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Difference between revisions of "Strike Witches: Operation Victory Arrow"
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=Pistols= | =Pistols= | ||
− | ==Gendarmerie | + | ==Gendarmerie sidearm== |
A member of the Gendarmerie Nationale in Pas-de-Calais chases after Julius, an orphaned refugee from Nederland who stole some cold medicine for his little sister Rose. Given the variety of possible sidearms available at the time, it's impossible to say for sure what's in his holster. | A member of the Gendarmerie Nationale in Pas-de-Calais chases after Julius, an orphaned refugee from Nederland who stole some cold medicine for his little sister Rose. Given the variety of possible sidearms available at the time, it's impossible to say for sure what's in his holster. | ||
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=Shotguns= | =Shotguns= | ||
− | == | + | ==over/under shotgun== |
− | In a flashback to the beginning of the Neuroi invasion, a group of Dutch civilians attempt to hold back the Neuroi on a bridge at Arnhem, Nederland, armed with nothing but [[ | + | In a flashback to the beginning of the Neuroi invasion, a group of Dutch civilians attempt to hold back the Neuroi on a bridge at Arnhem, Nederland, armed with nothing but [[Over-Under Shotgun|double barrel shotguns]]. |
[[Image:Browning 0-U.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Browning 5.25 O/U - 12 gauge]] | [[Image:Browning 0-U.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Browning 5.25 O/U - 12 gauge]] | ||
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=Assault Rifles & Rifles= | =Assault Rifles & Rifles= | ||
==StG 44== | ==StG 44== | ||
− | Ursula Hartmann arrives at the Saint-Trond base with loads of gifts and equipment to test, among them is an [[ | + | Ursula Hartmann arrives at the Saint-Trond base with loads of gifts and equipment to test, among them is an [[StG 44]] fitted with a Krummlauf (curved barrel) attachment. A witch needing to shoot around corners ''in the sky'' seems rather questionable, but that's also the point of this scene, with a bunch of Ursula's fancy tech being various levels of silly. All of them are based on or inspired by real world experimental German tech, and are included in this same entry. |
[[Image:StG-44 Krummlauf.jpg|thumb|none|400px|StG 44 with Krummlauf - 7.92x33mm Kurz]] | [[Image:StG-44 Krummlauf.jpg|thumb|none|400px|StG 44 with Krummlauf - 7.92x33mm Kurz]] | ||
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[[File:BoysRifle.55.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Boys Mk I* - .55 Boys]] | [[File:BoysRifle.55.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Boys Mk I* - .55 Boys]] | ||
+ | [[File:Strike Witches design Boys Mk I*.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Boys Mk I* design artwork]] | ||
[[Image:SWovaS181.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Luciana Mazzei fires her Boys, as Martina Crespi and Fernandia Malvezzi fire their MG 42s. (Ep.2)]] | [[Image:SWovaS181.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Luciana Mazzei fires her Boys, as Martina Crespi and Fernandia Malvezzi fire their MG 42s. (Ep.2)]] | ||
[[Image:SWovaS182.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Another angle of the trio, showing part of the island. (Ep.2)]] | [[Image:SWovaS182.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Another angle of the trio, showing part of the island. (Ep.2)]] | ||
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=Machine Guns= | =Machine Guns= | ||
==Bren Mk 1 (M)== | ==Bren Mk 1 (M)== | ||
− | While Pierrette-Henriette Clostermann doesn't regularly carry around her [[Bren | + | While Pierrette-Henriette Clostermann doesn't regularly carry around her [[Bren gun|Bren Mk 1 (M)]] at this point, due to being well behind the lines aiding in rebuilding Gallia, her butler Jean-Paul had a hidden weapon locker installed in the Clostermann residence in case of emergency. |
[[Image:Bren gun.JPG|thumb|none|400px|Bren Mk 1 (M) - .303 British]] | [[Image:Bren gun.JPG|thumb|none|400px|Bren Mk 1 (M) - .303 British]] | ||
+ | [[Image:Strike Witches design Bren Mk 1 (M).jpg|thumb|none|400px|Bren Mk 1 (M) design artwork; note the detailed cross-section of the rear sight aperture]] | ||
[[Image:SWovaBren1.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Promo poster for ''Arnhem Bridge''. Note Amelie using her Bren and VG.39 striker here, though she's not actually seen in combat in the episode. Amelie is one of the main characters of the ''One-Winged Witches'' manga, which also features Lynette's sister Wilma. (Art)]] | [[Image:SWovaBren1.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Promo poster for ''Arnhem Bridge''. Note Amelie using her Bren and VG.39 striker here, though she's not actually seen in combat in the episode. Amelie is one of the main characters of the ''One-Winged Witches'' manga, which also features Lynette's sister Wilma. (Art)]] | ||
[[Image:SWovaBren2.jpg|600px|thumb|none|A stitched image of the bookcase armoury in all its glory. (Ep.3)]] | [[Image:SWovaBren2.jpg|600px|thumb|none|A stitched image of the bookcase armoury in all its glory. (Ep.3)]] | ||
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==Browning M1918A2== | ==Browning M1918A2== | ||
