Difference between revisions of "So-Ki"

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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese self-propelled anti-aircraft gun {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced along with the initial Japanese Ground Forces tree in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese self-propelled anti-aircraft gun {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced along with the initial Japanese Ground Forces tree in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]].
  
−
This anti-aircraft vehicle features dual Type 98 20 mm cannons which have high-velocity capability and great mobility. The tank is quite fast, being built off the chassis of the Type 98 Ke-Ni, and can run away quite fast. You can use it as a scout by shooting other tanks so they show up on the map, but your primary role should be AA. This tank performs decently at it's BR of 3.3, but you'll soon get sick of it as you'll be stuck with it until the M42 Duster. Either way, it is a fairly decent AA vehicle.
+
This anti-aircraft vehicle features dual [[Type 98 (20 mm)|Type 98 20 mm]] cannons which have high velocity rounds and good traverse. The tank is quite fast, being built off the chassis of the Type 98 [[Ke-Ni]]. Players can use it as a scout by shooting other tanks and marking them on the map, but the primary role of the design is defending the team against aircraft. This tank performs decently at it's BR of 3.3 and with a good commander, it can be competitive against aircraft even into higher tiers.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 14: Line 14:
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
−
Due to the non-existent armour, literally anything can destroy the So-Ki. Enemies armed with .50 cals - tanks and planes - are particularly deadly, as they can pierce through the weak armour with no problem. Destroying this tank is easy, with a shot slightly to the right of the driver's hatch for a one-shot to knock out both crew members in the hull. A common way to go is to incapacitate the gunner, waiting for him to be replaced, and then knocking him out again. That or hull break. Fortunately, this thing is pretty fast, and there are some instances where you can literally outrun shells from enemies shooting at a fair distance away.
+
Due to the thin armour and open turret, many vehicles can destroy the So-Ki. Enemies armed with the [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|M2HB]]/[[M2 Browning (12.7 mm)|M2 Browning]] and other large-caliber [[:Category:Anti-aircraft guns|anti-aircraft guns]] and [[:Category:Aircraft cannons|aircraft cannons]] are particularly deadly as they can pierce through the hull and gunshield without much issue.  
 +
 
 +
In destroying this tank, a shot slightly to the right of the driver's hatch can knock out both crew members in the hull at the same time. In Ground RB, this will result in an instant knock out. If only one crewmember is knocked out, coaxial machine guns can be used to fire at the half-open turret. If the vehicle is hull-down or in a position that the hull cannot be hit, it is recommended to incapacitate the gunner, wait for him to be replaced, and then knock out the replacement.  
 +
 
 +
Fortunately for the So-Ki, the light hull allows the vehicle to go pretty fast. There are some instances where you can literally outrun shells fired by enemies who are shooting at a fair distance away.
  
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
Line 39: Line 43:
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=136|rbMinHp=115}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=136|rbMinHp=115}}
  
−
[[File:TYPE-98-Ho-Ki SPAAG 1.jpg|right|thumb|A three-quarter view of an early 20 mm So-Ki SPAAG.]]
+
[[File:TYPE-98-Ho-Ki SPAAG 1.jpg|right|thumb|A three-quarter view of an early prototype So-Ki.]]
−
The {{PAGENAME}} is quite fast, being built off of the Type 98 Ke-Ni, so use this blistering speed to your advantage. You can be a scout and shoot enemies so they appear on your map - but only do this if you have a clear way to escape and aren't in danger of being sniped by an enemy sitting on a hill 700 meters away.
+
The {{PAGENAME}} is quite fast, being built off of the Type 98 Ke-Ni, so you can use this blistering speed to your advantage. You can be a scout and mark enemies so they appear on the map - but it is recommended to only do this if you have a clear way to escape and aren't in danger of counter-fire.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 52: Line 56:
 
{{main|Type 98 (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|Type 98 (20 mm)}}
  
