Difference between revisions of "AMX-13 (FL11)"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Visual (beta)Wikitext
(→‎External links: Added link to Wikipedia & Tank Encyclopedia articles)
m (→‎General info)
 
(23 intermediate revisions by 8 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{Specs-Card|code=fr_amx_13_fl_11}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
−
|about=French light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
|about= French light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
|usage=other variants
+
|usage= other variants
−
|link=AMX-13 (Family)
+
|link= AMX-13 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=fr_amx_13_fl_11
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''AMX-13/75 FL-11''' is the first subvariant of the [[AMX-13|AMX-13/75 FL-10]], which is the first variant of the [[AMX-13 (Family)|AMX-13 light tank family]]. France had been fighting in the First Indochina War for six years by February 1952. Jean Letourneau, French Minister of State for Relations with Associated States, requested that the most advanced light tank, the AMX-13/75 FL-10, be delivered to cavalry units fighting the Viet Minh. However, the massive FL-10 turret and its long, high-velocity 75 mm SA 50 L/57 tank gun were simply unsuitable for Vietnam. To meet such demands, it was decided that the AMX-13/75 FL-10 would need to be modified to be suited for confined environments within the jungle while also being light enough that it could be transported by air. This was accomplished by equipping the AMX-13/75 FL-10 hull with the new FL-11 turret, primarily designed for the [[E.B.R. (1951)|Panhard Engin Blindé de Reconnaissance (E.B.R.) Modèle 1951]]; it was smaller and lighter, and had a shorter gun that was more suited to the dense jungle environment, being able to more effectively use its high-explosive shell to provide infantry support. The new tank was designated AMX-13/75 FL-11. While it was a successful modification that saved 1.5 tonnes of weight, the vehicle still had to be completely disassembled to be air-transported, and the eventual end of the war meant that the tank would never enter mass-production. The initial batch of 5 units was ultimately sold to Morocco.
−
{{Break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]]. It is the first of many iterations of the famous AMX-13. Although this version lacks the punch of its successors, it certainly offers a good foresight of what this light chassis can do.
 
  
−
The AMX-13 (FL11) is the first tank with the distinctive oscillating French turret design, combining it with a low, sleek-profiled chassis - almost identical to 6.0 AMX-13, save for a few small details (e.g. exhaust). The FL11 has a smaller, shorter gun with a double muzzle-break, on a smaller turret that doesn't have the large rear counter-weight/storage and the canvas over the turret joint found on later models.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]], the AMX-13/75 FL-11, like other light tanks, excels as a flanker and scout due to its extremely thin armour. The sloped upper glacis plate and turret front may deflect some rounds from weaker enemy tanks, but everything else will easily penetrate the AMX-13/75 FL-11 armour. Frontal assaults against the adversary should not be carried out with the AMX-13/75 FL-11. Furthermore, due to its sluggish reverse speed, it is difficult to return to cover after being detected; therefore, vigilant awareness of the surroundings is required in combat.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
−
At its BR, this light tank actually has ''decent'' armour, especially in the turret front area, where 40 mm sloped at ~60° will defeat some low-caliber guns. Be cautious: although turret frontal armour is good, this does not means you can just go hull down and be safe, it will only provide you a chance to survive a shot and reposition (this tank is great for learning how to use later models of the AMX-13). As for everywhere else (but the UFP), 20 mm of flat armour is all you get, note that the upper front plate is sloped at 67°, which ''may'' ricochet long-range shots. With only 10 mm of top armour, seek company from allied AAs since your own armament does not enables you to engage aerial threats.
+
This light tank actually has decent armour at its battle rating, especially in the turret front area where 40 mm sloped at ~60° will defeat some small calibre guns. However, although the turret's front armour is good, this does not mean you can just go hull down and be safe, it will only provide you a chance to survive a shot and reposition (a useful tactic to learn when playing the AMX-13). Everywhere else has only 20 mm of flat armour. The upper front plate is sloped at 66°, which may ricochet long-range shots. With only 10 mm of roof armour, stay away from low-flying aircraft as your own armament does not enable you to engage aerial threats.
  
