Difference between revisions of "KPz-70"

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== 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 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.''-->
 +
[[File:GarageImage_KPz-70.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''KPz-70''' is a Rank VI German medium tank with a battle rating of 9.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A"]].
 +
 
 +
The KPz-70 displays impressive mobility, in terms of its ability to pickup and maintain speed over various terrains - albeit it is somewhat lackluster compared to some of the top rank vehicles such as the [[Tank,_Combat,_Full_Tracked,_105-mm_Gun_M1|M1 Abrams]] and [[T-80B]]. This unfortunately negates many of the advantages the KPz-70 maintained during its reign as a top-rank vehicle. However, this doesn't change the need to utilize what mobility the vehicle has - it's the best weapon you have.
 +
 
 +
Unlike the Soviet T-64A (its main rival), the KPz-70 does not utilize composite armour, but an air gap that forces munitions penetrating the initial layers to lose their mass by fragmenting apart before moving to the next layer of armour. This general design concept has been in use as far back as WW2 and is even used to this day on modern fighting vehicles.
 +
 
 +
Spaced armour works wonderfully well against shaped charge munitions or any other munition with explosive filler provided it is of a stronger protection rating. Proceeding weapons and munitions development has seen this benefit decreased with either more powerful or tandem charge warheads and can be seen in-game against weapons that proceeded different designs of spaced armour. As such you will find weapons that were designed to defeat spaced armour such as the HOT-K3S ATGM and BAE Swingfire system that will penetrate it. However the spaced armour in the KPz-70 works exactly as it was designed to do against older anti-tank missiles, HEAT, HE, and HESH munitions.
 +
 
 +
The tank mounts no external spaced armour. The armour on the side and rear of the tank is not worth mentioning as it will only stop light machine gun fire and some cannon fire on the turret. Adversary SABOT rounds will penetrate clear through your engine and into the crew compartment most likely killing you if you are engaged from behind.
 +
 
 +
The most important feature that makes a tank is the cannon. In this department, the KPz-70 is no slouch. The 152 mm gun launcher system (the same one used on the [[152-mm_Gun/Launcher_M551_Sheridan|M551 Sheridan]]), but with a longer barrel and is capable of firing a variety of munition types including an experimental APFSDS round, a traditional HEAT round (with high penetration), an experimental smoke round, and lastly the very capable and proven MGM-61C Shillelagh. This wide range of munition choices gives the operator a variety of options in pre-combat configuration which can greatly either hinder or enhance the tankers capability on the battlefield. The benefit of a longer barrel compared to its Sheridan counterpart ensures the KPz-70 is much more accurate at range and that the rounds leave the barrel at higher velocities thus increasing their overall damage dealing capabilities.
 +
 
 +
Additionally the 152mm gun launcher gets equipped with an auto loader, greatly reducing its time between followup shots on a target.
 +
 
 +
For targeting, the option to equip an incredibly accurate laser range finder is available. Additionally the 7.62 mm machine gun mounted in the turret can be used for range finding as well.
 +
 
 +
The Rheinmetall Rh 202 20 mm auto cannon is highly effective at dealing with light armoured battlefield threats and on some tanks exposed sides or rears. In some situations, it may be more beneficial to utilize the 20 mm as it will allow you to deal damage rapidly while conserving your main cannon ammunition. The cannon is also highly effective at shooting down low flying attackers. Note that if your commander is knocked out you will lose use of this weapon.
 +
 
 +
The KPz-70 is equipped with a diesel fueled 1,500 horsepower (1,100 kW) Daimler Benz V12 engine. This engine pack compared to its American counterpart produces more power, but only slightly so giving the KPz-70 an amazing 29.8 hp/t at 50 - 51.7 tons (depending on upgrade configuration).
 +
 
