When to shoot a landmine at a tank. High-explosive fragmentation projectile in the game World of Tanks. Main features of high-explosive fragmentation shells
Hello tankers! Today, I would like to talk about my favorite type of shells - high-explosive fragmentation shells. Let's figure out what it is this type shells in our favorite game and in reality.
I advise you to always carry 3-5 landmines with you, for cardboard equipment, or for a heavy tank that has taken a comfortable position and considers itself a monolith, so you will bring it to reason with landmines.
A little advice if you have quite large caliber, a tank, like the KV-2, or you just love high-explosive weapons - shoot under the bottom of the tank(unless, of course, you are 100% sure that you will not penetrate the enemy in the forehead). The bottom often has the thinnest armor, and since the projectile hits the ground, there will be no difficult miscalculations, and you will inflict quite decent damage on the enemy with a splash. Also, if your caliber is small and you don’t have enough penetration to even knock down a tank’s track, feel free to load a high-explosive shell.
And this is the conclusion, gentlemen: the land mine is cheap, simple, they don’t need to be “targeted” weak spots, plopped into the silhouette and rejoice. On YouTube, many water makers conduct explosive streams, as it is really fun. In general, friends, combine shells at the right time, relax after difficult battles on “bangs” like T49, KV-2 and other large-caliber vehicles, and you will be happy! Good luck on the battlefields!
This article will focus on the feasibility and balance value High-explosive fragmentation projectile V
Now in World of Tanks, the basic ammunition, which is automatically set when purchasing a tank, often contains a large number of landmines. On some tank destroyers, for example, their number can reach 80% of the total ammunition. At the same time, even beginners quickly understand that landmines on most tanks are simply useless.
In some official videos that can be viewed on the game’s website, you can hear recommendations to shoot high-explosive fragmentation weapons if you cannot penetrate the enemy with conventional armor-piercing ones. But such advice is only misleading: with land mines on a target that you cannot penetrate with armor-piercing ones, you will deal a measly 10-50 units of damage. Sometimes damage from land mines will not occur at all, since the enemy’s armor is too thick.
It’s worth saying here that the mechanics of landmines have changed several times in World of Tanks. A few years ago, land mines were truly formidable weapons, even on those tanks that now fire exclusively armor-piercing weapons. But this introduced a serious imbalance: even tanks of the fifth level could dismantle tanks of the eighth or ninth level in a head-on collision.
So the mechanics of the action are fragmentation- high explosive shells seriously reworked. The change in the formula for dealing damage is unlikely to be of interest to you, it’s only worth saying that now small-caliber landmines are absolutely useless against thick armor. Why don't the developers somehow fix the situation? Still, it cannot be called normal: players have access to ammunition that is completely unnecessary on most tanks. And the developers really recognize this situation as abnormal and are looking for solutions, but there is one very serious difficulty here.
The fact is that high-explosive fragmentation shells are the main ones for artillery, which, according to the developers, is now balanced almost perfectly. Therefore, any increase in the role of land mines (for example, a serious increase in the probability of causing critical damage) will lead to a loss of artillery and a significant imbalance. And neither the developers nor the players want this.
So on this moment High-explosive fragmentation shells are practically useless on most tanks. They are only needed when knocking down a grapple, but even in such cases it is safer to use “gold” shells (sub-caliber or cumulative). The only exceptions here are artillery and some vehicles with high-explosive shells, which fire mainly high-explosive fragmentation shells.
Land mines, or high-explosive fragmentation shells (HE), are one of the four types ammunition in World of Tanks, and probably the least common of them. Their use in battle is very specific, and many do not even know why land mines are needed at all. This article will discuss in detail everything that any self-respecting player should know about them.
General information about landmines
Prevalence in the game
The relative rarity of HE is due to the fact that they are, as a rule, an auxiliary type of projectile. However, a whole class of equipment uses high-explosive fragmentation shells - Art-SPG. And without taking into account artillery, tanks in which a high-explosive cannon is the main weapon can be counted on one hand: KV-2, SU-152, O-I, BT-7 artillery, FV215b (183) and FV 4005 can also be included here. Many other vehicles can also be equipped with high explosives, but these are often secondary weapons and are not considered seriously.
