Difference between revisions of "AMX-30 ACRA"

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== History ==
 
== History ==
<!-- Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable). -->[[File:AMX30ACRA.jpg|thumb|450x450px|The sole AMX-30 ACRA prototype.]]
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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 If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: 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 AMX-30 ACRA was a prototype modification of the AMX-30 main battle tank developed in the late 1960s for the French army. Similar to the American M551 Sheridan, the prototypes were fitted with a 142 mm cannon to fire the prototype Anti-Char Rapide Autopropulsé (Self-Propelled Rapid Anti Tank Missile), or ACRA in short. The vehicle was also fitted with an enlarged turret capable of fitting larger-calibre cannons of 120 mm calibre. The prototypes were cancelled in 1972 due to rising development costs for the ACRA missile, which was later replaced by the HOT ATGM.
+
[[File:AMX30ACRA.jpg|thumb|450x450px|The sole AMX-30 ACRA prototype.]]
  
The AMX-30 was a highly successful French main battle tank (MBT) of the 1960s and 1970s with over 3000 vehicles built in total. The AMX-30 family served as the main French MBT until the introduction of the Leopard 1 MBT in the 1980s; as well, a myriad of variants were created including anti-tank and anti-aircraft versions (the AMX-30R Roland missile battery). One of the most unique anti-tank variants was the AMX-30 ACRA, centered around the ACRA ATGM.
+
The AMX-30 ACRA was a prototype modification of the AMX-30 main battle tank developed in the late 1960s for the French army. Similar to the American M551 Sheridan, the prototypes were fitted with a 142 mm cannon to fire the prototype missile "Anti-Char Rapide Autopropulsé" (Self-Propelled Rapid Anti-Tank Missile), or ACRA in short. The vehicle was also fitted with an enlarged turret capable of fitting larger-calibre cannons of 120 mm. The prototypes were cancelled in 1972 due to rising development costs for the ACRA missile, which was later replaced by the HOT ATGM.
  
The ACRA, or Anti-Char Rapide Autopropulsé (Self-Propelled Rapid Anti Tank Missile) was a prototype French anti-tank missile system designed to destroy enemy tanks. The missile was fired from a 142 mm smoothbore gun and accelerated to a speed of over 2520 km/h during flight. The weapon could be fitted with a 2 kg shaped charge warhead or a similar high-explosive warhead for use against personnel.
+
The AMX-30 was a highly successful French main battle tank (MBT) of the 1960s and 1970s with over 3,000 vehicles built in total. The AMX-30 family served as the main French MBT until the introduction of the Leopard 1 MBT in the 1980s; as well, a myriad of variants were created including anti-tank and anti-aircraft versions (such as the AMX-30R Roland missile battery). One of the most unique anti-tank variants was the AMX-30 ACRA, centered around the ACRA ATGM.
 +
 
 +
The ACRA, or Anti-Char Rapide Autopropulsé (Self-Propelled Rapid Anti-Tank Missile) was a prototype French anti-tank missile system designed to destroy enemy tanks. The missile was fired from a 142 mm smoothbore gun and accelerated to a speed of over 2520 km/h during flight. The weapon could be fitted with a 2 kg shaped charge warhead or a similar high-explosive warhead for use against personnel.
  
 
An AMX-30 was specially-modified with an enlarged turret to fire the ACRA missile, along with a 142 mm smoothbore cannon that could also fire HE ammunition. The vehicle’s enlarged turret could’ve also accommodated larger cannons such as a 120 mm cannon. Despite this, the weapon system had key limitations - primarily, the cost of the ACRA missile had skyrocketed to over 1 million francs per shot. As well, the missile could not be fired from helicopters, further limiting its effectiveness in battle. As a result, the ACRA missile system was cancelled in 1972, marking the demise of the AMX-30 ACRA. The role of the ACRA missile system would be fulfilled by the HOT, a more versatile ATGM fired from both ground vehicles and helicopters.
 
An AMX-30 was specially-modified with an enlarged turret to fire the ACRA missile, along with a 142 mm smoothbore cannon that could also fire HE ammunition. The vehicle’s enlarged turret could’ve also accommodated larger cannons such as a 120 mm cannon. Despite this, the weapon system had key limitations - primarily, the cost of the ACRA missile had skyrocketed to over 1 million francs per shot. As well, the missile could not be fired from helicopters, further limiting its effectiveness in battle. As a result, the ACRA missile system was cancelled in 1972, marking the demise of the AMX-30 ACRA. The role of the ACRA missile system would be fulfilled by the HOT, a more versatile ATGM fired from both ground vehicles and helicopters.
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;Skins
 
;Skins
 
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=france&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=medium_tank&vehicle=fr_amx_30_ACRA Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=france&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=medium_tank&vehicle=fr_amx_30_ACRA Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
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== 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;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
  
;<nowiki>Other comparable gun/Launcher tanks:</nowiki>
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;Other comparable gun/launcher tanks:
 
 
 
* [[M551]]
 
* [[M551]]
 
* [[M60A2]]
 
* [[M60A2]]
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  

Revision as of 17:52, 30 April 2021

Introducing Wiki 3.0
AMX-30 ACRA
fr_amx_30_acra.png
GarageImage AMX-30 ACRA.jpg
AMX-30 ACRA
AB RB SB
8.3 8.3 8.3
Class:
Research:135 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:380 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The AMX-30 ACRA is a rank VI French medium tank with a battle rating of 8.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.93 "Shark Attack".

