Difference between pages "Strv m/38" and "Strv 121"

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{{About
 +
| about = Swedish medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = Leopard 2 (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
−
|code=sw_strv_m38
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|code=sw_strv_121
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_Strv_m38.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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}} Swedish light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Swedish medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
[[File:Strv 121 Armour.png|250px|thumb|Frontal armour display of the Strv 121.]]
 +
The Strv 121's kinetic protection is reasonable, with the turret cheeks near-invulnerable to all but the most powerful rounds (e.g. CL3143) and the upper front plate capable of protecting against less powerful rounds (e.g. M735) - however besides these sections the remainder of the vehicle is largely vulnerable to high-powered kinetic rounds; of note are the weak lower front plate and the gun mantlet, both of which are reasonably visible targets, as well as the gunner's optics.
 +
 +
The vehicle sports significantly better all-round chemical protection, with an upper hull and turret essentially immune to all but the most powerful ATGMs frontally, with upwards of 800 mm worth of equivalent protection in places. Despite this, it's advisable to be wary of incoming ATGMs as a well-placed round may sneak past the heavily protected areas - and some missiles such as those of the ADATS will slice straight through even the turret cheeks.
 +
 +
As with most other MBTs, the Strv 121 is particularly vulnerable from the sides and back.
 +
 +
The Strv 121 is reasonably survivable, with some degree of crew spacing. However, from certain angles, the crew are placed in a straight line and successful penetration may impact three of the four crew members, resulting in a crew knock-out. In addition, well-placed side shots may impact all three turret crew members.
  
−
'''Armour type:'''
+
Ammunition is stored in the primary ammunition storage in the rear of the turret, or in the secondary storage next to the driver. The primary rack provides crew protection through the use of blow-out panels, however only has space for 15 rounds. When more than 16 rounds are taken to battle, ammunition will be stored in the significantly more vulnerable hull rack.
  
−
* Rolled homogeneous armour
+
The Strv 121's protection proves acceptable for long-range combat, although it's ill-advised to remain in one location for any extended period of time to avoid opposing vehicles being able to hone their shots onto your weak spots. The Strv 121's protection should not be relied upon in urban or other close-range environments.
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 +
!Armour
 +
!Front (Slope angle)
 +
!Sides
 +
!Rear
 +
!Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
+
|Hull
 +
|35 mm (53-82°) ''Upper glacis''<br>40 mm (50-51°) ''Lower glacis''<br>30 mm (82°) ''Driver's hatch''
 +
|10 mm (5°) ''Upper hull''<br>35 mm (0°) ''Lower forward hull''<br>20 mm (0°) ''Lower rear hull''<br>5 mm (0°) ''Side Skirts''<br>100 mm (0°) ''Composite screening''
 +
|20 mm (12-50°) ''All rear''
 +
|20 mm (0-8°) ''Hull roof incl. engine deck''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 13 mm (58°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 13 mm (46°) ''Lower glacis'' <br> 13 mm (31°) ''Upper plate'' <br> 13 mm (19-26°) ''Driver bulge'' || 13 mm (15°) || 9 mm (23°) ''Top'' <br> 13 mm (33°) ''Bottom'' || 13 mm (32°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 9 mm (8°) ''Front'' <br> 4-5 mm ''Middle'' <br> 5 mm (4°) ''Rear''
+
|Turret
 +
|35 mm (0-6°) ''Cheeks incl. Gunner optics''<br>35 mm (1°) ''Mantlet''<br>120 mm ''Rear Mantlet Plate''
 +
|35 mm (0°) ''Forward''<br>15 mm (0°) ''Rear''
 +
|10 mm (10°) ''Basket''<br>20 mm (70°) ''Turret underside''
 +
|40 mm (82-85°) ''Forehead Armour''<br>14 mm (72-77°) ''Forward sides''<br>20 mm (89°) ''Rear turret incl. cupolas''<br>5 mm (84°) ''Basket''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 13 mm (14°) ''Turret front'' <br> 15 mm (6°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 13 mm (14°) || 13 mm (20°) || 5 mm
+
!Composite armour
 +
! colspan="2" |Front
 +
! colspan="2" |Sides
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | 13 mm (16°) || 5 mm
+
|Hull
 +
| colspan="2" |'''''Upper+Lower glacis'''''<br>90 - 350 mm ''Kinetic''<br>243 - 600 mm ''Chemical''
 +
| colspan="2" |N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 +
|Turret
 +
| colspan="2" |'''''Turret cheeks'''''<br>420 - 800 mm ''Kinetic''<br>535 - 820 mm ''Chemical''
 +
 +
'''''Gun mantlet'''''<br>100 - 270 mm ''Kinetic''<br>300 - 480 mm ''Chemical''
 +
| colspan="2" |'''''Side armour'''''194 - 260 mm ''Kinetic''<br>280 - 400 mm ''Chemical''
 
