Difference between revisions of "Falcon"

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(minor rewrite of description, general info and armaments sections to improve readability and remove uses of "you" and other similar language)
(Fixed correction Devblog link)
 
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{{Specs-Card|code=uk_falcon}}
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{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=uk_falcon
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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 the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it 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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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicle {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]]. While being an anti-aircraft vehicle, the Falcon has optimal performance against everything, assuming you have enough modifications. Some self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicles have a high fire rate, which allows them to destroy planes instantly or harass them from great distances, although they may have problems with standard ground vehicles due to armour. There are others which can destroy tanks by using high penetration ammunition but have difficulty taking down aircraft due to a lack of explosive filler. The Falcon has the ability to perform both of these roles with a high degree of efficiency.
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{{Break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicle {{Battle-rating}}. This vehicle was introduced in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]]. While being an anti-aircraft vehicle, the Falcon has optimal performance against everything, assuming you have enough modifications. Some self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicles have a high fire rate, which allows them to destroy planes instantly or harass them from great distances, although they may have problems with standard ground vehicles due to armour. There are others which can destroy tanks by using high penetration ammunition but have difficulty taking down aircraft due to a lack of explosive filler. The Falcon has the ability to perform both of these roles with a high degree of efficiency.
 
  
 
The Falcon has the appearance of a light tank with a slightly sloped round turret on the back. It is easy to recognize the Falcon due to its unique features as there are not many vehicles like it on a field at its battle rating.
 
The Falcon has the appearance of a light tank with a slightly sloped round turret on the back. It is easy to recognize the Falcon due to its unique features as there are not many vehicles like it on a field at its battle rating.
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== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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?''
+
{{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.'' -->
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
+
The armour on the Falcon is not very effective, as it can only reliably protect against rifle-calibre machine guns. Aircraft that are armed with heavy machine guns and cannons are able to destroy it, but the Falcon is quick and highly manoeuvrable compared to most other vehicles which can allow it to escape into cover.
  
−
The armour on the Falcon is not very effective, as it can only reliably protect against rifle-caliber machine guns. Aircraft that are armed with heavy machine guns and cannons are able to destroy it, but the Falcon is quick and highly maneuverable compared to most other vehicles which can allow it to escape into cover.  
+
Important to note that some full calibre APHE shells do not detonate upon impacting the Falcon's armour, granting it some chances to make narrow escapes.
  
−
Important to note that some full caliber AP shells do not detonate upon impacting the Falcon's armour, granting it some chances to make narrow escapes. However, is is also possible for these shells to hull-break the Falcon as long as they are of 120+ mm calibre and hit a critical module of the tank. One of the confirmed critical modules is the autocannon breech. Many of the tanks at the Battle Rating of the Falcon also carry 12.7 mm or 14.5 mm heavy machine guns and will fire them at the Falcon, which are easily capable of defeating the armour and will devastate the interior of the vehicle, so as long as the mobility of the vehicle is not hampered it is advisable to keep moving and find cover.
+
Many of the tanks at the battle rating of the Falcon also carry 12.7 mm or 14.5 mm heavy machine guns and will fire them at the Falcon. These machine guns are easily capable of defeating the armour and will devastate the interior of the vehicle, so as long as the mobility of the vehicle is not hampered it is advisable to keep moving and find cover.
  
−
Chemical rounds, such as HEAT-FS and HESH, will also obliterate the Falcon, and artillery can also quickly bring a swift end to the Falcon.
+
Chemical rounds, such as HEAT-FS and HESH, will obliterate the Falcon, and artillery can also quickly bring a swift end to the Falcon.
  
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
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| Hull || 10 mm (80°), 12.7 mm (2-19°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 12.7 mm (37°) ''Lower glacis'' || 12.7 mm ''Top'' <br> 12.7 mm (13°) ''Bottom'' || 10 mm (2°) || 10 mm
 
| Hull || 10 mm (80°), 12.7 mm (2-19°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 12.7 mm (37°) ''Lower glacis'' || 12.7 mm ''Top'' <br> 12.7 mm (13°) ''Bottom'' || 10 mm (2°) || 10 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 10 mm (4-64°) || 10 mm (14-26°) || 10 mm (2°) || 6 mm  
+
| Turret || 10 mm (4-64°) || 10 mm (14-26°) || 10 mm (2°) || 6 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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* Suspension wheels are 10 mm thick while tracks are 15 mm thick.
 
