Difference between revisions of "AMX-13"

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{{Specs-Card|code=fr_amx_13_75}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = French light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = AMX-13 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=fr_amx_13_75
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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 the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''AMX-13/75 FL-10''' is the first variant of the [[AMX-13 (Family)|AMX-13 light tank family]]. The tank was designed in 1946 by the Atelier de Construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux (AMX) to meet a request for an armoured vehicle that could be air-dropped to support paratroopers. The first prototype went into service in 1948. Torsion bar suspension with five road wheels and two return rollers was used on the compact chassis; the engine is positioned on the right side of the tank, with the driver on the left. It has an unusual two-part FL-10 oscillating turret that contains the main armament and allows the entire upper turret to adjust elevation. The commander and gunner sit in the turret, which is located in the rear of the vehicle. The 75 mm SA 50 L/57 tank gun was autoloaded and fed by two six-round magazines situated in the turret bustle on either side. The crew could engage targets quickly due to the 12 rounds available in the drum magazines; 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. It was exported to over 26 more countries. Over a hundred variants exist, including prototypes and export variants. Many of these variants, such as the self-propelled gun (SPG), self-propelled anti-aircraft (SPAA), armoured personal carrier (APC), and anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) carrier, comprise their own separate families.
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''{{specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{specs|rank}} French light tank {{Battle-rating|1}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]]. The AMX-13's chassis is the mainstay of France's light tank technology for the post-war period and this one is its most iconic iteration as it is mounted with the FL10 turret. This vehicle is one of the best light tank at its BR, capable of fulfilling many roles on the battlefield.
 
  
−
The AMX-13 series has one of the most distinctive looks of all armoured warfare's history as it combines many unusual design choices. First, this tank does not feature a "classical" layout: engine deck is next to the driver and the turret ring is at the rear of the tank's hull. Speaking of turrets, this tank has an oscillating one, which means that both gun and turret armour are welded together and that the whole assembly has to rotate to elevate the gun. This way of mounting allows the placement of an autoloader mechanism in the ''long'' turret bulge. As for its size, it is very small.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]], the AMX-13/75 FL-10 is a very competitive light tank that can reach strategic positions on the battlefield very quickly. Due to its low profile, it may hide behind various obstacles, preventing opponents from discovering it. The most effective way to employ this tank is to keep it in a hull-down position behind a hill on the map's border; frontal engagements with enemies are not recommended. Its autoloader and high-velocity ammunition allow it to eliminate multiple opponents in a short period of time. Since the shell lacks explosive filler, it is vital to target critical components such as the target's tank gun barrel, gun breech, or ammunition rack. The autoloader and quick turret rotation allow for quick switching between enemy targets during combat, while the smoke grenades allow for a speedy retreat if the situation becomes too perilous.
  
−
Even though this tank has unimpressive armour values, its sloped profile will protect it from autocannon fire (with some distance, even the [[Bofors (40 mm)|Bofors]] can't go through this tank). Any dedicated antitank gun/missile/contraption will go right through this tank's armour. While this may sound a bit bad "getting easily pierced" also has its advantages: some APHE rounds will not detonate upon impact, which will minimise the damage done. If you happen to get shot at, the best way to survive is by showing your right front corner towards the enemy, this way, the engine deck may catch some shells. Don't ever rely on this tank's armour, take every shot you survive as a second chance.
+
== General info ==
 +
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{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.'' -->
  
−
This vehicle can carry you wherever you want as long as<!--RR--> you do not give yourself up. With 28 HP/ton, this tank's engine allows for fast accelerations and good, sustained, top speed, it will never let you down. Run this vehicle around the battlefield as you wish, deserting points to find other ones to fire from.  
+
Even though this tank has unimpressive armour values, its sloped profile will protect it from autocannon fire (with some distance, even the [[Bofors L/60 (40 mm)|Bofors]] can't go through this tank). Any dedicated antitank gun/missile/contraption will go right through this tank's armour. While this may sound a bit bad "getting easily pierced" also has its advantages: some APHE rounds will not detonate upon impact, which will minimise the damage done. If you happen to get shot at, the best way to survive is by showing your right front corner towards the enemy, this way, the engine deck may catch some shells. Don't ever rely on this tank's armour, take every shot you survive as a second chance.
  
