- Yes
- No
- Yes
- No. But added as a premium
- I said No
Hello everyone, in this suggestion, I will introduce the AMX-40 (P4+T2) prototype in detail.
I have collected a lot of reference materials and written a very long article for this post. I will divide the history into two sections: background and development, and attach enough pictures to illustrate the changes of different prototypes.
History (background):
The development of the AMX-40 can be traced back to the AMX-30 ‘Valorizé’ program, part of which was used in the later GIAT’s AMX-32, which was used to target the export market but failed.
Unlike the Americans or Germans, the French did not aim to have an entirely new tank in service in the 80s, but to improve the present standard model. Different from the AMX-30B2, ‘Valorizé’ is the second upgrade solution proposed by the AMX-APX for the AMX-30 in the mid-70s, which is to mount the 120mm smoothbore gun (designated CN-120 “lisse”), on which the EFAB (Établissement de Fabrication d’Armement de Bourges = Armament Manufacturing Establishment of Bourges) has been working for some years. The weapon can be used in conjunction with the new COSTAC stabilized fire control system. The CN-120 “lisse” was capable of firing the first generation of French experimental 120mm APFSDS round, called the ‘AFAC’ (designated 120 F), with a muzzle velocity of 1,700 m/s, although it could only penetrate the NATO heavy target at 3 km.
Due to the decline in purchasing power, the French Army did not choose the AMX-30 Valorizé as a final solution. Therefore, the “reconstruction” option from B to B2 became more attractive. The price of B2 was only 20% higher than that of B, which could provide users with an affordable upgrade. The first AMX-30B2 was delivered to the French Army in the end of 1981.
If B2 represents the ordinary option, then AMX-32 actually marks the final development of AMX-30B. The first studies for its development were launched in 1976, and the first prototype, informally called AMX-32/79, was presented at the Satory VI exhibition in 1979.
The AMX-32/79 was equipped with a new welded turret, called TMS 32, with a B2-style mantlet in the prototype; the chassis was also made of mechanically welded material. The new COSTAC fire control system already included a stabilized panoramic sight, as well as new electronics, a laser rangefinder and a LLLTV/TVBNL camera.
During 1980, the second prototype of AMX-32 was rolled out, the configuration of which was modified: the TVBNL camera had to be moved and mounted on the side of the mantlet, the original mantlet was replaced by a mechanically welded mantlet, and the front of the hull was reinforced, and the profile was modified.
The third variant was presented at the Satory VII exhibition in 1981, with even more modifications. The AMX-32/81 was based on the hull of second prototype, but with a new 120mm turret built by the Arsenal de Tarbes (ATS), called T120, armed with new 120mm smoothbore gun designated CN 120-24 and 20mm secondary armament. The AMX-32/81’s 120mm gun can fire the new OFL 120 round with a muzzle velocity of 1,630 m/s, capable of penetrating heavy NATO targets at a distance of 7 km.
This variant weighed 40 tonnes, but the evaluation of it by AMX-APX highlighted that the chassis-turret balance was considered unsatisfactory. The newly designed 120mm turret did not fit the AMX-32 hull, and the decision was made to return to the previous version developed in 1980, which GIAT considers as the best configuration for the AMX-32 with a 105mm gun.
The lack of success of the AMX-32/120mm led GIAT’s AMX-APX design team to consider a larger chassis as the basis for a 40-tonne tank armed with a 120mm gun in 1982. The AMX-40, as the design was quickly baptized, existed alongside the AMX-32 as a viable project that could be produced for the export market.
It was intended for potential customers in the Middle East, specifically Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates. Its competitors included the British Vickers Valiant and Vickers Mk.7, the Brazilian Engesa EE-T1 Osorio, the American M1 Abrams and the Soviet T-72.
The first prototype of the AMX-40 debuted at the Satory IX exhibition in 1983. The AMX-40 P1 prototype was built by its designer, Ateliers de Construction d’Issy-les-Moulineaux (AMX). It weighed 43 tonnes and had an extended hull (CH1) equipped with an additional roadwheel. The engine compartment was powered by an 850 hp Poyaud 520-V12-S25 diesel engine, with a maximum speed of 65 km/h on the road.
The T120 turret of X40 (T1) was evolved from that of the AMX-32/120mm, but incorporated an improved 120mm main armament designated CN 120-21/2 (later remarked CN 120 G1) and COSTAC stabilized fire control system with CASTOR thermal camera. A total of 15 rounds in the turret, most of which is stocked in a separate compartment with blow-out plates.
Compared with the AMX-32, the AMX-40 uses a new type of box compostite armor on the front of the hull, gun mantlet and the front of mechanically welded turret, which strengthens the protection of the vehicle.
The P1 prototype is considered a “draft” of the AMX-40. It evolved directly from the AMX 32, for example, its T120 turret (X40 T1) is similar to the T120 turret of X32, and the engine compartment layout of the chassis has an AMX-32 style. The tests it underwent were used in the design of the first real AMX-40, the prototype P2 combined with the T2 turret and CH2 hull.
