Difference between revisions of "Gepard"

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{{Specs-Card|code=germ_flakpz_I_Gepard}}
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{{About
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| about = German SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = the other version
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| link = Gepard 1A2
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}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=germ_flakpz_I_Gepard
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
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}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
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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.'' -->
 +
The '''Flugabwehrkanonenpanzer (Flakpanzer) Gepard''' is a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun designed to operate in all weather conditions. It was created in the 1960s, deployed in the 1970s, and has since been updated several times with cutting-edge technologies to keep up with modern warfare. It is equipped with twin 35 mm Oerlikon KDA autocannons mounted on the chassis of a Leopard 1 main battle tank and has served as a cornerstone of air defence for the German Army and several other NATO countries. The turret has a full traverse, providing complete coverage for the system. The search and tracking radars are also mounted on the chassis, behind and in front of the turret, respectively.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update 1.63 "Desert Hunters"]], the Flakpanzer Gepard is a capable weapon platform that can provide reliable cover from enemy air attacks for friendly ground units. This vehicle, outfitted with search and tracking radars, can actively scan the skies for hostile air units and provide a lead indicator once locked onto the target. It also has some minor anti-ground capabilities, but it is not recommended that it be used extensively in anti-ground roles. It is recommended to wait for enemy aircraft to approach before unleashing a barrage of shells to make it difficult to dodge and avoid. To conserve ammunition and prevent overheating of the cannons, always shoot in bursts.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpfull for survival in combat?''
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{{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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
Common among almost all SPAAs, the Gepard's armour can only withstand heavy machine guns and aircraft cannons and such, even other SPAAs and light tanks will pose a threat. Having 30mm of armour at its thickest point, in the game, the Gepard can be hull broken by shells of a calibre of 75mm and higher.
 +
 
 +
[[File:X-RayImage TopView Gepard.jpg|thumb]]
 +
 
 +
The Gepard has a crew of 3, consisting of a gunner, a commander and a driver with the first 2 residing in the turret and the third in the hull. The ammunition is stored in its entirety in the turret basket, below the crew; in practice, the Gepard is rarely ammo racked, and most often it is your crew that will be knocked out or the tank being burned down by chemical munitions fired from enemy aircraft that it faces, such as helicopters and jet attack aircraft which are both a threat and a tricky target.
 +
 
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
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{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 30 (59°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 30 mm (48°) ''Lower glacis'' <br> || 25 mm (40-41°) ''Top'' <br> 20 mm ''Lower'' || 20 mm (6°) ''Top'' <br> 20 mm (49°) ''Bottom'' || 30 mm ''Driver/Co-driver port area'' <br> 15 mm ''Everywhere else''
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 25 mm (1-30°) || 20 mm ''Turret side'' <br> 10 mm ''Cannon mounts'' || 20 mm (3°) || 15 mm
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''
+
{{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.'' -->
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 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,179|rbMinHp=734}}
 +
 
 +
Having the chassis of the Leopard 1, the {{PAGENAME}} is almost identical in mobility to the MBT, possessing the same engine power, making it useful at capturing zones and getting out of harm's way.
 +
 
 +
Its top speed is 57 km/h forward and -22 km/h backwards, with acceleration time and neutral steering speed depending on the installed modules.
 +
The engine is the same as in the Leopard 1, the MTU (Motoren- und Turbinen-Union Friedrichshafen GmbH) MB 838 CaM-500 610 kW outputting 830 hp at 2200 rpm.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibilty of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
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<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 +
{{main|Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The armament consists of 2 x 35 mm Oerlikon KDA cannons with 340 RPG with a quick, fixed fire rate and can make use of 3 types of munitions:
 +
 
