FV433 Abbot VE

The FV433 Abbot VE is a tier 3 Premium SPG. Prior to update 0.15, the FV433 Abbot SPG was the only tier 3 SPG in the game. This made matchmaking for the vehicle difficult as only another Abbot VE player could be put into a match with it on the opposing team in PVP, as the lowest tiered progression SPG at the time was tier 4. In 0.15 the vehicle was changed and moved to tier 4 while receiving the appropriate buffs and changes needed to balance it for its new tier. As compensation to players who had the SPG before the tier change, they kept the Abbot VE at tier 3 and received the newly balanced Abbot at tier 4 as well. It was stated at the time that this compensation would be the only way to receive or acquire the Abbot VE in the game and that it would never be offered or available in the future.

The Abbot VE is the only premium tier 3 SPG in the game. Its up-tiered variant is the only tier 4 premium SPG in the game. Overall, both Abbots are the only premium SPGs in the entire game.

Currently, the Abbot VE and all other SPGs in the game, are restricted to PVE game modes only.

Player Recommendations
The Abbot VE is an artillery piece and is best served by hanging back in the rear in a protected area. Use your long reaching indirect fire to target heavily armored targets your team are struggling with or can't reach themselves. Coordination with your team is the key to victory, as many PVE teams benefit from competent and helpful SPG drivers. You can also destroy destructible objectives (such as the mine entrances in Raiding Party for example) if your team mates have gotten close enough to "spot" them. This allows teams to spot an objective and then let the artillery destroy it while your allies move elsewhere or leave them free to engage enemy AI that has or is spawning.

Pros

 * Premium SPG. Earns more credits and reputation than standard vehicles.
 * 3 round burst capability.
 * Fairly accurate.

Cons

 * Currently locked to PVE only, as are all other SPGs.
 * Unobtainable if you don't already have it.
 * Limited to firing only HESH, so missed shots are punishing.

Upgrade Suggestions
The Abbot VE is a premium and is already fully upgraded.

Retrofit Suggestions

 * Improved Breech
 * Advanced MRS
 * Ballistic Computer
 * Enhanced Turret Drive

Commander and Crew Skill Suggestions
Commander: Sabrina or Viktor

Driver: Off-road Driving, Smooth Ride

Gunner: Quick Draw, Sharpshooter, Do the Twist

Loader: Rapid Fire, Explosive Shells

Upgrades
The Abbot VE is premium and has only stock components.

History
Class: Self-Propelled Gun Developed: 1960s Service: 1965-1995 in the United Kingdom, Vehicles Built: 226 (incl. 80 VE models) Operators: United Kingdom, India The Abbot was developed as a fast, light replacement for the WW2-era Sexton SPG. It consisted of a 105mm howitzer installed in a fully traversable turret on top of a FV430 series hull. The VE (Value Engineered) version of the SPG was a cheaper model built for India without some of the advanced features of the original, such as the NBC protection equipment, flotation screens, powered gun operation or communications.