Difference between revisions of "D2"

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{{Specs-Card|code=fr_renault_d2}}
+
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=fr_renault_d2
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage2_{{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.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''Char D2''' was a French medium tank operated during the interwar period between World Wars I and II. While the Char D1 was ordered, a design was developed to create a more advanced tank. The Char D1 had already evolved from an infantry support tank to a medium tank capable of engaging and eliminating enemy tanks. This made it the obvious candidate as a replacement for the [[B1 bis|Char B1 heavy tank]], as the latter was on the verge of being prohibited by an armament limitation treaty under the auspices of the League of Nations, which would impose a weight limit of twenty metric tonnes for armoured fighting vehicles.
−
{{Break}}
+
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]]. The D2 can be considered the brother of the [[S.35]], sporting similar thick all-around armour, the same 47 mm SA35 gun, and a 3-man crew in the same configuration. The primary differences are the D2 is ''significantly'' slower - with nearly half the top speed and a lower power-to-weight ratio - while having a flatter, boxier hull shape, allowing the D2 to angle its armour more reliably.
+
Introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]], the Char D2 should primarily be used as a support tank. In an offensive role, you help destroy approaching enemy tanks and capture objectives. Stay close to the frontline to maximize penetrating power from your main armament, but remain a safe distance from the major fighting zones to prevent being flanked or swarmed. When fighting enemy tanks, always angle to enhance frontal armour. However, since the armour is not thick enough to provide frontal immunity, it is vital not to linger out in the open. Stay close to an obstacle that you can use as a cover if you are hit and need to repair.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 
Sporting 40 mm of rolled armour on all sides of a boxy hull, the D2 can be angled at a perfect 45 degree angle for a consistent effective thickness of at least 60 mm, presenting no obvious weak points save for the turret ring. The turret is of the same general style as used by the S.35 and [[B1 bis]], with a small, strong 56 mm turret face reinforced by two gun mantlets and strongly angled 45 mm sides, making it very effective in hull-down positions. Still beware of enemies behind you and even strafing aircraft, as the low, sloped engine deck has two grilles with a mere 5 mm of protection that even SPAAs and heavy machine guns can penetrate.
 
Sporting 40 mm of rolled armour on all sides of a boxy hull, the D2 can be angled at a perfect 45 degree angle for a consistent effective thickness of at least 60 mm, presenting no obvious weak points save for the turret ring. The turret is of the same general style as used by the S.35 and [[B1 bis]], with a small, strong 56 mm turret face reinforced by two gun mantlets and strongly angled 45 mm sides, making it very effective in hull-down positions. Still beware of enemies behind you and even strafing aircraft, as the low, sloped engine deck has two grilles with a mere 5 mm of protection that even SPAAs and heavy machine guns can penetrate.
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'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
  
−
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull)
+
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, sideskirts, turret ring, turret roof)
−
* Cast homogeneous armour (turret)
+
* Cast homogeneous armour (turret sides, gun mantlet, turret cupola)
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 40 mm ''Front glacis''  
+
| Hull || 40 mm (17°) ''Front glacis - upper part'' <br> 40 mm (40°) ''Front glacis - lower part'' <br> 40 mm (53°) ''Lower glacis''
−
40 mm ''Lower glacis''  
+
| 40 mm ''Top'' <br> 40 mm + 10 mm ''Bottom'' || 20 mm (72°) ''Upper plate (roof)'' <br> 5 mm (72°) ''Engine vent (roof)'' <br> 40 mm ''Centre plate'' <br> 20 mm (58°) ''Lower plate'' || 20 mm ''Front part'' <br> 5 mm ''Engine vent - front part'' <br> 20 mm (18°) ''Rear part'' <br> 5 mm (18°) ''Engine vent - rear part''
−
| 40 mm ''Top'' <br> 40 mm + 10 mm ''Bottom'' || 40 mm || 20 mm
 