 +
* High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying, note that the self-destruction range coincides with the radar's lead indicator maximum distance, making the shell inadequate at longer ranges)
 +
* Armour-piercing incendiary tracer, which can be used against lightly armoured vehicles and enemy SPAAs, though the damage to enemy aircraft is reduced, the shell can be used outside radar range since it does not self destruct
 +
* High-velocity armour-piercing tracer (APDS), which can be used against targets mentioned above and additionally, can be used to attack the side profile of enemy MBTs with reasonable effectiveness. Use against air targets is possible but the damage output is highly reduced.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | [[Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)|35 mm Oerlikon KDA]] (x2) || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 +
|-
 +
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
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|-
 +
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 680 (320) || rowspan="2" | 550 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 79.3 || 109.7 || 133.2 || 147.3 || 156.7 || rowspan="2" | 1.30 || rowspan="2" | 1.15 || rowspan="2" | 1.06 || rowspan="2" | 1.00
 +
|-
 +
! ''Realistic''
 +
| 53.5 || 63.0 || 76.5 || 84.6 || 90.0
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Ammunition ====
 +
 
 +
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
 +
* '''DM11A1:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
 +
* '''DM13:''' {{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
 +
* '''DM23:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}
 +
 
 +
{{:Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)/Ammunition|HEI-T*, API-T*, APDS}}
  
−
=== Additional armament ===
+
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.23.0.42''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! Full<br>ammo
 +
! Ammo<br>type
 +
! 1st<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
| '''4 <br> 680''' || ''Belts'' <br> ''Rounds'' || 0&nbsp;''(+4)'' <br> 0&nbsp;''(+680)'' || Yes
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
  
−
=== Machine guns ===
+
* The rack empties when all rounds are spent.
−
''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft, but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''
+
* The visual discrepancy concerns the number of belts: 4 belts can be fired but only 2 are modeled.
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
===Radars===
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
{{main|MPDR 12|Albis}}
 +
The Gepard is equipped with a [[MPDR 12]] search radar and an [[Albis]] tracking radar. Both radars are located on the turret, the MPDR 12 is mounted at the rear of the turret and folds back when not in use, the Albis is mounted on the front of the turret. The radar system is capable of tracking a target while scanning, but can only track targets within a 200° arc from the front of the turret.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
! colspan="5" | [[MPDR 12]] - Target Detection Radar
 +
|-
 +
! {{Annotation|Maximum<br/>Detection<br/>Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br/>Detection<br/>Range|The range, below which, a target cannot be detected}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth<br/>Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation<br/>Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br/>relative speed|The minimum speed a target must be moving, relative to the radar, in order to be detectable by the radar}}
 +
|-
 +
| 15,000 m || 500 m || 360° || ??? || 10 m/s (36 km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[Albis]] - Target Tracking Radar
 +
|-
 +
! {{Annotation|Maximum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking<br/>Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking<br/>Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br/>target speed|The minimum speed a target must be moving, relative to the radar, in order to be tracked by the radar}}
 +
|-
 +
| 15,000 m || 75 m || ±100° || -20°/+85° || 15 m/s (54 km/h)
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
The Gepard performs best when stalking enemy aircraft, scanning the sky for a target and waiting until it gets in range of the radar, and only attacking when the radar can provide a lead estimation, thus preserving ammunition which is critical since the cannons will expend it quickly in combat situations. Helicopters will more than often chose to keep a reasonable distance, usually outside your radar's range but this can be countered by using the API-T rounds in short burst until the range of the enemy has been deduced, it only takes a few rounds to destroy an enemy aircraft.
 +
 
 +
Engaging ground vehicles comes with the risk of being destroyed without doing any significant damage so weigh your options carefully, unsuspecting light tanks are fair game but most tanks will pose a threat even when attacking their side without the appropriate ammunition belts.
 +
 
 +
Capturing points is also an option thanks to the good mobility of the vehicle, although you will have to make sure the capture point is clear and there is no risk of being attacked by an enemy tank.
 +
 
 +
Against enemy threats:
 +
 
 +
* Arcade: Keep your head on a swivel, and when enemies start air battles be prepared to react very soon; jets can reach the battle in seconds. Try to fire as soon as the enemy reaches within 2 kilometres, any closer and you risk the aircraft being able to open fire on you or even ram you and induce Hull Break. Helicopters should be treated with a similar deal of respect, so try to limit the amount of time they have within firing range by coating them in a blank of anti-air fire as soon as the lead indicator appears.
 +
 
