AML-90

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Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
fr_aml_90.png
GarageImage AML-90.jpg
AML-90
AB RB SB
7.0 7.7 7.7
Class:
Research:95 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:270 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage AML-90.jpg


The AML-90 is a rank V French light tank with a battle rating of 7.0 (AB) and 7.7 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.95 "Northern Wind".

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull10 / 10 / 10
Turret12 / 10 / 10
Crew3 people
Visibility84 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
  • Structural steel (mudguards, storage boxes)
  • Wheel (tires)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 10 mm (51°) Upper glacis
10 mm (17°) Upper glacis
10 mm (4°) Front half
10 mm (6°) Rear half
10 mm Upper plate
10 mm (46°) Upper glacis
10 mm (20°) Lower glacis
10 mm (40°) Front glacis
10 mm (44°) Rear glacis
Turret 12 mm (30°) Turret front
12 mm (8°) Gun mantlet
10 mm (17-21°)
10 mm Viewports
10 mm (16°) 10 mm (16°) Front part
10 mm Rear part
8 mm Gunner hatch
Cupola 8 mm (spherical)

Notes:

  • Wheels are 10 mm thick and a spare wheel covers the left side of the hull.
  • Storage boxes and mudguards are 5 mm thick.
  • The belly is 8 mm thick.
  • The gun barrel is 20 mm thick.

The AML-90 lacks protection against heavy machine gun fire and is susceptible to damage by light machine gun fire. The crew is located in a rather small compartment, making the armoured car prompt to being knocked out by a single shot from almost any direction. It is also vulnerable to hull break, meaning chemical energy ammunition will disable your vehicle regardless where they impact. A kinetic energy ammunition has also a chance to hull break you but it is more common the spalling generated, or the round itself, will knock out the crew before. It should be noted that the thin armour has a chance to not activate fused shells like APHE, APCBC, etc, although it will trigger HEAT, HEATFS, HE and ATGM.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB101 / 20 km/h
RB and SB91 / 18 km/h
Number of gears10 forward
2 back
Weight5.5 t
Engine power
AB172 hp
RB and SB90 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB31.3 hp/t
RB and SB16.4 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 101 20 5.5 139 172 25.27 31.27
Realistic 91 18 80 90 14.55 16.36

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 035 → 4 406 Sl icon.png
RB3 664 → 5 320 Sl icon.png
SB4 919 → 7 142 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications76 700 Rp icon.png
127 300 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 000 Ge icon.png
Crew training78 000 Sl icon.png
Experts270 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces670 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
120 / 160 / 200 % Sl icon.png
190 / 190 / 190 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new wheels.png
Tires
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods new car suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 500 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement fr.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 500 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 500 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
90mm_CN90_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 500 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 500 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics
Research:
6 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

Ammunition20 rounds
First-order10 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
8.7 → 6.7 s
Vertical guidance-8° / 15°
Main article: DEFA F1 (90 mm)
The AML-90 uses a powerful 90mm DEFA F1 low pressure cannon. The AML-90 comes with a stock OCC 60-62 HEATFS ammunition, capable of penetrating most tanks at its br at any distance. It should be noted that the AML-90 only carries 20 rounds at max, meaning all rounds should be aimed for a kill shot as the small capacity will make the tank ammunition deplete faster than in other tanks if precautions are not taken. Commanders should always shoot to kill in the least shots necessary, know center of mass, ammunition racks, etc to successfully engage a target.
90 mm DEFA F1 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 20 -8°/+15° ±180° N/A 23.80 32.90 41.29 45.29 47.06 8.7 7.7 7.3 6.7
Realistic 14.90 17.50 20.28 23.88 25.00

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 320 320 320 320 320 320
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 750 8.95 0.05 0.1 877.7 65° 72° 77°
OE 90 F1 HE 640 10.45 0.0 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 10.2 13 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the AML-90
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
20 16 (+4) 11 (+9) (+13) (+19) No

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Racks 3 and 4 are first stage ammo racks. They total 10 shells and get filled first when loading up the tank.
    • These racks are also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 3 - 4 - 1 - 2.
    • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammunition from rack 1 then 2 into ready rack 4 then 3. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.

