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AMX-30

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AMX-30
French AMX-30B2 deployed in Saudi Arabia, during military operations prior to the Gulf War
TypeMain battle tank
Place of origin France
Service history
In service1966–present
Used byBosnia, Chile, Cyprus, France, Greece, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela
WarsGulf War
Production history
Designed1963
No. built2000+
Specifications
Mass36 metric tons (40 short tons)
Length9.48 meters (31.1 ft) (gun forward)
Width3.1 meters (10 ft)
Height2.28 meters (7.5 ft)
Crew4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)
Armour50 millimeters (2.0 in) maximum
Main
armament
105 millimeters (4.1 in) Modele F1 tank gun
Secondary
armament
20 millimeters (0.79 in) autocannon, 7.62 millimeters (0.300 in) machine gun
EngineHispano-Suiza HS-110
680 horsepower (510 kW)
Suspensiontorsion bar
Operational
range
600 kilometers (370 mi)
Maximum speed 65 kilometers per hour (40 mph)

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The AMX-30 is a main battle tank designed by GIAT, first delivered to the French Army in 1966. The first five tanks were issued to the 501st Régiment de Chars de Combat (Tank Regiment) in August of that year. The production version of the AMX-30 weighed 36 metric tons (40 short tons), and sacrificed protection for increased mobility. The French believed that it would have required too much armor to protect against the latest anti-tank threats, thereby reducing the tank's maneuverability. Protection, instead, was allotted in terms of speed and the compact dimensions of the vehicle, including a height of 2.28 meters (7.5 ft). The tank's firepower was manifested through its 105-millimeter (4.1 in) cannon, firing an advanced high explosive anti-tank warhead known as the Obus G. The Obus G used an outer shell, separated from the main charge by ball bearings, to allow the round to be spin stabilized by the gun without affecting the warhead inside. Speed was provided by the 720 horsepower (540 kW) HS-110 diesel engine, although the troublesome transmission adversely affected the tank's performance.

Due to the issues caused by the transmission, in 1979 the French Army began to modernize its fleet of tanks to AMX-30B2 standards, which included a new transmission, an improved engine and the introduction of a new fin-stabilized kinetic energy penetrator, amongst other improvements. Production of the AMX-30 also extended to a number of variants, including the AMX-30D armored recovery vehicle, the AMX-30R anti-aircraft gun system, a bridgelayer, the Pluton tactical nuclear missile launcher and a surface to air missile launcher.

It was preceded by two prior post-war French medium tank designs, including the ARL 44. Although the ARL 44 was an interim tank, its replacement tank, the AMX 50, was canceled in the mid-1950s in favor of adopting the M47 Patton tank. In 1956 the French government entered a cooperative development program with Germany and Italy in an effort to design a standardized tank. Although the three nations agreed to a series of specific characteristics that the new tank should have, and both France and Germany began work on distinctive prototypes with the intentions of testing them and combining the best of both, the program failed as Germany decided not to adopt the new French 105-millimeter (4.1 in) tank gun and France declared that it would postpone production until 1965. As a result, both nations decided to adopt tanks based on their own prototypes. The German tank became known as the Leopard 1, while the French prototype became the AMX-30.

As early as 1969, the AMX-30 and variants were ordered by Greece, soon followed by Spain. In the coming years, the AMX-30 would be exported to Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Cyprus and Chile. By the end of production, 3,571 units of AMX-30s and its variants had been manufactured. Both Spain and Venezuela later began extensive modernization programs to extend the life of their vehicles and to bring their tanks up to more modern standards. In the 1991 Gulf War AMX-30s were deployed by both the French and Qatari armies, and Qatari AMX-30s saw action against Iraqi forces at the Battle of Khafji; But by the end of the 20th century France and most other nations replaced their AMX-30s with more up to date equipment.

Background

Although the occupation of France during World War II temporarily interrupted French development of armored fighting vehicles, clandestine research allowed the French to quickly recover lost ground after its liberation in mid-1944.[1] During the occupation, the French had secretly worked on a program named Atelier de Construction de Rueil (ARL), resulting in the design and production of the ARL 44, which entered service in 1946.[2] The tank was powered by a Maybach HL-230 575 horsepower (429 kW) engine, and armed with a 90-millimeter (3.5 in) tank gun.[3] Although the 48-metric-ton (53-short-ton) vehicle was comparable to contemporary battle tanks in firepower and engine power, it suffered from distinct disadvantages, including an antiquated track design.[1] While 600 were planned for production, only 60 were ultimately manufactured by 1950. These were issued to the 503rd Tank Regiment, of the French Army.[4] Given that the ARL 44 was considered only a stop-gap vehicle for the French Army's armored forces since the beginning of its inception, work on a new tank had begun as early as March 1945.[1]

