This article is considered accurate for the current version (1.56) of the game.
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This robust field cannon not only allows infantry to fire heavy 75mm shells with ease, but it provides state-of-the-art curved blast shielding for maximum protection from crossfire.
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— In-game description
The Balfour Stockade 75mm (simply known as a Stockade) is a late-game WardenLarge Field Gun that must be deployed in order to fire. It is equipped with a high-velocity 75mm main cannon.
The Balfour Stockade 75mm houses a crew of two soldiers:
Driver (Left Side)
Controls the movement of the vehicle - requires a soldier in the Gunner seat in order to move
Able to deploy/undeploy the vehicle - press F
Gunner (Right Side)
Controls the reloading, and firing of the chassis-mounted 75mm main cannon
Required to move the vehicle
NOTE: Despite not having an actual Passenger seat, it is possible for a soldier to stand on the Spade (the long metal piece on the back of the vehicle) and move with the crew.
Unlike enclosed vehicles, Field Weapons cannot switch seats, requiring the crew to exit the vehicle in order to change seats.
Armament
The Balfour Stockade 75mm is equipped with one main armament:
The Balfour Stockade 75mm fills an interesting role as a Field Gun capable of dealing heavy damage to both structures and vehicles. Due to the raw damage output of the 75mm ammunition, it will drastically deteriorate any target if it gets in range of its target.
Since 75mm is a large shell, the push gun needs a dedicated ammo bearer (increasing the number of crew to three) in order to ferry the shells from a storage area (preferably a Material Pallet), to the gun's location. Additionally, the 35 meter range leaves it vulnerable to faster moving infantry and vehicles, as they can quickly ambush the push gun, killing the crew and potentially destroying it. Despite this powerful round, it is also one its primary weaknesses, as the chassis, limited ammo capacity, and short range, can put it in vulnerable positions if the crew is not careful.
Heavy Truck Evacuation
Using a Heavy-Duty Truck is highly recommended when moving the Field Weapon, as it can transport it over long distances quickly, and essential if needing to evacuate both the push gun and crew if they come under intense fire. A good defensive position should be utilized before moving the gun into direct frontline combat. If this is an especially active frontline, it is highly recommended that the driver should remain standby to evacuate the push gun is in danger of being destroyed or being overrun by enemy infantry.
Chassis
All push guns, by their nature, are one of the most vulnerable vehicles in the game in terms of crew protection. The crew fully exposed to the enemy, meaning they are susceptible to all types of enemy fire. Due to push guns requiring both crew members to move the gun, this means the death of a single crew member could result in the entire push gun being overwhelmed and lost. Due to this, it is recommended to only lock the gun when it looks like enemy infantry are going overwhelming you and are able to steal the gun. This tactic is vital if a push gun is decrewed, as it allows a friendly soldier to quickly man the vehicle and drive it back to safety.
Since it needs to be deployed in order to be fired, it is essential that the crew sets up in a good defensive position. This firing position should be in a position where the Field Weapon can be used with maximum effectiveness, as well being able to be retrieved by friendly troops or vehicles (via towing).
Visibility Mechanics
Push guns have a special visibility mechanic, which allow it to operate differently compared to other armored vehicles. Similar to infantry, push guns are affected by field of view, meaning that their movements cannot be seen unless it is within your line of sight. Due to this, push guns are able to not be seen by hiding behind various structures, or even bushes (though this tactic depends on how big the bush is). This line of sight is also affected by the time of day, with nighttime making it possible for the push gun to become invisible to the enemy if you're far enough from them. Do keep in mind that if the enemy decides to illuminate your position, this will expose your location until the flare dies out.
Tips
Like all vehicles that use large shells, they can be quickly submitted into them without accessing their inventory
While this can be done for all vehicles, it should only be done if they can carry/use large items
Equip the shell and walk up to the vehicle
Submit the shell into the vehicle - pressV
Trivia
In 1.54 Naval Warfare, the Balfour Stockade 75mm received multiple changes.
Towing was added, which allowed certain vehicles to "hitch" certain vehicles (mainly Field Weapons), allowing them to be moved without the need of larger equipment, such as Flatbed Trucks and Cranes.
The design of the Balfour Stockade 75mm cannon bears some resemblance to the German 7.5 cm Pak 97/38, especially regarding the muzzle brake. This was a weapon created by mounting a French 75mm artillery piece barrel on a German anti-tank gun carriage.