−
5 mm ''Engine grille''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 56 mm ''Turret front'' <br>45 mm ''Gun mantlet''  
+
| Turret || 56 mm ''Turret front'' <br> 45 mm ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 45 mm ''Machine gun port'' <br> 40 mm ''Turret ring'' || colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 45 mm (20°) || 30 mm (25°) ''Front part'' <br> 30 mm ''Rear part''
−
45 mm ''Machine gun covering''  
 
−
| 45 mm || 45 mm || 30 mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || 40 mm || 40 mm || 40 mm || 30 mm
+
| Cupola || 40 mm || 40 mm (26°) || 40 mm (9°) || 30 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
  
−
* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick
+
* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, bogies are 10 mm thick and tracks are 20 mm thick.
−
* Lower and upper turret ring armour are both 40 mm thick, and overlap slightly
+
* Lower and upper turret ring armour are both 40 mm thick, and overlap slightly.
−
* Gun barrel is 15 mm thick
+
* Storage boxes, exhaust cover plate and mudguards are 5 mm thick.
  
 
=== 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.'' -->
  
−
{{tankMobility}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 232|rbMinHp= 133}}
 +
 
 +
The top speed is poor as the {{PAGENAME}} is heavy: you will often arrive last. Neutral steering is possible and makes turning on the spot easy: this however works only when idle. Once on the move, the {{PAGENAME}} will turn by locking a track. Accelerating and braking happen quickly. Turning doesn't make you lose much speed as your top speed already is slow. The reverse speed is a good point: it will get you out of a dangerous situation quickly. The {{PAGENAME}} reaches 16 km/h when fording, 10 km/h when driving uphill with some speed built-up but a mere 4 km/h uphill from a stop. The tracks are quite large and grant you a decent mobility on hard (solid ground, roads) and soft terrain (mud, snow, sand). Light and medium obstacles (fences, posts, bushes and small trees) are not a problem for the {{PAGENAME}} but large obstacles will reduce your mobility: avoid them.
  
−
With a top speed of 23 km/h (RB) and a low power-to-weight ratio, the D2 isn't going anywhere fast. Its one saving grace in the mobility department is its reverse speed of -12 km/h!
+
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== 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|SA35 L/32 (47 mm)}}
 
{{main|SA35 L/32 (47 mm)}}
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 108 || rowspan="2" | ±18° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Vertical || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || rowspan="2" | 5.2 || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | 4.0
+
| rowspan="2" | 120 || rowspan="2" | ±18° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Shoulder|up to 10 km/h}} || 9.5 || 13.2 || 16.0 || 17.7 || 18.8 || rowspan="2" | 5.20 || rowspan="2" | 4.60 || rowspan="2" | 4.24 || rowspan="2" | 4.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
+
| 6.0 || 7.0 || 8.5 || 9.4 || 10.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
The SA35 gun offers a reasonable penetration power at its battle rating. Its average muzzle velocity allows for a rather flat firing trajectory but the accuracy drop is noticeable from 700 m distance and becomes a handicap over 1,000 m. The rotation speed of the turret is slow compared to other tanks at the same rank or battle rating. Elevation and depression angles of the gun are important, allowing you to fire from unusual positions (behind a ridge, on a slope, etc.). Your recoil is nonexistent.
 +
The shoulder-stop stabilizer allows for a good targeting but at very slow speed. The reload times of the gun are in line with other light tanks at the same BR.
 +
The average penetration power and the absence of post-penetration damage from the solid shot are the biggest weaknesses of the armament. This will bring you to have to shoot enemy tanks repeatedly to destroy them entirely, while being in close proximity to maximize your penetration power.
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
The {{PAGENAME}} has a limited choice of ammunition:
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
 
