Difference between revisions of "AMX-13 DCA 40"

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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}}''' ('''''A'''telier de Construction d'Issy-les-'''M'''oulineau'''x''', char de '''13''' t, '''d'''éfense '''c'''ontre '''a'''vions, canon de '''40''' mm'': Issy-les-Moulineaux construction bureau, 13 ton tank, anti-air defense, 40 mm gun) is a Rank {{specs|rank}} French self-propelled anti-aircraft gun {{Battle-rating|1}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]]. It is a clear improvement to its predecessor in all domains, combining two good things to make them even better: the [[AMX-13]]'s chassis and an improved [[Bofors (40 mm)|Bofors]] cannon (The 40 mm Mle 51 T1 cannon is a French version of the usual 40mm Bofors AA gun).
+
The '''AMX-13 Défense Contre Avions (DCA) canon de 40 mm''' is the fourth variant of the [[AMX-13 (Family)|AMX-13 light tank family]]. Due to a scarcity of self-propelled anti-air (SPAA) vehicles in France following World War II, attempts were undertaken in the 1950s to repurpose existing tank chassis for anti-air tasks. The main weapon of the prototype is a 40 mm Mle51 T1 cannon based on the 40 mm Bofors L/70 cannon. The resulting vehicle is called the AMX-13 Défense Contre Avions (DCA) canon de 40 mm, and it is comprised of an [[AMX-13|AMX-13/75 FL10]] chassis with a rear-mounted armoured SAMM S-980 turret that allows firing at 90° elevation. With its sloped sides and full 360° traverse, the turret provided adequate overall protection.
  
−
An [[AMX-13]] chassis, a classic of French post-war technology has been modified to fit SPAA role. This specific chassis has some variants over the usual ones : an enlarged turret ring and with it some extra storage boxes, both extend sideways over the tracks. This tank is quite recognizable for its large box-shaped turret over its chassis.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]], the AMX-13 DCA canon de 40 mm is extremely versatile, as it can effectively execute both anti-air and anti-tank duties. It possesses an autocannon with a decent firing rate and accuracy that can easily knock down enemy aircraft. This, combined with the deadly firepower it has access to, makes it an extremely dangerous vehicle. Furthermore, its mobility can be used to flank across the battlefields and engage poorly armoured vehicles in the enemy team early in the battle. Its interchangeable ammunition belts enable this vehicle to quickly convert between different types of ammunition. This vehicle is a tremendous beast in the right hands, easily capable of destroying many tanks in battle.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
{{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?''
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
+
This tank has 20 mm of armour, all around, barely angled but for the UFP, this won't protect it from antitank rounds nor from autocannon fire but it can certainly deflect poorly-aimed HMG bursts, but not for too long. If taking too long bursts (or if the enemy gets too close), some bullets may find their way through the two ''large holes'' in the turret front, near the gun area (there is also two smaller holes in the turret's back). In sum, this tank's armour is not to be trusted, but it will save you from stray bullets and medium to long range MG/HMG fire.
−
This tank has 20 mm of armour, all around, barely angled but for the UFP, this won't protect it from antitank rounds nor from autocannon fire but it can certainly deflect poorly-aimed HMG bursts, but not for too long. If taking too long bursts (or if the enemy gets too close), some bullets may find their way through the two ''large holes'' in the turret front, near the gun area (there is also two smaller holes in the turret's back). In sum, this tank's armour is not to be trusted with, but it will save you from stray bullets and medium to long range MG/HMG fire.
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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'''Notes:'''<br>
 
'''Notes:'''<br>
 
''Turret:''
 
''Turret:''
 +
 
* Turret frontal armour is split in two for gun clearance.
 
* Turret frontal armour is split in two for gun clearance.
 
* Round hole below gun hole in front of the turret.
 
* Round hole below gun hole in front of the turret.
Line 42: Line 42:
  
 
''Hull:''
 
''Hull:''
 +
 
* Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick.
 
* Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick.
 
* Storage boxes are 4 mm thick.
 
