Difference between revisions of "SF40 Light"

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{{About
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| about = German anti-air ferry '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = the 88 mm version
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| link = SF40 Heavy
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}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=germ_sf40_leichte_flakkampffaehre
 
|code=germ_sf40_leichte_flakkampffaehre
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{{main|2 cm/65 Flakvierling 38 (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|2 cm/65 Flakvierling 38 (20 mm)}}
  
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SF40 Leichte has four Flakvierling 38 turrets, each with four 20 mm cannons, in each corner of its rectangular deck for a total of 16 guns. Each gun has a rate of fire of 450 rounds per minute and has a magazine capacity of 40 rounds. They each have 2,000 rounds of ammunition available, for a total of 32,000 rounds. With a stock crew, they can be reloaded in 6.41 seconds, 5.5 seconds with an aced crew. The turrets can traverse both horizontally and vertically at a rate of 40°/s.
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SF40 Leichte has four Flakvierling 38 turrets, each with four 20 mm cannons, in each corner of its rectangular deck for a total of 16 guns. Each gun has a rate of fire of 450 rounds per minute and has a magazine capacity of 40 rounds. They each have 2,000 rounds of ammunition available, for a total of 32,000 rounds. With a stock crew, they can be reloaded in 6.41 seconds, 5.5 seconds with an aced crew. The turrets can traverse both horizontally and vertically at a rate of 40°/s.
  
 
{{Notice|Turrets are named sequentially, clockwise, starting at the bow}}
 
{{Notice|Turrets are named sequentially, clockwise, starting at the bow}}
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|}
 
|}
  
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There are three choices of ammunition available:
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There are three ammunition types available:
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* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF|High-explosive fragmentation}}
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* '''20 mm HET magazines:''' {{Annotation|HEF|High-explosive fragmentation}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF|High-explosive fragmentation}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}
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* '''20 mm APT magazines:''' {{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF|High-explosive fragmentation}}
  
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* Universal: AP-T/AP/HEF-T/HEF
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{{:2 cm/65 Flakvierling 38 (20 mm)/Ammunition|HEF-T, AP, AP-T, HEF}}
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* 20 mm HET: HEF/HEF-T/HEF/AP
 
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* 25 mm APT: AP/AP-T/AP/HEF
 
  
 
=== Secondary armament ===
 
=== Secondary armament ===
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There are three choices of ammunition available:
 
There are three choices of ammunition available:
  
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* Universal: AP-T/HEF-I
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* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}
−
* 37 mm HE: HEF-I/HEF-I/HEF-I/HEF-I/AP-T
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* '''37 mm HE clips:''' {{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}
−
* 25 mm APT: AP-T/AP-T/AP-T/AP-T/HEF-I
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* '''37 mm APT clips:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}
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{{:FlaK.43 (37 mm)/Ammunition|HEF-I, AP-T}}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
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Because of its very slow speed, SF40 Leichte will never be first to action in battle. Going full speed ahead, it can still take several minutes to reach the capture points on even small maps. How well SF40 Leichte does in the battle depends not on how many enemies it can find, but rather how many enemies happen to run into it. To maximize this, SF40 Leichte should be sailed towards the centre of action on every map right from spawn, whether that be capture points or likely paths that enemy boats may take. Here, SF40 Leichte can leverage its high survivability and overwhelm its opponents with firepower.
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Because of its very slow speed, the SF40 Light will never be first to action in battle. Going full speed ahead, it can still take several minutes to reach the capture points on even small maps. How well the SF40 Light does in the battle depends not on how many enemies it can find, but rather how many enemies happen to run into it. To maximize this, the SF40 Light should be sailed towards the centre of action on every map right from spawn, whether that be capture points or likely paths that enemy boats may take. Here, the SF40 Light can leverage its high survivability and overwhelm its opponents with firepower.
  