−
Double the guns means double the difficulty enemy aircraft will have with dealing with you, so be sure to aim for engines and at the centre of planes - your exposed cabin means that planes will often try to dive on you, hoping to score an easy knockout - give them a nasty surprise by filling their engines with Type 100 HE-T shells. That being said, always, always, ''always'' pay attention to what's going on in the air. Your gunner gets knocked out quickly, so be sure to always be aware of the battle in the air, as well as on the ground.
+
Double the guns means double trouble for enemy aircraft that are attempting to deal with you, so it is recommended to aim for engines and the center of enemy aircraft - your exposed cabin means that planes will often try to dive on you, hoping to score an easy knockout - you can give them a nasty surprise by filling their engines or cockpit with the Type 100 HE-T shells. That being said, it is highly recommended to always pay attention to what's going on in the air. The So-Ki's gunner can get knocked out quickly, so being aware of the battle in the air, as well as on the ground is essential.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
 +
 
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
 
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
 
* '''Type 100 HE-T:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
 
* '''Type 100 HE-T:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
Capture bases and attack lightly armoured targets when you can. For the most part you should be focused on an AA role, rather than an AT one, so always be listening for aircraft engines.
+
The So-Ki can use its speed to capture bases and attack lightly armoured targets when the opportunity presents itself. For the most part the So-Ki should fit its purpose in the AA role, rather than an AT one. The sound of aircraft engines will let the player know if potential enemies (and targets) are coming.
  
−
At its battle rating, the So-Ki can penetrate the sides of some tanks like the M4 Sherman and Pz.Kpfw. IV ausf. F2 and Pz.Kpfw. III series, but this is only at close range and generally the idea of using this tank to engage medium tanks not a very good one. This tank can deal with many lightly armoured targets like other SPAAs and some light tanks, so if you feel lucky then that is always a viable option. As for an AA role, this tank's performance is good enough for the job. It can shoot down low-flying aircraft with relative ease, and anyone who knows where to aim can easily shoot down most aircraft this tank will meet.
+
At its battle rating, the So-Ki can penetrate the sides of some tanks like the [[M4|M4 Sherman]], [[Strv m/42 EH]], [[Pz.IV F2]] and [[Pz.III L]], but this is usually only possible at close range. This tank can deal with many lightly armoured targets like other [[:Category:Anti-aircraft vehicles|SPAAs]] and some [[:Category:Light tanks|Light Tanks]] so if the situation requires, the So-Ki can take the role.  
 +
 
 +
As for an AA role, this vehicle's performance is competent. It can shoot down low-flying aircraft with relative ease, and anyone who knows how to properly lead targets can easily shoot down most aircraft this tank will meet.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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* Rapid firing cannons allow for excellent aerial coverage
 
* Rapid firing cannons allow for excellent aerial coverage
−
* Great vehicle mobility allowing for fast repositioning
+
* Great mobility allows for fast repositioning
−
* Frontal protection from light machinegun
+
* Frontal protection from light machine guns
 
* Great ammunition storage capacity
 
* Great ammunition storage capacity
 
* Fast reloading time
 
* Fast reloading time
 +
* Small size can make the vehicle harder to hit
 +
* Twin guns allows the vehicle to still fire if one is damaged
 +
* Two crew being in the hull allows for successful hull-down positions
 +
* Decent damage and penetration with the rounds
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Gunner crew is exposed and have no rear protection
+
* Thin hull armor
−
* Very vulnerable to incoming artillery rounds and aerial strafing/bombing
+
* Low crew count
−
* Rapid firing easily depletes ammunition magazines, trigger control required
+
* Gunner is exposed and has no rear protection. Driver and Loader can be knocked out in one shot
 +
* Vulnerable to incoming artillery rounds and aerial strafing/bombing
 +
* Rapid-firing quickly depletes medium-capacity ammunition magazines
 +
* Relatively small caliber may not effectively take down larger, heavily armored, or higher flying aircraft
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
Prior to World War II, Japan experimented with developing a SPAAG which could be mounted to several different platforms, including trucks, tanks and railroad cars. Production ended up developing a SPAAG which could shoot down aircraft at low altitudes, however, the Japanese military wanted their SPAAGs to have the capability to also shoot down aircraft at medium altitudes too. Along with the requirement to shoot down aircraft at low and medium altitudes,m the SPAAG needed to also be highly mobile and capable of providing protection to convoys from aerial attack as a defensive vehicle also.
+
Prior to World War II, Japan experimented with developing anti-aircraft guns based on several different platforms, including trucks, tanks and railroad cars. Production ended up developing an SPAAG that could shoot down aircraft at low altitudes. The Japanese military, however, wanted their SPAAGs to have the capability to also shoot down aircraft at medium altitudes too. Alongside the range requirements, the vehicle needed to be highly mobile to provide adequate protection to convoys from aerial attack.
 +
 