* Suspension wheels are 10 mm thick while tracks are 15 mm thick.
−
* The general armour on the Falcon is extremely thin, which allows some full caliber AP shells to pass through without detonating.
+
* The general armour on the Falcon is extremely thin, which allows some full calibre APHE shells to pass through without detonating.
 
* Heavy machine guns are able to defeat the armour protection of the Falcon.
 
* Heavy machine guns are able to defeat the armour protection of the Falcon.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
−
<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
−
|-
+
 
−
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=303|rbMinHp=188}}
−
|-
+
 
−
! Weight (tons)
+
=== Modifications and economy ===
−
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armor<br>weight (tons)
+
{{Specs-Economy}}
−
! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
 
−
|-
 
−
| rowspan="2" | 15.9 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 52 (AB)
 
−
|-
 
−
|48 (RB/SB)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="1" | Mode
 
−
!Stock
 
−
!Upgraded
 
−
|-
 
−
|''Arcade''
 
−
|303
 
−
|372
 
−
|-
 
−
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
−
|188
 
−
|213
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="1" | Mode
 
−
!Stock
 
−
!Upgraded
 
−
|-
 
−
|''Arcade''
 
−
|19.06
 
−
|23.4
 
−
|-
 
−
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
−
|11.82
 
−
|13.4
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
<!--''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.''-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
−
{{main|HSS-831L (30 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.'' -->
 +
{{main|HSS 831L (30 mm)}}
  
 
The Falcon carries two 30 mm autocannons with a high rate of fire. Together, they can shred tanks and planes apart in mere seconds.
 
The Falcon carries two 30 mm autocannons with a high rate of fire. Together, they can shred tanks and planes apart in mere seconds.
  
−
Autocannons can overheat if continuously fired, so short bursts work best. Firing for more than 6 seconds can cause overheating and jamming and it is advised to refrain from extended firing unless absolutely necessary. The recoil from guns slows you down and pushes you back. If attempting a flanking attack, try to fire over the the side of the vehicle, as otherwise, the opponent's turret might catch up.
+
Autocannons can overheat if continuously fired, so short bursts work best. Firing for more than 6 seconds can cause overheating and jamming and it is advised to refrain from extended firing unless absolutely necessary. The recoil from guns slows the tank down and pushes it back. If attempting a flanking attack, try to fire over the the side of the vehicle, as otherwise, the opponent's turret might catch up.
  
−
Ammunition is stored in one belt, which ensures uniformity of ammunition but does have several disadvantages Rearming the belt is only possible when all ammunition is expended. This takes an extended period of time (around a full minute), so running out of ammunition is very detrimental, especially if the team lacks map control which prevents rearming at a capture point. Lacking ammunition allows aircraft to easily make attack runs.
+
Ammunition is stored in two identical belts (one for each cannon), which ensures uniformity of ammunition but does have several disadvantages. For example, rearming the belt is only possible when all ammunition is expended. This takes an extended period of time (20 seconds) and then the Falcon must also reload for 4 seconds; if team lacks any control over the map it may be impossible. Lack of a backup belt also allows aircraft to easily take it out if they are aware of this weakness and see it standing on a capture point.
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" | [[HSS-831L (30 mm)|30 mm HSS-831L]] (x2)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="2" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity each)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
−
|-
 
−
| colspan="2" | 620 (310) || 600 || -10°/+85° || ±180° || Two-plane
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
 
−
|-
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Mode
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Stock
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
−
|-
 
