AMX-30 DCA
Overview
AMX-30 DCA
Right side view of Saudi Arabian AMX-30 DCA self-propelled anti-aircraft gun.
Source: Unknown author -
© Copyright lies with original owner
French for "defense against aircraft".
AMX-30SA
Saudi service
Description
Introduction
The AMX-30 DCA is a late Cold War era self-propelled anti-aircraft gun of French origin. It was developed as a private venture from the AMX-13 DCA, a similar system produced for the French army. The name DCA stands for "Défense Contre Avions" which translates to "defense against aircraft".
Layout
The AMX-30 DCA is rather similar to the AMX-13 DCA that was developed a few years earlier. The AMX-30 chassis is larger and provides a better platform for the large two man turret. Two Hispano-Suiza 30mm autocannon are mounted side by side at the front of the turret and a search and tracking radar is mounted at the rear of the turret. The engine and drivetrain are located at the rear and the driver is seated in the hull front.
Firepower
The armament of the AMX-30 DCA consists of two powerful 30mm HS-831A autocannon. Fire modes are semi-automatic or bursts of 5 to 15 rounds. The cyclic rate of fire is 650 rpm per barrel and a total of 1.200 rounds are carried. The maximum effective range is 3 km with a slant range of 5 km. These autocannon are also effective against light armored vehicles and infantry in the open.
Fire control
The AMX-30 DCA is fitted with the Oeil Noir 1 doppler search and tracking radar. This radar is connected to an analogue computer. Aircraft and helicopters can be detected out to 12 km and at altitudes of up to 3 km. Alternatively manual fire control can be used to engage aerial and ground targets.
Protection
The AMX-30 DCA is operated from under full armor protection. The steel hull and turret provide protection against small arms fire and shell splinters. Four smoke grenade dischargers are fitted on the turret rear.
Mobility
The only customer for the AMX-30 DCA was Saudi Arabia, which acquired a wide range of vehicles based on the AMX-30 main battle tank design. The AMX-30 DCA is used in conjunction with the Shahine. The Shahine a low level self-propelled SAM system based on the French Crotale SAM system and the AMX-30 chassis.
Users
The AMX-30 DCA was ordered by Saudi Arabia for use alongside the Shahine SAM system. A total of 53 vehicles were acquired. Currently the AMX-30 DCA is believed to be kept in reserve.
Variants
AMX-30 DCA
Right side view of AMX-30 DCA self-propelled anti-aircraft gun.
Source: Unknown author -
© copyright lies with original owner
AMX-30 DCA
The AMX-30 DCA is a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun based on the chassis of the AMX-30 main battle tank. In particular the AMX-30SA chassis with modifications for use in desert climate was used, since the only production vehicles were destined for Saudi Arabia. The large round turret in conjunction with the AMX-30 chassis make the AMX-30 DCA easy to identify. There are no variants, except for its predecessor. The AMX-13 DCA is described in a separate article.
Details
Related articles
AMX-13 DCA
The AMX-30 DCA is a further development of the AMX-13 DCA that served with the French army.
30mm Hispano-Suiza HS.831
The AMX-30 DCA is armed with two 30mm HS.831A autocannon.