Difference between revisions of "ASU-85"

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m (→‎Usage in battles: Added some new weakspot data for some common heavy vehicles, removed some vehicles such as Panther II and Tiger 2 105mm (they arent common at all))
m (Wikipedia link added / Link to Skins in WT Live)
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{{Specs-Card
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{{Specs-Card|code=ussr_asu_85}}
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|code=ussr_asu_85
 
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
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}}
 
  
 
== 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 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.''-->
−
The '''ASU-85 (Авиадесантная самоходная установка, АСУ-85)''' was a Cold War-era Soviet-designed airborne self-propelled gun. It began to replace the open-topped [[ASU-57]] in service in 1959. Beginning in 1969, it was superseded by the BMD-1. It was designed to replace older designs such as the ASU-57 for use by the Vozdushno-Desantnye Voyska (VDV). Its design was lengthy and intricate, and it took nearly ten years to complete due to the demanding demands of getting the vehicle airborne. The ASU-85 saw duty as late as the Soviet-Afghan War, but it was far from widespread. The ASU-85 was based on the [[PT-76 (Family)|PT-76 light amphibious tank family]] chassis, however, it lacked amphibious characteristics and was powered by a different engine. The vehicle was divided into three compartments: the driver's compartment at the front, the combat compartment in the centre, and the engine compartment in the back. The ASU-85 was utilized in airborne missions by the Soviet Airborne Forces. With minimal anti-tank capability, its primary function was light infantry support or assault fortifications. The ASU-85 was only exported to two other Warsaw Pact countries: East Germany and Poland. NATO first noticed it in 1962, and it was frequently utilized by Soviet and Polish airborne units.
+
[[File:GarageImage_ASU-85.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{specs|rank}} Russian tank destroyer {{Battle-rating|1}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.59 "Flaming Arrows"]]. It's low profile and extremely potent gun makes it a wonderful contender in the 6.7 BR range. However, the lack of armour makes it hard use this vehicle in open environments. Everything will become easier when the HEAT-FS shell with 300 mm penetration at any distance is unlocked.
  
−
Introduced in [[Update 1.59 "Flaming Arrows"]], the ASU-85 is a unique vehicle that survives on the battlefield through stealth. It is particularly vulnerable if caught in the open due to the very thin roof armour, especially against planes. The armament can deal with almost any tank that the ASU-85 is likely to encounter. Unfortunately, the ASU-85 lacks the mobility of its forefather, the ASU-57, and must play more passively. On city maps, where engagements are typically close-range, this could be a problem. Overall, the ASU-85 is a situational vehicle that excels on large maps and circumstances where the terrain allows for stealth ambush but struggles in close-quarters combat.
+
The ASU-85 has a rather unorthodox method of using it's smoke screen. Unlike most vehicles, which use smoke shells, singular canisters, or canister clusters, the ASU-85 uses two large drum like structures at the rear. When deployed, these will drop away, so it's relatively easy to tell from close range whether or not an ASU-85 has smoke or not, and how many it has.
 +
 
 +
Be wary of the this method of deployment, as due to the orientation of the drums, the smoke screen will actually form ''behind'' the tank, and take about 2-3 seconds to fully envelope the assault gun.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
+
<!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpfull for survival in combat?''
−
<!-- ''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 front upper glacis plate, while only 45 mm thick, is quite heavily sloped and can occasionally ricochet rounds. The mantlet is also quite thick and rounded, and it can also bounce the occasional lucky shot.
 
−
 
 
−
However, the rest of the ASU-85 is very thinly armoured and vulnerable to even heavy machine guns. Angling is useless in this tank, since thin armour parts get overmatched by high calibre shells and they just ignore ricochet chance completely. If it is necessary to give the enemy something to fire at, it is possible to take only half of the shells and then present the left side to the enemy, as it will have less ammo racks, though it is still likely the entire tank will be obliterated anyway.
 
−
 
 
−
The tank itself is very short and can even bully tanks like the [[M4A3 (76) W]] by standing next to them, as it will only be able to aim at the autobounce zone on top of the ASU-85 and will likely miss. In the case if the tank it stands next to explodes, the ASU-85 will also suffer overpressure damage and often lose crew, so moderate levels of "vitality" crew skill are needed to survive when doing this.
 
