Panhard VBL

   The Panhard VBL (Vehicule Blinde Leger) armored scout car was developed in 1988. It is also referred as the M-11. This vehicle was intended for French rapid reaction forces and for export customers. Currently the VBL is in service with 16 countries. More than 2 300 of these scout cars were built for home and export markets. The VBL has been used in many peacekeeping operations.

   The VBL provides protection against small arms bullets and artillery shell splinters. NBC protection system is fitted as standard.

   Vehicle is armed with a roof mounted 7.62-mm or 12.7-mm machine gun. Panhard has proposed over 20 models of the VBL, fitted with various armament, however French army uses only some of them. Vehicles in the ATGW configuration have a crew of three.

   Vehicle is powered by the Peugeot XD3T turbocharged diesel engine, developing 105 horsepower. The Panhard VBL is fully amphibious after a short preparation. On water it is propelled by a single propeller at hull rear. Central tyre pressure system is fitted as standard. Vehicle can be airlifted by most medium military transports.

Variants

   VBL MILAN, anti-tank missile carrier with one MILAN launcher and six missiles;

   VBL EXYX, anti-tank missile carrier with one ERYX launcher and four missiles;

   VBL TOW, anti-tank missile carrier with one TOW launcher and 4 missile;

   VBL AT4CS, anti-tank missile carrier, with the AT4CS launcher, intended for very short ranges;

   VBL ALBI-MISTRAL, air defense vehicle, with twin turret-mounted MISTRAL surface-to-air missiles;

   VBL CANON, fitted with a 20-mm turret-mounted cannon;

   VBL TOURELLE FERMEE, fitted with a remotely controlled turret, armed with a 12.7-mm / 7.62-mm machine guns or 40-mm automatic grenade launcher;

   VBL command vehicle;

   VBL RECO, reconnaissance vehicle, armed with a 12.7-mm machine gun;

   ULTRAV M11, NBC reconnaissance vehicle for the US Army;

   Panhard VBR, further development of the VBL with increased dimensions and payload.