−
Well-positioned, this gun can make your enemies cry: with its quick firing rate it is "one-two, goodbye" for any foe caught from the sides/rear. In usual one-on-one engagements, foes usually exchange shots but, with the AMX-13, this is a lie: it can fire ''twice'' before its foe can reload, this can hurt very much.<!--RR--> This high rate of fire makes it very efficient at long-distance sniping: it can adjust fire faster than its foes.
+
'''Armour type:'''
  
−
High gun placement and good gun depression angles make this tank very efficient at keeping low behind hills while showing very little of itself. Said shortly, this tank's armament is amazing.
+
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret roof, side and rear)
−
 
+
* Cast homogeneous armour (turret base, turret front, gun mantlet, cupola)
−
== General info ==
 
−
=== Survivability and 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 helpfull for survival in combat?''
 
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 
−
'''Armour type:'''
 
−
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret base, Turret front)
 
−
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 20 mm (67°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 20-40 mm (5-50°) ''Lower glacis'' || 20 mm || 15 mm ''Top'' <br> 15 mm (45°) ''Bottom'' || 10 mm <br> 5 mm ''Engine grille''
+
| Hull || 40 mm (38-40°) ''Turret base'' <br> 20 mm (66°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 40 mm (cylindrical) ''Transmission carter'' <br> 20 mm (51°) ''Lower glacis'' || 20 mm (14°) ''Turret base'' <br> 20 mm Sides || 20 mm (32-34°) ''Turret base'' <br> 15 mm (1°) ''Top'' <br> 15 mm (44°) ''Bottom'' || 20 mm (24°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 10 mm ''Centre'' <br> 10 mm (5°) ''Rear'' <br> 5 mm ''Vents''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 40 mm (32-47°) ''Turret front'' <br> 40 mm (12-41°) ''Turret base'' <br> 40 mm (15-75°) ''Barrel shroud'' || 20 mm (0-30°) ''Turret'' <br> 20 mm (12-14°) ''Turret base'' || 20 mm ''Turret bustle'' <br> 20 mm (17-22°) ''Pivot ball'' <br> 10 mm (77-90°) ''Turret underside'' || 10 mm
+
| Turret || 40 mm (32-47°) ''Turret front'' <br> 60 mm (conical) ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 40 mm (15-75°) ''Barrel shroud'' || 20 mm (0-30°) ''Turret'' || 20 mm ''Turret bustle'' <br> 20 mm (17-22°) ''Pivot ball'' <br> 10 mm (77-90°) ''Turret underside'' || 10 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
+
| Cupola || colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | 20 mm (conical) ''Base'' <br> 10 mm (spherical) ''Dome'' || 20 mm (conical) ''Outer ring'' <br> 10 mm (spherical) ''Centre''
−
|-
 
−
| Cupola || 20 mm || 10 mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
* Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick.
 
* Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick.
 
* Belly armour is 10 mm thick.
 
* Belly armour is 10 mm thick.
−
* 8 mm Structural steel firewall separates the driver from the engine.
+
* Storage boxes and mudguards are 4 mm thick.
−
* The track and wheel on the front glacis offer about 15 mm structural steel thickness.
 
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
−
<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
−
|-
+
 
−
!colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 418|rbMinHp= 239}}
−
|-
+
 
−
! Weight (tons)
+
The {{PAGENAME}} can carry you wherever you want as its engine allows for fast accelerations and good, sustained, top speed. You will get quickly to a firing position on the battlefield and relocate easily to a new one once spotted.
−
!colspan="1" | Add-on Armor<br>weight (tons)
+
 
−
!colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
+
=== Modifications and economy ===
−
|-
+
{{Specs-Economy}}
−
|rowspan="2" | 14.7 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 67 (AB)
 
−
|-
 
−
|60 (RB/SB)
 
−
|-
 
−
!colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
 
−
|-
 
−
!colspan="1" | Mode
 
−
!Stock
 
−
!Upgraded
 
−
|-
 
−
|''Arcade''
 
−
|418
 
−
|515
 
−
|-
 
−
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
−
|239
 
−
|270
 
−
|-
 
−
!colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 
−
|-
 
−
!colspan="1" | Mode
 
−
!Stock
 
−
!Upgraded
 
−
|-
 
−
|''Arcade''
 
−
|28.43
 
−
|35.03
 
−
|-
 
−
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
−
|16.26
 
−
|18.37
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
<!--''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 flexibilty 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.''-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
−
{{main|SA50 (75 mm)}}
+
<!-- ''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|SA50 L/57 (75 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
Well-positioned, this gun can make your enemies cry: with the quick fire rate it is "one-two, goodbye" for any foe caught from the sides/rear. In usual one-on-one engagements, foes usually exchange shots but, with the AMX-13, this is a lie: it can fire ''twice'' before its foe can reload, this can hurt very much. This high rate of fire also makes it very efficient at long-distance sniping: it can adjust fire faster than its foes.
 +
 
