Difference between revisions of "Gun Carrier (3-in)"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Visual (beta)Wikitext
(→‎Description)
 
(31 intermediate revisions by 14 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{Specs-Card|code=uk_3_inch_gun_carrier}}
+
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=uk_3_inch_gun_carrier
 +
|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.'' -->
 +
In 1941, under the possibility of German invasion on British soil, the British Army urgently required modern anti-tank weapons to combat the latest German tanks, particularly mounted as self-propelled guns. The [[QF 17-pounder (76 mm)|QF 17-pounder]] was still under development, so as a stop-gap, it was decided to mount the old but proven OQF 3in 20cwt cannon on the chassis of the new [[Churchill_I|Churchill]] heavy infantry tank. The designers could not install such a gun in any sort of turret (due to its massive breech), so it was decided simply to create a large casemate-type superstructure. The resulting vehicle was named '''Gun Carrier, 3-inch, Mk I, Churchill (A22D)'''.
 +
 
 +
Although the WWI-era 3-inch gun installed on the Gun Carrier managed to cope with the tasks set before it, albeit with difficulty, and tests of the new SPG were generally considered satisfactory, the Royal Army Command was in no hurry to deploy it in combat. Before more technically advanced vehicles (such as the [[Achilles]]) were developed, about a hundred units were sent to serve in the ranks of the First Canadian Armoured Brigade. Several "Heavy Support Companies" were formed, where they served away from active combat until their disbandment in March 1943.
 +
 
 +
The '''Gun Carrier (3-in)''' was introduced along with the initial British ground tree in [[Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]]. Many consider this SPG unwieldy until they encounter it head-on for the first time. The 3-inch Gun Carrier is capable of single-handedly holding a position when played skillfully, especially with the support of more mobile allies. The large calibre anti-tank cannon gives it a significant advantage in frontal confrontations, and the armour inherited from the Churchill forgives many tactical mistakes, since many opponents are unable to consistently penetrate the Churchill Gun Carrier even from the side. Nevertheless, the SPG suffers from serious mobility problems, and the small gun traverse angles only worsen the situation.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mount, Cupola)
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 38 mm (69°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 76.2 mm (17°) ''Lower glacis''|| 76.2 mm || 25.4 mm ''Top'' <br> 25.4 mm (68°)''Bottom'' || 16 mm
 +
|-
 +
| Superstructure || 89 mm <br> 100 mm (2-46°) ''Gun mount'' || 76.2 mm || 25.4 mm || 16 mm <br> 40 mm ''Cupola''
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
+
* Suspension wheels and chassis construction are 20 mm thick while tracks are 30 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=497|rbMinHp=310}}
 +
 
 +
=== 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|OQF 3in 20cwt (76 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[OQF 3in 20cwt (76 mm)|76 mm OQF 3in 20cwt]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 +
|-
 +
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
|-
 +
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 65 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±5° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 3.96 || 5.48 || 6.66 || 7.37 || 7.84 || rowspan="2" | 8.19 || rowspan="2" | 7.25 || rowspan="2" | 6.67 || rowspan="2" | 6.30
 +
|-
 +
! ''Realistic''
 +
| 2.68 || 3.15 || 3.82 || 4.23 || 4.50
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Ammunition ====
 +
{{:OQF 3in 20cwt (76 mm)/Ammunition|Shot Mk.2, Shell HE}}
 +
 
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! Full<br>ammo
 +
! 1st<br>rack empty
 +
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! 4th<br>rack empty
 +
! 5th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
| '''65''' || 53&nbsp;''(+12)'' || 40&nbsp;''(+25)'' || 27&nbsp;''(+38)'' || 14&nbsp;''(+51)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+64)'' || No
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Note''':
 +
 
 +
* Left side empty: 27&nbsp;''(+38)'' shells.
 +
 
 +
==== Optics ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
 +
|-
 +
! Which ones
 +
! Default magnification
 +
! Maximum magnification
 +
|-
 +
! Main Gun optics
 +
| x1.85 || x3.5
 +
|-
 +
! Comparable optics
 +
| colspan="2" | [[Marder III H]]
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
  
−
=== Additional armament ===
+
The first thing you need to worry about are your flanks. If the enemy gets on to these you will usually be knocked out pretty quickly and with the pathetic turn rate you will rarely be able to respond. When positioning yourself make sure that your flanks are covered. The best way to do this is to position yourself in the centre of a narrow street or park up directly next to a large rock or building. Alternatively try to alert your comrades to your position and needs though if you have my luck then this will be a last resort.
−
''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.''
 
