Difference between revisions of "Churchill Crocodile"

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{{About
 +
| about = premium British heavy tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = Churchill (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=uk_a_22f_mk_7_churchill_crocodile
 
|code=uk_a_22f_mk_7_churchill_crocodile
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
|market=id50199_churchill_crocodile_great_britain
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} British heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]] as a reward for [[Battle Pass: Season IX, "Smell of Victory"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} British heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]] as a reward for [[Battle Pass: Season IX, "Smell of Victory"]]. The Churchill Crocodile differentiates itself from the Churchill VII with its flamethrower as an extremely effective secondary weapon against vehicles with exposed crew (SPAAs, tank destroyers, etc.).
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 12: Line 18:
 
{{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 Churchill Crocodile has the same armour layout as the Churchill VII, most enemy tanks will struggle to penetrate its excellent armour in a downtier. The armour can be further upgraded with additional tracks. Being angled and hull down significantly improves the survivability. The Crocodile is a good "shell magnet" for the team; attracting the main firepower from the enemy tanks while friendly tanks engage them, reducing the pressure on the friendly team significantly.
  
 
'''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 -->
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Hull || 152 mm ''Front Plate'' <br> 57.15 mm (66-67°) ''Front Glacis'' 139 mm (24°) ''Lower Glacis'' <br> 95 mm Flamethrower ''Port''
 +
| 95 mm || 50.8 mm (1°) ''Top'' <br> 25.4 mm (64°) ''Bottom'' || 15.88-19.05 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Turret || 152 mm (20°) ''Turret Front'' <br> 152 mm (26°) ''Gun Mantlet'' || 95.25 mm || 95.25 mm (1°) || 20 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
+
| Cupola || 152 mm || 152 mm || 152 mm || 20 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.'' -->
−
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''
+
The Churchill Crocodile retains the same slow mobility as the [[Churchill VII]]. It has a low top speed and difficulty to turn and climb slopes. It won't be the first to the frontline, but that means it will be ideal for a support role. The Crocodile is very difficult to manoeuvre in tight and narrow streets with its long hull and its towed trailer. With a terrible and slow reverse speed (-3 km/h), retreating is difficult and the vehicle is easily flanked by enemies close by.
  
 
{{tankMobility}}
 
{{tankMobility}}
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{{main|OQF Mk.V (75 mm)}}
 
{{main|OQF Mk.V (75 mm)}}
  
−
''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.''
+
The 75mm OQF Mk. V is an underwhelming gun for its BR. Its best shell can only go through 103 mm of armour. In an uptier, your gun will barely damage enemy vehicles. The most you can do is disable external components like barrels and tracks. The gun depression of -10 degrees allows for easier fighting in mountainous terrain. The gun sight has excellent zoom, making mid-range engagements easier.
−
 
 
−
''<code><nowiki>{{main|OQF Mk.V (75 mm)}}</nowiki></code>''
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 84 || rowspan="2" | -12°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 84 || rowspan="2" | -12°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 19.42 || 26.88 || 32.64 || 36.10 || 38.40 || rowspan="2" | 6.50 || rowspan="2" | 5.75 || rowspan="2" | 5.30 || rowspan="2" | 5.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 14.28 || 16.80 || 20.40 || 22.56 || 24.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:OQF Mk.V (75 mm)/Ammunition|M72 shot, M61 shot, M48 shell, M89}}
−
! 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
 
−
|-
 
−
| M72 shot || AP || 91mm || 88mm || 78mm || 67mm || 57mm || 49mm
 
−
|-
 
−
| M61 shot || APCBC || 103mm || 100mm || 89mm || 77mm || 66mm || 57mm
 
−
|-
 
−
| M48 shell || HE || 10mm || 10mm || 10mm || 10mm || 10mm || 10mm
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| 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%
 
−
|-
 
−
| M72 shot || AP || 619 m/s || 6.3 kg || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M61 shot || APCBC || 618 m/s || 6.53 kg || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M48 shell || HE || 463 m/s || 6.3 kg || N/A || 0.1mm || 666 g || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! Ammunition
 
−
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! Projectile<br>mass (kg)
 
−
! Screen radius<br>(m)
 
−
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
 
−
! Screen hold time<br>(s)
 