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The Flakvierling 38 20 mm cannons are among the best in the game. Compared to other 20 mm naval cannons in the game, these have the largest explosive mass in the HE rounds, the greatest AP penetration with the AP rounds, as well as a decent rate of fire and muzzle velocity. Altogether, this allows SF40 Leichte to quickly destroy any enemy boat with a single burst, especially since 12 guns can be brought on target at once. Two problems exist for this gun: the relatively small 40-round magazines (which, because of the rate of fire, means frequent reloads), and the maximum range of roughly 2.5 km (common for most guns of this calibre). The latter is a much greater issue. Whereas faster vessels with such a problem can evade or quickly get behind cover, SF40 Leichte is essentially a stationary target for weapons like [[Bofors L/60 Mark 1 (40 mm)]] or large-calibre cannons (3-inch or larger). Boats armed with these can comfortably sit outside SF40 Leichte's range and gradually chip away at the crew. This is even further accentuated when faced wtih destroyers, since they carry much larger guns and are generally unaffected by SF40 Leichte's own 20 mm cannons (albeit you were still able to kill their crew off by aiming at their superstructure). Armoured targets may also be an issue, despite the above-average penetration of the 20 mm cannons. While the 3,7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36, with its higher penetration, can be used against such enemies, it cannot be fired directly forwards, nor can it hit any targets within approximately 1.5 km due to its maximum depression being 1° above the neutral position. It's often better to just pepper such targets with 20 mm AP and leave the 37 mm for anti-aircraft work.
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The 20 mm Flakvierling 38 cannons are among the best in the game. Compared to other 20 mm naval cannons in the game, these have the largest explosive mass in the HE rounds, the greatest AP penetration with the AP rounds, as well as a decent rate of fire and muzzle velocity. Altogether, this allows the SF40 Light to quickly destroy any enemy boat with a single burst, especially since 12 guns can be brought on target at once. Two problems exist for this gun: the relatively small 40-round magazines (which means frequent reloads), and the maximum range of roughly 2.5 km (common for most guns of this calibre). The latter is a much greater issue. Whereas faster vessels with such a problem can evade or quickly get behind cover, the SF40 Light is essentially a stationary target for weapons like [[Bofors L/60 Mark 1 (40 mm)]] or large-calibre cannons (3-inch or larger). Boats armed with these can comfortably sit outside the SF40 Light's range and gradually chip away at the crew. This is even further accentuated when faced with destroyers, since they carry much larger guns and are generally unaffected by the SF40 Light's own 20 mm cannons (albeit you would still be able to kill their crew off by aiming at their superstructure). Armoured targets may also be an issue, despite the above-average penetration of the 20 mm cannons. While the 3,7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36, with its higher penetration, can be used against such enemies, it cannot be fired directly forwards, nor can it hit any targets within approximately 1.5 km due to its maximum depression being 1° above the neutral position. It's often better to just pepper such targets with 20 mm AP and leave the 37 mm for anti-aircraft purposes.
  
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SF40 Leichte should obviously be angled in such a way that three of four turrets are on target at once to maximize damage. At the same time, though, it should be angled as little as possible. This not only shows as little of the side and as possible, but it also allows the middle of the three Flakvierling 38's to block the line-of-sight to the deckhouse. Protecting the deckhouse is vital because it contains roughly half of the available crew. However, if it has already been destroyed, angling like this is no longer so important. The other major weakness is the ammo racks, which cannot be removed by taking less ammunition. Close-range enemies on the side are a big threat, since here, it is easiest to hit the ammo racks, especially when taking advantage of the hit cam. Though ammo rack destruction is quite rare in practice, a knowledgeable enemy player can still quickly eliminate SF40 Leichte with this method. Aside from these points, survivability of SF40 Leichte tends to be very high because of its size and large crew complement.
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The SF40 Light should obviously be angled in such a way that three of four turrets are on target at once to maximize damage. At the same time, though, it should be angled as little as possible. This not only shows as little of the side and as possible, but it also allows the middle of the three Flakvierling 38's to block the line-of-sight to the deckhouse. Protecting the deckhouse is vital because it contains roughly half of the available crew. However, if it has already been destroyed, angling like this is no longer so important. The other major weakness is the ammo racks, which cannot be removed by taking less ammunition. Close-range enemies on the side are a big threat, since here, it is easiest to hit the ammo racks, especially when taking advantage of the hit cam. Though ammo rack destruction is quite rare in practice, a knowledgeable enemy player can still quickly eliminate the SF40 Light with this method. Aside from these points, survivability of the SF40 Light tends to be very high because of its size and large crew complement.
  
