Difference between revisions of "Churchill AVRE Petard"

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{{About
 +
| about = British heavy tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other variants
 +
| link = Churchill (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=uk_churchill_avre
 
|code=uk_churchill_avre
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
|market=id50272_churchill_avre_petard_great_britain
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} British heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Seek & Destroy"]].
+
The {{Specs|name}}, officially the "Mortar, Recoiling, Spigot, 29mm, Mk I", was the first vehicle to bear the name "AVRE" (Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineer) as a breakthrough tank for the British Army's Royal Engineers. The 1942 Dieppe Raid revealed a dire need for a vehicle that could assist in breaching extensive bunker/pillbox defences, particularly when attempting to break through enemy lines from new beachheads. This vehicle would serve as a mobile cover for Royal Engineers while operating in the battlefield. After evaluations of several tanks, the Churchill infantry tank became the chosen vehicle for this mission. Aside from some components being replaced by engineering supplies and having larger side doors for infantry operation, a new 290 mm [[Mortars|spigot mortar]], dubbed the "flying dustbin", was also installed in the turret to launch ranged demolition charges without having to leave the vehicle during crossfire. After trials in 1943, the new vehicle, now known as the Churchill AVRE, was ready for service and proved very successful during the breakthrough stage in the Normandy Landings in June 1944. The 79th Armoured Division, with their "Hobart's Funnies" vehicles, successfully provided reliable support for the first wave of assault groups. The AVRE name would also be retained for all new vehicles designed for these purposes, including the [[Centurion Mk.5 AVRE]] which was still in service during the Gulf War of the 1990s.
 +
 
 +
Introduced during [[Update "Alpha Strike"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/8912-event-earn-the-churchill-avre-in-the-operation-overlord-event-en|2024 Operation Overlord event]], the Churchill AVRE plays similarly to the German [[38 cm Sturmmörser|Sturmtiger]], as instead of a cannon it has a 230 mm Petard mortar, which launches huge 18 kg projectiles. However, such a weapon requires special skill: aiming is not easy due to the low initial velocity of the projectile. For the same reason, the effective range of the mortar's flight does not exceed 100 metres, so the Churchill AVRE is effective only at short combat distances, such as in urban areas. The outstanding protection of the Churchill will be very useful to get close enough to enemy vehicles, allowing it to survive several hits. However, it should be noted that the gun has a long reload time, and the loaded shell in the barrel can be easily detonated with even machine gun fire.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 12: Line 20:
 
{{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.'' -->
−
''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 Churchill AVRE's protection is identical to that of a baseline [[Churchill III]]. For its rank, the Churchill has relatively reliable protection thanks to its true identity - a heavy tank (although officially an infantry tank). However, remember that "reliable" does not equate to "invincible"; there are still some cannons that can penetrate the III series, for example, the Soviet F-34 and German Kwk 42, as well as US 3-inch guns. In most cases, if their shot lands on sloped parts of the hull, the AVRE will very unlikely be harmed at all. Be sure to keep the flanks clear, even if this means being less aggressive than one would normally indulge with the Churchill series to avoid being overwhelmed while reloading.
 +
 
 +
As for the crew and internal compartments, the overall layout is mostly identical to a Churchill III, but the major difference lies in the remaining demolition charges stored inside the vehicle. While the sufficiently spacious interior might mitigate some damage, a direct hit on those charges will certainly blow the turret to the height of Big Ben. Therefore, pointing the hull at oncoming fire is essential for the Churchill AVRE's service.
  
 
'''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 -->
Line 22: Line 32:
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
|Hull||89 mm ''Front plate'' <br> 89 + 89 mm ''Front plate (MG Port)'' <br> 38 mm (63°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 76.2 mm (19°) ''Lower glacis''
 +
|63.5 mm ''Overall side armour'' <br> 76.2 mm ''Side hatch'' <br> 38.1 mm ''Side edge''
 +
|50.8 mm <br> 25.4 mm (60-69°) ''Bottom''
 +
|19.05 mm ''Front'' <br> 15.87 mm ''Rear''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
|Turret||89 mm (0-49°) ''Turret front'' <br> 89 mm (0-30°) ''Gun mantlet'' <br>19.05 mm (77°) ''Roof area''
−
|-
+
|76.2 mm (0-47°)||76.2 + 7 mm||19.05 mm
−
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''
+
The Churchill III uses the same engine as any previous or later production of the Churchill series, namely the Belford "Flat Twelve" 12-cylinder, horizontal petrol engine. Although it can drive the vehicle, it will never be the first to hit the frontline due to its rather slow acceleration and a top speed of 24 km/h.
  
