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2023-06-04

VBL MK3 Advanced Adaptability and Tactical Competence

The VBL, known as the “Véhicule Blindé Léger” or Light Armoured Vehicle, is an highly adaptable 4x4 reconnaissance vehicle devel-oped in the late 1980s by Panhard, now part of Arquus. Its history dates back to the late 1980s when it entered service in the French Army, initially intended for reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and surveillance missions. However, its compact size, low silhou-ette, excellent mobility, and protection, including in an CBN (Chemical, Biological, Nuclear) environment, soon made it suitable for a variety of roles.

The VBL speedily became a preferred vehicle for various missions such as reconnaissance, communications, mobile command post, anti-tank operations, and general-purpose transport. Its adaptability allowed it to evolve and counter new threats over the years.

It has been deployed in diverse versions, including Scout, Command Post, Reconnaissance with different armament options like a 12.7mm machine gun or a 40mm grenade launcher, as well as Anti-tank variants capable of carrying combat groups with Milan, Eryx, or AT4CS launchers.

Many know Arquus better under its former names, Renault Trucks Defense, ACMAT and Panhard, although the company has now been present under its new identity for five years.

The total number of vehicles delivered has reached 240, making it one of the largest VBL fleets in service in the world. The VBLs have since been serving in foreign deployments, sometimes even shoulder to shoulder with their French cousins.

Export Versions

Tailored export versions also include TOW launchers, 20-mm cannons, or even Short-Range Air Defence (SHORAD) capabilities with the VBL ALBI which loads 2 Mistral2 AA missiles on top. The VBL also serves as the Leclerc tank’s wingman, finding it targets and ensuring its close-quarters protection.

Configuration and Features

The VBL incorporates an all-welded steel hull. The driver is seated in the front of the crew cab on the left, with the commander to his right. Crew can enter or exit through a door located on either side of the vehicle. Access to the rear compartment is granted through a spacious left-opening door located at the back.

The vehicle measures 4.09m in length without equipment and 2.02m in width. The height to the roof top is 1.7m. The VBL can accom-modate up to four crew members. The combat weight of the vehicle is 4,000kg, and the payload carrying capacity is 900kg.

The self-supporting body is built of very high-density steel with thickness from 5 to 11mm, while the armoured windows provide the same level of protection as the steel.

Emergency Periscope

The driver’s position includes an emergency periscope for enhanced visibility, while a unified hatch cover is installed atop for convenient access.

The commander is provided with a single-piece circular hatch cover. A small bullet proof window behind the cabin crew provides obser-vation of the rear side. The roof of the rear compartment includes a single-piece hatch cover.

Well Protected

The VBL features a PL127 turret, mounting a 12.7mm heavy machine gun. The gunner’s position is very well protected. The vehicle is also fitted with a 40mm grenade launcher in place of 12.7mm gun. The anti-tank versions of the VBL are armed with anti-tank guided missile systems such as Milan, Kornet, Tow and Ingwe.

The armoured integral hull of the vehicle protects the crew from 7.62mm rounds and shrapnel, and anti-personnel mines. The armoured body offers Standardisation Agreement (STANAG) level 1 protection. The vehicle is optionally fitted with nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protection system.

High Mobility

The VBL is powered by a Peugeot XD 3T 95hp engine or Steyr 125hp engine coupled to a ZF four-speed automatic gearbox. The engine provides a maximum speed of 95km/h. The 100L tank capacity allows the vehicle to reach a distance between 600km and 800km.

With the capability to handle a 30 per cent side slope and a 50 per cent gradient, the vehicle boasts impressive approach and departure angles of 80° and 60° respectively. The armoured fighting vehicle is propelled in water at a speed of 5.4km/h by an optionally fitted am-phibious kit. The trim vane forward of the vehicle is manually erected before entering water. The VBL is air transportable by helicopters and transport aircraft such as C-160 and C-130.

