Quote:
Originally Posted by RN7
This is the problem with the AMX-13. Its not a tank, and it could be defeated by even a heavy machine gun.
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Actually the AMX-13 is a perfect example of a light tank from the post WWII era.
When you consider a tank design, picture a triangle, one point is maneuverability, the second is firepower and the third point is protection.
The AMX-13 has excellent maneuverability and decent firepower, protection is poor. But it was designed for a reconnaissance role. When I was stationed in Germany, during the maneuvers that light tank could run rings around a M-60A1, and if it could get close enough it's cannon was a decent threat against flank armor. The turret also gives this tank an advantage, the cannon is mounted fairly high, and from the front it is a narrow design. This allows the AMX-13 to occupy a hull down position and reveal very little of its turret, coupled with good camouflage, makes the blasted thing very hard to detect.
It's ability to pour a burst of 3-6 rounds and then run away, does make it a threat.
But remember, it was designed for the European battlefield.
During the Six Day War, the IDF fielded three battalions of AMX-13s, due to the shortage of MBTs, they used the -13s as main battle tanks and they suffered heavy losses when used outside their designed role.
So the Mexican Army buying light tanks, very possible, equally possible is their suffering heavy losses, especially when going up against TOW/Dragon/Tank Breaker/Hellfire. Toss in M-48A5/M-60A3/M-1, and you have a nasty little surprise for the Guard and Reserve units, but one that would be quickly worn away by battlefield and maintenance losses.