Difference between revisions of "Class 3 (P)"

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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 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.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} German light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Hot Tracks"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/6981-special-operation-w-i-n-t-e-r-en|2020 Operation W.I.N.T.E.R.]] event.
+
The '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''', also known as the '''{{Specs|name}}''', was a heavily armoured wheeled combat vehicle developed in the early 1980s by Henschel Wehrtechnik, competing for a South African Army competition that called for a new wheeled AFV. The TH800 was the heaviest of the TH series prototypes, weighing a considerable 41 tons, and was intended to be used as a multi-purpose platform that could carry an anti-tank gun, AA cannons, SAMs, or even a 155 mm howitzer. The Class 3 prototype would ultimately lose to the lighter Rooikat, and would not be accepted into South African service. The massive Class 3 (P) was later exhibited at the Bloemfontein War Museum.
 +
 
 +
The Class 3 (P) was introduced during [[Update "Hot Tracks"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/6981-special-operation-w-i-n-t-e-r-en|2020 Operation W.I.N.T.E.R.]] event. The most notable aspect of the Class 3 (P) is its outstanding size, as well as the similarly exceptional armour (and therefore weight) for a wheeled vehicle. These two traits give the Class 3 (P) good survivability against autocannons and even poorly aimed tank rounds, though the size of the vehicle precludes a stealthy playstyle. Despite its enormous size and weight, the Class 3 (P) is surprisingly mobile, with a top speed of 86 km/h in RB. The Class 3 (P)'s main armament is a fully stabilized 105 mm GT-3 cannon, providing it with sufficient firepower to engage most enemy vehicles it will face.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 15: Line 17:
 
[[File:Class 3 inner spall shields.png|thumb|350x350px|As seen here, the frontal plate has double spall shields divided by a 200 mm air spacing.]]
 
[[File:Class 3 inner spall shields.png|thumb|350x350px|As seen here, the frontal plate has double spall shields divided by a 200 mm air spacing.]]
 
[[File:Class 3 inner turret spall shields.png|thumb|As seen here, the turret mantlet, front and sides all have double spall shields separated by an 80 mm air spacing]]
 
[[File:Class 3 inner turret spall shields.png|thumb|As seen here, the turret mantlet, front and sides all have double spall shields separated by an 80 mm air spacing]]
−
Due to the massive size of the Class 3, it is able to withstand high calibre ammunition due to the poor armour as it will not create enough spalling when penetrated. The crew spacing as well as the interior spacing makes it one of the hardest wheeled vehicles to destroy in the game with only kinetic energy (KE) penetrators (APDS, APFSDS, etc etc). Centre of mass shots from the front with KE shells will often take the driver and set the engine on fire, but due to the turret crew being elevated, they are most likely to survive, meaning the turret is operational ready to engage any enemy threats. Chemical energy (CE) penetrators are a tricky topic when it comes to the frontal armour. Depending on the ammunition used an the impact angle, the Class 3 will be able to withstand the impact or not. CE rounds are most likely to penetrate and be partially or fully stopped thanks to the inner spall shields at a perpendicular angle but will knock out the driver and disable or damage engine as well as igniting the ammo rack. This changes when ATGMs take a play in engagements, they will often create much more spalling than tank-fired HEAT rounds as the calibre is higher (meaning a greater explosive mass) and will cause destruction by overpressure if hit from the sides or if the ATGM spall goes all the way from the front to the back while penetrating the sides. For this same reason it is recommended to only carry ~24-26 rounds in the vehicle as it will empty most of the hull ammo racks but still keep the ready racks full in the turret. The armour is not to be relied on unless there are specific enemies (T-54's for example) as most of them will always penetrate your hull. The Class 3 is immune to autocannon fire from the front and hull upper half sides and turret sides due to the spaced armour. This is an advantage compared to the rest of wheeled light armoured vehicles in which 20 mm and 30 mm autocannons often penetrate and knock out crew and inner components.
+
Due to the massive size of the Class 3, it is able to withstand high calibre ammunition due to the poor armour as it will not create enough spalling when penetrated. The crew spacing as well as the interior spacing makes it one of the hardest wheeled vehicles to destroy in the game with only kinetic energy (KE) penetrators (APDS, APFSDS, etc etc). Centre of mass shots from the front with KE shells will often take the driver and set the engine on fire, but due to the turret crew being elevated, they are most likely to survive, meaning the turret is operational ready to engage any enemy threats. Chemical energy (CE) penetrators are a tricky topic when it comes to the frontal armour. Depending on the ammunition used on certain impact angles, the Class 3 might be able to withstand the impact. CE rounds are most likely to penetrate and be partially or fully stopped thanks to the inner spall shields at a perpendicular angle but will knock out the driver and disable or damage engine as well as igniting the ammo rack. This changes when ATGMs take a play in engagements, they will often create much more spalling than tank-fired HEAT rounds as the calibre is higher (meaning a greater explosive mass) and will cause destruction by overpressure if hit from the sides or if the ATGM spall goes all the way from the front to the back while penetrating the sides. For this same reason it is recommended to only carry ~24-26 rounds in the vehicle as it will empty most of the hull ammo racks but still keep the ready racks full in the turret. The armour is not to be relied on unless there are specific enemies (T-54's for example) as most of them will always penetrate your hull. The Class 3 is immune to autocannon fire from the front and hull upper half sides and turret sides due to the spaced armour. This is an advantage compared to the rest of wheeled light armoured vehicles in which 20 mm and 30 mm autocannons often penetrate and knock out crew and inner components.
  