  
−
=== Machine guns ===
+
Next angle yourself. With a bit of angling you can get your frontal and side armour to be effectively around 100 mm thick together, meaning that only F2's will be able to take you from beyond short range. Finally, try to get below a bridge or overhang. Enemy aircraft love the 3" Gun Carrier's large, ponderous form and the thin top armour can be penetrated by some of the heavier armaments carried by fighters.
−
''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 ==
+
You want to prioritize [[Pz.IV F2|Panzer IV F2]]'s as these will make mincemeat of your tank. Go for the gunners position unless you have a shot at the hull and are confident that you will take it out in a single shell. [[T-34 (1941)|T-34's]] beyond 100 m are tricky as well, but they also struggle with penetrating your armour. So its best to try and ignore them unless you are confident about it. Everything else should be a relatively easy target, but watch out for the enemy manoeuvring to your sides in fast tanks. A tank on your flank is a sure way to get yourself destroyed since a single APHE shell from a German or Soviet tank could knock out the entire crew if it penetrates.
−
''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 ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not 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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Good frontal armour, can defeat most incoming shells if angled properly
 +
* Good gun, with shells doing decent damage
 +
* Can turn in place
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Large vehicle, easy to target for fighter-bombers
 +
* Slow, acceleration and top speed is worse than the Churchill tanks
 +
* Four tightly packed crew members, easily knocked out with a single shot to the starboard side of the casemate
 +
* Vulnerable top, can be strafed by planes and set on fire
 +
* Flat armour and limited traverse prevent from angling
 +
* Gun placement is low, leaving a large portion of the casemate exposed when aiming hull down
 +
* Slow gun traverse makes it hard to take aim at moving targets
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle 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 "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources 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).'' -->
 +
===Development===
 +
In 1941, the British General Staff requested tanks that can mount a high-velocity cannon. The purpose of this is to create an "expedient design to deal with enemy tanks until the 17-pounder became widespread" due to the risk of a German invasion of the British islands. None of the tanks at the time of this request had the necessary specifications to mount a heavier and larger cannon, the [[Churchill Mk III|Churchill]] and [[Valentine Mk IX|Valentine]] tanks could only hold the 6-pounders. To fix this, it was proposed that a casemate superstructure be used in the design to hold the heavier gun instead, akin to the typical tank destroyer used by Germany and the Soviet Union at the time. The company Vauxhall was given 100 of the obsolete 3-inch guns and was tasked to produce a vehicle able to mount these guns. Designing was finished in April 1941, a mock-up was produced in July, and the first pilot vehicles were finished in early 1942, ready for testing. During these stages, the Department of Tank Design put in an order for 100 of these vehicles. The pilot vehicle was essentially a large 88 mm armoured superstructure with the 3-inch gun mounted in a ball mount, the entire thing was propelled on a Churchill chassis. The tests proved that the vehicles performed satisfactorily and could work, but with the now reduced risk of a German invasion and better equipment becoming to be more widespread, the orders placed on the vehicles wavered to only about 49 vehicles in January 1942. Production for the '''Carrier, Churchill, 3-inch Gun, Mk I''' proceeded from May 1942 to November 2, producing 50 3-inch Gun Carriers total.
 +
 
 +
===Proposed usage===
 +
The 3-inch Gun Carrier never saw combat, but it wasn't ignored during its production life. In April 1942, it was proposed that several army tank brigades of Canada be equipped with these 3-inch Gun Carriers, of which 9 would be received and would be split into three troops of three Carriers. It was proposed by Brigadier R.A. Wyman, the commander of the 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade, that these Carriers be distributed as anti-tank groups. A new company in the brigade system known as the "Heavy Support Company" would man the Carriers and the system would run like an anti-tank regiment in an infantry division. These companies would have about 97 personnel, with 28 headquarters and the rest in the troops, and these were to be assigned to army tank battalions. This was approved on June 24, 1942, by Canadian Military Headquarters and the formation of such a unit commenced.
 +
 
