer of J-8II) soon received the documents in 1995 for the preparation of domestic assembly, the engineer team translated the documents for a year. With the manufacture equipment and SKD kits delivered to Shenyang in Spring of 1998, SAC assembled a complete jet with the help of Russian engineers and the first domestic assembled Su-27SK, now J-11A "Blue 39" with batch number 0001, soared into the skies on 1st September, 1998, marking one of the page of cooperation between Mainland China and Russia 4 decades after the split.

The J-11A series would be produced for another 4 batches (01xx to 04xx) before SAC finalized and digitalized the Flanker for domestic improvements, which would later known as the J-11B (Flanker-L) since 2006; while some J-11A received domestic and Belarusian upgrades for upgraded FCS and avionics. The Su-27SK and J-11A have been decommissioned by 2020s, likely been replaced by Chinese Flankers; while the Su-27UBK are still in service in small quantities as lead-in trainers for units operating Flankers.

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

== External links ==

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Shenyang}}
{{China jet aircraft}}

PGZ04A

2023-11-28T20:50:43Z

U79942984: Rewrote intro, added to armaments and usage in battles.

{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_pgz_04a
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The PGZ04A (Chinese: PGZ04(A)式25毫米弹炮结合防空武器系统; lit. 25 mm missile-gun AA system) is an upgraded version of the existing PGZ95 fleet in the PLAGF. This new version features new MANPADS, replacing the earlier QW-2 MAPNPADS, and currently serves as the close-range interception layer of the PLA's anti-air defense system.

The development of the PGZ95 can be traced back to the 1980s when the PLAGF was in desperate need of a new SPAA system. Earlier plans involved reverse-engineering Egyptian [[ZSU-23-4]]s, which had already been obtained by Mainland China through bi-directional arms trade. However, when an observer team arrived in Italy and discovered the [[SIDAM 25]], the PLAGF quickly abandoned the ZSU-23-4 plans and instead planned for a better SPAA system with all-weather combat capabilities. The new SPAA system was extensively tested in the 1990s and made its first appearance at the 50th National Day Parade (1999).

Introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]] along with the PGZ09, the PGZ04A is a unique SPAA vehicle with a gun-missile armament. The layout of its turret quite resembles the Italian SIDAM 25, but unlike the radarless SIDAM it has a search radar mounted on the top that makes it much easier to acquire targets, as well as thermal optics for easier spotting. The quadruple 25 mm cannons previously seen on the [[ZSD63]] are bored-out derivatives of the Soviet Shilka's guns with a slower rate of fire, higher muzzle velocity, and greater armour penetration. Although the PGZ04A's electronics, mobility, and ground attack capability are inferior to the newer PGZ09, its main selling point comes from a quartet of HN-6 MANPADS launchers mounted right above the guns. The HN-6 is slightly better in performance than the common Stingers used by contemporary SPAA and forces enemy aircraft to stay on their toes even outside of cannon range.

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

An usual characteristic of a SPAAG is their light armour, and the PGZ04A is no exception. At only 22.7 tons, its does not have any high protection and is very unlikely to survive any high-explosive and overpressure damages.

The chassis of the PGZ04A is still enough to stop 12.7 mm rounds from going through it up front while that would not be the case for the sides and the rear of the chassis so at best keep your enemies in front of you. The turret, with only 8 mm of steel on every side, barely stops shrapnel and smaller-calibre firearms, anything above 12.7 mm can penetrate the turret with ease.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 10 mm (69°) ''Upper glacis'' 12 mm (36°) ''Lower plate'' || 8 mm (11°) ''Top'' 10 mm ''Bottom'' || 10 mm (7°) || 8 mm
|-
| Turret || 8 mm ''Turret front'' || 8 mm || 8 mm || 8 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 15 mm thick, and torsion bars are 22 mm thick.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=544|rbMinHp=339}}

Thanks to its light weight and a 383 hp F12L412 diesel engine, the PGZ04A can drive at a surprising top speed of 53 km/h, making it a fast and nimble enough vehicle to move around the battlefield and take cover if anything is coming to cause you some trouble. Another rare advantage is the great reverse speed of -18 km/h. Being significantly faster than the majority of Chinese vehicles, this speed not only allows the PGZ04A to retreat back to safety in time but also gives it more tactical agility for repositioning and flanking.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}

{{main|PG87 (25 mm)}}
The PGZ04A is equipped with 4 x 25 mm PG87 25x183B AA guns mounted on the side of the turret, which is the same gun as the [[ZSD63]] at Rank II.

With its above average velocity and high rate of fire, these 4 cannons combined can cause total annihilation of low-flying aircraft within its 2.5 km firing range and its ammunition has sufficient penetration to cause some trouble to lightly armoured vehicles. However, all this comes at a cost: you have only 1,032 rounds in total at your disposal, which is about half of the Shilka's ammunition supply. For players who are trigger-happy, this might a good chance to learn how to conserve their ammo and wait for the chance to deliver the fatal blow to enemy targets.

Compared to the Shilka's AZP-23 cannons, the PG87 has superior AP rounds with better penetration and post-penetration damage, making it easier to spray down ground vehicles. The FI-T rounds pack a very similar explosive punch to the Soviet HEFI-T but are less powerful than the tracerless HEFI rounds. Generally, the PGZ04A's guns are less effective than the preceding PGZ09's, because they will require multiple hits to down large aircraft and the 2.5 km self destruct range on the FI-T rounds significantly limit their effectiveness against hovering ATGM helicopters. Against ground targets there is also no contest because of the lack of API-T rounds with explosive filler and APDS rounds with enhanced penetration. Still, it is cathartic to let loose a stream of 40 rounds per second, and the closer clustering of fire compared to Gepard- or Marksman- style turrets makes it less likely for targets to slip in between the rounds.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[PG87 (25 mm)|25 mm PG87]] (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" | 1,032 (258) || rowspan="2" | 600 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 70.4 || 97.5 || 118.4 || 130.9 || 139.3 || rowspan="2" | 5.20 || rowspan="2" | 4.60 || rowspan="2" | 4.24 || rowspan="2" | 4.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 47.6 || 56.0 || 68.0 || 75.2 || 80.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|FI-T*|Fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''Type 87 HE:''' {{Annotation|FI-T*|Fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''Type 87 AP:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}

{{:PG87 (25 mm)/Ammunition|FI-T*, AP-T}}

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''1,032''' || 380 ''(+652)'' || 0 ''(+1,032)'' || No
|-
|}

=== Additional armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|HN-6}}

The HN-6 is a MANPADS that comes with a 6 km all-aspect locking range, which will prove useful for handling low-flying helicopters and sometimes earn a surprise kill on careless jets; but do note that smaller helicopters or those with heat-suppression would have to be within 2.5 km before the seeker can lock onto their heat signature, so only fire upon those who gets into 2.5km radius.

The HN-6 is slightly more effective than the Stinger MANPADS used by contemporary SPAA vehicles like the [[Gepard 1A2]]. It has a small proximity fuse like the FIM-92K that makes it easier to hit targets, but it also has a slightly greater 12 G overload, a 42% larger TNT equivalent, and a slightly lower maximum flight speed that actually gives the missile more time to correct its trajectory. Unfortunately, the PGZ04A carries no internal reloads and has a limited capacity of 4, so it does not have the staying power of the [[LAV-AD]] for example.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[HN-6]] missile
|-
! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
|-
| 4 || N/A || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:HN-6/Ammunition|HN-6}}

== Usage in battles ==


With its rapid-firing 25 mm guns and IR missiles, the PGZ04A does serve its purpose in close to mid-range air defense. Consider it to have two layers of defence: missiles for up to 6 km (depends on the target; it can lock onto jets at around 5 km; while helicopters is another story depending on its size and their heat signature), and the 25 mm cannons for anything within 3 km. The IR missiles have questionable tracking ability and often give up track on a target entirely if it manoeuvres to evade. However, it will help to distract incoming aircraft and bleed their speed, making them easier to be finished with the 25 mm cannons. The PGZ04A will have a tough time dealing with helicopters hovering at their maximum range launching ATGMs, as neither of the PGZ04 armaments can reach anything that's beyond 6 km.

The PGZ04A's anti-ground ability is limited, due to its smaller calibre 25 mm cannons. They have no dedicated APDS rounds that were found in its predecessor, the PGZ09 (which also has larger cannons of 35 mm). The 25 mm struggles to penetrate the sides of top-rank MBTs, with some of them completely immune (for example, Israeli MBTs which has better side protection), although exterior modules can be quickly destroyed, especially tracks. If aimed well (and some luck), you can take out gun barrels of the enemy tank, but it is better to avoid engaging with MBTs to begin with. The 25 mm rounds also have poor post-pen effects, even against thinly armoured targets, but is counteracted by the high firerate and fire density of the 4 barrels.

It is suggested to play the PGZ04A as a dedicated anti-air platform. However, due to its shorter range than its counterparts, you need to leave the spawn to be effective. The limited HN-6 capacity also necessitates moving to capture points to reload. While doing that, always have friendly tanks to screen you, as the moment you're caught alone by enemy ground targets you will have exceptionally low chance of survival.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good rate of fire (600 rpm) plus 4 x autocannons mean high fire density
* 4 x IR missiles further improve its anti-air strengths especially against helicopters like [[AH-1 (Family)|AH-1]]
* The tracking device is optoelectrical tracker that can hide yourself from RWR equipped aircrafts
* Gunner thermal assists fighting in poor conditions
* Great mobility with adequate reverse speed
* 2 salvos of smoke grenades provide critical concealment
* Profile is quite low

'''Cons:'''

* IR missiles are often unreliable due to its short lock-on range and worse maneuverability
* 25 mm shells are not as potent as 35 mm or 57 mm shells at longer ranges
* Insufficient penetration to damage Israeli or Soviet MBTs
* Completely exposed autocannons and missiles mean they are easily damaged
* Search radar antenna is tall and big; can expose the location of PGZ04A
* Like all SPAA, armour can only resist small calibre machine gun bullets

== History ==

The story of PGZ04A goes back to his predecessor, PGZ95.

During the 1980s when Mainland China was seeking for modernization of PLA, one major inventory they were lacking of was a SPAAG with onboard radar. It was during that time Egypt handed in some [[ZSU-23-4]] to the Chinese, which at first decided that they would go for a reverse-engineered version of the infamous Shilka. But later, they found another major problem: Shilka's optical system wasn't designed for all-weather operations and capabilities at night would be very limited. Meanwhile, another group of PLAGF's officials often went to Europe for equipment development exchanges and weapon tests, one time during the 1980s, they saw the [[SIDAM 25]] that came with all-weather operation capabilities .

The NORINCO Northwest Institute of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering (西北机电工程研究所 at Xianyang City, Xi'an, Shaanxi) started its development and eventually, the older brother of PGZ04A- PGZ95 was accepted into PLAGF commission and it was first shown on the parade on 1st October, 1999 (the 50th National Day of PRC) based on PZD31 chassis. Completed with a S-band ''(Note, IEEE standard)'' CLC-1 search radar and opto-electronic tracking system, as well as 2 pairs of QW-2 MANPADS mounted on its turret. Due to the new electronic system, estimations showed that a PGZ-95 was even more expensive than a brand new [[ZTZ99]].

Later in the 2000s, the PGZ95 received an overhaul upgrade on its systems and upgraded its MANPADS to 2 pairs of HN-6 (exported by CATIC as FN-6), eventually this upgraded version was named a PGZ04A. Along the [[PGZ09]], it became the cornerstone of PLAGF's field air defense with HQ (HongQi 红旗; Red banner) series SAMs.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_pgz_04a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7170-development-pgz04a-a-much-anticipated-chinese-spaa-en|[Devblog] PGZ04A: A much anticipated Chinese SPAA]]

{{TankManufacturer Norinco}}
{{China anti-aircraft vehicles}}

KF41

2023-09-24T23:17:05Z

U79942984: Wrote intro.

{{Specs-Card
|code=it_kf_41
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Sons of Attila"]].

The KF41 is a modern IFV design from the German Rheinmetall company, exported to the Hungarian Army. It easily invites comparisons to the [[PUMA]] adopted by the Bundeswehr: both are large, heavily armoured vehicles with powerful engines and good transmissions that result in high mobility. They even feature the same 30 mm autocannon with APFSDS and AHEAD rounds. The main feature differences for this variant of the Lynx are a twin launcher for Spike fire-and-forget missiles and a unique AMAP-ADS hard-kill active protection system with scattered modules around the perimeter of the vehicle. However it lacks the PUMA's soft-kill APS, unmanned turret, and ERA/NERA, making it more vulnerable to attacks that the active protection system can't stop. Overall, the KF41 is a versatile, feature-packed IFV that can juggle multiple roles on the battlefield: standoff ATGM strikes and anti-helicopter duties on top of the basic flanking rushes.

== 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:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


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

''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''

{{tankMobility}}

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}

{{main|MK 30-2/ABM (30 mm)}}

''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[MK 30-2/ABM (30 mm)|30 mm MK 30-2/ABM]] || 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" | 348 (116) || rowspan="2" | 200 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+45° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
|-
! ''Realistic''
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:MK 30-2/ABM (30 mm)/Ammunition|APDS, HEI-T, Ahead, APFSDS}}

==== [[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
|-
| '''3''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

=== Additional armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|Spike-LR2MR}}

''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Spike-LR2MR]] missile
|-
! Capacity (Belt) !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
|-
| 2 (2) || - || - || -
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:Spike-LR2MR/Ammunition|Spike-LR2}}

==== [[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
|-
| '''1''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M240 (7.62 mm)}}

''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M240 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M240]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the 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. Describe 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 ===

''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''

'''Pros:'''
*

'''Cons:'''
*

== 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 ==

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

== External links ==

''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Italy light tanks}}
[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]
[[Category:Ground vehicles with active protection system]]

MiG-29

2023-09-23T23:52:06Z

U79942984: Added to intro, wrote armaments, copyedited pros/cons

{{About
|about = Soviet jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage = the other version
|link = MiG-29 (Germany)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=mig_29_9_13
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (NATO Code: Fulcrum-C; Izdeliye [Product] 9.13) is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]].

The first revision of the famous ''Strizhi'' (Swifts; nickname in Russian) family jet fighters, the MiG-29 offers a completely new style of combat, especially when the overall flight performance is vastly superior to the preceding MiG-23s with its light airframe and powerful jet engines, as well as new BVR missiles and a helmet-mounted sight at its disposal. Historically designed as a lightweight frontline fighter to complement the heavy Su-27, the MiG-29 has an excellent thrust-to-weight ratio and high agility to meet the performance demands of intense dogfights, but does not have a large fuel capacity to match the demand of its twin turbofans. Similar to its American counterpart in the [[F-16 (Family)|F-16]], the Fulcrum is reliant on drop tanks and throttle control to make it out of a fight and back to the airfield.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 14,000 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
| 2,360 || 2,314 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.3 || 20.5 || 272.2 || 258.6 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,544 || 2,448 || 19.2 || 19.7 || 367.7 || 318.0
|-
|}

==== 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 || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,575 || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 532 || 463 || ~10 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Klimov RD-33 || 2
| colspan="2" | 10,895 kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons and fuel load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 28m fuel
|-
| 1,050 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 11,901 kg || 13,241 kg || 14,248 kg || 18,408 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="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 28m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 3,920 kgf || 6,816 kgf
| 1.15 || 1.03 || 0.96 || 0.74
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,430 kgf (1,575 km/h) || 12,445 kgf (1,575 km/h)
| 2.09 || 1.88 || 1.75 || 1.35
|-
|}

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

Aside from the airframe and the alloy skin themselves, the MiG-29 offers no extra protection to pilots or vital components; although the size is not the biggest among jets of its tier. Hits from cannon or missiles will very likely damage the jet beyond repair or taking down the pilot straight away. In case of a fire onboard, the Engine Fire System can save the jet and leave some thrust for a retreat or revenge kill.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-30-1 (30 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon, cheek-mounted (150 rpg)
** 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon + 60 x countermeasures

The MiG-29 has a single-barreled 30 mm autocannon, which performs quite differently from the twin-barrel 23 mm cannons seen on the MiG-23 and later MiG-21s. In some sense it is a return to form to the 30 mm cannons of the [[MiG-19PT]] and [[MiG-21F-13]], but it's superior to the NR-30 with a higher muzzle velocity, an 80% higher rate of fire, and a more generous ammunition supply. It can deal great damage to air targets but requires precise aim and its ammo can be depleted in no time, so in dogfights it's helpful to take advantage of the MiG-29's lead computing system.

=== 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="18" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| || 4 || 4 || || 4 || 4 ||
|-
! [[FAB-250M-54 (250 kg)|250 kg FAB-250M-54]] bombs
| || 1, 2 || 1, 2 || || 1, 2 || 1, 2 ||
|-
! [[FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|250 kg FAB-250M-62]] bombs
| || 1, 2 || 1, 2 || || 1, 2 || 1, 2 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
| || 1, 2 || 1, 2 || || 1, 2 || 1, 2 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500M-54 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-54]] bombs
| || 1 || 1, 2 || || 1, 2 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| || 1 || 1, 2 || || 1, 2 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
| || 1 || 1, 2 || || 1, 2 || 1 ||
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| || 20 || 20 || || 20 || 20 ||
|-
! [[S-24B]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[R-27ER]] missiles
| || || 1 || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27R]] missiles
| || || 1 || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27T]] missiles
| || || 1 || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-60]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-60M]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! 1,500 l drop tanks
| || || || 1 || || ||
|-
| colspan="8" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 3,050 kg Maximum permissible wing load: 1,525 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,200 kg
|-
|}

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

* 1 x 1,500 l drop tank
* 2 x R-60M missiles
* 6 x R-60M missiles
* 6 x R-60 missiles
* 2 x R-27T missiles
* 2 x R-27R missiles
* 2 x R-27ER missiles
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
* 4 x S-24B rockets
* 16 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (1,600 kg total)
* 4 x 250 kg FAB-250M-54 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg FAB-250M-54 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 4 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 4 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total) across 2 pylons
* 4 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total) across 4 pylons
* 4 x 500 kg FAB-500M-54 bombs (2,000 kg total) across 2 pylons
* 4 x 500 kg FAB-500M-54 bombs (2,000 kg total) across 4 pylons
* 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 6 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (3,000 kg total)
* 4 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

The MiG-29's air-to-air arsenal consists of two families of missiles: the familiar R-60 short-range missiles, and the new R-27 medium-range missile that succeeds the R-23/R-24 used by the MiG-23. The R-60s are rather dated at the MiG-29's battle rating, having low range and flare resistance, and are generally inferior to the NATO AIM-9L Sidewinder. The R-27 come in three flavors: the R-27T with IR guidance, the R-27R with radar guidance, and the radar-guided R-27ER with extended range. The basic R-27R is largely comparable to the [[MiG-23MLD]]'s R-24T with better overload (35G), but outclassed by the NATO AIM-7F/M Sparrows in launch range and speed. The R-27T is good for sneak attacks and has IRCCM to better resist flares after it is fired at a target. The real highlight is the R-27ER, whose improved rocket motor doubles the launch range and propels it to a blistering Mach 5.8 top speed. With the R-27ER equipped, the MiG-29 can engage in BVR jousts with NATO planes and often win. Unfortunately, the Fulcrum can only carry two R-27ERs, and the rest of the air-to-air loadout can only be rounded out with R-60Ms. That said, the MiG-29 does have a helmet-mounted sight, which allows it to take advantage of the Aphids' small minimum range for trick shots when dogfighting.

Although the MiG-29 is intended for air superiority, it can carry bombs and rockets for a limited ground attack capability, befitting its frontline role. The outboard pylons are reserved for R-60s, but the remaining wing pylons can carry various flavors of unguided bombs (standard, high-drag, incendiary) and rockets (S-8KO HEAT rockets in pods, S-24B HE rockets singly). In terms of options and payload it's inferior to even the basic [[Su-25]], not having S-13OF podded HE rockets or enormous S-25O bunker-busters, but it still has a full-fledged ballistic computer. The MiG-29's excellent flight performance allows it to zip in and out of the battlefield very quickly compared to the lumbering Frogfoot, so if no other aircraft are available the MiG-29 can still perform basic CAS in Ground RB.

Although it is technically not a weapon, a very important part of the MiG-29's arsenal is the drop tank carried on the center pylon reserved for it. The MiG-29's engines are very thirsty on afterburner and can burn through the internal fuel capacity in no time. The drop tank can be used during takeoff and climb, and only dropped when maximum agility is needed such as an intense dogfight. In Ground RB it is less necessary due to the small map size and shorter duration of air-to-air combat, but as it costs no spawn points, there's no real harm in taking it.

== Usage in battles ==

The MiG-29 has a unique flight character, its engines consume a lot of fuel thus the external fuel tank, getting rid of the external fuel tank will reduce drag and improve the performance of the aircraft, this is mostly done before engaging a target. But the engines also provide excellent thrust at a very wide range of speeds giving you enough power to engage in long-lasting dogfights. The aircraft is not equipped with variable wing sweep, which is not very noticeable. Only when flying at high speeds at lower altitudes will you begin to notice that the wings produce much lift. The MiG-29 has decent manoeuvrability at high and low speeds, the energy retention is not something to complain about either. The 30 mm guns have a high velocity, making it easy to aim at targets, and are much better than earlier Soviet aircraft. The missiles which are the most effective are the R-60M and R-27ER. The R-60M are very easy to flare off, and at its BR many people will dodge these missiles in a head-on fairly easily. But the R-27ER has some very effective performance, with an improved radar system this missile will rock the battlefield.

'''Air combat'''

At the start of a match, take all the fuel you can and make sure your custom loadout has drop tank equipped in it. Equip air target belts, 4 R-60M's and 2 R-27ER/R or 2 R-27T (depending on what you prefer). Take off and start going into a flank position, your goal here is to pick off alone flying jets. The MiG-29 excels at solo fighting and performs the best when engaging single targets. Make sure to stick near the ground until you have found yourself a target. Once you got yourself a target, start engaging it and keep your speed up. If the target is high altitude or long distance, make use of your R-27 missiles to take care of it from a distance. But when players decided to hunt down enemy jets with SARH missiles, the enemies will do the same and here comes a flaw to the electronics of the jet: the SPO-15 RWR; although claimed to be all-aspect, the system is in fact divided into 8 smaller sectors at the front-aspect while having only 2 sectors at the rear-aspect, this can be a major problem when multiple targets have a lock on MiG-29 - the pilots have to make a guess on where exactly the source comes from, especially when enemy jets is chasing MiG-29. This can be a major problem in SB battles with only cockpit view. When in close range make use of your R-60M, but beware of enemy targets that might join the fight. It should be noted to stay away from flock of enemies, the MiG-29 performs poor when under pressure from multiple targets and will become a easy elimination to the enemy. The suggested radar modes for basic users to use are: SRC PD and HMD PD (for close range). During close range dog fighting the MiG-29 can make use of both the radar and IRST to get a lead indicator when locked on target, which is extremely useful and makes eliminating by gun easier. Lastly: keep a eye on your fuel, because this Jet consumes it so fast that in important dog fights you might run out of fuel mid-battle.

'''Guide on R-27R/ER'''

To use the radar variants of the R-27 to the fullest make sure to firstly enable "Use rectangular radar indicator", disable "Target cycles switching of aircraft radar" in the settings and set up keybinds for "Horizontal Radar/IRST target cue control axis" and "Vertical Radar/IRST target cue control axis". By doing all of this you have now full control over your radar which will allow you to maximize your potential. Once taken off, make sure to either have TWS or TWS HDN as selected radar mode, this will allow you to see in third person where the selected (not radar locked) target is and where it is heading. Change the scope scale to 100 km to be able to see where the flock of enemies is going, and with that information adjust your trajectory into a flank. Your goal here is to pick off individual high-flying targets, so with use of your horizontal and vertical cue control go over incoming radar pings and sort out which target is most likely to remain at high altitude. Start flanking the target and getting closer to it. When at a range of 15-20 km, lock on to the target and fire away your radar-guided missile. The enemy will not have enough time to break the radar lock and will get destroyed by the fast incoming R-27R/ER. If the targets are getting below 10 km range, prepare yourself to swap into HMD PD (within visual range combat radar mode). This will allow you to make use of the helmet-mounted display to lock on to any target you look at. This will allow you to lock on to jets who are not near the ground, and once the missile is fired away the target will have little chance evading it. When fired below 3 km, the enemies might be able to evade/dodge the missile due to the sheer launch speed it has.

'''CAS'''

The MiG-29 can be used as a fast interceptor of enemy targets in Ground Realistic. Equip your MiG-29 with 6 x FAB-500SH, add 2 R-60Ms optionally. Start heading to the battle area and go for a behind approach of the enemy spawn, this will allow you to take care of SPAAs or any other targets with a surprise. Once you found yourself a target, prepare to slow down to near Mach 1 and align your CCIP with the target, drop all or half of all the retarded bombs with a 0 second fuse (the bombs slowly fall on the target, allowing you to escape the blast while also instantly eliminating the target). Once the bombs have been dropped, either start speeding off back to the airfield for more bombs, or make use of your R-60Ms to take care of any enemy air targets. Furthermore, make sure to swap your radar into IRST mode, as you do not carry any radar missiles and it will make you more stealthy to face off enemy jets. It is suggested to also take a mixed countermeasures loadout, it can help you dodge surface-to-air missiles and break their lock on.

'''Enemies worth noting'''

[[F-16 (Family)|F-16 series]] : The F-16's are considered the top opponent against the MiG-29, having a equal amount of power and ability to combat you. Singularly you might have a upper hand in skill and abilities thanks to the R-27 and R-60 missiles, but beware. The moment a F-16 teams up with one another, they become a formidable and dangerous group. The more F-16's are flying as a flock the more dangerous they become. In comparison with the MiG-29: the F-16 performs better in groups, and it is that what you have to look out for. It's best to avoid engaging into a flock of F-16's, but to rather engage it from a distance (with use of R-27 missiles) or wait for the flock to fall apart. This will give you again a upper hand over the F-16 and give you the ability to combat it 1 on 1. Further than that make sure to keep a eye out for their missiles, they have a excellent medium range and can retain a IR lock very well.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Highest topspeed at sea level with ~ 1570kph / 975mph
* Very good acceleration at all altitudes
* Good manoeuvrability at low to medium speed
* Effective gun with suitable ammunition load and lethal effect on air targets
* Good radar system able to use Pulse-Doppler and Track-While-Scan to search for targets
* Good radar-guided missiles, particularly the R-27ER
* Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) sights allows more flexibility with both radar and IRST to target enemy planes off the MiG-29's nose
* Has IRST to search and track enemies, as well as slave IR weaponry, without alerting their Radar Warning Receiver (RWR)

'''Cons:'''

* Manoeuvrability drops at higher speed due to pilot pulling more G's, which can make it difficult to turn quickly without G-LOCing the pilot, such as evading a radar missile fired at close range
* The SPO-15 RWR is pseudo-all-aspect where the detections are divided into different sectors instead of showing the exact direction
* Lackluster short-range missiles (R-60Ms) compared to NATO counterparts
* Radar mechanics may have larger margin of error against very long-range (greater than 30 km) and very low altitude planes, even if enemy are within radar missile's weapon envelope
* Very limited supply of ammo (150 rounds)

== History ==

As proxy wars between the Soviet Union and the USA went on in different battlefields where the latest jets of the era could have been shot down by first generation jets like the MiG-17 (J-5) or the MiG-19 (J-6) in Vietnam, the USAF started their development on the new F-X program to ensure the air superiority in future combats (resulting in the F-15 Eagle). To counter the possible superiority of the new jet, the Soviet Union also started their ''Perspektivnyy Frontovoy Istrebitel'' (lit. "Advanced Frontline Fighter"), a program for an equivalent to the F-X in 1969. But after some development between Soviet firms TsAGI and Sukhoi, since the need for another lightweight jet to counter USAF's Lightweight Fighter program and its resulting product [[F-16A|F-16]] Fighting Falcon in 1971 arose, VVS also called for an ''Perspektivnyy Lyogkiy Frontovoy Istrebitel (lit. "Advanced Lightweight Frontline Fighter")'' where the new jets would become the cornerstones at a 1:2 ratio. After the intensive developments in 1970s, Sukhoi came up with the famous Su-27 Flanker while Mikoyan came with the other famous jet in Warsaw Pact service: the MiG-29 Fulcrum.

Compared to its Sukhoi rival, the MiG-29 traded the advanced flight control system and range of Flankers (until the introduction of the MiG-29S and MiG-29SMT with additional fuel tanks) with its infamous agility over NATO jets. When they were first publicly shown in different occasions through the 1980s, they had already become the new export fighter of choice for Warsaw Pact countries and allied customers over most continents of this planet such as Peru, Libya, Eritrea, India etc. Most of the MiG-29s didn't join conflicts during the Cold War aside from Iraqi ones, where they had to fight Iranian jet fighters, then later the coalition of NATO forces. These jets were then seen in many conflicts up to this date, sometimes even facing other Soviet jets, including the MiG-29's "higher-end" rival: the Su-27 (Eritrea vs. Ethiopia).

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mig_29_9_13 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|EEdjVf5IDOM|'''The Shooting Range #336''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:27 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[MiG-29 (Germany)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8006-development-mig-29-9-13-the-fulcrum-en|[Devblog] MiG-29 (9-13): the Fulcrum]]

{{AirManufacturer MiG}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}

Su-25T

2023-09-23T22:04:07Z

U79942984: Updated intro, armaments to reflect addition of R-73. Partial rewrite/reorganization of usage in battles.

{{About
| about = Soviet strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Su-25 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=su_25t
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

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

The Su-25T is a dedicated anti-tank variant of the legendary Su-25 "Grach". The airframe was adapted from a two-seat trainer variant and the appearance is more hump-backed than the original model. The nose houses the same "Shkval" targeting system as the [[Ka-50]] attack helicopter and can be further assisted with a Mercury targeting pod carried on the belly pylon. The Su-25T's signature weapon is the infamous 9K127 Vikhr beam-riding ATGM with large capacity, long range, and secondary anti-air capabilities, but it still has a classic arsenal of destructive unguided and laser-guided munitions, along with some TV-guided options. This Frogfoot can rain endless destruction on enemy vehicles in uncontested skies, but at such a high battle rating its subsonic flight performance is extremely lacking and it is not a significant threat in air combat. Su-25T pilots must be vigilant of enemy SAM and fighter capabilities and use its bag of tricks, such as a rearward IRCM system and the [[R-73]] thrust-vectoring missile, to stay alive.

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


The Su-25T weighs about 500 kg more than the basic Su-25 when empty due to the new electronics, but it has uprated R-195 turbojet engines than produce about 5% more thrust at full military power and have a new emergency mode that adds another 5% at the cost of rapid overheating. The overall flight performance is about the same: decent acceleration and handling for a subsonic jet but difficult to handle when weighed down with ordnance. The main issue is that the Su-25T's opposition consists of late 3rd generation and early 4th generation fighters that outperform it to an even greater margin than the basic Su-25. The only advantage it can boast of is a small turning radius because of its low speed, but the same could be said for a biplane and competent enemy pilots will know to use their enormous speed and climb advantages to prevent the Frogfoot from getting good opportunities to attack.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 1,000 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
| 968 || 962 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.4 || 28.0 || 69.9 || 62.1 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 989 || 979 || 26.6 || 27.0 || 91.4 || 80.0
|-
|}

==== 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 || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,100  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 1,050 || - || 420 || ~7 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 500 || < 600 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{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" | UMPO R-195 || 2
| colspan="2" | 10,786 kg || colspan="3" | 434 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | 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
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 37m fuel
|-
| 860 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 11,938 kg || 12,857 kg || 13,893 kg || 14,626 kg || 19,503 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="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (104%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || 104%
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 37m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 3,741 kgf || 3,913 kgf
| 0.66 || 0.61 || 0.56 || 0.54 || 0.41
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 3,784 kgf (200 km/h) || 3,958 kgf (200 km/h)
| 0.66 || 0.62 || 0.57 || 0.54 || 0.41
|-
|}

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


The Su-25T's armour layout is slightly different from the Su-25. The pilot still sits in a titanium "bathtub" and is surrounded by thick layers of bulletproof glass. There are now sheets of titanium on the sides of the nose, presumably for protecting the avionics but do not contribute much in War Thunder. The steel firewall between the engines and fuel tanks has been expanded and there is a new steel plate right behind the tail boom.

The Su-25T is the first jet in War Thunder to feature an IRCM system, which were previously only seen on helicopters. The IRCM is mounted in a pod at the base of the vertical stabilizer, and when active, will make it more difficult for IR missiles to lock onto the Frogfoot from the rear aspect.

=== 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}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-30-2 (30 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-2 cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)
* 192 x countermeasures

The Su-25T features the same GSh-30-2 twin-barreled autocannon as the original Su-25. However, the cannon mount is slightly different as the gun is placed underneath the cockpit in an external gondola instead of being integrated into the nose, a result of the space required by the new targeting systems. It loses 50 rounds of ammunition, so it is important to make every shot count.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="26" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[GSh-23L (23 mm)|23 mm GSh-23L]] cannons (250 rpg)
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250sv]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[KAB-500Kr (500 kg)|500 kg KAB-500Kr]] bombs
| || || || || 1 || || 1 || || || ||
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 ||
|-
! [[S-13OF]] rockets
| || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 ||
|-
! [[S-24B]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25O]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25OF]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25OFM]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25L]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[9K127 Vikhr]] missiles
| || || || 8 || || || || 8 || || ||
|-
! [[Kh-25]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[Kh-25ML]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[Kh-29L]] missiles
| || || || || 1 || || 1 || || || ||
|-
! [[Kh-29T]] missiles
| || || || || 1 || || 1 || || || ||
|-
! [[R-60M]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || || || || || || 1
|-
! [[R-73]] missiles
| || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! Mercury targeting pod
| || || || || || 1 || || || || ||
|-
! 800 l drop tanks
| || || || || 1 || || 1 || || || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 4,400 kg Maximum permissible wing load: 2,200 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
|}

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

* 2 x 800 l drop tanks
* 2 x R-60M missiles
* 2 x R-73 missiles
* 32 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (3,200 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg KAB-500Kr bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 8 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
* 160 x S-8KO rockets
* 40 x S-13OF rockets
* 8 x S-24B rockets
* 8 x S-25O rockets
* 4 x S-25L missiles
* 4 x Kh-25ML missiles
* 2 x Kh-29L missiles
* 2 x Kh-29T missiles
* 16 x 9K127 Vikhr missiles
* 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
{{Navigation-End}}

The Su-25T's arsenal includes just about everything in the original Su-25's arsenal (minus the small-calibre, high-capacity S-5K HEAT rockets), so the unguided bombs and rockets can be used in exactly the same way. The new and returning guided options are worth discussing in more detail.

