Difference between revisions of "Strv 81"

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{{Specs-Card|code=sw_strv_81}}
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{{About
 +
|about = Swedish medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
|usage = other versions
 +
|link = Centurion (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=sw_strv_81
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was the Swedish designation for the [[Centurion Mk 3]]. Sweden acquired a batch of 80 [[Centurion Mk 3]] in 1953, and another batch of 160 in 1955 with a few modifications from the later Mk 5 version like a new barrel with bore evacuator. The Strv 81 would serve in the Swedish army from 1953 until the 2000s as the backbone of the Swedish armoured forces alongside the [[Strv 103 (Family)|Strv 103]]. They had an extensive service and would be modernized a few times throughout their service to meet standards as time progressed, becoming the Strv 102 and [[Strv 104|104]], but would eventually be replaced by the more modern [[Strv 121]].
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{{Break}}
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Swedish medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]].
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Introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]], the Strv 81 represents a Swedish-camouflaged Centurion Mk 3. Its gameplay is very similar to that of modern main battle tanks. Players never have to worry about opponents appearing around corners and stopping to take aim with the two-plane fully automatic stabilization system. Even with aggressive manoeuvring, the gun sights are fully stabilized, ensuring that the player always fires first upon spotting an enemy. The introduction of the 84 mm QF 20-pounder tank gun, which can penetrate up to 384 mm of armour at point-blank range with armour-piercing discarding sabot (APDS) ammunition, significantly improves firepower. This basically allows the player to engage the opponent's heavy tanks on their own terms, serving as a true ancestor to the main battle tank doctrine.
  
 
== 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? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
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{{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.'' -->
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret roof)
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret)
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 76.2 mm (58°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 76.2 mm (47-48°) ''Lower glacis'' || 50.8 (12°) + 6 mm || 38 mm (8-12°) || 29 mm <br> 8-14 mm ''Engine deck''
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 152 mm (6-27°) ''Turret front'' <br> 152 mm ''Gun mantlet''  || 89 mm (5-12°) || 89 mm || 50.8 mm ''Border of turret'' <br> 29 mm ''Centre of turret''
 +
|-
 +
| Cupola || 152 mm || 90 mm || 90 mm || 29 mm
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
 +
* Suspension wheels, tracks, and torsion bars are 20 mm thick.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
−
''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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{{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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,007|rbMinHp=575}}
  
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1007|rbMinHp= 575}}
+
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
 +
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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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{{main|Kan Strv 81 (84 mm)}}
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{{main|kan Strv 81 (84 mm)}}
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[Kan Strv 81 (84 mm)|84 mm Kan Strv 81]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
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! colspan="5" | [[kan Strv 81 (84 mm)|84 mm kan Strv 81]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 65 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 19.0 || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | 8.1 || rowspan="2" | _._ || rowspan="2" | _._ || rowspan="2" | _._
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| rowspan="2" | 65 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 19.0 || 26.4 || 32.0 || 35.4 || 37.7 || rowspan="2" | 8.19 || rowspan="2" | 7.25 || rowspan="2" | 6.68 || rowspan="2" | 6.30
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 11.9 || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 11.9 || 14.0 || 17.0 || 18.8 || 20.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:kan Strv 81 (84 mm)/Ammunition|slpprj, slpprj m/54, slsgr m/53, rökgr m/53}}
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! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
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−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| slpprj || APCBC || 232 || 229 || 216 || 201 || 187 || 173
 
−
|-
 
−
| slpprj m/54 || APDS || 285 || 283 || 262 || 239 || 218 || 198
 
−
|-
 
−
| slsgr m/53 || HE || 15 || 15 || 15 || 15 || 15 || 15
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| slpprj || APCBC || 1,000 || 9.1 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| slpprj m/54 || APDS || 1,400 || 3.2 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 75° || 78° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
| slsgr m/53 || HE || 600 || 7.5 || 0.4 || 0.5 || 1,130 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! Ammunition
 
