Difference between revisions of "Waffentrager"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=germ_waffentrager_krupp_steyr
 
|code=germ_waffentrager_krupp_steyr
−
|display_name=Waffenträger}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png }}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]]. Waffenträger translates to "weapon carrier" in English.
−
{{Break}}
+
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]].
+
The Waffenträger 88 mm PaK 43/3 is a German prototype tank destroyer from World War II. With its default yellow camouflage, low profile, and 88 mm cannon, the Waffenträger is a versatile tank destroyer that can play many roles and offer new playstyles that are not possible with conventional turretless German tank destroyers. The vehicle had a single 88 mm PaK43/3 gun and no secondary armament. It was assumed from the start that the new tank destroyer would be as simple in construction and design as possible, that the crew compartment would only be marginally protected, and that the vehicle would enter production as soon as possible.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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.'' -->
 +
The Waffenträger is extremely vulnerable in a combat zone due to its extremely weak armour and open-topped design. Even if the thin armour may not set off the fuse of enemy shells, the extensive placement of ammunition around the tank frequently results in explosions if the crew compartment at the back of the tank is penetrated. Furthermore, any plane that spot the Waffenträger will not hesitate to strafe it, resulting in the vehicle's destruction. Remember that Waffenträger can be easily damaged by nearby explosions from bombs or artillery; always move or change position whenever you notice planes heading your way or an enemy artillery alert is displayed.
 +
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
  
Line 27: Line 31:
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
  
−
* Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick and tracks are 30 mm thick.
+
* Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, and tracks are 30 mm thick.
 
* Belly armour is 5 mm thick.
 
* Belly armour is 5 mm thick.
 
* A 10 mm structural steel plate covers the engine from the crew.
 
* A 10 mm structural steel plate covers the engine from the crew.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== 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 Waffenträger's mobility is suboptimal, and it frequently fails to react quickly enough to the sudden appearance of enemy tanks in close combat. Due to its slow turret traverse speed and slow top speed, it can be difficult to reach advantageous positions ahead of time against enemy light tanks at the start of the match. This, combined with the fact that the engine is located in front of the tank, makes it easy for enemy gunfire to disable the vehicle. To maximise your reaction time, always plan your route ahead of time and keep some distance between yourself and the main combat zone.
  
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=199|rbMinHp=124}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=199|rbMinHp=124}}
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 +
After the Parts and FPE modifications, the most useful upgrades are the Horizontal Drive, Adjustment of Fire, and Mobility modules.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
{{main|PaK43 (88 mm)}}
 
{{main|PaK43 (88 mm)}}
Line 50: Line 63:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 30 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+45° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 11.33 || 15.68 || 19.04 || 21.06 || 22.40 || rowspan="2" | 11.05 || rowspan="2" | 9.78 || rowspan="2" | 9.01 || rowspan="2" | 8.50
+
| rowspan="2" | 30 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+45° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 12.3 || 17.1 || 20.7 || 22.9 || 24.4 || rowspan="2" | 11.05 || rowspan="2" | 9.78 || rowspan="2" | 9.01 || rowspan="2" | 8.50
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 8.33 || 9.80 || 11.90 || 13.16 || 14.00
+
| 8.3 || 9.8 || 11.9 || 13.2 || 14.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:PaK43 (88 mm)/Ammunition|PzGr 39/43, PzGr 40/43, Hl.Gr 39, Sprgr.43}}
−
! 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
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr 39/43 || APCBC || 237 || 234 || 222 || 207 || 194 || 181
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr 40/43 || APCR || 279 || 273 || 252 || 227 || 205 || 185
 
−
|-
 
−
| Hl.Gr 39 || HEAT || 110 || 110 || 110 || 110 || 110 || 110
 
−
|-
 
−
| Sprgr.43 || HE || 14 || 14 || 14 || 14 || 14 || 14
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! 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%
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr 39/43 || APCBC || 1,000 || 10.16 || 1.2 || 14.0 || 108.8 || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr 40/43 || APCR || 1,130 || 7.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Hl.Gr 39 || HEAT || 600 || 7.64 || 0.0 || 0.3 || 1,100 || 62° || 69° || 73°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Sprgr.43 || HE || 820 || 9.4 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 1,000 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[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: 2.9.0.83''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 110: Line 84:
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
−
! Recommendations
 
