Difference between revisions of "ELC bis"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]].
+
The '''AMX Engin Léger de Combat (ELC) bis''' is a prototype light tank built by the Atelier de Construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux as part of the ELC project launched by the French Ministry of Defense in 1955. The purpose of the ELC project was to develop a lightly armoured, heavily armed combat vehicle that could be transported and deployed swiftly through airlift. The ELC concept was to mount strong anti-tank guns on a small but fully armoured tankette, resulting in a mobile, concealed light tank destroyer capable of hitting and destroying all types of enemy vehicles at a range of 1.5 kilometres. In the mid-1950s, two prototypes were designed on the Hotchkiss tankette hull, primarily differing in their primary armament; nevertheless, the running gear, engine, and mechanical components were essentially the same for both prototypes. However, towards the end of development in 1961, the ELC program was deemed unpromising, and work on the project was abandoned in favour of developing the [[AMX-13 (Family)|AMX-13 light tank family]]. The AMX ELC bis is now on display as an exhibit at the Museum of Armored Vehicles in Saumur.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]], the AMX ELC bis is a lightweight and mobile tank destroyer. The AMX ELC bis excels at ambush and flanking manoeuvres, thus the gameplay is centred on these characteristics. Heavy machine guns, which are prevalent on the battlefield, can readily penetrate weak spots on the front turret and instantly knock out the crew. Furthermore, the reload speed is average, making engaging several enemies highly undesirable. It is recommended to take your time selecting targets and patiently waiting for the ideal opportunity to strike. If an engagement turns dangerous, retreat as quickly as possible since the slow reverse speed can be fatal; however, this can be minimized by utilizing smoke grenades at the appropriate time.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 22: Line 24:
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Hull || 40* mm (75°-79°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 40* mm (12°-61°) ''Lower glacis''|| 15+4** mm ''Top'' <br> 15 mm ''Bottom'' || 15 mm (21°) ''Upper rear'' <br> 15 mm (46°) ''Lower Rear'' ||8 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Turret || 30 mm (50°) ''Turret front'' <br> 8 mm (10°) ''Left turret cheek'' <br> 8mm (28°) ''Right turret cheek'' <br> 15 mm (25°) + 8mm (26°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 8 mm (12°) || 8 mm (1°) ''Turret rear'' <br> 8 mm (62°-74°) ''Upper turret rear''|| 8 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
+
| Cupola || 8 mm || 8 mm || 8 mm || 8 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
 
'''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. -->
 
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
 +
<br><nowiki>*</nowiki> <small>Variable thickness cast homogeneous armour</small><br><nowiki>**</nowiki> <small>Structural steel</small>
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
Line 77: Line 80:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Full<br>ammo
 
! Full<br>ammo
−
! 1st<br>rack empty
+
!1st<br>rack empty
 +
! 2st<br>rack empty
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''36''' || 1&nbsp;''(+35)'' || No
+
| '''53'''  
 +
|35 (+18)|| 1&nbsp;''(+52)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
−
* The ELC bis has only one ammo rack, located at the rear of the tank, just before the fuel tank. As such, there is no real survivability decrease by taking a full ammo load.
+
* The ELC bis has two ammo racks, the first located in the turret behind the gunner and driver and the second located at the rear of the tank, just before the fuel tank.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|AAT-52 (7.5 mm)}}
  
 
The machine gun can only clear light obstacles, its primary use is to clear fences or other elements that would otherwise make your HEATFS shells detonate before reaching the target. Vehicles with exposed crew aren't particularly common at the ELC's battle rating, the main vehicles the ELC encounters where the machine gun can prove useful against are the American [[M42 Duster (Family)|M42]] and [[M56]].
 