−
{{tankMobility}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=452|rbMinHp=310}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 50: Line 62:
 
{{main|Petard (230 mm)}}
 
{{main|Petard (230 mm)}}
  
−
''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.''
+
The 29 mm of the tank's designation refers to the spigot (the tube that the ammunition is inserted onto); the ammunition itself is 230 mm and known as the "Petard", or commonly as the "flying dustbin" referring to its dustbin-like appearance. With around 17.8 kg of TNT explosive charge, a single hit can demolish most, if not all, targets the AVRE will face at its tier. Be careful of its rather long reload time (reloaded by the driver from an overhead hatch into the barrel) and damage to the ammunition itself, even from machine gun fire.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 16 || rowspan="2" | -3°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 16 || rowspan="2" | -3°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 19.4 || 26.9 || 32.6 || 36.1 || 38.4 || rowspan="2" | 26.00 || rowspan="2" | 23.00 || rowspan="2" | 21.20 || rowspan="2" | 20.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{main|BESA (7.92 mm)}}
 
{{main|BESA (7.92 mm)}}
  
−
''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''
+
All British-built tanks in WWII mount a .303 BESA machine gun; in this case, the machine gun is mounted in the turret for taking out exposed crews of enemy vehicles.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| Coaxial || 9,450 (225) || 600 || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 108: Line 120:
 
== 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).'' -->
−
''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).''
+
Unlike common Churchill series with 75 mm gun, AVRE is equipped with a "29 mm Spigot" instead for breaching defense lines; the caliber itself is indeed harmless at first glance, but do remember spigot means the base tube of the weapon - the diameter of the projectile itself is 230 mm, second largest to Sturmtiger's 38 cm rocket in ground battle. To say at least, at its tier, nothing can survive a direct hit from that demolition charge. While the charge sounds invincible against any targets, if players underestimate any potential enemies, they can often find ways to sent the AVRE to its kingdom come. Thus it has to use with caution while holding devastating power.
 +
 
 +
A thumb rule for any petard mortars is - it will never fly straight. For players who might have experiences or knowledge on such type of weapon, it can be said as an oversized PIAT anti-tank launcher. Due to the supersize of the demolition charge and method of launching, even with the propellent charges ignited, the 40 lbs (or, 18.2 kg) charge can only fly at most 150 meters; in reality during WWII, the vehicle was usually used for breaching enemy fortifications or fortified buildings at very close range without risking the lives of Royal Engineers, which also means the vehicle is designed for scenario with very few or none AT weapon from the enemy. In most cases in game, around the tier of AVRE, most tanks with low caliber guns or short barrel are powerless against the AVRE; this do applies to tanks with only full-caliber kinetic shells, sometimes players might run into tank destroyers with long-barrel gun or tanks with HEAT and even APDS shells (exclusive to Swedish tanks). Churchill III (its chassis) by itself is certainly durable by this tier with 89 mm of armor up front, this time even with spare tracks as applique armor; do remember that is perpendicular to the ground, thus enemy guns just only need to get in range with sufficient penetration to hit the tank, those aforementioned guns will not have problem doing so given the tank is not angled at all; angling on a Churchill is quite an experience due to the tank design - since the tank has a somewhat complicated side layout and the tracks are covered by steel plates, by just angling the tank by some extent, the ballistics of enemy shells will become very complicated upon penetration, thus bouncing the shell or not having enough penetration to harm the combat compartment. As long as players can keep the vehicle operational and reach firing radius, aiming for the closest enemy is a good idea to earn income as it doesn't require gun sight adjustments before firing, due to the rather curve ballistics and extremely slow velocity, the demolition charge can only travel up to 150 m at most; this is also risky without any support from friendly vehicles to defend against flanking or eliminating high-threat targets with high-penetration gun, any misses on enemy also leads to a up-to 26 second reload - more than enough for any tanks at its tier to fire 4 times. For most targets, landing the charge on them is already a certain death sentence to them or at least disable them enough for another shot, hitting heavy targets i.e KVs or StuGs needs the player to aim for their top plates as close as possible to overpressure them for good.
 +
 
