Difference between revisions of "Kugelblitz"
(Edits) |
|||
(26 intermediate revisions by 12 users not shown) | |||
Line 2: | Line 2: | ||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
− | ''In the description, the first part | + | <!-- ''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_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]] | ||
+ | {{Break}} | ||
+ | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft (SPAA) vehicle {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.43]]. | ||
== 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 | + | <!-- ''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.'' --> |
+ | [[File:Kugel-xray.png|thumb|The X-Ray view of the Kugelblitz in the hangar, the 5 crew members locations inside the vehicle are visible, giving a visual understanding of the vehicle's survivability.]] | ||
+ | '''Armour types:''' | ||
+ | * Rolled homogeneous armour | ||
− | + | {| class="wikitable" | |
+ | |- | ||
+ | !Armour!!Front (Slope angle)!!Sides!!Rear!!Roof | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |Hull||80 mm||30 mm||20 mm||10 mm | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |Turret||30mm turret housing | ||
+ | 20mm turret ball | ||
+ | |30mm turret housing | ||
+ | 20mm turret ball | ||
+ | |30mm turret housing | ||
+ | 20mm turret ball | ||
+ | |20 mm | ||
+ | |} | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Kugelblitz has high armour values compared to most SPAA, but the armour will not protect it against the main calibre guns of tanks at the battle rating. The survivability is quite good, the crew is well spaced and numerous, and the ammunition is unlikely to detonate. The Kugelblitz has excellent protection against strafing runs from enemy aircraft, although some aircraft cannons may penetrate the 10 mm hull armour and cause an engine fire. | ||
=== Mobility === | === Mobility === | ||
− | ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and | + | <!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' --> |
+ | |||
+ | {{tankMobility|abMinHp=426|rbMinHp=265}} | ||
== 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 | + | <!-- ''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|MK103/38 (30 mm)}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%" | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! colspan="6" | [[MK103/38 (30 mm)|30 mm MK103/38]] (x2) || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds) | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer | ||
+ | ! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced | ||
+ | ! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! ''Arcade'' | ||
+ | | rowspan="2" | 1,200 (100) || rowspan="2" | 450 || rowspan="2" | -7°/+80° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 22.02 || 30.47 || __.__ || __.__ || 43.53 || rowspan="2" | 13.00 || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | 10.00 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! ''Realistic'' | ||
+ | | 14.88 || 17.05 || __.__ || __.__ || 25.00 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Ammunition ==== | ||
+ | * '''Default:''' {{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T|High-explosive incendiary tracer (minengeschoß)}} | ||
+ | * '''M.Gr.:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T|High-explosive incendiary tracer (minengeschoß)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T|High-explosive incendiary tracer (minengeschoß)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T|High-explosive incendiary tracer (minengeschoß)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}} | ||
+ | * '''Pz.Gr.:''' {{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T|High-explosive incendiary tracer (minengeschoß)}} | ||
+ | * '''Pz.Gr. H:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T|High-explosive incendiary tracer (minengeschoß)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T|High-explosive incendiary tracer (minengeschoß)}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%" | ||
+ | ! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt | ||
+ | ! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)''' | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | Default || 58 || 55 || 47 || 38 || 30 || 24 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | M.Gr. || 58 || 55 || 47 || 38 || 30 || 24 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | Pz.Gr. || 58 || 55 || 47 || 38 || 30 || 24 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | Pz.Gr. H || 95 || 93 || 85 || 60 || 45 || 30 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== [[Ammo racks]] ==== | ||
+ | <!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] --> | ||
+ | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! Full<br>ammo | ||
+ | ! 1st<br>rack empty | ||
+ | ! 2nd<br>rack empty | ||
+ | ! 3rd<br>rack empty | ||
+ | ! 4th<br>rack empty | ||
+ | ! 5th<br>rack empty | ||
+ | ! 6th<br>rack empty | ||
+ | ! Visual<br>discrepancy | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | '''6''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |} | ||
+ | |||
+ | == 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).'' --> | ||
− | + | '''Overview:''' | |
− | '' | ||
− | + | The Kugelblitz is a dedicated AA, however the guns do have decent penetration and the Kugelblitz has some armour and survivability, so targeting enemy ground vehicles is a possibility. However, air targets should still be the main focus of the Kugelblitz. Due to the survivability and firepower, the Kugelblitz is best placed near the frontlines in case it needs to support a teammate against an enemy ground vehicle, but it should not be directly in view of enemy tanks. | |
− | |||
− | + | '''Tips:''' | |
