Difference between revisions of "Panther "Dauphiné""

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m (I corrected the description of the difference btw this panther and the german panther G. This panther does not have the improved gun mantlet (like the original description claimed) but rather the one similar to panthers A or D.)
 
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{{Specs-Card|code=fr_pzkpfw_V_panther_dauphine}}
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{{About
 +
|about = French medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
|other
 +
|usage-1 = other versions
 +
|link-1 = Panzer V Panther (Family)
 +
|usage-2 = other uses
 +
|link-2 = Panther (Disambiguation)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=fr_pzkpfw_V_panther_dauphine
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_Panther_Dauphine.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
Throughout the development of WWII after D-Day, French forces made an effort to capture and rearm as many German panzers as possible. Most of these tanks were Panzer IVs, however, a small number of Panthers and Tigers were also used by France. A number of Panthers were captured at the Battle of Dompaire after the French surrounded a Panzer Battalion, however not all the tanks captured during this encirclement were used due to logistical reasons. In the end, all tanks of this type were replaced shortly after the end of WWII.
−
{{Break}}
+
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} French medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]]. It is a French-captured example of the [[Panther A]] found in the German tree.
+
The {{PAGENAME}} was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]]. It is a French-captured example of the [[Panther G]] found in the German tree with a few cosmetic differences like missing side skirts and new French markings. The only significant difference between this Panther and the Panther G in the German tree is the early production variant of the gun mantlet, which does not prevent shots from ricocheting into the top of the hull. In all other aspects, the '''{{Specs|name}}''' behaves like any other Panther G. It features a very powerful cannon, which is easier to use thanks to the increased turret rotation when compared to the Panther D, however like all Panthers, it suffers from very poor reverse speed, and thus it is hard to escape from difficult situations, use your front armour at hull down positions and long-range combat for better chances of survival.  
  
 
== 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 helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the 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.'' -->
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
*Rolled homogeneous armour
 +
*Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet, Cupola)
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 80 mm (55°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 50 mm (56°) ''Lower glacis'' || 50 mm (30°) ''Top'' <br> 41.5 mm ''Bottom'' || 40 mm (24°) || 17 mm
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 110 mm ''Turret front'' <br> 100 mm ''Gun mantlet''|| 45 mm || 45 mm || 15 mm
 +
|-
 +
| Cupola || colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | 110 mm || 15 mm
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
 +
* Belly armour front part is 18 mm thick while the back part is 15 mm thick.
 +
* Turret right side is covered in tracks, providing 20 mm extra thickness.
  
 
=== 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|abMinHp=930|rbMinHp=531}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=930|rbMinHp=531}}
 +
 +
=== 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|KwK42 (75 mm)}}
 
{{main|KwK42 (75 mm)}}
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 82 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 82 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 19.0 || 26.3 || 32.0 || 35.4 || 37.6 || rowspan="2" | 9.6 || rowspan="2" | 8.5 || rowspan="2" | 7.9 || rowspan="2" | 7.4
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
+
| 11.9 || 14.0 || 17.0 || 18.8 || 20.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:KwK42 (75 mm)/Ammunition|PzGr 39/42, Sprgr. 42}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr 39/42 || APCBC || 192 || 188 || 173 || 156 || 140 || 126
 
−
|-
 
−
| Sprgr. 42 || HE || 11 || 11 || 11 || 11 || 11 || 11
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="7" | 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)
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr 39/42 || APCBC || 935 || 6.8 || 1.2 || 14.0 || 28.9
 
−
|-
 
−
| Sprgr. 42 || HE || 700 || 5.74 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 725
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks_Panther_G.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.3.0.27''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! 4th<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 +
|-
 +
| '''82''' || 80&nbsp;''(+2)'' || 74&nbsp;''(+8)'' || 62&nbsp;''(+20)'' || 50&nbsp;''(+32)'' || 38&nbsp;''(+44)''
 +
|-
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 +
! 7th<br>rack empty
 +
! 8th<br>rack empty
 +
! 9th<br>rack empty
 +
! 10th<br>rack empty
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''82''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| 26&nbsp;''(+56)'' || 22&nbsp;''(+60)'' || 12&nbsp;''(+70)'' || 4&nbsp;''(+78)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+81)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 +
* As they are modeled by sets of 2, shells disappear from the rack only after you fire both shells in the set.
 +
* Right side empty: 50&nbsp;''(+32)'' or both sides empty: 22&nbsp;''(+60)''
  
 
=== 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|MG34 (7.92 mm)}}
 
{{main|MG34 (7.92 mm)}}
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|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
The small calibre of the MG34 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 or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
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This tank, however, owing to its "mailbox" gun mantlet design, is not a good combatant frontally, especially at its BR; many enemy tanks will find the gun mantlet a juicy target. Never engage in extended frontal skirmishes with enemy tanks; instead, use the high mobility as much as possible. Don't stay in one place as much as possible, shoot and scoot before the enemy can react shoot through the mantlet.
 
