Difference between revisions of "AEC AA"

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{{Specs-Card|code=uk_armored_car_mk_2_aa}}
+
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=uk_armored_car_mk_2_aa
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
In 1941, the Associated Equipment Company (AEC) created a chassis for an armoured car based on their Matador artillery tractor, drawing on experience gained while fighting Italian armoured cars in North Africa. The prototype was shown at the Cavalry Guard Parade and impressed Churchill, after which a contract was signed initially for 120 units, and ultimately 629 were produced between 1942 and 1943. They were used in battles in North Africa, sometimes alongside the Staghound. The main modifications to the vehicle used the QF 2-pounder, QF 6-pounder, and QF 75 mm guns. In 1944, a prototype SPAA on an AEC chassis was built using a [[Crusader AA Mk II]] turret featuring two 20 mm Oerlikon automatic cannons. However, due to the Allies' widespread air superiority, it did not enter mass production.
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} British Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun {{Battle-rating|1}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]] along with the rest of the British tree.  
 
  
−
This is a low rank British AA car, which, while lacking armour, can pack quite the punch. It has two 20mm autocannons on its turret, and good maneuverability and speed. Unlike the AA of many other countries at this rank, this is a closed top vehicle, and performs well in anti-tank roles.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]] along with the initial British ground tree, the '''AEC AA''' is a fairly effective wheeled anti-aircraft gun with good protection. It packs quite the punch, able to be used effectively against both aircraft and light armour. Its armour provides decent protection even against heavy machine guns, while its wheeled chassis has mediocre cross-country ability but high speed, which can help avoid enemy attention if position changes are frequent enough.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
<!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpfull for survival in combat?''
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
The AEC AA lacks armour, although it is protected from most smaller calibre machine guns at its battle rating. It is advisable to attempt to position yourself above an enemy, so that: A) they will have a lower ability to see you, and B) so that they will most likely end up shooting the lower part of the tank, which juts out. If they shoot here with an AP shell, it will most likely go straight through and merely take out your transmission.
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
+
'''Armour type:'''
−
The AC Mk II AA lacks armour, although it is protected from most smaller caliber machine guns at its battle rating. It is advisable to attempt to position yourself above an enemy, so that: A) they will have a lower ability to see you, and B) so that they will most likely end up shooting the lower part of the tank, which juts out. If they shoot here with an AP shell, it will most likely go straight through and merely take out your transmission.
 
  
−
'''Armour type:'''
 
 
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 
* Structural steel (Sand skirts)
 
* Structural steel (Sand skirts)
 +
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
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|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 
* Wheels are 2 mm thick, structural chassis is 5 mm thick.
 
* Wheels are 2 mm thick, structural chassis is 5 mm thick.
 
* A 14 mm RHA plate separates the engine from the crew compartment.
 
* A 14 mm RHA plate separates the engine from the crew compartment.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
−
<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
−
The AC Mk II AA is decently maneuverable and has high top speeds, especially on the road. ''Warning'': do '''not''' attempt to drive this vehicle on the snow or sand, as it will go more slowly than most heavy tanks at its BR.
+
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=224|rbMinHp=140}}
−
|-
+
 
−
!colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
+
The {{PAGENAME}} is decently manoeuvrable and has high top speeds, especially on the road. ''Warning'': do '''not''' attempt to drive this vehicle on the snow or sand, as it will go more slowly than most heavy tanks at its BR.
−
|-
+
 
−
! Weight (tons)
+
=== Modifications and economy ===
−
!colspan="1" | Add-on Armor<br>weight (tons)
+
{{Specs-Economy}}
−
!colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
 
−
|-
 
−
|rowspan="2" | 12.7 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 72 (AB)
 
−
|-
 
−
|66 (RB/SB)
 
−
|-
 
−
!colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
 
−
|-
 
−
!colspan="1" | Mode
 
−
!Stock
 
−
!Upgraded
 
−
|-
 
−
|''Arcade''
 
−
|224
 
−
|276
 
−
|-
 
−
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
−
|140
 
−
|158
 
−
|-
 
−
!colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 
−
|-
 
−
!colspan="1" | Mode
 
−
!Stock
 
−
!Upgraded
 
−
|-
 
−
|''Arcade''
 
