Difference between revisions of "H.35"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(Modules: Fixed formatting)
(28 intermediate revisions by 9 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_H.35.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_H.35.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
The '''Char léger Hotchkiss modèle 1935 H''' (Hotchkiss light tank model 1935) is a reserve French light tank with a battle rating of 1.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]]. It is arguably the ''worst reserve vehicle in War Thunder''.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (Hotchkiss light tank model 1935) is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]]. The H.35 was removed from its reserve status and hidden from the main tech tree during [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]] after the ammo update, though it is still unlockable after reaching rank II French ground vehicles. During its session in the main tree, it was arguably the ''worst reserve vehicle in War Thunder''.  
 
 
Combining a 17 years old gun from WWI, average armour, and a subpar engine sounds like a bad tank design, right? Well someone did it anyways.
 
 
 
'''Mobility (?):'''
 
 
 
With its low speed, don't even dream of bold flanking manœuvres, you must rely on road and downhills in order to achieve a decent speed. Climbing hills and turning on the spot are also hard thing to achieve while driving this vehicle. The only thing "light" about this tank is the weight.
 
 
 
'''Firepower (?):'''
 
 
 
With only 36 mm of penetration, poor post-penetration damage and a long reload time, this tank's main gun is what gives the H.35 the running title as one of the ''worst reserve vehicle in War Thunder''. With -13° of depression, it is actually a very depressing gun to shoot.
 
 
 
'''Armour (!):'''
 
 
 
A light beneath shadows: armour is decent and it ''will'' protect you from incoming long-range shots... but nothing more than that. At close ranges, anything bigger than HMG fire can shred your tank very easily. If you're lucky enough to survive a shot, retreat and ask your allies for help.
 
  
 
== 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.''-->
 +
The armour is decent and it ''will'' protect you from incoming long-range shots... but nothing more than that. At close ranges, anything bigger than HMG fire can shred your tank very easily. If you're lucky enough to survive a shot, retreat and ask your allies for help.
 +
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
* Cast homogeneous armour
 
* Cast homogeneous armour
 +
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
| Hull || 34 mm (8-87°) ''Front plate'' <br> 22 mm (75-85°), 34 mm (31°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 34 mm (30°) ''Lower glacis'' || 34 mm (1-33°) <br> 34 mm (1-2°) || 34 mm (31°) ''Top'' <br> 34 mm ''Bottom'' (7-32°) || 22 mm
+
| Hull || 34 mm (8-87°) ''Front plate'' <br> 22 mm (75-85°) ''Upper glacis'' <br>34 mm (31°) ''Central glacis'' <br> 34 mm (30°) ''Lower glacis'' || 34 mm (1-33°) <br> 34 mm (1-2°) || 34 mm (31°) ''Top'' <br> 34 mm ''Bottom'' (7-32°) || 22 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Turret || 45 + 25 mm (5°) ''Turret front'' <br> 45 mm (28-30°) ''Left side'' <br> 25 mm (10-19°) ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 35 mm (9-88°) ''Vision port'' || 40 mm (1-28°) <br> 35 mm (8-87°) ''Vision ports'' || 40 mm (8-63°) || 25 mm
 
| Turret || 45 + 25 mm (5°) ''Turret front'' <br> 45 mm (28-30°) ''Left side'' <br> 25 mm (10-19°) ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 35 mm (9-88°) ''Vision port'' || 40 mm (1-28°) <br> 35 mm (8-87°) ''Vision ports'' || 40 mm (8-63°) || 25 mm
Line 41: Line 31:
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
* Suspension wheels, bogies, and tracks are all 15 mm thick.
 
* Suspension wheels, bogies, and tracks are all 15 mm thick.
 +
* Belly is 8mm thick.
 +
* Gun barrel is 10mm thick.
  
