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Description

The AMX company conceived this light tank, which was to mount the 57-mm L/100 gun. Problems in development slowed the project, and by the 1950s the vehicle was still not ready for presentation. By that time, the production of a modified chassis with the turret mounting a 75-mm gun had taken precedence, and the 57-mm version was discontinued.

The AMX-13 is a French light tank produced from 1953 to 1985 (The AMX 13 75 version was produced until 1966.). It served with the French Army and was exported to over twenty-five other nations. Named after its initial weight of 13 tonnes, and featuring a tough and reliable chassis, it was fitted with an oscillating turret built by GIAT Industries (now Nexter) with revolver type magazines which was also used on the Austrian SK-105 Kürassier. Including prototypes and export versions there are over a hundred variants including self-propelled gun, anti-aircraft systems, APCs, and ATGM versions. Sporting a modified version of the Panther's 7.5 cm KwK 42 L/70 gun with dual 6 round autoloading magazines, it allowed a quick succession of shots. However, it could not be reloaded from within the vehicle and required disengaging from contact, finding cover for the crew to dismount and reload, then re-engaging the enemy. Total production of the AMX-13 family is approximately 7,700 units, around 3,400 of which were exported.

Description

The AMX company conceived this light tank, which was to mount the 57-mm L/100 gun. Problems in development slowed the project, and by the 1950s the vehicle was still not ready for presentation. By that time, the production of a modified chassis with the turret mounting a 75-mm gun had taken precedence, and the 57-mm version was discontinued.

The AMX-13 is a French light tank produced from 1953 to 1985 (The AMX 13 75 version was produced until 1966.). It served with the French Army and was exported to over twenty-five other nations. Named after its initial weight of 13 tonnes, and featuring a tough and reliable chassis, it was fitted with an oscillating turret built by GIAT Industries (now Nexter) with revolver type magazines which was also used on the Austrian SK-105 Kürassier. Including prototypes and export versions there are over a hundred variants including self-propelled gun, anti-aircraft systems, APCs, and ATGM versions. Sporting a modified version of the Panther's 7.5 cm KwK 42 L/70 gun with dual 6 round autoloading magazines, it allowed a quick succession of shots. However, it could not be reloaded from within the vehicle and required disengaging from contact, finding cover for the crew to dismount and reload, then re-engaging the enemy. Total production of the AMX-13 family is approximately 7,700 units, around 3,400 of which were exported.