−
|17.64
 
−
|21.73
 
−
|-
 
−
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
−
|11.02
 
−
|12.44
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
<!--''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibilty of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 +
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
{{main|Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)}}
  
−
The AC Mk II AA sports a dual-mount 20mm autocannons, which excels at devastating planes and even light or medium tanks. The AP rounds provided will shred through almost anything, and it is always advisable to take these. Additionally, these allow you to down heavy bombers.
+
The AEC AA sports dual-mount 20 mm autocannons, which excels at devastating planes and even light or medium tanks. The AP rounds provided will shred through almost anything, and it is always advisable to take these. Additionally, these allow you to down heavy bombers.
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" | [[Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)|20 mm Oerlikon Mk.II]] (x2)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="2" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity each)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
−
|-
 
−
| colspan="2" | 600 (60) || 450 || -5°/+87° || ±180° || N/A
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
 
−
|-
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Mode
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Stock
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
−
|-
 
−
| ''Arcade'' || 23.8 || 32.9 || 40.0 || 44.2 || 47.0
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Realistic'' || 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
+
! colspan="6" | [[Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)|20 mm Oerlikon Mk.II]] (x2) || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
+
! ''Arcade''
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
+
| rowspan="2" | 600 (60) || rowspan="2" | 450 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+87° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 35.22 || 48.75 || 59.20 || 65.47 || 69.65 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 7.8 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
+
! ''Realistic''
 +
| 23.80 || 28.00 || 34.00 || 37.60 || 40.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
=== Ammunition ===
+
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
 
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}} - This belts carries an equal mixture of HEF-I and AP-T.
−
|-
+
* '''HET:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}} - This is the belt you want to research first, since its rounds are the best against aircraft.
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
* '''APT:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}} - These are purely AP belts that are not very useful with 42 mm of penetration. However, it is always a good idea to carry a few for self-defence- it can knockout lightly armoured vehicles.
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Belt <br /> composition
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10m
 
−
! 100m
 
−
! 500m
 
−
! 1000m
 
−
! 1500m
 
−
! 2000m
 
−
|-
 
−
| Default || AP-T, HEF-I || 42 || 40 || 30 || 21 || 15 || 11
 
−
|-  
 
−
| HET || HEFI-T, HEF-I || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4
 
−
|-
 
−
| APT || AP-T || 42 || 40 || 30 || 21 || 15 || 11
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
===Belt types===
+
{{:Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)/Ammunition|HEF-I, AP-T, HEFI-T}}
−
{|class="catlist"
 
−
| '''Belts''' || '''Shell composition''' || '''Combat usage'''
 
−
|-
 
−
|align="left"|''Default'' ||align="left"| AP-T &ndash; HEF-I  ||align="left"| This belts carry an equal mixture of HET and APT.  
 
−
|-
 
−
|align="left"|''HET'' ||align="left"| HEFI-T &ndash; HEF-I ||align="left"| This is the belts you want to research first, since they are the best against aircraft.
 
−
|-
 
−
|align="left"|''APT''  ||align="left"|  AP-T ||align="left"| These are purely APCR belts that, as mentioned above, are not very useful with 40mm of penetration, it is always a good idea to carry a round of them for self-defence - It can knockout lightly armoured vehicles.
 
−
|}
 
  
−
=== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] ===
+
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
[[File:Ammoracks AC Mk II AA.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo rack]] of Armoured Car Mk.II AA.]]
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
+
! Full<br>ammo
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br /> rack empty
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br /> rack empty
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br /> rack empty
+
! 3rd<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br /> rack empty
+
! 4th<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
+
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
|| '''10''' || 8 ''(+2)'' || 6 ''(+4)'' || 4 ''(+6)'' || 2 ''(+8)''|| style="text-align:center" | Yes  
+
| '''10''' || 8 ''(+2)'' || 6 ''(+4)'' || 4 ''(+6)'' || 2 ''(+8)''|| Yes
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Optics ===
 
=== Optics ===
−
 
−
''Explain how the optic's status can affect the tank's gameplay in any unique or meaningful way. A comparison to rival tanks of the rank is welcome.''
 
