AMX-30 ACRA - Revision history

U44629479: Undo revision 194551 by U42923325 (talk)

2024-11-05T05:09:57Z

Undo revision 194551 by U42923325 (talk)

U42923325: /* General info */

2024-11-05T00:52:58Z

‎General info

U38088265 at 10:37, 7 March 2024

2024-03-07T10:37:06Z

U91965995: Usage in Battles section was added but is not being displayed

2024-03-07T05:11:37Z

Usage in Battles section was added but is not being displayed

U91965995: Pro/Con edit

2024-02-23T15:32:25Z

Pro/Con edit

U91965995: Usage in Battles section added

2024-02-23T15:29:49Z

Usage in Battles section added

U91965995: Edit to reflect ammorack count split of 16 ready rack ammo / 20 stowage ammo

2024-02-23T15:07:41Z

Edit to reflect ammorack count split of 16 ready rack ammo / 20 stowage ammo

U74396666: New Description Project - France Priority: AMX-30 Anti-Char Rapide Autopropulsé (ACRA)

2023-10-15T07:05:08Z

New Description Project - France Priority: AMX-30 Anti-Char Rapide Autopropulsé (ACRA)

U44629479: Edits

2023-01-21T20:46:44Z

Edits

U44629479: /* Ammunition */ Converted to transclusion

2023-01-21T20:45:16Z

‎Ammunition: Converted to transclusion

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 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 The '''AMX-30 Anti-Char Rapide Autopropulsé (ACRA)''' is a unique modification of the [[AMX-30 (1972)|AMX-30B (Model 1972)]], which is the second variant of the [[AMX-30 (Family)|AMX-30 main battle tank family]]. The ACRA research and development program was initiated in France in 1961 and was designed as a supersonic anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) that could be deployed in any of the French Army's tanks. Due to the large associated expenses, state financing for the program was terminated by the last stage of testing the laser guiding system (which was the first of its kind in the world). GIAT, on the other hand, continued work at its own expense, hoping for future government orders. Engineers chose the AMX-30B (1972) as the missile's platform. Among the main turret equipment were a new smoothbore tank gun launcher, a sight, and an electronic guidance device. By 1974, field testing of the weapon platform was successful, but it was not accepted and placed into service. The key concern is the expensive cost of missile targeting technology, as well as the difficulties of using guided missiles in the absence of a tank gun. Instead, the HOT ATGM system, which was nearing completion at the time, was given priority.

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 The '''AMX-30 Anti-Char Rapide Autopropulsé (ACRA)''' is a unique modification of the [[AMX-30 (1972)|AMX-30B (Model 1972)]], which is the second variant of the [[AMX-30 (Family)|AMX-30 main battle tank family]]. The ACRA research and development program was initiated in France in 1961 and was designed as a supersonic anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) that could be deployed in any of the French Army's tanks. Due to the large associated expenses, state financing for the program was terminated by the last stage of testing the laser guiding system (which was the first of its kind in the world). GIAT, on the other hand, continued work at its own expense, hoping for future government orders. Engineers chose the AMX-30B (1972) as the missile's platform. Among the main turret equipment were a new smoothbore tank gun launcher, a sight, and an electronic guidance device. By 1974, field testing of the weapon platform was successful, but it was not accepted and placed into service. The key concern is the expensive cost of missile targeting technology, as well as the difficulties of using guided missiles in the absence of a tank gun. Instead, the HOT ATGM system, which was nearing completion at the time, was given priority.

