Difference between revisions of "Sd.Kfz. 6/2"

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== 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.-->
 
[[File:GarageImage_Sd.Kfz.62.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_Sd.Kfz.62.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
The '''3.7-cm Flak 36 auf Selbstfahrlafette Sd.Kfz. 6/2''' is a Rank II German self-propelled anti-aircraft gun with a battle rating of 3.0. It was introduced in during the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41.
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German self-propelled anti-aircraft gun {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before [[Update 1.41]].
  
The 3.7-cm Flak 36 auf Selbstfahrlafette Sd.Kfz 6/2 is a halftrack-based anti-aircraft vehicle. With its 3.7 cm cannon, it can easily dispatch any aircraft given the circumstances. However, its gun (with APHE ammo) can also make it a very good improvised anti-tank vehicle. It has enough penetration to go through front armour of most tanks at its rank, and reliably cuts through side/rear armour and weakspots (even at some range), causing impressive damage.
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The 3.7-cm Flak 36 auf Selbstfahrlafette Sd.Kfz 6/2 with its 3.7 cm cannon can easily dispatch any aircraft given the circumstances. However, its gun (with APHE ammo) can also make it a very good improvised anti-tank vehicle if push comes to shove against an enemy tank.
  
Because it is based on a simple truck, it has no armour anywhere, and even machineguns can kill the driver inside, and crew manning the turret is completely exposed. However, it can be surprisingly durable at times, mostly because of inexperienced players attacking it with AP/APCR ammo, and often targeting all the wrong places, like the Engine, Driver sitting inside, or edges of the turret armour. It has mobility comparable to a lighter medium tank, and very good cross-country performance, because of its combined wheel/track chassis.
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Because it is based on a simple truck, it has no armour anywhere and even machine guns can knock out the driver inside, and crew manning the turret is completely exposed. However, it can be surprisingly durable at times, mostly because of inexperienced players attacking it with AP/APCR ammo, and often targeting all the wrong places, like the Engine, Driver sitting inside, or edges of the turret armour. However, these attacks are a hit-or-miss as the hull-break mechanics mean that even a passing through AP round has the potential of utterly destroying the vehicle. The chances are worse if the enemy decides to sling over a chemical round for the explosion to do its deed. The mobility however is comparable to somewhere between a light and medium tank, and the chassis produces a favorable cross-country performance, so use this to get out of an area if spotted or being pursued.
  
Being an SPAA, this vehicle is designed to shoot down airplanes. It was originally designed to follow alongside convoys, so to be used with other vehicles of the type. Its gun has a relatively low rate of fire for an SPAA, however, its shells pack quite the punch. Being a 37mm cannon, should it get a good hit, it will likely kill the plane. It also gets access to AP belts, which can be used against tanks. It can penetrate any medium or light tank of its rank (from the side/rear usually), but will struggle against heavier opponents like the [[KV-1 (Disambiguation)|KV-1]]. However, hunting tanks is not its job which is why it is not the best at that.
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Being an SPAA, this vehicle is designed to shoot down aeroplanes. It was originally designed to follow alongside convoys, so to be used with other vehicles of the type. Its gun has a relatively low rate of fire for an SPAA, however, its shells pack quite the punch. Being a 37mm cannon, should it get a good hit, it will likely down the plane. It also gets access to AP belts, which can be used against tanks. It can penetrate any medium or light tank of its rank (from the side/rear usually), but will flat out be out of luck against heavier opponents like the [[KV-1 (Family)|KV-1]]. However, hunting tanks are not its job which is why it is not the best at that.
  