Several Upgrades

VBL Mk3 is the latest and most advanced version of the famous Panhard VBL. The VBL Mk3 incorporates numerous enhancements over its predecessor, showcasing exceptional mobility capabilities.

It is equipped with a 130hp modern, diesel engine and a new automatic gearbox, allowing speed and acceleration as well as added com-fort for the pilot. It features a new Brake Assist system and improved front and rear-suspension systems, increasing the payload and im-proving vehicle handling. It is also equipped with centralised tyre inflation system (CTIS) which allows for a better adaptation to the terrain conditions and improves the mobility on soft ground, especially on sand.

It is equipped from a new dashboard, allowing better management of the vehicle and its tactical situation.

The VBL Mk3 is a steed of choice for scouting and reconnaissance, as well as intelligence gathering missions. It can serve as a wingman for a tank or be configured as an anti-tank vehicle with an Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) team aboard. Small and discreet, it is hard to spot, hard to acquire and hard to hit, while easily hiding behind terrain or obstacles and swiftly moving from cover to cover.

Anti-tank Configuration

During IDEX 2023, Arquus exhibited the VBL Mk3 fitted with a Hornet Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) with an AKERON anti-tank missile launcher, specifically thought for anti-tank combat and developed with missile leader MBDA.

The recent combat experience has shown that anti-tank combat capabilities are key in a highly contested battlefield. The large number of armoured targets, and the rhythm of combat operations call for the integration of multiple anti-tank weapons on armoured vehicles, to allow for tank-hunting and collaborative combat capabilities, or to provide with self-defence options in case of an unplanned encounter with enemy assets.

Such a capability is now integrated in the Hornet RCWS, which offers anti-tank capabilities on top of its native qualities. The Akeron missile is integrated on the side of the RCWS, which preserves the compact size of the Hornet and contributes to its stealth.

That configuration is very sensible on the VBL Mk3 due to its size and stealth. With the Hornet AKERON, the VBL Mk3 can be used as a tank killer. The VBL Mk3 will be able to scout while in movement and to shoot from inside the vehicle with the Hornet AKERON or from out-side the vehicle with an AKERON firing station.

Tactical Advantages

Hornet has been working on new solutions, all based on their RCWS and adding tactical advantages to an excellent base platform.

The Hornet family of RCWS provide with unmatchable on-the-move observation, firepower and protection capabilities, thanks to their high-end optronics, stabilisation and integration of GALIX smoke grenade launcher. The Hornet turrets are incomparably more accurate than a circular-mounted weapon, particularly in movement.

They are gyro-stabilised from the optronic unit, which gives them extraordinary stability and accuracy. The probability of hitting on the first shot is enhanced by a sophisticated ballistic solution calculation system which accounts for various parameters such as weapon, ammuni-tion type, range, target movement and vehicle behaviour.

These different capabilities allow for the reduction of ammunition carriage where necessary, while still allowing for superior tactical ef-fects and protecting the gunner.

VBAE Programme

The presentation of new VBL MK3 follows the ongoing upgrade programme of the French Army’s VBLs, which are currently evolving to a brand-new standard: the VBL Ultima.

As a result of the VBAE (Armoured Engagement Support Vehicle) programme, the VBL Ultima has undergone a comprehensive upgrade, incorporating a wide range of enhancements and improvements.

The original 9hp engine is replaced by a 130hp modern, diesel engine and a new automatic gearbox, allowing a speed greater than the 95 km/h of the original standard, as well as improved acceleration.

The upgraded VBLs feature a new Brake Assist System and improved front and rear suspension systems to accommodate increased pay-load and to improve vehicle handling. Finally, the new standard accommodates air conditioning to improve comfort during operations.

Current-generation VBLs could be modernised with a similar Ultima kit in order to extend their service life by 20 years and give them new capabilities, namely increased power, safety and payload.

Arquus recently delivered two VBL Ultima to the Hellenic Army, one of which was on display on Arquus’ stand at DEFEA 2023.

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