The AMX-30 is a main battle tank designed by GIAT Industries and first delivered to the French Army in 1966. It was designed with a focus on firepower and mobility, able to operate with minimal support services. The trade-off was limited armour protection (50 mm base), rendering it vulnerable to contemporary main battle tank weapons of NATO or the Warsaw Pact. It is perhaps the most successful post-war French armoured vehicle designed.
Design features included a fully sealed hull, allowing operations in nuclear, chemical, and biological contamination areas. The tank is also capable of fording water up to 2 m in depth. The armour is made of rolled plates and castings, completely welded. The turret is entirely cast and highly shaped for maximum protection. The tank can carry up to 47 rounds of ammunition.
