Difference between revisions of "ZA-35"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British SPAA {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]].
+
The '''ZA-35''' was a variant of the [[Rooikat (Family)|Rooikat]] modified by the Armaments Corporation of South Africa (ARMSCOR) in the early 1990s to fit the SPAA role. It was equipped with dual 35 mm cannons produced by Lyttelton Engineering (now Denel Land Systems) derived from the Oerlikon 35 mm, and an EDR 110 search and tracking radar mounted on a mast that could be raised up to 5 metres to avoid low obstacles. Only a few prototypes were built before the project was eventually cancelled.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]], the ZA-35 represents a distinct departure from the preceding [[Chieftain Marksman]], being more similar in operation to the [[Falcon]] before it. With slightly more closely spaced guns than the Marksman, and new separate radars allowing continuous scanning while aircraft are being tracked, the ZA-35 will provide a good boost in anti-aircraft efficiency compared to its predecessors. However, its main draw lies in its anti-ground capabilities. Despite a lack of access to APDS rounds compared to similar SPAA such as the [[Gepard]] and [[Type 87]], the guns remain extremely effective against light vehicles, and the Rooikat hull's excellent mobility makes it extremely easy to flank heavier opponents to target their weaker sides and rears. Make sure to turn off the radar when attempting to sneak up on ground targets, as it is extremely prominent when deployed.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
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''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
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The ZA-35 is based on the Rooikat armoured car chassis, and as such retains the low protection of the family. The most heavily armoured part of the vehicle is the central band in front of the driver. A 25 mm plate sloped at 77° will soak up lower power autocannon fire easily, but the same cannot be said for the 30 mm flat plate that protects the transmission and the driver's feet. Despite the light armour, the hull can survive [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|.50 cal machine guns]] from many angles and even prevent overpressure damage from being taken at certain spots.
  
−
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
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The same cannot be said about the turret. The ZA-35's turret armour is comprised of 10 mm rolled homogeneous armour plating on all sides, so it is vulnerable to heavy machine guns. Two of the three crew members sit inside the turret, so one good high explosive hit will probably knock the vehicle out. The vehicle is very weak to attack from aircraft, so striking first is of paramount importance.
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<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
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−
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
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'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
 +
* Wheels (tires)
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Hull || 25 mm (0°-28°) ''Driver's optic area'' <br> 25 mm (77°) ''Upper front plate - Central band'' 30 mm (23°) ''Lower glacis - Central band'' <br> 10 mm (23°-75°) ''Outer armour bands'' || 20 mm (25°) ''Top'' <br> 25 mm (0°-63°) ''Bottom'' <br> 10 mm ''Wheelhouse'' || 20 mm (0°-29°) ''Rear plate'' <br> 10 mm ''Wheelhouse'' || 10-20 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Turret || 10 mm (0°-70°) ''Turret front'' <br> 10 mm (0°-80°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 10 mm (0°-55°) || 10 mm (0°-76°) || 10 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
+
| Cupola || 10 mm || 10 mm || 10 mm || 10 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
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'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
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'''Notes:'''
−
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
+
 
 +
* Wheels and torsion bars are 10 mm thick.
 +
* Gun racks (to the left and right of the lower front turret face) and the mast of the radar array are 10 mm thick structural steel.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=805|rbMinHp=501}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=805|rbMinHp=501}}
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 +
Like the other members of the Rooikat family, one of the ZA-35's greatest strengths is its mobility. With the same chassis, engine, and overall weight as the [[Rooikat Mk.1D]], drivers can expect near identical performance. Its strengths are incredibly high average and top speed. Some weaknesses include a large turn radius and poor torque on inclines.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|GA-35 (35 mm)}}
 
