18 January 2001

Giat Industries developed the VAB (Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé) armoured personnel carrier (APC) to meet the French Army's requirement. Almost 4,000 4 x 4 vehicles to date have been delivered, plus 1,000 for export.

The French Army's version is normally armed with a 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun, but export versions are fitted with a wider range of weapons including a turret mounted 20mm cannon. Most export customers selected the 6 x 6 version, which has improved mobility.

The basic VAB is fully amphibious, propelled in the water by two water jets mounted one either side of hull rear. Standard equipment includes power steering. Options include additional armour, night-vision equipment, an air-conditioning system, a central tyre-pressure regulation system and improved power pack.

French Army vehicles are going be upgraded in a number of areas to extend their operational lives well into the 21st century. This includes a new IBD passive armour package, improved brakes, a new ZF automatic transmission, improved seating and new lights.

Specifications

Crew: 2 + 10

Configuration: 4 x 4

Armament: 1x 12.7mm machine gun

Combat weight: 13,000kg

Power-to-weight ratio: 16.92hp/t

Power pack: Renault MIDS 06-20-45 six-cylinder diesel developing 220bhp coupled to Transfluide transmission

Length: 5.98m

Width: 2.49m

Height: 2.06m (hull top)

Max speed: 92km/h

Range: 1,000km

Airportable: C-130 Hercules

Status

Production as required. In service with Brunei (26); Central African Republic (10); Côte D'Ivoire (13); Cyprus (145); France (3,975 army, 33 gendarmerie); Indonesia (18); Lebanon (85); Mauritius (11); Morocco (394); Oman (30 including VBC-90); Qatar (162) and UAE (20).

Variants

Include anti-tank armed with HOT anti-tank guided missiles, air defence with twin 20mm cannon, 81mm and 120mm mortar tractor, C2, electronic warfare, NBC reconnaissance, repair and recovery, ambulance and internal security vehicles.

Manufacturer

Giat Industries, Paris, France

VAB (Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé) armoured personnel carrier (APC) (Source: S Gourley)