The Serval VBMR-L (Véhicule Blindé Multi-Rôle Léger - Light Multi-Role Armored Vehicle) is a cutting-edge, versatile, medium-weight armored vehicle developed by Nexter Systems in collaboration with the French Company Texelis, for the French Army as part of the SCORPION modernization program. Known for its high level of tactical and strategic mobility, the Serval is designed to carry out a broad range of military missions while offering superior protection to its crew and soldiers. It is primarily used as an armored transport vehicle but has the flexibility to be adapted to fulfill various other roles.
Country users: Belgium, France
Technical Data
-
Armament
The Serval VBMR-L is equipped with a remote-controlled cupola assembly that supports a variety of weapon configurations depending on the mission. The primary armament can include a 12.7mm heavy machine gun and smoke grenade launcher, a 7.62mm machine gun, or a 40mm grenade launcher, also combined with a smoke grenade launcher for self-defense or offensive action. This versatile armament setup allows the vehicle to effectively engage a range of targets, from infantry to lightly armored vehicles, while providing the option of employing smoke grenades for screening or suppression. In addition to the primary weapon, the Serval is also equipped with a self-defense machine gun, which can be a 5.56mm or 7.62mm caliber weapon mounted at the rear of the roof, depending on the variant. These capabilities ensure that the vehicle is well-equipped for both combat situations and defensive actions.
-
Design and protection
The Serval VBMR-L has been designed with a modular layout that enhances its versatility. The vehicle’s combat weight ranges between 15 to 17 tons, depending on the configuration and armament, with a length of 6.50 meters, a height (roof) of 2.46 meters, and a width of 2.53 meters. This compact size allows it to maintain excellent mobility while still providing ample space for its crew and cargo.
The vehicle’s crew consists of two personnel: a driver and a commander, while the troop compartment can accommodate up to eight soldiers and their personal equipment. The Serval’s armor consists of a combination of ballistic protection, which shields the vehicle against small arms fire and shrapnel, as well as mine and blast protection to guard against landmines and IEDs (improvised explosive devices). The vehicle can also be fitted with ballistic overprotection kits as an option, further enhancing its defense capabilities. In addition, the Serval offers optional CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) protection kits, allowing it to operate in environments contaminated by chemical or nuclear agents, with nuclear and chemical detection sensors included. These protective measures are critical for ensuring that the vehicle and its crew can operate in high-threat environments without compromising mission effectiveness.
-
Mobility
The Serval VBMR-L is engineered for both tactical mobility and strategic mobility, making it suitable for a range of operational scenarios. It is powered by an 8.9-liter, 375-horsepower diesel engine, which provides significant power for both on-road and off-road operations. The vehicle is equipped with an automatic gearbox that offers six gear ratios, ensuring smooth transitions across various terrains. The Serval is capable of reaching speeds of over 100 km/h (62 mph) on roads, while its off-road and all-terrain capacity ensures it can navigate through difficult environments at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31 mph).
In terms of range, the vehicle offers an impressive 800 km of autonomy on roads, allowing for extended missions with fewer refueling stops. The Serval’s tactical mobility is further enhanced by its strategic transportability, being able to be airlifted by a C-130 Hercules (one vehicle in air transport configuration) or an A400M Atlas (up to two vehicles in combat configuration). Additionally, it can be transported by rail or maritime routes, making it a highly versatile platform for rapid deployment and redeployment in various operational theaters.
-
Combat Equipment
The Serval VBMR-L boasts a comprehensive suite of combat equipment designed to enhance its operational capability. It features a sophisticated 360° vision system, with four cameras, ANTARES (a laser rangefinder and targeting system), and a rearview camera for situational awareness in all directions. The Serval is also equipped with MURIN radar (in the RECCO version), a system designed for reconnaissance and target acquisition. These technologies are crucial for battlefield intelligence and ensuring that the vehicle can quickly react to threats.
For communications, the vehicle is integrated into the SCORPION program’s C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) systems. It uses the Common SCORPION vetronics and information system, which is designed to ensure seamless communication with other units and command centers. The Serval can be equipped with a variety of radios, including Contact, RIF NG, PRC117, and satellite communication systems like MELCHIOR or SYRACUSE, ensuring high levels of interoperability across different platforms.
In terms of NBC protection, the vehicle is fitted with an NBC filtration system, and it features a BARAGE jammer to disrupt enemy communication and targeting systems. Furthermore, the Serval has an SLA strike start detection system, which can detect incoming fire and provide early warning to the crew.
For habitability, the vehicle includes an air conditioning and heating system, as well as an air renewal system to ensure the comfort and functionality of the crew during prolonged missions. The Serval’s modular capacity also accommodates two crew members and up to eight soldiers, with ample space for personal equipment. This makes the Serval an ideal solution for both short and long-duration missions.
Photo Gallery
