War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

AMX-40

2024-05-24T14:03:55Z

U137548811: /* Usage in battles */ minor spelling changes

{{Specs-Card
|code=fr_amx_40
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''AMX-40''' is a special export prototype that was designed by GIAT in the late Cold War as an export tank to replace its predecessors, the [[AMX-32 (105)|AMX-32 P1]] and [[AMX-32|AMX-32 P2]]. GIAT opted to produce another prototype, the AMX-40 main combat tank, after the previous AMX-32s failed to attract any buyers. The AMX-40's development began in 1980 as a completely new design. It was designed to be a low-cost tank aimed at militaries with limited defence resources, with a weakly armoured hull and good mobility typical of past French main battle tanks, as well as a powerful 120 mm GIAT CN120-25 G1 tank gun. The first prototype was completed in 1983 and displayed at the Eurosatory that year. Two more prototypes were built in 1984, and the fourth and final one was built in 1985. However, towards the end of the Cold War, a large number of surplus main battle tanks became available on the market, and the project was declared a failure and cancelled in 1990 due to lack of interest.

Introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]], the AMX-40 lineage can be traced back to the original [[AMX-30]]. Despite being a new design, it inherits many concepts and ideologies from the AMX-32 P1 and AMX-32 P2, which are part of the huge AMX-30 main battle tank family. The AMX-40 offers enhanced survivability on battlefields of greater lethality due to its improved frontal protection compromising composite armour. Overall, it feels like a substantially enhanced AMX-32 P2. Players can be a little more aggressive with this tank since its protection has been improved. However, this does not ensure immunity because most of the opponents at this rank can still penetrate its overall armour.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}


The frontal armour of the AMX-40 consists mainly of a composite armour section at the front of the hull with a 35 mm thick (Rolled Homogeneous Armour) upper glacis plate and spaced turret armour. Despite the presence of both spaced and composite armour throughout the front of the vehicle, the vehicle struggles to resist the ammunition fired at it from its BR contemporaries save for the occasional bounce from the steep armour angles present on the upper glacis plate and the roof of the turret. The AMX-40 contains 4 crew members where half are seated on the left half of the vehicle and the other two are situated on the right half. This provides a moderate level of survivability since shots that connect too far left or right of the centre of the tank will likely only knock out two of the four crew, potentially granting the driver another opportunity. The vehicle's cannon breech is also quite large which grants it more survivability in its ability to absorb shrapnel. In addition to this, the AMX-40 features a blow-out panel for the rear turret ammunition, which is capable of storing up to 19 rounds. This grants the tank increased survivability, as side shots that explode the blow-out ammunition generally do not destroy the vehicle upon detonation.

Overall the armour of the AMX-40 is for the most part, sufficient at protecting it from autocannon and SPAAG fire. Besides that, drivers of the AMX-40 will quickly find that its armour is inadequate at protecting it from its contemporaries and it is suggested that drivers instead make use of the above average mobility of the vehicle to ensure a degree of survivability.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret, cupola) - abbreviated as RHA
* High hardness rolled armour (front glacis - composite armour)
* NERA (front glacis - composite armour)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 35 mm (80°) ''Upper glacis'' 50 mm (80°) ''Driver hatch'' 50+102 mm (8°) + 20 mm (5°) ''Lower glacis - Top'' 50 mm (46°) + 20 mm (45°) ''Lower glacis - Bottom''|| 30 mm ''Top'' 30 + 25 mm ''Bottom - Front'' 30 + 6 mm ''Bottom - Rear'' 15 mm (64-66°) ''Belly'' || 15 mm ''Radiator vents'' 30 mm ''Lower plate'' 15 mm (53-58°) ''Lower glacis'' || 35 mm (10°) ''Front glacis'' 15 mm ''Rear'' 5 mm ''Radiator vents''
|-
| Turret || 35+38 mm (cylindrical) ''Turret front'' 15 mm + 38 mm (cylindrical) ''Optics port - gunner side'' 50+35+35 mm ''Gun mantlet'' 50+25 mm ''Gun mantlet - MG port'' 50 mm (cylindrical) ''Turret ring'' || 15-35 mm (12-22°) ''Gun mantlet - Gunner side'' 25+35 mm (4°) ''Gun mantlet - Right side'' 38+84 mm (3-23°) ''Turret - Front'' 16+29 mm (18-23°) ''Turret - Centre & rear'' 50 mm (cylindrical) ''Turret ring'' || 16 mm || 35 mm (20°) ''Gun mantlet'' 38 mm (8°) ''Front'' 20 mm ''Centre'' 15 mm (8°) ''Rear''
|-
| Cupola || colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | 35 mm (cylindrical) || 35 mm ''Outer ring'' 20 mm ''Centre''
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels, tracks and torsion bars are 20 mm thick.
* Belly armour is 15 mm thick.
* A first internal wall of 8 mm RHA separates the crew compartment from the engine compartment.
* A second internal wall of 35 mm RHA separates the turret from the bustle ammo rack.
* Composite armour is located on the front lower glacis:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Composite armour !! Front (Slope angle)
|-
| Hull || '''Lower glacis:''' 50 mm (8°) ''High hardness rolled armour'' 300 mm ''NERA'' 102 mm (8°) ''RHA''
|-
|}