{{main|GA-35 (35 mm)}}
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''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.''
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 460 (230) || rowspan="2" | 550 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
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| rowspan="2" | 460 (230) || rowspan="2" | 550 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+81° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 39.6 || 54.8 || 66.6 || 73.6 || 78.4 || rowspan="2" | 1.30 || rowspan="2" | 1.15 || rowspan="2" | 1.06 || rowspan="2" | 1.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
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| 26.8 || 31.5 || 38.3 || 42.3 || 45.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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 +
The [[GA-35 (35 mm)]] autocannon is functionally identical to the [[Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)]] found on the [[Chieftain Marksman]], [[Gepard]], and [[Type 87]]. The API and HEI shells are identical, so it shouldn't be too difficult to adapt to this weapon. However, the GA-35 is unable to utilize the 35 mm APDS belts found on the vehicles mentioned.
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 +
Despite this, at close range, the GA-35 can penetrate the sides of a majority of medium tanks found at the ZA-35's battle rating, including even the lower sides of Soviet medium tanks. Unfortunately, the gun depression is quite poor, so ideally Soviet tanks should not be approached at point blank ranges and instead circled around at about 50m range. Many of American brawler tanks are immune to AP belt from the sides and will only be vulnerable in a turret ring or engine roof (and even that is not guaranteed).
 +
 +
The high rate of fire of the cannons can burn through the 460 rounds of ammunition in under half a minute of sustained fire, so firing in short bursts is generally ideal, as the restocking time at friendly captured points can be risky.
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
 +
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
 +
* '''DM11A1:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
 +
* '''DM13:''' {{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
  
−
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
+
{{:GA-35 (35 mm)/Ammunition|HEI-T*, API-T*}}
−
* '''DM11A1:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
 
−
* '''DM13:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
 
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
! colspan="7" | Penetration statistics
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.7.0.173''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
+
! Full<br>ammo
−
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
+
! Ammo<br>type
 +
! 1st<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
+
| '''2''' <br> '''460''' || ''Clips'' <br> ''Rounds'' || 0&nbsp;''(+2)'' <br> 0 || No
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Default || 68 || 65 || 52 || 40 || 30 || 23
+
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 
 +
* Ammunition is modelled as 2 belts of 230 rounds each.
 +
* It is not possible to select how many rounds to bring into battle.
 +
 
 +
=== Radars ===
 +
Unlike the Chieftain Marksman, the ZA-35 has an independent tracking unit and detection unit, which allows the vehicle to monitor the sky even while locked on to another target or to disable radar for safety reasons and still maintain the lock.
 +
 
 +
The ZA-35 utilizes an enormous EDR 110 tracking radar fitted on a mast which can extend up to 5 m into the air. The mast is foldable and the radar array will fold behind the turret. This vehicle cannot lock onto detected targets out of third person view, and operator needs to lock from the sniper seat manually.
 +
 
 +
Instead of a tracking radar, the ZA-35 uses an electro-optical target tracking system, which uses visual line of sight from the gunner's sight in the front to track airborne targets. The tracking system does not enjoy the same height advantage as the detection radar, and the optical system will lose target tracking if any kind of visual obstruction (including the ZA-35's own ESS) is in the way for any significant length of time. However, the system will not trigger radar warning receivers since it uses passive tracking, nor will chaff defeat the lock-on.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
! colspan="5" | EDR 110 - Target Detection Radar
 
|-
 
|-
−
| DM11A1 || 68 || 65 || 52 || 40 || 30 || 23
+
! {{Annotation|Maximum<br>Detection<br>Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br>Detection<br>Range|The range, below which, a target cannot be detected}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth<br>Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation<br>Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br>relative speed|The minimum speed a target must be moving, relative to the radar, in order to be detectable by the radar}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| DM13 || 68 || 65 || 52 || 40 || 30 || 23
+
| 30,000 m || 500 m || 360° || -__°/+__° || __ m/s (__ km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
|}
+
! colspan="5" | Electro-Optical Target Tracking Radar
−
 
 
−
==== [[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
+
! {{Annotation|Maximum<br>Tracking<br>Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
−
! 1st<br>rack empty
+
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br>Tracking<br>Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
−
! 2nd<br>rack empty
+
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking<br>Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
−
! 3rd<br>rack empty
+
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking<br>Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
−
! 4th<br>rack empty
+
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br>target speed|The minimum speed a target must be moving, relative to the radar, in order to be tracked by the radar}}
−
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
−
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''2''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| _,___ m || __ m || ±__ || -__°/+__° || __ m/s (__ km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''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 ZA-35's greatest strengths over its predecessor, the [[Chieftain Marksman]], are its vastly increased mobility and improved radar. The mobility of the vehicle allows players to control exactly when and where they want to engage ground or air targets.
 +
 
