Difference between revisions of "VCC-80/30"

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(Ammunition: Edits)
(Tried to upwrite this page to differentiate it from Dardo somewhat. Some points in pro/con are becoming kinda nonsensical with current BR rates, but i'll leave them there.)
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].
  
The VCC-80/30 is one of the prototypes created during development of the Italian [[Dardo]] IFV, featuring a 30 mm quick firing Bushmaster II gun and a commander's sight.
+
The VCC-80/30 is one of the prototypes created during development of the Italian [[Dardo]] IFV, featuring a 30 mm quick firing Bushmaster II gun and a commander's sight. These features optimize the tank performance for medium to long range combat, while close range combat becomes risky.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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The survival of the VCC-80/30 is characterized by its thin armour. The armour is made of rolled homogeneous armour and aluminum that make up an effective armour of 77 mm at the top of the hull, while at the bottom, the most vulnerable part, the armour amounts to 46 mm. This armour is very weak, it can barely defend against 20 mm shells.
 
The survival of the VCC-80/30 is characterized by its thin armour. The armour is made of rolled homogeneous armour and aluminum that make up an effective armour of 77 mm at the top of the hull, while at the bottom, the most vulnerable part, the armour amounts to 46 mm. This armour is very weak, it can barely defend against 20 mm shells.
  
Inside the VCC-80/30 there are 3 crew members: the driver, the commander and the gunner.
+
As with Dardo, inside the VCC-80/30 there are 3 crew members: the driver, the commander and the gunner, and it's easy to lose both turret crew members if the tank was penetrated. The dual ammunition belt is also present to their side, and it explodes if hit.
  
 
The engine is at the front of the vehicle and is separated from the driving area with a rolled homogeneous plate of 6 mm. This plate that separates the driver from the engine serves to increase the vehicle's resistance against shrapnel and fire.
 
The engine is at the front of the vehicle and is separated from the driving area with a rolled homogeneous plate of 6 mm. This plate that separates the driver from the engine serves to increase the vehicle's resistance against shrapnel and fire.
 +
 +
It's extremely important to note, that this tank has a commander scope, which allows it to attack while only exposing the sight. Therefore, as long as the commander is alive, the tank is much better protected as it is able to exploit terrain features. Being hit into the scope may disable the commander or cause fatal overpressure damage, depending on what hits the scope, but it is very difficult even with arcade aim assist. The scope is so important, that it makes using "crew replenishment" to recover the commander a viable strategic choice in AB, rather than keeping it to survive a direct hit once.
  
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
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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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|Bushmaster 2 Mk.44 (30 mm)}}
 
{{main|Bushmaster 2 Mk.44 (30 mm)}}
 +
 +
The gun on this tank is a Bushmaster 30 mm autocannon. It is fairly common on German tanks at the rank and it's main selling point is increased penetration value over the 20-25 mm cannons.
 +
 +
Its downsides are a relatively low rate of fire and objective randomness of damage at close range, which combined with poor armour makes the VCC weaker than other light tanks at close range. At ranges of 500 and 1000 m the gun becomes significantly more efficient than its peers and overall less random.
 +
 +
At ranges of 1300+ m it becomes possible to fire APFSDS over a shallow hill into enemy tanks and it is very difficult, if not impossible, to counter for those who only bring APFSDS as ammunition, allowing the user to spare precious ATGMs and snipe travelling tanks with the gun instead.
  
 
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<!-- ''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|BGM-71 TOW}}
 
{{main|BGM-71 TOW}}
 +
 +
This tank carries the same TOW-2 missiles as the Dardo, but the addition of commander sight adds some points to consider.
 +
 +
When using commander aim in commander sight, the missile LOS is calculated off the commander sight instead of a gun, so use it whenever possible to increase missile reach.
 +
 +
TOW-2 and TOW-2A are direct hit missiles by nature, and the launchers are located below the commander's sight, so when firing over a hill, inital launch should be pointed up into the sky to avoid wasting ammunition. Minimal range for indirect shot is about 500 m. TOW-2B may avoid the hill naturally, but when standing next to it, firing up initially is still recommended.
 +
 +
The tank has the maximum synergy with TOW-2B, as it becomes near impossible to remove it without having proximity shells or a top-down attack missile due to the small size of a commander scope, while it can scout and harass pretty much anything at any range as long as there is a hill or some sort of medium cover.
  
