Difference between revisions of "AB 43"

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{{Specs-Card|code=it_ab_43}}
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{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=it_ab_43
 +
|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.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was an attempt by the Italian Army to modernise and replace the [[AB41]] with a newer model that had more firepower. At the beginning of the war, and also during the Spanish Civil War, most armoured cars were armed with heavy machine guns or autocannons. However, the first options soon proved to be underpowered to deal with more modern tanks and even other armoured cars (especially in the African theatre). The AB43 emerged as an attempt to mount a 47 mm cannon on the existing AB platform, combining aspects of the AB41 and AB42. Only one prototype was ever built. In 1943, after the "Armistice of Cassibile", production and further development of the vehicle was halted. The prototype was captured by Germany saw little use.
−
{{break}}
+
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (shortened as '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''') is a rank {{specs|rank}} Italian light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].  
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]], the '''AB43''' is comparable to the German [[Sd.Kfz.234/2]] Puma or the Soviet [[BA-11]]. It has very poor armour, to the point that it can be easily penetrated by .50 cal ammunition, common in American tanks such as the Sherman. The tank also has subpar mobility for an armoured car, with a top speed of 43 km/h. It lacks the mobility of the Puma, and its firepower is also not as good as that of the BA-11 relative to its BR, though it is still a capable tank when used correctly. Due to its poor armour, it is not made for frontline combat; it is best used in the flanks of the battle, ambushing tanks trying to flank your team or tanks focused on the midst of the battle. It should be noted that its main shell lacks explosive filler, so it requires aiming at critical points, like the crew compartment or ammo stash, to be effective.
  
 
== 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?''
+
{{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 (hull, turret)
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
+
{| class="wikitable"
−
As a thin-skinned armoured car, the AB43 offers very little in the way of real protection with 8mm of armour all around, and a slightly thicker 35mm gun mantlet. This struggles to keep out heavy machine-gun fire at anything other than long-range and remains extremely vulnerable to artillery.
+
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 8 mm (22°) ''Upper Plate'' <br> 8 mm (44-68°) ''Upper Glacis'' <br> 8 mm (19-50°) ''Lower Glacis'' || 8 mm || 8 mm (16°) ''Crew Compartment'' <br> 5 mm (33°) ''Engine Compartment'' <br> 8 mm (27°) ''Lower plate'' || 6 mm ''Crew Compartment'' <br> 6 mm (18°) ''Engine Compartment - Centre'' <br> 8 mm (39°) ''Engine Compartment - Sides''
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 18 mm (16°) ''Turret front'' <br> 37 mm (cylindrical) ''Gun mantlet'' || colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 8 mm (28-29°) || 8 mm
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
  
−
The vehicles' internal modules relatively widely spaced, however, so solid-shot AP rounds will often not knock out the AB 43 in a single hit. The cars' low-mounted ammo racks also reduce the likelihood of an ammo detonation.
+
* The wheels are 10 mm thick while the torsion bars are 1 mm thick.
 +
* The gun barrel is 10 mm thick while the coaxial machine gun is 5 mm thick.
 +
 
 +
As a thin-skinned armoured car, the {{PAGENAME}} offers very little in the way of real protection with 8 mm of armour all around, and a slightly thicker 35 mm gun mantlet. This struggles to keep out heavy machine gun fire at anything other than long range and remains extremely vulnerable to artillery and strafing aircraft. However, the vehicle's internal modules are relatively widely spaced, so that AP rounds will often not knock out the {{PAGENAME}} in a single hit. The car's low-mounted ammo racks also reduce the likelihood of ammunition detonation.
  
 
=== 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.'' -->
  
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 170|rbMinHp= 97}}
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=170|rbMinHp=97}}
  
 
The {{PAGENAME}} offers outstanding mobility on flat smooth ground. As well as a very high top speed, the vehicle also has an excellent turning circle making it extremely agile on more urban maps. The car also has fantastic reverse speed, being almost as fast in reverse as it is going forward. This allows the {{PAGENAME}} to escape from a bad situation incredibly quickly when the need arises.
 