 +
Against air targets, the vehicle should be used as a traditional radar-guided SPAA system. Drivers may not want to advance too far in the thinly armoured ZA-35, but it is near your teammates that you will be able to provide the best air cover. The ideal engagement distance for enemy planes tends to be around 1.5 km to 2 km. Waiting for enemy planes to close in can be dangerous but is ideal to ensure a successful attack. The system may struggle to track a low, fast target, so waiting to engage until too late is not ideal if the driver is relying on the tracking system.
 +
 
 +
Despite lacking the APDS belts of its contemporaries, the ZA-35 can also perform well against enemy ground targets. The 35 mm AP belts are best utilized at close range, where they can penetrate even the lower sides of Soviet medium tanks. Softer targets will be destroyed very quickly. The Rooikat chassis allows the ZA-35 to quickly move in and out of the battle zone and surprise enemies from the side or rear. The vehicle is not easy to hide, but lowering the radar mast will at least make it slightly harder to spot.
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 +
No matter what you are using it for, sitting still in this vehicle can prove fatal. With a two-plane gun stabilizer, the vehicle can reliably and accurately fire on the move. This is likely the best option, as the vehicle sitting still presents a huge target, even with the radar folded.
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 +
In Arcade mode, the ZA-35 can be used as a dedicated light tank destroyer, as it is far easier for aircraft to dodge its shots, but it still can achieve the ridiculous 90 km/h offroad while firing its weapons and outspeeding practically any other light tank, allowing it to flank across the map or even to strafe entire tank squads without being hit. In general, any lightly armoured tank ranging from [[BMP-1]] and up to [[Dardo]], which are spawned in overabundance at this BR range, disintegrate if the ZA-35 fired at their turret for longer than 1 second, while it can take a lot of shots, unless enemy immediately fires at its turret as well, making it the best anti light tank the British can have. It also can be used to flank medium tank campers, as most NATO tanks have problems with surviving any kind of side shots. Even the radar mast can be used as a tool to taunt enemy medium tanks and to bait shots, if necessary.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Search and track radar
+
* Rooikat chassis provides good mobility
−
* Rooikat chassis means good mobility
+
* Laser rangefinder allows it to quickly snipe across entire map if necessary
 +
** While the ZA-35 does not have APDS belts like previous British SPAA, it is still very effective at defeating lightly armoured tanks and can do serious damage to medium tanks with some effort taken
 +
* Search radar and tracking optics work separately - optical tracking can lock onto player sighted targets with radar disabled, radar can continue to spy on surrounding aircraft even if the tracker is broken
 