Gallery (background history)
↑ AMX-30 ‘Valorizé’
↑ CN-120 “lisse” gun
↑ AMX-32 (P2) with 105mm TMS32 turret in 1980
↑ AMX-32 (P2) with 120mm T120 turret, shown at Satory VII in 1981
↑ The early drawing of AMX-40 proposed in 1982
↑ The first prototype P1 of AMX-40 rolled out in 1983
↑ The first prototype P1 of AMX-40 shown at Satory IX in June 1983.
↑ AMX-40 prototype P1 with registration number 9834-0001, where 83 stands for the year of manufacture. Note the three AMX-30’s smoke grenades (ARF FUM 80 F1) mounted in launchers on either side of the T1 turret
↑ Comparison of the T120 turrets of AMX-40 (P1) and AMX-32/120. The X40 T1 has a similar layout design to the AMX-32/120 turret. Note the location of the external NBC pack on the rear right. The engine compartments on the hull are also very similar.
↑ View of the turret of AMX-40 (P1) from above, note the blow-out panel of the ammunition racks on the bustle and the tools stowage box to the left rear.
History (development):
In early 1984, GIAT delivered the second AMX-40 prototype, the P2 (CH2 hull and T2 turret), equipped with a 1,100 hp Poyaud V12X S25/T5 diesel engine without the Hyperbar technology of the V8X designed for the future French EPC tank, and coupled to a German ZF LSG-3000 transmission.
The T120 turret (T2) of the AMX-40 P2 prototype has undergone a layout modifications. The external NBC package originally located at the right rear has been incorporated into the turret. In addition, the Galix self-defense system with 6 smoke grenade launchers has been installed.
Before the end of 1984, GIAT completed the third AMX-40 prototype, P3, consisting of CH3 hull and T3 turret. The CH3 hull was built by the Atelier de Construction Roanne (ARE) and was powered by a German 1,200 hp MTU MB 871 Ka-501 diesel engine and connected to a ZF LSG-3000 transmission.
The T3 turret of the AMX-40 P3 prototype has added some changes, such as replacing the right rear rack with a larger storage box, adding a third set of radio antennas, and installing a forward facing periscope on the commander’s cupola roof.
GIAT soon sent a prototype of the AMX-40 to Egypt for demonstration. The AMX-40 MBT was presented at the Cairo Defence Equipment Exhibition in in November 1984. Egypt has shown interest for this MBT and the possibility to produce it in Egypt as early as 1986 was suggested to Egyptian officials.
In June 1985, GIAT firstly appeared the fourth prototype of the AMX-40 at the Satory X exhibition. It consists of new CH4 chassis and a T2 turret. The CH4 hull was also built by the Atelier de Construction Roanne (ARE) and was powered by a 1,300 hp V12X T6 diesel engine. Since the French ESM-500 transmission is not ready, the P4 prototype is still equipped with a ZF LSG-3000 transmission.
At the Satory X exhibition in 1985, the AMX-40 P4 prototype was displayed with two drums mounted at the rear of the hull - the left-hand drum for fuel, the right-hand drum for seven rounds of 120mm ammunition. The AMX-40 P4 at the Satory X also showing sectionalized dozer blade mounted under hull front.
In the summer of 1985, the AMX-40 prototype P2 (with 1,100 hp V12X) was sent to Djibouti for manufacturer tests in the tropics. The test results showed that the AMX-40 was able to operate in a temperature range of 50°C. Its cross-country mobility and agility enabled it to move over powdery sand and dunes at an average speed of 66 km/h and even once at a peak speed of 75 km/h.
During the Djibouti trials, the AMX-40 prototypes was subjected to a very intensive firing campaign. Despite the adverse conditions such as sand storms and mirages, the AMX-40 successfully fired at stationary and moving targets at a range of 2000 to 4000 meters. The coefficient of dispersion comprised between 2.39 and 1.63/1000, which was generally satisfactory.
In the summer of 1986, two AMX-40 prototypes P2 and P3 were sent to the Gulf region (Abu Dhabi and Qatar) for two months of testing, during which they traveled 1,200 kilometers and fired 200 rounds.
During the mobility tests, the tanks drove off-road through various dunes and rocky terrains for a total of three weeks. All mobility tests were carried out during the hottest hours of the day, with ground temperatures reaching 70 degrees Celsius. Although one prototype was equipped with an upper cooling system, it did not have overheating problems even if it only used the standard cooling system.
During the tests, the prototypes retained the AMX-30’s single-pin 570mm-wide track, but it’s proved inadequate for the mass and power of the tank.
Firepower was tested with stationary, moving and effectiveness shots. During the tests, it was shown that its OFL 120 rounds could penetrate 400 mm thick NATO armor targets at a range of 2000 meters without difficulty. The firing on the move was carried out with the stabilized commander’s panoramic sight. Night vision was excellent thanks to TRT’s Castor thermal imager. The AMX-40 also tested the normal functioning of the 20mm M693 secondary cannon and the Lacroix Galix system.
In July 1987 GIAT and its three opponents, the M1A1 Abrams from General Dynamics of the United States, the Challenger 1 from the Royal Ordnance of the United Kingdom, and the EE-T1 Osorio from Engesa of Brazil, came to Sharurah, Saudi Arabia for a three-month trial. GIAT brought two AMX-40 prototypes, the P3 (T3 turret) and the P4 (T2 turret), both equipped with ZF’s LSG 3000 transmission.
