Country of origin |
France |
Entered service |
1982 |
Configuration |
4x4 |
Cab seating |
1 + 3 men |
Dimensions and weight |
Weight (empty) |
1.75 t |
Maximum load |
0.5 t |
Length |
4.2 - 4.6 m |
Width |
1.7 m |
Height |
1.9 m |
Mobility |
Engine |
Peugeot XN8 petrol |
Engine power |
78 hp |
Maximum road speed |
108 - 118 km/h |
Range |
~ 600 km |
Maneuverability |
Gradient |
70% |
Side slope |
30% |
Vertical step |
~ 0.5 m |
Trench |
0.5 m |
Fording |
0.6 m |
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The Peugeot
P4 is a license-produced version of the
Mercedes-Benz G-class,
fitted with French engine, transmission and has a reshaped body. The
initial French Army requirement was to replace 10 000 Jeeps. This
vehicle was jointly designed by Peugeot and Mercedes in the 1970s.
The first prototype was completed in 1978. The Peugeot P4 competed
for the French Army requirement against Renault and Citroen
designs. In 1981 after extensive trials the Peugeot P4 was selected.
Its production commenced in
1982. Since 1985 the P4 was manufactured by Panhard. A total of 13
500 units were ordered. Production ceased in 1992. Since its introduction this light utility
vehicle is widely used by the French military as the VLTT (Vehicule
Liaison Tout-Terrain). Currently it is the standard light vehicle of
the French military. However it is to be replaced by the Panhard PVP
and Panhard VLTP-NP.
A small number of P4s were exported to Chile and some African
countries. And its civilian version was available.
The original Peugeot
P4 has payload capacity of 500 kg. Later production models with
diesel engines have a payload capacity of 750 kg. This vehicle carries four men and radio
equipment. Rear passengers are seated on bench seats, that can be
folded down to enlarge the cargo area. Vehicle has a tarpaulin cover
which is easily removable. A fully-enclosed version was also
available.
The P4 can
be fitted with various adapters for mounting machine guns and other
weapons. These were used by recon units. Some vehicles were fitted
with MILAN ATGW launchers. These were used by motorized infantry
units.
This vehicle
has a towbar at the rear and can tow light trailers or artillery
pieces.
The Peugeot
P4 was fitted with engines of the civil Peugeot 504 passenger car.
First production vehicles were fitted with Peugeot XN8 petrol
engines, developing 78 hp. Later a Peugeot XD3 2.5-lityer diesel
developing 70 hp was introduced. Later the P4
was fitted with more powerful 1.9 or 2.1-liter turbocharged
diesels, developing 90 and 109 hp respectively. It mounted
transmission of the civilian Peugeot 604. The P4 is small enough to
be airdropped or transported by helicopter.
Variants
Peugeot P4D
(diesel), conversion of petrol models, refitted with original
2.5-liter diesel engines. In 1992 a total of 1 300 vehicles were
converted to this standard.
Peugeot P4
LWB has an extended end with bench longer seats. This model
accommodates 8 fully-equipped soldiers at the rear. It was available
both with soft- and hard-top configurations.
Peugeot P4P
(protege), armored version. Five different versions of the P4P were
produced in the 1990s. These have various protection levels.
Peugeot P4
SAS, armed patrol version, fitted with 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine
guns. It is intended for special operation forces.
VEHA,
lighter version of the P4, intended for the airborne troops,
developed in 1996.
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