In cooperation with the Israeli electronics firm Elbit and
Nimda, has planned and prepared a prototype up-rated AMX-13 light
tank. The IDF had operated some 200 of this type as its first
modern tank, received just before the Sinai campaign (1956) and had
made several modifications , especially in regard to improving its
performance in severe desert conditions. It has been sold to
several Asian countries, foremost Singapore . The Israelis had,
over the years of its service life (3 AMX-13 battalions took active
part in the fighting of the Six Day War in 1967), amassed a large
amount of combat and maintenance experience with this vehicle
.
Now this, as well anther expertise, has served well to bring about
an excellent, original solution to the problem of modernizing the
obsolete AMX-13 light and restoring its service life for modern
tank combat, especially for those countries whose economic
infrastructure requires tanks of less than 25 ton ,due to
restricted bridge-crossing capabilities or limited gauge rail
systems for transportation .
The new combat profile of the Nimda AMX 13 is powered by the
DDA-6V- 53 T Diesel engine which produces 275 hp at 2800rpm (the
original SOFAM petrol engine produced 240 hp at 3200rpm), and
weighs 612 kg .
A major problem - to refit the tank with its new DDA power train
required a modification of the engine, enabling it to be fitted
into the restricted engine department space with an angle
inclination adapted base produced by the Detroit manufactures and
specially designed for the project. The improved automation, which
includes a dry type, mechanically actuated clutch and cooling
system (a marked improvement ove the original problematic hot
climate system which caused much trouble), increases the modernized
AMX -13's range by 150 km .
A dramatic improvement in the tank's combat effectiveness is
obtained by the inclusion of the Elbit LANCELOT Fire Control
System, which greatly enhances the day or night combat capability,
as well as first hit probability, thereby increasing survivability
by reducing exposure time ; the original shape and low silhouette
gave it excellent hull-down position selection capacity .
The Elbit LANCELOT system improves the first round hit probability
by correcting the relevant systematic errors that occur when firing
against stationary or moving targets with the aid of a digital
computer , laser rangefinder and second-generation image
intensifier. Gunner's day and night sight and an optional
commander's control unit enable the crew to function excellently in
two-man turret .
The main armament, originally the 75 mm HV gun (IDF) and up gunned
versions, 90 mm (France) or 105 mm (Netherlands), can be retained
to function with the modernized system. With long rod ammunition,
the armour-piercing performance can be enhanced considerably with
high cost effectiveness .
