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| One of the many different configurations trialed on the AMX chassis. I would assume this was a heavy anti-personnel/aircraft variant. |
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| RBT-5 rocket launcher artillery version, equipped with two 420mm tank torpedoes (prototypes only). Looks like the Christie chassis and I have absolutely no info on the RBT-5. |
Ref the first pic: it's actually the Hocthkiss light fighting unit, one of a couple prototypes to a French requirement for very light, very cheap vehicles optimized for defensive fighting in urban or other close quarters combat scenarios. It was only 7.4 tonnes and supposedly put a lot of emphasis on fire protection (against molotov cocktails) for street fighting purposes. The twin 30mm for for AP and close range work vs. AFV with no AA capability. There was another version with an oscillating turret and a 90mm gun. Crew was only 2 to keep size/weight down. More pics/info here: http://www.chars-francais.net/new/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=713&Itemid=36 There was a competing design too, the ELC AMX that only came in a 90mm version, details of it are on the same site. Still very interesting as a design study for making very light, but well armed, vehicles.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the rocket version, but Soviets bought an early Christie chassis and developed a series of tanks based on it: BT-1, BT-2 . . . and so on up to the BT-7. This series didn't lead directly to the T-34 but all the development for it, especially the suspension, contributed to the T-34. BT-5/BT-7 were very good for their day: well armed and very mobile, though lightly armored, and were produced in large numbers. "BT" is from the Russian acronym loosely translated as "Fast Tank". R presumably stands for "Rocket"
Good discussion of the French program, it's prototypes, and why they didn't work out here: http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=16610.0
Deleteabsolutely awesome info! thanks for filling in the blanks. i'm glad to find armor history nuts still exist in this twisted world.
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