|}
 
|}
−
 
−
'''Notes:'''
 
−
 
−
* Suspension wheels, tracks and torsion bars are 15 mm thick.
 
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 220|rbMinHp= 126}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,032|rbMinHp=1,327}}
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by an {{Annotation|MTU|MOTOREN-UND TURBINEN-UNION FRIEDRICHSHAFEN GMBH}} MB 838 Ca-M500 engine which produces a whopping 1,500 hp (1,100 kW), resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of slightly over 27 hp per tonne, comparable to the ratio of the early Abrams and identical to the T-80U. As such, the {{PAGENAME}} is quite mobile despite weighing over 55 tonnes, comfortably able to reach 72 km/h on-road and well capable of keeping up with its competitors. This allows for an active, aggressive playstyle, using the Leopard's high speed and good acceleration characteristics to get into an early flanking position or take early cap points - though it is important to keep in mind that opposition forces might attempt the same.
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 +
The {{PAGENAME}} has a maximum reverse speed of 31 km/h which it reaches easily, allowing for a quick retreat in sub-optimal situations.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|kan m/38 (37 mm)}}
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{{main|kan Strv 121 (120 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The 120 mm kan Strv 121 is a domestic production of the famous 120 mm [[Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)|Rheinmetall L/44]] cannon and is mounted as the primary armament on the Strv 121, offering a balance of firepower, accuracy, and sustained rate of fire. The 121 has three rounds available to it: slsgr m/95, DM13 APFSDS and DM23 APFSDS. Of these, only DM13 is available when the vehicle is stock, with slsgr m/95 as a tier 2 and DM23 a tier 4 modification. The L/44 is reasonably accurate at long range with any ammunition, however minor round deviation may be evident at extreme ranges (over 2000m).
 +
 
 +
It's advisable to primarily rely on the best available APFSDS round for engaging other MBTs. HE should rarely be used but can prove to be useful for more experienced players.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[kan m/38 (37 mm)|37 mm kan m/38]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! colspan="5" | [[kan Strv 121 (120 mm)|120 mm kan Strv 121]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 100 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 15.2 || 21.1 || 25.6 || 28.3 || 30.1 || rowspan="2" | 4.03 || rowspan="2" | 3.57 || rowspan="2" | 3.29 || rowspan="2" | 3.10
+
| rowspan="2" | 42 || rowspan="2" | -9°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 38.1 || 52.7 || 64.0 || 70.8 || 75.3 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 9.5 || 11.2 || 13.6 || 15.0 || 16.0
+
| 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
|-
 
|-
−
| slpprj m/38 || APBC || 59 || 55 || 41 || 28 || 19 || 13
+
| DM13 || APFSDS || 393 || 390 || 384 || 376 || 367 || 359
 
|-
 
|-
−
| slpgr m/39 || APBC || 55 || 51 || 37 || 26 || 17 || 12
+
| slsgr m/95 || HE-TF || 36 || 36 || 36 || 36 || 36 || 36
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 3,7 cm slpprj m/49 || APDS || 105 || 103 || 97 || 89 || 82 || 75
+
| DM23 || APFSDS || 410 || 408 || 401 || 393 || 384 || 376
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
|-
 
|-
−
| slpprj m/38 || APBC || 785 || 0.74 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°
+
| DM13 || APFSDS || 1,650 || 4.44 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
|-
−
| slpgr m/39 || APBC || 800 || 0.74 || 1.2 || 9 || 15 || 47° || 60° || 65°
+
| slsgr m/95 || HE-TF || 736 || 17.5 || 0 || 0.1 || 3,540 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 3,7 cm slpprj m/49 || APDS || 1,150 || 0.71 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 75° || 78° || 80°
+
| DM23 || APFSDS || 1,640 || 4.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
Line 112: Line 151:
 