−
| ''Arcade'' ||70.45||97.51||118.4||130.94||139.29
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Realistic'' ||47.6||56||67.8||75||80
+
! colspan="6" | [[HSS 831L (30 mm)|30 mm HSS 831L]] (x2) || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
−
| colspan="2" |Rearm rate (seconds)
+
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
+
! ''Arcade''
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
+
| rowspan="2" | 620 (310) || rowspan="2" | 600 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 70.4 || 97.5 || 118.4 || 130.9 || 139.3 || rowspan="2" | 65.00 || rowspan="2" | 57.50 || rowspan="2" | 53.00 || rowspan="2" | 50.00
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|65||57.5||53||50
+
! ''Realistic''
−
| colspan="2" |~60
+
| 47.6 || 56.0 || 68.0 || 75.2 || 80.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== Ammunition =====
+
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0°/60° Angle of Attack'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10m
 
−
! 100m
 
−
! 500m
 
−
! 1000m
 
−
! 1500m
 
−
! 2000m
 
−
|-
 
−
| Default || AP-I || 52/26 || 50/25 || 39/20 || 29/14 || 21/11 ||16/8
 
−
|-
 
−
| APDS-T || APDS || 110/42 || 101/39 || 95/36 || 69/26 || 52/20 || 41/16
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
Note: Description of the belt only displays the penetration for strongest shell in the belt.
+
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|SAP-I|Semi-armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}} - General combat. Avoid heavily armoured vehicles at all costs, but can punish other SPAA and light tanks.
 +
* '''30x170 HE-I-T:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI*|High-explosive incendiary (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI*|High-explosive incendiary (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|SAP-I|Semi-armour-piercing incendiary}} - Belt adapted to hunt down planes. Damage to SPAA and light tanks is reduced severely.
 +
* '''30x170 APHE-I:''' {{Annotation|SAP-I|Semi-armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|SAP-I|Semi-armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|SAP-I|Semi-armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}} - Belt adapted to hunt down light tanks. Damage to planes is reduced, but still adequate.
 +
* '''30x170 APDS-T:''' {{Annotation|SAP-I|Semi-armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|SAP-I|Semi-armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}} - Anti-tank belt. Flank and destroy careless MBTs, damage heavy tanks, while doing AA duty. May not cause fatal damage immediately due to APDS not being the first shell in the belt.
  
−
=====Belt types=====
+
{{:HSS 831L (30 mm)/Ammunition|SAP-I, HEI-T*, HEI*, APDS}}
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
| '''Belts''' || '''Shell composition''' || '''Combat usage'''
 
−
|-
 
−
| align="left" |'''''Default ''''' || align="left" | AP-I, HEI-T* || align="left" |General combat. Avoid heavily armoured vehicles at all costs, but can punish other SPAA and light tanks.
 
−
|-
 
−
| align="left" |'''''30x170 HE-I-T''''' || align="left" | HEI-T*, HEI*, HEI*, AP-I || align="left" |Belt adapted to hunt down planes. Damage to SPAA and light tanks is reduced severely.
 
−
|-
 
−
| align="left" |'''''30x170 APHE-I''''' || align="left" | AP-I, AP-I, AP-I, HEI-T*|| align="left" | Belt adapted to hunt down light tanks. Damage to planes is reduced, but still adequate.
 
−
|-
 
−
| align="left" |'''''30x170 APDS-T''''' || align="left" | APDS, AP-I*, AP-I*, HEI-T* || align="left" |Anti-tank belt. Flank and destroy careless MBT's, damage heavy tanks, while doing AA duty.
 
−
|}
 
  
−
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
+
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
[[File:Ammoracks Falcon.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the Falcon.]]
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
+
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br />ammo
+
! Full<br>ammo
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br />rack empty
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br />rack empty
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
+
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''620''' || 310&nbsp;''(+310)''|| 0&nbsp;''(+620)''|| style="text-align:center" | N/A
+
| '''620''' || 310&nbsp;''(+310)''|| 0&nbsp;''(+620)''|| No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== Optics and night vision =====
+
==== Optics and night vision ====
−
 
 
−
<!--
 
−
''Try to fill in the specifications of the tank optics. If you are having problems with it, refer to the [[Optics|optics gallery]] or [[Night Vision Devices|Night vision]] pages for examples. Remember, not every tank has optic magnification specified in X-ray and each NVD can only be used from their designated point of view.
 