The {{PAGENAME}} offers outstanding mobility on flat smooth ground. As well as a very high top speed, the vehicle also has an excellent turning circle making it extremely agile on more urban maps. The car also has fantastic reverse speed, being almost as fast in reverse as it is going forward. This allows the {{PAGENAME}} to escape from a bad situation incredibly quickly when the need arises.
  
 
As with most wheeled vehicles, however, the {{PAGENAME}} loses much of its speed on soft ground. Sand, thick mud and water of almost any depth slow the car to a crawl making it extremely vulnerable to enemy fire.
 
As with most wheeled vehicles, however, the {{PAGENAME}} loses much of its speed on soft ground. Sand, thick mud and water of almost any depth slow the car to a crawl making it extremely vulnerable to enemy fire.
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
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<!--''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.''-->
+
{{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|47/40 mod.38 (47 mm)}}
 
{{main|47/40 mod.38 (47 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | [[47/40 mod.38 (47 mm)|47 mm 47/40 mod.38]]
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! colspan="5" | [[47/40 mod.38 (47 mm)|47 mm 47/40 mod.38]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
+
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
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! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
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! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
−
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="3" | 146 || -7°/+20° || ±180° || N/A
+
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 146 || rowspan="2" | -7°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 13.3 || 18.4 || 22.4 || 24.8 || 26.4 || rowspan="2" | 4.29 || rowspan="2" | 3.80 || rowspan="2" | 3.50 || rowspan="2" | 3.30
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
+
! ''Realistic''
−
|-
+
| 8.3 || 9.8 || 11.9 || 13.2 || 14.0
−
! 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'' || 13.3 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
 
−
|-
 
−
| ''Realistic'' || 8.3 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
−
|-
 
−
| 5.98 || __.__ || __.__ || 4.6
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== Ammunition =====
+
The 47/40 mod.38 gun offers an average penetration power at its battle rating. Its good muzzle velocity still allows for pretty flat firing trajectories. The accuracy drop is noticeable from 700 m distance and becomes a handicap over 1,000 m. The rotation speed of the turret is rather slow but average compared to other tanks at the same rank or battle rating. The elevation angle of the gun is important, allowing you to fire at an elevated position and the depression angle average, making it possible to fire only from behind mild ridges. Lacking a stabilizer, the tank can't reliably fire on the move. The reload time of the gun is long when compared with other tanks equipped with a 47 mm cannon at the same BR (twice longer in average). The gun recoil is important but it does not turn out to be a handicap as its effect is offset by the length of the reloading process.
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
 
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
==== Ammunition ====
−
|-
+
The shells available for the {{PAGENAME}} are limited:
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
 
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
+
* '''Granata mod.35''': HE; a high-explosive useful for destroying open and lightly armoured vehicles. It however is a very slow shell travelling (twice slower than the other projectile). You can pack a few of those as you lack a heavy machine gun.
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
+
* '''Granata Perforante mod.39''': APBC; a solid shot with an average penetration but no explosive filler. Make sure to target modules and crew positions to maximise the damage. Disabling the enemy gunner on your first shot will be critical to win engagements as you'll most likely need several shots to destroy an enemy vehicle. This shell should be your default ammunition.
 +
 
 +
{{:47/40 mod.38 (47 mm)/Ammunition|Granata mod.35, Granata Perforante mod.39}}
 +
 
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 1.101.1.16''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 10m
+
! Full<br>ammo
−
! 100m
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
−
! 500m
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
−
! 1000m
+
! Visual<br>discrepancy
−
! 1500m
 
−
! 2000m
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Granata mod.35 || HE || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4
+
| '''146''' || 74&nbsp;''(+72)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+145)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Granata Perforante mod.39 || APBC || 69 || 67 || 59 || 50 || 43 || 36
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
 
−
''in m:''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
 
−
''in mm:''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 
−
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0%
 
