Panhard M3 APC, France

Panhard Buffalo APC

France

The Panhard Buffalo wheeled APC was introduced in mid 1985 and replaced the Panhard M3 in production (see previous entry). It is another Panhard private venture aimed at export markets and is basically a revised and updated Panhard M3, The hull is slightly longer and has a revised outline, the wheelbase is increased and there is the option of installing either a Peugeot petrol or diesel engine.

As an APC the Buffalo follows the same overall form and layout as the M3 and although some of the internal details remain much the same many have been revised in order to utilise M3 experience and retain component compatibility with other vehicles in the current Panhard armoured vehicle range.

Thus the troop compartment firing and roof hatches are retained virtually unchanged but the side access doors have been enlarged and are better protected.

The commanders station can accommodate a variety of weapon mountings but most examples observed to date involve a 7.62 mm MG, The front of the vehicle can be used to mount a hydraulically-operated dozer blade, either for obstacle-clearing internal security (IS) duties or as an accessory for the combat engineer carrier role. Many other extras could be carried for the IS role, such as smoke projectors and extra shields for the crew and their vision devices,

Other proposed Buffalo variants (some of which have been produced in small numbers to date) include a command vehicle with extra radios and other equipment, an 81 mm mortar carrier, a recovery and repair vehicle with a light recovery jib over the hull rear, and an armoured ambulance.

Optional equipment for all models includes a front-mounted winch and air conditioning.

To date Panhard Buffalos have been procured by Benin, Columbia and Rwanda, although the current status of the latter is uncertain.

Production continues on request.

Panhard Buffalo APC

Specification

Crew: 2

Seating: 10 Weight: (combat) 6,600 kg Length: 4.585 m

Width: 2.4 m Height: 2 m Ground clearance: 0.33 m

Track: 2.06m Max speed: (road) 90 km/h Fuel capacity: variable Range: up to 600 km Fording: amphibious Vertical obstacle: 0.4m Engine: Peugeot PRV V-6 petrol Power output: 145hp Suspension: independent, coil and spring Armament: 1 x 7.62 mm MG Variants: See text

The Panhard Buffalo APC, showing its resemblance to the Panhard M3 from which it was developed.