Difference between revisions of "So-Ki"

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{{Specs-Card|code=jp_type_95_so_ki}}
+
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=jp_type_95_so_ki
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 +
The '''Experimental Anti-Air {{Specs|name}}''' ({{Annotation|試製対空戦車 「ソキ」|Shisei Taikū Sensha [So-Ki]}}) was a further development of anti-air mechanization for Japan as the idea for it wasn't completely abandoned. While the previous [[Ta-Se]] wasn't adopted into service due to lower accuracy, crew comfort, and in turn, difficulty maintaining a high fire rate, the So-Ki would go a step further to fix these issues. The [[Ke-Ni]] was once again chosen as a chassis and instead of an enclosed turret with a singular gun, the So-Ki design was opted to carry 2 x Type 2 20 mm cannons packing more volume of fire and only offering a gunshield to decrease the weight of the gun traverse and less cramping of the gunner.
  
−
[[File:So-Ki Featured Image.jpg|alt=So-Ki Featured Image|left|thumb|500x500px]]
+
The So-Ki was introduced along with the initial Japanese Ground Forces tree in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]]. This anti-aircraft vehicle features dual [[Type 98 (20 mm)|20 mm Type 98]] cannons which have high-velocity rounds and good traverse. The tank is quite fast, being built on the chassis of the Type 98 [[Ke-Ni]]. Players can use it as a scout by shooting other tanks and marking them on the map, but the primary role of the design is defending the team against aircraft. This tank performs decently at its BR and with a good commander, it can be competitive against aircraft even into higher tiers.
−
 
 
−
The "So-Ki" is a BR 3.3 SPAAG from Japan. It features a dual Type 98 20mm guns with high velocity and great mobility.  
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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 helpfull for survival in combat?''
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
Due to the thin armour and open turret, many vehicles can destroy the So-Ki. Enemies armed with a 12.7 mm HMG and other large-calibre anti-aircraft guns and aircraft cannons are particularly deadly as they can pierce through the hull and gunshield without much issue.
 +
 
 +
In destroying this tank, a shot slightly to the right of the driver's hatch can knock out both crew members in the hull at the same time. In Ground RB, this will result in an instant knock out. If only one crew member is knocked out, coaxial machine guns can be used to fire at the half-open turret. If the vehicle is hull-down or in a position that the hull cannot be hit, it is recommended to incapacitate the gunner, wait for him to be replaced, and then knock out the replacement.
 +
 
 +
Fortunately for the So-Ki, the light hull allows the vehicle to go pretty fast. There are some instances where you can literally outrun shells fired by enemies who are shooting at a fair distance away.
 +
 
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 16 mm (16-19°) ''Front plate'' <br> 16 mm (11-72°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 16 mm (29-48°) ''Lower glacis'' || 12 mm || 10 mm (12-51°) || 9 mm
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 8 mm (10-14°) || N/A || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
+
* Suspension wheels and tracks are both 15 mm thick.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
−
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''
+
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 +
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=136|rbMinHp=115}}
 +
 
 +
[[File:TYPE-98-Ho-Ki SPAAG 1.jpg|right|thumb|A three-quarter view of an early prototype So-Ki.]]
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} is quite fast, being built off of the Type 98 Ke-Ni, so you can use this blistering speed to your advantage. You can be a scout and mark enemies so they appear on the map - but it is recommended to only do this if you have a clear way to escape and aren't in danger of counter-fire.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
''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 flexibilty 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.''
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
{{main|Type 98 (20 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
Double the guns means double trouble for enemy aircraft that are attempting to deal with you, so it is recommended to aim for engines and the centre of enemy aircraft - your exposed cabin means that planes will often try to dive on you, hoping to score an easy knockout - you can give them a nasty surprise by filling their engines or cockpit with the Type 100 HE-T shells. That being said, it is highly recommended to always pay attention to what's going on in the air. The So-Ki's gunner can get knocked out quickly, so being aware of the battle in the air, as well as on the ground is essential.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | [[Type 98 (20 mm)|20 mm Type 98]] (x2) || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 +
|-
 +
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
|-
 +
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 520 (20) || rowspan="2" | 300 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 35.22 || 48.75 || 59.20 || 65.47 || 69.65 || rowspan="2" | 3.90 || rowspan="2" | 3.45 || rowspan="2" | 3.18 || rowspan="2" | 3.00
 +
|-
 +
! ''Realistic''
 +
| 23.80 || 28.00 || 34.00 || 37.60 || 40.00
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Ammunition ====
 +
 