− | '' | + | |
+ | The Kugelblitz is best used as a second or third spawn, because aircraft will not spawn at the beginning of the match. Do not engage aircraft too early, as you will only expose yourself. Begin firing at no more than 1-1.5 km range for the best effect. Always watch out for multiple aircraft, as one may hit you with bombs or rockets while you are distracted. The fast firing 30 mm guns are extremely potent, and will quickly dispatch most air targets after a few hits, even against heavy fighters and bombers. It is a good idea to learn the weak spots of enemy ground vehicles you will commonly face near the Kugelblitz's BR, as knowing these will allow the Kugelblitz to deal maximum damage. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Modules === | ||
+ | {| class="wikitable" | ||
+ | ! Tier | ||
+ | ! colspan="2" | Mobility | ||
+ | ! Protection | ||
+ | ! colspan="2" | Firepower | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | I | ||
+ | | Tracks | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | | Parts | ||
+ | | M.Gr. | ||
+ | | Horizontal Drive | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | II | ||
+ | | Suspension | ||
+ | | Brake System | ||
+ | | FPE | ||
+ | | Pz.Gr. | ||
+ | | Adjustment of Fire | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | III | ||
+ | | Filters | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | | Crew Replenishment | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | | Elevation Mechanism | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | IV | ||
+ | | Transmission | ||
+ | | Engine | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | | Pz.Gr. H | ||
+ | | Artillery Support | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |} | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Kugelblitz has a comparatively low gun traverse speed when not upgraded, so the Horizontal Drive and Elevation Mechanism modules are quite important. Another very useful modification is the M.Gr. ammo belt, which almost completely composed of high-explosive shells and helps to increase damage dealt to enemy aircraft. The two Pz.Gr. modules allow the vehicle to better engage enemy ground forces. These belts contain more high-penetration rounds than high-explosive ones, and increase the vehicle's effectiveness against armoured targets. Still, they will not be able to penetrate most tanks frontally at this tier, and are better suited for engaging lightly-armoured vehicles. | ||
=== Pros and cons === | === Pros and cons === | ||
− | '' | + | <!-- ''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".'' --> |
'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
− | * | + | |
+ | * High rate of fire for a 30 mm cannon | ||
+ | * Fast turret rotation speed | ||
+ | * Very good at taking out other SPAA or lightly armoured vehicles | ||
+ | * Average movement speed | ||
+ | * Access to many unlockable ammo belts | ||
+ | * HVAP ammo belt can pen 95 mm, improving efficacy against other tanks | ||
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
− | * | + | |
+ | * Although having thick armour for a SPAA, its still not enough to stop any kind of tank shell at its rank | ||
+ | * Long reload time | ||
+ | * HVAP belt still contains some HE rounds, reducing effectiveness | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
− | ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the | + | ''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).'' |
+ | |||
+ | === In-game description === | ||
+ | A continuation of the line of German AA vehicles based on the Pz.IV tank. It was the first AA vehicle to have a fully enclosed turret. Only two were ever built, and they may not have been used in combat. Both of the AA vehicles that were released ended up in the anti-air artillery training battalion stationed at the Ordurf training ground in Thuringia. | ||
== Media == | == Media == | ||
− | '' | + | ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' |
− | == | + | == 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.'' | ||
− | |||
− | == | + | == External links == |
− | ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | + | <!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' |
* ''topic on the official game forum;'' | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
− | * ''page on the | + | * ''encyclopedia page on the tank;'' |
− | * ''other literature.'' | + | * ''other literature.'' --> |
+ | |||
+ | * [[wt:en/devblog/current/639|[Devblog] Flakpanzerkampfwagen IV "Kugelblitz"]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Germany anti-aircraft vehicles}} |
Revision as of 10:02, 23 June 2020
Contents
Description
The Flakpanzer IV Kugelblitz is a rank IV German Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft (SPAA) vehicle
with a battle rating of 7.3 (AB) and 7.0 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.43.
General info
Survivability and armour
Armour types:
- Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour | Front (Slope angle) | Sides | Rear | Roof |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hull | 80 mm | 30 mm | 20 mm | 10 mm |
Turret | 30mm turret housing
20mm turret ball |
30mm turret housing
20mm turret ball |
30mm turret housing
20mm turret ball |
20 mm |
The Kugelblitz has high armour values compared to most SPAA, but the armour will not protect it against the main calibre guns of tanks at the battle rating. The survivability is quite good, the crew is well spaced and numerous, and the ammunition is unlikely to detonate. The Kugelblitz has excellent protection against strafing runs from enemy aircraft, although some aircraft cannons may penetrate the 10 mm hull armour and cause an engine fire.
