Difference between revisions of "Sd.Kfz.222 (China)"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=cn_sdkfz_222_early
 
|code=cn_sdkfz_222_early
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|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.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese SPAA {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Sky Guardians"]].
+
The '''Sonderkraftfahrzeug 222 (Sd.Kfz.222)''', also known as the '''Horch Armored Car''' ''(豪須裝甲車)'' from the name of its manufacturer, was the second variant in the series of light four-wheel-drive armoured reconnaissance vehicles (''Leichter Panzerspähwagen'') manufactured in Germany between 1935 and 1944 by Horch. A substantial quantity of German-made equipment was transported to China in 1933, marking the start of the Kuomintang government's army reorganising program. When these vehicles were shipped, they were still painted in the dark grey of the German army. The Chinese Nationalist Army emblem was painted on the right rear side of the armoured car body and under the turret after it arrived in China, but the original German emblem was retained. The Sd.Kfz.222 was deployed by the Chinese Nationalist Army's special motorised unit. Its mission was to serve as a fire support vehicle for the reconnaissance corps when scouting alongside the less heavily armed Sd.Kfz.221, which was armed only with machine guns. The Chinese Sd.Kfz.222 is an early model; thus, it differs slightly from that of the German army's Sd.Kfz.222 in terms of tires and gun system.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Sky Guardians"]], the Chinese Sd.Kfz.222 offers the Chinese Army's early-rank ground units swift attack autocannon armoured cars, which are extremely rare in Chinese tanks. As the autocannon lacks the capability to penetrate even the many light tanks prevalent in the early ranks, players should always try to flank the enemy whenever possible. Since the main autocannon has a high elevation angle of attack, this light tank can also be deployed for anti-aircraft tasks. This light armoured car will provide Chinese ground forces players with valuable insights into other nations' doctrine during World War II.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{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 Sd.Kfz.222 is overall a poorly protected vehicle.  
+
The Sd.Kfz.222 is overall a poorly protected vehicle.
  
−
The frontal hull consists of 14-30 mm armour plates, which can only stop heavy machine gun rounds and, with good angling, non-HVAP autocannon shells. Thus vehicles with heavy machine guns or autocannons are highly dangerous, for example [[M13 MGMC]], [[Pz.II (Family)|Pz.II]], [[Sd.Kfz.234/1]], etc. Any projectile with a larger calibre will go through its armour with ease. The rest of the vehicle is covered in 8 mm plates, which are barely enough to stop rifle-calibre bullets. At point blank range, even rifle-calibre machine guns have a good chance of penetrating the Sd.Kfz.222. The thin armour also makes the vehicle highly vulnerable to shrapnel from bombs and near-miss high explosive shells, so stay away from diving planes or artillery strikes.  
+
The frontal hull consists of 14-30 mm armour plates, which can only stop heavy machine gun rounds and, with good angling, non-HVAP autocannon shells. Thus vehicles with heavy machine guns or autocannons are highly dangerous, for example [[M13 MGMC]], [[Pz.II (Family)|Pz.II]], [[Sd.Kfz.234/1]], etc. Any projectile with a larger calibre will go through its armour with ease. The rest of the vehicle is covered in 8 mm plates, which are barely enough to stop rifle-calibre bullets. At point blank range, even rifle-calibre machine guns have a good chance of penetrating the Sd.Kfz.222. The thin armour also makes the vehicle highly vulnerable to shrapnel from bombs and near-miss high explosive shells, so stay away from diving planes or artillery strikes.
  