It is helpful to carry the Mercury targeting pod when using any laser-guided air-to-ground weapons. Although it is primarily designed for NVD capabilities (no thermal optics, unfortunately) and the nose-mounted Shkval already has built-in zoom and auto-tracker systems, the Mercury system has a wider field of view from its belly placement and can look almost directly below the center of the Frogfoot, which makes it easier to keep the target locked when breaking away from a joust or incoming fire.

As could be expected of having the same targeting system as the Ka-50, the Su-25T can carry the 9K127 Vikhr ATGM in an unusual case of a fixed-wing aircraft being able to carry helicopter weapons. The Vikhr can be carried in greater numbers compared to helicopters and the speed and altitude of this launch platform helps extend the effective range somewhat. 800 mm of tandem-warhead penetration and about 5 kg of TNT equivalent are enough to dispatch both armoured and light targets alike upon direct hits. The Vikhrs of course can swat aircraft and even destroy incoming missiles because of their proximity fuses, but this does not mean that they are true air-to-air weapons. Acquiring a fast moving target with the auto tracker can be difficult and they do not have enough manoeuvrability to follow evasive manoeuvres, so in air combat they are best used in head-ons (to force opponents to break off) or when trailing slow and unaware enemies. A drawback to note is that the Vikhrs have a very small window for launch authorization.

New options are also available in the form of TV-guided weapons, as seen on the [[MiG-27M]]. The heavy Kh-29T AGM can be loaded on the inboard hardpoints. It has an enormous ~150 kg HE warhead and is fire-and-forget, so the Su-25T is completely free to break off after launch. This complements the Vikhrs well. Alternatively the same hardpoints can be used to mount the KAB-500Kr TV-guided bomb, but since they only have slightly more TNT equivalent than the Kh-29T and are unpowered (a major downside when being carried by a subsonic jet), they don't have as much utility.

The returning laser-guided Kh-25/ML and Kh-29L are far more viable than on the original Su-25 because of the advanced targeting systems. Although the Frogfoot lacks the performance for high-altitude "orbital strikes", they are fine for low-level attacks too. Amusingly, they can be used in a pinch for air combat: while lacking a proximity fuse, the semi-active laser guidance allows them to lead their targets while the Vikhr's beam riding cannot.

It may be tempting to load all of the Su-25T's hardpoints with ordnance, but because this Frogfoot really does not have any flight performance to spare, it is often more efficient to carry a lighter and less complicated loadout. A combination of Vikhrs and Kh-29Ts is enough to take down most types of ground targets while not requiring excessive micromanagement of the weapon systems. Unguided rockets are a good choice for additional firepower because they are convenient for close-in strafing attacks and can be disposed of quickly to lighten the aircraft.

For air combat, the basic R-60Ms mounted on dedicated pylons are usable but underwhelming at the Su-25T's battle rating, having low range and flare resistance. The improved R-73s are excellent IR missiles with good range, great overload, and ECCM. They are mounted on the outboard rocket/bomb pylons and allow the Frogfoot to carry 4 air-to-air missiles total with no impact on the payload of precision weapons.

== Usage in battles ==

The Su-25T Frogfoot is best suited for ground attack in general, using similar low and fast passes. The new guided munitions are more complicated than the rocket-slinging favored by earlier Frogfoots, but can cause more damage once the pilot gets used to the workflow of target acquisition and launch authorization. The Vikhr missiles in particular have best-in-class capacity (16x) and are unlikely to run out before the sortie ends from other factors. It's also very survivable thanks to its sturdy airframe, often shrugging off hits from MANPADS like Stingers. However in Ground RB, the Su-25T's flight performance makes it uniquely vulnerable to SAMs compared to supersonic strike aircraft; even SAMs with erratic flight profiles can catch a subsonic Frogfoot without too much trouble. Pay careful attention to the RWR. Generally it is a bad idea to engage a SAM in a head-on attack, but if there is no alternative, salvo-fire a pair of spaced Vikhrs so that one of them will hopefully intercept the missile.

In air battles, you are at a major disadvantage as aircraft you'll usually face have advanced radar missiles, along with pulse-Doppler radars. You will not outrun or catch any opponents. Two R-60Ms and two R-73s are enough to punish overconfident fighters that head-on or overshoot, but without a fighter level of flight performance, the Frogfoot cannot dictate any engagements. You can still dogfight enemies but the majority of vehicles, especially the F-14s, F-16s, and MiG-29s of top tier can still dance around you easily. At best, try to avoid confrontation, fly to the side and low, aiming for ground targets such as AAA, howitzers, and light pillboxes, or bombing bases if you can get there in time. IRCM will help prevent missile locks from the rear aspect, though it is best to use in tandem with countermeasures, as the IRCM is not guaranteed to spoof missiles, especially at close range. It is important to monitor the RWR and react when targeted by a radar missile by some combination of diving to low altitude, notching, and deploying chaff.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Slightly upgraded flight performance, with a newer engine
* Engines can be overclocked to 104 percent throttle for extra thrust
* Can equip Kh-29Ts and 9K127 Vihkr missiles for ground attack
* Powerful R-73 missiles for self defense
* IRCM jammer that can disrupt air-to-air missiles, along with a good amount of countermeasures
* Sturdy airframe, can survive missile hits from Stingers
* Upgraded RWR, can pinpoint radar pings accurately
* Large weaponry option, with different and unique combinations

'''Cons:'''

* Slow aircraft and heavy aircraft, especially with ordnance
* IRCM cannot stop missiles that have IRCCM such as Stingers
* Can overspeed and overheat the engines if not careful with the throttle
* Mediocre manoeuvrability
* Controls compress at high speeds

== History ==

The Su-25T project was an attempt to create an anti-tank aircraft that would be able to operate both during the daytime and at night, equipped with targeting systems and guided munitions to defeat armored vehicles. The list of equipment for the future aircraft was formalized in 1979, it was based on the Shkval targeting and navigation system and the Mercury television sight. The prototype passed the factory tests in 1987, by 1990 the project was prepared for mass production but due to the collapse of the USSR it did not start. A small batch of completed aircraft took part in the Chechen War in 1996. After the transfer of the production base from Tbilisi, Georgia to Ulan-Ude, Russia, the project was re-focused for export. An export version with slightly different avionics was designated the Su-39. In total, three attack aircraft of this configuration were built. Due to lack of funding, the project was closed.

''- From [[wt:en/news/8276-development-su-25t-and-the-pre-order-of-the-su-39-sergey-strikes-back-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=su_25t Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|JLDLKmzIvPU|'''The Shooting Range #363''' - ''Arsenal'' section at 07:34 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|VgnJeQkhhfQ|'''The Shooting Range #358''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:24 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[Su-25 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8276-development-su-25t-and-the-pre-order-of-the-su-39-sergey-strikes-back-en|[Devblog] Su-25T and the pre-order of the Su-39: Sergey Strikes Back!]]

{{AirManufacturer Sukhoi}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}

Yak-141

2023-08-27T06:33:19Z

U79942984: Expanded intro, wrote armaments.

{{Specs-Card
|code=yak_141
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet supersonic VTOL jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Sky Guardians"]]. The Yak-141 (also known as the "Yak-41", NATO reporting name "Freestyle") is a prototype Soviet VTOL fighter designed as a successor to the [[Yak-38]]. While the subsonic "Forger" with limited payload and poor handling was more of a proof of concept than a serious combat aircraft for its time, the heavily evolved Yak-141 is a far more capable. It is a much larger aircraft with refined aerodynamics and a monstrously powerful Tumansky R-79 turbofan primary engine. With modern avionics and long-range missiles at its disposal, the Yak-141 was poised to be a world-leading supersonic VTOL fighter and a strong asset for the Soviet Navy — however, the collapse of the USSR prevented the Yak from entering serial production and operational service in real life.

In War Thunder, this plane is a fearsome predator despite its slightly awkward appearance. It is in fact a full-featured 4th generation fighter on the same technological level as the [[MiG-29]], its counterpart in the VVS. It does not have the Mach 2+ top speed of contemporary fighters, but its agility is surprisingly good and its acceleration is phenomenal. Carrying R-27ERs and boasting a radar range of 70 km, the Yak-141 is a terrifying opponent with fantastic avionics and sensors able to sling the best missiles of its BR at all ranges.

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

This jet is shockingly agile, particularly at very high speeds. In addition, being a VTOL jet, it is able to accelerate much more quickly than other aircraft. It is usually the first to the end of the runway, only initially outpaced by Harriers. It can bring enough fuel to afterburn to the middle of the largest of locations, strategically deploy its missiles, usually still afterburning, and return home with fuel to spare. It also has the ability to afterburn while thrust vectoring, which, combined with its manoeuvrability, powerful engines, and hovering potential, make it quite versatile at close ranges, able to outperform and elude the most nimble of conventional fighters. The only downside of this aircraft is its roll rate, which can impair its reactivity at close ranges.

The R-79V-300 is currently the most powerful aircraft engine in War Thunder by a large margin. It yields 45% more thrust than the [[F-14B]]'s General Electric F110 under optimal conditions and allows the Yak to achieve a commendable thrust-to-weight ratio in forward flight despite being a VTOL jet with the associated dead weight.

{| 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
| 1,802 || 1,802 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 25.6 || 25.8 || 264.9 || 254.6 || rowspan="2" | 550
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== 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 || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,450  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 750 || 648 || 500 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 650 || < 850 || < 920 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{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" | Tumansky R79V-300 (main) || 1
| colspan="2" rowspan="2" | 10,930 kg || colspan="3" rowspan="2" | 483 kg/m2
|-
| colspan="2" | Saturn RD-41 (lift jets) || 2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | 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
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 35m fuel
|-
| 1,750 kg (main) || colspan="2" | Afterburning vectored-thrust low-bypass turbofan
| rowspan="2" | 12,250 kg || rowspan="2" | 13,381 kg || rowspan="2" | 14,606 kg || rowspan="2" | 15,330 kg || rowspan="2" | 17,362 kg
|-
| 290 kg (lift jet) || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum main 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="5" | Thrust to weight ratio in forward flight @ 0 m (WEP / 100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 35m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 11,179 kgf || 15,582 kgf
| 1.27 || 1.16 || 1.07 || 1.02 || 0.90
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 11,179 kgf (0 km/h) || 19,740 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.61 || 1.48 || 1.35 || 1.29 || 1.14
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum lift 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="5" | Thrust to weight ratio in VTOL (all 3 engines) @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
| ''Stationary'' || {{Annotation|4,105 kgf|18,277 kgf total thrust in VTOL (split over 3 engines)}} || {{Annotation|4,152 kgf|18,472 kgf total thrust in VTOL (split over 3 engines)}}
| 1.51 || 1.38 || 1.26 || 1.20 || 1.06
|-
|}

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

Most hits from a missile are fatal, as with any top tier jet, but if used properly, the Yak-141 can dodge even very advanced missiles with its combination of speed and agility. Because of its powerful engine, this aircraft can still fly and manoeuvre effectively even with extensive fuselage damage.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-30-1 (30 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon, belly-mounted (120 rpg)
** 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon + 60 x countermeasures

The Yak-141 boasts the same GSh-30-1 cannon as the MiG-29, albeit with a slightly smaller ammo capacity. It is accurate, fast-firing, and has a high muzzle velocity. Since the Yak-141's advanced avionics offer lead computing, it is a good backup weapon for dogfights or head-ons.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="11%" | 1 !! width="11%" | 2 !! width="11%" | 3 !! width="11%" | 4
| rowspan="17" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[GSh-23L (23 mm)|23 mm GSh-23L]] cannons (250 rpg)
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| 4 || 4 || 4 || 4
|-
! [[FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|250 kg FAB-250M-62]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[S-5K]] rockets
| 32 || 32 || 32 || 32
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| 20 || 20 || 20 || 20
|-
! [[S-13OF]] rockets
| 5 || 5 || 5 || 5
|-
! [[S-24B]] rockets
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-27ER]] missiles
| || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[R-27R]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-27T]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-60M]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
| colspan="5" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,000 kg
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
* Without load
* 2 x R-60M missiles
* 4 x R-60M missiles
* 4 x R-27R missiles
* 2 x R-27ER missiles
* 4 x R-27T missiles
* 128 x S-5K rockets
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
* 4 x S-24B rockets
* 20 x S-13OF rockets
* 16 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (1,600 kg total)
* 4 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 4 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 4 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 4 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 4 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
* 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
{{Navigation-End}}

The Yak-141 has a comparable arsenal to the [[MiG-29]], but with only four hardpoints, it is important to allocate the weapons carefully.

The main focus is on the air-to-air missiles. The stock R-60Ms are the classic tools of Soviet top-tier jets with high agility, short range, and low flare resistance. R-27 missiles with greater range can be mounted on all four pylons (the Fulcrums can only carry two) and come in three flavors: the R-27T with an IR seeker, the R-27R with a SARH seeker, and the R-27ER extended range SARH variant with an incredibly fast and powerful rocket motor. The R-27ERs should always be taken once unlocked because they are outstanding for long-range missile jousts, especially when paired with the Yak's excellent radar, but they are only available on the 2 inboard hardpoints. How to fill the other two is up to personal taste: R-27Rs are weaker but still viable and R-27Ts are good for medium range sneak attacks as they do not trigger any RWR warnings when cued with the Yak's IRST. R-60Ms are good for close-range knife fights, but bringing them has a significant opportunity cost on the Yak-141 and it may be better to leave dogfighting for friendly Fulcrums instead.

The remaining options are unguided bombs (100 to 500 kg) and rockets (S-5K and S-8KO HEAT rockets, S-13OF and S-24B HE rockets) for ground attack. The Yak-141 has a full-featured ballistic computer and can deliver them accurately, but using this aircraft for a strike role is suboptimal - it has a poor attack payload, no precision or standoff weapons, and no hardpoints reserved for air-to-air missiles.

== Usage in battles ==

The Yak-141 is a very versatile aircraft, competitive if not dominant in all kinds of combat. It is a monster in long range engagements, with an advanced radar and almost flawless SARH missiles, as long as an opponent does not notch your radar, their lifetime is measured in seconds. This jet also excels in close combat, its cannon and R-60s making short work of opponents. For the tough cases, you can transition into relying on your VTOL ability to bring the fight to your strengths, stall speed fighting.

'''Long Range'''

As most initial engagements will begin at long range, it is recommended to bring two R-27ERs. These missiles are almost unilateral improvements on the R variants, with little sacrifice for a vast increase in range. Before enemies are spotted, switch the radar to HDN or head-on mode, so it searches slightly better for the hot aircraft you know are out there. It is also recommended to increase the scan azimuth of your radar so that you have a better chance of finding something. When contacts appear, you can filter out the AI planes based on distance and formation. They will be well ahead of the the first players, usually starting as one contact that slowly fragments. When other contacts come within range, it is recommended to use TWS or Track While Search mode to learn their placement in the sky and heading without alerting them of your attention. You can also use the "Switch selected target" function to check many different targets position and closing speed. Using this information, you can filter out targets based on closing speed and altitude. Contacts closing faster than about 700 m/s are probably missiles, while targets under about 450 m/s could easily notch your radar if they notice a lock. You also want to avoid targets that are hugging the ground as ground clutter can even fool pulse-Doppler radars when tracking a target less than 50 m from the surface. As for distance, while you can technically hit a target over 40 km from you, most pilots will begin notching when they see your missile approaching, if not as soon as the lock tone sounds. Therefore, it is advised to target hostiles under the 10 km range who will not have much time to react to your lock or missile.

'''Close Range'''

In head-ons, it is recommended to use your radar missiles, as they are essentially undodgeable if fired from more than about 4 km. However, it takes time to lock and launch, so sometimes it is better to sling an R-60 and hope for the best. While they are usually flared off the intended target, an R-60 can frequently parry an incoming missile, locking onto and destroying it instead. It is generally unwise to engage in a head-on that is too short range to use an R-27, as neither R-60s nor your single cannon is very effective. In most cases any damage in a close head on like this will be done to you, unless you are carrying gunpods. As with any other aircraft of this tier, it is ill-advised to enter a pitched, focused turnfight unless you are absolutely sure that no enemies are around, otherwise you will be a slow helpless target for a hungry missile. That said, the Yak-141 is a very dangerous opponent in a dogfight. It possesses the ability to vector its thrust and so turn in a way that belies your lumbering appearance. Your surprising turning ability can give you enough time, even when losing, to bleed their speed and force them to fight in a way that favors you. After a couple of turns, your speed will be low enough to engage your thrust vectoring. Lower your aft engine to about 55%, as it will still afterburn up to 57%, then use your fore engines to swing your nose toward your opponent. Your speed will continue to fall, but with the ability to hover, simply move to the center of your opponent's turn circle and transition to a dynamic hover, floating in the center of the circle while using your lead indicator to target them with your cannon. Try to get them to bleed until they stall or use your partial hover to outmanoeuvre them in a stall speed dogfight. Be careful, however, as it will take time to transition out of a short range fight. Enter at your peril.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* VTOL/Thrust Vectoring
* Surprising high speed manoeuvrability
* Excellent radar range/difficult to notch/IRST
* Sufficient fuel capacity for plenty of afterburning
* Heavy duty IR missiles

'''Cons:'''

* Fairly low top speed for its BR
* R-60M is flared off easily
* Only carries four missiles
* Limited strike capability

== History ==

While the [[Yak-38]] and its later modernized [[Yak-38M]] variant fulfilled the role of a fleet defence strike fighter for the Soviet navy, the aircraft were considered obsolete almost immediately due to the many shortcomings they had, such as a very poor range of less than 100 km, difficulty operating in hot weather, inability to operate at night due to lack of radar or advanced targeting systems, horrible controllability and manoeuvrability due to the heavy weight and high wing loading, and a small combat payload among other things. As early as 1973, the {{Annotation|AVMF|Soviet Naval Aviation Fleet}} and OKB-115, led by General Designer Aleksander Yakovlev, went back to the drawing board to create a new generation of VTOL fighters for the Soviet navy. The successor aircraft project outlined a set of requirements: the new aircraft had to be supersonic, incorporate an advanced fire control system and radar/sensor suite, allow for a larger range of operations, and include a larger array of weapons. At the time of the project, no aircraft like this existed in the world, and the only equivalent that came close was the french Dassault Balzac V prototype.
[[File:Yak-141 at 1992 Farnborough Airshow.jpg|thumb|Yakovlev Yak-141 (code White 141, formerly White 75) performing a vertical take-off at the 1992 Farnborough Airshow.]]
This new aircraft would be designed around the new Soyuz-Tumansky R-79V lift/cruise afterburning turbofan, starting its life as the Yak-36P heavy VTOL naval interceptor. However, after substantial changes and almost a complete redesign of the aircraft resulting from reconsideration of the project requirements, the project would be redesignated as the Yak-41. In mid 1974, the Communist Party's Central Committee and Council of Ministers would issue a directive for the development of a new Soviet VTOL fighter, officially kickstarting the project. After many years of research and development, the design was finalized and submitted for review in June of 1980<ref>Gordon, Yefim. ''Yakovlev Yak-36, Yak-38 & Yak-41: The Soviet "Jump Jets."'' Midland Publishing, 2008.</ref>. The design invoked many new technologies not yet standardized in the Soviet Union, such as composite materials and advanced radars. Many setbacks with the R-79V engine and the Phazotron S-41 radar development programs caused the development schedule of the Yak-41 to be delayed by a few years. In 1983, the first static (non-flying) prototype was completed, and static ground testing commenced until the radar, engine, and fly-by-wire/power-by-wire systems were completed. The first flying prototype was soon completed and on March 9th, 1987 performed its maiden flight. Many of the important systems such as the S-41 radar and the other important avionics were still not completed fully, and would be incorporated later into the second flyable prototype which was completed in 1989. The second prototype was a more definitive "Yak-41" prototype, this time including most of its avionics and fire control system, such as the Zhuk S-41M radar which was completed by now, and would go as far as to mount mock-up missiles and weapons for flight testing and "simulated" firing during trials. The most notable missing piece of avionics was the {{Annotation|IRST|Infra-Red Search and Track}} system, which was ready to be installed when completed as shown by the cut-out for it on top of the nose on the second flying prototype.

The Yak-41 showed great promise, and at this stage of flight testing started setting many world records. To keep its development and true identity secret, the Soviet Union registered the aircraft as the "Yak-141" instead of Yak-41 with international record keeping agencies, hence where the 141 designation comes from. The Yak-41 program was proceeding smoothly at that point, with many flight tests scheduled and performed successfully over the next few years. Most notably, by 1991 the Yak-41s had flown to Severomorsk-1 airbase and successfully performed carrier trials and testing, including both VTOL and STOL operations from the carriers ''Baku'' (later renamed ''Admiral Gorshkov)'', in anticipation of future service deployment aboard the new and upcoming Type 1143.5 carrier ''Tblisi'' (later renamed to ''Admiral Kuznetsov'') after the aircraft is accepted into service in the upcoming years.<ref>Gordon, Yefim, and Bill Gunston. "'Yakovlev's Experimental VTOLs' p.213-215." ''Soviet X-Planes'', Midland, Hinckley, 2000.</ref>
[[File:Yak-141 museum.jpg|thumb|Yak-41 "White 75" (actually White 77 but repainted) with R-73 and R-27R missiles on display at Technical Museum, Arkhangelskoye, Moscow.]]
However, as promising as the aircraft was, the program was ultimately terminated in 1992 due to lack of funding after the collapse of the USSR. The Yakovlev design bureau then started trying to find foreign investors and buyers for the aircraft. Shortly after, a very unlikely foreign investor appeared at Yakovlev's doorstep, as Lockheed Corporation started negotiations for further funding more Yak-141 prototypes. The two flying prototypes, White 75 and White 77, would both be repainted into identical "White 144" liveries, and the two static non-flying prototypes would be cannibalized for spare parts before being scrapped to ensure that public display of the Yak-41 was flawless. The first public appearance of the Yak-41 occurred famously at the 1992 Farnborough Airshow in the United Kingdom. However, the Yak-41s would be banned from performing vertical take-offs after a few days at the airshow due to "excessive wear to the runway", a testament to the powerful thrust from the engines in vertical flight. Shortly after, Yakovlev had announced that they had successfully reached an agreement with Lockheed for 4 million $USD in funding for two more flying prototypes, a twin-seat trainer prototype, and a single static (non-flying) testbed to test improvements in avionics. The partnership had actually begun almost immediately after the USSR had collapsed, but was not revealed publicly by Yakovlev and Lockheed until September 6th, 1992.<ref>Gordon, Yefim (1997). ''Yakovlev Aircraft since 1924''. London, UK: Putnam Aeronautical Books.</ref> It is widely believed that many of the technological advancements from the Yak-41 program would be directly applied by Lockheed through their partnership to the upcoming X-35 prototype in the Joint-Strike Fighter program, most notably the later VTOL F-35B variant, which shares many basic features with the Yak-41.

The two flyable prototypes, now no longer flyable, would be exhibited as static ground displays at the 1993 Moscow airshow. Shortly after, the two prototypes would undergo cosmetic restoration before being placed in museums for permanent display. The first flyable prototype retained its post-soviet "White 141" livery, and is permanently displayed at the Central Air Force Museum at Monino. The second prototype was re-painted into the "White 75" livery originally used by its sister aircraft (the first prototype), and placed in the Technical Museum, Arkhangelskoye, Moscow.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=yak_141 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|GLhl4uB0QhU|'''The Shooting Range #347''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:51 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|K09goo8T4jM|'''The Shooting Range #345''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:25 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|tTfqkOz_1p8|'''Yak-141: A Basic Review''' - ''Tims Variety''}}

== 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 ==


* [[wt:en/news/8128-development-yak-141-freestyle-on-the-deck-en|[Devblog] Yak-141: Freestyle on the Deck]]

=== References ===
<references />

{{AirManufacturer Yakovlev}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}

AFT09

2023-08-27T03:58:13Z

U79942984: /* Main armament */ Corrected flight speed of HJ-9, cleaned details.

{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_hj_9
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (AFT09型反坦克导弹武器系统; lit Anti-tank missile weapon system) is one of the dedicated ATGM carrier of PLAGF alongside with platforms with HJ-10 ATGM in PLAGF service. HJ-9 was part of the pre-development efforts by Institute 203 after they foreseeing the combat capabilities of HJ-73 and the earlier variants of HJ-8 would be ineffective against new MBTs; after PLAGF HQ demanded for a new ATGM against possible enemy MBTs by the 2000s, the engineer team based on the previous team that developed HJ-8 started the development of HJ-9 in 1988. The new missile ditched wire-guidance and opted for TV guidance instead, featuring tandem warhead for maximum effectiveness against enemy armored targets and revised solid fuel rocket engines for higher speed. The missile and its weapon system was finalized and delivered to PLAGF in 1999, appeared in both 50th and 60th National Day Parade as the anti-armor spearhead of PLAGF.

Introduced in [[Update "Drone Age"]] as the first PLAGF missile carrier, the AFT09 is a wheeled 4x4 Chinese ATGM carrier from 1999 with up to twelve HJ-9 ATGMs onboard. It uses a shortened variation of the WZ551 chassis (WZ550) which previously introduced on the [[PTL02]] and [[WMA301]] in previous patches, but instead of a large assault gun turret, it has an unmanned, retractable ATGM launcher brandishing four missiles at a time. It invites comparison to the French [[MEPHISTO]] but is in fact far more deadly: the chassis has higher forward mobility and the HJ-9 missiles are superior to the HOT-2 in almost every respect. Thanks to the HJ-9's unrivaled penetration, sufficiently fast missile speed and good FCS, players can send even groups of the toughest enemies straight back to the hanger with a single hit each.

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

Players of the Chinese tech tree might think that the chassis of AFT09 looks very similar to that of [[PTL02]]/[[WMA301]]- in fact this is a correct assumption as this is also a variant of the WZ551 chassis aka WZ550 with a 4x4 config; while player of [[MEPHISTO|VAB MEPHISTO]] in France will find many similarities to it. Most of the features on WZ551 are identical on both chassis other than being a 6x6 (WZ551) / 4x4 (WZ550) respectively, especially the overall protection. To sum up the overall protection in a few words, it would be: paper-thin. For the protection, other than the lower part of the chassis, the whole vehicle can only stop rifle-caliber bullets; anything that is larger than a M2HB is more than enough to tear down AFT09 and its 4 crews with ease even at long distance; so be extra careful on where should AFT09 appear.

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 12 mm (31°) ''Upper'' 20 mm (43°) ''Lower''
| 10 mm ''Top'' 10 mm ''Bottom'' || 8 mm || 8 mm
|-
| Turret || colspan="4" | 8 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


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

Since AFT09 is based on the WZ551 chassis but reduced into a 4x4 instead of 6x6, WZ551 family mostly shares the same Detuz BF8L413F engine (albeit at a slightly reduced power output) and ZF 5S-111GPA transmission; this reduction in size also means that it goes faster than its other cousins (at 95 km/h)while has a slightly better but still horrible -8 km/h reverse, so make sure to plan your route to cover; the overall mobility is also good so make sure to utilize it for getting into a shooting position before the enemy does.

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=412|rbMinHp=256}}

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

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

{{main|HJ-9}}

The main and the only armament on AFT09 is the HJ-9 ATGMs onboard, these 12 rounds of missiles are the 2nd generation ATGM of PLAGF since 1999. The missile airframe resembles the South African [[ZT3|ZT3 Ingwe]] used by the [[ZT3A2]] (a fellow wheeled ATGM carrier) or US BGM-71 TOW, but performance-wise it is very similar to the infamous Russian [[9M133|9M133 Kornet]] used by the [[BMP-2M]]: an incredibly potent tandem-heat warhead with 1,200 mm of penetration is more than enough to even send the infamous Rank VII [[T-80BVM]] to kingdom come. The 305 m/s maximum flight speed is basically the same as the Kornet or TOW-2B. The massive post-penetration damage leads to frequent OHKOs and the four kilograms of explosive mass will also overpressure light vehicles if that wasn't enough.

Although the HJ-9 is often said to be a laser beam-riding missile, it in fact uses a SACLOS system where the laser beam is presumably used to transmit coded information to the missile. As with other SACLOS systems in War Thunder, the HJ-9 cannot be fired on the move and cannot guide multiple missiles at the same time. Beam-riders like the Kornet are more flexible in these regards. However the HJ-9 is resistant to soft-kill APS systems and can be used against opponents like the [[PUMA]] and [[T-90A]] without any issues.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[HJ-9]] missile || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 12 (4) || rowspan="2" | ±10° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 13.2 || 18.3 || 22.2 || 24.5 || 26.1 || rowspan="2" | 15.00 || rowspan="2" | 15.00 || rowspan="2" | 15.00 || rowspan="2" | 15.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 8.9 || 10.5 || 12.8 || 14.1 || 15.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:HJ-9/Ammunition|HJ-9}}

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''3''' || 0 ''(+3)'' || Yes
|-
|}
Note: the final 4 missiles at the internal rack clears out only when all missiles has been fired.

== Usage in battles ==

Players of [[MEPHISTO|VAB MEPHISTO]] will soon find themselves home as AFT09 shared a very similar config of missile launcher and chassis; both vehicles are 4×4 and have a retractable launcher with 4 missiles. The HJ-9 is much deadlier than the HOT-2 however, with twice the flight speed, 25% greater raw penetration, and a tandem warhead, allowing players to be more aggressive. The AFT09 shares a similar chassis with the [[PTL02]], but thanks to its relatively lighter weight, it has a higher top speed than the latter and a slightly faster reverse speed; although this might not sound like much for such a lightly-protected vehicle, the mobility is enough to take advantageous positions before most enemies can. Be ready to counter enemy assaults or retreat as soon as the tides have turned, as the AFT09 takes a while to reload and has a poor reverse speed. Do remember that the overall protection of it is only rated for rifle-caliber bullets, anything larger is like a hot knife through butter, therefore cover and stealth are the most essential element to ensure the overall survival of the vehicle. Be especially careful of vehicles with top-attack missiles such as the [[M3A3 Bradley]] because they can very easily destroy the AFT09 behind cover. The number of smoke grenades on the vehicle might be low, but it is still enough for a retreat or two.

AFT09 has a trump card in hand- its HJ-9 missiles. At its current tier, there is practically no vehicle that can stop its 1,200 mm penetration missile that flies at 500 m/s, this also ensures its capability even at the top tier as HJ-9 can even penetrate some of the most infamous MBTs in-game with ease. Fitted with ±10° vertical limits and a 1st generation TVD, this also ensures players can find targets at a faster rate and deliver the fatal blow to enemies; alternatively, its 5.5 km range is also threatening to hovering helicopters since most missiles at this tier can barely fly 4 km, a precise hit on them will very likely knock them out right away if they are unaware of such a huge missile. Unlike the [[Shturm-S]] or [[BMP-2M]], the AFT09 does not have a proximity-fused HE missile available, so hitting attentive targets is difficult.

The large profile of the AFT09 is a double-edged sword. It is not difficult to spot the boxy wheeled APC chassis and the turret itself is very tall, which is a problem when moving between positions on the battlefield. A SPAA or IFV could easily turn the AFT09 into Swiss cheese with a quick burst. However, the height of the turret and the decent gun depression (-10 degrees is better than any other PRC vehicle) makes it possible to hide in hull-down positions behind hills and low cover while only exposing the unmanned turret, allowing the AFT09 to unleash its incredible offensive power without risking the crew. On large and open maps, an entrenched AFT09 can lock down an entire flank. This is not a risk-free strategy because incoming fire can detonate the loaded ATGMs and a single TOW-2B can end the party, so it is best to not stay in a fixed position for long and orient the hull to drive away quickly at a moment's notice.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Extremely high 1,200 mm penetration, enough to finish off any tank even at high tier (e.g. [[T-72A]], Leopard 2A4, [[M1A1]])
* ATGMs have fast flight speed
* Thermal gunsight with high zoom (3x-12x) allows efficient targeting in all weathers
* -10° gun depression makes hull-down a viable tactic

'''Cons:'''

* Horrible -8 km/h reverse speed, fatal for a wheeled light vehicle
* Sluggish mobility on soft surface
* Can only fire when stationary which is dangerous in a sudden encounter
* Thin armour all around, can get penetrated by machine guns and shrapnel easily

== History ==

As the development of the previous generation ATGM has settled (HJ-73) and earlier HJ-8 were proved ineffective against the latest MBTs from both USSR and NATO, PLAGF was in dire for a new heavy ATGM with new guidance system as well as sporting their latest FCS. The new missile started its pre-development theorization in early 1980s by Institute 203 and officially started its development in 1988, with the likelihood of influence from the US BGM-71 TOW captured in Vietnam in terms of caliber and appearance; the engineer team also has to develop TV guidance systems and quad-mount, retractable missile launcher which could be traced back to different ancestors such as the ZDF89 ATGM carrier with quad-mount HJ-8 and WZ504 ATGM carrier using HJ-73 with retractable launcher, the system was later installed on the newly-developed WZ550 4x4 chassis by Factory 256 (NORINCO Chongqing Tiema). Due to the oversized superstructure to fit in the weapon systems, designers simplified the design with superstructures cover only the missiles and new intergraded launcher with enhanced FCS. The result was the HJ-9 that has been finalized in 1995; the new weapon system, delivered in April 1999 for the Project 9910 (50th National Day Parade) as the earliest new equipment for the parade, was first shown in both the 50th and 60th National Day Parade as the vehicles G phalanx and 14th phalanx respectively on a WZ550 chassis with different camouflage designs.<ref>https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1m8411R7Ec

A video introducing the development of the HJ-9</ref> In NORINCO catalogues, they also displayed a tripod variant as a standalone weapon system or onboard a open-top Iveco truck as its main weapon; different export customer, such as Rwanda opted to mount HJ-9A launcher on top of their Otokar Cobra APC<ref>https://www.military.africa/2018/12/rwandan-defense-forces-operating-chinese-red-arrow-hj-9a-anti-tank-guided-missile/</ref> while Morocco purchased the tripod mount HJ-9A for their Marine Corps<ref>https://www.defensa.com/africa-asia-pacifico/sistema-misiles-antitanque-chino-hj-9a-exhibido-infanteria-real</ref>

=== [[wt:en/news/7826-development-hj-9-the-red-arrow-en|Devblog]] ===
Being based on a shortened version of the Chinese ZSL92 APC, the HJ-9 features excellent mobility, typical for most wheeled vehicles regardless of rank. Specifically, the HJ-9 can reach an excellent top speed of 95 km/h on paved roads thanks to its 290 horsepower diesel engine. On the other hand, the vehicle's comparably low combat weight and the resulting high power-to-weight ratio enable it to cross even rougher terrain with relative ease - just be wary of boggy areas and deep snow as these considerably hamper the mobility of wheeled vehicles in general.