 +
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
 +
* '''Type 100 HE-T:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
 +
* '''Type 100 AP-T:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
 +
 
 +
{{:Type 98 (20 mm)/Ammunition|HEFI-T, API-T}}
 +
 
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! Full<br>ammo
 +
! 1st<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
| '''26''' || 2&nbsp;''(+24)'' || No
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
=== Additional armament ===
+
== Usage in battles ==
−
''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
<!-- ''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 So-Ki can use its speed to capture bases and attack lightly armoured targets when the opportunity presents itself. For the most part the So-Ki should fit its purpose in the AA role, rather than an AT one. The sound of aircraft engines will let the player know if potential enemies (and targets) are coming.
  
−
=== Machine guns ===
+
At its battle rating, the So-Ki can penetrate the sides of some tanks like the [[M4|M4 Sherman]], [[Strv m/42 EH]], [[Pz.IV F2]] and [[Pz.III L]], but this is usually only possible at close range. This tank can deal with many lightly armoured targets like other [[:Category:Anti-aircraft vehicles|SPAAs]] and some [[:Category:Light tanks|Light Tanks]] so if the situation requires, the So-Ki can take the role.
−
''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.''
 
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
As for an AA role, this vehicle's performance is competent. It can shoot down low-flying aircraft with relative ease, and anyone who knows how to properly lead targets can easily shoot down most aircraft this tank will meet.
−
''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 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).''
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 +
<!-- ''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:'''
  
−
* Excellent rapid fire allow for aerial overkill
+
* Rapid firing cannons allow for excellent aerial coverage
 
* Great mobility allows for fast repositioning
 
* Great mobility allows for fast repositioning
−
* Frontal protection from light MG
+
* Frontal protection from light machine guns
−
* Freat ammo capacity  
+
* Great ammunition storage capacity
 
* Fast reloading time
 
* Fast reloading time
−
 
+
* Small size can make the vehicle harder to hit
−
*
+
* Twin guns allows the vehicle to still fire if one is damaged
 +
* Decent damage and penetration with the rounds
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Gunner crew exposed and no rear protection
+
* Thin hull armour
−
* Very vulnerable to artillery and aerial strafing/bombing
+
* Low crew count
−
* Rapid depletion of ammo magazines
+
* Gunner is exposed and has no rear protection. Driver and Loader can be knocked out in one shot
−
 
+
* Vulnerable to incoming artillery rounds and aerial strafing/bombing
−
*
+
* Rapid-firing quickly depletes medium-capacity ammunition magazines
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
Just before WWII, in 1938, Japan wanted to develop a SPAAG capable of shooting airplanes from low altitudes and medium altitudes. The current SPAAG were only efficient for low flying airplanes.
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
Prior to World War II, Japan experimented with developing anti-aircraft guns based on several different platforms, including trucks, tanks and railroad cars. Production ended up developing an SPAAG that could shoot down aircraft at low altitudes. The Japanese military, however, wanted their SPAAGs to have the capability to also shoot down aircraft at medium altitudes too. Alongside the range requirements, the vehicle needed to be highly mobile to provide adequate protection to convoys from aerial attack.
  
