Difference between revisions of "Sd.Kfz.234/3"

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{{About
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| about = German tank destroyer '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
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| link = Sd.Kfz.234 (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=germ_sdkfz_234_3
 
|code=germ_sdkfz_234_3
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_Sd.Kfz.234_3.jpg|ArtImage_Sd.Kfz.234-3.png}}
 
|market=Sd.Kfz.234/3 (Germany)
 
|market=Sd.Kfz.234/3 (Germany)
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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.-->
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<!-- ''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_Sd.Kfz.234 3.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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To increase the firepower of the [[Sd.Kfz.234 (Family)|Sd.Kfz.234]], the '''Sd.Kfz.234/3''' installed a short-barrelled 75 mm KwK37 - the same as that used on early models of the [[Pz.IV (Family)|Pz.IV]] tank - on the open chassis, replacing the turret of previous models. From June to December 1944, a total of 88 vehicles were built, and it was used for reconnaissance and as infantry support during large offensive operations.
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{{Break}}
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} German tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]] in the "Good Old S.U.M.M.E.R" event of 2018.
+
Introduced during [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]] in the [[wt:en/news/5698-marathon-good-old-s-u-m-m-e-r-en|2018 "Good Old S.U.M.M.E.R" event]], the Sd.Kfz.234/3 is an armoured car requires skillful manoeuvring to be effective. The commander should exploit the vehicle's speed and agility to set up ambushes, flank enemies and retreat when needed, because of its thin armour. The main ammunition type used will be HEAT, which has decent penetration but low accuracy and range. The coaxial MG42 is a fast-firing machine gun that can damage trucks, but it has a limited traverse angle that restricts its use.
  
 
== 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}}
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret, gun shield, gun mantlet)
 +
* Structural steel (tires, suspension, mudguards)
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.-->
 
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 30 mm (40°) ''Front plate'' <br /> 15 mm (70°), 30 mm (55°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 30 mm (35°) ''Lower glacis'' || 8 mm || 10 mm || 5 mm
+
| Hull || 30 mm (40°) ''Front plate'' <br> 15 mm (70°) ''Front glacis - upper section'' <br> 30 mm (55°) ''Front glacis - lower section'' <br> 30 mm (35°) ''Lower glacis'' || 8 mm (35°) + 4 mm ''Top + Mudguards'' <br> 8 mm (19°) ''Bottom'' || 10 mm (38°) ''Plate connecting with the turret'' <br> 10 mm (21°) ''Engine compartment - upper part'' <br> 10 mm (46°) + 10 mm ''Engine compartment - lower part + add-on spare tire'' || 5 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 14.5 mm (34°) || 14.5 mm || 10 mm || 0 mm
+
| Turret || 14.5 mm (34°) <br> 14.5 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 14.5 mm || 10 mm (33°) || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
  
−
When dealing with the Sd.Kfz.234/3, the best way to deal with this tank is to catch it out of position and/or from behind. Because of its low armour values, it can be easily destroyed with 12.7 mm MG fire or HE shells to the open roof. Most AP and APHE shots will simply over-penetrate the vehicle's front armour and will not do much to the crew compartment unless aimed at specific crew locations or it hull-breaks the Sd.Kfz.234/3. As such, explosive ammunition or machine gun fire are the more preferred methods of elimination.
+
* Tires and suspension bars are 10 mm thick.
 +
* Bottom of the hull is 8 mm thick. An additional 13 mm plate separates the crew compartment from the bottom plate.
 +
* Viewports for the crew are 30 mm thick.
 +
 
 +
When dealing with the {{PAGENAME}}, the best way to deal with this tank is to catch it out of position and/or from behind. Because of its low armour values, it can be easily destroyed with 12.7 mm MG fire or HE shells to the open roof. Most AP and APHE shots will simply over-penetrate the vehicle's front armour and will not do much to the crew compartment unless aimed at specific crew locations. As such, explosive ammunition or machine gun fire are the more preferred methods of elimination.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== 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.'' -->
  