 +
* Realistic/Simulator: If using the Gepard in higher rank games, be mindful of aircraft such as the [[AH-1Z]] and [[FJ-4B VMF-232]]. Their long-range guided missiles allow them to attack you outside of the range of your lead indicator or even out of the range of your guns themselves. Stay hidden until they draw closer, and then attempt to "ambush" them as they are pre-occupied attacking other allies. Stay away from common traffic areas if your only goal is to take out these aircraft, and try to sneak as close as possible to them so that you can re-acquire the lead indicator. Thanks to the fact the Gepard is vulnerable to being hull-broken, it only takes a missile landing near to completely disable the anti-aircraft vehicle.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Has the mobility of the Leopard tank, though the increased weight is noticeable
 +
* Very fast turret rotation
 +
* Good stock grind thanks to its already good gun handling
 +
* Can penetrate many tanks from the side even with its default belt
 +
* High penetration with DM23 belt that is also cheaper to restock than other belts
 +
* Twin 35 mm cannons are very deadly against both aircraft and tanks with a high rate of fire and accuracy
 +
* Has stabilizer -  can shoot targets while on the move, air and ground ones alike
 +
* Good amount of ammo in reserve
 +
* Search and tracking radars, the search radar finds targets while the tracking radar gives a very accurate lead indicator
 +
* Search radar dish can be folded when not in use to reduce vehicle height and visibility
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Relatively high profile, and a spinning radar dish atop the vehicle
 +
* Very thin armour that can be easily destroyed by overpressure
 +
* Cannons are mounted on the sides of the turret that can make shooting weak spots at close range almost impossible
 +
* Relatively low rate-of-fire compared to the [[M163]] and [[ZSU-23-4]]
 +
* Incredibly long reload time when all ammo is expended
 +
* Can only take 40 x DM23s to battle, must be fired very carefully
 +
* Expensive unlockable ammo belts (except the DM23 belt)
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
===Development===
 +
Development began on a dedicated self-propelled anti-aircraft gun for the German Bundeswehr in the 1960s. The first pilot models were produced in 1969 testing 30 and 35 mm autocannons for the armament. The decision to use a 35 mm autocannon as the basis of the anti-aircraft armament came on 25 June 1970. In 1971 the second phase of pilot models was tested, the Dutch Army expressed interest in the project and ordered a few models once completed. It was around this phase that the [[Leopard I|Leopard 1]] was chosen as the chassis of the vehicle, and a modified variant was produced. In September 1973, the order was made to Krauss-Maffei manufacturer to produce 432 turret and 430 hulls. The Bundeswehr accepted the vehicle as to the '''Flugabwehrkanonenpanzer Gepard''' (''Anti-aircraft cannon tank "Cheetah"''), or better known as the '''Flakpanzer Gepard'''. At least 430 Flakpanzer Gepard units were produced in total from 1973 onwards.
 +
 
 +
===Design===
 +
The Flakpanzer Gepard uses the 35 mm Oerlikon KDA autocannon, which was a dual-mounted cannon that each can fire around 550 rounds per minute. The Gepard has a search radar on the back, a tracking radar in front, and a laser range finder in the front to track air targets. The Flakpanzer Gepard uses a modified Leopard chassis, modified by different wheel spacing and battery placement. The vehicle was powered by a multi-fuel engine capable of pumping around 819 horsepower. There was also an auxiliary engine that powers the turret functions so the main engine can run the vehicle unhindered by additional energy requirement. The Gepard as a whole actually cost three times more than a standard Leopard 1 tank, possibly due to all the guidance system and radars needed to make the Gepard an effective anti-aircraft gun.
 +
 
 +
===Usage===
 +
The Gepard entered service in the German Bundeswehr in 1973 and made up a core of West Germany's anti-aircraft power. The Gepard was constantly upgraded with better guidance systems and other electronic hardware. From the 1980s onward, the Gepard units were attached to Stinger surface-to-air missile systems to exploit the Gepard's extended tracking system to locate targets for the Stingers. A proposal was made to combine these two units into one vehicle with a dual Stinger launcher mounted onto a Gepard, but budget restrictions prevented this. The Flakpanzer Gepard still sees use today in the storage of the Bundeswehr, although in reduced numbers from 377 originally to just 94. They are expected to be replaced by the SysFla project, which is a stationary and mobile platform armed with the MANTIS gun system and the new LFK NG missiles.
 +
 
