Difference between revisions of "KF41"

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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.'' -->
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Hungarian light tank {{Battle-rating}} in the Italian research tree. It was introduced in [[Update "Sons of Attila"]] as part of the Hungarian branch of the Italian tech tree.
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The '''KF41 Lynx''' is a modern IFV design from the German Rheinmetall company, exported to the Hungarian Army. On July 31, 2024, the Hungarian army received its first KF41. The order was for 209 KF41s to be delivered in seven variants, ranging from the regular IFV, command variants with improved communications, all the way to medical transports and mortar carriers. By 2024, it is expected to receive 46 KF41s in the first delivery batch. The production of the vehicle was set up in a production plant in Zalaegerszeg with 51% investment from Rheinmetall and 49% from the Hungarian government.
  
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The KF41 is a modern IFV design from the German Rheinmetall company, exported to the Hungarian Army. It easily invites comparisons to the [[PUMA]] adopted by the Bundeswehr: both are large, heavily armoured vehicles with powerful engines and good transmissions that result in high mobility. They even feature the same 30 mm autocannon with APFSDS and AHEAD rounds. The main feature differences for this variant of the Lynx are a twin launcher for Spike fire-and-forget missiles and a unique AMAP-ADS hard-kill active protection system with scattered modules around the perimeter of the vehicle. However it lacks the PUMA's soft-kill APS, unmanned turret, and ERA/NERA, making it more vulnerable to attacks that the active protection system can't stop. Overall, the KF41 is a versatile, feature-packed IFV that can juggle multiple roles on the battlefield: standoff ATGM strikes and anti-helicopter duties on top of the basic flanking rushes.
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It was introduced in [[Update "Sons of Attila"]] as part of the Hungarian branch of the Italian tech tree. The KF41 invites comparisons with the [[PUMA VJTF]] IFV; they are both heavily armed and armoured IFVs with good mobility and much heavier and bigger than their counterparts like the BMP-3 and the American Bradley IFV, but in reality they couldn't be any further apart. Unlike the PUMA, KF41 focuses on maximizing its scouting potential and is optimized for combat centered around fire-and-forget ATGMs by having a unique AMAP-ADS hard-kill active protection system, as well as a high amount of smoke grenades. In doing so the KF41 sacrifices aspects of the PUMA, like the unmanned turret, soft-kill APS, and ERA/NERA. Because of this, it is extremely vulnerable to attacks that the hard-kill APS cannot stop. Nevertheless, thanks to the Spike ATGMs and extremely good commander sight, it is a capable support vehicle and extremely potent capture point defender, being able to achieve long-range kills with its APFSDS and ATGM against both tanks and helicopters. For the latter threat, it can also utilise its AHEAD rounds from the 30 mm autocannon which are more capable at dealing with air threats.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{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.'' -->
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Despite its contemporary design akin to the Puma IFV, the KF41 exhibits a notable shortfall in protection against conventional rounds, despite its capacity to intercept high-speed projectiles such as the DM53 and CL3143, which fall within the AMAP-ADS projectile speed threshold of 1,700 m/s. Nevertheless, it demonstrates commendable resilience against ATGMs and slower, high-caliber rounds, albeit exhibiting inconsistency in defense against non-missile or rocket projectiles. The inclusion of external fuel tanks positioned behind the Active Protection System serves to bolster armor capabilities, particularly against smaller caliber projectiles such as autocannons. However, the effectiveness of this additional protection is contingent upon various factors including impact angle, projectile type, and distance. The void spaces within the compartment enhance the vehicle's survivability, particularly when subjected to certain angles of attack.
 
  
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Similar to the Puma, the crew compartment is compartmentalized, with the entire rear section, designated for infantry, remaining unoccupied. However, the absence of an unmanned turret represents a significant drawback, severely limiting the vehicle's ability to engage adversaries safely by exposing only the turret. A direct hit on the turret would result in near-immediate incapacitation. The primary survivability feature of the KF41 lies in its mobility and speed, enabling it to swiftly navigate the battlefield, evading enemy fire particularly in strategic chokepoints.
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Despite its contemporary design akin to the Puma IFV, the KF41 exhibits a notable shortfall in protection against conventional rounds, as NERA is replaced by the AMAP-ADS Active Protection System (APS) which can only intercept objects flying at 70 to 700 m/s which means it can only really destroy ATGM (and not really all of them). The APS is incapable of intercepting HE shells as they generally fly at 850 m/s speed at the BR. This APS mainly ensures that the KF41 is the only vehicle around that is allowed to use the Spike ATGM freely, and is trying its best to stop any cannon launched ATGM upon launch, which can sometimes help against light and medium tanks.
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[[File:KF41 ATGM exchange.jpg|thumb|right|Although APS is very situational, it allows the KF41 to casually disregard enemy ATGM rain while going towards the capture point, where others would fall]]
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The APS is somewhat unreliable and will often fail to intercept attacks that are supposed to be within its capacity to hit. Many Soviet tandem ATGM will be able to hit its turret even if fired at an almost point blank range. APS coverage also isn't homogenous, with sides having much less ammunition, particularly near the turret. If attacked by other light tanks, which generally carry at least two missiles at the BR, KF41 should present its front or the back and hide the sides, as it's then possible to survive up to 6 attacks.
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Any big gun at the BR should be able to obliterate the KF41 instantly. Even in AB, direct hit will put the tank into crew replenishment mode with obvious consequences. Nevertheless, its hull demonstrates commendable resilience against autocannons. The inclusion of external fuel tanks positioned behind the APS serves to bolster armour capabilities against smaller calibre projectiles, and the gunner with commander sit inside a basket that can prevent shrapnel and small shells from reaching them. However, the effectiveness of this additional protection is contingent upon various factors including impact angle, projectile type, as well as distance. The void spaces within the compartment enhance the vehicle's survivability, particularly when subjected to certain angles of attack.
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The turret is entirely different, and while it is impossible to use mere 12.7 mm to hit cannon ammunition belt of the KF41, it is vulnerable to 20 mm cannons and above. While the ammunition is screened away from the crew, the screen is not strong enough to stop the explosion, so direct ammo rack hit is lethal. The shrapnel basket also doesn't extend into the turret, so anything penetrating the turret will hit the crew. This makes the tank protections mostly null and void, as almost everyone fire at the turret first anyway (partially, because it is the best way to disable the Puma as well). As such, a direct hit on the turret would result in near-immediate incapacitation even in AB.
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Similar to the Puma, the crew compartment is compartmentalized, with the entire rear section, designated for infantry, remaining unoccupied. However, the amount of people at such high rank that would fire at the empty back of the tank is extremely low.  
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The primary survivability feature of the KF41 lies in its capacity to attack on a move and out of cover, enabling it to swiftly navigate the battlefield, evade and pressure enemy tanks until its commander managed to reach the strategic chokepoint. The tank has thermal commander scope, 12.7 mm machine gun and the ATGM launchers put on the very top of the tank. they are located so high, that common HEAT shells and small ATGMs will do nothing but cause fires if they hit at the topmost part of the optics, which is only a mild inconvenience, compared to being hit directly. HE shells and strong ATGM like the MIM146 or 9M119 still can cause overpressure damage wide and strong enough to implode the tank, so at least some care should be taken when enemy starts actively firing back.
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The tank also has a huge amount of smoke grenades (20, fired in 10 pairs), which are most likely installed to break lock-on of IR and laser guided missiles of helicopters. They are also quite useful to sow chaos among enemy ranks, as enemy might fail to hit the KF41 turret and start compulsively firing at the more sturdy hull instead if they are completely blind.
  