−
The post-penetration survivability is low. There are only 3 crews, with 2 sitting closely together in the turret making them easy to be taken out by a single shot. However, the vehicle will sometimes survive a shot or two, but don't count on that. The open-topped turret also makes HE, HEAT, bombs, and explosive rockets very lethal due to their overpressure. Therefore, the Sd.Kfz.222 will be knocked out with a single shot from howitzer-equipped vehicles like the [[M8 HMC (China)|M8 HMC]], the [[Chi-Ha]], or the [[15cm sIG 33 B Sfl]].  
+
The post-penetration survivability is low. There are only 3 crews, with 2 sitting closely together in the turret making them easy to be taken out by a single shot. However, the vehicle will sometimes survive a shot or two, but don't count on that. The open-topped turret also makes HE, HEAT, bombs, and explosive rockets very lethal due to their overpressure. Therefore, the Sd.Kfz.222 will be knocked out with a single shot from howitzer-equipped vehicles like the [[M8 HMC (China)|M8 HMC]], the [[Chi-Ha]], or the [[15cm sIG 33 B Sfl]].
  
 
'''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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{{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 Sd.Kfz.222 is a highly mobile vehicle, so the player should utilise this trait and avoid the flaws in protection.
 
The Sd.Kfz.222 is a highly mobile vehicle, so the player should utilise this trait and avoid the flaws in protection.
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On flat paved road, the vehicle can quickly accelerate to around 60 km/h thanks to its 18 hp/t power-to-weight ratio. This speed is comparable with famous fast tanks like [[BT-5]]. In offroad conditions, the vehicle can still maintain an average speed of around 50 km/h, allowing it to get to any location in a timely manner.
 
On flat paved road, the vehicle can quickly accelerate to around 60 km/h thanks to its 18 hp/t power-to-weight ratio. This speed is comparable with famous fast tanks like [[BT-5]]. In offroad conditions, the vehicle can still maintain an average speed of around 50 km/h, allowing it to get to any location in a timely manner.
  
−
The -16 km/h reverse speed seems significantly lower than forward speed, but it is fast enough to pull the vehicle out of danger if it is not far from a cover behind. Other wise, it may be better to turn the vehicle around.  
+
The -16 km/h reverse speed seems significantly lower than forward speed, but it is fast enough to pull the vehicle out of danger if it is not far from a cover behind. Other wise, it may be better to turn the vehicle around.
  
−
The vehicle's 4 wheels can all steer, making it very agile to navigate through confined environments like a small town, or to quickly change driving directions.  
+
The vehicle's 4 wheels can all steer, making it very agile to navigate through confined environments like a small town, or to quickly change driving directions.
  
−
The only flaw in mobility is that, at high speed, it is awkward to precisely control the direction as the vehicle tend to "snake" around when trying to steer. Also, it takes a few seconds to fully come to a halt when braking at high speed. Lastly, due to the vehicle's light weight (only 5t), it cannot quickly ram through obstacles like metal fences without losing speed, so avoid driving into them.  
+
The only flaw in mobility is that, at high speed, it is awkward to precisely control the direction as the vehicle tend to "snake" around when trying to steer. Also, it takes a few seconds to fully come to a halt when braking at high speed. Lastly, due to the vehicle's light weight (only 5t), it cannot quickly ram through obstacles like metal fences without losing speed, so avoid driving into them.
  
−
{{tankMobility}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=107|rbMinHp=66}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{main|KwK30 (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|KwK30 (20 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 Sd.Kfz.222 is armed with a single 20 mm KwK30 autocannon paired with a coaxial rifle-calibre machine gun. The Sd.Kfz.222 possesses a quick turret traverse and elevation speeds, and can elevate its gun to 80 degrees, allowing you to aim at and track aircraft with comfort. Compared to its German counterpart, the 20 mm KwK30 autocannon fires at a slower rate than the KwK38, but has double the ammunition per magazine. The KwK30 doesn't have access to the PzGr.40 belt, which grants it a higher penetration. This is a bigger disadvantage than one might expect, and limits the Chinese Sd.Kfz.222 more to its stated role as SPAA, especially in uptiers. Against many of its contemporaries, however, the penetration at point blank should be enough to deal with armoured cars and light tanks. There is more bullet drop on the KwK30 than the KwK38 autocannon, but the low penetration means it shouldn't be used to snipe, and it is not noticeable enough to really affect anti-air performance. The lower BR on the Chinese Sd.Kfz.222 should place you against weaker enemies than the German one anyway, making the lack of HVAP belts not as noticeable.
−
 
