Difference between revisions of "AMD.35"

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(New Description Project - France Priority: Tanks - Automitrailleuse de Découverte (AMD) Panhard modèle 1935)
 
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{{Specs-Card|code=fr_amd_35}}
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{{About
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| about = French light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other versions
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| link = AMD.35 (Family)
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}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=fr_amd_35
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
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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.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The '''Automitrailleuse de Découverte (AMD) Panhard modèle 1935''' is a light French reconnaissance 4x4 armoured car built for cavalry units prior to World War II. It was crewed by four individuals and armed with a powerful 25 mm SA35 L/72 tank gun. The AMD Panhard modèle 1935 had been kept as light as possible to fulfil its role as an effective long-range reconnaissance vehicle. The mobility was impressive for the time: a top speed of 72.6 km/h, a cruising speed of 47 km/h, and a practical range of approximately 300 km made possible by two fuel tanks, the main one positioned at the far back of the hull. Following the fall of France in 1940, a few of these vehicles were taken over by the Germans and designated Panzerspähwagen P204 (f).
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{{break}}
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]].
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Introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]], the AMD Panhard modèle 1935 is best described as an armoured car with a powerful main armament. Despite its lack of armour protection, it is mobile, lethal, and remarkably survivable. The 25 mm SA35 L/72 tank gun has a high penetration value. Most adversaries at its rank will be no match for this armament. On roads and paved surfaces, it has a significant speed advantage. However, it struggles to go uphill and has poor mobility on soft terrain. Even when travelling on a road, fast turns cause the vehicle to lose a lot of speed. It is recommended that players take advantage of the high on-road speed to swiftly get to a firing position at the start of the battle to set up an ambush for adversaries before immediately relocating.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== 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 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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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
 +
* Wheel (tires)
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
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| Hull || 20 mm (22°) ''Upper plate'' <br> 15 mm (66°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 26 mm ''Lower plate'' <br> 15 mm (38°) ''Lower glacis'' || 15 mm ''Hull side'' <br> 20 mm ''Driver viewport'' || 15 mm (23°) ''Crew compartment'' <br> 15 mm (2°) ''Rear plate'' <br> 15 mm (44°) ''Lower glacis'' || 15 mm (24°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 7 mm ''Crew compartment'' <br> 7 mm (8°) ''Engine compartment''
 +
|-
 +
|Turret || 26 mm (25°) ''Turret front'' <br> 20 mm ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 20 + 26 mm ''MG port'' || 15 mm (15-24°) || 15 mm (31°) || 7 mm (7°)
 +
|-
 +
|}
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 +
* Wheels are 10 mm thick.
 +
* Storage boxes and mudguards are 5 mm thick
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* Belly armour is 7 mm thick.
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* The cupola is just a ventilation cupola and 7 mm thick.
 +
* Internal plates (7 mm thick) separate the crew compartment from the engine compartment, as well as the engine compartment in half and cover the commander from the top and the rear.
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}}'s armour thickness is similar to other French rank I armoured cars.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forward and backwards.''
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{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
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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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 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 163|rbMinHp= 93}}
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 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{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. Advise about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.-->
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
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{{main|SA34 L/72 (25 mm)}}
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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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{{main|SA35 L/72 (25 mm)}}
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The AMD.35 possesses the same gun as the AMR.35 ZT3: the 25 mm SA35 L/72. Its high (950 m/s) velocity gives its shells a very flat trajectory, making rangefinding a relatively easy task.
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 +
The penetration capability is acceptable, but the post-penetration damage, because of the shell type (only APC), is very light. You will have to shoot multiple times in order to destroy an enemy tank.
  