! 1st<br>rack empty
 
! 1st<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
−
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
−
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
−
!7th<br>rack empty
 
−
!8th<br>rack empty
 
−
!9th<br>rack empty
 
−
!10th<br>rack empty
 
−
!11th<br>rack empty
 
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''100''' || 81&nbsp;''(+19)'' || 71&nbsp;''(+29)'' || 61&nbsp;''(+39)'' || 51&nbsp;''(+49)'' || 41&nbsp;''(+59)'' || 34&nbsp;''(+66)'' || 28&nbsp;''(+72)'' || 21&nbsp;''(+79)'' || 14&nbsp;''(+86)'' || 8&nbsp;''(+92)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+99)'' || No
+
| '''42''' || 16&nbsp;''(+26)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+41)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
First stage only: 16 rounds (15 in rack + 1 in gun), stored within blow-out protected compartment.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
−
{{main|ksp m/36 (8 mm)}}
+
{{main|ksp 94 (7.62 mm)}}
  
−
The Strv m/38 is armed with a 8 mm ksp m36 machine gun, useful for hitting lightly armoured AA vehicles.
+
The Strv 121 is equipped with one pintle-mounted machine gun and one coaxial machine gun. These can be used as an anti-air deterrent or for clearing out light obstacles and crew from open vehicles.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[ksp m/36 (8 mm)|8 mm ksp m/36]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[ksp 94 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm ksp 94]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 2,250 (250) || 649 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 4,500 (1,000) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
 +
| Pintle || 2,000 (1,000) || 1,200 || -8°/+20° || ±120°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== 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 Strv 121 may feel somewhat sluggish when stock, but unlike the German [[Leopard 2A4]] that the Strv 121 is based off of, the 121 gets DM13 stock. This allows for more aggressive early research play than its German brother.
  
−
The Strv m/38 provides the player with a fast, manoeuvrable light tank boasting effective firepower for its BR. As a light tank, the armour cannot be relied upon to stop enemy fire, being too weak to stop even .50 cal MG fire. However, it has access to APDS, which allows it to punch through all opponents at its BR and even most tanks a rank above. Because of the excellent APDS shell, it is advised to keep it as your primary shell, but keep a few APBC shells to finish lighter opponents as the APDS has poor post-penetration damage.
+
The 121 can be used comfortably in both urban and rural environments, providing the vehicle's weaknesses are kept in mind. While it is capable in most forms of engagement, it does lack the precision of the British Challenger MBTs or the extreme round velocities of the Russian T-64/T-80 series. The 121 also has a particularly large and blocky profile, making for a particularly visible target in many situations.
  
−
Even with weak armour, the Strv m/38 can be reliably depended upon even in uptiers with its speed, and as well as its penetration power (with the APDS shell) matches the likes of the German [[Pz.III]] series. The only drawback to this is the poor post-penetration damage dealt by the APDS shot, which calls for a playstyle relying on well-placed shots on enemy vehicles. This is why it's advised to aim for the turret or engine using the APDS shell when unsure if your APBC shell will actually penetrate at all.
+
Considering the above, a Strv 121 player should utilize its great mobility and competitive gun to get into early positions to pick off unsuspecting targets, rather than attempting to engage opposing forces head-on.
−
 
