Prototype of AMX-30C2 sporting a 105 rifled tank gun.
AMX-30-Roland
AMX 30 B2 BRENUS
The French decided to concentrate their interest in developing an MBT in what became the AMX-30. Until the mid-1950s both France and the Federal Republic of Germany relied chiefly on the U. S. M47 Patton as their MBT. Both these nations and Italy then decided to develop a lighter and more powerful MBT for common use. As is so often the case, however, each nation then decided to proceed with its own design. The Germans produced the Leopard, whereas the French developed the AMX-30.
Ordered by the French Army in 1963, the AMX-30 entered production in 1966. Designed by the Atelier de Construction d’Issy-les-Moulineaux, it weighed some 79,000 pounds, had a crew of four, a 720-hp engine capable of 40 mph, and mounted a powerful (105mm) main gun, along with a coaxial 20mm cannon and one machine gun for antiaircraft protection.
The AMX-30 underwent numerous upgrades, including in the B2 model of 1979 with a more modern fire-control system, night-vision equipment, and NBC protection. Although supplemented by the more powerful Leclerc, the AMX-30 remains in French Army service, having been upgraded with ERA and a more powerful engine. A large number of AMX-30s were sold abroad and remain in service there as well, including in Spain, where they have been produced under license. In 1975 the French began production of the AMX-32, essentially an AMX-30 entirely for export with a 120mm gun; but the AMX-32 failed to attract purchasers and was dropped in favor of a brand new design, the AMX-40 MBT. It appeared in 1983. Weighing more than 96,300 pounds, it mounted a 120mm gun. Although it was tested by several nations in the Middle East, none was sufficiently impressed to buy it, and it did not progress beyond the prototype stage.
Summary: Developed by the Atelier de Construction d’Issy-les-Moulineaux. Excellent design, with half of production going into export, including to Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Spain. Consistently upgraded; the major change occurred in 1979 in the B2 Model with an advanced fire-control system, including laser rangefinder and thermal imaging. Armor is relatively thin for an MBT, the designers preferring speed and agility. The AMX-30 was superceded in French service by the Leclerc, but it remains in service with Cyprus, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Spain (where it has been produced under license), and Venezuela.
Production dates: 1966-
Number produced: 3,500+ (1,250 for the French Army)
Manufacturer: GIAT Industries, Roanne, France
Crew: 4
Armament: 1 x 105mm CN-105-F1 main gun; 1 x 20mm cannon or 12.7mm machine gun (coaxial); 1 x 7.62 machine gun (antiaircraft); 2 x 2 smoke grenade dischargers
Weight: 79,072 lbs.
Length: 21’7″ (31’1″ with gun forward)
Width: 10’2″
Height: 9’4″
Armor: 80mm maximum; 15mm minimum
Ammunition storage and type: 47 x 105mm; 1,050 x 20mm; 2,050 x 7.62mm
Power plant: Hispano-Suiza HS 110 12- cylinder 720-hp water-cooled supercharged multifuel engine
Maximum speed: 40 mph Range: 373 miles
Fording depth: 4’3″
Vertical obstacle: 3’1″
Trench crossing: 9’6″ Special characteristics (pos/neg): improved to include NBC and night-vision
Special models: numerous, including Pluton tactical nuclear missile launcher; self-propelled antiaircraft gun; armored recovery vehicle; engineer vehicle; bridge-layer; antimine flail tanks; chassis was used for a 155mm self-propelled gun