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The AMD.35 has the same gun as the AMR.35 ZT3: the [[SA34 L/72 (25 mm)]]. Its high (950m/s) velocity give to its shells a very flat trajectory.  
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
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! colspan="5" | [[SA35 L/72 (25 mm)|25 mm SA35 L/72]] || 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" | 48 || rowspan="2" | -12°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 23.8 || 32.9 || 40.0 || 44.2 || 47.1 || rowspan="2" | 3.90 || rowspan="2" | 3.45 || rowspan="2" | 3.18 || rowspan="2" | 3.00
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|-
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! ''Realistic''
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| 14.9 || 17.5 || 21.3 || 23.5 || 25.0
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|-
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|}
  
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The penetrations abilities are acceptable, but the damages, because of the shell type (only APC), are very light. You will have to shoot multiple times in hope to destroy an enemy tank.
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==== Ammunition ====
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{{:SA35 L/72 (25 mm)/Ammunition|Mle1934 TP (Ch.F)}}
  
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=== Additional armament ===
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==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
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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 about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
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[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
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<!-- '''Last updated: 2.1.0.94''' -->
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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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! Visual<br>discrepancy
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|-
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| '''48''' || 1&nbsp;''(+47)'' || No
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|-
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|}
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Notes:
 +
 
 +
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 +
* Recommended ammo load is the full 48 as not only is the full stowage small in size and is an adequate number for the gun's rate of fire (provides 2.5-3 minutes of continuous fire), but reducing the ammo count brings negligible results in this case due to the way the ammo depletes.
  
 
=== 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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<!-- ''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|MAC 31 (7.5 mm)}}
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 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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|-
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! colspan="5" | [[MAC 31 (7.5 mm)|7.5 mm MAC 31]]
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|-
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
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|-
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| Coaxial || 900 (150) || 551 || -12°/+15° || ±15°
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|-
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|}
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 +
The AMD.35 is equipped with a single coaxial MAC 31 installed in a separate mantlet to the left of the main gun. It is loaded with 800 rounds organised in AP/AP/T belts, with a maximum 10 mm of penetration and a decent fire-rate and velocity. It is loaded with a pan magazine loaded with 150 rounds (100 AP and 50 T) per magazine. The machine gun is able to provide continuous fire for around 6.5 seconds before having to be reloaded, taking 6 seconds with a stock crew.
 +
 
 +
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 ==
 
== 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).'' -->
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 +
The AMD.35 is best thought of as an armoured car with a great gun. Although it has poor armour protection, like most armoured cars, it is mobile, lethal, and surprisingly survivable.
 +
 
 +
Its gun is a 25 mm cannon with high penetration values. This weapon will have no problem dealing with the vast majority of enemies at this tier. Just try to stay under 300 m of range, or else there may be significant deviation in the rounds. However be aware that the post-penetration damage is quite small so it is advisable to aim for the breech or the gunner first.
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 +
This vehicle is unlike most ground vehicles in the game in that it is wheeled. Because of this, it has a great speed advantage on roads and paved surfaces. However, it has poor mobility on soft terrain, and struggles to go uphill. Even when driving on roads, quick turns cause the vehicle to lose much speed. Finally, the AMD.35 has quite ineffective brakes when stock. It is recommended that the tanker use the AMD.35's great on-road speed to quickly attain a firing position at the beginning of a match, and move quickly around the map to avoid detection. If a good firing position is found, then the AMD.35 will be able to utilise its powerful cannon to great effect.
 +
 
 +
Most vehicles at this tier are poorly armoured, and this one is no exception. However, with 4 crew members it is actually quite survivable, and can usually take a few hits before being destroyed. Still, it is always best to avoid taking fire if possible, and in that regard, the AMD.35's high top speed will be a boon.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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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".''
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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:'''
  
−
* High top speed in a straight line on paved and hardened surfaces. (80 kph AB, 72 kph RB)
+
* High straight-line top speed on paved surfaces
−
* Vehicle geared to achieve same top speed both in drive and reverse, allowing for a quick retreat
+
* Excellent reverse gear
−
* Good frontal armour in its class
+
* Great penetration and shell velocity
−
* Good armour penetration of the main gun, capable of penetrating the frontal (unsloped) armour of most enemy tanks in its rank at 500 m distance
+
* Quick reload speed
−
* Fast reload speed of the main gun
+
* High crew count and good survivability
−
* Large crew for a vehicle of its class, increasing survivability
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Poor cross-country performance
 
* Poor cross-country performance
−
* Poor fording and obstacle-crossing capabilities
+
* Weak brakes
−
* Wheeled vehicle, unable to turn on the spot
+
* Slow turret rotation an gun elevation
−
* Lightly armoured and vulnerable flanks and rear
+
* Below-average gun depression
−
* Slow turret transverse
+
* Lightly armoured flanks and rear
−
* Limited ammo storage (48 rounds for the main gun, 800 rounds for coaxial machine gun)
 
