Difference between revisions of "Ho-Ro"

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== 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_Type4Ho-Ro.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_Type4Ho-Ro.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
+
{{Break}}
The '''Type 4 Ho-Ro''' is a Rank I Japanese tank destroyer with a battle rating of 1.7. It was introduced in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]] along with the rest of the Japanese Ground Forces Tree. The vehicle, known by its full designation as the ''Imperial Japanese Army Type 4 15cm self-propelled gun Ho-Ro'' (Original Text: 日本語: 四式十五糎自走砲 ホロ), is a open-topped SPG with a short-barreled 150mm howitzer, based on the [[Type 97 Chi-Ha| Chi Ha]] chassis and running gear.  
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]] along with the rest of the Japanese Ground Forces Tree. The vehicle, known by its full designation as the ''Imperial Japanese Army Type 4 15cm self-propelled gun Ho-Ro'' (Original Text: 日本語: 四式十五糎自走砲 ホロ), is an open-topped SPG with a short-barreled 150 mm howitzer, based on the [[Chi-Ha]] chassis and running gear.
  
The name "Ho-Ro" translates roughly to ''Gun Two'', or more properly, ''Self Propelled Gun Number 2''.<ref name="FTRecordJapaneseNames">Silentstalker. "Japanese Tank Nomenclature." For the Record. WordPress, 06 Dec. 2013. Web. 15 Jan. 2017. [http://ftr.wot-news.com/2013/12/06/japanese-tank-nomenclature/ Website]</ref>
+
The name "Ho-Ro" translates roughly to ''Gun Two'', or more properly, ''Self Propelled Gun Number 2''.<ref name="FTRecordJapaneseNames">Silentstalker. "Japanese Tank Nomenclature." For the Record. WordPress, 06 Dec. 2013. Web. 15 Jan. 2017. [http://ftr.wot-news.com/2013/12/06/japanese-tank-nomenclature/ Website]</ref>
  
Since its introduction into War Thunder, the Ho-Ro has gained a reputation for being one of the most powerful howitzer-equipped SPGs in the game despite its reserve battle-rating, right up there with the beloved [[KV-2|KV-2]]. It is capable of destroying or severely disabling any opponent it meets (or more often ambushes), even against vehicles in Rank V. This is mainly due to its extremely effective High-Explosive shell, however this is balanced by the shell's low velocity, in which the player must literally lob the shell in a arc at their opponent even for a short distance, and the vehicle's generally light armour and limited gun traverse compared to other SPGs.
+
Since its introduction into War Thunder, the Ho-Ro has gained a reputation for being one of the most powerful howitzer-equipped SPGs in the game despite its reserve battle-rating, right up there with the beloved [[KV-2 (Family)|KV-2]]. It is capable of destroying or severely disabling any opponent it meets (or more often ambushes), even against vehicles in Rank V. This is mainly due to its extremely effective High-Explosive shell, however this is balanced by the shell's low velocity, in which the player must literally lob the shell in a arc at their opponent even for a short distance, and the vehicle's generally light armour and limited gun traverse compared to other SPGs.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 +
'''Armour type:'''
  
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
 
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 +
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 28: Line 28:
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
* Suspension wheels and tracks are both 15 mm thick.
 
* Suspension wheels and tracks are both 15 mm 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=241|rbMinHp=150}}
!colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
 
|-
 
! Weight (tons)
 
!colspan="1" | Add-on Armor<br>weight (tons)
 
!colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
 
|-
 
|rowspan="2" | 14.8 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 43 (AB)
 
|-
 
|40 (RB/SB)
 
|-
 
!colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
 
|-
 
!colspan="1" | Mode
 
!Stock
 
!Upgraded
 
|-
 
|''Arcade''
 
|241
 
|297
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|150
 
|170
 
|-
 
!colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 
|-
 
!colspan="1" | Mode
 
!Stock
 
!Upgraded
 
|-
 
|''Arcade''
 
|16.28
 
|20.07
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|10.13
 
|11.49
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
 
== 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|Type 38 (150 mm)}}
 
{{main|Type 38 (150 mm)}}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
 
! colspan="6" | [[Type 38 (150 mm)|150 mm Type 38]]
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
|-
 