 
== 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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<!--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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''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.-->
 
'''Armour type:'''  
 
'''Armour type:'''  
  
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=== 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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<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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|-
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 163|rbMinHp= 102|<!--AoAweight=(optional) -->}}
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
 
|-
 
! Weight (tons)
 
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armor<br>weight (tons)
 
! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
 
|-
 
| rowspan="2" | 11.1 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 54 (AB)
 
|-
 
|50 (RB/SB)
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
 
|-
 
! colspan="1" | Mode
 
!Stock
 
!Upgraded
 
|-
 
|''Arcade''
 
|163
 
|201
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|102
 
|115
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 
|-
 
! colspan="1" | Mode
 
!Stock
 
!Upgraded
 
|-
 
|''Arcade''
 
|14.68
 
|18.11
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|9.19
 
|10.36
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
<!--''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.''-->
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=== Main armament ===
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<!--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|FlaK 36 (37 mm)}}
 
{{main|FlaK 36 (37 mm)}}
  
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! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
|-
| ''Arcade'' || 20.8 || 28.8 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
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| ''Arcade'' || 30.82 || 42.66 || 51.80 || 57.28 || 60.94
 
|-
 
|-
| ''Realistic'' || 20.8 || 24.5 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
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| ''Realistic'' || 20.83 || 24.50 || 29.75 || 32.9 || 35.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
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! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
|-
| 0.3 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
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| 0.49 || 0.43 || 0.40 || 0.38
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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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°'''
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! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
 
|-
 
|-
 
! 10m
 
! 10m
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! 2000m
 
! 2000m
 
|-
 
|-
| PzGr || APHE || 46 || 43 || 31 || 20 || 12 || 9  
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| PzGr || APHE || 46 || 43 || 31 || 21 || 14 || 9  
 
|-
 
|-
| Sprgr. 18 || FI-T || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 2
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| Sprgr. 18 || FI-T || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3
 
|-
 
|-
 
| M.Gr.18 || FI-T || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4  
 
| M.Gr.18 || FI-T || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4  
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| Sprgr. 18 || FI-T || 820 || 0.62 || 0.3 || 0.1 || 49.3 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
| Sprgr. 18 || FI-T || 820 || 0.62 || 0.3 || 0.1 || 49.3 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
|-
| M.Gr.18 || FI-T || 914 || 0.55 || 0.3 || 0.1 || 108 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
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| M.Gr.18 || FI-T || 914 || 0.55 || 0.3 || 0.1 || 108 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] ===
 
=== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] ===
 
[[File:Ammoracks_Sd.Kfz.62.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the Sd.Kfz. 6/2.]]
 
[[File:Ammoracks_Sd.Kfz.62.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the Sd.Kfz. 6/2.]]
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
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There are 15 ammunition boxes strung about the bed of the truck. Two under the loader, three sitting on the tailgate, and the rest under the benches behind the driver. Most tankers won't bother trying to ammo rack you thanks to your exposed crew members, so bring as much as you want. However, near misses from aircraft and tanks alike could set off a box since they are kind of everywhere if you do take a full load, so follow alternate recommendation if one has concerns for this.
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 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
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! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br />ammo
 
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br />  rack empty
 
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br />  rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" width="10%" |Recommendations
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! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br />  rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
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! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br />  rack empty
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! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |6th<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |7th<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |8th<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br />discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
|| '''53''' || 53&nbsp;''(+0)'' || style="text-align:left" | Keep full || style="text-align:left" | Yes  
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|| '''53''' || 50&nbsp;''(+3)''
 +
|46&nbsp;''(+7)''
 +
|43&nbsp;''(+10)''
 +
|39&nbsp;''(+14)''
 +
|36&nbsp;''(+17)''
 +
|29&nbsp;''(+24)''
 +
|18&nbsp;''(+35)''
 +
|0&nbsp;''(+53)''|| style="text-align:left" | Yes  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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'''Ammo recommendations:'''
 +
 +
* Recommended ammo load: 53.
 +
* Alternate recommended ammo load: 36. Keeps all ammo under the bed bench.
  
== Usage in the battles ==
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== 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).''-->
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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).-->
 
To use this machine to its fullest capabilities it is recommended to stay from areas of heavy combat, as you can be taken out very easily, especially by machine gun fire and HE shells. You should always stay behind friendly troops, but don't stay at spawn as it is most likely the first place enemy planes will go to drop bombs.  
 