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''30''' || 26&nbsp;''(+4)'' || 21&nbsp;''(+9)'' || 16&nbsp;''(+14)'' || 11&nbsp;''(+19)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+29)'' || Right side empty: 21&nbsp;''(+9)'' || No
+
| '''30''' || 26&nbsp;''(+4)'' || 21&nbsp;''(+9)'' || 16&nbsp;''(+14)'' || 11&nbsp;''(+19)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+29)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
  
 +
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 +
* Right side empty: 21&nbsp;''(+9)'' shells.
 +
{{Clear}}
 
== 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).'' -->
−
Despite its fully-traversable turret, the Waffenträger is a classic tank destroyer. It has a fantastically powerful gun, which can defeat any heavy tank at this tier, even at long ranges. The shells have great penetration, great explosive filler, and very good velocity. The vehicle even has a better-than-average reload speed. (Note: keep in mind that the Waffenträger is not equipped with any machine guns.)
+
Despite its fully-traversable turret, the Waffenträger is a classic tank destroyer. It has a potent gun, which can defeat almost any heavy tank at this tier, even at long ranges. The shells have great penetration, great explosive filler, and above-average velocity for the tier. The vehicle even has a better-than-average reload speed. (Note: keep in mind that the Waffenträger is not equipped with any machine guns.)
  
−
However, this vehicle also has poor mobility. It's just slow (both forwards and in reverse), especially when stock, and acceleration is poor as well. The tank struggles on slopes, and is completely unsuited for close-up brawling. Another downside to this vehicle is its poor armour setup. Although the armour protection can defend against machine gun fire, any cannon shell will penetrate with ease. The vehicle may also be hullbroken by significantly large shells. And finally, the open-top turret compartment is vulnerable to aircraft and artillery fire. Therefore, it may be necessary to work with SPAA teammates and to find cover under trees or behind buildings.
+
However, this vehicle also has poor mobility. It's just slow (both forwards and reverse), especially when stock and acceleration are poor. The tank struggles on slopes and is completely unsuited for close-up brawling. Another downside to this vehicle is its poor armour setup. Although the armour protection can defend against machine-gun fire, any cannon shell will penetrate with ease. High explosive shells may also overpressure the vehicle. And finally, the open-top turret compartment is vulnerable to aircraft and artillery fire. Therefore, it may be necessary to work with SPAA teammates and find cover under trees or behind buildings.
  
−
Given the vehicle's advantages and disadvantages, a good way to play this vehicle is often in a sniping play-style. Staying hidden, keeping distance, and only exposing the vehicle in order to shoot capitalizes on the strength of the vehicle's gun while minimizing the effects of its weak armour. Additionally, it is very easy to hide this vehicle behind cover in a hull-down position, since it has a low profile and good gun depression.
+
In addition to the poor mobility, the Waffenträger suffers a lack of gun depression when the cannon is pivoted above the radio operator's or driver's hatch, so careful hull placement is required when engaging targets below your slope level. The Waffenträger also suffers a reduced reload rate due to its cramped turret, making the act of reloading the breech with the large shells difficult and awkward.
  
−
Alternatively, it may also be beneficial to employ a more ambush-based playstyle with this vehicle. But since this requires more close-up engagements, be careful to avoid lengthy brawls, where the Waffenträger's poor armour and mobility will hinder it greatly. Positioning is still very important. Finally, it may be sometimes possible to engage the enemy while orienting the vehicle sideways or backwards. This protects the engine and transmission from enemy fire, and prevents the protruding frontal optics ports from interfering with gun traverse and depression.
+
Given the vehicle's advantages and disadvantages, a good way to play this vehicle is often in a sniping play-style. Staying hidden, keeping distance, and only exposing the vehicle to shoot capitalizes on the strength of the vehicle's gun while minimizing the effects of its weak armour. Additionally, it is effortless to hide this vehicle behind cover in a hull-down position since it has a low profile and good gun depression.
  