The machine gun can only clear light obstacles, its primary use is to clear fences or other elements that would otherwise make your HEATFS shells detonate before reaching the target. Vehicles with exposed crew aren't particularly common at the ELC's battle rating, the main vehicles the ELC encounters where the machine gun can prove useful against are the American [[M42 Duster (Family)|M42]] and [[M56]].
Line 97: Line 102:
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[MAC 31 (7.5 mm)|7.5 mm MAC 31]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[AAT-52 (7.5 mm)|7.5 mm AAT-52]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 4,800 (150) || 551 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 4,800 (200) || 900 || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
''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).''
+
 
 +
'''Pre-Development'''
 +
 
 +
France first became interested in developing a lightly armoured combat vehicle capable of being airlifted in November 1946. While this project fell through, another program was launched 10 years later in 1954, the Engin Léger de Combat (ELC) "light combat vehicle" project. The ELC program was spearheaded by two main competitors, Ateliers de construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux (AMX) and Brunon-Vallette (EVEN).<ref name=":0">(Pasholok 2015)</ref><ref name=":1">(Military 2000)</ref> The idea was to create a light combat vehicle mounting an anti-tank armament on a slightly less completely armored tank chassis and to create a mobile light tank destroyer. One that would be barely visible, capable of engaging and defeating all types of enemy tanks up to a distance of approximately 1000 meters, which was then increased to 1500 meters.<ref name=":2>(AMX 1958)</ref>
 +
 
 +
In March 1954, AMX engineers based their first design of the ELC, designated Chenillette 4-120SR, off of the Hotchkiss CC-2 transporter. While AMX envisioned a two-seat combat vehicle armed with four 120 mm recoilless rifles, this did not make it off paper (not to be confused with EVEN's similar designs of the ELC Even 120).<ref name=":3">(Pasholok 2016)</ref> 4 months later, in July 1954, another project was proposed, the Chenillette 6-105SR, armed with six 105 mm recoilless rifles. Again, this version did not make it off paper.<ref name=":1"/>
 +
 
 +
'''Development'''
 +
 
 +
The '''AMX ELC bis''' was first conceived on April 27th, 1954. Originally called the 'Chenillette biplace avec casemate tournante de 90' (2-seat wedge with a 90 mm gun mounted in a casemate turret), AMX designers placed both crew members in the turret, with the engine in the bow. This allowed for a very compact vehicle layout. However, this meant that the turret could only rotate if the vehicle was not in motion, as the driver would not have visibility and access to the controls. In December 1954, a redesign placed the driver in the wheelhouse, moving the turret forward and the engine and transmission to the back. The first prototype entered testing in 1955, with a 90 mm D914 cannon inserted in a two-man TC.901 turret developed by FAHM (Forges et Aciéries de la Marine et d'Homécourt, a.k.a. Saint-Chamond).<ref name=":1"/>
 +
 
 +
The D914 gun was capable of firing 90mm Empennée HEAT rounds, but was found to be inadequate, and thus an improved D915 cannon, capable of firing what were designated 'G shells' was created, prompting the development of a new turret. In total, 4 turrets were created, TC.901 through TC.904. TC.901 and TC.902 both were fit with the D914 gun and ANVRC 7 radio while the TC.903 and TC.904 were created and fit with the D915 gun and a different ANGRC 4 radio. In addition, the TC.902 and TC.904 were both equipped with rangefinders.<ref name=":2/> In 1957, after two years of testing, a new chassis was designed and the second and final prototype of the '''AMX ELC bis''' using the TC.904 turret and D915 gun was created. Differing from the first prototype, it included, smoke grenade launchers, redesigned observation devices, a rangefinder and an increase in road wheels to five. The gun mantlet, engine compartment roof and upper front plate were all changed, including the equipment mounted on them.<ref name=":0"/><ref name=":3"/> The final '''AMX ELC bis''' prototype was equipped with a 4-cylinder SOFAM Type 4 GSr engine with a power of 180 hp, resulting in a specific power of 20 hp/t and a top speed of 80 km/h. The tank was estimated to weigh a total of 8920 kg with crew and ammunition.<ref name=":4>(AMX 1961)</ref>
 +
 
 +
Development concluded in 1958,<ref name=":2"/> and while testing continued, the ELC program was eventually closed in 1961.<ref name=":4"/> The project was discontinued in favour of improving the AMX-13 light tank.<ref name=":3"/>
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 157: Line 175:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 +
* [[wt:en/news/7615-development-amx-elc-bis-the-grass-crawler-en|[Devblog] AMX ELC bis: The Grass Crawler]]
  
−
* [[wt:en/news/7615-development-amx-elc-bis-the-grass-crawler-en|[Devblog] AMX ELC bis: The Grass Crawler]]
+
=== References ===
 +
;Citations
 +
<references />
  