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Enemy MTB torpedoes can be a threat, but only if launched at close-range, where SF40 Leichte won't be able to evade in time. In this respect, long-range torpedo attacks aren't much of an issue, provided that they are spotted early enough. Even if torpedoes cannot be completely avoided, it should be noted that torpedoes can pass under the centre of SF40 Leichte if necessary, between the two pontoons. Comparatively, greater threats are aerial torpedoes and rockets, guided bombs like [[PC 1400 X (1,400 kg)|Fritz X]], and large bombs like [[H.C. 4,000 lb Mk.II (4,000 lb)]] or [[FAB-5000 (5,000 kg)]]. Because of SF40 Leichte's large size and slow movement, it makes for a prime target, while SF40 Leichte's sluggishness may make evasion of these entirely impossible. Enemy aircraft should be prioritized.
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Enemy MTB torpedoes can be a threat, but only if launched at close-range, where the SF40 Light won't be able to evade in time. In this respect, long-range torpedo attacks aren't much of an issue, provided that they are spotted early enough. Even if torpedoes cannot be completely avoided, torpedoes can pass under the centre of the SF40 Light if necessary, between the two pontoons. Comparatively, greater threats are aerial torpedoes and rockets, guided bombs like the [[PC 1400 X (1,400 kg)|Fritz X]], and large bombs like the [[H.C. Mk.II (4,000 lb)|4,000 lb H.C. Mk.II]] or the [[FAB-5000 (5,000 kg)|FAB-5000]]. Because of the SF40 Light's large size and slow movement, it makes for a perfect target, since the SF40 Light's sluggishness may make evasion of these entirely impossible. Enemy aircraft should be prioritized.
  
 
====Ammunition Choices====
 
====Ammunition Choices====
−
 
 
For the 20 mm Flakvierling 38 guns, 20 mm HET magazines should be the primary ammunition choice, since it contains the highest ratio of HE to AP rounds and, thus, is the most effective against enemy boats and aircraft. The maximum range of the HE rounds is roughly 2.0 km, while the AP rounds can reach a little further to 2.3 km, though there isn't much point in using the 20 mm APT magazines for this purpose. Still, several 20 mm APT magazines should for the occasional armoured targets.
 
For the 20 mm Flakvierling 38 guns, 20 mm HET magazines should be the primary ammunition choice, since it contains the highest ratio of HE to AP rounds and, thus, is the most effective against enemy boats and aircraft. The maximum range of the HE rounds is roughly 2.0 km, while the AP rounds can reach a little further to 2.3 km, though there isn't much point in using the 20 mm APT magazines for this purpose. Still, several 20 mm APT magazines should for the occasional armoured targets.
  
 
The primary ammunition choice of the 37 mm FlaK-Lafette C/36, or rather the only one that should really be taken, is 37 mm HE clips, again because of the higher HE to AP ratio. While the AP in this gun is more powerful than that of the 20 mm guns, there isn't much point to using it against surface targets because of its awkward firing arcs. It is, however, fantastic as an anti-aircraft gun.
 
The primary ammunition choice of the 37 mm FlaK-Lafette C/36, or rather the only one that should really be taken, is 37 mm HE clips, again because of the higher HE to AP ratio. While the AP in this gun is more powerful than that of the 20 mm guns, there isn't much point to using it against surface targets because of its awkward firing arcs. It is, however, fantastic as an anti-aircraft gun.
 +
 