 +
Formation of the Heavy Support Company in the 1st Canadian Army Tank brigade drew its ranks from the brigade, with Captain G.S.G. Jones as the commander of the company, nominated by the brigade regiments. Doctrine, organization, and training were discussed on July 15. Despite the preparation, the Carriers were never delivered until September 1942. During training, it was found that the Carriers had a tendency to throw their track while turning at a speed higher than 10 mph. In October, the company was redesignated as a "squadron" to conform to armour nomenclature in the Canadian Armoured Corps. By November, there were 10 Carriers available for the squadron. In February 1943, the 1st Canadian Corps then ordered that the Heavy Support Squadron in the 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade be broken up immediately, perhaps due to the Carrier's growing obsolesce with the evolution of tank warfare. By March 1943, all the Carriers were returned or stored away and the squadron was dismissed.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
  
−
== Read also ==
+
;Skins
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_3_inch_gun_carrier Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|-v53Td3oUcI|'''why - Churchill 3 Inch Gun Carrier ''' - ''Virus''|UNYQlFEC8Yc|'''3 Inch Gun Carrier, British Tier-2, Tank Destroyer''' - ''Angry Nerd Gaming''}}
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''ETC.''
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
 
 +
* [[Churchill (Family)]]
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* [[Wikipedia:Churchill_tank#Gun_Carrier,_3-inch,_Mk_I,_Churchill_(A22D)|[Wikipedia] Gun Carrier, 3-inch, Mk I, Churchill (A22D)]]
 +
* [https://servicepub.wordpress.com/2013/11/04/the-carrier-churchill-3-inch-gun-mk-i/ [MilArt<nowiki>]</nowiki> An account on the usage of the 3-inch Gun Carrier]
 +
 
 +
{{TankManufacturer Vauxhall}}
 +
{{Britain tank destroyers}}

Latest revision as of 17:50, 28 August 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
Gun Carrier (3-in)
uk_3_inch_gun_carrier.png
GarageImage Gun Carrier (3-in).jpg
ArtImage Gun Carrier (3-in).png
Gun Carrier (3-in)
Britain flag.png Britain
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.0 3.0 3.0
Class:
Research:9 200 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:16 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

In 1941, under the possibility of German invasion on British soil, the British Army urgently required modern anti-tank weapons to combat the latest German tanks, particularly mounted as self-propelled guns. The QF 17-pounder was still under development, so as a stop-gap, it was decided to mount the old but proven OQF 3in 20cwt cannon on the chassis of the new Churchill heavy infantry tank. The designers could not install such a gun in any sort of turret (due to its massive breech), so it was decided simply to create a large casemate-type superstructure. The resulting vehicle was named Gun Carrier, 3-inch, Mk I, Churchill (A22D).

Although the WWI-era 3-inch gun installed on the Gun Carrier managed to cope with the tasks set before it, albeit with difficulty, and tests of the new SPG were generally considered satisfactory, the Royal Army Command was in no hurry to deploy it in combat. Before more technically advanced vehicles (such as the Achilles) were developed, about a hundred units were sent to serve in the ranks of the First Canadian Armoured Brigade. Several "Heavy Support Companies" were formed, where they served away from active combat until their disbandment in March 1943.

The Gun Carrier (3-in) was introduced along with the initial British ground tree in Update 1.55 "Royal Armour". Many consider this SPG unwieldy until they encounter it head-on for the first time. The 3-inch Gun Carrier is capable of single-handedly holding a position when played skillfully, especially with the support of more mobile allies. The large calibre anti-tank cannon gives it a significant advantage in frontal confrontations, and the armour inherited from the Churchill forgives many tactical mistakes, since many opponents are unable to consistently penetrate the Churchill Gun Carrier even from the side. Nevertheless, the SPG suffers from serious mobility problems, and the small gun traverse angles only worsen the situation.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull76 / 64 / 51
Turret89 / 76 / 25
Crew4 people
Visibility104 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mount, Cupola)
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 38 mm (69°) Front glacis
76.2 mm (17°) Lower glacis		 76.2 mm 25.4 mm Top
25.4 mm (68°)Bottom 		16 mm
Superstructure 89 mm
100 mm (2-46°) Gun mount 		76.2 mm 25.4 mm 16 mm
40 mm Cupola

