Difference between revisions of "B1 bis"

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{{Specs-Card|code=fr_b1_bis}}
 
{{Specs-Card|code=fr_b1_bis}}
 
{{About
 
{{About
−
|about=heavy tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
|about=French heavy tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
|usage=the pack version
+
|usage=the premium version
 
|link=B1 ter
 
|link=B1 ter
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_B1bis.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
−
{{break}}
+
{{Break}}
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (Battle tank B1 "repeated") is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} French heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]]. With arguably the best armour at its BR, this tank is a beast in long-range engagements since it is hard to penetrate at distances. While not having the best armament, it should do the job taking care of these dangerous early SPGs and light tanks. The "bis" suffix is a French way of marking an improved version.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (Battle tank B1 "repeated") is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]]. With arguably the best armour at its BR, this tank is a beast in long-range engagements since it is hard to penetrate at distances. While not having the best armament, it should do the job taking care of these dangerous early SPGs and light tanks. The "bis" suffix is a French way of marking an improved version.
  
 
== 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?''
+
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
−
 
 
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 
 
In order to effectively use this tank's armour, there is a few things to consider. First of all, there ''a lot'' of shot traps, the main ones being the turret ring and the hull gun mount, in order to minimize your enemies' chance to hit these weak spots, stay away from them. Second, even if your armour is ''very strong'' for the BR, do not completely rely on it by sitting around in an open field: you will eventually get hit where it hurts. The third thing to consider is your small and thick turret: hide that big clumsy hull behind a hill and pop out only your hard "head", take a shot, fall back, reload, repeat. If something goes wrong (i.e. getting shot in the turret ring), there is usually enough men left to take the job left by their dead "camarade". Do not bother getting spotted: it is your job to stay in the enemies' sights while your lighter teammates do what they ought to. In some situations, it can even be used as a breakthrough tank, rely on your own experience to guess when it is time to do so.
 
In order to effectively use this tank's armour, there is a few things to consider. First of all, there ''a lot'' of shot traps, the main ones being the turret ring and the hull gun mount, in order to minimize your enemies' chance to hit these weak spots, stay away from them. Second, even if your armour is ''very strong'' for the BR, do not completely rely on it by sitting around in an open field: you will eventually get hit where it hurts. The third thing to consider is your small and thick turret: hide that big clumsy hull behind a hill and pop out only your hard "head", take a shot, fall back, reload, repeat. If something goes wrong (i.e. getting shot in the turret ring), there is usually enough men left to take the job left by their dead "camarade". Do not bother getting spotted: it is your job to stay in the enemies' sights while your lighter teammates do what they ought to. In some situations, it can even be used as a breakthrough tank, rely on your own experience to guess when it is time to do so.
  
−
When fighting the B1 bis, due to the extremely heavy frontal armor, one should try to use mobility to flank the B1. However, if that isn't possible, you'll want to try and hit the "mailslot" of the turret ring. It may be a tricky shot, but there's only ~40 mm of armor there.
+
When fighting the B1 bis, due to the extremely heavy frontal armour, one should try to use mobility to flank the B1. However, if that isn't possible, you'll want to try and hit the "mailslot" of the turret ring. It may be a tricky shot, but there's only ~40 mm of armour there.
  
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
Line 30: Line 28:
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 60 mm (7-62°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 60 mm (32-48°) ''Lower glacis'' || 55 mm ''Center Mass''<br> 55 + 55 mm ''Border''  || 50 mm (1-47°)  || 25 mm (77-89°)  
+
| Hull || 60 mm (7-62°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 60 mm (32-48°) ''Lower glacis'' || 55 mm ''Center Mass''<br> 55 + 55 mm ''Border''  || 50 mm (1-47°)  || 25 mm (77-89°)
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Turret || 56 mm (0-46°) ''Turret front'' <br> 56 mm (1-85°) ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 56 mm (0-49°) ''Machine gun cover''|| 56 mm (2-19°) || 56 mm (18-19°)  || 30 mm (62-89°)
 
| Turret || 56 mm (0-46°) ''Turret front'' <br> 56 mm (1-85°) ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 56 mm (0-49°) ''Machine gun cover''|| 56 mm (2-19°) || 56 mm (18-19°)  || 30 mm (62-89°)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof  
+
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Cupola || 48 mm || 30 mm
 
| Cupola || 48 mm || 30 mm
Line 42: Line 40:
  
 
* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick.
 
* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick.
−
* Lower turret ring armour 40 mm thick, while upper turret ring armour is 25 mm plus 40 mm thick.  
+
* Lower turret ring armour 40 mm thick, while upper turret ring armour is 25 mm plus 40 mm thick.
 
* Belly armour is 20mm thick.
 
* Belly armour is 20mm thick.
 
* Gun barrel is 15mm thick.
 
* Gun barrel is 15mm thick.
Line 49: Line 47:
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 396|rbMinHp= 272}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=396|rbMinHp=272}}
  
 
This tank's mobility won't allow you to position fast enough. Taking time is the only way to get where you want safely. Since this tank is pretty long and narrow, do not engage in cramped spaces since you will not be allowed to manoeuvre as you wish. Your reverse speed won't allow you to retreat if things get bad around you, stay behind the frontlines, making good use of your armour.
 
This tank's mobility won't allow you to position fast enough. Taking time is the only way to get where you want safely. Since this tank is pretty long and narrow, do not engage in cramped spaces since you will not be allowed to manoeuvre as you wish. Your reverse speed won't allow you to retreat if things get bad around you, stay behind the frontlines, making good use of your armour.
Line 55: Line 53:
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
<!--''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
+
<!-- ''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|SA35 L/17 (75 mm)}}
+
{{main|SA35 L/32 (47 mm)}}
  
−
With the same gun as most other Rank 2 French tanks, the B1 bis will never be recognized for having a fearsome armament: penetration rates are even lower than most reserve tanks. The turreted armament is only good at firing light targets such as SPGs and light tanks. Elevation and depression angles are ''amazing'' but turret slewing rate is a bit slow: this tank has been designed to be hull-down. As for the hull-mounted gun, it should only be used as a close range defence device, as it has poor penetration rates and high drop. Exposing your hull-mounted gun for long range engagements does not only makes you vulnerable, it is also mostly ineffective.
+
With the same gun as most other Rank 2 French tanks, the B1 bis will never be recognized for having a fearsome armament: penetration rates are even lower than most reserve tanks. The turreted armament is only good at firing light targets such as SPGs and light tanks. Elevation and depression angles are ''amazing'' but turret slewing rate is a bit slow: this tank has been designed to be hull-down.  
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | [[SA35 L/17 (75 mm)|75 mm SA35 L/17]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[SA35 L/32 (47 mm)|47 mm SA35 L/32]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
+
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
+
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
+
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
−
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="3" | 74 || -20°/+25° || ±1° || N/A
+
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 50 || rowspan="2" | ±18° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Vertical || 8.1 || 11.2 || 13.6 || 15.0 || 16.0 || rowspan="2" | 5.20 || rowspan="2" | 4.60 || rowspan="2" | 4.24 || rowspan="2" | 4.00
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
+
! ''Realistic''
−
|-
+
| 6.0 || 7.0 || 8.5 || 9.4 || 10.0
−
! style="width:4em" |Mode
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Stock
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
−
|-
 
−
| ''Arcade'' ||3.2||3.9||5.4||6.0|| __.__
 
−
|-
 
−
| ''Realistic'' ||2.8||2.9||3.4||3.8|| __.__
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
−
|-
 
−
|14.9||13.1||12.1|| __.__
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== Ammunition =====
+
==== Ammunition ====
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
|-
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
+
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
+
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 +
|-
 +
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 10m
+
| Mle1935 || APC || 62 || 59 || 47 || 36 || 27 || 20
−
! 100m
 
−
! 500m
 
−
! 1000m
 
−
! 1500m
 
−
! 2000m
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Mle1910M || APHE || 57 || 55 || 52 || 47 || 44 || 37
+
| Mle1935 HE || HE || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Mle1915 || HE || 11 || 11 || 11 || 11 || 11 || 11
 
