Difference between revisions of "Christian II"

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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.'' -->
−
''The strv 121's kinetic protection is reasonable, with the turret cheeks near-invulnerable to all but the most powerful rounds and the upper front plate capable of protecting against less powerful rounds - however besides these sections the remainder of the vehicle is largely vulnerable to high-powered kinetic rounds; of note are the weak lower front plate and the gun mantlet, both of which are reasonably visible targets, as well as the gunner's optics.''
+
The strv 121's kinetic protection is reasonable, with the turret cheeks near-invulnerable to all but the most powerful rounds and the upper front plate capable of protecting against less powerful rounds - however besides these sections the remainder of the vehicle is largely vulnerable to high-powered kinetic rounds; of note are the weak lower front plate and the gun mantlet, both of which are reasonably visible targets, as well as the gunner's optics.
  
−
''The vehicle sports significantly better all-round chemical protection, with an upper hull and turret essentially immune to all but the most powerful ATGMs frontally, with upwards of 800mm worth of equivalent protection in places. Despite this, it's advisable to be wary of incoming ATGMs as a well-placed round may sneak past the heavily protected areas - and some missiles such as those of the ADATS will slice straight through even the turret cheeks.''
+
The vehicle sports significantly better all-round chemical protection, with an upper hull and turret essentially immune to all but the most powerful ATGMs frontally, with upwards of 800mm worth of equivalent protection in places. Despite this, it's advisable to be wary of incoming ATGMs as a well-placed round may sneak past the heavily protected areas - and some missiles such as those of the ADATS will slice straight through even the turret cheeks.
  
−
''As with most other MBTs, the strv is particularly vulnerable from the sides and back.''
+
As with most other MBTs, the strv is particularly vulnerable from the sides and back.
  
−
''The strv 121b is reasonably survivable, with some degree of crew spacing. However, from certain angles, the crew are placed in a straight line and successful penetration may impact three of the four crew members, resulting in a crew knock-out. In addition, well-placed side shots may impact all three turret crew members.''
+
The strv 121b is reasonably survivable, with some degree of crew spacing. However, from certain angles, the crew are placed in a straight line and successful penetration may impact three of the four crew members, resulting in a crew knock-out. In addition, well-placed side shots may impact all three turret crew members.
  
−
''Ammunition is stored in the primary ammunition storage in the rear of the turret, or in the secondary storage next to the driver. The primary rack provides crew protection through the use of blow-out panels, however only has space for 15 rounds. When more than 16 rounds are taken to battle, ammunition will be stored in the significantly more vulnerable hull rack, wich is positioned in the front of the hull where most people genarally aim.''
+
Ammunition is stored in the primary ammunition storage in the rear of the turret, or in the secondary storage next to the driver. The primary rack provides crew protection through the use of blow-out panels, however only has space for 15 rounds. When more than 16 rounds are taken to battle, ammunition will be stored in the significantly more vulnerable hull rack, which is positioned in the front of the hull where most people generally aim.
  
−
''The 121's protection proves acceptable for long-range combat, although it's ill-advised to remain in one location for any extended period of time to avoid opposing vehicles being able to hone their shots onto your weak spots. The 121's protection should not be relied upon in urban or other close-range environments.''
+
The 121's protection proves acceptable for long-range combat, although it's ill-advised to remain in one location for any extended period of time to avoid opposing vehicles being able to hone their shots onto your weak spots. The 121's protection should not be relied upon in urban or other close-range environments.
  
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
Line 38: Line 38:
 
* Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet frame)
 
* Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet frame)
 
* Composite screen (front side skirts)
 
* Composite screen (front side skirts)
−
* Structural stell (rear side skirts) <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
+
* Structural steel (rear side skirts)
−
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
 
−
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 35 mm (53-82°) Upper glacis
+
| Hull || 35 mm (53-82°) Upper glacis<br>40 mm (51°) ''Lower glacis'' 30 mm (82°) ''Driver's hatch''
−
40 mm (51°) ''Lower glacis'' 30 mm (82°) ''Driver's hatch''
+
| 10 mm (5°) ''Upper hull''<br>35 mm ''Lower forward hull''<br>20 mm ''Lower rear hull''<br>5 mm ''Side Skirts''<br>100 mm ''Composite screening''
−
| 10 mm (5°) ''Upper hull''
+
| 20 mm (11°) ''Upper plate''<br>20 mm (17°) ''Lower plate''<br>20 mm (50°) ''Lower glacis''
−
35 mm ''Lower forward hull''
+
| 35 mm (8°) ''Front glacis''<br>20 mm (0-8°) ''Hull sides and engine deck''<br>5 mm ''Engine vents''
−
 
