hazy coral
Giat T59.
- T-55.
- AMX 30B2 Cannon, Smoke Launchers, LFR & Thermals.
As GIAT was in discussion with Egypt for a modernization program of T-62 which was meant to receive a French 120mm G1 gun, France went further to propose at wide similar modernization on the Type 59 which was widespread around the world. it was in 1987, during the SATORY exposition that the tank was officially revealed to the world and offered to export. with nearly 100,000 T54/55 built and over 50 countries using it, the T54/55 is one of the most common vehicles. Been in use in many countries with whose France has a relation, but the potential of an upgrade for export was just too good.
With the discussion of modernizing the T-62 for Egypt, GIAT put its hand on an old Type 59 from the Vietnam War and started to study the potential of a cheap yet efficient upgrade.
While most countries using the T-55 or Type 59 back then were unable to afford modern MBT, the key feature was to avoid building a whole new tank. the chassis was unchanged, the turret as well, and the engine was better to remain as it was. the T-55 (and type 59) was by itself not a bad tank at all, it was tough and reliable. but it remained outdated. GIAT proposed to fit “better” French armament and device. this was as much for proving this sort of upgrade was doable and to find new potential customers.
The T59 was refitted with a French CN-105 F1 which is the gun used on the AMX 30. it also got the SFIM VS 580 commander’s peripheral sight. The gunner is upgraded to a sight with an integrated laser rangefinder. A TRT thermal heater is also installed on the right side of the main gun. the engine compartment received a new fire extinguishing system capable of putting out a fire in 60 milliseconds. finally, the turret received the new Galix grenade launchers. additionally, there was an option to install a 710 hp HS 110-2 diesel engine and semi-automatic transmission like the AMX 30B2.
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