Country of origin |
France |
Entered service |
2020 |
Crew |
3 |
Dimensions and weight |
Weight |
35 ~ 40 t |
Length |
~ 8.5 m |
Width |
3.35
m |
Height |
2.9 ~ 3 m |
Performance |
Bucket capacity |
3 t |
Winch capacity |
12 t |
Earth working capacity |
~ 200 m³/h |
Armament |
Machine guns |
1 x 7.62 mm |
Mobility |
Engine |
Mack E9 diesel (?) |
Engine power |
750 hp (?) |
Maximum road speed |
~ 65 km/h |
Range |
~ 500 km |
Maneuverability |
Gradient |
60% |
Side slope |
30% |
Vertical step |
0.9 m |
Trench |
2.9 m |
Fording |
1.3 m |
Fording (with preparation) |
~ 4 m |
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The Vulcain
is a new French armored engineer
vehicle. Its official designation is AMX-30 Engin Blinde du Genie
Vulcain, or AMX-30 EBG Vulcain. It is a modified version of the previous
AMX-30
EBG, but fitted with an excavator arm instead of manipulator
arm. Demolition gun has been removed. The first Vulcain was
delivered to the French Army in 2020. It is planned that another 3
vehicles will be delivered in 2021. Most likely that these will be
converted from surplus EBGs. Interestingly another Leclerc EPG
armored engineer vehicle was developed for the French Army. It is
based on the
Leclerc
main battle tank chassis and is overall a more capable and versatile
vehicle. However it seems that the Vulcain is a less expensive
option to the Leclerc EPG, hence it is being ordered by the French
Army.
The Vulcain
was primarily designed for earthworking operations on the frontline.
It can prepare emplacements, dig and fill ditches, clear routes,
perform counter-mobility operations. It can also recover vehicles.
For its
roles the Vulcain is fitted with a dozer blade, hydraulic arm with a
3 t excavator bucket, new 12 t capacity recovery winch.
There is a
7.62 mm machine gun for self-defense.
Vehicle has
NBC protection system for the crew and can operate in a contaminated
environment.
This armored
engineer vehicle is operated by a crew of 3, including commander,
driver and operator.
The Vulcain
is based on a modified
AMX-30
main battle tank chassis. It seems that the Vulcain is powered by a
Mack E9 diesel engine, developing 750 hp. This vehicle is fitted
with a deep wading kit.
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