Difference between revisions of "BTR-152A"

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{{About
 +
| about = Soviet SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = the other version
 +
| link = BTR-152D
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}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=ussr_btr_152a
 
|code=ussr_btr_152a
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== 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.'' -->
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft gun {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]]. As with any APC, it features light armour on a spacey vehicle, a good crew count, a decent gun and good mobility. Since there is no infantry to fight, the BTR is used as an AA in-game.
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The '''BTR-152A''' is the first variant of the BTR-152-based self-propelled anti-aircraft gun family. Two 14.5 mm KPVT heavy machine guns are mounted in a turret on a BTR-152 and are manually operated by a single soldier. The turret is installed inside the troop compartment and is manually reloaded by other soldiers. The BTR-152 is a Soviet armoured personnel carrier (APC) with six wheels based on the chassis and drive train of a ZIS-151 utility truck. Beginning in 1950, it saw service with several Warsaw Pact member states and served as the mainstay of Soviet motor rifle battalions until the 1960s.
  
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The BTR-152 is an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) on a six-wheeled, open-topped truck chassis, meaning unlike the Soviet truck-mounted anti-aircraft vehicles, it can survive low-calibre MG fire from ground vehicles. However, anything above 30 calibre doesn't have much trouble taking this vehicle down. It features a top-mounted twin [[KPVT (14.5 mm)|KPVT]] gun mount with good traverse and elevation rate. Something to note is the presence of the two spare loaders in the back. Inexperienced players, or those who don't know the structure of the BTR-152A, tend to repeatedly shoot the cab of the truck, leaving these two crew members relatively unharmed.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]], the BTR-152A offers strong anti-air capability during battles. Despite being armed with only two 14.5 mm KPVT heavy machine guns, they can cause significant damage to enemy aircraft. Some lightly armoured ground vehicles can also be destroyed or damaged by players. Overall, this is a strong and mobile anti-air platform that can protect teammates on the ground from enemy air strikes.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
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While armour is nothing impressive for any BR, it is in no way rubbish or useless since it protects the crew from most light ground menaces such as machine-gun fire, most indirect artillery shrapnel, low-caliber HE shells and even some medium-range heavy machine gunfire. These light plates have some chances not detonating incoming APHE rounds, virtually turning them into pure AP shells. To maximize this effect, one should never face tanks upfront. It is recommended to always show side armour if fired at, as from the side, modules are quite spaced out. Avoid autocannons at all costs since any of them can shred this APC in no time from almost any angle. Anyways, in most scenarios, it is better recommended to '''just hit the gas''' and avoid any incoming shots/artillery fire.
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While armour is nothing impressive for any BR, it is in no way rubbish or useless since it protects the crew from most light ground menaces such as machine-gun fire, most indirect artillery shrapnel, low-calibre HE shells and even some medium-range heavy machine gunfire. These light plates have some chances not detonating incoming APHE rounds, virtually turning them into pure AP shells. To maximize this effect, one should never face tanks upfront. It is recommended to always show side armour if fired at, as from the side, modules are quite spaced out. Avoid autocannons at all costs since any of them can shred this APC in no time from almost any angle. Anyways, in most scenarios, it is better recommended to '''just hit the gas''' and avoid any incoming shots/artillery fire.
  
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 13 mm (34-64°) ''Grille'' <br> 13 mm (41°) ''Windshield'' <br> 6 mm (84°) ''Hood'' || 10 mm (0-22°) ''Main hull''<br> 6 mm (0-38°) ''Above wheels'' || 8 mm (0°) || N/A
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| Hull || 13 mm (34-64°) ''Grille'' <br> 13 mm (41°) ''Windshield'' <br> 6 mm (84°) ''Hood'' || 10 mm (0-22°) ''Main hull''<br> 6 mm (0-38°) ''Wheel wells'' || 8 mm (0°) || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Turret || 6 mm (15°) ''Magazine'' <br> 10 mm (0°) ''Gun rack'' || N/A || 6 mm (0°) || N/A
 
| Turret || 6 mm (15°) ''Magazine'' <br> 10 mm (0°) ''Gun rack'' || N/A || 6 mm (0°) || N/A
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=156|rbMinHp=97}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=156|rbMinHp=97}}
  
