AMX-13 | Tank Chats #174

I'm so glad there is a 30 minute video about one of these 1950s French oscillating turrets, nobody talks about them that much and they really are facisating and very unique.

The last AMX13s were still in service at the end of the 80s. I drove this vehicle, equipped with a 30mm twin-tube. It was lively and agile, but the gearbox was capricious, and if I missed my double declutch the gear lever would vibrate loudly because the gear wouldn't engage; the palm of my hand still remembers it, because it was painful. Even for us it was an old vehicle, but we had fun driving it. (translated with google translate)

Willey does the best chats hands down. The consistency and density of information is unparalleled

We missed you, Dr Willey. (Typo corrected. )

Greetings from Singapore, where national service (conscription) is alive and well. We had a large fleet of over hundreds of modified AMX-13s, now retired. Our modified tanks were designated SM-1s, and had a Detroit diesel engine, a new transmission, hydro-pneumatic suspension, a laser range finder , new FCS, fire suppression system, and etc. I loved the simplicity of the autoloader - one worked a wheel to get a round out of one of the two revolver like magazines in there bustle and a rammer slammed it into the breach - everything operated inches away from your upper torso. Crew comfort was virtually non-existent. Aside from the proximity of the autoloader operating, each member of the crew was wedged into their positions and it was noisy when the vehicle started to move. Redeeming features - the seats had cushions and I recalled that when the engine was running, the fighting compartment was drafty from air circulating in from the engine compartment. The vehicle was mechanically reliable though and was quite easy to service and maintain. Great backstory from the tank museum. I doubt many of us who served with the vehicle for generations knew much about that. And oh, by the way, after retirement, some of the tanks were converted into bridge launchers-I guess that’s history repeating itself.

The Dutch used these as tank-destroyers in their independent Anti-Tank companies. These were affectionately referred to as the 'Shooting Rollerskates' when comparing them with the other available tank-flavours (The Centurion and the Leopard 1 which were much larger and hefty.). Crew were specifically selected on length (or lack thereof) and spine flexibility since as a commander one had to bend forward and backward with the elevation of the turret. The Commander's hatch actually was not really a hatch, but more so an oversized heavy-duty helmet. Crew would not as much mount their tanks, but more so put it on for wearing it. The Dutch version employed the 105mm main-gun which made for rather remarkable fire drill since when firing with the gun traversing outside roughly the front fenders, there was a distinct possibility, bordering to likelihood, that the tank would flip over due to the gun recoil. Seeing the AMX-13 firing at the shooting range alone, made on a little queasy since it would violently stagger back with the recoil. It kicked like a mule and bit like a crocodile and with the auto-loader, one would rather not be in range of its business-end. They were fast, loud and deadly when used in their intended battle environment and role as an ambush type of tank-hunter/destroyer.

Sweden almost bought the AMX-13 in the early 50's when the UK refused to sell the Centurion. Then the UK economy tanked and getting foreign Currency took priority. The first batch of mk3 centurions where delivered straight from UK Army mobilisation depots.

I love French tanks. They're so unique

I've seen this tank on display in the Dutch National Military Museum. The Dutch army, unlike most other countries, fitted it with a 105 mm gun and used it as a reconnaissance vehicle in the sixties and seventies.

Appreciate the lack of 'filler words' in David's tank chats. Easy to follow but full of information, thank you.

american here, i (and my father) really enjoyed our visit to the tank museum.

Travelling to London from Sydney this Christmas. See you at Bovington!

One of my favorite designs aesthetically. So unique!

Arguably, the most successful "Light Tank" ever produced.

How strange! I was just thinking about this tank a day ago after watching some war movies. Perfect timing! The whole AMX series really did have such a unique look. Beautiful beasts!

I remember the AMX in Top Trumps with the blue tipped wire guided missiles on the turret front in the picture. I always thought it was a good looking light tank. Lovely chat and many thanks.

This has to be one of my favorite tanks designs. Right behind the American M-48 series.

No offense to Chris, but it's great to see David doing a Chat.

AMX-13 is one of the best looking tank designs, such a unique look and an extensive service and upgrade history

Definitely one of my favorite tanks. A very capable gun on a light and highly mobile chassis. The use of an autoloader in an oscillating turret to fit the relatively large gun was a smart design solution. And although it is a utilitarian design it has an elegant, streamlined shape to it. If I had the money to buy a tank and drive it around my property, I would probably buy an AMX 13. 😄