Difference between revisions of "OTOMATIC"

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{{Specs-Card|code=it_otomatic}}
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{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=it_otomatic
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
  
 
== 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.''-->
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (shortened to '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''') is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian self-propelled anti-aircraft gun {{Battle-rating|1}}. This vehicle was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].  
+
The development of the OTOMATIC began in the late 1980s when OTO Melara designed the family of OF-40/Palmaria vehicles, including MBT, ARV, and SPAA variants. Initially, OTO Melara proposed the ATAK-35 CA for the SPAA role, which was equipped with the Dutch Cheetah PRTL turret (similar to the [[Gepard]]'s). However, this design did not generate much interest, despite being tested by multiple nations. As a result, OTO Melara came up with a new and radical design for the SPAAG, featuring a modified version of the naval 76 mm cannon developed by OTO Melara as the main armament. This anti-air vehicle was named OTO Main Anti-aircraft Tank for Intercept and Combat, or OTOMATIC for short. The OTOMATIC garnered interest from both the Italian army and air force, as Italy lacked a sophisticated self-propelled air defense system at the time, most examples instead being truck-transported static emplacements. The OTOMATIC also offered advanced features such as an extremely modern FCS with search and tracking radar, as well as a datalink for easy integration into a nation's air defense network. The 76 mm calibre allowed compatibility with rounds used by naval forces, and a special APFSDS round was also developed for potential use against enemy vehicles. Unfortunately, the OTOMATIC proved to be too expensive for Italy, and they ultimately chose the [[SIDAM 25]] as a less sophisticated but more cost-effective option that could be acquired in larger numbers.
  
The OTOMATIC is a radar-equipped SPAAG that is capable of shooting proximity fuzed frag rounds, and can destroy planes even in a single, well-aimed shot; therefore, it should be used as such, at least until APFSDS rounds are unlocked, so staying in a cap zone is recommended, as the unit doesn't not carry a lot of ammo (90 shells for a cannon with a 0.5s reload). When APFSDS are available, the OTOMATIC may defend capture points against enemy tanks as well, while still dealing with aircraft, or it can switch to a more mobile, MBT-like playstyle, mostly thanks to the good penetration of the sabot rounds and the two-axis stabilizer.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]], the OTOMATIC is a highly potent radar-equipped SPAAG, capable of shooting proximity-fused fragmentation rounds that can destroy planes in a single, well-aimed shot. When acting as a pure anti-air vehicle, it is recommended to stay in a capture zone since the OTOMATIC carries a limited amount of ammunition (90 shells for a cannon with a 0.5s reload). Keep in mind that at your battle rating, you will encounter jets and helicopters that outrange you, so it is essential to remain hidden until the enemy aircraft are within range of your cannon. As the OTOMATIC is a large vehicle, it becomes an easy target for vehicles equipped with ATGMs when exposed in the open. The vehicle's armour is lacking, and enemy fire will easily penetrate both the hull and turret. Fortunately, the mobility of the OTOMATIC is excellent for a vehicle of its kind, allowing you to reach strategic positions without lagging behind your team.
 +
 
 +
It is advisable to focus on shooting down aircraft when you first unlock the OTOMATIC. The stock rounds can damage lightly armoured vehicles, but engaging enemy tanks with them is risky until APFSDS rounds are unlocked. Once unlocked, you can confidently take on enemy vehicles at your battle rating, thanks to the autoloader and powerful ammunition. However, engaging enemies frontally is not recommended as it reduces the chances of damaging key components. Flanking and firing at enemies from their sides is a more effective strategy.
  
 
== 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?''
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
+
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
  
 
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 
* Rolled homogeneous armour
* Structural steel (Radar equipment, Mud guards)
+
* Structural steel (Radar equipment, Mudguards)
 
* Rubber-fabric screens
 
* Rubber-fabric screens
  
Line 29: Line 33:
  
 
=== 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.''-->
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{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
|-
+
 
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,562|rbMinHp=973}}
|-
+
 
! Weight (tons)
+
=== Modifications and economy ===
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armor<br>weight (tons)
+
{{Specs-Economy}}
! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
 
|-
 
| rowspan="2" | 46.0 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 71 (AB)
 
|-
 
|65 (RB/SB)
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
 
|-
 
! colspan="1" | Mode
 
!Stock
 
!Upgraded
 
|-
 
|''Arcade''
 
|1,179
 
|____
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|734
 
|____
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 
|-
 
! colspan="1" | Mode
 
!Stock
 
!Upgraded
 
|-
 
|''Arcade''
 
|25.63
 
|__.__
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|15.96
 
|__.__
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-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.''-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 +
<!-- ''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|OTO Breda Cannone da 76/62 (76 mm)}}
 
{{main|OTO Breda Cannone da 76/62 (76 mm)}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
 
 +
The OTOMATIC is armed with the most famous naval autocannon, the OTO Breda Cannone da 76/62. This specific configuration is the Compact version, meaning the carousel is smaller for size reduction but with an increase in rate of fire. This particular gun, if already used in vessels, has one of the best trade-off in accuracy, stopping power and range. Different from other cannons, the 76 mm is the biggest anti-air calibre yet the smallest calibre for modern vehicles. The version mounted on the OTOMATIC is set to super-rapid fire, speeding the rate of fire from 60 RPM to 120 RPM. This has its own pros and cons. From one side you have a tremendous stopping power which can deal with all threats in seconds, including ground. However, on the other side, you devour ammunition when doing continuous fire, getting from 90 shells to 60 in a matter of seconds.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="6" | [[OTO Breda Cannone da 76/62 (76 mm)|76 mm OTO Breda Cannone da 76/62]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[OTO Breda Cannone da 76/62 (76 mm)|76 mm OTO Breda Cannone da 76/62]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
+
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
+
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
+
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan="3" | 90 || -5°/+60° || ±180° || Two-plane
+
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 90 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+60° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 61.6 || 85.3 || 103.6 || 114.6 || 121.9 || rowspan="2" | 0.50 || rowspan="2" | 0.50 || rowspan="2" | 0.50 || rowspan="2" | 0.50
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
+
! ''Realistic''
 +
| 41.6 || 49.0 || 59.5 || 65.8 || 70.0
 