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Here is an interesting feature that can provide any wise commander with a few hits: {{PAGENAME}}'s speed. This light APC can carry itself over the road at breakneck speeds, provided it can ride a paved road. In good circumstances, it can reach over 80 km/h and keep its good speed even while turning, due to its wheeled chassis. Offroad mobility is not bad, meaning it can easily follow medium and light tanks on any terrain, making for an effective flanker. Backwards, speed tops at -20 km/h, which is enough to get out of an ugly situation if needed. With its large wheels, this truck can cross some small trenches and rivers, where its GAZ and ZiS truck counterparts would ditch. This truck's centre of mass is quite low, allowing it to turn at high speeds without rolling.
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Users of the [[M13 MGMC|M13]] or [[M16 MGMC]] will find the BTR-152A and its successor [[BTR-152D]] very familiar. Although offering worse performance in almost every way, their mobility is still very useful and can be used to quickly reach optimal positions or perform flanking manoeuvres and drive-bys. As a fully wheeled vehicle, off-road performance is comparatively bad, but it makes up for it with good characteristics on paved surfaces, including less of a speed penalty when turning. Backwards, speed tops at -11 km/h, which is enough to get out of an ugly situation if needed. With its large wheels, this truck can cross some small trenches and rivers, where its GAZ and ZiS truck counterparts would ditch. This truck's centre of mass is quite low, allowing it to turn at high speeds without rolling.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
 +
 
* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|IAI|Immediate-action incendiary}} - This is the default belt in usage up until unlocking the API-T belt. It can effectively engage both tanks and planes but is not as good against tanks as the API-T belt.
 
* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|IAI|Immediate-action incendiary}} - This is the default belt in usage up until unlocking the API-T belt. It can effectively engage both tanks and planes but is not as good against tanks as the API-T belt.
 
* '''API-T:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I(c)|Armour-piercing incendiary (cermet core)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|IAI|Immediate-action incendiary}} - Once unlocked, this is the best belt for dealing with both ground and air targets. 1/4 of its bullets can rip through some side armour (close range) at this BR. Another 1/4 of this belt is specifically purposed against planes. The last 1/2 is general-purpose API-T, ''okay'' but not ''good'' against either tanks and planes.
 
* '''API-T:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I(c)|Armour-piercing incendiary (cermet core)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|IAI|Immediate-action incendiary}} - Once unlocked, this is the best belt for dealing with both ground and air targets. 1/4 of its bullets can rip through some side armour (close range) at this BR. Another 1/4 of this belt is specifically purposed against planes. The last 1/2 is general-purpose API-T, ''okay'' but not ''good'' against either tanks and planes.
 
* '''IAI:''' {{Annotation|IAI|Immediate-action incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - Specific belt for hunting planes, 1/2 of this belt is IAI ammo, which has no penetration but sets fires to planes quite easily. In emergency situations, can be used against tanks.
 
* '''IAI:''' {{Annotation|IAI|Immediate-action incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - Specific belt for hunting planes, 1/2 of this belt is IAI ammo, which has no penetration but sets fires to planes quite easily. In emergency situations, can be used against tanks.
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:KPVT (14.5 mm)/Ammunition|AP-I, API-T, IAI, AP-I(c)}}
−
! colspan="7" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| Universal || 31 || 27 || 22 || 17 || 15 || 13
 
−
|-
 
−
| API-T || 45 || 42 || 29 || 21 || 19 || 17
 
−
|-
 
−
| IAI || 27 || 26 || 19 || 16 || 14 || 12
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|right|thumb|x200px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|right|thumb|x200px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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<!-- ''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).'' -->
  
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As an AA vehicle, this thing is deadly to CAS that gets close. The MGs have good RPM and a good spread which is important in AA. As long as you lead correctly this vehicle can be used to shield you from 250 lbs - 1,000 lbs from the Allied aircraft or the 500 kgs from the Germans. If down-tiered, it should do alright against most tanks as it has quite good penetration, but if up-tiered, you need to get on the sides or rear of most tanks.
+
As an AA vehicle, this thing is deadly to CAS that gets close. The MGs have good RPM and a good spread which is important in AA. As long as you lead correctly this vehicle can be used to shield you from 250 lbs - 1,000 lbs from the Allied aircraft or the 500 kg from the Germans. If down-tiered, it should do alright against most tanks as it has quite good penetration, but if up-tiered, you need to get on the sides or rear of most tanks.
  
 
Stick close to the middle of the pack, but not too close to anyone to avoid becoming too obvious a target for tanks or aircraft. It is a good idea to stay close to the front lines, to help protect against aircraft and spot enemy tanks. It does have somewhat poor ammo capacity, so one might benefit from staying on a point to reload while swatting planes out of the sky.
 
