- Yes
- No
- Future LatAm Tech Tree
- French Tech Tree
- Other
- I said no
TL;DR: A modernisation of Venezeula’s AMX-30Vs, featuring new thermal sights, among more minor upgrades
History
The development of the French AMX-30 followed work on the Europanzer, a joint German-French-Italian project to develop a unified MBT. The first French Europanzer prototype was built in 1960. In 1961, Germany presented their prototypes. In 1963, both Germany and France decided to separately develop their respective designs, as neither could agree on the characteristics. France took their Europanzer design and refined it, resulting in the construction of five pre-production vehicles that year, designated AMX-30A. The vehicle entered production in 1966 as the AMX-30B.
- An AMX-30A on parade
In 1971, Venezeula ordered 81 AMX-30Bs from France (as well as two AMX-30D recovery vehicles), and deliveries began that year. Until the delivery of T-72B1Vs in 2009–2012, the AMX-30B was Venezuela’s only MBT. In 1985, the AMX-30Bs underwent a significant modernisation program . A SABCA fire control system was fitted, including new sights, a laser rangefinder, and a gun stabiliser. The engine and transmission were both replaced, for which the rear hull had to be extended. This was similar to the upgrade performed by Spain for the AMX-30E Prototipo 001 «El Niño» in 1979. The suspension system was also upgraded, from torsion bars to a hydropneumatic system. The vehicles were redesignated AMX-30V, and remain in service to this day.
- AMX-30B, shortly after arriving in Venezuela
In 2014, Venezeula announced a modernisation program for the AMX-30Vs. It includes a new fire control system, new sights, new tracks, and upgraded communication systems. This upgrade is being carried out with help from the Israeli company Duma Optronics, for the sights, and the Spanish company Star Defence Logistic Engineering (SDLE), for systems integration. Spain has sold a number of spare parts to Venezuela as part of this modernisation program, despite an EU arms embargo. The first upgraded vehicles were displayed in 2018 — the upgrade is designated AMX-30VE.
- AMX-30VE upgrade chart
Characteristics
The AMX-30VE is fitted with a stabilised 105mm CN-105-F1 cannon. It can fire a range of ammunition, including OCC 105 F1 HEAT, penetrating 400mm @ 0°, as well as OFL 105 F1 APFSDS, penetrating 361mm @ 0° @ 10m, and 186mm @ 60° @ 2000m. I have been unable to determine if Venezeula uses APFSDS rounds, particularly since OFL 105 F1 entered service a decade after Venezeula bought their AMX-30s. However, the rounds are definitely compatible, and should still be considered. The AMX-30VE is also fitted with one coaxial 12.7mm M2 HMG, as well as a 7.62mm AA NF1 on the commander’s cupola.
- AMX-30V and HEAT ammunition on display
The turret features a new FCS, including upgraded sights. The gunner has an SCT-LR sight, and the commander has a DNCS-LR CITV. I couldn’t find details, but both have thermal imagers. The tank also has a laser rangefinder, as on the AMX-30V. The driver is also equipped with thermal sights. Externally, the turret has two 76mm smoke dischargers on either side, for a total of four.
The AMX-30VE is thinly-armoured, and features no armour upgrades over the base AMX-30B. The turret and hull are both cast, and as such, quite variable in thickness and angle. The hull front is around 50mm @ 68°, hull sides 35mm @ 35°, and hull rear 30mm @ 10°. The turret front is even more variable, but around 40mm at the front, and 30mm at the sides and rear.
The AMX-30VE is fitted with the same powerpack as on the AMX-30V: the AVDS-1790-2D diesel engine, producing 750hp, connected to an Allison CD-850-6A transmission with six forward and two reverse gears. Enlarged fuel tanks were also added (on the AMX-30V), and the hull was visibly extended between the 5th road wheel and the drive wheel. The vehicle is also fitted with Model 2880 hydropneumatic suspension, supposedly significantly improving its off-road performance. The tank weighs around 37t, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of 20.3hp/t. The AMX-30VE can reach a top speed of 65km/h. For comparison, the AMX-30B2 has a 680hp engine and hp/t ratio of 18.4 hp/t, with the same top speed.
- AMX-30VE
Conclusion
The AMX-30VE is one of only a few stabilised AMX-30s, and would be an excellent addition to either the French tech tree, potentially as a premium, or to a future Latin American tech tree. It would fit at a BR of around 9.0. Compared to the AMX-30B2, it would be more mobile, stabilised, and have better thermal sights, and could (likely ahistorically) be given better APFSDS rounds such as OFL 105 G2 (potentially even pushing it to 9.3).
Specifications
Armament
- 105mm CN-105-F1
- Stabilised
- OCC 105 F1 HEAT
- 400mm at 0º
- OFL 105 F1 APFSDS
- 361mm at 0° at 10m
- OE 105 F1 Mle.60 HE
- 25mm at 0° at 10m
- OFPH 105 F1 Smoke
- 1x 12.7mm M2HB, 1x 7.62mm AA NF1
- Laser-rangefinder
- Thermal sights for gunner, commander (CITV), and driver
Armour
- Turret
- 80 / 41 / 30 mm
- Hull
- 79 / 35 / 30 mm
Mobility
- Speed
- +65/-65km/h
- Weight
- 37t
- Engine power
- 750hp, 20.3hp/t
Other
- Crew
- 4
- Smoke grenades
- 4 launchers
Images
Sources
Spoiler
AMX-30 Main Battle Tank Enthusiasts’ Manual: 1960-2019. M.P. Robinson and Thomas Seignon
El Ejército de Venezuela va a repotenciar y modernizar sus tanques AMX-30V
Venezuela completa la repotenciación de un nuevo lote de tanques AMX-30
El Ejército de Venezuela avanza en la modernización de sus tanques AMX-30
Venezuela ultima la repotenciación de sus carros de combate AMX-30V
Venezuela gets AMX-30 tank parts from Spain despite EU arms embargo