Spain Begins Testing for First Infantry Combat Vehicle of VCR 8x8 Dragon Program.

Santa Bárbara Sistemas has commenced internal trials of the first Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) for the VCR 8x8 Dragon program at its Alcalá de Guadaira factory, operated by GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas, before its official handover to the Spanish Ministry of Defense. Announced via the company's social media channels, this preliminary phase is aimed at adjusting the vehicle's various systems in preparation for its qualification tests, scheduled for April in partnership with the Directorate-General for Armament and Material (DGAM) of the Ministry of Defense.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Santa Bárbara Sistemas has commenced internal trials of the first Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) for the VCR 8x8 Dragon program. (Picture source: GDELS)

The qualification tests will thoroughly evaluate the vehicle's performance, including a range of trials at the Esteban Terradas National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA) in Torrejón de Ardoz and La Marañosa in Madrid. Produced at the Trubia weapons factory in Asturias by GDELS Santa Bárbara Sistemas, albeit tested in Seville, this version of the VCR 8x8 Dragon is the first of a series of 45 vehicles to be completed this year. The comprehensive agreement with the Ministry of Defense includes the production of 277 ICVs out of a total of 348 VCR 8x8 Dragon vehicles.

Revealed technical specifications showcase the vehicle's operational capabilities, including a range exceeding 500 km, a maximum authorized mass of 33 tons, and a payload capacity of 9.4 tons. Its maximum speed exceeds 100 km/h. The VCR 8x8 is equipped with a Macpherson-type suspension with height adjustment and a tire pressure regulation system suitable for different terrains. Measuring 8.3 meters in length and 2.9 meters in width, it accommodates a crew of three (commander, driver, and gunner) plus up to six additional soldiers.

The powertrain consists of a Scania DC13 six-cylinder inline diesel engine and a SW624 transmission from the Basque company Sapa, as well as a comprehensive electrical power generation system also supplied by Sapa. This system includes a 75 kW electric machine, a 72 kW AC/DC inverter, a 20.4 kW DC/DC converter, a 16 kW power unit, and a 69 kVA power export module, totaling a power output of up to 540 kW.

Indra's mission system acts as the operational brain of the Dragon, incorporating the BMS-VCR (battlefield management system) that uses real-time situational data to strategize mission success. This system also integrates EO/IR sensors, communications, alerts, active protection, weapons, navigation aids, and other technologies such as drones and infantry equipment. It features protocols for zero data loss and zero recovery time, degraded mode operation capability, and an open, modular, and scalable network architecture with a double fiber optic ring.

Tess Defense, the project's main contractor, has secured several contracts for supplying various systems and equipment for the VCR 8x8, including E-Lynx radios from Elbit Systems, with Telefónica and Aicox serving as local distributors. Spanish entities such as Tecnobit and GMV also contribute, supplying display screens and the Isnav navigation system, respectively. The Israeli company Plasan provides an advanced armor package for enhanced protection against RPGs, mines, and IEDs.