SD:Armata 17-pdr

 is a Polish Anti-tank unit. 17-pdr was a large and heavy anti-tank gun developed and extensively used by the British. The gun represents the most powerful anti-tank weapon available to the Western Allies in the game, capable of frontally penetrating all but the heaviest German tanks. Aside from being used as a field gun, it was also mounted -with varying amount of success- on vehicles as well, leading to the Firefly, the Achilles and the Challenger amongst others.

The 17-pdr was also distributed to other Allied militaries like the Canadians and the Polish. In contrast, the Americans rely on their towed M5 76mm anti-tank gun to combat the German tanks (in the game). This type of gun should not be confused with the 76mm gun mounted on the Sherman M4A3(76), which is a different tank gun altogether.

Overview
17-pounders first saw combat in the North African theatre and were the only British anti-tank gun capable of defeating the Tiger. It went on to become one of the most effective weapons on the battlefield in the Second World War, used as a field gun as well as being mounted on vehicles.

In the first months after the D-Day invasion, the 17-pdr and the 17-pdr-armed Firefly were the only units in the Western theatre that could destroy panthers at normal combat ranges. In contrast, the 75mm-armed shermans were found to be ineffective against these new German tanks. This disparity spurred the Americans on to send 76mm guns to Normandy and to develop the 90mm-armed pershing tank.

A 17-pdr firing the new APDS ammunition (sabot rounds) ensured guaranteed penetration against virtually all German tanks at combat ranges except the königstiger, which could only be penetrated at ranges of 500m (in theory). However, a significant disadvantage of these sabot rounds was that they were rather inaccurate at longer ranges.

In 1. Pancerna Armata 17-pdr were used in 1st Polish Anti-Tank Regiment with 2 batteries of Armata 17-pdr and 2 more with Achilles IIc.

Strategy
With an AP value of 16, it gives Polish forces the anti-tank power needed to face late-game German tanks. It is slightly cheaper than the 17-pdr fielded by the British for balance reasons. It represents the most powerful AT weapon available to the Polish, and is also mounted on the Achilles and the Firefly (also available to Polish troops). They each have their distinct uses. Anti-tank guns benefit from their ability to hide in hedgerow terrain and their soft unit status, allowing greater survivability when engaging tanks. On the other hand, tanks and tank destroyers enjoy greater mobility and are much less affected by enemy air strikes and artillery.

Like all anti-tank guns, the 17-pdr is best suited in a more defensive role. The 17-pdr is the best anti-tank gun available to the Allied forces, able to frontally penetrate nearly all German tanks at maximum range (1200m), with the notable exception of the Königstiger (P). That being said, penetration is far from guaranteed when facing off with well-armoured German tanks. Against a Panther A or Panther G, frontal penetration chances (16 AP vs 14 armour) are only about 15% at maximum range. The player should either attack with multiple units, wait to fire until the Panther is well within range or a combination of both. Of course, one should strive to get the occasional side shot whenever possible.

As an anti-tank gun, the 17-pdr is rather immobile and especially vulnerable to enemy artillery and air, which means it should be best employed in concealed terrain. It is also incapable of defending itself against enemy infantry since it lacks HE shells. Indeed, they are virtually defenceless against machine gun teams, whose fire has enough reach to suppress or kill anti-tank guns.