* Tall radar mast allows the ZA-35 to track air targets while behind cover
 
* Tall radar mast allows the ZA-35 to track air targets while behind cover
 +
* Radar takes up minimal space in folded position, and quickly deploys or folds
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Super tall radar mast gives you away very quickly
+
* Super tall radar mast gives you away very quickly in RB or SB, unable to directly lock on with the radar
−
* Track radar is electro-optical and can lose track very quickly when it's obstructed by objects such as trees
+
* Tracking device is electro-optical and can lose track very quickly when it's line of sight is obstructed by objects such as trees or by smoke screens; it is also fragile and is the first thing to be destroyed in a head-on fight
−
* No night vision devices
+
* No APDS belts like similar twin KDA platforms, so it has no options for stealth assasination on long range helicopters
−
* No APDS belts like similar twin KDA platforms
+
* Turret is only 10 mm RHA with the commander and gunner sitting very close to each other, making .50 cals a death sentence if enemy is used to just fire it as a first reaction to anything they see
−
* Turret is only 10 mm RHA with the commander and gunner sitting very close to each other, making .50 cals and even some 7.62 caliber MGs a death sentence.
+
* ESS does not really protect against thermal scopes
 +
* When fighting in town, the ZA-35 might get stuck on a narrow street or in between remains of other tanks due to its poor turn rate
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
The ZA-35 was a South African self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) variant of the Rooikat armoured car and designed in the 1990s. It was developed by Armaments Corporation of South Africa (ARMSCOR) and one prototype or possibly more was built before the project was cancelled. Had it entered production the ZA-35 would have served in a battery of three ZA-35 SPAAGs, one ZA-HVM surface-to-air missile launcher (also based on the Rooikat hull), and a local warning radar.<ref name=":0">http://www.military-today.com/artillery/za_35.htm</ref>
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 +
The hull was a standard Rooikat hull but the turret was a completely new design by LEW. It has a crew of 3 with the driver in the hull and the commander and gunner in the turret. The armament consisted of two 35 mm M-35 automatic guns produced by Lyttleton Engineering. The guns have a rate of fire of 550 rounds per minute which is a 1,100 rpm combined rate of fire. Ammunition carried is of two types: HE-FRAG rounds for air targets and AP-I rounds for ground targets. A total of 920 rounds was carried in four belts of 230 rounds (two belts for each gun). The computerized fire control system (FCS) was linked to a fully stabilized gunner's sight with an integrated laser rangefinder. An EDR 110 search and tracking radar was fitted for finding and tracking enemy aircraft, mounted on a mast that could be raised five metres in order to get the radar clear of obstacles low to the ground. The ZA-35 can effectively eliminate targets during both day and night conditions. The armour protects against small arms fire and shrapnel all around and 23 mm projectiles over the frontal arc. Propulsion is provided by a rear 563 horsepower engine, allowing the 34 tons vehicle to reach a speed of 120 km/h.<ref name=":0" /><ref>https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/South_Africa/Rooikat.php</ref>
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_rooikat_za_35 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|anAu8xSE-Hs|'''The Shooting Range #246''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:26 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 139: Line 188:
 
* ''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.'' -->
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
  
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
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;Related development
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* [[Rooikat (Family)]]
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;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
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* [[Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)]]
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** [[File:FRG flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Gepard]]
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** [[File:Japan flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Type 87]]
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** [[File:Britain flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Chieftain Marksman]]
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** [[File:Finland flag.png|30px|link=]] [[ItPsV Leopard]]
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** [[File:China flag.png|30px|link=]] [[PGZ09]]
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* [[File:Sweden flag.png|30px|link=]] [[VEAK 40]]
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* [[File:France flag.png|30px|link=]] [[AMX-30 DCA]]
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* [[File:USSR flag.png|30px|link=]] [[ZSU-37-2]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
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=== References ===
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<references />
  
 
{{Britain anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 
{{Britain anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]
 
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 11:57, 26 June 2024

ZA-35
uk_rooikat_za_35.png
GarageImage ZA-35.jpg
ZA-35 Hangar.jpg
ZA-35
Britain flag.png Britain
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
8.3 8.3 8.3
Class:
Research:81 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:450 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The ZA-35 was a variant of the Rooikat modified by the Armaments Corporation of South Africa (ARMSCOR) in the early 1990s to fit the SPAA role. It was equipped with dual 35 mm cannons produced by Lyttelton Engineering (now Denel Land Systems) derived from the Oerlikon 35 mm, and an EDR 110 search and tracking radar mounted on a mast that could be raised up to 5 metres to avoid low obstacles. Only a few prototypes were built before the project was eventually cancelled.

Introduced in Update "Ixwa Strike", the ZA-35 represents a distinct departure from the preceding Chieftain Marksman, being more similar in operation to the Falcon before it. With slightly more closely spaced guns than the Marksman, and new separate radars allowing continuous scanning while aircraft are being tracked, the ZA-35 will provide a good boost in anti-aircraft efficiency compared to its predecessors. However, its main draw lies in its anti-ground capabilities. Despite a lack of access to APDS rounds compared to similar SPAA such as the Gepard and Type 87, the guns remain extremely effective against light vehicles, and the Rooikat hull's excellent mobility makes it extremely easy to flank heavier opponents to target their weaker sides and rears. Make sure to turn off the radar when attempting to sneak up on ground targets, as it is extremely prominent when deployed.