In most cases, wheeled vehicles don't feature heavy duty protection so as to not hamper their mobility. This principle also applies to the HJ-9. Engineers only equipped the HJ-9 with steel armor up to 12 mm in thickness as well as bulletproof glass for the windows. Needless to say, this makes the HJ-9 highly susceptible to everything but small arms fire and shrapnel. Aircraft in particular may prioritize the HJ-9 over other targets due to its poor protection and lack of a defensive roof-mounted machine gun. As a result, commanders are best advised to make the most use out of the HJ-9's excellent mobility and constantly change position after each engagement to ensure they remain an elusive target on the battlefield.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_hj_9 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|2QdxhMAGn6o|'''The Shooting Range #353''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:24 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


* [[MEPHISTO]] - A very similar missile carrier from France

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7826-development-hj-9-the-red-arrow-en|[Devblog] HJ-9: The Red Arrow]]

{{TankManufacturer Norinco}}
{{China tank destroyers}}
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

ZTZ96

2023-08-27T03:49:49Z

U79942984: Revised mentions of 3BM42.

{{About
| about = Chinese medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = ZTZ96 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_ztz_96
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (Chinese: ZTZ96式主战坦克; industry code WZ122H) is one of the MBTs in PLAGF service since late 1990s. After the introduction of ZTZ88 by early 1990s, there were plans to fuse the hull of ZTZ88 with the successful turret from Type 85-IIM exported to Pakistan with domestic FCS. The development of such tank went on successfully as the WZ122H in PLAGF service and it has humbly served the PLAGF for almost 3 decades and possibly received upgrades to current standards due to being unable to upgrade from older tanks to the new [[ZTZ96A]] in service with ERA packages.

Introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]] as the first Chinese tank in the game not directly based on or modified from a foreign design and one of the first MBT-equivalent tanks in PLAGF service, the ZTZ96 has a more distinctive appearance and introduces several features not seen in previous Chinese medium tanks. The general layout is reminiscent of the [[T-72A|Soviet T-72]], but upon closer inspection, major differences are apparent in the design of the turret and hull. The welded turret is flat and angular compared to the dome shape traditionally favoured by the Soviet Union and China. The hull is a departure from the traditional T-54 chassis, featuring smaller roadwheels, different angles, and larger overall dimensions. Composite armour is present in the turret cheeks and on the upper glacis.

Like the T-72, the ZTZ96 features a 125 mm smoothbore cannon with an autoloader. Its shell selection is somewhat limited but the APFSDS and HE shells are excellent and can handle most ground targets. The protection and mobility are average at best, but those familiar with previous Chinese tanks will be used to these faults. ZTZ96 users can enjoy the great firepower and look forward to the succeeding [[ZTZ96A]], a modernized and much-improved variant with thermal sights and ERA protection.

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

The ZTZ96's armour is a significant improvement over previous Chinese tanks like the [[CM11]] and [[ZTZ59D1]] but is not especially competitive for its rank. It has a significant amount of chemical protection in the turret cheeks (~520-530 mm) and upper glacis (~460-480 mm). The turret can resist most HEAT-FS rounds fired by enemy tanks but the hull might be penetrated on occasion by 120 mm HEAT-FS as used by the [[Leopard 2K]] and [[Leopard A1A1 (L/44)]] for example. Contemporary ATGMs will usually go right through.

Kinetic protection is decent but not spectacular, at about 390 mm for the turret cheeks and 360 mm for the hull depending on what round is used for testing. This is enough to stop early APFSDS rounds like the 105 mm DM23 fired by the [[Leopard A1A1]], but many enemies at its rank can punch through it with their top rounds like 105 mm DM33/Type 93. Due to having a battle rating, the ZTZ96 has some measure of isolation against top-tier guns. Contemporary US tanks like the [[MBT-70]] or [[XM-1 (GM)]] will struggle to penetrate its composite armour and surprisingly even the British Challenger 1 series will have some difficulties. Overall, though the ZTZ96 has similarities to the [[T-72A]], its armour protection is worse. The turret is weaker and the hull is comparable if the T-72's add-on armour upgrade is accounted for, slightly better otherwise.

As with other modern MBTs, the gun mantlet is highly susceptible to incoming fire, which can knock out the breech or hurt the crew. The lower glacis is also a weak point and should be hidden from enemy view when possible. However, due to the design of the upper glacis (which more closely resembles the T-54), there is no driver's viewport weak spot that plagues the contemporary T-64/72/80 tanks. This might surprise enemies with weaker rounds who shoot that area out of habit.

The post-penetration survivability leaves much to be desired. The autoloader uses the same layout as the T-72A; a penetrating shot to the lower glacis or hull side has a high likelihood of detonating the ammunition and instantly destroying the tank. Granted, this is slightly less likely to happen than in the T-64/80 since the propellant charges are stacked horizontally instead of vertically. In addition, with 3 only crew members, it is easier to knock out the tank with a good shot, particularly since the driver and gunner are lined up when the turret is facing forwards.

While hull penetrations tend to be fatal, this is not necessarily the case for turret penetrations. It is possible to empty the turret of spare ammunition by taking fewer rounds (22 + 1 for a full autoloader carousel and one in the gun). If an enemy shoots a turret cheek, usually only one crew member will perish. This will give the player time either to retaliate or to retreat. With duplicate fire controls, the commander can take control of the cannon and fire it when the gunner is down. The autoloader ensures that the gun is loaded during this time.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
* Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet, commander cupola)
* Rubber-fabric screens (side skirts)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 20 mm (69°) ''Outer UFP'' 100 mm (67°) ''Inner UFP'' 60 mm (51°) ''LFP'' || 50 mm || 45 mm (52°) ''Top '' 45 mm (15°) ''Bottom'' || 20-30 mm
|-
| Turret || 220 mm ''Turret front'' 310 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 50-80 mm || 20 mm || 30 mm
|-
| Cupola || colspan="3" | 30 mm (cylindrical) || 30 mm (spherical)
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable"
! Composite armour !! Front (Slope angle)
|-
| Hull || '''Upper glacis: '''350 mm ''Kinetic'' 480 mm ''Chemical''
|-
| Turret ||'''Turret front:''' 400 mm ''Kinetic'' 520 mm ''Chemical''
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels, tracks, and torsion bars are 20 mm thick.
* Belly armour is 20 mm thick.
* Side skirts are 8 mm thick.
* Mudguards and storage boxes are 4 mm thick.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,131|rbMinHp=646}}

The mobility of the {{PAGENAME}} is generally unimpressive, though still an improvement over preceding Chinese MBTs. It has 17.8 hp/ton when fully upgraded, which is about the same as the [[T-64B]] and less than the [[Challenger Mk.2]]; these two tanks are already considered quite immobile for their rank. The reverse speed of -9 km/h is slow but better than the agonizing 4 km/h of the Soviet T-64/72. Do not count on being able to retreat from danger rapidly. In general the {{PAGENAME}} will be among the last to arrive on the battlefield in top rank battles, and one should plan accordingly. However, the tank is still quite manoeuvrable and agile in its hull traverse, allowing it to weave through dense forests and urban areas with relative ease and react quickly to threats.

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

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

{{main|Type 88C (125 mm)}}

The ZTZ96 makes up for its drawbacks in protection and mobility with a superb gun. The 125 mm Type 88C smoothbore gun is capable of firing APFSDS, HE and HEAT-FS ammunition. Although the ZTZ96 uses a similar autoloader system to the T-72s with 7.1 second reload rate, which is already on the long side for its rank. The turret rotation speed is noticeably improved over the T-72, topping out at 30 degrees/sec like the [[Type 90]].

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Type 88C (125 mm)|125 mm Type 88C]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Autoloader
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 40 || rowspan="2" | -6°/+14° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 28.6 || 39.5 || 48.0 || 53.1 || 56.5 || rowspan="2" | 7.10
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 17.9 || 21.0 || 25.5 || 28.2 || 30.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:Type 88C (125 mm)/Ammunition|DTP-125, DTB-125, 125-I}}

The DTP-125 HEATFS round is nothing particularly special. It has the same penetration and similar TNT equivalent to the standard NATO 120 mm HEATFS (e.g. 120 mm DM12) and the same ballistics as the Soviet 3BK12M used by the [[T-72A]] or [[T-64A (1971)|T-64A]]. As a stock round, it is alright. It contains enough explosive mass to trigger pressure damage occasionally against light targets and can dispatch targets with steel or spaced armour, which are still somewhat common at the ZTZ96's battle rating. However it falls short against targets with ERA or composite armour. For example, the [[XM-1 (GM)]]'s turret front can resist DTP-125. Soviet tanks tend to be tough nuts to crack outside of the T-64A, as their turrets are immune and their hulls are at least quite resistant if not outright immune as well.

The DTB-125 HE round is of the Soviet-style, packing a whopping 5.4 kg of TNT equivalent that can deal devastating damage if aimed correctly, either through detonating ammo racks or triggering overpressure damage. Light tanks can typically be shot anywhere and the resulting overpressure damage will wipe out their crew. Against MBTs, the best targets are typically the turret ring, hull roof, or turret roof. The [[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard I]], [[AMX-30 (Family)|AMX-30]], [[OF-40 (Family)|OF-40]], and [[Type 74 (Family)|Type 74]] have thin hull side armour and a HE round there is usually a guaranteed knockout if one takes care to avoid hitting the tracks or side skirts. The HE round has essentially the same unimpressive ballistics as the HEATFS round and is easiest to use at closer ranges, but practice and/or use of the laser rangefinder can make it viable at medium to long range, particularly against static enemies.

The 125-I APFSDS shell is a Tier 3 modification and the ZTZ96's only choice of kinetic ammunition. It can be considered the Chinese counterpart to the Soviet 3BM42 "Mango" round, having slightly better penetration and muzzle velocity in exchange for a lower projectile mass. For its battle rating, 125-I performs very well, offering 466 mm of flat penetration at point-blank and dropping only to 434 mm at 2 km. Its angled performance of 269 mm at 60 degrees is comparable to Western long-rod sabot rounds such as DM33. Almost all of the ZTZ96's enemies can be dispatched easily with a center mass shot to the hull. The high muzzle velocity makes it easy to use at long range even without using the laser rangefinder.

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! Ammo part
! 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
|-
| '''40''' || ''Projectiles'' ''Propellants'' || 40 ''(+0)'' 39 ''(+1)'' || 38 ''(+2)'' 38 ''(+2)'' || 37 ''(+3)'' 37 ''(+3)'' || 35 ''(+5)'' 31 ''(+9)'' || 32 ''(+8)'' 27 ''(+13)'' || 29 ''(+11)'' 23 ''(+17)'' || 24 ''(+16)'' 39 ''(+1)'' || 23 ''(+17)'' N/A || 39 ''(+1)'' N/A || No
|-
|}
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x450px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
'''Notes''':

* The 9th projectile rack and the 7th propellant rack are a mechanized first stage ammo rack. The mechanized nature indicates the tank has a fixed reload as it uses an autoloader to reload the main gun, as such the main gun cannot be reloaded when the ammo rack is empty.
* It takes around 25s per shell to reload the first stage ammo rack. Additionally, there is a 10s interval between the gun is fully loaded and the crew starts to reload the first stage ammo rack.

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|QJC88A (12.7 mm)|Type 86 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[QJC88A (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm QJC88A]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 600 (150) || 600 || -6°/+85° || ±180°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Type 86 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm Type 86]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 2,500 (250) || 700 || - || -
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


Like preceding Chinese MBTs, the ZTZ96 is not suited for rapid assaults due to its substandard mobility and should be played conservatively. Let speedier teammates charge first into combat while you cover them and move to good overwatch positions. Situational awareness is key since faster opponents may arrive earlier and the tank lacks thermal sights. The gun handling is a bit better than contemporary Soviet MBTs but it still has a slow vertical traverse speed. The ZTZ96's composite armour is not amazing but still enough to shrug off some incoming fire, and staying close to cover is helpful. Try to hide the lower glacis since that is the ZTZ96's most dangerous weak spot. The ZTZ96's extra two degrees of gun depression compared to previous PRC tanks are helpful for peeking over small hills. Be on the lookout for flankers since the ZTZ96 has weaker side armour than Soviet tanks and 25-30 mm IFV autocannons can penetrate it.

Before the APFSDS is unlocked, the only ammunition options are the stock HEAT-FS and HE. Neither of these ammo types is particularly good for sniping due to their mediocre muzzle velocities, so it is best to stay at close to medium range. Once the APFSDS is unlocked, it should be effective against the majority of the tanks seen at the ZTZ96's rank and is well suited for the ZTZ96's recommended laid-back playstyle. It is still a good idea to take some HE shells due to their utility and instant-knockout capability. Light vehicles can often be sent back to the hangar with a single hit, and even heavy MBTs with strong composite armour are still vulnerable to well-placed HE shells.

The ZTZ96 has duplicate fire control, meaning that the commander can take control of the cannon and fire in the event the gunner is knocked out, enhancing the tank's capabilities to return fire in heat of battle, even after a successful penetration on the gunner side.

===Assault mode===

For players grinding the APFSDS in assault mode, it is recommended to bring full ammo, with around half HEAT and half HE. As the countdown goes at the start of the match, quickly find a spot where you will not get shot from every direction and stay there until you run out of ammo or die. The HEAT is great at knocking out with a single shot weakly-armoured Cold War tanks that spawn at the early stages of the match, while the HE is capable of killing those heavily protected top tier MBT who spawn later. Given that you do not have APFSDS, therefore, lacking the ability to knock out some AI frontally, you will have to rely on assists to get scores. Firing HEAT / HE at tracks, roof-mounted MG, turret ring, cannon barrel, etc can at least immobile / disarm the AI, granting you an assist. The 7.1 second reload will be quite slow when facing a huge wave of AI so you must aim each shot carefully, but other times it is generally fast enough. The ZTZ96's armour can take quite some beating but is also prone to ammo rack explosion, or penetrating shots from the lower front plate and gun mantlet. Note that the ZTZ96 can be easily destroyed by rockets/bombs from AI planes too so it will be great to have a teammate with helicopter/SPAA covering the team.

'''Enemies worth noting:'''

* [[Leopard 2A5|Leopard 2 A5]]: this is the most protected Leopard you will see in an assault, usually in Mozdok and Fulda. When facing it frontally or with slight angles, load HE and aim for its turret ring where the crosshair is green. It is very likely to destroy it instantly. When facing its side, load HEAT and aim for its central hull. Don't expect to block any of its shells as its APFSDS can easily go through the ZTZ96's frontal armour, or the AI can just target your weak spots.
* [[M1A2 Abrams|M1A2]]: you will see it mostly in Fulda and Ardennes. When facing it frontally or with slight angles, load HEAT and aim for its turret ring where the crosshair is green. It is very likely to destroy it instantly. HE might not work here since it cannot effectively hurt the turret crew. But HE works great when aiming at the M1's turret roof. Items like the MG and the optics will all detonate the HE, causing the downward shrapnel to kill all the crew. When facing its side, load HEAT and aim for its central hull.
* [[Challenger 2 (2F)|Challenger 2F]]: you will see it mostly in Sands of Sinai. It is one of the toughest AI to destroy, especially when there are waves of them. When facing it frontally or with slight angles, load HE and aim for the hull side above the tracks where the crosshair is green. It is very likely to detonate random ammo inside. When facing its side, still load HE and aim for its central hull for an ammo detonation. The Challenger 2F's sides are covered with ERA blocks thus HEAT will get absorbed.
* [[Type 16]], [[Centauro ROMOR]], [[Radkampfwagen 90|Radkamfwagen 90]]: Despite being armed with 105 mm guns, these tanks get access to DM33 rounds that can penetrate your turret cheeks within 400 m. In addition, their high speed means that it is incredibly easy to get flanked by them, frequently resulting in side-shots. This is only made worse by the weakened side armour of the ZTZ96 compared to its soviet counterparts, resulting in light autocannon easily being able to penetrate the ZTZ 96's side armour from afar.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful gun with access to high-penetrating APFSDS
* Autoloader reloads the cannon even when putting out fires or replacing crew members
* HE shell is currently the most powerful of any MBT, can cripple or outright destroy enemies with a good shot
* Low profile
* First Chinese tank equipped with composite armour, resistant to early APFSDS rounds
* Roof mounted heavy machine gun is useful against aircraft and light targets
* Relatively-faster turret rotation speed, compared to contemporary Soviet tanks
* Enjoys commander duplication of cannon which helps to fight back in heat of battle

'''Cons:'''

* Mobility is below average at its rank
* Composite armour's kinetic protection leaves some to be desired
* Sub-par armour compared to other tanks
* Autoloader carousel is a giant ammo rack
* No thermal sights, a disadvantage against other thermal-equipping tanks
* Poor reverse speed
* Below average gun depression (-6°)
* Only 3 crew members makes it easily destroyed
* No ATGM capability, unlike the T-64B and T-72B

== History ==


The People's Liberation Army relied on the [[Type 59]] as its primary main battle tank for most of the Cold War. While cheap, reliable, and quite upgradeable, its design began to shows its age over the decades. The [[Type 69]] series differed little from the Type 59 in terms of appearance and was not used in quantity by the PLA. After relations with the Western world improved at the start of the 1980s, foreign technology was purchased and used to [[ZTZ59D1|upgrade the PLA's stock of existing tanks]]. However, there was only so much that could be done to bring the Type 59 up to a competitive level and more efforts were devoted to domestic tank development.

The new Type 80/88 tank retained the general appearance of the Type 59, but its chassis was heavily redesigned, featuring a new suspension, a licensed German engine, and other changes. The turret retained the cast dome design but a 105mm gun was installed.

As with other PRC tank models, development continued for a long time and a large number of variants were made. The Type 85 branch featured welded turrets; the initial Type 85-1 "Storm" was intended for export and was otherwise similar to the original series, but no orders were placed from the PLA or export customers. A more radical development was the Type 85-IIM, which featured a welded turret equipped with an autoloading 125mm gun derived from the T-72. It also featured composite armour. This variant was exported to Pakistan under the designation of Type 85-IIAP.

The Type 85-IIM was later procured for domestic use, with some changes, as the Type 88C or '''Type 96''', spurred by the poor performance of the Iraqi Army's Type 79 tanks (which featured comparable protection to the 80/88) in the Gulf War. As can be expected, this was further developed into the [[ZTZ96A|Type 96A]] and 96B variants. The 96A introduced applique "arrowhead" armour on the front turret face with provisions for ERA, improving protection significantly, and the electronics were improved to a standard approaching the top-line [[ZTZ99|Type 99 tank]], including a gunner's thermal sight and FCS upgrades. The 96A has participated in Tank Biathlons, where it scored well in gunnery but was let down by its underpowered engine. The ultimate 96B variant appeared in 2016 and features comprehensive all-round upgrades with a much more powerful 1130 hp engine. Finally, an export variant called the VT-2 has been showcased by Norinco, generally similar to the Type 96A.

At present the Type 96 series can be considered the backbone of the PLA's tank forces, featuring good protection and firepower with a relatively low weight and cost, comparable in role to the Russian [[T-90A|T-90]] or [[T-72B3]]. Elite units are issued the more advanced and heavier [[ZTZ99|Type 99]], but cost and terrain reasons have limited its deployment. Outside of China, the Type 96 has been exported to Sudan; reportedly these tanks have destroyed several South Sudanese T-72s in combat.

===[[wt:en/news/6445-development-ztz96-top-tier-chinese-en|Devblog]]===
Work on the ZTZ96 began in the early 1990s, as new Chinese MBT with larger 125mm smoothbore cannon supported by an autoloading mechanism and new composite armour protection. The first prototype was built in May 1991 and underwent successful testing until January of the following year. Having received the official designation ZTZ85-IIAP, production of the vehicle commenced, with the Pakistani army receiving its first units shortly afterwards.

Several years later, the decision was made to adopt the ZTZ85-IIAP for domestic use as a stopgap measure to equip the PLA with a capable combat vehicle. In 1996, the vehicles destined for PLA use were formally redesignated into ZTZ96 and production of the type began in 1998.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_ztz_96 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:ZTZ-96 WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:ZTZ-96 WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:ZTZ-96 WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
File:ZTZ-96 WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
File:ZTZ-96 WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
File:ZTZ-96 WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
File:ZTZ-96 WTWallpaper 07.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|Ftqpt1gijlA|'''Type96 "Not so Meta"''' - ''JustinPlaysYT''|D3MA3J4FGNQ|'''ZTZ96 - A High Explosive Match!''' - ''Napalmratte''|AKxlwtWIlSI|'''The Shooting Range #173''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the ZTZ96.}}

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

* [[ZTZ96A]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6445-development-ztz96-top-tier-chinese-en|[Development] ZTZ96: Top-Tier Chinese]]
* [[wikipedia:Type_96_tank|[Wikipedia] Type 96 tank]]
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/modern/China/Type-96.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Norinco Type 96 MBT]

{{TankManufacturer Norinco}}
{{China medium tanks}}

Su-17M4

2023-08-27T01:49:43Z

U79942984: Wrote armaments and usage in battles (for Ground RB specifically)

{{About
| about = Soviet strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Su-17/22 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=su_17m4
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

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

The Su-17M4 is a later model of the swing-wing "Fitter" attacker family. Compared to the previous [[Su-17M2]], it uses a revised airframe shared by the [[Su-22M3]] with a drooping forward fuselage and a noticeable hump behind the cockpit. The flight performance remains practically unchanged, still enjoying good speed and the versatility afforded by its swing wings. In-game, its most notable improvements over other models are the ability to use all-aspect [[R-60M]] infrared missiles for air combat and a large supply of 268 countermeasures for self defense. It also enjoys the widest suite of ground attack weapons, featuring the S-25 heavy rocket and the [[Kh-29T]] TV-guided missile. Although the Su-17M4 is more primitive than the MiG-27K and cannot fulfill the same long-range CAS role afforded by the Flogger's advanced targeting systems, this Sukhoi is still a robust strike platform with plenty of hardpoints and a large arsenal.

== 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
| 2,028 || 2,011 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.3 || 27.5 || 167.9 || 161.2 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,062 || 2,052 || 26.7 || 27.0 || 212.1 || 190.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="60%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="60%"
|-
! rowspan="2" | 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 !! + !! -
|-
! Min sweep
| 1,050 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 476 || 473 || ~10 || ~3
|-
! Max sweep
| 1,417 || N/A || N/A || N/A || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 740 || < 650 || < 650 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{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" | Saturn AL-21F-3 || 1
| colspan="2" | 11,245 kg || colspan="3" | 391 - 436 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | 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
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 40m fuel
|-
| 1,800 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 12,385 kg || 13,103 kg || 14,031 kg || 15,045 kg || 19,367 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="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 40m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,400 kgf || 9,039 kgf
| 0.73 || 0.69 || 0.64 || 0.60 || 0.47
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 7,232 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 13,188 kgf (1,417 km/h)
| 1.06 || 1.01 || 0.94 || 0.88 || 0.68
|-
|}

=== 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}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|NR-30 (30 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 2 x 30 mm NR-30 cannons, wing-mounted (80 rpg = 160 total)
** 2 x 30 mm NR-30 cannons + 12 x large calibre countermeasures + 256 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8
| rowspan="21" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[GSh-23L (23 mm)|23 mm GSh-23L]] cannons (250 rpg)
| 1 || || 1 || || || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| 5 || || 1 || 4 || 4 || 1 || || 5
|-
! [[OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250sv]] bombs
| 1 || || 1 || 3 || 3 || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
| 1 || || 1 || 3 || 3 || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| 1 || || 1 || 2 || 2 || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
| 1 || || 1 || 2 || 2 || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| 1 || || || 1 || 1 || || || 1
|-
! [[S-3K]] rockets
| 7 || || || 7 || 7 || || || 7
|-
! [[S-5K]] rockets
| 32 || || 32 || || || 32 || || 32
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| 20 || || 20 || || || 20 || || 20
|-
! [[S-13OF]] rockets
| 5 || || 5 || || || 5 || || 5
|-
! [[S-24B]] rockets
| 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[S-25O]] rockets
| 1 || || || || || || || 1
|-
! [[Kh-25ML]] missiles
| 1* || || || 1* || 1* || || || 1*
|-
! [[Kh-29L]] missiles
| || || || 1* || 1* || || ||
|-
! [[Kh-29T]] missiles
| || || || 1* || 1* || || ||
|-
! [[R-60M]] missiles
| || 1 || 2 || || || 2 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25L]] missiles
| 1* || || || || || || || 1*
|-
! 800 l drop tanks
| || || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
| colspan="9" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 4,160 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 700 kg
|-
| colspan="10" | * Kh-29T missiles cannot be mixed with the marked options
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
* 2 x 800 l drop tanks
* 2 x R-60M missiles
* 6 x R-60M missiles
* 28 x S-3K rockets
* 128 x S-5K rockets
* 6 x S-24B rockets
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
* 20 x S-13OF rockets
* 2 x S-25O rockets
* 20 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 10 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (2,500 kg total)
* 10 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,500 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 4 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
* 2 x S-25L missiles
* 4 x Kh-25ML missiles
* 2 x Kh-29L missiles
* 2 x Kh-29T missiles
* 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
{{Navigation-End}}

Compared to the Su-17M2, the Su-17M4 has a few new toys to play with. It has access to two new types of rockets shared by the [[Su-25]]. The S-25O heavy rockets are massive, single-shot bunker busters that put the returning S-24s to shame, but only 2 can be carried on the outboard hardpoints, which is a much lower capacity than the Frogfoot's capacity of 8. The S-13OFs are podded HE rockets that can be mounted on the same pylons as the other rocket pods, very effective against light vehicles and sometimes even against armoured targets.

Several new types of guided weapons are available. The Kh-25ML is an improved, extended range variant of the original Kh-25 laser-guided AGM. The S-25L is a laser-guided variant of the S-25 rocket but unfortunately it loses much of its explosive yield. The Kh-29L is a heavy laser-guided AGM with a massive warhead and the Kh-29T is a TV-guided variant. The Kh-29T is the Su-17M4's most important precision weapon: it packs an enormous punch, is fire-and-forget, and most importantly has decent optics and tracking capabilities. Because the Su-17M4 still lacks a built-in TV camera or tracking system like the [[Su-25T]] or [[MiG-27K]], it is incapable of using laser-guided weapons to their full potential.

The Kh-23M MCLOS missiles have been removed from the arsenal, but such weapons are largely outdated at the Su-17M4's rank and battle rating.

In terms of air-to-air armament, the main boon is the addition of R-60MK all-aspect IR missiles, which completely replace the original R-60s. Up to 6 can be carried, which is an impressive capacity for a fighter-bomber. Another bonus is that they do not use the same pylons as the guided ordnance, and two pylons are specifically reserved for them. So unlike the contemporary [[MiG-27M]], the Su-17M4 can be prepared for air combat at all times.

== Usage in battles ==

In air battles, the Su-17M4 will suffer against most targets it comes across as the plane itself is an attacker. You are not manoeuvrable and engaging in dogfights is strongly discouraged. Due to the presence of radar missiles, the best way to play the plane in RB is to be a support fighter, trying to stay away from the action before coming in either from the side or on top of a furball/enemy while everyone is distracted, using your R-60Ms to your advantage. Your RWR will be useful and if you do receive a radar lock, it is best to notch and/or try to run away from the enemy, hoping to deter him from attacking you. Head-on attacks are usually not advised as while the R-60Ms are all aspect, they can be easily flared, and it's better to keep them for a more useful situation, unless it's a last ditch effort. Bombing bases can be done but flying directly straight in to the map is risky. On bigger maps such as EC matches, it may be a good idea to take some ground ordnance, and hit ground targets to bleed the enemy tickets, as being a pure "fighter" will usually end in a bad situation.

===Ground RB===

The Su-17M4 invites comparison to its Mikoyan counterpart, the [[MiG-27M]]. Both are swing-wing fighter-bombers with comparable flight performances and arsenals at the same battle rating in Realistic Battles. The Sukhoi's main advantage is that it can carry R-60Ms at all times and has access to lethal S-13OF and S-25O rockets. In contrast, the MiG has to abandon all AAMs if it wants to carry Kh-29Ts, and the remaining hardpoints can only be used for unguided ordnance. The Flogger's can uniquely carry TV-guided bombs for high-altitude standoff bombing against spawn points or capture zones, and boasts an extremely powerful internal cannon, but the Su-17 is a better generalist aircraft for opportunistic tank-busting and combat air patrol.

Another comparison is to the [[Su-25]], another Sukhoi product but a very different aircraft at a lower battle rating. The Frogfoot is a subsonic aircraft with significantly inferior speed, but it also has plenty of reinforced hardpoints and can carry a lot more S-25O and S-13OF rockets, so it is a better and more easily attainable rocket truck for low-altitude surprise attacks. The Fitter's main advantage is in having Kh-29T TV-guided missiles and superior flight performance for competent long-range attacks, which is important when there are enemy SAM systems around.

In general, the Su-17M4 is a jack-of-all trades fighter-bomber. Although it can't keep up with the [[MiG-27K]]'s ability to annihilate vehicles in infamous high-altitude "orbital strikes", or the [[Su-25T]]'s ability to repeatedly wipe out an enemy team with high-capacity Vikhrs when the airspace is favorable, the combination of good flight performance and a big capacity of R-60Ms is a strong advantage when enemy jets, helicopters, and strike drones may be around. A loadout of 2x Kh-29T, 6x R-60M, and two S-25O or S-13OF pods is enough to dish out a lot of pain on ground targets and give enemy attackers something to worry about in the low-altitude environment of Ground RB — just remember that as in Air RB, it is unwise to tackle contemporary fighters directly if they have superior agility or long-range weapons.

=== Radars ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | SRD-5 - Rangefinding 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}}
|-
| 3,000 m || 300 m || ±9° || ±9°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good overall turn rate and energy retention, can hold 800-1,000 km/h in turns with wings fully un-swept and afterburner deployed
* Strong elevator authority, can pull out of low-skimming attack runs with no problem
* Very large amount of countermeasures: 256 x small and 12 x large countermeasures is more than enough to keep missiles off of you
* NR-30 cannons are very powerful, can also mount up to 4 x GSh-23L gunpods for extra burst mass
* Excellent loadout options for both AAMs and ground ordnance alike
* Can act as a very strong supporting fighter with 6 x R-60M AAMs and sweep wing

'''Cons:'''

* Roll rate and overall manoeuvrability are poor at speeds below 500 km/h
* With wings fully swept-forward, the maximum speed is limited to approximately Mach 0.8 at sea level otherwise the wings will rip
* No semi-automatic option for managing wing-sweep, only full-manual or automatic wing-sweep settings
* Gigantic target when wings are unswept
* Payload is somewhat low, at only 4,000 kg of bombs
* Cannot carry GBUs or R-13 AAMs like the MiG-27s

== 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=su_17m4 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|JBsxfmmBLho|'''The Shooting Range #311''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:27 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


;[[Su-17/22 (Family)|Related development]]

* [[Su-17M2]]

== External links ==

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Sukhoi}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}

ZLT11

2023-08-26T22:30:02Z

U79942984: Minor correction to GP105 description.

{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_ztl_11
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''', or by its more well-known pre-2012 codename "ZTL11"* (Simplified Chinese: ZLT11式105毫米轮式突击炮; lit. wheeled assault gun), is the Chinese equivalent to MGS units in US Army service and now being used as the quick response vehicle of PLAGF heavy composite mechanized brigades or PLANMC's amphibious brigades. As Mainland China was developing wheeled chassis for mechanization of PLAGF, NORINCO brought up their BK1970 and 1990 prototypes as a wheeled assault gun with varieties of drivetrains (6x6; 8x8); although the prototypes did not make into service, the concept of more advanced wheeled APC/IFV was approved and was first used on export "VN" series APCs with the VN1 as the 8x8 solution from NORINCO. After the development of ZTD05 (now ZLT05) and its turret systems, the turret was likely been reused on the project to produce new 8x8 assault guns for PLAGF troops after the certification of ZBL08 family; the new assault gun was certified in 2011 and made its first public appearance in 2015, where later batches received AMT transmissions. All ZLT11 is currently in service with PLAGF and been exported to different African countries under the name ST1 until the new 8x8 IFV family which was discovered in late-2010s gets certification by the 2020s.

Introduced in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]] and becoming one of the new wheeled assault guns for PLAGF, ZLT11 is a member of the ZBL08 wheeled IFV chassis. It comes with a more powerful engine that pushes it to speeds on par with NATO vehicles (up to 100 km/h) and armed with a powerful 105 mm gun with a variety of ammunitions including high penetration APFSDS and gun-launched ATGMs, as well as boasting a gunner 2nd generation thermal sights, and the ability to travel up to 9 km/h in water. With quite some improvements in terms of protection over its predecessor the [[PTL02]], the arrival of this assault gun finally marks a Chinese wheeled vehicle comparable to its NATO counterparts.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>ZLT11 was the earliest "known" vehicle to use 2012 version of PLA equipment nomenclature, where {{Annotation|ZLT|Zhuāngjiǎ-Lúnshì-Tújí}} means ''Armoured vehicle - Amphilibious- Assault gun''

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

The good news to players that suffered from PTL02's poor protection against HMGs is that ZLT11 has much more protection than the PTL02. At point blank range, even some 30 mm autocannon AP shells can't penetrate its frontal armour (rated for 23x152 mm shells),other than the vertical part of the hull, thanks to the thicker and more angled UFP and LFP. However, do not expect the sides or the rear to stop anything larger than 7.62 mm bullets with mere 10 mm plates. ZLT11 is more forgiving than PTL02 in most ways, but it is still a wheeled vehicle, so players should keep themselves away from heated battlefields.

