The first presentation of its new project, the company “Arquus” (formerly Renault Truck Defense), part of the Volvo concern, held for a limited number of people at the Eurosatory 2018 exhibition. After a year of intensive work at the Paris Air Show, the Scarabée reconnaissance vehicle was shown publicly for the first time.
As reported, the project was based on light armored vehicles VBL (Véhicule Blindé Léger) and “CRAB” (CRAB). Both models are developed and manufactured by the French company Panhard, and the VBL in the amount of more than 2000 units is in service with the French Armed Forces.
 |
| VBL armored car. |
| Source: invoen.ru |
 |
| CRAB armored car. |
| Source: invoen.ru |
The Scarab reconnaissance vehicle is part of the Scorpion program aimed at the deep modernization of military equipment of the French ground forces. One of the most important goals pursued by Arquus engineers is to ensure the necessary protection of intelligence units. As a result, the model received a hybrid powerplant, increased mobility and a low silhouette (height 1.90 m).
Features of the “Scarab” design
The hybrid power plant of the armored car includes a 3-liter turbo-charged diesel engine with a capacity of 220 kW (about 300 hp), as well as an electric motor with a capacity of 75 kW (102 hp). The diesel and electric motor are located in the rear of the car and are connected to each other through a junction box.
The "Scarab" reconnaissance vehicle
The 4x4 wheel drive can operate in four modes:
- diesel engine for driving a car and driving a generator;
- diesel engine support by electric motor on the go (boost mode, or Boost);
- movement only with the help of an electric motor (stealthy movement, or “stealth"),
- the diesel engine is only used as a generator drive.
According to the manufacturer's plan, the mode of stealthy movement (“stealth“) will allow you to safely (without thermal radiation and low noise) approach the objects of exploration and conduct long-term surveillance. The control system provides a choice of mode for the most economical movement, for the maximum range of actions, for the development of the highest speed and for off-road driving.
With a diesel engine, the range reaches 1000 km. When using one electric motor, the battery charge is only enough for 10 km. For reasons of weight optimization, the armored vehicle is equipped with only two batteries, which do not allow storing a lot of energy. However, recharging of the “Scarab” batteries is possible at any time after the diesel is connected.
According to the manufacturer, the empty reconnaissance vehicle has a weight of six tons (according to other sources up to 6.6 tons). At the same time, it is capable of carrying up to 1815 kg of payload. In Boost mode, the car develops a specific power of about 37 kW/t (50.3 hp/t). The speed set (pick-up) is positively affected by the high torque of the electric motor. On the road, the Scarab accelerates to 120 km/h.
Chassis, hull, crew
The Scarab chassis has an adjustable ground clearance, which varies from 40 to 50 cm, as a result, the height of the vehicle also changes from 1.9 to 2.0 m. The wheels on both axles are controllable, which gives the car increased maneuverability. In particular, the turning radius of a vehicle with a wheelbase of about four meters is less than five meters.
Steerable wheels (top) and "crab stroke" (bottom)
When all wheels are installed in parallel, the “Scarab” is able to move in the so-called “crab stroke” (Krebsgang), holding the body diagonally to the direction of movement. It is assumed that this ability will allow him to get out of narrow passages.
The entrance doors are sliding, with remote control, which provides access and accommodation in the car even in cramped conditions. Movement is also possible with the doors open.
The driver is in the front, in the middle, and has a viewing angle of 270 degrees. Behind him, on the right or left, the commander and another crew member are placed. The fourth seat allows you to carry an additional passenger in the cabin.
According to experts, the installed 7-ton axles leave the reconnaissance vehicle with sufficient potential for subsequent upgrades.
The entrance doors are made sliding
Trailer as a separate option
A trailer specially designed for this reconnaissance vehicle allows you to transport another four tons of cargo. The trailer is equipped with its own electric drive and its own battery. Thanks to this solution, it can be used as a multifunctional ground-based unmanned vehicle (Multifunctional Utility/Logistics and Equipment, MULE).
The integrated route programming functionality gives the trailer the ability to transport heterogeneous loads independently of the ”Scarab". The addressees may, for example, be the crews of other armored vehicles “Scarab”, which take control of an unmanned trailer in the immediate vicinity of their positions.
The trailer of the armored car "Scarab". Model.
Reconnaissance vehicle – combat capabilities
The vehicle is equipped with built-in ballistic and mine protection (no further information is available). Adaptation of the protection level to the requirements of operation is provided, but at the expense of the permissible payload.
It is reported that the manufacturer paid special attention to the safety of the batteries, placing them in a special way inside the case. However, whether this concerns protection from an external threat, or we are talking about the known fire hazard of lithium-ion batteries, it is not said.
Armory station on RM "Scarab"
According to the manufacturer, the machine easily adapts to numerous weapons systems: remotely controlled weapon stations (RCWS), multi-caliber guns, ATGM launchers (for example, MILAN), unmanned systems, radar equipment.
The Scarab is suitable for airlift by the CH-47 Chinook helicopter, C-130 Hercules and A400M aircraft, and can also be dropped using the LTCO12 cargo platform. Sliding doors allow you to prepare the car for dumping directly on board the aircraft. Bringing the armored car into combat position after landing takes 15 minutes.
Network capabilities
Being an element of the Scorpion program, the Scarab reconnaissance vehicle is designed to conduct combat operations in a single information space. It has a rich electronic stuffing of a new architecture.
It includes numerous sensors for monitoring vehicle systems (Vetronik), communications equipment, intelligence equipment and weapon control systems. The installed combat control system (Battlemanagementsystem, BMS) controls fire, provides communication between crew members and transmits information to correspondents outside the vehicle.
Landing by the method of disruption
The digital electronic equipment of the Scarab provides for the possibility of forming a single network of several similar reconnaissance vehicles and their unmanned trailers. The general management of such a network is carried out from the commander's armored car.
Whether some “Scarabs” are capable of acting like unmanned drones in this order of battle has not yet been reported. According to experts, the probability that such work is underway is very high.
The prospects
France has previously published requirements for a protected vehicle to support operations (Véhicule Blindé d'aide à l'engagement, VBAE). Thus, the VBL light armored vehicles in service should be replaced. The development of the “Scarab” is aimed at this program with the number of 800 to 2000 vehicles and a total cost of two billion. euro.
According to the plans, the presentation of the demonstrator of the new reconnaissance vehicle is expected until 2022. The start of production is 2025. The management of the Arquus company announced the readiness of the Scarab for mass production in three years.
Based on the materials of the resource esut.de