− | Charlotte Yeager continues to use a [[ | + | Charlotte Yeager continues to use a [[M1918A2|BAR]] as her standard weapon, though she doesn't so much as fire a shot with it in ''Operation Victory Arrow'', opting to use bombs, unconventional methods, and her mastery of mechanical devices instead. |
[[Image:BAR.jpg|thumb|400px|none|Browning M1918A2 - .30-06 Springfield]] | [[Image:BAR.jpg|thumb|400px|none|Browning M1918A2 - .30-06 Springfield]] | ||
+ | [[Image:Strike Witches design M1918A2.jpg|thumb|400px|none|M1918A2 design artwork]] | ||
[[Image:SWovaBAR1.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Cover artwork for ''Goddess of the Aegean Sea''. (Art)]] | [[Image:SWovaBAR1.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Cover artwork for ''Goddess of the Aegean Sea''. (Art)]] | ||
− | [[Image:SWovaBAR2.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Charlotte and Francesca prepare to leave the Lucchini family home on | + | [[Image:SWovaBAR2.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Charlotte and Francesca prepare to leave the Lucchini family home on Sicilia, as Charlotte asks Francesca's mother to mind her bike and luggage while they're gone; Shirley's motorcycle later features prominently in the episode's closing credits. (Ep.2)]] |
[[Image:SWovaBAR3.jpg|600px|thumb|none|BAR strapped to her back, Charlotte asks Francesca why she's so intent on protecting Delos. (Ep.2)]] | [[Image:SWovaBAR3.jpg|600px|thumb|none|BAR strapped to her back, Charlotte asks Francesca why she's so intent on protecting Delos. (Ep.2)]] | ||
[[Image:SWovaBAR4.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Francesca and Shirley carry a pair of bombs to use against the Delos Neuroi, escorted by Raisa Pöttgen and Hanna-Justina Marseille. (Ep.2)]] | [[Image:SWovaBAR4.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Francesca and Shirley carry a pair of bombs to use against the Delos Neuroi, escorted by Raisa Pöttgen and Hanna-Justina Marseille. (Ep.2)]] | ||
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[[Image:M1919a6.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Browning M1919A6 - .30-06 Springfield]] | [[Image:M1919a6.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Browning M1919A6 - .30-06 Springfield]] | ||
+ | [[Image:Strike Witches design M1919A6.jpg|thumb|none|400px|M1919A6 design artwork]] | ||
[[Image:SWova19191.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Promo poster for ''Goddess of the Aegean Sea''. (Art)]] | [[Image:SWova19191.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Promo poster for ''Goddess of the Aegean Sea''. (Art)]] | ||
− | [[Image:SWova191922.jpg|600px|thumb|none|The Lucchini vineyard in | + | [[Image:SWova191922.jpg|600px|thumb|none|The Lucchini vineyard in Carini, Sicilia, where the pair have been on vacation for a few weeks. More specifically, it appears to be at the western edge of the town, on the slopes of Montagna Longa; in the background lies Monte Pecoraro. (Ep.2)]] |
[[Image:SWova19193.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Browning slung across her back, Francesca bids her mother farewell as she embarks on another adventure. (Ep.2)]] | [[Image:SWova19193.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Browning slung across her back, Francesca bids her mother farewell as she embarks on another adventure. (Ep.2)]] | ||
[[Image:SWova19194.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Aboard the wrecked Liberty ship, Shirley and Francesca check their bombs while waiting for the opportune moment. (Ep.2)]] | [[Image:SWova19194.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Aboard the wrecked Liberty ship, Shirley and Francesca check their bombs while waiting for the opportune moment. (Ep.2)]] | ||
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==MG 34== | ==MG 34== | ||
− | The Africa-based witches Hanna-Justina Marseille and Raisa Pöttgen of the 31st JFS, as well as Edytha Neumann, commanding officer of all witches in the African theatre use the [[ | + | The Africa-based witches Hanna-Justina Marseille and Raisa Pöttgen of the 31st JFS, as well as Edytha Neumann, commanding officer of all witches in the African theatre use the [[MG 34]] as their weapon of choice, as opposed to the MG 42 preferred by Karlsland witches in Europe. |
[[Image:Mg-34man-portable.jpg|thumb|none|400px|MG 34 - 7.92x57mm Mauser]] | [[Image:Mg-34man-portable.jpg|thumb|none|400px|MG 34 - 7.92x57mm Mauser]] | ||
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==MG 42== | ==MG 42== | ||
− | The witch-version [[ | + | The witch-version [[MG 42]], modified to use Patronentrommel 34 drums, continues to be used by all the usual witches, such as the Karlsland trio, Eila Juutilainen, and some of the Ardor Witches. |
[[File:MG42 Left.jpg|thumb|none|400px|MG 42 - 7.92x57mm Mauser]] | [[File:MG42 Left.jpg|thumb|none|400px|MG 42 - 7.92x57mm Mauser]] | ||
− | [[File: | + | [[File:Strike Witches design MG 42.jpg|thumb|none|400px|MG 42 design artwork; the text at top-left describes operation of the magazine release, comparing it to the tab on an aluminum drink can]] |
[[Image:SWovaMG421.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Cover artwork for ''Saint-Trond's Thunder''. (Art)]] | [[Image:SWovaMG421.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Cover artwork for ''Saint-Trond's Thunder''. (Art)]] | ||
[[Image:SWovaMG422.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Promo poster for ''Saint-Trond's Thunder''. (Art)]] | [[Image:SWovaMG422.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Promo poster for ''Saint-Trond's Thunder''. (Art)]] | ||
