VBCI 2
| VBCI 2 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Infantry fighting vehicle |
| Place of origin | France |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Nexter Systems |
| Produced | 2015 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 32 tonnes (31 long tons; 35 short tons) |
| Length | 7.8 metres (26 ft) |
| Width | 3 metres (9.8 ft) |
| Height | 3 metres (9.8 ft) |
| Crew | 3 crew +(6 passenger) |
|
| |
Main armament | 40 mm CTAS |
Secondary armament | 7.62 mm |
| Engine |
Volvo 600 hp |
| Suspension | wheeled 8×8 |
Operational range | 750 kilometres (470 mi) |
| Speed | 100 kilometres (62 mi)/h |
The Véhicule Blindé de Combat d'Infanterie 2 or VCBI 2 ("Armoured vehicle for infantry combat" in French) is an 8*8 wheeled Infantry fighting vehicle developed by French company Nexter Systems as a private venture. It was revealed publicly for first time in 2015. Vehicle is improved version of VBCI. This armored vehicle built for potential export costumers. Developers took into consideration combat experience from original VBCI in Mali and feed back from tests. New engine,new Air conditioner, and a new vision cameras have been added. Images of cameras can be displayed on commander's, gunner's or driver's stations. There is another display in the troop compartment for the dismounts. Drivers station is fitted with a thermal viewer for operation at night.
Design
VBCI2 has a common layout, the driver location in front and the engine on his right, the turret in the central part while a troop compartment located in the rear part. Troops enter and leave the vehicle via a rear, power-operated ramp with integral door besides roof hatches. This armored vehicle has crew of three, including commander, driver, and gunner in addition to 6 passengers.
Protection
Hull is made from welded aluminum. Vehicle can be fitted with add-on modular steel armor package or titanium armor plates which can be replaced in battles conditions, so protection level can be tailored depending on mission requirements. protection from 14.5-mm armor-piercing rounds. It seems that this infantry fighting vehicle withstands mine blasts equivalent to 10 kg of TNT. Interior is fitted with new blast resistant seats. Vehicle can keep on moving if a wheel is lost by mine explosion. VBCI2 Interior is fitted with spall liners. NBC protection and fire suppression systems are fitted as standard.
Armament
The prototype was fitted with a T40 two-man turret armed with a 40 mm cannon this caliber gives the Vehicle much more punch. There is also a roof-mounted remotely-controlled weapon station with 7.62 mm machine gun. Furthermore there are two tubes of anti-tank guided missiles. Depending on customer requirements the vehicle can be fitted with remotely-controlled turret with a 30 mm cannon or a complete turret of the Russian BMP-3.
Engine
The Vehicle is powered by a new Volvo D13 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 600 hp, the suspension has been improved to cope with increased weight. The Vehicle is fitted with larger tires to improved cross-country mobility. Two front pairs of wheels are steerable.
References
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