Difference between pages "S.35" and "A.C.IV"

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(→‎Description: Updated with Specs and Battle-rating templates)
 
(→‎Description: Updated with Specs and Battle-rating templates)
 
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−
{{Specs-Card|code=fr_somua_s35}}
+
{{Specs-Card|code=uk_ac4_thunderbolt}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
 
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
−
[[File:GarageImage_S.35.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
[[File:GarageImage_A.C.IV.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (SOMUA's 1935 S cavalry tank) is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} French medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]]. As it was considered to be ''the best'' tank at its time, being very mobile, easy to maintain while having good combat characteristics. As WW2 struck, these were on the frontlines, hence the surname [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5175-development-somua-s-35-shield-of-the-republic-en  "Shield of The Republic"]. As one of the first rank II vehicle French tank commanders will unlock, it feels like a breath of fresh air over its underpowered predecessors.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''', also known as the ''AC IV Thunderbolt'' or the ''AC IV Sentinel'', is a premium Rank {{Specs|rank}} British medium tank on the British tree {{Battle-rating}}. It was released some time after [[Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]]. Armed with a [[Ordnance QF 17-pounder (76 mm)|17-pounder gun]], it has a high firepower for the battle rating it is in, able to effectively fight any other tanks at the battle rating. The Thunderbolt is also a small and maneuverable tank able to exploit harsh terrain to target the enemy.
  
−
The S.35 has the same turret design as on the Char [[B1 bis]], meaning that the penetration, reload and turret rotation speed is the same (But there is no "mail slot" turret ring). The S.35 contains a 3 man crew (Gunner/Commander, Driver and Radio operator) so a well placed frontal shot from HEAT or from a high caliber gun will in majority of cases destroy you on the spot. The S.35 is best used when showing only its strong turret, exposing only one crew member at a time brings extra survivability. The S.35 is a tall and cumbersome tank at 2.0, though it is relatively mobile with a 40 km/h top speed.
+
The AC IV is a relatively small medium tank in comparison to the common mainstay of the other countries, especially when compared to the American [[M4A2|Sherman]] tanks. The Sentinel also has a good maneuverability and power-to-weight ratio for the propulsion, able to accelerate to its max speed of roughly 30 km/h quickly and stay there on stable terrain. The tank has a great advantage of a decent reverse speed in comparison to other medium tanks of its caliber, with a reverse speed almost the same speed as forward. The addition of the 17-pounder gun also gives this tank a whopping high firepower for the size, so it can stand a chance against tanks of the same tier despite being out of the league in terms of armour.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
<!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?''
+
<!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpfull for survival in combat?''
  
 
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
−
Armour is this tank's main attribute as it is thick and provides good protection for its 3-man crew. Still, do not completely rely on it as there are many foes that can easily penetrate it at any range. Take every bounced shot as a "lucky roll" and get back into cover as quick as possible as the next shot could be your last. Armour this thick makes this tank very resilient to SPAA shots from all sides. An effective way to angle this tank is by facing your enemy at 45°, showing them your right-hand track: this sides minimises shot traps (on the other side, a flat 40 mm plate is conveniently placed at the right angle to make this tactic as ineffective as possible). As for top armour, this tank is pretty much immune to strafing from anything ranging from rifle caliber to HMG rounds, which are common aircraft armaments at this BR.
+
'''Armour type:'''
−
 
+
* Cast homogeneous armour  
−
'''Armour type:''
+
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull roof)
−
Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull)<br>
 
−
Cast homogeneous armour (Turret)'
 