Unconvincing demonstration of the AMX-40, presented for the first time at evaluation trials in Saudi Arabia. A series of technical incidents during the firing and mobility tests seriously reduced the tank’s performance.
In the firing tests, the Brazilian Osorio managed to hit a target every 4 seconds, traveling 70 km/h, with a total of 16 hits during a 32-second course. The results were repeated by the Saudi crew. In the same course, the American M1A1 Abrams hit 12 targets. The AMX-40 hit only 8 targets, and the British Challenger 1, only six.
During the resistance tests, on several thousand kilome- ters of rocky, sandy desert, the Osorio and the Abrams showed no flaws. The AMX-40 exploded two engines, and the Challenger lost a motor assembly and a transmission case. Other problems appearing were the French gun’s excessive wear, and the large number of failures in the British tank’s firing control.
In the end, the AMX-40 was unfortunately eliminated along with the British Challenger 1. GIAT lost a market order of 315 Saudi tanks worth about 6 billion francs. Despite this and other concerted efforts to sell the AMX-40 to several Middle Eastern countries, the AMX-40 matured at the very end of the Cold War. As a consequence, GIAT’s priority shifted quickly towards the far more advanced Leclerc (EPC).
In the meantime, the availability of surplus Leopard 2s caused by the end of the Cold War and the powerful performance of the M1A1 Abrams undermined GIAT’s hopes of AMX40 export sales. Finally, GIAT announced that it would stop selling AMX-40 tanks in 1991.
Gallery (development history)
↑ The second prototype P2 of AMX-40 rolled out in 1984. Note the registration number 9844-0001.
↑ Detail of the T2 turret of the AMX-40 (P2). Note the six launchers of the new GALIX close-in weapon system
↑ Note the CH2 hull has a larger rear hull with new cooling and exhaust system to accommodate more powerful V12X-1100 engine.
↑ Detail of the T2 turret of the AMX-40 (P2). Note that the T2 turret has moved the original external NBC compartment to the inside of the right of the bustle. A stowage basket is mounted externally.
↑ An early AMX-40 test bed, the T2 turret was married to a CH1 hull. Note that on the T2, a set of radio antenna in the center rear of the turret in T1 has been moved to the right side.
↑ For early testing, GIAT experimentally married a T1 turret on the CH2 hull.
↑ The T1 turret was married to the CH2 hull. Note the three AMX-30’s smoke grenades launchers on either side of the turret.
↑ The third prototype P3 of AMX-40 was built before the end of 1984. Its T3 turret had a redesigned armored cover for the mantlet-mounted CASTOR thermal camera.
↑ The hull of AMX-40 P3 prototype is upgraded with a 1,200 hp German MTU MB-871 engine. The CH3 and CH2 were both fitted structurally identical chassis, so identifying the prototype hull is difficult.
↑ The T3 turret uses a new rectangular stowage basket to replace the old basket on the right rear. In addition, a third radio antenna has been added to the left rear side of the T3 turret.
↑ AMX-40 prototype P3 (CH3+T3) was evaluated by STAT at Canjuers in 1986. Although the CH2 and CH3 hulls are very similar in structure, the CH3 can be identified by the reinforcement ribs on the side skirts.
↑ The fourth prototype P4 of AMX-40 rolled out in 1985. Only the CH4 hull was built, so it was first assembled with the T2 turret. CH4 hull showing new dozer blade mounted under front.
↑ AMX-40 P4 prototype with T2 turret side view (above). The circles show the CH4 hull with a redesigned cover of electrical box on the side, which is different from the other prototype hulls (below).
↑ Depending on the tactical situation, the AMX-40 P4 can carry two drums of fuel or two drums of ammunition, or one of each.
↑ The fourth prototype P4 of AMX-40 with T2 turret shown at Satory X in June 1985. The above pictures show that the AMX-40 prototype P4 (CH4+T2) can carry a total of 38 rounds of 120mm ammunition, and in this configuration includes 15 APFSDS and 23 HEAT-MP.
↑ The CH4 hull of the fourth AMX-40 prototype shown at Sartori X in June 1985. Note that the CH4 hull on display has a fuel tank and an ammunition drum mounted at the rear.
↑ AMX-40 prototype P2 undergoing testing in Djibouti in the summer of 1985.
↑ AMX-40 prototype P2 during testing in one of the Gulf countries (Abu Dhabi and Qatar) in the summer of 1986.
↑ One of two AMX-40 prototypes during testing in one of the Gulf countries (Abu Dhabi and Qatar) in the summer of 1986.
↑ GIAT’s AMX-40 prototypes undergoing a series of trials in Sharurah, Saudi Arabia in 1987. Its competitors include EE-T1, Challenger 1 and M1A1.
↑ At the Satory XI exhibition in June 1987, an AMX-40 prototype was displayed on the GIAT stand. It was a CH4 hull with a T1 turret. Note that the GALIX system has been added, but the dozer blade is not installed.
Overall:
The layout of the AMX-40 (P4) is similar to the AMX-32/120’s with the driver’s compartment at the front, turret in the center and engine and transmission at the rear.