−
 
 
−
The ASU-85 is also somewhat vulnerable to aircraft strafing, particularly if they attack from the top or with rockets.
 
  
 +
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
−
 
 
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 
* Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet)
 
* Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet)
−
 
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 37: Line 29:
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
−
 
 
* Suspension wheels are 10 mm thick, tracks are 15 mm thick.
 
* Suspension wheels are 10 mm thick, tracks are 15 mm thick.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
−
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
+
<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''-->
−
<!-- ''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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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
 
+
|-
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=298|rbMinHp=186}}
+
!colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
−
 
+
|-
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The ASU-85 is based on the [[PT-76B]] and uses the same engine. It is somewhat heavier, however, and the mobility thus suffers comparatively. With a top speed of under 50 km/h, the ASU-85 is relatively slow for such a lightly armoured vehicle, but it is adequate enough for repositioning when needed. The ASU-85 also has a fairly slow reverse speed and only one reverse gear, inherited from the PT-76B.
+
! Weight (tons)
−
 
+
!colspan="1" | Add-on Armour<br>weight (tons)
−
Note that the ASU-85 is not amphibious, unlike the PT-76B it is based on.
+
!colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
−
 
+
|-
−
=== Modifications and economy ===
+
|rowspan="2" | 15.9 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 49 (AB)
−
{{Specs-Economy}}
+
|-
 +
|45 (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="1" | Mode
 +
!Stock
 +
!Upgraded
 +
|-
 +
|''Arcade''
 +
|298
 +
|___
 +
|-
 +
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 +
|186
 +
|210
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="1" | Mode
 +
!Stock
 +
!Upgraded
 +
|-
 +
|''Arcade''
 +
|18.74
 +
|21.03
 +
|-
 +
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 +
|11.70
 +
|13.21
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
== 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 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.''-->
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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.'' -->
 
 
{{main|D-70 (85 mm)}}
 
{{main|D-70 (85 mm)}}
  
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The ASU-85 is armed with the '''85 mm D-70''', a significantly more powerful gun compared to the wartime Soviet 85 mm ZiS S-53 and D-5T guns and comparable in capability to the German 8,8 cm L/71 guns. The mounting has only 4° of gun depression due to the restricted size of the vehicle, but has a fairly generous amount of traverse for a casemate tank destroyer. It has a relatively low rate-of-fire for its calibre, reflecting the rather cramped crew compartment of the ASU-85. The recoil of a gun throws the tank around, especially if it is fired sideways, sometimes kicking the tank backwards up to 5-10 m.
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | [[D-70 (85 mm)|85 mm D-70]]
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="3" | 39 || -4°/+15° || ±15° || 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'' || 4.2 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
 +
|-
 +
| ''Realistic'' || 4.2 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
 +
|-
 +
! 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.
 +
|-
 +
| 11.2 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
The standard shell is the '''BR-372''' APBC shell with a lethal explosive filler. It has an excellent muzzle velocity and is accurate at long ranges, very similarly to APDS. It will also easily penetrate most things that the ASU-85 may encounter. Anything that cannot be penetrated by the APBC shell will almost certainly be penetrable by the '''3BK7''' HEAT-FS round. Boasting 300 mm of penetration, it is capable of punching straight through a [[Tiger II (P)|Tiger II]]'s upper glacis and does not lose penetration over distance. However, it suffers the usual drawbacks of HEAT rounds (cannot go through obstacles like trees or fences) and is significantly less lethal than the APBC shell. The muzzle velocity is also lower, which can complicate aiming at long ranges.
+
===== Ammunition =====
−
 
