Ru 251 - Revision history

U38088265: /* Description */

2023-10-11T09:25:49Z

‎Description

U74396666: New Description Project - Germany Priority: Spähpanzer Ru 251

2023-10-11T04:13:39Z

New Description Project - Germany Priority: Spähpanzer Ru 251

U44629479: Edits

2023-03-14T15:42:19Z

Edits

U93912390: Added more informations in pros and cons

2023-03-13T11:01:56Z

Added more informations in pros and cons

U93912390: Added one cons

2023-03-13T10:41:18Z

Added one cons

U38088265: /* Ammunition */ Converted to transclusion

2023-02-02T23:37:05Z

‎Ammunition: Converted to transclusion

U17577377 at 02:16, 6 October 2022

2022-10-06T02:16:35Z

U44629479: Edits

2022-08-29T21:20:49Z

Edits

U38088265: /* Ammunition */ Updated

2021-10-31T10:23:26Z

‎Ammunition: Updated

U38088265: /* Ammunition */ Edits

2021-07-27T11:06:54Z

‎Ammunition: Edits

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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 '''Spähpanzer Ru 251''' is a German light tank based on the Kanonenjagdpanzer tank destroyer. It has been proposed that it replace the [[M41 Walker Bulldog (Family)|M41 Walker Bulldog]]. During the Cold War, the Bundeswehr worked on projects like the Spähpanzer Ru 251. In this context, the Europanzer project was launched, resulting in the development and production of the [[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard 1]] for West Germany and the [[AMX-30 (Family)|AMX-30]] for France. In the early 1960s, the Bundeswehr still used American M41 Walker Bulldog as reconnaissance tanks. In 1960, an effort was launched to develop a new light reconnaissance tank. Prototypes were built in 1963 and 1964. The Spähpanzer Ru 251 light tank is based on the [[Kanonenjagdpanzer (History)|Kanonenjagdpanzer]] tank destroyer and is armed with the same 90 mm Rheinmetall BK 90/L40 tank gun. In 1964, the Spähpanzer Ru 251 prototype went through rigorous operational trials while the Leopard 1 main battle tank was being built for serial production. Ultimately, it was decided that all resources would be directed toward the Leopard 1 main battle tank, and the Spähpanzer Ru 251 project would be terminated.
+The '''Spähpanzer Ru 251''' was a German light tank based on the Kanonenjagdpanzer tank destroyer, proposed to replace the [[M41 Walker Bulldog (Family)|M41 Walker Bulldog]]. During the Cold War, the Bundeswehr worked on projects like the Ru 251. In this context, the Europanzer project was launched, resulting in the development and production of the [[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard 1]] for West Germany and the [[AMX-30 (Family)|AMX-30]] for France. In the early 1960s, the Bundeswehr still used American M41 Walker Bulldog as reconnaissance tanks. In 1960, an effort was launched to develop a new light reconnaissance tank. The Ru 251 light tank was based on the [[JPz 4-5|Kanonenjagdpanzer]] tank destroyer and is armed with the same 90 mm Rheinmetall BK 90 L/40 tank gun. Prototypes were built in 1963 and 1964. In 1964, the Ru 251 prototype went through rigorous operational trials while the Leopard 1 main battle tank was being built for serial production. Ultimately, it was decided that all resources would be directed toward the Leopard 1 main battle tank, and the Ru 251 project would be terminated.
-Introduced in [[Update 1.67 "Assault"]], the Spähpanzer Ru 251 is a light reconnaissance tank with minimal armour that is not intended for close combat. The Spähpanzer Ru 251 armour is effective against large-calibre machine gun bursts but is vulnerable to higher-calibre fire. The Spähpanzer Ru 251 was planned as a light reconnaissance tank, capable of moving rapidly and discreetly and attacking targets of opportunity before repositioning itself using its great mobility: any additional armour would slow the tank down. Best for medium-range engagements, but also suitable for close-range and long-range applications.
+Introduced in [[Update 1.67 "Assault"]], the Ru 251 is a light reconnaissance tank with minimal armour that is not intended for close combat. The Ru 251's armour is effective against large-calibre machine gun bursts but is vulnerable to higher-calibre fire. The Ru 251 was planned as a light reconnaissance tank, capable of moving rapidly and discreetly and attacking targets of opportunity before repositioning itself using its great mobility: any additional armour would slow the tank down. Best for medium-range engagements, but also suitable for close-range and long-range applications.
 == General info ==
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 * Huge ammo rack sitting at the front of the hull
 * Little armour, especially the roof armour,
 * Very vulnerable to .50 cal machine gun fire (especially the sides)
 * Extremely vulnerable to overpressure (artillery strikes, large-calibre HE rounds, etc.)

