AVIBRAS Tupi

   The Brazilian AVIBRAS Tupi light protected vehicle is based on a French Renault Sherpa Light Scout Vehicle. AVIBRAS teamed up with Renault Truck Defense to meet Brazilian Army requirement. The Tupi is competing against three other designs. In 2015 Brazilian Army plans to order a first batch of 32 protected vehicles. A total requirement is for 186 protected multi-role vehicles. Deliveries are planned to begin in 2016.

   The Tupi can carry a driver plus 4 passengers. Vehicle has a payload capacity of 2 500 kg. Armor of this vehicle provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell fragments. Add-on armor can be fitted for a higher level of protection. The floor is made of steel and and has ceramic coating for a higher level of protection against mine blasts and improvised explosive devices.

   Vehicle can be armed with a roof-mounted 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun. It can be also fitted with a remotely-controlled weapon station.

   Vehicle is powered by a Renault 4.8-liter turbocharged diesel engine, developing 218 hp. It is mated to an automatic gearbox. This vehicle has good cross-country mobility. With preparation it fords water obstacles up to 1.5 m deep.

   The Tupi can be airlifted by a C-130 Hercules, or a new Brazilian EMBRAER KC-390 military transport aircraft.

   The Tupi can be fitted with various equipment, according to the vehicle variant and mission.

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