The AMX-30 Bridge is a French bridge-laying engineering vehicle based on the AMX-30 tank chassis.[1]

AMX-30 Bridge
TypeArmoured vehicle-launched bridge
Place of originFrance
Specifications
Mass42.5 metric tons (94,000 lb)
Length11.40 m (with bridge)
Width3.95 m (with bridge)
Height4.29 m (with bridge)
Crew3

Armor80 mm (3.14 in)
EngineHispano-Suiza HS-110 12 cylinder
700 hp (522 kW)
Power/weight16.5 hp/ton
Suspensiontorsion bar
Operational
range
600 km (373 miles)
Maximum speed 50 km/h (31.1 mph)

Design

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The chassis of this variant is almost identical to the AMX-30. Instead of the turret, a scissors bridge is laid hydraulically over the rear of the vehicle. Deployment and retraction time of the bridge is about 5 minutes, and has a span of 20 meters.[2] The bridge is erected vertically, and can therefore be easily seen by enemy forces.[1]

Night vision optics and NBC (nuclear, biological and chemical) defense systems are standard fittings.[1]

History

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The AMX-30 was manufactured by Nexter. The first prototype of the AMX-30 Bridge was built in the mid 60s, but production did not start until the mid 70s.[1]

It was intended to be used in tandem with the AMX-30, having no armament of its own.[1] It was not used by the French Army; 12 vehicles are in use by the Saudi Arabian Army.[when?][citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Trewhitt, Philip (1999). Armoured Fighting Vehicles. Dempsey-Parr. p. 230. ISBN 1-84084-328-4.
  2. ^ Tanks and armored fighting vehicles : visual encyclopedia. New York, N.Y.: Chartwell Books. 2012. p. 337. ISBN 9780785829263. OCLC 785874088.