The AMX-40 (P4) has a three-man T120 turret with the crew located in classic positions within the turret basket with the commander sitting on the right side and the gunner forward and below him, and the loader’s station on the left. The right side of the bustle contains an NBC pack. The driver sits on the left of the hull and has a single-piece hatch cover and three forward facing periscopes.
The AMX-40 (P4) weighs 43.7 tons. The chassis is larger than the AMX-32, with six torsion bars and six pairs of road wheels on each side. The road wheels, idlers, sprockets and tracks were directly derived from those employed on the AMX-30 series. It had an all-welded hull with a much larger engine compartment than previous designs.
Mobility:
On the road, the AMX-40 (P4) can hit 70 km/h (a peak speed of over 75 km/h during testing); cross country, its maximum speed on optimum terrain is 60 km/h (up to 66 km/h during testing). Cross-country cruising speed, which can vary with terrain, averages 30 to 45 km/h.
The AMX-40 (P4) is powered by a supercharged, water-cooled, V12X-1300 T6 diesel engine manufactured by UNI Diesel. A twin-turbocharged version of Poyaud’s V12X S25 (later designated UD V12X-1100 T5), the UD V12X-1300 T6 engine develops 1,300 hp (955 kW) at 2,500 rpm, giving the AMX-40 a high power-to-weight ratio of 30 hp/ton.
The engine’s air-admission line is fitted with an auxiliary burner to make sure the tank can start even in very cold weather. In emergencies, the engine can also be started by towing the tank no faster than 15 km/h with the second gear engaged.
Transmission and steering are provided by a ZF’s compact, modular LSG 3000 combined system (CSDM), whose gearbox has four forward and two reverse ratios complete with torque converter and lock-up clutch. The LSG 3000 incorporates an electronic gear-change control system that automatically shifts gears according to the road and load conditions. This prevents transmission torque from being interrupted when the driver shifts gears. A hydromechanical steering system operates by superimposing different gear ratios on the epicyclic gear trains. When the central range of steering is engaged, the AMX-40 has a continuously variable turning radius. Three preset turning radii, depending on the gear engaged, are affected when the steering is at full lock. Turning the steering wheel will also cause the engine to shift down automatically to help the driver negotiate turns.
The suspension system is of the torsion bar type with six road wheels, idler at the front, drive sprocket at the rear and track return rollers. The front two road wheel stations have improved Messier dampers. The tracks can be installed with AMX-30 type single pin tracks, or new Diehl double pin tracks.
FCS:
The AMX-40 (P4) is fitted with the integrated COSTAC fire-control system also fitted in the AMX-32. The COSTAC (Conduite de Tir Stabilisée Automatique pour Char) is an automatic stabilized fire control equipment designed to provide crews with facilities for: observation whilst on the move; operation of the fire control on the move; firing on the move. It has been developed by the Etablissement d’Armement AMX-APX in collaboration with the Ateliers de Construction de Tarbes.
The tank commander has an APX M527 gyrostabilized, panoramic sight with two magnifications of x2 and x8 in daylight and a magnification of x3.5 over an effective range of 400 meters at night. The M527 sight reticle displays information regarding the direction in which the tank is traveling and the gun is pointing, the wind speed, telemetered range and a pilot light indicating that the gun is loaded and a firing sequence is possible.
A target at medium to long range can be acquired by the commander and designated to the gunner with the shortest possible delay. Once his vehicle has stopped, the gunner is in a position to engage the target with a high degree of accuracy. The M527 sight also allows the commander to designate a target to his gunner and then to acquire a second target. The AMX-40 (P4) also has a fixed TOP 7 VS commander’s cupola, with eight wide field M593 periscopes mounted on the cupola providing direct panoramic observation. A roof-mounted M496 telescope with a magnification of x8 can be used in the event of battle damage to the M527 panoramic sight.
The gunner has an M581 monocular sight with a magnification of x10. Its principal components consist of an APX M544 telescopic sight which is combined with an APX M579 electronic control system and an APX M421 optical module containing the computer-controlled graticule. The electronic unit and the optical module forma neat, compact assembly with the sight which also contains a laser rangefinder. The laser is designated APX M550 and is made by CILAS. It is of the neodymium type and can be used to range to 10,000 m with an accuracy of ±5 m. If it registers two echos it is made to display the second.
A gyrometer allows the angular speed of a target to be accurately measured allowing lead angles on moving targets to be precisely computed. Therefore, the gyrometer can constantly introduce fire correction possibilities, improving the first-shot kill probability. The M579 module generates fire-control parameter corrections, taking into account external temperatures, wind velocities, barometric pressure, the type of projectile employed and target motion.
The CASTOR thermal imaging camera manufactured by TRT is installed inside the right side of the AMX-40 mantlet. It is totally passive and undetectable, and can achieve 24-hour target detection and acquisition under all conditions of daylight, poor visibility and at night. The CASTOR is based on three modules - an optical unit with its lens and protecting window, an electronic unit and a control unit all developed by SAT for the SMT common modular thermal system. The optical unit of CASTOR utilize the wide-angle field of view (WFOV) to search the scenery and the narrow angle (NFOV) mode to identify the target of interest. It operates in the 8-12μm waveband region with the thermal radiation from the target being detected by a cooled HgCdTe photovoltaic assembly, serial-parallel scanned and then converted into a visible TV processed image for display on the crew’s monitor screens.
