ACMAT TPK 4.20/TPK 6.40

    Notes:  This armored personnel carrier is based on the ACMAT VLRA truck chassis.  The truck chassis is fitted with an armored body, firing ports, bullet-resistant windows, and large doors at the rear.  There are three firing ports in each side and one in one of the rear doors.  These are simply openings in the body with armored shutters, so any sort of weapon that will fit through the opening can be used.  Three versions are available: the smaller 4x4 TPK 4.20, and the larger 6x6 TPK 6.40.  For each of these versions, open-topped and closed-roof versions are available. Several African nations use these vehicles, particularly former French colonies that maintain ties with France.

 

The APC and Basic Information

     The basic APC version is called the VBL.  Armor is of chrome-moly steel, and is quite hard. The front is sharply-sloped, and sides moderately-sloped, which gives the vehicle surprising armor despite it being only 5.8mm thick. It is based on a VLRA long-range reconnaissance vehicle fitted with an armored body.  The TPK 6.40 is longer and heavier than the TPK 4.20, and this extra room is primarily in the rear troop compartment. The top of these versions are open-topped, with troops entering and exiting the vehicle by going over the sides.  The troop compartment is in the rear, and the engine in the front; the driver and commander are in a cab behind the engine, with bullet-resistant windshields and windows to the front and sides.  The windows and windshields may be closed off with armored shutters to increase protection, with the windshield shutters having vision slits in them.  The side doors of the cab have shuttered firing ports below the windows.  The cab has an enclosed roof, and the commander has a hatch with a pintle-mounted weapon. The troops sit down either side of the troop compartment.  They have no firing ports, but the sides and rear can be hinged downwards to give the troops inside a better field of fire.  The vehicle can also be had with a fully enclosed troop compartment; this version is the VSC, and has two roof hatches (one near the rear, and one at the center.  On the VSC, troop access is by two doors in the rear, and the sides still hinge downwards when desired.  On the open-topped version, pintle mounts can be mounted on the sides and rear, though this is not standard.

     The engine is a Perkins 6.354.4 diesel engine developing 135 horsepower. This is coupled to a manual transmission; the TPK 6.40 has one more forward gear than the TPK 4.20.  Suspension is by leaf springs as well as hydraulic shock absorbers, and rather smooth.  The suspension, however, is optimized for road use instead of off-road. The TPK 4.20 has a 4x4 configuration; the TPK 6.40 has a 6x6 configuration.  The TPK 4.20 can be switched to 4x2 for road use, while the TPK 6.40 may be switched to 6x4 for road use.

     (Weapons below are examples; others may be mounted.)

 

The VBL Light Armored Car

     The VBL Light Armored Car is similar to the closed-topped TPK 4.20 VSC, but the sides the vehicle have three firing ports, and the rear has two.  In the center of the roof is a light one-man turret armed with a light/medium machinegun or a heavy machinegun (a Milan missile system can also be mounted instead of the turret, but this will not be covered here).  The commander retains his weapon.  There is also a roof hatch near the rear of the vehicle. Extra radios are carried (two long range, one medium range, and one short-range), and extra ammunition and less troops are carried.  Optional equipment includes air conditioning.

 

Other APC-Type Versions

     There are ambulance versions of the TPK 4.20, designated BL-SAM.  All are these vehicles are closed-topped, with a raised roofline housing an air conditioning and heating unit.  The doorways have steps that lower to help load patients into the vehicle. The vehicles are equipped with refrigerators for perishable medical supplies, and most are equipped with oxygen administration gear, as well as the equivalent of one doctor’s medical kit and 10 personal medical kits and an assortment of splints, bandages, and other such equipment.  The TPK 4.20 BL-SAM can carry four stretchers and two seated patients, or two stretchers and six seated patients, plus a medic.  The vehicle characteristics are otherwise the mostly the same as the TPK 4.20 VSC, except they are unarmed and do not have roof hatches or firing ports.

     The logistics carrier version of the TPK 6.40, the TPK 6.50 BL-CTL, is a version of the open-topped armored personnel carrier has an improved suspension for increased cargo carrying capacity.  No seats are mounted, though there are lock-down and tie-down points for cargo. A light crane with a capacity of 2 tons is mounted near the front of the cargo compartment. The sides of the vehicle can be dropped for carrying outsized cargoes, and the roofline is raised for the same purpose.  The BL-CTL carries an extra crewmember to operate the crane and assist with cargo handling; he has a folding seat in the rear near the cab.

 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: Before the Twilight War, these vehicles were used only by certain African nations that maintained ties with France (such as the Central African Republic, Gabon, and the Ivory Coast); but when the Twilight War commenced, a number of them were sent to the Middle East with French Foreign Legion forces. Later, a number of them were retained in France for patrolling the Dead Zone.

 

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

TPK 4.20 VBL

$15,211

D, A

1.4 tons

7.3 tons

2+10

4

Headlights

Open

TPK 4.20 VSC

$17,611

D, A

1.3 tons

7.6 tons

2+10

6

Headlights

Enclosed

TPK 6.40 VBL

$16,222

D, A

1.4 tons

8.6 tons

2+16

6

Headlights

Open

TPK 6.40 VSC

$19,022

D, A

1.3 tons

9 tons

2+16

6

Headlights

Enclosed

VBL Light Armored Car

$19,998

D, A

1.2 tons

7.7 tons

3+8

6

Headlights

Enclosed

TPK 4.20 BL-SAM

$21,876

D, A

650 kg

9.4 tons

*

7

Headlights

Enclosed

TPK 6.50 BL-CTL

$16,722

D, A

4.5 tons

8.8 tons

3

6

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

TPK 4.20 VBL

192/47

45/11

360

66

Stnd

W(3)

HF4  HS3  HR2

TPK 4.20 VSC

187/46

43/11

360

69

Stnd

W(3)

HF4  HS3  HR2

TPK 6.40 VBL

173/42

40/10

360

77

Stnd

W(4)

HF4  HS3  HR2

TPK 6.40 VSC

167/41

39/10

360

81

Stnd

W(4)

HF4  HS3  HR2

VBL Light Armored Car

167/41

39/10

360

71

Stnd

W(3)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF4  HS3  HR2

TPK 4.20 BL-SAM

148/36

34/8

360

85

Stnd

W(3)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF5  HS3  HR3

TPK 6.50 BL-CTL

170/41

40/10

360

80

Stnd

W(4)

HF4  HS3  HR2

 

Vehicle

Fire Control

Stabilization

Armament

Ammunition

TPK 4.20 or 6.40 VBL/VSC/6.50 BL-CTL

None

None

M-2HB (C) or AAT-F1 (C) or MAG (C)

600x.50 or 1000x7.62mm

VBL Light Armored Car

None

None

M-2HB or AAT-F1 or MAG

1500x.50 or 2500x7.62mm

 

Giat TPP-501

     Notes: This is basically a square, armored body placed on the chassis of a Unimog U-1550L truck.  It is primarily meant to be an armored car or vehicle for police SRT teams, and not a military APC, and the level of protection is only average.  It does, however, have some amenities that military vehicles generally do not have, such as comfortable seats and air conditioning.  There is a large door on the rear of the vehicle, and doors on either side of the driver/commander compartment.  There are large bullet-resistant windows in the front of the vehicle, and smaller ones in the sides and rear.  There are no firing ports, just twin doors in the rear.  Two engines are offered, a Mercedes-Benz OM-366A 155-horsepower diesel and a Mercedes-Benz OM-366LA 214-horsepower diesel.  The suspension gives the vehicle decent cross-country performance, and the vehicle has a 4x4 suspension with differential locking.  No provision is made for a weapon, and there are no hatches in the roof.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

TPP-501 (155 hp)

$5,911

D, A

2.4 tons

9.5 tons

2+11

6

Headlights

Enclosed

TPP-501 (214 hp)

$6,131

D, A

2.4 tons

9.5 tons

2+11

6

Headlights

Enclosed

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

TPP-501 (155 hp)

139/70

32/16

160

78

Stnd

W(2)

HF3  HS3  HR3

TPP-501 (214 hp)

178/90

41/21

160

111

Stnd

W(2)

HF2  HS2  HR2

 

Giat VAB

     Notes:  This French vehicle is also a contender for the title of “most modified APC,” being available in some 27 variants and used by 10 countries.  It is also available in a 4x4 or 6x6 versions, and is a common sight, especially in Africa and the Middle East.  The VAB is also used by Argentina (who use only five), Cyprus, and Norway (who again use only five).  The French are the largest users, with 840 built for them; the Moroccans are the second largest users, with 394.  The 4x4 and 6x6 versions are the same size, but the 6x6 versions have better off-road performance. Statistics for the base versions are shown here, but the base version is rarely seen, as most customers outside of France use one of the modified versions, and France used several variants as well.   A plethora of non-APC versions are also in service, ranging from recovery vehicles to ATGM carriers.  The VAB has a long development period; the French Army first issued its requirements in 1970, but the first VABs were not delivered to the French Army in 1976.

