Char 25t

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RANK 6 BRITAIN
Rooikat 105 PACK
fr_bat_chat_25t.png
GarageImage Char 25t.jpg
Char 25t
AB RB SB
8.0 8.0 8.0
Class:
Research:53 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:300 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Batignolles-Chatillon Char de 25 tonnes (shortened as Char 25t) is a Rank V French light tank with a battle rating of 8.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.81 "The Valkyries".

The Char 25t is similar to other French light tanks in that it is a small, closed tank with a compact autoloader turret in the rear of the tank. It is a bit wider than traditional French lights, but not by much. Its armour design is more akin to the AMX-50 or the Panther with a flat front and angled cheeks on the chassis. On the top of the turret is an oddity for cold war French designs, a machine gun. Though only a 7.5 mm machine gun that can be used for spotting targets or to deter some planes along with the coaxial.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull50 / 25 / 30
Turret50 / 25 / 20
Crew4 people
Visibility82 %

The Char 25t has more armour than other French light tanks, at steeper angles. With distance, it may be able to bounce the 40 mm Bofors, though it will be rare. The top of the tank is well armoured and will easily defeat .50 cal (12.7 mm) rounds from airborne enemies though anything bigger will go through. The sides and rear are nonexistent comparatively and anything "antitank" will go through with ease. Most APHE shells fired at thinner parts of the tank may fail to detonate inside, it may save your life once or twice but don't rely on it. The driver has a 50 mm plate in front of him so that will help once or twice. The engine may also block poorly-aimed shots.

Armour type:

  • Cast homogeneous armour (hull cheeks, turret base, turret, cupola)
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret roof, cupola roof)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 30 mm (64°) Front glacis - Left
50 mm (64°) Front glacis - Right
50 mm (36°) Lower glacis
25 mm 30 mm Top (53°)
20 mm Fuel Cover
30 mm Bottom (24°)
30-50 mm (26°) Front glacis
20 mm Centre and rear
15 mm Driver's hatch
Turret 50 mm (53-56°) Turret front
30 mm (20-59°) Turret base
50 mm Barrel shroud
25 mm Turret
30 mm (0-22°) Turret base
20 mm Turret bustle
20 mm (11-21°) Pivot ball
15 mm Turret underside
20 mm
Cupola 20 mm (conical) 20 mm (conical) Outer ring
20 mm Centre

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels, tracks and torsion bars are 15 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 20 mm thick.
  • 8 mm Structural steel firewall separates the driver from the engine.

Mobility

Reverse gearbox
Forward and backward movement is possible at the same maximum speed
Speedforward / back
AB73 / 73 km/h
RB and SB66 / 66 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
6 back
Weight25.4 t
Engine power
AB954 hp
RB and SB500 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB37.6 hp/t
RB and SB19.7 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 73 73 25.4 775 954 30.51 37.56
Realistic 66 66 442 500 17.4 19.69

The Char 25t is very fast, both in top speed (even in reverse) and acceleration. With a top speed of 65 km/h and great horsepower to weight ratio, it will conquer most terrain you put it through. The wide tracks compared to its low weight are just another cherry on top. The transmission has 12 gears, 6 forward and 6 backward, and then a neutral. The reverse gears are identical to the forward gears, so driving in reverse is no problem (except for the more exposed crew). Also, the Char 25t can neutral steer and does so rather quickly.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 124 → 4 489 Sl icon.png
RB3 741 → 5 375 Sl icon.png
SB5 088 → 7 311 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications87 600 Rp icon.png
146 700 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training86 000 Sl icon.png
Experts300 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces720 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
110 / 160 / 210 % Sl icon.png
196 / 196 / 196 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
6 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 800 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 200 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
5 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 500 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
5 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 500 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 800 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement fr.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 200 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
5 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 500 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
6 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 800 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 200 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_us_M82_APCBC_ammo_pack
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 200 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
5 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 500 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics
Research:
5 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 500 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

90 mm D.911 APX cannon
Autoloader
Automatically feeds projectiles into the breech. The speed does not depend on the skills of the loader
Ammunition52 rounds
First-order12 rounds
Reload4.0 s
Vertical guidance-6° / 13°
Main article: Canon de 90mm (90 mm)

The gun is decent for its BR and role. Although it lacks a HEAT-FS shell like another vehicle near its BR, the AMX-13-90, the Char 25t received the M82 APCBC round with the addition of Update "Direct Hit". It also received the solid-shot T33 APBC round, but the M82 outclasses it in all aspects.