−
|-
 
 
|}
 
|}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
! colspan="11" | Shell details
+
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
|-
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
+
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
−
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
+
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
−
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
+
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
+
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
−
''in m:''
+
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
+
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
−
''in mm:''
+
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
+
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
+
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
−
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 0%
+
| Mle1935 || APC || 660 || 1.62 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
−
! 50%
 
−
! 100%
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Mle1910M || APHE || 500 || 6.4 || 1.2 || 25 || 90 || ° || 43° || 30° || 25°
+
| Mle1935 HE || HE || 590 || 1.41 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 143 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Mle1915 || HE || 500 || 5.6 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 740 || +0° || 11° || 10° || 9°
 
−
|-
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
+
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
[[File:Ammoracks_B1bis.png|right|thumbnail|350px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the B1 Bis.]]
+
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
+
! Full<br>ammo
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br /> rack empty
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br /> rack empty
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br /> rack empty
+
! 3rd<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br /> rack empty
+
! 4th<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th<br /> rack empty
+
! 5th<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |6th<br /> rack empty
+
! 6th<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |7th<br /> rack empty
+
! 7th<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |8th<br />  rack empty
+
! Visual<br>discrepancy
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |9th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |10th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |11th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |12th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |13th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |14th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |15th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''74''' || 68&nbsp;''(+6)'' || 64&nbsp;''(+10)'' || 62&nbsp;''(+12)'' || 60&nbsp;''(+14)'' || 56&nbsp;''(+18)'' || 53&nbsp;''(+21)'' || 38&nbsp;''(+36)'' || 36&nbsp;''(+38)'' || 25&nbsp;''(+49)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+51)'' || 21&nbsp;''(+53)'' || 14&nbsp;''(+60)'' || 9&nbsp;''(+65)'' || 3&nbsp;''(+71)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+73)'' || style="text-align:left" | no
+
| '''50''' || 39&nbsp;''(+11)'' || 27&nbsp;''(+23)'' || 25&nbsp;''(+25)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+27)'' || 21&nbsp;''(+29)''|| 11&nbsp;''(+39)''|| 1&nbsp;''(+49)''|| No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x200px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
  
 
=== Additional armament ===
 
=== Additional armament ===
−
<!--''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|SA35 L/32 (47 mm)}}
+
{{main|SA35 L/17 (75 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The hull-mounted gun should only be used as a close range defence device, as it has poor penetration rates and high drop. Exposing your hull-mounted gun for long range engagements not only makes you vulnerable, it is also mostly ineffective.
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | [[SA35 L/32 (47 mm)|47 mm SA35 L/32]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[SA35 L/17 (75 mm)|75 mm SA35 L/17]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
+
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
+
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
+
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
−
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="3" | 50 || ±18° || ±180° || Vertical
+
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 74 || rowspan="2" | -20°/+25° || rowspan="2" | ±1° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 3.2 || 4.5 || 5.4 || 6.0 || 6.4 || rowspan="2" | 14.9 || rowspan="2" | 13.1 || rowspan="2" | 12.1 || rowspan="2" | 11.4
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
+
! ''Realistic''
−
|-
+
| 2.4 || 2.8 || 3.4 || 3.8 || 4.0
−
! style="width:4em" |Mode
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Stock
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
−
|-
 
−
| ''Arcade'' || 8.09 || 11.20 || 13.6 || 15.04 || 16.00
 
−
|-
 
−
| ''Realistic'' ||4.5||4.5||8.5||||
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert Qualif.
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace Qualif.
 
−
|-
 
−
| 9.75 || 8.62 || 7.95 || 7.5
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== Ammunition =====
+
==== Ammunition ====
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
|-
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
+
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
+
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 10m
+
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
−
! 100m
 
−
! 500m
 
−
! 1000m
 
−
! 1500m
 
−
! 2000m
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Mle1935 || APC || 69 || 67 || 57 || 48 || 27 || 24
+
| Mle1910M || APHE || 64 || 62 || 55 || 47 || 41 || 35
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Mle1935 HE || HE || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4
+
| Mle1915 || HE || 11 || 11 || 11 || 11 || 11 || 11
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
! colspan="11" | Shell details
+
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
|-
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
+
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
−
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
+
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
−
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
+
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
+
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
−
''in m:''
+
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
+
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
−
''in mm:''
+
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 
−
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 0%
+
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
−
! 50%
 