 
Having spall shields bring multiple benefits against both CE and KE.
 
Having spall shields bring multiple benefits against both CE and KE.
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 30 mm glacis (76°) <br> 29 mm lower frontal plate (20°) || 20 mm ''Top'' <br> 20 mm ''Bottom'' || 20 mm || 10 mm
+
| Hull || 30 mm (76°) ''Glacis'' <br> 29 mm (20°) ''Lower frontal plate'' || 20 mm ''Top'' <br> 20 mm ''Bottom'' || 20 mm || 10 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Turret || 38 mm ''Turret front'' <br> 80 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 16 mm || 20 mm || 10 mm
 
| Turret || 38 mm ''Turret front'' <br> 80 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 16 mm || 20 mm || 10 mm
Line 54: Line 56:
 
! Internal armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear
 
! Internal armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 200 mm air <br> 38 mm second lower frontal plate (20°) || 10 mm air <br> 30 mm upper half plate || 5 mm
+
| Hull || 200 mm (20°) ''Air'' <br> 38 mm (20°) ''Second lower frontal plate'' || 10 mm ''Air'' <br> 30 mm ''Upper half plate'' || 5 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 84 mm turret front first plate <br> 80 mm air  38 mm turret front second plate<br>80 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 30 mm turret side first plate <br> 120 mm air 16 mm turret side second plate || N/A
+
| Turret || 84 mm ''Turret front first plate'' <br> 80 mm ''Air'' <br> 38 mm ''Turret front second plat''e <br> 80 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 30 mm ''Turret side first plate'' <br> 120 mm ''Air'' <br> 16 mm ''Turret side second plate''
 +
!
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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Despite the tremendous size and mass, the Class 3 is almost as fast as the [[Radkampfwagen 90|Radkampfwagen]]. The 8 wheels give it an almost perfect cross-country capability with exception of mud, snow and deep sand. Acceleration wise, it takes time to make the Class 3 move if on a non urban environment or at an angle due to the mass. It has traction on the 8 wheels, meaning it is able to move even if only a pairs of wheels are touching the ground. As expected, due to the length, the turn radius is huge and it requires a big surface to be abe to make a 180° turn. Besides the length and height, the Class 3 is tremendously fast for a vehicle its size, specially if it is on urban environment. It is able to reach speeds of 80 km/h even on dirt. This not only makes the Class 3 a fearful tough to crack behemoth but also a flanking and "Hit N' Run" behemoth. Thanks to the stabilizer, the Class 3 is able to fire at enemy targets while on top speed, this requires practice but a handled commander will be able to achieve so.
 
Despite the tremendous size and mass, the Class 3 is almost as fast as the [[Radkampfwagen 90|Radkampfwagen]]. The 8 wheels give it an almost perfect cross-country capability with exception of mud, snow and deep sand. Acceleration wise, it takes time to make the Class 3 move if on a non urban environment or at an angle due to the mass. It has traction on the 8 wheels, meaning it is able to move even if only a pairs of wheels are touching the ground. As expected, due to the length, the turn radius is huge and it requires a big surface to be abe to make a 180° turn. Besides the length and height, the Class 3 is tremendously fast for a vehicle its size, specially if it is on urban environment. It is able to reach speeds of 80 km/h even on dirt. This not only makes the Class 3 a fearful tough to crack behemoth but also a flanking and "Hit N' Run" behemoth. Thanks to the stabilizer, the Class 3 is able to fire at enemy targets while on top speed, this requires practice but a handled commander will be able to achieve so.
  
