Difference between revisions of "AMX-30 ACRA"

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{{Specs-Card|code=fr_amx_30_ACRA}}
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{{About
 +
| about = French medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other versions
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| link = AMX-30 (Family)
 +
}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=fr_amx_30_ACRA
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
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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]]
+
The '''AMX-30 Anti-Char Rapide Autopropulsé (ACRA)''' is a unique modification of the [[AMX-30 (1972)|AMX-30B (Model 1972)]], which is the second variant of the [[AMX-30 (Family)|AMX-30 main battle tank family]]. The ACRA research and development program was initiated in France in 1961 and was designed as a supersonic anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) that could be deployed in any of the French Army's tanks. Due to the large associated expenses, state financing for the program was terminated by the last stage of testing the laser guiding system (which was the first of its kind in the world). GIAT, on the other hand, continued work at its own expense, hoping for future government orders. Engineers chose the AMX-30B (1972) as the missile's platform. Among the main turret equipment were a new smoothbore tank gun launcher, a sight, and an electronic guidance device. By 1974, field testing of the weapon platform was successful, but it was not accepted and placed into service. The key concern is the expensive cost of missile targeting technology, as well as the difficulties of using guided missiles in the absence of a tank gun. Instead, the HOT ATGM system, which was nearing completion at the time, was given priority.
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{{Break}}
 
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. 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.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]], the AMX-30 ACRA is a special tank that can fire barrel-launched ATGMs, a characteristic not often found in Western main battle tanks. It is incredibly difficult for the enemy to avoid getting hit by the ACRA ATGMs due to their fast flight speed. However, as the ACRA ATGM requires the player to provide continual guidance during flight, the enemy may have a longer time window to return fire. Furthermore, while the fast flight speed of the ACRA ATGMs makes playing on larger maps much easier, firing at close to mid-range targets may be challenging due to the difficulties of making corrections in mid-flight. Nonetheless, it is a unique vehicle for players to experience when playing the French Army ground forces.
  
 
== 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.''
+
{{Specs-Tank-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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (front glacis, turret, cupola)
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull sides, rear & roof)
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 50 mm (76-79°) ''Upper glacis - Top'' <br> 79 mm (68°) ''Upper glacis - Bottom''  <br> 79 mm (45°) ''Lower glacis - Top'' <br> 30 mm (75°) ''Lower glacis - Bottom'' <br> 57 mm (35°) ''Hull over the tracks'' || 35 mm ''Top - Front'' <br> 57 mm (35°) ''Top - Hull widening'' <br> 35 mm (35°) ''Top - Centre'' <br> 35 mm ''Top - Rear''  <br> 30 mm ''Bottom'' <br> 25 mm (70°) ''Belly'' || 30 mm (10°) ''Upper plate'' <br> 30 mm ''Hull over the tracks'' <br> 30 mm ''Lower plate'' <br> 25 mm (70°) ''Belly'' || 79 mm (22°) ''Front glacis - Front''  <br> 50 mm (11-14°) ''Front glacis - Rear'' <br> 15 mm ''Rear'' <br> 8 mm ''Radiator vents''
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 57-79 + 60 mm (19°) ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 60 mm (19-24°) ''Turret front'' <br> 30 mm (cylindrical) ''Telemeter'' || 41.5 mm (19-47°) <br> 30 mm ''Telemeter'' <br> 41.5 mm ''Cupola well'' || 30 mm (spherical) <br> 20 mm (54-64°) ''Turret underside'' || 30 mm (2-20°) ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 20 mm (2-21°) ''Turret''
 +
|-
 +
| Cupola || colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | 60 mm (cylindrical) || 60 mm ''Outer ring'' <br> 20 mm ''Centre''
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
 +
* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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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The gun is mounted on the well-proven AMX-30 chassis, providing adequate mobility slightly slower than the Leopard 1.
 
The gun is mounted on the well-proven AMX-30 chassis, providing adequate mobility slightly slower than the Leopard 1.
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
{{main|ACRA (142 mm)}}
 
  
−
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 AMX-30 ACRA mounts a 142mm laser guided gun, capable of launching ACRA missiles and High Explosive rounds. It can carry 36 rounds, 16 in the turret and 20 in the hull, next to the driver, so you have the possibility to survive certain hull shots by carrying only 16 rounds. The gun reload is 15.6 seconds with a level 1 crew and can be upgraded to 12 seconds with a max crew.
  
