VCC-80/30 - Revision history

U42773747: added some pictures on top of the text.

2024-10-19T17:50:47Z

added some pictures on top of the text.

U42773747: Wrote something that wasn't technically correct, so fixed. Main text may still need proofreading, idk.

2024-10-19T14:45:30Z

Wrote something that wasn't technically correct, so fixed. Main text may still need proofreading, idk.

U42773747: Tried to upwrite this page to differentiate it from Dardo somewhat. Some points in pro/con are becoming kinda nonsensical with current BR rates, but i'll leave them there.

2024-10-19T12:10:24Z

Tried to upwrite this page to differentiate it from Dardo somewhat. Some points in pro/con are becoming kinda nonsensical with current BR rates, but i'll leave them there.

U44629479: /* Ammunition */ Edits

2023-09-18T19:02:59Z

‎Ammunition: Edits

U50462726: So the default belt was recently changed to pure APDS, no he. Only problem is I could not figure out how to remove the HE so I rewrote it

2023-09-18T18:13:21Z

So the default belt was recently changed to pure APDS, no he. Only problem is I could not figure out how to remove the HE so I rewrote it

U44629479: /* Machine guns */ Edits

2023-03-11T17:38:09Z

‎Machine guns: Edits

U2903018: /* Survivability and armour */

2023-02-11T12:49:37Z

‎Survivability and armour

U38088265: /* Ammunition */ Converted to transclusion

2023-01-24T22:23:29Z

‎Ammunition: Converted to transclusion

U38088265: /* Ammunition */ Converted to transclusion

2023-01-24T22:21:48Z

‎Ammunition: Converted to transclusion

U44629479: Edits

2022-12-07T08:55:05Z

Edits

@@ Line 131: / Line 131: @@
 When using commander aim in commander sight, the missile LOS is calculated off the commander sight instead of a gun, so use it whenever possible to increase missile reach.
+[[File:VCC 80 30 commander scope camping.jpg|thumb|right|Soviet tankers often deem themselves immortal and almighty. Unlike Dardo, VCC 80/30 can deal with both.]]
 TOW-2 and TOW-2A are direct hit missiles by nature, and the launchers are located below the commander's sight, so when firing over a hill, inital launch should be pointed up into the sky to avoid wasting ammunition. Minimal range for indirect shot is about 500 m. TOW-2B may avoid the hill naturally, but when standing next to it, firing up initially is still recommended.
@@ Line 193: / Line 193: @@
 The TOW launchers are equipped with TOW-2, TOW-2B (which can destroy camping sniper tanks), and also the TOW-2A ATGM with tandem warhead (to penetrate tanks that have ERA protection). Depending on enemy team composition and the BR, you can always bring at least some TOW-2B for the NATO tanks while the rest of the vehicle can hold the TOW-2A.
+[[File:VCC 80 30 critical chokepoint.jpg|thumb|right|Properly chosen position can elevate this tank from being a nuisance to being a team-scale threat.]]
 The TOW launchers can only be used when stationary, so the gun still must be used when suddenly attacked. APFSDS can cut into engine compartments at very shallow angles, so never surrender and always try to hit enemy hull side armour, sometimes miracles happen. Sometimes at a range of 500 m medium tanks may expose just enough of the tank hull to get destroyed by the gun barely hitting it, but this is difficult to gauge in RB. The gun is also useful for attacking less armoured light tanks or repositioning sniper tanks at very long ranges, and the enemy will have problems with responding back if you do not overextend.
@@ Line 258: / Line 258: @@
 * ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 ;Related development

@@ Line 75: / Line 75: @@
 {{main|Bushmaster 2 Mk.44 (30 mm)}}
-The gun on this tank is a Bushmaster 30 mm autocannon. It is fairly common on German tanks at the rank and it's main selling point is increased penetration value over the 20-25 mm cannons.
+The gun on this tank is a Bushmaster 30 mm autocannon. It is fairly commonly seen on German tank [[Vilkas]] at the rank (as well as many other light tanks of a lower BR) and it's main selling point is increased penetration value over the 20-25 mm cannons.
 Its downsides are a relatively low rate of fire and objective randomness of damage at close range, which combined with poor armour makes the VCC weaker than other light tanks at close range. At ranges of 500 and 1000 m the gun becomes significantly more efficient than its peers and overall less random.
@@ Line 203: / Line 203: @@
 '''Pros:'''
-* Low profile, unlike its contemporary, like the M3A3 Bradley and Strf 9040 BILL
+* Low profile, unlike its contemporary (like the M3A3 Bradley and Strf 9040 BILL)
 * Extremely safe missile attack setup with commander sight controls unlike Dardo
 * Fantastic mobility when compared to opposition

