Country of origin |
France |
Entered service |
2019 |
Crew |
2 men |
Personnel |
8 men |
Dimensions and weight |
Weight |
24.5 t |
Length |
~ 7 m |
Width |
2.5
m |
Height |
3 m |
Armament |
Machine guns |
1 x 12.7 mm |
Mobility |
Engine |
Renault DXi7 diesel |
Engine power |
400 hp |
Maximum road speed |
110 km/h |
Range |
800 km |
Maneuverability |
Gradient |
60% |
Side slope |
30% |
Vertical step |
~ 0.5 m |
Trench |
~ 0.9 m |
Fording |
~ 1.5 m |
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The Griffon
is a new French armored troop carrier with 6x6 configuration. It was developed to meet
requirement of the French Vehicule Blinde Multi-Roles (VBMR)
program, which called for a new multi-purpose armored vehicle to
replace an ageing
VAB armored
personnel carrier, which is used by the French Army in large
numbers. Since the early 2000s French Army was looking for a VAB
replacement. This old armored personnel carrier has 4x4
configuration and is operational since 1976. The new armored vehicle
was developed by a temporary consortium of French companies,
comprising Nexter Systems, Renault Trucks Defense and Thales.
Development commenced in 2011. A
BMX-01 demonstrator was a forerunner of the Griffon. It was first
publicly revealed in 2014. This vehicle was developed by Renault
Trucks Defense and had 80% similarity with the current Griffon. Prototype of the Griffon was first
publicly revealed in 2016. French Army ordered a first batch of 319
Griffons in 2017. Deliveries began in 2019. In 2020 another 271
units were ordered for delivery in 2022-2023. Until 2025 the
French Army planned to acquire a total of 1 722 Griffon armored
vehicles in several different variants. In 2017 Belgium ordered a
total of 417
Griffons for delivery in 2025.
The Griffon
has conventional layout with engine compartment at the front, crew
cabin in the middle and troop compartment at the rear. However this
armored vehicle has a different design than the VAB and is
significantly heavier. The Griffon is much higher than the VAB due
to its V-shaped hull, which provides protection against landmines
and improvised explosive devices. Mine protection of this vehicle is
similar to that of dedicated mine resistant ambush protected
vehicles. Essentially the Griffon fills the gap between armored
personnel carriers and mine resistant ambush protected vehicles. It
is better suited for unconventional warfare and low intensity
military conflicts.
The Griffon
offers better protection for its crew and occupants than the VAB.
Its steel armor hull provides protection against small arms fire,
artillery shell splinters. The baseline steel armor can be fitted
with add-on armor kit for a higher level of protection. So
protection level can be tailored depending on mission requirements.
Maximum level of ballistic protection is against 14.5 mm
armor-piercing rounds. The Griffon also offers significantly higher
level of protection than the VAB against landmines and improvised
explosive devices. It withstands blasts equivalent to 10 kg of TNT
anywhere under the hull. This armored vehicle is also fitted with an
NBC protection system.
The Griffon
is operated by a crew of 2, and can carry 8 dismounts. The main role
of this vehicle is to deliver troops to the battlefield under armor
protection. For entry and exit crew members use side doors, while
the infantrymen dismount via rear power-operated ramp with integral
doors. Also there are roof hatches for emergency exit. Some vision
blocks are provided for the dismounts. Though there are no firing
ports in order not to compromise the armor protection.
This armored
vehicle is fitted with remotely controlled weapon station, armed
with 12.7 mm or 7.62 mm machine gun, or alternatively a 40 mm
automatic grenade launcher. It can be also fitted with 81 mm mortar
or two French
MMP
anti-tank guided missiles. These are fire-and-forget type missiles
with a maximum range of 4 000 m.
The remotely
controlled weapon station is coupled with an acoustic sniper
location system. This armored vehicle is also fitted with other
defensive systems, such as laser warning system and missile
detection system.
The Griffon
is fitted with a battlefield management system, which allows the
troops and combat vehicles to share information on the battlefield.
The Griffon
uses automotive components of commercial 6x6 off-road truck. It was
designed for simple maintenance and servicing. This armored vehicle
is powered by a Renault DXi7 turbocharged diesel engine, developing
400 hp. It is a standard commercial truck engine, however it has
been adapted to use a wider range of fuel. The engine is mated to an
automatic transmission. Vehicle has 6x6 configuration with full-time
all-wheel drive. It is fitted with a central tyre inflation system.
Unlike the VAB, the Griffon lacks amphibious capability.
The Griffon
can be configured to suit many roles. The baseline troop transport
vehicle will be the most numerous. Though a number of other Griffon
versions are planned to fulfill specialized roles.
Variants
Griffon ATV
is a baseline troop transport vehicle. This version was ordered by
the French Army.
Griffon EPC
command post
vehicle. This version was ordered by the French Army.
Griffon
Sanitary armored
ambulance. This version was ordered by the French Army in 2020.
Deliveries are planned to begin in 2022-2023.
Griffon VOA
artillery observation post vehicle. It carries sensors for
surveillance and artillery observation and fire control. This
version was ordered by the French Army. This version was ordered by
the French Army in 2020. Deliveries are planned to begin in
2022-2023.
Recovery
vehicle.
Refueling
vehicle.
Armored
engineer vehicle.
Jaguar
armored reconnaissance vehicle, operated by a crew of 3 and armed
with a 40 mm cannon. It was developed alongside the Griffon.
Both of these armored vehicle share 70% of their components. The
Jaguar is capable of reconnaissance, fire support and rapid
intervention. This reconnaissance vehicle was ordered by the French
Army and will be fielded alongside the Griffon. Deliveries are
planned to begin in 2022.
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