Image source: topwar.ru
The French division of the KNDS concern presented "in metal" a new version of the VBCI wheeled infantry fighting vehicle equipped with a more powerful cannon.
The new modification received additional armor, increasing the level of protection of the crew, which led to an increase in the mass of equipment. This is probably offset by the increased engine power, which is now 600 hp instead of the previous 550 hp.
In terms of armament, the changes affected the CTA T40 turret system. Instead of the 25-mm M811 cannon located in it, a new 40-mm gun is installed, paired with a 7.62-mm universal machine gun. Allegedly, the armor penetration rate is 140 mm. To defeat heavier targets, the BMP is equipped with Akeron MP medium-range ATGM. Thus, the machine has acquired significantly greater capabilities to destroy ground targets, including it is able to hit enemy tanks.
Image source: topwar.ru
VBCI is a French wheeled infantry fighting vehicle. The crew of the vehicle consists of a commander, a gunner and a mechwarrior. The armament in the basic version is represented by a manned turret with a 25 mm M811 automatic cannon and a 7.62 mm machine gun. The power plant is a Renault Diesel diesel engine with a capacity of 550 hp, which, with a combat weight of 28.5 tons, allows for a maximum speed of 100 km / h. Currently, the French ground forces have 628 copies of the VBCI in service (518 of them in the VCI version and 110 units in the VPC version).