* Storage boxes are 4 mm thick.
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 302|rbMinHp= 239}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 302|rbMinHp= 239}}
  
−
French ground forces players should be used to the AMX-13 chassis as it is the basis for most French light tanks. With its turret being a little bit heavier and its engine 31 hp less powerful, this tank is slower than the usual [[AMX-13]]. It can still carry its user wherever it wants, as long as the situation does not require fast escape maneuvers: with only -6 km/h backwards, it is difficult to quickly get out of an unwanted situation.
+
French ground forces players should be used to the AMX-13 chassis as it is the basis for most French light tanks. With its turret being a little bit heavier and its engine 31 hp less powerful, this tank is slower than the usual [[AMX-13]]. It can still carry its user wherever it wants, as long as the situation does not require fast escape manoeuvres: with only -6 km/h backwards, it is difficult to quickly get out of an unwanted situation.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | [[Mle51 T1 (40 mm)|40 mm Mle51 T1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! colspan="6" | [[Mle51 T1 (40 mm)|40 mm Mle51 T1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
−
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
+
! Autoloader
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 404 (4) || rowspan="2" | 240 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 26.4 || 36.6 || 44.4 || 49.1 || 52.2 || rowspan="2" | 0.50 || rowspan="2" | 0.50 || rowspan="2" | 0.50 || rowspan="2" | 0.50
+
| rowspan="2" | 404 (4) || rowspan="2" | 240 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 79.2 || 109.7 || 133.2 || 147.3 || 156.7 || rowspan="2" | 0.50
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 17.9 || 21.0 || 25.5 || 28.2 || 30.0
+
| 53.5 || 63.0 || 76.5 || 84.6 || 90.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
The gun is this vehicle's main appeal. Being twice as fast-firing as its predecessor makes it easier to get planes down, but you will still have to aim. As for engaging tanks, with up to 94 mm max penetration, you will start to struggle firing at most enemies since their frontal armour is strong enough to block incoming 40 mm rounds, though with some precision, medium tanks and even heavy tanks can fall victim to your gun. Lightly armoured tanks and SPAAs will be easier tarets for your 4-rounds bursts.
+
The gun is this vehicle's main appeal. Being twice as fast-firing as its predecessor makes it easier to get planes down, but you will still have to aim. As for engaging tanks, with up to 94 mm max penetration, you will start to struggle firing at most enemies since their frontal armour is strong enough to block incoming 40 mm rounds, though with some precision, medium tanks and even heavy tanks can fall victim to your gun. Lightly armoured tanks and SPAAs are easy targets with your 4-rounds bursts.
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
 +
 
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}} - The standard belt can fulfill both roles (anti-air and lightly armoured vehicles) but with a lower rate of fire.
 
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}} - The standard belt can fulfill both roles (anti-air and lightly armoured vehicles) but with a lower rate of fire.
−
* '''40mm HE-T:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}} - This belt is adapted for targeting aircraft with its high-explosive shells.
+
* '''40 mm HE-T:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}} - This belt is adapted for targeting aircraft with its high-explosive shells.
−
* '''40mm AP-T:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}} - This belt is adapted for targeting lightly armoured vehicles with its armour-piercing rounds.
+
* '''40 mm AP-T:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}} - This belt is adapted for targeting lightly armoured vehicles with its armour-piercing rounds.
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:Mle51 T1 (40 mm)/Ammunition|HEFI-T*, AP-T}}
−
! colspan="8" | 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
 
−
|-
 
−
| Default || 94 || 90 || 77 || 62 || 51 || 41
 
−
|-
 
−
| 40mm HE-T || 94 || 90 || 77 || 62 || 51 || 41
 
−
|-
 
−
| 40mm AP-T || 94 || 90 || 77 || 62 || 51 || 41
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
<!-- '''Last updated: 1.101.1.33''' -->
 
