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
SPECIFICATIONS Crew: Configuration: Armament:
N II
VXB-170 (4x4) without armament
-Ivl
1 x 7.62mm MG, 2 x 2 smoke grenade dischargers (optional)
• 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
Ground clearance: Wheelbase: Weight, combat: Weight, empty: Power-to-weight ratio: Engine: Maximum road speed: Maximum water speed: Road range: Fuel capacity: Fording Vertical obstacle: Trench: Gradient: Armour:
0.45m 3m 9,800kg 13.38hp/tonne Berliet model V800 M V-8 diesel developing 170hp at 3,000rpm 85km/hr 4km/hr 750km 220 lit Amphibious 0.3m
60% 30%
7mm Steel NBC system: None Night vision equipment: Optional
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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