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
 The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].
-The VCC-80/30 is one of the prototypes created during development of the Italian [[Dardo]] IFV, featuring a 30 mm quick firing Bushmaster II gun and a commander's sight.
+The VCC-80/30 is one of the prototypes created during development of the Italian [[Dardo]] IFV, featuring a 30 mm quick firing Bushmaster II gun and a commander's sight. These features optimize the tank performance for medium to long range combat, while close range combat becomes risky.
 == General info ==
@@ Line 22: / Line 22: @@
 The survival of the VCC-80/30 is characterized by its thin armour. The armour is made of rolled homogeneous armour and aluminum that make up an effective armour of 77 mm at the top of the hull, while at the bottom, the most vulnerable part, the armour amounts to 46 mm. This armour is very weak, it can barely defend against 20 mm shells.
-Inside the VCC-80/30 there are 3 crew members: the driver, the commander and the gunner.
+As with Dardo, inside the VCC-80/30 there are 3 crew members: the driver, the commander and the gunner, and it's easy to lose both turret crew members if the tank was penetrated. The dual ammunition belt is also present to their side, and it explodes if hit.
 The engine is at the front of the vehicle and is separated from the driving area with a rolled homogeneous plate of 6 mm. This plate that separates the driver from the engine serves to increase the vehicle's resistance against shrapnel and fire.
 '''Armour type:'''
@@ Line 72: / Line 74: @@
 <!-- ''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.'' -->
 {{main|Bushmaster 2 Mk.44 (30 mm)}}
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
@@ Line 119: / Line 127: @@
 <!-- ''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.'' -->
 {{main|BGM-71 TOW}}
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
@@ Line 170: / Line 186: @@
 <!-- ''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 VCC-80/30 has a different style of gameplay than the Dardo IFV, but instead is very similar to the M3A3 Bradley. Do not rush at capture points or enemies, because your main gun cannot damage enemy tanks as easily as the previous Dardo. It's best to stay hidden and therefore not fire as many shots. In terms of the mobility, the VCC-80/30 is almost equal to the Dardo IFV since the hull is the same, just slightly taller. The TOW launchers are equipped with TOW-2, TOW-2B, and also the TOW-2A ATGM with tandem warhead (to penetrate tanks that have ERA protection). It is always recommended to bring some TOW-2B while the rest of the vehicle holds the TOW-2A. The TOW launchers can only be used when in battle mode or when stationary. In addition to the TOW launchers, the VCC-80/30 carries a 30 mm Bushmaster II cannon with a slow rate of fire and increased penetration using APDS and APFSDS. It is very useful for attacking less armoured enemies on the side. Do not to rush the capture points or go to contact with the enemy, look for a way to get around them or attack them by surprise, because only one hit is enough to destroy you.
+The VCC-80/30 has a different style of gameplay from the Dardo IFV, instead it is very similar to the M3A3 Bradley or a classical sniper tank. Do not rush at capture points or enemies, because your main gun cannot damage enemy tanks as fast as with the previous Dardo. Instead, stalk around the points and hit tanks with missiles. It's best to stay hidden and therefore not fire as many shots, unless you managed to intercept a clueless tanker. Look for a way to get around them or attack them by surprise, because only one hit is enough to destroy you.
 === Pros and cons ===
@@ Line 177: / Line 203: @@
 '''Pros:'''
-* Fantastic mobility
+* Low profile, unlike its contemporary, like the M3A3 Bradley and Strf 9040 BILL
-** High speed, both forwards (70 km/h) and in reverse (-34 km/h)
+* Extremely safe missile attack setup with commander sight controls unlike Dardo
 ** Responsive neutral steering
 ** Eager to accelerate both forwards and in reverse
 * Very fast turret rotation
 '''Cons:'''
-* Much slower rate of fire (200 rpm) than the 25 mm Oerlikon found on the Dardo
+* Much slower rate of fire (200 rpm) than the 25 mm Oerlikon found on the Dardo, so it has significantly worse time-to-kill at close ranges and against mobile aircraft
-* Weak armour, as is expected from an IFV
+* If it loses terrain advantage and/or tank commander then it can't fight efficiently and arguably becomes a worse Dardo
-* Stock belts consists of one single APDS shot, this, combined with the slow rate of fire, can land you in serious trouble when engaging enemy vehicles
+* Cannot fire missiles on the move, unlike the Russian tanks or future tanks that are armed with the Spike missile
 * Tendency to oversteer at high speeds
 == History ==