−
* Relative low muzzle velocity, dramatic decrease of penetration power above 500 m range
 
−
* Very light APC round, doing comparatively little damage.  Multiple rounds are usually required to obtain a single tank kill
 
−
* APC round has comparatively poor penetration on vehicles with sloped armour in its rank
 
  
 
== 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).''-->
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<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
The AMD.35 or ''Automitrailleuse de Découverte'', also known as the ''Panhard 178'' was a French 4x4 specialised long-range armoured reconnaissance car built by Panhard. Designed to a 1931 specification to replace older models of armoured cars, Panhard completed a prototype in October of 1933 which was evaluated in January and February of 1934. Out of four competing models, built by Panhard, Renault, Berliet and Latil, the Panhard design was considered the best, being a highly advanced design for its time. After further trials by the French Cavalry, the Panhard 178 was accepted for production as the ''AMD Panhard Modèle 1935''. Initial use revealed some issues like engine overheating and cracking of the gun sight, resulting in a major modification program in 1937 which saw numerous modifications introduced.
  
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The AMD.35 or ''Automitrailleuse de Découverte'', also known as the ''Panhard 178'' was a French 4x4 specialised long-range armoured reconnaissance car built by Panhard. Designed to a 1931 specification to replace older models of armoured cars, Panhard completed a prototype in October of 1933 which was evaluated in January and February of 1934.  Out of four competing models, built by Panhard, Renault, Berliet and Latil, the Panhard design was considered the best, being a highly advanced design for its time. After further trials by the French Cavalry, the Panhard 178 was accepted for production as the ''AMD Panhard Modèle 1935''.  Initial use revealed some issues like engine overheating and cracking of the gun sight, resulting in a major modification program in 1937 which saw numerous modifications introduced.
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In order to obtain a vehicle capable of a long-range and relatively high speed for its class, Panhard designed the 178 to be relatively light. As a result, the vehicle was relatively lightly armoured, ranging from 7 mm armour bottom plates to 13 mm flank armour and 26 mm frontal armour. As a result, the vehicle had a road speed of 72 km/h (45 mph) and a range of about 300 km (186 miles), but due to its long wheelbase and leaf-spring suspension, its off-road top speed lay at 42 km/h (26 mph) and its wading and trench-crossing capacity lay at just 60 cm (2 ft). The vehicle also had its shortcomings: it had a cramped interior, poor cross-country performance, a slow turret rotation speed and a weak clutch.
  
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In order to obtain a vehicle capable of a long-range and relatively high speed for its class, Panhard designed the 178 to be relatively light. As a result, the vehicle was relatively lightly armoured, ranging from 7 mm armour bottom plates to 13 mm flank armour and 26 mm frontal armour. As a result, the vehicle had a road speed of 72 kph (45 mph) and a range of about 300 km (186 miles), but due to its long wheelbase and leaf-spring suspension, its off-road top speed lay at 42 kph (26 mph) and its wading and trench-crossing capacity lay at just 60 cm (2 ft).  The vehicle also had its shortcomings: it had a cramped interior, poor cross-country performance, a slow turret rotation speed and a weak clutch.
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Unusually for a French light reconnaissance vehicle, the Panhard 178 was equipped with a 2-man turret at a time when even most of their tanks had one-man turrets: the AP3X turret housed a commander and gunner, who had a 25 mm Hotchkiss Modèle 34 main gun and 7.5 mm Reibel coaxial machine gun at their disposal. The turret also housed a reserve machine gun which could be mounted on top for anti-aircraft defence, but which was rarely mounted in practice. The Hotchkiss gun had tungsten rounds at its disposal, capable of penetrating up to 50 mm of armour, however, these rounds performed poorly when confronted with angled armour. Already early on the poor armour-penetrating capabilities of the Hotchkiss Modèle 34 were recognised, and work was started on up-arming the AMD.35 with a 47 mm SA 35 gun. Early designs would have seen the gun fitted in the rear driver's post creating a tank-destroyer with two AT guns (the turreted Hotchkiss gun and a hull-mounted SA 35 gun), but this was abandoned in favour of a vehicle with a turreted SA 35 in an enlarged turret. Even so, by May of 1940, in the response of events in Poland, plans were already being drawn up to phase out production of the lightly armoured AMD.35 in favour of the more heavily armed and armoured AM40P.
  
