SANTAL

SANTAL

SANTAL

Description

Developed in the late 1980s, the SANTAL was adapted from the VAB APC platform to fulfill the Self-Propelled Anti-Air (SPAA) role. This evolution was marked by the integration of the Mistral surface-to-air missile system in 1987, providing the vehicle with robust air defense capabilities. The Mistral SPAA variant of the SANTAL became a vital component of France's air defense strategy, offering rapid deployment and engagement of aerial threats. Its introduction addressed the need for enhanced protection of ground troops against airborne threats, such as helicopters and low-flying aircraft. The integration of Mistral missiles greatly increased the operational flexibility of the SANTAL, enabling it to effectively contribute to both ground-based and mobile air defense operations. Through its historical development and adaptations, the SANTAL-Mistral remains a testament to the evolution of modern military vehicles, showcasing the fusion of armoured transport with sophisticated air defense systems.

It was introduced in Update "Fire and Ice". The VAB APC platform's adaptability shines through its modular design, allowing for quick reconfiguration based on requirements, producing vehicles such as the SANTAL and MEPHISTO. The SANTAL further augments its combat prowess by integrating the Mistral surface-to-air missile system, granting the SANTAL the ability to engage aerial targets with precision and speed. This dual-role capability – as both an agile armoured personnel carrier and an air defense platform – makes the SANTAL a versatile asset on the battlefield, capable of swiftly transitioning between providing ground support and countering airborne threats. Whether operating independently or as part of a larger force, the SANTAL's combat capabilities have solidified its reputation as a reliable and multifaceted asset, poised to meet the challenges of modern warfare. It has been modernized multiple times during its operational history, extending its lifespan.

General info

Survivability and armour

The SANTAL's mobility stands as its primary method of survival on the battlefield. While its armour provides minimal protection, the ability to swiftly navigate the terrain is what truly sets the vehicle apart. Designed with agility in mind, the SANTAL can quickly manoeuvre through diverse landscapes, allowing it to evade threats and find advantageous positions. Its advanced suspension system and powerful engine grant it the speed and manoeuvrability required to outmanoeuvre adversaries, making it a challenging target to engage effectively. The SANTAL's mobility not only aids in rapid deployment and repositioning but also facilitates its role in reconnaissance, support, and air defense. By capitalizing on its exceptional mobility, the SANTAL maximizes its survivability by minimizing exposure to hostile fire and swiftly reacting to evolving combat dynamics. This emphasis on mobility as a cornerstone of survival underscores the vehicle's adaptability and effectiveness in multiple warfare scenarios.

Armour type:

• Rolled homogeneous armour (hull )
• Structural steel

Armour	Front (Slope angle)	Sides	Rear	Roof
Hull	Front glacis 8 mm (74°) Rolled homogeneous armour 4 mm (74°) Structural steel Lower glacis 8 mm (45°) Rolled homogeneous armour	8 mm (28°)Top 8 mm (12°) Bottom	8 mm (7°)	8 mm
Turret	8 mm Turret front	8 mm	8 mm	8 mm

Notes:

• Wheels are 10 mm thick.
• 5 mm thick rolled homogeneous armour is surrounding the engine.

Mobility

Game Mode	Max Speed (km/h)		Weight (tons)	Engine power (horsepower)		Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
	Forward	Reverse		Stock	Upgraded	Stock	Upgraded
Arcade				312			__.__
Realistic				195			__.__

Armaments

Main armament

Mistral SATCP missile					Turret rotation speed (°/s)					Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode	Capacity (Belt)	Vertical	Horizontal	Stabilizer	Stock	Upgraded	Full	Expert	Aced	Stock	Full	Expert	Aced
Arcade	12 (6)	-10°/+60°	±180°	N/A	44.0	60.9	74.0	81.8	87.1	19.50	17.25	15.90	15.00
Realistic					29.8	35.0	42.5	47.0	50.0

Ammunition

Shell details
Ammunition	Type of warhead	Velocity (m/s)	Range (m)	Projectile mass (kg)	Fuse delay (m)	Fuse sensitivity (mm)	Arming distance (m)	Trigger radius (m)	Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (kg)	Ricochet
										0%	50%	100%
Mistral SATCP	SAM	850	6,000	18.7	1	0.1	0	2	1.78	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
2	__ (+__)	__ (+__)	__ (+__)	__ (+__)	__ (+__)	__ (+__)	__

Usage in battles

The SANTAL platform has revolutionized French top tier SPAA in the battlefield, showcasing its dynamic capabilities in safeguarding friendly units from airborne threats. The integration of the Mistral surface-to-air missile system, a highly effective infrared-guided (IR) missile with fire-and-forget capabilities, combined with the vehicle's inherent mobility, has enabled the SANTAL to provide an agile and responsive air defense solution. Notably, Mistral missiles are designed to autonomously track and engage targets using their infrared guidance, without requiring continuous operator input. It's important to mention that Mistral missiles do not trigger defense systems automatically; they are primarily detected and countered by Missile Approach Warning (MAW) systems typically mounted on top-tier helicopters but remain unseen by other aircraft unless visual contact is made. This highlights the critical role of the SANTAL's skilled crew in target acquisition and engagement.

By utilizing its rapid mobility, the SANTAL can swiftly position itself to create protective umbrellas over friendly forces, dissuading or neutralizing incoming aircraft threats. The Mistral missiles, known for their accuracy and effectiveness, ensure precise target engagement. This dual emphasis on mobility and autonomous air defense capability not only shields friendly units but also disrupts enemy air superiority, influencing the outcome of engagements. As an SPAA platform, the SANTAL exemplifies the synergy between advanced missile technology, the expertise of its operators, and strategic mobility, solidifying its vital role in enhancing overall operational success while maintaining air superiority over the battlefield.

Pros and cons

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Pros:

Cons:

History

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Media

Skins

• Skins and camouflages for the SANTAL from live.warthunder.com.

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

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

France anti-aircraft vehicles
Wheeled/Half-tracked	P.7.T AA · CCKW 353 AA · TPK 6.41
AMX-13 Derivatives	VTT DCA · AMX-13 DCA 40
Radar SPAAG	AMX-30 S DCA
Missile SPAA	SANTAL · Roland 1 · ▄ItO 90M
Other	AMX-10P