[Coming Soon] VT1-2 platoon: Turretless

VT1-2 Platoon (Rank VII)

Historical note

In the early 1970s, Germany embarked on a radical experiment to create a turretless tank, the Versuchsträger (VT), as a replacement for the Leopard 1. Two prototypes were constructed: the VT1-1 with a pair of 105-mm rifled guns and the VT1-2 with 120-mm smoothbore guns. The vehicles were based on components from the canceled KPz-70 project and had an unarmored hull. The tests showed some serious flaws: limited firing angles, problems with fire synchronization, and really limited space for the three-person crew.

Despite several NATO countries participating in the tests, the project was canceled in 1985 in favor of the traditional Leopard 2. The main reasons for the decision were tactical unsuitability for maneuverable combat and technical difficulties in implementation. The VT1 prototype is now in the Tank Museum in Munster.

VT1-2

The experimental VT1-2 tank will become one of the most unusual ground vehicles in the German lineup! In the game, it will be classified as a tank destroyer, although it was originally designed as a tank.

The VT1-2 has no turret, which significantly reduces its height. The front of the hull houses two 120-mm guns, identical to those on the Leopard 2 main battle tank series – excellent, accurate guns with stabilizers. The left gun has an automatic loader, which significantly improves the fire rate, but requires a long time to reload the first magazine when it runs out.

The ammo is also excellent: HEATFS is used for light targets, and there are two types of APFSDS for well armored tanks.

The guns have vertical aiming, but horizontal aiming must be done by moving the hull. The aiming point is located at a distance of about 1,500 meters. This means that in most cases only one gun can fire accurately at the target.

Since the vehicle in the game is replicated as it was during testing, it has no armor, and its hull is made of engineering steel capable of stopping only rifle bullets. However, its mobility is exceptionally good! The tank can reach 70 km/h, turns very quickly, and has a high reverse speed.

Low, fast, and dangerous, the VT1-2 will show its best in ambushes and urban battles, where there is a high chance of coming face to face with the enemy and firing two shells into their armor at once!

Now let's talk about the other vehicles in the new platoon!

Leopard I

The symbol of modern western tanks is the German Leopard 1. This lightly armored tank is distinguished by its high dynamics and turret rotation speed, and is armed with an excellent 105-mm L7 gun with APDS, HESH, and HEATFS.

DF105

The DF105 tank is built on the chassis of the famous Marder IFV and has a oscillating turret, which is unusual for German tanks. The vehicle's 105-mm gun has a very fast-firing due to its automatic loader. The DF105's high mobility will be especially useful for side attacks and aggressive play.

Marder A1

Another vehicle on the Marder base is a light tank with an automatic 20-mm cannon and MILAN anti-tank guided missiles. The vehicle is highly versatile – it can be used as a reconnaissance vehicle or a tank destroyer, and its rapid-fire cannon can also be used against aircraft!

*Platoon vehicle lineup, vehicle specifications and camouflages are still under development and may differ from those in this article.

The VT1-2 Platoon (Rank VII) will be available from the Big Trophy of the Tank Campaign or from an offer after the start of the Season.