−
Unusually for a French light reconnaissance vehicle, the Panhard 178 was equipped with a 2-man turret at a time when even most of their tanks had one-man turrets: the AP3X turret housed a commander and gunner, who had a 25 mm Hotchkiss Modèle 34 main gun and 7.5 mm Reibel coaxial machine gun at their disposal. The turret also housed a reserve machine gun which could be mounted on top for anti-aircraft defence, but which was rarely mounted in practice.  The Hotchkiss gun had tungsten rounds at its disposal, capable of penetrating up to 50 mm of armour, however, these rounds performed poorly when confronted with angled armour.  Already early on the poor armour-penetrating capabilities of the Hotchkiss Modèle 34 were recognised, and work was started on up-arming the AMD.35 with a 47 mm SA 35 gun.  Early designs would have seen the gun fitted in the rear driver's post creating a tank-destroyer with two AT guns (the turreted Hotchkiss gun and a hull-mounted SA 35 gun), but this was abandoned in favour of a vehicle with a turreted SA 35 in an enlarged turret.  Even so, by May of 1940, in the response of events in Poland, plans were already being drawn up to phase out production of the lightly armoured AMD.35 in favour of the more heavily armed and armoured AM40P.
+
Events decided differently, and following the German invasion of France in May of 1940, the AMD.35 proved its worth, outclassing its German counterparts. In a number of direct confrontation, German reconnaissance vehicles proved vulnerable to the Panhard's Hotchkiss gun, while their own 20 mm main gun proved ineffective against the Panhard. As a result, following the defeat of France, the Panhard 178 was taken into production for the German army as the ''Panzerspähwagen P204 (f)''. In German service, some of these vehicles were refitted with the 37 mm KwK36; in 1944, a batch of captured ex-Vichy Panhards were fitted with the 50 mm KwK38 L/42 or L/60 in an open turret.
  
−
Events decided differently, and following the German invasion of France in May of 1940, the AMD.35 proved its worth, outclassing its German counterparts.  In a number of direct confrontation, German reconnaissance vehicles proved vulnerable to the Panhard's Hotchkiss gun, while their own 20 mm main gun proved ineffective against the Panhard.  As a result, following the defeat of France, the Panhard 178 was taken into production for the German army as the ''Panzerspähwagen P204 (f)''.  In German service, some of these vehicles were refitted with the 37 mm KwK 36; in 1944, a batch of captured ex-Vichy Panhards were fitted with the 50 mm KwK 38 L/42 or L/60 in an open turret.
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Following the Liberation of France in 1944, production of the Panhard 178 was reinstated for the French Army, and consideration was given to up-arming the design with the 75 mm SA 45 L/32. A larger turret was designed which could fit this gun, however, before production started the decision was taken to fit the new Panhard 178B with the pre-war 47 mm SA 35 instead. The up-armed Panhard 178B was produced for the French Army, entering service after the War: it served both in France and its colonies, such as Syria, Tahiti, Madagascar and Indo-China. The Panhard 178B was phased out of French army service in 1960; examples taken over by Syria following its independence in 1946 continued service into the mid-1960, when it was finally phased out in favour of Soviet-supplied equipment.
  