Stick close to the middle of the pack, but not too close to anyone to avoid becoming too obvious a target for tanks or aircraft. It is a good idea to stay close to the front lines, to help protect against aircraft and spot enemy tanks. It does have somewhat poor ammo capacity, so one might benefit from staying on a point to reload while swatting planes out of the sky.
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This vehicle can easily be used as a frontline AA and skilled players can even flank with such a truck.
 
This vehicle can easily be used as a frontline AA and skilled players can even flank with such a truck.
  
−
'''Frontline AA'''<br>
+
'''Frontline AA'''
 +
 
 
Stick to allies and watch the skies. Team play is key with this SPAA since it cannot effectively destroy most ground targets from the front; it will often have to rely on ally firepower. When the battle gets hot, do not hesitate to hit the gas and reach cover while keeping an eye on the sky. Watch out for fighters since they will try to strafe this juicy open-topped target. Loading the API-T belt is recommended, as it can engage both tanks and planes (both of them can appear in sight at any moment).
 
Stick to allies and watch the skies. Team play is key with this SPAA since it cannot effectively destroy most ground targets from the front; it will often have to rely on ally firepower. When the battle gets hot, do not hesitate to hit the gas and reach cover while keeping an eye on the sky. Watch out for fighters since they will try to strafe this juicy open-topped target. Loading the API-T belt is recommended, as it can engage both tanks and planes (both of them can appear in sight at any moment).
  
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Good rate of fire (effective anti-aircraft)
+
* Fast rate of fire, effective anti-aircraft capacity
−
* All ammo loads contains AP shells with at least 25 mm of penetration
+
* Vertical elevation and fully-rotating turret mean very little to none anti-aircraft blind spot
−
* Elevation of 89° and 360° rotating turret means very little to none anti-aircraft blind spot
 
 
* Small turret and high mounted guns make hull-down position extremely effective
 
* Small turret and high mounted guns make hull-down position extremely effective
 
* Can fire a whole 10 seconds before weapons jams due to heat
 
* Can fire a whole 10 seconds before weapons jams due to heat
−
* Huge magazines, reloading is rare
+
* Huge 150-round magazines allow continuous fire
−
* Huge ammo load means it is unlikely to go dry
 
−
* Decent damage
 
−
* Can cross small trenches
 
 
* Fast turret traverse and elevation
 
* Fast turret traverse and elevation
−
* Small ammo racks
 
 
* Less likely to be destroyed by ramming compared to the GAZ trucks
 
* Less likely to be destroyed by ramming compared to the GAZ trucks
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Armour piercing rounds lose a lot of penetration power between 100 and 500 m
+
* Inadequate penetration against armoured ground vehicles like [[Cromwell (Family)|Cromwell]], [[M4A4 (France)|M4A4]]
−
* Very high vehicle and large target
+
* Long reload time between belts
−
* Long reload time
+
* Continuously fire only goes through half a magazine before weapons jam
−
* If firing continuously can only fire half of its mag before having to unjam weapons
 
 
* Atrocious performance in deep snow and sand
 
* Atrocious performance in deep snow and sand
−
* API-T belt only consists of 1/4 cermet round, which is the highest penetration round
+
* Weak protection, vulnerable to HMG, autocannons, strafing planes and artillery
−
* Open-topped, vulnerable to strafing planes and artillery
 
−
* Vulnerable to HMG and autocannons
 
 
* Only -5 degrees of gun depression coupled with the high turret placement can make aiming at close targets difficult
 
* Only -5 degrees of gun depression coupled with the high turret placement can make aiming at close targets difficult
  
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<!-- ''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 BTR (Russian: Бронетранспортер/''Bronetransporter''- or "armoured transport") was a modified design according to the Zwas-151 truck. It features a 6x6 chassis with an additional 5 tons of sloped armour. The mobility and speed were inferior to the original Zwas-151 truck, but it relied on more protection, which was vital than speed. By 1960 the model had been significantly improved in terms of its main characteristics.
+
The BTR (Russian: Бронетранспортер/Bronetransporter or "armoured transport") was a modified design according to the ZiS-151 truck. It features a 6x6 chassis with an additional 5 tons of sloped armour. The mobility and speed were inferior to the original ZiS-151 truck, but it relied on more protection, which was vital than speed. By 1960, the model had been significantly improved in terms of characteristics.
  