| colspan="3" | 28 || -10°/+20° || ±5° || Vertical
 
|-
 
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
 
|-
 
! style="width:4em" |Mode
 
! style="width:4em" |Stock
 
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
| ''Arcade'' || 3.60 || 4.90 || 6.00 || _.__ || _.__
 
 
|-
 
|-
| ''Realistic'' || 3.60 || 4.20 || 5.10 || _.__ || _.__
+
! colspan="5" | [[Type 38 (150 mm)|150 mm Type 38]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
+
! ''Arcade''
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
+
| rowspan="2" | 28 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±5° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 5.28 || 7.31 || 8.88 || 9.82 || 10.45 || rowspan="2" | 26.00 || rowspan="2" | 23.00 || rowspan="2" | 21.20 || rowspan="2" | 20.00
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 26.00 || 23.00 || __.__ || __.__
+
! ''Realistic''
 +
| 3.57 || 4.20 || 5.10 || 5.64 || 6.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
===== Ammunition =====
+
==== Ammunition ====
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
|-
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
+
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
+
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
|-
 
|-
! 10m
+
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
! 100m
 
! 500m
 
! 1000m
 
! 1500m
 
! 2000m
 
 
|-
 
|-
| Type 95 APHE || APHE || 63 || 61 || 52 || 43 || 36 || 30
+
| Type 95 APHE || APHE || 38 || 37 || 35 || 33 || 31 || 31
 
|-
 
|-
| Type 92 HE || HE || 55 || 55 || 55 || 55 || 55 || 55  
+
| Type 92 HE || HE || 55 || 55 || 55 || 55 || 55 || 55
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="11" | Shell details
+
! colspan="9" | Shell details
 
|-
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
+
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
+
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
+
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
+
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
''in m:''
+
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
+
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
''in mm:''
 
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 
 
|-
 
|-
! 0%
+
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
! 50%
 
! 100%
 
 
|-
 
|-
| Type 95 APHE || APHE || 290 || 36 || 1.3 || 15 || 2,600 || -1° || 47° || 60° || 65°
+
| Type 95 APHE || 290 || 36.10 || 1.2 || 19.0 || 2,600 || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
|-
 
|-
| Type 92 HE || HE || 290 || 36 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 7,020 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
+
| Type 92 HE || 290 || 36.00 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 7,020 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
+
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_Type4Ho-Ro.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the Ho-Ro]]
+
[[File:Ammoracks_Type4Ho-Ro.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
+
! Full<br>ammo
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Ammo<br/>Part
+
! Ammo<br>Part
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br /> rack empty
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br /> rack empty
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br /> rack empty
+
! 3rd<br>rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br /> rack empty
+
! 4th<br>rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
+
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
|| '''28''' || style="text-align:right" | ''Projectiles''<br />''Propellants'' || 22&nbsp;''(+6)''<br />22&nbsp;''(+6)'' || 14&nbsp;''(+14)''<br />14&nbsp;''(+14)'' ||10 &nbsp;''(+18)''<br />10&nbsp;''(+18)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+27)''<br />1&nbsp;''(+27)'' || style="text-align:left" | No  
+
| '''28''' || style="text-align:right" | ''Projectiles''<br />''Propellants'' || 22&nbsp;''(+6)''<br />22&nbsp;''(+6)'' || 14&nbsp;''(+14)''<br />14&nbsp;''(+14)'' ||10 &nbsp;''(+18)''<br />10&nbsp;''(+18)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+27)''<br />1&nbsp;''(+27)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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|Type 97 tank (7.7 mm)}}
+
{{main|Type 97 (7.7 mm)}}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[Type 97 (7.7 mm)|7.7 mm Type 97]]
 +
|-
 +
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
 +
| Pintle || 3,000 (20) || 499 || -10°/+60° || ±60°
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
The Ho-Ro is a fairly manoeuvrable SPG, and like many other open-topped vehicles, this is not one that should charge into the front-lines. Just like many of the other low-rank Japanese vehicles, it has no real armour protection from anything more than rifle-calibre MGs, and its ammo storage is literally a box mounted on top of the engine deck. The crew is very exposed, and the gun breech is mounted rather high on the chassis and can be easily knocked out. With this knowledge in mind, the Ho-Ro is best played by staying in the rear (but not distantly) of friendly tanks as short-range or point-blank artillery fire, along with finding hidden positions where it can attempt to be hull-down out of sight of the enemy.
 +
 
