SU-122 - Revision history

U74396666: New Description Project - USSR Priority: SU-122

2023-11-22T17:46:15Z

New Description Project - USSR Priority: SU-122

U38088265: /* Ammunition */ Converted to transclusion

2023-01-31T00:07:52Z

‎Ammunition: Converted to transclusion

U44629479: /* Media */ Removed dead video

2023-01-11T10:49:01Z

‎Media: Removed dead video

U38088265: /* In-game description */ Reformatted

2022-10-20T21:47:33Z

‎In-game description: Reformatted

U9202753: Added a new Specs-Card thumbnail

2022-10-14T00:17:28Z

Added a new Specs-Card thumbnail

U28580205: /* Ammunition */ Ammunition stat updated from Update "Drone Age"

2022-09-16T16:14:25Z

‎Ammunition: Ammunition stat updated from Update "Drone Age"

U44629479: Edits

2022-09-06T07:11:14Z

Edits

U44629479: Edits

2022-09-06T07:09:33Z

Edits

U124853887: /* Usage in battles */ added note about vulnerability to Sd.Kfz.234/2

2022-09-06T05:37:25Z

‎Usage in battles: added note about vulnerability to Sd.Kfz.234/2

U44629479: Undo revision 131637 by U107077455 (talk)

2022-06-19T06:41:21Z

Undo revision 131637 by U107077455 (talk)

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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 '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41. This vehicle was created on T-34 chassis and carries a fearsome 122 mm M-30 howitzer.
+The '''SU-122''' was a World War II-era Soviet self-propelled assault gun. Mounted on a T-34 medium tank chassis, the main armament consists of a 122 mm M-30S howitzer. After the German Sturmgeschütz III assault guns proved successful, the Soviet High Command became interested in this concept. Compared to conventional tanks, assault guns had certain advantages. Their lack of a turret allowed for a lower production cost. On the same chassis, they could be equipped with bigger and more potent weapons and constructed with a larger fighting compartment. However, unlike conventional tanks, assault guns usually aim by orienting the entire vehicle, making them less effective in close-quarters fighting.
-The main feature of this SPG is a powerful gun, but you have to make a good use of the first shot. It also has a very strong frontal armour which will deflect most kinetic shells at its BR.
+Introduced in the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41, the SU-122 is a truly unique vehicle. Its formidable gun is its primary feature, but considering the incredibly long reload time, players need to make every shot matter. It also possesses formidable frontal armour that can withstand most shells at its rank. However, due to its high shell drop, it is also very difficult for it to hit targets from a distance during battles; therefore, a great deal of experience is required to operate this vehicle well.
 == General info ==
@@ Line 191: / Line 189: @@
 ;Skins
 * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_su_122 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

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 ==== Ammunition ====
-{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+{{:M-30 (122 mm)/Ammunition|OF-462, BP-460A, D-462A}}
 ==== [[Ammo racks]] ====

@@ Line 237: / Line 237: @@
 ;Skins
 * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_su_122 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 == See also ==

@@ Line 219: / Line 219: @@
 Only a small number of SU-122s survived the war, with only one known example on display at the Kubinka Tank Museum.
-=== In-game description ===
+{{break}}
 This SPG armed with a 122 mm M-30 Mod. 1938 howitzer was developed in October-November 1942 to support and escort tanks. In December of the same year, it entered production and was put into service.
@@ Line 228: / Line 230: @@
 The SU-122 was put into service in SPG regiments in quantities of up to 16 vehicles per regiment.
-Its flaws were: its small horizontal firing angle and complex aiming; long barrel length complicating manoeuvring on rough terrain and in urban areas; low rate of fire in combat; relatively small on-board ammunition capacity; and lack of a machine gun for self-defence. In spite of these flaws, the SU-122's high firepower, manoeuvrability and defensive capabilities made it a dangerous opponent in battle.
+The SPG's flaws were: its small horizontal firing angle and complex aiming; long barrel length complicating manoeuvring on rough terrain and in urban areas; low rate of fire in combat; relatively small on-board ammunition capacity; and lack of a machine gun for self-defence. In spite of these flaws, the SU-122's high firepower, manoeuvrability and defensive capabilities made it a dangerous opponent in battle.
 == Media ==