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
+
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 35 mm (10-79°) ''Front plate'' <br> 35 mm (7-62°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 35 mm (0-71°) ''Lower glacis'' || 40 mm (0-25°), 38 mm (20-21°) ''Top'' <br> 40 + 20 mm (0-89°) ''Bottom'' || 35 mm (29-31°) ''Top'' <br> 25 mm (2-49°) ''Bottom'' || 25 mm <br> 8 mm ''Engine grille''
+
| Hull || 50.8 mm (66-67°) ''Frontal glacis'' <br> 50.8 mm (30°) ''Driver's port'' <br> 50.8 mm (7-68°) ''Lower glacis'' || 44.45 mm (0-12°) || 22.22 mm (78°) ''Top'' <br> 44.45 mm (21-52°) ''Bottom'' || 22.22 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 56 mm (0-50°) ''Turret front'' <br> 45 mm (1-85°) ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 45 mm (0-49°) ''Machine gun cover''|| 45 mm (2-19°) || 45 mm (18-19°) <br> 45 mm (18°) ''Turret hatch'' || 30 mm
+
| Turret || 63.5 mm (4-47°) ''Turret front'' <br> 25.4-63.5 mm (1-68°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 63.5 mm (0-88°) || 63.5 mm (1-53°) || 35 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof  
 
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof  
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || 40 mm || 30 mm
+
| Cupola || 63.5 mm || 35 mm
−
|-
 
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
−
* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick.
+
* Suspension wheels and bogies are 20 mm thick, tracks are 20 mm.
−
* Belly armour is 20 mm thick.
+
* The rear bottom area has a track placed there, providing 20 mm of extra armour.
−
* Hull underside above the tracks are 40 mm thick.
+
* The commander cupola is extended outwards from the left side of the turret, creating a vulnerable unsloped area vulnerable to weaker guns.
  
−
If you see a S.35, aim at the connection of the lower/middle plate with the upper plate which meets at 90 degrees, despite being curved, creating a weak spot that often knocks them out if penetrated. If not then aim at the driver's optics to knock out both driver and gunner. Flank if possible and make sure to be quite close to this tank's side as its armour is thick in this general area. The S.35 cannot fight more than one tank at a time, so if you can surround the S.35, it will fall quickly due to poor reload rate and turret turning speed.
+
The AC IV Thunderbolt's armour have a high tendency to bounce shells. This is obvious with the extreme slope on the from of the tank, and turret design. The armour itself is not think, but due to the angle it is put at this tank is very fierce competition.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 
<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''-->
 
<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''-->
−
Forward motion is great, turning and reverse are awful. Has average soft terrain crossing capability (snow, mud, etc.). Align your hull in a straight line towards your objective and hit the gas ''without correcting trajectory'' is the best way to maximise this tank's speed as any turning motion slows it down quite significantly.
 
−
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 48: Line 43:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Weight (tons)
 
! Weight (tons)
−
!colspan="1" | Add-on Armor<br>weight (tons)
+
!colspan="1" | Add-on Armour<br>weight (tons)
 
!colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
 
!colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
|rowspan="2" | 19.5 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 44 (AB)  
+
|rowspan="2" | 26.4 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 53 (AB)  
 
|-
 
|-
−
|40 (RB/SB)
+
|48 (RB/SB)
 
|-
 
|-
 
!colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
 
!colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
Line 62: Line 57:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|''Arcade''
 
|''Arcade''
−
|294
+
|615
−
|___
+
|757
 
|-
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
−
|168
+
|351
−
|190
+
|397
 
|-
 
|-
 
!colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 
!colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Line 76: Line 71:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|''Arcade''
 
|''Arcade''
−
|15.08
+
|23.29
−
|__.__
+
|28.67
 
|-
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
−
|8.61
+
|13.29
−
|9.74
+
|15.04
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
<!--''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the 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 flexibilty of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
−
{{main|SA35 L/32 (47 mm)}}
+
{{main|Ordnance QF 17-pounder (76 mm)}}
−
 
 
−
While being supbar to later pre-war tanks, this vehicle's main armament provides decent anti-tank capability. Its main flaw being slow reload and low spalling: make every shot count. Early commanders of French tanks should be used to command one-man turrets, with all their benefits and flaws. It is worth mentioning this tank's LOCK system, which makes stop-and-shoot tactics effective.
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | [[SA35 L/32 (47 mm)|47 mm SA35 L/32]]
+
! colspan="6" | [[Ordnance QF 17-pounder (76 mm)|76 mm OQF 17-pounder]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
Line 101: Line 94:
 
