Difference between revisions of "Bosvark"

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== 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.'' -->
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The '''Bosvark''' is a self-propelled anti-aircraft (SPAA) vehicle named after the African Bushpig, which is armed with powerful tusks for digging up roots and defending itself against predators. The South African Defence Force (SADF) seized considerable amounts of 23 mm ZU-23-2 twin-barrelled autocannons from the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) during the South African Border War, which lasted from 1966 to 1989. The MPLA had obtained these from Cuban and Soviet benefactors. The SADF employed these weapons for a variety of purposes, including base defence, makeshift weapons platforms, and training. Early in 1990, the Armaments Corporation of South Africa (ARMSCOR) issued a request for proposals based on end-user specifications established by the SADF to mount the captured 23 mm ZU-23-2 twin-barrelled autocannons (also known as GA-6 in the SADF) on a vehicle. The vehicle had to be mine-resistant, according to the key development criteria. The SAMIL 100 Kwêvol transport vehicle was chosen as it met the specifications for an armoured crew compartment, a mine-protected chassis, and a large rear deck on which to put the weapon platform.
+
The Bosvark is a South African self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicle consisting of a captured [[ZU-23 (23 mm)|ZU-23-2]] 23 mm twin-autocannon anti-aircraft gun mounted on the rear of a SAMIL-100 cargo truck. Introduced to the British tech tree in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]], this vehicle is similar in configuration to its predecessor the [[Ystervark]], also built for the South African Defense Forces (SADF).
  
−
Introduced in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]], the Bosvark is fast and manoeuvrable, players can easily set up ambushes by hiding near buildings and waiting for unsuspecting enemy aircraft to fly low, making them an easy target. It is, however, larger than other SPAA vehicles, and many of its personnel are unprotected. As a result, it is critical to always remain hidden and unnoticed. A quick burst of fire from the 23 mm ZU-23-2 twin-barrelled autocannons can readily bring down any aircraft during battles. However, as the ammunition is limited and the reload time is long, it is crucial not to fire for an extended period. Finally, do not engage enemy ground forces. Despite having access to armour-piercing ammunition belts, the armour penetration capability is insufficient to deal with the vast majority of targets encountered during fights.
+
During the South African Border war, the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) utilized ZU-23-2 guns against the SADF. Designed by the Soviet Union, these anti-aircraft guns were also found to be effective against infantry and light vehicles. The SADF would seize enough of these guns to partially utilize them as regular weapons in their army.
 +
 
 +
In the early 1990s, the SAMIL-100 Kwêvol armored cargo truck was selected by the Armaments Corporation of South Africa as a carrier for captured ZU-23-2 turrets, which were redesignated by the SADF as the GA-6. The Bosvark would fill the gap left behind by the earlier Ystervark, which was removed from frontline service in 1991.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-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? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the 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? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
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''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.''
 
  
−
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
+
The Bosvark’s crew are under imminent threat when facing almost any type of enemy fire. The ZU-23-2 turret features an open-air, unshielded design that leaves the gun crew exposed. If explosions occur near the vehicle, there is a very high chance that those two crewmembers will be heavily wounded or knocked out. Machine guns and autocannons will also knock these crewmembers out easily.
−
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
+
 
−
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
+
The driver, commander and loader are located in the front of the vehicle. While being situated in an enclosed cabin, they are only protected from light weapons like rifle-caliber machine guns due to the cabin’s relatively thin armor. 
 +
 
 +
As a result of its light protection, it is highly recommended to remain hidden and unnoticed when using this vehicle. In the case that the vehicle is attacked, with five crewmembers spread out across a long chassis, it is possible for one of the general crew stations to be completely knocked out while the other station remains unharmed. Players can take advantage of this by hiding the cabin behind solid cover when exposing the gun crew to engage the enemy.
 +
 