−
Following the Liberation of France in 1944, production of the Panhard 178 was reinstated for the French Army, and consideration was given to up-arming the design with the 75 mm SA 45 L/32.  A larger turret was designed which could fit this gun, however, before production started the decision was taken to fit the new Panhard 178B with the pre-war 47 mm SA 35 instead.  The up-armed Panhard 178B was produced for the French Army, entering service after the War: it served both in France and its colonies, such as Syria, Tahiti, Madagascar and Indo-China. The Panhard 178B was phased out of French army service in 1960; examples taken over by Syria following its independence in 1946 continued service into the mid-1960, when it was finally phased out in favour of Soviet-supplied equipment.
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== Media ==
 +
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
  
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== Media ==
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;Skins
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''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
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 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fr_amd_35 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|WgmbLGEVWGg|'''The Shooting Range #352''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:24 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|xPq54SeNigk|'''The {{PAGENAME}} Light Tank (Well... Reconnaissance Car)''' - ''Orangefan''|gqSXbVsxFXM|'''Spade Review, {{PAGENAME}}. An upgrade from the current Reserves''' - ''Joseph 2000''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''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;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
* [[Sd.Kfz.221 (s.Pz.B.41)]]
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* [[AB 41]]
  
 
== 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;''
 +
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [[Wikipedia:Panhard_178|[Wikipedia<nowiki>]</nowiki> Panhard 178]]
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
+
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/france/Panhard-178_AMD-35.php [Tanks-Encyclopedia<nowiki>]</nowiki> Panhard 178]
−
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer Panhard}}
 
{{France light tanks}}
 
{{France light tanks}}
 +
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 11:03, 22 October 2023

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the French light tank AMD.35. For other versions, see AMD.35 (Family).
AMD.35
fr_amd_35.png
GarageImage AMD.35.jpg
ArtImage AMD.35.png
AMD.35
France flag.png France
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Class:
Research:Free
Purchase:Free
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Description

The Automitrailleuse de Découverte (AMD) Panhard modèle 1935 is a light French reconnaissance 4x4 armoured car built for cavalry units prior to World War II. It was crewed by four individuals and armed with a powerful 25 mm SA35 L/72 tank gun. The AMD Panhard modèle 1935 had been kept as light as possible to fulfil its role as an effective long-range reconnaissance vehicle. The mobility was impressive for the time: a top speed of 72.6 km/h, a cruising speed of 47 km/h, and a practical range of approximately 300 km made possible by two fuel tanks, the main one positioned at the far back of the hull. Following the fall of France in 1940, a few of these vehicles were taken over by the Germans and designated Panzerspähwagen P204 (f).

Introduced in Update 1.93 "Shark Attack", the AMD Panhard modèle 1935 is best described as an armoured car with a powerful main armament. Despite its lack of armour protection, it is mobile, lethal, and remarkably survivable. The 25 mm SA35 L/72 tank gun has a high penetration value. Most adversaries at its rank will be no match for this armament. On roads and paved surfaces, it has a significant speed advantage. However, it struggles to go uphill and has poor mobility on soft terrain. Even when travelling on a road, fast turns cause the vehicle to lose a lot of speed. It is recommended that players take advantage of the high on-road speed to swiftly get to a firing position at the start of the battle to set up an ambush for adversaries before immediately relocating.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull20 / 15 / 15
Turret26 / 15 / 15
Crew4 people
Visibility77 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
  • Wheel (tires)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 20 mm (22°) Upper plate
15 mm (66°) Upper glacis
26 mm Lower plate
15 mm (38°) Lower glacis 		15 mm Hull side
20 mm Driver viewport 		15 mm (23°) Crew compartment
15 mm (2°) Rear plate
15 mm (44°) Lower glacis 		15 mm (24°) Front glacis
7 mm Crew compartment
7 mm (8°) Engine compartment
Turret 26 mm (25°) Turret front
20 mm Gun mantlet
20 + 26 mm MG port 		15 mm (15-24°) 15 mm (31°) 7 mm (7°)
  • Wheels are 10 mm thick.
  • Storage boxes and mudguards are 5 mm thick
  • Belly armour is 7 mm thick.
  • The cupola is just a ventilation cupola and 7 mm thick.
  • Internal plates (7 mm thick) separate the crew compartment from the engine compartment, as well as the engine compartment in half and cover the commander from the top and the rear.

The AMD.35's armour thickness is similar to other French rank I armoured cars.