To use this machine to its fullest capabilities it is recommended to stay from areas of heavy combat, as you can be taken out very easily, especially by machine gun fire and HE shells. You should always stay behind friendly troops, but don't stay at spawn as it is most likely the first place enemy planes will go to drop bombs.  
  
If you want to fight with the tanks, you'll definitely need to research APHE-only belts. Go forward with your teammates, but ALWAYS stay some distance behind them, avoid any open terrain, watch the battlefield situation carefully and wait. Use your speed to get out of any unfavorable battle condition. When you find a suitable target (No KV-1...), one good idea is to reverse around the corner turned sideways, with your gun aiming at the expected enemy direction. This maneuver exposes only half of your turret, and makes it possible to very quickly hide again behind the corner when needed. Your driver, engine and more than half of the vehicle remain hidden the whole time, significantly shortening the expose time and lowering the chance of being immobilised. Aim at sides of the turret, hull, or any other weak areas.
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If you want to fight with the tanks, you'll definitely need to research APHE-only belts. However, the APHE's lacklustre penetration means this option is extremely limited and highly discouraged for a Sd.Kfz. 6/2 user. This is a tactic that should only be used as a last-stand measure against a flanking enemy that is unaware of the Sd.Kfz. 6/2's position. Avoid any open terrain, watch the battlefield situation carefully and wait, or use your speed to get out of any unfavourable battle condition. When the suitable target is spotted and in-range, it is a good idea is to reverse around the corner turned sideways, with your gun aiming at the expected enemy direction. This manoeuvre exposes only half of your turret and makes it possible to very quickly hide again behind the corner when needed. Your driver, engine and more than half of the vehicle remain hidden the whole time, meaning the chances of hull-break by kinetic shell would be reduced, but chemical shells would still finish off the tank upon contact. This kind of positioning also significantly shortening the exposure time and lowering the chance of being immobilised. When targeting tanks, aim at side armour of the hull and/or turret, or just hit any weak spots. Make sure the enemy is close by, generally less than 400 meters, as the aim dispersion and massive recoil of the gun can cause the shells to spray everywhere, a bad idea if wanting to take out the enemy as quick and precise as possible.
  
 
=== 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".''-->
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<!--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 - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".-->
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
*37mm capable of dealing heavy damage to both planes and tanks (if aimed at weakspots).
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* 37 mm capable of dealing heavy damage to planes upon contact
*Deadly against light tanks and tank destroyers.
+
* Deadly against light tanks and light-skinned tank destroyers
*Can kill T34s (Pre T34-85) if you aim at the turret cheeks.
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* Decently fast (50 km/h top speed)
*Will kill most planes in one or two hits. It does a lot more damage than the 20mm on previous SPAA.
+
* Insane reloading rate
*Decently fast (50 km/h top speed).
+
* Losing 1 or 2 crew members have no noticeable effect on vehicle performance (Apart from temporal immobilisation for example)
*Insane reloading rate.
+
* Having no armour is also an advantage - AP/APCR Rounds that most players use often just harmlessly pass through the vehicle without doing any damage
*Loosing 1 or 2 crewmembers have no noticable effect on vehicle performance (Apart from temporal immobilisation for example).
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* Difficult to destroy in one shot unless using pure HE rounds as APHE rounds will often just pass through without detonation
*Having no armour is also advantage - AP/APCR Rounds that most players use often just harmlessly pass through the vehicle without doing any damage.
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* Some players don't recognize this vehicle as any kind of threat, and carelessly show their sides that just might be able to be penetrated with the 37 mm AP
*Difficult to kill in one shot unless using pure HE rounds. APHE rounds will often just pass through without detonation.
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* Friendly tanks around you often have higher priority for all enemies, meaning you can often escape from combat unharmed, or surprise unsuspecting enemies
* Some players don't recognize this vehicle as any kind of threat, and carelessly show their sides or entire tanks, only to be easily destroyed afterwards.
 