|-
 
|-
! style="width:4em" |Mode
+
|}
! style="width:4em" |Stock
+
 
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
+
==== Ammunition ====
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
+
The OTOMATIC has access to both anti-air and anti-tank ammunition capable of dealing with a high variety of threats, from lightly-armoured IFVs to heavily armoured MBTs.
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
+
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
+
'''SAPOM''' - The Semi Armour-Piercing High Explosive Incendiary rounds has a multipurpose capabilities with a little bit of everything. It has a nice trade-off between anti-air and anti-tank capabilities due to the explosive mass and armour penetration. However, the SAPOM is not really suggested for anything rather than anti-tank roles as the HE-VT* is more than capable of dealing with enemy threats. It should be noted most of the targets faced can be killed from the sides if shot between the road wheels in the lower half of the chassis (in case for NATO tanks), engine deck (will only cause fire and damage to transmission), Gunner's Primary Sight (in case of M1 Abrams and XM-1s). When it comes to dealing with Russian targets (the most generally armoured MBTs in the game), SAPOM should be fire almost at the ground hitting the lowest part of the chassis. It is recommended to destroy their tracks and barrels in order to let friendly units take them out for this reason. SAPOM is capable of destroying all lightly-armoured targets seen at the battle-rating (IFVs, SPAAs, etc).
|-
+
 
| ''Arcade'' || 23.8 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
+
'''APFSDS''' - The dart ammunition has a full anti-tank role though it can be used for anti-air roles, however it is not recommended. It has decent penetration and stopping power as a dart and is more than capable with dealing enemy tanks. It is able to destroy enemy targets in one hit if it's a well placed shot. Ammunition should be targeted with the APFSDS as the low amount of ammunition carrying can make it run out of APFSDS before destroying the enemy. Trapshots are suggested (driver's port, cupola, mantlets, etc).
|-
+
 
| ''Realistic'' || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
+
'''HE-MOM''' - The High Explosive Variable Time fuse proximity shell has a full anti-air role with zero anti-tank role. Thanks to the high calibre, the HE is able to carry a proximity fuse with a lethal explosive mass, making it capable of destroying all aerial threats with one or two hits. Trigger discipline is recommended as, due to the fast fire rate, the OTOMATIC can spend the whole ammunition reserve really fast. Thanks to being a big shell, most enemy helicopters and aircraft will not redirect course when being fired at until it's too late compared to the continuous fire smaller calibre SPAA have (25, 30, 35, 40 mm, etc). They do not trigger Missile Alert Warning systems and do not have a visible tracer, making them the ultimate helicopter killer.
 +
 
 +
{{:OTO Breda Cannone da 76/62 (76 mm)/Ammunition|76/62 SAPOM, 76/62 APFSDS, 76/62 HE-MOM}}
 +
 
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated:''' 2.3.0.95-->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! Full<br>ammo
 +
! 1st<br>rack empty
 +
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! 4th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
+
| '''90''' || 64&nbsp;''(+26)'' || 55&nbsp;''(+35)'' || ''27(+63)'' || 0&nbsp;''(+90)'' || No
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
| 0.6 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
===== Ammunition =====
+
===Radars===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{main|SMA VPS-A05|SMA VPS-A06}}
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
The OTOMATIC is equipped with a [[SMA VPS-A05]] search radar and a [[SMA VPS-A06]] tracking radar; both radars are located on the top of the turret, with the SMA VPS-A05 being mounted on an arm at the rear, and the SMA VPS-A06 being mounted further forwards on the left hand side of the turret roof. The radar system is capable of tracking a target while scanning, but can only track targets within a 180° arc from the front of the turret. Both radar can be folded.
|-
+
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
+
! colspan="5" | [[SMA VPS-A05]] - Target Detection Radar
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
 
|-
 
! 10m
 
! 100m
 
! 500m
 
! 1000m
 
! 1500m
 
! 2000m
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 76/62 SAPOM || APHE || 60 || 58 || 50 || 45 || 35 || 30
+
! {{Annotation|Maximum<br/>Detection<br/>Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br/>Detection<br/>Range|The range, below which, a target cannot be detected}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth<br/>Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation<br/>Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br/>relative speed|The minimum speed a target must be moving, relative to the radar, in order to be detectable by the radar}}
 
|-
 
|-
| 76/62 APFSDS || APFSDS || 311 || 308 || 301 || 291 || 281 || 271
+
| 15,000 m || 500 m || 360° || 18° || 10 m/s (36 km/h)
|-
 
| 76/62 HE-MOM || HE-VT* || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13
 
|-
 
|}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
! colspan="5" | [[SMA VPS-A06]] - Target Tracking Radar
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
 
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
 
''in m:''
 
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
 
''in mm:''
 
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 
 
|-
 
|-
! 0%
+
! {{Annotation|Maximum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! 50%
+
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! 100%
+
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking<br/>Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking<br/>Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br/>target speed|The minimum speed a target must be moving, relative to the radar, in order to be tracked by the radar}}
 
|-
 
|-
| 76/62 SAPOM || APHE || 910 || 6.4 || 1.3 || 15 || 662.4 || ° || 47° || 60° || 65°
+
| 10,000 m || 75 m || ±90° || -15°/+87° || 15 m/s (54 km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
| 76/62 APFSDS || APFSDS || 1580 || 2.2 || N/A || N/A || N/A || ° || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
| 76/62 HE-MOM || HE-VT* || 910 || 6.3 || 0.2 || 0.1 || 969.12 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
+
== Usage in battles ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
+
<!-- ''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 OTOMATIC is one of the more role-diverse SPAA in the game, akin to that of the [[ADATS (M113)|ADATS]] with its anti-air/anti-tank missiles. However, the OTOMATIC can practice these diverse roles without needing to notify the enemy of what role it is prior to an engagement. The {{PAGENAME}} has the mobility, speed, armour and electronics to make it one of the best SPAA or anti-tank vehicle, depending on what the commander or battlefield situation dictate.
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
+
 
