Difference between revisions of "AMX-30B2 BRENUS"

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{{Specs-Card|code=fr_amx_30_b2_brenus}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
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|about=medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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|about= French medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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|usage=other uses
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|usage= other versions
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|link=AMX-30 (Family)
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|link= AMX-30 (Family)
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}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=fr_amx_30_b2_brenus
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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<!-- AMX-30B2 BRENUS, or BRENNUS in some sources, was a modernized French MBT which saw combat in the Gulf War -->
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<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The '''AMX-30B2 BRENUS''' is the second upgraded subvariant of the [[AMX-30 (1972)|AMX-30B]], which is the second variant of the [[AMX-30 (Family)|AMX-30 main battle tank family]]. Although the [[Leclerc (Family)|Leclerc main battle tank]] had already been ordered in the 1990s, the AMX-30 main battle tanks continued to play an important role in the French army, and two further upgrades were implemented in limited numbers for the French rapid reaction force, which consisted of two tank regiments, the 1er and 2e Chasseurs. One of these enhancements was BRENUS, an explosive reactive armour (ERA) kit. In terms of protection against high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) ammunition, the BRENUS system used 112 GIAT BS (Brique de Surblindage) G2 explosive reactive boxes, which gave protection comparable to 400 mm of armour at 60° impact.
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{{break}}
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} French medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm"]].
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Introduced in [[Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm"]], the AMX-30B2 BRENUS's weakness becomes more apparent as its enemies become more advanced. Due to the lack of reliable armour and a two-plane fully automatic stabilization system, the AMX-30B2 BRENUS is unable to accurately fire in sudden confrontation with most opponents in urban combat, making the tank an easy victim for practically anyone on the battlefield. The gunner optics are superior to those found on other AMX-30 main battle tanks, although they are still insufficient for detecting targets from long distances. At this point, the majority of opponents will have a two-plane stabilization system for the tank gun. In these cases, it is best to avoid the centre of the battlefield by flanking the opponents and hitting them from the side while remaining hidden from view so that enemies do not focus their firepower on the AMX-30B2 BRENUS.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
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Frontal Plates
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
  
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The Upper frontal glacis are in two parts: Upper one being 50mm RHA sloped at 80 degrees and the lower one being 79mm CHA sloped at 70 degrees. The lower part is in theory able to withstand the T-54 APCBC shell better than the Leopard does. However, shots contacting the upper part will often resulting the shot bouncing upward and penetrating the Turret front, which is very weak(M18 GMC can penetrate it with ease). The lower plate is not as strong since it is not sloped that much, but penetrating this plate will often not result in a colossal damage. The curve joint between the upper and the lower frontal plate is very weak, and M18 GMC(Many US tankers actually use in this tier) can often one shot you through this area. Also, it is noted that there is a fuel container in the front of the tank protecting the ammo rack, which sometimes penetrating rounds will just set a fire just like T-54 does. The different thing is that AMX-30 tanks' first stage ammo rack is the hull rack, so after experiencing prolonged combat, you will find the hull ammo being emptied pretty fast.
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The AMX-30B2 has a complex array of armour plates in addition of the ERA.
  
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Turret
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The frontal glacis is in two parts, the upper area that is 50 mm RHA sloped at 76 degrees and the lower one being 79 mm CHA sloped at roughly 70 degrees. The lower part of the front glacis is, in theory, able to withstand the [[T-54 (1951)|T-54]] APCBC shell better than the Leopard does. However, shots contacting the upper part will often resulting the shot bouncing upward and penetrating the turret front, which is very weak (even the [[M18 GMC]] can penetrate it with ease). The lower glacis plate is not as strong since it is not sloped as much as the front plate, but penetrating this plate will often not result in a colossal damage. However, the curve joint between the upper and the lower glacis plate is very weak and often a penetration through this area will end with a knock-out.
  
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Turret armor is not sufficient at this tier, nor at any tiers from Tier IV upwards. The gun shield itself mostly offers a 60mm-100mm protection. However, some sabot shots will get absorbed by the breech, which in comparison this tank offers a better protection than Leopard 1 does. Shooting the turret ring will damage the turret drives, and can sometimes trigger a crew knock out.
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Also, it is noted that there is a fuel container in the front of the tank protecting the ammo rack, which sometimes penetrating rounds will just set afire just like the T-54 does. The difference is that AMX-30 tank's first stage ammo rack is the turret rack, so after experiencing prolonged combat, the hull ammo rack will be emptied and left defused. The hull sides and rears are very weak, they are all 30 mm plates. Even anti-aircraft vehicles doing side shots will penetrate this tank fast (for example, the [[R3 T20 FA-HS]] for Italy).
 +
[[File:AMX-30B2-BRENUS-ERA.png|left|thumb|344x344px|AMX-30B2 BRENUS max effective armour]]
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The turret armour is not sufficient at this rank, nor at any rank from even rank IV upwards. The gun shield itself mostly offers a 60-100 mm protection. However, some sabot shots will get absorbed by the breech, which actually offers better protection in the [[AMX-30B2]] than the [[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard 1]] does. Shooting the turret ring will damage the turret drives, and can sometimes trigger a crew knock out. The turret sides are very weak, often gives you a protection around 60 mm. The rear is worse, plus the turret ammo rack is placed at the end of the turret rear, shooting this area will destroy the tank one shot.
  