 

The Basic VAB and General Description

     As stated above, the “basic” VAB is rarely seen, since most countries choose to top the VAB with one of many turrets available. This basic version is called the VTT. The driver is on the front left of the vehicle, with the commander to his right; both have overhead hatches, and there is also a door on the hull side for each of them.  The driver and commander have bullet resistant windshields to their front and bullet-resistant windows to their sides; these may be further protected by closing armored shutters, with the front shutters having vision slits in them. A weapon station may be located to the rear of the driver and commander, but usually the weapon station is deleted and the weapon mount is by the commander’s hatch, either on a pintle or as part of a cupola.  The troops leave by two doors in the rear hull.  If a separate weapon station is not present, there will be a hatch in the center of the hull deck, as well as two larger ones further back. (The stats below assume the lack of a separate weapons station.)  Air conditioning and heating are optional, as is a front-mounted winch with 60 meters of cable and a capacity of 7 tons.  On each door is a small armored window, and there are three more on each side and in the commander and driver’s doors.  Each of these windows may be locked open, allowing weapons to be fired from inside; they allow the troops inside to look out and fire their weapons, but are not firing ports. The troops sit facing each other down the sides of their compartment.  The seats may be folded, turning the VAB into an ad hoc logistics carrier, when needed. The rear doors do not have a central pillar, which also facilitates the use of the VAB as an armored truck if required. A small passageway on the right side of the troop compartment connects the driver’s and commander’s position to the troop compartment. A cluster of three smoke grenade launchers is normally found on each side of the front of the vehicle.

     The armor of the VAB is on par with most light APCs, but not exceptional.  Armor is of all-welded steel and is moderately-sloped on the front and sides. The VAB has an automatic fire detection and suppression system for the troop compartment, driver/commander compartment, engine compartment, and fuel tanks.  The VAB is fully amphibious, requiring the erection of a trim vane at the front and switching on bilge pumps, requiring two minutes.  Propulsion in the water is via waterjets at the rear with deflection vanes for steering.  The driver controls these vanes by a joystick.  The waterjets are not powerful, but better than propulsion by motion of the wheels. Other driver controls are conventional, and transmission is manual. The 6x6 version is switchable to 6x4 for road use, while the 4x4 version is switchable to 4x2.  The suspension is cross-country and uses large run-flat tires.  The 6x6 version does cut down on interior space, but not on the amount of troop space available; it does, however, allow for better off-road performance as well as better cargo carrying capacity.  Three engines are available: a Renault MIDS 06-20-45 220-horsepower turbocharged diesel, a Renault MIDR 06-02-26 250-horsepower turbocharged diesel (the type chosen by most users), or a Renault MIDR 06-20-45 450-horsepower turbocharged diesel (a common upgrade for French and many Middle Eastern customers).

 

APC With Turrets

     The VAB VCI T20 is a 4x4 VAB with a T20 gun station/cupola.  This is a light autocannon mount that does not take up much room.  This version has a dedicated gunner, and the turret has a roof hatch. The gun is almost always the newer duel-feed M-693 autocannon. The turret has electric traverse. This (and other turreted version of the VAB) do not have the commander’s weapon, and the smoke grenade launchers are moved to the turret. The VCI T25 is the same, but it has a T25 gun station/cupola.  The VCI Dragar is mounted only on 6x6 VABs and is equipped a Dragar 25mm autocannon one-man turret. The VCI Toucan is also mounted only on 6x6 VABs and has a Giat Toucan I turret.  The French Air Force also uses this vehicle, where it is known as the VIB.  Both have roof hatches for the gunner.

     The VMO is a VAB designed for the internal security role.  In this role, there is a light cupola armed with light/medium machinegun, along with a machinegun for the commander.  Mounted in the front is an obstacle-clearing blade and winch, and in the hull are a loudspeaker system and several radios (two medium and two short-range).  The blade is not strong enough to dig fighting positions or to be used as a mine plow, but frontal hits are 25% likely to hit the blade, which increases frontal armor against the blade by 1. 4x4 and 6x6 versions exist; Abu Dhabi uses the 6x6 version.

     The VMO-VOI is an internal security (police) version.  It has a light manually-operated cupola armed with a light/medium machinegun and a grenade launcher designed to fire irritant gas or smoke grenades; this must be reloaded between each shot, and is essentially a shoulder-fired riot grenade launcher mounted in the cupola.  It is a one-man cupola. The cupola also has a variety of imaging devices including low-light TV, a standard TV camera (both with 20x zoom capability), a white light spotlight, windshield and window washers, a loudspeaker, a shotgun microphone, and a cluster of four grenade launchers on each side of the front of the roof which can launch smoke, irritant gas, or flash-bang grenades.  Inside, the VMO-VOI has a set of 2-4 TV monitors linked to the imaging devices on the turret, speakers for the shotgun microphones, and a link to the loudspeaker.  Flashing lights and sirens are optional.  The VMO-VOI also has capacious recording capacity for the TV cameras and shotgun microphones; this may be by tape or digital.  The sides of the VMO-VOI have three firing ports, and the rear two, and the interior has overpressure against chemical attack (though not biological or radiological threats); this is to allow it to operate in riots where irritant gas has been used. Extra radios are carried as for the VMO above; one of the medium-range radios is data-capable and used to transmit remote video. The VMO-VOI is a 6x6 vehicle.

 

Other APC-Type Versions

     The VAB ATILA is a communications vehicle used at various levels, usually at battalion and above.  The vehicle has four long-range and two medium-range vehicles; one long-range radio is data-capable (for supplying data to the command post).  It has a switchboard able to handle up 30 field telephones, and itself carries 20 field telephones and 200 meters of commo wire.  It also carries a variety of spare parts for radios and communications equipment, and has a SATCOM terminal.  The VAB ATILA normally tows a trailer with more communications gear such as parts and hoards more commo wire, as well as spare radios and communications gear for the command post.  The VAB Transmission is a similar vehicle used at higher echelons and equipped with the RITA network, though it has somewhat different equipment.  This is a 6x6 vehicle.

     The VAB PC is a command post vehicle with two long-range, two medium-range, and two short-range radios, a map board, plotting and office supplies, various maps, and storage for those items.  A hand-held thermal imager, image intensifier, and laser rangefinder is carried. It has a ruggedized laptop computer. It has fold-out tables and folding chairs.  With different equipment, it can also be used as an FDC (the VAB FDC) and as a Forward Observation Officer and FALO vehicle (the VAB FOO). This is a 6x6 vehicle.

     The VAB EW is an electronic warfare vehicle with equipment to detect and jam radar and radio transmissions.  Jamming range for radar is 15 kilometers and for radio 30 kilometers.  A total of four bands of radar and six bands of radio can be jammed, but only two bands of radar and three of radio can be jammed at once.  Radar detection range is the same as its jamming range – 15 kilometers.  Radio detection range is 50 kilometers.  The EW version can be distinguished by the many unusual aerials on the roof.  A small computer helps tie these functions together, but it is a simple computer which does not have the functions of a laptop; it simply gives the crew the required information.  This is a 6x6 vehicle.

     The VAB Sanitaire is the armored ambulance version of the VAB.  It has the equivalent of two doctor’s medical bags, 20 personal medical kits, a variety of splints, bandages, and other first aid equipment, and a small refrigerator for perishable medical supplies.  On the roof is s small observation cupola; this does not rotate and is not armed, but has all-around vision blocks.  Behind the cupola is an armored box containing an air conditioning unit, and the VAB Sanitaire also has a heater. The VAB Sanitaire has an NBC Overpressure System with a collective NBC Backup. The VAB Sanitaire can carry four stretcher patients, two stretcher patients and five seated patients, or 10 seated patients.  This is a 4x4 vehicle.

