In War Thunder, there are five main types of ammo: Armor-Piercing (AP), Armor-Piercing High Explosive (APHE), High Explosive (HE), High Explosive Fragmentation (HE-Frag), and Armor-Piercing Composite Rigid (APCR). Each type of ammo has its own characteristics and is effective against different types of targets.
Armor-Piercing (AP) Rounds
Armor-Piercing (AP) rounds are designed to penetrate armor without necessarily causing significant damage. In War Thunder, these rounds are effective against lightly armored vehicles and structures. They are known for their high velocity and ability to maintain their trajectory over long distances. While AP rounds may struggle against heavily armored targets, they can be effective when aiming for weak spots or critical components of the enemy vehicle.
High-Explosive (HE) Rounds
High-Explosive (HE) rounds are specifically designed to cause damage through the explosion they create upon impact. In War Thunder, these rounds are ideal for dealing with lightly armored vehicles, unarmored targets, and infantry. HE rounds have a large splash radius and can be effective in destroying multiple targets within close proximity. However, they are less effective against heavily armored vehicles due to their limited armor-penetrating capabilities.
Armor-Piercing Composite Rigid (APCR) Rounds
Armor-Piercing Composite Rigid (APCR) rounds combine a hard core material, like tungsten or steel, with a softer outer shell. This design allows for increased armor penetration capabilities compared to standard AP rounds. In War Thunder, APCR rounds are effective against heavily armored targets, as they can pierce through thicker armor. However, they may struggle to cause significant damage after penetrating the armor due to their smaller caliber and reduced mass.
High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) Rounds
High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) rounds are designed to penetrate armor through the use of a shaped explosive charge. In War Thunder, HEAT rounds are effective against armored targets, as the shaped charge concentrates the explosive force to a small area upon impact, allowing it to penetrate even thick armor. However, the effectiveness of HEAT rounds can be reduced by spaced armor or explosive reactive armor systems commonly used in modern warfare.
Sabot Rounds
Sabot rounds are designed to achieve superior armor penetration capabilities by using a sub-caliber penetrator encased in a lightweight outer shell called a sabot. When fired, the sabot falls away, allowing the penetrator to continue its trajectory towards the target. In War Thunder, sabot rounds are highly effective against heavily armored targets, as they can penetrate even the thickest armor. However, sabot rounds may have lower post-penetration damage due to their smaller caliber and reduced mass compared to other round types.
Conclusion
In War Thunder, the choice of ammunition type plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of a player's attacks against various targets on the battlefield. Understanding the characteristics and applications of different ammunition types, such as AP, HE, APCR, HEAT, and sabot rounds, is essential for maximizing the potential damage output and armor penetration capabilities of your vehicles. By selecting the appropriate ammunition type based on the target's armor thickness, composition, and vulnerabilities, players can gain a strategic advantage and increase their chances of achieving victory in battle.