 
−
20 mm ''Lower rear hull''
 
−
 
 
−
5 mm ''Side Skirts''
 
−
 
 
−
100 mm ''Composite screening''
 
−
| 20 mm (11°) ''Upper plate''
 
−
20 mm (17°) ''Lower plate''
 
−
 
 
−
20 mm (50°) ''Lower glacis''
 
−
| 35 mm (8°) ''Front glacis''
 
−
20 mm (0-8°) ''Hull sides and engine deck''
 
−
 
 
−
5 mm ''Engine vents''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 35 mm (32-44°) ''Cheeks incl. Gunner optics''<br>120+16 mm ''Mantlet'' || 35 mm ''Forward''
+
| Turret || 35 mm (32-44°) ''Cheeks incl. Gunner optics''<br>120+16 mm ''Mantlet'' || 35 mm ''Forward''<br>15 mm ''Rear''
−
15 mm ''Rear''
+
| 10+25 mm (10°) ''Basket''<br>20 mm (70°) ''Turret underside''
−
| 10+25 mm (10°) ''Basket''
+
| 40 mm (82-85°) ''Forward centre''<br>14 mm (72-77°) ''Forward sides''<br>20 mm ''Rear incl. cupolas''
−
20 mm (70°) ''Turret underside''
 
−
| 40 mm (82-85°) ''Forward centre''
 
−
14 mm (72-77°) ''Forward sides''
 
−
 
 
−
20 mm ''Rear incl. cupolas''
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
  
−
Suspention is 20mm thick. <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
+
* Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick
−
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
 
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
−
The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by an MTU MB 873 Ka-501 engine which produces a whopping 1,500 hp (1,100 KW), resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of slightly over 27 hp per tonne, compared to the ratio of the early Abrams and identical to the T-80U. As such, the {{PAGENAME}} is quite mobile despite weighing over 55 tonnes, comfortably able to reach 72 km/h on-road and well capable of keeping up with its competitors. This allows for an active, aggressive playstyle, using the Leopard's high speed and good acceleration characteristics to get into an early flanking position or take early cap points - though it is important to keep in mind that opposition forces might attempt the same.
+
The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by an MTU MB 873 Ka-501 engine which produces a whopping 1,500 hp (1,100 KW), resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of slightly over 27 hp per tonne, compared to the ratio of the early Abrams and identical to the T-80U. As such, the {{PAGENAME}} is quite mobile despite weighing over 55 tonnes, comfortably able to reach 72 km/h on-road and well capable of keeping up with its competitors. This allows for an active, aggressive playstyle, using the tank's high speed and good acceleration characteristics to get into an early flanking position or take early cap points - though it is important to keep in mind that opposition forces might attempt the same.
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} has a maximum reverse speed of 31 km/h which it reaches easily, allowing for a quick retreat in sub-optimal situations.
  
−
The {{PAGENAME}} has a maximum reverse speed of 31 km/h which it reaches easily, allowing for a quick retreat in sub-optimal situations.{{tankMobility}}
+
{{tankMobility}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
−
{{Specs-Economy}}Everything unlocked when you get the vehicle.
+
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 
 +
As a premium vehicle, all modifications are unlocked upon purchase.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
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{{main|kan Strv 121 (120 mm)}}
 
{{main|kan Strv 121 (120 mm)}}
  
−
''The famous Rheinmetall L/44 120 mm cannon is mounted as the primary armament on the strv 121, offering a balance of firepower, accuracy and sustained rate of fire. The 121 has three rounds available to it: slsgr m/95 , DM13 and DM23 a tier 4 modification.The L/44 is reasonably accurate at long range with any ammunition, however minor round deviation may be evident at extreme ranges (over 2,000 m).''
+
The famous Rheinmetall L/44 120 mm cannon is mounted as the primary armament on the strv 121, offering a balance of firepower, accuracy and sustained rate of fire. The 121 has three rounds available to it: slsgr m/95 , DM13 and DM23 a tier 4 modification. The L/44 is reasonably accurate at long range with any ammunition, however minor round deviation may be evident at extreme ranges (over 2,000 m).
  