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 298|rbMinHp= 186|<!--AoAweight=(optional) -->}}
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=298|rbMinHp=186}}
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} accelerates quickly and has a very high cruise speed on hard surfaces (solid ground, roads). While its high speed is an advantage, it can turn into a disadvantage when manoeuvring at high speed: the {{PAGENAME}} starts wobbling if you turn too violently and you end up skidding uncontrollably. Be aware of this before gunning towards the frontline: limit your maximum speed and anticipate the braking phases. Like all WW2 wheeled vehicles, you can not turn on the spot and always need space to change direction. However, thanks to the orientable front and rear axles, your turn radius remains small at small speed. But remember that the faster you drive, the bigger the turn radius will be. Changing directions in a cramped street can be difficult with the {{PAGENAME}}. However, the reverse speed is very important, which mitigates the impossibility to change direction on the spot. As it is equipped with tires, the {{PAGENAME}} struggles on soft terrain (sand, mud, snow). The {{PAGENAME}} is also average at fording: 15 km/h and it loses quickly speed when driving uphill. Obstacles will also make you lose a lot of speed: avoid them as the {{PAGENAME}}'s survival relies on its mobility.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
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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.''-->
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 +
<!-- ''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|K51 L/24 (75 mm)}}
 
{{main|K51 L/24 (75 mm)}}
  
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The "Stumpwagen" is armed with the K51 L/24 gun, which is equivalent to the [[KwK 37 (75 mm)|75 mm KwK 37]] gun on the early Panzer IV tanks. The gun features the same four useful ammunition types from the KwK 37: 52 mm penetration APCBC, 80 mm penetration HEAT, 100 mm penetration HEAT, and smoke. The gun has great zoom and a very fast fire rate.  
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The "Stumpwagen" is armed with the K51 L/24 gun, which is equivalent to the [[KwK37 (75 mm)|75 mm KwK37]] gun on the early Panzer IV tanks. The gun features the same four useful ammunition types as the KwK37. The gun has great zoom and a very fast fire rate.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[K51 L/24 (75 mm)|75 mm K51 L/24]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 +
|-
 +
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
|-
 +
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 50 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+16° || rowspan="2" | ±14° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 12.3 || 17.1 || 20.7 || 22.9 || 24.4 || rowspan="2" | 4.29 || rowspan="2" | 3.80 || rowspan="2" | 3.50 || rowspan="2" | 3.30
 +
|-
 +
! ''Realistic''
 +
| 8.3 || 9.8 || 11.9 || 13.2 || 14.0
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Ammunition ====
 +
The available ammunition offers a wide range of shells to engage all types of targets:
 +
 
 +
* '''K.Gr.rot Pz.''': APCBC; a slow shell with explosive filler mass that will knock out any tank with a single shot but has an average penetration power.
 +
* '''Hl.Gr 38B''': HEAT; a shaped charge with good penetration and without penetration loss over distance. Only penetrates flat vertical surfaces but the post-penetration damage is very effective on open and lightly armoured vehicles.
 +
* '''Hl.Gr 38C''': HEAT; a shaped charge with increased penetration over the previous shell. Very useful against heavily armoured targets.
 +
* '''Sprgr. 34''': HE; useful for destroying open and lightly armoured vehicles.
 +
* '''K.Gr.Rot Nb.''': Smoke; useful to blind enemy vehicles that are too remote for you to disable so that you can progress towards objectives.
 +
 
 +
{{:K51 L/24 (75 mm)/Ammunition|K.Gr.rot Pz., Hl.Gr 38B, Hl.Gr 38C, Sprgr. 34, K.Gr.Rot Nb.}}
 +
 
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! Full<br>ammo
 +
! 1st<br>rack empty
 +
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! 4th<br>rack empty
 +
! 5th<br>rack empty
 +
! 6th<br>rack empty
 +
! 7th<br>rack empty
 +
! 8th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
| '''50''' || 45&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 39&nbsp;''(+11)'' || 35&nbsp;''(+15)'' || 31&nbsp;''(+19)'' || 27&nbsp;''(+23)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+27)'' || 13&nbsp;''(+37)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+49)'' || No
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
[[File:Ammoracks Sd.Kfz.234-3.png|right|thumb|x200px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 
 +
* Shells in racks 1 and 2 are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 +
* Shells in racks 3 to 8 are modeled by sets of 2 and disappear after both shells in the set having been shot or loaded.
 +
* Pack 27&nbsp;''(+23)'' shells (racks 1 to 5 emptied) to go into battle with the flanks empty of ammo.
 +
 