 +
A highly advantageous feature is the [[hydropneumatic suspension]] system which not only provides great cross country mobility, but allows the crew to position the vehicle in such a way to only expose the strongest armour at an enemy threat. The suspension can also be used to gain further gun depression by raising the rear of the tank and lowering the front thus allowing the gunner to engage from a position that he might not have been able to engage from previously.
 +
 
 +
The KPz-70 features the standard NATO track and block design that can be found on most NATO vehicles. The rubber track blocks provide great traction off road and on road compared to all metal tracks found on other fighting vehicles as sliding on a short halt or drifting is minimized.
 +
 
 +
Because of the elevated engine deck, gun depression is decreased significantly when firing or aiming the gun over the rear of the tank.
 +
 
 +
An unconventional feature at the time the KPz-70 was designed was the housing of all the crew members in the turret. Because of the autoloading system the need for a loader was eliminated and due to an attempt to further lower the tanks silhouette the driver was located to the turret with the gunner and commander. This can have potentially devastating consequences on the battlefield as the crew can easily be injured or killed by penetrating munitions entering the crew compartment. 
 +
 +
For defensive countermeasures the tank is equipped with quad four barrel externally mounted smoke canister launchers which can provide either a defensive screen for yourself or friendly forces. These launchers can be fired in pairs of two. Keep in mind the smoke grenade launchers are operated by the gunner so should he become incapacitated in a fight you will not be able to launch them until he is either replaced by another crew member or you have the crew replenishment consumable unlocked.
 +
 
 +
Due to its low profile and effective array of camouflage options the KPz-70 scores high marks in the concealability category. It has a total of 4 camouflage options available to it. The standard (a 3 tone NATO CARC camouflage), winter camouflage (requires 700 battles against other players in the tank), a brown camouflage for desert environments, and lastly an olive drab option. The addition of various foliage can further increase the ability to conceal the tank.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpfull for survival in combat?''
+
<!--''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?''
 +
 
 +
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
* Spaced armour (Hull front, Turret front)
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 34* mm (60-61°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 76.2 mm (64°) ''Lower glacis'' || 23 mm (40°) ''Top'' <br> 23-35 mm ''Bottom'' || 30 mm (12°) ''Top'' <br> 13 mm (57°) ''Bottom'' <br> 8 mm (12°) ''Engine exhaust'' || 20 mm ''Front'' <br> 8-12.7 mm ''Engine deck''
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 50-200 mm (0-75°) || 12.7-38* mm (29-34°) || 12.7* mm (27-80°) || 20-50 mm ''Front'' <br> 12.7 mm ''Rear turret''
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Cupola || 25 mm || 25 mm
 +
|-
 +
! Spaced armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 200 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 170 mm ''Chemical'' || N/A || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 320 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 280 mm ''Chemical'' || '''38 mm sections:''' <br> 320 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 280 mm ''Chemical'' <br> '''12.7 mm sections:''' <br> 35 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 40 mm ''Chemical'' || 35 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 40 mm ''Chemical'' || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
* Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick and tracks are 30 mm thick.
 +
* Belly armour is 16 mm thick.
 +
* Gun mantlet ring around the gun barrel is 305 mm thick.
 +
* A 16 mm RHA plate separates the engine from the crew compartment
 +
* Hull spaced armour configuration is 34 mm RHA + 127 mm air + 46 mm RHA.
 +
* Turret spaced armour configuration is 38 mm RHA + 127 mm air + 130-33 mm RHA.
 +
* Turret rear spaced armour configuration is 13 mm RHA + 38 mm air + 19 mm RHA.
 +
 
 +
The main weakness of the KPz-70 that you want to take advantage of as an opposing player is its weak armour when compared to other tanks of its rank. If you can get the tank to come to you it becomes much easier to fight it. Avoid springing his ambush if at all possible or try to sneak around him to flank and attack his weakest armour. A well placed shot through the side of the turret is generally a one shot kill as all of the crew is located in the turret along with an ammunition store with rounds being located under the turret basket.
 +
 
