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AMX-40

1986 COLD WAR MAIN BATTLE TANK X-TANK

History of the AMX-40

The AMX-40 was a discontinued French main battle tank design intended as a successor to the also export-oriented French-built AMX-32 series of tanks. At least four prototypes were built between 1983 and 1985. This type of design began in the early 1980s, culminating in the production of the first pilot vehicle in 1983. Two more prototypes were launched a year later, and the final evaluation car was completed in 1985.

In theory, the AMX-40 would be a low-cost main battle tank solution, offering the budget-conscious military buyer firepower, limited protection and superior off-road capability. However, limited global market interest ultimately doomed the scheme to zero contract sales, with only neighbouring Spain generating significant interest.

Essentially, the AMX-40 is a very traditional tank in design and configuration. The vehicle is operated by a standard crew of four - driver, gunner, loader and commander. The driver remained in the forward left hull position, while the rest of the crew remained in the moving turret.

The turret is centrally located on top of the hull and houses a long, multi-piece 120mm main barrel. The AMX-40 borrows the same COTAC fire control system as the previous AMX-30 B2 model. The turret design includes sloped armor to deflect incoming enemy shells, and six smoke grenade launchers (three on one side of the turret) provide further protection. The AMX-40 has six wheels on one side of the track (one more than the original AMX-32), with the drive sprocket at the rear and the chain idler at the front of the hull. The engine is mounted in a compartment at the rear of the hull for maximum protection.

Interestingly, the AMX-40 was designed with a coaxially mounted 20mm F2 cannon instead of the more traditional 7.62mm general purpose machine gun found in other Western tanks. A turret-mounted 7.62mm machine gun is mounted on the commander's cupola and is used to engage low-flying enemy aircraft or enemy infantry.

The listed weight of the vehicle is 47.38 tonnes.

Power is provided by a 1,100 hp Poyaud V12X diesel engine. This could allow the vehicle to reach a top speed of 43 mph with an acceptable operating range.

Armor protection was actually pretty good when it was originally designed, but advancements in projectile types and anti-tank missiles quickly reduced its base value.

The AMX-40 was scheduled to be officially phased out in 1990.