Difference between revisions of "S.35"

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[[File:GarageImage_S.35.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_S.35.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
The '''Char de cavalerie SOMUA 1935 S''' (SOMUA's 1935 S cavalry tank) is a Rank II French medium tank with a battle rating of 1.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]]. As it was considered to be ''the best'' tank at its time, being very mobile, easy to maintain while having good combat characteristics. As WW2 struck, these were on the frontlines, hence the surname [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5175-development-somua-s-35-shield-of-the-republic-en "Shield of The Republic"]. As one of the first rank II vehicle French tank commanders will unlock, it feels like a breath of fresh air over its underpowered predecessors.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (SOMUA's 1935 S cavalry tank) is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} French medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]]. As it was considered to be ''the best'' tank at its time, being very mobile, easy to maintain while having good combat characteristics. As WW2 struck, these were on the frontlines, hence the surname [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5175-development-somua-s-35-shield-of-the-republic-en "Shield of The Republic"]. As one of the first rank II vehicle French tank commanders will unlock, it feels like a breath of fresh air over its underpowered predecessors.
  
 
The S.35 has the same turret design as on the Char [[B1 bis]], meaning that the penetration, reload and turret rotation speed is the same (But there is no "mail slot" turret ring). The S.35 contains a 3 man crew (Gunner/Commander, Driver and Radio operator) so a well placed frontal shot from HEAT or from a high caliber gun will in majority of cases destroy you on the spot. The S.35 is best used when showing only its strong turret, exposing only one crew member at a time brings extra survivability. The S.35 is a tall and cumbersome tank at 2.0, though it is relatively mobile with a 40 km/h top speed.
 
The S.35 has the same turret design as on the Char [[B1 bis]], meaning that the penetration, reload and turret rotation speed is the same (But there is no "mail slot" turret ring). The S.35 contains a 3 man crew (Gunner/Commander, Driver and Radio operator) so a well placed frontal shot from HEAT or from a high caliber gun will in majority of cases destroy you on the spot. The S.35 is best used when showing only its strong turret, exposing only one crew member at a time brings extra survivability. The S.35 is a tall and cumbersome tank at 2.0, though it is relatively mobile with a 40 km/h top speed.
  
'''Armour:'''
+
== General info ==
 +
=== 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 helpful for survival in combat?''
  
 +
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 
Armour is this tank's main attribute as it is thick and provides good protection for its 3-man crew. Still, do not completely rely on it as there are many foes that can easily penetrate it at any range. Take every bounced shot as a "lucky roll" and get back into cover as quick as possible as the next shot could be your last. Armour this thick makes this tank very resilient to SPAA shots from all sides. An effective way to angle this tank is by facing your enemy at 45°, showing them your right-hand track: this sides minimises shot traps (on the other side, a flat 40 mm plate is conveniently placed at the right angle to make this tactic as ineffective as possible). As for top armour, this tank is pretty much immune to strafing from anything ranging from rifle caliber to HMG rounds, which are common aircraft armaments at this BR.
 
Armour is this tank's main attribute as it is thick and provides good protection for its 3-man crew. Still, do not completely rely on it as there are many foes that can easily penetrate it at any range. Take every bounced shot as a "lucky roll" and get back into cover as quick as possible as the next shot could be your last. Armour this thick makes this tank very resilient to SPAA shots from all sides. An effective way to angle this tank is by facing your enemy at 45°, showing them your right-hand track: this sides minimises shot traps (on the other side, a flat 40 mm plate is conveniently placed at the right angle to make this tactic as ineffective as possible). As for top armour, this tank is pretty much immune to strafing from anything ranging from rifle caliber to HMG rounds, which are common aircraft armaments at this BR.
  
'''Mobility:'''
+
'''Armour type:'''
 
 
Forward motion is great, turning and reverse are awful. Has average soft terrain crossing capability (snow, mud, etc.). Align your hull in a straight line towards your objective and hit the gas ''without correcting trajectory'' is the best way to maximise this tank's speed as any turning motion slows it down quite significantly.
 
