Difference between revisions of "2S38"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=ussr_2s38
 
|code=ussr_2s38
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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 premium rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]].
+
Originally designed as a technology demonstrator, the 2S38 was chosen as a possible replacement for the 2S6 Tunguska adopted in the 1980s. The vehicle was based on the [[BMP-3]] platform, but fitted with the equipment and armament to lock and engage low-flying aircraft like helicopters, CAS, or even large calibre rockets/missiles. The vehicle is operated by 3 crewmembers, in a single compartment, since it uses a remote-controlled turret for its 57 mm cannon. As of 2020, the vehicle is still in very low numbers and slowly being adopted into the military.
  
−
Built on the [[BMP-3]] platform, the 2S38 was an attempt to transform the platform into a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun with a 57 mm autocannon and a tracking system capable of fighting low-flying aircraft. In the game, the rapid-firing 57 mm autocannon allows the 2S38 to engage a wide range of enemies from tanks to fighter jets while maintaining the same profile and mobility of the original BMP-3.
+
It was introduced in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]]. Built on the [[BMP-3]] platform, the 2S38 was an attempt to transform the platform into a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun with a 57 mm autocannon and a tracking system capable of fighting low-flying aircraft. In the game, the rapid-firing 57 mm autocannon allows the 2S38 to engage a wide range of enemies from tanks to fighter jets while maintaining the same profile and mobility of the original BMP-3. The 57 mm autocannon of the 2S38, paired with both APFSDS and APHE ammunition, can prove extremely deadly in good flanking manoeuvres, even the APHE shells can penetrate lightly armoured targets from the front like the Leopard 1, and several IFVs. Also, its good fire rate and accuracy makes the 2S38 a very deadly light tank; however, as with all light tanks, the armour is not enough to stop high calibre projectiles, but it's still enough to stop up to 14.5 mm shots from all sides.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 23: Line 23:
 
Overall, the 2S38 is favored comparatively to the BMP-3 in terms of being able to survive the first shot while also retaining the ability to fire back at the offending opponent.
 
Overall, the 2S38 is favored comparatively to the BMP-3 in terms of being able to survive the first shot while also retaining the ability to fire back at the offending opponent.
  
−
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
+
'''Armour type:'''
−
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
+
 
−
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
+
* ABT-102 alloy - Hull and turret
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour - Gun mask
 +
* Structural steel - Add-ons on the sides
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
Line 31: Line 33:
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Hull || 18 mm (81°) ''Front glacis'' <br>60 mm (25°) + 12 mm + 10 mm ''Lower Glacis (Upper)'' <br> 60 mm (45°) + 10 mm ''Lower Glacis (Lower)'' <br> 60 mm ''Turret ring'' || 60 mm + 4 mm ''Top Front'' <br> 43 mm + 4 mm ''Top & Bottom'' || 43 mm ''Upper Glacis'' <br> 43 mm (22°) ''Lower Glacis'' || 15 - 18 mm ''Hull'' <br> 20 mm ''Turret ring''
−
|-
 
−
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
+
| Turret || 43 mm (0°-23°-43°) ''Front'' <br> 20 mm (0°-45°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 43 mm || 43 mm || 20 - 43 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 41: Line 41:
 
'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
 
'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
 
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
 
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
 +
 +
* Tracks are 15 mm thick, suspention and it's wheels are both 10 mm thick.
 +
* Hatches are 18 + 20 mm (81°) thick.
 +
* At the rear there is a 100 mm thick log, but it does not provide any real protection
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
Line 48: Line 52:
 
The {{PAGENAME}} drives like the BMP-3. Namely, it is fast and accelerates well even in cross-country terrain. Travelling on long-distance maps will not be an issue for the {{PAGENAME}}. The only significant difference is that the {{PAGENAME}} weights about 2.8 t more than the BMP-3, and so the small weight difference may affect the fine acceleration and forward momentum, but not by much.
 
The {{PAGENAME}} drives like the BMP-3. Namely, it is fast and accelerates well even in cross-country terrain. Travelling on long-distance maps will not be an issue for the {{PAGENAME}}. The only significant difference is that the {{PAGENAME}} weights about 2.8 t more than the BMP-3, and so the small weight difference may affect the fine acceleration and forward momentum, but not by much.
  