 +
If you have the proper position or speed try getting around the KPz-70 and engaging him from where he does not expect you. It's important to remember he has the ability to quickly snap the turret around and engage you so surprising him is of the up-most central importance if you are to come out on top of the fight.
 +
 
 +
Another weakness that can be exploited is its speed. Because of its speed unskilled players or players unfamiliar with its play style will often rush into situations they are not equipped to fight properly and find themselves overwhelmed allowing you to easily kill them.
 +
 
 +
One last weak spot worth mentioning is the turret breach. High penetrating munitions can completely pierce this section and travel into the crew compartment. SABOT rounds are especially effective at this.
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
+
Do not try to out-shoot the KPz-70 as it has a very rapid reload that in most cases will ensure that unless you've disabled the tanks ability to fire that he will be able to recover and kill you or disable you to such a point he may escape the engagement.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
−
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''
+
<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''-->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
 +
|-
 +
! Weight (tons)
 +
!colspan="1" | Add-on Armor<br>weight (tons)
 +
!colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
|rowspan="2" | 51.7 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 71 (AB)
 +
|-
 +
|64 (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="1" | Mode
 +
!Stock
 +
!Upgraded
 +
|-
 +
|''Arcade''
 +
|2,325
 +
|2,862
 +
|-
 +
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 +
|1,327
 +
|1,500
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="1" | Mode
 +
!Stock
 +
!Upgraded
 +
|-
 +
|''Arcade''
 +
|44.97
 +
|56.12
 +
|-
 +
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 +
|25.67
 +
|29.01
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibilty of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
+
<!--''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.''-->
 +
{{main|XM150E5 (152 mm)}}
  
−
=== Additional armament ===
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | [[XM150E5 (152 mm)|152 mm XM150E5]]
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="3" | 48 || -10°/+20° || ±180° || Two-plane
 +
|-
 +
! 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'' || 21.4 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
 +
|-
 +
| ''Realistic'' || 21.4 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
 +
|-
 +
! 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.
 +
|-
 +
| 10.0 || 10.0 || 10.0 || 10.0
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===== Ammunition =====
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" 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
 +
|-
 +
| XM578E1 || APFSDS || 380 || 370 || 360 || 345 || 330 || 315
 +
|-
 +
| M409A1 || HEAT || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380
 +
|-
 +
| MGM-51C || ATGM || 431 || 431 || 431 || 431 || 431 || 431
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| 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%
 +
|-
 +
| XM578E1 || APFSDS || 1,500 || 3.7 || N/A || N/A || N/A || ° || 76° || 77° || 78°
 +
|-
 +
| M409A1 || HEAT || 754 || 19 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 3,730 || +0° || 62° || 69° || 73°
 +
|-
 +
| MGM-51C || ATGM || 323 || 28 || 0.0 || 0.01 || 4,720 || +0° || 80° || 82° || 90°
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 +
! colspan="7" | Smoke characteristic
 +
|-
 +
! Ammunition
 +
! Velocity <br /> in m/s
 +
! Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 +
! ''Screen radius <br /> in m''
 +
! ''Screen time <br /> in s''
 +
! ''Screen hold time <br /> in s:''
 +
! ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 +
|-
 +
| XM410E1 || 754 || 19 || 25 || 5 || 30 || 50
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_KPz-70.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo Racks|Ammo racks]] of the KPz-70.]]
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
|| '''48''' || 44&nbsp;''(+4)'' || 33&nbsp;''(+15)'' || 25&nbsp;''(+23)'' || 13&nbsp;''(+35)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+47)'' || style="text-align:left" | No
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
2nd rack empty: 33&nbsp;''(+15)''
  
