
In War Thunder, the German and US trees already have SPAAGs on a half-tracked chassis. They combine the positive characteristics of a wheeled truck and a tracked tank chassis. Meet the ZiS-43 – a Soviet anti-air gun mounted on a half-tracked armoured vehicle.
In battles on the Eastern Front, aircraft were primarily used to directly support troops, and assault planes and front-line bombers made hundreds and thousands of flights. To cover columns of armoured vehicles and infantry from these assaults, anti-aircraft weapons and ammunition were mounted on trucks or armoured vehicles. It is worth noting that throughout World War II, many experiments were done with half-tracked armoured vehicles. They surpassed ordinary wheeled vehicles in carrying capacity and cross-country ability while being much cheaper and lighter than full-tracked tanks. Based on these considerations, even in the interwar period, Germany equipped itself with a line of half-tracked vehicles which were used as a basis for the most varied SPAAGs: from quadruple ‘twenties’ to the infamous ‘eighty-eights’. Let’s not forget the American half-tracked armoured vehicles too, used as a basis for the production of SPAAGs.
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The Soviet Union had less luck in this regard, although the requirement of vehicles with higher cross-country ability was high. Production began on the relatively successful half-tracked ZiS-42M truck only in 1942. It was used in the most varied roles: a fire-fighting vehicle, an artillery tractor and a cross-country truck. The ZiS-42 base was also used to create experimental SPGs and SPAAGs. In November 1942, Zavod imeni Stalina (abbreviated ZiS) prepared an experimental ZiS-43 SPAAG on a half-tracked chassis. It was based on the ZiS-42M, which received an armored cabin and a 37 mm automatic 61-K with an armor screen. In November-December 1942, the ZiS-43 underwent testing, but was never put into series production. The prototype remained the sole ZiS-43 to be built.
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In the game, the ZiS-43 is sure to delight players with its weaponry. The 61-K 37 mm automatic anti-aircraft cannon with 360 degree rotation not only effectively shoots down aircraft, but also punches through lightly armoured vehicles with ease – there’s a reason the 61-K was used as an anti-tank weapon at the beginning of the war. Its high rate of fire and good vertical aiming angles make it a very convenient gun to shoot. The weapon was installed in such a way that the driver’s cabin did not prevent it from firing forwards.
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In comparison with early SPAAGs based on ordinary trucks, it had increased defenses. The cabin is protected by 10mm armour plates set at an angle, and the weapon itself is covered by a 15 mm screen. The crew received protection from rifle-calibre bullets, so tanks can’t easily take out the ZiS-43 with frontal 7 mm machine guns. It will also be far harder for aircraft to knock out the ZiS-43.
Very soon, the ZiS-43 will appear in the game and compete with the Sd.Kfz. 6/2 and ZSU-37!
The War Thunder Team!
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Comments (115)
Can you guys stop with the weary loud music? I don't think anyone is interested in the WOW EPIC WOMB WOMB WOMB!!! and more interested how the vehicle and gun sounds. Specially when the video is like 12sec long makes it even more pointless.
+1
probably because it's still not finished and they haven't added the sounds to it, afterall it is rare for them to not have the engine and gun sounds in devblog articles
Interesting vehicle. As usual outstanding modeling work. Can't wait to blow them up ;)
Gever
will the Brits be getting anything in this update ? Ive got my fingers crossed for the whirlwind
Check our website everyday, maybe we will have something for you!
All answers (1)Stona_WT, What is the gun depression of this SPAAG?
I hope they will add it im waiting for it like you :p
where are ze ammo racks ??
I certainly can't see them anywhere. Let's hope it's unfinished model?
tizianenel, Well, it was an unfinished model IRL, so they probably never got as far as making proper provisions for ammo storage. I think Gaijin will put put the ammo in a cabinet with 150mm armour.
I think there's already quite a few SPAAGs in the game with Hollywood-style ammoracks, unfortunately
low tier zsu 57
Lower tier ZSU-37* xD
when will we see the update 1.65 sneek peek ??
Soon™
All answers (3)Stona_WT, How long is "Soon".
Another single 37? So basically useless as an AA. Just for killing light tanks. Gotcha.
Or you can try and aim, instead of spray and pray :D 1 shell reap aircraft's wing.
Stona_WT, if you require to aim might as well use a 88mm flag gun. btw any chance for flak shells in the game?
Ungratefull bastard, this will be awesome!