The ADATS (Air Defense Anti-Tank System) is a Canadian Army unit that brings Wargame: AirLand Battle a unique ability: that of being both a SAM battery and an ATGM platform!
The ADATS is armed with 8 ready missiles, which may target either air targets or armored ones, with the performance of an TOW II with increased range
History[]
ADATS was first designed by the Swiss company Oerlikon in the mid-70's, before entering into a partnership with what is now Lockheed Martin to propose it to the US market. The missile was first tested in 1981, but the US Army, despite being in dire need of a replacement for the cancelled "Sergeant York" program (1985), hesitated. They ordered more testing, even contemplated mounting the system on a Bradley chassis, but finally declined the project in 1989.
It was finally Canada that selected it as it's versatile new low-altitude air-defense system in 1986, with 36 ADATS ordered. Delivery started in 1988 ... and one year later proved mostly useless, thanks to the end of the Cold War.
The two Airfield Defence Batteries which become 127 & 128 Air Defence Batteries had four ADATS vehicles and eight radar-guided Oerlikon GDF twin 35mm guns. 4 CMBG had 129 Air Defence Battery which had twelve ADATS vehicles. A Canadian based battery 119 Air Defence Battery was formed equipped with ADATS.
Overview[]
The ADATS is one of the most expensive support units, costing 110 points, but its combined abilities make up for it. As AT, it's the best ATGM available to NATO. As AA, the missile has slightly lower range than radar based SAM platform, but with 70% accuracy it's comparable to an upgrade to Stinger C, paired with an SPAAG, it can shoot down almost every plane who entered its range.
The unique abilities of ADATS are at the same time its drawbacks. Being an expensive combined platform, it needs to follow the frontline to support the troops. However, being a large unarmored target, it is also quite vulnerable enemy attacks. Cheap ground attack aircraft can attack even lone ADATS (and especially when they are in the mix of units!), knowing that even if they are shot down they will take down more than they are worth.
Another problem is the fact that with 8 missiles, which might seems to be a lot for an AA platform, for both AT and AA, the ADATS will need to resupply frequently, so supply trucks are a necessity.
The ADATS excels in the support role, providing long-range anti-tank, and even anti-air, firepower to mechanized, or even armored, formations. Its versatility and raw damage allows it to become a key asset for any assault force, pr. However, its lacklustre armor, which renders it quite vulnerable to return fire, and high price forces this unit to remain at the 'rear' of any assault, or require players to keep a close eye on it.
Weapon[]
Airland Battle[]
Red Dragon[]
Gallery[]
See also[]
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