AMX 50 at the tank museum in Saumur

Development of the new tank was offered to five separate manufacturers, including Atelier de Construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux (AMX), Forges et Chantiers de la Méditerranée (FCM), Renault, Societe Lorraine de Dietrich (SLD-Lorraine) and Societé d'Outillage Mécanique et d'Usinage d'Artillerie (SOMUA).[4] The new vehicle was based on the new post-war requirement for a single battle tank.[1] The new vehicle was designated the AMX 50, and its hull and suspension were similar to that of the German Panther tank, which had been used by the French Army in the immediate post-war.[5] The French government's specifications for the new tank were strongly influenced by both the Panther tank and the heavier Tiger I; specifically, the French Army was looking for a tank with the mobility of the former and the protection of the latter.[1] Although the design borrowed from German tanks, including the Maybach 1,000 horsepower (750 kW) engine, based on an earlier model, and the torsion bar sprung road wheels, the AMX 50 also included a number of unique features.[6] For example, it included an oscillating turret, mounted on trunnions, which was a first of its kind. The oscillating turret consisted of two parts, one of which was mounted on the trunnions of the lower part, attached to the turret ring. The main gun was attached to the upper part, facilitating gun elevation and depression, as well as simplifying the fire control equipment and the installation of the automatic loading system.[7] Of the three contractors, Renault withdrew from the program, while in early 1946 the French government selected AMX and SOMUA to continue the development.[4] The prototypes were designated M4s, and AMX completed its prototype in 1949, while SOMUA would not be finished until 1956.[8] AMX's first prototype was armed with a 90-millimeter (3.5 in) cannon, although a second prototype was fitted with a larger 100-millimeter (3.9 in) gun in July 1950 and a third was issued an even larger 120-millimeter (4.7 in) tank gun in 1951.[7] Although it was intended to put the AMX 50 into production, financial reasons and the arrival of military aid from the United States in the form of 856 M47 Patton tanks[9] caused the program to be abandoned in the mid-1950s.[10][7]

With the demise of the AMX 50 program, the French General Staff looked for a new tank to replace their American tanks, and in 1956 began a collaborative project with Germany and Italy. The requirements for the new tank, designated the Europanzer, called for a lightweight and mobile battle tank, setting the weight limit to 30 metric tons (33 short tons) and compromising the ability to heavily armor the vehicle.[11][12] French and German engineers, during a conference in Bonn on 12 February 1957, defined the requirements for the future tank. This included a maximum width of 3.15 meters (10.3 ft), a height of 2.15 meters (7.1 ft) and a 105-millimeter (4.1 in) tank gun. The new tank would have a multifuel, air-refrigerated engine, a torsion bar suspension with hydraulic shocks, and a road range of at least 350 kilometers (220 mi). That same year, the French and German ministries of defense agreed upon a contract which would allow both countries to manufacture two prototypes separately.[13] The French prototypes were developed and produced by the Atelier de Construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux, and the first two prototypes were completed in 1960, while another seven were manufactured by 1963.[14] Work on the German prototypes was carried out by two teams, including Team A composed of Porsche, Maschinenbau Kiel and Luther & Jung.[15] Team B was made up by Rhurstahl, Rheinstahl-HANOMAG and Henschel.[16] Wood mock-ups were completed in 1959, while the first two prototypes were finished by 1961 (completed by Team A).[17]

Development history

File:Amx30 proto 09.jpg
Prototype of the AMX-30

Comparative trials were held between the French and German prototypes between August and October 1963, under Italian supervision.[18] However, the French government decided that it could not procure a new tank until 1965,[19] while the Germans refused to adopt the French 105-millimeter (4.1 in) tank gun, in lieu of the British Royal Ordnance L7.[17] As a result, the program was canceled and the French and Germans decided to adopt their two separate tanks.[20]

The prototypes of the AMX-30 weighed 32.5 metric tons (35.8 short tons), and was compact, with a width of 3.1 meters (10 ft), comparable only to the Swiss Panzer 61, and a height of 2.28 meters (7.5 ft), comparable only to the Soviet T-55. In contrast to the AMX 50, the AMX-30 was issued a conventional turret, because it was found that it was more difficult to seal oscillating turrets from radioactive dust and against water when the tank was submerged.[14] Oscillating turrets also had a large ballistic weakness in the area of the skirt and turret ring.[21] Originally, the first two prototypes were powered by a 720 horsepower (540 kW) spark ignition engine, named the SOFAM 12 GSds. Later a multi-fuel diesel engine was adopted, developed by Hispano-Suiza. The new diesel engine was used in the latter prototypes of the AMX-30.[22]