 +
The Gepards were successful in the export market. The first to order were Belgium and the Dutch, 55 and 95 units respectively. When the Bundeswehr started the downsize their forces, their Gepards were sold to various countries such as Brazil, Romania, and Chile; though Chile returned their Gepards due to the high costs maintaining them. The Dutch also sold 60 of their surplus stock to Jordan. Belgium and the Dutch have recently withdrawn the Gepards from military service.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
  
−
== Read also ==
+
;Skins
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_flakpz_I_Gepard Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
 +
File:GarageImage Gepard (2).jpg
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|1R9OL0Hf-yw|'''The Shooting Range #33''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:30 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|naeDoEwZ5Pg|'''German SPAAs''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 5:30 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|8YLI7vBI88U|'''Gepard: Review & How To AAA''' - ''Napalmratte''}}
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''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.'' -->
−
''ETC.''
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
* [[Leopard I]]
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
 
 +
'''Similar SPAAs:'''
 +
 
 +
* [[ZSU-23-4]]
 +
* [[Chieftain Marksman]]
 +
* [[Type 87]]
 +
* [[M163]]
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* [[wt:en/news/4241-development-flakpz-i-gepard-the-second-and-last-of-its-name-en|[Devblog] Flakpanzer I Gepard - The second and last of its name]]
 +
* [[wikipedia:Flakpanzer_Gepard|[Wikipedia] Flakpanzer Gepard]]
 +
* [https://mtu-online-shop.com/media/files_public/952ae139f0fae50b15702ddf661cad33/3061601_MTU_Defense_Brochure.pdf MTU Defense Brochure]
 +
 
 +
{{TankManufacturer KMW}}
 +
{{Germany anti-aircraft vehicles}}

Revision as of 10:39, 29 February 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the German SPAA Gepard. For the other version, see Gepard 1A2.
Gepard
germ_flakpz_i_gepard.png
GarageImage Gepard.jpg
ArtImage Gepard.png
Gepard
Germany flag.png Germany
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
8.3 8.3 8.3
Class:
Research:135 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:380 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Flugabwehrkanonenpanzer (Flakpanzer) Gepard is a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun designed to operate in all weather conditions. It was created in the 1960s, deployed in the 1970s, and has since been updated several times with cutting-edge technologies to keep up with modern warfare. It is equipped with twin 35 mm Oerlikon KDA autocannons mounted on the chassis of a Leopard 1 main battle tank and has served as a cornerstone of air defence for the German Army and several other NATO countries. The turret has a full traverse, providing complete coverage for the system. The search and tracking radars are also mounted on the chassis, behind and in front of the turret, respectively.

Introduced in Update 1.63 "Desert Hunters", the Flakpanzer Gepard is a capable weapon platform that can provide reliable cover from enemy air attacks for friendly ground units. This vehicle, outfitted with search and tracking radars, can actively scan the skies for hostile air units and provide a lead indicator once locked onto the target. It also has some minor anti-ground capabilities, but it is not recommended that it be used extensively in anti-ground roles. It is recommended to wait for enemy aircraft to approach before unleashing a barrage of shells to make it difficult to dodge and avoid. To conserve ammunition and prevent overheating of the cannons, always shoot in bursts.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull30 / 25 / 20
Turret25 / 20 / 20
Crew3 people
Visibility313 %

Common among almost all SPAAs, the Gepard's armour can only withstand heavy machine guns and aircraft cannons and such, even other SPAAs and light tanks will pose a threat. Having 30mm of armour at its thickest point, in the game, the Gepard can be hull broken by shells of a calibre of 75mm and higher.