 
=== 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.''
+
<!--''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|Rh202 (20 mm)|MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | [[Rh202 (20 mm)|20 mm Rh202]]
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount''
 +
|-
 +
! 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
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="4" | 750 (750) || 900 || -9°/+65° || ±180°
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | [[MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm MG 3A1]]
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
 +
|-
 +
! 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
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="4" | 6,000 (1,000) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
== Usage in the 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 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 tank plays very much like the [[Leopard_1A1A1|Leopard 1A1A1]]. Players familiar with the Leopard play style will easily adapt to the KPz-70. It has reasonable mobility, especially with full upgrades and aced crew, allowing it to maneuver into spots not typically accessible by less mobile tanks. Utilize this to an advantage to set up ambushes as this is how you will get most of your kills. It's important to recognize when an engagement is not beneficial to you so that you may get a better position or escape from the threat.
 +
 
 +
Despite the initial appearance of strong frontal armour, it's important to remember when compared to its counterparts at its rank, it is not nearly enough to defeat threats head on such as the [[T-64A_(1971)|T-64A]]. Even ATGM from missile vehicles such as the [[Raketenjagdpanzer_2_HOT|Raketenjagdpanzer 2 HOT]] will penetrate the turret and upper glacis plate. Even other Rank V tanks can and will penetrate from the front. Because of the rather condensed placement of crew and ammunition you will most likely die. Because of this it is critical you get the first shot off in an engagement and ensure it is either a kill shot or one that cripples the threat to such a capacity they either cannot engage or will instinctively panic and try to run to repair or determine your engagement location.
 +
 
 +
The gun is especially versatile and powerful with a wide range of ammunition selection but you will generally find your cannon launched ATGM's and sabot rounds will get the job done in most situations. The 20 mm turret roof mounted cannon is great for taking out lightly armoured targets (to include some tanks, ATGM vehicles, etc), anti-air, and aircraft.
 +
 
 +
Essentially if you treat this tank like a Leopard, your survivability will increase dramatically. The hydro pneumatic allows you to position the tank in such ways that you can engage from non conventional spots while exposing only your strongest armour at the threat. The low silhouette makes the tank especially difficult to hit at longer ranges and this can be further enhanced (situation dependent) by your adjustable suspension. Because of the accurate cannon you will also find it to be easy to engage at longer ranges which will maximize your strengths while reducing your targets.
 +
 
 +
In summary the KPz-70 is a great addition to any end game lineup as it provides great flexibility in almost all engagements and is well worth the time and investment to acquire.
 +
 
 +
===Tactics===
 +
Ambushing is your strength. As covered previously utilize your speed to get into firing positions quickly and cause chaos and confusion among the enemy.
 +
 
 +
The KPz-70 can also quickly capture objective points and when used properly hold positions so long as it does not stay in any one place to long.
 +
 
 +
Scoot and shoot tactics will benefit you as well as terrain masking techniques. 
 +
 
 +
Should you have to fight in closer engagement ranges or in close quarters it's critical to always remember your armour will not protect you however your speed, fast rotating turret, and maneuverability will. Provided you utilize these to your advantage you will be able to control the fight. Recognize when you are being baited into an ambush and avoid them as you don't stand a great chance of conducting a counter ambush due to your weak armour which will allow you to be killed easily at close range.
 +
 
 +
If you have found yourself to be the victim of an ambush from an opponent launch a smokescreen, escape, and reassess for a counter ambush.
 +
 
 +
The KPz-70 benefits greatly from squad play. A skilled lone KPz-70 is most certainly a threat on the battlefield but 2 or even 3 KPz-70's working in conjunction with each other in a squad is an extreme danger to the opposing team as the use of squad tactics in combination with the great strengths of the tank can almost completely control the momentum of the conflict.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!--''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:'''
−
*
+
* Great mobility, although out-stripped by some vehicles that utilize turbine engines.
−
 
