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Hello everybody. I’d like to suggest a modified M20 armored car equipped with a 90 mm gun for France’s Ground Forces in War Thunder. This vehicle, known as the M20 Revalorisé, was a one-off prototype upgunned and completed with the intention of being marketed for export. Despite its potential to attract foreign clients, the M20 Revalorisé was never purchased by any buyer, ultimately halting further development.
History
BackgroundAfter World War II, France became the largest operator of the M8/M20 armored car series outside the United States. These vehicles were integrated into cavalry squadrons and reconnaissance units attached to tank destroyers and infantry formations. They saw extensive combat use during the First Indochina War (1946–1953), where they were deployed for rural and urban patrols, as well as road reconnaissance missions, as part of France’s efforts to reassert colonial control in Southeast Asia. During this period, the United States supplied additional M8 and M20 armored cars to support French operations. Following the 1954 armistice, some of these vehicles were transferred to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam, where they continued to see action during the Vietnam War in the 1960s. France also utilized its M8/M20 armored cars in Algeria and other colonial conflicts throughout the 1950s.
PhaseoutBy the late 1950s, the French Army began phasing out the M8/M20 armored cars, replacing them with the more advanced Panhard EBR. Between 1956 and 1964, as the transition took place, France became a key supplier of second-hand M8s and M20s during the decolonization of Africa. These vehicles were provided in small numbers to former French colonies, including Algeria, Cameroon, Morocco, and Senegal. The M8 and M20 armored cars played significant roles in various conflicts, coups, and military operations across the continent during the latter half of the 20th century.
RevaloriséWith the Panhard EBR replacing the aging M8 and M20 armored cars in French service, France sought to modernize and sell its surplus vehicles to international buyers. Engineers took an M20 and upgraded it by replacing the original M49 mount with the M2 Browning heavy machine gun with an H-90 turret with the 90 mm gun from the AML-90 armored car. This upgrade significantly enhanced the vehicle’s firepower, and the modified prototype was designated the M20 Revalorisé. Unfortunately, available sources do not mention any further modifications to the M20 Revalorisé, such as whether the crew arrangement was reduced from four to three to accommodate additional rounds for the 90 mm gun.
According to the SATORY III booklet from 1971, the modified M20 Revalorisé achieved increased firepower with the new turret without compromising mobility or mechanical strength. This suggests that, despite the added weight of the heavier H-90 turret, the vehicle still retained performance similar to the original M20 armored car. The M20 Revalorisé was showcased at the Satory exhibition in 1971 to attract potential buyers. However, no buyers came forward, and the project was ultimately abandoned. The fate of the sole M20 Revalorisé remains unknown, though it is believed to have been scrapped.
Interestingly, Brazil developed a similar vehicle, the Cascavel EE-9 M2, which was functionally comparable to the M20 Revalorisé but not directly related. The Brazilian vehicle was based on the M8 Greyhound chassis but featured extensive modifications to its hull, engine, and suspension. Initially, Brazil only purchased and equipped its EE-9 Cascavel M2 hulls with French HS-90 turrets but later upgraded to the more advanced ET-90 turrets, armed with Cockerill guns. These vehicles remain in service to this day, carrying forward the spirit of the M20 Revalorisé’s successor.
Specifications
M20 RevaloriséGeneral Characteristics
- Crew: 4? (commander/loader, gunner, driver, and assistant driver)
- Dimensions:
- Length: 5 m (16 ft 4.85 in)
- Width: 2.54 m (8 ft 4 in)
- Height: 2.31 m (7 ft 7 in)
- Tread: 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in)
- Ground clearance: 0.29 m (11.4 in)
- Powertrain:
- Engine: Hercules JXD 6-cylinder 4-cycle inline gasoline engine
- 110 hp (82 kW) @ 3,200 rpm
- Transmission: 4 speeds forward, 1 reverse
- Combat Weight: 8.75 metric tons
- Note: This weight is an estimate based on rough calculations and may vary slightly.
- Performance:
- Power-to-Weight Ratio: 12.6 hp/ton
- Maximum speed: ~89 km/h (~55 mph)
- Note: Due to the increased weight, the performance is impacted in some aspects.
Armament & Armor
- Main Gun:
- 90 mm DEFA F1 cannon
- Zoom: 6x
- Horizontal guidance: 360°
- Vertical guidance -8° to +15°
- Ammunition: 10 ready rounds in the turret + additional rounds stored in the hull (exact quantity unknown; possibly another 10 rounds like the AML-90)
- Ammunition Types:
- OCC 90-62 (HEAT)
- OE 90 F1 (HE)
- OFUM PH90-F2 (Smoke)
- Secondary Gun(s):
- Coaxial 7.62 mm AA NF1 machine gun
- Ammunition: 11 magazines with 200 rounds each (2,200 rounds total)
- Smoke Launchers:
- 4 x launchers
- 8 x smoke grenades
- Armor:
- Hull:
- Front: 19 mm
- Sides: 9.5 mm
- Rear: 9.5 mm
- Turret:
- Front: 12 mm
- Sides: 10 mm
- Rear: 10 mm
Images
In my opinion, the M20 Revalorisé is a hidden gem and a fascinating and unique vehicle developed by France. Given that France was the largest operator of M8/M20 armored cars outside the United States, I believe the M20 Revalorisé would be an excellent addition to the French Ground Forces. It could serve as a low-tier armored car with a lethal 90 mm gun, positioned well below the AML-90’s battle rating. This would provide a strong and versatile option for the French lineup in the early tier battles.
- SATORY III - Exhibition of Land Armament Equipment Volume 1 Armament (1971)
- M8 Greyhound Light Armored Car 1941-91 (2002)
- M8 Greyhound - Wikipedia
- Armored Utility Car M20