General info

Survivability and armour

ESS
Creation of a smoke screen in the direction of movement of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull30 / 25 / 20
Turret10 / 10 / 10
Crew3 people
Visibility84 %

The ZA-35 is based on the Rooikat armoured car chassis, and as such retains the low protection of the family. The most heavily armoured part of the vehicle is the central band in front of the driver. A 25 mm plate sloped at 77° will soak up lower power autocannon fire easily, but the same cannot be said for the 30 mm flat plate that protects the transmission and the driver's feet. Despite the light armour, the hull can survive .50 cal machine guns from many angles and even prevent overpressure damage from being taken at certain spots.

The same cannot be said about the turret. The ZA-35's turret armour is comprised of 10 mm rolled homogeneous armour plating on all sides, so it is vulnerable to heavy machine guns. Two of the three crew members sit inside the turret, so one good high explosive hit will probably knock the vehicle out. The vehicle is very weak to attack from aircraft, so striking first is of paramount importance.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
  • Wheels (tires)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 25 mm (0°-28°) Driver's optic area
25 mm (77°) Upper front plate - Central band 30 mm (23°) Lower glacis - Central band
10 mm (23°-75°) Outer armour bands 		20 mm (25°) Top
25 mm (0°-63°) Bottom
10 mm Wheelhouse 		20 mm (0°-29°) Rear plate
10 mm Wheelhouse 		10-20 mm
Turret 10 mm (0°-70°) Turret front
10 mm (0°-80°) Gun mantlet 		10 mm (0°-55°) 10 mm (0°-76°) 10 mm
Cupola 10 mm 10 mm 10 mm 10 mm

Notes:

  • Wheels and torsion bars are 10 mm thick.
  • Gun racks (to the left and right of the lower front turret face) and the mast of the radar array are 10 mm thick structural steel.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB131 / 40 km/h
RB and SB121 / 37 km/h
Number of gears12 forward
4 back
Weight32.0 t
Engine power
AB1 082 hp
RB and SB567 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB33.8 hp/t
RB and SB17.7 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 131 40 32 805 1,082 25.16 33.81
Realistic 121 37 501 567 15.66 17.72

Like the other members of the Rooikat family, one of the ZA-35's greatest strengths is its mobility. With the same chassis, engine, and overall weight as the Rooikat Mk.1D, drivers can expect near identical performance. Its strengths are incredibly high average and top speed. Some weaknesses include a large turn radius and poor torque on inclines.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 880 → 6 797 Sl icon.png
RB4 160 → 5 794 Sl icon.png
SB5 056 → 7 043 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications132 900 Rp icon.png
226 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 400 Ge icon.png
Crew training130 000 Sl icon.png
Experts450 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 000 Ge icon.png
Research Aces890 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 190 / 230 % Sl icon.png
214 / 214 / 214 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new wheels.png
Tires
Research:
7 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods new car suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
6 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
6 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
530 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
9 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
9 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
1 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement uk.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
530 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Research:
9 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
7 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
35mm_kda_HE_ammo_pack
Research:
7 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
6 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
35mm_kda_APHEI_ammo_pack
Research:
6 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
530 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
9 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
9 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder

Main armament

2 x 35 mm GA-35 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition460 rounds
Belt capacity230 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
1.3 → 1.0 s
Fire rate550 shots/min
Vertical guidance-8° / 81°
Main article: GA-35 (35 mm)
35 mm GA-35 (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 460 (230) 550 -8°/+81° ±180° Two-plane 39.6 54.8 66.6 73.6 78.4 1.30 1.15 1.06 1.00
Realistic 26.8 31.5 38.3 42.3 45.0

The GA-35 (35 mm) autocannon is functionally identical to the Oerlikon KDA (35 mm) found on the Chieftain Marksman, Gepard, and Type 87. The API and HEI shells are identical, so it shouldn't be too difficult to adapt to this weapon. However, the GA-35 is unable to utilize the 35 mm APDS belts found on the vehicles mentioned.

Despite this, at close range, the GA-35 can penetrate the sides of a majority of medium tanks found at the ZA-35's battle rating, including even the lower sides of Soviet medium tanks. Unfortunately, the gun depression is quite poor, so ideally Soviet tanks should not be approached at point blank ranges and instead circled around at about 50m range. Many of American brawler tanks are immune to AP belt from the sides and will only be vulnerable in a turret ring or engine roof (and even that is not guaranteed).

