Join our Discord! |
If you have been locked out of your account you can request a password reset here. |
Difference between revisions of "Strike Witches: The Movie"
Alex T Snow (talk | contribs) (WIP. Can't believe I missed Nikka. Saving the screenshot update first, adding all the ship descriptions will come next.) |
Alex T Snow (talk | contribs) (Well that was a lot easier with the SW2 info done first.) |
||
Line 31: | Line 31: | ||
Erica Hartmann carries an [[MP40|MP 40]] submachine gun as a backup to her MG 42 on a patrol of the Rhine alongside Gertrud Barkhorn. After overheating her MG 42's barrel (and having neglected to bring spare barrels, as Gertrud did) Erica ditches her machine gun and uses the MP 40 for the remainder of the engagement. Erica's MP 40 features a brown bakelite lower reciever. | Erica Hartmann carries an [[MP40|MP 40]] submachine gun as a backup to her MG 42 on a patrol of the Rhine alongside Gertrud Barkhorn. After overheating her MG 42's barrel (and having neglected to bring spare barrels, as Gertrud did) Erica ditches her machine gun and uses the MP 40 for the remainder of the engagement. Erica's MP 40 features a brown bakelite lower reciever. | ||
− | MP 40s are also seen in the hands of Karlsland soldiers in the film's opening, a flashback to 1943 in which Karlsland and Liberion infantry and tanks engage ground-type Neuroi, before an enormous flying wing Neuroi shows up, decimating the ground forces, as well as the naval | + | MP 40s are also seen in the hands of Karlsland soldiers in the film's opening, a flashback to 1943 in which Karlsland and Liberion infantry and tanks engage ground-type Neuroi, before an enormous flying wing Neuroi shows up, decimating the ground forces, as well as the naval forces supporting them, before being destroyed by the Strike Witches. |
[[Image:MP40 Bakelite.jpg|thumb|none|400px|MP 40 - 9x19mm Parabellum]] | [[Image:MP40 Bakelite.jpg|thumb|none|400px|MP 40 - 9x19mm Parabellum]] | ||
Line 93: | Line 93: | ||
[[Image:SWMBAR1.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Back in '43, Charlotte's Merlin engines roar as she zooms in low to hit the Neuroi from underneath with her BAR.]] | [[Image:SWMBAR1.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Back in '43, Charlotte's Merlin engines roar as she zooms in low to hit the Neuroi from underneath with her BAR.]] | ||
[[Image:SWMBAR2.jpg|600px|thumb|none|A great closeup as Charlotte grabs her M1918A2 from the launch unit, as her and Francesca scramble to intercept the unexpected Neuroi over Venezia.]] | [[Image:SWMBAR2.jpg|600px|thumb|none|A great closeup as Charlotte grabs her M1918A2 from the launch unit, as her and Francesca scramble to intercept the unexpected Neuroi over Venezia.]] | ||
− | [[Image:SWMBAR3.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Charlotte and Francesca take off from their | + | [[Image:SWMBAR3.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Charlotte and Francesca take off from their PT boat.]] |
[[Image:SWMBAR4.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Shirley reminds Francesca to stay close, as their radios aren't reliable around this new Neuroi.]] | [[Image:SWMBAR4.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Shirley reminds Francesca to stay close, as their radios aren't reliable around this new Neuroi.]] | ||
− | [[Image:SWMBAR5.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Charlotte opens up as the pair catches up to their enemy.]] | + | [[Image:SWMBAR5.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Charlotte opens up as the pair catches up to their enemy. The new type of Neuroi seen throughout the film is inspired by the Heinkel Lerche.]] |
[[Image:SWMBAR6.jpg|600px|thumb|none|A good shot of the BAR's receiver, as Charlotte tells Francesca to lure the Neuroi away from the city.]] | [[Image:SWMBAR6.jpg|600px|thumb|none|A good shot of the BAR's receiver, as Charlotte tells Francesca to lure the Neuroi away from the city.]] | ||
[[Image:SWMBAR7.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Working with Fernandia Malvezzi, Luciana Mazzei, and Martina Crespi of the Ardor Witches (who appear again in ''The Movie'', but unarmed, and thus didn't make it onto this page) Charlotte leads the Neuroi through the city's canals, and into a trap.]] | [[Image:SWMBAR7.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Working with Fernandia Malvezzi, Luciana Mazzei, and Martina Crespi of the Ardor Witches (who appear again in ''The Movie'', but unarmed, and thus didn't make it onto this page) Charlotte leads the Neuroi through the city's canals, and into a trap.]] | ||
Line 106: | Line 106: | ||
[[Image:M1919a6.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Browning M1919A6 - .30-06 Springfield]] | [[Image:M1919a6.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Browning M1919A6 - .30-06 Springfield]] | ||
− | [[Image:SWM19191.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Francesca pulls her M1919A6 off the launch unit as | + | [[Image:SWM19191.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Francesca pulls her M1919A6 off the launch unit as she scrambles alongside Charlotte.]] |
[[Image:SWM19192.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Seeing the Neuroi's beam moving towards the city, Francesca zooms in to block it.]] | [[Image:SWM19192.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Seeing the Neuroi's beam moving towards the city, Francesca zooms in to block it.]] | ||