This tank, however, owing to its "mailbox" gun mantlet design, is not a good combatant frontally, especially at its BR; many enemy tanks will find the gun mantlet a juicy target. Never engage in extended frontal skirmishes with enemy tanks; instead, use the high mobility as much as possible. Don't stay in one place as much as possible, shoot and scoot before the enemy can react shoot through the mantlet.
  
−
Another thing to note: the only difference between this and the German Panther A is the lack of side skirts and the markings on the tank. This is useful in Simulator battles because if you were to put German markings over the French ones you may just pass as a German tank. Take that as you will and warn the people on your team not to shoot you.
+
Another thing to note: the only difference between this and the German Panther G is the absence of side skirts and the thicker lower part of the mantlet, as well as the French markings on the side of the gun mantlet and the tank's name at the hull rear. This is useful in Simulator battles because if you were to put German markings over the French ones you may just pass as a German tank. Take that as you will and warn the people on your team not to shoot you.
  
−
=== Modules ===
+
=== Pros and cons ===
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
<!-- ''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".'' -->
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Mobility
 
−
! Protection
 
−
! colspan="2" | Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Horizontal Drive
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Suspension
 
−
| Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Filters
 
−
|
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| Elevation Mechanism
 
−
| Smoke grenade
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Transmission
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Artillery Support
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" | This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
=== Pros and cons ===
+
'''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:'''
 
  
−
* Excellent cannon with great stock AP for common targets (eg. [[Tiger H1]], [[Pz.IV H]] and [[M4A3E2]]) and HE for light vehicles. Great accuracy and velocity allows easy long-range sniping. Plenty of ammo capacity means flexible ammo setups.
+
* Excellent cannon with great stock AP for common targets (e.g. [[Tiger H1]], [[Pz.IV H]] and [[M4A3E2]]) and HE for light vehicles. Great accuracy and velocity allows easy long-range sniping. Plenty of ammo capacity means flexible ammo setups
−
* Heavily armored frontal hull is immune to most guns at 5.7 like the 75mm Kwk 40, 88mm L/56 and 76mm M1.
+
* Heavily armoured frontal hull is immune to most guns like the 75 mm Kwk40, 88 mm L/56 and 76 mm M1
−
* Fast top speed and good hull traverse. Can get to positions in time.
+
* Fast top speed and good hull traverse. Can get to positions in time
−
* Adequate gun depression of -8° adapts most terrains well.
+
* Adequate gun depression of -8° adapts most terrains well
−
* Has RP and SL bonus due to it being premium
+
* Does not face threatening opponents (e.g. [[IS-2 (Family)|IS-2]]) as much as the German one would, increasing survivability
−
* Does not face threatening opponents (eg. [[IS-2 (Family)|IS-2]]) as much as the German one would, increasing survivability
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Gun mantlet is only 100mm, a huge and '''well-known''' weakspot to shoot at. 76mm Sherman, Pz.IV G / H / J, [[Tiger H1]] can easily penetrate it.
+
* Gun mantlet is only 100 mm, a huge and well-known weak spot to shoot at. 76 mm Sherman, Pz.IV G/H/J, [[Tiger H1]] can easily penetrate it
−
* Side ammo racks are prone to detonation when hit.
+
* Side ammo racks are prone to detonation when hit
−
* Terrible reverse speed of only -4 km/h, can get the player killed.
+
* Terrible reverse speed of only -4 km/h, can get the player killed
−
* No access to APCR meaning it struggles to deal with 6.* tanks frontally like [[Ho-Ri Production|Ho-Ri]], Tiger II(H) and [[Ferdinand]].
+
* No access to APCR meaning it struggles to deal with tanks encountered in a uptier like [[Ho-Ri Production|Ho-Ri]], Tiger II(H) and [[Ferdinand]]
−
* Very identical appearance to the German Panthers will get it team-killed a lot in sim
+
* Very identical appearance to the German Panthers, and can get hit by friendly fire a lot in simulator mode
−
* Weak side armor gets penetrated easily by Russian APHEBC (mixed battle). Cannot angle too much.
+
* Weak side armour gets penetrated easily by Russian APHEBC (mixed battle). Cannot angle too much
−
* Lower glacis often catches fire or brakes transmission when penetrated, leaving the tank immobile and vulnerable.
+
* Lower glacis often catches fire or brakes transmission when penetrated, leaving the tank immobile and vulnerable
−
* High profile for a medium tank makes it harder to hide.
+
* High profile for a medium tank makes it harder to hide
−
* Roof armour of 16 mm is vulnerable to strafers like IL-2 (Germany) or Hs-129 B3
+
* Weak roof armour is vulnerable to strafers like IL-2 (Germany) or Hs-129 B3
−
* Although heavily armored, it can still get frontally penetrated by common British tanks like the [[Sherman Firefly]].
+
* Although heavily armoured, it can still get frontally penetrated by common British tanks like the [[Sherman Firefly]]
  