−
|-
+
* '''Mle1935''': APC; a solid shot with average penetration and no explosive filler. Make sure to target modules and crew positions to maximise the damage. Knowledge of enemy vehicle layouts is essential with this type of ammunition.
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
* '''Mle1935 HE''': HE; useful for destroying open and very lightly armoured vehicles.
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
+
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
+
{{:SA35 L/32 (47 mm)/Ammunition|Mle1935, Mle1935 HE}}
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| Mle1935 || APC || 62 || 59 || 47 || 36 || 27 || 20
 
−
|-
 
−
| Mle1935 HE || HE || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| 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%
 
−
|-
 
−
| Mle1935 || APC || 660 || 1.62 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Mle1935 HE || HE || 590 || 1.41 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 143 || 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: 2.19.0.85''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''108''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
+
| '''120''' || 103&nbsp;''(+17)'' || 85&nbsp;''(+35)'' || 61&nbsp;''(+59)'' || 43&nbsp;''(+77)'' || 25&nbsp;''(+95)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+119)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 +
* As they are modeled by sets of 3, shells disappear from the rack only after you've fired all shells in the set.
 +
* Packing 25 ''(+95)'' shells is a good compromise to have enough shells at your disposal while reducing drastically the risk of ammo rack detonation.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
{{main|MAC 31 (7.5 mm)}}
 
{{main|MAC 31 (7.5 mm)}}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" |[[MAC 31 (7.5 mm)|7.5 mm MAC 31]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[MAC 31 (7.5 mm)|7.5 mm MAC 31]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 3250 (___) || 1350 || __° || __°
+
| Coaxial || 3,250 (150) || 551 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
The small calibre of the MAC 31 machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help.
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
As the D2 plays in most regards like a slower, slightly more reliably armoured S.35, utilize them side-by side, prioritizing the D2 in down-tiers and the S.35 in up-tiers, as the D2's hull armour will not save it at BR 2.3. When it's top tier, with a competent driver, it can even be played like a pocket heavy tank, or like a mini B1 bis without the hull cannon. Angle strongly, side-scrape, and utilize hull-down positions to make maximum use of your armour advantage. Pick what route you take when you spawn carefully; if you end up in the wrong place, your speed won't allow you to correct in a timely manner.
 
  
−
=== Modules ===
+
;Combat tactics
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
 
−
! Tier
+
The {{PAGENAME}} should be played as a support tank. In an offensive role, you help destroying advancing enemy tanks and capturing objectives. Stay close to the frontline to maximize penetration power, while staying at a distance from enemy tanks (500-700 m) to avoid being flanked or swarmed. When engaging enemy tanks, angle your tank at 45° to maximize your frontal armour.
−
! colspan="2" | Mobility
+
In a defensive role, being at a distance from the frontline will force enemy tanks to drive in the open to get to you. Always play with a nearby obstacle you can use as cover if you get hit and need to repair. Have a planned retreat route as the enemy will try to use artillery or CAS to dislodge you from cover. A good player in a {{PAGENAME}} can lock the enemy advance if positioned in a corridor and properly angled.
−
! Protection
+
If you try to use the {{PAGENAME}} in a different role on the battlefield, you will quickly reach its limits: as a frontline tank, you will take shots from long range tank destroyers that will disable your tank. Your armour is not thick enough for tank destroyers with long guns. You will also be easily flanked by light tanks or armoured cars, especially if they swarm you. Only 1-on-1 engagements should be performed in this role. If you attempt to play long range engagements, your short gun will lack accuracy and penetration will greatly drop over distance. Even with your good gun depression allowing you to fire from behind the cover of a ridge, the slow muzzle velocity of your shells will make it difficult to aim at moving targets in the distance.
−
! Firepower
+
 
−
|-
+
All in all this tank is quite similar in playstyle to the [[R.35 (SA38)]], with it being larger, slightly faster (though that is not a stretch), better armed and featuring thicker armour, making it a viable tank at its BR. If you employ the right tactics the D2 can become a solid wall stopping all enemy advances, making it impossible for the enemy team to push forwards unless they use air power to dislodge you.
−
| I
+
 