 
=== 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.'' -->
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
 
|-
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 81|rbMinHp= 66}}
!colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
+
 
|-
+
With its low speed, don't even dream of bold flanking manœuvres, you must rely on road and downhills in order to achieve a decent speed. Climbing hills and turning on the spot are also a hard thing to achieve while driving this vehicle. The only thing "light" about this tank is the weight.
! Weight (tons)
 
!colspan="1" | Add-on Armor<br>weight (tons)
 
!colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
 
|-
 
|rowspan="2" | 10.6 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 31 (AB)
 
|-
 
|28 (RB/SB)
 
|-
 
!colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
 
|-
 
!colspan="1" | Mode
 
!Stock
 
!Upgraded
 
|-
 
|''Arcade''
 
|90
 
|100
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|71
 
|75
 
|-
 
!colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 
|-
 
!colspan="1" | Mode
 
!Stock
 
!Upgraded
 
|-
 
|''Arcade''
 
|8.49
 
|9.43
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|6.70
 
|7.07
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== 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 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.''-->
+
<!--''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|SA18 (37 mm)}}
+
{{main|SA18 L/21 (37 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
With only 36 mm of penetration, poor post-penetration damage and a long reload time, this tank's main gun is the main failing of the H.35. With -13° of depression, it is actually a very depressing gun to shoot in a figurative and literal sense.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="6" | [[SA18 (37 mm)|37 mm SA18]]
+
! colspan="6" | [[SA18 L/21 (37 mm)|37 mm SA18 L/21]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
Line 112: Line 70:
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
|-
| ''Arcade'' || 9.30 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| ''Arcade'' || 14.95 || 20.69 || 25.12 || 27.77 || 29.55
 
|-
 
|-
| ''Realistic'' || 9.30 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| ''Realistic'' || 9.34 || 10.99 || 13.34 || 14.75 || 15.7
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
Line 123: Line 81:
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
|-
| 4.03 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 4.03 || 3.56 || 3.28 || 3.10
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 133: Line 91:
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
+
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
 
|-
 
|-
 
! 10m
 
! 10m
Line 143: Line 101:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Mle1937 || APCR || 36 || 33 || 24 || 16 || 8 || 5  
 
| Mle1937 || APCR || 36 || 33 || 24 || 16 || 8 || 5  
|-
 
| Mle1892 || APHE || 28 || 26 || 19 || 13 || 9 || 5
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="11" | Shell details
+
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
|-
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
Line 159: Line 115:
 
''in mm:''
 
''in mm:''
 
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 
 
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 
|-
 
|-
Line 166: Line 121:
 
! 100%
 
! 100%
 
|-
 
|-
| Mle1937 || APCR || 600 || 0.5 || N/A || N/A || N/A || ° || 66° || 70° || 72°
+
| Mle1937 || APCR || 600 || 0.5 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
|-
 
| Mle1892 || APHE || 388 || 0.5 || 1.2 || 25 || 15 || ° || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
===== [[Ammo Racks|Ammo racks]] =====
+
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
[[File:Ammoracks_H.35.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo Racks|Ammo racks]] of the H.35.]]
+
[[File:Ammoracks_H.35.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the H.35.]]
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 191: Line 144:
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
<!--''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.''-->
+
<!--''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.''-->
 
{{main|MAC 31 (7.5 mm)}}
 
{{main|MAC 31 (7.5 mm)}}
  
Line 209: Line 162:
 
|}
 
|}
  
== Usage in the 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 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).''-->
 
Playing the H.35 is a hard task. Having such a bad gun, it cannot reliably engage a fight without getting the first shot off; hence, one must stick with its teammates in order to survive an encounter. Never drag attention on yourself since anything bigger than HMG fire will shred you at normal combat ranges (~500 m).  
 
Playing the H.35 is a hard task. Having such a bad gun, it cannot reliably engage a fight without getting the first shot off; hence, one must stick with its teammates in order to survive an encounter. Never drag attention on yourself since anything bigger than HMG fire will shred you at normal combat ranges (~500 m).  
  