Mobility

Reverse gearbox
Forward and backward movement is possible at the same maximum speed
Speedforward / back
AB80 / 47 km/h
RB and SB72 / 43 km/h
Number of gears4 forward
4 back
Weight8.2 t
Engine power
AB200 hp
RB and SB105 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB24.4 hp/t
RB and SB12.8 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 80 47 8.2 163 200 19.88 24.39
Realistic 72 43 93 105 11.34 12.8

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
ABfree
RBfree
SBfree
Total cost of modifications3 620 Rp icon.png
167 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost190 Ge icon.png
Crew trainingfree
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces10 Ge icon.png
Research Aces80 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
10 / 10 / 10 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new wheels.png
Tires
Research:
440 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new car suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 Sl icon.png
35 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
720 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Mods tank reinforcement fr.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
440 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 Sl icon.png
35 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
540 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
720 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

25 mm SA35 L/72 cannon
Ammunition48 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
3.9 → 3.0 s
Vertical guidance-12° / 15°
Main article: SA35 L/72 (25 mm)

The AMD.35 possesses the same gun as the AMR.35 ZT3: the 25 mm SA35 L/72. Its high (950 m/s) velocity gives its shells a very flat trajectory, making rangefinding a relatively easy task.

The penetration capability is acceptable, but the post-penetration damage, because of the shell type (only APC), is very light. You will have to shoot multiple times in order to destroy an enemy tank.

25 mm SA35 L/72 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 48 -12°/+15° ±180° N/A 23.8 32.9 40.0 44.2 47.1 3.90 3.45 3.18 3.00
Realistic 14.9 17.5 21.3 23.5 25.0

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
Mle1934 TP (Ch.F) APC 71 68 56 44 34 27
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Mle1934 TP (Ch.F) APC 950 0.31 - - - 48° 63° 71°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the AMD.35
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
48 1 (+47) No

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Recommended ammo load is the full 48 as not only is the full stowage small in size and is an adequate number for the gun's rate of fire (provides 2.5-3 minutes of continuous fire), but reducing the ammo count brings negligible results in this case due to the way the ammo depletes.

Machine guns

7.5 mm MAC 31 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition900 rounds
Belt capacity150 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
6.5 → 5.0 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 900 (150) 551 -12°/+15° ±15°

The AMD.35 is equipped with a single coaxial MAC 31 installed in a separate mantlet to the left of the main gun. It is loaded with 800 rounds organised in AP/AP/T belts, with a maximum 10 mm of penetration and a decent fire-rate and velocity. It is loaded with a pan magazine loaded with 150 rounds (100 AP and 50 T) per magazine. The machine gun is able to provide continuous fire for around 6.5 seconds before having to be reloaded, taking 6 seconds with a stock crew.

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 AMD.35 is best thought of as an armoured car with a great gun. Although it has poor armour protection, like most armoured cars, it is mobile, lethal, and surprisingly survivable.

Its gun is a 25 mm cannon with high penetration values. This weapon will have no problem dealing with the vast majority of enemies at this tier. Just try to stay under 300 m of range, or else there may be significant deviation in the rounds. However be aware that the post-penetration damage is quite small so it is advisable to aim for the breech or the gunner first.

This vehicle is unlike most ground vehicles in the game in that it is wheeled. Because of this, it has a great speed advantage on roads and paved surfaces. However, it has poor mobility on soft terrain, and struggles to go uphill. Even when driving on roads, quick turns cause the vehicle to lose much speed. Finally, the AMD.35 has quite ineffective brakes when stock. It is recommended that the tanker use the AMD.35's great on-road speed to quickly attain a firing position at the beginning of a match, and move quickly around the map to avoid detection. If a good firing position is found, then the AMD.35 will be able to utilise its powerful cannon to great effect.

Most vehicles at this tier are poorly armoured, and this one is no exception. However, with 4 crew members it is actually quite survivable, and can usually take a few hits before being destroyed. Still, it is always best to avoid taking fire if possible, and in that regard, the AMD.35's high top speed will be a boon.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • High straight-line top speed on paved surfaces
  • Excellent reverse gear
  • Great penetration and shell velocity
  • Quick reload speed
  • High crew count and good survivability

Cons:

  • Poor cross-country performance
  • Weak brakes
  • Slow turret rotation an gun elevation
  • Below-average gun depression
  • Lightly armoured flanks and rear

History

The AMD.35 or Automitrailleuse de Découverte, also known as the Panhard 178 was a French 4x4 specialised long-range armoured reconnaissance car built by Panhard. Designed to a 1931 specification to replace older models of armoured cars, Panhard completed a prototype in October of 1933 which was evaluated in January and February of 1934. Out of four competing models, built by Panhard, Renault, Berliet and Latil, the Panhard design was considered the best, being a highly advanced design for its time. After further trials by the French Cavalry, the Panhard 178 was accepted for production as the AMD Panhard Modèle 1935. Initial use revealed some issues like engine overheating and cracking of the gun sight, resulting in a major modification program in 1937 which saw numerous modifications introduced.

