The AMX-13 is a French light tank produced from 1952 to 1987. It served with the French Army, as the Char 13t-75 Modèle 51, and was exported to more than 26 other nations. Named after its initial weight of 13 tonnes, and featuring a tough and reliable chassis,[1] it was fitted with an oscillating turret built by GIAT Industries (now Nexter) with revolver-type magazines, which were also used on the Austrian SK-105 Kürassier.[1] Including prototypes and export versions, over a hundred variants exist, including self-propelled guns, anti-aircraft systems, APCs, and ATGM versions.
| AMX-13 | |
|---|---|
AMX-13/105 at Tankfest 2023
| |
| Type | Light tank |
| Place of origin | France |
| Service history | |
| Wars | Suez Crisis Algerian War Sand War Vietnam War Cambodian Civil War Dominican Civil War Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 30 September Movement Six-Day War Western Sahara War Indonesian invasion of East Timor Lebanese Civil War Salvadoran Civil War Guatemalan Civil War Insurgency in Aceh |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Atelier de Construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux |
| Designed | 1946 |
| Manufacturer | Atelier de Construction Roanne |
| Produced | 1952–1987 |
| No. built | 7,700 (Total) 3,400 (Exported) 4,300 (Used in French military) |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 13.7 t (30,000 lb) empty 14.5 t (32,000 lb) combat |
| Length | 6.36 m (20 ft 10 in) with gun 4.88 m (16 ft 0 in) hull |
| Width | 2.51 m (8 ft 3 in) |
| Height | 2.35 m (7 ft 9 in) |
| Crew | 3 (Commander, gunner and driver) |
| Armour | 10–40 mm (0.39–1.57 in) |
Main | AMX-13/75: 75 mm SA 50 L/61 AMX-13/90: 90 mm CN-90-F3 L/52 AMX-13/105: 105 mm CN-105-57 L/44 with 32 Rounds |
Secondary | 1× 7.5 mm (or 7.62 mm) coaxial machine gun with 3,600 Rounds 1× 7.62 mm AA machine gun (optional) 2× 2 smoke grenade dischargers |
| Engine | SOFAM Model 8Gxb 8-cylinder water-cooled petrol engine 250 hp (190 kW) |
| Power/weight | 17 hp/tonne |
| Suspension | Torsion bar suspension |
Operational | 400 km (250 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 60 km/h (37 mph) |
The tank was designed at the Atelier de Construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux (AMX) in 1946 to meet a requirement for an air-portable vehicle to support paratroopers. The first prototype ran from 1948. The compact chassis had torsion bar suspension with five road-wheels and two return rollers; the engine runs the length of the tank on the right side, with the driver on the left. It features an uncommon two-part FL-10 oscillating turret, where the gun is fixed to the turret and the entire upper turret changes elevation. The turret is set to the rear of the vehicle and holds the commander and gunner.
The original 75 mm SA 50 gun was loaded by an automatic loading system fed by two six-round magazines located in on either side of the automatic loader in the turret's bustle. The 12 rounds available in the drum magazines meant that the crew could engage targets quickly; however, once those rounds were expended, the vehicle commander and gunner could either manually refill them from within the turret or retreat to cover and reload shells from outside the vehicle through hatches above.
Production began at ARE (Atelier de Construction Roanne) in 1952, with the first tanks delivered the following year. In 1964, production was transferred to Creusot-Loire at Chalon-sur-Saône, as ARE switched to the production of the AMX-30 MBT, and the numbers produced declined significantly.
After 1966, AMX-13s in French service were up-gunned with a 90 mm CN-90-F3 L/52 medium pressure gun firing more effective high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) munitions; this variant was designated AMX-13/90.[2] The F3 was similar to the DEFA D921/F1 low pressure gun developed for the Panhard AML-90, and even utilized the same ammunition, though it possessed a significantly higher muzzle velocity.[3] By the late 1960s, an export model of the AMX-13 was also available with an even larger 105 mm CN-105 L/57 gun in a FL-12 turret.[2]
Although there were many variants on the turret, the basic chassis was almost unchanged until 1985, when changes including a new diesel engine, fully automatic transmission and new hydropneumatic suspension were introduced. Production halted with the AMX-13 Model 1987. After sales support and upgrades are still[when?] offered through GIAT Industries (now Nexter).
The AMX-13 tank was phased out of service with the French Army in the 1980s. Current French armoured vehicles with a similar role are the ERC 90 Sagaie and the AMX 10 RC.
During the Suez Crisis of 1956, the French Army used two sections of the 2nd Foreign Cavalry Regiment's AMX-13 tanks in Port Fouad. The AMX-13s also saw limited action in the Algerian War, largely due to the rough terrain in most of Algeria and much of the fighting with the anti-colonial guerillas being in the difficult terrain of the countryside.[4] France also fielded a number of AMX-13s fitted with US Chaffee light tank turrets in the fighting in Algeria.