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,116|rbMinHp=695}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,218|rbMinHp=695}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
−
The Class 3 has a GT-3 105mm rifled bore main gun, it shares the same ballistics as the L7A3 the [[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard]] family share with the exact same ammunition. Thus, there should be no hard enough threat to kill, specially if DM33 is being used with its potent 408mm of penetration.
 
−
 
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
{{main|GT-3 (105 mm)}}
 
{{main|GT-3 (105 mm)}}
 +
 +
The Class 3 has a GT-3 105 mm rifled bore main gun, it shares the same ballistics as the L7A3 the [[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard]] family share with the exact same ammunition. Thus, there should be no hard enough threat to kill, specially if DM33 is being used with its potent 408 mm of penetration.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 54 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane ||22.0||30.5||37.0||40.9||43.5|| rowspan="2" |8.71|| rowspan="2" |7.70|| rowspan="2" |7.10|| rowspan="2" |6.70
+
| rowspan="2" | 54 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 23.8 || 32.9 || 40.0 || 44.2 || 47.1 || rowspan="2" | 8.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.70 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 6.70
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
|14.9||17.5||21.3||23.5||25.0
+
| 14.9 || 17.5 || 21.3 || 23.5 || 25.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:GT-3 (105 mm)/Ammunition|DM12, DM512, DM23, DM33}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM12 || HEATFS || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM502 || HESH || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM23 || APFSDS || 337 || 335 || 330 || 322 || 314 || 306
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM33 || APFSDS || 408 || 405 || 398 || 389 || 379 || 370
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM12 || HEATFS || 1,173 || 10.5 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 1,270 || 65° || 72° || 77°
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM502 || HESH || 732 || 14.85 || 0.1 || 4 || 4,310 || 73° || 77° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM23 || APFSDS || 1,455 || 3.79 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM33 || APFSDS || 1,455 || 3.79 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
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* Lots of empty space, difficult to one shot without ammo racking
 
* Lots of empty space, difficult to one shot without ammo racking
 
* Good gun, can deal with most enemies easily
 
* Good gun, can deal with most enemies easily
−
* Good hull armor for a light tank, can frontally withstand most SPAA cannons as well as the guns of M3 Bradley and the BMP-2
+
* Good hull armour for a light tank, can frontally withstand most SPAA cannons as well as the guns of M3 Bradley and the BMP-2
 
* Turret is immune to every IFV and SPAA autocannon
 
* Turret is immune to every IFV and SPAA autocannon
 
* The length of the vehicle can cause APFSDS shrapnel created at the front of the tank to dissipate before it is able to reach the rear
 
* The length of the vehicle can cause APFSDS shrapnel created at the front of the tank to dissipate before it is able to reach the rear
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== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
The Henschel Wehrtechnik TH200, TH600 and TH800 were a series of armoured vehicles developed in Germany in the early '80s as test vehicles that could undertake a wide variety of combat roles. These vehicles have a hull of welded steel armour that provides guaranteed protection to low and high calibre machinegun fire but lacks protection against anti-tank weaponry. A series of 3 versions were done: The TH200 4x4, the TH600 6x6 and TH800 8x8. Each one of the variants had their own combat roles.
+
The Henschel Wehrtechnik TH200, TH600 and TH800 were a series of armoured vehicles developed in Germany in the early '80s as test vehicles that could undertake a wide variety of combat roles. These vehicles have a hull of welded steel armour that provides guaranteed protection to low and high-calibre machine gun fire but lacks protection against anti-tank weaponry. A series of 3 versions were done: The TH200 4x4, the TH600 6x6 and TH800 8x8. Each one of the variants had their own combat roles.
  