 +
The gun is not without caveat, however. Due to the poor gun depression of just -6 degrees and turret placement towards the rear of the vehicle, the tank will often struggle to get the gun on the target on hilly terrain or even small inclines. In addition, due to the oscillating turret design, the gun rocks violently whenever the tank is coming to a full stop, which can make shoot-and-scoot tactics difficult to perform.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | [[SA50 (75 mm)|75 mm SA50 L/57]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[SA50 L/57 (75 mm)|75 mm SA50 L/57]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
+
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
+
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
+
!Autoloader
−
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="3" | 36 || -6°/+13° || ±180° || N/A
+
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 36 || rowspan="2" | -6°/+13° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 28.6 || 39.5 || 48.0 || 53.1 || 56.5 || rowspan="2" | 5.00
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
+
! ''Realistic''
−
|-
+
| 17.9 || 21.0 || 25.5 || 28.2 || 30.0
−
! style="width:4em" |Mode
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Stock
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
−
|-
 
−
| ''Arcade'' || 17.9 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
 
−
|-
 
−
| ''Realistic'' || 17.9 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
−
|-
 
−
| 45.0 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== Ammunition =====
+
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:SA50 L/57 (75 mm)/Ammunition|POT-51A, OE Mle 1951, PCOT-51P}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
 
−
|-
+
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.15.1.55''' -->
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
|-
 
−
! 10m
 
−
! 100m
 
−
! 500m
 
−
! 1000m
 
−
! 1500m
 
−
! 2000m
 
−
|-
 
−
| POT-51A || APC || 168 || 163 || 140 || 110 || 95 || 82
 
−
|-
 
−
| 75mm HE || HE || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10
 
−
|-
 
−
| PCOT-51P || APCBC || 180  || 176 || 163 || 150 || 136 || 126
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
! Full<br>ammo
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
−
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
−
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
+
! 3rd<br>rack empty
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
+
! 4th<br>rack empty
−
''in m:''
+
! 5th<br>rack empty
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
+
! 6th<br>rack empty
−
''in mm:''
+
! 7th<br>rack empty
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
+
! Visual<br>discrepancy
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 
−
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 0%
+
| '''36''' || 32&nbsp;''(+4)'' || 28&nbsp;''(+8)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+13)'' || 18&nbsp;''(+18)'' || 13&nbsp;''(+23)'' || 7&nbsp;''(+29)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+35)'' || No
−
! 50%
 
−
! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| POT-51A || APC || 1,000 || 6.4 || N/A || N/A || N/A || ° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| 75mm HE || HE || 753 || 6.2 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 675 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| PCOT-51P || APCBC || 1,000 || 6.4 || N/A || N/A || N/A || ° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
  
−
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
+
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
−
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumbnail|250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}.]]
+
* Racks 6* and 7* (autoloader magazines) are first stage ammo racks. They total 12 shells.
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
+
** These racks get filled first when loading up the tank and are also emptied first.
−
|-
+
** As the {{PAGENAME}} is equipped with an autoloader, manual reloading of the gun is not possible.
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
+
** Once the autoloader magazines have been depleted, you can't shoot until the loader has restocked the autoloader with at least 1 shell.
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br />  rack empty
+
** The restocking time is longer than the normal reload time of the gun (about 15 seconds). Take this into account when playing.
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br />  rack empty
+
** Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1 to 5 into rack 7* then 6*. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |6th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |7th<br />  rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 
−
|-
 
−
|| '''36''' || 31&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 27&nbsp;''(+9)'' || 22&nbsp;''(+14)'' || 17&nbsp;''(+19)'' || 12&nbsp;''(+24)'' || 6&nbsp;''(+30)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+35)'' || style="text-align:left" | no
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
−
<!--''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.''-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
{{main|MAC 31 (7.5 mm)}}
 
{{main|MAC 31 (7.5 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | [[MAC 31 (7.5 mm)|7.5 mm MAC 31]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[MAC 31 (7.5 mm)|7.5 mm MAC 31]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
| Coaxial || 4,950 (150) || 551 || N/A || N/A
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
−
|-
 
