Commanders!
Those of you who have been around since before Update 9.18 will remember the days when the
VI
VK 28.01
ruled the battlefield. A sturdy light tank that could be equipped with a powerful howitzer. However, with the arrival of new high-tier light tanks, the German Tech Tree had to be adjusted, and the VK 28.01 lost its outlier armament.
Overview
In 1943, the Krupp AG received the order to develop a new multipurpose vehicle to replace the Panzer IV. The VK 28.01 project envisioned a vehicle that should not exceed 28 tons, with modified Pz. IV turret, good armor, and a strong engine. However, development and production took too long and were subsequently halted before a prototype could be built.
As the name suggests, the VK 28.01 mit 10,5 cm L/28 is the same as the standard VK 28.01 in the Tech Tree, just with a different cannon. But, of course, more often than not, it is the cannon that makes the tank, which holds especially true for the improved VK 28.01 mit 10,5 cm L/28. The light tank keeps its mobility and sturdy structure but receives additional firepower.
Armor
The VK 28.01 mit 10,5 cm L/28 is rather boxy and large for a light tank, making it difficult to hide. If you can, try to squeeze the bigger profile behind cover, as the sloped 50 mm frontal armor will only bounce smaller calibers when correctly angled. Your best defense is its great power-to-weight ratio. Go on the offensive and ram into lightly armored enemies, or just dive out of harm's way.
Mobility
Speed is one of the VK 28.01 mit 10,5 cm L/28’s most significant assets, aside from its gun. Use the top speed of 64 km/h to race towards your opponents, fire a shot, then make a quick exit to reload. Be aware that the engine has a tendency to catch fire, so it's best to have an Extinguisher at hand.
With great speed also comes the possibility to play as an active scout. While its camouflage values aren't the best, the 380 m view range can easily be improved with Coated Optics to gather vital intel for your team.
Firepower
There is a good reason why the VK 28.01 mit 10,5 cm L/28 was one of the most popular vehicles among light tank players back in the day. The howitzer with 350 alpha damage could leave a lasting impression in enemy minds. However, it was never a guarantee, due to the rather terrible gun handling. This has not changed over the years. While this new Tier VI light tank has one of the highest DPM values of all light tanks and one of the most potent punches, it's near the bottom in terms of dispersion and penetration.
Equipment
| Recommended Setup | ||
|---|---|---|
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| Improved Ventilation | Gun Rammer | Vertical Stabilizer |
A setup to maximize your damage potential and improve gun handling.
| Alternative Setup | ||
|---|---|---|
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| Coated Optics | Improved Ventilation | Vertical Stabilizer |
If you don’t have too much faith in your gun, use the second option to improve your spotting capabilities.
Crew Skills
| Commander |  |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Gunner | |
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| Driver | |
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| Radio Operator | |
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| Loader | |
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Repair is a crucial first skill to keep you on the move. The additional abilities aim to improve the gun and general battle performance. Brothers in Arms in particular will give a helpful boost to multiple values. Teaching your crew the Concealment skill is also a solid choice, especially if you prefer to play as a scout.