−
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! Screen radius<br>(m)
 
−
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
 
−
! Screen hold time<br>(s)
 
−
! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
|-
 
−
| rökgr m/53 || 250 || 9.3 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
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<!-- '''Last updated: 2.7.0.68''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 +
! 7th<br>rack empty
 +
! 8th<br>rack empty
 +
! 9th<br>rack empty
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''65''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| '''65''' || 63&nbsp;''(+2)'' || 61&nbsp;''(+4)'' || 53&nbsp;''(+12)'' || 45&nbsp;''(+20)'' || 37&nbsp;''(+28)'' || 29&nbsp;''(+36)'' || 9&nbsp;''(+56)'' || 5&nbsp;''(+60)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+64)''  || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_Centurion_Mk_3.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the [[Centurion Mk 3]] (identical)]]
 +
'''Notes''':
  
−
==== [[Optics]] ====
+
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
* Racks 8 and 9 are first stage ammo racks. They total 8 shells and get filled first when loading up the tank.
−
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} Optics
+
* These racks are also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 8 - 9 - 1 - 2 - etc. until 7.
−
|-
+
* If you pack 29&nbsp;''(+36)'' shells, it will keep most of the hull empty of ammo.
−
!
+
* Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-7 into racks 9 then 8. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.
−
! Default magnification
 
−
! Maximum magnification
 
−
|-
 
−
! Main Gun optics
 
−
| X4.9 || X6.0
 
−
|-
 
−
! Comparable optics
 
−
| colspan="2" | ___
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|Ksp m/39B (8 mm)}}
+
{{main|ksp m/39B (8 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[Ksp m/39B (8 mm)|8 mm Ksp m/39B]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[ksp m/39B (8 mm)|8 mm ksp m/39B]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mount
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
−
! Capacity<br>(Belt capacity)
 
−
! Rate of fire<br>(shots/minute)
 
−
! Vertical<br>guidance
 
−
! Horizontal<br>guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 3,600 (250) || 648 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 3,750 (250) || 649 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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The Strv 81 is an effective medium tank if played to its strengths. If one wants to keep it simple, just use the powerful gun to snipe from distance. More advanced tankers can utilize the not too impressive max speed (35 km/h (22mph)) to move with this medium tank into the flanks of enemy tanks (close to the border of a map) and search for positions like hills and ridges where one can make use of the amazing -10° gun depression to hide the vulnerable lower plate of this tank. Once in such a position, one should use the binoculars to scout for enemies without exposing the turret. If an enemy tank is spotted that could be a potential threat (dangerous tank / faced towards you) pop out a little bit and start to take out the enemies gunner/cannon barrel/cannon breech to prevent him from returning fire. Now utilize the quick reload to take out one crew member after the other to finish your opponent. If an enemy is spotted who is exposing their side or even the rear while not aiming towards you, shoot the engine first to immobilize and possibly even ignite the enemy tank, preventing him to take cover. The next shots should again disable the gun of the enemy, now finish your prey by shooting all crew members or if you feel lucky shoot an ammo rack.
 
The Strv 81 is an effective medium tank if played to its strengths. If one wants to keep it simple, just use the powerful gun to snipe from distance. More advanced tankers can utilize the not too impressive max speed (35 km/h (22mph)) to move with this medium tank into the flanks of enemy tanks (close to the border of a map) and search for positions like hills and ridges where one can make use of the amazing -10° gun depression to hide the vulnerable lower plate of this tank. Once in such a position, one should use the binoculars to scout for enemies without exposing the turret. If an enemy tank is spotted that could be a potential threat (dangerous tank / faced towards you) pop out a little bit and start to take out the enemies gunner/cannon barrel/cannon breech to prevent him from returning fire. Now utilize the quick reload to take out one crew member after the other to finish your opponent. If an enemy is spotted who is exposing their side or even the rear while not aiming towards you, shoot the engine first to immobilize and possibly even ignite the enemy tank, preventing him to take cover. The next shots should again disable the gun of the enemy, now finish your prey by shooting all crew members or if you feel lucky shoot an ammo rack.
  