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="3" | 84 || ±18° || ±180° || Vertical
+
| colspan="3" | 47 || -6°/+20° || ±180° || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
 
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Line 112: Line 105:
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Arcade'' || 9.50 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| ''Arcade'' || 10.7 || 14.8 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Realistic'' || 5.90 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| ''Realistic'' || 10.7 || 12.6 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
Line 123: Line 116:
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 9.80 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__  
+
| 7.60 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
+
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
 
|-
 
|-
 
! 10m
 
! 10m
Line 142: Line 135:
 
! 2000m
 
! 2000m
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Mle1935 || APC || 61 || 59 || 47 || 35 || 26 || 20
+
| Shot Mk.6 || AP || 160 || 157 || 133 || 112 || 96 || 86
 +
|-
 +
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9
 +
|-
 +
| Shot Mk.4 || APC || 165 || 160 || 138 || 108 || 94 || 81
 +
|-
 +
| Shot Mk.8 || APCBC || 171 || 168 || 156 || 143 || 130 || 120
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Mle1935 HE || HE || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4
 
−
|-
 
 
|}
 
|}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
Line 166: Line 163:
 
! 100%
 
! 100%
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Mle1935 || APC || 660 || 1.62 || N/A || N/A || N/A || ° || 48° || 63° || 71°
+
| Shot Mk.6 || AP || 883 || 7.7 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1° || 47° || 60° || 65°
 +
|-
 +
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 883 || 7.0 || 0.4 || 0.5 || 580 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 +
|-
 +
| Shot Mk.4 || APC || 883 || 7.7 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 +
|-
 +
| Shot Mk.8 || APCBC || 883 || 7.7 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 +
! colspan="7" | Smoke characteristic
 +
|-
 +
! Ammunition
 +
! Velocity <br /> in m/s
 +
! Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 +
! ''Screen radius <br /> in m''
 +
! ''Screen time <br /> in s''
 +
! ''Screen hold time <br /> in s:''
 +
! ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 +
|-
 +
| 17pdr Shell SS Mk.1 || 754 || 8.4 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Mle1935 HE || HE || 590 || 1.41 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 143 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
 
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
−
[[File:Ammoracks_S.35.png|right|thumbnail|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the S.35|250px]]
+
[[File:Ammoracks A.C.IV.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the AC IV Thunderbolt]]
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 181: Line 196:
 
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br />  rack empty
 
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br />  rack empty
 
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br />  rack empty
 
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |6th<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |7th<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |8th<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |9th<br />  rack empty
 
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
|| '''84''' || 67&nbsp;''(+17)'' || 49&nbsp;''(+35)'' || 25&nbsp;''(+59)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+83)'' || style="text-align:left" | no
+
|| '''50''' || XX&nbsp;''(+X)'' || XX&nbsp;''(+X)'' || XX&nbsp;''(+X)'' || XX&nbsp;''(+X)'' || XX&nbsp;''(+X)'' || XX&nbsp;''(+X)'' || XX&nbsp;''(+X)'' || XX&nbsp;''(+X)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+49)'' || style="text-align:center" | No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
<!--''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|MAC 31 (7.5 mm)}}
+
{{main|Vickers (7.7 mm)}}
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | [[Vickers (7.7 mm)|7.7 mm Vickers]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
 
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
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! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="4" | 3,250 (150) || 1,350 || N/A || N/A
+
| colspan="4" | 4,250 (250) || 390 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
== Usage in battles ==
+
== Usage in the 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 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 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).''-->
−
Your best option is to play in a supportive role, stay behind a well armoured vehicle and land shots on the enemy from a medium distance. Do not try to rush in ahead of the team or go solo, as 7/10 times you will be destroyed by a counter-flanking player. The S.35 is able to hold its ground if you create a corridor for people to come at you. If you are able to flank without being seen, just remember to check behind you every now and then.
+
Exploit the A.C. IV's maneuverability against the heavier tanks, plus the 17-pounder tank allows for a penetration through the enemy's armour to cause internal damages. The fast reverse speed makes the "shoot-and-scoot" tactic a viable method against the enemy, and should be the prime one as the armour of the Sentinel is not exactly the most durable at only 50 mm flat. However, the sloping nature of the armour could give the bouncing capability of the tank comparable to the [[T-34 (1942)|T-34]], it's even arguably much better. So while the weight class is definitely against the Sentinel, a chance is always there to take out the opposition.
  