−
 
 
−
Try to explain how optics affect your gameplay on a tank. A comparison to rival tanks of the rank is welcome. If the vehicle optic devices are unique in some way, or the way the optics are placed on a tank is affecting the gameplay in a meaningful way, or damage to optics can disable some features or weapons of a tank, specify it here as well.''
 
−
-->
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
! colspan="7" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
 
! colspan="7" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
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|-
 
|-
 
! Gunner's Sight
 
! Gunner's Sight
−
| X~2 - X~4 || N/A || N/A || N/A || Not Fitted ||  
+
| X1.8 - X3.5 || N/A || N/A || N/A || Not Fitted ||
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Commander's View
 
! Commander's View
−
| X6 || N/A || N/A || N/A || Not Fitted ||  
+
| X6 || N/A || N/A || N/A || Not Fitted ||
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Driver's View
 
! Driver's View
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|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
 
−
*Zoom level estimated using optics gallery.
 
  
 
Use night vision to avoid hostile tanks or to fight them at close range at night. The image intensifier is not installed for gunner or commander, so be cautious when shifting between third person and other views during night.
 
Use night vision to avoid hostile tanks or to fight them at close range at night. The image intensifier is not installed for gunner or commander, so be cautious when shifting between third person and other views during night.
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
Generally, Falcon drives around the battlefield, trying to hide in hard to notice flank positions or behind houses and shoots at planes. In case if someone drives by - flanks them and destroys them, if has AP belt.
+
 
 +
;Combat tactics
 +
 
 +
Generally, Falcon drives around the battlefield, trying to hide in hard to notice flank positions or behind houses and shoots at planes. In case if someone drives by - flanks them and destroys them, if the AP belt is equipped.
  
−
It's generally better to stay out of sight, using terrain elevation or houses. You only can choose one belt, AP belt is adequate for any work. If you want to shoot just planes you can take explosive ammo, but then you are completely useless against armour. APDS belt allows harassing even heavily armoured vehicles from sides. You won't need to reload until you are done.
+
It's generally better to stay out of sight, using terrain elevation or houses. You only can choose one belt, AP belt is adequate for any work. If you want to shoot just planes you can take explosive ammo, but then you are almost completely useless against armour. APDS belt allows harassing even heavily armoured vehicles from sides. You won't need to reload until you are done.
  
 
In case if some tank noticed you and wants to destroy you, you can use the fact, that tanks turrets are usually far from the front of the tank. Bait enemy towards your cover, stand far enough away from the corner to see enemy tracks, but not to see an enemy turret, and shoot cannons at the track that is '''further away from you'''. That will force the moving tank to topple over and mess with the enemy aim. Before enemy realized what has just happened shred their side armour and destroy them. If that failed - run, they won't be able to get you anyway. You can do that in duels as well, however, just destroying them is better at that point.
 
In case if some tank noticed you and wants to destroy you, you can use the fact, that tanks turrets are usually far from the front of the tank. Bait enemy towards your cover, stand far enough away from the corner to see enemy tracks, but not to see an enemy turret, and shoot cannons at the track that is '''further away from you'''. That will force the moving tank to topple over and mess with the enemy aim. Before enemy realized what has just happened shred their side armour and destroy them. If that failed - run, they won't be able to get you anyway. You can do that in duels as well, however, just destroying them is better at that point.
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In RB, it's possible to hide in forests, waiting for relatively poorly armoured German medium tanks, light tanks and alike, however, if they notice your vehicle first you probably won't do enough damage to stop them from firing again.
 
In RB, it's possible to hide in forests, waiting for relatively poorly armoured German medium tanks, light tanks and alike, however, if they notice your vehicle first you probably won't do enough damage to stop them from firing again.
  
