KwK38 (20 mm)

Description

Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.

The KwK38 (20 mm) was an improved version of the KwK30 (20mm), having almost double the fire rate than its predecessor. It is used on the later version of the Panzer II - the Pz.IIF.

Vehicles equipped with this weapon

• Sd.Kfz. 140/1
• Sd.Kfz.234/1
• Pz.II F

General info

The KwK38 (20mm) has an extremely high rate of fire - 450 rounds per minute. It also has very good penetration, up to 64mm at point-blank. However, the penetration rate falls drastically at 500m.

Available ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition	Type of warhead	Penetration in mm @ 90°
		10m	100m	500m	1000m	1500m	2000m
PzGr	API-T	35	33	26	18	13	9
PzGr 40	HVAP-T	64	63	26	8	3	1
Sprgr.	HEFI-T*	2	2	2	2	2	2

Shell details
Ammunition	Type of warhead	Velocity in m/s	Projectile Mass in kg	Fuse delay in m:	Fuse sensitivity in mm:	Explosive Mass in g (TNT equivalent):	Normalization At 30° from horizontal:	Ricochet:
								0%	50%	100%
PzGr	API-T	780	0.15	N/A	N/A	N/A	-1°	47°	60°	65°
PzGr 40	HVAP-T	1,050	0.1	N/A	N/A	N/A	+1.5°	66°	70°	72°
Sprgr.	HEFI-T*	900	0.11	0.3	0.1	10.2	+0°	79°	80°	81°

Belts	Shell composition	Combat usage
Default	API-T · HEFI-T	Half of the shells (HEFI-T) are useless against tanks while the other 50% (API-T) is useless against planes. However, this belt is reliable against open-topped or lightly armored vehicles like SPAA vehicles.
PzGr	API-T	This belt offers a good transition from the Default to the PzGr 40 APCR belt. The round offers decent use and damage against lightly armored tanks, especially at close range. Due to lack of high-explosive filler however, it is better to focus on the PzGr 40 belt to maximize penetration power.
PzGr 40	HVAP-T	This belt is best for fighting tanks. While the damage effects post-penetration are quite poor, the rapid-fire from the autocannon will wreck most tanks at this BR. In close combat, these shells should be used against modules and crew members to make the most of each shell. Against angled armor, however, the APCR ammo may not be very effective, just like any other APCR shell.

Comparison with analogues

Give a comparative description of cannons/machine guns that have firepower equal to this weapon.

Usage in battles

The extremely high fire rate and excellent penetration of the KwK38 allows enemy tanks to be killed quickly. Try not to "spray-n-pray", as you will quickly use up all your ammo, and allow enemies to fire back and destroy you during your long reload time. After shooting at enemies, take cover to reload. Try to avoid long-range engagements, as the penetration rate drops off rapidly at around 500 m.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Extremely high fire rate
• High penetration at close/medium ranges when using PzGr 40 belt with HVAP-T
• Better fire rate and penetration when compared to other 20mm cannons at its rank

Cons:

• Relatively long reload of 7.8 seconds when stock
• Small magazine, only has 10 shells
• Because of the high fire rate and small magazine, it is easy to waste all your ammo in a few seconds.
• Penetration rates drop off sharply around 500m

History

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Media

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See also

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• reference to the article about the variant of the cannon/machine gun;
• references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.

External links

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