Line 217: Line 170:
 
'''Hull down:'''
 
'''Hull down:'''
  
Since your turret armour is decent, a good way to use this tank can be to hide the hull behind a rock, an hill or any shell-proof prop and wait for the enemy to fall in your sights. This way, you will either be able to shoot at their weak side or have enough time to aim before they can react to your presence. Ensure yourself to pick a spot near a choke-point such as a capture point or a popular main road.
+
Since your turret armour is decent, a good way to use this tank can be to hide the hull behind a rock, a hill or any shell-proof prop and wait for the enemy to fall in your sights. This way, you will either be able to shoot at their weak side or have enough time to aim before they can react to your presence. Ensure yourself to pick a spot near a choke-point such as a capture point or a popular main road.
  
 
'''"Brawling":'''
 
'''"Brawling":'''
  
In urban maps, narrow streets and crossroad allows for many flanking and close-quarter action: follow your team, always cover behind allied vehicles and don't bother stealing a kill from them since it's about the only good shots you will get on an enemy with such a poor vehicle.
+
In urban maps, narrow streets and crossroad allow for many flanking and close-quarter action: follow your team, always cover behind allied vehicles and don't bother stealing a score from them since it's about the only good shots you will get on an enemy with such a poor vehicle.
  
 
'''Fleeing:'''
 
'''Fleeing:'''
  
Turn your back to the enemy and use your engine deck as a shield for the crew. Use this tactic anytime you are left alone and go find yourself another teammate. Don't use your reverse speed since it's too low : turn back and flee, your armour is as thick as on the front of your tank. Never stop to try a shot since your pursuers have a way better gun than yours.
+
Turn your back to the enemy and use your engine deck as a shield for the crew. Use this tactic anytime you are left alone and go find yourself another teammate. Don't use your reverse speed since it's too low: turn back and flee, your armour is as thick as on the front of your tank. Never stop to try a shot since your pursuers have a way better gun than yours.
 +
 
 +
=== Modules ===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
!Tier
 +
! colspan="2" |Mobility
 +
!Protection
 +
!Firepower
 +
|-
 +
|I
 +
|Tracks
 +
|
 +
|Parts
 +
|Horizontal Drive
 +
|-
 +
|II
 +
|Suspension
 +
|Brake System
 +
|FPE
 +
|Adjustment of Fire
 +
|-
 +
|III
 +
|Filters
 +
|
 +
|Crew Replenishment
 +
|Elevation Mechanism
 +
|-
 +
|IV
 +
|Transmission
 +
|Engine
 +
|
 +
|Artillery Support
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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:'''
* Decent armour for its BR (at distances).
+
 
* Good depression of -13°.
+
* Decent armour for its BR (at distances)
* Tiny target.
+
* Good depression of -13°
* Thick and sloped turret makes good hull-down position.
+
* Tiny target
* Coaxial MAC 31 MG.
+
* Thick and sloped turret makes a good hull-down position
 +
* Coaxial MAC 31 MG
 +
 
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
* Arguably the '''worst''' beginner ground vehicle: very frustrating to play.
+
 
* It has the worst APCR-shot in the entire game.
+
* Arguably the '''worst''' beginner ground vehicle: very frustrating to play
* Reload time is ''twice'' as long as other main armaments at this BR.
+
* It has the worst APCR-shot in the entire game
* APCR deals only punctual damage: unable to one-shot anything but other French light tanks.
+
* APCR deals only punctual damage: unable to one-shot anything but other French light tanks
* APHE only has 28 mm of penetration.
+
* Reload speed is a little on the slow side for the calibre
* Not very mobile for a reserve light tank.
+
* Not very mobile for a light tank
* Tracks are narrow, offering poor cross-country capability.
+
* Tracks are narrow, offering poor cross-country capability
* HP/ton ratio is unsatisfying (8.49 HP/ton).
+
* HP/ton ratio is unsatisfying (8.49 HP/ton)
* Only two crew member allows for no survivability, and barely so with crew replenishment.
+
* Only two crew member allows for no survivability, and barely so with crew replenishment
  