−
The best choice to pierce enemy tanks is obviously the slpprj m/54 (APDS) although it is quite expensive in terms of Silver Lions. The slpprj (APCBC) works in most situation as well but lacks penetration compared to the slpprj m/54 APDS shot. The amazing penetration characteristics of this APDS shot enables this gun to pierce front plates of all Panther models (apart from the Panther II) to ranges up to 2000 m. T-44s and Panther IIs front plates can be penetrated to ranges up to almost 1000 m. Keep in mind though that the front plate of the T-44 is angled at 60°, so it bounces even this powerful APDS shot quite often. Even the front plate of the mighty Tiger II is not able to stop this APDS shot if not angled and the range is shorter than 100 m.
+
The best choice to pierce enemy tanks is obviously the slpprj m/54 (APDS) although it is quite expensive in terms of Silver Lions. The slpprj (APCBC) works in most situation as well but lacks penetration compared to the slpprj m/54 APDS shot. The amazing penetration characteristics of this APDS shot enables this gun to pierce front plates of all Panther models (apart from the Panther II) to ranges up to 2,000 m. T-44s and Panther IIs front plates can be penetrated to ranges up to almost 1,000 m. Keep in mind though that the front plate of the T-44 is angled at 60°, so it bounces even this powerful APDS shot quite often. Even the front plate of the mighty Tiger II is not able to stop this APDS shot if not angled and the range is shorter than 100 m.
  
 
In a head to head situation with an enemy tank approaching try to angle the centurion not more than 5° degrees to either side since the side armour is quite weak (50.8 mm), try to hide your lower front plate which is a massive weak spot, while reloading turn the turret 10° to the right to maximize chances of bouncing shots (right side of the turret front has some extra armour) and keeping the gunner alive.
 
In a head to head situation with an enemy tank approaching try to angle the centurion not more than 5° degrees to either side since the side armour is quite weak (50.8 mm), try to hide your lower front plate which is a massive weak spot, while reloading turn the turret 10° to the right to maximize chances of bouncing shots (right side of the turret front has some extra armour) and keeping the gunner alive.
−
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Mobility
 
−
! Protection
 
−
! colspan="2" | Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Horizontal Drive
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Suspension
 
−
| Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire
 
−
| slpprj m/54
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Filters
 
−
|
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| Elevation Mechanism
 
−
| Smoke grenade
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Transmission
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Artillery Support
 
−
| rökgr m/53
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
−
'''Pros:'''  
+
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Able to fire on the move due to the stabiliser, allowing for faster reaction in a sudden engagement
+
* Powerful and high penetrating gun, the stock round is adequate and APDS can punch through anything it will face
 +
* Has a base reload time of 8.1 seconds, which can be lowered further into around 7.4 seconds (which is on average two seconds faster than its competitors)
 +
* Excellent gun depression and elevation
 +
* Extremely strong gun mantlet
 +
* Somewhat bouncy armour
 +
* Gunner is on the right side of the tank
 +
* Neutral steering can turn on the spot without having to switch into 1<sup>st</sup> gear
 +
* Good manoeuvrability
 +
* Good reverse speed
 +
* Gun stabilizer
  
−
'''Cons:'''  
+
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Hard to combat similar ranked opponents in urban combat due to weaker armour
+
* Low top speed
 +
* Ammo rack in the front, penetration through the lower glacis will likely end up destroying or detonating the ammo rack
 +
* Top armour covering the engine compartments is 8 mm
 +
* APDS shot causes only punctual damage (aim carefully)
 +
* No explosive filler on any AP shells
 +
* Weak side armour, do not angle the hull too much
  
