Anti-tank Guns of WWII Online

Introduction

With the introduction of tanks in World War I came the need for weapons to stop them.  Up to the early 1930's this was primarily the job of medium artillery pieces such as the French 1897 75mm.  However, as tanks became more prevalent, the need for a lighter infantry weapon spurned the creation of many examples of these small artillery pieces.  Unfortunately for the crews that used them, most anti-tank weapons were developed as a response to heavier tanks instead of in conjunction with them, so they were generally one step behind.  Such was the case of the German 37mm PaK gun that couldn't penetrate the armor of even some medium French tanks.  Ammunition technology advanced right alongside anti-tank gun development since most was inter-changeable with the main guns of most modern tanks.  The Germans developed tungsten-core armor piercing rounds (AP40) that gave their smaller guns a bigger bite.  They also used high-explosive filler in most of their armor-piercing rounds to cause more damage, and for use against softer targets.  The French and British stayed with solid shot (no HE filler) armor-piercing rounds with impressive penetration values for 1940.

All sides had large caliber anti-aircraft guns and artillery pieces, but it was the Germans that pioneered their use against tanks during the Spanish Civil War turning their 88mm FlaK guns against medium Russian T-26 tanks.  The FlaK18, FlaK36, and FlaK43 guns went on to become some of the most feared weapons of the war, being used in both high-altitude anti-aircraft and long-range anti-tank roles, and even as artillery pieces in some cases.

Side-by-side Comparison

Definitions

Summary

Playing with anti-tank guns (ATG's) in this game is hard if you don't know what you're doing or just starting out.  They're slower than tanks and infantry, very exposed, and unarmored.  On the other hand, they're usually smaller in stature than tanks and infantry (aside from the Flak36) and make very good ambush weapons because of this.  The ATG's in WWII Online come for two play-styles:  "Wait 'till their close!", and "Shoot them from a mile away".  In terms of keeping a low profile and killing your enemy within the 1000m range, the SA mle 37 is king.  Everything under 750m and the QF 2lb is the gun of choice due to it's small size and 360° traverse. The SA mle 34 and PaK36 bring up the rear with their limited traverse, low caliber, and low punching power.  The SA mle 34 is still good enough to take out most German tanks under 500m, and with Ap40 ammo the PaK36 can be devastating within a 500m radius as well.  For stand-off long range engagements nothing comes close to the FlaK36 88mm with it's range-finding ability and impressive 2000m hitting power.  If you can find a place with a clear line of sight and have local protection from enemy infantry, the 88mm can dominate any tanks in the area.

Conclusion

So which is the best?  Due to the terrain of World War II Online, and due to the fact that most engagements are within 500m or less, I think the QF 2lb takes the prize pretty easily as all-around best anti-tank gun.  It's penetration power is good enough for all enemy tanks at that range, even the Panzer III Ausf. H, and it's 360° traverse allow it to stay on targets well after it's competition would have to re-deploy.  The other ATG's are adequate for the most part, but their limitations either in hitting power, low ammunition, or exposure keep them from being as good.

Sources

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