−
''It's advisable to primarily rely on the best available APFSDS round for engaging other MBTs, however, retaining a couple of slsgr m/95 rounds can prove valuable against lighter vehicles such as the ADATS.''
+
It's advisable to primarily rely on the best available APFSDS round for engaging other MBTs, however, retaining a couple of slsgr m/95 rounds can prove valuable against lighter vehicles such as the ADATS.
  
−
{| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[kan Strv 121 (120 mm)|120 mm kan Strv 121]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" |[[Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)|120 mm Rh120 L/44]]|| 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
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Mode!!Capacity!!Vertical!!Horizontal!!Stabilizer
+
! ''Arcade''
−
!Stock!!Upgraded!!Full!!Expert!!Aced
+
| rowspan="2" | 42 || rowspan="2" | -9°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 38.1 || 52.7 || 64.0 || 70.8 || 75.3 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
−
!Stock!!Full!!Expert!!Aced
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
!''Arcade''
+
! ''Realistic''
−
| rowspan="2" |42|| rowspan="2" |-9°/+20°|| rowspan="2" |±180°|| rowspan="2" |Two-plane||38.1||52.7||64.0||70.8||75.3|| rowspan="2" |7.80|| rowspan="2" |6.90|| rowspan="2" |6.36|| rowspan="2" |6.00
+
| 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
 
|-
 
|-
−
!''Realistic''
 
−
|23.8||28.0||34.0||37.6||40.0
 
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
{{:kan Strv 121 (120 mm)/Ammunition|DM13, slsgr m/95, DM23}}
 
{{:kan Strv 121 (120 mm)/Ammunition|DM13, slsgr m/95, DM23}}
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks_Strv_121.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.35.0.19''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 135: Line 119:
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|MG3A1 (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|MG3A1 (7.62 mm)}}
  
−
''The 121 is equipped with one pintle-mounted machine gun and one coaxial machine gun. These can be used as an anti-air deterrent or for clearing out light obstacles and crew from open vehicles.''
+
The 121 is equipped with one pintle-mounted machine gun and one coaxial machine gun. These can be used as an anti-air deterrent or for clearing out light obstacles and crew from open vehicles.
  
−
{| class="wikitable" width="50%" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" |[[MG3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm MG3A1]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[MG3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm MG3A1]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Mount!!Capacity (Belt)!!Fire rate!!Vertical!!Horizontal
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Coaxial||4,600 (200)||1,200||N/A||N/A
+
| Coaxial || 4,600 (200) || 1,200 || - || -
 +
|-
 +
| Pintle || 2,000 (200) || 1,200 || -10°/+75° || ±180°
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Pintle||2,000 (200)||1,200||-10°/+75°||±180°
 
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 
== 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).'' -->
−
''Once you spend 70 dollars or euros, the 121b becomes the tank you will play the most, when grinding the swedish techtree. The 121b can be used comfortably in both urban and rural environments, providing the vehicle's weaknesses are kept in mind (the sides and hull). While it is capable in most forms of engagement, it does lack the precision of the British Challenger MBTs or the extreme round velocities of the Soviet T-64/T-80 series. The 12b1 also has a particularly large and blocky profile, making for a particularly visible target in many situations.''
+
The strv 121B can be used comfortably in both urban and rural environments, providing the vehicle's weaknesses are kept in mind (the sides and hull). While it is capable in most forms of engagement, it does lack the precision of the British Challenger MBTs or the extreme round velocities of the Soviet T-64/T-80 series. The 121B also has a particularly large and blocky profile, making for a particularly visible target in many situations.
 +
 
 +
Considering the above, a strv 121B player should utilise its great mobility and competitive gun to get into early positions to pick off unsuspecting targets, rather than attempting to engage opposing forces head-on.
  
−
''Considering the above, a strv 121b player should utilise its great mobility and competitive gun to get into early positions to pick off unsuspecting targets, rather than attempting to engage opposing forces head-on.''
 