−
In AB, it's possible to just drive around and shoot at everyone, since it's even faster there, however, people dislike being shot at by autocannons, and someone will certainly notice the noise and kill-feed, so don't expect to live long, especially against Soviets, who have lots of frontal armouring and BMPs, which are superior to you in every way.
+
In AB, it's possible to just drive around and shoot at everyone, since it's even faster there, however, people dislike being shot at by autocannons, and someone will certainly notice the noise and kill-feed, so don't expect to live long, especially against Soviets, who have lots of frontal armour and BMPs, which are superior to you in every way.
  
 
Some enemies to be concerned about:
 
Some enemies to be concerned about:
  
 
* ATGM: These are worse than any tanks because they won't accidentally hit your loader with AP shell, they will just explode you. Attack only when having the upper hand, be that long range, cover, or surprise.
 
* ATGM: These are worse than any tanks because they won't accidentally hit your loader with AP shell, they will just explode you. Attack only when having the upper hand, be that long range, cover, or surprise.
−
* Maus: It's invulnerable to you and has 2 cannons. Even IS-7 can technically be defeated in point blank duel with APDS from the rear, but not The Maus. In AB this means, that you can't drive anywhere it can look and fire at.
+
* [[Maus]]: It's invulnerable to you and has 2 cannons. Even the [[IS-7]] technically can be defeated in point blank duel with APDS belt, but not the Maus. In AB this means, that you can't drive anywhere it can look and fire at.
−
* Soviet tanks and heavy tanks: A lot of them sport 120 mm cannons, which means, if they fire back at your guns, the shell may just break the hull. They also have superior frontal armour, so try to be careful around them.
+
* American and Soviet tanks, heavy tanks in general: A lot of them have heavy machine guns, which can penetrate the Falcon. They also have superior frontal armour, so try to be careful around them.
  
−
====Counter-tactics====
+
;Counter-tactics
 
<!--What to expect, if it would be in command of the enemy and how to counter it. (i.e. Just flank)-->
 
<!--What to expect, if it would be in command of the enemy and how to counter it. (i.e. Just flank)-->
−
'''Ground:'''<br>
+
 
−
AP and APDS belts are most effective when fired at your side armour or back of the turret. If you are attacked by a Falcon, just turn both hull and turret to take better angle against them.  
+
''Ground:''
 +
 
 +
AP and APDS belts are most effective when fired at your side armour or the back of the turret. If you are attacked by a Falcon, just turn both hull and turret to take better angle against them.
  
 
It's best to not let them get a jump on you at all, since it may be able to destroy 2 tanks before anyone even realizes what's going on. Just don't stand with your sides open towards flank directions, instead, turn your hull's front and back there, if the enemy you are currently fighting cannot fire at your hull anyway.
 
It's best to not let them get a jump on you at all, since it may be able to destroy 2 tanks before anyone even realizes what's going on. Just don't stand with your sides open towards flank directions, instead, turn your hull's front and back there, if the enemy you are currently fighting cannot fire at your hull anyway.
Line 246: Line 164:
 
On rare occasions, ramming the Falcon damages it's guns. Ramming at full speed often damages tracks or at least temporarily stops it.
 
On rare occasions, ramming the Falcon damages it's guns. Ramming at full speed often damages tracks or at least temporarily stops it.
  
−
'''Air:'''<br> The Falcon has questionable accuracy at 2 km range, but it still can force you to disengage just by firing in your general direction. It's still better to not mess with falcon and avoid flying too much near to buildings if you know it's there.
+
''Air:''
 +
 
 +
The Falcon has questionable accuracy at 2 km range, but it still can force you to disengage just by firing in your general direction. It's still better to not mess with the Falcon and avoid flying too much near to buildings if you know it's there, since its users often fire in the back of planes passing by.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarize 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 - they can be substituted with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''-->
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<!-- ''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:'''
  