 +
By 1941, Japan started prototyping two variations of the new SPAAG. The first prototype was a single-mounted [[Type 98 (20 mm)|Type 98 20mm]] cannon on a [[Ke-Ni]] hull with a roofless turret known as the "[[Ta-Se]]", short for ''Taikū'' ("anti-air") ''Sensha'' ("tank"). The second prototype was a dual-mount Type 98 on the same hull with an open gun platform.
  
−
By 1941, Japan started prototyping two variations of the new SAAG, a single mounted Type 98 20 mm cannon known as "[[Ta-Se]]" short for Taikū ("anti-air") sensha ("tank") and the "So-Ki" which featured dual-mounted Type 98 20 mm cannons. The platform which was chosen for the SPAAG was the newly built Type 98 Ke-Ni light tank with its turret removed and the dual cannon platform installed.
+
The crew positions of the So-Ki featured a driver situated in the centre of the vehicle, right under the anti-aircraft gun emplacement. To aid in protecting the cannon crew (gunner and loaders) a gun shield was added to block or deflect small arms fire. A bench for the crew was mounted at the rear of the platform and could be folded out of the way to allow for placement of more ammunition magazines if necessary.
  
−
The crew positions of the So-Ki featured a driver situated in the centre of the vehicle and right under the anti-aircraft gun emplacement. To aid in protecting the cannon crew (gunner and loaders) a gun shield was added to block or deflect small arms fire, however, it was no match for a direct tank shell hit or strafing attack by fighters, attackers and dive bombers. A bench for the crew was mounted at the rear of the platform and could be folded out of the way to allow for placement of more ammunition magazines if necessary.
+
The total ammunition capacity for this vehicle was 22 magazines plus two more already loaded in the cannons. The rate of fire for the Type-98 cannons was around 830 rounds per minute, however, velocities between rounds differed due to round type and explosive filler.  
  
−
The total ammunition capacity for this vehicle was 22 belts plus two more already loaded in the cannons. The rate of fire for the Type-98 cannons was around 830 rounds per minute, however, velocities between rounds differed as they were comprised of different weights due to round type and explosive filler. Unfortunately, the So-Ki never entered production as by the time it was ready to enter service the needs of Japanese anti-aircraft vehicles had significantly evolved meaning the So-Ki was already outdated. The Japanese were also having a difficult time massing sufficient resources necessary for the production of this unit because of Allied progression in the Pacific front
+
Unfortunately for the Imperial Japanese Army, the So-Ki never entered production and by the time it was ready to enter service, the needs of the army in anti-aircraft vehicles had significantly evolved. Engineers were also having a difficult time massing sufficient resources necessary for the mass-production of new units because of the increasing Allied progression in the Pacific.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 159: Line 175:
  
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
 +
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=japan&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=spaa&vehicle=jp_type_95_so_ki Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=japan&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=spaa&vehicle=jp_type_95_so_ki Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
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;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
 
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
 +
 +
* [[Ta-Se]]
 
* [[Ke-Ni]]
 
* [[Ke-Ni]]
−
* [[Ta-Se]]
 
  
 
;Vehicles equipped with the same gun
 
;Vehicles equipped with the same gun
−
* [[Type 98 (20 mm)]]
+
 
 +
* [[Type 94]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Revision as of 22:16, 25 March 2022

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
So-Ki
jp_type_95_so_ki.png
GarageImage So-Ki.jpg
ArtImage So-Ki.png
So-Ki
Japan flag.png Japan
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.0 3.0 3.0
Class:
Research:14 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:32 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The So-Ki is a rank II Japanese self-propelled anti-aircraft gun with a battle rating of 3.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced along with the initial Japanese Ground Forces tree in Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai".