The first production versions of the AMX-30 were completed in 1966, manufactured with a welded and cast hull and an entirely cast turret.[10] The production version of the tank had a combat weight of 36 metric tons (40 short tons).[23] The AMX-30's survivability was based on its mobility; French engineers believed that the tank's mobility would have been compromised had they added enough steel plating to protect against modern anti-tank threats, including high explosive anti-tank warheads (HEAT). The turret has a maximum armor protection of 50 millimeters (2.0 in), sloped at 70 degrees on the front plate and 23 degrees on the side, offering protection against 20-millimeter (0.79 in) armor piercing projectiles.[24] Further protection is offered by a nuclear, biological and chemical protection suit, including a ventilation system.[25]

AMX-30 on maneuver

One of the most unique features of the AMX-30 was the Obus a Charge Creuse de 105mm Modele F1 (Obus G) HEAT projectile and its main gun,[23] the Modele F1, a monoblock steel 105-millimeter (4.1 in) cannon.[26][27] HEAT warheads suffer when spin stabilized, a product of rifled barrels,[28] causing the French to develop the Obus G.[22] This projectile was composed of two major parts, including the outer shell and a suspended inner shell, divided by ball bearings. This allowed the projectile to be spin stabilized, while the inner shell did not move, allowing the warhead to work at maximum efficiency. The warhead could penetrate up to 400 millimeters (16 in) of steel armor and was effective against tanks at up to 3,000 meters (3,300 yd).[22] The AMX-30 was also designed to fire the OCC F1 Mle.60 high explosive projectile, the SCC F1 training warhead and the OFUM PH-105 F1 smoke round.[29] The main gun was coupled with a 380-millimeter (15 in) recoil brake, which had a maximum extension of 400 millimeters (16 in), and could depress to -8 degrees or elevate to 20 degrees. The turret's firepower was augmented by a coaxial 12.7-millimeter (0.50 in) M2 Browning machine gun. The tank commander also made use of a 7.62-millimeter (0.300 in) anti-aircraft machine gun on the turret roof.[30] The vehicle carried 50 105-millimeter (4.1 in) projectiles,[30] 748 12.7-millimeter (0.50 in) rounds and 2,050 7.62-millimeter (0.300 in) bullets.[31] The tank commander was issued a cupola which offered ten all-around direct-vision periscopes, and a binocular telescope with 10x magnification. The commander was also given an optical full-field coincidence range finder. The gunner was given a telescoping gun sight and two observation periscopes.[23]

AMX-30B2 at the Bovington Tank Museum

The production version of the AMX-30 was fitted with Hispano-Suiza's HS-110 diesel engine, located in the rear of the hull. The 28.8 liters (1,760 cu in) engine could be replaced on the field in 45 minutes, and produced 720 horsepower (540 kW), offering the tank a maximum velocity of 65 kilometers per hour (40 mph) on roads. The fuel efficient engine, in conjunction with a total fuel capacity of 970 liters (260 U.S. gal), gave the AMX-30 a maximum road range of up to 600 kilometers (370 mi).[32] The engine's drive is taken through a Gravina G.H.B.200C twin-plate centrifugal clutch.[33] The gearbox was an AMX 5-SD-200D, with five forward gears and five reverse gears. This transmission was heavily influenced by that of the German Panther tank and was based on a project which had begun in 1938. The transmission was one of the AMX-30's major faults and caused a variety of mechanical problems, including that the driver would have to manually change gears at specific times, even if the tank was moving over rough terrain.[34] The tank's weight is distributed over five double, aluminum-alloy, rubber-tyred road wheels on either side, propelled on 570-millimeter (22 in) wide tracks.[35] The tank could ford 1.3-meter (1.4 yd) deep water obstacles without preparation, and up to 2 meters (2.2 yd) with preparation. Preparation for water operations consisted of the addition of a snorkel tube, the installation of blanking plates, carried on the front of the hull, over the engine compartment's air intake louvers,[36] and the installment of infra-red driving equipment, including a searchlight.[10]

Modernization

Beginning as early as 1973, only seven years after the beginning of production, the French began a research program for a future modification of the tank.[37] In 1979, the French Army began to modernize its AMX-30s with an improved fire control system and a new transmission, and designated them AMX-B2s.[38] Improvements to the fire control system included the installation of a laser rangefinder and a low-light TV (LLTV).[39] The original coaxial heavy machine gun was replaced by a 20-millimeter (0.79 in) autocannon, with the ability to depress to -8 degrees and elevate to 40 degrees. The main gun's lethality was improved with the introduction of a new armor piercing fin stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS). The original engine was exchanged for an improved variant, known as the HS-110.2, producing 680 horsepower (510 kW). The poor transmission was replaced with the semi-automatic Valeo/SESM ENC 200 MINERVA, with a torque converter. The suspension was improved by adopting new torsion bars and shocks which increased the vertical deflection range of the road wheels,[40] thereby improving the tank's off-road mobility.[41]