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The ACRA missile is pretty fast so the tank become very usefull on large map and at this battle rating nothing will resist to your missile. Be careful when shooting on side of enemy tank, tracks will absorb a lot of the shell like when you shoot a HEAT round. Little tip, before firing, remember that the missile is like a HEAT, don't try to go trough wall, fence or big bushes / trees.
+
The ACRA missile is notably fast, making the tank very useful on large maps. Be careful when shooting at the sides of enemy tanks, as the missiles function like HEAT rounds and tend to be absorbed by tracks or side fuel tanks if hit directly. Also akin to HEAT rounds, the ATGMs will fuse on shrubbery or wall/fences, so it is advised to find an open area or use your 12.7mm MG to clear out any obstacles before firing.
  
−
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.
+
Another strength of having a barrel-launched ATGM is that you don't need to stop the tank to fire. However, as the missile is guided with a laser mounted with the gun, which is not stabilized, this in practice is rarely an advantage as you have to be still to accurately guide the missile in. This also means you cannot fire over obstacles like you can with wire guided missiles, as the laser needs a constant line-of-sight to the rear of the missile.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 36 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 28.6 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || rowspan="2" | 15.6 || rowspan="2" | __.__ || rowspan="2" | __.__ || rowspan="2" | 12.0
+
| rowspan="2" | 36 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 28.6 || 39.5 || 48.0 || 53.1 || 56.5 || rowspan="2" | 15.60 || rowspan="2" | 13.80 || rowspan="2" | 12.72 || rowspan="2" | 12.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 17.9 || 22.1 || 25.7 || 28.4 || 30.0
+
| 17.9 || 21.0 || 25.5 || 28.2 || 30.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:ACRA (142 mm)/Ammunition|MP ACRA, MUC}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| MUC || HE || 38 || 38 || 38 || 38 || 38 || 38
 
−
|-
 
−
| MP ACRA || ATGM || 700 || 700 || 700 || 700 || 700 || 700
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| MUC || HE || 550 || 20.0 || N/A || 0.01 || 4,310 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| MP ACRA || ATGM || 500 || 24 || N/A || 0.01 || 2,500 || 80° || 82° || 90°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
==== Optics and night vision ====
 
  
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
 +
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
! colspan="7" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="3" |Type of optic
 
−
! rowspan="3" |Magnification
 
−
! colspan="5" |[[Night Vision Devices]]
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" |Image Intensifier
 
−
! rowspan="2" |{{Annotation|Thermal Imager<br>Resolution|The higher the resolution the clearer and more detailed the image is}}
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Notes
 
−
|-
 
−
! {{Annotation|Resolution|The higher the resolution the clearer and more detailed the image is}}
 
−
! {{Annotation|Light Mult|By how much the image intensifier amplifies the existing light, primarily useful for comparing image intensifiers}}
 
−
! {{Annotation|Noise Level|How much noise is present in the image (how grainy the image is)}}
 
−
|-
 
−
! Gunner's Sight
 
−
| X6.8 - X8 || 800 x 600 || 8.0 || High || Not Fitted || Image intensifier unlocked by "NVD" modification (tier 4)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Commander's View
+
! Full<br>ammo
−
| X6 || 800 x 600 || 8.0 || High || Not Fitted || Image intensifier unlocked by "NVD" modification (tier 4)
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
 +
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Driver's View
+
| '''36''' || 20&nbsp;''(+16)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+35)'' || No
−
| X1 || 800 x 600 || 5.0 || High || Not Fitted || Image intensifier unlocked by "NVD" modification (tier 4)
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
−
{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|A-A-F1N (7.62 mm)}}
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 +
<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
−
''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.''
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7mm M2HB]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
| Coaxial || 800 (200) || 577 || -10°/+20° || N/A
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
−
|-
 