−
=== Modules ===
+
Alternatively, it may also be beneficial to employ a more ambush-based playstyle with this vehicle. But since this requires more close-up engagements, be careful to avoid lengthy brawls, where the Waffenträger's poor armour and mobility will hinder it greatly. Positioning is still critical. Finally, it may be sometimes possible to engage the enemy while orienting the vehicle sideways or backwards. This protects the engine and transmission from enemy fire and prevents the protruding frontal optics ports from interfering with gun traverse and depression.
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Mobility
 
−
! Protection
 
−
! colspan="2" | Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Horizontal Drive
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Suspension
 
−
| Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire
 
−
| Hl.Gr 39
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Filters
 
−
|
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| Elevation Mechanism
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Transmission
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| PzGr 40/43
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
After the ''Parts'' modification, the most useful upgrades are the ''Horizontal Drive'', ''Adjustment of Fire''<sub>,</sub> and ''Mobility'' modules.
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 175: Line 116:
 
* Low profile construction makes the vehicle easily conceal
 
* Low profile construction makes the vehicle easily conceal
 
* Suspension and tracks cover a good portion of the lower side hull for protection
 
* Suspension and tracks cover a good portion of the lower side hull for protection
−
* All AP and APHE shells over-pierce the tank without dealing much damage due to the very thin armour
+
* All AP and APHE shells over-pierce the tank without dealing much damage due to the fragile armour
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Open-top turret crew vulnerable to shrapnel, machine guns, air strikes, artillery, and such
+
* Open-top turret crew vulnerable to shrapnel, machine guns, airstrikes, artillery, and such
 
* Gun recoil can jump the vehicle dramatically, throwing off the aim and bouncing the vehicle position
 
* Gun recoil can jump the vehicle dramatically, throwing off the aim and bouncing the vehicle position
−
* Very thin overall armour of between 10-20 mm
+
* Thin overall armour of between 10-20 mm
 
* 5 mm roof armour means an aerial attack is deadly
 
* 5 mm roof armour means an aerial attack is deadly
 
* 5 mm belly armour makes any HE shots able to penetrate through the bottom
 
* 5 mm belly armour makes any HE shots able to penetrate through the bottom
 
* Front-mounted engine and transmission means both can be knocked out with a front shot, immobilizing the vehicle
 
* Front-mounted engine and transmission means both can be knocked out with a front shot, immobilizing the vehicle
 
* Poor acceleration
 
* Poor acceleration
 +
* Hatches on the front of the tank can disrupt the aim
  
 
== 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).'' -->
 
===Development===
 
===Development===
−
In as early as 1942, the German Wehrmacht was looking for a way to make large anti-tank guns easier to deploy and transport, but also should be able to fire the gun and fight on the front lines. Four major German companies (Krupp, Rheinmetall, Borsig, and Ardelt) took part in a tender of the Waffenamt (German Army Weapons Agency) in 1943 for the project. Then, in April 1944, the four companies presented their prototypes. With Krupp and Steyr working together on a design, and Rheinmetall and Borsig on their own. Both designs envisaged placing the 8.8 cm PaK 43 L / 71 in a lightly armoured, upwardly open, rotatable tower mounted on a hull of a Raupenschlepper Ost (a tracked artillery mover) to keep costs down and reduce complexity. However, the decision was made for the prototype of the last company, Ardelt, therefore making the Krupp-Steyr design unwanted by the Waffenamt.
+
In as early as 1942, the German Wehrmacht was looking for a way to make large anti-tank guns easier to deploy and transport and fire the gun and fight on the front lines. Four major German companies (Krupp, Rheinmetall, Borsig, and Ardelt) took part in a tender of the Waffenamt (German Army Weapons Agency) in 1943 for the project. Then, in April 1944, the four companies presented their prototypes. With Krupp and Steyr working together on a design, and Rheinmetall and Borsig on their own. Both designs envisaged placing the 8.8 cm PaK 43 L / 71 in a lightly armoured, upwardly open, rotatable tower mounted on a hull of a Raupenschlepper Ost (a tracked artillery mover) to keep costs down and reduce complexity. However, the decision was made for the prototype of the last company, Ardelt, therefore making the Krupp-Steyr design unwanted by the Waffenamt.
  
 
===Combat usage===
 
===Combat usage===
Line 197: Line 139:
 
== 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.'' -->
−
{{Youtube-gallery|e1e7dEJigJQ|'''The Shooting Range #74''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:36 discusses the Waffenträger.}}
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_waffentrager_krupp_steyr Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|qAwKjDka6xY|'''Waffenträger: Feisty Weapons Carrier''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|e1e7dEJigJQ|'''The Shooting Range #74''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:36 discusses the Waffenträger.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
Line 207: Line 156:
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  

Latest revision as of 19:51, 22 March 2024

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
Waffenträger
germ_waffentrager_krupp_steyr.png
GarageImage Waffentrager.jpg
ArtImage Waffentrager.png
Waffenträger
Germany flag.png Germany
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.7 5.7 5.7
Class:
Research:20 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:135 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Waffenträger Krupp-Steyr mit Pak 43 is a rank III German tank destroyer with a battle rating of 5.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.71 "New E.R.A.". Waffenträger translates to "weapon carrier" in English.

