AMX - 32

   The main differences of the AMX-32 comparing with the AMX-30 are in improved armored protection and fire control system.

   It's frontal armor is multi-layered, combined. One more difference is welded turret. Developers claim that frontal armor ensures protection from armor-piercing projectiles up to 100 mm caliber. Hull boards and chassis feature anti-cumulative side screens.

   The main armament is 105-mm gun similar to the AMX-30 Main Battle Tank or new smoothbore 120-mm gun. The 105-mm gun fires all AMX-30 ammunition. It's combat load consists from 47 rounds. The 120-mm gun fires ammunition designed for German Rh-V-120 Gun, by "Rheinmetall". Fired from this gun armor-piercing undercaliber projectiles feature initial speed in 1 630 m/s. Combat load consists from 38 rounds and 17 of them are placed in the turret, and 21 at the front side of the hull near the driver.

   Electro-hydraulic mechanisms, designed by "SAMM" company rotate turret and incline the main gun in elevation.

   The AMX-32 Main Battle Tank is completed with the COTAS Fire Control System. It includes ballistic computer, passive observation and target positioning devices, and laser rangefinder. Commander operates the M-527 Hydro-Stabilized Panorama Sight and also 8 periscope observation devices. Gunner operates the M-581 Telescopic Sight, connected with a laser rangefinder, and three periscopes. For firing and battlefield observation at night there is mounted the DIVT-13A Thomson-CSF Thermo Vision Camera, left from the main gun. Firing date is prepared by ballistic computer.

   One of the AMX-32 disadvantages is an absence of the main gun stabilization systems. Partially this disadvantage is recovered by usage of a hydro-stabilized sight.

   Referring to some sources, hit probability into stable target at day or night time is 90% in 2 000 meter range.

   Additional armament of the AMX-32 consists from the M-693 20-mm Coaxial Automatic Gun, mounted on the turret, left from the main gun. Furthermore commander operates 7.62-mm machine gun. Six smoke grenade launchers are mounted on the turret for covering tank in the battlefield.

   In the engine-transmission compartment there can be mounted HS-110-2 engine similar to the AMX-30 and mechanic transmission, or HS-110-S2 engine, similar to the AMX-30B2, with ENG-200 hydromechanic transmission. The HS-110-S2 features slightly greater power and provides for tank maximum road speed in 65 km/h.

   AMX-32 chassis is almost similar to the AMX-30.

   Notwithstanding on increased total weight in combat order to 40 tones, what was caused by mounting additional armored protection, tanks cross-country performance is very high. It manages slopes up to 60°, vertical step up to 0.9 meter height, 2.9 meter wide trench, fords 1.3 meter depth water obstacles without preparation, and up to 4 meters with preparation.

   The AMX-32 is completed with nuclear, biological, chemical protection system, fire prevention system, two radio stations and internal communication device as standard.

Advantages

   Good hit probability in a long ranges at night. Good cross-country performance. Light total weight in combat order. Underwater driving equipment.

Disadvantages

   Weak armored protection. There is no gun stabilization systems.