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
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<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,790|rbMinHp=1,022}}  
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,790|rbMinHp=1,022}}
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The mobility of the KF41 falls short when compared to similar armoured vehicles. Even heavily armoured counterparts like the T-80BVM and Leopard 2 series boast higher top speeds and overall mobility, highlighting the KF41's relatively lacklustre performance in combat, evidenced by its power-to-weight ratio of 26.3, in contrast to the T-80BVM's 27.2. Nonetheless, it maintains a respectable level of mobility, enabling the vehicle to swiftly navigate the periphery of the battlefield and deliver flanking manoeuvres against enemy vehicles.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|MK 30-2/ABM (30 mm)}}
 
{{main|MK 30-2/ABM (30 mm)}}
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The KF41 is equipped with the Mauser MK 30 automatic cannon, renowned for its powerful ammunition type and decent firing rate. While it may lack effectiveness against armoured vehicles in direct engagements, it proves highly advantageous for flanking manoeuvres and short-range anti-aircraft defense against helicopters or slow-moving, low-flying enemy jets. Players that already used [[VCC-80/30]] and it's Bushmaster autocannon will feel right at home with this weapon, noting slight increase in penetration power and magazine size.
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[[File:KF 41 point blank gun kill through LFP.jpg|thumb|right|Try to actually gauge the power of the autocannon instead of randomly firing it everywhere and you will be rewarded for it.]]
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When operating within a group, the cannon becomes instrumental in targeting critical components such as tracks or cannon barrels, thereby supporting allies engaged in frontal combat. Always try to aim for the sides or small weak spots in the turret front when there is nothing obvious left to hit. Randomly firing at the enemy tank upper hull plate will achieve nothing and will only make the target angry, as well as attract more unwanted attention from other tanks (or even aircraft), while firing at the turret may randomly cause internal damage or completely ruin the gun breech.
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When locked in a point blank combat with a medium tank directly from the front, note that NATO-style tank LFPs don't really have enough armour to stop APFSDS of this particular weapon within 100 m range. Their resistance may range from nonexistent, as is the case with Chinese models, to being able to sustain 5 direct hits to the lowest ammo rack location. Generally, this advantage is only useful if the enemy is unable to fire (if they failed to destroy KF41 in one shot and were disabled afterwards, or got caught on a hill, for example).
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It is advisable to utilize the APFSDS belt in most situations, reserving the AHEAD fragmentation belt for engagements with aircraft or lightly armoured vehicles. AHEAD will detonate at ranges fed to it by the anti-air IRST located in the sniper seat. The IRST cannot be locked on by the commander, so pay attention to which seat are you currently in.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
<!-- ''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
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{{main|Spike-LR2MR}}
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{{main|Spike-LR II}}
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The KF41 is outfitted with Spike-LR II IR fire-and-forget missiles, which exhibit a somewhat inconsistent reliability. While they offer the potential as stand-off weapons effective against heavily armoured targets as well as slow-moving, low-flying aircraft, their reliability can vary based on several factors including the target's speed, launch angle, distance, and the carrier's velocity. They also cannot be fired into a smoke screen.
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The positioning of the launcher and overall stability of the KF41 hull enables quasi No Line-of-Sight launches, contingent upon factors and the target's exposure level, albeit rendering the missile ineffective at distances shorter than 250 m (unless the target has very high ground or moves sideways, forcing the missile to slow down further). Since the launcher is located on the very top of the tank, it can lock even on a machine gun or radio antenna poking over a hill, allowing launches straight into enemy cover as soon as they try to pull up. Due to this, it is almost impossible to trade against loaded KF41 without getting hit as well. Do note, that it is the launcher that locks onto enemy tanks and not the commander scope, and it may be possible to lock when the enemy tank is not even visible. If the launcher is damaged, it cannot fire.
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[[File:KF41 atgm lock on presentation.jpg|thumb|right|The Spikes are comically easy to lock-on with KF41, and even one is often enough to scare opponents into smoking themselves]]
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Spikes are blinded by the vegetation, but liberal application of the 12.7 mm M2HB MG located on top of the commander scope should be enough to remove any bushes that could block missile vision. If that isn't enough, the main weapon can destroy any remaining obstacles until there is nothing left.
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Despite featuring a small warhead, Spikes can inflict significant damage on enemy tanks upon successful penetration and will almost surely attack the gun breech. A "double tap" with both missiles will obliterate or heavily damage the target tank with a probability of 90% if enemy does not drop smoke screens immediately. If Spike hits a light tank on a part that isn't protected by NERA, it nearly always causes fatal damage. Sometimes, their capability for top-down attacks may encounter limitations, particularly against heavily protected tanks featuring NERA components on the roof like the Strv 122 or Leopard 2A7.
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The only thing truly holding the KF41 back from becoming a globally acknowledged menace is its pitiful ammo reserve of only 4 missiles (2 being pre-loaded into the launcher). It is, therefore, only possible to take out 2 tanks reliably until rearmed. Rearm on a capture point takes 15 seconds, which is the same with reload speed. KF41 that managed to make it to a secure capture point with a clear sight onto enemy team can perpetually control at least two targets at once and can eventually ruin an entire team on its own unless destroyed.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! colspan="4" | [[Spike-LR2MR]] missile
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! colspan="4" | [[Spike-LR II]] missile
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Capacity (Belt) !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
! Capacity (Belt) !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
|-
 
