Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé (VAB) Mark II
At the Eurosatory 2010 in France, Renault Trucks introduced a new generation of wheeled armored vehicles VAB Mark II, which is a modernized version of armored wheeled armored personnel carriers VAB family. The first generation of VAB vehicles (Vehicle de l'Avant Blinde) produced by Renault Trucks demonstrated high reliability, thanks to which more than 5000 VAB entered the French army in more than 30 versions, and several thousand more are in service in many armies of the world. In 2008, in order to meet the growing needs of the armed forces and new threats on the battlefield, Renault Trucks Defense began developing an updated and improved version of the VAB armored personnel carrier. The design of VAB Mark II took into account the experience of combat operations in Afghanistan.
The armored personnel carrier can be made in the version of a medical vehicle, mobile command post, carrier of weapon systems, etc. Significantly improved habitation and comfort due to an increase in the internal volume from 9 to 11 m³. This was achieved by increasing the height of the ceiling. VAB is able to cope with extreme high and low temperatures. The car is equipped with a standard weapon protection kitmass destruction (nuclear, biological, chemical), that is, an air filtration system, a waterproof hull that allows driving in the contaminated area. VAB Mark II has special seats that absorb the explosion. According to reviews, despite its Spartan interior armored personnel carrier is quite convenient, movement on rough terrain is very soft, "reminiscent of riding an expensive SUV." The drawbacks include an increased noise level in the compartment due to the absence of sound-absorbing coatings, but in the combat situation infantrymen will be wearing helmets and headphones and the noise level will not be so critical (civil journalists were invited to the official show to complain about the noise level).
VAB Mark II can be equipped with various weapons systems, including a tower with conventional 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine guns or a remotely controlled console with a caliber of 30mm. According to the manufacturer, after some minor changes VAB Mark II can also be equipped with a powerful turret with a 90-mm gun.
One of the most significant improvements in the presented model was the level of its protection. VAB Mark II is equipped with a new welded armored body with a V-shaped bottom. As a result, the car reached the fourth level of ballistic protection. All windows (manufactured by St Gobain) in front and sides of the armored personnel carrier have the same level of protection as the rest of the car. The VAB Mark II has seats that use the latest technology in terms of protection against explosion.
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