−
| colspan="4" | 4,950 (150) || 1,350 || N/A || N/A
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
The small calibre of the MAC 31 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.
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!--''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 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).''-->
+
<!-- ''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-13 is a very competitive tank as it can reach tricky positions quite fast on the battlefield. Its low profile allows it to hide behind many obstacles, serving as armour for this light vehicle. Keeping hull-down, behind a hill on the border of the map is the best way to use this tank: frontal engagements are a no-go with such little armour. AMX-13 commanders will be surprised to be able to shoot ''1 round every 6 seconds'' with such accuracy and power at this BR.
+
The AMX-13 is a very competitive tank as it can reach tricky positions quite fast on the battlefield. Its low profile allows it to hide behind many obstacles, serving as armour for this light vehicle. Keeping hull-down, behind a hill on the border of the map is the best way to use this tank: frontal engagements are a no-go with such little armour. AMX-13 commanders will be surprised to be able to shoot ''1 round every 5 seconds'' with such accuracy and power at this BR.
  
−
'''Long range sniper/flanker:'''
+
;Long range sniper/flanker:
−
Stay low and scout targets for your team. When spotting a vulnerable enemy, shoot its engine/transmission/driver, '''don't get back into cover''' and finish it off 6 second later, only then, fade back into the shadows. Do not get out of cover too often as enemies too much aware of your position may kill you easily. If spotted, stay ''as far as possible'' from enemy fire: this tank's small size can avoid a lot of shots since it takes some serious gunnery skills to hit such a fast ''and'' small target from a distance (1000+ m).
 
  
−
'''Brawler:'''
+
* Stay low and scout targets for your team. When spotting a vulnerable enemy, shoot its engine/transmission/driver, '''don't get back into cover''' and finish it off 5 seconds later, only then, fade back into the shadows. Do not get out of cover too often as enemies too much aware of your position may destroy you easily. If spotted, stay ''as far as possible'' from enemy fire: this tank's small size can avoid a lot of shots since it takes some serious gunnery skills to hit such a fast ''and'' small target from a distance (1000+ m).
−
Even though this is not recommended usage, this can tank actually be taken in close quarter combat. In this role, it behaves much like any SPAA in the same context: flanking and surprising its foes from the sides with an hailstorm of bullets. Use smoke launchers in order to secure roads and advance concealed towards unsuspecting foes.
+
 
 +
;Brawler:
 +
 
 +
* Even though this is not recommended usage, this can tank actually be taken in close-quarter combat. In this role, it behaves much like any SPAA in the same context: flanking and surprising its foes from the sides with a hailstorm of bullets. Use smoke launchers in order to secure roads and advance concealed towards unsuspecting foes.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
+
<!-- ''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:'''
 +
* Overall small profile, can be quite hard to hit while moving or at distance
 
* Can reach its top speed quite fast
 
* Can reach its top speed quite fast
−
* '''Awesome''' reload rate: '''1 shot every 5 seconds''', comparable to most ''rank 1'' reload times
+
* Good firepower for its class, with penetration characteristic similar to the British [[Ordnance QF 17-pounder (76 mm)|QF 17-pounder]]'s
−
* Gun performance is comparable to the British [[Ordnance QF 17-pounder (76 mm)|QF 17-pounder]]'s solid shots.
+
* Good gun handling while stationary, with fast turret traverse speed
−
* '''12 rounds''' autoloader mechanism.
+
* Short reload time thanks to the 12-round autoloader: 1 shot every 5 seconds, comparable to reload times at low ranks
−
* Has smoke launchers (high ark of fire)
+
 
−
* Good gun depression value
 
−
* Fast turret rotation
 
−
* Thin armour will often not detonate APHE ammo.
 
−
* Low profile
 
−
* High gun placement make hull-down positions very efficient
 
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
* Bad reverse speed for a light tank
+
* Overall thin armour, cannot afford taking hits, especially from strafing aircrafts
−
* Gun penetration rates are often subpar: relies heavily on flanking manoeuvres
+
* Poor survivability due to having only 3 crewmembers
−
* Thin sides will get shredded by SPAAs and HMGs
+
* Poor gun depression and turret placement often prevents the tank from firing even on a slight incline
−
* Poor gun elevation value
+
* Restocking the autoloader is very slow once it has been depleted and it limits severely your combat performance
−
* Lacks defensive armament against aircraft
+
* Extremely bouncy suspension: bad at stop-and-shoot due to oscillating turret design
−
* Thin top armour: vulnerable to strafing planes
+
* Mediocre off-road mobility and bad reverse speed for a light tank
−
* Bad at stop-and-shoot due to oscillating turret design.
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--''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 an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, 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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
 