X-RayImage TopView Gepard.jpg

The Gepard has a crew of 3, consisting of a gunner, a commander and a driver with the first 2 residing in the turret and the third in the hull. The ammunition is stored in its entirety in the turret basket, below the crew; in practice, the Gepard is rarely ammo racked, and most often it is your crew that will be knocked out or the tank being burned down by chemical munitions fired from enemy aircraft that it faces, such as helicopters and jet attack aircraft which are both a threat and a tricky target.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 30 (59°) Front glacis
30 mm (48°) Lower glacis
25 mm (40-41°) Top
20 mm Lower 		20 mm (6°) Top
20 mm (49°) Bottom 		30 mm Driver/Co-driver port area
15 mm Everywhere else
Turret 25 mm (1-30°) 20 mm Turret side
10 mm Cannon mounts 		20 mm (3°) 15 mm

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB71 / 28 km/h
RB and SB66 / 26 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
4 back
Weight46.0 t
Engine power
AB1 584 hp
RB and SB830 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB34.4 hp/t
RB and SB18.0 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 71 28 46 1,179 1,584 25.63 34.43
Realistic 66 26 734 830 15.96 18.04

Having the chassis of the Leopard 1, the Gepard is almost identical in mobility to the MBT, possessing the same engine power, making it useful at capturing zones and getting out of harm's way.

Its top speed is 57 km/h forward and -22 km/h backwards, with acceleration time and neutral steering speed depending on the installed modules. The engine is the same as in the Leopard 1, the MTU (Motoren- und Turbinen-Union Friedrichshafen GmbH) MB 838 CaM-500 610 kW outputting 830 hp at 2200 rpm.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 894 → 6 621 Sl icon.png
RB4 187 → 5 665 Sl icon.png
SB5 265 → 7 123 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications112 200 Rp icon.png
193 400 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 300 Ge icon.png
Crew training110 000 Sl icon.png
Experts380 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces830 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 190 / 230 % Sl icon.png
208 / 208 / 208 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
5 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
5 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
7 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
7 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
35mm_kda_HE_ammo_pack
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
35mm_kda_APHEI_ammo_pack
Research:
5 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
5 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
7 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
7 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
35mm_kda_APDS_ammo_pack
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

2 x 35 mm Oerlikon KDA cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition680 rounds
Belt capacity320 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
1.3 → 1.0 s
Fire rate550 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 85°
Main article: Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)

The armament consists of 2 x 35 mm Oerlikon KDA cannons with 340 RPG with a quick, fixed fire rate and can make use of 3 types of munitions:

  • High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying, note that the self-destruction range coincides with the radar's lead indicator maximum distance, making the shell inadequate at longer ranges)
  • Armour-piercing incendiary tracer, which can be used against lightly armoured vehicles and enemy SPAAs, though the damage to enemy aircraft is reduced, the shell can be used outside radar range since it does not self destruct
  • High-velocity armour-piercing tracer (APDS), which can be used against targets mentioned above and additionally, can be used to attack the side profile of enemy MBTs with reasonable effectiveness. Use against air targets is possible but the damage output is highly reduced.
35 mm Oerlikon KDA (x2) 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 680 (320) 550 -10°/+85° ±180° Two-plane 79.3 109.7 133.2 147.3 156.7 1.30 1.15 1.06 1.00
Realistic 53.5 63.0 76.5 84.6 90.0

Ammunition

  • Default: API-T* · HEI-T*
  • DM11A1: HEI-T* · HEI-T* · HEI-T* · API-T*
  • DM13: API-T* · API-T* · API-T* · HEI-T*
  • DM23: APDS

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HEI-T* 11 11 9 8 6 5
API-T* 68 66 57 47 39 32
APDS 127 125 118 110 102 95
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEI-T* 1,175 0.55 0.1 0.1 204 79° 80° 81°
API-T* 1,175 0.55 1.2 9 37.4 47° 60° 65°
APDS 1,400 0.38 - - - 75° 78° 80°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Gepard
Full
ammo 		Ammo
type 		1st
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
4
680 		Belts
Rounds 		0 (+4)
0 (+680) 		Yes

Notes:

  • The rack empties when all rounds are spent.
  • The visual discrepancy concerns the number of belts: 4 belts can be fired but only 2 are modeled.