−
{{tankMobility}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=775|rbMinHp=442}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 62: Line 66:
 
The 57 mm 2A90 is a dual-purpose autocannon and can allow players to use it in both an anti-tank and anti-aircraft gun. While its top penetration for the anti-tank role is not ideal, with a point-blank penetration of 225 mm with the ''3UBM22'' APFSDS rounds, the rapid fire nature of the 57 mm gun means that quick follow-up shot from the first successful penetration can cripple, if not destroy, the enemy tank.
 
The 57 mm 2A90 is a dual-purpose autocannon and can allow players to use it in both an anti-tank and anti-aircraft gun. While its top penetration for the anti-tank role is not ideal, with a point-blank penetration of 225 mm with the ''3UBM22'' APFSDS rounds, the rapid fire nature of the 57 mm gun means that quick follow-up shot from the first successful penetration can cripple, if not destroy, the enemy tank.
  
−
If firing at a tank's side armour, firing the ''BR-281'' APCBC round with explosive filler can be considered to absolutely devastate the enemy interior with fewer shots. It would trade maximum penetration of the round, so it is up to player preference on which ammunition to useif aiming at tank side armour.
+
If firing at a tank's side armour, firing the ''BR-281U'' APCBC round with explosive filler can be considered to absolutely devastate the enemy interior with fewer shots and can destroy enemy units by aiming at weak, external spots (cupolas). It would trade maximum penetration of the round for destructive power, so it is up to player preference on which ammunition to use aiming at tank side armour.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | [[2A90 (57 mm)|57 mm 2A90]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! colspan="6" | [[2A90 (57 mm)|57 mm 2A90]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
−
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
+
! Autoloader
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 148 || rowspan="2" | 120 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+75° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 57.1 || 79.1 || 96.0 || 106.2 || 113.0 || rowspan="2" | 0.50 || rowspan="2" | 0.50 || rowspan="2" | 0.50 || rowspan="2" | 0.50
+
| rowspan="2" | 148 || rowspan="2" | 120 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+75° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 57.1 || 79.1 || 96.0 || 106.2 || 113.0 || rowspan="2" | 0.50
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
Line 81: Line 85:
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:2A90 (57 mm)/Ammunition|BR-281U, OR-281U, 3UBM22, 3UO8}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
 
−
|-
+
[[File:2S38AmmoRack.png|thumb|The sole and mechanized ammo rack for the autoloader.]]
−
! 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
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-281 || APCBC || 151 || 147 || 132 || 114 || 100 || 87
 
−
|-
 
−
| OR-281U || HE* || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5
 
−
|-
 
−
| 3UBM22 || APFSDS || 225 || 221 || 209 || 193 || 177 || 161
 
−
|-
 
−
| 3UO8 || HE-VT* || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| 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%
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-281 || APCBC || 1,000 || 2.8 || 1.2 || 9 || 20.02 || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| OR-281U || HE* || 1,000 || 2.8 || 0 || 0.1 || 235.62 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| 3UBM22 || APFSDS || 1,500 || 0.95 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="12" | Proximity-fused 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" | Arming distance<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Trigger radius<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| 3UO8 || HE-VT* || 1,000 || 2.8 || 0 || 0.1 || 500 || 6 || 231 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.37.0.22'' -->
−
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.21.1.71''' -->
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Full<br>ammo
 
! Full<br>ammo
−
! 1st<br>rack empty
 
−
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 
−
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''148''' || 78&nbsp;''(+70)'' || 21&nbsp;''(+127)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+147)'' || Yes
+
| '''148''' || Y/N (See note 1)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 157: Line 102:
  
 
* As they are modeled by sets of 2 or 3, shells disappear from the rack only after you've fired all shells in the set.
 