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''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".'' -->
−
''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:'''
  
−
*'''Powerful engine, high top speed and acceleration'''
+
* Powerful engine, high top speed and acceleration
−
*'''Good neutral steering system'''
+
* Good neutral steering system
−
*'''Good gunner sight magnification for long-range engagements'''
+
* Good gunner sight magnification for long-range engagements
−
*'''Reasonably high-velocity kinetic rounds'''
+
* Reasonably high-velocity kinetic rounds
−
*'''Competent DM23 APFSDS'''
+
* Competent DM23 APFSDS
−
*'''Turret armour is mostly effective for hull-down engagements'''
+
* Turret armour is mostly effective for hull-down engagements
−
*'''Primary ammunition is contained within a storage unit with blow-out panels'''
+
* Primary ammunition is contained within a storage unit with blow-out panels
−
*'''Generation 1 thermals in the gunner sight ( low reselution compared to most tanks in this br range )'''
+
* Generation 1 thermals in the gunner sight
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*'''Hull armour is mediocre, particularly against kinetic rounds'''
+
* Hull armour is mediocre, particularly against kinetic rounds
−
*'''The gunner's optics are a weak spot, enemies who know how to aim can cripple your gun and kill your crew'''
+
* The gunner's optics are a weak spot, enemies who know how to aim can cripple your gun and kill your crew
−
*'''The gun mantlet is relatively weak while being quite prominent, penetration can disable the gun or knock turret crew out'''
+
* The gun mantlet is relatively weak while being quite prominent, penetration can disable the gun or knock turret crew out
−
*'''The turret cheeks can be penetrated by most APFSDS rounds when hit at the right angle'''
+
* The turret cheeks can be penetrated by most APFSDS rounds when hit at the right angle
−
*'''Secondary ammunition storage is extremely vulnerable, although this is avoidable by carrying no more than 16 rounds'''
+
* Secondary ammunition storage is extremely vulnerable, although this is avoidable by carrying no more than 16 rounds
−
*'''Both machine guns are relatively light calibre, suffer from mediocre gun elevation and will not prove to be much more an annoyance to aircraft, particularly helicopters'''
+
* Both machine guns are relatively light calibre, suffer from mediocre gun elevation and will not prove to be much more an annoyance to aircraft, particularly helicopters
−
*'''Blowout panels are unreliable and have a low capacity'''
+
* Blowout panels are unreliable and have a low capacity
−
 
 
−
*
 
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
''The '''{{Specs|name}}''' were an upgrade package for the [[Strv 121]] to meet the standards of the [[Strv 122]], but since the Defence Act 2004 most of the [[Strv 121]]'s were already in storage since the 2000's due to the widespread adoption of [[Strv 122]] which rendered the upgrade package obsolete and project to upgrade were abandoned with only one prototype made to this standard. The {{PAGENAME}}'s upgrade were mostly noticable of receiving the Galix smoke launcher system, improved electrical components to the turret enhancing overall performance, a reversing camera and improvements to the maintainance of the vehicle which streamlining vehicle upkeep.''
+
''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).''
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bi_-U5KUwyY&t=390s
+
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==

Revision as of 10:28, 14 March 2024

This page is about the main battle tank Christian II. For other versions, see Leopard 2 (Family).
Christian II
sw_strv121b_christian2.png
GarageImage Christian II.jpg
Christian II
Sweden flag.png Sweden
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.7 10.7 10.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
STORE

Description

The Stridsvagn 121B Christian II was an upgrade package for the Strv 121 to meet the standards of the Strv 122. However, due to the Defence Act 2004, most Strv 121s were already in storage since the 2000s due to the widespread adoption of the Strv 122, which rendered the upgrade package obsolete. The upgrade project was abandoned with only one prototype made to this standard. The Christian II's upgrade was mostly notable in receiving the Galix smoke launcher system, improved electrical components to the turret enhancing overall performance, a reversing camera, and improvements to the maintenance of the vehicle which streamlined vehicle upkeep.

Introduced in Update "Alpha Strike", the Stridsvagn 121B Christian II bolsters the Swedish line with a good all-around vehicle for players to grind with. Due to its similarity to the Strv 121 and other Leopard 2s, experienced players find it familiar to use, but newer players may struggle to adapt to the gameplay dynamic of the higher tiers. The Christian II is an excellent all-round vehicle, with the mobility to get to desired locations on the map with ease. The 120 mm cannon has excellent firepower to deal with most other MBTs, but still needs to take care in aiming for the weaker parts of armour, as the penetration can be a bit lacking for more well-protected targets. The Christian II is best used in positions where its hull is not exposed to hostile fire; the strongest part of the vehicle is its turret which can survive being hit better than the hull, so using surrounding terrain to its advantage to peek and fire then get back into cover will improve the gameplay of the vehicle. However, even if there is no sufficient cover for the vehicle, it can still put up an fight and do well.