−
! 100%
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Mle1935 || APC || 660 || 1.6 || N/A || N/A || N/A || ° || 48° || 63° || 71°
+
| Mle1910M || APHE || 500 || 6.4 || 1.2 || 14 || 90 || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Mle1935 HE || HE || 590 || 1.4 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 143 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
+
| Mle1915 || HE || 500 || 5.55 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 740 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
+
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
+
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
+
! Full<br>ammo
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br /> rack empty
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br /> rack empty
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br /> rack empty
+
! 3rd<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br /> rack empty
+
! 4th<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th<br /> rack empty
+
! 5th<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |6th<br /> rack empty
+
! 6th<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |7th<br /> rack empty
+
! 7th<br>rack empty
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
+
! 8th<br>rack empty
 +
! 9th<br>rack empty
 +
! 10th<br>rack empty
 +
! 11th<br>rack empty
 +
! 12th<br>rack empty
 +
! 13th<br>rack empty
 +
! 14th<br>rack empty
 +
! 15th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''50''' || 39&nbsp;''(+11)'' || 27&nbsp;''(+23)'' || 25&nbsp;''(+25)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+27)'' || 21&nbsp;''(+29)''|| 11&nbsp;''(+39)''|| 1&nbsp;''(+49)''|| style="text-align:left" | No  
+
| '''74''' || 68&nbsp;''(+6)'' || 64&nbsp;''(+10)'' || 62&nbsp;''(+12)'' || 60&nbsp;''(+14)'' || 56&nbsp;''(+18)'' || 53&nbsp;''(+21)'' || 38&nbsp;''(+36)'' || 36&nbsp;''(+38)'' || 25&nbsp;''(+49)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+51)'' || 21&nbsp;''(+53)'' || 14&nbsp;''(+60)'' || 9&nbsp;''(+65)'' || 3&nbsp;''(+71)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+73)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x200px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
−
<!--''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|MAC 31 (7.5 mm)}}
 
{{main|MAC 31 (7.5 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="7" | [[MAC 31 (7.5 mm)|7.5 mm MAC 31]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
+
! colspan="5" | [[MAC 31 (7.5 mm)|7.5 mm MAC 31]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="4" | 5,100 (150) || 1,350 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 5,100 (150) || 1,350 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
The Char B1, upon playing it for the first time will be slow in both acceleration, max speed and turret rotation speed. The hull gun takes more work to aim than that of the turret because of the limited firing arc it has. In order to aim it to any reasonable extent, the entire tank must be turned. However, careful use of it will reward a skilled tanker with devastating firepower compared to other Tier I tanks, with its high penetration and explosive filler. The best way to play the B1 bis is to hold down a position, preferably hull down (as its turret is thick and small, it will ricochet most shots it will take). Playing the B1 bis well, there is only 3 ways to get killed:  
+
The Char B1, upon playing it for the first time will be slow in both acceleration, max speed and turret rotation speed. The hull gun takes more work to aim than that of the turret because of the limited firing arc it has. In order to aim it to any reasonable extent, the entire tank must be turned. However, careful use of it will reward a skilled tanker with devastating firepower compared to other Tier I tanks, with its high penetration and explosive filler. The best way to play the B1 bis is to hold down a position, preferably hull down (as its turret is thick and small, it will ricochet most shots it will take). Playing the B1 bis well, there is only 3 ways to get killed:
  
 
* Being outflanked by a light tank
 
* Being outflanked by a light tank
Line 294: Line 234:
 
* Meeting a ''dangerous'' gun
 
* Meeting a ''dangerous'' gun
  
−
'''Enemies worth noting:'''  
+
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
  