[[Image:SWM19193.jpg|600px|thumb|none|A great shot of the custom ammo box mount. The darker-coloured "shelf/basket" on the bottom is permanently mounted to the gun, while the lighter-coloured ammo box sits inside, held in by the latch on the left side (shooter's perspective) of the mount. The hinge at the bottom of the latch is even visible here.]] | [[Image:SWM19193.jpg|600px|thumb|none|A great shot of the custom ammo box mount. The darker-coloured "shelf/basket" on the bottom is permanently mounted to the gun, while the lighter-coloured ammo box sits inside, held in by the latch on the left side (shooter's perspective) of the mount. The hinge at the bottom of the latch is even visible here.]] | ||
Line 151: | Line 151: | ||
[[Image:Type 99-2 Model 2 Kai design.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Type 99-2 Model 2 Kai design artwork - 13.2x99mm Hotchkiss]] | [[Image:Type 99-2 Model 2 Kai design.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Type 99-2 Model 2 Kai design artwork - 13.2x99mm Hotchkiss]] | ||
[[Image:SWMT991.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Shizuka launches from the besieged town, Type 99 in hand. Being such a rookie witch, she talks herself though the memorized steps of going into combat.]] | [[Image:SWMT991.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Shizuka launches from the besieged town, Type 99 in hand. Being such a rookie witch, she talks herself though the memorized steps of going into combat.]] | ||
− | [[Image:SWMT992.jpg|600px|thumb|none|"Ammo... loaded." Shizuka charges the Type 99, the first time in the series this is done on-screen.]] | + | [[Image:SWMT992.jpg|600px|thumb|none|''"Ammo... loaded."'' Shizuka charges the Type 99, the first time in the series this is done on-screen.]] |
− | [[Image:SWMT993.jpg|600px|thumb|none|"Safety... disengaged." Note that the colours have been corrected from the first season, with Fire now being red and Safe being white. Also, in a small design update, while in the first season the fire position was 90-degrees vertical, it's now depicted as only moving to a 45-degree angle.]] | + | [[Image:SWMT993.jpg|600px|thumb|none|''"Safety... disengaged."'' Note that the colours have been corrected from the first season, with Fire now being red and Safe being white. Also, in a small design update, while in the first season the fire position was 90-degrees vertical, it's now depicted as only moving to a 45-degree angle.]] |
− | [[Image:SWMT994.jpg|600px|thumb|none|"Use your shoulder to steady the rifle. Get close enough that the target won't fit in your sight."]] | + | [[Image:SWMT994.jpg|600px|thumb|none|''"Use your shoulder to steady the rifle. Get close enough that the target won't fit in your sight."'']] |
− | [[Image:SWMT995.jpg|600px|thumb|none|"Put the first phalanx of your index finger on the trigger."]] | + | [[Image:SWMT995.jpg|600px|thumb|none|''"Put the first phalanx of your index finger on the trigger."'']] |
− | [[Image:SWMT996.jpg|600px|thumb|none|"I did it! Just like the drills!" Shizuka takes out four Ba 349 Natter inspired Neuroi in quick succession.]] | + | [[Image:SWMT996.jpg|600px|thumb|none|''"I did it! Just like the drills!"'' Shizuka takes out four Ba 349 Natter inspired Neuroi in quick succession.]] |
[[Image:SWMT997.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Shizuka shows off her lovely N1K2-J striker as she pursues and destroys the fifth and final Natter Neuroi.]] | [[Image:SWMT997.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Shizuka shows off her lovely N1K2-J striker as she pursues and destroys the fifth and final Natter Neuroi.]] | ||
− | [[Image:SWMT998.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Moments later, one of the much larger | + | [[Image:SWMT998.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Moments later, one of the much larger Lerche Neuroi shows up. Shizuka takes aim...]] |
[[Image:SWMT999.jpg|600px|thumb|none|...but it forces her to dodge, and the beam blows a ''massive'' crater into the town. Distracted and distressed, the next beam knocks Shizuka out of the fight, crashing into the town below.]] | [[Image:SWMT999.jpg|600px|thumb|none|...but it forces her to dodge, and the beam blows a ''massive'' crater into the town. Distracted and distressed, the next beam knocks Shizuka out of the fight, crashing into the town below.]] | ||
[[Image:SWMT9910.jpg|600px|thumb|none|With the arrival of a huge subterranean periscope-inspired Neuroi and no working radio, Yoshika hauls the Type 99 into their jeep in an attempt to lure it away from the town. Without her magically-augmented strength, carrying the roughly 40kg/90lb gun to the jeep isn't a trivial task.]] | [[Image:SWMT9910.jpg|600px|thumb|none|With the arrival of a huge subterranean periscope-inspired Neuroi and no working radio, Yoshika hauls the Type 99 into their jeep in an attempt to lure it away from the town. Without her magically-augmented strength, carrying the roughly 40kg/90lb gun to the jeep isn't a trivial task.]] | ||
[[Image:SWMT9911.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Yoshika parks the jeep and sets up the Type 99 on the steering wheel, bracing herself with her feet as best she can.]] | [[Image:SWMT9911.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Yoshika parks the jeep and sets up the Type 99 on the steering wheel, bracing herself with her feet as best she can.]] | ||
