Panhard VBL (Vehicule Blinde Leger)

History

Light all-terrain vehicles will always have their place on the battlefield, which is why designs like the French vehicle Blinde Leger (VBL) still exist and prove extremely popular with operators worldwide. This 4x4 armored vehicle was developed in response to the 1978 French Army's request for a light/lightly armored reconnaissance vehicle that could also be used as a weapon delivery vehicle. This led to the appearance of experimental vehicles (prototypes) by the famous French Panhard and Renault.

After conducting the necessary Army evaluations, the Panhard bid was opened for mass production and official service in February 1985. Production started in 1990 and continues to this day (2017).

The vehicle is in the form of a conventional car with the engine in the front compartment and the driver in the front left. There is a passenger seat to his right and a large console between them.

Roof hatches are located above the driver and passenger positions, and a third hatch is located above the top trailing edge of the fuselage. Car-style doors allow entry and exit for two front-seat passengers. Various types of weapons can be mounted above the top of the hull (middle), including machine guns, automatic cannons, and anti-tank missiles (ATGMs), making the VBL an all-in-one battlefield solution. The wheels are set in the extreme corners of the design for excellent balance, and the chassis is high off the ground to facilitate strong ground clearance - useful when cruising off-road. Armor protection up to STANAG 1, covering small arms fire up to 7.62mm as well as artillery jets and mine fragments.

Several glass panels are bulletproof to some extent. The propulsion system is powered by a 95 hp Peugeot XD3T turbo diesel engine. The range is up to 600 kilometers, but can be extended to 1,000 kilometers with external fuel storage. The top speed is 95 km/h.

Amphibious capability is built into the design of the VBL (the propeller is mounted aft of the fuselage for propulsion).

Dimensions include 3.8m long, 2m wide and 1.7m high. Weight up to 4 tons. These qualities allow the VBL to be airlifted in the belly of a Lockheed C-130 Hercules or similar medium-range transport aircraft.

Major French models include MILAN missile carrier (anti-tank platform), ERYX missile carrier (anti-tank platform), POSTE de COMMANDEMENT command and control (C2) vehicle, infantry support vehicle RECO 12. 7, and anti-tank weapons carrier AT4CS.

In French hands, VBL was deployed during interventions in the former Yugoslavia, Cote d'Ivoire, Afghanistan and Mali. Much of his time abroad is spent supporting UN-led peacekeeping efforts in war-torn parts of the world.

VBL exports are strong, with operators from Benin and Botswana to Togo and the United Arab Emirates. The largest VBL operator outside of France is Oman (132), followed by Nigeria (72). The vehicle offers a relatively inexpensive safety system for budget-conscious buyers.

Export models include ULTRAV M11 NBC reconnaissance platform, TOW (Anti-Tank System) Missile Carrier, MISTRAL (Air Defense System) Missile Carrier, CANON with 20mm Turret and TOURELLE FERMEE 12, 7 with Remote Weapon Station (RWS) Large-caliber machine gun.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

Depends on weapon: 3,000 x 7.62mm ammunition; 6 x MILAN Anti-Tank Missile (ATGM).

Changes