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2016-03-01
NEXTER’S VBCI-2 boasts more armor protection, firepower
VBCI-2 will be displayed at IDEX 2017
Nexter Systems unveiled the VBCI-2 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) at DSEI in London, with greater internal space and a more powerful D13 Volvo engine that is well suited also for the hot desert conditions in the Middle East. Protection, Mobility and Fire Power are the key assets of VBCI-2 which stands as the combat proven reference of the new generation 8X8 market.
Asked by Nation Shield about the vehicle’s suitability in desert conditions, Mike Duckworth, Nexter director of International affairs said: “The Middle East is an important marketing business opportunity for us.
So specifically the Middle East need in terms of ability, the difficult conditions, performance in very high temperatures, over long distances, in very difficult terrains, something is absolutely a design driver in everything we do.”He said the VBCI-2 will also be displayed at the next IDEX in Abu Dhabi. Nexter is an IDEX regular.
So specifically the Middle East need in terms of ability, the difficult conditions, performance in very high temperatures, over long distances, in very difficult terrains, something is absolutely a design driver in everything we do.”He said the VBCI-2 will also be displayed at the next IDEX in Abu Dhabi. Nexter is an IDEX regular.
EXPORT POTENTIAL
Nexter has been investing heavily in the VBCI platform as it was confident about its potential.
Duckworth said: “We continue to heavily invest on the platform and we are prepared to invest because we are confident of the export potential of this platform.We have invested, it is fair to say, across the turret and other things, tens of millions of Euros. But this is not the figure. So obviously we are positioning for opportunities and adapting our priorities based on what the market is telling us.
“Here in the UK we know the potential of the mechanised infantry vehicle (MIV)program. We are going to be very keen to participate on that fresh from the evaluation that was done by the British army on VBCI as part of the preparation and definition of that requirement.
“We will certainly go forward. Based on what we understand so far about the requirements today, we think VBCI is very well suited. And if the drivers are protected and at low risk, I would suggest VBCI has a rightful place to be considered in that competition. And then of course in the Middle East.
MIDDLE EAST PRESENCE
“We have a Nexter assets facility in the Emirates where we support the fleet. We also have a delegation and presence in Saudi Arabia, fairly sizable operations in both countries.”
Referring to the upgrades, Duckworth said in VBCI-2, the D12 engine has been replaced by the D13 engine. “We have used this as an opportunity to take the D13 and up the power of D12.”
The improvements are a new Volvo D13 engine designed for commercial vehicles, generating 600 horsepower compared to 550 Hp on the previous D12 powerplant. There is more headroom, improved air conditioning, and new shock seats built to protect troops from mines and a Nexter onboard communications network designed for plugging in the SagemFelin infantry sensor system.
“We also have a vehicle running with a rear axle steering, which means we have three axles to guard direction, so we have less than 17 meters in turning radius,” said Duckworth.
The other features of VBCI-2 include an upgraded suspension, larger tyres for enhanced cross-country mobility, an electronic architecture, and a driver thermal viewer.
VBCI-2 is a fully mature and combat proven system that is in series production and has been extensively fielded on a very wide variety of terrains and environments from urban areas to deserts and mountains.
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