Difference between revisions of "Ystervark"

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(Ammo racks: Added image, notes and filled the table)
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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=uk_ystervark_spaa
 
|code=uk_ystervark_spaa
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
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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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British SPAA {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British SPAA {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].
 +
 +
The Ystervark, much like its namesake (a 'Cape Porcupine' for those curious), can be a very prickly foe for an enemy team to deal with. With its tiny and nimble frame, accurate and fast firing 20 mm cannon. It can pull any unwary aircraft crashing down from the sky within its reach, provided the player is attentive and clever with their positioning.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 12: Line 14:
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
''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 type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
+
As is the case with most truck or flatbed-based SPAA vehicles, the entire crew is not protected by any meaningful armour or cover. The commander and gunner sit freely outside unprotected and the driver at most is protected by thin armour and bulletproof glass. The bulletproof glass may in extreme cases or angles stop rifle calibre fire and even the odd 20 mm round keeping the driver safe but the thin armour that comprises the cabin renders any potential the glass holds practically null and void.
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
+
 
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
+
The survivability of this vehicle lies in its compact size and speed, the Ystervark will endure at the hands of a shrewd and map-savvy player. The vehicle can hole up in smaller spaces or bury itself comfortably in thickets and bush. It can find itself nestled amongst burning wrecks or even climb into some building ruins. it also presents a small and hard to hit target when rushing away at its top speed to elude danger.
 +
 
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Structural steel (chassis)
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (cabin, truckbed, hood)
 +
* Bulletproof glass (windshield)
 +
* Wheel (tires)
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Chassis || 2-5 mm (12-82°) ''Grille & Bumpers'' || 4 mm ''Top'' <br> 4 mm (60°) ''Bottom'' <br> 5 mm ''Chassis'' || 4 mm (19°)
 +
!
 
|-
 
|-
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Drivers cabin || 4 mm (12°) ''Cabin'' <br> 60 mm (12°) ''Windshield'' || 4 mm (0-7°) ''Cabin'' <br> 60 mm (0-7°) ''Windshield''
|-
+
!
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
+
| 2 mm (2°)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
  
'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
+
* Wheels are 10 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick.
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
+
* Vents and mudguards are 2 mm thick.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''
 
  
{{tankMobility}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=176|rbMinHp=110}}
 +
 
 +
With a top speed of 89 Km/h, the Ystervark is a very fast vehicle. Compared to most other vehicles its weight of merely 6 metric tonnes renders it incredibly agile, able to clamber readily up steep slopes and turn tight corners without the loss of much speed. However this comes with one downside in the form of the reverse speed; the Ystervark has a reverse speed of only -13 Km/h meaning that getting into a position is easy, but not always as easy to escape it when things turn south if accelerating forward is not an option.
 +
 
 +
The suspension on the Ystervark is superb, maintaining a very stable base on the vehicle when performing manoeuvres such as turns on hills or crossing uneven solid terrain. The 20 mm gun is very much operable when driving at speed owing to the performance of this suspension even while stock.
 +
 
 +
As with all wheeled vehicles, beware such terrain types as: Snow, muddy ground and deeper sand. The Ystervark suffers greatly when it is bogged in these terrain types and loses its one greatest asset: its agility.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 49: Line 64:
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|GAI C01 (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|GAI C01 (20 mm)}}
 
''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.''
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 600 (75) || rowspan="2" | 996 || rowspan="2" | -7°/+83° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 600 (75) || rowspan="2" | 996 || rowspan="2" | -7°/+83° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 39.6 || 54.8 || 66.6 || 73.6 || 78.4 || rowspan="2" | 9.10 || rowspan="2" | 8.05 || rowspan="2" | 7.42 || rowspan="2" | 7.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 26.8 || 31.5 || 38.3 || 42.3 || 45.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
 +
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
 +
* '''M594:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}
 +
* '''M601:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
  
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}
+
{{:GAI C01 (20 mm)/Ammunition|HVAP-T, HEFI-T}}
* '''M594:''' {{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}
 
* '''M601:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}
 
 
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
! colspan="7" | Penetration statistics
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
 
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
|-
 
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
|-
 
| Default || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
 
|-
 
| M594 || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
 
|-
 
| M601 || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
Line 102: Line 100:
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
|-
 
|-
| '''8''' <br> '''600''' || ''Magazines'' <br> ''Rounds'' || 7&nbsp;''(+1)'' <br> 525&nbsp;''(+75)'' || 6&nbsp;''(+2)'' <br> 450&nbsp;''(+150)'' || 5&nbsp;''(+3)'' <br> 375&nbsp;''(+225)'' || 4&nbsp;''(+4)'' <br> 300&nbsp;''(+300)''  
+
| '''8''' <br> '''600''' || ''Magazines'' <br> ''Rounds'' || 7&nbsp;''(+1)'' <br> 525&nbsp;''(+75)'' || 6&nbsp;''(+2)'' <br> 450&nbsp;''(+150)'' || 5&nbsp;''(+3)'' <br> 375&nbsp;''(+225)'' || 4&nbsp;''(+4)'' <br> 300&nbsp;''(+300)''
 
|-
 
|-
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
Line 121: Line 119:
 