<!-- '''Last updated: 1.101.1.33''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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! 4th<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
−
! 6th<br>rack empty
+
!6th<br>rack empty
−
! 7th<br>rack empty
+
!7th<br>rack empty
−
! 8th<br>rack empty
+
!8th<br>rack empty
−
! 9th<br>rack empty
+
!9th<br>rack empty
−
! Visual<br>discrepancy
+
!Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
|| '''101''' || 93&nbsp;''(+8)'' || 85&nbsp;''(+16)'' || 77&nbsp;''(+24)'' || 61&nbsp;''(+40)'' || 41&nbsp;''(+60)'' || 25&nbsp;''(+76)'' || 17&nbsp;''(+84)''|| 9&nbsp;''(+92)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+100)'' || No
+
| '''101''' || 93&nbsp;''(+8)'' || 85&nbsp;''(+16)'' || 77&nbsp;''(+24)'' || 57&nbsp;''(+44)'' || 41&nbsp;''(+60)''
 +
|21&nbsp;''(+80)''
 +
|13&nbsp;''(+88)''
 +
|9&nbsp;''(+92)''
 +
|1&nbsp;''(+100)''
 +
|No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
 
'''Notes''':
 
'''Notes''':
  
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* Racks are subdivided in sets of 4 clips.
 
* Racks are subdivided in sets of 4 clips.
 
* Clips disappear when all clips in the set have been shot or loaded.
 
* Clips disappear when all clips in the set have been shot or loaded.
 +
* The actual layout of the racks is not as perfect as shown in the image, but the table is correct yet but it will eat a little onto the next rack.
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
This SPAA is quite versatile as it can take down both tanks and planes with mitigated efficiency. It has an auto-cannon that does not fires fast enough to engage planes efficiently nor does it penetrates enough to shred tanks. As it is, this SPAA is good for front line use: providing cover for incoming ground attackers to its allies while also securing flanks from fast-movers.
+
This SPAA is quite versatile as it can take down both tanks and planes with mitigated efficiency. It has an autocannon that does not fire fast enough to engage planes efficiently, nor does it penetrate enough to shred tanks. As it is, this SPAA is good for front-line use: providing cover for incoming ground attackers to its allies while also securing flanks from fast-movers.
  
−
Good at engaging both tanks and planes, its versatile belts allows this vehicle to switch roles in a split second. In the right hands, in a downtier, this SPAA is an absolute monster, easily capable of ace matches against tanks.
+
Good at engaging both tanks and planes, its versatile belts allow this vehicle to switch roles in a split second. In the right hands, in a downtier, this SPAA is an absolute monster, easily capable of ace matches against tanks.
  
 
'''SPAA use:'''
 
'''SPAA use:'''
  
−
Pre-aim your gun in the predicted direction of your target: the DCA-40 has a bit of a slow turret traverse for an SPAA. It is easier to aim at targets coming towards you: stay with your team and fire when the plane is ~500 m away: an hitting round will shred it in no time. Any other SPAA tactics apply normally to this vehicle.
+
It is easier to aim at targets coming towards you: stay with your team and fire when the plane is ~500 m away: an hitting round will shred it in no time. Any other SPAA tactics apply normally to this vehicle.
  
 
'''Front-line use:'''
 
'''Front-line use:'''
  
−
''Do not'' engage tanks frontally: prefer lateral engagements, surprise your foes. If it happens that the enemy team is composed of medium/light tanks, there is a great chance that you can knock some of them out, but be sure to have an escape route as any tank noticing you counters those flanking maneuvers. Heavy tanks at this BR are usually very hard to get trough, even from the side, engage only at risk.
+
Do not engage tanks frontally: prefer lateral engagements, to surprise your foes. If it happens that the enemy team is composed of medium/light tanks, there is a great chance that you can knock some of them out, but be sure to have an escape route as any tank noticing you counters those flanking manoeuvres. Heavy tanks at this BR are usually very hard to get trough, even from the side, engage at your own risk.
  
−
Even though your gun has SPAA - Level Penetration, It can go through pretty much any tank side that it faces. '''Even the Tiger II.''' And it's from this that the DCA 40 gets it's charm tactic:
+
Even though your gun has SPAA - Level Penetration, It can go through pretty much any tank side that it faces. Even the Tiger II. And it's from this that the DCA 40 gets it's charm tactic:
  
 
# Take out the gun
 
# Take out the gun
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Knowing this, you can win battles against Panthers, Tigers (I and II), and many tanks you might find in an uptier at medium range, even when taking this tank into a higher tier than it could face.
 