 +
* Very quick and highly manoeuvrable which allows it to easily flank enemies
 
* High penetrating APDS rounds can actually do some major damage at the tier
 
* High penetrating APDS rounds can actually do some major damage at the tier
 
* Very high one-second burst mass
 
* Very high one-second burst mass
 +
* Fast turret traverse speed
 
* Only has one ammo belt per gun so no need to reload
 
* Only has one ammo belt per gun so no need to reload
 +
* Has a 2-plane stabilizer for both cannons, meaning you can shoot accurately on the move
 +
* All belts contain APHE Shells with 53 mm of penetration
 +
* Commander has Night Vision Device
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Weak armour
 
* Weak armour
 +
* Average speed without an experienced driver is 30-35km/h
 
* Shotgun effect when fired continuously for more than 10 seconds. Will most likely overheat at that point, too
 
* Shotgun effect when fired continuously for more than 10 seconds. Will most likely overheat at that point, too
−
* Approximately 30 seconds worth of ammo before needing to rearm at a capture circle, which takes a long time
+
* Approximately 30 seconds worth of ammo before needing to rearm at a capture circle, which might be not possible
−
* High repair cost in arcade battles of 15k + about 2k for APDS ammunition when spaded
+
* HEAT and HESH rounds will knock the Falcon out in one hit
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's devblog entry (if applicable) and the ingame encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
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 +
;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_falcon Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 276: Line 207:
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''-->
 
  
−
* [http://warthunder.com/en/devblog/current/866/ [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Falcon AA: Britain’s foremost anti-air gun]
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* [[wt:en/devblog/current/4078/|[Devblog] Falcon AA: Britain's foremost anti-air gun]]
  
 
{{Britain anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 
{{Britain anti-aircraft vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 15:47, 31 March 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
Falcon
uk_falcon.png
GarageImage Falcon.jpg
ArtImage Falcon.jpg
Falcon
Britain flag.png Britain
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
8.0 8.3 8.3
Class:
Research:105 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:300 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Falcon is a rank V British self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicle with a battle rating of 8.0 (AB) and 8.3 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.57 "Battle March". While being an anti-aircraft vehicle, the Falcon has optimal performance against everything, assuming you have enough modifications. Some self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicles have a high fire rate, which allows them to destroy planes instantly or harass them from great distances, although they may have problems with standard ground vehicles due to armour. There are others which can destroy tanks by using high penetration ammunition but have difficulty taking down aircraft due to a lack of explosive filler. The Falcon has the ability to perform both of these roles with a high degree of efficiency.

The Falcon has the appearance of a light tank with a slightly sloped round turret on the back. It is easy to recognize the Falcon due to its unique features as there are not many vehicles like it on a field at its battle rating.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull12 / 12 / 10
Turret10 / 10 / 10
Crew3 people
Visibility89 %

The armour on the Falcon is not very effective, as it can only reliably protect against rifle-calibre machine guns. Aircraft that are armed with heavy machine guns and cannons are able to destroy it, but the Falcon is quick and highly manoeuvrable compared to most other vehicles which can allow it to escape into cover.

Important to note that some full calibre APHE shells do not detonate upon impacting the Falcon's armour, granting it some chances to make narrow escapes.

Many of the tanks at the battle rating of the Falcon also carry 12.7 mm or 14.5 mm heavy machine guns and will fire them at the Falcon. These machine guns are easily capable of defeating the armour and will devastate the interior of the vehicle, so as long as the mobility of the vehicle is not hampered it is advisable to keep moving and find cover.

Chemical rounds, such as HEAT-FS and HESH, will obliterate the Falcon, and artillery can also quickly bring a swift end to the Falcon.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 10 mm (80°), 12.7 mm (2-19°) Front glacis
12.7 mm (37°) Lower glacis 		12.7 mm Top
12.7 mm (13°) Bottom 		10 mm (2°) 10 mm
Turret 10 mm (4-64°) 10 mm (14-26°) 10 mm (2°) 6 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 10 mm thick while tracks are 15 mm thick.
  • The general armour on the Falcon is extremely thin, which allows some full calibre APHE shells to pass through without detonating.
  • Heavy machine guns are able to defeat the armour protection of the Falcon.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB52 / 9 km/h
RB and SB48 / 8 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
2 back
Weight15.9 t
Engine power
AB406 hp
RB and SB213 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB25.5 hp/t
RB and SB13.4 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 52 9 15.9 303 406 19.06 25.53
Realistic 48 8 188 213 11.82 13.4

