ZSU-23-4M2

Description

The ZSU-23-4M2 "Shilka-M2" is a rank Soviet SPAA with a battle rating of (AB), (RB), and (SB). It was introduced in Update "Dance of Dragons". It is a modification of the ZSU-23-4, aimed at improving its effectiveness against infantry. It had its 1RL33 radar removed, and in its place it has double the ammunition load. This makes it capable of using its insane fire rate more effectively, but removed its anti-air targeting system. Additionally, a night sight was added.

General info

Survivability and armour

Like any Shilka, the overall protection is next to none. As a SPAA, in most cases the vehicle would not likely need to advance to the most heated frontline, thus the overall protection is nowhere sufficient to stop any bullets above .50 cal, let alone cannon or autocannon shells. Protection is not improved on the ZSU-23-4M2, thus it retains little protection like other Shilkas with armour plates less thick than 10 mm RHA.

The M2 variant also still retains mostly identical interior design of other Shilka with a crew of four inside, the ASU-85 based chassis and turret systems, except for the extra ammo storage. In many cases, any penetrating shots on the Shilka will lead to critical damage to the turret system if not to a sudden detonation due to the huge ammo storage with around 4,000 x 23 mm shells onboard.

Armour type:

Notes:

• Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick while tracks are 15 mm thick.
• Belly armour is 9.4 mm thick.

Mobility

The ZSU-23-4M2 has an average speed comparable to other vehicles, but it struggles with hills due to its weak power-to-weight ratio.

Modifications and economy

Armaments

Main armament

The ZSU-23-4M2 is armed with the AZP-23 quad-mount autocannons, known as the sewing machine due to its iconic firing sound. Although the sound from the firing can sometimes deter enemy aircraft, players who understand the rather curved trajectory of the 23 mm autocannon will have an easy time taking down the Shilka. Sudden attack with the autocannons is always the best idea to use the vehicle. Leave the shells for aircraft instead as the penetration of 23 mm shells are rather disappointing, sometimes barely able to penetrate NATO tanks from their sides.

Ammunition

• Default: API-T · HEF-I
• HEFI-T: HEF-I · HEFI-T · HEF-I · API-T
• APIT: API-T · API-T · API-T · HEFI-T

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the ZSU-23-4M2

Usage in battles

The ZSU-23-4M2 is not the greatest anti-tank vehicle, but its very high fire rate cripples enemy tanks in a moment, so your best chance is against enemies that aren't aware of you. As an anti-air platform, it preforms good enough, its high fire rate saturates the skies making it difficult for planes to avoid your fire. Wait for a good prey and fire at it, effect of surprise is your best friend as you are hard to detect.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• High rate of fire, allows for area saturation
• Relatively high top speed
• Very high ammo count
• Fast turret traverse speed
• Can penetrate lightly armoured vehicles

Cons:

• Thin armour, aircraft cannons will cause severe damage
• Low power-to-weight ratio, struggles with slopes and off-road
• Low penetration for 23 mm cannon, has trouble penetrating tanks from the side

History

The ZSU-23-4M2 was a field modification performed during the Afghanistan war. It was made to utilize its powerful cannons against infantry targets.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Related development

• ZSU-23-4 (Family)

Vehicles with similar weapon systems

• BTR-ZD

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

• topic on the official game forum;
• other literature.