−
! Explosive mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
|-
 
−
| M89 || 259 m/s || 3 kg || 13 m || 5 s || 20 s || 50 g
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks_Churchill_VII.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.23.0.51''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! 4th<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
−
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''84''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| '''84''' || 71&nbsp;''(+13)'' || 51&nbsp;''(+33)'' || 31&nbsp;''(+53)'' || 16&nbsp;''(+68)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+83)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 +
* Racks disappear after you've fired all shells in the rack.
 +
* Pack 16&nbsp;''(+68)'' shells to keep most of the hull empty.
 +
{{Clear}}
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
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{{main|Flamethrower|BESA (7.92 mm)}}
 
{{main|Flamethrower|BESA (7.92 mm)}}
  
−
''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.''
+
As the flamethrower is unable to penetrate fully armoured vehicles, it is ineffective damage-wise against most tanks that a player will encounter. Due to the weight of fuel, flamethrowers can only hit targets at relatively short ranges.
 +
 
 +
However, this weapon is particularly useful for eliminating exposed crew members in open-topped vehicles and SPAA. For example, if a Churchill Crocodile shot flames at a [[Pz.IV H]], it would take no damage. A [[Sd.Kfz. 6/2]], however, would be burnt down within a few seconds.
 +
 
 +
This weapon is located in the bow gun position, replacing the machine gun mounted in the regular [[Churchill VII]]. As such, it has a very limited traverse and is dependent on the hull position for horizontal targeting. Vertical guidance is quite good, which can allow it to reach targets at short ranges outside of point-blank. Unfortunately, the slow speed of the Crocodile can make it difficult to get within range, so players will need to use the vertical limit to lob shots onto the enemy.
 +
 
 +
In attacking enemies that are fully armoured, a Churchill Crocodile can use its flamethrower to temporarily blind or distract the enemy. Fully armoured vehicles can be shot with flames to blind and confuse them which can allow the Crocodile to shoot back or reposition itself. Fire can serve as a deterrent to vehicles with exposed crew from getting too close, something that can be problematic for a Churchill tank.
 +
 
 +
Since this weapon is very unique, enemies will know a Churchill Crocodile is around when the flamethrower is used. When it is not in use, the fuel trailer is a major indicator of the vehicle. Flamethrower fuel tanks are susceptible to being shot. If this fuel tank is destroyed, it will explode. The tank crew will be unharmed, but the weapon system will be rendered unusable.
 +
 
 +
The use of the flamethrower is highly situational: most of the time, it will not damage enemy tanks that are adequately protected. Furthermore, the flamethrower's range is limited, and aiming it requires aiming the gun upwards, which can interfere with firing from the main gun.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| Hull || 800 (800) || 1,200 || -5°/+30° || ±15°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| Coaxial || 9,450 (225) || 600 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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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).''
+
[[File:Crocodile-flaming-over-obstacle.jpg|thumb|right|The flamethrower can be used to kill open-topped targets behind cover, by just spraying it over an obstacle until at least some of the flames land on the enemy]]
 +
The Churchill Crocodile is not too different from the [[Churchill VII]], being a modified version with a flamethrower weapon in the bow gunner position.
 +
 
 +
The flamethrower is useful against open-topped vehicles, but otherwise the Churchill Crocodile's offensive capabilities remain the same as the Churchill VII with the 75 mm gun. Due to the 75 mm's low penetration and situational use of the flamethrower, it is recommended to work and rely on teammates to help destroy the enemy.
 +
 
 +
Thanks to its thick armour, the Churchill Crocodile can hold a strategic position, like a choke point or a capture zone. The tank's slow top speed, combined with its relatively poor main armament, makes it very situational most of the time. It will struggle to get into any strategic spots during matches, and extra care must be taken to avoid enemies camping around the maps at the start of a match.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''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".'' -->
 
<!-- ''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".'' -->
−
''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:'''
  
−
*
+
* Access to a flamethrower, effective against open-topped vehicles
 +
* Same tough armour of the Churchill VII
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*
+
* Flamethrower fuel is vulnerable to being shot
 +
* Inadequate 75 mm gun, same as the one on the Churchill VII
 +
* Slow reverse speed
 +
* Very slow top speed
 +
* The use of the flamethrower is situational as most tanks at this BR are fully enclosed
 +
* Vulnerable to shots through the top front of the turret
 +
* Worse overall mobility than Churchill VII due to the towed trailer
 +
* Backing up is a problem in CQB as the trailer glitches if done incorrectly and will cause the entire tank to spin, slowly revealing the weak side armor.
  