 
== 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).'' -->
  
−
The Panther "Dauphiné" was part of a large french program of rehabilitations of Panzers left by the Wermacht after D-Day. This program was led by the Captain Besnier who suceeded to form a little tank brigade of almost 20 old panzers: mostly Panzer IVs but also 2 Panthers and even 2 Tigers. The "Commando Besnier" fought during the encirclement of Saint-Nazaire, the last city still under german control on the 11 of May 1945 and then took part in the French Occupation of Germany at the end of the war. Some of the tanks have been attributed to the 3rd Armored Division at the end of 1945 and were kept mobilized for some months before being replaced. Some of the models have been given to museum (the Tiger can be seen in the museum of Saumur in France).
+
The Panther "Dauphiné" played a significant role in a French initiative aimed at repurposing Panzers left behind by the Wehrmacht post-D-Day. Spearheaded by Captain Besnier, this initiative resulted in the formation of a small tank brigade comprising nearly 20 antiquated panzers, predominantly Panzer IVs, alongside 2 Panthers and even 2 Tigers. Operating under the moniker "Commando Besnier," these forces were instrumental during the encirclement of Saint-Nazaire, the final city under German control on May 11, 1945, before participating in the French Occupation of Germany toward war's end.
  
−
Nicknames after french regions have been given to every Besnier's tanks: Tiger "Colmar", Tiger "Bretagne", Panther "Dauphiné"...
+
Following the conflict, some of these tanks were assigned to the 3rd Armored Division by late 1945 and remained operational for several months before eventual replacement. Several models found their way into museums, notably the Tiger housed in the Saumur museum in France.
  
−
[[File:10184.jpg|center|thumb|310x310px|Besnier and some of his men with the Panther "Dauphiné"]]
+
Each tank under Besnier's command was affectionately dubbed after distinct French regions: Tiger "Colmar," Tiger "Bretagne," and Panther "Dauphiné."
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fr_pzkpfw_V_panther_dauphine Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|AEW7aFVCvmo|'''French Panthers''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|WoLatpmJuTA|'''Should You Buy: {{PAGENAME}}''' - ''ConeOfArc''|PUwSXP04-9Q|'''{{PAGENAME}} - Tank Review''' - ''Napalmratte''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[Panzer V Panther (Family)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
* http://museedelaresistanceenligne.org/media10184-Les-iPanzer-i-de-lEscadron-Besnier
+
=== References ===
−
*  Luc Braeuer " L'incroyable histoire de la poche Saint-Nazaire" (french)
+
 
 +
;Bibliography
 +
 
 +
* Braeuer, Luc. L'incroyable histoire de la poche Saint-Nazaire, 2000 (French)
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer MAN AG}}
 
{{France medium tanks}}
 
{{France medium tanks}}
 
{{France premium ground vehicles}}
 
{{France premium ground vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 21:47, 18 September 2024

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
This page is about the French medium tank Panther "Dauphiné". For other versions, see Panzer V Panther (Family). For other uses, see Panther (Disambiguation).
Panther "Dauphiné"
fr_pzkpfw_v_panther_dauphine.png
GarageImage Panther "Dauphiné".jpg
Panther "Dauphiné"
France flag.png France
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.0 6.0 6.0
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:6 090 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game

Description

Throughout the development of WWII after D-Day, French forces made an effort to capture and rearm as many German panzers as possible. Most of these tanks were Panzer IVs, however, a small number of Panthers and Tigers were also used by France. A number of Panthers were captured at the Battle of Dompaire after the French surrounded a Panzer Battalion, however not all the tanks captured during this encirclement were used due to logistical reasons. In the end, all tanks of this type were replaced shortly after the end of WWII.