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br />  rack empty
+
The OTOMATIC has a big ammo rack with three types of ammunition for all types of players, for those who want to be deadly to only aircraft and control the skies as quickly as possible, and for those who want to carry out as much destruction as possible regardless if they want to go anti-air or anti-tank. The only drawback is that the OTOMATIC can only carry 12 APFSDS rounds. The recommended round load is 50 HE-VT*, 20 SAPOM, and 12 APFSDS for both anti-air and anti-tank capabilities. Each of these rounds are well-suited for the targets they are specialized to fight against.
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br />  rack empty
+
 
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br />  rack empty
+
=== HE-VT* ===
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br />  rack empty
+
This round makes nailing aircraft such an easy task, though it has its pros and cons compared to missiles that other high-ranking SPAA are using. As a con, a HE-VT* shell carries less explosive power, cannot be guided, and has a slower muzzle velocity compared to missiles. However, the HE-VT* as a shell will not trigger the aircraft's Missile Approach Warning system (MAW) and so the enemy may be caught unaware of an incoming 76 mm HE-VT* shell if they do not see it coming. This shell does not have a visible tracer. The only visual cue they would have is the muzzle flash when firing the cannon, compared to a missile smoke streak that may be traced to the firing SPAA vehicle. The larger number of HE-VT* shells carried also means the {{PAGENAME}} can quickly follow-up a shot if the first shot missed, without too much worry on ammunition waste.
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
+
 
|-
+
This round helps make the {{PAGENAME}} one of the more reliable SPAA at the top-rank battlefield. A missile would cause hovering aircraft like helicopters to simply find cover as soon as the MAW is activated. Top-rank SPAA that uses missile also have a reliance to their radar lock, as it must maintain that lock for the missile to track and hit the target. The {{PAGENAME}} also has access to thermal sights and a laser rangefinder to help locate aircraft in the air and find their range without use of the radar. With this, the {{PAGENAME}} can track a helicopter and find their distance without the enemy helicopter being aware that they are within the {{PAGENAME}}'s sights and firing range.
|| '''90''' || XX&nbsp;''(X+)'' || &nbsp;''(+)'' || &nbsp;''(+)'' || &nbsp;''(+)'' || style="text-align:left" | no
+
 
|-
+
=== SAPOM ===
|}
+
This round provides some flexibility in the usage of the {{PAGENAME}}. It is a Semi Armour-Piercing High-Explosive Incendiary (SAPHEI) round that does not have the penetration values of a likewise APCBC round, while also not having as much high-explosives as a dedicated HE shell. However, this round in the 76 mm calibre does still present some general-purpose uses. While there is enough high-explosives in the shell to use against an aircraft, the presence of the HE-VT* shell makes this role redundant by a more capable shell. The shell can fight enemy armoured fighting vehicles, but a maximum penetration of 60 mm at point-blank range means this round will struggle against any main battle tanks fought at the {{PAGENAME}}'s battle-rating. Nevertheless, as the only armour-piercing round available to the {{PAGENAME}} before it unlocks the APFSDS, it must be used with caution, patience, and practice for maximum efficiency.
 +
 
 +
Arguably one of the best use of the SAPOM round is as a reserve so that the valuable 12 APFSDS that can be carried in the {{PAGENAME}} is not wasted; or in the worst case all HE-VT* is spent. As such, its use should be reserved to fighting lightly-armoured vehicles, when out of APFSDS against ground units, or out of HE-VT* against air targets.
 +
 
 +
====Fighting Specific Tanks with SAPOM====
 +
'''NATO allegiance MBTs (Leopard, Abrams, Leclerc, etc.)''':
 +
 
 +
*When facing from the front:
 +
**Aim at the main gun to disable the tank's firepower. After that is disabled, aim for the tracks to immobilize the vehicle. Then allow a more capable ally destroy the enemy tank.
 +
 
 +
*When facing from the side/rear:
 +
**Aim at medium lower section of a tank's hull sides, in between the road wheels where the armour is generally weaker.
 +
**If the {{PAGENAME}} is positioned to be somewhere towards the vehicle's rear, aim instead at the turret bustle ammunition rack. No tank has enough armour to withstand multiple hits to the ammo rack. Aiming at engine deck is worthless if gun is not disabled.
 +
 
 +
'''CSTO allegiance MBTs (T-80, T-90, ZTZ-99, etc.)'''
 +
 
 +
*When facing from the front:
 +
**Aim at the main gun to disable the tank's firepower. After that is disabled, aim for the tracks to immobilize the vehicle. Then allow a more capable ally destroy the enemy tank.
 +
 
 +
*When facing from the side/rear:
 +
** Unfortunately, CSTO MBTs are often more well-armoured at the sides than NATO tanks, enough so to resist SAPOM rounds more easily with slight angling. As such, an attack with SAPOM rounds should not be attempted even from the sides.
 +
** If able to hit the vehicle's rear, the only place of worth the {{PAGENAME}} may penetrate is the engine deck. Shoot there to disable the enemy's mobility, but make sure to disable the enemy's gun as it reacts otherwise it may destroy the {{PAGENAME}}.
 +
 
 +
'''Generally speaking, try and avoid combat with CSTO MBTs if the {{PAGENAME}} only has SAPOM rounds available, unless it is mission-critical that the enemy tank must be immobilized or disabled.'''
 +
 
 +
=== APFSDS ===
 +
This is probably the most used round by the OTOMATIC when it is being used for anti-tank purposes. This is the same round the Rooikat uses, meaning it is a reliable round with good capabilities, but does require trigger discipline, situational awareness and knowledge of the enemy tank's "anatomy" to make every single round count as there are only 12 round carried. While the APFSDS round has nowhere enough penetration power to deal with enemy MBT, it does have enough to penetrate weakpoints and from favourable angles of attack.
 +
 
 +
'''NATO allegiance MBTs (Leopard, Abrams, Leclerc, etc.)''':
 +
 
 +
*When facing from the front:
 +
**As explained above, utilize the terrain to the {{PAGENAME}}'s advantage against the enemy. However, a frontal encounter is highly discouraged
 +
 
 +
*When facing from the side/rear:
 +
**Aim at the hull ammo racks
 +
***Leopard/Leclerc/Type 90: Next to driver
 +
***Abrams: Almost at engine deck, a small wall ammo rack
 +
**If able to hit the enemy from an angle closer to their rear, aim exclusively at turret bustle ammo rack. APFSDS will over-penetrate and make the blast shields useless.
 +
 
 +
'''CSTO allegiance MBTs (T-80, T-90, ZTZ-99, etc.)'''
  