Radars

Main articles: MPDR 12, Albis

The Gepard is equipped with a MPDR 12 search radar and an Albis tracking radar. Both radars are located on the turret, the MPDR 12 is mounted at the rear of the turret and folds back when not in use, the Albis is mounted on the front of the turret. The radar system is capable of tracking a target while scanning, but can only track targets within a 200° arc from the front of the turret.

MPDR 12 - Target Detection Radar
Maximum
Detection
Range 		Minimum
Detection
Range 		Max Azimuth
Scan Angle 		Max Elevation
Scan Angle 		Minimum
relative speed
15,000 m 500 m 360°  ??? 10 m/s (36 km/h)
Albis - Target Tracking Radar
Maximum
Tracking
Range 		Minimum
Tracking
Range 		Azimuth Tracking
Angle 		Elevation Tracking
Angle 		Minimum
target speed
15,000 m 75 m ±100° -20°/+85° 15 m/s (54 km/h)

Usage in battles

The Gepard performs best when stalking enemy aircraft, scanning the sky for a target and waiting until it gets in range of the radar, and only attacking when the radar can provide a lead estimation, thus preserving ammunition which is critical since the cannons will expend it quickly in combat situations. Helicopters will more than often chose to keep a reasonable distance, usually outside your radar's range but this can be countered by using the API-T rounds in short burst until the range of the enemy has been deduced, it only takes a few rounds to destroy an enemy aircraft.

Engaging ground vehicles comes with the risk of being destroyed without doing any significant damage so weigh your options carefully, unsuspecting light tanks are fair game but most tanks will pose a threat even when attacking their side without the appropriate ammunition belts.

Capturing points is also an option thanks to the good mobility of the vehicle, although you will have to make sure the capture point is clear and there is no risk of being attacked by an enemy tank.

Against enemy threats:

  • Arcade: Keep your head on a swivel, and when enemies start air battles be prepared to react very soon; jets can reach the battle in seconds. Try to fire as soon as the enemy reaches within 2 kilometres, any closer and you risk the aircraft being able to open fire on you or even ram you and induce Hull Break. Helicopters should be treated with a similar deal of respect, so try to limit the amount of time they have within firing range by coating them in a blank of anti-air fire as soon as the lead indicator appears.
  • Realistic/Simulator: If using the Gepard in higher rank games, be mindful of aircraft such as the AH-1Z and FJ-4B VMF-232. Their long-range guided missiles allow them to attack you outside of the range of your lead indicator or even out of the range of your guns themselves. Stay hidden until they draw closer, and then attempt to "ambush" them as they are pre-occupied attacking other allies. Stay away from common traffic areas if your only goal is to take out these aircraft, and try to sneak as close as possible to them so that you can re-acquire the lead indicator. Thanks to the fact the Gepard is vulnerable to being hull-broken, it only takes a missile landing near to completely disable the anti-aircraft vehicle.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Has the mobility of the Leopard tank, though the increased weight is noticeable
  • Very fast turret rotation
  • Good stock grind thanks to its already good gun handling
  • Can penetrate many tanks from the side even with its default belt
  • High penetration with DM23 belt that is also cheaper to restock than other belts
  • Twin 35 mm cannons are very deadly against both aircraft and tanks with a high rate of fire and accuracy
  • Has stabilizer - can shoot targets while on the move, air and ground ones alike
  • Good amount of ammo in reserve
  • Search and tracking radars, the search radar finds targets while the tracking radar gives a very accurate lead indicator
  • Search radar dish can be folded when not in use to reduce vehicle height and visibility

Cons:

  • Relatively high profile, and a spinning radar dish atop the vehicle
  • Very thin armour that can be easily destroyed by overpressure
  • Cannons are mounted on the sides of the turret that can make shooting weak spots at close range almost impossible
  • Relatively low rate-of-fire compared to the M163 and ZSU-23-4
  • Incredibly long reload time when all ammo is expended
  • Can only take 40 x DM23s to battle, must be fired very carefully
  • Expensive unlockable ammo belts (except the DM23 belt)