−
| colspan="4" | 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. The MG also has some use in knocking down fences and shrubs to clear out a path for the ACRA missile in urban environments.
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | [[AAN-F1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm AAN-F1]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[A-A-F1N (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm A-A-F1N]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount''
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
| Pintle || 2,100 (100) || 900 || -10°/+45° || ±120°
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
−
|-
 
−
| colspan="4" | 2,050 (100) || 900 || N/A || N/A
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
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).'' -->
 +
 +
The AMX-30 ACRA is a very unique vehicle. As a vehicle that relies entirely on its ATGM for engaging enemy vehicles, the ACRA is more akin to something like the German [[RakJPz 2 (HOT)]] than it is to something like the AMX-30 series it's based on due to one single factor: its lack of a stabilizer.
  
 +
While French vehicles lacking a stabilizer around the 8.X BR bracket is nothing new, the problem with the ACRA is that as the missile it fires dips significantly, flies fairly quickly and also has a lengthy reload, each and every shot fired has to count. When trying to fire on the move, chances are that your missile will hit the ground either immediately after launch as the missile dips into the ground, it hits the ground as your turret's sideways motion sends it spiraling towards the ground or it misses entirely due to both you and your target being on the move. This, unfortunately, limits the ACRA to a much more passive playstyle, much akin to the RakJPz 2 (HOT) mentioned earlier; both share a fairly lengthy reload, cannot fire on the move and lack any substantial armor to stop contemporary shells.
  
−
== Usage in battles ==
+
Not everything is doom and gloom for the ACRA, however, as in the long range fire support role the ACRA is a respectable long range sniper. With an ATGM that flies near double the speed of contemporary ATGMs around this BR, at range the missile can be an effective tool against enemies, especially moving ones. The [[AMX-10RC]] may outdo the vehicle in pure long range sniping as it has a Laser Rangefinder, Thermals and an effective APFSDS round, but against moving enemies the ability to compensate for enemy movement is fairly invaluable and the high speed of the missile limits any enemy reactionary movement to under 3-4 seconds.
−
''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).''
 
  
−
===Modules===
+
Your turret also helps in this regard, as you don't have to constantly turn the vehicle itself around to engage enemies in a different direction. The mobility of the AMX-30 hull is also still there, letting you get around the map adequately. Firing on the move or near elevated ground, however, as mentioned earlier can be a problem to keep in mind. This is due to the missile's larger-than-normal dip after firing, which requires some hefty separation between the launcher and the ground to ensure the missile hits the enemy and not a patch of dirt in front of you. Overall, if used as a long range fire support vehicle, the ACRA can deliver some impressive results, even though the vehicle itself may not be the spearhead of an armored assault.
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" |Mobility
 
−
! Protection
 
−
! colspan="3" |Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Horizontal Drive
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Suspension
 
−
| Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Filters
 
−
|
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| Elevation Mechanism
 
−
| Smoke grenade
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Transmission
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Artillery Support
 
−
| Rangefinder
 
−
| NVD
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''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
+
* Good mobility
−
* Can fire ATGM on the move
+
* Fast flight speed of the ACRA ATGM, almost twice as fast as contemporary ATGMs of its BR
−
* Mobility is equal to most medium tanks of other factions
+
* Can fire ATGMs on the move
−
* Decent survivability with 4 crew members
+
* ATGM has high penetration for the BR
−
* Can use HE shells, if necessary
+
* Turreted nature allows for more versatile usage of terrain
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''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
+
* Armor is inadequate for stopping contemporary shells
−
* 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)
+
* Gun scope is not stabilized; it is near impossible to accurately guide the missile on the move on any uneven terrain
−
* No access to kinetic-energy AP shell
+
* Tank has to keep itself exposed while guiding the ATGM, giving the enemy a longer window to return fire
−
* 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
+
* High speed of the ACRA ATGM can make corrections at mid-range difficult
−
* 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, meaning mistakes are significantly more punishing
−
* 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
+
* HEAT warhead may deal inconsistent damage
 +
* Turret creates a taller profile compared to other ATGM vehicles
  
 
== 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).''
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
[[File:AMX30ACRA.jpg|thumb|450x450px|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 Leclerc MBT in the 1990s; 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, centred 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.
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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 ==
 