 
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<!-- ''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).'' -->
  
The VCC-80/30 has a different style of gameplay than the Dardo IFV, but instead is very similar to the M3A3 Bradley. Do not rush at capture points or enemies, because your main gun cannot damage enemy tanks as easily as the previous Dardo. It's best to stay hidden and therefore not fire as many shots. In terms of the mobility, the VCC-80/30 is almost equal to the Dardo IFV since the hull is the same, just slightly taller. The TOW launchers are equipped with TOW-2, TOW-2B, and also the TOW-2A ATGM with tandem warhead (to penetrate tanks that have ERA protection). It is always recommended to bring some TOW-2B while the rest of the vehicle holds the TOW-2A. The TOW launchers can only be used when in battle mode or when stationary. In addition to the TOW launchers, the VCC-80/30 carries a 30 mm Bushmaster II cannon with a slow rate of fire and increased penetration using APDS and APFSDS. It is very useful for attacking less armoured enemies on the side. Do not to rush the capture points or go to contact with the enemy, look for a way to get around them or attack them by surprise, because only one hit is enough to destroy you.
+
The VCC-80/30 has a different style of gameplay from the Dardo IFV, instead it is very similar to the M3A3 Bradley or a classical sniper tank. Do not rush at capture points or enemies, because your main gun cannot damage enemy tanks as fast as with the previous Dardo. Instead, stalk around the points and hit tanks with missiles. It's best to stay hidden and therefore not fire as many shots, unless you managed to intercept a clueless tanker. Look for a way to get around them or attack them by surprise, because only one hit is enough to destroy you.
 +
 
 +
To avoid getting hit, use the commander scope. It's placed higher than any other part of the tank and is very small, so if you can only barely see enemy tanks with it, they probably can't hit you back. In terms of the mobility, the VCC-80/30 is almost equal to the Dardo IFV since the hull is the same, just slightly taller, so use it to move around the area and to throw enemy aim off even further when they are staring back at you.
 +
 
 +
In Arcade mode, if you somehow got hit and only lost one crew member, it is probably worth using crew replenishment manually to heal the commander, rather than giving up on the commander sight, even if the next hit will definitely destroy the tank. It is magnitudes harder to hit the commander scope of the VCC than the tank itself, and many tankers have to realize that it's an option to begin with, which usually occurs to them way too late.
 +
 
 +
The TOW launchers are equipped with TOW-2, TOW-2B (which can destroy camping sniper tanks), and also the TOW-2A ATGM with tandem warhead (to penetrate tanks that have ERA protection). Depending on enemy team composition and the BR, you can always bring at least some TOW-2B for the NATO tanks while the rest of the vehicle can hold the TOW-2A.  
 +
 
 +
The TOW launchers can only be used when stationary, so the gun still must be used when suddenly attacked. APFSDS can cut into engine compartments at very shallow angles, so never surrender and always try to hit enemy hull side armour, sometimes miracles happen. Sometimes at a range of 500 m medium tanks may expose just enough of the tank hull to get destroyed by the gun barely hitting it, but this is difficult to gauge in RB. The gun is also useful for attacking less armoured light tanks or repositioning sniper tanks at very long ranges, and the enemy will have problems with responding back if you do not overextend.  
 +
 
 +
Although the turret traverse is very fast, since the gun is rather slow firing, perhaps fighting an aircraft directly with it is a bad idea if your aim is not perfect. In such case, if you get a consistent laser lock on your tank, just drop smokes and run for your life instead of trying to find out what exactly is firing at you. Even if the enemy helicopter is rather close to you, it is not worth finding out what is stronger - their automatic grenade launcher and ATGMs or the Bushmaster. Once you got to cover and lost the lock you can try to reply.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* Fantastic mobility
+
* Low profile, unlike its contemporary, like the M3A3 Bradley and Strf 9040 BILL
** High speed, both forwards (70 km/h) and in reverse (-34 km/h)
+
* Extremely safe missile attack setup with commander sight controls unlike Dardo
 +
* Fantastic mobility when compared to opposition
 
** Responsive neutral steering
 
** Responsive neutral steering
 
** Eager to accelerate both forwards and in reverse
 
** Eager to accelerate both forwards and in reverse
* Uses the 30 mm Bushmaster II instead of the 25 mm Oerlikon - increased APFSDS penetration
 
* Access to a full APFSDS belt
 
* Various missiles at your disposal - standard TOW-2s, tandem-charge TOW-2As and the infamous top-attack TOW-2Bs
 
* Great zoom and wide FOV in the gunner's and commander's sight
 
* High gun elevation - capable of engaging helicopters and other aircraft
 
* Capable of firing 2 missiles without having to wait for the launchers to elevate
 