The Argentinian Army fielded locally-built versions of both the AMX-13-105 and the AMX-VCI armoured personnel carrier.
Argentine AMX-13s were not deployed during the Falklands War. Senior commanders considered that off-road conditions in the Falkland Islands were too boggy for all of the armoured vehicles available at the time. The newly-developed Tanque Argentino Mediano (TAM) was not yet available. For on-road operations in the islands, Argentina's Panhard AML-90 wheeled fighting vehicles were considered more suitable than the AMX-13. The higher speed and other aspects of the Panhard's performance also represented acceptable trade-offs for its smaller (90 mm) main gun, relative to the AMX-13 (105 mm).
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AMX-13s saw service among both the loyalists and the rebels during the Dominican Civil War of 1965. Two AMX-13s used by the rebel forces were destroyed by M50 Ontos of the United States Marine Corps during the subsequent American intervention in the Dominican Republic.
The AMX-13 was Israel's first modern tank and was purchased at a time when France was the only country willing to openly sell arms to Israel. By 1956, Israel had ordered 180 AMX-13 light tanks as part of an agreement to reinforce Israel's military and to maintain the balance in Israel's favour after the Egyptian–Czechoslovak arms deal. Besides buying whole AMX-13s, Israel also purchased a quantity of SA 50 75mm tank guns for upgunning some of the American M4 Sherman tanks. Due to the shortage of tanks, the IDF used them as main battle tanks and employed them to form a tank battalion in the 7th Armored Brigade. IDF reconnaissance units did not use AMX 13s.
By 1967, Israel had less than 100 AMX-13s and formed three AMX-13 battalions, all of which fought actively on all fronts during the Six-Day War. The first battalion moved south in the West Bank area through Taluzi and Tubas and occupied Nablus (against Jordan). The second, attacking Egypt, captured the strongpoints protecting the Gaza Strip and the coastal road in the north of the Sinai Peninsula. The third, finally, assaulted the Golan Heights in south-western Syria.
The IDF realised that the AMX-13 tank was too lightly-armoured and had a weak main gun. Losses were heavy at places like Rafah Junction and Jiradi Pass during the Six-Day War with many destroyed by heavier Arab-fielded Soviet armour, such as T-55 MBTs and IS-3 (tank) heavy tanks. Subsequently, Israel gradually phased out all of its AMX-13s following the Six-Day War, with most ending up being sold to the then newly established Singapore Army between 1968 and 1969.
During the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War, India deployed AMX-13 Tanks to oppose the initial armour onslaught of Operation Grand Slam in the Chhamb-Jaurian area and also in the Battle of Asal Uttar.
During the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War in Chhamb-Jaurian in Jammu & Kashmir, the 20 Lancers, equipped with AMX-13 tanks was under command of the 10th Infantry Division. Pakistan's surprise attack on 1 September, Operation Grand Slam, fell on 191 Infantry Brigade which was supported by "C" Squadron of the regiment, under Maj Bhaskar Roy. The Pakistani armoured attack comprised two regiments, one of M48 Patton medium tanks and one of M36B2 tank destroyers.[5] The attack began at 0805 hours and was strongly resisted. During the initial phases of the attack, Roy destroyed six Pattons, three recoilless guns and captured a jeep. A second attack was launched by Pakistani armour at 1100 hours and contested by the AMX-13s of 20 Lancers, which despite being outgunned and outnumbered, destroyed a total 13 tanks that day and prevented the encirclement of 191 Infantry Brigade.[6] The regiment later fought in the defence of Jaurian under 41 Infantry Brigade.[7] For the defense of Chhamb-Jaurian, the regiment was awarded a theatre honour and Maj Bhaskar Roy was awarded Maha Vir Chakra for his leadership in this action.[6]
In the Battle of Assal Uttar, on 8–10 September 1965 in Asal Uttar (Khem Karan, Punjab, India), a regiment of AMX-13s — 8th Light Cavalry — along with a regiment each of Centurions and M4 Shermans fought off and defeated a Pakistani armoured offensive comprising five regiments of M48 Patton tanks and one regiment of M24 Chaffee tanks.[8]
The Indonesian Army received 175 AMX-13/75, 32 AMX-VCI (including 4 command variants and six ARV variants), and 10 AMX-13 PDP from France in 1960, which were delivered in 1960–1962. Indonesia then bought around 100 to 180 ex-Royal Netherlands Army AMX-VCI in 1976, which were modernized and delivered in 1977–1978. The last batch of AMX-13 family were bought in 1980–1981, when the Army acquired 130 second-hand but modernized AMX-13/105 from the Netherlands.[9]
