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AMX-40
AMX-40
AMX-40
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The AMX-40 was a French main battle tank developed by GIAT during the latter stages of the Cold War as an export tank to replace the earlier AMX-32. Designed to be an inexpensive tank orientated towards militaries with smaller defence budgets, the AMX-40 featured a lightly armoured hull and good mobility reminiscent of previous French MBTs with a powerful 120 mm cannon. It however failed to attract interest and sales, rendering the project a failure, being discontinued in 1990.[1]

Key Information

History

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As the AMX-32 had failed to attract any potential sales, GIAT decided to produce yet another upgrade, the AMX-40 Main Battle Tank. The development of the AMX-40 began in 1980 as a clean sheet design. In 1983, the first prototype was finished and presented at the Satory Exhibition that year. Two further prototypes were produced in 1984; the fourth and last one was fabricated in 1985. The design was not intended for service in France, but as a successor to the AMX-32, the improved export version of the AMX-30. However, the efforts to obtain foreign orders failed, the most serious potential customer to have considered the design being Spain. It ceased being offered for export in 1990, when the end of the Cold War brought lots of surplus MBTs on the market.

Design

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Armament

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The main armament consisted of a GIAT 120 mm CN120-25 model G1 smoothbore gun. The main gun ammunition load was 37 to 40 rounds depending on the prototype. Up to 17 rounds can be stored in the turret, 14 of those are stored in a sealed compartment inside the turret bustle fitted with blowout panels. Ten of them are loaded in two electrically operated drums. The rest of the rounds were stored in a large rack to the right of the driver. The tank could fire a variety of NATO 120 mm ammunition, including the French OCC 120 G1 HEAT round and the OFL 120 G1 APFSDS round which are suitable for all NATO 120mm smooth bore gun. The OFL 120 G1 was capable of penetrating 420 mm of RHA steel armor at 1,000 m range.[2]

The auxiliary armament included a 20 mm M693 autocannon, a derivative of the GIAT designed F2 autocannon. Since the elevation (up to +40°) system can be operated independently of that of the 120 mm gun,[3] this armament provides a not inconsiderable capability for defense against ground and air targets. In addition, a 7.62 mm AAN-F1 light machine gun for short-range anti-aircraft or ground defense is linked to the hatch of the TOP 7 commander cupola. It can be fired from inside the cupola.

Twelve Lacroix Galix 80 mm launchers are grouped in two packs of six and are located on either side of the turret, these launchers can throw aerosol smoke grenades, flares and anti-personnel fragmentation grenades.

Optics and fire control system

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The gunner has a M581 monocular telescopic sight with a magnification of x10, it is fitted with a CILAS laser rangefinder and linked to the COSTAC integrated automatic fire control system.

The commander has the latest iteration of the TOP 7 cupola with eight non-reflecting periscopes. A SFIM M527 gyrostabilized panoramic sight with three channels; two daylight (x2 and x8) and one with light intensification. The M527 sight makes it possible to observe and open fire almost instantly whilst on the move because the gun is slaved to the sight.

An auxiliary daylight sight is available in option. A DIVT-13 low light television camera (LLLTV) with a x1 magnification allows night observation up to 1200 m. It can be replaced by a DIVT 16 CASTOR thermal camera. The image obtained is displayed on two TV monitors (gunner and commander).

Mobility

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The tank was powered by a 24,690 cc (1,507 cu in) 1,100 horsepower (820 kW) Poyaud V12XS25 diesel engine coupled to an automatic ZF LSG 3000 transmission. The number of road wheels per side was increased from the five used on the AMX-32 to six. Like the AMX-32, the AMX-40 used the same 570 mm-wide dry pin tracks of the AMX-30.

The combat weight was limited to 43.7 metric tonnes. The low weight, in combination with the powerful engine, ensured an excellent mobility (with 70 kilometres per hour (43 mph) maximum road speed and 50 km/h (31 mph) cross country speed). The AMX-40 accelerates from 0 to 32 km/h (0–20 mph) in 6 seconds.

Armor

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The front turret and hull armour incorporated spaced armor bulkheads with high-hardness outer steel plates. The bulkheads include NERA arrays[4] and are designed to withstand 76 mm and 100 mm[5] armor-piercing rounds and RPG-7 warheads.[3] The sides of the turret were made of spaced armor designed to withstand impacts from 23 mm armor-piercing rounds. Possibly, the AMX-40 could be equipped with a composite dozer blade and add-on armor on the bustle roof.

