In the next major Update, we are so happy as the Chinese tech tree has welcomed a new top-tier SPAA, the HQ-17, to replace the TOR-M1, which was introduced two years ago and was referred to as an “outsider.”
Outsider?
However, according to the game statistics, the TOR-M1 is also considered one of the “efficiency outsiders” in terms of its performance, and it simply cannot resolve the issues with the late Soviet anti-aircraft lineup.
— from Dev team replies to community feedback on the Sky Guardians update.
Although just like the other two SPAA introduced this year to the Chinese tech tree: the scout and APDS lacker, ZSL92, with a half-minute reload time; and the head-on lock range of 3 km, cannot even counter the reserved helicopters in BR 10.3, the Antelope, is kindda underwhelming,
but hey, we still welcome, that finally a SPAA with thermal at top-tier for China. We appreciate the devs’ hard work in introducing more vehicles with Chinese characteristic, rather than simply copy-pasting from other nations. Of course, we also look forward to the future for more decent and viable Chinese air defense vehicles, such as the PGZ88, Yitian AA System, 625/630E with FB-10A, FK1000, HQ-7B, SPAA301, PGZ09 (D), etc. Esp. SPAA for BR 12.0.
625E
FK1000
PGZ88
HQ-7B
Yitian SPAA System
The domestically-produced HQ-17, well, at least according to the test server data, its performance can largely be seen as a TOR-M1《M》, with only slight improvements to the radar, sights, and missile.
According to datamining: only 2kg lighter and 3-extra-km is because of 6s more life-span rather than using new motor
Just like the relation between the Tunguska 2S6 and 2S6M1, and the 9M311 and 9M311-1M, or the relationship between Stormer AD and HVM.
However, shockingly, on the test server, the HQ-17 should be placed behind the TOR-M1 and requires full 400,000 RP to unlock.
500,000 RP for a thermal
As a Tier IV modification, its Thermal capability, which is missing from the TOR-M1, requires an additional 100,000 RP.
In other words, getting a late-model Thermal modification for the TOR-M1 costs over 500,000 RP, which is highly UNREASONABLE!
This is because, unlike the relationship between the Shilka, Shilka-M2, and Shilka-M4, the two BR 11.7 vehicles do not have any significant performance differences. The HQ-17 could easily serve as an upgrade or modification of the TOR-M1 in the game, or be folded with TOR. We hope the devs please reconsider the structure of the Chinese tech tree in this regard.
Where should HQ-17 and TOR-M1 be put?
- HQ-17 and TOR-M1 should be folded (Roland/Osa or Stormer AD/HVM).
- HQ-17 directly replaces the TOR-M1 (Obj.211 replaces the Chinese PT-76).
- HQ-17 serves as an upgrade or modification for the TOR-M1 (2S6 with 9M311 to 2S6M1 with 9M331-1M).
- Keep the test server setup as it is.