According to GIAT the first round hit probability against stationary and moving targets at a range of 2000 meters is 90% and a complete firing engagement takes less then eight seconds.
Firepower:
Main armament of the AMX-40 (P4) is a 120mm CN 120 G1 semiautomatic smoothbore gun designed by the EFAB of Bourges, which is chromium plated and operates a vertical sliding wedge breechblock. The gun can fire fixed ammunition with a combustible cartridge case.
The main ammunition is the 120mm APFSDS round (designated OFL 120 G1) that has a muzzle velocity of 1,650 m/s and is capable of penetrating 420mm of armor at 2,000 meters. In addition, the OCC 120mm HEAT multi-purpose rounds have a muzzle velocity of 1,080 m/s.
The AMX-40 (P4) can carry a total of 36 to 38 main rounds depending on whether or not additional rounds in a ready-round tray and the floor of basket are included. Up to 21 rounds are stowed in the forward right section of the hull, and up to 17 rounds are stowed in the turret. 14 of these are in the left side of the bustle behind a blast-proof bulkhead. Of these, 10 rounds are stowed in two 5-round drums and 4 rounds in a normal rack. One round is carried in a ready-round tray, another round on the floor of the turret basket, and the 17th round is loaded.
The turret is fitted with an assisted loading device, which is very simple in design. An extractor allows the loader to withdraw the rounds from the drums and through the bulkhead. There is a ready-round tray mounted on the bulkhead between the roof and the round-access hatches, and a loading tray which swings over in line with the breech. The loader places a round on this tray and then rams by hand. This method has the advantage of reducing the time required to load and fire the second round, but is less useful for sustained fire.
The AMX-40 (P4) also has a 20mm CN-MIT 20 F2 automatic gun made by GIAT, which calls it M693, with an effective range of up to 1,000 meters against moving and stationary light armored vehicles can be engaged. The effective range against ground forces is 1,200 meters, and neutralization fire can be laid down out to 2,000 meters. The F2 gun can be elevated and depressed independently of the main gun between -7° and +40°, permitting fire against aircraft and helicopters.
A 7.62mm AA-52 (ANF-1) machine gun with a white light searchlight is mounted on the right side of the commander’s cupola. Mounted either side of the forward part of the turret is the GALIX close-in defense system that employs smoke and antipersonnel grenades that can be fired out to a distance of 50 meters.
Protection:
The armor protection of AMX-40 is a combination of conventional, spaced and composite types, with maximum protection being provided over the frontal arc.
The AMX-40 uses a laminated composite box armor on the hull front, the mantlet and the front of the welded turret against infantry anti-tank weapons such as RPG-7 fired from any distance, as well as against the 100mm armor-piercing rounds. The spaced pre-armor plates on the sides protect it against 20mm guns or machine-guns to a caliber of 14.5mm.
The AMX-APX armor department, in cooperation with the CETAM (Centre technique de l’armement terrestre à Bourges), first developed new composite armor plate for the AMX-40 tank called PAC (Plaques Accélérées par Choc), a sandwich made of steel and non-metallic materials, such as plastic, glass, rubber, elastomers or nylon. In fact, this is what is known in English as “Non-Explosive Reactive Armor” (NERA).
Survivability is also enhanced by the provision of a blast wall between the crew and ready use ammunition in the turret bustle, blow-out panels above the ammunition, fire detection and suppression system for the fighting compartment, well shaped hull floor to provide protection against mines and hull escape hatch.
↑ The cutaway of AMX-40 (T2 turret)
Gallery
↑ T120 turret of AMX-40 built by the Tarbes Arsenal
↑ The AMX-40 powerpack consists of V12X and LSG 3000
↑ UD V12X-1300 T6 diesel engine
↑ ZF LSG 3000 transmission
↑ Messier dampers for AMX-40 torsion bar suspension
↑ Layout of the main elements for the COSTAC
↑ APX M527 gyrostabilized panoramic sight
↑ TOP 7 VS commander’s cupola
↑ M496 commander’s telescope
↑ Main components of APX M581 gunner’s sight
↑ APX M550 laser rangefinder
↑ TRT CASTOR thermal camera and its units
↑ AMX-40’s primary armament CN 120 G1 and secondary CN-MIT 20 F2 cannon
↑ GIAT’s 120mm OFL 120 G1 and OCC 120 G1 rounds for AMX-40
↑ AMX-40’s main ammo racks and its assisted loading device
↑ The AMX-40 prototype P4 (CH4+T2) can carry a total of 38 rounds of 120mm ammunition, and in the configuration shown in the picture above includes 15 APFSDS and 23 HEAT-MP.
↑ GALIX system on AMX-40 turret
↑ The AMX-40 uses new composite box armor on the front of the hull, the front of the turret and the mantlet.
↑ The AMX-40 hull structure revealed by GIAT at the Satory XI, note that an armored cavity in the front.
Why It should be in game:
In fact, the AMX-40 in the game, despite being introduced as the final prototype in the dev blog, is actually modeled externally after the pre-production vehicle AVS2 of AMX-40 and has a lot of errors in the internal model.