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
  
−
* Cast homogeneous armour
+
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret roof - rear, cupola roof)
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (turret base, turret, gun mantlet, cupola)
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
Line 28: Line 31:
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 40 mm (8-87°) ''Front plate'' <br> 22 mm (75-85°), 40 mm (31°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 40 mm (30°) ''Lower glacis'' || 40 mm (1-33°) <br> 40 mm (1-2°) || 40 mm (24-30°) ''Top'' <br> 40 mm (9-32°) ''Bottom'' || 22 mm
+
| Hull || 40 mm (38-40°) ''Turret base'' <br> 20 mm (66°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 40 mm (cylindrical) ''Transmission carter'' <br> 20 mm (51°) ''Lower glacis'' || 20 mm (32-34°) ''Turret base'' <br> 20 mm Sides || 20 mm (32-34°) ''Turret base'' <br> 15 mm (1°) ''Top'' <br> 15 mm (44°) ''Bottom'' || 20 mm (24°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 10 mm ''Centre'' <br> 10 mm (5°) ''Rear'' <br> 5 mm ''Vents''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 45 + 25 mm (5°) ''Turret front'' <br> 45 mm (28-30°) ''Left side'' <br> 25 mm (10-19°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 40 mm (1-27°) || 40 mm (8-63°) || 25 mm
+
| Turret || 40 mm (spherical) ''Turret front'' <br> 60 mm (spherical) ''Gun mantlet'' || colspan="2" style="text-align:center" | 20 mm (cylindrical) || 40 mm (spherical) ''Turret front'' <br> 10 mm (18°) ''Rear half''
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
+
| Cupola || colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | 20 mm (conical) ''Base'' <br> 10 mm (spherical) ''Dome'' || 20 mm (conical) ''Outer ring'' <br> 10 mm (spherical) ''Centre''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || 40 mm || 40 mm
 
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
  
−
* Suspension wheels, bogies, and tracks are all 15 mm thick.
+
* Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick.
−
* Turret ring is 5 mm thick.
+
* Belly armour is 10 mm thick.
 +
* Storage boxes and mudguards are 4 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.'' -->
  
Line 47: Line 51:
  
 
With a power ratio of 26.97 HP/ton in AB, or 15.42 HP/ton in RB ('''stock!'''), the {{PAGENAME}} chassis offers mobility that leave almost nothing to be desired (reverse speed is kind of slow with only -6 km/h). With its wide tracks, even soft terrain is not that hard to cross. The only thing to consider while driving this light tank is obstacles as they can significantly reduce your speed, thus making you vulnerable and/or less effective. One could make very good use of such a fast and small vehicle by avoiding contact while making a large flanking manoeuvre, scouting enemies and popping out sometimes to take down enemies from unexpected angles.
 
With a power ratio of 26.97 HP/ton in AB, or 15.42 HP/ton in RB ('''stock!'''), the {{PAGENAME}} chassis offers mobility that leave almost nothing to be desired (reverse speed is kind of slow with only -6 km/h). With its wide tracks, even soft terrain is not that hard to cross. The only thing to consider while driving this light tank is obstacles as they can significantly reduce your speed, thus making you vulnerable and/or less effective. One could make very good use of such a fast and small vehicle by avoiding contact while making a large flanking manoeuvre, scouting enemies and popping out sometimes to take down enemies from unexpected angles.
 +
 +
=== 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|SA49 (75 mm)}}
 
{{main|SA49 (75 mm)}}
Line 64: Line 73:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 37 || rowspan="2" | -6°/+13° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 28.56 || 39.53 || 48.00 || 53.08 || 56.47 || rowspan="2" | 9.75 || rowspan="2" | 8.63 || rowspan="2" | 7.95 || rowspan="2" | 7.50
+
| rowspan="2" | 37 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 24.8 || 34.3 || 41.6 || 46.0 || 48.9 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 17.85 || 21.00 || 25.50 || 28.2 || 30.00
+
| 15.5 || 18.2 || 22.1 || 24.4 || 26.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:SA49 (75 mm)/Ammunition|M72 shot, M48 shell, M61 shot, M89}}
−
! 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
 
−
|-
 
−
| PCOT-51P || APCBC || 103 || 101 || 92 || 81 || 72 || 64
 
−
|-
 
−
| 75 mm HE || HE || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10
 
−
|-
 
−
| M61 shot || APCBC || 104 || 101 || 90 || 78 || 68 || 59
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| 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%
 
−
|-
 
−
| PCOT-51P || APCBC || 625 || 6.40 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| 75 mm HE || HE || 600 || 6.20 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 675 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M61 shot || APCBC || 618 || 6.79 || 1.2 || 14.0 || 63.7 || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.1.0.94''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 122: Line 96:
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''37''' || 31&nbsp;''(+6)'' || 20&nbsp;''(+17)'' || 12&nbsp;''(+25)'' || 4&nbsp;''(+33)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+36)'' || No
+
| '''37''' || 32&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 21&nbsp;''(+16)'' || 13&nbsp;''(+24)'' || 5&nbsp;''(+32)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+36)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Note''':
 +
 +
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
{{main|MAC 31 (7.5 mm)}}
 