An reactive armor package was also developed for the AMX-30B2, but was issued only to two tank battalions in France's rapid reaction force.[38][42] Recently, the AMX-30 has also been used as a testbed for several stealth technologies, including air cooling of hull surfaces and the use of visual camouflage. This prototype is known as the Démonstrateur Furtif a Chenille.[43]

Comparison to contemporary tanks

M60A3 Patton[44] Leopard 1[45] AMX-30[46] T-55[47] T-62[48]
Weight 55.6 metric tons (61.3 short tons) 42.2 metric tons (46.5 short tons) 36 metric tons (40 short tons) 36 metric tons (40 short tons) 40 metric tons (44 short tons)
Gun 105 millimeters (4.1 in) L7A3 rifled 105 millimeters (4.1 in) L7A3 rifled 105 millimeters (4.1 in) L/56 F1 rifled 100 millimeters (3.9 in) D-10T2S 115 millimeters (4.5 in) U-5T
Ammunition 63 rounds 55 rounds 50 rounds 43 rounds 40 rounds
Road range (integral fuel) 480 kilometers (300 mi) 600 kilometers (370 mi) 600 kilometers (370 mi) 500 kilometers (310 mi) 450 kilometers (280 mi)
Engine output 750 horsepower (560 kW) 830 horsepower (620 kW) 680 horsepower (510 kW) 580 horsepower (430 kW) 580 horsepower (430 kW)
Maximum velocity (on road) 50 kilometers per hour (31 mph) 62 kilometers per hour (39 mph) 65 kilometers per hour (40 mph) 50 kilometers per hour (31 mph) 50 kilometers per hour (31 mph)
Armor (front turret plate) 254 millimeters (10.0 in)[49] 70 millimeters (2.8 in)[50] 50 millimeters (2.0 in) 205 millimeters (8.1 in) 170 millimeters (6.7 in)
Armor (glacis plate) — — — 100 millimeters (3.9 in) 100 millimeters (3.9 in)

Variants

The AMX-30 has a number of different variations, including a number of other armored vehicles based on the same chassis. A simplified version of the tank, without the infra-red searchlight and periscopes and a less complex commander's cupola was developed for export, known as the "basic AMX-30". This version also came devoid of the pressurized air filtering system, and moved the smaller 7.62-millimeter (0.300 in) machine gun into the coaxial position and the larger 12.7-millimeter (0.50 in) M2 to the turret roof. Another version was considered for the French Army, adopting a 142-millimeter (5.6 in) tank gun capable of firing the ACRA anti-tank guided missile, as well as high explosive rounds. However, the high costs of the missiles forced the French Army to abandon the program in 1972.[51] The vehicles based on the chassis include an armored recovery vehicle, a bridgelayer, a self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicle, a tactical nuclear missile launcher and a self-propelled artillery piece.[52]

Right side of an AMX-30D of the French Army

The armored recovery vehicle, known as the AMX-30D (AMX-30 Depanneur-Niveleur), was designed to recuperate or help maintain vehicles in the field. Work on the AMX-30D began in 1966, as the French Army researched for the development of a recovery vehicle to be issued to units receiving the AMX-30 tank. A prototype was produced and delivered for experimentation in 1971, and in February 1973 the first of a pre-series of five vehicles was delivered. That same year, another 100 AMX-30Ds were ordered, and these began production in 1975.[53] The recovery vehicle includes a winch powered by the vehicle's engine, with the ability to pull a maximum of 35 metric tons (39 short tons) of weight. The vehicle also has a 80-meter (87 yd) heavy towing cable, while an auxiliary wrench has another 120-meter (130 yd) towing cable, capable of towing up to 20 metric tons (22 short tons) when working over the front of the AMX-30D. In the latter case the vehicle must be supported by removable props, which are carried on the vehicle, and the bulldozer blade must be lowered on the ground. The crane can lift up the 3.29 metric tons (3.63 short tons) power pack and the 10 metric tons (11 short tons) turret. Instead of a turret, the AMX-30D is fitted with a superstructure, and weighs 36 metric tons (40 short tons), although with the extra power pack it can weigh up to 40 metric tons (44 short tons). The vehicle can protect itself with a 7.62-millimeter (0.300 in) machine gun.[54] The driver's visibility is aided by the inclusion of three M-223 periscopes. The AMX-30D has a maximum on-road velocity of 60 kilometers per hour (37 mph) and a maximum road range of 500 kilometers (310 mi).[55]

The AMX-30 bridgelayer, or poseur de pont, consists of the AMX-30's chassis with a box-like superstructure, supporting a scissor-type folding bridge. The 22-meter (24 yd) long bridge can span 20-meter (22 yd) gaps. The bridge has a width of 3.1 meters (3.4 yd), but can be increased to 3.95 meters (4.32 yd) through the use of appliqué panels. It can support weighs of up to 46 metric tons (51 short tons).[56] Development of a bridgelayer began as early as 1963, although it was not until June 1967 that development began on a prototype. Although a prototype designated AMX-30H was completed in 1968, it was not until 1971 that the vehicle was evaluated. At the end of the evaluations in September 1971, a pre-series of five vehicles was ordered, resulting in a new period of evaluations beginning on 16 October 1972. In 1975, the AMX-30H was declared standard in the French Army, although none of these vehicles were ever ordered.[57]

