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Delivery of the first re-engined ERC 90s

Marolles en Hurepoix, November 24th 2006

At the beginning of 2007, a squadron of a French armoured regiment is to be sent on an overseas operation with the ERC 90 `Sagaie' equipped with new engines. These light tanks, built by Panhard, have seen intensive operational service since their delivery during the 1980s. The ERC 90 has been in constant use as a rapid intervention system in nearly all the French Army's operations, in Bosnia and Africa. Armed with a 90mm gun for a total weight of less than ten tonnes, the ERC 90 represents an excellent compromise between weight and firepower. To retain the capability for the rapid strategic movement of an armoured unit, in 2000 the French Army launched a programme to re-engine the fleet of ERC 90.

This valorisation, involving 160 vehicles, principally concerns the engine. The ERC 90 will exchange its PRV petrol engine of 130 hp for a Mercedes-Ben2 170 hp diesel with a Renk automatic gearbox. These modifications do not involve any changes to the silhouette of the vehicle, but do result in an increase in weight of about 400 kg. Because of this, the ERC 90 will lose its amphibious capability but the crews, who have begun training, have noticed the clear advantages of the new engine in terms of mobility. The torque developed by the engine of the updated ERC 90 is three times greater than that of the previous generation of vehicles and the range is increased from 700 to 900 km.

By the end of 2006, as planned, Panhard will have delivered 35 re-engined ERC 90s to the French Army and production is planned to rise to 55 vehicles in 2007. This modernisation will extend the life of the ERC 90 Sagaie fleet beyond the 2020s.

About Panhard General Defense :
Panhard, a 100% subsidiary of Auverland since 2005, has designed and produced armoured vehicles for nearly a century. Panhard builds the Light Armoured Vehicle (VBL), of which over 2000 have been constructed, 1600 of them for the French Army. From March 2007, Panhard will deliver the Small Protected Vehicle (PVP), of which 900 have been ordered by the French Army. In 2005, Panhard achieved a turnover of 60 million euros and its order book stands at over 142 million euros.

Press Contact :
Charles Maisonneuve
Tel : 01 60 82 49 87 / 06 13 22 30 21
Email : charles .maisonneuveApanhard .fr
2 rue Panhard et Levassor 91630 Marolles en Hurepoix