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 The AMX-30 ACRA mounts a 142mm laser guided gun, capable of launching ACRA missiles and High Explosive rounds. It can carry 36 rounds, 16 in the turret and 20 in the hull, next to the driver, so you have the possibility to survive certain hull shots by carrying only 16 rounds. The gun reload is 15.6 seconds with a level 1 crew and can be upgraded to 12 seconds with a max crew.
 The ACRA missile is notably fast, making the tank very useful on large maps. Be careful when shooting at the sides of enemy tanks, as the missiles function like HEAT rounds and tend to be absorbed by tracks or side fuel tanks if hit directly. Also akin to HEAT rounds, the ATGMs will fuse on shrubbery or wall/fences, so it is advised to find an open area or use your 12.7mm MG to clear out any obstacles before firing.
 Another strength of having a barrel-launched ATGM is that you don't need to stop the tank to fire. However, as the missile is guided with a laser mounted with the gun, which is not stabilized, this in practice is rarely an advantage as you have to be still to accurately guide the missile in. This also means you cannot fire over obstacles like you can with wire guided missiles, as the laser needs a constant line-of-sight to the rear of the missile.
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 == 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).'' --!>
+<!-- ''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).'' -->
 The AMX-30 ACRA is a very unique vehicle. As a vehicle that relies entirely on its ATGM for engaging enemy vehicles, the ACRA is more akin to something like the German [[RakJPz 2 (HOT)]] than it is to something like the AMX-30 series it's based on due to one single factor: its lack of a stabilizer.
-While French vehicles lacking a stabilizer around the 8.X BR bracket is nothing new, the problem with the ACRA is that as the missile it fires dips significantly, flies fairly quickly and also has a lengthy reload, each and every shot fired has to count. When trying to fire on the move, chances are that your missile will hit the ground either immediately after launch as the missile dips into the ground, it hits the ground as your turret's sideway motion sends it spiraling towards the ground or it misses entirely due to both you and your target being on the move. This, unfortunately, limits the ACRA to a much more passive playstyle, much akin to the RakJPz 2 (HOT) mentioned earlier; both share a fairly lengthy reload, cannot fire on the move and lack any substantial armor to stop contemporary shells.
+While French vehicles lacking a stabilizer around the 8.X BR bracket is nothing new, the problem with the ACRA is that as the missile it fires dips significantly, flies fairly quickly and also has a lengthy reload, each and every shot fired has to count. When trying to fire on the move, chances are that your missile will hit the ground either immediately after launch as the missile dips into the ground, it hits the ground as your turret's sideways motion sends it spiraling towards the ground or it misses entirely due to both you and your target being on the move. This, unfortunately, limits the ACRA to a much more passive playstyle, much akin to the RakJPz 2 (HOT) mentioned earlier; both share a fairly lengthy reload, cannot fire on the move and lack any substantial armor to stop contemporary shells.
 Not everything is doom and gloom for the ACRA, however, as in the long range fire support role the ACRA is a respectable long range sniper. With an ATGM that flies near double the speed of contemporary ATGMs around this BR, at range the missile can be an effective tool against enemies, especially moving ones. The [[AMX-10RC]] may outdo the vehicle in pure long range sniping as it has a Laser Rangefinder, Thermals and an effective APFSDS round, but against moving enemies the ability to compensate for enemy movement is fairly invaluable and the high speed of the missile limits any enemy reactionary movement to under 3-4 seconds.
 Your turret also helps in this regard, as you don't have to constantly turn the vehicle itself around to engage enemies in a different direction. The mobility of the AMX-30 hull is also still there, letting you get around the map adequately. Firing on the move or near elevated ground, however, as mentioned earlier can be a problem to keep in mind. This is due to the missile's larger-than-normal dip after firing, which requires some hefty separation between the launcher and the ground to ensure the missile hits the enemy and not a patch of dirt in front of you. Overall, if used as a long range fire support vehicle, the ACRA can deliver some impressive results, even though the vehicle itself may not be the spearhead of an armored assault.
 === Pros and cons ===

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 == 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).'' --!>
 The AMX-30 ACRA is a very unique vehicle. As a vehicle that relies entirely on its ATGM for engaging enemy vehicles, the ACRA is more akin to something like the German [[RakJPz 2 (HOT)]] than it is to something like the AMX-30 series it's based on due to one single factor: its lack of a stabilizer.
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 Your turret also helps in this regard, as you don't have to constantly turn the vehicle itself around to engage enemies in a different direction. The mobility of the AMX-30 hull is also still there, letting you get around the map adequately. Firing on the move or near elevated ground, however, as mentioned earlier can be a problem to keep in mind. This is due to the missile's larger-than-normal dip after firing, which requires some hefty separation between the launcher and the ground to ensure the missile hits the enemy and not a patch of dirt in front of you. Overall, if used as a long range fire support vehicle, the ACRA can deliver some impressive results, even though the vehicle itself may not be the spearhead of an armored assault.
 === 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".'' -->