* As they are modeled by sets of 2 or 3, shells disappear from the rack only after you've fired all shells in the set.
−
* The visual discrepancy concerns the number of shells in rack 2 (58 shells modeled for 57 available).
+
* As the {{PAGENAME}} is equipped with an autoloader, manual reloading of the gun is not possible.
−
* Rack 3 (autoloader magazine) is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 20 shells.
+
* The restocking time is longer than the normal reload time of the gun. Take this into account when playing.
−
** This rack gets filled first when loading up the tank and is also emptied first.
+
* There is only 1 ammo rack, which is the mechanized ammo rack. Thus, all ammo is ready to be loaded.
−
** As the {{PAGENAME}} is equipped with an autoloader, manual reloading of the gun is not possible.
+
* A damaged or destroyed power system increases the time to reloading rate (around 1 second when destroyed), but can be restored to full function
−
** Once the autoloader magazine has been depleted, you can't shoot until the loader has restocked the autoloader with at least 1 shell.
+
* Destruction of the autoloader disables reloading of the cannon until it is repaired
−
** The restocking time is longer than the normal reload time of the gun. Take this into account when playing.
 
−
** Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1 and 2 into rack 3. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.
 
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 750 (250) || 700 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 750 (250) || 700 || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 182: Line 125:
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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 instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
The 2S38 is played like a standard light tank: use your mobility and speed to flank enemies, and your gun is powerful enough to penetrate most tank's side and back armour. The gun has a very short reload time, at an astounding 0.5 s. The 2S38 has proximity-fused HE shells, allowing it to fire at helicopters and other aircraft to some effect.
+
The 2S38 is played like a standard light tank: use your mobility and speed to flank enemies, and your gun is powerful enough to penetrate most tank's side and back armour. The gun has a very short reload time for its class (57mm) at an astounding 0.5s, letting you fire a few shots before the enemy can turn around and counterattack, that is if they aren't already heavily damaged or crippled. The 2S38 also has proximity-fused HE shells, allowing it to fire at helicopters and other aircraft to great effect because of its firerate, but also has an IRST system that can track air targets with a lead circle, turning the 2S38 into a jack-of-all-trades light tank. Because of the only and autoloaded ammo rack, you can fire many shots with the only consequence of overheating. The 2S38 also has great optics for its with gunner and commander thermals coupled with decent sight zoom.  The decently high gun with the slim turret profile can help greatly when shooting over cover. All of these factors can make the 2S38 one of the best multirole ground vehicles in War Thunder. A shot to the rear is still going to damage the vehicle modules, but atleast the engine is low enough it can be damaged little.
 +
 
 +
However, it is not without its problems. Unlike some light tanks around its battle rating, it lacks the ability to reliably tank a shot or two. This is because of how many modules are scattered in the 2S38. As some light tanks can absorb shots because of empty space, such as in the rear, or engines taking the brute of damage, the same shots will cause crippling damage and often destruction to the 2S38, with the only relatively tanky area being between the engine and autoloader, but that should never be relied on. Shots into the front plate spell immediate doom for the 2S38 if it penetrates past the fuel tanks. Not only that, unlike a few light tanks, it doesn't have any meaningful armor and can be destroyed by 12.7mm machine guns to the side at close range, let alone autocannons, or even HE(AT) rounds hitting the upper roof plate or turret. If a shot doesn't knock out the three crew members lined up side by side at the front, it's almost guaranteed it'll take out the aiming drives and autoloader, not to mention the almost completely ammo-filled center, leading to ammo detonation and at best a powerless vehicle. The plentiful amount of modules means that even in the possibility of tanking a shot, does not mean you are always without crippling damage. Almost every aspect of the tank can be disabled: the stabilizer, IRST and autotracker, driving controls, autoloader, LWS/LR and thermals.
 +
 
 +
So, the 2S38 is the one of the best examples of a glass cannon in War Thunder: Powerful cannon, impressive mobility, strong optics, but armor as fragile as paper and internal survivability being near non existent.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 189: Line 136:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Extremely fast reload
+
* Extremely fast reload at 0.5 seconds for the 57mm
 