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Turret sides are very weak, often gives you a protection around 60mm. The rear is worse, plus the turret ammo rack is placed at the end of the turret rear, shooting this area will kill the tank one shot.
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The ERA offers a really good protection for chemical energy penetrators such as HEATFS, ATGMs and anti-tank grenades, having a protection of 400 mm from just the block itself. This makes the tank capable of withstanding hits of almost all HEATFS of the BR (most of them penetrate between 320 mm to 480 mm) and even some ATGMs (between 400 mm to 650 mm). The ERA itself cannot stop all the spalling created by the premature explosion, some ATGMs like the 9M117 (ATGM of the [[T-55AM-1]] and [[T-62M-1]]) will be partially stopped by the ERA reducing its spalling significantly but can still be able to damage modules and crew members (most of the time they will be left orange or red although they can sometimes knock them out). It is also able to reduce the penetration or stop ATGM like the [[9M113 Konkurs]] (ATGM of the [[BMP-2]]) and 9M112 (ATGM of the [[T-64B]]) although do not expect it to happen all the time, it depends on your angling and where the missile impacts. Chassis should be angled most of the time to potentialize the ERA effectiveness with the 79 mm thick steel plate, capable of making the armour reach 1,432 mm of effective armour against CE penetrators (refer to picture) making it capable of even stopping completely [[9M133]] Kornet ATGM (ATGM of the [[BMP-2M]]) which has 1,300 mm of penetration.
  
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Other sides of the Hull
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'''EIREL Active Protection System'''
 +
[[File:EIREL APS in action.gif|thumb|AMX-30B2 BRENUS using EIREL against an M901 I-TOW ATGM at 320m (GIF media). As it is seen, the BRENUS turret doesn't have to be aiming directly on the enemy.]]
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{{main|Active protection systems#Electro-optical APS}}
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The AMX-30B2 BRENUS has access to an infrared jammer, the EIREL APS. It is a constant active APS which provides protection against a wide variety of threats. The scanner-type jamming device (honeycomb shaped equipment next to smoke launchers) is mounted on the roof of the tank to cover the vulnerable frontal arc. It called "Infrared Countermeasure" for the following reason: SACLOS guidance utilizes a beam-riding guidance which is connected to the GPS (gunner main sight in some cases, on others it is a different sight like on [[T-55AM-1]] and [[T-62M-1]]) which uses a flare as reference point for the guidance system in the ATGM. The missile moves with the gunner's sight and the flare tries to stay on the crosshairs. IRCM confuses the GPS with a brighter IR light decoy acting as the flare (the flare is also IR) which signals the ATGM to move to a different position nowhere near from the gunner's target.
 +
[[File:EIREL IR light.png|left|thumb|AMX-30B2 BRENUS with EIREL turned on at night with light intensifier NVD]]
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The EIREL APS has a minimum jamming range of roughly 50 m, meaning it will only deviate ATGMs past 50 m although it depends on the ATGM speed and ATGM angle of attack. This is the approximate distance between all ATGM in-game but it may vary. It will be able to jam a missile launched by a [[Swingfire]] faster due to its launch speed and flight path than an [[M3 Bradley]]. It has a protection arc of ~60° horizontal (between 20°-30° horizontally, refer to gif) and 120° vertical (able to counter helicopter-launched ATGMs). The turret must be facing the threat in order to let the APS work properly.
  
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The hull sides and rears are very weak. They are all 30mm plates. AA vehicles doing side shots will kill this tank fast.(for example, the R3 at 3.7 for Italy)
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EIREL will jam SACLOS missiles that are not equipped with ECCM systems. Laser guided missiles (AGM-114 Hellfire, MIM146 ADATS, etc) will not be jammed by EIREL. In order to let the APS work, it must be tuned on with a key in the control section. The APS can be destroyed.
 +
[[File:EIREL APS while on the move.gif|thumb|EIREL APS while on the move. As seen in the gif, the ATGM can be deviated to the sky. This is a random flight path which cannot be controlled by the player. ]]
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EIREL can be used while on the move (although turret must be facing the enemy). While on the move (specially horizontally), the jammed ATGM will move in an uncontrolled direction like normal jamming but riskier, keep this in mind as it can hit a track, engine deck or close enough to create fragmentation and mark the AMX-30 and/or friendlies. When moving forward to an enemy who fired an ATGM, it will be affected by the APS but due to the BRENUS momentum, the ATGM can hit the BRENUS if the ATGM is redirected towards the ground. EIREL creates a thermal signature which can be seen with thermal sights. It also can also be used as an IR spotlight (as shown in picture). This can be a disadvantage when in night maps as tanks with NVD (except when tanks are using thermal view) will be able to see the light beam. The APS should be turned on and off at commander's discretion. When on day maps, this will not be an issue. EIREL must have a clear line-of-sight with the enemy launcher (at least enemy sights must be able to see the tank). Tanks firing behind cover like the Swingfire can also be affected by the APS. As long as the enemy is within the jamming arc, the BRENUS will be protected against SACLOS ATGMs. The AMX-30B2 BRENUS has no access to Laser Warning Receiver (LWR) or Missile Alert Warning (MAW), so the player must rely on visual contact with the ATGM and the launcher (no LWR makes the helicopter lock-on invisible). Thankfully, the thermal sights will be capable of detecting the fireball created by the ATGMs at certain distances.
  
