The Véhicule Blindé de Combat d'Infanterie (VBCI, "Armoured vehicle for infantry combat") is a French armoured fighting vehicle designed to replace the AMX-10P. They are planned to join active service in 2008, with 550 combat vehicles (VBCI/VCI) and 150 command vehicles (VBCI/VPC). Other countries like Spain have shown interest in the VBCI.
The Véhicule Blindé de Combat d'Infanterie is built on an aluminium hull which carries a modular THD steel and titanium armour, which can be replaced in the field. The 8x8 wheel combination is designed to make the VBCI more comfortable and less costly than a tracked vehicle, while giving it sufficient mobility to back the Leclerc tank. The VBCI is also designed to be transportable by the Airbus A400M, with an empty mass less than 18 tonnes (full load mass up to 28 tonnes).
| VBCI | |
|---|---|
| Place of origin |  France |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | (normal combat load); VCI: 25.6 t, VPC: 23.3 t |
| Length | 7.6 m |
| Width | 2.98 m |
| Height | 2.2 m |
| Crew | 2 + 9-man combat team |
| | |
| Armour | steel and titanium |
| Primary armament | M811 25 mm x 137 mm NATO cannon |
| Secondary armament | co-axial 7.62 mm NATO machine gun |
| Engine | Diesel 550 hp (410 kW) |
| Suspension | Wheel |
| Operational range | 750 km |
| Speed | 100 km/h |
Versions
- VCI (infantry combat vehicle): Combat group of 9 men (+ crew), medium calibre Dragar type turret (25 mm), 7.62 mm machine gun.
- VPC (command post vehicle): 2 SIP stations with 7 users (+ crew), self-defence turret armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun.
Common features for both version include SIT (Système d’Information Terminal) communication equipment, combat identification equipment, and NBC detection and protection equipment.
C4ISR
The VBCI will be completely integrated in the French C4ISR capability. The VCI version will use the SIT (Système d’Information Terminal — The lowest level of C4IST in the French forces), while the VPC will use the SIR (Système d’Information Régimentaire — A higher level in the same system).
The vehicle will be designed to primarily carry soldiers equipped with the FÉLIN system.
DRAGAR Turret
The DRAGAR Turret (GIAT INDUSTRIES) is a single seat modular design turret integrating a 25 mm stabilized gun. Fire control integrates a laser telemeter and a thermal camera. The rate of fire is up to 400 rounds/min, and the turret allows anti-air self-defence. It also includes a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun for close defence and a Galix grenade launching system.