−
! 50%
 
−
! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| Granata mod.35 || HE || 250 || 2.4 || 2 || 0.1 || 150 || ° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Granata Perforante mod.39 || APBC || 755 || 1.4 || 1.2 || 15 || 30 || ° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
 
|}
 
|}
 +
Notes:
 +
 +
* As they are modeled by sets of 3 or 4, shells disappear from the rack only after you fire all shells in the set.
 +
* Both racks are massive and deplete from rear to front.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
−
<!--''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.''-->
+
{{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.'' -->
 
{{main|Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)}}
 
{{main|Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="7" | [[Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)|8 mm Breda Mod. 38]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
+
! colspan="5" | [[Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)|8 mm Breda Mod. 38]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="4" | 1,992 (24) || 600 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 1,992 (24) || 600 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
The small calibre of the Breda Mod. 38 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 ==
−
<!--''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 AB43 makes for an extremely effective vehicle at its BR, combining outstanding mobility with an effective gun. This allows the vehicle to scout extremely well for its team, while still having the firepower to punish enemies who allow it to flank. Urban maps give the vehicle a chance to use its speed and mobility to quickly enter caps and good flanking positions, and their close-range gives the car a chance to outmanoeuvre larger enemies and fire shots into their rear and side armour.
+
The AB 43 makes for an extremely effective vehicle at its BR, combining outstanding mobility with an effective gun. This allows the vehicle to scout extremely well for its team, while still having the firepower to punish enemies who allow it to flank. Urban maps give the vehicle a chance to use its speed and mobility to quickly enter caps and good flanking positions, and their close-range gives the car a chance to outmanoeuvre larger enemies and fire shots into their rear and side armour.
  
−
On larger rural maps the AB43 will have to stick to roads in order to maintain its speed advantage, so players should be careful not to charge directly into enemy tanks. Players must be careful not to get caught out in the open, as the vehicles' tall profile makes it an easy target for enemies firing from a distance even when moving quickly.  
+
On larger rural maps the AB 43 will have to stick to roads in order to maintain its speed advantage, so players should be careful not to charge directly into enemy tanks. Players must be careful not to get caught out in the open, as the vehicles' tall profile makes it an easy target for enemies firing from a distance even when moving quickly.
  
−
The vehicle remains a fairly effective scout at higher battle ratings and can be a viable choice in higher-rank lineups if properly played. The 47 mm gun can still penetrate the side armour of most medium tanks up to 3.7, and its strong post-penetration effects give it good one-shot potential
+
The vehicle remains a fairly effective scout at higher battle ratings and can be a viable choice in higher-rank lineups if properly played. The 47 mm gun can still penetrate the side armour of most medium tanks up to 3.7, and its strong post-penetration effects give it good knock-out potential
  
−
The most consistently dangerous enemies for the AB43 are those with fast traversing, fast-firing guns that can hit the car as it races around the map. Heavy tanks such as the KV-1 are effectively immune to the 47mm gun, but only appear if the AB43 is teamed with higher-rank Italian tanks.
+
The most consistently dangerous enemies for the AB 43 are those with fast traversing, fast-firing guns that can hit the car as it races around the map. Heavy tanks such as the KV-1 are effectively immune to the 47 mm gun, but only appear if the AB 43 is teamed with higher-rank Italian tanks.
  
−
===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
 
−
| Tires
 
−
|
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Horizontal Drive
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Suspension
 
−
| Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire
 
−
| Airstrike
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Filters
 
−
|
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| Elevation mechanism
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Transmission
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Artillery Support
 
−
| Improved optics
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
=== 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. Try not to 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".''-->
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
Line 189: Line 139:
 
* Extremely slow over poor terrain
 
* Extremely slow over poor terrain
 
* Large flat profile presents a good target for enemy guns
 
* Large flat profile presents a good target for enemy guns
−
* The Italian tech tree lacks effective vehicles on par with AB43's matchmaking, often forcing players to make a lineup with higher-rank tanks
+
* The Italian tech tree lacks effective vehicles on par with AB 43's matchmaking, often forcing players to make a lineup with higher-rank tanks
  