 +
'''Development'''
 +
 
 +
Development of the AMX-13 began in 1946 in response to a requirement by the French Army for a light tank to support paratroopers. It was designed at Atelier de Construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux (AMX). A long line of prototypes lead to the production model. The first prototype was the AMX-13 2A in 1948, with four road wheels. Next came the 2B with five road wheels and a raised idler wheel, and the 2C with the FL-10 turret and two return rollers. The 2D introduced an arrangement with four return rollers.
 +
 
 +
'''Design'''
 +
 
 +
The turret held the commander and gunner, and was set to the rear of the vehicle. The hull was very compact and low profile, with the engine on the right side and the driver in the front, left side.
 +
 
 +
The main feature of the AMX-13 was the FL-10 oscillating turret, armed with a 75 mm gun with an automatic loader system fed by two six-round magazines, for a total of 12 rounds in the autoloading mechanism. The gun could depress 8° and elevate 12°, with 5° per second of elevation speed. The turret could rotate 360° with 30° per second of traverse speed. A TCV 107 laser rangefinder was provided to the gunner. 6 smoke grenade launchers were fitted on the turret, with 6 more grenades stored in the vehicle. One coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun was fitted, with 1,800 rounds in belts of 200. Another 7.62 mm machine gun could be fitted on an anti-aircraft mount with 1,800 rounds.
 +
 
 +
The gasoline engine produced 250 horsepower, and the manual transmission had five forward and one reverse gear. The suspension was of the torsion bar type. The drive sprockets were in the front, return rollers in the back, and there were five road wheels and four return rollers. The AMX-13 could reach a speed of 60 km/h, and it had a range of 400 kilometers.
 +
 
 +
The protection of the AMX-13, it being a light tank, was not great. It could withstand heavy machine gun and low-calibre autocannon rounds from the front, but the sides could not even withstand heavy machine gun fire. An appliqué armour package was developed to increase protection at the choice of the user.
 +
 
 +
'''Production'''
 +
 
 +
Production began in 1952, at Atelier de Construction Roanne (ARE). Over 7,000 AMX-13s of all variants were produced, seeing export to a number of nations as well as seeing service with the French Army. Production shifted to Creusot-Loire at Chalon-sur-Saône in 1964, since ARE began producing the AMX-30 in that year.
 +
 
 +
'''Service'''
 +
 
 +
The French Army received most of the original 75 mm-armed version, with about 3,000 entering service. They were assigned to the regular armoured units, which were mostly filled with M47 and M48 Patton medium tanks at the time. AMX-13 squadrons had four tanks, and were split into two sections of one infantry section and one light tank section each, along with an ammunition truck and command vehicle. These squadrons were used for screening and reconnaissance, locating enemy forces and engaging them. After the first section had engaged the enemy and was reloading, the second section engaged the enemy. The process of alternating reloading and firing between the sections allowed the tanks to hold off the enemy until medium tanks arrived.
 +
 
 +
In the 1960's, the AMX-30 entered service. AMX-13s were used during the decolonization war in Algeria (1954-1962), although they saw little combat due to the lack of opposition and the terrain. After the French AMX-13s were up-gunned with the 90 mm gun, they often saw service in foreign theatres of operation due to their relative inexpensiveness. The AMX-13s were decommissioned and put into reserve starting in 1985.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
  
−
== Read also ==
+
;Skins
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fr_amx_13_75 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|G-sMfeWsEq0|'''The Shooting Range #148''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 02:58 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|uhgodizubC4|'''The Shooting Range #77''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:19 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|WQspy3qMkgk|'''Testing New Scouting System with French AMX-13 - RB Gameplay''' - ''Jim Chamberlin''}}
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
<!-- ''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;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''ETC.''
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
 
 +
* [[AMX-13 (Family)]]
 +
 
 +
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 +
 
 +
* [[Strv 74]]
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* [[wikipedia:AMX-13|[Wikipedia] AMX-13]]
 +
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/France/AMX-13.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> AMX-13]
 +
* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=175 <nowiki>[Military Factory]</nowiki> AMX-13]
  
