Difference between revisions of "AB 41"

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{{Specs-Card|code=it_ab_41}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=it_ab_41
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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 the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it 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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage {{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The '''Autoblinda (AB) 41''' was an Italian armoured car developed by Fiat-Ansaldo. By the 1930s, the Italian army was equipped with outdated and limited Lancia IZ and Fiat-Terni Tripoli armoured cars, designed during World War I. The army needed a new combat vehicle for reconnaissance and patrolling in desert conditions. Work on the AB 41 took place between 1937 and 1939. Initially, it was planned to equip the armoured car with only machine gun armament (three 8 mm Breda Mod.38s), however, due to Italy's entry into the war and the beginning of hostilities in North Africa, it was decided to install a 20 mm Breda Mod.35 autocannon on the AB 41. During production from 1940 to 1943, approximately 600 AB 41s were built, making it the most produced Italian armoured vehicle during this period. The armoured car earned a good reputation among Italian troops on the North African theatre of operations, and it was used not only by the Italians but also by the Germans.
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{{Break}}
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−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' or '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian armoured car {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].  
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]], the AB 41 is very lightly armoured. At its battle rating, most opponents can easily penetrate its armour, leaving it heavily damaged or destroyed outright. Its armour can withstand machine gun fire to some extent, but enemy aircraft with powerful cannons remain a threat. However, the vehicle makes up for its lack of armour with mobility and firepower. Much of the Italian tech tree follows a similar doctrine, and using the AB 41, you can outmanoeuvre your comrades to take enemies by surprise. The AB 41 is armed with a 20 mm Breda Mod.35 autocannon, with access to a PzGr 40 HVAP belt. This cannon can easily take down many opponents, especially if you attack from the side. The turret also has decent elevation angles, allowing you to target enemy aircraft flying near the battlefield.
  
 
== 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 helpful 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.'' -->
 +
The armour of the {{PAGENAME}} is very weak, and will not protect it from most weapons on the battlefield, including some light machine guns at closer ranges. One upside is that some side shots will not be instant knock-outs, since the crew is well spaced out. Ammunition will not always go off when hit either, another bonus to the AB41. However, frontal fire will result in a crew knock-out from many weapons, and chemical shells will deal overpressure damage.
 +
 
 +
When facing an AB41, aim for the driver in the front or the engine, then finish it with a follow-up shot to the crew compartment. If you have access to a heavy machine gun, use it to quickly knock out the crew. Avoid aiming at the turret, as it is relatively well armoured and isn't a primary target.
 +
 
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
 +
* Gun steel (main gun, machine gun)
 +
* Wheel (tires)
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 8 mm (22°) ''Upper Plate'' <br> 8 mm (44-68°) ''Upper Glacis'' <br> 8 mm (19-50°) ''Lower Glacis'' || 8 mm (29°) ''Top'' <br> 8 mm (12°) ''Bottom'' || 8 mm (16°) ''Crew Compartment'' <br> 18 mm (spherical) ''Rear MG Port'' <br> 5 mm (33°) ''Engine Compartment'' <br> 6 mm (27°) ''Lower plate'' || 6 mm ''Crew Compartment'' <br> 6 mm (18°) ''Engine Compartment - Centre'' <br> 8 mm (39°) ''Engine Compartment - Sides''
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 18 mm (11°) ''Turret front'' <br> 8 mm (cylindrical) ''Gun mantlet'' || 8 mm (24-25°) || 8 mm (17-18°) || 6 mm
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
+
* The wheels are 10 mm thick.
 +
* The gun barrel is 10 mm thick while the coaxial machine gun is 5 mm thick.
 +
* Viewports on the turret are 6 mm thick.
 +
* Mudguards are 8 mm thick.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
−
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability as well as the maximum speed forward and backwards.''
+
{{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=124|rbMinHp=71}}
 +
 
 +
=== 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 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.''-->
+
{{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|Breda Mod.35 (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|Breda Mod.35 (20 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" | [[Breda Mod.35 (20 mm)|20 mm Breda Mod.35]]
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="2" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
−
|-
 
−
| colspan="2" | 456 (8) || 501 || -12°/+20° || ±180° || N/A
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! style="width:4em" |Mode
+
! colspan="6" | [[Breda Mod.35 (20 mm)|20 mm Breda Mod.35]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
−
! style="width:4em" |Stock
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Arcade'' || _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Realistic'' || _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 456 (8) || rowspan="2" | 240 || rowspan="2" | -12°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 22.9 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! ''Realistic''
−
|-
+
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
−
|-
 
