The  VIII Caliban  was a project of the Royal Military College developed in 1962. The vehicle certainly was not visually appealing, but it was supposed to feature excellent movement characteristics, reliable frontal armor, and a powerful gun. The project turned out to be too complicated and expensive. Also, its numerous innovations did not guarantee any advantages over the vehicles in production and development. Work was discontinued at the drafting stage, and no prototypes were built.

What is the vehicle like in World of Tanks? Let's take a closer look!

Page last updated: 15 March 2022

The parameters displayed are valid for the vehicle with each crew member trained to 100% major qualification level. Some vehicle characteristics can be further improved with the Commander's bonus to major qualification level, crew perks, and skills, as well as special in-game items.
Main Characteristics
Firepower
Survivability
Mobility
Caliban
VIII
Average Damage
850/600
 HP
Average Penetration
180/292
 mm
Hit Points
1,500
 HP
Top Speed / Reverse Speed
33/12
 km/h
Commander(Gunner)
Driver
Loader(Radio Operator)
Firepower
Average Damage
850/600
 HP
Ammunition
25
 shells
Average Penetration
180/292
 mm
Dispersion at 100 m
0.58
 m
Gun Depression / Elevation Angles
−10/12
 deg
Clip Capacity
2
 pcs
Time for loading between shots
3.75
 秒
Aiming Time
4.1
 s
Time for autoreloading one shell
40/25
 s
Ammunition Type
Ammunition Speed
HE
354
 m/s
AP
500
 m/s
Survivability
Concealment of moving vehicle
3.42/0.51
%
Hit Points
1,500
 HP
Concealment of stationary vehicle
6.78/1.02
%
Hull armor
130/35/35
 mm
Signal range
750
 m
Turret Armor
250/80/50
 mm
View range
370
 m
Turret traverse speed
23
 deg/s
Mobility
Engine Power
750
 h.p.
Specific power
18.4
 h.p./t
Traverse speed
30
 deg/s
Top Speed / Reverse Speed
33/12
 km/h
   

Vehicle Overview

At first glance, the Caliban may seem like it maxed out its firepower stats but neglected everything else. But it does have rather good defensive features.

Autoreloader

This vehicle can load 2 HE bullets with a single-shot damage of 850 HP, it boasts overwhelming instant firepower. Reloading the next ammunition just takes 3.75 seconds with a penetration force of 180 mm.

Although single-shot damage can be as low as 600 HP, the penetration can reach up to 292 mm. Due to the 5 ° of normalization for AP rounds and the large caliber of  152.4mm, AP rounds have the best penetration with a force of 292mm in comparison with HE.

But in exchange for the awesome firepower, the dispersion, movement dispersion, loading time, aiming time, and shell velocity are extremely poor.

Defence

It's got a turret armor of 255 mm or more and an upper hull of 250 mm or more. This vehicle can deflect many attacks unless hit by high-penetration rounds from tank destroyers or AP rounds. In addition, the Caliban can play an active role with hull-down strategies where only the turret is exposed thanks to its wide gun depression angle of -10 ° .

Weak Points

The commander's cupola at the top of the turret, the bottom of the vehicle's hull, and the sides of the vehicle have thin armor. Side scraping is possible against light and medium tanks. But beware of heavy tanks and tank destroyers that can easily penetrate the Caliban.

Gameplay Tips

It is best to operate this vehicle with support from your team. Or use from a decent distance - keeping in mind its poor shell dispersion and aiming time. The Caliban can perform well at the forefront to break through enemy lines and deal some damage. 

Maps with ridges are advantageous with the Caliban's turret armor and -10 ° gun depression angle.

Do keep note that the single-shot loading time is very long. Although it is tempting to release its devastating firepower in 2 quick shots, it is usually best to take it one shot at a time.

Strengths:

  • Overwhelming single-shot damage with normal HE rounds.
  • Great penetration values on AP rounds.
  • Equipped with autoreloading system where 2 shots can be fired in quick succession.
  • Excellent turret armor
  • Wide gun depression angle

Weaknesses:

  • Poor dispersion values.
  • Dispersion while moving is very large.
  • Aiming time is very long.
  • Slow shell velocity.

