Difference between revisions of "Sd.Kfz.251/21"

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 +
{{About
 +
| about = German SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = Sd.Kfz.251 (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=germ_sdkfz_251_21
 
|code=germ_sdkfz_251_21
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_Sd.Kfz.251-21.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_Sd.Kfz.251-21.jpg|ArtImage_Sd.Kfz.251-21.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 12: Line 17:
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
−
''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.''
+
Armour is practically nonexistent with this vehicle at only 14 mm maximum. Notable weak spots are between the gunner and driver section, where the ammunition is stored. Four crew members are used with operating this vehicle, a driver, commander, loader, and gunner. It is typical for such a lightly armoured vehicle as this to stay behind in the spawn area, keeping an eye out for planes. Planes are usually an easy target to take down with your rapid firing 15 mm machine guns, so long as you don't use H-Pzgr, which will most often over-penetrate and cause less damage.
  
−
'''Armour type:''' <!-- Rolled homogenous armor: Chassis and gun shield
+
'''Armour type:'''
−
Structural steel: Mud flaps and undercarriage
+
 
−
Wheels -->
+
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, gun shield)
−
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
+
* Wheel (front tires)
−
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
Line 24: Line 28:
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 14.5 mm (6°) ''Engine compartment'' <br> 14.5 mm (30°) ''Driver cabin'' <br> 8 mm (41°) ''Lower glacis'' || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Hull || 14.5 mm (20°) ''Engine compartment'' <br> 14.5 mm (29°) ''Driver cabin'' <br> 8 mm (30°) ''Roof panel'' <br> 8 mm (41°) ''Lower glacis'' || 8 mm (41°) ''Top - Engine'' <br> 8 mm (35°) ''Top - Crew compartment'' <br> 8 mm (30°) ''Top - Roof panel'' <br> 8 mm (19°) ''Bottom - Engine'' <br> 8 mm (34°) ''Bottom - Crew compartment'' <br> 8 mm + 8 mm (34°) ''Storage bins'' <br> 8 mm ''Bottom - Undercarriage'' || 8 mm (30°) <br> 5.5 mm (41°) ''Lower glacis'' || 8 mm (8°) ''Engine compartment'' <br> 5.5 mm ''Driver compartment''
−
|-
 
−
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
+
| Gun shield || 14.5 mm (33°) || 14.5 mm (13°) || colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
  
−
'''Notes:''' <!-- Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 7 mm thick and torsion bars are 10 mm thick.
+
* Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick while torsion bars are 10 mm thick.
−
Mud flaps are 5 mm thick. Wheels are 10mm thick.
+
* Wheels are 10 mm thick and mudguards are 5 mm thick.
−
The belly armour is 5.5 mm thick. -->
+
* The belly armour is 5.5 mm thick.
−
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
 
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
−
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->{{tankMobility|abMinHp=142|rbMinHp=88}}
+
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=142|rbMinHp=88}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 61: Line 65:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | _,___ (___) || rowspan="2" | 700 || rowspan="2" | -3°/+49° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 1 x 1,000 (500) <br> 2 x 1,000 (250) || rowspan="2" | 700 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+49° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 52.8 || 73.1 || 88.8 || 98.2 || 104.5 || rowspan="2" | 18.20 || rowspan="2" | 16.10 || rowspan="2" | 14.84 || rowspan="2" | 14.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 35.7 || 42.0 || 51.0 || 56.4 || 60.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
 +
* '''Pzgr. L'spur:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}
 +
* '''Brsprgr. L'spur:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}
 +
* '''Pzbrgr.:''' {{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
 +
* '''H-Pzgr.:''' {{Annotation|HVAP|High-velocity armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}
  
−
* '''Pzgr. L'spur (Default):''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
+
{{:MG151 (15 mm)/Ammunition|AP-T, HEF-T, HEFI-T, AP-I, HVAP}}
−
* '''SprGr:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
 
−
* '''Pzgr. L'spur:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
 
−
* '''H-Pzgr.:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
 
−
 
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="7" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| Pzgr. L'spur (Default) ||37||35||25||17||12||8
 