History

Development

Development began on a dedicated self-propelled anti-aircraft gun for the German Bundeswehr in the 1960s. The first pilot models were produced in 1969 testing 30 and 35 mm autocannons for the armament. The decision to use a 35 mm autocannon as the basis of the anti-aircraft armament came on 25 June 1970. In 1971 the second phase of pilot models was tested, the Dutch Army expressed interest in the project and ordered a few models once completed. It was around this phase that the Leopard 1 was chosen as the chassis of the vehicle, and a modified variant was produced. In September 1973, the order was made to Krauss-Maffei manufacturer to produce 432 turret and 430 hulls. The Bundeswehr accepted the vehicle as to the Flugabwehrkanonenpanzer Gepard (Anti-aircraft cannon tank "Cheetah"), or better known as the Flakpanzer Gepard. At least 430 Flakpanzer Gepard units were produced in total from 1973 onwards.

Design

The Flakpanzer Gepard uses the 35 mm Oerlikon KDA autocannon, which was a dual-mounted cannon that each can fire around 550 rounds per minute. The Gepard has a search radar on the back, a tracking radar in front, and a laser range finder in the front to track air targets. The Flakpanzer Gepard uses a modified Leopard chassis, modified by different wheel spacing and battery placement. The vehicle was powered by a multi-fuel engine capable of pumping around 819 horsepower. There was also an auxiliary engine that powers the turret functions so the main engine can run the vehicle unhindered by additional energy requirement. The Gepard as a whole actually cost three times more than a standard Leopard 1 tank, possibly due to all the guidance system and radars needed to make the Gepard an effective anti-aircraft gun.

Usage

The Gepard entered service in the German Bundeswehr in 1973 and made up a core of West Germany's anti-aircraft power. The Gepard was constantly upgraded with better guidance systems and other electronic hardware. From the 1980s onward, the Gepard units were attached to Stinger surface-to-air missile systems to exploit the Gepard's extended tracking system to locate targets for the Stingers. A proposal was made to combine these two units into one vehicle with a dual Stinger launcher mounted onto a Gepard, but budget restrictions prevented this. The Flakpanzer Gepard still sees use today in the storage of the Bundeswehr, although in reduced numbers from 377 originally to just 94. They are expected to be replaced by the SysFla project, which is a stationary and mobile platform armed with the MANTIS gun system and the new LFK NG missiles.

The Gepards were successful in the export market. The first to order were Belgium and the Dutch, 55 and 95 units respectively. When the Bundeswehr started the downsize their forces, their Gepards were sold to various countries such as Brazil, Romania, and Chile; though Chile returned their Gepards due to the high costs maintaining them. The Dutch also sold 60 of their surplus stock to Jordan. Belgium and the Dutch have recently withdrawn the Gepards from military service.

Media

Skins
Images
  • GarageImage Gepard (2).jpg
Videos
The Shooting Range #33 - Metal Beasts section at 00:30 discusses the Gepard.
German SPAAs discusses the Gepard at 5:30 - War Thunder Official Channel
Gepard: Review & How To AAA - Napalmratte

See also

Similar SPAAs:

External links


Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW)
MBTs 
Leopard 1  Leopard I · Leopard A1A1 · Leopard A1A1 (L/44) · Leopard 1A5 · C2A1
Leopard 2  PT-16/T14 mod. · Leopard 2K · Leopard 2A4 · Leopard 2 (PzBtl 123) · Leopard 2A4M · Leopard 2 PL · Leopard 2A5 · Leopard 2 PSO · Leopard 2A6 · Leopard 2A7V
KPz-70  KPz-70*
  *By the Deutsche Entwicklungsgesellschaft consortium, in collaboration with the General Motors Company.
IFVs  PUMA
SPAAs  Gepard · Gepard 1A2
Export 
Leopard 1  ▄Leopard 1A5 · Leopard 1A5NO2
Leopard 2  Strv 121 · ▄Leopard 2A4 · ◔Leopard 2A4 · ▄Leopard 2A6 · Leopard 2A7HU
See Also  BAE Systems AB

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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