 

Recommended Setup

Standard Equipment



Hover the mouse cursor over each image for detailed information

For frontline positioning, this setup is to make hitting targets easier. The main goal is to improve aiming performance.

This set of equipment are also effective if the Caliban is positioned as a support role.

Slot Category: Survivability

When you install an equipment of matching type in this slot, the equipment's performance will be boosted.

Slot Category: Mobility

When you install an equipment of matching type in this slot, the equipment's performance will be boosted.

Slot Category: Firepower

When you install an equipment of matching type in this slot, the equipment's performance will be boosted.

Slot Category: Scouting

When you install an equipment of matching type in this slot, the equipment's performance will be boosted.

Improved Ventilator

+5% / +6% to all crew skills.


Gun Rammer

-10% / -11.5% to loading time.


※The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Enhanced Gun Laying Drive

+10% / -11.5% to aiming speed.


※The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Vertical Stabalizer

-20% / -23% to dispersion during vehicle movement and traversal.


※The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Improved Aiming

-5% / -7% to the aiming circle size.


※The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Improved Rotation Mechanism

-10% / -12.5% to dispersion during vehicle movement and traversal, as well as during turret rotation.

+10% / +12.5% to hull and turret traverse speed.


※The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Spall Liner

+50% / +60% to HE-shell and ramming damage.

+50% / +60% to to protection of crew from injuries.

-10% / -15% to stun duration.

-20% / -25% to additional stun duration.


※The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Improved Hardening

Fully restores suspension hit points after repairs.

+8% / +10% to vehicle hit points.

+50% / +65% to suspension durability.

-50% / -65% to hull damage caused by suspension damage during impact.

+15% / +20% to suspension repair speed.


※The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Modified Configuration

Prevents one fuel tank fire, ammo rack explosion, or engine destruction in one battle.

+100% / +150% to ammo rack, fuel tank, and engine durability

-50% / -65% to the damaged ammo rack penalty and damaged engine penalty.

・エンジンの火災発生率:-50% / -65% to the chance of engine fire.

・修理速度:+25% / +35% to repair speed.


※The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Additional Grousers

+15% / +20% to hull traverse speed.

+10% / +15% to maintaining speed.

※The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Turbocharger

+7.5% / +10% to engine power.

+4km/h / +5km/h to top forward speed.

+2km/h / +3km/h to reverse speed.


※The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Binocular Telescope

・=+25% / +27.5% to


※The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Coated Optics

+10% / +11.5% to view range of a stationary vehicle


※The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Camouflage Net

・Reduces the detection chance of a stationary vehicle:

+5% / +7.5% to heavy tanks and SPGs.

+10% / +12.5% to light and medium tanks.

+15% / +17.5% to tank destroyers.


※The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Low Noise Exhaust System

・Reduces the visibility of a stationary or moving vehicle:

+3% / +4% to heavy tanks and SPGs.

+6% / +8% to light and medium tanks.

+5% / +6% to tank destroyers.


※The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Improved Radio Set

+1.5s / +2s to the duration an enemy vehicle is visible.

-1.5s / -2s to the duration your vehicle is visible to the enemy.


※The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Commander's Vision System

-10% / -12.5% to concealment of moving enemy vehicles.

-15% / -20% to concealment of enemy vehicles behind foliage.


※The first value is the base effect. The second value is the improved effect, achieved when the equipment and slot category matches.

