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[Altank]

 

 

 

"Knowledge is power."
Altank's Reviews: Chapter XIII, The Kanonenjagdpanzer.

 

Index:

1. -History.

2. -In-game overview.

3. -Development and upgrades.

4. -How to get the best out of it (Role) and How to deal with one (Countermeasures).

5. -References.

6. -Special thanks.

 

 

Patch 1.22 version; last update: 06/08/15.

 

 

 

1. -History:

When the M47 Patton medium tank became obsolete, its 90mm T54 was still a powerful gun; it was therefore decided to design a casemate turretless tank destroyer for the Bundeswehr, capable of accommodating the gun and heavily based on the very successful Jagdpanzer IV, designed during World War II.

The first prototypes of the Kanonenjagdpanzer were built in 1960 by Hanomag and Henschel for West Germany and by MOWAG for Switzerland. Hanomag and Henschel continued to produce prototypes, until between 1966 and 1967, 770 were built for the Bundeswehr, 385 by Hanomag and 385 by Henschel. Eighty of them were delivered to Belgium from April 1975 onward.

When the Soviets began deploying their T-64 and T-72 main battle tanks, the 90mm gun was mo longer capable of ensuring long-range combat; thus, the Kanonenjagdpanzer became obsolete. Although the producers claimed it could be easily rearmed with a 105mm gun, between 1983 and 1985, 163 of these tank destroyers were converted into Raketenjagdpanzer Jaguar 2 anti-tank guided missile carriers by removing the gun, adding a roof-mounted TOW missile launcher and fastening further spaced and perforated armour on the hull. Some others were refitted into artillery observation vehicles by removing the main gun, so called Beobachtungspanzer, which served most particularly in the mortar units.

The Kanonenjagdpanzer was, nevertheless, considered a successful design, mainly due to its low profile and superior mobility. As such, some units remained into service with the Heimatschutztruppe until 1990.

 

 

 

2. -In-game overview:

The Kanonenjagdpanzer is a low-mid-tier German tank destroyer, featuring a price of 2700 silver coins (this purchase option is unlocked once reaching rank 14, Sergeant Major) or of 200 gold coins (this purchase option is unlocked once reaching rank 10, Sergeant).

Following in its line the Spähpanzer SP I.C. light tank, starting at level 24 and reaching level 25, the Kanonenjagdpanzer, despite not being one of the most common units on the battlefield, is, nevertheless, also one of the most versatile and powerful ones at its tier, thanks to its amazing mobility, low silhouette and adequate gun.

 

 

 

3. -Development and upgrades:

 

 

Kanonenjagdpanzer's starting stats:
Health: 286.0
Armor: 33.0
Damage: 114.0
Speed: 47.0
Reloading speed: 1.9
Gun traverse speed: 20.0
Damage per minute: 3600.0

 

Fully upgraded Kanonenjagdpanzer's stats:

Health: 286.0 
Armor: 53.7
Damage: 114.0
Speed: 63.2
Reloading speed: 1.6
Gun traverse speed: 20.0
Damage per minute: 4275

 

3.1 -Hull:

• Hull upgrades: two-tier hull upgrade available.

The Kanonenjagdpanzer features a two-tier hull upgrade; both of them are required in order to acquire most of the other upgrades and don't change the tank's appearance; as of patch 1.22.

 

3.2 -Health:

• Health pool upgrades: no upgrades available.

The Kanonenjagdpanzer doesn't feature any health upgrade and the base health pool is below average for its tier: always plan your engagements carefully.

 

3.3 -Armour and active protection system:

• Passive armor upgrades: one-tier upgrade available.
• Reactive armor upgrades: no upgrades available.
• Spaced armor upgrades: no upgrades available.
• Active protection system upgrades: no upgrades available.

The amount of passive armor protecting the Kanonenjagdpanzer is low: its survivability was based on its mobility and its low profile; its hull consisted of welded steel, which had a maximum thickness of only 50 mm

There are eight smoke grenade launchers located on the engine deck. The crewmembers are protected by a collective NBC protection system and an automatic fire suppression system.

