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AMX-13 DCA



Overview


AMX-13 DCA

Side view of AMX-13 DCA with Ouil Noir 1 radar in raised position.
Source: www.chars-francais.net - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
France
Type
Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun
Entered service
Early 1970's
Status
Out of service
Development
1960's
Developer
France - SAMM, Thomson-CSF, Hispano-Suiza
Production
1969
Producer
France - SAMM, Thomson-CSF, Hispano-Suiza
Number produced
A total of 60 vehicles produced.
Designations
DCA / Défense Contre Avions
French for "defense against aircraft"
AMX-DCA
Notable users
France

Description


Introduction

The AMX-13 DCA is an early Cold War era self-propelled anti-aircraft gun of French origin. It was developed in the late 1960's to provide forward air defense to French tank battalions. A relatively small production run of 60 vehicles was completed and served until the end of the Cold War. The name DCA stands for "Défense Contre Avions" which translates to "defense against aircraft". The AMX-13 DCA was never used in combat and is no longer in use.

Layout

The AMX-13 DCA is based on the AMX-13 chassis and is fitted with a large two man turret that is armed with two 30mm autocannon which are mounted side by side at the front of the turret. The engine and drive train are located at the front and the driver is seated in the left side of the hull.

Firepower

The armament consists of two powerful 30mm HS-831A autocannon. The guns can be fired semi-automatically or in burst of 5 to 15 rounds. The cyclic rate of fire is 650 rpm per barrel. The maximum effective range is 3 km with the slant range being 5 km.

Fire control systems

The AMX-13 DCA is fitted with a Oeil Noir 1 doppler search and tracking radar. Aircraft and helicopters can be detected out to 12 km and at altitudes of up to 3 km. Alternatively manual fire control can be used.

Protection

The AMX-13 DCA is operated from under full armor protection. The steel hull and turret provide protection against small arms fire and shell splinters. An NBC system was not present but four smoke grenade dischargers are fitted on the turret rear.

Mobility

The tracked chassis provides a good off road performance and allows it to keep up with AMX-13 and AMX-30 tanks in the field. The maximum road speed is reasonable at 60 km/h. A 250 hp petrol engine provides propulsion.

Users

The AMX-13 DCA was only adopted by the French army and only 60 have been produced. The AMX-13 DCA was retired from service at the end of the Cold War along with the rest of the AMX-13 light tanks. Saudi Arabia adopted the AMX-30 DCA which uses an improved DCA turret on the larger AMX-30 tank chassis.

Details


Facts AMX-13 DCA
General
Origin
France
Type
Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun
Crew
3 (commander, driver, gunner)
Dimensions
Weight
17.2 t combat load
Length
4.9 m hull
5.4 m gun forward
Width
2.51 m
Height
3.8 m
Armament
Type
2x 30mm HS-831A autocannon
Elevation
-5 to +85 degrees, powered, 45 degrees/s
Traverse
360 degrees, powered, 80 degrees/s
Rate of fire
650 rpm per barrel, 1.300 rpm combined
Range
3 km effective
5 km slant range
Stabilizer
No
Sensors
Radar
Oeil Noir 1 radar on turret, 12 km range
Automotive
Chassis
Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear
2.16 m track, 3.00 m length on ground, 0.35 m width
Ground pressure
0.87 kg/cm^2
Engine
Model 8Gxb 8-cylinder petrol
Power output
250 hp at 3.200 rpm
Transmission
Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse
Fuel
480 L
Mobility
Speed
60 km/h
Range
300 km
Power to weight ratio
14.5 hp/t
Ground clearance
0.37 m
Turn radius
Skid turns
Wall
0.65 m
Trench
1.6 m
Gradient
60 %
Fording
0.6 m
Protection
Armor type
Steel
NBC system
No
Smoke
2x2 smoke grenade dischargers

Media


Related articles


AMX-30 DCA

The AMX-30 DCA is a further development of the AMX-13 DCA. As the name suggests it is based on the larger chassis of the AMX-30 main battle tank. This version was exported to Saudi Arabia.

AMX-13/75

The AMX-13 DCA is based on the chassis of the AMX-13 light tank.

30mm Hispano-Suiza HS.831

The AMX-13 DCA is armed with two 30mm HS.831A autocannon.