Difference between pages "S.35" and "AMX-30B2 BRENUS"

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(Description: Updated with Specs and Battle-rating templates)
 
(Survivability and armour: Corrected typo)
 
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{{Specs-Card|code=fr_somua_s35}}
+
{{Specs-Card|code=fr_amx_30_b2_brenus}}
 +
{{About
 +
|about=medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
|usage=other uses
 +
|link=AMX-30 (Family)
 +
}}
  
 
== 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 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.-->
[[File:GarageImage_S.35.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
 
 +
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.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}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} French medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm"]].
 
+
The AMX-30B2 BRENUS, or Brennus in some sources, was a modernized French MBT which saw combat in the Gulf War.
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.
 
  
 
== 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 helpful for survival in combat?
 +
 
 +
If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.-->
 +
 
 +
The AMX-30B2 has a complex array of armour plates in addition of the ERA.
 +
 
 +
The frontal glacis is in two parts, the upper area that is 50mm RHA sloped at 76 degrees and the lower one being 79mm CHA sloped at roughly 70 degrees. The lower part of the front glacis is, in theory, able to withstand the [[T-54 (1951)|T-54]] APCBC shell better than the Leopard does. However, shots contacting the upper part will often resulting the shot bouncing upward and penetrating the turret front, which is very weak (even the [[M18 GMC]] can penetrate it with ease). The lower glacis plate is not as strong since it is not sloped as much as the front plate, but penetrating this plate will often not result in a colossal damage. However, the curve joint between the upper and the lower glacis plate is very weak and often a penetration through this area will end with a one-shot.
 +
 
 +
Also, it is noted that there is a fuel container in the front of the tank protecting the ammo rack, which sometimes penetrating rounds will just set a fire just like the T-54 does. The difference is that AMX-30 tank's first stage ammo rack is the turret rack, so after experiencing prolonged combat, the hull ammo rack will be emptied and left defused. The hull sides and rears are very weak, they are all 30mm plates. Even anti-aircraft vehicles doing side shots will penetrate this tank fast (for example, the [[R3 T20 FA-HS]] at BR 3.7 for Italy).
 +
 
 +
The turret armour is not sufficient at this rank, nor at any rank from even rank IV upwards. The gun shield itself mostly offers a 60mm-100mm protection. However, some sabot shots will get absorbed by the breech, which actually offers better protection in the AMX-30B2 than the Leopard 1 does. Shooting the turret ring will damage the turret drives, and can sometimes trigger a crew knock out. The turret sides are very weak, often gives you a protection around 60mm. The rear is worse, plus the turret ammo rack is placed at the end of the turret rear, shooting this area will destroy the tank one shot.
 +
 
 +
The ERA is what makes this tank sit at 8.7. When sloped, the ERA at front of the UFP will offer a 400mm protection against HEAT. Mostly, this package is useless. However, since 8.0-8.7 is an actual BR in the game, you will encounter the [[M551]], [[M60A2]], [[RakJPz 2|RakJpz]], and [[KPz-70]]s that primarily fire missiles. ERA at the side of turret is at 260 mm effective in chemical protection, which is not very effective against most threats. Also, you can sometimes roll high in the chances and deflect a 700 mm penetrating missile from the [[Type 89]] IFV. However, there are multiple places in the front of the tank where no ERA blocks could be found.
 +
 
 +
Other weak spots that are noticeable on the tank are: drivers view port, turret front that is not the gun shield, the commander's cupola, gunner's view port,
 +
 
 +
'''Armour type:'''
  
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
+
* Explosive reactive 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.
+
* Cast homogeneous armour
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Rear roof, Engine grille)
  
'''Armour type:''
 
Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull)<br>
 
Cast homogeneous armour (Turret)'
 
