#SPAA
The PGZ09 is a representation of the blisteringly rapid modernization of Chinese anti-air equipment in War Thunder. Placed at one of the highest BRs of any gun-based SPAA, players used to the antiquated but powerful WZ305 with devastating proxy shells will be taken completely by surprise by the frankly overkill amount of new technology introduced on the PGZ09. This ranges from brand new AHEAD shrapnel shells and hydraulic suspension to a cutting edge radar system with NCTR identification, something typically seen on top-tier jets and surface-to-air missile systems.
The SIDAM 25 Mistral was an attempt by Otobreda to improve upon the SIDAM 25 by adding two Mistral surface-to-air missile pods to the platform, with the goal of increasing the maximum range of engagement against air targets. Despite this effective solution to a crippling problem, the new SIDAM 25 Mistral was not adopted by any military, not even the Italian Army, which was the main and only user of the SIDAM 25. In War Thunder, the SIDAM 25 Mistral finally becomes a capable SPAA, with the ability to hit targets several kilometers away, while still retaining its four powerful 25 mm Oerlikon KBA cannons to deal with foes who get too close.
The SIDAM 25 (Sistema Italiano Difesa Aerea Mobile 25) was an Italian SPAA produced by Otobreda and operated by the Italian Army. It entered into service in 1987 and kept serving with the Italian armed forces until the early 2000s. This vehicle was based on the M113 chassis with a new turret and gun system. The SIDAM 25 was armed with four 25 mm Oerlikon KBA cannons and a modern optronic system. In War Thunder, the SIDAM 25 is an anti-aircraft system capable of obliterating low-flying aircrafts thanks to the firepower of its four cannons. Sadly, it struggles against air targets beyond 2 km, and it is equipped with limited anti-tank capabilities.
The SPYDER AIO is an Israeli air defense system manufactured by Rafael. Unlike other anti-air units such as the IRIS-T SLM and CLAWS which utilize separate radar and missile-launching vehicles, the SPYDER AIO integrates a radar and launcher on a single 8×8 truck. Its sole armaments are the Python 5 and I-DERBY-SR missiles, which can be used to combat all types of aircraft. While it does have less offensive capability than other air defense systems due to its somewhat short-ranged missiles, the SPYDER AIO is an excellent addition to Israel’s toptier ranks and a worthy successor to the antiquated Drakon.
The M247 is a SPAAG in the US tech tree at Rank VI and is arguably one of the best anti-air vehicles within its BR range. With devastating firepower and good electronics, it is the nightmare of all CAS pilots. However, this power comes at the cost of poor mobility, protection, and armour penetration, which makes it particularly vulnerable to enemy ground forces.
The XM246, regarded as “The American Gepard” thanks to its twin 35mm Oerlikon KDA autocannons, boasts a rather unconventional turret design on top of the M48 Patton III hull, similar to other U.S. vehicles like the M4/T26, M60A2, and the 120S. For players looking for a switch from the M163 and the rather unreliable tracking radar, the XM246 presents a fresh introduction to anti-air radar combat, introducing the search radar along with the tracking radar. While the XM246 lacks armor for the turret and has important components that can be disabled by enemy fire, it shouldn’t be underestimated easily, thanks to its lethal fire rate against both air and ground targets.
The ZSU-57-2 “Sparka” is a Soviet SPAAG (Self Propelled Anti Aircraft Gun). It featured 2 57mm clip-fed autocannons and no radar or IRST. It was manned by a crew of 6 (Driver, gunner, 2 loaders, commander and sight adjuster). It entered service in 1955 and is still in service with some nations (and armed insurgencies) in its original form today, the most notable users being Egypt, Cuba and Hezbollah. Over 2,000 were built in the USSR alone, with more built in North Korea and as a modified variant, the Type 80, in China.
The ZSU-37 (not to be confused with the ZSU-37-2) is a SPAAG built by the USSR that was based on the chassis of the SU-76M in late 1943–44 but never saw service due to its late introduction. The 37-millimeter gun can fire clips of either high-penetrating AP-T/HVAP-T anti-armor belts, or a very powerful HEFI-T* anti-aircraft belt. With this vehicle, the main issue is not downing planes in one shot but hitting planes in the first place.