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{Specs-Card
 |code=ussr_su_122
-|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 }}

@@ Line 115: / Line 115: @@
 ! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 |-
-| OF-462 || HE || 515 || 21.76 || 0 || 0.1 || 3,670 || 79° || 80° || 81°
+| OF-462 || HE || 515 || 21.76 || N/A || 0.1 || 3,670 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 |-
 | BP-460A || HEAT || 335 || 13.4 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 3,360 || 62° || 69° || 73°
@@ Line 131: / Line 131: @@
 ! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 |-
-| D-462A || 515 || 23.3 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
+| D-462A || 515 || 22.32 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
 |-
 |}

@@ Line 48: / Line 48: @@
 {{tankMobility|abMinHp=710|rbMinHp=442}}
-The mobility of the SU-122 is excellent for a vehicle with such protection and firepower. On hard and/or flat surfaces it can easily reach 50 km/h after some acceleration which is comparable to even some light tanks. Thus it is able to rush to required locations in urban maps quickly. For off-road environments, the speed will drop considerably, although still satisfactory. The hull traverse is usable, but it may only be barely enough to keep up with a small, fast tank (eg. [[M3 Stuart (Family)|M3 Stuart]]) circling you in close proximity. The reverse speed is extremely slow and will not get you out of a dangerous situation quickly, although your armour might save you.
+The mobility of the SU-122 is excellent for a vehicle with such protection and firepower. On hard and/or flat surfaces it can easily reach 50 km/h after some acceleration which is comparable to even some light tanks. Thus it is able to rush to required locations in urban maps quickly. For off-road environments, the speed will drop considerably, although still satisfactory. The hull traverse is usable, but it may only be barely enough to keep up with a small, fast tank (e.g. [[M3 Stuart (Family)|M3 Stuart]]) circling you in close proximity. The reverse speed is extremely slow and will not get you out of a dangerous situation quickly, although your armour might save you.
 === Modifications and economy ===
@@ Line 172: / Line 172: @@
 An experienced SU-122 commander can maximise its armour and firepower, making it not any less fearsome than a B1 ter. So it is important for players to know the weaknesses of the SU-122.
-* Light tanks & SPAAS ([[M3 Stuart (Family)|M3]]/[[M5 Stuart (Family)|M5]], [[Crusader (Family)|Crusader]], [[AB 43]], etc.): these vehicles are poorly armoured but have great mobility. Use their speed and agility to your advantage: do not expose yourself face to face against a SU-122 unless it is reloading/disarmed, its HE shell can easily destroy you with overpressure. If you must fight it frontally, either destroy both of its tracks so it cannot move or damage its gun barrel/breech (this is considerably harder as the gun will be constantly aiming around, and the target is small). Multiple shots might be needed if your calibre is small, in the mean time conceal yourself if it starts aiming at you. You can try scraping behind a cover and exposing a small part of your tank to trick it into firing, and if you manoeuvre/dodge properly it is likely to miss. Once it is immobile, disarmed or reloading, flank to its side/rear. The side is generally a better choice as there is a flat armour right above the track to shoot at, while the hull rear is sloped and can resist some small-calibre shells, meaning only the rear of the fighting compartment is vulnerable. If you do not have lots of penetration (eg. [[Flakpanzer 38]], [[M3 Stuart (Family)|M3 Stuart]], etc.), target said flat side armour and knock out either the driver or the engine first to make sure it cannot move in the following seconds. Then take your time and knock out the remaining crew members.