It doesn't come, therefore, as a surprise that the Kanonenjagdpanzer isn't known for its armor, and the only single-tier upgrade of passive armor, though still worth taking, doesn't change the situation by much. Also, like any other unit at this tier, the Kanonenjagdpanzer, lacking of any kind of active protection system, is very vulnerable to ATGMs, which are widespread and constitute a serious threat in low-mid-tier battles: remember to fully upgrade smoke grenade dischargers to counter it.

3.4 -Main gun and ammo:

• Main armament upgrades: no upgrades available.

The main armament was the Bundeswehr M47 Patton's Rheinmetall BK 90/L40 90mm gun, a licence-built version of the American 90mm T54 gun, capable of firing HVAP APCR-T projectiles at a muzzle velocity of 1143 meters per second.

Since the Kanonenjagdpanzer followed the casemate design of most World War II tank destroyers, the gun was fixed within the casemate, located a little right from the center. The 90 mm gun could only traverse 15° to the sides and elevate from −8° to +15°. It carried 51 90 mm rounds for the main gun and 4000 7.62 mm rounds for the two MG3s. 

The fire control system was provided with infrared optics, allowing for night-fighting ability.

The Kanonenjagdpanzer doesn't feature any upgrade of the main armament; nevertheless, its base damage is more than adequate at its tier, thus granting, together with the gun's great reloading speed, this tank destroyer a good DPM.

It's also worth mentioning, however, that the gun is very keen to getting damaged and isn't very accurate, especially when using HEAT rounds to maximize the damage output; always plan your engagements carefully and close the distance before starting shooting: you have to make every shot count.

The different types of ammo available for the main gun are:

• Armor Piercing (AP): one-tier ammo upgrade available;
• Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot (APDS):one-tier ammo upgrade available;
• High Explosive Anti Tank (HEAT): one-tier ammo upgrade available;
• High Explosive (HE): one-tier ammo upgrade available.

 

3.5 -Engine:

• Engine upgrades: four-tier upgrade available.

The Kanonenjagdpanzer is powered by a water-cooled 2,94l MTU MB 837 Aa V8 multi-fuel diesel-engine, which provides 500 hp; as a result, considering the vehicle's weight of 27.5 tons, this tank destroyer features a good power-to-weight ratio and an extremely high top speed. Operational range is 385km.

A four-tier upgrade of the engine makes the Kanonenjagdpanzer extremely agile and capable of reaching an exceptional maximum speed, which is definitely needed to quickly get away from the heat of the battle after a successful engagement: make the best use of it. 

 

3.6 -Reloading system:

• Reloading system upgrades: two-tier upgrade available.

The Kanonenjagdpanzer features a two-tier upgrade of the reloading system, achieving a very high reloading speed, which, combined with the good damage dealt by its main gun, grants this tank destroyer a high DPM.

3.7 -Turret rotation system:

• Turret rotation system upgrades: no upgrades available.

Being a casemate-style tank destroyer, the Kanonenjagdpanzer lacks of a turret, the main armament being fixed within the casemate. Gun traverse speed is 20 degrees per second.

3.8 -Additional upgrades:

• Radio upgrades: one-tier upgrade available
• Radar upgrades: two-tier upgrade available
• Smoke grenade dischargers upgrades: three-tier upgrade available.
• Infrared optics upgrades: one-tier upgrade available.
• Thermal optics upgrades: no upgrades available.
• Fording kit upgrades: no upgrades available.
• Floating kit upgrades: no upgrades available.

 

 

 

4. -How to get the best out of it (Role) and How to deal with one (Countermeasures):

Now that we have analyzed the characteristics of the Kanonenjagdpanzer, it's time to sum up:

~Pros:

-Exceptionally low silhouette.

-Amazing power-to-weight ratio: this tank is extremely agile as well as featuring a great acceleration.

-Exceptional maximum speed.

-Very high reloading speed, which, combined with the good damage dealt by the main gun, grants the Kanonenjagdpanzer an excellent DPM.

~Cons:

-Complete lack of spaced and reactive armor.

-Complete lack of active protection system.

-Main armament is fixed within the casemate, with limited gun traverse.

