In Development: ZSU-23-4 Shilka

[Haswell 294]

https://aw.my.games/en/news/general/development-zsu-23-4-shilka

Quote

The first reward vehicle that you’ll be able to obtain in the Echoes of War Battle Path campaign will be none other than one of the symbols of the Soviet military, the legendary ZSU-23-4 Shilka.

 

 

Click the image to open a larger version

 

 

Click the image to open a larger version

In Armored Warfare, the Shilka will be a Tier 4 Premium Armored Fighting Vehicle. Once again, just by taking one look at it, it is not difficult to determine this AFV’s main feature – it is not long-range accuracy or heavy armor, but its sheer, uncompromising volume of fire.

But before we get into any details, the usual disclaimer:

The numbers below are very preliminary as the vehicle has not been properly tested. They are sure to change and should only be discussed as an indicator of how we’d like to set the vehicle up. With that being said:

In order to imagine how the Shilka will perform in the game, you can start with the XM247 that sits one Tier higher.

 

Click the image to open a larger version

 

The Shilka will have very light armor only (protecting it against machinegun fire) and average mobility due to the fact that its 21 tons will be propelled forward by a diesel engine producing just 280hp. Its maximum speed will therefore be limited (50 km/h), as will its agility and acceleration. As you can also see from its size, its camouflage levels won’t be great either. This will not be an agile, stealthy, fast scout.

However, these downsides are more than compensated by its weapons and viewrange. Let’s talk about the firepower first.

The Shilka is armed with four 23mm guns with the combined rate of fire of 3400 rounds per minute. This is achieved by using overheat mechanics similar to those utilized by the M48 GAU-8 Tier 10 TD. Simply put, the guns do not utilize magazines, but instead heat up when being fired. If you fire them too much, they overheat and need several seconds to cool down. Much like in real life, the weapon system will offer excellent elevation (+85 degrees) but only mediocre gun depression.

There will be three types of rounds available:

• Basic AP (100mm of penetration, 18 damage)
• APDS (150mm of penetration, 15 damage), available via additional progression
• PELE (70mm of penetration, 20 damage with non-penetration PELE damage mechanics), available via additional progression

Additionally, all these rounds will also deal reduced damage upon non-penetration automatically, much like those of the M48 GAU-8. This will not allow the vehicle to destroy MBTs from frontal angles, but anything lighter is pretty much fair game.

 

Click the image to open a larger version

 

The already excellent viewrange for its Tier (440m) will be possible to improve even further by activating the Radar ability, which will trade some of your (already low) camouflage for extra spotting abilities.

In summation, the Shilka will be the undisputed king of damage output on lower Tiers, balancing its firepower by its low survivability. This will make the vehicle highly suitable for PvE but, at the same time, any PvP mode will require careful gameplay and staying behind your team’s MBTs.

This isn't a York at tier 4, this is a reskinned GAU at tier 4. Unless it overheats significantly faster and cooldown slower than the GAU, there's no way in hell this won't be as broken as the York, if not even more broken.

 

Crosspost: https://armoredlabs.net/index.php?/topic/4289-echoes-of-war-december-battle-bath-speculation-info-thread/

 

[Azdule 27]

Non pen Pele, unlock later, is gonna be powerful.  That's like the VBL pele so will be strong..

[LeoAegisMaximus 6]

will its potential in PVE be limited by the tier of enemies it can face? 

[dfnce 28]

Tier 4 and below per PvE are poorly balanced and half-dead. Adding new vehicle here is poor use of resources and effort, considering how fast first tiers can be completed, like few hours. Even if accept any absurd from AW "balance team", where fantasy world PELE Shilka can be more powerful than York, VBL and Kasted combined, such approach won't help. 

[JintoLin 9]

Oh look another over powered russian vehicle. I am Jack's complete lack of surprise.

 

[Pesa_ 3]

the only problem with this, its the tier. t4 are useless

[Quantum_Ranger 14]

+85 degrees elevation - could be good against aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs.  If only we had viable GLOPS at T4... 

QR

[knutliott 41]

9 hours ago, LeoAegisMaximus said:

will its potential in PVE be limited by the tier of enemies it can face? 

I doubt it.  150mm pen AP will pen anything up to Tier 6 except an MBT through the front, and that's the highest tier it will face.

70mm PELE will pen just about anything from the side or rear, and will at least do damage to an MBT through the front, so that'll be your go-to ammunition.  Maybe carry a few AP just in case, but my guess is you'll eventually switch to full-PELE loads.

50 kph and bad maneuverability will prevent it from completely ruining games... unless everyone else is too timid.  The only way to beat one of these in PvE is going to be to out-run it and kill enemies before it can catch up.