 
== History ==
 
== 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 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.''-->
+
<!--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).-->
 +
 
 +
Officially known as the Char Leger mle 1935 Hotchkiss (Hotchkiss Light Tank model 1935), this was a competitor with Renault's R.35 to replace the WWI-era FT-17 as France's infantry tank. While the infantry went with the R.35, the French cavalry adopted the H.35 to serve alongside the S.35 Somua. The R.35 and H.35 were very similar in construction and visual appearance, with the same turret and the SA 18 37mm main gun, a tank gun conversion of a 1916 infantry gun. Both tanks also used a cast hull, a novel idea in 1935. As with all French tanks, none were equipped with radios. The H.35, as a cavalry tank was heavier but also somewhat faster than the R.35.
 +
 
 +
In total 400 of the Hotchkiss model would be built, 300 for the cavalry and another 100 for the 13th and 38th independent tank battalions. Cavalry units equipped with the H.35 during the fall of France included the 4th Cuirassiers, the 11th (Motorized), 13th, 18th and 29th Dragoons, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Armored Car Regiments, and the 5th Divisional Reconnaissance Group, in total comprising 16 squadrons of 16-20 tanks each. Another three H.35s were on trials with the Polish Army at the onset of war in September 1939. They, along with 4 stray R.35s, fought in an ad hoc unit on the Ukrainian front until the fall of Poland.
 +
 
 +
Another 900 R.35s, using the same turret, the SA 18 gun and a very similar hull, were in service in 1940, in 20 tank battalions, making it the most common tank in French service during the war. In total, somewhere between 1400 and 2000 of the Renault model would be built. Another 190 of the R.35s were exported pre-war, to Poland (50), Yugoslavia (50), Turkey (50), and Romania (40). Most of those in Polish service was with the 21st Light Tank Battalion, which escaped to Romania without seeing combat; it is unclear how many of the Yugoslav-purchased tanks were even delivered before France fell, but those that arrived served with that country's 2nd Tank Battalion, which saw limited or no action during the 1941 invasion; after that country fell those R.35s would have been turned over to the Romanians as well. The Romanians would upgrade their R.35s with captured Russian 45 mm tank guns and continue to use them through to 1944.
 +
 
 +
The SA 18-armed R.35 also continued in service with Vichy France until 1942 and were used in fighting in Syria and North Africa. Another 124 SA 18-armed R.35s were turned over by the Germans to Italy, where they fought and were lost in the invasion of Sicily in 1942. The Germans converted another 174 R.35s to tank destroyers (PanzerJager), generally armed with 47mm guns in the place of turrets and used primarily in France and secondary theatres. 110 of these were still in service at the start of 1944. Syria would employ these tanks in the 1947-1949 Palestine War, however they were vastly outdated and were employed more for more of a fear factor than tactical use. They would also later be refit with a QF 2 pounder gun and used in the 1958 Lebanon Crisis and would be the last recorded use of the vehicle. 
  
 
== 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.-->
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|-KhcG7ajFSw|'''The Shooting Range #80''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 06:41 discusses the H.35.}}
 +
 
 +
== 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;''
 +
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
{{French light tanks}}
+
{{France light tanks}}

Revision as of 22:49, 18 May 2020

VTOL | Rank 5 USA
AV-8A Harrier Pack
H.35
fr_hotchkiss_h35.png
H.35
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Class:
Research:2 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:700 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage H.35.jpg


The Char léger modèle 1935 H (Hotchkiss light tank model 1935) is a rank I French light tank with a battle rating of 1.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.75 "La Résistance". The H.35 was removed from its reserve status and hidden from the main tech tree during Update 1.85 "Supersonic" after the ammo update, though it is still unlockable after reaching rank II French ground vehicles. During its session in the main tree, it was arguably the worst reserve vehicle in War Thunder.