−
 
−
''If you are having problems with it, refer to the [[Optics|optics gallery]] page for examples.''
 
−
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
−
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]  
+
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Which ones
 
! Which ones
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|-
 
|-
 
! Main Gun optics
 
! Main Gun optics
−
| x1.85 || x3.5 <!--Sometimes the actual value may not be known and here it should be referenced if the optic values are an estimate such as with an "X8.3 (estimated)" notation or something else that way the user will then be able to look to the comparable optics section and see a referenced optic which will have actual in-game data to back up the claim.-->
+
| x1.85 || x3.5
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Comparable optics
 
! Comparable optics
−
| colspan="2;" style="text-align:center;" | [[So-Ki]]
+
| colspan="2" | [[So-Ki]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
== Usage in the 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 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 AC Mk II AA can be used as a support tank in most battles and excels at ambushes. It works well at holding down a capture point, or setting traps along roads. It is advisable to always stay near allies so that you can receive help if necessary. If encountering a heavy tank, attempt to disable its gun first, then take out its tracks and proceed to flank it. If you choose to play the original role of anti-aircraft, make sure to stay in an open (but safe) area, allowing you full range of fire. Sometimes it is advisable to "harass" planes by giving scattered fire to make them think you are a light tank, and then pretending you don't notice them turning to attack you. Aim down the scope until they are within firing range, and shred them to pieces before they have time to react.
+
The AEC AA can be used as a support tank in most battles and excels at ambushes. It works well at holding down a capture point, or setting traps along roads. It is advisable to always stay near allies so that you can receive help if necessary. If you choose to play the original role of anti-aircraft, make sure to stay in an open (but safe) area, allowing you full range of fire. Sometimes it is advisable to "harass" planes by giving scattered fire to make them think you are a light tank, and then pretending you don't notice them turning to attack you. Aim down the scope until they are within firing range, and shred them to pieces before they have time to react.
  
−
Due to the heavy ammunition consumption as SPAA in AA fights, stay at an allied capture point to get free ammunition reload during battle.
+
Due to the heavy ammunition consumption as SPAA in AA fights, stay at an allied capture point to get ammunition to reload during battle.
  
−
===Modules===
+
When encountering an enemy that's armour can't be pierced, attempt to immobilise the vehicle by disabling the tracks. From here, multiple options are available for the {{PAGENAME}} depending on the foe. If the enemy has known weak spots, the {{PAGENAME}} could attempt to manoeuvre to a favourable position. If the enemy is known to be impervious to the {{PAGENAME}}'s armaments, simply keep them disabled (hit the gun barrel as well to increase the enemy's repair time), drop artillery, and withdraw to a safe position until a friendly with a bigger gun can handle the situation.
−
Like every other vehicle, the "Parts" and "FPE" modifications should be prioritised so you won't lose your vehicle due to being disabled. After that, prioritise ammunition, aiming for "APT". Everything else is still essential to upgrading the vehicle.
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 +
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
 +
 
* Excellent rate of fire
 
* Excellent rate of fire
 
* Fast and mobile with good acceleration
 
* Fast and mobile with good acceleration
Line 207: Line 127:
 
* Good turret armour
 
* Good turret armour
 
* Fast turret rotation speed
 
* Fast turret rotation speed
−
* 20 mm cannon velocity gives good anti-air capability
+
* Good gun velocity gives good anti-air capability
 
* Can decimate lightly armoured tank destroyers
 
* Can decimate lightly armoured tank destroyers
 +
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 +
 
* Useless against heavily armoured tanks
 
* Useless against heavily armoured tanks
 
* Low ammo capacity can't allow for reckless firing
 
* Low ammo capacity can't allow for reckless firing
Line 220: Line 142:
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
===Development===
 