{{main|MAC 31 (7.5 mm)}}
Line 136: Line 114:
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 4,950 (150) || 1,350 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 4,950 (150) || 551 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
The small calibre of the MAC 31 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 ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
Line 145: Line 124:
  
 
Scout and flank, as any other light tank should. The AMX-13 (FL11) cannot stand up to direct assaults from the enemy; it has irrelevant armour, decent speed, a useable gun with lacking depression (especially facing forward), and only 3 crew. The bad reverse speed also makes it unable to retreat behind cover once discovered, so caution in engagements is advised. It is also worth noting that the low velocity and high drop rate of its shells allow the FL11 to engage from behind slopes without having to reveal itself.
 
Scout and flank, as any other light tank should. The AMX-13 (FL11) cannot stand up to direct assaults from the enemy; it has irrelevant armour, decent speed, a useable gun with lacking depression (especially facing forward), and only 3 crew. The bad reverse speed also makes it unable to retreat behind cover once discovered, so caution in engagements is advised. It is also worth noting that the low velocity and high drop rate of its shells allow the FL11 to engage from behind slopes without having to reveal itself.
−
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Mobility
 
−
! Protection
 
−
! colspan="3" | Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Horizontal Drive
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Suspension
 
−
| Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire
 
−
| M61 shot
 
−
| Airstrike
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Filters
 
−
|
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| Elevation Mechanism
 
−
| Smoke grenade
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Transmission
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Artillery Support
 
−
| Improved optics
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 203: Line 141:
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Light armour
+
* Very bad gun handling
−
* Long reload
+
* Long reload time
 
* Low velocity cannon: long-range shots are hard to land
 
* Low velocity cannon: long-range shots are hard to land
 
* Unstable cannon pitch up when firing, makes it difficult to stay on target
 
* Unstable cannon pitch up when firing, makes it difficult to stay on target
Line 211: Line 149:
 
* Bad reverse
 
* Bad reverse
 
* Bad elevation and no top-mounted MG makes it vulnerable to aircraft
 
* Bad elevation and no top-mounted MG makes it vulnerable to aircraft
−
* Turret area is filled with ammo and fuel.
+
* Turret area is filled with ammo
 +
* Lamps on the hull will stop you from aiming from specific angles
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 220: Line 159:
 
In 1952, the First Indochina War had been raging for six years. The French Army was facing a better and better armed enemy and their cavalry units were still equipped with WW2 tanks like the M24 or the M5A1. The French government decided to send the latest developed French tank, the AMX-13, in Indochina. However, the AMX-13 needed to undergo modifications for the South-Eastern theater. The large FL-10 autoloader turret and the long 75 mm gun made the AMX-13 unadapted for the logistical constraints of the colonial conflict (limited air transport capabilities and combat in constricted urban environments).
 
In 1952, the First Indochina War had been raging for six years. The French Army was facing a better and better armed enemy and their cavalry units were still equipped with WW2 tanks like the M24 or the M5A1. The French government decided to send the latest developed French tank, the AMX-13, in Indochina. However, the AMX-13 needed to undergo modifications for the South-Eastern theater. The large FL-10 autoloader turret and the long 75 mm gun made the AMX-13 unadapted for the logistical constraints of the colonial conflict (limited air transport capabilities and combat in constricted urban environments).
  
−
That's why a new turret was installed (the FL-11 equipping the Panhard EBR reconnaissance armoured car) which was smaller, lighter and sporting a shorter 75 mm gun. The new turret made the tank less tall and shorter in overall length. However, the new turret was cramped, which was detrimental to the manual reloading of the gun. No major modification was brought to the hull: the only noticeable difference was the shift from 4 track return rollers to 2.  
+
That's why a new turret was installed (the FL-11 equipping the Panhard EBR reconnaissance armoured car) which was smaller, lighter and sporting a shorter 75 mm gun. The new turret made the tank less tall and shorter in overall length. However, the new turret was cramped, which was detrimental to the manual reloading of the gun. No major modification was brought to the hull: the only noticeable difference was the shift from 4 track return rollers to 2.
  