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 == 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 '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} German light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.67 "Assault"]]. A very mobile light tank developed for the Bundeswehr to replace their [[leKPz M41|M41 Walker Bulldogs]], the Ru 251 boasts great mobility and firepower for its users.
+The '''Spähpanzer Ru 251''' is a German light tank based on the Kanonenjagdpanzer tank destroyer. It has been proposed that it replace the [[M41 Walker Bulldog (Family)|M41 Walker Bulldog]]. During the Cold War, the Bundeswehr worked on projects like the Spähpanzer Ru 251. In this context, the Europanzer project was launched, resulting in the development and production of the [[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard 1]] for West Germany and the [[AMX-30 (Family)|AMX-30]] for France. In the early 1960s, the Bundeswehr still used American M41 Walker Bulldog as reconnaissance tanks. In 1960, an effort was launched to develop a new light reconnaissance tank. Prototypes were built in 1963 and 1964. The Spähpanzer Ru 251 light tank is based on the [[Kanonenjagdpanzer (History)|Kanonenjagdpanzer]] tank destroyer and is armed with the same 90 mm Rheinmetall BK 90/L40 tank gun. In 1964, the Spähpanzer Ru 251 prototype went through rigorous operational trials while the Leopard 1 main battle tank was being built for serial production. Ultimately, it was decided that all resources would be directed toward the Leopard 1 main battle tank, and the Spähpanzer Ru 251 project would be terminated.
-The Ru 251 has a relatively small profile for a tank, but for a light tank its profile is average. The Ru 251 utilizes a 90 mm [[BK 90 (90 mm)|BK 90]], the same gun as on the [[JPz 4-5|Kanonenjagdpanzer]]. It is capable of firing HEAT-FS, a potent round, and has a reasonably quick reload. Best for medium range engagements, but can fulfil close range and long range applications as well. Similarly to the Leopards, it has a raised engine deck at the rear, which messes with the gun depression. While it has 9 degrees of gun depression for about 130 degrees of turret rotation to the left or right (gun pointing straight ahead), for the rear 100 degrees of angle, the gun depression is only a degree or two.
+Introduced in [[Update 1.67 "Assault"]], the Spähpanzer Ru 251 is a light reconnaissance tank with minimal armour that is not intended for close combat. The Spähpanzer Ru 251 armour is effective against large-calibre machine gun bursts but is vulnerable to higher-calibre fire. The Spähpanzer Ru 251 was planned as a light reconnaissance tank, capable of moving rapidly and discreetly and attacking targets of opportunity before repositioning itself using its great mobility: any additional armour would slow the tank down. Best for medium-range engagements, but also suitable for close-range and long-range applications.
 == General info ==

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 '''Pros:'''
-* Is very, very quick, and has great manoeuvrability
+* High mobility, with great top speed, reverse speed, and manoeuvrability
-* Utilizes a very similar gun to the one found on the M47, but at a lower BR
+* Utilizes a powerful 90 mm gun with a varied selection of rounds
-* Has (likely) the fastest reverse speed in the game
+* Reload time is competitive with full crew + expert training
 '''Cons:'''
-* Huge ammo rack that sits at the front of the hull
+* Huge ammo rack sitting at the front of the hull
-* Little armour (disadvantageous for downtier battles, where more armour can lead to bouncing and where APHE is a common round)
+* Little armour, especially the roof armour,
-* Very vulnerable to Cal.50 (never show your sides to a tank that has a cal.50)
+* Very vulnerable to .50 cal machine gun fire (especially the sides)
-* Very vulnerable to overpressure
+* Extremely vulnerable to overpressure (artillery strikes, large-calibre HE rounds, etc.)
-* Horrible post-penetration damage with the HEAT-FS shell
+* The HEATFS shell inflicts poor post-penetration damage
 == History ==

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 * Utilizes a very similar gun to the one found on the M47, but at a lower BR
 * Has (likely) the fastest reverse speed in the game
-* Reload (with full crew + Expert training) is very quick for the calibre and potency of gun
+* Reload (with full crew + Expert training) is very quick for the calibre and potency of gun  But not as fast as other light tanks of the same br with 90mm guns like M56, AMX-13-90, ELC Bis, Ikv 91)
-* Little armour (advantageous for uptier battles, where mobility is favoured)
+* Better survivability when uptier because most of the tanks fire HEAT-FS rounds
 '''Cons:'''
 * Huge ammo rack that sits at the front of the hull
-* Little armour (disadvantageous for downtier battles, where more armour can lead to bouncing)
+* Little armour (disadvantageous for downtier battles, where more armour can lead to bouncing and where APHE is a common round)
-* Has very poor top armour, extremely vulnerable to artillery
+* Very vulnerable to Cal.50 (never show your sides to a tank that has a cal.50)
-* Differential steering without initial momentum does not traverse the tank quickly
+* Very vulnerable to overpressure
 * Horrible post-penetration damage with the HEAT-FS shell
 == History ==