−
|Tracks
+
;Notable enemies
−
|
+
 
−
|Parts
+
Many enemy vehicles can destroy the {{PAGENAME}}:
−
|Horizontal Drive
+
 
−
|-
+
* Long range tank destroyers that can defeat your armour from 1,000 m,
−
| II
+
* Frontline and light tanks that manage to flank or get close to you,
−
|Suspension
+
* Tanks with HEAT shells,
−
|Brake System
+
* Tanks with many crew members: your ammunition having little post-penetration damage, knocking all crew members becomes lengthy.
−
|FPE
+
 
−
|Adjustment of Fire
+
These enemies are however not very ubiquitous and can be avoided or even neutralised if situational awareness is employed.
−
|-
+
 
−
| III
+
;How to defeat a {{PAGENAME}}
−
|Filters
+
 
−
|
+
In a frontal encounter, shoot right in the middle of the front plate if the {{PAGENAME}} did not angle its hull. This will knock out the gunner and the driver. If angled, aim at the turret ring. When flanking, aim for the spot right under the center of the turret or the turret ring (small area).
−
|Crew Replenishment
 
−
|Elevation Mechanism
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
|Transmission
 
−
|Engine
 
−
|
 
−
|Artillery Support
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== 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".'' -->'''Pros:'''
+
<!-- ''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:'''
  
 
* Thick all-around armour, able to be heavily angled
 
* Thick all-around armour, able to be heavily angled
−
* Decent gun
+
* Good penetration power
−
* Stabilization mechanic
+
* Shoulder stabilizer
−
* Good MAC 31 coaxial MG
+
* 3 crew members, granting better survivability than French rank I 2-man vehicles
−
* 3 crew members; the "machine gunner" can be lost with minimal detriment
+
* Quick reverse speed
−
* ''Fantastic'' reverse speed; -12 km/h!
 
 
* Neutral steering
 
* Neutral steering
  
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* Very low top speed
 
* Very low top speed
−
* No explosive filler for its AP shells
+
* No explosive filler for its AP shells.
−
* Longer reload than most peers
+
* Poor turret rotation speed
  
 
== 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).''
+
 
 +
'''Design'''
 +
 
 +
In 1926, the French Army expressed the need for a new battle tank aimed at replacing all Renault FT tanks. The company Renault proposed a design that would later become the Char D1. While the D1 was still in development in 1930, the French Infantry Command ordered Renault to design a heavier version of the tank: the D2. Like for the D1, the crew consisted of 3 members and the tank was equipped with a one-man Schneider turret. The D2 had to be better armoured and faster than the D1 but was heavier and offered a taller silhouette.
 +
 
 +
'''Development'''
 +
 
 +
The Char D2 was developed from 1930 to 1933, then tested and accepted by the French Army. Due to interference with the production of the Char D1 and delays in the delivery of Schneider turrets, the D2 was only produced in 1936-37 and later in 1940. The first tanks were equipped with a short 47 mm SA34 gun and the later ones were equipped with the long 47 mm SA35 gun. Shortly before the start of the war, the older tanks were retrofitted with a SA35. Around 100 tanks were produced.
 +
 
 +
'''Combat usage'''
 +
 
 +
The Char D2 fought during the battle of France in May 1940, most notably at the battles of Montcornet and Amiens. After the defeat, the D2 were scrapped. Only the turrets were reused as fortification guns by the Germans.
 +
 
 +
=== [[wt:en/news/6709-development-char-d2-slow-advance-en|Devblog]] ===
 +
Development of the Char D2 began in 1930, while Renault still worked on the Char D1 project. Unlike the Char D1 light tank, the French military requested the development of a heavier version of the vehicle, sporting thicker armour and better mobility, which was seen as an alternative to the Char B1 heavy tank, whose numbers were projected to become limited by possible arms limitation treaties.
 +
 