Since the design of ZBL08 focused on comfort for the crew as well as better survivability, the 8x8 chassis is huge (in fact, just like PTL02, it's still taller than a [[Leopard 2A6]]); some might even compare it to [[Class 3 (P)]] and [[Radkampfwagen 90]] in terms of size. Like most other wheeled vehicles, due to its size and the layout of compartments, over-penetration would be commonplace for such vehicles and this is especially true against subcalibre shells where the spalling will not cause extensive damage to the crew. And thanks to its relatively large size and improved protection, it could survive hits from overpressure by smaller calibre HEAT or rockets, but any rocket bigger than 130 mm can still ruin your day with relative ease.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
* High hardness rolled armour (as add-on armour: UFP LFP, hull sides, turret front and sides)
* Wheel (tires)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 12+5 mm (75°) ''Upper glacis'' 20+10 mm ''Upper plate'' 20+10 mm ''Lower glacis'' || 10+10 mm ''Top'' 10 mm ''Bottom'' 5 mm ''Engine vents'' || 8 mm (2°) ''Upper plate'' 8 mm (52°) ''Lower glacis'' || 12+5 mm (15°) ''Front glacis'' 8 mm ''Crew and engine compartments'' 5 mm ''Engine vents''
|-
| Turret || 35-55 mm (32°) ''Turret front'' 30 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 25-35 mm (13-18°) || 25 mm (14°) 8 mm (77°) ''Turret underside'' || 10 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Tires are 10 mm thick and wheelwells are 8 mm thick.
* Belly armour is 15 mm thick.

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


The ZBL08 chassis has a Deutz BF6M1015FC V6 turbocharged diesel engine mounted at the rear of the chassis, outputting up to 440 hp, pushing ZLT11 up to 100 km/h and with a comparable power-to-weight ratio to [[Centauro I 120]] and [[Rooikat MTTD]]. However, due to the design of the transmission, the reverse is still at a horrible -8.5 km/h for a wheeled vehicle, barely outperforming its predecessor so overextending means a quick demise if you cannot retreat to safety at once.

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=697|rbMinHp=398}}

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

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

{{main|ZPL98A (105 mm)}}

The new and stabilized ZPT98A gun mounted on ZLT11 is a low-recoil gun based on the previous guns, which were based on the well-developed L7 family of rifled guns. It shares similar characteristics to the ZPL94 and its export cousin [[WMA301 (105 mm)|WMA301]], with on-par turret speed to his NATO counterparts yet the age-old problem of a poor depression angle still haunts ZLT11 so it can be troublesome if the terrain is complicated.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[ZPL98A (105 mm)|105 mm ZPL98A]] || 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" | 40 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+18° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 24.8 || 34.3 || 41.6 || 46.0 || 48.9 || rowspan="2" | 8.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.70 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 6.70
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 15.5 || 18.2 || 22.1 || 24.4 || 26.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
For players who are used to [[WMA301]] or [[ZTZ59D1]], the gun has most of its shells interchangeable and performs the same on ZLT11.

During the late 1990s, Mainland China acquired 100 mm gun-launched ATGM technologies from Russia, so the ZLT11 also comes with a powerful GP105 tandem ATGM. The statistics are very similar to the 9M117M1 Bastion: good travel speed, high TNT equivalent, and a tandem warhead for bypassing ERA. Thankfully, the ZLT11 does not suffer from the BMP-3's massive reload penalty for ATGMs. The GP105's whopping 750 mm of penetration it can take down practically anything it will ever meet at its BR. This is less than the [[ZBD86]]'s HJ-73E ATGM, but still more than generous. As a beam-riding missile, the GP105 is immune to IRCM and can be guided on the move if necessary.

The Type 83 HEAT-FS round is nothing special. At its tier, the HEATFS is generally obsolete and it is the stock ammo for this vehicle, the only advantages over the APFSDS is the ability to cause overpressure damage through its explosive content, but the GP105 can perform the same role as well; in fact, the GP105 ATGM has a higher TNT equivalent than the HEATFS round.

The Type 83 APFSDS round, the first researchable kinetic round for this vehicle, is the same as found on the ZTZ59D1 and shares all its traits, which is still sufficient for its BR but it might struggle when it faces Russian MBTs with higher protection at longer ranges. For example, a fully spaded [[T-72A]] with the add-on armour can be difficult to penetrate outside of the standard Soviet weak spots of the driver's port and lower glacis.

The DTB-1 HE-VT round, seen previously on the [[T-69 II G]] and WMA301, can be useful to deal with helicopters or low-flying aircraft in very shallow dives. However, this should be done with caution since anything that flies is the last thing the WMA301 wants to face. For anti-helicopter duties, locate the target using the ZLT11's thermal sights, lase them with the laser rangefinder, and fire the round with enough lead to catch them comfortably within the proximity fuse radius. Keep in mind that DTB-1 has a rather low muzzle velocity and it is difficult to hit helicopters that are moving unpredictably and/or staying at long range.

The final kinetic round for this vehicle is the new DTW2 with higher velocity and nearly 150 mm more penetration than its predecessor. This is a common round which is still used by PLAGF at present with a whopping 491mm penetration at point blank range, just comes behind the infamous M900 round found on American vehicles. For its BR it can handle most enemies it might ever face, but T-72B series and later T-80U can be a very nasty enemy with their above-average protection without carefully placed shots. This will be the go-to shell for the vehicle, but bringing some HE-VT and ATGM for knocking down aircraft or higher tier MBTs is also viable.

{{:ZPL98A (105 mm)/Ammunition|Type-83 HEAT, Type-83 APDS, DTW2-105, DTB-1, GP105}}

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''40''' || 28 ''(+12)'' || 12 ''(+28)'' || 1 ''(+39)'' || No
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|QJC88A (12.7 mm)|QJT (5.8 mm)}}

The turret-mounted 12.7 mm QJC88A HMG has already become the standard HMG for most PLAGF vehicles after the 1990s and this assault gun was no exception. The main usage of the HMG is to deal with lightly protected vehicles and low-flying aircraft including helicopters. It can also effectively damage gun barrels, tracks, optics, MG, and ERA to assist teammates in destroying enemies, though this may require a lot of fire. Players who dealt with the paltry 50-round belt capacity of the 12.7 mm DShK machine guns of previous PLA vehicles will be happy to know that the QJC88A has a much more generous 150-round belt capacity.

However, instead of a traditional 7.62 mm Type 86 coaxial machine gun, ZLT11 has a 5.8 mm QJT machine gun. Although it's a smaller calibre at 5.8x42 mm, it still retains the same penetration from previous 7.62 mm machine gun. It only works well against any exposed crew of enemy vehicles and it might sometimes earn surprise kills on helicopters

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[QJC88A (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm QJC88A]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 600 (150) || 600 || -6°/+85° || ±180°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[QJT (5.8 mm)|5.8 mm QJT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 800 (200) || 801 || - || -
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

Speed is the ZLT11's best friend, being an 8x8 chassis, and thanks to a more powerful engine and revised transmission, it can reach a top speed of 100 km/h on road; alternatively the chassis has also designed for difficult terrains so it can still reach 40-50 km/h off road, just keep in mind that mud is always the enemy. Thanks to the pair of propellers behind the wheels and its acceptable weight, the vehicle is also amphibious, so in some maps you might be able to take a detour and strike the enemies with surprise. The protection up front is also sufficient to stop up to 30 mm autocannon APHE shells (aside from where the headlights are), which is a great improvement over PTL02.

With gunner TVD sights, players can search for enemies with ease; it has no commander override capability for the main gun, which is a bit of a let down and sometimes fatal if the vehicle gunnery system survived but not the gunner. The gun is fairly sufficient and sometimes even overkill for its tier, the new DTW2 APFSDS has the second best performance among all 105 mm darts, just comes behind US M900, this round can safely penetrate NATO tanks with ease. Soviet/Russian tanks are by nature tougher to deal with, so either plan your shots carefully for an ensured crew kill by aiming a bit more to either side of the weak spot of Soviet MBTs, or bring some GP105 ATGMs just in case; thanks to its beam riding guidance and no reload penalty, as well as run-and-shoot capabilities, GP105 can ruin the day of most vehicles it might face. Also, just like its Soviet ancestors, this can also be used for anti-rotorcraft missions. Alternatively, the DTB HE-VT shells can also be utilized for AA missions against rotorcrafts or low-flyers with its VT-fuzed warhead.

But all this comes at some cost: first, 8x8 chassis is huge compared even to the heaviest MBTs, and has a fairly big turning radius and ZLT11 is no exception due to only the front 2 pairs of wheels turn, so players of PTL02 might find the vehicle less agile over the previous vehicle, where all the 6 wheels turn; secondly, the reverse gear is still disappointing at a mere -8.5 km/h; and thirdly, the common problem of Warsaw Pact/Mainland China vehicles - its -5° depression angle, which can cause trouble at complicated terrains.

Overall, the playstyle of ZLT11 is fairly the same as their NATO counterparts and a major upgrade from PTL02: flank the enemies, unleash hell with these good ammunitions and speed; and scout for the team at the same time.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Overall better protection over its predecessor, can withstand HMG fire or even autocannon from a distance
* Powerful 105 mm gun with variety of ammunition, can frontally penetrate common foes like [[T-72A]], [[XM-1 (GM)|XM-1]] easily
* Fast forward on-road travelling speed at 100 km/h
* 2nd generation TVD for gunner
* Spacious hull that helps migrate spalling damage and sometimes overpenetration
* More versatile in terms on anti-aircraft weaponry with ATGMs or HE-VT shell
* Has a laser warning receiver

'''Cons:'''

* Very little armour, can be penetrated by any autocannon APDS and tank gun
* Less agile in terms of turning radius
* Horrible reverse speed at -8.5 km/h heavily limits its agility and survivability
* Huge target, larger & taller than even Western MBTs
* Insufficient -5° gun depression, eliminating lots of potential engagements
* Can still be overpressured by larger-calibre explosive ordnance
* Lack of commander override of main weapon

== History ==

Back in the 1990s, Mainland China was in need for a new wheeled APC family, with either 6x6 or 8x8 chassis. Among the 3 companies in competition, Factory 256 (NORINCO Chongqing Tiema) finalised their WZ551 6x6 design which was designed in the mid-1980s, and it was successfully commissioned under the name ZSL92 (and later [[PTL02]]/[[WMA301]] assault gun). While Factory 617 (NORINCO Inner Mongolia First Machinery) had themselves built a 6x6 assault gun under their factory codename BK1970, and later BK1990 with an 8x8 drivetrain, these designs didn't make it into service, but the experience gained in the process helped Factory 617 develop a new APC with a brand new transmission system. Later, in the 2000s, the designs were accepted by PLAGF and were approved for further development.<ref>http://www.mdc.idv.tw/mdc/army/china-8x8.htm ([https://web.archive.org/web/20211225145311/http://www.mdc.idv.tw/mdc/army/china-8x8.htm Archive])</ref>

Like WZ551 which was first developed for export markets, Factory 617 also developed their new APC family in such a way; the export VN series APC had a variety of drivetrains from 4x4 up to 8x8, numbered VN-1 to VN-3. It featured a modular design for the APC and some commercially available parts to reduce the production cost, such as the licensed Deutz BF6M1015FC engine. Instead of an angular hull design like its Chongqing competitor, the VN featured a sloped and streamlined hull which helped to deflect incoming shells, and was completed with an NBC system. Although it was designed as an export product, PLAGF also bought the VN-1 8x8 APC to boost the mechanization of the army, under the designation of ZBL08 (erroneously called ZBL09 before 2015). From this chassis, PLA developed multiple variants, such as the baseline ZBL08 IFV with 30 mm ZPT99 cannon and HJ-73E missiles; ZSL10 wheeled APC with heavy machine gun; PLL09 with PL96 (D-30) howitzer; and PGL12 scout car with 35 mm revolver cannon.

A major variant of the chassis is the ZLT11 assault gun, first publicly shown in the 70th anniversary of V-J Day in the 7th assault phalanx (coded TJ7xx) during the military parade. It mounts the ZPT98A low-recoil 105 mm cannon and the latest electronics, as well as applique armour bolted onto the chassis. This new wheeled assault gun is now the quick response vehicle of the new composite mechanized brigades of PLAGF, and also for the PLANMC, where the amphibious capability is heavily valued in case of possible landing operations against enemies.

While ZBL08 family has already become the cornerstone of the 2010s PLAGF combined forces, in the early 2020s, there were some images of new prototypes for an 8x8 assault gun appearing on semi-transporters, on-road or in CCTV official videos, featuring a brand-new FCS with CITV from ZTQ15 and rear/center-mounted turret, possibly with an autoloader as well; some even speculated for an remote weapon station with 12.7 mm HMG and 35 mm grenade launcher.<ref>https://www.163.com/dy/article/G1OS310R0535NL1E.html</ref>

=== [[wt:en/news/7366-development-zlt-11-rolling-punishment-en|Devblog]] ===
The ZLT-11 armoured combat vehicle is one of the vehicles, based on the modern Type 08 modular 8x8 wheeled chassis, currently in service with the People's Liberation Army of China. The vehicle replaced the six-wheeled PTL02, significantly surpassing it in terms of tactical and technical characteristics. The new wheelbase allows the vehicle to keep the high dynamics, while the ZLT-11 has enhanced protection from additional armour plates. Thanks to this, the vehicle is effectively protected from the fire of heavy machine guns, and even from light autocannons from the vehicle's front.

The main armament of the ZLT-11 is a 105 mm rifled cannon, created on the basis of the British L7 gun, that also has the ability to fire anti-tank guided missiles. The vehicle's fire control system includes a combined gunner's sight with a thermal imaging channel and a two-plane gun stabilizer. To overcome water obstacles, the machine is equipped with two propellers at the stern. In addition to the version for domestic use, an export version of the vehicle with a different composition of armament and equipment was also created on the basis of the ZLT-11. Export vehicles are mainly intended for deliveries to African countries.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_ztl_11 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7366-development-zlt-11-rolling-punishment-en|[Devblog] ZLT-11: Rolling Punishment]]

=== References ===
<references />

{{TankManufacturer Norinco}}
{{China light tanks}}

[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

Su-25

2023-07-24T00:58:32Z

U79942984: Fixed typos.

{{About
| about = Soviet strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Su-25 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=su_25
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_su_25.jpg
}}

== Description ==

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

The Su-25 "Grach" (NATO reporting name Frogfoot) is a famous attack jet, often considered a spiritual successor to the [[IL-2 (Family)|IL-2]] and the Soviet equivalent of the American [[A-10A|A-10 Thunderbolt II]]. Like the Warthog, the Su-25 has wide, spindly wings with plenty of hardpoints, significant armour protection for the pilot, and a powerful 30 mm cannon in the fuselage that will shred light targets and unlucky aircraft alike. The two are rather different otherwise: the Grach is less maneuverable but has much better speed and climb and its precision weapons use laser guidance instead of TV. While it will have a hard time tangling with enemy fighters in an even engagement, with all-aspect R-60M missiles and a massive supply of large-caliber countermeasures, the Su-25 should not be disregarded in air combat. And in its intended role of ground attack, it can lay waste to enemy vehicles with a variety of high-explosive ordnance.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 1,000 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
| 968 || 961 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.4 || 28.0 || 66.8 || 62.4 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 989 || 978 || 26.6 || 27.0 || 94.2 || 79.4
|-
|}

==== 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 || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,100  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 900 || N/A || 420 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | UMPO R-95SH || 2
| colspan="2" | 10,236 kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | 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
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 29m fuel
|-
| 990 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 11,106 kg || 12,210 kg || 13,136 kg || 17,678 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="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 29m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 3,526 kgf || N/A
| 0.63 || 0.58 || 0.54 || 0.40
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 3,608 kgf (200 km/h) || N/A
| 0.65 || 0.59 || 0.55 || 0.41
|-
|}

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

The Su-25 is known for its survivability, anecdotally being able to take a few missile hits without suffering any damage compromising its airworthiness, though this ability is inconsistent and should not be relied upon.

256 flares/chaff launched two of each at a time provide the Su-25 with the chance to evade missiles, which should be the primary form of defense. A lack of afterburner increases flare effectiveness, only very modern missiles such as aim-9L are able to track the aircraft from behind.

Chaff only defends against radar locks from behind the aircraft. Sometimes enemy radar-guided missiles can be shot down with R-60M, allowing the Su-25 to engage surface-to-air missile systems in a head-on such as FlaRakPz1, XM975, Roland 1, and Lvrbv 701, as they only have two missiles each.

The aircraft remains somewhat controllable upon loss of tail control, wingtips, or an engine.

The fuel tanks are self-sealing.

The aircraft has an engine fire extinguishing system, unlockable as a modification.

=== 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}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-30-2 (30 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-2 cannon, chin-mounted (250 rpg)
** 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-2 cannon + 256 x countermeasures

The GSh-30-2 dual-barreled cannon is essentially a scaled up version of the GSh-23 used by MiG-21s and MiG-23s. Soviet helicopter pilots may have seen a long barreled variant on the [[Mi-24P]] attack helicopter. It has a great rate of fire with no spool-up and will rip any aircraft it touches to shreds. Against ground targets, it is effective at shredding SPAAs and IFVs, but MBTs will typically require steep top-down approaches that are not easy to achieve in a heavy subsonic aircraft. The GSh-30-2 is less powerful than the A-10's GAU-8 Avenger gatling gun and has a much smaller ammunition supply, but as a backup weapon for when missiles or rockets are spent, it is more than adequate.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10
| rowspan="23" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[GSh-23L (23 mm)|23 mm GSh-23L]] cannons (250 rpg)
| || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250sv]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-5K]] rockets
| || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 ||
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 ||
|-
! [[S-13OF]] rockets
| || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 ||
|-
! [[S-24B]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25O]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25OF]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25OFM]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[Kh-25]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[Kh-25ML]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[Kh-29L]] missiles
| || || || || 1 || 1 || || || ||
|-
! [[R-60]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || || || || || 1
|-
! [[R-60M]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || || || || || 1
|-
! [[S-25L]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! 800 l drop tanks
| || || || || 1 || 1 || || || ||
|-
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
* 2 x 800 l drop tanks
* 2 x R-60 missiles
* 2 x R-60M missiles
* 32 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (3,200 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
* 256 x S-5K rockets
* 160 x S-8KO rockets
* 40 x S-13OF rockets
* 8 x S-24B rockets
* 8 x S-25O rockets
* 4 x Kh-25ML missiles
* 2 x Kh-29L missiles
* 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
{{Navigation-End}}

The Su-25 has a very large arsenal and loadouts can be customized to personal taste.

For air-to-air combat, the R-60 and R-60M missiles are available. The "Aphids" are highly maneuverable and have a short minimum range, but they are very prone to flares and their small warhead can sometimes feel lacking against durable opponents like the A-10. The R-60M is all-aspect and should always be selected once unlocked. The capacity of two is enough for self defense but will necessitate frequent returns to the base.

Unguided bombs of many varieties (standard, high-drag, incendiary) can be selected and the maximum bombload of 4 tons is impressive by Soviet standards (although not at the level of the American fighter-bombers like the [[F-4C]]). With a full-fledged ballistic computer offering CCIP and CCRP for bombs, it's easy to deliver them accurately. In Ground RB, the CCRP is especially helpful for flying at treetop level to avoid SAMs and popping up to toss bombs at capture points or enemy spawns.

A record of 5 types of unguided rockets are available. Soviet helicopter pilots may be familiar with the S-5K and S-8KO HEAT rockets, which can be fired in huge swarms but have limited stopping power against MBTs with composite armour; the S-5K in particular is quite obsolete at the Su-25's battle rating and may even have trouble against side armour at times.

The three flavors of HE rockets are much more effective. The S-13OF is a 122 mm podded rocket that has enough TNT equivalent to destroy light targets easily, even through splash damage, and can still knock out MBTs with direct hits and a bit of luck. The 240 mm S-24B bunker-buster is a well known fixture in the Soviet arsenal, but they are now upstaged by the massive 340 mm S-25 rocket. The best S-25O variant (the OF and OFM should be disregarded) contains 58 kg of TNT, nearly as much as the [[Tiny Tim]], and makes most rockets look like firecrackers. With a maximum flight speed of 555 m/s, the S-25O can be slinged at targets from standoff distances with CCIP and still make a huge mess upon impact. Generally, the choice of rockets should be a mix between the S-13OF (capacity) and S-25 (sheer power).

The Su-25 has a number of precision weapons as well, owing to the Klen-PS laser rangefinder/designation system in its nose. The Kh-25ML ("Karen") and Kh-29L ("Kedge") are laser-guided air-to-ground missiles with high speed and very large HE warheads. The S-25L is a laser-guided version of the S-25 with a launch range of 7 km, but unfortunately the TNT equivalent of 20 kg is a shadow of the S-25O's glory and it has a harder time maneuvering than a true missile. While these weapons are long-ranged and pack a punch, the main issue is the primitive nature of the Klen-PS system, similar to the challenges of the Su-17/22 family and the MiG-27M. It has a poor optical zoom (with no TV camera, the pilot is left only with the view through the cockpit), so spotting tanks at the distances where the full range and accuracy of laser-guided weapons would be useful is difficult, and does not have an auto-tracker, so hitting moving targets is a big challenge. The limited field of view also forces the Su-25 to essentially joust at whatever it is aiming at, a poor idea when the airspace is contested or SAMs are on the field. Thus, these weapons are situational and many pilots will prefer unguided rockets instead.

== Usage in battles ==


The Su-25 is best suited for low altitude attack runs on enemy ground units. Its multitude of air-to-ground weapons as well as its good survivability allow it to perform CAS role in Ground Realistic Battles very well. However, like the A-10, it needs some finesse in its operation, as it is outperformed by contemporary fighters and can be sent back to the hangar by a good SAM operator if the pilot is not careful. If there are no significant threats around, the Su-25 can fly at medium altitudes, look for targets, and lob HE rockets at them with ease. Otherwise, it is best to maintain a low profile and circle around the battlefield at lower altitudes to better avoid detection from SAMs and enemy fighters. A pair of R-60Ms can effectively dispatch enemy aircraft in sneak attacks, but evicting enemy SAM operators is a more difficult question. The simplest option is to determine where they are located, which in most cases will be the enemy spawn, and figure out an approach that will allow for a sneak attack; a single S-25O landing in the neighborhood of a SPAA vehicle will usually knock it out of commission. If reliable teammates are available, the laser-guided missiles have some utility. Active scouting and drone target designation will allow the Su-25 to see the location of enemy SAMs and begin a high-altitude missile joust with a Kh-25 or Kh-29 at safer distances, and if the S-25O's 58 kg of TNT was impressive, the Karen/Kedge's 100+ kg of TNT are nothing short of spectacular. Make good use of the Su-25's massive countermeasure capacity, as these are high-caliber countermeasures with strong effects. It should be difficult for enemies to obtain radar or IR locks on the Frogfoot.

In Air Realistic Battles, it still is a force to be reckoned with in terms of ground attack, being able to erase a huge chunk of enemy points if left alone. The large quantity of unguided rockets allows for mass destruction of most ground targets. Additionally, the GSh-30-2 cannon will easily rip through light, medium and heavy tanks from the sides or the rear, the same applies to light pillboxes if aimed at the top. The aircraft can also use its bombs for striking strategic bombing points. In terms of air-to-air combat, the Su-25 can utilize its excellent R-60M missiles for self-defence, being able to lock onto incoming enemy planes from any direction. Keep in mind that as long as you maintain your speed, you might keep up in a dogfight with an opponent but after a few turns the aircraft will bleed a lot of speed and become very sluggish.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Effective offensive armament, the GSh-30-2 cannon has very high shell velocity and good hitting power
* Well armoured airframe, can survive a lot of damage
* Decent acceleration
* Access to all-aspect R-60M missiles with great tracking
* Generous amount of countermeasures
* Wide array of suspended armament and possibility to create custom loadouts

'''Cons:'''

* Low max speed
* Big aircraft, easy to hit
* Large turn radius
* Compression at higher speeds
* Can rip its wings in level flight if not careful and in sustained high speed turns

== 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=su_25 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|C4P93QnwRlI|'''The Shooting Range #349''' - ''Arsenal'' section at 07:26 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|qR4zPyav9hk|'''The Shooting Range #320''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:26 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|5Vexxf35JRs|'''Su-25 : A Basic Review''' - ''Tims Variety''}}

== See also ==


* [[A-10A]]
* [[A-10A Late]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7846-development-su-25-and-su-25k-armor-pecking-rooks-en|[Devblog] Su-25 and Su-25K: Armor-pecking Rooks]]
* [[wikipedia:Sukhoi_Su-25|[Wikipedia] Sukhoi Su-25]]

{{AirManufacturer Sukhoi}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}

Su-25T

2023-07-24T00:55:52Z

U79942984: Wrote intro, flight performance, armor, armaments.

{{About
| about = Soviet strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Su-25 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=su_25t
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

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

The Su-25T is a dedicated anti-tank variant of the legendary Su-25 "Grach". The airframe was adapted from a two-seat trainer variant and the appearance is more hump-backed than the original model. The nose houses the same "Shkval" targeting system as the [[Ka-50]] attack helicopter and can be further assisted with a Mercury targeting pod carried on the belly pylon. The Su-25T's signature weapon is the infamous 9K127 Vikhr beam-riding ATGM with large capacity, long range, and secondary anti-air capabilities, but it still has a classic arsenal of destructive unguided and laser-guided munitions, along with some TV-guided options. This Frogfoot can rain endless destruction on enemy vehicles in uncontested skies, but at such a high battle rating its subsonic flight performance is extremely lacking and it is not a significant threat in air combat. Su-25T pilots must be vigilant of enemy SAM and fighter capabilities and use its bag of tricks to stay alive.

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


The Su-25T weighs about 500 kg more than the basic Su-25 when empty due to the new electronics, but it has uprated R-195 turbojet engines than produce about 5% more thrust at full military power and have a new emergency mode that adds another 5% at the cost of rapid overheating. The overall flight performance is about the same: decent acceleration and handling for a subsonic jet but difficult to handle when weighed down with ordnance. The main issue is that the Su-25T's opposition consists of late 3rd generation and early 4th generation fighters that outperform it to an even greater margin than the basic Su-25. The only advantage it can boast of is a small turning radius because of its low speed, but the same could be said for a biplane and competent enemy pilots will know to use their enormous speed and climb advantages to prevent the Frogfoot from getting good opportunities to attack.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 1,000 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
| 968 || 962 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.4 || 28.0 || 69.9 || 62.1 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 989 || 979 || 26.6 || 27.0 || 91.4 || 80.0
|-
|}

==== 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 || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,100  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 1,050 || - || 420 || ~7 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 500 || < 600 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{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" | UMPO R-195 || 2
| colspan="2" | 10,786 kg || colspan="3" | 434 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | 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
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 37m fuel
|-
| 860 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 11,938 kg || 12,857 kg || 13,893 kg || 14,626 kg || 19,503 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="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (104%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || 104%
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 37m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 3,741 kgf || 3,913 kgf
| 0.66 || 0.61 || 0.56 || 0.54 || 0.41
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 3,784 kgf (200 km/h) || 3,958 kgf (200 km/h)
| 0.66 || 0.62 || 0.57 || 0.54 || 0.41
|-
|}

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


The Su-25T's armour layout is slightly different from the Su-25. The pilot still sits in a titanium "bathtub" and is surrounded by thick layers of bulletproof glass. There are now sheets of titanium on the sides of the nose, presumably for protecting the avionics but do not contribute much in War Thunder. The steel firewall between the engines and fuel tanks has been expanded and there is a new steel plate right behind the tail boom.

The Su-25T is the first jet in War Thunder to feature an IRCM system, which were previously only seen on helicopters. The IRCM is mounted in a pod at the base of the vertical stabilizer, and when active, will make it more difficult for IR missiles to lock onto the Frogfoot from the rear aspect.

=== 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}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-30-2 (30 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-2 cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)
* 192 x countermeasures

The Su-25T features the same GSh-30-2 twin-barreled autocannon as the original Su-25. However, the cannon mount is slightly different as the gun is placed underneath the cockpit in an external gondola instead of being integrated into the nose, a result of the space required by the new targeting systems. It loses 50 rounds of ammunition, so it is important to make every shot count.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="25" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[GSh-23L (23 mm)|23 mm GSh-23L]] cannons (250 rpg)
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250sv]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[KAB-500Kr (500 kg)|500 kg KAB-500Kr]] bombs
| || || || || 1 || || 1 || || || ||
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 ||
|-
! [[S-13OF]] rockets
| || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 ||
|-
! [[S-24B]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25O]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25OF]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25OFM]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25L]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[9K127 Vikhr]] missiles
| || || || 8 || || || || 8 || || ||
|-
! [[Kh-25]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[Kh-25ML]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[Kh-29L]] missiles
| || || || || 1 || || 1 || || || ||
|-
! [[Kh-29T]] missiles
| || || || || 1 || || 1 || || || ||
|-
! [[R-60M]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || || || || || || 1
|-
! Mercury targeting pod
| || || || || || 1 || || || || ||
|-
! 800 l drop tanks
| || || || || 1 || || 1 || || || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 4,400 kg Maximum permissible wing load: 2,200 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
* 2 x 800 l drop tanks
* 2 x R-60M missiles
* 32 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (3,200 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg KAB-500Kr bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 8 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
* 160 x S-8KO rockets
* 40 x S-13OF rockets
* 8 x S-24B rockets
* 8 x S-25O rockets
* 4 x S-25L missiles
* 4 x Kh-25ML missiles
* 2 x Kh-29L missiles
* 2 x Kh-29T missiles
* 16 x 9K127 Vikhr missiles
* 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
{{Navigation-End}}

The Su-25T's arsenal includes just about everything in the original Su-25's arsenal (minus the small-calibre, high-capacity S-5K HEAT rockets), so the unguided bombs and rockets can be used in exactly the same way. The new and returning guided options are worth discussing in more detail.

It is helpful to carry the Mercury targeting pod when using any laser-guided air-to-ground weapons. Although it is primarily designed for NVD capabilities (no thermal optics, unfortunately) and the nose-mounted Shkval already has built-in zoom and auto-tracker systems, the Mercury system has a wider field of view from its belly placement and can look almost directly below the center of the Frogfoot, which makes it easier to keep the target locked when breaking away from a joust or incoming fire.

As could be expected of having the same targeting system as the Ka-50, the Su-25T can carry the 9K127 Vikhr ATGM in an unusual case of a fixed-wing aircraft being able to carry helicopter weapons. The Vikhr can be carried in greater numbers compared to helicopters and the speed and altitude of this launch platform helps extend the effective range somewhat. 800 mm of tandem-warhead penetration and about 5 kg of TNT equivalent are enough to dispatch both armoured and light targets alike upon direct hits. The Vikhrs of course can swat aircraft and even destroy incoming missiles because of their proximity fuses, but this does not mean that they are true air-to-air weapons. Acquiring a fast moving target with the auto tracker can be difficult and they do not have enough maneuverability to follow evasive maneuvers, so in air combat they are best used in head-ons (to force opponents to break off) or when trailing slow and unaware enemies.

The Vikhrs are some of the Su-25T's most interesting weapons because they can be carried in huge numbers (no other jet can carry 16 guided air-to-ground missiles), have secondary utility, and have a lethal HEAT warhead for situations where bad luck or inconsistent overpressure effects could occasionally cause a HE warhead to only cause minor damage. With plenty to spare, they can also be ripple-fired in close pairs to double-tap heavily armored targets or cast a wider net to intercept incoming missiles. However they do have some drawbacks as well: the Vikhr has a very narrow FOV for launch authorization and it lacks the raw HE power to destroy clustered targets or on near-misses.

New options are also available in the form of TV-guided weapons, as seen on the [[MiG-27M]]. The heavy Kh-29T AGM can be loaded on the inboard hardpoints. It has an enormous ~150 kg HE warhead and is fire-and-forget, so the Su-25T is completely free to break off after launch. This complements the Vikhrs well. Alternatively the same hardpoints can be used to mount the KAB-500Kr TV-guided bomb, but since they only have slightly more TNT equivalent than the Kh-29T and are unpowered (a major downside when being carried by a subsonic jet), they don't have as much utility.

The returning laser-guided Kh-25/ML and Kh-29L are far more viable than on the original Su-25 because of the advanced targeting systems. Although the [[MiG-27K]] is far better at using them for high-altitude "orbital strikes" because of its superior flight performance, they are fine for low-level attacks too. Amusingly, they can be used in a pinch for air combat: while lacking a proximity fuse, the semi-active laser guidance allows them to lead their targets while the Vikhr's beam riding cannot.

It may be tempting to load all of the Su-25T's hardpoints with ordnance, but because this Frogfoot really does not have any flight performance to spare, it is often more efficient to carry a lighter and less complicated loadout. A combination of Vikhrs and Kh-29Ts is enough to take down most types of ground targets while not requiring excessive micromanagement of the weapon systems. Unguided rockets are a good choice for additional firepower because they are convenient for close-in strafing attacks and can be disposed of quickly to lighten the aircraft.

== Usage in battles ==

The Su-25T Frogfoot is best suited for ground attack in general, using similar low and fast passes, with the new guided munitions coming into play, especially the Vikhr missiles that have the potential to wipe ground units. It's also very survivable thanks to its sturdy airframe. In air battles, you are at a major disadvantage as aircraft you'll usually face have advanced radar missiles, along with pulse-Doppler radars. You will not outrun or catch any opponents. R-60M missiles are still decent, though they have to be conserved and used carefully. You can still dogfight enemies but the majority of vehicles, especially the F-14s, F-16s, and MiG-29s of top tier can still dance around you easily. At best, try to avoid confrontation, fly to the side and low, aiming for ground targets such as AAA, howitzers, and light pillboxes, or bombing bases if you can get there in time. IRCM will help, though it is best to use in tandem with countermeasures, as the IRCM is not guaranteed to spoof missiles, especially at close range.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Slightly upgraded flight performance, with a newer engine
* Engines can be overclocked too 104 percent throttle for extra thrust
* Can equip Kh-29Ts and 9K127 Vihkr missiles for ground attack
* IRCM jammer that can disrupt air-to-air missiles, along with a good amount of countermeasures
* Sturdy airframe, can survive missile hits from Stingers
* Upgraded RWR, can pinpoint radar pings accurately
* Large weaponry option, with different and unique combinations

'''Cons:'''

* Slow aircraft and heavy aircraft, especially with ordnance
* IRCM cannot stop missiles that have IRCCM such as Stingers
* Only two R-60Ms for self-defence
* Can overspeed and overheat the engines if not careful with the throttle
* Mediocre manoeuvrability
* Controls compress at high speeds

== History ==

The Su-25T project was an attempt to create an anti-tank aircraft that would be able to operate both during the daytime and at night, equipped with targeting systems and guided munitions to defeat armored vehicles. The list of equipment for the future aircraft was formalized in 1979, it was based on the Shkval targeting and navigation system and the Mercury television sight. The prototype passed the factory tests in 1987, by 1990 the project was prepared for mass production but due to the collapse of the USSR it did not start. A small batch of completed aircraft took part in the Chechen War in 1996. After the transfer of the production base from Tbilisi, Georgia to Ulan-Ude, Russia, the project was re-focused for export. An export version with slightly different avionics was designated the Su-39. In total, three attack aircraft of this configuration were built. Due to lack of funding, the project was closed.

