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VBTP-MR 6x6 Iveco Defence Vehicles armoured personnel carrier
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In December 2007 between IVECO L.A. and the Brazilian MOD to co-develop a project which has been called Wheeled Medium Armoured Personnel Carrier– Basic Platform (VBTP-MR). The project will be supported by IVECO Defence Vehicles, situated in Northern Italy, which is dedicated to designing and manufacturing vehicles for military applications. With this support, the VBTP-MR vehicle will be developed and manufactured at IVECO LA’ Sete Lagoas plant in Minas Gerais (Brazil). The prototype of the new Brazilian 6x6 armoured personnel carrier (VBTP-MR ) will be delivered by the end of 2009, and will be extensively tested by the Brazilian Army starting from April 2010. The vehicles will then replace the EE-11 Urutu VBTP-MR fleet currently in use by the Brazilian Army. The first 16 vehicles will be manufactured principally using imported components, but local content will be gradually increased to over 60% in order to reduce production and maintenance costs. IVECO believes that this can be achieved through the integration of its growing supplier base in Brazil, where the company produces around 15.000 trucks per year plus diesel engines. Pietro Borgo, General Manager of IVECO Defence Vehicles, stated “The aim of the project is to develop a highly specialized knowledge base in military vehicles at IVECO LA and to establish an IVECO Defence Vehicles presence in Brazil which can become a partner for the Brazilian Army.” IVECO’s new VBTP-MR is a 18-tonne vehicle, with amphibious capacity at 17.5 tonnes, and can carry a crew of 10 dismounts plus the driver. Outline specifications include a length of 6.9m, a 2.7m width and a height of 2.34m. The Brazilian Army and the Business unit Iveco Latin America had signed this, 18 of December, an agreement for the manufacture of 2.044 units of the basic model of the new family of wheeled armoured vehicle VBTP-MR (Vehicles Armored for the Transport of Pessoal Médio Sobre Rodas). This vehicles will replace the old armoured vehicle Urutu used today by the Brazilian Armed Forces. The contract has a value of 6 $ billion over 20 years. The manufacture of the first units should begin in 2012, to finish in 2030. |
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Variants: |
Brazilian Army also issued operational requirements for a number of derivatives of the VBTP-MR. This new family of vehicles will include command vehicle, technical assistance vehicle, armored ambulance, 120-mm mortar carrier, fire direction vehicle and 8x8 version for Brazilian Marines. |
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Technical Data |
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Armament |
The Iveco VBTP-MR can be fitted with a variety of remote-controlled weapon stations. It might be fitted with remotely controlled 7.62-mm, 12.7-mm machine guns or 40-mm automatic grenade launcher. Variant with 30-mm cannon and anti-tank guided missiles is also proposed.
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Design and protection |
The VBTP-MR is fitted with an armour protection, which gives protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Vehicle can be fitted with add-on composite armor for improved protection. This armored personnel carrier has a V-shaped hull, which provides protection against landmines. Interior is fitted with a spall liner.
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Mobility |
The VBTP-MR uses a 6x6 wheeled chassis. The VBTP-MR is powered by Iveco Cursor 9 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 383 hp. Engine is located at the hull front. This engine will be produced in Brazil by Fiat. Vehicle has a hydropneumatic suspension. |
Accessories |
The Iveco VBTP-MR is airportable by C-130 Hercules and fully amphibious. Modular side floats can be added for improved floatation.
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Specifications |
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Armament
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Remote controlled weapon station armed with weapons up to 12,7 mm in calibre.
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Country users
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Prototype for Brazilian Army.
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Designer Company
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Iveco Defence Vehicles
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Accessories
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Remote weapons system.
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Armor
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Protection against small caliber weapons.
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Weight
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17,500 kg
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Speed
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110 km/h
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Range
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600 km
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