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I set up scenario in open plains in September '39. I bought 20 PzKpfws for me and 20 7-TP jws for computer.

I removed all ammo from 7-TP jw tanks, so there wasn't any oppotinity fire.

I use these abbrevations:
m=missed
-=penetration, no damage!
r=ricochet
td=turret damaged
hd=hull damaged
d=destroyed
a=damaged and abandoned

First, I fired from front (1 hex range) with five first tanks.
I get with B0: td,r,hd,-,-
I get with B1: -,td,-,-,td
B2:hd,td,-,d
B3:hd,hd,-,d
B4:hd,-,hd,hd,d

Then I fired from front (5 hex range).
C0: r, hd, d
C1: a
C2: d
C3: r,-,-,-,d
C4: -,td,r,-,d

Then I fired from side (1 hex range).
D0:hd,r,-,hd,-
D1:td,d
D2:d
D3:hd,d
D4:hd,a

Then I fired from side (5 hex range).
E0:m,d
E1:td,a
E2:td,m,d
E3:td,d
E4:d

What we can learn about this shooting gallery? I guess it's more important to get side shot than get closer range.

With that engagement, yes, you are probably right.. remember, that the PzKpfw IIIE only had a 37mm shell. If you have ever held the actual AP round of one of these, you would likely wonder how they ever destroyed AYNTHING! (the German shell weighs something like a pound and a half. Now, compare to the Pak38 50mm gun, the AP round (minus the powder and casing) weights around 4.6 pounds. In short, the 37mm shell can penetrate, but being so small, unless it hits fuel or ammo (or the crewmen,) it isn't too likely to do too much beyond make a inch and a half hole, and some noise. Now, IIRC, a flank and rear shot make ammo/fuel hits more likely, combining that with the weaker armor, especially with a 37mm gun, go for them whenever you can.

[This message has been edited by Jon Grasham (edited 05-25-2000).]

Well certainly side shots are more important. Study armor penetration tables on the unit data screen. You will see, quite commonly, that with the gun at range one, might have penetration of 48, while at range ten it is 47, so obviously with so little difference at those ranges, the sides/rear are the ticket. Of course I'm going strictly on penetration here, and I don't believe I've seen any stats. on accuracy drop-offs at range.

[This message has been edited by Charles22 (edited 05-25-2000).]

Another instructive thing to investigate this way is how the vulnerability changes with angle, and warhead size. You need to make a large number of shots (like 50 or 60) to get a good statistical sampling though.

Good work JMO1!

yet another "bonus" to the side/rear shot, is *effective* armor. Most tanks have a much ligher sloping on side and rear armor.. so say the front is 80mm at 45 degrees, and the side is 6o laid vertically. So, front armor is effectively 113mm thick w/ slope accounted for, making the side effectively just over half as thick. Add that to the "internal vulnerability" (Fuel, ammo, engine, etc.) and if you can make the shot, MAKE IT!