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ERA
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The commander does not have control of the where the enemy ATGM is redirected to
  
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The ERA is what makes this tank sitting at 8.7. When sloped, the ERA at front of the UFP will offer a 400mm protection against HEAT. Mostly, this package is useless. However, since 8.0-8.7 is an actual BR in the game, you will encounter M551, M60A2, RakJpz and Kpz-70s which their drivers often fire missiles. ERA at the side of turret is at 260mm, talking about useless. Also you can sometimes roll high and deflect a 700mm pen Type 89 IFV's missile. However, there are multiple places in the front of the tank where no ERA blocks could be found
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'''Armour type:'''
  
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Other weak spots
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* Explosive reactive armour
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* Cast homogeneous armour
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* Rolled homogeneous armour (Rear roof, Engine grille)
  
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Drivers view port
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{| class="wikitable"
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|-
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 79* mm (57-68°), 50* mm (52-76°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 79 mm (0-57°), 30 mm (75°) ''Lower glacis'' || 35-57 mm (0-35) <br> 30 mm ''Bottom'' <br> 25 mm (70°) ''Belly'' || 30 mm (10°) ''Top'' <br> 30 mm ''Center'' <br> 25 mm (70°) ''Bottom'' || 15 mm <br> 8 mm ''Engine grille''
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 30-150* mm (0-79°) ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 30* mm (61-75°) ''Turret front top'' || 41.5* mm (19-47°) || 30 mm (1-64°) <br> 20 mm (54-64°) ''Turret underside'' || 20 mm
 +
|-
 +
| Cupola || 60 mm || 60 mm || 60 mm || 20 mm
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Additonal armour !! Kinetic !! Chemical
 +
|-
 +
| ERA || 5 mm || 400 mm
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
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Turret front that is not the gun shield
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'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
 +
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
  
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The commander's cupola(mostly can only kill commander)
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=== Mobility ===
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{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
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Gunner's viewport
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<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
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Shooting the turret front with APFSDS rounds can sometimes get pass all the turret space and detonate the turret ammo rack, in similar fashion with the M60 tanks.
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,162|rbMinHp=663}}
  
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The two FPEs are not available from the start!
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When fully upgraded, the engine offers a 750 hp output at 2400 rpm. Max speed is 65 km/h, and the tank can achieve 45-50 km/h on a map like Kursk (when driving downward, you can achieve 65 km/h). Reverse gear is 27 km/h, which is fast. The reverse gear is faster than Leopards 1 by 2 km/h. The tank feels somewhat lighter than Leopard 1 series of tanks, since it has lighter weight (note that Leopard 1 tanks have a 830 hp output engine).
  
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=== Mobility ===
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=== Modifications and economy ===
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When fully upgraded, the Engine offers a 750hp output at 2400rpm. Max speed is 65km/h, and the tank can achieve 45-50km/h on a map like Kursk(when driving downward, you can achieve 65km/h) Reverse gear is 27km/h, which is fast. The reverse gear is faster than Leopard 1's by 2km/h. The tank feels somewhat lighter than Leopard 1 series of tanks, since it has lighter weight.(note that Leopard 1 tanks have a 830hp output engine)
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{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
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''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
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<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 +
{{main|CN-105-F1 (105 mm)}}
  