−
All light tanks are to be feared as they can out-maneuver this cumbersome tank quite easily and most enemies with a bit of luck will eventually hit one of this tank's weak spots, the only thing to fear is facing a good bit of armour. With its low post-penetration damage and slow reload, tank with many crew members are also hard to take down.
+
"Shoot-and-scoot" tactics are the best tactics to use with this vehicle. The Sentinel's armour does not let the tank be a brawler, so it must be more "sneaky" against the enemies. Another thing to note is the driver's hatch at the front of the tank. To avoid a frontally penetrating shot, always angle the driver's hatch away from the enemy.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
+
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
* Armour is overall good
+
*Good sloped armour.
−
:* ~35-40 mm thick on all sides + a bit sloped gives it a change to survive a hit or two.
+
*High penetration solid shot rounds.
−
:* Capable of ''very noticeable'' angling due to thick sides
+
*Good manoeuvrability.
−
:* Turret is quite thick on all sides for the BR
+
*Fast reverse speed.
−
* Gun is decent for the BR
+
*Small profile.
−
:* One of the first French tanks to be able to fight on its own
 
−
:* Has MAC 31 coaxial MG
 
−
:* LOCK system makes stop-and-shoot tactics very effective.
 
−
* Goes nicely forward in AB, with an acceptable turn speed when going on max speed
 
−
* Can be mistaken for a [[B1 bis]] when hulled-down (~same turret)
 
−
* Has 3 crew members, can afford to loose one.
 
−
* Small target
 
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
* Armour is quite complicated
+
*Sloped armour only on the front.
−
:* Sides are thicker than frontal armour
+
**Susceptible to large caliber HE.
−
:* Big cupola is an obvious shot trap
+
*Only 44mm (4.4cm) of side armour.  
−
:* Angling can be defeated by knowing its shot traps: even a well-angled S.35 shows flat armour.
+
*Cannon lacks armour-piercing rounds with high-explosive filler.
−
* Gun feels subpar
+
*No APDS rounds, unlike other British medium tanks at this rank.
−
:* It has low penetration while firing non-HE shots
 
−
:* Only two ammo choices
 
−
* Mobility is an issue
 
−
:* Long and narrow chassis makes for difficult turning
 
−
:* Reverse speed feels slow
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
−
The SOMUA S.35 was developed in 1934 in response to demand for a cavalry tank that could withstand direct hits from contemporary anti-tank weapons. SOMUA was the company assigned to the challenge, and by spring 1935 they completed construction of the first prototype, designated the AC3.
+
===Development===
−
 
+
Australia began designing a tank in November 1940 as the ''AC I'', and was intended to be a cruiser tank weighing between 16 to 20 tons with a [[Ordnance QF 2-pounder (40 mm)|2-pounder gun]]. With no prior experience in producing a domestic tank, Australia sent a task force to the United States to study the [[M3 Lee|M3 Medium]] design to understand the in-and-outs of a tank. They also received the aid of Colonel W.D. Watson MC in December 1940 from Britain, who has many years of tank designing experience. The overall mission ended up having the tank design to have a similar concept as the Canadian ''[[M4A5|Ram]]'' tank, being based off the the M3 Medium chassis and mated with a domestic design of their choice for the upper part. The Australian attached the chassis with a hull and turret with design similarities to the British [[Crusader Mk III|Crusader]] tanks. The design started to become less of a cruiser tank and more of a medium tank by American specifications due to the attempt to up-armour and up-gun the tank to keep up with German armour development.
−
Unfortunately, early testing revealed some flaws with the first prototype, which SOMUA subsequently fixed and released in a pre-production batch of four vehicles (called the AC4). This first batch demonstrated satisfactory performance. In 1936, the AC4 modification of the vehicle was adopted as the standard medium tank for the cavalry units of the French army. Shortly thereafter, it received the official designation of SOMUA S.35.
 