 
−
On rough uneven terrain, a viable tactic is to use your excellent gun depression to hit tanks on a hull-down position.
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Has access to a high-penetrating APDS shell with an amazing 105 mm of penetration
+
* Powerful engine, high top speed and acceleration
−
* Effective in up-tiers with the APDS against heavy targets like the [[B1 bis]] and the [[Valentine I]]
+
* Good neutral steering system
−
* Quick reload rate
+
* Good gunner sight magnification for long-range engagements
−
* Good -10° of gun depression means that it can adapt to different terrains well
+
* Reasonably high-velocity kinetic rounds
−
* Has a small size compared to other reserve tanks
+
* Competitive DM23 APFSDS
−
* Effective mobility - max speed of 51 km/h
+
* Turret armour can prove effective for hull-down engagements
 +
* Primary ammunition is contained within a storage unit with blow-out panels
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* APDS round has no explosive filler, so multiple shots will be needed to finish off an enemy
+
* Hull armour is mediocre, particularly against kinetic rounds
−
* Has a slow reverse speed (-6 km/h) that may put the player at risk
+
* The gunner's optics are a weak spot, enemies who know how to aim can cripple your gun and kill your crew
−
* Armour is inadequate to resist any shells
+
* The gun mantlet is relatively weak while being quite prominent, penetration can disable the gun or knock turret crew out
−
* 5 mm roof armour can be penetrated by common aircraft such as ones with 12.7 mm and 20 mm guns
+
* The turret cheeks can be penetrated by most APFSDS rounds when hit at the right angle
 +
* Secondary ammunition storage is extremely vulnerable, although this is avoidable by carrying no more than 16 rounds
 +
* Both machine guns are relatively light calibre, suffer from mediocre gun elevation and will not prove to be much more an annoyance to aircraft, particularly helicopters
 +
* Does not get access to HEAT-FS like the 2A4, instead gets access to the slsgr m/95 HE round as a tier II modification
  
 
== History ==
 
== 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 Landsverk L-60 was a Swedish tank developed in 1934, and included several advanced design features such as torsion bar suspension, periscopes rather than view slits and all-welded construction. The Strv m/38 was the earliest variant of the L-60 accepted into Swedish service, with 15 ordered in 1937 and delivered in 1939. Unlike other exported variants of the L-60, the m/38 did not see combat use due to Swedish neutrality during the Second World War.
+
When the Swedish Military decided to procure the German-built Leopard Improved (Strv 122), they decided to also lease Leopard 2A4 tanks from Germany as part of the deal. 160 Leopard 2A4s were delivered in 1994, with the stipulation that they would be returned after 15 years. The Bundeswehr was willing to loan out their tanks because of the requirement that they reduce the amount of military equipment in service, due to the end of the Cold War. When the contract ended, 20 vehicles were purchased and kept<ref>http://ointres.se/strv_121_och_strv_122.htm</ref>.
 +
 
 +
The Swedish Leopard 2A4s were designated as the Stridsvagn (Strv) 121. They came from various production series - known as losung - from losung 1 (built in 1979) to losung 5 (built in 1987). As such, there were some minor external variations among the Strv 121 tanks.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
+
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
  
−
;Skins
+
== See also ==
−
 
+
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=sw_strv_m38 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
  
−
== See also ==
 
−
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
−
 
 
−
;Related development
 
−
 
 
−
* [[Toldi IIA]]
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 197: Line 230:
  
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 +
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
−
{{Sweden light tanks}}
+
=== Bibliography ===
 +
 
 +
* Leopard 2 Strv 121. (n.d.). Retrieved December 06, 2020, from http://www.army-guide.com/eng/product2392.html
 +
{{Sweden medium tanks}}

Revision as of 23:54, 15 October 2021

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This page is about the Swedish medium tank Strv 121. For other versions, see Leopard 2 (Family).
Strv 121
sw_strv_121.png
GarageImage Strv 121.jpg
Strv 121

Description

The Stridsvagn 121 is a rank Swedish medium tank with a battle rating of (AB), (RB), and (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.97 "Viking Fury".

General info

Survivability and armour

Frontal armour display of the Strv 121.

The Strv 121's kinetic protection is reasonable, with the turret cheeks near-invulnerable to all but the most powerful rounds (e.g. CL3143) and the upper front plate capable of protecting against less powerful rounds (e.g. M735) - however besides these sections the remainder of the vehicle is largely vulnerable to high-powered kinetic rounds; of note are the weak lower front plate and the gun mantlet, both of which are reasonably visible targets, as well as the gunner's optics.

The vehicle sports significantly better all-round chemical protection, with an upper hull and turret essentially immune to all but the most powerful ATGMs frontally, with upwards of 800 mm worth of equivalent protection in places. Despite this, it's advisable to be wary of incoming ATGMs as a well-placed round may sneak past the heavily protected areas - and some missiles such as those of the ADATS will slice straight through even the turret cheeks.

As with most other MBTs, the Strv 121 is particularly vulnerable from the sides and back.