The Panther "Dauphiné" was introduced in Update 1.91 "Night Vision". It is a French-captured example of the Panther G found in the German tree with a few cosmetic differences like missing side skirts and new French markings. The only significant difference between this Panther and the Panther G in the German tree is the early production variant of the gun mantlet, which does not prevent shots from ricocheting into the top of the hull. In all other aspects, the Panther "Dauphiné" behaves like any other Panther G. It features a very powerful cannon, which is easier to use thanks to the increased turret rotation when compared to the Panther D, however like all Panthers, it suffers from very poor reverse speed, and thus it is hard to escape from difficult situations, use your front armour at hull down positions and long-range combat for better chances of survival.  

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull50 / 40 / 15
Turret110 / 45 / 45
Crew5 people
Visibility125 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet, Cupola)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 80 mm (55°) Front glacis
50 mm (56°) Lower glacis 		50 mm (30°) Top
41.5 mm Bottom 		40 mm (24°) 17 mm
Turret 110 mm Turret front
100 mm Gun mantlet		 45 mm 45 mm 15 mm
Cupola 110 mm 15 mm

Notes:

  • Belly armour front part is 18 mm thick while the back part is 15 mm thick.
  • Turret right side is covered in tracks, providing 20 mm extra thickness.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB51 / 4 km/h
RB and SB46 / 4 km/h
Number of gears7 forward
1 back
Weight44.8 t
Engine power
AB1 145 hp
RB and SB600 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB25.6 hp/t
RB and SB13.4 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 51 4 44.8 930 1,145 20.76 25.56
Realistic 46 4 531 600 11.85 13.39

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB2 252 Sl icon.png
RB2 515 Sl icon.png
SB3 329 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts340 000 Sl icon.png
Aces890 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 140 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 120 / 180 / 220 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 178 / 178 / 178 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Mods tank reinforcement fr.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support

Armaments

Main armament

75 mm KwK42 cannon
Ammunition82 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
9.6 → 7.4 s
Vertical guidance-8° / 18°
Main article: KwK42 (75 mm)
75 mm KwK42 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 82 -8°/+20° ±180° N/A 19.0 26.3 32.0 35.4 37.6 9.6 8.5 7.9 7.4
Realistic 11.9 14.0 17.0 18.8 20.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
PzGr 39/42 APCBC 192 188 173 156 140 126
Sprgr. 42 HE 13 12 11 11 11 11
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
PzGr 39/42 APCBC 935 6.8 1.2 14 28.9 48° 63° 71°
Sprgr. 42 HE 700 5.74 0.2 0.1 725 79° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Panther "Dauphiné"
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty
82 80 (+2) 74 (+8) 62 (+20) 50 (+32) 38 (+44)
6th
rack empty 		7th
rack empty 		8th
rack empty 		9th
rack empty 		10th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
26 (+56) 22 (+60) 12 (+70) 4 (+78) 1 (+81) No

Notes:

  • As they are modeled by sets of 2, shells disappear from the rack only after you fire both shells in the set.
  • Right side empty: 50 (+32) or both sides empty: 22 (+60)

Machine guns

7.92 mm MG34 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition2 700 rounds
Belt capacity150 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate900 shots/min
Main article: MG34 (7.92 mm)
7.92 mm MG34
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 2,700 (150) 900 N/A N/A

The small calibre of the MG34 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 or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.

Usage in battles

As with all other Panther-series medium tanks, it is best played in a supporting role or as a front-line offensive tank due to its agility. The cannon is more than forgiving and powerful enough to destroy any potential target, so use it to an advantage; long-range shooting is effective as the muzzle velocity is extremely high, owing to the long-barreled 75 mm, the penetration values are more than capable of punching through any opposing armour, and the shell weight will, if the shell penetrates, consistently deal decent amounts of crew and module damage, if not immediately make the target on combat ineffective.