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 * Has very poor top armour, extremely vulnerable to artillery
 * Differential steering without initial momentum does not traverse the tank quickly
 == History ==
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 ;Skins
 * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_ru251 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

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 ==== Ammunition ====
-{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+{{:BK90 (90 mm)/Ammunition|DM502, M431 shell, M71 shell}}
 ==== [[Ammo racks]] ====

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{Specs-Card
 |code=germ_ru251
-|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 }}

@@ Line 31: / Line 31: @@
 | Turret || 20 mm (23-38°) ''Turret front'' <br> 15 + 30 mm (12-37) ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 30 mm (0-78°) ''Gun mantlet border'' || 20 mm (30-35°) || 20 mm (30-32°) || 10 mm
 |-
-! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
+| Cupola || 30 mm || 30 mm || 30 mm || 30 mm
 |-
 |}
@@ Line 130: / Line 128: @@
 |-
 |}
-[[File:Ammoracks_Ru251.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
+[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
-Turret empty: 51&nbsp;''(+10)''
+* Turret empty: 51&nbsp;''(+10)'' shells.
 === Machine guns ===
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 This tank is highly effective in ambushes, and sniping from cover and the sides of maps. As mentioned prior, this vehicle is not being played to its fullest extent when the enemy knows where it is, or in slugging matches.
-Because the Ru 251 enjoys a gun similar to the [[M47|M47 Patton]] and [[JPz 4-5|Jagdpanzer 4-5]] that utilizes HEAT-FS, HESH, and HE, which are extremely potent at 6.7. There are virtually no enemies that can withstand the power of the HEAT-FS, even if it only penetrates 320mm of armour compared to later HEAT-FS that can penetrate 380 mm of armour or even more.
+Because the Ru 251 enjoys a gun similar to the [[M47|M47 Patton]] and [[JPz 4-5|Jagdpanzer 4-5]] that utilizes HEATFS, HESH, and HE, which are extremely potent at 6.7. There are virtually no enemies that can withstand the power of the HEATFS, even if it only penetrates 320mm of armour compared to later HEATFS that can penetrate 380 mm of armour or even more.
-It should be noted that thanks to the transmission in the Ru 251, it can travel as fast forward as it can backwards. As many German tanks have poor reversing speed, this is a welcome change. Another wonderful feature of the transmission is the neutral steer. Unlike other tanks that are sluggish in their neutral-steering abilities, the Ru 251 will turn quickly when the input is made (Unlike the M41, which feels sluggish when neutral-turning, and at times feels hesitant).
+Thanks to the transmission in the Ru 251, it can travel as fast forward as it can backwards. As many German tanks have poor reversing speed, this is a welcome change. Another wonderful feature of the transmission is the neutral steer. Unlike other tanks that are sluggish in their neutral-steering abilities, the Ru 251 will turn quickly when the input is made (Unlike the M41, which feels sluggish when neutral-turning, and at times feels hesitant).
 ===Tactics===
-Even though the Ru 251 is a light tank, it utilizes advanced HEAT-FS that allows it to penetrate even the most challenging of opponents, such as the [[Maus]]. Upon contact with ammo racks and fuel tanks, serious damage will be done, if it does not outright destroy the opponent.
+Even though the Ru 251 is a light tank, it utilizes advanced HEATFS that allows it to penetrate even the most challenging of opponents, such as the [[Maus]]. Upon contact with ammo racks and fuel tanks, serious damage will be done, if it does not outright destroy the opponent.
 Before all, avoid colourful or bright decals. Camouflage is an essential part of defence. The characteristics for good performance in battle are: be "invisible", fast and effective. The Ru 251 speed is its best ally. This speed has to be used for flanking manoeuvres and relocate. Not for trying to cross open field. That`s a poor tactic.
@@ Line 175: / Line 174: @@
 '''Avoid flat terrain:''' Flat terrain means that the Ru 251 will become an easy target for virtually any vehicle by exposure, especially when not moving or when moving in a straight line. Open plains are the bane of the Ru 251. Whenever possible, one should try to stay amongst hills or within buildings.
-'''Engaging:''' Unlike most German tanks, the Ru 251 does not possess APHE to reliably one shot its opponents. Thus, prioritize ammo locations of tanks before and learn their internal crew layout. Its HEAT-FS round will likely penetrate all vehicles at its battle rating reliably, thus, learning internal crew layout is more important than analysing the armour. If you are unsure where to shoot the enemy, going for the breech is the safest bet. Not only will this prevent the enemy from firing back, it will also force them to relocate and repair.