Despite the armour afforded to the AMX-40, it was still considered light by late Cold War standards, especially when compared to NATO contemporaries such as the heavier M1 Abrams, Leopard 2 and Challenger 1. The armour could not effectively stop Soviet munitions fired by tanks such as the T-72 and T-80.[6]

Trials

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In January 1985 the first AMX-40 prototype, the P1 was tested in Valdahon. The goal was to familiarize the crews with the new tank and evaluate its mobility on soft ground. It was found that power of the engine (800 horsepower (600 kW)) was deemed a bit inadequate and the viewing arc of the commander's cupola should be reviewed.

During the summer of 1985, the P3 prototype was sent to Djibouti for hot zone testing by the manufacturer. The results were satisfactory overall but the AMX-30 tracks were judged to be too narrow to handle the power and the weight of the AMX-40.

The next summer, in 1986, at least one AMX-40 prototype participated in desert trials in Abu Dhabi.

In July 1987, an AMX-40 prototype was sent to Saudi Arabia, where it underwent a series of tests (the Saudi Arabian Army wanted at the time to replace its M60 and AMX-30S). Therefore, the AMX-40 had undergone a series of modifications. The power of V12X was increased to 1,325 horsepower (988 kW) by fitting a second turbocharger. The 12 ready rounds in the turret bustle are now stowed pointing forwards, which simplifies handling within the turret and speeds up gun loading operations. Finally, an inertial reference unit was fitted to the turret mantlet allows firing on the move using gunner's day and night sights.[7]
Two AMX-40 prototypes (CH4 hull + T2 turret and CH3 + T3 turret) competed alongside the M1A1, the Challenger 1 and the P2 prototype of the EE-T2 Osório in Khamis Mushait and in Sharurah, near the Saudi Arabia–Yemen border. They covered 1200 km on various terrains such as roads, sand dunes and rockery and 200 120 mm rounds (mostly APFSDS) were fired. In general, instant performances met the expectations but the tour made clear that the narrow AMX-30's 570 mm-wide tracks exceeded their mechanical limits, heavily penalizing the AMX-40's general image.[8]

Prototypes

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  • P1 : rolled out of the Satory workshop in 1983, directly issued from the work of its predecessor, the AMX-32.
  • P2 : used the CH2 hull and the T2 turret. The CH2 hull was modified in order to be fitted with the powerpack of the future Leclerc (V8X1500). In the end, it was fitted with the 1,100 horsepower (820 kW) V12XS25 engine coupled to the LSG 3000 transmission. The P2 prototype had been handed over to the technical section of the French Army on several occasions.
  • P3 : used the CH3 hull and the T3 turret. It was powered by a German MTU diesel engine coupled to a ZF transmission.
  • P4 : consisted only of a CH4 hull using a 1,300 horsepower (970 kW) version of the V12X engine coupled to the SESM ESM 500 transmission.
  • P01 : first pre-production model
  • P02 : second pre-production model using the C02 hull.
  • E4 : also known as E50, it was intended for the Egyptian Army and featured an improved frontal protection against 115 mm steel APFSDS and 3M11 Fleyta ATGM. Its effectiveness has been proven by firing at it with French 105 mm tungsten APFSDS and shaped-charge rounds. In order to eliminate any remaining weakspot in the frontal arc, the 20 mm autocannon was replaced by a fixed 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun and the gunner sight was relocated on the turret roof. As the hull was lengthened and widen, the projected combat weight was 50 t (49 long tons; 55 short tons), thus a 1200-1300 hp engine and wider NATO standard 635 mm tracks were foreseen. The E4 project remained on the drawing board.