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Structural steel (chassis)
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (cabin, weapon platform, bonnet)
 +
* Bulletproof glass (windshield, )
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Chassis || 2 mm (38°) ''Bumper''
 +
4 mm (0°) ''Grille'' 10 mm (0°) ''Fascia''
 +
| 10 mm (0°) ''Storage''<br> 30 mm (0°) ''Frame'' || 4 mm (0°) ''Bumper''
 +
10 mm (0°) ''Tires''
 +
| 2 mm (88°) ''Bonnet''
 +
10 mm (90°) ''Weapon Platform''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Cabin || 10 mm (15°) ''Cabin''<br> 60 mm (15°) ''Windshield'' || 10 mm (10°) ''Cabin''
−
|-
+
10 mm (54°) ''Lower Cabin'' 6 mm (10°) ''Doors''
−
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
+
 
 +
60 mm (10°) ''Windows''
 +
| 10 mm (10°) ''Cabin'' || 10 mm (90°) ''Cabin''
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
+
'''Notes:'''
−
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
+
 
 +
* Wheels are 10 mm thick
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=447|rbMinHp=279}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=447|rbMinHp=279}}
 +
 +
Despite its size, the Bosvark is rather mobile with a relatively high maximum forward speed and decent engine power that allows players to get to positions easily. With this mobility in mind, after players have engaged an enemy, it is advised to reposition as soon as possible to avoid retaliation. In emergencies, the Bosvark can even use its speed to rush and decap or fully capture enemy points, as long as said points are completely uncontested. Being a wheeled vehicle, however, it will be slowed down when traveling on non-solid surfaces such as mud, snow and sand. Traversing maps along paved or dirt roads will allow the vehicle to maintain high speeds.
 +
 +
Unfortunately, the Bosvark is much slower in reverse. It is highly recommended to stop and check open fields and around corners to see if the area is clear to move through. If caught by enemy fire, the vehicle will have a difficult time reversing out of it at a speed of 9 km/h, especially because of its size.
 +
 +
Size is also a factor to consider in mobility as the Bosvark is a very long and wide vehicle. The large unfolded side platforms may clip obstacles such as trees and fences while maneuvering and can prevent the vehicle from entering narrow passageways. Additionally, the Bosvark may not be able to enter small tunnels and other areas with low ceilings as its tall cabin may impact the lowest point. It is important to note that the Bosvark has a very large turn radius, which can make it very difficult to turn around in urban environments.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 +
One recommended order of research is as follows, with a focus on upgrades for improved anti-aircraft ability:
 +
 +
* ''Improved Parts'' and ''Improved FPE'': These are very high priority modifications and will significantly increase the ability to return to combat when essential components are damaged by enemy fire.
 +
* ''HEFI-T Belts'': As the Bosvark is primarily an SPAA vehicle, ammunition belts consisting mostly of 23 mm high explosive incendiary ammunition can be a high priority for it. Although the ''Default'' ammunition is powerful, these belts can help to destroy enemy aircraft in fewer shots. This is especially useful keeping the Bosvark’s short ammunition belts in mind. It is recommended to utilize this belt as the main ammunition type after research has been completed.
 +
* ''Horizontal Drive, Elevation Mechanism'' and ''Adjustment of Fire'': Although the ZU-23-2 turret is already fairly quick to traverse, these modifications will allow the turret to traverse even faster. ''Adjustment of Fire'' will make the twin cannons more accurate.
 +
* General ''Mobility'': Since SPAAs generally do not need to travel far to fight, it is okay to research mobility upgrades later. Most of these modifications, especially ''Engine'' and ''Filters'' will increase the vehicle's handling and top speed. 
 +
* ''Brake System'' and ''Suspension'': Unless required to research to gain access to the above modifications, players may give these modifications lower priority than other ''Mobility'' upgrades as their benefits, when equipped, will not greatly affect the Bosvark’s performance due to its design and role.
 +
* ''Crew Replenishment'': This modification will increase survivability, although with the large but vulnerable crew, players may find that they either don’t need to replenish a crewmember or their vehicle is destroyed before needing to do so. Because of this, players may choose to research this modification later than the other ''Protection'' upgrades.
 +
* ''Artillery Support'': The ability to call artillery can be useful offensively to damage or destroy vehicles in capture points or defensively when vehicles are a threat to the Bosvark. It is important to note that enemy vehicles will have to be in a radial vicinity of the player for them to call an artillery strike. This radius will vary with crew skills and may not be a high priority for the Bosvark as an SPAA vehicle located towards the rear of the battlefield.
 +
* ''API-T'': Belts consisting mainly of Armor Piercing, Incendiary Tracer belts are useful against ground targets. However, this may not be as useful to the Bosvark because of its role and design. The long reload of the ZU-23-2 will make it difficult for the Bosvark to switch belts to counter different targets. Since the ''Default'' ammunition belt contains an equal mixture of HE and AP, this can be used as the vehicle’s emergency anti-armor belt until ''API-T'' is researched at a later stage.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
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== 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).'' -->
−
''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).''
+
One recommended strategy is to set up ambush positions by hiding near buildings and waiting for unsuspecting enemy aircraft to fly low, making them an easy target. It is, however, larger than other SPAA vehicles as well as many other vehicles at its rank which may aid enemies in spotting this vehicle from the ground or in the air. 
 +
 