−
|-
 
−
| SprGr ||37||35||25||17||12||8
 
−
|-
 
−
| Pzgr. L'spur ||37||35||25||17||12||8
 
−
|-
 
−
| H-Pzgr. ||50||48||35||25||18||12
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks Sd.Kfz.251-21.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.7.0.173''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Full<br>ammo
 
! Full<br>ammo
 +
! Ammo<br>type
 
! 1st<br>rack empty
 
! 1st<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
−
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
−
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''4''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| '''8''' <br> '''3,000''' || ''Magazines'' <br> ''Rounds'' || 2&nbsp;''(+6)'' <br> 1,000 || 2&nbsp;''(+6)'' <br> 1,000 || Yes
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 +
* Ammunition is divided into 8 magazines.
 +
* The visual discrepancy concerns the number of magazines: 8 magazines can be fired but only 6 are modeled.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''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).''
+
Because the Sd.Kfz.251/21 lacks any sort of effective armour, it is highly recommended that you stay behind at spawn point, keeping an eye out for aircraft. It is ill-advised to try to engage ground vehicles as long as you haven't researched the H-Pzgr modification. This belt can penetrate 51 mm of armour at 10 m, so it is better to flank and shoot for lower side armour if possible. Beware of heavy tanks such as the KV-1: their minimum armour thickness is 75 mm, so that renders this heavy tank immune to your shots. Avoid if at all possible, but if you can't avoid, damage the cannon barrel and the tracks to give you time to escape.
 +
 
 +
In terms of engaging air, one should attempt to understand the importance of these principles; "Distance, lead, fire and hide". The Sd.Kfz.251/21 is such an under-armoured anti-air vehicle that it is recommended to only engage aircraft you are sure will be quickly dealt with, or incredibly close to you. Distance should be a large factor of how you pick targets, if you are not able to see the aircraft in full flying over a point or even your mini-map, do not engage at all. If the aircraft is near, continue on to the next step, leading the target. Leading is a vital learning curve of all beginning anti-air players and can often be quite difficult. The calibre of your main armament is a huge factor, as some former anti-air in the German tree are cannons that require more or less lead time. The Sd.Kfz.251/21 is one of the best vehicles to help teach how to lead aircraft, and it does not require excellent aim either, just aim for the important parts of an aircraft and spray and pray, but be conservative with your ammo and be sure not to jam your guns. Hiding after engaging is very important on the Sd.Kfz.251/21, as even a small spray of fire from an aircraft will render you useless. Hiding behind tall buildings and under tree cover is excellent after engaging, but be sure that you are not running into an enemy tank.
 +
 
 +
While playing with this vehicle, it is recommended to hide behind cover (a building, a cliff, or a rock formation) and always find the location of enemy aircraft by sound. When the enemy plane is in a dive, pull out of cover and hit your enemy with a fatal blow. The high muzzle velocity is helpful for predicting shots. At the same time, due to the limited elevation angle, it is recommended to find a place with a slope. A smart enemy will destroy you through a vertical dive, and the slope will supplement your elevation angle to help you destroy the target.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 121: Line 113:
  
 
* Fast rate of fire
 
* Fast rate of fire
−
* Three machine guns can make aiming less necessary because of the large volume of fire
+
* Three machine guns can make accurate aiming less important because of the large volume of fire
 
* Has an dedicated anti tank belt, the H-Pzgr., which can go through most tanks from the side
 
* Has an dedicated anti tank belt, the H-Pzgr., which can go through most tanks from the side
 
* Good top speed
 
* Good top speed
−
* Very fast turret traverse
+
* Very fast turret traverse allows easy target acquisition on any target
−
* Crew members are quite spread out, difficult to one shot without HEAT
+
* Crew members are quite spread out, difficult for enemies to knock you out in a single shot without a chemical shell
 +
* Large amount of ammunition
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Armour is extremely poor, can be penetrated by heavy machine guns and can be easily destroyed by artillery
+
* Armour is extremely poor, can be penetrated by heavy machine guns and can be easily destroyed by overpressure
 