 
== History ==
 
== 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: <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).''
+
<!-- ''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 Strv 81 was the designation given to 240 British Centurion Mk 3s equipped with Swedish communication equipment. As the first Centurion type used by the Swedish army, the vehicles were fielded extensively during the Cold War as a counter to the numerous T-54/T-55 MBTs fielded by the Soviet Army. The Strv 81s would later be complemented by the [[Strv 101]], a variant of the Centurion Mk 10, and later followed by the Strv 102 and Strv 104. These "Swedish Centurions" would continue service until the introduction of more advanced MBTs such as the Leopard 2 in Swedish service.
 +
 
 +
After the end of the Second World War, Sweden was in a tight spot in terms of armoured vehicles, as the Soviet forces near its borders possessed significant numbers of IS-series and T-44 tanks, along with the wartime-era T-34 tank variants. Most of these tanks far outclassed the Strv m/41 and m/42 tanks that equipped the Swedish army at the time. As a result, Swedish tank designers were immediately tasked with the development of a new medium tank. However, most of these designs failed to produce strong results, and thus, the Swedish army began the search for a new foreign-built medium tank.
 +
 
 +
The Swedish army considered two main tank designs: the M46 Patton and the Centurion Mk 3. The Swedish army decided to buy the Centurion, but Britain was unwilling to sell the tanks immediately due to the Korean War. As a result, the Swedish army began considering French-built tanks, notably the AMX-13. However, in late 1952, the British army agreed to sell Sweden 80 Centurion Mk 3 tanks with the order fulfilled 1953-1954. After testing with Swedish specialists, the first 80 Centurion Mk 3s were delivered to Sweden as the Strv 81 - these tanks were virtually identical to the British version.
 +
 
 +
In 1955, Sweden ordered an additional 160 Centurion Mk 3s, this time with modifications to the gun barrel to reduce fumes reentering the turret after firing. This made for a total of 240 Strv 81s in Swedish service, replacing the highly obsolete Strv m/41 and m/42 tanks of the wartime era. The Strv 81s were later complemented by the Strv 101s, which were British-built Centurion Mk 10s. Together, the Swedish Centurions served for a long time in Swedish service, later variants serving until 2001 when they were replaced by the variants of the German Leopard 2.
  
 
== 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=sw_strv_81 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Images:
 +
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150px">
 +
File:Strv 81 '80401'.jpg|Strv 81 with '80401' Market Camouflage
 +
File:Strv 81 Desert (Late).jpg|Strv 81 with Desert (Late) Camouflage
 +
File:Strv 81 Quadricolor Deforming.jpg|Strv 81 with Quadricolor Deforming Camouflage
 +
File:Strv 81 Standard.jpg|Strv 81 with Standard Camouflage
 +
File:Strv 81 Tricolor Summer.jpg|Strv 81 with Tricolor Summer Camouflage
 +
File:Strv 81 Tricolor Winter Deforming.jpg|Strv 81 with Tricolor Winter Deforming Camouflage
 +
File:Strv 81 Unicolor Winter.jpg|Strv 81 with Unicolor Winter Camouflage
 +
</gallery>
  
 
== 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;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
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{{main|Centurion (Family)}}
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;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
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* [[Strv 81 (RB 52)]]
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* [[Strv 81 (RB 52) (Great Britain)]]
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* [[Centurion Mk 3]]
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 +
;Related development
 +
 
 +
* [[Strv 101]]
 +
* [[Strv 104]]
 +
* [[Strv 105]]
 +
 
 +
;Similar role vehicles
 +
 
 +
* [[M47]]
 +
* [[M48A1]]
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* [[Leopard 1]]
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* [[T-54 (1947)]]
  
 
== 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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;Bibliography
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* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
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* ''other literature.''
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* Rickard O. Lindström. (2014, September 20) in ''ointres'' https://www.ointres.se/strv_81_101_102_104_centurion.htm
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer Department of Tank Design}}
 
{{Sweden medium tanks}}
 
{{Sweden medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 11:44, 22 December 2023