−
 
 
−
Production of the SOMUA S.35 began in 1936, with a goal of producing 600 vehicles. During production, however, financial restraints limited the number that could be produced. Of the initial 600 planned, only 450 were actually ordered and built for the French army.  
 
−
 
 
−
Following the outbreak of WW2, the S.35 was soon deployed to defend French soil against a German invasion. Because the tank was designed to fight contemporary armoured vehicles of other nations, it fared well against the onslaught of Panzer III’s and early modifications of the Panzer IV.  
 
  
−
In fact, in most battles where the S.35 clashed with German Panzers in engagement ranges of around 1000 meters, the S.35 was able to destroy the Panzers without taking any critical damage in return.  
+
The first design was completed in February 1942 as the Cruiser Tank Mark 1 (AC I) and designated the "Sentinel". The design was simplified by using existing parts of current tanks and using a cast hull and turret. Though originally specified for a 2-pounder, it was then asked for a [[Ordnance QF 6-pounder Mk.III (57 mm)|6-pounder]] armament. Two Vickers machine gun were used as the coaxial and hull machine gun. With the power of three Cadillac V8 Petrol engines. It was unorthodox, but powerful enough to propel the vehicle. 65 of these tanks were made by June 1943 before being succeeded by a more advanced design known as ''AC III'', also known as the "Thunderbolt". It had better armour and an improved firepower in the form of the 25-pounder howitzer. Despite the bigger gun, the 54-inch turret ring was never expanded to accommodate for the gun's larger size, so the crew experienced a slightly cramped turret interior for the benefit of having a better high-explosive charge and armour-piercing capability. Other differences in the design was the removal of the hull machine gun and a different set-up of the three Cadillac engines. One pilot model was built and plans were made for a production for 25 tanks for further trials, but the program was terminated.  
  
−
Unfortunately, while the S.35 did reasonably well in combat, the mechanics servicing the vehicle had few kind words for it. Due to its cast hull and complex suspension design, the S.35 was notoriously difficult to service and maintain—so difficult that if the tank was damaged in combat, the crew was unlikely to be able to repair it on the battlefield.
+
Another attempt was made to increase Australian tank firepower with the '''AC IV''' design. It first started when the designers check to see if the turret could mount the massive 17-pounder in use by the British to fight the heavier and more protected German tanks. When the tests proved successful, the 17-pounder was chosen to be the gun for the ''AC IV'', with a new and larger turret and 70-inch turret ring to improve crew comfort. These tanks were only made for evaluation purposes only and were never mass-produced for equipping the armoured units.
  
−
While the S.35 saw some success in battle, its victories were short-lived. In June 1940, France surrendered and German forces occupied the northern part of the country, while the Vichy government was established in the south. Dozens of S.35s were captured, modified, and then deployed by the German and Italian forces. A handful of S.35s were also given to axis allies such as Hungary and Bulgaria.  
+
===Termination===
 +
The ''AC IV'' design, along with the entire Australian Cruiser tank program, was terminated in July 1943, ending with only 65 tanks produced and a few prototype models. The reason was that the funds were better spent improving the infrastructure than building new tanks due to the large number of American tanks such as the [[M4|M4 Medium]] that were being supplied to Australia. The AC "Sentinel" were all put into storage and kept until the end of the war. The only use the Sentinel saw was in the film ''The Rats of Tobruk'' in 1943 when a squadron of ''AC I'' tanks were modified to resemble German tanks.
  
−
The S.35 was eventually decommissioned from active service at the end of hostilities in 1945.
+
===Survivors===
 +
After the war, the Australian government disposed most of the tanks in 1945, most were sold off by the Commonwealth Disposals Commission. Today, about six Sentinels survive in intact conditions across the world. One notably in the Bovington Tank Museum, and three in Australia in the RAAC Tank Museum, Treloar Technology Centre, and one in the United States in the Collings Foundation.
  
