AMX-32

The AMX-32 was a further development of the commercially successful French-made AMX-30 main battle tank. Along with improvements made to the main armament, crew protection and internal components, the system was intended to be an export product to customers who needed more punch than the AMX-30 offered. In the end, however, the AMX-32 was only developed into two prototypes as no production orders were received.

The AMX-32 sported two differing main guns. The first prototype was featured with the AMX-30's 105mm main gun while the second prototype appeared with the more powerful 120mm type. In addition to this change, the AMX-32 also featured improved armor design along with side skirts for better protection of vital systems and crew. The turret was completely redesigned with more defined slopes and featured a 20mm coaxial cannon mount along with a commander's 7.62mm machine gun. Improvements to the fire control system were substantial when compared to its predecessor and gave the AMX-32 the capability of day/night stationary/moving target engagement including a laser rangefinder.

In the end, AMX-32 was not to be as the changes necessitated an increase in overall weight, rendering any improvements to the base AMX-30 mobility moot. The AMX-32 was never produced beyond the two prototypes and there were already other purchase options on the market available to existing AMX-30 customers.

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