 +
;Bibliography
 +
* "French Christmas Tree." Warspot, 2015, https://warspot.ru/4780-frantsuzskaya-yolka
 +
* Centre des hautes études de l'Armement. ''Les Ingénieurs Militaires et l'Émergence d'une Nouvelle Industrie Française de l'Armement: 1945-1960.'' CHARME, 2000
 +
* "AMX ELC 90." Tank Archives, 2016, https://www.tankarchives.ca/2016/02/amx-elc-90.html
 +
* AMX, "AMX ELC: General history, armament, casemate turret, mobility, turret modifications", 1958, https://archive.org/details/al-9n-zevau-0-rurc-u-h-9fzex-ufm-0-sqxgx-bg-x-4-spka-n-4-vnbc-by-74-ct-4-rwwivop
 +
* AMX, "AMX ELC bis performance, mass, gabarites", 1961, https://archive.org/details/2022-09-18-214717589
 
{{TankManufacturer AMX}}
 
{{TankManufacturer AMX}}
 
{{France tank destroyers}}
 
{{France tank destroyers}}

Latest revision as of 22:11, 4 June 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
ELC bis
fr_amx_elc_bis.png
GarageImage ELC bis.jpg
ArtImage ELC bis.png
ELC bis
France flag.png France
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.0 6.0 6.0
Class:
Research:31 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:200 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The AMX Engin Léger de Combat (ELC) bis is a prototype light tank built by the Atelier de Construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux as part of the ELC project launched by the French Ministry of Defense in 1955. The purpose of the ELC project was to develop a lightly armoured, heavily armed combat vehicle that could be transported and deployed swiftly through airlift. The ELC concept was to mount strong anti-tank guns on a small but fully armoured tankette, resulting in a mobile, concealed light tank destroyer capable of hitting and destroying all types of enemy vehicles at a range of 1.5 kilometres. In the mid-1950s, two prototypes were designed on the Hotchkiss tankette hull, primarily differing in their primary armament; nevertheless, the running gear, engine, and mechanical components were essentially the same for both prototypes. However, towards the end of development in 1961, the ELC program was deemed unpromising, and work on the project was abandoned in favour of developing the AMX-13 light tank family. The AMX ELC bis is now on display as an exhibit at the Museum of Armored Vehicles in Saumur.

Introduced in Update "Wind of Change", the AMX ELC bis is a lightweight and mobile tank destroyer. The AMX ELC bis excels at ambush and flanking manoeuvres, thus the gameplay is centred on these characteristics. Heavy machine guns, which are prevalent on the battlefield, can readily penetrate weak spots on the front turret and instantly knock out the crew. Furthermore, the reload speed is average, making engaging several enemies highly undesirable. It is recommended to take your time selecting targets and patiently waiting for the ideal opportunity to strike. If an engagement turns dangerous, retreat as quickly as possible since the slow reverse speed can be fatal; however, this can be minimized by utilizing smoke grenades at the appropriate time.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull40 / 15 / 15
Turret30 / 8 / 8
Crew2 people
Visibility64 %

The ELC bis' armour is only sufficient to protect against small arms fire, and the 2-man crew means there is little chance of survival if shot at. In particular, while the front hull armour and parts of the front turret armour are sufficient to protect against .50 cals, there are weak spots on the front turret with an effective thickness as low as 13 mm, notably around the driver, making any encounter with vehicles equipped with .50 cals potentially deadly, even at up to 1500 m. The ELC can survive low shots however, as both the engine and transmission sit in the front of tank, and thus can absorb most of the damage if directly hit.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 40* mm (75°-79°) Upper glacis
40* mm (12°-61°) Lower glacis		 15+4** mm Top
15 mm Bottom 		15 mm (21°) Upper rear
15 mm (46°) Lower Rear 		8 mm
Turret 30 mm (50°) Turret front
8 mm (10°) Left turret cheek
8mm (28°) Right turret cheek
15 mm (25°) + 8mm (26°) Gun mantlet 		8 mm (12°) 8 mm (1°) Turret rear
8 mm (62°-74°) Upper turret rear		 8 mm
Cupola 8 mm 8 mm 8 mm 8 mm

Notes:
* Variable thickness cast homogeneous armour
** Structural steel

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB87 / 38 km/h
RB and SB81 / 35 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
4 back
Weight8.9 t
Engine power
AB343 hp
RB and SB180 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB38.5 hp/t
RB and SB20.2 hp/t