 +
Renault began work on the Char D2 and with the use of the then innovative welding technique, hoped to save weight and thus also cost of the new vehicle. The first prototype of the Char D2, called Renault UZ, was completed in 1932, followed soon after by two further prototypes in November 1933. Testing was kept relatively short, or in some aspects didn't happen altogether, in order to start production sooner. The first production orders were issued in 1934, with the first production models entering service with the French army in 1935. A second, improved production batch was ordered in June 1938, sporting a newer turret and improved firepower.
 +
 
 +
In service, the Char D2 was plagued by mechanical and reliability problems, leading to frequent breakdowns and difficult maintenance due to a lack of spare parts. Nonetheless, the Char D2 took part in actions during the Invasion of France in spring 1940 and served with French troops until the Fall of France in June.
 +
 
 +
Around 100 Char D2s were produced in total, of which many were lost as a result of breakdowns. Roughly 20 would be destroyed during fighting, with around another 20 vehicles being captured by the occupying German forces. The Char D2 did receive an official German designation, but was never put into service by German forces.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fr_renault_d2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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'''Images'''<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
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File:Char D2 WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
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File:Char D2 WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
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File:Char D2 WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
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File:Char D2 WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
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{{Youtube-gallery|xNNx857AvG0|'''Spade Review: {{PAGENAME}}. Slow But Strong''' - ''Joseph 2000''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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* ''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.'' -->
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''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
  
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
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;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* [[I-Go Ko]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
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* ''other literature.'' -->
  
 
* [[wt:en/news/6709-development-char-d2-slow-advance-en|[Devblog] Char D2: Slow Advance]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/6709-development-char-d2-slow-advance-en|[Devblog] Char D2: Slow Advance]]
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* [[wikipedia:Char_D2|[Wikipedia] Char D2]]
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* [https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/france/Char_Renault_D2.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Char Renault D2]
  
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{{TankManufacturer Renault}}
 
{{France medium tanks}}
 
{{France medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 23:12, 17 July 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
D2
fr_renault_d2.png
GarageImage D2.jpg
ArtImage2 D2.png
D2
France flag.png France
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.3 1.3 1.3
Class:
Research:4 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:2 100 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Char D2 was a French medium tank operated during the interwar period between World Wars I and II. While the Char D1 was ordered, a design was developed to create a more advanced tank. The Char D1 had already evolved from an infantry support tank to a medium tank capable of engaging and eliminating enemy tanks. This made it the obvious candidate as a replacement for the Char B1 heavy tank, as the latter was on the verge of being prohibited by an armament limitation treaty under the auspices of the League of Nations, which would impose a weight limit of twenty metric tonnes for armoured fighting vehicles.

Introduced in Update "Starfighters", the Char D2 should primarily be used as a support tank. In an offensive role, you help destroy approaching enemy tanks and capture objectives. Stay close to the frontline to maximize penetrating power from your main armament, but remain a safe distance from the major fighting zones to prevent being flanked or swarmed. When fighting enemy tanks, always angle to enhance frontal armour. However, since the armour is not thick enough to provide frontal immunity, it is vital not to linger out in the open. Stay close to an obstacle that you can use as a cover if you are hit and need to repair.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull40 / 40 / 40
Turret56 / 45 / 45
Crew3 people
Visibility99 %

Sporting 40 mm of rolled armour on all sides of a boxy hull, the D2 can be angled at a perfect 45 degree angle for a consistent effective thickness of at least 60 mm, presenting no obvious weak points save for the turret ring. The turret is of the same general style as used by the S.35 and B1 bis, with a small, strong 56 mm turret face reinforced by two gun mantlets and strongly angled 45 mm sides, making it very effective in hull-down positions. Still beware of enemies behind you and even strafing aircraft, as the low, sloped engine deck has two grilles with a mere 5 mm of protection that even SPAAs and heavy machine guns can penetrate.