     The VAB NBC Reco is an NBC reconnaissance vehicle with Geiger counters, a gamma radiation meter, optical chemical sniffer, GPS system and mapping equipment, and extra communications equipment (two long-range radios in addition to a medium-range and short-range radio; one of the long-range radios is data-capable).  At the rear of the vehicle is an arm for taking samples, and a mechanism to drop 50 radio and 50 visual beacons to mark contaminated areas.  A central computer manages the whole system; and the detection operates continuously and automatically.  The vehicle has four external cameras on booms which may be used day or night to further examine contaminated areas. This vehicle has a cupola with a machinegun which may be aimed and fired from within the vehicle, and has NBC-sealed firing points.  In addition to its NBC reconnaissance functions, the NBC Reco can take meteorological measurements to determine wind speed and direction to investigate wind drift of chemical, biological, and radiological agents.  This is a 6x6 vehicle.  The NBC Reco was one of the vehicles tested in the US competition which resulted in the M-93A1 Fox NBC Recon vehicle.

 

The Improved VAB

     The Improved VAB is basically a VAB 6x6 with a new turret and improved armor protection.  No firm offers have been placed for the Improved VAB, though it has apparently be tested by several countries; it has suffered since the 1990s since from competition from wheeled APCs which are more capable and less expensive (in real world prices).  The vehicle is essentially an upgraded VAG, upgraded in the area of protection, mobility, and driver’s controls as well as the transmission and suspension.  The Improved VAB is designed primarily for use in hot and dusty climates, and is improved in operation in those areas.  The design is still reportedly being shopped around, though only an APC version has been shown so far; it is aimed primarily at the export market, as France herself plans to move to the new VBCI in the near future.  4x4 and 6x6 versions have been shown.

     The layout of the improved VAB is virtually identical to the standard VAB.  The driving controls are simplified and less fatiguing, and the vehicle has automatic transmission.  The Improved VAB has air conditioning in addition to heating, and is NBC shielded.  The engine is fitted with protection against Molotov cocktails, so burning fuel will not pour into the engine.  The commander’s station is equipped with an OHWS which allows him to remain at his station and still operate the weapon via downlinked controls.  The OHWS has improved fire control and gun stabilization as well as night vision and vision equipment. The smoke grenade launcher complexes have been increased to four per cluster.  The length has been increased, giving the crew compartment more room as well as the driver’s and commander’s stations more room.  The engine is a Renault MIDR 06.20.45 turbocharged diesel developing 300 horsepower. Swimming mobility has been increased by the use of more powerful waterjets using steering vanes. Demonstrator versions have only been APC versions.

 

The VAB Mk II

     This is a VAB “brought up to the 21st century,” being shopped around the world market, with no takers so far, though many countries are testing it.  The primary change is the MEXAS armor package which is much more advanced and protective.  Appliqué armor panels are also possible. The entire vehicle is longer than a VAB, though not as long as an Improved VAB, and it is higher than a VAB due to its anti-mine suspension and belly. A variety of weapons stations are available; some representative examples are shown below.  The VAB Mk II is available in 4x4 and 6x6 versions.  Power is provided by a Renault DX17 turbocharged diesel with a power output of 320 horsepower.  The VAB Mk II is a modular system which can be outfitted for a variety of roles such as the VAB above.  The VAB Mk II has air conditioning and heating with an NBC overpressure system and a collective NBC backup.  The floor of the VAB Mk II is highly resistant to mines and IEDs; in addition to the armor values listed below, the interior crew, passenger, and equipment suffer 25% less damage from a bottom hit.  Appliqué armor can be added to the bottom as well.  The VAB Mk II can have a turret with a dedicated gunner, or a commander’s OHWS (the basic VAB Mk II).

 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The Improved VAB was used only by the French in the Twilight 2000 timeline, and was encountered only in France or the French Occupation Zone.

 

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

VAB VTT (4x4, 220 hp)

$24,071

D, A

950 kg

13 tons

2+10

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VTT (4x4, 250 hp)

$24,181

D, A

950 kg

13 tons

2+10

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VTT (4x4, 450 hp)

$24,931

D, A

950 kg

13 tons

2+10

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VTT (6x6, 220 hp)

$28,553

D, A

1.1 tons

14.2 tons

2+10

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VTT (6x6, 250 hp)

$28,663

D, A

1.1 tons

14.2 tons

2+10

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VTT (6x6, 450 hp)

$29,413

D, A

1.1 tons

14.2 tons

2+10

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VCI T20 (4x4, 220 hp)

$35,350

D, A

750 kg

13.8 tons

3+6

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VCI T20 (4x4, 250 hp)

$35,460

D, A

750 kg

13.8 tons

3+6

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VCI T20 (4x4, 450 hp)

$36,210

D, A

750 kg

13.8 tons

3+6

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VCI T20 (6x6, 220 hp)

$39,832

D, A

900 kg

15 tons

3+6

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VCI T20 (6x6, 250 hp)

$39,942

D, A

900 kg

15 tons

3+6

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VCI T20 (6x6, 450 hp)

$40,692

D, A

900 kg

15 tons

3+6

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VCI T25 (4x4, 220 hp)

$39,318

D, A

500 kg

14 tons

3+6

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VCI T25 (4x4, 250 hp)

$39,428

D, A

500 kg

14 tons

3+6

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VCI T25 (4x4, 450 hp)

$40,178

D, A

500 kg

14 tons

3+6

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VCI T25 (6x6, 220 hp)

$43,800

D, A

650 kg

16 tons

3+6

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VCI T25 (6x6, 250 hp)

$43,910

D, A

650 kg

16 tons

3+6

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VCI T25 (6x6, 450 hp)

$44,660

D, A

650 kg

16 tons

3+6

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VCI Dragar (220 hp)

$78,246

D, A

800 kg

15.4 tons

3+6

10

Passive IR (G, C), Image Intensification (G)

Enclosed

VAB VCI Dragar (250 hp)

$78,356

D, A

800 kg

15.4 tons

3+6

10

Passive IR (G, C), Image Intensification (G)

Enclosed

VAB VCI Dragar (450 hp)

$79,106

D, A

800 kg

15.4 tons

3+6

10

Passive IR (G, C), Image Intensification (G)

Enclosed

VAB VCI Toucan (220 hp)

$75,826

D, A

950 kg

14.8 tons

3+6

10

Passive IR (G, C), Image Intensification (G)

Enclosed

VAB VCI Toucan (250 hp)

$75,936

D, A

950 kg

14.8 tons

3+6

10

Passive IR (G, C), Image Intensification (G)

Enclosed

VAB VCI Toucan (450 hp)

$76,686

D, A

950 kg

14.8 tons

3+6

10

Passive IR (G, C), Image Intensification (G)

Enclosed

VAB VMO (4x4, 220 hp)

$26,685

D, A

950 kg

13.3 tons

3+9

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VMO (4x4, 250 hp)

$26,795

D, A

950 kg

13.3 tons

3+9

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VMO (4x4, 450 hp)

$27,545

D, A

950 kg

13.3 tons

3+9

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VMO (6x6, 220 hp)

$31,167

D, A

1.1 tons

14.5 tons

3+9

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VMO (6x6, 250 hp)

$31,277

D, A

1.1 tons

14.5 tons

3+9

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VMO (6x6, 450 hp)

$32,027

D, A

1.1 tons

14.5 tons

3+9

10

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB VMO-VOI (220 hp)

$64,653

D, A

975 kg

14.7 tons

2+6

11

Image Intensification (x2, C)*

Enclosed**

VAB VMO-VOI (250 hp)

$64,763

D, A

975 kg

14.7 tons

2+6

11

Image Intensification (x2, C)*

Enclosed**

VAB VMO-VOI (450 hp)

$65,513

D, A

975 kg

14.7 tons

2+6

11

Image Intensification (x2, C)*

Enclosed**

VAB ATILA (4x4, 220 hp)

$104,990

D, A

475 kg

13.8 tons

4

12

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB ATILA (4x4, 250 hp)

$105,100

D, A

475 kg

13.8 tons

4

12

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB ATILA (4x4, 450 hp)

$105,850

D, A

475 kg

13.8 tons

4

12

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB ATILA (6x6, 220 hp)

$109,472

D, A

550 kg

15 tons

4

12

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB ATILA (6x6, 250 hp)

$109,582

D, A

550 kg

15 tons

4

12

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB ATILA (6x6, 450 hp)

$110,332

D, A

550 kg

15 tons

4

12

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB PC (4x4, 220 hp)

$349,220

D, A

475 kg

13.8 tons

2+5

 

 

 

VAB PC (4x4, 250 hp)

$349,330

D, A

475 kg

13.8 tons

2+5

11

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB PC (4x4, 450 hp)

$350,080

D, A

475 kg

13.8 tons

2+5

11

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB PC (6x6, 220 hp)