+
* Great gun, with access to various types of ammunition, ATGMs included.
 +
* 20mm auto cannon anti-aircraft gun mounted on the top of the tank.
 +
* Low Visibility.
 +
* Hydropneumatic suspension.
 +
* Extremely fast in both forwards and reverse.
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
* Unimpressive frontal plate armour.
 +
* One of the longest reloads of all the Rank VI MBTs at 10 seconds.
 +
* Vulnerable to the rear, if hydropneumatic suspension are not used.
 +
* Optics can cause ATGMs to detonate and explode downwards into crew compartment.
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
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<!--''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.''-->
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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== Read also ==
 
== Read also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
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[https://warthunder.com/en/news/4923-gamescom-kpz-70-mbt-70-a-warrior-of-two-armies-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> KPz-70 & MBT-70 - A Warrior of Two Armies]
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
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''ETC.''
 
  
 
== Sources ==
 
== Sources ==
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
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 +
{{Germany medium tanks}}

Revision as of 18:25, 18 November 2018

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
KPz-70
germ_kpz_70.png
KPz-70
Germany flag.png Germany
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
9.0 9.3 9.3
Class:
Research:190 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:520 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage KPz-70.jpg


The KPz-70 is a Rank VI German medium tank with a battle rating of 9.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.71 "New E.R.A".

The KPz-70 displays impressive mobility, in terms of its ability to pickup and maintain speed over various terrains - albeit it is somewhat lackluster compared to some of the top rank vehicles such as the M1 Abrams and T-80B. This unfortunately negates many of the advantages the KPz-70 maintained during its reign as a top-rank vehicle. However, this doesn't change the need to utilize what mobility the vehicle has - it's the best weapon you have.

Unlike the Soviet T-64A (its main rival), the KPz-70 does not utilize composite armour, but an air gap that forces munitions penetrating the initial layers to lose their mass by fragmenting apart before moving to the next layer of armour. This general design concept has been in use as far back as WW2 and is even used to this day on modern fighting vehicles.

Spaced armour works wonderfully well against shaped charge munitions or any other munition with explosive filler provided it is of a stronger protection rating. Proceeding weapons and munitions development has seen this benefit decreased with either more powerful or tandem charge warheads and can be seen in-game against weapons that proceeded different designs of spaced armour. As such you will find weapons that were designed to defeat spaced armour such as the HOT-K3S ATGM and BAE Swingfire system that will penetrate it. However the spaced armour in the KPz-70 works exactly as it was designed to do against older anti-tank missiles, HEAT, HE, and HESH munitions.

The tank mounts no external spaced armour. The armour on the side and rear of the tank is not worth mentioning as it will only stop light machine gun fire and some cannon fire on the turret. Adversary SABOT rounds will penetrate clear through your engine and into the crew compartment most likely killing you if you are engaged from behind.

The most important feature that makes a tank is the cannon. In this department, the KPz-70 is no slouch. The 152 mm gun launcher system (the same one used on the M551 Sheridan), but with a longer barrel and is capable of firing a variety of munition types including an experimental APFSDS round, a traditional HEAT round (with high penetration), an experimental smoke round, and lastly the very capable and proven MGM-61C Shillelagh. This wide range of munition choices gives the operator a variety of options in pre-combat configuration which can greatly either hinder or enhance the tankers capability on the battlefield. The benefit of a longer barrel compared to its Sheridan counterpart ensures the KPz-70 is much more accurate at range and that the rounds leave the barrel at higher velocities thus increasing their overall damage dealing capabilities.

Additionally the 152mm gun launcher gets equipped with an auto loader, greatly reducing its time between followup shots on a target.

For targeting, the option to equip an incredibly accurate laser range finder is available. Additionally the 7.62 mm machine gun mounted in the turret can be used for range finding as well.

The Rheinmetall Rh 202 20 mm auto cannon is highly effective at dealing with light armoured battlefield threats and on some tanks exposed sides or rears. In some situations, it may be more beneficial to utilize the 20 mm as it will allow you to deal damage rapidly while conserving your main cannon ammunition. The cannon is also highly effective at shooting down low flying attackers. Note that if your commander is knocked out you will lose use of this weapon.