−
* M3 / M5 Stuart: as previously mentioned, light tanks can be a dangerous threat to the clumsy B1. The Stuarts have good acceleration, great top speed regardless of the terrain, and fast hull traverse, allowing them to sneak up or charge at a B1 without getting hit. When they are close, their 37mm cannons can easily penetrate your hull cannon mount, turret sides and hull sides, and their fast reload can knock out your crews one by one. To counter them, angle your hull for about 45 degrees, this way their small caliber shells tend to ricochet and will have a hard time to penetrate you. If they circle you, turn your hull and reverse at the same time to avoid them flanking, and if possible gain some separation. Target their hull, as their frontal turret is mostly covered by a curved gun mantlet which can cause non-penetrations.  
+
* M3 / M5 Stuart: as previously mentioned, light tanks can be a dangerous threat to the clumsy B1. The Stuarts have good acceleration, great top speed regardless of the terrain, and fast hull traverse, allowing them to sneak up or charge at a B1 without getting hit. When they are close, their 37mm cannons can easily penetrate your hull cannon mount, turret sides and hull sides, and their fast reload can knock out your crews one by one. To counter them, angle your hull for about 45 degrees, this way their small caliber shells tend to ricochet and will have a hard time to penetrate you. If they circle you, turn your hull and reverse at the same time to avoid them flanking, and if possible gain some separation. Target their hull, as their frontal turret is mostly covered by a curved gun mantlet which can cause non-penetrations.
  
 
=== Modules ===
 
=== Modules ===
Line 332: Line 272:
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - 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:'''
  
 
* Overall good armour
 
* Overall good armour
−
 
+
** Very heavy frontal armour for its rank
−
:* Very heavy frontal armor for its rank.
+
** Strong turret from the front
−
:* Strong turret from the front
+
** Good at sidescraping (thick sides)
−
:* Good at sidescraping (thick sides)
+
** Nearly impenetrable hull when angled
−
:* Nearly impenetrable hull when angled
+
** Armour is quite thick and curvy at the driver's port area
−
:* Armour is quite thick and curvy at the driver's port area
+
** The MAC 31's large drum can sometimes absorb shell fragments or smaller shells
−
:* The MAC 31's large drum can sometimes absorb shell fragments or smaller shells
 
  
 
* Decent firepower
 
* Decent firepower
−
 
+
** One of the best in-game depression (-18°, turret gun)
−
:* One of the best in-game depression (-18°, turret gun)
+
** Has 2 main armaments
−
:* Has 2 main armaments
+
** A rare feature on French tanks: it has APHE ammunition
−
:* A rare feature on French tanks: it has APHE ammunition.
+
** MAC 31 coaxial MG
−
:* MAC 31 coaxial MG
+
** Turret gun has a shoulder stabiliser, which makes stop-and-shoot tactics effective
−
:* Turret gun has LOCK, which makes stop-and-shoot tactics effective.
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Armour has many shot traps, easing the task of killing it
 
* Armour has many shot traps, easing the task of killing it
−
 
+
** Fuel tank behind the grille lights up very often when penetrated
−
:* Fuel tank behind the grille lights up very often when penetrated.
+
** Large turret ring is weak (25-40 mm poorly sloped)
−
:* Large turret ring is weak (25-40 mm poorly sloped)
+
** Hull gun mount is a weak spot and can be penetrated by most guns of the tier
−
:* Hull gun mount is a weak spot and can be penetrated by most guns of the tier.
+
** Crew is cramped
−
:* Crew is cramped
+
** Turret rear is only 38 mm thick
−
:* Turret rear is only 38 mm thick
+
** Has a tall and "thin" cupola
−
:* Has a tall and "thin" cupola
+
** Literally has an hallway full of ammo in the back
−
:* Literally has an hallway full of ammo in the back
 
  
 
* Guns feel lacking
 
* Guns feel lacking
−
 
+
** Lacking penetration from both of its guns
−
:* Lacking penetration from both of its guns
+
** Abysmal traverse on 75 mm gun (~1° left to right)
−
:* Abysmal traverse on 75 mm gun (~1° left to right)
+
** Slow reload on the 75mm
−
:* Slow reload on the 75mm
+
** Only stock ammo choices
−
:* Only stock ammo choices
+
** APHE shell won't detonate when shooting at light targets (25 mm or less armour)
−
:* APHE shell won't detonate when shooting at light targets (25 mm or less armour)
+
** Hull gun is hard to master (not beginner-friendly)
−
:* Hull gun is hard to master (not beginner-friendly)
 