== Usage in the battles ==
+
*When facing from the front:
<!--''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).''-->
+
**As explained above, utilize the terrain to the {{PAGENAME}}'s advantage against the enemy. However, a frontal encounter is highly discouraged
This vehicle provides abundant play style depending on how players are comfortable using it. You can take full ammo of 90 rounds and hide in a re-spawn point or building as a conventional SPAA. It can do this job very well and you can also reduce ammunition load to join your first-line team suggest ammo distribution 12 APDSFS & 16 HE-VT &2 APHE shell) as supplementary firepower while intercepting aircraft. Finally, when centre on point, launch an offensive because you need APDSFS Supplement.
 
  
OTOMATIC is proficient in street combat, the full-automatic gun allows you to ruin enemy troops in a very short time.
+
*When facing from the side/rear:
 +
**Aim at the hull ammo racks
 +
***T-64s/T-80s: any hit to the side. Ammo rack is in an "L" shape, making ammo rack hits easy
 +
***T-72s/T-90: aim in a manner like if the target was a T-80, but closer to the ground due to ammo rack closer to the ground as it is in a "=" shape
 +
**If able to hit the enemy from an angle closer to their rear, aim exclusively at anywhere is possible to hit. Preferably the turret rear to disable critical modules or even hit an ammunition rack if there is any.
  
 
=== 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".''-->
+
<!-- ''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:'''
  
* Radar guidance system.
+
* Radar guidance system
* Equipped by default with HE-VT fuze shells capable of annihilating any aircraft in 1-3 shots with indirect hits. Direct hits usually destroy the aircraft.
+
* Equipped by default with HE-VT* fuse shells capable of annihilating aircraft within 1-3 indirect hits. Direct hits usually destroy the aircraft in one blow
* Excellent scoped zoom for an SPAA.  
+
* Excellent scoped zoom for an SPAA (8.0x to 16.1x)
* Immense fire rate for the gun caliber; 120 rpm for a 76mm gun.
+
* Immense fire rate for the gun calibre; 120 RPM for a 76 mm gun
* Two axis stabilizer.
+
* Two axis stabiliser
* APFSDS can penetrate up to 311 mm, enough to kill any top-tier MBT with a well-placed shot.
+
* APFSDS can penetrate up to 311 mm, enough to destroy any top-rank MBT with a well-placed shot
* Equipped with APHE shells, capable of dealing with many light tanks and the XM-1.
+
* Equipped with SAPHEI shells, capable of dealing with many light tanks and the XM-1
* Capable of taking out long-range helicopters, with shells that don't explode until about 4.6 km, allowing for shots well past the radar tracking range.
+
* Capable of taking out long-range helicopters with ammunition which does not explode until approximately 4.6 km away, allowing for shots well past the radar tracking range
* Doesn't hull break.
+
* The OF-40 chassis provides reasonable protection and mobility (especially compared to the M163 and ZSU-23-4)
* The OF-40 chassis provides reasonable protection and mobility (especially compared to the M163 and ZSU-23-4).
+
* Fantastic turret rotation and elevation speed
* Fantastic turret rotation and elevation speed.
+
* Generation 1 thermals for the gunner - makes spotting enemy aircraft, helicopters and tanks a much easier task
 +
* Fear factor - Enemy pilots who know there is an OTOMATIC around will fall back in a far more cautious playstyle and are less likely to attack friendly ground vehicles in the open
 +
* Large cannon breech - can soak up shrapnel, thereby protecting the turret crew
 +
* HE-VT* and SAPHEI rounds do not have a visible tracer, making them impossible to spot in flight
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Turret has immensely thin armor, can be penetrated by other SPAA as well as secondary cannons from the MBT-70 or AMX-40.
+
* Turret has immensely thin armour, can be penetrated by other SPAA as well as secondary cannons from the MBT-70 or AMX-40
* Several turret-mounted ammo racks that are almost impossible ''not'' to hit.
+
* Several turret-mounted ammo racks that are almost impossible ''not'' to hit
* APFSDS rounds are a tier 4 modification.
+
* APFSDS rounds are a tier IV modification
* APFSDS capacity limited to 12 rounds.
+
* APFSDS capacity limited to 12 rounds
* APFSDS is has limited accuracy at range.
+
* APFSDS has limited accuracy at range
* HE-VT has a max range about 4.6 km, shells will self destruct when fired past this distance.
+
* Massive profile, straightforward to spot and shoot
* Massive profile, very easy to spot and shoot.
+
* This vehicle's reputation precedes it, enemies will prioritise its destruction
* This vehicle's reputation precedes it. Enemies will show no mercy.
+
* SAPHEI penetration is abysmal, and 62 mm consistently fails to penetrate the sides of Abrams or T-64s/T-72s/T-80s
* APHE's penetration is abysmal, and 62mm consistently fails to penetrate the sides of Abrams or T-64s/T-72s/T-80s.
+
* First-stage ammo stowage capacity of 29 rounds. The gun's high rate of fire will empty this quickly
* Magazine capacity of 12 rounds. Every round must be individually loaded into the magazine, greatly increasing reload speed.
+
* There must be at least one shell in the first-stage stowage to fire the gun
* The gun doesn't elevate fully.
+
* Each round must be loaded into the first-stage stowage individually. This massively increases reload times if the stowage is empty
 +
* The gun can only elevate 60 degrees. This is below average for an SPAA vehicle of this tier.
 +
* Rate of fire decreases when your loader is knocked out
 +
* A hit to the turret, even if it doesn't kill the crew, will always result in a destroyed breech due to the sheer amount of space the breech takes up in the turret
 +
* The lack of visible tracers on the HE-VT* and SAPHEI rounds can make correcting your aim difficult against distant targets
  