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the Swedish medium tank Strv 81. For other versions, see Centurion (Family).
Strv 81
sw_strv_81.png
GarageImage Strv 81.jpg
Strv 81
Sweden flag.png Sweden
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
7.7 7.7 7.7
Class:
Research:95 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:270 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Stridsvagn 81 was the Swedish designation for the Centurion Mk 3. Sweden acquired a batch of 80 Centurion Mk 3 in 1953, and another batch of 160 in 1955 with a few modifications from the later Mk 5 version like a new barrel with bore evacuator. The Strv 81 would serve in the Swedish army from 1953 until the 2000s as the backbone of the Swedish armoured forces alongside the Strv 103. They had an extensive service and would be modernized a few times throughout their service to meet standards as time progressed, becoming the Strv 102 and 104, but would eventually be replaced by the more modern Strv 121.

Introduced in Update 1.97 "Viking Fury", the Strv 81 represents a Swedish-camouflaged Centurion Mk 3. Its gameplay is very similar to that of modern main battle tanks. Players never have to worry about opponents appearing around corners and stopping to take aim with the two-plane fully automatic stabilization system. Even with aggressive manoeuvring, the gun sights are fully stabilized, ensuring that the player always fires first upon spotting an enemy. The introduction of the 84 mm QF 20-pounder tank gun, which can penetrate up to 384 mm of armour at point-blank range with armour-piercing discarding sabot (APDS) ammunition, significantly improves firepower. This basically allows the player to engage the opponent's heavy tanks on their own terms, serving as a true ancestor to the main battle tank doctrine.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull76 / 51 / 38
Turret152 / 89 / 89
Crew4 people
Visibility119 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret roof)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Turret)
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 76.2 mm (58°) Front glacis
76.2 mm (47-48°) Lower glacis 		50.8 (12°) + 6 mm 38 mm (8-12°) 29 mm
8-14 mm Engine deck
Turret 152 mm (6-27°) Turret front
152 mm Gun mantlet 		89 mm (5-12°) 89 mm 50.8 mm Border of turret
29 mm Centre of turret
Cupola 152 mm 90 mm 90 mm 29 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels, tracks, and torsion bars are 20 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB39 / 14 km/h
RB and SB35 / 12 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
2 back
Weight50.8 t
Engine power
AB1 240 hp
RB and SB650 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB24.4 hp/t
RB and SB12.8 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 39 14 50.8 1,007 1,240 19.82 24.41
Realistic 35 12 575 650 11.32 12.8

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 041 → 5 467 Sl icon.png
RB4 566 → 6 177 Sl icon.png
SB6 435 → 8 706 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications76 700 Rp icon.png
127 200 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 000 Ge icon.png
Crew training78 000 Sl icon.png
Experts270 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces670 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
130 / 200 / 220 % Sl icon.png
190 / 190 / 190 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 100 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement sw.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 100 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
84mm_britain_20pdr_APDS_ammo_pack
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 100 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 100 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
84mm_britain_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

84 mm kan Strv 81 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition65 rounds
First-order8 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
8.1 → 6.3 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: kan Strv 81 (84 mm)
84 mm kan Strv 81 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 65 -10°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 19.0 26.4 32.0 35.4 37.7 8.19 7.25 6.68 6.30
Realistic 11.9 14.0 17.0 18.8 20.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
slpprj APCBC 232 229 216 201 187 173
slpprj m/54 APDS 384 380 363 343 324 306
slsgr m/53 HE 20 20 20 20 20 20
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
slpprj APCBC 1,000 9.1 - - - 48° 63° 71°
slpprj m/54 APDS 1,430 3.22 - - - 75° 78° 80°
slsgr m/53 HE 600 7.88 0.2 0.1 1.59 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)
rökgr m/53 250 9.3 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 		9th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
65 63 (+2) 61 (+4) 53 (+12) 45 (+20) 37 (+28) 29 (+36) 9 (+56) 5 (+60) 1 (+64) No
Ammo racks of the Centurion Mk 3 (identical)

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Racks 8 and 9 are first stage ammo racks. They total 8 shells and get filled first when loading up the tank.
  • These racks are also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 8 - 9 - 1 - 2 - etc. until 7.
  • If you pack 29 (+36) shells, it will keep most of the hull empty of ammo.
  • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-7 into racks 9 then 8. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.