===Development===
−
The basis of the armoured car comes from Associated Equipment Company (AEC) of Southall, Middlesex. AEC was a manufacturer of truck and bus chassis and the Matador artillery tractor. The armoured car was privately developed in 1941 and was based off the Matador. The design was shown to British officials in the same year during the Horse Guards Parade and was received favourably by many, including Winston Churchill. Orders started filing in for the armoured car, and AEC tried to give it comparable firepower to current tanks at the time. Thus, the first version, Mk.I, came with a turret adapted from the [[Valentine Mk I|Valentine tank]] equipped with the 2-pounder. The next version, Mk.II, had this upgraded with a heavier turret and a 6-pounder gun, then with the QF 75 mm gun on the Mk.III. An anti-aircraft version using the same turret from the [[Crusader AA Mk II|Crusader AA Mk II]] and the twin Oerlikon guns was also developed onto the armoured car. During its production life from 1942 to 1943, 629 Armoured cars in total were built.
+
The basis of the armoured car comes from the Associated Equipment Company (AEC) of Southall, Middlesex. AEC was a manufacturer of truck and bus chassis and the Matador artillery tractor. The armoured car was privately developed in 1941 and was based on the Matador. The design was shown to British officials in the same year during the Horse Guards Parade and was received favourably by many, including Winston Churchill. Orders started filing in for the armoured car, and AEC tried to give it comparable firepower to current tanks at the time. Thus, the first version, Mk.I, came with a turret adapted from the [[Valentine Mk I|Valentine tank]] equipped with the 2-pounder. The next version, Mk.II, had this upgraded with a heavier turret and a 6-pounder gun, then with the QF 75 mm gun on the Mk.III. An anti-aircraft version using the same turret from the [[Crusader AA Mk II]] and the twin Oerlikon guns were also developed for the armoured car. During its production life from 1942 to 1943, 629 Armoured cars in total were built.
  
 
===Combat usage===
 
===Combat usage===
−
The Armoured cars equipped with the tank guns were used in North Africa in late 1942. Some on-field modifications include changing out the Valentine turret for a [[Crusader Mk III|Crusader]] turret with the 6-pounder. The armoured cars continued to see fighting in various parts of Europe in combination with other armoured cars and remained in service until replaced by the Alvis Saladin in 1958.
+
The Armoured cars equipped with tank guns were used in North Africa in late 1942. Some on-field modifications include changing out the Valentine turret for a [[Crusader Mk III|Crusader]] turret with the 6-pounder. The armoured cars continued to see fighting in various parts of Europe in combination with other armoured cars and remained in service until replaced by the Alvis Saladin in 1958.
  
 
Though the anti-aircraft version was made, it never entered production due to the growing Allied air superiority over the Axis forces, making the anti-aircraft version unnecessary to guard the advancing Allied units from air attacks.
 
Though the anti-aircraft version was made, it never entered production due to the growing Allied air superiority over the Axis forces, making the anti-aircraft version unnecessary to guard the advancing Allied units from air attacks.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_armored_car_mk_2_aa Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
Vehicles with the same chassis:
  
−
== Read also ==
+
* [[AEC Mk II]]
−
* [https://warthunder.com/en/devblog/current/854/ [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> T17E2 and Armoured Car Mk II SPAA]<br/>
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
Vehicles with the same weapon system:
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
 +
* [[Crusader AA Mk II]]
 +
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
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* [[wt:en/devblog/current/854/|[Devblog] T17E2 and Armoured Car Mk II SPAA]]
  
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{{TankManufacturer AEC}}
 
{{Britain anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 
{{Britain anti-aircraft vehicles}}
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[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 19:54, 28 August 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
AEC AA
uk_armored_car_mk_2_aa.png
GarageImage AEC AA.jpg
ArtImage AEC AA.png
AEC AA
Britain flag.png Britain
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.7 3.3 3.3
Class:
Research:9 200 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:16 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

In 1941, the Associated Equipment Company (AEC) created a chassis for an armoured car based on their Matador artillery tractor, drawing on experience gained while fighting Italian armoured cars in North Africa. The prototype was shown at the Cavalry Guard Parade and impressed Churchill, after which a contract was signed initially for 120 units, and ultimately 629 were produced between 1942 and 1943. They were used in battles in North Africa, sometimes alongside the Staghound. The main modifications to the vehicle used the QF 2-pounder, QF 6-pounder, and QF 75 mm guns. In 1944, a prototype SPAA on an AEC chassis was built using a Crusader AA Mk II turret featuring two 20 mm Oerlikon automatic cannons. However, due to the Allies' widespread air superiority, it did not enter mass production.