 
The production started in 1954 with an order for 20 units but only 5 were produced. By that time, the First Indochina War had come to an end and the need for such an urban combat vehicle had disappeared.
 
The production started in 1954 with an order for 20 units but only 5 were produced. By that time, the First Indochina War had come to an end and the need for such an urban combat vehicle had disappeared.
Line 231: Line 170:
  
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=france&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=light_tank&vehicle=fr_amx_13_fl_11 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fr_amx_13_fl_11 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
−
{{Youtube-gallery|G-sMfeWsEq0|'''The Shooting Range #148''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 03:38 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|bADMYdZae2A|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''|uhgodizubC4|'''The Shooting Range #77''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:19 discusses the AMX-13.}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|G-sMfeWsEq0|'''The Shooting Range #148''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 03:38 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|uhgodizubC4|'''The Shooting Range #77''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:19 discusses the AMX-13.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 242: Line 182:
  
 
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
 
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
 +
 
* [[AMX-13 (Family)]]
 
* [[AMX-13 (Family)]]
  
 
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 +
 
* [[M24 (Family)]]
 
* [[M24 (Family)]]
  
Line 255: Line 197:
 
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar-france-amx-13-avec-tourelle-fl-11/ <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> AMX-13 Avec Tourelle FL-11]
 
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar-france-amx-13-avec-tourelle-fl-11/ <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> AMX-13 Avec Tourelle FL-11]
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer AMX}}
 
{{France light tanks}}
 
{{France light tanks}}

Latest revision as of 08:47, 2 July 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
This page is about the French light tank AMX-13 (FL11). For other variants, see AMX-13 (Family).
AMX-13 (FL11)
fr_amx_13_fl_11.png
GarageImage AMX-13 (FL11).jpg
AMX-13 (FL11)
France flag.png France
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.0 4.3 4.3
Class:
Research:26 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:76 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The AMX-13/75 FL-11 is the first subvariant of the AMX-13/75 FL-10, which is the first variant of the AMX-13 light tank family. France had been fighting in the First Indochina War for six years by February 1952. Jean Letourneau, French Minister of State for Relations with Associated States, requested that the most advanced light tank, the AMX-13/75 FL-10, be delivered to cavalry units fighting the Viet Minh. However, the massive FL-10 turret and its long, high-velocity 75 mm SA 50 L/57 tank gun were simply unsuitable for Vietnam. To meet such demands, it was decided that the AMX-13/75 FL-10 would need to be modified to be suited for confined environments within the jungle while also being light enough that it could be transported by air. This was accomplished by equipping the AMX-13/75 FL-10 hull with the new FL-11 turret, primarily designed for the Panhard Engin Blindé de Reconnaissance (E.B.R.) Modèle 1951; it was smaller and lighter, and had a shorter gun that was more suited to the dense jungle environment, being able to more effectively use its high-explosive shell to provide infantry support. The new tank was designated AMX-13/75 FL-11. While it was a successful modification that saved 1.5 tonnes of weight, the vehicle still had to be completely disassembled to be air-transported, and the eventual end of the war meant that the tank would never enter mass-production. The initial batch of 5 units was ultimately sold to Morocco.

Introduced in Update 1.75 "La Résistance", the AMX-13/75 FL-11, like other light tanks, excels as a flanker and scout due to its extremely thin armour. The sloped upper glacis plate and turret front may deflect some rounds from weaker enemy tanks, but everything else will easily penetrate the AMX-13/75 FL-11 armour. Frontal assaults against the adversary should not be carried out with the AMX-13/75 FL-11. Furthermore, due to its sluggish reverse speed, it is difficult to return to cover after being detected; therefore, vigilant awareness of the surroundings is required in combat.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull40 / 20 / 15
Turret40 / 20 / 20
Crew3 people
Visibility79 %

This light tank actually has decent armour at its battle rating, especially in the turret front area where 40 mm sloped at ~60° will defeat some small calibre guns. However, although the turret's front armour is good, this does not mean you can just go hull down and be safe, it will only provide you a chance to survive a shot and reposition (a useful tactic to learn when playing the AMX-13). Everywhere else has only 20 mm of flat armour. The upper front plate is sloped at 66°, which may ricochet long-range shots. With only 10 mm of roof armour, stay away from low-flying aircraft as your own armament does not enable you to engage aerial threats.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret roof - rear, cupola roof)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (turret base, turret, gun mantlet, cupola)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 40 mm (38-40°) Turret base
20 mm (66°) Upper glacis
40 mm (cylindrical) Transmission carter
20 mm (51°) Lower glacis 		20 mm (32-34°) Turret base
20 mm Sides 		20 mm (32-34°) Turret base
15 mm (1°) Top
15 mm (44°) Bottom 		20 mm (24°) Front glacis
10 mm Centre
10 mm (5°) Rear
5 mm Vents
Turret 40 mm (spherical) Turret front
60 mm (spherical) Gun mantlet 		20 mm (cylindrical) 40 mm (spherical) Turret front
10 mm (18°) Rear half
Cupola 20 mm (conical) Base
10 mm (spherical) Dome 		20 mm (conical) Outer ring
10 mm (spherical) Centre