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! 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 || 79* mm (57-68°), 50* mm (52-76°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 79 mm (0-57°), 30 mm (75°) ''Lower glacis'' || 35-57 mm (0-35) <br> 30 mm ''Bottom'' <br> 25 mm (70°) ''Belly'' || 30 mm (10°) ''Top'' <br> 30 mm ''Center'' <br> 25 mm (70°) ''Bottom'' || 15 mm <br> 8 mm ''Engine grille''
 
|-
 
|-
| 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 || 30-150* mm (0-79°) ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 30* mm (61-75°) ''Turret front top'' || 41.5* mm (19-47°) || 30 mm (1-64°) <br> 20 mm (54-64°) ''Turret underside'' || 20 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof  
 
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof  
 
|-
 
|-
| Cupola || 40 mm || 30 mm
+
| Cupola || 60 mm || 20 mm
 +
|-
 +
! Special armour* !! Kinetic !! Chemical
 +
|-
 +
| ERA || 5 mm || 400 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
'''Notes:'''
 
* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick.
 
* Belly armour is 20 mm thick.
 
* Hull underside above the tracks are 40 mm thick.
 
  
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.
+
=== Mobility ===
 +
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
=== Mobility ===
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1162|rbMinHp= 663}}
<!--''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"
+
When fully upgraded, the engine offers a 750 hp output at 2400 rpm. Max speed is 65 km/h, and the tank can achieve 45-50 km/h on a map like Kursk (when driving downward, you can achieve 65 km/h). Reverse gear is 27 km/h, which is fast. The reverse gear is faster than Leopard 1's by 2 km/h. The tank feels somewhat lighter than Leopard 1 series of tanks, since it has lighter weight (note that Leopard 1 tanks have a 830 hp output engine).
|-
 
!colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
 
|-
 
! Weight (tons)
 
!colspan="1" | Add-on Armor<br>weight (tons)
 
!colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
 
|-
 
|rowspan="2" | 19.5 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 44 (AB)  
 
|-
 
|40 (RB/SB)
 
|-
 
!colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
 
|-
 
!colspan="1" | Mode
 
!Stock
 
!Upgraded
 
|-
 
|''Arcade''
 
|294
 
|___
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|168
 
|190
 
|-
 
!colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 
|-
 
!colspan="1" | Mode
 
!Stock
 
!Upgraded
 
|-
 
|''Arcade''
 
|15.08
 
|__.__
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|8.61
 
|9.74
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
 
== 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 flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
{{main|SA35 L/32 (47 mm)}}
+
{{main|CN-105-F1 (105 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" | [[CN-105-F1 (105 mm)|105 mm CN-105-F1]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
Line 101: Line 77:
 
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan="3" | 84 || ±18° || ±180° || Vertical
+
| colspan="3" | 47 || -8°/+20° || ±180° || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
 
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Line 112: Line 88:
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
|-
| ''Arcade'' || 9.50 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| ''Arcade'' || 28.6 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
 
|-
 
|-
| ''Realistic'' || 5.90 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| ''Realistic'' || 17.9 || 22.1 || 25.7 || 28.4 || 30.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
Line 123: Line 99:
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
|-
| 9.80 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 8.7 || 7.7 || 7.1 || 6.7
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 142: Line 118:
 
! 2000m
 
! 2000m
 
|-
 
|-
| Mle1935 || APC || 61 || 59 || 47 || 35 || 26 || 20
+
| OCC 105 F1 || HEAT || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400
 
|-
 
|-
| Mle1935 HE || HE || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4
+
| OE 105 F1 Mle.60 || HE || 26 || 26 || 25 || 25 || 25 || 25
 
|-  
 
|-  
 +
| OFL 105 F1 || APFSDS || 361 || 358 || 350 || 341 || 332 || 322
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
Line 166: Line 144:
 
! 100%
 
! 100%
 
|-
 
|-
| Mle1935 || APC || 660 || 1.62 || N/A || N/A || N/A || ° || 48° || 63° || 71°
+
| OCC 105 F1 || HEAT || 1,000 || 10.95 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 1,020 || +0° || 62° || 69° || 73°
 
|-
 
|-
| Mle1935 HE || HE || 590 || 1.41 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 143 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
+
| OE 105 F1 Mle.60 || HE || 700 || 12.1 || 0.1 || 0.1 || 2,000 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
|-  
 
|-  
 +
| OFL 105 F1 || APFSDS || 1,525 || 3.8 || N/A || N/A || N/A || ° || 78° || 80° || 81°
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| 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):''
 +
|-
 +
| OFPH 105 F1 || 700 || 11.4 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
===== [[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_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|Ammo racks of the {{PAGENAME}}.]]
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 181: Line 175:
 