 
 
'''Firepower:'''
 
  
While being supbar to later pre-war tanks, this vehicle's main armament provides decent anti-tank capability. Its main flaw being slow reload and low spalling: make every shot count. Early commanders of French tanks should be used to command one-man turrets, with all their benefits and flaws. It is worth mentioning this tank's LOCK system, which makes stop-and-shoot tactics effective.
+
* Cast homogeneous armour
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Engine grille)
  
== General info ==
 
=== 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?''
 
 
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 
'''Armour type:''
 
Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull)<br>
 
Cast homogeneous armour (Turret)'
 
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 43: Line 35:
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick.
 
* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick.
 
* Belly armour is 20 mm thick.
 
* Belly armour is 20 mm thick.
* Hull underside above the tracks are 40 mm thick.
+
* Sponson underside above the tracks are 40 mm thick.
 +
* Gun barrel is 15mm thick.
  
 
If you see a S.35, aim at the connection of the lower/middle plate with the upper plate which meets at 90 degrees, despite being curved, creating a weak spot that often knocks them out if penetrated. If not then aim at the driver's optics to knock out both driver and  gunner. Flank if possible and make sure to be quite close to this tank's side as its armour is thick in this general area. The S.35 cannot fight more than one tank at a time, so if you can surround the S.35, it will fall quickly due to poor reload rate and turret turning speed.
 
If you see a S.35, aim at the connection of the lower/middle plate with the upper plate which meets at 90 degrees, despite being curved, creating a weak spot that often knocks them out if penetrated. If not then aim at the driver's optics to knock out both driver and  gunner. Flank if possible and make sure to be quite close to this tank's side as its armour is thick in this general area. The S.35 cannot fight more than one tank at a time, so if you can surround the S.35, it will fall quickly due to poor reload rate and turret turning speed.
Line 51: Line 45:
 
=== 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 maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''-->
 +
Forward motion is great, turning and reverse are awful. Has average soft terrain crossing capability (snow, mud, etc.). Align your hull in a straight line towards your objective and hit the gas ''without correcting trajectory'' is the best way to maximise this tank's speed as any turning motion slows it down quite significantly.
 +
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
!colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
+
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Weight (tons)
 
! Weight (tons)
!colspan="1" | Add-on Armor<br>weight (tons)
+
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armor<br>weight (tons)
!colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
+
! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
|rowspan="2" | 19.5 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 44 (AB)  
+
| rowspan="2" | 19.5 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 44 (AB)  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|40 (RB/SB)
 
|40 (RB/SB)
 
|-
 
|-
!colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
+
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
 
|-
 
|-
!colspan="1" | Mode
+
! colspan="1" | Mode
 
!Stock
 
!Stock
 
!Upgraded
 
!Upgraded
Line 71: Line 67:
 
|''Arcade''
 
|''Arcade''
 
|294
 
|294
|___
+
|362
 
|-
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
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|190
 
|190
 
|-
 
|-
!colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
+
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 
|-
 
|-
!colspan="1" | Mode
+
! colspan="1" | Mode
 
!Stock
 
!Stock
 
!Upgraded
 
!Upgraded
Line 85: Line 81:
 
|''Arcade''
 
|''Arcade''
 
|15.08
 
|15.08
|__.__
+
|18.56
 
|-
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
Line 95: Line 91:
 
== 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|SA35 L/32 (47 mm)}}
 
{{main|SA35 L/32 (47 mm)}}
 +
 +
While being subpar to later pre-war tanks, this vehicle's main armament provides decent anti-tank capability. Its main flaw being slow reload and low spalling: make every shot count. Early commanders of French tanks should be used to command one-man turrets, with all their benefits and flaws. It is worth mentioning this tank's LOCK system, which makes stop-and-shoot tactics effective.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
|-
| ''Arcade'' || 5.90 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| ''Arcade'' || 9.52 || 13.18 || 16.00 || 17.69 || 18.82
 
|-
 
|-
| ''Realistic'' || 5.90 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| ''Realistic'' || 5.95 || 7.00 || 8.50 || 9.40 || 10.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
Line 129: Line 127:
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
|-
| 9.80 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 9.75 || 8.62 || 7.95 || 7.50
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
+
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
 
|-
 
|-
 
! 10m
 
! 10m
Line 148: Line 146:
 