+
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 +
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 +
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
 +
|-
 +
! 10m
 +
! 100m
 +
! 500m
 +
! 1000m
 +
! 1500m
 +
! 2000m
 +
|-
 +
| BR-372 || APBC || 230 || 227 || 214 || 199 || 186 || 172
 +
|-
 +
| OF-372 || HE || 11 || 11 || 11 || 11 || 11 || 11
 +
|-
 +
| 3BK7 || HEATFS || 300 || 300 || 300 || 300 || 300 || 300
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| 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:''
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[D-70 (85 mm)|85 mm D-70]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! 0%
 +
! 50%
 +
! 100%
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
+
| BR-372 || APBC || 1040 || 9.3 || 1.2 || 15 || 85 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
−
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
−
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! ''Arcade''
+
| OF-372 || HE || 1010 || 9.7 || 0.1 || 0.3 || 740 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
−
| rowspan="2" | 39 || rowspan="2" | -4°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±15° || rowspan="2" | - || 6.2 || 8.5 || 10.4 || 11.5 || 12.2 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! ''Realistic''
+
| 3BK7 || HEATFS || 925 || 7.2 || 0.1 || 0.1 || 1,590 || +0° || 65° || 72° || 75°
−
| 4.2 || 4.9 || 6.0 || 6.6 || 7.0
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
==== Ammunition ====
+
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
−
{{:D-70 (85 mm)/Ammunition|BR-372, 3BK7, OF-372}}
+
[[File:Ammoracks_ASU-85.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] on the ASU-85.]]
−
 
+
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
−
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
−
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
−
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.21.1.18''' -->
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Full<br>ammo
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
−
! 1st<br>rack empty
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br /> rack empty
−
! 2nd<br>rack empty
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br /> rack empty
−
! 3rd<br>rack empty
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br /> rack empty
−
! 4th<br>rack empty
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br /> rack empty
−
! 5th<br>rack empty
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th<br /> rack empty
−
! 6th<br>rack empty
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |6th<br /> rack empty
−
! Visual<br>discrepancy
+
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''39''' || 33&nbsp;''(+6)'' || 25&nbsp;''(+14)'' || 20&nbsp;''(+19)'' || 12&nbsp;''(+27)'' || 6&nbsp;''(+33)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+38)'' || No
+
|| '''39''' || 33&nbsp;''(+6)'' || 26&nbsp;''(+13)'' || 19&nbsp;''(+20)'' || 13&nbsp;''(+26)'' || 7&nbsp;''(+32)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+38)'' || style="text-align:left" | No  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
'''Notes''':
 
−
 
−
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 
−
{{Clear}}
 
  
 +
Front empty: 26&nbsp;''(+13)''<br />Sides only: 33&nbsp;''(+6)''
 +
 
=== 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|SGMT (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|SGMT (7.62 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | [[SGMT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm SGMT]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[SGMT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm SGMT]]
+
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
+
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 2,000 (250) || 600 || N/A || N/A
+
| colspan="4" | 2,000 (250) || 600 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
== Usage in battles ==
+
== Usage in the battles ==
−
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
+
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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 ASU-85 is a veritable glass cannon that relies on stealth and/or distance in order to survive on the battlefield. It is very vulnerable if caught in the open, especially to planes due to the very weak roof armour. The 85 mm gun is capable of handling almost any tank likely to be encountered by the ASU-85. Unfortunately, the ASU-85 lacks the mobility of its predecessor, the [[ASU-57]], and thus has to adopt a more passive playstyle. The stock APBC round is excellent for ambushes, which tend to involve a lot of side shots where the lethality of the explosive filler is valuable, especially with the long reload time of the gun. The HEAT-FS round is better suited for medium/long-range fighting, since it does not lose penetration over distance.
+
The stock shell is good. 230mm penetration is enough for weak spots in Rank IV. It is recommended to get the HEAT-FS shell as soon as possible for the ultimate 300 mm penetration for the vehicle. Beware of any incoming fire however, the armour is weak at only 45 mm thickest at the front. The mobility is mediocre, remember to cover flanks
−
 
 
−
The ASU-85 has a rather unorthodox method of using its smoke screen. Unlike most vehicles, which use smoke shells, singular canisters, or canister clusters, the ASU-85 uses two large drum like structures at the rear. When deployed, these will drop away, so it is relatively easy to tell from close range whether or not an ASU-85 has smoke or not, and how many it has. Due to the orientation of the drums, the smoke screen will actually form behind the tank and take 5 seconds to fully envelope the assault gun.
 