* Spaced armour is located on the turret front and sides:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Spaced armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides
|-
| Turret || '''Gun mantlet:''' 35 mm ''RHA'' 140 mm ''Air'' 35 mm ''RHA'' '''Turret front:''' ' 38 mm (cylindrical) ''RHA'' 140 mm ''Air'' 84 mm (22°) ''RHA'' || '''Gun mantlet - Right side:''' 25 mm (4°) ''RHA'' 50 mm ''Air'' 35 mm (4°) ''RHA'' '''Turret front:''' 38 mm (23°) ''RHA'' 140 mm ''Air'' 84 mm (23°) ''RHA'' '''Turret centre & rear:''' 16 mm (18-23°) ''RHA'' 140 mm ''Air'' 29 mm (18-23°) ''RHA''
|-
|}

* The values in the table above are not to be added to the armour values present in the first table as they only describe the layout of spaced armour.
* The spaced armour does not cover the MG port.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,015|rbMinHp=1,150}}

This tank has very good speed, both forward and reverse with all options.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|GIAT CN120-25 G1 (120 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[GIAT CN120-25 G1 (120 mm)|120 mm GIAT CN120-25 G1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 40 || rowspan="2" | -7°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 23.8 || 32.9 || 40.0 || 44.2 || 47.1 || rowspan="2" | 8.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.70 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 6.70
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 14.9 || 17.5 || 21.3 || 23.5 || 25.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:GIAT CN120-25 G1 (120 mm)/Ammunition|OCC 120 G1, OFL 120 G1}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x200px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''40''' || 40 ''(+0)'' || 20 ''(+20)'' || 16 ''(+24)'' || 11 ''(+29)'' || 6 ''(+34)'' || 1 ''(+39)'' || No
|-
|}
Notes:

* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
* Racks 3 to 6 are first stage ammo racks. They total 19 shells and get filled first when loading up the tank.



=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|20F2 (20 mm)|A-A-F1N (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[20F2 (20 mm)|20 mm 20F2]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 1,000 (500) || 740 || 0°/+20° || N/A
|-
|}
The 20 mm 20F2 coaxial autocannon is not just an anti-aircraft gun: with 57 mm penetration at flat angle, it will shred anything from armoured cars and SPAA to lightly armoured medium tanks' sides. In case a vehicle cannot be penetrated, use the autocannon to disable them before using your 120 mm cannon: target the gun barrel or the tracks. The 20 mm can also deal with low-flying aircraft with the extra 20 degrees of elevation. The only drawback is that the autocannon is coaxial, meaning the turret must rotate to track the targets.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[A-A-F1N (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm A-A-F1N]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 2,200 (100) || 900 || -10°/+40° || ±120°
|-
|}
The small calibre of the A-A-F1N 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 ==


AMX-40 should be used as a better AMX-30. It should be used almost the same way since the lack of armour but high speed makes it almost the same.