* Low profile, unlike its American and Swedish contemporary, the M3A3 Bradley and Strf 9040 BILL
 
 
* Very fast turret rotation
 
* Very fast turret rotation
 +
* Uses the 30 mm Bushmaster II instead of the 25 mm Oerlikon - reliable APFSDS penetration against medium tank sides at long ranges
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Much slower rate of fire (200 rpm) than the 25 mm Oerlikon found on the Dardo
+
* Much slower rate of fire (200 rpm) than the 25 mm Oerlikon found on the Dardo, so it has significantly worse time-to-kill at close ranges and against mobile aircraft
* Weak armour, as is expected from an IFV
+
* If it loses terrain advantage and/or tank commander then it can't fight efficiently and arguably becomes a worse Dardo
* Stock belts consists of one single APDS shot, this, combined with the slow rate of fire, can land you in serious trouble when engaging enemy vehicles
+
* Cannot fire missiles on the move, unlike the Russian tanks or future tanks that are armed with the Spike missile
* Cramped turret with only 2 crew members - hits on the turret are usually fatal
 
* Cannot fire missiles on the move, unlike the Russian BMP-2M
 
 
* Tendency to oversteer at high speeds
 
* Tendency to oversteer at high speeds
 +
* Weak armour, can be taken out by other top-down ATGM carriers easily
 +
** Cramped turret with only 2 crew members - any hits on the turret are usually fatal (shouldn't be a problem if player pays attention)
 +
* Stock belt consists of one single APDS shot, this, combined with the slow rate of fire, can land you in serious trouble when engaging enemy vehicles
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==

Revision as of 12:10, 19 October 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the Italian light tank VCC-80/30. For other versions, see VCC-80 Dardo (Family).
VCC-80/30
it_vcc_80_hitfist_30.png
GarageImage VCC-80-30.jpg
VCC-80/30
AB RB SB
10.0 10.0 10.0
Class:
Research:150 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:830 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The VCC-80 (HITFIST 30) is a rank VII Italian light tank with a battle rating of 10.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update "Ground Breaking".

The VCC-80/30 is one of the prototypes created during development of the Italian Dardo IFV, featuring a 30 mm quick firing Bushmaster II gun and a commander's sight. These features optimize the tank performance for medium to long range combat, while close range combat becomes risky.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
LWS
Notifies about the vehicle's exposure to laser emissions
Armourfront / side / back
Hull72 / 52 / 38
Turret40 / 40 / 40
Crew3 people
Visibility88 %

The survival of the VCC-80/30 is characterized by its thin armour. The armour is made of rolled homogeneous armour and aluminum that make up an effective armour of 77 mm at the top of the hull, while at the bottom, the most vulnerable part, the armour amounts to 46 mm. This armour is very weak, it can barely defend against 20 mm shells.

As with Dardo, inside the VCC-80/30 there are 3 crew members: the driver, the commander and the gunner, and it's easy to lose both turret crew members if the tank was penetrated. The dual ammunition belt is also present to their side, and it explodes if hit.

The engine is at the front of the vehicle and is separated from the driving area with a rolled homogeneous plate of 6 mm. This plate that separates the driver from the engine serves to increase the vehicle's resistance against shrapnel and fire.

It's extremely important to note, that this tank has a commander scope, which allows it to attack while only exposing the sight. Therefore, as long as the commander is alive, the tank is much better protected as it is able to exploit terrain features. Being hit into the scope may disable the commander or cause fatal overpressure damage, depending on what hits the scope, but it is very difficult even with arcade aim assist. The scope is so important, that it makes using "crew replenishment" to recover the commander a viable strategic choice in AB, rather than keeping it to survive a direct hit once.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Aluminium alloy 5083 (Hull front, hull rear)
  • Aluminium alloy 7039 (Turret, hull sides)
  • Composite screen (Sideskirts)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 25 mm + 8 mm (78°) Upper

50 mm + 22 mm (38°) Lower

25 mm (33°) Upper

25 mm, 52 mm, 32 mm Lower

38 mm (30°) 25 mm
Turret 40 mm + 22 mm (18°) Turret front

40 mm + 6 mm (22°) Turret front sides

25 mm + 25 mm Gun mantlet

40 mm (22-25°) 40 mm (26°) 40 mm (80°) Front

25 mm Rear

Cupola 40 mm (cylindrical) 25 mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB78 / 36 km/h
RB and SB70 / 32 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
4 back
Weight23.5 t
Engine power
AB992 hp
RB and SB520 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB42.2 hp/t
RB and SB22.1 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 78 36 23.5 806 992 34.3 42.21
Realistic 70 32 460 520 19.57 22.13

