Difference between revisions of "Archer"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(Created page with "{{Specs-Card|code=uk_sp_17_pdr_valentine}} == Description == ''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicl...")
 
(Media: Added video)
(24 intermediate revisions by 12 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
''In the description, the first part needs to 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 the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it 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 Archer Front.jpg|x250px|thumb|left]] [[File:GarageImage Archer Rear.jpg|x230px|thumb|center]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (also known as the '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''') is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} British tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. This tank destroyer was released along with the entire British tree line in [[Update_1.55_"Royal_Armour"|Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]]. The Archer is a unique tank destroyer, as its gun faces the rear of the tank. The Archer can be good at both close combat- so long as you have somewhere to retreat to- and is also good at sniping. In a sense, you might consider the Archer to have two forward directions.
 +
 
 +
The Archer's armament is very good at this battle rating. The same cannon is even used on Rank III and IV tanks like the [[Challenger|A30 Challenger]] and the [[Sherman Firefly|Firefly]]. It's 9.0 second reload speed is not bad, but there are faster firing cannons at this rank such as both short and long German 75mm cannons, or the [[M4A1|M4A1's]] cannon. However, the Archer can instantly destroy many enemy tanks, and if it doesn't destroy them it will damage them. If the enemy is not destroyed and they can shoot you, retreat and reload. Once reloaded you can try to destroy the enemy tank, but if its aiming in your direction you can try sneaking up on it. The Archer does not have a turret, but its gun can traverse further left and right than most non-turreted tank destroyers, including the [[StuG III F]] and [[SU-122]]. While these tank destroyers have a higher battle rating than the Archer, you may still encounter them.
  
 
== 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 helpfull 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.''-->
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 20 mm (32-33°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 20 mm (27°) ''Lower glacis'' || 20 mm || 20 mm (23°), 14 mm (60°) ''Top'' <br> 20 mm (0°), 14 mm (65°) ''Bottom'' || 10 mm
 +
|-
 +
| Superstructure || 20 mm (32-33°) ''Same as hull front'' || 20 mm (13-18°) || 20 mm (16-57°) ''Gun shield'' <br> 100 mm ''Gun breech'' || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
 +
* "Front" of the vehicle is the direction the driver is facing.
 +
* Suspension wheels, bogies, and tracks are 20 mm thick.
 +
* Belly armour is 10 mm thick.
 +
* A 9-12 mm RHA plate separate the crew compartment from the engine
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''
+
<!-- ''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= 273|rbMinHp= 170}}
 +
 
 +
== Armaments ==
 +
=== 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.'' -->
 +
{{main|QF 17-pounder (76 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[QF 17-pounder (76 mm)|76 mm QF 17-pounder]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 +
|-
 +
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
|-
 +
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 39 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±22° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 2.20 || 3.05 || 3.70 || 4.09 || 4.35 || rowspan="2" | 7.41 || rowspan="2" | 6.56 || rowspan="2" | 6.04 || rowspan="2" | 5.70
 +
|-
 +
! ''Realistic''
 +
| 1.49 || 1.75 || 2.13 || 2.35 || 2.50
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Ammunition ====
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 +
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 +
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 +
|-
 +
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 +
|-
 +
| Shot Mk.6 || AP || 171 || 168 || 155 || 139 || 126 || 113
 +
|-
 +
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9
 +
|-
 +
| Shot Mk.4 || APC || 171 || 168 || 155 || 139 || 126 || 113
 +
|-
 +
| Shot Mk.8 || APCBC || 190 || 187 || 172 || 155 || 140 || 126
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 +
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 +
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Normalization at 30°<br>from horizontal
 +
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 +
|-
 +
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 +
|-
 +
| Shot Mk.6 || AP || 883 || 7.71 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1° || 47° || 60° || 65°
 +
|-
 +
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 883 || 7.0 || 0.4 || 0.5 || 580 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 +
|-
 +
| Shot Mk.4 || APC || 883 || 7.71 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 +
|-
 +
| Shot Mk.8 || APCBC || 883 || 7.71 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 +
|-
 +
! Ammunition
 +
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
 +
! Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 +
! Screen radius<br>(m)
 +
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
 +
! Screen hold time<br>(s)
 +
! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 +
|-
 +
| 17pdr Shell SS Mk.1 || 754 || 8.44 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
'''Last updated: 1.77.2.149'''
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! Full<br>ammo
 +
! 1st<br>rack empty
 +
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! 4th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
| '''39''' || 30&nbsp;''(+9)'' || 20&nbsp;''(+19)'' || 10&nbsp;''(+29)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+38)'' || style="text-align:left" | No
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
Rear empty: 20&nbsp;''(+19)''
  
