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 the
VIII
Charlemagne
.
Overview
The British School of Tank Technology (STT) set out in 1958 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 should not exceed 30 tons.
The designers tried to accomplish this difficult task with new armor layouts inspired by their Soviet counterparts but added a distinct Britishness. Compromises had to be made in terms of the weight, exceeding the initial goal by 50%, but they succeeded in armor development. 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 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 without much trying 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 the shell finds its target. With one of the lowest shell velocities of all Tier VIII tanks, you 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.
Crew Skills
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Repair is crucial as a first skill to remain in the game for longer. You don't want to be caught without your tracks, especially when getting into a brawl. The additional skills improve your gun and the general performance in battle, especially Brothers in Arms.