 +
The AVRE is a quite unique experience for a combat vehicle at its tier: while it has the most devastating firepower, the ballistics become a major drawback of the vehicle. But when players can advance the vehicle with caution for flanking enemies and only advances to vantage points with sufficient cover for retreat, enemy will have very hard time dealing with the "flying dustbin" and its demolition charge. Plan wisely for advance while being a spearhead to break through enemy lines.  
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
 
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Huge explosive filler in mortar shell can obliterate anything it touches, even above its BR
 +
* Due to curved arc of the mortar, it can be easily lobbed over obstacles or terrain to hit target hiding behind them
 +
* Extremely thick armour, especially for its BR
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Extremely terrible shell velocity; cannot shoot further than 10 meters in a straight line, and has a maximum range of only 150 meters
 +
* Being a mortar shell, the shell takes very long time to lob and descend onto the target if shooting at range, making it very difficult to hit moving targets
 +
* Due to very limited range of the mortar, the tank struggle to perform in open terrain where virtually all enemies can outrange it
 +
* Mortar shell can be detonated inside the barrel, potentially causing lethal damage
 +
* Very poor top speed and mobility, highly vulnerable to airstrike
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 132: Line 155:
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
* [[Mortars]]
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
* [[Matilda Hedgehog]]
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* [[38 cm Sturmmörser]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 141: Line 164:
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''

Latest revision as of 20:07, 27 October 2024

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the British heavy tank Churchill AVRE Petard. For other variants, see Churchill (Family).
Churchill AVRE Petard
uk_churchill_avre.png
GarageImage Churchill AVRE Petard.jpg
ArtImage Churchill AVRE Petard.png
Churchill AVRE Petard
Britain flag.png Britain
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.7 2.7 2.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
MARKET

Description

The Churchill Mk.III AVRE Petard, officially the "Mortar, Recoiling, Spigot, 29mm, Mk I", was the first vehicle to bear the name "AVRE" (Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineer) as a breakthrough tank for the British Army's Royal Engineers. The 1942 Dieppe Raid revealed a dire need for a vehicle that could assist in breaching extensive bunker/pillbox defences, particularly when attempting to break through enemy lines from new beachheads. This vehicle would serve as a mobile cover for Royal Engineers while operating in the battlefield. After evaluations of several tanks, the Churchill infantry tank became the chosen vehicle for this mission. Aside from some components being replaced by engineering supplies and having larger side doors for infantry operation, a new 290 mm spigot mortar, dubbed the "flying dustbin", was also installed in the turret to launch ranged demolition charges without having to leave the vehicle during crossfire. After trials in 1943, the new vehicle, now known as the Churchill AVRE, was ready for service and proved very successful during the breakthrough stage in the Normandy Landings in June 1944. The 79th Armoured Division, with their "Hobart's Funnies" vehicles, successfully provided reliable support for the first wave of assault groups. The AVRE name would also be retained for all new vehicles designed for these purposes, including the Centurion Mk.5 AVRE which was still in service during the Gulf War of the 1990s.

Introduced during Update "Alpha Strike" as a reward for the 2024 Operation Overlord event, the Churchill AVRE plays similarly to the German Sturmtiger, as instead of a cannon it has a 230 mm Petard mortar, which launches huge 18 kg projectiles. However, such a weapon requires special skill: aiming is not easy due to the low initial velocity of the projectile. For the same reason, the effective range of the mortar's flight does not exceed 100 metres, so the Churchill AVRE is effective only at short combat distances, such as in urban areas. The outstanding protection of the Churchill will be very useful to get close enough to enemy vehicles, allowing it to survive several hits. However, it should be noted that the gun has a long reload time, and the loaded shell in the barrel can be easily detonated with even machine gun fire.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull89 / 76 / 51
Turret89 / 89 / 76
Crew5 people
Visibility87 %

The Churchill AVRE's protection is identical to that of a baseline Churchill III. For its rank, the Churchill has relatively reliable protection thanks to its true identity - a heavy tank (although officially an infantry tank). However, remember that "reliable" does not equate to "invincible"; there are still some cannons that can penetrate the III series, for example, the Soviet F-34 and German Kwk 42, as well as US 3-inch guns. In most cases, if their shot lands on sloped parts of the hull, the AVRE will very unlikely be harmed at all. Be sure to keep the flanks clear, even if this means being less aggressive than one would normally indulge with the Churchill series to avoid being overwhelmed while reloading.

