SANTAL
Contents
Description
The Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé, SANTAL is a rank VI French SPAA with a battle rating of 9.3 (AB/RB/SB). It has not only served as a versatile armored personnel carrier but has also made significant contributions in the realm of air defense. Developed in the late 1980s, the SANTAL platform was later adapted to fulfill the Self-Propelled Anti-Air (SPAA) role. This evolution was marked by the integration of the Mistral surface-to-air missile system in 1987, providing the vehicle with robust air defense capabilities. The Mistral SPAA variant of the SANTAL became a vital component of France's air defense strategy, offering rapid deployment and engagement of aerial threats. Its introduction addressed the need for enhanced protection of ground troops against airborne threats, such as helicopters and low-flying aircraft. The integration of Mistral missiles greatly increased the operational flexibility of the SANTAL, enabling it to effectively contribute to both ground-based and mobile air defense operations. Through its historical development and adaptations, the SANTAL-Mistral remains a testament to the evolution of modern military vehicles, showcasing the fusion of armored transport with sophisticated air defense systems.
It was introduced in Update "Fire and Ice". Its adaptability shines through its modular design, allowing for quick reconfiguration based on requirements (see MEPHISTO). The Mistral SPAA version further augments its combat prowess by integrating the Mistral surface-to-air missile system, granting the SANTAL the ability to engage aerial targets with precision and speed. This dual-role capability – as both an agile armored personnel carrier and an air defense platform – makes the SANTAL a versatile asset on the battlefield, capable of swiftly transitioning between providing ground support and countering airborne threats. Whether operating independently or as part of a larger force, the SANTAL's combat capabilities have solidified its reputation as a reliable and multifaceted asset, poised to meet the challenges of modern warfare.
General info
Survivability and armour
The SANTAL's mobility stands as its primary method of survival on the battlefield. While its armor provides minimal protection, the ability to swiftly navigate the terrain is what truly sets the vehicle apart. Designed with agility in mind, the SANTAL can quickly maneuver through diverse landscapes, allowing it to evade threats and find advantageous positions. Its advanced suspension system and powerful engine grant it the speed and maneuverability required to outmaneuver adversaries, making it a challenging target to engage effectively. The SANTAL's mobility not only aids in rapid deployment and repositioning but also facilitates its role in reconnaissance, support, and air defense. By capitalizing on its exceptional mobility, the SANTAL maximizes its survivability by minimizing exposure to hostile fire and swiftly reacting to evolving combat dynamics. This emphasis on mobility as a cornerstone of survival underscores the vehicle's adaptability and effectiveness in multiple warfare scenarios.
Armour type:
- Rolled homogeneous armour (hull )
- Structural steel
| Armour | Front (Slope angle) | Sides | Rear | Roof |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hull | Front glacis
Lower glacis
|
8 mm (28°)Top 8 mm (12°) Bottom |
8 mm (7°) | 8 mm |
| Turret | 8 mm Turret front | 8 mm | 8 mm | 8 mm |
Notes:
- Wheels are 10 mm thick.
- 5 mm thick rolled homogeneous armor is surrounding the engine.