− | [[Image:SWMT9912.jpg|600px|thumb|none|"I'm over here!" Yoshika opens up with a long burst of 13.2mm rounds.]] | + | [[Image:SWMT9912.jpg|600px|thumb|none|''"I'm over here!"'' Yoshika opens up with a long burst of 13.2mm rounds.]] |
[[Image:SWMT9913.jpg|600px|thumb|none|After the Neuroi goes underground and reemerges in front of her, left with no options, Yoshika rams the jeep into the Neuroi at full speed, grabbing the gun and bailing at the last possible moment.]] | [[Image:SWMT9913.jpg|600px|thumb|none|After the Neuroi goes underground and reemerges in front of her, left with no options, Yoshika rams the jeep into the Neuroi at full speed, grabbing the gun and bailing at the last possible moment.]] | ||
[[Image:SWMT9914.jpg|600px|thumb|none|No magic. No shield. No backup. Just grit and bravery, as Yoshika makes her last stand.]] | [[Image:SWMT9914.jpg|600px|thumb|none|No magic. No shield. No backup. Just grit and bravery, as Yoshika makes her last stand.]] | ||
Line 195: | Line 195: | ||
=Autocannons= | =Autocannons= | ||
==MG 151/20== | ==MG 151/20== | ||
− | Heidemarie Schnaufer uses an [[MG 151 cannon|MG 151/20]] cannon as her weapon, used prominently in the film's present-day (August, 1945) opening, after the 1943-era prologue. Encountering the first of the new Neuroi that can block communications, Heidemarie makes fairly short work of it with her MG 151. As mentioned above, Heinrike Prinzessin zu Sayn-Wittgenstein also uses an MG 151/20 as her main armament. Night witches tend to prefer heavier weapons (MG 151, [[MG FF cannon|MG FF]], [[Hispano-Suiza HS.404|HS.404]]) paired with heavy fighter strikers (Bf 110, Ju 88, F7F Tigercat), in very much the same way real WWII night fighters tended to be heavy fighters with lots of firepower. While less manoeuvrable, heavy fighter strikers offer witches better load-bearing capacity as well as stronger shields, the latter being especially valuable | + | Heidemarie Schnaufer uses an [[MG 151 cannon|MG 151/20]] cannon as her weapon, used prominently in the film's present-day (August, 1945) opening, after the 1943-era prologue. Encountering the first of the new Neuroi that can block communications, Heidemarie makes fairly short work of it with her MG 151. As mentioned above, Heinrike Prinzessin zu Sayn-Wittgenstein also uses an MG 151/20 as her main armament. Night witches tend to prefer heavier weapons (MG 151, [[MG FF cannon|MG FF]], [[Hispano-Suiza HS.404|HS.404]]) paired with heavy fighter strikers (Bf 110, Ju 88, F7F Tigercat), in very much the same way real WWII night fighters tended to be heavy fighters with lots of firepower. While less manoeuvrable, heavy fighter strikers offer witches better load-bearing capacity as well as stronger shields, the latter being especially valuable as night witches typically operate alone. |
The standardized witch version of the MG 151/20 features a top-mounted pistol grip, a horizontal off-hand grip, and a detachable drum magazine. | The standardized witch version of the MG 151/20 features a top-mounted pistol grip, a horizontal off-hand grip, and a detachable drum magazine. | ||
Line 201: | Line 201: | ||
[[File:Mg15120.jpg|thumb|none|400px|MG 151/20 - 20x82mm]] | [[File:Mg15120.jpg|thumb|none|400px|MG 151/20 - 20x82mm]] | ||
[[File:SWMG1511.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Heidemarie's antenna glows red as her pleasant, calm night flight is rudely interrupted.]] | [[File:SWMG1511.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Heidemarie's antenna glows red as her pleasant, calm night flight is rudely interrupted.]] | ||
− | [[File:SWMG1512.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Sensing danger, Heidemarie disengages the autocannon's safety | + | [[File:SWMG1512.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Sensing danger, Heidemarie disengages the autocannon's safety, marked with a very H&K-style S and F.]] |
− | [[File:SWMG1513.jpg|thumb|none|600px| | + | [[File:SWMG1513.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Heidemarie pulls the bolt back; the charging handle folds downward when not in use. The safety switch can be seen at the very top of the image, on the upper-front corner of the left side of the MG 151's receiver.]] |
[[File:SWMG1514.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A first-person view down the sights, as Heidemarie takes aim. The thicker, out-of-focus post is the rear sight.]] | [[File:SWMG1514.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A first-person view down the sights, as Heidemarie takes aim. The thicker, out-of-focus post is the rear sight.]] | ||
[[File:SWMG1515.jpg|thumb|none|600px|With a full moon overhead, Heidemarie climbs and opens fire on her attacker.]] | [[File:SWMG1515.jpg|thumb|none|600px|With a full moon overhead, Heidemarie climbs and opens fire on her attacker.]] | ||
[[File:SWMG1516.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A fantastic side angle of Heidemarie's MG 151, as she moves in to destroy the exposed core.]] | [[File:SWMG1516.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A fantastic side angle of Heidemarie's MG 151, as she moves in to destroy the exposed core.]] | ||
