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AML-90


Eland 90


Overview

AML-90

French army AML-90.
Source: www.bemil.chosun.com - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
France
Type
Reconnaissance vehicle
Entered service
Early 1960's
Status
In service
Development
1950's
Developer
France - Panhard
Production
1960 - 1987
Producer
France - Panhard
South Africa - Sandock-Austral
Number produced
Over 5.300 including AML-60 and other variants
Designations
AML-245C (industry index for AML H-90)
Eland 90 (South African variant)
Notable users
France
South Africa
Israel

Description

Introduction

The AML-90 is a reconnaissance vehicle of French origin. It was developed in the 1950's to replace the British Ferret in French service. In line with French doctrine it is fitted with the most powerful armament the chassis is able to handle. This allows it to be used in a fire support role.

Layout

The AML-90 uses a 4x4 chassis with sleek armored body with driver in the front, two man turret in the middle and engine at the rear. The design of the body, the bumper and the very large turret give the AML-90 a distinctive look.

Firepower

The AML-90 mounts a 90mm D921 rifled cannon and two 7.5mm or 7.62mm machine guns. A total of 20 rounds are carried for the 90mm gun. These fire HEAT rounds capable of destroying all types of light armored vehicles, and are even able to penetrate side armor of contemporary main battle tanks.

Protection

The steel armor provides protection against small arms fire all around. The AML-90 is vulnerable to any heavier weapon and mines. Smoke grenade launchers are fitted on the turret. An NBC system is lacking, but can be found on later export models.

Mobility

The 4x4 chassis provides a good mobility on roads and in the field. A 90 hp petrol engine provides propulsion. Upgrades and late production vehicles include more powerful diesel engines. The maximum road speed is 90 km/h.

Users

The AML-90 was adopted in large quantities by the French forces and was exported in even larger quantities all around the world. Most of them ended up in Africa, with South Africa being the primary user. The AML-90 has been successfully used in many conflicts and has been known to have taken out T-55 tanks. In French service it was replaced by the ERC-90, but large quantities remain in service around the world.

Variants

Eland 90

Moroccan Eland 90.
Source: Unknown author - © copyright lies with original owner

AML-90
Initial production model. Also known as AML-245C or AML H-90. Armed with DEFA D921 rifled cannon, known in French service as the 90mm F1. In French service the 7.5mm AAT-52 is used. For export the 7.62mm MAG was often fitted.
AML-90 Lynx
Improved model for export sales. Developed in the late 1970's and also known as AML D-90. Often offered with more powerful and economic Peugeot or Mercedes diesel engine. The Lynx has a much improved turret with hydraulic drive, increased gun elevation, night vision and a laser range finder.
Eland 90
South African production version of the AML-90. Similar to the French H-90, but fitted with different Chevrolet 2.5 L petrol engine, improved transmission. A total of 29 rounds for the GT-2 cannon are carried.

Details

Facts AML-90 AML-90 Lynx
General
Origin
France
Type
Reconnaissance vehicle
Crew
3 (commander, driver, gunner)
Dimensions
Weight
5.5 t combat load
Length
5.11 m gun forward
3.79 m hull
Width
1.97 m
Height
2.07 m overall
Main armament
Type
90mm D921 F1 rifled cannon
Mount
Main gun in turret
Ammunition
20 rounds
Elevation
-8° to +15°, manual
Traverse
360°, manual
Stabilizer
No
Coaxial armament
Type
7.5mm AAT-52 or 7.62mm MAG machine gun
Mount
Coaxial with main armament
Ammunition
2.400 rounds in total
Traverse
Traverse and elevation as main armament
Stabilizer
No
Secondary armament
Type
7.5mm AAT-52 or 7.62mm MAG machine gun
Mount
Pintle mount on turret roof
Ammunition
2.400 rounds in total
Traverse
Manual traverse and elevation
Stabilizer
No
Chassis
Chassis type
Wheeled chassis, 4x4
Tread
1.52 m
Wheelbase
2.5 m
Automotive
Engine model
Panhard Model 4 HD
Engine type
4-cylinder air-cooled petrol
Power output
90 hp at 4.700 rpm
Transmission
Manual, 6 forward, 1 reverse
Fuel
156 L
Mobility
Speed
90 km/h on road
5.5 km/h reverse
Range
600 km on road
Turn radius
6 m
Power to weight ratio
16.4 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.33 m
Wall
0.3 m
Trench
0.8 m
Gradient
60 %
Slope
30 %
Fording
1.1 m
Protection
Armor type
Steel
Armor thickness
8 to 12 mm
NBC system
Optional
Smoke system
2x2 80mm smoke grenade dischargers
Equipment
Night vision
Optional
Fire control
Optical sight without night vision

Media

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