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=== Additional armament ===
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The AMX-30B2 BRENUS features the same gun the other AMX-30s have in-game, the 105/56 mm Modèle F1, CN-105-F1 in short. It is a potent main gun capable of displaying an excellent performance at its BR. The gun is capable of firing the OCC 105 F1 HEATFS ammunition which is also present in past AMX-30 versions. As the AMX-30B2, the BRENUS has access to the OFL 105 F1 APFSDS ammunition, capable of penetrating 361 mm at 10 m at 0°, a very powerful dart capable of piercing most of the tanks it will face at its BR. With its high velocity of 1,525 m/s, the BRENUS is more than capable of engaging targets at far range despite the relatively low zoom main sights. With addition of the laser rangefinder, doing long range engagements turn to be relatively easy with almost pinpoint accuracy.
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''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
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 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
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! colspan="5" | [[CN-105-F1 (105 mm)|105 mm CN-105-F1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
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|-
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! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
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! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
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! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
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|-
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! ''Arcade''
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| rowspan="2" | 47 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 28.6 || 39.5 || 48.0 || 53.1 || 56.5 || rowspan="2" | 8.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.70 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 6.70
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|-
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! ''Realistic''
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| 17.9 || 21.0 || 25.5 || 28.2 || 30.0
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|-
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|}
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 +
==== Ammunition ====
 +
{{:CN-105-F1 (105 mm)/Ammunition|OCC 105 F1, OE 105 F1 Mle.60, OFPH 105 F1, OFL 105 F1}}
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 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!--'''Last updated: 1.101.1.33'''-->
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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|-
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! Full<br>ammo
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! 1st<br>rack empty
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! 2nd<br>rack empty
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! 3rd<br>rack empty
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! 4th<br>rack empty
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! Visual<br>discrepancy
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|-
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| '''47''' || 20&nbsp;''(+27)'' || 19&nbsp;''(+28)'' || 9&nbsp;''(+38)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+46)'' || No
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|-
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|}
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The ammo racks on the AMX-30B2 BRENUS consists of the same manner the other AMX-30 have their ammo racks: large ready racks in the turret's bustle, and one large ammo rack next to the driver. The ammo rack next to the driver can be affected by fires lit on the fuel tank surrounding it, which can lead to an ammo explosion. It is recommended to fill the driver's ammo rack as least as possible to raise the vehicle's survivability against frontal attacks, preferably carrying 20 rounds at most. Chemical energy attacks can be completely stopped by the fuel tank acting as spaced armour for HEAT and ATGM when the ERA is not enough to stop the whole penetration but will lit the vehicle on fire but still operational to retreat back to cover. It should be noted the fuel tank may not stop kinetic energy attacks like APDS or APFSDS causing an ammo explosion when rack is full, igniting the fuel tank, over-penetrating to the engine or all of the previously listed.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
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''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft, but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
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<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
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{{main|20F2 (20 mm)|A-A-F1N (7.62 mm)}}
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 +
The 20 mm 20F2 coaxial autocannon is not just an anti-aircraft gun: with 57 mm penetration at flat angle, it will shred anything from armoured cars and SPAA to lightly armoured medium tanks' sides. In case a vehicle cannot be penetrated, use the autocannon to disable them before using your 105 mm cannon: target the gun barrel or the tracks. The 20 mm can also deal with low-flying aircraft with the extra 20 degrees of elevation. The only drawback is that the autocannon is coaxial, meaning the turret must rotate to track the targets.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
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! colspan="5" | [[20F2 (20 mm)|20 mm 20F2]]
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|-
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
 +
| Coaxial || 1,000 (500) || 740 || 0°/+20° || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
The small calibre of the A-A-F1N machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[A-A-F1N (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm A-A-F1N]]
 +
|-
 +
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
 +
| Pintle || 2,050 (100) || 900 || -10°/+45° || ±120°
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
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''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
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<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
The AMX-30B2 BRENUS cannot withstand a frontal encounter most of the time with most opponents due to the lack of a reliable armour and a stabilizer, making the tank an easy prey for almost anyone on the battlefield when in urban combat. However, the tank comes with a great mobility, able to reach 65 km/h in RB (72 in AB) even in reverse, making it the ideal tank to shoot the enemy and rapidly retreat to change position. The optics are better than the ones found on the other AMX-30s, but still not sufficient to properly see targets at long ranges, unlike tanks like the Leopard I with its 16x. However, it's not something to worry about: the thermal sight will allow the player to easily spot targets from far away. Its gun is capable of punching through most of enemy tanks, but caution is a must when uptiered: tanks like the T-72 cannot be damaged in the turret even by the AMX-30B2's APFSDS, leaving only the hull as a potential target.
 +
 
 +
The tank is not very suitable for urban combat, since most enemies will have a stabilizer and thus will be capable of landing the first shot, often knocking out the gunner, disabling the engine, the gun, or just setting the tank on fire. The best thing to do, in these cases, is to avoid the center of the map, flanking the enemy to hit him from the side and staying hidden from sight so enemies don't focus their firepower on the AMX-30B2.
 +
 
 +
In larger and flat maps the tank gives its best, thanks to the high mobility and the capability to shoot the enemy from far away and, as stated as before, the only threat for the AMX-30 is dart ammunition of really high penetrating CE ammunition as most of the time the ERA will do its job preventing CE penetrators to disable completely your tank, although the commander cupola can be an issue since it ruin the silhouette of the tank, making it clearly visible and perfect for trapshots, sometimes even when behind cover.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they can be substituted with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
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<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
*
+
* Reactive armour, good chemical protection
 +
* IRCM can save the tank from ATGMs
 +
* Numerous smoke grenades (28 in total)
 +
* Good mobility
 +
* Low profile
 +
* Powerful APFSDS shell
 +
* Laser rangefinder, high-velocity APFSDS rounds and thermal vision make for an effective sniper
 +
* The coaxial 20 mm cannon makes short work of thinly armoured vehicles and helicopters. Also works great against tracks and cannon barrels
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*
+
* Same ammunition as B2 version, random HEAT rounds effects and low APFSDS penetration
 +
* No composite armour, low survivability against kinetic rounds
 +
* Weak spots between reactive armour plates
 +
* Lacking a gun stabilizer greatly hampers its performance
 +
* Ammo racks in turret translates into a high risk of explosion if hit
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's devblog entry (if applicable) and the ingame encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
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During the mid to late 1990s, AMX-30B2 tanks of the 1er/ 2e Chasseurs tank regiments, which formed France’s rapid reaction force in peacetime, underwent upgrading under the Brenus modernization program, whilst two further regiments received modifications to quickly upgrade their AMX-30s with the Brenus package if needed (2e/5e Dragons). The Brenus upgrade package (acronym for briques réactives de surblindage) most notably allowed for the installation of 112 ERA blocks developed by the GIAT company across the front portion of the hull and turret. To compensate for the additional weight of the ERA packages, an improved 8-cylinder 750 horsepower MACK E9 diesel engine was fitted. The Brenus modernization upgrade was among the last to be fitted to the original AMX-30 tank.
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During the mid to late 1990s, AMX-30B2 tanks of the 1er/ 2e Chasseurs tank regiments, which formed France's rapid reaction force in peacetime, underwent upgrading under the Brenus modernization program, whilst two further regiments received modifications to quickly upgrade their AMX-30s with the Brenus package if needed (2e/5e Dragons). The Brenus upgrade package (acronym for briques réactives de surblindage) most notably allowed for the installation of 112 ERA blocks developed by the GIAT company across the front portion of the hull and turret. To compensate for the additional weight of the ERA packages, an improved 8-cylinder 750 horsepower MACK E9 diesel engine was fitted. The Brenus modernization upgrade was among the last to be fitted to the original AMX-30 tank.
  