* High mobility
 
* High mobility
 
* IRST target tracking system and HE-VT round allow for good anti-air capability
 
* IRST target tracking system and HE-VT round allow for good anti-air capability
 
* Unmanned turret means it can get hit and not suffer crew losses
 
* Unmanned turret means it can get hit and not suffer crew losses
 
* APCBC is great for other IFVs, SPAAs, MBT sides, and APFSDS is good for almost all frontal armour for MBTs
 
* APCBC is great for other IFVs, SPAAs, MBT sides, and APFSDS is good for almost all frontal armour for MBTs
 +
* Large ammo rack at 148 pieces ensure you won't be running out of ammo soon
 +
* Ammo variety lets it become one of the best multi-role vehicles, and is also amphibious + has a digging blade
 +
* Modules can still be repaired to full function
 +
* Great optics with thermals for gunner and commander, with decent zoom
 +
* Relatively empty rear section, can tank a few shots, but not towards the center of mass
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Weak armour
+
* Weak armour, can be 12.7mm'd to the sides at close range
−
* High rate of fire depletes ammo rather quickly
+
* Terrible post-penetration survivability, almost every aspect of the 2S38 can be disabled if lucky enough to even survive the shot. Plus, no reliable cover (engine, RHA) for the crew, only protected by fuel tanks that are prone to exploding or catching fire.
−
* All crew in the front so knock-outs are common
+
* Can overheat the cannon at prolonged periods of fire, but easily avoidable
 +
* All crew in the front, lined up, so knock-outs are common
 +
* Fuel tank explodes very easily
 +
* Ammo near the turret means ammo detonations are incredibly easy when shooting at the turret, even when hull-down
 +
* Crammed cannon section modules make multiple module destructions common, making it easy to cripple
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 211: Line 167:
  
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
 +
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_2s38 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_2s38 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
−
{{Youtube-gallery|n1VVzWsVeKs|'''The Shooting Range #328''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:28 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|y2Ph0rmD5sU|'''Unmanned Turret Tanks: Showcasing New Tech''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 01:56 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|n1VVzWsVeKs|'''The Shooting Range #328''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:28 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 229: Line 186:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 +
 
* [[wt:en/news/7933-development-2s38-fast-and-angry-en|<nowiki>[Development]</nowiki> 2S38 - Fast and Angry]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/7933-development-2s38-fast-and-angry-en|<nowiki>[Development]</nowiki> 2S38 - Fast and Angry]]
  
 
{{USSR light tanks}}
 
{{USSR light tanks}}
 
{{USSR premium ground vehicles}}
 
{{USSR premium ground vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 16:14, 18 November 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
2S38
ussr_2s38.png
GarageImage 2S38.jpg
ArtImage 2S38.png
2S38
USSR flag.png USSR
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.3 10.3 10.3
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:9 270 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game

Description

Originally designed as a technology demonstrator, the 2S38 was chosen as a possible replacement for the 2S6 Tunguska adopted in the 1980s. The vehicle was based on the BMP-3 platform, but fitted with the equipment and armament to lock and engage low-flying aircraft like helicopters, CAS, or even large calibre rockets/missiles. The vehicle is operated by 3 crewmembers, in a single compartment, since it uses a remote-controlled turret for its 57 mm cannon. As of 2020, the vehicle is still in very low numbers and slowly being adopted into the military.

It was introduced in Update "Fire and Ice". Built on the BMP-3 platform, the 2S38 was an attempt to transform the platform into a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun with a 57 mm autocannon and a tracking system capable of fighting low-flying aircraft. In the game, the rapid-firing 57 mm autocannon allows the 2S38 to engage a wide range of enemies from tanks to fighter jets while maintaining the same profile and mobility of the original BMP-3. The 57 mm autocannon of the 2S38, paired with both APFSDS and APHE ammunition, can prove extremely deadly in good flanking manoeuvres, even the APHE shells can penetrate lightly armoured targets from the front like the Leopard 1, and several IFVs. Also, its good fire rate and accuracy makes the 2S38 a very deadly light tank; however, as with all light tanks, the armour is not enough to stop high calibre projectiles, but it's still enough to stop up to 14.5 mm shots from all sides.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
ESS
Creation of a smoke screen in the direction of movement of the vehicle
LWS
Notifies about the vehicle's exposure to laser emissions
Self-entrenching equipment
Creation of ramparts and trenches in soft ground
Armourfront / side / back
Hull60 / 43 / 13
Turret43 / 43 / 43
Crew3 people
Visibility79 %

The 2S38 armour is essentially non-existent for the rank it is in. While the front array may be resistant to some autocannons from a long-distance, it isn't really reliable.