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==Type 99-2 Model 2 Kai== | ==Type 99-2 Model 2 Kai== | ||
− | The iconic ''World Witches'' version of the [[Type 99 cannon|Type 99]] cannon only gets a cameo in ''Operation Victory Arrow'', prominently held by Yoshika Miyafuji in the opening credits. With Yoshika having drained her magic | + | The iconic ''World Witches'' version of the [[Type 99 cannon|Type 99]] cannon only gets a cameo in ''Operation Victory Arrow'', prominently held by Yoshika Miyafuji in the opening credits. With Yoshika having drained her magic and Mio having aged out, there aren't any Fuso witches that appear who are capable of using it, at present. |
− | [[image:Type_99-1.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Type 99 Mark 1 | + | For the rather lengthy technical explanation of the witches' Type 99-2 Model 2 Kai variant, [[Strike Witches#Type 99-2 Model 2 Kai|see its first season entry]]. |
− | [[Image:Type 99-2 Model 2 Kai | + | |
+ | [[image:Type_99-1.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Type 99 Mark 1, flexible configuration - 20x72mmRB]] | ||
+ | [[Image:Strike Witches design Type 99-2 Model 2 Kai.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Type 99-2 Model 2 Kai (13.2x96mm Hotchkiss) design artwork; the text at lower-centre indicates the location of the charging button]] | ||
[[Image:SWovaT991.jpg|600px|thumb|none|A fairly close shot of the Type 99's receiver. (OP)]] | [[Image:SWovaT991.jpg|600px|thumb|none|A fairly close shot of the Type 99's receiver. (OP)]] | ||
[[Image:SWovaT992.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Early-Season-2-era Yoshika flies along the clouds in Mio's old A6M3a striker (tail code V-128), recognizable by its blue diagonal fuselage stripe and two horizontal tail stripes. Yoshika's original Season-1-era A6M3a (tail code V-139), which was sacrificed at the end of ''Strike Witches'', had a yellow vertical fuselage stripe and a clean tail. (OP)]] | [[Image:SWovaT992.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Early-Season-2-era Yoshika flies along the clouds in Mio's old A6M3a striker (tail code V-128), recognizable by its blue diagonal fuselage stripe and two horizontal tail stripes. Yoshika's original Season-1-era A6M3a (tail code V-139), which was sacrificed at the end of ''Strike Witches'', had a yellow vertical fuselage stripe and a clean tail. (OP)]] | ||
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=Launchers= | =Launchers= | ||
==Fliegerhammer== | ==Fliegerhammer== | ||
− | In ''Saint-Trond's Thunder'', Ursula Hartmann uses the rocket launcher she herself designed, the nine-barrel Fliegerhammer; Aleksandra Litvyak is also seen with one in the opening credits. The Fliegerhammer was inspired by (both in-universe and out) the [[Luftfaust|Fliegerfaust]], | + | In ''Saint-Trond's Thunder'', Ursula Hartmann uses the rocket launcher she herself designed, the nine-barrel Fliegerhammer; Aleksandra Litvyak is also seen with one in the opening credits. The Fliegerhammer was inspired by (both in-universe and out) the [[Luftfaust|Fliegerfaust]]. |
+ | |||
+ | For additional details, [[Strike Witches#Fliegerhammer|see its first season entry]]. | ||
− | [[Image:Luftfaust-cp.jpg|thumb|none|400px| | + | [[Image:Luftfaust-cp.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Fliegerfaust (replica) with 9-rocket clip - 20mm]] |
− | [[Image: | + | [[Image:Strike Witches design Fliegerhammer.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Fliegerhammer design artwork; the text at top-left describes the launch order in volley fire (white tubes first)]] |
[[Image:SWovaFH1.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Sanya aims her Fliegerhammer in the opening credits. (OP)]] | [[Image:SWovaFH1.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Sanya aims her Fliegerhammer in the opening credits. (OP)]] | ||
− | [[Image:SWovaFH2.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Consistent with its previous depictions, the standard launch order is (shooter's perspective) top row to bottom row, right to left. This is very sensible, as this order ensures the Fliegerfaust's centre of gravity is always as low and as close to the shooter as possible. (OP)]] | + | [[Image:SWovaFH2.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Consistent with its previous depictions, the standard launch order for single fire is (shooter's perspective) top row to bottom row, right to left. This is very sensible, as this order ensures the Fliegerfaust's centre of gravity is always as low and as close to the shooter as possible. (OP)]] |
[[Image:SWovaFH3.jpg|600px|thumb|none|A barrage of nine rockets bails Erica out of a sticky situation. (Ep.1)]] | [[Image:SWovaFH3.jpg|600px|thumb|none|A barrage of nine rockets bails Erica out of a sticky situation. (Ep.1)]] | ||
[[Image:SWovaFH4.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Ursula arrives with perfect timing. Although the launcher is now empty, good trigger disciple is always commendable. (Ep.1)]] | [[Image:SWovaFH4.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Ursula arrives with perfect timing. Although the launcher is now empty, good trigger disciple is always commendable. (Ep.1)]] | ||
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==PIAT Mk I== | ==PIAT Mk I== | ||
