Difference between revisions of "Bosvark"
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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.'' --> | ||
| − | + | During the South African Border war, the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) utilized ZU-23-2 guns against the SADF. Designed by the Soviet Union, these anti-aircraft guns were also found to be effective against infantry and light vehicles. The SADF would seize enough of these guns to partially utilize them as regular weapons in their army. In the early 1990s, the SAMIL-100 Kwêvol armoured cargo truck was selected by the Armaments Corporation of South Africa as a carrier for captured ZU-23-2 turrets, which were redesignated by the SADF as the GA-6. The Bosvark would fill the gap left behind by the earlier Ystervark, which was removed from frontline service in 1991. | |
| − | + | Introduced in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]], the Bosvark is fast and manoeuvrable, players can easily set up ambushes by hiding near buildings and waiting for unsuspecting enemy aircraft to fly low, making them an easy target. It is, however, larger than other SPAA vehicles, and many of its personnel are unprotected. As a result, it is critical to always remain hidden and unnoticed. A quick burst of fire from the 23 mm ZU-23-2 twin-barrelled autocannons can readily bring down any aircraft during battles. However, as the ammunition is limited and the reload time is long, it is crucial not to fire for an extended period. Finally, do not engage enemy ground forces. Despite having access to armour-piercing ammunition belts, the armour penetration capability is insufficient to deal with the vast majority of targets encountered during fights. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
== General info == | == General info == | ||
| Line 17: | Line 15: | ||
<!-- ''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 | + | The Bosvark's crew are under imminent threat when facing almost any type of enemy fire. The ZU-23-2 turret features an open-air, unshielded design that leaves the gun crew exposed. If explosions occur near the vehicle, there is a very high chance that those two crewmembers will be heavily wounded or knocked out. Machine guns and autocannons will also knock these crewmembers out easily. |
| − | The driver, commander and loader are located in the front of the vehicle. While being situated in an enclosed cabin, they are only protected from light weapons like rifle-caliber machine guns due to the | + | The driver, commander and loader are located in the front of the vehicle. While being situated in an enclosed cabin, they are only protected from light weapons like rifle-caliber machine guns due to the cabin's relatively thin armour. |
As a result of its light protection, it is highly recommended to remain hidden and unnoticed when using this vehicle. In the case that the vehicle is attacked, with five crewmembers spread out across a long chassis, it is possible for one of the general crew stations to be completely knocked out while the other station remains unharmed. Players can take advantage of this by hiding the cabin behind solid cover when exposing the gun crew to engage the enemy. | As a result of its light protection, it is highly recommended to remain hidden and unnoticed when using this vehicle. In the case that the vehicle is attacked, with five crewmembers spread out across a long chassis, it is possible for one of the general crew stations to be completely knocked out while the other station remains unharmed. Players can take advantage of this by hiding the cabin behind solid cover when exposing the gun crew to engage the enemy. | ||
| Line 33: | Line 31: | ||
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof | ! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | Chassis || 2 mm (38°) ''Bumper'' | + | | Chassis || 2 mm (38°) ''Bumper'' |
| − | 4 mm (0°) ''Grille'' 10 mm (0°) ''Fascia'' | + | 4 mm (0°) ''Grille'' 10 mm (0°) ''Fascia'' |
| − | | 10 mm (0°) ''Storage''<br> 30 mm (0°) ''Frame'' || 4 mm (0°) ''Bumper'' | + | | 10 mm (0°) ''Storage''<br> 30 mm (0°) ''Frame'' || 4 mm (0°) ''Bumper'' |
| − | 10 mm (0°) ''Tires'' | + | 10 mm (0°) ''Tires'' |
| 2 mm (88°) ''Bonnet'' | | 2 mm (88°) ''Bonnet'' | ||
10 mm (90°) ''Weapon Platform'' | 10 mm (90°) ''Weapon Platform'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | Cabin || 10 mm (15°) ''Cabin''<br> 60 mm (15°) ''Windshield'' || 10 mm (10°) ''Cabin'' | + | | Cabin || 10 mm (15°) ''Cabin''<br> 60 mm (15°) ''Windshield'' || 10 mm (10°) ''Cabin'' |
| − | 10 mm (54°) ''Lower Cabin'' 6 mm (10°) ''Doors'' | + | 10 mm (54°) ''Lower Cabin'' 6 mm (10°) ''Doors'' |
| − | 60 mm (10°) ''Windows'' | + | 60 mm (10°) ''Windows'' |
| 10 mm (10°) ''Cabin'' || 10 mm (90°) ''Cabin'' | | 10 mm (10°) ''Cabin'' || 10 mm (90°) ''Cabin'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