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 10 mm thick.
  • Storage boxes and mudguards are 4 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB68 / 8 km/h
RB and SB61 / 7 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight12.7 t
Engine power
AB515 hp
RB and SB270 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB40.6 hp/t
RB and SB21.3 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 68 8 12.7 418 515 32.91 40.55
Realistic 61 7 239 270 18.82 21.26

With a power ratio of 26.97 HP/ton in AB, or 15.42 HP/ton in RB (stock!), the AMX-13 (FL11) chassis offers mobility that leave almost nothing to be desired (reverse speed is kind of slow with only -6 km/h). With its wide tracks, even soft terrain is not that hard to cross. The only thing to consider while driving this light tank is obstacles as they can significantly reduce your speed, thus making you vulnerable and/or less effective. One could make very good use of such a fast and small vehicle by avoiding contact while making a large flanking manoeuvre, scouting enemies and popping out sometimes to take down enemies from unexpected angles.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB935 → 1 343 Sl icon.png
RB1 071 → 1 539 Sl icon.png
SB1 315 → 1 889 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications24 680 Rp icon.png
44 800 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training22 000 Sl icon.png
Experts76 000 Sl icon.png
Aces400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces320 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
60 / 90 / 120 % Sl icon.png
142 / 142 / 142 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
930 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 700 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
930 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 700 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 700 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
930 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 700 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement fr.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 700 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 100 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
930 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 700 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
75mm_usa_APCBC_ammo_pack
Research:
930 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 700 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Research:
930 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 700 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 700 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 700 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
75mm_us_M89_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

75 mm SA49 cannon
Ammunition37 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
7.8 → 6.0 s
Vertical guidance-8° / 15°
Main article: SA49 (75 mm)

The 75 mm SA49 cannon is quite decent at the BR. Its only flaw being a bad firing arc (shell drops fast with distance), which makes long-range engagements inadvisable. Penetration rates are comparable to those of the Russian F-34 cannon or those of the British QF 6-pounder's stock shot. While not being the best gun at the BR, it certainly provides enough firepower to destroy any enemy's flank. Horizontal drive is fast, allowing for fast reaction shots in close range engagements. As for elevation angles, -6° of depression feels a bit lacking while 13° of elevation is clearly the worst thing about this configuration: you cannot engage air targets. One last thing to consider about your main gun: it is mounted on an oscillating turret, which makes stop-and-shoot tactics ineffective. Coaxial armament is the classic French MAC 31 with 100 rounds loaded and ready to turn those soft targets to shreds. A sweet addition to this tank is 4 smoke launchers located on the lower turret part's back, these can be used either to shield you and your allies from incoming fire, to cover your retreat or to hide your team's movements from enemy sight. Smoke launchers at this low BR prepares players to higher-ranking battlefields and tactic opportunities, make sure to master them.

75 mm SA49 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 37 -8°/+15° ±180° N/A 24.8 34.3 41.6 46.0 48.9 7.80 6.90 6.36 6.00
Realistic 15.5 18.2 22.1 24.4 26.0

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
M72 shot AP 91 88 78 67 57 49
M48 shell HE 10 10 10 10 10 10
M61 shot APCBC 104 102 93 84 75 68
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%
M72 shot AP 619 6.3 - - - 47° 60° 65°
M48 shell HE 463 6.3 0.2 0.1 666 79° 80° 81°
M61 shot APCBC 618 6.79 1.2 14 63.7 48° 63° 71°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Screen radius
(m) 		Screen deploy
time (s) 		Screen hold
time (s) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
M89 259 3 9 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the AMX-13 (FL11)
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
37 32 (+5) 21 (+16) 13 (+24) 5 (+32) 1 (+36) No

Note:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.