 +
=== Machine guns ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
{{main|MG42 (7.92 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[MG42 (7.92 mm)|7.92 mm MG42]]
 +
|-
 +
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
 +
| Coaxial || 1,950 (150) || 1,200 || - || -
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
This armoured car is as much fun to play as the Sd.Kfz.234/4. The short 75 mm gun and the 234 chassis work amazingly well within its battle rating. The best way to play this Rank I Goliath is to use your speed and to try to get side and rear shots on the enemy but since you have HEAT at your disposal, you are almost guaranteed to obliterate anything frontally at your battle rating and vice versa. The 234/3 has the same weaknesses as the 234/2 which means it can be and will be torn up by 12.7 mm machine gun fire, assume the position has been spotted after firing and move out via reverse. Engaging in a head-on is unadvised but you can come out kicking should you find yourself against any higher tanks as you should be able to reload fast enough, though this is not a go-to option.  
+
This armoured car is as much fun to play as the [[Sd.Kfz.234/4]]. The short 75 mm gun and the 234 chassis work amazingly well within its battle rating. The best way to play this Rank I Goliath is to use your speed and to try to get side and rear shots on the enemy but since you have HEAT at your disposal, you are almost guaranteed to obliterate anything frontally at your battle rating and vice versa. The 234/3 has the same weaknesses as the 234/2 which means it can be and will be torn up by 12.7 mm machine gun fire, assume the position has been spotted after firing and move out via reverse. Engaging in a head-on is unadvised but you can come out kicking should you find yourself against any higher tanks as you should be able to reload fast enough, though this is not a go-to option.
  
 
The 75 mm gun is the same as early Panzer IV and can destroy any other vehicles at and above its battle rating with one hit, meanwhile, the 234/3 has a great speed of 50-60 km/h forwards and backwards to relocate. Because of this, it is possible (though not necessarily needed) to use the 75 mm and return fire while making haste. Terrain foliage such as bushes are great assets for concealment, shadows as well so use them and stay hidden.
 
The 75 mm gun is the same as early Panzer IV and can destroy any other vehicles at and above its battle rating with one hit, meanwhile, the 234/3 has a great speed of 50-60 km/h forwards and backwards to relocate. Because of this, it is possible (though not necessarily needed) to use the 75 mm and return fire while making haste. Terrain foliage such as bushes are great assets for concealment, shadows as well so use them and stay hidden.
  
−
Like it's older brother, it is recommended to follow the exact same tactics, those being:
+
Like its older brother, it is recommended to follow the exact same tactics, those being:
  
 
# Get behind great cover, either hard cover or visual cover (so rocks and or bushes are great)
 
# Get behind great cover, either hard cover or visual cover (so rocks and or bushes are great)
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# The ability to get deadly hits into the enemies
 
# The ability to get deadly hits into the enemies
  
−
In its battle rating of 1.7, the 234/3 will face anything and everything between 1.0 and 2.7, It can and will be destroyed by anything and everything here. But keep in mind that tanks can use Artillery and Air-Spawns to take you down if they can't directly see you, so get under a roof and/or likewise cover where they can't see you nor hit you.
+
In its battle rating of 2.0, the 234/3 will face anything and everything between 1.0 and 3.0, It can and will be destroyed by anything and everything here. But keep in mind that tanks can use Artillery and Air-Spawns to take you down if they can't directly see you, so get under a roof and/or likewise cover where they can't see you nor hit you.
  
 
=== 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".-->
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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:'''
 +
 
* Adequate ammo supply for prolonged combat
 
* Adequate ammo supply for prolonged combat
 
* Can move forward and backwards with equal speed
 
* Can move forward and backwards with equal speed
 
* Eight-wheel drive gives it good surface traction and handling, much better manoeuvrability
 
* Eight-wheel drive gives it good surface traction and handling, much better manoeuvrability
−
* Shorter Gun than Sd.Kfz.234/2, making it harder to identify behind bushes
+
* Shorter gun than [[Sd.Kfz.234/2]], making it harder to identify behind bushes
−
* HEAT Shells are available for usage
+
* HEAT shells are available to use
−
* Premium bonus
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 +
 
* Very weak armour, can be penetrated by aircraft weapons and heavy machine guns
 
* Very weak armour, can be penetrated by aircraft weapons and heavy machine guns
 
* Open-topped, making it very vulnerable to attacks from the air or artillery
 
* Open-topped, making it very vulnerable to attacks from the air or artillery
Line 71: Line 163:
 
