AMX-13-90 Light Tank

The French AMX-13-90 Light Tank (aka AMX-13/90 Light Tank) is an upgraded version of the earlier AMX-13-75 Light Tank.

It retained the same hull and FL-10 oscillating turret (complete with autoloader) as the AMX-13-75, but had a new CN-90-F3 90mm main gun.

The new 90mm Main Gun featured a thermal sleeve along the barrel. This regulated the barrels temperature to avoid barrel distortion commonly incured if the tank has been sitting stationary in the sun for to long.

The new 90mm main gun gave the AMX-13 a higher level of lethality over the 75mm, increasing the vehicles service life with the French Army.

The AMX-13-90 entered service (or was delivered in) 1966. It would later be upgraded with a laser range finder for improved aiming time and increased hit probability.

AMX-13-90 Operator Upgrades

Venezuela (1988): AMX-13V

Venezuela AMX-13-90 Light Tank The AMX-13V

The AMX-13-90 of the Venezuelan Army been upgraded with a US Detroit Diesel Model 6V-53T engine developing 280 hp coupled to a Borg Warner three-speed fully automatic transmission with torque converter, a new Chausson air-water/oil cooler, hydro pneumatic units for increased cross-country mobility.

A SOPELEM 18-02 SOPTAC fire-control system incorporating an M213 day sight and a TCV-107 laser range-finder has been fitted. An Israeli Tadiran communications system is fitted.

: The French AMX-13-90 Light Tank

: The French AMX-13-90 Light Tank

: The French AMX-13-90 Light Tank

: The French AMX-13-90 Light Tank

AMX-13-90 Light Tank Operators

AMX-13-90 (Current)

Venezuela: 67; 36 AMX-13/75 and 31 AMX-13/90

AMX-13-90 (Former)

Djibouti: 60 AMX-13/90
Lebanon: 75; 42 AMX-13/75, 13 AMX-13/90, and 22 AMX-13/105

AMX-13-90 Light Tank Specifications

Firepower
Main Gun	90mm CN-90-F3 Elevation -5 to +12.5
Secondary Weapons	x1 coaxial 7.62mm MG, x1 7.62mm MG
Ammunition Storage	x32 90mm, x3,600 7.62mm
Mobility
Engine	250hp SOFAM Model 8Gxb Petrol
Transmission	Manual (4 forward/ 1 reverse gears)?
Top Road Speed	60 km/h
Road Range	350+ km
Fuel Capacity	480 Litres
Vertical Obstacle	0.65m?
Water Capability	0.6m Wading
Trench Crossing	1.6m
Gradient	60%
Side Slope	60%
Dimensions
Length Gun Forward	6.36m
Length Hull	4.88m
Width	2.51m
Height	2.3m (overall)
Ground Clearance	0.37m
Weight	15,000kg aka 15 tonne combat
Protection
NBC Protected	No
Armor Type	Steel/Slope
Active Protection Systems	No
Crew
Commander	Yes
Gunner	Yes
Loader	—
Driver	Yes
Additional Crew	—
Troops Carried	n/a