Machine guns

7.62 mm ksp m/39B machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition3 750 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate649 shots/min
Main article: ksp m/39B (8 mm)
8 mm ksp m/39B
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,750 (250) 649 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

The Strv 81 is an effective medium tank if played to its strengths. If one wants to keep it simple, just use the powerful gun to snipe from distance. More advanced tankers can utilize the not too impressive max speed (35 km/h (22mph)) to move with this medium tank into the flanks of enemy tanks (close to the border of a map) and search for positions like hills and ridges where one can make use of the amazing -10° gun depression to hide the vulnerable lower plate of this tank. Once in such a position, one should use the binoculars to scout for enemies without exposing the turret. If an enemy tank is spotted that could be a potential threat (dangerous tank / faced towards you) pop out a little bit and start to take out the enemies gunner/cannon barrel/cannon breech to prevent him from returning fire. Now utilize the quick reload to take out one crew member after the other to finish your opponent. If an enemy is spotted who is exposing their side or even the rear while not aiming towards you, shoot the engine first to immobilize and possibly even ignite the enemy tank, preventing him to take cover. The next shots should again disable the gun of the enemy, now finish your prey by shooting all crew members or if you feel lucky shoot an ammo rack.

The best choice to pierce enemy tanks is obviously the slpprj m/54 (APDS) although it is quite expensive in terms of Silver Lions. The slpprj (APCBC) works in most situation as well but lacks penetration compared to the slpprj m/54 APDS shot. The amazing penetration characteristics of this APDS shot enables this gun to pierce front plates of all Panther models (apart from the Panther II) to ranges up to 2,000 m. T-44s and Panther IIs front plates can be penetrated to ranges up to almost 1,000 m. Keep in mind though that the front plate of the T-44 is angled at 60°, so it bounces even this powerful APDS shot quite often. Even the front plate of the mighty Tiger II is not able to stop this APDS shot if not angled and the range is shorter than 100 m.

In a head to head situation with an enemy tank approaching try to angle the centurion not more than 5° degrees to either side since the side armour is quite weak (50.8 mm), try to hide your lower front plate which is a massive weak spot, while reloading turn the turret 10° to the right to maximize chances of bouncing shots (right side of the turret front has some extra armour) and keeping the gunner alive.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful and high penetrating gun, the stock round is adequate and APDS can punch through anything it will face
  • Has a base reload time of 8.1 seconds, which can be lowered further into around 7.4 seconds (which is on average two seconds faster than its competitors)
  • Excellent gun depression and elevation
  • Extremely strong gun mantlet
  • Somewhat bouncy armour
  • Gunner is on the right side of the tank
  • Neutral steering can turn on the spot without having to switch into 1st gear
  • Good manoeuvrability
  • Good reverse speed
  • Gun stabilizer

Cons:

  • Low top speed
  • Ammo rack in the front, penetration through the lower glacis will likely end up destroying or detonating the ammo rack
  • Top armour covering the engine compartments is 8 mm
  • APDS shot causes only punctual damage (aim carefully)
  • No explosive filler on any AP shells
  • Weak side armour, do not angle the hull too much

History

The Strv 81 was the designation given to 240 British Centurion Mk 3s equipped with Swedish communication equipment. As the first Centurion type used by the Swedish army, the vehicles were fielded extensively during the Cold War as a counter to the numerous T-54/T-55 MBTs fielded by the Soviet Army. The Strv 81s would later be complemented by the Strv 101, a variant of the Centurion Mk 10, and later followed by the Strv 102 and Strv 104. These "Swedish Centurions" would continue service until the introduction of more advanced MBTs such as the Leopard 2 in Swedish service.