The rearranged modules within the 2S38 does improve the vehicle's overall survivability compared to the BMP-3 however. Firstly, the ammunition is a lot smaller and harder to hit, and they are all stored in the center so can be harder to hit if not precisely targetted. There are more empty space within the 2S38 as well, increasing the chances of a shot penetrating the armour, but not causing any critical damages to the components.

The crew are all arranged in the front, three in a row. This improves crew survivability in hull-down position as there is no crew in the turret anymore. This also marginally improves survivability to shots from the front, as there is a small chance a shot from the front does not knock out two or all the crew members in one shot. Given both the gunner and commander can fire the main gun, enemies would need to knock out both of them at the same time to disable the 2S38's armaments.

Overall, the 2S38 is favored comparatively to the BMP-3 in terms of being able to survive the first shot while also retaining the ability to fire back at the offending opponent.

Armour type:

  • ABT-102 alloy - Hull and turret
  • Rolled homogeneous armour - Gun mask
  • Structural steel - Add-ons on the sides
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 18 mm (81°) Front glacis
60 mm (25°) + 12 mm + 10 mm Lower Glacis (Upper)
60 mm (45°) + 10 mm Lower Glacis (Lower)
60 mm Turret ring 		60 mm + 4 mm Top Front
43 mm + 4 mm Top & Bottom 		43 mm Upper Glacis
43 mm (22°) Lower Glacis 		15 - 18 mm Hull
20 mm Turret ring
Turret 43 mm (0°-23°-43°) Front
20 mm (0°-45°) Gun mantlet 		43 mm 43 mm 20 - 43 mm

Notes:

  • Tracks are 15 mm thick, suspention and it's wheels are both 10 mm thick.
  • Hatches are 18 + 20 mm (81°) thick.
  • At the rear there is a 100 mm thick log, but it does not provide any real protection

Mobility

Amphibious
The design allows you to swim and control movement in the water
Speedforward / back
AB78 / 23 km/h
RB and SB71 / 21 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
4 back
Weight21.5 t
Engine power
AB954 hp
RB and SB500 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB44.4 hp/t
RB and SB23.3 hp/t

The 2S38 drives like the BMP-3. Namely, it is fast and accelerates well even in cross-country terrain. Travelling on long-distance maps will not be an issue for the 2S38. The only significant difference is that the 2S38 weights about 2.8 t more than the BMP-3, and so the small weight difference may affect the fine acceleration and forward momentum, but not by much.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 78 23 21.5 775 954 36.05 44.37
Realistic 71 21 442 500 20.56 23.26

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB2 992 Sl icon.png
RB2 797 Sl icon.png
SB3 683 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 160 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces2 150 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 140 / 170 / 220 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Mods tank reinforcement ussr.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Mods dozer blade.png
Dozer Blade
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Mods counterMeasures.png
LWS/LR
Mods tank ammo.png
57mm_APFSDS_ammo_pack
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Mods scout streak.png
Scout UAV
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics
Mods tank ammo.png
57mm_HE_VT_ammo_pack

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

57 mm 2A90 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Autoloader
Automatically feeds projectiles into the breech. The speed does not depend on the skills of the loader
Ammunition148 rounds
Reload0.5 s
Vertical guidance-5° / 75°
Main article: 2A90 (57 mm)

The 57 mm 2A90 is a dual-purpose autocannon and can allow players to use it in both an anti-tank and anti-aircraft gun. While its top penetration for the anti-tank role is not ideal, with a point-blank penetration of 225 mm with the 3UBM22 APFSDS rounds, the rapid fire nature of the 57 mm gun means that quick follow-up shot from the first successful penetration can cripple, if not destroy, the enemy tank.