+* Light tanks & SPAAS ([[M3 Stuart (Family)|M3]]/[[M5 Stuart (Family)|M5]], [[Crusader (Family)|Crusader]], [[AB 43]], etc.): these vehicles are poorly armoured but have great mobility. Use their speed and agility to your advantage: do not expose yourself face to face against a SU-122 unless it is reloading/disarmed, its HE shell can easily destroy you with overpressure. If you must fight it frontally, either destroy both of its tracks so it cannot move or damage its gun barrel/breech (this is considerably harder as the gun will be constantly aiming around, and the target is small). Multiple shots might be needed if your calibre is small, in the mean time conceal yourself if it starts aiming at you. You can try scraping behind a cover and exposing a small part of your tank to trick it into firing, and if you manoeuvre/dodge properly it is likely to miss. Once it is immobile, disarmed or reloading, flank to its side/rear. The side is generally a better choice as there is a flat armour right above the track to shoot at, while the hull rear is sloped and can resist some small-calibre shells, meaning only the rear of the fighting compartment is vulnerable. If you do not have lots of penetration (e.g. [[Flakpanzer 38]], [[M3 Stuart (Family)|M3 Stuart]], etc.), target said flat side armour and knock out either the driver or the engine first to make sure it cannot move in the following seconds. Then take your time and knock out the remaining crew members.
 * Medium tanks ([[Pz.III J]], [[Chi-Ha Kai]], [[M3 Lee]], etc.): medium tanks receive better firepower at the price of worse mobility, and this may make it harder to kill a SU-122. Since you do not have the great speed light tanks sport to freely manoeuvre around the target, you must get used to quick and precise targeting to aim at whichever weak spot is presented to you. In a frontal encounter, although you have a more powerful cannon, it is still not likely to go through the SU-122's frontal armour, but you need fewer shots to break its tracks, gun barrel or gun breech. Remember to conceal yourself properly if you think it will fire first. Do not expose an angled part of your tank hoping to "side-scrape" to lure its shots, your crew/modules will likely get destroyed by overpressure. When you are at its side, you can target the larger slightly-angled armour of the fighting compartment to knock out its closely-packed crew, if you have explosive shells. If not, again target driver/engine first.
 * Heavy tanks/ tank destroyers ([[Matilda (Family)|Matilda]], [[M4A3 (105)]], [[Marder III]], etc.): these tanks either have the armour to take some hits, or the firepower to wipe out almost all opponents, making them easier to deal with a SU-122. Nevertheless, care should be taken as its HE shell is still a huge threat. Since heavy tanks have thicker armour, there is a chance that the SU-122 fires at them where overpressure doesn't work. If that is the case, break its tracks or cannon during its reload, and flank to its side for the kill. Tank destroyers at this BR can frontally penetrate the T-34 chassis even from a distance, but they are usually weakly protected. The best tactic is to keep your distance and destroy the SU-122 once it reveals itself, as it has slow muzzle velocity and curved trajectory making it bad at distant shots. But do cover yourself if you cannot shoot immediately, you cannot take its blow either.
@@ Line 210: / Line 210: @@
 ===Combat usage===
