Ref.: MENG-TS013
French AMX-30B2
In the early 1980s, France developed a more modernized AMX-30B2 which was based on the AMX-30B. The improvements of AMX-30B include: installing a brand new M581 integrated COTAC fire-control system; upgrading the transmission to the semi-automatic SESM ENC 200; adopting a new torsion bar suspension which increased the tank’s off-road mobility; mounting side skirts on both sides of the hull to increase the tank’s protection. The vehicle entered service in the French Army in 1982. In 1991, French 4th Dragoon Regiment equipped with 44 AMX-30B2 MBTs engaged in the Gulf War. Although it was not as invincible as U.S. M1A1 MBT, yet, it played a positive role in the Operation Desert Saber, and cut off the route of retreat of Iraqi Republican Guard units.