Field Modifications

Module Durability Increase

・Damaged ammo rack penalty and damaged engine penalty:-50%

・Dispersion of the damaged gun:-20%

・Hull traverse speed:-4% 

・Turret traverse speed:-4% 

Light Alloy Mounting Points

・Hull traverse speed:+4% 

・Turret traverse speed:+4% 

・Damaged ammo rack penalty and damaged engine penalty:+50% 

・Dispersion of the damaged gun:+20% 

SUspension Arm Tuning

・Dispersal during movement and hull traversal:-3% 

・Dispersal during hull traversal:-3% 

・Accuracy:-2% 

Improved Sight

・Accuracy:+2% 

・Dispersal during movement and hull traversal:+3% 

・Dispersal during hull traversal:+3% 

Turbo Charger Tuning

・Reverse speed:+2km/h

・Suspension repair speed:+5%

・Concealment:-3%

Anti-reflective Headlights Coating

・Concealment:+3%

・Reverse speed:-2km/h

・Suspension repair speed:-5%

Loading Mechanism Tuning

・装填時間:-3% 

・照準サークルのサイズ:+5% 

試作型照準装置

・照準サークルのサイズ:-5% 

・装填時間:+3%

強化型動力機構

・エンジン出力:+5% 

・照準速度:-5% 

電力式補正装置

・照準速度:+5% 

・エンジン出力:-5% 

燃料噴射用試作ノズル

・最大前進速度:+2km/h 

・視認範囲:-3% 

高精密観測装置

・視認範囲:+3% 

・最大前進速度:-2km/h 

増強型補助転輪

・サスペンションの耐久性:+30% 

・サスペンションの修理速度:-10% 

・車体の旋回速度:-5% 

軽量型補助転輪

・サスペンションの修理速度:+10% 

・車体の旋回速度:+5% 

・サスペンションの耐久性:-30% 

全地盤対応型サスペンション

・全地盤タイプでの速度維持性能:+7% 

・車体の旋回速度:-5% 

・サスペンションの耐久性:-10% 

軽量型サスペンション

・全地盤タイプでの速度維持性能:-7% 

・車体の旋回速度:+5% 

・サスペンションの耐久性:+10% 

視差自動補正装置

・照準サークルのサイズ:-3% 

・照準速度:-5% 

超高強度照準ギア

・照準速度:+5% 

・照準サークルのサイズ:+3% 

試作型緩衝材

・スタン時間:-10% 

・追加スタン時間:-15% 

・視認範囲:-3% 

電子式潜望鏡

・視認範囲:+3% 

・スタン時間:+10% 

・追加スタン時間:+15% 

耐衝撃装甲剤

・爆風や体当たりによるダメージ:-15% 

・スタン時間:-8% 

・搭乗員の保護:+20% 

・車体の旋回速度:-5% 

・最大前進速度:-2km/h 

軽量型装甲剤

・車体の旋回速度:+5% 

・最大前進速度:+2km/h 

・爆風や体当たりによるダメージ:+15% 

・スタン時間:+8% 

・搭乗員の保護:-20% 

取付式緩衝装置

・内部モジュールの耐久性:+30% 

・修理速度:+5% 

・主砲または砲塔の旋回速度:-5% 

・主砲旋回中の散布界:+5% 

軽量型試作砲架

・主砲または砲塔の旋回速度:+5% 

・主砲旋回中の散布界:-5% 

・内部モジュールの耐久性:-30% 

・修理速度:-5% 

Crew Perks and Skills

Crew 1st 2nd 3rd
Commander(Gunner)
Loader(Radio Operator)
Driver

Hover the mouse cursor over each image for detailed information

It is essential for the commander to learn "sixth sense".

Then, let him learn "repair" - a recommendation for all crew members in this vehicle. Destroyed tracks greatly increase the risk factor. Nobody wants to be immobile on the front line.

The second perk/ skill is to equip the driver with "smooth ride" to improve shooting accuracy.

Let the loader learn "safe stowage" to reduce the risk of ammunition storage damage.

For the third skill, let each crew member acquire "snap shot", "situational awareness" and "off-road driving". This will boost shooting performance, overall improvement for stats, and provide a smoother driving experience.

Repair

This Skill accelerates repairs to damaged modules.

Effectiveness increases with skill level.

Camouflage

This Skill reduces vehicle visibility.

Effectiveness increases with skill level.

Firefighting

This Skill enhances firefighting abilities.

Effectiveness increases with skill level.

Brothers in Arms

This Perk improves major qualifications and all Skills for the entire Crew. The Perk is more effective when combined with Improved Ventilation, Extra Combat Rations, Chocolate, Case of Cola, and Strong Coffee.

This Perk comes into effect after it reaches 100% for the entire Crew.

Band of Brothers

This Perk improves major qualifications and all Skills for the entire Crew.