 
−
The Sd.Kfz.222 is armed with a single 20mm autocannon paired with a rifle calibre machine gun. Both weapons are connected together. The Sd.Kfz.222 possesses high turret traverse and elevation speeds, and can elevate its gun to 80 degrees, befitting of its role as SPAA. Compared to its German counterpart, the 20mm autocannon on this Sd.Kfz.222 fires slower, but has double the ammunition per magazine. Both have the same reload time. Unlike the Sd.Kfz.222 in the German tech tree, however, the Chinese Sd.Kfz.222 doesn't have access to the PzGr.40 belt, which grants it an extra 11mm of penetration. This is a bigger disadvantage than one might expect, and limits the Chinese Sd.Kfz.222 more to its stated role as SPAA, especially in uptiers. Against many of its contemporaries, however, the 37mm of point blank penetration should be enough. There is more bullet drop on the KwK30 than the Flak38 autocannon, but the low penetration means it shouldn't be used to snipe, and its not noticeable enough to really affect anti-air performance. The mg13 Dreyse machine gun also fires slower than its German counterpart, but as it's a rifle caliber machine gun, that doesn't matter as much. The Sd.Kfz.222 has a high turret traverse and gun elevation rate, allowing you to aim at and track aircraft with comfort.  
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 180 (20) || rowspan="2" | 280 || rowspan="2" | -7°/+80° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 180 (20) || rowspan="2" | 280 || rowspan="2" | -7°/+80° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 35.2 || 48.8 || 59.2 || 65.5 || 69.6 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{main|MG13 Dreyse (7.92 mm)}}
 
{{main|MG13 Dreyse (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.''
+
The MG13 Dreyse is a normal coaxial MG with a significantly lower rate of fire than its original German version. The MG is capable of elevating alongside the main cannon and can be utilised in AA work as a reserve weapon while loading the main gun or just attracting enemy planes to get a shot. It has decent penetration for a rifle-calibre MG, so it can be used in rare circumstances against very lightly-armoured vehicles or exposed crewmen.
  
 
{| 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
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| Coaxial || 900 (75) || 500 || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
The Sd.Kfz.222 is a fast vehicle capable of keeping up with the fastest of Rank I vehicles. This opens up numerous opportunities for you, as unlike the [[Flakpanzer I]] or the [[Flakpanzer 38]], you are not nearly as vulnerable to gunner snipes as you would be with them. In addition, you are not nearly as well suited for AA work as you only have room for a maximum of 9 magazines (including the one you have loaded), so prolonged AA work will simply burn your ammunition long before the Flakpanzers even needed to start getting worried. The closest analogue one can compare the 222 to is the Sd.Kfz.234/1 (basically a Puma chassis with the same turret). Instead of shooting planes, one can actively use the 222 as a speedier version of the Pz.II, attacking enemy tanks. Your lack of armour and excellent speeds encourage flanking or ambushing roles. Remember enemy weak spots and avoid armour you can't handle.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* No HVAP shells unlike the [[Sd.Kfz.222|German version]], cannot penetrate armoured targets like [[H.39]], [[D2]], etc
+
* No HVAP shells unlike the [[Sd.Kfz.222|German version]], cannot penetrate armoured targets like [[H.39]], [[D2]], etc.
 