As for the crew and internal compartments, the overall layout is mostly identical to a Churchill III, but the major difference lies in the remaining demolition charges stored inside the vehicle. While the sufficiently spacious interior might mitigate some damage, a direct hit on those charges will certainly blow the turret to the height of Big Ben. Therefore, pointing the hull at oncoming fire is essential for the Churchill AVRE's service.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 89 mm Front plate
89 + 89 mm Front plate (MG Port)
38 mm (63°) Front glacis
76.2 mm (19°) Lower glacis 		63.5 mm Overall side armour
76.2 mm Side hatch
38.1 mm Side edge 		50.8 mm
25.4 mm (60-69°) Bottom 		19.05 mm Front
15.87 mm Rear
Turret 89 mm (0-49°) Turret front
89 mm (0-30°) Gun mantlet
19.05 mm (77°) Roof area 		76.2 mm (0-47°) 76.2 + 7 mm 19.05 mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB30 / 3 km/h
RB and SB28 / 3 km/h
Number of gears4 forward
1 back
Weight39.0 t
Engine power
AB668 hp
RB and SB350 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB17.1 hp/t
RB and SB9.0 hp/t

The Churchill III uses the same engine as any previous or later production of the Churchill series, namely the Belford "Flat Twelve" 12-cylinder, horizontal petrol engine. Although it can drive the vehicle, it will never be the first to hit the frontline due to its rather slow acceleration and a top speed of 24 km/h.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 30 3 39 452 668 11.59 17.13
Realistic 28 3 310 350 7.95 8.97

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB566 Sl icon.png
RB645 Sl icon.png
SB770 Sl icon.png
Crew training3 400 Sl icon.png
Experts23 000 Sl icon.png
Aces160 Ge icon.png
Research Aces380 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 40 / 60 / 60 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 118 / 118 / 118 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Mods tank reinforcement uk.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism

Armaments

Main armament

230 mm Petard mortar
Ammunition16 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
26.0 → 20.0 s
Vertical guidance-3° / 15°
Main article: Petard (230 mm)

The 29 mm of the tank's designation refers to the spigot (the tube that the ammunition is inserted onto); the ammunition itself is 230 mm and known as the "Petard", or commonly as the "flying dustbin" referring to its dustbin-like appearance. With around 17.8 kg of TNT explosive charge, a single hit can demolish most, if not all, targets the AVRE will face at its tier. Be careful of its rather long reload time (reloaded by the driver from an overhead hatch into the barrel) and damage to the ammunition itself, even from machine gun fire.

230 mm Petard Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 16 -3°/+15° ±180° - 19.4 26.9 32.6 36.1 38.4 26.00 23.00 21.20 20.00
Realistic 14.3 16.8 20.4 22.6 24.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
No.1 Demolition Bomb Rocket 64 64 64 64 64 64
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
No.1 Demolition Bomb Rocket 50 18.14 0 0.1 17.73 79° 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
16 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Machine guns

7.92 mm BESA machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition9 450 rounds
Belt capacity225 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main article: BESA (7.92 mm)

All British-built tanks in WWII mount a .303 BESA machine gun; in this case, the machine gun is mounted in the turret for taking out exposed crews of enemy vehicles.

7.92 mm BESA
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 9,450 (225) 600 - -

Usage in battles

Unlike common Churchill series with 75 mm gun, AVRE is equipped with a "29 mm Spigot" instead for breaching defense lines; the caliber itself is indeed harmless at first glance, but do remember spigot means the base tube of the weapon - the diameter of the projectile itself is 230 mm, second largest to Sturmtiger's 38 cm rocket in ground battle. To say at least, at its tier, nothing can survive a direct hit from that demolition charge. While the charge sounds invincible against any targets, if players underestimate any potential enemies, they can often find ways to sent the AVRE to its kingdom come. Thus it has to use with caution while holding devastating power.