The Strv 121 is reasonably survivable, with some degree of crew spacing. However, from certain angles, the crew are placed in a straight line and successful penetration may impact three of the four crew members, resulting in a crew knock-out. In addition, well-placed side shots may impact all three turret crew members.

Ammunition is stored in the primary ammunition storage in the rear of the turret, or in the secondary storage next to the driver. The primary rack provides crew protection through the use of blow-out panels, however only has space for 15 rounds. When more than 16 rounds are taken to battle, ammunition will be stored in the significantly more vulnerable hull rack.

The Strv 121's protection proves acceptable for long-range combat, although it's ill-advised to remain in one location for any extended period of time to avoid opposing vehicles being able to hone their shots onto your weak spots. The Strv 121's protection should not be relied upon in urban or other close-range environments.

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 35 mm (53-82°) Upper glacis
40 mm (50-51°) Lower glacis
30 mm (82°) Driver's hatch 		10 mm (5°) Upper hull
35 mm (0°) Lower forward hull
20 mm (0°) Lower rear hull
5 mm (0°) Side Skirts
100 mm (0°) Composite screening 		20 mm (12-50°) All rear 20 mm (0-8°) Hull roof incl. engine deck
Turret 35 mm (0-6°) Cheeks incl. Gunner optics
35 mm (1°) Mantlet
120 mm Rear Mantlet Plate 		35 mm (0°) Forward
15 mm (0°) Rear 		10 mm (10°) Basket
20 mm (70°) Turret underside 		40 mm (82-85°) Forehead Armour
14 mm (72-77°) Forward sides
20 mm (89°) Rear turret incl. cupolas
5 mm (84°) Basket
Composite armour Front Sides
Hull Upper+Lower glacis
90 - 350 mm Kinetic
243 - 600 mm Chemical 		N/A
Turret Turret cheeks
420 - 800 mm Kinetic
535 - 820 mm Chemical

Gun mantlet
100 - 270 mm Kinetic
300 - 480 mm Chemical

Side armour194 - 260 mm Kinetic
280 - 400 mm Chemical

Mobility

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade Expression error: Unexpected * operator. 2,032 Expression error: Unexpected round operator. __.__
Realistic 1,327 Expression error: Unexpected round operator. __.__

The Strv 121 is powered by an MTU MB 838 Ca-M500 engine which produces a whopping 1,500 hp (1,100 kW), resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of slightly over 27 hp per tonne, comparable to the ratio of the early Abrams and identical to the T-80U. As such, the Strv 121 is quite mobile despite weighing over 55 tonnes, comfortably able to reach 72 km/h on-road and well capable of keeping up with its competitors. This allows for an active, aggressive playstyle, using the Leopard's high speed and good acceleration characteristics to get into an early flanking position or take early cap points - though it is important to keep in mind that opposition forces might attempt the same.

The Strv 121 has a maximum reverse speed of 31 km/h which it reaches easily, allowing for a quick retreat in sub-optimal situations.

Modifications and economy

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: kan Strv 121 (120 mm)

The 120 mm kan Strv 121 is a domestic production of the famous 120 mm Rheinmetall L/44 cannon and is mounted as the primary armament on the Strv 121, offering a balance of firepower, accuracy, and sustained rate of fire. The 121 has three rounds available to it: slsgr m/95, DM13 APFSDS and DM23 APFSDS. Of these, only DM13 is available when the vehicle is stock, with slsgr m/95 as a tier 2 and DM23 a tier 4 modification. The L/44 is reasonably accurate at long range with any ammunition, however minor round deviation may be evident at extreme ranges (over 2000m).

It's advisable to primarily rely on the best available APFSDS round for engaging other MBTs. HE should rarely be used but can prove to be useful for more experienced players.

120 mm kan Strv 121 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 42 -9°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 38.1 52.7 64.0 70.8 75.3 7.80 6.90 6.36 6.00
Realistic 23.8 28.0 34.0 37.6 40.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
DM13 APFSDS 393 390 384 376 367 359
slsgr m/95 HE-TF 36 36 36 36 36 36
DM23 APFSDS 410 408 401 393 384 376
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
Mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive Mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
DM13 APFSDS 1,650 4.44 N/A N/A N/A 78° 80° 81°
slsgr m/95 HE-TF 736 17.5 0 0.1 3,540 79° 80° 81°
DM23 APFSDS 1,640 4.3 N/A N/A N/A 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Strv 121
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
42 16 (+26) 1 (+41) No

First stage only: 16 rounds (15 in rack + 1 in gun), stored within blow-out protected compartment.

