Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé in the context of Anti-tank missile

⭐ Core Definition: Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé

The Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé or VAB (literally meaning "Armoured Forward Vehicle"; but more appropriately translated: "Armoured Vanguard Vehicle") is a French armoured personnel carrier and support vehicle designed and manufactured by Renault Trucks Defense (now known as Arquus). It entered French service in 1979 and around 5,000 were produced for the French Army as well as for export. It has seen combat in various conflicts in Africa, Asia as well as Europe and has also been exported to more than 15 countries.

A polyvalent military vehicle, the VAB has more than thirty variants and sub-variants. Beyond their common primary role of transporting personnel and equipment in combat zones, some VAB are tailored for mechanized infantry combat, some fulfill the role of anti-tank missile launchers, some of self-propelled mortars, some are optimized for electronic warfare, others act as reconnaissance or artillery observation vehicles, etc.

↓ Menu

HINT:

In this Dossier

⭐ Core Definition: Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé
Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé in the context of Combat vehicles
Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé in the context of Infantry mobility vehicle

Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé in the context of Combat vehicles

A ground combat vehicle, also known as a land assault vehicle or simply a combat vehicle or an assault vehicle, is a land-based military vehicle intended to be used for combat operations. They differ from non-combat military vehicles such as trucks in that they are designed for use in active combat zones, to be used in mechanized warfare and mobile infantry roles.

The classification of "combat vehicle" is a very broad category, and may include armored cars, armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles, infantry mobility vehicles, MRAPs, and tanks. Improvised fighting vehicles such as technicals can also count as combat vehicles. Most modern combat vehicles have vehicle armor, offensive or defensive weaponry, and sufficient space to carry passengers, equipment, or materiel; if the first two both apply, the vehicle may be considered an armored fighting vehicle.

View the full Wikipedia page for Combat vehicles

↑ Return to Menu

Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé in the context of Infantry mobility vehicle

An infantry mobility vehicle (IMV) is a four-wheel drive armored personnel carrier (APC) serving as an armed military transport, military patrol, reconnaissance or security vehicle. Those IMVs are distinct from 8-, 6-, and 4-wheeled APCs (such as the VAB), being closer in appearance to civilian vehicles. The physical appearance of the Infantry mobility vehicles are generally similar to the SUV, covered Pickup truck or Box truck. Examples include the ATF Dingo, Otokar Cobra II, Iveco LMV, AMZ Dzik, AMZ Tur, Mungo ESK, and Bushmaster. Most modern infantry mobility vehicles have certain level of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) capabilities.

IMVs were developed in response to the threats of modern warfare, with an emphasis on crew protection and mine-resistance. Similar vehicles existed long before the term IMV was coined, such as the French VAB and South African Buffel. The term is coming more into use to differentiate light 4x4 wheeled APCs from the traditional 6x6 and 8x8 wheeled APCs. The up-armored M1114 Humvee variant can be seen as an adaptation of the unarmoured Humvee to serve in the IMV role.

View the full Wikipedia page for Infantry mobility vehicle

↑ Return to Menu