This article is considered accurate for the current version (1.58) of the game.
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The first T-class tankette to utilize this sturdier frame and versatile treads, the Vesta also represents the Velian’s first foray into fire weapons. The “Vesta” boasts a light flame turret and ample storage for the additional fuel supply required.
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— In-game description
The T14 “Vesta” Tankette (also known as a Flame Tankette) is a ColonialTankette equipped with a hull-mounted flame turret.
The T14 “Vesta” Tankette has 1350 HP and is disabled under 30% health. It has "Heavy Armor" resistance: it can soak small arms fire, shrapnel, and 12.7mm machine guns, and it is immune to Flamethrowers. But it won't last long when faced with heavy explosives or anti-tank weaponry. It has subsystems that have a chance to be disabled by heavy explosives and anti-tank weaponry if hit specifically: Tracks: 30% (Anti-Tank Mines always disable them). It has Tank Armor. With it, in best case scenario, penetrating projectiles only have a 55% chance of penetrating and doing damage. That chance goes up quickly if the armor is worn or if it is shot from up close, or on the side or rear from a direct angle, or with ammo that has penetration bonuses. It takes 150 Basic Materials to fully repair it from 1% to 100% health with a Hammer. Its health, subsystems, and Tank Armor can be instantly repaired at a Garage for 100 Basic Materials.
The T14 “Vesta” Tankette is a well-armed and armored tankette, which is equipped with heavy armor and a gun capable of damaging enemy infantry and structures. Due to these characteristics, it is capable of shrugging off most infantry weapons, with heavier ammunition, like anti-armor rounds or explosive, being the only ones able to effectively damage it.
Its main armament, the flamethrower, is a niche tool. When used directly against infantry, it can become one of the fastest kill tools (right behind explosions, which will instantly kill a player). While it is tempting to charge hunkering infantry, it's better to flush them out with fire and heat. The near-nonexistent damage and quick emptying of a canister forces the crew to conserve ammunition against flammable targets. Setting enemy structures ablaze will also deny enemy infantry their use, slowly damaging it and preventing them from repairing it. Firing an entire magazine in one go at any Tier 2 structure takes 20 seconds and always creates a self-sustaining medium-intensity fire on it.
Tankette Effectiveness over the Course of the War
Similar to all tankettes, as soon as heavier anti-armor weapons become more common, (such as anti-tank rifles) the T14 “Vesta” Tankette loses most of its relevance on the front line, as they will quickly be destroyed, as longer ranged weapons prevent the crew from reacting fast enough before being destroyed. However, due to its armament, it is still a formidable opponent when operated by a competent crew.
Effective tankette transport
Due to the tankettes slow speed, it is recommended that you transport the tankette to its destination via a Flatbed Truck, rather than driving it. However it should be noted that this requires a crane to both load and unload the vehicle. Tankettes can not be packaged when their armor is damaged or their health is not full.
Standard Equipment Loadout
Like with every other armored vehicle, the crew should ALWAYS equip themselves with a Gas Mask and multiple Filters to avoid dying to Gas Grenades. Additionally, they should bring a Hammer and Basic Materials to repair the tankette. These tactics can be buffed by wearing either a Tank Uniform or an Engineer Uniform.
Tips
Like all vehicles that use flame ammo, 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 flame ammo and walk up to the vehicle
Submit the flame ammo into the vehicle - pressV
Trivia
In Roman mythology, Vesta was the goddess of the hearth, home, and family
Interestingly, she is rarely depicted in her human form, with her mainly being represented by the fire maintained in her temples