See also

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References

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AMX-40

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from Grokipedia
The AMX-40 was a French prototype main battle tank developed by GIAT Industries in the early specifically for export markets, intended as a successor to the and featuring advanced modular armor, a 120 mm , and high mobility for operations in hot climates. Development of the AMX-40 began in the late 1970s, evolving from the , with the first completed in 1983 as a design to meet demands from Middle Eastern and other export customers seeking a modern, cost-effective alternative to heavier tanks like the or Leopard 2. Four prototypes were produced by 1985, with the first public showcase at the arms exhibition in 1983, where it was promoted as a "desert " capable of withstanding extreme temperatures up to 50°C. The design emphasized export flexibility, including options for local production and variants such as recovery vehicles or lighter turretless configurations, but it never entered serial production due to insufficient orders and the French Army's shift toward the more advanced AMX-56 Leclerc. Key design features included a welded hull and turret protected by multilayer composite armor providing enhanced protection against kinetic and threats, while keeping combat weight at 43 tons for better strategic mobility. came from a V12X 1,100 horsepower liquid-cooled , enabling a top road speed of 65 km/h and a range of 550 km (extendable to 850 km with auxiliary tanks). The suspension system used torsion bars with six large road wheels per side, allowing the tank to ford up to 4 meters of water with preparation kits, cross 1-meter obstacles, and traverse 3.2-meter trenches. Armament centered on the GIAT CN-120-F1 120 mm smoothbore gun, a NATO-compatible weapon with a of 1,650 m/s and of 2,400 meters, capable of firing APFSDS, , and other standard rounds; it had a of 8 rounds per minute, with later variants incorporating an automatic loader. A coaxial 20 mm autocannon provided close-range defense with -8° to +40° , while a 7.62 mm was mounted on the commander's for anti-aircraft use. The , known as COTAC, incorporated a , ballistic computer, and capabilities for stabilized firing on the move day or night. Export efforts focused on , which evaluated up to 250 units in 1987 alongside competitors like the American M1A1 Abrams and Brazilian EE-T1 Osorio; however, the Saudis selected the Abrams for its superior armor and firepower. Other potential markets in the and showed interest, but geopolitical shifts, rising costs, and the emergence of more capable domestic designs like the Leclerc—adopted by in 1991—doomed the program. Ultimately, the AMX-40 remained a technological demonstrator, influencing future French armored vehicle concepts through its emphasis on and export adaptability, though none of the prototypes survive in operational service today. At least one prototype is preserved in the in , .

Development

Background and origins

In the late , the French defense industry underwent a significant shift toward export-oriented armaments production, driven by the need to sustain domestic capabilities amid constraints and to capitalize on international markets, particularly in the and . This strategic pivot was overseen by the Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA), established in 1977, which emphasized cost-effective designs to mitigate financial risks while maintaining technological autonomy over full interoperability. The focus on exports helped surpass the as a leading arms exporter by the mid-1970s, with ground systems like tanks becoming key offerings to offset limited domestic procurement. The AMX-40 emerged as a proposed successor to the export-focused , which itself built on the series, aiming to address shortcomings in firepower, protection, and mobility for prospective buyers in regions requiring versatile armored forces. Developed as a clean-sheet design in the early by GIAT Industries under French Ministry of Defense oversight, the project prioritized NATO-compatible features, such as ammunition interoperability with systems like the German , alongside modular construction for adaptability to diverse operational environments without diluting core French standards. This evolution from the reflected broader French tank doctrine, balancing speed and armament with enhanced survivability for export viability. Key requirements for the AMX-40 included a 120 mm main gun for superior anti-armor capability, multilayer composite armor offering improved protection over the AMX-30's baseline, and design elements enabling cost-effective customization for international clients. Early identification of potential customers, such as in the and in , influenced the adoption of a modular hull and turret configuration to facilitate regional adaptations, including for operations. These choices underscored the tank's role in France's export strategy, targeting nations seeking affordable yet capable main battle tanks amid global rearmament pressures.

Development timeline and prototypes

The development of the AMX-40 commenced in the early as a private venture by GIAT Industries, building on the lineage of the earlier export tank to create a more advanced aimed primarily at international markets. The design phase spanned from 1980 to 1983, focusing on a modular that allowed for customization to meet diverse export requirements, such as varying armament and protection levels for potential buyers in the and elsewhere. This modularity addressed key engineering challenges, enabling rapid adaptations like alternative engines or turret configurations without major redesigns, though integration complexities arose in balancing weight and performance across variants. The first prototype, designated P1 and derived from the , was completed in December 1983 and publicly unveiled at the arms exhibition later that year, marking the project's debut with its 120 mm gun and advanced fire control systems. Subsequent prototypes followed to refine the design: the P2 in 1984, using the CH2 hull and T2 turret for improved and ; the P3 in 1985, with the CH3 hull and T3 turret featuring engine upgrades for enhanced mobility; and the P4 in 1985, with the CH4 hull and T2 turret including modifications to optimize weight distribution and ground clearance. Later efforts produced pre-production models P01 and P02 between 1987 and 1988, tailored for export demonstrations with options like composite armor packages. In parallel, a proposed Egyptian variant known as E4 (or E50) was designed in 1985-1986 to meet Cairo's specifications for a heavier 50-tonne configuration, but it remained unbuilt due to funding shortfalls and shifting priorities in Egyptian . Despite extensive demonstrations, including desert trials in in 1987 where the AMX-40 competed against rivals like the M1A1 Abrams and , the project secured zero export orders. The program was cancelled in 1990, influenced by the end of the , which reduced demand for new tanks as surplus Western models flooded global markets, alongside the French Army's pivot to the more advanced . Six prototypes and pre-production vehicles were constructed in total, with several preserved as of 2025 at the in , , serving as historical exhibits of French armored .