@@ Line 91: / Line 91: @@
 ==== Ammunition ====
-* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}
+* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}
 * '''MK266:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
 * '''MK258:''' {{Annotation|APFSDS|Armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot}}

@@ Line 91: / Line 91: @@
 ==== Ammunition ====
-* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
+* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}
 * '''MK266:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
 * '''MK258:''' {{Annotation|APFSDS|Armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot}}

@@ Line 163: / Line 163: @@
 ! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 |-
-| Coaxial || 1,200 (200) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
+| Coaxial || 1,200 (200) || 801 || N/A || N/A
 |-
 |}

@@ Line 20: / Line 20: @@
 <!-- ''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.'' -->
-The survival of the VCC-80/30 is characterized by good armour and crew. The armour is made of rolled homogeneous armour and aluminum that make up an effective armour of 77 mm at the top of the hull, while at the bottom, the most vulnerable part, the armour amounts to 46 mm. This armour is very weak, it can barely defend against 20 mm shells.
+The survival of the VCC-80/30 is characterized by its thin armour. The armour is made of rolled homogeneous armour and aluminum that make up an effective armour of 77 mm at the top of the hull, while at the bottom, the most vulnerable part, the armour amounts to 46 mm. This armour is very weak, it can barely defend against 20 mm shells.
 Inside the VCC-80/30 there are 3 crew members: the driver, the commander and the gunner.
@@ Line 222: / Line 222: @@
 ;Skins
 * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=it_vcc_80_hitfist_30 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

@@ Line 132: / Line 132: @@
 ==== Ammunition ====
-{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+{{:BGM-71 TOW/Ammunition|TOW-2, TOW-2A, TOW-2B}}
 ==== [[Ammo racks]] ====

