Overview of the IS-3A Sapsan in World of Tanks - is it worth buying at auction?

The second lot of the August IS-3A Sapsan auction in World of Tanks has been released. Behind the unique name and cool style lies a well-known IS-3 with M3 - Tier 8 Soviet heavy premium tank. Taking into account the fact that the technique is sold on the auction for free experience, many may try to get it without a donation, so we will briefly go over its advantages and disadvantages, as well as its relevance in randomness.

TTX IS-3A Sapsan

Firepower

The main feature of the IS-3A Sapsan is a drum for 3 rounds with reverse loading mechanics and often compared to Italian Bisonte C45. The main difference is in the gun: the Italian has the last shell loaded the fastest and has the least alpha, while the Soviet has the first shell. At the same time, the IS-3A Sapsan has a one-time damage of 390 units, so it does not lose DPM if you play from the last projectile, which allows you to almost always keep a fully charged drum and at the same time it is always ready to discharge at the enemy.

Otherwise, the gun has mediocre stabilization, in principle, you can get used to it, but what you can’t get used to is disgusting time information. The gun is reduced for an extremely long time, which, taking into account its by no means outstanding accuracy, in principle does not allow firing at a long distance, more or less at an average distance, and if the WBR is on your side, then everything is fine in close combat. Also, the information can be pulled up in the "Field Modernization".

In general, in terms of the totality of characteristics, the gun turned out to be balanced and is the main advantage and hallmark of the IS-3A Sapsan. The main disadvantage that makes it difficult to implement the gun and in general the game from the tower is bad elevation angles, at -5 degrees the gun practically does not go down.

Vitality

I am pleased with a solid margin of safety, one of the largest among the tier 8 cords, and the tank has a low silhouette, which in some situations makes it difficult to hit it. The forehead of the body is in the form of a "pike nose" with all the ensuing advantages and disadvantages. In theory, he should tank everything with his forehead, but in his case, the nominal armor of the VLD is rather weak in the reduction of 190-200 mm, which is enough against 6-7 levels, but the 8th can easily penetrate.

With the sides, the situation is completely different, it's literally "Bermuda Triangle" for enemy projectiles. Excellent cast + 30 mm screens, and if the IS-3A Sapsan is tanking sideways, then you don’t even have to try to break through it. However, if you unsuccessfully twisted the body and showed "cheeks", then get ready for the fact that they will break through without difficulty. He can also tank with a reverse diamond, but he can’t compete with the Defender in this. The NLD deserves special attention, where the reduction is about 190 mm.

The tower is very strong, there are no noticeable hatches, but very weak roof - 20 mm. If the enemy does not have an advantage in height, you can safely tank, he will not be able to do anything, but if you substitute the roof of the tower, then according to the rule of 3 calibers, absolutely everyone pierces it. Therefore, it is worth avoiding the "clinch" with higher tanks.

Mobility and intelligence

Mobility leaves much to be desired, but thanks to the 2.0 equipment, this tank can be "revitalized" with the help of a Turbocharger. If there is a trophy one, it’s good, if not, then you will have to invest experience in leveling the “Field Modernization” (pump through the terrain and open a slot for mobility). Then the mediocre power density becomes quite normal, and the faster you arrive at the position, the more time you can shoot.

With maneuverability, his situation is also not the most rosy, so in an open field it is better not to remain without cover. It has an extremely low line of sight, so don't expect to spot someone first.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The strengths are definitely:

• drum for 3 shells with a reverse reloading mechanism;
• practically impenetrable in a positional game, if tanked with sides or a turret;
• acceptable armor penetration with basic and gold shells;
• comes with a unique 2D style.

However, it has more disadvantages:

• long time information;
• low accuracy;
• VLD in the form of a "pike nose" has weak armor;
• mediocre mobility;
• small viewing radius;
• commander overload.

What equipment to put on the IS-3A Sapsan

Based on the above disadvantages, the best option is to balance the performance characteristics of the tank:

• Hardening in the slot for survivability.
• Turbocharger in slot for mobility.
• Vertical stabilizer or reinforced pickup drives.

Is it worth buying the IS-3A Sapsan?

Given all its strengths and weaknesses, the advantages still outweigh, because some of the disadvantages can be eliminated with the help of equipment and perks. You just can’t influence the frontal armor (but you can tank correctly), the vertical aiming angles and the convergence, no matter how you improve it, it will still be mediocre.

For the rest, the tank has all the comfortable games in random (if the FBG does not make a nightmare) and against the background of the same Bisonte C45 according to many bloggers, it looks more relevant. Taking into account the fact that free experience can be farmed in unlimited quantities and without donations, then with a lack of premiums, it is quite possible to buy it.