Prefab model 1/35 VBCI infantry fighting vehicle Heller 57147 starter kit In the set Glue · Brush · Basic paints The VBCI (Véhicule de Combat d'Infanterie, or "Infantry Combat Vehicle") is an 8x8 wheeled all-terrain armored vehicle that has a high degree of mobility adapted to environmental conditions. Its mission is to transport and protect the battle group and allow it to land as close as possible to the objective. Its onboard weapons provide fire support. It can work both day and night. In November 2000, the French Ministry of Defense commissioned and contracted Giat Industries (now Nexter Systems) and Renault VI (now Renault Trucks Defense) to conduct the research and development that led to the production of the VBCI. It is currently being built by Nexter Systems, which is responsible for the hull, armor, internal layout, imaging and transmission capabilities, and weapons components. Renault Trucks Defense is responsible for units related to mobility, powertrain and suspension, as well as the operator's cab. Nexter Systems provides assembly and final integration of the vehicle, as well as acceptance testing, which is conducted at the production site in Roanne. The VBCI body consists of an alloy of steel and welded aluminum, to which the surface protection plates are mounted. Drive is provided by a turbo-diesel engine in combination with an automatic transmission. The suspension system consists of 8 independent drive wheels, with the 4 front wheels being guides. L-shaped gearbox with central shafts. Hydropneumatic suspension. The single-position turret is equipped with a stabilized 25-mm automatic cannon and a 7.62-mm machine gun. An armored casing of GALIX launch tubes is installed on the hull and tower. It is equipped with modern communication and data transmission equipment, as well as detection and protection systems against radioactive and radioactive destruction. About a hundred vehicles are produced annually for the French army, which will have 492 units of the combat version (VBCI/VCI) and 138 units of the command model (VBCI/VPC). The 35th and 92nd Infantry Regiments were the first French Army units to use the VBCI as a replacement for the AMX-10P. Since April 2010, VBCI units have been sent to Afghanistan, which are characterized by the addition of special equipment, in particular, anti-missile protective nets and an anti-mine camera under the chassis. Crew 11 (1 driver, 1 gunner, combat group 9 people) Weight 29 t (combat capable) Length 7.80 m Width 2.98 m Height 2.26 m Power plant 555 hp. Turbo-diesel engine in combination with an automatic transmission. The maximum speed on the highway is 100 km/h. Range More than 750 km by road Armament One 25 mm cannon and one 7.62 mm twin machine gun
