Anti-aircraft Guns of WWII Online

Introduction

As with anything in war, when a new problem presents itself a new solution must be found.  Such was the case when aircraft turned from being harmless civilian recreational vehicles into powerful war machines raining death from above.  As time went on planes became more powerful, flying higher and faster, and carry bigger payloads every year.  Something needed to be done to stop them from harassing units at the front and civilians at home.  Thus the anti-aircraft gun was born.

During their development anti-aircraft guns were made in all shapes and sizes to cope with different roles.  Large caliber guns were produced to reach high up to blot bombers out of the sky, while lower caliber but fast-firing medium gun were made to swat away tactical bombers and fighters.  In WWII Online, the anti-aircraft weapons modeled thus far fall into the later category, able to reach enemy aircraft up to 2000m away.

Side-by-side Comparison

Definitions

Summary

Anti-aircraft guns find themselves with dual responsibility in the game.  First is to shoot down enemy aircraft so they can't hurt ground troops, and the second is to defend forward bases.  In terms of shooting down aircraft nothing can beat the Bofors with it's ample ammunition, continuous fire, and one-hit-kill potential.  The only lacking features are it's size, slow speed, and low magnification sighting mechanism.  When defending a forward base from dual attacks (ground and air) the CA mle 38 is probably the best because of it's bigger ammunition and incredible optics.  The CA mle 38 can snipe infantry from at least 500m and larger targets from much further.  It's only lack is that it has no armor piercing ammunition to kill tanks, which is one of the few things the FlaK30 has over it's competition - although it's punching power is usually negated anyway by heavy armor.  The FlaK30 also has a much better short-range situational awareness for it's gunner who is looking through a reflector sight instead of a tube like on the CA mle 38.  This allows the gunner to be more aware of targets, at the cost of not being able to see the distances of the CA mle 38.

Conclusion

Which is the best anti-aircraft gun?  In my opinion dual-purpose is best, and so I'd have to say the CA mle 38.  It can shoot down most enemy aircraft with a few hits, and it can defend a forward base from all but the most fierce of attacks.  The Bofors is a good second choice because of it's sheer punching power, and the FlaK30 isn't too bad either.  Mostly it comes down to a matter of personal preference and play-style.

Sources

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