 
== 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 "/ 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them 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).'' -->
 +
{{main|AB_41#History|l1=History of the AB 41}}
  
−
A prototype successor to the successful AB 41 armoured car. The turret was widened, with plans for a 47 mm gun (either the 47/32 or the new 47/40 to be used in the new M15/42 tanks) and a higher horsepower engine. The Germans seized the prototypes in the fall of Italy and ordered 102 made for their own use, which used the AB 41's 20 mm gun instead. These were sometimes designated AB 41/43s in German service.
+
=== Origins ===
 +
The AB43 was the intended successor of the AB41 and AB43. During the Spanish Civil war, many armoured cars where used, but Italian soldiers had good experience with the Soviet BA-6 armed with a 45mm gun, compared to most armoured cars at the time (armed only with HMGs or autocannons) this was a serious firepower, challenging even the firepower of some light tanks armed with 37mm guns.
 +
 
 +
However the AB41 still proved very effective, the autocannon was a solid option at dealing with infantry due to the continuous firepower ability when compared to a gun, and it was still able to destroy other armoured cars and engage some light tanks in the right conditions. This changed however with the start of WWII and specially in the African Campaign.
 +
 
 +
In the African Campaign, the AB41 proved to be rather ineffective against more heavily armoured British infantry tanks like the Matilda, and even the Crusader tank. It was still able to deal with Armoured Cars but due to the open grounds with little cover of the dessert, many AB41s where destroyed against enemies with heavier guns, higher armour and more range. The AB41 was also not able to deal with fortifications or machine gun nests.
 +
 
 +
A successor was needed and as such Fiat started the development of the AB43 with .
 +
 
 +
=== Development ===
 +
Fiat and Ansaldo started to develop the AB43 mounting a 47mm gun in the AB41 and even on the AB42. The gun used was the 47/32 Mod. 1932. A new wider turret turret was developed to allow the vehicle to use the gun with a two crewmen configuration, a loader and a commander/gunner. The machine gun on top of the vehicle was removed to facilitate crew mobility when getting in and out of the vehicle. The prototype performed well, just slightly slower than the AB42 even when being 2 tons heavier. The prototype also featured two drivers, on at the front and another on the rear to give the crew the ability to retreat quickly without the need of complicated manoeuvres to change direction.
 +
 
 +
=== Service ===
 +
The vehicle never entered service due to the Armistice of Cassibile, but even before that, when it was presented to the Italian Army in December 1942, the African Campaign was already in a very poor state for the Italians. After the Armistice, the prototype was captured by the Germans, who conducted testing on the vehicle but decided to not place it into service or production.
  
 
== 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=it_ab_43 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|OQNlfAprZos|'''Hot Wheels, AB 43 Armored Car''' - ''Joseph 2000''|eNOdDkA7ANc|'''Autoblinda 43 (AB 43), Italian, Tier-2, Armored Car''' - ''Angry Nerd Gaming''}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
 +
 
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* [[AB 41]]
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;Vehicles equipped with the same gun
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* [[M14/41 (47/40)]]
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* [[M15/42]]
  
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
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;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* [[Daimler Mk II]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
  
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* [[wikipedia:Autoblindo_Fiat-Ansaldo|[Wikipedia] Autoblindo Fiat-Ansaldo]]
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* ''encyclopedia page on tank;''
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* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/italy/autoblinda-ab41/ <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Autoblinda AB 41/43]
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* ''other literature.''
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* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=379 <nowiki>[Military Factory]</nowiki> Autoblinda 40/41/43]
  
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{{TankManufacturer FIAT-Ansaldo}}
 
{{Italy light tanks}}
 
{{Italy light tanks}}
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[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 09:19, 28 September 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
AB 43
it_ab_43.png
GarageImage AB 43.jpg
ArtImage AB 43.png
AB 43
Italy flag.png Italy
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.3 2.7 2.7
Class:
Research:7 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:10 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Fiat-Ansaldo Autoblinda 43 was an attempt by the Italian Army to modernise and replace the AB41 with a newer model that had more firepower. At the beginning of the war, and also during the Spanish Civil War, most armoured cars were armed with heavy machine guns or autocannons. However, the first options soon proved to be underpowered to deal with more modern tanks and even other armoured cars (especially in the African theatre). The AB43 emerged as an attempt to mount a 47 mm cannon on the existing AB platform, combining aspects of the AB41 and AB42. Only one prototype was ever built. In 1943, after the "Armistice of Cassibile", production and further development of the vehicle was halted. The prototype was captured by Germany saw little use.