For example, it uses Leclerc’s ESM-500 transmission and the internal ammunition rack model is incorrect.
Therefore, I suggest replacing the existing model in the game with a real AMX-40 P4 (T2 turret), just like the Swedes’ CV90105 uses the XC-8 instead of the TML. The LSG 3000 transmission will allow for a higher reverse speed (like Super AMX-30), and the turret ammo racks model must be remodeled.
As for the replaced AMX-40 model, it does not have to be permanently removed. I will suggest re-introducing it as a premium/event vehicle in another pending suggestion about the AMX-40 AVS.
Spefications:
AMX-40 P4 (T2 turret)
Crew: 4
Combat Weight: 43.7 tonnes
Lengtht gun forward: 10.04 m
Lengtht hull: 6.80 m
Width with side skirts: 3.36 m
Width without side skirts: 3.28 m
Track width: 0.57 m
Height to turret roof: 2.38 m
Height to panoramic sight: 3.1 m
Ground clearance: 0.45 m
Trench: 3.2 m
Gradient: 70%
Side slope: 30%
Fording without preparation: 1.3 m
Deep fording: 2.3 m
Engine: UNI Diesel V12X-1300 T6 diesel engine developing 1,300 hp at 2,500 rpm
Transmission: ZF LSG 3000, automatic type
- Gear: 4 forward, 2 reverse
- Steering: hydromechanical
Speed:
- Road: 70 km/h (max over 75 km/h)
- Average Terrain: 60 km/h (max over 66 km/h)
- Cross-country: 45 km/h
Power/Weight Ratio: 30 hp/tonne
Fuel capacity: 1,100 litres; supplementary 460 litres with jettisonable tanks
Suspension: torsion bar
Armament:
-
Primary: 1x 120mm CN 120 G1 smoothbore gun (elevation: -7° to +20°)
-
Secondary:
- 1x 20mm CN-MIT 20 F2 automatic cannon (elevation: -7° to +40°)
- 1x 7.62mm AA-52/ANF-1 anti-aircraft machine gun (elevation: -10° to +45°)
-
Ammunition:
- 120mm: 38 rounds (17 in turret)
- 20mm: 480 rounds
- 7.62mm: 2170 rounds
-
Loading: manual, with assisted loading device
Armor:
- NERA type composite box armor, spaced pre-armor
Additional Equipment
-
APX M527 commander’s panoramic sight
- Gyro-stabilized
- Day/Night
- Magnification: x2-x8 (day) / x3.5 (night)
-
APX M581 gunner’s monocular sight
- Telescope type
- Laser rangefinder
- Magnification: x10
-
TRT CASTOR thermal camera
- SMT first generation common module
- FoV: 6° X 9° (WFoV) / 2.7° X 4° (NFoV)
-
Gun stabilization to be slaved by COSTAC
-
2 x 6 GALIX launchers
Sources:
AMX 40, Édité par SOFRESA, Mai 83, France
AMX 40 -- GIAT, Edition SOFRESA, Nov. 84, France
GIAT AMX 40, Édité par SOFRESA, Nov. 1983, Union de publicité et d'édition - Paris
GIAT AMX 40, Édité par SOFRESA, Avril 1985, Union de publicité et d'édition - Paris
LE CHAR AMX 40/THE GIAT'S AMX 40, Revue Internationale de Stratégie - PROFIL
“Satory VI,” Armies & Weapons, N° 38, September-October 1977, pp. 30-31
“SATORY ’79 report,” Armies & Weapons, N° 56, July (August) 1979, pp. 46-49
Kensuke Ebata, “AMX30, Today & Tommorrow”, The Tank Magazine, December 1978, pp. 47+
“SATORY VI,” International Defense Review, Vol. 10, No. 4 - August 1977, pp. 745-746
R. M. Ogorkiewicz, “Stabilized Tank Gun Controls,” International Defense Review, Vol. 11, No. 5/1978, p. 727
“SATORY VIII: French ground armaments displayed,” International Defense Review, Vol. 14, No. 8/1981, pp. 1006-1007
G. Turbé, “SATORY VIII,” Défense & Armement, N° 1, Octobre 1981, pp. 23, 25, 32
Marc Chassillan, “Le Char Français AMX 40,” RAIDS Hors-Série, N° 29 - Les Chars de Combat en Action Tome 4, pp. 52-59
Marc Chassillan, Encyclopédie des Chars de Combat Modernes: Tome 1, pp. 42-49
Marc Chassillan, “La Protection Balistique des Chars Modernes,” Trucks & Tanks Magazine, No. 66, Mars/Avril 2018, pp. 75-76
Marc Chassillan, Survavibilité - Les blindage du char Leclerc, Char Leclerc - de la guerre froide aux conflits de demain, Sophia Editions
M.P. Robinson, AMX-30: Char de Bataille 1966-2006 Vol. II (Photosniper), pp. 19-21
M.P. Robinson, Char Leclerc (Photosniper), p. 5
M.P. Robinson, AMX30 Main Battle Tank Enthusiasts' Manual: 1960-2019 (AMX30B, AMX30B2 and derivatives), pp. 172-175
AMX-30 - L'Excellence à la Française, Collections - Chars de Combat & Engins Blindés n°9, pp. 26-27