 +
Due to its low-velocity shell, the gun often needs to be aimed higher than the commander estimates when performing direct-fire onto a target, but this also allows the vehicle to lob shells from behind shallow hills, out of the sight from opponents that may be camping or pushing into friendly territory on the other side. Note however that because its HE shell is so powerful, it is '''''extremely risky to fire directly next to or very close to an enemy vehicle''''', as the light armour may not protect the crew, and the blast from the shell's explosion it will certainly deal damage to the vehicle itself. The gun, while powerful, cannot traverse very far to either side and its depression is actually depressing (-5°), so in order to fire on tanks that are outside of the arc of the gun's horizontal traverse or down a hillside, the entire hull must be traversed as well. The recoil of the gun is also an issue, as it throws the vehicle backwards rather severely (just like the M-56 Scorpion), which means it loses target acquisition every time it fires.
 +
 
 +
One interesting note is the pintle-mounted MG on the roof, which has good elevation and a much wider range of horizontal fire than the main gun, which can be useful on spotting enemy tanks for team-mates or dealing with [[:Category:Anti-aircraft_vehicles|SPAA]]s that have exposed gun-crews. However, it has a slower rate of fire than most other rifle-calibre MGs and its magazine capacity is pitiful. In conclusion, the Ho-Ro is a very defensive vehicle suited to supporting friendly tanks and ambushing the enemy on paths where they may attempt to flank around the map.
 +
 
 +
=== Modules ===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Tier
 +
! colspan="2" | Mobility
 +
! Protection
 +
! Firepower
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="7" | [[Type 97 tank (7.7 mm)|7.7 mm Type 97]]
+
| I
 +
| Tracks
 +
|
 +
| Parts
 +
| Horizontal Drive
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount''
+
| II
 +
| Suspension
 +
| Brake System
 +
| FPE
 +
| Adjustment of Fire
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
| III
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
+
| Filters
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
+
|
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
+
| Crew Replenishment
 +
| Elevation Mechanism
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan="4" | 3,000 (20) || 499 || -10°/+60° || ±60°
+
| IV
 +
| Transmission
 +
| Engine
 +
|
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
== Usage in the battles ==
+
=== Pros and cons ===
<!--''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).''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise 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".'' -->
The Ho-Ro a is fairly maneuverable SPG, and like many other open-topped vehicles, this is not one that should charge into the front-lines. Just like many of the other low-rank Japanese vehicles, it has no real armour protection from anything more than rifle-caliber MGs, and its ammo storage is literally a box mounted on top of the engine deck. The crew is very exposed, and the gun breech is mounted rather high on the chassis and can be easily knocked out. With this knowledge in mind, the Ho-Ro is best played by staying in the rear (but not distantly) of friendly tanks as short-range or point-blank artillery fire, along with finding hidden positions where it can attempt to be hull-down out of sight of the enemy. Due to its low-velocity shell, the gun often needs to be aimed higher than the commander estimates when performing direct-fire onto a target, but this also allows the vehicle to lob shells from behind shallow hills, out of the sight from opponents that may be camping or pushing into friendly territory on the other side. Note however that because its HE shell is so powerful, it is '''''extremely risky to fire directly next or very close to an enemy vehicle''''', as the light armour may not protect the crew, and the blast from the shell's explosion it will certainly deal damage to the vehicle itself. The gun, while powerful, cannot traverse very far to either side and its depression is actually depressing (-5°), so in order to fire on tanks that are outside of the arc of the gun's horizontal traverse or down a hill-side, the entire hull must be traversed as well. The recoil of the gun is also an issue, as it throws the vehicle backwards rather severely (just like the M-56 Scorpion), which means it loses target acquisition every time it fires. One interesting note is the pintle-mounted MG on the roof, which has good elevation and a much wider range of horizontal fire than the main gun, which can be useful on spotting enemy tanks for team-mates or dealing with [[:Category:Anti-aircraft_vehicles|SPAA]]s that have exposed gun-crews. However, it has a slower rate of fire than most other rifle-caliber MGs and its magazine capacity is pitiful. In conclusion, the Ho-Ro is a very defensive vehicle suited to supporting friendly tanks and ambushing the enemy on paths were they may attempt to flank around the map.
 