* Friendly tanks around you often have higher priority for all enemies, meaning you can often escape from combat unharmed, or surprise unsuspecting enemies with your powerful gun.
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Slow rate of fire can make shooting down faster planes difficult.
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* Slow rate of fire can make shooting down faster planes difficult
* No armour - single HE shell from anything will usually knock out the vehicle.
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* No armour - single HE shell from anything will usually knock out the vehicle
* Very vulnerable to Artillery calls; Even being 20 m away from it does not prevent crew from being injured, or even killed.
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* Very vulnerable to Artillery calls; even being 20 m away from it does not prevent the crew from being injured, or even incapacitated
* Gun goes up when it is traversing over the driver, preventing you from firing ahead of your vehicle.
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* Gun goes up when it is traversing over the driver, preventing you from firing ahead of your vehicle
* Entire crew vulnerable to being strafed by planes and tank machine gun fire.
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* Entire crew vulnerable to being strafed by planes and tank machine gun fire
* Ammo can run out if not careful.
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* Ammo can run out if not careful
* Knocked out easily if rammed by an airplane.
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* Gun recoil is ridiculous, making continuous fire useless against any decently armoured target
* Hull break, Can be hull broken with a well placed shot.
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* Knocked out easily if rammed by an aeroplane (no longer an issue in AB)
* Less penetration than predecessors
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* Hull break can happen from with a well-placed shot
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* AP shell has less penetration than predecessors' 20 mm APCR
  
 
== 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.''-->
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<!--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 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></nowiki></code>, 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 <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).-->
 
===The gun===
 
===The gun===
The 3.7 cm FlaK cannon was an anti-aircraft gun capable of fully automatic fire at a rate of 150 rounds per minute and is able to fire onto Allied aircraft up to four kilometers away. Multiple variants were made for the FlaK cannon from the 3.7 cm FlaK 18/36/37/43. The FlaK 18 was the initial variant with a dual-axle mount. The Flak 36 was a simplified variant with a lighter single-axle mount, the FlaK 37 has a simplified sighting system, and the FlaK 42 was the variant made for the German Kriegsmarine for their surface ships and U-boats. Of the variants, the FlaK 36 and 37 were the most produced guns
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The 3.7 cm FlaK cannon was an anti-aircraft gun capable of fully automatic fire at a rate of 150 rounds per minute and is able to fire onto Allied aircraft up to four kilometres away. Multiple variants were made for the FlaK cannon from the 3.7 cm FlaK 18/36/37/43. The FlaK 18 was the initial variant with a dual-axle mount. The Flak 36 was a simplified variant with a lighter single-axle mount, the FlaK 37 has a simplified sighting system, and the FlaK 42 was the variant made for the German Kriegsmarine for their surface ships and U-boats. Of the variants, the FlaK 36 and 37 were the most produced guns
  
 
===The vehicle===
 
===The vehicle===
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===Anti-aircraft mount===
 
===Anti-aircraft mount===
As the World War II progressed, the need for a mobile air defense capable of engaging low flying targets became urgent. German engineers attempted to fill this need by modifying vehicles to fit an anti-aircraft gun. The ''Sd.kfz.6'' halftrack was modified with a new superstructure on the back, removing the backseats where the passengers would be. The superstructure allow the installation of a traversible anti-aircraft gun. The gun of choice for the ''Sd.kfz.6'' was the 3.7 cm FlaK 36, the conversion for the vehicle was designated the '''3.7 cm Flak 36 auf Selbstfahrlafette Sd.Kfz.6/2'''.
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As World War II progressed, the need for a mobile air defence capable of engaging low flying targets became urgent. German engineers attempted to fill this need by modifying vehicles to fit an anti-aircraft gun. The ''Sd.kfz.6'' half-track was modified with a new superstructure on the back, removing the backseats where the passengers would be. The superstructure allows the installation of a traversable anti-aircraft gun. The gun of choice for the ''Sd.kfz.6'' was the 3.7 cm FlaK 36, the conversion for the vehicle was designated the '''3.7 cm Flak 36 auf Selbstfahrlafette Sd.Kfz.6/2'''.
 +
 