France Historical AFV Register: Armored Fighting Vehicles Preserved in France, Updated 24 July 2016, p. 76
France_AFVs.pdf
AMX 40, Satory IX : Exposition de Matériels d'Armement Terrestre, Tome 2 - Mobilité, pp 6, 120
(Thanks and credit to @Mulatu_Astatke)
AMX 40, Satory X : Exposition de Matériels d'Armement Terrestre, Tome 2 - Mobilité, p 2-10
AMX 40, Satory XI : Exposition de Matériels d'Armement Terrestre, Tome 2 - Mobilité, p 2-14
Michel Barras, Histoire de l'Arsenal de Roanne, pp. 261-262
L’association des Amis du Patrimoine de l’Armement de Bourges, De la Fonderie Impériale à Nexter Systems; 150 ans d’histoire armurière à Bourges, pp. 201-202
L’association des Amis du Patrimoine de l’Armement de Bourges, De l'Ecole centrale de pyrotechnie à Nexter Munitions; 200 ans d'histoire munitionnaire, pp. 239-240
Societe Academique des Hautes-Pyrenees, L'Arsenal de Tarbes: Histoire et Patrimoine, pp. 207-208
J. Mallet, “AMX-40,” Gazette des Armes, N° 122, Octobre 1983, p. 41
S. Ciejka, “SATORY X,” Gazette des Armes, N° 144, Aout 1985, pp. 38-39
“Satory 1985,” Armes International, N°21, Juillet 1985, pp. 14-15
André Blot, “L'AMX 40, dernier ne du Giat: un char de bataille pour les années 90,” Héraclès: Revue internationale d'armement, N° 21, Mars-Avril 1984, pp. 33-35
(Thanks and credit to @War_Diary)
André Cholet, “Ma Nuit a Suippes,” Héraclès: Revue internationale d'armement, N° 30, Septembre-Octobre 1985, p. 8
J. G. , “GIAT: De l'AMX 40 au FAMAS,” Héraclès: Revue internationale d'armement, N° 30, Septembre-Octobre 1985, p. 30
Michel Saint-Setiers, “Pour l'AMX 40 du Giat, plein succès d'une campagne d'essais en zone climatique désertique,” Héraclès: Revue internationale d'armement, N° 31, Novembre-Décembre 1985, pp. 66-68
(Thanks and credit to @War_Diary)
André Blot, “The AMX 40, latest addition to the GIAT rang; a battle tank for the '90s,” Heracles: International Armament News, N° 21, March-April 1984, pp. 33-35
André Cholet, “My Night at Suippes,” Heracles: International Armament News, N° 30, September-October 1985, p. 8
J. G. , “GIAT: From the AMX 40 to the FAMAS,” Heracles: International Armament News, N° 30, September-October 1985, p. 30
Michel Saint-Setiers, “GIAT's AMX 40: Fully successful testing campaign in desertic climate,” Heracles: International Armament News, N° 31, November-December 1985, pp. 66-68
“Satory XI : Engins blindés - mobilité; AMX 40,” Armée & Défense, Vol. 66, 1987, No.9/10, p. 25
LE NOUVEAU CHAR AMX-40, Défense & Armement, N° 14, Décembre 1982, p. 7
“Les chars de bataille du GIAT,” Défense & Armement, N° 22, Septembre 1983, pp. 18-19
Le Colonel Laffont, “L'arrivée du char futur dans l'armée de Terre française,” Défense & Armement, N° 36, Décembre 1984, pp. 34-38
“Dossiers: SATORY X avant première -- GIAT export d'abord,” Défense & Armement, N° 42, Juin 1985, pp. 22-23
P.-H. Mercillon, “Dossiers: Compte-rendu Satory X -- Le Char Futur français était présent à Satory,” Défense & Armement, N° 44, Octobre 1985, pp. 24-26, 32
Patrick Mercillon, “Le Futur Char Francais S'appelera L'AMX Leclerc,” Défense & Armement, N° 49, Mars 1986, pp. 30-31
Le Général (CR) jean Girodet, “Traditions et techniques de pointe: L'ATELIER DE CONSTRUCTION DE TARBES,” Défense & Armement, N° 54, Septembre 1986, p. 23
Patrick Mercillon, “L'AMX 40: Compte-rendu d'essais,” Défense & Armement Heracles International, N° 56, Novembre 1986, pp. 20-21
Michel Saint Sétiers, “LE SYSTÈME « LECLERC »: le char d'assaut de l'An 2000,” Défense & Armement Heracles International, N° 60, Mars 1987, p. 33
“SATORY en avant première,” Défense & Armement Heracles International, N° 63, Juin 1987, p. 49
Stéphane Ferrard, “Les armements à Satory XI,” Défense & Armement Heracles International, N° 65, Septembre 1987, p. 55
“Cairo defence show,” African Defence journal, April 1985, p. 52
“Satory XI: looking to increase export sales,” African Defence journal, September 1987, p. 63
“SATORY X,” Journal of Defense & Diplomacy, Vol. 3, No. 8, August 1985, pp. 23-24
“GIAT AMX 40,” (Special Supplement) Journal of Defense & Diplomacy, Vol. 5, No. 5, May 1987, pp. I-X
