AMX-30B is well-known as a second-generation main battle tank equipped by the French Army. Compared to the contemporary main battle tanks in the world, it has strong mobility, firepower but weak protection. In the early 1980s, France developed a more modernized AMX-30B2 which was based on the AMX-30B. The improvements of AMX-30B include: installing a brand new M581 integrated COTAC fire-control system; upgrading the transmission to the semi-automatic SESM ENC 200; adopting a new torsion bar suspension which increased the tank's off-road mobility; mounting side skirts on both sides of the hull to increase the tank’s protection. The vehicle entered service in the French Army in 1982.
In 1991, French 4th Dragoon Regiment equipped with 44 AMX-30B2 MBTs engaged in the Gulf War. Although it was not as invincible as U.S. M1A1 MBT, yet, it played a positive role in the Operation Desert Saber, and cut off the route of retreat of Iraqi Republican Guard units.
This 1/35 scale TS-013 French AMX-30B2 MBT plastic model kit is 271mm in total length and 96mm in width. The model realistically represented the cast turret and partial turret interior; the main gun and 20mm autocannon can elevate independently; the hatch on commander cupola can rotate in 360 degrees; realistic running gear parts on the chassis and torsion bar suspension are movable; workable track links are easy to assemble with the assembly jig. The kit is comprised of 14 sprues and 2 PE frets.
Parts come molded in brown, black, and clear. Includes photo-etched parts.
