In today’s first December major update dev blog, we’ll be taking a look at the French VBCI featuring a 25 mm autocannon!
VBCI: A Light Tank for France at Rank VI
At a glance:
- Rapid-fire 25 mm autocannon with an APFSDS belt!
- Thermal imager!
- Top speed of 100 km/h.
- Large in size!
Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
In the early 1990s, France launched a program to create a multi-role combat wheeled vehicle. The UK and Germany joined the project, but the joint format failed and since 1999, France has continued it independently. Giat Industries and Renault received a contract to produce 65 vehicles under the name VBCI, designed to replace the outdated AMX-10P IFV. In 2003-2004, five prototypes underwent armor and electronic system tests: four in the infantry fighting vehicle (VCI) variant and one in the command post (VPC). It was initially planned to install a Tarask turret, but it did not meet army requirements. The program dragged on for two years, with the VBCI receiving a new Dragar turret. Serial production began in 2006 with a steadily growing volume of orders, and by 2010 630 vehicles had been produced (520 VCI and 110 VPC). Since 2008, VBCIs have been entering service. In combat conditions, VBCI IFVs have been used in Afghanistan.
[/expand]
Introducing the VBCI!
Meet the iconic VBCI for the French ground forces tree, coming to the game in the next major update. Excellent onboard turret electronics, a rapid-fire autocannon and speed make this vehicle an exemplary modern IFV (although it’s large!). Let’s take a closer look!
Those who have played the French ground forces tree will already be familiar with the VBCI platform in the form of the premium VBCI-2. The VBCI is similar in many ways, instead featuring a different turret and gun and it’s not a premium. Armed with a 25 mm GIAT M811 autocannon that has a rate of fire of up to 400 rounds per minute, this gun has access to belts with APFSDS and HEI-T shells! The gun is fully stabilized, with the fire control system both having a laser rangefinder and a thermal imager. Compared to the 30 mm cannon found on the VBCI-2, this cannon has a better rate of fire, all while maintaining good armor penetration, meaning you can try to take out low-flying aircraft as a quasi SPAA vehicle!
The VBCI also features an Electro-optical active protection system, giving it the ability to automatically divert most missiles with semi-automatic (SACLOS) guidance.
Built on an 8x8 wheel arrangement, the VBCI can reach a maximum speed of up to 100 km/h on flat, hard roads. However, the long wheelbase and considerable height of this vehicle make it an absolute unit, meaning it’ll be difficult to maneuver and take cover, so be sure to take this into account while in battle. The VBCI will be helpless if it gets stuck somewhere in sand or snow while trying to flank, so try to choose firmer roads where possible.
That’s it for this one! The VBCI will arrive at rank VII in the French ground forces tree in the next major update. Be sure to keep an eye on the news where we’ll be telling you more about the things coming in this December winter update and the cool activities that we’re preparing for you during the winter holidays!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.