In the 1960s, a proposal was made to mount a 142 mm gun system firing the ACRA (Anti-Char Rapide Autopropulsé), English: Anti-Tank Rapid Self-guided Missile. A single prototype was finished in 1967 with a unique cast turret built around the gun, but due to the unreasonably high cost of the missiles, the project was scrapped. However, in War Thunder, it is a formidable tank to play with play styles similar to the M60A2.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull76 / 30 / 30
Turret60 / 41 / 30
Crew4 people
Visibility88 %

Armour type:

  • Cast homogeneous armour (front glacis, turret, cupola)
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull sides, rear & roof)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 50 mm (76-79°) Upper glacis - Top
79 mm (68°) Upper glacis - Bottom
79 mm (45°) Lower glacis - Top
30 mm (75°) Lower glacis - Bottom
57 mm (35°) Hull over the tracks
35 mm Top - Front
57 mm (35°) Top - Hull widening
35 mm (35°) Top - Centre
35 mm Top - Rear
30 mm Bottom
25 mm (70°) Belly
30 mm (10°) Upper plate
30 mm Hull over the tracks
30 mm Lower plate
25 mm (70°) Belly
79 mm (22°) Front glacis - Front
50 mm (11-14°) Front glacis - Rear
15 mm Rear
8 mm Radiator vents
Turret 57-79 + 60 mm (19°) Gun mantlet
60 mm (19-24°) Turret front
30 mm (cylindrical) Telemeter
41.5 mm (19-47°)
30 mm Telemeter
41.5 mm Cupola well
30 mm (spherical)
20 mm (54-64°) Turret underside
30 mm (2-20°) Gun mantlet
20 mm (2-21°) Turret
Cupola 60 mm (cylindrical) 60 mm Outer ring
20 mm Centre

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick.

Mobility

Reverse gearbox
Forward and backward movement is possible at the same maximum speed
Speedforward / back
AB73 / 73 km/h
RB and SB66 / 66 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
5 back
Weight38.0 t
Engine power
AB1 374 hp
RB and SB720 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB36.2 hp/t
RB and SB18.9 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 73 73 38 1,085 1,374 28.55 36.16
Realistic 66 66 619 720 16.29 18.95

The gun is mounted on the well-proven AMX-30 chassis, providing adequate mobility slightly slower than the Leopard 1.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 477 → 6 178 Sl icon.png
RB4 952 → 6 833 Sl icon.png
SB6 792 → 9 372 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications110 200 Rp icon.png
195 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 300 Ge icon.png
Crew training110 000 Sl icon.png
Experts380 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces830 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
140 / 200 / 250 % Sl icon.png
208 / 208 / 208 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
8 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
6 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
6 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
7 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement fr.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
7 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
8 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
6 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
7 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
7 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank rangefinder.png
Rangefinder
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

Ammunition36 rounds
First-order16 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
15.6 → 12.0 s
Vertical guidance-8° / 20°

The AMX-30 ACRA mount as we saw before a 142mm laser guided gun, capable of launching ACRA missile and High Explosive round. It can carry 36 rounds, 16 in the turret and 20 in the hull, next to the driver, so you have the possibility to get a higher survivability from hull shots by removing these 20 rounds. The gun reload is 15.6 seconds with a level 1 crew and can be upgraded to 12 seconds with a max crew.

The ACRA missile is pretty fast, making the tank very useful on large maps and sits at a battle rating where nothing will be able to resist the missile. Be careful when shooting at the sides of enemy tanks, the missiles function like a HEAT round and tends to be absorbed by the tracks if hit directly. Also like a HEAT round, don't try to shoot missiles through walls, fences, big bushes, or trees.

Another good point with the gun is that you don't need to stop the tank to fire. However, the missile is guided with a laser mounted with the gun, which is not stabilized. This means your missiles will bounce up and down as you guide them if you are moving. This also means you cannot fire over obstacles like you can with wire guided missiles, as the laser needs constant line-of-sight to the back of the missile.

