Engineering:VBCI 2
| VBCI 2 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Infantry fighting vehicle |
| Place of origin | France |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Nexter Systems |
| Produced | 2015 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 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 (French for "armoured vehicle for infantry combat") is an 8x8 wheeled infantry fighting vehicle developed by the French company Nexter Systems as a private venture. It was revealed publicly for the first time in 2015. The vehicle is an improved version of VBCI. It was built for potential export customers. Its developers took into consideration combat experience from the original VBCI in Mali and feedback from tests. A new engine, new air conditioner, and new vision cameras have been added. Images of cameras can be displayed on the commander's, gunner's or driver's stations. There is another display in the troop compartment for the dismounts. The driver's station is fitted with a thermal viewer for operation at night.
Design
VBCI2 has a common layout, with the driver's location in front, the engine on his right, the turret in the central part, and a troop compartment in the rear. Troops enter and leave the vehicle via a rear, power-operated ramp with integral door besides roof hatches.
This armored vehicle has a crew of three, including commander, driver, and gunner, in addition to six passengers.
Protection
The hull is made from welded aluminum. The vehicle can be fitted with add-on modular steel armor package or titanium armor plates which can be replaced in battle conditions, so the protection level can be tailored depending on mission requirements.
It seems that this infantry fighting vehicle withstands mine blasts equivalent to 10 kg of TNT. The interior is fitted with new blast resistant seats. The vehicle can keep moving if a wheel is lost from a mine explosion. The 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 a 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 a 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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