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and chassis construction are 20 mm thick while tracks are 30 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB28 / 3 km/h
RB and SB26 / 3 km/h
Number of gears4 forward
1 back
Weight39.0 t
Engine power
AB668 hp
RB and SB350 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB17.1 hp/t
RB and SB9.0 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 28 3 39 497 668 12.74 17.13
Realistic 26 3 310 350 7.95 8.97

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB596 → 737 Sl icon.png
RB692 → 856 Sl icon.png
SB808 → 999 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications8 460 Rp icon.png
9 580 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost640 Ge icon.png
Crew training4 500 Sl icon.png
Experts16 000 Sl icon.png
Aces160 Ge icon.png
Research Aces190 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
40 / 60 / 70 % Sl icon.png
118 / 118 / 118 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
630 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
790 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
1 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
1 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
630 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement uk.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
790 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
630 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
790 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

76 mm OQF 3in 20cwt cannon
Ammunition65 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
8.1 → 6.3 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 15°
Horizontal guidance-5° / 5°
Main article: OQF 3in 20cwt (76 mm)
76 mm OQF 3in 20cwt Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 65 -10°/+15° ±5° N/A 3.96 5.48 6.66 7.37 7.84 8.19 7.25 6.67 6.30
Realistic 2.68 3.15 3.82 4.23 4.50

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
Shot Mk.2 AP 131 125 104 82 65 51
Shell HE HE 12 12 11 10 9 9
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Shot Mk.2 AP 853 5.67 - - - 47° 60° 65°
Shell HE HE 609 7.26 0.2 0.1 530 79° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Gun Carrier (3-in)
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
65 53 (+12) 40 (+25) 27 (+38) 14 (+51) 1 (+64) No

Note:

  • Left side empty: 27 (+38) shells.

Optics

Gun Carrier (3-in) Optics
Which ones Default magnification Maximum magnification
Main Gun optics x1.85 x3.5
Comparable optics Marder III H

Usage in battles

The first thing you need to worry about are your flanks. If the enemy gets on to these you will usually be knocked out pretty quickly and with the pathetic turn rate you will rarely be able to respond. When positioning yourself make sure that your flanks are covered. The best way to do this is to position yourself in the centre of a narrow street or park up directly next to a large rock or building. Alternatively try to alert your comrades to your position and needs though if you have my luck then this will be a last resort.

Next angle yourself. With a bit of angling you can get your frontal and side armour to be effectively around 100 mm thick together, meaning that only F2's will be able to take you from beyond short range. Finally, try to get below a bridge or overhang. Enemy aircraft love the 3" Gun Carrier's large, ponderous form and the thin top armour can be penetrated by some of the heavier armaments carried by fighters.

You want to prioritize Panzer IV F2's as these will make mincemeat of your tank. Go for the gunners position unless you have a shot at the hull and are confident that you will take it out in a single shell. T-34's beyond 100 m are tricky as well, but they also struggle with penetrating your armour. So its best to try and ignore them unless you are confident about it. Everything else should be a relatively easy target, but watch out for the enemy manoeuvring to your sides in fast tanks. A tank on your flank is a sure way to get yourself destroyed since a single APHE shell from a German or Soviet tank could knock out the entire crew if it penetrates.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good frontal armour, can defeat most incoming shells if angled properly
  • Good gun, with shells doing decent damage
  • Can turn in place

Cons:

  • Large vehicle, easy to target for fighter-bombers
  • Slow, acceleration and top speed is worse than the Churchill tanks
  • Four tightly packed crew members, easily knocked out with a single shot to the starboard side of the casemate
  • Vulnerable top, can be strafed by planes and set on fire
  • Flat armour and limited traverse prevent from angling
  • Gun placement is low, leaving a large portion of the casemate exposed when aiming hull down
  • Slow gun traverse makes it hard to take aim at moving targets