-Main gun isn't very accurate and is keen to getting damaged quite often.

 

 

4.1 -Role:

The Kanonenjagdpanzer, as already said, isn't one of the most common units to find on the battlefield; however, this tank destroyer still remains, nevertheless, one of the most effective and powerful units at its tier: if used properly, it is perfectly capable of dominating the battlefield and turning the tide of a battle with relative ease, if you avoid higher-tier rooms, of course. Getting one is highly recommended, as it also proves to be an excellent moneymaker.

First and foremost, you must make the best use of the Kanonenjagdpanzer's two major strong points: its excellent mobility and speed, and its exceptional DPM. As your main armament isn't very accurate, at all, very similarly to the high-tier S.Korean MBT K2 Black Panther, use this tank destroyer as a fast and extremely effective interceptor or ambusher. Never engage enemies at long-range, instead, wait for them, use your high speed and agility to close the distance, and only engage them at mid-to-close-range, though the closer, the better. Take your opponents by surprise and use your DPM to rip them to shreds, before they even notice it: you can't afford to waste any shot nor can you afford to take any.

After a successful engagement, immediately get away from the heat of the battle by using your high speed and, eventually, your smoke grenade dischargers: considering how this tank destroyer can only be successful when engaging enemies at close-range, its high speed and low profile, it's unlikely you'll have to use them to avoid being hit by ATGMs; though be always careful: ATGMs are widespread and constitute a serious threat in low-mid-tier battles.

After relocating, look for new opponents to engage and repeat the process.

 

4.2 -How to deal with one:

Dealing with a Kanonenjagdpanzer isn't that tricky, though, as for any other unit, never underestimate it: if an experienced player can make good use of its strong points, it will prove to be a fearsome opponent.

Take full advantage of its major downsides; first and foremost, its main armament's poor accuracy: always keep your distance and make sure to always engage one at mid-long range. Many of its shots will miss and, subsequently, its main strong point, its potential DPM, will suffer heavily from it. The Kanonenjagdpanzer's gun also gets damaged very easily, take advantage of it: the result will be the same.

Though very vulnerable to ATGMs, be wary that the Kanonejagdpanzer isn't an easy target to shot at, let alone to keep track of at long range: its low profile, high speed and maneuvrability won't make it easy, at all. Because of this reason, and because of the Kanonenjagdpanzer's light armor, beside HEAT rounds, of course, it's highly advised to use HE rounds: even when missing the target, if landed near enough, a HE round will still deal a fair amount of damage.

 

 

Here I end my review of the Kanonenjagdpanzer, the last of German casemate-style tank destroyers, the sexiest TDs ever built. 
I apologize in advance if something written is wrong and I hope you enjoyed it. If you liked it, another one will shortly follow! Tell me what you think about it in the comments and any advice you may suggest is welcome.
If you want to help, contact me via PM.
Take care on the battlefield, fellows!

Copying/Using any part of this review anywhere else is strictly forbidden, unless my proper authorisation is given.

 

 

 

5. -References:

Www.tanks-encyclopedia.com

 

 

 

6. -Special thanks to:

The Reviews Team.
And last but not least all of you that read this review!

[Iluvtanks]

Amazing job, I love the hard work and effort you're putting into these reviews, and they've profoundly improved since you first began. Thank you so much for not only these reviews but all you do for this community altank.

[Iluvtanks]

By the way, nice member title "Of lessons"

[Davis11]

Fantabulous Job!

[Unknown 4249]

Excellent job, and I highly recommend this tank. Its very fun to use and doesn't require as much skill as you would think to use it right.

[Tankiller96]

That tank is my money maker as a K2 user I find this tank to be excellent when used right aka in CQC also it's worth mentioning its best to keep moving with the Kano shoot at the enemy then zip past them and snap around this will either cause the enemy to miss a shot or panic and go into reverse in which simply stop and start shooting again.

