AMX-30

   The AMX-30 main battle tank was developed in late 1950's to meet the French Army requirements. First prototypes were built in 1960 and it entered service with the French Army in 1963. Production of this MBT commenced in 1966 and ceased in 1993. Between 1974 and 1984 the AMX-30 was also license-produced in Spain. About 2 800 of these main battle tanks including variants were built for the French Army and export customers. It is now being replaced with the Leclerc MBT in the French Army. The AMX-30 is still in service with France, Bosnia, Cyprus, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela.

   The AMX-30 has a welded hull and cast turret. Its development was focused on firepower and mobility rather than protection. Vehicle is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems. Armor of the AMX-30 is very thin and protects only from small-bore cannons and artillery shell splinters. It can be penetrated by all modern anti-tank weapons. The AMX-30 is considered as the worst protected main battle tank ever built.

   The AMX-30 is fitted with non-stabilized French CN-105 F-1 105-mm rifled gun, which is comparable with the British L7, but has a longer 56 calibers barrel. The AMX-30 fires APFSDS, HE, HEAT, HE-FRAG, incendiary, smoke and illumination rounds. It is also compatible with all standard NATO 105-mm munitions. A total of 47 rounds are carried. Effective range of fire against MBTs is about 1 800 meters.

   Secondary armament consists of 20-mm cannon with independent elevation and a roof-mounted 7.62-mm machine gun. The first production AMX-30 main battle tanks were fitted with 12.7-mm machine guns in place of the 20-mm cannons.

   Vehicle has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.

   The AMX-30 is powered by Hispano-Suiza HS-110 multi-fuel diesel engine, developing 720 horsepower. It is fitted with a deep wading kit and can ford water obstacles up to 4 meters deep.

Variants

   AMX-30B2 improved variant with better armor protection and new fire control system. This MBT is also fitted with new Hispano-Suiza HS-110-S2 diesel engine. The AMX-30B2 entered service in 1982. A total of 700 AMX-30 MBTs were upgraded to this standard;

   AMX-30S export variant, developed for desert operations. It has a downgraded engine and sand shields;

   AU-F1 GCT 155-mm self-propelled howitzer;

   AMX-30D armored recovery vehicle;

   AMX-30H armored bridgelayer;

   AMX-30EBG combat engineer tractor;

   AMX-30EBD armored minesweeper;

   AMX-30DCA twin 30-mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun;

   AMX-30R Roland surface-to-air missile system;

   Shihane anti-aircraft missile system, built for Saudi Arabia;

   Pluton short-range ballistic missile carrier;

   AMX-32 further development of the AMX-30, fitted with improved armor protection. This prototype was aimed at the export market, however it received no production orders.