General features
Crew 2 + 10 passengers (Version P).
Length 6.05 m.
Width 2.49 m.
Height 2.06 m.
Mass in combat 13 tons.
Armament
Main armament 12.7mm machine gun or 7.62mm machine gun.
Mobility
Engine Diesel 6 cylinders in line (mids).
Power 220 hp (161.8 kW).
Suspension 4 wheel drive in French version and 6 wheel drive in export version.
Speed on the road 90 km/h on the road and 2.2 m/s on the water.
Power-to-weight ratio 16.92 bhp.
Range 1000 km.
The forward armored vehicle program (V.A.B.) is intended to replace the covered tactical vans which transport motorized infantry and supplies in the forward zone, that is to say that of the combats. . Nuclear danger and longer artillery ranges make trucks too vulnerable and require shrapnel-proof vehicles with N.B.C. Originally an armored truck seemed likely to suffice, but the added weight caused by armor eventually led to the development of a wheeled armored vehicle. In 1970, an order for prototypes was placed with Saviem and Panhard.
The VAB Saviem, chosen in 1974 in preference to the M 4 Panhard, was built by S.M.S., a Renault subsidiary Industrial Vehicles and Creusot-Loire. The French army, whose needs are estimated at several thousand copies, opted for the 4 x 4 version, a version armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun in a circular-shield CB 52. Amphibious without preparation, propelled by hydrojets, the VAB, as it is used in France, is not strictly speaking a combat vehicle but rather an infantry transport vehicle, officially called a maneuver vehicle.
There are many specialized versions:P.C., echelon, sanitary, but the first deliveries planned for 1980 were delayed by the distribution of VAB troop carriers to enhanced infantry divisions and C.L.B. of army corps. The VAB-HOT Méphisto version ends its experimentation and pre-series production should start in 1982.
As of 2013, there are a total of 34 versions in service. The French version is a 4x4 version but the export version is 6x6.
VAB P (troop transport that can carry 12 equipped men)
VAB T-20/13 (VAB equipped with the 20 mm cannon recovered from the reformed AMX-13 VCI and intended for support- fire and counter-sniping). Called VIB (Véhicule d'Intervention Blindé) in the French Air Force, used by the Fusiliers Commandos de l'air and by the combat units of the armored regiments.
VAB-VOA (Artillery observation vehicle)
VAB-RATAC (Artillery fire acquisition radar)
VAB RASIT (Carries the surveillance radar land RASIT)
VAB-PC (command post)
VAB VENUS (nomadic command vehicle communicating by satellite), similar to the forward armored vehicle ( VAB) from command post. It is the first vehicle capable of transmitting by satellite while driving4. Delivered in 2010 to 10 units, orders in 2015 for 20 others5.
VAB-SIR (Regimental information system used within the framework of the digitization of the battle space)
VAB HOT (HOT anti-tank missile launcher, range 4000 m)
A medical VAB
VAB mortar. VPM 81, with an 81 mm mortar on board or VTM 120 towing a 120 mm mortar, it carries 70 rounds of 120 mm.
VAB SAN (medical transport ambulance)
VAB Génie
VAB NBC (NBC reconnaissance) which allows chemical or nuclear reconnaissance at a maximum speed of 50 km/h.
VAB ATLAS (Automation of Firing and Ground-Ground Liaisons for Artillery)
VAB AZUR (Action in urban areas) equipped in particular with a "crowd pusher" ramp at the front as well as 'a panoramic observation periscope with internal monitor6
VAB ML (Light Mobile) satellite telecommunications station from the SYRACUSE III program
VAB TOP, VAB intended for the Afghan theater and equipped with a remotely operated Kongsberg Protector M151 cupola at the front right, a 12.7 mm machine gun and additional ceramic armor.
VBC 90, equipped with a 90 mm cannon mounted on a Giat TS 90 turret, it equipped the Mobile Gendarmerie Armored Group7.
Electronic warfare versions :
VAB Bromide (jamming)
VAB Vobule (VAB broadband jamming)
VAB Linx (location and interception of exotic emissions). Allows listening and localization of discrete digital transmissions.
VAB SAEC (Electronic contact support system). Electromagnetic intelligence system bringing together listening, localization, mapping and communication support capabilities for the benefit of contact troops.
Versions reserved for export :
VAB troubleshooting (with crane)
VAB workshop
VAB VCS TA 20 (6x6) equipped with two radar-assisted 20 mm anti-aircraft guns
Updated versions :
VAB Mark 2 (4x4 or 6x6, 320 HP engine, improved protection STANAG level 4, volume 11m³)8
VAB Mark 3 (20 tons, 6x6; 320 to 400 HP engine, improved protection STANAG level 4, 7 infantrymen on board)9.
VAB Ultima "Genie" equipped with a remotely operated 12.7 mm machine gun, acoustic sniper location system (SLATE) and sniper kits protection against IED10