Land Weapons

APC (1957)

Atelier de Construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux

AMX-VCI

AMX-VCI

The AMX-VCI (Véhicule de Combat d'Infanterie) was developed from the AMX-13 light tank in the 1950s, to serve as the French Army's main troop transport. The chassis is broadly similar to that of the AMX-13, but the hull has been redesigned to accommodate a troop compartment capable of carrying 10 troops who can dismount through two outward-opening doors in the rear hull (six firing-ports are provided, two on the rear doors and the others on the hull sides). Initial production units lacked NBC protection but this was later added to ensure greater survivability. However, the AMX-VCI's main drawback was the lack of amphibious capability, which was the main reason for its eventual replacement by the AMX-10P. There were substantial export orders, including NATO partners Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as Argentina, Ecuador, Indonesia, Lebanon, Mexico, Qatar, Sudan, Venezuela and the UAE. Of these, only Lebanon has used it in combat during its 1980s civil war.

The initial prototype was completed in 1955 and entered service with the French Army two years later as the AMX-TTC, and later renamed AMX-VTP and AMX-VCI. A major upgrade programme led to the AMX-VTT Version 1987 in a new engine, an automatic transmission and hydropneumatic suspension. Aside from this, most other variants have been designed for non-combat support roles including the VTT/TB ambulance, the VTT/PC command post, the VTT/Cargo capable of carrying a 3,000 kg load, the VTT/LT fire control vehicle, the VTT/RATAC radar platform, the VTT/VCA artillery support vehicle, and the VTT/PM 120-mm mortar carrier.

Preceded by:

Lorraine 37L/38L (1937)

Related:

AMX-13 (1953)

Succeeded by:

AMX-10P (1973)

Datafile

DesignAMX-VTT
TypeAPC
Year1989
Crew3
Dimensions
Length (w/Gun)5.70 m
Width2.670 m
Height2.410 m
Ground Clearance0 m
Track0 m
Track on Ground0 m
Weight
Combat15,000 kg
Ground Pressure0.70 kg/cm²
SuspensionTorsion bar
Performance
Speed (Off-Road)64 km/h
Range (Off-Road)500-550 km
AmphibiousNo
Fording1 m
Vertical Obstacle0.65 m
Trench1.60 m
Gradient60%
Powerplant
Engine1 x 280-hp
Detroit Diesel
6V-53T
FuelDiesel
Power/Weight18.67 hp/t
Armament
Main1 x 20-mm
M693 (F2)

Autocannon
↑ ? / ↓ ? / ↔ 360°
SecondaryNone
Ammo20-mm:
Armor
TypeSteel
Thickness15 - 20 mm
Max Effective26 mm RHAe
Hull Upper Front15 mm / 55°
Hull Upper Sides20 mm
Hull Lower Rear15 mm
Hull Top15 mm
Hull Bottom20 mm
Production
Builtn/a
Total3,400

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