! 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" |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  
+
|| '''47''' || 23&nbsp;''(+24)'' || &nbsp;''(+)'' || &nbsp;''(+)'' || &nbsp;''(+)'' || &nbsp;''(+)'' || &nbsp;''(+)'' || style="text-align:left" | no  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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|M693 (20 mm)|AAN-F1 (7.62 mm)}}
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | [[M693 (20 mm)|20 mm M693]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
 
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
Line 200: Line 198:
 
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan="4" | 3,250 (150) || 1,350 || N/A || N/A
+
| colspan="4" | 1,000 (500) || 740 || -0°/+20° || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | [[AAN-F1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm AAN-F1]]
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="4" | 2,000 (100) || 900 || -10°/+45° || ±120°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
== 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 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).-->
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.
+
The AMX 30B2 Brenus cannot withstand a frontal encounter with most opponents due to the lack of a reliable armor and a stabilizer, making the tank an easy prey for almost anyone on the battlefield. However, the tank comes with a great mobility, able to reach 65 km/h in RB (72 in AB) even in reverse, making it the ideal tank to shoot the enemy and rapidly retreat to change position. The optics are better than the ones found on the other AMX-30s, but still not sufficient to properly see targets at long ranges, unlike tanks like the Leopard I with its 16x. However, it's not something to worry about: the thermal sight will allow the player to easily spot targets from far away. Its gun is capable of punching through most of enemy tanks, but caution is a must when uptiered: tanks like the T-72 cannot be damaged in the turret even by the AMX-30B2's APFSDS, leaving only the hull as a potential target.
  
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.
+
The tank is not very suitable for urban combat, since most enemies will have a stabilizer and thus will be capable of landing the first shot, often knocking out the gunner, disabling the engine, the gun, or just setting the tank on fire. The best thing to do, in these cases, is to avoid the center of the map, flanking the enemy to hit him from the side and staying hidden from sight so enemies don't focus their firepower on the AMX-30B2.
  
=== Pros and cons ===
+
In larger and flat maps the tank gives its best, thanks to the high mobility and the capability to shoot the enemy from far away, although the commander cupola can be an issue since it ruin the silhouette of the tank, making it clearly visible, sometimes even when behind cover.
<!--''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".''-->
 
'''Pros:'''
 
* Armour is overall good
 
:* ~35-40 mm thick on all sides + a bit sloped gives it a change to survive a hit or two.
 
:* Capable of ''very noticeable'' angling due to thick sides
 
:* Turret is quite thick on all sides for the BR
 
* Gun is decent for the BR
 
:* 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:'''
 
* Armour is quite complicated
 
:* Sides are thicker than frontal armour
 
:* Big cupola is an obvious shot trap
 
:* Angling can be defeated by knowing its shot traps: even a well-angled S.35 shows flat armour.
 
* Gun feels subpar
 
:* 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 ==
+
===Modules===
<!--''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.''-->
+
{| class="wikitable"
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.
+
! Tier
 +
! colspan="2" |Mobility
 +
! Protection
 +
! colspan="3" |Firepower
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Tracks
 +
|
 +
| Parts
 +
| Horizontal Drive
 +
| OFPH 105 F1
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
| Suspension
 +
| Brake System
 +
| FPE
 +
| Adjustment of Fire
 +
| OFL 105 F1
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Filters
 +
|
 +
| Crew Replenishment
 +
| Elevation Mechanism
 +
| Smoke grenade
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
| Transmission
 +
| Engine
 +
|
 +
| Artillery Support
 +
| Laser rangefinder
 +
| NVD
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
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.  
+
===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 can be substituted with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".-->
  