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Unfortunately, the Bosvark is much slower in reverse. It is highly recommended to stop and check open fields and around corners to see if the area is clear to move through. If caught by enemy fire, the vehicle will have a difficult time reversing out of it at a speed of 9 km/h, especially because of its size. | Unfortunately, the Bosvark is much slower in reverse. It is highly recommended to stop and check open fields and around corners to see if the area is clear to move through. If caught by enemy fire, the vehicle will have a difficult time reversing out of it at a speed of 9 km/h, especially because of its size. | ||
| − | Size is also a factor to consider in mobility as the Bosvark is a very long and wide vehicle. The large unfolded side platforms may clip obstacles such as trees and fences while | + | Size is also a factor to consider in mobility as the Bosvark is a very long and wide vehicle. The large unfolded side platforms may clip obstacles such as trees and fences while manoeuvring and can prevent the vehicle from entering narrow passageways. Additionally, the Bosvark may not be able to enter small tunnels and other areas with low ceilings as its tall cabin may impact the lowest point. It is important to note that the Bosvark has a very large turn radius, which can make it very difficult to turn around in urban environments. |
=== Modifications and economy === | === Modifications and economy === | ||
{{Specs-Economy}} | {{Specs-Economy}} | ||
| − | One recommended order of research is as follows, with a focus on upgrades for improved anti-aircraft ability: | + | One recommended order of research is as follows, with a focus on upgrades for improved anti-aircraft ability: |
* ''Improved Parts'' and ''Improved FPE'': These are very high priority modifications and will significantly increase the ability to return to combat when essential components are damaged by enemy fire. | * ''Improved Parts'' and ''Improved FPE'': These are very high priority modifications and will significantly increase the ability to return to combat when essential components are damaged by enemy fire. | ||
| − | * ''HEFI-T Belts'': As the Bosvark is primarily an SPAA vehicle, ammunition belts consisting mostly of 23 mm high explosive incendiary ammunition can be a high priority for it. Although the ''Default'' ammunition is powerful, these belts can help to destroy enemy aircraft in fewer shots. This is especially useful keeping the | + | * ''HEFI-T Belts'': As the Bosvark is primarily an SPAA vehicle, ammunition belts consisting mostly of 23 mm high explosive incendiary ammunition can be a high priority for it. Although the ''Default'' ammunition is powerful, these belts can help to destroy enemy aircraft in fewer shots. This is especially useful keeping the Bosvark's short ammunition belts in mind. It is recommended to utilize this belt as the main ammunition type after research has been completed. |
* ''Horizontal Drive, Elevation Mechanism'' and ''Adjustment of Fire'': Although the ZU-23-2 turret is already fairly quick to traverse, these modifications will allow the turret to traverse even faster. ''Adjustment of Fire'' will make the twin cannons more accurate. | * ''Horizontal Drive, Elevation Mechanism'' and ''Adjustment of Fire'': Although the ZU-23-2 turret is already fairly quick to traverse, these modifications will allow the turret to traverse even faster. ''Adjustment of Fire'' will make the twin cannons more accurate. | ||
| − | * General ''Mobility'': Since SPAAs generally do not need to travel far to fight, it is okay to research mobility upgrades later. Most of these modifications, especially ''Engine'' and ''Filters'' will increase the vehicle's handling and top speed. | + | * General ''Mobility'': Since SPAAs generally do not need to travel far to fight, it is okay to research mobility upgrades later. Most of these modifications, especially ''Engine'' and ''Filters'' will increase the vehicle's handling and top speed. |
| − | * ''Brake System'' and ''Suspension'': Unless required to research to gain access to the above modifications, players may give these modifications lower priority than other ''Mobility'' upgrades as their benefits, when equipped, will not greatly affect the | + | * ''Brake System'' and ''Suspension'': Unless required to research to gain access to the above modifications, players may give these modifications lower priority than other ''Mobility'' upgrades as their benefits, when equipped, will not greatly affect the Bosvark's performance due to its design and role. |
| − | * ''Crew Replenishment'': This modification will increase survivability, although with the large but vulnerable crew, players may find that they either | + | * ''Crew Replenishment'': This modification will increase survivability, although with the large but vulnerable crew, players may find that they either don't need to replenish a crewmember or their vehicle is destroyed before needing to do so. Because of this, players may choose to research this modification later than the other ''Protection'' upgrades. |