If firing at a tank's side armour, firing the BR-281U APCBC round with explosive filler can be considered to absolutely devastate the enemy interior with fewer shots and can destroy enemy units by aiming at weak, external spots (cupolas). It would trade maximum penetration of the round for destructive power, so it is up to player preference on which ammunition to use aiming at tank side armour.

57 mm 2A90 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Autoloader
Arcade 148 120 -5°/+75° ±180° Two-plane 57.1 79.1 96.0 106.2 113.0 0.50
Realistic 35.7 42.0 51.0 56.4 60.0

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
BR-281U APCBC 151 147 132 114 100 87
OR-281U HE* 17 17 15 13 11 10
3UBM22 APFSDS 225 221 209 193 177 161
3UO8 HE-VT* 17 17 15 13 11 10
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
BR-281U APCBC 1,000 2.8 1.2 9 20.02 48° 63° 71°
OR-281U HE* 1,000 2.8 0.4 0.1 235.62 79° 80° 81°
3UBM22 APFSDS 1,500 0.95 - - - 78° 80° 81°
Proximity-fused shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Arming
distance (m) 		Trigger
radius (m) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
3UO8 HE-VT* 1,000 2.8 0.1 0.1 500 6 231 79° 80° 81°
The sole and mechanized ammo rack for the autoloader.

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		Visual
discrepancy
148 Y/N (See note 1)

Notes:

  • As they are modeled by sets of 2 or 3, shells disappear from the rack only after you've fired all shells in the set.
  • As the 2S38 is equipped with an autoloader, manual reloading of the gun is not possible.
  • The restocking time is longer than the normal reload time of the gun. Take this into account when playing.
  • There is only 1 ammo rack, which is the mechanized ammo rack. Thus, all ammo is ready to be loaded.
  • A damaged or destroyed power system increases the time to reloading rate (around 1 second when destroyed), but can be restored to full function
  • Destruction of the autoloader disables reloading of the cannon until it is repaired

Machine guns

7.62 mm PKTM machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition750 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reload8.0 s
Fire rate700 shots/min
Main article: PKTM (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm PKTM
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 750 (250) 700 - -

Usage in battles

The 2S38 is played like a standard light tank: use your mobility and speed to flank enemies, and your gun is powerful enough to penetrate most tank's side and back armour. The gun has a very short reload time for its class (57mm) at an astounding 0.5s, letting you fire a few shots before the enemy can turn around and counterattack, that is if they aren't already heavily damaged or crippled. The 2S38 also has proximity-fused HE shells, allowing it to fire at helicopters and other aircraft to great effect because of its firerate, but also has an IRST system that can track air targets with a lead circle, turning the 2S38 into a jack-of-all-trades light tank. Because of the only and autoloaded ammo rack, you can fire many shots with the only consequence of overheating. The 2S38 also has great optics for its with gunner and commander thermals coupled with decent sight zoom. The decently high gun with the slim turret profile can help greatly when shooting over cover. All of these factors can make the 2S38 one of the best multirole ground vehicles in War Thunder. A shot to the rear is still going to damage the vehicle modules, but atleast the engine is low enough it can be damaged little.

However, it is not without its problems. Unlike some light tanks around its battle rating, it lacks the ability to reliably tank a shot or two. This is because of how many modules are scattered in the 2S38. As some light tanks can absorb shots because of empty space, such as in the rear, or engines taking the brute of damage, the same shots will cause crippling damage and often destruction to the 2S38, with the only relatively tanky area being between the engine and autoloader, but that should never be relied on. Shots into the front plate spell immediate doom for the 2S38 if it penetrates past the fuel tanks. Not only that, unlike a few light tanks, it doesn't have any meaningful armor and can be destroyed by 12.7mm machine guns to the side at close range, let alone autocannons, or even HE(AT) rounds hitting the upper roof plate or turret. If a shot doesn't knock out the three crew members lined up side by side at the front, it's almost guaranteed it'll take out the aiming drives and autoloader, not to mention the almost completely ammo-filled center, leading to ammo detonation and at best a powerless vehicle. The plentiful amount of modules means that even in the possibility of tanking a shot, does not mean you are always without crippling damage. Almost every aspect of the tank can be disabled: the stabilizer, IRST and autotracker, driving controls, autoloader, LWS/LR and thermals.