−
The BRT-152 became the main Soviet armoured personnel carrier (APC) which was then replaced by the 8x8 model BTR-40 later on. The BTR-152A was the SPAAG variant with a double ZPTU-2 or quadruple ZPTU-4 KPVT 14.5 mm heavy machine guns set up.
+
The BTR-152 became the main Soviet armoured personnel carrier (APC) which was then replaced by the 8x8 model BTR-60 later on. The BTR-152A was the SPAAG variant with a double ZPTU-2 or quadruple ZPTU-4 KPVT 14.5 mm heavy machine guns set up.
  
 
In terms of aesthetics, the vehicle was influenced by US and German half-tracks, while utilising regular tires instead of tracks. The engine was at the front and the radiator was protected with armoured shutters. There were 10 fire points with pistol ports allowing protection for the crew.
 
In terms of aesthetics, the vehicle was influenced by US and German half-tracks, while utilising regular tires instead of tracks. The engine was at the front and the radiator was protected with armoured shutters. There were 10 fire points with pistol ports allowing protection for the crew.
  
−
Despite being 70 years old as of March 2020, BTR-152s still see service worldwide. Most are in use by Syria at around 600 in service, followed by North Korea with 300. War Thunder's BTR (the BTR-152A) is likely also still in service as well. One of its most notable uses was by the Ethiopian Army during the Ogaden War(1977-1978).
+
Despite being 70 years old as of March 2020, BTR-152s still see service worldwide. Most are in use by Syria at around 600 in service, followed by North Korea with 300. The BTR-152A is likely also still in service as well. One of its most notable uses was by the Ethiopian Army during the Ogaden War (1977-1978).
  
 
== 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.'' -->
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;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_btr_152a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Images
 
;Images
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== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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<!-- ''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 aircraft;''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Related development
 +
 
 +
* [[BTR-152D]] - Same chassis but with 4 x [[KPVT (14.5 mm)|14.5 mm KPVT]] instead of 2
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
 
* [[wt:en/news/4901-development-btr-152a-ztpu-2-skeet-shooter-en|[Devblog] BTR-152A (ZTPU-2): Skeet Shooter]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/4901-development-btr-152a-ztpu-2-skeet-shooter-en|[Devblog] BTR-152A (ZTPU-2): Skeet Shooter]]
−
* [https://community.apan.org/wg/tradoc-g2/ace-threats-integration/m/documents/213747 [APAN Communities<nowiki>]</nowiki> BTR Handbook - The Universal APC]
+
* [https://community.apan.org/wg/tradoc-g2/ace-threats-integration/m/documents/213747 <nowiki>[APAN Communities]</nowiki> BTR Handbook - The Universal APC]
  
 
{{USSR anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 
{{USSR anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 +
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 20:06, 18 July 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
This page is about the Soviet SPAA BTR-152A. For the other version, see BTR-152D.
BTR-152A
ussr_btr_152a.png
GarageImage BTR-152A.jpg
BTR-152A
USSR flag.png USSR
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.0 2.7 2.7
Class:
Research:9 200 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:16 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The BTR-152A is the first variant of the BTR-152-based self-propelled anti-aircraft gun family. Two 14.5 mm KPVT heavy machine guns are mounted in a turret on a BTR-152 and are manually operated by a single soldier. The turret is installed inside the troop compartment and is manually reloaded by other soldiers. The BTR-152 is a Soviet armoured personnel carrier (APC) with six wheels based on the chassis and drive train of a ZIS-151 utility truck. Beginning in 1950, it saw service with several Warsaw Pact member states and served as the mainstay of Soviet motor rifle battalions until the 1960s.

Introduced in Update 1.71 "New E.R.A.", the BTR-152A offers strong anti-air capability during battles. Despite being armed with only two 14.5 mm KPVT heavy machine guns, they can cause significant damage to enemy aircraft. Some lightly armoured ground vehicles can also be destroyed or damaged by players. Overall, this is a strong and mobile anti-air platform that can protect teammates on the ground from enemy air strikes.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull13 / 10 / 8
Turret0 / 0 / 0
Crew5 people
Visibility101 %

While armour is nothing impressive for any BR, it is in no way rubbish or useless since it protects the crew from most light ground menaces such as machine-gun fire, most indirect artillery shrapnel, low-calibre HE shells and even some medium-range heavy machine gunfire. These light plates have some chances not detonating incoming APHE rounds, virtually turning them into pure AP shells. To maximize this effect, one should never face tanks upfront. It is recommended to always show side armour if fired at, as from the side, modules are quite spaced out. Avoid autocannons at all costs since any of them can shred this APC in no time from almost any angle. Anyways, in most scenarios, it is better recommended to just hit the gas and avoid any incoming shots/artillery fire.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 13 mm (34-64°) Grille
13 mm (41°) Windshield
6 mm (84°) Hood 		10 mm (0-22°) Main hull
6 mm (0-38°) Wheel wells 		8 mm (0°) N/A
Turret 6 mm (15°) Magazine
10 mm (0°) Gun rack 		N/A 6 mm (0°) N/A

