Difference between revisions of "SU-85A"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
''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.''
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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.-->
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. This vehicle was offered as a reward during the [[wt:en/news/5962-special-festive-quest-en|2018 Festive Quest]] event.
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This tank destroyer was created for testing at the end of 1943, as a potential successor of the SU-76M. The most notable difference was the replacement of the older 76mm gun with an adapted version of an 85mm anti-aircraft cannon. Ultimately the vehicle was not accepted for anything beyond testing due to poor mechanical performance.
  
 
== 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 helpful for survival in combat?''
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<!--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.''
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-->
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If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.-->
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Like the SU-76M that the SU-85A was developed from, the SU-85A's armour leaves a lot to be desired. The chassis itself is loosely based off of the light tanks T-70 and T-80- As a result, the lower frontal plate is 30 mm RHA, the upper plate and front of the crew compartment is 25 mm RHA, and the gun mantlet is 35 mm. There is a relatively small additional armour plate (25 mm) that is welded onto the upper frontal plate in front of the engines to give them slightly better protection. The sides and rear are 15 mm (hull) and 10 mm (crew compartment), making this vehicle vulnerable to heavy machine gunfire. This vehicle is also open-topped, making it a prime target for fighters looking to strafe an easy kill. All in all, this vehicle is the embodiment of a "glass cannon", unable to defend itself from anything but perhaps a glancing blow.  
 
Like the SU-76M that the SU-85A was developed from, the SU-85A's armour leaves a lot to be desired. The chassis itself is loosely based off of the light tanks T-70 and T-80- As a result, the lower frontal plate is 30 mm RHA, the upper plate and front of the crew compartment is 25 mm RHA, and the gun mantlet is 35 mm. There is a relatively small additional armour plate (25 mm) that is welded onto the upper frontal plate in front of the engines to give them slightly better protection. The sides and rear are 15 mm (hull) and 10 mm (crew compartment), making this vehicle vulnerable to heavy machine gunfire. This vehicle is also open-topped, making it a prime target for fighters looking to strafe an easy kill. All in all, this vehicle is the embodiment of a "glass cannon", unable to defend itself from anything but perhaps a glancing blow.  
  
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=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''-->
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<!--Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.-->
The SU-85A's manoeuvrability is exactly what one might expect when the tank designers start with a light tank and add a lot of weight without increasing engine power- not great. It has two coupled 70 horsepower motors, giving it a combined output of 140 HP. Weighing in at 12.2 tons, it has a power to weight of almost 11.5 horsepower per ton. As it utilizes high-revving gasoline motors, the SU-85A doesn't have nearly as much torque to help it move around had it been powered by diesel.
 
  
Maximum speed forwards is an acceptable 40 kph with four forward gears, and maximum speed in reverse is 5 kph with a single reverse gear.
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The SU-85A's manoeuvrability is exactly what one might expect when the tank designers start with a light tank and weight without increasing engine power- not amazing. It has two coupled 70 horsepower motors, giving it a combined output of 140 HP. Weighing in at 12.2 tons, it has a power to weight of almost 11.5 horsepower per ton. As it utilizes high-revving gasoline motors, the SU-85A doesn't have nearly as much torque to help it move around had it been powered by diesel.
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Maximum speed forwards is an acceptable 40 kph with four forward gears, and maximum speed in reverse is 5 kph with a single reverse gear. Across flat off-road terrain, it cruises comfortably at 30-35 kph.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
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== Usage in 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 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).''
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<!--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).-->
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In Tank RB, this vehicle plays best from the sidelines in a support role. It does not posses the speed to rush anywhere, even if it is not slow. It does not have the ability to take a hit without taking crippling damage. It can hide behind walls and relatively low cover and remain hidden where a taller light or medium tank would likely be spotted. It's gun is superior than other guns at its BR range, such as American short 75 and 76mm guns commonly found on Shermans and German 75mm guns found on Panzer IV's. As such, the SU-85A can typically penetrate most tanks it battles against through their frontal armor out to distances in excess of a kilometer.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
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<!--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:'''
  
*
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* Powerful 85mm D5-S cannon at a low rank
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* Relatively small target / low silhouette
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* Great choices of ammunition to deal with all opponents
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
*
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* Armor is not thick enough to protect the crew from much of anything, making the vehicle a "glass cannon".
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* Open-topped (Often strafed by planes)
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* Crew is grouped tightly together - A penetrating shot that does not result in ammunition or fuel detonation will likely incapacitate several crew members.
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==

Revision as of 16:48, 9 August 2019

SU-85A
ussr_su_85a.png
SU-85A
Show in game
MARKET

Description

The SU-85A is a gift rank II Soviet tank destroyer with a battle rating of 4.0 (AB/RB/SB). This vehicle was offered as a reward during the 2018 Festive Quest event.

