Véhicule Blindé Léger

Infobox Weapon
name=VBL


caption= A VBL during a Bastille Day celebration in Paris, France
origin= France
type=Wheeled all-terrain vehicle
is_vehicle=yes
crew= 2-3
length= 3.80 m (4.00 m long version)
width= 2.02 m
height= 1.70 m
weight= 3.5 to 4 tonnes
armour= STANAG level 1 (protection against 7.62×51 NATO rounds and shrapnel)
primary_armament= depends on the version
secondary_armament= none
engine= Peugeot XD3T turbo-diesel
engine_power= hp ( kW)
suspension= 0.35 m ground clearance
speed= >100 km/h
pw_ratio= hp/tonne
vehicle_range= 600 km (can be extended to 1000 km with external gas tanks)
is_UK = yes

The Panhard Véhicule Blindé Léger ("Light armoured vehicle") is a wheeled 4x4 all-terrain vehicle offered in various configurations. It was designed to combine the agility of the Peugeot VLTT liaison vehicle with adequate protection against small arms fire, artillery fragments, mines and NBC weapons. The VBL is fully amphibious and can swim at 5.4 km/h ; it is also air transportable by C-130, C-160 and A400M.

The VBL was developed during the 80s and entered operational service in France in 1990. It has a fuel consumption of 16 litres/100 km.

Combat experience

The VBL has been used in many peacekeeping operations, notably in Bosnia, Somalia and Kosovo.

Due to the contribution of the French Army to the Blue Helmets in Yugoslavia, the VBL was one of the ubiquitous sights in the Siege of Sarajevo, earning it the nickname of "Sarajevo Taxi".

Variants

"French versions"
* [http://www.armyrecognition.com/europe/France/vehicules_a_roues/VBL/VBL_Milan/VBL_Milan_France_diaporama.htm VBL MILAN] : Anti-tank medium range (up to 2000 metres) combat. Uses one MILAN missile fire unit and six missiles, with a MIRA Thermal camera.
* VBL ERYX: Anti-tank short range (up to 600 metres) combat. Uses one ERYX missile fire unit and four missiles, as well as MIRABEL thermal googles. Its secondary weapon is a ring-mount fitted with a 7.62 mm machine gun (1400 rounds).
* VB2L POSTE DE COMMANDEMENT: Command version. It operates a VHF system with two PR4G radios, a HF System with one SSB radio for long range and a Radio/intercom system for the crew. Its armament is a ring-mount fitted with a 7.62 mm machine gun (1400 rounds). Specific equipment: A work station with map board and folding table, additional batteries to meet the requirements of the radio and auxiliary services giving up to 8 hours additional endurance, and a folding seat for 4th crewmember.
* VBL RECO 12.7: Reconnaissance and troops engagement. Operates 1 VHF transmitter/receiver (French version), radio/intercom system and one heavy 12.7 mm machine gun on ring-mount protected by side armour (Rate of fire: 485-635 rounds/minute - muzzle velocity: 920 m/s, Effective range: 1500 to 2000 m - Maximum range: 7000 m, Penetration capability: 13 mm at 1200 m - 25 mm at 300 m). Optional equipment : multiple launcher for anti-personnel grenades FLY-K (PL 127) - Rate of fire : 375 rounds/minute - muzzle velocity: 244 m/s, Effective range : against an area: 2200 m; against point target: 1500 m, Fragmentation effect : 15 m - armour penetration: 50 mm.
* VBL AT4CS: Anti-tank very short range (<250 metres). Operates 1 or 2 VHF transmitter/receivers, radio/intercom system, and a x 84 mm AT4CS munitions in ready-use configuration capable of penetrating 550 mm of armour (armoured vehicles without additional protection) or 1.5 m of concrete. Usable dismounted or in confined spaces). Secondary weapon: One ring-mount fitted with a 7.62 mm machine gun (1400 rounds).

"Export versions"
* ULTRAV M11: NBC (Nuclear Biological Chemical) reconnaissance version for the US Army
* VBL TOW: Anti-tank long range (up to 3750 metres). Radio equipment: 1 or 2 VHF transmitter/receivers. Armament: One infantry-type single TOW tube: Day/night operation using integral night sight system (4 missiles). Secondary weapon: One ring-mount fitted with a 7.62 mm machine gun (2000 rounds).
* VBL ALBI-MISTRAL: Air defense (currently developed). Radio equipment : 2 VHF PR4G transmitter/receivers (1 for tactical links; 1 for firing system data transmission). Armament: Twin-round ALBI turret firing the MISTRAL "fire-and-forget" air defence missile, 6 missiles including 2 on the fire unit. Secondary weapon: One semi-circular rail fitted with a 7.62 mm machine gun (1200 rounds).
* VBL (à flancs redressés) CANON: With an automated 20 mm turret. Radio equipment : 1 VHF transmitter/receiver. Armament: MK 20 Rh 202 automatic 20 mm cannon (Rate of fire: 1000 rounds/minute, Elevation range: - 10° to + 45°, Rounds carried: 260, Munitions loaded: 160 (60 left, 100 right), Sight: ZEISS PERI-Z-16, Optional equipment associated with the turret: laser range finder, thermal imager).
* VBL TOURELLE FERMEE: With a 12.7 mm remotely controlled turret. Radio equipment: 1 or 2 VHF transmitter/receivers. Armament: 12.7 mm or 7.62 mm machine gun or automatic 40 mm grenade launcher (Munition capacity: 600 rounds, day/night camera, laser rangefinder).

Note that the reconnaissance version is equipped with TR-VP 213 or PR4G radio, OB 41 and OB 43 night vision goggles and DUK-DUR 440 radiation meter & a dosimeter.

Operators

*CAM
*DJI
*FRA - 1100 VBLs currently in use.
*GAB
*GRE
*INA - deployed in 2006 Lebanon UN peacekeeping mission
*IRN
*KUW
*MEX
*NIG
*NGA
*OMN
*POR
*QAT
*RWA
*TOG
*USA

External links

* [http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/France/SF_Vehicle.htm specialoperations.com]
*fr icon [http://www.defense.gouv.fr/sites/terre/decouverte/materiels/vehicules/vbl description]
* [http://www.defense-update.com/products/v/vbl-panhard.htm VBL Update]
* [http://www.panhardvbl.co.nr/ PANHARD VBL]