! 2000m
 
! 2000m
 
|-
 
|-
| Mle1935 || APC || 69 || 67 || 57 || 48 || 27 || 24
+
| Mle1935 || APC || 61 || 59 || 47 || 35 || 26 || 20
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Mle1935 HE || HE || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4  
 
| Mle1935 HE || HE || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4  
Line 172: Line 170:
 
! 100%
 
! 100%
 
|-
 
|-
| Mle1935 || APC || 660 || 1.6 || N/A || N/A || N/A || ° || 48° || 63° || 71°
+
| Mle1935 || APC || 660 || 1.62 || N/A || N/A || N/A || ° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
|-
 
|-
| Mle1935 HE || HE || 590 || 1.4 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 143 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
+
| Mle1935 HE || HE || 590 || 1.41 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 143 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
|}
 
|}
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|}
 
|}
  
== Usage in the battles ==
+
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
 
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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).''-->
 
Your best option is to play in a supportive role, stay behind a well armoured vehicle and land shots on the enemy from a medium distance. Do not try to rush in ahead of the team or go solo, as 7/10 times you will be destroyed by a counter-flanking player. The S.35 is able to hold its ground if you create a corridor for people to come at you. If you are able to flank without being seen, just remember to check behind you every now and then.
 
Your best option is to play in a supportive role, stay behind a well armoured vehicle and land shots on the enemy from a medium distance. Do not try to rush in ahead of the team or go solo, as 7/10 times you will be destroyed by a counter-flanking player. The S.35 is able to hold its ground if you create a corridor for people to come at you. If you are able to flank without being seen, just remember to check behind you every now and then.
Line 217: Line 215:
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
+
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
 +
 
* Armour is overall good
 
* Armour is overall good
 +
 
:* ~35-40 mm thick on all sides + a bit sloped gives it a change to survive a hit or two.
 
:* ~35-40 mm thick on all sides + a bit sloped gives it a change to survive a hit or two.
 
:* Capable of ''very noticeable'' angling due to thick sides
 
:* Capable of ''very noticeable'' angling due to thick sides
 
:* Turret is quite thick on all sides for the BR
 
:* Turret is quite thick on all sides for the BR
 +
 
* Gun is decent for the BR
 
* Gun is decent for the BR
 +
 
:* One of the first French tanks to be able to fight on its own
 
:* One of the first French tanks to be able to fight on its own
 
:* Has MAC 31 coaxial MG
 
:* Has MAC 31 coaxial MG
 
:* LOCK system makes stop-and-shoot tactics very effective.
 
:* LOCK system makes stop-and-shoot tactics very effective.
 +
 
* Goes nicely forward in AB, with an acceptable turn speed when going on max speed
 
* Goes nicely forward in AB, with an acceptable turn speed when going on max speed
 
* Can be mistaken for a [[B1 bis]] when hulled-down (~same turret)
 
* Can be mistaken for a [[B1 bis]] when hulled-down (~same turret)
 
* Has 3 crew members, can afford to loose one.
 
* Has 3 crew members, can afford to loose one.
 
* Small target
 
* Small target
 +
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 +
 
* Armour is quite complicated
 
* Armour is quite complicated
 +
 
:* Sides are thicker than frontal armour
 
:* Sides are thicker than frontal armour
 
:* Big cupola is an obvious shot trap
 
:* Big cupola is an obvious shot trap
 
:* Angling can be defeated by knowing its shot traps: even a well-angled S.35 shows flat armour.
 