The KPz-70 is equipped with a diesel fueled 1,500 horsepower (1,100 kW) Daimler Benz V12 engine. This engine pack compared to its American counterpart produces more power, but only slightly so giving the KPz-70 an amazing 29.8 hp/t at 50 - 51.7 tons (depending on upgrade configuration).

A highly advantageous feature is the hydropneumatic suspension system which not only provides great cross country mobility, but allows the crew to position the vehicle in such a way to only expose the strongest armour at an enemy threat. The suspension can also be used to gain further gun depression by raising the rear of the tank and lowering the front thus allowing the gunner to engage from a position that he might not have been able to engage from previously.

The KPz-70 features the standard NATO track and block design that can be found on most NATO vehicles. The rubber track blocks provide great traction off road and on road compared to all metal tracks found on other fighting vehicles as sliding on a short halt or drifting is minimized.

Because of the elevated engine deck, gun depression is decreased significantly when firing or aiming the gun over the rear of the tank.

An unconventional feature at the time the KPz-70 was designed was the housing of all the crew members in the turret. Because of the autoloading system the need for a loader was eliminated and due to an attempt to further lower the tanks silhouette the driver was located to the turret with the gunner and commander. This can have potentially devastating consequences on the battlefield as the crew can easily be injured or killed by penetrating munitions entering the crew compartment.

For defensive countermeasures the tank is equipped with quad four barrel externally mounted smoke canister launchers which can provide either a defensive screen for yourself or friendly forces. These launchers can be fired in pairs of two. Keep in mind the smoke grenade launchers are operated by the gunner so should he become incapacitated in a fight you will not be able to launch them until he is either replaced by another crew member or you have the crew replenishment consumable unlocked.

Due to its low profile and effective array of camouflage options the KPz-70 scores high marks in the concealability category. It has a total of 4 camouflage options available to it. The standard (a 3 tone NATO CARC camouflage), winter camouflage (requires 700 battles against other players in the tank), a brown camouflage for desert environments, and lastly an olive drab option. The addition of various foliage can further increase the ability to conceal the tank.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour type:

  • Spaced armour (Hull front, Turret front)
  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 34* mm (60-61°) Front glacis
76.2 mm (64°) Lower glacis 		23 mm (40°) Top
23-35 mm Bottom 		30 mm (12°) Top
13 mm (57°) Bottom
8 mm (12°) Engine exhaust 		20 mm Front
8-12.7 mm Engine deck
Turret 50-200 mm (0-75°) 12.7-38* mm (29-34°) 12.7* mm (27-80°) 20-50 mm Front
12.7 mm Rear turret
Armour Sides Roof
Cupola 25 mm 25 mm
Spaced armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 200 mm Kinetic
170 mm Chemical 		N/A N/A N/A
Turret 320 mm Kinetic
280 mm Chemical 		38 mm sections:
320 mm Kinetic
280 mm Chemical
12.7 mm sections:
35 mm Kinetic
40 mm Chemical 		35 mm Kinetic
40 mm Chemical 		N/A

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick and tracks are 30 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 16 mm thick.
  • Gun mantlet ring around the gun barrel is 305 mm thick.
  • A 16 mm RHA plate separates the engine from the crew compartment
  • Hull spaced armour configuration is 34 mm RHA + 127 mm air + 46 mm RHA.
  • Turret spaced armour configuration is 38 mm RHA + 127 mm air + 130-33 mm RHA.
  • Turret rear spaced armour configuration is 13 mm RHA + 38 mm air + 19 mm RHA.

The main weakness of the KPz-70 that you want to take advantage of as an opposing player is its weak armour when compared to other tanks of its rank. If you can get the tank to come to you it becomes much easier to fight it. Avoid springing his ambush if at all possible or try to sneak around him to flank and attack his weakest armour. A well placed shot through the side of the turret is generally a one shot kill as all of the crew is located in the turret along with an ammunition store with rounds being located under the turret basket.

