Chaimite V-200

   The Chaimite V-200 armored personnel carrier was developed to meet the requirement of the Portuguese armed forces. It was built by the Portuguese company Bravia. It is based on the US Cadillac Gage's Commando. It was adopted by the Portuguese Army in 1967. In the late 60s and early 70s this armored vehicle was used by the Portuguese Army in colonial wars. Over 600 of these armored personnel carriers were built, including variants. Despite it's age it is still in limited service with Portugal, however these will be soon replaced with the Austrian Pandur II 8x8. Export operators are Lebanon, Libya, Peru and Philippines.

   The V-200 is a baseline model of the whole family of armored vehicles.

   The Bravia Chaimite has an armored steel hull, which provides protection from small arms fire up to 7.62-mm NATO ammunition.

   Armament carried depends on the variant, however this APC is typically armed with a roof-mounted 12.7-mm heavy machine gun. Another version, armed with turret-mounted twin 7.62-mm machine guns is also common.

   The V-200 has a 11 men capacity. There are numerous firing ports provided for the troops. Occupants enter and leave the vehicle via side- or rear doors or roof hatches.

   Engine is located at the rear of the hull. Originally the Bravia Chaimite V-200 was powered by a Chrysler petrol engine, however in the 1980s these APCs were refitted with Cummins diesels, developing 155 hp. Vehicle has a full-time all-wheel drive. It comes with run-flat tyres and self-recovery winch as standard. The V-200 is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by it's wheels.

Variants

   V-200 Armada 60, a variant for the Portuguese Marines, armed with eight 88-mm rocket launchers;

   V-300 reconnaissance vehicle. It has a crew of 4 - 5 men. Vehicle is armed with a 20-mm turret-mounted cannon;

   V-400 fire support vehicle, armed with a 90-mm gun;

   V-500 command vehicle;

   V-600 mortar carrier, fitted with 81-mm mortar. It has a crew of four;

   V-700 ATGW carrier, fitted with Swingfire, HOT, TOW or MILAN missile launcher. This variant never reached production;

   V-800 armored ambulance;

   V-900 armored recovery vehicle;

   V-100 anti-riot vehicle, fitted with a water cannon.