 
'''TH200'''
 
'''TH200'''
Line 213: Line 176:
 
'''TH400'''
 
'''TH400'''
  
−
It was a test bed for a mobile gun system with a 105 mm cannon in a three man turret. A Rh L/44 120 mm cannon could also be added. The combat weight of this vehicle was augmented to 24,500 kg, making it loose considerably the options for air lifters as well as loosing completely the amphibious capabilities.
+
It was a test bed for a mobile gun system with a 105 mm cannon in a three man turret. A Rh L/44 120 mm cannon could also be added. The combat weight of this vehicle was augmented to 24,500 kg, making it loose considerably the options for air lifters as well as losing completely the amphibious capabilities.
  
 
'''TH800'''
 
'''TH800'''
Line 226: Line 189:
  
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
 +
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_th_800_bismark Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_th_800_bismark Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Images
 
;Images
−
[[File:Class 3(P) Explosion (1).jpg|none|thumb|450x450px|Class 3(P) hit by enemy fire.]]
+
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
 +
File:Class 3(P) Explosion (1).jpg
 +
</gallery>
 
<gallery mode="packed" caption="Class 3 (P) Devblog Images" heights="150">
 
<gallery mode="packed" caption="Class 3 (P) Devblog Images" heights="150">
−
File:Class 3 WTWallpaper 001.jpg|
+
File:Class 3 WTWallpaper 001.jpg
−
File:Class 3 WTWallpaper 002.jpg|
+
File:Class 3 WTWallpaper 002.jpg
−
File:Class 3 WTWallpaper 003.jpg|
+
File:Class 3 WTWallpaper 003.jpg
−
File:Class 3 WTWallpaper 004.jpg|
+
File:Class 3 WTWallpaper 004.jpg
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|chjZ6Hra--c|'''Best wheeled tanks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 04:14 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==

Latest revision as of 09:55, 20 April 2024

Class 3 (P)
germ_th_800_bismark.png
GarageImage Class 3 (P).jpg
ArtImage Class 3 (P).jpg
Class 3 (P)
Germany flag.png Germany
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
9.0 9.0 9.0
Class:
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
MARKET

Description

The Class 3 (P), also known as the TH800, was a heavily armoured wheeled combat vehicle developed in the early 1980s by Henschel Wehrtechnik, competing for a South African Army competition that called for a new wheeled AFV. The TH800 was the heaviest of the TH series prototypes, weighing a considerable 41 tons, and was intended to be used as a multi-purpose platform that could carry an anti-tank gun, AA cannons, SAMs, or even a 155 mm howitzer. The Class 3 prototype would ultimately lose to the lighter Rooikat, and would not be accepted into South African service. The massive Class 3 (P) was later exhibited at the Bloemfontein War Museum.

The Class 3 (P) was introduced during Update "Hot Tracks" as a reward for the 2020 Operation W.I.N.T.E.R. event. The most notable aspect of the Class 3 (P) is its outstanding size, as well as the similarly exceptional armour (and therefore weight) for a wheeled vehicle. These two traits give the Class 3 (P) good survivability against autocannons and even poorly aimed tank rounds, though the size of the vehicle precludes a stealthy playstyle. Despite its enormous size and weight, the Class 3 (P) is surprisingly mobile, with a top speed of 86 km/h in RB. The Class 3 (P)'s main armament is a fully stabilized 105 mm GT-3 cannon, providing it with sufficient firepower to engage most enemy vehicles it will face.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull67 / 20 / 20
Turret122 / 50 / 20
Crew4 people
Visibility136 %
As seen here, the frontal plate has double spall shields divided by a 200 mm air spacing.
As seen here, the turret mantlet, front and sides all have double spall shields separated by an 80 mm air spacing

Due to the massive size of the Class 3, it is able to withstand high calibre ammunition due to the poor armour as it will not create enough spalling when penetrated. The crew spacing as well as the interior spacing makes it one of the hardest wheeled vehicles to destroy in the game with only kinetic energy (KE) penetrators (APDS, APFSDS, etc etc). Centre of mass shots from the front with KE shells will often take the driver and set the engine on fire, but due to the turret crew being elevated, they are most likely to survive, meaning the turret is operational ready to engage any enemy threats. Chemical energy (CE) penetrators are a tricky topic when it comes to the frontal armour. Depending on the ammunition used on certain impact angles, the Class 3 might be able to withstand the impact. CE rounds are most likely to penetrate and be partially or fully stopped thanks to the inner spall shields at a perpendicular angle but will knock out the driver and disable or damage engine as well as igniting the ammo rack. This changes when ATGMs take a play in engagements, they will often create much more spalling than tank-fired HEAT rounds as the calibre is higher (meaning a greater explosive mass) and will cause destruction by overpressure if hit from the sides or if the ATGM spall goes all the way from the front to the back while penetrating the sides. For this same reason it is recommended to only carry ~24-26 rounds in the vehicle as it will empty most of the hull ammo racks but still keep the ready racks full in the turret. The armour is not to be relied on unless there are specific enemies (T-54's for example) as most of them will always penetrate your hull. The Class 3 is immune to autocannon fire from the front and hull upper half sides and turret sides due to the spaced armour. This is an advantage compared to the rest of wheeled light armoured vehicles in which 20 mm and 30 mm autocannons often penetrate and knock out crew and inner components.