|-
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| 2 (2) || - || - || -
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| 4 (2) || - || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
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{{:Spike-LR2MR/Ammunition|Spike-LR2}}
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{{:Spike-LR II/Ammunition|Spike-LR II}}
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
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! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
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| '''1''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
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| '''2''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== 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).'' -->
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''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).''
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The KF41 can be loosely compared to the VCC-80/30, in which case the KF41 is an even further specialization in long range combat over kilometers of range. There are numerous in-game situations in which VCC is objectively better, simply because it has more missiles, better attack angles and smaller profile. It is often downright useless when engagement ranges reach 500 m, simply due to how strong the medium tanks are. Unfortunately, it's not possible for one player to have a complete control over the map, and what happens on the other end can affect you in the form of incoming airstrikes, which the KF41 can handle better.
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The KF41 can be likened to a larger-scale [[R3 T20 FA-HS|R3 T20]] in its operational approach. Despite its armour offering limited protection against only certain types of threats, its agility and firepower allows to use it in a range of roles. In addition to its primary functions of flanking enemy positions (preferrably with a teammate capable of finishing off the survivors), the KF41 excels as a platform for suppressive fire, capable of keeping adversaries pinned down with an additional threat of ATGM rain, while allies manoeuvre for advantageous positions using scouting marks as a reference point. Furthermore, its often designated as a budget anti-aircraft asset - while not equipped with the extensive detection systems of dedicated anti-aircraft platforms, its weaponry and its built-in IRST make it a formidable deterrent against helicopters and low-flying aircraft.
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One of good uses for this tank is directly countering [[Vilkas]], [[Namer 30]], [[Freccia]] and [[PUMA VJTF]] rushes. It prevents them from instantly blowing you up with a Spike missile (even when you are stock and have no smoke screen), while you get to take out one or two of them for free. Simply remember to turn the tank over to where APS is still intact if facing multiple of such light tanks at once. Remember to disable their main weapon if you can, because their cannon is still very much deadly to the KF41 if aimed at the turret.
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A lot of helicopters will also sometimes find themselves unable to destroy the KF41 even with a maximum stealth "turn on the laser in the last 5 seconds" tactical attack, when its APS decides to actually shoot the incoming missiles rather than ignore them, and the tank commander will immediately "smoke away" from the rest of the volley. It's worth noting that while the KF41's Active Protection System exhibits an extremely random behaviour, it will reliably prevent "death charge" of Soviet and Chinese light tanks that use super powerful ATGM pre-loaded as their first shot, as they tend to aim at the hull.
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On large scale battlefields like the "Fields of Sinai" or "Fields of Poland", the KF41 emerges as a potent sniper unit, utilizing its cannon or Spike missiles to engage targets at extended ranges with precision and lethality. The strategic advantage of such long-range engagement capabilities cannot be overstated, as KF41 can disrupt travelling enemy snipers and neutralize high-value targets from afar. With the commander scope placement and the rather shallow arc of the PMC287 APFSDS, enemy tanks will find out, that their APFSDS cannot even hit the KF41 back and that, regrettably, nothing short of HE or an airstrike will be able to save them. A lot of tankers refuse to take multiple ammunition types and will find themselves shot and/or burned to death.
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[[File:KF41 dominating capture point.jpg|thumb|right|Whether by a gun or a missile, KF41 wants to block enemy reinforcements from ever arriving]]
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When forced to fight in close quarters, KF41 can fire smoke grenades into enemy faces to confuse and annoy them before pushing in. In the worst case it will make them shoot at the hull, as they probably won't be able to guess where your turret is, and it will help protect your crew. In the best case they will not notice you passing through or start panicking and moving around, and you will be able to land a side or back shot on them. In general, if forced into close quarter fights, KF41 wants to stay as silent and unnoticed as possible, so practice gun control to avoid being detected and/or traced.
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Lastly, the KF41 is potentially a monster ATGM tank, severely limited by its ATGM count. It can fire over the tallest walls in the game and the enemy can barely hurt it back. There are many capture points in the game, that other snipers like to stall next to due to them being either well-protected or having direct sight onto the enemy spawn. The ambitions of these players are rather shallow and they inevitably get blasted by TOW-2B or otherwise countersniped when they get too greedy. The KF41, however, is nigh untargetable in its full hull-down state and is able to launch Spikes even at the enemy machine guns with only low possibility of a miss. Additionally, the APS and LWS will protect the tank from the worst when the enemy team finally decides to fight back. That means, that in some spots, KF41 can endlessly fire directly into enemy spawns due to its height, blocking it off completely. Be aware, that you will probably die on your way to such a point and you will need to expose yourself to a flanking attack to be able to constantly reload and suppress an entire spawn point (especially in AB), but when you manage to entrench in such position, it's extremely worth it.
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;An extreme example of a fight over a capture point
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Since the KF41 is extremely good at holding capture points, but many maps are rather small for it (particularly in arcade battles), it may be a good idea to simply start the match in this tank, before the enemy had a chance to properly entrench. The capture point needs to have some kind of a rock or a building so that you can drive around it and evade incoming shots and launch Spikes over it at any incoming tanks. Capture points without any cover are bad because medium tanks will simply destroy you.
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After choosing a point, you can come alone or with a friend. A friend will likely take some of your kills, but will protect you from medium tanks that managed to slip through and get too close for your missiles to hit. Likewise, you can assist them by at least dropping Spikes on any tank that tries to push them away or even by gunning the enemy down if they ignore you. If there are any drones flying nearby, you can also destroy those simply to remove them or for bomber points in AB.
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In a perfect world, your situation should look something like this:
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[[File:KF41 point battle in arcade 0.jpg|frameless]]
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While the enemy recovers after initial loss, you need to use the drone to check on your situation (maybe someone managed to wait the fight out behind some building or a rock), use bomber points if playing AB and nobody is around, then start whailing on every passing by tank and aircraft with your missiles and autocannon. As long as nobody can come even remotely close to your capture point without being damaged, you will be able find a way to accumulate points by just existing.
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[[File:KF41 point battle in arcade 1.jpg|frameless]]
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Eventually your initial opponents and maybe some of their allies will return and try to push you. If your ally managed to survive, then all you need to do is just keep them alive by suppressing the opponent. If they fell, then you need to pay extra attention to any tank that managed to get within 300 m range and annihilate them on sight.
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Paying attention to your immediate surroundings is extremely important, because you can't win a fight if you are severely outnumbered and outgunned at the same time. The more damage you will cause, the more time you will buy for yourself and the more seriously the enemy will treat you later on, which will help with getting into their head.
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[[File:KF41 point battle in arcade 2.jpg|frameless]]
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It is not unlikely that while you are dealing with an obvious threat, someone manages to sneak up on you by using terrain features, or by simply using your reload timings against you. You need to be able to recognize this situation immediately and act ruthlessly if you want to survive or at least take down one of them with you.
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If you are very lucky, you will still have a teammate around, and by simply scouting the enemy and spamming some chat messages you can get them to remove the threat for you. More likely though, is that you are completely alone and the enemy is already standing next to you, just waiting for you to look away.
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If you were prudent at suppressing every enemy tank around, they are likely to be on a repair and/or are staying low, so you can immediately assault your "guest" with smoke grenades, mark them with scouting ability and proceed to shoot them with your gun. This works best if the terrain is completely flat.
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[[File:KF41 point battle in arcade 3.jpg|frameless]]
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If you didn't seize the opportunity, or the opponents were way too competent at covering eachother, you will find yourself in a situation, where you are outnumbered 3 to 1 from multiple sides and can't use your strongest weapon at all. Still, they don't necessarily know that you can't fire ATGM directly at them, so after being bombarded all the way to the capture point, they may have second thoughts, or hope that their teammate takes a hit for them instead.
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At this point, as soon as one of them attacks you, all of them will, so you need to make it count. Mark all of them with scouting and wait until they group up, then start spamming smoke grenades everywhere in order to create a huge smoke area. If you can, drop some smokes directly into their face as well.
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[[File:KF41 point battle in arcade 4.jpg|frameless]]
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The bravest among them is very likely to instantly lose their cool and rush forward into the smoke to end your prank, but they will not be able to properly aim at your turret, so likelihood of you instantly dying is already reduced. Do your best to sidestep them and hit their tank on the sides (or any weak spot that you can remember), while keeping yourself as much as possible within the smoke screens. If you can't do it within smoke screens (it may be difficult in RB) - blatantly drive out of the smoke and just shoot at the "rusher"'s back until they explode and try to retreat back in before their allies tore the KF41 apart.
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What happens after depends purely on the skill level of players involved and luck, so it is best to not let the enemy get so much of an advantage in the first place.
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[[File:KF41 beats the opponent by sidestepping.jpg|frameless]]
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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* Access to fire and forget missiles
 