  
=== 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".''-->
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
*150 mm howitzer makes it an intimidating foe, largest caliber gun in Rank I .
+
 
*Howitzer's round trajectory makes it able to fire over hills.
+
* 150 mm howitzer makes it an intimidating foe, largest calibre gun in Rank I
*More TNT in its HE shells than the KV-2 (OF-530 HE shell has 6.86kg of TNT, compared to 7.2kg of TNT in the Type 92 HE shell)
+
* Howitzer's round trajectory makes it able to fire over hills
*HE load can cause sufficient splash and shrapnel damage even if the shell doesn't directly hit the target.
+
* More TNT in its HE shells than the KV-2 (OF-530 HE shell has 6.86kg of TNT, compared to 7.2kg of TNT in the Type 92 HE shell)
*Can destroy most, if not all, vehicles by shooting HE just under an enemy tank and hitting the thim belly armour.
+
* HE load can cause sufficient splash and shrapnel damage even if the shell doesn't directly hit the target
*Can deter inattentive flak trucks or any vehicles with open and exposed crew with its roof-mounted MG.
+
* Can destroy most, if not all, vehicles by shooting HE just under an enemy tank and hitting the thin belly armour
*Quick, maneuverable in both AB and RB, though slightly sluggish to put into gear in the latter.
+
* Can deter inattentive flak trucks or any vehicles with open and exposed crew with its roof-mounted MG
*Good 10 degrees of gun depression
+
* Quick, manoeuvrable in both AB and RB, though slightly sluggish to put into gear in the latter
 +
* Good 10 degrees of gun depression
 +
 
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
* Super thin armour, extremely vulnerable to heavy machine guns, SPAAs, and aircraft.
+
 
* Extreme blast radius can destroy the vehicle if fired too close to oneself.
+
* Super thin armour, extremely vulnerable to heavy machine guns, SPAAs, and aircraft
* Ammo Rack is literally a box behind the crew on top of the engine deck, leading to some very quick deaths if hit there.
+
* Extreme blast radius can destroy the vehicle if fired too close to oneself
* Massive recoil causes the vehicle to be launched backwards after firing, requiring aiming adjustment after every shot.
+
* Ammo Rack is literally a box behind the crew on top of the engine deck, leading to some very explosive ends if hit there
* Horizontal traverse is disappointing.
+
* Massive recoil causes the vehicle to be launched backwards after firing, requiring aiming adjustment after every shot
* Very slow muzzle velocity and limited range.
+
* Horizontal traverse is disappointing
* At long range, the shells have a habit of bouncing harmlessly off armour surfaces without exploding.
+
* Very slow muzzle velocity and limited range
* AP Shell lacking in penetration for the caliber, relies more on HE power.
+
* At long range, the shells have a habit of bouncing harmlessly off armour surfaces without exploding
 +
* AP Shell lacking in penetration for the calibre relies more on HE power
  
 
== 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 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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
The Type 4 Ho-Ro was a Self Propelled Gun developed by the Imperial Japanese Army based off of the German Grille series. It was developed off the Type 97 Chi-Ha chassis and used a 150-millimetre Kruppe gun, considered outdated by 1942. It was used to combat American forces. Only few were made, and out of those few 8 were sunk with a Japanese ship somewhere in the Pacific. Usually deployed in groups of 4, it was used in the Philippines during late 1944 and then used in ones and twos on Okinawa, with a somewhat great affect. It was ineffective due to its 3 degrees of gun swing and 30 degrees of depression because of the gun mounts design. That gave it a small firing distance of 6,000 meters. It also could only fire 5 shells per minute because of the breechloader.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
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<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
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* Skin and Camouflages for the [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=japan&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=tank_destroyer&vehicle=jp_type_4_ho_ro Ho-Ro] at live.warthunder.com.
==References==
 
