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Guarani 6x6 VBTP-MR family of wheeled armored vehicles

In December of 2009, the Brazilian government signed a $3.4 billion, 20-year deal with Iveco to develop and produce 2,044 Armored Personnel Transport Vehicle – Guarani Midsize Vehicle Class (VBTP-MR) on Brazilian soil. Guarani are a group of culturally-related indigenous peoples of South America. More than 100 Brazilian suppliers are directly involved in the production. The main feature of this new family is the modular design, allowing the incorporation of different towers, weapons, sensors and communications systems for the same car, including a communications version, an ambulance version and different versions of fire support, armed with mortars, thick caliber and weapon systems.

The Military launched the project after determining it needed to modernize its fleet of armored vehicles -- an analysis that began in 1999 with the investigation of basic operational requirements to replace Brazil’s 30-year-old fleet of Urutu and Cascavel armored vehicles. Guarani is based on the Iveco SuperAV 8x8 designed as a successor to the traditional national vehicle EE-11 Urutu, being initially called as Urutu-3. The conception studies of what would become Guarani date back to the end of the 1990s, still under the name NFBR - New Family of Armored Vehicles on Wheels, later being nicknamed Urutu III. On 12 April 2007 of the same year, a meeting took place in the Department of Science and Technology (DCT), in Rio de Janeiro, for a formal request to the companies Agrale, Avibras, EDAG, Fiat and IESA to prepare financial proposals. On 21 December 2007, an agreement was signed in Brasília between the Brazilian Army and the Fiat / Iveco division in Brazil, for the start of the construction of a prototype. Guarani production takes place at the Iveco plant in Sete Lagoas (MG), built with an investment of R $ 55 million, generating 200 direct jobs and 1400 indirect jobs. The expectation is to produce 115 units per year, but with capacity for 200. It has about 90% Brazilian components.

The program includes a future 8x8 combat and reconnaissance version, intended to replace the EE-9 Cascavel, with cannon105 mm, as well as a light 4x4 version. Through Project Guarani, the Army will build at least seven types of armored vehicles, including several variants of 6x6, 4x4 and 8x8 vehicles. The Army General Staff approved, through EME / C Ex Nº 275, the Initiation Guideline for the Project to Obtain the Armored Combat Vehicle 8×8, part of the Armored Forces Subprogram of the Army Strategic Program Obtaining Capacity Full Operational (Prg EE OCOP - Estratégico do Exército de Recuperação da Capacidade Operacional (PEE RECOP)).

The objectives of the project are:

• Obtain up to 221 (two hundred and twenty-one) VBC Cav 8x8, equipped with a minimum caliber cannon of 105 mm (one hundred and five millimeters), according to the operational requirements (RO) established.
• Integrate the vehicle, command and control (C2) and weapons platform systems.
• Contribute to the qualification, qualification and training of human resources for the new vehicle and its systems.
• Contribute to the careful planning and implementation of a Logistics System necessary for the vehicle and its systems. and. Participate in the planning and coordination of Doctrinal Experimentation and Logistics.
• Prepare the Brazilian Army to replace its 6x6 VBCs through the acquisition of new vehicles.
• Coordinate with the VBR EE-9 Cascavel Modernization Project the commonality of the systems.

The goal is to get the vehicles by 2026.

The VBTP-MRs 6x6 Guarani armored vehicles is designed to transport 11 passengers using a Brazilian-made 383- horsepower Iveco Diesel Engine with six-speed automatic transmission and independent hydro pneumatic suspension in each wheel. The VBTP-MR has a modular design capable of utilizing a variety of weapons systems, ranging from manual and automated turrets for close protection to the REMAX (Reparo de Metralhadora automatizada X) remote weapon system, a flexible component that can be adapted for 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges, .50 Browning machine gun cartridges or grenade launchers.

The use of Mechanized Infantry was observed as a necessity after the First World War worldwide. As of this moment, several countries have developed their doctrines and vehicles, so that armies that are involved in conflict employ armored vehicles to quickly transport troops across the battlefield. The United States Army of America, for example, through its Stryker Brigade, uses vehicles of all types of armored vehicles to transport, not only the Marines platoon, but also support pieces like mortar platoons and health units.

Brazil has been building over the years a tradition in the tank industry, mainly by the vehicles produced by the extinct Engesa, which for a long time produced and exported several models of armored vehicles used by the armed forces of several countries. Currently, the Army has been developing a partnership with the Italian automaker Iveco for the production of a new vehicle: the VBTP-MR 6X6 GUARANI. The project already has units delivered and has been an international projection factor for the Brazilian defense industry, since it is already being exported; in addition to being employed in deterrence operations in the land border.

Guarani is one of the most important strategic projects of the Brazilian Army. The origin investments in this new vehicle, which came to replace Urutu, was due to its greater mobility and its greater firepower. Thus, Guarani is able to react in an effective manner against any threat in the national territory. These factors of efficient reaction against any threats and being able to operate in a wide range of environments, are crucial factors for the growing investment of the Brazilian Armed Forces in this vehicle.