* Crew compartment is littered with ammo
 
* Crew compartment is littered with ammo
 
* Vehicle will be immobilized if one driver is knocked out despite having two drivers in its layout, due to game mechanic limitations of having only one driver at a time
 
* Vehicle will be immobilized if one driver is knocked out despite having two drivers in its layout, due to game mechanic limitations of having only one driver at a time
−
* Less penetration than the 234/2
+
* Gun has low muzzle velocity, not suitable for long range engagements
  
 
== 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 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game 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).'' -->
 
The blitzkrieg tactics in Poland and France gave the Germans a new appreciation of mobile and lethal reconnaissance vehicles. The Germans especially valued the armoured cars due to their speed, firepower, and their pre-war build-up as they were not restricted by the Versailles Treaty. The Germans started with armoured cars like the Sd.Kfz.231 family, each with different armaments. However, these vehicles had its flaws and in August 1940, Germany sought a replacement following the conclusion of the Battle of France.
 
The blitzkrieg tactics in Poland and France gave the Germans a new appreciation of mobile and lethal reconnaissance vehicles. The Germans especially valued the armoured cars due to their speed, firepower, and their pre-war build-up as they were not restricted by the Versailles Treaty. The Germans started with armoured cars like the Sd.Kfz.231 family, each with different armaments. However, these vehicles had its flaws and in August 1940, Germany sought a replacement following the conclusion of the Battle of France.
  
−
The new vehicle was built off an improved Sd.Kfz.232 chassis made in monocoque construction by Büssing-NAG, its armoured body was made by Deutsche Edelstahlwerke, the turret by Daimler-Benz and Schichau, and air-cooled diesel engines by Ringhoffer-Tatra-Werke AG. The monocoque chassis design was built with an eight-wheel steering system, six forward and reverse gears, as well as having an additional driver seat in the rear for quick reversal get-aways. This construction led to '''Sd.Kfz.234''' family. Vehicle construction first started in 1943 as the [[Sd.Kfz.234/2|Sd.Kfz.234/2]], which had a turret originally intended for the VK 1602 Leopard mounting a [[KwK 39 (50 mm)|5 cm L/60]] gun, construction continued on this vehicle until mid-1944. The Sd.Kfz.234/2 earned the nickname "Puma" from the soldiers using it.
+
The new vehicle was built off an improved Sd.Kfz.232 chassis made in monocoque construction by Büssing-NAG, its armoured body was made by Deutsche Edelstahlwerke, the turret by Daimler-Benz and Schichau, and air-cooled diesel engines by Ringhoffer-Tatra-Werke AG. The monocoque chassis design was built with an eight-wheel steering system, six forward and reverse gears, as well as having an additional driver seat in the rear for quick reversal get-aways. This construction led to '''Sd.Kfz.234''' family. Vehicle construction first started in 1943 as the [[Sd.Kfz.234/2|Sd.Kfz.234/2]], which had a turret originally intended for the VK 1602 Leopard mounting a [[KwK39 (50 mm)|5 cm L/60]] gun, construction continued on this vehicle until mid-1944. The Sd.Kfz.234/2 earned the nickname "Puma" from the soldiers using it.
  