− | [[File:SWMG1517.jpg|thumb|none|600px|"This is the end." Heidemarie finishes the battle with a burst of 20mm rounds.]] | + | [[File:SWMG1517.jpg|thumb|none|600px|''"This is the end."'' Heidemarie finishes the battle with a burst of 20mm rounds.]] |
[[File:SWMG1518.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A healthy dose of Minengeschoss ammo will cure any problems one may face.]] | [[File:SWMG1518.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A healthy dose of Minengeschoss ammo will cure any problems one may face.]] | ||
[[File:SWMG1519.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A rather well-framed shot of Heidemarie, Gertrud, and Minna, the three of them incredulous at the sheer number of torpedo Neuroi.]] | [[File:SWMG1519.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A rather well-framed shot of Heidemarie, Gertrud, and Minna, the three of them incredulous at the sheer number of torpedo Neuroi.]] | ||
Line 230: | Line 230: | ||
[[File:M1919A4.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Browning M1919A4 - .30-06 Springfield]] | [[File:M1919A4.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Browning M1919A4 - .30-06 Springfield]] | ||
− | [[File:SWM1919V1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Moments after the previous image | + | [[File:SWM1919V1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Moments after the previous image a Sherman shows up as well, as an enormous shadow covers the area. The barrels of both M1919s can be made out here.]] |
[[File:SWM1919V2.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The Karlsland and Liberion troops look on in horror as the massive flying wing comes into view. The M4's hull-mounted M1919A4 is clearly visible, while the coaxial Browning is to the left side (driver's perspective) of the cannon.]] | [[File:SWM1919V2.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The Karlsland and Liberion troops look on in horror as the massive flying wing comes into view. The M4's hull-mounted M1919A4 is clearly visible, while the coaxial Browning is to the left side (driver's perspective) of the cannon.]] | ||
[[File:SWM1919V3.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Neither tanks nor infantry stand a chance against such a behemoth.]] | [[File:SWM1919V3.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Neither tanks nor infantry stand a chance against such a behemoth.]] | ||
==Browning M2HB== | ==Browning M2HB== | ||
− | M4 Sherman tanks feature a pintle-mounted [[Browning M2#Browning M2 Heavy Barrel|M2HB]] on top of the turret. In addition to the prologue, M4s are seen later in the film, under attack at Bastogne. | + | M4 Sherman tanks feature a pintle-mounted [[Browning M2#Browning M2 Heavy Barrel|M2HB]] on top of the turret. In addition to the prologue, M4s are seen later in the film, under attack at Bastogne. Sharing the same model, all of the Shermans are marked with the serial number "U.S.L. 3033434". |
Additionally, a dual-mounted pair of M2HBs is the armament of the 501st JFW's Elco ''PT-103''-class PT boat, which Charlotte and Francesca used to reach Venezia. The ''PT-103''-class normally has a second dual turret further back, however the 501st's example has been modified to remove it, the rear [[Oerlikon 20mm Cannon|Oerlikon 20mm cannon]], and all four torpedo tubes, replacing them with a pair of striker launch units. As such, this configuration isn't so much a torpedo boat as it is a transport and mobile launch platform, with the single turret for self-defence; whether this setup is a common (in-universe) sub-class intended for Liberion witch units, or a one-of modification at Charlotte's request is unknown. Given the design details, the animators most likely used ''PT-109'' as reference material; this PT boat was famously commanded by then-Lieutenant John F. Kennedy. | Additionally, a dual-mounted pair of M2HBs is the armament of the 501st JFW's Elco ''PT-103''-class PT boat, which Charlotte and Francesca used to reach Venezia. The ''PT-103''-class normally has a second dual turret further back, however the 501st's example has been modified to remove it, the rear [[Oerlikon 20mm Cannon|Oerlikon 20mm cannon]], and all four torpedo tubes, replacing them with a pair of striker launch units. As such, this configuration isn't so much a torpedo boat as it is a transport and mobile launch platform, with the single turret for self-defence; whether this setup is a common (in-universe) sub-class intended for Liberion witch units, or a one-of modification at Charlotte's request is unknown. Given the design details, the animators most likely used ''PT-109'' as reference material; this PT boat was famously commanded by then-Lieutenant John F. Kennedy. | ||
Line 253: | Line 253: | ||
[[File:SWMT971.jpg|thumb|none|600px|As her fellow Strike Witches clear a path, Mio starts descending towards Yoshika's position. The firing ports for the two Type 97s can be seen in the upper cowling.]] | [[File:SWMT971.jpg|thumb|none|600px|As her fellow Strike Witches clear a path, Mio starts descending towards Yoshika's position. The firing ports for the two Type 97s can be seen in the upper cowling.]] | ||
[[File:SWMT972.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Mio flies through the debris of the final Neuroi in her path, as she prepares to drop the package under the F1M2's wing to Yoshika, which contains her (now repaired) J7W1 Shinden striker. Mio expected this eventuality all along.]] | [[File:SWMT972.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Mio flies through the debris of the final Neuroi in her path, as she prepares to drop the package under the F1M2's wing to Yoshika, which contains her (now repaired) J7W1 Shinden striker. Mio expected this eventuality all along.]] | ||