'''Urban combat:'''

'''Flanking''' - The AMX-40 is one of the most mobile MBTs at its battle rating and has nice agility when traversing. Speed should be the main feature of combat, "Hit n' Run" should be used, engage to disable or destroy and escape as fast as you can, use smoke if needed.

'''Front line''' - Although not recommended due to the low armour, it can withstand some ATGMs and HEATFS as well as autocannons from IFV and SPAA. Stabilizer makes a huge upgrade to the tank as it can poke and shoot from corners without stopping at all, making engagements much quicker than with AMX-30s. Composite armour will sometimes stop powerful rounds, do not expect to stop a round with this as it is not meant to stop high calibre APFSDS or even HEATFS. It will stop low calibre APFSDS (25 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm) at relative close ranges and anti tank grenades and rockets (PG-9).

'''Support''' - Despite being an MBT, it can also be somewhat used as an IFV due to the 20 mm autocannon which can penetrate the sides of MBTs and/or destroy modules such as tracks, barrels or set engines on fire, sometimes firing the main gun is not even needed. Be aware that Soviet and Russian MBTs will stop penetration of your 20 mm HVAP-T due to the side armour. When engaging them, focus on firing at tracks and barrels, use your main gun to destroy them.

The OFL 120 G1 has penetration of a 105 mm APFSDS, it is only able to penetrate the frontal plate of the [[T-72A]]. Tanks like [[T-72B]], [[T-72B3]], [[T-80B]] and [[T-80U]] will completely stop your round. Aim for the tank's sides.

'''Rural combat:'''

'''Sniping''' - The AMX-40 has pretty decent optics and thermal sight, with addition of OFL 120 G1 APFSDS, which make the AMX-40 suitable for sniping. Use your speed to your advantage and move once you destroy a target or two to keep you safe from potential revenge attacks with CAS, use smoke grenades to cover your escape or when you have been hit.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Decent frontal armour
* Composite armour allows for a more balanced survivability
* Good mobility: about the same as on the AMX-30, with great forward and reverse acceleration and speed
* The GIAT 120 mm gun is a big improvement over the AMX-30's 105 mm gun
* Sports a 20 mm coaxial cannon for use against lightly armoured targets

'''Cons:'''

* Overall armour can still be penetrated by the majority of the guns at its rank
* Turret turn speed is slower than most of the top rank VI tanks, close combat can turn deadly quickly for the AMX-40

== History ==


Development of the AMX-40 began as a private venture of the French GIAT company in the early 1980s, with the aim to create a new export vehicle, in anticipation of increased demand for military equipment from middle eastern countries. GIAT engineers decided to base the new vehicle off the AMX-32, which itself was an improved export version of the successful AMX-30 main battle tank. However, compared to his predecessors, the AMX-40 was to feature vastly improved firepower, mobility and protection. As a true first in the French postwar tank development history, the AMX-40 would receive a two-plane stabilizer for its 120 mm smoothbore cannon. Although the tank's turret and cannon were mostly adopted from the AMX-32, increases in weight from new components led to the fact that the hull of the vehicle had to be redesigned from scratch.

The work on the first prototype was nearing completion in 1983 and the vehicle was first shown off at the Eurosatory exhibition in the same year. Following testing in 1984, two further prototypes were constructed, featuring a number of improvements over the first one. By now, the French Ministry of Defense had started to back the promising project and GIAT soon afterwards transferred all three prototypes for comprehensive troop assessments. A final, fourth prototype was constructed in 1985. Each prototype was unique, featuring a number of external and internal differences with the main one usually concerning powerplant options.

In the late 1980s, the vehicle's development stagnated as active development was largely replaced with an active marketing campaign, in an effort to find a potential buyer for the new vehicle. Despite France's best efforts to market the vehicle, even going as far as showing off some of the prototypes in a competition in summer of 1986 in Saudi Arabia, a buyer couldn't be found. Spain was the only country showing some interest in potentially buying the AMX-40, but in the end, nothing came out of it either. By failing to find a buyer, domestic interest in the AMX-40 also faded and eventually resulted in the project being closed in 1990. Ultimately, the four constructed prototypes of the AMX-40 can only be considered as transitional designs, bridging the gap between the old second generation French MBTs, like the AMX-30 and the upcoming modern designs, such as the Leclerc.