The ELC bis has a formidable top speed of 87 km/h (AB) and 80 km/h (RB/SB). However, it suffers from poor acceleration and speed retention through turns, which is particularly noticeable in RB/SB, where the ELC will in practice only reach 60 km/h at most even when fully upgraded. Thus, its mobility on the battlefield is comparable to the American M50 and M56, which both stand at the same BR. The reverse speed is only of -10 km/h, too slow to escape dangerous encounters, which is something players must keep in mind when engaging enemies. In contrast, the ELC bis has a particularly good power-to-weight ratio, even when compared to other light vehicles at the same BR.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 87 38 8.9 256 343 28.76 38.54
Realistic 81 35 159 180 17.87 20.22

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 297 → 4 279 Sl icon.png
RB3 832 → 4 973 Sl icon.png
SB5 020 → 6 515 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications52 800 Rp icon.png
91 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 700 Ge icon.png
Crew training57 000 Sl icon.png
Experts200 000 Sl icon.png
Aces800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces520 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
120 / 190 / 250 % Sl icon.png
172 / 172 / 172 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 000 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
150 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
150 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 800 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 800 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 000 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
150 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement fr.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 800 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 000 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
150 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_CN90_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

90 mm D915 cannon
Ammunition53 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
8.7 → 6.7 s
Vertical guidance-8° / 13°
Horizontal guidance-20° / 20°
Main article: D915 (90 mm)

The 90 mm D915 cannon is unsuited for long range due to the poor ballistics of the HEATFS, and fails to make up for it in close quarters due to the average reload time. In addition, stabilizing the gun after stopping takes a few seconds, making snapshots impossible.

90 mm D915 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 36 -8°/+13° ±20° N/A 26.4 36.5 44.4 49.1 52.2 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 60-62 HEATFS 350 350 350 350 350 350
OE 90 F1 HE 13 13 13 13 13 13
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%
OCC 60-62 HEATFS 800 3.65 0.05 0.1 877.7 65° 72° 77°
OE 90 F1 HE 640 5.27 0.2 0.1 945 79° 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)
OFUM PH90-F2 640 5.4 9 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the ELC bis
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2st
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
53 35 (+18) 1 (+52) No

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • The ELC bis has two ammo racks, the first located in the turret behind the gunner and driver and the second located at the rear of the tank, just before the fuel tank.

Machine guns

7.5 mm AAT-52 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition4 800 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
6.5 → 5.0 s
Fire rate900 shots/min
Main article: AAT-52 (7.5 mm)

The machine gun can only clear light obstacles, its primary use is to clear fences or other elements that would otherwise make your HEATFS shells detonate before reaching the target. Vehicles with exposed crew aren't particularly common at the ELC's battle rating, the main vehicles the ELC encounters where the machine gun can prove useful against are the American M42 and M56.

7.5 mm AAT-52
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,800 (200) 900 - -

Usage in battles

Despite looking like one, it is important to remember that the ELC bis is not a light tank. It is strictly a tank destroyer, a fact highlighted by the absence of the scouting ability. The ELC bis is mobile but is generally slower than other light vehicles of the same BR, thus it is not really able to capture points early-on. The ELC excels in camouflage and in taking spots normally unattainable, and the gameplay generally revolves around this. The ELC bis is best unseen: .50 cal MGs, which are common at the BR, can penetrate weak spots on the front turret and immediately knock out the crew. In addition, the reload speed being simply average makes engaging multiple enemies not desirable. But in RB and SB, that is where the ELC's top-notch camouflaging ability comes into play, as the ELC bis can take the time to choose its targets carefully and patiently wait for the right time to strike. The slow reverse speed can be deadly if an engagement turns out dangerous, but this can be alleviated with a promptly-timed usage of the smoke grenades.