$353,702

D, A

550 kg

15 tons

2+5

11

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB PC (6x6, 250 hp)

$353,812

D, A

550 kg

15 tons

2+5

11

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB PC (6x6, 450 hp)

$354,562

D, A

550 kg

15 tons

2+5

11

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB EW (4x4, 220 hp)

$868,579

D, A

475 kg

13.6 tons

4

12

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB EW (4x4, 250 hp)

$868,689

D, A

475 kg

13.6 tons

4

12

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB EW (4x4, 450 hp)

$869,439

D, A

475 kg

13.6 tons

4

12

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB EW (6x6, 220 hp)

$873,058

D, A

550 kg

14.8 tons

4

12

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB EW (6x6, 250 hp)

$873,168

D, A

550 kg

14.8 tons

4

12

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB EW (6x6, 450 hp)

$873,918

D, A

550 kg

14.8 tons

4

12

Headlights

Enclosed

VAB Sanitaire (4x4, 220 hp)

$27,682

D, A

475 kg

13.5 tons

***

11

Headlights

Shielded

VAB Sanitaire (4x4, 250 hp)

$27,792

D, A

475 kg

13.5 tons

***

11

Headlights

Shielded

VAB Sanitaire (4x4, 450 hp)

$28,542

D, A

475 kg

13.5 tons

***

11

Headlights

Shielded

VAB NBC Reco (220 hp)

$558,910

D, A

550 kg

14.7 tons

4

12

Image Intensification, Image Intensification (4xBoom)

Shielded

VAB NBC Reco (250 hp)

$559,020

D, A

550 kg

14.7 tons

4

12

Image Intensification, Image Intensification (4xBoom)

Shielded

VAB NBC Reco (450 hp)

$559,770

D, A

550 kg

14.7 tons

4

12

Image Intensification, Image Intensification (4xBoom)

Shielded

Improved VAB (4x4)

$65,039

D, A

1 ton

13.6 tons

2+10

10

Passive IR (C), Image Intensification (C)

Shielded

Improved VAB (6x6)

$69,521

D, A

1.2 tons

14.8 tons

2+10

10

Passive IR (C), Image Intensification (C)

Shielded

VAB Mk II (Basic, 4x4)

$68,194

D, A

2.6 tons

15.8 tons

2+10

12

Passive IR (C), Image Intensification (C)

Shielded

VAB Mk II (Basic, 4x4, Appliqué)

$73,072

D, A

2.4 tons

16.5 tons

2+10

12

Passive IR (C), Image Intensification (C)

Shielded

VAB Mk II (Basic, 6x6)

$72,676

D, A

2.9 tons

17.2 tons

2+10

12

Passive IR (C), Image Intensification (C)

Shielded

VAB Mk II (Basic, 6x6, Appliqué)

$77,508

D, A

2.7 tons

17.9 tons

2+10

12

Passive IR (C), Image Intensification (C)

Shielded

VAB Mk II Dragar (4x4)

$71,046

D, A

2 tons

17 tons

3+6

12

Passive IR (G, C), Image Intensification (G)

Shielded

VAB Mk II Dragar (4x4, Appliqué)

$75,878

D, A

1.8 tons

18.7 tons

3+6

12

Passive IR (G, C), Image Intensification (G)

Shielded

VAB Mk II Dragar (6x6)

$75,528

D, A

2.3 tons

18.4 tons

3+6

12

Passive IR (G, C), Image Intensification (G)

Shielded

VAB Mk II Dragar (6x6, Appliqué)

$80,360

D, A

2.1 tons

19.1 tons

3+6

12

Passive IR (G, C), Image Intensification (G)

Shielded

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

VAB VTT (4x4, 220 hp)

145/73

33/17/3

300

114

Stnd

W(3)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VTT (4x4, 250 hp)

159/80

37/18/3

300

131

Stnd

W(3)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VTT (4x4, 450 hp)

256/129

59/30/4

300

152

Stnd

W(3)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VTT (6x6, 220 hp)

137/78

32/18/2

300

125

Stnd

W(4)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VTT (6x6, 250 hp)

150/84

34/20/3

300

143

Stnd

W(4)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VTT (6x6, 450 hp)

239/135

55/32/4

300

166

Stnd

W(4)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VCI T20 (4x4, 220 hp)

137/69

31/16/2

380

121

CiH

W(3)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VCI T20 (4x4, 250 hp)

150/75

35/17/2

380

139

CiH

W(3)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VCI T20 (4x4, 450 hp)

241/122

56/28/4

380

161

CiH

W(3)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VCI T20 (6x6, 220 hp)

129/82

30/19/2

380

133

CiH

W(4)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VCI T20 (6x6, 250 hp)

141/89

32/21/2

380

152

CiH

W(4)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VCI T20 (6x6, 450 hp)

225/143

52/34/3

380

176

CiH

W(4)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VCI T25 (4x4, 220 hp)

135/68

31/16/2

380

123

CiH

W(3)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VCI T25 (4x4, 250 hp)

148/74

34/17/2

380

141

CiH

W(3)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VCI T25 (4x4, 450 hp)

238/120

55/28/4

380

164

CiH

W(3)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VCI T25 (6x6, 220 hp)

119/66

27/16/2

380

140

CiH

W(4)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VCI T25 (6x6, 250 hp)

129/73

30/17/2

380

161

CiH

W(4)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VCI T25 (6x6, 450 hp)

208/118

48/27/3

380

187

CiH

W(4)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VCI Dragar (220 hp)

122/69

28/16/2

380

135

Trtd

W(4)

TF4  TS4  TR3  HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VCI Dragar (250 hp)

134/76

31/17/2

380

155

Trtd

W(4)

TF4  TS4  TR3  HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VCI Dragar (450 hp)

216/122

50/29/4

380

180

Trtd

W(4)

TF4  TS4  TR3  HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VCI Toucan (220 hp)

127/72

29/17/2

380

130

Trtd

W(4)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VCI Toucan (250 hp)

140/79

32/18/2

380

149

Trtd

W(4)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VCI Toucan (450 hp)

225/127

51/30/4

380

173

Trtd

W(4)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VMO (4x4, 220 hp)

142/71

32/17/2

380

117

Stnd

W(3)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VMO (4x4, 250 hp)

155/78

36/18/3

380

134

Stnd

W(3)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VMO (4x4, 450 hp)

250/126

58/29/4

380

155

Stnd

W(3)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VMO (6x6, 220 hp)

134/76

30/18/2

380

127

Stnd

W(4)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VMO (6x6, 250 hp)

146/83

34/19/2

380

146

Stnd

W(4)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VMO (6x6, 450 hp)

236/135

55/31/4

380

169

Stnd

W(4)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VMO-VOI (220 hp)

128/72

29/17/2

380

129

CiH

W(4)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VMO-VOI (250 hp)

141/80

33/18/2

380

148

CiH

W(4)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB VMO-VOI (450 hp)

226/128

52/30/3

380

172

CiH

W(4)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB ATILA/PC (4x4, 220 hp)

137/69

31/16/2

380

121

Stnd

W(3)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB ATILA/PC (4x4, 250 hp)

150/75

35/17/2

380

139

Stnd

W(3)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB ATILPC (4x4, 450 hp)

241/122

56/28/4

380

161

Stnd

W(3)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB ATILA/PC (6x6, 220 hp)

129/82

30/19/2

380

133

Stnd

W(4)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB ATILA/PC (6x6, 250 hp)

141/89

32/21/2

380

152

Stnd

W(4)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB ATILA/PC (6x6, 450 hp)

225/143

52/34/3

380

176

Stnd

W(4)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB EW (4x4, 220 hp)

139/70

32/16/3

380

119

Stnd

W(3)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB EW (4x4, 250 hp)

152/76

35/17/2

380

137

Stnd

W(3)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB EW (4x4, 450 hp)

131/75

56/29/4

380

159

Stnd

W(3)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB EW (6x6, 220 hp)

131/75

29/16/2

380

130

Stnd

W(4)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB EW (6x6, 250 hp)

139/78

32/19/2

380

173

Stnd

W(4)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB EW (6x6, 450 hp)

245/78

35/16/2

380

159

Stnd

W(4)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB Sanitaire (4x4, 220 hp)

140/70

32/16/2

380

118

Stnd

W(3)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB Sanitaire (4x4, 250 hp)

153/77

36/17/3

380

136

Stnd

W(3)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB Sanitaire (4x4, 450 hp)

247/124

57/29/4

380

158

Stnd

W(3)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB NBC Reco (220 hp)

