BerlietVXB

Berliet VXB-170 APC (France)

KEY RECOGNITION FEATURES

• Four large road wheels, hull has pointed nose with driver far front, large windscreen to front and sides

• Lower half of hull vertical, top half sloping slightly inwards, single door in each hull side

• Engine compartment left rear with grilles in roof, entry door in right hull rear

SPECIFICATIONS

Crew: Configuration: Armament:

N II

-Ivl 1 x 7.62mm MG, 2 x 2 smoke grenade dischargers (optional)

Ground clearance: 0.45m

Wheelbase:

3m

Weight, combat: Weight, empty: 9,800kg Power-to-weight ratio: 13.38hp/tonne Engine: Berliet model V800 M V-8 diesel developing 170hp at 3,000rpm Maximum road speed: 85km/hr Maximum water speed: 4km/hr Road range: 750km Fuel capacity: 220 lit Fording Vertical obstacle: Amphibious 0.3m Trench: Gradient: 60% 30%

Armour: 7mm Steel NBC system: None Night vision equipment: Optional

254 VXB-170 (4x4) without armament

DEVELOPMENT

VXB-170 was developed as a private venture by Societe des Automobiles Berliet under the designation BL-12, first prototype completed in 1968. With a number of improvements it was adopted by the French Gendarmerie for internal security, the first of 155 vehicles delivered in 1973. In 1975 Berliet became part of the Renault Group which also included Saviem, so production of VXB-170 was phased out after completion of existing orders; the French Army had adopted the VAB to meet its future requirements.

VXB-170 has an all-welded steel hull, driver front and troop compartment extending right to rear of vehicle, except for engine compartment on left side at rear. In addition to the three doors there are five hatches in roof, one for driver with larger circular hatch to rear on which main armament is normally mounted.

French Gendarmerie vehicles are blue and normally have hydraulically operated obstacle clearing blade at hull front and are fitted with roof-mounted SAMM BTM 103 light turret armed with 7.62mm MG and 40mm grenade launcher. Turret

traverse is 360° and weapon elevation from -15° to +60°.

VXB-170 is fully amphibious, propelled by its wheels, and optional equipment included heater, night vision equipment, NBC system, front-mounted winch and bullet-proof tyres.

VARIANTS

Wide range of variants were projected and prototypes of some were built, for example with a two-man turret from the AML armed with 60mm mortar and 7.62mm MGs. None entered production.

STATUS

Production complete. In service with France (Gendarmerie), Gabon and Senegal.

MANUFACTURER

Societe des Automobiles Berliet, Bourge, France.

Above: VXB-170 (4x4) with cupola-mounted MG

Right: VXB-17O (4x4) without armament (Christopher F Foss) Left: VXB-170 (4x4) showing amphibious capabilities

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