Will Fowler, “AMX-40 -- a new French main battle tank,” DEFENCE, Vol. XIV, No. 10, October 1983, pp. 617, 620-621
(Thanks and credit to @Rage)
Christopher F. Foss, “GIAT taking French MBT programme into the 1990s,” Jane's Defence Weekly, Vol.4, No. 8, 24 August 1985, pp.354-358
THE WEEK -- Tough desert for French AMX-40, tests Jane's Defence Weekly, Vol.7, No. 4, 31 January 1987, p. 138
International Defense Review, Vol. 16, No. 5/1983, p. 547
D.H.C. Jenkins, “Diesels for Armoured Vehicles from SSCM,” International Defense Review, Vol. 16, No. 5/1983, p. 627
“Satory IX -- in the shadow of economic storm clouds,” International Defense Review, Vol. 16, No. 8/1983, pp. 1115-1116, 1118
Gérard Turbé, “Autoloading in Tanks -- The French View,” International Defense Review, Vol. 17, No. 7/1984, pp. 916-917
“SATORY X -- not much to shout about,” International Defense Review, Vol. 18, No. 8/1985, p. 1299
“SATORY XI - collaborative programs show through,” International Defense Review, Vol. 18, No. 8/1985, p. 1240, 1244
R.M. Ogorkiewicz, “New ZF tank transmissions,” International Defense Review, Vol. 21, No. 9/1988, pp. 1171-1172
Gérard Turbé, “Future French transmissions for AFVs,” International Defense Review, Vol. 21, No. 5/1988, p.537-538
“Satory--New developments in the French ground armaments industry”, Military Technology, Vol. IX, No.8/85, August 1985, pp. 88-89
“Satory 1987--Show Window for French Army Armament”, Military Technology, Vol. XI, No.9/87, September 1987, pp. 96-97
Cris Jenkins, Metamorphosis in Reverse -- Emerging Nations and their MBT Requirements, Military Technology, Vol. XII, No.7/88, July 1988, pp. 17-18
Hans Joachim Jung, “SATORY XI,” Soldat und Technik, Vol. 30, 1987, Nr.11, pp.682-683
Wolfgang Flume, “Satory 1985 --Das Schaufenster der französischen Heeresindustrie,” Wehrtechnik, August 1985, pp. 108-109, 112
Wolfgang Flume, “Satory 1987 --Schaufenster für französische Heereswaffen,” Wehrtechnik, September 1987, p. 61
Javier de Mazarrasa, “SATORY XI,” Ejército - Revista de las Armas y Servicios, Vol. XLVIII, No. 573, Octubre 1987, pp. 77-78
Army Ministry, ENGESA Optimistic About Osorio Sale to Saudis, O GLOBO, 31 Oct 87
“Problèmes de Chars,” L'Express, Numéros 1901, Dec 1987
“Le char français AMX-40 n'est pas retenu par les Saoudiens pour moderniser leur corps blindé,” Le Monde, 09 Février 1988
French Defence Equipment Export Catalogue, 1984, p. 55, 57
Ronald T. Pretty, Jane's Weapon Systems 1981-82; Twelfth edition, p. 238
Ronald T. Pretty, Jane's Weapon Systems 1985-1986; Sixteenth edition, pp. 258, 778, 782, 784-785
Bernard Blake, Jane's Weapon Systems 1988-89; Nineteenth edition, pp. 66-67, 351, 354, 356-357
Tony Cullen & Christopher F. Foss, Jane's Armoured Fighting Vehicle Systems 1988-1989; First edition, pp.8, 183-185, 187, 189, 193, 417, 423
Christopher F. Foss, Jane's Main Battle Tanks; Second edition, 1986, pp. 15-17
Christopher F. Foss, Jane's Armour and Artillery 1983-84; Four edition, pp.5-6, 802, 946-947, 987-988
Christopher F. Foss, Jane's Armour and Artillery 1985-86; Sixth edition, pp.8-10
Christopher F. Foss, Jane's Armour and Artillery 1987-88; Eighth edition, pp.13-15, 876, 989-990
Christopher F. Foss, Jane's Armour and Artillery 1990-91; Eleventh edition, pp.21-23
Gorou Takami & T. Jimbo, AMX 40 MBT Debut at Satory of 1983, Monthly PANZER, October 1983, pp. 18-21, 36-38
Y. Debay, Vehicules Francaises dans Satory 1987, Monthly PANZER, June 1988, pp. 22-23
SATORY'85 (part 1), The Tank Magazine, October 1985, pp. 10-11
SATORY'87 (part 1), The Tank Magazine, October 1987, pp. 12-15
Iwao Futatsugi, AMX-40 (part 1), The Tank Magazine, January 1988, pp. 52-55
Iwao Futatsugi, AMX-40 (part 2), The Tank Magazine, February 1988, pp. 52-55
Thomas Laber, AMX-40 detail up (part 1), The Tank Magazine, January 1989, pp. 13-18
Thomas Laber, AMX-40 detail up (part 2), The Tank Magazine, February 1989, pp. 15-18
SATORY XI, Defense Technology Monthly, No. 36, August 1987, p. 1, 11
SATORY XI (Part Two), Defense Technology Monthly, No. 37, September 1987, pp. 7-8