Pluton tactical nuclear missile launcher

The self-propelled anti-aircraft gun began development in 1969 to provide this type of vehicle to the French Army and for export. Although ultimately none were ordered for France, in 1975 Saudi Arabia ordered an improved version, denominated the AMX-30SA.[58] Developed to defend against low-altitude attacks, the system included two Hispano-Suiza 30-millimeter (1.2 in) 831 A automatic guns, coupled to an Oeil-noir fire control system. This system had already been installed on the AMX-13, in lieu of a heavier chassis, using a turret designated the S 401 A. Although this particular vehicle began production in 1962, the appearance of the AMX-30 offered a larger chassis to which the S 401 A turret could be mounted on, providing superior mobility. The heavier AMX-30 also provided a more stable platform for the guns, and allowed the system to carry much more ammunition (1,200 rounds, as compared to the 600 carried by the AMX-13 version). The guns were designed to fire in 5-round or 15-round bursts, with a cyclic rate of fire of 650 rounds per minute. They were controlled by an analogue computer, receiving information from a Doppler radar, which could be folded into an armored box when not in use to protect from damage. The radar depended on visual tracking, and so could only work in clear weather.[59]

Three missile systems were developed to be mounted on the AMX-30 chassis.[58] Recognizing the need for tactical nuclear missile mobile launchers, the French Army began development of the Pluton missile in 1963. In 1964, the program was suspended and instead the French Army opted for a missile with a longer range, capable of being mounted on the AMX-30. A contract for the development of the system was established in 1968. The first prototype was soon delivered and testing took place between July and August 1970, followed by the production of a second prototype in 1971. Two more prototypes were fabricated in 1972. The next year, the vehicle was put into mass production and by 1 May 1974 four of these vehicles had been delivered to the 3rd Artillery Regiment.[60] The missile itself weighs 2.4 metric tons (2.6 short tons) and is 7.6 meters (8.3 yd) long. Using a simplified inertial guidance system and a solid propellant rocket motor, the Pluton has a maximum range of 120 kilometers (75 mi).[61] The second missile system is the AMX-30R (Roland) surface-to-air missile launching system, which began development in 1974. Five vehicles of a pre-series were completed by 1977 and then evaluated, prompting the order of 183 vehicles that same year.[62] The Roland includes a rectangular superstructure, taller than that of both the AMX-30D and the Pluton, which houses the radar system and mounts two launching tubes on either side, with an autoloading system feeding from an eight missile reserve inside the superstructure. The Roland's exploration radar has a detection range of 16 kilometers (9.9 mi). The third missile system, called the AMX-30SA, was developed in 1975 for Saudi Arabia, to fire the SA-10 Shahine, developed and manufactured by Thomson-CSF; the launching vehicle was heavily based on the AMX-30R.[63]

Right side of a Roland surface-to-air missile launcher

The canon automoteur de 155 GCT (for Grande Cadence de Tir, fast rate of fire) was developed based on the AMX-30 chassis to provide tactical artillery support to units in the French Army, who refer to it as the AuF1. The 155-millimeter (6.1 in) howitzer was 40 calibers long, and was autoloaded allowing it a rate of fire of eight rounds per minute, with a maximum range of 23.5 kilometers (14.6 mi). The turret enables the gun to have an elevation of up to 66 degrees, and allows it to traverse a full 360 degrees. The vehicle carries 42 rounds of ammunition, with combustible cartridge cases.[64] The origins of the decision to design a self-propelled howitzer can be traced back to 1969, with the first prototype completed in 1972. By 1979 a total of seven prototypes had been produced, and 6 pre-series vehicles, followed by the production of 110 vehicles. This order was later increased to 190.[65]

The first prototype of an improved AMX-30 for the export market, known as the AMX-32, was unveiled in 1979. Based on the AMX-30B2, the AMX-32 fielded greater armor protection to offer increased survivability against anti-tank guided missiles. A 20-millimeter (0.79 in) autocannon was included as the main gun's coaxial weapon, and a 7.62-meter (8.33 yd) machine gun attached to the roof. However, no orders were ever placed.[66]