The Guarani Medium Wheeled Personal Transport Car, employed by the Brazilian Army since March 2013, was developed with the purpose of modernize and enhance the capabilities of Brazilian troops. Urutu and Cascavel, employed for about 30 years, has been gradually replaced and marked a new stage of the military industry.

Guarani, Medium Armored Personnel Transport Vehicle on Wheels, manufactured by IVECO, has relative tactical mobility, is evaluated with a range of 600 km (at average speed of 70 km / h), due to the fuel tank having a capacity of 260 liters and also bearing in mind that the vehicle is equipped with a 6-cylinder FPT engine Cursor 9 F2C - Diesel / QAV-1 + 10% Diesel B5, with 383 horsepower and 154 kgm / f of maximum torque at 1100 RPM (values ??measured on the dynamometer). That favors so that the military vehicle can be used in several regions of Brazil, due to be efficient, being economical and powerful at the same time, and with the advantage that the four-stroke diesel engine has great durability and is easy to maintain. The engine also offers the facility of being supplied with aviation kerosene, despite being a fuel of high commercial value, it is a possibility of having asecond supply option.

VBTP has in its configuration the possibility of coupling the following systems of weapons:

• 30x173 mm Automatic Cannon (UT30BR-Elbit);
• Automated machine gun mount (REMAX-CTEX);
• Machine gun mount (MR550-PLATT).

In the case of the UT30BR-Elbit and REMAX-CTEX armaments, there is the peculiarity of usinga set of technologies, such as a laser rangefinder system and their action being remotely controlled.

It has 6x4 and 6x6 traction with locking system, with two differentials, one at the front on the 1st axle and another at the rear on the 3rd axle and a transfer box with differential on the 2nd axle proposing integral traction in the whole set. A gear shift system automatic with 6 gears ahead and 1 in reverse. The gearbox of the vehicle has as special accessory an emergency lever and a delay system.

The brake system uses three types of braking: service braking, parking braking and parking braking, with the service brakes being peculiarity of being hydropneumatic, also having an anti-lock system (ABS) and brake broker. The wheels and tires have systems that assist in the use ofvehicle, such as the toroidal ring tire that guarantees a range of 60 kilometers after any accident in which the tire has been deflated or punctured. It also has a pressure control of CTIS tires, which automatically controls the pressure of tires, thus ensuring less pressure or greater pressure for greater grip and safety in the displacements of the VBTP-MR.

The Brazilian Army initiated the development of this type of material only in the years 2012 and 2013, through the delivery of the first vehicles Guarani to the 33rd BI Mec, the first Infantry unit in the Mechanized Army. Since then, there have been the concomitant experimentation exercises doctrine and the use of the vehicle in military operations. On these occasions, characteristics are perceived in the vehicle that can be improved and developed, aiming at a better job by the Infantry. Therefore, the Brazilian Army is still at the beginning of the process of implanting Mechanized mastery through the Guarani. There are still many improvements to be developed, adaptations to be implemented and learned to be harvested through constant use and conscious by the military organizations that have this type of vehicle.

The chassis and vehicle body assembly has the function of supporting the mechanical assemblies suspension and transmission systems, in addition to protecting the physical structure of the set, with provide armor to a range of war artifacts. The housing itself is made of homogeneous steel ballistic system, with ballistic protection levels and anti-mine system specified foruse of the Brazilian Army, the internal part of the hull is covered with spall liner material ensuring this protection. Guarani also has the option of placing a shield that further increases the security of the troop on board. As an example, a conventional armored protection that supports 155 mm artillery shrapnel over a maximum distance of 80 meters and with additional shielding, can approach this grenade over a distance of 60 meters, and otherwise a protection against rifle firing 7.62 mm X 51 ammunition at a minimum distance of 30 meters and placing the additional armor can be approached up to 14.5 meters, and the protection anti-mine that ensures that 6 kg of trotil explodes under any wheel.

It can act in several terrains, being limited to mountainous lands and closed forest, because the troops on foot can be better used, and it is very difficultany type of vehicle traveling over these areas, with the added that, an armored and personal transport vehicle would not be suitable for such situations. Despite these limitations, the vehicle is able to travel in still or fluvial water with current, without preparation at a depth of 0.43 meters, and at any depth when prepared, with stabilizer, bilge pumps and two propellers. In this context, pummps act to expel water entering the vehicle, one in the engine, and a bilge pump in the troop compartment. To stay stable in a fluvial displacement, uses a stabilizer at the front and has two propellers of hydraulic drive, located on the sides of the rear of the vehicle propelling itand directing the VBTP-MR, all in automated command, made by the driver andfloats that can be optionally installed, maintaining the amphibious capacity of the vehicle when equipped with the UT-30 BR gun system with a 30 mm cannon or equivalent.