Machine guns

Main article: ksp 94 (7.62 mm)

The Strv 121 is equipped with one pintle-mounted machine gun and one coaxial machine gun. These can be used as an anti-air deterrent or for clearing out light obstacles and crew from open vehicles.

7.62 mm ksp 94
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,500 (1,000) 1,200 N/A N/A
Pintle 2,000 (1,000) 1,200 -8°/+20° ±120°

Usage in battles

The Strv 121 may feel somewhat sluggish when stock, but unlike the German Leopard 2A4 that the Strv 121 is based off of, the 121 gets DM13 stock. This allows for more aggressive early research play than its German brother.

The 121 can be used comfortably in both urban and rural environments, providing the vehicle's weaknesses are kept in mind. While it is capable in most forms of engagement, it does lack the precision of the British Challenger MBTs or the extreme round velocities of the Russian T-64/T-80 series. The 121 also has a particularly large and blocky profile, making for a particularly visible target in many situations.

Considering the above, a Strv 121 player should utilize its great mobility and competitive gun to get into early positions to pick off unsuspecting targets, rather than attempting to engage opposing forces head-on.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful engine, high top speed and acceleration
  • Good neutral steering system
  • Good gunner sight magnification for long-range engagements
  • Reasonably high-velocity kinetic rounds
  • Competitive DM23 APFSDS
  • Turret armour can prove effective for hull-down engagements
  • Primary ammunition is contained within a storage unit with blow-out panels

Cons:

  • Hull armour is mediocre, particularly against kinetic rounds
  • The gunner's optics are a weak spot, enemies who know how to aim can cripple your gun and kill your crew
  • The gun mantlet is relatively weak while being quite prominent, penetration can disable the gun or knock turret crew out
  • The turret cheeks can be penetrated by most APFSDS rounds when hit at the right angle
  • Secondary ammunition storage is extremely vulnerable, although this is avoidable by carrying no more than 16 rounds
  • Both machine guns are relatively light calibre, suffer from mediocre gun elevation and will not prove to be much more an annoyance to aircraft, particularly helicopters
  • Does not get access to HEAT-FS like the 2A4, instead gets access to the slsgr m/95 HE round as a tier II modification

History

When the Swedish Military decided to procure the German-built Leopard Improved (Strv 122), they decided to also lease Leopard 2A4 tanks from Germany as part of the deal. 160 Leopard 2A4s were delivered in 1994, with the stipulation that they would be returned after 15 years. The Bundeswehr was willing to loan out their tanks because of the requirement that they reduce the amount of military equipment in service, due to the end of the Cold War. When the contract ended, 20 vehicles were purchased and kept[1].

The Swedish Leopard 2A4s were designated as the Stridsvagn (Strv) 121. They came from various production series - known as losung - from losung 1 (built in 1979) to losung 5 (built in 1987). As such, there were some minor external variations among the Strv 121 tanks.

Media

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

See also

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

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

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the tank;
  • other literature.

Bibliography

Sweden medium tanks
Strv m/42  Lago I · Strv m/42 EH · Ikv 73 · Strv m/42 DT · Pvkv IV
Centurion derivatives  Strv 81 · Strv 81 (RB 52) · Strv 101 · Strv 104 · Strv 105
Strv 103  Strv 103-0 · Strv 103A · Strv 103С
Strv 121/122  Strv 121 · Christian II · Strv 122A · Strv 122B PLSS · Strv 122B+
Other  Sherman III/IV · T 80 U
Finland 
WWII  ▄T-28 · ▄T-34 · ▄Pz.IV · ▄T-34-85
Post War  ▄Comet I · ▄Charioteer Mk VII · ▄T-54 · ▄T-55M · ▄T-72M1 · ▄Leopard 2A4 · ▄Leopard 2A6
Norway  Leopard 1A5NO2

  1. ↑ http://ointres.se/strv_121_och_strv_122.htm
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