''- From [[wt:en/news/8276-development-su-25t-and-the-pre-order-of-the-su-39-sergey-strikes-back-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=su_25t Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|JLDLKmzIvPU|'''The Shooting Range #363''' - ''Arsenal'' section at 07:34 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|VgnJeQkhhfQ|'''The Shooting Range #358''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:24 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


;Related development
* [[Su-25 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8276-development-su-25t-and-the-pre-order-of-the-su-39-sergey-strikes-back-en|[Devblog] Su-25T and the pre-order of the Su-39: Sergey Strikes Back!]]

{{AirManufacturer Sukhoi}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}

Su-25

2023-06-25T08:27:57Z

U79942984: Wrote intro, armaments, added to usage in battles.

{{About
| about = Soviet strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Su-25 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=su_25
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_su_25.jpg
}}

== Description ==

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

The Su-25 "Grach" (NATO reporting name Frogfoot) is a famous attack jet, often considered a spiritual successor to the [[IL-2 (Family)|IL-2]] and the Soviet equivalent of the American [[A-10A|A-10 Thunderbolt II]]. Like the Warthog, the Su-25 has wide, spindly wings with plenty of hardpoints, significant armour protection for the pilot, and a powerful 30 mm cannon in the fuselage that will shred light targets and unlucky aircraft alike. The two are rather different otherwise: the Grach is less maneuverable but has much better speed and climb and its precision weapons use laser guidance instead of TV. While it will have a hard time tangling with enemy fighters in an even engagement, with all-aspect R-60M missiles and a massive supply of large-caliber countermeasures, the Su-25 should not be disregarded in air combat. And in its intended role of ground attack, it can lay waste to enemy vehicles with a variety of high-explosive ordnance.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 1,000 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
| 968 || 961 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.4 || 28.0 || 66.8 || 62.4 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 989 || 978 || 26.6 || 27.0 || 94.2 || 79.4
|-
|}

==== 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 || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,100  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 900 || N/A || 420 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | UMPO R-95SH || 2
| colspan="2" | 10,236 kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | 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
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 29m fuel
|-
| 990 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 11,106 kg || 12,210 kg || 13,136 kg || 17,678 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="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 29m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 3,526 kgf || N/A
| 0.63 || 0.58 || 0.54 || 0.40
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 3,608 kgf (200 km/h) || N/A
| 0.65 || 0.59 || 0.55 || 0.41
|-
|}

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

The Su-25 is known for its survivability, anecdotally being able to take a few missile hits without suffering any damage compromising its airworthiness, though this ability is inconsistent and should not be relied upon.

256 flares/chaff launched two of each at a time provide the Su-25 with the chance to evade missiles, which should be the primary form of defense. A lack of afterburner increases flare effectiveness, only very modern missiles such as aim-9L are able to track the aircraft from behind.

Chaff only defends against radar locks from behind the aircraft. Sometimes enemy radar-guided missiles can be shot down with R-60M, allowing the Su-25 to engage surface-to-air missile systems in a head-on such as FlaRakPz1, XM975, Roland 1, and Lvrbv 701, as they only have two missiles each.

The aircraft remains somewhat controllable upon loss of tail control, wingtips, or an engine.

The fuel tanks are self-sealing.

The aircraft has an engine fire extinguishing system, unlockable as a modification.

=== 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}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-30-2 (30 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-2 cannon, chin-mounted (250 rpg)
** 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-2 cannon + 256 x countermeasures

The GSh-30-2 dual-barreled cannon is essentially a scaled up version of the GSh-23 used by MiG-21s and MiG-23s. Soviet helicopter pilots may have seen a long barreled variant on the [[Mi-24P]] attack helicopter. It has a great rate of fire with no spool-up and will rip any aircraft it touches to shreds. Against ground targets, it is effective at shredding SPAAs and IFVs, but MBTs will typically require steep top-down approaches that are not easy to achieve in a heavy subsonic aircraft. The GSh-30-2 is less powerful than the A-10's GAU-8 Avenger gatling gun and has a much smaller ammunition supply, but as a backup weapon for when missiles or rockets are spent, it is more than adequate.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10
| rowspan="23" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[GSh-23L (23 mm)|23 mm GSh-23L]] cannons (250 rpg)
| || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250sv]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-5K]] rockets
| || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 ||
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 ||
|-
! [[S-13OF]] rockets
| || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 ||
|-
! [[S-24B]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25O]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25OF]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25OFM]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[Kh-25]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[Kh-25ML]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[Kh-29L]] missiles
| || || || || 1 || 1 || || || ||
|-
! [[R-60]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || || || || || 1
|-
! [[R-60M]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || || || || || 1
|-
! [[S-25L]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! 800 l drop tanks
| || || || || 1 || 1 || || || ||
|-
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
* 2 x 800 l drop tanks
* 2 x R-60 missiles
* 2 x R-60M missiles
* 32 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (3,200 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
* 256 x S-5K rockets
* 160 x S-8KO rockets
* 40 x S-13OF rockets
* 8 x S-24B rockets
* 8 x S-25O rockets
* 4 x Kh-25ML missiles
* 2 x Kh-29L missiles
* 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
{{Navigation-End}}

The Su-25 has a very large arsenal and loadouts can be customized to personal taste.

For air-to-air combat, the R-60 and R-60M missiles are available. The "Aphids" are highly maneuverable and have a short minimum range, but they are very prone to flares and their small warhead can sometimes feel lacking against durable opponents like the A-10. The R-60M is all-aspect and should always be selected once unlocked. The capacity of two is enough for self defense but will necessitate frequent returns to the base.

Unguided bombs of many varieties (standard, high-drag, incendiary) can be selected and the maximum bombload of 4 tons is impressive by Soviet standards (although not at the level of the American fighter-bombers like the [[F-4C]]). With a full-fledged ballistic computer offering CCIP and CCRP for bombs, it's easy to deliver them accurately. In Ground RB, the CCRP is especially helpful for flying at treetop level to avoid SAMs and popping up to toss bombs at capture points or enemy spawns.

A record of 5 types of unguided rockets are available. Soviet helicopter pilots may be familiar with the S-5K and S-8KO HEAT rockets, which can be fired in huge swarms but have limited stopping power against MBTs with composite armour; the S-5K in particular is quite obsolete at the Su-25's battle rating and may even have trouble against side armour at times.

The three flavors of HE rockets are much more effective. The S-13KO is a 122 mm podded rocket that has enough TNT equivalent to destroy light targets easily, even through splash damage, and can still knock out MBTs with direct hits and a bit of luck. The 240 mm S-24B bunker-buster is a well known fixture in the Soviet arsenal, but they are now upstaged by the massive 340 mm S-25 rocket. The best S-25O variant (the OF and OFM should be disregarded) contains 58 kg of TNT, nearly as much as the [[Tiny Tim]], and makes most rockets look like firecrackers. With a maximum flight speed of 555 m/s, the S-25O can be slinged at targets from standoff distances with CCIP and still make a huge mess upon impact. Generally, the choice of rockets should be a mix between the S-13KO (capacity) and S-25 (sheer power).

The Su-25 has a number of precision weapons as well, owing to the Klen-PS laser rangefinder/designation system in its nose. The Kh-25ML ("Karen") and Kh-29L ("Kedge") are laser-guided air-to-ground missiles with high speed and very large HE warheads. The S-25L is a laser-guided version of the S-25 with a launch range of 7 km, but unfortunately the TNT equivalent of 20 kg is a shadow of the S-25O's glory and it has a harder time maneuvering than a true missile. While these weapons are long-ranged and pack a punch, the main issue is the primitive nature of the Klen-PS system, similar to the challenges of the Su-17/22 family and the MiG-27M. It has a poor optical zoom (with no TV camera, the pilot is left only with the view through the cockpit), so spotting tanks at the distances where the full range and accuracy of laser-guided weapons would be useful is difficult, and does not have an auto-tracker, so hitting moving targets is a big challenge. The limited field of view also forces the Su-25 to essentially joust at whatever it is aiming at, a poor idea when the airspace is contested or SAMs are on the field. Thus, these weapons are situational and many pilots will prefer unguided rockets instead.

== Usage in battles ==


The Su-25 is best suited for low altitude attack runs on enemy ground units. Its multitude of air-to-ground weapons as well as its good survivability allow it to perform CAS role in Ground Realistic Battles very well. However, like the A-10, it needs some finesse in its operation, as it is outperformed by contemporary fighters and can be sent back to the hangar by a good SAM operator if the pilot is not careful. If there are no significant threats around, the Su-25 can fly at medium altitudes, look for targets, and lob HE rockets at them with ease. Otherwise, it is best to maintain a low profile and circle around the battlefield at lower altitudes to better avoid detection from SAMs and enemy fighters. A pair of R-60Ms can effectively dispatch enemy aircraft in sneak attacks, but evicting enemy SAM operators is a more difficult question. The simplest option is to determine where they are located, which in most cases will be the enemy spawn, and figure out an approach that will allow for a sneak attack; a single S-25O landing in the neighborhood of a SPAA vehicle will usually knock it out of commission. If reliable teammates are available, the laser-guided missiles have some utility. Active scouting and drone target designation will allow the Su-25 to see the location of enemy SAMs and begin a high-altitude missile joust with a Kh-25 or Kh-29 at safer distances, and if the S-25O's 58 kg of TNT was impressive, the Karen/Kedge's 100+ kg of TNT are nothing short of spectacular. Make good use of the Su-25's massive countermeasure capacity, as these are high-caliber countermeasures with strong effects. It should be difficult for enemies to obtain radar or IR locks on the Frogfoot.

In Air Realistic Battles, it still is a force to be reckoned with in terms of ground attack, being able to erase a huge chunk of enemy points if left alone. The large quantity of unguided rockets allows for mass destruction of most ground targets. Additionally, the GSh-30-2 cannon will easily rip through light, medium and heavy tanks from the sides or the rear, the same applies to light pillboxes if aimed at the top. The aircraft can also use its bombs for striking strategic bombing points. In terms of air-to-air combat, the Su-25 can utilize its excellent R-60M missiles for self-defence, being able to lock onto incoming enemy planes from any direction. Keep in mind that as long as you maintain your speed, you might keep up in a dogfight with an opponent but after a few turns the aircraft will bleed a lot of speed and become very sluggish.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Effective offensive armament, the GSh-30-2 cannon has very high shell velocity and good hitting power
* Well armoured airframe, can survive a lot of damage
* Decent acceleration
* Access to all-aspect R-60M missiles with great tracking
* Generous amount of countermeasures
* Wide array of suspended armament and possibility to create custom loadouts

'''Cons:'''

* Low max speed
* Big aircraft, easy to hit
* Large turn radius
* Compression at higher speeds
* Can rip its wings in level flight if not careful and in sustained high speed turns

== 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=su_25 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|C4P93QnwRlI|'''The Shooting Range #349''' - ''Arsenal'' section at 07:26 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|qR4zPyav9hk|'''The Shooting Range #320''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:26 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|5Vexxf35JRs|'''Su-25 : A Basic Review''' - ''Tims Variety''}}

== See also ==


* [[A-10A]]
* [[A-10A Late]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7846-development-su-25-and-su-25k-armor-pecking-rooks-en|[Devblog] Su-25 and Su-25K: Armor-pecking Rooks]]
* [[wikipedia:Sukhoi_Su-25|[Wikipedia] Sukhoi Su-25]]

{{AirManufacturer Sukhoi}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}

Ayit

2023-06-25T06:46:53Z

U79942984: Wrote intro, armaments.

{{About
| about = strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = A-4 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=a_4n
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

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

The A-4N Ayit is the most advanced version of the A-4 Skyhawk currently featured in War Thunder. Historically, it is a derivative of the A-4M Skyhawk operated by the United States Marine Corps. The appearance is nothing special, having the dorsal hump of the premium [[A-4E (Israel)|Israeli A-4E]] and the crooked refueling probe of the previous [[A-4E Early (M) (Israel)|A-4E Early (M)]] in the tech tree. Under the hood, it has a more powerful engine and a large arsenal. It can equip dangerous infrared missiles for air combat and has early access to AGM-65A Maverick air-to-ground missiles for tank busting, easily outranging most anti-air systems at its battle rating.

Although it can be considered the ultimate Skyhawk, the Ayit's battle rating will pit it against supersonic jets with far superior performance, even when not carrying heavy ordnance. Thus, it should be flown opportunistically, avoiding direct air-to-air fights when possible and waiting for good moments to fire missiles at distracted jets or unload bombs onto ground targets.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 1,524 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
| 1,092 || 1,083 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 32.5 || 33.8 || 51.4 || 50.7 || rowspan="2" | 1,000
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,117 || 1,105 || 31.5 || 32.0 || 83.8 || 67.0
|-
|}

==== 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
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,167  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 592 || 563 || 410 || ~8 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 450 || < 700 || < 490 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{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" | Pratt & Whitney J52-P-408 || 1
| colspan="2" | 5,055 kg || colspan="3" | 311 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 36m fuel
|-
| 1,052 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 5,795 kg || 6,421 kg || 7,104 kg || 7,523 kg || 11,113 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="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 36m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,516 kgf || N/A
| 0.78 || 0.70 || 0.64 || 0.60 || 0.41
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,516 kgf (0 km/h) || N/A
| 0.78 || 0.70 || 0.64 || 0.60 || 0.41
|-
|}

=== 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)
|-
| {{Cross}} || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|DEFA 553 (30 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 2 x 30 mm DEFA 553 cannons, belly-mounted (150 rpg = 300 total)
** 2 x 30 mm DEFA 553 cannons + 60 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|Mk 81 Snakeye (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)}}
{{main|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-62A Walleye I ER (510 kg)|GBU-8 (2,000 lb)|AGM-12B Bullpup|AGM-65A|BLU-27/B incendiary}}
{{main|AIM-9D Sidewinder|Shafrir 2|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|Mk 11 mod 5 (20 mm)}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x Shafrir 2 missiles
* 4 x Shafrir 2 missiles
* 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
* 171 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 36 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 20 x 250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye bombs (5,000 lb total)
* 14 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (7,000 lb total)
* 20 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (5,000 lb total)
* 14 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (7,000 lb total)
* 3 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (2,250 lb total)
* 5 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (5,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 5 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
* 2 x 510 kg AGM-62A Walleye I ER bombs (1,020 kg total)
* 3 x AGM-65A missiles
* 1 x 2,000 lb GBU-8 bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 3 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannons (750 rpg = 2,250 total)

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
| rowspan="19" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_A-4E_Early.png]]</div>
|-
! 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannons (750 rpg)
| || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs
| 1 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 1
|-
! 250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye bombs
| 1 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 1
|-
! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs
| 1 || 3 || 6 || 3 || 1
|-
! 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs
| 1 || 3 || 6 || 3 || 1
|-
! 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs
| || 1 || 3 || 1 ||
|-
! 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! 510 kg AGM-62A Walleye I ER bombs
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs
| || || 1 || ||
|-
! BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
| 19 || 38 || 57 || 38 || 19
|-
! Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
| 4 || 8 || 12 || 8 || 4
|-
! AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! AGM-65A missiles
| || || 3 || ||
|-
! AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
| 1 || || || || 1
|-
! Shafrir 2 missiles
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
| colspan="6" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,000 kg
|-
|}

Ayit's arsenal is upgraded compared to the previous Israeli A-4E. Plenty of unguided bombs and rockets are available as usual, and the ballistic computer now offers CCIP on top of the existing CCRP capability. However it still lacks CCIP for rockets, so the Ayit is not a first-rate rocket sled despite having a large capacity for rocket pods.

Two options are available for air-to-air ordnance, the domestic Shafrir 2 missile and the American AIM-9D, much improved over the A-4E's AIM-9B Sidewinders. Both have overloads of 18 G, which is very good for its battle rating, and enemies will need to put significant effort into dodging them kinetically. The AIM-9D has a better seeker and more range compared to the Shafrir at the cost of a smaller warhead and is the best option overall.

In terms of guided air-to-ground ordnance, there are four options. MCLOS Bullpup AGMs and TV-guided Walleye and GBU-8 guided bombs return from the A-4E and can still cause plenty of pain to ground targets in Ground RB. The new option is a triple rack of AGM-65 Maverick TV-guided AGMs mounted on the center pylon, and this one of the selling point of the Ayit. Mavericks are fast, pack a big punch against contemporary tanks, and leave the wing hardpoints free for air-to-air missiles or Walleyes while having three times the capacity of a single GBU-8 occupying the same spot.

== 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:'''

* Has access to a large variety of mixed loadouts, including AGM-65 Mavericks
* Has the strongest engine among all Skyhawks in-game which allows it to accelerate very well
* Can carry the long range AIM-9D when most aircraft it faces have only AIM-9B or equivalent missiles
* Hard-hitting DEFA 553 cannons with a lot of ammunition
* Excellent roll rate and turn rate
* Has access to RWR, flares, and chaff
* Has a tough airframe that can take a surprising amount of punishment for its size and weight

'''Cons:'''

* Wings tend to rip easily during High-G turns
* No CCIP for the gun or for rockets
* DEFA 553 cannons have rather low muzzle velocity, which makes it harder to aim than most guns
* Aircraft performance can become unresponsive when carrying heavy loadouts
* Very average top speed which quickly becomes outclassed in uptiers

== History ==

In the years between 1972 and 1976, Israel received 117 upgraded A-4Ms called the A-4N. The A-4N ("Ayit" which means eagle) received many updated avionics over the standard A-4M while retaining the J52-P-408 engine. These updates included new computers, a heads-up display, a mapping, and range radar (AN/APQ-145), ECM homing and warning receiver (AN/APR-36/37), and more. The A-4N also received 2 DEFA 30 mm cannons, unlike the A-4M which had 2 20 millimeter cannons. In addition, the cockpit was revised for better visibility.

In 1968, Israel launched a program to upgrade the Super Mystere with the Pratt & Whitney J52 to replace the original Atar 101. This program was launched in order to make the Super Mystere more similar to the A-4 Skyhawks Israel had at the time which also had the J52. In order to fit the J52, major structural redesigns were needed and one of these changes included an extension of the tailpipe. During the Yom Kippur War in 1973, a year after Israel started receiving A-4Ns, Israeli officials noticed that although the upgraded Super Mysteres and A-4Ns flew almost the exact same type of missions and faced the same type of enemies, fewer Super Mysteres were being lost to missiles than the A-4Ns. Further analysis proved that the extension of the tailpipe from the upgraded Super Mystere moved the missile's detonation further away from the aircraft, thus leading to less damage and a lower loss rate. The A-4N was recommended to receive a similar type of tailpipe which is why A-4Ns after 1973 have an extended tailpipe. Israel continued using the A-4N until it was fully retired in 2015, 43 years after it was introduced into service.

A few A-4Ns were acquired by Top Aces and Draken International. Draken International, a US-based company, provided training for the Air National Guard with their acquired A-4Ns. Top Aces has used A-4Ns for training the Canadian, Australian, and German armed forces.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=a_4n Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[A-4 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.ru/index.php?/topic/318989-a-4n-israel/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance | Russian forum only]

{{AirManufacturer Douglas}}
{{Israel jet aircraft}}

Object 435

2023-06-24T23:31:54Z

U79942984: Wrote intro, mobility, armaments, usage in battles, pros/cons

{{Specs-Card
|code=ussr_object_435
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

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

The Object 435 has a rather strange appearance like many other Soviet "Object" prototypes. The hull front has unusual angles that wouldn't seem out of place on the IS heavy tank family, but it has a very round turret reminiscent of the [[T-62]]. The suspension and roadwheels foreshadow the [[T-64A (1971)|T-64]]. It was designed as a next-generation medium tank to potentially replace the ubiquitous T-54/55, but ultimately was shelved for what eventually became the T-64.

In War Thunder, the Object 435 offers a similar experience to the T-62 while being placed in the T-64/T-80 MBT line in the tech tree. It has the same powerful 115 mm smoothbore cannon with good APFSDS rounds that can tackle most foes without any issues at the cost of a slow reload. Mobility and turret traverse are slightly improved. It trades the ESS system for an optical rangefinder. A nice bonus is that while the T-62 lacks any kind of pintle machine gun, not even a humble 12.7 mm DShK, the Object 435 packs a KPVT 14.5 mm heavy machine gun that can shred light vehicles and helicopters. Players transitioning from the [[T-10M]] will be very happy to still have an effective supplement to the main cannon.

== 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:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


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


{{tankMobility}}

The mobility of the Object 435 is slightly improved over the T-62, with a slightly higher power-to-weight ratio. The reverse speed has also been improved by a small amount. Unfortunately it still lacks behind speedy MBTs like the Leopard or AMX-30, so it is not great for flanking or rushing vantage points.

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

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

{{main|U-5TS (115 mm)}}

The 115 mm U-5TS smoothbore cannon is the same as on the T-62. It reloads more quickly than the T-10M's 122 mm rifled gun, but lags far behind NATO guns. It is very important to make every shot count. The Object 435 does enjoy a better turret rotation speed than the T-62, matching the [[T-64A (1971)]], which is helpful for brawling. One degree of gun depression is lost compared to the T-62.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[U-5TS (115 mm)|115 mm U-5TS]] || 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" | 37 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+16° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
|-
! ''Realistic''
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:U-5TS (115 mm)/Ammunition|3BM4, 3BM3, 3BK4, 3OF11}}

The Object 435's ammunition needs no introduction to T-62 veterans. The stock 3BM4 round is a solid steel dart with a high muzzle velocity and good angled penetration. It has poor flat penetration, especially compared to the T-10M's heavy 3BM-11 APDS, but practically any tank can be dispatched with a shot to the hull. Even after the other ammunition types are unlocked, 3BM4 should be a staple in the Object 435's arsenal.

The 3BM3 tungsten-cored APFSDS has much greater flat penetration, but its angled penetration is degraded significantly. Since the Object 435 will meet very few enemy tanks that 3BM3 would perform better against than 3BM4, it should be mostly disregarded.

The 3BK4 HEAT-FS round is quite impressive within its class, with good penetration and TNT equivalent. It has less consistent damage than APFSDS and can be defeated by ERA, so it should be reserved for either overpressuring light targets or attacking huge steel behemoths like the [[Maus]] or [[Object 279]] that can sometimes block APFSDS.

The 3OF11 is an ordinary HE shell containing 2.64 kg of TNT. While it's enough to overpressure light vehicles, it's a far cry from the infamous 125 mm 3OF26 rounds of later Soviet MBTs and will have a difficult time damaging anything with decent protection. The Object 435's slow reload also makes it very dangerous if an armoured target shows up when a HE shell is loaded. It helps to bring several for smacking light tanks or exposed cupolas opportunistically, but it should not be relied on as a primary tool.

==== [[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
|-
| '''37''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|KPVT (14.5 mm)|SGMT (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[KPVT (14.5 mm)|14.5 mm KPVT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[SGMT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm SGMT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
|-
|}

The Object 435 has a pintle-mounted KPVT heavy machine gun on the loader's cupola and a coaxial SGMT general-purpose machine gun. The SGMT isn't worth writing home about but the high-caliber KPVT definitely is. With a mixed belt of API-T, cermet core, and IAI rounds, it can shred many light targets from at least the sides and is very good at setting helicopters and planes ablaze. The 50 round belt capacity is low, but it's enough to provide a good volume of fire while the tank's main cannon is reloading.

Keep in mind that since the KPVT is not a coaxial weapon, it is unavailable if the loader is knocked out. So the T-10M is still better as a KPVT carrier, having both coaxial and pintle mounts.

== Usage in battles ==


The Object 435 looks and acts like a cross between the T-62 and T-64. Most of its characteristics are similar to the T-62, so it is worth examining which aspects are different.

The Object's offensive power is generally superior. The improvements to mobility and turret traverse make it a more effective brawler in urban combat and the KPVT machine gun is a helpful supplemental weapon; while a T-62 would need to hide and retreat if a light target survived a hit from the main gun, the Object can spray them down with 14.5 mm rounds and finish the job. Armoured targets can still be stripped of their tracks and barrels. At long distances, the new optical rangefinder is helpful for landing precise hits, even if it is not as effective as a laser rangefinder.

The main weakness of the Object 435 is that it has no sources of smoke, with no grenades, ESS, or smoke shells. This makes it difficult to escape from a bad situation or cover a retreat, so careful positioning is very important. Another flaw is its fixed-zoom, narrow FOV optics with 8.0x zoom. While this is fine at long distances, the lack of a low-zoom, wide FOV option can be an issue in close combat for players used to the T-55/T-62 family.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Same powerful gun as T-62 with improved gun handling
* Fairly low profile
* Powerful KPVT heavy machine gun
* Optical rangefinder for long-distance shots

'''Cons:'''

* No protection against HEAT rounds
* No sources of smoke
* Slow reload

== History ==

The prototype Object 435 medium tank was the most advanced in a series of experimental tanks being developed by Kharkov plant No. 75 under the "new medium tank" program at the very beginning of the 1960s. The Object 435 became a test vehicle for the newly developed 115mm U-5TS Molot unitary-loading smoothbore cannon that was later installed on tanks of the T-62 family. The tank had a short hull and an original hull armor layout at the front, which was supposed to provide the vehicle with a high level of protection against kinetic munitions. The Object 435 was canceled in 1961 in favor of another prototype, Object 432. A survivor Object 435 tank is on display at Patriot park near Moscow.

''- From [[wt:en/news/8247-development-object-435-armored-hammer-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_object_435 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8247-development-object-435-armored-hammer-en|[Devblog] Object 435: Armored hammer]]

{{USSR medium tanks}}

F-84G-21-RE (China)

2023-05-25T06:16:44Z

U79942984: Rewrote intro and armaments for brevity and style.

{{About
| about = strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-84 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-84g_china
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].

The F-84 Thunderjet was among the first American jet aircraft sold to the Republic of China Air Force, and in War Thunder it will often be a starting jet for Chinese pilots entering Rank V. It has a lot of perks to offer while still being a smooth transition from propeller fighters. Like the [[P-47D-28|ROCAF P-47D-28 Thunderbolt]], another beloved fighter-bomber from the same manufacturer, the Thunderjet has a large yet sleek appearance, a high top speed, six .50 caliber Browning machine guns, and a huge payload of bombs and rockets. It has competitive performance for air combat while being more forgiving than the [[MiG-9 (China)|PLAAF's starting MiG-9]], and can be very effective in Ground RB as well. Pilots who master the F-84G will earn a great plane for both air superiority and close air support, and be prepared for future Chinese jets.

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


The F-84G is a streamlined all-metal jet fighter which was designed to house the upgraded Allison J35-A-29 turbine jet engine. Though an upgraded engine compared to the F-84B, typically this fighter was laden with more ordnance thus still requiring a significant roll-out time of 1,040 m (~3,400 ft) before lift-off. Don't be dismayed as other fighters are taking to the sky while you are still building up speed as once in the air you can climb to bomber altitude or set up for a ground attack run that few others can rival.

Though the take-off and climb characteristics of the Allison jet engine appeared lacklustre, it actually had decent level flight speed and good dive characteristics. Speed is what saves this fighter, in once it has enough built up, it will perform. Though not the fastest at its battle rating, the F-84G is a great boom & zoom aircraft vs. being a dogfighter. Turning this aircraft will bleed its speed and the roll rate can be affected by the weight of the wing-tip fuel tanks. One negative aspect of the wing-tip fuel tanks of the early F-84s was that high speeds (>1,000 km/h) tended to cause the fuel tanks to twist resulting (mitigated by the addition of fins on the tanks) in the destruction of the wings which does reflect in realistic and simulator battles in-game if exceeded. While turning in this jet is not advised, Immelmann and Split-S manoeuvres will help to conserve energy without compromising the speed of the aircraft.

If ever in danger of risking going faster than maximum rip speed, it is important to throttle back and extend air-brakes to reduce speed enough to keep the aircraft intact and manoeuvre in for the kill.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! 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
| 976 || 971 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.0 || 30.4 || 30.8 || 29.3 || rowspan="2" | 3,000
|-
! Upgraded
| 993 || 985 || 27.2 || 28.0 || 42.1 || 36.2
|-
|}
[[File:F-84G-21-RE (China) climbing up above the clouds.jpg |450px|thumb|right|A '''{{PAGENAME}}''' ascending above the clouds in search of a target.]]

==== 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 
|-
|}

[[File:F-86G_(China)_successful_HVAR_attack.jpg|450px|thumb|right|A '''{{PAGENAME}}''' after a successful [[HVAR]] attack on a bomber.]]
{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 527 || 499 || 350 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 530 || < 600 || < 690 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Allison J35-A-29 || 1
| colspan="2" | 5,450 kg || colspan="2" | 276 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 27m fuel
|-
| 1,050 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 5,868 kg || 6,447 kg || 6,685 kg || 9,979 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="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 27m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 2,300 kgf || N/A
| 0.39 || 0.36 || 0.34 || 0.23
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 2,300 kgf (0 km/h) || N/A
| 0.39 || 0.36 || 0.34 || 0.23
|-
|}

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


* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front.
* 6.35 mm Steel plate in front of pilot.
* 12.7 mm Steel plate in pilot's headrest.
* 8 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.

Like many early jet fighters, the armour was placed around the pilot while not much thought was given to the other critical components of the aircraft mostly due to the weight imposed on the early and weak turbojet engines placed into service. From behind, the pilot is protected by an 8 mm steel plate behind the seat with a 12.7 mm steel plate as a headrest. In front of the pilot, a 38 mm bulletproof windscreen adds protection from head-on's or from defensive bomber weapons. Another 6.35 mm steel plate is placed in front of the pilot and instrument panel for further protection of bullets entering the open-ended air-intake.

Other critical components such as the jet turbine, fuel tanks and coolers are all exposed, only protected by the outer skin of the aircraft which may deflect incoming bullets if at sufficient distance or angle to do so.

When attacking an F-84G, aim for the centre of the aircraft where you have a good chance of getting a critical hit on the engine or in a fuel tank. Due to this aircraft having wing-tip fuel tanks, shots to the wings or wing-tip tanks have a potential of starting a fire or breaking a wing off. If the attacking aircraft has sufficient calibre ammunition then shots taken at the pilot may have a larger chance of success if made from the sides or behind. This aircraft does not have much protection against rockets or missiles, however, given sufficient notice, rockets can be avoided and it is possible that missiles can be outmanoeuvred, however, when playing in realistic or simulator you run the risk of the pilot blacking-out due to G-force manoeuvres or wings snapping while trying to outfly a missile.

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

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

{{main|M3 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
[[File:F-84G-21-RE (China) with HVAR rockets.jpg|450px|thumb|right|A '''{{PAGENAME}}''' manoeuvring toward ground targets with 24 [[HVAR]] unguided rockets.]]
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 4 x 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 1,200 total)
* 2 x 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine gun, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 600 total)

The F-84G has four 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns mounted in the forward fuselage and two others mounted close by in the wing roots. Compared to the cannon armament of other contemporary jets, the Brownings have less stopping power and have trouble dismantling enemy aircraft. But they are accurate, easy to aim, and can still cause fires easily. The ammunition supply is also quite generous, although the enhanced rate of fire of the M3 Browning compared to the earlier M2 will eat through it quickly in full-auto.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)}}
{{main|HVAR|Tiny Tim}}
[[File:F-84G-21-RE_(China)_unloading_HVAR_rockets.jpg|450px|thumb|right|A '''{{PAGENAME}}''' descending on ground targets with 24 [[HVAR]] unguided rockets.]]
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 12 x HVAR rockets
* 32 x HVAR rockets
* 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
* 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)
* 2 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (500 lb total)
* 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
* 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 24 x HVAR rockets (1,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8
| rowspan="8" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-84G-21-RE (Italy).png]]</div>
|-
! 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs
| || || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! 250 lb AN-M57 bombs
| || || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs
| || || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs
| || || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! HVAR rockets
| 6* || 3 || 3 || 4 || 4 || 3 || 3 || 6*
|-
! Tiny Tim rockets
| || || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
| colspan="9" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 900 kg
|-
| colspan="10" | * HVAR rockets on hardpoints 1/8 may only be equipped simultaneously
|}

The F-84G offers a range of bombs and rockets for destroying surface targets. Unguided bombs are mounted only on two fuselage hardpoints and the best choices are clearly the heavy 1,000 lb bombs. They drop individually and do not require a huge amount of precision to obliterate a capture point. Unfortunately, the need to fly directly above the target renders the Thunderjet vulnerable to SPAA fire in Ground RB, and radar guided systems like the [[M163]] and [[ZSU-23-4]] can easily shred unaware pilots.

Pilots who want something more adventurous can mount enormous Tiny Tim rockets on these pylons instead; the F-84G is the only aircraft in the Chinese tech tree with access to them. They have less explosive content than the 1,000 lb bombs but still enough to knock out tanks even on near misses, and can be launched from safer distances. The main drawback is that they take a lot of practice to aim effectively, especially because they drop from the pylon before the rocket motor ignites.

The remaining pylons are reserved for HVAR rockets. Previous P-47D pilots may have overlooked them because they are difficult to aim and have less explosive power than an artillery shell, but the Thunderjet can carry and launch them in good numbers. Although HVARs have a hard time damaging armoured targets and the wing placement of the hardpoints increases spread, they can be surprisingly effective at clearing out SPAA vehicles from 1-2 kilometers away. Firing a salvo of rockets while rolling will produce a spiral pattern that impacts the ground in a circle, and the resulting rain of explosives can easily overpressure light vehicles in its radius. This is a useful tactic for clearing an enemy spawn of heavy SPAA coverage and then switching to bombs for destroying hard targets. Just be aware that the Thunderjet is still somewhat vulnerable when flying straight to aim rockets, and be prepared to break off from incoming fire.

A special note is that equipping HVARs on the wingtip hardpoints will replace the fuel tanks that normally occupy them (with no ill effect to the F-84G's actual fuel capacity). Once the rockets are fired off or jettisoned, the flight performance is improved by a small amount, which some players will exploit even when preparing for air combat. Another benefit is that the Thunderjet will be less vulnerable to being set on fire by stray shots.

== Usage in battles ==


The F-84G is a versatile multi-role fighter and can be configured to be used in various types of aerial warfare, namely bomber interceptor, ground attack and fighter-interceptor.

;Bomber Interceptor

Thanks to an upgraded engine compared to the F-84B, the G model has a bit more climbing power and does not need to rely solely on side climbing and reach the necessary altitude to begin hunting bombers or diving onto hapless fighters. As a bomber interceptor, the pilot has two options for weapon load-outs besides the default guns, noting the HVAR and Tiny Tim rockets.