This tank, however, owing to its "mailbox" gun mantlet design, is not a good combatant frontally, especially at its BR; many enemy tanks will find the gun mantlet a juicy target. Never engage in extended frontal skirmishes with enemy tanks; instead, use the high mobility as much as possible. Don't stay in one place as much as possible, shoot and scoot before the enemy can react shoot through the mantlet.

Another thing to note: the only difference between this and the German Panther G is the absence of side skirts and the thicker lower part of the mantlet, as well as the French markings on the side of the gun mantlet and the tank's name at the hull rear. This is useful in Simulator battles because if you were to put German markings over the French ones you may just pass as a German tank. Take that as you will and warn the people on your team not to shoot you.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent cannon with great stock AP for common targets (e.g. Tiger H1, Pz.IV H and M4A3E2) and HE for light vehicles. Great accuracy and velocity allows easy long-range sniping. Plenty of ammo capacity means flexible ammo setups
  • Heavily armoured frontal hull is immune to most guns like the 75 mm Kwk40, 88 mm L/56 and 76 mm M1
  • Fast top speed and good hull traverse. Can get to positions in time
  • Adequate gun depression of -8° adapts most terrains well
  • Does not face threatening opponents (e.g. IS-2) as much as the German one would, increasing survivability

Cons:

  • Gun mantlet is only 100 mm, a huge and well-known weak spot to shoot at. 76 mm Sherman, Pz.IV G/H/J, Tiger H1 can easily penetrate it
  • Side ammo racks are prone to detonation when hit
  • Terrible reverse speed of only -4 km/h, can get the player killed
  • No access to APCR meaning it struggles to deal with tanks encountered in a uptier like Ho-Ri, Tiger II(H) and Ferdinand
  • Very identical appearance to the German Panthers, and can get hit by friendly fire a lot in simulator mode
  • Weak side armour gets penetrated easily by Russian APHEBC (mixed battle). Cannot angle too much
  • Lower glacis often catches fire or brakes transmission when penetrated, leaving the tank immobile and vulnerable
  • High profile for a medium tank makes it harder to hide
  • Weak roof armour is vulnerable to strafers like IL-2 (Germany) or Hs-129 B3
  • Although heavily armoured, it can still get frontally penetrated by common British tanks like the Sherman Firefly

History

The Panther "Dauphiné" played a significant role in a French initiative aimed at repurposing Panzers left behind by the Wehrmacht post-D-Day. Spearheaded by Captain Besnier, this initiative resulted in the formation of a small tank brigade comprising nearly 20 antiquated panzers, predominantly Panzer IVs, alongside 2 Panthers and even 2 Tigers. Operating under the moniker "Commando Besnier," these forces were instrumental during the encirclement of Saint-Nazaire, the final city under German control on May 11, 1945, before participating in the French Occupation of Germany toward war's end.

Following the conflict, some of these tanks were assigned to the 3rd Armored Division by late 1945 and remained operational for several months before eventual replacement. Several models found their way into museums, notably the Tiger housed in the Saumur museum in France.

Each tank under Besnier's command was affectionately dubbed after distinct French regions: Tiger "Colmar," Tiger "Bretagne," and Panther "Dauphiné."

Media

Skins
Videos
French Panthers discusses the Panther "Dauphiné" - War Thunder Official Channel
Should You Buy: Panther "Dauphiné" - ConeOfArc
Panther "Dauphiné" - Tank Review - Napalmratte

See also

Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

External links

References

Bibliography
  • Braeuer, Luc. L'incroyable histoire de la poche Saint-Nazaire, 2000 (French)


Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nürnberg Aktiengesellschaft (MAN AG)
Medium tanks 
Panther  VK 3002 (M) · Panther A · Ersatz M10 · Panther D · Panther F · Panther G · Panther II
Export/captured 
USSR  ▂T-V
France  Panther "Dauphiné"

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

France premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  AMD.35 (SA35) · H.39 "Cambronne" · LVT-4/40 · AMX-13 (SS.11) · AMX-13-M24 · E.B.R. (1954) · E.B.R. (1963) · VBCI-2 (MCT30)
Medium tanks  M4A1 (FL10) · Panther "Dauphiné" · AMX-30 · AMX-30 Super · AMX-50 (TO90/930)
Heavy tanks  B1 ter · 2C bis · Somua SM
Tank destroyers  Lorraine 155 Mle.50

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