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 | 43 | 8 | 25 | 426 | 572 | 17.04 | 22.88 |
Realistic | 39 | 8 | 265 | 300 | 10.6 | 12 |
Armaments
Main armament
30 mm MK103/38 (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 | 1,200 (100) | 450 | -7°/+80° | ±180° | N/A | 22.02 | 30.47 | __.__ | __.__ | 43.53 | 13.00 | _.__ | _.__ | 10.00 |
Realistic | 14.88 | 17.05 | __.__ | __.__ | 25.00 |
Ammunition
- Default: AP-I · HEI-T
- M.Gr.: HEI-T · HEI-T · HEI-T · AP-I
- Pz.Gr.: AP-I · AP-I · AP-I · HEI-T
- Pz.Gr. H: HVAP-T · HEI-T · HEI-T
Penetration statistics | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Belt | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm) | ||||||
10 m | 100 m | 500 m | 1,000 m | 1,500 m | 2,000 m | ||
Default | 58 | 55 | 47 | 38 | 30 | 24 | |
M.Gr. | 58 | 55 | 47 | 38 | 30 | 24 | |
Pz.Gr. | 58 | 55 | 47 | 38 | 30 | 24 | |
Pz.Gr. H | 95 | 93 | 85 | 60 | 45 | 30 |
Ammo racks
Full ammo |
1st rack empty |
2nd rack empty |
3rd rack empty |
4th rack empty |
5th rack empty |
6th rack empty |
Visual discrepancy |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6 | __ (+__) | __ (+__) | __ (+__) | __ (+__) | __ (+__) | __ (+__) | __ |
Usage in battles
Overview:
The Kugelblitz is a dedicated AA, however the guns do have decent penetration and the Kugelblitz has some armour and survivability, so targeting enemy ground vehicles is a possibility. However, air targets should still be the main focus of the Kugelblitz. Due to the survivability and firepower, the Kugelblitz is best placed near the frontlines in case it needs to support a teammate against an enemy ground vehicle, but it should not be directly in view of enemy tanks.
Tips:
The Kugelblitz is best used as a second or third spawn, because aircraft will not spawn at the beginning of the match. Do not engage aircraft too early, as you will only expose yourself. Begin firing at no more than 1-1.5 km range for the best effect. Always watch out for multiple aircraft, as one may hit you with bombs or rockets while you are distracted. The fast firing 30 mm guns are extremely potent, and will quickly dispatch most air targets after a few hits, even against heavy fighters and bombers. It is a good idea to learn the weak spots of enemy ground vehicles you will commonly face near the Kugelblitz's BR, as knowing these will allow the Kugelblitz to deal maximum damage.
Modules
Tier | Mobility | Protection | Firepower | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
I | Tracks | Parts | M.Gr. | Horizontal Drive | |
II | Suspension | Brake System | FPE | Pz.Gr. | Adjustment of Fire |
III | Filters | Crew Replenishment | Elevation Mechanism | ||
IV | Transmission | Engine | Pz.Gr. H | Artillery Support |
The Kugelblitz has a comparatively low gun traverse speed when not upgraded, so the Horizontal Drive and Elevation Mechanism modules are quite important. Another very useful modification is the M.Gr. ammo belt, which almost completely composed of high-explosive shells and helps to increase damage dealt to enemy aircraft. The two Pz.Gr. modules allow the vehicle to better engage enemy ground forces. These belts contain more high-penetration rounds than high-explosive ones, and increase the vehicle's effectiveness against armoured targets. Still, they will not be able to penetrate most tanks frontally at this tier, and are better suited for engaging lightly-armoured vehicles.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- High rate of fire for a 30 mm cannon
- Fast turret rotation speed
- Very good at taking out other SPAA or lightly armoured vehicles
- Average movement speed
- Access to many unlockable ammo belts
- HVAP ammo belt can pen 95 mm, improving efficacy against other tanks
Cons:
- Although having thick armour for a SPAA, its still not enough to stop any kind of tank shell at its rank
- Long reload time
- HVAP belt still contains some HE rounds, reducing effectiveness
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: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main
template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>
, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />
. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===
, also if applicable).
In-game description
A continuation of the line of German AA vehicles based on the Pz.IV tank. It was the first AA vehicle to have a fully enclosed turret. Only two were ever built, and they may not have been used in combat. Both of the AA vehicles that were released ended up in the anti-air artillery training battalion stationed at the Ordurf training ground in Thuringia.
Media
Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.
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
Germany anti-aircraft vehicles | |
---|---|
Wheeled | Sd.Kfz.222 |
Half-track | Sd.Kfz.251/21 · Sd.Kfz. 6/2 |
Flakpanzer IV | Wirbelwind · Ostwind · Ostwind II · Kugelblitz · Zerstörer 45 |
Other Flakpanzers | Flakpanzer I · Flakpanzer 38 · Flakpanzer 341 |
Wiesel AWC | Wiesel 1A4 · Ozelot |
Radar SPAAG | Gepard · Gepard 1A2 |
Missile SPAA | FlaRakPz 1 · FlaRakRad |