The fighting aspect of the VBCI not only includes its infantry passengers but also the DRAGAR turret seated atop the hull roof with full 360-degree traversal. The 25x137mm M811 dual-feed cannon (NATO standard shells) features a rate-of-fire of 400 rounds-per-minute and is fully-stabilized for accurized fire at range. A laser rangefinder and thermal imaging device is standard. The turret is a one-man design fitting a useful autocannon as well as anti-infantry machine gun and smoke grenade dischargers for self-defense. The cannon provides protection against light armored vehicles, heavy suppression fire against enemy infantry, and can even be used to engage low-flying threats like helicopters. The coaxial machine gun also serves in an anti-infantry role and as a suppression weapon. Smoke grenade dischargers help to shield the position of the vehicle against enemy eyes - it can be used as both an offensive and defensive measure depending on the battlefield situation.
Base armor protection of the vehicle is up to small arms fire (14.5mm or less) and shell splinters. The hull features welded aluminum construction with titanium added to more critical regions. Internal spall liners add another layer of protection for the crew and its important systems. The cabin floor is given some measure against mines as well.
The base VBCI IFV model is the VCI and this vehicle serves with a standard crew of three (driver, commander, and gunner) and offers passenger-hauling for up to nine combat-ready troops. The turret sports the aforementioned 25mm main gun coupled with the 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. The VPC is the CV model and uses a standard crew of two with seven specialists. A simplified turret mounts a sole 12.7mm heavy machine gun for local air and infantry defense and this mark also features two SIP workstations and additional communications equipment. The VTT is a third mark intended as a dedicated troop transport for export sale. Its crew is two with seating for ten combat-ready troops. All VBCI vehicles feature NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) and IFF (Identification Friend-or-Foe) equipment as standard.
The VBCI has already seen combat action with French forces fighting in Mali against extremists.
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