−
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== Ammunition =====
+
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
 
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}} - Half the belt is composed of HEFI-T* shells, which will do negligible damage against armoured targets. However against aircraft and vehicles with exposed crew, they can prove deadly.
−
|-
+
* '''Perforante mod.35:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - Intermediate usage until the better PzGr 40 can be used. Decent enough against light tanks and other vehicles from the rear.
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
* '''PzGr 40:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - Highest penetrating belt. However, the post-penetration effects are very poor. In close combat, aiming for modules and crew members is advised. Its effects against angled armour is limited due to the nature of the HVAP shells, however the base penetration compensates such drawback.
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
+
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
+
{{:Breda Mod.35 (20 mm)/Ammunition|HEFI-T*, API-T, HVAP-T}}
 +
 
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 10m
+
! Full<br>ammo
−
! 100m
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
−
! 500m
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
−
! 1000m
+
! 3rd<br>rack empty
−
! 1500m
+
! 4th<br>rack empty
−
! 2000m
+
! 5th<br>rack empty
 +
! 6th<br>rack empty
 +
! 7th<br>rack empty
 +
! 8th<br>rack empty
 +
! 9th<br>rack empty
 +
! 10th<br>rack empty
 +
! 11th<br>rack empty
 +
! 12th<br>rack empty
 +
! 13th<br>rack empty
 +
! 14th<br>rack empty
 +
! 15th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Perforante mod.35 || API-T || 41 || 39 || 29 || 21 || 15 || 10
+
| '''57''' || 53&nbsp;''(+4)'' || 49&nbsp;''(+8)'' || 45&nbsp;''(+12)'' || 41&nbsp;''(+16)'' || 37&nbsp;''(+20)'' || 33&nbsp;''(+24)'' || 29&nbsp;''(+28)'' || 25&nbsp;''(+32)'' || 21&nbsp;''(+36)'' || 17&nbsp;''(+40)'' || 13&nbsp;''(+44)'' || 9&nbsp;''(+48)'' || 6&nbsp;''(+51)'' || 3&nbsp;''(+54)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+56)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
−
| PzGr 40 || HVAP-T || 64 || 63 || 29 || 21 || 15 || 10
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
 
−
''in m:''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
 
−
''in mm:''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 
−
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0%
 
−
! 50%
 
−
! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| Perforante mod.35 || API-T || 832 || 0.14 || 1.3 || 15 || 1 || ° || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr 40 || HVAP-T || N/A || N/A || N/A || N/A || N/A || N/A || N/A || N/A || N/A
 
−
|-
 
 
|}
 
|}
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
−
<!--''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.''-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
{{main|Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)}}
 
{{main|Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="7" | [[Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)|8 mm Breda Mod. 38]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
+
! colspan="5" | [[Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)|8 mm Breda Mod. 38]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="4" | 1,992 (24) || 600 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 1,992 (24) || 600 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
== 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 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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Combat tactics
 +
 
 +
Even though the armour of the {{PAGENAME}} is lacking, if played to its advantages it can become a vital part of achieving victory over the other team. This armoured car has 2 main things going for it: a very good mobility and a very effective, fast-firing autocannon that can decimate enemies at close to medium range.
 +
 
 +
With these advantages in mind, there are several playstyles for this vehicle:
 +
 
 +
* The first option is to play a harasser role. Using the excellent mobility, the {{PAGENAME}} can get to the best positions on the map early and ambush enemy vehicles. Once you have struck and taken an enemy out, use the mobility to relocate to a new position and repeat the process.
 +
* A second option is to use this vehicle to flank the enemy tanks while your teammates face them. Using your speed and mobility, you go around to take the enemy in a pincer movement.
 +
* As third option, you can play it so as to get to cap zones before the other teams do, and afterwards use your vehicle as a support tank along with your teammates tanks taking up a position behind them and overextending when needed.
 +
 
 +
In addition to these roles, the AB 41 can be used against airplanes with its 20 mm autocannon.
 +
 
 +
;Notable opponents:
 +
 
 +
* [[S.35]] - Very well armoured but slow (flank if possible)
 +
* [[B1 bis]] - Very well armoured for its BR and can be very dangerous with several cannons (avoid if possible)
 +
* [[T-70]] / [[T-80]] - Strong frontal armour that will be hard to penetrate (but thinner side and rear armour), if you find yourself fighting one of these try to flank its position and catch it off guard.
 +
* Most tanks of this tier can be penetrated easily by your autocannon, but be careful as some of these tanks will carry .50 cal machine guns which can penetrate your armour.
  