If the F-84G is still stock or in the process of upgrading modules, the best bet will be to not load any suspended armaments and rely on the six 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns to do the work. Just using the machine guns will help save on weight and make it a bit easier to climb on the unmodified engine. For those pilots who have modified engines, they can opt for guns only for a quicker climb or attach HVAR rockets for an additional punch against larger bombers.

Once at altitude, scan and select a bomber target of opportunity. It is best to attain higher altitude than the bomber, giving you options as to which direction to attack from and increase your speed when diving in, speed is key to avoid defensive guns, race out of their range and to gain enough distance to safely turn around and follow up with another attack if needed.

Since the six M3 machine guns are virtually centred on the aircraft, the inbound bullets will be clustered and should be aimed at engines, cockpit, fuel tanks and any other critical areas as the body of the aircraft can sometimes absorb a large amount of smaller calibre ammunition before causing a critical hit or crippling the aircraft. The limitation of only 300 rounds per gun will require trigger discipline by the pilot to ensure enough rounds are available for a secondary or tertiary attack without having to reload or return to base.

Utilizing HVAR rockets at large lumbering bombers can have a great impact, though unguided, they will need to be pointed in the general direction when launched, it may take several practice runs to determine best angle and distance in which to fire from for a successful attack. As with any unguided rocket, the best bet is to launch a volley of rockets to ensure a greater chance of at least one hitting.

;Ground Attack

Jet fighters tend to not make good ground attackers as it typically requires them to fly low and slow making them easy pickings for enemy fighters above or anti-aircraft fire below. Since the F-84G is neither an exceptionally fast fighter nor a lumbering bomber, it has an advantage of being fast enough to be dangerous to ground targets without being a sitting duck for patrolling enemy fighters. Compared to many other fighters which are capable of ground attack, the F-84G can carry a fantastic amount of ground attack ordnance which can seriously put a dent into the enemy teams vehicles, bunkers and bases.

While many aircraft available in War Thunder has a specific role of fighter-interceptor, ground attack or bomber, the F-84G can set itself up with suspended ordnance depending on the targets available on the map. The F-84G has several options depending on the modules unlocked by the pilot which range from outfitting HVAR unguided rockets, massive Tiny Tim unguided rockets, 100 lb, 250 lb, 500 lb and 1,000 lb bombs or a mixture of bombs and rockets.

Smaller bombs and the HVAR rockets are best for going after lighter armoured targets such as aircraft (on the ground or with rockets in the air), anti-aircraft batteries, trucks, some light tanks and ships. The larger Tiny Tim rockets and bombs are best reserved for more hardened targets like pillboxes, medium and large tanks, bunkers, large ships and bases. This fighter is not afraid to get down and dirty taking out ground targets, just be aware of your surroundings and watch for enemy fighters or anti-aircraft guns poised to take you out.

;Fighter Interceptor

While definitely not the fastest nor the most manoeuvrable fighter on the field, the F-84G has enough speed and manoeuvrability to take on fighter jets. The centerline six M3 machine guns concentrate enough lead into one spot to damage or destroy fighter aircraft flying in its path. While turning this fighter is bad due to bleeding airspeed (although maybe an option if you are trying to force an overshoot), Immelmann and Split-S manoeuvres will help you change directions keeping up your speed and allowing for a getaway or a targeting solution.

Boom & Zoom tactics will enable the F-84G to have the speed to manoeuvre and set up their shots and keep them active in the fight. Many enemy fighters may mistake the F-84G as a weak and slow aircraft, however, the machine is not 100% of the solution and many pilots can take lesser aircraft and best faster, more agile and better-gunned aircraft by using their training, skills and the F-84B. The only time to count out the F-84G is when you see the pilot bail out, otherwise, always consider it a threat.

===Radars===

The F-84G is equipped with an AN/APG-30 rangefinding radar, located in the nose of the aircraft.
It will automatically detect other planes within the scanning area and display the range to the closest target. It is linked with a gyro gunsight and can help with aiming at close range.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/APG-30 - Rangefinding 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}}
|-
| 2,750 m || 300 m || ±9° || ±9°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Center-line armament of six .50 cal machine guns with a great rate of fire
* Huge payload options, a fantastic ground attacker
* Good acceleration
* Excellent dive speed
* Sturdy wings, nearly unrippable

'''Cons:'''

* Turn rate is not very good, though better than the F-84B
* Manoeuvrability diminished with heavy payloads
* Middle road fighter, not the best or fastest, but capable
* Long takeoff roll out

== History ==

{{main|F-84G-21-RE#History|l1=History of the F-84G-21-RE}}

As part of the Mutual Assistance Program for US-allied countries/regions, the ROCAF received their first jet, the F-84G series, in 1953 (ROC Year 42), and fleets of F-86s and F-104 series entered service by the late 1950s. F-84Gs have been the cornerstone of the ROCAF, and were one of the participants of the Taiwan Strait Crisis where the jet, piloted by Heinz Ouyang (歐陽漪棻; Ouyang Yifeng) on 21st July 1956, scored over 2 PLAAF MiG-17s and left the only remarkable victories of the F-84 series over Soviet-built jets.

As more advanced jets joined ROCAF rapidly by the later 1950s, the remaining combat variants of the F-84G were decommissioned by 1960 and some of these jets are now displayed at some locations across Taiwan Island.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-84g_china Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Other versions

* [[F-84B-26]] ''Thunderjet''
* [[F-84G-21-RE|F-84G-21-RE]]
* [[F-84G-21-RE (Italy)]]
* [[F-84G-26-RE (France)]]
* [[F-84G-31-RE (China)]] - the very last block of straight-wing Thunderjet and used by Thunder Tiger Acrobatics Team

;Contemporary aircraft

* de Havilland [[Venom_FB.4|Venom]]
* Gloster [[Meteor (Family)|Meteor]]
* Dassault [[M.D.450B_Ouragan|M.D.450B Ouragan]]
* Grumman [[F9F-2|F9F]] Panther (USAF)
* Grumman [[F9F-8|F9F]] Cougar (US Navy)

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/364979-republic-f-84g-thunderjet/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== References ===
<references>
<ref name="Burrows">Burrows, W. E. (2013, August). It had the body of a fighter and a bomber's soul. Retrieved from https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/thunderjet-307269/</ref>
</references>

{{AirManufacturer Republic}}
{{China jet aircraft}}

Kurnass

2023-05-24T06:58:04Z

U79942984: Rewrote intro, wrote armaments.

{{About
| about = Israeli jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = Kurnass 2000
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4e_iaf
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Israeli jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]].

The Kurnass is an Israeli-operated version of the American [[F-4E Phantom II]]. Besides the desert camouflage, it differs slightly in the selection of weapons, mainly in having AIM-9D/G Sidewinder missiles instead of the AIM-9E/J and lacking access to the GBU-15(V)1/B guided bomb. Otherwise, it is the same workhorse with high speed and a large arsenal.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 12,192 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
| 2,097 || 2,074 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.5 || 27.5 || 160.8 || 151.2 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,202 || 2,140 || 25.5 || 26.0 || 221.6 || 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
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 607 || 584 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-17 || 2
| colspan="2" | 14,205 kg || colspan="2" | 408 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel
|-
| 1,750 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,964 kg || 18,027 kg || 20,069 kg || 24,000 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="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 5,200 kgf || 8,010 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.80 || 0.67
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,200 kgf (0 km/h) || 10,170 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.27 || 1.13 || 1.01 || 0.85
|-
|}

=== 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}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, chin-mounted (640 rpg)
** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 90 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)|GBU-8 (2,000 lb)|AGM-65B}}
{{main|AIM-7E Sparrow|AIM-7E-2 Sparrow|AIM-9D Sidewinder|AIM-9G Sidewinder}}
{{main|BLU-27/B incendiary|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|GAU-4 (20 mm)}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 3 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
* 24 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 17 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (12,750 lb total)
* 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
* 13 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (13,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 285 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 60 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
* 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
* 6 x AGM-65B missiles
* 4 x 505 kg AGM-62A Walleye I bombs (2,020 kg total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs (8,000 lb total)

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="18" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-4C_Phantom_II.png]]</div>
|-
! 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1200 rpg)
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs
| 3 || 3 || || || || 5 || || || || 3 || 3
|-
! 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs
| 2 || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 || 2
|-
! 505 kg AGM-62A Walleye I bombs
| 1 || 1* || || || || || || || || 1* || 1
|-
! 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs
| 1 || 1* || || || || || || || || 1* || 1
|-
! 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
| 1 || || || || || 2 || || || || || 1
|-
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
| 57 || 57 || || || || 57 || || || || 57 || 57
|-
! Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
| 12 || 12 || || || || 12 || || || || 12 || 12
|-
! AGM-65B missiles
| || 3* || || || || || || || || 3* ||
|-
! AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
| || || || 1† || 1 || || 1 || 1† || || ||
|-
! AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
| || || || 1† || 1 || || 1 || 1† || || ||
|-
! AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
| || || 2* || || 1† || || 1† || || 2* || ||
|-
! AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
| || || 2* || || 1† || || 1† || || 2* || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
| colspan="13" | * Marked options on hardpoints 2/10 cannot be carried in conjunction with air-to-air missiles on hardpoints 3/9 respectively † Sparrows on hardpoints 4/8 cannot be carried in conjunction with Sidewinders on hardpoints 5/7 respectively
|-
|}

The Kurnass's weapons will be largely familiar to previous US pilots. The change in Sidewinder variants compared to the original F-4E is worth discussing in more detail: as a US Air Force variant, the American F-4E has USAF models of the Sidewinder in the form of the stock AIM-9E and the top AIM-9J. The Kurnass on the other hand has US Navy Sidewinders as seen on the USN [[F-4J]] or the British [[Phantom FGR.2]]: the stock AIM-9D and the top AIM-G. As far as stock missiles go, the AIM-9D is greatly preferable to the AIM-9E with better range and maneuverability. The AIM-9J vs AIM-9G comparison is more up to personal preference, as the former has slightly higher overload and fares better in maneuvering combat while the latter has a wider seeker view and is better for sneak attacks at a distance. Thus, while the Kurnass has the maneuverable F-4E airframe with an internal gun for close in fights, its Sidewinders do not quite lean in that direction.

Another Sidewinder-related quirk of the Kurnass is that two of the recessed fuselage pylons, which are normally reserved for Sparrows, can instead be used to carry Sidewinders, so its maximum IR missile capacity is 6x instead of the 4x of other Phantoms. This is often a reasonable trade to make, because although the AIM-7E2 Dogfight Sparrows offer the Kurnass a decent long-range option, they are held back by the radar's lack of look-down-shoot-down capability. Carrying four of them at once adds nearly 800 kg of weight that decreases performance. Bringing only two Sparrows for special occasions and stocking up on lighter Sidewinders reduces the need to jettison unnecessary weapons.

The only change to the ground attack weapons is the lack of access to the GBU-15(V)1/B, a TV-guided glide bomb available on the inboard wing pylons of the American F-4E. The similar GBU-8, which can be dropped at supersonic speeds but is not as efficient in gliding, is still available on all wing pylons. Many CAS players will choose the smaller AGM-62A Walleye guided bombs or the AGM-65B Maverick air-to-ground missiles for tank busting instead, so the lack of the GBU-15 only really matters in unusual situations like needing to bomb enemy SPAA from extreme ranges.

== Usage in battles ==

The F-4E Phantom II is well-suited for most in-game situations. For attacking ground targets, the plane is armed with an assortment of bombs, rockets, and missiles. Against air targets, players may employ the vehicle's deadly air-to-air missiles and frontal cannons. Three externally-mounted gunpods may be equipped. Although they will undoubtedly increase the vehicle's destructive capabilities, they also appreciably hinder flight performance through induced drag. In many situations, one front-facing cannon is all that is required to dispatch an opponent aircraft. As for the missiles, the ones used by this plane are average at its rank, comparable to the [[R-60]] missiles equipped by the [[MiG-21MF (Germany)]] and the [[MiG-21SMT]] (albeit with worse manoeuvrability). The [[AIM-9G Sidewinder|AIM-9G]] missiles are most effective when fired from between 2 to 4 km away from the target. Any closer will make it harder for the missile to hit the target and the end result could be a miss. At higher altitudes the [[AIM-7E-2]] missiles can ensure better results when shot from 4 - 6 km range as they are almost impossible to dodge at these heights.

The F-4E has a high rate of climb. This is however where most of its performance advantages end. Due to its weight, the Phantom has rather mediocre acceleration, and not a very high top speed. It is not advised to dogfight anything other than Starfighters and other Phantom variants, as the F-4E has a very poor turn rate. Although the aircraft has better energy retention than most of its opponents, it still bleeds considerable amounts of speed while turning, which can't be regained very quickly due to the aircraft's heavy weight. It also performs quite poorly at low speeds, which is also caused by its weight.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Vast variety of air and ground ordnance
* Good top speed
* Equipped with RWR and countermeasures
* Can carry up to 8 potent AAMs
* 20 mm M61 cannon has great ballistics, high damage and high rate of fire
* Good acceleration

'''Cons:'''

* Relatively large aircraft is a big, easy to hit target
* Carrying payloads reduces flight performance
* Limited ammo for the internal 20 mm cannon which can be depleted in just a few bursts
* Wings can be ripped off easily during high speed manoeuvres
* Radar is not look-down capable

== History ==

Israel was a prominent user of the [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)|F-4 Phantom II]], having acquired its Phantoms starting in 1968. At first, the USA was unwilling to offer Israel the F-4, but developments in 1967-1968 led the USA to reconsider its position. Notably, a French embargo of Israeli aircraft and the defection of a Soviet MiG-21 convinced the USA to sell its F-4Es to Israel. The first of these aircraft arrived in January of 1968, nicknamed Kurnass (Heavy Hammer) in service.

Israeli Phantoms saw their first combat action in the War of Attrition (1967-1970) against Egypt, where they were used against Egyptian ground and air targets. During this time, more Phantoms continued to be delivered including six RF-4E reconnaissance Phantoms. During the Yom Kippur war, Israeli Phantoms were once again used against air and ground targets. This conflict also marked the debut of the AGM-65 Maverick in Israeli service shortly after the missile entered service with the USAF.

In total, Israeli Phantoms scored ~116 aerial kills against Arab aircraft between 1969-1982 compared to ~55 combat losses (total number disputed). The last Phantom was delivered in 1976, with a total of 204 aircraft delivered, including some as replacements for aircraft lost during the Yom Kippur war. In the last decades of the 20th century, the Phantom was complemented with newer aircraft such as the F-15 and F-16; the last Israeli Phantom was retired in 2004.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-4e_iaf Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Related development
* [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [https://archive.org/details/t.o.1f4c1flightmanualf4cf4df4e01101970/mode/2up/ Technical Order 1F-4C-1 - Flight Manual for F-4C/F-4D/F-4E Aircraft]

=== References ===

* Aloni, S. (n.d.). ''Israeli Kurnass Aces – Part 1''. F4Phantom.com. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from <nowiki>http://www.f4phantom.com/SmokeTrails/ST1503_1.pdf</nowiki>
* Jewish Virtual Library. (1998). ''IAF Aircraft Inventory''. McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from <nowiki>https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/mcdonnell-douglas-f-4-phantom-ii</nowiki>

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{Israel jet aircraft}}

Kurnass 2000

2023-05-24T06:20:49Z

U79942984: Wrote intro.

{{About
| about = Israeli jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = Kurnass
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4e_kurnass_2000
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Israeli jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Sky Guardians"]].

The Kurnass 2000 is an Israeli upgrade of the venerable F-4E Phantom II. It looks and flies almost identically to the original 1970s variant, but inside the nose is an advanced AN/APG-76 pulse Doppler radar that drastically improves its ability to engage in BVR combat using Sparrow missiles, now available in the long-range AIM-7F variant. Air-to-air armament is rounded out by the all-aspect AIM-9L Sidewinder for closer engagements and fans of precision ground striking will enjoy the new laser-guided Paveway bombs and AGM-65D Mavericks with IR seekers. The Kurnass 2000 is a multirole aircraft with impressive systems and weapons, only held back by the performance of its old airframe compared to 4th generation opponents like the [[MiG-29]] and [[F-16A]].

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 12,192 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
| 2,065 || 2,039 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.5 || 27.5 || 160.6 || 150.9 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,202 || 2,140 || 25.5 || 26.0 || 221.6 || 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
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 1,458 || 625 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-17 || 2
| colspan="2" | 14,205 kg || colspan="2" | 408 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | 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
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel
|-
| 1,750 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,964 kg || 18,027 kg || 20,070 kg || 27,501 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="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 5,200 kgf || 8,008 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.80 || 0.58
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,260 kgf (1,458 km/h) || 10,170 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.27 || 1.13 || 1.01 || 0.74
|-
|}

=== 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="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, chin-mounted (640 rpg)
** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 90 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|GBU-12 Paveway II (277 kg)|GBU-10 Paveway II (957 kg)|AGM-65D}}
{{main|AIM-7E-2 Sparrow|AIM-7F Sparrow|AIM-9G Sidewinder|AIM-9L Sidewinder}}
{{main|BLU-27/B incendiary|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|GAU-4 (20 mm)}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 3 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
* 24 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 17 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (12,750 lb total)
* 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
* 13 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (13,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 285 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 60 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
* 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles
* 144 x countermeasures
* 6 x AGM-65D missiles
* 4 x 277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs (1,108 kg total)
* 4 x 957 kg GBU-10 Paveway II bombs (3,828 kg total)

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="20" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-4C_Phantom_II.png]]</div>
|-
! 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg)
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs
| 3 || 3 || || || || 5 || || || || 3 || 3
|-
! 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs
| 2 || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 || 2
|-
! 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
| 1 || || || || || 2 || || || || || 1
|-
! 277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs
| || 2*† || || || || || || || || 2*† ||
|-
! 957 kg GBU-10 Paveway II bombs
| 1*† || 1*† || || || || || || || || 1*† || 1*†
|-
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
| 57 || 57 || || || || 57 || || || || 57 || 57
|-
! Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
| 12 || 12 || || || || 12 || || || || 12 || 12
|-
! AGM-65D missiles
| || 3† || || || || || || || || 3† ||
|-
! AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
| || || || 1‡ || 1 || || 1 || 1‡ || || ||
|-
! AIM-7F Sparrow missiles
| || || || 1‡ || 1 || || 1 || 1‡ || || ||
|-
! AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
| || || 2† || || 1‡ || || 1‡ || || 2† || ||
|-
! AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
| || || 2† || || 1‡ || || 1‡ || || 2† || ||
|-
! Countermeasures
| || || || 72 || || || || 72 || || ||
|-
! Pave Spike targeting pod
| || || || || || || 1* || || || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 7,257 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
| colspan="13" | * Pave Spike targeting pod must be equipped when carrying guided bombs † AGM-65D missiles on hardpoints 2/10 cannot be equipped in conjunction with guided bombs, or Sidewinders on hardpoints 3/9 respectively ‡ Sparrows on hardpoints 4/8 cannot be carried in conjunction with Sidewinders on hardpoints 5/7 respectively
|}

== Usage in battles ==


'''Air RB:'''

In Air RB, the Kurnass 2000 could be compared to the [[F-4EJ Kai Phantom II|F-4EJ Kai]], having the same air-to-air missile armament and similar radar. To properly utilize the 8 potent missiles and one of the best radars in game is the major task that every Kurnass 2000 pilot will have to face. Typically, enter the battle at a low altitude and shooting down everyone on your way is a viable and effective way to fly the Kurnass 2000. Climbing could also be attempted, but given the presence of AIM-54s and 4th generation fighter jets featuring the same avionics and significantly higher climb rate, it would be a riskier style to fly the Kurnass 2000.

A major difference between the Kurnass 2000 and the F-4EJ Kai is the slats on the Kurnass' wings. At high speed, extension of the slats provides more lift and limits the angle of attack of the aircraft, resulting in a significant decrease in speed loss during turns to a level even comparable to the level of 4th generation aircraft like the F-16 and MiG-29. At lower speed, the slats also increase the overall manoeuvrability of the aircraft, so it is advised to extend the slats in battles (by toggling "combat flaps"), especially when fighting in groups, retracting them when needed to gain more speed or for higher angle of attack. Overall, the slats of the Kurnass provides pilots with the ability to alter the aerodynamics of the aircraft during combat, and provide more versatility and a higher overall performance compared to the F-4EJ Kai.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* One of the most effective air-to-air armament sets in-game with AN/APG-76, AIM-7Fs, and AIM-9Ls
* Wing slats for increased manoeuvrability and versatility
* High level of manoeuvrability at high speed as with any other Phantoms
* Guided bombs and missile with targeting pod for engaging ground targets

'''Cons:'''

* Big and heavy aircraft
* Thrust to weight ratio less than 4th generation jets

== History ==

The Kurnass 2000 was an Israeli program intended to extend the service life of the existing F-4s in the IDF Air Force. A major part of the program was to improve the avionics and the aging airframes. New displays, cameras, and computers were implemented during the program, greatly enhancing its capabilities over a standard F-4E. In addition, fuel tank leaks were fixed and parts of the airframe were reinforced. F-4Es were also to be upgraded with the APG-76 radar over the standard APQ-120 radar. The Kurnass 2000 also received the ASX-1 TISEO targeting system which allowed Raphael Popeye ASMs to be launched.

The Kurnass 2000 was also intended to receive an engine upgrade. Pratt & Whitney PW1120 engines were proposed by the IDF/AF to be fitted to the F-4s and a test bed was built to examine the performance. The test bed was originally meant for the IAI Lavi project, but it also proved the enormous performance increase over Phantoms with the J79 engines. The P&W-powered F-4 was able to pass Mach 1 without afterburner, increase climb rate by over 35 percent, and had a 15% increase in sustained turn rate. Although ambitious, the upgraded F-4Es never received this engine upgrade largely due to costs. Thus, the main differences between the Kurnass 2000 modernized Phantoms and the regular F-4E were almost exclusively avionics and some airframe changes.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-4e_kurnass_2000 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|U8PuopV6XyY|'''The Shooting Range #348''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:24 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|We702awM1kA|'''Kurnass 2000: A Basic Review''' - ''Tims Variety''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)]]

== External links ==

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

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

{{Israel jet aircraft}}

Mi-28NM

2023-05-24T06:05:11Z

U79942984: Wrote intro and armaments.

{{About
| about = Soviet attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Mi-28 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=mi_28nm
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (NATO reporting name: "Havoc") is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].

The Mi-28NM is a further modernized version of the previous Mi-28N. The appearance of the aircraft has changed somewhat: the prominent dark "nose" is gone, a spherical radar has been mounted on the mast, and the general details are more streamlined. While this Havoc may look more fashionable, it is meaner than ever in combat. The new sensor suite has excellent quality 3rd generation gunner thermals and the radar, MAWS, and new RWR improve situational awareness. The arsenal has been improved with the addition of two new ATGMs: the 9K127 Vikhr made famous by Kamov's [[Ka-50]]/[[Ka-52|52]], and the 9M123 Khrizantema previously only seen on the ground-based [[Khrizantema-S]]. The Mi-28NM still lacks some of the flexibility of its Kamov counterparts, but it can unleash a huge amount of destruction on enemy tanks.

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

The Mi-28NM is not so different when it comes to flight performance compared to his predecessors. It can reach high speeds with ease but severely lacks manoeuvrability and agility compared to its counterparts, particularly the EC-665 Tiger family. While it is able to quickly reach fast speeds, the Mi-28 also takes time to slow down, forcing pilots to estimate the braking distance to avoid enemy fire or crashing.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 1,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 276 || 256 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
|-
! Upgraded
| 306 || 284
|-
|}

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

The Mi-28NM has an armoured cabin that protects all flanks of both the pilot and the gunner from small arms fire and fragmentation. It is one of the strongest armoured helicopter cabins in the game, making it able to withstand multiple hits from small machine guns. However, armour is inefficient when facing heavy calibre anti-air such as 12.7 mm machine gun fire and higher calibre autocannons; missiles are not excluded. The Mi-28NM also has access to a high quantity of countermeasures, nothing new in Russian helicopters. It has access to 128 countermeasures that are coupled to the Missile Alert Warning system. They are particularly useful when facing IR guided missiles from various threats. Carrying chaff in these pods can also be useful, although its effectiveness may be limited due to the resistance of radars to interference at this rank. However, it is also able to be used when facing SARH and ARH missiles such as the AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-54 Phoenix. As with all helicopters, the best armour is to remain hidden and at stand-off distance, using buildings or environmental cover to protect you from radars, IRST and visual contact which will then escalate to engagement.

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

It is recommended that the ATGMs are prioritized, followed by NVD and finally countermeasures. The initial Ataka missiles are useful as starter missiles but later missiles should be prioritized, especially the Vikhr ATGM. As one continues to research, protection modules are advised such as flak jacket. Flight performance modules are suggested but not a 'must have'.

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}

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

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 30 mm 2A42 cannon, chin turret (250 rpg)
** 1 x 30 mm 2A42 cannon + 128 x countermeasures

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

{{main|FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|S-8KO|S-13OF|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}
{{main|9K127 Vikhr|9M39 Igla|9M120-1 Ataka|9M123 Khrizantema}}

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

* Without load
* 8 x 9M39 Igla missiles
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
* 20 x S-13OF rockets
* 4 x 9M120-1 Ataka missiles
* 8 x 9M123 Khrizantema missiles
* 8 x 9M120-1 Ataka missiles
* 16 x 9M120-1 Ataka missiles
* 12 x 9K127 Vikhr missiles
* 4 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 4 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 500 total)

The Mi-28NM has a wide selection of weaponry for a range of roles, from small-game hunting to the most armoured targets.

Three types of ATGMs are available. The stock 9M120-1 Ataka is a mostly identical to the basic 9M120 Ataka seen on earlier Soviet helicopters, but has beam-riding guidance instead of SACLOS. 800 mm of tandem warhead penetration and 6 km of range are below average at such a high battle rating, and it is not safe to use against radar SAMs. Vikhrs are completely superior to the Atakas with 8+ km range and a proximity fuse, allowing them to engage SPAA from safer distances and shoot down incoming SAMs as an improvised active protection system. This makes them by far the most flexible option, but they also have a more limited capacity of only 6 tubes per pylon, versus 8 for the others. The Khrizantemas are heavier descendants of the Ataka, and although the range is still a short 6 km, they have 50% greater penetration and hit as hard as a [[BMP-2M]]'s Kornet, easily defeating most top-tier tanks.

The Mi-28NM still has access to Igla missiles, making the Mi-28N a formidable anti-air platform against unaware jets or those with poor speed and maneuverability at the cost of ATGM capacity. It should be noted that the Vikhr can also be used for the anti-air role, but require the constant attention of the user instead of being fire-and-forget like the Igla.

Amusingly, the Mi-28NM's arsenal adds back the 250 kg and 500 kg bombs that were unavailable to the previous two Russian helicopters and last seen on the [[Mi-24P]] Hind. Thus, the highly advanced Mi-28NM and the capstone of the Mil Mi line is in fact the best helicopter bomber in the game with a maximum load of 4x 500 kg = 2,000 kg. It should be obvious that helicopter bombing at top tier with the Mi-28NM is much more challenging than with the Mi-24A at 8.7, but the option does exist for bold pilots.

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="11%" | 1 !! width="11%" | 2 !! width="11%" | 3 !! width="11%" | 4
| rowspan="11" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Mi-28N.png]]</div>
|-
! 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg)
| || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! S-8KO rockets
| 20 || 20 || 20 || 20
|-
! S-13OF rockets
| 5 || 5 || 5 || 5
|-
! 9K127 Vikhr missiles
| 6 || || || 6
|-
! 9M39 Igla missiles
| 4 || || || 4
|-
! 9M120-1 Ataka missiles
| 4, 8 || || || 4, 8
|-
! 9M123 Khrizantema missiles
| 4 || || || 4
|-
| colspan="5" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 480 kg
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The Mi-28NM is a gunship and should be used as such. It holds a very capable array of weapons for all scenarios: from column destroying to anti-ship duties. The primary role of the Mi-28NM is Close Air Support, making it a very capable platform for assisting ground allies against other ground assets with rockets and missiles. However, it can be used primarily in three ways:

* Anti-tank role: due to the significant amount of ATGMs it can carry, the Mi-28NM is more than suited for tank busting at all ranges in all weathers. Trees, buildings, and other environmental cover should be used to ensure the survivability of the Havoc as it will protect it from detection and, in case of being spotted and engaged, a route of escape as well as solid cover against enemy missiles and anti-air cannons.
* Rocket launcher: the immense quantities of rockets it can carry make it a flying MLRS, able to strafe all sorts of ground targets with the vast selection of rockets. S-8KO rockets prove to be the best for taking out both armoured targets and lightly armoured but scattered targets, as the penetration and quantities of the rockets ensure you are able to cover a wider area with salvos. The S-13OF rockets are more of a heavy duty rocket where a lot of explosive power needs to be centralized in a single place, for example when taking down enemy bases and control points in Helicopter Enduring Confrontation mode.
* Anti-air: not only do the Vikhrs prove themselves to be a formidable anti-air weapon, but the vast amount of Iglas show that the Mi-28NM is very much capable of taking care of the airspace, as it can take a maximum of 8 targets almost simultaneously. The best way to approach this role is to stay behind cover, out of sight and engage only when an enemy aircraft is spotted, being helicopter or jet. One of the main disadvantages of facing helicopters with the Igla is that most will have MAW at top tier, which will automatically pop flares and confuse the Igla; for this reason, unsuspecting opponents should be targeted, and if possible, be strafed with the autocannon.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* High max speed and decent vertical climb rate when loaded (10m/s)
* Arsenal of versatile weaponry against both ground and air targets
* Has access to 3rd gen gunner thermals and N-025 search radar
* Has access to Missile Approach Warning (MAW) system
* 30 mm 2A42 autocannon with APDS rounds that can penetrate MBTs
* Strong cockpit armour that can withstand 12.7 mm AP rounds
* Unique DIRCM system making it almost immune to IR missiles
* N-025 K-band radar does not trigger RWR, with MTI scan mode capable of identifying both air and ground targets

'''Cons:'''

* Sluggish airframe and irresponsive pitch
* Tendency to roll right due to imbalanced lift in rotor during high-speed turns (300+ km/h)
* N-025 radar lacks the 360° scan mode like the AN/APG-78 on the Apaches
* Can barely stay airborne if one of its engines are damaged to or beyond orange state
* Autocannon dispersion is quite large beyond 1 km range

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter 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=mi_28nm Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[Mi-28 (Family)]]

== External links ==

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Mil}}
{{USSR helicopters}}

Mi-28N

2023-05-24T05:20:44Z

U79942984: Wrote intro and armaments.

{{About
| about = Soviet attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Mi-28 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=mi_28n
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (NATO reporting name: "Havoc") is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]].

The Mi-28 Havoc is a successor to the famous Mi-24 Hind. The Hind can be considered a "flying IFV" combining armament and troop transport capability, and the Havoc mostly abandons the later in order to become a dedicated attack helicopter. It maintains the Mil Mi tradition of heavy weight, strong armor protection (by helicopter standards), and inelegant looks, but without the volume required to ferry troops, the airframe does not feel as bulky in flight. Its suspended ordnance is almost the same as the preceding [[Mi-35M]], relying mostly on Ataka ATGMs and unguided rockets for tank busting and Igla MANPADS for air defence, but it is capable of carrying two times as many ATGMs. The cherry on the top is the massive chin turret carrying a 30 mm 2A42 autocannon, the same model used by the [[BMP-2]], with wide firing angles, APDS rounds, and an auto-tracker. Although sniping tanks with ATGMs is much safer in the face of enemy SAMs, pilots brave enough to bring the Mi-28N into close combat can indeed wreak havoc on unsuspecting opponents.

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

[[File:Mi-28N in flight.png|thumb|350px|Mi-28N in flight]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 1,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 273 || 256 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
|-
! Upgraded
| 324 || 300
|-
|}

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

[[File:Mi-28N cockpit armour.png|thumb|350px|Armour on the Mi-28N]]
;Armour plates

* 42 mm Bulletproof glass (52°) - Frontal windshield
* 22 mm Bulletproof glass - Side windows
* 10 mm Aluminium alloy - Cockpit front, middle, rear and bottom
* 10 mm Aluminium alloy - Cockpit sides and doors
* 16 mm Ceramic - Cockpit sides
* 8 mm Steel - Canopy framing

The gunner and the pilot are protected frontally and laterally by bulletproof glass. The front, rear, lower side and bottom of the cockpit are protected by aluminium alloy plates and there is an additional protection plate between the pilot and the gunner. The lower sides of the cockpit are protected by aluminum alloy superposed to ceramic while the canopy cockpit is protected by steel and bulletproof glass.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}

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

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 30 mm 2A42 cannon, chin turret (250 rpg)
** 1 x 30 mm 2A42 cannon, chin turret (250 rpg) + 128 x countermeasures

The 30 mm 2A42 is the strongest helicopter cannon in War Thunder, with a high rate of fire and punchy APDS rounds that can rip through roof armor and turn light vehicles into Swiss cheese. Although it can be seen on Kamov helicopters such as the [[Ka-29|Ka-29 Helix]] and [[Ka-50|Ka-50 Hokum]], their cannons are mounted on the fuselage sides with limited articulation, forcing the pilot to point the helicopter's nose close to the target. The Mi-28N's chin turret holds less ammunition but has much better articulation, so once a target is acquired by the auto tracker, the pilot hold down the trigger and otherwise continue flying normally.

The Mi-28N noticeably lacks the HIRSS and IRCM systems of the previous Mi-35M, which reduces its protection against IR missiles somewhat, but at its battle rating there are typically much greater threats to look out for.

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

{{main|9M39 Igla|9M120 Ataka|S-8KO|S-13OF|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}
[[File:Mi-28N suspended armament.png|thumb|350px|Mi-28N armed with Ataka ATGMs and S-8KO unguided rockets]]

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

* Without load
* 8 x 9M39 Igla missiles
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
* 20 x S-13OF rockets
* 4 x 9M120 Ataka missiles
* 8 x 9M120 Ataka missiles
* 16 x 9M120 Ataka missiles
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 500 total)

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="11%" | 1 !! width="11%" | 2 !! width="11%" | 3 !! width="11%" | 4
| rowspan="7" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg)
| || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! S-8KO rockets
| 20 || 20 || 20 || 20
|-
! S-13OF rockets
| 5 || 5 || 5 || 5
|-
! 9M39 Igla missiles
| 4 || || || 4
|-
! 9M120 Ataka missiles
| 4, 8 || || || 4, 8
|-
| colspan="5" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 480 kg
|-
|}

The Mi-28N's weapons and even hardpoints will feel very familiar to players who have spaded the [[Mi-35M]]. The only differences are that the obsolete 9M114 Shturm is completely dropped from the arsenal and that both outboard hardpoints can support Ataka racks, not just the right side.