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The ''Sd.Kfz.6/2'' has the FlaK cannon mounted on the back, however, there is no gun shield for the crew to provide small arms protection from the ground. Thus, the ground support role for the vehicle was not a recommended role and is more best against flying targets. However, a modification on the vehicle by the crew to give protection against small arms and shrapnel. Ammunition for the gun was towed on a separate trailer towed by the half-track.
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 +
Modifications on the ''Sd.Kfz.6'' into the ''Sd.Kfz.6/2'' was carried out from 1941 to 1943, whereof the 750 of the ''Sd.Kfz.6'', 339 were converted into the anti-aircraft variant. As the war progressed, the ''Sd.Kfz.6/2'' were supplemented with the more numerous ''Sd.Kfz.7'' half-track.
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 +
=== In-game description ===
 +
To fight against enemy aircraft, German designers developed a new AA gun based on the 5-ton Sd.Kfz. 6 produced by the company Bussing-NAG. The new AA vehicle had a 37 mm 3,7 cm FlaK 36 L/98 anti-aircraft gun with a 98-caliber long barrel placed on a rotating carriage. The vehicle carried 120 shells, towed by a Sonderanhanger Sd.Ah. 57 trailer. The anti-aircraft gun traveled with spare barrels. The 10.4 ton setup supported a crew of 5 to calculate the gun's trajectory.  
  
The ''Sd.Kfz.6/2'' has the FlaK cannon mounted on the back, however there is no gun shield for the crew to provide small arms protection from the ground. Thus, ground support role for the vehicle was not a recommended role and is more best against flying targets. However, a modification on the vehicle by the crew to give protection against small arms and shrapnel. Ammunition for the gun was towed on a separate trailer towed by the half-track.
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The anti-aircraft gun's effective rate of fire was 120 rounds per minute. The gun could fire at targets up to an altitude of 4,800 meters. In stowed position, the sides of the towing vehicle were raised, and in combat situations they were reclined to facilitate a circular range of fire. The vehicle could reach a speed of 50 kph and had a maximum range of 317 km.
  
Modifications on the ''Sd.Kfz.6'' into the ''Sd.Kfz.6/2'' were carried out from 1941 to 1943, where of the 750 of the ''Sd.Kfz.6'', 339 were converted into the anti-aircraft variant. As the war progressed, the ''Sd.Kfz.6/2'' were supplemented with the more numerous ''Sd.Kfz.7'' half-track.
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The AA vehicle was produced by the companies Bussing-Nag, Daimler Benz, Böhmisch-Mährischen Maschinenfabrik, and Praga from 1941 to 1943. A total of 339 were built. During production, the gun was fitted with a shield to protect those performing the calculations from bullets and shrapnel. Shield construction varied.
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 +
At least 200 Sd.Kfz. 6/2 anti-aircraft guns entered the service of the Luftwaffe, and the rest joined the Wehrmacht's anti-aircraft divisions. An anti-aircraft division consisted of 9 AA vehicles. This vehicle was used in combat on all fronts.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
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<!--''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''-->
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|udFWDS6bbo8|37 mm of Pain [The Iron Armenian]}}
  
== Read also ==
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== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
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''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.''
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== External links ==
 
 
== Sources ==
 
 
''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;''
 +
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{{Germany anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 
{{Germany anti-aircraft vehicles}}

Revision as of 17:02, 18 February 2020

Rank IV USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Tu-1 Pack
Sd.Kfz. 6/2
germ_sdkfz_6_2_flak36.png
Sd.Kfz. 6/2
AB RB SB
2.3 1.7 1.7
Class:
Research:5 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:6 300 Specs-Card-Lion.png
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Description

GarageImage Sd.Kfz.62.jpg


The 3.7-cm Flak 36 auf Selbstfahrlafette Sd.Kfz. 6/2 is a rank I German self-propelled anti-aircraft gun with a battle rating of 2.3 (AB) and 1.7 (RB/SB). It was introduced during the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41.

The 3.7-cm Flak 36 auf Selbstfahrlafette Sd.Kfz 6/2 with its 3.7 cm cannon can easily dispatch any aircraft given the circumstances. However, its gun (with APHE ammo) can also make it a very good improvised anti-tank vehicle if push comes to shove against an enemy tank.