In order to obtain a vehicle capable of a long-range and relatively high speed for its class, Panhard designed the 178 to be relatively light. As a result, the vehicle was relatively lightly armoured, ranging from 7 mm armour bottom plates to 13 mm flank armour and 26 mm frontal armour. As a result, the vehicle had a road speed of 72 km/h (45 mph) and a range of about 300 km (186 miles), but due to its long wheelbase and leaf-spring suspension, its off-road top speed lay at 42 km/h (26 mph) and its wading and trench-crossing capacity lay at just 60 cm (2 ft). The vehicle also had its shortcomings: it had a cramped interior, poor cross-country performance, a slow turret rotation speed and a weak clutch.

Unusually for a French light reconnaissance vehicle, the Panhard 178 was equipped with a 2-man turret at a time when even most of their tanks had one-man turrets: the AP3X turret housed a commander and gunner, who had a 25 mm Hotchkiss Modèle 34 main gun and 7.5 mm Reibel coaxial machine gun at their disposal. The turret also housed a reserve machine gun which could be mounted on top for anti-aircraft defence, but which was rarely mounted in practice. The Hotchkiss gun had tungsten rounds at its disposal, capable of penetrating up to 50 mm of armour, however, these rounds performed poorly when confronted with angled armour. Already early on the poor armour-penetrating capabilities of the Hotchkiss Modèle 34 were recognised, and work was started on up-arming the AMD.35 with a 47 mm SA 35 gun. Early designs would have seen the gun fitted in the rear driver's post creating a tank-destroyer with two AT guns (the turreted Hotchkiss gun and a hull-mounted SA 35 gun), but this was abandoned in favour of a vehicle with a turreted SA 35 in an enlarged turret. Even so, by May of 1940, in the response of events in Poland, plans were already being drawn up to phase out production of the lightly armoured AMD.35 in favour of the more heavily armed and armoured AM40P.

Events decided differently, and following the German invasion of France in May of 1940, the AMD.35 proved its worth, outclassing its German counterparts. In a number of direct confrontation, German reconnaissance vehicles proved vulnerable to the Panhard's Hotchkiss gun, while their own 20 mm main gun proved ineffective against the Panhard. As a result, following the defeat of France, the Panhard 178 was taken into production for the German army as the Panzerspähwagen P204 (f). In German service, some of these vehicles were refitted with the 37 mm KwK36; in 1944, a batch of captured ex-Vichy Panhards were fitted with the 50 mm KwK38 L/42 or L/60 in an open turret.

Following the Liberation of France in 1944, production of the Panhard 178 was reinstated for the French Army, and consideration was given to up-arming the design with the 75 mm SA 45 L/32. A larger turret was designed which could fit this gun, however, before production started the decision was taken to fit the new Panhard 178B with the pre-war 47 mm SA 35 instead. The up-armed Panhard 178B was produced for the French Army, entering service after the War: it served both in France and its colonies, such as Syria, Tahiti, Madagascar and Indo-China. The Panhard 178B was phased out of French army service in 1960; examples taken over by Syria following its independence in 1946 continued service into the mid-1960, when it was finally phased out in favour of Soviet-supplied equipment.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #352 - Pages of History section at 03:24 discusses the AMD.35.
The AMD.35 Light Tank (Well... Reconnaissance Car) - Orangefan
Spade Review, AMD.35. An upgrade from the current Reserves - Joseph 2000

See also

Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


Panhard
Armoured Cars  AML-90
AMD.35  AMD.35 · AMD.35 (SA35)
E.B.R.  E.B.R. (1951) · E.B.R. (1954) · E.B.R. (1963)
Export  AML-90

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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