Difference between revisions of "ZSU-57-2 (Italy)"

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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 rank {{Specs|rank}} Hungarian SPAA {{Battle-rating}} in the Italian research tree. It was introduced in [[Update "Sons of Attila"]] as part of the Hungarian subtree of the Italian tech tree.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Hungarian SPAA {{Battle-rating}} in the Italian research tree. It was introduced in [[Update "Sons of Attila"]] as part of the Hungarian subtree of the Italian tech tree. After the introduction of the ZSU-57-2 in the Soviet Army, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Romania each acquired ZSU-57-2s as well, being members of the Warsaw Pact. This Self propelled Anti-Air vehicle would be built on a heavily-modified T-54 chassis, the ZSU-57-2 features two powerful 57 mm anti air cannons. This armament is easily able to make short work of both air and ground targets alike. They're very fast-firing and have access to some different munition options. For being based on the old T-54 tank, it does have good mobility, however its main drawback is its very light armour. This means that if a player chooses to play aggressively, you won't have many chances to get away from an engagement once spotted. Its just too big for a player to conceal, as such if a player would like to play aggressively try stick with allies when possible. The ZSU-57-2 has proven to be more of a menace to ground vehicles than aircraft with its high-velocity cannons, but low sustained rate of fire and poor accuracy. Overall, keep in mind of your weaknesses when playing this vehicle because you usually won't be forgiven like more armoured armoured fighting vehicles.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 17: Line 17:
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 +
 +
The SPAA has basic protection against 12.7 mm HMG in the hull, but the turret is still vulnerable to it, so it doesn't really matter outside of AB. Additionally, it doesn't have a roof, so any explosive hit will instantly eliminate all of the crew. Stealth approach is recommended.
  
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
Line 58: Line 60:
 
Although this is an AA vehicle, its twin 57 mm cannons are still equally deadly against ground units. When stock, their accuracy isn't good so the shells fly all over the place as the distance increases, and the belt is made up of half AP, half HE, meaning it is not efficient when dealing with either planes or tanks. Therefore the best tactic for a fully stock ZSU-57-2 is to shoot the enemies' side up close or to target low-flying helicopters.
 
Although this is an AA vehicle, its twin 57 mm cannons are still equally deadly against ground units. When stock, their accuracy isn't good so the shells fly all over the place as the distance increases, and the belt is made up of half AP, half HE, meaning it is not efficient when dealing with either planes or tanks. Therefore the best tactic for a fully stock ZSU-57-2 is to shoot the enemies' side up close or to target low-flying helicopters.
  
When the BR-281 belt (full APHE) is available, the player can go into full anti-tank mode as this shell packs quite a punch, and it can penetrate pretty much any tank's side armour (excluding the Maus, in which case take out its gun barrels) and some tanks' frontal armour. In a flank the ZSU-57-2 can finish off a group of opponents at an unbelievable speed. Two shells will slice through their side armour and explode, so theoretically one clip is enough to wipe out four tanks in a row (aiming at the crew compartment only, of course). A few seconds later, another clip will be loaded, ready to hunt more prey. Be aware that each clip only contains 8 rounds (4 for each of the two cannons), so do not waste your shots.
+
When the BR-281SP belt (full AP) is available, the player can go into full anti-tank mode as this shell packs quite a punch, and it can penetrate pretty much any tank's side armour (excluding the Maus, in which case retreat is in order) and some tanks frontal armour. In a flank the ZSU-57-2 can finish off a group of opponents at an unbelievable speed. When unlocking BR-281U (full APHE), two shells will slice through enemy side armour and also explode, so theoretically one clip is enough to wipe out four tanks in a row (aiming at the crew compartment only, of course) and a few seconds later, another clip will be loaded, ready to hunt more prey. AP-based shells also perform alright in the AA role since its calibre is quite large for planes, and a direct hit usually critically damages the plane, if not tearing it in half instantly.
 +
 
 +
HE shells of this SPAA are also worth paying attention to, as they are big enough to overpressure open topped tanks and on direct hits they can crush other SPAA or even some light tanks without having to swap belts. When they hit any attackers or bombers, they explode and fall apart, so only issue is actually hitting them. Unfortunately, unlike SPAA's Chinese brother WZ305, the ZSU-57-2 does not have access to any VT shells, so it is always beneficial to lead with extra care and only open fire if the plane is close enough.
 +
 
 +
Each cannon has its own gunner. Losing one gunner does not prevent another cannon from firing, but will block the turret from turning, which must be compensated by turning the hull.
  