* Access to fire and forget missiles
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* Powerful main armament
+
** Thermal commander scope and ATGM launcher setup allow for extremely safe or extremely offensive attacks
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* Equipped with hard-kill APS, able to stop enemy munitions, including ATGMs
+
* Powerful main armament, sometimes capable of penetrating LFP of medium tanks
 +
* Equipped with hard-kill APS, able to stop enemy ATGMs
 
* Mobile for being a tracked platform
 
* Mobile for being a tracked platform
 
* Great elevation angles, can easily fend off against enemy aircraft if they're near
 
* Great elevation angles, can easily fend off against enemy aircraft if they're near
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* High amount of smoke grenades
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* Technically counts as a makeshift SPAA if the commander is perceptive enough
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Very big profile
 
* Very big profile
−
* Weak armour
+
* Weak armour against conventional ammunition, the turret is too vulnerable and looks way too much like the Puma, rendering the hull armour useless
 
* APS is too situational, does not work all the time
 
* APS is too situational, does not work all the time
−
* Fire and forget missiles are very limited, cannot reload them unless at a friendly cap point
+
* Fire and forget missile reserves are very limited
−
* Cannon although powerful, has a low fire rate
+
* Cannon, although powerful, has a low fire rate and is unable to seriously damage most medium tanks directly from the front before they obliterate KF41
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 180: Line 267:
 
The vehicle was first unveiled in its lighter KF31 configuration in June 2016 at the Eurosatory exhibition. This debut was soon followed by the heavier KF41 variant, unveiled at the same event in 2018. By 2020, Rheinmetall had entered negotiations with several potential operators, including Australia, the Czech Republic, and the United States. Hungary became the KF41's first official operator in September of that year, placing an order for 218 vehicles.
 
The vehicle was first unveiled in its lighter KF31 configuration in June 2016 at the Eurosatory exhibition. This debut was soon followed by the heavier KF41 variant, unveiled at the same event in 2018. By 2020, Rheinmetall had entered negotiations with several potential operators, including Australia, the Czech Republic, and the United States. Hungary became the KF41's first official operator in September of that year, placing an order for 218 vehicles.
  