This tank destroyer was created for testing at the end of 1943, as a potential successor of the SU-76M. The most notable difference was the replacement of the older 76mm gun with an adapted version of an 85mm anti-aircraft cannon. Ultimately the vehicle was not accepted for anything beyond testing due to poor mechanical performance.

General info

Survivability and armour

Like the SU-76M that the SU-85A was developed from, the SU-85A's armour leaves a lot to be desired. The chassis itself is loosely based off of the light tanks T-70 and T-80- As a result, the lower frontal plate is 30 mm RHA, the upper plate and front of the crew compartment is 25 mm RHA, and the gun mantlet is 35 mm. There is a relatively small additional armour plate (25 mm) that is welded onto the upper frontal plate in front of the engines to give them slightly better protection. The sides and rear are 15 mm (hull) and 10 mm (crew compartment), making this vehicle vulnerable to heavy machine gunfire. This vehicle is also open-topped, making it a prime target for fighters looking to strafe an easy kill. All in all, this vehicle is the embodiment of a "glass cannon", unable to defend itself from anything but perhaps a glancing blow.

At Battle Rating 4.0, where one of the most common ammunition types used is APHE/APCBC, this vehicle has abysmal survivability. In most cases, the armour is just thick enough to arm the fuse in these shells- With a large fuel tank, lots of ammunition, and a crew packed into such a tight space, it is likely the shell will do crippling damage or knock the tank out with a single hit.

Mobility

The SU-85A's manoeuvrability is exactly what one might expect when the tank designers start with a light tank and weight without increasing engine power- not amazing. It has two coupled 70 horsepower motors, giving it a combined output of 140 HP. Weighing in at 12.2 tons, it has a power to weight of almost 11.5 horsepower per ton. As it utilizes high-revving gasoline motors, the SU-85A doesn't have nearly as much torque to help it move around had it been powered by diesel.

Maximum speed forwards is an acceptable 40 kph with four forward gears, and maximum speed in reverse is 5 kph with a single reverse gear. Across flat off-road terrain, it cruises comfortably at 30-35 kph.

Armaments

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 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: {{main|Name of the weapon}}. 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.

Usage in battles

In Tank RB, this vehicle plays best from the sidelines in a support role. It does not posses the speed to rush anywhere, even if it is not slow. It does not have the ability to take a hit without taking crippling damage. It can hide behind walls and relatively low cover and remain hidden where a taller light or medium tank would likely be spotted. It's gun is superior than other guns at its BR range, such as American short 75 and 76mm guns commonly found on Shermans and German 75mm guns found on Panzer IV's. As such, the SU-85A can typically penetrate most tanks it battles against through their frontal armor out to distances in excess of a kilometer.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful 85mm D5-S cannon at a low rank
  • Relatively small target / low silhouette
  • Great choices of ammunition to deal with all opponents

Cons:

  • Armor is not thick enough to protect the crew from much of anything, making the vehicle a "glass cannon".
  • Open-topped (Often strafed by planes)
  • Crew is grouped tightly together - A penetrating shot that does not result in ammunition or fuel detonation will likely incapacitate several crew members.

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 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>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. 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

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

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

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

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the tank;
  • other literature.


USSR tank destroyers
SU-76M  SU-76M · SU-76M (5th Gv.Kav.Corps) · SU-85A
SU-57B  SU-57B · SU-76D
T-34 Derivatives  SU-122 · SU-85 · SU-85M · SU-100 · SU-122P
Heavy Tank Derivatives  SU-100Y · ISU-122 · ISU-122S · SU-152 · ISU-152 · Object 268
SU-100P and Derivatives  SU-100P · Object 120
Wheeled  YaG-10 (29-K)
Airborne  ASU-57 · ASU-85
Rocket  BM-8-24 · BM-13N · BM-31-12
ATGM  IT-1 · Shturm-S · Khrizantema-S
Artillery  2S1 · 2S3M
Other  SU-5-1 · ZiS-30 · SU-122-54 · Object 775
USA  SU-57

USSR premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  BA-11 · RBT-5 · BT-7A (F-32) · T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-26E · T-126 · PT-76-57 · 2S38
Medium tanks  T-34 (Prototype) · T-34 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-34E · T-34-57 (1943) · T-34-85E · T-34-100 · T-44-122 · TO-55 · T-55AM-1 · T-72AV (TURMS-T) · T-80UD
  ▂M3 Medium · ▂M4A2 · ▂T-III · ▂T-V · ▂МК-IX "Valentine"
Heavy tanks  SMK · T-35 · ▂MK-II "Matilda" · KV-1E · KV-2 (1940) · KV-2 (ZiS-6) · KV-122 · KV-220 · IS-2 "Revenge" · Object 248 · IS-6 · T-10A
Tank destroyers  BM-8-24 · BM-13N · BM-31-12
  SU-57 · SU-76D · SU-76M (5th Gv.Kav.Corps) · SU-85A · SU-100Y · SU-122P · Object 120
SPAA  ▂Phòng không T-34 · ZUT-37