The high rate of fire of the cannons can burn through the 460 rounds of ammunition in under half a minute of sustained fire, so firing in short bursts is generally ideal, as the restocking time at friendly captured points can be risky.

Ammunition

  • Default: API-T* · HEI-T*
  • DM11A1: HEI-T* · HEI-T* · HEI-T* · API-T*
  • DM13: API-T* · API-T* · API-T* · HEI-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
HEI-T* 11 11 9 8 6 5
API-T* 68 66 57 47 39 32
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEI-T* 1,175 0.55 0.1 0.1 204 79° 80° 81°
API-T* 1,175 0.55 1.2 9 37.4 47° 60° 65°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the ZA-35
Full
ammo 		Ammo
type 		1st
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
2
460 		Clips
Rounds 		0 (+2)
0 		No

Notes:

  • Ammunition is modelled as 2 belts of 230 rounds each.
  • It is not possible to select how many rounds to bring into battle.

Radars

Unlike the Chieftain Marksman, the ZA-35 has an independent tracking unit and detection unit, which allows the vehicle to monitor the sky even while locked on to another target or to disable radar for safety reasons and still maintain the lock.

The ZA-35 utilizes an enormous EDR 110 tracking radar fitted on a mast which can extend up to 5 m into the air. The mast is foldable and the radar array will fold behind the turret. This vehicle cannot lock onto detected targets out of third person view, and operator needs to lock from the sniper seat manually.

Instead of a tracking radar, the ZA-35 uses an electro-optical target tracking system, which uses visual line of sight from the gunner's sight in the front to track airborne targets. The tracking system does not enjoy the same height advantage as the detection radar, and the optical system will lose target tracking if any kind of visual obstruction (including the ZA-35's own ESS) is in the way for any significant length of time. However, the system will not trigger radar warning receivers since it uses passive tracking, nor will chaff defeat the lock-on.

EDR 110 - Target Detection Radar
Maximum
Detection
Range 		Minimum
Detection
Range 		Max Azimuth
Scan Angle 		Max Elevation
Scan Angle 		Minimum
relative speed
30,000 m 500 m 360° -__°/+__° __ m/s (__ km/h)
Electro-Optical Target Tracking Radar
Maximum
Tracking
Range 		Minimum
Tracking
Range 		Azimuth Tracking
Angle 		Elevation Tracking
Angle 		Minimum
target speed
_,___ m __ m ±__ -__°/+__° __ m/s (__ km/h)

Usage in battles

The ZA-35's greatest strengths over its predecessor, the Chieftain Marksman, are its vastly increased mobility and improved radar. The mobility of the vehicle allows players to control exactly when and where they want to engage ground or air targets.

Against air targets, the vehicle should be used as a traditional radar-guided SPAA system. Drivers may not want to advance too far in the thinly armoured ZA-35, but it is near your teammates that you will be able to provide the best air cover. The ideal engagement distance for enemy planes tends to be around 1.5 km to 2 km. Waiting for enemy planes to close in can be dangerous but is ideal to ensure a successful attack. The system may struggle to track a low, fast target, so waiting to engage until too late is not ideal if the driver is relying on the tracking system.

Despite lacking the APDS belts of its contemporaries, the ZA-35 can also perform well against enemy ground targets. The 35 mm AP belts are best utilized at close range, where they can penetrate even the lower sides of Soviet medium tanks. Softer targets will be destroyed very quickly. The Rooikat chassis allows the ZA-35 to quickly move in and out of the battle zone and surprise enemies from the side or rear. The vehicle is not easy to hide, but lowering the radar mast will at least make it slightly harder to spot.

No matter what you are using it for, sitting still in this vehicle can prove fatal. With a two-plane gun stabilizer, the vehicle can reliably and accurately fire on the move. This is likely the best option, as the vehicle sitting still presents a huge target, even with the radar folded.