:* Angling can be defeated by knowing its shot traps: even a well-angled S.35 shows flat armour.
 +
 
* Gun feels subpar
 
* Gun feels subpar
 +
 
:* It has low penetration while firing non-HE shots
 
:* It has low penetration while firing non-HE shots
 
:* Only two ammo choices
 
:* Only two ammo choices
 +
 
* Mobility is an issue
 
* Mobility is an issue
 +
 
:* Long and narrow chassis makes for difficult turning
 
:* Long and narrow chassis makes for difficult turning
 
:* Reverse speed feels slow
 
:* Reverse speed feels slow
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''-->
 +
The SOMUA S.35 was developed in 1934 in response to demand for a cavalry tank that could withstand direct hits from contemporary anti-tank weapons. SOMUA was the company assigned to the challenge, and by spring 1935 they completed construction of the first prototype, designated the AC3.
 +
 
 +
Unfortunately, early testing revealed some flaws with the first prototype, which SOMUA subsequently fixed and released in a pre-production batch of four vehicles (called the AC4). This first batch demonstrated satisfactory performance. In 1936, the AC4 modification of the vehicle was adopted as the standard medium tank for the cavalry units of the French army. Shortly thereafter, it received the official designation of SOMUA S.35.
 +
 
 +
Production of the SOMUA S.35 began in 1936, with a goal of producing 600 vehicles. During production, however, financial restraints limited the number that could be produced. Of the initial 600 planned, only 450 were actually ordered and built for the French army.
 +
 
 +
Following the outbreak of WW2, the S.35 was soon deployed to defend French soil against a German invasion. Because the tank was designed to fight contemporary armoured vehicles of other nations, it fared well against the onslaught of Panzer III’s and early modifications of the Panzer IV.
 +
 
 +
In fact, in most battles where the S.35 clashed with German Panzers in engagement ranges of around 1000 meters, the S.35 was able to destroy the Panzers without taking any critical damage in return.
 +
 
 +
Unfortunately, while the S.35 did reasonably well in combat, the mechanics servicing the vehicle had few kind words for it. Due to its cast hull and complex suspension design, the S.35 was notoriously difficult to service and maintain—so difficult that if the tank was damaged in combat, the crew was unlikely to be able to repair it on the battlefield.
 +
 
 +
While the S.35 saw some success in battle, its victories were short-lived. In June 1940, France surrendered and German forces occupied the northern part of the country, while the Vichy government was established in the south. Dozens of S.35s were captured, modified, and then deployed by the German and Italian forces. A handful of S.35s were also given to axis allies such as Hungary and Bulgaria.
 +
 
 +
The S.35 was eventually decommissioned from active service at the end of hostilities in 1945.
 +
 
 +
''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5175-development-somua-s-35-shield-of-the-republic-en Devblog]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
 
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
  
== Read also ==
+
== 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.''-->
 
[https://warthunder.com/en/news/5175-development-somua-s-35-shield-of-the-republic-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> SOMUA S.35 - Shield of The Republic]
 
  
== Sources ==
+
== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on tank;''
 +
* ''other literature.''-->
 +
[https://warthunder.com/en/news/5175-development-somua-s-35-shield-of-the-republic-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> SOMUA S.35 - Shield of The Republic]
  
 
{{France medium tanks}}
 
{{France medium tanks}}

Revision as of 02:20, 30 May 2019

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
S.35
fr_somua_s35.png
S.35
AB RB SB
1.3 1.3 1.3
Class:
Research:2 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:700 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage S.35.jpg


The Char de cavalerie SOMUA 1935 S (SOMUA's 1935 S cavalry tank) is a Rank I French medium tank with a battle rating of 1.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.75 "La Résistance". As it was considered to be the best tank at its time, being very mobile, easy to maintain while having good combat characteristics. As WW2 struck, these were on the frontlines, hence the surname "Shield of The Republic". As one of the first rank II vehicle French tank commanders will unlock, it feels like a breath of fresh air over its underpowered predecessors.

The S.35 has the same turret design as on the Char B1 bis, meaning that the penetration, reload and turret rotation speed is the same (But there is no "mail slot" turret ring). The S.35 contains a 3 man crew (Gunner/Commander, Driver and Radio operator) so a well placed frontal shot from HEAT or from a high caliber gun will in majority of cases destroy you on the spot. The S.35 is best used when showing only its strong turret, exposing only one crew member at a time brings extra survivability. The S.35 is a tall and cumbersome tank at 2.0, though it is relatively mobile with a 40 km/h top speed.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour is this tank's main attribute as it is thick and provides good protection for its 3-man crew. Still, do not completely rely on it as there are many foes that can easily penetrate it at any range. Take every bounced shot as a "lucky roll" and get back into cover as quick as possible as the next shot could be your last. Armour this thick makes this tank very resilient to SPAA shots from all sides. An effective way to angle this tank is by facing your enemy at 45°, showing them your right-hand track: this sides minimises shot traps (on the other side, a flat 40 mm plate is conveniently placed at the right angle to make this tactic as ineffective as possible). As for top armour, this tank is pretty much immune to strafing from anything ranging from rifle caliber to HMG rounds, which are common aircraft armaments at this BR.