''- From [[wt:en/news/5563-development-amx-40-fire-and-forget-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fr_amx_40 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|wJkQW4kSJjM|'''French MBTs''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 5:02 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|0aEL9-nkAg4|'''AMX-40 - The Original Baguette''' - ''JustinPlaysYT''|6ZPe4_MfB_I|'''AMX-40 - The Min/Max high tier tank''' - ''Napalmratte''}}

== See also ==


;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[Leopard 2K]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/5563-development-amx-40-fire-and-forget-en|[Devblog] AMX-40: Fire and Forget]]
* [[wikipedia:AMX-40|[Wikipedia] AMX-40]]

{{TankManufacturer AMX}}
{{France medium tanks}}

SANTAL

2024-05-10T09:28:54Z

U137548811: modernization added

{{Specs-Card
|code=fr_vab_santal
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

Developed in the late 1980s, the '''SANTAL''' was adapted from the VAB APC platform to fulfill the Self-Propelled Anti-Air (SPAA) role. This evolution was marked by the integration of the Mistral surface-to-air missile system in 1987, providing the vehicle with robust air defense capabilities. The Mistral SPAA variant of the SANTAL became a vital component of France's air defense strategy, offering rapid deployment and engagement of aerial threats. Its introduction addressed the need for enhanced protection of ground troops against airborne threats, such as helicopters and low-flying aircraft. The integration of Mistral missiles greatly increased the operational flexibility of the SANTAL, enabling it to effectively contribute to both ground-based and mobile air defense operations. Through its historical development and adaptations, the SANTAL-Mistral remains a testament to the evolution of modern military vehicles, showcasing the fusion of armoured transport with sophisticated air defense systems.

It was introduced in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]]. The VAB APC platform's adaptability shines through its modular design, allowing for quick reconfiguration based on requirements, producing vehicles such as the SANTAL and [[MEPHISTO]]. The SANTAL further augments its combat prowess by integrating the Mistral surface-to-air missile system, granting the SANTAL the ability to engage aerial targets with precision and speed. This dual-role capability – as both an agile armoured personnel carrier and an air defense platform – makes the SANTAL a versatile asset on the battlefield, capable of swiftly transitioning between providing ground support and countering airborne threats. Whether operating independently or as part of a larger force, the SANTAL's combat capabilities have solidified its reputation as a reliable and multifaceted asset, poised to meet the challenges of modern warfare. It has been modernized multiple times during its operational history, extending its lifespan.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}

The SANTAL's mobility stands as its primary method of survival on the battlefield. While its armour provides minimal protection, the ability to swiftly navigate the terrain is what truly sets the vehicle apart. Designed with agility in mind, the SANTAL can quickly manoeuvre through diverse landscapes, allowing it to evade threats and find advantageous positions. Its advanced suspension system and powerful engine grant it the speed and manoeuvrability required to outmanoeuvre adversaries, making it a challenging target to engage effectively. The SANTAL's mobility not only aids in rapid deployment and repositioning but also facilitates its role in reconnaissance, support, and air defense. By capitalizing on its exceptional mobility, the SANTAL maximizes its survivability by minimizing exposure to hostile fire and swiftly reacting to evolving combat dynamics. This emphasis on mobility as a cornerstone of survival underscores the vehicle's adaptability and effectiveness in multiple warfare scenarios.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull )
* Structural steel