Introduced in Update 1.55 "Royal Armour" along with the initial British ground tree, the AEC AA is a fairly effective wheeled anti-aircraft gun with good protection. It packs quite the punch, able to be used effectively against both aircraft and light armour. Its armour provides decent protection even against heavy machine guns, while its wheeled chassis has mediocre cross-country ability but high speed, which can help avoid enemy attention if position changes are frequent enough.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull31 / 25 / 14
Turret51 / 51 / 51
Crew4 people
Visibility90 %

The AEC AA lacks armour, although it is protected from most smaller calibre machine guns at its battle rating. It is advisable to attempt to position yourself above an enemy, so that: A) they will have a lower ability to see you, and B) so that they will most likely end up shooting the lower part of the tank, which juts out. If they shoot here with an AP shell, it will most likely go straight through and merely take out your transmission.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Structural steel (Sand skirts)
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 17 mm (62-78°) Front glacis
10 mm (42°) Lower glacis
17 mm (49°) + 31 mm Joint plate 		25 mm (0-1°) 10 mm (58°) Top
14 mm (13°) Bottom 		12 mm
10 mm Rear
Turret 50.8 mm (1-6°) Turret front
50.8 mm (13-60°) Gun mantlet 		50.8 mm (7-9°) 50.8 mm (6-38°) 20 mm
  • Wheels are 2 mm thick, structural chassis is 5 mm thick.
  • A 14 mm RHA plate separates the engine from the crew compartment.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB73 / 10 km/h
RB and SB67 / 9 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
2 back
Weight12.7 t
Engine power
AB301 hp
RB and SB158 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB23.7 hp/t
RB and SB12.4 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 73 10 12.7 224 301 17.64 23.7
Realistic 67 9 140 158 11.02 12.44

The AEC AA is decently manoeuvrable and has high top speeds, especially on the road. Warning: do not attempt to drive this vehicle on the snow or sand, as it will go more slowly than most heavy tanks at its BR.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB653 → 846 Sl icon.png
RB532 → 690 Sl icon.png
SB816 → 1 058 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications8 410 Rp icon.png
9 400 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost640 Ge icon.png
Crew training4 500 Sl icon.png
Experts16 000 Sl icon.png
Aces160 Ge icon.png
Research Aces190 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
40 / 50 / 70 % Sl icon.png
118 / 118 / 118 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new wheels.png
Tires
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new car suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
430 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
430 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
790 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
910 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
910 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
430 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement uk.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
790 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_Oerlikon_HE_ammo_pack
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods aa cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
430 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_Oerlikon_AP_ammo_pack
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
430 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
790 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
910 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

2 x 20 mm Oerlikon Mk.II cannon
Ammunition600 rounds
Belt capacity60 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
1.3 → 1.0 s
Fire rate450 shots/min
Vertical guidance-5° / 87°
Main article: Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)

The AEC AA sports dual-mount 20 mm autocannons, which excels at devastating planes and even light or medium tanks. The AP rounds provided will shred through almost anything, and it is always advisable to take these. Additionally, these allow you to down heavy bombers.

20 mm Oerlikon Mk.II (x2) Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 600 (60) 450 -5°/+87° ±180° N/A 35.22 48.75 59.20 65.47 69.65 7.80 6.90 6.36 6.00
Realistic 23.80 28.00 34.00 37.60 40.00

Ammunition

  • Default: AP-T · HEF-I · AP-T - This belts carries an equal mixture of HEF-I and AP-T.
  • HET: HEFI-T · HEF-I · HEF-I - This is the belt you want to research first, since its rounds are the best against aircraft.
  • APT: AP-T - These are purely AP belts that are not very useful with 42 mm of penetration. However, it is always a good idea to carry a few for self-defence- it can knockout lightly armoured vehicles.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HEF-I 4 4 3 3 3 3
AP-T 38 35 23 14 9 5
HEFI-T 4 4 3 3 3 3
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEF-I 838 0.12 0 0.1 6 - - -
AP-T 830 0.14 - - - 47° 60° 65°
HEFI-T 838 0.12 0.1 0.1 5 79° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the AEC AA
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
10 8 (+2) 6 (+4) 4 (+6) 2 (+8) Yes

