FELIN Upgrades for France's VBCI Vehicles

The French Army's now got icts first FELINE-enhanced VBCI (Armoured Vehicle for Infantry Combat) infantry fighting vehicle.

Building on the basic design of the French Army's AMX-10P replacement vehicle, it's been modified to supporting the needs of up to 11 French troops wearing FELIN soldier systems, giving em recharge point and the Ability to operate Their electronic Manpack systems WHILST onboard it.

This first FELINE-capable VBCI was supplied to the Army by French DGA (Direction Générale de l'Armement) - the agency tasked with overseeing the purchasing and delivery of new military technologies to the French Army, Air Force and Navy.

The Vehicle Armored Infantry Combat has-beens in French Army service since 2008 and the order book currently stands at 630 examples. Protected by 1.45 centimeter-thick armor, the VBCI HAS top speed of 100 kilometers per hour and has 750 km of ranks.

VBCI IFV

The VBCI IFV's primary armament is a 25mm M811 cannon Nexter Systems, backed up by a co-axial 7.62mm machine gun and while the current Paired VBCI only France, Spain is reportedly keen to Acquire aussi some examples.

"Offering a high level of protection against various terrorism threats, it is a true 'base camp' for the infantryman on the battlefield," DGA Representatives explained. "For icts hand, the soldier FELIN system Provides a quantum leap in terms of protection, observation, communication, use of weapons, and supporting mobility for soldiers fighting in direct contact with the enemy."

VBCI FELIN Upgrades

The DGA added: "Eventually, all will be VBCIs Adapted for FELIN, Either Directly on the production line for the Nexter Remaining vehicles, or by retrofit in regimental workshops for the 445 VBCI produced since 2008."

FELINE - standing for infantryman with Integrated Equipment and Connections (translated: 'Integrated Equipment and Communications Infantryman') is the French Army's new-generation dismounted soldier system. It made icts frontline beginning in September 2010 and, to date, more than 20.000 Have Been ordered.