VBCI

   The VBCI VCI (Vehicule Blinde de Combat d'Infanterie) infantry fighting vehicle is a recent French development. The first prototype was completed in 2004. It is a successor to the ageing AMX-10P IFV. The VBCI shares much in common with the Vextra and X8A prototype IFVs, developed by GIAT Industries and Renault in the early 1990s. A total of 630 VBCI infantry fighting vehicles are ordered. Deliveries to the French Army commenced in 2008.

   The VBCI has a modular armor protection, that can be adapted to the threat. Welded steel and aluminum hull provides all-round protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Some sources suggest, that armor of this IFV provides protection against 14.5-mm armor-piercing rounds. Titanium armor plates can be added for increased protection. Interior of the VBCI is fitted with spall liners. Vehicle keeps on moving if a wheel is lost by mine explosion. NBC protection and fire suppression systems are fitted as standard.

   The VCI infantry fighting vehicle is fitted with DRAGAR single seat turret. Vehicle is armed with a fully-stabilized, dual fed 25-mm cannon and coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun. The cannon fires single round, three rounds, ten rounds bursts or in fully automatic mode. It's APFSDS rounds penetrate 85 mm of armor at 1 000 m range. The VBCI VCI is fitted with Galix grenade launching system and infrared decoy system.

   This infantry fighting vehicle is fully compatible with emerging digitalized battlefield. The VBCI is fitted with combat identification system and has secure data and voice communications.

   Vehicle has a crew of two and can carry nine troops. Commander dismounts with the troops. Troops leave the vehicle through the rear power-operated ramp with integral door.

   The VBCI is powered by Renault turbocharged diesel engine, developing 550 horsepower. This armored vehicle can switch it's configuration from 8x8 to 8x6, while moving on hard surface roads. Vehicle is fitted with hydropneumatic suspension and has variable tyre pressure system. It is capable of negotiating various terrain obstacles at high speeds. This IFV is not amphibious. The VBCI can be airlifted by the Airbus A400M.

Variants

   VCI infantry fighting vehicle (described in this article);

   VPC command vehicle, armed with remotely controlled 12.7-mm machine gun. French Army ordered 150 of these vehicles. The VBCI VCP is designed to provide command and control over forward deployed armored forces and infantry. This variant has a crew of seven.