== Weaponry ==
+
== Usage in battles ==
=== Main weaponry ===
+
<!--''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).''-->
''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 flexibilty 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.''
+
You should use the true forward direction (Opposite of the gun) to travel from place to place as its reverse speed is low. You should travel in the direction of the gun when approaching an enemy or an area with combat taking place. Once you can shoot the enemy, fire around at them and quickly go in the true forward direction to retreat. The same applies to when you're sniping, fire a shot and retreat. Again, the Archer can be played in both close combat and sniping, but be sure not to get too close.
  
=== Additional weaponry ===
+
The Archer has an open top, so you will need to be careful about machine guns and artillery. Its faster forward speed can allow you to escape from planes who are attacking you. You should also note that the Archer is faster than all three Valentines. While it is based on a Valentine, its reverse speed is about double the reverse speed of a Valentine, and its forward speed is about 9 km/h faster.  
''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 how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
 
  
=== Machine guns ===
+
Whenever facing tanks of any battle rating and rank, always be on alert and always have a backup plan as most tanks may be able to knock out the Archer in one shot. Do not worry, always play safely and stay at a reasonable distance from the cap circle or in an area which can be a chock point for the enemy team. Always make sure you are in an area where they have to face the tank from in the cannon's arc to always have a first shot opportunity and have the enemy back off from charging straight into the Archer's field of fire. If a plane or tank starts strafing the Archer, pull out and find a new location as that place is now compromised and a wary pilot or flanking enemy could put an end to the Archer's career.
''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.''
 
  
== Usage in the battles ==
+
=== Modules ===
''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 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).''
+
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Tier
 +
! colspan="2" | Mobility
 +
! Protection
 +
! colspan="2" | Firepower
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Tracks
 +
|
 +
| Parts
 +
| Shot Mk.4
 +
| Horizontal Drive
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
| Suspension
 +
| Brake System
 +
| FPE
 +
| Shot Mk.8
 +
| Adjustment of Fire
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Filters
 +
|
 +
| Crew Replenishment
 +
| Elevation Mechanism
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
| Transmission
 +
| Engine
 +
|
 +
| 17pdr Shell SS Mk.1
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
As usual, it is recommended to research "Parts" first, particularly due to the vehicle's need to expose its engine to aim at an enemy. Engine damage is, of course, very crippling, and unfortunately a recurrent phenomenon for the Archer, and as such repairing, it is a priority whenever it occurs. After that, you should research the Horizontal Drive because Archer's turret traverse speed is sluggish.
  
 
=== 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. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!--''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".''-->
 +
'''Pros:'''
  
'''Pros:'''
+
* Ability to move faster in the opposite direction of the gun can allow for a quick retreat
*
+
* The vehicle's cannon (17-pounder) is amazing at causing damage and offers easy ballistic trajectory
 +
* The direction configuration can confuse or surprise enemies
 +
* Very stealthy when in a good hull-down position
 +
* Engine and gun can be extremely effective armour; absorbing shots without them hurting the crew.
 +
* Despite slow top speed, it feels very smooth when aiming, turning or in reverse.
 +
* Decent speed for a SPG, making it able to catch up with the team
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
*
 
  
== Historical part ==
+
* It can be hard to master this vehicle as the gun does not face forward
''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 an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
* Vehicle immobilization can occur often
 +
* Only travels about 4 km/h backwards, which makes it hard to move in the direction of your gun
 +
* Very slow cannon traverse speed and average reload speed, high crew training is required
 +
* Lightly-armoured tanks may in some circumstances get off easy from your shots, as the QF-17 over-penetrates and produces little spalling with no HE filler
 +
* Due to thin armour, heavy caliber fire especially from 20mm's, will rip through armour plates quite easy
 +
* Open top vehicle. You are a target for planes and artillery strikes
 +
 
