Begleitpanzer 57

The Begleitpanzer 57 is a tier 5 Light Tank originating from Germany, and is sold by Marat Shishkin. It can be unlocked from the M551 Sheridan as a side branch of the main LT tree.

Features

 * Invisible movement: motion does not reduce camouflage factor

Player Recommendations
Lightly armored but heavily armed, the Begleitpanzer 57 (colloquially known as the Bagel or Buglight) is a highly mobile platform which fires both a 57mm autocannon and a side mounted ATGM. Speed and maneuverability allow it to flank heavily armored targets and tear them to shreds with stunning close-range firepower. At range, the Begleitpanzer's ATGM can be used on exposed targets for hit and run tactics, using the vehicle's natural camo values to stay hidden from enemy targets.

Pros

 * Highly mobile with great acceleration, top speed and traverse
 * Versatile weaponry - one of the deadliest auto cannons in the game, with good penetration and great damage potential
 * Low profile
 * Well sloped
 * Good camo factor

Cons

 * Total lack of armor
 * No ERA or APS
 * Low ammunition count for 57mm (may be a problem on long PVE missions)
 * Penetration on 57mm can be inefficient
 * Missiles are basically useless, since it takes 5-6 seconds to switch between fire modes and even more to reload a mediocre missile
 * Strong recoil, especially if fired on full auto (try to put retrofits and crew skills to compensate for that)

Upgrade Suggestions
Powerful even without upgrades, adding more effective armaments such as the BGM-71B TOW and 57mm Mk.2 APFSDS will increase effective damage output even higher. Upgrading to the Liebherr 750 hp Diesel Engine will also allow for more effective flanking and maneuvering.

Retrofit Suggestions

 * Advanced Fire Control
 * Advanced Muzzle Reference System
 * Electro-Optical Absorbing Paint
 * Augmented Optics

Commander and Crew Skill Suggestions

 * Commander: Sabrina Washington, for improvements to camo rating, view range, and accuracy
 * Driver: Smooth Ride, Off-Road Driving
 * Gunner: Sharpshooter, Quick Draw
 * Loader: Rapid Fire, Explosive Shells

History
Class: Light Tank (Prototype) Developed: 1975-1977 Service: N/A Vehicles Built: 1 Operators: N/A Created by West Germany, the Begleitpanzer (&#34;Escort Tank&#34;) prototype was built on a Marder IFV chassis as a private venture to accompany IFVs to battle and to provide fire support with its powerful 57mm Bofors cannon. The development was launched in the mid-1970s with the vehicle being unveiled to the world in 1977. Unfortunately, the vehicle was unable to attract any buyers and never went into production. A notable feature for the vehicle was that it could carry a small scouting party, which effectively doubled the total crew for the vehicle by utilizing the scouts to assist with reloading.

Variants

 * Begleitpanzer 57 Joker