−
{{French light tanks}}
+
{{TankManufacturer AMX}}
 +
{{France light tanks}}

Latest revision as of 09:44, 16 November 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the French light tank AMX-13. For other versions, see AMX-13 (Family).
AMX-13
fr_amx_13_75.png
GarageImage AMX-13.jpg
AMX-13
France flag.png France
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.3 6.7 6.7
Class:
Research:71 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:210 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The AMX-13/75 FL-10 is the first variant of the AMX-13 light tank family. The tank was designed in 1946 by the Atelier de Construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux (AMX) to meet a request for an armoured vehicle that could be air-dropped to support paratroopers. The first prototype went into service in 1948. Torsion bar suspension with five road wheels and two return rollers was used on the compact chassis; the engine is positioned on the right side of the tank, with the driver on the left. It has an unusual two-part FL-10 oscillating turret that contains the main armament and allows the entire upper turret to adjust elevation. The commander and gunner sit in the turret, which is located in the rear of the vehicle. The 75 mm SA 50 L/57 tank gun was autoloaded and fed by two six-round magazines situated in the turret bustle on either side. The crew could engage targets quickly due to the 12 rounds available in the drum magazines; 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. It was exported to over 26 more countries. Over a hundred variants exist, including prototypes and export variants. Many of these variants, such as the self-propelled gun (SPG), self-propelled anti-aircraft (SPAA), armoured personal carrier (APC), and anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) carrier, comprise their own separate families.

Introduced in Update 1.75 "La Résistance", the AMX-13/75 FL-10 is a very competitive light tank that can reach strategic positions on the battlefield very quickly. Due to its low profile, it may hide behind various obstacles, preventing opponents from discovering it. The most effective way to employ this tank is to keep it in a hull-down position behind a hill on the map's border; frontal engagements with enemies are not recommended. Its autoloader and high-velocity ammunition allow it to eliminate multiple opponents in a short period of time. Since the shell lacks explosive filler, it is vital to target critical components such as the target's tank gun barrel, gun breech, or ammunition rack. The autoloader and quick turret rotation allow for quick switching between enemy targets during combat, while the smoke grenades allow for a speedy retreat if the situation becomes too perilous.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull40 / 20 / 15
Turret40 / 20 / 20
Crew3 people
Visibility79 %

Even though this tank has unimpressive armour values, its sloped profile will protect it from autocannon fire (with some distance, even the Bofors can't go through this tank). Any dedicated antitank gun/missile/contraption will go right through this tank's armour. While this may sound a bit bad "getting easily pierced" also has its advantages: some APHE rounds will not detonate upon impact, which will minimise the damage done. If you happen to get shot at, the best way to survive is by showing your right front corner towards the enemy, this way, the engine deck may catch some shells. Don't ever rely on this tank's armour, take every shot you survive as a second chance.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret roof, side and rear)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (turret base, turret front, gun mantlet, cupola)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 40 mm (38-40°) Turret base
20 mm (66°) Upper glacis
40 mm (cylindrical) Transmission carter
20 mm (51°) Lower glacis 		20 mm (14°) Turret base
20 mm Sides 		20 mm (32-34°) Turret base
15 mm (1°) Top
15 mm (44°) Bottom 		20 mm (24°) Front glacis
10 mm Centre
10 mm (5°) Rear
5 mm Vents
Turret 40 mm (32-47°) Turret front
60 mm (conical) Gun mantlet
40 mm (15-75°) Barrel shroud 		20 mm (0-30°) Turret 20 mm Turret bustle
20 mm (17-22°) Pivot ball
10 mm (77-90°) Turret underside 		10 mm
Cupola 20 mm (conical) Base
10 mm (spherical) Dome 		20 mm (conical) Outer ring
10 mm (spherical) Centre

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 10 mm thick.
  • Storage boxes and mudguards are 4 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB68 / 8 km/h
RB and SB61 / 7 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight14.5 t
Engine power
AB515 hp
RB and SB270 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB35.5 hp/t
RB and SB18.6 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 68 8 14.5 418 515 28.83 35.52
Realistic 61 7 239 270 16.48 18.62

The AMX-13 can carry you wherever you want as its engine allows for fast accelerations and good, sustained, top speed. You will get quickly to a firing position on the battlefield and relocate easily to a new one once spotted.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 701 → 3 881 Sl icon.png
RB3 260 → 4 684 Sl icon.png
SB4 368 → 6 276 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications61 300 Rp icon.png
101 600 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training61 000 Sl icon.png
Experts210 000 Sl icon.png
Aces890 Ge icon.png
Research Aces570 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
120 / 150 / 200 % Sl icon.png
178 / 178 / 178 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 800 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
125 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
125 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 300 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 300 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 300 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 800 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
125 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement fr.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 300 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 800 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
125 Ge icon.png
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
125 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
75mm_SA50_APCBC_ammo_pack
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
125 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 300 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
3 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 300 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 300 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 300 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