General info

Survivability and armour

Composite armour
Balanced protection against all types of ammunition
Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull35 / 25 / 20
Turret25 / 25 / 15
Crew4 people
Visibility95 %

The strv 121's kinetic protection is reasonable, with the turret cheeks near-invulnerable to all but the most powerful rounds and the upper front plate capable of protecting against less powerful rounds - however besides these sections the remainder of the vehicle is largely vulnerable to high-powered kinetic rounds; of note are the weak lower front plate and the gun mantlet, both of which are reasonably visible targets, as well as the gunner's optics.

The vehicle sports significantly better all-round chemical protection, with an upper hull and turret essentially immune to all but the most powerful ATGMs frontally, with upwards of 800mm worth of equivalent protection in places. Despite this, it's advisable to be wary of incoming ATGMs as a well-placed round may sneak past the heavily protected areas - and some missiles such as those of the ADATS will slice straight through even the turret cheeks.

As with most other MBTs, the strv is particularly vulnerable from the sides and back.

The strv 121b is reasonably survivable, with some degree of crew spacing. However, from certain angles, the crew are placed in a straight line and successful penetration may impact three of the four crew members, resulting in a crew knock-out. In addition, well-placed side shots may impact all three turret crew members.

Ammunition is stored in the primary ammunition storage in the rear of the turret, or in the secondary storage next to the driver. The primary rack provides crew protection through the use of blow-out panels, however only has space for 15 rounds. When more than 16 rounds are taken to battle, ammunition will be stored in the significantly more vulnerable hull rack, which is positioned in the front of the hull where most people generally aim.

The 121's protection proves acceptable for long-range combat, although it's ill-advised to remain in one location for any extended period of time to avoid opposing vehicles being able to hone their shots onto your weak spots. The 121's protection should not be relied upon in urban or other close-range environments.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull sides, rear, and roof, turret sides, rear, and roof)
  • High hardness rolled armour (hull front, turret front, gun mantlet)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet frame)
  • Composite screen (front side skirts)
  • Structural steel (rear side skirts)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 35 mm (53-82°) Upper glacis
40 mm (51°) Lower glacis 30 mm (82°) Driver's hatch 		10 mm (5°) Upper hull
35 mm Lower forward hull
20 mm Lower rear hull
5 mm Side Skirts
100 mm Composite screening 		20 mm (11°) Upper plate
20 mm (17°) Lower plate
20 mm (50°) Lower glacis 		35 mm (8°) Front glacis
20 mm (0-8°) Hull sides and engine deck
5 mm Engine vents
Turret 35 mm (32-44°) Cheeks incl. Gunner optics
120+16 mm Mantlet 		35 mm Forward
15 mm Rear 		10+25 mm (10°) Basket
20 mm (70°) Turret underside 		40 mm (82-85°) Forward centre
14 mm (72-77°) Forward sides
20 mm Rear incl. cupolas

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB76 / 35 km/h
RB and SB69 / 31 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
4 back
Weight55.2 t
Engine power
AB2 862 hp
RB and SB1 500 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB51.8 hp/t
RB and SB27.2 hp/t

The Christian II is powered by an MTU MB 873 Ka-501 engine which produces a whopping 1,500 hp (1,100 KW), resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of slightly over 27 hp per tonne, compared to the ratio of the early Abrams and identical to the T-80U. As such, the Christian II is quite mobile despite weighing over 55 tonnes, comfortably able to reach 72 km/h on-road and well capable of keeping up with its competitors. This allows for an active, aggressive playstyle, using the tank's high speed and good acceleration characteristics to get into an early flanking position or take early cap points - though it is important to keep in mind that opposition forces might attempt the same.

The Christian II has a maximum reverse speed of 31 km/h which it reaches easily, allowing for a quick retreat in sub-optimal situations.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 76 35 55.2 _,___ 2,862 __.__ 51.85
Realistic 69 31 _,___ 1,500 __.__ 27.17

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB3 422 Sl icon.png
RB3 323 Sl icon.png
SB3 873 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 350 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces2 280 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 150 / 200 / 250 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 238 / 238 / 238 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
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 sw.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods tank camouflage.png
Camouflage net
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_DM_HE_FS_ammo_pack
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_DM_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder

As a premium vehicle, all modifications are unlocked upon purchase.

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

120 mm kan Strv 121
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition42 rounds
First-order15 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
7.8 → 6.0 s
Vertical guidance-9° / 20°
Main article: kan Strv 121 (120 mm)

The famous Rheinmetall L/44 120 mm cannon is mounted as the primary armament on the strv 121, offering a balance of firepower, accuracy and sustained rate of fire. The 121 has three rounds available to it: slsgr m/95 , DM13 and DM23 a tier 4 modification. The L/44 is reasonably accurate at long range with any ammunition, however minor round deviation may be evident at extreme ranges (over 2,000 m).