−
From [[wt:en/news/8458-development-kf41-the-majestic-lynx-en|Devblog]]
+
- ''[[wt:en/news/8458-development-kf41-the-majestic-lynx-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 188: Line 275:
  
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=it_kf_41 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=it_kf_41 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
−
 
−
 
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
Line 199: Line 284:
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
* [[PUMA]]
+
* [[PUMA VJTF]]
 
* [[Freccia]]
 
* [[Freccia]]
 
* [[VCC-80/30]]
 
* [[VCC-80/30]]

Latest revision as of 18:39, 20 November 2024

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
KF41
it_kf_41.png
GarageImage KF41.jpg
KF41
Italy flag.png Italy
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
11.0 11.0 11.0
Class:
Research:300 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:830 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The KF41 Lynx is a modern IFV design from the German Rheinmetall company, exported to the Hungarian Army. On July 31, 2024, the Hungarian army received its first KF41. The order was for 209 KF41s to be delivered in seven variants, ranging from the regular IFV, command variants with improved communications, all the way to medical transports and mortar carriers. By 2024, it is expected to receive 46 KF41s in the first delivery batch. The production of the vehicle was set up in a production plant in Zalaegerszeg with 51% investment from Rheinmetall and 49% from the Hungarian government.

It was introduced in Update "Sons of Attila" as part of the Hungarian branch of the Italian tech tree. The KF41 invites comparisons with the PUMA VJTF IFV; they are both heavily armed and armoured IFVs with good mobility and much heavier and bigger than their counterparts like the BMP-3 and the American Bradley IFV, but in reality they couldn't be any further apart. Unlike the PUMA, KF41 focuses on maximizing its scouting potential and is optimized for combat centered around fire-and-forget ATGMs by having a unique AMAP-ADS hard-kill active protection system, as well as a high amount of smoke grenades. In doing so the KF41 sacrifices aspects of the PUMA, like the unmanned turret, soft-kill APS, and ERA/NERA. Because of this, it is extremely vulnerable to attacks that the hard-kill APS cannot stop. Nevertheless, thanks to the Spike ATGMs and extremely good commander sight, it is a capable support vehicle and extremely potent capture point defender, being able to achieve long-range kills with its APFSDS and ATGM against both tanks and helicopters. For the latter threat, it can also utilise its AHEAD rounds from the 30 mm autocannon which are more capable at dealing with air threats.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
LWS
Notifies about the vehicle's exposure to laser emissions
Armourfront / side / back
Hull20 / 20 / 20
Turret10 / 10 / 10
Crew3 people
Visibility167 %

Despite its contemporary design akin to the Puma IFV, the KF41 exhibits a notable shortfall in protection against conventional rounds, as NERA is replaced by the AMAP-ADS Active Protection System (APS) which can only intercept objects flying at 70 to 700 m/s which means it can only really destroy ATGM (and not really all of them). The APS is incapable of intercepting HE shells as they generally fly at 850 m/s speed at the BR. This APS mainly ensures that the KF41 is the only vehicle around that is allowed to use the Spike ATGM freely, and is trying its best to stop any cannon launched ATGM upon launch, which can sometimes help against light and medium tanks.

Although APS is very situational, it allows the KF41 to casually disregard enemy ATGM rain while going towards the capture point, where others would fall

The APS is somewhat unreliable and will often fail to intercept attacks that are supposed to be within its capacity to hit. Many Soviet tandem ATGM will be able to hit its turret even if fired at an almost point blank range. APS coverage also isn't homogenous, with sides having much less ammunition, particularly near the turret. If attacked by other light tanks, which generally carry at least two missiles at the BR, KF41 should present its front or the back and hide the sides, as it's then possible to survive up to 6 attacks.

Any big gun at the BR should be able to obliterate the KF41 instantly. Even in AB, direct hit will put the tank into crew replenishment mode with obvious consequences. Nevertheless, its hull demonstrates commendable resilience against autocannons. The inclusion of external fuel tanks positioned behind the APS serves to bolster armour capabilities against smaller calibre projectiles, and the gunner with commander sit inside a basket that can prevent shrapnel and small shells from reaching them. However, the effectiveness of this additional protection is contingent upon various factors including impact angle, projectile type, as well as distance. The void spaces within the compartment enhance the vehicle's survivability, particularly when subjected to certain angles of attack.

The turret is entirely different, and while it is impossible to use mere 12.7 mm to hit cannon ammunition belt of the KF41, it is vulnerable to 20 mm cannons and above. While the ammunition is screened away from the crew, the screen is not strong enough to stop the explosion, so direct ammo rack hit is lethal. The shrapnel basket also doesn't extend into the turret, so anything penetrating the turret will hit the crew. This makes the tank protections mostly null and void, as almost everyone fire at the turret first anyway (partially, because it is the best way to disable the Puma as well). As such, a direct hit on the turret would result in near-immediate incapacitation even in AB.

Similar to the Puma, the crew compartment is compartmentalized, with the entire rear section, designated for infantry, remaining unoccupied. However, the amount of people at such high rank that would fire at the empty back of the tank is extremely low.

The primary survivability feature of the KF41 lies in its capacity to attack on a move and out of cover, enabling it to swiftly navigate the battlefield, evade and pressure enemy tanks until its commander managed to reach the strategic chokepoint. The tank has thermal commander scope, 12.7 mm machine gun and the ATGM launchers put on the very top of the tank. they are located so high, that common HEAT shells and small ATGMs will do nothing but cause fires if they hit at the topmost part of the optics, which is only a mild inconvenience, compared to being hit directly. HE shells and strong ATGM like the MIM146 or 9M119 still can cause overpressure damage wide and strong enough to implode the tank, so at least some care should be taken when enemy starts actively firing back.