* ''Artillery Support'': The ability to call artillery can be useful offensively to damage or destroy vehicles in capture points or defensively when vehicles are a threat to the Bosvark. It is important to note that enemy vehicles will have to be in a radial vicinity of the player for them to call an artillery strike. This radius will vary with crew skills and may not be a high priority for the Bosvark as an SPAA vehicle located towards the rear of the battlefield. | * ''Artillery Support'': The ability to call artillery can be useful offensively to damage or destroy vehicles in capture points or defensively when vehicles are a threat to the Bosvark. It is important to note that enemy vehicles will have to be in a radial vicinity of the player for them to call an artillery strike. This radius will vary with crew skills and may not be a high priority for the Bosvark as an SPAA vehicle located towards the rear of the battlefield. | ||
| − | * ''API-T'': Belts consisting mainly of | + | * ''API-T'': Belts consisting mainly of Armour Piercing, Incendiary Tracer belts are useful against ground targets. However, this may not be as useful to the Bosvark because of its role and design. The long reload of the ZU-23-2 will make it difficult for the Bosvark to switch belts to counter different targets. Since the ''Default'' ammunition belt contains an equal mixture of HE and AP, this can be used as the vehicle's emergency anti-armour belt until ''API-T'' is researched at a later stage. |
== Armaments == | == Armaments == | ||
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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).'' --> | ||
| − | One recommended strategy is to set up ambush positions by hiding near buildings and waiting for unsuspecting enemy aircraft to fly low, making them an easy target. | + | One recommended strategy is to set up ambush positions by hiding near buildings and waiting for unsuspecting enemy aircraft to fly low, making them an easy target. It is, however, larger than other SPAA vehicles as well as many other vehicles at its rank which may aid enemies in spotting this vehicle from the ground or in the air. |
A quick burst of fire from the 23 mm ZU-23-2 autocannons can easily bring down any aircraft. However, as the ammunition is limited in each belt and the reload time is long, the Bosvark is unable to fire for extended periods of time. If the vehicle is in a safe position and there is less than half of the ammunition left, it is recommended to empty the remaining ammunition in order to reload full belts. | A quick burst of fire from the 23 mm ZU-23-2 autocannons can easily bring down any aircraft. However, as the ammunition is limited in each belt and the reload time is long, the Bosvark is unable to fire for extended periods of time. If the vehicle is in a safe position and there is less than half of the ammunition left, it is recommended to empty the remaining ammunition in order to reload full belts. | ||
| − | While this vehicle has access to | + | While this vehicle has access to armour-piercing ammunition belts, the armour penetration capability is insufficient to deal with many ground targets encountered during battle, especially if they feature moderate to heavy armour. |
=== Pros and cons === | === Pros and cons === | ||
| Line 144: | Line 142: | ||
* Large crew size and spread increase survivability | * Large crew size and spread increase survivability | ||
* Enclosed cabin can protect crew members from light machine guns | * Enclosed cabin can protect crew members from light machine guns | ||
| − | * Relatively | + | * Relatively civilian appearance can trick enemies into overlooking the vehicle in urban environments |
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
* Large vehicle; difficult to conceal and manoeuvre in enclosed areas | * Large vehicle; difficult to conceal and manoeuvre in enclosed areas | ||
| − | * Lightly armoured; | + | * Lightly armoured; susceptible to machine guns and explosive weapons |
* Cannons deplete the magazine capacity quickly (50 rounds per gun) and has long reload times | * Cannons deplete the magazine capacity quickly (50 rounds per gun) and has long reload times | ||
* Cabin and storage boxes block forward traverse of the weapon | * Cabin and storage boxes block forward traverse of the weapon | ||
| Line 157: | Line 155: | ||
== 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).'' --> | ||
| − | + | ||
| + | === [[wt:en/news/7900-development-bosvark-the-little-truck-that-grew-up-en|Devblog]] === | ||