-The first few SU-122s created were sent to training centres and to two combat units, the 1433rd and 1434th self-propelled artillery regiments. Each regiment was intended to have two batteries of four SU-122s and four batteries of four [[SU-76M|SU-76s]]. Thirty of such self-propelled artillery regiments were planned to be raised in the armour and mechanized corps. In January 1943, the 1433 and 1434 regiments were sent to Leningrad near the Volkhov Front to support the 54th Army. These regiments and their self-propelled guns first saw action on January 14 in the Smierdny region. Combat experience showed that the best deployment of the SU-122s was about 400 to 600 meters behind advancing tank units, to which it was sometimes reduced to just 200 meters minimum distance. The mixed deployment of the SU-76 and the SU-122 was a failure and the organization was changed. The new system had two batteries of SU-76 and three batteries of SU-122s for 20 vehicles, this was changed again in April for separate regiments for SU-76s and SU-122s (called "light" and "medium" respectively). The medium self-propelled artillery regiments had four batteries of four SU-122s each for 16 vehicles. An additional SU-122 or T-34 was added as a commander for the regiment, along with a BA-64 armoured car for reconnaissance duties. This organization of the self-propelled artillery regiments stayed until the beginning of 1944 as newer and better self-propelled guns such as the [[SU-85]], [[ISU-122]], and [[ISU-152]] were being produced, when the SU-122 was beginning to be phased out as well.
+The first few SU-122s created were sent to training centres and to two combat units, the 1433rd and 1434th self-propelled artillery regiments. Each regiment was intended to have two batteries of four SU-122s and four batteries of four [[SU-76M|SU-76s]]. Thirty of such self-propelled artillery regiments were planned to be raised in the armour and mechanized corps. In January 1943, the 1433 and 1434 regiments were sent to Leningrad near the Volkhov Front to support the 54th Army. These regiments and their self-propelled guns first saw action on January 14 in the Smierdny region. Combat experience showed that the best deployment of the SU-122s was about 400 to 600 m behind advancing tank units, to which it was sometimes reduced to just 200 m minimum distance. The mixed deployment of the SU-76 and the SU-122 was a failure and the organization was changed. The new system had two batteries of SU-76 and three batteries of SU-122s for 20 vehicles, this was changed again in April for separate regiments for SU-76s and SU-122s (called "light" and "medium" respectively). The medium self-propelled artillery regiments had four batteries of four SU-122s each for 16 vehicles. An additional SU-122 or T-34 was added as a commander for the regiment, along with a BA-64 armoured car for reconnaissance duties. This organization of the self-propelled artillery regiments stayed until the beginning of 1944 as newer and better self-propelled guns such as the [[SU-85]], [[ISU-122]], and [[ISU-152]] were being produced, when the SU-122 was beginning to be phased out as well.
 The SU-122 in combat proved very effective in its role as direct fire support on strongholds. The high-power high-explosive rounds create a massive concussion blast on impact and may be powerful enough to even knock the turret off a [[Tiger H1|Tiger I]] tank. Until May 1943, only the HE rounds were available for the 122 mm gun, but the BP-460A HEAT rounds were introduced on that month that could theoretically penetrate any armour the German have on their tanks, but the HEAT round's primitive design and fuse, adding the gun's inaccuracy, caused the SU-122 to not be an effective tank destroyer.