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''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5349-development-amx-30b2-brenus-modern-ironclad-en Devblog]''
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''- From [[wt:en/news/5349-development-amx-30b2-brenus-modern-ironclad-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
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<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
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;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fr_amx_30_b2_brenus Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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;Videos
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{{Youtube-gallery|6QduvJHyPcw|'''The Shooting Range #272''' - ''Round Study'' section at 10:03 discusses how to penetrate the {{PAGENAME}}.|wJkQW4kSJjM|'''French MBTs''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:04 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
  
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
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;Other ground vehicles equipped with APS
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* [[M1A1 HC]]
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* [[T-90A]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
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* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5349-development-amx-30b2-brenus-modern-ironclad-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> AMX-30B2 Brenus: Modern Ironclad]
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* [[wt:en/news/5349-development-amx-30b2-brenus-modern-ironclad-en|[Devblog] AMX-30B2 Brenus: Modern Ironclad]]
  
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{{TankManufacturer AMX}}
 
{{France medium tanks}}
 
{{France medium tanks}}
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[[Category:Ground vehicles with active protection system]]

Latest revision as of 06:45, 16 October 2023

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
This page is about the French medium tank AMX-30B2 BRENUS. For other versions, see AMX-30 (Family).
AMX-30B2 BRENUS
fr_amx_30_b2_brenus.png
GarageImage AMX-30B2 BRENUS.jpg
AMX-30B2 BRENUS
France flag.png France
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
8.7 8.7 8.7
Class:
Research:94 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:520 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The AMX-30B2 BRENUS is the second upgraded subvariant of the AMX-30B, which is the second variant of the AMX-30 main battle tank family. Although the Leclerc main battle tank had already been ordered in the 1990s, the AMX-30 main battle tanks continued to play an important role in the French army, and two further upgrades were implemented in limited numbers for the French rapid reaction force, which consisted of two tank regiments, the 1er and 2e Chasseurs. One of these enhancements was BRENUS, an explosive reactive armour (ERA) kit. In terms of protection against high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) ammunition, the BRENUS system used 112 GIAT BS (Brique de Surblindage) G2 explosive reactive boxes, which gave protection comparable to 400 mm of armour at 60° impact.

Introduced in Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm", the AMX-30B2 BRENUS's weakness becomes more apparent as its enemies become more advanced. Due to the lack of reliable armour and a two-plane fully automatic stabilization system, the AMX-30B2 BRENUS is unable to accurately fire in sudden confrontation with most opponents in urban combat, making the tank an easy victim for practically anyone on the battlefield. The gunner optics are superior to those found on other AMX-30 main battle tanks, although they are still insufficient for detecting targets from long distances. At this point, the majority of opponents will have a two-plane stabilization system for the tank gun. In these cases, it is best to avoid the centre of the battlefield by flanking the opponents and hitting them from the side while remaining hidden from view so that enemies do not focus their firepower on the AMX-30B2 BRENUS.

General info

Survivability and armour

ERA
Effective action against the cumulative ammunition
Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull79 / 35 / 30
Turret80 / 41 / 30
Crew4 people
Visibility88 %

The AMX-30B2 has a complex array of armour plates in addition of the ERA.

The frontal glacis is in two parts, the upper area that is 50 mm RHA sloped at 76 degrees and the lower one being 79 mm CHA sloped at roughly 70 degrees. The lower part of the front glacis is, in theory, able to withstand the T-54 APCBC shell better than the Leopard does. However, shots contacting the upper part will often resulting the shot bouncing upward and penetrating the turret front, which is very weak (even the M18 GMC can penetrate it with ease). The lower glacis plate is not as strong since it is not sloped as much as the front plate, but penetrating this plate will often not result in a colossal damage. However, the curve joint between the upper and the lower glacis plate is very weak and often a penetration through this area will end with a knock-out.

Also, it is noted that there is a fuel container in the front of the tank protecting the ammo rack, which sometimes penetrating rounds will just set afire just like the T-54 does. The difference is that AMX-30 tank's first stage ammo rack is the turret rack, so after experiencing prolonged combat, the hull ammo rack will be emptied and left defused. The hull sides and rears are very weak, they are all 30 mm plates. Even anti-aircraft vehicles doing side shots will penetrate this tank fast (for example, the R3 T20 FA-HS for Italy).

AMX-30B2 BRENUS max effective armour

The turret armour is not sufficient at this rank, nor at any rank from even rank IV upwards. The gun shield itself mostly offers a 60-100 mm protection. However, some sabot shots will get absorbed by the breech, which actually offers better protection in the AMX-30B2 than the Leopard 1 does. Shooting the turret ring will damage the turret drives, and can sometimes trigger a crew knock out. The turret sides are very weak, often gives you a protection around 60 mm. The rear is worse, plus the turret ammo rack is placed at the end of the turret rear, shooting this area will destroy the tank one shot.