Characteristics of landmines
As an example, let’s imagine the F-600D high-explosive fragmentation projectile, which is fired by the B-1-P gun of the Soviet Art-SAU Object 261:
- Caliber - in general, not so much important characteristic;
- Armor penetration - with land mines it is always much less compared to cumulative, armor-piercing and sub-caliber shells for the same weapon. However, there are also so-called HESH land mines- they can be found in tanks such as Centurion 7/1, FV4202, FV215b (183) and FV 4005. These are armor-piercing land mines, their penetration is very slightly behind other types of shells.
- The damage is increased compared to that of other shells; for artillery it is generally huge and even allows you to destroy some level 10 tanks with one penetration.
- The radius of fragmentation, or splash, means the distance at which damage is caused by fragments after hitting a tank or any other surface. This is especially relevant again for artillery. A huge splash allows high-level Artillery SPGs to inflict enormous damage to vehicles, even just hitting the ground next to them, and even hit two or more vehicles at the same time.
Mechanics of landmines
It is the principle of operation of the HE that makes this type of ammunition quite specific and rarely used. Their main distinctive feature is that they can damage the tank without even penetrating it. However, the damage figures, as a rule, do not exceed half of those stated in the characteristics. These numbers depend on the ratio of the caliber of your gun and the thickness of the enemy tank's armor. If the armor is too thick, then the OFS may not cause any damage at all.
Once in a tank, a high-explosive fragmentation projectile with a high degree of probability can cause critical damage to some external module, and if it does penetrate, it will almost completely disable it indoor module or one of the crew members. In addition, OFS never ricochet, however, for them, as for cumulative shells, the screens and the air gap between the screen and the tank body are an additional obstacle, so it is almost impossible to penetrate shielded tanks with a landmine.
How to use land mines in battle
After reading what was written above, you can guess for yourself how to properly use landmines in World of Tanks. They need to be charged mainly in three situations:
- If you are playing against a tank with very weak armor- one of the branches belongs to these German tank destroyers(Nashorn, St. Emil, Rhm. Borsig WT and so on), French ST Lorr. 40t, the sides of the French tank destroyers Foch and AMX AC are also well penetrated by landmines, and many more are bad armored vehicles. Using high-explosive shells, you not only inflict increased damage, but also additionally disable enemy modules and crew members, thereby reducing their combat effectiveness.
- If you can't penetrate a tank with very thick armor. An example is an IS-7 tanking with a banana turret on the Himmelsdorf map. Firing landmines at such an enemy is more effective - you can slowly inflict damage on him, and as a bonus, also disable external modules - triplex and gun. In addition, such tactics are very annoying and have a psychological impact on your opponent.
- In case you need to finish off an enemy with a very small number of strength points(less than 100), and it is difficult to penetrate it with another type of projectile. By loading a landmine, you don't have to target the tank's weak points - just a simple hit is enough.
High explosive shells in real life
In the end, it is worth noting that the principle of operation of the OFS in real life significantly different from how they are presented in game World of Tanks. In real combat, landmines are mainly used to destroy enemy personnel, as well as unarmored and lightly armored vehicles such as infantry fighting vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles and infantry fighting vehicles, and to destroy fortifications. For example, during Soviet-Finnish war The KV-2 tank with the M-10T howitzer gun was used specifically to combat enemy bunkers and anti-tank barriers. A high-explosive shell is completely ineffective against well-armored vehicles, and, contrary to popular myth, the shock wave does not affect people or explosive equipment located inside the tank.
In addition, real OFS have two switchable modes: fragmentation, when the projectile instantly explodes upon contact with a hard surface, and high-explosive, when the explosion occurs with a delay to give the projectile the opportunity to first enter the interior of the tank or room, and only then explode.
Thus, high-explosive shells in World of Tanks have a very limited scope, but can greatly facilitate the game in certain situations.
High-explosive fragmentation shells are present in the game as both regular and premium ammunition. This is the main type for self-propelled guns and short-barreled large-caliber guns. They have the highest potential damage for their calibers and the lowest armor penetration. The peculiarity of HE shells is that in order to inflict the full damage stated in the technical characteristics, they must penetrate the main armor of the tank, whereas if they do not penetrate, the damage is inflicted taking into account the armor absorption coefficient.
HE shells have the concept of “splash” - a sphere of scattering fragments, the ability to cause damage linearly decreases along the length of the scattering radius and amounts to 50% of the base damage value at the center of the explosion, and 15% at the edge of the splash radius. Premium HE shells have an increased radius of fragmentation, HESH shells have increased armor penetration. The fragments ignore the overlap of tanks, thus a small tank, being behind big tank in relation to the point of explosion, will receive its “legal” vectors with fragments.