−
 
 
−
The smokes screens themselves are very thin and allow ASU-85 to see through them with sniper scope and attack. In arcade mode, ASU-85 can use smoke screen to disable aim assist and spotting for enemy vehicles while still being able to track their position with scouting, which works well with its ability to bounce poorly aimed shots. The APDS-like APHE and HEAT-FS also help with fighting with aim assist off, which makes it a viable trick, though it will not help if enemy already took aim at ASU-85 and is just waiting for reload to finish.
 
  
−
Heavily armored opponent's weakspots:
+
*'''Sniper''': This tank doesn't surpass other snipers in Rank IV, due to the lack of armour. Utilize all possible mechanics to aid in acquiring and ranging the targets, especially the binoculars and range finder modification.
 +
*'''Ambush''': Find somewhere in the map where most of the fight will happen, find a good view with nice covers at there. Or just sitting in some bushes near the flanking routes.
  
−
* Tiger II [[Tiger II (P)|(P)]]/[[Tiger II (H)|(H)]]: Turret cheeks are penetrable by APCBC even at 1.2km. Shoot the left cheek to kill all turret crew and wound the hull crew.  
+
Some enemies to be concerned of:
−
* T26E5: Cupola, turret ring and hull MG port remain weakspots even up to 2km with APCBC.
+
* Tiger II [[Tiger II (P)|(P)]], [[Tiger II (H)|(H)]], [[Tiger II (10.5 cm Kw.K)|105 mm]]: Shoot at the turret cheeks (only front weakspot). If the HEAT shell is available, shoot the HEAT straight into their hull.
−
* T26E1-1: Hull MG port and upper section of lower glacis remain penetrable with APCBC up to 2km.
+
* [[Panther II]]: Use HEAT against hull if it is at a close range and is looking right at the vehicle. In a longer distance, try for the lower glacis and the turret cheeks
−
* T34: Hull MG port, lower glacis and cupola penetrable at 1km. MG port and most of the lower glacis remain penetrable at 2km.
+
* [[T29|T29]]: Shoot the lower glacis if engaging it frontally. There are a few weak points in the front turret as well, look for them.
−
* [[T29]]: Lower glacis. There are also weakspots in the gun mantlet, but they may be hard to hit at anything but close range.
+
* [[Caernarvon|Caernavron]]: Fire at the turret ring and lower glacis.
−
* [[Caernarvon]]: Turret ring and lower glacis.
+
* [[Tortoise|A39 Tortoise]]: Aim towards the machine gun port on the left side, there will be a weak point present.
−
* [[Tortoise]]: Area surrounding the hull machine gun port.
+
* [[T95|T95]]: Aim towards one of the two commander cupolas on the roof. Try to aim at its side so that the penetrating shell can detonate inside and severely damage the crew.
−
* [[T95]]: Cupolas may be penetrated but will not generate enough spall to reliably kill more than 1 crew member. HEAT-FS also does not seem to be capable of consistently disabling more than 1 crew member. Suggest breaking their gun and running away to flank them. The upper section of the T95's sides are vulnerable to APCBC even at 1km.
+
* [[Jagdtiger|Jagdtiger]]: A well-protected armoured beast. If caught in the front, try to engage it with HEAT shells, preferably at the lower glacis.
−
* [[Jagdtiger]]: APCBC can penetrate lower glacis and hull MG port up to 800m. 1-shot kill is in theory possible with HEAT-FS, but you will need to aim at the left or right cheeks to hit the ammo.
+
* [[M26E1|M26E1]]: Though dangerous towards the ASU, its armour is similar to the [[M26|M26 Pershing]] and could be easily taken out by a good shot on the front hull.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
+
<!--''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".''-->
−
 
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
 
+
* Powerful 85 mm cannon, more powerful than the [[T-34-85]] ones
−
* Excellent 85 mm gun - higher penetration and muzzle velocity than the 100 mm D-10T found on the T-54s
+
* Access to HEAT-FS rounds with 300mm penetration
−
* Competitive stock APBC round with explosive filler
 