−
===Modules===
+
;Defeating the {{PAGENAME}}:
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
 
−
! Tier
+
Being a very lightly armoured vehicle, it remains a vehicle easy to destroy: the 2 quickest ways to deal with the {{PAGENAME}} are autocannons and HEAT/HE projectiles. But any shell with explosive filler will do.
−
! colspan="2" |Mobility
+
Avoid close quarters and engage from long distance to increase your armour advantage while decreasing the {{PAGENAME}}'s firepower.
−
! Protection
+
You can also force your opponent to play on a terrain hindering its mobility (mud, snow, sand) to negate its main advantage. Aim for the driver or the engine to immobilize it, meaning almost certain death for an armoured car.
−
! colspan="2" |Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Tires||
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Horizontal Drive||
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Suspension||Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire||Perforante mod.35
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Filters||
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| Elevation mechanism||
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Transmission||Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Artillery Support||PzGr 40
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== 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 the 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 - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "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:'''
  
−
* Unlocks potent PzGr 40 APCR belt that are identical to the German 20 mm autocannons
+
* Reasonably fast on flat paved terrain especially roads
−
* Reasonably fast on flat paved terrain
 
 
* Good acceleration
 
* Good acceleration
 +
* Much quicker than other tracked competitors because it can steer both sides at 45° angle
 +
* Tight turn radius at low speed
 +
* Unlocks potent PzGr 40 APCR belt that is identical to the German 20 mm autocannons, giving it impressive close range penetration
 +
* Good reverse speed
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* The "Armor" is only barely adequate at stopping rifle caliber bullets, everything else will shred it
+
* The armour protection is barely enough to stop rifle-calibre bullets
 +
* Off-road mobility is lacklustre
 +
* Sharp turns make it prone to tipping over
 
* Only 8 rounds per magazine, which is quickly expended
 
* Only 8 rounds per magazine, which is quickly expended
−
* Long reload for a small magazine
+
* Long reload time for a small magazine
−
* Individual shells don't do much internal damage upon penetration
+
* Individual shells don't do much internal damage upon penetration; multiple magazines may be required
−
* PzGr 40 belt is a tier IV unlock in the modifications
+
* PzGr 40 belt is a tier IV modification
−
* Default belt is 50/50 API-T and HEF-T Shells
+
* API-T rounds struggle at longer ranges or against even slightly angled armour
−
* API-T struggles at longer ranges or even at slightly angled armor
 
−
* Off-road is lackluster
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
  
−
An advanced automotive design, with the similar AB 40 it gave the Italian Army a modern armoured car during the Second World War. The {{PAGENAME}} had a 4x4 layout, with four-wheel steering and fully independent suspension. The freely rotating spare wheels, positioned midway along the sides of the hull, prevented the vehicle from bellying out when crossing obstacles. It also had a rear driver position. The AB 40 had 2 coaxial machine guns in the turret and a third rear-facing machine gun. The AB 41 had the 20 mm gun in place of one of the turret machine guns, and also had an increase in engine horsepower over the other design. In total 24 AB 40 and 560 AB 41s were built. They served in the reconnaissance units of armoured, motorized and cavalry divisions, as well as in independent recon companies and platoons, with 4 vehicles per platoon. The AB 40s only were used in North Africa, but AB 41s were active on all fronts, including 30 sent to Russia.  
+
An advanced automotive design, with the similar AB 40 it gave the Italian Army a modern armoured car during the Second World War. The {{PAGENAME}} had a 4x4 layout, with four-wheel steering and fully independent suspension. The freely rotating spare wheels, positioned midway along the sides of the hull, prevented the vehicle from bellying out when crossing obstacles. It also had a rear driver position. The AB 40 had 2 coaxial machine guns in the turret and a third rear-facing machine gun. The AB 41 had the 20 mm gun in place of one of the turret machine guns, and also had an increase in engine horsepower over the other design. In total 24 AB 40 and 560 AB 41s were built. They served in the reconnaissance units of armoured, motorized and cavalry divisions, as well as in independent recon companies and platoons, with 4 vehicles per platoon. The AB 40s only were used in North Africa, but AB 41s were active on all fronts, including 30 sent to Russia.
  
