StuH 42

[ivanov]

Anyone could explain me, what is the difference between the two modes of the StuH 42? As the mode difference is obvious in case of the 8.8cm Flaks, I see no difference of the assault gun's stats between the two modes, hence I can't figure out how should they be employed.

Thanks

[airbornemongo101]

The default version is ranged SPArt.

The switch makes it a direct fire SPAT

[ivanov]

But it seems that the SPAT mode, is really effective against the infantry and not so much against the hard targets ( as the real SPAT should be ) And that is partly the reason of my confusion. In reality, it seems that the both modes are most effective against the soft targets. But why one type of weapon should have two modes that are good only against one type of target?

Basically, I don't see the obvious distinction between the modes. Like in case of the 8.8cm you have AA or AT mode. In case of the Stug, there should be clearly strong AT mode and a clear assault gun mode ( employed against the soft targets ). The present AT mode is quite poor against the tanks, especially when compared to the Stugs III. IMO, there should be some obvious benefits from using the StuH 42. I am really curious what would the devs say regarding this issue.

[Carius]

The StuH 42 uses the 105 artillary gun which is why it is better to use it against entrenched soft targets.

[ivanov]

The StuH 42 uses the 105 artillary gun which is why it is better to use it against entrenched soft targets.

That is correct. Why then the StuH 42 has the AT mode? If the two modes it has are to be used against the soft targets, what's the difference between them?

Ok, I'll answer to myslelf - the default mode simulates a situation when the gun is providing an indirrect fire and is able for example to suppress the targets like the regular artillery. The second mode simulates a situation, when the gun is directly taking the part in the combat - it is more effective but it may risk high loses.

Is this assessment correct? The only thing is that the second mode is not really an AT mode. StuH 42 was not an antitank weapon.

[Carius]

Yes your are correct in your assessment.

[deducter]

Basically you can think of this unit as having a direct fire mode (AT) and an indirect fire mode (ART). In direct fire mode it goes into "melee" with the target, while in indirect fire mode it suppresses it. Both modes have their uses. Direct fire mode can be very good (especially if you have my mod installed) against soft targets, especially artillery. Indirect fire mode is very useful mainly in providing defensive fire in close terrain for your own infantry. Since this unit has two modes, it is tactically flexible, which is a very good thing. You are not meant to use this unit to kill enemy tanks.

In MP, this unit is amazing on the map Return to Kiev. It is an extremely useful close terrain vehicle.