This shell also performs alright in the AA role, since its calibre is quite large for planes, and a direct hit usually critically damages the plane, if not killing it instantly. However, unlike its Chinese brother, WZ305, the ZSU-57-2 does not have access to any VT shells so it is always beneficial to lead with extra care and only open fire if the plane is close enough.
+
Be aware that each clip only contains 8 rounds (4 for each of the two cannons), so do not waste shots when waiting for target's move. When holding "fire" button for too long,the cannons also desynchronize and start firing out of order, causing the belts to have different amount of shells and possibly letting enemy slip through.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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* '''BR-281SP:''' {{Annotation|APCBC|Armour-piercing capped ballistic capped}} - An anti-tank belt, it is comprised of APCBC shells that can penetrate most tanks from the side. However, the shells do not contain any explosive filler, so it is recommended to upgrade to the BR-281U belt when possible.
 
* '''BR-281SP:''' {{Annotation|APCBC|Armour-piercing capped ballistic capped}} - An anti-tank belt, it is comprised of APCBC shells that can penetrate most tanks from the side. However, the shells do not contain any explosive filler, so it is recommended to upgrade to the BR-281U belt when possible.
 
* '''OR-281U:''' {{Annotation|HE*|High-explosive fragmentation (self-destroying)}} - For use against planes. One or two hits usually gets the job done. Heavy armoured attackers and bombers may require more though.
 
* '''OR-281U:''' {{Annotation|HE*|High-explosive fragmentation (self-destroying)}} - For use against planes. One or two hits usually gets the job done. Heavy armoured attackers and bombers may require more though.
* '''BR-281U:''' {{Annotation|APCBC|Armour-piercing capped ballistic capped}} - Very similar to the preceding BR-281SP belt; however, the shells now have a small amount of explosive filler, making them slightly more efficient against ground vehicles.
+
* '''BR-281U:''' {{Annotation|APCBC|Armour-piercing capped ballistic capped}} - Very similar to the preceding BR-281SP belt; however, the shells now have a small amount of explosive filler, making them slightly more efficient against ground vehicles. It doesn't really perform like usual APHE (getting stuck inside engines, etc), so using AP over it is generally not necessary.
  
 
{{:S-68 (57 mm)/Ammunition|BR-281SP, OR-281U, BR-281U}}
 
{{:S-68 (57 mm)/Ammunition|BR-281SP, OR-281U, BR-281U}}
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
+
[[File:Ammoracks_ZSU-57-2.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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;Tank Destroyer
 
;Tank Destroyer
  
Using the 57 mm cannons in an anti-tank role is possible and have been exploited by many players. Using BR-281 ammo, the guns can effectively pierce the sides and rear of any tank (excluding the Maus). Remember the ZSU-57-2's armour does not compare to other tanks armour so one shot could be the end of the SPAA. Play cat-and-mouse and wait for the enemy to go into an engagement with another target and then jump out into the open and fire upon them while they are distracted. It is recommended to the first aim for their rear to disable their engine and cause a fire, they will have to stop what they are doing and put it out. During this time they won't be able to move or fire upon the ZSU-57-2, allowing a chance to finish off the crewmen inside by unloading the 57 mm cannons into the side of the enemy tank. Any shot from the 57 mm cannons into an enemies' ammo load will also instantly kill them. Almost all British tanks have very weak side armour, and your BR-281 ammo will easily rip through even at an angle. Aim for the front portion of their tank, where their driver is. Their ammo rack is located right next to the driver, meaning that you can easily ammo rack them.
+
Using the 57 mm cannons in an anti-tank role is possible and have been exploited by many players. Using BR-281 ammo, the guns can effectively pierce the sides and rear of any tank (excluding the Maus). Remember the ZSU-57-2's armour does not compare to other tanks armour so one shot could be the end of the SPAA, particularly if the opponent is angry and pre-loads explosive shells.  
 +
 