Introduced in Update 1.85 "Supersonic", the AB43 is comparable to the German Sd.Kfz.234/2 Puma or the Soviet BA-11. It has very poor armour, to the point that it can be easily penetrated by .50 cal ammunition, common in American tanks such as the Sherman. The tank also has subpar mobility for an armoured car, with a top speed of 43 km/h. It lacks the mobility of the Puma, and its firepower is also not as good as that of the BA-11 relative to its BR, though it is still a capable tank when used correctly. Due to its poor armour, it is not made for frontline combat; it is best used in the flanks of the battle, ambushing tanks trying to flank your team or tanks focused on the midst of the battle. It should be noted that its main shell lacks explosive filler, so it requires aiming at critical points, like the crew compartment or ammo stash, to be effective.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull8 / 8 / 8
Turret18 / 8 / 8
Crew4 people
Visibility75 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 8 mm (22°) Upper Plate
8 mm (44-68°) Upper Glacis
8 mm (19-50°) Lower Glacis 		8 mm 8 mm (16°) Crew Compartment
5 mm (33°) Engine Compartment
8 mm (27°) Lower plate 		6 mm Crew Compartment
6 mm (18°) Engine Compartment - Centre
8 mm (39°) Engine Compartment - Sides
Turret 18 mm (16°) Turret front
37 mm (cylindrical) Gun mantlet 		8 mm (28-29°) 8 mm

Notes:

  • The wheels are 10 mm thick while the torsion bars are 1 mm thick.
  • The gun barrel is 10 mm thick while the coaxial machine gun is 5 mm thick.

As a thin-skinned armoured car, the AB 43 offers very little in the way of real protection with 8 mm of armour all around, and a slightly thicker 35 mm gun mantlet. This struggles to keep out heavy machine gun fire at anything other than long range and remains extremely vulnerable to artillery and strafing aircraft. However, the vehicle's internal modules are relatively widely spaced, so that AP rounds will often not knock out the AB 43 in a single hit. The car's low-mounted ammo racks also reduce the likelihood of ammunition detonation.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB91 / 43 km/h
RB and SB82 / 39 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
4 back
Weight7.8 t
Engine power
AB210 hp
RB and SB110 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB26.9 hp/t
RB and SB14.1 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 91 43 7.8 170 210 21.79 26.92
Realistic 82 39 97 110 12.44 14.1

The AB 43 offers outstanding mobility on flat smooth ground. As well as a very high top speed, the vehicle also has an excellent turning circle making it extremely agile on more urban maps. The car also has fantastic reverse speed, being almost as fast in reverse as it is going forward. This allows the AB 43 to escape from a bad situation incredibly quickly when the need arises.

As with most wheeled vehicles, however, the AB 43 loses much of its speed on soft ground. Sand, thick mud and water of almost any depth slow the car to a crawl making it extremely vulnerable to enemy fire.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB337 → 464 Sl icon.png
RB377 → 519 Sl icon.png
SB472 → 649 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications6 910 Rp icon.png
6 730 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost530 Ge icon.png
Crew training3 000 Sl icon.png
Experts10 000 Sl icon.png
Aces115 Ge icon.png
Research Aces160 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
30 / 30 / 30 % Sl icon.png
112 / 112 / 112 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new wheels.png
Tires
Research:
460 Rp icon.png
Cost:
450 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods new car suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
310 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
310 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
550 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
550 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
460 Rp icon.png
Cost:
450 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
310 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement it.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
460 Rp icon.png
Cost:
450 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
310 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Research:
310 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
550 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
550 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

