It was equipped with the H-90 turret from Hispano-Suiza which was already fitted to the AML-90. The aim was to exceed the mobility of the AML, be amphibious and protected from nuclear, bacteriological and chemical attack (NBC) without exceeding a mass of 8 tonnes so as to comply with the payload of a Transall C-160 aircraft.
Publicity for the ERC 90 F4 Sagaie, around 1982
To create the surprise factor, the ERC-90 Sagaie arrived at the terrestrial arms exhibition at Satory under tarpaulins. The army saw it as a potential replacement for the AMX-13 and AML. Also, large stocks of munitions for the EBR and AMX13 could be used by the 90 mm gun on the ERC. In September 1981, the Army Chief of Staff approved the ERC-90 F-4 Sagaie after satisfactory tests.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION…
Book : Stéphane Ferrard, Panhard, une tradition d’avant-garde (Panhard, a tradition of innovation), Mopicom SARL, 1996.