The AMX-10RC is an armoured car built by GIAT. Over 300 are in service in the French Army. 120 additional vehicles were sold to Morocco (108) and Qatar (12).

The AMX-10RC is a wheeled and heavily armed version of the AMX-10P combat vehicle. The AMX-10RC should not be confused with the AMX-10P; both share automotive components but otherwise have completely different battlefield roles. The AMX-10RC is amphibious and has very good mobility. It is usually used for reconnaissance missions in dangerous environments, or for fire support.

Design and characteristics

Initial work on the AMX-10RC began in 1970, with production beginning in 1976. The vehicle features a powerful GIAT 105 mm gun mounted in a welded aluminium turret. The turret also serves to house 3 crewmembers, while the driver sits in the front of the hull; the COTAC fire control system is provided for gun aiming.

The AMX-10RC has been the recipient of numerous upgrades over its lifetime. Newer systems include battlefield-management system terminals, most notably. For its part in the 1991 Gulf War, the AMX-10RC was provided with extra add-on armour and anti-tank missile decoy systems. Other improvements include the installation of a NATO 105 mm gun, as the GIAT model was not compatible with NATO munitions. Thermal imaging systems have also been installed, using units taken from decomissioned AMX-30B2 MBTs. A central tire-inflation system is available for added traction over soft terrain. The AMX-10RC is equipped with an NBC (Nuclear/Biological/Chemical) protection system and may conduct reconnaissance in a radioactive environment.

The AMX-10RC is no longer in production by GIAT.

Missions

• Armoured reconnaissance
• Armoured support
• Flanking the main battle corps

External links

• Giat-industries.fr
• Federation of American Scientists
• Army-technology.com
• Ixarm.com
• AMX-10RC at Army-Guide.com

French tanks | French armoured fighting vehicles | Reconnaissance vehicles

AMX-10 RC | AMX-10RC (装甲車) | AMX-10RC