|
Entered service |
1977 |
|
Crew |
4 men |
|
Dimensions and weight |
|
Weight |
42 t |
|
Length (gun forward) |
10.25 m |
|
Hull length |
6.7 m |
|
Width |
3.15
m |
|
Height |
3.25 m |
|
Armament |
|
Main gun |
155-mm |
|
Barrel length |
40 calibers |
|
Machine guns |
1 x 7.62-mm |
|
Projectile weight |
42 kg |
|
Maximum firing range |
23.5 - 30 km |
|
Maximum rate of fire |
8 rpm |
|
Elevation range |
- 4 to + 66 degrees |
|
Traverse range |
360 degrees |
|
Ammunition load |
|
Main gun |
42 rounds |
|
Machine guns |
2 000 rounds |
|
Mobility |
|
Engine |
Hispano-Suize HS-110 diesel |
|
Engine power |
720 hp |
|
Maximum road speed |
60 km/h |
|
Range |
500 km |
|
Maneuverability |
|
Gradient |
60% |
|
Side slope |
? |
|
Vertical step |
0.93 m |
|
Trench |
2.9 m |
|
Fording |
1.3 m |
|
The F1 GCT
(Grand Cadence de Tir - high rate of fire) self-propelled gun was
developed since late 1960s. First prototype was built in 1972. Production
of the F1 GCT commenced in 1977 and ceased in 1993. A total of 250
vehicles were built for the French Army. Some self-propelled guns
were exported to Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
The F1 GCT
is armed with a 155-mm / L40 gun, fitted with an autoloader. It has
a maximum rate of fire of 8 rounds per minute. The gun can be loaded
manually with a maximum rate of 1 - 2 rounds per minute. The F1 GCT
fires standard and rocket-assisted HE-FRAG projectiles,
armor-piercing, smoke and incendiary projectiles. Maximum range of
fire is 23.5 km with standard HE-FRAG projectile and 30 km with
rocket-assisted. It is also capable of firing ADC anti-armor
precision guided projectiles. The F1 GCT carries a total of 42
projectiles and 42 charges, stored in the ammunition racks.
Armor of the
F1 GCT provides protection against small arms fire and artillery
shell splinters. It is also fitted with an NBC protection and
automatic fire suppression systems.
Vehicle has
a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.
The F1 GCT
self-propelled gun is based on the
AMX-30 man battle tank hull.
Vehicle is powered by Hispano-Suiza HS-110 multi-fuel diesel engine,
developing 720 hp. Though heavier than the AMX-30, the F1 GCT
retains similar mobility.
Ammunition
is loaded through the rear resupply hatch. Four men can reload
the F1 GCT within 20 minutes.
Variants
The F1 GCT
turret can be mounted on the
Leopard 1
or T-72 main battle tanks.
|
Video of the AU-F1 GCT self-propelled
gun |
|
|