−
* Access to HEAT-FS with 300 mm of penetration
 
 
* Tiny profile
 
* Tiny profile
 +
* Decent ammo storage for size
 
* Access to a coaxial machine gun
 
* Access to a coaxial machine gun
−
* Access to night vision devices
+
* Medium gun muzzle velocity
−
 
 
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
 
+
* Slow gun alignment
−
* Slow gun elevation and traverse
+
* Barely any armour, MG rounds may penetrate
−
* Slow reload for an 85 mm gun
+
* Reverse speed somewhat slow, hard to make hasty retreats.
−
* Cannon recoil is so strong it throws the tank around and will not only mess with tanks aim but kick the user off a cliff if they are not careful
+
* Mediocre mobility
−
* Lightly armoured everywhere besides the front, vulnerable to aircraft strafing, angling even just slightly will expose the extremely weak side armor to vehicles with APCBC shells
+
* Bad gun depression
−
* Poor reverse speed
 
−
* Mediocre mobility and low maximum speed, considering the light armour
 
−
* Poor gun depression
 
  
 
== 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 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.''-->
 
===Development===
 
===Development===
−
A new assault gun was requested by the Armed Forces sometime before 1953. Due to the success of the [[ASU-57]], they tasked the OKB-40 design bureau headed by Nikolaj Astrov to design the vehicle. The design, designated "Object 573", was ready for tests in the latter half of 1953. Constant changes and improvement was made from the span of 1956 to 1957. The design used the chassis of the [[PT-76B|PT-76]] amphibious light tank design, though it did not have the same amphibious feature and had a new engine propelling it. The armament was an 85 mm D-70 gun derived from the 85 mm D-48 anti-tank gun. The design could carry 45 rounds inside and could fire a variety of rounds up to 1 km away. Secondary armament for the vehicle was a GMT or PKT coaxial machine gun. The improved design was going to accepted and enter production in 1958 as the SU-85 (despite the existence of [[SU-85|a vehicle of the same name]]), but this was again delayed when the Ministry of Defense ordered an armoured roof to be installed. The design was to enter production in 1961, but by then the design was rather outdated for army forces usage. Thus, when the vehicle entered production, it was taken up by the VDV, the Soviet Airborne Forces, and renamed the ASU-85. The ASU-85 was produced from 1959 to 1966, while staying in service from 1959 all the way to 1993.
+
A new assault gun was requested by the Armed Forces sometime before 1953. Due to the success of the [[ASU-57]], they tasked the OKB-40 design bureau headed by Nikolaj Astrov to design the vehicle. The design, designated ''Object 573'', was ready for tests in the latter half of 1953. Constant changes and improvement was made from the span of 1956 to 1957. The design used the chassis of the [[PT-76B|PT-76]] amphibious light tank design, though it did not have the same amphibious feature and had a new engine propelling it. The armament was an 85 mm D-70 gun derived from the 85 mm D-48 anti-tank gun. The design could carry 45 rounds inside and could fire a variety of rounds up to 1 km away. Secondary armament for the vehicle was a GMT or PKT coaxial machine gun. The improved design was going to accepted and enter production in 1958 as the ''SU-85'' (despite the existence of [[SU-85|a vehicle of the same name]]), but this was again delayed when the Ministry of Defense ordered an armoured roof to be installed. The design was to enter production in 1961, but by then the design was rather outdated for army forces usage. Thus, when the vehicle entered production, it was taken up by the VDV, the Soviet Airborne Forces, and renamed the '''ASU-85'''. The ASU-85 was produced from 1959 to 1966, while staying in service from 1959 all the way to 1993.
  
 
===Usage===
 
===Usage===
 
The Soviet airborne forces primarily used the ASU-85 as a light infantry support/assault gun. Advancements in air-drop techniques and the advent of helicopters made its air deployment a more viable option in the early 1960s. The Soviet Union deployed 31 ASU-85s to each of its airborne divisions in and assault gun battalion. The Soviet Union used the ASU-85 during the Soviet-Afghan War with the airborne troops stationed there.
 