Knowing this, you can win battles against Panthers, Tigers (I and II), and many tanks you might find in an uptier at medium range, even when taking this tank into a higher tier than it could face.
  
−
Taking out the gun is fairly easy, your center mounted bofors just needs to be aimed at the gun, and can take it out with 2 or 3 shots.
+
Taking out the gun is fairly easy, your centre-mounted Bofors just needs to be aimed at the gun, and can take it out with 2 or 3 shots.
  
 
Once you've taken out the gun, go for the track or transmission. doing this will render any tank immobile for at least 20 seconds, which is more than enough.
 
Once you've taken out the gun, go for the track or transmission. doing this will render any tank immobile for at least 20 seconds, which is more than enough.
  
−
'''93mm of penetration can go through almost any tank's side armour and rear armour in the game.''' With the exception of the Maus, of course, your gun can '''Shred''' enemy tanks from the side. Knowing this
+
93 mm of penetration can go through almost any tank's side armour and rear armour in the game. Except for most super-heavy tanks, your gun can shred enemy tanks from the side.
  
−
It's worth mentioning that in a downtier against axis powers, you can penetrate every vehicle you see ''from the front'' except for some German casemates. In an uptier, if you must engage a heavily armored tank from the front, several well placed shots to the cannon barrel will knock it out, and enable you to flank at your leisure and feast on their side armor. A more conservative way to play is to stay a few meters behind the front-line and spot flanking tanks while also watching the skies.
+
It's worth mentioning that in a downtier against axis powers, you can penetrate every vehicle you see from the front except for some German casemates. In an uptier, if you must engage a heavily-armoured tank from the front, several well-placed shots to the cannon barrel will knock it out, and enable you to flank at your leisure and feast on their side armour. A more conservative way to play is to stay a few metres behind the front-line and spot flanking tanks while also watching the skies.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Good top speed, and decent agility
+
* Good top speed and decent agility
−
* Fast reload (unnoticeable reload)
+
* Equipped with an improved Bofors autocannon with faster rate of fire and penetration
−
* Fires ''twice'' as fast as its predecessor (240 rpm)
+
* Fast turret traverse speed and good gun handling
−
* Shells have a higher velocity compared to the standard Bofors 40mm, making it easier to find hits
+
* Can easily tear apart light vehicles frontally, and heavier vehicles from the sides
−
* Shells have amazing penetration
+
* Can destroy most aircraft with a few connected shots
−
* Fast elevation speed
 
−
* +85° elevation angle
 
−
* UFP sloped at 67° may bounce some shots
 
−
* 5 mm thick turret basket act as leg protection for the crew (from HMG fire)
 
−
* Often one-shots planes
 
−
* Each belt has both HE-T and AP-T ammo inside (great for multipurpose roles)
 
−
* Decent reverse speed
 
 
* Gun is hard to overheat
 
* Gun is hard to overheat
−
* If only loading approximately 50% ammo, shots to the right side of the turret will knock out one crew member and do no other damage
+
 
−
* Tons of ammo
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Turret is literally an ammo rack
+
* Somewhat ineffective at engaging aircraft at longer range due to having only one cannon and lower rate of fire for an SPAA
 +
* The entire turret is literally lined with ammo racks, resulting in very poor survivability
 +
* Weak overall armour, can't afford taking hits
 
* Bad gun depression
 
* Bad gun depression
−
* Loader is exposed to MG fire
+
* Struggles to reach its top speed in rough terrain
−
* Struggles to reach its top speed
 
−
* Vulnerable to HMG fire
 
−
* Most enemies that it faces are no longer vulnerable to side shots
 
−
* Slow turret rotation
 
−
* Turret prone to ammo-racking from strafing planes
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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;Skins
 
;Skins
 +
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fr_amx_13_dca_40 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fr_amx_13_dca_40 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
−
{{Youtube-gallery|PosWOnOGkSo|'''Best experimental vehicles''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 7:28 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|ocKGyaYTPds|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|PosWOnOGkSo|'''Best experimental vehicles''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 7:28 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 218: Line 202:
  