The tank also has a huge amount of smoke grenades (20, fired in 10 pairs), which are most likely installed to break lock-on of IR and laser guided missiles of helicopters. They are also quite useful to sow chaos among enemy ranks, as enemy might fail to hit the KF41 turret and start compulsively firing at the more sturdy hull instead if they are completely blind.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull ___ mm ___ mm Top
___ mm Bottom 		___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Turret ___ - ___ mm Turret front
___ mm Gun mantlet 		___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Cupola ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB84 / 36 km/h
RB and SB76 / 33 km/h
Number of gears10 forward
5 back
Weight44.0 t
Engine power
AB2 204 hp
RB and SB1 155 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB50.1 hp/t
RB and SB26.3 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 84 36 44 1,790 2,204 40.68 50.09
Realistic 76 33 1,022 1,155 23.23 26.25

The mobility of the KF41 falls short when compared to similar armoured vehicles. Even heavily armoured counterparts like the T-80BVM and Leopard 2 series boast higher top speeds and overall mobility, highlighting the KF41's relatively lacklustre performance in combat, evidenced by its power-to-weight ratio of 26.3, in contrast to the T-80BVM's 27.2. Nonetheless, it maintains a respectable level of mobility, enabling the vehicle to swiftly navigate the periphery of the battlefield and deliver flanking manoeuvres against enemy vehicles.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 971 → 6 647 Sl icon.png
RB3 688 → 6 173 Sl icon.png
SB4 412 → 7 385 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications250 900 Rp icon.png
406 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 900 Ge icon.png
Crew training240 000 Sl icon.png
Experts830 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 140 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
140 / 170 / 220 % Sl icon.png
238 / 238 / 238 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
8 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
8 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
530 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
530 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement it.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
30mm_173_HEI_ammo_pack
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
30mm_173_AHEAD_ammo_pack
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
8 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods counterMeasures.png
LWS/LR
Research:
8 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
8 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Research:
8 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
30mm_173_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
530 Ge icon.png
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
530 Ge icon.png
Mods scout streak.png
Scout UAV
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
530 Ge icon.png

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

30 mm MK 30-2/ABM cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition348 rounds
First-order232 rounds
Belt capacity116 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
0.3 → 0.2 s
Fire rate201 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 45°
Main article: MK 30-2/ABM (30 mm)

The KF41 is equipped with the Mauser MK 30 automatic cannon, renowned for its powerful ammunition type and decent firing rate. While it may lack effectiveness against armoured vehicles in direct engagements, it proves highly advantageous for flanking manoeuvres and short-range anti-aircraft defense against helicopters or slow-moving, low-flying enemy jets. Players that already used VCC-80/30 and it's Bushmaster autocannon will feel right at home with this weapon, noting slight increase in penetration power and magazine size.

Try to actually gauge the power of the autocannon instead of randomly firing it everywhere and you will be rewarded for it.

When operating within a group, the cannon becomes instrumental in targeting critical components such as tracks or cannon barrels, thereby supporting allies engaged in frontal combat. Always try to aim for the sides or small weak spots in the turret front when there is nothing obvious left to hit. Randomly firing at the enemy tank upper hull plate will achieve nothing and will only make the target angry, as well as attract more unwanted attention from other tanks (or even aircraft), while firing at the turret may randomly cause internal damage or completely ruin the gun breech.

When locked in a point blank combat with a medium tank directly from the front, note that NATO-style tank LFPs don't really have enough armour to stop APFSDS of this particular weapon within 100 m range. Their resistance may range from nonexistent, as is the case with Chinese models, to being able to sustain 5 direct hits to the lowest ammo rack location. Generally, this advantage is only useful if the enemy is unable to fire (if they failed to destroy KF41 in one shot and were disabled afterwards, or got caught on a hill, for example).

It is advisable to utilize the APFSDS belt in most situations, reserving the AHEAD fragmentation belt for engagements with aircraft or lightly armoured vehicles. AHEAD will detonate at ranges fed to it by the anti-air IRST located in the sniper seat. The IRST cannot be locked on by the commander, so pay attention to which seat are you currently in.

30 mm MK 30-2/ABM 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 348 (116) 200 -10°/+45° ±180° Two-plane 57.1 79.1 96.0 106.2 113.0 0.26 0.23 0.21 0.20
Realistic 35.7 42.0 51.0 56.4 60.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
APDS 87 86 81 75 70 65
HEI-T 9 8 6 5 3 3
Ahead 44 42 34 26 20 16
APFSDS 121 119 111 97 93 83
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
APDS 1,480 0.19 - - - 75° 78° 80°
HEI-T 1,080 0.36 0.1 0.1 54.4 79° 80° 81°
Ahead 1,100 0.36 0.2 1.5 0.8 79° 80° 81°
APFSDS 1,405 0.16 - - - 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
3 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Additional armament

Spike-LR II ATGM
Ammunition4 rounds
Belt capacity2 rounds
Fire rate120 shots/min
Main article: Spike-LR II

The KF41 is outfitted with Spike-LR II IR fire-and-forget missiles, which exhibit a somewhat inconsistent reliability. While they offer the potential as stand-off weapons effective against heavily armoured targets as well as slow-moving, low-flying aircraft, their reliability can vary based on several factors including the target's speed, launch angle, distance, and the carrier's velocity. They also cannot be fired into a smoke screen.

The positioning of the launcher and overall stability of the KF41 hull enables quasi No Line-of-Sight launches, contingent upon factors and the target's exposure level, albeit rendering the missile ineffective at distances shorter than 250 m (unless the target has very high ground or moves sideways, forcing the missile to slow down further). Since the launcher is located on the very top of the tank, it can lock even on a machine gun or radio antenna poking over a hill, allowing launches straight into enemy cover as soon as they try to pull up. Due to this, it is almost impossible to trade against loaded KF41 without getting hit as well. Do note, that it is the launcher that locks onto enemy tanks and not the commander scope, and it may be possible to lock when the enemy tank is not even visible. If the launcher is damaged, it cannot fire.

The Spikes are comically easy to lock-on with KF41, and even one is often enough to scare opponents into smoking themselves

Spikes are blinded by the vegetation, but liberal application of the 12.7 mm M2HB MG located on top of the commander scope should be enough to remove any bushes that could block missile vision. If that isn't enough, the main weapon can destroy any remaining obstacles until there is nothing left.