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''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5175-development-somua-s-35-shield-of-the-republic-en Devblog]''
+
'''Trivia:'''<br/>
 +
The tank in the game is the version planned for serial production, so it has the hull of the AC III; unlike the actual prototype design developed, which used the hull from the AC I version.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
 
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
  
−
== See also ==
+
== Read also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
* [https://warthunder.com/en/devblog/current/849/ [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> AC IV Thunderbolt]
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
  
−
== External links ==
+
== Sources ==
−
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on tank;''
+
* ''other literature.''
−
* ''other literature.''-->
 
−
[https://warthunder.com/en/news/5175-development-somua-s-35-shield-of-the-republic-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> SOMUA S.35 - Shield of The Republic]
 
  
−
{{France medium tanks}}
+
{{Britain medium tanks}}
 +
{{Britain premium ground vehicles}}

Revision as of 16:31, 14 March 2019

RANK 6 BRITAIN
Rooikat 105 PACK
A.C.IV
uk_ac4_thunderbolt.png
A.C.IV
Britain flag.png Britain
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.3 5.3 5.3
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:3 410 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage A.C.IV.jpg


The Cruiser tank A.C. Mark IV, also known as the AC IV Thunderbolt or the AC IV Sentinel, is a premium Rank III British medium tank on the British tree with a battle rating of 5.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was released some time after Update 1.55 "Royal Armour". Armed with a 17-pounder gun, it has a high firepower for the battle rating it is in, able to effectively fight any other tanks at the battle rating. The Thunderbolt is also a small and maneuverable tank able to exploit harsh terrain to target the enemy.

The AC IV is a relatively small medium tank in comparison to the common mainstay of the other countries, especially when compared to the American Sherman tanks. The Sentinel also has a good maneuverability and power-to-weight ratio for the propulsion, able to accelerate to its max speed of roughly 30 km/h quickly and stay there on stable terrain. The tank has a great advantage of a decent reverse speed in comparison to other medium tanks of its caliber, with a reverse speed almost the same speed as forward. The addition of the 17-pounder gun also gives this tank a whopping high firepower for the size, so it can stand a chance against tanks of the same tier despite being out of the league in terms of armour.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour type:

  • Cast homogeneous armour
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull roof)
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 50.8 mm (66-67°) Frontal glacis
50.8 mm (30°) Driver's port
50.8 mm (7-68°) Lower glacis 		44.45 mm (0-12°) 22.22 mm (78°) Top
44.45 mm (21-52°) Bottom 		22.22 mm
Turret 63.5 mm (4-47°) Turret front
25.4-63.5 mm (1-68°) Gun mantlet 		63.5 mm (0-88°) 63.5 mm (1-53°) 35 mm
Armour Sides Roof
Cupola 63.5 mm 35 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and bogies are 20 mm thick, tracks are 20 mm.
  • The rear bottom area has a track placed there, providing 20 mm of extra armour.
  • The commander cupola is extended outwards from the left side of the turret, creating a vulnerable unsloped area vulnerable to weaker guns.

The AC IV Thunderbolt's armour have a high tendency to bounce shells. This is obvious with the extreme slope on the from of the tank, and turret design. The armour itself is not think, but due to the angle it is put at this tank is very fierce competition.

Mobility

Mobility characteristic
Weight (tons) Add-on Armour
weight (tons) 		Max speed (km/h)
26.4 N/A 53 (AB)
48 (RB/SB)
Engine power (horsepower)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 615 757
Realistic/Simulator 351 397
Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 23.29 28.67
Realistic/Simulator 13.29 15.04

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: Ordnance QF 17-pounder (76 mm)
76 mm OQF 17-pounder
Capacity Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance 		Stabilizer
47 -6°/+20° ±180° N/A
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade 10.7 14.8 _.__ _.__ _.__
Realistic 10.7 12.6 _.__ _.__ _.__
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
7.60 _.__ _.__ _.__
Ammunition
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration in mm @ 90°
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
Shot Mk.6 AP 160 157 133 112 96 86
Shell Mk.1 HE 9 9 9 9 9 9
Shot Mk.4 APC 165 160 138 108 94 81
Shot Mk.8 APCBC 171 168 156 143 130 120
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
in m/s 		Projectile
Mass in kg 		Fuse delay

in m:

Fuse sensitivity

in mm:

Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent): 		Normalization At 30°
from horizontal: 		Ricochet:
0% 50% 100%
Shot Mk.6 AP 883 7.7 N/A N/A N/A -1° 47° 60° 65°
Shell Mk.1 HE 883 7.0 0.4 0.5 580 +0° 79° 80° 81°
Shot Mk.4 APC 883 7.7 N/A N/A N/A -1° 48° 63° 71°
Shot Mk.8 APCBC 883 7.7 N/A N/A N/A +4° 48° 63° 71°
Smoke characteristic
Ammunition Velocity
in m/s 		Projectile
Mass in kg 		Screen radius
in m 		Screen time
in s 		Screen hold time
in s: 		Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent):
17pdr Shell SS Mk.1 754 8.4 13 5 20 50
Ammo racks
Ammo racks of the AC IV Thunderbolt
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		7th
rack empty 		8th
rack empty 		9th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
50 XX (+X) XX (+X) XX (+X) XX (+X) XX (+X) XX (+X) XX (+X) XX (+X) 1 (+49) No

Machine guns

Main article: Vickers (7.7 mm)
7.7 mm Vickers
Coaxial mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute) 		Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance
4,250 (250) 390 N/A N/A

Usage in the battles

Exploit the A.C. IV's maneuverability against the heavier tanks, plus the 17-pounder tank allows for a penetration through the enemy's armour to cause internal damages. The fast reverse speed makes the "shoot-and-scoot" tactic a viable method against the enemy, and should be the prime one as the armour of the Sentinel is not exactly the most durable at only 50 mm flat. However, the sloping nature of the armour could give the bouncing capability of the tank comparable to the T-34, it's even arguably much better. So while the weight class is definitely against the Sentinel, a chance is always there to take out the opposition.

"Shoot-and-scoot" tactics are the best tactics to use with this vehicle. The Sentinel's armour does not let the tank be a brawler, so it must be more "sneaky" against the enemies. Another thing to note is the driver's hatch at the front of the tank. To avoid a frontally penetrating shot, always angle the driver's hatch away from the enemy.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good sloped armour.
  • High penetration solid shot rounds.
  • Good manoeuvrability.
  • Fast reverse speed.
  • Small profile.

Cons:

  • Sloped armour only on the front.
    • Susceptible to large caliber HE.
  • Only 44mm (4.4cm) of side armour.
  • Cannon lacks armour-piercing rounds with high-explosive filler.
  • No APDS rounds, unlike other British medium tanks at this rank.

History

Development

Australia began designing a tank in November 1940 as the AC I, and was intended to be a cruiser tank weighing between 16 to 20 tons with a 2-pounder gun. With no prior experience in producing a domestic tank, Australia sent a task force to the United States to study the M3 Medium design to understand the in-and-outs of a tank. They also received the aid of Colonel W.D. Watson MC in December 1940 from Britain, who has many years of tank designing experience. The overall mission ended up having the tank design to have a similar concept as the Canadian Ram tank, being based off the the M3 Medium chassis and mated with a domestic design of their choice for the upper part. The Australian attached the chassis with a hull and turret with design similarities to the British Crusader tanks. The design started to become less of a cruiser tank and more of a medium tank by American specifications due to the attempt to up-armour and up-gun the tank to keep up with German armour development.

The first design was completed in February 1942 as the Cruiser Tank Mark 1 (AC I) and designated the "Sentinel". The design was simplified by using existing parts of current tanks and using a cast hull and turret. Though originally specified for a 2-pounder, it was then asked for a 6-pounder armament. Two Vickers machine gun were used as the coaxial and hull machine gun. With the power of three Cadillac V8 Petrol engines. It was unorthodox, but powerful enough to propel the vehicle. 65 of these tanks were made by June 1943 before being succeeded by a more advanced design known as AC III, also known as the "Thunderbolt". It had better armour and an improved firepower in the form of the 25-pounder howitzer. Despite the bigger gun, the 54-inch turret ring was never expanded to accommodate for the gun's larger size, so the crew experienced a slightly cramped turret interior for the benefit of having a better high-explosive charge and armour-piercing capability. Other differences in the design was the removal of the hull machine gun and a different set-up of the three Cadillac engines. One pilot model was built and plans were made for a production for 25 tanks for further trials, but the program was terminated.