<references />
 
  
== Read also ==
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== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
''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 ==
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== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''
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* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
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* [[Wikipedia:Type_4_Ho-Ro|[Wikipedia] Type 4 Ho-Ro]]
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=== References ===
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{{Japan tank destroyers}}
 
{{Japan tank destroyers}}

Revision as of 09:22, 17 June 2020

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
Ho-Ro
jp_type_4_ho_ro.png
Ho-Ro
AB RB SB
1.3 1.3 1.3
Research:2 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:700 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage Ho-Ro.jpg


The Type 4 Ho-Ro is a rank I Japanese tank destroyer with a battle rating of 1.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai" along with the rest of the Japanese Ground Forces Tree. The vehicle, known by its full designation as the Imperial Japanese Army Type 4 15cm self-propelled gun Ho-Ro (Original Text: 日本語: 四式十五糎自走砲 ホロ), is an open-topped SPG with a short-barreled 150 mm howitzer, based on the Chi-Ha chassis and running gear.

The name "Ho-Ro" translates roughly to Gun Two, or more properly, Self Propelled Gun Number 2.[1]

Since its introduction into War Thunder, the Ho-Ro has gained a reputation for being one of the most powerful howitzer-equipped SPGs in the game despite its reserve battle-rating, right up there with the beloved KV-2. It is capable of destroying or severely disabling any opponent it meets (or more often ambushes), even against vehicles in Rank V. This is mainly due to its extremely effective High-Explosive shell, however this is balanced by the shell's low velocity, in which the player must literally lob the shell in a arc at their opponent even for a short distance, and the vehicle's generally light armour and limited gun traverse compared to other SPGs.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 12 mm (80°) Front glacis
15 mm (63°) Joint plate
25 mm (37-64°) Lower glacis
25 mm (28-36°) Top Left
25 mm (25-26°) Top Right
20 mm Bottom
17 mm (70°)
20 mm (4-69°)
8.5-12 mm
Turret 25 mm (15°) 20 mm (0-11°) N/A 12 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and tracks are both 15 mm 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 44 7 14.8 241 324 16.28 21.89
Realistic 40 6 150 170 10.14 11.49

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: Type 38 (150 mm)
150 mm Type 38 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 28 -10°/+20° ±5° N/A 5.28 7.31 8.88 9.82 10.45 26.00 23.00 21.20 20.00
Realistic 3.57 4.20 5.10 5.64 6.00

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
Type 95 APHE APHE 38 37 35 33 31 31
Type 92 HE HE 55 55 55 55 55 55
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
Mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive Mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Type 95 APHE 290 36.10 1.2 19.0 2,600 47° 60° 65°
Type 92 HE 290 36.00 0.1 0.5 7,020 79° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo
Ammo
Part
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
28 Projectiles
Propellants
22 (+6)
22 (+6)
14 (+14)
14 (+14)
10  (+18)
10 (+18)
(+27)
(+27)
No

Machine guns

Main article: Type 97 (7.7 mm)
7.7 mm Type 97
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 3,000 (20) 499 -10°/+60° ±60°

Usage in battles

The Ho-Ro is a fairly manoeuvrable SPG, and like many other open-topped vehicles, this is not one that should charge into the front-lines. Just like many of the other low-rank Japanese vehicles, it has no real armour protection from anything more than rifle-calibre MGs, and its ammo storage is literally a box mounted on top of the engine deck. The crew is very exposed, and the gun breech is mounted rather high on the chassis and can be easily knocked out. With this knowledge in mind, the Ho-Ro is best played by staying in the rear (but not distantly) of friendly tanks as short-range or point-blank artillery fire, along with finding hidden positions where it can attempt to be hull-down out of sight of the enemy.