The same rule applies to ignoring destructible/non-destructible objects. A tank behind a wall can take damage from shrapnel if a shell explodes with reverse side walls.
High-explosive fragmentation shells do not have normalization and do not ricochet. To calculate penetration, the reduced armor thickness at the point of impact of the projectile is used.
Main features of high-explosive fragmentation shells
- The armor penetration of the projectile does not decrease with distance.
- When a land mine explodes on armor (when damage passes through the armor, but without the projectile penetrating into the space behind the armor), the damage is halved.
- A shock wave (a rupture in the armor or near the tank) cannot damage more than half of the crew members. For crews with an odd number of tankers, rounding in both directions is equally likely.
If the HE shell did not penetrate the armor of the tank or exploded next to it:
At the moment of the explosion of a high-explosive projectile, a sphere of scattering fragments is built. From the center of the sphere, vectors are constructed to all modules and armor groups of the tank. The server also determines the damage (the value chosen is ±25%, which is divided by 2). Subsequently, when calculating the damage caused by fragments, the resulting number participates in the mechanisms of attenuation with distance (the flight distance of fragments is taken into account) and damage absorption by armor (the thickness of the armor and the absorption coefficient from the installed lining are taken into account). After calculating the damage for each shell fragment, for all modules and armor groups, the maximum value is selected, and it is this damage that is inflicted on the tank hull.
Thus, the use of high-explosive shells is extremely effective against weakly armored targets.
Also, high-explosive shells from large-caliber guns can be used to cause damage to heavily armored tanks, the armor of which is difficult to penetrate with other types of shells.
Surely, any “tanker”’s heart skips a beat when the barrel of such an enemy’s gun is turned in his direction. And more than once a chill ran down my spine at the sound of a shot from it. After all, each such salvo could be the last.
In previous articles, we compiled ratings and... This time will be presented rating of armor-piercing tanks in World of Tanks, as well as self-propelled guns from levels 1 to 10. Using the most powerful weapons for each model. The criterion for selection will be only the maximum damage from a shot (Alpha). All other characteristics will not be taken into account.
1st level.
Vickers Medium Mk I
This colossus stands out among its fellows due to its huge dimensions and amazing slowness. Despite this, he is almost devoid of adequate armor. It can be punched almost anywhere, especially since it is very difficult to miss.
The best weapon— QF 6-pdr 8cwt Mk. II.
Shells - two types of armor-piercing and high-explosive fragmentation.
Maximum damage – 71-119 units.
Now and in the future, damage from high-explosive shells is indicated. Let this tank have only 29 mm penetration. Although at this level the MS-1 has the thickest armor – 18 mm.
2nd level.
T18
The safety margin of this tank destroyer is of course very small, but it has the best frontal armor. In addition, the machine is quite nimble.
The best weapon is the 75 mm Howitzer M1A1.
Projectiles - high-explosive and cumulative.
Maximum damage – 131-219 units.
This damage is enough to destroy a tank one level older, unless you shoot it head-on. HEAT shells have better penetration.
Sturmpanzer I Bison
Even though this self-propelled gun does not have a frightening appearance, it has a stern disposition.
The best weapon is also the only one.
Projectiles - regular and cumulative.
Maximum damage – 225-375 units.
The penetration of its cumulative projectile is 171-285 mm. With this indicator, even a level 5 tank will suffer, but they are really very expensive.
3rd level.
Cruiser MK II
The tank cannot boast of practically anything. The protection is weak, even on the frontal part, maneuverability and mobility are also zero, the gun takes a long time to bring down and does not hit accurately. He also has a very for a long time projectile flight. But it does the most damage.
The best gun is the 3.7-inch Howitzer.
Maximum damage – 278-463 units.
Cumulative ones penetrate armor better, but they take down less and he needs to buy them for gold.
Lorraine 39 Lam
The self-propelled gun takes a long time to reload the gun and takes a long time to close down, but the player’s patience will be rewarded. In addition, its shells are already flying overhead. The enemy will no longer be able to sit quietly behind cover.
The best weapon is level 5.
The projectiles are cumulative and high-explosive fragmentation.
The M37 and Wespe have the same damage.
4th level.
Hetzer
The tank destroyer moves quite quickly, although it has good armor. Successful angles of inclination cause projectiles to ricochet.
The best gun is the 10.5 cm StuH 42 L/28.
