Difference between revisions of "Wiesel 1A2"

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m (The TOW-2B Vertical ATGM was not noted as being vertical, which is an important distinction considering it only has 100mm of penetration.)
(Mobility)
 
(20 intermediate revisions by 6 users not shown)
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].
 +
 +
A tiny tankette with a big punch, the Wiesel 1A2 allows players to utilize the vehicle's tiny profile to bring the TOW anti-tank missile wherever they wish in the battlefield, just so long as they are not seen first.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 17: Line 19:
 
{{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.''
+
The armour on the Wiesel 1A2 is more likely meant for keeping the crew members out of the weather elements than actually for protecting the crew from any form of gunfire barring the weakest rifle-calibre ammunition. The 60° slope on the front of the tank will only spare the crew from rifle-calibre machine gun fire, providing about ~25 mm of protection against projectiles. Against heavy machine gun fire and large calibres, the front plate will be pierced, and the crew and ammo will quickly take damage.
 +
 
 +
In terms of survivability, the Wiesel performs rather poorly there as well. Being a compact tank, the crew of 3 men and the ammunition are cramped together, turning any penetration of the tank into a crew knock out, if not an outright ammo rack detonation since the racks are sitting behind the commander and the gunner. The only saving grace is the frontally left-mounted engine and transmission, which on extreme occasion will absorb an incoming projectile, even a main battle tank shell, but again, this is a rare occurrence.
  
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
Line 27: Line 31:
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Hull || 8 mm (60°) || 8 mm ''Top'' <br> 8 mm ''Bottom'' || 8 mm || 6 - 8 mm
|-
 
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
 
|-
 
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 +
The mobility of the Wiesel 1A2 is quite excellent, boasting 30 horsepower per ton with 87 hp (spaded) on a 2.9t chassis. With such acceleration, the Wiesel can quickly reach its top speed on both hard road and grassland. The Wiesel does quite well climbing hills and steep inclines when spaded. Commanders of a spaded Wiesel can expect the tank to reach a top speed of about 51 km/h on grass dirt terrain, and about 65 km/h on roads, although higher speeds can be achieved in prolonged straight-line dashes.
  
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=124|rbMinHp=77}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=124|rbMinHp=77}}
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=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 +
The modification acquisition order for the Wiesel differs from other tanks severely. After getting Parts and FPE, the modification that should be pursued is the TOW-2A. Acquiring this missile will allow the Wiesel to frontally engage and kill any target at its BR with few exceptions, granting the tank a significant power boost. The next modification to be acquired is the thermals, as this will allow faster target acquisition and allow for more tolerable conditions in night battles. After the previously mentioned modifications are obtained, all other modifications are to be gathered at the user's preference.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
Line 71: Line 74:
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:BGM-71 TOW/Ammunition|TOW-2, TOW-2A, TOW-2B}}
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
|-
 
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
|-
 
| TOW-2 || ATGM || 800 || 800 || 800 || 800 || 800 || 800
 
|-
 
| TOW-2A || ATGM (tandem) || 800 || 800 || 800 || 800 || 800 || 800
 
|-
 
| TOW-2B || ATGM  (vertical) || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100 || 100
 
|-
 
|}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
! rowspan="2" | Range<br>(m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
|-
 
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
|-
 
| TOW-2 || ATGM || 329 || 3,750 || 21.45 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 4,100 || 80° || 82° || 90°
 
|-
 
| TOW-2A || ATGM (tandem) || 329 || 3,750 || 22.63 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 4,190 || 80° || 82° || 90°
 
|-
 
| TOW-2B || ATGM || 309 || 3,750 || 22.59 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 3,140 || 80° || 82° || 90°
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.19.0.85''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 119: Line 85:
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 
! 3rd<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
 
|-
 
|-
| '''8''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| '''8''' || 2&nbsp;''(+6)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+7)'' || 0&nbsp;''(+8)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 +
* Missiles are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 +
* Missiles deplete from rack 1 then 2. Rack 3 represents the ATGM launcher.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
Line 139: Line 106:
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
| Pintle || 1,000 (1,000) || 1,200 || -10°/+50° || -30°/+120°
+
| Pintle || 1,000 (200) || 1,200 || -10°/+50° || -30°/+120°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== 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).''
+
The primary use of the Wiesel 1A2 should be as an ambush tank destroyer. Utilizing the ATGM's impressive depression angle of -20° to conceal the Wiesel on the tops of hills and in ditches allow the player to be all but invisible to enemy armour. In environments that lack such features such as cities, the Wiesel is able to best fulfill its role by hiding in corners and dead ends angles so that an enemy approaching the Wiesel will not be able to react in time. Due to the long reload of the ATGM paired with the paper-thin armour, it is not recommended to brawl with this tankette. However, if the Wiesel has the element of surprise, the punchy TOW-2A can deliver a killing blow in a single hit. Another aspect to note is the insanely good power-to-weight ratio, allowing Wiesel to climb steep inclines and to access locations not often accessible to most tanks. Use this mobility to place the Wiesel in a spot where enemy tanks will not be expecting it.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 167: Line 134:
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the 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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the 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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the 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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
The Wiesel was developed for German airborne troops due to their inadequate equipment used to fight enemy MBTs in 1970s. Requirements were that the vehicle is transportable by NATO transport planes and eventually is air droppable. Another requirement from the Bundeswehr was capability of fighting infantry and aircraft. Some prototypes were made by Porsche in 1975 but Bundeswehr stopped the project in 1978 due to lack of funds. Porsche continued developing the project cause of interest from abroad. In 1985 Bundeswehr ordered 343 vehicles. Out of these, 210 were Wiesel 1A2 armed with TOW launcher and 133 were Wiesel 1 Mk20 armed with Rheinmetall Mk 20 RH-202 20 mm autocannon. Both variants were deployed to Somalia in 1993 as part of United Nations forces intervention.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_wiesel_1_tow Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
Line 192: Line 162:
  