* Very poorly protected, even a heavy machine gun can frontally penetrate it
 
* Very poorly protected, even a heavy machine gun can frontally penetrate it
 
* 7-second reload is quite slow
 
* 7-second reload is quite slow
 
* 280 rounds/min fire rate is slower than the German version, requiring extra aiming skills to hit planes
 
* 280 rounds/min fire rate is slower than the German version, requiring extra aiming skills to hit planes
 +
* Only 9 magazines of 20 mm rounds can be carried compared to 18 in the German Sd.Kfz.222, limiting ones potential without any restocking of ammo
  
 
== 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).''
+
By the decade of 1930s, for the need to import tungsten and seek for opening the arms market in China, the Nationalist Government purchased 22 Sd.kfz.221 series (twelve Sd.kfz. 221, six Sd.kfz. 222 and four Sd.kfz. 223 respectively) from the Third Reich as part of the modernization attempt for the NRA before the 2nd Sino-Japanese War broke. These vehicles were delivered in two batches in 1936; unlike the standard (late) version in Wehrmacht service, NRA's Sd.kfz.222, the weaponry was downgraded to earlier series with Kwk 30 autocannon and a RHS MG13 machine gun, as well as conventional tires instead of crossroad tires. These 22 vehicles were also the foundation of NRA's armored reconnaissance corps thanks to having radio for every vehicle which were all delivered to the 3rd Company, Reconnaissance Regiment, NRA Armored Corps (later NRA 200th Division). They were usually deployed to the battlefield according to the purpose and intensity of battle, where normally a duo of 221 and 222 would compose a recon platoon in combat area.
 +
 
 +
According to the spares records of these vehicles, they were first deployed at the Taierzhuang, Shandong in March 1938 and having no losses; later in 22nd May, they were deployed at Lanfeng (now Lankao County, Shandong) alongside with a reinforced infantry company when they faced a cavalry from IJA's 18th Infantry Regiment, at first the superiority of these three armored cars made it easy for them to chase off the cavalry before the cars spotted an artillery command post of IJA's 14th Division where they managed to destroy observation balloon vehicles, suppressing the Japanese forces before they returned fire and destroyed one of the Sd.kfz.222 (the vehicle was then transported to Tokyo as trophy of war). The remaining German armored cars were then transferred to the Cavalry Regiment, 5th Army and redeployed to Burma in April 1942 to maintain the bloodline of NRA from India to Yunnan via Burma; the armored cars ran into a squadron of IJA infantry on 18th and managed to push back their offensive with the help from infantry.
 +
 
 +
Due to the impossibility to attain parts from Germany, lack of spare parts and further losses of these vehicles, they were likely been replaced by US-built M3 armored car with no surviving examples of the "Horch armored car".<ref>https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1579480943458993111&wfr=spider&for=pc</ref>
  
 
== 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=cn_sdkfz_222_early Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|izFpnktG5w4|'''The Shooting Range #351''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:23 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 169: Line 178:
 
* ''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.'' -->
−
''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;''
+
;Related development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[Sd.Kfz.222]]
 +
 
 +
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 +
 
 +
* [[Sd.Kfz.234/1]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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* [[wt:en/news/8085-development-sd-kfz-222-a-little-tank-en|[Devblog] Sd.Kfz.222: A Little Tank]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/8085-development-sd-kfz-222-a-little-tank-en|[Devblog] Sd.Kfz.222: A Little Tank]]
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer Eisenwerk Weserhutte}}
 
{{China anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 
{{China anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 +
 
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]
 
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 19:51, 22 August 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the SPAA Sd.Kfz.222 (China). For the German version, see Sd.Kfz.222.
␗Sd.Kfz.222
cn_sdkfz_222_early.png
GarageImage Sd.Kfz.222 (China).jpg
ArtImage Sd.Kfz.222 (China).png
␗Sd.Kfz.222
China flag.png China
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.3 1.3 1.3
Class:
Research:2 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:700 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Sonderkraftfahrzeug 222 (Sd.Kfz.222), also known as the Horch Armored Car (豪須裝甲車) from the name of its manufacturer, was the second variant in the series of light four-wheel-drive armoured reconnaissance vehicles (Leichter Panzerspähwagen) manufactured in Germany between 1935 and 1944 by Horch. A substantial quantity of German-made equipment was transported to China in 1933, marking the start of the Kuomintang government's army reorganising program. When these vehicles were shipped, they were still painted in the dark grey of the German army. The Chinese Nationalist Army emblem was painted on the right rear side of the armoured car body and under the turret after it arrived in China, but the original German emblem was retained. The Sd.Kfz.222 was deployed by the Chinese Nationalist Army's special motorised unit. Its mission was to serve as a fire support vehicle for the reconnaissance corps when scouting alongside the less heavily armed Sd.Kfz.221, which was armed only with machine guns. The Chinese Sd.Kfz.222 is an early model; thus, it differs slightly from that of the German army's Sd.Kfz.222 in terms of tires and gun system.