Optics

AEC AA Optics
Which ones Default magnification Maximum magnification
Main Gun optics x1.85 x3.5
Comparable optics So-Ki

Usage in battles

The AEC AA can be used as a support tank in most battles and excels at ambushes. It works well at holding down a capture point, or setting traps along roads. It is advisable to always stay near allies so that you can receive help if necessary. If you choose to play the original role of anti-aircraft, make sure to stay in an open (but safe) area, allowing you full range of fire. Sometimes it is advisable to "harass" planes by giving scattered fire to make them think you are a light tank, and then pretending you don't notice them turning to attack you. Aim down the scope until they are within firing range, and shred them to pieces before they have time to react.

Due to the heavy ammunition consumption as SPAA in AA fights, stay at an allied capture point to get ammunition to reload during battle.

When encountering an enemy that's armour can't be pierced, attempt to immobilise the vehicle by disabling the tracks. From here, multiple options are available for the AEC AA depending on the foe. If the enemy has known weak spots, the AEC AA could attempt to manoeuvre to a favourable position. If the enemy is known to be impervious to the AEC AA's armaments, simply keep them disabled (hit the gun barrel as well to increase the enemy's repair time), drop artillery, and withdraw to a safe position until a friendly with a bigger gun can handle the situation.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent rate of fire
  • Fast and mobile with good acceleration
  • Closed top, can't be strafed from the sky or hit by artillery shrapnel
  • Good turret armour
  • Fast turret rotation speed
  • Good gun velocity gives good anti-air capability
  • Can decimate lightly armoured tank destroyers

Cons:

  • Useless against heavily armoured tanks
  • Low ammo capacity can't allow for reckless firing
  • Poor hull armour
  • Taller than other vehicles, making it a large target (easier to hit)
  • Has wheels, therefore it can't turn on the spot
  • Terrible at driving off-road and on sand or mud
  • Turret ring is fairly large, therefore it may become jammed often if hit
  • Not enough gun depression (be careful when getting up hills)

History

Development

The basis of the armoured car comes from the Associated Equipment Company (AEC) of Southall, Middlesex. AEC was a manufacturer of truck and bus chassis and the Matador artillery tractor. The armoured car was privately developed in 1941 and was based on the Matador. The design was shown to British officials in the same year during the Horse Guards Parade and was received favourably by many, including Winston Churchill. Orders started filing in for the armoured car, and AEC tried to give it comparable firepower to current tanks at the time. Thus, the first version, Mk.I, came with a turret adapted from the Valentine tank equipped with the 2-pounder. The next version, Mk.II, had this upgraded with a heavier turret and a 6-pounder gun, then with the QF 75 mm gun on the Mk.III. An anti-aircraft version using the same turret from the Crusader AA Mk II and the twin Oerlikon guns were also developed for the armoured car. During its production life from 1942 to 1943, 629 Armoured cars in total were built.

Combat usage

The Armoured cars equipped with tank guns were used in North Africa in late 1942. Some on-field modifications include changing out the Valentine turret for a Crusader turret with the 6-pounder. The armoured cars continued to see fighting in various parts of Europe in combination with other armoured cars and remained in service until replaced by the Alvis Saladin in 1958.

Though the anti-aircraft version was made, it never entered production due to the growing Allied air superiority over the Axis forces, making the anti-aircraft version unnecessary to guard the advancing Allied units from air attacks.

Media

Skins

See also

Vehicles with the same chassis:

Vehicles with the same weapon system:

External links


Associated Equipment Company (AEC)
Armoured Cars  AEC Mk II
SPAAs  AEC AA

Britain anti-aircraft vehicles
Crusader AA  Crusader AA Mk I · Crusader AA Mk II
Wheeled  Staghound AA · AEC AA
Radar SPAAG  Chieftain Marksman
Missile SPAA  Stormer AD · Stormer HVM
Other  Light AA Mk I · Falcon
Canada  Skink · ADATS (M113)
South Africa  Ystervark · Bosvark · ZA-35

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