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TL;DR: A smol German armored car fitted with a stabilized 40mm AGL and extendable mast.
Disclaimer: This is not a suggestion to add the Fennek or its variants to the low-tiers of the German ground tree. One of the main purposes of this suggestion is to convey that this vehicle, and the countless others like it, can absolutely perform at more appropriate, higher, BRs. (i.e. 8.0~).
History:
Reconnaissance is, and always has been, an essential element when it comes to military operation. World War II not only emphasized this but also, for the first time in history, introduced ground-based automotive reconnaissance to the global stage. This, in turn, led to the development of ground vehicles, both tracked and wheeled, tailormade specifically for such a role. With the end of WW2 and thus the relieving of pressure on the world’s military industries, work on perfecting ground-based reconnaissance platforms could finally get underway. Although late to the party, the newly formed West Germany was no different, producing the SPz 11-2 Kurz, a modification of the French Hotchkiss SP1A, as a result. This vehicle would be replaced by the much more modern and wheeled Spähwagen Luchs in 1975. Of course, time would age this vehicle too and by the time the 1989 came around, it was time for replacement, thus starting the light reconnaissance vehicle development program. This would prompt the development of the Zobel, a small and fast 4x4 armored car developed by GST. This design would compete head-to-head against the Panhard VBL. This outcome of these trials wouldn’t matter, however, as it was eventually decided that Germany would instead cooperate with the Netherlands and their preexisting reconnaissance vehicle development program to avoid funding their own by themselves. This cooperation would result in the Fennek, a fast and relatively small 4x4 armored car. Germany would receive their first Fenneks in 2003s, entering service as the Spähwagen Fennek 1A1. The standard armament chosen for this vehicle was the 40mm HK GMG automatic grenade launcher, chambered in 40x53 and capable of firing M430A1 HEDP, which is capable of 73mm of penetration. This weapon would be placed in the KMW 1530 remote weapon station, which is and fitted with a thermal imager. To allow for enhanced reconnaissance capability, the Fennek was fitted with the BAA I surveillance module, which was, in turn, attached to an extendable mast capable of raising up to 1.5 meters. This module is fitted with a laser rangefinder and a thermal imager. Fitted with a 179 kW (239hp) engine, the Fennek capable of reaching a max speed of 115kph when the limiter is turned off. Shortly after the start of the War in Afghanistan, Fenneks were deployed in support of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from both Germany and the Netherlands. During their years of service in the conflict, the vehicles fell victim to IEDs and RPGs. A Dutch Fennek would run into an IED in 2007 and a German Fennek would be disabled by an RPG at another unknown date. These incidents would serve as valuable lessons and would lay the groundwork for a much needed upgrade package. This package would include increased IED protection, the CG-20 IED jammer, improved frontal armor, the improved BAA II surveillance module, and the fully stabilized FLW 200 remote weapon station among other improvements. Like the KMW 1530 RWS it replaced, the FLW 200 could mount a variety of weapons from a 7.62mm MG to a 40mm AGL, although the AGL mounting does appear to have been much rarer on the 1A2 than the 1A1, with the .50 cal being much more common. One of the more prominent upgrades of the 1A2 standard is the large “nose guard” on the front, referred to as Bugkastenschutz or Geräteträger by the Germans. This guard folds down and can serve as an anchor when recovering another vehicle. It can also be used to move obstacles under two tons and shift earth in a limited capacity. Funnily enough, German road law forbids the vehicle to operate on public roads when it is installed. As such, many photos of the 1A2 in Germany do not have the nose guard installed. The upgrade package quickly became the standard for Fenneks within Afghanistan and still serves to this day.
Place In War Thunder:
Automatic grenade launchers as a vehicle’s main weapon is an understandably controversial topic when it comes to their possible implementation into the game, however, it must be noted that this is largely due to one main factor: misunderstandings and lack of knowledge of the penetration capabilities of HEDP grenades. These misunderstandings combined with a poor muzzle velocity makes many people assume that a vehicle equipped only with an automatic grenade launcher would have to be placed at an uncomfortably low BR to be effective. Fortunately, this really isn’t the case. M430A1 HEDP can penetrate up to 76mm of armor. Pair this with a quick and small wheeled platform and what you get is essentially an autocannon carrier that just needs to get closer to its target. And even if you don’t get closer you have zero distance-based penetration drop off. There is no reason why vehicles equipped solely with AGLs would not be able to perform at suitable BRs in War Thunder. Playstyle would be rather unique, however, not completely unfamiliar. The SPw Fennek 1A2 would essentially like any other wheeled autocannon carrier. The main difference, again, is the required distance from your target to actually cause damage being much MUCH smaller, almost right on top of them, essentially promoting an incredibly suicidal playstyle. That being said, once you do get within range, you will not struggle to penetrate foe you may face, with your 76mm of pen fired from a stabilized weapon at 340rpm and thermal imagers. You also have an external camera that can be raised and lowered as necessary, potentially giving you a much better view of the battlefield and potential targets and allowing you to better inform your team of enemy positions without putting yourself in danger. Since this vehicle is in widespread service with the Bundeswehr, it is only fitting that it see placement in the tech tree.
Specifications:
Armament: 40mm HK GMG AGL and 1x 7.62mm MG
Dimensions: 5.60m, 2.55m, 2.29m (L,W,H)
Weight: 12000~kg
Armor: Proof against small arms fire and artillery splinters
Crew: 3
Ammunition: HE, HEDP, and Air-Burst
Speed: 115kph
Horsepower: 239hp
Pictures:
Front View:
Side View:
3/4th View:
Nose guard being used as an anchor:
Sources:
BW – Spähwagen Fennek 1A2 | TANK-MASTERS – Photos & Journalism | Military Photos & Journalism
KNDS Fennek - Wikipedia
Client Challenge
https://knds.com/de/produkte/systeme/flw-200-range/flw-200
https://voaweb.nl/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/SB_2016_03.pdf