− | Along with the Bren and Boys, Perrine's hidden armoury also contains a [[PIAT]], with three rounds, which Perrine brings in addition to her Bren. | + | Along with the Bren and Boys, Perrine's hidden armoury also contains a [[PIAT]], with three rounds, which Perrine brings in addition to her Bren. Although in reality "PIAT" is an acronym for "Projector, Infantry, Anti-Tank", supplementary info reveals that in this universe it instead stands for "Projector, Infantry, Armoured-Thing", due to being developed to combat the Neuroi. |
− | [[Image:Piat gun loaded.jpg|thumb|none|400px|PIAT Mk I - 3.25 | + | [[Image:Piat gun loaded.jpg|thumb|none|400px|PIAT Mk I - 3.25-inch]] |
[[Image:SWovaPIAT1.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Perrine's PIAT makes its combat debut, with a close-up of the first shaped charge firing. The charge is drawn too wide here, as it's supposed to be loaded from the rear and slid through the ring (as Perrine does later). (Ep.3)]] | [[Image:SWovaPIAT1.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Perrine's PIAT makes its combat debut, with a close-up of the first shaped charge firing. The charge is drawn too wide here, as it's supposed to be loaded from the rear and slid through the ring (as Perrine does later). (Ep.3)]] | ||
− | [[Image:SWovaPIAT2.jpg|600px|thumb|none|A rather badass stitched image of Perrine showing up to rescue Julius, having just fired the PIAT. (Ep.3)]] | + | [[Image:SWovaPIAT2.jpg|600px|thumb|none|A rather badass stitched image of Perrine showing up to rescue Julius, having just fired the PIAT. Inside the bag slung over her shoulder is a three-round ammo case for the PIAT, though it is ultimately not shown on-screen. (Ep.3)]] |
[[Image:SWovaPIAT3.jpg|600px|thumb|none|After ditching her Bren and taking cover, Perrine recocks the PIAT's spring by hand, showing off witches' enhanced strength; the PIAT has a draw weight of 90kg/200lbs. (Ep.3)]] | [[Image:SWovaPIAT3.jpg|600px|thumb|none|After ditching her Bren and taking cover, Perrine recocks the PIAT's spring by hand, showing off witches' enhanced strength; the PIAT has a draw weight of 90kg/200lbs. (Ep.3)]] | ||
[[Image:SWovaPIAT4.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Loading the second shaped charge into the launcher, using the correct method mentioned above. (Ep.3)]] | [[Image:SWovaPIAT4.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Loading the second shaped charge into the launcher, using the correct method mentioned above. (Ep.3)]] | ||
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=Autocannons= | =Autocannons= | ||
==MG 151/20== | ==MG 151/20== | ||
− | Night witch Heidemarie Schnaufer uses an [[MG 151 | + | Night witch Heidemarie Schnaufer uses an [[MG 151|MG 151/20]] cannon as her weapon of choice; she is only seen using a training MG 151/20 in ''Operation Victory Arrow''. Similar to the other large cannons wielded by witches, the MG 151 has been modified with a top-mounted vertical pistol grip, a horizontal grip for the off-hand, and a detachable drum magazine; the weapon is otherwise essentially unmodified. |
[[File:Mg15120.jpg|thumb|none|400px|MG 151/20 - 20x82mm]] | [[File:Mg15120.jpg|thumb|none|400px|MG 151/20 - 20x82mm]] | ||
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==MK 214== | ==MK 214== | ||
− | A MK 214 cannon was brought by Ursula to Saint-Trond for testing, alongside a refined version of the Me 262 Schwalbe jet striker. This massive cannon is similar to the BK 5 that appeared in ''Strike Witches 2'', as in reality both were developed in parallel as aircraft versions of the 5cm PaK 38 anti-tank cannon; the BK 5 was Rheinmetall's project, the MK 214 was Mauser's. | + | A [[MK 214]] cannon was brought by Ursula to Saint-Trond for testing, alongside a refined version of the Me 262 Schwalbe jet striker. This massive cannon is similar to the [[BK 5]] that appeared in ''Strike Witches 2'', as in reality both were developed in parallel as aircraft versions of the 5cm PaK 38 anti-tank cannon; the BK 5 was Rheinmetall's project, the MK 214 was Mauser's. |
[[File:MK 214 A.jpg|thumb|none|400px|MK 214 A - 50x419mmR]] | [[File:MK 214 A.jpg|thumb|none|400px|MK 214 A - 50x419mmR]] | ||
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==Type 97== | ==Type 97== | ||
− | Having aged out of her magic, Mio Sakamoto is seen flying an A6M3 Reisen in the opening credits. The Zero is armed with a pair of [[ | + | Having aged out of her magic, Mio Sakamoto is seen flying an A6M3 Reisen in the opening credits. The Zero is armed with a pair of [[Type 97 aircraft machine gun]]s in the engine cowling, as well as a pair of Type 99 cannons in the wings. |
[[File:Type 97.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Type 97 aircraft machine gun - 7.7x56mmR]] | [[File:Type 97.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Type 97 aircraft machine gun - 7.7x56mmR]] | ||
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[[File:SWovaT972.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Mio pulls away after the run, Neuroi shards sent flying. The muzzle of one of the Type 97s can be seen just behind the black cowling. (OP)]] | [[File:SWovaT972.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Mio pulls away after the run, Neuroi shards sent flying. The muzzle of one of the Type 97s can be seen just behind the black cowling. (OP)]] | ||
− | ==Type 99== | + | ==Type 99 Mark 1== |