This anti-aircraft vehicle features dual Type 98 20 mm cannons which have high velocity rounds and good traverse. The tank is quite fast, being built off the chassis of the Type 98 Ke-Ni. Players can use it as a scout by shooting other tanks and marking them on the map, but the primary role of the design is defending the team against aircraft. This tank performs decently at it's BR of 3.3 and with a good commander, it can be competitive against aircraft even into higher tiers.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull16 / 12 / 10
Turret8 / 0 / 0
Crew3 people
Visibility75 %

Due to the thin armour and open turret, many vehicles can destroy the So-Ki. Enemies armed with the M2HB/M2 Browning and other large-caliber anti-aircraft guns and aircraft cannons are particularly deadly as they can pierce through the hull and gunshield without much issue.

In destroying this tank, a shot slightly to the right of the driver's hatch can knock out both crew members in the hull at the same time. In Ground RB, this will result in an instant knock out. If only one crewmember is knocked out, coaxial machine guns can be used to fire at the half-open turret. If the vehicle is hull-down or in a position that the hull cannot be hit, it is recommended to incapacitate the gunner, wait for him to be replaced, and then knock out the replacement.

Fortunately for the So-Ki, the light hull allows the vehicle to go pretty fast. There are some instances where you can literally outrun shells fired by enemies who are shooting at a fair distance away.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 16 mm (16-19°) Front plate
16 mm (11-72°) Front glacis
16 mm (29-48°) Lower glacis 		12 mm 10 mm (12-51°) 9 mm
Turret 8 mm (10-14°) N/A N/A N/A

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and tracks are both 15 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB54 / 8 km/h
RB and SB50 / 8 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
1 back
Weight7.0 t
Engine power
AB248 hp
RB and SB130 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB35.4 hp/t
RB and SB18.6 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 54 8 7 136 248 19.43 35.43
Realistic 50 8 115 130 16.43 18.57
A three-quarter view of an early prototype So-Ki.

The So-Ki is quite fast, being built off of the Type 98 Ke-Ni, so you can use this blistering speed to your advantage. You can be a scout and mark enemies so they appear on the map - but it is recommended to only do this if you have a clear way to escape and aren't in danger of counter-fire.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 037 → 1 334 Sl icon.png
RB844 → 1 086 Sl icon.png
SB1 322 → 1 701 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications13 960 Rp icon.png
20 150 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost860 Ge icon.png
Crew training9 200 Sl icon.png
Experts32 000 Sl icon.png
Aces270 Ge icon.png
Research Aces250 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
70 / 70 / 100 % Sl icon.png
130 / 130 / 130 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 700 Sl icon.png
150 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement jp.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 700 Sl icon.png
150 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_jp_type100_HE_ammo_pack
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods aa cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_jp_type100_AP_ammo_pack
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 700 Sl icon.png
150 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

2 x 20 mm Type 98 cannon
Ammunition520 rounds
Belt capacity20 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
3.9 → 3.0 s
Fire rate300 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 85°
Main article: Type 98 (20 mm)

Double the guns means double trouble for enemy aircraft that are attempting to deal with you, so it is recommended to aim for engines and the center of enemy aircraft - your exposed cabin means that planes will often try to dive on you, hoping to score an easy knockout - you can give them a nasty surprise by filling their engines or cockpit with the Type 100 HE-T shells. That being said, it is highly recommended to always pay attention to what's going on in the air. The So-Ki's gunner can get knocked out quickly, so being aware of the battle in the air, as well as on the ground is essential.

