VBC-90
Overview
VBC-90
Forward view of VBC-90 in French Gendarmerie service.
Source: Unknown -
© copyright lies with original owner
French for 'armored combat vehicle'
Oman
Description
Introduction
The VBC-90 is a Cold War era reconnaissance vehicle of French origin. Due to its heavy armament it may double as tank destroyer or fire support vehicle. It was developed in the late 1970's using the automotive components of the successful VAB armored personnel carrier. Unlike the VAB the VBC-90 was produced only in limited numbers. The name VBC-90 stands for Véhicule Blindé de Combat, which is French for 'armored combat vehicle'. The number 90 refers to the caliber of its gun.
Design
The VBC-90 is based on the chassis of the 6x6 variant of the VAB armored personnel carrier. Compared to the VAB the hull has a lower roofline and the engine has been moved to the rear. The driver is seated in the front hull in a sort of canopy with relatively large windows. The commander and gunner are located in the TS-90 turret that is also used on other types of armored vehicles.
Firepower
The main armament consists of a 90mm full pressure rifled cannon and 7.62mm AAT-NF1 or MAG coaxial machine gun. A total of 45 rounds are carried for the cannon. The 90mm cannon can be used to engage all combat vehicles except modern tanks. Older tanks can be engaged from the sides and rear since the armor penetration is 250 mm at 1 km range. Optionally a 7.62mm AAT-NF1 or MAG machine gun or 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun can be pintle mounted on the turret roof.
Protection
The steel hull protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. A higher level of protection would reduce its mobility. This makes the VBC-90 vulnerable to autocannon, rocket launchers and all heavier armament. Two pairs of smoke grenade launchers are mounted on the turret. There is no NBC system.
Mobility
The 6x6 chassis with large tires and its four wheel steering allow for a good all terrain mobility. The Renault 220 hp turbo diesel engine provides a very high maximum road speed of 92 km/h. Unlike the VAB the VBC-90 is not amphibious. The more compact hull and high center of gravity do not provide adequate buoyancy.
Users
The main user of the VBC-90 is the French Gendarmerie which acquired 28 vehicles. The 90mm cannon is very powerful considering the internal security role of these vehicles. A further 6 vehicles have been exported to Oman.
Media
VBC-90
Side view of VBC-90 with turret rotated to the rear.
Source: Rama
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
VBC-90
Forward view of VBC-90 in French Gendarmerie service.
Source: Unknown
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
VBC-90
Tow camouflaged VBC-90 in the field.
Source: www.chars-francais.net
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
VBC-90
A VBC-90 in the field.
Source: www.chars-francais.net
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
VBC-90
Forward view of VBC-90 during trails.
Source: www.jedsite.info
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
VBC-90
Side view of VBC-90 with turret rotated to the rear.
Source: Rama
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Details
Related articles
VAB 6x6 armored personnel carrier
The VBC-90 is based on the chassis of the 6x6 wheelbase version of VAB armored personnel carrier.
AMX-10RC
The French AMX-10RC follows a similar design pattern in being a 6x6 vehicle with large caliber gun. However, the AMX-10RC is a larger vehicle with more capable 105mm gun.