== Media ==
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fr_amx_30_ACRA Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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;Videos
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{{Youtube-gallery|wJkQW4kSJjM|'''French MBTs''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:54 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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<!-- ''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;''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
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;Other comparable gun/launcher tanks:
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* [[M551]]
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* [[M60A2]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
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* [[wt:en/news/6455-development-amx-30-acra-luxury-à-la-française-en|[Devblog] AMX-30 ACRA: Luxury à la Française]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/6455-development-amx-30-acra-luxury-à-la-française-en|[Devblog] AMX-30 ACRA: Luxury à la Française]]
  
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{{TankManufacturer AMX}}
 
{{France medium tanks}}
 
{{France medium tanks}}
 
[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]
 
[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 05:09, 5 November 2024

This page is about the French medium tank AMX-30 ACRA. For other versions, see AMX-30 (Family).
AMX-30 ACRA
fr_amx_30_acra.png
GarageImage AMX-30 ACRA.jpg
AMX-30 ACRA
France flag.png France
VI Rank
Battle rating:
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 Anti-Char Rapide Autopropulsé (ACRA) is a unique modification of the AMX-30B (Model 1972), which is the second variant of the AMX-30 main battle tank family. The ACRA research and development program was initiated in France in 1961 and was designed as a supersonic anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) that could be deployed in any of the French Army's tanks. Due to the large associated expenses, state financing for the program was terminated by the last stage of testing the laser guiding system (which was the first of its kind in the world). GIAT, on the other hand, continued work at its own expense, hoping for future government orders. Engineers chose the AMX-30B (1972) as the missile's platform. Among the main turret equipment were a new smoothbore tank gun launcher, a sight, and an electronic guidance device. By 1974, field testing of the weapon platform was successful, but it was not accepted and placed into service. The key concern is the expensive cost of missile targeting technology, as well as the difficulties of using guided missiles in the absence of a tank gun. Instead, the HOT ATGM system, which was nearing completion at the time, was given priority.

Introduced in Update 1.93 "Shark Attack", the AMX-30 ACRA is a special tank that can fire barrel-launched ATGMs, a characteristic not often found in Western main battle tanks. It is incredibly difficult for the enemy to avoid getting hit by the ACRA ATGMs due to their fast flight speed. However, as the ACRA ATGM requires the player to provide continual guidance during flight, the enemy may have a longer time window to return fire. Furthermore, while the fast flight speed of the ACRA ATGMs makes playing on larger maps much easier, firing at close to mid-range targets may be challenging due to the difficulties of making corrections in mid-flight. Nonetheless, it is a unique vehicle for players to experience when playing the French Army ground forces.

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

142 mm ACRA gun-launcher
Ammunition36 rounds
First-order16 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
15.6 → 12.0 s
Vertical guidance-8° / 20°

The AMX-30 ACRA mounts a 142mm laser guided gun, capable of launching ACRA missiles and High Explosive rounds. It can carry 36 rounds, 16 in the turret and 20 in the hull, next to the driver, so you have the possibility to survive certain hull shots by carrying only 16 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 notably fast, making the tank very useful on large maps. Be careful when shooting at the sides of enemy tanks, as the missiles function like HEAT rounds and tend to be absorbed by tracks or side fuel tanks if hit directly. Also akin to HEAT rounds, the ATGMs will fuse on shrubbery or wall/fences, so it is advised to find an open area or use your 12.7mm MG to clear out any obstacles before firing.

Another strength of having a barrel-launched ATGM is that you don't need to stop the tank to fire. However, as the missile is guided with a laser mounted with the gun, which is not stabilized, this in practice is rarely an advantage as you have to be still to accurately guide the missile in. This also means you cannot fire over obstacles like you can with wire guided missiles, as the laser needs a constant line-of-sight to the rear 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 36 36 36 36 36 36
Missile details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Range
(m) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
MP ACRA ATGM 500 3,800 25 0.05 0.1 3.28 80° 82° 90°
MUC HE 700 - 23 0 0.1 3.58 79° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
36 20 (+16) 1 (+35) No

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition800 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
7.62 mm A-A-F1N machine gun
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 800 (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. The MG also has some use in knocking down fences and shrubs to clear out a path for the ACRA missile in urban environments.