The AMX-13s first saw combat against the 30 September Movement in 1965, when they were deployed to secure Suharto's control of Jakarta against an alleged coup by other generals'.[10]
AMX-13/75 tanks and the VCI variants participated in the 1975 Indonesian invasion of East Timor (known in Indonesia as Operasi Seroja).[11][12]
Indonesian AMX-13s also participated in the 2003–2004 Indonesian offensive in Aceh.[13]
The AMX-13 gained momentary notoriety in Indonesian social media in September 2020, after an AMX-13 driver lost control when making a turn and ran over a street food vendor cart and four motorcycles.[14] The accident happened on 10 September 2020 at around 11:00 WIB, at an intersection in Cipatat District, West Bandung Regency, during a 4th Cavalry Battalion company-level combat readiness exercise. No one was injured and the owners of the cart and vehicles were given compensation totaling 15.4 million rupiah.[15]
The Lebanese Army was an important user of the AMX-13 in the Middle East, purchasing 42 AMX-13/75s and 22 AMX-13/105s from France in 1972.[16] Lebanese AMX-13s saw extensive service during the Lebanese Civil War in the hands of the regular Lebanese Army and various armed groups in and outside Beirut between 1975 and 1990, following the collapse of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) structure in January 1976, and later again in February 1984 in the wake of the Mountain War. During this period, most of the regular Army's AMX-13s fell into the hands of the competing Christian-rightist Lebanese Front and Muslim-leftist Lebanese National Movement (LNM) militias or were taken way by dissident rebellious Lebanese Army factions. France later delivered additional 13 AMX-13/90s to the regular Lebanese Army between 1978-1981 and again in 1984.[17][18] Captured AMX-13s were employed by the Lebanese Arab Army (LAA),[19] Army of Free Lebanon (AFL),[20] Kataeb Regulatory Forces (KRF), Tigers Militia, Lebanese Forces (LF), South Lebanon Army (SLA), Amal Movement, and the People's Liberation Army (PLA).[21] Nearly all AMX-13s eventually were returned by the demobilized militias to the Lebanese Army between 1990 and 1993. Currently none of the Lebanese AMX-13 light tanks is believed to remain operational.[16]
In July 2018, six of these withdrawn AMX-13 and various other former Lebanese Army military vehicles were dumped in the sea off the coast of Sidon in southern Lebanon and used as part of an artificial reef.
Morocco used some AMX-13s in the Sand War of 1963. Later on, they were engaged in the Western Sahara conflict. They were supplemented by the similar Austrian SK-105 Kürassier light tank during that war.
The AMX-13 was the basis of a family of APCs beginning with the AMX-VTT and culminating with the AMX-VCI. The APC chassis was itself the basis of a number of variants.
Ecuador: 108 AMX-13/105s[2]
Indonesia: From the total of 305 of which are 175 AMX-13/75 and 130 AMX-13/105, it is estimated only 120+ mixed and modernized AMX-13/75 and AMX-13/105 still in service as 2018. Scheduled for replacement by the PT Pindad Harimau jointly developed by Indonesia and Turkey. 10 AMX-13 PDP Modèle 57 and 34 AMX-13 CD Modèle 55 (AMX-D) ARV.[2][25]
Morocco: 120 AMX-13/75s and 4 AMX-13 CD armoured recovery vehicles;[2] 5 operational.[28]
Peru: 108 tanks; 30 AMX-13/75s and 78 AMX-13/105s[2]
Venezuela: 67 AMX-13s; 36 AMX-13/75s and 31 AMX-13/90s[2]
Algeria: 44 AMX-13/75s[2]
Argentina: 60 AMX-13/105 and 2 AMX-13 PDP armoured bridge-layers[2][29]
Austria: 72 AMX-13/75s and 3 AMX-13 CD armoured recovery vehicles[2]
Belgium: 555 AMX-13s[30]
Cambodia: 20 AMX-13/75s[2]
Côte d'Ivoire: 5 AMX-13/75s[2]
Djibouti: 60 AMX-13/90s[2]
Dominican Republic: 15 AMX-13/75s[2]
Egypt: 20 AMX-13/75s[31]
France: 4,300 (of all types)[2]
Guatemala: 8 AMX-13/75s[2]
India: 164 AMX-13/75s[2]
Israel: 100 AMX-13/75s[2]
Lebanon: 75 tanks; 42 AMX-13/75s, 13 AMX-13/90s and 22 AMX-13/105s[2]
Nepal: 56 AMX-13/75s; possibly purchased second-hand from Singapore[2]
Netherlands: 131 AMX-13/105s, as AMX-13 PRLTTK (Pantserrups Lichte Tank) and 34 AMX-13 PRB (Pantserrups Berging) armoured recovery vehicles. All retired in 1983[32]
Pakistan: Operationalized some amounts of Captured Indian AMX-13/75s.[33]
Singapore: 340 second-hand AMX-13/75s received (150 from Switzerland, 150 from India, 40 from Israel)[2]
South Vietnam: 4 AMX-13 CD armoured recovery vehicles[2]
Switzerland: 200 AMX-13/75s[2]
Tunisia: 30 AMX-13/75s[2]The AMX-13 has made some major TV and film appearances, most notably in the 1984 French war film Les Morfalous, where a Tunisian Army AMX-13/75 is mocked up as a German Panzer IV medium tank serving with the Afrika Korps.
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