128/73

29/17/2

380

129

Stnd

W(4)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB NBC Reco (250 hp)

141/80

33/16/2

380

148

Stnd

W(4)

HF6  HS4  HR3

VAB NBC Reco (450 hp)

267/128

52/30/3

380

172

Stnd

W(4)

HF6  HS4  HR3

Improved APC (4x4)

163/82

38/19/7

360

158

CiH

W(3)

TF5  TS5  TR4  HF8Sp  HS5Sp  HR4

Improved APC (6x6)

152/92

35/21/6

360

171

CiH

W(4)

TF5  TS5  TR4  HF8Sp  HS5Sp  HR4

VAB Mk II (Basic, 4x4)

153/78

36/18/6

300

169

CiH

W(3)

TF5  TS5  TR4  HF8Cp  HS6Cp  HR5****

VAB Mk II (Basic, 4x4, Appliqué)

147/75

35/17/6

300

176

CiH

W(3)

TF5  TS5  TR4  HF12Cp  HS8Cp  HR7*****

VAB Mk II (Basic, 6x6)

141/72

33/20/6

300

184

CiH

W(4)

TF5  TS5  TR4  HF8Cp  HS6Cp  HR5****

VAB Mk II (Basic, 6x6, Appliqué)

135/69

32/19/6

300

192

CiH

W(4)

TF5  TS5  TR4  HF12Cp  HS8Cp  HR7*****

VAB Mk II Dragar (4x4)

142/73

33/17/6

300

183

CiH

W(3)

TF5  TS5  TR4  HF8Cp  HS6Cp  HR5****

VAB Mk II Dragar (4x4, Appliqué)

129/66

30/15/5

300

199

CiH

W(3)

TF5  TS5  TR4  HF12Cp  HS8Cp  HR7*****

VAB Mk II Dragar (6x6)

132/67

31/15/6

300

196

CiH

W(4)

TF5  TS5  TR4  HF8Cp  HS6Cp  HR5****

VAB Mk II Dragar (6x6, Appliqué)

127/65

30/15/6

300

204

CiH

W(4)

TF5  TS5  TR4  HF12Cp  HS8Cp  HR7*****

 

Vehicle

Fire Control

Stabilization

Armament

Ammunition

VAB VTT

None

None

M-2HB (C) or AAT-F1(C) or MAG (C)

1200x.50 or 2000x7.62mm

VAB VCI T20

+1

Basic

20mm M-693 Autocannon, AAT-F1 or MAG

530x20mm, 1200x7.62mm

VAB VCI T20

+1

Basic

25mm M-811 Autocannon, AAT-F1 or MAG

530x25mm, 1200x7.62mm

VAB VCI Dragar/VAB Mk II Dragar

+2

Good

25mm M-811 Autocannon, AAT-F1 or MAG

620x25mm, 1400x7.62mm

VAB VCI Toucan

+1

Basic

20mm M-693 Autocannon, AAT-F1 or MAG

700x20mm, 2000x7.62mm

VAB VMO

None

None

AAT-F1 or MAG, AAT-F1 (C) or MAG (C)

2000x7.62mm

VAB VMO-VOI

None

None

AAT-F1 or MAG, 37mm Grenade Launcher

1000x7.62mm, 200x37mm

VAB ATILA/PC/EW/NBC Reco

None

None

AAT-F1 or MAG (C)

2000x7.62mm

Improved VAB

+2

Good

25mm KBA Autocannon (C), AAT-F1 or MAG (C)

620x25mm, 1620x7.62mm

VAB Mk II (Basic)

+2

Good

25mm KBA Autocannon (C), or M-2HB (C) or AAT-F1 (C) or MAG (C), plus AAT-F1 (C) or MAG (C)

620x25mm or 1250x.50 or 2100x7.62mm, plus 1620x7.62mm

*One of these is a day-only camera; the other can be used day or night.

**The VMO-VOI has overpressure against chemical attack only.

***See Notes above for Crew and passenger capacity.

****Roof armor is 3Sp; Floor armor is 6Sp.

*****Roof armor is 5Sp; Floor Armor is 8Sp.

 

Nextor VBCI

     Notes: The 8x8 VBCI has recently, in June of 2010, entered service with French forces as their next APC, designed to replace the VAB and AMX-10P and provide infantry the mobility to keep with fast-moving Leclerc tanks.  The Spanish are going to replace the BMR-600 with the VBCI in the near future, and the VBCI was at one time considered as a candidate vehicle for Britain’s FRES program and by Germany.  Another country considering the VBCI is Greece. Other versions being considered by the French include a Milan ATGM vehicle, an MGS armed with a 120mm cannon, and an APC version more heavily armed with a 40mm autocannon firing case-telescoped ammunition.

 

The Basic Vehicle

     The VBCI comes in two versions so far: the VCI APC version and the VPC command vehicle version.  Both are on an 8x8 chassis, with rear wheels steering independently from the front wheels to tighten the turn radius, and the VBCI can turn a complete circle at half-speed in 17 meters without danger of a skid. The vehicle is powered by a 550-horsepower engine.  The vehicle has an automatic transmission, with the driver having conventional driver’s controls.  Both are hydraulically-boosted. The VBCI uses run-flat tires which are thicker-walled than standard military vehicle tires. The vehicle’s basic armor is of aluminum, and in this configuration, it will fit on most cargo aircraft and is air-droppable; however, the armor can, and French intends it to be in most cases, supplemented by a steel/ceramic/titanium sandwich appliqué armor kit on the sides and front and a steel/titanium spaced appliqué on the deck and floor. The VBCI will be integrated with the new French C4ISR architecture (in other words, a BMS system), with the VCI using the SIT system, and the VPC using the more sophisticated SIR system.  The VBCI will be compatible with troops using the new FELIN system.  Access in both cases includes the driver’s hatch on the front right deck and a rear door; the driver himself is behind a front bullet-resistant windshield over which an armored shutter with a vision slit can be dropped.  The front doors also have bullet-resistant windows which can be closed off with armored shutters.  The commander is beside him in the cab with a hatch above him and a full sensor suite available.  Both the commander and driver have side doors to access their positions.  The VBCI has an NBC overpressure with a collective NBC backup.  The VBCI is not amphibious, but it can ford 1.2 meters, or 1.5 meters with the aid of a kit.

 

The VCI

     The VCI is the primary infantry version, topped with a Dragar turret equipped with an enhanced sensor and fire control suite as well as improved armor.  The turret has three smoke grenade launchers on either side of the main gun. The enhanced sensor suite gives the VPC superior gun stabilization and aiming capability, and the enhanced sensor suite gives the commander and gunner better day and night vision capability.  The commander also has access to the full SIT system, which is a BMS system giving him full digital communications with other members of the unit up to brigade level, including the other vehicles’ and troops’ positions and the positions of other friendly troop positions and known enemy positions.  The commander can also receive and send updates to such information, and send and receive orders to subordinate and from superior units.  The system also tells him the state of his vehicle, including the automotive components, the amount of ammunition available, and any damage or defect in the vehicle.  The SIT system also gives the commander GPS and mapping capability. His sensors give him a limited hunter/killer capability; though he cannot fire the weapons, he can spot for them and automatically lay them. The gunner has access to the part of the SIT system pertaining to his job, and driver has access to the part of the SIT system pertaining to his job.  The infantry squad leader can access the part of the SIT system that allows him to send and receive orders and monitor friendly and enemy positions.

 

The VPC

     The VPC is the command version.  It is not as heavily-armed, having only a RWS with an M-2HB machinegun.  The smoke grenade launchers are shifted to the front points of the hull, to the top sides and slightly to the rear of the commander’s and driver’s positions. The primary component of the VPC is the SIR BMS system, which is sort of like the SIT system above, but much more so.  The SIR system is designed to be used at battalion, brigade, and division level, and the interior of the VPC is highly-customized for the command role.  The vehicle commander operates the machinegun in the front, while in the rear are a pair of large LCD screens for the information from the SIR system, along with several smaller ones.  The rear area of the vehicle is large enough and open enough to accommodate a relatively large command and equipment operator crew (usually two equipment operators and five command personnel/aides).  Radio equipment includes two long-range, two medium-range, and two short-range radios; one of the long-range radios is data-capable.  The vehicle does not use map boards – the SIR system provides such information – though maps are carried for reference if needed.  In addition, the normal array of plotting and office-type supplies is not carried, though there are notepads and suchlike.  The VPC also does not normally carry the usual hand-held imaging devices – the RWS has several day and night imaging devices as well as a laser rangefinder in addition to the laser rangefinder used for the weapon, and the RWS can be controlled by the command crew in the rear. VPCs often tow trailers carrying generators to power their electronics when the engine is off – the SIR system itself can require 8kW or more of electricity to operate.