So, the 2S38 is the one of the best examples of a glass cannon in War Thunder: Powerful cannon, impressive mobility, strong optics, but armor as fragile as paper and internal survivability being near non existent.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Extremely fast reload at 0.5 seconds for the 57mm
  • High mobility
  • IRST target tracking system and HE-VT round allow for good anti-air capability
  • Unmanned turret means it can get hit and not suffer crew losses
  • APCBC is great for other IFVs, SPAAs, MBT sides, and APFSDS is good for almost all frontal armour for MBTs
  • Large ammo rack at 148 pieces ensure you won't be running out of ammo soon
  • Ammo variety lets it become one of the best multi-role vehicles, and is also amphibious + has a digging blade
  • Modules can still be repaired to full function
  • Great optics with thermals for gunner and commander, with decent zoom
  • Relatively empty rear section, can tank a few shots, but not towards the center of mass

Cons:

  • Weak armour, can be 12.7mm'd to the sides at close range
  • Terrible post-penetration survivability, almost every aspect of the 2S38 can be disabled if lucky enough to even survive the shot. Plus, no reliable cover (engine, RHA) for the crew, only protected by fuel tanks that are prone to exploding or catching fire.
  • Can overheat the cannon at prolonged periods of fire, but easily avoidable
  • All crew in the front, lined up, so knock-outs are common
  • Fuel tank explodes very easily
  • Ammo near the turret means ammo detonations are incredibly easy when shooting at the turret, even when hull-down
  • Crammed cannon section modules make multiple module destructions common, making it easy to cripple

History

In the mid 2010s, the Central Scientific Research Institute Burevestnik in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, developed an artillery turret with a 57mm cannon, designed for ships and armored vehicles. A little later, the module was upgraded for installation on the 2S38 platform (a modified version of the BMP-3 AFV chassis). The first prototype was demonstrated to the public in 2018, in 2020 2S38s took part in the Victory Day parade on Red Square in Moscow. At the moment, the vehicle is being commissioned for service with the Russian army.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins
Videos
Unmanned Turret Tanks: Showcasing New Tech discusses the 2S38 at 01:56 - War Thunder Official Channel
The Shooting Range #328 - Metal Beasts section at 00:28 discusses the 2S38.

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


USSR light tanks
T-26  T-26 · T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-26-4 · T-26E
BT  BT-5 · RBT-5 · BT-7 · BT-7 TD · BT-7M · BT-7A (F-32)
T-50  T-126 · T-50
T-70  T-70 · T-80
PT-76  PT-76B · PT-76-57 · Object 906
BMP  BMP-1 · BMP-2 · BMP-2M · BMP-3
BMD  BMD-4
2S25  2S25 · 2S25M
Wheeled  BA-11 · BTR-80A
Other  T-60 · Object 685 · 2S38
China  ▂Type 62

USSR premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  BA-11 · RBT-5 · BT-7A (F-32) · T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-26E · T-126 · PT-76-57 · 2S38
Medium tanks  T-34 (Prototype) · T-34 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-34E · T-34-57 (1943) · T-34-85E · T-34-100 · T-44-122 · TO-55 · T-55AM-1 · T-72AV (TURMS-T) · T-80UD · Т-80U-Е1
  ▂M3 Medium · ▂M4A2 · ▂T-III · ▂T-V · ▂МК-IX "Valentine"
Heavy tanks  SMK · T-35 · ▂MK-II "Matilda" · KV-1E · KV-2 (1940) · KV-2 (ZiS-6) · KV-122 · KV-220 · IS-2 "Revenge" · Object 248 · IS-6 · T-10A
Tank destroyers  BM-8-24 · BM-13N · BM-31-12
  SU-57 · SU-76D · SU-76M (5th Gv.Kav.Corps) · SU-85A · SU-100Y · SU-122P · Object 120
SPAA  ▂Phòng không T-34 · ZUT-37

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