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.
+
'''Pros:'''
  
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.
+
*Reactive armour, good chemical protection
 +
*Good mobility
 +
*Good forward and reverse speed
 +
*Low profile
 +
*Effective in an ambush role
 +
*Thermals can be unlocked
 +
*Laser rangefinder, high-velocity APFSDS rounds and thermal vision make for an effective sniper
 +
*The coaxial 20mm cannon makes short work of thinly armoured vehicles and helicopters. Also works great against tracks and cannon barrels
  
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.
+
'''Cons:'''
  
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.
+
*Same ammunition as B2 version, random HEAT rounds effects and low APFSDS penetration
 +
*No composite armour, low survivability against kinetic rounds
 +
*Some weak spots between reactive armor plates
 +
*Not having a gun stabilizer greatly hampers its performance
 +
*Ammo racks in turret, high risk of explosion
  
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.  
+
== 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 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).-->
  
The S.35 was eventually decommissioned from active service at the end of hostilities in 1945.
+
During the mid to late 1990s, AMX-30B2 tanks of the 1er/ 2e Chasseurs tank regiments, which formed France’s rapid reaction force in peacetime, underwent upgrading under the Brenus modernization program, whilst two further regiments received modifications to quickly upgrade their AMX-30s with the Brenus package if needed (2e/5e Dragons). The Brenus upgrade package (acronym for briques réactives de surblindage) most notably allowed for the installation of 112 ERA blocks developed by the GIAT company across the front portion of the hull and turret. To compensate for the additional weight of the ERA packages, an improved 8-cylinder 750 horsepower MACK E9 diesel engine was fitted. The Brenus modernization upgrade was among the last to be fitted to the original AMX-30 tank.
  
''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5175-development-somua-s-35-shield-of-the-republic-en Devblog]''
+
''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5349-development-amx-30b2-brenus-modern-ironclad-en Devblog]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
''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;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
<!--''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;''
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* ''encyclopedia page on the 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]
+
 
 +
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5349-development-amx-30b2-brenus-modern-ironclad-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> AMX-30B2 Brenus: Modern Ironclad]
  
 
{{France medium tanks}}
 
{{France medium tanks}}

Revision as of 13:59, 26 June 2020

RANK 4 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
AMX-30B2 BRENUS
fr_amx_30_b2_brenus.png
AMX-30B2 BRENUS
AB RB SB
8.7 8.7 8.7
Class:
Research:94 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:520 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the medium tank AMX-30B2 BRENUS. For other uses, see AMX-30 (Family).

Description

GarageImage AMX-30B2 BRENUS.jpg


The AMX-30B2 BRENUS is a Rank VI French medium tank with a battle rating of 8.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm". The AMX-30B2 BRENUS, or Brennus in some sources, was a modernized French MBT which saw combat in the Gulf War.

General info

Survivability and armour

The AMX-30B2 has a complex array of armour plates in addition of the ERA.

The frontal glacis is in two parts, the upper area that is 50mm RHA sloped at 76 degrees and the lower one being 79mm CHA sloped at roughly 70 degrees. The lower part of the front glacis is, in theory, able to withstand the T-54 APCBC shell better than the Leopard does. However, shots contacting the upper part will often resulting the shot bouncing upward and penetrating the turret front, which is very weak (even the M18 GMC can penetrate it with ease). The lower glacis plate is not as strong since it is not sloped as much as the front plate, but penetrating this plate will often not result in a colossal damage. However, the curve joint between the upper and the lower glacis plate is very weak and often a penetration through this area will end with a one-shot.

Also, it is noted that there is a fuel container in the front of the tank protecting the ammo rack, which sometimes penetrating rounds will just set a fire just like the T-54 does. The difference is that AMX-30 tank's first stage ammo rack is the turret rack, so after experiencing prolonged combat, the hull ammo rack will be emptied and left defused. The hull sides and rears are very weak, they are all 30mm plates. Even anti-aircraft vehicles doing side shots will penetrate this tank fast (for example, the R3 T20 FA-HS at BR 3.7 for Italy).