== 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
The Ystervark can be an exceptional ambush predator in the right hands. Whether your prey of choice is the flanks of unsuspecting tanks or aircraft buzzing overhead.
 +
 
 +
Staying low and unseen with a patient mindset when driving the Ystervark can be greatly rewarding to the player, with a 75 round fast firing belt of 20 mm ammunition the player can use their small size to lurk where aircraft will complacently fly low and not traditionally avoid (Like the opposing team's spawn where most SPAA prefer to seat themselves.). With this in mind the gun has the speed and accuracy to seize on opportunities created by the stealthy approach, often snapshot bursts are enough to bring an aircraft down with enough practise.
 +
 
 +
The same tactics can be employed on vehicles, however bare in mind the 57mm maximum penetration of the HVAP-T shells is the best the vehicle can get, further modifications from stock only change the belt composition. While this is sufficient for most medium tanks and light tanks the Ystervark will encounter at a BR of 4.3 in ground realistic there will be the appearance of many heavy tanks at this bracket such as the M6A1 at 5.0 or in a full up tier the Tiger H1 at 5.3. Neither of which the 20 mm HVAP-T can penetrate from the side.
 +
 
 +
When engaging aircraft such as strike fighters, it is advisable to employ a conserving attitude with trigger time. 75 rounds is sufficient but the fast firing rate of the 20 mm GAI C01 cannon can burn through that entire belt in just under five seconds (around 4.8 seconds during testing). With a 7 second reload from an untrained crew this can be enough time for a focused fighter to turn back and strafe the vehicle when it is completely defenceless if close enough, which owing to the non-existent nature of significant protection on the Ystervark will most of the time end in the vehicles demise.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 128: Line 132:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* Fast 900+ rounds/min firerate allows it easily score hits with a burst on an aircraft's flight path
+
* Fast rate of fire allows it easily score hits with a burst on an aircraft's flight path
 
* Small profile makes it very easy to conceal itself
 
* Small profile makes it very easy to conceal itself
 
* High top speed of 90 km/h means great agility
 
* High top speed of 90 km/h means great agility
* Lack of armour means conventional cannons will struggle to one-shot it if poorly aimed
+
* Lack of armour means conventional cannons will struggle to knock it out with a single shot if poorly aimed
* 75-round belt allows it to confidentally engage targets without worrying too much about reloading
+
* 75-round belt allows it to confidently engage targets without worrying too much about reloading
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
Line 145: Line 149:
 
== History ==
 
== 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: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
Up until the early 1980s, the SADF anti-air regiments were reliant on towed equipment. However, as the military doctrine shifted towards mobile warfare, the need for a self-propelled anti-air gun unit became clear. As a result, South African engineers began working on a respective design, which had to be rugged enough to withstand the harsh South African terrain and threat of landmines, yet light enough to ensure a high level of mobility.
 +
 
 +
Building on the basis of a previous mine-resistant vehicle project, the engineers came up with a light SPAAG design, built on top of the Bulldog APC chassis between 1983 and 1984. Entering service almost immediately, the Ystervark was used to accompany South African mechanized battalions and to protect strategic assets, such as air bases in the southwest African region. Ystervarks were first employed operationally during Operation Thunder Chariot in 1984 - a division -scale exercise in South Africa during which the Ystervarks were first tested.
 +
 
 +
However, the Ystervarks didn't have to wait long for their first combat deployment. Taking part in several operations in the ongoing South African Border War from 1986, Ystervarks were used to great success as deterrents to low-flying Angolan attack aircraft and helicopters, even downing several Angolan MiGs in 1986 and 1987.  After the conclusion of the Border War in 1989, the Ystervark was gradually being phased out of service in 1991 and replaced by the SAMIL 100 Kwêvoël mine-protected SPAAG armoured truck called the Bosvark. Officially, the Ystervark was withdrawn from active service in 1997 after more than 70 units were produced.
 +
 
 +
''- From [[wt:en/news/7390-development-ystervark-the-little-truck-that-could-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_ystervark_spaa Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 164: Line 177:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [[wt:en/news/7390-development-ystervark-the-little-truck-that-could-en|[Devblog] Ystervark:The Little Truck That Could]]
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{Britain anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 
{{Britain anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]
 
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

Revision as of 23:12, 21 January 2023

Rank 6 USA
F-5C Pack
uk_ystervark_spaa.png
GarageImage Ystervark.jpg
ArtImage Ystervark.png
Ystervark
AB RB SB
4.3 4.0 4.0
Class:
Research:18 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:47 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Ystervark is a rank III British SPAA with a battle rating of 4.3 (AB) and 4.0 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update "Ground Breaking".