The reload time is short, 6.7 seconds between shots (even with a knocked out loader)! It carries 7 shots in the drum, like the AMX M4, allowing for a sustained fire at multiple enemies. Although great at post-penetration damage, the M82 round used by the Char 25t has mediocre penetration for a BR of 6.7, especially when taking into account the presence of HEAT-FS and APDS rounds.

90 mm Canon de 90mm Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 52 -6°/+11° ±180° N/A 22.8 31.6 38.4 42.5 45.2 6.70 6.70 6.70 6.70
Realistic 14.3 16.8 20.4 22.6 24.0

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
T33 shot APBC 198 194 181 165 151 138
M71A1 shell HE 13 13 13 13 13 13
M82 shot APCBC 210 207 193 178 163 150
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%
T33 shot APBC 930 10.91 N/A N/A N/A 47° 60° 65°
M71A1 shell HE 800 10.55 0 0.1 925 79° 80° 81°
M82 shot APCBC 930 10.94 1.2 14 137.2 48° 63° 71°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Char 25t
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
6th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
52 44 (+8) 35 (+17) 26 (+26) 17 (+35) (+44) (+51) No

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Rack 6 (autoloader magazine) is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 7 shells.
    • This racks get filled first when loading up the tank and is also emptied first.
    • As it is equipped with an autoloader, manual reloading of the gun is not possible.
    • Once the autoloader magazine has been depleted, the weapon is inoperable until the loader has restocked the autoloader. The restocking time is longer than the normal reload time of the gun. Take this into account when playing.
    • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1 to 5 into rack 6. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.
    • The depletion order at full capacity is: 6 - 1 - 2 up to 5.

Machine guns

Ammunition4 950 rounds
Belt capacity150 rounds
Reload5.0 s
Fire rate551 shots/min
Ammunition1 200 rounds
Belt capacity150 rounds
Reload5.0 s
Fire rate551 shots/min
Main article: MAC 31 (7.5 mm)
7.5 mm MAC 31
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,950 (150) 551 N/A N/A
Pintle 1,200 (150) 551 -5°/+80° ±180°

The small calibre of the MAC 31 machine guns makes them largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. They still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.

Usage in battles

The Char 25t is a very fast flanking tank that can take on multiple foes if it has to, and a reversible gearbox that enables you to disengage just as swiftly. With >200mm of penetration within 100m, the Char 25t can engage all but the heaviest (e.g. IS-3) targets at close range. It can reliably engage targets from the side at range. However, remember that you are in a light tank. Like all light tanks, the Char 25t works best when not in direct line of fire. Your engine may absorb a hit or two, but do not rely on it for survival.

The following tactics could be used proficiently with the Char 25t:

Long range sniper/flanker: Start off the match by heading for one of the flanks. If it's an open map, hide behind hills and passively scout as you drive or head for the outermost capture point. Be wary of the speedy M18 tank destroyers, any of the Sd.Kfz. 234 series, or any other quick tanks that may be trying the same thing as you. Once in a nice position (shadow cover, somewhere to retreat, nice sight lanes), sit and wait for someone to pass by. Don't stay tunnel visioned! Slower tanks may be approaching and they will be able to instantly destroy the Char 25t if it gets the chance. If you notice enemies at a far distance, first scout them using the scout key so your team knows where they are in case you miss or are destroyed. Next, either range-find, or just go for the shot if they are close enough. Neutralize the target, and either change position and then rinse and repeat.