Because it is based on a simple truck, it has no armour anywhere and even machine guns can knock out the driver inside, and crew manning the turret is completely exposed. However, it can be surprisingly durable at times, mostly because of inexperienced players attacking it with AP/APCR ammo, and often targeting all the wrong places, like the Engine, Driver sitting inside, or edges of the turret armour. However, these attacks are a hit-or-miss as the hull-break mechanics mean that even a passing through AP round has the potential of utterly destroying the vehicle. The chances are worse if the enemy decides to sling over a chemical round for the explosion to do its deed. The mobility however is comparable to somewhere between a light and medium tank, and the chassis produces a favorable cross-country performance, so use this to get out of an area if spotted or being pursued.

Being an SPAA, this vehicle is designed to shoot down aeroplanes. It was originally designed to follow alongside convoys, so to be used with other vehicles of the type. Its gun has a relatively low rate of fire for an SPAA, however, its shells pack quite the punch. Being a 37mm cannon, should it get a good hit, it will likely down the plane. It also gets access to AP belts, which can be used against tanks. It can penetrate any medium or light tank of its rank (from the side/rear usually), but will flat out be out of luck against heavier opponents like the KV-1. However, hunting tanks are not its job which is why it is not the best at that.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour type:

  • Structural Steel
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Gun shield)
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 3 mm (3-9°) Grille
3 mm (83-84°) Front hood
3 mm 3 mm 3 mm
Gun Shield 7 mm (25-33°) 10 mm N/A N/A

Notes:

  • There is simply no armour anywhere, as it is basically a simple truck with AA gun mounted on its back
  • Only "armour" is on the front of the turret, which can protect from some light machine gun fire and shrapnel from nearby explosions

Mobility

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 55 10 10.4 163 219 15.67 21.06
Realistic 50 9 102 115 9.81 11.06

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: FlaK 36 (37 mm)
37 mm FlaK 36
Capacity (Belt capacity each) Fire rate
(shots/minute)
Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
318 (6) 160 -8°/+85° ±180°
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade 30.82 42.66 51.80 57.28 60.94
Realistic 20.83 24.50 29.75 32.9 35.00
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
0.49 0.43 0.40 0.38

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration in mm @ 0° Angle of Attack
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
PzGr APHE 46 43 31 21 14 9
Sprgr. 18 FI-T 3 3 3 3 3 3
M.Gr.18 FI-T 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%
PzGr APHE 740 0.69 1.3 15 22.1 -1° 47° 60° 65°
Sprgr. 18 FI-T 820 0.62 0.3 0.1 49.3 +0° 79° 80° 81°
M.Gr.18 FI-T 914 0.55 0.3 0.1 108 +0° 79° 80° 81°

Belt types

Belts Shell composition Combat usage
Default APHE / FI-T
(Armour Piercing High Explosive –Fragmentation Incendiary tracer) shell
This belt is useful against lightly armoured open-topped tank destroyers, or bombers. Against other SPAA this belt can reliably take out crew, armament, ammo and engine.
Sprgr. 18 FI-T
(Fragmentation Incendiary Tracer) shell
Versus planes and open combat compartment vehicles. Lighter aircraft will often go down by a single hit.
PzGr APHE
(Armour Piercing High Explosive) shell
Ammo against tanks. It has comparable power to regular Rank I tanks, but combined with the Insane RoF, can be very deadly. It even has the HE filler, 3-4 well aimed penetrating hits can disable any tank.
M.Gr.18 FI-T
(Fragmentation Incendiary Tracer) shell
Versus planes and open combat compartment vehicles. Lighter aircraft will often go down by a single hit.

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Sd.Kfz. 6/2.

There are 15 ammunition boxes strung about the bed of the truck. Two under the loader, three sitting on the tailgate, and the rest under the benches behind the driver. Most tankers won't bother trying to ammo rack you thanks to your exposed crew members, so bring as much as you want. However, near misses from aircraft and tanks alike could set off a box since they are kind of everywhere if you do take a full load, so follow alternate recommendation if one has concerns for this.

Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
6th
rack empty
7th
rack empty
8th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
53 50 (+3) 46 (+7) 43 (+10) 39 (+14) 36 (+17) 29 (+24) 18 (+35) (+53) Yes

Ammo recommendations:

  • Recommended ammo load: 53.
  • Alternate recommended ammo load: 36. Keeps all ammo under the bed bench.

Usage in battles

To use this machine to its fullest capabilities it is recommended to stay from areas of heavy combat, as you can be taken out very easily, especially by machine gun fire and HE shells. You should always stay behind friendly troops, but don't stay at spawn as it is most likely the first place enemy planes will go to drop bombs.

If you want to fight with the tanks, you'll definitely need to research APHE-only belts. However, the APHE's lacklustre penetration means this option is extremely limited and highly discouraged for a Sd.Kfz. 6/2 user. This is a tactic that should only be used as a last-stand measure against a flanking enemy that is unaware of the Sd.Kfz. 6/2's position. Avoid any open terrain, watch the battlefield situation carefully and wait, or use your speed to get out of any unfavourable battle condition. When the suitable target is spotted and in-range, it is a good idea is to reverse around the corner turned sideways, with your gun aiming at the expected enemy direction. This manoeuvre exposes only half of your turret and makes it possible to very quickly hide again behind the corner when needed. Your driver, engine and more than half of the vehicle remain hidden the whole time, meaning the chances of hull-break by kinetic shell would be reduced, but chemical shells would still finish off the tank upon contact. This kind of positioning also significantly shortening the exposure time and lowering the chance of being immobilised. When targeting tanks, aim at side armour of the hull and/or turret, or just hit any weak spots. Make sure the enemy is close by, generally less than 400 meters, as the aim dispersion and massive recoil of the gun can cause the shells to spray everywhere, a bad idea if wanting to take out the enemy as quick and precise as possible.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • 37 mm capable of dealing heavy damage to planes upon contact
  • Deadly against light tanks and light-skinned tank destroyers
  • Decently fast (50 km/h top speed)
  • Insane reloading rate
  • Losing 1 or 2 crew members have no noticeable effect on vehicle performance (Apart from temporal immobilisation for example)
  • Having no armour is also an advantage - AP/APCR Rounds that most players use often just harmlessly pass through the vehicle without doing any damage
  • Difficult to destroy in one shot unless using pure HE rounds as APHE rounds will often just pass through without detonation
  • Some players don't recognize this vehicle as any kind of threat, and carelessly show their sides that just might be able to be penetrated with the 37 mm AP
  • Friendly tanks around you often have higher priority for all enemies, meaning you can often escape from combat unharmed, or surprise unsuspecting enemies

Cons:

  • Slow rate of fire can make shooting down faster planes difficult
  • No armour - single HE shell from anything will usually knock out the vehicle
  • Very vulnerable to Artillery calls; even being 20 m away from it does not prevent the crew from being injured, or even incapacitated
  • Gun goes up when it is traversing over the driver, preventing you from firing ahead of your vehicle
  • Entire crew vulnerable to being strafed by planes and tank machine gun fire
  • Ammo can run out if not careful
  • Gun recoil is ridiculous, making continuous fire useless against any decently armoured target
  • Knocked out easily if rammed by an aeroplane (no longer an issue in AB)
  • Hull break can happen from with a well-placed shot
  • AP shell has less penetration than predecessors' 20 mm APCR

History

The gun

The 3.7 cm FlaK cannon was an anti-aircraft gun capable of fully automatic fire at a rate of 150 rounds per minute and is able to fire onto Allied aircraft up to four kilometres away. Multiple variants were made for the FlaK cannon from the 3.7 cm FlaK 18/36/37/43. The FlaK 18 was the initial variant with a dual-axle mount. The Flak 36 was a simplified variant with a lighter single-axle mount, the FlaK 37 has a simplified sighting system, and the FlaK 42 was the variant made for the German Kriegsmarine for their surface ships and U-boats. Of the variants, the FlaK 36 and 37 were the most produced guns