The Soviet airborne forces primarily used the ASU-85 as a light infantry support/assault gun. Advancements in air-drop techniques and the advent of helicopters made its air deployment a more viable option in the early 1960s. The Soviet Union deployed 31 ASU-85s to each of its airborne divisions in and assault gun battalion. The Soviet Union used the ASU-85 during the Soviet-Afghan War with the airborne troops stationed there.
  
−
The ASU-85 was only given out to Poland and Vietnam. Poland used the ASU-85s in the same manner as the Soviet Union, with 31 vehicles in each airborne divisions. The ASU-85 are still in service in the Vietnamese military, with interests on improving their technical performances in early 2016.<ref name="JaneASU-85">Fisher</ref>
+
The ASU-85 was only given out to Poland and Vietnam. Poland used the ASU-85s in the same manner as the Soviet Union, with 31 vehicles in each airborne divisions. The ASU-85 are still in service in the Vietnamese military, with interests on improving their technical performances in early 2016.<ref name="JaneASU-85">Fisher, Richard D., Jr. "DSA 2016: Vietnam May Update Soviet Era ASU-85s." IHS Jane's 360, 21 Apr. 2016. Web. 23 Sept. 2016.</ref>
  
 
The ASU-85 also serves as the genesis of other support vehicles using the derived PT-76 chassis. The most notable vehicle using a similar chassis was the [[ZSU-23-4|ZSU-23-4 "Shilka"]] anti-aircraft system.
 
The ASU-85 also serves as the genesis of other support vehicles using the derived PT-76 chassis. The most notable vehicle using a similar chassis was the [[ZSU-23-4|ZSU-23-4 "Shilka"]] anti-aircraft system.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
+
<!--''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''-->
−
 
+
Skin and Camouflages for the [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=ussr&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=tank_destroyer&vehicle=ussr_asu_85 ASU-85] in Warthunder Live.
−
;Skins
+
{{Youtube-gallery|y2G4K-5ZvDw|The ASU-85 in Soviet Airborne service}}
−
 
 
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_asu_85 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
−
 
 
−
;Videos
 
−
{{Youtube-gallery|YuBjyMQLRy0|'''Airmobile tanks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 2:00 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|y2G4K-5ZvDw|'''ASU-85 self-propelled gun (Soviet Airborne Forces)''' - ''yolkhere''}}
 
−
 
 
−
== See also ==
 
−
''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.''
 
−
 
 
−
== External links ==
 
−
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
−
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
−
 
 
−
* [[wt:en/news/3733-development-asu-85-death-from-the-skies-en/|[Devblog] ASU-85: Death from the Skies]]
 
−
* [[Wikipedia:ASU-85|[Wikipedia] ASU-85]]
 
−
 
 
−
===References===
 
  
−
;Citations
+
==References==
 
<references />
 
<references />
  
−
;Bibliography
+
== Read also ==
 +
* [http://warthunder.com/en/news/3733-development-asu-85-death-from-the-skies-en/ [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> ASU-85: Death from the Skies]
  
−
* Fisher, Richard D., Jr. "DSA 2016: Vietnam May Update Soviet Era ASU-85s." ''IHS Jane's 360'', Janes, 21 April 2016, [http://www.janes.com/article/59688/dsa-2016-vietnam-may-update-soviet-era-asu-85s Website]. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20161228181451/http://www.janes.com/article/59688/dsa-2016-vietnam-may-update-soviet-era-asu-85s Archive])
+
== Sources ==
 +
* [Http://www.janes.com/article/59688/dsa-2016-vietnam-may-update-soviet-era-asu-85s [World News<nowiki>]</nowiki> Vietnam may update Soviet-era ASU-85s]
 +
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASU-85 Wikipedia]
  
 
{{USSR tank destroyers}}
 
{{USSR tank destroyers}}

Revision as of 13:33, 4 April 2019

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
ASU-85
ussr_asu_85.png
ASU-85
USSR flag.png USSR
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.3 6.3 6.3
Class:
Research:63 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:200 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage ASU-85.jpg


The ASU-85 is a Rank IV Russian tank destroyer with a battle rating of 6.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.59 "Flaming Arrows". It's low profile and extremely potent gun makes it a wonderful contender in the 6.7 BR range. However, the lack of armour makes it hard use this vehicle in open environments. Everything will become easier when the HEAT-FS shell with 300 mm penetration at any distance is unlocked.

