Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé (VAB) Mark III
VAB MK 3 is a new family of 6x6 medium weight armoured vehicles offering very high level performance in terms of mobility, protection and payload. VAB MK 3 benefits from thirty years experience through the VAB legacy. The vehicle, driven from behind the windshield, provides the on-board commander and driver with excellent observation capacity. Its compact profile facilitates optimal stealth in urban and mountainous environment. A complete systems offer integrating top-level technologies and allowing the completion of all combat missions in collaborative mode. Low procurement cost and access to the Volvo / Renault Trucks maintenance network across the entire world.
Prototypes of the Mk 2 variant were first shown to the public in the middle of 2010 in 4x4 and 6x6 configurations, but feedback from potential customers showed that only a 6x6 machine with large capacity, load capacity and protection can meet future requirements. Potential buyers also wanted to have a modular design that allows the machine to be used for various tasks and to install various weapon systems. In addition, there is a need for significant growth potential, as today, as a rule, machines have a service life of 30 years or more. In the Mk 3 model, these issues have now been resolved.
At Eurosatory 2012, the the French company Arquus (formerly Renault Track Defense), manufacturer of armoured vehicle and military tactical trucks, unveilled a new VAB 6x6 armoured personnel carrier named VAB Mark 3. This vehicle is not a simple upgrade, but it is a new vehicle design that is fully adapted to new threats on the battlefield such as IEDs and mine blast. The aim of this vehicle is to provide a replacement for the old BTR, M113 and VAB based on the design of a combat proven vehicle and a cheaper price. Renault Trucks Defense offers the vehicle in several versions as personnel carrier, ambulance, battlefield surveillance, mortar carrier, command post etc.
The company sees two main markets for VAB Mk 3: replacement of existing machines, for example obsolete VAB Mk 1, Russian BTR 8x8 or crawler-type BWM family M113; and a market for those buyers who are looking for new lightweight BMPs that can be easily transported. For example, the company claims that VAB Mk 3 can provide up to 80% of the capabilities of a larger 8x8 configuration machine at only half the cost. In addition, it is reported that the protection levels are similar to the protection levels of US machines such as MRAP, but at the same time improved off-road capability and functional flexibility, which allows for a wider range of combat missions.
The original version of the VAB Mk 1 4x4 had an internal volume of 9.3 m3 and a full mass of up to 13 tons. The recently modernized VAB Mk 1 ULTIMA machine of the French army mass was raised to 15.8 tons. Nevertheless, the total mass of the Mk 3 variant is 20 tons, the internal volume is 13 m3, it will be available only in the 6x6 configuration, but it will have the best off-road capability.
The total weight of 20 tons for Mk 3 includes a payload capacity of 7.5 tons, which is reserved for crew, armament, ammunition and a booking kit. The Mk 3 can be distinguished from the original Mk 1 6x6 by the increased distance between the first and second wheels.
The machine has the potential for growth, it can be equipped with a diesel engine of 400 hp. EURO V. But in the standard configuration of the power unit with a power of 320 hp. enough to accelerate the car to 105 km / h, while it is quite economical, which allows you to have a power reserve of 890 km.
A remote-controlled module armed with a stabilized 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun will be standardly installed above the landing compartment of the base vehicle. As an alternative, the module can be installed over the commander's place as on French VAB vehicles in Afghanistan. For use as a variant of the BMP, the Mk 3 machine can accept various weapons up to a 30-mm cannon.
At the first show in mid-2012, the VAB Mk 3 machine was fitted with a TRT-25 (Tactical Remote Turret) from BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa armed with a stabilized 25 mm M242 gun, 7.62 mm twin machine gun and aim day / night optics along with a computerized MSA. Other mid-range modules, such as the ARX-20 from French Nexter Systems and the recently submitted Protected Weapon Station (CPWS) from the CMI Defense Cockerill, can be installed on the machine, which can accept various weapons from 20 to 30 mm in caliber.
The group made a contract in 2018 with Kuwait for the delivery of several hundred vehicles, mainly for VAB Mark 3 (6X6 chassis). Production of the first 10 cars for Tunisia was carried out at the Renault plant in Limoges, which will be able to produce 100 cars per year with a single shift operation.
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