 +
A quick burst of fire from the 23 mm ZU-23-2 autocannons can easily bring down any aircraft. However, as the ammunition is limited in each belt and the reload time is long, the Bosvark is unable to fire for extended periods of time. If the vehicle is in a safe position and there is less than half of the ammunition left, it is recommended to empty the remaining ammunition in order to reload full belts.
 +
 
 +
While this vehicle has access to armor-piercing ammunition belts, the armor penetration capability is insufficient to deal with many ground targets encountered during battle, especially if they feature moderate to heavy armor.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Fast vehicle, capable to relocate as needed thanks to superior top speed
+
* Fast vehicle, capable to relocate as needed because of the chassis' high forward speed
−
* Powerful fast firing 23 mm cannons; small bursts are often enough
+
* Powerful, fast-firing 23 mm cannons
−
* Numerous crew members; may survive longer
+
* Large crew size and spread increase survivability
 +
* Enclosed cabin can protect crew members from light machine guns
 +
* Relatively civillian appearance can trick enemies into overlooking the vehicle in urban environments
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Large vehicle; difficult to conceal and manoeuvre in enclosed areas due to large turning radius
+
* Large vehicle; difficult to conceal and manoeuvre in enclosed areas
−
* Lightly armoured; explosives, machine guns, rockets and cannons are a threat
+
* Lightly armoured; suceptible to machine guns and explosive weapons
−
* Cannon depletes magazine capacity quickly (50 rounds per gun); precision and restraint are needed
+
* Cannons deplete the magazine capacity quickly (50 rounds per gun) and has long reload times
−
* Wheeled configuration provides poor off-road mobility, speed will not be any advantage
+
* Cabin and storage boxes block forward traverse of the weapon
 +
* Relatively slow reverse speed
 +
* Wheeled configuration reduces mobility off-road
  
 
== History ==
 
== 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: <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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
''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).''
+
'''Devblog:'''
 +
 
 +
During the South African Border War, lasting throughout the 1960s up until the late 1980s, the South African Defence Force (SADF) managed to capture large quantities of ZU-23-2 towed anti-air guns. Being in popular use by Angolan forces, the SADF used these guns primarily for base defences and training. After the war these guns were no longer required and put into storage.
 +
 
 +
In the early 1990s however, the SADF sought to mount the newly purchased ZU-23-2 on a mine-resistant chassis. Shortly after, ARMSCOR identified the SAMIL-100 transporter as a suitable platform and modified it to house the ZU-23-2.
 +
 