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 | 99 | 15 | 13.8 | 312 | 572 | 22.61 | 41.45 |
| Realistic | 91 | 14 | 195 | 300 | 14.13 | 21.74 | |
Modifications and economy
| Mobility | Protection | Firepower | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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|
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Armaments
Main armament
| Mistral SATCP missile | Turret rotation speed (°/s) | Reloading rate (seconds) | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mode | Capacity (Belt) | Vertical | Horizontal | Stabilizer | Stock | Upgraded | Full | Expert | Aced | Stock | Full | Expert | Aced |
| Arcade | 12 (6) | -10°/+60° | ±180° | N/A | 44.0 | 60.9 | 74.0 | 81.8 | 87.1 | 19.50 | 17.25 | 15.90 | 15.00 |
| Realistic | 29.8 | 35.0 | 42.5 | 47.0 | 50.0 | ||||||||
Ammunition
| Shell 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% | ||||||||||
| Mistral SATCP | SAM | 850 | 6,000 | 18.7 | 1 | 0.1 | 0 | 2 | 1.78 | 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 |
Visual discrepancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | __ (+__) | __ (+__) | __ (+__) | __ (+__) | __ (+__) | __ (+__) | __ |
Usage in battles
The SANTAL platform has revolutionized French top tier SPAA in the battlefield, showcasing its dynamic capabilities in safeguarding friendly units from airborne threats. The integration of the Mistral surface-to-air missile system, a highly effective infrared-guided (IR) missile with fire-and-forget capabilities, combined with the vehicle's inherent mobility, has enabled the SANTAL to provide an agile and responsive air defense solution. Notably, Mistral missiles are designed to autonomously track and engage targets using their infrared guidance, without requiring continuous operator input. It's important to mention that Mistral missiles do not trigger defense systems automatically; they are primarily detected and countered by Missile Approach Warning (MAW) systems typically mounted on top-tier helicopters but remain unseen by other aircraft unless visual contact is made. This highlights the critical role of the SANTAL's skilled crew in target acquisition and engagement.
By utilizing its rapid mobility, the SANTAL can swiftly position itself to create protective umbrellas over friendly forces, dissuading or neutralizing incoming aircraft threats. The Mistral missiles, known for their accuracy and effectiveness, ensure precise target engagement. This dual emphasis on mobility and autonomous air defense capability not only shields friendly units but also disrupts enemy air superiority, influencing the outcome of engagements. As an SPAA platform, the SANTAL exemplifies the synergy between advanced missile technology, the expertise of its operators, and strategic mobility, solidifying its vital role in enhancing overall operational success while maintaining air superiority over the battlefield.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Thin Armor with Agility: The SANTAL is known for its agility, owed in part to its relatively lighter and thinner armor compared to heavier armored vehicles. This design choice doesn't compromise its protection entirely but allows for greater speed and mobility. This agility enables the vehicle to swiftly navigate various terrains, evade threats, and reposition strategically, contributing to its survival by minimizing its exposure to hostile fire.
- Mistral Anti-Aircraft Missile: One of the standout features of the SANTAL is its integration of the Mistral surface-to-air missile system. These highly effective infrared-guided missiles provide a fire-and-forget air defense capability against aircraft, helicopters, and drones. The Mistral missiles boast remarkable accuracy and target engagement capabilities, making the SANTAL a formidable adversary in countering airborne threats and safeguarding friendly units.
- Agile Air Defense Platform: The combination of its mobility and Mistral missile system transforms the SANTAL into a dynamic and agile air defense platform. It can swiftly respond to changing threats, creating protective zones over friendly units, and engaging airborne threats autonomously. This makes the SANTAL an effective component in both static air defense roles and dynamic battlefield scenarios where mobility is key.
Cons:
- Weather and Countermeasures: The Mistral's infrared guidance system makes the SANTAL susceptible to adverse weather conditions and countermeasures that disrupt infrared tracking, potentially limiting its effectiveness.
- Line of Sight Limitation: The infrared guidance system also restricts engagement to line-of-sight scenarios, limiting the vehicle's ability to engage targets beyond direct visibility.
- Reduced Accuracy on the Move: While mobility is an advantage, engaging targets accurately while in motion can be challenging, potentially reducing the effectiveness of defensive actions during rapid movement.
- Reduced Protection: The emphasis on agility and lighter armor could compromise the SANTAL's ability to withstand heavy artillery, armor-piercing projectiles, or explosive devices, leading to increased vulnerability in certain combat scenarios.
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: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).
Media
- Skins
See also
Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:
- reference to the series of the vehicles;
- links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.
External links
Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:
- topic on the official game forum;
- other literature.
| France anti-aircraft vehicles | |
|---|---|
| Wheeled/Half-tracked | P.7.T AA · CCKW 353 AA · TPK 6.41 |
| AMX-13 Derivatives | VTT DCA · AMX-13 DCA 40 |
| Radar SPAAG | AMX-30 S DCA |
| Missile SPAA | SANTAL · Roland 1 · ▄ItO 90M |
| Other | AMX-10P |