@@ Line 162: / Line 162: @@
 This slow reload rate also means that the SU-122 cannot effectively deal with multiple enemies at the same time. Therefore, team play is almost a necessity. If you do not have a squad to play with and you do not trust your teammates, try to keep hostile tanks on your front and avoid overextending into the enemy territory, where your teammates will be unable to keep enemies off your sides by just being there. This is especially important since, of course, the SU-122 is a case-mate tank destroyer without a traversable turret. The vehicle's sides are flat and thus incredibly vulnerable to enemy flankers, and although the side armour itself can stop glancing hits with small-calibre rounds, they will not stop shells from enemy medium tanks or SPG. It is particularly important to keep a constant lookout for enemy flankers when fighting at closer ranges where the enemy can sneak up without you noticing.
-When the loader(s) is wounded or knocked out, the long reload time will become even longer, and playing effectively with the SU-122 then becomes very difficult. So, avoid exposing the loader to enemy fire when possible. Thankfully, the SU-122 has a decent armour layout. Its front armour, while not invincible, can still protect against some low-rank guns, and the gun mantlet is very strong. The tank also has a fairly small silhouette. Nevertheless, the frontal armour is not sufficient against high-rank guns, like ones used by [[Sd.Kfz.234/2]] or [[Pz.III L]] or SPG cannons in general, and, due to the crew layout within the tank, a shot to the left side can knock out three of the five crew members--including the driver and the gunner. This is a debilitating hit and will often result in the SU-122's outright destruction. If possible, position your tank so that it is difficult for the enemy to hit this left side of your vehicle.
+When the loader(s) is wounded or knocked out, the long reload time will become even longer, and playing effectively with the SU-122 then becomes very difficult. So, avoid exposing the loader to enemy fire when possible. Thankfully, the SU-122 has a decent armour layout. Its front armour, while not invincible, can still protect against some low-rank guns, and the gun mantlet is very strong. The tank also has a fairly small silhouette. Nevertheless, the frontal armour is not sufficient against high-rank guns, like the German [[KwK39 (50 mm)|50 mm KwK39]] or SPG cannons in general, and, due to the crew layout within the tank, a shot to the left side can knock out three of the five crew members--including the driver and the gunner. This is a debilitating hit and will often result in the SU-122's outright destruction. If possible, position your tank so that it is difficult for the enemy to hit this left side of your vehicle.
 The SU-122 plays well has a hull-down tank destroyer: this is where its powerful gun shines and where the issues caused by its long reload are minimized. If choosing this playstyle, the player should remember that the SU-122 suffers at long ranges due to its slow shell velocity. Therefore, choose hull-down positions so that the enemy will appear at close or medium ranges. Also be aware that the SU-122 has bad gun depression, which can make shooting over ridgelines very difficult.
@@ Line 172: / Line 172: @@
 An experienced SU-122 commander can maximise its armour and firepower, making it not any less fearsome than a B1 ter. So it is important for players to know the weaknesses of the SU-122.
-* Light tanks & SPAAS ([[M3 Stuart (Family)|M3]]/[[M5 Stuart (Family)|M5]], [[Crusader (Family)|Crusader]], [[AB 43]], etc): these vehicles are poorly armoured but have great mobility. Use their speed and agility to your advantage: do not expose yourself face to face against a SU-122 unless it is reloading/disarmed, its HE shell can easily destroy you with overpressure. If you must fight it frontally, either destroy both of its tracks so it cannot move or damage its gun barrel/breech (this is considerably harder as the gun will be constantly aiming around, and the target is small). Multiple shots might be needed if your calibre is small, in the mean time conceal yourself if it starts aiming at you. You can try scraping behind a cover and exposing a small part of your tank to trick it into firing, and if you manoeuvre/dodge properly it is likely to miss. Once it is immobile, disarmed or reloading, flank to its side/rear. The side is generally a better choice as there is a flat armour right above the track to shoot at, while the hull rear is sloped and can resist some small-calibre shells, meaning only the rear of the fighting compartment is vulnerable. If you do not have lots of penetration (eg. [[Flakpanzer 38]], [[M3 Stuart (Family)|M3 Stuart]], etc), target said flat side armour and knock out either the driver or the engine first to make sure it cannot move in the following seconds. Then take your time and knock out the remaining crew members.