 +
Play cat-and-mouse and wait for the enemy to go into an engagement with another target and then jump out into the open and fire upon them while they are distracted. If you are not extremely sure of your aim, it is recommended to the first aim for their rear to disable their engine and cause a fire, they might just stop what they are doing and try to put it out first. During firefighting they won't be able to move or fire upon the ZSU-57-2, allowing a chance to finish off the crewmen inside by unloading the 57 mm cannons into the side of the enemy tank. Any shot from the 57 mm cannons into an enemies' ammo load will also instantly kill them. Almost all european tanks have very weak side armour, and your BR-281 ammo will easily rip through even at an angle. Aim for the front portion of their tank, where their driver is. Their ammo rack is located right next to the driver, meaning that you can easily ammo rack them.
 +
 
 +
If some other SPAA or lightly armoured artillery tank is bothering you, a burst of HE can remove them by hitting them just about anywhere, but pay attention to what exactly you are trying to overpressure, as some tanks like the VIDAR do not care about overpressure damage. Hitting them as directly into weakspots as possible might also help.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 130: Line 140:
 
* Excellent turret rotation speed
 
* Excellent turret rotation speed
 
* 57 mm guns will destroy or cripple aircraft with one hit, and can easily take out tanks from the sides too
 
* 57 mm guns will destroy or cripple aircraft with one hit, and can easily take out tanks from the sides too
* Very high penetration for an SPAA at 151 mm
+
* Very high penetration for an SPAA at 151 mm, very effective against lightly armoured vehicles like the [[Leopard 1]] or [[AMX-30]]
* Very effective against lightly armoured vehicles like the [[Leopard 1]] or [[AMX-30]]
+
* Even HE belt is powerful enough to overpressure a lot of light ground vehicles
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
Line 139: Line 149:
 
* Crew is very crowded in the turret (1 shot has the potential to knock out 5 crew members with ease)
 
* Crew is very crowded in the turret (1 shot has the potential to knock out 5 crew members with ease)
 
* Shells have bad accuracy after consecutive shots
 
* Shells have bad accuracy after consecutive shots
* Sub-par anti-air capability due to low rate of fire and poor accuracy
+
* Sub-par anti-air capability due to low rate of fire and poor stock accuracy
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 147: Line 157:
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=it_zsu_57_2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 155: Line 167:
  
 
;Related development
 
;Related development
 +
 
* [[ZSU-57-2 (Family)]]
 
* [[ZSU-57-2 (Family)]]
  

Latest revision as of 22:32, 20 February 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the SPAA ZSU-57-2 (Italy). For other versions, see ZSU-57-2 (Family).
it_zsu_57_2.png
GarageImage ZSU-57-2 (Italy).jpg
◔ZSU-57-2
AB RB SB
7.0 7.0 7.0
Class:
Research:82 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:240 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The ◔ZSU-57-2 is a rank V Hungarian SPAA with a battle rating of 7.0 (AB/RB/SB) in the Italian research tree. It was introduced in Update "Sons of Attila" as part of the Hungarian subtree of the Italian tech tree. After the introduction of the ZSU-57-2 in the Soviet Army, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Romania each acquired ZSU-57-2s as well, being members of the Warsaw Pact. This Self propelled Anti-Air vehicle would be built on a heavily-modified T-54 chassis, the ZSU-57-2 features two powerful 57 mm anti air cannons. This armament is easily able to make short work of both air and ground targets alike. They're very fast-firing and have access to some different munition options. For being based on the old T-54 tank, it does have good mobility, however its main drawback is its very light armour. This means that if a player chooses to play aggressively, you won't have many chances to get away from an engagement once spotted. Its just too big for a player to conceal, as such if a player would like to play aggressively try stick with allies when possible. The ZSU-57-2 has proven to be more of a menace to ground vehicles than aircraft with its high-velocity cannons, but low sustained rate of fire and poor accuracy. Overall, keep in mind of your weaknesses when playing this vehicle because you usually won't be forgiven like more armoured armoured fighting vehicles.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull15 / 15 / 6
Turret15 / 13 / 13
Crew6 people
Visibility103 %

The SPAA has basic protection against 12.7 mm HMG in the hull, but the turret is still vulnerable to it, so it doesn't really matter outside of AB. Additionally, it doesn't have a roof, so any explosive hit will instantly eliminate all of the crew. Stealth approach is recommended.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 13.5 mm (61°) Front glacis
15 mm (53°) Lower glacis
15 mm 10 mm (17-49°) Top
6 mm (73°) Bottom
15 mm
Turret 15 mm (14-57°) Turret front
15 mm (25-64°) Gun mantlet
13.5 mm (9-61°) 13.5 mm (4-59°) N/A