====Enemies worth noting:====
 
====Enemies worth noting:====
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* Various destroyers ([[Type 1924 Leopard]], [[Clemson (DD-213)]], [[Frunze]]): At this BR, the Leichte had a chance to face early destroyers with high-caliber guns that can be very deadly when hit. Furthermore, the Leichte will be occasionally pitted in a larger maps that will further worsening its range and speed proble, especially in encounter/conquest mode where you will be pretty much useless due to everyone can outrange you. However, in a smaller map in domination mode, the Leichte's range and speed problem is somewhat negligible due to everyone is closer to each other and that the larger vessel have to navigate throught shallow waters to capture the base and bring themselves to your effective range of fire. The best (and probably only) way to destroy enemy destroyers is by shooting at their superstucture and rear fighting compartment where most of the crew resides. Due to the ship's superstructure is usually unarmored, your 20 mm with HE belts has no trouble to penetrate and wipe out their crews (especially with your dense cone of fire). Always keep an eye on damage display screen as it will show you which section of the ship is still left untouched before hitting them.
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* Various destroyers ([[Leopard]], [[USS Barker]], [[Frunze]]): due to its BR, the SF40 Light will face early destroyers with high-calibre guns that can be very deadly. Furthermore, the SF40 Light will be occasionally pitted in a larger maps that will further worsen its range and speed disadvantage, especially in encounter/conquest mode where you will be pretty much useless as everyone can outrange you. However, in a smaller map in domination mode, the SF40 Light's range and speed problem is somewhat negligible as everyone is closer to each other and that the larger vessels have to navigate through shallow waters to capture the base and bring themselves into your effective range of fire.  
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=== Pros and cons ===
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=== Pros and cons ===
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<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the 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 - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
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'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Very low top speed and bad manoeuvrability
+
* Very low maximum speed and bad manoeuvrability
 
* Approximately 2.5 km maximum range against small targets, 3.5 km against destroyers.
 
* Approximately 2.5 km maximum range against small targets, 3.5 km against destroyers.
 
* 3,7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 is inadequate against surface targets
 
* 3,7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 is inadequate against surface targets
 
* May struggle against armoured targets due to lack of large-calibre armament
 
* May struggle against armoured targets due to lack of large-calibre armament
−
* Large, high-priorty target, easily spotted and attracts enemy bombs and torpedoes
+
* Large, high-priority target, easily spotted and attracts enemy bombs and torpedoes
 
* If catching fire, it has a high chance of getting destroyed by ammunition detonation
 
* If catching fire, it has a high chance of getting destroyed by ammunition detonation
  
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In July 1940, in preparation for Operation Seelöwe (Operation Sea Lion), the German Wehrmacht required a large amount of ocean-going transport and landing craft for the planned invasion of Great Britain. With no suitable craft available within the Kriegsmarine, the task also fell to other branches of the German military. Design proposals were submitted by the Heer and Luftwaffe, where the idea piqued the interest of aircraft designer Friedrich Siebel.
 
In July 1940, in preparation for Operation Seelöwe (Operation Sea Lion), the German Wehrmacht required a large amount of ocean-going transport and landing craft for the planned invasion of Great Britain. With no suitable craft available within the Kriegsmarine, the task also fell to other branches of the German military. Design proposals were submitted by the Heer and Luftwaffe, where the idea piqued the interest of aircraft designer Friedrich Siebel.
  
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He soon produced and presented a prototype, a catamaran made from two pontoons taken from an existing pontoon bridge design. The two pontoons were separated six meters apart and spanned by a wooden deck, with the entire craft powered by two aircraft engines. The design was seen as unsatisfactory due to its flimsy construction and low top speed of only 4 knots (7.4 km/h). Siebel produced another prototype in August 1940, this time with a steel-reinforced deck, the spacing between the pontoons reduced to 5.5 meters, and the craft powered by two BMW 6U aircraft engines. This version solved the stability and speed problems of the previous prototype, increasing its top speed to 8 knots (14.8 km/h), and was met with enthusiasm by the Wehrmacht.
+
He soon produced and presented a prototype, a catamaran made from two pontoons taken from an existing pontoon bridge design. The two pontoons were separated six metres apart and spanned by a wooden deck, with the entire craft powered by two aircraft engines. The design was seen as unsatisfactory due to its flimsy construction and low top speed of only 4 knots (7.4 km/h). Siebel produced another prototype in August 1940, this time with a steel-reinforced deck, the spacing between the pontoons reduced to 5.5 m, and the craft powered by two BMW 6U aircraft engines. This version solved the stability and speed problems of the previous prototype, increasing its top speed to 8 knots (14.8 km/h), and was met with enthusiasm by the Wehrmacht.
  