Maximum damage – 308-513 units.
Somua SAu-40 and T40 have the same damage.
Grille
German artillery No wonder it enjoys well-deserved popularity. It has the longest shot range at its level. Although of course the impression is spoiled by the horizontal aiming angles. Do not move the mouse at this moment and do not rush to shoot.
The best weapon is the standard one.
The projectiles are high-explosive and cumulative.
Maximum damage – 510-850 units.
For some reason, this self-propelled gun has the same damage from different shells, but the purpose of the shells is different.
Level 5.
KV-1
It rightfully takes first place at its level. The remarkable turret armor has made the tank a favorite of many gamers.
The best gun is the 122 mm U-11.
Shells – Only high-explosive and cumulative shells are suitable for this weapon.
Maximum damage – 338-563 units.
When hit by this cannon, light tanks will shatter into pieces the first time.
The SU-85 has the same damage.
M41
Arta boasts excellent horizontal aiming angles and a large maximum speed(56 km/h). True, it takes her a long time to type it. Very good time recharge.
The best weapon is the 155 mm Gun M1918M1.
Shells – two types of high-explosive fragmentation shells (gold ones have better penetration and a greater dispersion of fragments).
The Hummel and AMX 13 F3 AM have the same damage.
Level 6.
KV-2
The tank became a little bigger than him younger brother, and the accuracy of the gun began to limp. It is recommended to fight in urban environments, as there will be an opportunity to hide the tank after firing for reloading.
The best gun is the 152 mm M-10.
Shells - high-explosive, armor-piercing and cumulative.
S-51
This self-propelled gun is jokingly called “Pinocchio”. Unlike its counterpart SU-14, which has the same damage, the S-51 has greater mobility. Therefore, she can quickly change position in battle.
The best gun is the 203 mm B-4.
The shells are high explosive.
Maximum damage – 1388-2313 units.
Level 7.
SU-152
As in the case of the KV-2, when choosing high-explosive shells, the gun sags in accuracy. For this reason, the tank will have to go to meet the enemy. And it’s best to come from the stern - that’s when the damage will happen!
The best gun is the 152 mm ML-20.
Shells - armor-piercing, cumulative and high-explosive fragmentation.
Maximum damage – 683-1138 units.
GW Tiger
Since this self-propelled gun big time reloading the gun and almost no mobility, then it would be right not to be distracted by small equipment. It is necessary to hunt first of all for the “fat” ones. heavy tanks. And if one shell doesn’t penetrate, another one will arrive.
The best weapon is the standard one.
The shells are high-explosive and armor-piercing.
Maximum damage – 1500-2500 units.
Level 8.
ISU-152
This Soviet tank destroyer may no longer use shells purchased for gold. Ordinary ammunition will penetrate any enemy without them. The tolerable accuracy of the gun will allow the tank not to get close and support the brothers with fire from a longer distance.
The shells are high-explosive and armor-piercing.
Maximum damage – 713-1188 units.
T92
Self-propelled guns are disliked for several reasons. Let's start with the fact that by the time it recharges, the battle will end. In addition, its vertical aiming angles do not have negative values. It must be said that the damage and radius of scattering of fragments is, of course, the largest, but fragments can catch allies (11 meters).
The best weapon is the standard one.
Shells - regular and premium high-explosive fragmentation.
Maximum damage – 1688-2813 units.
Level 9.
T30
It has a very solid turret, but the hull armor is a bit let down, so it’s not really worth the risk. Although you can go closer to the battle site. By the way, the turret turns perfectly, although the gun takes a long time to reload. It's more pleasant to play when you have in your arsenal armor-piercing shells.
The best gun is the 152 mm BL-10.
Shells - armor-piercing, sub-caliber and high-explosive.
Maximum damage – 713-1188 units.
Level 10.
FV215b(183)
This English monster is a tank destroyer. When using special land mines, armor penetration increases to 206-344 mm of armor. But it has poor accuracy and reloads very slowly. By appearance the car looks like a “slipper” - the turret is located at the rear. It is recommended not to ride alone, but to take someone with you as a distraction. The armor on the sides of the tank destroyer is only 50 mm.
The best weapon is the standard one.
Shells - regular and premium.
The maximum damage from a HESH landmine is 1313-2188 units.
Now, top 10 most armor-piercing tanks in World of Tanks, compiled, but based on changes in the balance from patch to patch, some tanks may lose their positions or more worthy competitors will appear.