 +
== 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).''-->
 +
 
 +
===Development===
 +
The production of the 17-pounder anti-tank gun for British service gave the British military firepower capable of destroying the heavier German tanks, however, the gun's heavyweight and bulkiness presented a mobility issue for the crew. An attempt to make a mobile version was done in 1942, first with the [[3 inch Gun Carrier]] as a self-propelled mount, then with the [[Achilles|M10 tank destroyer]] from the Americans which proved more successful. Another project done was to use obsolete tank chassis and convert them into mounts for use, like the [[Crusader Mk III|Crusader]] cruiser tanks and the [[Valentine Mk XI|Valentine]] infantry gun. The Valentine was chosen for further development as it was one of the more reliable tanks in British service and had the specifications needed to mount the gun. The modified Valentine, known as the '''Self Propelled 17pdr, Valentine, Mk.I, Archer''', was given a more powerful engine and a casemate superstructure on the front. The most distinctive feature of the Archer compared to any other tank destroyers in the war was that its gun is not facing forward, rather to the rear. This had a benefit of reducing the vehicle's length by making the gun stretch out over the rear hull of the vehicle, limiting the gun from extending over the vehicle. The rear gun mounting, despite its unorthodox method, allowed the Archer to become an excellent ambush weapon, by firing at targets with its gun and able to speed away forward at full speed rather than the reverse. The first prototype of the Archer was made in 1943, trials were carried out in April 1943, which concluded favourably and was 800 was ordered from Vickers and accepted into service in October 1944. Vickers were able to complete 655 Archer tank destroyers from March 1943 to until the end of the war in May 1945.
 +
 
 +
===Combat usage===
 +
The Archer was used in the Italian front and the European campaign against Germany. As a self-propelled gun, the Royal Artillery had authority over the tank destroyer just like other tank destroyers in British service. Reception to the Archer proved that the crews favour the Archer over the M10 Achilles due to the better tactics the Archer presented by shooting then speeding away before the enemy could discover them. Though the drawbacks of the crew positions, open-topped superstructure, and limited gun traverse limited the Archer's capabilities, this was mitigated by its role as a tank destroyer and was used in World War II until the end.
 +
 
 +
Britain continued to use the Archer up until the 1950s. Once retired, some were sold to the Egyptian Army, to which they reported using it during the Suez Canal crisis in 1956. After that, no further action reports are known with the Archers.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=britain&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=tank_destroyer&vehicle=uk_sp_17_pdr_valentine Skins and Camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}}  from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|VFEv4q3G5Us|'''Most unusual vehicles'''  discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:15  - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
  
== Read 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;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
''ETC.''
 
  
== Sources ==
+
== 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;''
* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
* ''other literature.''
+
* ''other literature.''-->
 +
 
 +
* [[Wikipedia:Archer_(tank_destroyer)|[Wikipedia<nowiki>]</nowiki> Archer (tank destroyer)]]
 +
 
 +
{{Britain tank destroyers}}

Revision as of 15:17, 13 August 2020

RANK 6 BRITAIN
Rooikat 105 PACK
uk_sp_17_pdr_valentine.png
Archer
AB RB SB
2.7 2.7 2.7
Research:7 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:10 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage Archer Front.jpg
GarageImage Archer Rear.jpg


The Self Propelled 17pdr, Valentine, Mk I, Archer (also known as the Archer) is a Rank II British tank destroyer with a battle rating of 2.7 (AB/RB/SB). This tank destroyer was released along with the entire British tree line in Update 1.55 "Royal Armour". The Archer is a unique tank destroyer, as its gun faces the rear of the tank. The Archer can be good at both close combat- so long as you have somewhere to retreat to- and is also good at sniping. In a sense, you might consider the Archer to have two forward directions.