The vehicle

The Sd.Kfz.6 was a half-track designed in 1934 for the purpose of towing the 10.5 cm leFH 18 howitzer or 11 men in the back of the half-track, which could be covered by a canvas structure to protect the crew from the elements of nature. The vehicle was powered by a Maybach HL 54TUKRM 6-cylinder engine with 115 hp. Along with its use as a tractor for the 10.5 leFH 18 howitzer and other artillery pieces, the vehicle was to be used to tow heavy equipment for engineer units. Production was carried out by both Büssing-NAG and Daimler-Benz corporations. About 750 units were made during its production life until 1942.

Anti-aircraft mount

As World War II progressed, the need for a mobile air defence capable of engaging low flying targets became urgent. German engineers attempted to fill this need by modifying vehicles to fit an anti-aircraft gun. The Sd.kfz.6 half-track was modified with a new superstructure on the back, removing the backseats where the passengers would be. The superstructure allows the installation of a traversable anti-aircraft gun. The gun of choice for the Sd.kfz.6 was the 3.7 cm FlaK 36, the conversion for the vehicle was designated the 3.7 cm Flak 36 auf Selbstfahrlafette Sd.Kfz.6/2.

The Sd.Kfz.6/2 has the FlaK cannon mounted on the back, however, there is no gun shield for the crew to provide small arms protection from the ground. Thus, the ground support role for the vehicle was not a recommended role and is more best against flying targets. However, a modification on the vehicle by the crew to give protection against small arms and shrapnel. Ammunition for the gun was towed on a separate trailer towed by the half-track.

Modifications on the Sd.Kfz.6 into the Sd.Kfz.6/2 was carried out from 1941 to 1943, whereof the 750 of the Sd.Kfz.6, 339 were converted into the anti-aircraft variant. As the war progressed, the Sd.Kfz.6/2 were supplemented with the more numerous Sd.Kfz.7 half-track.

In-game description

To fight against enemy aircraft, German designers developed a new AA gun based on the 5-ton Sd.Kfz. 6 produced by the company Bussing-NAG. The new AA vehicle had a 37 mm 3,7 cm FlaK 36 L/98 anti-aircraft gun with a 98-caliber long barrel placed on a rotating carriage. The vehicle carried 120 shells, towed by a Sonderanhanger Sd.Ah. 57 trailer. The anti-aircraft gun traveled with spare barrels. The 10.4 ton setup supported a crew of 5 to calculate the gun's trajectory.

The anti-aircraft gun's effective rate of fire was 120 rounds per minute. The gun could fire at targets up to an altitude of 4,800 meters. In stowed position, the sides of the towing vehicle were raised, and in combat situations they were reclined to facilitate a circular range of fire. The vehicle could reach a speed of 50 kph and had a maximum range of 317 km.

The AA vehicle was produced by the companies Bussing-Nag, Daimler Benz, Böhmisch-Mährischen Maschinenfabrik, and Praga from 1941 to 1943. A total of 339 were built. During production, the gun was fitted with a shield to protect those performing the calculations from bullets and shrapnel. Shield construction varied.

At least 200 Sd.Kfz. 6/2 anti-aircraft guns entered the service of the Luftwaffe, and the rest joined the Wehrmacht's anti-aircraft divisions. An anti-aircraft division consisted of 9 AA vehicles. This vehicle was used in combat on all fronts.

Media

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.


Germany anti-aircraft vehicles
Wheeled  Sd.Kfz.222
Half-track  Sd.Kfz.251/21 · Sd.Kfz. 6/2
Flakpanzer IV  Wirbelwind · Ostwind · Ostwind II · Kugelblitz · Zerstörer 45
Other Flakpanzers  Flakpanzer I · Flakpanzer 38 · Flakpanzer 341
Wiesel AWC  Wiesel 1A4 · Ozelot
Radar SPAAG  Gepard · Gepard 1A2
Missile SPAA  FlaRakPz 1 · FlaRakRad