7.62 mm A-A-F1N
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 2,100 (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

The AMX-30 ACRA is a very unique vehicle. As a vehicle that relies entirely on its ATGM for engaging enemy vehicles, the ACRA is more akin to something like the German RakJPz 2 (HOT) than it is to something like the AMX-30 series it's based on due to one single factor: its lack of a stabilizer.

While French vehicles lacking a stabilizer around the 8.X BR bracket is nothing new, the problem with the ACRA is that as the missile it fires dips significantly, flies fairly quickly and also has a lengthy reload, each and every shot fired has to count. When trying to fire on the move, chances are that your missile will hit the ground either immediately after launch as the missile dips into the ground, it hits the ground as your turret's sideways motion sends it spiraling towards the ground or it misses entirely due to both you and your target being on the move. This, unfortunately, limits the ACRA to a much more passive playstyle, much akin to the RakJPz 2 (HOT) mentioned earlier; both share a fairly lengthy reload, cannot fire on the move and lack any substantial armor to stop contemporary shells.

Not everything is doom and gloom for the ACRA, however, as in the long range fire support role the ACRA is a respectable long range sniper. With an ATGM that flies near double the speed of contemporary ATGMs around this BR, at range the missile can be an effective tool against enemies, especially moving ones. The AMX-10RC may outdo the vehicle in pure long range sniping as it has a Laser Rangefinder, Thermals and an effective APFSDS round, but against moving enemies the ability to compensate for enemy movement is fairly invaluable and the high speed of the missile limits any enemy reactionary movement to under 3-4 seconds.

Your turret also helps in this regard, as you don't have to constantly turn the vehicle itself around to engage enemies in a different direction. The mobility of the AMX-30 hull is also still there, letting you get around the map adequately. Firing on the move or near elevated ground, however, as mentioned earlier can be a problem to keep in mind. This is due to the missile's larger-than-normal dip after firing, which requires some hefty separation between the launcher and the ground to ensure the missile hits the enemy and not a patch of dirt in front of you. Overall, if used as a long range fire support vehicle, the ACRA can deliver some impressive results, even though the vehicle itself may not be the spearhead of an armored assault.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good mobility
  • Fast flight speed of the ACRA ATGM, almost twice as fast as contemporary ATGMs of its BR
  • Can fire ATGMs on the move
  • ATGM has high penetration for the BR
  • Turreted nature allows for more versatile usage of terrain

Cons:

  • Armor is inadequate for stopping contemporary shells
  • Gun scope is not stabilized; it is near impossible to accurately guide the missile on the move on any uneven terrain
  • Tank has to keep itself exposed while guiding the ATGM, giving the enemy a longer window to return fire
  • High speed of the ACRA ATGM can make corrections at mid-range difficult
  • Reload is around twice as long as most tanks of this battle rating, meaning mistakes are significantly more punishing
  • HEAT warhead may deal inconsistent damage
  • Turret creates a taller profile compared to other ATGM vehicles

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 Leclerc MBT in the 1990s; 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, centred 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
French MBTs discusses the AMX-30 ACRA at 3:54 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Other comparable gun/launcher tanks

External links


Ateliers de construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux (AMX)
Light tanks 
AMX-13  AMX-13-M24 · AMX-13 (FL11) · AMX-13 · AMX-13 (SS.11) · AMX-13-90 · AMX-13 (HOT)
Armoured cars  AMX-10RC
Medium tanks  AMX M4 · AMX-50 (TOA100)
MBTs 
AMX-30  AMX-30 · AMX-30 ACRA · AMX-30 (1972) · AMX-30B2 · AMX-30B2 BRENUS · AMX-30 Super
AMX-32/40  AMX-32 (105) · AMX-32 · AMX-40
Heavy tanks  AMX-50 Surbaissé · AMX-50 Surblindé
Tank destroyers  ELC bis · AMX-50 Foch
SPAAGs  AMX-13 DCA 40 · AMX-30 S DCA
Export  AMX-13

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

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