Véhicule blindé de combat d'infanterie

Infobox Weapon
name=VBCI


caption=A VBCI during the Journées Nation Défense, 2005
origin= France
type=
is_vehicle=yes
is_UK=yes
length=7.6 m
width=2.98 m
height=2.2 m
weight=(normal combat load); VCI: 25.6 t, VPC: 23.3 t
suspension=Wheel
speed=100 km/h
vehicle_range=750 km
primary_armament=M811 25 mm x 137 mm NATO cannon
secondary_armament=co-axial 7,62 mm NATO machine gun
armour=steel and titanium
engine=Diesel
engine_power=550 hp (410 kW)
pw_ratio=
crew=2 + 9-man combat team

The "Véhicule Blindé de Combat d'Infanterie" (VBCI, "Armoured vehicle for infantry combat") is a French armoured fighting vehicle designed to replace the AMX-10P. They are planned to join active service in 2008, with 550 combat vehicles (VBCI/VCI) and 150 command vehicles (VBCI/VPC). Other countries have shown interest in the VBCI.

The "Véhicule Blindé de Combat d'Infanterie" is built on an aluminium hull which carries a modular THD steel and titanium armour, which can be regenerated on the field.

The 8x8 wheel combination is designed to make the VCBI more comfortable and less costly than a tracked vehicle, while giving it sufficient mobility to back the Leclerc tank. The VCBI is also designed to be transportable by the Airbus A400M, with an empty mass less than 18 tonnes (full load mass up to 28 tonnes).

History

In the early 90s, the French government started the VBM (Véhicule Blindé Modulaire - Modular Armoured Vehicle) as a replacement for its older IFVs. Soon, Germany and the United Kingdom joined the project. However, in 1999, the programme came to a dead-end, and France decided to follow on its own.

Then, on November 6, 2000, the French government ordered 700 vehicles and the programme was carried on.

In 2003-2004, the programme reached some major milestones: The mobility/agility tests, the armour tests and the electronic systems tests were all successful.

From 2004 to 2005, the first 5 prototypes (4 VCIs and 1 VPC) were tested in real conditions. These tests proved some crucial design mistakes on the DRAGAR turret, which had to be redesigned. The 2 years delay in the programme are consequences of this design flaw.

3 new prototypes have joined the previous 5 ones, and the vehicle is still being tested (until 2007).

As the programme reaches completion, other versions are being studied. A mortar version and a vehicle using the MILAN Missile have been considered by the developer. Note that none of these versions are being developed as of now, but feasibility studies are being conducted.

In June 2007, VBCI was being considered for the British FRES programme. [http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/DraysonNewVehiclesWillHavevitalPartToPlayInTheArmyOfTheFuture.htm]

Versions

*VCI (infantry combat vehicle): Combat group of 9 men (+ crew), medium calibre Dragar type turret (25 mm), 7.62 mm machine gun.
*VPC (command post vehicles): 2 SIP stations with 7 users (+ crew), self-defence turret armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun.

Common features: SIT (Système d’Information Terminal) communication equipment, combat identification equipments, NBC equipments for detection and protection.

C4ISR

The VBCI will be completely integrated in the French C4ISR capability. The VCI version will use the SIT (Système d’Information Terminal - The lowest level of C4IST in the French forces), while the VPC will use the SIR (Système d’Information Régimentaire - A higher level in the same system).

The vehicle will be designed to primarily carry soldiers equipped with the Félin system.

DRAGAR Turret

The DRAGAR Turret (GIAT INDUSTRIES) is a single seat modular design turret integrating a 25 mm stabilised gun. Fire control integrates a laser telemeter and a thermal camera. The rate of fire is up to 400 rounds/min, and the turret allows anti-air self-defence. It also includes a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun for close defence and a Galix grenade launching system.

External links

* [http://www.janes.com/defence/land_forces/news/idr/idr050908_1_n.shtml Janes]
* [http://www.nexter-group.fr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36&Itemid=49 Nexter]
* [http://www.chars-francais.net/archives/vbci.htm chars-francais.net] (numerous photographs, including the inside)
* [http://www.defense-update.com/products/v/vbci.htm VBCI Program Update]