During the South African Border War, lasting throughout the 1960s up until the late 1980s, the South African Defence Force (SADF) managed to capture large quantities of ZU-23-2 towed anti-air guns. Being in popular use by Angolan forces, the SADF used these guns primarily for base defences and training. After the war these guns were no longer required and put into storage. | During the South African Border War, lasting throughout the 1960s up until the late 1980s, the South African Defence Force (SADF) managed to capture large quantities of ZU-23-2 towed anti-air guns. Being in popular use by Angolan forces, the SADF used these guns primarily for base defences and training. After the war these guns were no longer required and put into storage. | ||
Revision as of 10:13, 31 March 2024
Contents
Description
During the South African Border war, the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) utilized ZU-23-2 guns against the SADF. Designed by the Soviet Union, these anti-aircraft guns were also found to be effective against infantry and light vehicles. The SADF would seize enough of these guns to partially utilize them as regular weapons in their army. In the early 1990s, the SAMIL-100 Kwêvol armoured cargo truck was selected by the Armaments Corporation of South Africa as a carrier for captured ZU-23-2 turrets, which were redesignated by the SADF as the GA-6. The Bosvark would fill the gap left behind by the earlier Ystervark, which was removed from frontline service in 1991.
Introduced in Update "Fire and Ice", the Bosvark is fast and manoeuvrable, players can easily set up ambushes by hiding near buildings and waiting for unsuspecting enemy aircraft to fly low, making them an easy target. It is, however, larger than other SPAA vehicles, and many of its personnel are unprotected. As a result, it is critical to always remain hidden and unnoticed. A quick burst of fire from the 23 mm ZU-23-2 twin-barrelled autocannons can readily bring down any aircraft during battles. However, as the ammunition is limited and the reload time is long, it is crucial not to fire for an extended period. Finally, do not engage enemy ground forces. Despite having access to armour-piercing ammunition belts, the armour penetration capability is insufficient to deal with the vast majority of targets encountered during fights.
General info
Survivability and armour
Armourfront / side / back
Hull10 / 10 / 10
Turret0 / 0 / 0
Crew5 people
Visibility125 %
The Bosvark's crew are under imminent threat when facing almost any type of enemy fire. The ZU-23-2 turret features an open-air, unshielded design that leaves the gun crew exposed. If explosions occur near the vehicle, there is a very high chance that those two crewmembers will be heavily wounded or knocked out. Machine guns and autocannons will also knock these crewmembers out easily.
The driver, commander and loader are located in the front of the vehicle. While being situated in an enclosed cabin, they are only protected from light weapons like rifle-caliber machine guns due to the cabin's relatively thin armour.
As a result of its light protection, it is highly recommended to remain hidden and unnoticed when using this vehicle. In the case that the vehicle is attacked, with five crewmembers spread out across a long chassis, it is possible for one of the general crew stations to be completely knocked out while the other station remains unharmed. Players can take advantage of this by hiding the cabin behind solid cover when exposing the gun crew to engage the enemy.
Armour type:
- Structural steel (chassis)
- Rolled homogeneous armour (cabin, weapon platform, bonnet)
- Bulletproof glass (windshield, )
| Armour | Front (Slope angle) | Sides | Rear | Roof |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chassis | 2 mm (38°) Bumper
4 mm (0°) Grille 10 mm (0°) Fascia |
10 mm (0°) Storage 30 mm (0°) Frame |
4 mm (0°) Bumper
10 mm (0°) Tires |
2 mm (88°) Bonnet
10 mm (90°) Weapon Platform |
| Cabin | 10 mm (15°) Cabin 60 mm (15°) Windshield |
10 mm (10°) Cabin
10 mm (54°) Lower Cabin 6 mm (10°) Doors 60 mm (10°) Windows |
10 mm (10°) Cabin | 10 mm (90°) Cabin |
Notes:
- Wheels are 10 mm thick
Mobility
Speedforward / back
AB109 / 9 km/h
RB and SB101 / 9 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
1 back
Weight19.5 t
Engine power
AB601 hp
RB and SB315 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB30.8 hp/t
RB and SB16.2 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 | 109 | 9 | 19.5 | 447 | 601 | 22.92 | 30.82 |
| Realistic | 101 | 9 | 279 | 315 | 14.31 | 16.15 | |
Despite its size, the Bosvark is rather mobile with a relatively high maximum forward speed and decent engine power that allows players to get to positions easily. With this mobility in mind, after players have engaged an enemy, it is advised to reposition as soon as possible to avoid retaliation. In emergencies, the Bosvark can even use its speed to rush and decap or fully capture enemy points, as long as said points are completely uncontested. Being a wheeled vehicle, however, it will be slowed down when traveling on non-solid surfaces such as mud, snow and sand. Traversing maps along paved or dirt roads will allow the vehicle to maintain high speeds.