−
Production for Sd.Kfz.234/2 shifted towards other armaments in 1944 that replaced the original. This produced variants such as the Sd.Kfz. 234/1 which replaced the turret with an open-top one carrying a [[KwK 30 (20 mm)|2 cm KwK 38]], this was produced between mid-1944 to early 1945. Right besides that, the Sd.Kfz.234/3 was produced with an open-top structure to mount a [[KwK 37 (75 mm)|75 mm howitzer]], this was produced from mid-1944 until the end of 1944. At the Sd.Kfz.234/3's production end, it was replaced by the [[Sd.Kfz.234/4|Sd.Kfz.234/4]], also known as the "Pakwagen", that had the armament replaced by a [[KwK 40 (75 mm)|7.5 cm PaK 40]] anti-tank gun. This last variant was produced from the end of 1944 to the capitulation of Germany in World War II. A total of 478 Sd.Kfz.234 armoured cars were produced, 200 of the 234/1, 101 of the 234/2, 88 of the 234/3, and 89 of the 234/4.
+
Production for Sd.Kfz.234/2 shifted towards other armaments in 1944 that replaced the original. This produced variants such as the [[Sd.Kfz.234/1]] which replaced the turret with an open-top one carrying a [[KwK38 (20 mm)|2 cm KwK38]], this was produced between mid-1944 to early 1945. Right besides that, the Sd.Kfz.234/3 was produced with an open-top structure to mount a [[KwK37 (75 mm)|75 mm howitzer]], this was produced from mid-1944 until the end of 1944. At the Sd.Kfz.234/3's production end, it was replaced by the [[Sd.Kfz.234/4]], also known as the "Pakwagen", that had the armament replaced by a [[PaK40/3 L46 (75 mm)|7.5 cm PaK40 L/46]] anti-tank gun. This last variant was produced from the end of 1944 to the capitulation of Germany in World War II. A total of 478 Sd.Kfz.234 armoured cars were produced, 200 of the 234/1, 101 of the 234/2, 88 of the 234/3, and 89 of the 234/4.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_sdkfz_234_3 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|h_Gng-eiEXE|'''The Shooting Range #113''' - ''War Machines'' section at 10:49 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|YtJrPmBOdOI|'''Sd.Kfz.234/3: Rapid HEAT Dispenser''' - ''Napalmratte''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
<!--Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:
+
<!-- ''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;''
 
* ''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.'' -->
  
−
* [[Sd.Kfz.234/2]] - Standard version of the chassis, with a turreted [[KwK 39 (50 mm)|50 mm KwK 39]] gun.
+
;Related development
−
* [[Sd.Kfz.234/4]] - Alternative tank destroyer version with the longer [[PaK 40/3 (75 mm)|75 mm PaK 40/3]] gun.
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* [[Sd.Kfz.234 (Family)]]
  
 
== 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:''
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
  
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* [[wikipedia:Sd.Kfz._234|[Wikipedia] Sd.Kfz. 234]]
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* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
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* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/nazi_germany/Sd-Kfz-234_Puma.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Sd.Kfz.234 Puma]
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* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{Germany tank destroyers}}
 
{{Germany tank destroyers}}
 
{{Germany premium ground vehicles}}
 
{{Germany premium ground vehicles}}
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[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 18:16, 17 August 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the German tank destroyer Sd.Kfz.234/3. For other versions, see Sd.Kfz.234 (Family).
Sd.Kfz.234/3
germ_sdkfz_234_3.png
GarageImage Sd.Kfz.234 3.jpg
ArtImage Sd.Kfz.234-3.png
Sd.Kfz.234/3
Germany flag.png Germany
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.0 2.0 2.0
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
MARKET

Description

To increase the firepower of the Sd.Kfz.234, the Sd.Kfz.234/3 installed a short-barrelled 75 mm KwK37 - the same as that used on early models of the Pz.IV tank - on the open chassis, replacing the turret of previous models. From June to December 1944, a total of 88 vehicles were built, and it was used for reconnaissance and as infantry support during large offensive operations.

Introduced during Update 1.79 "Project X" in the 2018 "Good Old S.U.M.M.E.R" event, the Sd.Kfz.234/3 is an armoured car requires skillful manoeuvring to be effective. The commander should exploit the vehicle's speed and agility to set up ambushes, flank enemies and retreat when needed, because of its thin armour. The main ammunition type used will be HEAT, which has decent penetration but low accuracy and range. The coaxial MG42 is a fast-firing machine gun that can damage trucks, but it has a limited traverse angle that restricts its use.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull30 / 8 / 10
Turret14 / 14 / 10
Crew4 people
Visibility84 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret, gun shield, gun mantlet)
  • Structural steel (tires, suspension, mudguards)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 30 mm (40°) Front plate
15 mm (70°) Front glacis - upper section
30 mm (55°) Front glacis - lower section
30 mm (35°) Lower glacis 		8 mm (35°) + 4 mm Top + Mudguards
8 mm (19°) Bottom 		10 mm (38°) Plate connecting with the turret
10 mm (21°) Engine compartment - upper part
10 mm (46°) + 10 mm Engine compartment - lower part + add-on spare tire 		5 mm
Turret 14.5 mm (34°)
14.5 mm Gun mantlet 		14.5 mm 10 mm (33°) N/A

Notes:

  • Tires and suspension bars are 10 mm thick.
  • Bottom of the hull is 8 mm thick. An additional 13 mm plate separates the crew compartment from the bottom plate.
  • Viewports for the crew are 30 mm thick.