 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The VBCI is not available in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

VCI

$425,878

D, A

2 tons

25.6 tons

3+8

17

Passive IR (D, G, C), Image Intensification (G, C), Thermal Imaging (G, C)

Shielded

VCI (w/Appliqué)

$438,963

D, A

1.4 tons

28 tons

3+8

17

Passive IR (D, G, C), Image Intensification (G, C), Thermal Imaging (G, C)

Shielded

VPC

$550,315

D, A

1 ton

23.3 tons

2+7

19

Passive IR (D, C), Image Intensification (C), Thermal Imaging (G)

Shielded

VPC (w/Appliqué)

$560,783

D, A

600 kg

25.7 tons

2+7

19

Passive IR (D, C), Image Intensification (C), Thermal Imaging (G)

Shielded

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

VCI

159/80

37/18

770

287

Trtd

W(8)

TF7  TS7  TR5  HF11Sp  HS6Sp  HR5*

VCI (w/Appliqué)

145/73

34/16

770

313

Trtd

W(8)

TF12Cp  TS9Sp  TR5  HF16Cp  HS11Cp  HR5**

VPC

175/88

41/20

770

262

Trtd

W(8)

TF4  TS4  TR4  HF11Sp  HS6Sp  HR5*

VPC (w/Appliqué)

160/80

37/18

770

285

Trtd

W(8)

TF4  TS4  TR4  HF16Cp  HS11Cp  HR5**

 

Vehicle

Fire Control

Stabilization

Armament

Ammunition

VCI

+4

Good

25mm M-811 Autocannon, AAT-F1

750x25mm, 1675x7.62mm

VPC

+4

Good

M-2HB (C)

1200x.50

*Roof armor is 3; Floor armor is 5.

**Roof armor is 5Sp; Floor armor is 8Sp.

 

Panhard M3

     Notes:  Manufactured in large numbers for the export market, the Panhard M3 is a 4x4 APC not used by France, but it was exported to over 20 countries.  It will win no contests in the looks department – to me, it looks something like a combination of a Conex and a turtle.  The M3 is, in its basic form, a simple armored box-type APC with no real frills, though it may be topped with a wide variety of turrets and/or weapon installations.  In many cases, the M3 has been sold and resold to different customers – sort of like a hand-me-down to a little brother, with countries selling them or giving them to lesser countries when they acquire more up-to-date vehicles.  The M3 was replaced by the Buffalo in 1985 in production, and now the entire line has been long closed except for spare parts. In some cases, spare parts are made in license-production and refurbishment is being carried out in countries other than France.

 

The M3

     The Panhard M3 is, as stated above, a basic box sort of APC, and looks a bit squat and lumpish.  The armor is of steel plate, with a driver’s position in the front center at the top of the glacis and the engine behind him.  The driver has three vision blocks to his front, and a semi-triangular hatch opens upwards.  The hatch can be locked open enough for him to see out (just above the horizontal) or fully open (vertical).  The first position is a normal driving position and the other is for him to get in and out of his station, as he cannot enter it from the rear of the vehicle. The commander is to his rear on the vehicle roof; on most of these vehicles, the machinegun has no turret, just a cupola-mounted machinegun (sometimes surrounded by AV2 gun shields). On some vehicles, this gun mount is a light/medium machinegun mount. In each side is a circular troop hatch, and the rear has a pair of doors. In many cases, one or both of the side doors has a spare tire mounted on it.  There are no firing ports in the sides per se, but there are three small hatches on the upper sides which are just large enough for troops to look out and fire their weapons.  When closed, troops can look through these hatches via vision blocks. Each rear door has a firing port, but these are simple shutters with vision blocks above them. At the rear of the troop compartment on the roof is a circular hatch which can fit two troops comfortably and squeeze three troops in the space.  The rear hatch has a skate mount at the rear for a weapon. The troop space inside is spartan, and up to ten troops can be squeezed inside (though there are seats for only eight). On each side of the front of the vehicle above the fenders are three smoke grenade launchers.

     The M3 is reportedly very difficult to drive; the transmission is manual and balky, there is no power steering (though the driver’s controls are conventional) or even power assist for the transmission.  The suspension is 4x4 and cross-country, with locking differentials and run-flat tires.  The ride, unlike the driving task, is decent, with the M3 having excellent shock absorbers. Engine power is poor, with the engine being a 90-horsepower Panhard 4 HD gasoline engine; this also limits its range.

     A variety of turrets can be mounted in place of the standard commander’s station, including one with twin machineguns, one with one machinegun and three LRAC-F1 rocket launchers (which must be reloaded from the rear deck hatch), one with a single machinegun and one LRAC-F1 rocket launcher, two with autocannons and varying degrees of armor, and one with a breech-loading 81mm gun/mortar or 60mm gun/mortar.  In these turreted versions, the rear machinegun is deleted.

     APC-type variants include the M3/VPC command vehicle, which is fitted with one long-range radio which is data-capable, two medium-range radios, and two short-range radios.  The M3/VPC, like most command vehicles, is equipped with a map board and storage for plotting supplies, office-type supplies, and maps.  A hand-held image intensifier, thermal imager, and laser rangefinder is provided. This version omits the rear weapon mount.  The M3/VTS ambulance has the equivalent of 15 personal medical kits, one doctor’s medical kit, and an assortment of splints, bandages, cravats, and suchlike.  It has oxygen administration gear and a small refrigerator for perishable medical supplies. It can carry up to four stretcher patients or two stretcher patients and six seated patients, plus a medic in the rear and the commander and driver.

 

The Buffalo

     The Buffalo looks almost identical to the M3, but is longer and has a different engine, a 145-horsepower gasoline engine.  The same turrets can be applied to the Buffalo.  Command and ambulance variants of the Buffalo also exist. Many of the same countries which employ the M3 employ the Buffalo, though they don’t necessarily replace the M3 in all cases.

 

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

M3 (Basic)

$25,200

G, A

800 kg

6.1 tons

2+8

2

Headlights

Enclosed

M3 (Double-Gun Mount)

$27,775

G, A

800 kg

6.1 tons

2+8

2

Headlights

Enclosed

M3 (Twin MG Turret)

$23,432

G, A

700 kg

6.4 tons

2+8

4

Headlights

Enclosed

M3 (MG-3xRL Turret)

$77,457

G, A

600 kg

6.5 tons

2+6

4

Headlights

Enclosed

M3 (MG-1xRL Turret)

$49,302

G, A

700 kg

6.4 tons

2+6

4

Headlights

Enclosed

M3 (20mm Turret 1)

$26,143

G, A

500 kg

6.8 tons

2+6

4

Headlights

Enclosed

M3 (20mm Turret 2)

$26,695

G, A

500 kg

6.9 tons

2+6

4

Headlights

Enclosed

M3 (60mm Mortar Turret)

$53,647

G, A

500 kg

6.8 tons

2+6

4

Headlights

Enclosed

M3 (81mm Mortar Turret)

$58,938

G, A

500 kg

6.8 tons

2+6

4

Headlights

Enclosed

M3/VPC

$210,437

G, A

400 kg

6.4 tons

2+4

5

Headlights

Enclosed

M3/VTS

$28,980

G, A

400 kg

6.3 tons

*

5

Headlights

Enclosed

Buffalo

$26,993

G, A

900 kg

6.6 tons

2+10

4

Headlights

Enclosed

Buffalo (Double-Gun Mount)

$29,622

G, A

900 kg

6.6 tons

2+10

4

Headlights

Enclosed

Buffalo (Twin MG Turret)

$24,048

G, A

800 kg

6.9 tons

2+10

4

Headlights

Enclosed

Buffalo (MG-3xRL Turret)

$88,052

G, A

700 kg

7 tons

2+8

4

Headlights

Enclosed

Buffalo (MG-1xRL Turret)

$56,318

G, A

800 kg

6.9 tons

2+8

4

Headlights

Enclosed

Buffalo (20mm Turret 1)

$28,026

G, A

600 kg

7.3 tons

2+8

4

Headlights

Enclosed

Buffalo (20mm Turret 2)

$28,584

G, A

600 kg

7.4 tons

2+8

4

Headlights

Enclosed

Buffalo (60mm Mortar Turret)

$62,099

G, A

600 kg

7.3 tons

2+8

4

Headlights

Enclosed

Buffalo (81mm Mortar Turret)