47 mm 47/40 mod.38 cannon
Ammunition146 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
4.3 → 3.3 s
Vertical guidance-7° / 20°
Main article: 47/40 mod.38 (47 mm)
47 mm 47/40 mod.38 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 146 -7°/+20° ±180° N/A 13.3 18.4 22.4 24.8 26.4 4.29 3.80 3.50 3.30
Realistic 8.3 9.8 11.9 13.2 14.0

The 47/40 mod.38 gun offers an average penetration power at its battle rating. Its good muzzle velocity still allows for pretty flat firing trajectories. The accuracy drop is noticeable from 700 m distance and becomes a handicap over 1,000 m. The rotation speed of the turret is rather slow but average compared to other tanks at the same rank or battle rating. The elevation angle of the gun is important, allowing you to fire at an elevated position and the depression angle average, making it possible to fire only from behind mild ridges. Lacking a stabilizer, the tank can't reliably fire on the move. The reload time of the gun is long when compared with other tanks equipped with a 47 mm cannon at the same BR (twice longer in average). The gun recoil is important but it does not turn out to be a handicap as its effect is offset by the length of the reloading process.

Ammunition

The shells available for the AB 43 are limited:

  • Granata mod.35: HE; a high-explosive useful for destroying open and lightly armoured vehicles. It however is a very slow shell travelling (twice slower than the other projectile). You can pack a few of those as you lack a heavy machine gun.
  • Granata Perforante mod.39: APBC; a solid shot with an average penetration but no explosive filler. Make sure to target modules and crew positions to maximise the damage. Disabling the enemy gunner on your first shot will be critical to win engagements as you'll most likely need several shots to destroy an enemy vehicle. This shell should be your default 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
Granata mod.35 HE 5 5 5 5 5 5
Granata Perforante mod.39 APBC 62 61 53 46 39 33
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%
Granata mod.35 HE 364 2.37 0.1 0.1 150 79° 80° 81°
Granata Perforante mod.39 APBC 755 1.44 1.2 9 30 47° 60° 65°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the AB 43
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
146 74 (+72) 1 (+145) No

Notes:

  • As they are modeled by sets of 3 or 4, shells disappear from the rack only after you fire all shells in the set.
  • Both racks are massive and deplete from rear to front.

Machine guns

8 mm Breda Mod. 38 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition1 992 rounds
Belt capacity24 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main article: Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)
8 mm Breda Mod. 38
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 1,992 (24) 600 N/A N/A

The small calibre of the Breda Mod. 38 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

The AB 43 makes for an extremely effective vehicle at its BR, combining outstanding mobility with an effective gun. This allows the vehicle to scout extremely well for its team, while still having the firepower to punish enemies who allow it to flank. Urban maps give the vehicle a chance to use its speed and mobility to quickly enter caps and good flanking positions, and their close-range gives the car a chance to outmanoeuvre larger enemies and fire shots into their rear and side armour.

On larger rural maps the AB 43 will have to stick to roads in order to maintain its speed advantage, so players should be careful not to charge directly into enemy tanks. Players must be careful not to get caught out in the open, as the vehicles' tall profile makes it an easy target for enemies firing from a distance even when moving quickly.

The vehicle remains a fairly effective scout at higher battle ratings and can be a viable choice in higher-rank lineups if properly played. The 47 mm gun can still penetrate the side armour of most medium tanks up to 3.7, and its strong post-penetration effects give it good knock-out potential

The most consistently dangerous enemies for the AB 43 are those with fast traversing, fast-firing guns that can hit the car as it races around the map. Heavy tanks such as the KV-1 are effectively immune to the 47 mm gun, but only appear if the AB 43 is teamed with higher-rank Italian tanks.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent speed and agility on flat ground, with an outstanding reverse speed
  • Effective high-velocity gun against enemy contemporaries
  • Speed and scouting ability remains useful in higher-rank lineups

Cons:

  • Very poor armour and general survivability
  • Extremely slow over poor terrain
  • Large flat profile presents a good target for enemy guns
  • The Italian tech tree lacks effective vehicles on par with AB 43's matchmaking, often forcing players to make a lineup with higher-rank tanks

History

Main article: History of the AB 41

Origins

The AB43 was the intended successor of the AB41 and AB43. During the Spanish Civil war, many armoured cars where used, but Italian soldiers had good experience with the Soviet BA-6 armed with a 45mm gun, compared to most armoured cars at the time (armed only with HMGs or autocannons) this was a serious firepower, challenging even the firepower of some light tanks armed with 37mm guns.

However the AB41 still proved very effective, the autocannon was a solid option at dealing with infantry due to the continuous firepower ability when compared to a gun, and it was still able to destroy other armoured cars and engage some light tanks in the right conditions. This changed however with the start of WWII and specially in the African Campaign.

In the African Campaign, the AB41 proved to be rather ineffective against more heavily armoured British infantry tanks like the Matilda, and even the Crusader tank. It was still able to deal with Armoured Cars but due to the open grounds with little cover of the dessert, many AB41s where destroyed against enemies with heavier guns, higher armour and more range. The AB41 was also not able to deal with fortifications or machine gun nests.

A successor was needed and as such Fiat started the development of the AB43 with .

Development

Fiat and Ansaldo started to develop the AB43 mounting a 47mm gun in the AB41 and even on the AB42. The gun used was the 47/32 Mod. 1932. A new wider turret turret was developed to allow the vehicle to use the gun with a two crewmen configuration, a loader and a commander/gunner. The machine gun on top of the vehicle was removed to facilitate crew mobility when getting in and out of the vehicle. The prototype performed well, just slightly slower than the AB42 even when being 2 tons heavier. The prototype also featured two drivers, on at the front and another on the rear to give the crew the ability to retreat quickly without the need of complicated manoeuvres to change direction.

Service

The vehicle never entered service due to the Armistice of Cassibile, but even before that, when it was presented to the Italian Army in December 1942, the African Campaign was already in a very poor state for the Italians. After the Armistice, the prototype was captured by the Germans, who conducted testing on the vehicle but decided to not place it into service or production.

Media

Skins
Videos
Hot Wheels, AB 43 Armored Car - Joseph 2000
Autoblinda 43 (AB 43), Italian, Tier-2, Armored Car - Angry Nerd Gaming

See also

Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
Vehicles equipped with the same gun
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


FIAT-Ansaldo
Autoblindo  AB 41 · AB 43
Light Tanks  L6/40 · L6/40 (31 Rgt.)
Medium Tanks  Celere Sahariano
M11/39  M11/39
M13/40  M13/40 (I) · M13/40 (II) · M13/40 (III)
M14/41  M14/41 · M14/41 (47/40)
M15/42  M15/42
P40  P40 · P40 "G.C. Leoncello"
Tank Destroyers 
L3/33  L3/33 CC
Semovente L40  47/32 L40
Semovente M41  75/18 M41 · 75/32 M41 · 90/53 M41M
Semovente M42  75/34 M42
Semovente M43  105/25 M43 · M43 "G.C.Leoncello" · 75/34 M43 · 75/46 M43
SPAAs  M42 Contraereo

Italy light tanks
  Italy
L6/40  L6/40 · L6/40 (31 Rgt.)
M11/39  M11/39
Autoblindo  AB 41 · AB 43
Fiat 6614/6616  FIAT 6614 · AUBL/74 · AUBL/74 HVG
R3 Capraia  R3 T106 FA
Centauro  Centauro I 105 · Centauro I 105 R · Centauro I 120 · Centauro RGO · VRCC
Freccia  VBC (PT2) · Freccia
Dardo  Dardo · VCC-80/60 · VCC-80/30
Other  C13 T90
USA  ▄M3A3 · ▄M24 · ▄M18
  Hungary
WWII  Csaba · Toldi IIA
Post  ◔BTR-80A · KF41

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