Introduced in Update "Sky Guardians", the Chinese Sd.Kfz.222 offers the Chinese Army's early-rank ground units swift attack autocannon armoured cars, which are extremely rare in Chinese tanks. As the autocannon lacks the capability to penetrate even the many light tanks prevalent in the early ranks, players should always try to flank the enemy whenever possible. Since the main autocannon has a high elevation angle of attack, this light tank can also be deployed for anti-aircraft tasks. This light armoured car will provide Chinese ground forces players with valuable insights into other nations' doctrine during World War II.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull8 / 8 / 8
Turret8 / 8 / 8
Crew3 people
Visibility68 %

The Sd.Kfz.222 is overall a poorly protected vehicle.

The frontal hull consists of 14-30 mm armour plates, which can only stop heavy machine gun rounds and, with good angling, non-HVAP autocannon shells. Thus vehicles with heavy machine guns or autocannons are highly dangerous, for example M13 MGMC, Pz.II, Sd.Kfz.234/1, etc. Any projectile with a larger calibre will go through its armour with ease. The rest of the vehicle is covered in 8 mm plates, which are barely enough to stop rifle-calibre bullets. At point blank range, even rifle-calibre machine guns have a good chance of penetrating the Sd.Kfz.222. The thin armour also makes the vehicle highly vulnerable to shrapnel from bombs and near-miss high explosive shells, so stay away from diving planes or artillery strikes.

The post-penetration survivability is low. There are only 3 crews, with 2 sitting closely together in the turret making them easy to be taken out by a single shot. However, the vehicle will sometimes survive a shot or two, but don't count on that. The open-topped turret also makes HE, HEAT, bombs, and explosive rockets very lethal due to their overpressure. Therefore, the Sd.Kfz.222 will be knocked out with a single shot from howitzer-equipped vehicles like the M8 HMC, the Chi-Ha, or the 15cm sIG 33 B Sfl.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull ___ mm ___ mm Top
___ mm Bottom 		___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Turret ___ - ___ mm Turret front
___ mm Gun mantlet 		___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Cupola ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB87 / 17 km/h
RB and SB81 / 16 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight3.9 t
Engine power
AB143 hp
RB and SB75 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB36.7 hp/t
RB and SB19.2 hp/t

The Sd.Kfz.222 is a highly mobile vehicle, so the player should utilise this trait and avoid the flaws in protection.

On flat paved road, the vehicle can quickly accelerate to around 60 km/h thanks to its 18 hp/t power-to-weight ratio. This speed is comparable with famous fast tanks like BT-5. In offroad conditions, the vehicle can still maintain an average speed of around 50 km/h, allowing it to get to any location in a timely manner.

The -16 km/h reverse speed seems significantly lower than forward speed, but it is fast enough to pull the vehicle out of danger if it is not far from a cover behind. Other wise, it may be better to turn the vehicle around.

The vehicle's 4 wheels can all steer, making it very agile to navigate through confined environments like a small town, or to quickly change driving directions.