− | [[File:SWMT973.jpg|thumb|none|600px|With | + | [[File:SWMT973.jpg|thumb|none|600px|With an exhausted Shizuka hanging off the left strut, Mio orbits near the battle, escorted by Sanya and Eila.]] |
==Type 92== | ==Type 92== | ||
Line 277: | Line 277: | ||
[[File:SWMFV382.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Eila and Sanya take off and bid farewell to Aleksandra Pokryshkin and Nikka Katajainen, with one of the Flakvierlings visible behind them.]] | [[File:SWMFV382.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Eila and Sanya take off and bid farewell to Aleksandra Pokryshkin and Nikka Katajainen, with one of the Flakvierlings visible behind them.]] | ||
[[File:SWMFV383.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A closer shot of the pair, with more detail on the same quad-cannon. Note the carrying cases for Eila and Sanya's weapons, which seem to be styled after musical instrument cases.]] | [[File:SWMFV383.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A closer shot of the pair, with more detail on the same quad-cannon. Note the carrying cases for Eila and Sanya's weapons, which seem to be styled after musical instrument cases.]] | ||
− | [[File:SWMFV384.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Sanya takes to the sky, with a | + | [[File:SWMFV384.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Sanya takes to the sky, with a fairly detailed shot of one of the Flakvierlings.]] |
[[File:SWMFV385.jpg|thumb|none|600px|One of the three Flakvierling 38s guarding the main building (the same seen in ''Operation Victory Arrow''). Naoe Kanno, Georgette Lemare, Sadako Shimohara, and Edytha Rossmann can also be seen here.]] | [[File:SWMFV385.jpg|thumb|none|600px|One of the three Flakvierling 38s guarding the main building (the same seen in ''Operation Victory Arrow''). Naoe Kanno, Georgette Lemare, Sadako Shimohara, and Edytha Rossmann can also be seen here.]] | ||
[[File:SWMFV386.jpg|thumb|none|600px|As the shot pans right, Waltrud Krupinski and Gundula Rall come into view, as well as a second Flakvierling.]] | [[File:SWMFV386.jpg|thumb|none|600px|As the shot pans right, Waltrud Krupinski and Gundula Rall come into view, as well as a second Flakvierling.]] | ||
− | ==Bofors 40mm== | + | ==Bofors 40mm L/60== |
Saint-Trond airbase in Belgica is defended by large AA batteries which appear to be oversized twin-mounted [[Bofors 40mm|Bofors]] guns. Numerous AA guns also defend the Noble Witches' base in Sedan. | Saint-Trond airbase in Belgica is defended by large AA batteries which appear to be oversized twin-mounted [[Bofors 40mm|Bofors]] guns. Numerous AA guns also defend the Noble Witches' base in Sedan. | ||
Line 295: | Line 295: | ||
==Naval Weapons== | ==Naval Weapons== | ||
− | + | A large fleet engages a flying wing Neuroi in 1943, aircraft carrier ''Amagi'' travels to Europe with six ''Akizuki''-class escorts, and the repaired battleship ''Yamato'' returns to assist in the final battle, humorously fitted with giant floats to allow it to travel up the Rhine. All the ship models originally appeared in ''Strike Witches 2'', and as such it's worth noting that as the 1943 fleet is implied to have been entirely (or at least mostly) sunk, most of the ships depicted cannot truly have been present here, as they appear later, either specifically by name or because there aren't enough ships in their class for them to have been lost. As such, the ships seen in 1943 should be considered ''representative'' of other, similar ships and/or ship classes. For the very lengthy list of all the armament aboard these ships, [[Strike Witches 2#Naval Weapons|see the second season page]]. | |
− | [[File:SWMN1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|1943.]] | + | [[File:SWMN1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|In 1943, a ''Littorio''-class battleship aims her main armament, alongside three ''Navigatori''-class destroyers (every ''Navigatori'' in this panning shot is named "MC") and a ''Zara''-class cruiser. This shot continues to pan to the right over the fleet, and subsequent captions will only list the ships not seen in a previous screenshot.]] |
− | [[File:SWMN1-1.jpg|thumb|none|600px| | + | [[File:SWMN1-1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Profile of a ''Takao''-class cruiser, with another ''Navigatori''-class on the left (foreground), a ''Zara''-class right of centre with an ''Akizuki''-class destroyer mostly hidden behind it, another ''Akizuki''-class, a ''Navigatori''-class in the distance, and the bow of a ''King George V''-class battleship.]] |
− | [[File:SWMN1-2.jpg|thumb|none|600px| | + | [[File:SWMN1-2.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A rare close shot of an ''Akizuki''-class, this one being ''Akizuki'' herself. Another ''Akizuki''-class is to the right, with a ''Zara''-class, a ''Navigatori''-class in the distance, another ''Zara''-class, two more ''Navigatoris'', and the bow of another ''Littorio''-class.]] |
− | [[File:SWMN2.jpg|thumb|none|600px| | + | [[File:SWMN2.jpg|thumb|none|600px|An excellent look at another ''King George V''-class, with ''Bismarck'', ''Tirpitz'', and another ''Zara''-class at far-right, as the panning shot comes to an end.]] |