In Arcade mode, the ZA-35 can be used as a dedicated light tank destroyer, as it is far easier for aircraft to dodge its shots, but it still can achieve the ridiculous 90 km/h offroad while firing its weapons and outspeeding practically any other light tank, allowing it to flank across the map or even to strafe entire tank squads without being hit. In general, any lightly armoured tank ranging from BMP-1 and up to Dardo, which are spawned in overabundance at this BR range, disintegrate if the ZA-35 fired at their turret for longer than 1 second, while it can take a lot of shots, unless enemy immediately fires at its turret as well, making it the best anti light tank the British can have. It also can be used to flank medium tank campers, as most NATO tanks have problems with surviving any kind of side shots. Even the radar mast can be used as a tool to taunt enemy medium tanks and to bait shots, if necessary.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Rooikat chassis provides good mobility
  • Laser rangefinder allows it to quickly snipe across entire map if necessary
    • While the ZA-35 does not have APDS belts like previous British SPAA, it is still very effective at defeating lightly armoured tanks and can do serious damage to medium tanks with some effort taken
  • Search radar and tracking optics work separately - optical tracking can lock onto player sighted targets with radar disabled, radar can continue to spy on surrounding aircraft even if the tracker is broken
  • Tall radar mast allows the ZA-35 to track air targets while behind cover
  • Radar takes up minimal space in folded position, and quickly deploys or folds

Cons:

  • Super tall radar mast gives you away very quickly in RB or SB, unable to directly lock on with the radar
  • Tracking device is electro-optical and can lose track very quickly when it's line of sight is obstructed by objects such as trees or by smoke screens; it is also fragile and is the first thing to be destroyed in a head-on fight
  • No APDS belts like similar twin KDA platforms, so it has no options for stealth assasination on long range helicopters
  • Turret is only 10 mm RHA with the commander and gunner sitting very close to each other, making .50 cals a death sentence if enemy is used to just fire it as a first reaction to anything they see
  • ESS does not really protect against thermal scopes
  • When fighting in town, the ZA-35 might get stuck on a narrow street or in between remains of other tanks due to its poor turn rate

History

The ZA-35 was a South African self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) variant of the Rooikat armoured car and designed in the 1990s. It was developed by Armaments Corporation of South Africa (ARMSCOR) and one prototype or possibly more was built before the project was cancelled. Had it entered production the ZA-35 would have served in a battery of three ZA-35 SPAAGs, one ZA-HVM surface-to-air missile launcher (also based on the Rooikat hull), and a local warning radar.[1]

The hull was a standard Rooikat hull but the turret was a completely new design by LEW. It has a crew of 3 with the driver in the hull and the commander and gunner in the turret. The armament consisted of two 35 mm M-35 automatic guns produced by Lyttleton Engineering. The guns have a rate of fire of 550 rounds per minute which is a 1,100 rpm combined rate of fire. Ammunition carried is of two types: HE-FRAG rounds for air targets and AP-I rounds for ground targets. A total of 920 rounds was carried in four belts of 230 rounds (two belts for each gun). The computerized fire control system (FCS) was linked to a fully stabilized gunner's sight with an integrated laser rangefinder. An EDR 110 search and tracking radar was fitted for finding and tracking enemy aircraft, mounted on a mast that could be raised five metres in order to get the radar clear of obstacles low to the ground. The ZA-35 can effectively eliminate targets during both day and night conditions. The armour protects against small arms fire and shrapnel all around and 23 mm projectiles over the frontal arc. Propulsion is provided by a rear 563 horsepower engine, allowing the 34 tons vehicle to reach a speed of 120 km/h.[1][2]

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #246 - Metal Beasts section at 00:26 discusses the ZA-35.

See also

Related development
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.military-today.com/artillery/za_35.htm
  2. ↑ https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/South_Africa/Rooikat.php


Britain anti-aircraft vehicles
Crusader AA  Crusader AA Mk I · Crusader AA Mk II
Wheeled  Staghound AA · AEC AA
Radar SPAAG  Chieftain Marksman
Missile SPAA  Stormer AD · Stormer HVM
Other  Light AA Mk I · Falcon
Canada  Skink · ADATS (M113)
South Africa  Ystervark · Bosvark · ZA-35

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