The only flaw in mobility is that, at high speed, it is awkward to precisely control the direction as the vehicle tend to "snake" around when trying to steer. Also, it takes a few seconds to fully come to a halt when braking at high speed. Lastly, due to the vehicle's light weight (only 5t), it cannot quickly ram through obstacles like metal fences without losing speed, so avoid driving into them.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 87 17 3.9 107 143 27.44 36.67
Realistic 81 16 66 75 16.92 19.23

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB101 → 130 Sl icon.png
RB89 → 115 Sl icon.png
SB138 → 178 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications2 985 Rp icon.png
890 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost190 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 Sl icon.png
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces20 Ge icon.png
Research Aces96 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
10 / 10 / 20 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new wheels.png
Tires
Research:
150 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new car suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
135 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
135 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
150 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
135 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement cn.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
150 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_kwk_30_HE_ammo_pack
Research:
150 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods aa cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
135 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_kwk_30_AP_ammo_pack
Research:
135 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

20 mm KwK30 cannon
Ammunition180 rounds
Belt capacity20 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
7.8 → 6.0 s
Fire rate280 shots/min
Vertical guidance-7° / 80°
Main article: KwK30 (20 mm)

The Sd.Kfz.222 is armed with a single 20 mm KwK30 autocannon paired with a coaxial rifle-calibre machine gun. The Sd.Kfz.222 possesses a quick turret traverse and elevation speeds, and can elevate its gun to 80 degrees, allowing you to aim at and track aircraft with comfort. Compared to its German counterpart, the 20 mm KwK30 autocannon fires at a slower rate than the KwK38, but has double the ammunition per magazine. The KwK30 doesn't have access to the PzGr.40 belt, which grants it a higher penetration. This is a bigger disadvantage than one might expect, and limits the Chinese Sd.Kfz.222 more to its stated role as SPAA, especially in uptiers. Against many of its contemporaries, however, the penetration at point blank should be enough to deal with armoured cars and light tanks. There is more bullet drop on the KwK30 than the KwK38 autocannon, but the low penetration means it shouldn't be used to snipe, and it is not noticeable enough to really affect anti-air performance. The lower BR on the Chinese Sd.Kfz.222 should place you against weaker enemies than the German one anyway, making the lack of HVAP belts not as noticeable.

20 mm KwK30 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 180 (20) 280 -7°/+80° ±180° - 35.2 48.8 59.2 65.5 69.6 7.80 6.90 6.36 6.00
Realistic 23.8 28.0 34.0 37.6 40.0

Ammunition

  • Default: API-T · HEFI-T*
  • Sprgr.: HEFI-T*
  • PzGr.: API-T

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HEFI-T* 5 4 3 2 2 2
API-T 37 34 23 14 9 6
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEFI-T* 900 0.12 0.1 0.1 10.2 79° 80° 81°
API-T 800 0.15 - - - 47° 60° 65°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
9 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Machine guns

7.92 mm MG13 Dreyse machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition900 rounds
Belt capacity75 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
Main article: MG13 Dreyse (7.92 mm)

The MG13 Dreyse is a normal coaxial MG with a significantly lower rate of fire than its original German version. The MG is capable of elevating alongside the main cannon and can be utilised in AA work as a reserve weapon while loading the main gun or just attracting enemy planes to get a shot. It has decent penetration for a rifle-calibre MG, so it can be used in rare circumstances against very lightly-armoured vehicles or exposed crewmen.

7.92 mm MG13 Dreyse
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 900 (75) 500 - -

Usage in battles

The Sd.Kfz.222 is a fast vehicle capable of keeping up with the fastest of Rank I vehicles. This opens up numerous opportunities for you, as unlike the Flakpanzer I or the Flakpanzer 38, you are not nearly as vulnerable to gunner snipes as you would be with them. In addition, you are not nearly as well suited for AA work as you only have room for a maximum of 9 magazines (including the one you have loaded), so prolonged AA work will simply burn your ammunition long before the Flakpanzers even needed to start getting worried. The closest analogue one can compare the 222 to is the Sd.Kfz.234/1 (basically a Puma chassis with the same turret). Instead of shooting planes, one can actively use the 222 as a speedier version of the Pz.II, attacking enemy tanks. Your lack of armour and excellent speeds encourage flanking or ambushing roles. Remember enemy weak spots and avoid armour you can't handle.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • High speed especially on paved road, comparable with fast foes like BT-5
  • All-wheel steering, very agile navigating through urban areas
  • Fast turret traverse, can keep up with high-speed targets like planes
  • Good -16km/h reverse speed, helpful to retreat from danger
  • 20-round magazine is beginner friendly
  • Very small profile, easy to hide in bushes