 
== 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).''
+
With the First World War bringing about the development of the tank and the flamethrower, different nations would devise ways to combine the two into a single weapon system during the interwar period. A mobile armoured flamethrower would allow the short-ranged weapon system to get close to the enemy with minimal risk from small-arms fire.
 +
 
 +
[[File:Churchill Crocodile 1944.jpg|alt=Churchill Crocodile|thumb|right|400px|Churchill Crocodile firing its flamethrower]]
 +
In Britain, efforts by the Petroleum Warfare Department (PWD), Associated Equipment Company (AEC), and Ministry of Supply (MoS) would lead to the development of a flamethrower tank based on the [[Churchill (Family)|Churchill]] infantry tank family.
 +
 
 +
This would be completed in the form of an fuel trailer towed behind the Churchill with lines connecting to a flame projector mounted in place of the bow machine gun. The trailer was lightly armoured and could resist light small-arms fire. If the trailer was destroyed or ran out of fuel, the crew could jettison it safely from the inside of the tank.
 +
 
 +
Churchill Crocodiles began service in the European Theatre in 1944 as part of specialized support units. The flamethrowers served as a potent psychological weapon as well, with many German troops choosing to surrender instead of being burned to death. They were deemed effective, despite their short range.
 +
 
 +
Crocodiles would go on to serve in the Korean War alongside other Churchill tanks until they were withdrawn from service in 1951.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_a_22f_mk_7_churchill_crocodile Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|NxhYLDgeMOE|'''Battle Pass: Smell of Victory''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 01:33 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 205: Line 201:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [[wt:en/news/7913-development-battle-pass-vehicles-churchill-crocodile-en|[Devblog] Battle Pass vehicles: Churchill Crocodile]]
−
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{Britain heavy tanks}}
 
{{Britain heavy tanks}}
 
{{Britain premium ground vehicles}}
 
{{Britain premium ground vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 06:19, 18 April 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the premium British heavy tank Churchill Crocodile. For other versions, see Churchill (Family).
Churchill Crocodile
uk_a_22f_mk_7_churchill_crocodile.png
GarageImage Churchill Crocodile.jpg
Churchill Crocodile
Britain flag.png Britain
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.7 4.7 4.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
MARKET

Description

The Tank, Infantry, Mk IV, Churchill VII (A22F) Crocodile is a premium gift rank III British heavy tank with a battle rating of 4.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update "Fire and Ice" as a reward for Battle Pass: Season IX, "Smell of Victory". The Churchill Crocodile differentiates itself from the Churchill VII with its flamethrower as an extremely effective secondary weapon against vehicles with exposed crew (SPAAs, tank destroyers, etc.).

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull152 / 95 / 51
Turret152 / 95 / 95
Crew5 people
Visibility87 %

The Churchill Crocodile has the same armour layout as the Churchill VII, most enemy tanks will struggle to penetrate its excellent armour in a downtier. The armour can be further upgraded with additional tracks. Being angled and hull down significantly improves the survivability. The Crocodile is a good "shell magnet" for the team; attracting the main firepower from the enemy tanks while friendly tanks engage them, reducing the pressure on the friendly team significantly.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 152 mm Front Plate
57.15 mm (66-67°) Front Glacis 139 mm (24°) Lower Glacis
95 mm Flamethrower Port 		95 mm 50.8 mm (1°) Top
25.4 mm (64°) Bottom 		15.88-19.05 mm
Turret 152 mm (20°) Turret Front
152 mm (26°) Gun Mantlet 		95.25 mm 95.25 mm (1°) 20 mm
Cupola 152 mm 152 mm 152 mm 20 mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB22 / 3 km/h
RB and SB21 / 3 km/h
Number of gears4 forward
1 back
Weight45.2 t
Engine power
AB668 hp
RB and SB350 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB14.8 hp/t
RB and SB7.7 hp/t

