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The Tupi is 4x4 light multirole armoured vehicle based on modified Sherpa light Scout designed by the French Company Renault Truck Defense. The vehicle is marketed in Brazil by the Company Avibras for the program of the Brazilian army, known as VBMT-LR (Lightweight Wheeled Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle). The Tupi will be participating in a selection process conducted by Brazilian Army for the purchase of the Wheeled Multirole Light Armored Vehicle, the VBMT-LR as part of the scope of the Army's GUARANI Strategic Project, which includes medium and light armored vehicles. The VBMT-LR will complete the New Family of Wheeled Armored Vehicles intended to restructure and modernize the Brazilian Land Forces capabilities.
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| Armament |
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A flexible and modular roof design allows an easy installation of several weapon systems ranging from a simple single mount for machine gun to several brands of Remote Weapon Station, including the Brazilian REMAX. The armament of the Tupi for the Brazilian army program could be the ARES Aeroespacial & Defesa REMAX remote-controlled weapon station or W&E Platt MR550 shielded ring mount armed with 7.62x51 mm or 12.7x99 mm machine gun, or 40 mm automatic grenade launcher. There is one bank of four smoke grenade dischargers on each side top of the crew compartment.
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| Design and protection |
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The layout of the Tupi Avibras is similar to the Sherpa Light Scout with the engine at the front, crew and troops compartment in the middle and cargo area at the rear. There is two seats at the front for driver and commander and two or three seats at the rear. There is two doors on each side of the vehicle with small bulletproof window and firing port. It can carry a total of 4 to 5 soldiers. It offers an high payload capacity of 2,5 tons and a curb weight of around 8 tons. The basic armored cab has provisions for add-on armor and mine protection systems which allows the vehicle to be used in peacetime situations, in a light weight configuration, optimizing the fuel consumption and saving tires, brakes, and minimizing wear and tear. On tactical missions the add-on armour kits and mine protection features provide several possibilities for crew protection.
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| Mobility |
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The Tupi Avibras is motorized with Renault MD-5 diesel engine developing 215 hp . The engine is coupled to an automatic transmission Allison S250, with 6 forward gears and 1 reverse. The vehicle is able to run at a maximum speed of 100 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 800 km. The Tupi can negotiate a gradient of 60% and side slopes of 40%. It can cross natural or man-made obstacles up to 500mm high, trenches 0.9 m wide and fording depth of 0.75 m without preparation and 1.5 m with preparation.
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| Accessories |
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Standard equipment of the Tupi Avibras includes electric winch mounted at the front of the vehicle and air conditioning. The tyres of the Tupi are fitted with a run-flat device, allowing vehicle mobility even when one or more tires are flat. The vehicle is also equipped with a central tyres inflation system (CTIS) which provides smoother ride on different terrains.
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| Specifications |
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Armament
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One 7.62 or 12.7mm machine or one 40mm automatic grenade launcher
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Country users
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Designer Country
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France - Brazil
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Accessories
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Electric winch, air conditioning, run-flat device, central tyres inflation system
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Crew
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2 + 3
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Armor
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Protection agisnta firing of small arms 7.62mm
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Weight
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8,000 kg empty - 10,500 kg combat weight
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Speed
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100 km/h
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Range
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800 km
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Dimensions
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Length: 5.5 m; Width: 2.3 m; Height: 2.1 m
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