It also has, as a special accessory, an automatic fire extinguishing system in the engine and troop compartments and a filter and pressurization system for defense against biological and nuclear chemistry. Despite having a modern fire detection and extinguishing system and QBN protection for the troops, the VBTP MR 6x6 Guarani could count on individual masks for troops and crew, in this way it would be possible to open the compartment in an environment contaminated by smoke or other gases and perform subsequent decontamination. Some vehicles used by other countries have this option, such as the Stryker M1126, which is used by the United States Army. In the complex and multifaceted scenario of the use of troops in humanitarian aid, there is always a constant concern for the security of the military who provide the support.

The GUARANI Program aims to transform the Military Organizations of Motorized Infantry into Mechanized and modernize the Military Organizations of Mechanized Cavalry. To this end, a new family of armored vehicles on wheels is being developed in order to provide the Ground Force with the means to increase the deterrence and defense of the national territory. The first vehicle developed was the Armored Vehicle for the Transport of Guarani Personnel (VBTP-MR, 6X6, Guarani), enabling the replacement of vehicles of the Urutu type, manufactured by ENGESA, in use for over 40 years.

The Armored Instruction Center (CI Bld), located in Santa Maria, RS, and the 15th Mechanized Infantry Brigade (15th Bda Inf Mec), based in Cascavel, PR, are the Military Organizations in charge of conducting the ongoing doctrinal experiments. This new family of mechanized vehicles includes a medium subfamily, with versions for reconnaissance, personnel transport, mortar, rescue, command post, fire station, workshop and ambulance; and a light subfamily, with versions for reconnaissance, anti-car, light mortar, radar, command post and advanced observation. Conceived by the Army's Science, Technology and Innovation System, the GUARANI Program was developed in partnership with several national companies.

• VBTP 6x6 Car Project - aims to obtain the New Family of Armored Vehicles on Wheels 6 x 6.
• VBMT 4x4 Vehicle Project - aims to obtain the New Family of Armored Vehicles on 4x4 Wheels.
• Armored Recognition Vehicle (VBR) Project aims to obtain the New Family of Armored Vehicles on Reconnaissance Wheels.
• OAP - SR Project aims to obtain the New Family of Armored Vehicles on Wheels 155 mm High Propelled (OAP) on Wheels (SR).

The platforms are integrated by Weapons and Command and Control Systems (C²). The main weapon systems are cannon towers, remotely controlled machine gun towers, manual machine gun towers and anti-car missiles. In turn, the C² System makes it possible to apply situational awareness of the battlefield to all phases of the military operation.

VBTP Guarani is able to operate in environments in the Amazon in a very efficient way, since it has great flexibility in lowland regions, amphibious ability to cross water courses, in addition to a variety of armaments that can adapt to the situation desired. However, it appears that the Guarani has difficulties in moving around the forests that have tall trees which are very close to each other. In addition, it is necessary that the air conditioning of the vehicles are always working due to the high temperatures and the humid climate of the region, which become decisive factors to hinder theuse of vehicles.

In the environment of the Pantanal biome, VBTP Guarani has difficulty in certain regions characterized by floodable land. However, it is able to cover most of the territory that area. One of the advantages of VBTP Guarani in this region is that it has the amphibian capacity and can participate in defenses in border regions with large water courses. In the short period of time that VBTP Guarani has been operating in the Midwest regions, it turned out that VBTP had not presented problems, quite the contrary, it became important for rapid response and defense of the border.

The South region stands out for its Southern plateau and also for its biome composed of the gaucho pampas that allow the wide mobility of VBTP Guarani. Thus, this region is where there is the greatest concentration of these vehicles that came to replace the ancient Urutus. The famous steppes present in the South are characterized by areas that are wide and easy to move, which allows the flexibility of the VBTP Guarani and the wide use of all types of weapons that the VBTP has.

VBTP Guarani has been widely used in pacification and guarantee of law and order (GLO). Thus, its employment is identified mainly in the city of Rio de Janeiro, where VBTP is capable of offering armored protection and rapid mobility to troops patrolling the regions around the clock on the use of the armed forces. In this way, the use of armor in urban operations has become a test.

With the investments intensified in 2013 with the partnership of the multinational of Italian origin Iveco and the Brazilian Army, it was possible to notice an increase in the interest of purchase and export of this vehicle. Initially, commercialization would be directed to countries in South America. Argentina initially showed intentions in the acquisition of Guarani, which would sum up, at first, to 16 units. However, for technical andmainly due to the ease of negotiation offered by the Chinese company Norinco, the Argentine government chose to purchase VN-1 vehicles manufactured by China.

By 2018 the export of Guarani was in the contract signed with Lebanon, through which ten vehicles had already been sent to the Middle Eastern nation. The contract included seventy other vehicles that were being used both in external defense against the Islamic State and al-Qaeda, as in internal defense, since the country is in civil war. The vehicle will be used by Panthers ( Al Fouhoud ), a Lebanese elite unit, and also by the Lebanese Army.

Economically, exporting vehicles represents an economic return for the Army through royalties, since the institution owns the intellectual propertyfrom the project.