VAB (armoured personnel carrier)

General Characteristics (VAB)
Length:	5.98m
Width:	2.49m
Height:	2.06m (hull top)
Mass:	13,000kg
Speed:	92km/h
Range:	1,000km
Primary armament:	1x 12.7mm machine gun
Power plant:	300 hp Renault MIDR 062045
Crew:	2 + 10

The "Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé" ("Armoured Vanguard Vehicle") or VAB is an armoured personnel carrier manufactured by Euro Mobilite Division of GIAT Industries of France. It entered service in 1976 and around 5000 were produced. They are amphibious (propelled in the water by two water jets mounted one either side of hull rear), NBC-proof, have excellent off-road capabilities, and can be declined in numerous versions. Modern versions of the VAB beneficit of more than 1000 improvements compared to the initial version.

VABs have been deployed in virtually all theatres where French infantry troops were present, notably Kuwait, Yugoslavia and Africa.

It equips the Military of France as well as the forces of Brunei, Central African Republic, Cyprus, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritius, Morocco, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Main variants include anti-tank missile launcher or a 12.7mm or 25mm Dragar turret ; but the main use of the VAB is an armoured personel carrier. Variants exist in 4x4 or 6x6 wheel configurations.

External links

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