The ASU-85 has a rather unorthodox method of using it's smoke screen. Unlike most vehicles, which use smoke shells, singular canisters, or canister clusters, the ASU-85 uses two large drum like structures at the rear. When deployed, these will drop away, so it's relatively easy to tell from close range whether or not an ASU-85 has smoke or not, and how many it has.

Be wary of the this method of deployment, as due to the orientation of the drums, the smoke screen will actually form behind the tank, and take about 2-3 seconds to fully envelope the assault gun.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet)
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 45 mm (60°) Front glacis
45 mm (37°) Lower glacis
50 mm Driver port		 6 mm 6 mm (40°) Upper
6 mm (18°) Lower 		6 mm
Superstructure 45 mm (60°) Front glacis
100 mm Gun mantlet 		13 mm (37-38°) 6 mm 13 mm Front
6 mm Rear

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 10 mm thick, tracks are 15 mm thick.

Mobility

Mobility characteristic
Weight (tons) Add-on Armour
weight (tons) 		Max speed (km/h)
15.9 N/A 49 (AB)
45 (RB/SB)
Engine power (horsepower)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 298 ___
Realistic/Simulator 186 210
Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 18.74 21.03
Realistic/Simulator 11.70 13.21

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: D-70 (85 mm)
85 mm D-70
Capacity Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance 		Stabilizer
39 -4°/+15° ±15° N/A
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade 4.2 __.__ __.__ __.__ __.__
Realistic 4.2 __.__ __.__ __.__ __.__
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
11.2 __.__ __.__ __.__
Ammunition
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration in mm @ 90°
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
BR-372 APBC 230 227 214 199 186 172
OF-372 HE 11 11 11 11 11 11
3BK7 HEATFS 300 300 300 300 300 300
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
in m/s 		Projectile
Mass in kg 		Fuse delay

in m:

Fuse sensitivity

in mm:

Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent): 		Normalization At 30°
from horizontal: 		Ricochet:
0% 50% 100%
BR-372 APBC 1040 9.3 1.2 15 85 +4° 48° 63° 71°
OF-372 HE 1010 9.7 0.1 0.3 740 +0° 79° 80° 81°
3BK7 HEATFS 925 7.2 0.1 0.1 1,590 +0° 65° 72° 75°
Ammo racks
Ammo racks on the ASU-85.
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
39 33 (+6) 26 (+13) 19 (+20) 13 (+26) 7 (+32) 1 (+38) No

Front empty: 26 (+13)
Sides only: 33 (+6)

Machine guns

Main article: SGMT (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm SGMT
Coaxial mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute) 		Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance
2,000 (250) 600 N/A N/A

Usage in the battles

The stock shell is good. 230mm penetration is enough for weak spots in Rank IV. It is recommended to get the HEAT-FS shell as soon as possible for the ultimate 300 mm penetration for the vehicle. Beware of any incoming fire however, the armour is weak at only 45 mm thickest at the front. The mobility is mediocre, remember to cover flanks

  • Sniper: This tank doesn't surpass other snipers in Rank IV, due to the lack of armour. Utilize all possible mechanics to aid in acquiring and ranging the targets, especially the binoculars and range finder modification.
  • Ambush: Find somewhere in the map where most of the fight will happen, find a good view with nice covers at there. Or just sitting in some bushes near the flanking routes.