The ERA offers a really good protection for chemical energy penetrators such as HEATFS, ATGMs and anti-tank grenades, having a protection of 400 mm from just the block itself. This makes the tank capable of withstanding hits of almost all HEATFS of the BR (most of them penetrate between 320 mm to 480 mm) and even some ATGMs (between 400 mm to 650 mm). The ERA itself cannot stop all the spalling created by the premature explosion, some ATGMs like the 9M117 (ATGM of the T-55AM-1 and T-62M-1) will be partially stopped by the ERA reducing its spalling significantly but can still be able to damage modules and crew members (most of the time they will be left orange or red although they can sometimes knock them out). It is also able to reduce the penetration or stop ATGM like the 9M113 Konkurs (ATGM of the BMP-2) and 9M112 (ATGM of the T-64B) although do not expect it to happen all the time, it depends on your angling and where the missile impacts. Chassis should be angled most of the time to potentialize the ERA effectiveness with the 79 mm thick steel plate, capable of making the armour reach 1,432 mm of effective armour against CE penetrators (refer to picture) making it capable of even stopping completely 9M133 Kornet ATGM (ATGM of the BMP-2M) which has 1,300 mm of penetration.

EIREL Active Protection System

AMX-30B2 BRENUS using EIREL against an M901 I-TOW ATGM at 320m (GIF media). As it is seen, the BRENUS turret doesn't have to be aiming directly on the enemy.
Main article: Active protection systems#Electro-optical APS

The AMX-30B2 BRENUS has access to an infrared jammer, the EIREL APS. It is a constant active APS which provides protection against a wide variety of threats. The scanner-type jamming device (honeycomb shaped equipment next to smoke launchers) is mounted on the roof of the tank to cover the vulnerable frontal arc. It called "Infrared Countermeasure" for the following reason: SACLOS guidance utilizes a beam-riding guidance which is connected to the GPS (gunner main sight in some cases, on others it is a different sight like on T-55AM-1 and T-62M-1) which uses a flare as reference point for the guidance system in the ATGM. The missile moves with the gunner's sight and the flare tries to stay on the crosshairs. IRCM confuses the GPS with a brighter IR light decoy acting as the flare (the flare is also IR) which signals the ATGM to move to a different position nowhere near from the gunner's target.

AMX-30B2 BRENUS with EIREL turned on at night with light intensifier NVD

The EIREL APS has a minimum jamming range of roughly 50 m, meaning it will only deviate ATGMs past 50 m although it depends on the ATGM speed and ATGM angle of attack. This is the approximate distance between all ATGM in-game but it may vary. It will be able to jam a missile launched by a Swingfire faster due to its launch speed and flight path than an M3 Bradley. It has a protection arc of ~60° horizontal (between 20°-30° horizontally, refer to gif) and 120° vertical (able to counter helicopter-launched ATGMs). The turret must be facing the threat in order to let the APS work properly.

EIREL will jam SACLOS missiles that are not equipped with ECCM systems. Laser guided missiles (AGM-114 Hellfire, MIM146 ADATS, etc) will not be jammed by EIREL. In order to let the APS work, it must be tuned on with a key in the control section. The APS can be destroyed.

EIREL APS while on the move. As seen in the gif, the ATGM can be deviated to the sky. This is a random flight path which cannot be controlled by the player.

EIREL can be used while on the move (although turret must be facing the enemy). While on the move (specially horizontally), the jammed ATGM will move in an uncontrolled direction like normal jamming but riskier, keep this in mind as it can hit a track, engine deck or close enough to create fragmentation and mark the AMX-30 and/or friendlies. When moving forward to an enemy who fired an ATGM, it will be affected by the APS but due to the BRENUS momentum, the ATGM can hit the BRENUS if the ATGM is redirected towards the ground. EIREL creates a thermal signature which can be seen with thermal sights. It also can also be used as an IR spotlight (as shown in picture). This can be a disadvantage when in night maps as tanks with NVD (except when tanks are using thermal view) will be able to see the light beam. The APS should be turned on and off at commander's discretion. When on day maps, this will not be an issue. EIREL must have a clear line-of-sight with the enemy launcher (at least enemy sights must be able to see the tank). Tanks firing behind cover like the Swingfire can also be affected by the APS. As long as the enemy is within the jamming arc, the BRENUS will be protected against SACLOS ATGMs. The AMX-30B2 BRENUS has no access to Laser Warning Receiver (LWR) or Missile Alert Warning (MAW), so the player must rely on visual contact with the ATGM and the launcher (no LWR makes the helicopter lock-on invisible). Thankfully, the thermal sights will be capable of detecting the fireball created by the ATGMs at certain distances.