The turret armour is not sufficient at this rank, nor at any rank from even rank IV upwards. The gun shield itself mostly offers a 60mm-100mm protection. However, some sabot shots will get absorbed by the breech, which actually offers better protection in the AMX-30B2 than the Leopard 1 does. Shooting the turret ring will damage the turret drives, and can sometimes trigger a crew knock out. The turret sides are very weak, often gives you a protection around 60mm. The rear is worse, plus the turret ammo rack is placed at the end of the turret rear, shooting this area will destroy the tank one shot.

The ERA is what makes this tank sit at 8.7. When sloped, the ERA at front of the UFP will offer a 400mm protection against HEAT. Mostly, this package is useless. However, since 8.0-8.7 is an actual BR in the game, you will encounter the M551, M60A2, RakJpz, and KPz-70s that primarily fire missiles. ERA at the side of turret is at 260 mm effective in chemical protection, which is not very effective against most threats. Also, you can sometimes roll high in the chances and deflect a 700 mm penetrating missile from the Type 89 IFV. However, there are multiple places in the front of the tank where no ERA blocks could be found.

Other weak spots that are noticeable on the tank are: drivers view port, turret front that is not the gun shield, the commander's cupola, gunner's view port,

Armour type:

  • Explosive reactive armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Rear roof, Engine grille)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 79* mm (57-68°), 50* mm (52-76°) Front glacis
79 mm (0-57°), 30 mm (75°) Lower glacis
35-57 mm (0-35)
30 mm Bottom
25 mm (70°) Belly
30 mm (10°) Top
30 mm Center
25 mm (70°) Bottom
15 mm
8 mm Engine grille
Turret 30-150* mm (0-79°) Gun mantlet
30* mm (61-75°) Turret front top
41.5* mm (19-47°) 30 mm (1-64°)
20 mm (54-64°) Turret underside
20 mm
Armour Sides Roof
Cupola 60 mm 20 mm
Special armour* Kinetic Chemical
ERA 5 mm 400 mm

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 73 73 38.2 1162 1,431 30.42 37.46
Realistic 66 66 663 750 17.36 19.63

When fully upgraded, the engine offers a 750 hp output at 2400 rpm. Max speed is 65 km/h, and the tank can achieve 45-50 km/h on a map like Kursk (when driving downward, you can achieve 65 km/h). Reverse gear is 27 km/h, which is fast. The reverse gear is faster than Leopard 1's by 2 km/h. The tank feels somewhat lighter than Leopard 1 series of tanks, since it has lighter weight (note that Leopard 1 tanks have a 830 hp output engine).

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: CN-105-F1 (105 mm)
105 mm CN-105-F1
Capacity Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
Stabilizer
47 -8°/+20° ±180° N/A
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade 28.6 __.__ __.__ __.__ __.__
Realistic 17.9 22.1 25.7 28.4 30.0
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
8.7 7.7 7.1 6.7
Ammunition
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration in mm @ 0° Angle of Attack
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
OCC 105 F1 HEAT 400 400 400 400 400 400
OE 105 F1 Mle.60 HE 26 26 25 25 25 25
OFL 105 F1 APFSDS 361 358 350 341 332 322
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%
OCC 105 F1 HEAT 1,000 10.95 0.0 0.1 1,020 +0° 62° 69° 73°
OE 105 F1 Mle.60 HE 700 12.1 0.1 0.1 2,000 +0° 79° 80° 81°
OFL 105 F1 APFSDS 1,525 3.8 N/A N/A N/A ° 78° 80° 81°
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):
OFPH 105 F1 700 11.4 20 5 25 50
Ammo racks
Ammo racks of the AMX-30B2 BRENUS.
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
6th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
47 23 (+24)  (+)  (+)  (+)  (+)  (+) no

Machine guns

20 mm M693
Coaxial mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute)
Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
1,000 (500) 740 -0°/+20° N/A
7.62 mm AAN-F1
Pintle mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute)
Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
2,000 (100) 900 -10°/+45° ±120°