−
The objective was to provide a capable and highly mobile SPAAG to protect ground convoys from aerial attacks and provide AA cover.
+
By 1941, Japan started prototyping two variations of the new SPAAG. The first prototype was a single-mounted 20 mm Type 98 cannon on a [[Ke-Ni]] hull with a roofless turret known as the "[[Ta-Se]]", short for ''Taikū'' ("anti-air") ''Sensha'' ("tank"). The second prototype was a dual-mount Type 98 on the same hull with an open gun platform.
  
−
Japan developed 2 prototypes by 1941: a single mounted TYpe 98 20mm gun known as "Ta-Se" and the "So-Ki" with dual-munted Type 89 20 mm gun.
+
The crew positions of the So-Ki featured a driver situated in the centre of the vehicle, right under the anti-aircraft gun emplacement. To aid in protecting the cannon crew (gunner and loaders) a gun shield was added to block or deflect small arms fire. A bench for the crew was mounted at the rear of the platform and could be folded out of the way to allow for placement of more ammunition magazines if necessary.
  
−
The platform which was chosen for the SPAAG was the newly built Type98 Ke-Ni light tank.
+
The total ammunition capacity for this vehicle was 22 magazines plus two more already loaded in the cannons. The rate of fire for the Type-98 cannons was around 830 rounds per minute, however, velocities between rounds differed due to round type and explosive filler.
  
−
The crew position featured a drive in the center and under the AA gun emplacement which was higher.A gun shield was added to offer protection for small arms fire to the gunner, but it was not designed to sustain a direct tank shell hit.A bench for the crew was mounted on the rear of the platform and could be folded to allow for placement of more ammo belts if necessary.
+
Unfortunately for the Imperial Japanese Army, the So-Ki never entered production and by the time it was ready to enter service, the needs of the army in anti-aircraft vehicles had significantly evolved. Engineers were also having a difficult time massing sufficient resources necessary for the mass production of new units because of the increasing Allied progression in the Pacific.
  
−
The total ammunition capacity was 22 belts (+ the cannons already loaded).
+
== Media ==
 +
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
  
−
The Type 2 cannon featured a 900 m/s muzzle velocity which is excellent, but some sources state a 970 m/s speed with its AP-T shells.
+
;Skins
  
−
However the So-Ki was not chosen for production because by that time AA needs had significantly evolved and the So-Ki did not answer the new needs and also because Japan lacked the sufficient ressources for mass production because of Allied progression.
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=jp_type_95_so_ki Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
−
[[File:TYPE-98-Ho-Ki SPAAG 1.jpg|left|thumb]]
+
== 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.''-->
  
−
== Media ==
+
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
−
''So-Ki Youtube Review: -> [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yh75uwKfV8]''
+
* [[Ta-Se]]
 +
* [[Ke-Ni]]
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 +
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
== Read also ==
+
* [[wt:en/news/4378-development-so-ki-elusive-twin-guns-en|[Devblog] So-Ki: Elusive Twin Guns]]
−
== Sources ==
+
* [http://sensha-manual.blogspot.com/2016/12/wt-so-ki-spaa.html <nowiki>[Sensha] - [WT]</nowiki> So-Ki SPAA]
  
−
* Excellent article on the So-Ki: historical: -> [http://sensha-manual.blogspot.com/2016/12/wt-so-ki-spaa.html]
+
{{TankManufacturer Hino}}
 +
{{Japan anti-aircraft vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 11:16, 30 March 2023

So-Ki
jp_type_95_so_ki.png
GarageImage So-Ki.jpg
ArtImage So-Ki.png
So-Ki
Japan flag.png Japan
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.0 3.0 3.0
Class:
Research:14 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:32 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The Experimental Anti-Air So-Ki (試製対空戦車 「ソキ」) was a further development of anti-air mechanization for Japan as the idea for it wasn't completely abandoned. While the previous Ta-Se wasn't adopted into service due to lower accuracy, crew comfort, and in turn, difficulty maintaining a high fire rate, the So-Ki would go a step further to fix these issues. The Ke-Ni was once again chosen as a chassis and instead of an enclosed turret with a singular gun, the So-Ki design was opted to carry 2 x Type 2 20 mm cannons packing more volume of fire and only offering a gunshield to decrease the weight of the gun traverse and less cramping of the gunner.