 
== 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).'' -->
 +
Development of the OTOMATIC SPAAG began during the mid 1980s as a private venture of the OTO Melara company. The basic concept behind the OTOMATIC was to take the successful 76 mm Super Rapido utility cannon used on naval vessels and fit it to a suitable mobile platform in order to create a long-range SPAA vehicle that would outmatch similar designs such as the German Gepard or British Marksman system. Although a challenging feat, Italian engineers eventually succeeded in this endeavour, creating a vehicle that wasn't only up to the latest technological standards but also perfectly suited, and even exceeded, various NATO requirements of the time. The first prototype of the OTOMATIC was ready for testing in the late 1980s. Intended to be compatible with a large number of NATO vehicles of the time, the OTOMATIC, similarly to the British Marksman system, was tested on several hulls and it was planned to be capable of fitting any NATO tank, including the Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams. However, as the Cold War ended and general interest for SPAAG vehicles began declining in favour of more modern missile systems, the OTOMATIC project never received any interest from potential users. For the Italian army, the project was initially accepted, but later abandoned due to budget cuts.
 +
 
 +
''- From [[wt:en/news/5943-development-otomatic-spaag-belated-perfection-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=it_otomatic Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
'''Images'''
 +
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
 +
File:OTOMATIC WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
 +
File:OTOMATIC WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
 +
File:OTOMATIC WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
 +
File:OTOMATIC WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
 +
File:OTOMATIC WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
 +
File:OTOMATIC WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
 +
</gallery>
  
== Read also ==
+
;Videos
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
{{Youtube-gallery|zn2-YsUBRBw|'''Should You Grind The OTOMATIC?''' - ''Sako Sniper''|J9nUjFDdk-E|'''The Shooting Range #131''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the OTOMATIC.|IntAZ778ewQ|'''OTOMATIC - Top Tier Balance - The Gaijin Way''' - ''Napalmratte''}}
  
 +
== 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;''
 
* ''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.''
+
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
  
== Sources ==
+
* [[OF-40 (Family)]]
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* [[wt:en/news/5943-development-otomatic-spaag-belated-perfection-en|[Devblog] OTOMATIC SPAAG: Belated Perfection]]
 +
* [[wikipedia:Otomatic|[Wikipedia] Otomatic]]
 +
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/otomatic/ <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> OTOMATIC]
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/435771-otomatic-spaag-belated-perfection/ [Forum<nowiki>]</nowiki> Official Forum Thread for the {{PAGENAME}}.]
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer OTO Melara}}
 
{{Italy anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 
{{Italy anti-aircraft vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 09:33, 5 November 2023

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
it_otomatic.png
GarageImage OTOMATIC.jpg
OTOMATIC
AB RB SB
11.3 11.3 11.3
Class:
Research:350 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:950 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The development of the OTOMATIC began in the late 1980s when OTO Melara designed the family of OF-40/Palmaria vehicles, including MBT, ARV, and SPAA variants. Initially, OTO Melara proposed the ATAK-35 CA for the SPAA role, which was equipped with the Dutch Cheetah PRTL turret (similar to the Gepard's). However, this design did not generate much interest, despite being tested by multiple nations. As a result, OTO Melara came up with a new and radical design for the SPAAG, featuring a modified version of the naval 76 mm cannon developed by OTO Melara as the main armament. This anti-air vehicle was named OTO Main Anti-aircraft Tank for Intercept and Combat, or OTOMATIC for short. The OTOMATIC garnered interest from both the Italian army and air force, as Italy lacked a sophisticated self-propelled air defense system at the time, most examples instead being truck-transported static emplacements. The OTOMATIC also offered advanced features such as an extremely modern FCS with search and tracking radar, as well as a datalink for easy integration into a nation's air defense network. The 76 mm calibre allowed compatibility with rounds used by naval forces, and a special APFSDS round was also developed for potential use against enemy vehicles. Unfortunately, the OTOMATIC proved to be too expensive for Italy, and they ultimately chose the SIDAM 25 as a less sophisticated but more cost-effective option that could be acquired in larger numbers.

Introduced in Update 1.85 "Supersonic", the OTOMATIC is a highly potent radar-equipped SPAAG, capable of shooting proximity-fused fragmentation rounds that can destroy planes in a single, well-aimed shot. When acting as a pure anti-air vehicle, it is recommended to stay in a capture zone since the OTOMATIC carries a limited amount of ammunition (90 shells for a cannon with a 0.5s reload). Keep in mind that at your battle rating, you will encounter jets and helicopters that outrange you, so it is essential to remain hidden until the enemy aircraft are within range of your cannon. As the OTOMATIC is a large vehicle, it becomes an easy target for vehicles equipped with ATGMs when exposed in the open. The vehicle's armour is lacking, and enemy fire will easily penetrate both the hull and turret. Fortunately, the mobility of the OTOMATIC is excellent for a vehicle of its kind, allowing you to reach strategic positions without lagging behind your team.

