The VBL is in service in 16 armies. It is used mainly for scouting and reconnaissance missions but it can also afford with success antitank or air defense mission. The VBL is the spearhead of the French armour units. It has been used in all operations in Africa, Lebanon, Kosovo and Afghanistan since 15 years. More than 2,300 VBL are in duty all over the world.
Armement
The PL127 turret is in duty with VBL in many armies. The gunner of the 12.7 HMG is very well protected. In numerous operations, the VBL 12.7 gives the projected forces a very useful firepower. A 40 mm grenades launcher can also be implemented instead of the 12.7 mm.
TYPE |
V.B.L (Light Armoured Vehicle) |
CHASSIS |
Entirely armoured integral hull, floor
included |
BODY |
Armoured hull: STANAG level 1 protection
|
| |
|
|
 |
DIMENSIONS |
|
WEIGHTS |
| |
|
|
|
|
Length
without equipment
(jerrycan included) |
4,095 mm |
|
Weight without
equipment |
3,100 kg |
Length without equipment
(without
jerrycan) |
3,925 mm
|
|
Weight in combat order |
4,000 kg |
| Width |
2,020
mm |
|
Payload |
900
kg |
| Height at roof top |
1,700 mm |
|
|
|
| Wheel base (left) |
2,705 mm |
|
|
|
| Wheel base (right)
|
2,655 mm |
|
|
|
| Gauges
Front |
1,687 mm |
|
|
|
| Gauges Rear |
1,693 mm |
|
|
|
| Ground clearance |
370 mm |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
ENGINE |
Brand
/ Type
Capacity
Maximum power
Maximum torque
Fuel
|
|
PEUGEOT XD 3T or Steyr
2,500 cm3
95 hp (Peugeot) or 125hp (Steyr)
21 mdaN à 2,250 tr/min
Diesel |
|
|
PERFORMANCES |
Maximum
speed
Approach angle
Departure angle
Side slope
Gradient
Ford
Range
|
|
95 Km/h
80°
60°
30%
>50%
0.90 m
600 km to 800 km |
|
|
GEAR
BOX |
Brand
|
|
ZF 3HP22 automatic gearbox with 3 gears |
|
|
TRANSFER
CASE |
Brand
/ Type |
|
Panhard 2 gears
4 x 4 permanent
Four wheel drive system |
|
|
AXLES |
Type |
|
Panhard with limited sliding differentials |
|
|
SUSPENSION |
Front
Rear |
|
4 permanent wheel-drive
Independant wheels |
|
|
BRAKES |
Principle |
|
Citroën High pressure |
|
|
WHEEL
REDUCER |
Principe |
|
Compressed gears |
|
|
STEERING |
Type |
|
Power steering 650 m |
|
|
FUELING |
Tank
capacity |
|
100 litres |
|
|
ELECTRICITY |
|
|
24 V direct suppression
EG13 Black-ou |
|
|
PNEUMATIQUES
|
Combat
tyres
Michelin with VFI
|
|
900x16x2
Hutchinson |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