  
 
* Mobility is subpar
 
* Mobility is subpar
−
 
+
** Not very mobile due to weight
−
:* Not very mobile due to weight.
+
** Slow hull turning rate
−
:* Slow hull turning rate
+
** Reverse speed is low (-3km/h)
−
:* Reverse speed is low (-3km/h)
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
  
 
Intended originally as a heavy infantry-support tank, the first prototype of the Char B dates back to January, 1929. Testing and altered design requirements led to the Char B1, which entered army service in late 1935. In total 35 of this earlier model had been built, but by the onset of war had been replaced in service. The successor B1 bis had heavier armor, a bigger engine, and a more powerful gun in a new turret (same as the Somua S35). Sophisticated and powerful for its time, it suffered from the one-man turret, poor communications, slow speed, a small operational radius, and difficulties in achieving mass production. The driver aimed and fired the bow-mounted howitzer and MG, which due to a lack of lateral traverse, had to be aimed by turning the tank. The complex steering system that enabled this, through a hydrostatically controlled auxiliary differential, proved particularly prone to breakdowns.
 
Intended originally as a heavy infantry-support tank, the first prototype of the Char B dates back to January, 1929. Testing and altered design requirements led to the Char B1, which entered army service in late 1935. In total 35 of this earlier model had been built, but by the onset of war had been replaced in service. The successor B1 bis had heavier armor, a bigger engine, and a more powerful gun in a new turret (same as the Somua S35). Sophisticated and powerful for its time, it suffered from the one-man turret, poor communications, slow speed, a small operational radius, and difficulties in achieving mass production. The driver aimed and fired the bow-mounted howitzer and MG, which due to a lack of lateral traverse, had to be aimed by turning the tank. The complex steering system that enabled this, through a hydrostatically controlled auxiliary differential, proved particularly prone to breakdowns.
Line 417: Line 353:
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
−
 
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''

Revision as of 16:19, 16 November 2020

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
B1 bis
fr_b1_bis.png
B1 bis
France flag.png France
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.3 2.3 2.3
Class:
Research:7 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:10 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the French heavy tank B1 bis. For the premium version, see B1 ter.

Description

GarageImage B1 bis.jpg


The Char de bataille B1 bis (Battle tank B1 "repeated") is a rank II French heavy tank with a battle rating of 2.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.75 "La Résistance". With arguably the best armour at its BR, this tank is a beast in long-range engagements since it is hard to penetrate at distances. While not having the best armament, it should do the job taking care of these dangerous early SPGs and light tanks. The "bis" suffix is a French way of marking an improved version.

General info

Survivability and armour

In order to effectively use this tank's armour, there is a few things to consider. First of all, there a lot of shot traps, the main ones being the turret ring and the hull gun mount, in order to minimize your enemies' chance to hit these weak spots, stay away from them. Second, even if your armour is very strong for the BR, do not completely rely on it by sitting around in an open field: you will eventually get hit where it hurts. The third thing to consider is your small and thick turret: hide that big clumsy hull behind a hill and pop out only your hard "head", take a shot, fall back, reload, repeat. If something goes wrong (i.e. getting shot in the turret ring), there is usually enough men left to take the job left by their dead "camarade". Do not bother getting spotted: it is your job to stay in the enemies' sights while your lighter teammates do what they ought to. In some situations, it can even be used as a breakthrough tank, rely on your own experience to guess when it is time to do so.

When fighting the B1 bis, due to the extremely heavy frontal armour, one should try to use mobility to flank the B1. However, if that isn't possible, you'll want to try and hit the "mailslot" of the turret ring. It may be a tricky shot, but there's only ~40 mm of armour there.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Turret)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 60 mm (7-62°) Front glacis
60 mm (32-48°) Lower glacis 		55 mm Center Mass
55 + 55 mm Border 		50 mm (1-47°) 25 mm (77-89°)
Turret 56 mm (0-46°) Turret front
56 mm (1-85°) Gun mantlet
56 mm (0-49°) Machine gun cover		 56 mm (2-19°) 56 mm (18-19°) 30 mm (62-89°)
Armour Sides Roof
Cupola 48 mm 30 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick.
  • Lower turret ring armour 40 mm thick, while upper turret ring armour is 25 mm plus 40 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 20mm thick.
  • Gun barrel is 15mm thick.