Due to its low-velocity shell, the gun often needs to be aimed higher than the commander estimates when performing direct-fire onto a target, but this also allows the vehicle to lob shells from behind shallow hills, out of the sight from opponents that may be camping or pushing into friendly territory on the other side. Note however that because its HE shell is so powerful, it is extremely risky to fire directly next to or very close to an enemy vehicle, as the light armour may not protect the crew, and the blast from the shell's explosion it will certainly deal damage to the vehicle itself. The gun, while powerful, cannot traverse very far to either side and its depression is actually depressing (-5°), so in order to fire on tanks that are outside of the arc of the gun's horizontal traverse or down a hillside, the entire hull must be traversed as well. The recoil of the gun is also an issue, as it throws the vehicle backwards rather severely (just like the M-56 Scorpion), which means it loses target acquisition every time it fires.

One interesting note is the pintle-mounted MG on the roof, which has good elevation and a much wider range of horizontal fire than the main gun, which can be useful on spotting enemy tanks for team-mates or dealing with SPAAs that have exposed gun-crews. However, it has a slower rate of fire than most other rifle-calibre MGs and its magazine capacity is pitiful. In conclusion, the Ho-Ro is a very defensive vehicle suited to supporting friendly tanks and ambushing the enemy on paths where they may attempt to flank around the map.

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • 150 mm howitzer makes it an intimidating foe, largest calibre gun in Rank I
  • Howitzer's round trajectory makes it able to fire over hills
  • More TNT in its HE shells than the KV-2 (OF-530 HE shell has 6.86kg of TNT, compared to 7.2kg of TNT in the Type 92 HE shell)
  • HE load can cause sufficient splash and shrapnel damage even if the shell doesn't directly hit the target
  • Can destroy most, if not all, vehicles by shooting HE just under an enemy tank and hitting the thin belly armour
  • Can deter inattentive flak trucks or any vehicles with open and exposed crew with its roof-mounted MG
  • Quick, manoeuvrable in both AB and RB, though slightly sluggish to put into gear in the latter
  • Good 10 degrees of gun depression

Cons:

  • Super thin armour, extremely vulnerable to heavy machine guns, SPAAs, and aircraft
  • Extreme blast radius can destroy the vehicle if fired too close to oneself
  • Ammo Rack is literally a box behind the crew on top of the engine deck, leading to some very explosive ends if hit there
  • Massive recoil causes the vehicle to be launched backwards after firing, requiring aiming adjustment after every shot
  • Horizontal traverse is disappointing
  • Very slow muzzle velocity and limited range
  • At long range, the shells have a habit of bouncing harmlessly off armour surfaces without exploding
  • AP Shell lacking in penetration for the calibre relies more on HE power

History

The Type 4 Ho-Ro was a Self Propelled Gun developed by the Imperial Japanese Army based off of the German Grille series. It was developed off the Type 97 Chi-Ha chassis and used a 150-millimetre Kruppe gun, considered outdated by 1942. It was used to combat American forces. Only few were made, and out of those few 8 were sunk with a Japanese ship somewhere in the Pacific. Usually deployed in groups of 4, it was used in the Philippines during late 1944 and then used in ones and twos on Okinawa, with a somewhat great affect. It was ineffective due to its 3 degrees of gun swing and 30 degrees of depression because of the gun mounts design. That gave it a small firing distance of 6,000 meters. It also could only fire 5 shells per minute because of the breechloader.

Media

  • Skin and Camouflages for the Ho-Ro at live.warthunder.com.

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

References

  1. Silentstalker. "Japanese Tank Nomenclature." For the Record. WordPress, 06 Dec. 2013. Web. 15 Jan. 2017. Website


Japan tank destroyers
Ro-Go Derivatives  Ro-Go Exp.
Chi-Ha Derivatives  Ho-Ni I · Ho-Ni III · Ho-Ro · Chi-Ha LG
Ho-Ri  Ho-Ri Prototype · Ho-Ri Production
Other  Na-To
JGSDF 
SPRG  Type 60 (C)
SPH  Type 75 · Type 99
ATGM  Type 60 ATM
Rocket  Type 75 MLRS
USA  ▅M36