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VBL Mk2 Combat All-terrain Reconnaissance Armored Vehicle
 
 
 
VBL Mk2 Combat All-terrain Reconnaissance Armored Vehicle technical data sheet specifications information description intelligence identification pictures photos images video Panhard France French Defence Industry army military technology
 
Description
The VBL Mk2 is an upgraded version of the famous standard VBL (Véhicule blindé léger - Light armoured vehicle) which is designed and manufactured by the French Company Panhard. The Mk2 version of the VBL benefits from many improvements in relation to previous models. The main feature is the use of a new powerpack to increase mobility in all-terrain conditions. The VBL Mk2 can be used for por patrol, reconnaissance our surveillance missions. The standard VBL is a combat proven vehicle which is actually in service with the french armed forces in Afghanistan and Lebanon. In 2008, the Kuwaiti Ministry of the Interior has ordered 20 light armoured vehicles VBL Mk2 to equip its special forces. Panhard also proposed the VBL Mk2 to the Russian Ministry of Interior troops. Russia could be interested to buy the VBL Mk2 to equip their border guards.
 
Variants
- VBL: Standard version
 
Technical Data
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Armament
The VBL Mk2 can be equipped with a 360° circular ring mount which can be armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun. The weapon system has an elevation from -10 to +50° and a traverse of 180° left and right. As all the new armoured vehicle, the VBL Mk2 can be also fitted with a remote-controlled weapon station turret. The Kuwaiti version is equipped with a remotely-controlled turret armed with a 12.7mm machine gun and smoke grenades dischargers. This weapon, useable in all conditions and especially at night, will reinforce the VBL’s Mk2 defensive capabilities.
Design and Protection
The hull of the VBL Mk2 is made in all-welded steel which provide a protection for the crew against firing of small arms 7.62mm caliber and shell splinters. The driver sits at the front of the crew compartment on the left with the vehicle commander to the right. There is one single door to each side of the vehicle which is equipped with a small bullet-proof window and one firing port. The front of the crew compartment is equipped with two large bullet-proof windows. There is a large door in the rear of the hull that opens to the left and has a bulletproof window. All of the bulletproof windows of VBL Mk2 have a thickness of 33.5 to 49 mm. In option, the VBL Mk2 can be fitted with add-on armour kit to increase protection against IED (Improvised Explosive Devices) and mine blast.
Propulsion
The VBL Mk2 is motorized with new powerful engine Steyr 125-hp coupled to a new ZF 4-speed automatic gearbox and large tyres which increase the all-terrain mobility of the vehicle. The VBL Mk2 can run at a maximum road speed of 95 km/h with a maximum range of 800 km.
Accessories
The VBL Mk2 is equipped with centralized tyre inflation system also contributes to improve the VBL's Mk2 mobility on soft ground, especially on sand. The VBL Mk2 is is fully amphibious after two minutes of preparation and is propelled in the water by a single propeller mounted under the hull rear. Before entering the water a trim vane is erected manually at the front of the vehicle. In standard configuration, the VBL Mk2 is equipped with NBC protection system, air conditioning and passive night driving periscope. A new electrical system in the VBL Mk2 offers new features such as an onboard diagnostic system.
 
Specifications
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Armament
12,7 mm machine gun circular station, swivel station for 7,62 mm machine gun, 40 mm grenade launcher or remote weapons station.
Country users
Kuwait
Designer Company
Panhard
Accessories
black out lights, air conditioning, electric winch, central tyre inflation system and onboard diagnostic system
Crew
2 + 1 soldiers
Armor
5 to 11 mm with the engine at the front and the crew compartment at the rear. Add-on armour in option.
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Weight
4,390 kg empty
Speed
95 km/h
Range
800 km
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Dimensions
Lenght, 4,0 m; Width, 2,02 m; Height, 1,70 m
 
Details View
 
VBL Mk2 Combat All-terrain Reconnaissance Armored Vehicle technical data sheet specifications information description intelligence identification pictures photos images video Panhard France French Defence Industry army military technology
VBL Mk2 Combat All-terrain Reconnaissance Armored Vehicle technical data sheet specifications information description intelligence identification pictures photos images video Panhard France French Defence Industry army military technology
   
VBL Mk2 Combat All-terrain Reconnaissance Armored Vehicle technical data sheet specifications information description intelligence identification pictures photos images video Panhard France French Defence Industry army military technology VBL Mk2 Combat All-terrain Reconnaissance Armored Vehicle technical data sheet specifications information description intelligence identification pictures photos images video Panhard France French Defence Industry army military technology
 
Pictures - Video
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