Armour type:

  • Cast homogeneous armour
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Engine grille)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 35 mm (10-79°) Front plate
35 mm (7-62°) Front glacis
35 mm (0-71°) Lower glacis
40 mm (0-25°), 38 mm (20-21°) Top
40 + 20 mm (0-89°) Bottom
35 mm (29-31°) Top
25 mm (2-49°) Bottom
25 mm
8 mm Engine grille
Turret 56 mm (0-50°) Turret front
45 mm (1-85°) Gun mantlet
45 mm (0-49°) Machine gun cover
45 mm (2-19°) 45 mm (18-19°)
45 mm (18°) Turret hatch
30 mm
Armour Sides Roof
Cupola 40 mm 30 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 20 mm thick.
  • Sponson underside above the tracks are 40 mm thick.
  • Gun barrel is 15mm thick.

If you see a S.35, aim at the connection of the lower/middle plate with the upper plate which meets at 90 degrees, despite being curved, creating a weak spot that often knocks them out if penetrated. If not then aim at the driver's optics to knock out both driver and gunner. Flank if possible and make sure to be quite close to this tank's side as its armour is thick in this general area. The S.35 cannot fight more than one tank at a time, so if you can surround the S.35, it will fall quickly due to poor reload rate and turret turning speed.

Mobility

Forward motion is great, turning and reverse are awful. Has average soft terrain crossing capability (snow, mud, etc.). Align your hull in a straight line towards your objective and hit the gas without correcting trajectory is the best way to maximise this tank's speed as any turning motion slows it down quite significantly.

Mobility characteristic
Weight (tons) Add-on Armor
weight (tons)
Max speed (km/h)
19.5 N/A 44 (AB)
40 (RB/SB)
Engine power (horsepower)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 294 362
Realistic/Simulator 168 190
Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 15.08 18.56
Realistic/Simulator 8.61 9.74

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: SA35 L/32 (47 mm)

While being subpar to later pre-war tanks, this vehicle's main armament provides decent anti-tank capability. Its main flaw being slow reload and low spalling: make every shot count. Early commanders of French tanks should be used to command one-man turrets, with all their benefits and flaws. It is worth mentioning this tank's LOCK system, which makes stop-and-shoot tactics effective.

47 mm SA35 L/32
Capacity Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
Stabilizer
84 ±18° ±180° Vertical
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade 9.52 13.18 16.00 17.69 18.82
Realistic 5.95 7.00 8.50 9.40 10.00
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
9.75 8.62 7.95 7.50
Ammunition
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration in mm @ 0° Angle of Attack
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
Mle1935 APC 61 59 47 35 26 20
Mle1935 HE HE 4 4 4 4 4 4
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
in m/s
Projectile
Mass in kg
Fuse delay

in m:

Fuse sensitivity

in mm:

Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent):
Normalization At 30°
from horizontal:
Ricochet:
0% 50% 100%
Mle1935 APC 660 1.62 N/A N/A N/A ° 48° 63° 71°
Mle1935 HE HE 590 1.41 0.4 0.1 143 +0° 79° 80° 81°
Ammo racks
Ammo racks of the S.35
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
84 67 (+17) 49 (+35) 25 (+59) (+83) no

Machine guns

Main article: MAC 31 (7.5 mm)
Coaxial mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute)
Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
3,250 (150) 1,350 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

Your best option is to play in a supportive role, stay behind a well armoured vehicle and land shots on the enemy from a medium distance. Do not try to rush in ahead of the team or go solo, as 7/10 times you will be destroyed by a counter-flanking player. The S.35 is able to hold its ground if you create a corridor for people to come at you. If you are able to flank without being seen, just remember to check behind you every now and then.