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 552 → 5 946 Sl icon.png
RB3 387 → 5 669 Sl icon.png
SB4 525 → 7 574 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications249 800 Rp icon.png
409 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 900 Ge icon.png
Crew training240 000 Sl icon.png
Experts830 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 140 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
140 / 180 / 230 % Sl icon.png
238 / 238 / 238 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
9 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
9 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement it.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
30mm_173_HEI_ammo_pack
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
152mm_us_tow_2a_ammo_pack
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
9 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Research:
9 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
9 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods counterMeasures.png
LWS/LR
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
30mm_173_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods scout streak.png
Scout UAV
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
152mm_us_tow_2_ammo_pack
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

30 mm Bushmaster 2 Mk.44 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition360 rounds
Belt capacity90 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
13.0 → 10.0 s
Fire rate201 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 60°

The gun on this tank is a Bushmaster 30 mm autocannon. It is fairly common on German tanks at the rank and it's main selling point is increased penetration value over the 20-25 mm cannons.

Its downsides are a relatively low rate of fire and objective randomness of damage at close range, which combined with poor armour makes the VCC weaker than other light tanks at close range. At ranges of 500 and 1000 m the gun becomes significantly more efficient than its peers and overall less random.

At ranges of 1300+ m it becomes possible to fire APFSDS over a shallow hill into enemy tanks and it is very difficult, if not impossible, to counter for those who only bring APFSDS as ammunition, allowing the user to spare precious ATGMs and snipe travelling tanks with the gun instead.

30 mm Bushmaster 2 Mk.44 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 360 (90) 200 -10°/+60° ±180° Two-plane 54.5 75.5 91.7 101.4 107.9 13.00 11.50 10.60 10.00
Realistic 34.1 40.1 48.7 53.9 57.3

Ammunition

  • Default: APDS
  • MK266: HEI-T*
  • MK258: APFSDS

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
APDS 87 86 81 75 70 65
HEI-T 9 8 6 5 3 3
APFSDS 116 115 110 104 99 93
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
APDS 1,480 0.19 - - - 75° 78° 80°
HEI-T 1,080 0.36 0.1 0.1 54.4 79° 80° 81°
APFSDS 1,430 0.1 - - - 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
6th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
4 3 (+1) 2 (+2) 1 (+3) N/A N/A N/A No

Additional armament

Ammunition8 rounds
Belt capacity2 rounds
Fire rate120 shots/min
Vertical guidance-6° / 30°
Fire on the moveup to 5 km/h
Main article: BGM-71 TOW

This tank carries the same TOW-2 missiles as the Dardo, but the addition of commander sight adds some points to consider.

When using commander aim in commander sight, the missile LOS is calculated off the commander sight instead of a gun, so use it whenever possible to increase missile reach.

TOW-2 and TOW-2A are direct hit missiles by nature, and the launchers are located below the commander's sight, so when firing over a hill, inital launch should be pointed up into the sky to avoid wasting ammunition. Minimal range for indirect shot is about 500 m. TOW-2B may avoid the hill naturally, but when standing next to it, firing up initially is still recommended.

The tank has the maximum synergy with TOW-2B, as it becomes near impossible to remove it without having proximity shells or a top-down attack missile due to the small size of a commander scope, while it can scout and harass pretty much anything at any range as long as there is a hill or some sort of medium cover.

BGM-71 TOW missile Reloading rate (seconds)
Capacity (Belt) Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Full Expert Aced
8 (2) -6°/+30° N/A N/A 13.0 11.5 10.6 10.0

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
TOW-2 ATGM 800 800 800 800 800 800
TOW-2A ATGM (tandem) 800 800 800 800 800 800
TOW-2B ATGM (OTA) 100 100 100 100 100 100
Missile details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Range
(m)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
TOW-2 ATGM 329 3,750 21.45 0.05 0.1 4.41 80° 82° 90°
TOW-2A ATGM (tandem) 329 3,750 22.63 0.4 0.01 4.51 80° 82° 90°
Missile details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Range
(m)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Arming
distance (m)
Trigger
radius (m)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
TOW-2B ATGM (OTA) 309 3,750 22.59 0.05 0.1 30 3 3.38 80° 82° 90°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
6th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
4 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Machine guns

Ammunition1 200 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate801 shots/min
7.62 mm Beretta MG42/59
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 1,200 (200) 801 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

The VCC-80/30 has a different style of gameplay from the Dardo IFV, instead it is very similar to the M3A3 Bradley or a classical sniper tank. Do not rush at capture points or enemies, because your main gun cannot damage enemy tanks as fast as with the previous Dardo. Instead, stalk around the points and hit tanks with missiles. It's best to stay hidden and therefore not fire as many shots, unless you managed to intercept a clueless tanker. Look for a way to get around them or attack them by surprise, because only one hit is enough to destroy you.