Although the Mi-28N's ability to carry two racks of Atakas is a great boon for tank hunting, this introduces a new conundrum: Atakas and Iglas now compete for hardpoint space. Although it is nice to have some all-aspect MANPADS for warding off enemy aircraft, cutting the ATGM capacity in half is a considerable tradeoff for a missile with poor overload and a small warhead. If there are teammates with contemporary SAM systems like the [[2S6|2S6 Tunguska]], it is usually better to go all-in on Atakas. The Atakas themselves are actually quite effective in helicopter jousts due to their high flight speed and the chin-mounted 2A42 will happily shred planes, so a Havoc without Iglas is not exactly helpless against enemy aircraft either.

The inner two hardpoints should be used to carry unguided rockets, and again there is a choice between S-8KO HEAT rockets and S-13OF HE rockets. At the Havoc's battle rating, most MBTs have good composite armour that can stop the HEAT warheads from the front, so the HE rockets tend to be more practical: they will easily obliterate light targets even with near misses, and it is often more reliable to score an overpressure kill on an MBT, especially with side attacks, than it is to fire a huge rocket swarm and hope that some of them get lucky.

As a historical note, the Mi-28N was introduced to War Thunder with the [[S-13DF]], a variant of the S-13 rocket with a thermobaric warhead and phenomenal explosive power, but it was replaced with the S-13OF in [[Update "Red Skies"]] due to balance reasons.

== Usage in battles ==

'''Ground RB'''

The Mi-28N is a fast, heavily armed and armoured, but not very manoeuvrable helicopter. For many, the Havoc is the perfect helicopter for utter destruction, given it can mount a total of sixteen Ataka ATGMs as well as HE rockets as just some icing on the cake. Combined with the 2A42 autocannon equipped with APDS rounds penetrating 82 mm of armour, high-resolution thermals and decent survivability, the Havoc is great for all missions. It's a great first-spawner; 8 Igla AAMs are very useful, especially at the start of matches. They've got great flare resistance, and while they may not pull as much as a Mistral or TY-90, they can still be great for shooting down dangerous enemies like A-10s and other jets that have just spawned in the air.

'''With ATGMs'''
[[File:Mi-28N firing a missile.png|thumb|350px|Mi-28N firing an Ataka ATGM]]
At a comfortable range, 16 Atakas is more than enough ATGMs to deal with any and all threats that your team faces. It's suggested to go for priority targets first, the targets that your team is struggling to eliminate, like an enemy tank in a hull-down position, or for you, any SPAAs that may be in the area. This will be very useful for your team. If you run out of Atakas, it is advised to return to base and rearm for a second run.

It's advised to watch for SPAAs first before you get down to business. At this battle rating, SAMs are incredibly deadly. Once one fires on you, you've run out of options if you're unable to terrain mask. Their missiles can reach you in seconds from kilometres away, so always be sure you are clear of enemy air defence before engaging the rest of the enemy team. If at low altitude, you could play whack-a-mole with the enemy SPAA, in hopes to drain their ammunition reserves, though letting your team get to them first is a better strategy.

Atakas can double as an AA platform as well. Unlike the Hellfires seen on many Western helicopters, the Atakas don't go straight up, as they are beam-riding ATGMs. This means you can lock an enemy aircraft, of course under the Ataka's maximum range of 6 km, fire, and watch it go to the target. If the target is manoeuvering, be sure to hit your sight stabilization (lock) key again so that you can give some control to the missile while it's locked on to the enemy. Not doing this could lead to the Ataka missing. As the Atakas don't feature a proximity fuse like the Vikhr missiles, a direct hit is required.

'''With rockets + AAM'''

The Havoc's first spawn loadout is an effective combination of rockets and air-to-air missiles. The gun alone is enough to destroy many targets. The rockets are great for disabling enemy tanks at range, and destroying them when up close. The Iglas, while not the best AAMs, are able to be mounted in racks of four - two on each side - making a grand total of eight air-to-air missiles. This gives you a lot of opportunity to engage enemy air units, especially helicopters; whether they spawn in first or they come into the game later with ATGMs: if you happen to survive to the mid-game, you can be an essential air defence platform for your team.
[[File:Mi-28N firing its gun.png|thumb|350px|Mi-28N firing the 2A42 autocannon]]
It's recommended to climb directly above the battlefield if there are no enemy SPAAs. If there are, stick to the lower ground and let them be destroyed later on in the match; it's not worth it to poke out and attempt to duel it, especially if it knows your exact location. Rushing in and hoping to see a group of enemies is not the best strategy; your chopper will be easily shot down this way. Knowledge is power. Above the battlefield, and with the thermal imaging, you can essentially scout every enemy for your team by shooting a couple of rounds.

Once clear, a good strategy is to begin hammering tanks with the 30 mm autocannon. These can stop them right in the tracks and critically damage components, which could allow your team to secure a capture point, destroy a few tanks you've damaged, and just turn the tide in favour of your team in general. It's a great way to rack up kill assists, which not only help you, but your team as well. However, there is one thing to consider, and that's ammunition. You have 250 rounds; and a better strategy than holding down the trigger is just to tap fire. You'll be more accurate this way; in some cases you'll find yourself sniping out enemy transmissions and engines from large distances by tapping. This not only conserves ammunition, but provides maximum efficiency by negating as many missed shots as possible.

You can also plot the perfect route for you to engage targets. Since you can see a large portion of the enemy team, a good tactic is to pick out an area with the least amount of enemy tanks. The route maximizes survivability, and once those targets are destroyed, and if there is a capture point nearby, it could be yours for the taking. This works best on long range maps or matches without a lot of players.

It's advised to be quite careful at low altitudes with the Havoc. It's not the most manoeuvrable thing in the world; it takes one wrong manoeuvre and the chopper is destroyed. The Mi-28N is particularly lacking in the pitch speed. This makes it great for long turns around corners, but quick manoeuvres can be quite a challenge. Landing quickly can prove to be difficult as well; it's advised to use the hover key to avoid a vortex ring if you do plan on making quick landings.

Oftentimes you'll note that enemies you've killed will spawn an SPAA to remove you in an instant, so it is greatly recommended to get some distance between you and the enemies after you destroy a few. The Havoc can get out fast thanks to its high top speed and acceleration, but be careful not to overspeed and compress into the ground from a dive.

'''Arcade Ground Assault'''

The best loadout to take in Arcade Ground Assault is the 16 Atakas and the S-13OFs, or the 16 Atakas and 40 S-8KOs, if you're a sharpshooter. 16 Atakas is a more fitting number for this mode, and you can destroy the enemy planes that come in at the start, and the pesky SPAA that spawn later a few rounds in. The turret works wonders in this mode too! Use it to destroy transmissions and engines to stop the enemy tanks from approaching the base too quickly.
[[File:Mi-28N flyover.png|thumb|350px|Mi-28N armed to the teeth]]
The S-13OFs can basically guarantee kills as they're so powerful. However, you have 10 shots, then you must return to rearm. Paired with 16 Atakas along with the cannon and you have a deadly loadout.

The S-8KOs can serve the same purpose as the gun; immobilize enemy tanks that are closing in on the base. However, you have 40 of these to shoot out. This means you have a lot of room to miss a couple of rockets.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Amazing speed
* Very effective anti-tank capabilities
* Can carry 8 Iglas for air-to-air capabilities
* Wide array of countermeasures: 128 flares, MAW, and a 360 degree RWR
* Very effective and punchy cannon
* High-resolution thermal imaging

'''Cons:'''

* Heavy helicopter; this impacts its manoeuvrability
* Only 250 rounds for the main gun, fire sparingly
* Igla AAMs can pull only 10Gs, engaging jet fighters can sometimes be a challenge
* Large target

== History ==

Following the introduction into service of the Mil Mi-24 ''Hind'', design work began on an optimised attack helicopter with reduced secondary transport capacities, intended for a primary anti-armour and anti-helicopter role as well as providing aerial cover for helicopter landings. Following a number of proposed concepts, a preliminary design was chosen in 1977. Following the construction of a mock-up, a prototype was constructed and first flew on November 10th 1982, with a second prototype completed in 1983. Trials of the Mi-28 began in 1984, but the type lost out to the Kamov Ka-50. Despite this, lower priority development of the Mi-28 continued and production of the Mi-28 was approved in December of 1987. In January of 1988, the first prototype Mi-28A flew, fitted with more powerful engines and a different tail rotor; this prototype was first shown to the Western world at the 1989 Paris Air Show. In 1991, a second prototype of the Mi-28A flew, but with the end of the Cold War, the end of the Soviet Union, and ensuing cuts in the defence budget, the Mi-28A was re-evaluated and found superior to the Ka-50, especially due to it lacking all-weather capabilities. As such, the Ka-50A was cancelled in 1993.

The Mi-28N was first presented in 1995, and first flew on November 14th, 1996. Unlike the preceding Mi-28A, the Mi-28N was fitted with a whole array of vision aids, such as a radar, a gun camera, and a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sight, giving it all-weather capability. Once again, the post-Cold War realities in the Russian Federation meant that funds were not available and the program was given a low priority.

This changed in 2000, when attention was given to re-equipping the Russian Army. The Mi-28N was given a new priority, as a future replacement of the Mi-24. In 2004, a second prototype with an altered main rotor design was flown and, after trials, the first production Mi-28N was accepted by the Russian military on June 5th 2006, with the type being declared operational in October 2009. An export model, the Mi-28NE, has since been sold to both Iraq and Algeria. An updated model, the Mi-28NM, was first flown in 2016, with the first production examples delivered to the Russian military in June 2019.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mi_28n Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Mi-28N WTWallpaper 001.jpg
File:Mi-28N WTWallpaper 002.jpg
File:Mi-28N WTWallpaper 003.jpg
File:Mi-28N WTWallpaper 004.jpg
File:Mi-28N WTWallpaper 005.jpg
File:Mi-28N WTWallpaper 006.jpg
File:Mi-28N WTWallpaper 007.jpg
File:Mi-28N WTWallpaper 008.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|MH--YaXl17g|'''Mi-28N Havoc - "Russian Sledgehammer" Review & Gameplay (Helicopters)''' - ''BaconGaming''|bxalaBFUfb8|'''The Shooting Range #174''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the Mi-28N.}}

== 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 helicopter;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6436-development-mi-28n-incoming-havoc-en|[Development] Mi-28N - Incoming Havoc]]

{{AirManufacturer Mil}}
{{USSR helicopters}}

ZTS63

2023-05-24T04:32:56Z

U79942984: Wrote descriptions for Ammunition.

{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_zts_63_1980
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''ZTS63''' (Chinese: ZTS63式水陆两栖坦克, industry code WZ211; known as Type 63 before 1987 nomenclature revision), originally certified in 1963 as the amphibious tank for PLANMC or PLAGF units with the need to cross the water bodies abundant in Asia, received some of the technologies used on ZTZ59A and ZTQ62 that had already been installed successfully since 1980; in the ZTS63's case, it received a laser rangefinder and better fire control system for long-range fire support. These tanks served during the Sino-Vietnamese War in the early 1980s as a supporter to troops against Vietnamese troops and militia with very few tanks in service; although having insufficient protection against cannons and RPGs, these vehicles were kept in service until the later ZTS63A and eventually ZLT05 or newer IFVs replaced its role as an amphibious tank, marking the end of the prefix ZTS in PLA service.

Introduced in [[Update "Sky Guardians"]], players of the [[Type 62]] or [[Type 63-I]] will soon find themselves at home thanks to its identical handling and overall design. Some welcome upgrades including better FCS and the installation of a Type 54 DShK machine gun also make it a more versatile alternative to its predecessors. With both APFSDS and a laser rangefinder with automatic ballistic solutions, not only does this greatly extend the combat distance of the tank, it also greatly increases its odds to survive as this feature is extremely rare at its tier. However, players will still have to beware of its below-average protection against even HMGs and rather slow turret traverse speed, these could be fatal if players run into heated fights without the situational awareness needed.

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

One thing to note is that the name of ZTS63 is interchangeable with Type 63, other than the name change after 1980, HMG on turret and a LRF on the mantlet by the centerline, the overall design of these two tanks are totally identical. For the needs of amphibious operations, the protection is reduced to the bare minimum to stop rifle calibre bullets and shrapnel; other than the mantlet at 50 mm, the whole vehicle has only up to 20 mm of armour: autocannons and HMGs will tear down the vehicle with ease. So it's better to keep the vehicle from the heated battlefield and act as a supporter of the team to deliver possible final blow to enemy vehicles or disabling enemies as much as possible.

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 10 mm (82°) UFP
15 mm (54°) LFP
| 10 mm ''Top'' 8 mm ''Bottom'' || 8 mm || 8 mm
|-
| Turret || 20 mm ''Turret front'' (Volumetric) 50 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || colspan="2" |20 mm (Volumetric)
| 8 mm
|-
| Cupola || colspan="4" | 8 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


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

The ZTS63 didn't receive any upgrades in terms of powerplant and transmission, so it shares the same 12150L-2 diesel engine found previously on Type 63-I; the very slight or even no weight change on the tank also means it can retain a sufficiently high power-to-weight ratio at around 20 hp/t. If players ever have the need to flank enemies by taking detours on water, it could also travel on water at 11 km/h, one of the fastest speed among other amphibious vehicle in game.

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=620|rbMinHp=354}}

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

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

{{main|Type 63 (85 mm)}}

Still sharing the same gun as the Type 62 and 63, the Type 63 85 mm rifled cannon still handles totally identically to the Type 63-I with some changes on the ammunition available. Players will find the same exact advantages and flaws from previous vehicles - while the calibre is larger than most light tanks of its tier with a variety of ammunition and now APFSDS among them, players need extra situational awareness to use the gun as it has much slower reaction time than most light tanks at its tier as well; plan ahead and turn the turret before any close-quarter assaults.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Type 63 (85 mm)|85 mm Type 63]] || 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" | 47 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+22° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 9.5 || 13.2 || 16.0 || 17.7 || 18.8 || rowspan="2" | 9.62 || rowspan="2" | 8.51 || rowspan="2" | 7.84 || rowspan="2" | 7.40
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 5.9 || 7.0 || 8.5 || 9.4 || 10.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:Type 63 (85 mm)/Ammunition|Type 1956 HEAT-FS, Type 56 HE, Type 56 AP, DJW85}}

The ZTS63's rounds are somewhat different from the original Type 63-I. The BR-365A APHEBC shell, well known for its generous explosive content and slope modifiers, is not available anymore. The returning Type 1956 HEAT-FS is now the stock shell, which gives the ZTS63 the ability to engage heavy tanks like the [[IS-3]] from the start. Compared to the [[ZBD86]]'s PG-9 rocket propelled grenade, the HEAT-FS has the same penetration and a better muzzle velocity, which is helpful at medium and long ranges.

The stock "Type 56 HE" shell is a renamed O-365K and should be completely ignored, because the HEAT-FS has a greater explosive mass.

The only APHE shell available is the unlockable "Type 56 AP", a renamed BR-367 APCBC. Although it is not as efficient for one-shotting light targets or scoring sideshots as BR-365A, it still gets the job done with some careful aim and the enhanced flat penetration is nice to have. Enemy IFVs can be dispatched easily with a single AP shell, even from across the map, due to their thin armour and typically large profiles.

The top round is the DJW85 APFSDS, something completely new to the 85 mm caliber. Although Chinese tankers may be apprehensive about early domestic APFSDS rounds, DJW85 actually has better performance than the [[Type 69]]'s Type 71 AFPSDS despite being a significantly smaller round. Although it has a a lower muzzle velocity, it does not lose as much penetration over distances. The 2.1 kg projectile mass is not able to create much spalling, but the ZTS63's decent reload speed makes follow-up shots much faster than on the Type 69. It is a useful tool for disabling shots and targeting ammo racks in long range combat.

==== [[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
|-
| '''47''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|Type 54 (12.7 mm)|SGMT (7.62 mm)}}

The previous Type 63-I has no HMG installed on top; in ZTS63's case, it has a pintle Type 54 DShK installed on the commander side of turret, giving it the chance to unleash 12.7 mm bullets against light targets or aircraft/helicopters that came too close.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Type 54 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Type 54]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 500 (50) || 600 || -4°/+82° || ±180°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[SGMT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm SGMT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 3,250 (250) || 600 || - || -
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

At first glance, ZTS63 looks exactly like its pre-1980 cousin Type 63-I; this is indeed true as they are the same vehicle plus new FCS and a HMG mounted on the former, players from Type 63-I will get their hands on the tank rather quickly thanks to their totally identical handling in terms of mobility and tactical flexibility to flank enemies. Do remember that ZTS63 is still a light tank with minimal protection due to its amphibious capability (for buoyancy reasons at complicated waters), while the turret might look very similar to T-54/ Type 59's, but the thickness is at most rated for HMG fire at longer distance; anything with a caliber of over 20 mm with have no problem tearing down the tank with ease, let alone the chassis with even less protection. The design of ZTS63 is relatively large to LTs at its tier, therefore it is extremely essential to conceal the vehicle from enemy sights, going frontline means a quick death sentence to the tank as well; thus, the lightweight of the vehicle could be put into use by flanking enemies by taking detours to enemies' flanks, alternatively utilize the river network on some maps to launch sudden attacks from the rear (its 11 km/h on-water speed thanks to the water jet propulsion system certainly helps a lot). Another uncommon feature of ZTS63 from most LTs of its tier is its LRF and automatic ballistic solution, the tank might have insufficient magnification for long-range engagements, but the two aforementioned equipment will certainly helps taking out enemies showing their sides from afar; its stock HEATFS shell also helps as most LTs would have to either have to rely on APCR with subpar damage or lacking a rangefinder for long-range engagements. If HEATFS is not your cup of tea, its researchable, conventional APHE and the only 85 mm APFSDS in game will certainly give players more option to take down various enemies- APHE for hitting enemies from the sides and blowing them out with its explosive fillers, while APFSDS ensures flat trajectory and penetration to take out heavy targets up-front or at long range. Although messing with aircrafts or rotorcrafts on a ZTS63 is a rather unrecommended move, if there's one flying straight at the player, they might have to reconsider as the Type 54 DShK will give ZTS63 a chance to earn a surprise kill on aircrafts; 12.7x108 mm bullets can certainly do extensive damage to enemies.

Overall, ZTS63 is a welcomed addition to PLAGF line-up thanks to its better FCS and various ammunition options; but do remember to plan your assaults ahead or turn the turret beforehand for incoming, unaware enemies, sudden strikes from unexpected places is the key to support the team to advance for victory.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Amphibious, allowing the use of surprise tactics involving rivers
* Fast and nimble enough to get into vantage points
* Laser rangefinder and automatic ballistic solution for long-range engagement
* Access to HMG for self-defense against planes
* APFSDS with ~220 mm penetration is effective against weakly armoured tanks like [[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard 1]], [[AMX-30]]
* Varieties of ammunition for different scenario

'''Cons:'''

* Low survivability: unprotected with its paper-thin armour, and large size
* Cannon struggles against late war heavy tanks like [[Maus]], [[IS-4M|IS-4]]
* Slow turret traverse speed
* Relatively slow reload speed
* Still lacks NVD for night battles
* No smoke grenades

== History ==

As the previous Type 63 (ZTS63 after 1987) was commissioned by 1965, there were some flaws suggested by the PLA units that received the tank, thus the need for an upgrade on ZTS63 arose. There were a few major modifications for the tank including single transmission control stick, HMG gun mantle, safety locks for hatches, revised seats, new suspension springs and etc. Among these modifications, some parts from late-production ZTQ62 including its fire control system and laser rangefinder were also introduced to the ZTS63 revision by the late 1970s. These tanks rolled off the production line by the same time and likely have join the Sino-Vietnamese War where its FCS and amphibious capabilities would shine due to the rivery terrain of Vietnam, where they were sometimes used as makeshift SPGs to strike fortifications or suppressing waves of infantry.

Some of these tanks were then modified to ZTS63A in the late 1990s with upgraded firepower in view for the possible landing operations. Although the landing didn't happen, the ZTS63A also set the footsteps for the later ZLT05 assault gun which is also currently the fastest amphibious armoured vehicle in commission.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_zts_63_1980 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


* [[Type 63-I]]: the base model

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8092-development-zts63-1980-nimble-sniper-en|[Devblog] ZTS63 (1980): Nimble Sniper]]

{{TankManufacturer Norinco}}
{{China light tanks}}

Mi-35M

2023-04-23T21:10:39Z

U79942984: Minor wording corrections.

{{About
| about = Russian attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| other
| usage-1 = April Fools event helicopter
| link-1 = Mi-35 (April Fools)
| usage-2 = other versions
| link-2 = Mi-24 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=mi_35m
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Russian attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]].

The Mi-35M is a modernized version of the Mi-24 Hind developed after the fall of the Soviet Union. The airframe remains externally similar to the [[Mi-24V]] but many components have been modified. The optics have been heavily improved with an auto-tracker, thermal sights, and better zoom, making it much easier to find and engage ground targets. The 9M120 Ataka ATGM packs a bigger punch than the 9M114 Shturm while keeping the same high flight speed. The chin turret now has a 23 mm GSh-23L autocannon instead of a machine gun. Unfortunately some fun quirks of the Soviet Hind models have been lost as well: the R-60 air-to-air missile has been replaced by much less agile Igla MANPADS, the S-24 heavy rocket has been replaced by the podded S-13OF, and no bombs are available. The Mi-35M is still a much more capable tank hunter overall and can support its high-tier Soviet MBT peers.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 1,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 275 || 259 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
|-
! Upgraded
| 323 || 300
|-
|}

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


The Mi-35M keeps the armour protection of the Hind family, with thick 55 mm bulletproof glass on the windscreens and steel plates of 8 mm and 4 mm thickness covering both the crew compartment and engines. While heavier and more primitive than the composite screens of modern attack helicopters, they help the Hind survive incoming fire and explosive shrapnel.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}

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

* A choice between four presets:
** 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon (450 rpg)
** 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon + HIRSS
** 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon + HIRSS + 192 x countermeasures
** 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon + HIRSS + 192 x countermeasures + IRCM

The turreted GSh-23L cannon packs a significantly greater punch per shot than the Mi-24V's Yak-B gatling machine gun, even though it has a slower muzzle velocity and rate of fire. It's not as powerful as the Mi-24P's fixed GSh-30-2 cannon and should not really be used for tank hunting, but it's good for fighting incoming aircraft. The auto-tracker can also automatically calculate gun lead, which makes it very convenient to use.

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

{{main|9M39 Igla|9M114 Shturm|9M120 Ataka}}
{{main|S-8KO|S-13OF|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}

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

* Without load
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
* 10 x S-13OF rockets
* 8 x 9M39 Igla missiles
* 4 x 9M114 Shturm missiles
* 8 x 9M114 Shturm missiles
* 4 x 9M120 Ataka missiles
* 8 x 9M120 Ataka missiles
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 500 total)

The Mi-35M's loadout has been simplified compared to earlier Hinds. Two types of rockets are available, the returning S-8KO HEAT rockets and the new S-13OF HE rockets. The S-13OF is individually less powerful than the bunker-busting S-24s, but it comes in pods of 5 and can still knock out light targets easily.

The only air-to-air missile is the 9M39 Igla MANPADS, which compared to the R-60M has a better seeker (improved acquisition range and flare resistance), better capacity (up to 8 vs up to 4) but much worse maneuverability (10 G overload vs 30 G). The Iglas perform better against helicopters, which have limited dodging capabilities but lots of flares to compensate, but significantly worse against jet fighters, so the Mi-35M is somewhat less capable in the air superiority role.

The 9M114 Shturm missile returns as the stock ATGM option but its 560 mm of single-charge penetration is very lacking at the Mi-35M's rank and it will not do much against MBTs. The 9M120 Ataka is an improved development of the Shturm with 800 mm of tandem-charge penetration and an extra kilometer of range for 6 km total; the Ataka can threaten at least the front hull of most MBTs and is much more viable, although its range lags behind the Hellfire available to NATO helicopters.

Lastly, GSh-23L cannon pods return, but they are not very practical. The Mi-35M's internal GSh-23L with an auto-tracker is both equally powerful and much more accurate.

The Mi-35M only has four hardpoints, compared to the six of previous Hinds, but this does not degrade its ability to carry ATGMs and AAMs. The outboard right pylon is the only one capable of mounting ATGMs, and up to 8 can be carried. It can mount 4 Iglas as well but this is not recommended unless there are insufficient spawn points for ATGMs. The outboard left pylon on the other side can be used to carry 4 Iglas instead, which is sufficient for most battles. So the overall missile capacity is superior to the earlier Mi-24V/P Hinds, which could only carry 8 ATGMs by sacrificing all AAMs.

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="11%" | 1 !! width="11%" | 2 !! width="11%" | 3 !! width="11%" | 4
| rowspan="8" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg)
| || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! S-8KO rockets
| 20 || 20 || 20 || 20
|-
! S-13OF rockets
| || 5 || 5 ||
|-
! 9M39 Igla missiles
| 4 || || || 4
|-
! 9M114 Shturm missiles
| 4, 8 || || ||
|-
! 9M120 Ataka missiles
| 4, 8 || || ||
|-
| colspan="5" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 480 kg
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The Mi-35M is the best Hind for tank hunting because of its thermal sights, auto-tracker, and improved Ataka ATGMs, which let it keep up with the pace of high tier combat where targets move quickly and have strong protection. Unfortunately the Hind airframe starts to show its age at its rank, because its limited agility and huge profile make it difficult to avoid detection and dodge incoming SAMs. The 6 km range of the Atakas is less than radar-guided SAMs like the [[Roland 1]] and the Mi-35M may not always win a missile joust. It still helps to use the Hind's speed to circle around the battlefield and attack from angles that the enemy team would not normally expect helicopters from.

Iglas are reasonably effective against helicopters due to their effective seeker and countermeasure resistance, but in the presence of HIRSS or IRCM systems, they may be outranged by the Atakas. By using the auto-tracker, the Atakas are in fact capable anti-helicopter missiles considering their high flight speed. Jet aircraft are usually too fast for the Atakas to track unless they are slow and not paying attention, so the Mi-35M should generally avoid enemy aircraft and only engage them in self defence or when they are unaware. An enemy attacker pulling up after a weapons launch is a good target for an Igla.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Ataka missiles are fast, making them easy to use and aim
* Great 23 mm cannon damage
* IRCM and flares help the Mi-35M avoid AAMs
* Igla AAMs are flare and IRCM resistant, good against unaware enemy jets

'''Cons:'''

* Relatively low ammo reserve on the 23 mm cannons
* Lower top speed than the Mi-24s

== History ==

The Mi-35M is a modern utility combat helicopter of the Russian army, manufactured by Rostvertol helicopter company. At the moment, the Mi-35M is the most modern modification of the Mi-24 series. During its versatile service in Afghanistan, India, and other locations, the "Hind" performed well but had few vital flaws. A modernized version, titled Mi-35, underwent specific improvements. The helicopter gained new more powerful engines, the metal rotor was replaced by a composite one, the 3-bladed anti-torque rotor was replaced by an X-shaped composite one. The Mi-35M was given fixed landing gear and new shorter wings with only four weaponry mounting points. The weapon itself has also been updated: A 4-barreled 50.cal machine gun in the chin-mounted rotating turret is now replaced by a twin-barreled 23-mm GSh-23L autocannon. Mounted weaponry now consists of two types of ATGMs, modern air-to-ground unguided rockets, 23mm cannon pods, and other changes. The Mi-35M is currently in service in the Russian Air Forces, and other nations. Russian and Iraqi Mi-35M-s fought in recent actions in Syria.

''- From [[wt:en/news/5751-development-mi-35m-up-to-date-hind-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mi_35m Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Mi-35M WTWallpaper001.jpg
File:Mi-35M WTWallpaper002.jpg
File:Mi-35M WTWallpaper003.jpg
File:Mi-35M WTWallpaper004.jpg
File:Mi-35M WTWallpaper005.jpg
File:Mi-35M WTWallpaper006.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|lTR8bhL4BUc|'''The Mi-24 Family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 6:25 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|W6WWooehhFw|'''The Shooting Range #145''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|hNnQ8_7BfP4|'''AH-1Z vs {{PAGENAME}}''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== 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 helicopter;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/5751-development-mi-35m-up-to-date-hind-en|[Devblog] Mi-35M: Up-to-date "Hind"]]

{{AirManufacturer Mil}}
{{USSR helicopters}}

ZPL94 (105 mm)

2023-04-23T00:30:18Z

U79942984: Updated usage in battles, we now have two tanks with ZPL94.

== Description ==

The thermal sleeve equipped ZPL94 (94式线膛炮) cannon is a licensed Mainland Chinese 105 mm rifled cannon made by NORINCO, serving as a tank cannon and being one of the longest and most powerful [[Royal Ordnance L7A1 (105 mm)|L7]] derivatives in terms of barrel length and muzzle velocity.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|cn_type_69_2g}}
* {{Specs-Link|cn_ztz_88a}}

== General info ==
''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the cannon or machine gun.''

=== Available ammunition ===

As this gun was made for the NATO standard cartridge, ZPL94 can fire both NATO and Chinese rounds. The gun comes with Type-83 HEATFS, Type-83 HESH, Type-83 APFSDS and a unique DTB-1 HE-VT shell which can handle careless aircraft.

{{:{{PAGENAME}}/Ammunition|Type-83 HEAT, DTB-1, Type-83 HESH, Type-83 APDS}}

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of cannons/machine guns that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==

The ZPL94 is mounted on the premium [[T-69 II G]] and the tech tree [[ZTZ88A]]. Thanks to the relative modernity of the gun (in 1994) and the longer barrel, ZPL94 has an increased muzzle velocity, which makes it easier to aim its rounds and increases the penetration of the Type 83 APFSDS dart. The variety of ammunition means that this gun can be a jack-of-all-trades: the APFSDS can handle most vehicles players may face in battle; HESH and HEATFS can knock out light vehicles while HESH alternatively can be used to target enemies behind ridges; and HE-VT for a last-ditch option to send aircraft (particularly helicopters) back to their hangar.

But just like most Chinese tanks, due to the nature of the smaller turret and low profile, the gun depression is quite depressing, at only -5° in T-69 II G's case and it doesn't come with the fastest loader found in its tier, so hilly terrain is your enemy and plan every shot - the reload time can be the culprit of your demise.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Higher velocity thanks to its longer barrel
* Access to HE-VT that can handle aircraft given they are careless

'''Cons:'''

* Subpar reload time to NATO counterparts
* Horrible depressing angle

== History ==

In the 1970s, after encountering the Soviet Border Troops at Zenbao/Damansky Island and [[T-62 545 (China)|capturing a T-62]] from them, PLAGF was in dire need of new cannons to handle the possible masses of Soviet armoured brigades rushing into Mainland China. From that T-62 they developed their own version of T-12 anti-tank gun - the PTP73 100 mm smoothbore AT gun, but its ammunition still struggled to handle tanks; eventually after the Cultural Revolution and the start of economic reform, PLAGF decided to introduce cannons from NATO countries thanks to the improved relationships with them.

In 1979, PLAGF finally got their hands on introducing the famous [[Royal Ordnance L7A1 (105 mm)|Royal Ordnance L7]], in the form of an [[L7A3 (105 mm)|L7A3]] cannon from Austria and started its chapter of L7 development in Mainland China as a part of Project 3-7 (三七工程).

After ZPL79/81/83(A) came the ZPL94, one of the longest barrel and most powerful guns in the L7 family, the exact length of the gun was unknown but the gun was at 62 calibre; specifically for ZTZ88A and ZTZ59D, with the introduction of tube-launched ATGMs and new APFSDS in the 2000s, this gun gave those older tanks chances to surprisingly knock out well-armoured targets. It also served as the basis of a reduced recoil version of the same gun under different designation.

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

== See also ==


* [[L7 (105 mm) (Family)]]

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{China tank cannons}}

[[Category:Tank cannons]]

Mi-35M

2023-04-23T00:19:14Z

U79942984: Wrote intro, armor, armament, usage in battles.

{{About
| about = Russian attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| other
| usage-1 = April Fools event helicopter
| link-1 = Mi-35 (April Fools)
| usage-2 = other versions
| link-2 = Mi-24 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=mi_35m
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Russian attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]].

The Mi-35M is a modernized version of the Mi-24 Hind developed after the fall of the Soviet Union. The airframe remains externally similar to the [[Mi-24V]] but many components have been modified. The optics have been heavily improved with an auto-tracker, thermal sights, and better zoom, making it much easier to find and engage ground targets. The 9M120 Ataka ATGM packs a bigger punch than the 9M114 Shturm while keeping the same high flight speed. The chin turret now has a 23 mm GSh-23L autocannon instead of a machine gun. Unfortunately some fun quirks of the Soviet Hind models have been lost as well: the R-60 air-to-air missile has been replaced by much less agile Igla MANPADS, the S-24 heavy rocket has been replaced by the podded S-13OF, and no bombs are available. The Mi-35M is still a much more capable tank hunter overall and can support its high-tier Soviet MBT peers.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 1,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 275 || 259 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
|-
! Upgraded
| 323 || 300
|-
|}

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


The Mi-35M keeps the armour protection of the Hind family, with thick 55 mm bulletproof glass on the windscreens and steel plates of 8 mm and 4 mm thickness covering both the crew compartment and engines. While heavier and more primitive than the composite screens of modern attack helicopters, they help the Hind survive incoming fire and explosive shrapnel.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}

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

* A choice between four presets:
** 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon (450 rpg)
** 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon + HIRSS
** 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon + HIRSS + 192 x countermeasures
** 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon + HIRSS + 192 x countermeasures + IRCM

The turreted GSh-23L cannon packs a significantly greater punch per shot than the Mi-24V's Yak-B gatling machine gun, even though it has a slower muzzle velocity and rate of fire. It's not as powerful as the Mi-24P's fixed GSh-30-2 cannon and should not really be used for tank hunting, but it's good for fighting incoming aircraft. The auto-tracker can also automatically calculate gun lead, which makes it very convenient to use.