 
The Germans seized 37 AB 41 and another 20 in production when Italy fell in 1943. They used these, along with 102 AB 43s converted back to a 20 mm main gun, and known as AB 41/43s.
 
The Germans seized 37 AB 41 and another 20 in production when Italy fell in 1943. They used these, along with 102 AB 43s converted back to a 20 mm main gun, and known as AB 41/43s.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=it_ab_41 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|XKdfhUHK81Y|'''What is more important: Rate of fire or Penetration? Autoblinda 41''' - ''HowToPlay1337''|ejKAkRG1Dv0|'''{{PAGENAME}} Review, Fun as heck!''' - ''Joseph 2000''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
 +
 
 +
* [[AB 43]]
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;Tanks of comparable role, configuration and era
  
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* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
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* [[Sd.Kfz.234/1]]
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* [[AMD.35]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
  
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* [[wikipedia:Autoblindo_Fiat-Ansaldo|[Wikipedia] Autoblindo Fiat-Ansaldo]]
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* ''encyclopedia page on aircraft;''
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* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/italy/autoblinda_AB40_AB41_AB43.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Autoblinda AB 40/41/43]
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* ''other literature.''
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* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=379 <nowiki>[Military Factory]</nowiki> Autoblinda 40/41 (AB 40/41)]
  
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{{TankManufacturer FIAT-Ansaldo}}
 
{{Italy light tanks}}
 
{{Italy light tanks}}
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[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 19:25, 23 August 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
AB 41
it_ab_41.png
GarageImage AB 41.jpg
ArtImage AB 41.png
AB 41
Italy flag.png Italy
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Class:
Research:Free
Purchase:Free

Description

The Autoblinda (AB) 41 was an Italian armoured car developed by Fiat-Ansaldo. By the 1930s, the Italian army was equipped with outdated and limited Lancia IZ and Fiat-Terni Tripoli armoured cars, designed during World War I. The army needed a new combat vehicle for reconnaissance and patrolling in desert conditions. Work on the AB 41 took place between 1937 and 1939. Initially, it was planned to equip the armoured car with only machine gun armament (three 8 mm Breda Mod.38s), however, due to Italy's entry into the war and the beginning of hostilities in North Africa, it was decided to install a 20 mm Breda Mod.35 autocannon on the AB 41. During production from 1940 to 1943, approximately 600 AB 41s were built, making it the most produced Italian armoured vehicle during this period. The armoured car earned a good reputation among Italian troops on the North African theatre of operations, and it was used not only by the Italians but also by the Germans.

Introduced in Update 1.85 "Supersonic", the AB 41 is very lightly armoured. At its battle rating, most opponents can easily penetrate its armour, leaving it heavily damaged or destroyed outright. Its armour can withstand machine gun fire to some extent, but enemy aircraft with powerful cannons remain a threat. However, the vehicle makes up for its lack of armour with mobility and firepower. Much of the Italian tech tree follows a similar doctrine, and using the AB 41, you can outmanoeuvre your comrades to take enemies by surprise. The AB 41 is armed with a 20 mm Breda Mod.35 autocannon, with access to a PzGr 40 HVAP belt. This cannon can easily take down many opponents, especially if you attack from the side. The turret also has decent elevation angles, allowing you to target enemy aircraft flying near the battlefield.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull8 / 8 / 8
Turret18 / 8 / 8
Crew4 people
Visibility79 %

The armour of the AB 41 is very weak, and will not protect it from most weapons on the battlefield, including some light machine guns at closer ranges. One upside is that some side shots will not be instant knock-outs, since the crew is well spaced out. Ammunition will not always go off when hit either, another bonus to the AB41. However, frontal fire will result in a crew knock-out from many weapons, and chemical shells will deal overpressure damage.

When facing an AB41, aim for the driver in the front or the engine, then finish it with a follow-up shot to the crew compartment. If you have access to a heavy machine gun, use it to quickly knock out the crew. Avoid aiming at the turret, as it is relatively well armoured and isn't a primary target.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
  • Gun steel (main gun, machine gun)
  • Wheel (tires)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 8 mm (22°) Upper Plate
8 mm (44-68°) Upper Glacis
8 mm (19-50°) Lower Glacis 		8 mm (29°) Top
8 mm (12°) Bottom 		8 mm (16°) Crew Compartment
18 mm (spherical) Rear MG Port
5 mm (33°) Engine Compartment
6 mm (27°) Lower plate 		6 mm Crew Compartment
6 mm (18°) Engine Compartment - Centre
8 mm (39°) Engine Compartment - Sides
Turret 18 mm (11°) Turret front
8 mm (cylindrical) Gun mantlet 		8 mm (24-25°) 8 mm (17-18°) 6 mm