− | In addition to its Type 97 MGs, the A6M is armed with a [[ | + | In addition to its Type 97 MGs, the A6M is armed with a [[Type 99 cannon|Type 99 Mark 1]] cannon in each wing. When equipped on Zeros, the Mark 1 can be identified due to not protruding from the wing (as seen here) while the scaled-up Mark 2 sticks out significantly. |
[[image:Navy Type 99-1 & 99-2.JPG|thumb|none|400px|Top: Type 99 Mark 1 Model 3 - 20x72mmRB / Bottom: Type 99 Mark 2 Model 3 - 20x101mmRB]] | [[image:Navy Type 99-1 & 99-2.JPG|thumb|none|400px|Top: Type 99 Mark 1 Model 3 - 20x72mmRB / Bottom: Type 99 Mark 2 Model 3 - 20x101mmRB]] | ||
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==MG 34 Panzerlauf== | ==MG 34 Panzerlauf== | ||
− | A Tiger I is seen in the opening credits, and while they're not visible from the rear, it would be armed with a pair of [[ | + | A Tiger I is seen in the opening credits, and while they're not visible from the rear, it would be armed with a pair of [[MG 34 Panzerlauf]] variants, one in the coaxial mount, one hull-mounted, as well as its 8.8cm KwK 36 main cannon. This Tiger is actually a pre-production version of the H1 variant, specifically marked as Tiger 100, with "100" and white elephant markings; this is the same model seen in ''The Movie''. |
− | [[File: | + | [[File:MG 34 Panzerlauf 2.jpg|thumb|none|400px|MG 34 Panzerlauf - 7.92x57mm Mauser]] |
[[File:SWovaMG34V.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A pre-production Tiger H1 in the streets of a burning city. (OP)]] | [[File:SWovaMG34V.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A pre-production Tiger H1 in the streets of a burning city. (OP)]] | ||
==8.8cm FlaK 36== | ==8.8cm FlaK 36== | ||
− | A trio of the iconic "eighty-eights" are seen in the opening credits. | + | A trio of the iconic [[8.8 cm FlaK 36|"eighty-eights"]] are seen in the opening credits. |
[[Image:FlaK36.jpg|thumb|none|400px|FlaK 36 - 88x571mmR]] | [[Image:FlaK36.jpg|thumb|none|400px|FlaK 36 - 88x571mmR]] | ||
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[[File:BoforsTwin.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Bofors 40mm L/60 twin mounting - 40x311mmR]] | [[File:BoforsTwin.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Bofors 40mm L/60 twin mounting - 40x311mmR]] | ||
[[File:SWovaB1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The castle-style main part of the base features a twin AA gun on each turret, as well as two more along the front wall; the opposite side presumably has another two, making for a total of twelve twin cannons. (Ep.1)]] | [[File:SWovaB1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The castle-style main part of the base features a twin AA gun on each turret, as well as two more along the front wall; the opposite side presumably has another two, making for a total of twelve twin cannons. (Ep.1)]] | ||
− | [[File:SWovaB2.jpg|thumb|none|600px| | + | [[File:SWovaB2.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Gertrud and Minna sortie after the scramble alarm sounds, in a stitched image. The distinctive barrels of the Bofors are visible here, albeit significantly larger. (Ep.1)]] |
+ | [[File:SWovaB3.jpg|thumb|none|600px|An even closer look at one of the upper roof Bofors, along with some of the base's radio equipment. (Ep.1)]] | ||
+ | [[File:SWovaB4.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Colour version of a photograph mailed to Yoshika along with a letter, featuring the five Karlsland witches in front of the Me 262 and MK 214, with a couple of the large Bofors guns in the background. (Ep.1)]] | ||
− | ==2cm | + | ==2cm FlaKVierling 38== |
− | The Brave Witches' small frontline base near Petersburg is defended by several [[ | + | The Brave Witches' small frontline base near Petersburg is defended by several [[FlaKVierling 38]] quad-cannons. As ''[[Brave Witches]]'' is set before ''Strike Witches 2'', this scene takes place much later than the events of ''Brave Witches''. |
− | [[File:Flak38.jpg|thumb|none|400px| | + | [[File:Flak38.jpg|thumb|none|400px|FlaKVierling 38 - 20x138mmB]] |
− | [[File:SWovaFV.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Three | + | [[File:SWovaFV.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Three FlaKVierling 38s sit at the perimeter of the airfield's main building, as Aleksandra Pokryshkin, Nikka Katajainen, Sanya, and Eila play cards on the deck. (Ep.3)]] |
==Naval Weapons== | ==Naval Weapons== | ||
− | A Venezian/Romagnan fleet appears prominently in ''Goddess of the Aegean Sea'', as does the ''Liberty''-class cargo ship SS ''Peter Skene Ogden''. In addition, battleship ''Yamato'' makes a cameo in a post-credits scene at the very end of ''OVA'', and several other battleships appear in the opening credits. The Liberty ship is armed with one 3-inch gun at the bow, one 5-inch gun at the stern, along with eight [[Oerlikon 20mm Cannon| | + | A Venezian/Romagnan fleet appears prominently in ''Goddess of the Aegean Sea'', as does the ''Liberty''-class cargo ship SS ''Peter Skene Ogden''. In addition, battleship ''Yamato'' makes a cameo in a post-credits scene at the very end of ''OVA'', and several other battleships appear in the opening credits. The Liberty ship is armed with one 3-inch gun at the bow, one 5-inch gun at the stern, along with eight [[Oerlikon 20mm Cannon|20mm/70 Mark 4]] autocannons. A full list of armament for the rest of the ships can be found [[Strike Witches 2#Naval Weapons|on the second season page]]. |