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 13.5 mm thick.
  • A 6 mm RHA plate separates the engine compartment from the crew.
  • Hatches and air intake are 6 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB55 / 9 km/h
RB and SB51 / 8 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight28.0 t
Engine power
AB992 hp
RB and SB520 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB35.4 hp/t
RB and SB18.6 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 55 9 28 739 992 26.39 35.43
Realistic 51 8 460 520 16.43 18.57

The ZSU-57-2's mobility is rather good. It is faster than most medium tanks, while weighing 28 tons and having a 520 hp engine at 2,000 RPM. Manoeuvrability is good at all speeds, as its a relatively light tank with a powerful engine. It bleeds a lot of speed while turning, but the turning is fast and responsive and does not have neutral steering. The maximum speed is limited by the transmission to 51 km/h forwards and -8 km/h in reverse for RB, and 55/-9 km/h for AB.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 791 → 4 879 Sl icon.png
RB3 593 → 4 624 Sl icon.png
SB5 434 → 6 993 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications68 700 Rp icon.png
117 600 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 900 Ge icon.png
Crew training68 000 Sl icon.png
Experts240 000 Sl icon.png
Aces990 Ge icon.png
Research Aces620 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
140 / 180 / 250 % Sl icon.png
184 / 184 / 184 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
4 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 800 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
3 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
3 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 300 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
7 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
7 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 800 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement it.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 300 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
4 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 800 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
57mm_AP_ammo_pack
Research:
3 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods aa cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
3 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
57mm_APCBC_ammo_pack
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 300 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 300 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
7 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

2 x 57 mm S-68 cannon
Ammunition296 rounds
Belt capacity4 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
2.6 → 2.0 s
Fire rate120 shots/min
Vertical guidance-5° / 85°
Main article: S-68 (57 mm)

Although this is an AA vehicle, its twin 57 mm cannons are still equally deadly against ground units. When stock, their accuracy isn't good so the shells fly all over the place as the distance increases, and the belt is made up of half AP, half HE, meaning it is not efficient when dealing with either planes or tanks. Therefore the best tactic for a fully stock ZSU-57-2 is to shoot the enemies' side up close or to target low-flying helicopters.

When the BR-281SP belt (full AP) is available, the player can go into full anti-tank mode as this shell packs quite a punch, and it can penetrate pretty much any tank's side armour (excluding the Maus, in which case retreat is in order) and some tanks frontal armour. In a flank the ZSU-57-2 can finish off a group of opponents at an unbelievable speed. When unlocking BR-281U (full APHE), two shells will slice through enemy side armour and also explode, so theoretically one clip is enough to wipe out four tanks in a row (aiming at the crew compartment only, of course) and a few seconds later, another clip will be loaded, ready to hunt more prey. AP-based shells also perform alright in the AA role since its calibre is quite large for planes, and a direct hit usually critically damages the plane, if not tearing it in half instantly.

HE shells of this SPAA are also worth paying attention to, as they are big enough to overpressure open topped tanks and on direct hits they can crush other SPAA or even some light tanks without having to swap belts. When they hit any attackers or bombers, they explode and fall apart, so only issue is actually hitting them. Unfortunately, unlike SPAA's Chinese brother WZ305, the ZSU-57-2 does not have access to any VT shells, so it is always beneficial to lead with extra care and only open fire if the plane is close enough.

Each cannon has its own gunner. Losing one gunner does not prevent another cannon from firing, but will block the turret from turning, which must be compensated by turning the hull.

Be aware that each clip only contains 8 rounds (4 for each of the two cannons), so do not waste shots when waiting for target's move. When holding "fire" button for too long,the cannons also desynchronize and start firing out of order, causing the belts to have different amount of shells and possibly letting enemy slip through.

57 mm S-68 (x2) Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 296 (4) 120 -5°/+85° ±180° N/A 52.8 73.1 88.8 98.2 104.5 2.60 2.30 2.12 2.00
Realistic 35.7 42.0 51.0 56.4 60.0

Ammunition

  • Default: HE* · APCBC - Half the rounds in this belt are useless against tanks or planes. However, against other SPAA this belt can reliably take out crew, armament, ammo and engine. Having one belt in reserve can help.
  • BR-281SP: APCBC - An anti-tank belt, it is comprised of APCBC shells that can penetrate most tanks from the side. However, the shells do not contain any explosive filler, so it is recommended to upgrade to the BR-281U belt when possible.
  • OR-281U: HE* - For use against planes. One or two hits usually gets the job done. Heavy armoured attackers and bombers may require more though.
  • BR-281U: APCBC - Very similar to the preceding BR-281SP belt; however, the shells now have a small amount of explosive filler, making them slightly more efficient against ground vehicles. It doesn't really perform like usual APHE (getting stuck inside engines, etc), so using AP over it is generally not necessary.