The Waffenträger 88 mm PaK 43/3 is a German prototype tank destroyer from World War II. With its default yellow camouflage, low profile, and 88 mm cannon, the Waffenträger is a versatile tank destroyer that can play many roles and offer new playstyles that are not possible with conventional turretless German tank destroyers. The vehicle had a single 88 mm PaK43/3 gun and no secondary armament. It was assumed from the start that the new tank destroyer would be as simple in construction and design as possible, that the crew compartment would only be marginally protected, and that the vehicle would enter production as soon as possible.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull20 / 10 / 10
Turret20 / 10 / 10
Crew4 people
Visibility68 %

The Waffenträger is extremely vulnerable in a combat zone due to its extremely weak armour and open-topped design. Even if the thin armour may not set off the fuse of enemy shells, the extensive placement of ammunition around the tank frequently results in explosions if the crew compartment at the back of the tank is penetrated. Furthermore, any plane that spot the Waffenträger will not hesitate to strafe it, resulting in the vehicle's destruction. Remember that Waffenträger can be easily damaged by nearby explosions from bombs or artillery; always move or change position whenever you notice planes heading your way or an enemy artillery alert is displayed.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 10 mm (76°), 20 mm (46°) Front glacis
5 mm (46°) Engine grille
20 mm (44°) Lower glacis
10 mm (46°) Crew ports 		10 mm (25°) Top
10 mm Bottom 		10 mm (26°) Top
10 mm (15°) Bottom 		5 mm
Turret 20 mm (41°) Turret front
20 mm (5-46°) Gun mantlet 		10 mm (22-24°) 10 mm (24°) N/A

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, and tracks are 30 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 5 mm thick.
  • A 10 mm structural steel plate covers the engine from the crew.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB38 / 8 km/h
RB and SB35 / 7 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
4 back
Weight16.3 t
Engine power
AB267 hp
RB and SB140 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB16.4 hp/t
RB and SB8.6 hp/t

The Waffenträger's mobility is suboptimal, and it frequently fails to react quickly enough to the sudden appearance of enemy tanks in close combat. Due to its slow turret traverse speed and slow top speed, it can be difficult to reach advantageous positions ahead of time against enemy light tanks at the start of the match. This, combined with the fact that the engine is located in front of the tank, makes it easy for enemy gunfire to disable the vehicle. To maximise your reaction time, always plan your route ahead of time and keep some distance between yourself and the main combat zone.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 38 8 16.3 199 267 12.21 16.38
Realistic 35 7 124 140 7.61 8.59

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 814 → 2 243 Sl icon.png
RB2 135 → 2 640 Sl icon.png
SB2 951 → 3 650 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications35 000 Rp icon.png
68 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 300 Ge icon.png
Crew training39 000 Sl icon.png
Experts135 000 Sl icon.png
Aces550 Ge icon.png
Research Aces390 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 150 / 190 % Sl icon.png
154 / 154 / 154 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
88mm_kwk_36_43_HEAT_ammo_pack
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
88mm_kwk_36_43_APCR_ammo_pack
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png

After the Parts and FPE modifications, the most useful upgrades are the Horizontal Drive, Adjustment of Fire, and Mobility modules.

Armaments

Main armament

88 mm PaK43 cannon
Ammunition30 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
11.1 → 8.5 s
Vertical guidance-8° / 45°
Main article: PaK43 (88 mm)
88 mm PaK43 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 30 -8°/+45° ±180° N/A 12.3 17.1 20.7 22.9 24.4 11.05 9.78 9.01 8.50
Realistic 8.3 9.8 11.9 13.2 14.0

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
PzGr 39/43 APCBC 237 234 222 207 193 180
PzGr 40/43 APCR 279 273 252 227 205 185
Hl.Gr 39 HEAT 110 110 110 110 110 110
Sprgr.43 HE 19 19 17 16 14 14
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
PzGr 39/43 APCBC 1,000 10.16 1.2 14 108.8 48° 63° 71°
PzGr 40/43 APCR 1,130 7.3 - - - 66° 70° 72°
Hl.Gr 39 HEAT 600 7.64 0 0.3 1,100 62° 69° 73°
Sprgr.43 HE 820 9.4 0.2 0.1 1,000 79° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Waffentrager
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
30 26 (+4) 21 (+9) 16 (+14) 11 (+19) 1 (+29) No

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Right side empty: 21 (+9) shells.