The So-Ki was introduced along with the initial Japanese Ground Forces tree in Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai". This anti-aircraft vehicle features dual 20 mm Type 98 cannons which have high-velocity rounds and good traverse. The tank is quite fast, being built on the chassis of the Type 98 Ke-Ni. Players can use it as a scout by shooting other tanks and marking them on the map, but the primary role of the design is defending the team against aircraft. This tank performs decently at its BR and with a good commander, it can be competitive against aircraft even into higher tiers.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull16 / 12 / 10
Turret8 / 0 / 0
Crew3 people
Visibility75 %

Due to the thin armour and open turret, many vehicles can destroy the So-Ki. Enemies armed with a 12.7 mm HMG and other large-calibre anti-aircraft guns and aircraft cannons are particularly deadly as they can pierce through the hull and gunshield without much issue.

In destroying this tank, a shot slightly to the right of the driver's hatch can knock out both crew members in the hull at the same time. In Ground RB, this will result in an instant knock out. If only one crew member is knocked out, coaxial machine guns can be used to fire at the half-open turret. If the vehicle is hull-down or in a position that the hull cannot be hit, it is recommended to incapacitate the gunner, wait for him to be replaced, and then knock out the replacement.

Fortunately for the So-Ki, the light hull allows the vehicle to go pretty fast. There are some instances where you can literally outrun shells fired by enemies who are shooting at a fair distance away.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 16 mm (16-19°) Front plate
16 mm (11-72°) Front glacis
16 mm (29-48°) Lower glacis 		12 mm 10 mm (12-51°) 9 mm
Turret 8 mm (10-14°) N/A N/A N/A

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and tracks are both 15 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB54 / 8 km/h
RB and SB50 / 8 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
1 back
Weight7.0 t
Engine power
AB248 hp
RB and SB130 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB35.4 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 54 8 7 136 248 19.43 35.43
Realistic 50 8 115 130 16.43 18.57
A three-quarter view of an early prototype So-Ki.

The So-Ki is quite fast, being built off of the Type 98 Ke-Ni, so you can use this blistering speed to your advantage. You can be a scout and mark enemies so they appear on the map - but it is recommended to only do this if you have a clear way to escape and aren't in danger of counter-fire.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 037 → 1 334 Sl icon.png
RB844 → 1 086 Sl icon.png
SB1 322 → 1 701 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications13 960 Rp icon.png
20 150 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost860 Ge icon.png
Crew training9 200 Sl icon.png
Experts32 000 Sl icon.png
Aces270 Ge icon.png
Research Aces250 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
70 / 70 / 100 % Sl icon.png
130 / 130 / 130 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 700 Sl icon.png
150 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement jp.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 700 Sl icon.png
150 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_jp_type100_HE_ammo_pack
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods aa cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_jp_type100_AP_ammo_pack
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 700 Sl icon.png
150 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

2 x 20 mm Type 98 cannon
Ammunition520 rounds
Belt capacity20 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
3.9 → 3.0 s
Fire rate300 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 85°
Main article: Type 98 (20 mm)

Double the guns means double trouble for enemy aircraft that are attempting to deal with you, so it is recommended to aim for engines and the centre of enemy aircraft - your exposed cabin means that planes will often try to dive on you, hoping to score an easy knockout - you can give them a nasty surprise by filling their engines or cockpit with the Type 100 HE-T shells. That being said, it is highly recommended to always pay attention to what's going on in the air. The So-Ki's gunner can get knocked out quickly, so being aware of the battle in the air, as well as on the ground is essential.