To avoid getting hit, use the commander scope. It's placed higher than any other part of the tank and is very small, so if you can only barely see enemy tanks with it, they probably can't hit you back. In terms of the mobility, the VCC-80/30 is almost equal to the Dardo IFV since the hull is the same, just slightly taller, so use it to move around the area and to throw enemy aim off even further when they are staring back at you.

In Arcade mode, if you somehow got hit and only lost one crew member, it is probably worth using crew replenishment manually to heal the commander, rather than giving up on the commander sight, even if the next hit will definitely destroy the tank. It is magnitudes harder to hit the commander scope of the VCC than the tank itself, and many tankers have to realize that it's an option to begin with, which usually occurs to them way too late.

The TOW launchers are equipped with TOW-2, TOW-2B (which can destroy camping sniper tanks), and also the TOW-2A ATGM with tandem warhead (to penetrate tanks that have ERA protection). Depending on enemy team composition and the BR, you can always bring at least some TOW-2B for the NATO tanks while the rest of the vehicle can hold the TOW-2A.

The TOW launchers can only be used when stationary, so the gun still must be used when suddenly attacked. APFSDS can cut into engine compartments at very shallow angles, so never surrender and always try to hit enemy hull side armour, sometimes miracles happen. Sometimes at a range of 500 m medium tanks may expose just enough of the tank hull to get destroyed by the gun barely hitting it, but this is difficult to gauge in RB. The gun is also useful for attacking less armoured light tanks or repositioning sniper tanks at very long ranges, and the enemy will have problems with responding back if you do not overextend.

Although the turret traverse is very fast, since the gun is rather slow firing, perhaps fighting an aircraft directly with it is a bad idea if your aim is not perfect. In such case, if you get a consistent laser lock on your tank, just drop smokes and run for your life instead of trying to find out what exactly is firing at you. Even if the enemy helicopter is rather close to you, it is not worth finding out what is stronger - their automatic grenade launcher and ATGMs or the Bushmaster. Once you got to cover and lost the lock you can try to reply.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Low profile, unlike its contemporary, like the M3A3 Bradley and Strf 9040 BILL
  • Extremely safe missile attack setup with commander sight controls unlike Dardo
  • Fantastic mobility when compared to opposition
    • Responsive neutral steering
    • Eager to accelerate both forwards and in reverse
  • Very fast turret rotation
  • Uses the 30 mm Bushmaster II instead of the 25 mm Oerlikon - reliable APFSDS penetration against medium tank sides at long ranges

Cons:

  • Much slower rate of fire (200 rpm) than the 25 mm Oerlikon found on the Dardo, so it has significantly worse time-to-kill at close ranges and against mobile aircraft
  • If it loses terrain advantage and/or tank commander then it can't fight efficiently and arguably becomes a worse Dardo
  • Cannot fire missiles on the move, unlike the Russian tanks or future tanks that are armed with the Spike missile
  • Tendency to oversteer at high speeds
  • Weak armour, can be taken out by other top-down ATGM carriers easily
    • Cramped turret with only 2 crew members - any hits on the turret are usually fatal (shouldn't be a problem if player pays attention)
  • Stock belt consists of one single APDS shot, this, combined with the slow rate of fire, can land you in serious trouble when engaging enemy vehicles

History

After the VCC-80 "Dardo" program was finalized, OTO Melara also had many plans to export the machine, or parts of the machine, to foreign countries who might've been interested in acquiring Italian technology. The standard version of the VCC-80 'Dardo' IFV would itself be armed with a 25 mm Oerlikon autocannon, which would be installed onto the OTO TC-25 Hitfist turret, however during the '90s OTO had designed an upgrade kit for the TC-25 Hitfist turrets, which were primarily made as optional armament available for anyone interested in up-gunning the IFV from a 25 mm Oerlikon to a 30 mm Bushmaster.

This version of the TC-25 Hitfist turret would be mainly seen in military arms exhibitions, but for testing reasons, this up-gunned version of the turret would also be tested on the VCC-80 'Dardo' IFV. Not much is known in regards to the tests, however it is safe to assume that the Italian army at the time was not interested.