After the end of the Second World War, Sweden was in a tight spot in terms of armoured vehicles, as the Soviet forces near its borders possessed significant numbers of IS-series and T-44 tanks, along with the wartime-era T-34 tank variants. Most of these tanks far outclassed the Strv m/41 and m/42 tanks that equipped the Swedish army at the time. As a result, Swedish tank designers were immediately tasked with the development of a new medium tank. However, most of these designs failed to produce strong results, and thus, the Swedish army began the search for a new foreign-built medium tank.

The Swedish army considered two main tank designs: the M46 Patton and the Centurion Mk 3. The Swedish army decided to buy the Centurion, but Britain was unwilling to sell the tanks immediately due to the Korean War. As a result, the Swedish army began considering French-built tanks, notably the AMX-13. However, in late 1952, the British army agreed to sell Sweden 80 Centurion Mk 3 tanks with the order fulfilled 1953-1954. After testing with Swedish specialists, the first 80 Centurion Mk 3s were delivered to Sweden as the Strv 81 - these tanks were virtually identical to the British version.

In 1955, Sweden ordered an additional 160 Centurion Mk 3s, this time with modifications to the gun barrel to reduce fumes reentering the turret after firing. This made for a total of 240 Strv 81s in Swedish service, replacing the highly obsolete Strv m/41 and m/42 tanks of the wartime era. The Strv 81s were later complemented by the Strv 101s, which were British-built Centurion Mk 10s. Together, the Swedish Centurions served for a long time in Swedish service, later variants serving until 2001 when they were replaced by the variants of the German Leopard 2.

Media

Skins
Images

  • Strv 81 with '80401' Market Camouflage

  • Strv 81 with Desert (Late) Camouflage

  • Strv 81 with Quadricolor Deforming Camouflage

  • Strv 81 with Standard Camouflage

  • Strv 81 with Tricolor Summer Camouflage

  • Strv 81 with Tricolor Winter Deforming Camouflage

  • Strv 81 with Unicolor Winter Camouflage

See also

Main article: Centurion (Family)
Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
Related development
Similar role vehicles

External links

Bibliography


Department of Tank Design
Medium Tanks 
Sherman Firefly  Sherman Firefly · Sherman IC "Trzyniec"
MBTs 
Centurion  Centurion Mk 1 · Centurion Mk.2 · Centurion Mk 3 · Centurion Action X · Centurion Mk.5 AVRE · Centurion Mk 10
Challenger*  Challenger Mk.2 · Challenger Mk.3 · Challenger DS
Tank Destroyers 
Achilles  Achilles · Achilles (65 Rg.)
Centurion-based  Conway · FV4005
Export 
Sherman Firefly  Sherman Ic · ▄Sherman Vc
Centurion  Centurion Mk.5/1 · Strv 81 · Strv 81 (RB 52) · ▄Strv 81 (RB 52) · Strv 101 · Strv 104** · Strv 105** · Sho't
See also  US Ordnance Department · Israeli Ordnance Corps · Vickers-Armstrongs Limited
  *By successor, the Military Vehicles and Engineering Establishment
  **Swedish modernizations incorporating innovations from the Israeli Sho't Kals.

Sweden medium tanks
Strv m/42  Lago I · Strv m/42 EH · Ikv 73 · Strv m/42 DT · Pvkv IV
Centurion derivatives  Strv 81 · Strv 81 (RB 52) · Strv 101 · Strv 104 · Strv 105
Strv 103  Strv 103-0 · Strv 103A · Strv 103С
Strv 121/122  Strv 121 · Christian II · Strv 122A · Strv 122B PLSS · Strv 122B+
Other  Sherman III/IV · T 80 U
Finland 
WWII  ▄T-28 · ▄T-34 · ▄Pz.IV · ▄T-34-85
Post War  ▄Comet I · ▄Charioteer Mk VII · ▄T-54 · ▄T-55M · ▄T-72M1 · ▄Leopard 2A4 · ▄Leopard 2A6
Norway  Leopard 1A5NO2

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