Production

Production of the AMX-30 took place at the Atelier de Construction de Roanne in the town of Roanne. This heavy manufacturing factory was constructed during World War I for the production of artillery shells, although by 1952 the factory had begun to produce armored fighting vehicles. Prior to the production of the AMX-30, for example, it had produced 1,900 AMX-13s and variants. Originally, 300 AMX-30s were ordered by the French Army, and by 1971 the order had been increased to 1,000, divided between eight batches.[51] Beginning in 1966, ten AMX-30s were assembled per month, and the first five were issued in August 1966 to the 501st Régiment de Chars de Combat. Monthly production grew to 15–20 tanks as new factories began to manufacture components of the vehicle and existing factories increased their production potential.[67] By the end of production, France had accepted 1,355 AMX-30s into service,[67] including 166 brand-new AMX-30B2s.[68] The French Army also accepted a large number of variants, including 195 self-propelled howitzers, 44 AMX-30 Pluton tactical nuclear missile launchers, 183 AMX-30Rs, 134 AMX-30Ds and 48 engineer vehicles (AMX-30EBG).[69]

In the late 1990s, the French Army began to accept the new Leclerc main battle tank to replace the antiquated AMX-30.[70] The first units to be outfitted with the new tank were the 501st and 503rd tank regiments, followed by the 6th and 12th Cuirassier Regiments.[71]

Export

Spanish AMX-30 at the El Goloso Museum of Armored Vehicles

Having in February 1964 decided to produce its own battle tank, Israel at first considered licence production of AMX-30 hulls, while importing the turrets from France; however, because Major-General Israel Tal favored heavier armored over mobile vehicles, when the United Kingdom in 1966 agreed to a licence production of its Chieftain, negotiations with France were discontinued.[72]

In 1969, Greece agreed to procure a total of 190 AMX-30s and 14 AMX-30Ds, making them the first foreign nation to purchase the French tank.[73] Throughout the 1960s, Spain had considered both the AMX-30 and the Leopard 1 to complement their existing fleet of M47 and M48 Patton tanks.[74] Ultimately, Spain opted for the AMX-30 for a variety of reasons, including British unwillingness to sell the L7 tank gun to a fascist regime[75] and the French offer to allow the AMX-30 to be manufactured in Spain.[76] Spain ordered 19 tanks in 1970, and later agreed to manufacture another 180 tanks in Spain. In 1979, Spain began the production of a second batch of 100 tanks, completing a total of 299 AMX-30s issued to the Spanish Army; these were designated AMX-30Es. Spain also procured 10 AMX-30Ds and 18 AMX-30Rs.[77] As production of the AMX-30E ended in 1979, the Spanish Army was already looking for a modernization program to improve the quality of the tank's mobility.[78] In 1987, the Spanish Army began a six-year modernization program which brought 150 tanks up to AMX-30EM2 standards and modified another 149 tanks to AMX-30EM1 standards.[79] The former was a much more complete upgrade, which saw improvements to the tank's mobility through the adoption of a new engine and gearbox, as well as to the tank's firepower, with the development of a new kinetic energy penetrator and the introduction of a far more complex and accurate fire control system for the tank's gunner, amongst other things.[80] The AMX-30EM1 was termed a "reconstruction" and only saw improvements to the tank's mobility by adopting a new transmission and renovating much of the vehicle's worn out systems, such as the brakes, indicators and controls.[81] These reconstructed AMX-30s were soon replaced by M60 Patton tanks procured off the United States in the early 1990s,[82] while its fleet of AMX-30EM2s was later replaced by the B1 Centauro anti-tank vehicle.[83]

A close-up view of an AMX-30's turret bustle

In 1972, France was able to gain a contract with Saudi Arabia over the purchase of 190 AMX-30S', designed for the desert environment of the Middle Eastern nation. Named the Palmier Contract, Saudi Arabia's tanks were delivered between 1973 and 1979, while 59 AMX-30Ds were exported between 1975 and 1979, 12 AMX-30Ps between 1977 and 1979, and finally 51 self-propelled howitzers, delivered between 1979 and 1980. Between 1979 and 1981, Saudi Arabia also received 52 AMX-30SAs and later 50 AMX-30C1 Shanine-2s delivered in two batches, between 1980 and 1989.[84] By the 21st century, 50% of Saudi Arabia's AMX-30 fleet were in storage,[85] given that the AMX-30 lacked the capabilities to deal with more modern threats, such as against Iraqi T-62s and T-72s, and Israeli Merkava tanks.[86] These were largely displaced by an order for 315 M1A2 Abrams tanks in 1989, and the acquisition of 450 M60A3 Patton tanks.[87] Although Saudi Arabia planned to procure more M1 tanks, it was unable to do so for financial reasons and the AMX-30 has still not been retired.[88]