142 mm ACRA Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 36 -8°/+20° ±180° N/A 28.6 39.5 48.0 53.1 56.5 15.60 13.80 12.72 12.00
Realistic 17.9 21.0 25.5 28.2 30.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
MP ACRA ATGM 700 700 700 700 700 700
MUC HE 38 38 38 38 38 38
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%
MP ACRA ATGM 500 24 0.05 0.1 3,280 80° 82° 90°
MUC HE 550 20 0 0.01 4,310 79° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
36 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Machine guns

Ammunition800 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Ammunition2 100 rounds
Belt capacity100 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate900 shots/min
12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 700 (200) 577 -10°/+20° N/A

The M2HB coaxial heavy machine gun is a good anti-aircraft asset, it will shred any low-flying aircraft thanks to the extra 20 degrees of elevation. The only drawback is that the MG is coaxial, meaning the turret must rotate to track the targets. The .50 cal can also deal with armoured cars and SPAA vehicles when they're up close.

7.62 mm A-A-F1N
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 2,050 (100) 900 -10°/+45° ±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

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).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • The maximum speed of this tank's ATGM eclipses even the TOW's - if ACRA fires first and enemy tank does not use cover, then it is next to impossible to just dodge it
  • Can fire ATGM on the move
  • Mobility is equal to most medium tanks of other factions
  • Decent survivability with 4 crew members
  • Can use HE shells, if necessary

Cons:

  • Unlike M60A2, does not have heavy frontal armour nor adequate side hull armour, so most medium tanks will penetrate it in single shot and it will not scare away light tanks
  • Gun scope is not stabilized, bumps on a road if firing on the move may ruin the ATGM guidance in realistic game modes (in AB it is less of a problem and can be automatically compensated with aim assist)
  • No access to kinetic-energy AP shell
  • While ACRA ATGM is unquestionable the one of the fastest missiles available, but this also means that guiding it into targets over a hill at close to medium range is next to impossible, requiring the user to use HE or to move around the map a lot
  • No heavy secondary weapons like with the light tanks or secondary launchers like with specialized ATGM tanks
  • Reload is around twice as long as most tanks of this battle rating, so it is recommended to retreat into cover for the duration of your reload after firing

History

The sole AMX-30 ACRA prototype.

The AMX-30 ACRA was a prototype modification of the AMX-30 main battle tank developed in the late 1960s for the French army. Similar to the American M551 Sheridan, the prototypes were fitted with a 142 mm cannon to fire the prototype missile "Anti-Char Rapide Autopropulsé" (Self-Propelled Rapid Anti-Tank Missile), or ACRA in short. The vehicle was also fitted with an enlarged turret capable of fitting larger-calibre cannons of 120 mm. The prototypes were cancelled in 1972 due to rising development costs for the ACRA missile, which was later replaced by the HOT ATGM.

The AMX-30 was a highly successful French main battle tank (MBT) of the 1960s and 1970s with over 3,000 vehicles built in total. The AMX-30 family served as the main French MBT until the introduction of the Leopard 1 MBT in the 1980s; as well, a myriad of variants were created including anti-tank and anti-aircraft versions (such as the AMX-30R Roland missile battery). One of the most unique anti-tank variants was the AMX-30 ACRA, centered around the ACRA ATGM.

The ACRA, or Anti-Char Rapide Autopropulsé (Self-Propelled Rapid Anti-Tank Missile) was a prototype French anti-tank missile system designed to destroy enemy tanks. The missile was fired from a 142 mm smoothbore gun and accelerated to a speed of over 2520 km/h during flight. The weapon could be fitted with a 2 kg shaped charge warhead or a similar high-explosive warhead for use against personnel.

An AMX-30 was specially-modified with an enlarged turret to fire the ACRA missile, along with a 142 mm smoothbore cannon that could also fire HE ammunition. The vehicle’s enlarged turret could’ve also accommodated larger cannons such as a 120 mm cannon. Despite this, the weapon system had key limitations - primarily, the cost of the ACRA missile had skyrocketed to over 1 million francs per shot. As well, the missile could not be fired from helicopters, further limiting its effectiveness in battle. As a result, the ACRA missile system was cancelled in 1972, marking the demise of the AMX-30 ACRA. The role of the ACRA missile system would be fulfilled by the HOT, a more versatile ATGM fired from both ground vehicles and helicopters.

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

Other comparable gun/launcher tanks

External links


France medium tanks
M4 Derivatives  M4A1 (FL10) · M4A4 (SA50)
AMX-50  AMX M4 · AMX-50 (TOA100) · AMX-50 (TO90/930)
AMX-30  AMX-30 · AMX-30 (1972) · AMX-30B2 · AMX-30B2 BRENUS · AMX-30 ACRA · AMX-30 Super
AMX-32/40  AMX-32 · AMX-32 (105) · AMX-40
Leclerc  Leclerc · Leclerc S2 · Leclerc SXXI · Leclerc AZUR
Other  D2 · S.35 · Lorraine 40t
Germany  Panther "Dauphiné"
USA  ▄M4A1 · ▄M4A3 (105) · ▄M4A4 · ▄M26