Usage in battles

The AMX 30B2 Brenus cannot withstand a frontal encounter with most opponents due to the lack of a reliable armor and a stabilizer, making the tank an easy prey for almost anyone on the battlefield. However, the tank comes with a great mobility, able to reach 65 km/h in RB (72 in AB) even in reverse, making it the ideal tank to shoot the enemy and rapidly retreat to change position. The optics are better than the ones found on the other AMX-30s, but still not sufficient to properly see targets at long ranges, unlike tanks like the Leopard I with its 16x. However, it's not something to worry about: the thermal sight will allow the player to easily spot targets from far away. Its gun is capable of punching through most of enemy tanks, but caution is a must when uptiered: tanks like the T-72 cannot be damaged in the turret even by the AMX-30B2's APFSDS, leaving only the hull as a potential target.

The tank is not very suitable for urban combat, since most enemies will have a stabilizer and thus will be capable of landing the first shot, often knocking out the gunner, disabling the engine, the gun, or just setting the tank on fire. The best thing to do, in these cases, is to avoid the center of the map, flanking the enemy to hit him from the side and staying hidden from sight so enemies don't focus their firepower on the AMX-30B2.

In larger and flat maps the tank gives its best, thanks to the high mobility and the capability to shoot the enemy from far away, although the commander cupola can be an issue since it ruin the silhouette of the tank, making it clearly visible, sometimes even when behind cover.

Modules

Tier Mobility Protection Firepower
I Tracks Parts Horizontal Drive OFPH 105 F1
II Suspension Brake System FPE Adjustment of Fire OFL 105 F1
III Filters Crew Replenishment Elevation Mechanism Smoke grenade
IV Transmission Engine Artillery Support Laser rangefinder NVD

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Reactive armour, good chemical protection
  • Good mobility
  • Good forward and reverse speed
  • Low profile
  • Effective in an ambush role
  • Thermals can be unlocked
  • Laser rangefinder, high-velocity APFSDS rounds and thermal vision make for an effective sniper
  • The coaxial 20mm cannon makes short work of thinly armoured vehicles and helicopters. Also works great against tracks and cannon barrels

Cons:

  • Same ammunition as B2 version, random HEAT rounds effects and low APFSDS penetration
  • No composite armour, low survivability against kinetic rounds
  • Some weak spots between reactive armor plates
  • Not having a gun stabilizer greatly hampers its performance
  • Ammo racks in turret, high risk of explosion

History

During the mid to late 1990s, AMX-30B2 tanks of the 1er/ 2e Chasseurs tank regiments, which formed France’s rapid reaction force in peacetime, underwent upgrading under the Brenus modernization program, whilst two further regiments received modifications to quickly upgrade their AMX-30s with the Brenus package if needed (2e/5e Dragons). The Brenus upgrade package (acronym for briques réactives de surblindage) most notably allowed for the installation of 112 ERA blocks developed by the GIAT company across the front portion of the hull and turret. To compensate for the additional weight of the ERA packages, an improved 8-cylinder 750 horsepower MACK E9 diesel engine was fitted. The Brenus modernization upgrade was among the last to be fitted to the original AMX-30 tank.

- From Devblog

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


France medium tanks
M4 Derivatives  M4A1 (FL10) · M4A4 (SA50)
AMX-50  AMX M4 · AMX-50 (TOA100) · AMX-50 (TO90/930)
AMX-30  AMX-30 · AMX-30 (1972) · AMX-30B2 · AMX-30B2 BRENUS · AMX-30 ACRA · AMX-30 Super
AMX-32/40  AMX-32 · AMX-32 (105) · AMX-40
Leclerc  Leclerc · Leclerc S2 · Leclerc SXXI · Leclerc AZUR
Other  D2 · S.35 · Lorraine 40t
Germany  Panther "Dauphiné"
USA  ▄M4A1 · ▄M4A3 (105) · ▄M4A4 · ▄M26