Machine guns

Ammunition2 200 rounds
Belt capacity100 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate900 shots/min
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Belt capacity100 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate900 shots/min
Main article: A-A-F1N (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm A-A-F1N
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 2,150 (100) 900 N/A N/A
Pintle 800 (100) 900 -10°/+40° ±120°

The small calibre of the A-A-F1N machine guns makes them largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. They 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

AML-90 should be primarily used as a scout flanking vehicle due to its high speed, low profile, scouting capabilities and firepower (tremendous for such a small vehicle). The AML-90 has primarily 3 uses:

Scouting:

As its name says, scouting. When on large maps, the scouting ability should be used at its full potential. The low profile and high speed make it able to crawl to cover fast and without creating much suspicion, while marking targets for friendlies to engage.

Flanking:

Due to the high speed and really powerful gun, the AML-90 can be used to hit any enemy from the back. This tactic should be a "Hit n' Run", you should disable or destroy targets and leave before they can engage you. The powerful gun can even be able to take on a Maus or E-100 if used properly (320 mm of penetration at all ranges at 0°). Use smoke to cover your trail when you have been spotted.

Sniping:

Despite the optics not having a huge zoom, it is enough to be able to detect, target and engage enemy vehicles at all ranges thanks to the HEAT-FS round. Be aware of your ammo as it can only carry 20, so make all shots count. It also creates a relatively small smoke trail when firing compared to other cannons at the battle rating (105 mm, other 90 mm, 122 mm) thanks to the muzzle brake. Bushes can also be used to make this vehicle invisible due to its low profile. A big bunch of branches can cover almost 70% of the front of the AML-90, making it a moving and deadly bush. It also creates a small engine sound that will be, most of the time, masked up by other tanks, giving you a stealth capability which can be exploited in urban combat.

Modules

Tier Mobility Protection Firepower
I Tires Parts Horizontal Drive
II Suspension Brake System FPE Adjustment of Fire Airstrike
III Filters Crew Replenishment Elevation Mechanism OFUM PH90-F2 Smoke grenade
IV Transmission Engine Artillery Support Improved optics

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Its very small size makes it easy to get around and avoid shots.
  • 320 mm penetrating HEAT-FS ammo should be able to take care of any expected enemies.
  • Has access to smoke grenades and smoke shells that will allow it to move around unseen.
  • Has a roof mounted 7.62 mm that can be good to shoot planes and open-topped vehicles.
  • Armour is thin enough to not fuse some high calibre APHE shells, most notably from Soviet cannons.

Cons:

  • Prone to hullbreak.
  • Only has a crew of 3, a single shot will most likely knock the AML-90 out.
  • Only 10 to 12 mm of frontal armour, can get penetrated by .50 cal HMG fire and other small-calibre weapons.
  • Very low ammo count of 20 shells.
  • Terrible brakes, it will take you 20 metres to stop.
  • Wheeled vehicle mobility: any obstacle makes you lose a lot of speed (walls, fences, potholes, hills).
  • Taking smoke shells means having to take less HEAT-FS on the already limited ammo storage.

History

Design

In the 1950s, the French Army was still operating Daimler Ferrets that were becoming obsolete. For their replacement, French companies were solicited to produce a light armoured car. Panhard proposed the AML in 1957, along concurrent projects like the ELC AMX.

Development

The first prototypes were tested in 1959 and the vehicles entered service in 1961. The early versions were armed with a 60 mm mortar in the turret. A new turret integrating a 90 mm cannon was developed the same year they entered service. The AML was an export success with many armies around the world adopting the AML 90, in particular African or Middle-Eastern countries with limited budgets. Almost 5,000 units were produced.

Combat usage

The AML 90 saw service in the French Army and in numerous armies around the world, the most renowned foreign operators being South Africa, Spain, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The AML 90 saw combat action during many conflicts throughout the years: Six-Day War, South African Border War, Iran-Iraq war, Toyota War among the most know and remains in service until today.

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


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