 
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
 
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
 +
 
* [[AMX-13 (Family)]]
 
* [[AMX-13 (Family)]]
  
 
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
−
* [[Ostwind]]
+
 
 +
* [[Lvkv 42]]
 
* [[ZSU-37]]
 
* [[ZSU-37]]
 +
* [[LVT-4/40]]
 
* [[Crusader AA Mk I]]
 
* [[Crusader AA Mk I]]
−
* [[Lvkv 42]]
+
* [[Ostwind]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Latest revision as of 21:00, 8 October 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
This page is about the French SPAA AMX-13 DCA 40. For other versions, see AMX-13 (Family).
AMX-13 DCA 40
fr_amx_13_dca_40.png
GarageImage AMX-13 DCA 40.jpg
AMX-13 DCA 40
France flag.png France
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.7 5.0 5.0
Class:
Research:26 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:76 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The AMX-13 Défense Contre Avions (DCA) canon de 40 mm is the fourth variant of the AMX-13 light tank family. Due to a scarcity of self-propelled anti-air (SPAA) vehicles in France following World War II, attempts were undertaken in the 1950s to repurpose existing tank chassis for anti-air tasks. The main weapon of the prototype is a 40 mm Mle51 T1 cannon based on the 40 mm Bofors L/70 cannon. The resulting vehicle is called the AMX-13 Défense Contre Avions (DCA) canon de 40 mm, and it is comprised of an AMX-13/75 FL10 chassis with a rear-mounted armoured SAMM S-980 turret that allows firing at 90° elevation. With its sloped sides and full 360° traverse, the turret provided adequate overall protection.

Introduced in Update 1.75 "La Résistance", the AMX-13 DCA canon de 40 mm is extremely versatile, as it can effectively execute both anti-air and anti-tank duties. It possesses an autocannon with a decent firing rate and accuracy that can easily knock down enemy aircraft. This, combined with the deadly firepower it has access to, makes it an extremely dangerous vehicle. Furthermore, its mobility can be used to flank across the battlefields and engage poorly armoured vehicles in the enemy team early in the battle. Its interchangeable ammunition belts enable this vehicle to quickly convert between different types of ammunition. This vehicle is a tremendous beast in the right hands, easily capable of destroying many tanks in battle.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull40 / 20 / 15
Turret20 / 20 / 20
Crew5 people
Visibility79 %

This tank has 20 mm of armour, all around, barely angled but for the UFP, this won't protect it from antitank rounds nor from autocannon fire but it can certainly deflect poorly-aimed HMG bursts, but not for too long. If taking too long bursts (or if the enemy gets too close), some bullets may find their way through the two large holes in the turret front, near the gun area (there is also two smaller holes in the turret's back). In sum, this tank's armour is not to be trusted, but it will save you from stray bullets and medium to long range MG/HMG fire.

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 20 mm (66°) Upper Glacis
40 mm (cylindrical) Transmission housing
20 mm (51°) Lower Glacis 		20 mm Sides
20 mm (13-15°) Turret base 		15 mm upper plate
15 mm (58°) Lower glacis 		20 mm (24°) Front glacis
10 mm Centre and rear
5mm Vents
Turret 20 mm (24-54°) Gun shield 20 mm (14-15°) 20 mm (conical) Top
20 mm (cylindrical) Bottom 		N/A

Notes:
Turret:

  • Turret frontal armour is split in two for gun clearance.
  • Round hole below gun hole in front of the turret.
  • Two small holes in the turret's back armour
  • Turret ring is 30 mm thick.
  • Gun breech is 150 mm thick.
  • Turret basket is 5 mm thick.