[[File:SWovaN1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A ''Littorio''-class battleship, ''Bismarck'', ''Yamato'', a ''King George V''-class battleship, and HMS ''Prince of Wales'' in the opening credits. (OP)]] | [[File:SWovaN1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A ''Littorio''-class battleship, ''Bismarck'', ''Yamato'', a ''King George V''-class battleship, and HMS ''Prince of Wales'' in the opening credits. (OP)]] | ||
[[File:SWovaN2.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Mio Sakamoto stands atop one of ''Yamato'''s turrets, as she draws her sword. (OP)]] | [[File:SWovaN2.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Mio Sakamoto stands atop one of ''Yamato'''s turrets, as she draws her sword. (OP)]] | ||
[[File:SWovaN3.jpg|thumb|none|600px|With Mio having lost her magic, so to did her personally forged katana, Reppuumaru, which is now simply an ordinary sword. (OP)]] | [[File:SWovaN3.jpg|thumb|none|600px|With Mio having lost her magic, so to did her personally forged katana, Reppuumaru, which is now simply an ordinary sword. (OP)]] | ||
− | [[File:SWovaN4.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A top view of SS ''Peter Skene Ogden'', with all her armament visible. A 3-inch gun is at the bow, with | + | [[File:SWovaN4.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A top view of SS ''Peter Skene Ogden'', with all her armament visible. A 3-inch gun is at the bow, with a 20mm/70 Mark 4 either side of the forward mast, four more Oerlikons surrounding the bridge, and two next to the rear 5-inch gun. Built as an emergency measure and technically civilian vessels, Liberty ships didn't have particularly standardized armament in terms of details; the deck guns were usually assorted leftover pieces from WWI, making any specific identification exceptionally difficult. (Ep.2)]] |
[[File:SWovaN4-1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The Neuroi on Delos peers out of its cave, preparing to strike its latest prey. The ship's 3-inch gun and one of the Oerlikons are visible here. (Ep.2)]] | [[File:SWovaN4-1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The Neuroi on Delos peers out of its cave, preparing to strike its latest prey. The ship's 3-inch gun and one of the Oerlikons are visible here. (Ep.2)]] | ||
[[File:SWovaN5.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A ''Navigatori''-class destroyer is split in two by the Delos Neuroi, as seen in the mission briefing. (Ep.2)]] | [[File:SWovaN5.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A ''Navigatori''-class destroyer is split in two by the Delos Neuroi, as seen in the mission briefing. (Ep.2)]] | ||
− | [[File:SWovaN6.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The now-wrecked ''Peter Skene Ogden'', her 3-inch gun and one of the Oerlikons visible. | + | [[File:SWovaN6.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The now-wrecked ''Peter Skene Ogden'', her 3-inch gun and one of the Oerlikons visible. Named for a Canadian explorer and fur trader, her real world counterpart was torpedoed off Algeria in February '44 by submarine ''U 969'', along with her sister ship SS ''George Cleeve''; both managed to beach, but were declared total losses and scrapped. (Ep.2)]] |
[[File:SWovaN6-1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A rear angle of a ''Zara''-class cruiser, this one flying a Romagnan flag. The fleet has the same composition as the fleet seen near the beginning of ''Strike Witches 2''; this presents a bit of a problem, as with only four ''Zara''-class ships built and ''Zara'' and ''Pola'' having been sunk during the second season, there should be at most two present here. The simplest explanation is they are merely reused assets (as with ''The Movie'') and canonically at least one should be considered to be a different, similar class of cruiser. (Ep.2)]] | [[File:SWovaN6-1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A rear angle of a ''Zara''-class cruiser, this one flying a Romagnan flag. The fleet has the same composition as the fleet seen near the beginning of ''Strike Witches 2''; this presents a bit of a problem, as with only four ''Zara''-class ships built and ''Zara'' and ''Pola'' having been sunk during the second season, there should be at most two present here. The simplest explanation is they are merely reused assets (as with ''The Movie'') and canonically at least one should be considered to be a different, similar class of cruiser. (Ep.2)]] | ||
[[File:SWovaN7.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The fleet arrives at Delos, with the Neuroi already engaging the four witches. (Ep.2)]] | [[File:SWovaN7.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The fleet arrives at Delos, with the Neuroi already engaging the four witches. (Ep.2)]] |
Latest revision as of 03:01, 15 April 2024
In July of 1945, the 501st Joint Fighter Wing and allied naval fleet destroyed the Neuroi hive over Venezia, liberating the country (the climatic events of Strike Witches 2). After this victory the 501st JFW was disbanded. Most Strike Witches members were reassigned to fronts in or around their homelands, while Yoshika Miyafuji has entirely retired from service due to draining her magic reserves in order to destroy the hive over Venezia, and is now living a quiet, ordinary civilian life; Mio Sakamoto remains in IFN service, though as she's aged out of her magic abilities Mio is no longer a witch.
