32 AMX-1 OP IFV France

AMX VCIIFV

The AMX VCI was one of the first combat vehicles to enter the IFV category for it was developed during the 1950s, with production commencing during 1957; well over 3,400 were produced, many for export to at least 15 countries, including Argentina where the type was assembled locally

The AMX VCI was developed using the tracked suspension and chassis of the AMX-13 light tank onto which was mounted an armoured superstructure for the three-man crew and up to ten fully equipped troops.

Access to the troop compartment is via two rear hull doors although there are also roof hatches provided. Initially the main armament was a single 7.5 mm MG but over the years this was gradually replaced by a 7.62 or 12.7mmMGand eventually many vehicles received a 20 mm cannon. All weapons are mounted over the commander's hatch, sometimes in a small turret.

The AMX VCI has now been largely withdrawn from service as an IFV although many armed forces retain them as reserve vehicles. The usual current role of the type is as a support vehicle or carrier for numerous variants have been produced, many of them for trials or as marketing projects.

One of the many models retained by the French Army is the VTT/TB armoured ambulance while the VTT/PC is a command vehicle. The VTT/Cargo can carry up to 3 tonnes of front line stores while the VTT/PM can carry 81 or 120 mm mortars. Numerous sub-variants are used for artillery fire

France

control purposes (VTT/LT), while the VTT/VCA is used to support 155 mm artillery batteries by carrying gun crews and ammunition.

Other vehicles carry RATAC battlefield surveillance radars. This list is not complete and future variants, such as a minelayer with a flat bed rear carrying mine dispenser tubes, can be anticipated.

There is also a programme to re-engine older vehicles to prolong their service lives.

AMX VCI IFV,

Specification

Crew: 3

Seating: 10 Weight: (combat) approx 15,000 kg Length: 5.7 m Width: 2.67m Height: (hull top) 2.1m Ground clearance: 0.48 m Track: 2.16m Max speed: (road) 64 km/h Fuel capacity: 410 litres Range: up to 550 km Fording: 1 m Vertical obstacle: 0.65 m Engine: Baudouin 6F 11 SRY diesel Power output: 280 hp Suspension: torsion bar Armament: 1 x 20 mm cannon; see text Variants: See text

The AMX VCIAPC, now phased out of French Army service but retained in widespread service