$66,938

G, A

600 kg

7.3 tons

2+8

4

Headlights

Enclosed

Buffalo/VPS

$211,460

G, A

450 kg

6.9 tons

2+4

5

Headlights

Enclosed

Buffalo/VTS

$31,042

G, A

450 kg

6.9 tons

*

5

Headlights

Enclosed

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

M3/Double-Gun Mount

128/64

29/15

165

58

Stnd

W(3)

HF3  HS3  HR2

M3 (Twin MG Turret)/(MG-1xRL Turret)

123/62

28/14

165

61

CiH

W(3)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF3  HS3  HR2

M3 (MG-3xRL Turret)

122/62

28/14

165

62

CiH

W(3)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF3  HS3  HR2

M3 (20mm Turret 1)

119/60

27/14

165

65

CiH

W(3)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF3  HS3  HR2

M3 (20mm Turret 2)

118/59

27/14

165

66

CiH

W(3)

TF3  TS3  TR3  HF3  HS3  HR2

M3 (Mortar Turrets)

119/60

27/14

165

65

Trtd

W(3)

TF3  TS3  TR3  HF3  HS3  HR2

M3/VPC

123/62

28/14

165

61

Stnd

W(3)

HF3  HS3  HR2

M3/VTS

124/63

28/14

165

60

Stnd

W(3)

HF3  HS3  HR2

Buffalo/Double-Gun Mount

170/86

39/20

180

96

Stnd

W(3)

HF4  HS3  HR2

Buffalo (Twin MG Turret)/MG-1xRL Turret)

164/82

38/19

180

100

CiH

W(3)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF4  HS3  HR2

Buffalo (MG-3xRL Turret)

162/82

38/19

180

102

CiH

W(3)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF4  HS3  HR2

Buffalo (20mm Turret 1)

158/79

37/18

180

111

CiH

W(3)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF4  HS3  HR2

Buffalo (20mm Turret 2)

155/78

36/18

180

112

CiH

W(3)

TF3  TS3  TR3  HF3  HS3  HR2

Buffalo (Mortar Turrets)

158/79

37/18

180

111

Trtd

W(3)

TF3  TS3  TR3  HF3  HS3  HR2

Buffalo/VPS/VTS

164/82

38/19

180

100

Stnd

W(3)

HF4  HS3  HR2

 

Vehicle

Fire Control

Stabilization

Armament

Ammunition

M3 (Basic)

None

None

M-2HB (C) or MAG (C), MAG (Rear)

600x.50 or 1200x7.62mm, 600x7.62mm

M3 (Double-Gun Mount)

None

None

2xMAG (C), MAG (Rear)

2000x7.62mm

M3 (Twin MG Turret)

+1

Basic

2xMAG

2000x7.62mm

M3 (MG-3xRL Turret)

+1

Basic

MAG, 3xLRAC-F1 Rocket Launchers

1000x7.62mm, 12x89mm Rockets

M3 (MG-1xRL Turret)

+1

Basic

MAG, LRAC-F1 Launcher

1250x7.62mm, 9x89mm Rockets

M3 (20mm Turrets)

+1

Basic

20mm Giat M-621 Autocannon

760x20mm

M3 (60mm Mortar Turret)

+1

Basic

60mm Brandt Breech-Loading Mortar

43x60mm

M3 (81mm Mortar Turret)

+1

Basic

81mm Brandt Breech-Loading Mortar

32x81mm

M3/VPC

None

None

M-2HB (C) or MAG (C)

600x.50 or 1200x7.62mm

Buffalo

None

None

M-2HB (C) or MAG (C), MAG (Rear)

750x.50 or 1500x7.62mm, 750x7.62mm

Buffalo (Double-Gun Mount)

None

None

2xMAG (C), MAG (Rear)

2500x7.62mm

Buffalo (Twin MG Turret)

+1

Basic

2xMAG

2500x7.62mm

Buffalo (MG-3xRL Turret)

+1

Basic

MAG, 3xLRAC-F1 Rocket Launchers

1250x7.62mm, 15x89mm Rockets

Buffalo (MG-1xRL Turret)

+1

Basic

MAG, LRAC-F1 Launcher

1560x7.62mm, 11x89mm Rockets

Buffalo (20mm Turrets)

+1

Basic

20mm Giat M-621 Autocannon

950x20mm

Buffalo (60mm Mortar Turret)

+1

Basic

60mm Brandt Breech-Loading Mortar

54x60mm

Buffalo (81mm Mortar Turret)

+1

Basic

81mm Brandt Breech-Loading Mortar

40x81mm

Buffalo/VPC

None

None

M-2HB (C) or MAG (C)

750x.50 or 1200x7.62mm

*See Notes on Crew and Passenger Capacity.

 

Panhard VCR

     Notes:  The Panhard VCR (Véhicule de Combat a Roues or Wheeled Combat Vehicle) is a private venture, 6x6 or 4x4 APC developed by the Panhard Company for the export market.  Other variants on the basic hull exist, including a mortar carrier, a Milan ATGM carrier, and a light support vehicle mounting a 20mm autocannon in an open (unturreted) mount.  The vehicle is fully amphibious.  In many respects, it is a larger version of the Panhard M3.  The VCR is used by Argentina, Mexico, and the UAE; however, the largest user was pre-invasion Iraq, who had 400 VCRs of several configurations in service starting in 1979.  Virtually all VCRs sold were the 6x6 versions.  Some 1200 were built, making the VCR a great success for Panhard.

 

The VCR

     The VCR does look very much like an enlarged M3, though most of the vehicle is much more squared-off than the M3 is.  Armor is a bit heavier than the M3, and there is more room in the rear, about as much as in the Buffalo; the sides are somewhat sloped.  On both sides of the troop compartment, towards the rear, are armored shutters much like those on the M3, which open just enough for the troops behind them to stand, look out, and fire weapons.  The two doors on the rear have conventional firing ports. Like the M3, the basic, most common armament option was a basic weapons mount by a commander’s cupola, sometimes surrounded by AV2 gun shields.  The same sort of turrets can be mounted on a VCR as on an M3 (though the rocket launcher turrets are not used), but when these turrets are mounted, troop complement is reduced since the VCR in these configurations has both a commander’s position and dedicated gunner.  The VCR can also mount the Toucan autocannon turret, which is also used on other French APCs. The basic VCR APC is called the VCR/TT.

     The driver is in the center front of the vehicle; he has three vision blocks to his front, the center of which can be replaced with a night vision block.  The commander’s cupola is a simple manually-rotating cupola which has no vision blocks.  When a turret is mounted, the commander’s hatch is to the right of the turret, with vision blocks to the front, right, and rear. Roof hatches are limited to a relatively small one at the rear of the troop compartment.  The VCR is powered by a Peugeot PRV gasoline engine developing 155 horsepower.  The transmission is automatic, with the driver having conventional controls and power-assisted steering.  The vehicle is amphibious without preparation, propelled in the water by its wheels.  The VCR has a 6x6 off-road suspension, but when used on road, the suspension can be switched to 6x4, with the center pair of wheels raising into the hull. Options include a winch with 30 meters of cable and a capacity of 6 tons, a collective NBC system, and air conditioning.  There are a pair of smoke grenade launchers on the front fender on either side of the vehicle.

     The Argentine VCR/TT Hydrojet version (they use no other form of the VCR other than the VCR/TT) replaces the center wheels with hydrojets for propulsion in the water, and is therefore faster when swimming than the standard VCR.  It is also lighter than the standard VCR/TT. There are three more hatches on the roof of the troop compartment. It is otherwise the same as the standard VCR/TT, though the Argentines employ only the basic commander’s weapon station. The Argentine version has 85% parts commonality with the 6x6 version.

     Three versions require some more elaboration.  The VCR/IS is an ambulance version of the VCR.  In this role, the VCR is unarmed, and has a raised roofline.  Firing ports are deleted and the vehicle is equipped with medical gear, such as a small refrigerator, respirator, defibrillator, the equivalent of a doctor's medical bag and 15 personal medical kits, and other items such as bandages, syringes, medicines, blood products, and splints.  The VCR/IS can carry 3 stretchers and three seated patients, or 6 seated patients, plus a medic in the rear. The VCR/PC is a command post carrier version of the VCR that is also used as the chassis of an electronic warfare vehicle.  The roofline is raised, similar to that of the ambulance. In the command post vehicle, the PC is equipped with no less than one long-range, two medium-range, and two small-range radios, a PC with wireless LAN, GPS, a map board, and drawers for various office supplies and a folding table and three chairs.  A hand-held thermal imager, image intensifier, and laser rangefinder is provided. In the EW role, the VCR/PC is equipped with at least four high-power radios in various transmitting wavelengths (generally two long-range and two medium-range), a signal processor, a radio jammer with a four-band capability that is effective within 20 km, and a high-powered radar jammer (four-band-capable, but only one band at a time) that is effective within 5 km.  The standard jammer makes radio use one level harder; the high-powered jammer makes radio use two levels harder. The smoke grenade launchers may alternatively be loaded with chaff-firing grenades. The command and EW versions have a ruggedized laptop computer and a standard commander’s position with a weapon mount.