HEATFS being the ELC's only available shell, large tanks can be hard to deal with, but in particular, extra care is required against the Centurion Mk.5 AVRE, as its ERA armour is extremely efficient against HEATFS rounds.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Incredibly small profile, can hide in places that are simply impossible for other vehicles
  • Good mobility
  • Formidable top speed of 80 km/h
  • HEATFS rounds with 320 mm of penetration, making enemy armour not a concern

Cons:

  • Only 2 crew members, both sitting in a small turret: hits on the turret are nearly always fatal
  • Front turret weak spots make the ELC vulnerable to .50 cal MGs even from the front
  • Weak top armour: 20 mm cannons and 50 cal MGs found on aircraft rip right through and knock out the crew as well
  • Rarely reaches its top speed in RB and SB
  • Reverse speed is underwhelming for a light tank
  • Cannot fully traverse the turret 360 degrees
  • Low muzzle velocity on the HEATFS shells: not suited for engaging moving targets at long range
  • Low gun elevation
  • Tank rocks back and forth when coming to a stop, which makes aiming very hard

History

Pre-Development

France first became interested in developing a lightly armoured combat vehicle capable of being airlifted in November 1946. While this project fell through, another program was launched 10 years later in 1954, the Engin Léger de Combat (ELC) "light combat vehicle" project. The ELC program was spearheaded by two main competitors, Ateliers de construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux (AMX) and Brunon-Vallette (EVEN).[1][2] The idea was to create a light combat vehicle mounting an anti-tank armament on a slightly less completely armored tank chassis and to create a mobile light tank destroyer. One that would be barely visible, capable of engaging and defeating all types of enemy tanks up to a distance of approximately 1000 meters, which was then increased to 1500 meters.[3]

In March 1954, AMX engineers based their first design of the ELC, designated Chenillette 4-120SR, off of the Hotchkiss CC-2 transporter. While AMX envisioned a two-seat combat vehicle armed with four 120 mm recoilless rifles, this did not make it off paper (not to be confused with EVEN's similar designs of the ELC Even 120).[4] 4 months later, in July 1954, another project was proposed, the Chenillette 6-105SR, armed with six 105 mm recoilless rifles. Again, this version did not make it off paper.[2]

Development

The AMX ELC bis was first conceived on April 27th, 1954. Originally called the 'Chenillette biplace avec casemate tournante de 90' (2-seat wedge with a 90 mm gun mounted in a casemate turret), AMX designers placed both crew members in the turret, with the engine in the bow. This allowed for a very compact vehicle layout. However, this meant that the turret could only rotate if the vehicle was not in motion, as the driver would not have visibility and access to the controls. In December 1954, a redesign placed the driver in the wheelhouse, moving the turret forward and the engine and transmission to the back. The first prototype entered testing in 1955, with a 90 mm D914 cannon inserted in a two-man TC.901 turret developed by FAHM (Forges et Aciéries de la Marine et d'Homécourt, a.k.a. Saint-Chamond).[2]

The D914 gun was capable of firing 90mm Empennée HEAT rounds, but was found to be inadequate, and thus an improved D915 cannon, capable of firing what were designated 'G shells' was created, prompting the development of a new turret. In total, 4 turrets were created, TC.901 through TC.904. TC.901 and TC.902 both were fit with the D914 gun and ANVRC 7 radio while the TC.903 and TC.904 were created and fit with the D915 gun and a different ANGRC 4 radio. In addition, the TC.902 and TC.904 were both equipped with rangefinders.[3] In 1957, after two years of testing, a new chassis was designed and the second and final prototype of the AMX ELC bis using the TC.904 turret and D915 gun was created. Differing from the first prototype, it included, smoke grenade launchers, redesigned observation devices, a rangefinder and an increase in road wheels to five. The gun mantlet, engine compartment roof and upper front plate were all changed, including the equipment mounted on them.[1][4] The final AMX ELC bis prototype was equipped with a 4-cylinder SOFAM Type 4 GSr engine with a power of 180 hp, resulting in a specific power of 20 hp/t and a top speed of 80 km/h. The tank was estimated to weigh a total of 8920 kg with crew and ammunition.[5]

Development concluded in 1958,[3] and while testing continued, the ELC program was eventually closed in 1961.[5] The project was discontinued in favour of improving the AMX-13 light tank.[4]

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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;
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External links

References

Citations
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 (Pasholok 2015)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 (Military 2000)
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 (AMX 1958)
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 (Pasholok 2016)
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 (AMX 1961)
Bibliography
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 tank destroyers
Lorraine 40t derivatives  CA Lorraine · Lorraine 155 Mle.50
ATGM  MEPHISTO · AMX-10M
Other  AMR.35 ZT3 · Lorraine 37L · SAu 40 · ARL-44 · ELC bis · AMX-50 Foch · AuF1
USA  ▄M10 GMC · ▄M36B2

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