Operation Victory Arrow primarily follows three groups of Strike Witches members across its three episodes. Saint-Trond's Thunder is set half a month after the end of Strike Witches 2, with Minna-Dietlinde Wilcke, Gertrud Barkhorn, and Erica Hartmann, along with night witch Heidemarie W. Schnaufer stationed at Saint-Trond airbase in the Kingdom of Belgica; they're also joined by Erica's twin sister, the genius engineer Ursula Hartmann. Goddess of the Aegean Sea involves the continued adventures of Francesca Lucchini and Charlotte Yeager, joined by Hanna-Justina Marseille and Raisa Pöttgen, as they attempt to take out a stubborn Neuroi that's hiding inside the island of Delos, and save the ancient ruins on the island; the commander of all witch forces in Africa, Edytha Neumann, as well as General Rommel himself also appear. Arnhem Bridge follows Pierrette-Henriette Clostermann and Lynette Bishop, along with Amelie Planchard as they continue to aid in rebuilding Gallia after its liberation in September, 1944 at the end of the first season; the story primarily revolves around the orphaned Dutch children Julius and Rose, who Perrine takes into her care.
Additionally, each episode features a short post-credits scene of Yoshika receiving or sending a letter to the witches featured in that episode. The last episode also features a post-credits cameo of Eila Juutilainen and Aleksandra Litvyak visiting the Brave Witches' frontline base, as well as Mio Sakamoto working on a certain pet project.
Chronologically, Operation Victory Arrow takes place after Strike Witches 2, and is followed by Strike Witches: The Movie, which was released before OVA, in 2012.
For more in-depth explanations of the lore and setting of the World Witches universe, see the first season's page.
Warning: Some descriptions and images are spoilers for the series, read at your own risk.
The following weapons were used in the anime series Strike Witches: Operation Victory Arrow:
Pistols
Gendarmerie sidearm
A member of the Gendarmerie Nationale in Pas-de-Calais chases after Julius, an orphaned refugee from Nederland who stole some cold medicine for his little sister Rose. Given the variety of possible sidearms available at the time, it's impossible to say for sure what's in his holster.
Shotguns
over/under shotgun
In a flashback to the beginning of the Neuroi invasion, a group of Dutch civilians attempt to hold back the Neuroi on a bridge at Arnhem, Nederland, armed with nothing but double barrel shotguns.
Assault Rifles & Rifles
StG 44
Ursula Hartmann arrives at the Saint-Trond base with loads of gifts and equipment to test, among them is an StG 44 fitted with a Krummlauf (curved barrel) attachment. A witch needing to shoot around corners in the sky seems rather questionable, but that's also the point of this scene, with a bunch of Ursula's fancy tech being various levels of silly. All of them are based on or inspired by real world experimental German tech, and are included in this same entry.
Boys Mk I*
Lynette Bishop continues to use a Boys Mk I* as her signature weapon, though in an ironic reversal, in Arnhem Bridge she uses one borrowed from Perrine, who normally uses borrowed Britannian weapons. The Pantaloni Rossi trio from the 504th JFW make a cameo in a slideshow briefing by Group Captain Edytha Neumann about the Neuroi on Delos; the Ardor Witches are seen attempting to attack it directly, with no success.
Machine Guns
Bren Mk 1 (M)
While Pierrette-Henriette Clostermann doesn't regularly carry around her Bren Mk 1 (M) at this point, due to being well behind the lines aiding in rebuilding Gallia, her butler Jean-Paul had a hidden weapon locker installed in the Clostermann residence in case of emergency.
Browning M1918A2
Charlotte Yeager continues to use a BAR as her standard weapon, though she doesn't so much as fire a shot with it in Operation Victory Arrow, opting to use bombs, unconventional methods, and her mastery of mechanical devices instead.
Browning M1919A6
The Liberian-made Browning M1919A6, modified with a fixed and easily swappable ammo box, remains Francesca Lucchini's weapon of choice.
MG 34
The Africa-based witches Hanna-Justina Marseille and Raisa Pöttgen of the 31st JFS, as well as Edytha Neumann, commanding officer of all witches in the African theatre use the MG 34 as their weapon of choice, as opposed to the MG 42 preferred by Karlsland witches in Europe.