 
Named after its creator, the Siebelfähre (Siebel Ferry) proved to be a rather stable firing platform due to its catamaran design and wide width. The Luftwaffe experimented with an anti-aircraft version, mounting various anti-aircraft guns from 20 mm autocannons to the 8.8 cm Flak 36. These AAA versions were planned to provide anti-aircraft cover for the main landing force in the invasion. An order for 400 Siebelfähren was placed; however, in October 1940, Operation Seelöwe was cancelled before the order could be completed. Nevertheless, in 1941, the Luftwaffe continued to produce Siebelfähren. These new ones, along with any that had already been built, would be used by the Luftwaffe and Heer as transport craft, minelayers, AAA barges, and gunboats in the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Baltic Sea until the end of the war in 1945.
 
Named after its creator, the Siebelfähre (Siebel Ferry) proved to be a rather stable firing platform due to its catamaran design and wide width. The Luftwaffe experimented with an anti-aircraft version, mounting various anti-aircraft guns from 20 mm autocannons to the 8.8 cm Flak 36. These AAA versions were planned to provide anti-aircraft cover for the main landing force in the invasion. An order for 400 Siebelfähren was placed; however, in October 1940, Operation Seelöwe was cancelled before the order could be completed. Nevertheless, in 1941, the Luftwaffe continued to produce Siebelfähren. These new ones, along with any that had already been built, would be used by the Luftwaffe and Heer as transport craft, minelayers, AAA barges, and gunboats in the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Baltic Sea until the end of the war in 1945.
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;Skins
 
;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=germany&vehicleType=ship&vehicleClass=naval_aa_ferry&vehicle=germ_sf40_leichte_flakkampffaehre Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_sf40_leichte_flakkampffaehre Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
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* [[SF40 Schwere]]
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* [[SF40 Heavy]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Revision as of 16:49, 7 March 2023

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the German anti-air ferry SF40 Light. For the 88 mm version, see SF40 Heavy.
SF40 Light
germ_sf40_leichte_flakkampffaehre.png
GarageImage SF40 Light.jpg
SF40 Light
Germany flag.png Germany
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.7 2.7 2.7
Class:
Research:48 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:180 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Siebelfähre 40 Light is a rank III German anti-air ferry with a battle rating of 2.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.79 "Project X" in the fleet closed beta test.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull4 mm (steel)
Superstructure4 mm (steel)
Number of section10
Displacement160 t
Crew42 people

SF40 Leichte has the following armour layout:

  • 2 cm/65 Flakvierling 38 gunshields: 12 mm, hardened armour
  • 3,7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 gunshield: 8 mm, hardened armour
  • Main turret platforms: 10 mm, rolled homogeneous armour
  • Deckhouse: 10 mm, rolled homogeneous armour
  • Hull: 15 mm, steel
  • Superstructure: 20 mm, wood
Msg-info.png Steel has an armour multiplier of 0.45, and wood has an armour multiplier of 0.04. The hull and superstructure are equivalent to 6.75 mm and 0.8 mm RHA, respectively.
SF40 Leichte internals (starboard side)

While the SF40 Leichte certainly has above average armour for its battle rating, like many other rank I and II naval vessels, its armour is mostly negligible. Almost any weapon it faces can punch right through its armour without much issue. However, with its rather high crew complement of 42, SF40 Leichte proves to be quite survivable. With a stock crew, SF40 Leichte can lose 26 of its crew, and with an aced crew, this increases to a maximum loss of 30. In addition, due to its large size, the crew of SF40 Leichte is spread out, meaning that the loss of a single compartment isn't as significant as with smaller vessels.

Despite that, there are a few notable weaknesses. The first is the central deckhouse just behind the bridge, which large, lightly armoured, and contains roughly half of the available crew. The second weakness is the four ammo racks, two in each pontoon. These are located one at the waterline below the front turret and one at the waterline below the back end of the deckhouse. These ammo racks are only partially underwater and, thanks to the reference points mentioned, are relatively easy to spot. Destroying these ammo racks is a quick and guaranteed way to destroy the SF40 Leichte.

Aside from the wood, the bridge of SF40 Leichte is unarmoured. Being rather prominent, this commonly leads to loss of control.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB22 / 11 km/h
RB19 / 9 km/h

Like all other barges in the game, SF40 Leichte is incredibly slow going both forwards and backwards. Because of its slow speed, turning is also extremely sluggish.