Some enemies to be concerned of:

  • Tiger II (P), (H), 105 mm: Shoot at the turret cheeks (only front weakspot). If the HEAT shell is available, shoot the HEAT straight into their hull.
  • Panther II: Use HEAT against hull if it is at a close range and is looking right at the vehicle. In a longer distance, try for the lower glacis and the turret cheeks
  • T29: Shoot the lower glacis if engaging it frontally. There are a few weak points in the front turret as well, look for them.
  • Caernavron: Fire at the turret ring and lower glacis.
  • A39 Tortoise: Aim towards the machine gun port on the left side, there will be a weak point present.
  • T95: Aim towards one of the two commander cupolas on the roof. Try to aim at its side so that the penetrating shell can detonate inside and severely damage the crew.
  • Jagdtiger: A well-protected armoured beast. If caught in the front, try to engage it with HEAT shells, preferably at the lower glacis.
  • M26E1: Though dangerous towards the ASU, its armour is similar to the M26 Pershing and could be easily taken out by a good shot on the front hull.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful 85 mm cannon, more powerful than the T-34-85 ones
  • Access to HEAT-FS rounds with 300mm penetration
  • Tiny profile
  • Decent ammo storage for size
  • Access to a coaxial machine gun
  • Medium gun muzzle velocity

Cons:

  • Slow gun alignment
  • Barely any armour, MG rounds may penetrate
  • Reverse speed somewhat slow, hard to make hasty retreats.
  • Mediocre mobility
  • Bad gun depression

History

Development

A new assault gun was requested by the Armed Forces sometime before 1953. Due to the success of the ASU-57, they tasked the OKB-40 design bureau headed by Nikolaj Astrov to design the vehicle. The design, designated Object 573, was ready for tests in the latter half of 1953. Constant changes and improvement was made from the span of 1956 to 1957. The design used the chassis of the PT-76 amphibious light tank design, though it did not have the same amphibious feature and had a new engine propelling it. The armament was an 85 mm D-70 gun derived from the 85 mm D-48 anti-tank gun. The design could carry 45 rounds inside and could fire a variety of rounds up to 1 km away. Secondary armament for the vehicle was a GMT or PKT coaxial machine gun. The improved design was going to accepted and enter production in 1958 as the SU-85 (despite the existence of a vehicle of the same name), but this was again delayed when the Ministry of Defense ordered an armoured roof to be installed. The design was to enter production in 1961, but by then the design was rather outdated for army forces usage. Thus, when the vehicle entered production, it was taken up by the VDV, the Soviet Airborne Forces, and renamed the ASU-85. The ASU-85 was produced from 1959 to 1966, while staying in service from 1959 all the way to 1993.

Usage

The Soviet airborne forces primarily used the ASU-85 as a light infantry support/assault gun. Advancements in air-drop techniques and the advent of helicopters made its air deployment a more viable option in the early 1960s. The Soviet Union deployed 31 ASU-85s to each of its airborne divisions in and assault gun battalion. The Soviet Union used the ASU-85 during the Soviet-Afghan War with the airborne troops stationed there.

The ASU-85 was only given out to Poland and Vietnam. Poland used the ASU-85s in the same manner as the Soviet Union, with 31 vehicles in each airborne divisions. The ASU-85 are still in service in the Vietnamese military, with interests on improving their technical performances in early 2016.[1]

The ASU-85 also serves as the genesis of other support vehicles using the derived PT-76 chassis. The most notable vehicle using a similar chassis was the ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" anti-aircraft system.

Media

Skin and Camouflages for the ASU-85 in Warthunder Live.

The ASU-85 in Soviet Airborne service

References

  1. ↑ Fisher, Richard D., Jr. "DSA 2016: Vietnam May Update Soviet Era ASU-85s." IHS Jane's 360, 21 Apr. 2016. Web. 23 Sept. 2016.

Read also

Sources


USSR tank destroyers
SU-76M  SU-76M · SU-76M (5th Gv.Kav.Corps) · SU-85A
SU-57B  SU-57B · SU-76D
T-34 Derivatives  SU-122 · SU-85 · SU-85M · SU-100 · SU-122P
Heavy Tank Derivatives  SU-100Y · ISU-122 · ISU-122S · SU-152 · ISU-152 · Object 268
SU-100P and Derivatives  SU-100P · Object 120
Wheeled  YaG-10 (29-K)
Airborne  ASU-57 · ASU-85
Rocket  BM-8-24 · BM-13N · BM-31-12
ATGM  IT-1 · Shturm-S · Object 775 · Khrizantema-S
Artillery  2S1 · 2S3M
Other  SU-5-1 · ZiS-30 · SU-122-54
USA  SU-57

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