The upgraded TC-25 Hitfist was armed with a stabilised dual-fed 30 mm Bushmaster II which could fire a variety of munitions, including 30 mm APFSDS. In addition, it had access to a 7.62 mm MG with 700 rounds, and 2 TOW ATGM launchers, which were able to fire ITOW, TOW-2, TOW-2A, and TOW-2B. In terms of FCS, it utilised the same Kollsman Day/Night sight already present of the production batches of the Dardo IFV, more interestingly tests conducted on the up-gunned Dardo also showed that despite the new calibre, a commander sight was still always available. Lastly, if there was a need to disengage from a firefight, 8 x 80 mm smoke launchers were still available. Overall this would've been a great potential upgrade which could be easily done for the Dardo, however since the Italian army had no interest it was never done in a high amount. Instead, nearly 20 years later, OTO Melara would showcase a new upgrade for the Dardo which would use a 30 mm autocannon, but instead of the TC-25 Hitfist turret it would be presented on the 30 mm OWS turret.

OTO would continue to showcase and hopefully sell the TC-25 Hitfist turret up to the early 2000s. The modified turret would generate some interest in the UK, specifically with the Alvis Stormer 30, which started as a private venture. The reasoning was mainly so the new vehicle could meet potential user requirements for a high-mobility air-portable armoured reconnaissance vehicle. The development of the Stormer 30 started in 1995, with the first prototype completed in the year 1997. Sadly, Alvis didn't manage to generate any interest with the Stormer 30 so OTO Melara was once again without a potential customer for one of their items.

Devblog

During the development of the Dardo IFV, several variants of chassis and turrets with different guns took part in the competition. The prototype VCC-80 with a HITFIST turret is slightly higher than Dardo, and designed to mount the American 30 mm Bushmaster II cannon. Despite the more advanced fire control system and an additional electro-optical periscope for the commander, the military preferred a more compact version of the turret with a 25 mm gun, the HITFIST turret later used for a prototype infantry fire support vehicle and escorting motorized columns with a 60 mm gun.

The VCC-80/30 is another variant of one of the best infantry fighting vehicles in War Thunder, the Italian Dardo. Despite the similarity of these machines, the VCC-80/30 - although it is only a prototype of the Dardo - surpasses its serial brother in some aspects. The main difference between the machines is the turret and the gun. The prototype has a HITFIST 30 turret, which houses a 30 mm Bushmaster II cannon, which is more powerful than the first version already familiar to you from the Bradley, but with about the same rate of fire.

Just like the Dardo, it has ATGM launchers for the TOW-2, the tandem-warhead TOW-2A, and TOW-2B, that hit the enemy from above. The up-to-date fire control system includes sights with NVD (and thermal imaging for the gunner), it also includes a laser rangefinder, and an effective two-axis stabilizer. An additional periscope commander's sight is installed on the tower.

Media

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See also

Related development

External links


OTO Melara
Light Tanks/IFVs 
Centauro  Centauro I 105 · Centauro I 105 R · Centauro I 120 · VRCC
Dardo  Dardo · VCC-80/30 · VCC-80/60
Other  C13 T90 · R3 T106 FA
MBTs 
OF-40  OF-40 · OF-40 Mk.2A · OF-40 (MTCA)
Ariete  Ariete (P) · Ariete · Ariete PSO · Ariete AMV
Other  M47 (105/55)
Tank Destroyers  M113A1 (TOW)
SPAA  R3 T20 FA-HS · SIDAM 25 · SIDAM 25 (Mistral) · OTOMATIC
Patrol Boats 
Sparviero-class  Sparviero*
See Also  OTO
  *Built by OTO Melara in La Spezia under the Alinavi S.p.A. consortium

Italy light tanks
  Italy
L6/40  L6/40 · L6/40 (31 Rgt.)
M11/39  M11/39
Autoblindo  AB 41 · AB 43
Fiat 6614/6616  FIAT 6614 · AUBL/74 · AUBL/74 HVG
R3 Capraia  R3 T106 FA
Centauro  Centauro I 105 · Centauro I 105 R · Centauro I 120 · Centauro RGO · VRCC
Freccia  VBC (PT2) · Freccia
Dardo  Dardo · VCC-80/60 · VCC-80/30
Other  C13 T90
USA  ▄M3A3 · ▄M24 · ▄M18
  Hungary
WWII  Csaba · Toldi IIA
Post  ◔BTR-80A · KF41