SF40 Leichte has a total displacement of 160 tons: above average, but nowhere close to the highest at its battle rating, despite its size and apparent lack of speed.

Mobility Characteristics
Game Mode Upgrade Status Maximum Speed (km/h) Turn Time (s) Turn Radius (m)
Forward Reverse
AB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 22 11
RB/SB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 19 9

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 236 → 2 761 Sl icon.png
RB3 382 → 4 176 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications45 600 Rp icon.png
97 500 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 300 Ge icon.png
Crew training52 000 Sl icon.png
Experts180 000 Sl icon.png
Aces700 Ge icon.png
Research Aces390 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
120 / 150 / 100 % Sl icon.png
154 / 154 / 154 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Seakeeping Unsinkability Firepower
Mods new ship hull.png
Dry-Docking
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 900 Sl icon.png
150 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship rudder.png
Rudder Replacement
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship screw.png
Propeller Replacement
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 100 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship engine.png
Engine Maintenance
Research:
7 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods ship damage control crew.png
Damage Control Division
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 900 Sl icon.png
150 Ge icon.png
Mods ship fire control crew.png
Fire Division
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
Smokescreen
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship pumps.png
New Pumps
Research:
7 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20 mm HET magazines
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 900 Sl icon.png
150 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
37 mm HE clips
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 900 Sl icon.png
150 Ge icon.png
Mods new aux caliber turrets.png
Auxiliary Armament Targeting
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20 mm APT magazines
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
37 mm APT clips
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods new main caliber turrets.png
Primary Armament Targeting
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 100 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods ship rangefinder.png
Improved Rangefinder
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 100 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png

Armament

Primary armament

4 х Turret4 x 2 cm/65 Flakvierling 38 automatic cannon
Ammunition8000 rounds
Belt capacity40 rounds
Fire rate480 shots/min
Vertical guidance-3° / 88°
Main article: 2 cm/65 Flakvierling 38 (20 mm)

SF40 Leichte has four Flakvierling 38 turrets, each with four 20 mm cannons, in each corner of its rectangular deck for a total of 16 guns. Each gun has a rate of fire of 450 rounds per minute and has a magazine capacity of 40 rounds. They each have 2,000 rounds of ammunition available, for a total of 32,000 rounds. With a stock crew, they can be reloaded in 6.41 seconds, 5.5 seconds with an aced crew. The turrets can traverse both horizontally and vertically at a rate of 40°/s.

Msg-info.png Turrets are named sequentially, clockwise, starting at the bow
Guidance for the Main Gun Turrets
No.1 Turret (front-right) No.2 Turret (back-right) No.3 Turret (back-left) No.4 Turret (front-left)
Horizontal Vertical Horizontal Vertical Horizontal Vertical Horizontal Vertical
±180° -3°/+88° ±180° -3°/+88° ±180° -3°/+88° ±180° -3°/+88°

There are three ammunition types available:

  • Universal: AP-T · AP · HEF-T · HEF
  • 20 mm HET magazines: HEF · HEF-T · HEF · AP
  • 20 mm APT magazines: AP · AP-T · AP · HEF

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HEF-T 2 2 2 2 2 2
AP 36 35 27 20 15 11
AP-T 36 35 27 20 15 11
HEF 2 2 2 2 2 2
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEF-T 835 0.12 0 0.1 10.54 79° 80° 81°
AP 785 0.15 - - - 47° 60° 65°
AP-T 785 0.15 - - - 47° 60° 65°
HEF 835 0.12 0 0.1 10.54 79° 80° 81°

Secondary armament

Turret37 mm FlaK.43 cannon
Ammunition1998 rounds
Belt capacity6 rounds
Fire rate160 shots/min
Main article: 3.7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 (37 mm)

SF40 has a single 3,7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 atop its central deckhouse. It has a rate of fire of 250 rounds per minute and fires from a 5-round magazine, with a total of 2,000 rounds of ammunition available. The gun can be reloaded in 0.25 seconds with a stock crew and in 0.13 seconds with an aced crew. It can traverse horizontally at a rate of 50°/s and vertically at a rate of 70°/s.