The Ystervark, much like its namesake (a 'Cape Porcupine' for those curious), can be a very prickly foe for an enemy team to deal with. With its tiny and nimble frame, accurate and fast firing 20 mm cannon. It can pull any unwary aircraft crashing down from the sky within its reach, provided the player is attentive and clever with their positioning.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull4 / 4 / 4
Turret0 / 0 / 0
Crew3 people
Visibility107 %

As is the case with most truck or flatbed-based SPAA vehicles, the entire crew is not protected by any meaningful armour or cover. The commander and gunner sit freely outside unprotected and the driver at most is protected by thin armour and bulletproof glass. The bulletproof glass may in extreme cases or angles stop rifle calibre fire and even the odd 20 mm round keeping the driver safe but the thin armour that comprises the cabin renders any potential the glass holds practically null and void.

The survivability of this vehicle lies in its compact size and speed, the Ystervark will endure at the hands of a shrewd and map-savvy player. The vehicle can hole up in smaller spaces or bury itself comfortably in thickets and bush. It can find itself nestled amongst burning wrecks or even climb into some building ruins. it also presents a small and hard to hit target when rushing away at its top speed to elude danger.

Armour type:

  • Structural steel (chassis)
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (cabin, truckbed, hood)
  • Bulletproof glass (windshield)
  • Wheel (tires)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Chassis 2-5 mm (12-82°) Grille & Bumpers 4 mm Top
4 mm (60°) Bottom
5 mm Chassis
4 mm (19°)
Drivers cabin 4 mm (12°) Cabin
60 mm (12°) Windshield
4 mm (0-7°) Cabin
60 mm (0-7°) Windshield
2 mm (2°)

Notes:

  • Wheels are 10 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick.
  • Vents and mudguards are 2 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB98 / 15 km/h
RB and SB90 / 13 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight6.0 t
Engine power
AB237 hp
RB and SB124 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB39.5 hp/t
RB and SB20.7 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 98 15 6 176 237 29.33 39.5
Realistic 90 13 110 124 18.33 20.67

With a top speed of 89 Km/h, the Ystervark is a very fast vehicle. Compared to most other vehicles its weight of merely 6 metric tonnes renders it incredibly agile, able to clamber readily up steep slopes and turn tight corners without the loss of much speed. However this comes with one downside in the form of the reverse speed; the Ystervark has a reverse speed of only -13 Km/h meaning that getting into a position is easy, but not always as easy to escape it when things turn south if accelerating forward is not an option.

The suspension on the Ystervark is superb, maintaining a very stable base on the vehicle when performing manoeuvres such as turns on hills or crossing uneven solid terrain. The 20 mm gun is very much operable when driving at speed owing to the performance of this suspension even while stock.

As with all wheeled vehicles, beware such terrain types as: Snow, muddy ground and deeper sand. The Ystervark suffers greatly when it is bogged in these terrain types and loses its one greatest asset: its agility.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 265 → 1 640 Sl icon.png
RB1 022 → 1 325 Sl icon.png
SB1 492 → 1 935 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications19 810 Rp icon.png
32 500 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost980 Ge icon.png
Crew training13 000 Sl icon.png
Experts47 000 Sl icon.png
Aces330 Ge icon.png
Research Aces280 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
70 / 90 / 140 % Sl icon.png
136 / 136 / 136 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new wheels.png
Tires
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new car suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 800 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 400 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 400 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement uk.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 800 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_Oerlikon_HE_ammo_pack
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_Oerlikon_AP_ammo_pack
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 800 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 400 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

20 mm GAI C01 cannon
Ammunition600 rounds
Belt capacity75 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
9.1 → 7.0 s
Fire rate997 shots/min
Vertical guidance-7° / 83°
Main article: GAI C01 (20 mm)
20 mm GAI C01 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 600 (75) 996 -7°/+83° ±180° N/A 39.6 54.8 66.6 73.6 78.4 9.10 8.05 7.42 7.00
Realistic 26.8 31.5 38.3 42.3 45.0

Ammunition

  • Default: HVAP-T · HEFI-T
  • M594: HEFI-T · HEFI-T · HVAP-T
  • M601: HVAP-T · HVAP-T · HEFI-T

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HVAP-T 57 52 37 24 15 10
HEFI-T 6 6 4 3 2 2
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HVAP-T 1,100 0.11 - - - 66° 70° 72°
HEFI-T 1,054 0.12 0.1 0.1 27.2 - - -

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Ystervark
Full
ammo
Ammo
type
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
8
600
Magazines
Rounds
(+1)
525 (+75)
(+2)
450 (+150)
(+3)
375 (+225)
(+4)
300 (+300)
5th
rack empty
6th
rack empty
7th
rack empty
8th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
(+5)
225 (+375)
(+6)
150 (+450)
(+7)
75 (+525)
(+8)
(+600)
No

Note:

  • Ammunition is divided into 8 magazines of 75 rounds.

