AMX-10 PAC 90

Tank destroyer

The AMX-10 PAC 90 fire support vehicle was capable of taking anti-tank combat

 

 

Entered service 1979 Crew 3 + 4 men Dimensions and weight Weight 14.5 t Length (gun forward) ? Hull length 5.87 m Width 2.83 m Height 2.73 m Armament Main gun 90-mm rifled Barrel length 52 calibers Machine guns 1 x 7.62-mm Maximum rate of fire ? Elevation range - 8 to + 15 degrees Traverse range 360 degrees Ammunition load Main gun 30 rounds Machine guns 3 200 rounds Mobility Engine Hispano Suiza HS 115 Engine power 280 hp Maximum road speed 65 km/h Amphibious speed on water  2 / 8 km/h Range 600 km Maneuverability Gradient 60% Side slope 30% Vertical step 0.7 m Trench 1.6 m Fording Amphibious

   The AMX-10 PAC 90 is a dedicated fire support and anti-tank variant of the AMX-10P infantry fighting vehicle. Its production commenced in 1979. This vehicle is in service with France, Brazil and possibly some other countries.

   This fire support vehicle was designed to operate alongside the main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. At the time of its introduction it was capable of taking anti-tank combat, however by current standards its armament its too week to knock out a modern MBT. It was also intended as a reconnaissance and infantry support vehicle.

   Aluminum armor of this fire support vehicle provides all-round protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Front armor withstands 14.5 mm heavy machine gun rounds. Vehicle has an NBC protection system.

   This fire support vehicle is fitted with a TS-90 turret, armed with GIAT CS-90F-4 90-mm high velocity rifled gun. It fires HEAT, HE-FRAG, APFSDS and smoke rounds. The APFSDS round penetrates 120 mm armor plate at 1 500 m range, while the HEAT round penetrates 320 mm of armor.

   Combat load consists of 30 rounds for the main gun. Twenty of them are stored in the turret and are ready-to-use. Remaining rounds are stored inside the hull.

   Secondary armament consists of coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun.

   The AMX-10 PAC 90 has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver. Also it provides accommodation for four troops at the rear of the hull. These troops act as protection or reconnaissance team. These four troops dismount via the rear doors.

   Hull of the AMX-10 PAC 90 is similar to that of the infantry fighting vehicle. Engine is located at the front of the hull, on the right-hand side. This fire support vehicle is powered by Hispano Suiza HS 115 multi-fuel diesel engine, developing 280 hp. The AMX-10 PAC 90 is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by spinning its tracks. Two waterjets were proposed as an option. These were used on vehicles, operational with Marines. Maximum amphibious speed on water is 2 km/h by spinning tracks and 8 km/h with waterjets.