VBCI
Overview
VBCI VCI
Left side view of French army VBCI VCI.
Source: www.defesaglobal.wordpress.com -
© copyright lies with original owner
€ 2.8 million for VBCI VPC in 2012
120 VBCI VPC
Qatar - (on order)
Description
Introduction
The VBCI is a modern infantry combat vehicle of French origin. It was developed to supplement and replace both the wheeled VAB and tracked AMX-10P in French service. The name VBCI stands for Véhicule Blindé de Combat d'Infanterie, which is French for "wheeled infantry combat vehicle".
Design
The VBCI has a conventional layout for an 8x8 armored personnel carrier. The engine, drivetrain and two steerable axles are located at the front. The one man Dragar turret is mounted in the middle. The troop compartment is located at the rear and features a ramp.
Firepower
The VBCI is armed with a 25mm M811 dual feed autocannon with 150 round ready to fire. A coaxial 7.62mm MAG machine gun is fitted. The armament is stabilized in both axis and can be fired on the move. APFSDS round can penetrate up to 85mm armor at a 1 km range. The command post version features a remote weapon system with 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun instead of the one man turret.
Protection
The aluminum and steel armor provides an all around protection against 14.5mm armor piercing heavy machine gun rounds. Add on armor can be fitted to improve armor level. An NBC system and fire suppression systems are fitted. The Galix smoke grenade launcher system improves self-defence.
Mobility
The 8x8 chassis with large wheels provides good on road and off road mobility. The 550 hp diesel engine provides a maximum speed of 100 km/h on roads. The autonomous range is 750 km. The VBCI is not amphibious.
Users
The VBCI is in use with the French army, which operates over 600 vehicles in the infantry combat vehicle and command post roles. Other nations have shown interest in the VBCI and export orders are expected in the future.
Variants
VBCI VCI
Baseline infantry fighting vehicle version fitted with DRAGAR turret armed with 25mm M811 autocannon and 7.62mm MAG coaxial machine gun. The name VCI stands for Véhicule de Combat de l'Infanterie, which is French for "infantry combat vehicle".
VBCI VPC
Command post vehicle fitted with remote weapon system fitted with 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun. The name VPC stands for Véhicule de Poste de Commandement, which is French for "command post vehicle".
Details
Media
VBCI VCI
Forward view of French army VBCI VCI.
Source: www.platforms-mil.de
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
VBCI VCI
Right side view of French army VBCI VCI.
Source: Daniel Steger
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
VBCI VCI
VBCI VCI with add on RPG nets.
Source: www.forcesoperations.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
VBCI VCI
French army VBCI VCI in Mali.
Source: www.warfaretech.blogspot.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
VBCI VCI
French army VBCI VCI in Mali.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
VBCI VCI
French army VBCI VCI in Lebanon.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
VBCI VCI
French army VBCI VCI in Lebanon.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
VBCI VCI
French army VBCI VCI in Mali.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
VBCI VCI
Right side view of French army VBCI VCI.
Source: AlfvanBeem
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
VBCI VPC
Forward view of French army VBCI VPC command post vehicle. Note the remote weapon system instead of the one man turret.
Source: Rama
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
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