Introduction

The AMX-10RC is a modern wheeled reconnaissance vehicle of French origin. It was developed in the early 1970's by Giat and Renault. The AMX-10RC was developed to supplement and eventually replace the AML-90 as a reconnaissance vehicle in French service. Originally 525 vehicles were required but this number was reduced to 337. Although the AMX-10RC is a wheeled vehicle and differs enormously from the tracked AMX-10P mechanized infantry combat vehicle, both vehicles share a lot of automotive components. The AMX-10RC is known for its firepower, protection and very good mobility. Due to recent upgrades the AMX-10RC can remain in service until the year 2020.

Layout

The AMX-10RC is a wheeled vehicle with a 6x6 chassis. The driver is seated in the front, the turret is placed in the middle and the engine and drivetrain can be found in the rear. The TK 105 turret with full pressure 105mm cannon is rather large for a reconnaissance vehicle. The commander, gunner and loader are seated in the turret. High quality optics are fitted, but the armor protection does limit visibility when the crew is buttoned up. No special reconnaissance equipment is fitted. A battle field management system was added to the improved French army vehicles.

Firepower

The AMX-10RC has enormous firepower for a reconnaissance vehicle. The main armament is a full pressure rifled 105mm F2 48-caliber cannon, which fires indigenious French ammunition rather than the NATO standard. The gun is not stabilized, manually loaded and used in conjunction with a laser range finder. The cannon allows it to be used as a fire support vehicle and tank destroyer. All combat vehicles except the latest generation of main battle tanks may be engaged. A 7.62mm AAT-NF1 machine gun is fitted as a coaxial weapon. A second AAT-NF1 is often pintle mounted on the roof for self-protection.

Protection

The aluminum armor protects the AMX-10RC from small arms fire and shell splinters. This level of protection is standard for a vehicle in this role and a higher level of protection would come at the cost of decreased mobility. An NBC system is fitted as standard, as well as smoke grenade dischargers. The modernized AMX-10RC in French service are fitted with additional armor and the GALIX self-defense system. Some vehicles are also fitted with missile decoy systems.

Mobility

The AMX-10RC is known for its good mobility, which is also required for a reconnaissance vehicle. Due to the six large wheels and all wheel drive the AMX-10RC can achieve a good speed, both on roads and off-road. Despite its size and weight the AMX-10RC is fully amphibious and is propelled in the water by two water jets. A 260 hp diesel engine provides propulsion. The maximum road speed is 85 km/h and a range of 1.000 km can be achieved without refueling.

Users

The main user of the AMX-10RC is the French army. The active number of AMX-10RC have been reduced since the end of the Cold War. Those that remain in service have been upgraded to increase their capabilities and extend their service life. The AMX-10RC is to remain in use until the 2015 - 2020 timeframe. Despite its qualities the AMX-10RC has been exported to only 2 nations, which are Morocco and Qatar. Recently France offered a batch of these vehicles to Ukraine, where they will enter in service in 2023.

The AMX-10RC is a reconnaissance vehicle with good mobility and firepower. It has distinctive looks and is rather large for a vehicle is this role. Although many automotive components are shared with the AMX-10P mechanized infantry combat vehicle, its role and looks are very different.

The AMX-10RC in French service have been extensively upgraded to increase their capabilities and extend their service life. The improvements include additional passive add-on armor, new transmission and suspension, a battlefield management system, a GALIX self-defense system, thermal imagers, central tire pressure regulation system and missile decoy systems. The plans to fit a NATO standard gun have been shelved.