+'''Engaging:''' Unlike most German tanks, the Ru 251 does not possess APHE to reliably knock out its opponents in one hit. Thus, prioritize ammo locations of tanks before and learn their internal crew layout. Its HEATFS round will likely penetrate all vehicles at its battle rating reliably, thus, learning internal crew layout is more important than analysing the armour. If you are unsure where to shoot the enemy, going for the breech is the safest bet. Not only will this prevent the enemy from firing back, it will also force them to relocate and repair.
 === Pros and cons ===
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 '''Pros:'''
 * Is very, very quick, and has great manoeuvrability
-* Utilizes a very similar gun to the one found on the M47, however is at BR 6.7, not 7.3
+* Utilizes a very similar gun to the one found on the M47, but at a lower BR
 * Has (likely) the fastest reverse speed in the game
 * Reload (with full crew + Expert training) is very quick for the calibre and potency of gun
-* Little armour (advantageous for BR 7.0+ battles, where mobility is favoured)
+* Little armour (advantageous for uptier battles, where mobility is favoured)
 '''Cons:'''
@@ Line 193: / Line 191: @@
 * While acceleration is quick, it is not necessarily fast
 * Huge ammo rack that sits at the front of the hull
-* Little armour (disadvantageous for BR 6.3- battles, where more armour can lead to bouncing)
+* Little armour (disadvantageous for downtier battles, where more armour can lead to bouncing)
 * Has very poor top armour, extremely vulnerable to artillery
 * Differential steering without initial momentum does not traverse the tank quickly
 == 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).'' -->
-The Spähpanzer Ru 251 light tank was conceived solely as a reconnaissance vehicle. In the early 1960s, the Bundeswehr were still using the outdated American M41 Walker Bulldogs in their armored scout battalions, however the time had come to replace them with something more modern. A program to develop a new light tank was launched in 1960. It was essential that the tank had excellent mobility and enough firepower to destroy the main Soviet tanks of the day. The first prototype was built in 1963, followed by at least one more by 1964. In 1964, the Ru 251 prototypes underwent intensive field tests, although by that time the Leopard main battle tank was already being readied for serial production and the Germans decided against ordering another tank so similar to the Leopard.
+The Spähpanzer Ru 251 light tank was conceived solely as a reconnaissance vehicle. In the early 1960s, the Bundeswehr were still using the outdated American M41 Walker Bulldogs in their armoured scout battalions, however the time had come to replace them with something more modern. A program to develop a new light tank was launched in 1960. It was essential that the tank had excellent mobility and enough firepower to destroy the main Soviet tanks of the day. The first prototype was built in 1963, followed by at least one more by 1964. In 1964, the Ru 251 prototypes underwent intensive field tests, although by that time the Leopard main battle tank was already being readied for serial production and the Germans decided against ordering another tank so similar to the Leopard.
 - ''From [[wt:en/news/4524-development-spähpanzer-ru-251-the-fastest-on-land-en/|Devblog]]''
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 == Media ==
 <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 {{Youtube-gallery|k0xWIrlYSr4|'''The Shooting Range #55''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:35 discusses the Ru 251.}}
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 * ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 * [[JPz 4-5]]
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 <!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 * ''topic on the official game forum;''
 * ''other literature.'' -->

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 ! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 |-
-| DM502 || HESH || 853 || 10.6 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 3,050 || 73° || 77° || 80°
+| DM502 || HESH || 853 || 10.6 || 0.1 || 4 || 3,050 || 73° || 77° || 80°
 |-
 | M431 shell || HEATFS || 1,216 || 5.8 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 712.64 || 65° || 72° || 77°

@@ Line 80: / Line 80: @@
 ! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 ! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
-! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
+! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 |-
 ! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
@@ Line 105: / Line 105: @@
 ! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 |-
-| DM502 || HESH || 853 || 10.60 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 3,050 || 73° || 77° || 80°
+| DM502 || HESH || 853 || 10.6 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 3,050 || 73° || 77° || 80°
 |-
-| M431 shell || HEATFS || 1,216 || 5.80 || N/A || 0.1 || 712.6 || 65° || 72° || 77°
+| M431 shell || HEATFS || 1,216 || 5.8 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 712.64 || 65° || 72° || 77°
 |-
-| M71 shell || HE || 823 || 10.55 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 925 || 79° || 80° || 81°
+| M71 shell || HE || 823 || 10.55 || 0 || 0.1 || 925 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 |-
 |}