The Churchill Crocodile retains the same slow mobility as the Churchill VII. It has a low top speed and difficulty to turn and climb slopes. It won't be the first to the frontline, but that means it will be ideal for a support role. The Crocodile is very difficult to manoeuvre in tight and narrow streets with its long hull and its towed trailer. With a terrible and slow reverse speed (-3 km/h), retreating is difficult and the vehicle is easily flanked by enemies close by.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 22 3 45.2 _,___ 668 __.__ 14.78
Realistic 21 3 _,___ 350 __.__ 7.74

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB1 523 Sl icon.png
RB1 755 Sl icon.png
SB1 905 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts210 000 Sl icon.png
Aces550 Ge icon.png
Research Aces790 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 100 / 140 / 150 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 154 / 154 / 154 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Mods tank reinforcement uk.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Mods tank ammo.png
75mm_britain_APCBC_ammo_pack
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Mods tank ammo.png
75mm_us_M89_Smoke_ammo_pack

Armaments

Main armament

75 mm OQF Mk.V cannon
Ammunition84 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
6.5 → 5.0 s
Vertical guidance-12° / 20°
Main article: OQF Mk.V (75 mm)

The 75mm OQF Mk. V is an underwhelming gun for its BR. Its best shell can only go through 103 mm of armour. In an uptier, your gun will barely damage enemy vehicles. The most you can do is disable external components like barrels and tracks. The gun depression of -10 degrees allows for easier fighting in mountainous terrain. The gun sight has excellent zoom, making mid-range engagements easier.

75 mm OQF Mk.V Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 84 -12°/+20° ±180° N/A 19.42 26.88 32.64 36.10 38.40 6.50 5.75 5.30 5.00
Realistic 14.28 16.80 20.40 22.56 24.00

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
M72 shot AP 91 88 78 67 57 49
M61 shot APCBC 103 100 89 77 66 57
M48 shell HE 10 10 10 10 10 10
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%
M72 shot AP 619 6.3 - - - 47° 60° 65°
M61 shot APCBC 618 6.53 - - - 48° 63° 71°
M48 shell HE 463 6.3 0 0.1 666 79° 80° 81°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Screen radius
(m) 		Screen deploy
time (s) 		Screen hold
time (s) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
M89 259 3 13 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Churchill Crocodile
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
84 71 (+13) 51 (+33) 31 (+53) 16 (+68) 1 (+83) No

Notes:

  • Racks disappear after you've fired all shells in the rack.
  • Pack 16 (+68) shells to keep most of the hull empty.

Machine guns

Flamethrower
Ammunition800 rounds
Belt capacity800 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
0.1 → 0.1 s
Fire rate1 200 shots/min
Vertical guidance-15° / 23°
Horizontal guidance-15° / 14°
7.92 mm BESA machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition9 450 rounds
Belt capacity225 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main articles: Flamethrower, BESA (7.92 mm)

As the flamethrower is unable to penetrate fully armoured vehicles, it is ineffective damage-wise against most tanks that a player will encounter. Due to the weight of fuel, flamethrowers can only hit targets at relatively short ranges.

However, this weapon is particularly useful for eliminating exposed crew members in open-topped vehicles and SPAA. For example, if a Churchill Crocodile shot flames at a Pz.IV H, it would take no damage. A Sd.Kfz. 6/2, however, would be burnt down within a few seconds.

This weapon is located in the bow gun position, replacing the machine gun mounted in the regular Churchill VII. As such, it has a very limited traverse and is dependent on the hull position for horizontal targeting. Vertical guidance is quite good, which can allow it to reach targets at short ranges outside of point-blank. Unfortunately, the slow speed of the Crocodile can make it difficult to get within range, so players will need to use the vertical limit to lob shots onto the enemy.

In attacking enemies that are fully armoured, a Churchill Crocodile can use its flamethrower to temporarily blind or distract the enemy. Fully armoured vehicles can be shot with flames to blind and confuse them which can allow the Crocodile to shoot back or reposition itself. Fire can serve as a deterrent to vehicles with exposed crew from getting too close, something that can be problematic for a Churchill tank.

Since this weapon is very unique, enemies will know a Churchill Crocodile is around when the flamethrower is used. When it is not in use, the fuel trailer is a major indicator of the vehicle. Flamethrower fuel tanks are susceptible to being shot. If this fuel tank is destroyed, it will explode. The tank crew will be unharmed, but the weapon system will be rendered unusable.

