AMX - 13

The AMX-13 light tank entered service with the French army in 1953. It has not only served with the French Army but was also exported to more than 25 countries worldwide.

The main objective for this light tank was to support airborne troops. The tank itself was air transportable and could be lifted anywhere in the world.

In 1949 the first prototype of AMX-13 was made. Since 1954 till 1964 over 4 500 vehicles were produced. These original versions were known as the AMX-13 model 51 and were armed with a 75-mm main cannon and a 7.5-mm machine gun. It's thickest steel armor plates were 25-mm thick.

This light tank had a front engine arrangement with drivers position on the left side of the hull. The most unique thing about the AMX-13 tank was it's oscillating turret. The main gun was elevated with the whole turret. Unfortunately elevation range was very limited, making it unusable in the mountainous regions.

It's main 75-mm gun was based on the German L/71 Panther gun. It had an automatic loading system using two 6-round magazines. In 1966 light tank was upgunned with a more substantial 90-mm gun, but the chassis remained unchanged. French army apgraded most of there operational AMX-13 light tanks to this standard.

In 1985 a number of improvements were made to the turret and the new diesel engine was introduced. The AMX-13 had optional night vision equipment, but lacked NBC protection.

Production of the AMX-13 finally ceased in 1987.