Design features

Armament

The primary armament of the AMX-40 is the 120 mm GIAT CN 120 G1 smoothbore gun, designed for high-velocity rounds and compatible with NATO-standard ammunition. This gun is capable of firing armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS), (HEAT), and (HESH) rounds, providing versatile engagement options against armored and soft targets. The system includes provisions for 37 rounds of stowage, with an mechanism in the turret rear supporting rapid reloading in combat scenarios. The tank had a of four, with a two-man turret consisting of and gunner, enabled by the . Secondary armament consists of a 20 mm M693 F2 two-barrel mounted coaxially with the main gun, primarily intended for engaging and light vehicles at close range (elevation -8° to +40°). Complementing this is a 7.62 mm NF-1 pintle-mounted on the commander's for anti-aircraft and . The welded steel turret housing these weapons features two-axis stabilization, enabling accurate firing while the is moving over rough . The main offers an range from -8° to +20° and full 360° electric traverse, facilitating flexible targeting in varied combat environments. Ammunition for the GIAT CN 120 G1 relies on standard French and international types, with no unique rounds specifically developed for the AMX-40; the stabilized firing system supports its performance without altering the core weapon specifications.

Fire control system and optics

The of the AMX-40 was based on the GIAT-developed COTAC (Conduite de Tir Automatique pour Char) setup, an integrated suite designed for precise targeting and engagement. The gunner's primary sight was the APX M581 monocular telescopic periscope, which featured a built-in CILAS APX M550 (also designated TCV 80) capable of measuring ranges up to 10,000 meters with an accuracy of ±5 meters. This sight provided ×10 magnification and included low-light television (LLTV) for enhanced visibility in reduced illumination conditions, allowing effective operation during twilight or overcast scenarios. The commander's station incorporated an independent with a 360° rotating assembly, including the M496 daylight sight and a TJN-223 passive for night operations, enabling and target designation without relying on the gunner's . This setup supported hunter-killer tactics by permitting the to independently search for and hand off targets to the gunner. At the core of the system was an electronic ballistic computer, functioning as an analog-digital hybrid that processed inputs along with environmental factors such as type, , and ballistic coefficients to compute superelevation and lead angles for the main gun. This computation enabled rapid fire solutions, typically within seconds, enhancing first-round hit probability when integrated with the 120 mm . The turret and were equipped with a two-axis gyroscopic stabilization system, permitting accurate on-the-move firing at speeds up to 30 km/h over moderate terrain, a significant advancement over earlier French designs like the AMX-30. For markets, the AMX-40 featured modular mounting points in the turret roof and housings, allowing integration of customer-specified sights and sensors while retaining the baseline French COTAC configuration as standard.

Mobility and powertrain

The AMX-40's powertrain centered on the Poyaud V12X liquid-cooled V12 , a turbocharged 12-cylinder unit producing 1,100 horsepower, which provided a of approximately 25 hp per for the 43- vehicle. This engine, derived from designs used in French heavy vehicles, emphasized reliability and high output for export-oriented performance in varied terrains. The transmission consisted of a ZF LSG 3000 automatic gearbox with a hydrokinetic , offering four forward gears and two reverse, which facilitated smooth power delivery and a maximum road speed of 65-70 km/h. This setup, sourced from West German engineering, allowed the to achieve operational ranges of 550 km on internal , extendable to 850 km with auxiliary tanks, supported by a primary fuel capacity exceeding 1,000 liters. Mobility was further enhanced by a system featuring six pairs of dual road wheels per side, along with hydraulic shock absorbers for improved ride quality over rough ground, maintaining a ground clearance of 0.45 m. Off-road speeds reached up to 50 km/h, enabling the AMX-40 to maneuver effectively in scenarios while distributing weight via 570 mm-wide steel tracks fitted with rubber pads, resulting in a ground pressure of 0.89 kg/cm².