The use of the flamethrower is highly situational: most of the time, it will not damage enemy tanks that are adequately protected. Furthermore, the flamethrower's range is limited, and aiming it requires aiming the gun upwards, which can interfere with firing from the main gun.

Flamethrower
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Hull 800 (800) 1,200 -5°/+30° ±15°
7.92 mm BESA
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 9,450 (225) 600 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

The flamethrower can be used to kill open-topped targets behind cover, by just spraying it over an obstacle until at least some of the flames land on the enemy

The Churchill Crocodile is not too different from the Churchill VII, being a modified version with a flamethrower weapon in the bow gunner position.

The flamethrower is useful against open-topped vehicles, but otherwise the Churchill Crocodile's offensive capabilities remain the same as the Churchill VII with the 75 mm gun. Due to the 75 mm's low penetration and situational use of the flamethrower, it is recommended to work and rely on teammates to help destroy the enemy.

Thanks to its thick armour, the Churchill Crocodile can hold a strategic position, like a choke point or a capture zone. The tank's slow top speed, combined with its relatively poor main armament, makes it very situational most of the time. It will struggle to get into any strategic spots during matches, and extra care must be taken to avoid enemies camping around the maps at the start of a match.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Access to a flamethrower, effective against open-topped vehicles
  • Same tough armour of the Churchill VII

Cons:

  • Flamethrower fuel is vulnerable to being shot
  • Inadequate 75 mm gun, same as the one on the Churchill VII
  • Slow reverse speed
  • Very slow top speed
  • The use of the flamethrower is situational as most tanks at this BR are fully enclosed
  • Vulnerable to shots through the top front of the turret
  • Worse overall mobility than Churchill VII due to the towed trailer
  • Backing up is a problem in CQB as the trailer glitches if done incorrectly and will cause the entire tank to spin, slowly revealing the weak side armor.

History

With the First World War bringing about the development of the tank and the flamethrower, different nations would devise ways to combine the two into a single weapon system during the interwar period. A mobile armoured flamethrower would allow the short-ranged weapon system to get close to the enemy with minimal risk from small-arms fire.

Churchill Crocodile
Churchill Crocodile firing its flamethrower

In Britain, efforts by the Petroleum Warfare Department (PWD), Associated Equipment Company (AEC), and Ministry of Supply (MoS) would lead to the development of a flamethrower tank based on the Churchill infantry tank family.

This would be completed in the form of an fuel trailer towed behind the Churchill with lines connecting to a flame projector mounted in place of the bow machine gun. The trailer was lightly armoured and could resist light small-arms fire. If the trailer was destroyed or ran out of fuel, the crew could jettison it safely from the inside of the tank.

Churchill Crocodiles began service in the European Theatre in 1944 as part of specialized support units. The flamethrowers served as a potent psychological weapon as well, with many German troops choosing to surrender instead of being burned to death. They were deemed effective, despite their short range.

Crocodiles would go on to serve in the Korean War alongside other Churchill tanks until they were withdrawn from service in 1951.

Media

Skins
Videos
Battle Pass: Smell of Victory discusses the Churchill Crocodile at 01:33 - War Thunder Official Channel

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


Britain heavy tanks
Matilda  Matilda III · Matilda Hedgehog
Churchill  Churchill I · Churchill III · Churchill VII · Churchill Crocodile · Churchill NA75 · Black Prince
Post-war  Caernarvon · Conqueror
Other  Independent · Excelsior · TOG II

Britain premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.) · A13 Mk II 1939 · AEC Mk II · Crusader "The Saint" · Rooikat 105
Medium tanks  A.C.I · Grant I · Cromwell V (RP-3) · Sherman IC "Trzyniec" · A.C.IV · Comet I "Iron Duke IV"
  Centurion Mk.2 · ▄Strv 81 (RB 52) · Centurion Mk.5 AVRE · Centurion Mk.5/1 · ▄Sho't Kal Dalet · Centurion Action X
  Vijayanta · Khalid · Challenger DS · Challenger 2 OES
Heavy tanks  Independent · Matilda Hedgehog · Excelsior · TOG II · Churchill Crocodile · Black Prince
Tank destroyers  Alecto I · Achilles (65 Rg.) · QF 3.7 Ram

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