It is advisable to focus on shooting down aircraft when you first unlock the OTOMATIC. The stock rounds can damage lightly armoured vehicles, but engaging enemy tanks with them is risky until APFSDS rounds are unlocked. Once unlocked, you can confidently take on enemy vehicles at your battle rating, thanks to the autoloader and powerful ammunition. However, engaging enemies frontally is not recommended as it reduces the chances of damaging key components. Flanking and firing at enemies from their sides is a more effective strategy.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull50 / 30 / 25
Turret25 / 25 / 25
Crew4 people
Visibility-207 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Structural steel (Radar equipment, Mudguards)
  • Rubber-fabric screens
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 70 mm (59°), 35 mm (81°) Front glacis
50 mm (52°) Lower glacis
25 mm (81°), 50 mm (30-46°) Ammo stowage hatch
25-35 mm Top
30 mm Bottom
25 mm (1-40°) 30 mm (89°) Front
15 mm (89°) Rear
5 mm Engine grille
Turret 25 mm (25-45°) Turret front
25 mm (17-83°) Gun mantlet
25 mm (0-11°) 25 mm (1-10°) 15 mm

Mobility

Reverse gearbox
Forward and backward movement is possible at the same maximum speed
Speedforward / back
AB71 / 71 km/h
RB and SB66 / 66 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
8 back
Weight46.0 t
Engine power
AB2 099 hp
RB and SB1 100 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB45.6 hp/t
RB and SB23.9 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 71 71 46 1,562 2,099 33.96 45.63
Realistic 66 66 973 1,100 21.15 23.91

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 911 → 7 307 Sl icon.png
RB5 749 → 8 554 Sl icon.png
SB6 951 → 10 343 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications272 100 Rp icon.png
457 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost3 000 Ge icon.png
Crew training270 000 Sl icon.png
Experts950 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 210 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
160 / 210 / 210 % Sl icon.png
244 / 244 / 244 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
5 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement it.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
76mm_oto_APDSFS_ammo_pack
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Autoloader
Automatically feeds projectiles into the breech. The speed does not depend on the skills of the loader
Ammunition90 rounds
First-order29 rounds
Reload0.5 s
Vertical guidance-5° / 60°

The OTOMATIC is armed with the most famous naval autocannon, the OTO Breda Cannone da 76/62. This specific configuration is the Compact version, meaning the carousel is smaller for size reduction but with an increase in rate of fire. This particular gun, if already used in vessels, has one of the best trade-off in accuracy, stopping power and range. Different from other cannons, the 76 mm is the biggest anti-air calibre yet the smallest calibre for modern vehicles. The version mounted on the OTOMATIC is set to super-rapid fire, speeding the rate of fire from 60 RPM to 120 RPM. This has its own pros and cons. From one side you have a tremendous stopping power which can deal with all threats in seconds, including ground. However, on the other side, you devour ammunition when doing continuous fire, getting from 90 shells to 60 in a matter of seconds.

76 mm OTO Breda Cannone da 76/62 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 90 -5°/+60° ±180° Two-plane 61.6 85.3 103.6 114.6 121.9 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Realistic 41.6 49.0 59.5 65.8 70.0

Ammunition

The OTOMATIC has access to both anti-air and anti-tank ammunition capable of dealing with a high variety of threats, from lightly-armoured IFVs to heavily armoured MBTs.

SAPOM - The Semi Armour-Piercing High Explosive Incendiary rounds has a multipurpose capabilities with a little bit of everything. It has a nice trade-off between anti-air and anti-tank capabilities due to the explosive mass and armour penetration. However, the SAPOM is not really suggested for anything rather than anti-tank roles as the HE-VT* is more than capable of dealing with enemy threats. It should be noted most of the targets faced can be killed from the sides if shot between the road wheels in the lower half of the chassis (in case for NATO tanks), engine deck (will only cause fire and damage to transmission), Gunner's Primary Sight (in case of M1 Abrams and XM-1s). When it comes to dealing with Russian targets (the most generally armoured MBTs in the game), SAPOM should be fire almost at the ground hitting the lowest part of the chassis. It is recommended to destroy their tracks and barrels in order to let friendly units take them out for this reason. SAPOM is capable of destroying all lightly-armoured targets seen at the battle-rating (IFVs, SPAAs, etc).

APFSDS - The dart ammunition has a full anti-tank role though it can be used for anti-air roles, however it is not recommended. It has decent penetration and stopping power as a dart and is more than capable with dealing enemy tanks. It is able to destroy enemy targets in one hit if it's a well placed shot. Ammunition should be targeted with the APFSDS as the low amount of ammunition carrying can make it run out of APFSDS before destroying the enemy. Trapshots are suggested (driver's port, cupola, mantlets, etc).

HE-MOM - The High Explosive Variable Time fuse proximity shell has a full anti-air role with zero anti-tank role. Thanks to the high calibre, the HE is able to carry a proximity fuse with a lethal explosive mass, making it capable of destroying all aerial threats with one or two hits. Trigger discipline is recommended as, due to the fast fire rate, the OTOMATIC can spend the whole ammunition reserve really fast. Thanks to being a big shell, most enemy helicopters and aircraft will not redirect course when being fired at until it's too late compared to the continuous fire smaller calibre SPAA have (25, 30, 35, 40 mm, etc). They do not trigger Missile Alert Warning systems and do not have a visible tracer, making them the ultimate helicopter killer.

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
76/62 SAPOM SAPHEI 60 59 54 48 43 39
76/62 APFSDS APFSDS 311 308 301 291 281 271
76/62 HE-MOM HE-VT* 15 15 15 15 15 15
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%
76/62 SAPOM SAPHEI 910 6.35 1.2 14 662.4 79° 80° 81°
76/62 APFSDS APFSDS 1,580 2.18 - - - 78° 80° 81°
Proximity-fused shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Arming
distance (m)
Trigger
radius (m)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
76/62 HE-MOM HE-VT* 910 6.3 0 0.1 500 8 1,070 79° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the OTOMATIC
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
90 64 (+26) 55 (+35) 27(+63) (+90) No

Radars

Main articles: SMA VPS-A05, SMA VPS-A06

The OTOMATIC is equipped with a SMA VPS-A05 search radar and a SMA VPS-A06 tracking radar; both radars are located on the top of the turret, with the SMA VPS-A05 being mounted on an arm at the rear, and the SMA VPS-A06 being mounted further forwards on the left hand side of the turret roof. The radar system is capable of tracking a target while scanning, but can only track targets within a 180° arc from the front of the turret. Both radar can be folded.