Having spall shields bring multiple benefits against both CE and KE.

Against KE:

The air gap between plates not only reduces and scatters the shrapnel in a flatter surface so that the penetrating remains are less but they also reduce the speed and penetration of small calibre fire (below 40 mm), meaning they will not penetrate the second plate (below 30 mm) or will reduce the amount of shrapnel generated (above 30 mm). They also prematurely detonate APCBC shells and reduce the shrapnel generated. Due to this, all APCBC and APHE fuses will be activated which can be lethal in calibres higher than 76 mm even with the spall shields depending on where the round hits at.

Against CE:

When a round is fired at the centre of mass frontally, the double plate armour will not only reduce the shrapnel but it is able to fully stop it, specially if said threat has a relative low explosive mass despite the armour penetration (PG-9 for example found on the BMP-1). When fired at the turret it may vary as it totally depends on the firing angle. A perpendicular hit to the turret will be lethal but an angled hit will often deviate the shrapnel which may damage or destroy modules but will keep the vehicle operational. Due to its huge height, the enemies that fire at turret will have a more angled hit, meaning that most of the shrapnel will be launched towards the roof and not to the crew compartment, this can take one or two crew members depending on the hit.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • High hardness rolled armour
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 30 mm (76°) Glacis
29 mm (20°) Lower frontal plate 		20 mm Top
20 mm Bottom 		20 mm 10 mm
Turret 38 mm Turret front
80 mm Gun mantlet 		16 mm 20 mm 10 mm
Cupola 10 mm 10 mm 10 mm 10 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension is 10 mm thick
  • Wheels are 10 mm thick
  • There are internal spall shields inside the vehicle:
Internal armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear
Hull 200 mm (20°) Air
38 mm (20°) Second lower frontal plate 		10 mm Air
30 mm Upper half plate 		5 mm
Turret 84 mm Turret front first plate
80 mm Air
38 mm Turret front second plate
80 mm Gun mantlet 		30 mm Turret side first plate
120 mm Air
16 mm Turret side second plate

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB96 / 39 km/h
RB and SB86 / 35 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
2 back
Weight41.0 t
Engine power
AB1 500 hp
RB and SB786 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB36.6 hp/t
RB and SB19.2 hp/t

Despite the tremendous size and mass, the Class 3 is almost as fast as the Radkampfwagen. The 8 wheels give it an almost perfect cross-country capability with exception of mud, snow and deep sand. Acceleration wise, it takes time to make the Class 3 move if on a non urban environment or at an angle due to the mass. It has traction on the 8 wheels, meaning it is able to move even if only a pairs of wheels are touching the ground. As expected, due to the length, the turn radius is huge and it requires a big surface to be abe to make a 180° turn. Besides the length and height, the Class 3 is tremendously fast for a vehicle its size, specially if it is on urban environment. It is able to reach speeds of 80 km/h even on dirt. This not only makes the Class 3 a fearful tough to crack behemoth but also a flanking and "Hit N' Run" behemoth. Thanks to the stabilizer, the Class 3 is able to fire at enemy targets while on top speed, this requires practice but a handled commander will be able to achieve so.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 96 39 41 1,218 1,500 29.71 36.59
Realistic 86 35 695 786 16.95 19.17

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 513 → 5 462 Sl icon.png
RB3 680 → 5 722 Sl icon.png
SB4 262 → 6 627 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications186 200 Rp icon.png
304 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 700 Ge icon.png
Crew training175 000 Sl icon.png
Experts620 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 010 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
130 / 170 / 220 % Sl icon.png
226 / 226 / 226 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new wheels.png
Tires
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new car suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
7 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
7 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_usa_HESH_ammo_pack
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_NATO_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
7 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Research:
7 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods scout streak.png
Scout UAV
Research:
7 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_DM33_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder

Main armament

105 mm GT-3 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition54 rounds
First-order15 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
8.7 → 6.7 s
Vertical guidance-8° / 15°
Main article: GT-3 (105 mm)

The Class 3 has a GT-3 105 mm rifled bore main gun, it shares the same ballistics as the L7A3 the Leopard family share with the exact same ammunition. Thus, there should be no hard enough threat to kill, specially if DM33 is being used with its potent 408 mm of penetration.