The D2's ammo racks are located deep in the bottom of the hull, nestled behind the D2's extra suspension armour and the suspension itself, making them fairly well-protected.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, sideskirts, turret ring, turret roof)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (turret sides, gun mantlet, turret cupola)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 40 mm (17°) Front glacis - upper part
40 mm (40°) Front glacis - lower part
40 mm (53°) Lower glacis 		40 mm Top
40 mm + 10 mm Bottom 		20 mm (72°) Upper plate (roof)
5 mm (72°) Engine vent (roof)
40 mm Centre plate
20 mm (58°) Lower plate 		20 mm Front part
5 mm Engine vent - front part
20 mm (18°) Rear part
5 mm (18°) Engine vent - rear part
Turret 56 mm Turret front
45 mm Gun mantlet
45 mm Machine gun port
40 mm Turret ring 		45 mm (20°) 30 mm (25°) Front part
30 mm Rear part
Cupola 40 mm 40 mm (26°) 40 mm (9°) 30 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick, bogies are 10 mm thick and tracks are 20 mm thick.
  • Lower and upper turret ring armour are both 40 mm thick, and overlap slightly.
  • Storage boxes, exhaust cover plate and mudguards are 5 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB26 / 6 km/h
RB and SB23 / 6 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight19.5 t
Engine power
AB286 hp
RB and SB150 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB14.7 hp/t
RB and SB7.7 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 26 6 19.5 232 286 11.9 14.67
Realistic 23 6 133 150 6.82 7.69

The top speed is poor as the D2 is heavy: you will often arrive last. Neutral steering is possible and makes turning on the spot easy: this however works only when idle. Once on the move, the D2 will turn by locking a track. Accelerating and braking happen quickly. Turning doesn't make you lose much speed as your top speed already is slow. The reverse speed is a good point: it will get you out of a dangerous situation quickly. The D2 reaches 16 km/h when fording, 10 km/h when driving uphill with some speed built-up but a mere 4 km/h uphill from a stop. The tracks are quite large and grant you a decent mobility on hard (solid ground, roads) and soft terrain (mud, snow, sand). Light and medium obstacles (fences, posts, bushes and small trees) are not a problem for the D2 but large obstacles will reduce your mobility: avoid them.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB200 → 257 Sl icon.png
RB204 → 262 Sl icon.png
SB254 → 326 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications4 450 Rp icon.png
2 670 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost300 Ge icon.png
Crew training600 Sl icon.png
Experts2 100 Sl icon.png
Aces45 Ge icon.png
Research Aces110 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
10 / 20 / 30 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
150 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
150 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
150 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement fr.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
150 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

47 mm SA35 L/32 cannon
Shoulder stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in one plane while moving
Ammunition108 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
5.2 → 4.0 s
Vertical guidance-18° / 18°
Main article: SA35 L/32 (47 mm)
47 mm SA35 L/32 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 120 ±18° ±180° Shoulder 9.5 13.2 16.0 17.7 18.8 5.20 4.60 4.24 4.00
Realistic 6.0 7.0 8.5 9.4 10.0

The SA35 gun offers a reasonable penetration power at its battle rating. Its average muzzle velocity allows for a rather flat firing trajectory but the accuracy drop is noticeable from 700 m distance and becomes a handicap over 1,000 m. The rotation speed of the turret is slow compared to other tanks at the same rank or battle rating. Elevation and depression angles of the gun are important, allowing you to fire from unusual positions (behind a ridge, on a slope, etc.). Your recoil is nonexistent. The shoulder-stop stabilizer allows for a good targeting but at very slow speed. The reload times of the gun are in line with other light tanks at the same BR. The average penetration power and the absence of post-penetration damage from the solid shot are the biggest weaknesses of the armament. This will bring you to have to shoot enemy tanks repeatedly to destroy them entirely, while being in close proximity to maximize your penetration power.

