The FASTBOAT Patch page.

[DRG]

SURVIVABILITY

Survivability (aka "S") ratings range from 0-6. At the low end are fragile units, while at the upper end are a few units with a reputation for taking a lot of serious punishment. Survivability is directly tied into other factors such as armour rating -- as it doesn't come into play unless the armour has been penetrated.

The S rating is very powerful, but it's weak link is the armour rating of the unit. High armour ratings and high S makes for a very powerful unit. Very low armour ratings and high S only makes the unit tough against large caliber MGs and small caliber AA. Catastrophic penetration bypasses the S rating. Catastrophic penetration is 10pts pen greater than was needed for penetration.

The closest answer is 2/ but I will add for the longest time many players thought ( and some still do...) that rated crew survival only. It does affect crew survival but it's mainly how tough the tank is overall. The tougher and better made the tank, the better the crew survival


Don