AMX-13/75

Overview

AMX-13/75

AMX-13/75 in the field.
Source: www.chars-francais.net - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin

France

Type

Light tank

Entered service

1952

Status

Limited service

Development

1946 - 1948

Developer

France - Atelier de Construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux (AMX)

Production

1952 - 1964 (AMX-13/75)

Producer

France - AMX
France - Creusot-Loire

Number produced

Over 4.500 built by 1964

Designations

Char Lance SS-11 (AMX-13 with T75 upgrade)

Notable users

France
Israel
Singapore

Description

Introduction

The AMX-13 is an early Cold War era light tank of French origin. It was developed in the late 1940's to equip the post-World War 2 French forces. The AMX-13 proved to be a highly mobile and effective light tank in combat. By the end of the Cold War the AMX-13 became obsolete due to age and the advent of highly capable anti-tank guided missiles that fill the role of highly mobile tank destroyers.

Design

The AMX-13 uses a tracked chassis with the driver and engine located at the front and the fighting compartment at the rear. This chassis was later used in the AMX-VCI armored personnel carrier and AMX-105 and Mk F3 self-propelled howitzers. The AMX-13 uses a unique oscillating turret design. The cannon is mounted on a fixed cradle and the entire top half of the turret is hinged to provide elevation. The oscillating turret is used since the autoloader with its twin 6-round revolver style carousels require the main gun to remain in line with the loading mechanism. Over time the AMX-13 design was upgraded with various turret types and other types of equipment.

Protection

The steel armor provides protection against small arms fire and shrapnel all around. Over the frontal arc heavy machine gun fire is resisted. Smoke grenade launchers are fitted as standard. An NBC system is optional, but not present on most AMX-13 models.

Firepower

The original AMX-13 was fitted with a 75mm SA 50 high velocity cannon. This gun was inspired by the long barrel 75mm gun of the Nazi German Panther tank. Additionally, a version with a turret with 90mm cannon became available and for export sales a 105mm cannon was fitted. The main gun is equipped with a bustle mounted automatic loader that results in a high rate of fire. A 7.5mm AAT-52 machine gun is fitted as coaxial weapon and another can be fitted as a flexible weapon on the turret roof. For export sales these were often replaced by the 7.62mm AAT-NF1 or MAG machine guns. Some tanks in French service were fitted with SS-11 anti-tank missiles in order to improve effectiveness against newer tanks.

Mobility

The tracked chassis, limited weight and high power to weight ratio result in a good all terrain mobility. A 250 hp petrol engine provides propulsion, allowing for a maximum speed of 60 km/h. Various upgrade programs have been offered with newer and more fuel economic diesel engines. The AMX-13 is not amphibious.

Users

The primary user of the AMX-13 and its derivatives was the French army. The AMX-13 was exported in large numbers. The AMX-13 proved effective in combat with Israeli forces. In most armies the AMX-13 has been replaced, yet significant numbers remain in service today.

Variants of the AMX-13/75

AMX-13 Modèle 1951

Original production model introduced in 1952. Fitted with FL-10 turret with the long barrel 75mm SA 50 high velocity cannon.

AMX-13 T75

French army upgrade with SS-11 anti-tank guided missiles to improve firepower against late Cold War era threats. These models were later upgraded with improved fire control systems. T75 models are also nicknamed "Char Lance SS-11".

Media