* Open topped, strafing planes can be devastating
 
* Open topped, strafing planes can be devastating
−
* Near non existant gun depression
+
* Near non-existent gun depression
−
* Gun elevation is quite poor for an anti-air vehicle.
+
* Gun elevation is quite poor for an anti-air vehicle
−
* Can be hullbroken
 
 
* Reload time stock of 18.2 seconds can be dangerous
 
* Reload time stock of 18.2 seconds can be dangerous
 
* Acceleration is mediocre at best
 
* Acceleration is mediocre at best
−
* Even heavy caliber machine guns lack stopping power compared to the previous 20mm and 37mm
+
* Heavy calibre machine guns lack stopping power compared to the previous 20 mm and 37 mm cannons
 +
* Large ammo cans can cause ammo racking to be very common from ground targets
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 152: Line 145:
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
  
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=germany&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=spaa&vehicle=germ_sdkfz_251_21 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_sdkfz_251_21 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Images
 
;Images
Line 171: Line 164:
 
* ''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.'' -->
−
 
−
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
 
−
 
−
* [[Sd.Kfz.251/10]]
 
−
 
−
;Vehicles equipped with the same gun
 
−
 
−
* [[AMX-50 Foch]]
 
  
 
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
Line 195: Line 180:
 
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/nazi_germany/sdkfz-251_hanomag.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Sd.Kfz.251]
 
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/nazi_germany/sdkfz-251_hanomag.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Sd.Kfz.251]
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer Hanomag}}
 
{{Germany anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 
{{Germany anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 +
 +
[[Category:Half-tracks]]

Latest revision as of 16:22, 4 February 2023

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the German SPAA Sd.Kfz.251/21. For other versions, see Sd.Kfz.251 (Family).
Sd.Kfz.251/21
germ_sdkfz_251_21.png
GarageImage Sd.Kfz.251-21.jpg
ArtImage Sd.Kfz.251-21.png
Sd.Kfz.251/21
Germany flag.png Germany
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.3 3.3 3.3
Class:
Research:14 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:32 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The m.Schütz.Pz.Wg. (Sd.Kfz.251/21) is a rank II German SPAA with a battle rating of 3.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update "Hot Tracks".

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull14 / 8 / 8
Turret14 / 14 / 0
Crew4 people
Visibility88 %

Armour is practically nonexistent with this vehicle at only 14 mm maximum. Notable weak spots are between the gunner and driver section, where the ammunition is stored. Four crew members are used with operating this vehicle, a driver, commander, loader, and gunner. It is typical for such a lightly armoured vehicle as this to stay behind in the spawn area, keeping an eye out for planes. Planes are usually an easy target to take down with your rapid firing 15 mm machine guns, so long as you don't use H-Pzgr, which will most often over-penetrate and cause less damage.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, gun shield)
  • Wheel (front tires)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 14.5 mm (20°) Engine compartment
14.5 mm (29°) Driver cabin
8 mm (30°) Roof panel
8 mm (41°) Lower glacis 		8 mm (41°) Top - Engine
8 mm (35°) Top - Crew compartment
8 mm (30°) Top - Roof panel
8 mm (19°) Bottom - Engine
8 mm (34°) Bottom - Crew compartment
8 mm + 8 mm (34°) Storage bins
8 mm Bottom - Undercarriage 		8 mm (30°)
5.5 mm (41°) Lower glacis 		8 mm (8°) Engine compartment
5.5 mm Driver compartment
Gun shield 14.5 mm (33°) 14.5 mm (13°) N/A

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick while torsion bars are 10 mm thick.
  • Wheels are 10 mm thick and mudguards are 5 mm thick.
  • The belly armour is 5.5 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB57 / 12 km/h
RB and SB53 / 11 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
2 back
Weight8.0 t
Engine power
AB191 hp
RB and SB100 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB23.9 hp/t
RB and SB12.5 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 57 12 8 142 191 17.75 23.88
Realistic 53 11 88 100 11 12.5