[randy12345]

I hate it >_> spent 2700 on it and found out why it isn't used. It's upgrades are a little too expensive for that tank. Type 90 costed more and its upgrades where cheaper and worth it. This just bad, not my type. Also, M-60s eat this like a cake, and upgrades are 3 times cheaper

[m1 tanker]

I hate it >_> spent 2700 on it and found out why it isn't used. It's upgrades are a little too expensive for that tank. Type 90 costed more and its upgrades where cheaper and worth it. This just bad, not my type. Also, M-60s eat this like a cake, and upgrades are 3 times cheaper

Yeah, that is the only problem with it. But otherwise the that it is really good.

[Unknown 4249]

I hate it >_> spent 2700 on it and found out why it isn't used. It's upgrades are a little too expensive for that tank. Type 90 costed more and its upgrades where cheaper and worth it. This just bad, not my type. Also, M-60s eat this like a cake, and upgrades are 3 times cheaper

Well the m60 would be a tier 10 if the kanonen was a tier 1 in a match. There is a max level difference of 10 between them. The tank is usually only good as a mid to high tier tho.

[pyrrhus]

Many people think this tank sucks.. it can suck , but not if the driver knows how to use it's speed/agility . When i use it, i wreck pattons,AMX13s,sheridans, and every other tank from lvl 0-28 . I use this tank mostly in deathmatches as it gets me quick easy money. It can be one shotted in the sides by a well upgraded M60 and sometimes sheridans, but if you flank either of those tanks ,or any tank around it's level ,you can just call that tank toast. Don't bring it to lvl 25-35 level matches though or you'll get wrecked(most likely).. Keep it between lvls 18 and 28 if you can.. Well that's it from me.


Also,Nice review! I've been waiting for a new one ^.^

[Sharks06]

The kanoenjdpanzer is a very fun tank to use I we a pro at it in 17a since I didn't have Abrams back then and I still use it these days, it's a hidden diamond since only a few use it

[Sharks06]

I hate it >_> spent 2700 on it and found out why it isn't used. It's upgrades are a little too expensive for that tank. Type 90 costed more and its upgrades where cheaper and worth it. This just bad, not my type. Also, M-60s eat this like a cake, and upgrades are 3 times cheaper

a kanoenjdpanzer player who's skilled would know how to take down a M-60

[randy12345]

a kanoenjdpanzer player who's skilled would know how to take down a M-60

No way Kanon can scape M-60 ATMs

[randy12345]

Many people think this tank sucks.. it can suck , but not if the driver knows how to use it's speed/agility . When i use it, i wreck pattons,AMX13s,sheridans, and every other tank from lvl 0-28 . I use this tank mostly in deathmatches as it gets me quick easy money. It can be one shotted in the sides by a well upgraded M60 and sometimes sheridans, but if you flank either of those tanks ,or any tank around it's level ,you can just call that tank toast. Don't bring it to lvl 25-35 level matches though or you'll get wrecked(most likely).. Keep it between lvls 18 and 28 if you can.. Well that's it from me.


Also,Nice review! I've been waiting for a new one ^.^

Sheridan 1 shot it on sides, and yes, maxed ones. Pantton can be killed by any tank, the problem is the freeking cannon who is too OP. M-60 Cant be 1 shotted on no level unless is is been shot by a ATM or M109 shell. This is just a raketpanzer but with a cannon, nothig changes, prefear the other one than this, the other one has better reputation than this

[PufPuf]

Altank, thanks for this excellent review. Good job.

[Unknown 4249]

Again the M-60 is 10 levels higher, that fact that it can one shot isn't abnormal. Plus, it has excellent smoke screens so it could easily avoid a ATM.

[randy12345]

Again the M-60 is 10 levels higher, that fact that it can one shot isn't abnormal. Plus, it has excellent smoke screens so it could easily avoid a ATM.

depends on its level....... .

[Tankiller96]

Kano is good and bad at the same time it's sort of at that level where it's either derping or uh being derped sort of like the MBT-70(which worth noting I faced a whole room of MBT-70's in my Kano and went 70 and 15 on my second game.)

[randy12345]

Nice

[Tankiller96]

Yea in the right hands and in a CQC fight it will usually win I even won the first game just not as flawlessly that was against mainly M60's and AMX-13's(yea as in maxed ones we know how rare that is these days lol) I won 70 and 32