− | [[File:SWMN2-1.jpg|thumb|none|600px| | + | [[File:SWMN2-1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|An extreme close-up of ''Bismarck'''s forward turret rotating into position, with the stern of the same ''King George V''-class to the right, with two ''Akizuki''-class ships... both also named ''Akizuki'' (they're all named ''Akizuki''). Shortly after, another ''Zara''-class comes into view behind them.]] |
− | [[File:SWMN2-2.jpg|thumb|none|600px| | + | [[File:SWMN2-2.jpg|thumb|none|600px|HMS ''Prince of Wales'' (identifiable by the camouflage) and two other ''King George V''-class battleships open fire on the Neuroi.]] |
− | [[File:SWMN3.jpg|thumb|none|600px| | + | [[File:SWMN3.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The flying wing Neuroi emerges over the burning countryside, as a ''Takao''-class, ''Akizuki''-class, and two ''Navigatoris'' ("QU" and "BA") take aim.]] |
− | [[File:SWMN3-1.jpg|thumb|none|600px| | + | [[File:SWMN3-1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A ''King George V''-class attempts to swivel her forward turrets, but is too slow to get a shot off before being bisected by a Neuroi beam. Two ''Navigatoris'' and a ''Zara''-class are in the background.]] |
− | [[File:SWMN4.jpg|thumb|none|600px| | + | [[File:SWMN4.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The Neuroi draws a circle through ''Bismarck'''s bridge, with two burning ''Akizukis'' to the left, a ''Navigatori''-class, a (somewhat oversized) ''Fletcher''-class destroyer, and the bow of another ''Zara''-class.]] |
− | [[File:SWMN5.jpg|thumb|none|600px|''Amagi'' | + | [[File:SWMN5.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A stitched image of ''Amagi'' at the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal, on August 3, 1945.]] |
− | [[File:SWMN6.jpg|thumb|none|600px|''Amagi''.]] | + | [[File:SWMN6.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Three of ''Amagi'''s twin 25mm [[Type 96 25 mm AT/AA Gun|Type 96]] anti-air guns.]] |
− | [[File:SWMN7.jpg|thumb|none|600px| | + | [[File:SWMN7.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The shot pans along, showing her three port-side twin 12cm Type 10 heavy AA cannons.]] |
− | [[File:SWMN7-1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|''Amagi''.]] | + | [[File:SWMN7-1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|''Amagi'' and her escorts at sunset.]] |
− | [[File:SWMN8.jpg|thumb|none|600px|'' | + | [[File:SWMN8.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A beautiful nighttime shot of most of the ''Akizukis'' and their carrier.]] |
− | [[File:SWMN8-1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|.]] | + | [[File:SWMN8-1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The fleet pulls into Calais harbour after their month-long journey. The ''Akizukis'' are most likely the same six that appeared in the second season.]] |
− | [[File:SWMN8-2.jpg|thumb|none|600px|.]] | + | [[File:SWMN8-2.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A stitched shot of Pas-de-Calais. Even a full year after being liberated, the city still bears many scars from the Neuroi occupation.]] |
− | [[File:SWMN9.jpg|thumb|none|600px|''Yamato'' lights up the air around her with intense AA fire.]] | + | [[File:SWMN9.jpg|thumb|none|600px|''Yamato'' lights up the air around her with intense AA fire. Some of the forward triple Type 96s (three open, three enclosed) on the starboard side are visible here.]] |
− | [[File:SWMN10.jpg|thumb|none|600px|More AA fire from ''Yamato''; note the | + | [[File:SWMN10.jpg|thumb|none|600px|More AA fire from ''Yamato''; note her radar rangefinder atop the pagoda mast is rotated to the same direction as the main cannons, as it should be.]] |
[[File:SWMN11.jpg|thumb|none|600px|''Yamato'''s main guns fire off several volleys at the U-Boat Neuroi.]] | [[File:SWMN11.jpg|thumb|none|600px|''Yamato'''s main guns fire off several volleys at the U-Boat Neuroi.]] | ||
[[File:SWMN12.jpg|thumb|none|600px|An absolutely gorgeous shot of ''Yamato'''s rear battery sending three 460mm shells into the sky.]] | [[File:SWMN12.jpg|thumb|none|600px|An absolutely gorgeous shot of ''Yamato'''s rear battery sending three 460mm shells into the sky.]] |
Revision as of 19:57, 29 April 2022
Early August, 1945. The former members of the disbanded 501st Joint Fighter Wing, the Strike Witches, have been back in their home countries or combat theatres since the liberation of Venezia. Yoshika Miyafuji, now a regular civilian after depleting her magic to defeat the Neuroi hive over Venezia, has been sent an invitation to study (non-magic) medicine at a Helvetian (Swiss) medical school. Yoshika accepts, and sets off for Europe aboard the carrier Amagi, alongside her escort, rookie IFN Sergeant Shizuka Hattori.
Meanwhile, a new type of Neuroi starts appearing sporadically around Europe, capable blocking all forms of communication nearby; even worse, some are showing up behind the frontlines, with no clear explanation of how they got there. After arriving in Pas-de-Calais and briefly visiting with Pierrette Clostermann and Lynette Bishop, Yoshika and Shizuka depart for Helvetia. However, given Yoshika's drained magic and Shizuka's lack of combat experience, running into one of those new Neuroi could prove dangerous.
