You can call this vehicle a tank because it resembles one: it has a turret with a cannon and is also plated with some armor. But fighting other tanks is definitely not what it does best.
AMX-10 RC.
The AMX-10 RChowever, it is often described as a light tank that can, under the right circumstances, destroy larger armored vehicles, including main battle tank.
This French armored fighting vehicle was produced by GIAT for armored reconnaissance purposes. The French Army has been using these units since 1981. The “RC” in its name stands for “”Roues-Canon“Meaning” Wheeled Gun” – it actually uses six wheels instead of rails.
At the present time, the French Army has replacement vehicles for these old vehicles and is actively decommissioning the last ones with the aim of completing the transition to the newly developed type. EBRC Jaguar.
AMX-10 RC.
Last June, the French government announced a military aid package for Ukraine. Subsequently, the Armed Forces of Ukraine received a group of armored personnel carriers that were service in Ukraine so far. Theoretically, the AMX-10 RC could become a good candidate for the next round of cooperation between France and Ukraine. France doesn’t need these vehicles anymore, but there are quite a few scenarios where these wheeled tanks could prove their worth in the Ukrainian Army.
What is the possibility of using the AMX-10 RC in Ukraine?
As we mentioned, the AMX-10 RC is not an official tank. Its armor is much lighter and can be penetrated by light guns using armor-piercing shells; wheels lack stability compared to a track-based chassis; and the 105mm gun was smaller than many leading tanks and was not very stable. In addition, the AMX-10 RC medium-pressure gun uses a proprietary 105mm × 527R ammunition that is not compatible with the NATO 105mm ammunition standard.
The Ukrainian army, however, has lots of experience work with an extremely diverse selection of weapon, and exclusive ammunition won’t be a big deal here. In the current Russian invasion, armored vehicles are needed everywhere, especially when carrying out reconnaissance operations or transporting personnel. And this particular use is where the AMX-10 RC could be one of the best choices.
AMX-10 RC.
In this machine, the ability to overcome difficult terrain is especially good. In the AMX-10 RC, all six wheels are driven; in fact, it also uses the principle of sliding steering, where the left and right wheels can be controlled independently, and the wheels are also combined with an automatic tire inflation system. Moreover, this armored vehicle is equipped with an air suspension with variable ground clearance and inclination. The lightest version weighs 16 tons (enhanced version – 22 tons), but overall flexibility is much better than that of heavier tanks, which makes it a very good choice for reconnaissance purposes.
The main gun, although smaller than a tank, is still enough to be easily destroyed Russian Army BMP or APC class vehicle. In fact, the 105 mm rifle equipped can fire 4 different types of ammunition, including armor-piercing, high-explosive and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds.
Armor piercing ring capable of defeating a standard Single NATO Heavy Tank Target (with 150mm armor thickness) at 1200 meters and NATO heavy tank target at a range of 2200 meters. High explosive fragmentation ammunition allows effective direct support operations on the battlefield.
Currently Ukraine does not have many options to strengthen the Armed Forces with new armored vehicles. And in the case of offers from France with a sufficient number of AMX-10RCs, this opportunity should not be missed.