General info

Survivability and armour

The armour is decent and it will protect you from incoming long-range shots... but nothing more than that. At close ranges, anything bigger than HMG fire can shred your tank very easily. If you're lucky enough to survive a shot, retreat and ask your allies for help.

Armour type:

  • Cast homogeneous armour
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 34 mm (8-87°) Front plate
22 mm (75-85°) Upper glacis
34 mm (31°) Central glacis
34 mm (30°) Lower glacis
34 mm (1-33°)
34 mm (1-2°)
34 mm (31°) Top
34 mm Bottom (7-32°)
22 mm
Turret 45 + 25 mm (5°) Turret front
45 mm (28-30°) Left side
25 mm (10-19°) Gun mantlet
35 mm (9-88°) Vision port
40 mm (1-28°)
35 mm (8-87°) Vision ports
40 mm (8-63°) 25 mm
Armour Sides Roof
Cupola 40 mm 40 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels, bogies, and tracks are all 15 mm thick.
  • Belly is 8mm thick.
  • Gun barrel is 10mm thick.

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 32 6 10.6 81 143 7.64 13.49
Realistic 29 6 66 75 6.23 7.08

With its low speed, don't even dream of bold flanking manœuvres, you must rely on road and downhills in order to achieve a decent speed. Climbing hills and turning on the spot are also a hard thing to achieve while driving this vehicle. The only thing "light" about this tank is the weight.

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: SA18 L/21 (37 mm)

With only 36 mm of penetration, poor post-penetration damage and a long reload time, this tank's main gun is the main failing of the H.35. With -13° of depression, it is actually a very depressing gun to shoot in a figurative and literal sense.

37 mm SA18 L/21
Capacity Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
Stabilizer
76 -13°/+20° ±180° Vertical
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade 14.95 20.69 25.12 27.77 29.55
Realistic 9.34 10.99 13.34 14.75 15.7
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
4.03 3.56 3.28 3.10
Ammunition
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration in mm @ 0° Angle of Attack
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
Mle1937 APCR 36 33 24 16 8 5
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
in m/s
Projectile
Mass in kg
Fuse delay

in m:

Fuse sensitivity

in mm:

Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent):
Ricochet:
0% 50% 100%
Mle1937 APCR 600 0.5 N/A N/A N/A 66° 70° 72°
Ammo racks
Ammo racks of the H.35.
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
6th
rack empty
7th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
76 75 (+1) 62 (+14) 49 (+27) 36 (+40) 23 (+53) 10 (+66) (+75) Yes

Machine guns

Main article: MAC 31 (7.5 mm)
7.5 mm MAC 31
Coaxial mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute)
Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
2,400 (150) 1,350 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

Playing the H.35 is a hard task. Having such a bad gun, it cannot reliably engage a fight without getting the first shot off; hence, one must stick with its teammates in order to survive an encounter. Never drag attention on yourself since anything bigger than HMG fire will shred you at normal combat ranges (~500 m).

Tactics

Hull down:

Since your turret armour is decent, a good way to use this tank can be to hide the hull behind a rock, a hill or any shell-proof prop and wait for the enemy to fall in your sights. This way, you will either be able to shoot at their weak side or have enough time to aim before they can react to your presence. Ensure yourself to pick a spot near a choke-point such as a capture point or a popular main road.

"Brawling":

In urban maps, narrow streets and crossroad allow for many flanking and close-quarter action: follow your team, always cover behind allied vehicles and don't bother stealing a score from them since it's about the only good shots you will get on an enemy with such a poor vehicle.

Fleeing:

Turn your back to the enemy and use your engine deck as a shield for the crew. Use this tactic anytime you are left alone and go find yourself another teammate. Don't use your reverse speed since it's too low: turn back and flee, your armour is as thick as on the front of your tank. Never stop to try a shot since your pursuers have a way better gun than yours.