20 mm Type 98 (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 520 (20) 300 -10°/+85° ±180° N/A 35.22 48.75 59.20 65.47 69.65 3.90 3.45 3.18 3.00
Realistic 23.80 28.00 34.00 37.60 40.00

Ammunition

  • Default: API-T · HEFI-T · HEFI-T
  • Type 100 HE-T: HEFI-T
  • Type 100 AP-T: API-T
Penetration statistics
Belt Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
Default 48 45 35 26 19 14
Type 100 HE-T 2 2 2 2 2 2
Type 100 AP-T 48 45 35 26 19 14
Belt details
Belt Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
Mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive Mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Type 100 HE-T HEFI-T 950 0.13 0 0.1 6 79° 80° 81°
Type 100 AP-T API-T 928 0.16 N/A N/A N/A 47° 60° 65°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the So-Ki
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
26 2 (+24) No

Usage in battles

The So-Ki can use its speed to capture bases and attack lightly armoured targets when the opportunity presents itself. For the most part the So-Ki should fit its purpose in the AA role, rather than an AT one. The sound of aircraft engines will let the player know if potential enemies (and targets) are coming.

At its battle rating, the So-Ki can penetrate the sides of some tanks like the M4 Sherman, Strv m/42 EH, Pz.IV F2 and Pz.III L, but this is usually only possible at close range. This tank can deal with many lightly armoured targets like other SPAAs and some Light Tanks so if the situation requires, the So-Ki can take the role.

As for an AA role, this vehicle's performance is competent. It can shoot down low-flying aircraft with relative ease, and anyone who knows how to properly lead targets can easily shoot down most aircraft this tank will meet.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Rapid firing cannons allow for excellent aerial coverage
  • Great mobility allows for fast repositioning
  • Frontal protection from light machine guns
  • Great ammunition storage capacity
  • Fast reloading time
  • Small size can make the vehicle harder to hit
  • Twin guns allows the vehicle to still fire if one is damaged
  • Two crew being in the hull allows for successful hull-down positions
  • Decent damage and penetration with the rounds

Cons:

  • Thin hull armor
  • Low crew count
  • Gunner is exposed and has no rear protection. Driver and Loader can be knocked out in one shot
  • Vulnerable to incoming artillery rounds and aerial strafing/bombing
  • Rapid-firing quickly depletes medium-capacity ammunition magazines
  • Relatively small caliber may not effectively take down larger, heavily armored, or higher flying aircraft

History

Prior to World War II, Japan experimented with developing anti-aircraft guns based on several different platforms, including trucks, tanks and railroad cars. Production ended up developing an SPAAG that could shoot down aircraft at low altitudes. The Japanese military, however, wanted their SPAAGs to have the capability to also shoot down aircraft at medium altitudes too. Alongside the range requirements, the vehicle needed to be highly mobile to provide adequate protection to convoys from aerial attack.

By 1941, Japan started prototyping two variations of the new SPAAG. The first prototype was a single-mounted Type 98 20mm cannon on a Ke-Ni hull with a roofless turret known as the "Ta-Se", short for Taikū ("anti-air") Sensha ("tank"). The second prototype was a dual-mount Type 98 on the same hull with an open gun platform.

The crew positions of the So-Ki featured a driver situated in the centre of the vehicle, right under the anti-aircraft gun emplacement. To aid in protecting the cannon crew (gunner and loaders) a gun shield was added to block or deflect small arms fire. A bench for the crew was mounted at the rear of the platform and could be folded out of the way to allow for placement of more ammunition magazines if necessary.

The total ammunition capacity for this vehicle was 22 magazines plus two more already loaded in the cannons. The rate of fire for the Type-98 cannons was around 830 rounds per minute, however, velocities between rounds differed due to round type and explosive filler.

Unfortunately for the Imperial Japanese Army, the So-Ki never entered production and by the time it was ready to enter service, the needs of the army in anti-aircraft vehicles had significantly evolved. Engineers were also having a difficult time massing sufficient resources necessary for the mass-production of new units because of the increasing Allied progression in the Pacific.

Media

Skins
Videos
So-Ki SPAAG Vehicle Review - NuSensei

See also

Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
Vehicles equipped with the same gun

External links


Japan anti-aircraft vehicles
Ke-Ni Derivatives  Ta-Se · So-Ki
Wheeled  Type 94
Tracked  SUB-I-II
Radar SPAAG  Type 87
Missile SPAA  Type 93 · Type 81 (C)
USA  ▅M16 MGMC · ▅M19A1 · ▅M42

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