The Archer's armament is very good at this battle rating. The same cannon is even used on Rank III and IV tanks like the A30 Challenger and the Firefly. It's 9.0 second reload speed is not bad, but there are faster firing cannons at this rank such as both short and long German 75mm cannons, or the M4A1's cannon. However, the Archer can instantly destroy many enemy tanks, and if it doesn't destroy them it will damage them. If the enemy is not destroyed and they can shoot you, retreat and reload. Once reloaded you can try to destroy the enemy tank, but if its aiming in your direction you can try sneaking up on it. The Archer does not have a turret, but its gun can traverse further left and right than most non-turreted tank destroyers, including the StuG III F and SU-122. While these tank destroyers have a higher battle rating than the Archer, you may still encounter them.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 20 mm (32-33°) Front glacis
20 mm (27°) Lower glacis
20 mm 20 mm (23°), 14 mm (60°) Top
20 mm (0°), 14 mm (65°) Bottom
10 mm
Superstructure 20 mm (32-33°) Same as hull front 20 mm (13-18°) 20 mm (16-57°) Gun shield
100 mm Gun breech
N/A

Notes:

  • "Front" of the vehicle is the direction the driver is facing.
  • Suspension wheels, bogies, and tracks are 20 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 10 mm thick.
  • A 9-12 mm RHA plate separate the crew compartment from 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 36 5 16.3 273 366 16.75 22.45
Realistic 33 5 170 192 10.43 11.78

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: QF 17-pounder (76 mm)
76 mm QF 17-pounder Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 39 -8°/+15° ±22° N/A 2.20 3.05 3.70 4.09 4.35 7.41 6.56 6.04 5.70
Realistic 1.49 1.75 2.13 2.35 2.50

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
Shot Mk.6 AP 171 168 155 139 126 113
Shell Mk.1 HE 9 9 9 9 9 9
Shot Mk.4 APC 171 168 155 139 126 113
Shot Mk.8 APCBC 190 187 172 155 140 126
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
Mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive Mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Normalization at 30°
from horizontal
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Shot Mk.6 AP 883 7.71 N/A N/A N/A -1° 47° 60° 65°
Shell Mk.1 HE 883 7.0 0.4 0.5 580 +0° 79° 80° 81°
Shot Mk.4 APC 883 7.71 N/A N/A N/A -1° 48° 63° 71°
Shot Mk.8 APCBC 883 7.71 N/A N/A N/A +4° 48° 63° 71°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
Mass (kg)
Screen radius
(m)
Screen deploy time
(s)
Screen hold time
(s)
Explosive Mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
17pdr Shell SS Mk.1 754 8.44 13 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Last updated: 1.77.2.149

Ammo racks of the Archer
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
39 30 (+9) 20 (+19) 10 (+29) (+38) No

Rear empty: 20 (+19)

Usage in battles

You should use the true forward direction (Opposite of the gun) to travel from place to place as its reverse speed is low. You should travel in the direction of the gun when approaching an enemy or an area with combat taking place. Once you can shoot the enemy, fire around at them and quickly go in the true forward direction to retreat. The same applies to when you're sniping, fire a shot and retreat. Again, the Archer can be played in both close combat and sniping, but be sure not to get too close.

The Archer has an open top, so you will need to be careful about machine guns and artillery. Its faster forward speed can allow you to escape from planes who are attacking you. You should also note that the Archer is faster than all three Valentines. While it is based on a Valentine, its reverse speed is about double the reverse speed of a Valentine, and its forward speed is about 9 km/h faster.

Whenever facing tanks of any battle rating and rank, always be on alert and always have a backup plan as most tanks may be able to knock out the Archer in one shot. Do not worry, always play safely and stay at a reasonable distance from the cap circle or in an area which can be a chock point for the enemy team. Always make sure you are in an area where they have to face the tank from in the cannon's arc to always have a first shot opportunity and have the enemy back off from charging straight into the Archer's field of fire. If a plane or tank starts strafing the Archer, pull out and find a new location as that place is now compromised and a wary pilot or flanking enemy could put an end to the Archer's career.