If you have the proper position or speed try getting around the KPz-70 and engaging him from where he does not expect you. It's important to remember he has the ability to quickly snap the turret around and engage you so surprising him is of the up-most central importance if you are to come out on top of the fight.

Another weakness that can be exploited is its speed. Because of its speed unskilled players or players unfamiliar with its play style will often rush into situations they are not equipped to fight properly and find themselves overwhelmed allowing you to easily kill them.

One last weak spot worth mentioning is the turret breach. High penetrating munitions can completely pierce this section and travel into the crew compartment. SABOT rounds are especially effective at this.

Do not try to out-shoot the KPz-70 as it has a very rapid reload that in most cases will ensure that unless you've disabled the tanks ability to fire that he will be able to recover and kill you or disable you to such a point he may escape the engagement.

Mobility

Mobility characteristic
Weight (tons) Add-on Armor
weight (tons) 		Max speed (km/h)
51.7 N/A 71 (AB)
64 (RB/SB)
Engine power (horsepower)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 2,325 2,862
Realistic/Simulator 1,327 1,500
Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 44.97 56.12
Realistic/Simulator 25.67 29.01

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: XM150E5 (152 mm)
152 mm XM150E5
Capacity Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance 		Stabilizer
48 -10°/+20° ±180° Two-plane
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade 21.4 __.__ __.__ __.__ __.__
Realistic 21.4 __.__ __.__ __.__ __.__
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0
Ammunition
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration in mm @ 90°
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
XM578E1 APFSDS 380 370 360 345 330 315
M409A1 HEAT 380 380 380 380 380 380
MGM-51C ATGM 431 431 431 431 431 431
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%
XM578E1 APFSDS 1,500 3.7 N/A N/A N/A ° 76° 77° 78°
M409A1 HEAT 754 19 0.0 0.1 3,730 +0° 62° 69° 73°
MGM-51C ATGM 323 28 0.0 0.01 4,720 +0° 80° 82° 90°
Smoke characteristic
Ammunition Velocity
in m/s 		Projectile
Mass in kg 		Screen radius
in m 		Screen time
in s 		Screen hold time
in s: 		Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent):
XM410E1 754 19 25 5 30 50
Ammo racks
Ammo racks of the KPz-70.
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
48 44 (+4) 33 (+15) 25 (+23) 13 (+35) 1 (+47) No

2nd rack empty: 33 (+15)

Machine guns

Main articles: Rh202 (20 mm), MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)
20 mm Rh202
Pintle mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute) 		Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance
750 (750) 900 -9°/+65° ±180°
7.62 mm MG 3A1
Coaxial mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute) 		Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance
6,000 (1,000) 1,200 N/A N/A

Usage in the battles

The tank plays very much like the Leopard 1A1A1. Players familiar with the Leopard play style will easily adapt to the KPz-70. It has reasonable mobility, especially with full upgrades and aced crew, allowing it to maneuver into spots not typically accessible by less mobile tanks. Utilize this to an advantage to set up ambushes as this is how you will get most of your kills. It's important to recognize when an engagement is not beneficial to you so that you may get a better position or escape from the threat.

Despite the initial appearance of strong frontal armour, it's important to remember when compared to its counterparts at its rank, it is not nearly enough to defeat threats head on such as the T-64A. Even ATGM from missile vehicles such as the Raketenjagdpanzer 2 HOT will penetrate the turret and upper glacis plate. Even other Rank V tanks can and will penetrate from the front. Because of the rather condensed placement of crew and ammunition you will most likely die. Because of this it is critical you get the first shot off in an engagement and ensure it is either a kill shot or one that cripples the threat to such a capacity they either cannot engage or will instinctively panic and try to run to repair or determine your engagement location.