Notes:

  • The wheels are 10 mm thick.
  • The gun barrel is 10 mm thick while the coaxial machine gun is 5 mm thick.
  • Viewports on the turret are 6 mm thick.
  • Mudguards are 8 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB87 / 43 km/h
RB and SB78 / 39 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
4 back
Weight7.4 t
Engine power
AB153 hp
RB and SB80 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB20.7 hp/t
RB and SB10.8 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 87 43 7.4 124 153 16.76 20.68
Realistic 78 39 71 80 9.59 10.81

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
ABfree
RBfree
SBfree
Total cost of modifications3 380 Rp icon.png
152 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost190 Ge icon.png
Crew trainingfree
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces10 Ge icon.png
Research Aces80 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
10 / 10 / 10 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new wheels.png
Tires
Research:
440 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods new car suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 Sl icon.png
35 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Mods tank reinforcement it.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
440 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 Sl icon.png
35 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_Breda_APHE_ammo_pack
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 Sl icon.png
35 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
540 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
530 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_kwk_30_APCR_ammo_pack
Research:
530 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

20 mm Breda Mod.35 cannon
Ammunition456 rounds
Belt capacity8 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
7.8 → 6.0 s
Fire rate240 shots/min
Vertical guidance-12° / 20°
Main article: Breda Mod.35 (20 mm)
20 mm Breda Mod.35 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 456 (8) 240 -12°/+20° ±180° N/A 22.9 31.6 38.4 42.5 45.2 7.80 6.90 6.36 6.00
Realistic 14.3 16.8 20.4 22.6 24.0

Ammunition

  • Default: API-T · HEFI-T* - Half the belt is composed of HEFI-T* shells, which will do negligible damage against armoured targets. However against aircraft and vehicles with exposed crew, they can prove deadly.
  • Perforante mod.35: API-T - Intermediate usage until the better PzGr 40 can be used. Decent enough against light tanks and other vehicles from the rear.
  • PzGr 40: HVAP-T · API-T - Highest penetrating belt. However, the post-penetration effects are very poor. In close combat, aiming for modules and crew members is advised. Its effects against angled armour is limited due to the nature of the HVAP shells, however the base penetration compensates such drawback.

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* 5 5 4 3 2 2
API-T 38 36 27 19 14 10
HVAP-T 48 45 31 20 13 8
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* 830 0.14 0.04 0.1 3 79° 80° 81°
API-T 832 0.14 1.2 9 1.7 47° 60° 65°
HVAP-T 1,050 0.1 - - - 66° 70° 72°

Ammo racks

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 		10th
rack empty 		11th
rack empty 		12th
rack empty 		13th
rack empty 		14th
rack empty 		15th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
57 53 (+4) 49 (+8) 45 (+12) 41 (+16) 37 (+20) 33 (+24) 29 (+28) 25 (+32) 21 (+36) 17 (+40) 13 (+44) 9 (+48) 6 (+51) 3 (+54) 1 (+56) No
Ammo racks of the AB 41

Machine guns

8 mm Breda Mod. 38 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition1 992 rounds
Belt capacity24 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main article: Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)
8 mm Breda Mod. 38
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 1,992 (24) 600 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

Combat tactics

Even though the armour of the AB 41 is lacking, if played to its advantages it can become a vital part of achieving victory over the other team. This armoured car has 2 main things going for it: a very good mobility and a very effective, fast-firing autocannon that can decimate enemies at close to medium range.

With these advantages in mind, there are several playstyles for this vehicle:

  • The first option is to play a harasser role. Using the excellent mobility, the AB 41 can get to the best positions on the map early and ambush enemy vehicles. Once you have struck and taken an enemy out, use the mobility to relocate to a new position and repeat the process.
  • A second option is to use this vehicle to flank the enemy tanks while your teammates face them. Using your speed and mobility, you go around to take the enemy in a pincer movement.
  • As third option, you can play it so as to get to cap zones before the other teams do, and afterwards use your vehicle as a support tank along with your teammates tanks taking up a position behind them and overextending when needed.

In addition to these roles, the AB 41 can be used against airplanes with its 20 mm autocannon.