 +
The first prototype underwent testing in April 1991 and serial production followed by the end of the year. Surprisingly the ZU-23-2 gun was meant to be used in the ground support role, rather than primarily in the anti-air role.
 +
 
 +
Bosvark, as it became known, entered service with the 10 Air Defence Artillery Regiment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The Bosvark is yet to see combat action and is only operated by the SANDF.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==

Revision as of 02:23, 28 March 2024

RANK 4 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
Bosvark
uk_bosvark.png
GarageImage Bosvark.jpg
ArtImage Bosvark.png
Bosvark
Britain flag.png Britain
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.0 5.3 5.3
Class:
Research:33 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:105 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Bosvark is a South African self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicle consisting of a captured ZU-23-2 23 mm twin-autocannon anti-aircraft gun mounted on the rear of a SAMIL-100 cargo truck. Introduced to the British tech tree in Update "Fire and Ice", this vehicle is similar in configuration to its predecessor the Ystervark, also built for the South African Defense Forces (SADF).

During the South African Border war, the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) utilized ZU-23-2 guns against the SADF. Designed by the Soviet Union, these anti-aircraft guns were also found to be effective against infantry and light vehicles. The SADF would seize enough of these guns to partially utilize them as regular weapons in their army.

In the early 1990s, the SAMIL-100 Kwêvol armored cargo truck was selected by the Armaments Corporation of South Africa as a carrier for captured ZU-23-2 turrets, which were redesignated by the SADF as the GA-6. The Bosvark would fill the gap left behind by the earlier Ystervark, which was removed from frontline service in 1991.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull10 / 10 / 10
Turret0 / 0 / 0
Crew5 people
Visibility125 %

The Bosvark’s crew are under imminent threat when facing almost any type of enemy fire. The ZU-23-2 turret features an open-air, unshielded design that leaves the gun crew exposed. If explosions occur near the vehicle, there is a very high chance that those two crewmembers will be heavily wounded or knocked out. Machine guns and autocannons will also knock these crewmembers out easily.

The driver, commander and loader are located in the front of the vehicle. While being situated in an enclosed cabin, they are only protected from light weapons like rifle-caliber machine guns due to the cabin’s relatively thin armor. 

As a result of its light protection, it is highly recommended to remain hidden and unnoticed when using this vehicle. In the case that the vehicle is attacked, with five crewmembers spread out across a long chassis, it is possible for one of the general crew stations to be completely knocked out while the other station remains unharmed. Players can take advantage of this by hiding the cabin behind solid cover when exposing the gun crew to engage the enemy.

Armour type:

  • Structural steel (chassis)
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (cabin, weapon platform, bonnet)
  • Bulletproof glass (windshield, )
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Chassis 2 mm (38°) Bumper

4 mm (0°) Grille 10 mm (0°) Fascia

10 mm (0°) Storage
30 mm (0°) Frame 		4 mm (0°) Bumper

10 mm (0°) Tires

2 mm (88°) Bonnet

10 mm (90°) Weapon Platform

Cabin 10 mm (15°) Cabin
60 mm (15°) Windshield 		10 mm (10°) Cabin

10 mm (54°) Lower Cabin 6 mm (10°) Doors

60 mm (10°) Windows

10 mm (10°) Cabin 10 mm (90°) Cabin

Notes:

  • Wheels are 10 mm thick

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB109 / 9 km/h
RB and SB101 / 9 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
1 back
Weight19.5 t
Engine power
AB601 hp
RB and SB315 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB30.8 hp/t
RB and SB16.2 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 109 9 19.5 447 601 22.92 30.82
Realistic 101 9 279 315 14.31 16.15

Despite its size, the Bosvark is rather mobile with a relatively high maximum forward speed and decent engine power that allows players to get to positions easily. With this mobility in mind, after players have engaged an enemy, it is advised to reposition as soon as possible to avoid retaliation. In emergencies, the Bosvark can even use its speed to rush and decap or fully capture enemy points, as long as said points are completely uncontested. Being a wheeled vehicle, however, it will be slowed down when traveling on non-solid surfaces such as mud, snow and sand. Traversing maps along paved or dirt roads will allow the vehicle to maintain high speeds.