 
* [[wt:en/news/7376-development-wiesel-armored-vehicles-mk20-tow-2-adwc-en|[Devblog] Wiesel armored vehicles: MK20/TOW/2 ADWC]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/7376-development-wiesel-armored-vehicles-mk20-tow-2-adwc-en|[Devblog] Wiesel armored vehicles: MK20/TOW/2 ADWC]]
 +
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiesel_AWC Wiesel AWC]
  
 
{{Germany tank destroyers}}
 
{{Germany tank destroyers}}

Latest revision as of 10:42, 31 March 2023

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the German tank destroyer Wiesel 1A2. For other versions, see Wiesel (Family).
Wiesel 1A2
germ_wiesel_1_tow.png
GarageImage Wiesel 1A2.jpg
ArtImage Wiesel 1A2.jpg
Wiesel 1A2
Research:260 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:710 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Waffenträger Wiesel 1A2 TOW is a rank VII German tank destroyer with a battle rating of 9.0 (AB) and 9.7 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update "Ground Breaking".

A tiny tankette with a big punch, the Wiesel 1A2 allows players to utilize the vehicle's tiny profile to bring the TOW anti-tank missile wherever they wish in the battlefield, just so long as they are not seen first.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull8 / 8 / 8
Turret0 / 0 / 0
Crew3 people
Visibility62 %

The armour on the Wiesel 1A2 is more likely meant for keeping the crew members out of the weather elements than actually for protecting the crew from any form of gunfire barring the weakest rifle-calibre ammunition. The 60° slope on the front of the tank will only spare the crew from rifle-calibre machine gun fire, providing about ~25 mm of protection against projectiles. Against heavy machine gun fire and large calibres, the front plate will be pierced, and the crew and ammo will quickly take damage.

In terms of survivability, the Wiesel performs rather poorly there as well. Being a compact tank, the crew of 3 men and the ammunition are cramped together, turning any penetration of the tank into a crew knock out, if not an outright ammo rack detonation since the racks are sitting behind the commander and the gunner. The only saving grace is the frontally left-mounted engine and transmission, which on extreme occasion will absorb an incoming projectile, even a main battle tank shell, but again, this is a rare occurrence.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 8 mm (60°) 8 mm Top
8 mm Bottom
8 mm 6 - 8 mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB87 / 32 km/h
RB and SB81 / 30 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
2 back
Weight2.9 t
Engine power
AB166 hp
RB and SB87 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB57.2 hp/t
RB and SB30.0 hp/t

The mobility of the Wiesel 1A2 is quite excellent, boasting 30 horsepower per ton with 87 hp (spaded) on a 2.9t chassis. With such acceleration, the Wiesel can quickly reach its top speed on both hard road and grassland. The Wiesel does quite well climbing hills and steep inclines when spaded. Commanders of a spaded Wiesel can expect the tank to reach a top speed of about 51 km/h on grass dirt terrain, and about 65 km/h on roads, although higher speeds can be achieved in prolonged straight-line dashes.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 87 32 2.9 124 166 42.76 57.24
Realistic 81 30 77 87 26.55 30

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 640 → 6 389 Sl icon.png
RB4 801 → 6 610 Sl icon.png
SB6 790 → 9 349 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications211 000 Rp icon.png
352 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 000 Sl icon.png
Experts710 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 080 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
160 / 210 / 250 % Sl icon.png
232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
30 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
30 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
152mm_us_tow_2a_ammo_pack
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
30 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
152mm_us_tow_2_ammo_pack
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png

The modification acquisition order for the Wiesel differs from other tanks severely. After getting Parts and FPE, the modification that should be pursued is the TOW-2A. Acquiring this missile will allow the Wiesel to frontally engage and kill any target at its BR with few exceptions, granting the tank a significant power boost. The next modification to be acquired is the thermals, as this will allow faster target acquisition and allow for more tolerable conditions in night battles. After the previously mentioned modifications are obtained, all other modifications are to be gathered at the user's preference.