SMA VPS-A05 - Target Detection Radar
Maximum
Detection
Range
Minimum
Detection
Range
Max Azimuth
Scan Angle
Max Elevation
Scan Angle
Minimum
relative speed
15,000 m 500 m 360° 18° 10 m/s (36 km/h)
SMA VPS-A06 - Target Tracking Radar
Maximum
Tracking
Range
Minimum
Tracking
Range
Azimuth Tracking
Angle
Elevation Tracking
Angle
Minimum
target speed
10,000 m 75 m ±90° -15°/+87° 15 m/s (54 km/h)

Usage in battles

The OTOMATIC is one of the more role-diverse SPAA in the game, akin to that of the ADATS with its anti-air/anti-tank missiles. However, the OTOMATIC can practice these diverse roles without needing to notify the enemy of what role it is prior to an engagement. The OTOMATIC has the mobility, speed, armour and electronics to make it one of the best SPAA or anti-tank vehicle, depending on what the commander or battlefield situation dictate.

The OTOMATIC has a big ammo rack with three types of ammunition for all types of players, for those who want to be deadly to only aircraft and control the skies as quickly as possible, and for those who want to carry out as much destruction as possible regardless if they want to go anti-air or anti-tank. The only drawback is that the OTOMATIC can only carry 12 APFSDS rounds. The recommended round load is 50 HE-VT*, 20 SAPOM, and 12 APFSDS for both anti-air and anti-tank capabilities. Each of these rounds are well-suited for the targets they are specialized to fight against.

HE-VT*

This round makes nailing aircraft such an easy task, though it has its pros and cons compared to missiles that other high-ranking SPAA are using. As a con, a HE-VT* shell carries less explosive power, cannot be guided, and has a slower muzzle velocity compared to missiles. However, the HE-VT* as a shell will not trigger the aircraft's Missile Approach Warning system (MAW) and so the enemy may be caught unaware of an incoming 76 mm HE-VT* shell if they do not see it coming. This shell does not have a visible tracer. The only visual cue they would have is the muzzle flash when firing the cannon, compared to a missile smoke streak that may be traced to the firing SPAA vehicle. The larger number of HE-VT* shells carried also means the OTOMATIC can quickly follow-up a shot if the first shot missed, without too much worry on ammunition waste.

This round helps make the OTOMATIC one of the more reliable SPAA at the top-rank battlefield. A missile would cause hovering aircraft like helicopters to simply find cover as soon as the MAW is activated. Top-rank SPAA that uses missile also have a reliance to their radar lock, as it must maintain that lock for the missile to track and hit the target. The OTOMATIC also has access to thermal sights and a laser rangefinder to help locate aircraft in the air and find their range without use of the radar. With this, the OTOMATIC can track a helicopter and find their distance without the enemy helicopter being aware that they are within the OTOMATIC's sights and firing range.

SAPOM

This round provides some flexibility in the usage of the OTOMATIC. It is a Semi Armour-Piercing High-Explosive Incendiary (SAPHEI) round that does not have the penetration values of a likewise APCBC round, while also not having as much high-explosives as a dedicated HE shell. However, this round in the 76 mm calibre does still present some general-purpose uses. While there is enough high-explosives in the shell to use against an aircraft, the presence of the HE-VT* shell makes this role redundant by a more capable shell. The shell can fight enemy armoured fighting vehicles, but a maximum penetration of 60 mm at point-blank range means this round will struggle against any main battle tanks fought at the OTOMATIC's battle-rating. Nevertheless, as the only armour-piercing round available to the OTOMATIC before it unlocks the APFSDS, it must be used with caution, patience, and practice for maximum efficiency.

Arguably one of the best use of the SAPOM round is as a reserve so that the valuable 12 APFSDS that can be carried in the OTOMATIC is not wasted; or in the worst case all HE-VT* is spent. As such, its use should be reserved to fighting lightly-armoured vehicles, when out of APFSDS against ground units, or out of HE-VT* against air targets.

Fighting Specific Tanks with SAPOM

NATO allegiance MBTs (Leopard, Abrams, Leclerc, etc.):

  • When facing from the front:
    • Aim at the main gun to disable the tank's firepower. After that is disabled, aim for the tracks to immobilize the vehicle. Then allow a more capable ally destroy the enemy tank.
  • When facing from the side/rear:
    • Aim at medium lower section of a tank's hull sides, in between the road wheels where the armour is generally weaker.
    • If the OTOMATIC is positioned to be somewhere towards the vehicle's rear, aim instead at the turret bustle ammunition rack. No tank has enough armour to withstand multiple hits to the ammo rack. Aiming at engine deck is worthless if gun is not disabled.

CSTO allegiance MBTs (T-80, T-90, ZTZ-99, etc.)

  • When facing from the front:
    • Aim at the main gun to disable the tank's firepower. After that is disabled, aim for the tracks to immobilize the vehicle. Then allow a more capable ally destroy the enemy tank.
  • When facing from the side/rear:
    • Unfortunately, CSTO MBTs are often more well-armoured at the sides than NATO tanks, enough so to resist SAPOM rounds more easily with slight angling. As such, an attack with SAPOM rounds should not be attempted even from the sides.
    • If able to hit the vehicle's rear, the only place of worth the OTOMATIC may penetrate is the engine deck. Shoot there to disable the enemy's mobility, but make sure to disable the enemy's gun as it reacts otherwise it may destroy the OTOMATIC.

Generally speaking, try and avoid combat with CSTO MBTs if the OTOMATIC only has SAPOM rounds available, unless it is mission-critical that the enemy tank must be immobilized or disabled.

APFSDS

This is probably the most used round by the OTOMATIC when it is being used for anti-tank purposes. This is the same round the Rooikat uses, meaning it is a reliable round with good capabilities, but does require trigger discipline, situational awareness and knowledge of the enemy tank's "anatomy" to make every single round count as there are only 12 round carried. While the APFSDS round has nowhere enough penetration power to deal with enemy MBT, it does have enough to penetrate weakpoints and from favourable angles of attack.

