SANTAL

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
fr_vab_santal.png
GarageImage SANTAL.jpg
SANTAL
AB RB SB
9.3 9.3 9.3
Class:
Research:220 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:620 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

Developed in the late 1980s, the SANTAL was adapted from the VAB APC platform to fulfill the Self-Propelled Anti-Air (SPAA) role. This evolution was marked by the integration of the Mistral surface-to-air missile system in 1987, providing the vehicle with robust air defense capabilities. The Mistral SPAA variant of the SANTAL became a vital component of France's air defense strategy, offering rapid deployment and engagement of aerial threats. Its introduction addressed the need for enhanced protection of ground troops against airborne threats, such as helicopters and low-flying aircraft. The integration of Mistral missiles greatly increased the operational flexibility of the SANTAL, enabling it to effectively contribute to both ground-based and mobile air defense operations. Through its historical development and adaptations, the SANTAL-Mistral remains a testament to the evolution of modern military vehicles, showcasing the fusion of armoured transport with sophisticated air defense systems.

It was introduced in Update "Fire and Ice". The VAB APC platform's adaptability shines through its modular design, allowing for quick reconfiguration based on requirements, producing vehicles such as the SANTAL and MEPHISTO. The SANTAL further augments its combat prowess by integrating the Mistral surface-to-air missile system, granting the SANTAL the ability to engage aerial targets with precision and speed. This dual-role capability – as both an agile armoured personnel carrier and an air defense platform – makes the SANTAL a versatile asset on the battlefield, capable of swiftly transitioning between providing ground support and countering airborne threats. Whether operating independently or as part of a larger force, the SANTAL's combat capabilities have solidified its reputation as a reliable and multifaceted asset, poised to meet the challenges of modern warfare.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull8 / 8 / 8
Turret0 / 0 / 0
Crew4 people
Visibility70 %

The SANTAL's mobility stands as its primary method of survival on the battlefield. While its armour provides minimal protection, the ability to swiftly navigate the terrain is what truly sets the vehicle apart. Designed with agility in mind, the SANTAL can quickly manoeuvre through diverse landscapes, allowing it to evade threats and find advantageous positions. Its advanced suspension system and powerful engine grant it the speed and manoeuvrability required to outmanoeuvre adversaries, making it a challenging target to engage effectively. The SANTAL's mobility not only aids in rapid deployment and repositioning but also facilitates its role in reconnaissance, support, and air defense. By capitalizing on its exceptional mobility, the SANTAL maximizes its survivability by minimizing exposure to hostile fire and swiftly reacting to evolving combat dynamics. This emphasis on mobility as a cornerstone of survival underscores the vehicle's adaptability and effectiveness in multiple warfare scenarios.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull )
  • Structural steel
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull Front glacis
  • 8 mm (74°) Rolled homogeneous armour
  • 4 mm (74°) Structural steel

Lower glacis

  • 8 mm (45°) Rolled homogeneous armour
8 mm (28°)Top
8 mm (12°) Bottom
8 mm (7°) 8 mm
Turret 8 mm Turret front 8 mm 8 mm 8 mm

Notes:

  • Wheels are 10 mm thick.
  • 5 mm thick rolled homogeneous armour is surrounding the engine.

Mobility

Amphibious
The design allows you to swim and control movement in the water
Speedforward / back
AB99 / 15 km/h
RB and SB91 / 14 km/h
Number of gears12 forward
2 back
Weight13.8 t
Engine power
AB572 hp
RB and SB300 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB41.4 hp/t
RB and SB21.7 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 99 15 13.8 312 572 22.61 41.45
Realistic 91 14 195 300 14.13 21.74

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 830 → 7 404 Sl icon.png
RB4 217 → 6 464 Sl icon.png
SB4 494 → 6 889 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications181 600 Rp icon.png
303 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 700 Ge icon.png
Crew training175 000 Sl icon.png
Experts620 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 010 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
160 / 210 / 250 % Sl icon.png
226 / 226 / 226 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new wheels.png
Tires
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new car suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement fr.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png

Armaments

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

Mistral SATCP
Ammunition12 rounds
Belt capacity6 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
19.5 → 15.0 s
Fire rate120 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 60°
Main article: Mistral SATCP
Mistral SATCP missile Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 12 (6) -10°/+60° ±180° N/A 44.0 60.9 74.0 81.8 87.1 19.50 17.25 15.90 15.00
Realistic 29.8 35.0 42.5 47.0 50.0

Ammunition

Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Range
(m)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Arming
distance (m)
Trigger
radius (m)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Mistral SATCP SAM 850 6,000 18.7 1 0.1 0 2 1.78 79° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
6th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
2 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Usage in battles

The SANTAL platform has revolutionized French top tier SPAA in the battlefield, showcasing its dynamic capabilities in safeguarding friendly units from airborne threats. The integration of the Mistral surface-to-air missile system, a highly effective infrared-guided (IR) missile with fire-and-forget capabilities, combined with the vehicle's inherent mobility, has enabled the SANTAL to provide an agile and responsive air defense solution. Notably, Mistral missiles are designed to autonomously track and engage targets using their infrared guidance, without requiring continuous operator input. It's important to mention that Mistral missiles do not trigger defense systems automatically; they are primarily detected and countered by Missile Approach Warning (MAW) systems typically mounted on top-tier helicopters but remain unseen by other aircraft unless visual contact is made. This highlights the critical role of the SANTAL's skilled crew in target acquisition and engagement.

By utilizing its rapid mobility, the SANTAL can swiftly position itself to create protective umbrellas over friendly forces, dissuading or neutralizing incoming aircraft threats. The Mistral missiles, known for their accuracy and effectiveness, ensure precise target engagement. This dual emphasis on mobility and autonomous air defense capability not only shields friendly units but also disrupts enemy air superiority, influencing the outcome of engagements. As an SPAA platform, the SANTAL exemplifies the synergy between advanced missile technology, the expertise of its operators, and strategic mobility, solidifying its vital role in enhancing overall operational success while maintaining air superiority over the battlefield.

Pros and cons

Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".

Pros:

Cons:

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

Skins

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


France anti-aircraft vehicles
Wheeled/Half-tracked  P.7.T AA · CCKW 353 AA · TPK 6.41
AMX-13 Derivatives  VTT DCA · AMX-13 DCA 40
Radar SPAAG  AMX-30 S DCA
Missile SPAA  SANTAL · Roland 1 · ▄ItO 90M
Other  AMX-10P