Hull:

  • Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick.
  • Storage boxes are 4 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB66 / 8 km/h
RB and SB61 / 7 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight14.5 t
Engine power
AB515 hp
RB and SB270 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB35.5 hp/t
RB and SB18.6 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 66 8 14.5 302 515 20.83 35.52
Realistic 61 7 239 270 16.48 18.62

French ground forces players should be used to the AMX-13 chassis as it is the basis for most French light tanks. With its turret being a little bit heavier and its engine 31 hp less powerful, this tank is slower than the usual AMX-13. It can still carry its user wherever it wants, as long as the situation does not require fast escape manoeuvres: with only -6 km/h backwards, it is difficult to quickly get out of an unwanted situation.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 493 → 1 921 Sl icon.png
RB1 184 → 1 523 Sl icon.png
SB1 718 → 2 211 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications24 700 Rp icon.png
44 900 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training22 000 Sl icon.png
Experts76 000 Sl icon.png
Aces400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces320 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
80 / 100 / 150 % Sl icon.png
142 / 142 / 142 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
2 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 900 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
2 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 900 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement fr.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
40mm_L70_HE_ammo_pack
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
40mm_L70_AP_ammo_pack
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
2 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 900 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

40 mm Mle51 T1 cannon
Autoloader
Automatically feeds projectiles into the breech. The speed does not depend on the skills of the loader
Ammunition404 rounds
Belt capacity4 rounds
Reload0.5 s
Fire rate240 shots/min
Vertical guidance-5° / 85°
Main article: Mle51 T1 (40 mm)
40 mm Mle51 T1 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Autoloader
Arcade 404 (4) 240 -5°/+85° ±180° - 79.2 109.7 133.2 147.3 156.7 0.50
Realistic 53.5 63.0 76.5 84.6 90.0

The gun is this vehicle's main appeal. Being twice as fast-firing as its predecessor makes it easier to get planes down, but you will still have to aim. As for engaging tanks, with up to 94 mm max penetration, you will start to struggle firing at most enemies since their frontal armour is strong enough to block incoming 40 mm rounds, though with some precision, medium tanks and even heavy tanks can fall victim to your gun. Lightly armoured tanks and SPAAs are easy targets with your 4-rounds bursts.

Ammunition

  • Default: AP-T · HEFI-T* - The standard belt can fulfill both roles (anti-air and lightly armoured vehicles) but with a lower rate of fire.
  • 40 mm HE-T: HEFI-T* · HEFI-T* · HEFI-T* · AP-T - This belt is adapted for targeting aircraft with its high-explosive shells.
  • 40 mm AP-T: AP-T · AP-T · AP-T · HEFI-T* - This belt is adapted for targeting lightly armoured vehicles with its armour-piercing rounds.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HEFI-T* 12 11 10 8 6 5
AP-T 94 90 77 62 50 41
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEFI-T* 1,005 0.96 0.1 0.1 145 79° 80° 81°
AP-T 1,025 0.93 - - - 47° 60° 65°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the AMX-13 DCA 40
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		7th
rack empty 		8th
rack empty 		9th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
101 93 (+8) 85 (+16) 77 (+24) 57 (+44) 41 (+60) 21 (+80) 13 (+88) 9 (+92) 1 (+100) No

Notes:

  • Ammunition is organized in clips of 4 rounds.
  • Racks are subdivided in sets of 4 clips.
  • Clips disappear when all clips in the set have been shot or loaded.
  • The actual layout of the racks is not as perfect as shown in the image, but the table is correct yet but it will eat a little onto the next rack.

Usage in battles

This SPAA is quite versatile as it can take down both tanks and planes with mitigated efficiency. It has an autocannon that does not fire fast enough to engage planes efficiently, nor does it penetrate enough to shred tanks. As it is, this SPAA is good for front-line use: providing cover for incoming ground attackers to its allies while also securing flanks from fast-movers.

Good at engaging both tanks and planes, its versatile belts allow this vehicle to switch roles in a split second. In the right hands, in a downtier, this SPAA is an absolute monster, easily capable of ace matches against tanks.

SPAA use:

It is easier to aim at targets coming towards you: stay with your team and fire when the plane is ~500 m away: an hitting round will shred it in no time. Any other SPAA tactics apply normally to this vehicle.

Front-line use:

Do not engage tanks frontally: prefer lateral engagements, to surprise your foes. If it happens that the enemy team is composed of medium/light tanks, there is a great chance that you can knock some of them out, but be sure to have an escape route as any tank noticing you counters those flanking manoeuvres. Heavy tanks at this BR are usually very hard to get trough, even from the side, engage at your own risk.

