AMX-32 Main Battle Tank (MBT)

Specifications

Year: 1979
Manufacturer(s): Atelier de Construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux (AMX) - France
Production: 2
Capabilities: Tank vs Tank; Main Battle Tank (MBT); Frontline;

Crew: 4
Length: 32.32 ft (9.85 m)
Width: 10.63 ft (3.24 m)
Height: 9.71 ft (2.96 m)
Weight: 44 tons (40,000 kg); 88,185 lb

Power: 1 x Hispano-Suiza 110 12-cylinder multi-fuel engine developing 720 horsepower.

Speed: 40 mph (65 kph)
Range: 329 miles (530 km)

Operators: None

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.

Armament

1 x 120mm main gun
1 x 20mm M693 coaxial cannon
1 x 7.62mm machine gun in commander's cupola
3 x smoke dischargers

Ammunition:
38 x 120mm projectiles
480 x 20mm ammunition
3 x smoke grenades

Variants / Models

• AMX-30 - Base Main Battle Tank Designation on which the AMX-32 is based on.
• AMX-32 Prototype 1 - Fitted with 105mm main gun.
• AMX-32 Prototype 2 - Fitted with 120mm main gun.