Venezuela originally placed an order for 142 tanks in 1972, although this was later reduced to 81 and four AMX-30Ds.[73] In the mid-1980s, Venezuela adopted a modernization plan for its deprecated AMX-30s, opting to replace the original engine with a new Continental AVDS-1790-5A diesel engine, producing 908 horsepower (677 kW) and exchanging the existing transmission with an Allison CD-850-6A. Venezuelan AMX-30s received new fuel tanks, increasing the tank's road range to 720 kilometers (450 mi), while firepower was improved through the adoption of a modern fire control system.[89] In 1977, France and Qatar signed an agreement which garnered France another 24 AMX-30s sold, which would rise to 54 when Qatar ordered 30 AMX-30B2s in 1987.[90] The United Arab Emirates placed an order in 1977 for 64 tanks and a single armored recovery vehicle, to complete an armored brigade, in 1977. Due to political issues between Chile and Argentina, the former placed an order for 46 tanks, although this was later cut short to 21 when the contract was canceled by the French government in 1981. In 1982, Cyprus acquired a total of 16 AMX-30B2s and a single AMX-30D, and later ordered another 36 AMX-30B2s. Total production of the AMX-30 and variants totaled 3,571 units.[91]

Combat history

Qatari AMX-30s saw combat during the Gulf War at the Battle of Khafji, where on 30 January 1991 they counter attacked in an attempt to retake the city of Khafji from Iraqi forces which had occupied it the night before. During the action, Qatari AMX-30s knocked out three Iraqi T-55s and captured four more.[92] At least one Qatari AMX-30 was lost during the battle.[93]

The French participation in the Gulf War, codenamed Opération Daguet, saw the deployment of the 6e Division Légère Blindée ("6th Light Armored Division"),[94] referred to for the duration of the conflict as the Division Daguet. Most of its armored component was provided by the AMX-10RCs of the cavalry reconnaissance regiments, but a heavy armored unit, the 4e Régiment de Dragons ("4th Dragoon Regiment") was also sent to the region with a complement of 44 AMX-30B2s.[95] The Daguet Division was positioned to the West of Coalition forces, to protect the right flank of the U.S. XVIII Airborne Corps. This disposition gave the French commander greater autonomy, and also lessened the likelihood of encountering Iraqi T-72s, which were superior both to the AMX-10RCs and the AMX-30B2s.[96] With the beginning of the ground offensive of 24 February 1991, French forces moved to attack its first target, "Objective Rochambeau", that was defended by a brigade from the Iraqi 45th Infantry Division. A raid by Gazelle helicopters paved the way for an attack by the 4e Régiment de Dragons. Demoralized by heavy coalition bombardments, the Iraqi defenders rapidly surrendered.[97] The following day, the 4e Dragons moved on to their next objective, "Chambord", where they reported destroying 10 tanks, three BMPs, 15 trucks and five mortars with the assistance of USAF A-10s, and capturing numerous prisoners. The final objective was the As-Salman air base ("Objective White"), that was reported captured by 1815, after a multi-pronged attack, with the 4e Dragons attacking from the South.[98]