When dealing with the Sd.Kfz.234/3, the best way to deal with this tank is to catch it out of position and/or from behind. Because of its low armour values, it can be easily destroyed with 12.7 mm MG fire or HE shells to the open roof. Most AP and APHE shots will simply over-penetrate the vehicle's front armour and will not do much to the crew compartment unless aimed at specific crew locations. As such, explosive ammunition or machine gun fire are the more preferred methods of elimination.

Mobility

Reverse gearbox
Forward and backward movement is possible at the same maximum speed
Speedforward / back
AB98 / 98 km/h
RB and SB90 / 90 km/h
Number of gears7 forward
7 back
Weight11.5 t
Engine power
AB401 hp
RB and SB210 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB34.9 hp/t
RB and SB18.3 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 98 98 11.5 298 401 25.91 34.87
Realistic 90 90 186 210 16.17 18.26

The Sd.Kfz.234/3 accelerates quickly and has a very high cruise speed on hard surfaces (solid ground, roads). While its high speed is an advantage, it can turn into a disadvantage when manoeuvring at high speed: the Sd.Kfz.234/3 starts wobbling if you turn too violently and you end up skidding uncontrollably. Be aware of this before gunning towards the frontline: limit your maximum speed and anticipate the braking phases. Like all WW2 wheeled vehicles, you can not turn on the spot and always need space to change direction. However, thanks to the orientable front and rear axles, your turn radius remains small at small speed. But remember that the faster you drive, the bigger the turn radius will be. Changing directions in a cramped street can be difficult with the Sd.Kfz.234/3. However, the reverse speed is very important, which mitigates the impossibility to change direction on the spot. As it is equipped with tires, the Sd.Kfz.234/3 struggles on soft terrain (sand, mud, snow). The Sd.Kfz.234/3 is also average at fording: 15 km/h and it loses quickly speed when driving uphill. Obstacles will also make you lose a lot of speed: avoid them as the Sd.Kfz.234/3's survival relies on its mobility.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB405 Sl icon.png
RB140 Sl icon.png
SB172 Sl icon.png
Crew training450 Sl icon.png
Experts3 000 Sl icon.png
Aces45 Ge icon.png
Research Aces220 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 20 / 20 / 30 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new wheels.png
Tires
Mods new car 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 ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Mods tank ammo.png
75mm_kwk_37_40_HEAT_ammo_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Mods tank ammo.png
75mm_ger_kwk37_Hl_C_HEAT_ammo_pack
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Mods tank ammo.png
75mm_ger_Smoke_ammo_pack

Armaments

Main armament

75 mm K51 L/24 cannon
Ammunition50 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
4.3 → 3.3 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 16°
Horizontal guidance-14° / 14°
Main article: K51 L/24 (75 mm)

The "Stumpwagen" is armed with the K51 L/24 gun, which is equivalent to the 75 mm KwK37 gun on the early Panzer IV tanks. The gun features the same four useful ammunition types as the KwK37. The gun has great zoom and a very fast fire rate.

75 mm K51 L/24 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 50 -10°/+16° ±14° N/A 12.3 17.1 20.7 22.9 24.4 4.29 3.80 3.50 3.30
Realistic 8.3 9.8 11.9 13.2 14.0

Ammunition

The available ammunition offers a wide range of shells to engage all types of targets:

  • K.Gr.rot Pz.: APCBC; a slow shell with explosive filler mass that will knock out any tank with a single shot but has an average penetration power.
  • Hl.Gr 38B: HEAT; a shaped charge with good penetration and without penetration loss over distance. Only penetrates flat vertical surfaces but the post-penetration damage is very effective on open and lightly armoured vehicles.
  • Hl.Gr 38C: HEAT; a shaped charge with increased penetration over the previous shell. Very useful against heavily armoured targets.
  • Sprgr. 34: HE; useful for destroying open and lightly armoured vehicles.
  • K.Gr.Rot Nb.: Smoke; useful to blind enemy vehicles that are too remote for you to disable so that you can progress towards objectives.