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 * Good mobility
-* Fast flight speed of the ACRA ATGM, it is next to impossible to dodge it for an opponent
+* Fast flight speed of the ACRA ATGM, almost twice as fast as contemporary ATGMs of its BR
 * Can fire ATGMs on the move
 * ATGM has high penetration for the BR
 '''Cons:'''
-* Does not have heavy frontal armour nor adequate side hull armour, so most medium tanks will penetrate it in single shot and it will not scare away light tanks
+* Armor is inadequate for stopping contemporary shells
-* Gun scope is not stabilized, the ATGM's flight can be effected by the vehicles movement
+* Gun scope is not stabilized; it is near impossible to accurately guide the missile on the move on any uneven terrain
-* Tank has to keep itself exposed while guiding the ATGM, giving the enemy a larger window to return fire
+* Tank has to keep itself exposed while guiding the ATGM, giving the enemy a longer window to return fire
 * High speed of the ACRA ATGM can make corrections at mid-range difficult
-* Reload is around twice as long as most tanks of this battle rating, so it is recommended to retreat into cover for the duration of your reload after firing
+* Reload is around twice as long as most tanks of this battle rating, meaning mistakes are significantly more punishing
 == History ==

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 The '''AMX-30 Anti-Char Rapide Autopropulsé (ACRA)''' is a unique modification of the [[AMX-30 (1972)|AMX-30B (Model 1972)]], which is the second variant of the [[AMX-30 (Family)|AMX-30 main battle tank family]]. The ACRA research and development program was initiated in France in 1961 and was designed as a supersonic anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) that could be deployed in any of the French Army's tanks. Due to the large associated expenses, state financing for the program was terminated by the last stage of testing the laser guiding system (which was the first of its kind in the world). GIAT, on the other hand, continued work at its own expense, hoping for future government orders. Engineers chose the AMX-30B (1972) as the missile's platform. Among the main turret equipment were a new smoothbore tank gun launcher, a sight, and an electronic guidance device. By 1974, field testing of the weapon platform was successful, but it was not accepted and placed into service. The key concern is the expensive cost of missile targeting technology, as well as the difficulties of using guided missiles in the absence of a tank gun. Instead, the HOT ATGM system, which was nearing completion at the time, was given priority.
-Introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]], the AMX-30 ACRA is a special tank that can fire barrel-launched ATGMs, a characteristic not often found in Western main battle tanks. It is incredibly difficult for the enemy to avoid getting hit by the ACRA ATGMs due to their fast flight speed. However, as the ACRA ATGM requires the player to provide continual guidance during flight, the enemy may have a longer time window to return fire. Furthermore, while the fast flight speed of the ACRA ATGMs makes playing on larger maps much easier, firing at close to mid-range targets may be a little challenging due to the difficulties of making corrections in mid-flight. Nonetheless, it is a unique vehicle for players to experience when playing the French Army ground forces.
+Introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]], the AMX-30 ACRA is a special tank that can fire barrel-launched ATGMs, a characteristic not often found in Western main battle tanks. It is incredibly difficult for the enemy to avoid getting hit by the ACRA ATGMs due to their fast flight speed. However, as the ACRA ATGM requires the player to provide continual guidance during flight, the enemy may have a longer time window to return fire. Furthermore, while the fast flight speed of the ACRA ATGMs makes playing on larger maps much easier, firing at close to mid-range targets may be challenging due to the difficulties of making corrections in mid-flight. Nonetheless, it is a unique vehicle for players to experience when playing the French Army ground forces.
 == General info ==
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 <!-- ''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.'' -->
-The AMX-30 ACRA mount as we saw before a 142mm laser guided gun, capable of launching ACRA missile and High Explosive round. It can carry 36 rounds, 16 in the turret and 20 in the hull, next to the driver, so you have the possibility to get a higher survivability from hull shots by removing these 20 rounds. The gun reload is 15.6 seconds with a level 1 crew and can be upgraded to 12 seconds with a max crew.