Usage in battles

The Ystervark can be an exceptional ambush predator in the right hands. Whether your prey of choice is the flanks of unsuspecting tanks or aircraft buzzing overhead.

Staying low and unseen with a patient mindset when driving the Ystervark can be greatly rewarding to the player, with a 75 round fast firing belt of 20 mm ammunition the player can use their small size to lurk where aircraft will complacently fly low and not traditionally avoid (Like the opposing team's spawn where most SPAA prefer to seat themselves.). With this in mind the gun has the speed and accuracy to seize on opportunities created by the stealthy approach, often snapshot bursts are enough to bring an aircraft down with enough practise.

The same tactics can be employed on vehicles, however bare in mind the 57mm maximum penetration of the HVAP-T shells is the best the vehicle can get, further modifications from stock only change the belt composition. While this is sufficient for most medium tanks and light tanks the Ystervark will encounter at a BR of 4.3 in ground realistic there will be the appearance of many heavy tanks at this bracket such as the M6A1 at 5.0 or in a full up tier the Tiger H1 at 5.3. Neither of which the 20 mm HVAP-T can penetrate from the side.

When engaging aircraft such as strike fighters, it is advisable to employ a conserving attitude with trigger time. 75 rounds is sufficient but the fast firing rate of the 20 mm GAI C01 cannon can burn through that entire belt in just under five seconds (around 4.8 seconds during testing). With a 7 second reload from an untrained crew this can be enough time for a focused fighter to turn back and strafe the vehicle when it is completely defenceless if close enough, which owing to the non-existent nature of significant protection on the Ystervark will most of the time end in the vehicles demise.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Fast rate of fire allows it easily score hits with a burst on an aircraft's flight path
  • Small profile makes it very easy to conceal itself
  • High top speed of 90 km/h means great agility
  • Lack of armour means conventional cannons will struggle to knock it out with a single shot if poorly aimed
  • 75-round belt allows it to confidently engage targets without worrying too much about reloading

Cons:

  • The driving compartment can obstruct the autocannon's gun depression which might be sometimes fatal
  • No armour protection, making it highly vulnerable to MG bullets, shrapnel, and even ramming from tanks and aircraft
  • Is wheeled, meaning its mobility will be significantly worsened on bad road conditions
  • Reverse speed of -13 km/h can be inadequate, especially when comparing to its counterpart R3 T20
  • Gunsight is position far above the gun, which can be awkward to aim in simulator
  • Complex appearance can make it hard to place bushes, decorators, and decals

History

Up until the early 1980s, the SADF anti-air regiments were reliant on towed equipment. However, as the military doctrine shifted towards mobile warfare, the need for a self-propelled anti-air gun unit became clear. As a result, South African engineers began working on a respective design, which had to be rugged enough to withstand the harsh South African terrain and threat of landmines, yet light enough to ensure a high level of mobility.

Building on the basis of a previous mine-resistant vehicle project, the engineers came up with a light SPAAG design, built on top of the Bulldog APC chassis between 1983 and 1984. Entering service almost immediately, the Ystervark was used to accompany South African mechanized battalions and to protect strategic assets, such as air bases in the southwest African region. Ystervarks were first employed operationally during Operation Thunder Chariot in 1984 - a division -scale exercise in South Africa during which the Ystervarks were first tested.

However, the Ystervarks didn't have to wait long for their first combat deployment. Taking part in several operations in the ongoing South African Border War from 1986, Ystervarks were used to great success as deterrents to low-flying Angolan attack aircraft and helicopters, even downing several Angolan MiGs in 1986 and 1987. After the conclusion of the Border War in 1989, the Ystervark was gradually being phased out of service in 1991 and replaced by the SAMIL 100 Kwêvoël mine-protected SPAAG armoured truck called the Bosvark. Officially, the Ystervark was withdrawn from active service in 1997 after more than 70 units were produced.

- From Devblog

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


Britain anti-aircraft vehicles
Crusader AA  Crusader AA Mk I · Crusader AA Mk II
Wheeled  Staghound AA · AEC AA
Radar SPAAG  Chieftain Marksman
Missile SPAA  Stormer HVM
Other  Light AA Mk I · Falcon
Canada  Skink
South Africa  Ystervark · Bosvark · ZA-35