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 686 → 6 030 Sl icon.png
RB4 000 → 5 148 Sl icon.png
SB5 045 → 6 492 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications88 300 Rp icon.png
146 600 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training86 000 Sl icon.png
Experts300 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces720 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
140 / 180 / 220 % Sl icon.png
196 / 196 / 196 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
4 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
7 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
7 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement uk.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
4 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
30mm_hs_831_HE_ammo_pack
Research:
4 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
30mm_hs_831_APHEI_ammo_pack
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
7 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
30mm_hs_831_APDS_ammo_pack
Research:
7 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

2 x 30 mm HSS 831L cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition620 rounds
Belt capacity310 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
65.0 → 50.0 s
Fire rate651 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 85°
Main article: HSS 831L (30 mm)

The Falcon carries two 30 mm autocannons with a high rate of fire. Together, they can shred tanks and planes apart in mere seconds.

Autocannons can overheat if continuously fired, so short bursts work best. Firing for more than 6 seconds can cause overheating and jamming and it is advised to refrain from extended firing unless absolutely necessary. The recoil from guns slows the tank down and pushes it back. If attempting a flanking attack, try to fire over the the side of the vehicle, as otherwise, the opponent's turret might catch up.

Ammunition is stored in two identical belts (one for each cannon), which ensures uniformity of ammunition but does have several disadvantages. For example, rearming the belt is only possible when all ammunition is expended. This takes an extended period of time (20 seconds) and then the Falcon must also reload for 4 seconds; if team lacks any control over the map it may be impossible. Lack of a backup belt also allows aircraft to easily take it out if they are aware of this weakness and see it standing on a capture point.

30 mm HSS 831L (x2) Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 620 (310) 600 -10°/+85° ±180° Two-plane 70.4 97.5 118.4 130.9 139.3 65.00 57.50 53.00 50.00
Realistic 47.6 56.0 68.0 75.2 80.0

Ammunition

  • Default: SAP-I · HEI-T* - General combat. Avoid heavily armoured vehicles at all costs, but can punish other SPAA and light tanks.
  • 30x170 HE-I-T: HEI-T* · HEI* · HEI* · SAP-I - Belt adapted to hunt down planes. Damage to SPAA and light tanks is reduced severely.
  • 30x170 APHE-I: SAP-I · SAP-I · SAP-I · HEI-T* - Belt adapted to hunt down light tanks. Damage to planes is reduced, but still adequate.
  • 30x170 APDS-T: SAP-I · APDS · SAP-I · HEI-T* - Anti-tank belt. Flank and destroy careless MBTs, damage heavy tanks, while doing AA duty. May not cause fatal damage immediately due to APDS not being the first shell in the belt.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
SAP-I 53 50 39 29 21 16
HEI-T* 9 8 7 5 4 4
HEI* 9 8 7 5 4 4
APDS 110 101 95 69 52 41
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
SAP-I 1,080 0.36 1.2 9 30.6 47° 56° 65°
HEI-T* 1,080 0.36 0.1 0.1 85 79° 80° 81°
HEI* 1,080 0.36 0.1 0.1 102 79° 80° 81°
APDS 1,175 0.3 - - - 75° 78° 80°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Falcon
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
620 310 (+310) 0 (+620) No

Optics and night vision

Falcon Optics
Type of optic Magnification Night Vision Devices
Image Intensifier Thermal Imager
Resolution 		Notes
Resolution Light Mult Noise Level
Gunner's Sight X1.8 - X3.5 N/A N/A N/A Not Fitted
Commander's View X6 N/A N/A N/A Not Fitted
Driver's View X1 / 3PV 800X600  ? high Not Fitted Only useable with tier 4 upgrade

Use night vision to avoid hostile tanks or to fight them at close range at night. The image intensifier is not installed for gunner or commander, so be cautious when shifting between third person and other views during night.