Armaments

Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

BGM-71 TOW ATGM
Ammunition8 rounds
Belt capacity1 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
13.0 → 10.0 s
Fire rate7 shots/min
Vertical guidance-20° / 20°
Horizontal guidance-45° / 45°
Fire on the moveup to 5 km/h
Main article: BGM-71 TOW
BGM-71 TOW missile Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 8 ±20° ±45° N/A 26.4 36.5 44.3 49.0 52.1 13.00 11.50 10.60 10.00
Realistic 17.9 21.0 25.5 28.2 30.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
TOW-2 ATGM 800 800 800 800 800 800
TOW-2A ATGM (tandem) 800 800 800 800 800 800
TOW-2B ATGM (OTA) 100 100 100 100 100 100
Missile details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Range
(m)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
TOW-2 ATGM 329 3,750 21.45 0.05 0.1 4.41 80° 82° 90°
TOW-2A ATGM (tandem) 329 3,750 22.63 0.4 0.01 4.51 80° 82° 90°
Missile details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Range
(m)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Arming
distance (m)
Trigger
radius (m)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
TOW-2B ATGM (OTA) 309 3,750 22.59 0.05 0.1 30 3 3.38 80° 82° 90°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Wiesel 1A2
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
8 (+6) (+7) (+8) No

Notes:

  • Missiles are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Missiles deplete from rack 1 then 2. Rack 3 represents the ATGM launcher.

Machine guns

Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 200 shots/min
Main article: MG3A1 (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm MG3A1
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 1,000 (200) 1,200 -10°/+50° -30°/+120°

Usage in battles

The primary use of the Wiesel 1A2 should be as an ambush tank destroyer. Utilizing the ATGM's impressive depression angle of -20° to conceal the Wiesel on the tops of hills and in ditches allow the player to be all but invisible to enemy armour. In environments that lack such features such as cities, the Wiesel is able to best fulfill its role by hiding in corners and dead ends angles so that an enemy approaching the Wiesel will not be able to react in time. Due to the long reload of the ATGM paired with the paper-thin armour, it is not recommended to brawl with this tankette. However, if the Wiesel has the element of surprise, the punchy TOW-2A can deliver a killing blow in a single hit. Another aspect to note is the insanely good power-to-weight ratio, allowing Wiesel to climb steep inclines and to access locations not often accessible to most tanks. Use this mobility to place the Wiesel in a spot where enemy tanks will not be expecting it.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Great ATGM, including top-down attack modification for countersniping and NERA tanks
  • Good mobility
  • Small silhouette, making it easy to hide
  • Can properly hulldown behind short cover and has reasonable turret depression for the hills and high ground
  • Can scout while being an ATGM tank - renders smoke screens and cover useless in AB, makes it easier to call for help and to get a replacement in RB

Cons:

  • Almost no armour - can be broken, bullied and destroyed by using HMG or even LMG alone, will not sustain explosive damage either
  • While the crew is located low enough to survive some AP shots passing through the roof, the ammo racks are placed way too high, it is necessary to spend ammunition fast to survive
  • Low ATGM count, considering it can't stand up for itself in close quarters when rearming (Usually irrelevant in AB)
  • TOW-2B is a tier 4 upgrade, until then 1A2 is not much better than ATGMs of lower BR

History

The Wiesel was developed for German airborne troops due to their inadequate equipment used to fight enemy MBTs in 1970s. Requirements were that the vehicle is transportable by NATO transport planes and eventually is air droppable. Another requirement from the Bundeswehr was capability of fighting infantry and aircraft. Some prototypes were made by Porsche in 1975 but Bundeswehr stopped the project in 1978 due to lack of funds. Porsche continued developing the project cause of interest from abroad. In 1985 Bundeswehr ordered 343 vehicles. Out of these, 210 were Wiesel 1A2 armed with TOW launcher and 133 were Wiesel 1 Mk20 armed with Rheinmetall Mk 20 RH-202 20 mm autocannon. Both variants were deployed to Somalia in 1993 as part of United Nations forces intervention.

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

External links


Germany tank destroyers
Pz. I Derivatives  Panzerjäger I
Pz. II Derivatives  15cm sIG 33 B Sfl
Pz. 38(t) Derivatives  Marder III · Marder III H · Jagdpanzer 38(t)
Pz. III Derivatives  StuG III A · StuG III F · StuG III G · StuH 42 G
Pz. IV Derivatives  Jagdpanzer IV · Panzer IV/70(A) · Panzer IV/70(V) · Dicker Max · Nashorn · Brummbär · VFW
Pz. V Derivatives  Jagdpanther G1 · Bfw. Jagdpanther G1
Pz. VI Derivatives  Sturer Emil · Elefant · Ferdinand · 38 cm Sturmmörser · Jagdtiger
Wheeled/Half-track  8,8 cm Flak 37 Sfl. · Sd.Kfz.251/9 · Sd.Kfz.251/10 · Sd.Kfz.251/22 · Sd.Kfz.234/3 · Sd.Kfz.234/4 · 15 cm Pz.W.42
ATGM Carrier  RakJPz 2 · RakJPz 2 (HOT) · Wiesel 1A2
Other  Waffenträger · M109G · JPz 4-5 · Raketenautomat · VT1-2