@@ Line 294: / Line 294: @@
 This version of the TC-25 Hitfist turret would be mainly seen in military arms exhibitions, but for testing reasons, this up-gunned version of the turret would also be tested on the VCC-80 'Dardo' IFV. Not much is known in regards to the tests, however it is safe to assume that the Italian army at the time was not interested.
-The upgraded TC-25 Hitfist was armed with a stabilised dual-fed 30 mm Bushmaster II which could fire a variety of munitions, including 30 mm APFSDS. In addition, it had access to a 7.62 mm MG with 700 rounds, and 2 TOW ATGM launchers, which were able to fire ITOW, TOW-2, TOW-2A, and TOW-2B. In terms of FCS, it utilised the same Kollsman Day/Night sight already present of the production batches of the Dardo IFV, more interestingly tests conducted on the up-gunned Dardo also showed that despite the new caliber, a commander sight was still always available. Lastly, if there was a need to disengage from a firefight, 8 x 80 mm smoke launchers were still available. Overall this would've been a great potential upgrade which could be easily done for the Dardo, however since the Italian army had no interest it was never done in a high amount. Instead, nearly 20 years later, OTO Melara would showcase a new upgrade for the Dardo which would use a 30 mm autocannon, but instead of the TC-25 Hitfist turret it would be presented on the 30 mm OWS turret.
+The upgraded TC-25 Hitfist was armed with a stabilised dual-fed 30 mm Bushmaster II which could fire a variety of munitions, including 30 mm APFSDS. In addition, it had access to a 7.62 mm MG with 700 rounds, and 2 TOW ATGM launchers, which were able to fire ITOW, TOW-2, TOW-2A, and TOW-2B. In terms of FCS, it utilised the same Kollsman Day/Night sight already present of the production batches of the Dardo IFV, more interestingly tests conducted on the up-gunned Dardo also showed that despite the new calibre, a commander sight was still always available. Lastly, if there was a need to disengage from a firefight, 8 x 80 mm smoke launchers were still available. Overall this would've been a great potential upgrade which could be easily done for the Dardo, however since the Italian army had no interest it was never done in a high amount. Instead, nearly 20 years later, OTO Melara would showcase a new upgrade for the Dardo which would use a 30 mm autocannon, but instead of the TC-25 Hitfist turret it would be presented on the 30 mm OWS turret.
 OTO would continue to showcase and hopefully sell the TC-25 Hitfist turret up to the early 2000s. The modified turret would generate some interest in the UK, specifically with the Alvis Stormer 30, which started as a private venture. The reasoning was mainly so the new vehicle could meet potential user requirements for a high-mobility air-portable armoured reconnaissance vehicle. The development of the Stormer 30 started in 1995, with the first prototype completed in the year 1997. Sadly, Alvis didn't manage to generate any interest with the Stormer 30 so OTO Melara was once again without a potential customer for one of their items.
@@ Line 300: / Line 300: @@
 === [[wt:en/news/7371-development-vcc-80-30-dardo-s-elder-brother-en|Devblog]] ===
-During the development of the Dardo IFV, several variants of chassis and turrets with different guns took part in the competition. The prototype VCC-80 with a HITFIST turret is slightly higher than Dardo, and designed to mount the American 30mm Bushmaster II cannon. Despite the more advanced fire control system and an additional electro-optical periscope for the commander, the military preferred a more compact version of the turret with a 25mm gun, the HITFIST turret later used for a prototype infantry fire support vehicle and escorting motorized columns with a 60mm gun.
+During the development of the Dardo IFV, several variants of chassis and turrets with different guns took part in the competition. The prototype VCC-80 with a HITFIST turret is slightly higher than Dardo, and designed to mount the American 30 mm Bushmaster II cannon. Despite the more advanced fire control system and an additional electro-optical periscope for the commander, the military preferred a more compact version of the turret with a 25 mm gun, the HITFIST turret later used for a prototype infantry fire support vehicle and escorting motorized columns with a 60 mm gun.
-The VCC-80/30 is another variant of one of the best infantry fighting vehicles in War Thunder, the Italian Dardo. Despite the similarity of these machines, the VCC-80/30 - although it is only a prototype of the Dardo - surpasses its serial brother in some aspects. The main difference between the machines is the turret and the gun. The prototype has a HITFIST 30 turret, which houses a 30mm Bushmaster II cannon, which is more powerful than the first version already familiar to you from the Bradley, but with about the same rate of fire.
+The VCC-80/30 is another variant of one of the best infantry fighting vehicles in War Thunder, the Italian Dardo. Despite the similarity of these machines, the VCC-80/30 - although it is only a prototype of the Dardo - surpasses its serial brother in some aspects. The main difference between the machines is the turret and the gun. The prototype has a HITFIST 30 turret, which houses a 30 mm Bushmaster II cannon, which is more powerful than the first version already familiar to you from the Bradley, but with about the same rate of fire.
 Just like the Dardo, it has ATGM launchers for the TOW-2, the tandem-warhead TOW-2A, and TOW-2B, that hit the enemy from above. The up-to-date fire control system includes sights with NVD (and thermal imaging for the gunner), it also includes a laser rangefinder, and an effective two-axis stabilizer. An additional periscope commander's sight is installed on the tower.
@@ Line 308: / Line 308: @@
 == Media ==
 <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 ;Images
 <gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
-File:VCC-80 30 (I).png|
+File:VCC-80 30 (I).png
 File:VCC-80 30 (II).png
 File:VCC-80 30 (III).png
@@ Line 323: / Line 326: @@
 ;Related development
-* [[Dardo|IFV Dardo]]
+* IFV [[Dardo]]
 * [[VCC-80/60]]