- Yes
- No
“Preparation for Swimming”
As of writing this thread, there are 52 amphibious ground vehicles in War Thunder.
All of these fulfill the present requirement of their real-life counterparts needing minimal or no “preparation”. (For example BMP series of vehicles requiring only a button press)
There are also a number of in-game vehicles that used to be amphibious, but later had this feature removed because the real-life counterpart needed extensive “preparation” to swim (M551, vehicles based on M113, M3 Bradley etc.)
These preparations ususally involve the crew exiting the vehicle to close valves, check for leaks, seal certain mechanisms, and in some cases install air intakes or erect flotation screens.
Vehicles such as these made significant weight related sacrifices (such as being less armored) specifically to maintain ability to swim, and that’s why I think they deserve this capability in-game.
This can be achieved by the addition of a new mechanic called “preparation for swimming”
How this would work:
- Add a new keybind called “Preparation for amphibious operation”
- Upon activating this keybind in an eligible vehicle, the “preparation” process starts. Depending on the specific vehicle this “preparation” could simply be a short timer (like repairs) and/or a full fledged animation.
- Certain vehicles will have restrictions in their “prepared” state, such as inoperable armament or limited field of fire.
- After amphibious operation is concluded, the player can “unprepare” their vehicle with the same keybind. This step would also involve a short timer and/or animation.
The various types of “preparation”
Flotation screen
Some amphibious vehicles are too heavy to float on their own, and can only swim with the help of a flotation screen. The screen and internal air volume displaces water for the required extra buoyancy. Installation method varies, but usually entails simply erecting the screen. Examples of in-game vehicles that had this feature: M3 Bradley, M551 Sheridan, Strv-103, M4 Sherman (DD variant), FV721 Fox
Protective Screens
Some amphibious vehicles sit very low in the water, meaning the waterline and waves may come over the hull. As such, screens to block out water from flooding the engine and other spaces is required. Pictured above: Ikv-91
Inflatable pontoons
A variant of the South Korean K-21 IFV can open it’s side panels and deploy two inflatable pontoons for extra flotation. (Not yet in-game)
Miscellaneous preparations
Other vehicles may require miscellaneous preparations such as closing valves, sealing certain mechanisms, activating bilge pumps, and extending trim vanes. Depending on the specific variant the M113 family of APC fits into this category.
After-word
This mechanic would not only add a new dimension to existing vehicles, but also facilitate unique additions in the future. For example, I could easily see the next year’s D-day reward being a DD Sherman or Valentine. With this mechanic, the flotation screen would not only be cosmetic, but an actual functional part.
What do you think? Also, if I have missed any notable vehicles or means of preparation, please let me know. Cheers!