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 037 → 1 334 Sl icon.png
RB825 → 1 061 Sl icon.png
SB1 288 → 1 657 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications13 860 Rp icon.png
19 950 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost860 Ge icon.png
Crew training9 200 Sl icon.png
Experts32 000 Sl icon.png
Aces270 Ge icon.png
Research Aces250 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
70 / 70 / 110 % Sl icon.png
130 / 130 / 130 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 700 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 700 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
15mm_ger_he_ammo_pack
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
15mm_ger_ap_ammo_pack
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 700 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
15mm_ger_apcr_ammo_pack
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

2 x 15 mm MG151 machine gun
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
13.0 → 10.0 s
Fire rate700 shots/min
Vertical guidance-5° / 49°
15 mm MG151 machine gun
Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity500 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
13.0 → 10.0 s
Fire rate700 shots/min
Vertical guidance-3° / 49°
Main article: MG 151 (15 mm)
15 mm MG 151 (x3) Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 1 x 1,000 (500)
2 x 1,000 (250) 		700 -5°/+49° ±180° N/A 52.8 73.1 88.8 98.2 104.5 18.20 16.10 14.84 14.00
Realistic 35.7 42.0 51.0 56.4 60.0

Ammunition

  • Pzgr. L'spur: AP-T · HEF-T
  • Brsprgr. L'spur: HEFI-T · HEFI-T · HEFI-T · AP-I
  • Pzbrgr.: AP-I · AP-I · AP-I · HEFI-T
  • H-Pzgr.: HVAP · AP-I · AP-I · AP-T

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
AP-T 33 30 21 13 8 5
HEF-T 2 2 2 2 2 2
HEFI-T 2 2 2 2 2 2
AP-I 34 30 17 8 4 2
HVAP 51 46 30 18 11 6
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
AP-T 850 0.07 - - - 47° 56° 65°
HEF-T 960 0.06 0 0.1 1.7 47° 56° 65°
HEFI-T 960 0.06 0 0.1 3.23 79° 80° 81°
AP-I 960 0.06 - - - 47° 56° 65°
HVAP 1,030 0.05 - - - 66° 70° 72°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Sd.Kfz.251/21
Full
ammo 		Ammo
type 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
8
3,000 		Magazines
Rounds 		2 (+6)
1,000 		2 (+6)
1,000 		Yes

Notes:

  • Ammunition is divided into 8 magazines.
  • The visual discrepancy concerns the number of magazines: 8 magazines can be fired but only 6 are modeled.

Usage in battles

Because the Sd.Kfz.251/21 lacks any sort of effective armour, it is highly recommended that you stay behind at spawn point, keeping an eye out for aircraft. It is ill-advised to try to engage ground vehicles as long as you haven't researched the H-Pzgr modification. This belt can penetrate 51 mm of armour at 10 m, so it is better to flank and shoot for lower side armour if possible. Beware of heavy tanks such as the KV-1: their minimum armour thickness is 75 mm, so that renders this heavy tank immune to your shots. Avoid if at all possible, but if you can't avoid, damage the cannon barrel and the tracks to give you time to escape.

In terms of engaging air, one should attempt to understand the importance of these principles; "Distance, lead, fire and hide". The Sd.Kfz.251/21 is such an under-armoured anti-air vehicle that it is recommended to only engage aircraft you are sure will be quickly dealt with, or incredibly close to you. Distance should be a large factor of how you pick targets, if you are not able to see the aircraft in full flying over a point or even your mini-map, do not engage at all. If the aircraft is near, continue on to the next step, leading the target. Leading is a vital learning curve of all beginning anti-air players and can often be quite difficult. The calibre of your main armament is a huge factor, as some former anti-air in the German tree are cannons that require more or less lead time. The Sd.Kfz.251/21 is one of the best vehicles to help teach how to lead aircraft, and it does not require excellent aim either, just aim for the important parts of an aircraft and spray and pray, but be conservative with your ammo and be sure not to jam your guns. Hiding after engaging is very important on the Sd.Kfz.251/21, as even a small spray of fire from an aircraft will render you useless. Hiding behind tall buildings and under tree cover is excellent after engaging, but be sure that you are not running into an enemy tank.

