| Panhard AML 60/90 | |
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Panhard AML 90 armoured car at Saumur armour museum |
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| Type | Light armoured car |
| Place of origin | France |
| Service history | |
| Used by | numerous, see text |
| Wars | Portuguese Colonial War, Rhodesian Bush War, Mozambican War of Independence, Western Sahara War, Angolan Civil War, Falklands War, Lebanese Civil War, Border patrols during Northern Ireland Troubles. |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Panhard |
| Produced | 1960– |
| Number built | over 4,000 |
| Variants | AML 60, AML 90, AML 20, M3 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 5.5 tonnes |
| Length | 4.15 m |
| Width | 1.97 m |
| Height | 2.07 m |
| Crew | 3 |
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| Main armament |
AML 60: 60 mm breech loading mortar AML 90: 90 mm GIAT F1 gun AML 20: 20 mm G12 cannon |
| Secondary armament |
2 × 7.62 mm MG |
| Engine | Panhard 1.99 l (121 cu in)[1] Model 4 HD flat 4-cylinder[2] air-cooled petrol •90 hp at 4,700 rpm •compression ratio 7.5:1[3] |
| Transmission | 4×4 |
| Ground clearance | 330 mm |
| Operational range |
600 km |
| Speed | 90 km/h |
The Panhard AML (called the AML 245 by Panhard) 60/90 is a light armoured car with permanent 4×4 drive for mobility. It can carry either a 90 mm quick firing low pressure gun, or a 60 mm breech loading mortar as main weapons. Night vision equipment enables night time operations, and it is provided with a modern telecommunications system.
Contents |
During the 1950s, the French Army used the Daimler Ferret in large numbers but decided to build their own armoured car and Panhard started the production of the AML in 1960. Since then over 4000 vehicles have been completed and manufacture continues for the export market. The AML 60/90 have been sold to over 30 countries. In addition to the French production, 1300 AML 60/90 were built under licence by South Africa under the name of Eland 60/90.
An armoured personnel carrier (APC) version was also developed, the Panhard M3. The M3 and the AML share 95% of working parts, encouraging many countries to employ both the M3 and the AML in order to reduce operational costs.
All Irish Army versions have been re-engined with diesel engines.
Fitted with coil spring suspension and drum brakes, the AML lacks hydraulic assist on either brakes or steering; only front wheels steer.[4] It also uses nitrogen-filled inner tubes (in this case Hutchinson V.P.-P.V.s), similar to the EBR, providing run-flat capability, on 16 in (41 cm)-diameter wheels; these its 11 in (280 mm)-wide Michelin tires can be deflated to reduce ground pressure to as low as 70 to 110 kPa (10 to 16 psi).[5]
All the versions have a common configuration: the driver is seated in front with a two-seater turret on top. There is a door on each side and the power unit in the back.
At least 52 AML-90s were delivered to the Lebanese Army in 1970-72,[6] and saw considerable action during the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990).
In the Falklands War, the Argentines deployed 12 AML-90s from Escuadron de Exploracion Caballeria Blindada 181 (181st Armoured Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron) and an unknown additional number from Escuadron de Exploracion Caballeria Blindada 10 near Port Stanley. During the Battle of Wireless Ridge the only armour versus armour engagement of the war was fought when these units encountered FV101 Scorpions and FV107 Scimitars of the Blues and Royals. The AML-90s were abandoned in Stanley after the conflict ended.[7]
AML 90s where used in by El Salvadoran Army against communist insurgents during the 80s and early 90s.
In the James Bond film The Living Daylights, two Panhard AMLs (used to portray Soviet Army vehicles) pursue Afghan Mujahadeen fighters. In fact these were Panhard AMLs belonging to the Royal Moroccan Army (FAR). The Mujahadeen were portrayed by Moroccan soldiers.
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