Last Updated: December 2025
The **Warthunder Artillery Calculator** helps ground forces players quickly determine the **Time to Impact** for an artillery strike based on coordinate distance and shell velocity. Calculate the required time-of-flight (TOF) to effectively call in strikes on static or predicted enemy positions.
Warthunder Artillery Calculator
Warthunder Artillery Calculator Formula
The calculation uses a simplified 2D Pythagorean theorem for distance (D) and a simple velocity equation for Time to Impact (T):
$$D = \sqrt{(X_2 – X_1)^2 + (Y_2 – Y_1)^2}$$
$$T = \frac{D}{V}$$
- D: Distance to Target (meters)
- T: Time to Impact (seconds)
- X1, Y1: Current Grid Coordinates
- X2, Y2: Target Grid Coordinates
- V: Shell Velocity (meters per second)
Formula Source 1: Pythagorean Theorem (Distance) | Formula Source 2: Simple Velocity Equation (Time)
Variables Explained
- Current Position (X1, Y1): Your position on the grid map in meters. This is the origin of the artillery call.
- Target Position (X2, Y2): The enemy or intended strike location on the grid map in meters.
- Artillery Shell Velocity (V): The muzzle velocity of the specific artillery shell being fired. While War Thunder simplifies this, a typical value is needed for calculation.
- Time to Impact (T): The resulting time, in seconds, until the first shell hits the specified target area.
What is Warthunder Artillery Calculator?
The Warthunder Artillery Calculator is a utility tool designed to enhance the effectiveness of artillery support in the game’s Ground Forces mode. Unlike tank gunnery, which has built-in rangefinding, artillery calls are often blind, relying on map coordinates. Knowing the exact Time to Impact is crucial for coordinating with teammates or setting up lead shots on highly mobile targets.
By using a coordinate system (often derived from in-game grid markers or estimated distances), players can calculate the distance the shells must travel. When combined with the known (or estimated) velocity of the artillery round, the calculator provides a reliable time-on-target (TOT). This allows players to delay their call-in until the precise moment the enemy tank is expected to enter the strike zone, maximizing the chance of a successful hit.
How to Calculate Time to Impact (Example)
Follow these steps to calculate the time to impact using the coordinates:
- Establish Coordinates: Note your current position (X1, Y1) and the target position (X2, Y2). For example, Player is at (100, 50) and Target is at (1000, 800).
- Determine Velocity (V): Use an estimated value for the artillery shell, such as 500 m/s.
- Calculate Distance (D): Plug the values into the Pythagorean formula: $D = \sqrt{(1000 – 100)^2 + (800 – 50)^2}$. This results in $D = \sqrt{900^2 + 750^2} = \sqrt{810000 + 562500} = \sqrt{1372500} \approx 1171.54$ meters.
- Calculate Time (T): Divide the distance by the velocity: $T = 1171.54 \text{ m} / 500 \text{ m/s} \approx 2.34$ seconds.
- The Result: The Time to Impact is approximately 2.34 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the typical velocity of a War Thunder artillery shell? The exact velocity varies based on the caliber and nation, but a safe estimate for the purpose of a quick calculation is often between 450 m/s and 600 m/s. Using 500 m/s is a common, balanced starting point.
Does this calculator account for shell drop or air drag? No, this calculator uses a simplified, flat-earth velocity model ($T=D/V$) to provide a rough, quick Time to Impact estimate. It does not account for parabolic trajectory, shell drop, or air resistance, as those variables are highly complex and not directly exposed in the game’s interface. It serves as a tactical guide.
How accurate are the grid coordinates in War Thunder? Grid coordinates are generally reliable, but estimation is often required for intermediate points. The map scale (where one grid square often represents 100m or 500m) should be used to derive the X and Y meter values for the inputs.
Can I use this for long-range tank shots? While the formula is based on physics, tank gunnery involves much higher velocities and complex ballistic curves (gravity, drag). This calculator is optimized and simplified for the slower, high-angle trajectory of **artillery support** and is less accurate for direct-fire tank guns.