OVERVIEW | ARMOR | MOBILITY | FIREPOWER | HOW TO PLAY | EQUIPMENT | CREW
Commanders!
The latest season of Ranked Battles has just ended, but exclusive items are still available for bonds. A brand-new British heavy tank is one of the most recent additions to the roster of vehicles that can be acquired for bonds after reaching the Second Division. Let's take a closer look at
VIII
Charlemagne
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Overview
In 1958, the British School of Tank Technology (STT) set out to develop a new medium tank with a high crossing capacity, a 120 mm low velocity gun, and a narrow silhouette. Its frontal hull and turret armor were meant to be strong enough to withstand the latest Soviet heavy tanks, while the overall weight wasn't to exceed 30 tons.
The designers tried to meet this challenge with new armor layouts inspired by their Soviet counterparts but with a distinct Britishness. The armor development was a success, but compromises had to be made in terms of the weight, which exceeded the initial goal by 50%. The result is a unique heavy tank with a strong pike nose, a perfectly stabilized gun, and excellent gun depression angles.
Armor
Compared to more extensively armored traditional heavy tanks, the Charlemagne seems lightweight, weighing in at around 45 tons. But a raw amount of steel is not the only thing that counts when it comes to protection. As every well-versed tank commander knows, it's all about the angles.
Designed with a steep pike nose and well-rounded turret sides, this British brawler can bounce lower-tier shells with ease and can even deflect shots from same-tier opponents when angled just right. Of course, the Charlemagne is not without its weak spots, so stick with other heavy tanks to avoid getting rushed.
Mobility
Low weight with a strong engine usually means a solid power-to-weight ratio. And while the Charlemagne ranks among the best Tier VIII heavy tanks in this matter, and can quickly reach its top speed, 35 km/h is nothing to brag about. Faster vehicles with high DPM will try to outmaneuver you, so you'd better have some allies at your side when defending or going on a hunt. The Charlemagne can keep up with other heavy tanks but will often arrive late to a medium tank party.
Firepower
The Charlemagne sports a 120 mm low velocity gun, a name that tells you everything about this armament. A hefty 440 alpha damage and 220 mm penetration will leave a mark on your enemies once a shell finds its target. With one of the lowest shell velocities of all Tier VIII tanks, this heavy will have to get up close and personal to hit reliably. Luckily, an excellent gun depression and solid gun handling will allow you to take advantage of the terrain to hide your weak spots.
How to Play the Charlemagne
Crew Skills
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| Driver | |
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| Loader | |
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Repair is crucial as a first skill if you want to remain in the game for longer. You don't want to be caught with your tracks down, especially when getting into a brawl. The additional skills, especially Brothers in Arms, improve your gun and the general performance in battle.