Machine guns

7.5 mm MAC 31 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition4 950 rounds
Belt capacity150 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
6.5 → 5.0 s
Fire rate551 shots/min
Main article: MAC 31 (7.5 mm)
7.5 mm MAC 31
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,950 (150) 551 N/A N/A

The small calibre of the MAC 31 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-13 (FL11), in line with most light tanks, shines best as a flanker and scout, due to its almost non-existent armour. Some shots against lower tiers can be bounced off by the sloped upper glacis plate and turret front, but anywhere else will get penetrated with ease. A sub-par gun without APHE ammunition means frontal engagements are mostly out of the question.

Scout and flank, as any other light tank should. The AMX-13 (FL11) cannot stand up to direct assaults from the enemy; it has irrelevant armour, decent speed, a useable gun with lacking depression (especially facing forward), and only 3 crew. The bad reverse speed also makes it unable to retreat behind cover once discovered, so caution in engagements is advised. It is also worth noting that the low velocity and high drop rate of its shells allow the FL11 to engage from behind slopes without having to reveal itself.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Decent penetration
  • Fairly small and has a low profile: easy to hide, helps scouting
  • Good mobility
  • Has smoke launchers
  • Poorly aimed shots may bounce off the 40 mm sloped turret
  • Unlike most light tanks, impervious to HMG from the front
  • Engine in the front protects crew in head on engagements
  • Has access to the same APCBC shot with HE filler as the M4 Shermans

Cons:

  • Very bad gun handling
  • Long reload time
  • Low velocity cannon: long-range shots are hard to land
  • Unstable cannon pitch up when firing, makes it difficult to stay on target
  • Unstable cannon pitch up when braking, makes it difficult and slow to acquire targets right after stopping
  • Mediocre gun depression (especially facing forward)
  • Bad reverse
  • Bad elevation and no top-mounted MG makes it vulnerable to aircraft
  • Turret area is filled with ammo
  • Lamps on the hull will stop you from aiming from specific angles

History

Main article: History of the AMX-13

Development

In 1952, the First Indochina War had been raging for six years. The French Army was facing a better and better armed enemy and their cavalry units were still equipped with WW2 tanks like the M24 or the M5A1. The French government decided to send the latest developed French tank, the AMX-13, in Indochina. However, the AMX-13 needed to undergo modifications for the South-Eastern theater. The large FL-10 autoloader turret and the long 75 mm gun made the AMX-13 unadapted for the logistical constraints of the colonial conflict (limited air transport capabilities and combat in constricted urban environments).

That's why a new turret was installed (the FL-11 equipping the Panhard EBR reconnaissance armoured car) which was smaller, lighter and sporting a shorter 75 mm gun. The new turret made the tank less tall and shorter in overall length. However, the new turret was cramped, which was detrimental to the manual reloading of the gun. No major modification was brought to the hull: the only noticeable difference was the shift from 4 track return rollers to 2.

The production started in 1954 with an order for 20 units but only 5 were produced. By that time, the First Indochina War had come to an end and the need for such an urban combat vehicle had disappeared.

Combat usage

The 5 AMX-13 (FL11) were allocated to the 2nd Foreign Cavalry Regiment in Oujda, Morocco. They never saw combat action and were sold in 1956 to the Moroccan Army following the country's independence. The light tanks stayed in the Moroccan arsenal until 1973. It is unclear if they ever saw combat under Moroccan flag.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #148 - Metal Beasts section at 03:38 discusses the AMX-13 (FL11).
The Shooting Range #77 - Pages of History section at 05:19 discusses the AMX-13.

See also

Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

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 light tanks
AMC.34/35  AMC.34 YR · AMC.35 (ACG.1)
H.35/39  H.35 · H.39 · H.39 "Cambronne"
AMX-13  AMX-13 (FL11) · AMX-13-M24 · AMX-13 · AMX-13 (SS.11) · AMX-13-90 · AMX-13 (HOT)
Wheeled  AML-90 · AMX-10RC · Vextra 105
AMD.35  AMD.35 · AMD.35 (SA35)
E.B.R.  E.B.R. (1951) · E.B.R. (1954) · E.B.R. (1963)
Other  FCM.36 · R.35 (SA38) · Char 25t · MARS 15 · VBCI-2 (MCT30)
Austria  SK-105A2
Great Britain  ▄Crusader Mk.II
Netherlands  CV 9035NL
USA  LVT-4/40 · ▄M3A3 Stuart

Retrieved from "https://old-wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=AMX-13_(FL11)&oldid=189282"