+The AMX-30 ACRA mounts a 142mm laser guided gun, capable of launching ACRA missiles and High Explosive rounds. It can carry 36 rounds, 16 in the turret and 20 in the hull, next to the driver, so you have the possibility to survive certain hull shots by carrying only 16 rounds. The gun reload is 15.6 seconds with a level 1 crew and can be upgraded to 12 seconds with a max crew.
-The ACRA missile is pretty fast, making the tank very useful on large maps and sits at a battle rating where nothing will be able to resist the missile. Be careful when shooting at the sides of enemy tanks, the missiles function like a HEAT round and tends to be absorbed by the tracks if hit directly. Also like a HEAT round, don't try to shoot missiles through walls, fences, big bushes, or trees.
+The ACRA missile is notably fast, making the tank very useful on large maps. Be careful when shooting at the sides of enemy tanks, as the missiles function like HEAT rounds and tend to be absorbed by tracks or side fuel tanks if hit directly. Also akin to HEAT rounds, the ATGMs will fuse on shrubbery or wall/fences, so it is advised to find an open area or use your 12.7mm MG to clear out any obstacles before firing.
-Another good point with the gun is that you don't need to stop the tank to fire. However, the missile is guided with a laser mounted with the gun, which is not stabilized. This means your missiles will bounce up and down as you guide them if you are moving. This also means you cannot fire over obstacles like you can with wire guided missiles, as the laser needs constant line-of-sight to the back of the missile.
+Another strength of having a barrel-launched ATGM is that you don't need to stop the tank to fire. However, as the missile is guided with a laser mounted with the gun, which is not stabilized, this in practice is rarely an advantage as you have to be still to accurately guide the missile in. This also means you cannot fire over obstacles like you can with wire guided missiles, as the laser needs a constant line-of-sight to the rear of the missile.
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
@@ Line 111: / Line 111: @@
 |}
 The M2HB coaxial heavy machine gun is a good anti-aircraft asset, it will shred any low-flying aircraft thanks to the extra 20 degrees of elevation.
-The only drawback is that the MG is coaxial, meaning the turret must rotate to track the targets. The .50 cal can also deal with armoured cars and SPAA vehicles when they're up close.
+The only drawback is that the MG is coaxial, meaning the turret must rotate to track the targets. The .50 cal can also deal with armoured cars and SPAA vehicles when they're up close. The MG also has some use in knocking down fences and shrubs to clear out a path for the ACRA missile in urban environments.
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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 == 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).''
+<!-- ''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".'' -->

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 ! 1st<br>rack empty
 ! 2nd<br>rack empty
 ! Visual<br>discrepancy
 |-
-| '''36''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+| '''36''' || 20&nbsp;''(+16)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+35)'' || No
 |-
 |}

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 The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]].
-In the 1960s, a proposal was made to mount a 142 mm gun system firing the ACRA (Anti-Char Rapide Autopropulsé), English: Anti-Tank Rapid Self-guided Missile. A single prototype was finished in 1967 with a unique cast turret built around the gun, but due to the unreasonably high cost of the missiles, the project was scrapped. However, in War Thunder, it is a formidable tank to play with play styles similar to the [[M60A2]].
+In the 1960s, a proposal was made to mount a 142 mm gun system firing the ACRA (Anti-Char Rapide Autopropulsé), English: Anti-Tank Rapid Self-guided Missile. A single prototype was finished in 1967 with a unique cast turret built around the gun, but due to the unreasonably high cost of the missiles, the project was scrapped. However, in War Thunder, it is a formidable tank to play with playstyles similar to the [[M60A2]].
 == General info ==

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 ==== Ammunition ====
-{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+{{:ACRA (142 mm)/Ammunition|MP ACRA, MUC}}
 ==== [[Ammo racks]] ====