Mobility

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 30 4 31.1 396 586 12.73 18.84
Realistic 28 4 272 307 8.75 9.87

This tank's mobility won't allow you to position fast enough. Taking time is the only way to get where you want safely. Since this tank is pretty long and narrow, do not engage in cramped spaces since you will not be allowed to manoeuvre as you wish. Your reverse speed won't allow you to retreat if things get bad around you, stay behind the frontlines, making good use of your armour.

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: SA35 L/32 (47 mm)

With the same gun as most other Rank 2 French tanks, the B1 bis will never be recognized for having a fearsome armament: penetration rates are even lower than most reserve tanks. The turreted armament is only good at firing light targets such as SPGs and light tanks. Elevation and depression angles are amazing but turret slewing rate is a bit slow: this tank has been designed to be hull-down.

47 mm SA35 L/32 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 50 ±18° ±180° Vertical 8.1 11.2 13.6 15.0 16.0 5.20 4.60 4.24 4.00
Realistic 6.0 7.0 8.5 9.4 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
Mle1935 APC 62 59 47 36 27 20
Mle1935 HE HE 4 4 4 4 4 4
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
Mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive Mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Mle1935 APC 660 1.62 N/A N/A N/A 48° 63° 71°
Mle1935 HE HE 590 1.41 0.4 0.1 143 79° 80° 81°

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 		Visual
discrepancy
50 39 (+11) 27 (+23) 25 (+25) 23 (+27) 21 (+29) 11 (+39) 1 (+49) No
Ammo racks of the B1 bis

Additional armament

Main article: SA35 L/17 (75 mm)

The hull-mounted gun should only be used as a close range defence device, as it has poor penetration rates and high drop. Exposing your hull-mounted gun for long range engagements not only makes you vulnerable, it is also mostly ineffective.

75 mm SA35 L/17 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 74 -20°/+25° ±1° N/A 3.2 4.5 5.4 6.0 6.4 14.9 13.1 12.1 11.4
Realistic 2.4 2.8 3.4 3.8 4.0

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
Mle1910M APHE 64 62 55 47 41 35
Mle1915 HE 11 11 11 11 11 11
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
Mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive Mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Mle1910M APHE 500 6.4 1.2 14 90 47° 60° 65°
Mle1915 HE 500 5.55 0.4 0.1 740 79° 80° 81°

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 		10th
rack empty 		11th
rack empty 		12th
rack empty 		13th
rack empty 		14th
rack empty 		15th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
74 68 (+6) 64 (+10) 62 (+12) 60 (+14) 56 (+18) 53 (+21) 38 (+36) 36 (+38) 25 (+49) 23 (+51) 21 (+53) 14 (+60) 9 (+65) 3 (+71) 1 (+73) No
Ammo racks of the B1 bis

Machine guns

Main article: MAC 31 (7.5 mm)
7.5 mm MAC 31
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 5,100 (150) 1,350 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

The Char B1, upon playing it for the first time will be slow in both acceleration, max speed and turret rotation speed. The hull gun takes more work to aim than that of the turret because of the limited firing arc it has. In order to aim it to any reasonable extent, the entire tank must be turned. However, careful use of it will reward a skilled tanker with devastating firepower compared to other Tier I tanks, with its high penetration and explosive filler. The best way to play the B1 bis is to hold down a position, preferably hull down (as its turret is thick and small, it will ricochet most shots it will take). Playing the B1 bis well, there is only 3 ways to get killed:

  • Being outflanked by a light tank
  • The enemy has been lucky enough to get a shot through a shot trap
  • Meeting a dangerous gun

Enemies worth noting:

  • M3 / M5 Stuart: as previously mentioned, light tanks can be a dangerous threat to the clumsy B1. The Stuarts have good acceleration, great top speed regardless of the terrain, and fast hull traverse, allowing them to sneak up or charge at a B1 without getting hit. When they are close, their 37mm cannons can easily penetrate your hull cannon mount, turret sides and hull sides, and their fast reload can knock out your crews one by one. To counter them, angle your hull for about 45 degrees, this way their small caliber shells tend to ricochet and will have a hard time to penetrate you. If they circle you, turn your hull and reverse at the same time to avoid them flanking, and if possible gain some separation. Target their hull, as their frontal turret is mostly covered by a curved gun mantlet which can cause non-penetrations.