It's advisable to primarily rely on the best available APFSDS round for engaging other MBTs, however, retaining a couple of slsgr m/95 rounds can prove valuable against lighter vehicles such as the ADATS.

120 mm kan Strv 121 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 42 -9°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 38.1 52.7 64.0 70.8 75.3 7.80 6.90 6.36 6.00
Realistic 23.8 28.0 34.0 37.6 40.0

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
DM13 APFSDS 393 390 384 376 367 359
slsgr m/95 HE 36 36 36 36 36 36
DM23 APFSDS 410 408 401 393 384 376
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
DM13 APFSDS 1,650 4.44 - - - 78° 80° 81°
slsgr m/95 HE 736 17.5 0 0.1 3.54 79° 80° 81°
DM23 APFSDS 1,640 4.3 - - - 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Christian II
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
42 16 (+26) 1 (+41) no

Machine guns

7.62 mm MG3A1 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition4 600 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 200 shots/min
7.62 mm MG3A1 machine gun
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 200 shots/min
Main article: MG3A1 (7.62 mm)

The 121 is equipped with one pintle-mounted machine gun and one coaxial machine gun. These can be used as an anti-air deterrent or for clearing out light obstacles and crew from open vehicles.

7.62 mm MG3A1
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,600 (200) 1,200 - -
Pintle 2,000 (200) 1,200 -10°/+75° ±180°

Usage in battles

The strv 121B can be used comfortably in both urban and rural environments, providing the vehicle's weaknesses are kept in mind (the sides and hull). While it is capable in most forms of engagement, it does lack the precision of the British Challenger MBTs or the extreme round velocities of the Soviet T-64/T-80 series. The 121B also has a particularly large and blocky profile, making for a particularly visible target in many situations.

Considering the above, a strv 121B player should utilise its great mobility and competitive gun to get into early positions to pick off unsuspecting targets, rather than attempting to engage opposing forces head-on.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful engine, high top speed and acceleration
  • Good neutral steering system
  • Good gunner sight magnification for long-range engagements
  • Reasonably high-velocity kinetic rounds
  • Competent DM23 APFSDS
  • Turret armour is mostly effective for hull-down engagements
  • Primary ammunition is contained within a storage unit with blow-out panels
  • Generation 1 thermals in the gunner sight

Cons:

  • Hull armour is mediocre, particularly against kinetic rounds
  • The gunner's optics are a weak spot, enemies who know how to aim can cripple your gun and kill your crew
  • The gun mantlet is relatively weak while being quite prominent, penetration can disable the gun or knock turret crew out
  • The turret cheeks can be penetrated by most APFSDS rounds when hit at the right angle
  • Secondary ammunition storage is extremely vulnerable, although this is avoidable by carrying no more than 16 rounds
  • Both machine guns are relatively light calibre, suffer from mediocre gun elevation and will not prove to be much more an annoyance to aircraft, particularly helicopters
  • Blowout panels are unreliable and have a low capacity

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: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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


Sweden medium tanks
Strv m/42  Lago I · Strv m/42 EH · Ikv 73 · Strv m/42 DT · Pvkv IV
Centurion derivatives  Strv 81 · Strv 81 (RB 52) · Strv 101 · Strv 104 · Strv 105
Strv 103  Strv 103-0 · Strv 103A · Strv 103С
Strv 121/122  Strv 121 · Christian II · Strv 122A · Strv 122B PLSS · Strv 122B+
Other  Sherman III/IV · T 80 U
Finland 
WWII  ▄T-28 · ▄T-34 · ▄Pz.IV · ▄T-34-85
Post War  ▄Comet I · ▄Charioteer Mk VII · ▄T-54 · ▄T-55M · ▄T-72M1 · ▄Leopard 2A4 · ▄Leopard 2A6
Norway  Leopard 1A5NO2

Sweden premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  ▄T-26E · Strv m/39 · Pbil m/40 · Strv m/41 S-I · CV 9035DK · CV 90105
Medium tanks  Sherman III/IV · Strv 81 (RB 52) · Strv 103-0 · Leopard 1A5NO2 · Christian II
Heavy tanks  ▄KV-1 m1942 · Kungstiger
Tank destroyers  Ikv 73 · SAV 20.12.48 · VIDAR

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