Recoilless Rifle
From OMGWiki
A recoilless gun or recoilless rifle (RCL) is a lightweight form of weapon that allows the firing of a heavier projectile than would be practical with a recoiling weapon. Technically, only devices that use a rifled barrel are recoilless rifles. Smoothbore variants (those devoid of rifling) are termed recoilless guns. This distinction is often lost, and both are often called recoilless rifles.
Normally used for anti-tank roles, the first effective system of this kind was developed during World War II. Recoilless rifles are capable of firing artillery-type shells at a range and velocity comparable to that of a normal light cannon, although they are typically used to fire larger shells at lower velocities and ranges. The near complete lack of recoil allows some versions to be shoulder-fired, but the majority are mounted on light tripods and are intended to be easily carried by a soldier.
History
The first recoilless rifle to enter service in Germany was the 7,5 cm Leicht Geschütz 40 ("light gun" '40), a simple 75 mm smoothbore recoilless gun developed to give German airborne troops some useful artillery and anti-tank support that could be parachuted into battle. The 75 was found to be so useful during the invasion of Crete that a larger 105 mm version was developed on the same basic pattern. Interestingly both of these weapons were loosely copied by the US Army, reversing the flow of technology that had occurred when the Germans copied the Bazooka. The US did have a development program and it is not clear to what extent the design was copied, as there were in fact differences.
Tactics & Tips
- Recoilless rifles are very accurate anti-tank weapons with high penetration against most tanks and vehicles.
- Side skirts help improve the survivability of tanks significantly.
Statistic Changes
Because the penetration of Recoilless Rifles in Company of Heroes have values that don't fit well within OMG game play we've reduced their frontal and rear armor penetration values against Axis heavy armor. The rear armor penetration change has little effect on the Tiger and Jagdpanther, but should now give some incentive to flank around the Panther. Please note that the Panther's side skirts reduce Recoilless Rifle damage by 50% and do not effect penetration.
| Tank | VCoH | OMG (WM Panzerschreck) | Decrease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panther | .75 | .529 | 29.5% |
| Tiger | .75 | .459 | 38.8% |
| Jagdpanther | .6 | .459 | 23.5% |
| Panther with Skirts | .75 | .529 | 29.5% |