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

{{main|9M39 Igla|9M114 Shturm|9M120 Ataka}}
{{main|S-8KO|S-13OF|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}

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

* Without load
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
* 10 x S-13OF rockets
* 8 x 9M39 Igla missiles
* 4 x 9M114 Shturm missiles
* 8 x 9M114 Shturm missiles
* 4 x 9M120 Ataka missiles
* 8 x 9M120 Ataka missiles
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 500 total)

The Mi-35M's loadout has been simplified compared to earlier Hinds. Two types of rockets are available, the returning S-8KO HEAT rockets and the new S-13OF HE rockets. The S-13OF is individually less powerful than the bunker-busting S-24s, but it comes in pods of 5 and can still knock out light targets easily.

The only air-to-air missile is the 9M39 Igla MANPADS, which compared to the R-60M has a better seeker (improved acquisition range and flare resistance), better capacity (up to 8 vs up to 4) but much worse maneuverability (10 G overload vs 30 G). The Iglas perform better against helicopters, which have limited dodging capabilities but lots of flares to compensate, but significantly worse against jet fighters, so the Mi-35M is somewhat less capable in the air superiority role.

The 9M114 Shturm missile returns as the stock ATGM option but its 560 mm of single-charge penetration is very lacking at the Mi-35M's rank and it will not do much against MBTs. The 9M120 Ataka is an improved development of the Shturm with 800 mm of tandem-charge penetration and an extra kilometer of range for 6 km total; the Ataka can threaten at least the front hull of most MBTs and is much more viable, although its range lags behind the Hellfire available to NATO helicopters.

Lastly, GSh-23L cannon pods return, but they are not very practically. The Mi-35M's internal GSh-23L with an auto-tracker is both equally powerful and much more accurate.

The Mi-35M only has four hardpoints, compared to the six of previous Hinds, but this does not degrade its ability to carry ATGMs and AAMs. The outboard right pylon is the only one capable of mounting ATGMs, and up to 8 can be carried. It can mount 4 Iglas as well but this is not recommended. The outboard left pylon on the other side of the plane can be used to carry 4 Iglas instead, which is sufficient for most battles. So the overall missile capacity is superior to the earlier Mi-24V/P Hinds, which could only carry 8 ATGMs by sacrificing all AAMs.

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="11%" | 1 !! width="11%" | 2 !! width="11%" | 3 !! width="11%" | 4
| rowspan="8" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg)
| || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! S-8KO rockets
| 20 || 20 || 20 || 20
|-
! S-13OF rockets
| || 5 || 5 ||
|-
! 9M39 Igla missiles
| 4 || || || 4
|-
! 9M114 Shturm missiles
| 4, 8 || || ||
|-
! 9M120 Ataka missiles
| 4, 8 || || ||
|-
| colspan="5" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 480 kg
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The Mi-35M is the best Hind for tank hunting because of its thermal sights, auto-tracker, and improved Ataka ATGMs, which let it keep up with the pace of high tier combat where targets move quickly and have strong protection. Unfortunately the Hind airframe starts to show its age at its rank, because its limited agility and huge profile make it difficult to avoid detection and dodge incoming SAMs. The 6 km range of the Atakas is less than radar-guided SAMs like the [[Roland 1]] and the Mi-35M may not always win a missile joust. It still helps to use the Hind's speed to circle around the battlefield and attack from angles that the enemy team would not normally expect helicopters from.

Iglas are reasonably effective against helicopters due to their effective seeker and countermeasure resistance, but in the presence of HIRSS or IRCM systems, they may be outranged by the Atakas. By using the auto-tracker, the Atakas are in fact reasonably effective as anti-helicopter missiles considering their high flight speed. Jet aircraft are usually too fast for the Atakas to track unless they are slow and not paying attention, so the Mi-35M should generally avoid enemy aircraft and only engage them in self defence or when they are unaware. An enemy attacker pulling up after a weapons launch is a good target for an Igla.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Ataka missiles are fast, making them easy to use and aim
* Great 23 mm cannon damage
* IRCM and flares help the Mi-35M avoid AAMs
* Igla AAMs are flare and IRCM resistant, good against unaware enemy jets

'''Cons:'''

* Relatively low ammo reserve on the 23 mm cannons
* Lower top speed than the Mi-24s

== History ==

The Mi-35M is a modern utility combat helicopter of the Russian army, manufactured by Rostvertol helicopter company. At the moment, the Mi-35M is the most modern modification of the Mi-24 series. During its versatile service in Afghanistan, India, and other locations, the "Hind" performed well but had few vital flaws. A modernized version, titled Mi-35, underwent specific improvements. The helicopter gained new more powerful engines, the metal rotor was replaced by a composite one, the 3-bladed anti-torque rotor was replaced by an X-shaped composite one. The Mi-35M was given fixed landing gear and new shorter wings with only four weaponry mounting points. The weapon itself has also been updated: A 4-barreled 50.cal machine gun in the chin-mounted rotating turret is now replaced by a twin-barreled 23-mm GSh-23L autocannon. Mounted weaponry now consists of two types of ATGMs, modern air-to-ground unguided rockets, 23mm cannon pods, and other changes. The Mi-35M is currently in service in the Russian Air Forces, and other nations. Russian and Iraqi Mi-35M-s fought in recent actions in Syria.

''- From [[wt:en/news/5751-development-mi-35m-up-to-date-hind-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mi_35m Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Mi-35M WTWallpaper001.jpg
File:Mi-35M WTWallpaper002.jpg
File:Mi-35M WTWallpaper003.jpg
File:Mi-35M WTWallpaper004.jpg
File:Mi-35M WTWallpaper005.jpg
File:Mi-35M WTWallpaper006.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|lTR8bhL4BUc|'''The Mi-24 Family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 6:25 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|W6WWooehhFw|'''The Shooting Range #145''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|hNnQ8_7BfP4|'''AH-1Z vs {{PAGENAME}}''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== 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 helicopter;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/5751-development-mi-35m-up-to-date-hind-en|[Devblog] Mi-35M: Up-to-date "Hind"]]

{{AirManufacturer Mil}}
{{USSR helicopters}}

AFT09

2023-04-22T23:02:01Z

U79942984: Added to intro, HJ-9 description, usage in battles

{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_hj_9
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Drone Age"]].

The AFT09 is a wheeled 4x4 Chinese ATGM carrier from late 1990s with up to twelve HJ-9 ATGMs onboard. It uses a shortened variation of the WZ551 chassis of the [[PTL02]] and [[WMA301]], but instead of a large assault gun turret, it has an unmanned ATGM launcher brandishing four missiles at a time. It invites comparison to the French [[MEPHISTO]] but is in fact far more deadly: the chassis has higher forward mobility and the HJ-9 missiles are superior to the HOT-2 in almost every respect. Thanks to the HJ-9's unrivaled penetration, sufficiently fast missile speed and good FCS, players can send even groups of the toughest enemies straight back to the hanger with a single hit each.

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

Players of the Chinese tech tree might think that the chassis of AFT09 looks very similar to that of [[PTL02]]/[[WMA301]]- in fact this is a correct assumption as this is also a variant of the WZ551 chassis aka WZ550 with a 4x4 config; while player of [[MEPHISTO|VAB MEPHISTO]] in France will find many similarities to it. Most of the features on WZ551 are identical on both chassis other than being a 6x6 (551) / 4x4 (550) respectively, especially the overall protection. To sum up the overall protection in a few words, it would be: paper-thin. For the protection, other than the lower part of the chassis, the whole vehicle can only stop rifle-caliber bullets; anything that is larger than a M2HB is more than enough to tear down AFT09 and its 4 crews with ease even at long distance; so be extra careful on where should AFT09 appear.

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 12 mm (31°) ''Upper'' 20 mm (43°) ''Lower''
| 10 mm ''Top'' 10 mm ''Bottom'' || 8 mm || 8 mm
|-
| Turret || colspan="4" | 8 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


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

Since AFT09 is based on the WZ551 chassis but reduced into a 4x4 instead of 6x6, WZ551 family mostly shares the same Detuz BF8L413F engine (albeit at a slightly reduced power output) and ZF 5S-111GPA transmission; this reduction in size also means that it goes faster than its other cousins (at 95 km/h)while has a slightly better but still horrible -8 km/h reverse, so make sure to plan your route to cover; the overall mobility is also good so make sure to utilize it for getting into a shooting position before the enemy does.

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=412|rbMinHp=256}}

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

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

{{main|HJ-9}}

The main and the only armament on AFT09 is the HJ-9 ATGMs onboard, these 12 rounds of missiles are the 2nd generation ATGM of PLAGF from late 1990s. The missile airframe resembles the South African [[ZT3|ZT3 Ingwe]] used by the [[ZT3A2]] (a fellow wheeled ATGM carrier), but performance-wise it is much more similar to the infamous Russian [[9M133|9M133 Kornet]] used by the [[BMP-2M]]: an incredibly potent tandem-heat warhead with 1,200 mm of penetration is more than enough to even send the infamous Rank VII [[T-80BVM]] to kingdom come, and the 500 m/s maximum flight speed is superior to the Kornet's 300 m/s. The massive post-penetration damage leads to many OHKOs and the four kilograms of explosive mass will also overpressure light vehicles if that wasn't enough. The only below-average characteristic of the HJ-9 is that the explosive mass is lower than the Kornet and other contemporary Russian ATGMs, but this doesn't make much of a difference.

Although the HJ-9 is often said to be a laser beam-riding missile, it in fact uses a SACLOS system where the laser beam is presumably used to transmit coded information to the missile. As with other SACLOS systems in War Thunder, the HJ-9 cannot be fired on the move and cannot guide multiple missiles at the same time. Beam-riders like the Kornet are more flexible in these regards. However the HJ-9 is resistant to soft-kill APS systems and can be used against opponents like the [[PUMA]] and [[T-90A]] without any issues.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[HJ-9]] missile || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 12 (4) || rowspan="2" | ±10° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 13.2 || 18.3 || 22.2 || 24.5 || 26.1 || rowspan="2" | 15.00 || rowspan="2" | 15.00 || rowspan="2" | 15.00 || rowspan="2" | 15.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 8.9 || 10.5 || 12.8 || 14.1 || 15.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:HJ-9/Ammunition|HJ-9}}

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''3''' || 0 ''(+3)'' || Yes
|-
|}
Note: the final 4 missiles at the internal rack clears out only when all missiles has been fired.

== Usage in battles ==

Players of [[MEPHISTO|VAB MEPHISTO]] will soon find themselves home as AFT09 shared a very similar config of missile launcher and chassis; both vehicles are 4×4 and have a retractable launcher with 4 missiles. The HJ-9 is much deadlier than the HOT-2 however, with twice the flight speed, 25% greater raw penetration, and a tandem warhead, allowing players to be more aggressive. The AFT09 shares a similar chassis with the [[PTL02]], but thanks to its relatively lighter weight, it has a higher top speed than the latter and a slightly faster reverse speed; although this might not sound like much for such a lightly-protected vehicle, the mobility is enough to take advantageous positions before most enemies can. Be ready to counter enemy assaults or retreat as soon as the tides have turned, as the AFT09 takes a while to reload and has a poor reverse speed. Do remember that the overall protection of it is only rated for rifle-caliber bullets, anything larger is like a hot knife through butter, therefore cover and stealth are the most essential element to ensure the overall survival of the vehicle. Be especially careful of vehicles with top-attack missiles such as the [[M3A3 Bradley]] because they can very easily destroy the AFT09 behind cover. The number of smoke grenades on the vehicle might be low, but it is still enough for a retreat or two.

AFT09 has a trump card in hand- its HJ-9 missiles. At its current tier, there is practically no vehicle that can stop its 1,200 mm penetration missile that flies at 500 m/s, this also ensures its capability even at the top tier as HJ-9 can even penetrate some of the most infamous MBTs in-game with ease. Fitted with ±10° vertical limits and a 1st generation TVD, this also ensures players can find targets at a faster rate and deliver the fatal blow to enemies; alternatively, its 5.5 km range is also threatening to hovering helicopters since most missiles at this tier can barely fly 4 km, a precise hit on them will very likely knock them out right away if they are unaware of such a huge missile. Unlike the [[Shturm-S]] or [[BMP-2M]], the AFT09 does not have a proximity-fused HE missile available, so hitting attentive targets is difficult.

The large profile of the AFT09 is a double-edged sword. It is not difficult to spot the boxy wheeled APC chassis and the turret itself is very tall, which is a problem when moving between positions on the battlefield. A SPAA or IFV could easily turn the AFT09 into Swiss cheese with a quick burst. However, the height of the turret and the decent gun depression (-10 degrees is better than any other PRC vehicle) makes it possible to hide in hull-down positions behind hills and low cover while only exposing the unmanned turret, allowing the AFT09 to unleash its incredible offensive power without risking the crew. On large and open maps, an entrenched AFT09 can lock down an entire flank. This is not a risk-free strategy because incoming fire can detonate the loaded ATGMs and a single TOW-2B can end the party, so it is best to not stay in a fixed position for long and orient the hull to drive away quickly at a moment's notice.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Extremely high 1,200 mm penetration, enough to finish off any tank even at high tier (e.g. [[T-72A]], Leopard 2A4, [[M1A1]])
* ATGMs have fast flight speed
* Thermal gunsight with high zoom (3x-12x) allows efficient targeting in all weathers
* -10° gun depression makes hull-down a viable tactic

'''Cons:'''

* Horrible -8 km/h reverse speed, fatal for a wheeled light vehicle
* Sluggish mobility on soft surface
* Can only fire when stationary which is dangerous in a sudden encounter
* Thin armour all around, can get penetrated by machine guns and shrapnel easily

== History ==

As the development of the previous generation ATGM has settled (HJ-73) and earlier HJ-8 were proved ineffective against the latest MBTs from both USSR and NATO, PLAGF was in dire for a new heavy ATGM with new guidance system as well as sporting their latest FCS. The new missile started its pre-development theorization in early 1980s and officially started its development in 1988, the result was the HJ-9 that has been finalized in 1995; the new missile was first shown in the 50th and 60th National Day Parade as the vehicles G phalanx and 14th phalanx respectively on a WZ550 chassis with different camouflage designs. In NORINCO catalogues, they also displayed a tripod variant as a standalone weapon system or onboard a open-top Iveco truck as its main weapon; the only export customer, Rwanda opted for an APC with a HJ-9A launcher on top instead.

=== [[wt:en/news/7826-development-hj-9-the-red-arrow-en|Devblog]] ===
Being based on a shortened version of the Chinese ZSL92 APC, the HJ-9 features excellent mobility, typical for most wheeled vehicles regardless of rank. Specifically, the HJ-9 can reach an excellent top speed of 95 km/h on paved roads thanks to its 290 horsepower diesel engine. On the other hand, the vehicle's comparably low combat weight and the resulting high power-to-weight ratio enable it to cross even rougher terrain with relative ease - just be wary of boggy areas and deep snow as these considerably hamper the mobility of wheeled vehicles in general.

In most cases, wheeled vehicles don't feature heavy duty protection so as to not hamper their mobility. This principle also applies to the HJ-9. Engineers only equipped the HJ-9 with steel armor up to 12 mm in thickness as well as bulletproof glass for the windows. Needless to say, this makes the HJ-9 highly susceptible to everything but small arms fire and shrapnel. Aircraft in particular may prioritize the HJ-9 over other targets due to its poor protection and lack of a defensive roof-mounted machine gun. As a result, commanders are best advised to make the most use out of the HJ-9's excellent mobility and constantly change position after each engagement to ensure they remain an elusive target on the battlefield.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_hj_9 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


* [[MEPHISTO]] - A very similar missile carrier from France

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7826-development-hj-9-the-red-arrow-en|[Devblog] HJ-9: The Red Arrow]]

{{TankManufacturer Norinco}}
{{China tank destroyers}}
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

Type 69-IIa

2023-04-22T21:34:10Z

U79942984: Updated description of APDS and rewrote Usage in Battle slightly.

{{About
| about = gift Chinese medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Type 69 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_type_69_2a
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|StoreImage_{{PAGENAME}}_003.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Drone Age"]] as a premium pack purchasable briefly in the Gaijin store during the [[wt:en/news/7891-special-national-day-of-the-people-s-republic-of-china-en|2022 "National Day of the People's Republic of China"]] mini-event.

An upgraded version of the Type 69-II medium tanks solely for export orders, the Type 69-IIa featured a very similar performance to the T-55A in Soviet service with most of their shells being interchangeable. For players who need an extra tank for their line-up and are used to the performance of Warsaw Pact tanks, the Type 69-IIa will not disappoint players with its variety of shells as well as better FCS for long-range fights. It combines the best qualities of its [[Type 69]] and [[Type 59]] ancestors: the night vision, improved engine, laser rangefinder, and faster turret traverse from the former and the rifled gun with APHEBC shells from the latter, and even has much-needed smoke grenades.

The Type 69-IIa was originally introduced in the Chinese (Tencent) server as a part of "The Might of Type 69" ''(六九扬威)'' event during the [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]] in 2017 as the National Day gift.<ref>As shown in this PhlyDaily's video on 2017/10/13 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FL-tjWJWOM</ref>

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

The overall appearance resembles a T-54/55 series medium tank, but the tank itself is in fact the domestic modified version of the WZ121 (Type 69) from Mainland China with a very similar appearance; the Type 69-IIa includes side skirts and turret fences for extra protection against HEAT projectiles as a part of the demand of their customers (namely Iraq). Other than that it performs exactly like the main tech-tree [[Type 69]] but armed with a rifled 100 mm gun instead. Since there were no ERA packages or applique armour from Mainland China, the protection and its layout is totally identical to the Type 69; the wet ammo-rack might sometimes do magic against oncoming shots, but do not expect it to save you everytime as the odds of an ammo detonation is still high in this case.

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 100 mm (60°) ''UFP''
100 mm (54°) ''LFP''
| 80 mm ''Top'' + 5 mm ''Side skirts'' 20 mm ''Bottom'' || 45 mm || 30 mm
|-
| Turret || 200 mm ''Turret front (Volumetric)'' 200 mm ''Gun mantlet (Volumetric)'' || 165 mm ''(Volumetric)'' || 65 mm ''(Volumetric)'' || 30 mm
|-
| Cupola || colspan="3" | 100 mm || 40 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


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


Although claimed to be an upgrade from the original V-54/12V150L diesel engine, the engine (12V150L7BW) onboard shares the identical rated output at 580 hp as the [[Type 69]], as well as its top speed at 50 km/h; although it is better than some NATO tanks at the era in terms of power-to-weight ratio, in case of faster tanks such as Leopards and AMX-30s, it would be unlikely to outrun them to vantage points.

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=899|rbMinHp=513}}

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

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

{{main|Type 69-II (100 mm)}}

Due to the lack of firepower for the original [[Type 69 (100 mm)|Type 69]] 100 mm smoothbore cannon, Factory 617 rearmed later Type 69s variants with a Type 69-II rifled cannon of the same calibre which the earlier export tanks opted for as well. Although still being a rifled gun at its tier, the gun itself comes with a variety of Warsaw Pact/Chinese shells and slightly faster gun traverse speed thanks to new gun-laying drivers.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Type 69-II (100 mm)|100 mm Type 69-II]] || 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" | 44 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+18° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 14.3 || 19.8 || 24.0 || 26.5 || 28.2 || rowspan="2" | 11.05 || rowspan="2" | 9.78 || rowspan="2" | 9.01 || rowspan="2" | 8.50
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 8.9 || 10.5 || 12.8 || 14.1 || 15.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:Type 69-II (100 mm)/Ammunition|Type 1959 APDS, Type 44 AP, Type 1973 HEAT-FS, Type 44 HE}}

The Type 69-IIa shares very similar shells to a [[Type 59]] with a rifled gun, but in the Type 69's case, it has slightly different types of shells. Since it is a premium tank, all the rounds onboard comes researched.

One of the first stock shells, Type 1959 APDS, has high flat penetration but limited angled penetration, good for disabling shots to turret faces and gun mantlets but not the best against thick and well-sloped hull armour. It does have a high muzzle velocity but the Type 69-IIa's laser rangefinder makes it less important.

The other stock shell, Type 44 HE (OF-412), is again found on many tanks with the [[D-10T (100 mm)|D-10T]] cannon; due to its lesser explosive content and penetration compared to other larger calibre shells, it is only good for taking out SPAAGs or light/open-top vehicles.

The first researchable shell, Type 44 AP (BR-412D), is again a common shell for 100 mm rifled guns on both Warsaw-Pact/Chinese tanks; infamous for its explosive content and sufficiently high penetration, any penetrating shots on enemy tanks are very likely to inflict severe damage, if not knock them out right away. This will be the go-to shell for the Type 69-IIa.

The second researchable shell, Type 1973 HEAT-FS, is identical to Soviet 3BK17M. Although it might not have the highest penetration among other HEATFS at its tier, it is still sufficient to take down well-armoured targets with its 390 mm penetration, while very lightly armoured vehicles (often those that would not trigger the fuse on the AP shell) can be overpressured by the explosive content. It is recommended to bring a few for use against both the most lightly and heavily armoured targets.

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_Type 69.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the Type 69]]

{| 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
|-
|'''44'''||43 ''(+1)''||38 ''(+6)''||34 ''(+10)''||22 ''(+22)''||20 ''(+24)''||1 ''(+43)''||No
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|Type 54 (12.7 mm)|SGMT (7.62 mm)}}

Like most Chinese tanks of the era, the Type 69-IIa is equipped with a Type 54 HMG on the commander's side of turret; although having only 50 rounds per magazine, the penetration and calibre can make sure aircraft that get too close will not have a good time, and sometimes even score a kill.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Type 54 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Type 54]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 500 (50) || 600 || -4°/+82° || ±180°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[SGMT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm SGMT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 3,000 (250) || 600 || - || -
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

Players who own a T-55A or Type 69 will get used to the Type 69-IIa very quickly as both of them share many features including a two-plane stabilizer and very similar appearance. The distinctive cage armour is mostly there for appearances but still offers some protection against small HEAT rounds. Other than that, most of its performance is identical to Type 69 aside from being a bit heavier; the overall mobility is identical though. Do note that the overall turret traverse speed is still not as fast as its NATO competitors, so be extra careful in close-quarters brawling; being prepared for any situation is the key to utilising the Type 69-IIa. Although it doesn't have the 3D3 smoke shell at disposal, it does comes with 8 smoke grenades with 2 shots per round which can mitigate the problem.

While it might not be the spearhead of the team, if being used properly, using a mix of HEATFS and APCBC can ensure maximum efficiency out of the Type 69-IIa depending on the scenario; for flanking operations, BR-412D can make sure tanks that showed their sides will meet their miserable end or at least disable them for a while, while HEATFS works fine dealing with heavier targets front-on as well. The tank has access to a laser rangefinder along with automatic ballistic solution, making it more comfortable in long-range engagements. But do not over-extend due to the low reverse speed and worse manoeuvrability than NATO tanks, plan ahead before assaulting enemies; the armour might sometimes save players from total destruction, but do not rely on it as HEAT warheads and APFSDS darts start to be common at later tiers.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Type 44 AP round is devastating when flanking thanks to the high explosive content
* Laser rangefinder with automatic ballistic solution makes distant engagement easy and effective
* Overall sufficient frontal protection at its tier especially against autocannons (e.g. [[ZSU-57-2]])
* Extra turret fences that somewhat helps stopping HEAT projectiles
* Access to smoke grenade launchers

'''Cons:'''

* Inferior optics at its tier (no thermal)
* Cramped interior with high risk of detonation
* Rather slow reload
* Slow turret traverse speed
* Relatively inferior mobility, especially reverse speed, to NATO tanks like [[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard 1]], [[OF-40 (Family)|OF-40]], etc.

== History ==

The WZ121/BW121 (Type 69 and 79; coded BW when exported) was a family of medium tanks in Mainland China; their first domestic designs with new technologies introduced during the '70s and '80s. It was also the first commercially exported tank of the newly founded NORINCO, as Mainland China was in dire for arms deals in view of funding for economic reforms in the 1980s. The 69-II variant was the precursor of all export BW121 series with revised fire control system and safety features with automatic fire suppression system. They were first delivered in 1982 and the later batches of BW121A received turret fences and NBC filtering system for the crew. Due to the relatively low price over NATO or even Soviet tanks, the BW121 series received bulks of orders from countries with tight budgets, aside from Pakistan who had licensed production line and others that ordered ranging from dozens to hundreds, Iraq was the largest user of the BW121 series (2,860 69-II series and ARVs), including the later Type 79-based variants with 105 mm gun and western FCS. They were first used during the Iraq-Iran conflicts where oddly enough, both sides owned quantities of BW121; but the later Gulf War and Operation Desert Storm also gave the death sentence to these tanks for its overall obsolete design and outdated systems.

While Type 69-IIAs are still being used by the current Iraqi Army in small quantities, insurgents in the Middle East do also own some quantities of Type 69-II.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_type_69_2a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==


=== References ===
<references />

{{TankManufacturer Norinco}}
{{China medium tanks}}
{{China premium ground vehicles}}

ZTZ59A

2023-04-22T21:22:00Z

U79942984: Updated mentions of APDS, changed lineup advice.

{{About
| about = premium Chinese medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = ZTZ59 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_ztz_59a
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].

The ZTZ59A is based on the long-existing [[Type 59]] and upgraded with some technologies from [[Type 69]]. Although the Type 59 chassis is rather outdated compared to later MBTs, or indeed many of its contemporaries in War Thunder, the ZTZ59A has some improvements that extend its lease on life somewhat. A laser rangefinder allows it to stay away from the heated battlefield and strike enemies from further away and a pair of barrel-type smoke grenades are available, enhancing its survivability and offering a straight upgrade to the tech tree Type 59.

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


The ZTZ59A's armour layout is nearly identical to the Type 59, which itself had virtually the same armour layout as the [[T-54 (1951)]]. It is well protected against typical autocannons and most conventional full-calibre rounds, but falls short against HEAT, APDS, and APFSDS. The only real differences from the Type 59 are the side skirts, familiar to players who have used the [[ZTZ59D1]] or [[T-69 II G]]. They do almost nothing against kinetic projectiles but can be helpful against HEAT warheads with some angling, acting as spaced armour. This is particularly noticeable with weaker HEATFS rounds in the 73 mm - 90 mm size range.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret roof, cupola roof)
* Cast homogeneous armour (turret, gun mantlet, cupola)
* Rubber-fabric screens (side skirts)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 100 mm (60°) ''Front glacis'' 100 mm (54°) ''Lower glacis'' || 80+3 mm ''Top'' 20 mm + 20 mm (31°) ''Bottom'' || 45 mm (16°) ''Upper plate'' 30 mm (72°) ''Lower glacis'' || 100 mm (30°) ''Front glacis'' 30 mm ''Crew compartment'' 20 mm ''Engine compartment'' 5 mm ''Engine vents''
|-
| Turret || 160 mm (14-39°) ''Turret front'' 150-250 mm (4-78°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 115-155 mm (24-45°) ''Front and centre'' 100 mm (18-38°) ''Rear'' || 65 mm (14°) || 30-60 mm
|-
| Cupola || 100 mm (34-66°) || 100 mm (27-66°) || 100 mm (25-66°) || 30-40 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Tracks and suspension wheels are 20 mm thick.
* Spare track links on the upper glacis provide an addition 20 mm of armour.
* Mudguards and storage boxes are 4 mm thick.

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


The ZTZ59A has exactly the same mobility characteristics as the Type 59, with the same weight and engine power. It has decent forward mobility and the wide tracks allow it to perform well on rough terrain. The poor reverse speed and lack of neutral steering are major drawbacks, but the hull traverse is quite decent. It is easily beaten by light tanks and fast MBTs such as Leopards and OF-40s, so it is safe to assume that the ZTZ59A will not be the first to arrive on the battlefield.

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=806|rbMinHp=460}}

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

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

{{main|Type 59 (100 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Type 59 (100 mm)|100 mm Type 59]] || 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" | 34 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+18° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Vertical|up to 40 km/h}} || 9.5 || 13.2 || 16.0 || 17.7 || 18.8 || rowspan="2" | 11.18 || rowspan="2" | 9.89 || rowspan="2" | 9.12 || rowspan="2" | 8.60
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 5.9 || 7.0 || 8.5 || 9.4 || 10.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:Type 59 (100 mm)/Ammunition|BR-412, BR-412D, Type 1959 APDS, Type 1973 HEAT-FS, OF-412}}

The ZTZ59A's ammo selection is mostly identical to the Type 59. As usual, the BR-412D APCBC round is highly effective against lightly armoured targets such as light tanks and Leopard 1s, successful penetrations usually resulting in instant knockouts. It also works very well for flanking shots. The Type 1959 APDS round has the highest muzzle velocity and impressive flat penetration, but the limited angled penetration can be an issue against the hull armour of heavy tanks (and even some medium tanks).The Type 1973 HEAT-FS round has the best penetration and can counter just about any vehicle with steel armour, but has a sensitive fuse and can be stopped by ERA or composite armour.

The BR-412 APHE shell is worse than BR-412D in every practical way and should be disregarded because the ZTZ59A is a premium tank with all ammo types unlocked from the start. The OF-412 HE shell is technically the best option for triggering overpressure damage against light targets, but it has no utility against targets with half-decent armour and the HEATFS is more versatile. The ZTZ59A does not have access to the Type 59's BR-412B APHEBC round, but that round is again inferior to BR-412D in practical terms and its absence will not be missed.

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_T-54_(1951).png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the T-54 (1951) (identical).]]

{| 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
|-
| '''34''' || 33 ''(+1)'' || 28 ''(+6)'' || 24 ''(+10)'' || 23 ''(+11)'' || 21 ''(+13)'' || 1 ''(+33)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Notes''':

* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
* Rack 6 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 20 shells and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
* This rack is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 6 - 1 - 2 - etc. until 5.
* Full reload speed will be realized as long as shells are available in the ready rack 6. If the ready rack is empty, a penalty to reload speed will occur.
* Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-5 into rack 6. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.
* If you pack 28 ''(+6)'', it will keep the turret empty of ammo.
* If you pack 21 ''(+13)'' shells, it will keep most of the hull empty of ammo.

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|Type 54 (12.7 mm)|SGMT (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Type 54 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Type 54]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 500 (50) || 600 || -4°/+82° || ±180°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[SGMT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm SGMT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 3,000 (250) || 600 || - || -
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


The ZTZ59A is essentially a [[Type 59]] with a laser rangefinder and smoke grenades. Most of the tactics and advice for the Type 59 still apply, but it is more competent in long range combat and can work as a good sniper as a supplement to the [[Type 69]]. The laser rangefinder allows for precise long-range shots to be made with any ammunition type; Type 59 veterans may have relied heavily on the high-velocity APDS, but the ZTZ59A can comfortably sling APCBC and HEATFS rounds from across the map as well. The ZTZ59A can be argued to have superior armament to the Type 69, because its APDS has higher penetration than the Type 69's APFSDS under most circumstances and their HEATFS rounds are identical.

Bear in mind that the ZTZ59A does not have the Type 69's improved turret drive or engine, so it is less mobile and has a difficult time reacting to ambushes. These weakness can be mitigated if one maintains some separation from the front lines. In close range engagements, remember to utilize the hull traverse as well as the turret traverse to quickly adjust one's aim. The smoke grenades are also nice for covering retreats because the basic Type 59 has no sources of smoke whatsoever, though keep in mind that they are barrels mounted on the back of the tank and are not the best for instant concealment while reversing into cover.

The ZTZ59A does not bring anything drastically new to the table, but as a direct improvement to the Type 59, it is a good addition to the already impressive Chinese ground lineup at this BR bracket. Partnering it with the Type 69 gives one access to two MBTs with laser rangefinder, and because the Type 69 is more suited for front line work, the ZTZ59A can be preferentially used for laid back sniping.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Has a range of good ammo: explosive AP, piercing HEAT, and APDS
* 200 mm frontal effective thickness is immune to SPAA (e.g. [[Gepard]]) or low-tier tanks firing full-calibre kinetic shells
* Laser rangefinder allows it to engage distant targets easily
* Roof-mounted 12.7 mm HMG is deadly against light vehicles (e.g. [[AML-90]], [[M551]]) and some low-flying or slow aircraft
* Has smoke grenades
* Sideskirts offer some protection against HEAT shells and explosion shrapnel

'''Cons:'''

* No night vision device, fatal flaw in night battles against NVD- (or even thermal-) equipped foes like [[Type 74 (G)]]
* Slow turret traverse and elevation speed limits targeting rate. Fatal in surprise engagements
* Poor mobility overall, meaning low agility and responsiveness to changing situations
* Armour is still inadequate to stop common HEATFS or APFSDS (e.g. [[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard 1]], [[T-55AM-1|T-55AM]], [[OF-40 (Family)|OF-40]])
* Limiting gun depression of -4° hinders its capacity in uneven battlefield
* Terrible reverse speed of -7 km/h prevents it from getting out of danger quickly
* Smoke grenades discharge behind the tank, can't conceal the tank very well

== History ==

The [[Type 59]] (ZTZ59, WZ120) has been the backbone of PLAGF for many decades. The chassis itself received many upgrades throughout its service and the ZTZ59A (alternatively called ZTZ59-I in the earlier naming system) is the first major upgrade over Type 59.

During the Sino-Vietnamese conflict in the late 1970s, PLAGF had found some problems with the original Type 59 and suggestions were handed to the 5th Ministry of Machine Building (第五机械工业部) for possible upgrades; meanwhile it was the era of economic reform and normalisation of relationships with Western countries. Although new tanks and refurbishment of older tanks with NATO L7 105 mm guns were planned, the mass of original Type 59s could still use some upgrades as well. In 1984, the ZTZ59A upgrade program passed state certifications: the upgrade included hydraulic steering, which provided the driver with better control and lighter force to move than the previous torsion bar steering; a Model 6610 IR searchlight mounted on the front of the chassis; FCS upgrades with Type 73 laser rangefinder from Type 69 mounted on the centre line of the tank by the mantlet, TSFCS with automatic ballistic solution; and side skirts. A new APFSDS was also developed for the gun, said to be on-par with Soviet 3BM25. Some parts of the tank were also revised from the suggestions of frontline troops, sub-systems were aimed to be more reliable and ergonomic. Some of the later ZTZ59A that had received such upgrades were also tested with different designs such as a two-plane stabiliser for the gun and welding extra fences onto the turret, while some received a smoke grenade launcher upgrade on the turret.

Although the gap between the mainstream 1980s MBTs and ZTZ59A was still huge, ZTZ59A also became the basis of more ergonomic sub-system designs of PLAGF tanks, as well as simplified maintenance; filling the gap while waiting for the newer ZTZ59-II with a brand new British FCS system and [[L7A3 (105 mm)|L7A3]] to replace them.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_ztz_59a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==

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

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

{{China medium tanks}}
{{China premium ground vehicles}}