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
This version has been developed for the 2nd regiment de Hussards. 61 VB2L are adapted for observation missions carrying a SOPHIE camera. 16 VB2L are specially designed for target designation with laser telemetry. 8 VB2L are intended for technical support. And 6 VB2L are specialized in waterborne reconnaissance. The crews have a canoe and observation equipment.
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CARACTERISTIQUES |
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- Weight in combat order: 4 tones
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Power/weight ratio: 24 hp/t.
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Speed:
- on road: 95 km/h
- in water: 5.4 km/h.
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Range at 60 km/h, stabilized on road: 600 km.
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Crew:
- 1 car commander
- 1 pilot
- 1 gunner. |
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DIMENSIONS
(without equipment nor armament )
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Length
Width
Height at roof top
Ground clearance |
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4 000 mm
2 020 mm
1 700 mm
370 mm |
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CROSSING
CAPABILITIES |
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Gradien
Side slope
Ford
Vertical obstacle |
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+ 50 %
30 %
900 mm
500 mm |
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CHASSIS |
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Entirely armoured integral hull, floor included. |
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POWER UNIT |
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- Peugeot XD 3T or Steyr, 95 hp (Peugeot) or 125hp (Steyr), torque 21 mdaN at 2,250 rpm.
- Torque converter with automatic gearbox - 3 gears.
- Transfer case with 2 positions. |
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TRANSMISSON
SUSPENSION |
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- 4 permanent wheel-drives.
- Independent wheels. |
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STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT |
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The basic VBL equips 16 Armed Forces (including NATO Forces) totalizing 2 300 vehicles. This version is in service with several foreign armies. |
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