All light tanks are to be feared as they can out-maneuver this cumbersome tank quite easily and most enemies with a bit of luck will eventually hit one of this tank's weak spots, the only thing to fear is facing a good bit of armour. With its low post-penetration damage and slow reload, tank with many crew members are also hard to take down.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Armour is overall good
  • ~35-40 mm thick on all sides + a bit sloped gives it a change to survive a hit or two.
  • Capable of very noticeable angling due to thick sides
  • Turret is quite thick on all sides for the BR
  • Gun is decent for the BR
  • One of the first French tanks to be able to fight on its own
  • Has MAC 31 coaxial MG
  • LOCK system makes stop-and-shoot tactics very effective.
  • Goes nicely forward in AB, with an acceptable turn speed when going on max speed
  • Can be mistaken for a B1 bis when hulled-down (~same turret)
  • Has 3 crew members, can afford to loose one.
  • Small target

Cons:

  • Armour is quite complicated
  • Sides are thicker than frontal armour
  • Big cupola is an obvious shot trap
  • Angling can be defeated by knowing its shot traps: even a well-angled S.35 shows flat armour.
  • Gun feels subpar
  • It has low penetration while firing non-HE shots
  • Only two ammo choices
  • Mobility is an issue
  • Long and narrow chassis makes for difficult turning
  • Reverse speed feels slow

History

The SOMUA S.35 was developed in 1934 in response to demand for a cavalry tank that could withstand direct hits from contemporary anti-tank weapons. SOMUA was the company assigned to the challenge, and by spring 1935 they completed construction of the first prototype, designated the AC3.

Unfortunately, early testing revealed some flaws with the first prototype, which SOMUA subsequently fixed and released in a pre-production batch of four vehicles (called the AC4). This first batch demonstrated satisfactory performance. In 1936, the AC4 modification of the vehicle was adopted as the standard medium tank for the cavalry units of the French army. Shortly thereafter, it received the official designation of SOMUA S.35.

Production of the SOMUA S.35 began in 1936, with a goal of producing 600 vehicles. During production, however, financial restraints limited the number that could be produced. Of the initial 600 planned, only 450 were actually ordered and built for the French army.

Following the outbreak of WW2, the S.35 was soon deployed to defend French soil against a German invasion. Because the tank was designed to fight contemporary armoured vehicles of other nations, it fared well against the onslaught of Panzer III’s and early modifications of the Panzer IV.

In fact, in most battles where the S.35 clashed with German Panzers in engagement ranges of around 1000 meters, the S.35 was able to destroy the Panzers without taking any critical damage in return.

Unfortunately, while the S.35 did reasonably well in combat, the mechanics servicing the vehicle had few kind words for it. Due to its cast hull and complex suspension design, the S.35 was notoriously difficult to service and maintain—so difficult that if the tank was damaged in combat, the crew was unlikely to be able to repair it on the battlefield.

While the S.35 saw some success in battle, its victories were short-lived. In June 1940, France surrendered and German forces occupied the northern part of the country, while the Vichy government was established in the south. Dozens of S.35s were captured, modified, and then deployed by the German and Italian forces. A handful of S.35s were also given to axis allies such as Hungary and Bulgaria.

The S.35 was eventually decommissioned from active service at the end of hostilities in 1945.

- From Devblog

Media

An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as 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

[Devblog] SOMUA S.35 - Shield of The Republic


France medium tanks
M4 Derivatives  M4A1 (FL10) · M4A4 (SA50)
AMX-50  AMX M4 · AMX-50 (TOA100) · AMX-50 (TO90/930)
AMX-30  AMX-30 · AMX-30 (1972) · AMX-30B2 · AMX-30B2 BRENUS · AMX-30 ACRA · AMX-30 Super
AMX-32/40  AMX-32 · AMX-32 (105) · AMX-40
Leclerc  Leclerc · Leclerc S2 · Leclerc SXXI · Leclerc AZUR
Other  D2 · S.35 · Lorraine 40t
Germany  Panther "Dauphiné"
USA  ▄M4A1 · ▄M4A3 (105) · ▄M4A4 · ▄M26