XM163 CS - Supporting Fire Up Close

I like this one, but personally I’d rather have turret armor than no turret armor, even if the protection is superficial at best. This and the XM163 CS are basically the same and not much would be changed by the addition/removal of a thin sheet of metal beyond target recognition or death/damage from artillery fragments.

The M741A1 (M163), (“M741A1 carrier with M163 weapon”, see the third spoiler; I think this may be an alright name) also lacks the magnifying sight that the regular (X)M163 has, which would make aiming it a lot harder, so that’s points in its favor (for lower BR), but aiming without a sight may be a little bit difficult depending on how they implement it. I feel like the XM163 CS is the safer bet, along with also having seen service in Vietnam, and maybe the M741A1 (M163) can be that APDS light tank version (if we bend a few time periods).

Also, I’m biased but, I really want to see those “Duster Runner” and “Duster Buster” names along with the Vulcan patch, they’re so cool
Either way I hope one gets added.

2 Likes

Either way, I thought that I should bring this to the topic’s attention since it would be a more visually distinct option, which some people value more.

I’m fine with either vehicle being added, however, I just think that the lack of turret equipment, most notable being the sight, would offer an ever so slightly different gameplay experience, genuinely feeling like a step down from the M163.

2 Likes

Is that some sort of frontal armor on the turret? I’ve been looking for an M163 type/variant with more armor and now one fell into my lap, cool!

1 Like

It doesn’t look like it, it looks like a housing for the gun (which I guess qualifies as armor). Maybe it is?

its a 20mm Vulcan not an auto cannon and it would probably be at like 6.7

We really oughta get this now since the Russians are getting the ZSU-23-4M2. They’re pretty the same in terms of ease of addition…

6 Likes

A but you failed to consider: it’s not Russian.

No SPAA for you

3 Likes

Cool, a copy and paste vehicle that also removes a feature from the original. We definitely need more of these. Instant no from me.

It’s not a copy paste, instead it’s a vehicle that can fill a massive gap. Why the hell would you be against adding another variant of a tank? Should the Su-27SM, F-15C and all the other variants of tanks just not exist?

It’s NOT a copy paste in the slgihtest, it’s unique in the fact it would be at a lower BR with its radar removed. And the APDS would also be amazing.

4 Likes

image
Theres literally no reason not to add it

9 Likes

Exactly! And you could have it available at Tier 4 too, albeit only suitable for a higher tier line-up unless it get a 6.7 BR so it can go along with the heavies at the same tier.

1 Like

Is that an M113 with a Zastava M55? That’d be hella cool!

5 Likes

Those are 20 mm HS.820 or M139 in US service

3 Likes

I see. Looks quite similar though.

This thing is adorable and cute in Wargame: Red Dragon as a spammable SPAA for VSHORAD purposes, Gaijin pls.

1 Like
Hispano Suiza Type 665 Triple 20mm Gun Mount, on M113A1



Would be a good vehicle for another suggestion…

10 Likes

Indeed it would! May have to consider doing that…

Definitely and it would actually aid in closing The Great USA SPAA Gap™. It was such an obvious one that’s been known about for quite a while. I’m surprised no one got to it.

1 Like
And more pictures

Hispano-Suiza_20mm_self-propelled_anti-aircraft_artillery_system
Hispano-Suiza_&_Vulan_20mm_towed_systems


Fiscal year 1974 authorization for military procurement… p.4858

1960s HS-820/665 Forward Area Air Defense System 8x10 Original News Photo | eBay
1960s HS-820/665 Forward Area Air Defense System 8x10 Original News Photo

Screenshot_20241009_101921_Chrome
Technical Abstract Bulletin, Volume 65, Part 1 p.216

I think it’s an essential vehicle for US TechTree. I hope someone will gather more information and suggest it.

7 Likes

Wow, I wasn’t aware how official this vehicle was in US Army Air Defense procurement, I assumed it was nothing more than a field mod.

It’s nice to see this vehicle finally gaining some recognition, it’s been floating around on US SPAA lists for a while now, but everybody sort of forgets about it for the M114A2, despite the M113 having a 200% increase in firepower and being far more suitable as an AA than yet another vehicle with a singular 20mm.

3 Likes