Notable opponents
  • S.35 - Very well armoured but slow (flank if possible)
  • B1 bis - Very well armoured for its BR and can be very dangerous with several cannons (avoid if possible)
  • T-70 / T-80 - Strong frontal armour that will be hard to penetrate (but thinner side and rear armour), if you find yourself fighting one of these try to flank its position and catch it off guard.
  • Most tanks of this tier can be penetrated easily by your autocannon, but be careful as some of these tanks will carry .50 cal machine guns which can penetrate your armour.
Defeating the AB 41

Being a very lightly armoured vehicle, it remains a vehicle easy to destroy: the 2 quickest ways to deal with the AB 41 are autocannons and HEAT/HE projectiles. But any shell with explosive filler will do. Avoid close quarters and engage from long distance to increase your armour advantage while decreasing the AB 41's firepower. You can also force your opponent to play on a terrain hindering its mobility (mud, snow, sand) to negate its main advantage. Aim for the driver or the engine to immobilize it, meaning almost certain death for an armoured car.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Reasonably fast on flat paved terrain especially roads
  • Good acceleration
  • Much quicker than other tracked competitors because it can steer both sides at 45° angle
  • Tight turn radius at low speed
  • Unlocks potent PzGr 40 APCR belt that is identical to the German 20 mm autocannons, giving it impressive close range penetration
  • Good reverse speed

Cons:

  • The armour protection is barely enough to stop rifle-calibre bullets
  • Off-road mobility is lacklustre
  • Sharp turns make it prone to tipping over
  • Only 8 rounds per magazine, which is quickly expended
  • Long reload time for a small magazine
  • Individual shells don't do much internal damage upon penetration; multiple magazines may be required
  • PzGr 40 belt is a tier IV modification
  • API-T rounds struggle at longer ranges or against even slightly angled armour

History

An advanced automotive design, with the similar AB 40 it gave the Italian Army a modern armoured car during the Second World War. The AB 41 had a 4x4 layout, with four-wheel steering and fully independent suspension. The freely rotating spare wheels, positioned midway along the sides of the hull, prevented the vehicle from bellying out when crossing obstacles. It also had a rear driver position. The AB 40 had 2 coaxial machine guns in the turret and a third rear-facing machine gun. The AB 41 had the 20 mm gun in place of one of the turret machine guns, and also had an increase in engine horsepower over the other design. In total 24 AB 40 and 560 AB 41s were built. They served in the reconnaissance units of armoured, motorized and cavalry divisions, as well as in independent recon companies and platoons, with 4 vehicles per platoon. The AB 40s only were used in North Africa, but AB 41s were active on all fronts, including 30 sent to Russia.

The Germans seized 37 AB 41 and another 20 in production when Italy fell in 1943. They used these, along with 102 AB 43s converted back to a 20 mm main gun, and known as AB 41/43s.

Media

Skins
Videos
What is more important: Rate of fire or Penetration? Autoblinda 41 - HowToPlay1337
AB 41 Review, Fun as heck! - Joseph 2000

See also

Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
Tanks of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


FIAT-Ansaldo
Autoblindo  AB 41 · AB 43
Light Tanks  L6/40 · L6/40 (31 Rgt.)
Medium Tanks  Celere Sahariano
M11/39  M11/39
M13/40  M13/40 (I) · M13/40 (II) · M13/40 (III)
M14/41  M14/41 · M14/41 (47/40)
M15/42  M15/42
P40  P40 · P40 "G.C. Leoncello"
Tank Destroyers 
L3/33  L3/33 CC
Semovente L40  47/32 L40
Semovente M41  75/18 M41 · 75/32 M41 · 90/53 M41M
Semovente M42  75/34 M42
Semovente M43  105/25 M43 · M43 "G.C.Leoncello" · 75/34 M43 · 75/46 M43
SPAAs  M42 Contraereo

Italy light tanks
  Italy
L6/40  L6/40 · L6/40 (31 Rgt.)
M11/39  M11/39
Autoblindo  AB 41 · AB 43
Fiat 6614/6616  FIAT 6614 · AUBL/74 · AUBL/74 HVG
R3 Capraia  R3 T106 FA
Centauro  Centauro I 105 · Centauro I 105 R · Centauro I 120 · Centauro RGO · VRCC
Freccia  VBC (PT2) · Freccia
Dardo  Dardo · VCC-80/60 · VCC-80/30
Other  C13 T90
USA  ▄M3A3 · ▄M24 · ▄M18
  Hungary
WWII  Csaba · Toldi IIA
Post  ◔BTR-80A · KF41

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