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
K.Gr.rot Pz. APCBC 52 51 45 39 34 30
Hl.Gr 38B HEAT 80 80 80 80 80 80
Hl.Gr 38C HEAT 115 115 115 115 115 115
Sprgr. 34 HE 10 10 10 10 10 10
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
K.Gr.rot Pz. APCBC 385 6.8 1.2 14 102.4 48° 63° 71°
Hl.Gr 38B HEAT 450 4.57 0.05 0.1 872.1 62° 69° 73°
Hl.Gr 38C HEAT 450 4.8 0.05 0.1 875.5 62° 69° 73°
Sprgr. 34 HE 420 5.74 0.2 0.1 686 79° 80° 81°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Screen radius
(m) 		Screen deploy
time (s) 		Screen hold
time (s) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
K.Gr.Rot Nb. 423 6.2 9 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		7th
rack empty 		8th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
50 45 (+5) 39 (+11) 35 (+15) 31 (+19) 27 (+23) 23 (+27) 13 (+37) 1 (+49) No
Ammo racks of the Sd.Kfz.234/3

Notes:

  • Shells in racks 1 and 2 are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Shells in racks 3 to 8 are modeled by sets of 2 and disappear after both shells in the set having been shot or loaded.
  • Pack 27 (+23) shells (racks 1 to 5 emptied) to go into battle with the flanks empty of ammo.

Machine guns

7.92 mm MG42 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition1 950 rounds
Belt capacity150 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 200 shots/min
Main article: MG42 (7.92 mm)
7.92 mm MG42
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 1,950 (150) 1,200 - -

Usage in battles

This armoured car is as much fun to play as the Sd.Kfz.234/4. The short 75 mm gun and the 234 chassis work amazingly well within its battle rating. The best way to play this Rank I Goliath is to use your speed and to try to get side and rear shots on the enemy but since you have HEAT at your disposal, you are almost guaranteed to obliterate anything frontally at your battle rating and vice versa. The 234/3 has the same weaknesses as the 234/2 which means it can be and will be torn up by 12.7 mm machine gun fire, assume the position has been spotted after firing and move out via reverse. Engaging in a head-on is unadvised but you can come out kicking should you find yourself against any higher tanks as you should be able to reload fast enough, though this is not a go-to option.

The 75 mm gun is the same as early Panzer IV and can destroy any other vehicles at and above its battle rating with one hit, meanwhile, the 234/3 has a great speed of 50-60 km/h forwards and backwards to relocate. Because of this, it is possible (though not necessarily needed) to use the 75 mm and return fire while making haste. Terrain foliage such as bushes are great assets for concealment, shadows as well so use them and stay hidden.

Like its older brother, it is recommended to follow the exact same tactics, those being:

  1. Get behind great cover, either hard cover or visual cover (so rocks and or bushes are great)
  2. Use your cover for great visibility (for you to view the enemy)
  3. The ability to get deadly hits into the enemies

In its battle rating of 2.0, the 234/3 will face anything and everything between 1.0 and 3.0, It can and will be destroyed by anything and everything here. But keep in mind that tanks can use Artillery and Air-Spawns to take you down if they can't directly see you, so get under a roof and/or likewise cover where they can't see you nor hit you.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Adequate ammo supply for prolonged combat
  • Can move forward and backwards with equal speed
  • Eight-wheel drive gives it good surface traction and handling, much better manoeuvrability
  • Shorter gun than Sd.Kfz.234/2, making it harder to identify behind bushes
  • HEAT shells are available to use

Cons:

  • Very weak armour, can be penetrated by aircraft weapons and heavy machine guns
  • Open-topped, making it very vulnerable to attacks from the air or artillery
  • Can be disabled by aircraft simply by ramming it
  • Limited gun traverse
  • Crew compartment is littered with ammo
  • Vehicle will be immobilized if one driver is knocked out despite having two drivers in its layout, due to game mechanic limitations of having only one driver at a time
  • Gun has low muzzle velocity, not suitable for long range engagements

History

The blitzkrieg tactics in Poland and France gave the Germans a new appreciation of mobile and lethal reconnaissance vehicles. The Germans especially valued the armoured cars due to their speed, firepower, and their pre-war build-up as they were not restricted by the Versailles Treaty. The Germans started with armoured cars like the Sd.Kfz.231 family, each with different armaments. However, these vehicles had its flaws and in August 1940, Germany sought a replacement following the conclusion of the Battle of France.