Ammunition

The D2 has a limited choice of ammunition:

  • Mle1935: APC; a solid shot with average penetration and no explosive filler. Make sure to target modules and crew positions to maximise the damage. Knowledge of enemy vehicle layouts is essential with this type of ammunition.
  • Mle1935 HE: HE; useful for destroying open and very lightly armoured vehicles.

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
Mle1935 APC 62 59 47 36 27 20
Mle1935 HE HE 6 6 5 4 4 4
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%
Mle1935 APC 660 1.62 - - - 48° 63° 71°
Mle1935 HE HE 590 1.41 0.1 0.1 143 79° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the D2
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
120 103 (+17) 85 (+35) 61 (+59) 43 (+77) 25 (+95) 1 (+119) No

Notes:

  • As they are modeled by sets of 3, shells disappear from the rack only after you've fired all shells in the set.
  • Packing 25 (+95) shells is a good compromise to have enough shells at your disposal while reducing drastically the risk of ammo rack detonation.

Machine guns

7.5 mm MAC 31 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition3 300 rounds
Belt capacity150 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
6.5 → 5.0 s
Fire rate551 shots/min
Main article: MAC 31 (7.5 mm)
7.5 mm MAC 31
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,250 (150) 551 N/A N/A

The small calibre of the MAC 31 machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help.

Usage in battles

Combat tactics

The D2 should be played as a support tank. In an offensive role, you help destroying advancing enemy tanks and capturing objectives. Stay close to the frontline to maximize penetration power, while staying at a distance from enemy tanks (500-700 m) to avoid being flanked or swarmed. When engaging enemy tanks, angle your tank at 45° to maximize your frontal armour. In a defensive role, being at a distance from the frontline will force enemy tanks to drive in the open to get to you. Always play with a nearby obstacle you can use as cover if you get hit and need to repair. Have a planned retreat route as the enemy will try to use artillery or CAS to dislodge you from cover. A good player in a D2 can lock the enemy advance if positioned in a corridor and properly angled. If you try to use the D2 in a different role on the battlefield, you will quickly reach its limits: as a frontline tank, you will take shots from long range tank destroyers that will disable your tank. Your armour is not thick enough for tank destroyers with long guns. You will also be easily flanked by light tanks or armoured cars, especially if they swarm you. Only 1-on-1 engagements should be performed in this role. If you attempt to play long range engagements, your short gun will lack accuracy and penetration will greatly drop over distance. Even with your good gun depression allowing you to fire from behind the cover of a ridge, the slow muzzle velocity of your shells will make it difficult to aim at moving targets in the distance.

All in all this tank is quite similar in playstyle to the R.35 (SA38), with it being larger, slightly faster (though that is not a stretch), better armed and featuring thicker armour, making it a viable tank at its BR. If you employ the right tactics the D2 can become a solid wall stopping all enemy advances, making it impossible for the enemy team to push forwards unless they use air power to dislodge you.

Notable enemies

Many enemy vehicles can destroy the D2:

  • Long range tank destroyers that can defeat your armour from 1,000 m,
  • Frontline and light tanks that manage to flank or get close to you,
  • Tanks with HEAT shells,
  • Tanks with many crew members: your ammunition having little post-penetration damage, knocking all crew members becomes lengthy.

These enemies are however not very ubiquitous and can be avoided or even neutralised if situational awareness is employed.

How to defeat a D2

In a frontal encounter, shoot right in the middle of the front plate if the D2 did not angle its hull. This will knock out the gunner and the driver. If angled, aim at the turret ring. When flanking, aim for the spot right under the center of the turret or the turret ring (small area).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Thick all-around armour, able to be heavily angled
  • Good penetration power
  • Shoulder stabilizer
  • 3 crew members, granting better survivability than French rank I 2-man vehicles
  • Quick reverse speed
  • Neutral steering

Cons:

  • Very low top speed
  • No explosive filler for its AP shells.
  • Poor turret rotation speed

History

Design

In 1926, the French Army expressed the need for a new battle tank aimed at replacing all Renault FT tanks. The company Renault proposed a design that would later become the Char D1. While the D1 was still in development in 1930, the French Infantry Command ordered Renault to design a heavier version of the tank: the D2. Like for the D1, the crew consisted of 3 members and the tank was equipped with a one-man Schneider turret. The D2 had to be better armoured and faster than the D1 but was heavier and offered a taller silhouette.