Strike Witches: The Movie is set shortly after Strike Witches: Operation Victory Arrow, and is followed by Strike Witches: Road to Berlin.
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 major spoilers for the series, read at your own risk.
The following weapons were used in the anime film Strike Witches: The Movie:
Pistols
Beretta M1934
A Beretta M1934 is seen being loaded by Squadron Leader Heinrike Prinzessin zu Sayn-Wittgenstein of the 506th JFW during a scramble. The 506th Joint Fighter Wing, or Noble Witches, is made up entirely of witches from noble families, and is split into two sub-units. A-unit, based in Sedan, is comprised of Squadron Leader Rosalie de Hemricourt de Grunne (of Belgica), Heinrike herself (of Karlsland), Flight Lieutenant Adriana Visconti (of Romagna), Flying Officer Kunika Kuroda (of Fuso), and Pilot Officer Isabelle du Monceau de Bergendal (of Belgica); all five members of A-unit cameo in The Movie. B-unit, based in Dijon, is comprised of Wing Commander Geena Preddy, Flight Lieutenant Marian Carl, Flight Lieutenant Jennifer DeBlanc, and Flying Officer Carla Luksic (all from Liberion).
Adriana Visconti also carries an M1934 as her sidearm, which makes sense given she's from Romagna, though it's not seen in her extremely brief cameo. Similarly, Heinrike uses an MG 151 as her main weapon, like fellow night witch Heidemarie Schnaufer, though Heinrike's is not seen in The Movie.
Submachine Guns
MP 40
Erica Hartmann carries an MP 40 submachine gun as a backup to her MG 42 on a patrol of the Rhine alongside Gertrud Barkhorn. After overheating her MG 42's barrel (and having neglected to bring spare barrels, as Gertrud did) Erica ditches her machine gun and uses the MP 40 for the remainder of the engagement. Erica's MP 40 features a brown bakelite lower reciever.
MP 40s are also seen in the hands of Karlsland soldiers in the film's opening, a flashback to 1943 in which Karlsland and Liberion infantry and tanks engage ground-type Neuroi, before an enormous flying wing Neuroi shows up, decimating the ground forces, as well as the naval forces supporting them, before being destroyed by the Strike Witches.
Rifles
M1 Garand
In the 1943 prologue, Liberion troops are armed with M1 Garand rifles.
M1 Carbine
Later in the film, Liberion troops under sudden attack at Bastogne attempt to radio for assistance; one of them can be seen with an M1 Carbine.
Boys Mk I*
The Strike Witches' sharpshooter, Lynette Bishop, uses a Boys Mk I* anti-tank rifle as her weapon of choice. A Boys rifle is also used by the Noble Witches' marksman Isabelle du Monceau de Bergendal, often known by the nickname "Isaac".
Machine Guns
Bren Mk 1 (M)
Pierrette-Henriette Clostermann continues to use a Bren Mk 1 (M) as her main weapon.
Browning M1918A2
Charlotte Yeager uses a Browning Automatic Rifle, and it gets considerably more time to shine in The Movie compared to Operation Victory Arrow.
Browning M1919A6
Francesca Lucchini continues to use a Browning M1919A6 modified with an attached, but quickly swappable ammo box as her weapon.
MG 42
As always, Minna-Dietlinde Wilcke, Gertrud Barkhorn, Erica Hartmann, and Eila Juutilainen, as well as Nikka Katajainen use the witch-version MG 42, redesigned to use Patronentrommel 34 drum magazines. One of Gertrud's pair is borrowed by Yoshika during the climactic battle.
Type 99-2 Model 2 Kai
As an Imperial Fuso Navy witch, Shizuka Hattori uses a Type 99-2 Model 2 Kai iteration of the Type 99 cannon, designed specifically for use by witches. Shizuka's Type 99 is also used by Yoshika.
The Movie marks the first time the charging "button" is used on-screen, although it was intended as part of the design all along; this function is noted in the design sketch seen below, which predates the first season. For the rather lengthy technical explanation of the witches' Type 99-2 Model 2 Kai variant, see its first season entry.
Launchers
Fliegerhammer
The 501st's night witch, Aleksandra Litvyak, continues to use the nine-barrel Fliegerhammer rocket launcher, which was originally designed by Erica's twin sister Ursula Hartmann. The Fliegerhammer was inspired by (both in-universe and out) the Fliegerfaust, while its boxy shape is reminiscent of the M202 FLASH.
Panzerfaust 60
Gertrud Barkhorn equips herself with a pair of Panzerfaust 60s, along with her two MG 42s, two spare barrels, spare magazines, and spare ammo belts, as well as drop tanks for her Fw 190 striker, when she and Erica head out on patrol looking for any sign of the new Neuroi type.