Guidance for the Secondary Gun Turret
Horizontal Vertical
±180° +1°/+80°

There are three choices of ammunition available:

  • Universal: AP-T · HEF-I
  • 37 mm HE clips: HEF-I · HEF-I · HEF-I · HEF-I · AP-T
  • 37 mm APT clips: AP-T · AP-T · AP-T · AP-T · HEF-I

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HEF-I 3 3 3 3 3 3
AP-T 67 64 53 42 33 26
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEF-I 845 0.62 0 0.1 44.03 79° 80° 81°
AP-T 815 0.7 - - - 47° 60° 65°

Usage in battles

Because of its very slow speed, the SF40 Light will never be first to action in battle. Going full speed ahead, it can still take several minutes to reach the capture points on even small maps. How well the SF40 Light does in the battle depends not on how many enemies it can find, but rather how many enemies happen to run into it. To maximize this, the SF40 Light should be sailed towards the centre of action on every map right from spawn, whether that be capture points or likely paths that enemy boats may take. Here, the SF40 Light can leverage its high survivability and overwhelm its opponents with firepower.

The 20 mm Flakvierling 38 cannons are among the best in the game. Compared to other 20 mm naval cannons in the game, these have the largest explosive mass in the HE rounds, the greatest AP penetration with the AP rounds, as well as a decent rate of fire and muzzle velocity. Altogether, this allows the SF40 Light to quickly destroy any enemy boat with a single burst, especially since 12 guns can be brought on target at once. Two problems exist for this gun: the relatively small 40-round magazines (which means frequent reloads), and the maximum range of roughly 2.5 km (common for most guns of this calibre). The latter is a much greater issue. Whereas faster vessels with such a problem can evade or quickly get behind cover, the SF40 Light is essentially a stationary target for weapons like Bofors L/60 Mark 1 (40 mm) or large-calibre cannons (3-inch or larger). Boats armed with these can comfortably sit outside the SF40 Light's range and gradually chip away at the crew. This is even further accentuated when faced with destroyers, since they carry much larger guns and are generally unaffected by the SF40 Light's own 20 mm cannons (albeit you would still be able to kill their crew off by aiming at their superstructure). Armoured targets may also be an issue, despite the above-average penetration of the 20 mm cannons. While the 3,7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36, with its higher penetration, can be used against such enemies, it cannot be fired directly forwards, nor can it hit any targets within approximately 1.5 km due to its maximum depression being 1° above the neutral position. It's often better to just pepper such targets with 20 mm AP and leave the 37 mm for anti-aircraft purposes.

The SF40 Light should obviously be angled in such a way that three of four turrets are on target at once to maximize damage. At the same time, though, it should be angled as little as possible. This not only shows as little of the side and as possible, but it also allows the middle of the three Flakvierling 38's to block the line-of-sight to the deckhouse. Protecting the deckhouse is vital because it contains roughly half of the available crew. However, if it has already been destroyed, angling like this is no longer so important. The other major weakness is the ammo racks, which cannot be removed by taking less ammunition. Close-range enemies on the side are a big threat, since here, it is easiest to hit the ammo racks, especially when taking advantage of the hit cam. Though ammo rack destruction is quite rare in practice, a knowledgeable enemy player can still quickly eliminate the SF40 Light with this method. Aside from these points, survivability of the SF40 Light tends to be very high because of its size and large crew complement.

Enemy MTB torpedoes can be a threat, but only if launched at close-range, where the SF40 Light won't be able to evade in time. In this respect, long-range torpedo attacks aren't much of an issue, provided that they are spotted early enough. Even if torpedoes cannot be completely avoided, torpedoes can pass under the centre of the SF40 Light if necessary, between the two pontoons. Comparatively, greater threats are aerial torpedoes and rockets, guided bombs like the Fritz X, and large bombs like the 4,000 lb H.C. Mk.II or the FAB-5000. Because of the SF40 Light's large size and slow movement, it makes for a perfect target, since the SF40 Light's sluggishness may make evasion of these entirely impossible. Enemy aircraft should be prioritized.