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d e Ogorkiewicz, p. 2
  2. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), p. 7
  3. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), pp. 7–8
  4. ^ a b c de Mazarrasa (1990), p. 8
  5. ^ Miller, pp. 84–85
  6. ^ Ogorkiewicz, pp. 2–3
  7. ^ a b c Ogorkiewicz, p. 3
  8. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), pp. 8–9
  9. ^ These were delivered between 1954 and 1956; Zaloga (1999), p. 13
  10. ^ a b c Miller, p. 85
  11. ^ Ogorkiewicz, pp. 3–5
  12. ^ Hilmes, pp. 16–17
  13. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), p. 9
  14. ^ a b Ogorkiewicz, p. 5
  15. ^ Jerchel, p. 3
  16. ^ Jerchel, pp. 3–4
  17. ^ a b Jerchel, p. 4
  18. ^ Jerchel, p. 6
  19. ^ Jerchel, p. 7
  20. ^ Hilmes, p. 17
  21. ^ Simpkin, p. 139
  22. ^ a b c Ogorkiewicz, p. 6
  23. ^ a b c Ogorkiewicz, p. 8
  24. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), p. 28
  25. ^ Miller, p. 88; de Mazarrasa (1990), p. 28
  26. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), pp. 21–22
  27. ^ The gun was protected from bending with a magnesium alloy thermal sleeve; Ogorkiewicz, p. 8
  28. ^ Ferrari, p. 87
  29. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), p. 23
  30. ^ a b de Mazarrasa (1990), p. 22
  31. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), p. 24
  32. ^ Ogorkiewicz, p. 9
  33. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), p. 26
  34. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), p. 27
  35. ^ Ogorkiewicz, p. 10
  36. ^ Ogorkiewicz, pp. 9–10
  37. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), p. 71
  38. ^ a b Miller, p. 89
  39. ^ Bishop, p. 220
  40. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), p. 72
  41. ^ Simpkin, p. 106
  42. ^ Foss, p. 429
  43. ^ Biass & Richardson, p. 62
  44. ^ Lathrop & McDonald, p. 28
  45. ^ Jerchel, p. 28
  46. ^ Ogorkiewicz, p. 20
  47. ^ Zaloga (2004), p. 29
  48. ^ Zaloga (1979), p. 20
  49. ^ Gelbart, p. 21
  50. ^ Miller, p. 136
  51. ^ a b Ogorkiewicz, p. 14
  52. ^ Ogorkiewicz, pp. 14–16
  53. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), p. 36
  54. ^ Ogorkiewicz, p. 16
  55. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), p. 37
  56. ^ Ogorkiewicz, pp. 16–18
  57. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), pp. 37–38
  58. ^ a b de Mazarrasa (1990), p. 38
  59. ^ Ogorkiewicz, pp. 18–19
  60. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), p. 39
  61. ^ Ogorkiewicz, pp. 19–20
  62. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), pp. 39–40
  63. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), p. 40
  64. ^ Orgokiewicz, p. 20
  65. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), pp. 40–41
  66. ^ Miller, pp. 90–93
  67. ^ a b de Mazarrasa (1990), p. 47
  68. ^ Another 493 tanks were refitted and modernized to AMX-30B2 standards; Miller, p. 8
  69. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), pp. 47–48
  70. ^ Moncure, p. 38
  71. ^ Moncure, p. 39
  72. ^ Dunstan, p. 13
  73. ^ a b de Mazarrasa (1990), p. 48
  74. ^ Rudnick, p. 199 & 203
  75. ^ Rudnick, p. 202
  76. ^ Rudnick, pp. 203–204
  77. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), pp. 57–61
  78. ^ Pérez-Guerra, p. 500
  79. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), pp. 79–80
  80. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), pp. 80–83
  81. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), pp. 83–84
  82. ^ Template:Es Defensa gastar a 916 millones en destruir 480 carros de combate, El País, accessed 9 December 2008
  83. ^ Template:Es Defensa firma un contrato de 200 millones de euros con Finmeccanica, El País, accessed 9 December 2008
  84. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), pp. 48–49
  85. ^ Cordesman, pp. 11–12
  86. ^ Cordesman, p. 11
  87. ^ Cordesman, pp. 13–14
  88. ^ Cordesman, pp. 16–17
  89. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), pp. 72–73
  90. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), pp. 48–49
  91. ^ de Mazarrasa (1990), p. 49
  92. ^ Westermeyer, p. 27
  93. ^ Westermeyer, pp. 27–28
  94. ^ Perrett, p. 201
  95. ^ Rottman, p. 26
  96. ^ Cogan, p. 44
  97. ^ Scales, p. 217
  98. ^ "XVIII Airborne Corps Desert Storm Chronology 24-28 February 1991". United States Army Center of Military History. Retrieved 2008-12-18. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to AMX-30.
  • Biass, Eric H. (1 June 2003). "Time for Shifting Gears?" (PDF). Armada International. Armada International. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
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  • de Mazarrasa, Javier (1994). Blindados en España 2ª Parte: La Dificil Postguerra 1939-1960 (in Spanish). Valladolid, Spain: Quiron Ediciones. ISBN 84 87314 10 4.
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  • Foss, Christopher F. (4 January 2003). Great Book of Tanks: The World's Most Important Tanks from World War I to the Present Day. Zenith Press. ISBN 978-0760314753.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: year (link)
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  • Ogorkiewicz, Richard M. (December 1973). AMX-30 Battle Tank. Berkshire, United Kingdom: Profile Publications Ltd. OCLC 54349455.
  • Perez-Guerra, Jaime (1 April, 1987). "Spanish AMX-30 MBT upgrade program". Janes International Defense Review. Janes. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  • Perrett, Bryan (1995). Iron Fist: Classic Armoured Warfare Case Studies. London, United Kingdom: Brockhampton Press. ISBN 1-86019-954-2. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  • Rottman, Gordon (1993). Armies of the Gulf War. Oxford, United Kingdom: Osprey. ISBN 1-85532-277-3.
  • Rudnick, David (April, 1976). "Atlantic Relations: Policy Co-ordination and Conflict (The Case of the Leopard Tank)". International Affairs. London, United Kingdom: Royal Institute of International Affairs. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  • Scales, Robert H. (1998). Certain Victory: The U.S. Army in the Gulf War. Washington DC, USA: Brassey's. ISBN 1-57488-136-1.
  • Westermeyer, Paul W. U.S. Marines in Battle: Al-Khafji, 28 January – 1 February 1991 (PDF). Washington D.C., United States of America: History Division, U.S. Marine Corps.
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  • Zaloga, Steven J. (1999). The M47 and M48 Patton Tanks. Oxford, United Kingdom: Osprey. ISBN 1 85532 825 9. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  • Zaloga, Steven J. (2004). T-54 and T-55 Main Battle Tanks 1944-2004. Oxford, United Kingdom: Osprey. ISBN 1 84176 792 1. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)



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