A thumb rule for any petard mortars is - it will never fly straight. For players who might have experiences or knowledge on such type of weapon, it can be said as an oversized PIAT anti-tank launcher. Due to the supersize of the demolition charge and method of launching, even with the propellent charges ignited, the 40 lbs (or, 18.2 kg) charge can only fly at most 150 meters; in reality during WWII, the vehicle was usually used for breaching enemy fortifications or fortified buildings at very close range without risking the lives of Royal Engineers, which also means the vehicle is designed for scenario with very few or none AT weapon from the enemy. In most cases in game, around the tier of AVRE, most tanks with low caliber guns or short barrel are powerless against the AVRE; this do applies to tanks with only full-caliber kinetic shells, sometimes players might run into tank destroyers with long-barrel gun or tanks with HEAT and even APDS shells (exclusive to Swedish tanks). Churchill III (its chassis) by itself is certainly durable by this tier with 89 mm of armor up front, this time even with spare tracks as applique armor; do remember that is perpendicular to the ground, thus enemy guns just only need to get in range with sufficient penetration to hit the tank, those aforementioned guns will not have problem doing so given the tank is not angled at all; angling on a Churchill is quite an experience due to the tank design - since the tank has a somewhat complicated side layout and the tracks are covered by steel plates, by just angling the tank by some extent, the ballistics of enemy shells will become very complicated upon penetration, thus bouncing the shell or not having enough penetration to harm the combat compartment. As long as players can keep the vehicle operational and reach firing radius, aiming for the closest enemy is a good idea to earn income as it doesn't require gun sight adjustments before firing, due to the rather curve ballistics and extremely slow velocity, the demolition charge can only travel up to 150 m at most; this is also risky without any support from friendly vehicles to defend against flanking or eliminating high-threat targets with high-penetration gun, any misses on enemy also leads to a up-to 26 second reload - more than enough for any tanks at its tier to fire 4 times. For most targets, landing the charge on them is already a certain death sentence to them or at least disable them enough for another shot, hitting heavy targets i.e KVs or StuGs needs the player to aim for their top plates as close as possible to overpressure them for good.

The AVRE is a quite unique experience for a combat vehicle at its tier: while it has the most devastating firepower, the ballistics become a major drawback of the vehicle. But when players can advance the vehicle with caution for flanking enemies and only advances to vantage points with sufficient cover for retreat, enemy will have very hard time dealing with the "flying dustbin" and its demolition charge. Plan wisely for advance while being a spearhead to break through enemy lines.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Huge explosive filler in mortar shell can obliterate anything it touches, even above its BR
  • Due to curved arc of the mortar, it can be easily lobbed over obstacles or terrain to hit target hiding behind them
  • Extremely thick armour, especially for its BR

Cons:

  • Extremely terrible shell velocity; cannot shoot further than 10 meters in a straight line, and has a maximum range of only 150 meters
  • Being a mortar shell, the shell takes very long time to lob and descend onto the target if shooting at range, making it very difficult to hit moving targets
  • Due to very limited range of the mortar, the tank struggle to perform in open terrain where virtually all enemies can outrange it
  • Mortar shell can be detonated inside the barrel, potentially causing lethal damage
  • Very poor top speed and mobility, highly vulnerable to airstrike

History

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Media

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See also

External links

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


Britain heavy tanks
Matilda  Matilda III · Matilda Hedgehog
Churchill  Churchill I · Churchill III · Churchill VII · Churchill Crocodile · Churchill NA75 · Black Prince
Post-war  Caernarvon · Conqueror
Other  Independent · Excelsior · TOG II

Britain premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.) · A13 Mk II 1939 · AEC Mk II · Crusader "The Saint" · Rooikat 105
Medium tanks  A.C.I · Grant I · Cromwell V (RP-3) · Sherman IC "Trzyniec" · A.C.IV · Comet I "Iron Duke IV"
  Centurion Mk.2 · ▄Strv 81 (RB 52) · Centurion Mk.5 AVRE · Centurion Mk.5/1 · ▄Sho't Kal Dalet · Centurion Action X
  Vijayanta · Khalid · Challenger DS · Challenger 2 OES
Heavy tanks  Independent · Matilda Hedgehog · Excelsior · TOG II · Churchill Crocodile · Black Prince
Tank destroyers  Alecto I · Achilles (65 Rg.) · QF 3.7 Ram

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