Development

The Char D2 was developed from 1930 to 1933, then tested and accepted by the French Army. Due to interference with the production of the Char D1 and delays in the delivery of Schneider turrets, the D2 was only produced in 1936-37 and later in 1940. The first tanks were equipped with a short 47 mm SA34 gun and the later ones were equipped with the long 47 mm SA35 gun. Shortly before the start of the war, the older tanks were retrofitted with a SA35. Around 100 tanks were produced.

Combat usage

The Char D2 fought during the battle of France in May 1940, most notably at the battles of Montcornet and Amiens. After the defeat, the D2 were scrapped. Only the turrets were reused as fortification guns by the Germans.

Devblog

Development of the Char D2 began in 1930, while Renault still worked on the Char D1 project. Unlike the Char D1 light tank, the French military requested the development of a heavier version of the vehicle, sporting thicker armour and better mobility, which was seen as an alternative to the Char B1 heavy tank, whose numbers were projected to become limited by possible arms limitation treaties.

Renault began work on the Char D2 and with the use of the then innovative welding technique, hoped to save weight and thus also cost of the new vehicle. The first prototype of the Char D2, called Renault UZ, was completed in 1932, followed soon after by two further prototypes in November 1933. Testing was kept relatively short, or in some aspects didn't happen altogether, in order to start production sooner. The first production orders were issued in 1934, with the first production models entering service with the French army in 1935. A second, improved production batch was ordered in June 1938, sporting a newer turret and improved firepower.

In service, the Char D2 was plagued by mechanical and reliability problems, leading to frequent breakdowns and difficult maintenance due to a lack of spare parts. Nonetheless, the Char D2 took part in actions during the Invasion of France in spring 1940 and served with French troops until the Fall of France in June.

Around 100 Char D2s were produced in total, of which many were lost as a result of breakdowns. Roughly 20 would be destroyed during fighting, with around another 20 vehicles being captured by the occupying German forces. The Char D2 did receive an official German designation, but was never put into service by German forces.

Media

Images
  • ArtImage D2.png
Skins
Images
  • Char D2 WTWallpaper 01.jpg
  • Char D2 WTWallpaper 02.jpg
  • Char D2 WTWallpaper 03.jpg
  • Char D2 WTWallpaper 04.jpg
  • Char D2 WTWallpaper 05.jpg
  • Char D2 WTWallpaper 06.jpg
Videos
Spade Review: D2. Slow But Strong - Joseph 2000

See also

Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


Renault
Tanks 
Light tanks  AMC.34 YR · AMC.35 (ACG.1) · R.35 (SA38)
Medium tanks  D2
Tank destroyers  AMR.35 ZT3

France medium tanks
M4 Derivatives  M4A1 (FL10) · M4A4 (SA50)
AMX-50  AMX M4 · AMX-50 (TOA100) · AMX-50 (TO90/930)
AMX-30  AMX-30 · AMX-30 (1972) · AMX-30B2 · AMX-30B2 BRENUS · AMX-30 ACRA · AMX-30 Super
AMX-32/40  AMX-32 · AMX-32 (105) · AMX-40
Leclerc  Leclerc · Leclerc S2 · Leclerc SXXI · Leclerc AZUR
Other  D2 · S.35 · Lorraine 40t
Germany  Panther "Dauphiné"
USA  ▄M4A1 · ▄M4A3 (105) · ▄M4A4 · ▄M26

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