Notes:

  • Wheels are 2 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB91 / 12 km/h
RB and SB83 / 11 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
2 back
Weight8.6 t
Engine power
AB210 hp
RB and SB110 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB24.4 hp/t
RB and SB12.8 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 91 12 8.6 156 210 18.14 24.42
Realistic 83 11 97 110 11.28 12.79

Users of the M13 or M16 MGMC will find the BTR-152A and its successor BTR-152D very familiar. Although offering worse performance in almost every way, their mobility is still very useful and can be used to quickly reach optimal positions or perform flanking manoeuvres and drive-bys. As a fully wheeled vehicle, off-road performance is comparatively bad, but it makes up for it with good characteristics on paved surfaces, including less of a speed penalty when turning. Backwards, speed tops at -11 km/h, which is enough to get out of an ugly situation if needed. With its large wheels, this truck can cross some small trenches and rivers, where its GAZ and ZiS truck counterparts would ditch. This truck's centre of mass is quite low, allowing it to turn at high speeds without rolling.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB678 → 879 Sl icon.png
RB531 → 688 Sl icon.png
SB821 → 1 064 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications8 410 Rp icon.png
9 400 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost640 Ge icon.png
Crew training4 500 Sl icon.png
Experts16 000 Sl icon.png
Aces160 Ge icon.png
Research Aces190 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
40 / 50 / 60 % Sl icon.png
118 / 118 / 118 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new wheels.png
Tires
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new car suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
430 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
430 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
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Cost:
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Transmission
Research:
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Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
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Engine
Research:
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Cost:
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Improved Parts
Research:
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Cost:
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Improved FPE
Research:
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Cost:
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Crew Replenishment
Research:
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Cost:
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Horizontal Drive
Research:
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Cost:
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14mm_ussr_KPVT_HEI_ammo_pack
Research:
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Cost:
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Adjustment of Fire
Research:
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Cost:
430 Sl icon.png
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14mm_ussr_KPVT_API_ammo_pack
Research:
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Cost:
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Elevation Mechanism
Research:
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Cost:
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Artillery Support
Research:
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Cost:
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Armaments

Main armament

2 x 14.5 mm KPVT machine gun
Ammunition1 200 rounds
Belt capacity150 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Vertical guidance-5° / 89°
Main article: KPVT (14.5 mm)

This is where this truck shines over its predecessor and followers: it has a higher rate of fire and more ammunition while retaining a good armour penetration and having a fully rotating turret (where the 72-K trucks are unable fire directly in front). Each ammo loadout can effectively engage tanks' sides with relative ease (at close range) and easily shred even heavy planes. The guns can fire for 10 seconds before overheating, or ~150 bullets, half of their magazine.

14.5 mm KPVT (x2) Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 1,200 (150) 600 -5°/+89° ±180° N/A 40.51 56.07 68.08 75.29 80.09 10.40 9.20 8.48 8.00
Realistic 27.37 32.20 39.10 43.24 46.00

Ammunition

  • Universal: AP-I · API-T · IAI - This is the default belt in usage up until unlocking the API-T belt. It can effectively engage both tanks and planes but is not as good against tanks as the API-T belt.
  • API-T: API-T · AP-I(c) · API-T · IAI - Once unlocked, this is the best belt for dealing with both ground and air targets. 1/4 of its bullets can rip through some side armour (close range) at this BR. Another 1/4 of this belt is specifically purposed against planes. The last 1/2 is general-purpose API-T, okay but not good against either tanks and planes.
  • IAI: IAI · API-T - Specific belt for hunting planes, 1/2 of this belt is IAI ammo, which has no penetration but sets fires to planes quite easily. In emergency situations, can be used against tanks.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
AP-I 39 37 27 18 13 9
API-T 38 35 25 17 11 7
IAI 3 3 3 3 2 2
AP-I(c) 49 46 34 23 16 11
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
AP-I 990 0.06 - - - 47° 56° 65°
API-T 1,000 0.06 - - - 47° 56° 65°
IAI 1,000 0.06 0 0.25 3.4 47° 56° 65°
AP-I(c) 1,000 0.07 - - - 47° 56° 65°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the BTR-152A
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
8 clips 4 (+4) 4 (+4) No

Usage in battles

As an AA vehicle, this thing is deadly to CAS that gets close. The MGs have good RPM and a good spread which is important in AA. As long as you lead correctly this vehicle can be used to shield you from 250 lbs - 1,000 lbs from the Allied aircraft or the 500 kg from the Germans. If down-tiered, it should do alright against most tanks as it has quite good penetration, but if up-tiered, you need to get on the sides or rear of most tanks.