Despite featuring a small warhead, Spikes can inflict significant damage on enemy tanks upon successful penetration and will almost surely attack the gun breech. A "double tap" with both missiles will obliterate or heavily damage the target tank with a probability of 90% if enemy does not drop smoke screens immediately. If Spike hits a light tank on a part that isn't protected by NERA, it nearly always causes fatal damage. Sometimes, their capability for top-down attacks may encounter limitations, particularly against heavily protected tanks featuring NERA components on the roof like the Strv 122 or Leopard 2A7.

The only thing truly holding the KF41 back from becoming a globally acknowledged menace is its pitiful ammo reserve of only 4 missiles (2 being pre-loaded into the launcher). It is, therefore, only possible to take out 2 tanks reliably until rearmed. Rearm on a capture point takes 15 seconds, which is the same with reload speed. KF41 that managed to make it to a secure capture point with a clear sight onto enemy team can perpetually control at least two targets at once and can eventually ruin an entire team on its own unless destroyed.

Spike-LR II missile
Capacity (Belt) Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer
4 (2) - - -

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
Spike-LR II ATGM (tandem) 900 900 900 900 900 900
Missile details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Range
(m) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Spike-LR II ATGM (tandem) 180 20,000 13.5 0.4 0.01 1.27 80° 82° 90°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
2 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition1 200 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 65°
Horizontal guidance-95° / 20°
7.62 mm M240 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition1 800 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate941 shots/min
Main articles: M2HB (12.7 mm), M240 (7.62 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 1,200 (200) 575 -10°/+65° -95°/+20°
7.62 mm M240
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 1,800 (200) 941 - -

Usage in battles

The KF41 can be loosely compared to the VCC-80/30, in which case the KF41 is an even further specialization in long range combat over kilometers of range. There are numerous in-game situations in which VCC is objectively better, simply because it has more missiles, better attack angles and smaller profile. It is often downright useless when engagement ranges reach 500 m, simply due to how strong the medium tanks are. Unfortunately, it's not possible for one player to have a complete control over the map, and what happens on the other end can affect you in the form of incoming airstrikes, which the KF41 can handle better.

The KF41 can be likened to a larger-scale R3 T20 in its operational approach. Despite its armour offering limited protection against only certain types of threats, its agility and firepower allows to use it in a range of roles. In addition to its primary functions of flanking enemy positions (preferrably with a teammate capable of finishing off the survivors), the KF41 excels as a platform for suppressive fire, capable of keeping adversaries pinned down with an additional threat of ATGM rain, while allies manoeuvre for advantageous positions using scouting marks as a reference point. Furthermore, its often designated as a budget anti-aircraft asset - while not equipped with the extensive detection systems of dedicated anti-aircraft platforms, its weaponry and its built-in IRST make it a formidable deterrent against helicopters and low-flying aircraft.

One of good uses for this tank is directly countering Vilkas, Namer 30, Freccia and PUMA VJTF rushes. It prevents them from instantly blowing you up with a Spike missile (even when you are stock and have no smoke screen), while you get to take out one or two of them for free. Simply remember to turn the tank over to where APS is still intact if facing multiple of such light tanks at once. Remember to disable their main weapon if you can, because their cannon is still very much deadly to the KF41 if aimed at the turret.

A lot of helicopters will also sometimes find themselves unable to destroy the KF41 even with a maximum stealth "turn on the laser in the last 5 seconds" tactical attack, when its APS decides to actually shoot the incoming missiles rather than ignore them, and the tank commander will immediately "smoke away" from the rest of the volley. It's worth noting that while the KF41's Active Protection System exhibits an extremely random behaviour, it will reliably prevent "death charge" of Soviet and Chinese light tanks that use super powerful ATGM pre-loaded as their first shot, as they tend to aim at the hull.

On large scale battlefields like the "Fields of Sinai" or "Fields of Poland", the KF41 emerges as a potent sniper unit, utilizing its cannon or Spike missiles to engage targets at extended ranges with precision and lethality. The strategic advantage of such long-range engagement capabilities cannot be overstated, as KF41 can disrupt travelling enemy snipers and neutralize high-value targets from afar. With the commander scope placement and the rather shallow arc of the PMC287 APFSDS, enemy tanks will find out, that their APFSDS cannot even hit the KF41 back and that, regrettably, nothing short of HE or an airstrike will be able to save them. A lot of tankers refuse to take multiple ammunition types and will find themselves shot and/or burned to death.

Whether by a gun or a missile, KF41 wants to block enemy reinforcements from ever arriving

When forced to fight in close quarters, KF41 can fire smoke grenades into enemy faces to confuse and annoy them before pushing in. In the worst case it will make them shoot at the hull, as they probably won't be able to guess where your turret is, and it will help protect your crew. In the best case they will not notice you passing through or start panicking and moving around, and you will be able to land a side or back shot on them. In general, if forced into close quarter fights, KF41 wants to stay as silent and unnoticed as possible, so practice gun control to avoid being detected and/or traced.

Lastly, the KF41 is potentially a monster ATGM tank, severely limited by its ATGM count. It can fire over the tallest walls in the game and the enemy can barely hurt it back. There are many capture points in the game, that other snipers like to stall next to due to them being either well-protected or having direct sight onto the enemy spawn. The ambitions of these players are rather shallow and they inevitably get blasted by TOW-2B or otherwise countersniped when they get too greedy. The KF41, however, is nigh untargetable in its full hull-down state and is able to launch Spikes even at the enemy machine guns with only low possibility of a miss. Additionally, the APS and LWS will protect the tank from the worst when the enemy team finally decides to fight back. That means, that in some spots, KF41 can endlessly fire directly into enemy spawns due to its height, blocking it off completely. Be aware, that you will probably die on your way to such a point and you will need to expose yourself to a flanking attack to be able to constantly reload and suppress an entire spawn point (especially in AB), but when you manage to entrench in such position, it's extremely worth it.