Unfortunately, the Bosvark is much slower in reverse. It is highly recommended to stop and check open fields and around corners to see if the area is clear to move through. If caught by enemy fire, the vehicle will have a difficult time reversing out of it at a speed of 9 km/h, especially because of its size.

Size is also a factor to consider in mobility as the Bosvark is a very long and wide vehicle. The large unfolded side platforms may clip obstacles such as trees and fences while maneuvering and can prevent the vehicle from entering narrow passageways. Additionally, the Bosvark may not be able to enter small tunnels and other areas with low ceilings as its tall cabin may impact the lowest point. It is important to note that the Bosvark has a very large turn radius, which can make it very difficult to turn around in urban environments.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 666 → 2 160 Sl icon.png
RB1 345 → 1 744 Sl icon.png
SB2 009 → 2 605 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications29 600 Rp icon.png
57 700 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 200 Ge icon.png
Crew training30 000 Sl icon.png
Experts105 000 Sl icon.png
Aces470 Ge icon.png
Research Aces360 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
90 / 110 / 160 % Sl icon.png
148 / 148 / 148 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new wheels.png
Tires
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods new car suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 900 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
3 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 300 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
3 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 300 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement uk.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 900 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
23mm_ussr_HEIT_ammo_pack
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
23mm_ussr_APIT_ammo_pack
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 900 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
3 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 300 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png

One recommended order of research is as follows, with a focus on upgrades for improved anti-aircraft ability:

  • Improved Parts and Improved FPE: These are very high priority modifications and will significantly increase the ability to return to combat when essential components are damaged by enemy fire.
  • HEFI-T Belts: As the Bosvark is primarily an SPAA vehicle, ammunition belts consisting mostly of 23 mm high explosive incendiary ammunition can be a high priority for it. Although the Default ammunition is powerful, these belts can help to destroy enemy aircraft in fewer shots. This is especially useful keeping the Bosvark’s short ammunition belts in mind. It is recommended to utilize this belt as the main ammunition type after research has been completed.
  • Horizontal Drive, Elevation Mechanism and Adjustment of Fire: Although the ZU-23-2 turret is already fairly quick to traverse, these modifications will allow the turret to traverse even faster. Adjustment of Fire will make the twin cannons more accurate.
  • General Mobility: Since SPAAs generally do not need to travel far to fight, it is okay to research mobility upgrades later. Most of these modifications, especially Engine and Filters will increase the vehicle's handling and top speed. 
  • Brake System and Suspension: Unless required to research to gain access to the above modifications, players may give these modifications lower priority than other Mobility upgrades as their benefits, when equipped, will not greatly affect the Bosvark’s performance due to its design and role.
  • Crew Replenishment: This modification will increase survivability, although with the large but vulnerable crew, players may find that they either don’t need to replenish a crewmember or their vehicle is destroyed before needing to do so. Because of this, players may choose to research this modification later than the other Protection upgrades.
  • Artillery Support: The ability to call artillery can be useful offensively to damage or destroy vehicles in capture points or defensively when vehicles are a threat to the Bosvark. It is important to note that enemy vehicles will have to be in a radial vicinity of the player for them to call an artillery strike. This radius will vary with crew skills and may not be a high priority for the Bosvark as an SPAA vehicle located towards the rear of the battlefield.
  • API-T: Belts consisting mainly of Armor Piercing, Incendiary Tracer belts are useful against ground targets. However, this may not be as useful to the Bosvark because of its role and design. The long reload of the ZU-23-2 will make it difficult for the Bosvark to switch belts to counter different targets. Since the Default ammunition belt contains an equal mixture of HE and AP, this can be used as the vehicle’s emergency anti-armor belt until API-T is researched at a later stage.