20 mm Type 98 (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 520 (20) 300 -10°/+85° ±180° N/A 35.22 48.75 59.20 65.47 69.65 3.90 3.45 3.18 3.00
Realistic 23.80 28.00 34.00 37.60 40.00

Ammunition

  • Default: API-T · HEFI-T · HEFI-T
  • Type 100 HE-T: HEFI-T
  • Type 100 AP-T: API-T

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 6 5 4 3 2 2
API-T 48 45 35 26 19 14
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 950 0.13 0.04 0.1 6 79° 80° 81°
API-T 928 0.16 - - - 47° 60° 65°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the So-Ki
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
26 2 (+24) No

Usage in battles

The So-Ki can use its speed to capture bases and attack lightly armoured targets when the opportunity presents itself. For the most part the So-Ki should fit its purpose in the AA role, rather than an AT one. The sound of aircraft engines will let the player know if potential enemies (and targets) are coming.

At its battle rating, the So-Ki can penetrate the sides of some tanks like the M4 Sherman, Strv m/42 EH, Pz.IV F2 and Pz.III L, but this is usually only possible at close range. This tank can deal with many lightly armoured targets like other SPAAs and some Light Tanks so if the situation requires, the So-Ki can take the role.

As for an AA role, this vehicle's performance is competent. It can shoot down low-flying aircraft with relative ease, and anyone who knows how to properly lead targets can easily shoot down most aircraft this tank will meet.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Rapid firing cannons allow for excellent aerial coverage
  • Great mobility allows for fast repositioning
  • Frontal protection from light machine guns
  • Great ammunition storage capacity
  • Fast reloading time
  • Small size can make the vehicle harder to hit
  • Twin guns allows the vehicle to still fire if one is damaged
  • Decent damage and penetration with the rounds

Cons:

  • Thin hull armour
  • Low crew count
  • Gunner is exposed and has no rear protection. Driver and Loader can be knocked out in one shot
  • Vulnerable to incoming artillery rounds and aerial strafing/bombing
  • Rapid-firing quickly depletes medium-capacity ammunition magazines

History

Prior to World War II, Japan experimented with developing anti-aircraft guns based on several different platforms, including trucks, tanks and railroad cars. Production ended up developing an SPAAG that could shoot down aircraft at low altitudes. The Japanese military, however, wanted their SPAAGs to have the capability to also shoot down aircraft at medium altitudes too. Alongside the range requirements, the vehicle needed to be highly mobile to provide adequate protection to convoys from aerial attack.

By 1941, Japan started prototyping two variations of the new SPAAG. The first prototype was a single-mounted 20 mm Type 98 cannon on a Ke-Ni hull with a roofless turret known as the "Ta-Se", short for Taikū ("anti-air") Sensha ("tank"). The second prototype was a dual-mount Type 98 on the same hull with an open gun platform.

The crew positions of the So-Ki featured a driver situated in the centre of the vehicle, right under the anti-aircraft gun emplacement. To aid in protecting the cannon crew (gunner and loaders) a gun shield was added to block or deflect small arms fire. A bench for the crew was mounted at the rear of the platform and could be folded out of the way to allow for placement of more ammunition magazines if necessary.

The total ammunition capacity for this vehicle was 22 magazines plus two more already loaded in the cannons. The rate of fire for the Type-98 cannons was around 830 rounds per minute, however, velocities between rounds differed due to round type and explosive filler.

Unfortunately for the Imperial Japanese Army, the So-Ki never entered production and by the time it was ready to enter service, the needs of the army in anti-aircraft vehicles had significantly evolved. Engineers were also having a difficult time massing sufficient resources necessary for the mass production of new units because of the increasing Allied progression in the Pacific.

Media

Skins

See also

Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

External links


Hino Motors, Ltd. (日野自動車株式会社)
Light Tank  Ke-Ni
SPAA  Ta-Se · So-Ki

Japan anti-aircraft vehicles
Ke-Ni Derivatives  Ta-Se · So-Ki
Wheeled  Type 94
Tracked  SUB-I-II
Radar SPAAG  Type 87
Missile SPAA  Type 93 · Type 81 (C)
USA  ▅M16 MGMC · ▅M19A1 · ▅M42

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