The gun is especially versatile and powerful with a wide range of ammunition selection but you will generally find your cannon launched ATGM's and sabot rounds will get the job done in most situations. The 20 mm turret roof mounted cannon is great for taking out lightly armoured targets (to include some tanks, ATGM vehicles, etc), anti-air, and aircraft.

Essentially if you treat this tank like a Leopard, your survivability will increase dramatically. The hydro pneumatic allows you to position the tank in such ways that you can engage from non conventional spots while exposing only your strongest armour at the threat. The low silhouette makes the tank especially difficult to hit at longer ranges and this can be further enhanced (situation dependent) by your adjustable suspension. Because of the accurate cannon you will also find it to be easy to engage at longer ranges which will maximize your strengths while reducing your targets.

In summary the KPz-70 is a great addition to any end game lineup as it provides great flexibility in almost all engagements and is well worth the time and investment to acquire.

Tactics

Ambushing is your strength. As covered previously utilize your speed to get into firing positions quickly and cause chaos and confusion among the enemy.

The KPz-70 can also quickly capture objective points and when used properly hold positions so long as it does not stay in any one place to long.

Scoot and shoot tactics will benefit you as well as terrain masking techniques.

Should you have to fight in closer engagement ranges or in close quarters it's critical to always remember your armour will not protect you however your speed, fast rotating turret, and maneuverability will. Provided you utilize these to your advantage you will be able to control the fight. Recognize when you are being baited into an ambush and avoid them as you don't stand a great chance of conducting a counter ambush due to your weak armour which will allow you to be killed easily at close range.

If you have found yourself to be the victim of an ambush from an opponent launch a smokescreen, escape, and reassess for a counter ambush.

The KPz-70 benefits greatly from squad play. A skilled lone KPz-70 is most certainly a threat on the battlefield but 2 or even 3 KPz-70's working in conjunction with each other in a squad is an extreme danger to the opposing team as the use of squad tactics in combination with the great strengths of the tank can almost completely control the momentum of the conflict.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Great mobility, although out-stripped by some vehicles that utilize turbine engines.
  • Great gun, with access to various types of ammunition, ATGMs included.
  • 20mm auto cannon anti-aircraft gun mounted on the top of the tank.
  • Low Visibility.
  • Hydropneumatic suspension.
  • Extremely fast in both forwards and reverse.

Cons:

  • Unimpressive frontal plate armour.
  • One of the longest reloads of all the Rank VI MBTs at 10 seconds.
  • Vulnerable to the rear, if hydropneumatic suspension are not used.
  • Optics can cause ATGMs to detonate and explode downwards into crew compartment.

History

Media

An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.

Read also

[Devblog] KPz-70 & MBT-70 - A Warrior of Two Armies

Sources

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Germany medium tanks
Pz.III  Pz.III B · Pz.III E · Pz.III F · Pz.III J · Pz.III J1 · Pz.III J1 TD · Pz.III L · Pz.III M · Pz.III N
Pz.IV  Pz.IV C · Pz.IV E · Pz.IV F1 · Pz.IV F2 · Pz.IV G · Pz.IV H · Pz.IV J · Pz.Bef.Wg.IV J
Pz.V  VK 3002 (M) · Panther A · Panther D · Panther F · Panther G · Ersatz M10 · Panther II
M48 upgrades  M48A2 G A2 · M48 Super
Leopard 1  Leopard I · Leopard A1A1 · Leopard A1A1 (L/44) · Leopard 1A5 · C2A1 · Turm III
Leopard 2  PT-16/T14 mod. · Leopard 2K · Leopard 2AV
  Leopard 2A4 · Leopard 2 (PzBtl 123) · Leopard 2A4M · Leopard 2 PL · Leopard 2A5 · Leopard 2 PSO · Leopard 2A6 · Leopard 2A7V
Trophies  ▀M4 748 (a) · ▀T 34 747 (r)
Other  Nb.Fz. · KPz-70
USA  mKPz M47 G · M48A2 C
USSR  ◊T-72M1

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