While playing with this vehicle, it is recommended to hide behind cover (a building, a cliff, or a rock formation) and always find the location of enemy aircraft by sound. When the enemy plane is in a dive, pull out of cover and hit your enemy with a fatal blow. The high muzzle velocity is helpful for predicting shots. At the same time, due to the limited elevation angle, it is recommended to find a place with a slope. A smart enemy will destroy you through a vertical dive, and the slope will supplement your elevation angle to help you destroy the target.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Fast rate of fire
  • Three machine guns can make accurate aiming less important because of the large volume of fire
  • Has an dedicated anti tank belt, the H-Pzgr., which can go through most tanks from the side
  • Good top speed
  • Very fast turret traverse allows easy target acquisition on any target
  • Crew members are quite spread out, difficult for enemies to knock you out in a single shot without a chemical shell
  • Large amount of ammunition

Cons:

  • Armour is extremely poor, can be penetrated by heavy machine guns and can be easily destroyed by overpressure
  • Open topped, strafing planes can be devastating
  • Near non-existent gun depression
  • Gun elevation is quite poor for an anti-air vehicle
  • Reload time stock of 18.2 seconds can be dangerous
  • Acceleration is mediocre at best
  • Heavy calibre machine guns lack stopping power compared to the previous 20 mm and 37 mm cannons
  • Large ammo cans can cause ammo racking to be very common from ground targets

History

Devblog

By 1942, German engineers recognized the need of the Wehrmacht for a light SPAAG to provide cover for frontline troops against low flying aircraft and set about developing a suitable vehicle on the chassis of available halftrack designs. In 1943, this need became even more emphasized with limited German production capacities being unable to produce the required number of Flakpanzers that the Wehrmacht had been requesting.

Subsequently, German engineers decided to outfit the widely used Sd.Kfz. 251 halftrack with a three-barrel AA mount, initially equipped with 15 mm, later with 20 mm cannons, in order to meet the Wehrmacht's demand. The new modification became known as the Sd.Kfz 251/21 and went into production in 1944.

By the time the Sd.Kfz. 251/21 entered service, troops more widely used it as a support vehicle in the late stages of the war, with the vehicle performing well in this role. Nonetheless, over 380 units of the Sd.Kfz. 251/21 were produced until the end of the war, many of which through conversion of older modifications.

Media

Skins
Images
  • Sd.Kfz. 251/21 Devblog Images
  • Sd.Kfz. 251-21 WTWallpaper 001.jpg
  • Sd.Kfz. 251-21 WTWallpaper 002.jpg
  • Sd.Kfz. 251-21 WTWallpaper 003.jpg
  • Sd.Kfz. 251-21 WTWallpaper 004.jpg
  • Sd.Kfz. 251-21 WTWallpaper 005.jpg
  • Sd.Kfz. 251-21 WTWallpaper 006.jpg
Videos
Germany suffers and needed this - Sd.Kfz.251/21 15mm - PhlyDaily (Review starts at 3:11)

See also

Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


Hannoversche Maschinenbau AG (Hanomag)
Sd.Kfz.251  Sd.Kfz.251/9 · Sd.Kfz.251/10 · Sd.Kfz.251/21 · Sd.Kfz.251/22

Germany anti-aircraft vehicles
Wheeled  Sd.Kfz.222
Half-track  Sd.Kfz.251/21 · Sd.Kfz. 6/2
Flakpanzer IV  Wirbelwind · Ostwind · Ostwind II · Kugelblitz · Zerstörer 45
Other Flakpanzers  Flakpanzer I · Flakpanzer 38 · Flakpanzer 341
Wiesel AWC  Wiesel 1A4 · Ozelot
Radar SPAAG  Gepard · Gepard 1A2
Missile SPAA  FlaRakPz 1 · FlaRakRad

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