VK 4502 (P) Ausf. A World of Tanks Guide

Last update: 11 May 2016

General information

Name	VK 4502 (P) Ausf. A
Type	Heavy tank
Tier	VIII
Armament	10,5cm KwK 45 L/52: penetration 200mm; damage 320
Armor	Hull: 120mm/80mm/80mm, turret: 185mm/80mm/80mm
Durability	1570 HP
Mobility	Maximum speed: 38km/h, engine: 840KM
Role	Sniper, support tank

VK 4502 (P) Ausf. A heavy tank is unique among German vehicles. Unlike giants such PzKpfw VIB Tiger II or PzKpfw VI Tiger (P), it is quite fast but less armored machine. Due to the greater mobility it is often used not on the front line but as a support machine by strengthening weak defense points, leading counter attacks and flanking enemy. So the style of play resembles very big medium tank. Of course, despite the fact that it is less armored and armed as its counterpart - King Tiger - this tank under favorable conditions is able to lead an attack and fight frontally. But we can't overestimate the value of its armor: 30 mm difference in top frontal plate results in penetration from strongest 8 tier cannons, even if it is placed at low angle. In addition to characteristic features of German tanks, this vehicle has inherited some elements of PzKpfw VI Tiger (P): turret moved to the front makes a fight in built-up areas easier and high silhouette makes it easier to be hit.

Development, equipment, crew

Since 8,8cm KwK 43 L/71 cannon available for VK 4502 (P) Ausf. A is very close in performance to 10,5cm KwK 45 L/52, researching of new weapon can be postponed. In the first place it is best to research the best engine - Porsche Deutz Type 180/2 and after that suspension, turret and a new cannon.

• Preferred equipment: Gun/Shell Rammer, vertical stabilizer, Improved Ventilation.
• Optional equipment: Toolbox, Enhanced Gun Laying Drive
• Skills and Perks: Sixth Sense for Commander, Repair for the rest of the tankers. Then Brothers in Arms for the whole crew.

Weak points

Like with the PzKpfw VIB Tiger II, when attacking VK 4502 (P) Ausf. A frontally it is best to aim at the bottom plate. If it is not possible (the opponent is hidden behind the hill for example), we can use higher caliber cannon to penetrate top part of its armor. When the enemy is placed at the angle, penetration of its frontal armor is as hard as in case of King Tiger. Same as with other German tanks, sides and rear of VK 4502 (P) Ausf. A are vulnerable to shooting - hit at the rear part of the hull can damage the engine and set the opponent on fire and hit below the turret can damage ammo rack. Turret is same as for King Tiger - it has moderately resistant front and very weak sides.

How to play...

...as a driver of VK 4502 (P) Ausf. A?

• In initial part of the game we observe the map and positions of all players and we defend artillery against enemy scouts.
• When playing as support tank we react on changes of front line, supporting its weaker fragments.
• When in close combat, we place our tank at low angle to the opponent, increasing effective armor of frontal plate.
• Out cannon is almost the same as cannons available for 7 tier tanks, so we often have to aim at weaker points at enemy armor.
• When fighting with higher tier tanks we use out mobility to flank them and attack thinner armor on sides or at the rear.
• When fighting with lower tier opponents we can easily fight in close combat - this tank is resistant enough to small penetration guns.

...against VK 4502 (P) Ausf. A?

• Do not waste ammo to shoot at the opponent placed at the angle, unless we have cannon with penetration higher than 225mm.
• If the opponent tries to flank us, we can easily stop him by shooting at his tracks: after that action the enemy tank will often stand with his side in front of us.
• Despite the fact, that this is quite fast vehicle, medium tanks are still faster. We use the advantage to flank the VK 4502 (P) Ausf. A and shoot at his vulnerable sides.
• Artillery loves to attack this target. If, in addition, we can stop it, it will quickly turn into burning wreck.