Stick close to the middle of the pack, but not too close to anyone to avoid becoming too obvious a target for tanks or aircraft. It is a good idea to stay close to the front lines, to help protect against aircraft and spot enemy tanks. It does have somewhat poor ammo capacity, so one might benefit from staying on a point to reload while swatting planes out of the sky.

This vehicle can easily be used as a frontline AA and skilled players can even flank with such a truck.

Frontline AA

Stick to allies and watch the skies. Team play is key with this SPAA since it cannot effectively destroy most ground targets from the front; it will often have to rely on ally firepower. When the battle gets hot, do not hesitate to hit the gas and reach cover while keeping an eye on the sky. Watch out for fighters since they will try to strafe this juicy open-topped target. Loading the API-T belt is recommended, as it can engage both tanks and planes (both of them can appear in sight at any moment).

Flanker
Be sneaky. Any tank can end this truck (or at least critically damage it) at any range. Use the road to maximize mobility and strike quickly. Take out tanks by their sides, empty your magazines and retreat to cover, and make sure to not stay in the same spot for too long. If the enemy knows your presence (turret turned towards you), abort flanking manoeuvres and return to the safety of the team.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Fast rate of fire, effective anti-aircraft capacity
  • Vertical elevation and fully-rotating turret mean very little to none anti-aircraft blind spot
  • Small turret and high mounted guns make hull-down position extremely effective
  • Can fire a whole 10 seconds before weapons jams due to heat
  • Huge 150-round magazines allow continuous fire
  • Fast turret traverse and elevation
  • Less likely to be destroyed by ramming compared to the GAZ trucks

Cons:

  • Inadequate penetration against armoured ground vehicles like Cromwell, M4A4
  • Long reload time between belts
  • Continuously fire only goes through half a magazine before weapons jam
  • Atrocious performance in deep snow and sand
  • Weak protection, vulnerable to HMG, autocannons, strafing planes and artillery
  • Only -5 degrees of gun depression coupled with the high turret placement can make aiming at close targets difficult

History

The BTR (Russian: Бронетранспортер/Bronetransporter or "armoured transport") was a modified design according to the ZiS-151 truck. It features a 6x6 chassis with an additional 5 tons of sloped armour. The mobility and speed were inferior to the original ZiS-151 truck, but it relied on more protection, which was vital than speed. By 1960, the model had been significantly improved in terms of characteristics.

The BTR-152 became the main Soviet armoured personnel carrier (APC) which was then replaced by the 8x8 model BTR-60 later on. The BTR-152A was the SPAAG variant with a double ZPTU-2 or quadruple ZPTU-4 KPVT 14.5 mm heavy machine guns set up.

In terms of aesthetics, the vehicle was influenced by US and German half-tracks, while utilising regular tires instead of tracks. The engine was at the front and the radiator was protected with armoured shutters. There were 10 fire points with pistol ports allowing protection for the crew.

Despite being 70 years old as of March 2020, BTR-152s still see service worldwide. Most are in use by Syria at around 600 in service, followed by North Korea with 300. The BTR-152A is likely also still in service as well. One of its most notable uses was by the Ethiopian Army during the Ogaden War (1977-1978).

Media

Skins
Images

  • BTR-152 at Kubinka museum

  • X-ray view showing the positions of crew members

See also

Related development

External links


USSR anti-aircraft vehicles
GAZ-AAA  GAZ-AAA (4M) · GAZ-AAA (DShK)
BTR-152  BTR-152A · BTR-152D
Wheeled/Half-tracked  GAZ-MM (72-K) · ZiS-12 (94-KM) · ZiS-43
Radar SPAAG  ZSU-23-4 · ZSU-37-2
SAM  ZSU-23-4M4 · Strela-10M2 · 2S6 · Pantsir-S1
Other  ZSU-23-4M2 · ZUT-37 · ZSU-37 · BTR-ZD · ZSU-57-2
Czechoslovakia  M53/59
North Vietnam  ▂Phòng không T-34

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