NATO allegiance MBTs (Leopard, Abrams, Leclerc, etc.):

  • When facing from the front:
    • As explained above, utilize the terrain to the OTOMATIC's advantage against the enemy. However, a frontal encounter is highly discouraged
  • When facing from the side/rear:
    • Aim at the hull ammo racks
      • Leopard/Leclerc/Type 90: Next to driver
      • Abrams: Almost at engine deck, a small wall ammo rack
    • If able to hit the enemy from an angle closer to their rear, aim exclusively at turret bustle ammo rack. APFSDS will over-penetrate and make the blast shields useless.

CSTO allegiance MBTs (T-80, T-90, ZTZ-99, etc.)

  • When facing from the front:
    • As explained above, utilize the terrain to the OTOMATIC's advantage against the enemy. However, a frontal encounter is highly discouraged
  • When facing from the side/rear:
    • Aim at the hull ammo racks
      • T-64s/T-80s: any hit to the side. Ammo rack is in an "L" shape, making ammo rack hits easy
      • T-72s/T-90: aim in a manner like if the target was a T-80, but closer to the ground due to ammo rack closer to the ground as it is in a "=" shape
    • If able to hit the enemy from an angle closer to their rear, aim exclusively at anywhere is possible to hit. Preferably the turret rear to disable critical modules or even hit an ammunition rack if there is any.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Radar guidance system
  • Equipped by default with HE-VT* fuse shells capable of annihilating aircraft within 1-3 indirect hits. Direct hits usually destroy the aircraft in one blow
  • Excellent scoped zoom for an SPAA (8.0x to 16.1x)
  • Immense fire rate for the gun calibre; 120 RPM for a 76 mm gun
  • Two axis stabiliser
  • APFSDS can penetrate up to 311 mm, enough to destroy any top-rank MBT with a well-placed shot
  • Equipped with SAPHEI shells, capable of dealing with many light tanks and the XM-1
  • Capable of taking out long-range helicopters with ammunition which does not explode until approximately 4.6 km away, allowing for shots well past the radar tracking range
  • The OF-40 chassis provides reasonable protection and mobility (especially compared to the M163 and ZSU-23-4)
  • Fantastic turret rotation and elevation speed
  • Generation 1 thermals for the gunner - makes spotting enemy aircraft, helicopters and tanks a much easier task
  • Fear factor - Enemy pilots who know there is an OTOMATIC around will fall back in a far more cautious playstyle and are less likely to attack friendly ground vehicles in the open
  • Large cannon breech - can soak up shrapnel, thereby protecting the turret crew
  • HE-VT* and SAPHEI rounds do not have a visible tracer, making them impossible to spot in flight

Cons:

  • Turret has immensely thin armour, can be penetrated by other SPAA as well as secondary cannons from the MBT-70 or AMX-40
  • Several turret-mounted ammo racks that are almost impossible not to hit
  • APFSDS rounds are a tier IV modification
  • APFSDS capacity limited to 12 rounds
  • APFSDS has limited accuracy at range
  • Massive profile, straightforward to spot and shoot
  • This vehicle's reputation precedes it, enemies will prioritise its destruction
  • SAPHEI penetration is abysmal, and 62 mm consistently fails to penetrate the sides of Abrams or T-64s/T-72s/T-80s
  • First-stage ammo stowage capacity of 29 rounds. The gun's high rate of fire will empty this quickly
  • There must be at least one shell in the first-stage stowage to fire the gun
  • Each round must be loaded into the first-stage stowage individually. This massively increases reload times if the stowage is empty
  • The gun can only elevate 60 degrees. This is below average for an SPAA vehicle of this tier.
  • Rate of fire decreases when your loader is knocked out
  • A hit to the turret, even if it doesn't kill the crew, will always result in a destroyed breech due to the sheer amount of space the breech takes up in the turret
  • The lack of visible tracers on the HE-VT* and SAPHEI rounds can make correcting your aim difficult against distant targets

History

Development of the OTOMATIC SPAAG began during the mid 1980s as a private venture of the OTO Melara company. The basic concept behind the OTOMATIC was to take the successful 76 mm Super Rapido utility cannon used on naval vessels and fit it to a suitable mobile platform in order to create a long-range SPAA vehicle that would outmatch similar designs such as the German Gepard or British Marksman system. Although a challenging feat, Italian engineers eventually succeeded in this endeavour, creating a vehicle that wasn't only up to the latest technological standards but also perfectly suited, and even exceeded, various NATO requirements of the time. The first prototype of the OTOMATIC was ready for testing in the late 1980s. Intended to be compatible with a large number of NATO vehicles of the time, the OTOMATIC, similarly to the British Marksman system, was tested on several hulls and it was planned to be capable of fitting any NATO tank, including the Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams. However, as the Cold War ended and general interest for SPAAG vehicles began declining in favour of more modern missile systems, the OTOMATIC project never received any interest from potential users. For the Italian army, the project was initially accepted, but later abandoned due to budget cuts.

- From Devblog

Media

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Images

Videos

See also

Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

External links


OTO Melara
Light Tanks/IFVs 
Centauro  Centauro I 105 · Centauro I 105 R · Centauro I 120 · VRCC
Dardo  Dardo · VCC-80/30 · VCC-80/60
Other  C13 T90 · R3 T106 FA
MBTs 
OF-40  OF-40 · OF-40 Mk.2A · OF-40 (MTCA)
Ariete  Ariete (P) · Ariete · Ariete PSO · Ariete AMV
Other  M47 (105/55)
Tank Destroyers  M113A1 (TOW)
SPAA  R3 T20 FA-HS · SIDAM 25 · SIDAM 25 (Mistral) · OTOMATIC
Patrol Boats 
Sparviero-class  Sparviero*
See Also  OTO
  *Built by OTO Melara in La Spezia under the Alinavi S.p.A. consortium

Italy anti-aircraft vehicles
R3 Capraia  R3 T20 FA-HS
SIDAM 25  SIDAM 25 · SIDAM 25 (Mistral)
Wheeled  AS 42 · CM52
Tracked  M42 Contraereo · Leopard 40/70 · OTOMATIC
Hungary  ◔ZSU-57-2 · ◔ZSU-23-4