Modules

Tier Mobility Protection Firepower
I Tracks Parts Shot Mk.4 Horizontal Drive
II Suspension Brake System FPE Shot Mk.8 Adjustment of Fire
III Filters Crew Replenishment Elevation Mechanism
IV Transmission Engine 17pdr Shell SS Mk.1

As usual, it is recommended to research "Parts" first, particularly due to the vehicle's need to expose its engine to aim at an enemy. Engine damage is, of course, very crippling, and unfortunately a recurrent phenomenon for the Archer, and as such repairing, it is a priority whenever it occurs. After that, you should research the Horizontal Drive because Archer's turret traverse speed is sluggish.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Ability to move faster in the opposite direction of the gun can allow for a quick retreat
  • The vehicle's cannon (17-pounder) is amazing at causing damage and offers easy ballistic trajectory
  • The direction configuration can confuse or surprise enemies
  • Very stealthy when in a good hull-down position
  • Engine and gun can be extremely effective armour; absorbing shots without them hurting the crew.
  • Despite slow top speed, it feels very smooth when aiming, turning or in reverse.
  • Decent speed for a SPG, making it able to catch up with the team

Cons:

  • It can be hard to master this vehicle as the gun does not face forward
  • Vehicle immobilization can occur often
  • Only travels about 4 km/h backwards, which makes it hard to move in the direction of your gun
  • Very slow cannon traverse speed and average reload speed, high crew training is required
  • Lightly-armoured tanks may in some circumstances get off easy from your shots, as the QF-17 over-penetrates and produces little spalling with no HE filler
  • Due to thin armour, heavy caliber fire especially from 20mm's, will rip through armour plates quite easy
  • Open top vehicle. You are a target for planes and artillery strikes

History

Development

The production of the 17-pounder anti-tank gun for British service gave the British military firepower capable of destroying the heavier German tanks, however, the gun's heavyweight and bulkiness presented a mobility issue for the crew. An attempt to make a mobile version was done in 1942, first with the 3 inch Gun Carrier as a self-propelled mount, then with the M10 tank destroyer from the Americans which proved more successful. Another project done was to use obsolete tank chassis and convert them into mounts for use, like the Crusader cruiser tanks and the Valentine infantry gun. The Valentine was chosen for further development as it was one of the more reliable tanks in British service and had the specifications needed to mount the gun. The modified Valentine, known as the Self Propelled 17pdr, Valentine, Mk.I, Archer, was given a more powerful engine and a casemate superstructure on the front. The most distinctive feature of the Archer compared to any other tank destroyers in the war was that its gun is not facing forward, rather to the rear. This had a benefit of reducing the vehicle's length by making the gun stretch out over the rear hull of the vehicle, limiting the gun from extending over the vehicle. The rear gun mounting, despite its unorthodox method, allowed the Archer to become an excellent ambush weapon, by firing at targets with its gun and able to speed away forward at full speed rather than the reverse. The first prototype of the Archer was made in 1943, trials were carried out in April 1943, which concluded favourably and was 800 was ordered from Vickers and accepted into service in October 1944. Vickers were able to complete 655 Archer tank destroyers from March 1943 to until the end of the war in May 1945.

Combat usage

The Archer was used in the Italian front and the European campaign against Germany. As a self-propelled gun, the Royal Artillery had authority over the tank destroyer just like other tank destroyers in British service. Reception to the Archer proved that the crews favour the Archer over the M10 Achilles due to the better tactics the Archer presented by shooting then speeding away before the enemy could discover them. Though the drawbacks of the crew positions, open-topped superstructure, and limited gun traverse limited the Archer's capabilities, this was mitigated by its role as a tank destroyer and was used in World War II until the end.

Britain continued to use the Archer up until the 1950s. Once retired, some were sold to the Egyptian Army, to which they reported using it during the Suez Canal crisis in 1956. After that, no further action reports are known with the Archers.

Media

Skins
Videos

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


Britain tank destroyers
Infantry tank derivatives  Archer · Gun Carrier (3-in)
Light tank derivatives  Alecto I
M10 Achilles  Achilles · Achilles (65 Rg.)
Centurion derivatives  FV4005 · Conway
ATGM  Swingfire · Striker
Other  Tortoise · ▄M109A1
Canada  QF 3.7 Ram · ADATS (M113)
South Africa  G6 · ZT3A2