Modules

Tier Mobility Protection Firepower
I Tracks Parts Horizontal Drive
II Suspension Brake System FPE Adjustment of Fire
III Filters Crew Replenishment Elevation Mechanism
IV Transmission Engine Artillery Support

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Decent armour for its BR (at distances)
  • Good depression of -13°
  • Tiny target
  • Thick and sloped turret makes a good hull-down position
  • Coaxial MAC 31 MG

Cons:

  • Arguably the worst beginner ground vehicle: very frustrating to play
  • It has the worst APCR-shot in the entire game
  • APCR deals only punctual damage: unable to one-shot anything but other French light tanks
  • Reload speed is a little on the slow side for the calibre
  • Not very mobile for a light tank
  • Tracks are narrow, offering poor cross-country capability
  • HP/ton ratio is unsatisfying (8.49 HP/ton)
  • Only two crew member allows for no survivability, and barely so with crew replenishment

History

Officially known as the Char Leger mle 1935 Hotchkiss (Hotchkiss Light Tank model 1935), this was a competitor with Renault's R.35 to replace the WWI-era FT-17 as France's infantry tank. While the infantry went with the R.35, the French cavalry adopted the H.35 to serve alongside the S.35 Somua. The R.35 and H.35 were very similar in construction and visual appearance, with the same turret and the SA 18 37mm main gun, a tank gun conversion of a 1916 infantry gun. Both tanks also used a cast hull, a novel idea in 1935. As with all French tanks, none were equipped with radios. The H.35, as a cavalry tank was heavier but also somewhat faster than the R.35.

In total 400 of the Hotchkiss model would be built, 300 for the cavalry and another 100 for the 13th and 38th independent tank battalions. Cavalry units equipped with the H.35 during the fall of France included the 4th Cuirassiers, the 11th (Motorized), 13th, 18th and 29th Dragoons, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Armored Car Regiments, and the 5th Divisional Reconnaissance Group, in total comprising 16 squadrons of 16-20 tanks each. Another three H.35s were on trials with the Polish Army at the onset of war in September 1939. They, along with 4 stray R.35s, fought in an ad hoc unit on the Ukrainian front until the fall of Poland.

Another 900 R.35s, using the same turret, the SA 18 gun and a very similar hull, were in service in 1940, in 20 tank battalions, making it the most common tank in French service during the war. In total, somewhere between 1400 and 2000 of the Renault model would be built. Another 190 of the R.35s were exported pre-war, to Poland (50), Yugoslavia (50), Turkey (50), and Romania (40). Most of those in Polish service was with the 21st Light Tank Battalion, which escaped to Romania without seeing combat; it is unclear how many of the Yugoslav-purchased tanks were even delivered before France fell, but those that arrived served with that country's 2nd Tank Battalion, which saw limited or no action during the 1941 invasion; after that country fell those R.35s would have been turned over to the Romanians as well. The Romanians would upgrade their R.35s with captured Russian 45 mm tank guns and continue to use them through to 1944.

The SA 18-armed R.35 also continued in service with Vichy France until 1942 and were used in fighting in Syria and North Africa. Another 124 SA 18-armed R.35s were turned over by the Germans to Italy, where they fought and were lost in the invasion of Sicily in 1942. The Germans converted another 174 R.35s to tank destroyers (PanzerJager), generally armed with 47mm guns in the place of turrets and used primarily in France and secondary theatres. 110 of these were still in service at the start of 1944. Syria would employ these tanks in the 1947-1949 Palestine War, however they were vastly outdated and were employed more for more of a fear factor than tactical use. They would also later be refit with a QF 2 pounder gun and used in the 1958 Lebanon Crisis and would be the last recorded use of the vehicle.

Media

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;
  • encyclopedia page on the tank;
  • other literature.


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