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VBC-90



Overview


VBC-90

Forward view of VBC-90 in French Gendarmerie service.
Source: Unknown - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
France
Type
Reconnaissance vehicle
Entered service
Early 1980's
Status
Limited service
Development
1979
Developer
France - Renault
Production
1983 - 1985
Producer
France - Renault
Number produced
34
Designations
VBC-90 / Véhicule Blindé de Combat
French for 'armored combat vehicle'
Notable users
France
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


Details


Facts VBC-90
General
Origin
France
Type
Reconnaissance vehicle
Crew
3 (commander, driver, gunner)
Dimensions
Weight
13.5 t combat load
12.25 t empty
Length
5.63 m hull
8.09 m gun forward
Width
2.5 m
Height
2.55 m
Main armament
Type
90mm F1 rifled cannon
Mount
Main gun in turret
Ammunition
45 rounds, 20 ready to fire
Elevation
-8 to +15°
Elevation rate
1.5°/s, manual
Traverse
360°
Traverse rate
18°/s, powered
Stabilizer
No
Coaxial armament
Type
7.62mm AAT-NF1
Mount
Coaxial
Ammunition
4.000 rounds
Traverse
Traverse and elevation as main armament
Stabilizer
No
Chassis
Chassis type
Wheeled chassis, 6x6
Steering
Front two axles
Tread
2.04 m
Wheelbase
1.5 m + 1.5 m
Tire size
14.00 x20
Automotive
Engine model
Renault MIDS 06.20.45
Engine type
6-cylinder turbo diesel
Power output
220 hp at 2.200 rpm
Transmission
Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse
Mobility
Speed
92 km/h on road
Range
1.000 km on road
Power to weight ratio
16.3 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Wall
0.5 m
Trench
1 m
Gradient
50 %
Slope
30 %
Fording
1.2 m
Protection
Armor type
Steel
NBC system
No
Smoke system
2x2 80mm smoke grenade dischargers
Equipment
Night vision
No
Winch
6 t capacity

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.