Re: PZIVB AP Use
It will fire HE if it thinks it has no particular chance against that armoured target - which includes angle off (class 1 armoured target angled at 45 degrees to the firer, has > 1 effective armour).
Best AP at 3000 metres is 1, average is only 0. However the HE ammo average is 1 - and on the odd time it can do up to 5. Even though HE needs more of an over-penetration to reliably do damage to armoured targets (1 overpen with AP has much more chance than 1 overpen with HE, unlike in the original game - we have devalued HE pen), its a better choice than the anaemic AP round. HE has a chance to de-track the enemy, same as AP, and firing that reserves your precious AP for closer in shots that may be more effective.
The 75L24 has a range of 60 hexes (both HE (its primary purpose) and AP - which is not, with a little stubby cannon. The 75L24 is for support tanks to duff up enemy infantry with, and that is why the gun has a 60 range - for long range HE throwing at soft & squishy targets. Not for long range AT fire!. The Panzer 3s are the anti-tank animal at that time frame.
The 75L24 is only worthwhile really close in as an AP round - out to to 300 it will average a 5(7 best), to 700 4(6 best), to 750-900 3(6), beyond 900 it averages 2(5)AP, and then drops to 1(2) at 1850, 0(1) at 3250 .
The code makes the choice on the average expected AP value, not the 'best' which will only arise in well under 10% of hits - the add on comes mainly from WH size, as large shells are assumed to carry more energy further. HEAT, when it arrives is average of 5(10 best) right out to maximum range. Averages are based on a sample of 5000 hits.
The 75L43, to give an example of a proper long AT gun of the same calibre - averages 12(14 best) out to 350, and at 3500 it is still a useful device with 3(4 best), so it will usually fire at little tin cans with AP at maximum range. (HE being the same AP values as for the L24).
SP has always been this way, right back to SP1. It is not going to change. If the HE rounds AP is equivalent or better than the AP at the firing range - then the HE round will be used.
Cheers
Andy
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