Usage in battles

Combat tactics

Generally, Falcon drives around the battlefield, trying to hide in hard to notice flank positions or behind houses and shoots at planes. In case if someone drives by - flanks them and destroys them, if the AP belt is equipped.

It's generally better to stay out of sight, using terrain elevation or houses. You only can choose one belt, AP belt is adequate for any work. If you want to shoot just planes you can take explosive ammo, but then you are almost completely useless against armour. APDS belt allows harassing even heavily armoured vehicles from sides. You won't need to reload until you are done.

In case if some tank noticed you and wants to destroy you, you can use the fact, that tanks turrets are usually far from the front of the tank. Bait enemy towards your cover, stand far enough away from the corner to see enemy tracks, but not to see an enemy turret, and shoot cannons at the track that is further away from you. That will force the moving tank to topple over and mess with the enemy aim. Before enemy realized what has just happened shred their side armour and destroy them. If that failed - run, they won't be able to get you anyway. You can do that in duels as well, however, just destroying them is better at that point.

In RB, it's possible to hide in forests, waiting for relatively poorly armoured German medium tanks, light tanks and alike, however, if they notice your vehicle first you probably won't do enough damage to stop them from firing again.

In AB, it's possible to just drive around and shoot at everyone, since it's even faster there, however, people dislike being shot at by autocannons, and someone will certainly notice the noise and kill-feed, so don't expect to live long, especially against Soviets, who have lots of frontal armour and BMPs, which are superior to you in every way.

Some enemies to be concerned about:

  • ATGM: These are worse than any tanks because they won't accidentally hit your loader with AP shell, they will just explode you. Attack only when having the upper hand, be that long range, cover, or surprise.
  • Maus: It's invulnerable to you and has 2 cannons. Even the IS-7 technically can be defeated in point blank duel with APDS belt, but not the Maus. In AB this means, that you can't drive anywhere it can look and fire at.
  • American and Soviet tanks, heavy tanks in general: A lot of them have heavy machine guns, which can penetrate the Falcon. They also have superior frontal armour, so try to be careful around them.
Counter-tactics

Ground:

AP and APDS belts are most effective when fired at your side armour or the back of the turret. If you are attacked by a Falcon, just turn both hull and turret to take better angle against them.

It's best to not let them get a jump on you at all, since it may be able to destroy 2 tanks before anyone even realizes what's going on. Just don't stand with your sides open towards flank directions, instead, turn your hull's front and back there, if the enemy you are currently fighting cannot fire at your hull anyway.

On rare occasions, ramming the Falcon damages it's guns. Ramming at full speed often damages tracks or at least temporarily stops it.

Air:

The Falcon has questionable accuracy at 2 km range, but it still can force you to disengage just by firing in your general direction. It's still better to not mess with the Falcon and avoid flying too much near to buildings if you know it's there, since its users often fire in the back of planes passing by.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very quick and highly manoeuvrable which allows it to easily flank enemies
  • High penetrating APDS rounds can actually do some major damage at the tier
  • Very high one-second burst mass
  • Fast turret traverse speed
  • Only has one ammo belt per gun so no need to reload
  • Has a 2-plane stabilizer for both cannons, meaning you can shoot accurately on the move
  • All belts contain APHE Shells with 53 mm of penetration
  • Commander has Night Vision Device

Cons:

  • Weak armour
  • Average speed without an experienced driver is 30-35km/h
  • Shotgun effect when fired continuously for more than 10 seconds. Will most likely overheat at that point, too
  • Approximately 30 seconds worth of ammo before needing to rearm at a capture circle, which might be not possible
  • HEAT and HESH rounds will knock the Falcon out in one hit

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

Skins

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Britain anti-aircraft vehicles
Crusader AA  Crusader AA Mk I · Crusader AA Mk II
Wheeled  Staghound AA · AEC AA
Radar SPAAG  Chieftain Marksman
Missile SPAA  Stormer AD · Stormer HVM
Other  Light AA Mk I · Falcon
Canada  Skink · ADATS (M113)
South Africa  Ystervark · Bosvark · ZA-35

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