This is a Perk. Perks only take effect once it reaches 100%.

This works even if another crew member has acquired the "Brothers in Arms" Perk.

Sixth Sense

This Perk allows the Commander to identify whether the vehicle is detected by the enemy.

Sixth Sense comes into effect after it reaches 100%.

Recon

This Skill increases Maximum View Range. Recon is more effective if observation devices are damaged, or when combined with Situational Awareness, Coated Optics and Binocular Telescope.

Effectiveness increases with skill level.

Mentor

This Skill provides additional XP to all Crew members except the Commander. 

The amount of Experience increases with Skill level.

Eagle Eye

This Perk allows the Commander to identify critically damaged modules on targeted vehicles.

Eagle Eye comes into effect after it reaches 100%.

Jack of All Trades 

This Skill enables the Commander to master every qualification and replace knocked-out Crew members.

Snap Shot

This Skill improves accuracy during turret rotation. Snap Shot is more effective when combined with Vertical Stabilizer.

The effect increases with Skill level. If two Gunners have the Skill, only the higher rating is effective.

Designated Target

This Perk makes targeted enemy vehicles visible for two more seconds. 

Designated Target comes into effect after it reaches 100%. If two Gunners have the Perk, the effect is not cumulative.

Deadeye 

This Perk increases the chance to critically damage enemy vehicle modules and Crew. 

Deadeye comes into effect after it reaches 100%, and is only effective with AP and APCR shells.

Smooth Ride

This Skill improves accuracy when firing on the move. Smooth Ride does not affect the vehicle when stationary or rotating, and is more effective when combined with Vertical Stabilizer.

Effectiveness increases with skill level.

Off-Road Driving 

This Skill reduces ground resistance when driving on soft and moderately soft terrain. Lower ground resistance increases vehicle maneuverability and acceleration. The Skill is more effective when combined with Additional Grousers.

The effect increases with Skill level.

Clutch Braking

This Skill increases vehicle rotation speed. Clutch Breaking is more effective when combined with Additional Grousers, Lend-Lease Oil, Removed Speed Governor, 100-octane Gasoline, and 105-octane Gasoline.

Effectiveness increases with skill level

Preventative Maintenance

The Perk reduces the chance of engine fire by preventing gas or oil leakage in the engine compartment. 

The Perk comes into effect after it reaches 100%.

Controlled Impact

This Skill decreases ramming damage to your vehicle and increases ramming damage to an enemy vehicle. Controlled Impact is effective only while both vehicles are in motion, except when two allied vehicles collide.

The effect increases with Skill level.

Situational Awareness

This Skill extends View Range. Situational Awareness is more effective when combined with Recon.

The effect increases with Skill level. If two Radio Operators have the Skill, only the higher rating is effective.

Call for Vengeance

This Perk enables a Radio Operator who survived the destruction of his vehicle to report enemy positions for another two seconds. 

Call for Vengeance comes into effect after it reaches 100%. If two Radio Operators have the Perk, the effect is not cumulative.

Signal Boosting

This Skill extends Signal Range. 

The effect increases with Skill level. If two Radio Operators have the Skill, only the higher rating is effective.

Relaying 

This Skill extends Signal Range of allied communications within vehicle's radio coverage. If two Radio Operators have the Skill, only the higher rating is effective.

The effect increases with Skill level.

Safe Stowage

This Perk increases ammo rack durability (the shells do not come into contact with each other).  This Perk is more effective when combined with "Wet" Ammo Rack.

Safe Stowage comes into effect after it reaches 100%. If two Loaders have the Perk, the effect is not cumulative.

Adrenaline Rush

This Perk accelerates gun loading if the vehicle has less than 10% of its hit points left. Adrenaline Rush is more effective when combined with Gun Rammer.

Adrenaline Rush comes into effect after it reaches 100%. If two Loaders have the Perk, the effect is not cumulative.

Intuition

This Perk creates a chance that the proper shell is already loaded when switching between shell types. The gun must be completely loaded before the Perk can be used again. 

Intuition comes into effect after it reaches 100%. If two Loaders have the Perk, the effect is not cumulative.

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