IVECO VBTP-MR (Guarani)

History of Iveco VBTP-MR (Guarani)

Iveco Italy has provided the Brazilian Army with a state-of-the-art Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) solution through the joint "VBTP-MR" (a vehicle known locally as "Guarani"). The system was developed to Army specifications and called for the replacement of aging EE-9 "Cascavel" and EE-11 "Urutu" vehicle lines (vehicles described elsewhere on this site) with similar shape and battlefield capabilities. The VBTP-MR brings all modern comfort and safety to the crew, along with features like a Remote Weapon Station (RWS) and powerful propulsion.

6x6 and 8x8 forms form the standard for the series, with several variants planned for dedicated battlefield roles.

The 16.7-ton vehicle measures 23 feet long, 9 feet wide and 7.7 feet high. The basic operator consists of two (driver and commander) and up to nine combat readiness personnel can be accommodated in the passenger compartment.

The drivability of the design reduces production and procurement costs and is in line with the growing global trend from track wheel models to drivable vehicle types.

In addition to a multi-wheel configuration that supports off-road and on-road driving, the VBTP-MR is also equipped with a hydropneumatic suspension system for enhanced driving comfort. Road speeds reach nearly 70 mph and range is up to 370 miles.

It is powered by an IVECO "Cursor 9" series diesel engine with 383 hp.

The general hull shape is traditional, with a very sloping, almost horizontal glacis panel at the front. The top of the hull is flat, as are the sides of the hull to prevent pistol and cannon jets. The fuselage structure is highly suspended from the ground, providing excellent ground clearance.

The vehicle also has amphibious capabilities. Doors in the rear of the fuselage provide passengers with protected boarding and exit routes. If the driver is seated in the front left, the engine is mounted in the front right and the commander's position is behind the driver.

This makes the rear of the fuselage available to passengers.

The basic APC model was defended by machine guns and personal weapons carried by the crew, while the final combat form introduced a remote-controlled turret armed with a Mk 44 Bushmaster II series 30mm automatic cannon and 7 and 62mm coaxial machine guns. The tower was designed in Israel (Elbit Systems) and manufactured locally under license. The 12.7mm heavy machine gun (HMG) is used for localized air defense and can also be used against lightly armored threats.

Smoke grenade launchers provide a measure of self-protection for the vehicle and its occupants.

In addition to the above models, the VBTP will also come in more specialized battlefield forms such as the Command and Control (C2) variant, Armored Ambulance, Tank Killer (recommended) and Mortar Transporter (120mm caliber). This collection showcases the versatility of Italian design.

The Brazilian Army plans to receive over 2,000 VBTP-MRs by 2030, with deliveries starting in 2012 with the first 200. The system is also used by the Brazilian Navy.

The Lebanese Army is the only approved vehicle export customer to date (2016).

December 2017 - The Brazilian military reaffirms its commitment to replace the outdated EE-11 Urutu vehicle series with the Italian VBTP-MR.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

Not available.

Changes