Autocannons
MG 151/20
Heidemarie Schnaufer uses an MG 151/20 cannon as her weapon, used prominently in the film's present-day (August, 1945) opening, after the 1943-era prologue. Encountering the first of the new Neuroi that can block communications, Heidemarie makes fairly short work of it with her MG 151. As mentioned above, Heinrike Prinzessin zu Sayn-Wittgenstein also uses an MG 151/20 as her main armament. Night witches tend to prefer heavier weapons (MG 151, MG FF, HS.404) paired with heavy fighter strikers (Bf 110, Ju 88, F7F Tigercat), in very much the same way real WWII night fighters tended to be heavy fighters with lots of firepower. While less manoeuvrable, heavy fighter strikers offer witches better load-bearing capacity as well as stronger shields, the latter being especially valuable as night witches typically operate alone.
The standardized witch version of the MG 151/20 features a top-mounted pistol grip, a horizontal off-hand grip, and a detachable drum magazine.
Saint-Trond airbase shipping manifest
Minna-Dietlinde Wilcke is seen signing for a shipment of weapons, ammo, and other supplies for the base at Saint-Trond. The list is actually written in German, which isn't surprising as the series is consistent about written elements being in native languages; like many TV shows, the characters are generally speaking Japanese for the audience, rather than actually doing so all the time in-universe.
Vehicle-Mounted & Stationary Weapons
MG 34 Panzerlauf
Tiger I tanks from Karlsland, alongside M4 Shermans from Liberion and supported by infantry, are seen advancing on spider-like ground-based Neuroi in the 1943 prologue. Tigers are armed with a pair of Panzerlauf variant MG 34s, designed for tank use; one is hull-mounted, while the other is mounted coaxially to the 8.8cm KwK 36 main cannon. The Tigers seen here are actually all the pre-production version of the H1 variant, identifiable by the pair of storage boxes on the sides of the turret (as opposed to a single box at the rear) as well as the lack of mud guards. Due to sharing the same model, all the Tigers share the same number, 100, which (including its white elephant artwork) was a real life Tiger H1; Tiger 100 was captured intact by the Russians during the war.
Browning M1919A4
In addition to the tripod-mounted M1919A4 listed above, tank-mounted versions are used by M4 Sherman tanks, with one hull-mounted machine gun and one coaxial machine gun, next to the 75mm M3 main cannon; the Shermans also have a roof-mounted M2HB.
Browning M2HB
M4 Sherman tanks feature a pintle-mounted M2HB on top of the turret. In addition to the prologue, M4s are seen later in the film, under attack at Bastogne. Sharing the same model, all of the Shermans are marked with the serial number "U.S.L. 3033434".
Additionally, a dual-mounted pair of M2HBs is the armament of the 501st JFW's Elco PT-103-class PT boat, which Charlotte and Francesca used to reach Venezia. The PT-103-class normally has a second dual turret further back, however the 501st's example has been modified to remove it, the rear Oerlikon 20mm cannon, and all four torpedo tubes, replacing them with a pair of striker launch units. As such, this configuration isn't so much a torpedo boat as it is a transport and mobile launch platform, with the single turret for self-defence; whether this setup is a common (in-universe) sub-class intended for Liberion witch units, or a one-of modification at Charlotte's request is unknown. Given the design details, the animators most likely used PT-109 as reference material; this PT boat was famously commanded by then-Lieutenant John F. Kennedy.
Type 97
An F1M2 floatplane attached to the battleship Yamato is piloted by Mio Sakamoto during the climactic battle; this is most definitely the same F1M seen in the second season. The F1M2 is armed with two Type 97 aircraft machine guns for offence, though Mio doesn't actually fire a shot in the movie, despite having at least one notable opportunity; it's possible that in her rush to get airborne there simply wasn't time to fully prep the aircraft.
Type 92
The Type 92, a Japanese copy of the Lewis Gun, is the rear gunner armament of the F1M2. With no one to operate it, the Type 92 also goes unused in the film.
12.8cm FlaK 40
Multiple 12.8cm FlaK 40 anti-aircraft cannons are used by Venezian troops to defend their city from a sudden Neuroi attack, before Francesca and Charlotte take over.
2cm Flakvierling 38
The 502nd JFW, the Brave Witches, have a small frontline base near Petersburg, which is defended by several Flakvierling 38 quad-cannons. In real world production terms, this was the first time members of the Brave Witches cast were seen in the show.
Bofors 40mm L/60
Saint-Trond airbase in Belgica is defended by large AA batteries which appear to be oversized twin-mounted Bofors guns. Numerous AA guns also defend the Noble Witches' base in Sedan.
8.8cm FlaK 36
Three FlaK 36 AA guns in the Ardennes are seen firing at hordes of Ba 349 Natter style Neuroi. While they destroy a few, the sheer number of Neuroi quickly demolish the artillery position.
A large fleet engages a flying wing Neuroi in 1943, aircraft carrier Amagi travels to Europe with six Akizuki-class escorts, and the repaired battleship Yamato returns to assist in the final battle, humorously fitted with giant floats to allow it to travel up the Rhine. All the ship models originally appeared in Strike Witches 2, and as such it's worth noting that as the 1943 fleet is implied to have been entirely (or at least mostly) sunk, most of the ships depicted cannot truly have been present here, as they appear later, either specifically by name or because there aren't enough ships in their class for them to have been lost. As such, the ships seen in 1943 should be considered representative of other, similar ships and/or ship classes. For the very lengthy list of all the armament aboard these ships, see the second season page.