105 mm GT-3 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 54 -8°/+15° ±180° Two-plane 23.8 32.9 40.0 44.2 47.1 8.71 7.70 7.10 6.70
Realistic 14.9 17.5 21.3 23.5 25.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
DM12 HEATFS 400 400 400 400 400 400
DM512 HESH 127 127 127 127 127 127
DM23 APFSDS 337 335 330 322 314 306
DM33 APFSDS 408 405 398 389 379 370
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
DM12 HEATFS 1,174 10.5 0.05 0.1 1.27 65° 72° 77°
DM512 HESH 732 11.2 0.1 4 4.31 73° 77° 80°
DM23 APFSDS 1,455 4.2 - - - 78° 80° 81°
DM33 APFSDS 1,455 3.79 - - - 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Class 3 (P)
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
54 48 (+6) 32 (+22) 16 (+38) 5 (+49) 1 (+53) No

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Racks 4 & 5 are first stage ammo racks. They total 15 shells and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
  • These racks are also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 4 - 5 - 1 - 2 - 3.
  • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-38 into racks 5 then 4. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.

Machine guns

7.62 mm Browning MG4 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition3 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
7.62 mm Browning MG4 machine gun
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
Main article: Browning MG4 (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm Browning MG4
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,000 (250) 500 N/A N/A
Pintle 2,000 (250) 500 -8°/+20° ±120°

Usage in battles

The Class 3 is considered like a bigger Radkampfwagen. Due to its speed, it may be used in a flanking manner, being able to go around the enemy and surprise them where they do not expect. When flanking, it is recommended to use roads if possible, as the Class 3 is a wheeled vehicle, and rough terrain will slow it down. However, even off-road, the vehicle is still capable of speeds that are much higher than many other contemporary MBTs.

It may also be used in a playstyle of a fast MBT. While the hull of the Class 3 is weak and vulnerable to overpressure, the whole front of the vehicle has multiple well angled and very bouncy plates, both interior and exterior, which allows the turret and hull to sometimes take hits without damage, or even ricochet some shells. However, it is important to note that even though enemy shells have a chance of bouncing, it is best not to rely on this, and to use the vehicle's stabilizer and situational awareness to get the first shot off.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Great top speed and good acceleration
  • Lots of empty space, difficult to one shot without ammo racking
  • Good gun, can deal with most enemies easily
  • Good hull armour for a light tank, can frontally withstand most SPAA cannons as well as the guns of M3 Bradley and the BMP-2
  • Turret is immune to every IFV and SPAA autocannon
  • The length of the vehicle can cause APFSDS shrapnel created at the front of the tank to dissipate before it is able to reach the rear

Cons:

  • Absolutely gigantic, size is on par with the Maus
  • Because of its size it may have difficult traversing certain areas of maps, especially urban maps with lots of tight corners
  • Mediocre gun depression of -8°

History

The Henschel Wehrtechnik TH200, TH600 and TH800 were a series of armoured vehicles developed in Germany in the early '80s as test vehicles that could undertake a wide variety of combat roles. These vehicles have a hull of welded steel armour that provides guaranteed protection to low and high-calibre machine gun fire but lacks protection against anti-tank weaponry. A series of 3 versions were done: The TH200 4x4, the TH600 6x6 and TH800 8x8. Each one of the variants had their own combat roles.

TH200

The smallest version of the platform, it was meant to be used as a reconnaissance vehicle as well as a mobile support vehicle, armoured personal carrier and weapon carrier. It could utilize a 90 mm Cockerill gun and turret. The combat weight was around 9,250 kg making it capable of being transported by heavy air lifters and also give it amphibious capabilities.