Even though your gun has SPAA - Level Penetration, It can go through pretty much any tank side that it faces. Even the Tiger II. And it's from this that the DCA 40 gets it's charm tactic:

  1. Take out the gun
  2. Take out the track
  3. Take out the machine gun
  4. Take out the tank

Knowing this, you can win battles against Panthers, Tigers (I and II), and many tanks you might find in an uptier at medium range, even when taking this tank into a higher tier than it could face.

Taking out the gun is fairly easy, your centre-mounted Bofors just needs to be aimed at the gun, and can take it out with 2 or 3 shots.

Once you've taken out the gun, go for the track or transmission. doing this will render any tank immobile for at least 20 seconds, which is more than enough.

93 mm of penetration can go through almost any tank's side armour and rear armour in the game. Except for most super-heavy tanks, your gun can shred enemy tanks from the side.

It's worth mentioning that in a downtier against axis powers, you can penetrate every vehicle you see from the front except for some German casemates. In an uptier, if you must engage a heavily-armoured tank from the front, several well-placed shots to the cannon barrel will knock it out, and enable you to flank at your leisure and feast on their side armour. A more conservative way to play is to stay a few metres behind the front-line and spot flanking tanks while also watching the skies.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good top speed and decent agility
  • Equipped with an improved Bofors autocannon with faster rate of fire and penetration
  • Fast turret traverse speed and good gun handling
  • Can easily tear apart light vehicles frontally, and heavier vehicles from the sides
  • Can destroy most aircraft with a few connected shots
  • Gun is hard to overheat


Cons:

  • Somewhat ineffective at engaging aircraft at longer range due to having only one cannon and lower rate of fire for an SPAA
  • The entire turret is literally lined with ammo racks, resulting in very poor survivability
  • Weak overall armour, can't afford taking hits
  • Bad gun depression
  • Struggles to reach its top speed in rough terrain

History

Main article: History of the AMX-13

Design

The need for a SPAAG emerged in the 1950s for the French Army when the only AA vehicles left over from WW2 (M16 half-tracks mainly) became underpowered and thus obsolete. Several projects were launched using Bofors guns. Among them was the AMX-13 DCA canon de 40 mm using the hull of the AMX-13 on which was installed a specially designed SAMM S 980 turret housing the 40 mm Bofors L/70 gun. The turret offered good protection for the crew, 360° traverse and a 90° elevation angle. The Mle51 T1 gun fired 240 rounds per minute at 993 m/s.

Development

The development of the SAMM S 980 turret was stopped in 1957 and the Bofors gun production stopped in 1958. The experience gathered from similar single-gun SPAAG projects put the stress on numerous shortcomings when compared to twin-gun designs.

Combat usage

The AMX-13 DCA 40 never saw service or combat action in the French Army.

Media

Skins
Videos
Best experimental vehicles discusses the AMX-13 DCA 40 at 7:28 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


Ateliers de construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux (AMX)
Light tanks 
AMX-13  AMX-13-M24 · AMX-13 (FL11) · AMX-13 · AMX-13 (SS.11) · AMX-13-90 · AMX-13 (HOT)
Armoured cars  AMX-10RC
Medium tanks  AMX M4 · AMX-50 (TOA100)
MBTs 
AMX-30  AMX-30 · AMX-30 ACRA · AMX-30 (1972) · AMX-30B2 · AMX-30B2 BRENUS · AMX-30 Super
AMX-32/40  AMX-32 (105) · AMX-32 · AMX-40
Heavy tanks  AMX-50 Surbaissé · AMX-50 Surblindé
Tank destroyers  ELC bis · AMX-50 Foch
SPAAGs  AMX-13 DCA 40 · AMX-30 S DCA
Export  AMX-13

France anti-aircraft vehicles
Wheeled/Half-tracked  P.7.T AA · CCKW 353 AA · TPK 6.41
AMX-13 Derivatives  VTT DCA · AMX-13 DCA 40
Radar SPAAG  AMX-30 S DCA
Missile SPAA  SANTAL · Roland 1 · ▄ItO 90M
Other  AMX-10P

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