Modules

Tier Mobility Protection Firepower
I Tracks Parts Horizontal Drive
II Suspension Brake System FPE Adjustment of Fire
III Filters Crew Replenishment Elevation Mechanism
IV Transmission Engine

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Overall good armour
    • Very heavy frontal armour for its rank
    • Strong turret from the front
    • Good at sidescraping (thick sides)
    • Nearly impenetrable hull when angled
    • Armour is quite thick and curvy at the driver's port area
    • The MAC 31's large drum can sometimes absorb shell fragments or smaller shells
  • Decent firepower
    • One of the best in-game depression (-18°, turret gun)
    • Has 2 main armaments
    • A rare feature on French tanks: it has APHE ammunition
    • MAC 31 coaxial MG
    • Turret gun has a shoulder stabiliser, which makes stop-and-shoot tactics effective

Cons:

  • Armour has many shot traps, easing the task of killing it
    • Fuel tank behind the grille lights up very often when penetrated
    • Large turret ring is weak (25-40 mm poorly sloped)
    • Hull gun mount is a weak spot and can be penetrated by most guns of the tier
    • Crew is cramped
    • Turret rear is only 38 mm thick
    • Has a tall and "thin" cupola
    • Literally has an hallway full of ammo in the back
  • Guns feel lacking
    • Lacking penetration from both of its guns
    • Abysmal traverse on 75 mm gun (~1° left to right)
    • Slow reload on the 75mm
    • Only stock ammo choices
    • APHE shell won't detonate when shooting at light targets (25 mm or less armour)
    • Hull gun is hard to master (not beginner-friendly)
  • Mobility is subpar
    • Not very mobile due to weight
    • Slow hull turning rate
    • Reverse speed is low (-3km/h)

History

Intended originally as a heavy infantry-support tank, the first prototype of the Char B dates back to January, 1929. Testing and altered design requirements led to the Char B1, which entered army service in late 1935. In total 35 of this earlier model had been built, but by the onset of war had been replaced in service. The successor B1 bis had heavier armor, a bigger engine, and a more powerful gun in a new turret (same as the Somua S35). Sophisticated and powerful for its time, it suffered from the one-man turret, poor communications, slow speed, a small operational radius, and difficulties in achieving mass production. The driver aimed and fired the bow-mounted howitzer and MG, which due to a lack of lateral traverse, had to be aimed by turning the tank. The complex steering system that enabled this, through a hydrostatically controlled auxiliary differential, proved particularly prone to breakdowns.

In May 1940, 243 B1 bis were deployed in combat units, out of 368 built. They formed the main striking force of France's four armoured divisions, with two battalions in each division, as well as five other independent tank companies (10 tanks per company).

In the 1940 Battle for France, only the German 88 mm guns could reliably defeat the B1 bis. Most were lost due to breakdown or fuel shortage.

161 B1 bis were captured by Germany, who replaced the 75mm with a flamethrower in 60 of them, which served in France, Holland (including at Arnhem), the Balkans and Crimea. Another 16 were converted to self-propelled 105mm howitzers. The Free French 13th Dragoons employed a squadron of 17 recaptured B1 bis in combat in 1945.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #74 - Pages of History section at 03:47 discusses the origins of the B1.
The Shooting Range #75 - Pages of History section at 04:13 discusses the B1 bis and B1 ter.
Best gun depression discusses the B1 bis at 3:01 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the tank;
  • other literature.


France heavy tanks
B1  B1 bis · B1 ter
2C  2C · 2C bis
ARL-44  ARL-44 (ACL-1)
AMX-50  Somua SM · AMX-50 Surbaissé · AMX-50 Surblindé
USA  ▄M4A3E2

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