The commander does not have control of the where the enemy ATGM is redirected to

Armour type:

  • Explosive reactive armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Rear roof, Engine grille)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 79* mm (57-68°), 50* mm (52-76°) Front glacis
79 mm (0-57°), 30 mm (75°) Lower glacis 		35-57 mm (0-35)
30 mm Bottom
25 mm (70°) Belly 		30 mm (10°) Top
30 mm Center
25 mm (70°) Bottom 		15 mm
8 mm Engine grille
Turret 30-150* mm (0-79°) Gun mantlet
30* mm (61-75°) Turret front top 		41.5* mm (19-47°) 30 mm (1-64°)
20 mm (54-64°) Turret underside 		20 mm
Cupola 60 mm 60 mm 60 mm 20 mm
Additonal armour Kinetic Chemical
ERA 5 mm 400 mm

Notes:

Mobility

Reverse gearbox
Forward and backward movement is possible at the same maximum speed
Speedforward / back
AB73 / 73 km/h
RB and SB66 / 66 km/h
Number of gears10 forward
10 back
Weight38.2 t
Engine power
AB1 431 hp
RB and SB750 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB37.5 hp/t
RB and SB19.6 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 73 73 38.2 1,162 1,431 30.42 37.46
Realistic 66 66 663 750 17.36 19.63

When fully upgraded, the engine offers a 750 hp output at 2400 rpm. Max speed is 65 km/h, and the tank can achieve 45-50 km/h on a map like Kursk (when driving downward, you can achieve 65 km/h). Reverse gear is 27 km/h, which is fast. The reverse gear is faster than Leopards 1 by 2 km/h. The tank feels somewhat lighter than Leopard 1 series of tanks, since it has lighter weight (note that Leopard 1 tanks have a 830 hp output engine).

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 247 → 6 319 Sl icon.png
RB4 624 → 6 880 Sl icon.png
SB5 886 → 8 758 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications159 400 Rp icon.png
265 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 600 Ge icon.png
Crew training150 000 Sl icon.png
Experts520 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces950 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
140 / 210 / 250 % Sl icon.png
220 / 220 / 220 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement fr.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_fr_CN105_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_fr_CN105_APDSFS_ammo_pack
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

105 mm CN-105-F1 cannon
Ammunition47 rounds
First-order19 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
8.7 → 6.7 s
Vertical guidance-8° / 20°
Main article: CN-105-F1 (105 mm)

The AMX-30B2 BRENUS features the same gun the other AMX-30s have in-game, the 105/56 mm Modèle F1, CN-105-F1 in short. It is a potent main gun capable of displaying an excellent performance at its BR. The gun is capable of firing the OCC 105 F1 HEATFS ammunition which is also present in past AMX-30 versions. As the AMX-30B2, the BRENUS has access to the OFL 105 F1 APFSDS ammunition, capable of penetrating 361 mm at 10 m at 0°, a very powerful dart capable of piercing most of the tanks it will face at its BR. With its high velocity of 1,525 m/s, the BRENUS is more than capable of engaging targets at far range despite the relatively low zoom main sights. With addition of the laser rangefinder, doing long range engagements turn to be relatively easy with almost pinpoint accuracy.

105 mm CN-105-F1 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 47 -8°/+20° ±180° N/A 28.6 39.5 48.0 53.1 56.5 8.71 7.70 7.10 6.70
Realistic 17.9 21.0 25.5 28.2 30.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
OCC 105 F1 HEAT 400 400 400 400 400 400
OE 105 F1 Mle.60 HE 25 25 25 25 25 25
OFL 105 F1 APFSDS 361 358 350 341 332 322
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
OCC 105 F1 HEAT 1,000 10.95 0.05 0.1 1.02 62° 69° 73°
OE 105 F1 Mle.60 HE 700 12.1 0 0.1 2 79° 80° 81°
OFL 105 F1 APFSDS 1,525 3.8 - - - 78° 80° 81°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Screen radius
(m) 		Screen deploy
time (s) 		Screen hold
time (s) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
OFPH 105 F1 700 11.4 20 5 25 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the AMX-30B2 BRENUS
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
47 20 (+27) 19 (+28) 9 (+38) 1 (+46) No

The ammo racks on the AMX-30B2 BRENUS consists of the same manner the other AMX-30 have their ammo racks: large ready racks in the turret's bustle, and one large ammo rack next to the driver. The ammo rack next to the driver can be affected by fires lit on the fuel tank surrounding it, which can lead to an ammo explosion. It is recommended to fill the driver's ammo rack as least as possible to raise the vehicle's survivability against frontal attacks, preferably carrying 20 rounds at most. Chemical energy attacks can be completely stopped by the fuel tank acting as spaced armour for HEAT and ATGM when the ERA is not enough to stop the whole penetration but will lit the vehicle on fire but still operational to retreat back to cover. It should be noted the fuel tank may not stop kinetic energy attacks like APDS or APFSDS causing an ammo explosion when rack is full, igniting the fuel tank, over-penetrating to the engine or all of the previously listed.

Machine guns

20 mm 20F2 automatic cannon (coaxial)
Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity500 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
13.0 → 10.0 s
Fire rate740 shots/min
Vertical guidance0° / 20°
7.62 mm A-A-F1N machine gun
Ammunition2 100 rounds
Belt capacity100 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate900 shots/min
Main articles: 20F2 (20 mm), A-A-F1N (7.62 mm)

The 20 mm 20F2 coaxial autocannon is not just an anti-aircraft gun: with 57 mm penetration at flat angle, it will shred anything from armoured cars and SPAA to lightly armoured medium tanks' sides. In case a vehicle cannot be penetrated, use the autocannon to disable them before using your 105 mm cannon: target the gun barrel or the tracks. The 20 mm can also deal with low-flying aircraft with the extra 20 degrees of elevation. The only drawback is that the autocannon is coaxial, meaning the turret must rotate to track the targets.