Unfortunately, the Bosvark is much slower in reverse. It is highly recommended to stop and check open fields and around corners to see if the area is clear to move through. If caught by enemy fire, the vehicle will have a difficult time reversing out of it at a speed of 9 km/h, especially because of its size.
Size is also a factor to consider in mobility as the Bosvark is a very long and wide vehicle. The large unfolded side platforms may clip obstacles such as trees and fences while manoeuvring and can prevent the vehicle from entering narrow passageways. Additionally, the Bosvark may not be able to enter small tunnels and other areas with low ceilings as its tall cabin may impact the lowest point. It is important to note that the Bosvark has a very large turn radius, which can make it very difficult to turn around in urban environments.
Modifications and economy
Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 666 → 2 160 
RB1 345 → 1 744
SB2 009 → 2 605
Total cost of modifications29 600 
57 700
Talisman cost1 200 
Crew training30 000
Experts105 000
Aces470
Research Aces360 000
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
90 / 110 / 160 %
148 / 148 / 148 %
| Mobility | Protection | Firepower | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
One recommended order of research is as follows, with a focus on upgrades for improved anti-aircraft ability:
- Improved Parts and Improved FPE: These are very high priority modifications and will significantly increase the ability to return to combat when essential components are damaged by enemy fire.
- HEFI-T Belts: As the Bosvark is primarily an SPAA vehicle, ammunition belts consisting mostly of 23 mm high explosive incendiary ammunition can be a high priority for it. Although the Default ammunition is powerful, these belts can help to destroy enemy aircraft in fewer shots. This is especially useful keeping the Bosvark's short ammunition belts in mind. It is recommended to utilize this belt as the main ammunition type after research has been completed.
- Horizontal Drive, Elevation Mechanism and Adjustment of Fire: Although the ZU-23-2 turret is already fairly quick to traverse, these modifications will allow the turret to traverse even faster. Adjustment of Fire will make the twin cannons more accurate.
- General Mobility: Since SPAAs generally do not need to travel far to fight, it is okay to research mobility upgrades later. Most of these modifications, especially Engine and Filters will increase the vehicle's handling and top speed.
- Brake System and Suspension: Unless required to research to gain access to the above modifications, players may give these modifications lower priority than other Mobility upgrades as their benefits, when equipped, will not greatly affect the Bosvark's performance due to its design and role.
- Crew Replenishment: This modification will increase survivability, although with the large but vulnerable crew, players may find that they either don't need to replenish a crewmember or their vehicle is destroyed before needing to do so. Because of this, players may choose to research this modification later than the other Protection upgrades.
- Artillery Support: The ability to call artillery can be useful offensively to damage or destroy vehicles in capture points or defensively when vehicles are a threat to the Bosvark. It is important to note that enemy vehicles will have to be in a radial vicinity of the player for them to call an artillery strike. This radius will vary with crew skills and may not be a high priority for the Bosvark as an SPAA vehicle located towards the rear of the battlefield.
- API-T: Belts consisting mainly of Armour Piercing, Incendiary Tracer belts are useful against ground targets. However, this may not be as useful to the Bosvark because of its role and design. The long reload of the ZU-23-2 will make it difficult for the Bosvark to switch belts to counter different targets. Since the Default ammunition belt contains an equal mixture of HE and AP, this can be used as the vehicle's emergency anti-armour belt until API-T is researched at a later stage.