An extreme example of a fight over a capture point

Since the KF41 is extremely good at holding capture points, but many maps are rather small for it (particularly in arcade battles), it may be a good idea to simply start the match in this tank, before the enemy had a chance to properly entrench. The capture point needs to have some kind of a rock or a building so that you can drive around it and evade incoming shots and launch Spikes over it at any incoming tanks. Capture points without any cover are bad because medium tanks will simply destroy you.

After choosing a point, you can come alone or with a friend. A friend will likely take some of your kills, but will protect you from medium tanks that managed to slip through and get too close for your missiles to hit. Likewise, you can assist them by at least dropping Spikes on any tank that tries to push them away or even by gunning the enemy down if they ignore you. If there are any drones flying nearby, you can also destroy those simply to remove them or for bomber points in AB.

In a perfect world, your situation should look something like this:

KF41 point battle in arcade 0.jpg

While the enemy recovers after initial loss, you need to use the drone to check on your situation (maybe someone managed to wait the fight out behind some building or a rock), use bomber points if playing AB and nobody is around, then start whailing on every passing by tank and aircraft with your missiles and autocannon. As long as nobody can come even remotely close to your capture point without being damaged, you will be able find a way to accumulate points by just existing.

KF41 point battle in arcade 1.jpg

Eventually your initial opponents and maybe some of their allies will return and try to push you. If your ally managed to survive, then all you need to do is just keep them alive by suppressing the opponent. If they fell, then you need to pay extra attention to any tank that managed to get within 300 m range and annihilate them on sight.

Paying attention to your immediate surroundings is extremely important, because you can't win a fight if you are severely outnumbered and outgunned at the same time. The more damage you will cause, the more time you will buy for yourself and the more seriously the enemy will treat you later on, which will help with getting into their head.

KF41 point battle in arcade 2.jpg

It is not unlikely that while you are dealing with an obvious threat, someone manages to sneak up on you by using terrain features, or by simply using your reload timings against you. You need to be able to recognize this situation immediately and act ruthlessly if you want to survive or at least take down one of them with you.

If you are very lucky, you will still have a teammate around, and by simply scouting the enemy and spamming some chat messages you can get them to remove the threat for you. More likely though, is that you are completely alone and the enemy is already standing next to you, just waiting for you to look away.

If you were prudent at suppressing every enemy tank around, they are likely to be on a repair and/or are staying low, so you can immediately assault your "guest" with smoke grenades, mark them with scouting ability and proceed to shoot them with your gun. This works best if the terrain is completely flat.

KF41 point battle in arcade 3.jpg

If you didn't seize the opportunity, or the opponents were way too competent at covering eachother, you will find yourself in a situation, where you are outnumbered 3 to 1 from multiple sides and can't use your strongest weapon at all. Still, they don't necessarily know that you can't fire ATGM directly at them, so after being bombarded all the way to the capture point, they may have second thoughts, or hope that their teammate takes a hit for them instead.

At this point, as soon as one of them attacks you, all of them will, so you need to make it count. Mark all of them with scouting and wait until they group up, then start spamming smoke grenades everywhere in order to create a huge smoke area. If you can, drop some smokes directly into their face as well.

KF41 point battle in arcade 4.jpg

The bravest among them is very likely to instantly lose their cool and rush forward into the smoke to end your prank, but they will not be able to properly aim at your turret, so likelihood of you instantly dying is already reduced. Do your best to sidestep them and hit their tank on the sides (or any weak spot that you can remember), while keeping yourself as much as possible within the smoke screens. If you can't do it within smoke screens (it may be difficult in RB) - blatantly drive out of the smoke and just shoot at the "rusher"'s back until they explode and try to retreat back in before their allies tore the KF41 apart.

What happens after depends purely on the skill level of players involved and luck, so it is best to not let the enemy get so much of an advantage in the first place.

KF41 beats the opponent by sidestepping.jpg

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Access to fire and forget missiles
    • Thermal commander scope and ATGM launcher setup allow for extremely safe or extremely offensive attacks
  • Powerful main armament, sometimes capable of penetrating LFP of medium tanks
  • Equipped with hard-kill APS, able to stop enemy ATGMs
  • Mobile for being a tracked platform
  • Great elevation angles, can easily fend off against enemy aircraft if they're near
  • High amount of smoke grenades
  • Technically counts as a makeshift SPAA if the commander is perceptive enough

Cons:

  • Very big profile
  • Weak armour against conventional ammunition, the turret is too vulnerable and looks way too much like the Puma, rendering the hull armour useless
  • APS is too situational, does not work all the time
  • Fire and forget missile reserves are very limited
  • Cannon, although powerful, has a low fire rate and is unable to seriously damage most medium tanks directly from the front before they obliterate KF41

History

Rheinmetall initiated the development of the KF series of combat vehicles to fill a noticeable gap in the market for tracked vehicles. The company aimed to create a design versatile enough to outperform direct competitors while still being able to efficiently carry out peacetime operations.

The vehicle was first unveiled in its lighter KF31 configuration in June 2016 at the Eurosatory exhibition. This debut was soon followed by the heavier KF41 variant, unveiled at the same event in 2018. By 2020, Rheinmetall had entered negotiations with several potential operators, including Australia, the Czech Republic, and the United States. Hungary became the KF41's first official operator in September of that year, placing an order for 218 vehicles.

- Devblog

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #373 - Metal Beasts section at 00:24 discusses the KF41.

See also

External links


Italy light tanks
  Italy
L6/40  L6/40 · L6/40 (31 Rgt.)
M11/39  M11/39
Autoblindo  AB 41 · AB 43
Fiat 6614/6616  FIAT 6614 · AUBL/74 · AUBL/74 HVG
R3 Capraia  R3 T106 FA
Centauro  Centauro I 105 · Centauro I 105 R · Centauro I 120 · Centauro RGO · VRCC
Freccia  VBC (PT2) · Freccia
Dardo  Dardo · VCC-80/60 · VCC-80/30
Other  C13 T90
USA  ▄M3A3 · ▄M24 · ▄M18
  Hungary
WWII  Csaba · Toldi IIA
Post  ◔BTR-80A · KF41

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