20 mm 20F2
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 1,000 (500) 740 0°/+20° N/A

The small calibre of the A-A-F1N machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.

7.62 mm A-A-F1N
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 2,050 (100) 900 -10°/+45° ±120°

Usage in battles

The AMX-30B2 BRENUS cannot withstand a frontal encounter most of the time with most opponents due to the lack of a reliable armour and a stabilizer, making the tank an easy prey for almost anyone on the battlefield when in urban combat. However, the tank comes with a great mobility, able to reach 65 km/h in RB (72 in AB) even in reverse, making it the ideal tank to shoot the enemy and rapidly retreat to change position. The optics are better than the ones found on the other AMX-30s, but still not sufficient to properly see targets at long ranges, unlike tanks like the Leopard I with its 16x. However, it's not something to worry about: the thermal sight will allow the player to easily spot targets from far away. Its gun is capable of punching through most of enemy tanks, but caution is a must when uptiered: tanks like the T-72 cannot be damaged in the turret even by the AMX-30B2's APFSDS, leaving only the hull as a potential target.

The tank is not very suitable for urban combat, since most enemies will have a stabilizer and thus will be capable of landing the first shot, often knocking out the gunner, disabling the engine, the gun, or just setting the tank on fire. The best thing to do, in these cases, is to avoid the center of the map, flanking the enemy to hit him from the side and staying hidden from sight so enemies don't focus their firepower on the AMX-30B2.

In larger and flat maps the tank gives its best, thanks to the high mobility and the capability to shoot the enemy from far away and, as stated as before, the only threat for the AMX-30 is dart ammunition of really high penetrating CE ammunition as most of the time the ERA will do its job preventing CE penetrators to disable completely your tank, although the commander cupola can be an issue since it ruin the silhouette of the tank, making it clearly visible and perfect for trapshots, sometimes even when behind cover.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Reactive armour, good chemical protection
  • IRCM can save the tank from ATGMs
  • Numerous smoke grenades (28 in total)
  • Good mobility
  • Low profile
  • Powerful APFSDS shell
  • Laser rangefinder, high-velocity APFSDS rounds and thermal vision make for an effective sniper
  • The coaxial 20 mm cannon makes short work of thinly armoured vehicles and helicopters. Also works great against tracks and cannon barrels

Cons:

  • Same ammunition as B2 version, random HEAT rounds effects and low APFSDS penetration
  • No composite armour, low survivability against kinetic rounds
  • Weak spots between reactive armour plates
  • Lacking a gun stabilizer greatly hampers its performance
  • Ammo racks in turret translates into a high risk of explosion if hit

History

During the mid to late 1990s, AMX-30B2 tanks of the 1er/ 2e Chasseurs tank regiments, which formed France's rapid reaction force in peacetime, underwent upgrading under the Brenus modernization program, whilst two further regiments received modifications to quickly upgrade their AMX-30s with the Brenus package if needed (2e/5e Dragons). The Brenus upgrade package (acronym for briques réactives de surblindage) most notably allowed for the installation of 112 ERA blocks developed by the GIAT company across the front portion of the hull and turret. To compensate for the additional weight of the ERA packages, an improved 8-cylinder 750 horsepower MACK E9 diesel engine was fitted. The Brenus modernization upgrade was among the last to be fitted to the original AMX-30 tank.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #272 - Round Study section at 10:03 discusses how to penetrate the AMX-30B2 BRENUS.
French MBTs discusses the AMX-30B2 BRENUS at 3:04 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Other ground vehicles equipped with APS

External links


Ateliers de construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux (AMX)
Light tanks 
AMX-13  AMX-13-M24 · AMX-13 (FL11) · AMX-13 · AMX-13 (SS.11) · AMX-13-90 · AMX-13 (HOT)
Armoured cars  AMX-10RC
Medium tanks  AMX M4 · AMX-50 (TOA100)
MBTs 
AMX-30  AMX-30 · AMX-30 ACRA · AMX-30 (1972) · AMX-30B2 · AMX-30B2 BRENUS · AMX-30 Super
AMX-32/40  AMX-32 (105) · AMX-32 · AMX-40
Heavy tanks  AMX-50 Surbaissé · AMX-50 Surblindé
Tank destroyers  ELC bis · AMX-50 Foch
SPAAGs  AMX-13 DCA 40 · AMX-30 S DCA
Export  AMX-13

France medium tanks
M4 Derivatives  M4A1 (FL10) · M4A4 (SA50)
AMX-50  AMX M4 · AMX-50 (TOA100) · AMX-50 (TO90/930)
AMX-30  AMX-30 · AMX-30 (1972) · AMX-30B2 · AMX-30B2 BRENUS · AMX-30 ACRA · AMX-30 Super
AMX-32/40  AMX-32 · AMX-32 (105) · AMX-40
Leclerc  Leclerc · Leclerc S2 · Leclerc SXXI · Leclerc AZUR
Other  D2 · S.35 · Lorraine 40t
Germany  Panther "Dauphiné"
USA  ▄M4A1 · ▄M4A3 (105) · ▄M4A4 · ▄M26

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