AMX-13/90
Overview
AMX-13 Modèle 1952
Right side view of AMX-13 Modèle 1952 with 90mm CN-90-F3 cannon.
Source: www.chars-francais.net -
© copyright lies with original owner
1964 - 1965
AMX-13 C (export designation)
Description
Introduction
The AMX-13/90 is an early Cold War era light tank of French origin. The name refers to the 90mm cannon, which is the only practical difference from the AMX-13/75. The 90mm gun fires HEAT rounds, whereas the 75mm gun on the AMX-13/75 fires high velocity armor piercing rounds.
Design
The AMX-13/90 is nearly identical to the AMX-13/75, which was introduced about a decade earlier. The FL-10 turret is retrofitted with a new 90mm main gun. The CN-90-F3 cannon has the same length as the 75mm SA 50, but fires a larger diameter shell at a lower velocity. The main external differentiator is the thermal sleeve on the 90mm gun.
Firepower
The 90mm CN-90-F3 cannon fires fin-stabilized OCC90 HEAT shells at a muzzle velocity of 750 m/s. A 1 km range the HEAT shells can penetrate 320 mm RHA at an optimal 0° angle. This is double the penetration of the 75mm AP shell at the same range. The autoloader system still holds 12 shells and provides a high rate of fire.
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.
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 AMX-13/90 was an upgrade package for existing AMX-13/75, making them more potent vehicles to face the T-55 and later Soviet tanks. First devised in 1955, the idea was revisited in 1964 when the French army began phasing out the M47 Patton. From 1967 onward an estimated several hundred vehicles were converted to 90mm. Various ex-French vehicles were exported to nations with good ties to France. Reportedly the AMX-13/90 was also marketed as newly produced vehicle for export in the late 1950's and early 1960's.
Details
Media
AMX-13/90
Left side view of AMX-13/90 with turret traversed to the right.
Source: www.chars-francais.net
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
AMX-13/90
Rear view of AMX-13/90 with turret traversed to the rear.
Source: www.chars-francais.net
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
AMX-13/90
Forward view of AMX-13/90 with travel lock on 90mm cannon in place.
Source: www.chars-francais.net
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
AMX-13/75
The AMX-13/90 is a variant of the AMX-13/75, which is the main model of AMX-13 light tanks.