Usage in battles

Despite its fully-traversable turret, the Waffenträger is a classic tank destroyer. It has a potent gun, which can defeat almost any heavy tank at this tier, even at long ranges. The shells have great penetration, great explosive filler, and above-average velocity for the tier. The vehicle even has a better-than-average reload speed. (Note: keep in mind that the Waffenträger is not equipped with any machine guns.)

However, this vehicle also has poor mobility. It's just slow (both forwards and reverse), especially when stock and acceleration are poor. The tank struggles on slopes and is completely unsuited for close-up brawling. Another downside to this vehicle is its poor armour setup. Although the armour protection can defend against machine-gun fire, any cannon shell will penetrate with ease. High explosive shells may also overpressure the vehicle. And finally, the open-top turret compartment is vulnerable to aircraft and artillery fire. Therefore, it may be necessary to work with SPAA teammates and find cover under trees or behind buildings.

In addition to the poor mobility, the Waffenträger suffers a lack of gun depression when the cannon is pivoted above the radio operator's or driver's hatch, so careful hull placement is required when engaging targets below your slope level. The Waffenträger also suffers a reduced reload rate due to its cramped turret, making the act of reloading the breech with the large shells difficult and awkward.

Given the vehicle's advantages and disadvantages, a good way to play this vehicle is often in a sniping play-style. Staying hidden, keeping distance, and only exposing the vehicle to shoot capitalizes on the strength of the vehicle's gun while minimizing the effects of its weak armour. Additionally, it is effortless to hide this vehicle behind cover in a hull-down position since it has a low profile and good gun depression.

Alternatively, it may also be beneficial to employ a more ambush-based playstyle with this vehicle. But since this requires more close-up engagements, be careful to avoid lengthy brawls, where the Waffenträger's poor armour and mobility will hinder it greatly. Positioning is still critical. Finally, it may be sometimes possible to engage the enemy while orienting the vehicle sideways or backwards. This protects the engine and transmission from enemy fire and prevents the protruding frontal optics ports from interfering with gun traverse and depression.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • 88 mm PaK 43 gun power can destroy any vehicle it meets
  • Full rotating turret with the powerful gun
  • Decent -8° gun depression for hull-down positions
  • Low profile construction makes the vehicle easily conceal
  • Suspension and tracks cover a good portion of the lower side hull for protection
  • All AP and APHE shells over-pierce the tank without dealing much damage due to the fragile armour

Cons:

  • Open-top turret crew vulnerable to shrapnel, machine guns, airstrikes, artillery, and such
  • Gun recoil can jump the vehicle dramatically, throwing off the aim and bouncing the vehicle position
  • Thin overall armour of between 10-20 mm
  • 5 mm roof armour means an aerial attack is deadly
  • 5 mm belly armour makes any HE shots able to penetrate through the bottom
  • Front-mounted engine and transmission means both can be knocked out with a front shot, immobilizing the vehicle
  • Poor acceleration
  • Hatches on the front of the tank can disrupt the aim

History

Development

In as early as 1942, the German Wehrmacht was looking for a way to make large anti-tank guns easier to deploy and transport and fire the gun and fight on the front lines. Four major German companies (Krupp, Rheinmetall, Borsig, and Ardelt) took part in a tender of the Waffenamt (German Army Weapons Agency) in 1943 for the project. Then, in April 1944, the four companies presented their prototypes. With Krupp and Steyr working together on a design, and Rheinmetall and Borsig on their own. Both designs envisaged placing the 8.8 cm PaK 43 L / 71 in a lightly armoured, upwardly open, rotatable tower mounted on a hull of a Raupenschlepper Ost (a tracked artillery mover) to keep costs down and reduce complexity. However, the decision was made for the prototype of the last company, Ardelt, therefore making the Krupp-Steyr design unwanted by the Waffenamt.

Combat usage

Due to the design losing the tender, the tank never saw mass production or combat service. Only one wooden model and one prototype were manufactured on September 2, 1944.

Media

Skins
Videos
Waffenträger: Feisty Weapons Carrier - War Thunder Official Channel
The Shooting Range #74 - Metal Beasts section at 00:36 discusses the Waffenträger.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


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

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