75 mm SA50 L/57 cannon
Autoloader
Automatically feeds projectiles into the breech. The speed does not depend on the skills of the loader
Ammunition36 rounds
First-order12 rounds
Reload5.0 s
Vertical guidance-6° / 13°
Main article: SA50 L/57 (75 mm)

Well-positioned, this gun can make your enemies cry: with the quick fire rate it is "one-two, goodbye" for any foe caught from the sides/rear. In usual one-on-one engagements, foes usually exchange shots but, with the AMX-13, this is a lie: it can fire twice before its foe can reload, this can hurt very much. This high rate of fire also makes it very efficient at long-distance sniping: it can adjust fire faster than its foes.

The gun is not without caveat, however. Due to the poor gun depression of just -6 degrees and turret placement towards the rear of the vehicle, the tank will often struggle to get the gun on the target on hilly terrain or even small inclines. In addition, due to the oscillating turret design, the gun rocks violently whenever the tank is coming to a full stop, which can make shoot-and-scoot tactics difficult to perform.

75 mm SA50 L/57 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Autoloader
Arcade 36 -6°/+13° ±180° N/A 28.6 39.5 48.0 53.1 56.5 5.00
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
POT-51A APBC 182 178 162 143 127 113
OE Mle 1951 HE 15 15 13 12 11 10
PCOT-51P APCBC 202 198 180 159 141 125
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
POT-51A APBC 1,000 6.4 - - - 47° 60° 65°
OE Mle 1951 HE 753 6.2 0.2 0.1 675 79° 80° 81°
PCOT-51P APCBC 1,000 6.4 - - - 48° 63° 71°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the AMX-13
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		7th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
36 32 (+4) 28 (+8) 23 (+13) 18 (+18) 13 (+23) 7 (+29) 1 (+35) No

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Racks 6* and 7* (autoloader magazines) are first stage ammo racks. They total 12 shells.
    • These racks get filled first when loading up the tank and are also emptied first.
    • As the AMX-13 is equipped with an autoloader, manual reloading of the gun is not possible.
    • Once the autoloader magazines have been depleted, you can't shoot until the loader has restocked the autoloader with at least 1 shell.
    • The restocking time is longer than the normal reload time of the gun (about 15 seconds). Take this into account when playing.
    • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1 to 5 into rack 7* then 6*. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.

Machine guns

7.5 mm MAC 31 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition4 950 rounds
Belt capacity150 rounds
Reload5.0 s
Fire rate551 shots/min
Main article: MAC 31 (7.5 mm)
7.5 mm MAC 31
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,950 (150) 551 N/A N/A

The small calibre of the MAC 31 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.

Usage in battles

The AMX-13 is a very competitive tank as it can reach tricky positions quite fast on the battlefield. Its low profile allows it to hide behind many obstacles, serving as armour for this light vehicle. Keeping hull-down, behind a hill on the border of the map is the best way to use this tank: frontal engagements are a no-go with such little armour. AMX-13 commanders will be surprised to be able to shoot 1 round every 5 seconds with such accuracy and power at this BR.

Long range sniper/flanker
  • Stay low and scout targets for your team. When spotting a vulnerable enemy, shoot its engine/transmission/driver, don't get back into cover and finish it off 5 seconds later, only then, fade back into the shadows. Do not get out of cover too often as enemies too much aware of your position may destroy you easily. If spotted, stay as far as possible from enemy fire: this tank's small size can avoid a lot of shots since it takes some serious gunnery skills to hit such a fast and small target from a distance (1000+ m).
Brawler
  • Even though this is not recommended usage, this can tank actually be taken in close-quarter combat. In this role, it behaves much like any SPAA in the same context: flanking and surprising its foes from the sides with a hailstorm of bullets. Use smoke launchers in order to secure roads and advance concealed towards unsuspecting foes.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Overall small profile, can be quite hard to hit while moving or at distance
  • Can reach its top speed quite fast
  • Good firepower for its class, with penetration characteristic similar to the British QF 17-pounder's
  • Good gun handling while stationary, with fast turret traverse speed
  • Short reload time thanks to the 12-round autoloader: 1 shot every 5 seconds, comparable to reload times at low ranks

Cons:

  • Overall thin armour, cannot afford taking hits, especially from strafing aircrafts
  • Poor survivability due to having only 3 crewmembers
  • Poor gun depression and turret placement often prevents the tank from firing even on a slight incline
  • Restocking the autoloader is very slow once it has been depleted and it limits severely your combat performance
  • Extremely bouncy suspension: bad at stop-and-shoot due to oscillating turret design
  • Mediocre off-road mobility and bad reverse speed for a light tank

History

Development

Development of the AMX-13 began in 1946 in response to a requirement by the French Army for a light tank to support paratroopers. It was designed at Atelier de Construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux (AMX). A long line of prototypes lead to the production model. The first prototype was the AMX-13 2A in 1948, with four road wheels. Next came the 2B with five road wheels and a raised idler wheel, and the 2C with the FL-10 turret and two return rollers. The 2D introduced an arrangement with four return rollers.

Design

The turret held the commander and gunner, and was set to the rear of the vehicle. The hull was very compact and low profile, with the engine on the right side and the driver in the front, left side.

The main feature of the AMX-13 was the FL-10 oscillating turret, armed with a 75 mm gun with an automatic loader system fed by two six-round magazines, for a total of 12 rounds in the autoloading mechanism. The gun could depress 8° and elevate 12°, with 5° per second of elevation speed. The turret could rotate 360° with 30° per second of traverse speed. A TCV 107 laser rangefinder was provided to the gunner. 6 smoke grenade launchers were fitted on the turret, with 6 more grenades stored in the vehicle. One coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun was fitted, with 1,800 rounds in belts of 200. Another 7.62 mm machine gun could be fitted on an anti-aircraft mount with 1,800 rounds.

The gasoline engine produced 250 horsepower, and the manual transmission had five forward and one reverse gear. The suspension was of the torsion bar type. The drive sprockets were in the front, return rollers in the back, and there were five road wheels and four return rollers. The AMX-13 could reach a speed of 60 km/h, and it had a range of 400 kilometers.

The protection of the AMX-13, it being a light tank, was not great. It could withstand heavy machine gun and low-calibre autocannon rounds from the front, but the sides could not even withstand heavy machine gun fire. An appliqué armour package was developed to increase protection at the choice of the user.

Production

Production began in 1952, at Atelier de Construction Roanne (ARE). Over 7,000 AMX-13s of all variants were produced, seeing export to a number of nations as well as seeing service with the French Army. Production shifted to Creusot-Loire at Chalon-sur-Saône in 1964, since ARE began producing the AMX-30 in that year.

Service

The French Army received most of the original 75 mm-armed version, with about 3,000 entering service. They were assigned to the regular armoured units, which were mostly filled with M47 and M48 Patton medium tanks at the time. AMX-13 squadrons had four tanks, and were split into two sections of one infantry section and one light tank section each, along with an ammunition truck and command vehicle. These squadrons were used for screening and reconnaissance, locating enemy forces and engaging them. After the first section had engaged the enemy and was reloading, the second section engaged the enemy. The process of alternating reloading and firing between the sections allowed the tanks to hold off the enemy until medium tanks arrived.

In the 1960's, the AMX-30 entered service. AMX-13s were used during the decolonization war in Algeria (1954-1962), although they saw little combat due to the lack of opposition and the terrain. After the French AMX-13s were up-gunned with the 90 mm gun, they often saw service in foreign theatres of operation due to their relative inexpensiveness. The AMX-13s were decommissioned and put into reserve starting in 1985.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #148 - Metal Beasts section at 02:58 discusses the AMX-13.
The Shooting Range #77 - Pages of History section at 05:19 discusses the AMX-13.
Testing New Scouting System with French AMX-13 - RB Gameplay - Jim Chamberlin

See also

Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

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 light tanks
AMC.34/35  AMC.34 YR · AMC.35 (ACG.1)
H.35/39  H.35 · H.39 · H.39 "Cambronne"
AMX-13  AMX-13 (FL11) · AMX-13-M24 · AMX-13 · AMX-13 (SS.11) · AMX-13-90 · AMX-13 (HOT)
Wheeled  AML-90 · AMX-10RC · Vextra 105
AMD.35  AMD.35 · AMD.35 (SA35)
E.B.R.  E.B.R. (1951) · E.B.R. (1954) · E.B.R. (1963)
Other  FCM.36 · R.35 (SA38) · Char 25t · MARS 15 · VBCI-2 (MCT30)
Austria  SK-105A2
Great Britain  ▄Crusader Mk.II
Netherlands  CV 9035NL
USA  LVT-4/40 · ▄M3A3 Stuart

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