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-281SP APCBC 151 147 132 114 100 87
OR-281U HE* 17 17 15 13 11 10
BR-281U APCBC 151 147 132 114 100 87
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-281SP APCBC 1,000 2.8 - - - 48° 63° 71°
OR-281U HE* 1,000 2.8 0.4 0.1 235.62 79° 80° 81°
BR-281U APCBC 1,000 2.8 1.2 9 20.02 48° 63° 71°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the ZSU-57-2 (Italy)
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
6th
rack empty
7th
rack empty
8th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
74 74 (+0) 70 (+4) 38 (+36) 32 (+42) 28 (+46) 24 (+50) 18 (+56) N/A Yes

Notes:

  • Visual discrepancy: the 8th ammo rack never empties, even with all ammunition spent.

Usage in battles

Versatile in the anti-aircraft and anti-tank role this heavily modified T-54 chassis delivers two heavy 57 mm punches. The ZSU-57-2 can be used for two roles.

Anti-air role

Even though the ZSU-57-2 was designed as an SPAA, it is not very good at destroying planes compared to other SPAA vehicles at similar battle ratings, which often have a significantly higher rate of fire or even radar. However, this is compensated for by its comparatively massive firepower compared to similar SPAA platforms. The large 57 mm cannons will often disable, or more likely destroy a plane with its first hit. It is also extremely effective in an anti-helicopter role, as helicopters are much slower than planes.

Tank Destroyer

Using the 57 mm cannons in an anti-tank role is possible and have been exploited by many players. Using BR-281 ammo, the guns can effectively pierce the sides and rear of any tank (excluding the Maus). Remember the ZSU-57-2's armour does not compare to other tanks armour so one shot could be the end of the SPAA, particularly if the opponent is angry and pre-loads explosive shells.

Play cat-and-mouse and wait for the enemy to go into an engagement with another target and then jump out into the open and fire upon them while they are distracted. If you are not extremely sure of your aim, it is recommended to the first aim for their rear to disable their engine and cause a fire, they might just stop what they are doing and try to put it out first. During firefighting they won't be able to move or fire upon the ZSU-57-2, allowing a chance to finish off the crewmen inside by unloading the 57 mm cannons into the side of the enemy tank. Any shot from the 57 mm cannons into an enemies' ammo load will also instantly kill them. Almost all european tanks have very weak side armour, and your BR-281 ammo will easily rip through even at an angle. Aim for the front portion of their tank, where their driver is. Their ammo rack is located right next to the driver, meaning that you can easily ammo rack them.

If some other SPAA or lightly armoured artillery tank is bothering you, a burst of HE can remove them by hitting them just about anywhere, but pay attention to what exactly you are trying to overpressure, as some tanks like the VIDAR do not care about overpressure damage. Hitting them as directly into weakspots as possible might also help.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Multi-role weaponry able to fight both planes and tanks
  • Excellent turret rotation speed
  • 57 mm guns will destroy or cripple aircraft with one hit, and can easily take out tanks from the sides too
  • Very high penetration for an SPAA at 151 mm, very effective against lightly armoured vehicles like the Leopard 1 or AMX-30
  • Even HE belt is powerful enough to overpressure a lot of light ground vehicles

Cons:

  • Large vehicle size
  • Very vulnerable turret (ammo on all sides of turret + very thin armour)
  • Crew is very crowded in the turret (1 shot has the potential to knock out 5 crew members with ease)
  • Shells have bad accuracy after consecutive shots
  • Sub-par anti-air capability due to low rate of fire and poor stock accuracy

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: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

Skins

See also

Related development

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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Italy anti-aircraft vehicles
R3 Capraia  R3 T20 FA-HS
SIDAM 25  SIDAM 25 · SIDAM 25 (Mistral)
Wheeled  AS 42 · CM52
Tracked  M42 Contraereo · Leopard 40/70 · OTOMATIC
Hungary  ◔ZSU-57-2 · ◔ZSU-23-4