TH400

It was a test bed for a mobile gun system with a 105 mm cannon in a three man turret. A Rh L/44 120 mm cannon could also be added. The combat weight of this vehicle was augmented to 24,500 kg, making it loose considerably the options for air lifters as well as losing completely the amphibious capabilities.

TH800

This version had a weight of 35,000 kg and could carry weapon systems with weight up to 13,000 kg, making it capable of carrying a heavier turret for both 105 mm and 120 mm cannons, anti-air systems for both 35 mm Oerlikon KDA autocannons and Surface-to-Air Missiles and 155 mm howitzers.

Devblog

Class 3 was the third and heaviest wheeled combat vehicle prototype to compete for the South African Army. When developing a heavy version of a wheeled tank, the designers were not limited by limits of weight or dimensions, therefore, in terms of weight, firepower and level of security, the Class 3 is a true wheeled tank. The competition commission opted for a lighter prototype, which later became the Rooikat 76 tank destroyer. The Class 3 prototype was exhibited at the Bloemfontein War Museum with a different turret.

Media

Skins
Images
  • Class 3(P) Explosion (1).jpg
  • Class 3 (P) Devblog Images
  • Class 3 WTWallpaper 001.jpg
  • Class 3 WTWallpaper 002.jpg
  • Class 3 WTWallpaper 003.jpg
  • Class 3 WTWallpaper 004.jpg
Videos
Best wheeled tanks discusses the Class 3 (P) at 04:14 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

External links


Thyssen-Henschel
TAM  TAM · TAM 2C · TAM 2IP
Marder IFV  Marder A1- · Marder 1A3 · DF105
TH800  Class 3 (P)

Germany light tanks
Pz.II  Pz.II C · Pz.II C (DAK) · Pz.II C TD · Pz.II F · Pz.Sfl.Ic
Sd.Kfz.234  Sd.Kfz.234/1 · Sd.Kfz.234/2 · Sd.Kfz.234/2 TD
Marder  Marder A1- · Marder 1A3 · Begleitpanzer 57 · DF105
SPz PUMA  PUMA · PUMA VJTF
Wheeled  Sd.Kfz.221 (s.Pz.B.41) · Class 3 (P) · Radkampfwagen 90 · Boxer MGS
Other  Ru 251 · SPz 12-3 LGS
Argentina  TAM · TAM 2C · TAM 2IP · JaPz.K A2
Czechoslovakia  Pz.35(t) · Pz.38(t) A · Pz.38(t) F · Pz.38(t) n.A. · Sd.Kfz. 140/1
France  Pz.Sp.Wg.P204(f) KwK
Lithuania  Vilkas
USA  leKPz M41
USSR  SPz BMP-1

Winter events
2022  Winter Quest
Pilot stars  Late 298D · ◄Tornado IDS MFG
Tanker stars  T-80UM2
Sailor stars  USS Newport News
2021  Operation W.I.N.T.E.R.
Pilot stars  C. 202D · ◊MiG-23MF
Tanker stars  A.C.I · AGS
Sailor stars  IJN Hayanami · MPK Pr.201K
2020  Operation W.I.N.T.E.R.
Pilot stars  Ro.57 Quadriarma · MiG-21PFM
Tanker stars  E.B.R. (1954) · Class 3 (P)
Sailor stars  Type K-8 No.13 · USS Baltimore
2019  Operation F.R.O.S.T.
Pilot stars  TIS MA · J6K1
Tanker stars  QF 3.7 Ram · ▃Merkava Mk.2B
Sailor stars  PT-811 · Jaguar
2018  Festive Quest
Pilot stars  M.B.152C1 · Fw 190 C
Tanker stars  SU-85A · T30
Christmas Lights  P-43A-1 · Comet I "Iron Duke IV"
2017  Festive Quest
Pilot christmas toys  P-40C · NC.900
Tanker christmas toys  AEC Mk II · Ersatz M10
Christmas Lights  Fw 189 A-1 · KV-2 (1940)
2016  Winter Holiday
Pilot stages  Ki-21-I hei · Me 262 A-2a
Tanker stages  ▃LVT(A)(4) (ZIS-2) · ▂Type 62
2015  War Thunder Fulfills Your Wishes!
Pilot reward  ▂P-63C-5
Tanker reward  VK 45.01 (P)
2014  Holiday War Thunder Marathon!
Pilot reward  I-301
Tanker reward  M8A1 GMC

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