The new vehicle was built off an improved Sd.Kfz.232 chassis made in monocoque construction by Büssing-NAG, its armoured body was made by Deutsche Edelstahlwerke, the turret by Daimler-Benz and Schichau, and air-cooled diesel engines by Ringhoffer-Tatra-Werke AG. The monocoque chassis design was built with an eight-wheel steering system, six forward and reverse gears, as well as having an additional driver seat in the rear for quick reversal get-aways. This construction led to Sd.Kfz.234 family. Vehicle construction first started in 1943 as the Sd.Kfz.234/2, which had a turret originally intended for the VK 1602 Leopard mounting a 5 cm L/60 gun, construction continued on this vehicle until mid-1944. The Sd.Kfz.234/2 earned the nickname "Puma" from the soldiers using it.

Production for Sd.Kfz.234/2 shifted towards other armaments in 1944 that replaced the original. This produced variants such as the Sd.Kfz.234/1 which replaced the turret with an open-top one carrying a 2 cm KwK38, this was produced between mid-1944 to early 1945. Right besides that, the Sd.Kfz.234/3 was produced with an open-top structure to mount a 75 mm howitzer, this was produced from mid-1944 until the end of 1944. At the Sd.Kfz.234/3's production end, it was replaced by the Sd.Kfz.234/4, also known as the "Pakwagen", that had the armament replaced by a 7.5 cm PaK40 L/46 anti-tank gun. This last variant was produced from the end of 1944 to the capitulation of Germany in World War II. A total of 478 Sd.Kfz.234 armoured cars were produced, 200 of the 234/1, 101 of the 234/2, 88 of the 234/3, and 89 of the 234/4.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #113 - War Machines section at 10:49 discusses the Sd.Kfz.234/3.
Sd.Kfz.234/3: Rapid HEAT Dispenser - Napalmratte

See also

Related development

External links


Germany tank destroyers
Pz. I Derivatives  Panzerjäger I
Pz. II Derivatives  15cm sIG 33 B Sfl
Pz. 38(t) Derivatives  Marder III · Marder III H · Jagdpanzer 38(t)
Pz. III Derivatives  StuG III A · StuG III F · StuG III G · StuH 42 G
Pz. IV Derivatives  Jagdpanzer IV · Panzer IV/70(A) · Panzer IV/70(V) · Dicker Max · Nashorn · Brummbär · VFW
Pz. V Derivatives  Jagdpanther G1 · Bfw. Jagdpanther G1
Pz. VI Derivatives  Sturer Emil · Elefant · Ferdinand · 38 cm Sturmmörser · Jagdtiger
Wheeled/Half-track  8,8 cm Flak 37 Sfl. · Sd.Kfz.251/9 · Sd.Kfz.251/10 · Sd.Kfz.251/22 · Sd.Kfz.234/3 · Sd.Kfz.234/4 · 15 cm Pz.W.42
ATGM Carrier  RakJPz 2 · RakJPz 2 (HOT) · Wiesel 1A2
Other  Waffenträger · M109G · JPz 4-5 · Raketenautomat · VT1-2

Germany premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  Pz.II C (DAK) · Pz.Sfl.Ic · Pz.Sp.Wg.P204(f) KwK · Sd.Kfz. 140/1 · Sd.Kfz.234/1 · Ru 251 · SPz 12-3 LGS · TAM 2IP
Medium tanks  Nb.Fz. · Pz.III N · Pz.Bef.Wg.IV J · ▀M4 748 (a) · ▀T 34 747 (r) · Ersatz M10
  mKPz M47 G · Turm III · Leopard A1A1 (L/44) · Leopard 2 (PzBtl 123) · Leopard 2A4M
Heavy tanks  ▀Pz.Kpfw. Churchill · ▀KV-IB · ▀KW I C 756 (r) · ▀KW II 754 (r)
  VK 45.01 (P) · ␠Tiger · Pz.Bef.Wg.VI P · Tiger II (H) Sla.16
Tank destroyers  Sd.Kfz.234/3 · Sd.Kfz.234/4 · Sd.Kfz.251/10 · Sd.Kfz.251/22 · 15 cm Pz.W.42
  Brummbär · Panzer IV/70(A) · VFW · Bfw. Jagdpanther G1 · Elefant · 38 cm Sturmmörser

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