Pluton was a nuclear missile carrier using its own design of forward hull, as did the Roland and Shahine antiaircraft missile vehicles. For the engineers, the EBG had its own design of front hull with dozer blade and earth auger. The turretless AMX30D armoured recovery version used a new front hull with crane and supporting earth anchor which can be used as a dozer blade. The basic vehicle was also adapted for other roles. This AMXB2 Brennus was finally phased out in favour of the Leclerc from the early 1990s, although several are still used as opposing force vehicles for training.Īs well as France, it was sold to Spain who built them under licence, Greece and several Middle Eastern and South American nations. The final upgrade in the 1990s had improved protection using reactive armour blocks and a new American engine. Over time it was upgraded and improved to produce the AMX30B and -B2 variants. As France’s army was largely made up of conscripts, it was designed to be easy to operate. It used a diesel engine and torsion bar suspension. Protection was less than its contemporaries as it was intended to be small, light, fast and manoeuvrable. Otherwise the tank was conventional in design and layout. While other vehicles have or have one or the other, the combination in service was unique to AMX30.

Secondary armament was a 20mm cannon effective against soft and lightly-armoured targets. Main armament was a smoothbore 105mm gun, unlike most other tank guns which rely on one or more forms of solid shot this used a High Explosive Anti Tank round, the Obus G, which was itself innovative. AMX30 was to serve the French Army for decades and sold reasonably well abroad. In the end it resulted in the French AMX30 Main Battle Tank and Germany’s Leopard. The FINABEL collaborative project of the mid-1950s was intended to produce a tank for several European NATO nations. “Highly recommended” does not do it justice! Maybe “Magnifique” ou “Je l’aime tres beaucoup”? Because it is magnificent and I like it a lot. £18.75 plus shipping available online from Haynes Publishing websiteĪ detailed and comprehensive study of this series. AMX30 Main Battle Tank Enthusiasts' Manual - Haynes PublishingĪMX30 Main Battle Tank Enthusiasts' Manual Haynes PublishingĪMX30 Main Battle Tank Enthusiasts' Manual

Good modern tank battle books