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull ||Front glacis

* 8 mm (74°) Rolled homogeneous armour

* 4 mm (74°) Structural steel

Lower glacis

* 8 mm (45°) Rolled homogeneous armour
| 8 mm ''(28°)Top'' 8 mm (12°) ''Bottom'' || 8 mm (7°) || 8 mm
|-
| Turret || 8 mm ''Turret front'' || 8 mm || 8 mm || 8 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Wheels are 10 mm thick.
* 5 mm thick rolled homogeneous armour is surrounding the engine.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=312|rbMinHp=195}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|Mistral SATCP}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Mistral SATCP]] missile || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 12 (6) || rowspan="2" | -10°/+60° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 44.0 || 60.9 || 74.0 || 81.8 || 87.1 || rowspan="2" | 19.50 || rowspan="2" | 17.25 || rowspan="2" | 15.90 || rowspan="2" | 15.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 29.8 || 35.0 || 42.5 || 47.0 || 50.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:Mistral SATCP/Ammunition|Mistral SATCP}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''2''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The SANTAL platform has revolutionized French top tier SPAA in the battlefield, showcasing its dynamic capabilities in safeguarding friendly units from airborne threats. The integration of the Mistral surface-to-air missile system, a highly effective infrared-guided (IR) missile with fire-and-forget capabilities, combined with the vehicle's inherent mobility, has enabled the SANTAL to provide an agile and responsive air defense solution. Notably, Mistral missiles are designed to autonomously track and engage targets using their infrared guidance, without requiring continuous operator input. It's important to mention that Mistral missiles do not trigger defense systems automatically; they are primarily detected and countered by Missile Approach Warning (MAW) systems typically mounted on top-tier helicopters but remain unseen by other aircraft unless visual contact is made. This highlights the critical role of the SANTAL's skilled crew in target acquisition and engagement.

By utilizing its rapid mobility, the SANTAL can swiftly position itself to create protective umbrellas over friendly forces, dissuading or neutralizing incoming aircraft threats. The Mistral missiles, known for their accuracy and effectiveness, ensure precise target engagement. This dual emphasis on mobility and autonomous air defense capability not only shields friendly units but also disrupts enemy air superiority, influencing the outcome of engagements. As an SPAA platform, the SANTAL exemplifies the synergy between advanced missile technology, the expertise of its operators, and strategic mobility, solidifying its vital role in enhancing overall operational success while maintaining air superiority over the battlefield.

=== Pros and cons ===

''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:'''

*

'''Cons:'''

*

== 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).''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fr_vab_santal Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== 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;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==

''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{France anti-aircraft vehicles}}
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

ELC bis

2023-06-25T13:09:32Z

U137548811: History

{{Specs-Card
|code=fr_amx_elc_bis
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}

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:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}

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.

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=256|rbMinHp=159}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|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.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[D915 (90 mm)|90 mm D915]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 36 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+13° || rowspan="2" | ±20° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 26.4 || 36.5 || 44.4 || 49.1 || 52.2 || rowspan="2" | 8.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.70 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 6.70
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 17.9 || 21.0 || 25.5 || 28.2 || 30.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:D915 (90 mm)/Ammunition|OCC 60-62, OE 90 F1, OFUM PH90-F2}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''36''' || 1 ''(+35)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Notes''':

* 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.

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}

{{main|MAC 31 (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]].

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[MAC 31 (7.5 mm)|7.5 mm MAC 31]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 4,800 (150) || 551 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== 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 ==

The '''ELC project''' was a prototype light tank project launched by the French Ministry of Defense in 1955. The purpose of the ELC (''Engin Léger de Combat'', Light combat vehicle) project was to develop a lightly armoured, heavily armed fighting vehicle capable of being airlifted for rapid deployment.

The idea behind the creation of the Engin Léger de Combat (French for «light combat vehicle») was to install powerful anti-tank weapons on a light but fully armored tankette and thus create a light tank destroyer that was mobile, inconspicuous, capable of hitting and destroying all types of enemy tanks at a distance of about 1 500 meters. Two prototypes built on the Hotchkiss tankette hull in the mid-1950s differed in their main armament; running gear, engine and mechanical components were basically the same for both machines.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fr_amx_elc_bis Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== 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;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7615-development-amx-elc-bis-the-grass-crawler-en|[Devblog] AMX ELC bis: The Grass Crawler]]

{{TankManufacturer AMX}}
{{France tank destroyers}}