+* Light tanks & SPAAS ([[M3 Stuart (Family)|M3]]/[[M5 Stuart (Family)|M5]], [[Crusader (Family)|Crusader]], [[AB 43]], etc.): these vehicles are poorly armoured but have great mobility. Use their speed and agility to your advantage: do not expose yourself face to face against a SU-122 unless it is reloading/disarmed, its HE shell can easily destroy you with overpressure. If you must fight it frontally, either destroy both of its tracks so it cannot move or damage its gun barrel/breech (this is considerably harder as the gun will be constantly aiming around, and the target is small). Multiple shots might be needed if your calibre is small, in the mean time conceal yourself if it starts aiming at you. You can try scraping behind a cover and exposing a small part of your tank to trick it into firing, and if you manoeuvre/dodge properly it is likely to miss. Once it is immobile, disarmed or reloading, flank to its side/rear. The side is generally a better choice as there is a flat armour right above the track to shoot at, while the hull rear is sloped and can resist some small-calibre shells, meaning only the rear of the fighting compartment is vulnerable. If you do not have lots of penetration (eg. [[Flakpanzer 38]], [[M3 Stuart (Family)|M3 Stuart]], etc.), target said flat side armour and knock out either the driver or the engine first to make sure it cannot move in the following seconds. Then take your time and knock out the remaining crew members.
-* Medium tanks ([[Pz.III J]], [[Chi-Ha Kai]], [[M3 Lee]], etc): medium tanks receive better firepower at the price of worse mobility, and this may make it harder to kill a SU-122. Since you do not have the great speed light tanks sport to freely manoeuvre around the target, you must get used to quick and precise targeting to aim at whichever weak spot is presented to you. In a frontal encounter, although you have a more powerful cannon, it is still not likely to go through the SU-122's frontal armour, but you need fewer shots to break its tracks, gun barrel or gun breech. Remember to conceal yourself properly if you think it will fire first. Do not expose an angled part of your tank hoping to "side-scrape" to lure its shots, your crew/modules will likely get destroyed by overpressure. When you are at its side, you can target the larger slightly-angled armour of the fighting compartment to knock out its closely-packed crew, if you have explosive shells. If not, again target driver/engine first.
+* Medium tanks ([[Pz.III J]], [[Chi-Ha Kai]], [[M3 Lee]], etc.): medium tanks receive better firepower at the price of worse mobility, and this may make it harder to kill a SU-122. Since you do not have the great speed light tanks sport to freely manoeuvre around the target, you must get used to quick and precise targeting to aim at whichever weak spot is presented to you. In a frontal encounter, although you have a more powerful cannon, it is still not likely to go through the SU-122's frontal armour, but you need fewer shots to break its tracks, gun barrel or gun breech. Remember to conceal yourself properly if you think it will fire first. Do not expose an angled part of your tank hoping to "side-scrape" to lure its shots, your crew/modules will likely get destroyed by overpressure. When you are at its side, you can target the larger slightly-angled armour of the fighting compartment to knock out its closely-packed crew, if you have explosive shells. If not, again target driver/engine first.
-* Heavy tanks/ tank destroyers ([[Matilda (Family)|Matilda]], [[M4A3 (105)]], [[Marder III]], etc): these tanks either have the armour to take some hits, or the firepower to wipe out almost all opponents, making them easier to deal with a SU-122. Nevertheless, care should be taken as its HE shell is still a huge threat. Since heavy tanks have thicker armour, there is a chance that the SU-122 fires at them where overpressure doesn't work. If that is the case, break its tracks or cannon during its reload, and flank to its side for the kill. Tank destroyers at this BR can frontally penetrate the T-34 chassis even from a distance, but they are usually weakly protected. The best tactic is to keep your distance and destroy the SU-122 once it reveals itself, as it has slow muzzle velocity and curved trajectory making it bad at distant shots. But do cover yourself if you cannot shoot immediately, you cannot take its blow either.
+* Heavy tanks/ tank destroyers ([[Matilda (Family)|Matilda]], [[M4A3 (105)]], [[Marder III]], etc.): these tanks either have the armour to take some hits, or the firepower to wipe out almost all opponents, making them easier to deal with a SU-122. Nevertheless, care should be taken as its HE shell is still a huge threat. Since heavy tanks have thicker armour, there is a chance that the SU-122 fires at them where overpressure doesn't work. If that is the case, break its tracks or cannon during its reload, and flank to its side for the kill. Tank destroyers at this BR can frontally penetrate the T-34 chassis even from a distance, but they are usually weakly protected. The best tactic is to keep your distance and destroy the SU-122 once it reveals itself, as it has slow muzzle velocity and curved trajectory making it bad at distant shots. But do cover yourself if you cannot shoot immediately, you cannot take its blow either.
 === Pros and cons ===

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 The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41. This vehicle was created on T-34 chassis and carries a fearsome 122 mm M-30 howitzer.
-The main feature of this SPG is a powerful gun, but you have to make a good use of the first shot. It also has a very strong frontal armor which will deflect most kinetic shells at its BR.
+The main feature of this SPG is a powerful gun, but you have to make a good use of the first shot. It also has a very strong frontal armour which will deflect most kinetic shells at its BR.
 It is very hard for it to hit targets from over 500 m in Realistic and Simulator battles, so its users often resort to rushing an enemy tank and shooting it at point-blank range, but this only works if there are no other enemy tanks because with an untrained crew it can take anywhere from 20 to 33 seconds before the {{PAGENAME}} has reloaded.