Brawler: Surprisingly, this tank makes a decent brawler with its compact size, incredible speed, and great reload rate. Keep near the outer flanks of any main road or capture point, and drive around looking to shoot out engines/turrets. Try not to engage any heavier tank frontally, as you will be wiped out quite quickly, and you will rarely penetrate through their frontal armour. If you manage to get the first shot, you will have the superior reload for the follow-up shot, especially if their gunner is knocked out from the first shot. Be wary though, and assume the enemy always has a shot loaded, so either be prepared to go back into cover if they're gunner gets replaced.

Support: With light tanks repair mechanics, light tanks can help repair teammates if a friendly repair has been initiated. Stick near teammates, especially heavier ones like the T95 or Maus which may occasionally meet. When they engage in a firefight, either flank around the enemy to disable their gun/movement, or if your teammate already finished off the enemy(s) and is repairing, help them. Go around and help your teammates repair and disable/destroy enemies.

Mixed: Mix and match the tactics above and of other French lights. Try to flank and don't get destroyed. The roof machine gun can allow the Char 25t to harrass planes trying for a ground strike at the team, so there's always a role that the Char 25t can play as.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Low profile.
  • Thin armour will sometimes cause APHE to penetrate straight through without detonating.
  • Frontally-placed engine may absorb some shots
  • Has smoke launchers (high arc of fire).
  • Can reach its top speed quite fast.
  • Reversible gearbox (same speed in both directions)
  • The addition of the M82 round increases the tank's effectiveness.
  • Fast turret rotation.
  • Good gun depression value: high gun placement make hull-down positions very efficient.
  • Short reload time thanks to the 7-round autoloader: 1 shot every 6.7 seconds, comparable to reload times at low ranks.
  • Has scouting ability and teammate repair/firefighting function.

Cons:

  • Thin sides will get shredded easily by nearby SPAAs.
  • Bad at stop-and-shoot due to oscillating turret design.
  • Gun penetration rates are subpar at longer ranges: relies heavily on flanking manoeuvres.
  • Poor gun elevation angle of 11 degrees.
  • Ammo is stored everywhere, a single penetrating shot can easily cause an ammo rack detonation.
  • Restocking the autoloader is very slow once it has been depleted and severely degrades combat performance.

History

Design

The Batignolles-Châtillon 25t or project Super AMX-13 was designed in the 1950s for a weight class twice bigger than the AMX-13. It reused many parts from the AMX-13 like the oscillating turret and the autoloader. Its primary armament was a 90mm cannon capable of shooting the same ammunition as US M47 and M48 tanks. It was equipped with a 500 HP engine and could reach 65 km/h. It was operated by 4 crew members.

Development

Two prototypes were made in 1954 before the project was abandoned. The hurdles of the concept were the impossibility to guarantee NBC protection on the oscillating turret, the external reload of the autoloader exposing the crew during combat, an unreliable hydraulic suspension and external shot traps on the turret. Proofs of concept and technologies developed in this program were however later reused on other French tank projects, especially the AMX-30 (transmission).

Combat usage

As a prototype vehicle, Char 25t never saw service or combat action in the French Army.

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

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

External links


France light tanks
AMC.34/35  AMC.34 YR · AMC.35 (ACG.1)
H.35/39  H.35 · H.39 · H.39 "Cambronne"
AMX-13  AMX-13 (FL11) · AMX-13-M24 · AMX-13 · AMX-13 (SS.11) · AMX-13-90 · AMX-13 (HOT)
Wheeled  AML-90 · AMX-10RC
AMD.35  AMD.35 · AMD.35 (SA35)
E.B.R.  E.B.R. (1951) · E.B.R. (1954) · E.B.R. (1963)
Other  FCM.36 · R.35 (SA38) · Char 25t · MARS 15 · VBCI-2 (MCT30)
Austria  SK-105A2
Great Britain  ▄Crusader Mk.II
USA  LVT-4/40 · ▄M3A3 Stuart