Armaments

Main armament

2 x 23 mm ZU-23 cannon
Ammunition700 rounds
Belt capacity50 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
13.0 → 10.0 s
Fire rate801 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 90°
Main article: ZU-23 (23 mm)
23 mm ZU-23 (x2) Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 700 (50) 800 -10°/+90° ±180° - 52.8 73.1 88.8 98.2 104.5 13.00 11.50 10.60 10.00
Realistic 35.7 42.0 51.0 56.4 60.0

Ammunition

  • Default: API-T · HEF-I
  • HEFI-T: HEF-I · HEFI-T · HEF-I · API-T
  • APIT: API-T · API-T · API-T · HEFI-T

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HEF-I 6 6 4 3 2 2
API-T 51 48 36 26 18 13
HEFI-T 6 6 4 3 2 2
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEF-I 980 0.18 0.1 0.1 28.49 79° 80° 81°
API-T 970 0.19 - - - 47° 60° 65°
HEFI-T 970 0.19 0.1 0.1 20.02 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
14 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Usage in battles

One recommended strategy is to set up ambush positions by hiding near buildings and waiting for unsuspecting enemy aircraft to fly low, making them an easy target. It is, however, larger than other SPAA vehicles as well as many other vehicles at its rank which may aid enemies in spotting this vehicle from the ground or in the air. 

A quick burst of fire from the 23 mm ZU-23-2 autocannons can easily bring down any aircraft. However, as the ammunition is limited in each belt and the reload time is long, the Bosvark is unable to fire for extended periods of time. If the vehicle is in a safe position and there is less than half of the ammunition left, it is recommended to empty the remaining ammunition in order to reload full belts.

While this vehicle has access to armor-piercing ammunition belts, the armor penetration capability is insufficient to deal with many ground targets encountered during battle, especially if they feature moderate to heavy armor.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Fast vehicle, capable to relocate as needed because of the chassis' high forward speed
  • Powerful, fast-firing 23 mm cannons
  • Large crew size and spread increase survivability
  • Enclosed cabin can protect crew members from light machine guns
  • Relatively civillian appearance can trick enemies into overlooking the vehicle in urban environments

Cons:

  • Large vehicle; difficult to conceal and manoeuvre in enclosed areas
  • Lightly armoured; suceptible to machine guns and explosive weapons
  • Cannons deplete the magazine capacity quickly (50 rounds per gun) and has long reload times
  • Cabin and storage boxes block forward traverse of the weapon
  • Relatively slow reverse speed
  • Wheeled configuration reduces mobility off-road

History

Devblog:

During the South African Border War, lasting throughout the 1960s up until the late 1980s, the South African Defence Force (SADF) managed to capture large quantities of ZU-23-2 towed anti-air guns. Being in popular use by Angolan forces, the SADF used these guns primarily for base defences and training. After the war these guns were no longer required and put into storage.

In the early 1990s however, the SADF sought to mount the newly purchased ZU-23-2 on a mine-resistant chassis. Shortly after, ARMSCOR identified the SAMIL-100 transporter as a suitable platform and modified it to house the ZU-23-2.

The first prototype underwent testing in April 1991 and serial production followed by the end of the year. Surprisingly the ZU-23-2 gun was meant to be used in the ground support role, rather than primarily in the anti-air role.

Bosvark, as it became known, entered service with the 10 Air Defence Artillery Regiment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The Bosvark is yet to see combat action and is only operated by the SANDF.

Media

Skins

See also

Vehicles of similar configuration and role:

Vehicles with similar weapon systems:

External links


Britain anti-aircraft vehicles
Crusader AA  Crusader AA Mk I · Crusader AA Mk II
Wheeled  Staghound AA · AEC AA
Radar SPAAG  Chieftain Marksman
Missile SPAA  Stormer HVM
Other  Light AA Mk I · Falcon
Canada  Skink
South Africa  Ystervark · Bosvark · ZA-35

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