Ammunition Choices

For the 20 mm Flakvierling 38 guns, 20 mm HET magazines should be the primary ammunition choice, since it contains the highest ratio of HE to AP rounds and, thus, is the most effective against enemy boats and aircraft. The maximum range of the HE rounds is roughly 2.0 km, while the AP rounds can reach a little further to 2.3 km, though there isn't much point in using the 20 mm APT magazines for this purpose. Still, several 20 mm APT magazines should for the occasional armoured targets.

The primary ammunition choice of the 37 mm FlaK-Lafette C/36, or rather the only one that should really be taken, is 37 mm HE clips, again because of the higher HE to AP ratio. While the AP in this gun is more powerful than that of the 20 mm guns, there isn't much point to using it against surface targets because of its awkward firing arcs. It is, however, fantastic as an anti-aircraft gun.

Enemies worth noting:

  • Various destroyers (Leopard, USS Barker, Frunze): due to its BR, the SF40 Light will face early destroyers with high-calibre guns that can be very deadly. Furthermore, the SF40 Light will be occasionally pitted in a larger maps that will further worsen its range and speed disadvantage, especially in encounter/conquest mode where you will be pretty much useless as everyone can outrange you. However, in a smaller map in domination mode, the SF40 Light's range and speed problem is somewhat negligible as everyone is closer to each other and that the larger vessels have to navigate through shallow waters to capture the base and bring themselves into your effective range of fire.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very large amount of 20 mm guns, 12 on target at once, 16 total
  • Strongest 20 mm HE and AP rounds compared to other 20 mm guns
  • High rate of fire and relatively quick reload time
  • High survivability
  • Great anti-aircraft coverage
  • Very high ammunition capacity

Cons:

  • Very low maximum speed and bad manoeuvrability
  • Approximately 2.5 km maximum range against small targets, 3.5 km against destroyers.
  • 3,7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 is inadequate against surface targets
  • May struggle against armoured targets due to lack of large-calibre armament
  • Large, high-priority target, easily spotted and attracts enemy bombs and torpedoes
  • If catching fire, it has a high chance of getting destroyed by ammunition detonation

History

In July 1940, in preparation for Operation Seelöwe (Operation Sea Lion), the German Wehrmacht required a large amount of ocean-going transport and landing craft for the planned invasion of Great Britain. With no suitable craft available within the Kriegsmarine, the task also fell to other branches of the German military. Design proposals were submitted by the Heer and Luftwaffe, where the idea piqued the interest of aircraft designer Friedrich Siebel.

He soon produced and presented a prototype, a catamaran made from two pontoons taken from an existing pontoon bridge design. The two pontoons were separated six metres apart and spanned by a wooden deck, with the entire craft powered by two aircraft engines. The design was seen as unsatisfactory due to its flimsy construction and low top speed of only 4 knots (7.4 km/h). Siebel produced another prototype in August 1940, this time with a steel-reinforced deck, the spacing between the pontoons reduced to 5.5 m, and the craft powered by two BMW 6U aircraft engines. This version solved the stability and speed problems of the previous prototype, increasing its top speed to 8 knots (14.8 km/h), and was met with enthusiasm by the Wehrmacht.

Named after its creator, the Siebelfähre (Siebel Ferry) proved to be a rather stable firing platform due to its catamaran design and wide width. The Luftwaffe experimented with an anti-aircraft version, mounting various anti-aircraft guns from 20 mm autocannons to the 8.8 cm Flak 36. These AAA versions were planned to provide anti-aircraft cover for the main landing force in the invasion. An order for 400 Siebelfähren was placed; however, in October 1940, Operation Seelöwe was cancelled before the order could be completed. Nevertheless, in 1941, the Luftwaffe continued to produce Siebelfähren. These new ones, along with any that had already been built, would be used by the Luftwaffe and Heer as transport craft, minelayers, AAA barges, and gunboats in the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Baltic Sea until the end of the war in 1945.

Media

Skins
Videos
Naval CBT - SF40 Light/Heavy review - TheCat PlaysGamez
Unmatched Firepower - SF40 Leichte Flak Barge - Naval Forces - Virus

See also

External links


Germany barges
Anti-air ferries  SF40 Light · SF40 Heavy
Naval ferry barges  AF D1 · AF D3

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