Armaments
Main armament
2 x 23 mm ZU-23 cannon
Ammunition700 rounds
Belt capacity50 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
13.0 → 10.0 s
Fire rate801 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 90°
| 23 mm ZU-23 (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 | 700 (50) | 800 | -10°/+90° | ±180° | - | 52.8 | 73.1 | 88.8 | 98.2 | 104.5 | 13.00 | 11.50 | 10.60 | 10.00 |
| Realistic | 35.7 | 42.0 | 51.0 | 56.4 | 60.0 | |||||||||
Ammunition
- Default: API-T · HEF-I
- HEFI-T: HEF-I · HEFI-T · HEF-I · API-T
- APIT: API-T · API-T · API-T · HEFI-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 | ||
| HEF-I | 6 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | |
| API-T | 51 | 48 | 36 | 26 | 18 | 13 | |
| HEFI-T | 6 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | |
| Shell details | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ammunition | Velocity (m/s) |
Projectile mass (kg) |
Fuse delay (m) |
Fuse sensitivity (mm) |
Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (g) |
Ricochet | ||||||
| 0% | 50% | 100% | ||||||||||
| HEF-I | 980 | 0.18 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 28.49 | 79° | 80° | 81° | ||||
| API-T | 970 | 0.19 | - | - | - | 47° | 60° | 65° | ||||
| HEFI-T | 970 | 0.19 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 20.02 | 79° | 80° | 81° | ||||
Ammo racks
| Full ammo |
1st rack empty |
2nd rack empty |
3rd rack empty |
4th rack empty |
5th rack empty |
6th rack empty |
Visual discrepancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | __ (+__) | __ (+__) | __ (+__) | __ (+__) | __ (+__) | __ (+__) | __ |
Usage in battles
One recommended strategy is to set up ambush positions by hiding near buildings and waiting for unsuspecting enemy aircraft to fly low, making them an easy target. It is, however, larger than other SPAA vehicles as well as many other vehicles at its rank which may aid enemies in spotting this vehicle from the ground or in the air.
A quick burst of fire from the 23 mm ZU-23-2 autocannons can easily bring down any aircraft. However, as the ammunition is limited in each belt and the reload time is long, the Bosvark is unable to fire for extended periods of time. If the vehicle is in a safe position and there is less than half of the ammunition left, it is recommended to empty the remaining ammunition in order to reload full belts.
While this vehicle has access to armour-piercing ammunition belts, the armour penetration capability is insufficient to deal with many ground targets encountered during battle, especially if they feature moderate to heavy armour.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Fast vehicle, capable to relocate as needed because of the chassis' high forward speed
- Powerful, fast-firing 23 mm cannons
- Large crew size and spread increase survivability
- Enclosed cabin can protect crew members from light machine guns
- Relatively civilian appearance can trick enemies into overlooking the vehicle in urban environments
Cons:
- Large vehicle; difficult to conceal and manoeuvre in enclosed areas
- Lightly armoured; susceptible to machine guns and explosive weapons
- Cannons deplete the magazine capacity quickly (50 rounds per gun) and has long reload times
- Cabin and storage boxes block forward traverse of the weapon
- Relatively slow reverse speed
- Wheeled configuration reduces mobility off-road
History
Devblog
During the South African Border War, lasting throughout the 1960s up until the late 1980s, the South African Defence Force (SADF) managed to capture large quantities of ZU-23-2 towed anti-air guns. Being in popular use by Angolan forces, the SADF used these guns primarily for base defences and training. After the war these guns were no longer required and put into storage.
In the early 1990s however, the SADF sought to mount the newly purchased ZU-23-2 on a mine-resistant chassis. Shortly after, ARMSCOR identified the SAMIL-100 transporter as a suitable platform and modified it to house the ZU-23-2.
The first prototype underwent testing in April 1991 and serial production followed by the end of the year. Surprisingly the ZU-23-2 gun was meant to be used in the ground support role, rather than primarily in the anti-air role.
Bosvark, as it became known, entered service with the 10 Air Defence Artillery Regiment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The Bosvark is yet to see combat action and is only operated by the SANDF.
Media
- Skins
See also
Vehicles of similar configuration and role:
Vehicles with similar weapon systems:
External links
| 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 |