Another attempt was made to increase Australian tank firepower with the AC IV design. It first started when the designers check to see if the turret could mount the massive 17-pounder in use by the British to fight the heavier and more protected German tanks. When the tests proved successful, the 17-pounder was chosen to be the gun for the AC IV, with a new and larger turret and 70-inch turret ring to improve crew comfort. These tanks were only made for evaluation purposes only and were never mass-produced for equipping the armoured units.

Termination

The AC IV design, along with the entire Australian Cruiser tank program, was terminated in July 1943, ending with only 65 tanks produced and a few prototype models. The reason was that the funds were better spent improving the infrastructure than building new tanks due to the large number of American tanks such as the M4 Medium that were being supplied to Australia. The AC "Sentinel" were all put into storage and kept until the end of the war. The only use the Sentinel saw was in the film The Rats of Tobruk in 1943 when a squadron of AC I tanks were modified to resemble German tanks.

Survivors

After the war, the Australian government disposed most of the tanks in 1945, most were sold off by the Commonwealth Disposals Commission. Today, about six Sentinels survive in intact conditions across the world. One notably in the Bovington Tank Museum, and three in Australia in the RAAC Tank Museum, Treloar Technology Centre, and one in the United States in the Collings Foundation.

Trivia:
The tank in the game is the version planned for serial production, so it has the hull of the AC III; unlike the actual prototype design developed, which used the hull from the AC I version.

Media

An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.

Read also

Sources

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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


Britain medium tanks
Valentine  Valentine I · Valentine IX · Valentine XI
Cromwell  Cromwell I · Cromwell V · Cromwell V (RP-3)
Cromwell derivatives  Challenger · Avenger · Comet I · Comet I "Iron Duke IV" · Charioteer Mk VII
Centurion  Centurion Mk 1 · Centurion Mk.2 · Centurion Mk 3 · Centurion Mk.5 AVRE · Centurion Mk 10 · Centurion Action X · FV4202
Vickers MBT  Vickers Mk.1 · Vickers Mk.3 · Vickers Mk.7
Chieftain  Chieftain Mk 3 · Chieftain Mk 5 · Chieftain Mk 10
Challenger 1  Challenger Mk.2 · Challenger Mk.3 · Challenger DS
Challenger 2  Challenger 2 · Challenger 2 (2F) · Challenger 2 TES · Challenger 2 OES · Challenger 2E · Challenger 2 Black Night
Challenger 3  Challenger 3 TD
Australia  A.C.I · A.C.IV · Centurion Mk.5/1
South Africa  Olifant Mk.1A · Olifant Mk.2 · TTD
India  Vijayanta · Bhishma TWMP
Israel  ▄Sho't Kal Dalet
Jordan  Khalid
Sweden  ▄Strv 81 (RB 52)
USA  Grant I · Sherman II · Sherman Firefly · Sherman IC "Trzyniec"

Britain premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.) · A13 Mk II 1939 · AEC Mk II · Crusader "The Saint" · Rooikat 105
Medium tanks  A.C.I · Grant I · Cromwell V (RP-3) · Sherman IC "Trzyniec" · A.C.IV · Comet I "Iron Duke IV"
  Centurion Mk.2 · ▄Strv 81 (RB 52) · Centurion Mk.5 AVRE · Centurion Mk.5/1 · ▄Sho't Kal Dalet · Centurion Action X
  Vijayanta · Khalid · Challenger DS · Challenger 2 OES
Heavy tanks  Independent · Matilda Hedgehog · Excelsior · TOG II · Churchill Crocodile · Black Prince
Tank destroyers  Alecto I · Achilles (65 Rg.) · QF 3.7 Ram

Retrieved from "https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=S.35&oldid=17457"