Armor and protection

The AMX-40's hull was built using a welded steel structure as the base, augmented with composite armor modules on the frontal and side projections to provide layered defense against kinetic energy and threats. These composite add-ons incorporated (NERA) elements, which disrupted incoming projectiles without the explosive components of traditional reactive armor, enhancing overall survivability while maintaining the tank's relatively low weight of 43 tonnes. This design prioritized export markets with budget constraints, offering adequate protection without the heavy armor arrays of larger main battle tanks like the or Leopard 2. The armor provided equivalent protection to 600 mm of rolled homogeneous steel (RHA) against kinetic threats. The turret employed a welded featuring a sloped frontal arc to deflect incoming fire and spaced armor arrays that created gaps to prematurely detonate anti-tank rockets and guided missiles. The turret roof included additional plating to guard against fragments and top-attack threats, while the overall layout separated key positions to minimize from spall or penetration. Beyond passive armor, the AMX-40 incorporated several active and passive survivability features. An (nuclear, biological, chemical) filtration system protected the four-person from contaminated environments, while an system rapidly detected and extinguished internal fires to prevent catastrophic damage. Spaced skirts along the hull sides and turret helped deflect rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) by disrupting their fusing mechanisms before reaching the main armor. These elements, combined with six launchers (three per side), emphasized rapid disengagement over prolonged engagements, aligning with the tank's lighter weight and emphasis on mobility over heavy fortification. The resulting protection scheme traded some resilience for agility, enabling the AMX-40 to outmaneuver heavier contemporaries in varied terrains.

Testing and trials

Initial testing

The initial testing of the AMX-40 prototypes took place at the Valdahon proving grounds in 1985, serving as the primary site for domestic French validation of the vehicle's early performance. These trials emphasized reliability assessments, the accuracy of the 120mm smoothbore gun, and fundamental mobility capabilities to ensure alignment with French armored . The program involved extensive driving tests, with particular attention to the tank's suitability for rapid deployment scenarios central to French requirements. Key outcomes highlighted the effective integration of the 120mm gun with its advanced , demonstrating precise targeting under controlled conditions. Overall, the prototypes met the criteria for progression to export demonstrations, though testers criticized the narrow tracks for suboptimal performance in soft terrain, limiting cross-country traction. This feedback informed minor design adjustments prior to international exposure, while confirming the vehicle's baseline operational viability for potential foreign operators.

International evaluations

The AMX-40's international evaluations were conducted primarily to showcase its potential, with a focus on desert performance for Middle Eastern markets. In the summer of 1985, the P2 prototype underwent testing in to assess performance in tropical conditions. The following year, in , at least one prototype participated in desert trials in , , as part of a two-month testing program in the Gulf region that also included . These demonstrations emphasized the tank's good mobility in sandy terrain but criticized its armor protection as inadequate against prevalent regional threats, such as those from Soviet tanks. The UAE assessed the AMX-40 as a candidate to replace its obsolete fleet, comparing it to the British Challenger, American M1A1 Abrams, and French Leclerc in collaborative reviews with dating back to the late 1980s. The following year, in July 1987, an AMX-40 prototype was deployed for evaluation in , where it underwent rigorous off-road runs and firing tests alongside the M1A1 Abrams, Brazilian Osório EE-T1, and British Challenger 1. The desert conditions exposed problems with the tank's track width, which hindered stability and traction in loose sand, resulting in proposed modifications that were never realized. Technical incidents during the trials further undermined confidence in the design. Saudi evaluators ultimately favored the Abrams for its superior protection and firepower, leading to an order for 315 M1A2 tanks and highlighting the French tank's obsolescence relative to contemporary threats like the T-72. Additional export-oriented efforts included demonstrations in during the 1986 Gulf tests and inclusion in Kuwait's 1992 trials for acquisitions, where the AMX-40 was one of several options considered for force modernization but failed to secure a contract. expressed interest in the 1980s, conducting preliminary reviews of the , but these did not advance to full trials or agreements. In total, GIAT pursued bids in at least five countries beginning in , yet the AMX-40 garnered no sales despite its competitive pricing and strong armament. Persistent criticisms centered on insufficient armor when measured against rivals like the Leopard 2, ultimately dooming the program.
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