History

Development

In 1941, the British General Staff requested tanks that can mount a high-velocity cannon. The purpose of this is to create an "expedient design to deal with enemy tanks until the 17-pounder became widespread" due to the risk of a German invasion of the British islands. None of the tanks at the time of this request had the necessary specifications to mount a heavier and larger cannon, the Churchill and Valentine tanks could only hold the 6-pounders. To fix this, it was proposed that a casemate superstructure be used in the design to hold the heavier gun instead, akin to the typical tank destroyer used by Germany and the Soviet Union at the time. The company Vauxhall was given 100 of the obsolete 3-inch guns and was tasked to produce a vehicle able to mount these guns. Designing was finished in April 1941, a mock-up was produced in July, and the first pilot vehicles were finished in early 1942, ready for testing. During these stages, the Department of Tank Design put in an order for 100 of these vehicles. The pilot vehicle was essentially a large 88 mm armoured superstructure with the 3-inch gun mounted in a ball mount, the entire thing was propelled on a Churchill chassis. The tests proved that the vehicles performed satisfactorily and could work, but with the now reduced risk of a German invasion and better equipment becoming to be more widespread, the orders placed on the vehicles wavered to only about 49 vehicles in January 1942. Production for the Carrier, Churchill, 3-inch Gun, Mk I proceeded from May 1942 to November 2, producing 50 3-inch Gun Carriers total.

Proposed usage

The 3-inch Gun Carrier never saw combat, but it wasn't ignored during its production life. In April 1942, it was proposed that several army tank brigades of Canada be equipped with these 3-inch Gun Carriers, of which 9 would be received and would be split into three troops of three Carriers. It was proposed by Brigadier R.A. Wyman, the commander of the 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade, that these Carriers be distributed as anti-tank groups. A new company in the brigade system known as the "Heavy Support Company" would man the Carriers and the system would run like an anti-tank regiment in an infantry division. These companies would have about 97 personnel, with 28 headquarters and the rest in the troops, and these were to be assigned to army tank battalions. This was approved on June 24, 1942, by Canadian Military Headquarters and the formation of such a unit commenced.

Formation of the Heavy Support Company in the 1st Canadian Army Tank brigade drew its ranks from the brigade, with Captain G.S.G. Jones as the commander of the company, nominated by the brigade regiments. Doctrine, organization, and training were discussed on July 15. Despite the preparation, the Carriers were never delivered until September 1942. During training, it was found that the Carriers had a tendency to throw their track while turning at a speed higher than 10 mph. In October, the company was redesignated as a "squadron" to conform to armour nomenclature in the Canadian Armoured Corps. By November, there were 10 Carriers available for the squadron. In February 1943, the 1st Canadian Corps then ordered that the Heavy Support Squadron in the 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade be broken up immediately, perhaps due to the Carrier's growing obsolesce with the evolution of tank warfare. By March 1943, all the Carriers were returned or stored away and the squadron was dismissed.

Media

Skins
Videos
why - Churchill 3 Inch Gun Carrier - Virus
3 Inch Gun Carrier, British Tier-2, Tank Destroyer - Angry Nerd Gaming

See also

Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

External links


Vauxhall Motors Limited
Infantry Tanks 
Tank, Infantry, Mk IV, Churchill (A22)  Churchill I · Churchill III · Churchill VII · Churchill Crocodile
Tank, Infantry, Black Prince (A43)  Black Prince
Tank Destroyers  Gun Carrier (3-in)
Captured  ▀Pz.Kpfw. Churchill

Britain tank destroyers
Infantry tank derivatives  Archer · Gun Carrier (3-in)
Light tank derivatives  Alecto I
M10 Achilles  Achilles · Achilles (65 Rg.)
Centurion derivatives  FV4005 · Conway
ATGM  Swingfire · Striker
Other  Tortoise · ▄M109A1
Canada  QF 3.7 Ram
South Africa  G6 · ZT3A2

Retrieved from "https://old-wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=Gun_Carrier_(3-in)&oldid=191576"