 

The VCR TT 2

     Though developed for the export market in general, the only customer for the VCR/TT2 has as of yet been Algeria, who had to cut their order due to lack of funds and the imminent arrival on the export market of more capable vehicles. The hull is similar, but a bit larger than, the VCR; however, the automotive components share more in common with the ERC-90 F4 Sagaie 2.  The armament normally a pintle-mounted heavy machinegun, but some have had a light twin machinegun turret fitted; other turrets applicable to the VCR can also be fitted. (These will not be covered here.) Versions with two types of engines were supplied; one has a pair of Peugeot XD 3T diesel engines developing a total of 196 horsepower and the other has a pair of Peugeot PRV gasoline engines developing 290 horsepower.  Most of the particulars of suspension, driving, and automotive operations are the same as the 6x6 version of the VCR, though the suspension is beefed up a bit the ride is generally regarded as smoother.  The VCR TT 2 is a quite a bit heavier than the VCR, with some of the extra weight going to heavier armor, though the VCR TT 2 is also longer than the VCR.  The VCR TT2 has the hinged firing windows in the sides and firing ports in the rear doors, the same as on the VCR.  Side doors are also found in the sides of the troop compartment, near the front of the compartment between the noticeable gap between the front pair of wheels and second pair of wheels.  The VCR TT 2 has two large hatches on the rear deck instead of the small hatch of the VCR.  The Algerian vehicles have had air conditioning installed, and a collective NBC system is an option as is a front mounted winch similar to that of the VCR and a commander’s cupola with night vision devices or a night vision scope for the machinegun turret are options.  A cluster of three smoke grenade launchers are found on each of the front fenders.

 

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

VCR/TT

$29,841

G, A

1.1 tons

7.9 tons

2+10

6

Passive IR (D)

Enclosed

VCR/TT (M-2HB Turret)

$40,121

G, A

1 ton

8.3 tons

3+8

6

Passive IR (D)

Enclosed

VCR/TT (Twin MG Turret)

$34,958

G, A

1 ton

8.2 tons

3+8

6

Passive IR (D)

Enclosed

VCR/TT (20mm Turret 1)

$37,766

G, A

900 kg

8.6 tons

3+7

6

Passive IR (D)

Enclosed

VCR/TT (20mm Turret 2)

$38,324

G, A

900 kg

8.7 tons

3+7

6

Passive IR (D)

Enclosed

VCR/TT (Toucan Turret)

$68,169

G, A

900 kg

8.5 tons

3+6

6

Passive IR (D, G), Image Intensification (G)

Enclosed

VCR/TT (60mm Mortar Turret)

$61,651

G, A

900 kg

8.6 tons

3+6

6

Passive IR (D)

Enclosed

VCR/TT (81mm Mortar Turret)

$66,777

G, A

900 kg

8.6 tons

3+6

6

Passive IR (D)

Enclosed

VCR/TT Hydrojet

$30,597

G, A

1.1 tons

7.7 tons

2+10

6

Passive IR (D)

Enclosed

VCR/IS

$34,318

G, A

550 kg

8.1 tons

*

7

Passive IR (D)

Enclosed

VCR/PC

$361,725

G, A

550 kg

8.2 tons

2+5

7

Passive IR (D)

Enclosed

VCR/PC-EW

$231,625

G, A

550 kg

8.6 tons

4

8

Passive IR (D)

Enclosed

VCR TT 2 (Diesel Engine)

$26,342

D, A

1 ton

9.6 tons

2+10

6

Passive IR (D)

Enclosed

VCR TT 2 (Gas Engine)

$26,992

D, A

900 kg

9.8 tons

2+10

6

Passive IR (D)

Enclosed

VCR TT 2 (Diesel w/M-2HB Turret)

$30,821

D, A

900 kg

10 tons

3+9

6

Passive IR (D)

Enclosed

VCR TT 2 (Gas w/M-2HB Turret)

$31,581

D, A

800 kg

10.2 tons

3+9

6

Passive IR (D)

Enclosed

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

VCR/TT

158/79

37/18/1

242

104

Stnd

W(4)

HF4  HS3  HR2

VCR/TT (M-2HB Turret)

152/77

35/18/1

242

109

CiH

W(4)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF4  HS3  HR3

VCR/TT (Twin MG Turret)

152/77

35/18/1

242

108

CiH

W(4)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF4  HS3  HR2

VCR/TT (20mm Turret 1)

148/74

34/17/1

242

113

CiH

W(4)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF4  HS3  HR2

VCR/TT (20mm Turret 2)

147/74

34/17/1

242

115

CiH

W(4)

TF3  TS3  TR3  HF4  HS3  HR3

VCR/TT (Toucan Turret)

149/75

34/17/1

242

112

CiH

W(4)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF4  HS3  HR2

VCR/TT (Mortar Turrets)

148/74

34/17/1

242

113

Trtd

W(4)

TF3  TS3  TR3  HF4  HS3  HR3

VCR/TT Hydrojet

160/81

37/18/6

242

101

Stnd

W(3)

HF4  HS3  HR2

VCR/IS

154/77

36/18/1

242

104

Stnd

W(4)

HF4  HS3  HR2

VCR/PC

160/97

35/20/4

242

108

Stnd

W(4)

HF4  HS3  HR2

VCR/PC-EW

148/74

34/17/1

242

113

Stnd

W(4)

HF4  HS3  HR2

VCR TT 2 (Diesel)

164/82

38/19/3

225

100

Stnd

W(4)

HF5  HS4  HR3

VCR TT 2 (Gas)

221/112

51/26/4

225

204

Stnd

W(4)

HF5  HS4  HR3

VCR TT 2 (Diesel w/M-2HB Turret)

157/79

36/18/3

225

104

Stnd

W(4)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF5  HS4  HR3

VCR TT 2 (Gas w/M-2HB Turret)

208/105

48/24/3

225

217

Stnd

W(4)

TF2  TS2  TR2  HF5  HS4  HR3

 

Vehicle

Fire Control

Stabilization

Armament

Ammunition

VCR/TT, VCR/PC, VCR/PC-EW/VCR TT 2

None

None

M-2HB (C), MAG (C)

750x.50 or 1500x7.62mm

VCR/TT & VCR TT 2 (M-2HB Turret)

+1

Basic

M-2HB, MAG

1260x.50, 1200x7.62mm

VCR/TT (Twin MG Turret)

+1

Basic

2xMAG

2500x7.62mm

VCR/TT (20mm Turrets)

+1

Basic

20mm Giat M-621 Autocannon

950x20mm

VCR/TT (Toucan Turret)

+1

Basic

20mm Giat M-693 Autocannon, MAG

760x20mm, 2000x7.62mm

VCR/TT (60mm Mortar Turret)

+1

Basic

60mm Brandt Breech-Loading Mortar

54x60mm

VCR/TT (81mm Mortar Turret)

+1

Basic

81mm Brandt Breech-Loading Mortar

40x81mm

*See Notes above for Crew and Passenger capacity.

 

VXB-170

     Notes:  This French APC was taken into service with the French Gendarmerie in 1973 and with the Senegalese and Gabonese police somewhat later.  They supplement the VAB in those countries as a lighter alternative.  The driver and commander sit at the front behind bullet-resistant windshields, which may be covered with armored screens.  The first few were turretless, but most have a light cupola with weapons behind the driver's and commander's positions.  There is a large door on each side of the hull for entry, and there is another door in the rear of the hull.  The VXB-170 has a large roof hatch on the rear deck.  The vehicle has a heater, an NBC system, and a winch with a capacity of 4.5 tons and 60 meters of cable.

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

$38,080

D, A

975 kg

12.7 tons

3+8

4

Headlights

Enclosed

 

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

117/70

30/18

220

55

CiH

W(3)

HF4  HS3  HR3

 

Fire Control

Stabilization

Armament

Ammunition

+1

Basic

Mk-19, AAT-F1

350x40mm, 2000x7.62mm