MG 42
The witch-version MG 42, modified to use Patronentrommel 34 drums, continues to be used by all the usual witches, such as the Karlsland trio, Eila Juutilainen, and some of the Ardor Witches.
Type 99-2 Model 2 Kai
The iconic World Witches version of the Type 99 cannon only gets a cameo in Operation Victory Arrow, prominently held by Yoshika Miyafuji in the opening credits. With Yoshika having drained her magic and Mio having aged out, there aren't any Fuso witches that appear who are capable of using it, at present.
For the rather lengthy technical explanation of the witches' Type 99-2 Model 2 Kai variant, see its first season entry.
Launchers
Fliegerhammer
In Saint-Trond's Thunder, Ursula Hartmann uses the rocket launcher she herself designed, the nine-barrel Fliegerhammer; Aleksandra Litvyak is also seen with one in the opening credits. The Fliegerhammer was inspired by (both in-universe and out) the Fliegerfaust.
For additional details, see its first season entry.
PIAT Mk I
Along with the Bren and Boys, Perrine's hidden armoury also contains a PIAT, with three rounds, which Perrine brings in addition to her Bren. Although in reality "PIAT" is an acronym for "Projector, Infantry, Anti-Tank", supplementary info reveals that in this universe it instead stands for "Projector, Infantry, Armoured-Thing", due to being developed to combat the Neuroi.
Autocannons
MG 151/20
Night witch Heidemarie Schnaufer uses an MG 151/20 cannon as her weapon of choice; she is only seen using a training MG 151/20 in Operation Victory Arrow. Similar to the other large cannons wielded by witches, the MG 151 has been modified with a top-mounted vertical pistol grip, a horizontal grip for the off-hand, and a detachable drum magazine; the weapon is otherwise essentially unmodified.
MK 214
A MK 214 cannon was brought by Ursula to Saint-Trond for testing, alongside a refined version of the Me 262 Schwalbe jet striker. This massive cannon is similar to the BK 5 that appeared in Strike Witches 2, as in reality both were developed in parallel as aircraft versions of the 5cm PaK 38 anti-tank cannon; the BK 5 was Rheinmetall's project, the MK 214 was Mauser's.
506th Joint Fighter Wing, Noble Witches cameo
Four members of the Noble Witches appear in the smallest of cameos, as simple silhouettes flying far overhead. Given the composition of the 506th, this is certainly A-unit, stationed in Sedan, comprising of Heinrike Prinzessin zu Sayn-Wittgenstein (MG 151), Adriana Visconti (MG 42, or a pair of Fliegerhammers), Kunika Kuroda (MG 42), and Isabelle du Monceau de Bergendal (Boys). These four, plus Noble Witches commanding officer Rosalie de Hemricourt de Grunne, all make proper cameos in Strike Witches: The Movie.
Vehicle-Mounted & Stationary Weapons
Breda-SAFAT 12.7mm machine gun
A pair of P.108B bombers are seen having attempted to take out the Neuroi on Delos in Edytha Neumann's briefing, however both were destroyed. The P.108B is armed with a total of six Breda-SAFAT machine guns chambered in 12.7mm, with one nose gunner, one ventral gunner, and a twin turret in each outboard engine nacelle, controlled remotely.
Type 97
Having aged out of her magic, Mio Sakamoto is seen flying an A6M3 Reisen in the opening credits. The Zero is armed with a pair of Type 97 aircraft machine guns in the engine cowling, as well as a pair of Type 99 cannons in the wings.
Type 99 Mark 1
In addition to its Type 97 MGs, the A6M is armed with a Type 99 Mark 1 cannon in each wing. When equipped on Zeros, the Mark 1 can be identified due to not protruding from the wing (as seen here) while the scaled-up Mark 2 sticks out significantly.
MG 34 Panzerlauf
A Tiger I is seen in the opening credits, and while they're not visible from the rear, it would be armed with a pair of MG 34 Panzerlauf variants, one in the coaxial mount, one hull-mounted, as well as its 8.8cm KwK 36 main cannon. This Tiger is actually a pre-production version of the H1 variant, specifically marked as Tiger 100, with "100" and white elephant markings; this is the same model seen in The Movie.
8.8cm FlaK 36
A trio of the iconic "eighty-eights" are seen in the opening credits.
Bofors 40mm L/60
Saint-Trond airbase is heavily defended by large AA batteries which appear to be oversized twin-mounted Bofors guns.
2cm FlaKVierling 38
The Brave Witches' small frontline base near Petersburg is defended by several FlaKVierling 38 quad-cannons. As Brave Witches is set before Strike Witches 2, this scene takes place much later than the events of Brave Witches.
A Venezian/Romagnan fleet appears prominently in Goddess of the Aegean Sea, as does the Liberty-class cargo ship SS Peter Skene Ogden. In addition, battleship Yamato makes a cameo in a post-credits scene at the very end of OVA, and several other battleships appear in the opening credits. The Liberty ship is armed with one 3-inch gun at the bow, one 5-inch gun at the stern, along with eight 20mm/70 Mark 4 autocannons. A full list of armament for the rest of the ships can be found on the second season page.