Cons:

  • No HVAP shells unlike the German version, cannot penetrate armoured targets like H.39, D2, etc.
  • Very poorly protected, even a heavy machine gun can frontally penetrate it
  • 7-second reload is quite slow
  • 280 rounds/min fire rate is slower than the German version, requiring extra aiming skills to hit planes
  • Only 9 magazines of 20 mm rounds can be carried compared to 18 in the German Sd.Kfz.222, limiting ones potential without any restocking of ammo

History

By the decade of 1930s, for the need to import tungsten and seek for opening the arms market in China, the Nationalist Government purchased 22 Sd.kfz.221 series (twelve Sd.kfz. 221, six Sd.kfz. 222 and four Sd.kfz. 223 respectively) from the Third Reich as part of the modernization attempt for the NRA before the 2nd Sino-Japanese War broke. These vehicles were delivered in two batches in 1936; unlike the standard (late) version in Wehrmacht service, NRA's Sd.kfz.222, the weaponry was downgraded to earlier series with Kwk 30 autocannon and a RHS MG13 machine gun, as well as conventional tires instead of crossroad tires. These 22 vehicles were also the foundation of NRA's armored reconnaissance corps thanks to having radio for every vehicle which were all delivered to the 3rd Company, Reconnaissance Regiment, NRA Armored Corps (later NRA 200th Division). They were usually deployed to the battlefield according to the purpose and intensity of battle, where normally a duo of 221 and 222 would compose a recon platoon in combat area.

According to the spares records of these vehicles, they were first deployed at the Taierzhuang, Shandong in March 1938 and having no losses; later in 22nd May, they were deployed at Lanfeng (now Lankao County, Shandong) alongside with a reinforced infantry company when they faced a cavalry from IJA's 18th Infantry Regiment, at first the superiority of these three armored cars made it easy for them to chase off the cavalry before the cars spotted an artillery command post of IJA's 14th Division where they managed to destroy observation balloon vehicles, suppressing the Japanese forces before they returned fire and destroyed one of the Sd.kfz.222 (the vehicle was then transported to Tokyo as trophy of war). The remaining German armored cars were then transferred to the Cavalry Regiment, 5th Army and redeployed to Burma in April 1942 to maintain the bloodline of NRA from India to Yunnan via Burma; the armored cars ran into a squadron of IJA infantry on 18th and managed to push back their offensive with the help from infantry.

Due to the impossibility to attain parts from Germany, lack of spare parts and further losses of these vehicles, they were likely been replaced by US-built M3 armored car with no surviving examples of the "Horch armored car".[1]

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #351 - Metal Beasts section at 00:23 discusses the Sd.Kfz.222 (China).

See also

Related development
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


Eisenwerk Weserhütte
Sd.Kfz.221  Sd.Kfz.221 (s.Pz.B.41)
Sd.Kfz.222  Sd.Kfz.222 · ␗Sd.Kfz.222

China anti-aircraft vehicles
Radar SPAAG  PGZ09
Gun and Missile SPAAG  PGZ04A
Missile SPAA  Antelope
Other  ZSD63/PG87 · ZSL92 · WZ305
Germany  ␗Sd.Kfz.222
North Vietnam  Phòng không T-34
USA  CCKW 353 (M45) · ␗M42
USSR  Tor-M1

  1. ↑ https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1579480943458993111&wfr=spider&for=pc
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